=Normal POV=

{Friday, June 3, 2022-5:30 pm}

(Berk; Haddock Manor)

Senior Prom was tonight and starting in an hour. As it would be busy to get in with everyone else; Hiccup insisted that he and his group leave at 5:45 pm. Everyone was over, friend-wise, and so were their parents, or parent. The seniors didn't have school today in order to get ready for tonight. Astrid, Heather, Ragna, Camicazi, Nadia, Minden, and Ruffnut got their hair and nails done at the salon closest to Haddock Manor at 3:30 pm; they were all set with that by 4:30 pm. Hiccup and the males didn't start getting ready until 5 pm because they didn't require as much preparation for tonight. The girls, except for Astrid were done and downstairs already with their boyfriends or dates for the evening. Runa was with Maeva and Bard. Parents were taking pictures, but now it was time to leave, and Astrid wasn't downstairs yet. All the guys wore either black or gray suits. The shirts were white, gray, or black. But bowties or ties were the color of the dress their date wore.

Hiccup was wearing an all-black suit with a black shirt and light blue tie because Astrid said she was wearing a light blue dress. The days leading up to this were a bit crazy with making sure all the dresses and suits fit, plus getting corsages. Wednesday after school for Hiccup was sitting in Hoark's office explaining the things Johann said on Tuesday. It wasn't a fun day and took almost two hours. Hiccup didn't tell them everything and apologized for intervening, but he had to do something to get Drago's focus on him instead of Astrid. Hiccup admitted that he purposely made himself a target, but it meant Astrid wouldn't be anymore. Also, Hiccup assured both men he would be okay and could handle himself. Plus, the Dragon Eye was gone, so what would Drago fight with now since he couldn't find the Bewilderbeast. Hiccup told them that he figured out Astrid's necklace was the key because of the fact it was the only thing stolen from his house.

Hiccup never told them about the safe stolen from his father's office that belonged to Colden. And Hiccup mentioned that he found maps on the Reaper, which led him to the Dragon Eye being in the captain's quarters. But that was it; Hiccup didn't give them anything more than that because it would jeopardize Viggo and Ryker, who was still undercover for Hiccup to get hard evidence of Drago ordering the hit to kill the Hofferson family. Also, Hiccup needed them to draw Drago out of hiding since not even the Grimborn brothers had met him in person and knew where he was. Hiccup couldn't tell them about that, but he assured them he could get Drago out to be arrested for his crimes. Hiccup made them remember that under their noses; he got farther in cracking the case than they did. Sadly, Spitelout and Hoark couldn't argue it but demanded updates. Hiccup agreed, and that was it.

Spitelout explained to Stoick and Valka what was happening, but not that Hiccup was still invested. Stoick and Valka didn't like that everything was done behind their backs but understood what a serious situation it was. Of course, Stoick and Valka assumed Hiccup was out of danger, and he was very much not. And that's how Hiccup demanded it remains until this was over.

"You sure she said she was right behind you?" Hiccup asked looking at the girls.

"Yeah," Ragna nodded.

"Astrid, hurry it up! We're gonna be late!" Snotlout called. Hiccup glared at him. "What, trying to help," Hiccup closed his eyes and shook his head in the defeat of his younger cousin's way of handling some things.

"Hiccup," Dague elbowed him a bit as Hiccup opened his eyes and looked at him. Dagur only pointed to the stairs as Hiccup turned his head and caught sight of Astrid walking down slowly, step by step. Hiccup's eyes widened in amazement at how she looked. The guys and girls behind him snickered or giggled at the sight of Hiccup's face, stunned in awe of Astrid.

Astrid wore an elegant light blue, spaghetti strap, knee-length, A-Line, Chiffon dress. There was a slightly longer layer under the first one at the bottom and a bow that blended beautifully in with the rest of the flow down. Astrid's hair was braided from the base of her neck and down to hang over her left shoulder, and there was a smaller braid on the side of her head that tied in with the bigger one. On the right side of Astrid's head; there was some hair hanging down and straight in front of her ear and falling along the side of her cheek. Astrid didn't bother with earrings or a necklace. Nothing fancy was happening with Astrid's feet; she only wore two-inch, silver, open-toed sandals with a strap over part of the foot and then another strap for around the ankle.

Hiccup seemed to be frozen, just staring at Astrid. "I think she broke him," Thuggory commented.

