A Hiccstrid Story | When worlds collide

Clubhouse

The weekend came and the young teens were all heading to a large treehouse they had discovered in the woods.

They all sat in a circle around the pit in the center of the room. Hayden immediately pulled out his sketchbook and got to work.

"What are you working on?" Heather wondered.

"Oh, he's writing a movie about dragons and Vikings. He's using Meatlug and Windshear as inspiration for his dragons. It's awesome!!!" Fishlegs ranted.

"Well, if that's okay with you." Hayden nodded towards the raven-haired girl.

"Of course."

Astrid leaned into her boyfriend to sneak a peek at his sketch.

"Is that Meatlug?" She asked.

"Yup. The Gronkle. Boulder class. I just can't seem to get this sketch right." Hayden scowled.

"Maybe you should make the wings a little smaller," Astrid suggested. Hayden took her advice. "And how about adding a little more tail?"

"Wow." Hiccup gasped. "This is perfect. Thanks, Babe."

"Anytime." She smiled. "So, what class would Windshear be?"

"Fishlegs said, sharp class," Hayden told her.

Astrid pulled out an identical book out of her bag and began sketching.

"Awww. You guys are so cute." Fishlegs squealed. Astrid's head shot up.

"We're not cute!" She scowled.

"Okay. Just an observation." Fishlegs backed down.

"Hey, you should put me in your movie." Snotlout suggested though it was more of an order.

"And why would I do that?" Hiccup chuckled.

"Oh, come on. You're putting everyone else in it." The stocky teen whined.

"Wait? Even us?" The twins wondered.

"Yes, guys. Even you. And Barf and Belch." Hayden rolled his eyes.

"So why can't me and Hookfang be in it?"

"Oh, Hookfang is."

"What?!" Snotlout shrieked. "Did you know about this?" He whispered to his snake. "Hiccup, I'm your cousin! You have to include me!"

"Actually I don't!"

"But I'm the perfect Viking!" He smoldered.

"If you say so." Heather chuckled.

"More so than you guys. Fishlegs is afraid of heights. The twins can't count past nine. Astrid has obvious anger issues,"

"NO, I DON'T!" Astrid hissed.

"Enough said."

Astrid lunged at Snotlout. Hiccup threw his arms around her, tugging her back down.

"Astrid. Calm down." Hayden suggested as Astrid fought for her freedom from his grasp. He pulled her impossibly close. "Breathe."

Astrid began to relax, now sitting in Hayden's lap. Hiccup handed her sketchbook over.

"Is that Windshear?" He gazed at her unfinished sketch. She nodded.

"I was thinking we could call it a Razorwhip? What do you think?" She asked.

"Sounds perfect."

***

An hour passed and Snotlout and the twins decided to play in the woods, Fishlegs joined them, if only to keep them out of trouble.

Astrid was working on a dragon sketch of Barf and Belch, while Hiccup worked on Hookfang's dragon persona.

Hiccup was starting to get rather agitated as he couldn't seem to get it absolutely perfect when he noticed Astrid seeming a little off.

"Astrid, are you okay?!" He worried.

"Mmmhmm." She nodded. Hayden wasn't believing a word.

"Astrid, look at me." He turned her to face him and gently swept the bangs from her face. She could barely keep her eyes open. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine." She yawned, drawing his hand away from her face and returning to her sketchbook. "You worry too much."

"Astrid, you look exhausted." He sighed. "Are you sure you don't wanna go back to the dorm and get some rest?" He gently ran his fingers through her ponytail. She shook her head vigorously.

"No, I wanna stay here." She declined, yawning once again. He noticed her muscles starting to relax. The pencil in her hand began sliding around freely.

"Okay." He seized the pencil and sketchbook from her. Her lack of protest reinforced the assumption that she was tired beyond belief. He shuffled until he was stationed behind her and wrapped his arms around her, grasping her hands and leaning her into his chest.

"Mmm." Astrid hummed contently and she nuzzled deeper and deeper into his embrace. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

"I wonder what's got her so exhausted?" Hayden wondered.

"She hasn't been sleeping," Heather clarified, catching Hiccup's attention. "It's like she's scared to fall asleep at night."

"Oh, gods." Hayden sighed in realization. "Okay, I'm about to tell you something. But you have to promise you won't tell her, because she will kill me."

"What is it?"

"She's scared of the dark." He notified her. "She always has been. Ever since she was little. I don't know why. I never thought to ask. But, it terrifies her. She has to be able to see what's going on."

"Wow. I wasn't expecting that." Heather acknowledged. "That actually explains a lot."

"That's why I gave her that stuffed dragon." He explained. "My mom made him for me when I was little to help me sleep in the dark. I was hoping he might help her too."

"I'm glad you told me." Heather smiled. "I'll figure something out."

***