=Astrid's POV=

{November 24 , 2009-Tuesday}

Well, it's two days before Thanksgiving, and everything in my life was going splendidly. Today was the last day of school until next Monday; we were getting a full week off. A lot of families did Thanksgiving the day before, of, or after depending on factors regarding one's life. In my family, we celebrated with my mom's side, then dad's. Every year, it switched off. This time, it was dad's family on the 26th, and mom's on the 25th. I wasn't sure what all my friends were doing, but I'm sure we would text about it. I knew that Camicazi was doing Thanksgiving with her family on the 26th, but I'm confident she is celebrating with Hiccup, Gobber, and Stoick tonight on the 24th, since Hiccup had to leave for his infantry training on Wednesday. My feelings for Hiccup were still up in the air for all intensive purposes; I knew I felt something for him, I just didn't know how deep it ran. I'm also sure that I'm holding back because I know he's with Camicazi, and no matter how much I might like him, I wouldn't get between them.

I have only physically known Hiccup since the 16th of this month, but I've known about him since the end of August when Camicazi started at BDA. I doubted that I would ever get to pursue my feelings for Hiccup; it seemed like he and Cami had a healthy relationship, and nothing would tear them apart. I know I wouldn't even try, and that's why on the 21st of November, which was Saturday, I accepted Thuggory's offer of going out to dinner. Sure, it was the day after we met, but what was it going to hurt? I felt a little something for Thuggory, and I could tell he returned that feeling since he was asking me to supper; a real date. Everything went wonderfully, and we talked a lot. Thuggory paid for the meal, but I insisted on leaving a tip because I was not the type of girl to be pampered by a man. Thuggory laughed a bit, and said he could respect that. After dinner, Thuggory drove me home and went to kiss my cheek while I was getting my keys. However, I turned to say goodnight to him, and his lips pressed to mine in a light, short kiss.

I blushed like an idiot afterward as he kept apologizing. I told him it was okay, just an accident, and not to worry. Thuggory bid me a pleasant evening with a smile, then he left after I was in my house safely. My heart had been beating rapidly, and I went right to my room to scream into my pillow; not because it was terrible, but more excitement than anything else. Thuggory and I have been talking a lot, and asked me if I would join him tonight. I didn't see why not; it's not like I had anything going on. Initially, I had told him I had to ask my parents if it was okay, but I knew they wouldn't mind. For Odin's sake, they were thrilled that I had taken an interest in someone. At the moment, I was at lunch with my friends and looking down at the text message from Thuggory.

[Hope your day is going well. I was wondering if you wanted to go out to dinner with me tonight? -Thug]

[Let me check with my parents first ^.^ -Asty]

{Alrighty, just let me know. -Thug]

I never replied since it was time to start gym class, and now in lunch I felt like I should answer him.

"Astrid? Are you okay? You've been quiet all day," Heather asked.

"Hm? Oh, I'm fine," I said. I hadn't told anyone about Thuggory and I talking or that we went on a date three days ago. I didn't want to get their hopes up about me possibly getting a boyfriend. I had my hesitation about being in a relationship with a military man, and I'd talked to Camicazi about it on Sunday. I felt a little better after the conversation, but still, there was no saying that Thuggory and I were at that stage yet; to start dating after only what would be one or two dates.

"Uh, Cami? Isn't that Hiccup at the office?" Fishlegs pointed to the cafeteria doors, which showed the central office across the way and Hiccup standing at the sign-in window. Camicazi blinked a few times as Hiccup turned and headed right inside the lunchroom, then over to her.

"Hiccup? What are you doing here, babe?" Camicazi asked as Hiccup reached her, and pulled her up into his arms for a hug, then a small kiss.

"Do I need a reason to come see you?" Hiccup inquired.

"Well, I suppose not, but still. You look far too happy for just a visit," Camicazi pointed out.

"Huh, you do know me. Okay, yes. I came with a reason," Hiccup smiled. "Besides wanting to see you," he added.

Cami chuckled a bit. "Alright, tell me what has you so happy then?"

