DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the characters from the HTTYD series or any of the ideas to the plots. My ideas are inspired by a collective of stories that I have come across. But I am always open for any ideas that could help with the story. I might also mess up with some details but I will try my best for the story. Without a further ado I will let you get on with the reading, enjoy!

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Astrid breathed heavily as she threw her axe into a large tree stump, a satisfying 'thunk' coming out from wood.

"I don't know whether or not I should regret giving that to you," Hiccup said from behind her. She turned around to see him leaning against the side of the cave entrance. His shirt was thrown across his shoulder as he looked at her. Astrid paused as she watched him and his physical shape. He had several scars and scratches all over his body, some bigger and more prominent than others. She also saw that he had a decent build, not too bulky like most vikings but Astrid could still tell he had muscle. She was also surprised that she could see an outline of his abs as well. "Don't stare too hard," Hiccup said jokingly and Astrid quickly turned around, feeling her face get hot. "How does it feel," he asked her as she walked over and pulled it out of the stump.

"Feels good," she told him as she pressed the button and retracted the two metal blades. "So what are we doing today," Astrid asked him.

"How did you know I was planning something," Hiccup asked with an amused look on his face.

"I can tell by the look on your face," Astrid pointed out as she turned around to face him. "So what are we doing today," she asked again.

"We are going to go into town," Hiccup told her, confusing Astrid in the process.

"What do you mean," Astrid asked him, "Last I checked there is no town to go into here."

"There are other islands with towns of their own," Hiccup told her. "We'll have a decent flight ahead of us so we should leave soon," he added. Astrid nodded as Hiccup turned to leave the room and then Astrid made her way to the washroom. She quickly cleaned herself up and changed into a set of fresh clothes. She walked back into the main room to see Hiccup hooking Toothless's saddle into place.

"Are you familiar with where we are going," Astrid asked as Hiccup connected the last buckle.

"You could say that," Hiccup told her as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"What do you mean," Astrid asked, knowing that Hiccup was hiding something.

"Well Toothless and I didn't just stumble onto this place at first," Hiccup explained. "We ventured from place to place and tried our best to keep to ourselves. At times we needed to hunker down and where we are going I stayed for quite a while." Astrid watched Hiccup and saw a soft smile on his face but it was a sad one as he remembered the memories once again.

"You met someone didn't you," Astrid asked and Hiccup slowly nodded.

"What was her name," Astrid asked softly, seeing it in Hiccup's eyes knowing that it was a girl.

"Ashley," Hiccup said as he sat down in an open chair and looked down at his hands.

"How did you meet her," Astrid asked as she sat down in the other open chair.

"Her father owns a pub in a big shipping town, nothing fancy but a nice place," Hiccup recalled. "I stumbled in there when it was raining, just trying to get dry. Some sailors were causing some trouble and were harassing her. She obviously didn't enjoy their presence so I decided to step in and help her." He let out a chuckle and then shook his head at the thought, "Man, did I get my ass kicked. Eventually some other people got the sailors off of me but I was a bloody beaten mess. Her family took me in and me and Ashley just kinda hit it off from there."

"How old were you when you met," Astrid asked.

"We were both seventeen," Hiccup said, "I was finally something worth looking at as well. I stayed with them for almost a year before I finally decided to leave."

"Sounded like you had a good life," Astrid commented, "What made you end up leaving."

"I knew it wasn't going to work out," Hiccup admitted, "I just couldn't settle down and she couldn't leave her family."

"Have you seen her since you left," Astrid asked, wanting to know more about this Ashely.

"A few times," Hiccup admitted, "I stayed for just a few days and we hit it off a bit more." Astrid was about to ask what he meant but then saw the look on his face and understood what he meant. "She was going to marry a sailor the last time I saw her," he added, "That was a year ago."

"Do you plan to meet with her again," Astrid asked.

"If it happens," Hiccup said with a shrug, "She's got her own life to live and so do I." Astrid looked over to see that Hiccup was staring off into the distance, thinking back to his previous life. "Well what are we waiting for then," Hiccup said as he stood up. Astrid stood up with him the two of them plus Toothless walked out of the main room. Once they made it outside Toothless crouched down to the ground and Astrid waited for Hiccup to climb into the saddle first. Once he was situated, Astrid climbed into the saddle as well. She instinctively wrapped her arms around him so that she wouldn't fall off from the saddle. She felt Toothless's muscles tense and then he shot into the sky and Astrid closed her eyes as she felt the wind rush past her face.

