The time was only 8:30pm or so, dinner had been eaten already as the Lanvik's and Hiccup were back to sitting in the living room talking about life. Hiccup would admit that he liked the brother, mother, and father but Heather was a whole other story. How the Hell had she turned into such an insufferable, vengeance-filled bitch with parents like she had, with a brother like she had?! It made no sense: perhaps she was the rebel and that's why she moved out at only eighteen? Hiccup had no idea, he never even knew back when they were actually dating. Hiccup was texting with Astrid to make sure she was alright and Heather was getting annoyed about it so she decided to get his attention.

"So you never answered my brother's question earlier, babe. Any new songs coming out?" Heather asked while searching for a topic in the silence.

"A few, and you know the rules that no one gets to hear them before their release date which will be on the new CD in January," Hiccup reminded her softly.

"Perhaps you can play some of your old things? Heather insisted we hear it live and in person," Oswald offered, Hiccup glanced over to Heather as she smiled some.

"I'd love to, but I don't have any of my gear on me. It's all at the studio," Hiccup shrugged a bit. "Practice should be over by now, let's see if I can't get the rest of the band over to sign that CD case for your girlfriend," he added moving to another topic.

"Maybe they can bring your guitar for us?" Signy suggested.

"I'll ask," Hiccup replied as he pressed a contact name and put it to his ear while getting up from the couch. "Hey bro, it's me," Heather eyed him carefully, as if to tell him to put it on speakerphone so she knew he was actually talking to Toothless. Hiccup almost rolled his eyes as he pressed the speakerphone button and held it away from him, "You're on speaker by the way." he added as the warning so Astrid wouldn't talk and that they'd call him Dusk.

"Hey hey, Dusk. What's up?" Toothless replied now.

"Was wondering if you and the others could stop by Heather's on your way out of practice to sign a CD case for her brother's girlfriend. She's a big fan, and has our original CD from first release?" Hiccup asked.

"Sure can, boss let us go a little early. Be over in fifteen," Toothless chuckled.

"You guys, and girls-are the best. See ya soon! Oh! And bring my guitar for me?" Hiccup smiled.

"Sure thing, bro. See ya in fifteen!" then Hiccup put his phone away in his pocket.

"Oh, Cami is gonna love this! Seriously, don't ever let this guy go, sis!" Dagur laughed.

"I won't," Heather replied smiling as she kissed Hiccup's cheek lightly. For fifteen minutes, they just all sat there watching the fire-engaging in small conversation until headlights were seen pulling up into the driveway behind his car. He got up smiling and opened the apartment door when he heard the car doors shut-evidently they took two cars.

"There ya are, you bring my baby?" Hiccup asked as Toothless walked in and handed him his guitar in it's case. "There she is," he held brought it in more and set it down carefully. "I swear, babe. The only girl I might love more than you is her," Hiccup pulled the guitar out. It was an electric one, mostly black red streaks through it and white lightning strikes. Engraves right on it was: Dusk Fury. LS-Dragon's Roar. Est; Jan 20, 2012.

"She's a beauty alright," Dagur admired.

"She's been with me from the start," Hiccup replied with a smile.

"So, where's this CD to sign?" Hookfang asked. Hiccup got it from Dagur, as well the sharpie as they all signed the cover-then Hiccup handed it back to Dagur.

"She's gonna love this. Thanks so much," Dagur said as he put it away safely.

"Our pleasure. So, where you all headed?" Hiccup asked them.

"Stormfly, and Meatlug are headed home. The guys are chillen at the house tonight because they're bored," Toothless told him. Hiccup pulled him closer and hid his face from the others so they couldn't see his lips moving.

"How's Astrid?" he whispered softly.

"She's alright, little tired and missing you. I came out to get her some ice cream," Toothless told him.

"Thanks bro...I feel like shit that I'm not there with her. Being here and putting on this act is pushing the limits on my sanity," Hiccup sighed.

"I know-hang in there my brother. All of us are staying at the house until tomorrow to keep her company, then of course Gobber and myself through Christmas." Toothless replied.

"I owe you," Hiccup hugged him.

