Chapter Six: Friendly Strangers

"Hey little guy!" Matt whispered, lightly bopping a baby Razorwhip on the nose. Laying on his stomach, while resting his chin on one arm, he smiled as he played with one of the dozen baby Razorwhips that Atali and the Wingmaidens wanted to show them.

The Razorwhip screeched a light, faintly heard roar, smiling at the playful giant. Even with its eyes stuck shut, it had no problem finding his finger and began to try to chew on it, being a simple nibble.

"He likes you." Minden commented with a smile, watching him and the Razorwhip interact.

"Glad to hear. I never want to be on a Razorwhip's bad side."

"Oh? Why's that?" Astrid teased.

"I've seen what Windshear can do. I'd rather be on the spectator side of a Razorwhip's wrath."

"I can only guess the same goes for a Skrill. Which you ride, is it not?" Minden asked, smiling at Matt.

"Yeah, them either. I was on Wasatch's bad side when I first met him. 'Bout killed me."

"How did you tame it then?" She asked, shocked at hearing how he met his Skrill.

Heather seeing her being a little more comfortable around Matt, quickly walked over to him while cradling another baby Razorwhip. "Should've seen him when he met his second Skrill."

Minden turned and gaped at her, waiting for her to finish explaining.

Smiling, Heather looked down at Matt. "He rides not just one, but two Skrills. The other one defends my home island."

"Our home island." He corrected. "And I used to ride him. After Ryker attacked with a Shellfire, he just lives there now…" It was still hard to recall the memory, as he was saddened that he couldn't ride Teton again. At least, not like he used to.

Minden looked at him with some concern. "Was he injured?"

"Yeah, he was injured. Saved mine and Wasatch's life. That being said, I still rather not be on the bad side of any dragon." Matt replied, lightly pushing the Razorwhip around to get it excited and happy, also to change the subject.

Heather smiled as he continued to play with the dragon. "Good thing Windshear took to liking you. Even after your first meeting with her."

"Seems you have more to tell about your adventures." Minden commented, but was cut off by Atali.

"I'm so glad we were able to show you the newborns." She called out with a wide smile. "These are nearly ready to move on to our care. Being why we're able to see them now."

"What happens to the ones you have now?" Astrid asked, letting two of them crawl up her arms.

"They simply leave us. They usually stay here with us, but a few do travel to other islands as well." She answered. Gesturing to Heather, she added. "Probably what Windshear did when she was old enough to be on her own. She was lucky to have been found by you to be nursed back to health."

Heather smiled at the memory of finding and saving Windshear. "Yeah, well…she's been a huge blessing in my life too. I don't know where I'd be without her."

"Not here, that's for sure." Matt groaned, finally standing up and leaving the Razorwhip that was now distracted by its brothers and sisters. Stretching, he yawned as he limped up to Hiccup and Fishlegs, who were busy writing down notes and information on all they learned. "Oh good. The Dragon Book volume two. Hopefully it's easier to read than the old one."

"Thanks, Matt. Helpful as usual." Hiccup replied sarcastically.

"Maybe I can read it now. Help me fall asleep." He continued to tease, lightly pushing him.

"Why? Not tired?" Heather quickly fired, smirking at him. "Someone like you should still have plenty of energy left. Maybe we should make you keep watch to help repay Atali for all the hospitality she's given us."

"That sounds like a good idea!" Astrid quickly sided, smiling evilly at him.

Sighing, Matt shook his head. "Tell me why I'm trying to protect you, Heather? I'm starting to forget. Maybe I'll just let the bounty hunters take you so I can actually get some rest and have a chance to sleep in. Maybe I'll put a bounty on you, Astrid. Just to keep my arm from going numb."

"You tease that, but I know you. We all know you, Matt." Astrid continued to say. "You're probably the most intense when it comes to protecting your friends. Well, second to me."

"Ah, and I thought you were going to compliment me." He scoffed sarcastically.

"Not to mention your passion to protecting family." Hiccup added with a smile.

"Guilty as charged." He replied with a simple shrug and smile. "I only regret it a few times a day. Like when Heather wakes me up. Or Astrid beats my arm off."

