Chapter 12 - New Year, New Hurdles, New Challenges
January was a glum month, days were still short, nights were still gloomy. It was the month of depression as they say after the Snoggletog and Hogmany celebrations. Astrid just saw it as time to work on her portfolio and prepare for her dissertations, she had to keep herself busy as there was no other option really. She wasn't really having full conversations with Ruff, things got complicated after Hogmany, where at first Ruff was totally on her side and still is to say the least - she just didn't want to argue with the guys anymore. They believed Thug which then brought an immediate divide in the group, which then brought to Ruff arguing with her brother a lot. Ruff made the decision not to argue about it any more so when the topic was brought up, Astrid was to defend herself. She never wanted to divid her and her brother, but she thought he best friends would have her back a little more.
It is what it is and she was getting over it, but over the past few weeks she had become distant from her friends. Aya was still in the picture and was always up for a run with her whenever she wanted her head clearing, but Aya had other priorities so Astrid made her own. The first week back at university she literally spent the whole week at Hiccups, caused tension with Ruffnut but she didn't care. They'd spend hours in bed rolled up in their naked sheets combo, he'd drive her into the city so she could go uni and he could go work, he'd pick her up and take her back home, it was nice to have that time with him. But now was the last week of the January month, come next week they would be officially out of depression month and into February. And Hiccup had pissed off to Dubai!
Well technically he was there for business, he'd been there for five days now, and she was literally counting down the seconds. With Hiccup gone she was stuck with avoiding proper conversations with her roommate and avoiding the guys all together. So she prioritised her work, spending her days in the photography studio, out taking pictures, in the library or locked up in her room. No matter what she just buried her head into her work.
At least she knew she was good at that, ignoring people, she did it like it was as easy as breathing.
' how's Uni?' Hiccup was on the other end of the phone, somewhere in the heat of the sun, while she was watching the snow fall from her bedroom window. She wasn't really telling him how lonely it had been without him to talk to, she just mentioned the highlights of her week, and not how she'd been avoiding her close friends.
" yeah good, been working on my portfolio, with the advice your mom gave me a few weeks back I think I've got a strong one" she had been building this portfolio up since her first year, all her passion went in there. She was pretty pleased with herself, however she knew she was a strong photographer due to her response to her previous work.
' that's brilliant, but what about your friends?' She might be covering her feelings with this mask of smiles and fake happiness, he saw right through her even through the phone, why wasn't her roommate she had known for nearly 3 years now.
" it is what it is" she couldn't see any more than that, she'd move on eventually, not dwelling on it too long.
' you okay with it all?' He knew she was having a hard time with it, but he tried not to push into her into conversation about it when he felt it wasn't his place to ask. She hated that she was made to choose sides, she hated that after three years of friendship loyalties were tested, most of all she hated that it was costing her friendship with Ruff too.
" yep perfectly fine!" But she held a strong face, smiled and hoped he would be too busy in Dubai to ask anymore questions about it. She did love that he cared, but she didn't want to care anymore, she wanted to to hide it under the carpet and forget about it.
' alright, look I hate to do this but I have to go, but I'll call you later on okay?' He was only two hours ahead of her so trying to get in touch with him wasn't too hard. But every time he called he would only have a five minute gap to talk, wasn't exactly a nice holiday, it was all business really. She didn't mind though, she had actually plans tonight, by herself but she liked her own company.
" okay yeah, speak to you later, love you " they said their goodbyes before hanging up. Her plans tonight would take her off to an art gallery in south West town, she had it planned since December so she had been looking forward to it, apparently it was all the famous ex students from Berk University that were showing their work. She thought it might be fascinating to see, get inspiration, get out the flat for the night!
She hadn't told Ruffnut she was going to be out tonight, hadn't really had chance to. She'd leave a note on the kitchen table or fridge maybe, bit of a low blow she knew that, but she wasn't going to say anything after a few days of small conversations she thought best just to leave a note.
She had to decide what to wear, being in West town she'd have to wear something smart. She remembers when she went to West town on her own just before Christmas to get Hiccups paints, she arrived in her leggings and a wooden jumper after she'd finished with her marathon society. She'd just thrown her hair in a bun, jumper over her sports bra and got a bus. The looks she got was unreal, she felt judged and belittled by strangers no less. She wasn't going down that path again, the day after the Festival of Lights Hiccup had kept his promise by taking her into the north of West town to go shopping for new things, she had gotten a few smart blazers and shirts that would be suitable for a photography gallery. It was import for her to make a good impression in case she came across someone who was respected in the photography industry.
However looking in the mirror she saw herself differently, like she'd be a respected women on her own. It was strange to see herself like this - grown up, mature. All these years to finally come out looking like a respected woman - with her background she thought she'd never see the day. Black jeans with black smart booties, burgundy blouse that was tucked in at the front of her jeans and a grey denim blazer to finish on top, so she'd look like a smart student. She'd wear a coat and scarf as well - not braving the snow without extra layers. She was taking an Uber too as she didn't want to rely on the bus system tonight.
She was set, the show didn't start till six so she had planned to get a taxi for around five thirty. Looking at her watch - the one Hiccup had given her months ago - she'd noticed it was already ten past five now, and it was a Friday night which meant that the Uber demand would be high. She booked her taxi through the app, writing a note to leave in the kitchen for Ruff on where she would be. Her taxi would be ten minutes so she had time to touch up on her mascara before heading down to the main buildings entrance. She had loved this apartment the moment she moved in, it was just perfect for the university and her job, not to far from where she volunteered at the photography studio and it was literally in the centre of the city. She had come quite fond of her life here on Berk.
