AN: I edited the chapter so it would be easier to read. Please don't be shy to let me know if you notice any grammatical error. English is not my first language, and though I have been practicing it for a long time, I know there are still things I need to be reminded of.
A Little More About the Story: As the title implies, this is the story of how a certain girl finds a dragon under quite different circumstance but don't think this is just my ego trying to get high. This is her story, but is also Hiccup's. The past and his legacy are constantly, if not equally part of the story. What was done in the past, affects the present and future (though I am still debating with myself about the last one).
YES, there will be mature language and situations. Teens drinking, smoking and other (use your imagination.) I am not particularly good at writing lemons but I will show one here or there every once in a while, though don't expect much detail.
How to Find a Dragon
Chapter 4
He thanked the gods he wasn't claustrophobic; otherwise he wouldn't be able to see the majesty of the tunnels they had found. It seemed like there was a whole system under them that went through a good part of the island. It had never occurred to Hiccup that something so startling would be just below their feet. Snotlout and Toothless walked beside him. His bulkier cousin holding the torch as Hiccup mapped one of the many tunnels they had already found.
"So, like why are we even doing this? It's a cave, big deal"
"It's not just a cave," Hiccup said tiredly, "we could do so much with these tunnels"
"Like what" Snotlout had never understood his cousin. He knew he was supposed to be smart but at times he just didn't get him. For instance, Astrid was after his bones, and he didn't take advantage of it. Snotlout himself had given up on her a few years ago, finally marrying a girl from a neighboring island. It had been an arranged marriage, but he couldn't complain. She was quite pretty and an accomplished cook among other things.
"For once, a shelter" Hiccup still worried about the other tribes, though many had assured him their treaties still stood, "remember about the meeting a few days ago?"
"Yeah, yeah, you want to be king Hiccup or something" his cousin wanted to build a castle; it still was under debate with the counsel. It sounded fishy because that would increase Hiccup's position with the other islands, but who was he to complain? If he did become some kind of higher royalty, so would he.
At times, he wanted to punch his cousin "I was thinking we needed something bigger to defend ourselves, but this could do too"
"What do you mean?" they were just tunnels, what could they be good for.
"We could fix here and there and actually use it as living quarters"
"We aren't groundhogs" and he didn't like the dark, not that he would admit it ever.
"And there is a volcanic vein not too far, haven't you noticed it's kind of warm" in previous expeditions he had found some of those veins uncovered.
"I thought that was Toothless" Snotlout turned to look at the dragon walking along with them. Toothless liked the caves as much as Hiccup, but only as long as they weren't too far from the exit.
"No, the whole place rests above a few volcanic veins," it was actually kind of cozy.
"But, isn't that like bad?"
"No, if the volcano isn't active and besides, it's an underwater one so even if it erupts the damage won't be going through here" or at least he hoped. That's why they had to make sure the whole system was mapped out. After an hour, or so more they made it out in time for dinner. Snotlout went on his merry way to his wife. Hiccup honestly liked Dylla, she had brought such good changes to his cousin. Now the only times Snotlout boasted was about how pretty and talented cook his wife was. But, also she was truly humble and patient with her husband.
Toothless nudged his friend towards their table in the hall. It was still strange to sit on the place where his father would have sat as the chief. It was expected for him to sit at the center of the table which faced the whole hall. He felt ridiculous in such position, but he guessed he couldn't break all the Viking traditions. His dinner arrived along with Toothless'; the hall was half full already and the numbers increasing by the minute. Soon the chattering a shouting increased.
His people were happy; they were warm, fed, and well taken care of. That's all that his father ever wanted. Now, he was searching other ways to protect them. The tunnels were wide and extensive enough for that. His mind ran through the many things he would need to get done the next day. One, which was welcome the chief of another island. He knew this to be crucial because whatever this chief saw would be told to the other chiefs and then they would decide if they were weak enough to be overtaken (which would be almost impossible with the dragons in their side) or if they still stood at an equal level.
He knew he also would need to show he had a backbone, which was pretty much all Vikings cared about.
"Hey Hiccup!" Astrid, along with the twins was walking to join him. They brought along an extra mug with mead for him.
"Hey guys, hope you don't feel too exposed here" he took the mug and placed it on the side, but making sure it wasn't so close to Toothless.
"Are you kidding? We are at the chief's table" Tuffnut said just before they got served.
"We can order as much as we want, right?" Ruffnut added with his signature grin.
