Unbearable
Summary : Hiccup and Astrid broke up. Weeks later, Hiccup regrets it and couldn't bear the sight of boys chasing after the single Hofferson any longer | Post HTTYD2
There she was, the most beautiful Viking you will ever lay your eyes on. At least to Hiccup that's how she is. See how the sunlight accentuates her blonde hair, how the blue sky matches her sapphire eyes perfectly. Her scent is a breath of fresh air and her pink lips are that of the most beautiful seashells in the sea. Truly, divine beauty.
It's too bad Hiccup let her go.
Now, male Vikings won't stop bothering her and chasing her wherever she goes. That is the daily occurrence that ruins Hiccup's entire day, besides the usual house wreckage and shortening of the food in the Food Storage. He always sees someone, if not one then four, serenading Astrid in the middle of the Great Hall. No matter how hard anyone tries, Astrid has always ignored their courting and lets her dragon, Stormfly, take care of the annoying ones.
Hiccup wouldn't blame them though, who wouldn't want to be her boyfriend?! Beyond her beauty is talent, toughness, attitude, a caring nature and a sweet side; the latter being something that only Hiccup knows about. Odin knows what came over him that made him do what he did- let go of one of the most beautiful and one, if not the, best thing that ever happened to him! He never meant it though, it just...happened too fast.
It's hard to believe that a relationship that spanned for almost 6 years will just fall apart in minutes. The first three years were thought to be unrequited, but really they were only playing blind for what is really going on with their feelings. The regular hugging and sometimes kissing is something that normal friends wouldn't do, especially if they're of the opposite sex! The other half of the six years are the 'official' and the more 'intimate' part of their relationship. They finally had the guts to admit to one another their true feelings. Hiccup finally asked her to be his and he will be hers. They were always comfortable with each other, never bashful to share what's in their mind. The difficult times: the battle with Drago, Stoick's death and reconstructing the entire village, proved how much they needed each other for comfort and unending support. Talks about marriage suddenly burst when Hiccup became chief.
Everyone approved, of course! No one could think of a better union than that of these two young Vikings. Hiccup nor Astrid didn't feel pressured or forced though, as a matter of fact, they both wanted to get married. Like the village, they can't think of spending the rest of their lives with someone else other than each other. So, what made them break up?
Being Chief is one heck of a job, there's no denying. Not only can Hiccup feel it, but everyone else around him too; his mom, Toothless, his circle of friends, and, especially, Astrid. There are times where they're able to still bond, talk about life, fly away for a little bit, and even have a date. But lately, Hiccup's schedule is getting more hectic that he rarely sees Astrid anymore. Before, it'll only be a day or two and Astrid understood then but recently, Hiccup could actually stand not seeing and not talking to her for a week. She showed brisk on the outside, but deep down- she felt hurt and...alone. Yes, she has Stormfly and her friends, but there's always something about Hiccup that made her feel loved, special and more than everything else. She misses him, a lot. The angst suddenly made her think of things she normally wouldn't.
It's been a long and exhausting day. When Hiccup finally had his free time, he immediately took Toothless and went up to Raven Point where, coincidentally, Astrid was too.
He walked up to her, but before he can wrap his arm around her, he heard her sniff and whimper. Astrid was crying, rare thing to happen but it just did- right in front of his eyes. He asked her what's wrong, filled with concern and worry. Astrid immediately shook off the vulnerability she just displayed and stood up.
"Do you still love me?" she asked, her voice hitching.
"Of course I do. More than anything" Hiccup stood a mere inch behind her.
"Or do you only love me because you need me?" she asked, a hint of confrontation in her tone.
Hiccup's eyes widened at her, "No! Of course not, what made you say that?"
Astrid quickly turned to face him. "Oh- I don't know Hiccup! Do you realize how long it has already been since we last talked?!" she asked, aggravated.
"Come on, Astrid! You know that I have a village to look after!" he reasoned.
"I know that! I understood, I made room for you to adjust, but you already forgot about me!"
"No, I didn't! I'd never!"
"Oh really?! Explain the gap we have now! Maybe dragons and Berk are all that you think about!" Astrid pointed her finger at him accusingly.
"Astrid!" He grew impatient, it is so obvious in his voice. One of the things he dislikes is when someone tells him something he isn't, and Astrid just did. "I am the Chief now, you and I both discussed that I'll be busier these days! You know that! I thought you understood?!"
"I DID, Hiccup! I DID! But now? I don't even know anymore! I thought you'd always be there when I need you?!" Tears started building up in her eyes again.
"Oh, you don't know anymore?! Be considerate! I already have enough on my plate and you're adding up to it! I didn't even do anything to you!" Hiccup said harshly. He, unfortunately, poured all the negativity he felt that day on his beloved. He didn't mean it, he'd never hurt her. The last thing he wanted to do was argue with her, especially made her cry! What did he just do now?
The dragons never saw them fight before so seeing them now made them tremor in confusion.
