This is kind of a side project I've been playing around with in my head for a while, and I've finally decided to post it. I hope you enjoy!

When he awoke, Hiccup was met with a beautiful sunrise. Gold sunbeams mingled with the rosy clouds. The clouds, they were the color of Astrid's blushing cheeks. With a smile, Hiccup recalled how Astrid blushed pink as they shared their first actual kiss on the landing platform during sunset. When their lips touched each other's, Hiccup felt his anxiety instantly melt away and be replaced with pure bliss. He had at last kissed the girl of his dreams, and she kissed him. He was in love with her, and she with him. Everything was perfect, absolutely perfect. That night, he had sweet dreams of Astrid, them flying high in the sky on Toothless, wind whipping through his hair, Astrid holding tight to his back. . .

Hiccup was shaken from his daydream as Toothless let out a low laugh. Somebody's smitten this morning. So, did we enjoy our first kiss last night?

Hiccup squinted at him. "If you must know, yes, I did." Looking back at the sunrise, he sighed contently, his fingers going to his lips. "I can't stop thinking about her."

For the longest time I thought you'd give up after those failed attempts in the forest.

Hiccup sighed again. "You know I don't like to quit, Toothless. And if you've ever smelled her hair, you'd know she's worth one more try."

Toothless then nuzzled up against his rider and looked up at him. Are we going to breakfast?

"Hm? Oh, right, breakfast," Hiccup said, coming out of his thoughts. "Come on, bud. I hope she's there."

Walking to the clubhouse, Hiccup smiled uncontrollably. He drifted off as he thought of Astrid, of kissing her, of holding her in his arms. He felt as if he was floating on the clouds. Quietly, he began humming:

"So, this is love

Mm-mm-mm-mm

So, this is love

So, this is what makes life divine. . ."

As he entered the clubhouse, he did a little spin.

"Hey, Hiccup," Tuffnut said, in a confused tone.

"Morning, guys. Beautiful day, isn't it?" Hiccup sighed dreamily.

"Uh, yeah," Snotlout replied awkwardly.

"Hiccup, are you alright?" Fishlegs asked. "You seem. . .different."

"Do I?" Hiccup returned absently. "I guess I am. Is Astrid up yet?"

"Not yet," Fishlegs replied. "The porridge is over here if you want it."

"Oh, good," Hiccup smiled, sinking onto the bench.

He did not immediately eat. Instead, he circled his spoon in the bowl, absentmindedly. He sighed happily and grinned wider.

"Someone's cheerful today," Ruffnut remarked.

"Yeah, I guess I am," Hiccup giggled.

Snotlout's eyes narrowed. "Are you drunk, Hiccup?"

"Wh-why would you think that?" Hiccup asked, still smiling.

"You're acting creepily," he said flatly. "Just eat your food."

"Okay," Hiccup complied, stirring his porridge again.

Quietly, he began singing:

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Say the word and I will follow you

Share each day with me, each night, each morning

Anywhere you go, let me go, too

Love me, that's all I ask of you. . ."

"Hiccup, would you stop being a songbird?" Snotlout griped through his teeth.

Hiccup turned his dreamy, green eyes up. "Hm? Oh, sorry, I didn't realize I was bothering you."

And although he tried to stop, he kept humming the tune dreamily.

With a grunt, Snotlout slammed down his cup. "Okay, what the heck is going on with you?"

Before Hiccup could answer, he heard a squawk from Stormfly and Astrid sighing happily. Turning, Hiccup saw the shieldmaiden, her golden hair shining the sunlight, her bright blue eyes beaming, her pale cheeks tinted a rosy color.

Hiccup rose from his seat when she entered the room and walked to her. "Hi, Astrid!"

"Hiccup, hey! I'm happy to see you!" Astrid chirped happily. "Am I late for breakfast?"

"Oh, no, you're just in time," Hiccup smiled. "I saved you a seat."

"Well, thank you," Astrid said, and they both sat down next to each other.

