A/N: To Dark Inquisitor: Ha.. Hahaha... Haha... yes! Though some would say he's just a healthy, breathing male... xD
Astrid
Astrid was very aware of his hand in hers. She hadn't meant to take it, hadn't consciously decided to do so but as it was she didn't want to let go of him. It just felt so good, so right somehow. And he didn't seem to mind as well as he made no move to pull his away, either.
Neither of them said a word, though, even when they had to run the last part of their way to reach the bus in time, still hand in hand. Hiccup threw himself inside then and held the doors open for her. They were both laughing helplessly as they sat down in the last row of seats, earning some irritated looks from other passengers. Astrid couldn't care less.
"Okay, I'm officially impressed!" he stated, panting breathlessly from running and laughing alike. "Running like that in those shoes? Not bad, Ms. Hofferson, not bad." He winked at her and she scowled.
"It's the costume, right?" she asked, suddenly worried. "Is it too formal? I thought I could at least try to leave a responsible and trustworthy impression. For whatever it might be worth…" she trailed off, suddenly self-conscious. She didn't want to admit this, but she still hoped for this job. When Hiccup didn't respond she looked up at him only to find him gazing at her, eyes clouded.
"It's perfect!" he said then, voice husky and in an almost dejected tone. She looked at him questioningly but he just shook his head. He drew his hand away from hers after all and she noticed it was shaking.
What was up with him? Why did it bother him all of a sudden when they were artlessly holding hands? Ah, but they weren't, Astrid had to admit to herself. They weren't kids anymore! And when she was honest with herself this touch hadn't been artless at all. She blushed as she realized just how... intimate this gesture had been. Hiccup made her feel like a teenager again, all hormones and craziness.
"So…" she tried to change the subject, or rather to start any conversation at all. "Where do you work, anyway? What are you doing for a living these days?"
She looked at him closely then, remembering how much he transmitted by gestures and facial expressions only. He pressed his lips together, obviously distressed over this question. Astrid felt sorry for him but couldn't understand how a simple question like this could cause these emotions within him.
"I'm working for my mother these days." He stated then matter-of-factly and she nodded. That sounded not so much out of the ordinary. Why-
Her eyes widened.
"You have a mother?"
Here's a short one... But the next one is already well on its way and I just LOVE this last line... ^^
