It had been about a month since you and Astra were reunited. Things on Berk were getting better for the both of you. Gobber had offered you a position at the forge, seeing as whenever you had the chance you'd swing by and sketch out little inventions and trinkets, then turn those drawings into a reality. He really appreciated the extra work, as you juggled both your own side work and the actual job a lot better than Hiccup. "Aye, between you and me lass, I like you a lot better." Gobber had told you one day, with a wink.

Astra on the other hand, was settling pretty well...except for the fact that Toothless wouldn't leave her alone, and would pine after her if Hiccup wasn't keeping him busy. It was clear Toothless had taken a liking to Astra, and wouldn't take no for an answer either. But Astra was still hung up on Hades, and dragon mate bonds last a lifetime. It was obvious she was liking him back, but...she felt like she was betraying Hades, and didn't push for it to happen. "He'd want you to be happy." You had said once, her head on your lap as you stroked her snout. She had crooned softly. "A bond lasts a lifetime. He's still my mate, even in death. I...I just can't." And since then you haven't tried to convince her.

But now, you were flying around freely, somewhat following Hiccup on one of his many flights away from the village and out into the open world. You were slightly disappointed you were missing the dragon race, as it had become a pastime that even you grew affectionate for. But you did like being around Hiccup. He made you smile more. And he made you really happy. You also had noticed he was more...attractive? You would't admit that to anyone though, not even Astra, who had begun to tease you for being around Hiccup so much.

You loved watching him and Toothless fly together. They looked so free. You gave Astra a pat on the side of her neck, adjusting your goggles you made earlier in the month at the forge, and making sure your gloves were on properly. "All set." Astra thrummed, moving so you slid down her back. Astra angled herself so you slid down and held her tail, slowing slightly to fling you forwards. You passed by a surprised Hiccup, giving him a wink and clicking your fingers before pointing at him with finger guns. He laughed, but slightly grew worried as you continued to go downwards. You noticed the worried look in his eyes when you looked back at him and saluted him, to assure him you were fine.

However, he was still frowning. "You can't be having all the fun!" He called out, putting Toothless' tail onto his somewhat new automatic gear, flipped his prothstetic and muttered something to his Night Fury. You could hear the disagreeing croon, but not what the dragon said. You chuckled, before Hiccup rolled his shoulders and slid off Toothless' side. Your eyes widened, making you let out a high pitched whistle. Astra faintly thrummed back a response before you heard and felt the explosion of her plasma blast, which launched you up higher.

Hiccup, during that time, had slipped his wrists into something by his ankles and pulled them upwards, revealing his hidden wings. His flight suit! You realised, watching him with curiosity. Toothless shot plasma blasts in a similar fashion to Astra, giving Hiccup propulsion. You pulled your arms and shoulders back, signalling for Astra to swoop in and grab you, which she did. She let go of one of your arms, letting you wrap around the leg she still held onto you with and slip back onto her saddle-less back. You gave her neck a pat, and she raced towards Hiccup and Toothless.

"I didn't think you'd actually put this suit to use!" You shouted over the wind, and Hiccup's over-excited yells. He looked back at you with one of he dorky smiles. You felt your cheeks flush momentarily, before you pushed the feeling back. "Neither did I! But... This is amazing!" He looked forward yet again, as you passed through a thick cloud, only to reveal an incoming sea stack. "Hiccup!" As you called his name, he shouted something whilst Toothless tried to swoop in and catch him. Astra raced forwards also, colliding into him just as he wrapped his wings around his rider. Panicking, she shot a plasma blast and both Night Furies plummeted towards land.

You managed to steer Astra upwards, earning a groan of effort from her but doing so let you manoeuvre and land safely. The same couldn't be said for the boys. They crashed into many trees and rolled over several times before landing. Toothless groaned and lifted his wing as Hiccup sat upright, flipping his prosthetic again and standing, before putting away the suit's fin and wings. "Looks like we found another one bud." He commented, looking outwards toward a string of islands. You landed, silently laughing at the pouting Toothless, who was sulking. You dismounted Astra and were about to walk towards Hiccup when Toothless threw a small stone at the back of Hiccup's head. He turned around, surprised, as you snorted and burst out laughing. He narrowed his eyes at you, but noticed that Toothless was still pouting.

You laughed more as you watched them bicker, before Hiccup launched himself at Toothless telling him to "Take this on for size." Toothless just rolled his eyes and made his way towards the cliff, dangling his rider over the edge before he gave in. Laughing, Toothless flopped backwards and began to play fight with Hiccup, batting at his forearms with his paws. Hiccup was going on about dragons and vikings being at war again, calling Toothless "a beast" and making a smartass comment of saying "it's ugly" before Toothless had enough and dropped his weight onto him. He groaned, obviously winded. You laughed even more as Toothless then proceeded to lick Hiccup's face, which got him complaining as he rolled away, flicking the saliva back towards his dragon.

Astra, finding the situation to be hilarious walked over to Toothless and began taunting him. "You're so slow," she began, batting at him playfully, "no wonder I always win our races." Toothless narrowed his eyes and growled, playfully of course, and got down low, hindquarters waggling. "You better take that back." Astra rolled her eyes. "Or what? What're you going to-" She squeaked as Toothless launched himself at her, the two now wrestling and trying to pin the other down. Hiccup stood and shook his head, laughing a little whilst you shielded yourself and shoved him. "Hey! You don't need to go sharing your Fury saliva, thank you very much."

He gave you an evil grin before he tackled you to the ground, purposely rubbing his cheek against yours. You groaned in disgust, shoving him away again, cheeks dusted pink whilst he only laughed. "You're pure evil." You whined. He only laughed. You sat and looked towards the sky. "So what was the rush this morning? I was just about to go through the door after helping Gobber out, when you dragged me off and said we were going." He looked down. "Not—Not that I mind." He smiled at your added comment, looking up at you. "Dad told me no one would be more proud to have a successor like myself. That he wants to retire and have me become chief."

"What an honour!" You said, eyes widening. "I know, but...It's just not me." His head hung again. "H-hey, I know what it's like. Not...Not to your extent, but I do know what it's like to take on more responsibility." He gave you a side glance. "Really now, dragon girl?" You scoffed at the name. "Excuse me? Dragon girl? Where in Odin's beard have you pulled out this name?" He chuckled, leaning against you. You held back the groan of disgust as he unknowingly wiped more saliva on you. "Well, you yourself said you've been living with dragons for twelve years, dragon girl. How could you know what it's like?" You stiffened, not wanting to tell Hiccup of the other Night Furies and your adoptive dragon family. "I uh," You looked out in the distance, trying to find a distraction but instead seeing smoke. "Hiccup. Something's out there."

"Ha ha. Nice try, you're not getting out of this one." He rolled his eyes. You sighed, peeling your eyes away from the smoke, before roughly grabbing his chin with a thumb and forefinger. For a moment your heart raced. It seemed as if he looked into your eyes, down to your lips, and back again. You mentally shook your head and tugged his chin in the direction of the smoke, your eyes following it also. "What're you—oh." You both looked at each other, silently agreeing with each other before nodding and racing to mount your confused dragons.

And with that you raced towards the smoke, not knowing what you'd find.