Chapter 9 - Have A 'Lousy' Christmas
( Saturday 26th December 2020)
She hated to admit it but she was getting use to sleeping with Hiccup every night, waking up in his arms, having lazy sex nearly every night. She was getting use to the soft expensive sheets on her naked skin, rolling in them she let it wrap around her in a warm cocoon. It was the day after Snoggletog day, which for her was called Boxing Day but she dared ask what the Berkians called it. But that meant it was a lazy morning, where she could roll over and cocoon herself in not only the bed sheets but her boyfriend's arms, and sexually convince him to fall back into her naked body like the night before. That was when she rolled over to her left she rolled into empty cold sheets.
Opening her eyes her vision was cloudy, until it came into focus to see Hiccup sat on his desk chair, facing the bed, sketching on one of his pads. He looked like he was concentrating, watching his hands put plenty of detail into whatever he was drawing.
" mhhh Morning" Astrid wasn't a morning person, she liked to stay in the warmth of the sheets for as long as possible. Hiccup however didn't mind getting up, like this morning when she thought she was gonna roll into his arms he was actually sat across from her.
" good morning beautiful" he placed his pencil behind him on his desk, but still held the book in his hands. She got him that art kit for Christmas- or Snoggletog more like. He genuinely loved the gift, and genuinely loved her for thinking of the idea. She didn't know shit about art stuff, she's not a drawer she's a photographer and she dared not to just assume what he would need. So she'd made the trip a few weeks ago to West town to Hiccup's favourite art shop and asked a lovely lady name Hilda what's the best art kit money can buy. Money wasn't a problem for her as she'd been saving up all the money she had worked for and borrowed some of the money she had put a side, along with the art kit she got him a Tom Ford card holder so he can stop complaining about having a massive wallet in his jeans. The card holder held all your cards, money and coins in a compressed holder so it was light and small. Ruffnut gave her the idea when she learned it in one of her lectures that it was the new rage for business men. She took the risk of Hiccup not having one and it paid off, he loved it.
Over all she thought her gifts worked well, he seemed to love them and she didn't feel like her gifts were too cheap. However Hiccup made it clear he didn't want money to be an issue and he would have been happy with a cardboard box, and she knew he was serious. But he treated her 24/7 and she had the money put a side to finally repay him for all his little treats.
But of course when it was Hiccups turn he had to out do her, however she really appreciated it. He made it clear yet again that he wanted to find a gift that she would make use off and love and he didn't care of the expense cause in his words, " Astrid, I'm fortunate to earn a lot of money, let me treat the girl I love". And sometimes she wished she could batter his head in. But not after she saw what the gift was, he got her the 16" MacBook Pro which was amazing for photography editing. Her plan was after uni she would see what money she had left and maybe buy a MacBook Air or something, but Hiccup did his research and found a MacBook Pro would be more suited for the things she would need, it also had more storage for her to store files. She loved it, absolutely loved it, she hated him for going over the top again but then she loved him no matter what.
" you - kiss - are - kiss - amazing - kiss - and - kiss - I hate - kiss - you - kiss - for it!"
He had top trumped her yet again but that would only mean she would have to repay him in other ways, ways that would stay with him for days hopefully. That's what she did last night, rocked his world- or at least she hoped anyway.
After their first day at Stoick and Val's Hiccup hadn't been the same old him after that Cami arrived, he still hadn't yet told her what had happened but he asked if they could get through Snoggletog before he told her. She respected that, and made sure she kept his mind off of anything but her. And she did a mighty fine job if you should know!
But she was still worried, worried to find out what happened with that girl, and what did she do that was so bad?
" what are you staring at?" His question snapped her out of her daze, how long had she been staring?
" you!" She said quite seductively hoping it will cover up what she was actually thinking about. The blush on his cheeks answered her question before he could saying anything, " what are you drawing?" She was intrigued to know what his first drawing was?
With his goofy Hiccup smirk he flipped the book around to reveal her, sleeping on the bed, with less sheets than what she actually had covering her. Dirty boy. But it sent butterflies bouncing around her stomach to think he had drawn this beautiful picture of her - and a sexy one too. Sitting up properly she leaned forward and touch the pad from him, it was beautiful, she couldn't believe it was her, and she couldn't believe he knew her body by memory.
" this is how you see me? It's stunning" how anyone can see her like this was beyond her, but Hiccup was an amazing artist.
" that's how everybody sees you -" she shot a look at his confused, " with more clothes on obviously, I mean I hope I'm the only one that's got to see you like that" she made him nervous, she could tell by the way his mannerism had changed. But she only giggled to make it known she was teasing.
" you know you're the only one" her cheeks burned but she hoped he hadn't noticed. But what she did notice was that his confidence boosted back up.
He came back over to the bed sitting next to her, taking the pad off her and placing it on the bedside table. Before she knew it his lips were in hers, kissing her with a need more than anything, hands rushed to the side of his face immediately so he wouldn't slip away from her. She let him push her back into the bed sheets again, like he had done last night, but she wasn't gonna let him be on top for long. He had her at a disadvantage with the fact she was only covered by sheets, where as he had obviously gotten into his boxers and placed a soft cotton T-shirt on.
So she had to make it a little even, separating their lips to only whip his shirt off before welcoming them again. Racking her finger nails over his back sending shivers down his spine, she took her chance while he was distracted to flip him over, straddling his waist, keeping the covers to semi cover her while still kissing him soundly. He made no hesitation in stopping her, he let her have her way with him, she was his muse after all.
She kissed more than his lips, she let herself down his neck to his chest, leaving a burning trail behind her. She was like fire burning his skin, but he didn't want her to stop. She moved to his abdomen nipping his skin with her lips, feeling his body shudder under her. She dragged her nails along with her marking his skin with long red marks, though they weren't permanent.
She hooked his underwear band with her fingers, gaining his attention fully, inching them down to reveal his hip bone. " not this again" he laughed, he was referring to the first time she had tried, didn't go the plan.
" oh come on Hiccup you can't avoid it forever" she slipped he boxers down, enough so she could wrap her hand fully around his member. His head rolled back completely, air escaping his lungs as he gasped.
" you bite me" he gasped as her hand moved slowly. She was temptation!
" I nipped you, there is a difference" her head moved down taking him in her mouth, making him grip onto the bed tightly. He loved it really, she could tell by the erotic noises he made, how he squirmed under her touch, she was the only one for him. She made him feel things others never had, he couldn't put a finger on it, it was like every time she touched him a shot of pleasure would burn through his body. She nipped his tip slight making his jerk, she had complete control by the way she teased him, until she finally let him have what he desired. His vision was blurry and his head scrambled but that was the pull she had on him, he was completely under her control. She giggled as she came back up, nipping him here and there, she was extraordinary.
