2: Love.

2: Love.

There was one thing that Hiccup never thought Astrid would ever say.

It wasn't "ow!"; even though it was a rarity to hear it in the girl's voice. In fact, he'd heard at least twice, when the blonde thought no-one was around; it seems that even trained warriors have their clumsy moments with their weapons.

It wasn't "It's beautiful...". He'd heard that murmur in his ear as they sailed over the calm seas surrounding Berk, watching the sunset sink down, soft breeze rustling the hair about their ears.

It wasn't "thank you.", for she'd said that in so many ways; through her blue-glazed gaze, her touch and her kisses.

It was three words. Nothing complicated; three, simple words.
They were completely un-Viking, and completely un-Astrid.

He had never expected to find her head resting at his shoulder, murmuring against his skin as buried her face in his neck, arms around his waist.

The thing she murmured was three words, and it made him stop breathing, just for a few moments.

"I love you."

Hiccup smiled. Love was a weird thing, strange and unconditional. And he'd finally found it.

"I love you too, Astrid."