A/N - Please, kind reviews, be nice to each other. We are all entitled to our opinion, whatever that opinion might be, and just because someone's opinion is different from yours doesn't mean that they are wrong. I would like to say that I do believe that loyalty is one of Astrid's most prominent characteristics, this is an AU where I'm exploring what would happen if Astrid and Eret did start having a thing on the side.

Alright, here we go.

X

Chapter 4

Hiccup's otherwise peaceful sleep was abruptly interrupted by the squawking and grumbling of two incoming dragons. Their two riders were arguing even louder. Hiccup pulled his pillow over his head as a dragon-sized crash came from outside.

"What the hell is that?" Astrid grumbled beside him.

Hiccup tipped the pillow to look at her. Bed-hair a mess, lethargic blue eyes half closed, she was slowly trading her sleepiness for anger. She'd slept on her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows. Great Thor, she was beautiful in the morning.

"I dunno," Hiccup groaned. The commotion outside wasn't going away.

He sighed and threw the blanket off his legs. The warmth evaporated instantly and the chill of Berk settled on his clothes. Astrid rolled onto her side as he stared down the stairs. He wanted to ignore whatever the hell was going on so early and crawl back into bed.

Valka stepped out of her room downstairs. It had previously been Stoick's and although she had tried to make Hiccup take it, he had firmly refused. He couldn't sleep in his father's bed. His room was upstairs and that was where it would stay.

"Who is that?" Valka asked quietly.

Hiccup groaned and shrugged. He had a creeping suspicion of the two arguing dragon riders. He grabbed hold of the door, inhaled, and swung it open. His suspicious were proven. It was Fishlegs and Snotlout and now that Hiccup was on the front step their argument was no longer muffled by the walls.

"Oh, don't lie to yourself. They asked you to leave." Fishlegs crossed his arms.

"Gods," Hiccup groaned into his hands. He rubbed the remaining sleep from his face. This was going to take patience that he didn't have right now.

"Only because they couldn't handle my mind-blowing dragon abilities." Snotlout shouted back, looking equally as disgruntled as Fishlegs.

"Ok, stop, stop." Hiccup shouted, stepping in-between Meatlug and Hookfang's deathly staring contest with outstretched palms. With the dragons' irritation diminishing, Hiccup exhaled, "Tell me what happened."

Fishlegs and Snotlout immediately broke into a simultaneous shouting match, gesturing wildly to each other, and pointing accusations.

Hiccup had received several letters from a neighboring tribe requesting help with their dragon problem. News of Berk and its tamed dragons had reached far. News of Berk's defeat of the dreaded Drago Bludvist had reached ever farther. Hiccup was more than enthused to spread the knowledge of training dragons however he couldn't leave Berk to do it. He'd sent Fishlegs and Snotlout to the Branded Brutes tribe, thinking that having two of Berk's best dragon riders would be a valuable learning tool, but he was seeing now that it had been one of his lesser ideas.

"The only thing Fishlegs did was read,"

"At least I can read,"

"At least I'm not afraid of heights,"

"All you did was yell,"

"You never got off the ground!"

"You were too busy showing off to actually teach! I was doing fine until you set the arena on fire,"

"But it was awesome,"

"You almost set the Chief on fire!"

"It's not my fault they're all horrible students!"

"STOP," Hiccup yelled. He took a deep breath to calm his own growing aggression. "I don't care you did what, or whatever, it's fine. It doesn't matter."

"What about the village?" Astrid asked. She was standing in the open doorway of the house with Valka watching from over her shoulder.

Hiccup sighed, "I'll go and see what I can do."

"Are you sure?" Astrid asked, "Berk needs you."

"I know," Hiccup nodded. "But I'm the Chief, and I should go fix whatever problems these two didn't fix, or caused."

"Hey, it was Fishface's fault," Snotlout pointed, but Hiccup ignored him.

