Chapter 25

Astrid hated hangovers.

Which is why she had rigorously groomed her tolerance for alcohol to such a high level and knew when to cut herself off so as not to have one. Of course such talent only applied to her normal regiment of night drinking.

Unfortunately, at no point in the last few days could she say she applied that learned skill set or even have been capable of applying it. The wounds Johann had opened up by just the mere mention of the name, Viggo Grimborn, were just far too deep and pain inducing that she could have ever tapped into her normal level of restraint. She needed alcohol to numb that pain. To keep her going and not sink back into the darkness.

And she needed a lot of it.

So it didn't surprise Astrid as she woke, the pre dawn glow streaming through the single bedroom window, that she hurt – immensely. Her head pounded like a concussive device was going off in it, her throat was dryer than she could ever remember while her stomach rolled add clenched in waves as she clumsily and in a very undignified manner tried to rise out of bed.

After only a few tries she gave up the task and decided instead to fumble with the side table, knocking her wrist slightly into the polished wood, hoping to find something – anything there to relieve her of her pain. Blessedly, she blindly found two lonely pills waiting for her. Not bothering with the glass of water that she was sure was there as well, Astrid forced the pain relief down her throat dry. The pills scraped her throats inner walls, struggling to reach her stomach; it was only after several tries they successfully reached their destination. Once that task was finally done, Astrid rolled back onto her aching back, eyes still slits as she stared at the ceiling, while her mind willed the room to stop slowly spinning.

After laying there for what felt like hours but was in reality minutes, Astrid finally pried her eyes open to the still not fully lit room. Mentally she thanked the Gods with a muddled prayer for the dim lighting. Knowing the pain she was experiencing would be a hundred time worse if the sun was completely out.

Astrid gingerly moved her body to an upright position, groaning the whole way, as she did so she caught sight of a hunched shape sitting in the chair across from her bed. Dim lighting aside, Astrid could easily make out Hiccup's lanky arms and legs folded into the too small chair. His head was flopped down at an awkward angle, only the top of his unruly auburn hair showed, the rest of his face was hidden. She was sure just by looking at him that he would be in a great pain when he finally woke up. A thought that had her moving out of her bed to at the very least gently move his head into a more comfortable position.

She had defused explosive devices before, moving an unconscious man's head and not waking him up was child's play.

Right?

Unfortunately accompanying the thought was also the nagging feeling that while she could touch him, she shouldn't. Or more accurately, didn't have the right too at the moment.

While Astrid still firmly believed she had made the right choice in leaving Hiccup behind and searching out his would be killers. She knew he didn't agree at all and was more than angry with that decision. Proven by the scathing looks he had given her down in the bar.

So it wasn't a far leap in her mind to think that touching Hiccup in any way, even to help ease pain, would not be wanted.

But then why is he here, having the worst sleep of his night? She quietly wondered, as the throbbing pain of her hangover came on stronger as she tried to find an answer for the nagging question.

Astrid let out a groan as she brought a hand to her head trying in vain to ease the onslaught of new pain. She knew it was pointless and only the pain medication she had already taken and time would actually help stop the incessant throbbing, but none the less she dug her fingers painfully into her temple. If only to distract herself from her thoughts.

A slight shifting sound across from her had Astrid ceasing her actions and opening her eyes. Hiccup had moved in his sleep. His body curling farther into the uncomfortable chair. His head had thankfully lifted on its own accord some and was now resting on the fabric of the chairs back instead of dangling helplessly to his chest.

Realizing she was no longer needed and was not ready to take whatever Hiccup was planning on dishing out when he woke up, Astrid quietly slipped herself out of the bed, heading for the door. As she reached the aged door of the bedroom that resided above her bar she paused, turning back to the bed and grabbing the thin quilt folded on the end. Then as carefully and quietly as possible Astrid draped the well worn fabric over Hiccup's still sleeping body. Her hands lingering briefly on the quilt as she laid it to rest. The moment struck her immediately as achingly familiar to just a few days ago. The morning where she had stolen a few precious moments with Hiccup while he slept, blissfully unaware of the new reality he was soon to wake up to. Astrid wondered if Hiccup's reaction to waking up this morning would be anything like the other day.

Not that I have any idea how he acted, since I wasn't there. She mused as she pulled her hands away.

