She should have known better.

It had taken a while to convince Stoic to let them leave, promising that Hiccup just needed a moment to get his thoughts together and that they'd come right back. After a bit of pleading Stoic finally relented. By the time she had come back both heirs were gone.

"I'm starting to remember why Hiccup annoyed me so much." Astrid grumbled to herself as she made her way into the woods. "First he snuck out of the house, now he just leaves! By the Gods, does he ever listen?"

"Not really." A voice came from behind her elbow.

It still startled her, but Astrid was slowly getting used to it.

"Well, there's one of you. Where's Hiccup?" She looked around.

"He went on ahead. Wanted some alone time." Cami rolled her eyes.

"And you waited for me because..?"

Cami was quiet for a moment, the two just looking at each other before Cami took the lead, both on the trail and in the conversation.

"I can't figure you out." She admitted to Astrid. "At first I thought you were an opportunist, you easily took Hiccup's role as heir and -"

"I never planned that!" Astrid yelled louder than she meant to. "I only accepted because Snotlout was a nightmare! He would've destroyed Berk if he stayed in power!"

Cami waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. I got that. And that you're the only other person on this island that would actually be a decent chief. Still, I didn't think you'd back down from the position so easily?"

"It's Hiccup's birth right," She shrugged. "and I only took it because I felt like it was my fault Hiccup … died."

At Cami's confused face she continued. "When we thought he had been taken by a dragon I thought if I had just been faster, if I hadn't lost sight of him I could of protected him, helped him; I felt like I had pushed him to attack the dragon in the first place because I refused to accept him."

"So you've felt responsible for his death this whole time? "

"Yeah, I mean, how could I not?" Astrid asked.

"So, is that why you're being so nice to him? You feel guilty?"

"No! I mean, yes I feel bad about the way I treated him in the past but that's not why I'm being nice to him."

"Then why? You're already on good terms with Stoic, so even if you did go back to shutting out Hiccup you would still be well liked."

"What?!"

"Are you trying to get information out of him? Or, or money? What?"

"I'm not trying to get anything from him! I'm just giving him a chance! Like I should have done years ago!"

"Sure you are." Cami sarcastically nodded.

"Oh, Odin's Beard!" Astrid threw her hands up. "I was a kid and now I'm an adult. I grew up and realized I was wrong and I'm trying to make it right! And you don't even know me! We've met each other, what, four times and somehow you know me well enough to judge my every move?"

"No, I mean…" Cami took a breath. "You're getting over the shock, right? The excitement that came with him 'rising from the dead'; death's charm or whatever Ruffnut calls it. Soon you're gonna go back to how you treated him before and it's gonna hurt Hiccup. Odin's beard, I just heard you say you were remembering why you didn't like him!"

"I didn't mean it like that." Astrid fought back. "It's just I specifically told you two to wait for me and I come back and he's gone! Like what I say doesn't matter. It's one thing to argue with me but to just not listen to what I say? I hate that! And yeah he can be annoying but so can Snotlout, and the twins, and Fishlegs. So, what? I can't be nice to him because he sometimes annoys me?"

"But you're not just 'being nice to him'!"

Astrid stopped in complete confusion. "What do you mean?"

"There's being nice, and then there's… being friends. You've been acting more like a friend to Hiccup. You talk and listen to him, you take an interest in his hobbies, Hel, you were even there for him when he had to meet with his dad! Those aren't things people do when they are 'just being nice'."

"Oh…" Astrid was quiet for a moment, mulling over what Cami said before she hesitantly replied. "I guess I can see you're point."

Cami nodded with a triumphant smile.

"It's just happened so fast I didn't even realize that I see Hiccup as a friend now."

Cami groaned as she rubbed her forehead. "That's not exactly what I meant."

Astrid smiled slightly as she continued forward. "I know. You're worried I'm faking it, but I'm not. I also know nothing I say is going to convince you, for whatever reason."

"It's just…" Cami hesitated. "he hasn't changed."

Astrid looked back at her, eyebrow raised in confusion.