He panted lightly as drew his arms around her, hoisting her up slightly, " you're right, there is a difference" he flipped her over bringing the covers back, he nipped her breasts first, draping his lips down her rib cage. She gasped now when his fingers slipped between her legs, he wanted to get pay back, and she did not stop him. She liked the way he nipped her hipbone, she liked the way he took his time even if sometimes she wished he wouldn't. She loved the way his tongue danced on her skin.
She shrieked when his fingers were replaced by his mouth, especially when he made his point about nipping. But it was still pleasurable nonetheless. He knew what to do with his mouth, which concerned her a little since she didn't want to know how many girls he had kissed down there. But she pushed that thought out of her mind as he brought her to her end, undoing her in these sheets like he always did.
" told you there was a difference" she whispered as he crawled up her body. But he wasn't finished, he wanted to win their game more than anything this morning, so he hoisted her up and threw her into his sheets, making her squirm once more under his fingertips.
Xx
This was how they were supposed to wake up, him with his arms wrapped around her body, her completely zoned out fast asleep, at some point she had convinced him to let her wear his T-shirt, and now he knew he would never get that top back. She did look better than he did in it. She hummed as she moved into his embrace, half asleep as usual, she was not for getting up this morning and she wasn't gonna let him out of her grip either.
" ummm you smell so good" nuzzling her nose into his neck, making it tickle against his skin.
" I smell good?" He didn't think he would smell good after just waking up, but she disagreed as she snuggled into his bare chest even more.
" smell like my Hiccup" she murmured under her breath as Hiccup giggled into her hair. She was always super relaxed after sex, her inner loving Astrid came out ten times the amount usually does.
" I am your Hiccup" smiling at the thought, he was her Hiccup for sure. She scooted over climbing fully on top of him so she had her full weight crashing down on him, however she was as light as a feather so he didn't mind. She was now semi awake dragging her finger lightly over his arm and shoulder, his skin was so soft to touch, he was warm under her fingertips, she could feel the heat radiating off him, the thought just made her wanna go back to sleep. But her mind was taunting her, questions about Cami, but then she also thought about others, how many others were there? She never felt herself wanting to ask. And would he even be comfortable to tell her?
" hey Hiccup?" He moved slightly under her and she regretted asking, " yeah?" He sounded peaceful, his heart under eat thumbed slowly and calmly, like a smooth beating drum. " can I ask you something?" Her heart wasn't beating as smoothly as his, hers was nearly out of her chest.
" anything?" He hummed as one of his hands came up into her hair and stricken it down her back. When ever he did that he sent shocks of shivers through her body. She sat up properly, hips still straddling him, questions wandering her mind over and over. Her nerves were eased as his hands came running over her thighs, she swore he had magic fingers that calmed her instantly.
" I know you don't want to talk about Cami and that's fine, but I can't help but get something out of my head, I'm not a jealous person - I don't think - but I wanna know. How many women were you with before me? Sexually I mean" she watch his eyes go all awkward, eyes wandering anywhere but hers. It was obviously a subject he didn't want to discuss, he didn't feel the need to discuss it. Why would he want to tell the woman he was with now about his past relationships, but then he didn't see it from her side. She wanted closure that no matter how many girls he been with, she would be the one no matter what.
" Astrid? Does it really matter?" He felt awkward talking about it, if he could go back and change it he would but he can't, he'd love to say that he was only with her and nobody else but that's not true.
" it matters to me? I wanna know how many girls seen you the way I do, have been with you the way I have?" His fingers linked with hers, he could see that point, but it still didn't matter how many girls he had been with it would never amount to how he felt about her.
" no one has been with me the way I am with you, I love you, there is your difference" His hands cupped her face and sat up, she was still straddling him, and he was not for her moving.
" then tell me, please - at least so I know how many noses I have to break" she got a smile off him with that one. She was a violent women through and through, he loved her for it. Hiccup could see it in her eyes, this question had been rattling her mind for a while, he just didn't want her to feel insecure anymore, he wanted to tell her he wanted to be with her and only her, he saw a future with her, he wanted to one day marry her and share a life with her, he was having that fantasy in his mind now of growing old with her.
" okay, " so he agreed, he didn't want this to keep going through her mind, and hopefully he could convince her afterwards that those others didn't compare to her, didn't even come close. " before you, I'd been with 11 girls" eleven. Wasn't bad, she'd dated guys who had been with more, she silent hoped the number would have been under ten though. So that would make her number 12, he'd been with 12 people while she had only been with one - how embarrassing.
" okay" she wished she hadn't asked now, now she's got eleven girls floating in her head, and one of them was Cami. She was jealous, and she hated it. His arms wrapped around her waist firmly, squeezing the close to his chest so her forehead fell to his. He could tell she didn't feel any better.
" but none of them meant anything to me compared to you, do you know how much I love you" Her small smile brightened him up as she nodded her head. He couldn't tell her in words how much she meant to him, it was like words didn't even mean enough for what he actually meant.
" I don't want there to be a 13" was that her asking him to never be with anyone else? She didn't know herself, she just didn't like the thought of sharing him, she wanted to be his last, that's all that mattered.
" never" he smiled back, kissing her once again, arms pressing her firmly into his chest, while hers reached up around his neck. He could stay here forever, he would love to just never leave.
And then reality hit in, and a knock on the door brought the two out of their happy bubble.
" fantastic"
She climbed off his lap while giggling at the look on his face, while he climbed out of bed making sure he had his shorts on and a top before answering the door. Astrid however climbed back into the covers of their bed, taken in by the warmth that was still in the sheets.
When Hiccup opened the door he was greeted by his mother, who presented him with a fresh load of bed sheets. " here, it's bed day and I would prefer you to change it instead of one of my staff, out of respect" he knew what she meant when she said that, his cheeks flushed.
" so - you didn't hear anything - did you?" God he wished those words hadn't left his mouth but he needed to know if he was heading into the lions den of jokes with his farther later on.
" everyone did, we're making breakfast when ever you two want to come down" she walked off before another word was spoken. And he retreated back into the room with the fresh sheets, placing them down on the side cabinet. He prayed his parents would forget about the noises but he knew his farther, he just hoped they wouldn't joke about it in front of Astrid. Speaking of which when he turned back toward the bed, he found her fast asleep under the covers once again.
He'll let her sleep, right now he will just head on down stairs and take what's coming for him.
Xx
He was making her eggs Benedict for her breakfast in bed, he liked doing that for her since she had never had someone make her breakfast in bed before. He felt it was his duty to make his girlfriend at least once - breakfast in bed. His parents still made breakfast together, co-cooking as they called it and while one cooked the sausages and the other the bacon, they both had their smart remarks about their boy keeping everyone up for half the night.
" oh Stoick leave it alone, anyway where is Astrid? Thought she'd be down with you" By this point someone was walking down the stairs, a blonde in Hiccups top still and pj shorts to cover her bottom.
" speak of the devil-" Hiccup said with a devilish smirk as he popped the bread into the toaster. Astrid still had sleepy eyes, rubbing them as she made her way across the kitchen, luckily his parents said no more of the previous subject when she entered the kitchen.
