Holy cow, almost 100 reviews guys! This is so amazing and exciting! I had no idea this story would completely take off. You guys are amazing and we officially have the most amazing fandom EVER! And then 103 followers AND 81 favorites!? I'm reeling, people; I had no idea this story would be so good! Gah! You guys make me happy Remember that as you read, okay? Haha

Which I should also say here that… *sigh* This lovely story that was so much fun to write is drawing to a close. That's right, THIS is the last chapter!

Whoa buddy, I'm babbling. Anyway; here we go guys! ENJOY!

Chapter 10: The Question

Hiccup jogged through the forest, his last few notes tucked safely in his vest. He'd dropped off the last two reserved for the village, but now he had to book it to get the last six spread throughout the forest in their exact locations before Astrid got there. He wouldn't want to bump into her already; she'd surely follow him rather than continue on the trail.

He arrived at his next destination and placed the note in an easy spot for Astrid to find. As he turned to leave, he noticed a mint bush nearby and stopped to pull off a handful of leaves. As he jogged he popped a few into his mouth to freshen his breath, remembering how much Astrid loved the smell of mint.

He smiled to himself at that memory—that could've been another good note to make, but he hadn't thought of it. They had been walking back from the cove and ran into a mint bush; Astrid had nearly gone crazy, stuffing her pockets full of the herbal leaves. And when he dropped her off at her house later and she discovered the mint on his breath, he was quite pleased to discover that she didn't want to leave his lips.

Both of them had their own pleasure that only the other knew about. Astrid's was the smell of mint; he could get her to do almost anything if he tossed mint in her direction. He smiled at the thought of discovering his own; she'd read the note about that discovery before she would go to the forest.

He pulled the wad of soggy leaves out of his mouth, chucked them over his shoulder, and put a few more on his tongue. He actually found he liked the freshness of the herb. It was different than most flavors he was accustomed to, like fish, mutton, mead and bread, all of which had stronger flavors. But mint was a soft, delicate texture that didn't last long, but the memory of its taste lasted longer.

Hiccup hummed to himself and held up a mint leaf as he slowed to a walk. "Interesting plant…" he mused. He smiled suddenly, thinking maybe after he and Astrid were married he would ask Fishlegs to help him plant some mint in their yard. Surely his friend knew from his botany book how to care for mint.

He would find a way to do it either way. Astrid didn't get mint very often, which was another reason she loved it so much. He resolved in his mind to do it someday, but for now he had to finish planting his notes before his blonde beauty caught up with him.

Not even mint would stop her if she did.

Xxx

Astrid walked up to her house with a confused frown, looking down at confession seven. Why would Hiccup send her to the same place twice? He wasn't that disorganized. And the previous note in her room was kinda sketchy too…

She put the note away as she opened her front door, deciding to ask Hiccup about it later. Her parents were standing in the kitchen area when she walked in, and all three of their faces brightened.

"There's my birthday girl," Olaf gave her a kiss on the cheek.

She hugged him tight with a big smile as Phlegma asked, "How is it going dear?"

"Really well," Astrid smiled happily. She looked down at the notes in her hand. "I have seven so far. He said number eight would be here."

Her parents nodded. "Yes, he was here about fifteen minutes ago." Olaf winked. He leaned forward mischievously, "If you're fast, maybe you can catch up to him."

Phlegma smacked his arm, making him and Astrid laugh. "I don't know, I kind of like this," Astrid admitted, heading to the stairs. "The mystery of reading what memory he put down on each note. It's sweet."

Her parents watched her jump up the stairs two at a time and disappear from view. Phlegma emitted a sharp squeal of excitement as she walked back to the kitchen. Olaf whispered with a chuckle, "Not long now. Just another hour or so."

Astrid found confession number eight just where she found the assumed number four: on her bedside table. She sat on her bed, broke the seal and hoped that this one wouldn't be as creepy as the last one.

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Eight:

You had left a headband in the cove and told me you were going to take a walk to get it, instead of riding Stormfly. I went to a council meeting with my father, and halfway through we got a tip that a fire was taking over the entire forest. And the most terrifying moment of my life was realizing that my best friend and love of my life was trapped inside.

It's only by a miracle that we were able to find and save you. But I sat by your bedside for countless hours praying that you would wake up. I thank Odin every day that you are still alive, and I don't know what I would do without you.

I love you.

~HHH3

Confession number nine will be found in the Great Hall. Think back to our closest memories. You'll know where to find it.

Astrid still had the burn scars on her arms from that day. In fact, her skin still felt sensitive from the incident. It was only a year ago after all.

She remembered waking up, her breath hitching in her throat, her lungs burning and throat itchy and dry. Her body was stiff, aching and scorched. She had slowly turned her head to the left and there he was, hunched over the side of her bed, his hair brushing her waist, his head resting on his arm, and the fingers on his left hand lightly grasping hers.