"Hiccup's the same person he was as a kid. Yeah, he got smarter and stronger like everyone does when they grow up but he's still the same guy. Weird and unusual in his own brilliant way, chaotic and scatterbrained yet so precise. He's different, and you guys didn't do a good job of accepting his differences the first time."

Astrid let out a sigh. "That is one thing we both agree on."

The two continued in silence as they made their way down the path, Cami backing off to let Astrid think. She can't deny Cami made some good points. She really did see Hiccup as a friend, even when he did something stupid like not listening to her or run off on his own. Again, she wondered why she was so mean to him as kids? Was it just because he was weaker and caused trouble? Or, maybe he just always caught her in a bad mood? She really had no control of her anger back then.

15 year old Astrid would've killed Hiccup to keep the title of Heir! Now though… It does seem like Hiccup has become a good leader. Hel, I was so shocked that he was alive I just let him take the lead back on Outcast Island and that ended well enough. He's a little too self sacrificing but I can put a stop to that.

They were getting closer to the cove. Astrid heard some strange stomping off in the distance. Not too unusual, this is a forest after all, but she kept her ears open for any other sounds of danger in the area.

Maybe, if Hiccup decides to continue the engagement, it wouldn't be so bad. Logically it is the better choice. It would keep up appearances, I already have the training to help run the village, and we do seem to work well together. A few bumps in the road, but…

Astrid stuck out her arm to stop Cami. "Do you hear that?"

"What?" Cami questioned.

They were quiet for a moment when it sounded again. A growl, just up ahead by the-

"The cove." Astrid whispered in horror.

This was all too familiar and she didn't like it. Astrid tried to remind herself that Hiccup didn't get taken by a dragon last time, that he left on his own, but the fear was still there; that she would reach the cove and he'd be gone again. She started walking faster, picking up the pace with each step. Suddenly Cami grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"What? What's happening?" Cami asked suspiciously.

"A Dragon." Astrid replied urgently. "Didn't you hear the growls?"

"Are you sure? I didn't hear anything." Cami tried to sound innocent.

Liar.

Just then, the unmistakable sound of big flapping wings. A dragon, no, two dragons! They were taking off!

"Okay. That does sound like dragons." Cami admitted.

Astrid barley listened as she took off again. Her stomach dropped in her stomach as she raced to the cove making a mental list of her weapons. Again, she found herself lacking as she only had a dagger on her!

Pushing through the last of the trees Astrid reached the edge of the cove, quickly spotting Hiccup near the stone marker used as his grave. No dragons in sight.

"Hiccup!" She called out as she entered the cove from the trail in between the rocks to get to the entrance at the bottom.

He turned around with a stiff wave and gave her an awkward smile.

He's up to something.

"Hey! Hey, Astrid. Hi Astrid! Didn't hear you coming." He was trying to play cool but as always failed at it.

"Well," She started out of breath while scanning the area. "I did ask you to wait for me, but as always you just do what you want."

"Sorry." Hiccup said with a wince. Astrid realized that sounded harsher than she meant it to.

"Your dad would have killed me if anything happened to you." She added in a more teasing tone while giving him a smile.

"Why does no one think I can take care of myself? I means I'm standing here in one piece, aren't I!"

Astrid gave a pointed look to him, his prosthetic leg, then back to him.

"Mostly one piece." He muttered, bobbing his head along.

Astrid continued to scan the cove as Cami joined them. Though she didn't see any dragons she did see signs of dragons. Dragon prints were all over the ground, and she could see what looked like a black dragon scale just behind Hiccup's foot. Off to the side, there were two distinct patches of dirt that were flattened, like something big had been curled up there. What was even more curious is the remains of a small fire by the pond, only big enough to cook a fish or two. She could just see a flicker of red under the coals meaning it was still warm, whoever put it out did so recently.

"So, ahh…" Hiccups started. "It's a pretty nice grave. I didn't expect anything this nice or this well stocked."

Hiccup started gathering the smithing tools from the offerings.

"Are you really robbing you're own grave?" Astrid pointed out.

