Chapter 21: In which some like it hot...

Astrid almost didn't recognize herself these days. She had the same warrior spirit and desired to fight with all her strength for what was right. But what used to be considered right in her eyes wasn't right anymore. She'd grown soft toward what she used to be hardened by.

A dragon was her friend. The enemy would lick her cheek instead of scorch her face off. A boy who'd she'd been indifferent toward before was now the most important person to her.

How did her life get flipped upside down this quickly?

She'd remarked once in her short life that she would never let anyone kiss her on the lips, but here she was lip-locked and panting with a boy she'd never given one single thought of being with before a contract was signed binding them.

Astrid's cheeks stained pink as she recalled the night before.

Hiccup admitted his enjoyment for kissing her, and she made her own confession of pleasure as well. There was something unearthly when it came to intimacy, as if you were transported to the highest, most stunning mountain where the altitude made you feel as light as air and your head floated in the clouds. You could lose yourself in it and it felt so good.

"Earth to Astrid!" Ruffnut's calling broke her free from her memory. "Are we gonna spar or what?"

Astrid shook herself from the feel of Hiccup's soft hair carding through her fingers and the lovely pressure of his lips against hers. "Yeah," was all she could mustering in her flustered state.

Ruff shifted back on her right leg, planting a fist on her popped hip. "Did you and Hiccup go further last night?"

"What?" Her jaw fell open and the axe in her hold drooped.

Ruff nodded in approval. "Yep, that face basically tells me you did." She sidled over to Astrid, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "How far did you guys go?"

"Ruff," Astrid whined, "do I really have to share my personal details with you?" If she was honest with herself, a tiny part of her wanted to blurt out everything. How nothing had caused her heart to race like the feel of Hiccup's lips pressed to hers. How a simple touch on her thigh sparked a wildfire in places that had never burned with want before. It was exhilarating and confusing and she longed for more.

Ruff gave her a little shake. "Yes, and don't leave anything out."

Astrid sighed and dislodged herself from Ruff's hold. "Okay." She swept the fringe of bangs behind her ear, gathering exactly which details she'd disclose. She wasn't sure how to even describe such matters. "There isn't much to say. We kissed – A LOT – last night."

Ruff's lips puckered in delight. "Ooooo! Was it your first make out session?"

"If kissing for like an hour is? Then I guess so."

"Like an hour? Whoa, you two must have been hot and heavy." Ruff eyes glittered. "Did you slip him any tongue? Or did he slip you some?"

Astrid looked horrified. "No!"

"Anh…" Ruff waved it off, "you'll get there. Did hands roam to certain places?"

Astrid thought back to the delectable memories of where appendages and digits had traversed. "We didn't really touch any places that were very private."

"What? No cupping a boob? No copping a feel of the buttocks?"

"No." Just the idea of those places being explored caused an electrical strike all through her. "It was mostly face caressing and neck holding. Hiccup did slide his hands up and down my arms and shoulders, and at one point his hand made it to my thigh."

"Okay, that's a good start. I mean, hand on thigh is the gateway to other places."

"How do you know so much about this subject?"

"I listen and observe, my dear." Ruff waggled a finger at her. "Work harder at going farther, got it?"

Astrid rolled her eyes, but inwardly, she was reeling at the idea of crossing more boundaries with Hiccup. She turned her head so Ruff wouldn't catch the flare up in her cheeks at the musings of what it'd feel like if Hiccup kissed her neck.

"How about taking Hiccup to the hot spring?" Ruff suggested, nodding encouragingly. "Give you an excuse to strip off the fabric barriers and get busy."

As disturbing as Ruff's way of suggesting was, Astrid had to admit, it was a promising idea. Villagers would visit the hot spring to bathe or relax in the steamy waters. Chatter floated around the Great Hall of couples using it to set the mood for a romantic rendezvous.

Besides the one late night she'd sneaked a peek at Hiccup's bare back, she had yet to see Hiccup unclothed. The hot spring would be the perfect excuse for her to finally get a peek at what was underneath that green tunic.

"Astrid, I don't know about this," Hiccup voiced his uncertainty as she hauled him out to the hot spring that evening.

"C'mon, Hiccup. It's not like you've never seen me undressed."

"Technically, I've only seen you from the front with bindings on once. All the other times have been your bare back." He sounded as if he'd just choked on the last two words. "And you have yet to see me."

She glanced back at him then ducked a grin. "I actually have seen you shirtless."

"Uh…when?"

"The night you came home late, and I wanted you to hold me. I watched you change into your nightshirt."

"You blatantly watched without me knowing?" Hiccup gasped dramatically, a hand leaping to his heart. "Scandalous, Astrid!"

Astrid gave his arm a tug. "You're such a dork."

They arrived at the hot spring a few minutes later. Astrid hung the lantern on the closest tree branch sticking out over the water. The flickering candlelight washed the bubbling water in a soft glow.

She stepped up to Hiccup, who looked incredibly nervous. "There's nothing to be ashamed of." She gathered the hem of his tunic and slowly lifted it off his frame. The cold night air caused goosebumps along his bare skin. Hiccup averted his eyes off to the side.

Astrid's gaze veered down at his exposed torso and raked upwards, thoughtfully. He was scrawny, no denying that, but who's to say he wasn't finished growing yet? He had time, and that's exactly what she hoped to convince him of. It was her mission to protect him, even from his own deprecating opinions of himself.

