Hiccup blinked. The sudden sunlight in his sight hurt his eyes. He grimaced and tried to prop himself up on his elbows. They miserably failed him. He felt super thirsty and tired, falling back down on the bed.

A violent feeling was storming in the back of his mind.

What's that? What is it?

A thin figure surrounded by whirling wind floated through his mind.

Astrid!

He sat up immediately and held tightly onto the edge of his bed. His head was pounding in pain, trying to pull him into oblivion, but he managed to ignore all this mess and focus.

Why am i here? Did i fall asleep?

He tried to rummage through his brain, but the only thing he could recall was Snotlout and Tuffnut came in Astrid's hut and tried to talk him out of staying there. Then everything was black.

it exhausted him just trying to figure out what happened. He shook his head in order to shake the dizziness off. It made his headache worse.

Wait...Astrid. How is she? How..Astrid!

Fear just wouldn't let him go. He threw off the blanket, jumped out of his bed, lost his balance and fell. A sudden pain made him yelp. He looked down at his legs. His prosthetic was gone, His stump was bandaged, with some faint bloodstain on it. Now he remembered what happened. Toothless rushed out of nowhere. He desperately tried to get Hiccup up when he saw Hiccup on the floor, who was obviously in pain.

"Nice to see you again, bud." Hiccup breathed. Toothless looked concerened. He cooed softly and offered Hiccup his nose for support.

He scrambled up on one leg and spot his prosthetic on the table. The wood-and-metal peg leg covered with dried blood wasn't really a good sight. He jumped over and grabbed it. He put it on and stood up on both legs. The sharp pain made him gasp. Toothless whimpered in fear. He seemed like he might cry, but it wasn't the right time for Hiccup to care about that. He patted the dragon's head and limped towards the door, doing his best not to fall.

He pushed open the door. The sun was already setting. He couldn't remember when was the last time he was in Astrid's hut. it felt weird, like...he'd been living outside this world for ten thousand years and now he was back everything left him behind. Hiccup got impatient, almost fearfully so, in a blank and confused way.

He limped towards Astrid's hut, having to use Toothless's nose all the way down. His prosthetic seemed to be cutting his stump open while bumping on these uneven wood planks. He was already sweating just to move to the hut right beside his own.

Toothless steadied his rider, then pushed the door with his head. It was completely dark outside. The stars were shining bright above him,somewhere in Asgard. Everybody was in Astrid's hut and pretty startled to see Hiccup standing at the door,looking pale and sweaty.

"Hiccup!" Fishlegs squeaked, "you're here! You're awake! You-"

"Jesus, Hiccup!" Snotlout barked, "You are supposed to stay in your bed! God! ! How many times do I have to tell you you are in no condition to do anything! You never listen! NEVER! I mean look at you-"

"I'm feeling a lot better, Snotlout. Thank you." Hiccup tried to smile, "You're exaggerating a little bit." He limped towards Astrid's bed with Fishleg's help, panting in pain as he went. He desperately tried to take a look at Astrid's face. That strong fear in the back of his mind was crushing him.He had to see her.

The twins patted Snotlout's back and sighed. "You know him."

"Yeah, exaggerating, " Snotlout crossed his arms and mumbled furiously, "look at him, and I am exaggerating."

Astrid was breathing peacefully. The colors were getting back. But her lips were still pale. Anyway she was still here, with him. She was not gone. She was not leaving him. And her rosy cheeks looked as beautiful as ever. Hiccup felt much more secure. Ten minutes ago he was afraid that she would crumble into a million pieces and disappear with the wind. Because it felt like forever, since the last time he was actually conscious in this world. He was so scared, that now he finally woke up and everything was gone, including Astrid, especially Astrid. Then he might as well be dead, too. He really couldn't imagine living without her in his life. He closed his eyes and exhaled.

"She's doing okay, captain." Tuffnut tried to lighten up his mood, "Don't worry. We won't let her die, just in case you'd kill us after you wake up."

Hiccup took Astrid's hand and covered it in both of his. He turned to face the rest of the team, "Thank you, so much, for everything ."

Fishlegs looked slightly abashed. "You'd do the same for all of us."

"And you're our friend, even though you're stubborn and obnoxious and never listen to what people say." Snotlout added uncomfortably, "Now that you decide not to kill us, would you please get back to where you're supposed to be and not kill yourself or make me kill you!!"

"You know, H. He's actually right. You hadn't slept at all before you passed out. Now even Astrid looks more alive than you." Tuffnut nodded at Astrid, "No offense."

"Um...h-how long have I been out?" Hiccup asked.

"Four days, " said Fishlegs.

"Well, quite enough." Hiccup turned back to Astrid.

"Uh, no, actually it's not." Ruffnut started strolling with her hands on her back, "Hey, Tuff, remember that time Snotty someone got his noggin struck by the lightning and passed out for a day? He was up the second day but still stayed in his bed not doing anything for a week just to rest. Oh except for the time to eat!"

"Yeah, and it was not fun at all doing his shifts every day. Not even close!"

"Hey! I was struck by lightning! Which one of you two ever got that?" Snotlout shouted.

"Guys, guys, I'm alright, okay?" Hiccup tried to raise his voice. "You've already done so much for me. It's late. Why don't you all go back to your huts?

I'll stay with her."

Fishlegs hesitated. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"Seriously, I'm not lying." Hiccup reassured him, "It's been a long day for you all. I'm just up. I've got this. You guys go."

They didn't really believe him. Hiccup could tell. They studied his face for a moment. But it was a long day. The edge still needed to go on without a great teammate and a leader. And they really were exhausted having worked extra hard all day. Finally, they silently agreed to leave, and give them some space.

"If you need help, just send Toothless." Fishlegs said before he stepped out of the hut.

"Sure." Hiccup smiled. "Thanks."

Everyone yawned and left. Hiccup turned back to Astrid, gazing at her face. She was sleeping. Her breathing was the best sound in the entire world. He gently touched her cheeks and kissed her. Her lips were cool and soft. They smelled like marigold.

"Get better soon, " Hiccup whispered in her ears." I miss you."

--

It's been months since the last update. Sorry about that. College is insane. I never had the time to sit down and think about the story. I'm really sorry for keeping you waiting. So thank you for all your comments. They mean so much to me! If there's still someone waiting for the update, I hope you enjoy!:)