She swallowed thickly, trying to say his name. But she found she couldn't. As she debated what to do, she noticed both his hands and wrists wrapped up. His tunic and pants also had burn marks all over them. He'd clearly been to the healer's by the look of his hands, but he didn't even go home to change clothes.

He had stayed by her side from the moment he was allowed.

Astrid looked around toward her window, surprised to see the pale dawn sky and a few twinkling stars. How long had she been asleep?

She turned back to her sleeping boyfriend. "Hiccup…" Her voice scratched, a small whistle in it. She cleared her throat, wishing she had water. Hiccup stayed asleep and didn't move a muscle. Astrid lifted her arm and set her hand on his head.

She gently grabbed a few strands of hair and pulled on them. "Hiccup…" she whispered again.

"Mmm…" He moaned and flinched, his right arm flopping out from under his head in annoyance. She had to smile—he was just too cute at this hour. But she needed him awake.

"Hiccup." She croaked louder and pulled on his hair tighter.

"Mmm stooooop…" He waved her hand away with a distinctly childish whine and looked up at the offensive hand. She nearly gasped at how exhausted he looked, let alone the burn mark on his neck that she hadn't noticed before.

He winced when she brushed her fingers against it, but his eyes suddenly widened when he realized where he was. "Astrid!" He lunged forward, wrapping his fingers around her face. "You're awake!"

She hated the raggedness of his voice, probably from too much smoke inhalation. "Yeah…" she whispered, running a hand through his hair by his right ear. Hiccup held her hand close to his mouth and kissed it firmly.

"I was so scared…" he whispered.

She saw the fear in his eyes and shook her head. "Shh, it's okay."

"No it's not," He frowned, leaning closer to her. "I almost lost you. I don't know what I would do without you." She swept his bangs away, hoping he wouldn't cry.

"Hey," She pulled him forward by his tunic so his face was looming over hers. "I'm right here," She whispered. Hiccup swallowed thickly and she realized he was shaking. "Hiccup, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." Hiccup nodded, trying to get a grip. "It's going to take a lot more than a little fire to get rid of me."

Hiccup breathed a laugh and shook his head, a cursed tear escaping from his right eye. "That fire wasn't little and you know it."

Astrid smiled, "No, I suppose not." She ran her thumb down his jawline, listening to the soft scratch of his facial hair against her skin. "Kiss me."

Hiccup didn't waste a moment of thought. He wrapped his lips around hers in a passionate kiss, all the fear and angst in his chest melting away and feeding into the kiss. Astrid was left reeling, her stomach twisting on itself. This was the most intimate, passionate kiss he had given her to date, and she was thankful for the early hour. Everyone else was asleep as the couple passionately kissed until they couldn't breathe.

Hiccup panted, resting his forehead against hers. "I love you. I love you so much."

Astrid breathed a laugh, her lips grasping his for a moment teasingly. "If this is what I get for almost dying, then maybe I should do it more often."

"No. Don't you ever do this to me again," He smirked, but his eyes were serious.

Astrid rolled her eyes. "Because I totally did this on purpose." He laughed and pulled her up for a hug. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair, making him sigh. She turned her mouth to his ear and whispered, "I love you too."

Astrid blinked her eyes open. She looked around her room. Not much had changed since that day; in fact, the only that had changed were a few new trinkets Hiccup had given her as of late. She stood to leave, but stopped to smooth out the wrinkles in her blanket. She couldn't wait to see him. But she had no idea how many more confessions she had yet to open.

She walked out of her room and down the stairs, surprised that her parents were no longer home. When had they left? She shrugged and walked out the door, heading to the Great Hall.

"'Think back to our closest memories. You'll know where to find it,'" she read aloud. "Oh Hiccup, you always were a hopeless cryptic."

A five minute walk later, she found herself walking through the massive doors of the Great Hall. She stood at the front for a moment, musing to herself, "Closest memories… What?" She asked herself with confusion lacing her voice. She smiled at the few people who caught her eye. She decided to walk around; maybe it would jog her memory.

Astrid walked around, glancing at every table and bench she sat at, especially her friends' table. But she found nothing.

"Where in the world did you put it, you crazy-" Astrid muttered before her eyes fell to one of the back corners of the Hall. "Oh." Her mouth broke into a mischievous smile. She walked to the corner and sure enough, number nine as sitting in the darkened depths. "Oh boy." She almost didn't need to read this one, but curiosity got the best of her.

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Nine:

You know the expression "she knocked me off my feet"? Well you literally do.

I love you.

~HHH3

Take our special route to the cove. You will find six more confessions on the way. The next one is near the rocks where I first met Toothless.

Astrid snickered into her hand, unable to hold it back. That was probably one the most funny memories she had with Hiccup, and for as long as she had known him, this happened only a little over a year ago. It was after a long night flight together but neither were tired enough to go home and go to bed. So they had come to the empty Great Hall and sat together in this very corner, talking for a while until their eyes started to droop.

