AN: I do not own How to train your Dragon nor do I own Something New by Nightstar Fury.

~Normal POV~

Hiccup had never woken up happier knowing he had two best friends, and a girlfriend. He was sure until the day he died-he would always be hated and alone and never knowing why. Hiccup was supposed to start chief training with his father in a year but Hiccup didn't want to become chief, it wasn't his thing. In fact, up until Hiccup met Toothless and the two earned the each other's trust-he never knew what his thing was. For Thor's sake, Hiccup built a working dragon tail that allowed Toothless to fly again, of course it only worked if he rode on him and controlled the positioning of said tail. Either way, Hiccup knew what he was good at now-thanks to Astrid spying on him. Hiccup found out that he was good at making people see that humans and dragons weren't all that different aside from how they looked and sounded. Emotions and expressions, feelings-both species were the same. Hiccup's thing was showing people the truth.

Why didn't Hiccup kill the downed Night Fury? Because as Hiccup was about to plunge a dagger into it's heart in order to prove to his father he was a Viking to gain acceptance-Hiccup caught sight of the dragon's eyes which showed fear first and then the accepting it's death. Hiccup couldn't do it, Hiccup knew how it felt to be defenseless and unable to fight back. Hiccup couldn't and wouldn't kill the Night Fury. It wasn't fair a creature had to die in order for Hiccup be liked, noticed, accepted. The tables turned though when Hiccup decided to let the dragon go, it pounced him and Hiccup knew from legend that the Night Fury did not let it's victims live. However, as Hiccup feared his own death-accepted it would happen, the dragon just roared in his face then darted off. It let him live, just like Hiccup had let the dragon live.

After a lot of investigating, Hiccup learned that him shooting the dragon down cost the dragon it's flight-trapping it in the cove just below Raven Point on Berk. It would never fly again without the left tail fin. Hiccup earned the dragon's trust by showing he wasn't afraid, wanting to understand. Then the dragon now dubbed as Toothless-showed the same. A bond between them formed of mutual trust when they made contact. That's when Astrid showed up-or she'd already been there and watching the whole scene play out. Hiccup thought he was dead because she'd tell on him but instead, she was just as curious and interested. So for the last few weeks, Hiccup worked on the tail-Astrid watching intently and seeing the many failed trials. Finally by the end of the third week, Hiccup nailed it by creating an entire rig to ride and control the tail.

That event was terrifying to test out but worth it because he'd done it! And he even managed to take Astrid on a incredibly romantic flight, one that when they got back-she kissed him and said she liked him a lot-this led to them beginning a relationship and Hiccup agreeing to teach her how to ride her own dragon. They still had to be careful though, a lot of people would get very suspicious as to why the popular daughter of house Hofferson was suddenly dating the runt, disaster son of the chief to house Haddock. Granted-it wasn't unheard of. In Viking traditions, the son or daughter of the chief would eventually have to marry and produce an heir during their time of chiefdom. The way it worked was that the chief's child had the house with the most power, in this case it was Hiccup's. Then he was eligible to be under contract to any other female of marrying age which was about sixteen.

For Hiccup's age, Astrid and Ruffnut were the only two females on Berk he'd be eligible to marry. However, most Vikings were set up under contracts. Stoick would have to agree to pay the bride price set by the female's family in order for Hiccup to marry Astrid. Then normally-the parents would handle all arrangements and the two under contract would marry within three months of contract negotiations ending, also they would marry on Frigga's day-on the island of Frig which was just Southeast of Berk. If nothing happened with the females on Berk, the invitation would be extended to all daughters of age around the Archipelago-they'd come forwards as suitors for Hiccup to choose from and the contract process would begin and hope it worked. In truth, there was a lot in picking a wife. That's why Hiccup hoped his father would let him marry Astrid. He didn't think it would be a problem, as the chief's son: he had first pick in bride. The only problem that could arise was if someone else stepped in and paid the bride price before Hiccup's father could.

