Helooooo readers! How are ye all? I don't really have much to say today so….

Chapter 2- Confession

I can't keep the smile off my face as we walk- hand in hand- across the sun kissed autumn fields.

"So- how are the snoggletog preparations going? Decided which dragons you're painting on the wall yet?" Astrid jokes, her golden locks flowing freely across her face. For once she's let her hair down- it flows in spirals down her back like a water fall. Angel is the word continually spinning round my head.

"They're going great. I was really thinking I could paint a massive Gronckle eating its Snoggletog hat on the ceiling. I think it would add a nice touch." I say seriously.

Of course it will- you keep telling yourself that darling."

"Darling?" I ask.

She snorts. "It's what Snotlout calls Ruffnut. I think he thinks he's being 'sweet' by calling her that. Ruff just thinks it's stupid- like me."

"So you're taking 'love life' inspiration from Snotlout." I ask, raising my eyebrows.

"No! And who's to say it's 'love life' inspiration."

"Er… me?" I venture.

Astrid rolls her eyes again. "So where are you taking me?"

"Erm… right here," I stop in the middle of the meadow.

"Here?"

"Yup!"

"Okay, if you say so," We make our selves comfortable on the soft grassy ground and she rests her head on my shoulder. My arm weaves its way round to cradle her back.

"So…" Her hands wound their way around my neck. "What's the treat Hiccup?"

"Well," I start. "I was going to suggest a picnic but if you have other plans…" I wink as I trail off.

"I think I may have other plans," She whispers leaning in for a tender kiss.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I sigh as I stare down at her sleeping face. The sunset casts an orange glow over the field and it rebounds off her waves of hair; giving it a sun kissed glow. My plan had worked perfectly. Spend a day in the meadow with Astrid, and then as the sun sets, get her to fall asleep in my arms. Her ruby lips twitch up in a smile from her dream. I give a goofy grin- she's so beautiful.

I take my sketchbook from my bag and take her hand in mine. Her slender fingers wrap around my hand in response and hold it loosely. I sketch slowly- measuring it to the precise point and curve of her fingertips. It's not long before it gets too dark to see the paper but I've got what I needed: Astrid's hand so I can measure what size the ring needs to be. Shoving everything in my bag I swing it over my shoulder and hoist Astrid into my arms. She stirs slightly but stays asleep.

I trudge through the dusky forest until I reach the village. Gently, I nudge her door open and walk straight into her house. I catch sight of her mother lying asleep on the sofer as I tiptoe up the stairs. Carefully, I lower her into the bed and brush her bangs from her eyes. I kiss her gently on her forehead and creep out the house; closing the door silently behind me.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The next day I'm down to business and back in the forge. Measuring, melting then moulding the ring shape till it's perfect. I wish I could check if it fits Astrid before Snoggletog but that would give it all away. I glance up at the calendar on the wall. Three days until Snoggletog. Why do I always leave everything till last minute?

Gently, I take the sapphire from a leather hatch in my flight suite and fix it carefully onto the ring. Done. I sigh as I look at the delicate structure sitting comfortably in my hand. Astrid will definitely look like an angel. Now I've just got to start Snoggletog. And fast.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It's always fun hanging up the Snoggletog decorations for both Viking and Dragon. It certainly hasn't changed this year. My eyes swivel round the square: The Snoggletog tree stands tall and proud in the centre and Nadders surround it shoot spikes into the icy air to hang up colourful shields. Strings of holly dangle from house to house. The smell of backing wafts from house swimming into my mouth making it water. Thor I love Snoggletog.

"Hiya chief," People call from every direction. I nod my head in acknowledgement to each of them as I walk through the village centre then slip slyly into Gobber's forge.

"Great decorations this year, huh Hiccup?" Gobber calls from deep within his maze.

"Yeah I guess. I just wish dad could be here to share it all," I reply with a sad smile staring at the village with proud eyes.

"Don't we all but he's watching over you Hiccup- don't you ever doubt it." He says climbing out his junk cupboard and placing his hands on my shoulders.

I give him a thankful smile. "Thanks Gobber. For everything you've ever done."

He nods gruffly and turns to pick up some holly woven reefs. "You wouldn't mind putting these up for me would you?" Instead of waiting for an answer he dumps the pile into my hands.

"Erm… okay." My voice sounds muffled through all the leaves.

"Great! See ya later!"

