Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to How To Train Your Dragon.
A/N: This chapter was influenced by the song "Little Light of Love" by Eric Serra.
It had now been over half a year into their relationship and their birthdays were rapidly approaching again.
Astrid spent a lot of time flying around the archipelago with Hiccup, trying to find new dragons, trying to map out the islands nearby, and sneaking in sweet sweet alone time when they could and their dragons weren't getting in the way. It was exhilarating and exciting, but Astrid was beginning to feel like there could be more she could be doing. Something deep inside Astrid was beginning to stir, a restlessness to make something out of her life. She loved Hiccup deeply, but she couldn't just spend all her time going out on flights of fancy with him, no matter how pleasurable they often became. She just felt like she was missing something, and didn't quite know what to do about it.
On the brighter side of things, Hiccup was now showing clear signs of being stronger and more confident in general. To Astrid's delight, when he was with her, he was starting to show that more assertive side she had mostly impatiently coaxed out of him, having sparked in him after that winter night. Astrid couldn't get enough of it, but he was still holding back and it frustrated her a little, because she knew he was capable of being one hell of an intense lover. They had gotten much more comfortable with each other though, and Hiccup had made it his personal mission to discover all her weaknesses over several more intimate moments. They were now completely at ease with each other, which was a great relief to both of them.
A few months after being trapped in the Great Hall for the winter, spring finally hit ...or less terrible winter at least. Thaw Festival was once again upon them to celebrate the end of the bad winter and return of milder, nicer weather. While Astrid was out dutifully practicing on Stormfly and flinging her axes at targets, Hiccup found himself in the woods with Gobber, preparing for the festival once again.
Last year he hadn't practiced all the much, not having had faith he'd be able to win, even if he could win the dragon events. The tie event had been geared toward strength and even when by some fluke Hiccup had managed to keep up, he just didn't want to put up with Snotlout if he managed to, so he threw it. Besides, Astrid had been pleased he had done Snotlout a favor, being to good sport. She hadn't kissed him like she had the previous year, for some reason, but she had stroked his cheek and thanked him for being the good guy. So all was well. This year though, this year things felt different.
Spitelout and Snotlout were also nearby, doing the same. They often stuck close to Hiccup just to rub it in his face that he had no hope of beating the Jorgensons. Spitelout glanced over at the admittedly tall and charismatic young man and smirked. "You should give up, boy-oh!" he called over.
"Don't listen, Hiccup," Gobber instructed as he guided him to a tree.
"It's no use, Hiccup. My son always wins. Why don't you save your father the shame and just stop trying?" he chuckled.
"You tell 'em dad!" Snotlout sneered.
Hiccup scowled at them, feeling his hackles rise. "Hiccup," Gobber placed a hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me, lad. I know you have a good chance of winning this year," he grinned, then led him over to a sapling, a little like the one he had tried to tear out almost three years ago. "Remember all those heavy tasks I gave you this year? Use that now," he advised.
Hiccup rounded on him. "I knew it! You've been training me all year for this!" he accused.
Gobber waved his hook dismissively. "No idea what you're talking about, boy. But now that you mention it, it's a mighty fine idea! I just might have to give you more work to do for next year's Thawfest!" he chuckled. "I've merely been trying to make an honest Viking out of you with some hard work. Now, come on then, pull that wee tree out of the ground like I know you can!"
Hiccup scoffed, shooting his mentor a look, but grabbed onto the tree, his hands now large enough to grip it well, then with a grunt of effort, yanked the thing clean out of the ground, roots and all with surprising amount of ease. "...Well I'll be damned..." he muttered in disbelief. Two years ago he couldn't get a tree exactly like this one to budge, now he uprooted it completely. When the Hel had he been able to do something like that?
"Yeah! That's how it's done!" Gobber grinned, sneering over to the now gawking Jorgensons. "Not so smug now, are you?"
Snotlout snapped out of it first and scowled. "Beginners luck! I bet you can't do that again!" he huffed, tossing his own tree he pulled out over his shoulder dramatically.
Gobber smirked and led his apprentice to another, bigger tree. "Alright, lad. Do it again," he grinned.
Hiccup stared at the tree, twice the size the other one was, nearly the size of a young adult pine tree. "Uh... Gobber, I hate to break it to you, but I just don't have the muscles to pull this one out..." he murmured
Gobber snorted. "Nonsense! It's not about how big your muscles are, boy! It's about the effort you put into strengthening them, toughening your body and your mind! Think of all those bags of weapons you carried, all those weapons you hammered into being, all those hundreds of hours you put your body through vigorous drills day in and day out, all the time you used your strength to control a huge beast in the air! Was that something a weak person could do?"
