Chapter 24 - The Lady Of The House
She was bored out of her mind, she hated this little room she had been confined to for three days now. Three sleepless nights of back aches, three days of fucking vile hospital food, she'd give anything to just go home, with Hiccup, curl up in bed, have home cooked food, cuddle up with the little fur baby she missed so much.
It was nearly 9 am, visiting hours would begin soon, she was hoping Hiccup would be waiting with a bag of goodies at the door to be let in. Today was the day she could get discharged from the hospital, Hiccup would need to sign some final paperwork and then she would finally be able to leave. Eret has been great, for the past few days he had been pulling in 'shifts' just so he could nip into her room and see if she needed anything. He ate breakfast with her this morning though she wasn't really eating much as her throat was still raw, but as each day was going by it was getting stronger and she was able to eat a full pot of yogurt this morning.
" hey, you up for a visitor?" Hiccup's head popped through her door bringing a huge smile to her face.
" yes" her throat maybe getting better but she still kept to short answers as it still hurt like a bitch.
He came in all joyful, he had been excited to learn that she was going to be discharged today, and he could finally have her out of this damn place. Over his shoulder was a large duffel bag which she prayed as a fresh set of underwear in. He place the bag on the right side of her bed and started to unzip it.
" I have to sign you discharge papers to say you will be coming home with me to be cared for as it's not your primary address yet, and we will have to change your insurance and put you into our family one now we are engaged, as well as full citizenship too, but all that can be done once we get you out of here." Out of the bag he pulled a toiletry bag and a hair brush, she hadn't had a proper shower in days, she had to wait another week before her dressings can be removed so she hadn't washed her hair in days and her body only got the bare minimum with Hiccup's help with a sponge and cloth.
" I brought you your toothbrush as well as some fresh underwear, I roped in Gobber and Heather, even Dagur to help move some boxes to the house however I did listen to Ruffnut and left a few of your things there just in case you and Ruff want a girls weekend or if you want to get away from me or something…" some how with all the strength she could find she reached up with her left arm and pulled Hiccup down to meet her lips. She had missed these spontaneous kisses, the heat and passion from them, her reaching up with her right hand and gripping into his hair while her left hand squeezed his bicep.
When they pulled away, well she could officially say she made Hiccup Haddock speechless. " wow, I - Err - I wow! What made you -?" His shocked expression amused her.
" Miss-ed it" he kissed her again, sweetly and softly on the lips.
" well anytime you want now" he gave her nose a peck before standing up straight. " you want to change into some fresh underwear?" He pushed back her sheets as she nodded, helping pull her legs out while being careful for her abdomen wound.
" naughty" she teased as she slipped out of bed slightly, the sudden movement however didn't go smoothly, she stomach began to sting as her abdomen stretched out straight.
" you alright?" She nodded to his caring concern, but then she winced again and he knew she was lying.
" haven't had meds-" she leaned back on the bed for support, she was supposed to get her meds soon after breakfast, she was just waiting for her nurse to arrive.
" alright, you want some help with changing your underwear?"
She contemplated on trying to do it by herself however feeling her burning pain get stronger with each move she decided to except his help, knowing it was genuine.
He reached under her hospital gown and started to remove her old underwear, he showed no ulterior motive to seduce her, though by the look on his face he was trying really hard to concentrate.
She slipped out of her old pair of panties with ease, and Hiccup helped her slide on a new pair he brought from home. He was very careful around her hips so that he didn't knock her the wrong way.
" turned-on?" Again she teased, he was venerable right now after helping her change her underwear, she couldn't help it. Especially when he slide an arm around her waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss.
" with you milady- always" even though she knew she looked a state all battered and bruised, he still made her feel sexy as hell. " come on turn around, I'll help you with your bra too" she complied, but slowly, with Hiccup helping her as support, he undid the ties of her hospital gown slipping the gown off her upper half of her body. He unclipped the hooks of her bra she had on for days, it was a release to her, and then with Hiccup's help she slipped on a none underwire bra that matched her panties. It felt nice and refreshing to have comfortable underwear on again.
Her gown was dropped to the floor and she only had her new underwear to cover her. As she turned, her eyes looked to Hiccup however he was just focused on all the cuts and bruises that covered her body. Her stomach was black and blue, her neck was a purple yellow colour, the bruising was a mixture of the accident and the surgery. But in his eyes she was his still his strong Valkyrie. And she could see that when he smiled at her, when he gripped her face with his hands gently and kissed her sweetly.
