A/N: Pheeeeewwww... This chapter is long. Well, this chapter's length is considerably longer than the others. A PM request from marsrose516. I'm sorry for the long wait, yeah, I made you upset, I know. But here it is. Hope you'll like it.
Now for review replies,
HiccupHaddockLover: Well, it's not weird, in fact, it's actually common. There are two possible reasons behind your situation. First is maybe you like to see (read to be precise) Hiccup and Astrid's relationship from another person's (Eret) perspective/PoV. Second, is maybe you simply like too see (or read) when someone is jealous of Hiccstrid. And in your case, we may specifically say it's Eret. That's my theory for you, there might be others too, but that's my biggest guess.
Well, enough chit chatting. Read and Review!
Summary: Astrid gets bullied by jealous teenagers. Her father abused her. She couldn't stand it anymore. Will Hiccup be able to solve it?
Disclaimer: I do not own How To Train Your Dragon, it respectfully belongs to Cressida Cowell and DreamWorks Animation Studios.
Grateful
"Hey, Hiccup" Astrid waved cheerfully at him. He replied with a smile and motioned her to come closer. He was sitting on a rock and she sat beside him.
"What're you workin' on?" She asked curiously while he sketched Toothless chasing a butterfly. She giggled and his stomach fluttered at the sound.
"Sometimes I can't believe that this is the dragon who is feared of all. The legendary Night Fury, chasing a butterfly" She shook her head in amusement. He watched her face and his cheeks reddened.
"Hey, Astrid. Want to go flying later?" He offered kindly. She ecstatically accepted. She rose up from her seat and kissed Hiccup's cheek. He turned crimson in a matter of seconds. She giggled at his shy nature and bid goodbye. He lifted his hands but nothing came out from his mouth. He smiled goofily at the thought of their relationship. Since the Red Death incident, plus the sort of romantic flight, they have been showing affections towards each other's. Most people might thought she fell for him because he was a hero. But he knew, that she is not like that. He knew she's not taking advantage of his status. He knew she doesn't have any other motives when kissing him in public after he woke up. He knew the kiss was wholeheartedly. But he still couldn't say if she loves him yet. Not without any lethal proof. He gazed at her house and his smile never fell.
Astrid was going back to her house. She jogged through the village centre, up to a little slope, and finally reached the front door. She carefully opened it to not make a sound, but unfortunately her father was sitting beside the fireplace.
"Astrid, lass. Where have you been?" He asked with a fake smile and coldness enveloped the question. He looked her right in the eye and she couldn't escape. Her hands trembling slightly as he walked into her house and closed the door behind her. She didn't notice that her father was creeping up to her.
"I asked where have you been, dear?" His voice dropped menacingly. Her eyes filled with fear. Her father's gaze was penetrating and promised violence.
"If you want this the hard way then fine!" He exclaimed harshly and unbuckled his belt. He grabbed his daughter's hands and held it above her head. He turned her around while smirking devilishly before started to whip her back with his belt. The pain made her want to cry. But she held a tough image. She didn't want to surrender to this beast. Even if it's her own father. She bit her lip to bite back the tears and cries she wanted to let go. She was relieved Stormfly was at the pen or she would've struck her father down to his knees. Or her father could've run off, whispering rumors about a wild dragon and start another war between them. She hated her father. Her eyes getting watery by every slash and thrash.
Whip! Smack!
Whip! Smack!
Whip! Smack!
The sound of her father's belt was so loud that even people from outside the house noticed. But nobody seems surprised since they thought the Hoffersons are having some sort of exercise.
Whip! Smack!
Whip! Smack!
Whip! Smack!
The whip whipped her harder and stronger. Her back must've been full of bruises and scars now. Her father noticed Astrid had surrendered and smirked evilly.