While Astrid was unsure of Hiccup's past few days, she was certain of the bitter breath taking squeeze in her chest that had set up permanent residence in her body since leaving him. Especially as it continued to strangle her insides. Which was another reason she had to drowned herself in alcohol. It was the only thing that seemed to numb the constant pain – until of course she had laid her eyes on Hiccup again. Even his seething anger directed at her couldn't stop the ease that she felt in her chest. It was the first real breath she had taken in two long days.

Astrid gave Hiccup one last lingering look before finally pulling away and heading out the door. The consequences of her choices over the last few days would wait until later.

.o.o.o.o.o.

The bar was dark when Astrid entered, only slightly illuminated by a faint glow coming from the small kitchen in the back. To her surprise Astrid found herself not as alone as she had anticipated. Instead Mala sat at the bar, a cup of steaming coffee in hand, glasses perched on the tip of her nose, reading her dimly glowing tablet.

Mala lifted her gaze from the electronic glow when she heard Astrid's light steps, just as surprised as Astrid was to find herself suddenly not alone. "Ah, good morning sleeping beauty. Nice to see you back amongst the living." Astrid grunted a response as she made a beeline for the coffee maker, where a fresh hot pot of coffee sat waiting.

When no response came Mala sat her tablet down and waited, eyes following her young boss diligently, as she held off on speaking to Astrid again until after the terribly hung over girl had poured herself a large mug of coffee and had taken a few loud gulps. Mala was very aware that even on a good day Astrid spoke very little until after her first cup of coffee.

Several minutes of silence later Astrid finally put down her earthen coffee mug and glanced in Mala's direction. Only to find the smug older blonde still staring at her.

"How long was I out?" Astrid questioned. Hoping to start piecing together what had happened after she told everyone of her encounter with Johann and the unfortunate news of Viggo Grimborn's involvement in Hiccup's assassination attempts.

"Oh eighteen hours or so." Mala said with an air of nonchalance. "But considering you were awake for two straight days, fueled by alcohol and Gods knows what else," she gave Astrid a pointed stare, "it was to be expected."

Astrid rolled her eyes at Mala's implication, "just alcohol…this time." There was no point in lying to Mala, the woman knew how to dig out every dark and wicked secret Astrid had in her. Which is why she knew of Astrid's past of dabbling in drugs when she had found the alcohol not strong enough to suppress the pain. Thankfully, those days were far behind Astrid, with no chance of being revisited. Ever.

"Well that's a plus I suppose." Mala quipped as she took off her thin reading glasses and set them down on the bar.

Astrid took another sip of her coffee, averting her gaze from Mala's piercing one as she asked her next question. Her voice low and hesitant. "How long…how long has he been up there?"

"Since you passed out face down on the table." Astrid flinched and let out a low curse at Mala's words. Vaguely she remembered the exhaustion she had felt overwhelm her after finishing her story...and then nothing.

"Oh yes, despite your boneheaded move to try and solve all of this by yourself, which would have gotten you more than likely killed by the way, that man sat unwavering by your side. Only leaving to use the bathroom. Hel, the girls had to bring him food or he wouldn't have eaten!" Astrid flinched again as Mala continued her lithe condemning voice dropping to a hollow pitch. "I'll be honest with you Astrid, I'm disappointed. You almost – almost came back." Mala paused her voice growing back in volume and Astrid's eyes widened, "and then you went fucked it all up!"

Before Astrid could defend herself Mala continued tearing into her. "I'll have you know between Dagur and those strange twins I found out all about your time with Hiccup Haddock and I was so-so proud…but then I remembered you were passed out drunk upstairs with that poor boy watching over you and it all left me."

Throbbing hangover headache be damned Astrid felt anger swell up in her. She in no way was going to let Mala yell at her for her decisions or those that she had no control over. "Hey, I never asked him – "

"Of course you didn't because that's just what you do for people you love!" Mala all but screamed as she hit the wooden bar loudly with the flat of her palms.

Any rebuttal Astrid had clenched tightly in her throat. Mala's words stopping it instantly and making it insignificant.

