AN: This is a short AU that assumes HTTYD 1 ended a bit differently. It is rated T for suggestive themes later on, though nothing explicit. There will be references to Viking customs, some of which will be shamelessly made-up to suit the story.
The chapters will be short, and and I imagine this will end up being 3-4 chapters long…just a drabble to get an idea out of my head. I will update as soon as I can, though with other commitments, it may not be for a week or so.
I do not own "How to Train Your Dragon".
Astrid sat up in the unfamiliar bed, leaning against the wooden headboard. Her legs shifted under the furs, exposing her right foot and calf to the cool, damp air. There was an uncomfortable silence looming within the modest space, as a second figure stood across the room, avoiding her gaze.
With a gentle sigh, Astrid allowed herself to pull her attention away from the man and take in the detail of her surroundings. The candle at the bedside illuminated the nearest wall, which was lined with various shelves filled with fragile books and curious artifacts. A small jeweled box, a sculpture of twisted glass, a dented shield with a faded tribal crest…what did they represent? What made them so significant that they had earned the privilege to be displayed? Astrid's thoughts were interrupted when the other occupant of the small room moved away from their position and slowly approached the bed.
Astrid felt her bravery begin to slip, suddenly unable to attempt eye contact again now that the safe space between them had disappeared. She kept her eyes locked on the shelves, though her attention was honed to every creak, rustle, and breath produced as the figure drew closer. Astrid felt the mattress shift as they sat on the bed, close enough to brush her exposed leg. She did not draw herself away; she did not fear this man. At least not in a physical sense. She knew, somehow, that he would never hurt her, and had the added confidence of knowing that if he ever tried, she would likely best him. Yet despite this knowledge, there was a deep fear ingrained in her subconscious. She had envisioned this impossible moment so many times over the past three years, and had considered every possible outcome. Now, she was afraid to find out how it would transpire. Had she finally found what she had been searching for all this time? Or was this the final dead end on a journey filled with disappointment?
Slowly inhaling, Astrid lowered her gaze to her own hands, which lightly gripped the fur on her lap. She then allowed herself to look to the hands of the seated figure, noting the worn, calloused digits that nervously fingered the leather gauntlet on his arm. As her eyes traveled upward, she saw his lean chest slowly expand and relax with controlled, mindful breaths. Feeling her own breathing hitch, she focused her attention to the man's jaw line, taking in the faded scar that she expected to see. Her vision blurred slightly as tears began to form, daring to escape down her cheeks. But she kept her composure as her eyes finally met his, a familiar forest-green slightly obscured by shaggy auburn hair.
The expression on his face was enigmatic and offered no clues to what he was thinking in that moment. His eyes were bright with the youth that would be expected of an 18-year-old, yet were tired and oddly worn. He held Astrid's gaze for a moment, before looking away from her face, over her shoulder. Whether he was focusing on her loose, cascading hair or simply looking past her, Astrid could not say.
Suddenly feeling desperate to move beyond this silence, Astrid adjusted her posture and leaned slightly towards the young man. He responded by sharply returning his eyes to hers, clearly surprised. His eyes were temporarily unguarded, and Astrid could see a maelstrom of emotions behind them. Sadness, annoyance, fear…relief? She offered a small smile, genuine yet pleading for a response.
"Hiccup…" she breathed, unsure of what her next words would be. Should be.
His eyes visibly relaxed, though Astrid could see his emotions being concealed again behind a neutral facade. He looked down to furs on the bed, slowly exhaling with a quiet chuckle. His lips quirked into the trace of a smile.
"What are you doing here, Astrid?"