When their hands touched, Astrid let out a surprised cry and then laughed a lovely laugh.

"I felt a spark!" she giggled.

"Me too," Hiccup chuckled.

"What the heck is going on with you two?!" Snotlout exclaimed. "Why are you acting like this?!"

"Like what?" they asked simultaneously, then realizing it, they laughed at it.

"Like that!" Snotlout scoffed, gesturing to them. "All weird and happy-like. Sappy almost."

"Oh, so we're not allowed to be happy?" Astrid scoffed. "Boy, Snotlout, you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"

"Let's just eat, okay? I'm hungry," Snotlout grumbled, shoveling oatmeal into his mouth.

Hiccup took one or two bites of his porridge before he went back to stirring it thoughtfully. A fragrant scent of Astrid's perfumed hair filled his nose and his head. He felt her hold his hand underneath the table and caress it with her thumb. He recalled the same way she did this on the landing platform as they stared off at the perfect sunset, just the two of them, completely alone. . .

"And the moment I can feel that," Hiccup sang under his breath.

"You feel that way, too," Astrid sang back quietly.

Gripping her hand tightly, Hiccup smiled as he sang with her,

"Is when I fall in love with you. . ."

"Will you two get outta here?!" Snotlout yelled, banging his fist on the table. "So we can eat in peace?!"

Startled, Hiccup rushed out of the room, involuntarily taking Astrid with him although she did not seem to mind at all.

"Sorry about that," Hiccup began when they arrived at the stables. "I don't know what came over me. I just-"

"I know," Astrid interjected, tucking a wisp of hair behind her ear. "I just felt so-"

"Happy?"

Astrid nodded smilingly at him. "Yes. I really enjoyed last night, Hiccup."

Hiccup smiled. "I did, too. You know, I was thinking, today's the same day I took you on a ride with Toothless for the first time."

Astrid gasped. "My goodness, I forgot, that's right. We should do something tonight."

"Romantic flight?" Hiccup suggested before he could stop his tongue.

Romantic flight? He thought. Hold your horses, Hiccup. You're gonna scare her away. Besides, you're awkward, remember? And you're terrible at romantic things.

But to his surprise, Astrid replied, "Oh, yes! That's perfect! The Northern Lights will be coming out and everything! It'll be just like the first time, except for the visit to the Red Death's nest."

Hiccup laughed. "And maybe, after that-"

"A picnic?" Astrid said, finishing his sentence. "With bread and wine-"

"And cheese," they said together, and they laughed.

"When should we do it?" Astrid asked, excitedly.

Hiccup shrugged. "Sometime after eight, I think. That's when everyone usually goes to sleep."

"That's perfect," Astrid smiled. "I'll bring the picnic basket, you bring the blanket."

"Oh, Astrid," Hiccup began, grabbing her by the hand, then realizing that maybe he should not have; he was still figuring out this whole new relationship thing and how to act.

"Yes?" she asked, her blue eyes expectant.

Hiccup bit his lip; maybe he should not ask this. She probably would not want to ride with him. She would want her own dragon most likely. But he desperately wanted to have her with him. Oh, I can't do this, he thought, his courage shrinking. But looking back into her blue eyes, he took a deep breath.

"I was thinking," he started, anxiously, "that maybe, if you wanted, you could ride with me and Toothless? I mean, I totally understand if you want to ride Stormfly. It was just a thought. You're right, it was stupid of me to ask that. Of course you want to ride your own dragon. I'm glad we-"

Then, to his surprise, Astrid grabbed his hand and pulled him into a kiss. It was quick but so loving. When she broke away, she smiled at him.

"I'd love to ride with you, Hiccup."

Awkwardly, Hiccup's mouth hung open. "Y-you'd love to? You really want to?"

Laughing, Astrid gave him a bump on the shoulder. "Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?"

Hiccup shrugged, smiling uncertainly. "I don't know."