I stumble then make my way unsteadily from the forge.

"You sure you can manage their chief?" My lips twitch up in a smile as Astrid's head pops out from one side of the bramble like branches.

"Yeah I think so. Why? Didn't you think my muscular arms could handle it?" I challenge.

"Your 'muscular arms'?"

"Yes my 'muscular arms.'" I say trying, and failing, to flex my biceps through the leaves. She just rolls her eyes.

"If you say so!" she says as she turns and walks across the square.

"Oh come on! Not even a kiss!" I call after her.

She grins mischievously then disappears around the edge of the Snoggletog tree. I fake pout to myself. Of course she was going to do that. Why am I asking her to marry me again? I smile to myself as a million reasons as to why I'm asking Astrid to marry me pop into my head.

Smiling to myself I stride from house to house placing up Gobber's reefs until….

BAM.

"Ahhhh!"

"Ahhh!"

"Fishlegs?"

"Erm… hi Hiccup!"

I pick myself up off the snow caped ground and help Fishlegs to his feet. We're surrounded by leaves. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be in the square with everyone else?" I ask.

"Erm… I guess. Well… what are you doing sneaking round the houses?"

"Sneaking round the houses?"

"Opps, I mean wandering round the houses." Fishlegs stumbles.

"It's okay Fish," I breathe a laugh at Fishlegs' horrified face. "I kind of look like I'm sneaking around but I'm putting all these reefs up for Gobber ready for Snoggletog. I think this year's going to be a good year even without dad." I say thinking of Astrid's cheeky smile as she disappeared around the edge of the Snoggletog tree.

"I guess it will be." Fishlegs smiles but though his face looks happy Fishlegs can't deceive me.

I frown, "What's up Fish?"

"Er nothing!" He squeaks.

"Fishlegs what's the matter? I know there's something up. Anyone can fake a smile but if your eyes haven't got a light in them then you're not happy."

"Erm…." His voice wobbles as he tries to hold the secret in.

"Fishlegs?"

"Er… It's Snotlout and Ruffnut! They kiss everywhere and it's not fair! Snotlout just wants to rub the fact that he has a girlfriend in my face! All he wants from Ruffnut is to kiss and have a cool girlfriend. Ruffnut's just scared to say no! And she's so beautiful and with Snotlout. And Snotlout always gets everything and I'm always left with nothing!" He clamps his hand over his mouth as if revealing his secret will destroy the world.

I place my hands on his shoulders as his eyes well up, he fruitlessly tries to hold them down, and guide him to a log and sit him down. "So basically you like Ruffnut and are worried about her being with Snotlout?" I ask softly.

He gives his head a quick nod. "He always gets everything." He mumbles.

"Have you told Ruffnut that you like her?"

"Are you insane? She'd hate me!"

"You don't know that," I reply.

"Of course she would. She thinks I'm weak which means Snotlout will get her- because he's strong- and I'll be stuck with Meatlug for the rest of my life. Not that I don't like Meatlug but she's not my girlfriend she's my pet. I want someone close and to confide in like you and Astrid. You're like soulmates always joking and slipping in a kiss. You're perfect for each other and now Snotlout's got Ruff. And the fish is left with nothing."

"Don't say that and don't give up. Tell her you like her and see what she says. You can't hang around waiting for her. Do something about it. To be honest Fishlegs Ruff hasn't looked too happy about being with Snotlout lately. Start by asking her how the relationship's going and just see what she says."

Fish nods. "Thanks Hiccup and I'll speak to her at Snoggletog." At the mention of this event my lips twitch up in a smile. "So how are you and Astrid doing?" Fishlegs asks relaxing slightly.

"We're doing great." I say thinking of the sapphire gem atop of a golden, shining ring.

"Well I should get going- I need to take Meatlug for a flight." He says getting up.

"Okay, I'll see you later then."

"Yeah, thanks chief!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The large torches that coat the great hall walls are almost blinding. The small wooden box in which I've placed Astrid's ring presses against my hip reminding me all the time.

A feeling of elation fills me as my eyes roam the 'fast filling up' great hall that's smothered in Snoggletog decorations. What would dad think? Is he proud? Children's cries of joy can't help but twist my mouth up in a smile. Of course dad would be proud.

That's when my eyes catch onto her deep sea green dress. Clinging to her curves and flowing down to her ankles. A small sapphire flower shaped clip holds up her fringe but the rest of her hair hangs in curls down her narrow back.