Atali smiled at the jesting. Walking up to Matt, she asked. "I have to ask, Matthew."

"Just call me Matt. Matthew makes it sound like I'm school boy."

"Right, Matt then." She repeated. "I have to ask. You and Hiccup are brothers, correct?"

"We are. I'm the smarter, better looking one; as you can see."

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Matt."

"About that. You two look nothing alike. I've been trying to see the similarities, but…I can't see it."

Matt and Hiccup glanced at each other, to which they both simultaneously shrugged.

"It's kind of a long story. And one I don't tell a whole lot of people." Matt began to say. "But I can give the short version of it if you'd like. It's something that not a lot of people can expect actually."

"I'd be very interested in learning more about you two. All you riders actually." She replied. "You all seem to have a large degree of care and dedication to each other."

"Heh, yeah! It's not like Matt and Heather aren't dating each other! And Hiccup and Astrid are betrothed!" Ruffnut shouted, startling a few of the baby Razorwhips.

Heather's blood froze as she eyed Matt. His face too fell into something more of a reminder and confusion. Seeing her look at him, he simply shrugged and gave her a wry smile. It was his way of saying they'll talk later.

Minden, who was listening to Ruffnut, let out a small gasp, but quickly collected herself. Eyeing Matt and Heather, she simply watched them.

"You two are betrothed?" Atali asked aloud, walking up to Hiccup and Astrid.

Blushing to the sudden attention, they both nodded.

"Congratulations! You two seem perfect for each other."

"Thank you." Astrid replied with a sheepish smile. Glancing over at Hiccup, her face slightly reddened more as she recalled something.

"Well, I'm ready for bed." Matt yawned. "Anyone else?"

"Aren't you always ready for bed?" Snotlout huffed.

"True. I'll sleep whenever I can." He admitted, shrugging at the accusation. "Heather's been a slave driver when it comes to working."

"Thanks, Matt." She huffed sarcastically.

"I will guide them to their quarters." Minden announced, turning to Atali.

Atali nodded in agreement. "Very well, Minden. I hope you all have a restful night, all of you. Tomorrow you'll have to tell me about your past, Matthe- er, Matt."

"I'm sure we will." Matt replied with a yawn. Pulling Heather with him, he followed Minden. Hiccup and Astrid did the same, both with a slight blush due to the attention they received but still with smiles. The others also followed, realizing how tired they were after the long trip and spending the day with the Wingmaidens.

"Uh, I'll be right with you guys." Snotlout called out, slowing to a stop. "I…I uh, forgot something."

Matt turned to see him jog back to Atali, making him shake his head. "Well, give him points for trying." He muttered to himself as he continued to follow Minden with a slight limp.

"How is your leg?" Heather whispered, looking at him with concern.

"Been a big day. Long ride, walked all over while given the tour of Wingmaiden Island, and haven't really been sit down at all." He replied with an uncaring tone. "Nothing new. It's not painful, just annoying."

"Hmm…maybe you should sit on Wasatch on our trip back tomorrow. It'll give you a chance to recover faster."

"Just let me sleep tonight. I'm sure it'll be fine." He replied nonchalantly.

Hiccup and Astrid slowly fell behind the group, eventually slowing to a stop. Watching them leave them behind, Hiccup slowly turned to Astrid. "Hey, Astrid…mind if we…take a walk? Just to talk for a moment?"

"I was hoping you'd ask that." She admitted with a smile.

With bright eyes, Hiccup took her by her hand and led her to another pathway, detouring from where they were staying. "Uh, l-listen. I know we had a lot happen just in the past few days. Between learning Heather having a bounty on her, you and Matt stopping Savage from taking her away, to being attacked at the Northern Markets, and even now; being guests to a whole island dedicated to helping Razorwhips."

"When you put it that way, there was a lot that's happened." She replied with a sheepish smile. "Not to mention for you. Trying to figure out Darien's next game plan, to trying to help Matt figure out who wants Heather."

"We've all been busy." He admitted with a shrug.

