Chapter 11
"Damn Hoff, you look hot!" Ruffnut exclaimed appreciatively from behind her. All the while Astrid stared in the full length mirror running her hands down her red evening gown. Her fingers skimmed over the tight strapless bodice and over the equally tight fabric on her hips. Checking that nothing was out of place, which was damn near impossible, since the dress fit her like a glove. Pulling her hands away from her mid section she dropped them to the thigh high slit on her right side, reaching past the fabric to touch her bare skin, adjusting the knifes that rested there, just above the slits end.
Giving herself a slight nod she had to agree with Ruffnut, she did look good. Gently she patted the intricately woven bun on the top of her head, unbeknownst to anyone but her, also woven into it were several thin pin like blades. Small yes but incredibly deadly.
"I'm won't argue with that Ruff." She shifted her eyes in the mirror to the female twin who was sitting on Heather's bed. A grin spreading across her bold red lips.
"If I could look like that in a dress then maybe I would consider wearing one…but since that's not the case." She popped the opening of her slim cut tuxedo jacket emphasizing her clothing choice.
"Ruff you look great, seriously. Anyways you in a dress would be…weird." Heather chimed in beside the pair while putting her earring in. The raven haired women smiled at her friends her green eyes shinning brighter due to the long emerald gown she had chosen. While it wasn't as form fitting as Astrid's, it was still tight in the bodice before flowing out into a full floor length skirt.
Ruffnut stood up off the bed, "true that Sister." She told Heather before facing Astrid. "So Hoff I think we need to go over a few things before we go greet our men." Astrid cocked an eyebrow wondering where the eccentric woman was going with this.
"Alright I'll bite, what is it Ruffnut?" She asked while packing her small clutch with yet more blades and a single tube of lipstick.
"What are your intentions for our Hiccup?" Astrid's hand stilled on the knife she was packing.
"Excuse me?" Her eyes slid to a very serious Ruffnut, her hand still clutching the blade.
"I know you see it. Hiccup's practically in love with you, despite how shitty you two started off." Astrid's heart thudded in her chest at what Ruffnut had so boldly said.
Of course she saw it. Hiccup was as transparent as a window most of the time. Especially when it came to his emotions. She knew initially he was taken by her looks, completely superficial emotions. Ones that she figured he wouldn't move past but then the explosion happened and the two had become closer. Hiccup had emerged from his closed off state and she in turn opened herself up more to getting to know him. It was in those two weeks of physical healing that they had developed their bond. Became honest to Gods friends.
It was also during that time that she saw his feelings grow again. Choosing to ignore it and hope the man never gained the courage to act on them.
Because he was someone who she had to protect, especially from herself.
Ultimately Astrid lived a dangerous life. A life she didn't want Hiccup to part of. Not because she didn't think he could survive it, no he could. Probably. The reality was he shouldn't have to. He should find a normal girl, with a normal life and job and fall in love with her. Not a monster like her who has committed as many atrocities as she had in the name of Berk…in the name of freedom. Who would never ever live a normal life. She left for unknown amounts of time at the sound of a phone call. Unable to tell him where she was and when she would return. Not to mention if she would actually return.
The sick thing about the situation is as much as she hated her work and how it screwed up any sort of normal life.
She needed her work.
It was the only thing most days that kept her going. If she didn't have her missions then what would she have…nothing.
At least that's what she felt like before meeting Hiccup.
Now though, there seemed to be another reason. A real reason if only–
"There are no intentions Ruff. Hiccup maybe more than just a mission to me now but we can never be more than that. Ever." Ruffnut narrowed her eyes in thought.
"But is that–."
"Nothing more Ruffnut." Astrid said cutting her off, clearly making her point and ending the conversation.
After a few minutes of tense silence Heather finally broke it, clapping her hands together, "Well ladies why don't we head downstairs our men are probably waiting for us." Astrid nodded stiffly closing her purse with a firm click and then followed both women out the door.
. . .
"How long do women take to get ready, seriously?" Snotlout grumbled from his prone location on the couch.
"Well I know it's not my sister who's making us wait. That butt elf barely even washes her hair. So I know it's must be your dates." His fingers formed a 'V' as he pointed between Hiccup and Fishlegs.
"Oh calm down Tuff, I'm sure they will be down soon." Fishlegs chimed in, "You two are just jealous that we have dates and you don't." He smiled smugly at the other men while draping an arm over Hiccup's shoulders. Which seemed to wake up the smaller man who had been surprisingly quiet during the whole exchange.
"Yeah I'm super jealous of Hiccup, his date was hired." Sarcasm bleeding through Snotlout comments as he stated the facts as he saw them.