"It's getting late…" Astrid finally mused.

"Yeah," Hiccup sighed in agreement. "Your dad's going to kill me for getting you home so late."

"My dad's not home, remember?"

"Oh yeah." Mr. Hofferson had gone on a council trip with Stoick and the other tribal leaders. "I forgot. But still, we should get home." Hiccup stood from the bench and held a hand out to Astrid. "Milady?"

Astrid smiled and took his hand. She stood beside him but instead of letting go, she clasped her fingers in between his. Astrid stared into his green eyes, accented by the candlelight between them. She had been alone with him for the past four hours, yet suddenly she was noticing how alone they really were.

He seemed to realize this at the same time, but couldn't pull his eyes away from hers. "We should go…" he whispered. He felt his heart pound a little faster against his ribcage when she took a step closer.

Astrid tilted her face up, her lips ghosting his, her breath mingling with his. "Yeah… probably."

Hiccup lips quirked in a suspicious smile and he cocked his head to the side a little. "So what are we waiting for?"

Astrid grabbed his tunic and pulled his lips to hers. Hiccup sighed and put his hands on her waist, sliding them up her ribcage and wrapping around her back. He normally didn't resort to touching when he kissed her but tonight he felt daring. And seeing as she only pressed herself closer to him, it couldn't be a bad thing, right?

Astrid slid her hands up his chest and onto his neck as she kissed him. Hiccup cocked his head to the right and nibbled her lip, making her lightly gasp. She wasn't one to lose battles, and this was certainly no exception… but she was definitely losing. He always joked that kissing was his favorite indoor sport; he was getting pretty stinking good at it.

To make matters "worse" Hiccup's lips left hers and they were suddenly on her neck. Astrid bit her lip and wrapped her fingers around his neck as he kissed just below her ear. A small laugh escaped him when she tried to close her lips to contain a moan, but it didn't work.

Astrid put her hands on his face and drew his lips back to hers, stepping even closer to him as she did. He sighed, pressing his body even closer to hers. Astrid slid her hands off his face and up into his shaggy dark hair, and he gasped.

Astrid nearly fell forward when Hiccup suddenly collapsed onto his back. Her arms and lips met air and she stared in a daze, confused as to where he went. Hiccup was just as confused when he found himself staring at the ceiling. He sat up shakily just as she looked down, both their breaths heavy.

He remembered what happened before she did, and the memory sent violent shivers down his spine. He grabbed the back of his neck and shivered as he gasped, "Don't… don't you ever do that again."

Astrid cocked her head. "What? What'd I do?" Then she remembered that she had pushed her hands through his hair. She had always wanted to do that for some reason but the action never seemed necessary at any other time. But now that she had finally done it, why did he… fall over? And why was he staring at her like that? Did he not like it?

She slowly crouched in front of him. "Why not?" She asked.

Hiccup nearly shivered again. "I don't know, but it completely incapacitated me. Don't you think that's a problem?" He stood up and dusted off his pants, not catching her evil smirk.

"No." Astrid stood back up in front of him. "No, I don't." Hiccup squeaked at her determined look and took a step back. "You're not going to deny your girlfriend something so simple as touching your hair are you?" She asked in a sickly sweet yet daring voice.

Hiccup slowly walked backwards, Astrid following him effortlessly. He yelped when his back hit the back wall, and why he'd never know, but he stupidly pranced away into a corner. As soon as he got there, he groaned. "Idiot."

He faced his girlfriend, who was still looking at him with an intense expression. Why was she so bent on touching his hair? WHY? "Astrid really, I know my hair looks good but-"

"I'm not changing my mind on this one." Astrid genuinely smiled. He was cornered, so he couldn't escape. But she wanted him to enjoy this as well. He had gasped in a way that she had never heard him gasp before, and then he wiped out. She wanted to see if he would do it again.

"Relax," She whispered, resting her hands on his face. She could feel his heart pounding on her forearm. Astrid stared into his eyes with a smile as she rested her fingers at his temples and gently pushed them back through his hair.

Hiccup breath hitched in his throat and he closed his eyes. Astrid felt his knees shake a little, so she leaned him against the wall in case he would fall. She curved her fingers against his scalp and ran them down his neck, smiling when he bit his lip and moaned. He rested his forehead against hers and finally grasped one of her wrists with his hand. "Stop…" He nearly whimpered. "Stop it, you're driving me insane."

Astrid laughed, surprised at this new development. Apparently running her hands through his hair was the key to shutting him down. "Did you know about this?"

Hiccup opened his eyes and stared at her. "Of course not. I've never had a woman, let alone a beautiful one, run her hands through my hair before."

"You mean like this?" She whispered, sliding back up his hairline from his neck to his scalp.

Hiccup inhaled loudly, placing his hands on her waist. "Yup," he breathed. "Just like that."