"Is it robbing if they're for me?" Hiccup asked innocently.

"Fair point."

"Besides, it'd be a waste to leave them here. I'm surprised Gobber hasn't come back to claim them."

Astrid had a hard time paying attention to the conversation. She could feel the stare burning into the back of her head. There was someone, or something, still here watching them. Watching her. Most likely upset at her interrupting the meeting they were having with Hiccup. She doesn't like the idea of those Dragon Riders hiding out on Berk, but Hiccup said they were working together and it seems like there's only a few here.

It doesn't seem to be an emergency or Hiccup would be freaking out, or looking for an excuse to go off on his own again. I wonder what the meeting was about?

"Well that should do it." Hiccup called as he stood up, gaining Astrid's attention again. His arms were full of smithing tools, along with Cami holding some as well.

"That's it?" Astrid asked. "You don't want to look around some more? Maybe talk a bit?" Or tell me about you're friends?

"Nah, I'm good. A little more creeped out than I thought I would be, but otherwise fine." Hiccup replied, completely oblivious to what Astrid was actually asking.

As the three made their way back to the village Astrid let the two heirs fall behind and whisper to each other. Has she ever mentioned how much she hated being out of the loop? And to make it worse it was so obvious!

Hiccup ran ahead to meet with the Dragon Riders in the cove, Odin knows what they were talking about! Then she showed up so they had to hide for now. Hiccup is filling Cami in on what they talked about and is probably gonna sneak out to meet with them tonight, maybe with Cami. Should I follow them?

"Astrid?"

"What?" Astrid's head shot up to see Hiccup and Cami looking at her.

"We were asking what you would want on your grave stone." Hiccup said, looking her over curiously.

"Oh, um, I don't know. I guess something about any accomplishments I've done, all the achievements I got. That sort of thing." Astrid tried to hide how flustered she was to be caught spacing out.

Cami nodded a bit. "Hiccup was just complaining about his grave. Say's it's too bland."

"That is NOT what I said!" Hiccup argued. "I was just surprised Gobber didn't do anything more elaborate!"

Astrid stifled a laugh. Only Hiccup would have such a weird complaint.

"Wouldn't you want a marker that had detailed carvings of your life's greatest achievements?" He asked.

"I think that kind of treatment is saved for a Chief, or some epic hero." Astrid replied.

"I'm sure you're gonna end up as the hero in several epic tales." Hiccup said it so offhandedly, like he didn't even have to consider it. Snotlout would say something like that just to flirt without really meaning it but Hiccup, he says it as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. He really believes it.

Right then she decided she's not gonna spy on him. She already has an idea of what's going on so she'll wait for him to tell her. To trust her.

The three made their way back to the village, passing the Great Hall to get to the forge. She noticed Cami and Hiccup were really taking their time, slowly walking to the forge, Hiccup making sure he put each and every tool in the perfect place, even started cleaning up some of Gobber's messes.

"Wow, you guy's really don't want to go back to the party, do you?" Astrid finally asked after hanging out in the doorway for the past fifteen minutes.

"What? Nooooo…"

"I love a good party!"

Both sounded very unenthusiastic.

"Well then why are you two dragging your feet? I'm sure they already got lunch out by now, aren't either of you hungry?" Astrid could smell the mutton as soon as she entered the village and it just made her realized she didn't have any breakfast. She was hungry.

"Why don't you go on ahead?" Hiccup offered. "We'll only be a few more minutes."

"Fine, but you know your dad's going to ask why you're not with me and when I tell him you're at the forge he'll come get you himself." Okay, so she was starting to get a little grouchy, but she was really hungry!

Hiccup gave a dramatic sigh. "Okay. Back into the swarm of, now drunk, viking. Shaking hands, getting slapped on the back, and being asked weird questions about my 'experiences'."

"Experiences?" Astrid asked, looking for clarification.

She watched Hiccup's face and ears go red as he looked down, refusing to answer.

Oh, 'Experiences'.

