The breeze blew across Hiccup's face as he flew back to Berk. It had been a long three days, but he finally had the rose. Hiccup patted his satchel, where the precious cargo was stored. It hadn't been an easy journey. There had been falling cliffs, crazy monkeys, and some remaining Dagur loyalties, but Hiccup had survived with the thought of returning back to Astrid in his mind.

As Hiccup flew over Berk, he tried to spot Astrid amongst the crowds. For some odd reason, there were lots of people out today, rushing around like the end of the world was coming. It puzzled him, until he caught sight of Astrid. But that wasn't the caring, loving Astrid he had grown to admire. That was a screaming, berserk Astrid, with a flailing axe and an angry dragon. Hiccup could almost see foam forming at the corners of her mouth.

Hiccup flew down to Astrid, but placed his hand on Inferno, a flaming sword designed by Hiccup himself, just in case it wasn't Hiccup's absence that had driven her into a frenzy. He landed quietly behind her.

Hiccup tightened his grip around Inferno and whispered her name, "Astrid."

Astrid stopped. Hiccup called her name again, a little louder.

"Astrid."

She slowly turned around to face him. Hiccup looked into her eyes, and a pang of guilt rushed through him. He could see the hurt, the loss, the torment she had gone through. He remembered the note, where he had said he would be back in a few hours. That hadn't been true. Hiccup whispered her name, one last time.

"Astrid."

She jumped. Hiccup grabbed Inferno but there was no need. Astrid tackled him to the ground, her lips crashing into his. She settled into a hug, pulling Hiccup closer to her. Her breathing became heavy and Hiccup's leather flight suit became wet as Astrid sobbed into his chest.

"I thought you were dead…I thought I would never see you again. I though…"

Hiccup stroked Astrid's hair as she continued to cry. Hiccup knew that Astrid didn't have to love him still. What he had done, after everything that had happened, was despicable. But he wasn't stupid. He knew not to stop her, just to hold her in his arms until everything was okay.

They stayed like that for hours. Many people came, but backed off when they saw the situation. Hiccup would smile at them, and they would nod in approval, before silently heading off. The sun had set by the time Astrid began to talk again.

"Why Hiccup? Why did you go?"

"Because I thought I was going to lose you."

Astrid pulled herself up into a sitting position, and looked Hiccup straight into his eyes.

"Hiccup, you will never lose me. You know that."

Hiccup looked to the ground.

"After our fight, I wasn't all that confidant."

"You shouldn't risk your life for me."

Astrid watched as Hiccup raised his eyes, staring straight into her own. His undying love for her shone from his very soul, the passion he had for her could not be hidden.

"I don't have that option. I made the promise that I would look after you, even through death. That means that I need to risk my life."

"So, what did you get that was so necessary?"

Hiccup pulled his satchel from around his neck, and place it on the ground between them.

"Open it."

Astrid gently opened the bag, and reached her hand in. Slowly, she pulled out the rose, her fingers curling around it as if it were made of glass. The moonlight illuminated the rare desert rose, and tears flowed down her face once more. Hiccup brushed his hand against her face, brushing away the fresh tears.

"Astrid, milady. I am so very sorry for what I have done. You are right. I should tell you when I am leaving, and you have the right to know where. I solemnly promise that this is the last time I will brush over the truth. I promise that before I leave, I will notify you of when and where I am headed. You are too precious for me to lose over a stupid fight. Please forgive me. Please return to me, as my wife."

Astrid looked back once more at the desert rose. It's intricate design and complex colours were what Astrid loved about the flower. The deep scarlet on the edges, slowly moving towards the centre while becoming a vibrant pink, and then white. She smiled, as she thought of everything that Hiccup would have gone through to get her this, the struggles and the dangers. She played with the engagement necklace around her neck, the smooth stone engraved with the words 'You, and me, as one'. She rubbed her thumb over its surface, before locking her sight into his gaze."Every rose has its thorns, just as every petal has its pattern. We will have our victories and defeats, just as the waves go up and down on the ocean. I chose you Hiccup. And I will never leave you. Not now, not ever. I love you, Hiccup Haddock."

"And I you, Astrid Haddock."

And the rose fell to the ground, as they shared a kiss, gentle and soft. As they pulled away, they stared into each others eyes. The rich forest green of Hiccup's eyes mixed into the royal blue of Astrid's. Hiccup could feel their souls intertwining, Astrid could feel their hearts combining. They both smiled. Hiccup rose to his feet, and offered his hand to Astrid. She took it, and they walked home in the moonlight, leaving the desert rose behind. Because it is not the destination that counts, its the journey that was made.