" I did this to you, his vendetta was with me and he found out you were my weakness" she felt her shake her head within his hands. " yes Astrid! The Meatheads have had it for our family for centuries, you really think he did all this cause you turned him down, he wanted to hurt us, by hurting you" he felt her kiss his nose and then his lips.
" no- no!"
His head pressed against hers, for a moment the two just stood still and as if time stopped they took in each other's presence.
" I love you Astrid Hofferson, I love you with all I have " and she knew that.
Sniffling up his tears from that emotional moment he pulled back from their intimate position, " right shall we get you dressed?" He pushed back that sad emotion and rustled through the duffle bag once again.
" I got you some leggings," he pulled out some simple soft black leggings and helped her slide them up her legs. He was gentle around her dressings on her stomach, carful where his hands and fingers touched.
" you okay?" She nodded in reply but didn't look him in the eyes, she had a sweaty lip and looked as if she wanted to be sick.
" just one last thing … a previously worn last night by me - grey timberland hoodie" She tried to smile but the pain in her body made her smile look all crooked. " alright let's get this on and I'll go see where those meds are" she nodded quickly as she agreed the meds were needed. When on morphine she felt great but now even on Hydrocodone tablets it wasn't enough.
She immediately felt better with warm clothing on, it maybe summer time but Berk can still be chilly. But it wasn't just the warmth that made her feel better, but the smell of Hiccup, it smelt instantly like home to her. " feel a bit better to be in proper clothes?" He knew her answer in an instant. " good, I'm going to go and see about those meds and finally get you discharged from this place"
He kissed the side of her head softly and then helped her back into bed to rest while he was gone. It's weird, she was in agonising pain with that same burning sensation shooting through her stomach and her neck but the thought of going home made her instantly feel better, to be at home with home food and a warm bed and yes with Hiccup there night and day.
She heard her door open again, surprised to think Hiccup had done all that in seconds, but it was Eret, he came in rolling in a wheelchair with him. " now I know it's not sexy but I do have to insist, it's a long walk to the exit, and you probably still won't be strong enough." He strolled over to the right side of her bed, doing a little jig before pulling up beside her.
" no" she shook her head, no way she'd rather crawl.
" come on Ast don't be a stubborn bitch, either the chair or I'll get one of those gurney things and carry you out -" she had heard enough. " or I could just carry you out myself - how much do you weigh?"
" okay-" she strained herself too much and started to cough a little, but soon got herself back to normal.
" good"
Xx
Hiccup was signing the final documents of Astrid's discharge papers, he just needed to state that he was going to look after her for the next few weeks of recovery. He had also had the payment cleared for Astrid's medical bills, he paid in one fell swoop, perks of being a Haddock. On the finally signature in the corner of his eye he caught sight of Eret wheeling Astrid out in a wheelchair, he knew if anyone could talk her into it, it would be Eret. They had this connection, she loved him, but not in the way she loved Hiccup, she loved him like family, and Hiccup was okay with that.
" hey beautiful, ready to go home?" He came over and kissed the top of her head, she seemed to look a lot better than when he left her, then Eret spoke up.
" I've given her one of these," in his hand he held a bottle of Hydrocodone, " she should take one every 12 hours and usually the same time, morning - evening we usually suggest. Now they are addicted so don't give her more than she should have" he handed Hiccup the bottle.
" okay thanks man"
Before Eret went back on shift, the last shift he'd be doing in a while till he heads back up to the north of West town at the private hospital, he turned back to Astrid, "stay out of trouble squirt" Hiccup took Eret's place behind Astrid holding the handles on her wheelchair.
" not - a word" she spoke up, though her voice was still breaking.
" I wasn't going to say anything" he said with a smirk, and she could sense it behind her back as he pushed her through the corridor.
The journey to the entrance of the hospital was kinda blurred for Astrid, while the pain was slowly going away those drugs were strong and with finally getting the relief from her pain that had been keeping her awake most of the morning she felt like she could finally go back to sleep. She kept nodding off while the the chair, waking up when they came across loud people or a ping of an elevator.
She forced herself awake when the elevator opened its doors to let them out, they were on the bottom floor and Hiccup was pushing her to the exit. She couldn't wait to go home, her body craved sleep and she craved normal food.
With her in and out of consciousness she didn't really take note of her surroundings, however she felt Hiccup pull her to a stop. " what?" Without straining her neck too much she turned and looked up towards Hiccup, but his eyes were set on something straight ahead. When she looked to see what, or more like who it was standing in their way. And it suddenly came clear why the colour drain from Hiccups face, the last thing he had expected, they both expected was Hiccup's ex girlfriend Camicazi stood all sheepish.
