Ruff failed me.

After five whole days of searching, nothing. How could no one in this city be hiring? The only place Ruff could offer was down at the local butcher, but that place had a reputation of mentally scarring anyone that set foot in that horrid place, let alone work there.

No, Hiccup would not work there.

I wish he would stop working at that grocery store, he came home exhausted every day. They worked him ragged because the manager knew he couldn't quit, or that he refused to quit. It was ridiculous. He spent most of his time being a janitor even though he was hired on to restock the shelves with produce.

He was being used. I'm sure it was against one of the labor laws, but it wasn't worth trying to produce.

A buzz interrupted my thoughts. I slowly opened my eyes to the faint rays of dawn coming through the window. I grasped blindly for my phone. It was blurry at first until my eyes adjusted to the harsh blue light. It was a text from my dad.

Have you bought your ticket to fly home yet?

Fly home? I wasn't planning on going home until-

Christmas!

How was it already the 19th? It seemed like only a few days had passed since Thanksgiving. Had Hiccup really been living with me for that long? I haven't started my Christmas shopping! The only gift I had was for Ruff and Tuff. I needed to get something for my family and Hiccup and Booker if there was money left in the budget.

I sent Ruff a quick SOS that I needed someone to go shopping with. I was terrible at getting gifts for people. I always spent too much money, or not nearly as much. Either way I ended up feeling embarrassed. Thankfully, Ruff and Tuff and I came up with a pact that we would always get each other the weirdest pair of socks that we could find. It was great because it was a fairly cheap gift that guaranteed a great time. Last year I got a pair that had King Kong eating a banana sundae! We'd built up quite the collection over the years.

Luckily Ruff was free in the afternoon and was willing to help. I promised dinner afterwards.

I looked up flight tickets back home. They weren't cheap, but thankfully they wouldn't break my bank account either. I thought about purchasing them now so I could tell my dad that I had, but I couldn't press the final button.

Hiccup knocked softly on my door. "Hey, I made some breakfast if you want any."

I smiled and told him I would be out in just a few seconds. Deciding that it was a good morning for a run, I slipped into a long sleeve shirt and a pair of running tights before heading out into the kitchen.

"Oh wow," Hiccup had made French toast and I could smell the cinnamon and powdered sugar as soon as I opened my door. It looked just as good as it smelled. Hiccup had even warmed the syrup up. I dug right in and only realized that this wasn't the best meal to eat before doing any sort of physical activity. It was so heavy, but it was too late. I couldn't stop myself once I'd started. It was just too good to put down. "Hiccup, this is amazing."

"Thanks, I wanted a good morning so that I could at least start the day off on a high note." Oh right, he was working today. If he wanted to let himself be exploited, then so be it. Whatever. "What are your plans for the day?"

"Ruff and I are meeting up to go shopping." It was almost comical how he immediately lost interest as soon as I said the magic word. Shopping. How typical.

"You guys have fun with that." At least he didn't ask me what I was getting, I didn't want to come up with a lie that he wouldn't believe, and I definitely didn't want to tell him I was looking for a Christmas present for him. He couldn't afford to get me anything and I definitely didn't want him to try.

"Hey, Hiccup…" I thought about bringing up our futures and how they were heading in different directions, but it didn't seem like the right time. It never did. Every time I tried to bring it up, I backed down. If I was being honest with myself, I was scared how he would react. If he thought, even for a second, that he was holding me back from doing something that I wanted, I was sure that he would bolt the moment my back was turned. That being said, I pulled out my old books and spent my nights reviewing materials.

"Yeah?" He gave me a slightly worried glance. I had to bring it up with him soon. We needed to be on the same page.

"Umm, can you pass me the syrup." Coward. Hiccup gave me another look and then handed me the syrup that was closer to me than it was to him. Idiot. "Thank you." I muttered softly.

Hiccup left after the dishes were cleaned and put away and I was left alone again until I met up with Ruff. Deciding not to let this time go to waste, I immediately pulled out my LSAT review books. I set up everything out in the kitchen because my bedroom could feel a little claustrophobic at times.

