It's been almost a month again, I'm so sorry! I've really lacked in inspiration and motivation! But I've recently started reading fanfictions again after a pause on a few months (I've been reading the HTTYD books. READ THEM THEY'RE AWESOME!) And as I've started again it has given me inspiration to some extent, given it is mainly Hiccstrid that I read. Therefore without further a-do… *smacks Hiccstrid in your faces*

Hope you like it though, it is extra-long!

Chapter 13: Astrid

My wardrobe… I can't even describe it. In words or signs. It's everywhere.

And none of them fits me perfectly! I have nothing for my date! It's a disaster.

Since Hiccup asked me out a few days ago, I haven't slept properly, I can't concentrate in school, and finally the time has come. He's taking me out tonight. I don't know what he has planned, but the dress code is "formal, but casual". And I'm like… what? That's like saying, "hey, why don' you wear your future prom dress, along with your hoodie and year-old sneaks?" Complete opposites!

Okay, deep breaths, Astrid. Deep breaths.

I don't even know why I'm so fussy. It's just a simple date. With a guy I've known for a month or so now. Easy-peasy. Only…

It's Hiccup. I don't know what I feel for him, if my slightly more than platonic feelings actually are real. I mean, Hiccup's a really good guy. But… do I like him enough to take it to the next level?

Sigh… I hope so. And only if he's willing as well.

I end up in a simple, yet elegant red dress, draping around my shoulders in ruffles, a tone darker red than the actual dress, which cuts me in the waist with a matching belt in the same dark colour. With me I have a simple pair of black ballerinas, as well as a tiny black purse.

When it comes to my hair, I give up. I only know a few braids, often intertwined with each other in different varieties. Elsa's way more hardcore at hairstyling than I am. I pick up my cell, seeing there's another hour until Hiccup picks me up, in assumingly another five until my bad load of a stepfather decides to come home. I speed dial Elsa, still thinking hard of what to do with my hair. Her face immediately pops up on Face Time, and she barely even looks at me, or my hair, rather, before she nods, leaves her bed, and ends the call.

Great. I guess I have a hairdresser now.

"Seriously, Astrid. You've got to learn how to do your hair. It's so soft and long! Do you know how many girls would envy your hair? Heck, I envy you hair!" Elsa's fingers move hectically as she explodes, once upstairs. Not that she would have to wait to be upstairs. There's never anybody home to complain. Her voice shrieks along, making even my numb ears hearing a few cries.

"Ehm… Thank you, I guess? I've never really thought about it. I've ever only needed a tight braid to get it out of the way whenever I train. Hence, the Celtic knot braiding. It's so tight and tangling it just stays put exactly where I want it. It's quite an update for me, that I've added that extra one going over my head." Elsa only visibly tsk's as she pushes me down into a chair that she has placed herself in our tiny bathroom.

"And when is Hiccup arriving?" I look through the a bit dusty mirror, quickly accustoming to read the signing mirrored.

"He should be here… in 50 minutes or so? If my inner clock is right." Elsa only nods, taking a firm grip around her curling iron.

Certainly nothing is going to be missing on my appearance.

"Elsa, you really didn't have to…"

"Ahh, hush! It was nothing, really. " She smiles at me through the mirror, giving me slight turns on the chair, so I can see my facial appearance.

She'd also taken the liberty to do my makeup, making it in natural colours, but definitely laying the mascara and eyeliner on thick in my opinion, making my eyes pop out in beautiful harmony with my hair and chosen wearing.

My hair… I don't even know where to start. And it only took her 40 minutes?!

My bangs are left all natural, framing my face in a familiar way that I've observed Hiccup to like whenever we're hanging out. But the rest… the top part of my remaining hair has been made into a ponytail base. From it several intricate braids falls, slightly inspired by a traditional Celtic braid. The ponytail is teased slightly; giving it some volume and making the braids stand out more. It falls from the center of my crown, weaving down into long waves, gently caressing my back. The intricate braids cascades down, seemingly to disappear in the golden waterfall down my shoulder blades, down to my lower back, though actually just tied off with clear elastic bands. It's been so long since I've had my hair loose, I actually forgot how longhaired I've become.

"Yep, you have so much hair. But it's so fun to work with." Elsa seems to read my mind. I can only nod, slightly flabbergasted, as my eyes are still locked onto my hair. A tiny string of silver and flowers, one of my favourite mini-circlets, drapes over my front hairline, making my appearance shine a little bit.

