56: Danger Ahead.

"I don't know Hiccup! Why do we have to fight?!"

"We don't, that's exactly my point! Why won't you listen to me, Astrid?!"

"Because you're being stupid, that's why!"

Both Vikings were face to face, eyes boring into each other, burning with furiousity. An axe was gripped at Astrid's side, and a piece of paper at Hiccup's; both of them were shouting angrily, ignoring Toothless's worried whines as their yells echoed off the ceiling and walls.

"I am not being stupid- look, it makes logical sense to just ask them to leave!" Hiccup made a frustrated noise as he watched the blonde shake her head irritably.

"They won't leave Hiccup, they're Vikings, like us! They're not like you! No-one is!"

"Then maybe people should open their eyes more then!" His voice eventually reached breaking point and he sank down into a nearby chair, hands trembling at his knees, making Astrid's face fall from an angry one to a concerned one.

Silence fell between them before she spoke.

"I agree, Hiccup... But it's true; no-one is like you. They're not going to listen... We know we can beat them, they're outnumbered but they just don't know it. Maybe once they see that, they'll..." She broke off as she watched him bury his face in his hands.

"I'm still scared, Astrid. What if you get hurt, or my father, or any of your family..." Hiccup's quieted voice trailed off as he felt the seat sink next to him; but then his eyes opened in surprise as he felt arms round him, pulling him closer. Not even hesitating once, he placed his head on her shoulder, taking a minute to calm down as he reveled in her warmth; her heartbeat filling his head and matching rhymth to his.

He could practically feel Astrid's strength ebbing into him; he could feel her hands cradling not just his body but his heart as well.

It took them a while before either of them spoke.

"Sorry for not listening..." Hiccup mumbled as he raised his head to meet Astrid's blue eyes; she smiled faintly before shaking her head.

"It's my fault too, I wasn't listening to you either... But you know that I'm right, otherwise I'd listen to you. You've proved me wrong before, Hiccup."

She placed a gentle kiss against his mouth and the two remained wrapped in each other's embrace, the only sound being the sound of the fire crackling in the background and the occasional creak from the floorboards.

It was only when a Viking came bursting through the door with a message about the upcoming battle that the couple split apart; a look of determination on each other's faces.

"We'll give them a chance. If they don't see sense, then..." Hiccup's face faltered at the end of his sentence but he was reassured by a squeeze from Astrid's hand as they both walked towards the door, Toothless following.

"Just promise me you won't get hurt, okay?"

Hiccup smiled at her affectionately.

"Don't worry Astrid; if there's danger ahead, I won't let anything hurt you. And if that means that myself getting injured also gets you hurt, then I'll protect both myself and you..."

The sentence was paused halfway as he pressed a kiss to her lips, both apologetic and understanding.

"...to the very end."