Wow, you incredible readers never do cease to amaze me. Thank you so much for the faves, follows, and comments! You have successfully made my Christmas already! :D Just for that, here's the next chapter ;)

Zafirya: Thanks :D And you're right. Everyone does need a little fluff at Xmas time. Even if I never imagined myself writing something quite so... terribly fluffy. Lol. Speaking of fluff, just the fact that you are re-reading my other work yet again is my idea of the perfect Xmas gift, so thanks for that too! :P

~oOo~

When she finally got the nerve to open her eyes, Astrid was happy to note that the airbags hadn't gone off. The engine was also still running, and she couldn't see any smoke or fire. At least that meant her car likely wasn't an instant write-off. Although, judging by the snow mounded over the hood and piled up to the side windows, it was also unlikely that she was going to be able to simply drive it back out of here.

Reaching behind her before she had even assessed herself, Astrid breathed a sigh of relief when Stormfly nudged her hand in return. Warm tongue darting out to give her a slobbery and reassuring kiss. "Thank Thor you're alright girl," she muttered to her best friend. Receiving a whine of agreement from the retriever. "I think I am too," she added. Patting herself down now, and glad when she didn't find any blood or broken bones - though she could already tell that her shoulders and neck were going to be sore tomorrow.

With a heavy sigh, she unbuckled her seatbelt before pushing her door open. Having to lean a fair bit of her weight against it before it was wedged far enough into the snow that she could slide out. Stormfly whimpered a bit at the idea of being left behind, but Astrid shushed her. Leaving the door slightly ajar as she stepped back to survey the damage.

The front of the Chevy was buried so deeply in the snow bank that she honestly couldn't tell how bad it was. She gave a few tentative kicks to the snow packed around the front tire on her side though. Quickly determining, as a sharp pain spiked through her toe, that it was equal parts snow and ice. Turns out gloved hands weren't going to be enough. She was going to need a real shovel if she planned to dig herself out. Yet another thing that she didn't have right now.

Thoroughly convinced that this was somehow Eret's fault as well, Astrid took a moment to just scream into the storm. Picking up a few handfuls of snow and lobbing them at the sky as if she could hit the gods in the face for being such jerks. When that didn't make her feel better, she kicked out furiously with one Ugg-booted foot. Then she was cussing out loud and hopping in pain when it connected with solid tire instead of forgiving snow.

She wanted to cry. She wanted to hit something. She wanted to throw herself down in the snow and scream into her hands until she lost her voice. Then she wanted to climb back in the car and sit right here until she either died, or someone drove by, found her, and saved her.

That was what she wanted to do. Unfortunately, playing the slightly psychotic damsel in distress was going to get her absolutely nowhere right now. After a few calming breaths, she opened the back door and searched around until she located her heavy winter gear. After bundling up as best she could, she grabbed her phone, travel mug, and purse out of the front seat, along with Stormfly's leash. Turning on the 4-way flashers and killing the ignition, she then pocketed the keys and coaxed the nervous dog out of the back.

"Looks like we're going on a bit of a nighttime adventure girl," she informed her friend as she clipped the leash onto Stormfly's collar.

The golden retriever started getting excited now at the prospect of a walk in the snow. Leaping and bounding in the fresh powder like a puppy while Astrid rifled through her purse in search of her flashlight. "Well at least one of us is enjoying themselves," she snarked at Stormfly. Unable to stop herself from giggling just a little as the dog jumped around and tried to catch the falling snowflakes, and glad to see that the mutt really wasn't injured.

With a heavy sigh, and a last glance at the car, Astrid took off back down the road. Following her own tire tracks in the snow as the drifts to either side came almost to the top of her wool lined boots. The bright white of the landscape making the flashlight a little unnecessary. It was mostly to act as a beacon in case anyone else happened to come along anyways. Not that she had high hopes of that.

As they trudged through the cold, Astrid kept checking her phone. All she needed was one bar of service. Enough to send a text to her Dad stating what had happened and where she was - and asking him to call 911. Then she could head back to her car and wait in the warmth until someone came to find her. She had enough fuel left that she would be able to idle until morning if need be.

