Original Author Note; Hello everyone. I have a lot of work to do on my fourth story and so I thought it might be fun to do some short stories and one shots to fill in the time between Hiccup defeating the Red Death and 'How to deal with a Seasick Dragon (Story the 2nd) and this is the start. I can't say how much there will be or how much time will pass between posts but I do hope that it brings you a little joy. (Moon says hi =^..^=)

May 2020 Update: With the story Blue Sky Falling finished, I've just written a new short for the Year Two series. But I decided to do a few re-writes in these early stories to make them a little more polished and readable before posting anything new. If you've read this before you won't really find anything new, it's just that as an amateur writer I am always seeing flaws in my earlier efforts.

Thanks for reading, your friend in lockdown, Marty T Martian (oh and Boo Cat is ignoring everyone =^..^=)

1 First Date

Part 1

There once was a time when Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third could not even look at Astrid Hofferson without taking his life in his hands, or at least risk some kind of serious injury; but of course now all that had changed. He had stood up to Astrid and he had half demanded and half begged that she give him the opportunity to tell her the truth; to show her why she should not tell the whole village about his dragon. Given that she really had very little choice, Astrid had eventually agreed to his request, although it was with a considerable amount of reluctance.

Looking back, Hiccup remembered how well that first flight had gone, even though it did have a rocky start and it did have many ups and downs, both figurative and literal; but in the end Astrid had agreed to give the young man some time to work out a solution to his problems. She had also given him the most wonderful kiss on the cheek, the memory of which still warmed his heart.

So much had changed in Berk since that incredible night; the island was now free from all dragon attacks (although it was now full of dragons), Hiccups friends and neighbours now saw him as a hero instead of a failure, he had decreased his limb count by 25%, and Astrid now smiled at him every time their eyes met instead of looking nauseated. So for the most part, life was much better for Hiccup these days; but one very important task still remained undone and today was the day that he was determined to have that last remaining oversight taken care of.

"Hey Hiccup" Astrid called out as he half limped down the steps that lead from his home to the forge with his dragon close by his side "still having a little leg trouble?"

"It's taking a bit time but give it a few days and I'm sure I'll get used to it" he replied.

"Of course you will" she smiled that smile that turned Hiccups legs into jelly, even the metal one; how did she do that?

"I was wondering if you could help me today to make a saddle like yours for Stormfly" Astrid asked.

"I am sorry Astrid but I've got other plans for today."

"Oh... fair enough" she was slightly taken aback.

A large force of internal butterflies mounted a surprise attack on Hiccup's stomach, but he felt determined to push through his customary nervousness and speak clearly to Astrid without beating around the bush too much.

"Yes... you see... there's this... girl and I really like her so... as you can see here, I've packed this basket with some food in it" he opened the basket for Astrid to see inside "and I'm going to ask her to come with me on a date... a picnic."

"Ah" Astrid smirked "so then, this girl... is she pretty?"

"Pretty? Nah... she's stunningly beautiful."

"Right... so if this 'Stunningly Beautiful' girl agrees to go on this date with you, then you can't help me with my saddle today."

"That about sums it up" Hiccup nodded.

"But if she refuses you... then perhaps you could..."

"Oh don't even think about it" Hiccup frowned and shook his head "if she refuses me, then I'll be far too upset to do any work today... or this week... month perhaps."

"Well in that case" she sighed "I suppose I'll just have to wish you luck."

"Thank you" he smiled and put down his basket.

Hiccup stepped forward and stood in front of Astrid taking her hands in his.

"Astrid... I have packed this small basket with food and I am hoping that you will please come on a picnic with me today."

"Oh... really?" she feigned surprise "You were talking about me? Good heavens I never realised..."

"Come on Astrid" Hiccup pretended to get mad.

"Yes" she smirked "I would love to go on a picnic date with you."

"Wonderful; I've picked out a lovely little island close by and..."

"That will have to wait" she smiled and began to walk off "I have to go and get ready; put on some nice clothes... and armour, saddle my dragon... oh wait... I don't have a saddle yet do I?"

Hiccup grinned like a Cheshire Dragon as he watched her go.

"YESSS" he declared to the world and began to dance around in a tight circle much to the surprise of Toothless and several Vikings passing by.