AU: Merry Christmas to all my fans/followers. Im surprised this many people liked this story, and I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Reason #2 of why Astrid has Hiccup ruling her fantasies.

2 weeks ago

The prank war was confirmed to be allowed as Stoic said it would help the teens gain awareness and trapping skills. At this point was nearly over, scheduled to end at dusk on the first day of next week. Hiccup and Astrid were the only ones who hadn't been pranked by anyone successfully as the two had been looking out for one another in a boyfriend/girlfriend alliance. The two had secretly dubbed it their obliged "Lover's Trust."

Snotlout was getting desperate. The winner of the war got all his chores taken care of by the losers, AND got a gold piece from each. But all he really wanted was the bragging rights and the street credit to help him swoon the ladies. With his current state in this competition however, it seemed he just wanted to make sure his current street credit wasn't downgraded. Hiccup and Astrid would win for certain, but he was butting heads with Fishlegs for second place, and surely he could beat that loser. Right? He had to, for his reputation's sake. His pranks were getting more and more stale with each passing day, and as the remaining time for the war ticked away, he finally decided to do something he'd never do. Read a book.

Fishlegs had found a few books on prank wars, an one actually included a guide and rules. Well, rule. There was only one: "No pranks are allowed that may cause severe/permanent damage to people or property. Or dragons" The last part had been scribbled in by Hiccup.

Snotlout flipped through the pages of the guide. Too many pranks would take too long to make or were too complicated for him. He angrily flipped back to an earlier chapter. Jackpot.

Simple Pranks: Quick and easy ways to score a laugh.

If you've read the scoreboard page, you know that successfully performing a simple prank is worth one point in a prank war. If you prank the score leader with a simple prank, you get two points. Simple pranks include…

Snotlout only had to read the next three words to finish his share reading for the rest of the year. Fortunately, it was all he needed to gather the perfect plan to determine his spot in third place. He slammed the book shut and ran off to find Gobber, the war's score keeper.

Hiccup may not have been very good at wielding swords or hammers before, but now he held weapons with almost his father's capability, and it was making Astrid a little jealous. And really "abusive" of that totem he had given her. She couldn't help but feel a little obligated to give him a run for his money at something, so she went with archery. But it seemed even that turned into a lesson for her. Who would have known the mighty Astrid Hofferson would need a tutor for something like that?

With each arrow hitting far off the bulls eye, Astrid was getting red in the face. She huffed, "Hiccup, I think this bow is broken or something." She sat down on a tree stump in defeat and began examining parts of the bow as if shed magically find the key to perfect aim on it.

Hiccup was sitting on a nearby rock, sharpening the katana that was gifted to him during his travels. "Astrid, archery isn't like throwing an axe," he calmly explained, "It takes form, focus, steady hands and a light touch."

"Isn't the crossbow used to get rid of half of that?"

"Well, yeah, but because it takes so long to reload, you'll probably only get one shot before your enemies know where you are. Plus its harder to lug around." He slid the blade into its sheathe and set it down against the rock. He stood up, "Here, let me show you."

The moment couldn't have been more perfect for Snotlout. Jumping out from his hiding spot behind Hiccup's sitting rock, it took him a split second to dart over to Hiccup as he walked toward Astrid and grab the hem of his pants.

Astrid barely had a second to call Snotlout out. Hiccup's pants were around his ankle and prosthetic in an instant, and Astrid's eyes almost instinctively shot upward. If her face was red from frustration before, it would probably be crimson from embarrassment now. What she saw, or was staring at, she never expected Hiccup to have. She never knew he was… packing heat… that could substitute a dragon's fire. She'd heard rumors from some women about Stoic the Vast being… well, vast. But Hiccup? Her boyfriend? SCORE! It seemed he had quite the alpha male genes after all.

Hiccup's cry of confusion brought Astrid out of her stare. Nearly tripping, he yanked his pants back up and directed his fury at Snotlout. Wait, how long had she been staring? "Snotlout, what the hell?"

Astrid focused her fluster into rage, "Yeah, what's your problem?" It sounded a lot weaker than she hoped it would.

The brawny boy, currently holding his gut as he laughed, took a moment to catch his breath. "Extra points, that's what. I need em'. And about that," he looked to a bush by his hiding spot, "That's two points for me, right Gobber?"

As if on cue, Berk's forge master poked his head out from inside the leaves. "Aye, laddy, two points." As he freed himself from the bush, he took the scoreboard slate he had with him and worked in two more lines next to Snotlout's name with a charcoal stick. "And that puts you ahead of Fishlegs." He declared. Hiccup glared at him, and he shrugged, "Sorry Hiccup, but ya did ask me to be score keeper."

Snotlout grinned victoriously, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a wedgie to give to Tuffnut. Oh, and Astrid," his smile turned devious, "that look on your face was priceless." And with that, he ran off to the village, with Gobber close behind.

Hiccup muttered, "Looks like I picked a perfect day to get all my good skivvies washed…"

Astrid suddenly yelled after the retreating Snotlout, "Don't expect me to ever stare like that when your pants are down!" Relieved from her rage by sudden outburst, she glanced at Hiccup, who had an eyebrow raised at her. "What? I had to say something," she defended herself.

Hiccup gave a cocky smirk, "I take it you liked what you saw?" he asked. Astrid's cheeks began to burn as she looked down at her feet bashfully. Sensing her discomfort, he quickly changed the subject, "Hey, how about that bow?"

AU: So no smut yet. Sorry pplz, but I dont want to let anyone down so Im working hard on it. May take a while, but I promise it will happen. Again, suggestions/ constructive criticism always appreciated, and since I'm not too far into this story, I might accept requests if goes well with the plot line I have going.