Hiccup flushed and fidgeted. "I um, I guess not..?"
Gobber nodded. "'Course not! Hiccup, you need to believe in yourself," he told him. "I know you may not look it, you may still look as thin and frail as a twig compared to most other male Vikings in the whole of Berk-"
"-Oh gee thanks..." Hiccup snorted, glowering at him. "You're making me feel so much better, thank you, Gobber," he drawled sarcastically.
Gobber rolled his eyes. "The point is, I know you're strong, I've seen you grow and get stronger every year! And I've given you enough work this last year to build up the strongest Viking! I'm honestly not sure why you still look so thin, but I have a feeling you can do it, and my feelings aren't usually wrong," he declared with a proud smile.
Hiccup smiled a little. "Aww, thanks Gobber..." he grinned, then turned back to the tree. "Alright, well, if you feel so strongly about it... maybe I can," he shrugged.
"That's the spirit!" Gobber beamed.
"Hah! Yeah right!" Snotlout spat.
Hiccup narrowed his eyes, but didn't take them away from the tree. Taking a deep breath, he went over to it and wrapped his arms around it. He psyched himself up and began trying to pull it. He struggled for a bit, and to their surprise, it budged, just a little, but didn't come out quite yet. Snotlout laughed at his attempts. Gobber, excited over the little progress, tried to encourage him. "Come on, lad! Put your back into it! Try harder! Think of it as all the bullying you had gotten when you were younger, all in that tree, now tear it out!"
Hiccup thought about what he said for a moment, then turned around and presses his back against the tree like he had tried a few years ago. This time, he slid down a little, bracing his prosthetic at the base of the tree. He gripped it tightly, not budging from his spot this time, and pulled forward, growling, taking a step forward for further leverage, straining with the effort. The tree groaned, cracked, and shook, but finally, to their great amazement, he managed to yank it right out of the ground, stumbling forward a little until he regained his balance. Spitelout and Snotlout gaped at the sight of the large tree now resting over the back of the lanky Viking in disbelief.
Gobber howled with pride. "Yes! Yes! That's what I thought! You're stronger than you look!" he laughed happily. "That's what I'm talking about! I told you, lad! I told you! Oh wait until your father finds out!" Hiccup blushed deeply and tossed the tree aside, rubbing his neck bashfully. Maybe Gobber was right? Maybe there really was a Viking in him, after all? Gobber grinned broadly and slapped him across the back, nearly making him pitch forward from the force. "You're ready!" he decided.
Spitelout scoffed. Well, the Haddock boy was related to them, after all, even if it was a stretched relation. Still, it really was about time he manned up. "Come on, boy, we have more training to do," he frowned, leading his still stunned son off.
Later that evening, Hiccup had to endure his father and Gobber boasting and drinking in celebration when Gobber had told his dad the good news about Hiccup's surprising strength. Hiccup sighed wearily and let his eyes drift off, wishing he could be with his girlfriend instead, wondering if she was thinking about him as much as he was thinking about her. Gods, when had he become so obsessed with her? Oh, that's right, pretty much since they were five. Thor, how he longed to have her in his arms, squeeze her tight, breathe in her sweet scent, hear her purr with pleasure in his ear.
Speaking of hearing things, Hiccup's head hit the table and he groaned in exasperation then when the men started singing. "Seriously," he mumbled against the wood. "I just pulled a few trees out of the ground, I didn't actually win Thawfest or anything..." he sighed.
"That's just the point, son! With your strength this year, you could actually win it!" Stoick choked with emotion.
"You make it sound like I discovered how to create automatic crossbows or something... hmm..." Hiccup frowned thoughtfully. Now that was a thought. His back was promptly slapped with cheerful and painful enthusiasm, jostling him from his thoughts and almost from his seat. "Come, come, drink up, son!" Stoick handed him a tankard of mead.
"Should I be drinking before the competition?" Hiccup sighed, taking the mug.
"Oh one mug won't get you drunk, come on, we're celebrating!" Gobber grinned.
"Right, right, okay," Hiccup raised his mug and struck it against his father's and mentors, then joined them reluctantly.
