Hello to all of my followers. I know it has been forever but I am officially done with school so that means that there is more time for me to write! And to Hell-World, Toothless is a dragon in this Modern AU. I wanted to keep the dragons, because I love dragons. I hope you can forgive my absence.
Sincerely,
sselhtootandpuccih
That night was hard to get through. Astrid barely slept. Every few hours or so, one of her siblings would wake up either screaming or in tears. I spent the night with Astrid this time and I felt her warm body leave me as she went to comfort her siblings. I couldn't help but wonder if she taking proper care of herself. She was thinner. She was thin before, but it was a healthy thin. Astrid wasn't as soft feeling as she was before. I could feel a lot of her bones.
I sat on the bed waiting for her to come back, trying to figure out what I could do to help. She was obviously exhausting herself. When she came back I pulled her into my arms and tucked us in tightly, hoping she would sleep better, but it didn't work. One of her siblings were crying again. Astrid got up and left. It went on through out the night. No more than fifteen minutes later and she would have to comfort another sibling.
Toward morning, I also got up. Astrid needed a break, so I put on an apron and went to work. I wanted Astrid to rest. She looked like she didn't get much of it. Mr. Hofferson came down surprised to see me.
"Hiccup," he started. "What are you doing up so early? I thought you would want to sleep in with being a college student and all."
"Thanks for your concern," I replied. "But Astrid looks super tired. I want to let her sleep for a bit."
"Yes," Mr. Hofferson nodded. "I wish I could take some of duties off her hands, but I need to work a double shift to pay the bills."
"Mr. Hofferson, I don't mean to be rude, but," I swallowed hard. "My family and I are more than willing to help you all out financially." I waited for him to lash out at me, but was shocked at his reply.
"You would?" He asked. I looked over at him. He seemed even more broken looking than Astrid.
"Of course we would." I replied. "As long as you accept it as a gift."
"Normally, I would say no, but," He sighed. "But the bills are growing and I am not sure if I have enough to get the kids new clothes. They are growing quickly."
"Say no more, Mr. Hofferson," I smiled. "Give me all the bills and I will take the kids to get some new clothes."
"Bless you, Hiccup," He replied. "But I am still going to work today. I will take the day off tomorrow so you and Astrid have some time to yourselves."
"Thank you, sir." I said handed him a lunch pail. "I am pretty sure Astrid makes you a lunch in the morning too."
"Oh, yes, thanks," Mr. Hofferson said on his way to the door. "I will get you the bills tonight."
"I will be waiting for them." I smiled. Mr. Hofferson nodded and left.
Soon Astrid made her way to the kitchen.
"Hiccup," she yawned. "What are you doing?"
"I'm cross dressing," I replied teasingly. "Though I do think I should be wearing heels too."
"Hiccup," Astrid sighed. "I am not in the mood."
"I think you deserve the day off," I said. "You barely slept at all last night and you haven't been eating a lot."
"Hiccup, I'll be fine," Astrid groaned.
"No," I retorted. "You are going straight to bed."
"But the kids need to eat." Astrid yawned again.
"I have already started breakfast and made your dad his lunch," I replied. "Go back to bed. I've got this."
"Alright," she said as she turned to go back to her room. My heart sank. My Astrid would usually fight me, but as I watched her leave, I had realized how broken she had become. I felt myself want to cry, but I knew i couldn't yet. The kids would be down any minute and they were going to be hungry.
The kids were wide eyed at all the food on the table. Anne had even started to drool a bit. Jake was eyeing the food like he hadn't eaten in weeks.
"Dig in guys." I said cheerfully.
"Is this all for us?" asked Michelle.
"Yes it is," I nodded. "And there is more where that came from." The kids hurried around the table and started eating everything they had set their eyes on. Meanwhile, I went to Astrid's room to serve her breakfast in bed. Astrid woke immediately to the sound of the door opening.
"Hiccup?" she groaned. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes," I smiled. "I just thought I would bring you breakfast in bed."
"You didn't have to do that." Astrid yawned.
"I know," I said kissing her head. "I did it because I want to."
"Thanks." She smiled.
"Anything for you." I said as I kissed the top of her head. "Enjoy!" I said as I went back to the kitchen. When I got there the table was empty and there were three kids who looked like they each had eaten a whole yak. "Do you guys want more to eat?" I asked. They shook their heads. They all stood up form the table and put their dishes in the sink.
"I am going back to bed." Michelle yawned as she went to her room.
"I call the couch." said Jake heading to the living room.
"I want Daddy's chair." Anne smiled as she followed Jake.
I was glad all of them went down for a nap. I needed to clean up the kitchen and think of what I wanted to make for lunch.
