Hey all! Sorry for the lack of responses and any typos (again), but I just had to get this up before work. I'll be back either LATE tomorrow or the next day. Love you all!

~oOo~

Astrid woke up before her alarm, as per usual, feeling very warm. Her mind slowly becoming aware of the sound of soft breathing nearby, along with the unobtrusive scent of a familiar cologne. It was a wonderful mix of spices and warm sandalwood with just a hint of citrus. Dark Blue by Hugo Boss if she wasn't mistaken.

That's weird… Eret usually wore 1 Million by Paco Robanne. Maybe she was dreaming?

She couldn't be dreaming though. The shoulder her head was nestled on was as real as the pyjama covered legs that her leg was sprawled over top of. The hand splayed over her bare thigh feeling warm - and calloused in a way Eret's had never been. The distinct feel of four pawed feet pressing against her back was also strange. Eret had never let Stormfly on the bed with them.

That was when her mind finally caught up to where she was. Everything from the fight with Eret, to crashing her car in the snow, to inviting Hayden to share the bed with her - it all flooded back in. Her eyes snapped open, and she was confronted by a swath of masculine chest covered with soft white cotton. Hayden was nowhere near as bulky as Eret of course, but she could definitely feel the ridges of defined pecs beneath his t-shirt. Making her wonder vaguely what he looked like with his shirt off nowadays.

Moving slowly so as not to wake him or Stormfly, Astrid opened her eyes and glanced up towards Hayden's face. Taking in the way those long, dark eyelashes of his just kissed the tops of his cheeks. His lips curving up ever so slightly at the corners. While he was sleeping was the only time that both his body and his busy mind were ever truly still, and the change in his face was drastic. He seemed younger - more carefree, and she couldn't help marvelling for a moment at just how peaceful he looked.

Worried that he would freak if he woke up like this, Astrid started trying to ease away from Hayden as carefully as she could. Unfortunately he must have felt her moving and suddenly started to stir. His eyelids fluttering open to reveal sleepy emerald eyes. He glanced blearily up at the ceiling as he blinked a few times to gain his bearings. Then he turned his gaze down to meet hers, and Astrid gave a half smile.

"Umm… Good morning," she offered in embarrassment. Trying to ignore the butterflies swarming in her belly and giving herself a mental shake. She was just getting out of one relationship. She needed to get her life together before she could even begin to think of falling for someone else. Then she wondered why that thought had even come into her head. This didn't mean anything, and she didn't need to let her insecurities creep in and ruin what she and Hayden had. Again…

As soon as Hayden realized they were cuddling, he blushed an even deeper scarlet than she probably was. Leaping out of the bed so fast you'd think she'd poked him with a cattle prod. "S-sorry," he stammered nervously. Running a hand through his mop of sleep-mussed hair as Stormfly grumbled and lifted her head enough to glare at him for disturbing her slumber.

Between Hayden's floundering awkwardness, and Stormfly's hard-done-by expression, Astrid found herself laughing despite her own embarrassment at the situation. "I feel like I'm the one who should be apologizing," she stated lightly. Sitting up and rubbing her eyes before glancing sideways at where Toothless was seemingly still asleep - and sprawled across her deserted pillow. "If anyone ever finds out though, I'm blaming it on your cat," she added with another chuckle.

"Hey, your dog is the one taking up one whole side of the bed," Hayden defended in mock offence. Then he laughed when Stormfly gave him a grumpy huff in return. "Toothless is a pillow stealing jerk though," he relented with a shrug as his mouth took on Astrid's favourite lopsided smirk. "Usually he wraps himself around my head while I sleep - like some sort of evil cat-crown."

"Aww, how cute," Astrid gushed jokingly. Finally convincing her body to push aside the warm blankets and climb out of the bed. As the cooler air of the room hit her, she noticed that her shirt had ridden up to her ribs while she slept, and she started idly tugging it back down.

"I think I'm going to take a shower," Hayden suddenly spouted. The unusually tight sound of his voice making her glance up at him in interest, and then pause when she noticed that his eyes were locked on the still exposed skin of her midriff. A look buried in those green orbs that she couldn't quite identify.

Then he almost seemed to physically shake himself out of it. His gaze moving from her body to her face with something like an apologetic grimace. "Do you need to use the bathroom first, or…" He trailed off awkwardly. Looking distinctly like he wanted to escape from her presence as quickly as he could without being rude.

