AN: Hey guys! So, a lot more people are reading this than I ever thought would happen, so I'm absolutely ecstatic right now! I literally thought my friend would read this, and that's it, but I guess fate had other plans. I'm not complaining. 😂 Anyway, a big thank you to everyone who is reading this! Remember to comment ideas and stuff. Criticism much appreciated! Anyway, thank you guys so much for reading my crappy story. Enjoy!

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Astrid's POV

What did Hiccup mean when he had said, 'I've been through worse'? I mean, what kind of pain has he gone through before? When he said that did he mean emotionally or physically?
     My mind was working hard as I left my room. I would just sleep on the couch. My father would question me, but I always come up with excuses, and my parents never go into my room anyway, so Hiccup wouldn't get caught.
Maybe I should've pressed Hiccup on his, issue, further. It didn't look like he had started his problem long ago, judging by the scars. There was a good amount of them.
At first I had believed they were battle scars, then I realized how ridiculous that was. Hiccup didn't fight, because he is small and weak, compared to others.
I had pondered over this while cleaning up his broken form. I remembered how cruel the others were to him, not that I was much better. The Vikings my age would constantly bully him. I did too. Bullying him actually rose my popularity among my people. I remember one time, I was even raised up on Snotlout's shoulders and cheered in for beating up Hiccup, and beating him hard.

Flashback

I pushed the far too skinny boy on the ground. Hiccup curled into a ball, trying to protect his stomach from my kicks. I didn't care how much it hurt him. I wouldn't show mercy. As I Viking, I had to be willing to do anything. I kicked him harder, and threw worse insults at the Fishbone, calling him useless, pathetic, weak, stupid, a waste of space. I kneeled down next to him, grabbing his arms and shoving them on the ground next to his head. I held them there by his wrists. I quickly took one hand away and connected my fist with his jawline.
I didn't hear a crack, which made me a little disappointed. By this time into my beating him, a crowd had gathered around, watching and cheering me on.
I punched him again and again. At one point the group around me had gone silent. I turned my head around to see the chieftain, Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, watching me. I thought he would be furious with me beating his only child and son too pulp, but he just walked away. I was so surprised, I didn't notice that Hiccup had squirmed out of my grasp. He rolled into his stomach, panting, trying to catch his breath from me kicking him so hard.
Suddenly very aware of the crowd around me I turned back to Hiccup. I got to my feet, walked over to him, his eyes wide with fear and pain. I kicked him on his side, satisfied when he yelped, and grabbed his side, tears brimming his green eyes. I knew at that point a couple of his ribs were broken.
Before I could continue, Gobber stepped in and went on about how we should 'leave the poor lad alone.' None if us were listening. We just laughed at the old blacksmith. Sometimes Gobber was just so protective of Hiccup.
After a minute if Gobber's rambling, a nasally voice from the crowd asked, "Are you done already?" I instantly recognized it as Snotlout.
Gobber glared in the direction Snotlout's voice.
"Fine." Gobber replied grumpily, as he gathered up Hiccup's bruised body and took him away, probably to the metal works shop.
Once Gobber left, the entire crowd went wild. They congratulated me on beating Hiccup, as if I had just completed some sort of Rite of Passage. Which, in a sense I had. When someone beats up Hiccup, it's kind of like them showing loyalty to, real Vikings, they liked to say. The entire tribe already knew I was the best female warrior of my age, and that made me popular, but this will have people appreciating me and welcoming me. It was amazing. Snotlout walked up to me, beaming.
"Good job Astrid!" He shouted over the crowd. "I thought you would've done this sooner, but hey, at least you finally beat that worthless imbecile. He deserved that, don't you think? I mean how sowing like that be the son of the chieftain? I pretty sure your just the long lost daughter of Stoick, because of your amazing fighting skills!"
I smiled at him, and he smiled back. He threw me on his shoulders, and started marching around chanting my name. Soon the entire crowd had joined in.
It felt good, but at the same time, I felt absolutely horrible. I just decided to shake the feeling off, and enjoy this moment.