She left the note on the fridge knowing Ruff would see it there, before heading out. Even before Hiccup she had loved Berk, there was something homely about it, the majority of the people were welcoming, it was a family oriented island though it had its wild parts. It was up to date with the modern world and so were the other islands that surrounded it . She just felt at peace here. And after finding Hiccup she was sure she'd never want to leave. Her mother had told her you can fall in love more than once and she was sure that was true, but she truly believed she would not want anyone that wasn't Hiccup, something about him draws her in, she was drawn the second she laid eyes on him that day in the cafe. She'd follow him everywhere, just like she knew he would for her.
Though their life was perfect for them here, Hiccup had to stay due to his family duty, but she wanted to stay because she felt at home here. So it was perfect!
Her taxi arrived at 5:25 on the dot, she was glad really that way there was no rush now and due to the storm she wouldn't want to rush. She'd even gotten use to the weather, it basically snowed from November to February, ski season loved it, four months of thick snow. It would occasionally snow in March but by that time it would melt fast and be hit by the warm spring weather. April was her favourite time of the year, not to hot - not to cold, and it was also her birthday, but she didn't really like to celebrate that, ever since she was fifteen she hadn't had a proper birthday. However on her 18th, Wrink had convinced her to break into a closed shopping mall, the two spent the whole night running around the place liked they owned it.
Her birthdays had got better on Berk, friends would throw her a party, but they'd usually be on Easter holidays so she'd be alone most of the time. No doubt she'll spend this years birthday wrapped up in Hiccups bed sheets with probably way too many presents and all the oral sex she could ask for. What? He suggested it, who was she to deny him of that. She'd be turning 23, made her feel like she was becoming mature and a grown woman. Which then reminded her next month Hiccup would be turning 28 he was five years older than her, at an age of wanting to settle down and begin a proper life. Would she be the person he'd want to do that with? Was she ready for that?
The thought was brushed out of her focus when her cab pulled up outside the West town gallery. She was excited for this, to spend the night looking over beautiful art work of stunning photography, reminded her of when her mum would take her to her art gallery when she was only a little girl. Astrid had taken to the dark side of photography, images that made someone think, but then she was coming fond of reality photography, people, family, landscapes. She wasn't sure what the future held for her career, she just knew she was going to go down the path that leads her in the right direction.
She walked in, it was an open gallery, just hand your ticket in and walk freely around, glasses of champagne and orange juice was free to take on entry, she asked for a mixture not wanting to drink a full glass of champagne. The gallery was free to walk around in what ever way you want, but the owner had set out a journey for those who wished to follow. She was one who followed the journey, there was something nice that followed throughout the work on the walls. It was a big gallery, usually held art shows like this one throughout the year. But she had never attended till today.
Keeping herself to herself Astrid walked her way through the journey into the different rooms of this magnificent gallery. She noticed she stuck out from everyone else, she wasn't from West town and people knew, don't get her wrong, Astrid knew there were people from West town who were genuinely nice, but the selected few had this post code arrogance about them, it was those like Hiccup who had no need to impress people who were genuinely nice. So she kept herself to herself, drinking her drink quietly and writing occasionally names in her note book of names she could follow on social media. Her social media was full of photography inspiration only a few were personal, like friends, and Hiccup's friends. She followed Eret and Snotlout but theirs are usually them working out in the gym and what new car they just got. Heather's was quite interesting, she always seemed to be doing something whether it was lunch at the most expensive cocktail bar or spa days on the edge. Her family was invested in half of it so she probably got a free pass everywhere, her name itself opened doors. She did follow Hiccups but he never really posted anything and if he did it was business related or a picture of Toothless. He was a reserved man, claimed he only had a social media account cause he was advised it was good business. And she agreed with that, the second she walked into her first photography lecture they told them all to open up a social media page for photography publicity. Basically the whole world was now on social media.
So she opened a private one as well, Hiccup only had a professional account unlike everyone else.
She'd never get bored at looking at peoples work, gave her inspiration for something she could do but also kept her up to date on today's trends. Like now she was getting a very dark and mysterious vibe from the collections, however that theme was 'Secrets Hidden' . Right now her portfolio was filled with dark and mysterious images, but as she was coming to the end of the year her photography focused on family, people, love. It was called ' Finding Lights' - they say your work reflects your mood, and at first she felt lost and lonely, now she felt loved and happiness, it's why she called it ' Finding Lights' cause she was finding happiness in her dark life.
It's why her work was so loved by everyone, it was a personal response from her being on the streets to now. But no one knew how personal so they just thought she was just getting really stuck into this project.
A cackle of laughter brought her back into the room, usually people were very quiet in galleries, but some girls - or what sounded like girls - obviously didn't get the memo. She turned as did everyone else did to see who it was, while others just tutted she did something else. "Shit!" It was whispered and only a few people heard but she didn't hang around to learn who. She just darted off behind some pillar, not trying to catch the eye of the cackling lady.
She recognised the voice, noticed the hair, knew the face, off all the places her boyfriends ex girlfriend had to come to this gallery, while she was there...
Xx
She blamed the gods, they had had it out for her ever since she was 15, and every time she thought she was finally getting somewhere, they threw shit at her yet again.
