Title: Well Spent
Summary: Astrid's plans to visit her family for Christmas are ruined by the spiteful weather. But unable to spend the holiday alone, she invites her grumpy scrooge of a neighbor to join her for a Christmas meal.
Astrid strummed her fingers against the table in boredom, staring dazedly up at the clock as she waited for it to ding midnight. The air was silent, most likely everyone else in the apartment building were in bed. There were quite a few families, so even if they were up, everyone was dead quiet about it.
And it was driving her mad.
She turned to glance back out the window, where the wind was howling and snow whirled around so thickly that one could hardly see two feet in front of themselves when on the streets. Planes were delayed, roads were blocked. Merry Christmas, indeed.
With a heavy sigh, she ran a hand down her face in absolute exasperation. She was exhausted, lonely, and utterly disappointed by the days turn of events. Right now, she should be at home with her family eating a potato soup dinner. She should actually be asleep, but her troubled mind was giving her a hard time of that.
"Why don't they have a subway all the way to my house?" She grumbled absently. Abandoning her kitchen chair, she instead walked to her small living room and flopped onto the couch. Holding her mug of hot chocolate in her hands, she once again picked up her holiday celebration: staring at that stupid clock.
Two minutes now.
She should really go to bed.
The clock dinged midnight, and although it was a cheery sound, it didn't necessarily make her excited. The disappointment had definitely taken a part of her spirits away.
Her mind wandered, until she heard an abrupt thump against her wall. Twisting around to frown at the far part of the room, she heard a muffled mutter of irritation.
It was just her annoying neighbor- again. He seemed to be one of the biggest klutz she'd ever met. Hiccup Haddock, major in art and had a tendency to avoid all other occupants on the third floor. Barely spoke a word, and when he did, it was with a stutter and extremely nasally. While she'd never actually talked to the guy, he seemed like an okay dude. He'd once helped Mrs. Gothi up the stairs when the elevator was broken, and he seemed to have a kind- albeit quiet- soul. He hadn't seemed to notice her, however.
There was another thump, this time followed by a bit louder curse. Astrid almost smiled, trying not to be amused by the poor guy struggling with one thing or another from the other side of the wall.
There was more scuffling, until Astrid made up her mind and got to her feet. Setting her mug on the counter top, she exited the room and slowly padded down to the next door. She froze halfway there, and decided to turn around and grab the Christmas cookies she'd baked earlier that day to offer as a gift.
She raised her hand and hesitated, before quickly rapping her knuckles against the door quickly before she could change her mind. She waited, then frowned when several moments passed and no one bothered to answer the door.
She knocked again, and this time there was the sound of a lock unclicking. The door swung open to reveal a disheveled young man in a green knitted sweater and plaid pants. Very festive, but his frown emanated that he wasn't very pleased.
"H-hey... uh..." Astrid laughed nervously, seeing his pajamas reminding her that she too, was wearing Christmasy clothing. In soft cream long-sleeved shirt and pants, covered in zigzags and patterns.
She glanced down and remembered the cookies.
"Merry Christmas!" She extended the gift outright, grinning cheerfully in urging.
He stared at her through... man, those eyes were very green... they were almost mesmerizing, she wondered how- focus!
"Thanks." He took the plate and the awkwardness continued. His voice was gravelly, like he'd just woken up, but it was obvious he hadn't. She peered a little closer, noticing in surprise that his eyes appeared to be a might puffy and swollen.
"Um, sorry I came so late. My plane was cancelled so I'm grounded here, and I was rather lonely. I heard you moving around and thought I could... well, extend some holiday hospitality." She tried to explain. This was going far worse then she'd hoped. All she wanted to do was drop the cookies, wish him a Merry Christmas, and leave. But he didn't seem so eager... like, at all.
"Oh, well, thank you." he backed up, like he was going to shut the door, but before he could even try she hurried to say some more.
"And-and, ah, I was supposed to bring the ham for my families supper meal, and I was just wondering... it's a really big ham and... ah, I might need some help finishing it off." She silently kicked herself for stuttering. What was this, sixth grade?
He blinked, and for a moment, she feared he might start crying right there and then. But instead he sighed shakily, and shook his head. "No, thank you for asking, but I really... I can't."
Her face fell. While he didn't really seem to be "jolly" company by any means, at least he would've been someone. Plus, she had a stack of gifts waiting in her room to be handed out, and she probably had one in there to suit the quiet man.
"Oh, alright." She stepped back with a small nod, smiling hesitantly. "Enjoy the cookies."
He simply nodded in return. No smile, no wave, nothing. This guy looked like a serious down-in-the-dumps person at the moment. Last she saw him, he was grinning from ear to ear and telling old Gobber that he'd finally passed his finals. That was... two weeks ago?
Turning to go back to her apartment, she tried to push it aside. But with no family at home waiting for her, and with Stormfly snoozing on her bed, there wasn't much else to think about but the oddity of the neighboring Hiccup Haddock.