Hiccup's eyebrow ticked in annoyance. His anxiety about the evening was already high he didn't need his cousin to add any more worrying thoughts to the numerous ones that were already coursing through him.
"For your information Snotlout, I asked Astrid to come with me as my date. Not just as my bodyguard."
"Whatever Cuz, probably a pity date." He mumbled the last part under his breath.
Hiccup took a step forward in Snotlout's direction, "you know what–."
"Oh look the girls!" Fishlegs shouted interrupting the two, thankful for the distraction.
All heads turned to the stairs, there at the top of the stairs looking beautiful, in her emerald gown, was Heather. With a smile plastered on her face, she walked down the stairs. Her eyes never leaving Fishlegs. Hiccup watched the two as she descended the stairs and took hold of her boyfriends hand. Though they made an odd pair at first glance, they were absolutely perfect for each other. Hiccup couldn't be happier for his best friend and his unofficial sister.
Next down the stairs was Ruffnut, looking sharp in her feminine tuxedo. She reached the bottom of the stairs and gave a high five to her brother. The two now looking almost like identical twins in their similar tuxes.
Taking his eyes off the comical duo, Hiccup swung them back to the stairs hoping to see his date come down next. It was at that moment that he saw her and he felt his whole world flip upside down.
The creature that was slowly descending down the stairs in an incredibly sexy tight red gown. That displayed her every curve, even the creamy expanse of her right leg as it peeked out of the slit on the side. Who's hair was piled on top of her head displaying her delicate neck off couldn't have been Astrid. No. This was some sort of Goddess on Earth. Freyja in the flesh. There was no way this was his beautiful bodyguard, the same one who had agreed to be his date.
He couldn't be that damn lucky.
He could feel his heart shutter dangerously in his chest with every step she took closer to him. Vaguely he heard his cousin say something about wanting to have a hit put on him too but he couldn't be bothered to pay attention. His eyes never leaving her ice blue ones. Until finally she was right in front of him. Standing a little taller than he was used to due to her heels.
"You clean up pretty well, dragon boy." She said her eyes breaking from his and raking over his tuxedo shamelessly. A few moments passed and all occupants in the room were waiting for Hiccup to reply. Their eyes collectively darting between the two.
Finally Astrid put the silence to an end and leaned in until her red lips were next to the slack jawed man's ear, "Hiccup, this is the part where you tell me how beautiful I look." She whispered playfully to her friend.
Before she could pull back Hiccup's voice whispered back to her, "y-you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen." His voice the embodiment of seriousness. Pulling back enough to see his face Astrid found Hiccup's green eyes shinning earnestly into her own. Causing her smile to drop from her face and surprise to cross her face for a brief moment before she schooled her features back to her usual mask.
Clearing her throat she stepped back and looked away from him, catching Ruffnut's questioning gaze and small smirk. Narrowing her eyes at the other girl, she decided to let the sick satisfaction Ruffnut was exuding go and move past the moment her and Hiccup just had.
"Alright everyone before we go I need to go over a few things with you." Astrid said commanding attention of everyone as she did."Security is going to be tight tonight so there shouldn't be an issue but please keep your eyes open. No leaving the building at all and if you go somewhere, go in pairs. Hiccup maybe the target but that doesn't mean you're safe. You're friends and roommates with Hiccup, something any assassin could find a use for." Heather moved closer to Fishlegs intertwining her hand tightly into his own.
"So that all being said, if you see something, come to me. And if for any reason I say we are leaving, we leave. No questions asked and you do everything I say in that event. Understand?" All heads apprehensively nodded. "Great, lets go."
. . .
Astrid parked the large SUV in an alley way next to Odin's Hall, the swanky hotel that was chosen to host this year Snoggletog Eve ball.
"Why didn't we valet again?" Tuffnut complained as the group walked towards the less than glamorous entrance of the hotel. "All the paparazzi are in the front. And we would have for sure gotten our pics taken with our little Hiccup here. Being the General's Son and all." Tuffnut threw his arm over said man's shoulders, not paying attention to the unamused glare he was receiving.
Astrid pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to hold off the headache that she could feel currently coming on. "Tuff, logistically it's a nightmare, trust me this is better." He huffed beside her obviously still upset that he wouldn't have his picture plastered all over the tabloid trash of Berk.
As the group neared the Hotel's back door a single guard gave them a quick once over and without saying anything opened the door for them. Allowing them entrance. Once through the door, the group found themselves walking down a long service hallway before finally reaching a rear entrance for the ballroom. As they entered the ballroom the group paused and stood in awe for a moment taking in the sight of the magnificent ballroom, with all the beautifully dressed people dancing to the live band and mingling. It truly was Berks finest night. After several minutes of staring starstruck the group began to disperse into the already lively ballroom leaving only Hiccup and Astrid behind.