The flight was about an hour and Astrid enjoyed the view of the ocean and any of the island's they passed by. She looked ahead of them and saw a large island ahead, but she only saw trees ahead of them. "The town is on the other side of the island," Hiccup told her, "I got a spot where we can land so nobody sees us." Toothless continued to fly over the island and in the distance Astrid could see the city ahead. He then began to fly closer to the ground and Astrid saw a decent sized clearing below them. As Toothless landed in the clearing Astrid saw a log cabin under the cover of nearby trees. She dismounted from the saddle and Hiccup did the same. He led the way to the cabin and Astrid waited for the two to enter the structure. As she stepped through the doorway Hiccup lit a lantern with a match and filled the room with light.

"Nice place," Astrid commented as she looked around the one room cabin.

"Yeah I made it myself," Hiccup told her as he looked around the place with a proud look on his face. Toothless let Hiccup take off the saddle and then he walked over to one of the open corners. Astrid watched as the dragon laid down and then closed his eyes, slowly falling asleep. "Shall we head into town," Hiccup asked and Astrid looked back to see him standing at the door. "Lead the way," Astrid told him and they both headed out of the cabin and back into the clearing. "I will warn you, watch your back here," Hiccup told her as they made their way out of the clearing.

"You don't think I can't handle myself," Astrid asked and Hiccup let out a short laugh,

"I know you can, but trust me these sailors are persistent," he told her. "They spend months at sea and when they get to port, they don't exactly like hearing no."

"And try not to kill any of them either," Hiccup added as he cast a warning glance.

"I have self-control," Astrid said as she tried to defend herself.

"Well try to have a lot of self-control," Hiccup pleaded as he shook his head. "I like to keep my head down and stay out of any trouble I can." Astrid just nodded as they continued to walk through the forest. A few minutes later the trees started to clear out now. The path also now became more prominent and Astrid saw the outskirts of the town. She looked over to Hiccup and saw a serious expression on his face as he looked ahead of them. She was able to learn a little bit of his past, but Astrid had a feeling there was a lot more to learn about.

Hiccup smiled as he and Astrid walked through the crowds of the busy town. He missed the town and the feeling of home when he was there. He and Astrid continued to walk through the town until they made it closer to the harbor. To their right was a series of shops and other merchant stands, selling all kinds of different things. To their left was the massive port where several ships filled it. Sailors were going back and forth from the ships to the dock, unloading and loading their cargo.

"What did we come here for," Astrid asked him as they continued to walk through the town.

"What's wrong," Hiccup asked with a smirk, "Don't enjoy the little vacation."

"It's nice," Astrid admitted, "But it's definitely different compared to your normal routine."

"You starting to track down my day to day life milady," Hiccup asked her, his smirk growing. "I need to buy a couple things I know that a few shops here have," he told her.

Astrid nodded as they made their way towards the first destination on Hiccup's mind. "You can stay out here if you want," Hiccup told her. Astrid nodded and then Hiccup pushed open the door to the blacksmith's shop. He was familiar with the place, casually helping out from time to time when he stayed in town. He saw that the shop had not changed much since he was last there, and it hadn't been that much organized either. He walked to the table towards the back of the room but saw nobody manning the position. Hiccup looked around for someone but couldn't see the owner or worker in sight. He glanced over to a bell that was resting on a stand and a sign that said 'Ring For Service.' Hiccup then rang the bell once and waited for a few seconds but nobody came to the desk. Hiccup continued to ring the bell before he heard a noise coming from the back.

"Would you quit ringing that damn bell," a loud voice yelled out and Hiccup smiled as he heard it. "What do you want," the voice asked as the man responsible for voice stepped into the room.

"Do you speak to all your favorite customers that way Magnus," Hiccup asked as he looked up at the blacksmith. The large man looked at him for a second and then his face broke out into a wide smile.

"Hiccup," Magnus yelled out as he stepped out from behind the desk and then embraced him in a tight hug. "It's been some time old friend, how have you been," the blacksmith asked.

"I've been good," Hiccup said in a breathless voice, "Right now kind of hurts." The blacksmith gave him an apologetic look as he let go of Hiccup and then he was able to catch his breath.

"What brings you back to town," Magnus asked him, "Trying to win over Ashley are you."

"Magnus for god's sake she's married," Hiccup told the larger man, "I'm here to do some shopping."

"What do you need my boy," Magnus asked with a smile as he walked back behind the desk. Hiccup went through his list and then Magnus piled everything up on the desk.