I had the book to my left and I was copying down what I considered to be important details on a spiral notebook on my left. I'd barely gotten through a quarter of a page of notes when Hiccup burst back in the apartment.

"Hey Astrid, don't mind me," He called as he quickly went through his clothes. "It is super windy out today, came back up to add another layer so I didn't freeze on the way to work. See ya!" And he was out the door as sudden as he came in.

I had been like a deer in the headlights, completely rigid. If Hiccup had glanced at me for more than a second, he would've noticed. Luckily, he had been so intent on not being late for work that he hadn't.

What was wrong with me? I wasn't doing anything wrong and I certainly wasn't ashamed of it either. I tried to get back into the groove, but I kept distracting myself with insecurities and doubts. I made a cup of steaming hot black tea to soothe my thoughts.

Focus.

I was able to get through a respectable chunk before Ruff sent a text saying that she was ready to meet up. Not a second too soon either, I was sure I would've fallen asleep if I kept going. Some stuff was genuinely interesting, but not this chapter. it was all about how to understand a dense, scholarly article and pull information out of it. I'd done that countless times getting my English degree and it was so tiresome.

I put on my winter gear and bolted out of the apartment, leaving everything on the kitchen table. Ruff wanted to try the new department store off of main street. Ruff got there before me and was waiting for me off to the side of the entrance.

"Hey, Astrid." She pulled me into a quick hug before we went searching for gifts. Ruff hadn't gotten anything for Finnian yet either. She'd also started calling him 'Fishlegs'.

"It just fits." She laughed. "It just rolls off the tongue."

The store was stacked with all sorts of generic Christmas, but Hiccup wasn't generic. I didn't want to get him the first thing that caught my eye. He'd act like he really enjoyed it, but within a week it would be forgotten about. I was determined to get him something that he would actually enjoy, something that he could actually use.

I just didn't know what that was.

We searched the whole store, and I didn't find anything that met my standards. Ruff had pointed out a few potential ideas, but I didn't get any of them. The fact that Ruff had seen it first didn't feel right; I wanted to be the first one to discover it. So that it would be 100% my gift.

Ruff had found a gift for Fishlegs. I tried the name out in my head and nodded. It really did roll off the tongue. Anyway, she'd picked out some nerdy card game she thought that they'd like. We were on our way to a different store when a question dredged itself from my subconscious thoughts.

"Do you think I should go home for Christmas?"

If Ruff was drinking anything, I'm sure she would've spit it out. "What? Why wouldn't you? You already missed Thanksgiving."

"My dad asked if I bought a ticket to come home for Christmas, but I haven't yet. I had looked up flights and I found a flight that would work, but I didn't go through with it."

"Well you know that Tuff and I aren't going back, so maybe you would rather spend it with us. Or maybe there's someone else you want to spend Christmas time with…" Ruff wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

"Who? Hiccup?" Of course, she would think that. "It's not because of him. Although I could use some advice about him – And nothing like that!" I hurried after Ruff smiled devilishly.

"Pity" She pouted. "Well then what do you need help with?"

"I'm having trouble telling Hiccup that I'm going to apply to Law School for the fall?"

"Really? Astrid, that's great!" Ruff beamed. It was so rare to see her with a smile so genuine that I just stopped and took it in. "But… why are you having trouble telling Hiccup? I'm sure he'd be just as excited as I am."

"I don't want him to feel like he is getting in the way of my career. If he realized that I'd put my plans on hold since he moved in, he'd bolt the second I turned my back.

"I don't want to see him leave because he felt that he was in the way, or that maybe that I was starting to prioritize Law School over him."

Ruff glanced around quickly to make sure no one was nearby before she slapped me across the face. "Listen to yourself, Astrid! That's the pansiest shit I've ever heard you say. Get a grip; you should prioritize Law School over him. I'm sure that he'll understand, and if he doesn't, he needs to get over himself."

She was right. I couldn't let him stop me from achieving my goals because I was afraid that he might react in the wrong way. There was a 97% chance that he would be totally fine with everything I've been doing, why should I let 3% stop me? I was better than that. I was Astrid Hofferson for God's sake!

