Sorry for the extended dry-spell! I'm finally giving some love to this one after devoting all my time to TWoB lately. Thanks for sticking with me, and hopefully I won't make you wait 3 weeks for an update again. I have never been good at predicting the future though, so who knows...

This chapter is a pretty short one. It is also super late, but where I am it is still technically Saturday, so...lol. I had a much longer chapter ready to post this morning, but as I read it over it just didn't feel right. So instead you are going to be getting two chapters posted pretty close together. Here's the first part, and I'm working on re-writing the second part. Should be up in a couple of days. Hope you enjoy it :)

Now Account: Angry Alvin certainly is terrifying. Good thing he and Stoick are good friends. I will write you a much longer response when I upload the second part this in a couple days. Right now it is way past bedtime and I have to work in the morning. Lol. PS: Thanks again for the bike suggestion, by the way :P

CB73: Gosh I missed your reviews! I was really hoping you'd end up stumbling across this story too :)

ooOOoo

The rest of the week went by remarkably quickly. Despite that first awkward reunion, the next two physics classes went smoothly. Astrid and the girls even seemed pleasantly surprised at how well they had done on the assessment exam. Grinning at him and congratulating each other and Frank on Thursday afternoon when Hayden handed them back. The whole class might be farther behind than he liked, but they had still done better than he expected. Thank goodness.

It was Friday afternoon now though, and Hayden was wandering between the tables as the students worked through the problems he had up on the wide screen at the front. Stopping for a 'casual' conversation at a few other groups before making his way to Frank and the girls. "How's it going you lot," he asked loudly as he put his hands on the table between Astrid and Heather. "Need any help?"

Then he lowered his voice and leant closer to them. "I know it's short notice, but what would you guys say to spending Saturday night at the lake too? Instead of just the day?"

"Like in a fancy motorhome fit for a millionaire," Rachel asked excitedly.

"No Rachel. This billionaire prefers to rough it," Hayden replied sardonically as he rolled his eyes. "Besides, we would never get a giant motorhome down that road."

Astrid scrunched up her lips in mock contemplation for a moment. "As long as our physics teacher doesn't give us a whole pile of homework," she hedged slyly.

"I may be able to pull some strings," Hayden drawled back. Flashing her a small smirk.

A wide grin split her face at that. "Then count me in! We'll grab the tent and sleeping bags from my parents' house after school," she added to Rachel and Heather. Both of them nodding excitedly.

"I guess that means I should grab a tent and two sleeping bags," Frank pretended to grumble. "Otherwise Tyler will be sleeping on the dirt." They all laughed quietly and Hayden moved away to visit another table. Trying desperately to keep the stupid grin from his face now. Thank god there was only another hour left of the school day.

Tidying up the last of his files in his office later, Hayden's head was completely full of thoughts about tomorrow. This would be his first test of spending time with Astrid as just friends, and there was really no telling what would happen. Would they be able to put last weekend behind them and just hang out? Or would it be awkward as hell between them instead?

Anxious anticipation was fluttering like butterflies in Hayden's stomach as he changed into his leathers and boots. Having switched to his Ducati since the weather was still nice, and not caring for another awkward run-in like the one with Tyler on Tuesday afternoon. Honestly Hayden was too distracted to pay much attention to anything right now, and also mildly glad that no one had barged in on him changing. Especially since he only just realized that he had forgotten to lock the office door.

He was just pulling on his jacket when there was suddenly the gentle rap of knuckles on the frosted glass window. "Come on in," Hayden called out. Leaning down to stuff his work clothes into his bag alongside his laptop now and place his shoes beside the desk.

He had been expecting Alvin, or perhaps a student with a question. It wasn't Eret or Dagur, because they certainly would have just barged right in. At the soft click of high heels on hardwood though, Hayden glanced up in confusion. "Oh, hey there," he said in surprise. Turning to face the woman now as he leant against the edge of his desk and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I wasn't expecting you to come knocking on my door. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Amelia Cope huffed a quiet laugh at that. Letting her gaze wander over him for a moment. "What woman in this place doesn't want to come knocking on your door," she asked with a roll of her blue eyes. Hayden noticing vaguely that the colour was a couple of shades darker than Astrid's. Then he scolded himself for comparing other women to Astrid in the first place.