"So how did the guy at the door know to let us through?" He asked, his earlier shock of being in her presence worn off.
"That's entrance is used for high profile individuals who would rather prefer a discreet entrance or exit. Meaning it's usually used by politicians who want to sneak out the back with their mistresses. But it can also be used for a General's Son who hates crowds and paparazzi." She winked at him. To which he cracked a smile and looked back at the crowd. His eyes immediately scanning for his larger than life Father. Not usually such a hard task but it seemed almost all of Berk was currently in the room.
"Well I suppose we should find my Dad and say hello." Astrid nodded and then in a move that surprised him, threaded her arm into his own. Securely linking the two together.
She looked at him when he didn't move right away. "What? You are Astrid Anderson's date you should properly escort her as such." Hiccup chuckled at the statement but in the back of his mind he couldn't help but wish he was here with Astrid Hofferson instead.
As the two expertly wove through the crowd, Hiccup, began to notice the eyes of every man they passed. Each one shamelessly raking their gaze over Astrid's body and drinking in her appearance. A strange feeling began to bubble up in him as he saw the lingering looks. A feeling he could only describe as possessiveness, which he ultimately reacted to by drawing Astrid a hair closer. Given the time he would have thought on the subject more but at that exact moment his Father's boisterous laughter cut through the air. Turning in the direction of the joyous noise, Astrid and Hiccup were greeted to the sight of Stoick Haddock surrounded by several men. One of which was none other than Astrid's uncle Finn Hofferson. Upon seeing them Stoick politely excused himself, closed the distance between he and the pair. Finn Hofferson taking it on himself to follow along.
"Hiccup! Good to see you Son." Stoick said clasping his hand firmly on the younger Haddock's shoulder. A large smile on his face.
"Hey Dad, Colonel Hofferson." He nodded and smiled to both men, suddenly feeling the overwhelming need to impress the man who was his dates guardian. "Let me introduce you to my date Astrid Anderson." Gesturing to the beautiful blonde beside him, keeping up the charade perfectly.
Both men nodded in secret approval of Hiccup's introduction and the way he was handling the public situation.
"Nice to meet you lass." Stoick said a little louder than needed in case someone might be listening.
"Nice to meet you , Mr. Hofferson." Stoick grinned wildly at the girl while Finn Hofferson's face never broke his mask of indifference. Hiccup wondered if the man was still acting like he didn't know her. Or if this was the way he usually treated her. The later thought sending a bolt of worry through him.
"Astrid dear would you mind getting Hiccup and I a drink?" Astrid nodded and without another word turned away from the men and left. Heading in the direction of the bar. At least six sets of eyes other than Hiccup's following her as she did. Hiccup narrowed his eyes into a glare staring holes into each one of them. Knowing it wouldn't make a difference, only truly helping make him feel better.
A firm grasp on his shoulder took his gaze off the men in front of him and to his Father beside him. "Son, you better get used to the stares when you have a date that looks like Astrid. Or you'll end up glaring at every man in the building." A vivid blush painted Hiccup's cheeks at his Father's words.
Quickly Hiccup changed the subject, especially with Astrid's Uncle standing right beside them listening to said conversation. "Anyways...what did you want to talk to me about with Astrid not around?" He asked cutting straight to the point.
Stoick smirked at his Son's assertive question. It wasn't something that was common place these last two years. But something he had missed. "I just wanted to see how you were. How you and Astrid were working out?" Hiccup spared a glance at Finn Hofferson, who was paying close attention to the conversation they were having without involving himself at all.
"Astrid and I are good, I mean we did have a bit of a misunderstanding in the beginning," blue eyes narrowed at that. Looking shockingly similar to another pair that he knew. "But we got past that and now things are good. Better than good. We're friends now, not just…" he trailed off knowing he couldn't say anymore than that in case anyone maybe eavesdropping.
His Father looked at him pleased by the news but Finn Hofferson still had the same narrowed gaze as before. Hiccup darted his eyes from his Father to Finn and back again, finally realizing that he was going to have to be the one to say something.
"Umm Colonel Hofferson, is there something wrong with what I said?"
Finn's gaze never changed as he stepped closer to Hiccup and his Father hoping to make the conversation completely private amongst the three men. "You be careful around her, Hiccup. You have a bright future ahead of you, don't let her ruin that." He harshly whispered. His words causing Hiccup to loose his ability to speak. Only leaving him able to stare wide eyed into the older man's aging eyes. His words repeating in a sick loop through his brain.