Stopping on one particular platform, they both overlooked the ocean that glistened in the moonlight. Taking in the magnificent view, Hiccup took a second to prepare what he was going to say. Subtly sliding his hand into one of his belt's pouches, he felt the cold metal of the object almost burn his fingers. Feeling a lump grow in his throat, he swallowed it and pulled out the object. "Hey, uh, Astrid."

Turning to him, she saw his hand clenched over something; making her flash with worry as she knew what it was going to be.

"Since we've been so busy, I never had a chance to give this to you…" At that, he held out his betrothal gift. The medallion with a silvered, decorative chain around running through it. Sheepishly, he then draped it over her head and let it hang from her neck. "It was my father's gift to my mother. H-he gave it to me, to…give to you…" At that he took a small step back to watch her reaction, and to see how it looked on her.

Astrid just stood there. Stunned at the gift he gave her.

"Your part of our family now. You've always been, and I hope forever onwards…"

Still in a stupor, she grasped the amulet to observe it in detail. "Hiccup…I-"

"If you don't like it, that's fine-"

"No! I-it's nothing like that. It's beautiful and perfect!" She quickly cried out, almost horrified at the thought that she didn't like it. "I just…I couldn't get you a gift. I had no idea of what to get you. It was the reason why I wanted to be alone with Heather at the Northern Markets. I thought that we could think of something that would be perfect for you."

Hiccup's face softened as he saw what was bugging her. Grabbing her, he pulled her into him. "Astrid, don't be ridiculous. You've already given me the best gift anyone could have given me…"

Looking at him, she silently asked him to tell her.

"You. You gave me yourself." He whispered. "I never deserved anyone like you, and somehow, I got the best person in the world to like and care about me. I owe you everything, Astrid."

Smiling, Astrid let her head fall into his shoulder as she embraced him. The two held each other, hugging each other tight. Turning, they continued to watch the moon reflect off the water as they simply stood there to enjoy each other's company and presence.

"Yeeaagghh!" Gobber yawned as he walked up to where Stoick was sitting. "Ah, long day, Chief?"

Looking up, Stoick smiled at his old friend. "Aye, quite the day, Gobber. Apart from the usual disputes, we had a fishing vessel's sail break off. A Thunderdrum thought they were getting to close to its territory."

"Ah, I'm sure yeh and Skullcrusher had no problem handling it, did yeh?" He replied with a cheerful smile. Pouring himself a mug of mead, he also poured one for Stoick. Setting it front of him, he took a seat and began to relax.

"Hmmm, thank you." He replied, taking a large swallow from the offered drink. "I'm just glad Astrid created a whole team of Dragon Riders for us. Let's me sleep in peace knowing we have an active guard duty going on throughout the night."

"Aye, crafty one that lass is. Unfortunate that she didn't join the guard herself, but probably for the best. Keeps her watching yer son's back."

"And it's good they're spending time with each other." He replied with a slight smile of his own. "And we can handle protecting Berk ourselves. Can't depend on one or two people. It's gotta be a joint effort."

"Keep preaching, Stoick." Gobber chuckled.

"How's the forge? Been busy?"

"Hmph. Busy trying to keep Grump awake." He huffed in annoyance. "Useful as cutting meat with a dull spoon. Sometimes I wonder if he was even worth savin'."

Chuckling at the joke, Stoick took another drink. "Sometimes I ask that when I'm talking about you."

"Wouldn't be surprised." He laughed. "How about we go for a quick walk around the village before we call it a night? Ensure that everything is locked up and alright."

"You're volunteering to help me?" Stoick asked as he reluctantly stood up.

"Aye, just this one time." He teased, doing the same.

As the two friends slowly made their ways to the Great Hall's doors, they were shocked to see Gustav burst through them.

"Dragons!" He shouted. "Two dragons spotted coming and in fast! I've never seen any like them!"

"Come on, Gobber!" Stoick shouted, running past Gustav.

Gobber was hot behind his friend's heals, leaving behind Gustav who was trying to keep up with them. As they ran out, they saw Spitelout, Bucket, and Mulch on their dragons hovering over the village.

"Dead ahead, Stoick!" Spitelout shouted, pointing in a direction.

