Hiccup and Astrid

memories part 4

"...
"Hiccub?"
You called lightly from the room.
"Yeah?"
I answered quickly.
"Oh you are still there.  You can come in, if you want."  
You sounded…relieved. You thought I would just abandon you now.
"Okay, yeah, sure."  
The blood had completely drained from my face at the invitation, and I had to consciously remember how to move my feet, but finally I made my way into your room.  It was very sparse, just a small cabinet for holding your garments, a polished bit of metal hanging on the wall next to it so you could see your reflection - I imagined you standing in front of it every morning plaiting your hair – and your carved wood bed against the back wall, near a very small window.  A bear skin covered the middle of the floor.
You were in the bed now, a thick fur cover pulled up to your chin. I saw that you have haphazardly thrown your tunic, leggings, and skirt on the floor and automatically bent to tidy them up.
"You don't have to do that,"
You said
"It's okay.  I've pretty much been picking up around our house since…well since you know."  
I folded the garments and without thinking opened the cabinet and set them inside. I nearly blanched as I realized what I was doing and shut the door quickly, turning back to you while clearing my throat. you have released your hair and it spilled like sunshine around your face as your rheumy blue eyes regarded me. I stood uncertainly, completely at a loss for what to do now.
You lifted a hand from the covers and patted next to you on the bed.  
"Sit with me until I fall asleep?"
Now I was sure you were delirious, but I complied, sitting down on the edge of the bed fiddling my hands together nervously, while my eyes danced uneasily around the room and my heart made a solid attempt at breaking out of my chest. I nearly jumped out of my skin as I felt your hand slip over mine.  It was scorching hot, as if you have been working near the forge, but the grip was firm enough. I let my other hand fall over yours and you smiled as you let your eyes close peacefully.
"Thank you for taking care of me,"
You muttered, squeezing my hand lightly.  Reflexively I squeezed back and just watched you and watched and watched long after you completely relaxed into sleep and started snoring as loud as I had ever heard from my father's room.
It was nearly dark before I eventually slipped out of the small home..."
Astrid eyes widened as the memory hit her,
"Wait a second, I remember that,
when I finally awoke, I found a large simmering pot of stew waiting for me over the hearth."
"That's right"
"Hiccup..."
"If what are you gonna say involve apologising, thanking,
guilt, maybe screaming keep it,
As I told you the past is in the past, and I'm glad you're with me here and now"
Astrid closed her eyes and tried to push away the memories she had in them hurting Hiccup, and he thought this is the best time to tell her that he heard what she said to ruff that night.
He took the chance and leaned to kiss her, she didn't notice, but when their lips where inches apart, the twins rushed in from the door, making Hiccup lean backwards and Astrid open her eyes
"Guys, the rain stopped, let's do something fun"
Tuff said
"Yeah, the sun is shining"
Ruff affirmed
"Okay, come on Hiccup, and thanks for everything"
Astrid said as she pulled him with her
"You're welcome"
Hiccup sighed to himself

"Maybe next time"
____________________________________
Done.