Hi! Chapter number 2! This chapter kind of revolves around Hiccup and Astrid's relationship. While I do believe that they are more friendly and less awkward around each other. I still think in certain situations that they have their little moments when they have no idea what to do and it just becomes a funny kind of awkward that turns into ship-y moments that we all love. So that's what I'm trying to establish in this chapter. But I will warn you, I'm not the best at fluff stuff yet. Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: ***I don't own any of the How To Train Your Dragon characters***

Chapter 5:

Astrid arrived at the Great Hall to see the other teen sitting at their normal table. They were all talking about something in hushed voices and she had pretty good idea who they were talking about. Her suspicions were revealed true as she took her normal seat, next to Fishlegs.

"Is it true! Was there really a glowing staff? Did Hiccup actually fall under a spell? Is he okay? Did you see the enchantress?" Fishlegs asked, not able the hide the fear in his voice. Astrid sighed, glaring at the twins, who pretended not to see her.

"Yes, the staff was glowing and yes, Hiccup is okay. I don't know what happened to Hiccup but I don't think it was a spell and there was no enchantress," Astrid says, not able to keep the annoyance out of her voice. She really didn't want to talk about this.

Snotlout smiled, reaching across to the table to grab Astrid's hand, "Well you know, Astrid? Since Hiccup is going crazy, I would be honored to take his place…"

Astrid narrowed her eyes and twisted Snotlout's arm so that he was forced onto the floor. How dare he! Astrid growled, "Hiccup is NOT going crazy! And you could never replace him!"

With that she stood and marched off, but not before stepping on Snotlout's stomach. Snotlout always had the ability to make Astrid mad, but this hit home on the anger meter. Astrid was already worried about Hiccup, and Snotlout's comment had not helped. The thought of Hiccup going insane was already swirling in her mind.

Astrid then felt angry at herself. How could she think like that? Hiccup was fine, it was just the little amount of sleep he had gotten yesterday. That was it. Astrid felt herself relax as she made her way to get some food to bring Hiccup. After getting him a plate, Astrid made her way to the chief's house.

Hiccup was woken by a sharp knock on the door to his room. He blinked a little as his eyes adjusted to the light that was still streaming through his window. He sat up, to see Toothless laying on his rock bed, looking groggily up at the door. The dragon must have moved there after he had fallen asleep.

"Hiccup? It's me, Astrid. I brought you some food," Astrid said through the door. Hiccup smiled.

"You can come in," he said in response. Leaning back against the headboard of his bed. Astrid walked in with a smile, holding a plate of food. Hiccup wouldn't admit it, but he was starving.

Astrid pulled Hiccup's desk chair over to his bed, sitting in it. She held out the plate to Hiccup, who gratefully took it, smiling his thanks. Though the question of what had happened to cause his need to be bedridden was swirling in his head, he decided to not bring it up.

"Do you want any?" he asked, after eating a couple of bites. Astrid shook her head, still not talking. Hiccup was beginning to feel self conscience and kept taking quick glances at the unusually quiet Astrid. Had he done something to offend her? Finally, after deciding that he couldn't eat with the unbearable silence, he set his plate on his bed with a sigh.

Astrid noticed quickly jumping to her feet, "I'm sorry. Am I annoying you? Should I go? I should probably go."

Her attempt to make a quick exit threw Hiccup off and he soon found himself jumping to his feet. His plate clattering to the floor.

"No! Don't leave," he shouted, then turned red in embarrassment. Astrid turned back to look at him, making him stutter an exclamation, waving his hands wildly, "Don't leave…. I...uh...like your company...a lot and I wish you would...uh...stay…"

Astrid gave him an unsure but, none the less, happily smile. She took her seat next to Hiccup's bed, and watched the boy sit back down. His cheeks were still red, but Astrid found it strangely endearing. She pushed her bangs out of her eyes, taking a deep breath.

"So… we never did get to finish that conversation about your birthday. It's only two days away now," Astrid said, breaking the awkward silence. Hiccup cringed at the words.

"Oh yeah, that conversation…. what were we talking about again?" he asked. Astrid laughed, punching Hiccup lightly on the shoulder.

"What are you planning for your birthday?"

"Uh…" Hiccup said digging deep for an answer, but no good ideas came to him. He looked intently at Toothless, who lay sleeping peacefully by the window. He looked back at Astrid, who was starting to look concerned and said, "Oh you know...probably something with Toothless. Wh-what do you do on your birthday?"

Astrid smiled at his question, "My mom cooks a big dinner for me and my family sits around all day playing games. Then right after dinner I get to open my gifts from my parents and friends."

She looked at him, a wistful look on her face, and Hiccup gave her his best smile. He couldn't help but feel bad for himself. His dad was always so busy with chiefing and he had never had friends before, sure he had Gobber but he was always busy too. He had never gotten a big dinner and he could forget about presents. He was so deep in thought that he didn't realize he was frowning, until Astrid gasped in realization.

"Oh, Hiccup, I'm sorry! I didn't think, I was jus-" Astrid started to say, but Hiccup cut her off.

"No, no! Don't apologize, it's not your fault. Really I'm fine, I'm use to it," he said, but Astrid wasn't convinced, "Really! I'm fine! I don't like all that attention anyway."

Astrid made a silent promise with herself that she would make this birthday Hiccup's best. She would get everyone in on it too, maybe a surprise party. She was sure Hiccup would love it. She then turned her attention back on the dragon rider, who was smiling weakly at her. She punched him on the shoulder, making his smile turn to a look of pain.

"That's for never telling me!" she said. Hiccup looked about to argue, so Astrid quickly grabbed his tunic pulling him towards herself. The kiss was short but sweet, and when Astrid pulled away she saw that lopsided grin she loved so much. His green eyes sparkled, making Astrid smile.

Just outside the window, a pair a purple eyes watched the couple with amusement. So sweet was young love. So sweet and pathetic. And soon it would end, because in two days the Night Rider would be her's and only her's, forever. With a snigger, the creature spread her leathery wing, flying silently out of sight.

Note: Hey! So next week I'm on spring break, so sadly no chapter, but the Monday after next there should be two new chapters! :) Hope that makes you all happy! :) So to those who celebrate it... HAPPY EASTER!