Following where he was pointing, Stoick saw what they were talking about.

Two dragons were gliding closer to Berk. They were indeed moving at a fast pace. One was large, while the other was a bit smaller, though not by much. In the dark, it was impossible to tell what they were or any other details.

"Get ready to put fire back at them!" Stoick shouted, wishing he had Skullcrusher with him. Having put him to bed, he had nothing to really help the A-team until he could get to his house. "The moment they act hostile, send 'em packing!"

"Right-o, Chief!" Spitelout shouted back.

"What in Odin's name…" Gobber whispered, eyeing the approaching dragons. "Can't tell what they are!"

"Aye, just get ready to put out fires if they decide to target the buildings first." Stoick ordered, anxiously waiting to see them make the first move.

The closer the dragons got, the slower they started to move. Flying just above the roofs of the buildings and homes, they then dropped into the central square.

"Gobber! With me!" Stoick shouted, sprinting to where they landed.

The A-team was circling above, not wanting to strike first, or aggravate the visiting dragons.

As Stoick got closer, he let out a shocked gasp as he saw two silhouettes dismount from the taller dragon. It took a moment longer to finally realize what he was seeing. It was a Triple Stryke! And the other dragon looked like a smaller version of Toothless! "There's only one man that rides that beast…" He muttered to himself, instantly relaxing at the sight. "Stand down! Stand down, all of you!"

Confused, the A-team simply watched Stoick confidently walk up to the strangers, unsure of what to do.

The taller stranger then stood up straight as Stoick approached him. With a barely visible smile, he embraced Berk's chief with one arm. Wearing black chainmail, having a quiver of crossbow bolts strapped to his hip, a razor-edged sword sheathed on his back, and a worn, tattered cloak hanging from his back; it wasn't hard to know who it was.

"Been awhile, Stoick." He called out to the approaching chief.

"Aye, you about got yourself killed, Ukiah." Stoick growled, grabbing Ukiah into a hug. "What were ya' thinking of arriving at this hour? Without letting us know you were coming?"

Ukiah stood back with a widening smile. "It was a quick decision. Didn't have time to let you know. Besides, as hard as we rode, we would have beat any Terror mail we would have sent."

"That I wouldn't doubt." Stoick replied with a widening smile.

By this time, Gobber walked up and grabbed Ukiah in a similar hug. "Aye, I knew you couldn't stay too long away from us!"

Ukiah smiled at the friendly blacksmith, who helped him more times than he could count.

"And this is…Lydia?" Stoick asked, seeing her stand to the side to watch the reunion. He recalled helping her and letting her live on the island for a time, but had almost forgot about her. He honestly thought he'd never see her again when she left to go home.

"It is. Had to come to thank you for your kindness last time I was here." She replied with a smile. At that, she bowed to him.

"Heheheh, you don't have to do that, princess." Stoick teased, remembering she hated being called that.

"Well, it's technically queen now."

Gaping, he turned to Ukiah as if he would explain.

Sighing, Ukiah shook his head. "I'm not a king. I'm a chief."

"But that means…"

"We're married. Yes."

"I can't believe it! Why didn't you tell us?!"

"For this reason. You would have wasted two months of your life sailing to Thariin and then back. Just for a day." Ukiah defended. "It was down low as it was. Not a lot of people knew since they already assumed we were married before I took over Thariin."

Shaking his head, Stoick gripped Ukiah's shoulder with the missing arm. "It's good to see you, Ukiah. I've been thinking about you since Hiccup told me you stayed to be a chief. It seems to be treating you well."

Smiling, Ukiah nodded proudly, knowing Stoick was his father figure in his life. "I had a good example to model myself after. And a high bar to meet. I hope I'm able to at least meet expectations."

Lydia hit him in the stomach. "Don't let him fool you, Stoick. He's been great. The people love him."

"Some don't…" He grunted, rolling his eyes at the subject.

Stoick smiled as he then gestured for them to follow him back to the Great Hall. "Come, we can talk over a hot meal. I'm sure you're both starving. Let alone your dragons."

Both the Triple Stryke and Sand Wraith growled happily at the thought of food.