"Now go upstairs. Think about what you've done" He went back to the fireplace and sat down. She silently climbed upstairs and collapsed at her bed. Why? Why would her father do this? Doesn't he love her? Her eyes stung by the pain. The tears welling up was leaking small but continuously. She buried her head in her pillow. She wanted to get away from this life but doesn't know how. She cried all along the night, dampening the pillow while falling asleep. She ended up forgetting her promise to fly with Hiccup.
The next day. She was truly exhausted by yesterday's events. She couldn't even lift her arms. Then suddenly, her bedroom door opened with a boom and a bulky figure approached her.
"Wake up you little weakling. I thought warriors were supposed to get up early" He hissed through his teeth. He grabbed her by the collar and slapped her face hardly. Her eyes opened instantly but not because she's awakened. But because she's hurt physically and mentally. Her father smirked.
"That's better. Now go change and get breakfast" He threw her back against the headrest as she landed with a crack. She felt the tears coming back up again as her vision turned blurry. She blinked rapidly to hold it back. She quickly jumped off her bed and changed. She put her shoulder pads on and grabbed her axe. She went downstairs to have some breakfast when her father looked at her mischievously.
"Sorry dear, you're late. The food's all out" He smirked while torturing her daughter mercilessly. Astrid's jaw dropped incredulously at the man's actions. She couldn't believe this person. He's abusing her. Now starving her? She gritted her teeth and ran out of the house as fast as she could.
She ran into the forests and broke down. She has to or she'll do it in public, which she would hate herself if she did. She won't cry in front of anyone. No exceptions. Especially him. She had been guilty enough. She had felt ashamed for what she did to him all these years. She ignored the little feeling in her heart for so many years that it blinded her that she actually loves him. She regretted ever doing that. She doesn't want anything more from him except forgiveness… And love. She buried her face in her hands. Her feet beginning to feel cramp from the limping position they're in. She rubbed her eyes and wiped all the tear tracks on her cheek. She sniffled one more time before putting the brave image of a warrior.
She walked back to the village, avoiding the route of her house. She accidentally bumped into a few older girls who had transferred to the island a few months ago. The girls glared at Astrid threateningly. She knew how to fight back. But she couldn't. First of all, they're girls. No matter how much she hated to admit it, if the girls got into a fight, or worse, she would've been responsible. Second, they're too many for the single Astrid. They would've pinned her before she could run. Third, she wasn't in the state to fight. She was in a horrified pressure that made her heart ache with sadness.
They all smirked at Astrid until the leader instructed them to hold Astrid to the walls. They instantly bumped her to the nearest wall and made her head spinning in agony.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this a surprise? The mighty Astrid Hofferson came bumping at us with no reason at all. Or maybe there is a reason" The leader spoke coldly. Astrid just stared fearfully at them, afraid of what might come next.
"Listen here, young lady. I have a preposition for ya" She said while smiling sadistically.
"Why don't you go as far away as you can from the chief's son and we'll let you go without any injuries" She waited for Astrid to answer. Astrid would definitely say no. She admit with all her heart she loved Hiccup for who he is. Not for his position or ranks. She would never take advantage of that. She knows how it feels like to be betrayed. To be backstabbed. She didn't want him to learn it the hard way.
"No" Astrid managed to hiss before a hand grabbed her throat.
"Fine… Suit yourself" The leader walked away and signaled the others to have fun. She know what that meant and prepared for the worst. A fist came into contact with her face. Then a blow was felt on her stomach. A kick to the hips. It repeated one by one as they put her in pain without mercy. She was numb and unable to move. She thought this will be the end of her. Never to see the light of day once more. Then like a blessing, someone caught them and yelled.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Ruffnut shouted while she glared at the other girls. Barf and Belch behind her with Tuffnut still on one head. The girls scattered, afraid of the beast and ran away. Astrid fell to her knees and clutched her stomach. Blood was dripping from her mouth as well as her body. Ruffnut ran at Astrid and put her hands on her shoulder.