" hang on I'll be right back,"
" it's not - like I can-n go anywhere" he chuckled at her sarcastic comment, kissing her forehead softly.
" I do love you future mrs Haddock," he made sure he kissed her lips, getting a sleepy smile off her before going to confront his ex a few steps away.
From looking all sheepish she then suddenly looked confident, a smirk appeared on her face when she knew her appearance hadn't gone unnoticed. " hey Hiccy, you look terrible" she held a smirk on her face while he didn't look amused, today wasn't the day for her kind of shit.
" what the fuck do you want Cami, I'm not in the mood today" her face still held a smirk, but in a way she was less cheery.
" now now Hiccup, can't I just simply be somewhere and it not include you" her sadistic smile and the way she held herself just didn't seem right to him.
" you honestly think I'm going to believe that you aren't here to taught me?" What really got him was he himself couldn't tell what was going on in her mind. It scared him, she was like a loose cannon.
He watched her body language, it didn't change much from her crossed armed stance. But her eyes wandered to Astrid who was behind him. " are you two love birds out in the open yet, I haven't seen a big news announcement yet, that's how you Haddocks do this sort of thing right?" She was trying to figure them out, he knew that now, wanted to know whether or not he still wanted to keep his relationship a secret.
It was no secret that he and his family was at the hospital a few days ago, these past three days he had kept his head down, wearing a cap he was wearing now. He wasn't exactly in a professional disguise, but he wasn't exactly singing and dancing about the place. And she knew that.
" is that what you want to do, expose us, go ahead do it, see if I care" the entrance to the hospital wasn't exactly booming, but if Camicazi wanted to she could have this place swarming in about 10-20 minutes.
" though it might be hard to believe, I'm not here for you and that shitty excuse you have as a girlfriend" she couldn't help herself but put that little comment in at the end.
" fiancée" and he couldn't help himself with putting that into the conversation. He also took a lot of pleasure in her shocked and confused face.
" you are - you're engaged?" From looking all cocky and confident she went back to looking sheepish maybe even looking as small as a mouse.
" that's what usually happens when someone asks the love of their life to marry them and they say yes" it was then Cami realised she had lost him to her, and there was no going back now.
" whatever, I'm not here for you, or her, the driver, Thuggory he - he was my friend" he should have known she was involved in this somehow.
" why doesn't that surprise me" she had something to do with this he just knew it, it wasn't the first time she had pushed the boundaries.
" I didn't know he was fucking suicidal, we fucked a few times okay, I knew him through our families and he was a good fuck now and then, " she paused and then the smirk returned, " I mean not as good as you and I but-" he hands ran over his shoulders till he pushed them off.
" but he was my friend never the less, his body is being realised today, I'm meeting his mother" a pit feeling in his stomach started to ache at the thought of a Bogburglar and a Meathead being friends, that their families were close. Two families that had a bee in their bonnets about the Haddock's, and they do happened to be friends. " so if you don't mind, I'll go on my way, and you go on with yours" she pushed past, ignoring Astrid in the chair and went on her way to the elevators.
Hiccup walked back to Astrid with a steady pace, he couldn't help but have this pit feeling in his stomach, when Cami is involved in something is usually ends in destruction, but what scared him most was if she was planning something it could take years before it blows up in his face.
" you okay?" Astrid asked in a semi whisper, she found it easier to talk that way.
" yeah I - did you know Thug was friends with Cami?" Shit! She knew she had forgot something, back in April she totally forgot to mention.
" yeah, I forgot, that problem?" He snapped out of his glare and looked down at Astrid with a smile again.
" no, just set my nerves on edge is all, I'm sure it's fine though" she nodded, she really did want to care but right now she was too tired to. And by the looks of it Hiccup was pushing it behind him too as he continued to push her out the front door. There was an employee at the door who helped Hiccup out as he pushed the wheelchair through, he parked his car in the pick up bay with made it easier for him to get Astrid in the car.
However when her eyes looked up, it wasn't the car she was expecting.
" who's car is it?" The Range Rover SVAutobiography was parked in front of her, and she knew this was ride she was getting today as Hiccup pressed the button on his keys and opened the passenger seat door.
" mine" he came down and scooped her under the arms to help her up gently.
" when?" Last she checked he had is Lamborghini, he loved his Lamborghini, said he felt like a fast and furious driver.
" yesterday, I pulled in a favour with the manager to get it done as quickly as possible." He helped her into the car step by step. " thought this would be more comfortable than my other car" so he just got another car at the click of his fingers just because...
" you got this - for me?" He smirked at her with his Hiccup smirk, the one that drives her insane and turned her one all at the same time.
