Home Is Where the Heart Is: A homesick Astrid goes back to Berk for a visit with her parents, but she soon realizes that home isn't where you live... it's who you're with. And that's with a certain brunette. Requested by QueenOfTheFans.
Hey, guys! Quick note: I edited this while my siblings were screaming at each other, so any mistypes can be blamed solely on them. Got it? XD Anyways, enjoy!
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Astrid was homesick.
Sure, she loved the Edge, the Riders, and the day-to-day threat of death. Who didn't? But everybody felt lonely for home sometime... and now... she was feeling it. Of course, she couldn't actually tell the Riders her feelings. She was supposed to be tough. Resilient. Fearless Astrid Hofferson. And a girl like that couldn't be weak.
Still, she missed seeing Berk and her parents terribly.
It had been around a month or two since the Riders had formed the Edge. Vikings were all about voyaging and founding new lands. So it was completely and utterly preposterous for Astrid to want to go back to where she had lived as a little girl. Unbelievable. She couldn't be soft!
"Midgard to Astrid?" Hiccup's voice said from in front of her, though it sounded so far away. Astrid snapped back to attention, cursing herself for slacking off.
"Hmm?" she asked, swinging her arms.
Hiccup gestured to the table out in front of him. A huge sketch of Dragon's Edge lay in front of him. "Sorry, don't mean to interrupt... it's early, we're all kind of still waking up… but we've really got to focus. As we've just settled into the Edge a short while ago, there are countless openings in our perimeter, weaknesses, and places we need to put some watchtowers..."
"Yeah," said Astrid, but she was already drifting off again.
Hiccup snapped his fingers in front of her nose, alerting her to attention. "You're distracted, Astrid. What is it?"
"Huh? Nothing! I'm not distracted! So... watchtowers." She stroked a few fingers down the paper, avoiding Hiccup's gaze. "Yeah... we could set up a few on the sea—"
Hiccup caught her arm, making her freeze. He quickly let go after Astrid's harsh look. "Come on, Astrid... I'm your friend. What's going on?" His voice was soft and inviting. Astrid so wanted to tell him about her troubles... but would he think she was weak?
"I'm fine, Hiccup," she said without thinking. "Stop worrying. Let's get back to those watchtowers."
"Astrid." Hiccup looked serious as he searched for her eyes, and she reluctantly glanced up at him.
"What?" she questioned, wanting so badly to tell him the problem, but on the other side, she really didn't.
Hiccup sighed. "Something's up, Astrid. I just want to help. You're bothered about something… what? Something the twins or Snotlout did? Maybe something on your mind? What is it?"
Astrid turned away from him, crossing her arms defensively. "I said it was nothing."
"Astrid, come on… whatever it is, I won't judge… you just have to tell me."
Hiccup's words were so comforting… Astrid so wanted to tell him what was going on… and he wouldn't judge, after all… maybe… maybe she could… yes… Hiccup was her friend. He should know what was going on, and why his teammate was acting so standoffish and distracted.
"Okay." Astrid took in a breath. "Promise you won't judge?"
"Promise."
Astrid faced Hiccup again, her usually proud head lowered. "I… I miss Berk," she muttered.
"What?" said Hiccup. Astrid had spoken too quietly for him to hear.
Astrid cleared her throat. "I. Miss. Berk," she said again in a tone that was louder than the first. "See… it's stupid… Vikings aren't supposed to miss their homes… we're voyagers… settling in all sorts of new places…" She rubbed her temples. "Just… never mind… let's pretend I didn't just say that…"
Hiccup put a hand on her shoulder, forgetting his nervousness about touching her. "Astrid. I can't pretend that. Look, there's nothing to be ashamed of about missing home. I miss Berk from time to time, as well as my dad. I don't think Vikings ever don't miss their first home unless it was horrible. They just don't say it… mostly. Astrid, if you really miss Berk…" He smiled. "Then go back."
Astrid looked stunned. "Go back? But—"
"Only for a few days," Hiccup assured. "Not forever. Just visit your parents, and the village, and do the things you missed doing. We'll be fine here at the Edge without you. I won't even have to tell the others why you're going to Berk—I can say your parents needed you for a union ceremony or something. They'd never guess."
This idea ran through Astrid's mind. She saw no flaws… she could satisfy her want for home, yet no one except Hiccup would know… She cocked her head at Hiccup. "Really? You'd let me go back, dragon boy?"
Hiccup smirked. "Of course, milady. As long as you'll come back."
"I only need maybe a week at most," said Astrid.
"And," Hiccup added, "promise you'll be careful."
"I'm always careful."