"Hiccup's not even gonna recognize me… He's going to fall for another girl tonight…" I manage to sign, still turning from side to side, to see my hair in action.

"Oh, stop it, you. It's you he has already fallen for. Now he just sees your true beauty potential." I finally manage not to focus on my hair, and look at her instead.

"You… you really think so?"

"Girl? Please, I know so. He's been head over heels for you since the moment he laid his eyes upon you for the first time." I smirk, giving her a questioning look.

"But… You weren't there, the first time he looked at me."

"No, but your very memorable description of what happened in the hallway, I'll always remember as well as you will. Trust me." She laughs, giving me a hug from behind. I wrap my arms around her, embracing the comfort she gives me.

I truly cherish her. She's the best friend I've ever had.

From outside the bathroom, a blinking light signals a certain person's arrival. It's time.

Hiccup

As I ring on the doorbell – knocking wouldn't help much – a bright blue light flickers through the surrounding windows. I step back, taking several deep breaths. Why am I so nervous? I'm just taking Astrid out for an evening. It's not like I'm asking her to marry me.

Marry… wow, wow, wow! We need to be dating first.

Which I hope we'll be officially, if not after, tonight. Oh, how I hope for her to say yes. I really do.

It feels like thousands of ages before the door rustles, as the lock is unlocked and a female, oddly familiar, figure appears.

"Elsa? What are you doing here?" I ask, surprised. My fingers were prepared to sign for the parent introduction, but Elsa surprised me.

"You're… you're not her secret mother, are you? 'Cause that's just too freaky…" I try to smile, but my nervousness prevents me from it.

"Oh, relax, Hiccs. I've just been helping her out this past hour or so, preparing her for tonight. So in that way, you can say I'm her mother. But, I've just… Yeah. Take a look for yourself. Come in." Elsa steps aside, giving me passage into the Hofferson estate. I twist my fingers nervously, looking around in the home I've only been in a few times. Astrid's not really fond of bringing others home due to her parents, or the lack thereof.

"Where is she?" I look at Elsa who stands by the foot of the staircase, leading up towards Astrid's room.

"She's coming down any minute now." She smiles knowingly at me.

"Hiccup… I've known you for quite some time now. I've sensed on you, that you're not a heavy drinker, you're not the type that just waltzes about, doing irresponsible things. So I presume you're not taking her out to a party?" I smile weakly at her, nodding in agreement.

"Yeah, you've got that right. I'm just taking her out. I've had something a little more… private in mind. Don't worry, I'll bring her home safely, all limbs intact, not a single scratch on her…" I suddenly lose the ability to speak, only gulp, as a wind of red and gold, slightly illuminated by silver, descends the staircase. An angel… has my Valkyrie come for me to take me away to Valhalla already? Or… I hope my time is not yet over, but… Maybe she's just paying me a visit?

"Astrid, you… You're… You… I…" She blushes nervously at my inability to express myself properly, and I only find myself a tiny bit embarrassing. But she's just so beautiful. Nothing in the world could ever describe her sheer beauty.

She truly looks like a goddess.

"Beautiful…" escapes my lips, but not my fingers, which seems to have locked completely as I am left dumbstruck.

"You… You really think so?" Astrid seems to have read my lips, only making me smile in affirmation.

"More than you can possibly imagine." My fingers finally decide to corporate, much to everyone's pleasure, as Astrid descends the last few steps. I clear my throat once before reaching out to take her hand, wearing a boyish smile I've observed Astrid to like about me. She takes it, completely lost in my gaze. I share likewise feelings, almost tripping over my own feet. She takes a firm hold of me, laughing out loud.

"You've got to be more careful. I don't want you to break a leg because of me." She blushes, looking slightly away, trying to hide the red tint.

"Sorry, I'm just… I'll try." I smile, giving her hand a light squeeze.

"Well, I might as well play the parent and follow you guys out." Elsa says, heading for the door to open it for us. We follow her suit, walking in perfect timing with each other.

As we get out on the tiny front porch, Elsa pats Astrid on the shoulder. She quickly signs a few words with her experienced fingers, making Astrid nod. Only her answer could I comprehend fully.

"Of course. I'll talk to you later." I look down at her in confusion, but she only shrugs me off. We head for my – or my father's spare – car and we drive off into the twilight evening.

Astrid

"Where are you taking me? Didn't we just leave town?" I sit in the front seat of a surprisingly comfortable sports car – how did he get a hold to that?! – looking out the darkened window as the twilight sky slowly turns dark.

