Tangled Vows

Chapter 32

It was a new day, and things felt as though they had gone back to normal. At least, somewhat normal. Things between Hiccup and Astrid were still uncertain, and constantly changing every day. 

Hiccup couldn't really make any sense of it all. He had sworn that he would never forgive Astrid and that they could never be what they were again, but things felt different this time. It was obvious that falling in love with her again was a terrible idea, and something that he was not allowing himself to do again, but it was getting harder and harder to continue pushing her away.

As hard as it was, Hiccup was still certain in his convictions that he was not in love with Astrid. He was fully prepared for her to disappear from Berk and never speak to him again, and this time his heart would not be broken.

Fortunately, Hiccup was pulled from his thoughts by the familiar jingle of the store bell when the door opened and welcomed a new customer inside. Lifting his head, Hiccup saw his friend wander inside and head straight for him with a suspiciously bright smile.

As though he had something up his sleeve.

"What's up, Fishlegs?" Hiccup greeted his friend, leaning on the desk in the most indifferent, nonchalant manner he could muster. He was suspicious of his friend's sudden presence in his store but didn't want to reveal his suspicions too early.

"Nothing much," Fishlegs shrugged, finally reaching the counter and leaning on it himself. He leaned upon his elbow, looking like a cool dad, and his previous bright smile dulled a little as he stood before Hiccup.

"Really? Then why did you come in here today? You need to buy something?" Hiccup asked, knowing the answer.

"No, not really," Fishlegs replied sadly, looking away from Hiccup as his smile dimmed further.

"Okay, then. What is it? Spit it out."

Fishlegs sighed, mentally preparing himself for this uphill battle about to come.

"You know what I'm here for, man," Fishelegs admitted in defeat, watching as Hiccup's expression hardened.

"And I think I tell you every year, that I'm not going."

"Come on, we have one every year for you, and you never turn up!" Fishlegs argued, wanting Hiccup to have some fun for once in his life.

"If I never turn up, why do you keep on having one?" Hiccup pointed out, still stubborn in his convictions about this whole affair. He never went before, and this year was not going to be any different.

"Come on, it's not like it's going to kill you. You're only turning 25, not 50." Fishlegs argued again, determined to not let this go again like he did every year. Something was different about this year, and Fishlegs was not backing down.

"Still not gonna convince me to go, Fishlegs."

"Please, Hiccup. You could bring Astrid along." Fishlegs offered, pointing to the other side of the store where Astrid was busily sorting out one of the shelves.

Hiccup gave him a look that made Fishlegs immediately regret even offering it as an incentive for Hiccup to go to this party.

"Really? That's your bargaining chip? Astrid? You think she'll get me go?" Hiccup asked incredulously, as though amused by the idea of having Astrid manipulate him into doing something he didn't want to do.

"Maybe not, but she'll be good company." Fishlegs offered again, still trying to convince Hiccup to come.

"Fishlegs, forget it. I'm not going to go to a stupid birthday party. I never liked them as a kid, and I certainly do not like them now." Hiccup explained sternly, making it clear what he thought about the whole ordeal.