"You should hear the girls in the main building talk about you," Amelia added then. Pulling him out of his thoughts. "I bet they would be willing to do just about anything for a 'private' study session, and that's in your work clothes. Just wait until they all see you in tight leather," she pointed out with a devious grin. "They are going to lose their heads. Along with what little virginity they had left."

Hayden acknowledged that with a smirk. "You're not wrong. Although it would seem I am not the only one that the kiddies fantasize about," he teased. "At least the girls generally keep it to themselves or gossip quietly with their friends. Guys, on the other hand, are pigs. How ever do you handle it?"

"With incredible patience and the reminder that I am here for both my love of teaching and a steady pay check," Amelia offered with a dainty shrug. Both of them laughing at that. She had a sultry, honey-toned voice. Pleasant and sensual without being over-the-top or forced. The type of voice that you would expect to hear on the other end of a nighttime hotline, or advertising something to middle aged men that want to feel like they're still in their prime. No wonder the boys couldn't keep their filthy minds on task in her classes.

"Anyways, I was actually just here to ask you how your first week went," she offered now. Shaking Hayden out of his musings once again. "I know from experience that the first couple months can be a bit overwhelming. Especially with being young and all yourself. I thought maybe we could have coffee and talk about it?"

Hayden gazed at her and tried to read her intentions in her face. Looking for any ulterior motives she might be hiding. Was she just trying to get into bed with him? Or worse, was she hoping to lure him in for his money like Victoria had? The only thing he could find was open friendliness in her eyes though. Her navy blazer slung casually over her arm and her purse on her shoulder as her pencil skirt and blouse combination neither concealed or revealed her shapely body. Clearly she had not made a special trip here, but had instead stopped by on her way out for the day.

Seeming to read his unease, Amelia gave a soft chuckle. "Don't worry Hayden. I'm not trying to sway you with my feminine wiles. It's only a coffee date. Not wedding gown shopping and picking out furniture. I'll even buy my own coffee if it makes you feel better."

"As if I'd let you," Hayden countered. Slinging his bag over his shoulder and grabbing his helmet before gesturing for her to head back into the hallway ahead of him.

"What? Tie you down or buy my own coffee," Amelia asked mildly.

"Both," Hayden quipped with a smirk. Hearing her give a sultry giggle in reply. "I was actually just on my way home to take my furry roommate for a long and romantic walk in the park right now," he added. "I think I could do coffee some other time though."

Amelia pursed her lips in thought for a moment as the two of them headed outside to the staff parking lot. "How about tomorrow then," she suggested as they came to a stop beside his bike, which was much closer to the doors.

"Ooh, no can do," Hayden grimaced. "My weekend is pretty booked up. How about mid-week some time instead? Like Wednesday?" Mid-week felt safe. Less temptation to drag it out into dinner, drinks, and dalliances.

"Deal," she laughed. Holding her hand out to jokingly shake on it. With a chuckle, Hayden swung a leg over his bike. Jamming the black and red helmet onto his head now and she stepped back a bit. "What kind of bike is that," Amelia asked interestedly as she looked over the sleek red and black body.

"It's a Ducati Superleggera V4," Hayden replied promptly.

Amelia looked at him for a long moment, before tinkling a laugh. "I'm actually not sure why I bothered asking," she admitted. "I honestly don't know the first thing about bikes. It looks fast though."

"It's not just the bike that's fast," Hayden joked. Winking at her with a laugh of his own as she shook her head at him. Then he flipped the tinted visor down on his helmet before raising the stand with his boot. "Only kidding. Enjoy your weekend Miss Cope," he offered as way of goodbye.

"You as well Hayden, and please, call me Amy," she said brightly.

Hayden gave her a thumbs up as he fired up his bike. Amelia grinning at the loud growl of the engine and giving him a wave in return. Making her way over to a black Chevy Malibu and climbing into it. Hayden watching her back out of her spot and following her onto the street. Then, with a last half wave as he passed by her, he took off down the road with a rev of the engine. His mind already back on tomorrow.