"Not much longer. Just outside town." Hiccup's driving signing is even stiffer and choppier than his normal signing. It's a bit hard to follow as he only signs with one hand, the right one at that, making it even more confusing, both for him and me. Which is why our talk in the car is minimal.

I only nod, waiting rather impatiently for the date to unfold properly. Whatever he has in store surely is special, if we have to leave town.

Around three minutes later the car pulls in to a stop. We're on a seemingly forgotten parking lot, leading into a big forest. As far as I know, it's the forest that surrounds town, so we really aren't that far away from anything, if anything should happen, and yet it feels like we're the only people in world out here.

Hiccup, as the secret gentleman he is, get out of the car first, and rushes to the passenger side to open the door for me. He even holds out a hand to help me balance my way out of the low seated car. I smile a silent gratitude, slamming the door shut behind me.

"Ready to go?" His left hand is luckily free this time so he can sign properly.

"Yeah. That is, where are we going?" I ask again, stepping slightly closer to him to keep warm. His Adam's apple vibrates slightly as his lips pulls a slight grin.

"It's a surprise. I promise you'll love it."

Our hands never let go of each other.

We approach a narrow cleaving in a tiny hill side. I hesitate only a bit as Hiccup firmly walks towards it. On the other side a glowing light burns, making whatever's on the other side, a bit more welcoming. It's a warm glow, rather than a piercing light. I follow Hiccup through the cleaving to be revealed to a cove of some sort. A large hole in the surrounding forest, a perfect place for needed privacy.

"Where… where are we?" I manage to ask through voice, as my hands can't find themselves moving of the sheer beauty surrounding me. Hiccup, on the other hand, only smiles and briefly let go of my hand to sign.

"This is Raven's Point. Or, as I like to call it, the Cove. I've come here my entire life and used it as a refuge from the world." I turn towards him, locking my gaze with his. I suddenly see a past I'd never thought imaginable for someone like Hiccup.

He was a runt. A no-life lonely boy, who didn't have a soul in his life. All his memories of pain, depression and thoughts I don't like to think of, courses through eyes in a slight sad smile.

"Hiccup, I…"

"Don't. No need. I've passed it long ago. Now it's just distant memories. I'd much rather like to focus on the present, maybe even the future. But right now, this is a place for happiness. You can always come here, if you need it." He smiles, taking my hand again. He leads me down a narrow path towards the ground. And first as I step upon said ground, I realize what really is in front of me.

A lake, taking up most of the space in the cove, but also several trees whose roots has grown out of the cliff sides. And on a small patch of a clearing, a picnic was set. Everything was there, foods, drinks, candlelight for two, even a few extra blankets if we ever needed to keep warm. I think I would need to in a couple of hours, due to my short, thin dress.

He pulled me towards it, bearing a huge hopeful grin on his face. I can only smile back, never looking away from the beautiful emerald in front of me.

As we sit down, crickets start to sing and fireflies emerge from corners and tree trunks.

"Hiccup, you really didn't have to…"

"To what? Take out a girl I like? Make her feel special, maybe just for a single night?" His signing was affected by his surprisingly calmed composure, as if what he just said was the most logical thing in the world. I can suddenly not say, even sign, a thing, but I think the blooming blush busts me. The satin folds of my dress have become very interesting all of a sudden. A gentle brush of fingers against my shoulders brings me back, forcing me to forget about my red cheeks.

"Yeah, pretty much." A weak smile pulls on my lips, grateful the blush is subsiding.

"No, but seriously, he came from behind and was all "Hey Hiccs, your laces are tied together", and I just ignored it, continuing to skate. I take a tight turn to maneuver the puck, and of course my laces are tied together and I fall flat on my butt and skits across the entire rink, crashing into coach." I feel my vocal cord vibrate as I let out a laugh, which makes Hiccup smile warmly.

"What?" I ask, reaching out for my face. Did I have anything between my teeth? Had I grown a pimple?! Gods, why am I fussing over that?

"Oh, nothing. I just enjoy your laugh. I really feel bad for you, not being able to hear it." His hands fumble a bit in nervousness, but he's still comprehendible.

"Oh, it's okay. I can feel it. It tickles a bit in my throat." I sign, gesturing towards my throat in the end. He narrows his gaze upon it.

"Can… can I?" He hesitantly asks, slowly nearing in on me. I smile in affirmation, blotting my neck to him. He places a gentle hand on my throat, not adding any pressure whatsoever. I chuckle lightly, making my vocal cord vibrate once more, much to Hiccup's surprise. He chuckles himself, retrieving his hand. Though, he's still close to me. A bit too close, in some's opinion.