"Not much to look at, huh?" Hiccup's voice cut through her study. "I assume you'd prefer something more buff. Y'know, of the Snotlout variety."

Astrid shrugged. "Sure, buff is nice to look at sometimes," her hand rested over his heart, the beat increasing against her palm, "but I like this better."

"Why?" he asked in disbelief.

She met his gaze. "Because it's you."

"I didn't take you for being attracted to the talking fishbone type."

"You may be a talking fishbone now, but don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you'll end up taller than the rest of us."

"I have my doubts, but I won't shatter your dreams just yet."

Astrid chose that moment in his linger doubt to shed the top half of her wardrobe. She'd never stood this close to Hiccup when undressing and he stared wide-eyed and mouth gaping as she casually disrobed. The awkwardness had subsided for her a short while back. She didn't wish for it to linger, especially now that her and Hiccup were finally breaking physical ground in their relationship. She audibly heard him swallow as she kicked off her skirt.

"Hiccup," she coaxed him out of his trance, "you may want to remove your boots."

"Right," he croaked out before clearing his throat and getting to work on shedding his boots and socks as Astrid did the same.

"Now bottoms?" Astrid said, hesitation beginning to creep up on her.

Hiccup blew out a breath from his mouth, his nerves obviously showing. "Not yet."

Astrid paused her thumbs clipped in her waist band. "Okay. Not yet."

"Are you keeping your uh…" Hiccup twirled his finger, "bindings on?"

As much as she wanted to push through this ground, Astrid's nerves were getting the best of her too. "I guess, for now."

"No rush." Hiccup's sentiment made her smile.

They reached out for each other as they waded into the steamy water. They found themselves seeking out one another more and more to touch, hold, or just be close to. The warmth of the water engulfed them, and Astrid sighed at how wonderful the heat was on her bare skin.

"So," Hiccup bobbed beside her, "why do you like this talking fishbone? Is it the sharp wit? Or all the raw Vikingness bundled up inside this—" He stuck a strong pose.

Astrid scoffed, sending a splash his way. "Not even close." Hiccup skittered away, looking rather offended. "It's mainly because it makes you travel-size."

"What does that even mean?" Hiccup laughed.

"It means I can do this!"

Astrid lunged for him, tossing Hiccup over her shoulder in a blink. She waded toward the edge of the hot spring, effortlessly carrying Hiccup on her.

"Astrid! It's not fair to manhandle your husband like this. There will be consequences!" He tugged on her braid in a vain attempt to show he was serious. "Now put me down!"

"Put you down?" she questioned, exaggeratedly. "If you say so." She spun around and tossed Hiccup into the hot spring.

Hiccup sputtered and spit as he resurfaced, hissing about how hot the water was. He pushed his wet hair out of his eyes to glare daggers at her. Astrid's amused laughter rang out into the night. She felt free, as if all their worries and cares had faded into the high heavens. Hiccup drew out a side of her she didn't think existed and she never wanted it to go dormant again.

"Time to face the consequences!" Hiccup exclaimed. He swam to her, and before Astrid could regain her composure, he'd latched onto her ankle. With surprising strength, he yanked her back into the hot spring.

It was Astrid's turn to surface, sputtering and wiping the stinging water from her face. Hitting the steamy water sent a shock through the body after standing in the chilly air.

They launched into a splashing war until they were worn out and sweat glistened on their foreheads, and they dissolved into panting laughter. Astrid watched her husband suspiciously as he swam behind her. He snaked arms around her bare waist, pulling her back against his front. He gave her a little squeeze, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Astrid relaxed in his embrace, allowing him to hold her from sinking in the water. It was nice not having to be the first to initiate their physical affection. Ever since she'd discovered his friendship with Toothless, Hiccup had become more at ease with reaching out for her without needing to seek permission. Maybe it was just her imagination, but Astrid felt as if Toothless had brought them closer together.

Astrid's breath caught at the sensation of Hiccup's lips on her throat. Every giddy little spark inside her jumped alive. She raised her arm back to curl fingers in his damp hair. This was what her body had begged for, the curious longing being satisfied. Another kiss then another then—

Astrid's eyes popped open at the sound of footsteps heading their way. Whistling floated through the quiet night air. Someone was coming!

She tore out of Hiccup's embrace, grabbing his wrist to haul him out of the pool. Hiccup tried protesting, but his ear caught the approaching visitor as well and he rushed to gather up his articles of clothing along with her.

The hot spring was a community pool and most of the time sharing it was a regular thing. But being a young couple and flirting with intimacy in the waters was something they'd wanted to keep to themselves. Besides, Astrid had no desire for another person besides her husband to see her in a state of undress.

Her and Hiccup dashed into the dark cover of the trees. Astrid suddenly stopped. "The lantern!" she hissed, but it was too late. The whistling drew closer, and Gobber emerged from the other side of the pool, lumbering up to the water. They both breathed a sigh of relief. Gobber was the last person they'd want to walk up on their private moment.

"I'll come back for it tomorrow," Hiccup said as they tugged on their clothes.

Astrid lamented their time being cut short in the pool. She smirked to herself, planning to continue what Hiccup had started when they got home. The door had been opened and she would stroll through.