Symphony of Shadows HTTYD Hiccstrid

73. Future

A/N: Sorry for the slight delay. I hope you all enjoy this story as much as I love writing it:) Next chapter will be out next Wednesday at around 10pm American Eastern Standard Time!

Astrid couldn't believe how fast the village had turned around. All of the destruction had been cleared away and the new construction was nearly done. It wasn't a small feat by any means but it was a job well done. She guessed it was because Vikings were experts at rebuilding that construction seemed to fly by.

But she only knew this second-hand. Ever since Hiccup had woken up, Astrid refused to leave his side. They were mostly left alone except for the frequent visits by her friends. She could tell that it was a little odd for Hiccup to be around people from his past, but she couldn't be prouder of him. Every day, she wondered when he would ask to leave. Toothless stayed at his side, but Astrid knew they were both getting restless. Secretly, she knew that they were both biting their tongues about the future, scared that their plans had changed now that they were back in Berk.

Astrid was still figuring everything out. She hadn't spoken to Stoick since Hiccup had woken up and she suspected that he'd stopped to the house entirely since he hadn't said anything about Toothless. Valka had also abandoned the house since her reunion with her estranged son went south. So when Astrid heard a knock on their door, she expected either Ruffnut or Fishlegs to be on the outside. Instead, she found Spitelout standing in front of her, his scowl slightly less tempestuous than usual.

She fixed him with a hard stare.

"What are you doing here?"

Her tone was deadpan as he slowly looked behind her like he was trying to find something. Odd.

"I heard the boy was awake."

"Why do you care?"

Spitelout swallowed roughly like the words he wanted to say weighed heavy on his tongue.

"I...I wanted to speak with him."

That was...not what she was expecting. Still, she felt protective over Hiccup and the fact that Spitelout might have ulterior motives. The thought that he was here to kill Hiccup was unlikely but it did cross her mind. Anything was possible.

"About what?"

Spitelout sighed and his eyes darted to the floor.

"To thank him."

What spirit had taken over his body? Despite the oddity of his request, Astrid was moved. Had Berk really changed for the better?

Maybe there is a future for us here.

She stood aside and let him. If he could give them a chance, she could give him one too. Astrid prayed that she wouldn't regret it.

Spitelout followed her to their room and she knocked softly on the door. Giving Hiccup a warning was the least she could do.

"Hey babe, Spitelout is here. He wanted to speak with you."

She opened the door to find a perplexed Hiccup sat up in bed. His bandages were fresh from Astrids care and he looked much better than he had the last time the tribe had seen him, half-dead and covered in blood.

Spitelout stood awkwardly and clasped his hands in front of him.

"I wanted to, erm, thank ya."

Hiccup's brows furrowed.

"For what?"

"For putting yer life on the line."

Hiccup responded with a simple tight-lipped nod. A long pause drew out between them until Spitelout faked a cough.