Dwagons

Advice

Summary: After the events of "Dire Straits," Astrid and Heather have a little chat.

Word Count: 1,033

Just as the sun set over the horizon and the dragon riders began to retreat to their homes on Berk, Astrid Hofferson decided to take a walk around the island. They'd just returned from their escapade with the Submaripper and she'd wanted some time alone.

The events of that day had...shaken her, to say the least. Of course, they'd shaken everyone what with everyone almost drowning, Hiccup almost drowning, and being that close to getting rid of Viggo. Yet, Astrid felt...different.

The second they'd arrived back, Stoick had them unloading the trade ships, delivering food, getting the medicine up to Gothi's and just helping out all around. By the time the sun was setting, there was still work to do, but no one was willing to; everyone was tired out.

As she walked, Astrid thought about Viggo. How when she finally pieced together the events of her time with the scourge, she wanted to slaughter him, how he'd almost caused an entire species to go extinct, how...worried Hiccup was. How he'd plagued Berk with poverty. How so many had almost come close to dying of starvation. 

Astrid was mad. Not just mad, livid.

Viggo had caused so much pain. He'd endangered so many dragons, he'd killed so many dragons, he almost killed Hiccup.

Astrid knew that with one swing of an ax, he'd be dead; but that wasn't a peaceful resolution to the problem.

A sigh escaped her mouth. Hiccup. Ever since she recovered from the scourge, she'd been pushing him to the back of her mind. His words, "I can't imagine a world without you in it," stuck with her. After the events of earlier, she finally realized what he meant.

"Augh!" Astrid grunted. She didn't approve of the feelings she was feeling. 

After maybe another hour of walking, Astrid headed back to Berk. She thought about heading back home, but instead, decided to head into the great hall.

"Can't sleep?" came a voice from behind.

Astrid's ears perked. She turned around, ready for battle, but only saw Heather, standing with a cup of tea in each hand and a grin on her face.

"Heather!" Astrid greeted, startled. "What are you--"

"Your folks asked me to look for you."

Astrid gave a nod. "Well, thanks, but you can just tell them I'm out for some fresh air. I won't be back for a while."

Heather rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Still a little shaken from today?" She took a seat next to Astrid, who looked away. 

"Astrid," Heather scolded, handing her the tea. "You're not going to get over anything unless you talk about it." Astrid stayed silent. "Now, when did your crush on Hiccup start?"

Astrid whipped her head around and opened her mouth to speak, but found no words. How had Heather known?

"I--I--"

Heather sipped her tea and grinned. "Astrid, it's pretty obvious. You're not exactly the best at concealing your feelings."

Astrid sighed and looked out over the lake. "Well," she began. "It's not exactly the newest thing..."

Heather snorted. "Astrid, come on. I've known you've had a thing for Hiccup since the first time we met three years ago. What I mean is, did it start when he took you for a ride on Toothless or did it have its roots before then?" 

Astrid sighed and sipped the tea. "I dunno. I guess it was, I guess it was when Hiccup was cast out of the group when we were kids. It was weird not having him there and I started thinking about him a lot, but I just brushed off the feelings as me trying to get used to his absence. And I guess, it just evolved over time."

"Okay," Heather began, placing her tea on the table. "What do you plan to do about it?"

Astrid opened her mouth but closed it again. That was a good question. 

Heather rolled her eyes. "Astrid, you know that if you don't do anything about it, you're never gonna get anywhere. You two will only be miserable for the rest of your lives."

"Well, how do you know that Hiccup returns my feelings, huh?"

Heather rose an eyebrow.

Astrid sighed. "Okay, I suppose you have a point. But we're happy the way we are now what if we--"

"Ruin things?" Heather guessed. She shook her head an placed a hand on her friend's shoulder. "You won't know unless you give it a try. Otherwise, you two will just be in the same place for the rest of your lives."

Astrid contemplated this. Heather was right, if she didn't do anything, she'd be in that position for a long, long time. It was a challenge, but Fearless Astrid Hofferson never backed down from a challenge. Ever.

She smiled and rose. "Thanks, Heather. I'll think about it." Heather grinned. "Now," Astrid began. "Let's go get some sleep. I have a feeling we'll need it in the coming weeks..."

^^^

A few months since their talk had passed, Astrid found herself blinded, soaking wet, feeling helpless, and "staring" at Hiccup.

"Astrid, you have me no mater what. Whatever that means. Whatever you want it to mean. I  am with you. There will always be a Hiccup and Astrid. Always.

Astrid felt a warmth approaching her face.

Oh Thor, she thought. I'm not ready, I can't not now--

Click click click

"Did you hear that?"

^^^

Just as the sun set over the horizon and the Dragon Riders began to retreat to their homes on Dragon's Edge, Astrid Hofferson walked out of the clubhouse to speak to Hiccup. Finally, she felt ready.

Though she knew it was partially her fault, Astrid still asked: "So, why didn't you?"

Hiccup looked stunned until finally, he said: "Well, it wasn't perfect..."

Astrid glance out in front of them. The sunset was gorgeous, birds were everywhere, the ocean was shinning. It was perfect. Beautiful. Splendid.

"Well, right now seems perfect, don't you think?"

"Oh. OH! Yeah, I guess, I guess it does."

That was it. No warning. Just, their lips, they met for the fourth time. So why exactly were they just getting together now? Good question.

The world may never know.