Parents

Astrid stood at her front door feeling apprehensive about what was waiting for her inside. While her parents had suspected something had changed between her and Hiccup they choose to keep their question to themselves. However, after the kiss she planted on Hiccup in front of the whole village she knew there was no more delaying the inevitable. Whatever it was that was going on between her and Hiccup, it could be over before it starts if she can't handle her parents properly. She was afraid that her parents, being proud viking warriors wouldn't approve of Hiccup, despite having proven his courage, he still wasn't anybody's idea of a proper viking warrior. After a few deep breaths to steady her nerves, Astrid entered her home and found her parents already seated at their table. They pointed at an empty seat and gestured for her to join them.

"So, you and Hiccup?" her father asked once she was seated.

"I thought you hated him?" her mother interrupted before she could answer. "I clearly remember you dressing up a training dummy like the boy then tearing into it with your ax."

"Things have changed," Astrid answered.

"Obviously, he's a big hero now" her father said. "It's a good thing you saw the boy's potential before anybody else did, gives you a good lead on the others."

"Others?" Astrid asked.

"Of course dear," her mother said, "you didn't think you're the only one who thought of trying to marry the future chief of Berk did you?"

Astrid was stunned silent, she had an idea where this conversation was supposed to go and this wasn't it.

"Hiccup will never be a warrior like Stoic," her father explained, "but if this alliance with the dragons lasts the village is going to need a new type of leader."

"You're going to need to work fast and get him to marry you soon," her mother added. "Right now Stoic is feeling very guilty over what happened with his son so he probably won't be arranging any marriages for Hiccup yet, but sooner or later he's going to realize how valuable his son is and we can't afford a traditional dowry, especially for the future chief."

"I don't know if you realize this but we're broke," her father lamented. "Me and your mother are good at one thing and one thing only, fighting dragons. With this new peace were out of a job and we don't have any other marketable skills. Without a proper dowry you're practically not marriageable."

"Worse comes to worse you may need to try and get pregnant," her mother suggested. "I know it would be terribly scandalous and since he's a big hero who can do no wrong, all the blame will certainly fall on you, but if you can manage it he'll be stuck with you."

Not able to take the conversation anymore Astrid abruptly stood from her seat and she looked liked she was ready to scream at her own parents. Not really sure what she could say that wouldn't be considered highly disrespectful she just turned and ran to her room hoping that when she wakes up tomorrow this would all just be a bad dream.

"She looks upset," her mother said looking a little worried.

"I'm sure its nothing dear," her father said. "Now where is the mead, we need to celebrate our daughter becoming a Haddock and our early retirement. We are going to be set for life living of the in-laws."

"I'm serious, Astrid looked upset," her mother insisted. "You don't think she actually likes Hiccup."

Both parents gave the possibility some thought and simultaneously shook their heads and came to the same conclusion. "Nah!"

The End

Author's Notes:

Not what I promised last chapter but I got stuck and decided to write something quick and stupid.

One of the first things I considered when I started thinking of HTTYD fanfiction was what kind of parents to give Astrid. The first thing that came to mind was the very obvious and cliche overbearing father who really wanted sons. It's a convenient way to explain Astrid's motivation. But while good for drama it's not much good for laughs, so instead she gets deadbeat out of work warriors that see Hiccup as their meal ticket.