A/N: I would have uploaded this yesterday, but I was watching Race to the Edge. I only watched the first 2 episodes, so no spoilers in the reviews please. I'm going to watch the third episode this coming Friday (July 3).
Anyway, I was touching up a few things in the chapter last night, and there are more funny and awkward moments ahead.
The group of friends had been waiting for Hiccup and Astrid on the other side of Berk. They were going to have a speeding competition, but they couldn't start until they were all present. "Where are they? What's taking them so long?" Tuffnut groaned as he scanned the sky for a Night Fury and a Deadly Nadder. Just then, they heard the Night Fury whistle and the two late teens landed.
"Sorry we were late guys, but we're all here now." Hiccup said as they all got in line.
"Where were you guys?" Snotlout asked them.
Hiccup and Astrid looked at each other. They weren't sure if they should tell them just yet. "We were at a meeting." Hiccup said quickly and Astrid nodded in agreement.
"There was a meeting? What was it about?" Fishlegs asked.
"Guys, can we just get this competition over with! Hookfang and I are going to show you chumps how to fly with speed!" All of the other teens groaned at him.
"Yeah right! Barf and Belch will definitely beat your one headed campfire!" Ruffnut gloated with her brother laughing in agreement.
Hiccup rolled his eyes at the three teens bashing each other again. "Okay, now that we got the trash talking off our chest. Who wants to go first?"
"Oh, Meatlug and I want to go first!" Fishlegs shouted out.
"Alright Fishlegs, remember that once you reach that sea stack, come back to your spot. I'll be timing you." Hiccup instructed pointing out the lone rock sitting out in the frozen water.
Fishlegs nodded and patted his dragon's head. "Okay, ready girl? Here we go!" Fishlegs said as Meatlug hovered over the white ground and flew to the sea stack. Hiccup kept count in this head "one Berkians, two Berkians, three Berkians….." Hiccup stopped counting once Meatlug landed back in the snow. "How did we do?"
"50 seconds."
"Yes! New personal best! Good job girl!" Meatlug grunted in agreement with her rider.
"50 seconds? Ha! Hookfang is going to beat this in his sleep!"
Astrid rolled her eyes and crossed her arms at the boy. "Well, how about you just try to show how fast you are?"
"Yes, I will try to…..hey wait a minute-"
"Just go Snotlout! We don't have all day! Are you going to fly or not?" Hiccup shouted at him.
"Don't get your skivvies in a bunch, Hookfang and I are going to show you guys who are the champs and who are the chumps."
"Just Go!" They all shouted at him.
"Alright, alright, let's fly Hook-" Snotlout couldn't finish his command when the Monstrous Nightmare flew off the hill. The five teens could hear Snotlout screaming and saw him almost sliding off the dragon's neck when he turned to get back to the starting point. When Hookfang landed, Snotlout was gripping the dragon's horns like it was his life line.
"H-how-how did we do?" Snotlout asked as he shook from the flight.
"20 seconds."
Snotlout let go of the horns and pointed at Fishlegs. "Ha! In your face Fishlegs! I am the champ!"
"Alright, you two ready to go guys?" Hiccup looked at the twins; the blond siblings smiled and told their dragon to fly. The twins were having a good start, until it was time to turn. One of the heads hit the side of sea stack and they started to lose control. The Zippleback crashed at the starting point and groaned in pain with their riders.
"How many seconds was that, Hiccup?" Ruffnut asked as she held her head.
"28 seconds."
Tuffnut threw a fist in the air as Ruffnut cheered in pain.
"Alright my turn, let's go Stormfly." Astrid said and her dragon took off to the ocean. Hiccup kept counting in his head and stopped once she landed.
"8 seconds."
"Alright, I'll count now," Astrid said to him.
"Ready Toothless?" the dragon purred and got ready when he heard the click of the two prosthetics when the wings opened up. "Alright Toothless, let's go!" Astrid counted when he flew and landed back.
"5 seconds."
"Of course he won; the Night Fury is the fastest!" Snotlout cried only receiving groans from the rest of the teens. Then there was a horn blowing in the distance. "Lunch horn! Let's go Hookfang." Snotlout shouted as he flew to The Great Hall.
"Last one there is a blown up Gronckle egg! Right Astrid?" Tuffnut shouted trying to keep Astrid remembering her giant fail on Snoggletog. Astrid growled at him as they flew to The Great Hall.
~oOo~
While the teens ate, Hiccup felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around and saw Mr. Hofferson standing behind him. "Can I talk to you for a moment, son?"
Hiccup nodded and got up from his seat. He followed Asmund with his Toothless following him. Astrid watched her father escorting her friend/fiancé out of The Great Hall.