Eret snapped his fingers in front of Hiccup before he snapped out of it and waved Eret's hand away. "Milady," Hiccup greeted her with a slight bow and offered his hand. Astrid giggled a bit as she accepted the action and allowed Hiccup to lead her the rest of the way down while Valka was snapping pictures. "You look gorgeous,"

"You like nice too, Mister I hate suits," Astrid laughed a little, remembering the night Hiccup said that during Stoick's Mayorship party.

"I deal with them for special occasions," Hiccup remarked.

"Oh, and tonight is a special occasion; it's just a glorified dance," Ruffnut informed.

"It's Senior Prom, and it only happens once. It's special because I get going to spend the entire evening with this lovely lady right here," Hiccup explained, smiling as he looked at Astrid, who blushed. Hiccup reached for the clear box with the corsage he purchased for her in it. Astrid extended her arm as Hiccup slipped it on her wrist, then the two hugged. Valka took a picture of Hiccup standing next to Astrid, and then another of Hiccup behind her with his hands on her waist. The last photo taken was a group one as everyone was preparing to leave.

"The limo just pulled up, son," Stoick enlightened. There was a knock on the door. "Sigurd, can you get that?" Seconds later, Sigurd walked in with a man behind him.

"Young Master Hiccup…There is a gentleman here for you," Sigurd stated.

"He's fine, thank you, Sigurd," Hiccup smiled as the man approached and pulled something out of his side bag and handed it to Hiccup. The two men shook hands before the visitor left.

"What was that all about?" Alvin asked.

"I got Astrid a little gift that I asked to be ready for tonight; he was just bringing it by for me," Hiccup explained as he turned to face a surprised Astrid. "For you, Milady," he held the box out to her. It was a soft texture, gray one as Astrid learned when she accepted the case for her. Astrid carefully opened the box as her eyes widened with tears in them and a hand came to her mouth as she gasped and took a step back. Astrid looked between the contents of the case and Hiccup, who shrugged a bit and smiled with his hands in his pockets.

"Hiccup, this is-I don't-Is this-," Astrid tried to ask quickly, but her words weren't even full sentences. Sitting in the box was a silver, heart-shaped locket; freshly polished with a new chain. It looked dead on like the one that had been stolen from her. "Is this-," she tried again.

"Why don't you look and see for yourself?" Hiccup offered. Astrid shakily used her hands to open the locket. On the left was the same photo; a shot of her as a newborn with her parents. And on the right was the same engraving. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Hiccup instantly; it was her original pendant!

"Oh, my Gods! Hiccup, I-I…I don't under-How did you-When did you-," Astrid attempted, but the shock was still there. Suddenly, Astrid didn't even want to know; she was just grateful. Hiccup somehow managed to get back the locket that had been stolen from her. Astrid's bottom lip quivered as she launched herself at Hiccup, hugging him tightly. Hiccup chuckled a little and hugged her back.

"Do the rest of us get to see what made Astrid cry?" Fishlegs wondered. The hug ended as Astrid stayed next to him, admiring the locket.

"Would you like me to put it on you?" Hiccup asked. Astrid managed a nod as Hiccup carefully removed the necklace and stepped behind Astrid; putting it in place and securing the clip.

"That's the same necklace that was taken!" Heather pointed.

"No way; you bought her a replacement?!" the girls squealed. Astrid looked at Hiccup as he winked at her, and she understood that the others didn't realize this was the original, and he didn't mind letting them believe it to avoid more questions being raised.

"It's perfect," Astrid said. "Thank you, Hiccup," she added as there was another hug. "I don't know how you did it, and I'm not even going to question it…But thank you," she whispered.

"I promised you I would get it back, and Hiccup Haddock is a man of his word. I told you; all you have to do is trust me and everything will be fine," Hiccup reminded quietly. Astrid nodded as they broke the hug and she carefully wiped her eyes again, now smiling before Astrid pulled Hiccup closed by his neck and kissed him. Hiccup kissed her back, of course, and then they broke it.

"Alright, now we gotta get going before we miss the big night!" Camicazi reminded quickly, and with excitement. Hiccup only shook his head as he offered his arm to Astrid and led her out. Not long after, the rest followed, and they loaded into the limo that was parked in the driveway. By 5:45, as Hiccup planned; they were on their way to Senior Prom.

. . .