" Astrid Hofferson, I still don't think you know the man you are marrying" he kissed her check, helped her buckle up and waited till she was settled before closing the door. She hated to admit, he was right, this was more comfortable. He had already put her seat back a little so she was in a lay down position, which made it oh so tempting to close her eyes.
When Hiccup got in the car after handing the wheelchair back Astrid had already drifted off, her eye lids couldn't stay open for much longer. She had drifted off into a painless sleep, finally getting the rest she had needed.
Xx
The drive back to his house took no longer than half an hour, he pulled up under his archway and Luna was stood at the door ready with a very eager Toothless panting at the side of her wafting his tail while still seated.
Even though he has just gone past one Hiccup got the best dog trainer there was and now at the age of one - still a pup some could say - Toothless obeyed commands without disruption.
As he got out of his side carefully trying not to wake a still sleeping Astrid, Luna met him half way ready to lend a hand. " you need any help Hiccup?"
Hiccup was already at the passenger side opening the door, " Err yeah there is a duffle bag in the boot, could you get it for me" he whispered too her. While she got the bag, he unbuckled Astrids seat belt and picked her up in bridal style to carry her in while she still stayed asleep.
Luna closed the car door behind him, locking it with the keys he had handed her while he payed attention to the girl in his arms. While coming into his house Toothless walked gently beside him, he had overwhelming excitement as he wagged his tail but he didn't show it as his owner carried Astrid through into the living room.
" sir all of miss Astrid's things have been organised and put away in your room" Luna said walking behind him as they entered the living room.
" that's great thanks Luna, one less thing to think about" the living room had been all prepared for her arrival, the sofa was set up like a sick bed, bed pillows and blankets for him to settle her down in. He made it clear yesterday that he didn't want to take her upstairs, she would feel isolated and he knew Astrid liked to hear the hustle and bustle of the house.
So of course Luna complied laying out the living room perfectly for their arrival today. She watched as Hiccup placed a still sleeping Astrid down on the sofa, placing her head on the soft pillows and making sure she was warm with a blanket. She couldn't help but smile and the loving gesture.
" what would you like me to do with this bag Hiccup?" She was still holding the bag he had asked her to get from the car. It had previously been filled with all the clothes Astrid was now wearing. But it still had some toiletries left in it.
" just throw it on my bed Luna, I'll sort it later"
She was hesitant, " are you sure sir?" Luna had always been the one out of the housekeeping staff to do all his personal stuff, like helping organise his wardrobe and whenever he went away on business, Luna would organise what would be best to take. She thought the little things for him, it's what he paid her for.
" yes its fine thanks again Luna" she nodded at his confirmed request, happy to comply. She had been head house keeper for 5 years now, she had always done the majority for mr Haddock as he was mostly working and when he was a home apart from time to time he was with his friends, he was always on his laptop. She was so use to him needing so much help. However for the past year she has seen a change in him, he is more independent, does things on his own, he seems to cook more, sometimes with Terri sometimes without. She even catches him gardening with the grounds man Toni. He has been a change man ever since he met miss Astrid, so much so he even got that mad little puppy. She did fear at one point he wouldn't need a head house keeper, that if he ever got married the wife would take over that role. But she knew now Astrid wasn't going to be a stay at home wife, no, that girl had ambitions of her own, which is why Luna could see why Mr Haddock fell so head over heels for her.
So she had no worries anymore that her job was secure, she was a widowed mother - he husband died about 10 years ago now - and both her boys were just a little older than Astrid, 24 and 26. Both her boys lived abroad, her youngest in Scotland and her eldest in china, she lived in a one bed apartment in West town with her two cats. Her job was her life, she loved it, in fact when she went home she was eager to get back to work, it was her focus and she felt she had importance.
Hiccup didn't leave Astrid's side while Luna walked away, a young girl she had just hired to replaced Inga ( a lady who handed in her resignation after having a child and couldn't keep up with a demanding job ) was standing waiting for Luna's instruction. Sigrid aged 24 was on her training week, her job was to shadow Luna, do as she was told, today was her third day.
" Sigrid, ask Mr Haddock if he wants anything, don't just hang about twiddling your thumbs" Sigrid nodded following her commands.
Sigrid hadn't really met mr Haddock yet, he was at the hospital. But then there was this girl, it was written in contract she couldn't divulge anything that happens in this household outside of work otherwise there would be a legal pursuit. And not wanting to risk that she didn't ask any questions on who she was or why she was here. But Sigrid wasn't stupid, she reads the magazines and watches the news, she listened to the rumours that the heir to Berk had a secret relationship going on, and it was true as far as she could tell.
