Hey guys! Sorry this took so long to update. Senior year is kicking my butt. Ugh.

-Ash

Chapter 7

So did you know that dragons can be as stubborn as rocks? Yeah I didn't, until I tried to train one. I pranced my way down to the cove so that I can go see my lovely dragon, and he does not want anything to do with this new tail I created for him. Toothless is so irritating when he doesn't lie to compromise. I decided to run back to my house before returning to the cove and gently coaxing him towards the pond with a nice basket of fish. I then slowly maneuver toward my dragon's backside before pouncing on his tail. I quickly clipped and tightened the tail-fin next to the still existing one.

Suddenly, Toothless paused. I glanced back at him, "See bud? This isn't so bad, just a few adjustments and-ah!" The Night Fury took off into the air in a flurry, and the next thing I know: we're in the sky!

"Toothless! We are going to crash! You are so dead meat when we are back on the ground! I can't believe I tried to-" I paused and stared at the tail-fin flapping flightless through the strong air. Our direction suddenly changed, and we were torpedoing towards the earth. I grabbed the flimsy tail and yanked the fin straight. Toothless turned his body back towards the cove.

"Wow! I did do it! It works!" I cheered to myself. Apparently Toothless then noticed me and flung me off of his tail. I slammed right into the water, soaking from head to toe. Unfortunately for him, the tail went back to its frail form and the dragon went crashing into the water.

I spat water quickly, "I did it! We're going to have you flying in no-time bud!"

He crooned irritably at me and began to climb out to of the water. Obviously, my dragon wasn't very happy with me. I followed behind him, "I really think I did it Toothless. I think with some minor adjustments you can be back in the air. I'm going to get you away from this place."

Toothless' eyes widened momentarily, before he rolled them in disbelief and curled up on the ground. He wrapped his tail around himself snuggly so I couldn't see his face. I scoffed at him, "Don't you want to get back to being a dragon?"

He peaked from behind his tail before turning his body around so that his backside faced me. I trotted around the dragon to see his front, "You don't want to get back in the air?"

Toothless growled in annoyance. I stared at him, "What is it?"

He removed his tail from his face and gazed at me with sad eyes. The dragon then stared at the ground in obvious thought. It dawned on me and I felt warmth run through me, "You don't want to leave me?"

Toothless glanced back at me before turning his attention back to the dirt. I stared at the reptile in shock, "How about this… we'll learn to fly together?"

The Night Fury purred and nudged me wanting to be petted. Well, I guess I have some work to do.

It was the dreaded night… Astrid was coming over for dinner with my dad. God, if you're there, please help me.

There was a small knock at the door and I nearly jumped. Astrid was here. Oh good lord, Astrid was here! I wheezed slowly before standing to go answer the door. I opened it quickly and spit out my words in haste, "Hi."

The blonde stared at me and crossed her arms, "You're not going to be like this all night are you? Because I'm not staying if you're going to be nervous and awkward the entire time."

I released a breath I hadn't even realized I was holding. It was a massive sigh of relief, "I'm sorry. I didn't know if I should act different. I mean this is a big thing; my dad has never met one of my friends before. Granted, I've never actually had real friends before now, but even if I did he has never met them and I just don't want to mess this up. Maybe you'll hate my dad and not want to-"

Suddenly, a roughened hand was in my face, "Hiccup, are you going to let me in, or am I going to stand out here and freeze my ass off all night while you babble?"

I chewed my lip, "The first option sounds better?" I squeaked while backing away from the doorway to let her in the house.

She nodded swiftly, "Yeah, I agree."

Astrid was actually dressed up for once. I guess she was just trying to be nice. Wait. 'Astrid Hofferson' and 'nice' should never be in the same sentence. Unless it's the one I just said… Never mind.

She had on a blue and white striped pull over, her hair in her casual braid, and a nice pair of skinny jeans. Maybe that's not dressed up for others, but considering Astrid typically wears head bands, sweat pants, and baggy t-shirts this is a very large improvement.

Astrid immediately trotted to her usual spot, plopping on the couch and resting her feet on the coffee table. I scooched next to her and whispered, "Um, you probably shouldn't do that with my dad home."