"Oooohhhh! Looks like someone got in trouble with Astrid's daddy." Snotlout sang as he watched the two leaving.
"Really? Hiccup getting in trouble with Mr. Hofferson? Now if it was you he was escorting out, maybe I'd believe it." Fishlegs said.
"Shut up Fishlegs," Snotlout grunted. Astrid rolled her eyes and went back to eating.
"Hey Astrid, what do you think is going on?" Ruffnut asked her.
Astrid shrugged before answering. "I don't know, it could be about anything."
~oOo~
Asmund opened the door and let the teenager and the Night Fury in his house. Toothless walked around the house sniffing every corner. Hiccup watched his dragon to make sure that he wasn't going to make a mess. Asmund pulled out a chair for the both of them. Hiccup walked over and took the seat and sat on the other side of the table with Mr. Hofferson.
"I know this is sudden, but I wanted a little one-on-one time."
Hiccup bit his lip trying to stay calm. He normally acted calm around Mr. Hofferson, but for some reason his heart was pounding out of his chest at the moment.
"I don't know everything that's going on in your mind right now, but I just want you to know how grateful I am. I know that marriage is nerve racking, but I just want to tell you to not worry about it. I heard many people say that marrying your best friend is the best decision that anyone can make. I know that this wasn't something you expected to happen, but I am glad that you two decided to go ahead and get married."
Hiccup had a small smile on his face. He knew that Mr. Hofferson wanted this because he was worried about Astrid, but he also had some pride because he chose him. "You know sir, Astrid and I do feel awkward about this."
"I know you two do, but I really do think it's best for her."
"I understand sir," he said as he got bumped by his dragon that walked into him.
Asmund smiled then wiped it away trying to look serious. "I want you to promise me that you'll take care of my daughter and that you won't give up on her when you guys are having problems. Marriage is about being there for each other during the good and the bad times. Marriage is a challenge itself; don't give up on each other."
"I promise sir, but I don't think she'll need me to take care of-" Hiccup stopped talking when he saw Asmund frowning at him. Hiccup cleared his throat and continued, "I will do anything to make Astrid feel like family. I won't try to disappoint you or her."
"Good...and just thank you once again."
"It's no problem."
~oOo~
The next day, Stoick told his son that he'd make the announcement before dinner. Hiccup went ahead and told Astrid when the announcement would be made. They were both anxious about it; they didn't know how everyone would react, especially their friends. When night approached, everyone went to The Great Hall to eat. Everyone took their seats before they got their food since the chief was still standing, usually that meant something was going to be said.
"Can I have your attention please!?" Stoick shouted standing in front of his seat. Hiccup felt his stomach go in knots. That last time he was this nervous was when he was walking into the death ring. He had no idea that this would be just as nerve racking.
"Now before I begin, I was asked to let you all know what is going on in the Hofferson home. You all know that Mr. Hofferson was been ill for almost a month now, but yesterday I found that he is dying." Many people gasped and turned their heads to the ill man. "I know its dreadful news and I was just as surprised as you are, but not as surprised as his daughter Astrid." Then everyone turned their heads to the blonde teenager who was now red. Even her friends looked at her with concern.
"I also found out that that they no longer have money. When our beloved Mr. Hofferson passes, Astrid will not be able to fully take care of herself. Because of this, I was asked a serious question today by him. This question led to a bitter sweet moment in our village. The bitter: we are losing a great man. The sweet: I will be gaining a new family member."
Everyone was questioning what he meant. Even the teenagers weren't so sure what he meant, but Hiccup saw the spark in Fishlegs' eyes when he figured it out. "Oh my Thor! You guys are-" The stocky boy was interrupted when Stoick finished his statement.
"My son and Astrid have agreed to get married! Please help me congratulate our newest engagement on Berk!"
The Great Hall was filled with cheers and clapping hands. "Are you kidding me!?" Snotlout cried out over the loud cheering.
"The marriage will be taking place here within a month!" Stoick announced once the crowed was settled. After the chief was done with his announcement, the people got up from their seats to get their food.
"You get picked to kill the dragon, you save the village from The Red Death, now you're getting married?! What makes you so special?!" he screamed at him with his finger pocking Hiccup in the chest.
"Everything you just pointed out." Fishlegs said with a smug look. Snotlout had his mouth opened to speak, but slowly shut it and stomped out of the hall.
"Maybe we should talk to him." Hiccup suggested swinging his legs out from the bench getting ready to get up to follow him.
He was stopped when Astrid placed her hand on his shoulder. "Maybe later, he'll come back anyway. He hasn't eaten yet." Hiccup shrugged and took his spot next to her.
"Congratulations you two!" Fishlegs squealed getting up from his seat to hug Hiccup and Astrid. "I had a feeling about you guys! This is so great!"