Hiccup looked dubious. "Remember that time you—"
Astrid started to back away. "Well, I'd better get packing and saddling up Stormfly! Thanks, bye!" With that, she rushed off, leaving Hiccup sighing. But there was a smile on his face.
Within a few hours, Astrid was all packed for the long trip back to Berk. Hiccup told the others his lie, and the others bought it without question. Soon, Astrid was settled on Stormfly with her things and saying her goodbyes.
"Have fun," said Hiccup, who was last to say farewell. "And remember; be careful on the flight back."
Astrid rolled her eyes. "You don't have to worry, Hiccup."
"I never stop worrying."
"Yeah." Astrid nodded, a faint smirk on her face. "Neither do I, about you…" She quickly went on before Hiccup could say something to her about that. "Well, Stormfly and I'd better get going. We want to get there by tomorrow night. See you guys in a week!" She waved to the gathered Riders, then took off into the sky. Hiccup watched after her, his forehead creased.
Astrid's flight was uneventful, and truth be told, a bit boring. An endless ocean with the occasional ship or island was not her definition of exciting. She let Stormfly get some fish to eat a few times, as she needed to keep up the strength to continue flying. She gave the Nadder a chicken leg in praise when she finally saw the edge of Berk over the darkening horizon. She was exhausted from flying all night before without rest and was looking forward to getting some sleep this evening. Her parents knew she was coming, as she had sent a Terror ahead with a letter.
She landed at her parents' hut and quickly jumped off of Stormfly. Within seconds, her parents emerged through the door of their house and embraced her in a very affectionate, but rather un-Viking-like manner. But they were seeing their daughter after months away. Astrid thought they should be allowed a slide.
Astrid was ushered inside to get some rest, and she gladly accepted. Stormfly was put in her stable with a generous bucket of chicken for her to eat, and then Astrid came inside of the house to her old room. She looked around it for a moment before she got into bed. Everything was the same. Nothing had been touched, nothing moved or straightened. Already, a bit of dust was gathering. Astrid felt strangely emotional as she looked around. This was the place she had grown up. Her heart ached, though. She told herself it was just that she was so happy to be home… wasn't it?
She yawned. Whatever the case, she'd figure it out later after a good night of rest. But she wouldn't sleep in or anything… She was a warrior—though being rejuvenated was important, she couldn't slack off. With her time here on Berk, she could help with some affairs that Stoick didn't always have time to get to.
Astrid slid into her bed, wrapping a blanket around her with another yawn. It felt strange not to be in her bed at the Edge, but she was too exhausted to be uncomfortable. Not even a minute later, she was asleep.
True to her promise, she was up and moving around again early the next morning. She ate a small meal of fish with her parents, then went back out to the stable to get Stormfly. Stormfly grumbled about not being able to rest longer but allowed herself to be saddled. She and Astrid soon took off and flew over to the Great Hall where the chief was.
"Astrid!" Stoick boomed happily once he saw her come into the Hall. "Good to see you, lass, your parents told me you were coming. Thank you for offering to help out."
Ah, yes. The only people who knew Astrid's true motive for coming to Berk were Hiccup and her parents. Everyone else thought she had offered to help with Berk's affairs for a couple of days.
"What do you need, Chief?" she asked him, walking closer.
Stoick had an answer right away. "Apparently, a couple of Terrors have made a nest on the roof of Ack's house. Which would be fine, except they're breathing fire all over it and have made a couple of holes in the wood. Think you can handle it?"
Astrid grinned. "Of course. Stormfly and I will be right on it. What next?"
Stoick gave her a list of a few things to do for the afternoon while he did other duties the chief himself needed to do. Truth be told, Astrid was actually glad to do these things. She loved feeling useful and alive. It was hard to sit still when something could be helped, no matter how tired she was. After Stoick was finished, she nodded, then ran back outside to Stormfly, who was waiting for her.
"Ready, girl?" she asked, patting the Nadder. Stormfly squawked in agreement, and Astrid jumped on her back a moment later. The strange pang from last night hadn't yet disappeared. She felt like she was missing something… missing someone… but what… who? She had missed Berk and her parents, and had seen both… so what was wrong?
For the rest of the afternoon, Astrid and Stormfly worked hard. But as time went on, she felt worse and worse. She really missed that something now. Soon, she realized that it wasn't something. It was the Riders. As the afternoon faded into evening, she understood that one of the things she loved about Berk the most was the other Riders. Hanging out, having fun. Training. Saving Berk, and the world… dragons… she missed all of that.
When her chores were done, she and Stormfly flew back to her house. Astrid was lost in her thoughts again and felt very down. Gosh, did she miss the others… but one particular face kept floating in front of her eyes…
Hiccup.