Astrid giggled and tugged his hair by his left ear, tilting his head so she could kiss him. From then on she knew that kissing him would never be the same again. If he was ever winning, she now knew how to alleviate that.

As Astrid walked out of the Great Hall she reflected on the many battles she had one since that day. Hiccup had probably reflected on all those losses while writing the note—it wasn't a confession for nothing right? He was admitting to his losses now. This really was a special day.

Xxx

Hiccup hoisted himself high into a tree and stretched out on a limb. From this vantage point he would be able to see Astrid walk into the cove for the final two confessions. He sighed heavily, tired from the long trek of setting up his trail of confessions. But it wasn't over yet, and any exhaustion he felt was worth it.

He pulled the small box out of his pocket and studied it. He checked again for a thousandth time to be sure the ring was still inside, which it was. Now he had a little time to consider what to say. What else could he say? He'd already put an array of thoughts and emotions in his notes; but he had to tell her face to face as well. He had to wrap it up, and hope she sealed the deal.

He was counting on her to say yes… But what if she didn't? Gods, that would be an embarrassment… They'd probably never talk to each other again.

"Oh get a grip…" he muttered to himself. She was smart; she had to know what was coming. If she wasn't going to at least be happy with the day's events, why would she bother looking for the next note? He didn't need to worry. She would come; she would say yes.

So why was he still so nervous?

Xxx

If she hadn't been looking down, Astrid would have missed her next confession. She wasn't quite to the small clearing where she knew Hiccup had freed Toothless. The confession lay on the ground by a dead tree that had fallen, a few branches sticking out in different directions. She was confused as to what this note would say; she didn't remember any impressing moments here.

But as soon as she read it she rolled her eyes and spared a laugh. "Okay, you're never going to let me that down."

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Ten:

We were taking a walk through the woods about six months ago. You were upset with Snotlout and the Twins over something and you were venting to me. As we walked past this spot, you smacked a tree branch in your anger, and it came back and smacked you right back. In the face. Right over your right eye.

I'm sorry, but in that moment, your expression of embarrassment was the most adorable thing I have ever seen.

I love you.

~HHH3

Go to our tree. You'll find my next confession there.

Their tree was only a five minute walk away, to which she was glad. She was starting to get tired of walking around; it had to be nearly three in the afternoon now. But she knew the trail ended at the cove and she had five more to find. She smiled broadly to herself, knowing that she would see Hiccup soon.

Hopefully.

As soon as she reached their tree, Astrid found the note on the ground by the roots. A small stone lay on top of it to keep the wind from carrying it away. She picked up the note and smiled sweetly at the message inside:

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Eleven:

It's hard to believe that we carved our initials on this tree two summers ago. In that moment, I knew in my soul who I was destined to live for. I've had many doubts, but you have never come close to being one.

I love you.

~HHH3

Find your axe and you'll find my next confession.

Astrid's eyes burned when she looked up and ran her fingers across their initials that were deeply carved into the pine's bark. This tree held many memories for them—this was the tree Toothless dumped her in before her first spin through the skies; this was the tree Hiccup held her under during a storm that they accidentally got caught in and they had no way back to the village; and this was the tree where she carved her name under his, almost pledging herself to him in a way. This was the tree where she finally admitted to herself that she loved him.

Astrid looked up into the branches for a full minute to burn the image into her memory. She hoped this tree would never die. It felt like it was the symbol of their love for each other. But even if it did die one day, and it probably would, their love wouldn't. Of that, she had no doubts.

She sniffed loudly and blinked hard, determined not to get choked up. She turned away from the tree and glanced at Hiccup's instructions on where to find the next note. She paused for a second, her nose catching the minty sensation she so loved. She quickly located the bush and stuffed a few leaves in her mouth, then put more in her pockets. Turning back to Hiccup's instructions, she rolled her eyes; any other person would say, "Well where did you put it? It could be anywhere!" But she knew exactly what axe he referred to.

Astrid saw the axe protruding from the birch tree long before she stood before it. Before she picked the confession off the ground, she gave the axe a firm tug. She shook her head wistfully. It was a perfectly good axe and four months later, it was still stuck in the tree.

Astrid picked up the note and slowly opened it. She already knew what this one would be about in its context, but she still read it anyway.

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Twelve:

Tears that began from grief turned into laughter at this spot. Both ends of the spectrum represented a world of emotion and trust that we have for each other; a trust that neither of us can break, no matter the cost.

I love you.

~HHH3

My next confession will be found at the cliff edge, looking into the cove. Please don't fall!

Astrid lightly rolled her eyes at his final words on the paper. "Luckily for you I'm not that clumsy."

She remembered that day vividly. It was only four months ago that her beloved Granny passed away; the wonderful woman that taught her practically everything she knew aside from how to wield a weapon. Granny was small, thin, but she was loving, kind and compassionate. The woman had even given Hiccup a compassionate hug once when they were little (to which she was insanely jealous at the time. How dare her Granny give Hiccup the Useless a hug. Inconceivable!)