Hiccup would talk to his father when he returned from another dragon's nest search-sure to be another failed one but that wasn't Hiccup's problem. Today, Hiccup was happy to wake up and be member of the tribe. Being up before the sun, Hiccup took a bath and got himself dressed wearing his brown pants, leather boots, long sleeve green tunic top, little bit of leather armor on the chest, and shoulders-his own creation. By the time he was done, the sun was up and people were making their way to the Mead Hall for breakfast. When he reached it, he saw Astrid waiting by the door for him-he greeted her with a kiss on the hand, effectively making her blush.

"Good morning, milady," he smiled.

"Morning dragon boy," Astrid replied-her nickname for him because of his dragon skills. "So, this is where we show everyone we're together?" she inquired.

"We can if you like," Hiccup answered, Astrid took his hand as they walked inside the hall bringing silence to it seeing the two hand in hand. Astrid and Hiccup ignored it, they moved to the table where the other teens were and sat down quietly.

"Holy Thor...you're with Hiccup, Astrid?" Ruffnut asked right away.

"I am...He...asked me last night and I said yes." Astrid responded.

"Why him, he's just a twig and can't fight to save himself let alone protect you..." Snotlout huffed.

"I'm not with him for strength or looks. I'm with him because I like him. He's smart, brave, wise, inventive, and incredibly artistic." Astrid retorted coldly to Snotlout who was always making a play for her. Maybe now that she had a boyfriend, he'd back off.

Just then, Roku walked into the hall. Roku made his way up to the table. He stopped and looked between Hiccup, Astrid and their conjoined hands.

"You two dating?" He asked the couple.

"I asked her last night and she said yes." Hiccup replied to his friend.

"About damn time." Roku said as he sat down and grabbed some biscuits.

"WHAT" The table said in unison.

"You guys are obviously in love with each other. I had a feeling that you two would end up together, I just didn't know when." Roku replied.

"Don't forget you kids have trainin' today. Top two recruits will face off to determine who kills the nightmare," Gobber announced walking by them. Breakfast ran smoothly, quiet and many asking when Hiccup and Astrid became a thing-or when she started showing an interest in little Hiccup Haddock. Towards the end, Stoick stormed in and spotted him.

"Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third!" he boomed, Hiccup winced a bit and looked over while his father came over to him. "You've been keeping secrets..." Hiccup froze a bit, had he found out about Toothless? "Just how long did you think you could hide it from me?" his father asked. Hiccup looked at Astrid as she bit her bottom lip. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a small flicker of fear flash across Roku's face. "Nothing happens on this island without me hearing about it!"

"Oh, Dad...I-I'm sorry..." Hiccup said quickly.

"Sorry! For what? I was hoping for this!" Stoick smiled as he hugged Hiccup tightly. Okay, clearly he and his father weren't talking about the same thing. "Years of being the worst viking Berk has ever seen-you really had me going, son! I'll admit, I almost gave up on ya. With you doing so well in the ring, we finally have something to talk about..." Stoick sat down at the table as Hiccup was quiet. His father was excited about him doing well in dragon training-he didn't know about Toothless or him and Astrid being together. "Oh, almost forget. I have something for you-to keep you safe for today's test..." Stoick pulled out a helmet, two horns curved up on the side.

"Thanks, Dad..." Hiccup said uneasily.

"Your mother would want you to have it, it's half of her breast plate." Hiccup instantly removed his hand from the top of the metal, "Matching set," he tapped his own helmet. "Keeps her...keeps her close..." Hiccup didn't know what to say to him. He'd never been this excited or happy around him before-them actually talking? Not something Hiccup was used too doing.

"W-well, I...better go get ready..." Hiccup said quickly. "I'll...see you tonight?" Stoick nodded his head.

"Yes, of course. Um, good talk...I'll see you tonight son." Stoick then got up, patted Hiccup's back some and headed out. Hiccup groaned some plopping down-now what did he do. His father was actually proud of him for once and it was all based on a lie. Astrid rubbed his back some.

