=Astrid's POV=
{Friday, June 3, 2022-11:10 pm}
(The Drakonian Palace Hotel)
Thus far, Senior Prom was everything expected and hoped it would be. Loud music, talking, laughing, dancing, and an amazing meal. Hiccup and I chose the stuffed chicken and rice main course; I picked corn as my vegetable, and Hiccup got broccoli. Before that, Hiccup selected chowder for an appetizer; I went with a caesar salad. And for dessert; we decided to split a piece of chocolate cake with a small side of vanilla/fudge swirl ice cream. It was delicious too. By 8:30 pm, everyone was finished eating and began to get back on the dance floor. I've lost track of how many songs Hiccup and I have danced to tonight. Some fast, others slow, and then there are the line dance songs that everyone does in time together. The prom would end at 11:30 pm, shortly after the announcement of who the king and queen are; then the two winners would get a spotlight dance to a song of their choosing. That would be happening at 11:20 pm, I believe.
The entire night has been something I will never forget, and what made it more special is that I got to come as more than just Hiccup's date; I'm his girlfriend. Nobody knew about this still, but Hiccup and I would probably tell our friends soon. Right now, my friends and I are sitting at our tables to relax a bit before the announcement for the king and queen of the prom happened. Hiccup had left to use the bathroom while the rest of us were talking about what to do after prom was over. It's a Friday night; we usually have the sleepover at Hiccup's house, but I didn't know if that was still happening due to this being prom night.
Notoriously, proms are known for teenagers going off to other parties and ending up drunk, laid, or both. Also, couples who have been together a while may sometimes save the prom to have their first time. I knew a few in the Senior Class who has booked hotel rooms to go to after the prom ended. Among my friends; I didn't think any of them booked a room to do the deed. I also didn't think any of them planned to have sex tonight, but hey, I've been wrong only other couple was Hiccup and me, and I seriously doubted we'd be having sex tonight. I know I'm curious about it, but I know sex too early can kill a relationship. Losing Hiccup over a small detail such as sex is not something I wanted to do. However, as with the rest of our togetherness; we'd see what happened.
At the moment, none of that is my concern. My worry lied with the fact Hiccup went to use the bathroom at 10:55 pm, and it's now 11:10 pm. Why has he been gone for fifteen minutes? I didn't like it; something felt wrong. I've been trying to text him, but no answer.
"Astrid, what's wrong?" Heather asked, pulling me from my thoughts.
"Hm? I guess I'm worried about Hiccup; he's been gone fifteen minutes," I admitted.
"That does seem a bit odd," Nadia informed. I got up and sighed.
"I'm going to go check on him," I remarked as I headed for the exit of the room, then located the bathrooms down the hall. Nobody was around as I went to peek into the men's restroom, but three males came hurrying out as I hid against the wall that separated the two entrances of the boy's and girl's room. I got my phone out and started recording them on video.
"That'll teach him…" one panted. "The girl would have been more fun,"
"The girl isn't the target anymore since we can't get near her without this one getting in the way. Damn, that little shit can fight," another added. "Fuck, I think he broke my wrist,"
"Orders were to jump the boy because that's who fights anyway, nobody else. The kid brought it on himself by always interfering; he made himself a target. Drago Bludvist is more than happy to oblige and attack him directly. Now, shut up both of you and let's get out of here before someone sees us. That damn girl he's always with was messaging him, I'm sure someone is gonna come looking soon," another added as they darted down the hall and out the side door at the end. Concern filled me as I quickly rushed into the men's room and saw Hiccup laying on the floor unconscious.
"Oh, my Gods…" I panicked as I hurried over to my boyfriend and knelt down before him. "Hiccup? Hiccup? Oh, please wake up…" I shook him a little. Hiccup groaned a little and shifted some as he opened his eyes. "Thank Odin…" I breathed a sigh of relief. I helped Hiccup sit up slowly until he was against the wall with an arm over his midsection.
"I guess that's what I get for thinking there wouldn't be no problems tonight…" Hiccup coughed a few times as he got up and I did the same.
"You sure you're gonna be okay?" I asked softly.