Meanwhile, Astrid sat and listened with mild interest as her parents rattled on about rumors they heard of the Haddock boy tearing apart a tree with his bare hands. Now that sounded fantastic, but she knew rumors were usually exaggerated. Still, the fact that there even was a rumor about Hiccup, and related to strength, interested her greatly. What she wouldn't give to sneak into his room and find out for herself... but she saw Gobber go to his house earlier and knew there would be no chance to be with him tonight. Sighing longingly, she picked at the chicken leg on her plate and listened to her parents change the conversation to shipping lanes and armory related things. Astrid turned in early that night, deciding she needed her sleep before the festival.
Early the next morning, before everyone showed up for the festival, the riders met up there, watching the last minute touches of the decorations, including the contestant portraits being put up. "Hey 'Legs, you're not competing this time?" Hiccup asked in a slight slur, not seeing Fishleg's picture painted up at the board when he squinted through the painful sun light. He rubbed his aching head for a second, scowling to himself. One mug they said. Won't get drunk they said. Thor damn them. They made him drink six mugs, six. If he was as short as he had been, he wouldn't have been able to take three though, so he supposed it was something to feel accomplished over, he guessed.
"Nah, Meatlug and I decided there was too much competition this year," Fishlegs shrugged. "It's no big deal! It'll be fun to watch," he smiled.
"Hah! Yeah right!" Snotlout shouted mirthfully. "You just chickened out 'cause you couldn't handle going up against The Snot," he boasted.
"Snotlout, gods, not so loud," Hiccup groaned, rubbing his head again.
"Hiccup, do you have a hangover?" Astrid asked with great amusement.
Hiccup scowled. "Maybe..."
Snotlout snorted. "Lightweight. I never get drunk," he puffed proudly.
"Yeah right!" Astrid scoffed. "Remember last year during Snoggletog when Tuffnut swapped your wine for Johann's imported rum? Two mugs of that stuff and they had to drag you out!"
"That-That was different! That was some strong stuff!"
Tuffnut and Ruffnut went over to them from smacking themselves over the head with clubs in order to 'rate' them. "Actually, that rum had been watered down, it probably wasn't that much stronger than mead," the male twin sneered.
Snotlout flushed deeply. "Whatever... I'm still going to roast all of you! Just watch, the Jorgensons have never lost! Fishlegs out of the games will just make it all the easier for me to win," he grinned, then turned to Hiccup. "That stunt you pulled with those trees was a fluke!"
"Twice?" Hiccup smirked, then blushed and squirmed when Astrid narrowed her eyes disapprovingly.
"Whatever! It was luck! You'll still lose, just like every year! Face it, cus', you don't have it in you!" the shorter teen sneered, though it fell slightly at the way Hiccup was looking back at him. His cousin was silent and had a confident smirk on his face, making him shrink a little from his gloating and scowl.
Astrid crossed her arms and frowned a little, waiting for Hiccup to boast back, but was pleased when he didn't. Instead, to everyone's surprise, he put his hand out. "Here's to a good game, Snotlout. Good luck," he said.
Snotlout stared at the proffered hand before slapping it away. "I don't need luck," he huffed. "I'll win. I've always won," he glared, and walked off.
Hiccup didn't take the bait and simply lowered his hand again, then turned when his dad stepped through the gates, grinning at him. "Hey dad," he greeted him, then nearly collapsed onto the floor when the larger man slapped him over the shoulder amiable.
"I just came by to wish you luck, son!" Stoick smiled.
Astrid nodded to herself, appeased that Hiccup wasn't gloating so far. There had been that one moment, but Snotlout had deserved it anyway. He better keep that up and not have it be like it had been two years ago. Last year he had thrown the games as well, and now Astrid understood why, it was both so Snotlout would feel better after he had been yelled at so harshly by his father, and also to win Astrid's affection. The sneak.
It might have also been to make up for when Hiccup had reprimanded him so viciously, but she wasn't sure about that. In any case, this year, he didn't seem to have that intention, she just hoped he didn't turn into a bragging fool again, especially since he had a very high chance of winning now.
They all waited until the stalls filled, until the food was distributed, until they were all in position and ready. Hiccup was now eager to prove that he had grown stronger, faster, and more agile. All the strength building Gobber had sneaked in on him had proven effective in training, it was finally paying off. Finally, they were ready. Stoick then cried "Let the Thaw festival games begin!" and released the Terrible Terrors.
Just like every year, the first event was Sheep Lugging. "The contestants are once again lining up for the sheep lug!" said Mulch from his seat next to Bucket.
"It's a good day for lugging sheep, Mulch," Bucket beamed happily.