"Let's go for a walk, Hiccup...clear your mind a bit?" Astrid offered. Hiccup nodded as he got to his feet and left the hall with Astrid linked to his arm. Snotlout only glared, he couldn't believe that Astrid was with Hiccup-she was supposed to be with him! He instantly got up and went to see his father-he knew how to get her, he just had to convince his mother and father first.

Little did Snotlout know was that Roku was watching him with a curious eye.

(In The Ring)

Hiccup and Astrid reached the ring, it was already all set up for the test today. It would be against a dragon, and the one who could get the dragon back in it's cage or disable it for lack of a better word would win the honor of killing their first dragon in front of the entire village. No one knew who the top two recruits were either, it would be announced when the test started in two hours.

"It'll be okay, Hiccup." Astrid told him.

"Gods I hope you're right, Astrid...I have to get Toothless off the island, he can't just stay trapped here...my only option is to fly him off and leave him somewhere else-then sail back to Berk...I'll do it tonight." Hiccup sighed, he didn't want to lose his friend but he couldn't risk him being on Berk. Astrid nodded understanding, it was too dangerous for them to have dragons-especially with Stoick back and all over Hiccup about how well he was doing.

(Two Hours Later)

All the students stood in the ring, the village was standing the outside of it and cheering as Gobber came in with Gothi and Stoick. "Gothi will decide the two recruits who will complete!" Stoick announced as Gothi-the village elder- raised her staff and pointed to Astrid first, and then Hiccup. Both of them went wide eyed at the selection, they had to complete against each other for the honor-which neither of could do. They didn't want to kill dragons anymore-there was no need too, especially if Hiccup could show them how to train them. Things would be more beneficial to them to work with the dragons over hurting them. Nobody saw it but Roku had a look of relief on his face.

"You two will be facing off against the Deadly Nadder, grab your weapon of choice and get ready." Gobber instructed leaving them in the ring and the others.

"What are we gonna do?" Astrid asked.

"Just do what you gotta do. Let me get cornered, I'll use the pressure point. You use the grass but make it look like you hit her with the shield...then they won't know who did what-we'll tie break and figure out something else out..." Hiccup whispered to her, Astrid nodded as they split off to get their weapons. Astrid got her ax and a shield, Hiccup put on his helmet and got a dagger. It's the only way he could make it seem like the both did something but no one knowing which one of them delivered the blow. The Nadder was released and they got ready, they dodged a few times to avoid spines. Hiccup got her attention she went after him. Astrid watched and ran over, the two had their eyes met and understand the look. Astrid pulled the grass out, Hiccup reached for the dragon's neck and then the dragon dropped with it's eyes closed.

"Um...who won?" Fishlegs asked as they looked to Gothi now.

"She says...she will discuss with the council and let the chief now after dinner," Gobber informed after reading the runes Gothi wrote in the sand. Hiccup and Astrid sighed in relief-it wasn't a tie but at least they had some time to figure something out. After that was over, they left the right-shaking hands to show good sportsmanship and then they shared a light kiss. Stoick blinked a bit.

"Are you two...datin'?" Stoick asked.

"Yeah, Dad...we are. Started last night..." Hiccup smiled some.

"Ah, good for yew two then." Stoick smiled then walked away.

"Wanna go to the cove for a bit?" Astrid asked him, he nodded then glanced to the Nadder who was beginning to wake up. The others had dispersed, it was just them now. The Nadder got up slow and wandered towards them-sniffing her slightly. Astrid tensed a bit.

"It's okay, she's just...getting to know you. I think she wants to be your friend because you didn't hurt her," Hiccup smiled. The Nadder squawked some and nudged against Astrid, "I think we just found you your dragon," he told her.

"Really, would she accept me?" Astrid asked. Hiccup nodded.

