Astrid lay on her side looking at her husband. Even in her head that sounded strange. The soft morning light was coming in lighting up his face, his hair looking as red as Stoik's had been in the light. It made her think of a time about five years ago when he had come to ask her a favor.

5 years ago

Astrid was always an early riser. She would take her axes and go to train until most people would be awake on Berk. Now that she had Stormfly, practice had been more interesting. Stormfly could shoot spikes at her, Astrid could practice stealth or any number of things. One morning she was throwing her axe at a tree when she heard a rustling in the bushes. Just as she was about to throw Hiccup appeared. "Hey Astrid. Hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not really just getting in some solo practice, before meeting everyone at the academy."

"I actually wanted to talk to you about that."

"What about it?" He had stopped looking at her. His gaze on his shuffling feet.

"Well….It's...I don't want you to feel like you have to. It would be nice…. But…"

"Hiccup." He stopped and managed to look at her. "You're doing that stammering thing again. Just spit it out."

"Do you think you could help train me? Without the others knowing?"

"Oh…. umm. Are you sure you want my help?"

"Well you are the best fighter in the Riders." He paused, "You don't have to. I just….it seems I have a habit lately of getting into scrapes. I know I won't always be able to think my way out. I'll never have the muscles like the other guys but I'd like to at least have a chance."

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" he asked

"You say something smart or logical and then put yourself down. If you didn't notice the people on Berk have been better these last 2 years. They are starting to get the way you think."

"Guess I'm still getting used to it."

"Well….You're going to have to get up early and do as I say."

"I can do that."
"Tomorrow at dawn. Here."

"Ok. I'll see you at the academy."

Present

"What are you thinking about Milady?" His eyes opening to stare into Astrid's.

"I was thinking about that morning you came to ask me to train you."

"Why?" His eyebrow shooting up, as he blushed.

"Because that's when you really started being confident in yourself," she trailed a hand down his arm. "Plus you started gaining muscle."

"Was that all it took? Confidence and muscle definition." She hit him.

"You now that's not true." she paused. Her finger tracing over various scars and marks on his chest. "Though it did help last night."

"In what way?"

"Hiccup! Don't ask me to tell you."

"You brought it up Milday. I just want you to be and stay as happy as I am." He pulled her close kissing her. "Speaking of last night….how're you feeling?" His hand trailing down her side.

"I'm good. A little bruise on my hip from bumping into the table but nothing I can't handle."

"You sure?" He kissed her neck, working his way down her side. She laughed as his little whiskers tickled her side.

"Hiccup! Don't tickle me." She grabbed his chin, making him look at her. "We should get washed and dressed." She laughed again as he frowned. "The morning after gifts at the great hall remember?"

He rolled on to his back, sighing. "Do we have to?"

"I believe it was you who reminded me that we are supposed to uphold the traditions." She kissed the pout still on his face, "It's a few hours and then we get to leave for a few days."

"I guess there is that." He turned to face her, "Would you like to bathe first Milady?"

"How about you join me?" Astrid jumped out of bed and ran for the bathing room. "Hurry slow poke or all the warm water will be gone."

"That's cheating! I have to attach my foot!"