"And, I'm sure that you'll take good care of it while I'm gone." Hiccup smiled at her but she didn't return it. He saw the minuscule shift in her brow and the slight twinge in the corners of her mouth. "It'll be alright, all you have to do is keep it from burning down. Just lock the twins up in the arena."

"I'll see what I can do," Astrid shrugged. She didn't look convinced.

"Mom, you want to go?" Hiccup looked over Astrid's shoulder at her. She shrugged, looked toward the hearth, her uncertainty at decisions showing. "I could really use your dragon knowledge."

"Of course," Valka nodded.

"Okay," Hiccup glanced outward toward the still-sleeping village. "I say we try to get out of here as soon as we can. Before the village wakes up."

"That's for the best," Valka nodded.

"Alright, you two, go home and try not to wake up the entire village," Hiccup pointed at Snotlout and Fishlegs. He anticipated the restart of their argument but to his gratitude they only stared at each other. Snotlout and Hookfang leapt into the sky and vanished while Meatlug made for the Ingerman house.

Hiccup and Valka had little time to prepare for the journey. He went upstairs to gather some simple saddle designs. He'd leave the Book of Dragons at home. He knew most of it by heart by now and what he didn't know his mother did. Hiccup was bent over the desk when he heard the gentle creaking of the stairs behind him. He turned at the signal creaking of the top stair to see Astrid standing with her arms folded over her chest. He knew that expression. She was trying to hide a slight disappointment.

"What?" Hiccup stood up and raised a brow at her.

"It's nothing," Astrid shook her head. She walked over to his discarded pillow and replaced it at the head of the bed. Normally, they would still be in bed. "I've gotten used to sleeping beside you. It'll be weird without you."

Hiccup smiled, feeling the swelling in his chest, and resisted the urge to tackle her onto the pillows. "It'll be okay. We'll go on a picnic when I get back. It'll be me and you, I promise."

Astrid's distress relaxed and her soft morning smile looked amazing. "Where?"

"Anywhere you want." Hiccup reached out and took one of her hands in his. He intertwined his fingers with hers.

"That sounds nice," she sighed.

"Then it's a plan," Hiccup squeezed her hand. He let go and wrapped his arms around her, pressed his lips against hers, and pushed her back onto the bed. She hummed into his kiss, fingering his collarbone, and eagerly kissed him back.

"The provisions are ready," Valka called from downstairs. "Hiccup, are you ready?"

Hiccup smiled against Astrid's lips and reluctantly pulled away. He hoisted himself back to his feet and held his hand down to Astrid. He pulled her to her feet, a little closer to himself than necessary, and held her there.

"I'll see you in a week, tops," he kissed her.

"A week," Astrid squeezed his hand.

The saddlebags were packed and attached. Toothless and Cloudjumper were ready to take to the skies. Valka climbed onto Cloudjumper's bare shoulders and shifted her position as his wings were raised. Hiccup admired her flawless knack to ride bareback. He'd offered her a saddle but she had declined.

"Going somewhere?" Eret asked, walking leisurely toward him, one eyebrow cocked impossibly high.

"Yeah," Hiccup nodded. "But we don't have a lot of time. Astrid'll fill you in."

"Right," Eret nodded.

Hiccup climbed onto the saddle and attached his foot in the rigging. He started to speak, then drew back his words, but they came out anyway, "Eret, keep an eye on Astrid for me."

"Why?" Eret asked.

Truly, he wasn't sure. She'd never lived alone and was about to spend at least a week by herself. "Oh, you know,"
Eret shrugged, "Sure, I can do that. Maybe between the two of us we can keep most of the village intact."

"Thank you," Hiccup nodded. He reached down to pat Toothless. He gave a curious warble and glanced up at his rider.

They soared upward and left Berk far below. They sped toward the western horizon as the sun chased them in the east. Toothless and Cloudjumper were both fast and with the wind on their side they would reach the tribe's shore by sundown.

"Hiccup," Valka asked as they dipped above the clouds. "What do you think of Eret?"

"He's alright, why?"

"He is spending an awful lot of time with Astrid."

