Disclaimer: I don't own httyd
AN: Different chapter, same awkwardness… Who am I kidding? It's worse!
Setting: Preparation for the upcoming fight with the Meatheads
Days Until Wedding: 1 and a half month (48 days)
"Are We Really Gonna Do This"
Hiccup spent the last two days teaching the other vikings how to ride their dragons without wearing a harness. Of course they still needed it when the dragons were flying fast but during the raid, they needed to be able to jump off at a moment's notice. He also taught the dragons how to keep their riders balanced on their back while they maneuvered around.
While Hiccup was doing that, Astrid was busy teaching archery while airborne. It was a whole new challenge because dragons weren't really the type to stay still for a long time. Astrid was having fun in doing this because it actually involved in shooting a moving target. Needless to say, her current favorite target was none other than Tuffnut because not only was he very fast but also very willing. If asked he would say it was his idea.
Even after what he did, Hiccup gave Snotlout the responsibility in teaching the vikings in hand-to-hand combat. He was actually a very good teacher. It also helped that he always criticized the trainees forcing them to fight seriously. If anyone looked closely, they could tell that he was still limping from what happened two days ago. If asked, he would crouch down and start mumbling things. It was also very obvious that he was staying as far away from Astrid as he could.
"Hiccup" Fishlegs called as he approached the teen.
"Hmm? What is it?" Hiccup told the vikings he was currently training to take a break.
"There's something I was meaning to ask you a few days ago but I was… preoccupied with something so I forgot" he blushed after he said the word preoccupied
"Oh, ok. So what were you going to ask me?"
Fishlegs sighed "Well uhm… it happened during your fight with Snotlout" he started
"Go on"
"Then uhm… I know this might sound crazy but, you know, not that I think you're crazy or anything-" he stalled
"Spit it out already. I still need to teach these guys the proper way to keep themselves upright" Hiccup sighed as, tired of Fishlegs' fidgeting.
"Ok… It's just that during the fight, how did you manage to stop Snotlout's hammer from, you know, crushing you?" he asked
Hiccup's eyebrows rose "Excuse me?"
Fishlegs fidgeted with his hands "There was also that certain sound I heard during the impact. It was almost like the sound of a hammer striking iron." Fishleg's finally looked up at Hiccup expectantly.
Hiccup gulped. How was he going to answer that without revealing anything? "You see Fish, it wa-"
"Hey Hiccup!" Astrid called him over "There's something I need to discuss with you! Something important"
Hiccup looked at Astrid then at Fishlegs
"It's ok. You could tell me later" Fishlegs said, understandingly Hiccup nodded and approached Astrid
"So what is it do you want to tell me?" Hiccup asked as he stood infront of Astrid.
Astrid beamed at him "Nothing. I just thought you needed a little help back there."
Hiccup's eyes widened and he grinned at her "Have I ever told you how awesome you are?"
"Actually, no. Thanks!" she took his hand and started pulling him. "Actually, I think it's time we talk to our fathers"
"About what?" Hiccup asked in confusion
"About this marriage thing. Don't you think it's time that everyone knew about this?"
Hiccup's eyes widened again "Are you crazy?! This is not the right time for people to know about… us…" he gestured to both of them "We are going to invade another village and your planning in telling everyone about our marriage?"
"Yep" Astrid simply said as they exited the stadium.
Hiccup groaned "Oh sure. While were going to my house, how about I make our speech before we head out to the Meatheads."
Hiccup cleared his throat "Listen everyone, I know that most, if not all, of you here know about what happened a week ago. I know that you are all devastated by the loss of our comrades but they weren't just our comrades but also our friends, allies and most of all family. We are gathered here today because this is the day where we get revenge for our fallen comrades! Today is the day where the Meatheads will learn their place and fear the might of the Hairy Hooligans! Today is the day where we will be known in history as the first tribe to conquer dragons!"
"I know most of you think that we don't stand a chance but this time we have a huge advantage against them. We, have dragons! They wouldn't know what would hit them! But remember, these dragons aren't our pets nor our slaves, they are our comrades! Treat them like how you treat your friend! Treat them with respect! Most of all, treat them like your life depended on it! Because without them, we wouldn't be able to defeat the Meatheads!"
Hiccup started to mimic some voices "Yeah! Let us get them!" "We should make them suffer!" "Burn them houses to the ground!"
"Are you done?" Astrid sighed as Hiccup continued to annoy her.
"Not quite. Cue in dad clearing his voice and getting everyone's attention" Hiccup cleared his voice again "Ok everyone! Now that's done, I have wonderful news! My son, Hicucp, and Astrid Hofferson are to be married in a month! So it's best if we don't mess this up or it's your heads!"
Astrid stared shockingly at Hiccup before facepalming.
Hiccup blinked at her action "What?"
Astrid sighed and shook her head "Great job genius, you just pretty much announced it to the whole tribe."
Hiccup's mouth flapped open and close. He goofed up. He looked around and noticed different reactions from people. Some were murmuring, some were so shocked that they dropped the things they were carrying like fruits or weapons, some were disappointed and some were happy for them. But those didn't change the fact that he blurted it out for everyone to hear.
"I guess asking our dads about this is a no then?" she mocked asked with a grin. Hiccup heatedly glared at her and took the initiative in dragging him off towards his house.
"Shut up"
AN: Once again, I'm sorry for the short chapters but there is clearly nothing I could do about it… I'm fatigued.