"Yes, thanks," Astrid replied simply. Pretending she hadn't noticed him staring, even if that look had made her belly swarm with butterflies again. She knew she was good looking after all, and though he was the nicest and most respectful one she'd ever met, Hayden was still a guy. It was only natural for him to look. His discomfort afterwards making it painfully clear that he hadn't meant to stare - which could only mean that he did not feel the same about her as she did about him.

Once she was safely in the bathroom, she took a moment to just lean back against the closed door. Taking a deep breath as she glanced across at her ghostly reflection in the wide glass panel that separated the tiled shower from the rest of the bathroom. Just calm down Astrid, she pep talked herself. You let your emotions screw everything up once already. No point going down that same road and losing your best friend all over again.

With one final calming breath, she pushed away from the door as she glanced at that wonderful shower again. It was big enough for two and filled up one entire wall of the spacious bathroom. The whole thing tiled from floor to ceiling in rich reddish brown tiles that contained swirls and flecks of gold. The chrome fixtures consisting of a regular wand sprayer resting on a hook, as well as a giant overhead rainfall shower head with massager settings. It also had no door. Just a giant frosted glass panel that came 3/4's of the way down - leaving an opening at the far end for entry.

After glancing at the small clock on the counter, Astrid decided she'd have to take advantage of that shower once more before they checked out. It would be a crime not to, really. As long as she didn't wash her hair again, she'd have more than enough time. For now though she just relieved herself, washed her hands, and fixed her braid up a bit before giving Hayden the bathroom. She needed to take Stormfly out anyways.

If only Stormfly could use the toilet like Toothless could, she mused. Stifling a laugh as she remembered the impressive display Toothless had made of doing his business last night. Astrid had always wondered how people trained their pets to use the toilet like a person. She couldn't imagine ever having the patience or the motivation to train her dog like that, never mind a cat. Besides, Astrid actually liked walking Stormfly most of the time. Unless it was raining…

As soon as Hayden was in the bathroom with the door closed, she swapped her sleep shorts for sweatpants. Biting her lip in contemplation for a brief moment, before pulling the stolen green hoodie on over her tank top. Then, without bothering to put on socks, she slid her boots back on - which were thankfully dry and warm after being propped up near the heater last night. Grabbing the room key off the desk and pocketing it - she leashed Stormfly and headed to the elevator.

The snow had finally stopped, and the world outside looked like a winter wonderland. Astrid would have loved to stay out here for hours. Unfortunately it was also rather cold, and she wasn't really dressed for it. She coaxed Stormfly into doing her business as quickly as possible instead. Promising the dog a much longer walk once they got to Berk later today.

When they got back to the room, Astrid could hear the water running in the bathroom. A sudden image of Hayden in the shower popped into her mind, and she shook it away. Scolding herself again, and wishing her pep talks were more effective, she unhooked Stormfly with a sigh. She poured some pre-portioned kibble into a collapsible bowl for the mutt and topped up the water bowl. Then she set about making herself a cup of coffee.

Steaming mug in hand, she made her way over to the sofa - picking up her phone on the way. As soon as she sat down, Toothless came over and curled up on her lap again. Giggling a bit, Astrid reached down one hand to idly scratch by the little cat's collar. Her other hand swiping in the code for the lock screen.

There was a message from Eret waiting for her, but she deleted it without even bothering to listen, and opened up Google instead. After a bit of searching, she found the best reviewed tow company in the area and dialled them up. Giving them a location and description for her car, and requesting her preferred destination. The guy on the other end was pleasant enough, and he agreed that they could take it all the way to Berk for her, but the estimated cost had her stifling a groan.

Still, it wasn't like she had any other options. She agreed to the charge and gave the company her card number, as a sinking feeling settled in her stomach. Then she slipped her boots back on and made her way out to the balcony instead. The serene view of the snow capped mountains helping to soothe some of her nerves, but it still felt like she was suffering from a bad case of acid reflux.

Everything had seemed better while she was spending her time with Hayden last night. Less daunting and humiliating, as she had a friend that was helping her and a warm place to stay - sans roaches. Now, with the coming credit card payments looming over her shoulder, she felt reality hit her again. Hayden may have offered her a ride and a hotel room last night because it was late and storming, but he had no such self-imposed obligations today.

She didn't even notice when Hayden emerged from the bathroom. Too lost in her own troubles to pick up on the sound of the patio door sliding open behind her as she leaned on the railing. Staring into the cooling dregs of her morning potion as if it might hold the answers to her problems. "I should have guessed that's where my hoodie was," came Hayden's soft voice from nearby.

