As Chief and General

"General!"

Astrid spun about, a ready smile at the ready with the title. It was strange- and definitely took some getting used to. And even though the "gang" still called her Astrid (which she didn't mind in the least, in fact, she wouldn't have it any other way), the villagers now addressed her as General Hofferson of Berk's main force and right-hand-man (maiden?) of the chief.

"Yeah, Bucket?" She asked, hand on her hip as she tilted her head in question. "What's up?"

The heavyset man stumbled to a halt, bending over as he pointed weakly towards the village. "Chief… needs ya…"

Astrid stiffened slightly, feeling a wave of worry wash over her as she eyed Bucket for more information. "What's wrong?"

"Didn't say! He's at the forge- said he needed to talk to you."

She relaxed, hoping that Hiccup only needed her for what Bucket said- a talk. Hoping nothing was seriously wrong. Not wrong as in "Berk", but as in… well… him.

"Thanks, Bucket." With that she ducked past him, running down the streets and passed the newly built houses until she caught sight of the Forge ahead. She double checked, remembering with a little huff that this was Hiccup's day off… he shouldn't be at the Forge! He should be off and out of the village for the day, letting she and Valka handle all the business of Berk.

She skidded to a slow once she reached the door, ducking under the doorway and stepping inside the hot building. She caught sight of Hiccup clanging about with tools towards the back besides the stifling forge, the heat so intense she hesitated to enter.

"Ho, General Hoff!" Hiccup called out pleasantly, that little nickname slipping once more. Astrid smiled and found her heart lighten. She could tell that this was not a serious and grief talk Hiccup wished to have- in fact, he seemed to be in a very carefree mood, eyes bright and sparkling and his signature dorky smile meeting her.

"You called, Chief?" She asked with a smirk.

He lifted an eyebrow, but played along. "Yes, my General- trouble I'm afraid."

"Hm, and what might that trouble be?"

"You've deprived your man of attention… and he's withering away slowly..." Hiccup's face switched from smiling to playfully woeful, his hands dropping the large set of tongs and instead gesturing dramatically, making him look mockingly sorrowful. "Such a cruel death, General…"

Astrid snorted and leaned back against a wooden table, arms crossed and head held high as she watched in amusement. "Is that right?"

"Yes." Hiccup nodded, prosthetic still clicking against the pedal manning the Forge as his hands automatically reached out and switched gears. "So… you are the General, milady. Fix the little problem?"

She rolled her eyes and leaned further against the table, scooting down into a more comfortable slouch. "Nah, I think he'll survive."

Hiccup paused, brow furrowing and he just looked so puzzled Astrid couldn't help but giggle. "But…" He pouted, tilting his head and sending his sweaty auburn hair bouncing. "-but Astrid…"

At the use of her name, Astrid straightened up and stepped around the work bench and anvil, sliding up to hug Hiccup from behind, resting her head against his shoulder. She smiled, then frowned as she gathered a very unflattering smell. She pulled back slightly with a crinkle of her nose, Hiccup laughing quietly as he craned his neck to see her.

"Sorry, it's really hot in here…" Hiccup laughed, while she pulled away and fanned her nose.

"You need a bath." She pinched her nose for emphasis. "How long have you been in here?"

"Last… four hours? I dunno-"

"So you missed lunch?"

Hiccup blinked owlishly, foot coming to a halt as did everything else in the Forge, the noise and racket dying down. He laughed nervously, waving her off easily.

"Maybe…" He admitted.

"Breakfast too, I bet?"

"Er- breakfast?"

Astrid sighed and closed her eyes, tilting her head skyward as though begging Thor himself to dub this idiot some common sense. "Hiccup, you should eat-"

"I'm not hungry." Hiccup spun around and crossed his arms.

Astrid glared at him, "Well, we're going to the Hall immediately and getting you something to eat, Little Chief."

Hiccup choked slightly as he coughed, "Little- Chief!?" Hiccup laughed, "I like "My Chief" so much better."

"Eat, then you'll be My Chief. Got it? Listen to the General." Astrid teased back, poking him in the ribs with her elbow.

"Yes ma'am, General Hoff!" Hiccup mock saluted, still giggling as he did so.

She laughed with him, stopping only when she felt his arms wrap about her, his face pressing against his back as he murmured a soft thanks.

"Anytime, babe." She replied, resting her hands over his arms which crossed over her front. She turned and nuzzled her nose into his messy (and smelly) hair. "Everyone needs time off from being responsible."

"You don't." Hiccup mumbled. "You make it through without breaks-"

"I don't have nearly as many responsibilities as you do. Me, I just have charge of a few guards. You? You have charge of an entire village." She pressed a kiss into his hair. "You deserve a get-away."

"Thank you." Hiccup breathed. "Toothless thanks you too. Our flights are the only thing that help the poor guy escape his fangirls."

Astrid laughed softly. "He'll find his own General soon enough."