a/n: this chapters pretty safe, probably a T rating. During the movie it didn't appear that the gang really had much time to be formally introduced to Hiccup's mom, and wanted to write about Astrid meeting Valka (officially anyway) for the first time. I'm open to suggestions for one shots. Constructive criticism is appreciated as I would love to improve my writing, just be kind. Its been a LONG time since I've done any creative writing so I'm a tad rusty. (when I say long, I mean like, 15 years... yes, I am a dinosaur)

Meet My Mother:

Hiccup stood gazing at the painting of his father in the Great Hall. He hadn't had time to really stop and think, nor time to reflect. In the span of just a few short days, he had discovered his mother, lost his father, and defeated the evil bewilderbeast and the maniac who had taken control of him. He also now stood in the Great Hall as the newest chief of Berk. It was a lot to take in all at once, so he sought quiet and solitude for just a few moments.

His sanctuary was short lived, however. He soon heard the familiar soft footsteps of a certain blonde Viking he had grown accustom to having around. He couldn't help but smile when he felt her arm brush his as she joined him at his side. She reached for his hand and squeezed it. He partially turned toward her in acknowledgement and smiled meekly. She knowingly returned his smile before resting her head against his shoulder. They stood in silent reverie for several moments, looking at the painting of Stoick and Hiccup together, painted nearly 5 years ago.

Hiccup turned finally to Astrid, looking down at her, revealing dried tear streaks on his face. It was only with Astrid that he would let himself feel so vulnerable. She reached up and wiped away the residue. "We all miss him, Hiccup." She said. "I am so sorry."

He bent his head down to kiss her, and the two embraced, both taking comfort in each other's arms. It was at this moment, they realized they weren't alone. Valka had entered the Great Hall, and was keeping a respectful distance as she saw the young couple holding one another. Hiccup gave Astrid a pinched smile and grabbed her by the hand, bringing it to his lips to kiss her fingertips, before leading her to Valka. His mother hesitantly walked towards them.

"Mom," he said to Valka once they had met in the middle of the room. "I don't believe I've had a chance to officially introduce you." He smiled at his mother and then back at Astrid. "Astrid, I'd like you to meet my mother." Hiccup then turned to his mom, "Mom, this is Astrid, my fiancé."

Valka placed her hands on Astrid's shoulders. "It's a pleasure to meet ye, lass." She smiled. She then gave Hiccup an all knowing look, the kind only a mother can give. The sight of it made Hiccup's heart squeeze a little in his chest. He had seen his friend's mothers give them that look, he never thought he would be so privileged to be on the receiving end of it himself. "Ye could have told me ye were engaged, ye know." She gave him a playful smile with her head cocked thoughtfully to the side, on arm bent and resting on her waist.

The three of them laughed. Hiccup shook his head. "Forgive me, mom. I guess I should have asked the Bewilderbeast to hold on, my mom needs to be caught up on the details of my love life." He quipped sarcastically.

Valka laughed. She squeezed both Astrid and Hiccup in a warm hug. "Well, we have 20 years' worth of catching up to do, and that certainly can't happen in one night." She yawned. "And you, my dear," She added, taking Astrid's hand to squeeze, "well, we will have our own catching up to do as well, won't we."

"How about I show you to our home, mom, so you can get some sleep." Hiccup started to pull away from Astrid as he took his mother by the elbow.

Valka quickly shot him down. "That's ok, son." She protested. "In case ye've forgotten, I used to live here. I think I can find me way home. Besides, I didn't mean to interrupt." She looked knowingly from Hiccup to Astrid. "Ye don't need this old lady hanging around when ye mean to be left alone." She winked and before Hiccup could protest, she was out the door.

Astrid let out a deep breath that she didn't even realize she was holding. "That seemed to go alright. I didn't realize I had been so nervous about meeting her," she thought out loud. Hiccup simply lured her back into his arms and engulfed her in a warm embrace.

"So where were we?" He whispered in her ear. Astrid gladly reminded him.