She tiptoed over literally jumping into his arms not caring about if his parents were looking, she let him hoist her up so she completely were wrapped up in his warm embrace. " umm tired" she whispered in his ear. His arms still stayed under her thighs as he kept her up, her hands however held onto the hair at the back of his head for dear life as she snuggled back into her boyfriend's neck.
" you want coffee?" He was amused, he was a coffee lover himself but Astrid was different, she lived and breathed off coffee. She jumped down off him, jumping to the sound of coffee, " yes please." She let him make the coffee while she buttered their toast. The two looked like an old married couple making breakfast together, the only difference was the high sexual tension between the two.
" Astrid Dear! How is your hand?" It had been well over a month since she had cut her hand, Eret had kept by his promise to check on it so there was no infection, she now and no bandage not even a plaster, it was fully healed with only a faint line to prove what had happened. Since that day as well as making peace with her best friend Astrid had gotten to know all of Hiccups fully, Snotlout was still sleeping with her roommate so she had seen him regularly and had made a full presumption that he was an ass! 90% of the time, the rest he was bearable. Eret was lovely, she loved the friendship him and Hiccup had and she loved Eret's sense of humour. Also Eret spoke to her like she wasn't dating Hiccup Haddock, he spoke to her like she was dating his friend and he spoke to her like a friend too. She finally had the courage to meet Heather again, like Eret had said, she was actually really nice, sweet and kind but had a harsh tongue that she knew. But Heather proved her first judgement wrong, and she was quite happy with that.
" all healed thanks " she flashed her hand before grabbing the plate Hiccup had prepared for her, so much for breakfast in bed. The two joined the others on the kitchen table, them two facing his parents.
" oh brilliant, when did you say you guys were leaving again?" She meant now that Snoggletog was over would they be leaving as soon as.
" the day after tomorrow mom, I plan on taking Astrid to the north of West town tomorrow" that was news to her, she hadn't visited the north of West town, only West town itself, the north of West town was where the wealth was, family rich money! So to go there seemed like a bad idea, one she would not fit in and two surely someone with notice that Hiccup Haddock was with some stranger. " don't worry I have a plan" he gave her a quick wink before taking a bite out of his toast.
" oh brilliant, that means you'll be going to the Festival of Lights tonight" the Festival of Lights was another Snoggletog tradition Hiccup had been doing since he was a kid. Towns in the time of the Festival of Lights would gather in a big field, light lanterns, write messages of what they were thankful for this year and then let them float into the sky. They also lite candles and ate big feasts, the Haddocks have been going to West towns Festival of Lights for generations, and it was a big tradition.
" mom I think that's a bad idea with Astrid-" Hiccup had thought it through, tomorrow he can easily avoid people, but at this Festival, everyone he knows will be there, it was not a good idea. And on top of that it was also a Festival that was filmed by news reporters, magazines, there will be hundreds of reporters and he could just see the front pages now. " Hiccup Haddock brings his Uni Student hook up" they would always think the worse of him, like he would have no feelings.
" if you are worried about people noticing Astrid I have a plan for that" he didn't like the idea of this, West town wasn't like East town or the city, the people from West town had a stuck up side to them. The majority of West town was family money, those who had wealthy roots, however you would usually find them in the north of West town. Those who were known as 'new money' they were usually found in the south of West town, but Hiccup had grown up with these people, they weren't people he'd like to be talking down at his girlfriend cause he knew they would. They are like hounds sniffing out the imposters.
And if the press got wind of her being there, he'd hate for them to make a story of it. But his mother made her point anyway, insisting it will work, " lots of people who will be at the Festival of Lights will know me personally and they know I have a thing for fine photography-" Astrid head shot up from her coffee cup, she never knew Valka loved photography, maybe she could look at her portfolio, give her tips. " - and since Astrid is a photography student I could say she is an apprentice of mine, that I'm taking her under my wing" His mother had always had a passion for photography and a love for animals too. So when she opened up the sanctuary with his godfather Gobber she took on pet photography. Gobber has been on a 6 month trip around the world rescuing animals to bring back to the sanctuary so his mother had been dealing with it on her own, Gobber was due back in the new year, he didn't even know about Astrid yet, that would be a shock when returning.
" it would be a great opportunity to take photos my dear, the Festival of Lights is a beautiful scene at night." He looked over to Astrid, she was captivated in listening to his mother. Astrid was never up for missing an opportunity, if one popped up to take a picture she wouldn't turn it down. And just like he had predicted she turned to him, hope in her eyes that he wouldn't fight her on this, " can we go?"
She batted her eyelashes, knowing if she kept looking at him like this he'd cave, but to push it further a hand landed on his lap, rubbing it slightly, " you're impossible Milady-" she smirked at her and she knew she won, " fine we can go" a kiss was pressed on his lips, the smell of coffee and her sweet perfume consumed him, but he wasn't complaining.
" I love you! Thank you! When can we go?" She was intriguing to going to the north of West town apparently it was beautiful, and the landscape had a perfect view of the Berkian mountains.
" oh it doesn't start till night fall lassy " Stoick said wiping his mouth with a napkin. " so around 6 we will be heading down, they have a beautiful buffet that I'm looking forward to" Stoick would always admit he loved fine dining food, and Snoggletog time was the only time Valka wouldn't bug him on his weight. No she'll be saving that for January!
Xx
As dust fell and the night sky consumed Berk, the Haddocks headed off to the north of West town where they would be heading to an open field with a wide view of the mountains. While driving the four of them took two cars, just so if Hiccup decided it would be best to leave, they could, Astrid was sat in the passengers side of Hiccups Audi sport, looking through the window to see West town, it was beautiful that was no lie, beautiful scenery and massive houses, not as big as Hiccups or his parents but they were luxury living. The north of West town was where the family money was, and she could see why, were as in East town the normal size houses were in rows in housing estates, these housing estates were spread out, with land between them. Hiccup had warned her to keep her distance from the snobby ones, kids who have this entitlement attitude about them, for they had a very rude and pushy attitude about them. She knew she would probably stick out like a sore thumb, she did in Uni as a person who did not originate from Berk. Berk was a very clicky island, everyone knew everyone and they had been family friends for generations.
" You look nervous!" Hiccup pointed out, she was nervous but she wouldn't let her nerves get the best of her. She had to think of the bright side that even though she would be see people who had know Hiccup his whole life, who didn't give two shits about her, she would know some familiar faces. As well as Hiccups parents she would know Heather and Snotlout, apparently Eret is working but at least its an extra two people.
" I'm fine, ready to take some shots" the photos was the only thing she was looking forward too, that and maybe lighting some candles. He smiled at her as they pulled up to the field, you could see the Festival of Lights had begun, the lights were hanging up in the trees, candles being lite on the park tables, ready for guests to come and eat the food that was left out for them. People were already gathering ready to light the lanterns that would be soaring in the sky later on tonight. Her hand was touched by his as he grabbed it and gave it a squeeze, it was sweet of him to worry about her, but she was fine really, she can deal with snobbery for a short while.
