It wasn't long after I started preparing lunch that the kids woke up. Astrid also awoke and walked to the kitchen.
"Now what are you doing?" she asked.
"Well apparently I still need to do some work," I joked. "Maybe I need more than heels." Astrid chuckled softly and hugged me.
"Thank you," She smiled. "I feel much better now so you can relax.
"Oh no," I scolded, kissing her head. "You go ahead and do what you want to do. I have got it covered."
"Hiccup, this isn't fair," Astrid whined. "You are the guest!"
"And you need the rest," I smiled. "Besides cooking is relaxing to me." Astrid gave me a disapproving glare.
"You like cooking?" she questioned. "Since when?"
"Since I can remember," I retorted. "I would sneak into the kitchen every once in a while and ask our chef to teach me how to cook."
"And here I thought I knew everything about you," Astrid replied.
"Everyone has their secrets," I stated.
"Yeah," Astrid chuckled. "but you seem pretty open about the cross dressing."
"What can I say?" I hummed. "I look great in heels." Astrid burst into laughter. It had been a while since I had seen her laugh like that and I was elated to hear it again.
"Next time I suggest you shave and wear some make up," Astrid giggled.
"I don't have any make up," I replied. "May I use yours?"
"No," Astrid smiled. "You are fairer than I am so you need a completely different pallet."
"Would you want to put make up on me?" I asked.
"Could I do it how ever I wanted?" Astrid countered.
"I can't see why not," I smiled.
"Then I would love to make you up," She smirked evilly.
"I have a feeling I don't know what I have signed myself up for," I remarked. "Will I be okay?"
"You know that I wouldn't kill you," Astrid chuckled. "Yet."
"I am screwed," I commented. "Aren't I?"
"Nah," Astrid stated as she kissed my cheek. "Though you may look more like a drag queen than you."
"Will I feel pretty?" I asked.
"Maybe," She replied. "So what are you cooking?"
"Oh," I started as I showed her my work. "Just some burgers."
"Can I help?" Astrid asked.
"Nope," I smiled. "You do something you want."
"I want to help you," She stated.
"Oh um," I was stunned. I didn't expect that answer. "I guess it's okay since you want to. Could you slice the tomatoes?"
"Sure," Astrid smiled. We then finished lunch quickly and the kids devoured it as soon as it got to the table. I started to wonder how much Astrid's family actually ate in a day. I must have made at least 15 burgers.
"Astrid," I began as we started cleaning. "Do you guys eat much at all?"
"We eat," Astrid replied. "We just eat what is cheapest. Since you bought food we don't have often, my siblings treated it like Christmas and stuff their faces."
"I see," I noticed she looked very worn and tired again. "Astrid would you take another nap please?"
"Do you not want me to help you?" Astrid asked.
"You just look tired," I answered.
"I guess I am a bit tired," Astrid yawned.
"Go ahead and nap," I hummed as I kissed her head. "I have got this." Astrid nodded then left. I then rethought my dinner choice. Spaghetti was cheap and I sure they ate it a lot. So I knew I had to call someone. I left the kitchen, went outside, and made a phone call.
"Master Hiccup," Answered the maid. "How may we help you?"
"I have an idea, but I need Silent Sven's approval," I smiled.
"He's listening, Master Hiccup," the maid replied.
"Sven, how would you like to let your creative mind shine tonight?" I asked.
"He is very for it Master Hiccup," The maid answered.
"Then prepare a feast for nine, Sven," I exclaimed. "We are having company over at seven o'clock."
"We'll have it all ready for when you get here tonight, Master Hiccup," The maid answered.
"Thank you, bye bye," I said and hung up.
I then gathered the kids together and took them out to get new clothes. I bought Astrid a new dress and we went back to the house. Michelle help Anne get dressed as I helped Jake into his clothes. I had the maid alert my mother and she had sent a limo to pick up the rest of the family. Mr. Hofferson came home, dressed in his old tux, handed me the bills, and joined his younger children in the limo. I then went to Astrid's room and woke her.
"Milady," I began. "Wake up it is time for supper." Astrid looked up and noticed the way I was dressed.
"Why are you so fancy?" Astrid asked.
"We are going to a banquet," I smiled. "Here, this is a dress I picked out for you. Get dressed and we'll go to my house."
"Hiccup," Astrid protested.
"I am not taking no for an answer," I smiled. After about an hour, Astrid came out looking like the Valkyries of legend. "You look divine, Milady," I smiled.
"Thanks," She replied sticking her nose in the air. I took her hand and lead her to Toothless and went to the Mansion. As we entered the lobby, I saw the girls practicing their posture and Jake standing a little too stiffly. Mr. Haddock smiled and a tear came to his eye as he went to Astrid.
"You look just like you mother," Mr. Hofferson sniffed. Astrid hugged him tightly as my mother came in.
"Welcome everyone to Haddock Manor," She smiled. "Please follow me to the dining hall."
We entered the hall and took a seat. The children were wide eyed and their mouths were gaping. It was cute to see their reaction to the mansion. Astrid sat down and her sister's followed. They mimicked her every move. Jake also mimicked my moves as well.
Sven had outdone himself. The food was absolutely eclectic and gorgeous. The flavor was rich and fresh. It was a seven course dinner. The children were astounded by all they ate. Astrid was also stunned and ate happily. It felt good to make this feast for her family. They needed something to lift their spirits and leave that house. After the dinner, we all adjourned to the parlor for tea. We played some music and dancing began. It was a happy and bright evening and Astrid finally came out of her depression. She finally was acting more like the Astrid I fell in love with. I felt so good to make all of them feel better.
