Chapter 13 - Will You Be My Valentine?
She heard the door bang first through her bedroom walls. From the sound some one had just entered their apartment very angry. It was only when she heard grunts and angry screams Ruffnut knew it was her roommate Astrid. That girl when angry could lob a table across the room if you give her the motive to do so. But it wasn't her that she was angry at, they had patched things up about two weeks ago and things were back to normal again, shopping, partying, sitting up all night bing watching Ozark with the largest pizza known to man.
And Ruff knew for a fact that it couldn't be Thug since Astrid had been avoiding that prick like the plague, so what made her vanilla blonde friend so angry to come crashing in to their home like she was?
Finally finding her strength to pull herself out of bed she made her way to see what was wrong with her obviously angry friend. And by the way their weekly mail was chucked all over the floor Ruffnut was sure Astrid was pissed. " wow who pissed in your coffee?" Astrid growled in response, launching her bag onto their dining table harshly.
It was a Thursday today - 11 th of Feb - and while Ruff has a half day and was back for lunch Astrid had a whole day off and considering she left late last night and was only arriving now at 20:24 Ruff could only guess who she was with. " trouble in paradise?" She meant Hiccup Haddock of course, for he was everyone's paradise.
" shut up Ruff!" Oh she was in a right mood, pissed off to the max from what she could see. " sorry, I'm not mad at you" she sat on the chair with a huff, it was stupid at what she was really angry at, but right now it just angered her.
" so what did he do to make you so pissed" by this time Ruff had got two glasses of water for her and her friend. Joining her on the other chair at their kitchen table.
" it's not what he did you, it's what he's not going to do" that just confused the female twin even more, she knew relationships were rocky, they all were, but Astrid and Hiccups were perfect. In Ruffnut's eyes they were the future power couple when in a few months their relationship would come out.
" okay what is he not going to do?" She took a sip of her water while Astrid just ran a finger around the rim of the glass. But before she could answer Ruff added one more thing, " and if this is some sex thing - I need full details you dirty dirty girl" she said it with such excitement as if Astrid was willingly going to dish up the dirt on her relationship. But it got a laugh out of the once previous pissed off blonde.
" no - well - no!" She brushed that thought out of her head for a second, one problem at a time.
She started from the beginning, telling her the obvious that she went to Hiccups last night since she could have the whole day in bed with him if she convinced him to stay - and obviously he did. But that was just the start to what some would say was a perfect day. After that it got interesting, she mentioned that Hiccup told her his godfather was back from traveling and had wanted to meet her, and that bit was fine. He came over, talked over coffee, even said he was going to help Hiccup dig up some information on her family, which she'd discuss another time with Ruff and not now!
" right sorry, carry on"
Astrid continued after being interrupted, went on after getting the approval of Hiccups beloved godfather and when he left was when things went down hill. And she couldn't express enough it was over the most stupidest thing in the world, but at the time it pissed her off. He claimed that he was going on yet another trip - which to her probably meant business - and would be leaving Friday (tomorrow) and not coming back till Monday!
Ruffnut stared confused at first, thinking it was kinda stupid to be pissed for him leaving for four days, she could get if it was like two weeks but four days!
And than it hit her, gasping as she finally realised " he's going to miss your first Valentine's Day! That Bastard! " however truly she was very surprised that Astrid cared about it, she didn't have her down as a romantic, ever! But Ruff could understand as if Snotlout had claimed he was missing their first Valentine's Day he'd wished he'd never laid eyes on her!
" I know, it's a stupid thing to care about, I never cared for Valentine's Day anyway but this year I was kinda excited" she eyebrows raised at her with a cheeky smile of her friend " dirty dirty dirty!" Was teased at her, her best friend always thinking the worst.
" shut up!" She finished her drink with one gulp, while Ruff took her time, taking the now empty glass to the sink. Ruffnut followed her with her eyes but still stayed sat firmly on her chair.
" Can I just say I'm so happy you are coming to terms with the sexual beast inside you" a wink was sent her way as Astrid washed her cup by hand. " even when I thought you'd never admit it, and girl if I was you and Hiccup said that to me I'd have ripped his head off his perfectly lean shoulders" Astrid joined her back at the table after placing the now clean glass into its cupboard, sniggering a little to her friends over the top attitude.
But as she sat down she suddenly didn't feel like laughing anymore, and Ruffnut noticed it, " what happened after that ?" It felt weird for once discussing her relationship than Ruff's, usually they would spend hours discussing Ruffnut's relationship failures and Astrid would sit there listening to her go on about it all night long over wine and pizza.
" I was in a mood, came straight home, he's probably pissed at me, probably thinks it's pathetic" huffing into thin air she was finally believing she was doomed to find love and be happy, she always does something to fuck something up.
" na ah! Okay Hofferson, you are allowed to want things" her friend had her full attention, " and all you need to do is talk to him about it, okay Hiccup adores you and if you tell him how much it means to you I'm sure he'll understand, hey you never know he might cancel his trip just to stay for you" the thought was nice, but Astrid had said from the start she wouldn't be that kind of girlfriend, shifting in her seat she thinks back to when Valka let her in on the sacrifice it takes to date a Haddock. Would this be one of the cons in dating a CEO millionaire who had his head buried in books and business meetings?
" I doubt that, and I just don't want to be that person to Hiccup. And plus even I wouldn't let Hiccup give up a 15.5 Billion contract-" she caused Ruffnut to nearly choke on her own breath. To be honest when Astrid first heard about how much it was all costing she nearly choked too, Hiccup said it like it was nothing to him, people like her and Ruff could only dream of getting to hear that kind of figure. The thought now even brought shivers up her spine, it was an unbelievable number.
" I'm sorry I thought you just said 15.5 Billion?" Astrid nodded, showing the same disbelief as she did, " holy fucking mother of gods! You want to swap boyfriends?" The look she got of Astrid was a straight up no, for if looks could kill ... " aww come on! Just for like one day? I don't even want the whole love thing - I just want the perks of being with someone who literally is drowning in diamonds" Her look hadn't changed, in fact it got more vicious, in a minute she swore she would see teeth like a vicious beast! " fine!"
After relaxing her deadly facial expression even Astrid thought it might be a good idea. Not swapping boyfriends! But maybe talking to him, not tonight though, she needed to stop the anger feeling from building up inside her. Ruffnut was right when saying it surprised her by wanting a romantic Valentine's Day, she surprised herself too.