Astrid's teary eyes widened. She can't believe that Hiccup, of all people, said those words in anger. He's usually calm and yet, he was...yelling...at her. Maybe Hiccup no longer needs her then. "I'm adding up to your plate huh?" she broke the silence. Hiccup only looked at her questionably. Not even his smart brain figured what was about to come. "I guess I should just leave you be so I wouldn't bother you anymore, Chief" It took a lot of strength for her to not break down in tears. She saluted at him before getting on Stormfly and flying back to the village.
"N-no, wait, Astrid!" he called out to her in desperation and regret, but it was too late, she was already gone. He didn't plan this, never. It took long enough for their love to blossom, now it all faded because of his bumptiousness and his lack of sensibility of where she was coming from. He groaned and grabbed fistfuls of his hair as he yelled in frustration, hurt and disappointment at himself. Tears swelled up in his eyes. Astrid left. He just...he didn't even do anything about it.
A week after their break-up, the news already spread far out. The people knew when Hiccup and Astrid never spoke to each other when they are seen in public.
The first week was bad. It broke Hiccup's heart a lot, not being able to talk or even touch her made him incomplete. The whole thing had a great impact on his performance and his life in general. He wanted to fix things up with her many times, but all the village problems always raids him, making it impossible to make up and get back together. It's just so sad. Valka and Gobber wanted to help him, but they knew better and stayed out of Hiccup's relationship.
The second week was worse. Hiccup was always occupied with whatever he has to fix, yet he always overhears some people talking about Astrid; how some Vikings of her age are looking forward to marrying her now that she's single. There were also speculations and rumors about their break-up. Though it hurts him a lot inside, he showed a nonchalant expression over the topics. Some guys would even rush in front of him and whenever his gaze follows, he always sees Astrid. They would sometimes stare at each other, clearly searching for a hint of love, until one of them averts their gaze to something, or someone, else. It broke the two of them, a lot.
Now, as Hiccup was sitting on a bench outside Gobber's place, he glared at each men surrounding Astrid. How dare they court the Chief's love? If they had any minds at all, they would think twice and maybe it'll come across their mind that Astrid is still the center of Hiccup's world! How dare they. He saw a Viking give Astrid a bouquet of sunflowers which Astrid just blandly accepted. He chewed his chicken loudly and irritated when he thought- he's had enough of this! He loves Astrid, he wants her, he needs her for Thor's sake! How the hell can he just sit there and eat while the other men kept trying to throw themselves at her?!
He quickly called out for Toothless, the dragon immediately came to his side. He got on him while inserting his metal foot on the flying contraption. Forget his duties after lunch, he has other duties to fulfill! And if it'll make him look bad, so be it. He just wants Astrid back.
"Okay bud, remember the first time you met her? Do that" he patted Toothless' side. The NightFury cooed in excitement and agreement to Hiccup's request. With a single step, Toothless raised in the air and went straight over to the steps of the Great Hall, where Astrid and the group of suitors were at, and immediately snatched her from the ground. Astrid screamed and held onto Toothless' claw. They flew higher and higher up into thin air, all the while Astrid was screaming her heart out. It wasn't until they were gliding across the sea when Toothless tossed Astrid up, landing her on his back; behind Hiccup.
"HICCUP! What are you doing?!" Astrid asked with the same tone she had when Toothless just hang her on a branch on the day they met. Toothless let out a chuckle as they sped away from Berk, the cold breeze was truly welcoming and something missed from all the days they were only standing on land.
Astrid held onto Hiccup by wrapping her arms around his waist. Hiccup smiled at the tingly feeling. He really, really, really missed her! They were still silent as they flew East and headed to 'Itchy Armpit', a place no one knows of...yet and hopefully no one ever will. As soon as Toothless landed, Astrid pulled her arms away from Hiccup and ran over to the edge- as far away from him as possible. Toothless turned around and gave the humans room to talk. Hiccup walked up to her, his footsteps creating an uneven sound on the ground.
When she felt him closer, she quickly turned, only to find his gorgeous chest inches away from her face. "Wha-what do you want Hiccup?" The fierce tone she was supposed to use never came. Instead, she sounded unsteady and intimidated. Though she is accustomed with him and knows him more than anyone else, the distance they had these past weeks made her almost forget how kind and gentle he really is. And here she was: shaking at his intense gaze.
Hiccup looked down at her, he didn't said anything. No words could perfectly describe how he felt at that moment. He hates himself for fighting with her, for missing all those days where he could at least give her a peck on her forehead instead of just plainly ignoring her, for making her cry, for breaking her heart, for being gone when she needs him most and...for making her feel like she didn't matter. He just missed her terribly. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer, closing the unbearable gap between them. He embraced her dearly and tightly, his head hang low and rested on the space between her neck and shoulder; on top of her feathered hood. Soon, tears fell from his closed eyes, "I-...I can't...I can't do it" he whimpered.
"D-do what?" Astrid asked with concern.
"I can't stand not being with you" his voice hitched and he found himself crying.
Astrid gasped. She stepped closer and hugged him back tightly. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent, a great mixture of metal and fresh air; the scent she found to love. She brushed the back of his hair to try and comfort him. However, Hiccup didn't say another word, he only held her- like his life depended on it. Like, he'll die if she isn't in his arms. "Hiccup..."