Mulch rolled his eyes fondly. "...Ah, yes... Bucket, it is, it always is, just like every other year..." he sighed.
Gobber went by and tossed the sheep on the backs of the contestants. Snotlout sneered at Hiccup, then scowled when he didn't seem bothered by the animal's weight as he had the previous two years. What was up with that? When did he suddenly get so much stronger? Snotlout huffed in agitation and looked back to the end destination, spitting on his hands and wiping it on his face in a misguided attempt to psyche himself up.
This was the first year Hiccup was as tall as he was and his lanky form not quite as skinny as it had been when he first started getting taller. Last year he had grown so much so fast he was still too weak to do much. The sheep was light over Hiccup's now broader shoulders, so used to now hauling very heavy supplies, chains, bags full of weapons, and everything else Gobber had forced him to do. With a slap to Bucket's bucket, the event was set off and the teens all began to run. Astrid's training proved effective as well, running faster than she had the previous two years with her own growth spurts. However, Hiccup's now freakishly long legs let him cut through the academy with ease, the sheep bleating in panic where the tall Viking held her securely against his shoulders.
Despite the fact she surely lost this one, Astrid watched with delight as her boyfriend strode over the finish line with an agility he hadn't had in previous games. The twins shrugged at the loss and tossed their sheep off them, then smirked at Snotlout as he growled angrily and shouted. "You might have taken first point, Hiccup, but there are still many more events!" Hiccup merely shrugged and smiled, watching his cousin storm out.
Astrid walked over. "Hiccup, while I don't plan on just giving up and losing, I'll of course support you if you win... I'll be keeping an eye on you though," she warned him.
Hiccup smiled knowingly. "Don't worry, I have no intention of gloating this time. I want to win fair and square this year," he declared.
Astrid smiled and nodded. "Good."
They waited for the next event to be set up then, watching Vikings bring in the rolling log and several bags of sad to cushion falls. When they were all ready, they climbs on top and waited for the event to be called. "Next up, everyone's favorite Thawfest tradition, the log roll event!" Mulch announced.
As soon as Bucket's head was smacked, it was on. The twins immediately smack into each other and fell off. Astrid ran pretty well, focusing on her balance, but the sand flinging up from where the twins fell, rushed into her face, blinding her for a second. She lost balance, tripped, and twisted herself so she would land gracefully as she fell off. She brushed the sand from her face and glowered at the sheepish looking twins, then looked back to the remaining two on the log.
Hiccup's long legs were to his disadvantage here, unfortunately. To everyone's cringe and shock, he slipped and fell crotch first against the log, spinning around for a second and hanging on until he was flung off, landing with a pained groan. Snotlout laughed gleefully. Because Snotlout was still closer to the log and stubbier, he was able to win this this point. "...Oh... gods..." Hiccup gasped in pain, trying to ignore the uncontrolled guffaws from his cousin nearby, laughing himself to tears at his misfortune.
"Thor!" Astrid gasped. "Hiccup!" she ran over and tried to help him. "Are you alright?" she asked worriedly, helping him to his feet while Toothless crooned with his version of concern.
"Don't worry, Hiccup! It's not like you had much of a chance to use what you crushed anyway!" Snotlout taunted gleefully.
Astrid saw the glare and the tightening of her boyfriend's jaw. "Don't take the bait," she advised him. "He's not the one getting any, is he?" she grinned.
Hiccup smiled a little, a bit consoled. "I wish I could rub it in his face... I mean, I know that's kind of shallow but-"
"-No, no, I agree with you," Astrid interrupted with a soft chuckle. "It'd be nice to bring him down a couple hundred pegs, tell him how much you make me scream in pleasure..." she chuckled at his completely reddened face. "He doesn't know just how much you really use your equipment," she winked.
"Astrid..." Hiccup squirmed, still very much in pain and now groaning with a bit more when he twinged with a bit of arousal. "Please don't arouse me, it hurts too much..." he whined.
Astrid immediately sobered and frowned worriedly again, though tried not to make a huge show of it in front of everyone. "Is it that bad?"
"Nah," Hiccup smiled weakly. "Don't worry about it."
Astrid wasn't convinced. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah... just sore in delicate parts... not like they were cut off or anything," he muttered a little shyly.
Astrid leaned in a little to him, deciding it was too much fun to just not tease him. "That's too bad, I like those delicate parts of yours..." she said playfully.
Hiccup's blushed darkly again. "I just need to get some ice and I'll be in working order in no time," he assured her.