" look -" Ruffnut banged on the table to gain Astrid's attention, " shove that out of your mind for now, I'll order the meat feast grande pizza - pop open the wine, we'll strip down to our underwear bring out our quilts to struggle up to in the living area and bing watch Ozark till four in the morning!" She got a laugh out of Astrid who was remembering the last time the pranced around the living in just their underwear. " who cares if we are both in at 9 tomorrow, we'll have an extra double shot expresso"
She was happy to have Ruff back as her best friend again, she needed it so much to just have her there when she needed her. Loved as she pranced over to the phone to order their go to pizza, and while she did that Astrid would pop open the wine and get the glasses. Tonight would be a good night, a girls night and tomorrow after her half day at uni she would talk to Hiccup.
That was her plan!
Xx
She thought this was a terrible idea, not only when walking out the main entrance of their apartment block was her and Ruffnut presented a paper heart, but now walking into campus people were walking round with roses in their hands, the singing society parading the streets singing " Love me like you do"! She felt like she had just walked in on some sappy rom -com movie. And yes, this whole situation was comical!
What topped it off was Snotlout was bombarding Ruffnut with texts about what he had planned for this weekend. She wanted to bury her head into the thick snow and not come out till spring.
" rose - delivery service!"
One of the 'do-gooders society members', that what her and Ruffnut called the students who were student ambassadors, was parading herself around with a basket of roses in her arm, careful not to slip on the ice beneath them.
" buy a rose and write a message and we will hand deliver them!"
Astrid remembers that tradition from her time at school, still couldn't believe they were doing it here too.
" ergh, who needs a rose these days" Ruffnut stated, she said this every year, and then go on and on about how many roses she got.
And like on cue the perkiest student known to man, Lacy, a tiny girl, her strawberry hair tied into bunches came bouncing over with a basket of roses " Ruffnut Thornston I present three roses off three suitors" she excepted the roses with a huge smile on her face.
" for me!" She can cut the crap, this was Ruff's favourite part of the day.
And the perky Lacy turned to her with her pearly whites gleaming at her miserable face. " Astrid Hofferson a special delivery of a bouquet of roses off one certain someone" she mind went straight to Hiccup be he wouldn't be so stupid to expose them over flowers. As Lacy went on her way Ruffnut looked through her roses while Astrid looked at the card on the side of her bouquet.
' your right hook is as deadly as your glare. I miss you, forgive me xx' her heart went cold and her sour look on her face went bitter, taking long hard strides she threw the roses into the bin.
" Hey!" Ruff ran after her " if you don't want them give them me!" She claimed as the bunch of roses were chucked into a bin.
" that cocky bastard can think he can be forgiven over a cheap bunch of flowers, after what he did, Meathead can take a fucking hike for all I care" Ruff finally clicked on following as her friend stormed off.
" now Astrid be rational okay, enjoy the day okay" she caught up with her friend, walking in the complete opposite direction to where her business building would be. Astrid was on a mission, but not what Ruffnut thought.
" yeah okay" Ruffnut stopped but Astrid kept walking towards her building.
" please!" She heard Ruff call knowing that Ruff really meant don't kill anyone today with your mood and death looks, not looking back she yelled back.
" no promises"
Xx
She had to get out! This room, the students, the tutors they were all suffocating! All loved up because it was the weekend of love! She was suffocating.
And it wasn't even like she could go into the dark room, that was allocated to the first years on Friday. So she was stuck in the buildings small library on her laptop going over her finals for what seemed to be the hundredth time. She looked up at the time 12:28 - time to get going, she needed to get the 12:40 bus that will take her to Hiccups building. She packed up her stuff, shoving it all in her bag and grabbing her phone to send Ruff a text on where she will be for the next few hours before heading out.
It had been so much easier ever since telling Ruff. It had been a weight lifted off her shoulders knowing that she no longer had to lie to her best friend. It also made it easier when discussing relationships, Astrid could talk to Ruff about everything like last night. Just discussing all the things about her relationship was nice to get off her chest.
She got on the bus, climbing on with all her shit, praying for the day she could finally buy herself a car. The scary thing was that in about 3-4 months that she'll be done with living as a student and maybe find herself living on her own or maybe with Hiccup. That bit was unsure yet. But her little bubble she was now in would be popped in the next few months, everything would be out in the open, and it scared her in a way. All she had her mind on now was getting her finals done and hadn't even thought about where she wanted to go next, work in a studio? Or maybe be self employed?
But then what would happen when her and Hiccup would finally come out? would people hire her? Would she be shunned for dating a business man and heir to the island? Think of the names she would be called on the local magazines? Her pictures plastered everywhere!
She shoved that thought out of her head when Haddock Industries came to view, the next stop was hers. Again she went through the motion of picking up all her stuff, swinging bags over her shoulder and shuffling off the bus not taking notice of all the looks she got. However her question was that, have people never seen a student before?
She got off with a little struggle, but once off she had time to straighten herself out she walked in like she had never left.
She probably knew this place better than people who actually worked here, she knew the ins and outs, all the corridors and exits. She had to for she didn't want people seeing her as she came in and out of the building all the time. However it got easier as she got to the top floor, for Greta knew who she was and that immediately made it easier for her.
" miss Hofferson, hello" Greta shot up immediately as Astrid walked into Hiccups wing, it was part of the building that was for Hiccup alone, that way he can deal with his own work and problems without the hundreds of thousands of staff asking questions. Greta was the first face you saw when walking in, she was the person who dealt with Hiccups day to day schedule, and as Astrid was now a regular visitor Greta was very use to her.
" hey Greta, is he busy?" She nodded towards Hiccup's office door noticing it was closed.
" oh no, he has no meetings or conferences for the rest of the day, no scheduled phone calls even, so he should be all yours " Greta was very professional when it came to Hiccups relationship with Astrid, never mentioned and never questioned anything.
" great, is it alright to leave my stuff here?" She smile motioning to all her bags she had carried here.
" oh course you can leave it in my capable hands" Greta jumped to action taking her stuff off her when you enter a hotel and some gentleman would take your bags. She thanked her anyway, it felt weird having people wait on her like this when she was no one to her, but then again Hiccup was her boss and maybe Greta felt like it was her job to make sure that her boss's girlfriend was happy and looked after.
