Run Away (HTTYD)

The Red Death

Chapter 10

It was eventually decided that, despite the Red Death's presence, the Vikings would attack the nest by sea, with the exception of Hiccup's Dragon Riders. They were supposed to lead the ships and rescue anyone who needed rescuing.

Hiccup felt they were underestimating the sheer size of the beast, but there wasn't much he could do. Vikings were, after all, incredibly stubborn.

He was wandering through the forest near Toothless's cove, thinking of everything that had happened. Toothless was off somewhere by himself, probably hunting. Or exploring.

Hiccup wasn't sure when he'd forgotten his own name in the time he was gone, only that when Astrid found him, he'd barely recognized the Norse word that was associated with him.

"Hiccup?" He looked up to see Astrid approaching. "Mind if I join you?"

"No, no... By all means, I don't mind... Really." He smiled shyly, shaking his head.

"So, what are you doing out here?" She asked curiously.

"Oh, nothing... Just thinking." He replied. "Mostly... About what's happened." Astrid nodded and they walked in silence for a bit. "Astrid, thanks."

She looked over at him, surprised. "What for?"

"For finding me," He answered. "I was almost... Not, um... Not..." He sighed. "Astrid, I... Forgot my own name, when I was gone. I almost forgot my language too..."

Astrid's eyes widened considerably. "You forgot your own name? Wow..." He nodded, suddenly interested in his feet.

"I never forgot your name though..." He peeked at her through his hair. "I came back a few times, after... To get things I needed."

"That explains how you got Gobber's sheep." Astrid joked. Hiccup smiled faintly as he sat down on a boulder. Astrid planted herself beside him. "What's wrong, Hiccup?" She asked him gently.

"I... I don't feel... Like I'm home, here anymore... I don't want to forget again, either... It's just..." He admitted. "I want to stay... But, I've been gone too long. I'm used to being... Just me and Toothless, and this... It's weird."

Astrid nodded. "That kind of makes sense... I guess I'd feel the same way if I was gone that long."

Hiccup looked over at her. "Astrid... I'm going back to my island... After the battle, if... If I survive. And I was wondering if, do you... Want to come with me?"

Astrid opened her mouth to decline, but stopped. Hiccup was really cute now... And he wanted her to live with him. Alone. It would be really peaceful and quiet, something she'd never have on Berk... She'd been in his house. There was only one bed... She mentally slapped herself, but nodded anyway. "Sure, Hiccup. I'd love to."

The stupid grin on his face didn't leave until they re-entered the village some time later to find Vikings boarding the ships. The other dragons were already settled on the decks, with their riders nearby.

Toothless had joined them at some point, and now Hiccup swung onto his back as they walked, pulling Astrid on with him. "Come on! We have a battle to win." As an afterthought, he added "Hold on."

She screamed, clinging to him as they took off vertically. Toothless smirked as he took them first into the clouds and then pulled into a steep dive, headed straight down towards the boats.

Cries of "Night Fury! Get down!" rang out on the docks below as Toothless pulled up just short of the water. He landed neatly on the pier and Hiccup helped a thoroughly shaken Astrid off of the dragon's back.