Astrid swallowed a giggle and grinned again. "That's good to hear."
"Are you good to go, lad?" Mulch asked curiously.
"All good!" Hiccup called back.
Astrid grinned. "Really good... mmhmm..." she teased, earning another deep blush from her boyfriend.
Hiccup groaned again. "Astrid... please don't fluster me during the games..." he protested.
Astrid snickered. "No promises. Besides, I'm still in the game, so I gotta use everything I can to my advantage!"
Hiccup growled softly. "Using my desire for you is kind of cheating, you know..."
Astrid laughed a little. "You keep telling me all is fair in love and war, though I honestly don't know where you come up with those things. Still, it applies beautifully here, babe," she sneered teasingly, smirking at the scowl he gave her.
Snotlout sighed impatiently. "Can we get on with it already?"
"Alright then, now that we had concluded that the continuation of the Haddock line isn't in jeopardy, we can carry on!" Mulch announced, wincing at the almost identical glares from both Haddock men. "Uh, ehem. The next event is axe throwing! Remember contestants, accuracy is what matters most!"
Axe throwing was just a perilous with the twins in it as it was every year. As usual, the twins nearly sliced their own heads off and managed to fling the axes away, nearly killing several people. Snotlout, Astrid, and Hiccup all won a point. Astrid had almost lost, distracted by Hiccup. The way he had easily flung his axe so straight and precise, making it his the target dead center, made her quiver with hot appreciation. Gods, seeing him easily handle weapons like he now could shouldn't be so damn hot, but it was!
The days events were done with Hiccup and Snotlout with two points and Astrid with one. The twins dropped out from the next event, honestly simply interested in seeing the three duke it out than really participating. "That's all the events for today, join us tomorrow for the ever exciting dragon events!" Mulch announced.
The three remaining contestants walked off the stage and were met by their respective parents. Spitelout growled at Snotlout, telling him to get his act together. Meanwhile, Stoick went up to his son, ecstatic that he had won so many points that day. "Good job, son!" he congratulated him, beaming proudly, chest puffed with fatherly pride.
Hiccup rubbed his neck. "It was mostly luck, it's no big deal..." he said modestly.
Stoick laughed and smacked his shoulder cheerfully, nearly dislocating it. "Nonsense! You did fantastic!"
Hiccup blushed and smiled a little, trying to not let the doting attention get to him. He thanked his dad and then walked over to the others, regarding the twins. "You didn't have to drop out you know. Next time you should try concentrating more..." he advised them.
They shrugged. "Meh, it's more fun to mess around," Ruffnut mentioned.
"You said it sister," Tuffnut nodded.
Hiccup shrugged, and then turned to his cousin. "Hey Snotlout, uh, congratulations and all, I guess," he mentioned.
Snotlout snorted. "You'll see, I've gotten closer to Hookfang over the years, we'll win for sure!" he huffed.
Hiccup shrugged again. "Maybe, who knows. Good luck."
Snotlout stared a little in confusion, not getting why Hiccup was being so friendly today, then snorted and got on Hookfang, flying off.
Astrid saw the exchange and smiled approvingly at the attitude. A little bit later, at the gate, when everyone was out of sight, she pulled him to her and kissed his cheek. Hiccup grinned and leaned in again, but she halted him from trying more, placing a finger over his lips. "That's for being a good sport today," she told him.
Hiccup's brow rose with interest. "And what is my reward if I'm good sport tomorrow too?" he asked curiously, kissing her finger.
Astrid blushed deeply at the little kiss and pulled her hand away, fidgeting slightly. She forced herself to calm down, good gods it was just a little kiss on her hand! It wasn't like he sucked her finger or anything, jeez... Huh, ideas, speaking of which. Astrid grinned. "More," she said simply and shrugged.
Hiccup's eyes danced then. "I'm looking forward to more."
Astrid laughed softly. "You would be," she smiled, then stroked his cheek. "Good night," she cooed. They all separated to their homes, getting mixed receptions from their parents. Astrid was honestly not that crazy about winning Thawfest that year, more interested in what might happen afterward, actually. That night Astrid had the urge to sneak into Hiccup's room, but held back, not wanting to touch him until the end of the games, to make their union all the sweeter... as long as he kept up the good attitude, of course.