End of Flashback

I shook myself out of the four year old memory, as I lay down on the couch so I could sleep. I really hoped Hiccup was okay. I know I had hurt him badly in the past, and was extremely surprised when he had shared everything with me. All though I did get he was holding something back. I didn't blame him though. I mean, would you want to tell someone who beat you, every little detail of your life? I know I wouldn't. I didn't know someone could carry that much shame and self-loathe on themselves, especially with the whole village of Berk to add to that. The little Fishbone may not be physically the strongest person, but he sure is mentally. I had a lot of respect for in that sense. Even though I would never admit that to anyone else in this world or the afterlife.
I began to rethink everything about Hiccup that night. Was he really that emotionally pained, or was it just a 'Pity Me' act? How often did he cut? How deep? Where?
I had only seen it on his arms, but I didn't go exploring, because that would be invading his privacy. It went pretty high up on his arms too. On both forearm's all the way up to his elbows. At least I could tell what was skin and what was scar.
I hoped that somehow things would get better for him. I wouldn't be able to stop everyone from abusing him, but I could try. But then again, that would get everyone beating on me, even if I did fight back. No, I would be emotional support, but wouldn't get publicly involved and have people start calling me his friend. That would surely get me shunned by the village. I couldn't do that to myself, no matter how hard I wanted to help him. I would be here for him, like if someone hurt him physically, I would help him get patched up, but if he was emotionally abused by others, I would offer some advice, and talk to him about it. Yes. That the best way to help, instead of throwing my self under the wagon with him.
I closed my eyes, letting exhaustion lull me too sleep.

Stoick's POV

Where is that boy?! Ugh, he too much like his mother. I quickly stopped thinking about my late wife, deciding that thinking about her might make me sad. I refused to show emotion. I could not let weakness through, even if I was alone.
As to where Hiccup was, I did not know, but I at least hoped he stayed at Gobber's a little longer, than anything else. He's been running off into the woods a lot lately. I'm beginning to get suspicious as too what he might be doing in there.
It was night now, and I decided to see if the boy was at Gobber's shop. I walked down the dark, dirt roads of the village to the blacksmith. I ducked walking inside the small building. I had to continue slightly bent, because if how tall I was and how low the ceiling was. How could Gobber work in here?
I found Gobber sitting down on a small bench, looking worried. I sat down next to him and asked, "Where's Hiccup."
"I aven't seen the lad since this afternoon." Gobber said, still looking slightly troubled. "I thought'e was with you."
I sighed. "He doesn't seem to like being around me."
I don't give Gobber a chance to say anything, and continue.
"Why do you look troubled, Gobber?"
"Just something personal, nothing that I should tell you, as it's not in my place too."
"Gobber, you can tell me anyth'in you know?"
"Aye Stoick, I know, but I think I should let them tell ya on their own time." Gobber got up as I said, "Who needs to tell me what? Surely you can tell me who."
Gobber thought about it for a minute, then shook his head.
"Sorry, Stoick, but I can't. It'll pressure them, and they don't need anymore of that." With those words, Gobber left, calling back to me, "Lock up when yer done!"
I sighed. Sometimes Gobber could be so cryptic. He won't tell me anything about this person who needs my help, and he won't give me any hints on how to know who this person is. I get up and walk out of the shop making sure to lock the building before leaving.
I still have no idea where Hiccup is. I decide to go home. Hiccup would most likely be there in the morning, if not there now.
I arrived at home, and went to bed, peeking in Hiccup's room. As I did this, I noticed something strange. Around Hiccup's window, there were strange, leafy frost patterns making a path from his shutters, and around his room. There were even some leading down the hall I had come from. I decided I was just tired so I went to bed, hoping what I had seen was just a dream.

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AN: Hey guys! So, how was that? Did you like my first Astrid POV? Am I portraying the characters right? Is there anything I'm missing? Please tell me! I really love all of your advice! So, this is my longest chapter yet, with 1,795 words!I'm so glad that people are reading this story! It warms my heart that people actually think my crappy first fanfic is something worth reading! I appreciate it beyond words. Thank you guys. I love all of you. Until next time. 😉