Sousuke Tenki: Glad to return the favor, any time. I wouldn't say the love is blooming, more like bamboo shooting out the ground, slow at first than skyrocket...but not that intense...
TomBoyBookGirl: Glad to know my cat was not the only one who like that spot. Glad you enjoyed the chapter
The Viking Stranger: Where do I begin, I am glad you got a good laugh, not sure if future arguments will play out like what happened with the doll, I need to watch 'Dragons: Racing to the Edge'. Maybe it is all too much to take in during one reading, but I am glad you enjoyed it. Yes Hiccstrid Forever!
VictoryD: Sorry but I am leaving the contents of Valka's journal to the readers' imagination. Technically the kiss was not at the party... You're about to see what happens next
supersandman86: Snotlout was not the only one kicked there, when Camicazi hits Dagur it's in the Berserker family jewels as well. Sorry for the delay, but here is the next part of the story
UnbreakableWarrior: I am glad you are amazed, but I would love it if you gave something a little more specific
Guest (guest): I am just going to let you infer your own conclusions on what's in the journal, that may or may not have any bearings on Astrid's mother leaving..
jesi ki kage: I am working on that, but I am glad you love the story
windsher: I am not familiar with any acronym that goes 'I w', I think you mean 'I luw'. Would be so kind to clarify?
Pre-Story Notes: I am not dead and I haven't forgotten TFM. My mind has been else where, with the Draconic Park/World Series I am working on with Sousuke Tenki, the Avengers' Continuum thing with supersandman86 and Rumbling Night Cutter and my resent attempt to go into the Big Hero 6 fan-dom with 'The Magnificent Samurai'. But here it is, TFM Ch. 18.
Chapter 18 Alone and Solution
It's nice to be finally alone.
Hiccup and Astrid are alone. Astrid is standing behind Hiccup resting her head on his left shoulder not unlike how boyfriends are known to do; it's not as easy as Astrid thought because she finally notice that Hiccup is growing. They are by themselves looking at the giant panda exhibit at the zoo located not far from Thor's Shadow. They are silent, just being together, with 'Tetros' in the harness and said harness is being worn by Hiccup. "I can't believe how your dad reacted when we came home last night." Astrid whispers softly. She could feel Hiccup's body both shake from him trying to hold back a chuckle while also going slack as if he wished last night when they got home didn't happen.
Flashback to last night: After Hiccup shut the door behind him after letting Astrid in first, the lights in the living room are turned. Draped across the room is a banner that reads 'It's official, HICCSTRID 4EVER!' Standing in the living room is Stoick, Gobber, Toothless and Stormfly, the pets are wearing shirts made for them that read 'Hiccstrid Forever' while Stoick and Gobber's shirts read "I've been shipping Hiccstrid since 9/02/2014" Stoick pops opens a bottle of champagne and shouts. "That's my son!" Hiccup goes to the nearest wall and starts banging his head against it.
"I take it, Hiccup's not too thrilled." Gobber comments as Stoick pours every human a glass as he walks over to Hiccup. "Easy there lad, I need that noggin of yours for work Monday." Gobber says as he stops Hiccup from banging his head against the wall. "Besides if you want to crack your skull open, you should ask Astrid to go full force on it with a bat." Gobber chuckles as he sits Hiccup down on the couch, Astrid joining him.
"Suicide pact?" Astrid asks.
"How would that work?" Hiccup asks Astrid within a second of the offer, before he lets her answer, "It doesn't matter no matter it is it would only kill me twice." Hiccup points out. He's right, in his attempt he wind up killing himself instead of killing Astrid & Astrid's attempt would work in killing him.
Stoick hands each of the two a glass,"Enough of the doom and gloom, this is a time to celebrate. You two are finally past that awkward 'hate-crush' phase and you can actually grow as people. So what are your plans, date a few years, maybe an elope to Vegas after your high school graduation, or maybe co-habit at college until you both graduate and then marriage? Or are holding off on the major stuff until you try this out for a year?" Stoick is clearly not mincing words.
"Um... before we go any farther with this, what convinced you that the SS Hiccstrid has in fact left port?" Hiccup stops his father wanting to know what triggered this.
"SS Hiccstrid?" Astrid asks.
"Well I don't if we are a war-ship, a commercial vessel, what national affiliations... can I first get an answer from my father?" Hiccup starts to explain but stops knowing that this 'ship' title tangent is a mute conversion.