There was a tone in her voice that he hadn't heard before. He glanced over at her but her face was unreadable. She was staring forward with a straight mouth and furrowed brow. He'd seen that look on his father before. She was thinking about something but she didn't know how to bring it into words.

He is spending time with Astrid. "What does that mean?"

"Maybe it's nothing," Valka shook her head. She stroked Cloudjumper, sighed, and looked back at the sky. "Some husbands would disprove of their wife sharing her time with another man."

"Oh, right a marriage thing." Hiccup sighed. "Don't worry, Mom. Eret isn't Astrid's type."

Valka glanced at him with a reserved smile on her lips. Hiccup felt a blush warm his cheeks and turned away from his mother. He didn't want to have that conversation with her.

X

Astrid had a difficult time explaining to the village that their Chief had left near sunup. His lack of warning or farewell had miffed several but they wouldn't remain upset for long. They were Vikings. They were as stubborn as they were resilient.

Astrid did what she could around the village to keep it working smoothly and by the end of the day she was exhausted. She slumped into a chair beside the simmering hearth that she hadn't had time to stir. Hiccup had often slumped in the same chair, looking forlorn and tired, which she now understood. How could a village so small have so many problems in the course of a day?

Astrid groaned as a steady knock came to the door. It was quickly followed by Eret's voice, "Are you home?"

She considered not answering. She wasn't in the mood for him.

"I know you are," Eret sang on the other side. "I can feel your eyes staring at me through the wood."

She's been looking at the pitiful fire. Sighing, "Yes."

Eret opened the door and closed it like any other late guest would do. He strutted toward the table and sat down. "You look awful."

"Thank you." Astrid spat. "You really know how to compliment a girl."

Eret laughed, "I try. Have you eaten?"

"I had some biscuits at the Ingerman's." Astrid sighed. "Why?"

"Hiccup told me to keep my eye on you." Eret said. She didn't miss the twinge in his lips. She frowned. She knew exactly what he was thinking. "If you starve between now and when he gets back it'll reflect poorly on me."

"Of course,"

"You look tense." Eret stood back up. He walked around the table and stood behind her. His hands reached down for her shoulders and removed the fur and metal in the way.

"Not tonight," Astrid shrugged her shoulders from his touch.

"You don't want a back rub?"

"I know what you're thinking,"

"Oh, do you now?"

"Eret," Astrid said his name firmly, trying to mimic her mother's own stern voice when she'd been dancing too closely to trouble.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes,"

"Why don't you wait until after the back rub to make that decision?"

"Eret," Astrid lost her commanding voice and hated the whine that it devolved into. His hands clamped onto her shoulders and his thumbs began to circle the tired muscles between her shoulder blades. A soft moan escaped her lips and she bit down to stop anymore from fumbling out.

"Are you sure? Eret asked, his voice lower.

"Damn it, Eret."

"Is it bad?"

"…No." Astrid sighed. She wish he'd been bad at it. She wished he'd been bad at everything. Then she wouldn't be in this mess. But no, his hands had to be magic against tension and he'd been blessed by the sex gods.

She heard him smirk. He made this cocky sound when he smiled and she hated it. He knew he was good. Damn it. Damn him, and everything he does.

Eret pushed his thumbs harder against her back, moving them further down her spine, enlarging his circular motions. He hummed against the back of her hair and purposefully blew hot breath against her neck.

"Not in my husband's house," Astrid bent her head forward, submitting to his touch, which was putting her to sleep.

"Hmm?" Eret hummed. His hands were halfway down her back and releasing tension she didn't know she'd been carrying. He whispered against her neck, "We don't have to do anything in the house."

No. No. No. This was her husband's house. This was the sanctum of her marriage bed. Thor strike her dead if she let Eret spoil it.

Eret hummed against her, working his thumbs as low as he could, leaning down over the back of the chair. He turned his head and grazed his lips along her throat.

Something snapped and Astrid shrugged from him touch and stood up on wobbly knees and spun on her heels.