{6:45 pm}

(The Drakonian Palace Hotel)

It was being held at a luxurious hotel in one of the bigger conference rooms. That had a dance floor and all-around was tables. There were long tables with fruit punch, water, and soda. There were some small appetizers such as chips, dip, fruits, vegetables, and little snack-size sandwiches to hold them over until 7:00 when there would be dinner. The choices were stuffed chicken, steak, or spaghetti and meatballs. If someone chose steak or chicken, there would be various sides to pick from, and all this was picked as they entered the dance and turned in their tickets. There would be options for soup or salad before dinner and dessert afterward. The theme of the dance was Las Vegas, and the only reason for it is because of the saying; What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas.

Someone on the committee thought it would be a good idea, but who cared as long as everyone had a good time. All the tables had decks of cards and dice on them, wine glasses for water, soda, or juice. There were balloons, flashing lights décor on the walls, and plenty of picture backdrops to get photos done at. Of course, the first place to snap a picture was upon walking in under a semi-nice arch with lights. Hiccup and crew arrived a bit late, but the traffic getting in was horrid, so it was okay.

"Well, here we are," Eret said.

"Senior Prom," Heather informed.

"One of the last big things we'll ever do as students of Archian Preparatory," Snotlout added.

"Well, what the hell are we waiting for!?" Hiccup asked them. "It's Senior Prom, a dance party for us Seniors to celebrate that we're done with Finals and graduating in two weeks! Let's party!" he announced. The crowd of thirteen friends cheered and hurried inside to find a table or two where they could sit together for the duration of the evening. By 6:55 pm, they found two tables that were unoccupied and sit them comfortably once they got permission to move them together and adjust the chairs.

"This is so exciting!" Astrid giggled as she was admiring everything.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it so far," Hiccup told her.

"Alright, what first?" Nadia asked.

"Well, dinner is likely gonna get pushed back because our Senior Class is about one hundred and twenty students give or take ten to fifteen," Fishlegs advised.

"People are still arriving too," Heather pointed out.

"I'll go with dinner at 7:30, at the latest," Thuggory remarked.

"I'll agree, so I guess we do whatever for about thirty-five minutes?" Camicazi asked.

"Well, I don't know about any of you, but this is a dance. So, Astrid…Would you like to?" Hiccup inquired, offering his hand.

Astrid giggled a bit, nodding. "I'd love to," she replied taking his hand as Hiccup led her onto the dance floor as one song was ending and another started. The song was something semi-slow; Drunk On You by Luke Bryan. Hiccup and Astrid positioned themselves and started moving around together in a small circle. Some of their other friends had joined in on the dance floor to dance as well. Somewhere through the song, Astrid closed her eyes and laid her head on Hiccup's shoulder, smiling contently.

"Having a good time so far?" Hiccup asked.

"It's…I don't even have the words for it, Hiccup; I'm just glad you asked me to go with you," Astrid looked up at him. "I think I'm having more fun now than I did at Junior Prom, and the night has barely begun," she admitted.

"As long as you're enjoying yourself," Hiccup stated as Astrid lifted her head up and looked up at Hiccup when he started humming along to the song. "Let's slip on out where it's a little bit darker, and when it gets a little bit hotter; we'll take it off out in the water…" Hiccup sang. Astrid blushed deeply. The song continued as people were leaving the floor to get back to their tables. "You're looking so good in what's left of those blue jeans. Drip of honey on the money-maker has gotta be the best buzz I'm ever gonna find…Hey, I'm little drunk on you and high on summertime…" Hiccup finished the song as it slowed more.

"I told myself I wasn't going to ask this…But I have to know…" Astrid began as Hiccup motioned for her to continue. "How'd you get it back?" she asked. Hiccup smiled as he continued dancing with her.

"Would you believe me if I said I'm just that good?" Hiccup tried. Astrid laughed a bit, but she shook her head. "It was worth a try," he shrugged. "Alright; I'll tell you, but you have to promise that you won't tell anyone or even hint at it," he started.

"You can trust me," Astrid reminded gently.

"I contacted every pawnshop, trash removal service, and dump on Archia Isle. I offered a reward for whoever found and returned it to me," Hiccup enlightened.

"And…Who found it?" Astrid wondered.

"Pawnshop in Dragon Hunter. I received an e-mail this morning with pictures of the outside and inside from the owner of the shop; he said it was with a box of other silver jewelry from someone who said it was a bad divorce and getting rid of everything he ever gave his now ex-wife," Hiccup laughed a bit.

