Wow, today has been soooo busy! Grocery shopping, last-minute Christmas shopping (we now have an adorable little train to go round the tree, and hopefully keep the cats out of it), finishing wrapping presents, and baking the gingerbread we made yesterday! And of course, tomorrow is Christmas Eve! :D

I have to admit I'm a little behind in writing these. The ideas are there, but unfortunately the time isn't. I'll do my best to get them up in time, but I don't want to sacrifice quality for speed, so it might be a little late.

Set Universe: Prior-Film Franchise

Age Range: Valka = 16, Stoick = 26

Featured Christmas AU: "I slipped on ice outside your house and you ran out barefoot to help me, quick let's get inside under a blanket…"

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Knight in Shining Armour… With No Boots…

The sun was barely visible in the Berk sky, thick, heavy storm clouds looming overhead. Everyone was dashing about in a state of urgency, moving so fast their feet barely touched the ground. The village elder had predicted a mighty storm in the coming days, but it had arrived far sooner than expected.

Within the hustle and bustle, Valka made her way back from the Great Hall. Her mother often helped in making extra meals in crises like this, and she had just taken her latest batch of bread to the hall.

Lost in thought, she didn't notice a pack of ice in front of her. Not until it was too late that is. Giving a yelp, she fell to the ground, just managing not to hit her head.

"Valka!"

The brunette looked up and smiled. As luck would have it, she had fallen right outside the Chief's house. And sure enough, the Chief's son, Stoick the Vast, came racing out to her side.

"Are you alright?" he asked, helping her back up.

"Much better," she replied, giving him a secret smile only he would know. No one knew, but the two had been secretly dating for months now, and couldn't be happier.

"Wait, you're not wearing boots…"

So that was why his feet were so cold…

"Guess I just couldn't wait to see you…"

Valka giggled, taking his hand, "Come on, let's go inside…"

Before long, the two were settled inside, cuddled up on the sofa beside the fire, a large fur blanket resting over them.

Valka giggled softly, liking the way his beard tickled her neck as he kissed her cheeks, "We really shouldn't be doing this…"

The heir raised a playful eyebrow, "This?"

"You know, hiding out in here…"

"We're just kissing…" he insisted, gently nuzzling her cheek. "Is that so wrong?"

Valka blushed, shyly shaking her head. Sweet Freya, she loved him…Their love might not make sense, but somehow she knew they were meant to be.

Returning her smile with one of his own, he held her close once more, the young lovers sharing a deep kiss by the warmth of the hearth. So lost in each other, the pair almost didn't notice the front door burst open, or the shocked look on the Chief's face as he spotted them.

"My apologies, am I interrupting something?" Halvard asked, raising a meaningful eyebrow at his son.

Had she not been so busy trying to contain her blush, she would've laughed at her secret boyfriend's sudden stammering.

"Father?! You said you wouldn't be back until late! I mean- it's not- we're not… I can explain!"

Halvard crossed his arms, using one hand to gesture towards them, "That you've been secretly dating Ralphlout's daughter for the past three months? It would appear you don't need to…"

The young lovers looked at each other. How could he have known? They were so careful…

Stoick looked back at his father, unsure how to respond, "You knew?"

"Somewhat…" his father replied, stroking his grey-streaked beard. "I knew you've been sneaking off to meet with a young woman, but I didn't know who."

Valka took a wary step towards the man, "You're not upset?"

The Chief took his time before answering, and she felt herself grow progressively more nervous. He'd never been a big fan of her, and she could only imagine what he'd think of her now…

"I may not appreciate your view of the dragons, but I can see how happy you make my son," he explained, offering her a small smile. "So, you have my blessing…"

Beaming, Stoick took Valka into his strong, protective arms, "Thank you Father…"

"You're welcome," Halvard chuckled, before turning to Valka, "But you'd better get home. The storm will set in soon…"

Stoick frowned, holding her a little closer, "But you said yourself, we could be stuck inside for days. This is the first time in weeks Val and I have had just to ourselves…"

Halvard sighed, heading towards the door, "Alright, I'll talk to Ralphlout. But Stoick?"

"Yes?"

"I know I said I wanted grandchildren, but let's try to keep it to after the marriage, shall we?"

Throwing his son a quick smirk, the Chief's slipped back out, leaving his son a blushing mess in front of his girlfriend.

Valka blushed lightly, "Do you think we will have children someday?"

The future chief took a deep breath to calm his nerves, sitting back down on the sofa, "I hope so… I'd love to have a family with you…"

The young Viking smiled, laying back down in the warmth and safety of his arms. Within the hour, the storm had taken hold at full force, squalling winds and frozen rain pelting down on the village. Standing away from the main village, the Chief's house was most at threat, but when Halvard the Protector finally made it inside, his son and quite probably future daughter-in-law were fast asleep in each other's arm with a nice, warm blanket over them…

And no boots on…

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Not as long as I would've liked, but then again, there's nothing wrong with short and sweet. :) See you Christmas Eve. :*