The funeral had come and gone, and Astrid remained silent. Neither Hiccup nor her parents could get a word out of her. The Twins even dumped water on her by a legitimate accident, and she hadn't even responded.

But finally, the next morning she grabbed her newest axe and headed to the woods. She walked until she was near the cove, far enough away from civilization where she felt comfortable. Hiccup had followed her without her knowledge and when she whipped around and threw the axe at a tree, both individuals let out a cry of terror. Hiccup managed to flail backwards and get out of harm's way, but the damage was nearly done.

"What is wrong with you!" Astrid shouted.

Hiccup stared at her, happy she was at least talking after two days. "Astrid-"

"No! Why are you here?" Astrid growled. "You know I want to be alone!"

Hiccup swallowed. "I just-"

"You know what? No. Just forget it." Astrid stomped away a few feet, turning her back on him. "Just go away."

She had fully expected that her impending wrath would scare him into leaving. But his hand on her shoulder made her flinch and she whirled around. "Astrid…" he shook his head lightly. Astrid ground her teeth at his expression, one of sadness and grief. What did he have to grieve over? It was her grandmother who died! Who did he think he was? "She was an amazing woman. But she would want you to be happy-"

"And what exactly do you know of my Granny?" Astrid breathed, her teeth clenched. Hiccup opened his mouth but she slapped his chest. "You know nothing! So just shutup!"

"Astrid, you're just upset. Come here." Hiccup held out his arms and took a step forward.

"Shut! Up!" Astrid balled her fist and punched his chest as hard as she could, but he only winced. He kept his arms out and advanced on her again. His expression was still gentle.

"Astrid, come here."

"NO! JUST SHUT UP AND GO AWAY!" Astrid screamed at him, hitting him as hard as she could, but his arms still wrapped around her body and held her close to his. She jabbed his ribcage with a final scream of rage before she felt her chest wracking with sobs.

She felt her knees weaken and Hiccup slipped to the ground with her, still holding her tight against his chest. Astrid twisted her fingers into his tunic, pressing her face into his sternum, trying to make sense of the cruel world. Of all the people in the world who had to die, why Granny? Why?

"I'm sorry, sweetheart…" Hiccup whispered in her ear. "I'm sorry."

Astrid cried into his chest until she had no more tears left to cry. Hiccup never made a complaint or a noise; he just held her close and stroked her back with his fingers until she was calm.

After a while Astrid finally sat up and wiped a hand down his front. "I got your shirt all wet…" She choked in a half smile.

Hiccup wiped off her wet face and smiled. "It'll dry."

"I'm sorry I hit you."

Hiccup shook his head. "You needed to get it out. Don't apologize."

"Will you say the same for the axe?"

"Well that's another story," Hiccup gave her his signature lopsided half smile. "I'm pretty sure you would have sliced me in two. Good thing the tree is a bit tougher."

Astrid sniffed. "But you're tough enough for me. That's all I could ever ask for."

Hiccup kissed her forehead chastely. "I would do anything for you. Remember that."

Astrid hugged him tightly for a moment before standing up. As Hiccup followed suit, Astrid walked back to the axe and tried to pull it out. She tugged for a few seconds, almost afraid of pulling her arm out of socket.

She finally let go and turned to Hiccup wryly. He was standing there with his arms crossed, prosthetic propped on a rock, expression amused. She wished she could slap that look off his face, but she really didn't want to hit him again. "I... I can't get it out."

Hiccup's smirk didn't falter. "Come on, it can't be that stuck."

"You try!"

Hiccup wiped the side of his mouth with his thumb and she rolled her eyes. "Like I said, anything for you." Hiccup grabbed the handle and yanked on it a few times. His feet slid closer to the tree trunk in his attempt. "Good grief, did you coat this axe in honey?"

"Don't be stupid. Let's both try. One... two... THREE!" The couple pulled with all their might, yet the axe still refused to budge. Astrid felt her hands slip just as Hiccup's wrenched from the handle.

"GAH!" They sprawled out in the dirt beyond the axe, Hiccup nearly squishing his girlfriend.

Hiccup looked down at her and sheepishly smiled. "It's a good thing I don't weigh a lot or you'd be smashed right now."

Astrid snorted in her throat and tried to stifle the giggles. But soon they were pouring out of her mouth before she could stop them. The laughter was contagious and soon the couple was out of breath, clutching their sides from laughing so hard.

"Oh my soul, make it stop!" Hiccup finally sighed.

Astrid leaned over him and kissed his lips. He sighed and opened his eyes again. "What was that for?"

"For being my everything," Astrid whispered.

Hiccup smiled at her broadly. "Again," he whispered. "Anything for you."

Xxx

Hiccup jerked to a sit-up position when he saw her emerge on the other side of the cove's cliff edge. He smiled broadly when she picked up confession number thirteen and read it. Strangely, she seemed to stiffen a bit as she read it, which he found odd; but hey, it had been a long day. Hopefully she was in a good mood!