There is no doubt about it: Astrid Hofferson is an angel.

Deep blue orbs entwine with my own and I stiffen with nerves and exhale deeply through my mouth as she steps up beside me. "Hiya H!" She says punching me 'lightly' on the shoulder. "How you doin'?"

"You mean beside the shoulder wound that is turning purple as we speak?"

"Oh stop overreacting!" She scoffs; her eyes dancing in the candle light as they circle the hall. "Wow, you guys have done one heck of a good job this year at decorating. Oh and look at the food table!" Her eyes pass over the massive long table that's set up with hundreds of goblets and traditional Snoggletog dishes.

"Well, I had to get it better than last year. I had to beat dad."

She takes my hand in hers. "You know all the chiefs probably say that and the year they become chief the village had the best Snoggletog they've ever had. Then the next year they have the worst."

"Oh no not me my lady," I joke. "The Horrendous Haddock is going to storm all Snoggletog's."

"I seriously doubt that. I bet next year you'll forget about Snoggletog completely because you'll be too busy designing a new tail for Toothless."

"Yeah I'll be designing Toothless a new tail for Snoggletog."

"I'm still betting that you'll forget."

"Okay… how much?" I challenge.

"Seriously, you're being serious?"

"You were the one that suggested the 'betting'."

"I meant it in expression!"

"So you're not rising to the challenge? Well if that's the case then I win. I'll not forget about Snoggletog next year."

"Yes you will!" She says fighting back a smile.

"But you're too scared to bet which means you think I won't really forget." I smile slyly and go to turn away.

"Wait I bet… erm 5 pounds that you'll forget." She says regaining her posture.

"Deal." I say shaking our already attached hands. The ring presses against my waist.

As if on cue Gobber strikes up the 'Snoggletog band' that he conducts every year. To be fair he's quite good at it. Music blasts out the instruments and circles the hall. Couples twirl onto the dance floor in unison.

I turn to face Astrid and hold out my hand. "May we have this dance?" I ask.

She rolls her eyes and grabs my hand practically tossing me into the dancing space in the great hall. I stumble momentarily on my prosthetic causing a few onlookers to giggle. Astrid hooks her hands in mine and we rock and fail to dance to the jolty music that rebounds off the hall walls.

I, of course, am the first to miss a step and tumble into Astrid knocking her backwards into none other than the dragon riders table.

"Ahh! Hiccup you idiot."

"Stupid foot!" I mumble kicking it on the table. Astrid once again rolls her eyes but this time she leans up and pecks me on my cheek turning round to face Tuffnut and Fishlegs.

"Where're Snotlout and Ruffnut?" She asks.

"I dunno," Tuff replies.

I see Fish look down at the ground at the mention of Snotlout and Ruffnut and give him a reassuring smile and wink. He nods at me, sitting up straight.

"Probably dancing," I say. "Come on Astrid lets go." And with that I drag her back onto the dance floor- the ring pressing uncomfortably against my thigh.

We must have danced to jolty Snoggletog carols for at least half an hour before Gobber strikes up a slow sweet sounding song. Astrid hooks her hand around my neck and mine rest respectfully on her waist. The more the song goes on the closer we get. I gulp as the ring presses, once again, uncomfortably against me. "Astrid…" I whisper. He lips are close enough for me to feel her breath tickling my face.

"Yes?" She reply's softly her eyes warm.

"I need to ask you something." I gulp again. What if she says no? What then? But what if she says yes? Am I ready? Is she ready? Maybe this was a bad idea.

"Well…? What's the question?"

"Erm… do you love me?" Oh Thor why did I ask that?

"Of course I do." She smiles lightly and kisses me softly yet slowly on my lips. My hands wind their way around her back then I pull away slightly. "Was that all?"

"No… there's erm one more thing."

"And that is…?"

I take a deep breath and get down on one knee.

Dun dun DUN! I'm sorry for my cruelty guys but I have to leave you hanging on for another chapter;) It was a cliff-hanger I could not miss. I apologise now. But never fear you'll find out what Astrid says next Wednesday…

Also how do you guys like the Fishlegs and Ruffnut and Snotlout problem. I didn't want all the focus to be on Hicstrid so I thought I'd add in the 'Fishlegs problem'. Was that a good move? Let me know in the reviews ;D