"Well Thuggory called after the opening of the gifts. He couldn't find either of you to thank you. I told him that you two left early and were on your way home, you two both being the perfectionist you are and the Health Class project. I also explained that you didn't want to make a scene or take away from the party so you elected to be discreet with your exit. To Hiccstrid!" Stoick near bellows and holds his glass up, as does Gobber way too joyfully, Astrid does as if it was the only option she has and she's making the best out of a best situation. Hiccup did it last very reluctant about it. They all then drink. "Now you two, clean up and off to bed, we're going to the zoo in the morning.": Flashback ends.
Astrid puts her arm across Hiccup's chest and squeezes him from behind. "It will be alright, babe."
"Wait why is my nickname in this relationship a diminutive? I give you a very respectful title and you call me... babe" Hiccup asks. Astrid brushing her cheek against his neck and cheek giving off a purr-like sound, not unlike cats brushing against their humans' legs.
"Well what do you want to be called?" Astrid asks after a few seconds of brushing Hiccup as she did. Hiccup's silence says volumes. "But it will be for only for moments like this."
"I can live with that." Hiccup says accepting it.
Something's nagging at Astrid, or rather the absence of something. Hiccup had told her he loves her but she didn't really tell him how she felt. "Hey, Hiccup, remember last night, when you told me you love me?"
Hiccup had a feeling Astrid would sooner or later notice she never actually said she loves him. "Astrid, it's okay, so what if you're not ready to say the words 'I love you', you'll say them when you are ready. I am not going to rush you." Hiccup is actually the more surprised of how understanding he is.
Astrid loosen her hold and rests the top of her head on the center of his back. "You're amazing, you know that?" Astrid asks. She notices as Hiccup steps forwards, sees his shadow changes meaning he turned around and feels his left hand go under her chin. Soon she is lost in his forest green eyes, yet she can tell the Hiccup is lost in her own azure eyes, but for some reason it's like she's hypnotized while he's just slightly disorientated. Astrid doesn't know how long they stare into each other's eyes until Hiccup tilts his head slightly to the right and leans in. His eyes shut as he almost closes the distance his mouth tantalizingly close to hers.
"May I kiss you, Milady?" He asks softly.
Astrid brings her left hand to the back of his head, her fingers entwining in his hair, her right hand going over his left shoulder as she too shuts her eyes, "Yes" she coos and Hiccup kisses her. It's gentle at first, slowly Hiccup adds more force as his right hand moves to Astrid's waist. Neither is sure exactly how long they have been kissing, but they break and again look deep into each other's eyes as they let their foreheads connect. There are times that words take away from things, this is one of those time. Actually there are three words that do belong, but only Astrid can say them this time.
"Don't push yourself," Hiccup says, it was if he saw Astrid's internal struggle, "You'll say it when you are ready." Okay maybe there are ten words that can be said that won't ruin the moment. Astrid blush gets fuller and more red. She moves her left hand down and her right hand slight up to hug Hiccup around his neck. Hiccup lowers his left hand and joins it with his right hand in the small of Astrid's back. "You truly are an astrid, Milady." Hiccup says as he brings Astrid a little closer to him. The two just look into each other's eyes.
They have no idea how long they have been looking into each other's eyes until, "Astrid, Hiccup!", baby Thor in a thunderstorm, it's Stoick. Hiccup grumbles about the moment being ruined. They end their embrace and turn to see Stoick running up them.
"Yeah Dad." Hiccup replies seeing how excited the big man is.
"We are now the proud sponsor for all the animals you mother use to observe, you know Thorando, Skullcrusher, Lump, Gruff, Thump, the skate which is named V.S., and CloudJumper!" Stoick said extremely excited, "And a few more, as it turned out the reason Valka thought Thorando was like me was because how he defended his injured friend, Whirlwing. Also he has taken on a father-like role for three younger rays named Bing, Bang and Boom." Stoick started and carried on about each animal.
Astrid looks to Hiccup, "You were right, we shouldn't have left him alone." she admits. Hiccup's silence says it all. "Um Stoick, don't you think it's time to head home, Stormfly looks tired." She says calling attention the kitten, Stormfly yawned as she curls into ball in between Toothless' shoulder. Toothless too looked tired and yawned as well.
"Eye you're right lass. We best be going home." Stoic said and they started heading out. Astrid fell behind a little. She knows she has to say those three words, she knows she still not ready, but she also knows she cannot keep Hiccup hanging.
"I think I may have a solution!"
