A/N: Okay, let me explain first. This is from HiccupHaddockLover's request. Since there was a prompt not to write a modern AU, so I decided to comply with it, but still using the same idea. Basically the plot is similar. However, the difference is that they're not dating, instead they're enjoying the Arvin Dale's fire. I got the inspiration from Cyclone20's oneshot, Dragons Aren't All I Think About. I agree with the statement that Hiccup received not enough reaction from her. She just smiled instead of kissing, or hugging, or whatever. So here's the story. Read and Review!

Summary: The nasty beast that terrorized the village every ten years had been driven out of the island. The residents of Berk are having a celebratory feast. But Astrid still needs some time to take in all that had happened.

Disclaimer: I do not own How To Train Your Dragon, it respectfully belongs to Cressida Cowell and DreamWorks Animation Studios.

Soothing

Flightmare. The ungodly beast had been successfully defeated by none other than Berk's dragon riders –minus the twins and Snotlout. Fear and panic had been lifted from everybody's heart. Avenging the late Fearless Finn Hofferson. Details and new discoveries were shared amongst them. The sky was bright around the pale moonlight and the magnificent aurora. A moment that every living soul on Berk cherished. The marvelous sight of Arvin Dale's fire. Painted with numerous of colors. Mixture of blue and yellow dominated the dark space.

Astrid stood still beside Stormfly. She haven't moved an inch after they returned to Berk. A pride grew in her chest as the Hofferson name was cleared from any accusations. Her uncle who she adored could finally rest in peace. She had returned her family's honor. She had regained the village's respect. But something else occupied her mind. She had faced the horrible monster that killed her beloved family member. She made the glowing dragon ran away from Berk. However, her heart still struggled to accept the fact.

Hiccup helped her. Not much a subject to mull over, but Hiccup helped her. He encouraged her to do what was right. He supported her effort to redeem her clan's glory and history. He saved her from the paralyzing venom of the creature. He tried to stop her. He worried for her safety. He wanted to protect her. He was the one who had conquered the beast, in a way. He discovered why it always targeted Berk. Why it was glowing. Why did she froze when it sprayed her, and every other thing that he and Fishlegs had learned during the short encounter.

Deep in her heart, a small seed of fear was still blooming. What if the Flightmare returns? What if the dragon will take the village by surprise? What if this was the beast's strategy? What if it got everybody fooled by its brief disappearance and planned to strike another victim? What if one of them died? What if she died? What if he died? Wait… Did she just thought about his safety? Did she just gone worried for him? She never thought she cared that much for him. Or how much he meant to her. She brushed the thought. There's still a chance the Flightmare would come back. Her eyes gazed into the distance, deep in her own insecurities and doubts. A hand landed on her shoulder. Her instincts kicked in and she instantly turned around. Her expressions softened when the person she had been thinking about stood before her.

"You're not joining the party?" He gave a small smile and petted his best friend, Toothless. The said dragon purred and leaped away. Her own dragon joined and ran away. Hiccup chuckled while looking at the disappearing forms.

"Still have the energy to play, those guys" A smile plastered on his face. Hands slumped on his sides. Astrid was still lost in thought. Hiccup noticed the lack of reply –or physical treatment such as a punch –and turned his sight to her.

"Are you alright Astrid?" He stepped closer towards her and she snapped from her wonderings. She looked up to him and slightly took a step back.

"Me? Uh- I'm okay. Yeah. I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?" She replied hastily with nervousness in her tone. His lips twitched into a smile and frown at the same time.

"Your uncle will be as every bit proud of you Astrid" He placed his hand on her shoulder and shook her gently. She was startled by the action and shrugged his hand off without realization. She immediately felt guilty after she saw hurt in his eyes.

"S-Sorry Hiccup. I didn't intend to do that" She hung her head downwards. He acknowledged the sadness and tension in her body language. Her voice had an edge to it. He smiled comfortingly and reached for her shoulder again.

"Why don't we go somewhere more relaxing?" He suggested. She was still in a dazed like state and kept silent. He didn't complain about her reaction and accepted it as a 'yes'. He led her up a hill and a few rocky terrains. They travelled through the woods for a short amount of time and reached a cliff on the side of the island. He guided her slowly towards the ledge and motioned her to sit. Neither said a word since they walked from the village square. She stared at the deep blue. But it wasn't that dark of a color. Instead it was shining with crystal dusts below Arvin Dale's fire. She gazed to the mighty aurora and her eyes sparkled. The glorious colors of the rare phenomenon lighted the whole big and black space. Stars twinkled around the scene. The area was perfectly secluded and had an indescribable view of the sky and the sea.

He glanced at her and saw the awestruck look on her face. He grinned ear to ear and his stomach filled with butterflies when seeing the beautiful smile that can always turn his whole life upside down. He took the time to inspect her facial features. Wanting to remember where every freckle, every scar, and even every strand of her hair are located. He admired her quietly while she was satisfying herself with the spectacular occurrence.

