Thanks so much for the kind reviews! I hope you enjoy this next installment!

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING

"So," Hiccup continued, "does anyone have an answer to the question? C'mon guys! 10 extra points! Where's your sense of Viking competition?" He gave a pointed look at Ruffnut, perhaps hoping that her competitive streak could bust her out of this depressed mood, if only for a few minutes. The group had been trying to distract and cheer up Ruffnut for an entire month now and nothing seemed to work. Hiccup had obviously chosen this question so Ruffnut could answer it and win the round, and maybe even smile (If they were so lucky). But, answering the question seemed the last thing on the young viking's mind as she continued to stare at Tuff's old spot. Hiccup gave a pointed look to Snotlout, and after a few seconds of intense staring, his cousin seemed to give in and ring the bell.

"Okay! Team Rufflout! What's the answer?" Hiccup asked, a bit too excited.

"Ruff?" Snotlout said in a caring voice, "Why don't you answer the question?" Ruffnut raised her head and stared at Snotlout solemnly, tears welling in her eyes. Snotlout was shocked that she had even looked at him. Ruffnut hadn't so much as looked at him since Tuff's fiery funeral barge. Snotlout remembered it as if it had happened yesterday, the broken look Ruff had had on her face when she shot the first flaming arrow at her brother's funeral pyre, tears streaming down her cheeks. As soon as Snotlout had fired his arrow Ruff gave one last look at her brother's ship and sprinted into Snotlout's already out stretched arms. She heaved body shaking sobs into his shoulder, and stayed there for the rest of the day, the two of them sitting on the cliff's edge, watching the boat burn long after everyone else had left. And as the last of the boat crumbled and smoldered into nothing, fading away with the darkness of night, the crushing weight of grief had hit him and he too began sobbing. He remembered her holding him as he took his turn to mourn, her honeysuckle smelling hair illuminated by the moonlight. And when he walked her home, she had quietly said "thanks", kissed him on the cheek and disappeared into her dark home. Snotlout had touched the place where she kissed him, and for the first time since Tuff's death, Snotlout slept soundly. After that day, despite his attempts, Ruffnut barely acknowledged his presence and seemed to avoid him as if he had eel pox.

Now, with her eyes solely focused on him for the first time in a month she said in a monotone voice "Five". Hiccup knew that this was incorrect, but attempting to make Ruff feel better he said,

"Right! That's right Ruffnut! And your team takes the win! Congrats guys!" Team Fishstrid gave Hiccup odd looks. The correct answer was six and their team had been twenty points ahead, so technically they had won. But Hiccup had given his girlfriend and friend a quite obvious stare that meant play along. Astrid, unsure that this would make Ruffnut feel better attempted to follow Hiccup's plan.

"Yeah, great job Ruff! And….you too…Snotlout." The masked anger for him clearly shown in her speech.

"Well played guys," Fishlegs said, but neither Ruffnut nor Snotlout answer, both engrossed in staring at each other. Tears poured from Ruffnut's eyes.

"I need to go," she stated, her voice cracking as she stood up to leave, "I can't do this." Snotlout, now no longer entranced in her stare watched as Ruffnut turned and began to walk away. The other three dragon riders, realizing their plan had only upset Ruffnut more began hasty apologies

"Ruff I didn't mean to-"

"We just wanted-"

"Made a mistake-"

But Ruffnut had heard enough and barreled past all three towards the academy exit, her tears no longer under her control. I need to get out, she thought, I can't let the m see me cry again. I'm the worst Viking-

She only stopped when she heard Snotlout stand up and say,

"Don't go"

She quickly turned around and gave him one last sad look before spinning on her heals once more and heading for the one place she knew was safe to cry. Snotlout, realizing where she was going, followed her. Giving the other three teens the nastiest look he could muster before quickly running to catch up with the towheaded beauty. Hiccup sighed. He was only trying to help his friend. Astrid, realizing her boyfriend's distress walked over to him and place an arm around him.

"Don't worry," she said, kissing his cheek, "they'll be fine, C'mon let's go for a flight."

And with a goofy grin (the one he always got when she kissed him) he followed her out of the academy into the sunlight.

Thanks so much for reading! In the next chapter, there may or may not be some romantic angst between the two…please review! I love to know what you think!

Thanks,

PaintbytheColours30