This is my THIRD update on this story today. QUESTION: On New Years, I will start posting a new story, but I'm not so sure which one to start with. Here are your options:

Blind Sight: In which an accident leads to trouble for the Berk dragon riders...specifically, one in particular. The certain rider of a Night Fury, who trains dragons without a second thought.

How Not To Meet Your Ally: A continuing story of "How Not To Ride Your Dragon."

Wayward Strangers: A Modern HTTYD fanfiction.

Which one? We're voting! Leave your votes in a review, please. Enjoy this final chapter! :D

According to Gothi, it wasn't as bad as it could have been.

Astrid sat on a stool in front of Hiccup's bed, watching him sleep. From what Gothi could tell, when the tree fell on him, it rendered some of his ribs broken, his right leg also broken, his left arm broken, his left leg above the prosthetic sprained, his left wrist broken, and a slight concussion. Really, it could have been a lot worse.

And so she stayed with him, her excuse being that "he shouldn't be left alone, because knowing Hiccup, he'll do something crazy." Problem was, no one disagreed. Being Hiccup, he'll find a way.

Toothless laid curled up on his slab a little bit away from them, still deep in hibernation. Astrid didn't know where Stormfly had run off to, but maybe it was just as well. At that point, she was glad she hadn't been disturbed.

Yet.

She heard a voice, gently whisper her name. When she looked down at Hiccup, she saw his eyes were open, and he was staring right at her, confusion and relief both on his face at once.

"Hey there," he said.

"Hey there, too," Astrid replied. "So, I kept true to my promise."

"Yes you did," said Hiccup. "Although I would like to know exactly why I am pretty much covered in bandages."

"Well," said Astrid, "you broke some of your ribs, broke your right leg, broke your left arm, sprained your left leg above the prosthetic, broke your left wrist, and also had a slight concussion."

"Really?" Hiccup frowned. "I honestly thought it would be worse than that."

"Is that so?" Now it was Astrid's turn to frown. "What did you have in mind?"

"I didn't have in mind anything, per say," said Hiccup.

"Well, I'm glad it's not worse," said Astrid. "But really, no more being the hero, okay? You really scared me. Next time, ask me before you go off saving my life."

"Hey, I'm just glad we're both alive," said Hiccup. "That tree felt as heavy as seven or eight Gronckles. And plus, with the angle it was coming at you in, it would have crushed your entire body. It only got half of mine!"

"Three quarters," Astrid corrected.

"Fine, three quarters," said Hiccup.

"And I just wanted to tell you, that what you did was pretty brave," said Astrid, hesitating slightly. "I mean...it's not just everyone who will just jump in front of a tree to save their friend. It really takes a special kind of person."

"Thanks," said Hiccup. "So, how long was I out?"

"About a day, which is lucky, considering all you went through," said Astrid. "And look, Hiccup...I just wanted to say...thank you, for what you did. Really, thank you."

"Don't worry about it," said Hiccup.

"But I do worry about it," said Astrid. "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you when you said we shouldn't go to Breakneck Bog. I'm sorry I didn't move out of the way before you had to rush in and save my life. I'm sorry I can't help you as much as you help me. I'm sorry I can never return the favor. I'm sorry-"

"Astrid, stop apologizing," said Hiccup. "You're giving me a headache."

"Oh, right. Sorry," said Astrid. Hiccup gave her an are-you-serious? look, and she instantly took it back. "Oh, sorry, I forgot. Sorry about...gah."

Hiccup smiled. "Yeah, I understand," he said. "Don't worry about it, please. When you worry, I worry, and...you know how that ends up."

"Okay, one more thing," said Astrid. "I'm sorry I called you a wet blanket."

"I forgive you, Astrid, but please stop apologizing," said Hiccup. "Quick question."

"Yep?"

"Did Stormfly ever go into hibernation, or...?"

"Ooooh, no, I know what you're thinking," said Astrid.

"What?" said Hiccup.

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking!" said Astrid.

"But all I said was-" Hiccup started.

"Nu-uh," said Astrid. "We are not going back out there until you've completely healed."

"You really think I had planned to go out right now, Astrid?" said Hiccup. "Really, how would I get around with all..." He tried to find an appropriate word, "...this," he settled on, gesturing to himself.

"Knowing you, you'll find a way," said Astrid.

"Yeah, you're probably right," said Hiccup. "You usually are."

"Except the other night," said Astrid. "I shouldn't have forced you to go. I shouldn't have. A good friend wouldn't have done that."

"A good friend admits their mistake, too," said Hiccup, "which is exactly what you've been doing. For the past...five minutes, actually."

"Sorry," said Astrid.

"Astrid, stop apologizing," said Hiccup.

"Sor-"

"Don't say it, I get it," said Hiccup. "And I'm sorry, too, for my part."

"What part?" said Astrid.

"No idea," said Hiccup. "You're making me feel guilty with all your apologizing."

"Sor...never mind," said Astrid.

"Yeeeah," said Hiccup. "Let's just call it even."

She stayed with him the rest of the day, keeping him company. She went to her house for the night, and then returned to Hiccup's place early the next morning. She did so every day for almost a month, making sure he was safe and well-taken care of.

Because that's exactly what he had done for her.

THE END