Look at her now, hiding behind a pillar from a woman she hadn't properly met yet. But she knew Cami knew of her, probably knows her face, and with her three friends by her side she didn't want to be out numbered four to one. She kept her distance, keeping her eyes on the girls as they moved through the gallery. Taking a few steps back she tried not to make a scene, God's it was pathetic. Astrid was usually a stick up for herself kind of woman, but she did not want to cost the secret of her relationship with Hiccup over a petty argument.
She kept creeping back, slowly and carefully, till she bumped into something, or someone. " oh gods sorry!" She immediately turned around looking to who she bumped into. Her own mind caught up in nonsense and now she had nearly crashed into someone. But when she turned round she was then welcomed with another familiar face. But this one was older, wiser and kinder, someone who actually brought a smile to her face, Hiccups mother.
" Val?"
She hadn't really spoken to her since Snoggletog, a few times on the phone when she called Hiccup, but after Hogmany she didn't feel like socialising with anyone except Hiccup, so it had been a while.
" Astrid dear? What a lovely surprise" surprise was the word, she hadn't expected to see Valka here, though Valka did like photography she had known that before, it was just a surprise for her.
" yeah yeah, I - err - I didn't know you were coming to this" She was surprised for sure but kind of relieved, with Hiccup away on business and her not really talking as much with her friends, she needed to talk to some else.
" a friend of a friend got me a ticket, and with Stoick stuck in his office all night I thought why not" Valka was pure wealth and elegant for a women her status, she was what every woman dreamed to be. Dressed up to the nines, still stealing youth that made her look ten years younger than she actually was. She was the woman everyone wanted to socialise with, be in her circle, it was everyone's dream to be within Valkas circle.
" great!" And then she remembered why she was behind the pillar in the first place, she half expected to turn around and see Cami looking at her full on. But when she looked back Cami was still with her friends, cackling.
" what's going on sweetie?" Val could sense there was something wrong, Astrids body language said it all. That said she understood why she was so frozen, a certain blonde with her friends was the cause of it. " ahh, I get it, she gets where gas wouldn't doesn't she, like a fly, always there" she laughed, the older woman was right, without having a proper conversation with the girl, Cami had popped up in her life now more than once.
" yeah well I'm trying to avoid that said fly " Valka wasn't too bothered on anyone seeing her, though Astrid hide behind her like a scared child.
" well then," she turned to face Astrid who was still pressed against the pillar wall, " we best get a move on and avoid them" her boyfriends mother grabbed her wrist lightly before the blonde realised they were exciting he room and entering the other one. She had such elegance even when running in stilettos, Astrid could tell when Mrs Haddock was in her prime years she was a stunning young lady.
The two laughed as they practically ran from room to room like school girls, but no one object when they saw who it was. No one would question Valka Haddock.
" I feel like I've just dropped ten years with the amount of energy I've just gained" they slowed down, walking around one of the rooms that was part of the journey, catching their breaths for a moment.
" believe me Val by the way you look, you look like you dropped ten years" it was true, Valka Haddock was in her 50's though never mentions where exactly. And she barely had any wrinkles, her hair was done by stylist and was stunning. Astrid had a lot to work up to if she wanted to be part of the Haddock family in the future. She hadn't thought about it much but the question still lingered in her head like others.
" oh darling," she blushed with embarrassment, her modesty was what she passed onto Hiccup, whenever Astrid tried to compliment him he'd go as red as a tomato and claim she was deluded or something. " I've missed you these past few weeks, I loved spending time with you over Snoggletog, so did Stoick" Snoggletog/Christmas was interesting, but she wouldn't have changed it for the world, she had so much fun spending time with a family who were wonderful.
" yeah me too" she held a genuine smile on her face.
" you mustn't let that son of mine keep you to himself!" She laughed under her breath, Hiccup had definitely been keeping her for himself in the weeks before he left on business. " I need more girl time in my life, Stoick has gotten to the age of where all he talks about is food, golf and socks" Astrid's eyebrows knitted together.
" don't ask, I have a hard time as it is understanding it myself" she laughed and let it go, was this what married life looked like, after years of marriage, love and pleasure, reality kicks in and life's not a sweet fairytale.
" and Hiccup well - he's always busy, more so now he has you, and you're not to blame my darling no - it's just my son has a habit of not communicating" she found that hard to believe since he always messaged her, but then he did mention his relationship with his parents was beyond complicated and since he felt the need to impress them he buried himself into his work.
She never even thought about it that way but was she the only person he didn't feel the need to impress, he didn't have to he's already topped off everything. But maybe it's because she told him she wasn't expecting anything, and for once in his relationships he can be himself without feeling the need to put an act on?
He seemed relaxed with his friends though so she wasn't sure, and was done guessing when Valka gained her attention again.
" I feel like a nice dinner in the city, what do you say? My treat!" Was that question was for her? Heather spoke to her about Valka, saying some day she might do this, ask her out for lunch or dinner, her alone.
She hadn't yet had anything to eat, she was going to grab something on the way home. And maybe a chat with Hiccups mother would be good, she needed to make an effort with his family like she did with his friends.
But then ... " Val I don't want to intrude on your night, you don't need to treat me to anything -" she felt kinda bad, she had gotten use to Hiccup throwing money at her literally just cause he enjoyed to do it, but it was on her terms, if she said no he'd respect that and let her do it herself. But she still feels uncomfortable when some offers to pay for her, especially when she had a sum of money ready for her every needs.
