Chapter 10 - And A 'Crappy' New Year

(31st December 2020)

New year was a massive celebration all around the world, parties would be thrown, families would one together, students would go missing for a few days. This year it was the girls turn on where to go - first year was Fishlegs and Tuffnut's, they took them to one of the Whispering Death caves where someone was throwing a rave. Second year was Thug and Bear's turn and they took them to Hysterica Isle ( it was behind Cannibal Isle but unlike Wingmaiden island, Hysterica Isle was more north.) the small island threw a massive party underground, that was a good year. So this year it was the girls turn and Astrid let Ruffnut take full steam, she wasn't a fan of planning a party. And as Hogmany ( Berks holiday for New year) was Ruff's absolutely favourite part of the Snoggletog holiday, she was thrilled to be the one to plan it. However Astrid wasn't too thrilled on where they were going, the mainland! That's what the Berkians called the closest island that wasn't in the Archipelago and have the rest of the worlds Holidays. She knew it as Sweden, she figured her parents move to Sweden before she was born, she was born and raised there, loved it so much, but then after he parents died and she spent five years without a home, Sweden just became what the Berkians called 'the Mainland'. Not important and excluded from her mind.

She felt like a proper Berkian now, she felt like after being here for a few years she was belonging to the Archipelago and never wanted to go back to the normal world, she liked living in her little bubble. But going back, she agreed of course, not letting Ruffnut know that it was bothering her, she wasn't gonna ruin Hogmany just be cause they were going to the exact same city she was born, raised, orphaned and became homeless in. Stockholm, she hadn't been back since leaving, and she wasn't planing on returning, she knew a bit of Swedish but her parents kept her speaking their original language from birth. And the majority of Sweden can speak the her common tongue, so she never had to try and speak fluently.

Ruffnut had sorted the boat that was going to pick them up at the docks in a few hours, It took about 4-5 hours in a boat to reach the mainland, and Astrid was counting down the hours slowly. Against her wishes, Ruff had invited Thug, cause if he didn't go then Bear wouldn't go and then Tuff and Fish wouldn't go so she had to invite him. She hadn't spoke to Thuggery properly since the Festival of Lights, not since his outburst, not since she tried to put him in his place. It was a bad idea she knew that, but she couldn't sat anything but to agree to Ruff's plan, all she had to do was get through one night. They had booked a motel to sleep in, then in early hours of Hogmany day (New Years day) they would get a boat back to Berk.

It was simple, stick with Ruffnut throughout the night and come morning she wouldn't need to see him as she'd be sharing a room with Ruff.

She had been planning her outfit the whole day as did Ruff, she had opted for a Black dress, something short and simple. While Ruff took picking her outfit very seriously, Astrid saw no need in it, she loved to go out to party but she wished Hiccup could go with her, to not hide behind shadows. She was envious of Snotlout and Ruffnut, before Snoggletog the two of them joined her on a night out, to see them together, having fun only made her envious of wanting that. But spending time with her friends was important, Hiccup made that clear to her that he wanted her to have a student life, go out with her friends and have fun. So she did just that, but not with out calling him first.

" Did you like my picture?" Like she should have done on Dreadfall this time she sent him a quick picture of her in her dress, wondering what his opinion on it.

' I did, and as a loving boyfriend I must say I don't approve of you looking that gorgeous in front of other people' she laughed on her side of the line, he always said she was to beautiful for others to see her. And that he should be the only one to see her.

" you want me to take it off?" She bit her lip, heart racing as if he was actually in front of her.

' while I'm not there? Are you trying to insult me?' She missed his sarcasm, even if it had been a few days since he dropped her off. She promised Ruff though to spend Hogmany with her, so from now on she was not longer a girl friend, she was a 'girl friend' and to have fun with her best friend.

" don't be jealous! Anyway, how are you today? What are you doing with out me to distract you?" She teased, making herself feel better that he couldn't survive without her. Knowing it wasn't true anyway.

Truth be told Hiccup was at work, for if he had to spend Hogmany anywhere it would be doing what he loved - working! However like his farther had said he didn't really need to work no more, I could live off what his company made just like his parents did, live off the interest he made off the money he had earned. But he liked to work, it distracted him, and he liked to show his employees he worked hard as they do too. Plus he liked to see things going his way and liked to take control.