"No," Astrid pointed a sharp finger straight at his chest.

Eret was still leaning over the back of the chair with his hands poised over invisible shoulders. He straightened up and dropped his arms to his sides. His black eyes were locked on hers and his smirk had only slightly faded.

"We've talk about this, Eret." Astrid held firm. "I don't love you. In this house you are nothing to me."

Eret sighed, nonchalant, "Well, if that's how you feel."

Astrid swallowed a yawn, "It is."

"Then, at least allow me the honor of carrying the tired lady into her chamber," Eret smiled and took a half-bow and a step forward.

"My chamber?"

"Of course, a lady needs a chamber." Eret stepped forward and reached out for her but Astrid stepped away from him.

"Eret, no." Astrid tightened her fists.

Eret sighed, and withdrew his arms from the air, and narrowed his eyes at her. "Fine, fine, have it your way."

That's more like it. Astrid held her tired glare at his back as he walked toward the door. He settled his hand on the handle and gave her one last pleading invitation. She held her conviction and shook her head, no.

X

The sun had just touched the edge of the western waters when Hiccup and Valka reached the shores of the Branded Brutes. At the sight of incoming dragons many from the village had gathered to point and wave. Among them was the broad shouldered Chief whose black hair was a mass of tangled braids that stuck out from underneath his helmet.

"Welcome," The Chief spread his arms wide as the two dragons landed amid the excited villagers. "What brings you to our shores?"

Hiccup cleared his throat, "I am Hiccup, Chief of Berk. This is my mother, Valka. I apologize for whatever my two associates did, or failed to so. We're here to help you with your dragons."

The chief laughed, and a few others did as well, but his hearty thunder boomed over the rest. "Of course, Chief, it would be an honor to learn from the dragon master himself! But first, we eat. It is a long journey from Berk."

The sound of food made his mouth water. They hadn't stopped since they'd left and his stomach wasn't pleased about it.

"What will the dragons eat?" the Chief asked.

"Fish," Hiccup said.

"Excellent." The Chief nodded and waved toward a few villagers. "They'll have their full."

Hiccup and Valka were lead into the village heart where the central hall was warmly lit. They were treated to more food than they could eat and it seemed that the entire village had come to hear the retelling of Hiccup's heroism. He was embarrassed at the prospect but after a nudge from his mother he swallowed his awkward discomfort.

They listened intently with gapping mouths and twisting hands as Hiccup recalled his defeat of the infamous Drago Bludvist. He had told it several times, as per request, and each time he felt more ridiculous. He couldn't stand up and declare himself glorious for his actions. It wasn't in his nature.

Astrid had told him that she admired his humility. He'd never been boisterous or a braggart. To hear her say was like believing it himself.

"That is incredible," the Chief nodded as Hiccup's story came to a end. Mouths were still gapping and eyes were wide.

"A chief protects his own," Hiccup recited.

"Aye, that is true. If all men were more like you, then there would be no wars." the Chief of the Branded Brutes said.

Hiccup looked down at the table, unsure of how to respond, and was glad when the talk shifted off of him.

"Now, about the dragons," the Chief clapped his hands.

"Yes," Hiccup nodded.

"I want to introduce you to our Ata," The Chief waved to the villagers and motioned. A young woman with tied-back brown curls stepped out from the crowd. "Our own dragon expert."

"I wouldn't say that." Ata nodded at the Chief.

"It is only because of her that we have gotten as far as we have with the beats." The Chief said, his smile broad as he looked down at Ata.

Hiccup recognized her timid smile as she directed her blue eyes to the ground. It was the same thing he felt when his father would boast of him. He caught her glance and he smiled his understandings.

"Hello," Ata nodded. "I've heard stories of Berk and the dragon master and it is great to finally meet you."

"I don't know how much of those stories are true," Hiccup said with a warning. He'd heard some strange tales from the traders about the mighty dragon conqueror. "So, what about those dragons?"

"In the morning," The Chief said. "I am sure you've had a long journey and could use the rest. We'll start bright and early."