"Well, it doesn't…" There were still times when he couldn't believe what came out of their mouths.
"Forget them, I heard from Fishlegs the tunnels seem to have no end" Astrid sat at his side with a curious smile. Since they had found those tunnels, she could see more and more of Hiccup's old inquisitive self.
"Tell me about it. I have been there just about every day, and I still can't find the end of even one of the passages" he laid out what they had been able to map until then. It was like a maze with many areas still marked as uncharted. Hiccup went into detail of what he had found until then. His voice was full of excitement and longing to find out even more.
It was as if the past three years hadn't been there. When Hiccup had turned eighteen, his father had him stop working at the smithy and had him dedicate almost his time to training to become the next chief. It was like pulling a plant out of its soil and try make it grow on the other side of the island. They all had seen Hiccup struggle as he tried to grasp the reins. His father took him to other chiefs to present him officially as the next in line. He had met with mockery and scorn, even envy when he was sawn flying on Toothless. He was different, they didn't like that.
Still, Hiccup was Hiccup, and whenever possible he would join them in the dragon training or just hang out. His life was divided between his duty and his desires. Many times he was ready to give up his position to Snotlout, but then would remember 'it was Snotlout', so there was pretty much no other choice. Things seriously sank in after the attack of the Purple Death. With his father gone and the whole village destroyed Hiccup had become the man his father wanted him to be. Though he was almost as tall as his father, he was still considered slinky, unlike the regular buff Vikings. Still, he took command as if he had always had it.
At some point, Astrid was the only one listening to him. Toothless had gone to rest by the fires, and the twins were at a drinking competition. She wasn't listening actually but watching all the changes she had failed to notice before. He still spoke with a remarkably even tone, but his voice now had much more depth. There were whiskers growing around his jaw. She had noted he shaved every morning, but by this time of night it was all for nothing.
"Astrid?" he called wondering if she would prefer to watch the twins knock themselves out.
"Sorry, what?" she blushed.
"Chief Big-Boobied Bertha will arrive tomorrow; I was hoping you could escort us"
"Me?"
"She is not too friendly with males, so I though presenting our best Shield Maiden would be an act of good faith"
"You think I am the best?"
"I don't know anyone who thinks different"
"And if you find someone, you just let me know"
There was a reason why he had chosen Big-Boobied Bertha to visit the isle instead of the other chiefs. The Bog-Burglars, composed mostly of women, would probably be more opened minded about his methods and probably of himself. He wanted to do all in his power to make it so.
"But why do they call her Big-Boobied Bertha? Isn't that too…"
Hiccup couldn't help to blush. He had met her a few years back and had heard all kinds of rumors surrounding her, including her killer titties.
"I guess you have to know just in case she tries to castrate me or something like that" and she almost laughed but then she saw he was being serious "she only sees men as means of breeding strong children, preferably girls. The boys, she sends them to a neighboring island where they farm, herd animals, make clothing and weapons and so on and are never allowed to leave or marry. Never let anyone around her mention her… well you will know when you see her, or she will end up smothering them to death with them" he shivered visibly "only refer to her as chief Bertha and don't ever leave me alone with her"
"Are you afraid of her?" she taunted
"Only an idiot wouldn't be after meeting her" he laughed "when she first met me; I was only five years old. She thought I was a girl. Don't laugh! She had thought my father had chosen me, even as a girl to be the next chief, but when I told her; I was a boy she dropped me as if I was on fire. Since then, she has had this grudge against me"
But she couldn't help to laugh because actually compared to other Vikings, Hiccup was kind of pretty. There was a reason why he never let his hair grow beyond the nape of his neck.
"So can I count on you?" he asked as she was able to get a hold of herself after almost laughing her lungs out.
"If you don't mind me drilling her about fighting technique" she liked the way Chief Bertha sounded.
"Take over the whole visit if you like," he wished he could evade her but there was no way to.
Hiccup then realized it was getting late, the hall was empty but for them. By then the twins had passed out on the table, dozens of mugs around them.
"Let's take them home," they were still within the winter's grasp. Both knew if they were left there for the night they might not wake up the next morning. Hiccup called Toothless over and with Astrid's help loaded them on the dragon's back. The snow was for the moment just one foot tall, so the trek to the Thorston's home wasn't so difficult. Rocknutt, their father carried the two Vikings inside his home without a problem and with sincere thanks to them.