But like everytime they were disturbed, by the one and only Snotlout Jorgenson, who came banging on the car window and scaring them half to death, " hey lovebirds, you're supposed to not know each other remember!" His voice was muffled on the other side of the car window, but he had a point, the second she got out of this car, she was Valka's apprentice and he was just Hiccup Haddock, they didn't know each other, they were strangers.
Before they set off Hiccup had called both Heather and Snotlout about him bring Astrid tonight, he had asked if they would keep an eye out, and just be a friendly face. Astrid was friendly with Snotlout due to his relationship with her best friend, and even though it was water under the bridge with Heather over the Champagne, she still hadn't properly talked to her. So Heather had a plan on talking with Astrid tonight.
She got out the car, swinging her camera bag over her shoulder, Valka and Stoick just pulled up as well so her nerves were slowly fading away. " come on I texted Heather, she has a surprise for you" Snotlout points towards Hiccup, his eyes narrowed at the thought of what his childhood friend had as a surprise for him. But Snotlout kept him thinking as he smirked cheekly and ran towards the field. " what was that about?" Astrid asked, she wanted to hold his hand but couldn't, she let his parents come between them so it wouldn't look suspicious.
" What?" Stoick asked as he walked beside Hiccup.
" Apparently Heather has a surprise for me" he shrugged as the four walked into the field full of lights, Astrid immediately got out her camera and took a few snaps of the scenery. In the far corner near the buffet was Snotlout talking to Heather, she looked glam of course, she always did - Astrid wasn't jealous … okay she was - how can you not be jealous of a beautiful woman like her. And then that picture of Cami popped up in her mind, two beautiful women in Hiccups life, so what did the others look like, she knew Hiccup and Heather hadn't slept together so she wasn't too worried about that, but the thought of it was still in her head.
As the four walked over Heather greeted them with smiles and hugs, even gave Astrid one, she had to admit that Heather was really trying to befriend her, and for Hiccups sake Astrid was going to try too. " oh Hic I have a surprise!" She ran into a group of people and pulled out three in particular, well two and a half. A man - tall and muscular, he had tattoos like Eret but had fiery red hair in his head and face. The lady - was tall like the man but lankier, she had short blonde hair, but it wasn't Astrid blonde, it was more like a dirty blonde. Then finally the baby in her arms, had ginger hair, chubby, looked over the age of one as 'he' was making all kinds of noises. She didn't know them, not even recognise them through magazines or anything, so that begged the question on who they were. But Hiccup did, he hugged the man straight away like he hadn't seen him in ages, the words " brother' was spoken, she knew though he didn't have a brother so was he a really close friend.
" Dagur! How long has it been, nearly 2 years, I should know cause Mala was pregnant then" he gave the woman a hug two careful not to hurt the child.
" Yep just about, been working none stop, I should have visited sooner but you know how it gets" the two hugged again, they were obviously close, but then the name Dagur came to mind, Heather's older brother! She had found out that they were as close as brothers, and Dagur had been on Berserker Island over the past few years working the family business. But then that meant Dagur didn't know who she was yet.
" Is this Hroar?" A weird name to call a child - but then so was Hiccup, she forgets that the islands in the Archipelago stick to their ancestral roots. Children's names were obviously one of them.
" Yep, big isn't he" Dagur kept speaking as the two men looked at the child in the lady's arms. She must have been Dagur's wife she guessed. While the three talked, Dagur looked over to her, she was stood with Heather, trying to blend in, which obviously didn't work as the large man looked over and pointed me out.
" Who's this?" Hiccup was brought back to reality, on the fact he had yet to introduce Astrid to his 'brother' and that Heather had wanted him to do it himself. Hiccup came over bringing her closer to Dagur, he looked more scarier up close, deranged more like.
" Dagur this is Astrid, my girlfriend" the large man in front eyes widened, he looked to have seen a ghost, so much for keeping a low profile as he literally screamed …
" WHAT?!" Everyone jumped on him, Stoick, Valka, Snotlout and Heather, all this Hiccup trying to keep his friend quiet not wanting to draw attention, they immediately between them told him about the situation, how him and Astrid were a secret, how she was a university student trying to get through university without any hassle and how she didn't need to be harassed by anyone too.
Dagur got the picture, just like Hiccup, him and Heather were raised on Berserker island and just like the Haddocks the Berserkers were popular and in the lime-light always. And Berk and Berserker island were close allies now and always, the two islands were very close, the Haddocks were popular on Berserker island just like the Berserkers were popular on Berk.
After they had all calmed down, Dagur focused on Astrid, pretty girl, Hiccups type for sure, and as a friend Dagur could tel the girl meant a lot too Hiccup.
" it's nice to meet you Astrid" he held out a strong firm arm towards her, hand hoping to shake hers. She took the kind gesture and shook his hand, giving it strong and firm.
" Strong hand, you got yourself a tough one there mate, I like her" at least she now had more people on her side. With the group of them literally surrounding them Hiccup circled his arm around her waist, " yeah I do"
The two were really grateful for all their friends and Hiccups family support, Astrid had never felt so safe and protected by strangers nonetheless. She hoped that she could one day call them friends like Hiccup did.
She liked Eret, he had popped over more often giving her all the dirt on Hiccup, he even said he'd give her a run for her money with a race. Snotlout was rubbing off on her too, the two couples when in Astrid and Ruffnut's apartment got on quite well, Snotlout even has convinced Astrid to teach her how to box. Heather wasn't really one of Hiccups friends she spoke to, however she hoped that now she could hopefully start a friendship with her, she'd hate for there to be tension between the two.
Astrid also hoped Hiccups parents had warmed to her, she got that feeling from the past few days, however she didn't have her parents to turn to in need, she hoped Hiccups would be there, if they wanted. She just hoped they would.
As the evening pasted and the field filled up with guests, the snow started to fall once more, the lights reflecting on the snow making it perfect for Astrid to take some photos. She watched people dance in their snow suits, took pictures of kids sealing food from the buffet, the candle lights glowing the the snow. Hiccup was right, this was a beautiful celebration, she was glad she came now, and she was glad Hiccup came with her.
" Astrid?" She turned around to see Valka, her hood was now fully up which was probably a good move as her hair now was drenched with snow.
" hey Val, you were absolutely right this place is amazing to take photos" She trudged through the snow towards her, flicking through her images to show her the images she had collected.
" they're beautiful, you really have a beautiful eye, you get that from your mother?" Having someone talk to her about her mother felt weird, for years she pushed the thought of her parents out of her mind. But then it brought a smile to her face, cause talking about her mom and dad made her happy.
" yeah - yeah I do. Look Val could I ask if you'd look at my portfolio? When I was in school my mum did, but now -" at school she took a photography class and her mom would always be there to help out. She missed that now.