Her lips curved a smile at seeing the fabulous Arvin Dale's fire dancing ever so gracefully up there. Her heart was elated until the previous thoughts flowed back into her mind. Her eyes squinted and furrowed her eyebrows. Her smile turned one hundred and eighty degrees into a frown. The atmosphere turned gloomy and Hiccup felt an uninvited suspense. He observed her from head to toe. No injuries. He returned his focus on her face. She had a scared expression on her face. Upper teeth grinding against the lower ones. Her hands clenched into a fist. A trail of sweat covered her forehead.

"Astrid" He shook her shoulder. She peeked at him but looked away.

"Is something bothering you?" He moved his hand slightly on her shoulder, reaching her golden locks in an attempt of caressing it. She kept her lips shut. A tug on her heart. The dread aura she emitted finally made Hiccup grew impatient.

"Astrid. Is something wrong?" He retracted his hand from her hair and looked at her intently. Had he done something wrong? Was his actions was too bold and disliked?

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to touch your hair" He faced the vast sea whilst she stayed stiff. He let out a long sigh. An idea popped in his mind. It might risk their relationship –or his bones being dislocated –but it was actually passable. He took notice of her again once more and scooted closer. She didn't feel his movement and he continued until they were only centimeters apart. Then, unexpectedly, Hiccup turned her around and embraced her. She was going to push him away that instant but gave up when Hiccup traced imaginary circles on her back. Her muscles softened and she relaxed herself in Hiccup's arms. She moved closer to his chest and snuggled onto it.

"Everything is going to be okay. I'm sure nothing is to worry about. And I'm sorry if I am the cause of your problem" He's not taller than her –at the moment –but the position made him slightly higher so he could bury his face onto her hair. He breathed in her scent while still giving comforting motions to her back. She gave out a light sigh. A small piece of her smiled at his selflessness. Always thinking he's the one who was wrong.

"No Hiccup. It's not you. It's–" She stopped. Would he think her as a weakling if she confessed her fears? Would he laugh at her for her illogical doubts? Would he… Leave her? She shook her head mentally. She knew better he's not like that.

"It's– I was just… Thinking. That, maybe, the Flightmare would return… And probably have his revenge bestowed upon us. Claiming another innocent life as its meal" She gulped and he understood what she felt. He knew she hadn't moved on from her uncle's death. She was close with him, taking him as a role model. So Hiccup just decided to talk her out of it. He lifted her chin with a finger and stared directly at her glimmering light ocean blue colored eyes.

"What's in the past stays in the past. You know your uncle died a respectful death. You know he's really fearless. The Flightmare is here no more" He reached out to her hand and held it. A warm feeling jolted on her skin. She got a little red on the face. Thanks to the aurora that it was covered pretty well.

"We could start over if we want. And that is what you need. Move on from his death. And maybe, you'll enjoy your life more. With the Arvin Dale's fire to witness your change" He smiled and she looked at him confusedly. He grabbed her waist, earning a little yelp of surprise from her, and pulled her against his body. Her eyes widened at his confidence. Maybe it was because he could tell she needs some consoling, or maybe because she was just not expecting it. But she liked it. He leaned down. She stilled with no idea what to do. For the first time of her life she didn't know how to respond. She was too surprised by him to think clearly. Their nose touched. Her heart thumped at the thrill. She closed her eyes. Then a soft feeling emerged from her lips. A push from it made her eager to reply. She moved forwards and pressed her lips. After not too long, they parted. Her mind suddenly clicked. It was him who made the first move this time. He kissed her. Not she kissed him. And she was sitting on his lap when he did so.

"Astrid Hofferson. Will you take the honor of being my official girlfriend?" He asked. Catching her by surprise, he smiled. A normal goofy dorky smile that she loved so much. She gave a small smirk herself and pecked his lips.

"Is that the answer you wanted?" He gave a lopsided grin and caressed her hair. He really liked her hair. The color, the softness, the way it reminded him of her. They both cuddled once again, but this time with more passion into it. Not a one-sided hug. She suddenly pulled away, making him look at her forlornly from the missing warmth. She stifled a giggle at his reaction and punched his shoulder.

"Oww–" He rubbed the fresh bruise and looked at her.

"That's for taking so long to comfort me" She crossed her arms and snorted. He gave her a frown in amusement yet disagreed. Hey, at least he did that in the end. She closed up on his face and gave the most loving kiss that night.

"And that's for asking me to be your girlfriend" He gazed at her dreamily. Until a sting came to his shoulder, again.

"What the–"

"That's for making me wait like forever for you to ask the question" She stated and quickly kissed him again, longer this time.

"And that's to make up the time from the first kiss" They both smirked and continued their wonderful night together.

Trading kisses. Giving hugs. Light punches here and there. And admiring the scene above them. They were both enjoying the picturesque moment they share together, as a couple. Smile gracing each other's lips with the happiness pouring inside them. Her thought before going all out on the make out session was, that who knew her new official boyfriend, and not new unofficial yet obvious boyfriend, could be this soothing.

A/N: Hey guys, I got into a pretty strange situation yesterday. I uploaded the seventeenth chapter but it didn't show up on the filters as newly updated. The 'last updated' was still the date of the day before. Simply, it's a day late. So if you haven't read the previous chapter, check it out now. Because it's a waste not to read it, right?

Good, so that's done. A question still haven't answered. 'kay. Please send me requests, guys!

Stay up to date and keep on reading!

-MDzkM