"Pfft, yeah, likely story for a bunch of thieves. Let me guess, Drago realized you already had the Dragon Eye and was told someone to get rid of it as it was useless to him now," Astrid muttered.

"That would be my best theory," Hiccup nodded.

"If I ever see him…I swear I'm gonna sock him in the face," Astrid grumbled.

"And I will hold him, so you can," Hiccup smiled.

"One more thing I wanna know…" Astrid asked while they were walking back to the table after the song ended entirely.

"And that is?" Hiccup invited, linking his hand to hers.

"What was the reward?" Astrid inquired. Hiccup tensed a bit and looked forward. "Hiccup…" she warned when he didn't answer.

"U-Um…F-Five," Hiccup answered.

"Hundred?! Five hundred?!" Astrid whispered harshly once they reached the table and the friends blinked, wondering what was going on. "You paid five hundred dollars for this?" she asked.

"Wait a second, what now?" Ruffnut inquired.

"Hiccup…Did you pay five hundred dollars to replace that necklace?" Camicazi questioned.

"Hiccup…" Astrid made him face her.

"No," Hiccup replied as Astrid sighed in relief. "Thousand," Astrid stopped and stared at him; they all did in fact. "Five thousand dollars, cash, was the reward for turning that necklace into me so I could give it back to you as promised," Hiccup said calmly.

"You said you replaced it!" Heather screeched.

"No, I located the original; it turned up in a pawnshop, and I got an email with pictures this morning. I had put out a message to all the pawnshops, garbage services, and dumps on the island that if it turned up; to contact me. I offered a cash reward of five thousand dollars to whoever returned it to me. I knew Drago would have no use for it since I had the Dragon Eye, so he'd pawn it for money with a bunch of other things too. I asked the guy to polish it up, and give it a stronger chain; then bring it to me tonight," Hiccup responded.

"Hiccup…This locket isn't worth more than-," Astrid started. "Hiccup…Why did you pay so much for this?"

"Because you can't put a price on happiness," Hiccup stated as Astrid's eyes widened. Hiccup had her sit down as he crouched in front of her and she looked down at him. "I know the necklace, as a piece of jewelry in a store isn't worth more than about $150, maybe $200. Okay, then you add in a couple of lines on engraving, and you're looking at a $260 product. However, you've had this since you were five years old; it was given to you as a gift from your parents, and you never took it off,"

"B-But Hiccup!" Astrid tried, but Hiccup put his hand up to stop her.

"Astrid, this locket was given to you with the message that as long as you had it; you and your parents were always together, near or far, connected by a silver, heart-shaped pendant. And all these years; you've worn it and never knew it was a locket until I revealed it as such. Inside there is a picture of you as a baby being held by your folks, and meaningful words engraved. A way for you to never forget their message, and hold onto it more now that they have passed away," Hiccup continued as Astrid looked like she was going to cry.

"This locket means the world to you, and you were devastated when it was stolen. I promised you that I would get it back one way or the other. Even if I had to take Toothless into the belly of the beast and confront Drago myself; I would have done it to recover this for you. I would have depleted my life savings if that's what it took to get it back. It's a gift with a lot of sentimental value, and it cannot just be replaced with another one that may look like it; it would lose its meaning. You can't put a number on preserving a memory, something like this, Astrid," Hiccup lifted the pendant as he saw tears glistening in her eyes. "It's worth more than anyone would ever believe. And going through the process to get it back, just to see that moment of sheer joy on your face was worth every penny I spent to return it to its rightful owner. It belongs with you, Milady," Hiccup used his thumb to wipe a tear that began to fall.

Astrid smiled as she grabbed Hiccup's face and kissed him hard. The kiss was deep, passionate, and longer than any of the others anyone had seen them share. "Oh, wow," a few at the table said in surprise. Hiccup kissed Astrid back, and then the two broke apart.

"And if you behave and stop making me cry with your incredibly moving words…Maybe there's more of that kiss later on," Astrid blushed a bit. Hiccup saluted her quickly.

"Ma'am yes, ma'am!" Hiccup responded quickly. Astrid giggled as she patted the seat beside her and Hiccup went to sit down. After that; the friends continued to sit around the table and talk until dinner arrived, which was hopefully soon. Obviously, they wanted to eat, and get back to enjoying the night of all nights in their High School career; Senior Prom.