After making sure Greta was okay with all her bags, Astrid made her way to Hiccups office, edging herself in slowly. She knew Greta said that Hiccup was free but she wanted to make sure, peering in she noticed Hiccup, he was sat on his office chair, spinner around so his back was facing her, his head in some plans that looked to be his new power towers. She walked in slowly closing the door behind her with a small bang.
" oh Greta could you get me the plans from -" he talked and spinner his chair around after hearing the door close, but when he saw it was Astrid he paused. " hi? I - I didn't know you were coming today, I was actually going to drop by yours when I left" she moved closer now when he said that, her confidence boosted.
" really?" She was at the edge of his desk now, while he was still on his chair with his plans lay out in front of him.
" yeah - sit" he pointed to the chair in front of him, so she pulled it back and sat upon it. " yeah I wanted to come talk to you about what happened yesterday" her stomach sank, he knew she was in a mood and was probably pissed, great.
" okay but before you do can I just say something" she had to go first, for if he was gonna kick off with her she wanted to be the one to storm out. Now she said that in her head she really felt Ruff's bitchiness was rubbing off.
" yeah okay" he sat back and let her go first, and she suddenly felt he throat swell up.
" okay - it's about yesterday too - I'm just gonna say it ... I don't want you to go on this works trip" she eyed his face, saw no expression about him being angry or anything, so carried on. " I'm sorry I know I said I'd never be that girlfriend, and I never thought I'd care about things like this but I want to be with you on our first Valentine's Day and that's how I feel. I'm not saying I want all the romantic crap like a thousand roses and stuff, I just want to spend this weekend with you, so even don't go, or take me with you" Ruff had said she would feel better saying what she felt and letting her feelings known. She did not feel like that now.
" right-" he was so quiet, it unnerved her, giving a slow low sigh he leaned over slightly to the set of draws in his desk. He pulled one open slowly, so you could hear the wood rub together, the clean and crisp sound filling the room. A second later he pulled out a clean white rose. As white as the snow outside, clean and perfect, on a green thorn stem with a little card attached with string. He handed it to her, prompted for her to take it.
" for me?" It was a stupid question to ask when he was basically placing it in her hands, when he nodded she took it with a smile.
" it's not a thousand roses but the card explains it all" she questioned it at first, but then looked down at her perfect rose and tugged the string free. The card fell onto her lap, she picked it up after placing the rose on his desk. Flicking it open she felt really stupid and extremely embarrassed.
' I said I was going on a trip this weekend and you're coming with me, pack some ski coats and lace underwear- I'm taking you to my family pine lodge up in the Berkian mountains. So will you be my Valentine?'
She felt so stupid, if she looked back to yesterday she didn't hear him say business trip just a trip. She assumed it was for business like the idiot she was. While her eyes were glued to the card, Hiccup had made his way next to her. She was still caught up on how pathetic she thought she had acted. Idiot!
" I never said what trip I was going on" he had a smug luck on his face smirking down at her, she was going to wipe that smirk off his face in a minute. " I really convinced you didn't I? I never had Astrid Hofferson down for a hopeless romantic" he chuckled which only made her laugh but she was finding it funny she was angry! That's what she told herself, frustrated that he completely had her convinced.
" I can't believe you Haddock!" She punched his shoulder playfully over and over making him laugh more which only frustrated her more. " making me believe you were wandering off yet again" she crossed her arms, not happy she let her guard down and let herself get caught up in his game. " I'll let you have that one Haddock but I am super pissed you made me believe you were just going to go off on some business trip and forget about Valentine's Day! And yes I like some romance and I'm not always cold hearted"
People always assumed that since she didn't wear her heart on her sleeve, she didn't have have any emotions or care about things like romance and sappy stuff. But she was human, and a woman no less, she was allowed to admit she wanted things, even if it's hard to admit.
His arms wrapped around her, she was still contemplating shoving him off, but when he kissed her head she didn't have the heart. " So is that a no then to being my valentine? To be trip?" She hadn't actually given him anything to let him know she wanted to go to be honest, she just torn strips off him.
" oh no you ain't getting out of taking me to the family pine lodge mister! I've never been to the mountains before" he held a huge smile on his face knowing he had impressed her, but she still had her reputation to uphold. " I'm still angry, you'll have to make it up to me" and he could tell as she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing his face down to meet hers.
" your wish is my command this weekend Milady" a soft kiss was placed upon her lips as her waist was dragged closer. She had already forgiven him 100%, but she liked to keep him on his toes, she'll eventually let him in on the secret of her forgiving him seconds after he admits he's taking her away. She's just going to have a little fun first.
" good" he went to kiss her again but she raised a finger to his lips before he could do so, " now Mr Haddock, I have no time for messing about, I need to go home and pack" he was disappointed and excited at the same time, especially when she kissed his cheek lightly.
He had planned this trip day by day, and was already fully packed in the back of his car. His ideal day was to drop by hers later this evening and surprise her with the trip then, but this worked out fine. He hadn't expected her to get so angry about the little trick he pulled, he did guess last night she was a little upset but not to this content. However it was just something knew he was learning about Astrid Hofferson.
" you want a lift?" He contemplated what he had left to do, if he packed his laptop and did about an hour a morning over this weekend he would be caught up for next week.
She was still lingering in his arms, her eyes narrowed as he said it, " don't you have work to do? I don't want to pull you away from it" that answer to him was a ' yes please but are you sure cause I'm a good girlfriend and don't want you to feel like you have too.' Typical Astrid !
" yeah I mean I'm sure the boss won't mind" he gave her a wink before exiting from the embrace. He walked over to his desk packing away his laptop and files in a sturdy briefcase. He always looked super professional when he carried his briefcase, and on the occasion she catch him wearing his reading glasses, her hot geeky CEO.
" are you sure? I've met him, he can be a bit of a pain in the ass!" She played the game, biting her bottom lip slowly as she saw his face contemplating to smile or be shocked, or a bit of both...
" well you should know he has an abusing girlfriend" he teased her and with the punch that came next it wasn't technically a lie. Her right punch sends shock waves through his arm and shoulder.
" I am not abusive !" He was still laughing though but she wasn't to happy with that either.
" my arm completely disagrees"
Xx
" would you stop that!" She had popped into the bathroom for a second and suddenly Hiccup had found his way into her underwear draw yet again and was throwing pairs into her case that got his approval.
