I did it! I actually finished this chapter! And look! It was in a timely manner. I swore it would take weeks, but hey I'm not complaining. I'm sure you guys aren't either. This chapter is also much longer than the last chapter. (Or any other chapter probably). A lot happens this chapter. The plot is taking off. BE READYYY!

Disclaimer: I'm too poor to be working for Dreamworks.

-Ash

My nose was numb. Was flying supposed to be this freezing cold? I was turning into a popsicle. I should have looked up the wind-chill before I decided to test Toothless' harness gear today.

My teeth chattered as I gripped the back of my dragon fiercely. I barely controlled my shivering as we soared across the sky, "We're doing it, bud!"

I checked my cheat sheet and adjusted my foot quickly as we took a sharp turn. We then began to climb, higher and higher we went. The clouds were within my reach as I intently stared forward while we advanced into the sky. My nose was still literally frozen.

Toothless purred loudly as we soared through the blue heavens. My grip was endless, I couldn't let go. That changed when suddenly- "My cheat sheet!" I called as it flew off the saddle. I reached back for it quickly and unexpectedly realized that I was no longer attacked to Toothless. "Shit!"

We were tumbling backwards. "We're going down!" I screeched. Free-falling was not one of my hobbies for a reason. The feeling of falling to your death is not a fun one. I swiftly turned myself around to face the ground, those rocks were not very inviting I must say. Toothless was in a tizzy, flapping his wings sporadically and flopping through the air. I reached for him, "We just gotta… hang on!" I grabbed at the saddle, my hand slipping off a few times.

I finally got a hold on the material and pulled myself up onto his back. Looking at the unfriendly rock formations in front of us, I realized there was little time to reattach the paper. I abandoned the cheat sheet. I could do this! I leaned down intently onto Toothless' back and twitched my foot accordingly. We soared past the boulders and circled around the cliff. It all came to an abrupt end when I saw nothing but clear ocean in front of us.

I spun my head around to see the town of Berk behind us, unknowing of all the trauma I just went through. I heaved a heavy sigh of relief, "Yeah! We did it!" I exclaimed.

Toothless shot a fireball in celebration and congrats to me, we flew right into it. At least I could feel my nose again.

As soon as we landed, I sprinted around the cove in celebration. "That's right, Harold Haddock tamed a dragon and was the first human to ever fly one!" I joshed out. I trotted around, "That's right! Me!" I snorted out a laughed before collapsing onto the fresh grass.

Toothless scowled at me; there was nothing but attitude in that look. I laughed hesitantly, "But I couldn't have flown without you, bud."

My dragon didn't seem too convinced. He just stared at me. I shrugged, "C'mon Toothless, you know that you are my best friend. I wouldn't be able to do anything without you. I doubt I would've even gotten the confidence to talk to Astrid."

Toothless then crooned and held his head high. I grinned, "That's more like it!" I scratched under my dragon's chin. His tail wiggled happily as he hummed. I sighed, "Now bud, I have to head back up to the house. I'll be back tomorrow."

Toothless moaned before curling up on the cove floor. I ran my hand across his scaly head affectionately. "See you."

I scampered down the hallway, hoping that Astrid would be nearby. My luck was great for once as she was actually waiting for me beside my locker. "Astrid!" I called out to her. She turned around to spot me and waved with a smile. I trotted up to her with a grin, "I did it."

She cocked a brow at me with curiosity, "You did what?"

"I flew Toothless!"

Her mouth fell, "Wait, are you serious?"

"This isn't something a person jokes about!" I retorted.

"Wow. That's awesome!"

I nodded in response. I paused for a moment when I realized that Astrid doesn't normally wait for me by my locker. She rarely has any interest in me at school. Only on occasion does she actually pay attention to me when people are around. I swayed awkwardly on my feet, "So, um, what do you need?"

"What do you mean?" Astrid asked as if she were confused.

"Well, you never wait for me by my locker, so I was wondering what the occasion was?"

Her face fell, "Oh." She sighed in irritation, "Ruffnut is being immature and won't talk to me. She claims you've 'nerd contaminated me' and refuses to have contact with me. Half the softball team won't talk to me because Snotbutt told them that I stuck up for you a few weeks ago. What dumbasses…" The blonde leaned against the lockers with a grumble.