"What? Does he have a stick up his as-?" I stared her down instantly. She paused, "-butt?"

I nodded furiously, "Majorly."

Astrid snorted while removing her feet from the coffee table, "Man, so this isn't going to be a fun time is it?"

I shook my head, "Oh it's going to be the most exciting night of your life."

"Oh I bet." The blonde retorted.

"I'm going to apologize in advance for anything that happens tonight. Just as a precaution." I grumbled.

Just then I heard the office door crack open. Well, here it was. Dad was emerging from his cocoon to meet Astrid. How did this happen again? Oh yeah, my father is crazy. That's how.

Astrid popped off the couch immediately. Was she nervous? I never thought that Astrid, of all people, would be nervous to talk to someone. She twiddled with her hair a moment before Dad strode around the hallway corner to the living room. I swallowed my fear and glanced over at Astrid. She smiled politely and pranced right up to him. The blonde stuck out a hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Haddock."

He seemed surprised at first, but then he gave a small grin. Dad took her hand, "You too, Ms. Hofferson."

Astrid scoffed, "Oh come on, I'm a teenager. No formalities. I'm just Astrid."

"Well Astrid, it was nice of you to join us for dinner. I'm pleased to finally meet one of Harold's friends." My father said smoothly.

Astrid strutted back over to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, "Yep! Hiccup and I are best buddies!" She yanked me towards her and pressed our cheeks together.

What the hell is she doing?

I laughed uncomfortably, "Yeahhh… we're best friends."

"Hiccup it's a shame you haven't spoken to me more about this wonderful young lady, please Astrid, why don't you take a seat in the den?" Dad asked politely.

I didn't realize this was a formal dinner. I would've worn my khakis. They both sounded like snobby rich people. What was happening?

Astrid planted herself right back on the couch where she previously had been. She snatched my arm, "I can't believe you haven't talked about me that much! Cruel, Hiccup, cruel."

I gazed at her in confusion, "I'm sorry?"

I hesitantly sat next to Astrid on the couch as my dad took a place in his chair. Astrid spoke up, "So Mr. Haddock, what's it like being the mayor?"

She didn't care about that. This was too weird, what was Astrid doing? She's an extremely good actress. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was as sweet as apple pie. But I know that's not Astrid. She's not supposed to be this nice.

Just then I got a sudden swipe to my arm, "Get out! Hiccup, why didn't you tell me that your dad has a key to the Downtown Sports Center?!"

Never mind. She still packs a punch. I grabbed my arm in pain, "I didn't think it was relevant? I mean, every time you came over here was for art tutoring."

My dad's eyes widened, "Oh, are you the girl that Hiccup has been tutoring?"

Astrid nodded, "Yep! That's me! Because that's what friends do for each other, right buddy?"

Wow. With the way Astrid is acting, she must really need an art tutor. That's the only reason she's doing this for me anyway.

I agreed cautiously, "Right…"

My father shot up from his seat, "Well that's great to hear! I'm glad my son can do something to help!" He casually sniffed the air, "I need to go finish up dinner. It'll take a few more minutes."

"Alright Dad… Astrid and I are just going to head upstairs to my room for just a minute. We'll back in a second," I paused and grumbled at her, "right, Astrid?"

She nodded, "Right."

I snatched her wrist and dragged the blonde teenager up the stairs behind me. Once we made it to my room, I stared at her in expectation. She snorted at me, "What?"

"What on Earth are you doing!? This isn't you! What is this act that you're putting on?" I grabbed my head and threaded my fingers into my hair, "You're acting like a different person."

Astrid crossed her arms irritably, "I'm trying to impress your dad, why is that bad?"

"All you have to do is tell him that you're a friend from school! Not kiss up to him!" I retorted.

Astrid grit her teeth, "Hiccup, I feel like you're not appreciating what I'm doing for you right now. If it weren't for me you'd be heading to isolation right now!"

"Appreciate what? Your acting skills? Why are you trying to make such an impression on my father? Do you want something because he's the mayor?" I sneered.

The blonde released a quick breath to calm herself, "Hiccup, I don't give a shit that your father's the mayor."

"Then why are you going so over the top!?"