" what? Can't I have my valentines treat?" Dangling red and white lace in front of her. She snatched her underwear from his grip and shoved it on the case to much of her dismay, his smug look he held on his face made her even want to punch it or kiss it - she hadn't decided.
" go wait in the kitchen, make yourself a drink, and I'll finish packing" he pouted, which made the sensitive side to her giggle and place a quick kiss on his cheek. " spoil sport" was whispered as he left, deep down in that nearly 28 year old man was a child screaming to be set free. She shook her head with a laugh, amused she had a boyfriend who acted like a little boy when he didn't get his way. However the difference was underwear and not something like a jar of sweets.
Hiccup however did as he was told, knowing if he kept his Mrs happy then he'd get the reward in the long run. He decided he was going to make some fruit tea for the two of them, Astrid's favourite was peach. While the kettled brewed and he got out two mugs for them when the front door of his girlfriend's apartment swung open and in walked Ruff who looked rather exhausted. Until she saw Hiccup Haddock in her kitchen.
" ahh!" He popped the teabags in.
" hey Ruffnut!" He waves like normal, he thought after a few months of Ruff knowing about them that she was now cool with it. However she still at times was caught off guard that her roommate was dating a billionaire, a secret relationship with a billionaire. It was like some Hollywood movie for Ruff, and it was all happening in her best friends bedroom.
" you know, you should really wear a sign or something to let me know you are here - or I don't know send me a text" She threw her bag on the sofa, before joining him facing the kitchen counter.
" yeah sure I'll put it on my priority list" Ruff didn't get his sarcastic comment, that or she chose not to listen to it. No instead her eyes wandered to the two mugs and jumped from A to B.
" aww you guys made up" saying that only clarified it even more to Hiccup that he really got under her skin yesterday. The kettle finished brewing and he could finally pour the water into the two mugs.
" err yeah we did, of a sorts" he laughed. Not exactly making up when he was only playing a trick on her.
" that's so cute, so I'm guessing you're staying?" It only just dawned on his that his entire relationship was run by Ruffnut whenever Astrid needed. He didn't blame her, he spoke to Eret and Snot all the time about it but lads are different, they mainly joke about sex and on occasion go deep and talk about feelings. But then he wonders what did Ruff actually know about them, everything? But he trust Astrid's judgement on her friend and if she trust Ruff to not say anything then so did he, sorta.
" well no," her eyebrows knitted together as she stared at him, " the trip I had planned wasn't for business, I planned on taking her to my family pine lodge in the Berkian mountains for the weekend" immediately her face changed, it went all soft and smiley. Truth be told Ruffnut was a hopeless romantic like any other girl, hearing those words just made her heart melt. Her best friend had definitely found a golden one there, lucky bitch.
She says that, she is lucky with Snotlout, but the fact was - and even Snot knew it - Ruff had fantasies about this Billionaire, heir to the island since she was 13 and he was about 18, she couldn't help but let her mind wander a little. And that's when her face changed again, a dirty smirk and raised eyebrows. " gonna get dirty dirty with my bestie then I'm guessing, romantic weekend, candles, fire with the snow storm outside makes for a weekend with a mass amounts of sex"
Ruffnut has twice the confidence Astrid did, and even Astrid made Hiccup nervous sometimes. But Hiccup couldn't handle this, his cheeks burned and his hand raised up to the back of his neck, he was sweating. Astrid had warned him about Ruffnut and personal space, but she never mentioned she was this up front in asking about someone's sex life. " err well " he didn't know where to start to answer that as his girlfriend's roommate just stared at him with an amusing smile on her face.
" RUFFNUT!" He praised the gods, as he turned around Astrid had walked out of her bedroom door, bags thrown over her shoulder, her face was like thunder.
" crap, it's the Mrs". Ruff took the chance as Astrid threw her bags and case on the sofa in their living room/ kitchen dinner, to shoot off from the kitchen counter, but Astrid was faster, making her stop dead in her tracks.
" Ah ah! Thornston!" Ruffnut begrudgingly turned to face her friend who still held her face of thunder. " we talked about personal privacy, I told you to keep your trap shut" she meant her big gossiping mouth which sometimes couldn't hold water.
" okayyy, sorry" she directed her apology to Hiccup who just waved it off as he took another sip of his fruit tea. " you have to understand I can't just turn off ten years of fantasies just like that" she clicked her fingers while Astrid rolled her eyes, Hiccup however perked up listening to the girls talk.
" ten years? I was 18" suddenly Ruffnut perked up with a hug smile on her face, gleaming as a memory popped up on her head.
" I remember the day I told my mom you were the man I was going to marry" again Astrid rolled her eyes and Hiccup had burning red cheeks again " it was in July and you took a trip with now I think about it was with Snotlout and three other boys, to Bangkok, those pictures on the front of Berks magazine, I'm sure if I looked deeply enough I could find that magazine in my draws" it amazed Astrid how much her best friend was in love with her boyfriend or in love with the price tag that was attached to his name.
" gods that was my first boys trip ever, My mate Fin suggested it after my accident to get out the Archipelago for a few weeks, we took Snotlout who was 16 at the time, he was a pain in the ass that holiday, always having a go about my leg." It was no lie that Hiccup Haddock had a prosthetic leg, the accident was broadcasted on the news when the 17 year old got in a car with a drunk driver. But he rarely talked about it much which was why Astrid was paying close attention when her talked.
" yep I knew I wanted you when I saw you owned a yacht" Astrid ignored the comment while Hiccup was amused, she kept her eyes on Hiccup, the world around her just went silent. For a second she wanders back to when she was 13 and living life under her parents roof. And then she looked back at when she was 18 - she didn't get girls holidays or spending time with her friends - she was not living under any roof.
But Hiccup had all that yet was still not happy with what came with being popular, the three boys he went away with - where were they now? This Fin, where was he? Did they start expecting things that came from being friends with a Haddock? And even then Hiccup had a major accident that had effected most of his teenage years, apparently according to Heather he wasn't the same till going to Uni and then Cami happened after that. Two traumatic events in the time period that was supposed to be the best years of your life.
The thing was, was Astrid was looking at what made them complete opposites. How they were brought up was the main factor, but she was now realising what made them so similar. They were both broken by things that wasn't under their control, and so they were patching each other up without even knowing it.