I ran a hand through my hair uncomfortably, "Wow. I'm ruining your life."

I was startled when she slammed her fist against the lockers, "Shut up."

"Wha-? I thought…" I gulped.

"You thought wrong. None of those idiots know me, Hiccup. You do. And only you. You're the person who really took the time to… see through me, I guess. Please don't say you're 'ruining my life' because you're being a decent person. That's just stupid."

"I-I… I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." I muttered.

She sighed and slid down the lockers to the floor, "I know. I'm not really angry with you. I'm pissed at all these low life people, judging you based on what you seem like. They don't know shit about you, Hiccup! You are the bravest person I know. God knows you're braver than me. Going about each day, knowing that no matter what you do, someone is always going to have something terrible to say about you. I couldn't do it. You are amazing. I can't even handle being abandoned by the team. Yet you've never had anyone. I'm the one who is sorry. I'm sorry I was one of those people too. I should've been better to you."

I crouched down to Astrid's side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I know. It's all about the image. You just wanted to be liked."

"I wanted someone to care about me. I didn't realize that fitting in with the crowd wasn't going to cut that."

I held my hand out to her, "Well, if anyone can make a big difference, it's you."

Astrid snorted and I was taken by surprise. She merely shook her head at me, "No Hiccup, it's you."

"Okay guys! I know that you have the extra-large canvas due next week, but I am going to throw something else at you guys too." Ms. Abby cheered to the class.

There was a chorus of groans as my ears perked up. I'm up for anything in this class. For sure. She smiled and clasped her hands together, "You're doing partner projects!"

Astrid's eyes lit up and her head whipped towards me. I guess I know who my partner is. I've never experience that before. No one has ever wanted to be my partner. But Astrid's excited expression told me that someone actually did for once. I nodded in agreement at her and that's when I noticed Ramona glaring at me. I shifted my eyes away and chewed my lip. I glanced back in her direction. Yup. She was still angrily squinting at me. This was just great.

"Now, when you pick your partners I want you to think about the fact if this person will really help you or not. And you need to make sure you both split the work evenly. You will pick a spot from someplace in the town and you and your partner will recreate it. You can add in something extra if you'd like, but you must show the landscape of wherever you pick. For example, say you pick the park in town. You can add an old woman sitting on the bench feeding pigeons if you'd like. As long as I understand where it is supposed to be, are we clear?" Ms. Abby explained to everyone.

There was a chorus of groans, moans, and 'yes's. I met Astrid's eyes and her lips grew upward. Ms. Abby spoke once again, "Alright. Get with your partners."

Ramona grabbed Astrid's hand as she stood up to sit with me. My eyes widened slightly as I saw her squeeze Astrid's wrist. The blonde shot a glare towards Ramona, "Let go of me."

Ramona cackled, "Why? So you can go sit with your geek lover? C'mon, let's just do this project together."

Astrid snatched her hand away, startling Ramona. She then stood as she squinted her eyes at her, "I can't believe you thought that wanting to do a project with me was going to make up for all of the shi-" Astrid caught herself, "-crap you've done in the past week. I'm going to go do my project with Hiccup and there's nothing you can do about it."

Ramona shot up from her seat, "Are you kidding me? Seriously?"

"No! I'm not kidding you! This is serious! You're not gonna tell me who I am or what to do anymore! I'm working with Hiccup and that's final!" Astrid exclaimed.

The class fell silent. Everyone was wide-eyed and their mouths were agape. I'm sure mine was too. I've never had girls fight over me before. Even though this isn't the way it's usually pictured… Ms. Abby was between the two in a flash, "Is there a problem here, ladies?"

Astrid scoffed and crossed her arms in a huff, "No, I don't have one. Unless Ramona has more to say."

"Yeah, actually, I do. Why would you abandon me and your team for that freak over there!?"

Ouch.

Ms. Abby opened her mouth to retort but Astrid had it covered, "He's not a freak! You shut up!"

Ramona pulled on her pigtails in irritation, "Wow, that's a load of bull!"