Reentering her apartment, she sighed heavily and looked back to the clock. A quarter after, definitely time for her to hit the hay.
Finishing her chocolate, she slipped down the hall and into her bedroom. Before lying down she kicked off her slippers and turned on her Christmas lights, the sight of them helping her regain some of her Christmas spirit. Smiling, she laid back down and tried to keep troubling thoughts from her mind, especially that of her family and her neighbor.
...
Next morning, Astrid didn't have to wake to the dreaded sound of her alarm buzzing. But, once she did open her eyes, the outside world was still overhung in light clouds, and snow flurried to the ground. It was a cheery snowfall, one that made her excited for the upcoming day, as lonely as it may be.
Flinging the blankets off she jumped to her feet, first wishing Stormfly a cheerful Merry Christmas before shoving on her slippers and rushing down the all. Into the kitchen she skipped before grabbing the ham and preparing it for the oven.
Once done, Astrid returned to her room to change into black leggings and a dark red sweater. Letting her hair down around her shoulders, she smiled at her reflection as she replaced the gold charm around her neck containing her parent's pictures.
As she pulled on her house "slipper boots", her cell jingled on her bedside table. Picking it up, she was delighted to read that it was her parents, most likely calling to wish her happy holidays regardless of her absence.
"Hello?"
Her father and mother's voice sang in unison. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas." Astrid grinned and fell back against her neatly made bed, holding the phone against her ear with both hands. "I miss you."
"We miss you to, love."
Her Dad's voice was concerned. "You won't be alone, will you?"
Astrid's smile wavered, but she fought the brave front. "Me? Alone? Of course not! I have Stormfly for one, and I'll probably go to visit some of my neighbors."
"Glad to hear it."
The call ended all too soon, and the room was silent again. Getting to her feet, Astrid went to the living room and stared at her tree, shining happily with the nativity scene tucked underneath the branches at its feet. She smiled softly before going to her kitchen and grabbing a bowl of cereal with chocolate covered pretzels. Settling at the table, she turned on the radio. The sound of the festive music helped to brighten her spirits again, as did the voice of the radio-speaker.
There was a soft thud on her door, so quiet she thought for a moment that someone had merely bumped into it as they'd passed. But it came again, a bit louder this time.
Getting to her feet she ordered Stormfly to remain in the kitchen before attempting the door. Twisting the lock, she opened it to reveal Hiccup standing hesitantly in the doorway, an empty plate in his hands.
"M-morning." He mumbled quietly.
"Merry Christmas." Astrid smiled brightly. "Is that mine?"
He jumped as he stuttered a reply, extending the plate as his face turned a vibrant shade of red. "Right, yes, yes... um, thank you for the cookies. I didn't want to forget to bring it back so..."
"No, not a problem! Won't you come in? I was just eating and listening to the radio, it's way too quiet to be very merry." She smiled in invitation, hoping his shyness wouldn't keep him from accepting. But, to her surprise and delight, he stepped inside the small entry, his tall shape taking up most of the room.
She shut the door with a smile and waved him to follower her further inside. It was obvious how awkwardly nervous he was, but she didn't mind. Hopefully she could get him to open up a bit more the longer he stayed.
"The decor is beautiful." Hiccup murmured.
"Thank you. I tend to go a bit... crazy with my decorating, but it's one of my favorite parts of preparing for Christmas." Smiling, Astrid reentered the kitchen and opened the fridge, hoping she had something to offer him. "Would you like some Eggnog? I would've made it myself, but the last time I tried my family spent Christmas in the ER."
Hiccup almost smiled... almost. The side of his mouth twitched upwards, but before it could become a grin, he seemed to shut himself out. "Right... Eggnog, I'd love some thank you."
In slight disappointment, Astrid set the glass cup in front of him while grabbing a drink for herself. After shutting the radio off she instead grabbed her phone and went to Pandora, going to the Celtic Thunder channel and letting the volume remain at a soft level.
"Who's your favorite Christmas artists?"
Hiccup pondered for a moment. "I'd say... maybe Bing Crosby? He's always been one of my favorites."
"He's a classic! Who can't love his music?" Astrid laughed and took another drink of her eggnog.
"What about you?"
"I've always really enjoyed Pentatonix. They have stunning Christmas albums."
He suddenly grinned, surprising her- and perhaps himself, for it disappeared almost instantly. "Yes! I... uh, listen to them while I draw. They're really good."
Stormfly appeared just then, jumping up onto the counter against Astrid's many rules and scoldings not to do so. Tongue lolling out the side of her mouth, she smiled in a doggy manner at the two humans.
"I'm sorry, this is my dog Stormfly. She has no manners whatsoever."
Hiccup's eye brightened again, appearing to be even more green and vibrant then before. Reaching out, he gave her a little pat between the ears.
"Don't worry, my cat Toothless isn't much better." Hiccup smiled softly.