"Of course. However, I didn't come here just for a social visit."

Lydia hit him, glaring at his bluntness.

"I figured as much." Stoick admitted, knowing Ukiah wasn't one to make long, tiresome trips without a purpose. "Do you need help?"

"No. Not me. I think Hiccup does though."

Concerned, Stoick simply stood there and waited for him to explain.

"You couldn't have waited until we sat down?" Lydia growled, glaring at him.

Ukiah simply ignored her. "I…I had a dream. About Hiccup."

Stoick and Gobber slowly reeled back. They knew his history better than anyone else, and they knew exactly what he meant when he said dream.

"I saw…" Ukiah hesitated for a moment, wishing he was good with words to soften the news of what he was going to tell Stoick. "Hiccup being killed."

Stoick's face hardened.

"I couldn't tell who it was, but it was someone he knew. Someone he trusted…"

Stoick let out a long sigh, as if venting the pressure building up inside. "Are you sure it was a vision? Not a nightmare?"

"I…I honestly don't know. But it was jarring enough for me to fly all this way to ensure he was safe." Ukiah admitted. "I'm not like my people before me. I can't tell the difference between a dream and a vision."

"I understand, Ukiah. Thank you for coming to warn us."

"Is Hiccup even here? Or is he at Dragon's Edge?"

Stoick shook his head. "Sadly, he's where you said. Boy doesn't come here too often anymore."

Nodding, Ukiah simply stared at nothing.

Lydia, knowing him, gently rested her hand on his shoulder. "Get something to eat, and then take Lasher to find him. I'll stay here with Arrow and visit with Stoick."

Looking at her, Ukiah let a small smile grow. "Thank you."

"Come on, we'll get you something warm to eat and then you can get going." Stoick ordered, almost commanding them to follow him. "Gobber, take care of the dragons."

"Aye, Stoick. Will do." He answered, walking up to the Triple Stryke and Sand Wraith. "Come on, yeh lizards. Got some nice salmon just caught hours ago."

As Gobber led the dragons away, Ukiah walked with Stoick step for step. Lydia walked alongside of him, though she hung back slightly, knowing that Ukiah was silently happy to be visiting Stoick and Berk.

"I noticed Arrow is a lot bigger." Stoick commented, looking down at Ukiah. "Been able to ride him yet?"

Ukiah shook his head. "He's strong and healthy, but that's about it. He's not ready to carry someone yet. Though I'm sure that'll be a different story at summer's end."

Stoick nodded in agreement.

"Has Hiccup been at war with any Hunters?" Ukiah asked almost reluctantly.

"Not that I'm aware of. I think they all disbanded after Viggo's death. I don't think Darien has been able to rebuild much. Even if she did, she won't have what Viggo had."

Ukiah nodded, though his mind wandered to his next question.

Reading his mind, Stoick shook his head. "I haven't heard anything about Zekir. He disappeared just as well as Darien. If they're together, they're being careful about their movements. No one's seen or heard of them since they left Thariin."

"I figured; they're not going to attack or make a move until they're ready." He growled angrily.

"Come on, you need to tell me more about this dream you had. And what you exactly saw." Stoick beckoned.

"Yeah, no problem." He replied while shaking his head to get his thoughts back to the present. "While I'm here, I also need to visit with your allies and neighboring islands. Start expanding relations to the Archipelago."

"Aye, not a bad idea. I know of a handful of chiefs that will be willing to visit with you. One being Alvin of Outcast Island. The other being Dagur the Deranged. Hiccup also has friends with another island called Caldera Cay. Led by a queen named Mala."

"Sounds like you have a busy schedule ahead of you." Lydia teased, smiling at Ukiah.

"What else is new?" He whispered, shaking his head tiredly. Even for a former vagabond and warrior, the trip to Berk was a long one that tested his endurance. The thought of working as a chief instead of a warrior almost made sigh in frustration and angst more than when he knew he had a battle to fight in.

"Don't worry, I'm staying here to help you." Lydia assured, seeing him tense up. "I'll visit with the chiefs near here."