With caution she walked up to the sofa where her boss was, he was still tending to Astrid at this point, removing her Ugg's so that she could be more comfortable. " Err Mr Haddock?"
He looked her way, he was definitely more handsome in person. Tall, lean - not too muscular, but that didn't mean he wasn't attractive - he had dark auburn hair that framed his face, bright green emerald eyes, a sharp jaw and a cute button nose. But he was her boss. " can I get you anything sir?" From Hiccups perspective she was a young lady he hadn't seen before, but then he knew Luna was hunting for a new helper after Inga left the team.
With Luna included he had five female staff in his house, and then seven male including Terri and Toni. When one left the whole harmony of the house was shifted.
" you're- " he knew her name, he remembers Luna telling him, " Sigrid! Sigrid, right?"
She smiled and nodded, a slight blush came to her cheeks. " hi Sigrid I'm Hiccup," he shook her hand, " and I'd love a glass of water for Astrid here" she looked down to the sleeping blonde, so Astrid was her name.
" of course" like Luna had said, she was to ask and then comply, no faffing about or day dreaming.
Hiccup went back to where Astrid lay, she hadn't woken up since falling asleep in the car, though he didn't doubt a sleep is probably what she needed right now, but since being placed on the sofa to rest she had began to stir awake, only slightly, like she was in and out of sleep.
He placed a hand on the side of her face and that seemed to make her wake up more. " sorry, I was trying to sooth you back to sleep" she smiled as she pushed herself up, she had to go slowly as her stomach pulled.
" s'alright" she focused on her surroundings, not sure where she was at first but then realised she was home in the living room.
" welcome home" he had been waiting to say that for months, it was her first official day moving in, and she didn't even have the chance to pack up her own stuff, her moving in was rushed to a few days, and all while she was stuck in hospital.
A warm smile spread across her face, home! It was nice to say she had a home, that wasn't a rented out apartment for a year in university.
She heard someone enter, and in came a young woman who looked to be similar age to her, she was dressed in a similar outfit to Luna, a black dress with tights however she was wearing an apron where as Luna didn't.
She walks quickly around the horse shoe sofa with a glass in her hand. " a glass of water for you," she paused, then remembered " Sir" all red cheeks and blushing.
" thank you Sigrid, that'll be all" he took the glass as she nodded and walked away quickly.
" she like you" she didn't want it to sound jealous, but that's how it came out as she slowly moved to sit up. Hiccup however had this huge smirk on his face as he sat down beside her with the glass still in his hand.
" I know, she has the same look in her eyes you did" Astrid shot him back a shocked look, when did he get so confident, if she wasn't bandaged up she'd cave in his head.
" did not!" She screeched a little on the last bit causing her voice to strain.
" yes you did, you couldn't say no to this pure Viking god" he gestured to himself as he tried to offer her the glass of water.
But instead she just pushed the glass away till it was placed carefully on the table and then proceeded to straddle his lap. At first Hiccup wasn't sure where this new found confidence came from, she suddenly looked pain free and - well he was quite turned on.
Painkillers!
" Astrid - you're on extremely strong painkillers right now, you need to be careful." But she only smirked in response.
" don't you want me? Viking god" Her throat sounded awful, but she didn't feel anything. And he couldn't help but smirk at her snide remark.
" don't do that to me, you know I do" his hand rested on her thigh, that pit feeling in his stomach was growing, it was a mix of guilt and pleasure. He wanted something, and he knew he couldn't act on it. Not yet.
" kiss me" she kissed him first, but he did kiss her back. It had be a surreal past few days, from that gut wrenching moment he thought he might lose her to now kissing his fiancée in their home - their home ! She was officially moved in.
" Astrid -" he pulled back from her delicious lips. " you are very high on painkillers right now, and they are obviously kicking in, but as much as I'd love to consummate our engagement, I need to make sure you're better first"
She didn't sound too pleased as she moaned or groaned more like into his neck. This wasn't how she had planned her first day moved in would be like, officially engaged too. They were supposed to be ripping each other's clothes off every chance they got, making love in every room possible - including his car as Ruff would say. This felt awful, being treated like a glass vase that could break any second.
" hey-" his hands cupped her face and pulled her slightly to face him. " but once you are better I will make good on my promise" she still felt pissed, but was too tired to argue it out, she nodded and let his place another soft kiss on her lips. And that's when he noticed how droopy her eyelids were.
" you're exhausted, why don't you get some sleep" again she nodded, to tired to argue and say she was fine, and mainly because a little nap didn't sound too bad. So she slowly slipped off his lap.