"Its all trust," Hiccup informed, Astrid smiled. "We gotta sneak her out of here and get her to the cove,"

"How are we gonna do that?" Astrid asked. Hiccup thought a moment then smiled with an idea. "Find the Night Fury in the cove that way, his name is Toothless." the Nadder nodded and took off out of the ring, hiding low in the forest. "There we go, now we get there and I'll start your training. The bonding and trusting isn't hard, flying will be a challenge. Luckily for you...I like those," Hiccup smiled to her, she kissed his cheek as they darted off into the forest while holding hands. Little did they know they were being followed.

(The Cove)

Once they reached the cove, it began with Astrid earning the Nadder's trust-the same way she earned Toothless's. By showing no fear, the Nadder accepted her just as Hiccup assumed she would. The riding was a bit harder because Stormfly-the name Astrid gave her Nadder-didn't have a saddle and Hiccup promised he'd work on one for her over time, since they had to be careful. For the meantime, they were using a blanket and some rope. Hiccup was able to teach her how to get Stormfly to crouch for Astrid to get on her and hold on tightly, then he taught her how to take off, balance, take turns and what not. It wasn't a lot but she knew how to fly basic in just a few short hours. They took a flight during sunset again-loving it, they kissed and left their dragons in the cove with some fish before returning to the village.

"That was amazing...I can't believe I have my own dragon, and know how to fly her! Thank you," Astrid giggled as they made their way through the forest together.

"I know, it's awesome...I'm glad we can share this together, Astrid but...we can't keep it up forever. We either have to tell everyone or take the dragons away," Hiccup sighed heavily.

"I don't think I could part with Stormfly, it's a weird feeling with her-like she's my best friend...I don't want to lose that feeling of security, protection, friendship...know what I mean?" Astrid asked.

"I do. I feel it with Toothless...but we can't just hide them in the cove-it's not fair to them." Hiccup nodded while the continued walking while the village was coming into the sight.

"So are we going to try and get them to see the truth?" Astrid questioned.

"It's all we can do," Hiccup replied.

"And if they don't listen?" Astrid glanced over.

"We'll have to part with the dragons to keep them safe-we'll likely get exiled from the island. Let me try to get them to see, I don't want you getting kicked off Berk over this...I was always an outcast-it wouldn't be anything new for me to be hated and people pretending I don't exist," Hiccup closed his eyes.

"No, we do this together, Hiccup. If they kick you off, I'm going too." Astrid said firmly. Hiccup smiled some as they were reaching her house, he kissed her lightly as she moved to the door.

"Let's not worry about it right now, when the time comes-we'll handle it." Hiccup told her, she nodded. "See you at dinner?" Astrid nodded and entered her house, Hiccup continued walking to his.

(Haddock House)

Walking into his Dad's house, he saw him sitting at the table-head snapping up when Hiccup entered. "There you are!" he said quickly.

"Sorry, Dad. Astrid and I were...taking a walk together and lost track of time, sat on the beach for a while..." Hiccup shrugged.

"Fine, fine. That's okay, I'm so proud of how you did today!" Stoick smiled wide.

"Uh...thanks..." Hiccup nervously rubbed the back of his head.

"I have have good news for you, Gothi and Gobber came by while you were gone...and you were chosen to kill the Nightmare! You won the honor, Hiccup!" Stoick said excitedly as Hiccup's eyes widened-he won the honor? "And you get you to do it tomorrow morning right after breakfast!" he added. Tomorrow!? He didn't have time to make a plan to get out of this and judging by how his father was acting right now-he'd never listen to Hiccup about the truth regarding dragons. He was at a loss, what did he do? He didn't want to kill a dragon, he didn't want to hide Toothless-that was his best friend. Hiccup bit his lower lip as Stoick hugged him. Hiccup only had one choice; he had to leave Berk with Toothless. To keep his friend safe and get away from the killing, he had to run away. It would break Astrid's heart-but what choice did he have?