"Alright, we better go. Just came through to get some snacks and sign that CD," Toothless laughed as Hiccup nodded then hugged Stormfly and Meatlug-he connected hands with the rest of the guys before they all left. Hiccup got his laptop out and pulled up some music files, once he could remove his own voice but leave the others so he could sing along with like it would be if listening to the CD itself. Hiccup played a few things for them before it got late and he had to stop, then he put his guitar away and they all stayed up until 10:15pm. Oswald and Signy went off to bed, then Dagur to the other guest room to talk to his girlfriend before going to bed. Hiccup went to the bathroom first then moved to Heather's room-he was dreading this.

"Just give me a pillow and a blanket-I'm sleeping on the floor," Hiccup told Heather after the door was shut.

"Oh come on, you can sleep in the bed..." Heather tried.

"I said no, Heather. The act only goes when we're in the view of others, in here-I'm not your lover so I refuse to share that bed with you. You already forced me here for five fucking days, do not tick me off right now because I will go off the handle and remove myself as lead singer of Dragon's Roar-then your whole plan goes up in flames," Hiccup remarked coldly.

"Fine, whatever." Heather tossed him a spare pillow and blanket from the closet. Normally he'd sleep on the couch but that would look weird to her family so he'd sleep in her room but not in her bed. Hiccup set everything up and laid down with his back to her. "Goodnight,"

"Uh huh," Hiccup retorted while closing his eyes. Heather huffed as she turned off the light, Hiccup got his phone and saw a message from Astrid reading: =Rly miss u, bby ~Asty=

Hiccup typed back, =Miss u&lil one 2, milady. How r u otherwise? ~Hic=

=Uncomfortable w/o u. How's things there? ~Asty=

=Confusing as Hell. She's nothing like her fmly-they r the nicest ppl ever. I'm tryin to figure out if she was adopted or something, ~Hic=

=Maybe she hired them just to get u there, bcareful... ~Asty=

=I'm keeping my guard up, no worries. Better get some sleep, 4 more days of this shit. I love u, Astrid, w/all my heart&soul-4ever&always, ~Hic=

=I love u 2, Hiccup. 4ever&always w/all my heart&soul. Sweet dreams, bby, ~Asty=

=U as well, milady. Mine will be filled w/u and lil Iris ~Hic=

After he sent that, he put his phone down and closed his eyes. Only four more days, he could handle it-he prayed to Odin he could. Hiccup let sleep take him by 10:45pm unaware that someone had been listening outside the door. It was Dagur, Heather's older brother. He overheard the two of them talking and it made him wonder why his sister's supposed boyfriend of three years would be sleeping on the floor, refusing to stay in the bed with her and what this act was. He didn't know, but he was sure as Hell gonna find out what was going on-something seemed very off about the whole relationship, if that is even what it was. Dagur returned to his room for the week and went to sleep himself.

(Christmas Day)

Hiccup managed to survive the first night-then following that was Christmas Eve day and night. The twenty fourth was mainly giving Heather's parents a tour of Berk since they'd never been, then getting a little shopping done. Although Hiccup hated doing it, he got a few small things for Heather-some for her family too. Of course he bought for his family, friends, and Astrid. Aside all that happening, it was back to Heather's to sit around and talk. Hiccup couldn't help but notice that Dagur was watching him and Heather rather intently since the start of Christmas Eve during breakfast. Hiccup still texted Astrid throughout the day, he was glad she was alright thus far but Hiccup really missed her. Just an hour with her and he'd be able to survive the next few days at Heather's. Today was Christmas day, they'd already opened presents and had breakfast. Hiccup was working on the dinner for later on, the time was already 3:20pm. Only two more days and he could go back home.

To his surprise while he was working on the lasagna-which took the longest to prepare and cook, Dagur came in calmly. "Hey, need any help?"

"If you want to get me the wrapped bowl in the fridge I'd be appreciative," Hiccup suggested, Dagur went in the fridge and got the bowl for him-then set it on the counter and took the tinfoil off. "Thanks," he smiled.

"You're welcome," Dagur replied then just stood there watching Hiccup layer everything, cover it, and place in in the oven with a timer on for an hour and ten minutes. Hiccup began working on the other things like sides or desserts, still noticing that he was being stared at.

"Hey, babe?" Hiccup called as Heather came in now.

"What's up, baby?" Heather replied softly with a smile.