"You don't need to walk me home" Astrid said as they kept walking. She wrapped her fur coat tighter around her.
"Okay them, I am not. I am just taking the long way home which happens to pass your house" of course she didn't need escorting, but it had been a long time since they had been able to talk like this. He knew she felt the same way when she punched him in the shoulder, but not as hard as before.
"Your house is the opposite way, smart ass," she said under her breath before she spotted Toothless giving her a wicked grin reminding her of a few nights ago "You know, I think Toothless might be growing senile; drinking, delusions of conspiracy, and I swear I have spotted him watching the Nadders groom. The dragon glared, she wasn't going to turn this against him.
"You know, I have been thinking the SAME! HEY!"
"Ouch!" Astrid lay on her back in the cold snow with Hiccup at top of her. Their faces incredibly close.
Toothless had decided to repay the traitor by knocking him off his foot towards the blond walking next to him.
"You evil reptile!" she cried out as they tried to stand. They made sure not to touch too much.
But Toothless just laughed his raspy dry laugh before bouncing away back home.
"No more salmon for a week! You hear me!" Hiccup shouted shaking his fist at the retreating dragon before helping Astrid to her feet "sorry, I guess he is little sensitive about the whole drinking thing"
"He did scare the yaks milkless" both tried to hold back their laughter, but couldn't after looking at each other.
When they made it to her house, still in sudden bursts of laughter, they realized that they didn't want to part. For a moment, Hiccup could just stare at her, hoping he wouldn't say something stupid. He wanted to say something, just didn't know what. No, he did know what he wanted to tell her. He loved her, but he just couldn't find a way to do it.
"I better go inside," she finally broke the silence and climbed the steps slowly hoping for his words to come.
"I… I will see you tomorrow then," and right then he wanted to slap his face.
"Yes, see you tomorrow" she added before closing the door with a warm smile, noticing how blushed his face was.
Big-Boobied Bertha arrived early morning accompanied by a small crew and a young woman at her side. Hiccup recognized her right away, Astrid could tell, by the way his eyes widened.
"Who's that?" she asked. She was thin, almost flat on the chest, about her height. Her hair was long, and blond tied in within a golden net. She wore a long dark blue robe with golden trims. Next to Big-Boobied Bertha she looked so out of place.
"That's Camicazi, Bertha's daughter", but he barely believed his own words.
"And the next chief?" Hiccup only nodded. He remembered Camicazi as this tomboy who would get in all sorts of trouble. She had been as scrawny as he, if not more, but that didn't take away from her fiery spirit. Now, she stood almost like a lady in the courts of the mainland. He had heard she went there for some special training, but he never imagined it was that kind of training.
"Well, it looks like you are no longer a fishbone, though you still look like a girl"
"Nice to see you too Bertha" Hiccup said stretching his hand, which she scorned with distaste before taking hold of it and shaking it harshly. He was sure a few of his fingers were broken. She was as tall and wide as his father had been.
"And who is this shrimp?" she said turning to Astrid with disdain. AND, right then he knew things wouldn't go at all as he planned.
********Present**********
She ran with all her strength towards her tent. Her fire had gone out, but she remembered perfectly where she left what she needed. She grabbed the two items and ran back to the larger bonfire that had been extinguished by the explosion. A few held lamps shakily, and others guided themselves with the lights of their cellphone in huddles. Explosions kept going around them, not actually hitting anyone, but they were terrified. There were muffled cries and worried whispers. When she made it back, she only used the light of the moon to guide her. It was preparing for another attack. The vibrating air told it wouldn't be long.
"Hey you!" she shouted at the top of her lungs before banging the two pans together she had brought back "stupid oversized lizard!" and she banged the pans together even harder when the dragon stopped its attack "Come here so I can make me a nice pair of boots!" she shouted "You are so slow! What are you, a Gronkle!?"
Everyone ducked when they heard the creature above roar.
"Hagnes! What are you doing?" Ashton tried to pull her down, but she simply elbowed his gut, knocking his air out and making him fall curled into the ground.
"Sorry!" she cried realizing what she had done "Trust me, I know what I am doing" and she went back to shouting "YOU ARE STUPID! YOUR BREATH SMELLS LIKE EEL! YOUR DAD IS A NEWT! AND YOU MOM IS A SALAMANDER!" and she kept banging the pans together and shouting. She knew it wouldn't be able to concentrate near them as long as she kept doing this. The shots had stopped, now the dragon was just circling above them, beyond the point where it's sensitive hearing would be damaged. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, it left.