"I think that's enough Finn." Stoick's hard glare bore into the other man. Seemingly breaking him from whatever angry trance he was in while speaking to Hiccup. With a stiff nod, the Colonel left the two men and disappeared into the crowd.
Still stunned Hiccup turned to face his Father, his green eyes still not focused on anything as his mind ran wild. "Hiccup," Stoick paused waiting until he got his Son's attention. "Hiccup look at me." Two sets of green eyes locked.
"H-how could he say that about her?" He asked his voice hushed and thick with emotion.
Stoick sighed and looked up, checking to make sure the younger Hofferson was not on her way back yet. "Finn and Astrid…have had a hard go of it since the beginning. Too much alike I suppose." He clasped both of Hiccup's shoulders and stared firmly into his Son's eyes, "trust your instincts when it comes to Astrid. Don't let what other people may tell you about her cloud what you see in her."
Hiccup frowned further at his Father's words, what in the Hel did that mean?
Unfortunately before he could ask one of the thousands of questions running through his mind Astrid appeared before them holding two beers.
Her eyes darted to where he Uncle once stood and back, "here you boys go." She said handing over their beers, ignoring his absence completely.
"Ah thank you dear." Stoick took a long swig of his drink, "now you two go have fun. Stop hangin' around us old folks!" He playfully slapped his overly large hand on Hiccup's back almost causing the man to spill his drink.
Astrid smirked at the pair before linking her arm again with Hiccup's. Looking over Hiccup stared at the woman beside him, taking in all her appearance had to offer. All the while his Father's words ringing in his head, what do I see when I look at you Astrid?
. . .
Astrid stole a glance at her date beside her, a happy grin spread across his face. The two were currently standing amongst his friends trading stories and chatting about various topics. They had been at the ball for several hours already, spending time with friends and enjoying themselves. Hiccup had yet to ask Astrid to dance and she honestly assumed he wouldn't. The anxiety of dancing in front of everyone being to great for him.
I never liked dancing anyways, even if I'm damn good at it. She thought smugly.
"So Hiccup what are you and Astrid doing for Snoggletog tomorrow?" The question bring the conversation to a lull while Hiccup stopped to think.
"I-I guess going to spend it with my Dad in the morning. You guys know how he is about Snoggletog morning." Everyone besides Astrid nodded fondly, all having been present for a Haddock Snoggletog morning themselves. "Then I figured we would go visit Astrid's family." His blonde bodyguard immediately tensed up beside him.
"There's no one to visit, we can just spend the day at your Father's." Her clipped tone left no room for argument.
Hiccup partially opened his mouth, intent on saying something to dissuade her but then the horrible words that her Uncle had said about her flashed in his mind. Stoping him immediately.
"Well I'm sure you'll have fun at the Haddock's house then. You haven't lived until you've seen Stoick and Hiccup in matching Snoggletog jammies." Heather said breaking the silence. While embarrassing he was thankful she did.
"Gah, don't remind me." He buried his suddenly red face in his hands, "I'm pretty sure this year they have pompoms sown onto them." The entire group broke into laughter at Hiccup's expense. Not that he minded, if it took their focus off of Astrid and her dysfunctional family.
"Excuse me?" A deep masculine voice beside Astrid asked, bringing everyone's attention to him.
The man, no, the blonde haired blue eyed muscular God beside them suavely smiled at the group, which had Heather and Ruffnut instantly swooning. Before turning his entire attention back on Astrid. "I happen to see that you haven't been dancing. I would be honored if a woman as beautiful as you would accompany me for a dance." He said in the slickest voice Hiccup had ever heard. This guy was obviously used to picking up women and if the looks on Heather and Ruffnut's faces were any indication; Hiccup was sure he rarely failed.
Until today that is.
"You've been watching me hmm?" Astrid folded her arms across her chest now facing the Adonis of a man.
"Admiring my dear." He corrected.
Still not impressed Astrid continued. "What's your name?" Her eyes now narrowed.
"Bard, Bard Blooddawn." He flashed another million dollar smile.
"Well, Bard, if you had admired properly you would have seen I'm already here with a date. And I do not plan on spending my time with anyone else. Dancing or other wise."
Bard raised an eye brow and looked at the group, "date? Who, him?" He asked pointing at Snotlout. Who puffed up with pride at the mistake.
Getting more irritated Astrid grabbed hold of Hiccup's arm, intertwining them. To which Bard's eyes bulged. "Him?"
"Yes, him." Her chin jutted into the air, in a stubborn way. Obviously not backing down from her revelation. Unlike Astrid's strong front Hiccup was anything but sure of himself. The man looked absolutely flabbergasted, at hearing the exchange happening about him. Right in front of him. As if he wasn't even there.