*

Astrid woke up ridiculously early on Saturday morning. The streetlights still shining outside the window. The birds weren't even singing yet, but she was far too keyed up to go back to sleep now. Instead of even bothering to try, Astrid simply crawled out of bed to start the day. Throwing on her jogging gear and reflective arm bands before heading out for a run. Sneaking out as quietly as she could so as not to wake the others.

Getting back to the apartment, Astrid let Stormfly out of her cage to stretch her wings while Astrid checked her already perfectly packed bag yet again. For the fifth time in two days. Making sure she had her sunscreen, bug spray, and favourite book, along with other assorted goodies and girly items. Not wanting to forget anything, since they would be so far from town.

What if the boys forgot something basic? Sure, Hayden had said they would supply everything else, but what if they forgot food? Or they didn't buy enough drinks? Or only bought beer? Better to pack some granola bars and bottles of water, just in case.

Astrid took a moment to wonder if she was projecting her nerves onto fanatical preparedness as a way of avoiding facing them, but then promptly brushed that thought aside. Obviously she had just gone on enough 'dates' with Scott where he had forgotten half the supplies. Yeah, that had to be it. Hell, one 'adventure' Scott hadn't thought to bring anything at all! Then they got a flat. He went to change the tire like Mr. Man, only to find that the spare was flat too.

They ended up spending the night in the back of his dad's suburban on some dark and spooky back road in the middle of nowhere. Scott complaining the entire time about how much he hated camping and the outdoors. Or that he was cold. Astrid may have grown up camping with her dad, but Scott really was a city boy through and through. Why would anyone sleep in the woods when there are perfectly good hotels to be had?

By the time morning came and they were able to walk out until they found cell service, Astrid was a moment from murdering Scott and leaving his body in a ditch. If Astrid hadn't thought to pack extra stuff that day, they would have starved. Sure the Eagles had claimed that love would keep you alive, but they clearly hadn't been with a hungry girl when they wrote those lyrics. Hangry girl equals mortal peril...

After a long shower, Astrid donned her bikini beneath her cutoffs and tank top. Throwing a thin long sleeve over top to cut the morning chill. Resisting the urge to put on make-up, she simply smoothed an SPF BB lotion on her face before tossing that in her bag too. Brushing her hair out to let it air dry for a while before braiding it up rather than styling it only to ruin it.

While coercing Stormfly back into her cage with treats, Astrid deciding that she should probably start out wearing her converse instead of sandals. Just in case they ran into trouble on the dirt road and had to walk somewhere. After saying her goodbye to her bird, Astrid swapped out her cutesy flip-flops for the more durable sneakers.

Checking her bag one final time, Astrid made her way to the living room and dropped it on the floor beside the tent, sleeping bags, and pillows. Placing her shoes neatly beside it before sitting down on the couch to watch some crappy morning tv while waiting for the other two. Arms crossed and foot tapping in time with her impatience. It was still only 7:00, which meant that Tyler and Frank wouldn't even be here for another hour and a half. Still, why were the other two not excited! Rachel should be stoked at the chance to ogle the 'hot teachers' outside of school and sans shirts!

By 7:30 Astrid was seriously considering shaking her friends violently awake, or cranking up some death metal on the stereo, when she finally heard the sound of two alarms buzzing. This was followed by the sound of two showers turning on. "About time," Astrid grumbled quietly as she got up to start the coffee pot. Setting out 3 mugs (handles facing to the right), cream, sugar, and a teaspoon on a napkin all in a neat row on the counter before returning to her room to braid her now partially dry hair.

At 8:15 Rachel and Heather wandered out of their rooms. Carrying somewhat less full bags and dressed in shorts and light long sleeved sweaters as well. "Morning," the both mumbled in unison. Making their way straight to the coffee pot before helping Astrid with breakfast. Both of them perking up significantly after half a mug of anti-zombie potion.

They had just sat down at the centre island to eat their breakfast when the buzzer from downstairs sounded. Rachel getting up to let Frank and Tyler in. Then racing her brother back to the counter before he could steal all of her breakfast sausages off her plate. The two boys moving to the stove, where they picked at the extra hashbrowns and eggs left in the pan while the girls ate. Frank even helping dry the dishes when the girls started cleaning up.