" you're not going to go anywhere are you?" After being stuck in a hospital bed for days and spending nights on her own she wasn't up to being alone again just yet.
" I'm not going anywhere" after reassuring her, he felt her leaning up against him, with her facing the back of the sofa and her back facing out she kept off her right side. She used his lap and lower abdomen as a pillow, so he could run his fingers through her hair and stroke the side of her face with his thumb.
She fell back asleep within seconds, making it very hard for Hiccup to move. On cue Luna came back down stairs from before, seeking the young couple huddled up on the sofa.
" do you need anything Hiccup?" She whispered from the side of him. He smiled instantly, it was the small things like this that made his realise how lucky he was to have Luna.
" my Laptop would be great, along with my glasses, oh and a book, I think I might be here for a while" he looked back down at Astrid and smirked.
" of course"
It felt nice to be back home.
Xx
" I should be really getting back to work now Hiccup, I tell the girls and the young lads to do their jobs and look at me, socialising" After and hour of doing some work and having a flick through his book Hiccup got bored of the silence, luckily Luna was passing and he asked if she wouldn't mind giving him some company.
He liked to chat with Luna, she had known him for years and was so relaxed when talking to him. She never mentioned his work, or his family or his background. She talked to him about herself, about what she does, about how much she loved Berk. She did talk about how she loved to see him grown from a young adult into a mature gentleman. Seeing him grow from the young man who was slightly broken after the fall out with his past relationships to grown into a successful businessman. Seeing him fall madly in love with a beautiful young lady, she said it was a privilege to watch.
" I'm sure the big bad boss won't mind" the two giggled between themselves. " but I like talking to you - having a conversation with you in the past leads to some breakthrough realisations" she genuinely smiles, knowing he wouldn't say that if it wasn't true.
Before another word was said a gentle stir from the girl still lay on Hiccup's lap, she had been sound asleep for hours and this was the first sign of her stirring awake. But the gentle stir didn't last long, she started to make a whimpering noise, jolting around while still asleep which only meant she was having a nightmare.
Eret had mentioned she had been struggling with sleep, Hiccup just put it down with staying in an unknown bed for days, but in reality she was dealing with post trauma from the crash.
" Astrid?" His attention was now on her completely, stroking the side of her face over and over to see if he could either sooth her back to sleep or wake her up slowly. But it didn't seem to work, she just kept jolting again and again, and her whimpers where getting louder. Her skin felt hot under his touch, like she was burning up by the second. " Astrid?"
He tried to wake her up shaking her slightly but still no luck, she was frantic but still asleep. With in her dream Astrid was back in the car, listening to Thugs words, hearing him telling her to push him and see how far he'll go. And she did, she pushed him to this, but in the car with her and Thuggory wasn't Bear and Ruffnut but her parents. Her dad was in the front repeating the same things Bear said, and her mother was next to her, but instead of being passed out drunk like Ruff was, her mother was frantic, scared, tell her to not push him or things could get worse. But it was like she had no control over herself, she heard herself scream at him and then seeing the incoming car. She did this, the crash was her fault, and maybe her parents dealt was her fault, they were coming to get her after all.
As the two cars impact Astrid shot awake, frantic and gasping for air like she was coming to life, and all she could hear at first was the sounds of her parents screams.
But it then turned into the realisation it was Hiccup, calling her name.
" Astrid! Hey, hey you're okay" he tried to hush her, but it didn't stop her from bursting into tears from the horror of her nightmare.
" no - no - my fault, all my fault!" She squeaked out, " my parents were frightened - it my fault" she chocked up on her own tears, gasping for air from her terrified awaking.
For Hiccup he was a bit confused, she woke up so abruptly screaming and crying, mentioning her parents. It was a nightmare alright, one that shook fear through her body. She kept shaking, repeating the same thing over and over, her parents and how frightened they were, how it was all her fault, he knew she wasn't thinking straight just because she was in a frantic state.
" Astrid. Astrid!" He gripped onto her shoulder firmly, but he didn't want to hurt her so he didn't hold her too tightly. It was enough for her to calm down, her eyes looked to him all red and puffy, a tear slowly escaping down her cheek. " none of this is your fault, okay! Not your parents, not the crash, none of it." She nodded slowly, but still tears escaped her eyelids. " you're going to be okay" he pulled her into a soft embrace, letting her head bury into his neck and shoulder as more tears escaped from her eyes. Hiccup looked out from hugging his girlfriend, Astrid was still burying her head into his shoulder for comfort, all he saw was that Luna had gone, she probably felt uncomfortable within this intimate moment between the two.