"How much do I owe you," Hiccup asked as he pulled out a small pouch.

"Don't worry about it," Magnus reassured him with a wave of his hand.

"Magnus I don't need charity for all of this," Hiccup protested but the blacksmith wouldn't budge.

"Hiccup with the amount of work you did for me, just take this as a way to pay your wages you didn't take," Magnus told him. Hiccup shook his head as Magnus started to put all of the items in a bag.

"Thank you," Hiccup said as he took the bag and the two walked back out to the door. Hiccup looked around for Astrid as he stepped outside and saw her by a merchant stand nearby.

"She's a pretty lass," he heard Magnus say and Hiccup whipped around to see him watching Astrid as well. "I'm guessing she's with you," the blacksmith asked,

"In a way I guess," Hiccup told him. Hiccup watched as Astrid looked over at him and then smiled as she saw him.

"Seems like she likes you laddy," Magnus whispered to him. "You don't want to let those one's leave you, you might not find many like here."

"I'll make sure to keep that advice," Hiccup told him as he turned back to the blacksmith. "Thank you for everything old friend," he added as he stuck out his hand.

"Anytime Hiccup," Magnus told him and he shook his hand, "And if you ever want to come down and work, you are always welcome." Hiccup nodded his thanks and then made his way over towards Astrid. She was focused on something and didn't notice Hiccup approaching her.

"What's caught your attention," Hiccup asked and she whipped her head up to face him. She held out a simple, but yet beautiful necklace. It had a gold chain with a few blue stones hanging down from it.

"It suits you," Hiccup told her and he could see a faint blush on her cheeks as she continued to examine the piece. He looked around for the owner of the stand and finally spotted the man talking with another person. Once the vendor was done talking to the other customer he turned to Hiccup and Astrid. "How much for this," Hiccup asked the merchant as he gestured to the piece that Astrid was holding.

"Twenty gold pieces," the vendor told them and Hiccup was taken aback by the steep price.

"Why is it so expensive," Hiccup questioned, "It doesn't look like it's made from much."

"Twenty gold pieces my friend," the vendor told him, "Either pay for it or leave it."

"Erik, why are you trying to scam these people," a familiar voice to Hiccup said. "I saw you sell a similar piece for only five gold pieces." Hiccup turned around to the person responsible for the voice and felt his mouth run dry.

"Long time no see Hiccup," the woman in front of him said with a friendly smile. Hiccup couldn't manage to say anything as he just nodded towards her.

The woman turned back to the vendor and gave him a serious glare. The man grumbled and then Hiccup handed him five gold pieces.

"Where are my manners," the woman said as she turned towards Astrid, "My name is Ashley." Astrid shook Ashely's hand and then casted Hiccup a questioning look.

"You look good," Hiccup finally managed to say as he looked her over. Hiccup assumed she was pregnant, also assuming that she was pretty far in her pregnancy.

"Thank you," Ashley said and then she noticed that he was looking at her stomach and she placed a hand on it.

"How far are you along," Astrid asked her,

"Nine months now," Ashley told her, "Due any day now."

"How about we go inside the pub," Ashley told them as she gestured behind her, "We can catch up there." Hiccup nodded and then Ashley turned around to lead the way to the pub. Hiccup let out a sigh and he saw Astrid cast him a look but she didn't say anything.

As they walked into the pub Hiccup saw that it was empty except for a larger man standing behind the bar. The man looked up when he heard the door open and he had a serious expression on his face. "Look who's back in town dad," Ashley told the man and then his serious expression turned into a joyful one.

"Hiccup, it's nice to see you again," the man told him as he stepped out from behind the bar. Ashley's father walked up to Hiccup and then brought him in for a tight embrace.

"Aaron, can't you see your squeezing the life out of him," another voice told the man. Hiccup finally managed to breathe again after Aaron let go of his embrace. He looked up to see an older woman smiling at him.

"Mary," Hiccup said with a short nod as the woman came walking over to him.

"It's nice to see you again Hiccup," Ashley's mother told him as she hugged him and then kissed him on the cheek. Hiccup heard a noise come from another room and then he felt something hit him in the legs.

"It's nice to see you to Miles," Hiccup told the younger boy as he realized what hit him. "You've gotten bigger as well," he added as he ruffled the boy's hair.

"I told you I was growing," Miles said as he looked over at his older sister.

"Who is your friend," Mary asked him as she looked over at Astrid, who was standing off to the side.