" Astrid!" Ruffnut's voice broke her silence, making her look in her friends direction. " I said I hope you are looking forward to the trip?" Her eyes wandered back to Hiccup who just smiled at her and she smiled back. With a nod she looked back to Ruff, " yes I am, it'll be nice to get away for a few days, just the two of us" and she looked back to Hiccup who was still smiling at her.
" oh stop - I can sense the sexual tension already" Astrid rolled her eyes while Hiccup blushed again at Ruff's comment.
" we should get going the storm could set us back" Astrid said while looking out her window, February was the last month of thick snow they say in Berk, and it was giving a hell of an end show, the storm was coming in thick and fast giving Berk a blanket of snow to cover it. Astrid was starting to like the snow and now it would be soon becoming to an end, she liked how clean and perfect everything looked, it was like the snow covered all that was bad with the world.
But with the storm becoming thicker and faster, their journey of what should be an hour could become an hour and a half, and if anything were to happen they could be stuck in deep snow. " we don't want to get stuck in the snow" she liked to watch the snow fall, it was like watching chaos unfold while she stood still. Quite the representation of her life to be honest.
" you're right, come on let's get going - oh, do you want your tea?" He came out of the kitchen area holding another mug in his hand, by the looks of it he had drank his already. So she kindly took the mug from him, quickly chugged the warm tea down while he grabbed her bags promptly.
" I can get them" she stated, dabbing her mouth with the back of her hand as she watched him swing her bags of his shoulders and grab her case.
" don't be silly, I've got them. I'll take them down to the car, I'll leave you to say good bye to Ruff" he turned to walk out and saw Ruff standing by the door " bye Ruff" he gave her a nod as he set to leave.
" bye sexy!" Her friend would be the death of her if she kept saying stuff like that, poor Hiccup didn't need it and neither did Astrid.
Once Hiccup had left it only left the girls, both know what the other was thinking, " I know Hofferson, you're going to miss me!" She held so much confidence Astrid sometimes wished she could take some from her. " yeah I am and you are not getting any 'details' either when I get back" she walked towards her friend who was meeting her half way.
" you bitch" they met, wrapping arms around each other with a warm hug. She loved having Ruff as a friend, everyday was not like the other with her. " have a fucking fabulous time" she then threw her back holding onto her vanilla blonde haired friend by the shoulders " wear protection, you don't want a Haddock baby, yet!" She emphasises on the 'yet' for they both know out of the two of them who would be more excited if Astrid became unexpectedly pregnant.
" I love you too" she knew when Ruff spoke like this it was only out of love.
" now go, or I will take your place" her head nodded towards the door, and Astrid knew that she would take her place if she didn't.
With one last final hug Astrid said good bye to her friend, she'd be back Monday anyway so at least Ruff would have the whole apartment to herself. That she was sure Ruff was going to use to her full advantage of, so with final goodbyes and cheeky winks here and there Astrid left her apartment and jumped into the elevator with excitement. She was going to the Berkian mountains for the first time to see the snow fall and sit by the fire, lounge in the thickest furs with nothing underneath.
And for once she had to admit all her problems she had bundled up in her head was simply just drifting away.
Xx
Hiccups eyes couldn't help but wander as Astrid's hands fidgeted on her lap while they drove up north. He always noticed that she looked uncomfortable when sitting in his car, she had gotten better with time but she still looked uneasy. Maybe it was due to the fact she still felt out of her depth but he tried his best to make her feel comfortable, and she made it clear she was comfortable in his presence but not quite there with his whole lifestyle.
But he looked down to her face and could tell she was excited, her smile was huge, and she had excitement in her eyes.
He had packed his bags this morning so after throwing hers in and watching her come prancing down and jumping into his car he was finally happy to be getting some time away. Ever since Hogmany he had wanted to lock the doors of his house and keep the two wrapped within his bed sheets. But that's not what reality had planned. He had planned this weekend away after Hogmany day only to look forward to some peace alone. He never thought with looking back at his young 20's that he'd be looking forward to spending a quiet weekend away, but then he was coming up to 30 in two years and blamed it on age. He often wonders if she'd get bored of him wanting a quiet life but she didn't seem to mind, when Ruffnut and Snotlout would go out clubbing Astrid never seemed bothered in staying in with him. In fact she said she preferred it. If it meant jumping into bed earlier.
They hadn't spoke much since getting in the car, just a few questions at the start with the answer 'you'll see'. But then when driving they didn't really need to talk, it wasn't like it was awkward, they were past the stage of awkwardness in their relationship long ago, sometimes silence was nice and peaceful.
To be honest to himself everything with Astrid was peaceful. Even though she claimed she brought baggage and unwanted questions, he disagreed. In fact he'd rather deal with a million of her problems and it will still be more peaceful than spending his time with anyone else. He looks back on Cami, how being with her was a problem in itself, everyday was a drama and everyday was a burden. The weeks that followed before their break up was when he was at his most drained. Some would say he looked grey near the end, he just remembered each day he'd wake up and pray he wouldn't get a phone call claiming she'd kill her self if he didn't pay her the attention she needed. Said she was feeling neglected when he didn't tell her every minute of every day that he loved her, and where he was every second of the day, or she'd starve herself - starve the baby.
Those peaceful days rarely happened.
But that was five years ago give or take, he didn't think much of those days now, tried to put them behind him. Astrid tried her best to get some things out of him, and he'd tell her, but them close himself back up again afterwards. Heather claimed it was a Hiccup thing, he just thought it was for the best to keep himself shut off from that part of his life now. Move on.
And that's what he was doing now. Moving on.
So far they had just past the mark of the further up north Astrid had been, now was all new territory for her. But with the trees and the snow it wasn't much different to the journey when traveling to Hiccups house. Except right in front she had full view of the Berkian mountains, tall mountains that stood tall and proud. You could see the ski resort in the clouds, cabins dotted up and down the mountains like an isolated retreat. They were coming up to a fork in the road, you could even go left or right to either side of the mountain. He put his indicator to the left which made her wonder what was to the right?
" right is the way to the ski resort, that road takes you straight to the log hotel and the individual cabins to rent" he spoke when he obviously noticed she was questioning it in her mind.