Hagnes dropped to her knees, still clutching the pans tightly.
"…nes! Hagnes!" she felt someone shaking her. Philly was by her side shaking her slightly, helping her release her hold in the pans "what the hell was that!"
But Hagnes couldn't answer. It was dawning on her that all she had read was truth. Her father probably ran away from this, all of the insanity. This was what killed him.
"Was it a dragon?" Philly whispered to her, she couldn't believe it, but she too had seen the figure in the air.
"I… I don't know" she answered dropping the pans and then standing shaking from head to toes "I don't know" but she knew, but after years of mistrusting people it was hard to let anyone into her thoughts.
Around them, people were starting to stand glad that whatever it was it was gone.
"Let's get out of here!" cried someone before they started graving things and started to run towards where the cars were parked.
"WAIT!" Hagnes found herself shouting and incredibly enough most stopped, which made those who hadn't heard her stop "We don't know if that thing is still around here! What if it is just waiting for us to come out? Here, all together we will be safer until dawn"
"You are not serious!"
"It's freezing!"
"I want to go home…"
"I know you guys have no reason to trust me, and believe me, I can't blame you. But, that thing came after all of us. Who is to say it won't pick us out one by one if we split"
"Like in a horror movie?"
"Yeah, somewhat… Jeepers Creepers?" she should have known better.
"IT WANTS MY BEAUTIFUL SKIN!"
"We don't know that!" before it got out of the hand she added, really? Teenagers were just superficial "I just saying, let's make sure everyone is here, and tomorrow we can leave with daylight on our side"
There was a lot of whispering and glancing her way. This was Hagnes Haddock, the girl who always brought trouble with her; however she had just made the thing go away. It seemed as she knew what she was doing. But it always went back to her record of destruction and chaos. Most of them were torn between leaving and staying.
"It's not as we can go back to town drunk, and high shouting that we saw a monster in the woods" she heard Soleil say from the shadows, "they will even test our earwax for drugs"
And that was all they needed to make a decision, or at least having the Queen Bee do it for them.
"You can thank me after you tell me what the fuck that was" Hagnes almost jumped out of her skin when Soleil called from behind her. Only a witch could move that fast in the dark.
"I don't know," Soleil of all people would make her life miserable if she told her.
"Bull shit, you knew exactly what to do to make it stop" though it was dark, there was an undeniable cover of fear and fury in her voice. Everyone would remember the bash as a failure, her bash. And, they would remember Hagnes as the one who saved their skins. Though it was childish, and she knew it, to think like this when something could be after their beautiful skins and body parts (she considered herself the one under the most risk), she couldn't help to feel cheated (though she had cheated Hagnes into coming as well.) Her subconscious kept trying to kick her back, but as always she succeeded on knocking it out into next year.
"I think it would be better if we hold this until tomorrow," Ashton also wanted answers, but he was also exhausted after all the adrenaline had run out of his system.
"Fine, but I want a real answer tomorrow, no chicken shit, you got me?" but before Hagnes could answer she stomped off to a click protected by jocks.
"Sure, I will get working on the thesis right now" she said under her breath before turning to Ashton "Thank you, and also sorry for hitting you"
"Don't worry; you did what you needed to do"
They sat, along with Philly as close as possible to the ashes of the fire. At first they didn't dare lit it because of the creature, but as the night became colder they knew it was that or freeze. It wasn't as outstanding as the previous one, but as everyone huddled and brought out all food available, it slowly turned into an actual camping scene.
"Are you crazy?" Hagnes said as they brought what was left of her food. Her tent wasn't so far away, but still, she heeded to her own warning and didn't separate from the rest.
"We have done worst" Runa said before she threw a bag of marshmallows to Hagnes.
"Not surprised," Hagnes opened the bag before passing it around "Spongy goodness,"
"Did you know marshmallows are actually digestive aids," Philly added taking a few. Plus, they were delicious.
"Then you should…" Runi was starting not able to hold back in the opportunity.
Hagnes didn't want to see them fighting, she was actually starting to take a liking to the twins and Philly was growing on her "Hey! Did you also know that you can make dynamite out of peanuts?"
"Tell me more…" Hagnes knew that would catch their interest.
After a while, they started to wonder if what had happened before had actually happened.
"If this was a horror movie, who do you think would survive? And I mean only one, no romantic crap" Runa said.