(Hofferson House)

Astrid was relaxing in her room, today had been amazing. Hiccup helped her train and ride her own dragon-she loved Stormfly and couldn't imagine a life without her in it. "Astrid dear, can you come down a moment?" her mother called.

"Coming!" Astrid replied as she headed down the stairs to see her parents sitting at the table there. "What's up?"

"Sweetheart...um..." her mother, Asvilla Hofferson, began nervously, Astrid didn't like the look in her eyes.

"What's going on?" Astrid asked slower now, her smile fading.

"You know that when you turned sixteen...we set your bride price for marriage contract purposes, and told you that any male of the same age willing to pay it could have your hand in marriage, remember?" her father, Asmund Hofferson said.

"Yeah? Did...Hiccup's Dad come forward to start a contract for Hiccup and I?" Astrid asked now.

"No baby, another man wants your hand and willing to pay double the bride price to have you..." Asvilla said, Astrid felt her chest tighten. Someone else wanted to marry her?! "The Jorgenson boy, his father came to us early with a drawn up contract for your hand and willing to pay double the price we set for you to be married to Snotlout in two months...we...accepted it." Astrid's eyes widened.

"What! No...NO! I refuse! I don't love him, I love Hiccup. Talk to Stoick or let me talk to Hiccup...I don't want to marry Snotlout, please...!" she pleaded as tears formed.

"You know it doesn't work that way-he already paid half of it. We finalize things tomorrow and you will be Snotlout's fiancée," Asmund replied.

"NO!" Astrid rushed out of the house and up towards Hiccup's-which sat on the hill near the Mead Hall-only to run right into Hiccup himself.

"Astrid? Hey, what's wrong?" Hiccup asked quickly.

"Sn-Snotlout's...dad came to my parents with a contract for marriage, he's willing to pay...double their price for me...and my parents...accepted it!" Astrid cried against him.

"What...no. Let me talk to my dad...maybe he can stop it?" Hiccup insisted quickly.

"No, it's too late. Spitelout already paid half...I'm locked in and tomorrow I'll be...engaged to him, to Snotlout...and married in two months..." Astrid whimpered against him. "I don't want this...I want you," Hiccup held her close to him. He wouldn't make this any better when he told her that he was planning to run away so they had to break up anyway. He wanted her too, he didn't want to leave her and then an idea struck him. He put his hands on her arms and stared into her eyes.

"Astrid. I'm leaving Berk tonight. I'm running away," Hiccup said to her as her eyes widened some, "Runaway with me," he smiled.

"Ru-Runaway with you?" Astrid asked, Hiccup nodded. "Wait, what do you mean you're leaving tonight?"

"I was chosen to kill the Nightmare by Gothi. You know I can't and won't, so I'm leaving tonight with Toothless. Runaway with me, and you won't have to marry Snotlout, you can keep Stormfly...and we can be together, forever. No one can tear us apart if there's no us around for people to interfere. Let's leave, together and start a new life all our own. Come with me, Astrid..." Hiccup told her.

Astrid's shocked eyes turned soft, a smile on her lips. "I will, Hiccup." she said to him quickly.

"We have to make it look like we said goodbye to one another. Get home, pack a bag with a few sets of clothes. Get an shield and your ax along with a bedroll, blanket, and pillow. Meet me in the cove at midnight and we'll get the hell outta here and live our own lives together," Hiccup told her, she nodded as they hugged. Astrid kissed his cheek.

"I love you, Hiccup." Astrid whispered.

"I love you too, Astrid. See you in about six hours," Hiccup replied. The split apart and returned to their homes-this was it. They were both leaving Berk tonight with their dragon in order to have a life together, to stay together and be happy. Neither of them could wait and neither of them were going to look back. They were going to start a new life, together. What the two did not notice was that a silhouette darting in the direction of Gothi's house.

AN: my plot line will be starting real soon. I once again would like to thank Nightstar Fury for allowing me to use his or her content.