" don't be silly I could use the company and as for treating you - I insist! I don't have a daughter of my own, the closest I got was Heather. I'd love to spend some time with you, I enjoy being in your company " she couldn't say no now, but now she didn't want to, she wanted to spend some time with her, maybe she would be the closest thing Astrid got to a mother.
" Dinner would be great thank you" her smile was reflected on Valkas face, the lady taking her arm and leading her out.
Xx
She'd never been in a car with a chauffeur before, Hiccup would always drive himself, said he loves driving, it clears his head. Valka however said it means she can have a bottle of their finest wine and not worry about getting home.
The Haddocks were like the government anywhere else, except they literally owned the island, they had staff, helpers, people at their beck and call. She knew that from Hiccup, she always knew he had a lot of security, but she never noticed them when they were out, apparently they were hidden in plain sight. His parents had security too, just like the Berserkers, the family money had too many deep roots not to hire personal protection. She always wondered what it must have been like to live like that growing up, what she did know was that she wasn't ready to be followed by a bodyguard it was another reason why their relationship was kept quiet. The moment they announced they were an item she'd have to have personal protection for Hiccups sake, she'd be a target for personal reasons for the family. But even though she understood that, she didn't want a bodyguard while at University. So a secret was a better option.
His parents after getting over the fact their son had been hiding his relationship agreed it was definitely for the best for now, but sooner or later secrets get out.
The Haddocks has secrets too, some that go back centuries, and others were more close to heart. However even Stoick and Valka were kept in the dark, some secrets were just best kept from even family...
They pulled up outside the Treehouse, it was a cocktail bar and restaurant that was on the top floor of Berks famous and lovely hotel - the Forest hotel. Astrid hadn't been before, however it was on the west side of the city so it was five minutes drive from hers. The Treehouse was apparently pricey, some jokes about selling a limb to be able to afford it. However you'd think Hiccup would have taken her there but he doesn't like the vibe, he prefers the Black Dragon over a cocktail bar any day.
" I've never been here before" she claimed as she climbed out of the vehicle. The snow had calmed down a bit but Astrid still wrapped herself up in her snow coat as she called it.
" one of my favourite places to eat, the hanging kebabs are delicious" they walked in, escorted immediately by a member of staff to the elevator. This elevator would take them immediately to the Treehouse cocktail bar on top level.
It felt weird to be escorted by staff like this, with Hiccup everything was all secretive so the less people the better. Where as immediately with walking in the two were bombarded with questions and helpers to see if they needed anything.
When arriving on the top floor there was a gentleman on front desk and a lady who looked by the way she dressed to be his manager. " Mrs Haddock we have your booth ready for you" the lady took all the glory the moment Valka walked into the top floor bar.
This place was magnificent, it was like she had walked into a forest, there was a large tree structure that filled the room, the fake branches and leaves hung over their heads on the ceiling, hanging from the wall was paper birds, scattered in the sky above them. As they followed the lady to their seating area, Astrid noticed the floor boards had some sort of effect that made it tinkle in the warm lighting. The colour code was forest green, copper, plum purple, teal and a hint of gold here and there. The warm lighting sets the mood too. The decorations were done to top off the theme, bushes surrounding a little river that traveled through the restaurant, little bridges that were decorated in flowers and vines. Their booth was this giant gold and copper bird cage that was stood in the far corner, the top was attached to a large branch of the huge tree feature, making it look like this bird cage was hanging from the tree.
" Oh thank you" Valka said as she entered the booth on the left, shimmying on to the plum curved sofa. Astrid entered in on the right, sitting opposite to her, the table was laid out for them already, the only light was in the middle, with a rose surrounding it as decoration.
" Your menus " the lady who brought them here handed them two large menus asking for drinks before she left, Valka of course had her heart set on something fizzy and bubbly, and Astrid for one was not about to object.
" this place is beautiful" Astrid didn't even know this place existed in Berk, to find it was only a few minutes down the road from her.
" I only come here for special occasions, usually I'd eat in the north of West town for convenience, but when I'm with someone special I like to treat them" she shot her a wink over to her as her eyes scanned the menu she held. Astrid knew from both Hiccup and Heather that Valka Haddock likes to socialise with anyone that was within her circle. Heather stated that Val only had a few close ladies she'd take them out individually to talk and to chat. Did that mean she was part of Val's close friends?
" thank you for this, means a lot to me" she has had a shitty week and it was nice to finally have someone to talk to properly, apart from Aya.
" Hiccup told me, what happened at Hogmany, I mean bravo with that punch I would have give him tenfold myself" she laughed, no doubt in her mind that when Mrs H was a young woman she was as feisty and she was. " but he also told me about your other friends, it's a shame when people feel like they have to choose sides" Val was right, after what had happened at Hogmany, the group was made to choose sides. Was she wrong to ask that of them? But then they had already chose to support Thug even before hearing her side. Typical.
" I'll get over it, it will soon be forgotten, eventually" she looked down at her menu again, eyes kept wandering back to the crispy Singapore beef salad. Her mouth was watering at the thought of it.
" I know it must feel unfair now, and the Meathead family have always been - odd. But you have us on your side, that boy had no right digging into your personal life, and to mention your parents like that, appalling!" Before Astrid had time to answer the waiter arrive to take their order, she ordered the beef salad her mind has been set on, while Valka ordered a steak with side salad and chips, medium rare, claiming she was well over middle age and was going to have herself a few cheats !