" I'd love to" her quick answer caught the girl off guard a little, however Astrid was thinking she would have got a no, she was glad she had something now to bond with, with Hiccups mother.
" great - I really appreciate that" she was warming to Valka quicker than she thought she would have, Astrid and making friends never went well in a sentence together, she wasn't the best with talking, but some she found easier than others. Ruffnut was easy to talk to, but to be honest that's cause Ruff talked a lot on her own, Astrid could slide in and out of conversation quite easily. Hiccup was another she found she could speak to, he wasn't over baring he was just easy.
That's where he got it from though- his mother! Stoick was harder to talk to whenever Astrid had tried, but Hiccup made it clear he was like that with everyone.
But she would try, she would try with everyone - for Hiccup. So next of her list was Heather - Heather Berserker!
Xx
Everyone who was someone arrived to this festival north of West town, it was a social gathering that was for sure. Ladies of high status, men of business class, kids who were entitled, everyone who was of higher station arrived in their fancy cars and designer clothes.
Cami was use to it, she was born into the Bogburglar family, her mother Bertha took over the family business of construction, so luxury living was in the Bogburglar blood. Bogburglar Construction was the biggest company in the Archipelago to do commercial, that's how she met the Haddock family, as well as going to University and met the Haddock heir, her family and the Haddock industry company have connections that go deep.
She came to these festivals with her friends and family since she was a little girl, these type of scenes were very familiar. Eerika, Flossie and Thora were her three best friends since the age of three, the four of them had been so close growing up and kept being this close as they grew up. Cami has had other friends in the past but over all those three stuck by her through thick and thin.
" Camicazi! What are you doing here?" Eerika squealed from across the way, the three of them had waited for her like always to turn up fashionably late.
" oh you know how I like to make an entrance at these social events" when ever these types of events were on Cami made it known to turn up fashionably late to gain attention. However for once eyes were not on her.
" what's going on? What are you all looking at?" She stood in between Eerika and Flossie while Thora was stood on the other side of Flossie, all of them were looking at something, Cami just couldn't figure it out yet.
" the girl stood talking to Heather" Flossie pointed out. Heather Berserker wasn't hard to find, her fine clothes and raven hair made her stood out, she was a member of the inner circle, the families that were friends with the Haddocks just like the Jorgensens, and the Blech and even the Eretson family even if there was one of them. The Bogburglar family use to be in the circle till Cami fucked it up, her mother never really forgiven her for that. If you were in the Haddock inner circle doors would open for you, when you are not - less doors.
Whoever Heather was stood with Cami was not acquainted with yet, she was blonde, looked to be a lean figure, gorgeous to put it bluntly. She held a camera in her hands, maybe she was a photographer. " don't know her, who is she?"
" we don't know-" said Eerika, " maybe she is from East town" it could be possible, Cami had barely gone to East town but she still thinks that if she was from Berk Cami of all people would have met her.
" she's not from East town," Flossie states, " my brothers skank of a girlfriend is from there, I would have saw her from the amount of times my mother use to make me pick him up from there" Flossie had a point with that, and deep down Cami knew she wasn't from East town or West.
" not everyone from East town is a skank Flossie" Thora stepped in, Thora unlike the rest of them was something they called 'new money'. Her mother was a single mother in East town when Thora was very little, then her mother opened up a daycare centre to teach toddlers proper school before they went to primary. That nursery was called the Little Vikings and it did so well the St Odins primary school and high school wanted to sponsor in it. Making Thora and he mother very wealthy.
" oh shut up Thora just cause you have friends there" Flossie said eyes still on the blonde girl.
" well you know what I say, those who don't live here aren't worth our time" that was Cami's saying about West town. " I don't know who the bitch is but I bet I can find out by tonight" she had a crazy way of finding out people's secrets without anyone else knowing.
Meanwhile Heather had made her way over to Astrid to chat, get past this awkward bubble between them, and she actually enjoyed Astrid company.
" so you went to a party dressed like that?" They were looking at Astrid costume for Dreadfall, the black angel suit that Ruffnut had picked out.
" yep, Ruff has major body confidence and even more so in me. But it did its job when Hiccup surprised me at the party" eyebrows raised at the thought, Heather hand known Hiccup wasn't up for parties so to turn up to one, and then it clicked on why.
" I never knew he was so spontaneous, dirty girl" she said with a wink, " I like you more now" the two laughed at the thought, Astrid thought it was gonna be awkward talking about Hiccup with her but Hiccup was right, talking Heather was like talking to Hiccups sister.
" so you and Hiccup have been together since May?" The two walked through the snow as the hanging lanterns lite up the way for them.
" yep! Just over half a year" it felt weird saying it out loud, she just felt like she had known Hiccup forever now.
" wow, I think that's the longest he's been in a relationship, I'm glad though, I can see you make each other happy" She was right, they both made each other extremely happy, and the both deserved a bit of happiness.
" thanks, so you've known my boyfriend ever since you were little?" It felt weird to think of Hiccup as a baby, or even as a child. However he did still have childish behaviour from time to time.
" yep, our dads use to make us wear T-shirt nappies and race when we could crawl" she giggled, but Astrid could imagine that it was a funny picture making babies race.
" T-shirt nappies?" That was something that she couldn't get out of her head though.
" wait till I show you the picture" pulling her phone from her pocket.
Xx
Cami couldn't find anything on the girl who was a mystery to them all, all she knew was that she turned up with the Haddocks which only sparked her interest even more. She didn't like that this girl, some random girl had popped up out of no where and with the Haddocks no less. It intrigues her.
If she could learn her name then she could research where she came from, who exactly she was. Her eyes wandered watching as the girl walked with Heather, giggle over something on Heathers phone. Her and Heather use to be close, so close they could have been sisters. They use to laugh and joke, go out to party and meals, she had that until 3-4 years ago when it all went down under.
" yo Cazi! Could it be possible I turn up after you" she shot a look back to who was calling her on her fashionably late status, though she knew who it was, only one lad called her Cazi just to piss her off.
" fuck off Thug, you know everyone calls me Cami" the Bogburglar and Meatheads have been long line family friends, after her farther abandoned them when her older sister died Thugs farther and her mother had an affair from time to time. It stopped now for obvious reasons that his dad was now in prison. However the secret behind the Meatheads wealth had always been intriguing, however Cami was good a keeping secrets. The Meathead family were crooks, they sold illegal animals in and out the country but because they have degrees they are smart enough to make it look legal. That's why Cami let him in on her little secret of the stunt she pulled, that way she would never spill his secret if she wanted hers to stay in the dark.
Thuggery was only a few years younger than her, but from time to time she allowed an ounce of pleasure between the two, but only a little - she still had her eyes on a bigger prize.
" and you know I don't care" He was a cocky little shit, but hot to fuck so she let it go. " what you doing on your own, where are your three witches?" That's what he called her followers, he didn't like when they were around, he didn't get a word in with those three around. But she would always have them by her side so he had gotten use to them.