"ASTRID! ARE YOU OKAY? WHAT HAPPENED?!" Ruffnut asked frantically. She's truly glad to have a friend like her. Since they were little, they always hung out together. When they were older, her twin brother introduced them to the gang. They joined, but she's not like the others. She's more like Fishlegs and Astrid. She laughed at Hiccup, but it was spur of the moment. Sure, she likes jokes. But she's not the type to insult other people like that. And Astrid always relied on her for help and trusted Ruffnut with her secrets. Astrid found out that she likes Hiccup too, but she gave him up for her. She said Astrid deserved him more and she started to like Fishlegs. She smiled at her kindness and caring nature. Although some part of her still like to play pranks.
"C'mon! We need to get you to the healers" She lifted Astrid up by her hands and hoisted her to the Zippleback.
"Barf! Belch! To the healers" Ruffnut commanded. The dragon obeyed and flew away. Tuffnut kept silent since he knew it's not his place to step in. The three of them landed in front of a lodge and knocked.
"Tuffnut, get Barf and Belch home and call Hiccup" Ruffnut instructed her twin while he was mounting off the dragon.
"N-No. Don't call Hiccup. Please…" Astrid whispered quietly with a sore voice.
"Why not?!" Ruffnut asked confused by her request.
"Please… Just promise me you won't tell Hiccup. You won't tell anybody…" Astrid spoke faintly while Ruffnut looked at her and nodded slowly.
"Then Tuffnut, bring the dragon home but you don't need to call Hiccup" Ruffnut glanced at her twin. Tuffnut nodded in affirmance and walked away. He somehow understood the importance of the situation to remain serious and silent. The healer's door opened and revealed a middle aged woman.
"Gods. Is that you Astrid Hofferson?! What happened?" The healer gasped in surprise.
"We'll talk later. She needs some serious treatment" Ruffnut urged and the healer nodded. They positioned Astrid to a bed and grabbed some bandages.
"I'll help you" Offered Ruffnut.
"Why thank you dear. You're a healer in training aren't you?" The older woman smiled and Ruffnut nodded in agreement. They started by cleaning Astrid's wounds to prevent infection and continued by covering it. After half an hour passed to finish that, the healer asked Astrid once again.
"So young lady, what happened to you?" She asked softly. Astrid's head turned away and frowned. The older woman smiled patiently.
"You need to tell me, dear. If not, this…" The healer gestured to Astrid's body.
"Will repeat again and again. And I have to say, you got some serious injuries right here" She said with a stern look, but still in a calming manner. Astrid still hesitated before turning her head again.
"But promise me you won't tell anyone" Astrid asked in a pleading but strong voice.
"I promise dear. But if the situation is forcing me to do so, I can't comply" She shrugged and smiled warmly at the young warrior. Astrid gazed down and frowned.
"I was beaten up. By those girl gangs from Meathead Tribe" Astrid confessed quietly. The healer just looked at her sympathetically. She put her hand on Astrid's shoulder.
"Why you? And how are you going to deal with it lass?" She asked with a sad expression. Astrid sighed.
"They… They're jealous of me being close with Hiccup. They want Hiccup to be theirs and take advantage of his richness being a chief's son" Tears brimming in her eyes. But Astrid refused to cry. She must be strong while facing this. The older woman smiled.
"You love him don't you?" Astrid, who wasn't expecting the question, flabbergasted. She's not usually open book but she knew the woman won't stop pressuring her until she admit it. Astrid nodded shyly while a smile curved on the healer's lips. Ruffnut watched quietly from the background. She knew Astrid was in a big situation. But she also didn't know how to help her best friend, much to her dismay.
"And how about the wounds on your back dear? It doesn't seems like it was caused by a fist. Nor a wall" The healer traced her finger on Astrid's spine. She winced and lied.
"I got it from training. I was really hard that day and resulted like that. I guess it's from some broken woods that pierced me" The healer looked doubtfully at her but bought the lie. Astrid mentally sighed. She always resented lying to people. Especially those who helped her.