"But I pick the place," Astrid insisted quickly. "The best place to view the Lights is that ledge near the mountain. It's high, secluded, away from Snotlout and the twins."

Hiccup nodded, smiling. "As you wish."

There was a brief pause as they stared at each other, completely silent.

"Well," Astrid began at length, "until then. . ."

Leaning in, she planted an ardent kiss on Hiccup's lips. Caught up in the bliss that accompanied it, he closed his eyes and sighed contently. She walked away, leaving him in the stable as she took off on Stormfly. With a smile frozen on his face, Hiccup gazed dreamily at her as she flew away.

Toothless let out a quiet laugh.

"I know, bud," Hiccup whispered, sighing again. "She's something else, isn't she?"

. . .

"Oh, I can't do this, I can't do this, I can't do this," Hiccup murmured, pacing across the floor as he pulled his hair. "I can't do this, I can't do this, I-"

Stop saying that, Toothless growled, annoyed. You've said it fifty times already.

"I know, bud, but-" Hiccup began. "I mean, this is crazy, okay? It's actually crazy! I mean, a romantic flight? I mean, what was I thinking?"

Man, only fifteen minutes and you're chickening out already.

"Oh, come on, Toothless," Hiccup groaned. "I mean, it's practically a-a- well, a date!"

Not a date, a romantic flight, Toothless corrected him.

"Oh, yes, that's much better," Hiccup replied. "No, no, it's way worse. I don't even know how I'm supposed to act on these things! I'm completely awkward! I'm a dragon nerd, for crying out loud!"

Oh, come on, you're not Fishlegs, Toothless growled, rolling his eyes. Besides, you don't need to act any certain way. Just be yourself. Be that loveable Hiccup that she fell in love with.

Leaning against his desk and closing his eyes, Hiccup breathed deeply. "Okay. Okay, I think I can do this. I've got time to prepare for it. Should I plan out what I say or-or is that-? Yeah, you're right, that's stupid. Although-"

Stop, Toothless warned him. You're overthinking again.

"You're right, you're right," Hiccup sighed. "I should stop overthinking. On the other hand, maybe I'm 'underthinking' things. Maybe-"

Hiccup!

"Sorry, bud," Hiccup muttered, biting his lip.

The entire rest of the day, Hiccup felt extraordinarily anxious; he jumped at the sound of even someone saying his name. His heart fluttered like it was a nervous butterfly. All through dinner, he drummed his fingers on the edge of the table, wondering what on earth he was going to do on this romantic flight. Shut up, brain, Hiccup thought. Stop thinking for once. Well, okay, don't stop thinking, because then I'll die, and- oh, shoot, there I go again!

He hastily finished his small portion of dinner and headed to his hut to get ready; he never ate much, but now, he ate less since he and Astrid were having a late night picnic. Or maybe he should have eaten more so he did not look like a pig when- Oh, I'm losing my mind! Hiccup thought, gripping his head.

He took a cold bath, forgetting to heat the water beforehand because of his agitation. He scrubbed himself vigorously, and then scrubbed again, making sure to scour himself of any dirt particles on his body. Then, he had to pick out his clothes. Should he wear his usual, or did this occasion call for something special? If only he knew what Astrid was wearing. Then, he could dress accordingly without fear of embarrassment for being over or underdressed. After much debate, he decided that it was entirely appropriate to wear his usual. Surely Astrid would not mind. After all, she wanted to see him, not his clothes, right? Still, he had to be presentable, so he could not wear anything ratty. Pulling in his green breeches, he hopped across the room toward his protesthic. Why on earth did he leave it all the way on the side of the room?

After tripping over old gears he had left on the floor, Hiccup fastened his metal leg on. Opening his wardrobe, Hiccup gaped at his tunics. Most of them were horribly threadbare on the cuffs, so they were out. When he came to his best shirts, he saw that he had two choices: he could go with red or green. Red or green. Which was better? Green brought out his eyes for sure. However, Astrid had said once that red was his color. So which one? Oh, it was impossible to decide.