Right now he had been working all day, none stop paying off contracts with other companies, finding new income from his water generators he had placed in the Inner Ocean. He had only stoped when he caught eye of the news paper, with a very large picture of him talking to a blonde at the Festival of Lights! He nearly had a heart attack in his chair, it was only when he realised it was in-fact Cami in the photo, however it was ironic as the heading said ' Mr Haddock's new lady?'

In reality, they had no clue.

He thought Astrid might have known about it, expected her to mention it, the fact she hasn't means that she knows nothing yet. And if he can he'll hope to keep it that way!

' I'm fine, just missing you is all ' he wasn't lying, he did miss her terribly, it was getting a bit bad if he was being honest, he'd only just dropped her back off and he was missing her terribly. He placed the paper face down so he could no longer see anymore, sick of going through every drop of detail in just one front cover.

" aww babe, You're such a sap, and I love you for it" he sounded off but she didn't want to push on it, when she see's him after Hogmany she'll ask what's bothering him.

' I love you too, look have fun tonight but just be careful okay, where did Ruff decide to take you?' He knew about the game they played he was wondering if Ruff chose an island he was familiar with that way he could at least tell he places to go if she needed help or or anything.

" yeah - it's the mainland" she couldn't say it without a pause, going back meant having to leave her perfect bubble, she just hated the thought of having those memorise return.

She knew the moment she said it they way she did, Hiccup would know they were going to the exact same city she was raised in. Stockholm was the city the Archipelago had the most interactions with outside their group of islands. He knew of it but probably not as much as Astrid did.

' you okay?' It was a stupid question and he was licking himself for even asking it.

" yeah why wouldn't I be, I'm going to have an amazing time with my best friend" cause that's who she planned on sticking with. Hiccup felt uneasy, with her being on the mainland she was out of his social reach, he knew no matter what island they traveled to in the Archipelago he would be able to call in help if she needed it, and he liked he at least had that. But the mainland? It was tricky, he trusted her of course, it was others he didn't trust. He knew Thuggery was joining her on this trip, and ever since last week he has been researching, unbeknownst to Astrid the Meathead family.

The Hoffersons, the Meathead family had a foggy background, it was like everything on their family had been wiped. He did know something though, the Meathead family had a close connection to the Bogburglar family, that put him on edge a little. These two families use to be owners of their own small island till Berk conquered them year back, sometime families hold a grudge. He'd keep an eye out, and for now he had the threat with Cami to make sure she wouldn't speak a word of his secret to anyone.

' okay good, well I won't keep you, I'm not that kind of Boyfriend - just please if you need anything just call me okay?' He meant that, every word, he didn't care what time it was, he would rather her call him than need help and not say anything.

" yeah yeah, I know the drill, you know me though, I'll be fine" he knew she could take care of herself, she had been doing since 15, but he still was Hiccup and he still worried for her, he couldn't help it.

' okay, love you' she said her good byes too before hanging up.

He turned the paper back over looking at the image on the front page, he couldn't see past this image. He knew now they would have to be more careful from now on, anymore slip ups and it could be him and Astrid on the next front cover.

Xx

" how much longer?"

Tuffnut Thornston wasn't one for patience, and wasn't one for boats, he'd thrown up three times already and by the looks of it could do it a fourth. They hadn't even started drinking yet, they were supposed to go to a bar first before going to the club, but Tuff was throwing up his guts like he'd been put on a bender previously. From where Astrid was sitting she was facing, Tuff, Bear and Thug, well not facing Thug exactly, she had barely looked at him straight since getting on this boat. He however had been keeping his eyes on her and on her alone. To her right was a window and to her left was Ruff and Fishlegs, she believed Fish had a slight crush on her friend, but never mentioned it to anyone else. Ruff has been great in organising this, she was gonna brag about it for years to come probably.