"Me, of course," said Runi.
"You are a guy, guys are automatically out when there is a girl involved" Philly said with glee "I think it would be me, the most innocent will always do"
"You mean the most virgin," Runa said making Hagnes do a complete face palm. Did they seriously need to be getting into that subject.
"Then I guess I am out" and the utter shock in their faces was something that Philly always treasured. There were men (or in her case, band students) with different tastes, so it wasn't as rare as people thought for girls like Philly to get some action.
"I did not need to hear that," groaned Ashton.
"If we are talking old fashion 'virgins always live' then Hagnes, I hope we can trust you to tell our story" Runa said waiting for Hagnes to deny it.
"Guilty as charged," she said raising her hand shamelessly, they and others who had been turning to their conversation laughed, "I will tell everyone of your valiant sacrifice to keep me alive one more day so I could get fucked" her crocked smile and sarcastic tone just added more to the fire.
"Hey, aren't those type of things always after a virgin sacrifice," Runi whispered in conspire to his sister, but just loud enough for them to hear.
"Fuck you," Hagnes flipped them the finger which made an even greater shock. It was something she had always wanted to do, but now realized she could do without getting beat up. The twins laughed surprised once again. They were so used to quiet, disconnected Hagnes that they never thought she would have so much spunk.
The night drew in around them, finally after all the excitement of the day, they started to drowse off. Hagnes couldn't though. She stayed awake as long as she could in case the Night Fury returned, also because she wasn't ready to go home. She stood up from the huddling with Philly and Runa. The boys had been trying to stay guard but now slept with their heads leaning on each other. They were kind of cute, she admitted, especially Runi as a little bit of droll made its way down his chin.
She walked back to her tent and picked her back, making sure that the box with the Dragon Manual was still intact. She checked her lamp had enough batteries to last the rest of the night. Then she took the same path her father came from last time they were there. It had also been the same direction the dragon had gone to.
She listened with the upmost attention for the creature. Though, she thought she could live without knowing. Little by little, or in substantial bounds some might say she was finding herself. She was actually laughing with other teens her age, even making rude gestures, which in the past she could have only made in front of the mirror or behind their backs. It felt as if she had been lost but had found herself when she found that book.
After a few minutes of walking Hagnes stopped to rest; she had never been the athletic type. Her lips were dry, so she drank some water, also stopped to weight her options. She could leave now and get back to the others before they woke up, and this would be remembered as the spookiest, yet cool night of their lives. Or she could keep going and maybe face death at the claws of a dragon which she insulted a few hours or so.
She was biting her lip for about five minutes before she decided to keep going. If she found the dragon, and by some miracle made it back, she could have both; this night to remember and the findings of her father.
She heard some crooning, like a bird waking from its sleep. This would make a perfect movie setting, she thought with a smile. The full moon shone like a morose light bulb. Then, just as she was thinking of going back again, she felt a sharp pain on her shoulders. Before she could scream she was already off the ground pulled by claws that dug painfully into her.
"Ahhhhh!" she screamed, kicked and tried to hit the creature to release her before it could take her any higher. But, she only found the angry flat face of the Night Fury growling at her "you attacked us first, you jerk!" she couldn't believe what she was saying "I was just defending us!" then she swung her body and kicked the dragon in the chin "let me GOOOAHHH!" and it did let her fall for a second or two, okay three, before catching her by the leg.
By then she felt like crying. She had taken more than what she could chew; now she was going to end up as breakfast. Then she heard a raspy laugh. She could see the dragon laughing.
"You asshole!" she shouted, and it laughed harder "let me go, you evil fuck!"
She felt her chest constrict, it understood her, but she had gotten on its bad side. It wouldn't let her go. She took a deep breath, still scared the hell out of her mind, but she reminded herself, she was a rational, extremely rational person. So, she had to try her best to get herself out this mess.
"Wow, Night Furies are actually the fastest dragons" she was glad her voice didn't shake. She heard an uninterested growl "and no wonder we could barely see you, you scales are black, just like the book said" she didn't receive an answer "if you are going to eat me, then at least let me tell you who I am" she added, but still it wouldn't look at her "My name is Hagnes, I know, terrible name, my dad picked it. It was supposed to scare trolls away, but the darn things keep trying to take my socks. I guess you don't have to worry about that" she didn't know how but she knew the long, boring yawn it gave was fake "You probably seem them out here all the time"
The creature gave a low growl as if telling her, it didn't also like them.