Will you just pick already? Toothless groaned behind him.

"Gah, I can't!" Hiccup exclaimed, turning around fast. "What do you think? Red? Or green?"

Toothless shrugged. Flip a coin.

"Right, good idea." Taking out a doubloon, he tossed it up in the air. "Tails. Red it is."

After slipping on his shirt and leather vest, Hiccup looked himself over in the mirror. He decided he looked reasonably presentable, other than his tousled hair. He ran his fingers through the locks, hoping to straighten them, but he only succeeded in ruffling it further.

There was a knock on the door.

"That'll be her," Hiccup whispered to Toothless.

He rushed down the stairs, then back up them, realizing he forgot the blanket and something else very important. Then, when he reached the door, he opened it. Instantly, at the sight of Astrid's face, heat rose into his cheeks, and butterflies came into his stomach. She did not look any different than usual. She was lovely as always, but maybe it was the warm smile on her face that took him by surprise. In all his life, he could not remember a time when she looked more happy to see him.

"Uh, hi," Hiccup managed to voice after a few tries.

"Hi," she returned. "You're looking handsome."

"Th-thanks," Hiccup stammered, rubbing his neck nervously. "You-you look great. Lovely."

Astrid grinned at him. "Well, I got the picnic basket all set. Do you-"

"Oh, yeah, yeah, I've got the blanket right here. Oh, and I, uh, wanted to give, uh, wanted to give you this."

Reaching into his pocket, he took out a small, pink rose. With a gasp of pleasure, Astrid held it in her hand.

"You're so sweet," she smiled. "It's beautiful. How'd you know roses are my favorite?"

Hiccup shrugged. "I didn't."

With a soft laugh, Astrid quickly kissed him on the cheek, then tucked the rose into her hair. "Well, you ready?"

Hiccup nodded and whistled for Toothless who came running. He seemed as excited as Hiccup and Astrid were. Mounting his dragon, Hiccup offered a hand to Astrid, who took it. Then, the two lovers and the Night Fury soared off into the night sky. Hiccup tensed up as Astrid's fingers touched his ribs. Oh, gods, she's touching me, he thought. Astrid's touching me. It was strange. Even now, after three years of friendship and now in this new relationship, Hiccup still felt a tingle at her touch.

"Huh, I guess they aren't coming out yet," she muttered.

"The lights should be out any second now," Hiccup reassured her.

"Can I tell you something?" Astrid asked timidly.

"Uh, sure, yeah," Hiccup stammered.

"Well," Astrid began. "I actually didn't fall in love with you on that flight."

Hiccup looked over his shoulder at her in wonder. "Really? I thought- okay, wow. I guess I misread things. So, it was much later, then?"

Astrid shook her head. "Oh, no. It was earlier."

Hiccup's eyes grew round. "Earlier? Wh-when did you-"

"Oh, it was years before then," Astrid returned with a laugh. "I was not sure why then, but I always had a bit of a crush on you."

Hiccup blinked, almost confusedly. "Really? Why? I was not really that, y'know, good looking."

"Oh, don't you start tearing down on yourself," Astrid chuckled, ruffling his hair. "You weren't ugly at all. In fact, I think you were kind of cute."

"C-cute?" Hiccup repeated, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah. Y'know, in a little boyish kind of way."

"Okay, that's a little insulting."

"Oh, you know what I mean."

"But I don't get it," Hiccup persisted. "You liked me because you thought I was cute?"

"Partially, but," Astrid continued, "I also understood you. You were only trying to prove yourself to get the love from the village, from your father. After my family name was tarnished because of the Flightmare, I felt like I needed to prove myself, too. I felt sorry for you when Stoick yelled at you that night when you shot down Toothless."

"So, it was pity? I don't-"

"Stop interrupting," Astrid laughed. "I mainly admired you for how smart and quiet you were. It was refreshing from the stupid and crass thing I got all day from Snotlout."