It came clear to him in that moment it wasn't going to be an easy recovery for her. And the injuries she had got went deeper than just physical.
Xx
( Few days later )
After the first few days at home things started to get a bit easier for Hiccup and Astrid, her fever had gone down and her nightmares had quietened throughout the nights. She hadn't really talked much, especially when he tried to bring up the crash and Hiccup being Hiccup he didn't push her on it. Today was no different - they woke up, she took her meds, he helped her change and they wouldn't really talk much, he would kiss her now and then but whenever she tried to push it further he reminded her she was still a walking, talking open wound. He'd been in and out of work ever since the crash, but he wouldn't leave her alone for too long no matter how much she insisted she was fine.
" well I don't care how fine you say you are, I'm not going back till the doctors have looked at your dressings and they are removed" they were sat in the kitchen, he was going to prepare her protein shake and eating solid food still hurt.
" that's not for days" she was able to speak more but still held that croaky voice that sounded like she had swallowed a frog.
" well I don't care, until I know for sure you ain't going to bleed out on me I'm not taking the chance" he was as stubborn as she was when it came to something they believed in. She didn't want to cause him anymore trouble and insisted she was fine, but he saw the pain in her face, and he didn't want to risk the chance of her stitches to rip and he wasn't there. In five days from now Hiccup was supposedly to take Astrid to the Haddock's private ward in West hospital for Eret to take a look at her dressings, when removing them he would check if the stitches would need redressing or not. If her stitches were healed he'd feel a lot better to be heading out to work than he does now.
" Hiccup you need to stop worrying about me" she was sat at the island while he made her the shake. He'd insisted he was to do it since it was the least he could do. But as those words left her mouth he dropped what he was doing and came over to her.
" when are you going to get it in your head you silly woman, I love you! And I'm always going to worry about you, always" he kissed her lips softly yet with passion, leaving her lingering on as he pulled away. " I know you hate it when people care, cause you haven't had it in a while, but I care - just - just stop being so stubborn and let me in, let me help"
Physical she felt she could handle it on her own, mentally she needed time over that past week since the crash all she could see in her dreams was that road, that car and the collision.
She didn't like to talk about it cause it would break her, she was barely holding herself together as it is. But then Hiccup did have this magical power to build her back up, stronger than before.
" I -" she didn't know what she was going to say but she had to start somewhere. Until ...
" hello!" A distance call from the front door came echoing through the house.
" who the hell-" Hiccup started but again the sentence was cut short with another echo.
" for gods sake Snot would you stop walking on top of me, I NEED SPACE!" Ruffnut Thornston, her voice could be heard far and wide.
" not my fault you are slower than a FUCKING SNAIL" ahh the sound of true love.
The two that were still stood in the kitchen put their conversation on pause, but there was no chance Hiccup was letting this slide. Astrid was first to walk out the kitchen, she was eager to leave this conversation behind, and she had missed her best friend.
" well hello lady of the house, or should I say lady of the fucking mansion and soon to be lady Haddock" Ruff liked to joke but on the inside she was choking on her own tongue, her best friend was getting married to her childhood crush, to the heir to the island and the richest man under the age of 30 in the Archipelago. She was stood in the Haddock new mansion with her boyfriend who happened to be the cousin of said billionaire.
But Ruffnut was over the moon that a wedding was happening, she was going to be part of the biggest wedding of the century no doubt.
Astrid however wasn't necessary as over the moon as Ruff was. She was excited to be marrying the man she loved, to be living with the man she loved, but this wedding of the century nonsense and photographers and news coverage and ' lady of the house' that scared the shit out of her.
" hey-y, how are - you?" They had a soft hug, careful of both their injuries.
" I have a fucking rod in my leg and I'm not allowed alcohol, how do you think I'm doing?" She wasn't one to sugar coat it.
" shit I guess" she didn't need to guess, Astrid knew exactly how she felt, trapped, unable to do anything .
" I knew you'd get me Hoff, this little shit doesn't know fuck all" using her crutches she balanced herself, " I need a fucking drink, and to sit down, I ache all over and my leg is sweating to death in this cast, god it itches! It itches all over and it goes numb- like pins and needles numb-" Ruffnut's voice zoned out as Astrid took her into the living room, she thought best for Ruff to put her leg up on the U shape couch. Leaving the two boys left at the front entrance.
" she driving you insane?" Hiccup had picked up the key points, plus the look on Snotlout's face.
" fuck man, i love her and all but seriously if she doesn't calm the fuck down I might just start drugging her just to get some peace" he knew it was all a joke, but the poor guy looked like he could do with a coffee.