"If you change your mind we could go troll hunting, I bet that would be much more fun" then it went back to silence "I guess not, well at least I now know I am not crazy, nor was my dad" then she laughed because it was true "Hey, could drop my pack with the others after you are done? I would like for my mom to find something on it"
It was not long after that they landed at the base of the mountain that according to the book held the Seadragonus Giganticus Maximus in its belly. Below an old woman was sitting on a large rock; she looked ancient as her hair was entirely white and wrapped in a tight bun. She wore a long green dress, like out of the 50s with a grey, knitted shawl. Hagnes couldn't help to notice she seemed a little familiar.
"Child, what in the world has you brought?" she asked as the dragon dropped her on her knees.
"Not much, I guess" she said confused.
"Not you girl, this child" the old woman talked to the dragon "I thought I told you to stay away from the camp, now this girl knows" the dragon made some growling noises before pointing at Hagnes with its snout.
"Do you understand it?"
"This one is a girl, and no. She is a dragon, haven't you noticed?" the old woman laughed "but what I do understand is that she thinks you smell familiar. What is your name girl?"
She wondered if it was safe, but then again this was an old lady and the dragon wasn't trying to eat her "Hagnes Haddock"
The old woman faltered on her step, but the dragon was right by her side before she could fall.
"Hagnes? You mean Varick's child?" The woman's blue eyes burned with insecurity, and her frown reminded her of someone.
"You knew my father?" then there was more than just this dragon to what had scared her father so badly, she was sure.
"Oh girl, there is so much you need to know" and the way the old woman gripped her hand as if afraid that she would disappear, told it might be something she didn't want to know.
****************Past*******************
His plan had been to keep Astrid around so that Chief Bertha didn't kill him. Who would have a guessed that he would be keeping them from killing each other? As the first day of the visit ended with their dinner in the great hall, Hiccup wondered if any of them would survive the visit. Both women tore at their food like ravenous Terrors and kept glaring at each other. As well sitting with them was Camicazi, who had been quiet most of the visit and now poked at her food uninterested of all that went around her. Every once in a while she would glance at her mother and sigh.
Astrid who actually had been looking forward to meeting the formidable chief, now only felt resentment towards the woman. Yes, she was smaller compared to other Shield Maidens, but none could move as fast, or throw an ax as accurately, or beat any of the men in the village to a pulp. Yet, she dared to judge her so sternly without actually knowing what she was capable of.
The visit had gone over their new docks, the new houses, irrigation systems being set for the oncoming spring, and finally the new dining hall, though it was as if only Camicazi was listening.
"The food is delicious Chief Haddock," she said in a polite tone "both my mother and your escort seem to enjoy it quite a lot"
"Thanks, I guess" he said before Chief Bertha stood up, her plate cleaned.
"Camicazi, I am going back to my ship," she said.
"May I stay a while longer?"
"I don't see why not, it is not like any men here can do you any harm" and without another word she marched out.
"Astrid, please escort Chief Bertha back to her ship" their new location was farther from the coast and they were still working on setting a fixed path.
"Alright," the blond said resigned before grabbing a torch and going after the larger woman. He watched her swing her hips angrily as she held the torch and left. His heart was caught in his throat wondering if he could talk to her after Camicazi retired to her ship.
"She is quite pretty," Camicazi said once Astrid had left the hall.
"Yeah…" Hiccup sighed before realizing what he had said "I mean, she is, but she is also a excellent warrior. Truly, I believe she is our best"
"You don't seem bothered that a woman can out do you or the men in this island"
"Why should it bother me? It actually encourages others to try harder, though Astrid will just try a twice as hard"
"Is she married?" she asked, poking at her food.
Camicazi had behaved exceedingly polite during her visit; the question took him by surprise "Ehm… No" he tried to keep his answer short. He was not one to talk behind the back of others.
"She is getting too old to be without a husband" her words burned him because he knew most of the tribe thought the same.
"For a while now we, in Berk, have been doing things a little different, I thought you being a Bog-Burglar would understand" he couldn't stand the idea of anyone saying Astrid was in the wrong. She was dedicated, honest, and kind; if she was married or not wouldn't change any of it.
"Do you love her?"
"What?"
"I asked you, do you love her?" and her blue eyes bore into his, daring him to lie to her. There, he saw the old Camicazi.