Hiccup smiled a bit. "Well, since we're letting out secrets, I've had a crush on you since I was five."

Astrid's jaw dropped. "Five? You've been pining for me for thirteen years? Why didn't you tell me?"

Hiccup shrugged. "For the same reason you didn't. I was afraid of you not feeling the same."

Astrid wrapped her arms around him. Surprised, Hiccup straightened up nervously.

"Well, I'm glad things worked out in the end," she whispered, and she pressed her cheek up against his.

Relaxing, Hiccup sighed smilingly. Then, Toothless let out a coo. Looking up, Hiccup stared in awe and wonder at the green and violet lights shining in the sky.

"It's beautiful," Astrid murmured.

"Yes," Hiccup breathed. "It is, isn't it?"

Turning, they circled the mountain of Dragon's Edge and reached the ledge high above everything. It was perfect. You had a clear view of the sky for miles and miles. You could see the sea below it palely reflecting the northern lights. And best of all, it was nowhere near anyone else. It was just him and Astrid, all alone. Unrolling the blanket, Hiccup set it on the ground and smoothed out the wrinkles. Astrid took out her picnic basket and set out plates and goblets for them. Taking out the wine, she popped out the cork.

Hiccup held out his cup, and she poured it in.

"Hey, when, Astrid, when, when!" he stammered.

"Uh-uh, you're getting a full glass," Astrid giggled, filling it to the brim and then proceding to do the same to her own.

"You know I have very little tolerance for alcohol, right?" Hiccup said, nervously.

"Oh, well, then," Astrid smirked mischievously. "You'll be too drunk to fly. Guess that means I'm riding Toothless back."

Hiccup laughed quietly. Raising them, they clinked their glasses and sipped the wine.

"This is delicious," Hiccup remarked. "Where'd you get it?"

"Oh, I've been saving it for a special time," Astrid replied, taking another sip.

A deafening silence fell. Nervously, Hiccup fiddled his glass. What should he do? What should he say? Would she want him to talk? Maybe she was going to say something first. Maybe it was best to let her initiate. She was not saying a word, however. She was just staring into his eyes. Then, she looked away. Had he looked at her for too long? His hand began to shake, so he set down the goblet. Hesitantly, Hiccup stared back at Astrid who was glancing up at the glowing sky.

Agitatedly, Hiccup looked over at Toothless. What should I do? he asked him silently. His dragon nodded over toward Astrid in response. Go on. Don't just sit there and do nothing. Make a move. Swallowing hard, Hiccup scooched closer to Astrid and put his arm around her shoulders. This sudden movement made her glance up at him.

Oh, no, Hiccup panicked in his head. I rushed it. I went too quickly. I shouldn't have touched like that. I- Then, to his astonishment, she smiled up at him and leaned against him, putting her hand on his chest. His temperature rose several degrees, and his heart pounded furiously. She was leaning against him and looking at him. She was expecting him to say something.

Turning his eyes up at the northern lights, he cleared his throat. "It's perfect, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Astrid murmured. "Of course. . .there's something that could make this more perfect."

Hiccup's head jerked in her direction. "There-there is?" he stammered.

Astrid's smooth, pink lips curved into a smile.

"Oh," Hiccup laughed softly. "Yes, I guess there is."

Leaning in, Hiccup came closer and closer to Astrid. They drew together until their lips touched. Closing his eyes, Hiccup's hands wrapped around her waist as her hands went to his cheeks. Time came to a halt as this moment stretched out into thousands. This beautiful, loving kiss seemed to go on forever. Astrid had kissed him before, but this had more love, more fervor, more tenderness than any of the others. With a smile, Hiccup and Astrid broke away.

"Thank you for this, Hiccup," Astrid whispered.

Lovingly, Hiccup caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Anytime, Astrid."

THE END.

And that's it! I hope you liked it! Thank you for reading! God bless you!