"You're right! If he feels like I should focus on him rather than my career, then he can go suck an egg." Ruff burst out laughing.

"Shut up." My face flushed red. I was so pumped that I didn't even think about what was coming out of my mouth, and Ruff was eating it up.

"What vulgar language!" She wiped a tear that was starting to form, "You need to wash your mouth with soap after that one."

Ruff finally managed to get herself under control right as we were entering the next store. I was thoroughly disappointed with it. It may have a different name, but this store was basically a carbon copy of the previous place. I saw the exact same toys and trinkets that I saw in the other store. What was the point of making this huge building if there was one identical to it just a few blocks away?

"This place is a waste of time." I groaned. I needed a good – great – gift for Hiccup and I was positive that it wouldn't be found here. "Let's get out of here."

I wasn't really sure where to look for Hiccup's gift, but it wouldn't be in any of the generic places. I thought about trying the mall, but all of those shops were massive chains that all blurred together within a half hour. We needed someplace that was actually different.

After an hour of walking through town, I decided to leave empty handed. Ruff was getting frustrated that nothing seemed to meet my standards and frankly so was I. Why couldn't I just pick something and be done with it? I know I'm terrible at picking gifts for people, but this was ridiculous.

"Better luck next time." Ruff gave me a quick hug before we went our different ways. Ruff was off to work and I wanted to go home so I could start making dinner for Hiccup and I.

Once again, I stopped by to see Hazel and pick up a fresh loaf of bread. I was a little surprised to see that there was a line today. it seemed like the people were finally realizing that there was a fantastic local bakery that made homemade goods at a very respectable price. It took a few minutes, but soon I was next in line.

"Astrid!" Hazel beamed, "It's so great to see you!" If the heavenly smell wasn't enough to lift my spirits, her smile certainly was. It was impossible to be in a bad mood within a ten-foot radius of her.

"Hi, Hazel. What do you recommend today?" She thought for a second before looking through her supplies. She was humming to herself softly as she perused the display shelves. She shook her head softly before heading into the backroom. I felt a little bit like Harry Potter in the wand shop. She popped out with a huge smile and loaf of bread

"I think that you'd really enjoy this Mediterranean bread." Hazel handed it to me so that I could take a closer look at it. "It has sundried tomatoes, dried peppers, and various other herbs. I just started learning how to make it and would love it if you gave me some feedback."

"That sounds amazing." I commented. "I'll make sure to let you know what I think of it." Hazel beamed and wrung it up. She flipped the receipt over and wrote something down before handing it to me.

"Here's my number. I know it's a little strange since we don't really know each other that well, but you're a regular and I want to hear your thoughts as soon as you try it so that I can make any changes before I make another batch tomorrow morning."

"Of course! I'm sure I'll love it." I told her before heading home. Hazel was such a sweetheart. I'm sure she created an amazing work environment for anyone that worked for her, unlike Hiccup's boss.

I walked into the apartment ready to start making dinner, but when I opened the door, Hiccup was already home. On the table were all of my law books! I'm sure he saw them; how could I have been so stupid?

"Hey Astrid." He greeted, "Would you mind moving your stuff off of the table? I would've done it, but I wasn't sure where to put them." He was nonchalantly standing near the stove stirring something in a pot.

"Yo…You're not upset?" Hiccup gave me a worried glance.

"Why would I be upset? The textbooks aren't ruining my night, they're only in the way of dinner. Unless you want to eat on the couch."

"But they're law textbooks?"

"And? Should I be expecting anything else from someone who plans on going to law school?" Hiccup came over and put a hand on my forehead. "Are you okay, Astrid?"

"I thought you'd be upset. That maybe you would feel like you were the reason that I stopped studying in the first place."

"Well, if you stopped studying when I moved in, then I probably was the reason." I was about to tell him that he wasn't, but he was right. Of course, it was my fault for letting him distract me, but he was the catalyst that threw my study habits out the window. "But it looks like you're back on track. Besides, I'd rather not sleep in the snow; it'd take a lot more than that for me to leave."