He could barely contain his excitement when she left her position to make her way into the cove. He hopped down from the tree and had to force himself to walk, or else he'd get there before she made it inside. "Soon…" he whispered.

Soon.

Xxx

Baby, you got curves. Like you walked past me in the Great Hall the other day and dang, you have got the curviest curves I've ever seen. I like to stare at your butt when you turn around. You're hot, baby, and I love you.

~HHH3

Astrid stiffened and reread the note. Wow. Did Hiccup really write this? I mean he was a guy, and most guys checked their special girls out to some extent, but… yikes. If he really did write this, they would need to have a talk.

But did he? It was missing the title; this was supposed to be number thirteen. And there were no instructions on how to find the next note. "Oh well…" She stuck it at the bottom of her pile and made her way to the cove's entrance. She'd just have to search for it, she supposed.

Unfortunately they held a lot of memories in there. It could be anywhere.

Looking down at the cove as she walked around the edge, she saw nothing of interest. Neither did she see her boyfriend, whom she hoped to find here. But he had to be around somewhere. He couldn't avoid her all day.

Astrid finally walked into the cove and waltzed around, unsure where to look. She didn't see any notes on the ground or by the water. Her eyes caught sight of the big boulder she liked to sit on and they lit up—there was a note on top.

She picked it up nervously. Was this fourteen or fifteen? She didn't want to get ahead in case fifteen was the biggest of them all. She broke the seal and peeked at the first few words…

It was fourteen. She bit her lip to contain her smile, but she opened it with steady hands.

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Fourteen:

Here the most beautiful girl on Berk sat sharpening her axe before twisting my arm, attacking me with said axe… and becoming the second Viking to ride and befriend a dragon. You were my first convert, my first friend aside from Toothless. I couldn't ask for anyone better than or as amazing as you.

I love you.

~HHH3

Astrid smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. Her chest tightened with excitement that she was finally on the last confession. Her eyes searched the bottom of the page and to her confusion, it read:

Turn around.

Astrid furrowed her brow and turned around. Hiccup was standing five feet behind her, a small smile on his face. She had to blink hard at him—he looked amazing for some reason. Maybe it was all the romantic notes she had gotten or maybe he was dressed a little nicer in his long-sleeved blue tunic and brown pants, not in his beloved leather riding gear. But it took her a moment to smile and step toward him. She wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him, the stack of notes rustling his hair.

Astrid smiled and murmured into his ear. "I love you too…"

Hiccup breathed a laugh and tried to pull her back. "Oh, we're not done yet."

Astrid deeply inhaled his scent (did he seriously have to throw mint into the mix as well?) before pulling away. "We're not?"

Hiccup smiled and pulled the last note out of his belt. "Confession number fifteen." Astrid caught something in his eyes, something bright and excited; she couldn't place it but she felt like she should be getting something.

She gently took the note and smiled at him as she opened it. She only looked away to read its words:

Confessions of a Lovesick Viking Number Fifteen:

And here is the beginning of a new adventure that we can start together. Here is where the luckiest Viking will ask the most amazing woman in the world a very important question…

Something stirred in Astrid's chest and she looked up at Hiccup for guidance. His smile had grown and he stepped back with his left leg… and suddenly bent down to one knee.

Astrid gasped, her blue eyes wide, her heart leaping to her throat and pounding hard against her ribcage. She slapped a hand to her mouth in her shock, making Hiccup grin. That's what this was all about? The notes, the confessions, everyone's excitement for them in the village? All the secrets and planning? For weeks now! And she hadn't seen it!

Hiccup reached up and took her other hand. "Astrid…" His smile lessened but the glow in his eyes didn't waver. "I love you… so much. Words and notes can't even describe how important you are to me. You're the first person I think of every morning and the last thing I think about at night."

Astrid's eyes well up and she begged them to stop, but she had no command over them anymore. They kept filling as he continued, "You're my best friend. You're the only one who understands me, most of the time," He added wistfully, making her laugh and wipe an eye with the heel of her hand. The other spilled over, making tears run down her cheek. "You've supported me since day one. You're loyal, you're kind, you have a rapport with the village that I've learned from, and you protect what you love."

Astrid bit her lip, holding his hand tighter. Hiccup smiled a little wider. "I'm going to be chief one day. And there is only one person in the world that qualifies to help me lead our people. I've already talked to your dad and he gave his blessing. So…" Hiccup glanced down, letting go of her hand and pulling out a small black box. Astrid watched him open it and hold it up to her steadily; her eyes widened at the ring sitting inside.

That… that was a ring. Where had he gotten it? No one this far northwest had expensive jewelry. No one. And he was… he was offering it to her!

Her thoughts came to a halt when Hiccup looked up at her again with loving green eyes, a gentle smile on his face. "If you will have me, Astrid Hofferson, will you marry me?"