The next day was the dragon event. The first event was hurtles. Toothless was still the most agile and Hiccup's latest tweaks to his saddle and his armor made them more fluid, more aerodynamic. Astrid had also been practicing and earned a point as well. Snotlout was overeager and accidentally made Hookfang slap into the sides of the obstacles this time, a head-on collision that angered the Monsterous Nightmare. Hookfang huffed in frustration and flamed up, making Snotlout jump off and screech in pain, landing in a trow. He winced then at the disappointed look on his dad's face.
The talent display was next. Hiccup and Toothless flew straight up, high into the clouds, then they dove back down. Hiccup released himself from the saddle, making everyone gasp. They spun in the air around each other, circling gracefully, Hiccup stretching his arms and Toothless his wings out. They got close to the ground and everyone were on their toes. Astrid cringed, her hands tightening on Stormfly's saddle, who chirped slightly with her own concern for the two males. Hiccup then suddenly reattached before he could get too close to the ground and yanked on the saddle, shooting straight over the crowd, spinning over them. Everyone roared with cheer at the daredevil display and he earned highest marks.
Astrid prepared her own display. She had her Deadly Nadder fly back a bit, then shot out, spinning round and round with horizontally, then stopped with her abruptly and blasted upwards. They spun some more, with Stormfly's wings tucked in. Her wings snapped open then and Astrid flipped in the air, landing on her hands. They drifted back down slowly and gracefully, with Astrid still balanced perfectly on the saddle, easily rolling over and onto the ground once they landed. Everyone cheered again, earning her highest marks as well.
Snotlout's anger at being showed up by them completely distracted him. He had intended on showing a combination of fireballs and the wing blasts Astrid had shown him how to do, creating a ring of flame and flying through it, but he was much too testy to focus. He yanked hard on Hookfang's horns, making the Nightmare snort in frustration and smack him, knocking him off in retaliation. "Hookfang!" Snotlout shouted in indignation. In response, Hookfang growled and nudged Snotlout, in his own way telling him to cut the crap. Snotlout scowled but scratched Hookfang's chin discreetly, apologizing. He tried not to notice the glower his father was sending him.
Fly and shoot was the next event. As it happened, the targets were all set up in similar positions as they had been for the past couple Thawfest events. Hiccup and Astrid both won a point for excellent accuracy. Hookfang had been getting the short end of the stick of his rider's irritation and anger the whole day and had just about enough from the hatchling's attitude. So, he decided to punish his rider for being such an ass that day and went crazy, shooting every target in sight, completely on purpose this time.
Hiccup tried not to be too excited about actually having an excellent chance of winning this year with the most points so far. Astrid was still behind, but she didn't really care. She appraised her lover appreciatively, relieved he was being good and still not boasting, even though his chest was puffed and he was trying hard not to smile too widely. He was trying at least, which is what mattered most. Astrid waited until everyone was out of site and dragged him to the side, surprising him by pushing her tongue into his mouth. Hiccup moaned into the kiss, happy to receive such a nice prize. Astrid pulled away before Hiccup could take advantage of the pleasant situation and backed away from him with a little smile. "Astrid..." Hiccup whined, reaching for her.
"Patience," Astrid grinned.
"You're killing me..." Hiccup chuckled, but didn't try anything.
"Just wait," Astrid winked.
That night, Astrid sneaked in some Moon Tea before bed, planning on giving Hiccup much more than a kiss by the end of tomorrow this year, if he stayed good, lost or won. Either way he would get a very pleasant reward. And she would of course get a consolation prize for losing the games. The thought of being with him in his bed, hot, panting, and moaning, quelled the competitive frustration within her. Oh yes, totally worth losing for.
The next day the final event was decided to be just like it had been two years ago. An obstacle course race. It started out without dragons, just like before, with challenges and the need to use strength, speed, and agility. Hiccup proved that his agility was again on point, and Astrid's was unquestioned. Snotlout had tried to get at Hiccup, tried to make him lose, but by doing so, giving in to his frustration, he had not been focusing completely and fell into the water during the climb. Hookfang had been nearby and scooped him up, taking him back.
In the end, Hiccup and Astrid both won the points. Since Astrid was one point behind, Hiccup was then announced as the winner and was given the metal. Everyone cheered ecstatically, chanting his name enthusiastically. Hiccup flushed at the attention and waved at them, then tried to shake hands with each of them. Snotlout was hesitant but eventually and reluctantly took his hand. He snorted then and yanked his hand away. "You did... fine... pure luck, but whatever," he growled, begrudgingly impressed by him, then turned and left, trying to ignore his dad scolding him.