Looking to her side in surprise, she offered him a guilty shrug. He just smirked in return. Clearly not actually bothered by the theft, as he came to stand beside her at the railing and stared off towards the mountains while sipping his own mug of steaming coffee. He was wearing the same dark wash jeans from last night, but instead of a loose sweater, he was sporting a simple dark grey long sleeve that hugged close to his slender frame. Showing off the layer of lean muscle underneath in a pleasantly understated way.

Realizing that she was staring at him like an idiot, Astrid forced herself to look away as she bit her lip. "I called the tow company," she offered blandly. Hayden shot her a sideways glance, but didn't comment. Likely he was leaving it open for her to elaborate if she wanted to, and she was once again immensely grateful for his quiet thoughtfulness. "They said they can do it, but they are booked up until tomorrow afternoon." She couldn't contain a sigh now as she added, "and it's going to cost about 480 dollars to get it brought all the way to Berk."

"That sounds about typical," Hayden stated with a small nod. "It's always more expensive if the vehicle has been in an accident. Winch fees, and associated hazard pay," he added when she glanced at him in surprise.

"And how do you know this," Astrid couldn't help asking.

"Gobber," Hayden replied simply. Obviously referring to Gordon Belchley - the owner of the auto shop Hayden had worked at during high school, and stand-in father for Hayden when Stoick was away or busy. Then he took another sip from his coffee as he turned his eyes back towards the mountains. "So, how are you getting yourself back to Berk? Were you planning to hang out in Freezing until the tow company confirmed they'd picked up your Chevy, or were you thinking of just heading home today?"

His questions sounded mildly interested, but didn't give anything away about his thoughts on the matter. "I was thinking I'd just call a cab for Stormfly and I, and head home today," Astrid offered back. Her eyes searching the side profile of his face as if looking for some sort of insight into his busy mind. "No sense waiting around here." And wasting money that I don't have, she added internally.

"A cab ride all the way to Berk," he repeated blandly. "That'll be expensive."

He still wasn't looking at her, so Astrid released a quiet sigh and closed her eyes for a moment to get a grip on herself. Swallowing hard against the lump that was rising in her throat. "I know," she finally replied. "What other choice do I have though?"

"You could ride with me," Hayden countered. Then he cleared his throat as if surprised by his own generous outburst as he stammered, "o-only if you want to, that is. I mean, I was already heading to Berk anyways, so it's not like it's out of my way or anything." Finally meeting her eyes and giving a half-shrug as a splash of colour tinged the tops of his cheeks again, and Astrid couldn't help wondering when Hayden had become so nervous around her. He had been when they were little kids of course, but she'd been sure he'd grown out of that ages ago.

Then she remembered the Snoggletog Ball, and the way she had thrown herself at him before running away, and felt her own cheeks heat now. No wonder he felt so awkward with all this. Silently cursing her own insecurities once again, Astrid gave him the brightest smile that she could muster. "I'd love that," she stated honestly.

Hayden's return smile was tentative and lopsided, but it made her heart flip-flop just the same. Adamantly denying the unexpected surge of feelings, Astrid glanced at her watch before downing the last bit of her now cold coffee. "If it's alright with you, I'd like to take advantage of that marvellous shower one more time before we leave though," she added with a grin.

"That's fine with me," Hayden agreed. "I've got some work emails that I need to respond to anyways, and I should probably feed Toothless before he throws a fit. Do you need me to take Stormfly out?"

"I already took her while you were in the shower," Astrid answered easily. "She should be fine until we get to Berk now." Hayden nodded again, and the two of them headed back inside. Astrid grabbing a change of clothes and her makeup bag as she made for the bathroom, while Hayden pulled out his phone and plopped himself down on the sofa to wait.

With her hair twisted up in a high bun to keep it dry, Astrid stepped under the rainfall fixture with a sigh. It wasn't like she really needed another shower. She just wanted to stand under the cascade of hot water. Letting the warmth soothe some of the stress tension out of her shoulders and neck.

She felt much better by the time she exited the huge stall and dried off with one of the wonderfully plush white towels she'd hung on the rack last night. Then she pulled on a pair of cargo style chinos in a dark wine red, and a black cotton 3/4 sleeve top that she tucked in. Adding a pale pink off shoulder sweater over top. Lastly, she fixed her hair into a much more stylish braid and applied her makeup. Keeping it simple, with just some mascara and a touch of eyebrow pencil.

