Symphony of Shadows HTTYD Hiccstrid

74. Soon

A/N: Sorry for the delay, but I needed some time to write this chapter since we're nearing the end:) The next chapter will be out on next Thursday at around 10pm American Eastern Standard Time.

It wasn't like they had much to pack up anyways. They were done assembling their things in less than a day. Their goodbyes didn't take long either, because they weren't saying goodbye.

"You're more than welcome to come visit us. I'll drop off a map to our coordinates in a week. I'd love for you all to stay with us."

Astrid smiled and clasped Ruffnut's hands. The smile on her friend's face was mischievous with a twinge of sadness.

"A Tuffnut-free vacation? I like the sound of that."

Tuffnut scoffed. 

"How do you think you're gonna get there, dipshit? Our dragon has two heads."

Ruffnut rolled her eyes.

"I'll have Bo ride Belch. "

Tuffnut narrowed his eyes.

"You wouldn't."

Ruffnut crossed her arms and flashed him a mischievous smile.

"Try me, bitch."

Fishlegs ignored their antics and turned to Hiccup in excitement.

"That's a brilliant idea! I could take Meatlug and study the dragons in their own habitat! How soon can I visit?"

Hiccup and Astrid chuckled and he patted Fishlegs on the shoulder.

"Whenever you want."

Snotlout snorted.

"Maybe send a warning before you get there, Fishface. Wouldn't want to interrupt a freaky Hiccstrid session."

Hiccup pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, while Astrid turned bright red and shoved Snotlout hard. 

"OW!"

Everyone snickered as he rubbed his red arm.  Hiccup placed his arm around Astrid's waist and gave her 'the look'. She smiled softly at him and turned her attention back to their friends.

"There's actually something we'd like to ask of you guys."

Hiccup kissed her cheek and pulled her closer to him. He finished what they'd planned to say.

"We're inviting you all to our wedding. We hope you can make it but we understand if you can't—"

All their jaws dropped except for Tuffnut who looked confused.

"So...Hiccup isn't going to die?"

Snotlout smacked him.

"He's obviously gambling, you idiot."

Astrid was beyond bewildered but when it came to her friends, she was no longer surprised. She sighed.

"Do I even want to know?"

Tuffnut waved his hands around.

"Well, we all knew that you guys were hiding something, but Snotlout and I had our own conspiracies of what it was. But hey on the bright side, I'm honored to be your best witness, Hiccup."

He clapped Hiccup's shoulder who gave her an uncomfortable sideway look. Astrid suppressed her laughter at the misunderstanding. They could break the real news to Tuffnut another time. 

Astrid calmly redirected the conversation .

"It'll be on the next full moon."

Snotlout appeared puzzled.

"That's so soon?"

She looked back at Hiccup, the love of her life, and answered with the biggest smile on her face.

"After everything that we've gone through, it makes no sense to wait."

Hiccup squeezed her waist reassuringly.

"Death makes you think of things differently. You realize what really matters and what you want to actually do."

Ruffnut grinned warmly at them.

"I get it. I don't know what I'd do without Bo. Who knows, you might be invited to our wedding next?"

Tuffnut pretended to barf, but Astrid just grinned back at her. 

"And you know I wouldn't miss it for the world."

She hugged her best friend and prepared to part ways with her friends. Just until the wedding.

"We'll see you guys soon, okay? If you're not at our wedding consider your Snoggletog presents burned and tossed into the sea."

They all laughed and made their promises to see each other again. This goodbye didn't hurt nearly as much as the last time. Mainly because it wasn't a goodbye and the pretenses were far less grave.

Next stop was her parents.

Her mom's eyes shone with pride when she heard her daughter was leaving Berk behind.

"I'm happy that you have more courage than I ever did."

Her mom cupped Astrid's face with her palm.

"I should've run for the fucking hills when I had the chance."

Astrid understood now more than anyone what her mom had gone through. Sacrificing everything just for it not to be enough—or forgotten the moment you show a sign of weakness or fail to follow orders.  

She pulled her mom in for a hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"I wouldn't have had the courage to leave if it wasn't for you. Please come visit. I'll even fly you, there's no issue, really. This isn't the last time you'll see me."

Her dad's doubtful expression faded and he joined their embrace. 

"We'll work something out, honey. We just want you to be happy."

Astrid pulled back and smiled.

"I love you guys. And I might not even have to fly you since I saw mom getting cozy with a yellow Nadder yesterday."

Her dad looked a little confused but her mom just laughed softly. 

"We might not need a ride after all. That's if I can convince your father, eh?"

She jokingly nudged her husband with her elbow and his face paled.

"Just need to get over the height. I'll, uh, work on that part."

Astrid and her mom exchanged a look and burst into giggles. Fear of heights was not something they expected of her stoic father. 

Hiccup had stayed quiet at her side until Astrid gave him the signal. He tried to stay calm as he placed his hand in hers.

"I would love to marry your daughter. And we want to invite you to our wedding."

Her parents looked at each other with the happiest look on their faces, and her mom nodded excitedly.

"There's no one else we'd trust with our daughter. We're beyond happy to welcome you into our family, Hiccup."

Her mom pulled him in for a bone-crushing hug and Astrid's heart swelled. 

They were finally going to get their happy ending.