Chapter Four

I couldn't take it anymore. The constant bullying I received every single day for the four years of my life since I was seven. I want to be stronger, to fit in, but I knew that even if I changed, they wouldn't accept me. Although I would never fit in on this island, it doesn't mean I wouldn't on another island. And I knew which island I can go to. I ran through the village in the crack of dawn, carrying a bag of supplies I would need on my journey, to the place where I hid a boat. When I got to the edge of the island, I pulled out the boat from the cave that acted as my hiding place through the frequent storm of bullies. Waving goodbye to the cave, I pushed the boat out into the sea. As I climbed in, I bid a quiet farewell to the loving parents I'll be leaving and to the second friend Hicc and I buried on the island after she died. While rowing the boat out into the sea, the weight I've been carrying through my whole life seemed to disappear. From today on, I'll find a new life somewhere else, a place that would accept me for who I am.

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A s t r i d

Leaves scraped my arms as I ran through the forest. But I didn't care, for a shattered heart hurts more than scratches. As I ran, I continuously called for Stormfly to come to me. Soon enough, I heard the sound of flapping wings going towards the clearing up ahead, and I instantly knew it was Stormfly.

The clearing was just a few meters away, and as I stumbled towards it, I heard shouting again. I ran a bit faster than before, but I was already running out of breath. As I ran closer to the clearing, a light appeared in front of me, making the surrounding around me glow faintly. It was right there. Just an arm's reach away!

I yelled as I exerted my last surge of energy, and broke through the thick forest to the wide open clearing.

Stormfly was standing there in the middle, looking at me expectantly. I tiredly trotted to her and began to climb on when something tugged me down by my waist. Surprised, I yelled out and turned to punch whatever was grabbing me, but stopped when I realized it was Hiccup.

"Hiccup! Don't do that! I was about to punch you!" I scolded him. "And please, just let me go!" I started pushing his hands off my waist, but before I even could, he spun me around and kissed me on the lips.

At first I resisted, and tried to push him away. But he had a strong grip, unlike back then when he was a fishbone. I gave up and just kissed him back, melting into the sweetness of his lips.

We broke apart a few seconds later. And then I punched him. Behind me, Toothless and Stormfly just growled like they were laughing.

"Ow! What was that for!" he exclaimed while rubbing his shoulders. I crossed my arm. "That's for scaring me and suddenly kissing me." As soon as I said that, I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go. Smiling, I whispered into his ears, "And this is for everything else."

He seemed to stand there frozen for a moment, but then hugged me back. We just stood there for a minute, enjoying each other's warmth and company. But I knew this couldn't last. Sighing, I let go of Hiccup. I stared into his forest green eyes, entranced by the beauty of it until Hiccup lifted me off the ground.

"Hey! What are you doing!" I shrieked. He proceeded to carry me towards the two dragons and set me down on Stormfly. Then he climbed onto his dragon, Toothless, and faced towards me. "Come on, let's head back and talk to my dad about this betrothal."

I tried smiling, but failed hopelessly. "You know we can't change your dad's mind that easily. It's near impossible." Hiccup just grinned his goofy grin at me. "If I changed my dad's mind about dragons, which we had been fighting for over 300 years, then I can change his mind about the idea of betrothal."

He had a point, and I couldn't disagree. While grinning back, I positioned myself on Stormfly, and yelled out, "Race you back!" Stormfly took off into the air, with me yelling in delight. We zoomed through the air, hopefully faster than Toothless and Hiccup.

Seconds later, I spotted the village. It was a few yards away! Glancing back, I didn't see a black dragon or the rider. Cheering silently, we landed swiftly to the ground.

I got off of Stormfly's back, only to find Hiccup behind me. "I win!" Hiccup cheered as he poked me. "Darn it! How do you keep doing that?!" I questioned frustratingly. Hiccup smirked mischievously. "I have my ways."

"Argh! Next time I'll beat you for sure!" I pouted. Hiccup laughed as he took my hand into his. "We'll see."

H i c c u p

"We'll see." I told Astrid, who was pouting, as I grabbed onto her hand, pulling her towards my house. She looks so cute when she pouts!

Anyways, as I pulled Astrid through the village with our dragons trailing behind, I didn't see that little girl I was betrothed (unwillingly) to, or her family. I was glad they weren't here. I don't want to marry someone I don't even know! Plus, I already have someone I love, Astrid! And she'll be the only one I'll ever love.

Spotting my house in the distance, I stopped Astrid before walking towards it. I grabbed her other hand and stared deeply into her entrancing blue eyes. "Whatever happens, know that I will always love you no matter what." Astrid smiled her beautiful smile, and said, "Never forget what you said today." I nodded, and promised her I will not ever forget. She hugged me and kissed my cheek. "Let's go!" she happily started pulling me towards my house.

"Dad!" I yelled when I entered the front entrance. I walked around the house with Astrid trailing behind me. "Dad!" I yelled again, but this time, I got a response. "What is it, son?" Stoick poked his head around the corner. I walked over to him, pulling Astrid closer to me. Dad noticed Astrid behind me, and came out from the corner.

"We need to talk. About the betrothal." my dad and I said in unison. Surprised, I told him to go first. Then he told me I could go first. I shook my head and told him to go first again. Stoick raised his hands up into the air. "Okay, then, I'll go first." Stoick said. He came towards Astrid and I, and put his hands on her and mine's shoulder.

"I know you both don't agree on this betrothal, and I completely understand. I actually love the idea of Astrid becoming my daughter-in-law. But I can't stop this betrothal from happening. It was going to happen someday, but I forgot about it." He then focused solely on me. "I'm sorry Hiccup. I know you love Astrid, but you just have to let go."

I pushed his hand away from my shoulders. "I'm not letting go! Astrid is the one I love, and she always will be the only one for me." I yelled at him. I wish mom was here, but alas, she was visiting another island. She could've sorted this out.

Fuming, I stormed out of the house, leaving my dad shaking his head and Astrid standing there looking at me solemnly. I hopped onto Toothless, and prepared for flight. "Come on, bud, let's get out of here."

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A/N

Did you like this chapter? I decided to add a little bit of Hiccstrid in this chapter, although it wasn't my original plan.

Sorry for not updating sooner. I injured my finger during P.E.(because of football) so it was hard to type.

Anyways, thanks for reading!

(p.s. @Kikiricki11 Thanks for the comment! It made my day!)

>.<

-Aria