Hiccup just… He just… asked…

Astrid blinked and more tears ran down her cheeks. Gods, why was she doing this!? The man was PROPOSING and she's CRYING like a big BABY! What was WRONG with her!?

Astrid shook her head to clear her thoughts and Hiccup's eyes widened in horror. And then Astrid's widened in shock. "Yes! Yes! No I was shaking my head to clear my head, I'm sorry!" She cried out super fast and he nearly collapsed.

"Oh gods…" He sighed, staring up at her. "That right there…" He laughed a little. "That right there was the worst thing you could've done. That was my worst nightmare come true."

"I'm sorry!" Astrid wiped her face, wiped off her hands, and smiled at him. She stepped closer to him and set her hands on his cheeks. She smiled at him lovingly and nodded. "Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, I would love to marry you."

Hiccup grinned before she was finished and nearly jumped to his feet. He snapped the ring box closed so it wouldn't fall out as he wrapped his arms around Astrid's waist and hugged her tight. Astrid hugged him back, nearly crying again from all the day's love and attention she had gotten…

She pulled him away and kissed him firmly. Hiccup held her face in his hands as best he could around the box, kissing her passionately. "I love you…" She whispered between kisses.

Hiccup pulled away, running a finger down her cheek lovingly. "I love you more."

Astrid quirked an eyebrow. "Impossible."

Hiccup grinned and sighed happily. "This is the best day of my life, by far."

Astrid ran a hand down his chest and looked at the box. "So what's the ring for?"

"Well," Hiccup opened the box and pulled out the ring, tossing the box over his shoulder. "Long story short, I found a little gold a couple weeks ago, and then Johann let me pick out a diamond. I decided I was going to make you a ring for a special occasion such as a prop-"

"Wait," Astrid picked the ring out of his hand. "You… you made this?"

"Well I didn't make the gold or the diamond." Astrid gave him a pointed look and he smiled. "Yeah, I… I made it. Took a long time." He rubbed the back of his neck as she took in every detail.

She looked inside the band and lightly inhaled. "You… you put our initials in there? How?"

Hiccup wiggled his eyebrows. "One of my many secrets."

"Hmph…" Astrid raised an eyebrow.

Hiccup sighed nervously. "Well… the moment of truth then." He picked up the ring and Astrid held out her left hand. His hand lightly shook as he slipped the ring onto her finger…

And it fit perfectly.

"It fits." Hiccup breathed. "Oh I can't believe it fits."

Astrid smiled at him lovingly. "It fits." She brought him in for another kiss, which he gladly accepted.

"So what did you think, then?" Hiccup asked a moment later. "Did I bore you with all the notes? Annoy you? Be honest."

Astrid shook her head. "Are you kidding? These were amazing… they're all so sweet. And a few were so unexpected."

"Like which ones?"

"Weeeeell," Astrid drawled, giving him a suspicious look. "Four and Thirteen were pretty… pretty unlike you."

Hiccup gave her a flabbergasted look. She pulled out number four and they read it:

Sometimes I watch you sleep at night from your window. Your gorgeous flowing locks cascading across your pillow, the moonlight catching the curves of your face… you're gorgeous, baby.

~HHH3

Hiccup's brow creased. "Wow. I did not write that. Not even my handwriting."

"I didn't think so, but I have to ask," Astrid gave him a serious look. "Do you?"

"No! Anytime I've watched you sleep was when you fell asleep on me at a random time. I never-"

"Okay okay, relax, I was just asking." Astrid patted his cheek and replaced the note. She dug in the pile for number thirteen. "Now this one, this one was just… I don't know, Hiccup."

Hiccup gulped; thirteen was supposed to be romantic. But if she didn't think so, then what did it say? He took it from her hand and read it, and nearly choked.

Baby, you got curves. Like you walked past me in the Great Hall the other day and dang, you have got the curviest curves I've ever seen. I like to stare at your butt when you turn around. You're hot, baby, and I love you.

~HHH3

Hiccup stared at her with wide eyes and she nearly laughed. "Astrid, I swear I didn't write this."

She smiled, "I know. I would never expect you to write something like that." Her smile wiped off her face suddenly and she yelled out. "But I honestly wonder who would write it!"

Snickers could be heard nearby and Hiccup sorely wished Toothless was present to blow their faces off. "Alright you two, come on out." How long had they been watching? Can't they catch a break?

Ruffnut and Tuffnut walked around a huge rock and Snotlout jumped out from behind a log ten feet away. "Good thing nothing super awkward happened." The dark-haired man stated plainly.

"How long have you guys been here?" Hiccup growled, arms crossed.

"Not long, not long," Tuffnut smacked his arm. "Just got here while you two were googly eyeing. Don't worry, if the village found out we bombarded your proposal, we'd be shipped off." He waved his hand through the air as if to portray the distance.