Astrid gave herself another once over in the mirror now. Tucking one side of her slightly oversized sweater into her waist band had given her outfit a more fun, slouchy look, and she nodded in approval. Satisfied, she gathered up her stuff and took it all back out to her suitcase. Tossing the lot in haphazardly, as it wasn't as if the rest of the suitcase had any sense of order to it. Then she swapped her bulky Uggs for a more grown-up pair of pale grey leather boots.

"Ready to go," Hayden asked suddenly. Getting up from the couch and tucking his phone back in his pocket as he sauntered towards her.

"You know it," Astrid smiled back. Sliding her boots on and zipping them up before pulling her coat back on. Hayden smiled back as he donned a grey and black zip-up hoodie and his black skate shoes.

The trip back down to the lobby was only slightly less noisy. Mostly because Astrid avoided running over Stormfly this go-round. She did manage to hit Hayden with the suitcase instead though, and they were both laughing by the time they exited the elevator. The boisterous sound making the concierge at the desk, a slender young brunette, look over at them curiously. A wide smile blooming on her pretty face as she took in the two of them.

"Happy Holidays Mr. and Mrs. Haddock," she offered cheerily as they stepped up to the desk so Hayden could return the room key. "I hope you enjoyed your stay with us."

Hayden's cheeks instantly flushed a bright red at the girl's words, but Astrid just laughed it off. After all, it was a fair enough assumption given the circumstances. "The room was lovely," Astrid grinned back. "And please give our thanks to the older gentleman that was at the desk last night," she added as an afterthought. "He was very helpful, and the complimentary gift was just perfect."

The girl smiled and nodded again as she accepted the key card and waved them out. Hayden was still blushing a bit, but the two of them couldn't help but laugh again as they made their way across the partially plowed parking lot. "I suppose I should have expected that," Hayden finally chuckled. Helping her stuff her large case back into his Lincoln and closing the gate before the two of them coaxed the pets into the vehicle.

They stopped to grab coffees and lunch from the local coffee chain, and then hit the road. The combination of fresh snow and decorations making Astrid peer out the windows like an excited child. She even giggled out loud at the sight of the large sleigh weighted down with fake presents and team of life sized reindeer that were 'flying' over the sign at the outer edge of town.

Just then, a twangy and upbeat Christmas song started playing softly in the background. "Bleurgh," Hayden exclaimed in horror. Quickly switching from the country hits station on the satellite radio, to the music list on his phone, and angry rock suddenly filled the car instead. "Why does every station feel the need to cater to the holiday farce in some fashion?"

"You don't like Christmas," Astrid asked him in shock. Turning to look at him now, and watching as he wrinkled up his nose in disgust. "How can you not like Christmas?!"

The idea seemed absolutely absurd to her. Who doesn't like Christmas? Hayden just shrugged as he met her eyes. "I don't know. Christmas just… Gave up on me, I guess," he stated simply. "So I decided to give up on it right back." It couldn't be more clear that he didn't really want to elaborate, but he didn't have to.

Just like that, Astrid was thrown back into memories of kissing her best friend at a Snoggletog Ball - and then running from him because she was afraid. Afraid of how much that one small act had meant to her, and afraid of rejection if it hadn't meant the same to him. Oh gods… Had she been the one to ruin Christmas for him?! Was she the reason he had turned into a Scrooge?!

She spent the rest of the drive feeling incredibly guilty, though she was careful not to let it show. Hayden didn't need more reminders of how horrible of a friend she'd been to him. Instead she stuck to lighter, non-festive topics. Safe things, like where he normally spent his free time in the city - since she still wasn't quite ready to talk about her own failed life.

"I'm pretty outdoorsy," Hayden supplied. "My mom and I like to get out hiking or backpacking as often as we can. I still snowboard in the winter sometimes too, though not as often as I'd like. Any free moment left I usually spend on my bike. I've actually been thinking of taking a few weeks off and doing the Archipelago Loop this summer," he added with a wistful smile.

"That sounds fun! What kind of bike do you have," Astrid couldn't keep from asking. She'd always wanted a motorbike, but her parents had been adamantly against it. Then she'd started dating Eret, and he'd managed to convince her that they were impractical, dangerous, and would hurt her career prospects. Claiming that proper and responsible ladies didn't straddle motorcycles.

Hayden glanced sideways at her for a moment. "It's a Night Fury."

