Crossing the Line | Oakstrid Story

Chapter 18 | Home Sweet Home

Hope awoke as I packed up StarGazer and prepared for the long flight to Berk. It had been so long since I was there, I was feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Mama?" Hope called out sleepily, tugging on my leggings to get my attention. I smiled down at her. "Up?"

I scooped her into my arms and sat her into the holster I had made to keep her attached to me during our flights. I quickly got StarGazer into his saddle and hopped onto his back with Hope securely attached to my front.

As we soared through the clouds, I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, and I tightened my grip on Stargazer's saddle. Astrid, who was sat on her dragon alongside us, noticed my unease and asked, "You okay there, Oak?"

"I'm nervous," I admitted, glancing at Astrid. "About what people will think, what Stoick will say..."

Astrid and Hiccup both offered reassuring smiles, understanding the weight of my emotions after so many years of being apart from them and the village.

"You don't have to worry," Hiccup said. "Everyone will be thrilled to see you."

"And we'll be right there with you," Astrid added, placing a hand on my shoulder.

With a newfound determination, I took a deep breath and nodded, ready to face whatever awaited us on Berk. Stargazer spread his majestic wings, and we soared into the sky. Hope giggled with delight as the wind rushed around us, and I couldn't help but smile at her infectious joy.

As we flew, I noticed Astrid glancing at me from time to time, with that adorable smile on her face, and my heart skipped a beat. Even after all these years, I still loved her deeply, but I was afraid she had moved on. Yet, I couldn't stop thinking about her, no matter how hard I tried.

Finally, we landed on Berk, and I was overwhelmed by the sight of so many people after being alone for so long. I gently slid off of Stargazer's back, with Hope still in my arms. Astrid's mother made her way through the crowded plaza to greet her daughter.

"Oakley?" She gasped as she recognised me right away. She pulled me into the tightest hug I had ever received. "Butterfly? Is that really you?"

"It's me..." I sniffled as she finally allowed me to breathe.

I placed Hope on the ground beside my dragon as my father, Stoick, approached Hiccup, but it took him a moment to realize that it was me standing beside him. His eyes widened in surprise before he hugged me tightly, his voice softening as he apologized for the way he treated me and for not believing me about the dragons. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt a mix of relief and hesitation. While I appreciated his apology, I wasn't sure I could forgive him. Not yet.

Hope clung to my leg, and Stoick's eyes lit up at the sight of his new granddaughter. He smiled warmly, feeling a connection with her even though they had never met before.

"Is this-?" He began to ask. I just scooped her back into my arms, to anxious to say much of anything. His smile grew impossibly wide.

Lotus, Astrid's mother, saw my overwhelmed state and suggested that we head to the arena to meet with the other riders, giving me some time to adjust and avoid the prying eyes of the entire village.

As we made our way to the arena, I clutched Hope tightly, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was glad to be back with my family and friends, but the wounds of the past were still fresh. I knew it would take time to heal, but being surrounded by the people who cared about me gave me hope for the future.

In the arena, I met the other dragon riders, and they welcomed me with open arms. Though, some were a little more welcoming than others. Somethings never change. I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't experienced in years, and it was a bittersweet reminder of the life I never had.

As the day went on, I started to find my place among my friends once again. My heart felt lighter knowing that I was not alone anymore, that I had people who cared about me and accepted me for who I was. Finally. As the time went by, I slowly opened up to the dragon riders, sharing tales of my adventures and experiences. The more I connected with the people of Berk, the more I felt the wounds of my past slowly beginning to heal. Though my relationship with my father remained strained, I knew that with time, forgiveness might be possible.

As the warm sun set over Berk, I watched the dragon riders prepare for their evening flights, and I couldn't help but smile as I saw Astrid and her loyal companion, Stormfly, preparing to take to the skies. The love I felt for her still burned within me, and I knew that no matter what the future held, the bond we shared would never truly fade away.

Astrid remained by my side, and when our eyes met, I saw a glimmer of the connection we once shared. It was a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for us.

In the coming days, as I settled into life on Berk, I found myself spending more time with Astrid once again. Our bond began to rekindle, and I realized that the love I had for Astrid never truly faded, even during our years apart. Hope was beginning to open up to her too, only making me consider whether moving back to Berk really was in her best interest. With each passing day, I allowed myself to hope that we could build something new together, something stronger than before, and embark on a new chapter of our lives, side by side.