"Yeah, even I wouldn't allow that kind of stupidity." Ruffnut smiled, giving Astrid a small hug in congratulations.

Snotlout snorted. "Yeah. We just wanted to see Hiccup's reaction to number thirteen. Funny, right Hiccup?"

Astrid rolled her eyes. "What are you talking about? You perverts wrote that!"

"Oh yeah?" Snotlout grinned devilishly. "And who ever said it wasn't true?"

"Oh please, of course it's no-" Astrid glanced at Hiccup and her mouth fell open.

His neck was redder than a tomato and the scarlet color was slowly riding up to his cheeks. He looked away awkwardly and Astrid tried to bite back a laugh. So he did check her out. And although she had been oblivious, apparently he hadn't been completely inconspicuous.

"Hiccup, my man, you need a lesson in Snotlout 101." Snotlout leaned against the tree trunk. "Never let your friends or your girl catch you checking her out. It only causes problems later."

Hiccup narrowed his eyes and stomped towards his cousin, who laughed and ran away. Hiccup would've run after him but instead he called, "I know secrets of yours too, dear cousin! I will have my revenge! You can COUNT on it!"

Tuffnut bumped his sister's arm. "What do you think Hiccup knows about Snotlout that we don't?"

"Oh believe you me," Hiccup muttered. "I know a few things. And soon enough, so will the village."

Astrid kissed his cheek. "It's okay."

Hiccup looked at her sheepishly before shrugging. "Oh well, what can you do?"

Astrid opened her mouth to reply, but a loud flutter of wings made them perk. The group looked up to see Fishlegs and Meatlug fly into the cove. "Hey, congratulations!"

"Thanks!" Hiccup and Astrid smiled, the new bride-to-be hugging his chest.

Fishlegs hovered in the air for a moment as he said, "You guys better hurry though. The party is about to start!" After that, Meatlug turned and flew back toward the village.

"Whoo-hoo! Party!" The Twins ran off, Snotlout following after them.

"Come on, lovebirds! The party's for you!"

Astrid looked up at her new fiancé. "Party?"

"It's mostly for you because it's your birthday. I originally planned it to be similar to how mine was for my twenty-first birthday. But now it's even more special." Hiccup kissed her lips firmly before linking fingers with hers and leading her out of the village.

"Thank you." Astrid smiled.

"For what?" Hiccup looked at her.

Astrid wrapped her arms around him in a hug. "For being my everything."

Hiccup breathed a laugh and planted a kiss on the top of her head. He breathed in her scent, memorizing everything about this moment to remember it forever. "Anything for you."

Guys! IT'S DONE! Okay first off, thank you so much KateMarie999 for helping me to write this, being my beta and official person to bounce ideas off of! And THANK YOU for nagging me to get my butt writing! :) You're awesome and Idk how I survived w/o you! :)

And thank you guys too, for all of your faithful reading, kind reviews and PMs! I love you all! Thank you SO MUCH!

This story was so much fun to write and I'm so glad I did it. But now I have 2 announcements, and they go hand in hand. There's good news and bad news:

Now: here's the good news. There will be a sequel! I'm not sure about the title yet; possibly Testing the Vows. It's going to be so amazing guys! BUT! But. Hehe But it will NOT be all fluff and humor like this one. Oh no. Heh heh, I got angst, I got action, I got the gut-wrenching emotion that you guys are lookin' for.

So when this lovely fluffy story is over, don't forget about me okay? You have not seen the end of me. Noooo this is just the beginning ;D Muahaha Though I will say, this next story WILL have fluff and romance; they're going to be engaged after all haha

Now for the bad news: Life's goin a lil rough these days so there is no telling when updates will happen. K? So stick around but I'm super sorry if I am unfaithful in updates. I'll do my best of course, but I cannot guarantee anything at any given time.

But hey, I didn't think I'd be getting this chapter done tonight either. I just told one person through PM last night that it would be a miracle if I got this chapter done this week. Well look at me now! DONE! Yeah, you know who you are out there ;)

Okay, I better stop rambling and go to bed. Sequel coming ASAP guys! Stick around! Thanks again and I love you all!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

~EmK

ADDITIONAL NOTE!

You may notice that this in a different format and that is because this is the lovely KateMarie999 posting this. Yes I'm hacking. No don't stop reading, this is important information concerning the sequel.

Testing the Vows will be rated M!

You may be wondering why this is. I cannot tell you. EmmerzK will not tell you. So don't ask. But I can assure you that I have read a whole bunch of it and the reason for the rating is due to a few scenes which she'll warn you about in the author's note before posting. All language will be K and there will be no lemons so you don't have to worry about it too much.

And hey, while I'm here, I'm totally jealous that this story is getting so popular! Come on over to my profile sometime and read my Growing Up Haddock series! EmmerzK helped me a lot so her writing is all over it! And if she were here with me, she would tell you to go check it out too. All right, shameless self promotion finished.

~KateMarie999