"My commanding officers realized that the day they want us reporting to Camp Drakonia is Thanksgiving, so they've extended our time to 30th!" Hiccup informed her as Cami's eyes widened with shock, but lit up with joy.

"Really?! You mean it?" Camicazi asked.

"Yes! I don't have to report to the base until next Monday!" Hiccup lifted her up and twirled her around before setting her on the ground. Camicazi hugged him tightly.

"Oh that's terrific news, Hiccup. We'll still celebrate tonight though, since your dad has been working on it," Camicazi replied. "So, since you're here, want to eat with us?"

"I might as well," Hiccup shrugged as Camicazi led him to the hot lunch line to get something. I smiled, this meant Thuggory was home until then too. I wondered if he would tell me about? It didn't matter either way, but I decided that why shouldn't I go out with him? Thuggory was kind, caring, a little shy at times, but a good man overall. I brought up the messages with Thuggory then began typing something to him.

[My parents said it was okay, so yes, I will join you for dinner. Where are we going? And what time should I be ready? -Asty]

After pressing send, I started eating the rest of my sandwich when Hiccup and Camicazi returned to the table. I set my phone on the table while smiling, and then I got a reply from Thuggory. However, Camicazi happened to look over and see the name, then she smiled broadly.

"Did he ask you out to dinner again?" Camicazi asked, and I nodded to her. "He's so into you,"

"Yeah, yeah. Now hush, I don't want everyone knowing," I told her as she nodded and started eating her food. I checked my phone to see the message.

[That's great. Uh, how about Berkies? I know it's not fancy, but it works. Want me to pick you up around 6:30? -Thug]

[Fancy is overrated. 6:30 is okay, I'll be ready. See you tonight. -Asty]

[Can't wait. -Thug]

After that, I put my phone away as Cami was grinning at me. I shoved her a little with a smile and she went back to eating. Alright, so another date with Thuggory; I'm sure it would go great.

=Normal POV=

{6:45 pm-Haddock Household}

When school was over, Hiccup was at BDA waiting for Camicazi. The two left on their dragons, and reached his father's house. Gobber, and Stoick were there working on the meal for the evening when Hiccup and Cami arrived at 2:25 pm. Most of the time until 5 pm was talking about how things were going, and then the four of them had dinner. Hiccup and Camicazi cleaned it all up, and did dishes. Around 6:05 pm, the small group broke out the pies and desserts to enjoy. However, with all that in their stomachs, and another round of cleaning up; everyone was ready to relax.

"Will you be spending the night, Cami?" Gobber asked.

"Yeah," Camicazi nodded with a yawn.

"Why don't you take her to get some rest, son?" Stoick suggested. Hiccup nodded as he helped Camicazi to her feet, then led her to his bedroom. Hiccup closed the door, and locked.

"You know they're just gonna have sex, right?" Gobber looked to his friend.

"Yep, and that's fine with me. The first time they ever did it, Hiccup was honest, and he made sure to have protection as did Cami. My boy is almost eighteen, Gobber; a man if you would. You and I both know how hard hormones rage in a teenager, so I don't mind. I trust him," Stoick said.

{Berkies}

Thuggory and Astrid arrived at 6:20 pm, then made their way inside. The two stood before the counter while looking at the menu. Thuggory wore black jeans, a blue and white flannel long-sleeve button-down under his A.S. Marines sweatshirt, then there were white sneakers. Astrid sported dark blue tank top with a gray and white cardigan over it Also, Astrid wore black leggings, and brown knee-high boots with her hair down, some of her bangs falling over the left eye.

"Hi. Are we dining in or our this evening?" asked the cashier; her tag read the name, Sylvana, on it.

"In, please," Thuggory replied.

"What can I get for you?" Sylvana questioned.

"Ladies first," Thuggory smiled.

"Uh. Wow, I haven't been here in a long time. Um, I'll do the Grilled Chicken combo, please. Light on the sauce, and no tomato," Astrid placed her order.