"How would you know!? Do you even know him? No! I told you this before! Don't act like you know everything when you obviously don't. Hiccup is an amazing person and we should all strive to be as caring as he is. Hiccup cared about me when I didn't give a flying crap about him. He's been there for me ever since I met him and you're a fool to think that I'm just wasting my time. If I were to waste my time, I'd spend it with you." Astrid snapped.

There was a chorus of 'ohhs' in the class room. I'm positive that some people had whipped their phones out to get the fight on camera. I'm sure they thought this would turn into a fist cat fight if it escalated anymore. I thought it would if they both didn't calm down to be honest.

Ramona stared across the room, "What're all of you looking at!?"

"Leave everyone alone Ramona. You don't know the first thing about me."

"I already told you I'm your best friend! I don't know what he did to you, but we need to change you back. I can't handle being on my own!" She screeched.

Astrid's sneered, "Oh, so this is about you. Not me. Maybe you should've thought about that before you overreacted and refused to talk to me! And some best friend you are, you don't even know…" She paused. I knew where this was going.

I began to intervened as I stood up from my seat at the art table, "Astrid don't-"

Ramona literally growled at me, "Shut up Haddock!" She turned her anger back to Astrid, "I don't even know what!?"

"You… don't even know about…" Astrid was closing up. I saw it happening right before my eyes. She was going to break down in front of everyone. I couldn't let that happen. Astrid was sinking back into her seat as I gained my confidence. Astrid wasn't going to look like the villain here. She was the victim and I would make sure of it.

"Walter." I said quietly.

Ramona grunted, "Who?"

"Astrid's brother. He died from epilepsy." I murmured.

Once again, there was silence. Ms. Abby's eyes widened and she spun her head towards Astrid who had lain her head down on the art table she sat at. Ms. Abby placed a hand on her shoulder and squatted down next to her. She leaned over to Astrid and whispered in her ear. Astrid sat up, tears beginning to brim in her eyes. The blonde nodded and stood before walking out of the classroom.

Ramona watched as Astrid fled and snarled at me when the blonde was out of the room. She marched over to me and grabbed my shirt collar, "How the hell do you know about that!? Why did she tell you and not me!? I've been asking Astrid for years why there was a boy's room at her house. Why was she so stone cold? Why was she always angry when I talked about Tuffnut? Or siblings in general!? Then you come along and find out her entire life story in a little over a month." Her nose was too mine now and she had yanked me onto the table, "You're a little pest, you know that? Getting in the middle of my perfect world was a big mistake, Haddock. You'll regret this I swear!" Her worlds were venom spewing into my face. I just sat back and took it. I wasn't afraid anymore.

Ms. Abby's arms were wrapped around Ramona's waist as she snatched her off of me. The brunette held onto her tightly, "Ramona, I've had about enough of this today. I'm sure the principal would like to see you now."

Ramona heaved away from Ms. Abby's grip and started towards the door. The teacher followed her until she saw Ramona take the turn to go into the principal's door. Ms. Abby rushed back to her computer to IM the principal the message of what had just occurred.

Wow. I've never been in the middle of something like this before. Now that Ramona was gone… my only concern was Astrid.

Ms. Abby eyed me from her desk and lifted a single finger slowly before motioning for me to come over. I gulped nervously before standing up to make my way to her desk. The brunette gripped my shoulder, "A word in the hall, please?"

Ms. Abby and I walked towards the door. Before leaving the room Ms. Abby shot out a strict, "Behave yourselves!" to the rest of the class. She slammed the door behind her and crossed her arms at me. I smiled awkwardly at her before running a hand through my hair.

"What. Was. That?"

I opened my mouth to speak but closed it immediately. What the hell had just happened? The entire art class now knows that Astrid had a baby brother that died. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have said it, but I wanted to get Ramona to back off of her. I tried to save her but may have made things worse. I chewed bottom lip as I stared at Ms. Abby. I've never seen her this angry before.

"Harold, I'm speaking to you. What just happened in there? How'd you know about Walter?"

I nodded at her, "Astrid told me."

She lifted her eyebrows in surprise, "Astrid told you?"