Just like the rest of her day it seemed, luck didn't appear to be on her side. After 45 minutes, she still hadn't seen even a brief smidgeon of service on her phone. Her mittened fingers were freezing, and the touch screen on her cell was starting to lose function from the cold. Making her worry that her phone would crap out before she could call for help. Stuffing it back in her pocket to let it warm up for a bit, she held her hands up to her face and tried to blow warm air onto her fingers through the tightly woven fabric.

She was starting to wonder if maybe she would have had better luck walking in the opposite direction. It was too late for that now though. It would take almost an hour just to get back to the car - and then Thor knows how long it would be before she found service in the other direction. No, she might as well keep going this way. At the very least, she knew that there had been a town in this direction. If she had to walk another 20km to get there, she damn well would!

Stamping her feet to try and get feeling back in her toes, Astrid took a sip of lukewarm coffee. Though she knew it was nowhere near hot anymore, it still felt wonderfully warm as it settled in her belly. It was enough. With new determination, she pulled her scarf back up over her lower face as she set her sights on the reflective signs marking the road edge ahead of her. Taking it one corner at a time while Stormfly pranced happily along beside her.

*

Hayden Haddock, better known as Hiccup for most of his life, was doing alright for himself - all things considered. Having grown up in his father's considerable shadow for years, by the time he graduated, he was ready to leave his small town behind him. As top male student of his year, he'd been offered a spot at an Ivy League University straight out of high school, and he'd taken it without hesitation. Just like his mother before him, Hayden had run from Berk and never looked back. At least, he hadn't looked back for too long…

Even if he did miss his home town from time to time, his life was good now. He'd rekindled a relationship with his estranged mother, and he was living the bachelor's dream in the big city. No heavy expectations resting atop his shoulders anymore, aside from the ones he placed upon himself.

Even before he was done with his Engineering degree, he'd landed a job at a decently sized company. His boss, Viggo Grimborn, had been a hard ass of the textbook variety. Working for him did help push Hiccup to finish his schooling as fast as physically possible at least. Oddly enough, Viggo had also provided the encouragement he'd needed to branch out on his own as well.

When Hayden had walked into Mr. Grimborn's office for his first annual performance review, he had been almost sure he was about to be fired. It was no secret that he and Viggo butted heads on a pretty regular basis. Instead, Viggo had given him a rave review. At the conclusion of which, he'd levelled his dark gaze on the startled young man sitting on the other side of the handsome mahogany desk.

"You are much too smart to waste your life making someone else wealthy, my boy. Get out there and make a name for yourself." Then he'd waved Hiccup out with a rare smile.

It had taken a couple months (and some heartfelt talks with his Mom) for Hayden to get up the nerve to follow Viggo's advice. Then another few months after that to find a suitable space to lease and compile enough funds to secure it. Now, 2 and a half years later, his small business was thriving. He held several contracts throughout the city, and had five engineers, along with additional assisting staff, working for him. He was finally well enough off through his own means to afford a rather upscale condo on the upper east side, the super bike he'd always dreamed of, and a nice luxury hybrid SUV for winter/practicality. A far cry from the runty loser and loner he had been for most of his youth.

No matter how content he was with his life now though, it hadn't managed to change his feelings about Christmas. He had never liked the holiday season much to begin with. It brought back too many painful memories from his childhood. Memories that he preferred not to dwell on if he could help it, so he tended to avoid Christmas like the plague. Usually he spent the festive time holed up at home with his cat, having action movie marathons and trying to steer clear of the crowded shops and streets.

Apparently this year his dad wasn't going to let him just ignore the season though. Stoick had insisted that the family get together for the holidays. "I don't know how many more Snoggletogs I have left son. I'd really like to spend my last ones with you," he'd said. The big man's deep voice cracking with emotion as his familiar Scottish burr became even more pronounced. Laying the guilt on extra thick, just because he knew that it would work. Hayden had always been a sappy pushover.

It had taken him mere moments to agree to the trip. Then he'd spent the next week griping and cursing about it. Trying to think up any sort of excuse he could use to back out, as he continually put off packing his bags until the very last possible minute. Finally giving in and loading his duffel bag last night while everything from spontaneous illness to commissioned kidnapping kept crossing his mind.

