How To Train Your Princess

Hiccup's Letters (Bonus Chapter)

Dear Astrid,

I should have asked if writing to you was okay, but I guess if not you don't have to open it, and it will get returned to me, and I'll know my answer. And even if you do open it, don't feel obligated to write back. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you. I actually think about you a lot if I'm being honest. It's okay if you don't think of me. You probably don't have hours of endless time to sit and think too far into things.

This is going to sound pathetic, but I had to tell someone. Sometimes I get so depressed that I'm all alone again that I shut down and stare blankly at the wall or whatever is in front of me and it doesn't matter what you do or say to me, because in that moment I don't exist.

I basically follow Gobber everywhere now, since Eret and Snotlout have started training again.I didn't realize how much time I spent with you until you were gone. So in other words, I'm bored out of my mind here.

Your jobless friend,

Hiccup

Dear Astrid,

Letting you go was the hardest thing I've ever done. I don't think I ever loved anyone as much as I loved you. My mom says you can't love someone unless you love yourself. I obviously don't think that's true. I don't think I've ever completely loved myself, but you--oh gods-- I've spent so much time loving you I forgot for at times what hating myself felt like.

My mom also says to find someone who encourages you to grow, who doesn't cling, and will trust you to go out into the world and trust you to come back.... I think she's talking about my father, because she always says this before he leaves the kingdom for a meeting. I think it's more of a warning than a sweet saying.

I believe this is true for us even though we both know you're never coming back. But, loving you has given me so many memories and stories to tell.