"Little sore, I don't think anything is broken, sprained, or cracked," Hiccup nodded. "Don't worry about me, babe. I'm always gonna be okay. I'm touched you got worried and came to find me though. And since we're alone, there's something I've wanted to do since you did it to me at the start of the evening," he smiled softly as I blinked. Hiccup leaned in and kissed me; I melted into it right away.
Hiccup's body pushed mine against the wall as we continued. I felt Hiccup's tongue slide in and run over mine as my body became hyper-sensitive when his hands rested on my hips. My arms moved up and around his shoulders. Before I could stop it; a moan escaped. Hiccup pulled back quickly and stared. "D-Did you just moan?"
"N-No…" I denied.
"You sure about that?" Hiccup smirked a bit while I blushed.
"Just shut up and kiss me," I grabbed the front of his jacket and pulled him in for a hard kiss. Hiccup's lips crashed against mine as we began making out, no longer caring about the prom going on a few doors down. A few minutes into it; the door slammed open as our friends rushed in to find the scene of me pressed against the wall as Hiccup and I were locked in making out.
"Oh," Minden and Nadia said.
"My," Ruffnut and Ragna continued.
"Gods," Camicazi and Heather blinked.
"They aren't even dating, and Hiccup still ended up with more action than any of us!" Snotlout motioned.
"Not cool," Tuffnut mumbled as Fishlegs only shook his head.
"Looks like we should be getting tips from him," Thuggory laughed with Eret as they did a fist bump.
I guess we had to stop, and Hiccup must have been thinking the same thing because he pulled back and kissed my lips once more. I almost whined as he smiled at me.
"We'll pick this up later," Hiccup whispered in my ear. I blushed a bit and nodded as he stepped back and faced the others. "What?"
"You need to get back in the room, like now," Camicazi informed.
"Why?" I inquired. "Prom's just about over,"
"Not until the king and queen dance," Minden giggled.
"Well, we don't have to stay for that," Hiccup reminded.
"You do when you and Astrid are the king and queen!" Nadia clapped her hands together excitedly. Hiccup's and mine's eyes widened.
"Wait, what?!" Hiccup and I said at the same time.
"It just got announced! You two won, so move it!" Dagur reached for Hiccup as Heather got me and they hurried us out of the hall and to get back to the room. Hiccup stopped fast and held his midsection again as I got beside him.
"Hiccup? Are you okay?" I asked quickly seeing him panting.
"What's wrong? Why is he in pain?" Ruffnut inquired.
"He got jumped in the bathroom by three guys…I found him unconscious. Hiccup, I think you hurt your ribs…We should go to the hospital," I tried.
Hiccup shook his head. "No, I'm good…" he replied as he stood up straight slowly, wincing a bit before moving his arm away. "I'm sure I just need to relax a bit. So how about one more dance, then we'll bail, Milady," he smiled a bit while offering his hand to me. I sighed knowing I wouldn't win this; I took his hand as we entered the room.
=Normal POV=
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your 2022 Prom King and Queen; Hiccup Haddock and Astrid Hofferson!" the DJ announced. Hiccup and I walked through the open path where Mr. Meatsen was standing and waiting. Once we were before him; he placed a silver tiara-like crown on my head, then a larger, black top with white fur bottom and silver metal around it to match mine on Hiccup's head. Next was two sashes reading Prom King 2022 for Hiccup and Prom Queen 2022 for myself. "And now our royal prom leaders will close out the night with a spotlight dance. What song will it be your majesties?" the man asked.
"Ladies choice," Hiccup informed while looking at me.
"Our song?" Astrid smiled.
"Can I Have This Dance from High School Musical three," Hiccup told the DJ. The man nodded as Hiccup led Astrid to the middle of the floor. The music began as the two began, following every beat as the scene was done in the movie. For Hiccup and Astrid; this was always the song they danced to during the Mayorship parties, and to them, this was their song more than anything else. Their friends were watching, but the girls were recording as were a bunch of other people. Four minutes later, the song played off slow as Hiccup and Astrid were circling one another and their eyes locked.
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" the room began chanting.