Of course, as the owner of his own firm, getting the time off wasn't an issue. He always closed the office for 2 weeks between Christmas and New Years anyways. Just because he was a Scrooge that didn't care to celebrate the season didn't mean that his staff should suffer. In actuality, his secretary Phlegma - a homely middle aged woman with bright red hair and a no-nonsense attitude - had been positively delighted that he was planning to head home this year. A week early too.

"About time you got some Christmas Spirit," she'd quipped brightly as she placed the pre-filled-out Christmas cards on his desk for him to sign. She would add the bonus cheques to them before closing them into envelopes and handing them out at the Annual Staff Party tonight. The party that he was required to at least make an appearance at.

"I have Christmas Spirit," Hayden grouched back as he uncapped his favourite gold-embossed fountain pen. "I just prefer to celebrate alone."

Phlegma waited silently until he'd scribbled a small note and his signature on each card. Taking the stack from him with pursed lips as she peered over the top of her tidy little silver rimmed spectacles. "No one prefers to celebrate the holidays alone," she finished bluntly. He stuck his tongue out at her like a child, and she smirked back. Turning and leaving the office before he had time to think up a snappy retort.

The party had taken longer than expected, and even though he'd snuck out right after dinner, it still meant he was late starting out. He was just finishing swapping his suit for jeans and a hoodie when his cell rang. Picking it up off the dresser, he checked the screen before accepting the call.

Pressing the phone to his ear, he blurted out a hurried greeting. His mom's sophisticated Aussie lilt washing over him in return. "You sure I can't talk you into waiting until the weather clears up," she asked mildly. No real conviction in her voice.

"Nope," Hayden quipped back brightly. "I actually like driving in the snow. It means I'll likely have the road all to myself. If I wait, I'll just be stuck in a line with all of the other holiday traffic. Yuck!"

Valka huffed a loud sigh, and Hayden could practically see her rolling her bright green eyes. Eyes he'd inherited - along with her tall and slender stature and aristocratic looks. "You take after me far too much for your own good, you know," she teased with a warm chuckle. Making him laugh too.

After having grown up without his mom for most of his life, he'd thought he'd wanted nothing to do with her now that he was grown. Then one day, shortly after he'd moved to the city, she'd reached out to him. On a whim, he'd agreed to meet up. Admittedly Hayden was probably more shocked than anyone at just how well they got along - that day, and every one since.

"Well, I suppose I'll just wish you a safe drive then," she conceded. "You know that you can call me if you run into trouble along the way, and make sure you let me know when you get to Freezing to Death. I don't care how late it is."

"I will," Hayden offered back with a smile she wouldn't see, but could probably still hear. "Are you sure you can't make it for the Snoggletog celebrations," he hedged again for the millionth time this week. "It would be nice to have someone else to suffer with."

"Oh don't pretend you don't love the Yak Parade and Worst-Dressed Snowman competition," she tossed back jovially. "Besides, I have a company to run, and I doubt your father wants me showing up to ruin his holiday fun with you."

Beneath the humour, Valka's voice sounded sad. Hayden was almost certain that his mother regretted leaving Stoick and him behind all those years ago, and he knew that Stoick still loved Valka. Unfortunately stubbornness issues seemed to run in both sides of the family.

"My company is going to survive without me for a few weeks. I'm sure yours will too," Hayden felt the need to point out. All he got in return though was silence on the other end of the line. "Alright mom," he sighed now. "Just… Just think about it. Okay?"

"I… I will… I love you Hayden."

"Love you too Mom."

After closing his phone screen, Hayden did one last check to make sure the heat was down and all the lights were off in his condo. Not that it overly mattered if he forgot something minor. His mom had said she would drop by every couple of days just to check on things while he was gone.

Once he was satisfied that he wasn't leaving any blatant fire risks unattended, Hayden gathered up his stuff. Juggling his duffel bag, collapsible cat carrier, and jacket awkwardly in one hand as he locked the door. Then he pocketed his keys and readjusted his burden before heading back down to his car. His black cat Toothless sauntering down the hall and into the elevator ahead of him.