"You did grab potatoes when I sent you shopping, right?" he inquired, Heather blinked then rubbed the back of her head nervously. "I'll go out and get some, the grocery store is still open until 4:30pm." Hiccup sighed.

"I'll come with ya," Dagur offered quickly.

"Awesome. Be back in a flash, babe," Hiccup said getting on his coat, grabbing his keys, and phone off the table. "Oh, and keep an eye on the lasagna," he added as he left with Dagur and got in his car-then they were gone. The ride for the first five minutes was pretty silent, Hiccup keeping his eyes on the road ahead of him.

"So, can I ask you something, Dusk?" Dagur finally said.

"Sure, shoot." Hiccup replied.

"What's...going on between you and my sister? I...kind of overheard you two talking the night before last. Didn't sound like a typical...lovers conversation," Dagur asked.

"It's nothing, we just...had a disagreement about something. We're fine," Hiccup lied gently.

"See, I might have believed that if I hadn't heard you say that she forced you to be at the apartment, also that while not in the view of others-you two aren't lovers." Hiccup's eyes widened a bit. "You can tell me what's going on, I won't tell anyone or get ya into trouble. I just want to understand," Hiccup didn't say anything as they reached the store, he parked the car and sighed heavily closing his eyes. "You two aren't really together, are you? It's just an act for mine and Heather's parents, isn't it?"

"It's not as simple as that," Hiccup finally said. "Can I trust you not to go blabbing to her I told you?"

"You can. I swear it on my life. I just want to understand," Dagur replied. Hiccup sighed again as he took off the wig and removed the contacts, beginning to tell Dagur everything while they walked through the store to get the potatoes, then the drive back. All of it took about twenty minutes to explain-reaching the apartment again, Hiccup put the Dusk disguise back on.

"That's...everything," Hiccup finished.

"So let me get this straight. My sister blackmailed you into being her celebrity boyfriend-always having to appear as Dusk with her while you're actually in love with this other girl who is your girlfriend and pregnant with your child off a one night stand because you as yourself and her got drunk at the bar together unexpectedly after both dealing with breakups?" Dagur asked to make sure he understood it all, Hiccup nodded to him, "And she's been threatening to tell the paparazzi about Dusk's baby mama and unborn child, but you agreed to all this because you're trying to protect this...Astrid, you said her name was, from getting hurt?"

"Yeah, in a nutshell..." Hiccup replied.

"So you're doing all this to protect Astrid and your unborn daughter, putting up with my sister's bullshit for their sake. Mad respect my friend," Dagur offered a smile.

"Thanks, I think...well, best get back in there..." Hiccup sighed as he got out of the car with the bag. "Just...forget you heard anything, Dagur. I can't risk Astrid or the baby, please?"

"I told you, my lips are sealed man...it's still fucked up though," Dagur told him. Hiccup just shrugged as they entered the house.

"We're back, sorry it took so long. There was a line," Hiccup called out. Heather rushed in to hug him tightly, then kiss him softly. Hiccup kissed and hugged her back as he got back to work on dinner quietly.

(Hours Later; 6:30pm)

They were all sitting in the living room again, talking quietly about what a wonderful Christmas it had been this year for the family to be together and them finally getting to meet Dusk. Hiccup honestly just wanted to go to bed-sleep the rest of the time away until he could go home and see his beautiful girlfriend again. He wanted to see Gobber, Toothless, and the others too but mainly Astrid. His phone vibrated in his pocket as he pulled it out and checked the text that came through, from Astrid as: =Hey, we're gonna call and bust you out for a few hours-don't panic, everything fine but play along ~Asty=

He loved her enthusiasm but Heather made it clear any calls he got had to be on speakerphone so that way she would know if his friends were trying to bust him out for a while to get away from her, Hiccup replied back with: =Better make it believable. All calls that come in have to go on speaker, and you can't call babe-she knows your voice ~Hic=

Not more than ten minutes later, his phone began to vibrate with a call from Toothless. Hiccup hoped this was gonna be good, whatever their idea was-he'd be eternally grateful to get out for a while, he answered it then put it on speakerphone with a smile, "Hey bro, what's up? How's Christmas going for you?" Hiccup said first.

"Dusk, you gotta come to the hospital right now!" came Toothless's worried voice, panicking and panting. Hiccup knew from the text to play along.