"Hiccup, I've been meaning to ask you something…" I look down, sensing his warn breath on my nose.

Silence in my ears, though Hiccup's not moving away.

"Why… Why did you ask me out? I mean, after our little agreement, I thought… You know…" I couldn't hear it, but a wave of breath hit my bangs, indicating a deep sigh. I look up for the answer, finding him ten inches or so away.

"I… I couldn't. I truly agreed back then, but… Not after long, I realized… I couldn't hold to that agreement any longer. Astrid… I love you." His breath shook before he signed the last words.

"Those feelings I had back then… they couldn't be put away just by a single agreement. I… What I feel for you, is too deep just to shove away."

I freeze in sheer dumbstruck, not knowing what I should say. Luckily, Hiccup's to rescue.

"Do…Do you… y-y-you feel the… th-the same?" His sudden extreme nervousness takes me by surprise, but I don't blame him. His fingers still trembles, even after finishing his question.

I look down for a second, trying to stiffen a smile that threats to cross my lips. As I finally look up, Hiccup's about to explode, it seems.

"Why do you think I said yes, Idiot?" I smirk, feeling the gleam in my eyes myself. He giggles as if to say 'unbelievable…' I laugh at that, and as I focus again, Hiccup's leaning in on me.

His hand snakes its way up to my cheek, gently caressing it. I lean into it, before sneaking my own hands into the roots of his neck hair. The inches becomes centimeters, to millimeters and…

His warm lips gently touch mine.

The sensation hit me like a tidal wave. But it's a nice wave. A wave of sincerity, intimacy and pure affection. I can feel every single feeling for me Hiccup's ever been holding back rush through that one gentle kiss. As we break off, I stare into noting but the purest emerald, almost shining in the surrounding darkness. Only waiting a few moments, I seal our lips once more, this time responding to his channeled feelings, times 100. I focus on sending all my own hidden and withheld feelings towards him through a deep kiss, my fingers gently coursing through his messy bundle of auburn. His own hands lock themselves around me and my neck, deepening the kiss even further.

As we both run out of breath, we've managed to turn over the picnic basket and have tangled the quilt that covered our sitting area. I lay upon him, fingers deep into his thick mess of hair, enjoying the softness. He looked up at me with slight swollen lips and his hands firmly placed around my waist, not letting go any soon. So I only manage to glide down, lying beside him and rest my head on his chest. I feel first his lips in my hair, then his strong jaw and cheekbone.

I don't know for how long, nor do I really care, but we watched the moon's beautiful glow in the Cove, and I hoped the night would never end.

Hiccup

I reluctantly pull up the car to the Hofferson estate, keeping on glancing and taking in Astrid's beautiful features before the night ends.

I shut off the engine, quickly stepping out, so I can let out Astrid of the car, being a true gentleman to her.

"Thanks." She smiles, taking my hand as I lock the car. We walk hand in hand up the front yards in companionable silence. Astrid steps up upon the porch first, barely even turning towards me, before a man hurls out of the front door, practically screaming and howling at no one and everyone.

"Where's my Bot'e? Where's my Bot'e o' Jack?" His eyes lock on Astrid, seemingly not noticing me.

"Ashtrid! Where 'ave you been?! You reckless gir' where the… 'ave you been?! And where's my Jack?!" I feel like my ears are going to explode if he continues to scream much longer.

"Sir, could you please…"

"And WHO'S THISSSHH?! Assshtrid, who's this wrench o' a…"

"Cole! Cole, please, this is Hic… eh Harold. And I've been on a date with him tonight." I look impressed at her. She's completely calm around this guy as if his behavior is nothing out of the ordinary.

"Harold?!" He manages squeak before bursting into a laugh. Astrid clears her throat, before looking away. I too can't bear the stench much longer. How long has this dude been drinking?!

"Yeah, Sir. I've taken your daughter on a date tonight and…"

"You've WHAT?! My daughter?! A date?! Ah, that's the best joke I've ever heard!" Astrid snaps her head at him, hurt, I can tell even by just being present. I take a comforting step towards her.

"Yes, as a matter of fact..."

"Le' me tell ya somethin' lad. The poor gir' 's deaf. She can' do anything, 'cause she can' hear a thing! I sugges' you just go away from this one. You're lookin' decent. Get yaself a nice gir' but this one 's no' worth i', trust me…"

"Would you just SHUT UP?!" Astrid cries out, the tears streaming from her eyes. I rush towards her, taking a firm grip around her waist, stepping in in front of her. She leans in on my shoulder for a moment appreciating the comfort, only to look back, not wanting to look weak in front of this low-lifer.

