Here it is folks! Temptation's sequel. Part 2 of 3! This first chapter is really just a short thing to introduce the story and provide a little pre-information. Second chapter is really where things get going!

Chapter One - Start Again

The world was shifting. Everything had changed. But as far as Hiccup was concerned, it had changed for the better. He smiled down at the world that stretched out below. He thought he could hear Toothless crying out and hear his Dad still blubbering and declaring how proud he was. It was time to start again, begin a whole new chapter. A whole new life. A soft touch to his arm, a waft of vanilla and honey, Hiccup smiled. Still irresistible.

Ten Months Earlier

"Hey Heather."

"Hey Hic!" The raven head embraced him in a warm hug. "You have no idea how good it is just to hang out like we used to! To see you like this!"

"I know, everyone seems happier. It's weird, looking back, I just don't understand how I stayed like that so long."

"You were delusional. And stupid."

"Thank you, for that." He mumbled rolling his eyes and she giggled behind her hand.

"You know what I mean."

"Yeah I do. You heard from Astrid lately?"

"Yeah, she was in an Internet Café in Belgium the other day and sent me an email. Apparently the chocolate is phenomenal – she reckons she's gained ten pounds already!"

"How long is she there for?"

"Not long enough for you to fly over and track her down." Heather said with a knowing voice and look.

"I wasn't going to!" Hiccup insisted, holding up his hands in surrender. "I've realised she was right, we need to be independent. And I don't want to make her a rebound. Or feel like one. I need time, and she needs time. Besides, she'll be back for the wedding."

"And what then, you'll charm her and win her over?" Heather teased.

"Something like that." He said grinning.

"You do realise you are not in college anymore? And she'll not be easily charmed?" Heather asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I know, though I've managed to charm her before so who knows!"

"Yeah… how about no? Just be you! She likes you!"

"Anyway, I'm glad she's enjoying herself. Now, we ordering lunch or not?"

Hiccup Haddock was living life again. Since the break-up with his psycho girlfriend Carly nearly two months ago, he had been much happier. He lived with his dad by and large, but stayed with his mum too. He still burned a candle for his dream girl – Astrid Hofferson – best friend to Heather.
He'd met her nearly a year ago at Heather's 25th birthday party when she'd been invited as a surprise. They'd hit it off instantly. In fact, everyone had loved Astrid being around. However, she'd left nearly two months back to continue travelling, with only the promise that she would be back for the wedding nuptials of Mitch 'Fishlegs' Ingerman (One of Hiccup's best friends) and Rosie Newman his high school sweetheart.

Whilst Hiccup enjoyed having time with his black half wolf – Toothless – again, and being able to go out drinking with his other best friends – Fred 'Tuff' Thorston and his own cousin Scott 'Snotlout' Jorgenson – Hiccup still missed having Astrid around all the time. But life went on. Hiccup was still studying for his Masters, due to complete it this year, and he was helping with preparations for the wedding.
Astrid occasionally made contact with Heather via email, but it was never regular. Hiccup never asked for her email, he knew if she wanted to contact him, she'd have done it by getting his email from Heather.

He was starting again, back to his old self. His friends and family and beloved Toothless right by his side. Astrid would be back someday, and it was his hope that maybe then, they could start something too. Like he wished they could have back when he first met her.