When Hiccup reached his hand out to Astrid, she grinned and squeezed it a little, giving him a promising look. Hiccup grinned right back at her, then was distracted by his father who grabbed him and crushed him in a hug, laughing and shouting how proud he was and how they were going to celebrate his first ever win! Hiccup pried himself out of his dad's embrace and gasped for breath, thanking him weakly.
That evening at the Great Hall, Hiccup and Astrid sat together and watched with amusement as Stoick and Gobber sang badly next to a keg of mead, entertaining those around them. Astrid could tell Hiccup felt proud of himself and was happy that his dad was proud of him too. She took his hand and smiled brightly at him, happy for him. Hiccup grinned back and they turned back to watch cheerfully. Gobber grabbed Hiccup then, "No! No, come on!" Hiccup protested, being forced to join in on the crazy dancing with them while everyone cheered them on. Astrid laughed both in amusement and quite fondly at the display.
That night, Astrid waited for her parents to be asleep as she did often, and crept out of her house, dashing across the courtyard to her boyfriend's house swiftly and with much experience by now. She slunk into the house and sneaked by Stoick's room, hearing him snoring away. She scurried up the ladder to Hiccup's room and found him sitting at the edge of his bed, his foot tapping impatiently. "Astrid," Hiccup grinned shooting up from the bed.
Astrid walked over. "Will your dad wake up?' she asked curiously.
Hiccup shook his head. "No way, he drank a lot of mead to celebrate, he's completely out of it."
Astrid smiled. "Good," she said simply, then promptly began to strip, tearing her shirt off and stepping out of her skirt. "You deserve your reward for being a good sport and for winning like a champ," she said with a knowing smile, removing her leggings and her bindings with very fast and practiced ease. "Well? What are you waiting for..?" she raised a brow, noticing the usual starstruck expression on his slackjawed face whenever she tore her clothes off in front of him. After about four months since their second time, they had done all they could to find moments to get used to each other, and many times in a row, so this wasn't at all an unusual experience for them.
Hiccup snapped out of it in an instant. By now he was no longer shy and hesitant. In fact, he knew well how much she liked it when he was just as casual and confident when he removed his clothes, having accepted the fact that she adored his body, slenderness and all. As predicted, Astrid watched him, biting her lip with pleasure as he pulled his own clothes off, exposing his solid erection to her as he finished, kicking out of his pants. He went back over to the bed and sat down, sliding back against his bed's headboard. He got comfortable and smiled half-liddedly at her, patting his thigh invitingly, before wrapping his hand around his length and stroking himself a little in a completely suggestive manner.
Astrid shuddered and felt great desire pulse hotly between her legs at the invitation. She smiled saucily at him and sauntered over, crawling over the bed to sit on his lap, resting up against his erection. "So are you still sore from the games?" she asked curiously, leaning over to kiss his broad jaw, gingerly scratching the very light scruff she found there.
Hiccup's eyes shut in pleasure for a second and slid his hands over her hips, dragging his finger tips down to her legs. "I was able to get some ice on me and some good rest. I'm all better now," he promised.
Astrid grinned simply and leaned over to kiss him, her tongue working him into a dizzying frenzy. Astrid moaned softly at the little nibble he gave her bottom lip and pressed into his erection again, grinding a little and earning a soft groan from him. With a slight pant and a dark blush, Hiccup pulled away slightly. "If having you with me is the prize I get for winning, I'm going to try extra hard each year..." he murmured.
Astrid laughed and stroked his face delicately. "Good, I like it when you put in effort," she cooed. She the leaned back away from him and placed her hand on his chest, signaling for him to stay put. Hiccup's brow rose with interest but obeyed. His eyes widened and he moaned lightly when she smiled slyly and wrapped her hand around his cock, rubbing it gently, making him shudder and pant. "How long do you think it'll be until your dad wakes up after a night of celebrating?"
Hiccup struggled to concentrate on his words. "He... usually... uuh..." his eyes rolled a little when she rubbed the tip of his length then. "Usually... he doesn't wake until... early aftern-noon... the next day..." he groaned again.
Astrid grinned again. "Good," she smirked, then pulled her hand away and slid down his body, settling herself between his legs and getting comfortable. Hiccup watched with heart-pounding anticipation as she very lightly kissed his rigid erection, slowly and lovingly. Astrid smiled when her boyfriend fell back against the headboard with an excited moan. "Tonight is your night, babe," she said in a husky tone, gently pushing him back against the headboard.
