Astrid gazed at him as he lay on her couch, hands on her hips. "So, Hiccup, why don't you tell me what happened one last time?"

His brows met as he frowned, lips pursed. "I told you already; this stupid prosthetic leg I've got locked up and I tripped and fell over because of it."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "You tripped and fell at walking pace?"

"…No, I was running." he admitted a tad sheepishly. "Wanted to get back to my office quickly."

Her hands left her hips. "Ah. You didn't mention that before."

Hiccup sat up abruptly. "Oh I'm sorry. I thought you could put two and two together and not need me to spell it out completely-ow!"

Astrid's face bore a look of complete innocence, after having suddenly flicked Hiccup's nose with a finger. "Don't argue with your caring girlfriend now, Hiccup. That would be bad. Now, tell me everything. Leave nothing out or I'll do it again."

Hiccup's eyes were narrowed at her. "I'll get you for that eventually. Okay, I'll start from the beginning again."

…

The piercing roar of jet engines drew Hiccup's focus.

He got up from his desk and approached the window in his office to see a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane speed past, from left to right along the runway.

Hiccup groaned. It's going to be a long morning loading that thing up.

Nevertheless, he darted towards and through the door, to bump into Astrid on the other side.

"Easy there, babe. You'll hurt yourself going that fast."

He kissed her on the cheek, which earned him a smile before he resumed his journey. "Well, it's going to be a busy morning ahead thanks to that damn RAF C-17 outside. So I'll see you later!"

He disappeared from view and Astrid set off back to her office with a fond shake of the head. Well, asking him out on a second date will just have to wait for now…

…

"For the love of all that's holy, drive slowly. We both know how eager you get while driving tanks," said Hiccup, now outside.

Aage laughed. "Yes sir. Driving slowly starting now."

Hiccup then approached Eret, who was sitting in a jeep a ways away, but still within earshot. "Same goes for you."

"You got it boss. So about that therapist you're seeing…"

Hiccup's voice dropped to a hushed tone. "Can you keep a secret from Aage for the time being? Until the end of the day that is."

"My lips are sealed. What is it?"

"Astrid and I have started dating. As you know, Aage will want details so tell him when I'm not around."

"You got it boss. This conversation never happened."

Hiccup nodded, then spoke at a normal volume. "Good. And before you ask, yes."

Eret quirked an eyebrow at him. "I didn't ask anything."

"You were going to."

"True, but you can't blame a guy for being curious."

"Again, I reiterate, yes, we did it."

…

"Wait, hold on there. You told him? Why?"

Hiccup blanched. "It was to stop him nagging me for details later. Sorry."

"You're forgiven so long as you don't tell anyone else… though I guess the rumour mill is busy now so it doesn't really matter. Continue."

"Okay, so where was I?"

"You were talking to your friend, Eret."

"Ah yes. So…"

…

"Who asked about that first? You or her?"

Hiccup glanced over at Aage, who had now driven his tank inside. "Oh look, time for you to get to work. Bye for now, Lieutenant."

"Oi, boss! No fair! I want details."

"Use your imagination, Jack Harkness. It's not like you're lacking in that regard." Hiccup shot back, drawing laughter from Eret.

"True that, boss!"

…

"Then I left quickly, wanting to get back to my office and finish up for the day earlier than usual. Went too fast, phantom pain said hi and I tripped and broke my wrist. And then and then and then, my cruel girlfriend decided to flick the nose of her boyfriend, knowing full well he can't retaliate as his left arm was in a cast."

"Serves you right for running. Go slow next time. Being early with finishing work for a day isn't worth it, as you now know."

"I haven't yet told you why I wanted to be done early today."

"Besides being an idiot?"

"Oi! I resent that, Hofferson. Particularly since I wanted to ask you on a second date."

Astrid stilled, blinking at him. "Oh."

"Yeah, 'Oh'. Exactly. Now, I want an apology. I was just trying to be nice to you."

She dipped her head and kissed him, pushing his shoulders back gently, pressing him further into the couch so that his left arm wasn't disturbed in its cast. "Sorry. Am I forgiven now?"

His eyes were half-lidded. "Another kiss please."

Smirking, she dipped her head again. His right arm curled around her back to draw her to him and before long, they were making out in earnest.

"When I discharged you, Hiccup, I specifically told you not to move your arm. It needs to be straight as much as possible- i.e not stuck between your body and that of my niece."

"Yes, I hear you. I'll keep an eye on Hiccup for you. Now please leave. We were in the middle of something here."

Finn laughed. "Welcome to the family, son. It seems she's claimed you already."

He left, shutting the door behind him and Astrid sighed, before just as quickly brightening up. "You mentioned something about a second date. Where will it happen?"

"Hmm. Well, I'm thinking we go someplace for burgers since I can eat them one-handed. I'll just sign out and we can leave. What do you say?"

"That sounds great. Let's go."