Astrid missed Hiccup perhaps the most out of all the Riders. She pictured his sideways smile, tousled brown hair... that nasally voice that came quick with sarcastic quips. She missed all of that more than she thought possible… but no, she wasn't supposed to… she was supposed to have missed Berk. Her home. But every time she thought of the word "home" she kept on thinking of the Edge, the Riders… Hiccup… She sighed as she walked through the door of her house.
Her mother and father, Hilde and Leif, were getting a nice dinner of mutton-stew, fish, some vegetables, and other things together. They were excited about their daughter finally coming home and wanted to celebrate with a nice, hardy meal. Astrid didn't even have enough energy to say hello. She gave a half-smile at them, then walked off to her room and sat on her bed. She buried her head in her hands, trying to fight off her conflicting feelings. She kept on thinking of Hiccup… the Edge… the Riders… their stupid jokes, pranks, and ideas… fights, battles, and encounters with Dagur, Ryker, and the Hunters… laughs, good times, and training sessions…
She missed it all so much.
"Astrid?" said her mother's voice from the door.
Astrid quickly removed her hands from her face and looked up. Hilde was standing there, her meaty arms crossed with worry. "Oh. Hey, Mom. What… What do you need? I can help with dinner if you'd like, though I'm not sure if I'm the best cook."
Hilde walked closer to Astrid. "You seemed down tonight, Astrid. What's going on?"
"Nothing," Astrid answered automatically. "I'm fine… just tired…"
Hilde's forehead creased. "You're my daughter, Astrid. Something's wrong. Tell me."
Astrid sighed, knowing that her mother could be just as stubborn, if not more, than her. She was one of the fiercest warriors of Berk, after all. "I… okay, fine… I'm just… I don't know… I just kind of miss the Edge. And the other Riders… I don't know, it's stupid…"
"Hmm… but you came here because you missed Berk, Erik, and I."
"I know!" Astrid threw her hands up. "I don't know what I feel! It's so…"
"It's a mess," Hilde filled in. "Conflicting thoughts, emotions… you don't know what to think."
Astrid looked shocked. "How did you know that?"
Hilde laughed, a surprising sound to Astrid. Where was the soldier-like woman she had known most of her life? "Believe it or not, but I was your age once. I know those feelings. They were mostly about your father… didn't know what to think of him. At first, he was a mutton-head… but over time, he calmed down, and I grew feelings for him." She sat down next to Astrid on the bed. "I didn't know what to do. Someone I had hated before, I now liked… loved."
For some reason, Astrid thought of Hiccup again, and a blush crept to her face. "Mom…"
"Yes?"
"I…" Her cheeks reddened. "I miss Hiccup."
For a moment, Hilde was quiet and impassive, seeming deep in thought. Astrid studied her carefully. After a few moments, Hilde turned back to her daughter with an answer. "Astrid, when you were missing Berk, did you actually mean you missed home?"
Astrid thought about it. "Yeah, I guess."
Hilde smiled. "Well, there you go. Astrid… as you know, Vikings are voyagers. We sail everywhere and make new homes. But the reason they didn't ever return back home was that home… is not where you are. It's where your…" She struggled for the right word. "...heart is. Who you're with. Your heart… its home may not be your outpost or even Berk. It's with those friends of yours, I think… and that boy, Hiccup."
Astrid was stunned at this intuitive speech her usually battle-hardened mother was giving. "But then… why did I want to come back to Berk?"
Hilde set her jaw. "Everyone must wander away from home to know where they want to stay, don't they? You must lose something to find it again."
Astrid cocked her head, thinking. "I… I guess. So… my home is with the Riders, and Hiccup… and I miss home… so much…" For some reason, she felt like crying. Her heart just hurt so much.
Hilde seemed to understand. Tentatively, she put a beefy arm around Astrid's shoulders. Astrid was not used to the motherly affection but leaned into it.
"Astrid," Hilde said. "Then… go."
Astrid stiffened, pulling back from her mother. "What?"
Hilde looked sad but decisive. "Go. Go home, Astrid. I watched you grow up, and though you'll follow your mind, you also roll by emotions, too. You'll be content at your 'Dragon's Edge'… though my lips will not often let me speak the words I hear other mothers saying to their children… Astrid, I just want you to be happy. And if being at that outpost of yours with Stoick's boy and your other teammates makes you happy… then you must go."
Astrid was shocked. "Mom…"
Hilde stood, obstinate with her choice. "I don't want to hear it, Astrid. Tomorrow, you are heading back there."
Astrid jumped up from her bed and embraced her mother. "Thank you, Mom…"
"I… yes." Hilde seemed startled at this affection. She pulled away, then started walking back to the kitchen. "Well, let's go get a meal in you, then. You're far too skinny… need to put some meat on those bones…" Rolling her eyes, Astrid followed Hilde out of the room.