"You are stepping out of boundaries Camicazi, I don't need to remind you; I am the chief of Berk" he sat up straighter and kept his gaze coolly against her searing one.
"You are right, Chief Haddock. It's just that it's painfully visible that you have feelings for her" she added with a grin spreading on her face.
He should have known that whole polite thing was just an act "That does not concern you" and he made sure to keep his tone even. So that was their plan; to find his weakness. Well, he wouldn't let them.
"But it does," she added standing and leaning on the table, her grin only growing
He stood up too, ready to send her back to her ship for her insolence "And why in the world…" he should have known better because as soon as he was face to face with her she threw her lips around him. His first instinct was to pull back, but she had dug her nails on his shoulder and pulled him back, hitting her lips against his. He felt his lip break before he was able to push her away. She fell seated back with a large grin on her lips.
"That's why I care; I have wanted to do that since we were eight years old"
"Ruffnut!" he called across the hall to one of the many Vikings who had seen the heir of the Bog-Burglars kiss him. The young woman hurried to them with a scowl directed at Camicazi.
"Yes Chief?" she had never called him chief, but she was smart enough to understand the situation required all honorifics, Though in reality, she actually wanted to smash that girl's head on the table for stealing a kiss from Astrid's future husband.
"Escort Camicazi back to her ship," then he sat and continued to eat.
"Come," Ruffnut kept her voice steady before the woman started to walk ahead of her. She was crazy, but not enough to let the wench walk behind her.
Once they were gone Hiccup called to Toothless with a much calmer tone. He fared good night to everyone with a calm smile. The last thing he wanted was for them to worry. When he made it inside his house he stopped in the living area and faced his friend.
"Hey bud, I need some time alone. Would you mind staying in the living area tonight?" he scratched the dragon's chin gently, receiving and accepting crooning sound "thank you" and he fell to his knees and hugged his friend with all his strength "I seriously need to think of what to do" he said as he stood again and went to his room, making sure the door was well closed behind him.
Humans were odd creatures; he didn't know who the female was, but understood that her rash approach to his friend had left him worried. He understood that when Hiccup needed time alone was because he needed all the peace and quiet possible to think of something important. He lay by the warm ashes of the fireplace, just shooting a little bit into it to start it again. Whatever happened, he thought before drifting into sleep, he would help his friend. If it was to leave the island with the female he truly wanted or to fight in battle, he would be there.
So, the Bog-Burglars wanted to play games. The sneer that crossed Hiccup's face hurt his pride. It was very rare for him to feel this angry, or want to get back at someone. He couldn't believe they would go so low, especially them, who are so proud to be equal in battle against men. They probably wanted to get something to show the other chiefs that they were not worthy of being their allies and then take over their island. Like he would let them get away with that.
He passed his fingers through his hair trying to come up with an idea. He paced his room for what felt as an eternity; going over all that could go wrong and right. It all kept going to one thing, and it worried him. In the end he gave into that idea, but he needed the cooperation of someone extremely special, and he was afraid of the reaction he would receive once he explained it. It wouldn't be long before she heard of what happened. He needed to prepare himself; he grabbed a spare mug and served himself some mead from a barrel he was given a while ago.
He never actually cared for the thing, but Gobber had insisted he kept it. His father had also kept one at home to drink from after a difficult day. Now he saw the use to it. He had never been a big drinker, but as the alcohol made its way to his brain and numbed him; he realized a few things. Until then, he had been making excuses not to ask Astrid to marry him because he was afraid. He had seen death's face more than once, so it shouldn't be so hard to ask the girl he had loved for most of his life to marry him, even if she was the fiercest woman he had ever met. Oh, when she heard of what happened, heads were going to roll.
He trusted she wouldn't do something rash and go hunt for Camicazi. That would give the Bog-Burglars the perfect excuse to declare war on them. He took a large gulp of the mead and as if in signal, she kicked the door to his house open. Toothless only peeked before going back to sleep. He hoped this finally brought them together for good. Hiccup opened the door to his room and stood there looking at the buffing, puffing, red faced Astrid, who was glaring daggers at him.
"Let yourself in Astrid, I was waiting for you" his smile felt tight around his lips.
"What do you mean you were waiting for me!" she couldn't believe he was smirking like that after that bitch stole a kiss from him in front of just about everyone.
Hiccup felt his insides tighten. This wouldn't be easy.