" yeah I know," they handed back their menus before carrying on. " it just sparked all these questions about my parents, like why they were on the other side of the city when they came to pick me up, why were they both coming to collect me and not just one? It just feels off now and ever since hearing that not only my families file but Thugs too are empty, it just feels off" if she wasn't pissed off by Thugs behaviour right now she would be questioning him on this too. Hiccup was keeping up on his word, he was already asking close friends to dig further into the archives on their family history. So far nothing, just names of family members, but nothing personal like ages and birthdays and occupations. The archives use to be a big library with hard back files, now it was a computer system only Haddock industry had control over, as the owners of the island for insurance wise they needed to keep track off all those who live on their islands. But where as a hard back you can just burn, a digital file leaves a trail - but apparently this trail was very much hidden.
Valka was a good listener, she took in everything she said and didn't interrupt, " this island carries a lot of secrets, I should know I married into a family who's life's are literally secrets! When I was a bit older than you, after a few years of trying the gods blessed me with a son, but being a Haddock holds great responsibility and for your children a great burden. We announced to the Archipelago about the new Haddock heir, but for about five years I kept Hiccup out of the public eye. The people were over bearing on him, they believe because he was a Haddock that they had a right to know the ins and outs of his life and I didn't want that for him, because it can get scary, like Camicazi scary" Astrid knew of that situation, but then she never thought of everything else. They were technically celebrities to the people of the Archipelago, royals? They basically owned the land they walked on, they control the population on the islands they own. The people believed they had the right to know the ins and outs of the Haddocks lifestyle.
" but secrets have a nasty habit of coming into the light, if you have a gut feeling about your parents you are probably right. And if anyone can find out the truth it's my son, he truly loves you, I can see that, and because of that I will offer my help with years of helping out Stoick at Haddock industries. I can ask Gobber, he has an eye for finding things that don't want to be found" She was right about the part of secrets coming out. It was why she was on edge about all the secrets in her life, her background and her relationship. But then questions about what secrets the Haddocks might have? And ...
" Gobber?" Another bizarre name of the Archipelago.
" oh Hiccup's god father, he's my partner in the sanctuary, and a vet too" Hiccup spoke about his god father only a few times. Jolly fella, best of friends it's his dad and Hiccup loved him like an uncle. Hiccup had family everywhere, even in people who weren't blood related. " and once you are fully introduced he'll be happy to help"
He was the man who had been away for months traveling around the world. He was supposedly coming home this January and he still had no idea of Hiccup and her. She obviously looked concerned otherwise Val wouldn't have said what she said, " he'll love you - he'll be a pain in Hiccups backside with the amount of torments he's gonna give him, but he'll love you" it made her feel better though. She just wanted to be excepted in his family, so far she was more than excepted.
Their food arrived and the conversation about her parents was pushed a side. Astrid felt like talking about it would just stress her out more, so they talked about her and Hiccup, mainly cause Valka was just fascinated on how they met. Hiccup mentioned his mother would be like this, he prepared her for the inevitable, he was her only child and so was the only hope for grand babies. Astrid had prepared full for this conversation after Hiccup made it clear she would mention it.
" you and Hiccup make such a marvellous couple, I can just picture the grandchildren now" the thought was daunting, she hadn't even thought about kids yet, though she'd see pictures of Hiccup when he was young and her combined she had no doubt - very cute children.
But they hadn't talked about it.
" oh I didn't mean - I've put my foot in it haven't I? I just get over excited" twiddling her fork in her salad, Astrid just nodded but smiled to just let her know it was okay. " you and Hiccup haven't talk about that yet, of course you haven't it's only early" Valka felt appalled with herself, some times she over stepped her mark, a reason why Hiccup could be so distant.
" no it's fine, me and Hiccup haven't talked about - that subject yet but we've talked about the future" they talk about that a lot actually, what would happen after Astrid leaves university, how they would be seen in public. It all felt way to close yet to talk about but they still had months.
" like what?" Her statement was obviously intriguing to Val who sat on the edge of her seat. It was a shame really, Valka so much wants to be involved in her sons life, but Hiccup is caged off to his parents for some time, he'd open up occasionally before shutting the doors again.
" just about what's going to happen after uni, I was mentioning about where I would live come summer, he suggested his place" it wasn't for definite yet but he had said it, claiming they spent near enough every night together take a few, and they would have a lot of room at his place if she moved in. It was a suggestion, he left her to think about it not expecting an answer, whereas she didn't know where her mind was at.
" well that's wonderful, I know I can be a bit over the top, it's just after Cami I thought Hiccup would never recover from that, he looked broken, and I'm just happy he finally is happy now with you" Hiccup had told her the story of his psycho ex, and what state it left him in. She's guessing now that after that happened Hiccup was distant with his family, which was why Valka was so over the top a little bit.
" look if you ever want to talk about Hiccup, when he's not, I pretty much know everything" she shrugged slightly as Valka's smile grew.
" I'd really appreciate that, do you know how his trips going, his farther and I have been trying to ask but he's always busy" she looked dishearten, Astrid didn't know if her boyfriend knew what he was doing when he ignored his parents. Maybe he didn't realise but he's pushing them away, and he doesn't know like Astrid does how precious parents are when you need them most.