Mala continued, not disturbed by Astrid's stunned silence. "When are you going to see that you don't have to do this alone? Never did Astrid, but especially not now." Mala asked, all the fight having left her. Leaving her feeling exhausted and empty. She had been an unwavering cheerleader for Astrid. Rooting for the young woman for years now. She knew how dark Astrid's days had gotten. She had been there after the Mangler's attack and she had been there after Thuggory's death. Doing all that she could to keep Astrid's head above water. So to see her gain so much, to grow so much and then throw it away was near heartbreaking.

The room fell quiet, Astrid staring intently at her almost empty coffee mug as she digested what Mala had said. The disappointment drenched words cutting through her. Since the moment that Astrid had met Mala she had looked up to the woman as a stand in big sister. Not quite old enough to be a Mother figure but her wisdom and insight rivaled that of any superior Astrid had met. Which was why she had left her in charge of her bar and the girls who worked in it without a second thought. She knew Mala would always have her best interest in mind and never betray her. Never.

"My, my – what a spirited discussion for so early in the morning." Dagur's voice broke through the tense silence as he made his way purposely towards Astrid and Mala from the stairs. Neither woman noticing him until that moment to wrapped up in their thoughts.

Dagur passed behind Astrid, pausing briefly to plop a loud kiss on top of her head before he continued on his way to Mala. Who in response quickly threw up a thin hand in his face. Stopping him in his tracks, his eyes wide and lips pursed and ready.

"Not a chance Dagur." Mala's voice cut like a knife as she dismissed him. Of course he was used to her rejection, so he didn't take it seriously.

Grumbling slightly, Dagur made his way towards the coffee machine and poured his own mug of the hot liquid and took a seat next to Astrid. His posture mimicked Astrid's immediately, exhausted and needy for the early morning caffeine to start the day.

Mala watched the pair carefully as they sipped their drinks, Dagur just starting his while Astrid finished hers. All thoughts of the previous conversation with Astrid gone as she focused on the them, letting out a small tickling of laughter.

"What?" Astrid grunted as she stared into her now empty coffee mug.

Mala waved a dismissive hand in her direction, "oh nothing. I just find it humorous that two of the deadliest people in all of the Archipelago can't even start the day without a heavy dose of caffeine running through their veins." Dagur and Astrid causally glanced at the other before giving twin shrugs and turning back to their mugs. Dismissing what they had just heard. Mala let out another laugh and nodded, the trio falling into a comfortable silence as they waited for the sun to rise along with the other occupants of the building.

.o.o.o.o.o.

Hiccup rubbed his neck as he made his way down the stairs. The muscles in it painfully tight from the awkward position he had slept in that Gods awful chair. A decision that he was coming to immensely regret, especially when he found himself alone upon waking. The bed Astrid had occupied and he had kept vigil over all day and through the night empty. The only evidence of her ever being in the room were crumpled sheets and a half empty glass of water.

He had sat in that chair for hours the day earlier waiting – watching. His eyes very rarely drifted from Astrid's deeply unconscious shape. Alcohol and exhaustion finally taking over.

Hiccup knew the chances of Astrid waking before his own exhaustion would take over were slim but that didn't stop him from keeping sentry at the end of her bed. The hidden blessing Hiccup had found in all that time waiting was the ability to get his thoughts somewhat in order.

Over the past two days all he had focused on was just finding Astrid and making sure she hadn't gotten herself killed on his behalf. So when they unceremoniously stumbled upon each other, him anxious and worried – Astrid drunk and tortured, he was surprised to feel the overwhelming amount of anger surge in him. Even when she explained her terrible connection to Viggo Grimborn the anger didn't sway. He had thought when he finally saw her again he would feel relief, happiness, anything other than that.

But he didn't and still doesn't.

The anger still there simmering under the surface of his skin as he walked into the bars main room. Everyone seemingly awake, milling around the room, enjoying their morning coffee and talking amongst each other.

Hiccup's gaze immediately fell on Astrid, as it always seem to do. She was perched firmly near the bar with Dagur, Eret and that woman, Mala, next to her as they discussed something in detail. Not ready at all to confront Astrid about her actions over the last two days, Hiccup choose instead to make a bee line towards his friends; who were happily mingling several feet away with some of the women who worked the bar. When suddenly Mala's commanding tone stopped him where he stood.