" I've sent them to find information" he stood next to her now, he watched as she was focusing on something in the distance, she seemed to be in a trance by it.
" information on what?" That's what Cami did, if she wasn't going to go into the family business, she could have been some private detective, she always found out shit on people who you thought it was impossible to have shit on them. She found out what was going on in his family.
" on that!" She pointed to the girl, the damn girl who was still talking and laughing with a Berserker of all people. " that blonde bitch whom I can't figure out who she is? She has ties with everyone who is someone on this island and it's pissing me off that I don't know who the blonde bitch is!" She was known for knowing people, if Cami didn't know you - you weren't worth knowing, however this girl was known by the Haddocks and the Berserkers and it was etching away at her.
" I know who she is" Thug finally spoke up when he spotted the girl, of course he knew who she was, he had fantasies about that girl.
" does fucking everyone? Who?" She was fuming that now Thug knew who she was.
" that's Astrid Hofferson, she goes my Uni" Hofferson rang a bell in both Thug's head and Camicazi's, when Thug first met Astrid he couldn't get the name out of his head, still couldn't now.
" Hofferson sounds Berkian" Cami pointed out, it sounded Berkian but she had no recollection of there being a Hofferson on Berk now.
" it is but her parents raised her on the main land" that made more sense now, she was not born or raised in Berk. But then what happened to the Hoffersons, why were they on the main land, why was she here?
" hmmm -" Cami flipped her phone out of her pocket, pressing on the screen as if she was on a mission. " let's see who this Astrid Hofferson really is" she was researching her, going to find out everything she could about her, where she was from, who she was friends with, what her parents names were, where she went to school, she was gonna find out everything.
" you can't just research her, someone like her won't even exist on the internet, you probably won't find any-" he was interrupted by Cami's sarcastic hum when she turned her found quickly around to shown him exactly what she had found.
" found it!"
Xx
" Stoick! Valka! My oldest friends" Oswald Berserker, he was Heather and Dagur's farther, widowed after his dearest wife past of illness soon after Heather's birth. Stoick and Oswald both being born in 'noble' families have been friends since birth just like their kids have been. Oswald mainly stayed on Berserker island, however Berserker island wasn't as big as Berk so the Berserker family always had a home here on Berk somewhere in West town.
Berserker island was a holiday resort along with the Edge, the Edge was an island conquered by the hairy hooligans back in the Viking era, so now the Haddocks own the Edge. But their dear friends the Berserker's wanted to expand their resort chain from their small island to others so the Edge was used for hotels and villas. Just like Cannibal isle ( which was once called Meathead isle - before being conquered) Berserker island only had one small town on it, the rest was resorts. Which was why like his children Oswald would spend his free time in Berk.
" Oswald! Where you been hidin you wee buggar!" Stoick play fights with his friend like they were 20 again. Val still thinks it's hilarious now.
As Oswald joined them so did Valka's friends, three military ladies who are from Berks artillery army base of the Archipelago - Atali who is a commanding officer and Minden and Nadia who were seconds in command. They were about Luna's age but were strong for women. They had their own army group called wing maidens after the name of the island the base was on. Wingmaiden island was a two hour boat journey from Berk, it was just behind Cannibal Isle but you had to get around that before hitting Wingmaiden Island.
" Valka! So pleased we ran into you " Atali came over kissing the side of her cheek. Behind closed doors Atali and Minden were a couple and only a few people knew about it, as on the base they didn't want to be criticised for having a relationship.
" didn't think you girls would have Snoggletog off this year" sometimes at the base, some soldiers would have to work over the Holidays, last year all girls worked over the Holidays, only seeing their dear friend Valka Haddock once every few months.
" fell lucky I guess, we all go back on the 14th of January" Nadia said, she was a pretty girl, but had a deadly hand when it came to the kill.
" wonderful, we'll have to book an appointment for afternoon tea" Valka like the luxury of afternoon tea, buttery scones, thick clotted cream, sweet raspberry jam served with either strong coffee/tea or even stronger Champagne. She was a Haddock after all, she could book the finest table at the most expensive dining restaurant there is.
" Oswald? Minden was asking who the girl with Heather was" while walking through the snowy field Minden had noticed a blonde who looked new to the West side of Berk, looked new to Berk completely.
" what girl? " the boys had stopped their little squabble fight and looked over to the two girls who were walking together still. The six of them all stood watching, two knowing exactly who she was, four still not knowing who the girl was.
" no fucking clue, however my daughter is a wandering spirit, always keeping company I can't keep track off, you know she's dating Eretson now" the two Haddocks nodded. " so who is the blonde?"
Before rumours could be spread Valka had to have the first day, she had been spreading it around with other friends that our local, " she's my new Photography apprentice" all eyes fell on her with a questionably look, " yes, she's a photography student at the city university- I applied for an apprentice and she got the job, I invited her for an opportunity is all, Heather kindly said she'll show her around" she was lying through her teeth but she was very good at it, with blank stares looking back at her, at first she thought it didn't work. But then they all believed her story, Valka was known for taking on project, whether it was charity, schools or a photography student.
" little Valka, always doing good for others" Oswald loved Valka like a sister, she raised his daughter like her own when his wife past, he thanked her often for that.
" that's my Val," Stoick fell in love with Valkas big heart, ever since Hiccup she had tried to help children less fortunate, children who were orphans, children who's parents beat them. And since hearing Astrid's story, Valka felt she needed to help the girl, that it was her duty. " and she quite a lovely girl too, beautiful nature" Stoick too had become quite fond of the girl, though not yet bonded with her as much as his wife had but he'd been keeping watch on how Hiccup was around the girl. Completely smitten, and he could see why, she was beautiful yes but she had a beautiful personality, strong will, witty, stubborn and perfect for his son!
" I've heard she's a fantastic photographer " a new voice appeared and so did Mala, emerging from behind Oswald holding the Berserker grandson him her arms. She too promised to keep the secret of Astrid, and in doing so she was helping spread the word of Valkas new apprentice.
" well that's fantastic Valka!" Spoke Atali, " it's always nice to boost up local talent" so far their plan was working, soon the people of Berk will only know the name Astrid Hofferson as a girl under Mrs Haddocks wing.
Xx
Meanwhile Heather was guiding Astrid further out from the field away from watching eyes. There was a plan to play with out the blonde knowing, and Heather was a hopeless romantic and couldn't say no. Her friend had asked for her to drag Astrid out and away from any cameras or preying eyes, into the trees so he can finally have a moment with his girlfriend without people watching.
" okay you wait here" Heather demanded, however Astrid was not made aware of said plan since it was supposed to be a surprise. So Astrid being well - Astrid only complained.
" err why? So I can be eaten by wolves?" The raven head only laughed, there were actually wolves in Berks Forests, but none will do near the blonde beast, her look alone would probably turn the beasts to stone.
" don't tempted me, just stay there and you will see" against her judgement she stayed, hoping to the gods she would not be eaten by wolves.