"Yes, apparently you were aware?"

"I was actually. I know Astrid acts like she hates me, but her family has been close to mine for years. I knew Walter. He was an adorable kid. I taught him art in kindergarten. It was because of Walter's death, I changed jobs to the high school." Ms. Abby told me.

"What? Really?"

"Yes, really. He would've liked you. You remind me a lot of him. Maybe that's why I took such a liking to you." She chuckled. "Hiccup, you've got to help her."

"I shouldn't have told the class. I shouldn't have said that out loud. Astrid will hate me. I just wanted Ramona to leave her alone. I thought if Ramona felt guilty and knew the truth, she'd leave Astrid alone. It worked but now Astrid is going to be so pissed." I grumbled.

Ms. Abby bobbed her head slightly, "She may be a little miffed, but don't worry. I've never seen Astrid interact with someone like she does with you. All of that over just being partners for a project. I'm proud she's not being pushed into someone she's not anymore, but it's gotten out of hand."

"What do I do to help her?"

The brunette placed a hand on my shoulder, "Oh I think you already know that Hiccup."

I saw Astrid leaving the girls' bathroom and heading back towards the classroom. I squeaked in hesitation before I agreed. "You're right. I do."

I was, unfortunately, correct about Astrid being pissed at me. Ms. Abby assigned us as partners for the project anyway. She told Astrid, "After all that, you two are partners whether you like it or not." Astrid knew she still wanted to be my partner, but she forced that shield up at me again.

I had convinced her to come by my house later that day so we could get ideas for the project. She bought that completely. I had much different plans in mind though.

Astrid arrived at my home and slammed her car door. She was trying to still sound angry with me. I smiled at her, "Still mad?"

"Very."

"Well let's just head down to the cove, okay? I'm sure there are some great landscaping ideas down there."

She rolled her eyes at me, "Yeah. Sure."

I had her right where I wanted her. Astrid irritably followed me down to the cove. As we approached I sped over towards Toothless. Astrid was hesitant when she saw my dragon again, but she still crawled down into the cove.

"So where are we looking?" She sighed.

I hopped aboard Toothless and walked him over to her. Astrid's brows knitted together as she gazed at me as if I were nuts. I held my hand out to her, "What about a higher view?"

Her eyes widened, "Are you serious?"

"I promised you a flight, right? Are you ready to go?" I asked with a smile.

She scoffed and crossed her arms, "You tricked me you little ass. I'm out of here."

"Astrid! Wait! Please!"

The blonde brushed me off with her hand as she started towards the edge of the cove. I quickly had Toothless scooped her up and he plopped her into a tree. Astrid held onto the branch for dear life, "Hiccup! Are you shitting me? Get me down from here!"

"Not until you listen me and let me explain!" I tried to reason.

"I don't really want to hear anything you have to say!" She screamed at me as she scooted down the branch carefully.

"Fine, but at least let me give you the ride I promised before you hate me forever." I held my hand down to her.

She rolled her eyes at me and pushed herself on top of the branch. The blonde stood before smacking my hand out of the way. Astrid climbed up onto the saddle, "Alright. This better be quick."

"Okay, Toothless, let's just do this nice and easy. Right?" I patted the dragon slightly before he completely took off! Astrid screamed for mercy as she struggled to find something to grab onto.

"Toothless! Stop! What're you doing?" I called as Astrid wrapped her arms around my chest quickly. "C'mon Toothless, calm down!"

"I thought you told me you knew how to fly him!" She exclaimed.

"I don't exactly control him. I just make sure we don't fall and-" Toothless started to dip to the side, "oh no."

We dive-bombed towards the water, stopping shortly before crashing under. I groaned, "Toothless, what're you doing? I'm trying to get her to forgive me!"

The Night Fury twisted and twirled through the air. Astrid gripped onto me, "Okay! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I know you were trying to help! I forgive you!"

Suddenly, it all stopped. We were sailing smoothly through the air as we soared through the clouds. A large sigh of relief washed over me. Astrid relaxed and began to gaze around the sky. The air was cool again, but my face wasn't freezing off this time. The sky was morphing into an orange-red as we flew into the setting sun. The clouds were right above our heads as Astrid reached up into them. She waved her hand into the puffy smoke. The blonde beamed behind me and laid back into the fog as we flew through.