"Uh….thank you, Fishlegs," Hiccup grunted feeling his back pop. After Fishlegs released them, Astrid rubbed the back of her neck as Hiccup took a deep breath. As they were recovering from Fishlegs' grip, Snotlout came back in. He stomped back to his seat took facing the engaged couple.
"I can't believe you, Astrid. How could you do this to me?" he whined.
Astrid narrowed her eyes at him. "Really Snotlout? Did you actually see us getting married?"
"Yes! Well in my dreams I did…. but that's not the point! How can you agree to marry him?" Snotlout whined about pointing at the small teen.
"Hey, I'm right here!" Hiccup yelled feeling a little hurt by his comment.
Astrid kept arguing with Snotlout ignoring Hiccup. "You know what Snotlout; you can have your fantasies. I could care less what you think about us. I never imagined this day to happen too, but it did. And you know what; I don't care what you think, or what any of you think! We might be getting married, but it's not going to change anything. Are we clear?"
Fishlegs nodded and Snotlout sighed with a shrug and the twins were staring into space. Astrid noticed the twins and she smacked the table to get their attention. "I'm sorry what were you saying? I was too busy thinking about how this marriage is going to change everything." Tuffnut said with his sister nodding in agreement. Astrid groaned and hit her head on the table.
"Welcome to my world." Hiccup said as he placed his elbow by her head and leaning his face in the palm of his hand.
~oOo~
At sundown Astrid and Stormfly flew around the island. The Nadder flew by the cove and her rider noticed something. "Land here girl," She ordered and Stormfly obeyed.
Astrid mounted off her dragon and saw the Night Fury drinking from the edge of pond that wasn't frozen. Then she saw his rider lying on a patch of icy grass that was surrounded by snow. Astrid walked towards him while Stormfly walked to the pond to get a drink. Hiccup heard footsteps crunching in the snow. He opened his eyes and found his friend standing by his head.
"What's up?" he asked putting a hand behind his head.
"I was just about to ask you the same question." She replied taking a seat next to him. She crossed her legs and leaned back with her arms supporting her up.
"I'm trying to clear my head." He answered her before taking a deep breath. "Yesterday, your father wanted to talk to me about some…things."
"Oh no, what did he say?"
"It was nothing embarrassing, it was just….. He wanted me to promise him that I would take care of you. In all honestly you would be the one taking care of me." He explained sitting up from the cold ground. Astrid let out a light chuckle and punched him lightly on the shoulder.
"You better believe it," she replied with a smile. "At least your talk was more comfortable than the one I had earlier." She said making her skin crawl at the memory.
"What?" he asked cocking up his brow.
Astrid sighed regretting that she brought it up. "Oh, after I left The Great Hall. This woman just had to give me this, what she called 'a lovely talk about pleasing my husband' because my mother never could." She said trying to mock the woman. Hiccup snorted trying to keep his laugh in. Astrid crinkled her nose then pushed him to the ground only to make him bust out laughing. He rolled on his side with his back facing her and he let out his laughter.
"You think that's funny?" she snapped crossing her arms around her chest. Hiccup kept laughing and nodded making her want to hit him more. She punched his back several times and he raised his arm up in defeat.
"Okay o-okay, I give I g-give!" he laughed pushing himself up from snow. Astrid crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. Hiccup turned his head towards her and saw anger in her blue eyes. He cleared his throat and tried to contain his laughter.
"I'm sorry; it's just that I can only imagine the look on your face when that happened." He replied to only receive one last slap on the arm.
"It was not funny! Even when I tried to leave she would follow me! The woman couldn't take the hint that I didn't want to talk about it."
"Trust me, I get it. My dad tried to give me the same talk last night at dinner. I couldn't finish my meal I was so disgusted."
"Then why were you laughing at my distress? You had the same talk!"
"I was laughing because it's hard for me to imagine Astrid Hofferson being embarrassed about 'the talk'." He answered pulling his knees up to his chest. After he realized what he just said, he rejected it immediately. "If you want to punch me again go ahead." He grumbled and clinched up waiting for something. He expected a punch, but nothing happened. He opened his eyes and turned his head to find her glaring at him. "You're not going to punch me?"
Astrid shook her head. "Nah, I don't feel like it right now." She said with a smile brushing her bangs away from her eye. "So, did your talk with your father go well? Or did you try to get away too?"
"He wouldn't let me leave the table. He told me 'if you try to leave I'll just start this conversation all over again'." He said mocking his father's voice.
"I can't believe they think we'll be doing that soon." She replied falling on her back and crossing her arms and legs. Hiccup copied her movements and placed his hands behind his head.