Astrid felt her own cheeks heating up so she quickly turned around and started her way back to the Great Hall. She could hear Hiccup's foot steps behind her, along with Cami's chuckling. Astrid wasn't sure if she wanted an answer to that question. Hiccup hasn't mentioned anything about having any kind of relationship, romantic or otherwise. Really, Astrid only knows of his enemies. Or at least the main two, Alvin and this Drago guy. He still hasn't told them much of his life.

"Hiccup! There you are!" A gruff voice called out as they got to the entrance of the Great Hall. Suddenly Snotlout's father came over, wrapping one of his thick arms around Hiccup in a half hug. "Welcome back!" He called out while slightly shacking him.

"Ah, thanks uncle Spit." Hiccup wriggled his way out of his uncle's arms only to have his shoulder grabbed.

"Your aunt has been dying to talk to you!" Spitlout guided Hiccup back inside the hall. "Huh, would you look at that?! Your as tall as me now!"

"Oh yay, aunt Inga." Seems Hiccup has the same reaction to her as his dad does. Despite being siblings, Stoic and Inga have never gotten along. Complete opposites in every way, Inga is so prim and proper that she hardly ever leaves her house. Good thing she became a seamstress.

Astrid offered to save him some lunch before letting him get dragged off into the dullest corner of the room where Inga is probably waiting impatiently. No way was Astrid going anywhere near that women. They only agree on one thing and it's that Astrid should never be with Snotlout, for very different reasons. Despite Astrid agreeing with her Inga still hates her and glares at her anytime they happen to be in the same place.

Running off to the serving table, Astrid started loading two plates with everything. Well, as much as she could get on the plates. The cooks were really going at it, there was a bit of everything with more option coming out every few minutes. Plates overflowing, Astrid made her way around the room, trying to find some open seats when she was yanked by the arm. She almost dropped the plates but Ruffnut, the one who yanked on her in the first place, caught them and helped her over to a table where the others were. As they placed the food down she scanned the Great Hall, finding Hiccup not too far away talking to Spitlout, Gobber, and Ack. She scanned again and realized she didn't see Cami anywhere. Not that she cared, but she's not sure the Bog-burglar actually came into the Great Hall with them. Astrid stared eating as she wondered what she was up to.

Halfway through her meal Hiccup was finally able to sit down with them to eat. She didn't even have to tell the others to stop people from coming over, they just glared at anyone who tried to come up to Hiccup. The conversation they had been having continued as Hiccup picked apart his plate.

"And then the Scauldron's head came out of the water right next to our boat!" Ruffnut continued, once again telling everyone about the time she and Fishlegs almost got eaten by a Scauldron. They've heard it a hundred times and each time Ruffnut makes it sound more dangerous then it actually was. She looked to Fishlegs who sat there with a smile as Ruffnut continued with her exaggeration. He didn't even get mad at her when she said he cried like a baby, he just shrugged his shoulders and let her continue.

Feeling someone looking at her she turned her head to Hiccup, whose mouth was full of food. He meet her eyes, pointed from Ruffnut to Fishlegs, then looked back at her with a raised brow. She silently nodded her head, amused at his realization. Hiccup was taken a back for a second, looked between the two again, shock his head and went back to eating. She could practically hear his thought of 'Weird, but okay'.

Chuckling to herself, Astrid also went back to eating. Ruff had finished her story and Fishlegs was telling them about the time he got caught in a whirlpool. That's when she noticed Cami suddenly showed up. Cami whispered something in Hiccup's ear and he started to stand but quickly changed his mind and sat down again. She turned to fully look at them and they both gave her a strained smile.

"Everything okay?" She asked.

"Uh huh, Yeah, everything's fine! All good!" Hiccup stuttered out, not really paying attention. He was too busy looking over the room without looking like he was looking over the room. Astrid went on high alert. Something was about to happen but she didn't know what, nor could she tell if it was something good or bad. It was then she saw Stoic making his way over looking concerned.

"Hiccup." He boomed out once he approached the table. "There is someone outside looking for you. Say's they need to talk."