" let's go get some drinks so she doesn't rip your head off" again it was a joke but Ruffnut was hardly incapable. The two made their way into the kitchen while the girls were in the living area.
" you look like you're getting it easy, Ruff is just murder" though Hiccup had no doubt that the Thornston female twin was a handful but Astrid was murder in her own way.
" I don't know man, at least your girlfriend is talking to you, Astrid is just quiet" he started to boil the water.
" didn't she have throat surgery?"
" not what I meant! She's talking now just not about the crash, she's not talking to me" he angrily started to pour the water into the four mugs, he was making coffee for those who would want a cup. Snotlout sensed the anger within his cousin as he watched him slam the kettle back down on its slab.
For as long as Snotlout had known his older cousin, he wasn't exactly a womaniser till he was well in his late teens ever early 20s. Where as Snotlout who was only 18 months younger never had a problem bagging a girl who was well out of his league. He was no Haddock, that's what Hiccups says that's all he's got - before puberty, but Snotlout liked to think he had a way with the ladies. A charisma.
Hiccup only started to get serious with girls in university, wasn't for the lack of trying, he tried so hard at the beginning but then then he actually grew and his hair was flimsy and his jaw line was sharper than his mothers tongue, girls just use to throw themselves at the young Haddock heir. Was was funny with money and looked cute too.
But his track record with women wasn't always the best, Cami being the final straw that broke the camels back. His cousin shut himself off for years until he met a blonde girl who brought a smile to his face.
" give her time bro, Ruff likes to talk about her feelings but what I've heard from Ruff about Astrid, it takes her a long while to talk about her feelings, except with you" Hiccup looked up from the steaming cups, " just give her time"
Xx
" I ache all over" Ruff finally settled in the corner of the U shaped sofa resting her left leg up. Astrid sat beside her on her right.
" tell me - about it" her throat was starting to sting, she shouldn't be talking this much, doctor's orders! Though she wasn't one to follow the rules.
" fuck off! No way can you moan about anything when you are living here. I don't care that your stubborn ass almost died, look at this shit - look at it," she gestured to the living room they were at in that could probably fit their entire apartment in it, with a squeeze.
The fact is Astrid had gotten used to Hiccups house, she even called it a house now because it felt like a home. With Hiccup there wherever she looked, Toothless who followed her around for the past few days looking as if he'd take a bullet for her. He'd lay next to her and watch over her, make sure she'd have company if Hiccup had left her alone for even a minute. She was welcomed in with open arms, the staff respected her, what she wanted she got no questions asked. This was her home, she didn't see it as the heir of Berk's mansion but her boyfriends warm home, her home.
" the fucking lady of the house, you're going to be a Haddock, the next Valka Haddock, the woman who everyone wants to be or be best friends with! You're going to have a big wedding - the wedding! You're going to have Haddock babies oh my god you and Hiccup are gonna have such cute babies-" she never knew Ruff liked this stuff, weddings and babies. And even though she had excepted the proposal from Hiccup she wasn't quite ready for wedding planning, the thought made her sick, dizzy - flowers, venues, dresses, cakes, food, decoration, a priest, guests? She couldn't think about it, this wasn't something she could think about, or deal with, she doesn't know the first thing about weddings and dresses and cakes. Who thinks about shit like that?
As Ruff was going on and on about colour schemes - whatever they were - Hiccup and Snotlout came plodding in with mugs in their hands, as it sat down at the end with his mug and Ruff's. hiccup sat beside her, the two sitting on top of the blankets and pillows Astrid was previously sleeping in. He handed her a cup of fruit tea, her favourite.
" watch my leg asshole!" Ruff broke conversation when Snotlout plopped himself at the bottom of her.
" what are you two talking about?" Hiccup broke the tension between the two, he knew Ruff wasn't this agitated all the time, just due to the fact she had a metal rob holding her leg together.
" the biggest fucking wedding since well your parents, now I know about the Berserker wedding with that Dagur guy but a Haddock wedding? We ain't talking about Berk coverage, but Archipelago coverage! And my best friend is the fucking bride!" Ruff was excited, and that's an understatement! She was ecstatic!
" yeah well-" Hiccup looked down at his fiancée - a word he was going to have to get used too - she was all grey and discoloured, he didn't know if it was time for her pain meds or this conversation. " I think we should hold off on wedding plans till after you are both fit and well, it's only been a few days, give yourselves a few weeks before even thinking of the wedding" he looked back down at Astrid, she was back to normal, and a small smile on her face. He knew his Mrs, his future Mrs anyway.