"Well, I guess that's it for now. Rest peacefully dear. You may be able to get out tomorrow if you feel any better" The healer stood up, followed by Ruffnut and left the room. She flipped over and began to sleep. But that night she didn't get many. Her thoughts always drifted to the boy of the topic.
The next morning.
I haven't seen Astrid all day. She even forgot about the promise yesterday. Maybe she's home. Hiccup thought while walking over to a certain house on a slight slope. He knocked the door and waited for the reply. The door opened harshly and revealed Astrid's father. He became nervous when looking at him. He never met Astrid's father personally or, alone. He gulped.
"E-Excuse me sir. Is Astrid home?" Hiccup asked sheepishly while the older man glared down on him.
"I don't know. She never returned since yesterday" He replied gruffly and turned.
"Thank you sir" Hiccup thanked politely and Astrid's father slammed the door on him. He walked away from the house deep in thought.
Where have Astrid been? She hasn't come home for a day. Could she be flying? No. Stormfly is in her pen. Then where is she? Hiccup cupped his chin while walking aimlessly around town. He crashed with a running Tuffnut and fell to the ground.
"Tuffnut? What are you doing here? Have you seen Astrid?" Hiccup asked curiously while Tuffnut seems nervous.
"E-Ehh, sorry Hiccup. Gotta go. I-I haven't seen her anywhere" Tuffnut stuttered while picking up the stuff he dropped and ran away. That was weird. Hiccup fixed himself up and continued walking.
Maybe she's at the twin's house. Yeah! That would explain Tuffnut's nervousness. But why would she stay there the whole night? Maybe she was preparing a surprise! But for whom? Hiccup thought exasperatedly and decided to go home. He was on the way to his house when he saw Ruffnut exiting the healers lodge and bidding goodbye to someone. He told himself it was nothing but curiosity got the best of him, as always. He sneaked to the said lodge, careful enough not to warn his presence there. He climbed the back window to get a glimpse on what's inside. Then he gasped lowly when he saw Astrid lying on the bed full of bruises. He was surprised and tried to guess the problem. But he got stuck and decided to confront Astrid that night.
Nightfall had come and darkness enveloped the sky. The whole village was silenced and filled with snores. Nothing was different except for Astrid's situation. The healer's lodge was kept the same way since she first got there. The lantern was still alive but she didn't mind for a little light in the black room. Suddenly, the door creaked open and scared the daylights out of her, nightlight in this time of hour. She pulled the covers of her bedding in an un-Viking way and hid behind it. She was afraid that the intruder might be her father or the Meathead girls. But she doesn't really know herself which is worse. The footsteps became louder. Astrid's heartbeat raised at every second of it. When the person finally appeared, she gasped in surprise and grimaced.
"H-Hiccup?" That was all she managed to say before he embraced her tightly until her wounds began to hurt. "O-Ouch"
"Oh, I'm sorry Astrid" He pulled back and stared at the floor. "Why didn't you tell me?" He looked straight at her. She looked at him both confused and doesn't know how to tell him. She certainly doesn't want him to know that she was abused by her father. Nor that she was bullied because of him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He asked again more impatient and concerned.
"I-I don't want to put you in any trouble. I-I mean, it doesn't involve you, so… Yeah, I think you understand" She frowned. He gently took her hand in his. She tensed out of shock. He rarely makes the first move. But this situation is different. Far more different. She broke down on his chest and he soothingly caressed her back, tracing imaginary circles while calming her down.
"Astrid. You can tell me everything you want. I won't tell anyone and I won't ever be troubled by it. Be free to talk to me anytime" He patted her back and she stopped crying. She looked up to see his face inches apart from her.
"Why?" She asked desperately. He made a thinking gesture and shrugged.
"I don't know. Well, I guess I'm pretty good at keeping secrets. Just like when Toothless-" She cut him off.
"No. I mean why would you help me? And don't lie or joke. I'm serious" She stared piercingly at him and he just gulped. He sighed and lifted her hand.