"You can't blame them for thinking that. I mean most people get married to someone they barely know and they…..become intimate. We've been friends for almost a half a year, so that's just what they expect."
"But that's the thing Hiccup, we're friends! Friends don't get married before courting! We're skipping a huge step."
Hiccup let out a sigh. "I feel the same way, you know…." Astrid turned her head to look at him. "…Even though it seems like we missed a huge step, who says we can't try courting while we're still married."
Astrid smiled and turned her head back up. "I was hoping you would say that. So it looks like we're on the same page."
He nodded keeping his eyes on the sky that was forming stars. "Just don't hate me when I say if I wonder what my dad said was true." He added waiting for another hit on the arm.
"No, I don't blame you for wondering. I do feel weird that you just said that to me, but I don't hate you for wondering."
"Sorry, I don't even know why I said that." Hiccup mumbled putting a hand over his eyes.
"Don't feel so embarrassed. Would it help if I said that I'm wondering if what that lady said was true too?" she saw him raise his hand away from his eyes. He pulled himself up from the ground and rested on his forearms.
"Really?" he questioned her. She nodded and turned her body so she was resting on her side to look at him. "Wow, I thought I was just going crazy."
"According to that woman, it's normal to have those thoughts." She replied turning on her to look at the crescent moon. "So, what were some things that your dad said?" she asked making the teen boy burn bright red. He sat up and started to get up from the ground.
"I don't want to talk about this anymore," He mumbled.
Astrid sat up straight looking up at him. "Oh come on, don't tell me you never thought about that."
"Well yeah, I mean what teenager hasn't? That doesn't mean that I want to know if it's true." He stated feeling his ears burning. Astrid raised a brow and got up from the ground.
"You do realize that you are marrying me right?"
"Well….yeah, but-" he stuttered trying to keep his eyes on the ground.
"Okay, sorry that I even brought it up." She said raising her hands up. While the two stood in slice, Astrid looked away from him biting her lip thinking about what the woman said. She couldn't hold it any longer and wanted to see what he would do. "So is it true that the size of your foot determines the size of-"
"Astrid!" he shouted waving his hands around trying to get her to stop.
Astrid let out a laugh watching his face burn bright red. "I'm sorry; I just wanted to see how you would react." She said with a smug smile.
Hiccup buried his face in his hands and let out a groan. "That's not funny," he mumbled through his hands. Astrid cleared her throat trying to stop another laugh.
"Sorry….again, but in all seriousness; don't you want to know if what your dad said is all true? You said yourself you're curious about it. Don't you want to...you know?" she brushed her bangs away when she felt her face starting to burn.
Hiccup's eyes widened as he took a step back. "Wait what?" was the only thing he said before he fell on his back in the snow when he stepped on a frozen rock with his prosthetic. Astrid walked over to him and held out a hand to pull him up.
"Are you okay?" She asked as he grabbed her hand. She helped him get up and he nodded at her question as his dragon walked over to him.
"Yeah I'm fine, just a little taken back is all." He answered giving Toothless a pat on his head. "Are you sure you want to do that now?"
"I'm not talking about right now!" She shouted swatting his arms. "I'm talking about a month from now, on our wedding night." She answered putting her hands on her hips.
"Well…..I guess that makes it….. a little…..better." He mumbled trying to process what she was asking.
"If you don't want to that's fine. I was just suggesting it. We can stick to our original plan and wait till we're older." She said walking over to Stormfly who was resting by the pond.
"It's not like that! I mean I get it. We're getting married; I shouldn't act so crazy about you asking me about our wedding night. You have the right."
Astrid shook her head and walked over to him. "No, I shouldn't have even brought it up. We're friends, not a couple."
"Friends getting married," He added. Astrid shrugged and mounted on Stormfly. Hiccup was about to mount on Toothless when a thought came to him. "Hey, why don't we forget about the marriage for a while and just start courting. If we feel close enough until our wedding, maybe we can talk more about our plans for that night."
Astrid gave him a weak smile and nodded. "Okay, sounds fair. I'll see you tomorrow morning then."
He smiled up at her. "It's a date," he announced before walking away from her. He heard Stormfly takeoff behind him when he mounted on Toothless. "Okay bud, let's go home. We got a big day tomorrow." Once he opened up the tail, the Night Fury took off and flew back to the house.
A/N: Why do I enjoy writing awkward moments? So yeah, I'm going to have them court before and after they're married. Most of this story is going to focus on their relationship, so I don't want to rush it.
I'm finishing up chapter three right now. It might be up by Friday (July 3), I'm not so sure right now. Because of the fact that I'm going to college right now, it's taking my time away from this story and I really want to write it.
So until then, I'll see you later, bye!