Hiccup shuddered and his head fell back, feeling her warm, wet lips wrap around the head of his cock. "F-Freyja..." he moaned, biting his lip hard, chest rising and falling quickly with his labored breathing, pleasure shooting through him like a smoldering blaze through his veins.
Astrid smiled against him, feeling him trembling and whimpering as she really got going, tilting her head a little to take more of him in, making sure to drag her tongue along his sensitive skin. Hiccup gripped the edges of his bed hard, twisting and panting where he sat, trying very hard not to shout to the heavens as she did everything she knew how to render his attempts useless. She was at his disposal tonight, listening to every whine and request, giving him everything he asked for.
Smiled against him again, she reached over then to rhythmically massage his balls, tenderly squeezing and kneading them in her hand as she slid her other hand under his thigh, pushing him up further, encouraging him to thrust up and down with each dip of her mouth. "Mmnng!" Hiccup growled, trying to keep silent, trying to keep his hips from violently jerking into her as he braced his feet on either side of her, pumping his hips gently.
Astrid appreciated his efforts to be gentle, happily using his thrusting to her advantage, taking in more of his cock with each rush upwards, inch by inch. By now she had learned how to breathe and was proud of how much pleasure she could bring him by doing this for him. She hummed against him, sultry purrs of pleasure, just like he did for her when he went down on her and got a similar reaction. Hiccup cried out and nearly crushed his head back against the wall behind his bed. "A-Astrid!" he cried desperately, turning red from his efforts to not holler into the night. Astrid grinned and stroked his thighs affectionately, then slid her hand over him.
"Uhh..!" Hiccup gasped, straining more as she began twisting her fist gently at the base of his length, her lips still firmly dragging up and down, suckling hard. "Ast...rid I... Ast-Astrid..! I'm-I'm going to..!" he clenched his teeth tightly, moaning through them as he felt himself swell to the point he couldn't hold it back anymore. "Astrid..!" he cried, choking and gasping, barely managing to stop himself from howling. Hiccup shuddered deeply, gasping for breath, then felt her tap his thigh and made him look back at her.
Hiccup whimpered as he watched her shut her eyes with desire, moaning softly, letting him feel the vibration running down his throbbing shaft as she took in his seed. He felt her tongue stroking as she greedily swallowed, lapping at him up sensually and he exalted the gods for her. "Astrid... oh Thor... Astrid..!" he whined and praised her, shivering in pleasure as he finished.
Astrid kept him steady and stayed where she was, mouth locked snugly over him until he didn't have more to give. Once he was done, Astrid pulled very delicately away, letting her hot tongue slide over him as she pulled him out of her mouth. Hiccup watched with his lips slightly parted, dazed and awed. Astrid leaned back and smiled, her eyes swimming with her love for him, and then climbed onto his lap, straddling him again.
"We're just getting started, babe. Ready for the next... event?" she asked in a low, seductive tone, stroking the sensitive spot on one of his ears tenderly, her other hand caressing him again. Hiccup shuddered and whimpered excitedly where he rested, his hands twitching eagerly, now sliding over her hips.
Yes, sometimes winning graciously was definitely as good as losing graciously, and that night, Astrid made sure to reward him well for it.
End A/N: Yay! Thawfest! I thought Hiccup deserved his own chapter lol and I couldn't resist writing in Thawfest with his improved physique! I probably exaggerated it a little, but oh well. And Hiccup won legitimately this time! Woo! His reward for being a good sport was definitely better and much more than a kiss this time, haha! This chapter originally wasn't really meant to be a smutty one, which is why the sexy scene is so short, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway.
Shout-Outs:
Mia: YES! Thank you! Lol! So inappropriate but it has to happen! I'll give them all of my wallet moths for it, haha! Writing Hiccup being naughty is a little bit too much fun lol.
OechsnerC: Thanks!
1993: You ask, I deliver lol.
M3CH3RZ: Thank you! I appreciate the kind words!
Resisting-Moonlight: Happy birthday again! Glad you liked it!
Me: I know, which is why I laughed lol.
Person: Yay smut! Thank you and I agree about the modern AU stuff. I do intend on writing more in the future.
wikelia: Hiccup won't be pushed around anymore lol. I have a feeling she likes it when he gets her back like that, risky and sexy.
The bitch: Lol it would be amusing! Maybe in a separate story.
TheDragonsKnight: It makes me happy to hear that lol.
Holly0225: They're fantastic and a lot of fun to write! I laugh every time they're on screen lol.