Astrid laughed. "Toothless? What kind of name is that for a cat?"
He tilted his head and narrowed his eyes in a playful manner. "Well, when I found him he was missing both of those kitty vampire teeth. Still doesn't have them- which is probably a good thing, seeing as how when he's in a bad mood, he shows it openly."
Astrid smiled slowly in amusement, entertained by the idea of Hiccup's toothless cat gnawing on his arm. "I'd like to meet him someday."
Hiccup fell silent as he played with his cup, the only sound being Stormfly's snuffling and the light music behind them. It was almost like Hiccup had forgotten he was sad, then remembered, and had fallen back into the realm.
"So what's up?" Astrid finally said in exasperation. Hiccup looked up in confusion, blinking owlishly as he waited for explanation. Waving her hands in gesturing motions, Astrid insisted. "What's with your grey mood? Last night you looked like the world was ending, and today you're a... a mess. It's Christmas for crying out loud, and you're sulking in your apartment- alone."
The silence was almost worse then before, dead quiet. Even Stormfly was aware of the tension and remained tense and still at Astrid's side.
Hiccup's eyes were wide, green, and eerily blank. His hands twitched around the glass as he suddenly looked away and got to his feet, heading for the door.
Astrid was crashed with a heavy weight of absolute horror. She was so stupid, how could she say such things? Sure, he appeared to be happy and go-lucky when she'd seen him prior to the holidays, but that didn't mean he had personal problems behind that apartment door that he was hiding. Heck, maybe he was he grounded just like she was.
I'm such an idiot.
"Wait, Hiccup! Wait up, please, I'm so so sorry, I was thoughtless." Astrid rambled and reached to grab his arm, tugging him back to keep him from escaping. He refused to look at her, not even allowing her to see his face. Head ducked, hair obscuring her vision, but she continued to apologize.
"That was so entirely thoughtless and cruel of me. I'm so sorry, please forgive me? It won't happen again, I swear."
Hiccup shook his head, and finally turned to fix his gaze on her. She was startled to see tears brimming in his eyes, and felt utterly worse because of it.
He shoved her hand off his arm, but didn't move any further towards the door. Rather, he walked back into the living room and sat on the couch, resting his head in his hands silently.
Astrid blinked in bemusement and took a little step closer. "Hiccup..?"
He sighed and ran his hands down his face, tears gone and appearing to be under control- much to her relief.
"No... um." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "You're right, I've been a grump. I usually bring Gobber and Gothi gifts and cookies this time of year, but I just haven't... hadn't really thought of it. Ah... it's been a bit difficult lately and I've been distracted."
Astrid shook her head and went to sit in a chair opposite of him. "You don't have to explain. I was out of line and shouldn't have said anything. I just hate... seeing you so droopy when normally you look lively and... happy."
"Well, I'm not happy." Hiccup muttered. Folding his hands with his elbows resting on his knees, he gave an almost growl. "This Christmas is the worst Christmas I've ever experienced."
Astrid smiled sympathetically. "I'm sorry."
"No, don't be. I'm being a Grinch again." Smiling in that quirky way of his, he seemed to brighten somewhat. "It's just, I lost my father two weeks ago in an accident. He's the only family I have, so it's hard... you know, not being able to go home for Christmas."
Astrid's heart swelled in grief for the poor guy, feeling ten times more guilty for saying what she did. She should've left well enough alone, but instead she had to go and open her big nosy trap and hurt Hiccup's feelings because of it.
"I'm sorry..." She whispered, both in grief and apology.
"No, it's fine. I... I want to thank you for inviting me. It feels good to be with someone today." Hiccup said the last part shyly, ducking his head again with a blush.
Astrid grinned and stood, going to sit down beside him. Hesitating, she gently patted him on the back in an awkward manner. "Well, you can stay here all day and we'll have a grand time of it. Like I said, I have plenty of food that I was "assigned" to bring home, but seeing as how I'm grounded, we'll have plenty to eat." and gesturing to the remote on the table, she smiled slyly. "Plus I have an entire watch list of romance Christmas movies to go through."
"Romance?" Hiccup mimicked a gag, earning a guffawed laugh from the girl. "What about The Grinch? Or... or Santa Claus, hm? And we can't forget Rudolph."
"Fine by me, we'll add a classic or two to the mix." Smiling, she got to her feet and returned to the kitchen, pulling out snacks and sprawling them onto her wooden tray used on special occasions.
Returning into the living room, she made sure to sit a good distance away from the shy man, not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable. After giving him the remote to choose the movie, she grabbed a blanket and wrapped it about herself, finding it unnecessary however given to the saying: "True warmth comes from good company."
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this little bit, and be prepared, there are more to come! Not sure how often I'll update, but I'll definitely try to do so as often as possible. Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year, so writing about it is definitely something I enjoy! :D
Plus, I'm trying to break out of this horrible writer's block. Wish me luck. :P
Lots of love, see you next drabble! Toodle-a-loo!