Toothless then took us up into the night time air. The stars shined brightly against our skin. Her eyes were an even brighter blue at night. I glanced at her behind me and her eye lashes batted at me with a smile. I tensed slightly but suddenly she rested her chin onto my shoulder. All tension melted away as she squeezed around my chest.

Her cheek was then on mine, "Thank you." She whispered in my ear. I knew my face had probably changed into a rosy pink, but I wasn't going to let her know that.

I flew us through the brush of the woods next to the cove as Toothless and I still mastered the skill of landing. We arrived onto the cliff that was connected to the cove. Astrid and I hopped off of Toothless and took a seat on the edge. We dangled our feet over the drop-off and admired the scenery. "This should be our painting." She said quietly.

She was talking to me! I glanced at her, "You think so?"

"Yeah, I could probably paint the sunset. I could maybe do the water too." She replied as she leaned backwards onto her hands behind her.

"I could do the cliff-side. I've been told that I'm good a foliage." I quipped.

Astrid chuckled at me, "Yeah… But you also need to paint Toothless flying in my sky, okay?"

"What? Really?" I asked her.

She nodded, "Yes. She said you could add in anything you wanted. You're famous for your dragons, so might as well."

"Ms. Abby says you actually know her personally, right?"

Astrid puffed out her lip, "She told you that, huh?"

"What makes you so pushy with her?" I asked timidly.

"Don't cross your line, Haddock. I don't know if I can't trust you again, yet." She snapped.

I held up my hands in defense, "Sorry. Sorry."

Astrid snorted at me, "I'm joking. Our moms were friends growing up. Abby's mom got pregnant with her a sixteen. To be honest, her desire to not be like her mother is probably why she's only dated one guy and it wasn't until she was half-way through college."

"You still didn't answer my question." I grumbled.

"I'm jealous."

"Wow. That was open."

"She was an even better sister to Walter than I was. She got to see him at school all the time. Abby has her own little brother. She should have spent time with him, instead of mine." Astrid murmured.

I nodded, "I get it. I really do. Now that he's gone, it seems even worse, right? Astrid, it's okay to have feelings about things. You've got to stop bottling everything in. I know what happened today is bothering you. Ramona will come around. You just have to tell her the truth. I'm sure that everyone will like you more once you've become yourself."

"You're yourself but no one seems to like you." I'm sure it just slipped out. She didn't mean it. Her hands covered her mouth quickly.

But still… double ouch.

"You're more likable than I." I sighed dramatically as I fell back onto the cliff.

"I didn't mean it like that." She replied quietly.

"You still said it. It's how you feel." I raised my arms in celebration, "Look at that! You're talking about your feelings!"

She glared at me, "You aren't funny."

"But I try to be."

Astrid smirked at me, "I know. Thanks for everything Hiccup. We'll meet back here tomorrow to start sketching out painting ideas, alright?" I bobbed my head in agreement as we both stood. She punched me roughly in the arm, "That's for telling everyone about Walter."

I flinched in response, "Is this always going to be a thing!? Because I need to get prepared fo-"

She shyly brushed hair out behind her ear and grabbed my shoulder. Her lips touched the corner of my mouth, "That's for… everything else."

My mouth fell agape and I didn't even try to hide the pink hue that was flushing across my cheeks. Astrid had a small blush on her pale cheeks as well. She ran off and glanced back at me for a moment before heading back to my house. I stood there awkwardly and rubbed my hurt arm tenderly.

Toothless approached me from the side and crooned at me with big eyes. I glanced at him, "W-What're you looking at?"

Toothless shook his head and I jumped on his back as when headed back down to the cove.

"Dad! You won't believe it! I saw it! I saw a Night Fury flying over the cliff side. Yes, black as night and bright green eyes. Yes sir, I know I saw it! I didn't make it up!" Fishlegs chimed into his cell phone. He felt giddy as he hung up and shuffled back home. He felt as though his lifelong dream was finally realized!