By 8:50 Astrid was getting anxious again. Peering out between the blinds on the living room window every few seconds in nervous anticipation. Were the guys going to be on time, or would they be late? Scott had always been varying degrees of late. So much so that when he had said he would be at her place for 9, Astrid had learned to not expect him until 9:30.

Before she could get too panicked though, two trucks pulled into the parking lot. One a very recognizable green and black Dodge with a large Rottweiler in the box. The other was a sleek black Ford Raptor with racing decals all over it, a black toolbox and red headache rack, and a solid black winch bumper on the front. Astrid just knew it had to be Hayden's from all the sponsor decals. Not to mention the huge black wolf secured in the back.

She watched out the window for a moment longer as they both backed into spaces on either side of Frank's brown and white 90's Bronco. Then Astrid practically skipped across the house. Already waiting at the door long before the guys had hit the buzzer. Opening it for them as soon as she heard their voices in the hall and catching Hayden midway to knocking. His hand stretched out oddly in front of him.

"Excited are we," Hayden asked with a laugh. Pulling his hand back and stuffing it in his pocket instead.

"Maybe just a little," Astrid grinned back. Trying to ignore the way her cheeks heated and her heart stuttered as she gazed up into those laughing green eyes. Instead of staring into them like an idiot, she cast her gaze downwards. Taking in his combination of dark grey shorts, black and white checkerboard skate shoes and ankle socks (thank the lord for a man that understands the need for ankle socks!), and a black shirt that fit him better than it had any right to. Ever the understated and sexy billionaire.

"A little," Rachel drawled from the kitchen. "She's been packed since Wednesday." Those words made Astrid flush pink again, and she scowled at Rachel. The blonde just sticking her tongue out in return.

"Well then, let's go," Dagur chimed in. Reaching down to grab a bundle of their stuff off the floor as Hayden and Eret did the same. Frank grabbing the girls' 6-person tent before following the other three downstairs. All of them joking with each other in low voices and looking like first round draft picks.

"So... Hayden looks hella hot today. What say you, Astrid?" Tyler suddenly intoned. Adding, "I take it you don't want me riding in the rally truck with you two," when Astrid turned to gape at him. "You're definitely gonna want to take advantage of that alone time with 'Professor Haddock' while you can get it. After all, alone time with Professor Haddock is already pretty coveted around campus."

There was a devilish gleam in Tyler's grey-blue eyes when they met Astrid's, and Rachel reached out to high-five her brother with a cackle. "Go fuck yourselves. Both of you," Astrid grumbled. Feeling herself blush right to her roots as she flipped the twins the bird. Then Astrid grabbed her purse and headed down to the parking lot with Heather hot on her heels.

"Hey Hayden," Heather called loudly the moment they were outside. Hayden looking over with an arched brow in response. "You okay to take Astrid, and Tyler and I can ride with Frank," Heather asked.

"Not you too," Astrid hissed at her. Heather just winked cheekily.

Hayden met Astrid's eyes for a brief moment. The green orbs completely unreadable. "Sure. Why not," he finally replied with a shrug. Jerking his thumb towards the passenger side before tightening the last tie-down strap over their gear and brushing his hands off. Giving Toothless an affectionate scratch as the wolf came over to nuzzle against him.

"Have fun," Heather teased. Smacking Astrid on the ass before walking away to climb in the Bronco. Astrid felt her cheeks heat again, but headed to the Raptor anyways. After greeting Toothless, who gave her a slobbery kiss in return, she climbed up into the front seat. Doing her damndest not to check Hayden out in the side mirror, lest he catch her staring.

"You're in control of the tunes," Hayden smirked as he took in her expression. Sliding into the driver's seat and cranking the engine as he handed Astrid his unlocked phone. Spotify already open on it. Astrid glanced at Hayden in shock for a moment that he would just hand over his cell like that. Scott had NEVER just handed her his phone!

"I don't have anything on my phone that I need to keep private darling," Hayden drawled with an eye roll. "No nudes of myself or others, and the only texts that could get me in trouble are from you. Unless you plan on hacking into my banking apps that is," he added thoughtfully. "In which case, I will gladly coat you in bacon grease and leave you in the woods somewhere for the hungry bears to find."