Astrid is leaning against the hallway wall in between classes, when she hears that. It has been almost a month since she moved into the Haddock's home, as noted with the Halloween decorations in the hallway, it's still two weeks out. She turns to sees Fishlegs running up to her, despite what people say about the big guy's small legs and how in shape he's in or not behind his back, he's actually quite fast and not winded. "But we can't talk here." Fishlegs says.
"After school, before I head for work," Astrid suggests and starts heading to her next class, it's thankfully it's History and that means the school week is over. There is no met tomorrow and the two are just about done with everything. She finds Hiccup at his seat he's looking at his notebook, the one with all the dragons, he keeps going back to the Stormcutter entry. She notices that he doted something down, while she's no expert in reading upside down from what she can make out "Why...3 Vs...". Hiccup must have noted that each of his movements when it came to drawing where 'V's. "Hey babe, I missed you at lunch." Astrid says getting his attention.
Hiccup almost jumped out of his skin, "Oh Astrid... hey Astrid... hi Astrid..." Hiccup fumbles. He looks at Astrid, only one word describes his look 'Why?'.
Still chuckling Astrid gives his a kiss on the cheek, "Because I can." She takes her seat and they start class. After class, "I got to meet up with Fishlegs before I head to work. So I will see you went I get home." Astrid says as she and Hiccup gets their things together to leave.
"You know with everything you got from the insurance pay-outs and the selling of your old place, you don't have to work in high school." Hiccup points out, "But I won't argue. Well, until you get home. Milady." he continues as they leave the classroom after giving her a bow and scrape. Astrid can't help but chuckle at her boyfriend.
"Thanks, babe." Astrid says and heads to her rendezvous with Fishlegs. They are in one of now empty classroom. "Alright Fishlegs, what have you found out?" Astrid asks
"Are you familiar with implants?" Astrid just glares at Fishlegs, "Right, right, you asks the questions I give the answers. Well you heard of cochlear implants right?" Fishlegs asks. Astrid does something between a nod and a shake. "Hearing implants." Fishlegs clarifies. "Now back then they first came out in the 1970's they had numerous problems, but most of them have been worked out. I can't get more specifics unless I have more details about Hiccup's hearing. But there is specialist that works with them, the hearing implants, at the hospital." Fishlegs finishes.
Astrid leans against the wall, "So there is a chance that Hiccup doesn't have to go deaf." a huge smile creeps on her face. "I don't have to rush myself I can just say it when I am ready." She says as she grabs Fishlegs and dances in joy.
"Um Astrid, you're kind of freaking me out."
"Oh right... um you see... Hiccup confessed that he loves me and I haven't you know, said (hums a tune that sounds like 'I love you') to him then, just told him that the feeling's mutual . I still haven't actually said it."
"Well the implants might work, but then again they might not work, so I can't advise betting on it. I can give you the sat-"
"No I am good. I got to get to work. Thanks Fish." Astrid cuts him off there as she gives him a hug out of gratitude and starts to leave for work. She doesn't need Fishlegs to tell her that the odds are actually not in her favor. She knows she's racing against the clock... and unlike most of her opponents she's losing.
Hours later Astrid arrives home, Stoick had left Sunday for one thing or another dealing with either another school or the business, much to Hiccup delight (really Hiccup is truly and sincerely delighted to have some breathing space again), so it left her, Hiccup, Stormfly and Toothless. As she enters the main house she's greeted first with a meow. "Hey girlfriend. I missed you." Astrid says as she pets Stormfly and then gives the kitten a kiss. She then picks the kitten up and walks into the living room, Hiccup has his textbooks and homework out, well actually most is to the right side clearly indicating he finished it, what is left is his English homework.
"I hate Shakespeare!" Hiccup exclaims as he picks up and throws the English textbook across the room. It doesn't hit anything but land on the floor with a thud that startles a happy-puppy Toothless who was napping on the other side of the couch. Hearing the alarmed whimper. "Sorry, Bud."
"What play is it this time?" Astrid asks
"The Merchant of Venice. I can't see how it's a comedy, the titular character, who is the scum of the Earth, doesn't get his just deserts concerning the deal he made, Shylock is simply screwed because Christians don't have to keep their word to him because he's a Jew throughout most of the play, the hero and his best friend are idiots giving their rings away to random men, granted the men are their beloved cross-dressing, but still. And the ending makes no sense given everything in the story that happened before hand. Now 'Macbeth', that actually makes sense, despite the historical inaccuracy, 'Hamlet' makes sense, 'Julius Caesar' while historical inaccurate, makes sense, 'Richard III' again a lot of historical inaccuracy, makes sense. Even 'The Taming of the Shrew' makes more sense," Hiccup rants and slumps back into the couch.