"Should we humor them?" Astrid asked with her hands on his cheeks and Hiccups hands on her waist. Hiccup didn't even reply; he just captured her lips with his. Astrid's eyes closed and she melted into it just as before. The room began clapping and cheering as Hiccup and Astrid kept the kiss in effect with it being deep and passionate for a good minute. Afterward; the two broke it and smiled with their foreheads pressed together.
"Let's go home," Hiccup said as we pulled apart and he held Astrid's hand before leading her out of the room. As they were getting outside; the friends joined in waiting for the limousine.
"So, what's the plan tonight?" Eret asked.
"Well, prom is over, so just going home or…Still doing the Friday night sleepover?" Fishlegs inquired. Hiccup and Astrid looked at one another.
"Honestly, I'm not ready for tonight to be over yet," Astrid admitted.
"Me either. Let's all hit my house to party. Pretty sure Dad took Mom on a romantic getaway for the weekend and won't be back til Sunday night, and Gobber is visiting old friends in the city until Sunday morning. It's just us," Hiccup informed.
"I'm down," Astrid agreed.
"How about all of you?" Hiccup looked to the others.
"Let's do it!" they nodded, cheering. The limo pulled up as they thirteen of them climbed in, and the driver headed for Haddock Manor.
. . .
{Saturday, June 4, 2022-12:15 am}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
Reaching the home, Hiccup paid the driver of the limo and tipped him. Once inside, the friends split off to change out of their prom-wear and into something more comfortable. By 12:30 am, everyone was in the Great Room with the lights dimmed and some music playing from Hiccup's phone. The friends had sodas, chips, and snacks to feast on while just sitting around and talking to one another. Ringing interrupted the music as Hiccup glanced over to see Dagur calling; he reached for the device and put it on speakerphone.
"What's up, Dag?" Hiccup greeted.
"Hey, just left the hotel when the last student departed. Where's my sister at?" Dagur inquired.
"My house with everyone else," Hiccup replied. "Small after prom party since Gobber and the folks are gone for the weekend,"
"Oh, cool. Mind if I come to chill too? A-And bring Mala?" Dagur wondered.
"Sure," Hiccup said. "If you're spending the night; you can have one of the guest rooms,"
"Awesome, thanks. See ya in a bit," Dagur responded. Hiccup ended the call, and the music started again. The chatter from before picked up as Astrid was sitting very close to Hiccup. The night had been fantastic, and nobody wanted it to end. Around 1 am, Dagur arrived with Mala just as Fishlegs and Heather shared a small kiss.
"Hey, hey, hey…No smooching," Dagur stated quickly.
"Dagur, stop it!" Heather whined. "He's my boyfriend of six months,"
"I don't care if he dates you, but there will be none of that making out shit yet," Dagur huffed.
"Dagur, try to relax," Mala put her hand on his shoulder. "Your concern is admirable, but Heather is a young adult woman; we all grow up at some point,"
"But, but…Kissing leads to other things that she's not ready for," Dagur said.
"She's not, or your not, my friend?" Hiccup asked. Dagur put a finger up to protest, then he stopped and huffed. "Nurse Mala is right. Like Runa will always be my little girl, one day, I know I'll have to let her go. Heather always be your little sister, but you can't hold her back and protect her forever. All you can do is teach and try to prepare, but you can't hold their hands through life. Come on bro. You know I love Heather like a little sister too, but she's okay with Fishlegs; he's a good guy. I would have said something to her if she made a bad choice," he added.
"I guess your right," Dagur sighed.
"And you can call me Mala off campus," Mala smiled to them.
"Well, find a seat and join the party. Nothing crazy, just sitting around and talking with some music," Astrid offered. Dagur grabbed himself and Mala a drink; then they found a place on a couch to sit together. The time continued to tick away until 2:00 am. The funny part was that no one was tired, but Hiccup had turned the music down a bit, so it would be too loud.
Astrid was relaxing with her head on Hiccup's shoulder as everyone continued talking. Hiccup's phone started vibrating as he sat up and got it off the table. Astrid glanced over at the screen to see it read; VG.
Who is that? Astrid wondered. Hiccup slid the icon after pausing the music.
"Incoming sniper. Move!" Viggo said quickly.
"What?" Hiccup asked.
