Spirit of a Warrior - HTTYD

Ten

"Astrid please wait!", Hiccup is still running after me as I collapse onto my saddle.

He stops next to us as I dare look down on his small frame.

"It's always about dragons. Is that the only thing you ever think about?!", I shout and Toothless gives me a questioning gurgle.

"No... of course not!", he fights back.

"Then how could you forget?", I say sniffing and wiping my eyes.

Hiccup doesn't say a word, but he digs in his satchel once again.

It takes him a minute to find what he's looking for and my impatience stirs within me more violently.

He holds up a journal that was tied with twine.

It's MY journal; the one I left behind the day I saved Hiccup from that dragon.

"Oh. Thank Thor you found my journal", I sarcastically jump down from Stormfly and snatch the leather material.

Hiccup then gives me an exasperated glare, "You're impossible! Do you seriously think I'd forget Astrid Hofferson's birthday?"

He's slightly angry, but discouragement lies in his eyes.

The use of my full name strikes a place within me. I am reminded that he probably has cared about me a lot longer than I realize.

My stomach falls through to my feet at his words. I swallow my pride as embarrassment slaps me across the face.

I look at the bound journal and notice its bulging in the middle.

I untie the bow, open the pages, and there lies a perfect little white pearl.

I hold it in my hand and it glistens against the sunset beams.

"Oh Hiccup... I..."

"That pearl came from the island that the Wooly Howl was on. I... was celebrating it because it lead me to find the perfect gift for you. A pearl. For it is only a grain of sand, but over time it grows into something beautiful. The most beautiful and priceless of things take time to develop. Like us", he says ever so sweetly. It was obviously rehearsed because he didn't have a smile on his face like he should in this moment.

Once again I have let my deranged  and impulsive side take over how I react to this poor boy.

"Hiccup... I'm... I'm so sorry...", I look down at my precious gift.

"For what? Yelling at me, abandoning your gift, or procrastinating to get to your party?"

That last one catches me off guard, "Wait, party? You were just invited to dinner with my family?"

He rolls his eyes and begins to laugh, "That's a party in your eyes. Anything more than 4 people. Thanks for the invite by the way"

I look at the ground in shame as tears try to escape again. I am beyond myself as I let him see me cry once again.

"Hey hey. Stop that, Astrid", he tries but I can't help it.

He comes close to me and softly lifts my chin to look into his eyes.

"I'm impossible...", I whimper, mocking his words, at my ridiculous behavior.

"No. You're just Astrid", he says as his eyes scan my face. Thumb wiping the salty droplets from my cheek.

"But you said...", I start but his lips crash against mine.

There's an eagerness and desire that I didn't think Hiccup Haddock could have. He was driving this kiss more than I ever could. Well, based off of the few that we've shared. I've grown to enjoy this slightly more bold Hiccup.

"I meant, you're impossible to believe that I would forget such a special day", he says tucking my hair behind my ear again, revealing my eyes.

"And by Astrid, I mean... strong! Strong spirited... strong WILLED...", he snickers.

"Alright, I get it", I pull away.

He grabs my arms and pulls me back into him.

There is now a taunting smirk on his lips that made him look all the more dorky. It began to irritate me how much I like that goofy expression.

His green eyes are diving into my now exposed ones and is begging to see within.

My heart continues its march as my breathing tries to keep up with its tempo.

"I think we've stalled long enough", he speaks.

"Stalled?"

"Yes, we should go", he begins to walk down the path with his night fury bounding behind.

"What? Hiccup?", I am left in my spot on the dirt road.

"Come on, Astrid", he says and I begin to follow.

Once we're at my house, he pauses at the door and waits for me to climb the stairs.

"Happy Birthday", he whispers as he kisses my cheek.

The door is pushed open and the gang, Gobber, Stoick and few others are gathered around my living room and kitchen.

"ASTRID!"

"Happy Birthday!"

Was heard all around the room.

Hiccup has a proud grin as he goes and greets everyone in the room.

There's mild decorations that hung across the ceilings and walls. Candles are lit all around.

That little... he knew he'd a rise out of me and stall me to get back home so everyone could get to the house before I did.

I am slightly angry at HOW he did it..., but ended up pulling off a little surprise for me.

A meal is shared and songs are sung to make my face turn red. I am not used to such attention, but I'm not complaining either.

Hiccup catches my glance across the table and is noticing that I am over-joyed about all that I have received today. I give a humorous and snarky eye-roll.

"I know you", he crosses his arms.

I can't help but beam at Hiccup Haddock.

I roll the pearl on my fingertips as I think about how he probably had to search endlessly for it.

I don't know how he does it, but I am enamored by the boy who trained a dragon.

"You know what would make this party more awesome?!", Tuff asks.

"A race around the village?", Ruff raises an eyebrow.

"Oh it's on!", Hiccup whistles for his night fury.

"You guys are going to eat Nadder dust!", I scream as I bolt out the door.

What could possibly be better than this life?