Hiccup opened the door to the Haddock household, dreary from is work at rebuilding Berk. He collapsed in his father's chair. Toothless was out, finishing his duty as the alpha, making sure every dragon was cared for and making sure all dragons were behaving. Hiccup laid his head in his hands. A small whimper escaped his lips.
"Hiccup, I know that face," a silky sweet voice said, the thud of a closing door following.
     Astrid came and sat herself on the edge of the chair. She reached back and tucked a few wisps of loose hair behind Hiccup's ear. She tilted her head with a small smile. She placed a comforting hand on his thigh and gently lifted his face from his hands. He fisted his hands together, resting his chin upon them.
     "Hiccup, it's been three days since, well you know," Astrid started.
     "You know you can say it," Hiccup interjected. "I know what you were going to say anyways."
     "And the Village doesn't care whether you are here or not," Astrid continued without a problem. "Hiccup, you need time to grieve. You've been working almost nonstop since the war."
     Hiccup rose to look her in the eye. "Astrid, the village needs a chief."
     Astrid glared at him. "But they also need a healthy chief, Hiccup, you've hardly eaten anything."
     Hiccup stood up and paced. "Astrid, I get your concern, but I need to do this. Dad would never take a sick day from chiefing, so I can't. I can never be him Astrid! But I can only try. It's hard knowing that you'll never live up to what your father wanted! I'll never know if he was ever proud, and I'll never know if I'm doing what I'm supposed to! You don't get it!"
     Astrid flinched slightly. Hiccup never yelled, especially not at her. She chewed her lip and looked down, nodding. She knew he would lash out, but she never thought it would be that bad. She stood up as he turned back towards her.
     "I'm sorry Astrid, you don't deserve this," Hiccup whispered hoarsely.
     Astrid smiled slightly and pulled him into a hug. Hiccup rested his chin in the crook of her neck. Astrid could feel his body shaking with emotion and his back jerking because of the sobs that wracked his body. Astrid rubbed a gently circle on his back. She felt the sleeve of her tunic start to feel wetter. He clung to her, as if she was the only thing left for him.
     "Hiccup." Astrid pulled away. "Hiccup, you know I always fought for my father to approve of me, and you know that I never cared when I was around you. Hiccup, Stoick would be so proud, I know I am. And you never have to apologize for being sad, it's a natural response to losing someone you love."
     Hiccup took her hands in his and caressed them around his face. "Thank you Astrid. I love you."
     Astrid could not even respond before Hiccup pulled her up to kiss her. She kissed back, but Hiccup was quite a surprise for her. He broke for a second before he latched on again, never wanting to let go. The passion that flew between them was unmeasurable. Astrid held his shoulders, while Hiccup's hands resided on her lower back and waist. As they pulled apart, Astrid sighed.
     "Who knew that Hiccup Haddock the Third had that in him," she teased.
     Hiccup took her and looked I put the window at the twinkling stars. "Astrid, you really think dad's proud?"
     Astrid laid a hand on his chest and leaned into his embrace. "I know he is, and he's looking down from Valhalla right now, telling Odin how proud he is of you."
     Hiccup smiled. He turned back and led Astrid back tot the fire. Outside the breeze whipped around the erecting statue of Stoick. His booming laughter seemed to sound softly as it swirled around the statue. Stoick was indeed looked down on Hiccup, proud as he could ever be. He had only one regret.
   That he never told Hiccup how proud he was.