They had been sat on this boat now for well over 2 hours Astrid would say, however she wouldn't know, while the other five had been talking about the mainland or Uni or what they will do after Uni, Astrid just stayed quiet, not getting into conversation, not wanting to have to talk to Thug at all. But it wasn't just that, the last time she had been to Stockholm it had been about 2 and a half years ago, literally a few months away from starting uni. She remembers the day she left like it was yesterday, it was a sunny day it was like 22 degrees which was high for Stockholm, she'd been able to live in a hotel for about a month while shopping for clothes and email future tutors for her course. It had been weird, she figured that with her applying so late she wouldn't get in for September, but whoever was her mystery benefactor got her a place by reference. The University of Berk already had her place and in halls too for her ready. The day she left she got on a ferry like this, but she had suitcases and luggage along with her, her nerves were on edge, but she only felt excitement, to leave this lonely city and finally start her life. Now she felt nothing, going back to a city she sworn she never wanted to return to, the place her parents died, her friend Old Wrinkly had died. All the memories came flooding back ...

Xx

( 3 years on the streets )

She was in charge of the begging, while Wrink kept hold of the fort, she was in charge of getting in money for food. She took Stormy with her, that's Wrink's grey/blue Staff, she was an old girl, 13 years old but she had big blue eyes that melted peoples hearts. She was bad on her legs now but she still made the journey with Astrid to go sit in their corner and beg for the day. It was a shit feeling, having to beg for food to live on, however they did well for themselves, Astrid was a young girl in her teens who placed guilt on all the parents of the world. She brought a lot home to live off.

Home, that's what her, Stormy and Wrink was, home! No matter where they went together, they were home. After that first night she spent on the streets, her and Wrink had been thick as thieves, he'd protected her, though he made it out like he was the one that needed her. After a few months of living together he had mentioned he was in the army, which she related to that her dads dad was a solider - though her dad rarely spoke of his parents. He said after he left the army - after is friend had past, he came home to his family - he had a wife and daughter who was a few years older than she was. However when he got back his daughter had died drowing, he was an old farther, and she was only a toddler at the time, it had happened while he was overseas. Along with grief and PTSD his wife kicked him out after he had learned she was having an affair with one of his friends son ( like he said he was an old dad, 20 - 30 years older than his wife ) and so he was left to fend for himself. He'd been on his own for years, the name Old Wrinkly came from the burn wounds he had that his wife had name called him when throwing him out, he had opened up to her about that after she had admitted what made her flee from foster care.

There was no secrets between them, they were family, and she felt safer with him by her side.

" what did you get blondie?" She went to a local corner shop, the owner knew her by name so he let her in to do a shop. Depending on what she got in a day they would have to spread it out. The usual was sandwiches, crisps, drinks, packets of meat for Stormy, biscuits, etc. It was just what they needed to get through, however Wrink always made sure she was more well fed than he was. She didn't know why he looked after he like this, but then maybe she reminded him of his daughter - she never pressed on it though.

" the usual what else!" She swung the thin plastic bag around playfully as Stormy waddled behind her, " I also got some treats too" if she had made a little extra she would buy his favourite biscuits that reminded him off his childhood.

" you're golden you girl!" He manned the fort which was under a bridge, they had a little tent for themselves, a little fire to keep them warm, and no one disturbed them cause of Wrink's reputation of breaking bones. She propped herself up next to him in their little home, dishing out their little feast. It wasn't a grand feast but it was theirs and that's all they had.

Every day was the same, they did this morning till night, but Astrid wouldn't change this for the world, after her parents she thought she'd never smile the way she use to, but her time with Wrink and Stormy did. She laugh at funny stories he told her about time on the army base, she'd console him when he mourned his long dead friend. She knew the feeling off death, so she knew how he felt, however he never really mentioned his daughter much, though they say losing a child was worse than anything, and you'll never get over it.

However her time on the streets had been rough, living on the go, nearly freezing to death in the winter months, starving when not having enough money to buy food. But the worse, is when you lose the ones you love.

" Ast?" She was shaken awake, it was January and she was wrapped up to the max just like they all were. However this bitter weather was lethal and she will never forget how lethal after that morning.

" what?" She woke to face Wrink, he too was covered in flecks of snow from the night.

" she's gone" he looked down at Stormy on his lap, wrapped up in thick woollen scarfs, but it obviously wasn't enough. She had drifted away in the middle of the night, the cold too much for her old joints.

" no - no!" She jumped up immediately stroking the dogs ears, she got no reply, her big blue eyes didn't open and she didn't wag her tail. She had gone, that reality became more real when she realised how cold Stormy was, three years of having a furry pal by her side, and the poor girl went in the middle of the night.