"The hospital?! What happened? Who is hurt?!" Hiccup replied with deep concern as he got to his feet, eyes filled with worry.

"It's Dad. He just collapsed in the kitchen while making dinner, passed out and won't wake up. The band is here too, the ambulance took him in and I rode with him. The doctors won't give me any answers. Please, you have to come right now. I'm scared..." Toothless pleaded-it actually sounded like he was crying.

"It's okay, Tooth...try to take it easy...your Dad will be okay, I'm sure..." came Stormfly's voice now. Oh these guys were fucking awesome.

"Oh Gods. I'm coming right now, bro. Calm down, take a few breaths. We'll get answers on, Dad...I promise. I'll be there in seven minutes flat," Hiccup said panicking as well now as he grabbed his keys off the hook, then his coat off the rack while slipping it on. "I'll be there soon, just try to relax, Tooth..." Hiccup said, after another moment he hung up and slipped his phone in his pocket.

"Hold on, I'll come too, baby." Heather tried to offer.

"Heather, it's his family and he's in a hurry...you stay here with us, sweetheart. Go on, Dusk. Keep us updated on your father okay? I hope he's alright." came Signy's voice. Hiccup nodded to her, still keeping up the worried son act.

"I'll be back as soon as I know he's okay, babe. I promise. Love you," Hiccup said as she kissed her quickly and rushed out the door, into his car, then gone about ten second later down the road.

(Gobber's Place)

Hiccup whipped his car into the driveway, parked, turned it off and rushed inside as the others were laughing about it. "You mother fuckers are the best!" Hiccup exclaimed with a wide smile, he immediately pulled Astrid into his arms and kissed her deeply-holding her tightly.

"So, she bought it?" Gobber chuckled.

"She tried to come with me, surprising turn of events that her Mom told her to stay back because it's my family. They just told me to keep them updated. No doubt she expect some kind of proof I was at the hospital," Hiccup stated.

"Got you covered. Meatlug made this for you just in case," Hookfang smiled as Toothless handed Hiccup a piece of paper which looked to appear from the hospital, everything that you'd see on a diagnosis sheet about the problem, and things done to correct, then follow up. It was perfect, no way Heather wouldn't buy it.

"Gods, I'm so glad to be out of there for awhile..." he sighed heavily after hugging his friends and family-keeping Astrid close to him, his arms on her belly, instantly getting to feel Iris kick where his hand was. He needed this for sure, three days with Heather was more than enough-this break was needed to deal with her another two.

"We did good?" Zap asked him.

"You did awesome, foolproof for sure." Hiccup replied.

"Good thing you told us she'd expect your calls on speaker. Originally, Astrid's idea was to make you think she was in pain and needed you home. Realized that wouldn't work because it'd blow the secret of you having another woman. We went with something a little harder to be questioned. Dad passing out in the kitchen was priceless," Toothless chuckled.

"It fucking worked, that's all I care about. I've needed this after the last three days I've had. My back is killing me, I've been sleeping on her bedroom floor...her brother knows about the blackmail-he overheard me tell Heather first night that out of view, she and I aren't lovers and she forced me to be there. He's actually on my side," Hiccup informed.

"Good, having him can help us get you away from her..." Astrid stated.

"I told him to pretend that he heard nothing. Heather's already getting suspicious over his sudden quietness around her, the look a disapproval. He knows I'm here and not at the hospital-we shared a look of understanding before I rushed out." Hiccup stated. "Well, I got about three hours, hospital visiting hours would end at 10pm-it's about 6:45pm right now-that's when she'll likely suspect something is up. Let's enjoy Christmas together," Hiccup smiled. They all cheered and started passing presents around. Hiccup had his for them in the trunk of his car, hidden under the area where the spare tire would go so Heather would asked about them. Hiccup got them all something, Astrid got a few from him-even the baby did.

Hiccup did have one other gift for Astrid-an engagement ring, but he wasn't giving it to her until he knew he didn't have to return to Heather. It wasn't fair for them to be engaged to be married if he still had to deal with Heather so he would wait for now. Tonight, he was just grateful to be with them for a few hours, he really did need it. Hiccup loved this, it was perfect-them all pulling together in order to save him from a miserable Christmas with Heather. They had saved him.