"I'm sure Gobber will be willing to help you get from island to island, lass." Stoick commented. "Make it a little easier for you to be able to expand your relations."

"Thank you, Stoick." Ukiah replied with a resolute voice. "Just give me some dried rations and I'll actually start heading to Dragon's Edge now. I can't help but feel anxious about finding Hiccup as soon as possible."

Nodding in understanding, Stoick picked up his pace. "Thank you, Ukiah. If it was anyone else that gave me the news that Hiccup was in danger, I would have already left. But since I know you, I'm not half as anxious as I would have otherwise been. Now, Lydia, tell me what you're thinking about regarding your visits with other islands."

Ukiah nodded as she began to converse with Stoick. In his mind though, he kept on thinking of his dream, and seeing the shadow plunge a dagger into Hiccup's heart. "Not while I'm breathing…" He whispered to himself. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Hiccup. That isn't a promise…it's a fact…"

Matt found himself walking through an open, snowy field. Shaking his head, he let a sly smile grow. He instantly recognized it as a dream. He had it a few times in the past couple of months. He knew exactly what was going to happen. He'd walk over to a hill, find out he's signed up for a snowboard competition, start riding, and then wake up.

"Maybe it'll be a little different." He muttered to himself as he pushed through the deep snow.

Since he knew it was a dream, he wasn't cold; despite wearing his usual Berserker outfit.

"…pssst…"

Freezing, he turned around to try and find out the source of the noise.

"…Matt…"

"Who's there?"

"Are you awake?"

Shaking his head, he found himself staring at Heather. She was kneeling over him and gently shaking him.

"Urgh…wha-? Heather?"

"Oh, you're awake!" She replied with a relieved smile.

"Well, I am now." He growled, reluctantly sitting up. "What's wrong?"

"Uh, nothing…I was just wondering if we could talk."

Instantly waking up more, he nodded.

"Come on, let's walk." She whispered, helping him stand up.

Limping with her, they left their hut that was their room, careful not to wake any of the other Riders. As they passed under the cloth doorway, they were welcomed with the sight of millions of stars shining down on them. The moon was now setting behind the island, making it otherwise appear pitch black.

"It sure is beautiful…" Heather whispered, sitting down on the edge of the platform.

"It is. Won't lie. Reminds me of home a little bit."

"Really? Like, your home? Where you're actually from?" She asked, smiling at the subject.

"Yeah. At least when I was up in the mountains. Wasn't a lot of light pollution where I lived so it was easy to see the stars." He explained as he sat next to her. "Cold, brisk nights were the best to see them. The air seemed to make the stars shine ten times brighter."

"Hmm…sounds beautiful." She whispered while lightly swinging her legs back and forth from the edge.

"So, what made you wake me up? What'd you want to talk about?" He asked with a teasing smile. "You know how much I need my beauty sleep."

To his surprise, she didn't smile at his joke. Instead, she looked down almost ashamed of something.

"Hey, what's up? I've never seen you that down since we found out Darien and Zekir escaped form Thariin."

"I…I guess I wanted to apologize."

Realizing what she was going to be talking about, he simply scooted closer to her and wrapped an arm around her.

"I should've talked to you about the betrothal stuff a long time ago. Especially when you came to live with me back home." She started to confess. "I…I don't know why I didn't. I guess I didn't want you to worry about it."

"Hey, I don't care about that. I know there's gonna be stuff I won't know about ten years down the road." He replied. "Honestly, it's going to take me my whole life to get used and know your culture and traditions. I guess if anything, my question is why have you been so hard to talk about it with?"

Looking down, she went silent.

Unsure of what was eating her, he simply waited for her response.

"I…I don't know if I'm ready. You know, to be betrothed."

"Is that what's been bugging you?"

Nodding, she simply looked down in shame. "I love you, Matt! I just…I don't know if I can follow through with a betrothal yet."

"Heather! Look at me!" He cried out, grabbing her chin and forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I'm not going to push this on you! I'd never do that! You're entire life has been one helluva ride, and the last thing I'm going to do, is make you do something you don't want to."

"I know…I guess I didn't know how to tell you…"

Smiling, Matt pulled her close to him. "You're hopeless, Heather. Did you think I was going to be upset that you didn't want to marry right now?"