"But he's…and you're…," Bard's perfectly manicured hands gestured back and forth between Astrid and Hiccup. The man now clearly lost for words. His repertoire of pick up lines no longer useful.
"Yes He is who he is and I am who I am. Which is why he is my date and not you. Now if you excuse us, I am going to go dance with my date now." Astrid all but growled out as she dragged Hiccup to the center of the dance floor. Whipping him into place, sliding his hand to her lower back while she grabbed ahold of his other clasping them together as she placed her other hand near his shoulder.
Thankfully for Hiccup even in his slightly stunned state he was still able to automatically tap into his years of his Mother's rigorous dance lessons. Ones that she had insisted would pay off for a moment such as this.
As the two began to move around the dance floor in a synchronized fashion, Astrid could honestly say she was surprised. She assumed like many things in his life, Hiccup would bumble through dancing with her but that was very much so not the case. Instead he glided along the dance floor leading her like a pro.
"Not going to lie I'm a bit surprised, Hiccup. Who taught you to dance so well?"
He looked at her out the corner of his eye, "what my dancing ability wasn't in my file?" He chuckled lightly while Astrid cracked a grin at the obvious dig. "It was my Mom. She knew we would come to these types of things a lot so to save off future embarrassment she taught me." He smiled fondly thinking of all the wonderful times he had spent with his Mom. She was truly his best friend.
"You two had a really special relationship huh?" She asked already knowing the answer.
A resounding yes.
The question seemed to launch her auburn haired dance partner into an excited retelling of a few stories about him and his Mother. While Astrid payed attention at first, slowly her attention started to wane and be pulled away from him. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a figure intensely watching them. A man bearing a large facial scar with deep brown eyes that perfectly matched his skin bore his gaze into the pair. Her intuitions screaming at her. Astrid kept her movements inconspicuous as she trailed the man with her eyes. She watched as he stealthily moved through the crowd discreetly stopping at seemingly random men ever so often.
Random unless you were Astrid Hofferson that is.
Hiccup continued to talk as her eyes continued to follow the man. By the time he had made his way around the entire room, he had stopped at twelve men total. All together forming a perfect circle around the dance floor.
Effectively surrounding them.
"Shit." She muttered the curse under her breath. Stopping Hiccup's story immediately.
"Wha-what's wrong?"
"Hiccup, look at me." Confused green eyes locked with determined blue. "Don't take your eyes off of me for any reason. Okay?" Even with their gazes locked the two still continued to move around the room. Gracefully gliding along to the live music as if nothing was wrong.
"A-Astrid what's happening?"
"We're surrounded. The men who want to kill you–hey what did I say, eyes stay on me!" She hissed when he immediately tried to look for his would be assassins.
Heart now racing he barely nodded. "Now we have to get you out of here, so listen to everything I say okay?" He nodded again. Fear and anxiety leaving him unable to speak.
"I noticed your Father is gone which is probably why they're here now, his security team would have noticed them."
Hiccup gave Astrid a spin and then pulled her back to him, "so what are we going to do?" His voice tight as his pulse raced.
"Don't worry about that, that's my job. Just promise that no matter what you will get to the others and head to the car. I can't do my job right if I have to worry about where you are Hiccup." Hiccup bit back his retort and simply nodded. Knowing no matter what he said, Astrid would not budge on the matter.
"Alright give me a spin and then let go of me and follow the plan." Blue eyes stared determinedly into his own. In a last ditch move before he followed her plan Hiccup pulled Astrid impossibly close and whispered next to her ear his breath coming out in harsh pants, "please be careful." Pulling back Astrid greeted him with a smug smile. If she had any fear or trepidation's he couldn't tell.
"Always, Hiccup."
Before he could second guess his decision he spun her with expertise. Then in a move that was almost unnoticeable Astrid reached into her bun pulling out one of the pin like blades hidden there, grasping it as she spun fully away from him. Only then did she release the blade with a forceful throw. Sending the deadly instrument sailing through the air at it's attended target.
Seconds later the blade struck the neck of one of the twelve men, imbedding itself deeply. Blood instantly erupting from the man's neck seconds before he dropped to the ground. Sending the crowd around the now dead man into pandemonium.
Whipping around Astrid locked eyes with Hiccup. "Go!"
Hiccup didn't even pause before he dropped her hand and broke off into a sprint through the crowd.
This chapter is dedicated to BrawlerGamer for giving me the inspiration for the dance scene. Thanks so much!
Pretty eventful night so far, just wait for the rest of it, oh boy!
As always thank you so much for all your reviews, favs and follows!