-.-.-

It was almost completely dark outside but the chilly night air soothed their bodies after a long run. They ended up collapsing on an abandoned bench next to the lake. "I missed this," she confessed.

"Me too." He grasped her hand, entwining it with his.

She nearly revealed her heart's deepest secret that night.

-.-.-

"Astrid!" she heard her name echo over the chattering around her. She didn't have to turn around to know to whom this voice belonged to. She heard it twice more as she bent to get her luggage ready for check-in.

Someone touched her shoulder then, stilling her movement. Bracing herself for another potential heartbreak, she slowly turned around to greet familiar eyes. They were filled with so much sadness she nearly forgot about her own turmoil.

"Astrid," he whispered hoarsely, looking more worn than she had ever seen him.

She regarded him a timid smile, but then her gaze switched to the person standing behind him.

"I have to go," she said softly, embracing him one last time before bidding him a final adieu with a kiss on the cheek.

His pained expression didn't ebb, and she almost considered rethinking her decision in that moment.

"Astrid, are you coming?" she heard Ruff call for her impatiently.

Astrid gave him an apologetic look. "I'll call you," she promised, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible despite feeling broken on the inside. "Take care of him," she nodded towards his girlfriend who silently nodded back.

Hiccup reached for her again, but she merely squeezed his hand before letting go.

"Goodbye Hiccup."

-.-.-