Until They Can Return in Peace - How to Train Your Dragon

Chapter 6 - Astrid

"Okay it has to be here" Hiccup says looking at his map every which way.

"Babe, why don't you tell me where the heck we are going so I can help you?"

"No Astrid, it's a surprise" he says with eyebrows furrowed at the old mass of papers that has been folded a thousand times over.

We're just not used to finding things by boat anymore. The journey takes twice as long and... a little bit more sickening to the stomach... but it's okay.

The party lasted well into last night which also ended with us being thrown up in the air several times.

I am still quite exhausted from the whole ordeal but Hiccup and I were able to sneak away before too late.

Of course... he and I didn't do much sleeping either...

Hiccup notices me blushing wildly at my thoughts.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" He smirks, peeking his head out from the map.

I giggle at the sight, "Nothing new. You".

He steps forward to kiss my cheek, "Don't worry, there's plenty of time for... all that once we get to our destination" he awkwardly gestures to me.

I can't help but double over in laughter as his nerdy and charming self. Trying so hard to be sly. That right there is a perfect description of my husband.

Husband.

That still baffles me.

"Ah! Look!" He points behind me, almost startling me.

I turn around and a wave of nostalgia hits my heart, sending emotion straight to my throat.

I can't believe it. It's been years.

"Surprise! This is our honeymoon destination!" Hiccup pulls on the sail to angle it to go faster.

We soon dock just as the sun begins to set.

It's just as beautiful as I remember it, but quiet and peaceful more than before.

I help Hiccup with the trunk of clothing and supplies off the ship and we begin walking towards the huts.

"The Edge really takes you back" he looks up at what be built as teenagers. He's smiling though, which makes me happy.

"Oh yeah. Many memories are shared here... *GASP*" I stop mid sentence.

There are scattered flower petals all along the deck to Hiccup's hut, and I see vines of them hanging from the clubhouse.

Everything was still in its original glory. Memories of battles, pranks, rivalries, friends, foes and dragons flood my mind. But I am no longer sad, I am glad that I played a part in such a wonderful time.

By the time I realize I was reminiscing for too long, Hiccup had the trunk already inside.

He comes over and wraps his arms around me.

He lands a passionate and tender kiss onto my lips, lingering a while.

I gaze into my husband's green eyes. They're gentle with vibrancy in the sunset. My heart beating in the rhythm of the moment.

Suddenly, he sweeps me off my feet bridal style. He struggles with this a little due to his leg, but tries very hard not to show it.

"Astrid, I brought you here because... it's where... we really came to be. Sure you and I have always felt something, but truly falling in love with you happened right here on this island" he states then kisses my forehead. I can't help but smile at his words.

He uses his good foot to open the door, and he carries me across the threshold.

Once again I see more flower petals and the place looks freshly painted and there's new furniture.

"Hiccup how did all of this get here? And the flowers?" I ask.

"I... uh... called in a favor to our friends on Berserker island" he sets me down and rubs the back of his neck.

"Wait... did you lie to me about not knowing they were at the wedding..?" I ask slightly irritated.

"Yes... but Heather did all of this for my surprise and her coming to the wedding was a surprise for you too!" He defends putting his hands on my shoulder.

I exhale.

"You know I hate surprises" I look away.

"I know... but you deserve them" he holds my chin and turns my face towards his.

Now I feel stupid for even considering being upset.

"You've always been such a good gift giver... I didn't think to..." he cuts me off with a kiss.

"No need. You are my gift. Not only are you here with me, but you're with me as my wife now".

I wrap him in a tight hug. Almost clinging for dear life.

This knucklehead is everything to me. He has changed my life more than he understands. He loves me for who I am. He's carried me through the worst of trials; from being blinded, almost drowning, the scourge of Odin, and even going with me against the Flightmare. Just to name a few.

He has never failed to have my back.

"You okay?" He asks half laughing at the fact that I'm hanging on him.

"I love you Hiccup" I whisper.

"I know" he says in that tone.

I giggle and roll my eyes.

"I love you Astrid" he affirms me.

"Are you hungry? Let's cook something I'm starved" he asks going over to get some bread and vegetables out of the trunk.

"I thought you'd never ask" I say excitedly following him.

He starts a fire over the stove and I follow with a pot of water.

We cut the vegetables as we chat lightly. Me nudging him off and on and our laugher fills the atmosphere.

I love us. So simple, yet wonderful.

Just he and I. The alone time we've been trying to get since we got interrupted down on this very beach several years ago.

A whole week! I'm so excited and at peace.