"Because…" He moved closer to her. His breath was warm against her cold skin. She felt the enjoyment of feeling his breath. She looked intensely at him again before he caught her off guard.
"I love you Astrid" After that he kissed her on the lips, so fast that she didn't even realized what happened. She just closed her eyes and let it go with the flow. The kiss lasted for what felt like hours, even though it was just for a couple of minutes. They parted, out of breath, and smiled at each other. Astrid's cheeks burned hotter as he kissed her hand and held it firmly in his. She hugged him and he hugged back.
"I never thought you'd love me back" A tear fell from her eye. He wiped it and placed her on the bed again. He smiled and kissed her forehead.
"I've been in love with you since we've first met" He chuckled and her cheeks rose darker. She persistently hugged him again.
"I love you too Hiccup" He was overjoyed by her statement. He was ecstatically happy that she loved him. But he returned the main subject.
"Astrid. Listen. I know what happened. Ruffnut told me when Toothless pinned her down to the floor. I felt guilty for that, but whatever. She said that you were beaten up by some gang. And I couldn't feel more worried in my life when I heard that" He looked down and back to her. She could sense that he was beyond worried when he heard that. Her heart eased when she knew somebody cared for her. Loved her. She smiled.
"But I'm not as easy to fool as the healer here. I know that the scars on your back is not from any kind of branches or trees. It's more like a belt buckle if I'm not sure enough" He said a little more seriously. Ha traced his hand around her spines and she winced.
"What caused it Astrid?" Concern filling his eyes. She was stunned to see how much she meant to him. But she still doesn't want him to know.
"Astrid. You can't do this. You don't deserve this" He said slowly while brushing her bangs out of her face. Her cheeks turned redder but thanks to the dim light that it was covered.
"No. You're wrong. I do deserve this" She said with a cracking voice. His eyes became more and more concerned and a bit of pity with a spice of anger added to it.
"What in the world did you do to deserve this Astrid?" He raised his tone. Not to be harsh, but to open her eyes that she did nothing wrong.
"You are the most beautiful girl in the world. You are an excellent Viking warrior. You are amazing at dragon riding. I can't imagine someone more perfect than you" He rubbed the back of her palms with his thumb. She blushed crimson of how he described her. He also blushed, but too concentrated on her problem to notice.
"It is my punishment. For treating you like dirt all those years. For ignoring you like a stone. I was wretched. I was cruel. I deserve this kind of punishment" She said, her tone cracking more. She couldn't help to remember all those dark years. She was blinded by her obsession of dragons. She pulled him closer and watered his shirt with a couple of tears.
"No, Astrid. You never did anything wrong. You never ridiculed me. Never insulted me. Even when you're angry at dragon training, I knew you're a competitive person. So I was the problem. I rose up suddenly becaming a celebrity while you were pushed down to the sidelines. I know how it must've felt. You have the rights to be angry at me. I felt guilty for using that cheap tricks and information I gained from Toothless. The one who's supposed to apologize is me" She was incredulous at his forgivingness. How can he blame himself for all her faults? How can he think he is always the wrong one and she's always right? She gripped him tighter and the hug never broke.
"It- It was- My father" Hiccup suddenly looked at her face in surprise.
"H-How could your father do such a thing?" He ask while incredulous by the fact her own father gave her the scars himself.
"I don't know. He's always ruthless to me. T-That night, he whipped me with his belt. The morning he slapped me until I woke up and told me I miss breakfast because I was late, even though there was only two persons in the house" Hiccup stare at her with an infuriated look and thunderstruck. How could he?! I'll make sure that will be the last thing he'll do. Hiccup clenched his teeth in anger.
"H-Hiccup?" She asked still afraid of what he might do.
"Don't worry Astrid. I'll take care of this first thing in the morning. I have a plan" He replied firmly and lied her back down. He kissed her forehead, again.
"Good night. Sweet dreams Astrid" He smiled and she still look worried. "Don't be afraid. I'll stay here all night" He caressed her face before getting a comfortable position in his chair.