"Hiccup Haddock. Won't you join us?" Hiccup's steps faltered unconsciously as he debated continuing on his path and ignoring Mala's question. That is until he caught sight of his friends eyes on him waiting for his response. Waiting to see what he would do. Knowing he was caught Hiccup, let out a deep sigh and switched directions towards Mala, Dagur, Eret and Astrid. As he neared the small group Hiccup noticed the coffee machine near by and deviated slightly to it. He figured getting a cup of coffee it would be a good buffer before being thrown head first into whatever was going to happen next.

Coffee in hand Hiccup turned to the small group, not moving from the machine which kept a healthy but acceptable amount of distance between them. "So how are you all this morning?" He cordially greeted.

"Well it's almost eleven mate but I would say we're fine." Eret cast a glance at Astrid. "Some more than others. How are you doin'? I imagine a bit sore from your sleeping arrangements." Hiccup caught the slight amusement in his voice as he finished and grimaced.

Great, everyone knows how pathetic I am. He thought morosely.

"I'll live." He said, short and to the point before taking a swig of his coffee. Making it clear he didn't want to talk about his 'sleeping arrangements' any further.

"So we were just discussing what the plans were going forward for your group." Mala cut in, for which Hiccup was very grateful. "Obviously some of your group is not ready to travel at the moment, so I suggested staying here for another night, and then continuing on your quest in the morning." Everyone in the small group nodded in agreement to Mala's assessment.

Hiccup took another sip of coffee, enjoying the heat that slid down his throat and curled in his belly. Waking him up more every moment. "Well I don't think you'll have any objections from the rest of the group. They seemed to enjoy helping out around the bar last night, from what I heard." Astrid cocked a surprised eyebrow at what Hiccup said, the first acknowledgment that she even knew he was there.

"They did what now?" She questioned.

Mala smiled widely and nodded, "oh yes, Fishlegs and Heather worked the floor with the girls, while Snotlout helped Throk in the back and those twins, well they created some of the most interesting drinks I've ever seen. A man the size of your Father, Hiccup, hit the floor after only half a glass of this green concoction they made up. I'm actually thinking of adding that particular one to the bar list, maybe naming it, Thorston Punch. And only serving it in shot glasses." She finished her smile only growing wider.

Hiccup couldn't help the small grin that spread on his own face as well. He was happy his friends seemed to making the best of this strange situation. They had this whole journey. Despite being almost killed several times, ripped away from their families for Thor only knows how long and the threat of death still looming over them their positive attitudes never wavered. Something he couldn't say even he was able to do, considering the last few days.

"I'm sure you and the girls appreciated the help." Astrid said before taking a sip of her second cup of coffee that morning.

Mala gave a single nod and looked past the group at the woman dispersed around the room. "Well we have been a bit short staffed since Agg got married and moved to Shivering, so it was a very welcome surprise for us all." Astrid nodded in agreement her face gaining a thoughtful look immediately.

Hiccup glanced in mild interest between the two women, who seemed to be having some sort of silent conversation amongst them. Which was enough to pique his curiosity over the topic of their short staffed issues. "Why don't you just hire a new waitress?" He asked offhandedly moments later. Posing the question more in Mala's direction than Astrid's. A small slight, one he knew she would catch but he just couldn't stomach talking to her directly quiet yet without a flurry of questions, most definitely not about waitresses, coming out. No, their 'talking' would have to wait until later. And hopefully by then his frustration for the beautiful blonde bodyguard would be significantly lower.

The four people in front of Hiccup began to shuffle awkwardly at the innocent question, casting glances amongst each other before ultimately falling on Astrid. As if they were nervous to speak without her silent permission.

"What?" Hiccup brows furrowed in confusion, "What did I say?" Now all eyes rested on Astrid including Hiccup's.

Astrid looked away from the group for a moment before letting out a loud huff of air and pinching the bridge of her nose. "Do you remember when I told you about the Mangler?" She asked in a hushed tense voice.

Flashes of hands tight around his neck, squeezing the life out of him, along with Astrid's dull eyes as she explained the horrors of her past ran through his mind immediately. Of course he remembered that night. It was the night he felt an unequivocal shift in his and Astrid's relationship. It was the night when their fledgling friendship deepened and on his end at least, it was when he felt the first real tendrils of love grow in him. So despite the bruises that had blossomed onto the skin of his neck the next morning and the pain that accompanied them, he didn't regret any of it. He had gotten his first real chance to chip away at Astrid's seemingly impenetrable walls that surround her and he could never – never regret that.