"Would you like small, medium, or large?" Sylvana smiled while tapping the screen.

"Medium, please," Astrid informed as Sylvana handed her the cup.

"And for you, sir?" Sylvana inquired.

"I think I'll do medium number two combo, no onions on the burger," Thuggory said.

"Sure thing. Will that be all for you?" Sylvana looked at them.

"That will do it for now," Thuggory told her.

"Alright, your total is $14.58 this evening," Sylvana stated as Thuggory handed the cashier a $20, then she punched it in the register. The drawer popped open while she collected the change, then closed it and got the receipt. "Your change is $5.42, and it will be right up,"

"Thank you," Astrid waited for Thuggory to put away his money, then he got his cup while they went to get their drinks and pick a table. Three minutes later, their order number was called as Thuggory went to get the tray with their food. Thuggory noticed Astrid shivering a bit.

"Are you cold?" Thuggory asked.

"A little. It's drafty in here," Astrid rubbed her arms. Thuggory put the tray down as he took off his sweatshirt and handed it to her. "Oh, no, no. I'm alright," she protested.

"Come on, I'm not going to let my girlfriend be cold," Thuggory chuckled a bit as Astrid blushed.

"G-Girlfriend?" Astrid asked.

"Well, you are a girl and you are my friend, aren't you?" Thuggory retorted gently. Astrid was going to counter the statement, but found that it wasn't untrue. "I have another sweater in the truck, Astrid. You take this one, at least until I get you back home?" Astrid figured he wasn't going to let it go, so she smiled and placed the sweater over her head, the pulled it down and fixed her hair.

"Thank you," Astrid told him.

"You're welcome," Thuggory said while sitting down as they separated the food to where it belonged, then they began eating, and talking in between. After fifteen minutes with that, Thuggory got them ice cream; Astrid had strawberry, and Thuggory got a chocolate one. When it reached half an hour that they'd been there, the two left and Thuggory drove Astrid home. Walking to the porch, they faced one another.

"What are your plans for Thanksgiving?" Astrid asked him.

"Parents and I are going to my aunt's place with the rest of the family on mom's side. How about you?" Thuggory answered.

"Mom's side tomorrow, and dad's side on the day of," Astrid enlightened.

"Will I still be able to text you?" Thuggory wondered.

"Of course. I might not answer during the main meal, but other than that, yeah, I can still talk," Astrid nodded with a smile. "Thank you for another wonderful evening,"

"You're welcome, and hold on to the sweater. It looks good on you. Um, before we say goodnight, there's something I want to tell you," Thuggory told her.

"Tell me then," Astrid invited.

"I really like you, Astrid," Thuggory admitted, which took Astrid by a little surprise. "I know it might seem a bit rushed, but I'd…like to be with you; as more than friends. If you'll have me?"

"A-Are you asking me to be your girlfriend? Well, in the romantic sense where we're in a relationship?" Astrid asked him.

"I am," Thuggory looked into her eyes. Astrid did like him, even if there were still some feeling for Hiccup lingering inside her. Perhaps if she opened her heart to Thuggory, she would forget about Hiccup? Thuggory was a good man, and there was no reason for them not to be together since their feelings for one another were mutual. Astrid smiled as she put her hand on his, then made it so their fingers intertwined.

"I'd be honored to be your girlfriend, Thuggory," Astrid replied.

"And you've officially made me a thrilled man tonight," Thuggory smiled at her as she laughed a little. The two looked at one another, then Thuggory leaned in and kissed her lightly. Astrid's eyes closed as she kissed him back. Afterward, they stepped apart. "I'll text you when I get home,"

"I'll be waiting. Drive safely, Thuggory. Goodnight," Astrid nodded.

"Night, Astrid," Thuggory said as he walked down the porch, and back to his truck. A minute later, he was gone. Astrid went to her room and squealed happily; she had a boyfriend, and it felt fantastic. Although, on the 30th, she knew she might not hear from him as he'd be away training as Hiccup would be too. Astrid didn't care; everything would be okay; she was far too happy to worry about anything else.