Ruff had been to the log hotel one time with her parents when she was young, said it was like a winter wonderland there when the snow fell. Hiccup said before when they set off that his family's pine lodge was in the middle of no where with the woods surrounding them but there is a little dirt path that you can take that will take you on a trip through the mountains and the woods to the ski resort. And considering the Haddocks own everything on that Island they were allowed straight on in. Like they said the name Haddock opened doors of all kinds.
" so going left will takes you where exactly?" She smiled, knowing that it'll take them straight to their safe heaven for the weekend.
But as they drove through the trees, they came to a clearing and to their right was Berk's international airport, there was a huge clearing before you hit woods and mountains where the airport was built. Since the snowstorms has hit throughout the winter month, flights had been cancelled here and there around the winter months, Hiccup was one of the lucky ones to get a flight when he went to Dubai, some people had had flights cancelled and delayed through the months October to February.
The smaller Archipelago airport was located in the south of the island. Placed between the city and East town, the smaller airport fit perfectly there and was usually the airport people used for a holiday since you don't need a passport to go to the Archipelago islands if you live there.
It was so quiet though now, the storm had been picking up these past few days and it was this weekend that it was going to hit its peak. Hopefully it would be the last storm before spring hits, even though she had gotten use to the snow, she missed the heat of the sun, to watch the leaves flourish and the flowers bloom. But once past the airport they were back into the winter wonderland again, large trees on each side of the road, they were covered in snow and it just made you think you were somewhere else in the world, completely secluded from the world. The deeper they got into the mountains the more at peace she felt.
" it's beautiful" the words left her lips before Astrid even thought about it. She immediately looked over to Hiccup to see if he caught her, of course she got a smile back.
" wait till you see Haddock lodge"
Xx
Haddock lodge had been in the family for as long as Hiccup has known. As a kid he'd spend a lot of time there especially from the months October to February, it was only after he started to get older that he was made to show his face more. He believed his mother would keep him there as a child so he'd be hidden from the public eye. It's why he thought it would be perfect to get the last of the winter weather to take Astrid to it, have some alone time without any worries.
This place was always a favourite to him, after the whole Cami business he'd spend a few weeks here, even if it was summer, it was just nice to just be alone. And he was looking forward to alone time with his girl.
He drove up the rocky dirt path that led them to the pine lodge, you could see it peaking through the trees, the dark pine wood stood through the clean white snow. He'd occasionally look over to Astrid beside him who just watched in awe.
They arrived through a clearing of trees and into the parking zone the lodge had. She couldn't help but look at the wooden structure, looked like a candy cottage from some Christmas movie she'd watch as a kid. The three story building was marvellous. It was rustic yet held a modern taste to it with the lights outside the porch. The car had pulled under a canopy to help protect it from the weather and to her left was the front door, this large oak wood door that stood strong and firm with steps to help you enter.
" wow!" Was all she could get out, times like this she was reminded what came with the Haddock name. She forget who her boyfriend actually is, to her he is just her goofy Hiccup.
" you like it? You should see inside." As they got out the car Astrid took a moment to see where they were. By the look of it they were sandwiched between two over lapping mountains, not necessarily able to see anything from below but that might have to do with the trees that surrounded them. The lodge was within its own area, the trees created a boarder around it. She could see the entrance where they had just come from behind the pulled up car and to the right of them was the path that Hiccup had said would take you directly into the Ski park. He said it was about 20-30 minute walk depending on how thick the snow, and that over this weekend he would take her there.
While she wandered the area like a fish out of water, Hiccup took the task to getting both the suitcases and the bags from the boot of the car. It was only when he slammed the boot door with a bang did Astrid jump back into reality.
" oh sorry!" Anywhere he had taken her now it had always seemed she was the one looking and admiring while he did all the work.
" don't be, I've seen it a million times, go look around if you want, I'll get the cases up stairs" he threw her the keys to the front door, she catches them excitedly, didn't even give her time to ask if he was sure before her said, " Go!" She ran in with a smile, slightly more excited than she was letting on to see their cabin for the weekend.
She walked in and immediately put her keys into the key bowl beside the door to her left. She was welcomed with a semi open space. To her left where she put the keys was a semi narrow cloakroom, where she guessed boots and coats should be put. So she did not wanting to leave a trail of snow through the house.
To the right of the door was a staircase going up, but she'll leave that till later, now she wanted to explore the rest of the down stairs. The lay out of the bottom floor was quite an open space but with partition walls to separate areas. She walked straight ahead past the walk in cloakroom and the stairs, past the stairs to her right was a small fire place incases in glass, and that was the first thing you noticed before walking into the living room. The living room was mainly to the left for there was a wall to the right behind the fire place and in front was a another partition wall that separated the living area and made a little walk way that connected to another corridor to another room.
The living room on the left had a huge corner couch that seated eight, it also had a huge rug butted up to the sofa and a coffee table in the far left. The flat screen tv was placed on the wall opposite the couch. And on the far left wall was a door that lead out to an out door area that was fenced off. She had saw that on the drive in.
She walked on straight not hearing Hiccup come in behind her, walked past a little seating area to then turned right she immediately walked into a spacey kitchen. The dining area was straight again, the table seated eight like the sofa did, and to her right was the modern kitchen with an island in the middle which looked like a smaller version of Hiccups. In the far right was the cupboard stocked with food, everything looked fresh and ready to use, Hiccup must have had this prepared before they arrived. To the left of the kitchen was another door that took you outside, but this one took you out on a full decking, she looked out the window to see chairs and tables covered in snow, but as well a hot tub covered slightly to the right of the door.
She immediately got excited, a huge smile appear on her face when she felt all cosy and at home. She ran back through the house, running up the stairs she saw at the front. When she got up at the top her bare feet was welcomed with soft plush carpet, the landing/corridor was beautifully decorated, with deceptive draws to fill the space. In front of her on the far wall was a single door that lead to an outside balcony, and to her left was a set of double doors that what she guessed was a bedroom.
Waking in she saw a large room, filled with bright colours of orange and forest green. It was very child like but what gave it away was the small bed with toys and bookcases placed everywhere. Astrid questioned at first what was a children's room doing in the Haddock lodge, but then Hiccup had to be a child at some time like everyone else.
" this was my room from the ages of birth to five-" she looked back to see Hiccup stood in the door way of the open door. " I spent the majority of the year here throughout my childhood"
He had mentioned it before, and so did Valka, Hiccup would spend his childhood here out of the public eye, not a lot of people knew of the location of the Haddock lodge, and it was well hidden.