Hiccup realized he had been silent for far too long, Astrid waiting expectantly for answer, and nodded quickly in response. Which sent a wave of visible shock through Mala, Dagur and Eret.

Dagur came out of his shock first and turned his vivid green eyes on Astrid. "Wait you told him about the Mangler?" He whispered not entirely that quiet. Astrid nodded once, causing Dagur to let out a low whistle. "Wow…I knew he was," gesturing to Hiccup, "but I never thought he was…wow." While Dagur might not have said much, the look of respect he wore for Hiccup spoke volumes. Hiccup realized then that even Astrid's tight-knit group didn't think he was close enough to her to know that part of her past. But she had allowed him that close and he did know some of her secrets.

"Shut it Dagur." Astrid bit out, cutting Dagur off, as she completely ignored what he was implying.

Directly in front of Hiccup. She thought.

"Okay, now I really want to know what is going on?" Hiccup's determined green gaze pierced Astrid's as she reluctantly, finally, met his. "What does any of this have to do with that demented Mother Son duo, Astrid?" He asked, dropping any and all pretenses of cool indifference towards her. As he was more than ready to find out what they were all tip-toeing around in this conversation.

Astrid's tough exterior softened significantly at Hiccup's question. Palpable worry laced his words. Worry for her. Because despite all the hostility between them currently he was still worried for her. Still entirely too selfless. Still entirely too…Hiccup.

"I'm honestly a little surprised you didn't figure it out already." She told himself cocky smile pulling at her lips as resolve filled her. Hiccup knew enough, it was time to fill him in on the rest of the story. He deserved it.

Hiccup cocked a defined eyebrow. Still not understanding what she was getting at or what was going on."What is that supposed to mean Astrid? Figure what out? What in Odin's name are you all talking about?" His hands waved in an exasperated way. He had not had enough coffee or sleep for cryptic games this early.

"Look around Hiccup." All the cocky mirth dropped from Astrid's face and her expression hardened. "Really, look around Hiccup."

Hiccup quickly glanced around the bar, knowing Astrid would say nothing more. Leaving him to figure the answer out completely on his own.

He took in the aged building, glistening polished wood and stone floors. Not finding anything of importance he swept his gaze over the all female wait staff littered around the main room. Which in itself was unique, didn't raise any flags of recognition in his mind. Hiccup was about to give up and just ask what Astrid was talking about when he caught sight of a modest wood sign behind the bar. Beautiful cursive lettering meticulously carved into the wood, spelled out one simple word, 'Alma's'.

Hiccup narrowed his gaze, keeping it locked on the wood plaque as the familiar itch of remembrance stirred in the back of his mind. It was the same feeling he gotten when he first saw the bars similar wood sign out front. Both with only one word on them, 'Alma's'.

Alma's, Alma's, Alma's, he racked his brain. Where have I heard that name –

In a rush the answer hit Hiccup.

The little girl.

The little girl who Astrid couldn't save from the Mangler and her twisted Son. The same little girl Astrid still blamed herself for not saving, she was named Alma.

Astrid watched the recognition of what this place truly was flood over Hiccup's face, eyes widening, mouth dropping before he finally connected back with her. In a flat voice Astrid confirmed exactly what Hiccup had just come to realize.

"The reason we haven't replaced Agg," she began, "the reason why it will never be easy to replace any woman who works here, is because every woman who works here, with the exception of Mala, I pulled from that underground torture chamber." Astrid's voice faltered slightly, something most wouldn't catch but Hiccup did. "These women are the only living victims of the Mangler. I made this place for them. To give them a safe place to restart and rebuild their lives. And I named this place after the little girl who never got to live hers. The first person I ever lost on a mission."

.o.o.o.o.o.

Sorry for being so MIA lately, been super busy BUT I have most of the next chapter already written so should only be a few days until it's up!

Just wanted to add for some reason Fanfiction is not letting me edit this fully. So several words/sentences that are supposed to be italicized are not. Sorry if it causes any confusion. I'll try going back another time and fixing it.

-Lizby