Shell shocked part 1

When Astrid and Hiccup have a quiet moment before 1st wave

Hiccup took her hand, "They will be ready for us. Keep your eyes open, who knows what else they have come up with on top of shellfire."

"Hiccup how many battles have we done together?"

"I know. I just don't want to lose you."

":You aren't going to lose me. We will win this like we have everything else. Together." She squeezed his hand, "And thanks to your dad, we will be a team forever."

"Yeah," Hiccup rubbed his neck. "That's not how I pictured that going"

"Well at least we got him not to announce it yet. Though I think both our dad's were going to throw a fit."

"My dad loves you and is really excited."

"He loves you too Hiccup. He is so proud of you."

"I know."

"I don't think you do. I've had a few conversations with him and the way he talks about you." She paused, "You shouldn't ever question it again."

"I won't though I wish he could have let me ask you on my own."

1 week after Blindsided

Hiccup and Astrid were on Berk for supplies and Gothi's last check on Astrid's eyes. Hiccup had finished loading up when his father walked up. "Ready for your trip son?"

"Yeah just waiting for Astrid and we will head back to the Edge."

"I'd like to have dinner with you both and find out about what's going on outside the archipelago."

"Both of us?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"Umm I don't believe so. I'm sure Astrid would rather spend time with her family if we were staying the night."

"Well let's ask her." Stormfly landed next to Toothless.

"Hey Chief. Hiccup are you ready?"

"Well about that." Hiccup rubbed his neck, "Dad would like us to stay and have dinner with him."

"Oh. Well.."

"Stoik!" a villager yelled from up on the great hall stairs.

"Dinner is in a few hours." Stoik said walking to see what was needed of him.

"So much for it being your choice." Hiccup muttered.

"You don't think this has to do with us, do you?"

"I don't see how."

"I guess it wouldn't be so bad."

A few hours later. That didn't turn out to be true. Hiccup had noticed his dad watching them closely while they had filled him in on life at the Edge. Hiccup was clearing away the dishes when Stoik started in, "So how long have you two been courting?"

Hiccup nearly dropped the dishes, "H...what what are you talking about dad?"

"Son I'm neither blind nor stupid." Astrid and Hiccup turned red, "While you two put on a good show of being just friends. Friends don't look at each other like you do." His gaze focused on Astrid, "I've known how my son's felt for a long time but you have been harder to read. So you tell me. How long?"

"How long chief?"

"Have you two been courting."

Slight relief flashed over her face as she looked at Hiccup. He had never been so red, but when he caught her eye he shrugged.

"A week."

"Not what I was expecting." Hiccup seemed to be able to move again and came to sit by Astrid again. She placed a comforting hand on his knee. "Do you love my son?"

"Dad!"

"Hiccup your twenty years old now. The council knows that with this war things happen. Having you at least betrothed would make them happy. I know you aren't ready yet for marriage or to be chief. If you don't make a choice then they will for you. Do you want them to pick a bride for you or would you rather have someone you love?"

"We couldn't have done this at a different time?"

"So you could sneak out and avoid me?"

Hiccup heard Astrid laugh a little under her breath. She squeezed his hand, "Chief I care about your son very much. Though I think Hiccup and I should have those conversations."

"Well said. Then we can announce your betrothal tomorrow."

"No." Hiccup stood up and walked out of the house.