Hiccstrid, Beyond the Clouds.

Bit by Bit

Race to the edge one shot ~

Astrid sighed as the cool gentle breeze blew her bangs from her face. Tilting her head upwards, she could feel the sun gently hugging her face. It was a beautiful sunny day.

Her feet dangled above the cliff, as she sat down, her mind wandering elsewhere. The quietness of the calm ocean was peaceful for the young shield maiden. Even the toughest warriors could do with a bit of relaxation.

Stormfly, the most well behaved and loyal deadly nadder who also happens to be one of Astrid's best friends, stretched out, as she lay near her owner. Astrids arm subconsciously reached out to pet her.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do, girl," Astrid moaned. "It was really close this time. We almost... We almost lost. And I don't know how much longer we can keep this up."

Earlier that day, Viggo had sent out his entire armada after the edge. The riders were unprepared and barely managed to hold the edge. There were arrows and fire everywhere. It took forever before Hiccup was able to disarm Viggos fleat, and drive them off. During the process of defeating Viggo's pawns, Astrid's leg had become injured. It wasn't to severe at all, and she just ignored the pain. It was only a small piercing from an arrow. She was a Viking after all. However, she obtained the wound trying to distract a guard who was shooting an arrow. He was aiming at the back of Hiccups turned chest. Had Astrid of ignored the archer, Hiccup would have surely died today. Knowing this made Astrid want to cry.  She almost lost the love of her life, all because of Viggo.

Stormfly let out a little screech, catching her owner's attention. Peering upwards, Astrid could make out the quickly moving figure of darkness soaring through the sky.  Easing herself, she went back to starring at the sea.

"There you are Astrid!" Her tall, Auburned friend called as he dismounted his night fury. "I have been searching for you forever! You have no idea how scared we all were!"

"And by we, you mean you, fishlegs, and possibly Heather, right?" Astrid chuckled. Even though seeing Hiccup made her want to cry and fall to her knees, a small weight lifted from her chest.

"well, possibly, but anyways, I'm glad you're safe m'lady." Hiccup said smiling as he seated himself next to his friend. His eyes found their gaze directing at Astrid's hand. She had them on the ground, supporting herself as she sat. Hiccup was almost tempted to hold her hand, but he knew deep down that was a barrior he couldn't break. At least not yet. none the less, his hand wandered bit by bit closer to hers.

Astrid didn't want Hiccup to sit with her. She was overwhelmed from the previous battle. She was on the verge of tears, and couldn't let anyone see her cry. Especially, Hiccup. She was glad he was here, sitting with her, but every second they were here, together, it reminded Astrid how close to death he really was. How close she was to sitting here on this edge. Alone. Forever. she couldn't take it.

Turning her head, to avoid Hiccups gaze, a single, small tear drop rolled from her left eye. She could feel her bottom lip tremble, and her shoulders threatened to shake. That was it. Astrid, the fearless viking warrior, was scared, and crying. She felt like a baby, and she hated it.

Hiccup's hand was nearly touching Astrid's as he heard a sniffle. He looked at Astrid, and was confused. Did she have a cold? Surely not. Astrid was so rarely sick, but, wait... Why was she shaking?

As Hiccup seen her shoulders begin to quiver, and the sniffles more dominant, he knew for sure, Astrid was crying. Hiccup wanted to help his friend, but Didn't know how.

It was at this moment, Hiccup's subconscious hand inching had reached its end, as the tips of his fingers grazed over the top of her hand. She seized up, and pulled her hand back. Astrid began actually sobbing, and Hiccup's heart felt like it was breaking. Sucking in a bit of confidence, Hiccup lunged his hand forward, grabbing onto Astrid's shaking one. His thumb rubbed against her hand, which they both enjoyed. Hiccup knew he had made the right choice.

Astrid continued crying, but she felt happier. She wrapped her own fingers around Hiccups hand, holding tightly. She felt relieved that Hiccup was here, attempting to comfort her.

Hiccup realized this little hand holding wasn't quite working, and was trying to think of what could make her happy. he then got a wild idea. It was risky, but he would take the risk.

"Shhhhhh... There there, Asty. Its okay. I'm here. I'm here." Hiccup softly cooed to his shaking friend, as he scooped her into his arms. pulling her on his lap, he wrapped his arms around her, and rocked her slightly. Astrid was nervous at first, but then eased herself up, burying her face into Hiccups shoulder. She cried a bit longer, but than calmed down, just sitting there, as Hiccup rocked her. she smiled.

A gigantic smile crept onto Hiccups face, as Astrid settled down. He held her closer to his chest, and looked down at her. For a brief second, he pressed his lips onto the back of Astrid's head. She looked at him, surprise written on her face. She noticed.

"You-you kissed me?" Astrid yelped, more as a question.

"Uhhhhh..." Hiccup paused. nervous of what to say. "Y-yah. I did. I'm sorry.. I don't kn-"

"Shhh!" Astrid cut him off. "its alright. I actually liked it." the two smiling again, they averted their gazes.

Silence fell upon them before Astrid broke it. "Umm, Hiccup?"

"Yes, m'lady?"

"Please. next time we are in battle, watch your back, okay?"

"Sure thing. But I don't see the need to. You seem to have it covered for Me," Hiccup sneered with a cheeky grin. Astrid was taken back for a moment. He knew?!

"What? How did you know?!" She demanded.

"Fishlegs had told me after we went to the clubhouse, and you ran, or should I say limped, off. That was actually part of the reason I was so eager to find you. to thank you. Now, if you are done being stubborn and silently suffering, how bout we head back to my hut, and I'll take a look at your wound?"

"Sure. That sounds nice." Astrid said with a slight blush on her cheeks. She tried to stand, but found her knee in too much pain to stand. Her wound had gotten worse over the bit of Time.  Hiccup noticed this, and put his arm around her.

"Mm. How about I just carry you?" He said with that same cheeky grin. Astrid didn't get to reply, as he picked her up bridal style and carried her off to his hut.

***