But it was not wolves that took her by surprise, it was her stupid boyfriend who scared the life out of her by jumping her from behind. " you idiot, stupid man!" She whacked him with her free hand, carful not to damage her camera.
" I'm sorry Milady, the opportunity just happened to present itself" he was pushing his luck, however cleverly diverted her anger when placing a soft kiss on her lips, and simply saying the words .. " I bring gifts" for the word I love you would have probably gained him another slap just to make a point.
He held in his hands two large lanterns, the big lighting ceremony will begin soon. The tradition was: you wrote something you are thankful/grateful for this year on the lantern, then light it and send it up into Valhalla for the gods to receive. It was a beautiful tradition and had been Hiccups favourite since he was a boy. These past few years he hadn't had that much to be thankful for, but this year she was standing right in front of him, plain as day.
" write yours with me" while the rest were busy doing their own lanterns, no one will notice these two doing their own ceremony together. He handed her a pen, as she excepted the lantern off him.
She had a lot to be thankful for, thankful for no longer being on the streets, thankful for Ruffnut, thankful for Berk, and yes mainly thankful for Hiccup.
As the two wrote their messages in private, they both agreed to show them after they fully had finished, Astrid asked first, " what are you thankful for this year Mr Haddock?" She sent chills down his spine when she spoke like that.
He didn't speak, he just turned the lantern to so three letters : YOU. It was written big and bold for all the see. He couldn't exactly write Astrid Hofferson on it, but she got the picture. He asked the question next, " and you miss Hofferson, what are you thankful for this year?" He had half expected her to put YOU too, but when she turned hers around it said : THE MAN I MET IN THE CAFE. That memory came flushing back, how days were easier back then, but he wouldn't change a thing now.
As the others lite theirs, the two shared their own ceremony, lighting their lanterns together and setting them off into the skies. They watched as they danced, it was beautiful, like golden fireflies in the sky, drifting up to the gods as gifts.
She had to admit on her way here she thought this plan wouldn't work, however she was glad she came, glad she shared this experience with Hiccup. After all the heart break and loss, she finally felt she was getting a family again.
Xx
He had to find her, searching through the crowds of people as they stared to the sky - she couldn't be to hard to find. After all this time he had spent with her being her friend and he didn't even know she was an orphan.
She goes on about being better than him, he was not worthy of her, and all this time she had nothing to her name, she was an orphan, probably raised by foster parents, and she had the audacity to belittle him on not behind her type. He always wondered what her problem was, and why she had an edge about her, now Thug knew, she was nothing but a nameless orphan.
He found it funny really, her trying to be something she wasn't, for example he still couldn't understand why she was here, under Mrs Haddock's wing herself, it felt off the whole situation. Astrid had not mentioned once being an apprentice, never mind Valka Haddock's surely this would have come up in conversation, that or she was keep secrets. And he wouldn't put it past her, she had been keeping her identity quiet, what else was she hiding.
He saw her appear from the woods, her little camera in her hands as she was pointing it towards the rising lanterns. He could grab her now before anyone else could do, he quickened his pace and dashed towards her. The closer he got - the angrier he became! How could she think she could disregard him like that? It was obviously her insecurities.
" Hofferson!" He was like a raging bull, stamping up to her. She was shocked to see him there, but in reality wasn't it she who was out of place here.
" Thug? What are you doing here?" She dropped her camera down so it dangled on its strap around her neck.
" I should be asking you that question, you're not from West town" the Festival of Lights was held in three spots, East town, West town and the city. Those who live close to those spot head there, so technically if Astrid wasn't at the Haddock's place she should have gone to the city's spot. Which that begged the question to Thuggery on what she was doing here.
And then she relied on the story, " well I was invited, by Mrs Haddock" she felt proud to say that, thinking that the name Haddock might defend her some way.
" yeah I heard, but strange a random girl from the mainland has gotten in the Haddock radar when half of West town even isn't, an orphan of all people with no worth to her name" her ears focused on one word - orphan! Before Hiccup only one person knew about her parents, Ruffnut and even she didn't tell her brother. It was something she had wanted to keep to herself, she had not wanted anyone to know since it wasn't their business in Uni. So how did he know, she knew for a fact Ruff wouldn't tell anyone.
" what did you say?" Her throat felt like it was drying up, she felt like she was tripping up over herself. She knew he was creepy but this was next level.
" orphan. It's what they call kids when they lose their parents. Your parents are dead right, I mean that's what it says here on my phone" he held his phone up with a digital article of her parents death. She didn't even know that was on the internet, she thought she was a ghost, unknowing to anyone. He'd researched her? Why? What did he want from her?
" you have no right digging into my past -" her anger was boiling her blood, but mainly cause it freaked her out that he was now researching her, he'd always been interested in her but she had tried her best to make it clear she wasn't interested in him. At Dreadfall when he was asking questions, and now this... it was like he was building a case against her, for what reason she had no clue.
" and you have no right throwing your weight around acting like you're someone when you're not! Miss Astrid too good for anyone" he made it out she always told him she was too good for him, she had only turned him down when he had pushed too far. Their friendship was strained around the second year, one party when they all got extremely drunk Thug got vocal, about her body and what he'd like to do with it. He pushed her against the wall and it was only when the lads pulled him off till he realised what he had done, and to be fair he did apologise but she made it clear that if he ever tried that again she'd break his nose. And their friendship was never really the same after she had said ' you and I will never happen Thug, ever' and till this day those words rang through his head.
" that's not what's going on here, you are basically stalking me, trying to find stuff out about me, it's wrong - it's creepy!" She lashed out, what scared her most was thinking if he could find this little detail out, what else could he find out, her being homeless, her and Hiccup? She had to get it in his head now that he had gone a step to far.
" you are hiding something Astrid and I want to know what it is!" Oh no! He had that look in his eyes, crazed and possessed, he wasn't gonna drop this, not easily anyway.
" you know what Thug you are right, I am hiding something from you, what I really feel. You will never be good enough for me, cause I will never be with someone who is this possessive crazed person, it's stalkerish! So get that though out of your sick head - or our friendship will be over!" She had to set it in his head what was on the line. This behaviour, him digging into business that wasn't his was a dangerous game.
And if he didn't stop, Astrid's little fairytale will come burning to the ground.
Xx
Like clockwork Hiccup left about 2 minutes after Astrid did, and as she went right he went left. That way no questions would be asked cause there was no suspicion, and the plan was fool proof, well it was- till today. He had hoped to slip back into the party with no questions, but the gods weren't in his favour, turning the corner he walked straight into the path of Cami herself. He had hoped not to see her after she had turned up at his parents house, after he had basically slammed the door in her face after she had the audacity to try and be friends with him.
He still hadn't spoke to Astrid about Cami, he thinks now she had popped up twice he'd have to tell her soon.
" what are you doing here?" He said bluntly, pushing past her not wanting to continue to look at her.