Astrid felt her jaw drop as her eyes widened. Hayden had a Night Fury? For real? That was the fastest super bike available. It was also crazy expensive to purchase, and would be ridiculous to insure. Gods, what does he do for work anyways? Sell drugs?! Not that she was going to ask him, because then that would just open the door for him to ask her, and she was so not going there…

The sound of Hayden clearing his throat snapped her out of her inner monologue, and she promptly closed her mouth. "So, how about you," he asked now. "You never struck me as the city girl type. Is it starting to grow on you yet?"

"Not really," Astrid confessed with a sigh. "I mean, if I got out into nature more during the weekends, I might tolerate it better during the weekdays. Unfortunately my now-ex boyfriend didn't like the outdoors. Instead of hiking like I wanted to, I spent a good portion of my time working out in the gym near my apartment, or the one at his condo."

"Hmm, I see," Hayden replied blandly as he arched a brow at her. "If it's not too painful of a subject, might I ask who this now-ex boyfriend is?"

"Oh, I doubt you'd know him," Astrid answered back with an awkward giggle that made her cringe.

"Try me," was all Hayden said.

Glancing away from him as she worried her lip between her teeth, Astrid finally sighed in defeat. Once her parents knew, he'd likely find out soon enough anyways. "It was Eret Eretson," she grumbled. Speaking to the window instead of Hayden.

She expected shock, or questions. She didn't expect laughter. She peered over at Hayden with a raised brow at what he found so humorous, and he offered her a lopsided smirk. "I'll give you, he is incredibly good looking, but you can definitely do better. He's always struck me as the type that would care more about his biceps than his relationship," he chuckled.

"You're not wrong there," Astrid grinned back. Finding herself laughing along with him now, and it felt wonderful. "How do you know him, anyways," she asked in interest. Carefully wiping the tears of humour from under her eyes before they could smear her mascara. Eret had never mentioned knowing Hayden.

Hayden just chuckled again. "Mom owns a publishing company in Bog. Maybe you've heard of it? Bewilder Agencies," he supplied with a shrug. "Anyways, the Eretson's are by far her biggest rivals in the business. You should hear the things she has to say about them after a glass or two of wine."

Astrid sat back as she took a moment to digest that. Hayden's mom owned Bewilder Agencies? They were the biggest and fanciest publishing house in Bog, and Eretson Enterprises had lost a fair few lucrative contracts to them over the last few years. If she still worked for the Eretson's, this would be considered fraternizing with the enemy. That thought made her have to stifle a giggle.

"So your mom runs her own company," Astrid mused in awe (and maybe just the teensiest bit of envy). "That's super cool. My mom was all set to go to law school when she graduated. Then she met my dad, fell in love, and had me. She gave up on her career so she could be a stay at home mom," she finished with a shrug. Trying not to sound too judgey about it.

"My mom gave up on her family so she could follow her career," Hayden countered sardonically, and Astrid felt immediately remorseful for what she'd said about her own mother. "You know what though," he continued. "I don't even hate her for it. It made her happy, and Dad and I did just fine. I suppose as long as you follow your heart, everything else will work itself out in the end."

"You're incredible Hiccup. Have I ever told you that," Astrid returned with a genuine smile. Hayden's cheeks coloured again, and he muttered something to the contrary as he ducked his head a little. "I mean it," she insisted. Then, hoping to change the subject before he got the chance to ask about her career, she added, "so, tell me more about your Night Fury. Is it really as fast as they say?"

She had almost forgotten about her troubles by the time they reached Berk. Hayden was just so easy to talk to, that it was tough to dwell on her problems with him around. The passionate way he spoke about his bike making her begin to fantasize about buying her own motorcycle now that she was a free woman. As they pulled into her parents driveway, she was even starting to feel - dare she say - hopeful…

Hayden wrestled her bags out of the trunk while she got Stormfly and herself sorted. When she went to take the cases from him though, Hayden just grinned at her and danced out of the way. His unexpected bout of playfulness making her laugh, just as her parents were coming outside to see who was in their drive.

"Astrid," came her dad's confused voice, and Astrid turned to smile at him now. Releasing her hold on Stormfly's leash, and the dog went barreling towards her folks with tail set at maximum wag speed.

"Surprise," Astrid shouted back, as Hayden laughed behind her.

"We thought you weren't going to make it home this year," her mom spouted as she leant down to pet the joyful dog as well. "And who's with you? Where's your car?"