"There is something I want to pass by you regarding what happened tonight" he kept his voice steady, trying to make her feel like it was not a big deal.
"You mean when that bitch stuck her tongue inside your mouth!" but it backfired at him. She wanted to break something, someone! Only she was allowed to kiss this man. She had stolen a kiss or three… okay many over the years.
"That… who… That did not happen!" he couldn't hold back anymore. He was only able to guess what she had been told after that because she clearly relaxed after hearing that.
"Then what happened," okay, so there was no tongue. She felt a little better but only slightly. So, she had to guess the groping and biting was also untrue.
"She kissed me, I pushed her back. But we need to talk about this, please come here" he stood at the door of his room.
Astrid felt her blood rush. She hadn't been to his room; also his study since she had heard him that night "Why in there?" then she noticed the slight blush on his cheeks. The gods must hate her as she now very much wanted to go inside that room.
"This is a very delicate matter, I would prefer if we didn't talk standing in here" did she have an idea of his plan? He hoped not, because she didn't seem happy about it.
"O… Okay" she tried to remember, this was Hiccup, he would never take advantage of her (not that he could anyways.) As soon as she crossed the door, he closed it. She spotted his bed, though neat looking; she couldn't help to blush as some ideas made their way to her mind.
He led her to sit across his usual place on his work table.
"Would you like some mead?" he asked her casually. She shook her head yes, untrusting her voice. He served a mug for her and him and set them on the table before sitting.
"So, what do we need to talk about?"
"Astrid, I am going to…" he stopped and took a long gulp of mead "what I mean is…" but the words wouldn't come, at least not for these reasons.
"Hiccup?" she watched him passed a hand over his face as if he was battling something inside himself.
"I wanted to wait until they were gone to ask you. It doesn't feel fair to do it like this. Not because of them"
"What are you talking about?"
"Astrid, you know I love you, right?" and he looked up at her with hope that she had noticed.
"Yes," she said in a small voice, and then in a shaking voice added "I fell the same way" then his eyes took a whole new life which made her stomach make little flips all over the place.
"I wanted to ask your family for a contract to marry you as soon as the Bog-Burglars were gone; once I was sure we were safe"
"What do you mean you wanted?" but the way he took hold of her hands between his assured her he had not changed his mind about loving her. He stroked her hand for a moment with his thumb, relishing on the softness of her skin. She also enjoyed feeling his strong hands on hers, warm as if they had never left the smithy.
"I understand if you decide to break every single one of my bones after I ask you this, but would you marry me this Frigg's Day"
"This Frigg's Day?" she asked with wide eyes.
"Again, I understand if you want to break my bones because of this," he took a pause "I don't want Big-Boobied Bertha trying set me up with his daughter. You can bet that was their plan from the beginning. She also probably already knew you were the one I have always wanted and just kept insulting you to give her an excuse to challenge you"
"Hiccup…" she understood perfectly why he was doing this and she could also see that it hurt him to ask her for her hand like this. Still, it also hurt her, and she did want to break a few of his bones, but from the desperate way he held her hands she found she couldn't find any anger against him.
"If you don't want to, I understand. We can still wait until…"
"I will do it," she said before pulling him to lean on the table and then taking his lips between hers. She didn't meet with any resistance; instead he pulled her towards him over the table. The mugs, designs, pens and ink fell to the floor as he brought her body fully against his. She was now kneeling on the table, his arms wrapped tightly around her.
"Thank you… thank you… thank you" he kept repeating between breaths "Oh Astrid, I promise to make you so happy" he breathed against her lips before taking them again with desperate force. She was about to cry out because he was pressing too hard as if he wanted his skin to melt with hers. As soon as their lips parted he took advantage and seized her jaw and pressed on both sides to make her lips open fully. She watched him watch her. His eyes were clouded by love and lust, she had never felt so desired when she watched him lick his upper lip.
"Astrid…"
His tongue invaded her mouth as one of his hands grabbed one of her buttocks tightly.
"Wait…wait," she pulled back and watched him warily.
He realized where his mind had been going, and felt like an idiot at once "I am sorry," he fell back on his chair.
"It's just until Frigg's Day, right?" she tried to smile though her lips were seriously hurt. His smile told her that he understood. They would have the rest of their lives for that later on, but now they needed to protect their home.
"Will your family still be awake?" he asked her.
"Yes," and she took his hand again and led him to her home, where their family had been waiting for this proposal for a long time.
******************To be continued…*******************
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