" how come it's still here?" It was obvious that Hiccup wasn't a child anymore.
" well as I got older I moved into one of the room upstairs, mom and dad never got around to switching it, and I guess now they hope I'll have kids to bring here one day" she must have looked as flustered and embarrassed as he was cause her cheeks looked as red as his.
" come on, I'll show you our room" he left and made a sharp right, leading down the landing. She followed him eagerly, butterflies in her stomach when he said 'our'. On the end of the landing before going up another set of stairs was another set of double doors, and one was open from where Hiccup had entered. Their room was huge, as she walked in she first saw a seating area, huge and comfortable. To her left was the rest of the room, a super king size bed was on the far left wall, where Hiccup was with the cases and bags surrounding it. They had their own balcony which was accessed through a door on the wall in front of her. But as she walked over to Hiccup she noticed a walk in wardrobe and an en-suite when you turn back on yourself.
" whatya think?" He asked seeking her approval. She was impressed that was for sure, this place was amazing, warm, romantic.
" I have no words" when she was full stood in front of him, he felt her arms wrap around his middle, face crushing into his chest and shoulder. " it's perfect"
With a smile in return he embraced her back, nuzzling his face into the crook of her neck and hair. He wanted this to be perfect. " we can un pack and then make something to eat later" her arms circled around his waist, fingertips gripping onto his shirt and pulling it from being tucked into his work pants. " what - whatya doing?" She held the rim in her hands, floating up slowly to undo the bottom buttons. She smirked and it sent fireworks soaring up his body, he still had his suit jacket on but that didn't stop her when she unbuttoned his shirt running her hands over the sensitive skin on his chest.
" I don't want to unpack!" Her hands raised higher up his chest to his neck, wrapping her arms around the back of his head and pulling him down towards hers. She felt his arms pull her deeper into his body as her lips pressed against his, and suddenly they forgot about the unpacked cases when she pushed him back onto the bed, and climbed on top of him.
She worked on removing his suit jacket and unbuttoned shirt from his shoulders and arms while she kissed him desperately. Once they were removed from his arms he wrapped his now free arms around her waist once again. She had been rid of her coat when she entered the lodge, she only had a knitted cropped jumper in the way of her bare skin beneath. " you know-" she was stopped with her lips for a moment before he continued " this is not what I had planned -" before he said another word she shot up from kissing him, disappointment filled her face.
" really?" When he invited her to spend the weekend especially over Valentine's Day, she excepted a lot of this.
" oh no - I mean yes I planned for a lot of this -" she was relieved when he stuttered out his answer. " I mean right now, I planned to unpack and then take you out on a walk to show you around and then I'd cook you a fancy meal -" she kissed his once more, for one he was rambling but for two he was such a romantic. His eyes fluttered open when she pulled away, a smile shined down at him.
" so do you want to stop?" She smirked as she pressed her bottom half into his crotch area. He twitched, his face a picture as he tried to reverse what he just said, " no - I - no!" His hitched breath relaxed when she released the pressure off his crotch, which only made her giggle softly. Hiccup watched slowly as she leaned down and brushed her nose against his, her breath smelt minty and cool, and he couldn't help but brush the hair that fell down on his face behind her ear.
" Hiccup, you know - not everything goes to plan " she teased, as she ran her lips over his slightly. " you think you can get over it tonight?" She sat up straight lifting her jumper over her head swiftly and revealing a magenta bra underneath.
" I think I can, but - is that new?" He went to lean up to look closer but she pushed him back down again. " maybe?" She crashed down on top of him, kissing him deeply until he spun them around, flinging her underneath him quickly. She squealed which wasn't an Astrid thing, so much so Hiccup pulled away for a minute to laugh.
" shut up!" She smacked his arm playfully, as he continued to cover her with kisses through his laughter. He'd never admit it cause it would probably gain him a slap but he loved that he could make her squeal, he loved he could make her squirm underneath him. And most of all he loved he could make her scream unexpectedly when he tipped her over the edge. She made it clear she was a head strong women but when it was just the two of them, he loved this other side to her that she only allowed him to see.
" I didn't say anything milady" he said as he continued to not only plant kisses all over her exposed skin, but unhook her bra from behind with a ping.
" you were thinking it" a moan escaped from her lips, once her bra was removed he teased her nipple with his tongue and it always was a sensitive area.
She was now writhing under his hips now, he could feel it as she was rubbing against him he was getting harder. He didn't know if she knew what she was doing, but by the way she smirked sometimes he was sure she did. So he moved down, speeding things up for he knew she wasn't a patience one, and began to un do her jeans buttons. Loosing them up so when he pushed them down her legs he could grab her matching magenta underwear with them. He kiss every inch of her newly exposed skin as he pulled the last of her clothes away, making her gasp and moan into the covers of the bed.
He returned back up to her when he was rid of her discarded clothes, but she was playful in the way she looked at him, and it wasn't long before he figured it out. She mirrored his actions from before, flipping them from her being underneath to back on top again. " I'm getting a little sick of this one sided thing Babe " She motioned to the fact he still had his work pants on, it was no secret he always undressed her before undressing himself, but he can't help himself if he was excited.
She worked on his belt, pulling it clean off his trousers, " you look so sexy when you do that" she nearly laughed when he teased her like that, knowing she was pulling a concentrating face that wasn't the best look she could pull off. But she got the belt off quickly so it worked for her even if she pulled a face that made him give her a sarcastic comment.
" and don't you forget it Haddock" she let her weakness show when she leaned down slightly, it gave him the opportunity to pull her down by the neck and capture her lips once again. Dominance wasn't really a thing for them, they both fought for the lean each time and it would depend who would take over that time. Sometime she'd give in under his arms, or she would find herself on top. However he did like to take the lean when he could, and she was too caught up in it all to care.
His hands would run up and down her body like they were now, sending chills through her as if it set her skin a flame. She felt utterly safe under his finger tips, felt the world slip into abyss, and let it consume her. She let it consume her like the sheets in the bed as he would push her down into them, it felt amazing to just let go, feel his fingers slitting into hers as he pushed her down further. It was liberating! Whenever he would hold her like this, taking in every moment when he kissed her, when he held the side of her face with his soft hands, it made her forget that about a month and a half ago her cheek was on fire and her lip pulsed. He wriggled out of his pants and underwear only to get them caught on his prosthetic in the end, but she didn't see, she was too consumed with his mouth, his fingers, and his warmth. It drew her in to this safe haven, one where all her worries just slipped away, no more worrying about Thugs psychotic behaviour, no more worries about her parents death, no more worries that gods were against her - no! No worries, just pleasure.