Looking at him, she asked. "I did. Since you wanted to talk to me about it. I was scared that you were going to ask me…"

"Really, Heather? How many times do I have to tell you? I only want you to be happy!" He teased, smirking at her.

"But that's my problem too…"

Rolling his eyes, Matt shook his head. "What else is your problem? Why are you girls so complicated?"

"No…it's just…you've always been selfless when it comes to me. Almost always you'll do something for me. Be it fighting against the Hunters, coming to live with me, to-"

"Stopping your shoulder from bleeding after being run through." He interrupted, smiling at her. "Pulling a sword out of your shoulder to keep you from being dragged down by a sinking ship. Carrying you out a Hunter prison after being tortured and tied up by them. Yeah, I guess you can say I've been selfless in that regard."

"Ugh, Matt, will you let me talk?" She growled, fighting the smile that wanted to so badly come out. "I'm trying to be serious."

"Heather, you don't need to be serious. Let me tell you what I'm thinking." He continued to say, ignoring her request to finish. "I love you. You know that. Dagur knows that. Windshear knows that. Everyone know that. I'll do anything for you-"

"But I haven't done anything for you!"

Taken back by the shouting, he simply sat there and waited for her to explain.

"You threw away everything you ever knew, just to stay here. Your home, your dad, your life before was completely disregarded! You chose to stay here!"

"And?"

"And then, even after that, even after all that you went through, you left Hiccup and the others to stay and live with me." She continued to say, though her emotions were starting to overcome her. "I-I-I…"

"Let me guess what's on your mind, since you can't tell me directly…" He began to say. "You think that you're doing nothing to help me. To show that you love me too. Right?"

Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and nodded. "I can't even say I want to be betrothed yet. The simplest act to show love for someone…"

"God, Heather, you are your worst critic."

Shocked, she looked at him who had a disarming smile.

"Let's recount how we met. Since you obviously forgot. I was your prisoner, who you were supposed to kill. A few fists later, and I got away. Sound familiar?"

"But wha-mmph!"

"Nope! You listen to me, hotshot!" He interrupted, clamping his hand over her mouth. Keeping It placed firmly so she couldn't get it off, he glared at her with a fire that made her stop trying to get her head away. "After that episode, you fought tooth and nail, you sweat and bled for us to trust you again. You saved my life twice; once when I was bleeding out, and the other when Dagur had me and Wasatch wrapped up in that net. You took a sword through the shoulder, which pinned you to the deck. You then were taken hostage by Darien, while I was knocked out and Astrid was tied up. And what Astrid told me, was that all you cared about was me. Telling her to take care of me. Sound right?"

Heather could only nod.

"Heather, I love you for what you are, not what you're going to do for me." He whispered, finally pulling his hand off her mouth. "If that was the case, I wouldn't be fighting to keep you with me. Since someone thinks a bounty is going to separate us. I don't care if you don't want to get married. I don't care if you don't sacrifice the same things I did to be here. I don't care what you can do for me. I love you because you're you. I just want to be the person you care about. And I know I am, since you were worried you weren't doing enough for me. That Heather, means more to me than a simple 'I do.' Now, can you please stop worrying about it?"

Closing her eyes to hide the tears that were coming out, she grabbed him with both arms and pulled tight. "Thank you, Matt! I'm so sorry that I made you worry about this. I just want to make sure you're happy…"

"And the way to do that, is to make sure you stay happy." He whispered, also embracing her. "I love you, Heather. Just make sure you don't forget that."

"I won't, Matt. And I promise that I'll be happy. So long as you want to stay with me."

"Seem to be at an impasse then." He joked.

With the night set in, and the worries removed from both of them, they turned to watch the stars. They had always loved each other, but now they finally understood each other.

Edited a new scene into the chapter. It was originally going to be the start of the next chapter, but it felt better to belong into this one. I know reviews won't let you post another one in this chapter, but that's alright! Hope it was a good addition! Planning on getting the next chapter done sometime this weekend. Hopefully I can get ahead and start stacking some chapters before posting them.