By late next morning, Astrid had said her farewells to her parents and Stoick (apologizing to the chief profusely for leaving all of the sudden) and was flying back to the Edge. She was determined to get back by tomorrow night. It started to rain halfway through the trip, but she kept going. Stormfly got spooked by the nearby lightning, but Astrid kept shouting, "You can do it, girl! You're Stormfly! You fly through the storm! Come on, girl!" And Stormfly kept going, ushered on by her rider's words.
Hours passed and Astrid eventually decided that she and her dragon would wait the storm out for a few hours on a passing island. Fortunately, within an hour, the rain stopped, and the clouds were clearing up, revealing a fresh evening sky. Astrid shivered at the thought of another all-nighter flying, but with each hour as she got nearer to the Edge, it was like there was a force tugging her there. She had to go. She had to make it there. She couldn't stop. So she flew, urging on Stormfly and herself, and fearing she'd drop from exhaustion. But she didn't. In her mind, the Riders cheered her on. Hiccup grinned at her. "If anyone can do it, it's Astrid Hofferson," he said. She kept going.
Night faded into day, then night again. And then she saw the Edge, its warm light stretching across the ocean, inviting her in. She breathed out in relief, and Stormfly squawked weakly. They were home.
They flew in as fast as they could, and Astrid told Stormfly to drop her off by Hiccup's hut. She needed to see him right now. Stormfly obeyed, and Astrid jumped off of the Nadder, murmuring a big thanks for getting her here. Then Astrid turned towards Hiccup's hut and faced it, more than ready to go inside. He would be in here, probably writing in that notebook of his or working on a new tailfin design… Her heart flew at the thought of him. She couldn't wait to see him-
"Hiccup!" she cried, bursting through his hut's door. "Hiccup, I need to tell—"
"WOAH!" Hiccup yelled as she ran into him. With two large OOMPHS, the two fell to the floor. Hiccup groaned as his head hit the ground. Astrid was lying on top of him. She scrambled off of the young man, blushing.
"Oh gods—sorry, Hiccup—"
Wincing, Hiccup rubbed his head. He pushed himself to his feet, and Astrid followed him. "I'm fine…" He smirked, trying to lighten Astrid's guilt. "If my head were any harder, it could be used as a boulder for a ballista." He gave a small chuckle, and after a moment, Astrid giggled along. Soon, they were both laughing.
"Wait…" Hiccup frowned. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be on Berk with your parents."
Everything came flooding into Astrid again. "Hiccup... well, it... it didn't go well."
Hiccup looked worried. "Oh no. What happened? Oh, gods, I-I should've come with you—"
"No," Astrid said, shaking her head. "It's not like that... I mean, when I got there... I found that I didn't enjoy being there. It seems boring and too easy, and I was lonely... I loved Berk because of you guys... the Dragon Riders were always there with a new adventure, a new challenge... and... I missed you guys." Absentmindedly, she reached out and squeezed Hiccup's shoulder. "I missed you..." That last part was soft, but Hiccup heard it. "I missed you so much… and… and I realize that home isn't where I was born, or raised… it's where my heart is… and that's with you and the others…"
"I... I missed you too, Astrid," Hiccup said, almost shyly. "Wasn't the same here without you… and, I just... you're one of the things that makes the Edge worth fighting for... and your f-face is the face... I look forward to seeing you every morning when I wake up…"
"Really?" Astrid smiled.
Hiccup nodded, bowing his head so she couldn't see his expression. "Really…"
There was a comfortable moment of silence, and then Astrid punched his shoulder. He moaned in mock pain, even though her hit was gentler than usual. "I did really miss you, dragon boy," she said. "And I'm glad to be back."
Hiccup grinned warmly. "Me too." Tentatively, he reached out and squeezed Astrid's hand, about to pull it back, but Astrid caught his palm and held tight. Hiccup seemed surprised at first but didn't protest. Smiling, Astrid looked straight into his eyes and she knew she had just found her way back home.
Special thanks tooo...
thepurplewriter333, PsychicWonderKitty, Fantasygirl1329, FanWriter02, Guest (#1), Smoe05, Devufairy, phieillydinyia, Kid arachnid (Guest #2), Plasma-energy-virus (x10!), magdadavid0605, annnnnndddddddd DragonGirl310. Lots of reviews this time!
And hey! WE MADE IT TO 100 REVIEWS! I feel like we need a party! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH! :D
Hope you liked this story, and thanks for all of those requests. You all have such wonderful ideas that I can't wait to get started on!