Her legs would wrap around his waist like they do now, his lips would run a sweet trail of love over the side of her face like he's doing now. He was so predictable, but she wouldn't have him any other way, for when they were together like this, in this way, his hips moving with hers, and their bodies exploding with overwhelming pleasure, everything felt right, it fit perfectly. It was clique she knew that, and if anyone had known her truly they'd know Astrid wasn't one for being so sappy and in love.
But Hiccup brought this side out of her, this soft, sweet, even weaker side to her. But then it also made her strong, to be loved is to have strength. And he brought that side of her to light, as well as trust...she always had trust in her friends - Ruff more than anything - but with Hiccup it was a whole new level of trust. She felt more save of her own self preservation to tell Hiccup about her past in a few months than she did telling her best friend in a few years.
He grounded her to this place she now called home.
Her mind drifted off else where as the tension within her body and between her legs grew, Hiccup knew her body, down to every inch, had had explored it, mesmerising it, so that every time there was something new that brought her to her height. She hated to admit it but Hiccup was definitely better at this than she was, he'd hit a certain spot that made her back arch and her toes curl, so much so she'd be screaming into the pillow beside her. But he disagreed.
He was certain there was no other match for him than her, his hips fit perfectly with hers, she matched his rhythm, wasn't sloppy, she held on till they were both to the last ounce of energy. She believed it to be ridiculous, but he was adamant - no one else could draw him in like she did.
He collapsed on top of her, no snarky comments were made on who one this conquest. He was worn, breathing like a panting dog, gasping for air. The space between them was sweaty and hot, forgetting the fact it was cool crisp weather outside. He was still slotted between her legs, no energy or will to move just yet, he just looked down at her, lost in those ocean blue eyes as she smiled back up at him. Her skin was covered in a thin layer of sweet, it shimmered in the dark lighting of the room, no doubt his does too but he couldn't possibly look as stunning as she did.
" what are you - staring at?" Her whisper only just met his ears, it was mainly just her heavy breathing while trying to catch her breath that was louder than her actual voice.
" something beautiful, gorgeous, unintentionally stunning and - I'm forgetting something here .." he pulled a funny looking questionable look, his tongue half sticking out as he look as if he was figuring something out. " ah - fucking sexy" she laughed, though that wasn't the reaction he was expecting. Hiccup wasn't one to call her sexy, not that he didn't think it, but he was a chivalrous, he believed a women should be reminded of her beauty not being called something that would imply he wanted sex.
She knew that of course, but the fact they were lay together naked - bar Hiccups pants still caught on his prosthetic - she excepted the compliment fully.
" you wasn't supposed to find it funny" he said rolling off her so it was now to her left side. Astrid instantly rolled on her left, her right hand locked in his left one. It was this she loved the most, when they would just lay in each other's arms no matter where they were, whether it was hours after love making or after something sweet and simple like now, she loved to just sit here and let time tick by.
When ever she was with him time seemed to move perfectly, not too fast - not too slow, and finally she felt she fit somewhere in the world. Again clique but she needed a bit of clique after the past few years. It felt normal if she was being honest, and she loved it. " what are you thinking?" She was so readable to him. So much so she had a warm smile when he proved how much he knew her, meant he listened and focused on her, which always was a nice thought.
" I'm just - happy, so so happy" she snuggled into the crook of his neck, taking in his sweet smell, while listening to his laughter when wrapping his arm around her naked back.
" so I've made up for my little prank earlier, yeh?" She felt his finger move around her back, dragging circles around and around her back, the feeling was continuous, sending her eyes all droopy. He was trying to distract her, moving his finger with his nail slowly dragging along her back, the sensation was amazing. And even though it was a very good distraction, the feeling wouldn't change her mind.
" na ah - " she pushed him down fully on his back, pushing him back into the covers while straddling him. Settling herself upon him, she sunk down onto his hips with a sharp gasp. " not just yet you haven't -" she began to move slowly causing Hiccup beneath her to grasp onto her thighs as his head rolled back into the covers. His breath started to become more heavy as his eyes fluttered open and close when groaning into the air around them. " you have a lot of making up to do this weekend" her hips moved faster this time, hitting harder every time she sunk down back onto his hips. It caused her breath to become more erratic too, she'd gasp with his groans while their fingers would collide together, locking the two hands as one as the pressure between the two began to build.
" well believe me milady when I say your wish is my command" it was a half laugh - half moan that escaped his mouth as she moved faster. He wanted to feel her body within his hands, her lips on his, he wanted to kiss every inch of her skin till there was not a possible inch on her skin he hadn't touched, he'd do it twice to just be sure. He sat up slowly, his hands ran over her creamy skin, her waist, the side of her rib cage, a thumb brushed past the side of her breast ever so slightly and it was intentional of course - just to gain that small gasp she let escape. He then explored her back, running them around her to hold her tight. His fingers ran over the bumps of her skin, memorising every inch of it.
" you're no fun Mr Haddock, what - you don't like to be on the bottom?" She laughed too, through her small gasps here and there. Her mouth was mostly covered by his, their lips colliding together perfectly, but they would part for only a few moments here and there to catch their breaths.
" on contra milady, I'm beginning to quite enjoy it" a kiss was lay on her nose, the heat between them was becoming quite unbearable, but the two showed no signs of breaking their close bond. They couldn't, not now, not this close!
" good -" a small moan left her lips, she was losing more control of herself in him, the feeling was too strong to resist. " cause you better get use to it" her arms circled round his neck, she brought her hand to the side of his face as they reached their end. A smile fell upon her face, it was only small, but it was noticeable while she rides out the last of her pleasure.
" what?" He noticed her smile, her beautiful sweet smile looking up at him.
" it's going to be a very good weekend" her smile turned into a laugh, well a giggle more like, a very exhausting giggle.
" well I hope so," when he spoke he sounded as exhausted as she did. " I planned to do my up most best to make this weekend the most romantic, sappy and exhausting weekend you'll have ever experienced milady" once again a kiss was placed on her nose, the act just as affectionate as it was a few minutes ago.