" he's always busy when we talk, but I think it's going well, he's not sure himself yet but he sounds up beat about it" she tried not to go into detail with how he talks about his meetings and which people he thinks will invest in him, she didn't want Val to think she was completely being shut out so she played it down.
" wonderful" she looked a little better, smiling as she cut into her steak. " so tell me a little more about you Astrid?"
Xx
Valka kept her word on dropping Astrid off at her apartment in the city, she said that Val didn't have to, she could have walked or got a bus but she just replied with, " nonsense darling, no future daughter in law of mine is getting a bus". She did it again, but Astrid just went a long with it. This evening had been so unexpected, she was presuming that she'd go to this gallery, head on home with a McDonald's takeaway or something, binge watching the comedy show Friends.
But it turned out well in the end, she needed to chat to someone who wasn't at the end of a phone, Valka was a sweet woman to Astrid, she seemed to be ultimately willing to help her out in any way possible. She missed having that kind of role model in her life, someone to just talk about problems and worried and have a reassurance as a reply. Sure she had it in Hiccup, but hearing it from Valka just felt different.
" thanks for the lift Valka, I really appreciate it, everything too, at the gallery and the meal, and just talking too. " Valka just smiled at her, truth be told Valka was more than delighted to have bumped into Astrid, ever since learning about her Valka has been dying for a chance to get to know more about her. The girl that brought a smile onto her boys face, the one that made his eyes sparkle.
" sweetheart it's been my pleasure, and if you ever need someone to talk to," her and gave Astrids a quick squeeze, " I'm here" she didn't know what came over her, Astrid was a usual keep yourself to yourself kind of person, but she literally leaped over and hugged the older woman, clinger her arms around her neck in desperation. " oh sweetheart" Valka returned the hug, giving the blonde a squeeze.
" thank you" she pulled back, pulling herself together. " I'll talk to you soon okay" she got out the car soon after saying good bye, holding back tears she didn't even know were threatening to fall. For seven years she forgot what it had felt like to have a parent guardian in her life, she wasn't trying to over step her mark, it was nice to just have that feeling once in a while.
Astrid could tell she was tired by the way she stumbled out of the elevator in a haze, it had been one hell of a night. She fumbled with the keys in her freezing cold hands, cursing herself for not wearing gloves, it wasn't that late, 22:08 pm, she could at least crawl into bed with her favour comfy clothes on (including Hiccups jumper he left her before he left) and still catch up on some late night Netflix shows.
The kitchen was messy from obviously Ruff's cooking, pots and pans left out, she'd deal with that tomorrow, now she wanted to get a bottle of water out of the fridge and fallen into her bed.
As she walked into her room, right after she stripped off all her extra layers, her phone started to right, lighting up with Hiccup's name. She got a flutter in her stomach at the though, perfect end to the day. " Hello?" She jumped onto her bed as she couldn't contain the smile on her face.
' hey beautiful, how's your night been?' He knew she was heading to the gallery, she had mentioned it before. She leaned back onto her pillow, cold water bottle held close to her chest.
" perfect"
' good, I'm glad you had a good time, you deserved it' She had been keeping a brave face over this week, telling him she was fine. But he knew her, he knew she wasn't dealing with it, told her going out and enjoying herself would be good.
And it was.
" thank you, how was your night, did you get the deal? Are you a superstar like I told you, you are?" She giggled lightly, she had a little bit too much champagne that night after they broke into their second bottle before dessert.
' well why don't you let me in and I'll tell you about it?' She shot up from where she was lay, her focus was completely on him now. What did he just say?
" what?" He was teasing with her that's what he was doing, obviously.
' let me in I'm stood outside your apartment door' her feet moved faster than her brain processed, before she knew it she was out of her room and stumbling to the door to open it. The moment she opened it the phone hanged up, and there stood Hiccup, wrapped up in layers with phone in his hand and suitcase next to him. Had he just arrived home?
His smirk was so familiar and warming, she missed his cocky smile.
" hi!" He said making her realise she had been standing staring for way too long. She launched herself at him, taking him by surprise.
" you're back!" She held on tight even when he moved them into the apartment and closed the door behind them. His suitcase was left in some corner before he returned the hug properly.
" yeah came straight here" his face was buried into her neck, he had missed her so much while away, he didn't think he'd miss her constant teasing and punches. But he'd missed her smile and her laugh, he missed her smell and the warmth he got from her.
" you must have just missed me, I've literally just walked through the door" she kissed him softly and then again and again since she had missed his lips on hers. " how was your trip?" Her kisses became more frequent, more needy, he felt it as her arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him down further towards her. He obviously dragged her closer to him with his long arms wrapping around her waist.
" you really want to talk about that now?" He mumbled against her lips, knowing full well she was too focused on undoing his tie that asking him about his trip.
They stumbled backwards, heading towards her bedroom door while still wrapped in each other's embrace, her hands were wandering back and forth from his hair to pulling off his smartly done tie. " no not really" she giggled into his mouth after he smirked against her lips. Her burning desire was too strong to pull away now, she had missed him deeply and any questions could be asked later.
In the corner peering from her bedroom door, Ruffnut sneaked a peak at the couples reunion, happy that her friend finally had some happiness to end the week. She knew she should have tried harder, seeing as Astrid practically leaped into her boyfriends arms, Ruff knew she had to do better. Come this week she would. Make an effort to talk, she would make an effort to let her friend know she was on her side. Cause if it costed her a petty argument with her brother then so be it.