"Because I don't want you to leave!"

My mouth snapped shut and my eyes widened to the size of silver dollars. Suddenly, nothing made sense anymore. Astrid wanted me to stay. But why?

"Why? I'm just your dorky art tutor. Before this year, I was like scum on the bottom of your shoe. Why me, Astrid?"

She shrugged with a sigh, "I guess things just work that way, Hiccup."

"You like me? As a person?"

"Hiccup, I like you as a friend. Not just as a person. You are the only guy I have met that likes talking to me as in Astrid. You don't care that I'm this softball team star, you just saw me as a girl that sucked at painting."

I snorted at the last remark. I chewed my lip, "So… does this mean that… we're actually friends?"

"Yes Hiccup. We're friends." She strode over to me and punched me in the arm, "But don't tell anyone."

I grinned slightly, "That's almost the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."

She placed a hand on my shoulder, "Look, you're a dorky loser, no doubt about it-"

"Gee thanks."

Astrid growled, "Shut up and let me finish! But even though you're a dork loser, you're the coolest guy I've ever met. And the most talented. Do you think you could paint me something some time?"

I gave a slight shrug, "I guess I can do that for a friend."

Her rosy face lit up at my response, I thought her beam might split her face in half. "Thank you so much! Look, we're going to keep you in school okay? Everything is going to be fine."

"Astrid? Harold? Are you two ready for dinner? I have it on the table!" My father called up the stairs.

"Well, I guess you should put that acting back to good use." I joked.

She grunted at me and punched me in the arm, "That's for going off on me."

I reared back in pain and grabbed my arm, before Astrid yanked my shoulder towards her. She pressed her lips lightly onto my cheek, "That's for… everything else."

The blonde spun on her heel and sprinted down the stairs towards my kitchen. I stood there flabbergasted for a moment before touching my cheek. She just kissed me! Well on the cheek… but it counts!

I trampled down the stairs after Astrid and saw her already at the table with my dad. They had already gotten their food on their plates. Were they fast or did I stand upstairs stunned longer than I had realized?

"Oh there you are, son!"

…Must have been the ladder.

"Sorry it took so long." I mumbled before grabbing a plate and sitting next to Astrid.

"So Astrid, I hear that the school team won North State. Are you guys going to the championships soon?" My dad began as he took a few bites of food.

The blonde gave a nod, "Yes sir, we play next Tuesday."

Oh great, that means they're going to be leaving school that day. Who will save me from those jerks at school now?

"Oh congrats! Hiccup will you be going to watch?" He asked.

"I don't think I can. They start playing while school is still going on." I said attempting to sound disappointed.

"Oh I see. Well Astrid do you have any other talents?"

She shrugged, "I dunno. I think Hiccup is bringing out my enter artist. He's really great, you know?"

I knew it was coming. He was going to make a comment about how art isn't a real talent. How art isn't going to get me anywhere. How useless my talent was. I just knew that was what he was going to say.

"Yes, Hiccup is very talented for sure. He makes me jealous sometimes. I wish I could see the eye for art the way he does. It could take him far someday." Dad replied.

What?

This was starting to get weird. My dad is never this nice. Who is this man and what has he done with Stoick Haddock?

"Thanks for saving me tonight. I actually had a good time."

Astrid stared at me, "It wasn't a date."

"I know… did I make it sound like a date?"

She scrunched up her nose, "Kind of."

My shoulder's sunk, "Oh. Sorry… I know the idea of dating me is probably a repulsive one."

Astrid paused for a moment, as if she were pondering how terrible it would be. She chewed her lip a second before speaking, "I don't think it's repulsive."

I gazed at her, "What?"

"I don't think you'd be a bad guy to date…"

"Right…"

The blonde railed the conversation backward immediately. "But not like us. Like you and someone else. Right?" She was looking at me with expectation. I don't want to ruin the friendship that I just discovered I had by making this awkward.

"Yeah. Maybe someday a girl will like me."

She placed a hand on my shoulder, "She'll be a lucky one."

Astrid decided this uncomfortable conversation was enough. She backed up from my front door and began to retreat to her car, "You should invite me over more! For something besides painting!"

I shrugged, "I might manage that."