"I'm sorry milady. I'm so sorry" he breathed deeply. Normally, Astrid would punch him if he interrupted her but she didn't. "I'm so sorry, Astrid. I'm sorry for everything, I was selfish"
"No, Hiccup...it was my fault too, for not understanding." Astrid sighed.
"No. Don't" he pulled away slightly, just enough so he can look deep into her eyes. "I took advantage of your understanding, knowing that nothing would go wrong and I just...I got too caught up with work that I-"
"Ssh..." Astrid gently brushed away his fallen tears. "It was both our fault."
"Most of it was mine" Hiccup pursed his lips together. His hand rested on her waist while he looked down at her. "Please Astrid...I want you back..." He pleaded. "I-I swear, I'll always have time for you and make up for everything."
Astrid teared up and her body shook slightly. Hiccup held her in place and leaned her on his chest- the contact sent a warm feeling to the two. Astrid sighed as tears fell from her eyes, wetting her cheeks. She looked to her side, her head leaning on him and her hands around his waist, and watched Toothless scratch his forehead to refrain from crying.
There was a long pause, a moment of silence. They felt mutual, they both want to be together again, but this is a rare moment where they could actually be in each other's arms without getting interrupted by someone's calling for Hiccup. They wished that everything could be this simple: no distractions, no duties, no screaming...just the two of them, embracing in pure bliss. Indeed, childhood was something they took advantage of. If they only admitted it to one another sooner, they would have spent more precious times together.
Hiccup kept his breathing steady, it was rather difficult when he just finished crying. He rubbed Astrid's back, feeling the stitches on her red tunic. Astrid savored the feeling and hugged him closer. "Astrid?"
"Hmm?"
"Is that a yes?" he smiled slightly.
She looked up at him and placed a hand behind his head, pulling him down until their lips made contact. The simple peck grew deeper as they started kissing passionately. Each lip bite and contact made them reveled the moment even more. Hiccup pulled her closer and slowly snaked his hands around her thighs so he can lift her up and they'll be equal in height. Astrid's legs wrapped around his waist while her arms encircled his neck. She prodded his lips with her tongue. Hiccup let her in, their tongues started dancing and eventually fighting for dominance. Hiccup has always let Astrid so whatever she wants to do with him, but in this activity- he's superior.
The moment grew even heated and though they can do this from night to day and never get tired of it, they had to let go to catch their breaths. They never made it that far...yet. It's something that they promised to only do once they were legally married and ready for what can come after. There were times when they got too close, luckily, they had enough self control and resistance to not do it right then and there. She was his only source of arousal, and he is the only one she'll ever submit herself to; that's a promise they confessed to one another.
"I missed this...most of all, I miss you" Astrid closed her eyes and let their foreheads touch.
"So do I. I assure you things will be different from now on, milady" Hiccup bit his lip and slowly sat down, Astrid sitting on his lap. "I'll ask a couple of friends to assist me so I can have some personal matters that I can attend to, especially for you..."
"I already told you that before, didn't I? You don't always have to do things all by yourself"
"I guess I only realized that just now" he sighed. "You made me realize it..."
Astrid blushed. Hiccup's independence came from his constant comparison with his father. He knew that Stoick never needed help and so he thought, to impress him and be like him, he has to learn on how to stand on his own feet...foot. Astrid tried talking to him about at least getting Gobber, Fishlegs, Tuffnut or even Snotlout to help him out when something's too arduous. "I guess our break up made you think about it, huh?" Astrid smirked.
"Yeah..." he awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"I'm glad we're back together" Astrid hugged him dearly.
"I'm happier, milady. You have no idea..."
They stayed on the island longer, enjoying each other's company and talking about happenings that occurred for the past weeks. They completely forgot about their break up. Astrid did tell Hiccup that there is no way another Viking could possibly steal her heart besides him. That being said, Hiccup felt even more relieved to hear it from Astrid herself. He never really thought that someone might actually be able to do it, the assurance from Astrid made him more relaxed.
About an hour later, they decided it's time to go back home. People might be scattering now and asking about Hiccup's whereabouts. Astrid suddenly punched his shoulder, Hiccup turned to her with a look of confusion and shock. "That's for making me cry" she shrugged.
Hiccup smiled slightly. This always happens yet it never gets old, in fact, he loves it. Astrid bit her lip excitedly and clang to him. They shared one more passionate kiss, completely maximizing their alone time.
Toothless looked at them funnily, that knowing grin spread across his face. Astrid pulled away and looked up at Hiccup, smiling. Hiccup smirked, "Was that for..?"
"Everything else" Astrid finished for him. They got on Toothless and went back home in silence, Astrid's arms were around Hiccup and his other hand held hers, while the other held the saddle for balance.
You can imagine the appall and disappointment Astrid's suitors felt when they saw the couple walk around Berk while holding hands. Not to mention how boisterous the villagers became when they saw the young couple already got back together.
