#daysevenwings

After saying goodbye to the dragons, Hiccup longs to fly again. Rating: G. 

Hiccup sighed as he picked up the remains of the Dragon Fly. A moon had passed since the final battle with Grimmel, the dragons’ departure, and the move to New Berk. He and Astrid were newly married and starting their journey as Chief and Chieftess of the new island, an event that should have brought a rush of happiness.

But although he wouldn’t admit it, every day was an emotional struggle for him.

He thought it would help if he got rid of anything that reminded him of the dragons, of Toothless. He’d considered burning old things, or throwing them into the ocean, but he couldn’t sum up enough courage to do that. Instead, he’d locked it away in a chest, promising himself that he wouldn’t open it. Not for a few years, anyway.

But here he was, breaking that promise.

“Hiccup?” Astrid’s voice drifted in softly from the doorway.

The Chief jumped and, dropping the tattered fabric, slammed the chest shut. “Astrid! What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” laughed the blonde, stepping up to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. “Why do you ask? Are you reading love notes from a secret admirer or something?”

“No.” Hiccup felt a tear trickle down his cheek as he spoke.

Astrid frowned. “What? What is it?”

Breaking into a sob, Hiccup buried his face against her shoulder. “I-I can’t…” he stammered, his breaths growing heavy.

“Shh,” Astrid soothed, helping him over to their bed and settling in beside him. She didn’t have to ask any further questions. She knew by now that his anxiety attacks were a result of Toothless’ release.

When Hiccup recovered enough to speak, he mumbled, “Sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” asked the Chieftess, raising an eyebrow. “I know how hard it’s been for you.”

“I just…we just got married, and I should be happy to spend time with you, not sitting around being sad about Toothless.”

“I’m here to support you, babe,” Astrid said, pressing a kiss against his cheek.

Hiccup managed a small smile.

“You wanna talk about anything?”

He bit his lip. “I want to make a new flight suit,” he began cautiously.

Astrid raised an eyebrow. “A new flight suit?”

“I miss flying. And if I could just get back into the air again, it might make me feel a little better. Maybe feel closer to him.”

The blonde offered a sympathetic look.

Hiccup sighed. “Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking. I’m crazy.”

“Well, let’s just say that this idea is very you.” Wrapping her arms around him, she leaned her cheek against his shoulder.

“Astrid?” he began after a pause.

“Yeah?”

“Will you help me?” The Chief took a deep breath. “With the flight suit, I mean.”

Astrid shrugged. “Of course. Anything to support my wonderful husband.” Smiling, she pressed a kiss against his cheek. “Just promise me you won’t get hurt.”