" I live here remember" but she had legs and she used them, following him back into the field full of people.
" what do you want Cami?" He was agitated, that came out in his behaviour towards her. Though he couldn't help it, he hated to look at her, everything about her reminded him what she did, the mess she left him in. It wasn't like he loved her like Astrid, but she messed with his head so much. You'd think she'd cheated on him, but it was more than that.
" I'm so glad you asked Hic - how long did you think you could hide your little orphan girlfriend from everyone?" She watched as his face went from bored to concerned to looking like he could be sick in his mouth. She took a shot with girlfriend, seeing them in the woods she put two and two together, but watching his face fall just proved her theory. " wow and I was just shooting my shot, didn't think I was right."
He couldn't hide it now, his face gave it away, of course of all people Cami was the one to figure it out. " I would wonder why you are keeping it all hush hush, does it have to do with the fact the cameras follow the Haddock's" he couldn't speak it was like the words had left his mould and time as stopped. While she looked over to the press who was photographing this exact moment, so she took the opportunity to take a step forward, eyes dead on him.
" what would happen if I told those photographers where to find your blonde bed-warmer?" she threatened to take a step towards the press, as she snarled at him, but then something snapped in him, the second she threatened Astrid his guard went up, and he grabbed her forearm with a firm grip. She looked hurt, but he didn't care.
" you dare mention one word about Astrid to ANYONE and I swear to the gods your little secret your mother tried so hard to keep quiet will be let out like a storm. You have a big skeleton in your closet Camicazi, and I know you'd hate for your reputation to be tainted by one secret being let out" She was silent as he made his threat, waiting till he let go of her arm before bucking up the courage to argue back.
" we had an agreement! Your family and mine, you will not tell anyone about what happened and I'll keep my distance" it was true, a few years ago the Haddocks set up a contract with Bertha Bogburglar to keep her daughters secret if Cami keeps her distance, and she had till a few days ago.
" you call this keeping your distance?" His sarcastic remark was true though, this was twice in just over a week, he wanted to know what changed now after 4 years give or take.
" I was sick Hiccup, you know that, I'm keeping up my medication and I'm fine now" she was more than sick, but what she said was true, she had been put on medication that no one knew about really. Another thing she kept quiet too.
" you were vindictive, still are! What would happen if everyone found out, your friends, more family, clients in your family business, people you look up too. What would happen if they all found out you faked a pregnancy? Twisted my mind in thinking you were actually pregnant, then threatened to harm that baby, a baby I thought was mine, a baby I was starting to think I could love. All so you could secure your place in the Haddock household. You screwed with my head, and then we found out it was all lie. You are more than sick Cami, you are psychotic!" His heart was pounding out of his chest, he was raging but had to keep calm and make sure he had one step over Cami, she kept quiet though in all of this. She didn't have anything to top trump that.
" if I find you are the one who tells anyone about Astrid, I'll bring your world crashing down!"
Xx
She was wandering through the crowd like a lost puppy, after storming off from Thug, Astrid had to find Hiccup, drag him into some dark corner and rant to him about what just happened. She had never felt threatened by Thug but his behaviour had opened her eyes a little. He was becoming more of a problem for her relationship with Hiccup than she thought.
Her eyes caught sight of everyone except Hiccup, Stoick and Valka were talking to their friends and Hiccups friend were gathered together in a small group. She only caught eyes of her Hiccup as he was storming through the field soon after his confrontation with Cami. He looked like fire, raging and burning through the snow, he looked upset more than angry, but she hated seeing him like this.
So she went up to him, when they were out of clear sight, " You will not believe the conversation I just had with Thug - are you okay?" He grabbed her hands before she got her answer, he dragged her towards where the cars were park. " woah Hiccup?" She knew he was upset but this was a bit drastic, when he turned to face her she could see he looked more than lost, he looked broken. What had happened from when they were sharing laughs before?
" I need to leave, I need to go now, I need to tell you, everything about Cami"
This was it, he finally wanted to open up about everything that had happened with this girl. She had been buried deep with in, someone he wanted to keep away but now he had no choice and Astrid had the right to know. He maybe good at keeping secrets from others but with Astrid he wanted to be different for her, no more hiding.
" okay let's go home"
Xx
She had listened, soaked up all she could as the two lay on his bed. He finally told her what Cami had done to make him tip over the edge. She really did screw with his head.
After dating her in their finally year of university on and off when Hiccup got the family business Cami must have seen a meal ticket. But then so did every other girl in a one mile radius of Hiccup Haddock, once the girls started to show their interest in him it was made clear Cami had to secure her place. After a long hard decision Hiccup decided he call things off with Cami till he got the business up and running the way he should. But Cami put a grenade in that plan! She arrived at his house with a positive pregnancy test claiming it was his. He didn't want kids now but his parents had always told him to take responsibility. So he promised Cami she wasn't going to be alone, however he wasn't looking for a romantic relationship with her. She was too possessive wanting to know who he was with, where, when. When she was getting sick of him missing her calls she threatens to overdose, killing the baby, or self harming to injure the child. He'd just only held a sonogram of the child, he made a promise he was with no other girl. He'd buy baby clothes in thinking that would show he was willing to do this with her. But she'd burn them and told them they weren't good enough.
For weeks she brought him up to drag him down, only when she wasn't showing after 12 weeks of shaming him, did it come up that she wasn't pregnant nor never was.
He was lost after that, to much to deal with, a woman he cared for truly messed his mind up so much. He buried himself into work, went off the radar for years. For he believe those who said they loved him were only doing it for one thing. Power.
Until Astrid. She lay there listening to him as he poured out all those feelings he had felt that he hadn't even told his parents that he kept bottled up. He let it all out to her. He had told her that she knew about them, but as long as she wanted to keep her reputation and her mothers reputation she wouldn't say anything. And she trusted him. But she wasn't bothered by that, she knew why at the beginning he wanted to be just Hiccup for a while, she wouldn't know what to do if someone went to that kind of lengths to get wealth and power. The Haddocks were good people, Hiccup was a good person - he didn't deserve that.
" I thought being homeless was bad, you trumped me with psycho bitch!" She got a small laugh out of him, it was probably the best she was gonna get - he looked drained. Pushing his hair back with her hand she played with the back of his head to sooth him.
" I know it sounds stupid, but I was 23 - scared, but then I thought I could love this baby, and then she made me think she could harm it. And then it wasn't even there. How do you mourn something that wasn't even a thing?" He had that beginning feeling of being a farther, it was like a miscarriage feeling only their wasn't a baby to start. He was screwed, and couldn't ever explain his feelings towards it.
" it's not stupid, I totally get it. I understand it all now, and it's okay." Her forehead touched his as their body's wrapped around each other for comfort. " thank you for telling me, and I promise you this babe, I will make that vindictive cow pay! One day"
Authors note: Next update will be next week, more insight on Astrid on the steets and Thug has a theory he wants to question ...