"N-No. You don't have to-" She felt guilty for making him stay, but he insisted.
"I don't have to. But I want to" He smiled warmly and she felt a burden was lifted from her shoulders and heart. She took his hand that was on the bed and held it tight.
"Thank you Hiccup" She smiled her first genuine smile since that two days. After that, her eyelids became very heavy and she was forced to sleep. Hiccup stood watch all night and didn't sleep at all. He was willing to do anything for her.
The bright morning sun appeared on the horizon. The dim lighted room filled by the glimmer of sunrays. Lights piercing their way inside from the gap of the window. Astrid woke up with a stifled yawn and a muffled good morning.
"Mornin' to you too milady" Hiccup grinned seeing her post-waking up attitude.
"What time is it?" She asked while rubbing her eyes tiredly.
"Around six I guess" Hiccup shrugged while Astrid let out another yawn. Then she noticed the bags under his eyes.
"Hiccup! You didn't sleep all night did you?" She shook him by the shoulders. He smiled sheepishly at her and gave a yawn, covered by his hands.
"You can say that. But I'm not tired. I'm fine" He gestured to himself and she sighed.
"You shouldn't have Hiccup"
"I want to" He grinned.
"Argh- You're just repeating that line"
"Hey, if it ain't broken, don't fix it" He took Astrid's hand and led her outside the lodge.
"Hiccup…" She whispered quietly.
"What is it milady?"
"Are you sure this plan will work?" She looked at his eyes. He may be determined, but she for once was doubting it. He sighed and put his hand on Astrid's shoulder.
"I hope so. For your sake" He gave her an encouraging smile.
The two went over to the chief's house. Without knocking, they entered the luxurious house and called for the bulky Viking.
"Dad, dad! Are you in there?" He called until a thump was heard and the door to a particular room opened.
"What is it son?" Stoick asked while hastily putting his helmet on.
"Listen dad, we need to talk" Hiccup said seriously and caught the older Viking's attention. They all took a seat in front of the fireplace and began discussing.
"So… Something on your mind son?" Stoick moved closer to Hiccup's ear. "You're not gonna tell me you've proposed to this lassie here aren't you?" He raised his eyebrow teasingly and Hiccup's face lighted red.
"What?! DAD, OF COURSE NOT!" He raised his voice a little to confirm the misunderstanding.
"Then out with it lad!" Stoick boomed with laughter and Hiccup took a deep breath.
He started telling the chief that Astrid was being abused by her own father. He explained how she was tortured by him and forced to starve. He moved to the part where Astrid bumped to a gang of girls. They started beating her for no reason, well, there is a reason but he left it out after glancing at an embarrassed Astrid. He continued until she got to the healers, Ruffnut taking care of her, how he snuck at the night, watching guard until morning, and finally how they got there.
After Hiccup finished, Stoick's eyes was full of rage. He seemed angry like he never before. How could he not be angry when one of his villagers started bullying their own daughter, plus a bunch of peoples from another tribe ganging up with a girl. And that girl is his son's love interest? Oh, nothing is stopping him from strangling that boar of a father now. Stoick stood up and the chair fell off with a thud. He stormed out of the house and headed to the direction of the man in question. If the saying looks could kill is true, Astrid's dad might be six feet underground in that instant.
Bang. Bang. Bang. "OPEN UP RIGHT THIS INSTANT!" He banged on the Hoffersons household. The resident opened the door and looked at the infuriated chief with a pleasant smirk plastered all over his face.
"What brings you here early in the morning chief?" He said in a calm yet mocking voice.
"And what brings you to torture your own daughter, HUH?!" Stoick couldn't hold his anger any longer. He grabbed the warrior by the collar and hissed to him.
"Prepare for your banishment! You'll have five minutes to do so" After saying that, the chief threw Astrid's father to the ground and walked away from the scene. He directed himself to the great hall and searched for a certain group.