"Well… That's a, uh, long story," Astrid grimaced as they moved closer to the door, and consequently the bright porch lights. Her parents moving to hug her in greeting.

Then her mom took another look at who was behind Astrid, and her face lit up like Christmas morning. "Hayden? Is that you," she gushed. "My goodness, it's been ages! How was the drive? How did you two run into each other? Would you like to stay for dinner," she continued, and Astrid felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment at her mother's enthusiasm.

"It's good to see you too Mrs. Hofferson," Hayden laughed as he returned Ingrid's hug. "Unfortunately my dad is probably waiting on me, so I can't stay. I'll have to take you up on that dinner offer some other time." He shot Astrid a warm smile as he allowed Ivan to finally take the two big cases from his hands. "It was great catching up with you," he offered. "Maybe I'll see you around?"

"I sure hope so," Astrid smiled back. "And thank you Hayden. For everything."

She reached out and pulled him into a hug as well. The more selfish part of her wishing she could find some way to make him stay for dinner instead, but knowing that she had to let him get home to his own family. Then she stood there and watched him climb in his car and back out of the driveway. Lost in her thoughts until her dad's voice from the doorway called her back to the present. With one final wave at her best friend, she headed inside.

The house smelled like warm gingerbread, and Astrid groaned in delight as she hung up her jacket and scarf. Glancing around her, and noting with relieved nostalgia that everything was still exactly as she remembered it. The same small table sat by the door, topped with a decorative blue glass bowl filled with sweets for visitors (currently it was mini candy canes). The cast iron key rack shaped like a row of dogs with wagging tails was still hanging next to a mirror with a wooden frame hand carved by Grandpa Hofferson.

She helped her dad haul the huge cases up to her old bedroom - which had also remained much the same. With her life now going to Hell in a hand basket, Astrid found that for the first time since she'd moved out, she truly appreciated how wonderful it was to be surrounded by the comfortably familiar. "Get changed into something more comfortable dear, and I'll make you some hot chocolate," her mother called up the stairs.

"You'd best be making me a mug too, woman," her dad added jokingly. Winking at Astrid, and she laughed as she heard her mother grumbling half-hearted threats in the kitchen. Using chauvinistic language to get a rise out of his wife was something her Dad had been doing since Astrid was little, but she had also never seen a man more smitten with his wife than her father was.

"I'd best take my granddog for a walk before your mom breaks out the chef's knives," Ivan told Astrid with a hearty laugh of his own. "You'll make sure she doesn't poison my cocoa?"

"Of course. You can count on me Dad," Astrid tossed back with a mock salute.

"Good looking out kiddo," her dad grinned. Patting her on the shoulder with a large hand, before heading down the stairs and whistling for Stormfly. This was followed by the scrabbling of claws on laminate as Stormfly came darting back down the hallway. That dog loved Ivan almost more than she loved Astrid.

Shaking her head at her family, Astrid began to unzip her suitcases. She'd sort through everything properly tomorrow. For tonight, she just wanted a comfy sweater and some loose sweats. When she flipped open the first case though, she found a familiar green hoodie sitting atop the messy pile.

Oops… She must have accidentally packed up Hayden's sweater with the rest of her stuff after her shower. What was he going to think when he looked through his bag tonight and realized it wasn't there? Would he think she'd stolen it on purpose? Would he be mad?

As soon as she thought that, she cast it aside. Hayden would never get mad at her over something like this. It was very likely he'd already noticed it gone at the hotel and had just chosen not to say anything. If only there was some way she could pay Hayden back for everything he'd done for her. Something that she could give him that would mean just as much.

That's when it clicked. There was something she could give Hayden in return. Of course, it would take some solid effort. She'd also probably need to enlist some help. Maybe she should call Heather up tomorrow and see if she was free. Heather loved a challenge.

Feeling like her heart might just burst out of her chest now, Astrid changed into her comfy clothes and pulled Hayden's hoodie back over her head. Taking a moment to inhale the still lingering scent of his cologne before bounding down the stairs to help her mom in the kitchen. It was Christmastime, and by the ancients, this season was going to be a happy one for everyone.

~oOo~

I feel like you guys saw that awkward morning coming from a mile away, but that is the whole point of this theme is it not? The delightfully predictable. Speaking of which, I feel like we are about to enter into some hardcore Hallmark movie action in the near future...lol

Also, was that some divine pet intervention happening at the start there?... Hmm... :P