" I'm sorry Kid, I know you loved her" her tears burned on her cold face, the feeling felt quite nice actually, if it wasn't for the fact her heart aches and her stomach was twisting. That day was her first realisation on how hard living on the streets was.

And why she wanted to get off the streets as soon as possible.

Xx

" Astrid!" She was shook in her seat as she looked out the window to her right, Ruffnut shook her harshly till she turned back to stare at her. She didn't know how long she had been in a daze but it was now dark, and they were pulling up at the docks where cruise ships would dock. This was now all coming too familiar now.

" yeah ?" She snapped back into reality as Ruff was still shaking her.

" we've arrived" that was obvious but Astrid didn't say anything, she just nodded and followed as the six got off.

This place was the last place she was before moving to Berk, it was this dock she left Stockholm and went to live her life somewhere else. This place brought back all kinds of memories, ones she kept herself, but Ruffnut knew. She could see it in her friends eyes that this place was bringing back memories she she had kept buried.

" you okay?" She nudged her playfully as their feet hit solid ground. Being back felt weird, as well as it felt like a life time ago, another life, but then it also felt like it was a second ago she got on that ferry and never looked back. There was nothing left for her here.

" yeah I'm fine, we going to the bar?" She put on her mask, her fake Astrid mask with her fake smile and fake emotions. She would not let this city ruin her new year, cause finally she was back in the normal world, with normal traditions and names.

" damn right we are" Tuffnuts sickness had disappeared the moment his feet hit solid ground.

" yes but sensible drinking" Fishlegs tagged along but partying wasn't really his scene, however he came along so he wouldn't disappoint his friends.

" fishy it's the last night of the year, I plan to get fucked" Bear was the opposite to Fish, there was no sensibility in him, he was all for the party.

Xx

They went to Stampen bar before going to End Nightclub, it was supposed to be a few drinks in the bar before heading to the club for 11:00, they were going early to be there for the midnight bash. However the 'few drinks' rule was thrown under the rug when it came to the boys and Ruff, it was only Astrid and Fish that paced themselves, however Astrid was drinking double what fish was drinking so the others must be doing triple.

This was however new year and it was allowed for one night, so with pushing the thoughts out of her mind of the past and of Thug knowing exactly what was going through her mind, she bought another round. This was going to be a good night, she promised her boyfriend that she'd have fun with her friends and that she wanted to stop living in her past and start living for the future.

After realising her pace was now quickening as the spirits were hitting her head full force. By the time it came to walking to the club her legs felt like jelly. " there you go Ast! Now you've got the spirit!" Ruff liked a drunk Astrid, she states the drunker her friend is the more fun. But that's because she didn't threaten Ruff that often when she got drunk, it is afterwards when she starts to kick off.

" does anyone even know where the club is?" Tuffnut pushed through the doors onto the street, Astrid had walked along this street before, her and Wrink would travel around the whole city looking for hotspots, it was weird that she was the one she use to stare at and wonder what they were doing and where they were going.

" yeah idiot! I do I planned this" She grabbed her brother drunkly, bringing him along with her down the road, she claimed it was a 10 minute walk, however the way they were walking - or stumbling more like - Astrid knew it was probably going to take longer. The only one of them with a straight head was Fishlegs and he wasn't the best with looking after people. End Nightclub was just over the river, Astrid knew the place, she use to watch people pour in and pour out every night. She'd never once been in there but she was convinced it was amazing because people seemed to be having a ball. It was a party cave in the Royal Opera House, she could hear the music pounding out of it, neon lights that could blind you. She craved that life back then, and now she had it.

Walking to the Royal Opera House the line of people were already queuing outside the door to get in. Their tickets Ruff had gotten expired at 11:30 so they had to make it in before then. " can you hear that music" Ruff was right, the street was pounding through the music that was played. Every man and his dog was out tonight ready to celebrate the new year. This was Ruff's ideal place, music bounding, drinks pouring, her short skirt riding up, she was a wild child after all.

Astrid had to admit she was finally letting go, having fun, mainly sticking with the twins and a way from Thug who kept staring, he knew she was ignoring him, she knew that he knew, but that just made her avoid him even more, getting it in his head he pushed her luck over snoggletog and she wasn't gonna let go so easy.

