When We Meet Again

Chapter 34: It's Graduation Day II

It's finally graduation. The day Astrid Hofferson would finally complete her master's degree. The day she and her roommates would finally start building their way up in the employment sector. Excitement bubbled within her as she woke up, slipped on a formal-casual outfit and packed her robes and mortarboard into her backpack. Simultaneously, deep in her chest her heart ached as she thought about bidding farewell to her tutors and lecturers, the very people who guided her to where she was today. With a deep sigh, she shook off her nerves and pain before knocking on the twin's bedroom to make sure they were awake.

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It's finally graduation. Well, not yet for Hiccup Haddock. It was the day the love of his life would make the next huge step to the future. It was also the day he would be completing his bachelor's degree, and without needing to return to California, had successfully obtained a spot for his own master's at the university.

Hiccup literally rolled out of bed in exhaustion. As he groped about for his prosthetic, Toothless jumped around him, his tail wagging so hard it appeared to be spinning while he licked his owner's face. "Toothless, quit it! It's not going to wash off in time for the ceremony!!"

Moments later, Snotlout came barging into the room, where Hiccup and Toothless were sprawled on the ground battling each other playfully, making him groan in exasperation. "Come on Hiccup, at least Fishface is getting ready!" He exclaimed, referring to Fishlegs in the shower.

The annoyed young man then carried Toothless off Hiccup, allowing him to get up and fasten his prosthetic leg to stand. "Thanks for the reminder Snot. Also, I prepared some oats last night for a quick breakfast, get your share in the fridge," he explained as he pulled off his t-shirt and tossed it into the laundry basket.

With that, Snotlout's sour morning mood twisted into a smirk. "Well what d'you know, it's nice hearing that breakfast had been settled," he said before making his way back to the kitchen.

The entire apartment buzzed in excitement, not only for themselves, but for the new friends they had made on their exchange program. It could take a few more years for the rest of them to finally reach that milestone, however, no one was complaining and appreciated every moment of the journey.

Nearly two hours later, they met the rest of the gang on campus, all dressed in their robes and were ready to obtain their certificates from the dean. As they sat in the crowd, everyone cheered and clapped for every single graduate. However, Hiccup remained distracted by one particular blonde beauty who he was madly proud of and couldn't pry his eyes away from.

When Astrid received her certificate, Hiccup was probably the loudest among the cheers, even over Heather's high-pitched whoops. From the distance, a tint of pink on her cheeks was noticeable, which was clearly not from the overwhelming crowd. She flashed her bright, cheery grin and gave a small wave to the auburn-haired boy, who couldn't help but feel butterflies in his stomach. "Damn, I love that girl, I'm so proud of her," was all that ran through his mind.

Throughout the months ever since they opened up to each other, Astrid had spent much of her time cooped up in her bedroom studying, while Hiccup only occasionally visited. All those months she needed that space, which definitely paid off by achieving the top marks. The time was right this time, and he wasn't going to screw it up.

After the ceremony, the gang met up in an open field where they took photos together and with their loved ones. Heather's and the twins' parents came from Berk to witness the graduation, while Gobber decided to drop everything for once in his career life to give Astrid the support she needed. Ever since Hiccup introduced him to her, he vowed to care and support the young girl like his own child, just like how he loved Hiccup.