That's my girl… I smile, without looking at her.

"You're not talking like that about her!" I growl threatening, taking one step closer to the mad man.

"Please Harrick…"

"It's Harold."

"Harold… She's really no' worth i'! How ca' you fall for one like 'er?!" He slings on, leaning drunkenly against the door frame. Belching so hard he should be covered in barf. I try to cool down, finding refuge in Astrid's grip on my hand around her and her head on my shoulder.

"Sir, Your daughter… is everything to me. No one's is more worthy of me than her. Heck, I don't even know if I'm worthy of her. But I know what I feel, and nothing, and I mean nothing, can ever stop me from feeling what I do." I spit at him, looking at back Astrid before I continue. Her ocean blue eyes looking up at me, tears still lying in the corner of her eyes.

"Being hard of hearing, is a trait about her that I love. She's different, which makes her special. And I like her for not being like everyone else. So, no sir I won't go find any other girl. For I've got all I need, right here." My eyes never leave hers, So even though I didn't sign it, I know Astrid understood it.

"Now, if you'll excuse us, I'll take my girlfriend somewhere I know you can't hurt her anymore." I turn on my heel, taking Astrid with me. Looks questioning at me but follows to my car.

"My place. There I know you'll be safe" I sign, not say if Cole should hear us. She just nods, bearing a slight grateful smile.

I drive us off into the night as fast as I can.

Astrid

"You're sure this is not a problem?" I ask lightly shutting the car door behind me. Hiccup glances at me, smiling and reaching out for my hand.

"Yeah. Dad and Gobber asleep. We're fine." His left hand only free to sign makes it a bit difficult to follow.

"And Toothless?" His smile widens and he lets go of my hand to sign, still continuing towards the door.

"He's an angel in the night. Don't you worry, he won't say a word. Well, a bark anyway." He giggles, unlocking the door. The first thing I see as I enter is Toothless lying in front of the door, napping, and waiting for Hiccup to come home. He seems equally glad to see me, as he jumps up and licks my face. I stiffen a giggle, as I kick off my shoes. Hiccup comes from behind, taking my hand. he simply points upstairs, and I nod in agreement.

"I can just sleep on the floor, it's no problem, Hiccup." I sign, whispering for his full comprehension.

"Nonsense, Astrid. I'll take the floor, you take the bed." he insists for the third time in a row. I sigh, give up and slouch on the bed, breathing in his scents in the sheets. Maybe I can live with sleeping in his bed, after all.

"Hey, you have any clothes can sleep in?" I ask aloud, gaining his attention as he prepares his own bed.

"Uh, yeah. Sure, hold on just a minute." He disappears in through a side door, only to return a few minutes later with a pair of thin sweat pants and a shirt. As I hold the shirt in my hand, I recognize it.

"Hey, isn't this the one that…?" I look at him, fully aware that he knows what I'm referring to. He looks up with a bit of a sheepish smile.

"If you mean the shirt that I left you after the party a while ago, then yes. That's the one." he drops a pillow on the floor next to the bed, starting to snuggle down under the blanket. I hold the clothes close, before tripping in through the same door Hiccup retrieved my clothes in.

I return, clothes changed and Hair falling loose to my waist in waves after the numerous braids. Hiccup's lying on the floor, scanning through his phone. As he looks up, he gives me a gentle smile.

"Ready to go to bed?" I nod, as I climb up on Hiccup's bed, snuggling in the forest green duvet. I turn to look down at him, and He's turned to look up at me.

"Thanks, Hiccup. For everything you did today. The date, the… situation back home…"

"Hey, don't mention it." He pulls up on his elbows, and I lean down to meet his lips in a quick goodnight kiss. I settle down, closing my eyes, falling into a blissful sleep.

My god, this is, I think, the longest chapter in this story. The. Fluff. Is. So. Strong! I really hope you liked it though, trust me it's been amazing to write. Me and my friend has squealed and/or laughed at this chapter a few times, and I hope you did too.

And, now that Hiccstrid's officially a thing, I'm going to put the two lovebirds to rest, and write some well-deserved Jelsa. I've actually missed those two, but I had to get the romantic Hiccstrid plot out, before I could continue with the others.

Jelsa-shippers, thank you for your patience. Next time, We'll see our favourite "ice masters" in action (:

Please review if you feel like it!

Till next time, see ya!