Behind the mask

Prom Night

The Prom had been magical and way beyond what Hiccup had imagined...though he wasn't sure what he had been expecting. Prom had never been something that had really featured on his radar because pretty much all of High School had been trying to avoid Alvin, messing around and planning how to escape and get his Mom away. He sighed: his Mom was free now, even though he had failed.

Astrid nudged him, her eyes concerned. "You okay, babe?" she murmured. "You looked zoned out." He gave a pained smile.

"Miles away, Milady," he admitted. "I...um...never really imagined I would come to Prom. I think I'd accepted being thrown out by now. And to actually be here with a date..."

"A date?" she asked teasingly.

"Okay, the most wonderful magical smart beautiful amazing..."

"Keep 'em coming!" she smirked. He leaned close to her.

"Girl I love," he murmured. "Thor, what am I actually supposed to do at a Prom anyway?" She grinned.

"Look good..."

"Not sure I can manage that," he muttered, gesturing self-deprecatingly. "Too much raw Vikingness...".

"Stick by me, dance with me, fetch me drinks..."

"Oh Thor, can I change my mind? This sounds like hard work!" he grumbled, though he was smiling. She kissed him.

"It's okay, Hiccup," she said as they emerged from the car and linked arms. "And too late anyway..." He gave a long-suffering look.

"Yes, Milady," he smiled as they walked into the gymnasium, greeted by Anna and Olaf who were manning the door. The others followed and Astrid's proud smile lit her face as she led them in. Music was already playing as the friends all looked around and laughed then headed for the drinks and-in Snotlout's case-the buffet.

Hiccup proved to be a reluctant but skilled dancer, light on his feet and agile. Astrid had grinned as his left hand had closed around hers and his right hand had gently grasped her waist. Her eyes widened as she gently rested her left hand on his shoulder and allowed him to swirl her around, guiding her gently and carefully as they swayed to the music. Ruff and Tuff bounced and head-banged wildly and Cami was also enthusiastic, dancing without abandon with Eret and Snotlout while Heather and Fishlegs danced sedately together, talking in a low voice. Astrid allowed herself to be spun again, the warm hand gently finding her waist, pulling her close and staring deeply into her wide eyes.

"You truly are the most beautiful woman here," he murmured and she smiled as the music slowed and they swayed to a halt. Hesitating, she lifted a hand to gently run her fingers through his almost neat auburn hair then rose on tiptoes and kissed him passionately. His arms wrapped tightly around her, his lips locked on her for an aeon...until the sounds of cheering and clapping broke into their private world. Astrid looked up as they broke apart and blushed, burying her face in his chest. He nuzzled into her golden hair for a moment and then looked up as pretty much all of the Senior Year were surrounding them, whooping and whistling. He looked up and grinned, emerald eyes sparkling with chagrin.

Ruff, Cami and Heather grabbed Astrid and dragged her away, giggling as Hiccup rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment and scooted towards the drinks table, getting himself and Astrid a non-alcoholic 'punch'. He drank his cup and refilled it, glancing across the table and seeing Eret hanging around the drinks.

"You look like you need something stronger," Hiccup commented. Eret lifted his honey-brown eyes and sighed.

"Don't suppose you've got anything?" he asked grimly. Hiccup frowned and moved closer to the tall, buff Footballer, then shrugged.