"Fair enough," Astrid replied with a laugh. "I've never been good enough with computers to hack anyone's account. Including my own," she pointed out honestly. Selecting a relatively safe punk rock song as they pulled out of the parking lot ahead of Frank as Dagur brought up the rear. Making their way to the highway and sharing idle talk as Astrid watched the cars go by. Trying anything to keep from staring at Hayden. Or at his hand resting casually on the centre console between them. So close to her in the moment, but miles away in reality.

The trip to the turn-off was much slower this time, but that didn't matter. In the daylight, Astrid was finally able to see the flapping piece of faded orange flagging ribbon that marked the side road. Hayden handling the snaking s-turns between the trees just as smoothly in this lifted truck as he had in Venom. When they reached the bridge though, Astrid's mind snapped instantly back to a Friday night spent lost in the dashboard lights.

Hayden's eyes met hers for another brief moment then, and she could swear his lip lifted in a barely noticeable smirk. As if he knew exactly where her head was at. Then again, he probably did, and Astrid felt her cheeks heat in return. Then he was slowing and looking away from her to ease the truck over the aged bridge. Looking out her window at the silvered planks, Astrid couldn't help wondering whether or not the bridge would actually hold the trucks.

Once Hayden was across, he pulled over to the side of the dirt road. Dagur and Frank pulling up alongside him just as he jumped out of the truck. At Astrid's confused look, Hayden smirked at her. "It's road beer time princess," he informed her brightly. "Want one?"

"Uh, isn't drinking and driving illegal," Astrid asked. Dumbfounded.

"It sure is," Hayden grinned. "I'm a bad, bad boy though. Remember," he teased as he wiggled his eyebrows at her. Then he burst out laughing at her expression. "Don't look so shocked princess. Dirt road beers are a long held tradition of the Berserker and Haddock families."

"Our dad's would disown us if we did not uphold the family honour," Dagur shouted from just behind Hayden then. Three Bud Lights clutched in his hands. The drops of cool moisture beading down the outsides of the cans making her unexpectedly thirsty, despite the fact that Astrid never drank before noon as a general rule. It was only 10:00. What the hell was wrong with her?!

"That they would," Hayden chuckled. Obviously reading his victory in her eyes. Again. Was she always going to be a hapless pushover when she was around this snake. "Lighten up and live a little Asta," Hayden said quietly. The surprising nickname catching her off guard, and she turned wide eyes on him.

Did he know what that name meant? He couldn't possibly? Unless he was well versed in Ancient Norse... Maybe she had just misheard him or imagined it. Yeah, that must be it. Hayden would never refer to her as his goddess. Only her Grandma had called her Asta, and it was usually only said as a joke when Astrid was a young child, and being even more obstinate than normal.

"It's only ever one beer, but it will likely be one of the best beers you've ever tasted," he added in that sultry velvet purr of his. Those wicked lips twisting into her favourite lopsided smirk as his eyes twinkled mischievously. Just like that, all her resolve to be a good girl melted right along with what was left of her heart.

"Ugh, you're a terrible influence, but yes. I would love an open alcoholic beverage in a moving vehicle at 10 in the morning," Astrid told Hayden with a laugh.

"I prefer to think of it as early afternoon," Hayden offered with a grin. Disappearing down the side of the truck, only to reappear a moment later with two ice cold beers.

"I thought you were finished with teaching me how to be bad," she couldn't help adding coyly. Reaching out to take the beer he offered her.

"The devil's work is never done," Hayden countered cheekily. Winking at her once before cracking his beer and taking a long pull. With a laugh, Astrid found Luke Bryan's 'Kick The Dust Up' and cranked it before opening her beer as well. Smiling at Hayden across the centre console, she held his gaze as she took a swig. Surprisingly, it tasted amazing.

"Told ya," Hayden chuckled before easing back onto the road. A cloud of dust kicking up around them.

ooOOoo

Oh boy. Let the overnight camping trip shenanigansbegin! How do you think it's gonna go down. Clearly Hayden still has some lessons in the dark side to teach Astrid, even if he is keeping it strictly friendly.

Side note: I am currently re-writing the second part of the camping trip. If there is something you would like to see, message me or leave it as a review and I might just include it ;) Have a good one and hopefully see you all again in a few days :D