Chapter 1: The Mark
Hiccup was staring at his arm for a while but didn't know what to think. He couldn't believe his eyes. Still staring at the name imprinted on his arm still not believing his luck.
Astrid Hofferson
To answer his questions of disbelief and shock - Yes. Astrid Hofferson, the Valkyrie of the school, was his soul mate. Unless the gods were playing the worst prank on him only to have the glowing blue runes on his left forearm with Astrid's complete name on it to be replaced with Mildew's the following morning.
It still was the one and only Astrid Hofferson.
Hiccup was still in shock but he called it. He and Astrid always had this pull when they were younger and this only confirms it. They were best friends, always getting into trouble. At one point he had broken his arm falling out of a tree with her.
But as the years went on they grew further and further apart. It was simply different interests, he guessed. But looking back now maybe it was something more? The real question was how would he be with her? It was almost certain she wanted nothing to do with him. Ugh, curse the fates!
If it was true and they were soulmates, they would find a way to each other naturally and he wouldn't have to force conversations with her. And if he had her name, then for
sure she would have his right? So it's up to her to make the first move.
ASTRID POV
She sat bored in class, staring out the window. She looked down at her forearm and saw the bandana covering the name written. She hated it. She didn't even want to look. It's better just to pretend it doesn't exist, it never happened.
She mentally groaned thinking about it. As kids they would hang out constantly, talking about anything and everything. One of the topics they loved the most was about which name would appear on their arm. They would describe their perfect soulmate, someone they would want to spend the rest of their life with. Never in a thousand years would she have thought it would be each other.
So she left. Middle school Astrid didn't want to marry her best friend, and seeing as he turned out now, neither does High school Astrid. He was thin and clumsy, not at all who she would have in mind. She wanted someone strong, athletic, strong minded. But she was stuck with Hiccup? The fates must hate her. But… it's not like you have to end up and marry your soulmate, right? Just because practically everyone she knows does, doesn't mean she has to. Let's just pray she's right.
She snapped out of her thoughts when she felt a tap on the shoulder. A note fell on her desk.
Do you have any idea what's going on? I zoned out for like half the class. -Heather
Astrid chuckled to herself as she wrote back a response.
No clue.
She passed it back and looked up to the front. The words Egg Project were written on the board.
"You will be paired up with one other partner to act as a couple. The point of this project is to keep the baby alive and work together to co-parent. Try to be as realistic as possible with your egg. Pretend to feed it, give it outdoors time, treat it as you would an actual baby. I'm passing out the paper containing the requirements and tasks." Ms. Whitby explained as she placed a paper on my desk.
"Take a minute to read through it. Raise your hands if you have any questions. In a moment I will announce your partners."
Astrid looked down at the paper in confusion.
REQUIREMENTS
At the end of every week video/photo evidence must be submitted as proof of daily care. Daily care must contain:
-Feeding the "child"
-Diaper/Clothing
-Playtime
-Learning
-Family fun
QUESTIONS TO FILL OUT WITH PARTNER
Child's gender? (This is given to you, not chosen)
Child's name?
Date of birth? (The day the eggs are passed out)
Parent schedule? (Who will have the egg what days, how will you trade the egg off, who will do what tasks, ECT)
Astrid read the document and shrugged. It should seem pretty easy as long as she's partnered with a complete idiot.
"Alright class. Please stay silent so I can read out the partners." Ms. Whitby called out names and soon enough mine was announced. "Ms. Hofferson you will be paired with Mr. Haddock."
Her eyes practically popped out of her head. Her head whipped to the other side of the room where Hiccup sat. They made eye contact and something spread in her chest. A feeling she couldn't quite put her finger on. For now she'll just guess hatred. Hiccup gave a shy smile and wave.
You have got. to. be. KIDDING. ME.