"This is Astrid," Hiccup told them, "She's an old friend," he added slowly.

"Well it's nice to meet you dear," Mary told Astrid, "And friend of Hiccup's is welcome with us."

"Thank you," Astrid said with a short nod and a nervous smile as she looked at the people in front of her.

"Well have a seat and relax," Aaron told the two, "I'll get you both some drinks." Hiccup nodded and then he and Astrid walked over to one of the open tables. The two pulled out a chair and sat down next to each other, Ashley moved to sit down in front of Hiccup. They waited for Ashely's father to bring them their drinks and Hiccup nodded his thanks after being handed his glass. Ashley's parents and brother left the room to let the three talk in private.

"So how's your other friend," Ashley asked as Hiccup started to fiddle with his glass.

"She knows about Toothless," Hiccup clarified for Astrid who looked at him with a questioning look. "He's alright, he's at the cabin right," Hiccup told Ashley and she nodded. Hiccup saw that she was flicking her eyes between the two and could feel the question coming.

"I thought you left Berk and wanted nothing to do with it," Ashley asked him.

"It's a long story," Hiccup admitted with a sigh.

"Well we have time," Ashley told him and he rubbed the bridge of his nose, remembering how much Ashley pressed on for him to give details.

"Berk was sacrificing to me," Hiccup said in a hushed tone. Ashley raised her eyebrows at the statement,

"Why would they do that."

"They thought it would end the raids," Astrid told her, coming to Hiccup's aid in answering her questions.

"It's been getting worse then," Ashley asked as she cast a worried glance towards Hiccup.

"Much worse," Hiccup said with a slow nod, "All I can do is just try to keep casualties at a minimum." A loud clap of thunder could be heard from outside and Hiccup groaned as he realized what was going to happen.

"What's wrong," Astrid asked as she looked over at him,

"Storm is coming," Ashley told her. "And by the sound of that thunder, it's going to be a bad one as well."

"Looks like we are staying for the night," Hiccup realized and then he looked up at Ashley, "I hope the spare room is still available."

"Are you kidding," Ashley asked him, "My mother always keeps it open in case you'll drop by." Mary then walked into the room carrying a tray with bread and some fruit on it.

"Thought you might be hungry," she told Astrid and Hiccup as she set the tray down in front of them.

"Mom could you show Astrid to the spare room," Ashley asked, "They are going to stay the night because of the storm."

"Of course," Mary said with a short nod, "You can follow me dear." The two then left Hiccup and Ashley at the table as they went towards the spare room.

"How's the pregnancy going," Hiccup asked her after a few seconds of silence.

"It's going alright," Ashley said with a sigh, "Luckily I have my mom to help me with it." Hiccup nodded and silence filled the space between the two again. He didn't know what to say to her since he hadn't seen her in just over a year and so much has happened.

"Is your husband in town," he asked slowly and Ashley shook her head.

"He went out to sea about six months ago," she told him, "He should be home within a month."

"That's good then," Hiccup said as he continued to move the glass around on the table.

"What aren't you telling me Hiccup," she asked him.

"What do you mean," Hiccup asked her and he looked up to meet her watchful look. Ashley let out a sigh and then leaned forward, folding her hands on the table.

"Hiccup, I know you," she told him, "I know what you think. I know you are hiding something and I'm guessing it's about Astrid." Hiccup sighed as he looked down at the glass and held it in his hands.

"I don't know," Hiccup admitted with a shrug. Ashley let out a soft laugh and he looked up to see a smile on her face. "What's so funny," he asked her and she just shook her head as she stood up from the table.

"You are," Ashley told him as she just walked out of the room and left Hiccup by himself. He let out a sigh as he set the glass down on the table, wondering why life just decided to mess with him so much. He just couldn't have a normal life, but then again what would he consider as normal.

Ayo, it's me, hopefully people enjoyed the new addition of some original characters. I could have used actual characters from the HTTYD series but I figured I could have some fun with some original characters. It might just end within a few chapters or it could be brought up again in later chapters, I don't really know. Also if I get anything wrong in terms of how a pregnancy work hopefully you all will spare me a solid, not exactly an expert in that department. Again thank you to the new followers and favorites along with the reviews. My count may be off but I believe there are now 46 total accounts between the two. Not to mention any guest accounts which I am also thankful for. Overall, I am taken aback by it and I am happy for it. As always, if you have any reviews, comments, and/or questions please leave them as they are always helpful and peace out!