The cat, who had been Hayden's only lasting companion for the better part of 4 years, was great in the car. As long as you didn't try to close him in the cat carrier, that is. Usually he just curled up on the passenger seat and slept the whole way. Maybe not the greatest co-pilot mind you, but still better than making the drive completely alone.

Despite the good company, Hayden could still feel himself getting progressively grumpier with every mile. It was late, he was tired, and the roads were shit. At this slow pace, he probably still had another hour and a half to go until he made it to his pre-booked hotel room in the next town over. All the jolly decorations he'd just passed in the town square of Visithug having only served to remind him why he was out in the middle of nowhere in a snowstorm, instead of back at home in his warm bed.

The weather was even worse than it had been when he'd started out. The near-blizzard conditions leaving the road as little more than a flat river of white fluff. Thank goodness his 2022 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring had all-wheel drive and brand new studded tires. Still, the LED headlights reflecting off the falling flakes was almost blinding - even on the lowest setting. The SUV's heater fan working extra hard to try and keep the frost from building up on the window.

It was so awful out that he barely even saw the figures walking down the highway until he was almost right on top of them. Realizing belatedly that it was a person and a dog. The person standing smack in the middle of the road as they waved a lit flashlight around. Cursing under his breath, he swerved to avoid them as he eased the Lincoln to a stop. Glancing up at the rearview mirror to see whoever it was jogging back towards his car.

He had barely begun to roll his window down when he heard an angry female voice shouting over the wind. "What the hell, you jackass! Were you driving with your eyes closed or something?! You could've run me over!"

Confused, and more than a little defensive, Hayden pushed open his door. Climbing out to face the woman instead now as he shot back, "What are you talking about?! I wasn't the one standing in the middle of the highway in a blizzard! What the hell are you doing walking a dog out here at this time of night?"

"You honestly think I would just take my dog for a walk at midnight during a blizzard? Are you insane, or just stupid? I crashed my car, and I've been wandering around looking for cell service for almost an hour now," the woman snapped angrily. Reaching up to tuck a lock of hair back under the edge of her blue toque, and Hiccup finally took a look at her.

She was tall for a woman, and clearly slender as an athlete even with the bulk of her winter jacket adding weight. She also looked young, though it was hard to tell with the scarf blocking most of her face. What he could see of her features were delicately beautiful, despite carrying a flush of bright pink from the mixture of cold and windburn. The hair escaping from her tidy braid and around the edge of her toque must be blonde judging by her eyebrows, but it was so soaked through and frozen that it almost appeared brown.

There was something about her voice that nagged at his memory. Something about her mannerisms and attitude seeming oddly familiar, though he couldn't imagine why. It was like stirring the coals of a dying fire and watching licks of flame briefly flare back to life.

Then she lifted her head to meet his gaze and he saw her stunning ocean blue eyes clearly for the first time. Eyes that would normally be the perfect mix of round and almond - framed by impossibly long lashes that fanned out like butterfly wings - though they were currently narrowed in anger. Her mittened hands clenching into tight fists as if she was barely containing the urge to punch him.

Instead of flinching away from her like any sane person might, Hayden felt his jaw go slack with shock as he gaped stupidly at the furious woman before him. No matter how many years it'd been since high school, he'd know those eyes anywhere. Could vividly remember losing himself in them, long ago, on a night that had seemed perfect in every way. And then feeling his heart shatter a little as she'd all but run away from him - making him wonder for years afterwards just what he'd done wrong.

"Oh my gods… Astrid?"

Whatever her next angry words were going to be, they seemed to freeze on the way to her mouth. Her blue eyes widened, and she gaped back at him in stunned confusion for a moment. A small spark of recognition beginning to bloom behind her gaze as her eyes travelled over him before coming back up to lock on his face. "Hiccup?!" She gasped in surprise.

"Yeah…" Hayden offered back with a shrug. Opting not to comment on the fact that no one had called him by that name in several years. Frankly, Astrid Hofferson could call him whatever she liked... The weight of her gaze was starting to make him feel slightly nervous though, and he brought one hand up to idly scratch at the back of his neck. Brushing away the melting snowflakes on his hair that were tickling his skin.