"You. Girls. Out. Now!" He ordered. The gang followed his commands and went outside. Stoick stood before them and glared with unforgiving eyes.
"You're hereby banished from the Hairy Hooligans tribe and Isle of Berk officially and permanently. Prepare to leave in ships. You'll have five minutes for that" He left them, once again, and returned back home ignoring all the whispers amongst the crowd and the curious stares from every passerby. The bulky Viking walked up to Hiccup and Astrid, and hugged them both.
"Don't worry, they'll have their punishment. You two are safe now. Mostly you Astrid. I'm proud at you, both of you" He released them from the hug and smiled in a fatherly way. Astrid immediately embraced Hiccup which he returned eagerly.
The guilty ones have arrived at the dock. Stoick glanced at them with stone cold eyes. Astrid's father mounted a boat for himself while the Meathead girls took a different one. Stoick announced the banishment for the gang and they sailed off. Stoick faced Astrid's father with disappointment and anger mixed in and gave his chastisement as well.
"Asmundr! I'm ashamed of you. What had turned you like this? You used to be an excellent warrior with high tolerance for prisoners. Now? You whipped your own blood related daughter? Don't ever think I will forgive you, nor the village" Stoick hissed dangerously and let Asmundr to speak.
"Ever since my wife left me, my family had always been poor. We never had the money to buy our needs even more weapons. I planned to sell Astrid to a chief from another tribe" Astrid gasped at how vicious her dad was, she couldn't believe she was related to him.
"But Astrid had just really need to ruin it, by falling smitten to this un-Viking scrawny boy. A talking fishbone" He mocked Hiccup and Stoick defended him.
"He is the son of a chief too. And he isn't a scrawny boy. He is the best Viking in the world. He tamed a Night Fury. He brought peace with dragons, whom we've been fighting for three hundred years!" Stoick yelled. Anger and disgust boiled inside of him.
"Suit yourself" Said Asmundr coldly and he cut the rope that binds the boat with the dock.
"Good luck with your Hiccup, dear. I wish a miserable future for the couple" Was his last words before his boat disappeared in the mists. Astrid instantly hugged Hiccup and cried on his chest.
"H- How- How can he be so cruel?" Astrid asked between sobs. He gently raised her head and forced her to look at him.
"It's over Astrid. We have each other now instead of that beast" He smiled warmly and she burst another wave of tears.
"And Astrid…" He trailed while looking at her expectantly.
"You're living with me from now on" Her eyes widened at his words and without warning, she kissed him in front of the whole village. He was surprised at first, but then responded to the kiss and pushed deeper. His hands slipped to her waist while hers was on the back of his neck. After what felt like eternity, they finally parted and smiled at each other. Love was filling their eyes. He had saved her from a horrible monster of a father. He had taken her to his family. She embraced him one last time and snuggled into his chest.
"I love you…" She trailed off and Hiccup smiled widely.
"I love you too Astrid" He kissed her forehead and returned the hug.
She was always appreciated his help, his attitude, his actions. But being loved by him, she was very very grateful for that.
A/N: Guys, It's breaking my heart to tell you, but Sunday is my last time posting until the next weekend. So I will not be able to update daily, or at weekdays. And this will go on until December. My school starts next weekend, and I'm not allowed by my parents (or more likely myself) to touch the computer on weekdays. I might open ffnet from my phone but that's all. I'll probably only make some editing to wrong chapters but no updating new ones (until weekend that is). Yeah, I know. I don't like this too, but it's for the sake of my High School since I'm graduating next semester. But I hope I could make two more chapters before my school starts.
Oh, and Astrid's father's name in here is Asmundr. The meaning is Divine Protection or God of Protection. Ironic huh? Considering how he treated Astrid. I know I made him too cruel but I promise if there is another chapter involving Astrid's father, I'll make him different from this one (the name stays though)
Well... Good day to you all. Keep up to date and read on!
-MDzkM