They queued, not for long though, the queue was moving quickly, but like always Ruff liked to make 'queue friends', friends she made while just standing outside - freezing to death - and bored. She said it made her night better, making friends while stood outside, then later on in the club bumping into them again. Just made it more fun for her. Astrid found it funny, before Snotlout what Ruff use to do was hook up with her 'queue friends" in even in the club itself or at hers. It was a rocky two years for Astrid with Ruff and her one night stands.

" Ooh I'm so excited" Ruff had always had her heart set on going to the mainland, especially since she knew Astrid was from there. But when she finally found out she was homeless in the city, she did see it differently. But Astrid made it clear she didn't want to ruin her night, she wouldn't bring up her past if Ruff promised not to ask about it, this night was friends having fun, enjoying 'Hogmany'.

As they walked in they were illuminated, the club danced with neon lights and bounced with the music popping from the speakers. This was what she had been waiting for, she'd heard from people passing that it was a night that never ends, now she could put that to the test. Her ears were already pounding to the ear drum with the music that bounced off the walls, this night was definitely gonna be a good one! The heat was already burning through her ice cold skin, making her forget it was a winter month. It had a very elegant interior – the gold-plated lion heads, paintings and mirror frames, you name it! She knew now what drew people back, it had this royal atmosphere that made you feel like you belonged here. It was only small, but Astrid liked that, she hated the fact that if she lost her friends in the club that she couldn't find again but now she would if it was a small place. They didn't hire a table, that's why Ruff was being all friendly with some guys who were in front of them, Tuff never liked when she flirted hopelessly with random guys, it set his teeth on edge to see his sister in this way.

Astrid however was use to it, she would let her friend do all the hopeless flirting stuff so she could slide in with her and be offered free drinks too.

Then they'd dance till their feet would nearly drop off, throwing their weight around the dance floor till one of them got too drunk the other would have to be carried home. It would be usually Astrid carrying Ruff home. Take now for example, as they had entered the club the first place they hit was the bar of course, and while Astrid got one drink, Ruff got three.

That's why when they were dancing she was looking like a flag in the wind, wobbling all over the place. She was a very drunk dancer, and that means bumping into people and falling all over the place. How the bloody hell was she supposed to carry her to some daft hotel that Ruff hadn't even told her which one they were booked into.

Midnight was magical, the lights combine with the music combined with the cannons just made the outside world disappear. She needed this, an escape from it all, even an escape from the Haddocks was nice. She loved the Haddocks, they were becoming family to her, but the pressure of getting caught was too much, not only did Hiccups psycho ex know about them, but Thug was extremely close to this too. And it put her nerves on edge, but now while she bounced around to the rhythm of the music, her worries evaporated.

Until midnight was over, that's when it went all down hill.

The walls were trembling when the clock hit 12, but then after the hype of new year was when things turned to the worse. Let's start with when the rave took five minutes for people to top up on drinks, the small club that only held around 150 all piled to the bars, " I need another drink!" As Ruff would say, tumbling over her spaghetti legs " double vodieeeee!" Was her go to drink.

But when Ruff dragged the guys to the bar that's when Thug took his chance, he'd been waiting all day to talk to her. He needed to know what she was hiding, he needed to know now! The first chance he got when the others were distracted, he grabbed her forearm harshly, causing her to freak due to the surprise of it. " we need to talk" that's all he said before dragging her outside. Once outside with much struggle off Astrid Thug dragged her to the left, pulling her along till they were out of sight.

" what the hell Thug!" That was the first time tonight she had spoken to him, she had hoped to get through without a word but it was necessary after the stunt he pulled.

" no more games Astrid I'm done, now you can even be truthful with me or I can tell you what I believe to be the truth!" He was erratic she could tell, alcohol did that to him, made his blood boil more than when he was sober.

" what are you on about?" He finally released her arm giving her a sense of freedom again.

" it's been banging in my head now, and I finally think I have an answer -" her face was a picture, all screwed up and confused, she'd never seen him like this, it was out of character for Thug. " I think I know now why you were with the Haddock's" and then her face dropped, along with her stomach, as he rambled to himself she prayed that he wasn't gonna say what she thought he was.

" you're the bastard child of Stoick Haddock!"

