Hiccup breathed the fresh morning air into his lungs. Ahhh, it felt so good after being stuck inside while recovering from the loss of his leg. Of course, there had been good parts about his recovery time, such as him and Astrid snuggling on the couch, reading the Book of Dragons together. Toothless had breathed fire into the fireplace to keep them warm, and Stoick (being an okay chef) made his speciality, spaghetti with muttonballs. It had been like he and Astrid, Stoick, and Toothless were one big family. If only his mother were here...
Hiccup dismissed the thought as he saw Astrid racing across the town, straight towards him, smiling big. "HICCUP!" Cried Astrid, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him. He sighed with happiness and hugged her back. Could the day get any better?
"Fully recovered, I see?" She said playfully, giving him a slug on the arm, "That's for being three minutes late."
"What? Is this going to go on forever?" Said Hiccup, as ritual.
Astrid leaned forward, but Hiccup surprised her by kissing her quickly and smiling. "Hiccup, guess what?" Said Astrid, losing herself and jumping up and down. "What is it, Astrid?" Said Hiccup. "You'll never believe this, but...for the first time ever, the graduates of the Dragon Academy get a Graduation Dance!"
Exclaimed Astrid. "A graduation dance? But, Astrid..." Hiccup trailed off as Ruffnut came racing up, almost skipping, her usual sly smirk replaced by an excited, free-of-mischief look Hiccup had never seen in his life.
"Did you tell him? Guess what, Astrid? Snotlout asked me to the dance! Yes, macho man!" Said Ruffnut. "I swear he'll step on your feet! Ruffnut, let's go shopping for dresses! Hiccup, will you please be my partner?" Begged Astrid.
Hiccup opened his mouth to say what he had been trying to say before Ruffnut came, but Astrid interrupted, "Oh, Hiccup, I know your answer! Just spit it out!"
"I, uh...Astrid, there is one thing..." Said Hiccup.
"Yes?" said Astrid.
Just then, Snotlout came up and said, "Do I have to wear a tux, Ruffnut?" with a dejected look on his face. "Oh, of course not, Snotlout. Wear what you always wear, I wouldn't want you any different!" Said Ruffnut.
Hiccup was surprised how everyone was just getting older and Ruffnut, of all people, now had a dance date, and appeared to be "mellowing out"...or, at the very least, growing up and acting more mature.
Hiccup noticed Ruffnut sneaking her hand into Snotlout's.
Snotlout looked at her with adoration. Wow, even Snotlout is growing up, Hiccup thought to himself. And Hiccup and Astrid were growing up, too.
Astrid turned adoring eyes on Hiccup. "Of course, Astrid. It's just-" Astrid cut him off with a hug and a squeal that just was unlike tough-girl Astrid.
Then Astrid and Ruffnut headed off to go shopping.
Hiccuo watched them go, wondering how he could tell Astrid that he didn't know how to dance with his new metal leg.