The Thunder and Lightning Riders

Chapter 18: Of Course There's A Plan B

Astrid's POV

"You have Inferno right?" I asked as I paced the length of the cove over and over again.

"Yes, Astrid," Hiccup reminded me. "I'll be fine. It's just a duel."

I whipped around to look at the 23 year-old man near me. "Do you hear yourself when you talk?" I asked him.

He opened his mouth to say something but I continued my rant. "No. Of course you don't! Hiccup, it's a duel. A DUEL! You could die today."

"Hmm," Hiccup muttered. "That doesn't look like it's on my calendar today. Dying, I mean." I promptly walked up to him and smacked the back of his head. "OW! M'lady, I'll be fine. Do you know who l'm dueling?" He asked.

"Snotlout." I answered.

"And do we know what snotlout is?" Hiccup asked.

"A muttonhead." I said, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Precisely," Hiccup told me. "He's the one I'm dueling. I'll be okay. I know his fighting style, if how he fights can be called a style."

"He'll be fine, Astrid." Heather called from her spot. "The stupidest thing he can do is really just lengthen the process, when we know he can fight quickly."

Hiccup gave a grin. "Oh, but then I have less time to humiliate my opponent."

"When have you ever humiliated Astrid when she was your opponent?" Eret asked.

"She is my girlfriend. I don't get to humiliate her. And plus, this is Astrid. If I did, then I would end up with a pair of cracked ribs." Hiccup answered.

"Haha, very funny Hiccup. But this is serious!" I grumbled.

"You cracking his ribs?" Heather asked, confused.

"Ugh, No! Hiccup and the duel." | answered.

Hiccup stopped getting his prosthetic leg on for a minute. "Astrid," he asked calmly. (A/NHARRYDIDYOUPUTYOURNAMEINTHEGOBBLETOFFIYAHH? I'm sorry.) "I will be fine in the duel. You know this, I know this, even the lazy dragon knows this." Hiccup said while petting Toothless, who growled out sleepily.

"YeahI do know this but—"" I started.

"So then why are you worrying about me?" Hiccup asked.

"I always worry about you." I whispered.

"And you say I'm cheesy," Hiccup smiled at her and she felt frustrated.

He was being Hiccup, who was generally impossible to be mad at. He got up and took her hands. "Say it with me. Hiccup," he started.

"Hiccup." confused, I did what he asked.

"Will." He continued.

"Will." I repeated.

"Be." He said.

"Be." I muttered to him.

"Fine." He stated firmly.

"Fine-Wait what?" I asked.

"Hiccup will be fine." Hiccup grinned. "I will be. I promise."

My heart melted and I got on my tiptoes to hug him. "You're a stubborn, ignorant knucklehead." She stated.

"Love you too Ast." He laughed with joy and wrapped his arms around my back.

"Ahem." Someone said from behind the two of them. They broke away from their hug and turned to look at Eret. Heather swatted at Eret's head. "If the married couple is done, then let's get moving shall we?" He asked.