It wasn't worth losing her sister.
Xx
Clothes had been discarded on her wooden floor boards, scattered far and wide, but it muffled out the echoes of slight moans and whimpers from the two lovers who squeezed themselves on the students bed. Astrid was lay on her back, consumed in her bed sheets and her boyfriends naked body, he was lay over her, pressed against her as she had her legs wrapped around his waist.
She locked her ankles around him as he thrusted into her, making the bed creek beneath them.
Her hand came up to run through his hair, but he grabbed it first, pushing it down back on the bed, his fingers laced with hers as he made love to her, kissing her neck, her jaw, her cheek, her lips. He didn't believe he could love her more but he was proven wrong as her warm giggle sent his body a flame. He sent shocks through her body as she did for him, he knew exactly what to hit to make her skin become fire, to make her breath escape her lips, to make her head roll in her plump pillow. Hiccup had mesmerised her body, every inch of it, he probably knew it better than she did, he would lay for hours in bed while she slept nude in his arms thanking the gods for this goddess he had beside him.
She gripped onto his back, clawing it as she came undone beneath him. And more importantly before him, and he knew she wouldn't be happy about it. But he'll tease her later, right now, as he finished off, panting into her skin, body relaxing as the collapsed together, he just wanted to take in the moment.
" You are never going away on business again! You understand? Ever!" She rolled them over, climbing on top of him, his body too limp to care. " I'm never letting you go" she snuggled into his neck and shoulder, the smell of sex filled the air, but it wasn't like they cared.
" yes Milady" humming into the air, right now he'd stay here rolled up in bed covers and never leave.
" how was your trip?" When the words left her mouth she realised how much of a proper girlfriend she sounded, she was a proper girlfriend, but it just hit how much she really wanted to know about his trip, even the boring parts, she wanted to hear it.
" I got the deal, five investors in Haddock industries world wide energy towers" he sounded impressed with himself, like he hadn't expected from him to win those investors over, but she did. She had every faith in him.
" I knew you would" peppering kisses over his jaw and cheek " congratulations"
He hummed as a finger dragged up and down Astrid naked back. " It took five days but finally they come through" Hiccup and business worked well together, he might think he's not good enough but if that was true then the wouldn't be the CEO of a booming company.
" how much is it costing? If you don't mind me asking?" At first she wasn't interested in what he did, she only asked to learn more about him personally. But now she was fully invested in this relationship with him, it wasn't a new thing anymore, and she wanted to be that person in his life that he talks too.
He shifted from beneath her, looking down at her. " you've never been interested in my job before?" He didn't take it to heart, he was just surprised.
" I know, I just want to be the person you can talk to about anything, and I'll listen" he shifted again, this time propping himself up with her still on his chest.
" okay, yeah I'd like that, well it's going to be a five year project, 15 power towers, together with the investors it's going to be a 15.5 Billion investment." She gulped slightly, that sort of sum would never have crossed her lips in her entire life time if she hadn't had met Hiccup. " five investors are putting in 2 billion each in the pot, and Haddock industries is putting in the extra 5.5 Billion. I tell you I had this plan written up two years ago, this will change clean energy for the world, I know it's a bit pricey but three years after the towers are built we are going to be saving massively than if we were using oil or something"
Hiccup seemed invested in his work, she'd never seen him like this, his project was him doing something good for people and he liked that, liked making a difference.
" Mr Haddock you are very sexy when you talk all business you know" he lips lingered on his jaw, slowly dragging her tongue along his skin.
" well miss Hofferson, I try my best to impress" arms wrapped around her and she was suddenly spun, now her back was met by the bed sheets once more and he was above her, chuckling as he buried his head into her skin where he could, kissing her inch by inch. And she was very ticklish.
Once he'd calm down he still lay above her, but he was caressing her face, running his hands all over her body as he admired her. " how was your week?"
Her week had been the top of all their conversations, he promised that even though he was away he would call to check in on her. " you know how it's been, awful, lonely, Hiccupless" she snuggled into his body with a laugh, but in all seriousness she needed him this week it had been awful with not speaking to her friends.
He laughed with her, mainly because he couldn't imagine her the type to be pining after him. " I'm sure it'll get better, how was the gallery anyway, I know you were looking forward to that" her mind was concentrating on the finger he still ran up and down her back, she tried to focus on his voice but he was sending her off to sleep slowly. Looking back to when she first mentioned this gallery to him she was so excited to visit it, and she was, it just turned out surprisingly different to what she expected.
" Err well it was great, just had a surprising ending was all" he questioned it first in his head on what a photography gallery could possibly had to make the ending surprising, though he didn't know of his mother making an appearance there. " first it started off great, I got loads of notes about people I could get inspiration for when doing my portfolio, " she sat up now, her back pressed agains the hard wall that her bed pushed up to, her chest fully exposed but it was only Hiccup. " and then I noticed Cami was there" cringing down at him she waited for his reaction, though it was more confused than angry.
" It's like she has a tracking device on where you are, Cami is not the kind of person to go to a gallery to look at fine photography" he played with her hands in his, she could tell he didn't like to talk about Cami, but truth be told every time he spoke with her about Cami he felt better, he felt like all the poison that was kept inside was finally going. He talked and she listened, and it was nice that he had her to talk to, his parents at first were great but then it got too much with questions and always asking when he'd move on. With Astrid there was nothing but understanding.
