The Morning After

Hiccup woke from a nice long slumber after a very eventful evening yesterday. Toothless must have been recovering from the long night as it was usually the Night Fury's habit to stamp on the Haddock's roof when he wanted his morning flight with Hiccup. The Dragon was surprisingly quiet this morning, given how late it was. The Haddock shuffled a little in his bed, and realized he was not the sole occupant. He looked down and froze. Astrid was fast asleep, snuggled into his chest with a content smile on her lips. Hiccup took a moment to calm himself and lifted his quilt, he sighed with relief, glad that they were both still clothed with the exception of their armour and boots. In a way he was disappointed, another way he was relieved. He hoped one day their relationship would reach that level, but right now he didn't to ruin his fledging relationship with the Hofferson by rushing into something that important in a drunken haze. He smiled and planted a small kiss on the Shield Maiden's forehead, she stirred and opened her eyes, smiling at him.

'Morning Hiccup,' she chirped, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

'Morning milady,' he returned with a smile of his own.

'So, what you've been doing while I've been sleeping.'

'Just woke up myself actually, wondering why Toothless hasn't woke up for our morning flight.' He looked into to her eyes and gave a big grin. 'As well as admiring the beauty by my side.' He received a light punch.

'Flatterer. You have a way with words, I'll give you that.'

The couple remain nestled in Hiccup's bed for a few more minutes before deciding to get up. They both washed, put on their armour and went down the stairs that led to the ground floor. There was a note on the table, Hiccup went over and picked it up. It was from his Dad.

Hiccup,

Thought you could do with a lay in today, given that you've earned it given yesterday events. I'm proud how you conducted yourself. If you need me for anything, Thornado and I will be in the Great Hall, if not ask for me. You'll find Toothless outside, hung-over, but alive (or last time I checked). I'll see you soon, maybe.

Dad

P.S. I saw Astrid go upstairs with you last night, well played son, hasty, but well played.

Hiccup blushed and chuckled to himself, showing Astrid the note left by his Father. As she read and blushed herself, Hiccup swelled with pride knowing that his Chief was jubilant over the way he had managed himself yesterday, though he would have to explain to the elder Haddock that nothing happened other than him sharing a bed with Astrid. He knew even if he said these words he would still raise eyebrows among the more traditional Vikings, them hearing these words and then getting the wrong end of the stick, he would have to explain things to Stoick clearly and discreetly. Astrid finished reading the note and looked to Hiccup, he understood the look on her face.

'Don't worry, I'll explain everything,' he stated, taking Astrid's hand and planting a kiss on it. She nodded and returned a smile. She trusted him.

'Well, lets check on the Dragons and find your Dad then, as much I'd like to spend all day goofing off with you, I want to see how Stormfly's feeling after last night, plus we can clear things with the Chief so no gossip or wedding treaty negotiations start,' she returned, both blushing and chuckling nervously at the last.

Both exited the Chief's House and went off to get their Dragons, Hiccup found Toothless in the Thornado's stable. The Thunderdrum must have been feeling charitable and had let the younger Dragon sleep off his hangover somewhere in the shade, with a trough of drinking water and cold cooked mutton nearby. Hiccup went to his Dragon and gave a quick look over. Except from being in a deep slumber, he was alright, Astrid came back from her house, it appeared that Stormfly was in no better condition for flying.

'Looks like we're walking, the good old Viking way eh,' said Hiccup.

'It would seem so,' returned Astrid and both proceeded to make their way to the Great Hall.

Stoick had woken up early in high spirits, and nothing could dampen his mood. He had settled three lengthy disputes concerning purchases and property, an annoying baby naming ceremony (not another girl called Magnus), dealt with kids accused of yak tipping and even Mildrew's Complaint of the Day. He had conducted his Chief duties with a big grin plastered on his face.

His son had done him proud. He'd thought he was at his proudest when his Heir had beaten the Red Death and made Peace with the Dragons. He thought he had been his proudest when the lad had sacrificed his freedom and possibly his life to the Outcasts to save the Village. He thought he had been his proudest when Hiccup had found the Treasure of Hamish the First. The lad never ceased to amaze him. Stoick regretted all of the times he had scolded his son, taking him for granted, he was glad they had seen each other eye to eye and worked to mend their strain relationship as Father and Son. Hiccup had done him proud. He had won the Thawfest Games, twice technically, given the Jorgenson's dispute, beaten Spitelout's lad in armed combat, surprising the entire population of Berk, and had publicly shown his feelings to Astrid Hofferson for all to see. Stoick was glad for his son, over how he changed over the last year, whilst still remaining the Hiccup everyone had come to like, or in some cases, love. He had paraded the lad around the Great Hall, everyone, minus the pro-Jorgensons, wanting to offer him a drink, pat on the back or handshake, how he had put Snotlout back in his place and had continued to enjoy himself. He grinned, remembering seeing Hiccup go upstairs with Astrid the night before. He knew Hiccup would behave appropriately, his actions over Thawfest had proven that.

He was standing in the Forge, listening to Gobber going on about old stories of the two when they were younger and the deeds they could boast. The Chief was half listening to his old friend, having remembered the talk he had had with Spitelout earlier that morning. He told the Jorgenson the same of what Hiccup had said to him, word to word. About how the elder Viking had placed pressure on his son and that Snotlout rode a Monstrous Nightmare thanks to Hiccup and that both Jorgensons should never forget that. Spitelout had listened quietly and grudgingly, processing what the Chief had said to him. He could not make a concrete response to Stoick, merely stating it was tradition to preserve the winning streak no matter the cost. In the present, the Chief narrowed his eyes, recalling when Snotlout had insulted Valka's memory in front of Hiccup, Stoick and half of the entire village. He had tried to spoil his son's day, trying to get at him one more time, the result had been Hiccup shouting Snotlout down and threatening a duel if he dared to repeat his insults again. He had seen himself in his son and saw the resemblance in the younger Viking more clearly then ever before. He'd make a great Chief one day. Stoick beamed to himself and continued to listen to Gobber's ramblings.

Gobber had gone quiet, catching Stoick's attention immediately. Gobber had started shuffling around, Stoick knew these signs well, the blacksmith usually behaved like this when an awkward or nervous situation occurred or was about to occur. Stoick turned around and found himself looming over none other than Snotlout Jorgenson. The young Viking, still reeking of ale and stale sweat, was shuffling his feet and fidgeting nervously, no sign of the usually boastful and obnoxious Jorgenson, his features give the impression that he was looking for something. He then spoke a question that would take that plastered grin off the Chief's face and sour his mood.

'Chief, why is no one paying me any attention?'

Cheers for the wait, guys. Try to keep updating as soon as possible. Thanks for the patience and reviews.