"Move now!" Viggo said again. Hiccup's eyes widened as he wrapped his arm around Astrid's shoulders and brought her to the ground quickly with himself covering her. Not more than a second later; a gunshot rang out, and the bullet hit where Hiccup and Astrid were sitting. Hiccup got up and looked down at her.
"Are you alright?" Hiccup asked. Astrid managed a nod, though, a bit scared. Hiccup got up and grabbed his phone. "I owe you for that,"
"You got one more coming," Viggo informed. A moment later someone rolled through the windows and got to their feet before him.
"I'm gonna have to call you back," Hiccup growled a bit as he ended the call and tossed the phone to the couch. The person charged at Hiccup as he readied himself. The man went to punch as Hiccup stopped it with his hand and the male stared with worry. "Big mistake…" he warned before turned the man's wrist until it gave a sickening crack. The male jerked his arm away and held it before tackling Hiccup down and managing to punch him in the side a few times; then get up to kick him even harder.
Hiccup cringed a bit. "Hiccup!" Astrid cried in concern for her boyfriend. "Leave him alone!" Hiccup was stuck down there, his side in pain. Astrid was worried that he might have bruised or broken a rib between earlier and now.
"You're the reason he got involved when we only wanted you…" the man said, moving to advance on her. Hiccup was still on the ground, hurt as Astrid backed up a little. "What's wrong? You'll let him get hurt and fight for you, but not the other way around?" he taunted.
Suddenly, Astrid smirked as she used the sides of the doorframe to hold herself up. "Of course I'd fight for him. I just didn't think you were dumb enough to fall for the scared little girl act," the man's eyes widened as Astrid and swung backward; then her legs rammed forward into the man's chest. "Rules of combat; never underestimate your opponent," Astrid said while letting herself onto the floor again as Hiccup lifted his head quickly. The man staggered a bit and stared at her.
"Why you little…" the man glared as he pulled a dagger and charged at her with it.
Astrid leaned to the opposite side and avoided it. "Expect the unexpected," she said; then grabbed his arm and slammed her elbow into it making the man drop the knife and grunt in pain. Hiccup's eyes widened. Astrid grabbed the guy by the back of his jacket and threw him over her shoulder and flat onto his back. The guy put his hands up as Hiccup rolled a bit to get up and see better.
"Stop! You win!" the man put his hands up after Astrid stomped her foot on his chest. Astrid got off and stepped back while the man got on his hands and knees. "It seems you're stronger than you look…" he panted.
"You have no idea what I'm capable of when you hurt the man I love," Astrid huffed as the man lowered his hands. Astrid curled her hand into a tight fist and a vicious glare in her eyes. Astrid grabbed his collar, "And never let your guard down," she growled before socking him in the face hard before letting go. The man froze a moment; then his eyes rolled into the back of his head and flopped back unconscious. Astrid panted as she moved closer to Hiccup.
"Um…What the fuck was that?" Hiccup asked in surprise.
"What?" Astrid pulled Hiccup to his feet.
"Seriously?!" Hiccup motioned to the unconscious guy on the floor now. "Where did all that come from? All the training sessions, everything I taught you…You never had the drive, the fire that I saw tonight. So what did it? What brought it on?"
Astrid blushed a bit. "Oh…Um, you I guess," Hiccup stared at her. "I couldn't just sit and do nothing while you got hurt for the second time tonight…What was the point of you teaching me all that stuff if I can't use it to defend not only myself but the people I care about too?"
Hiccup stared a moment longer before he cupped her cheeks and kissed her hard. Astrid blinked a bit but kissed back before Hiccup pulled away smiling. "You have no idea how proud of you I am right now," he said before hugging her. "You keep saying you don't feel like you, or you don't know who you are. But tonight, I hope you realized that you're every bit of what your family name lives up to. Never lose it, Ast. Never forget who you are. A Fearless Hofferson." Astrid could have cried at what Hiccup said, but she only hugged him tightly with a smile.
"Thank you," she whimpered a bit. Astrid always feared since losing her parents that she wasn't like her family. The Hofferson's were fearless, and tonight, Astrid proved to everyone in that room and herself that she was definitely one of them.