Fair point.

"But what about if I get accepted? I'd have to move – the closest law school is still a few hours away. What would you do then? Would you even still be living with me that far down the road?"

"If you got into law school, then I'd be happy for you." Hiccup said, just like Ruff said that he would. "Hopefully, I'd be making enough money to afford to rent my own apartment by then, but if not then I'll find some other way. Maybe find someone to split an apartment with."

On that note, I finally cleared the table and put the books away on the little bookshelf in my room. I sighed in relief. Hiccup not being mad took a lot of weight off my shoulders and I didn't have to hide out in my room to study anymore.

I walked back in as Hiccup finished setting the table. "How was work?" I asked, hoping that today would be the day that he would come to his senses.

Hiccup sighed and ran his hand through his head, something he always did when he was stressed. "It didn't start off bad, but near the end, when I was restocking one of the shelves, an old friend of my mom's recognized me.

"We talked for a bit and she was confused about why I was working here and not something that aligned with my degree. She was disappointed in me, even after I told her I had to put that to the side because I needed instant money so that I could afford the hospital bills. I tried to explain that most of the jobs that I would be interested in start out as internships, but she still felt that I was wasting my life away."

"She doesn't know what she's talking about." I interjected, "If she was really your moms' friend, then she should've been more concerned with her health. Family is more important than money."

Hiccup shrugged. "Yeah, I guess."

Dinner was a little quiet. The bread was delicious, though. If I had to make any changes, I'd look into making the bread just a little bit denser so that it could compliment the tomatoes better. I made a mental note to text Hazel later to let her know what I thought.

Hiccup was still a little down. He was always there to help cheer me up and it was my turn to return the favor. I left quietly as he laid on the couch, staring at a book. Within ten minutes I was back with a little bag behind my back.

I gently shook him out of his stupor and handed him the bag. "Here you go; a little something to lift your spirits." He opened it up and pulled out a small slice of dessert I'd picked up from a local Italian restaurant. "I hope you like raspberry cheesecake.

"I know it won't soften the blows you've been hit with today," I told him, "But hopefully you can at least end it on a high note."

Hiccup didn't say anything for a moment; he just stared at the treat in his lap. A tight smile appeared on his face and it looked like he was holding back a tear. "Thank you, Astrid. This was exactly what I needed." He took a little bite and I could watch as the weight was lifted off his back.

I had originally planned on studying tonight, but helping out an amazing friend was much more important. I could hit the books tomorrow morning, but if I waited to comfort Hiccup until then, it'd be too late. Hiccup looked on the TV for some movie to watch as I made two cups of tea. We ended up lounging on opposite ends of the couch with our legs overlapping, all under a blanket.

He never said anything about it, but I could tell he was drawing comfort from the physical contact. It was in the way his smile widened slightly when I laid down, or how I could watch his worries melt away when we were together. He was as happy – no, that wasn't the right word – content as I've ever seen him.

And, if I was being totally honest, so was I.

AN: Hey guys! Another Sunday, another chapter. Hope you guys enjoyed it; I brought in just a little more chemistry this chapter between Hiccup and Astrid.

I really have no idea how long this fanfic should be. I have a few more ideas that would take a few chapters to resolve, but I don't know if I want to try and make this story as long as I possible can. Would you guys rather me tell my story and end it, or see how long I can keep the momentum going?

On a side note, I have some bad news. I was officially hired to staff at Philmont for the summer (assuming it's still going to happen)! For those who aren't familiar with the place, Philmont is a high-adventure backpacking Boy Scout camp in the backcountry of New Mexico. I will be at one of the staff camps for almost the entire summer (about three months). I am super excited and if any of my readers are going to be there this summer, please let me know! Unfortunately, there isn't much reception out there, and I don't even know if it's practical to take a laptop so there is a big possibility that I won't be active at all during the summer. I know the summer is still a good way away, but I just wanted to let you guys know what's happening. I'll bring it up again closer to when I leave. Hopefully you guys are okay with this, I absolutely love the outdoors and it's not every day I get paid to camping for three months.

I'll see y'all in another week!