He sounded so certain which only made it sound more ridiculous, she didn't mean for it to come out the way it did, but she laughed in his face. " what? Are you serious?" She couldn't stop, she found it too hilarious! How on earth did he come up with that conclusion? It was hilarious. But he didn't find it funny that she laughed at him, and looking at it now she probably shouldn't have laughed, cause with him being so erratic, she could have prevented what happed next.

He snapped, pushing her against the wall of the building causing the air to leave her lungs. He was dead serious about this and didn't like her attitude towards him. " don't laugh at me! You are connected to the Haddocks someway and this is the only way that makes sense." He had to be joking. This was getting too much for her, she couldn't believe he was this far gone in his own madness.

" I am not the bastard child of Stoick Haddock, what on earth made you think I was?" His hands eased up on the grip he had over her, but his eyes still had full lock on her.

" it made sense, he had an affair, had you, that's why there is so much secrets. Gave you to adoptive parents to leave to the main land, then a few years later had them killed off, that's why they were in supposedly a 'car accident', because they were disposable -" it was her that snapped next, when he brought up Her parents they way he did, called them disposable, she lashed, smacking him hard across the face with her right hand that wasn't holding her purse at the time. He was shocked she smacked him, so was she, she hadn't intended to do it but did.

" don't you ever talk about my parents, ever! Especially not here!" Her eyes were full but she would be damned to let a tear fall. " I am not the child of Stoick Haddock, get that daft theory out of your head"

However his daft theory popped a question in her head, was there something off about her parents death she missed out, if he was questioning it then was there something to question in the first place? She brushed the thought out of her head a second.

She went to walk back to the club, she was obviously done with this conversation, however he wasn't, he grabbed her arm once more, slamming her back onto the wall causing her head to hit hard. " urgh Thug!"

He was back pressed up against her, face pressed in front of her, " then what is it then, cause there is something going on and I want to know what?" He had turned that corner where there was no going back. He was all riled up about this, and she could see it wasn't going any time soon.

" you're crazy"

He looked her up and down, she felt vulnerable as he looked at her like she was naked. It made this chick feeling come up to her throat at the thought. " and you are stunning!" He was way to drunk to reason with she could see that now.

" are you fucking serious? A minute ago you were calling me a bastard and now you are checking me out? You're a psycho and you need to let go of me" she tried to pull away but he held his grip firm, his breath taking up her air space and he spoke down to her.

" what's your problem, it's not like you are seeing anyone" as a matter of fact she was, but that didn't change anything, not in her mind anyway. She had made it clear from the start with him that she was not ever going to be with him. And he wasn't getting message obviously as he looked down at her tight dress.

" that's not the point, I've said no Thug so now you let go!" She shoved her arm into him a little, trying to push him away but he held a steady course on keeping her on the wall. He had finally lost it!

" what is it with you ey! Am I not worthy of Astrid Hofferson? Who the hell is worthy of you then?" He slurred over her as he raked her body with his eyes, his hand hovered over her curved figure, the way his body language was, the way his eyes floated down her body, it made her wanna vomit. She didn't like this, she felt trapped as he pushed against her, he'd done this before, pushed too far when he drank.

" you're disgusting, and no it will never happen, not when you treat me like this, psycho!" She antagonised him, and that was her mistake, for thinking she could walk away and not have the consequences. He lashed out at her, back handed her across the face. She felt the impact across her cheek before feeling it across her lips, and that's when she tasted blood. He'd busted her lip with his hand as he whacked it across her cheek.

He immediately regretted it, he'd lashed out of anger and he didn't know what came over him. All he remembers is looking to her eyes mortified of what he'd done, and how the hell he was going to explain it, " Astrid - I - I'm so sorry" he attempted to console her by taking a step forward, that was his first mistake, for as he came closer she took the chance to knee him in the stomach. Losing the wind within him, he couldn't breath, but as she went to strut away he grabbed her hand/purse, pulling her back so she wouldn't get away. That was his second mistake, for as he grabbed that left hand she came whirling round with her right, hitting slap bang in the face. She had been told her right hook was lethal, and she bloody well knew it.

But she didn't have time to think after that, before she even thought about it she let go of the purse he still had hold on too. Running down the street with everything she had, " Astrid!" When he called her name it only made her run faster, it's why she always made sure she wore flats when going out, in case she needed to walk far. However it came in hand for running, cause when she started, she could never stop.