Then she did the very last thing that Hayden had ever thought she would. Especially after the way they'd sort of just… fallen apart in senior year. She suddenly threw her arms around him in an exuberant hug that nearly knocked him on his ass (quite literally too, thanks to the icy ground). "Oh thank Thor," Astrid exclaimed. Sagging bodily against him as she let her weight rest on the arms draped around his shoulders.

The relief and joy in her voice would be hard to miss, and Hayden couldn't keep from chuckling softly. Even though he knew full well she was likely just happy to meet someone who wasn't a serial killing rapist at her time of need, he allowed himself to believe she was just a little glad to see him too. Tentatively he wrapped his arms around her in return as he tensed - waiting for a jab to the ribs for his boldness.

Then he had to bite back a small yelp of shock instead as she turned her face into him as if seeking out the warmth of his skin. Her nose brushing against his bare neck, and his arms tightened instinctively at the contact. Dear gods, she was absolutely freezing.

Standing this close, he could smell her perfume. A sweet lily and warm amber scent with spicy citrus undertones. She smelled just as amazing as he remembered, and her face nuzzled in the crook of his shoulder still felt perfectly right. Her soft breath dancing over his skin and sending tiny jolts of electricity through him.

The feel of her strong, yet distinctly feminine, body pressed against him was making him want to tighten his embrace. Longing to pull her even closer than she already was. Oh man… He seriously needed to get a grip on his wayward hormones. He wasn't a lusty teenager anymore, and he doubted she'd take kindly to unwarranted sexual advances while they were standing on the middle of a dark highway during a blizzard. Or ever, really.

Laughing nervously, Hayden gently eased her away from him as he suddenly remembered what she had said. "Hold up! You crashed your car," he asked abruptly. His voice taking on a rather serious tone as he quickly looked her over for any signs of blood or injury.

"Yeah, but I'm fine," Astrid assured him. Clearly seeing his arched brow, even in the dark, she huffed and rolled her eyes. "Really, I am. My car is stuck though, and I don't have any way to dig it out."

"Whew, well that's good at least. And even better, I have a warm car and a collapsible shovel in the back of it," Hayden supplied with a grin. Gesturing towards the idling Lincoln. "Hop in. I'll take you back there. You'll just have to kick my cat out of the front seat first."

Astrid arched a brow at him now as she glanced towards her dog, and Hayden barked a laugh at her skeptical expression. "Don't worry, he's good with dogs. Pretty well behaved with people too, aside from being a bit antisocial. He takes after me I think," he added with a cheeky wink. Trying to brighten her mood as best he could, given the situation,

Astrid granted him a small smile in return now. "So you're saying he's a dorky beanpole with a heart of gold," she joked lightly - and was that a flirty little lilt to her voice? Then her smile dropped away again, and he wondered if he'd just imagined it. "I honestly don't know if my car is going to be drivable though, even after we get it unstuck."

She still looked flustered and slightly apologetic, so Hayden just offered her a shrug and another grin. "How about we try to dig it out first, and then go from there," he suggested. "If need be, I'll take you to Freezing to Death where you should be able to call a tow truck. I was already heading that direction anyways."

Astrid seemed to visibly droop with her relief now. "Thank you so much Hiccup. You have no idea how much I appreciate this," she said. Then she tugged her golden retriever around to the passenger side and coaxed the dog to climb in.

Once she'd settled herself in the front seat - after carefully nudging a grumpy Toothless aside - she pulled her scarf off. Gracing him with the first real smile he'd seen since almost running her over. "By the way, I'm really glad to see you," she added brightly.

"I'm sure you would be happy to see anyone right now," he couldn't help pointing out. "Even Snotlout," he added cheekily. Falling back on his typical sarcasm and smirking at her when she punched him lightly in the shoulder.

"I wouldn't go quite that far," Astrid drawled back. Making both of them laugh as Hayden put the Lincoln in gear and continued on down the road towards wherever her car was. His previous bad mood forgotten somewhere back behind them on the snowy highway.

~oOo~

Show of hands, who here would also be more worried about checking to make sure their dog was okay first? Even if they themselves were bleeding out or had 2 broken legs and a head injury? I know I would. Lol