" Yeah well, after trying to avoid running into her I then bumped into - your mother" his eyes wandered up to hers, more confused about that then about Cami, but then his mother was interested into photography, and he could imagine her going to a place like that though.
" Well- what happened?"He asked her.
" Well she helped me avoid your psycho ex and she took me out for dinner" she shrugged her shoulders, while he narrowed his eyes at her, she couldn't tell what he was thinking right now.
" Where? Why? Please tell me she didn't bother you with loads of questions about us?" He was partly right with the questions, but she did have a pleasant chat with Valka. She did wonder why he always thought the worst when it came to his parents, but then she didn't grow up with them.
" She took me to the Treehouse, said she wanted to treat me cause she knew from you how my week has been" he remembers now that call before he got on the plane, she called to make sure he had everything sorted and was packed properly. He made a sarcastic comment on how he wasn't a grown man and didn't know how to look after himself after living by himself for so many years now.
But his mother didn't rise to it, and then continues to talk about the fact that Luna had let her in on the fact of Astrid spending the week in the Haddock Mansion. She was intrigued to know what happened, he guessed she was fishing for him to tell her his girlfriend had moved in, or something along that line, anything that got her one step closer to grandchildren. But he just expressed the issue Astrid was having with her friends. He hoped Astrid didn't take the new badly that he had informed his mother on her situation, but by the look on her face she wasn't bothered.
" Yeah course, how could I forget," he prayed she didn't bring up grandchildren to his not even one year girlfriend, his mother had this thing of over thinking a situation, and after Cami he wasn't in the mood of even thinking about children never mind talking about it. Plus he had a good thing with Astrid, he was happy with her, he didn't want to scare he off yet, the Haddock reputation was another knock to their relationship, he didn't need her thinking she was obliged to proved the Haddock family with a new generation like some dark ages crap. " she must really like you, from what I've learned about good old mom, she likes to treat people to the Treehouse when she wants their approval"
It was her turn to shoot a look of shock, " your mother, thee Valka Haddock, the woman who every lady in the Archipelago wishes to be or to be know by, wants my approval? Why on earth would she want my approval?" In her mind she was just a normal girl, lower status to Heather and even Cami, she just couldn't see what was so special about her.
" cause she knows how much I love you," his hands were back in hers, giving them a little squeezed as she smiled at him. " and she just wants to get in your good books so she can get in mine" his comment made her wonder why his mother wasn't in his good book, why was it like this between them.
" what did your mom do that makes you talk about her like that?" It infuriated her some what, to her Valka was a sweet lady who just wanted the best for her son. Sure she stepped her boundaries but doesn't every mom?
" it's complicated, I know she is trying her best but she is just suffocating with all her questions, and it's been years now since Cami and the only reason she stopped is because of you!" She could tell by his voice he wasn't enjoying this conversation. Cami was a hard subject for him, and apparently his mother didn't help with the years that followed. Astrid couldn't understand what he felt back then, what he felt now, but what she did know was that Valka was trying to be a good mother, even if she didn't realise her over stepping the boundaries. And if he knew what it was like to be without a mother, he'd be jumping at the chance to just even humour her.
" I know, just take it from me, you only have one mother, and I know yours is trying her best, and I'd give anything to be in your shoes" and she really would. He looked up at her, realisation hit him hard. He knew how much she missed her parents, saw it when they visited their grave. And he had both his parents with him, and he was taking them for granted.
Pulling her down with his hands, pulling her onto his chest giving her a squeeze. " I know - I'm sorry, I'll try better with her, try to understand" kissing her forehead over and over, until she lifted her head up to kiss him fully.
" I know I keep going on about it, but you have amazing parents, and sure they can be a bit - overbearing but - they love you, so much. And I'm so jealous of it to be honest" her hair was pushed back with his hand so he could fully look her with sad eyes.
" yeah" with his thumb he rubbed her temple. " she wasn't over bearing with you was she?" It was the the question that had been wandering his mind when she mentioned 'overbearing'. And by the way Astrid has hesitated to answer that feeling his his stomach just grew. " what did she say?" Her head popped off his chest with a smile that was more awkward than his. She was trying to think of a way of explaining it without making him push further away from his loving parents.
" well it wasn't too bad," she crawled up his body a little, so she could now run her fingers through his hair without the discomfort. " and can I just point out I totally agreed with it?" She giggles too, making him dare to ask what the conversation was.
" agreed with what?"
A hand was dug deep into his locks as she held a very cheeky smirk on her face, " our children would be very cute" while she laughed at the thought he could only cringe. Of course his mother would bring that up, but look at Astrid she didn't seem as bother as he thought she would be. In fact she continued on to make jokes about his cute chubby cheeks when he was a kid and her amazingly adorable blue eyes would create a perfect cute package. Which made his question if she had been thinking about it.
" you've been thinking about that?" It was his turn to run a hand through her hair, pushing it away from her face so he could see her properly. If now was the time he'd tell her how amazing her gorgeous blue eyes were.
" only when she brought it up, but it didn't scare me away, can't get rid of me that easily" she planted a kiss on his lips, allowing him to drag her closer, and then that chase kiss turned deeper, longer, more loving. " I'm not leaving your side Mr Haddock!" He pulled her in closer believing the words she said, believing her promises. He knew now nothing could scare her away after passing his mother's test, he hoped the rest would be an easy ride.
Though one can dream, when it came to the Haddock's nothing was that simple...