Astrid sits down next to him after putting Stormfly into his lap, she pets him. While she pets him, "It's considered a comedy because in the end of the play what is precised to be the natural order is restored with the wedding and successful return of the merchant's ship presumed lost at sea. To an Elizabethan and Jacobean audience it makes sense for it to be a comedy." Astrid answers.
"It's ending is still non-sequential." Hiccup huffs in defeat.
"It's Shakespeare, what did you expect." Astrid comments more than asks. She watches Hiccup nod and shake his head back and forth and in the end accepts it. After a few seconds it looks like Hiccup is going to fall asleep thanks to her petting him. "There's something I need to talk to you about." Hiccup's eyes pop open and he's about to speak. "No, I am not dumping you. I asked Fishlegs if there is a way to stop your hearing loss."
"When was this?" Hiccup asks, taken a little aback.
"The day I was out of school and took classes via Skype. Thanks for setting that up by the way." Astrid answers.
"Okay, so you're telling me about this now because..."
"Remember when I said I was meeting with Fishlegs before going to work?" Astrid asks. Hiccup nods. "Well it was so that he could tell me what he found out. There's a specialist at the hospital that focuses on ear implants, and I am thinking that maybe you can met with him or her..." Astrid trailed off, she realized that she hasn't thought how to pitch the idea to Hiccup through.
Hiccup is silent for a couple of seconds, "My mother had implants. I don't doubt that they have gotten better, but from what I found in her journals there were times she wished she couldn't hear." He says softly.
"Oh, I di-" Astrid starts.
"I didn't know until that night Stoick and I found the entries about why our mothers made that betrothal contract. In hindsight I should have told you about the implants sooner." Hiccup pauses. "But thank you for asking Fishlegs to look into it," he says weakly.
"I am sor-" Astrid starts.
"It's okay, I probably should've asked Fishlegs about it over the summer. But I felt so much anger concerning you I just wanted to live in a world that I didn't have to hear you or any of the other nonsense." Hiccup says cutting Astrid off and looking right into her face. "On a different note, why did you put Stormfly in my lap?"
"You two look so cute together when your eyes are shut, especially Stormfly as she's purring."
"You do know that purring doesn't necessarily mean she's happy. It means she wants you... well me in this case, close to her, often it's because she's happy but it could mean she's injured, stressed or sick." Hiccup comments.
"If she were stressed you would bleeding through your pants leg because she would be clawing you. If she were sick she would have crawled into my lap by now and if she was injured Toothless would be fetching her carrying case and would have been barking at me to put her in it to take her to the vet. Now that's assuming you're a bad boyfriend and haven't already taken her to the vet. But we all know that you, being the good boyfriend you are, would have taken her to the vet, called or texted me letting me know and you wouldn't come home until you were without a doubt that she's fine." Astrid counters with a victorious smirk.
"I just can't win can I."
"That's because you're choosing battles with me with this." Astrid says as she points to Hiccup's head. "Not with this." she finishes placing her hand on his chest over his heart.
"So need some help with Chemistry, tonight?" Hiccup asks trying to change subject.
"Actually I just want to go to bed. Some moron thought it was a good idea to put his hand on my ass."
"Well it's a good thing that the first thing Gobber has on the menu is 'Sexually harassing servers will result in bodily harm with you at fault. You have been warned.'" Hiccup jokes and gets Astrid to laugh. After a few more jokes between the two, they compare and contrast their notes from their classes and soon they each head to their own room. Before they do part til the morning. "About the implants. I'll look into it and think about it. Good night, Milady." Hiccup says as he heads to his room Toothless walking by his side
"Good night, babe." Astrid says as she goes into her room with Stormfly in her arms. As she lies down on the bed the kitten resting on her chest. "Good night girlfriend."
"Meow." Stormfly says in response as she falls asleep with her mastress.
In Hiccup's room, after taking of his fake-leg, Hiccup lies down on his bed. "Night, Bud." he says, he's goes to take out his hearing aids, "Oh forget it." he says and just leaves them in, not knowing that he made the better decision of the two.
And here is where I leave you. I know it's short. Don't worry I will be back for Ch. 19, but give what I plan for it, I think it will be most appropriate to post it around Halloween. Please Read & Review
Foxmorgorth