Hiccup inhaled, preparing to argue for the sake of time, but Valka's hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"Of course," Valka nodded.

"I have prepared rooms," Ata nodded.

"Thank you, Ata." Valka nodded.

Ata lead them through the tired but still in-awe crowd and to her pleasant home near the village's heart. The hearth was warm and glowing and she had set up two cots in a unused bedroom.

"This is lovely," Valka said. "But, it is a big space for a lady to live alone."

"Yes," Ata nodded. A darker shade entered her eyes. "My husband and I lived here. He passed a little more than a year ago."

"I am sorry to hear that, dear." Valka placed a hand on Ata's arm. "I can understand that. I have lost mine, as well."

At the shared emotion between the two women Hiccup felt more than a little uncomfortable. He could see the sorrow they felt. It was a distress that he could not help or defeat. Knowing that he could do nothing was a helpless feeling that he hated.

"Please, we have a long day in the morning. I am eager to learn all that you can teach." Ata nodded. She gave them each a warm goodnight-smile as she left them for the night, her eyes lightening as they lingered on Hiccup.

"Goodnight," he said.

"Goodnight." Ata nodded.

Hiccup set on the edge of the cot.

"She reminds me of you," Valka whispered. "In a way."

"Ata?"

"Yes," she nodded. "In her words, her actions. She thinks before she speaks, before she acts. She's intelligent and a bit reckless in her bravery."

Hiccup shrugged as he laid back on the cot. "I'm not reckless."

Valka sighed as she smiled, "Don't worry, every chief needs to be a little reckless. It comes with the territory of leadership."

Hiccup threw a arm over his eyes as Valka blew out the candle. Without looking, he could at home, laying in his bed, next to his wife, with his village sleeping on the other side of the walls. He took a deep sigh. Tomorrow would be a busy day. He would have to train the new riders as well as the dragons. Vikings were stubborn and most often stuck in their ways. But he knew that once they were on the back of a dragon they wouldn't want to get off.

X

Eret sat at the table, picking off pieces of bread from the loaf on the table, and watched Astrid at the hearth. She lifted the lid from the stew and steam rushed upward and dashed across her face. She closed her eyes to it and inhaled it. Against the cold, steam was a small reprieve.

"I hear you've gotten better at cooking," Eret poked. He waited for the reaction but there wasn't one.

"What? I've always been a good cook."

"Of course," Eret shrugged.

He'd heard stories from Snotlout and Fishlegs that would suggest otherwise. He'd heard the horror story that was 'yak-nog' and the doubled-over hours that followed. He picked off another piece of bread and plopped it in his mouth.

Astrid ladled soup into two bowls. She set one in front of Eret and slid a spoon toward him. She sat the other across from him but took a moment to stroke the fire before she sat down.

He blew on the steaming soup. It didn't smell bad. Tentatively, he sipped it.

"It's not bad," Eret said, surprised, and swallowed another spoonful.

He'd decided years ago that there was nothing wrong with him. It was just how he was. He loved women and he loved sex but at the end of the day he wanted to sleep alone. He didn't want a women there directing his day or interjecting an opinion when he didn't want one. He was a sailor, a pirate, and he was his own captain.

He could just sail away from Berk and return to the open seas where adventure was just a horizon away. He liked Berk and the people. He liked a lot of places and knew a lot of people. He wasn't a person with roots. He couldn't stay in one place forever. Usually it was his affinity for trouble that always got in the way.

There was something enticing about breaking rules and slashing through authority. There was something overwhelmingly thrilling about doing exactly what he was told not to. It wasn't the disappointment he caused or the chaos that would ensue. It was an expanding climax, a full-body orgasm that reached into his very being, and it left him craving more.

And Astrid. God. It had been a thrill. She was married. She was the Chief's wife. It was one of the greater risks that he'd taken and he was loving every minute of it.

Not in my husband's house. Why did she have to go and say that?

X

Before anyone asks - this was planned the entire time.