Chapter 2.

Thirty stairs. Astrid counted upon reaching the top. By her wild guess, the house probably had about a thousand stairs- or so it felt. They were endless.

She still had an arm on Tom's shoulder, making sure he didn't try and… grab a candle stick or something. She honestly wasn't entirely sure what he would do, and at this point her senses was kicking back in full gear and she swore she was going to call the cops as soon as she had him in a sturdy room.

She glanced at him again, cautious resolve melting a bit by his hunched-up posture and careful steps. He moved and only did things that she could see, his hands constantly in plain view. He kept his gaze downward for the most part, listening when she told him to back off or leave something alone. He was respectful, using the word "miss" or "ma'am", which normally Astrid would take as a taunt. But this young man said it respectfully. She had no idea why- but this kid just didn't remind her of the criminal she wanted him to be.

Taylor stayed her distance, taking in the appearance of the house instead. Astrid couldn't blame her, for even the hallways were elegant. They had obviously seen better days, but even so the tall ceilings and rich- although dulled from dust- carpets were vibrant. Also, the candle holders that were placed along the walls with mirrors- it was as if she'd stepped right into an old 40's movie.

The walls were mostly undecorated- it looked like someone had come and taken those old artifacts with them. But there was an occasional mirror, or some old portrait of one person or another. At one, Astrid couldn't help but stop and stare at the large burly man painted on the canvas. He was like a mountain, with a huge red beard but gentle smile.

They came to a T in the hallways, and that's when Tom paused. Astrid stiffened instantly, but he merely gestured towards the right. "West Wing is that way." He said with a smile.

Astrid flicked her flashlight up on the wall, noticing a four-foot slim table backed against it with a pitcher and candlesticks. Above it hung a gigantic painting in thick gold frame, and both Astrid and Taylor gaped at the sight. It was huge.

The painting portrayed four people, two adults and two kids. Astrid leaned forward and peered a bit closer, noticing the large man was the same man she'd seen in the portrait down the hall. Next to him was a thin woman with long brown/auburnish hair, pulled into braids wrapped in chord that looked like it reached well below her waist- perhaps to her knees. Astrid found that odd, for people in that time and culture always wore their hair up on the top of their head- most often in a bun or elegant up-do. But this woman looked like she wasn't one for traditionalism, for she was also wearing a loose shirt tucked into a leather riding skirt.

Two boys stood in front of their parents, the older one clearly taking after his mother. He had a similar jaw and smile, as well as her thin shape- or she thought anyways. Even for an eight-year-old he was skinny. But what drew her attention to that boy the most was his eyes. They were a bright green, alive with excitement and life. It was almost as though his eyes could speak volumes, without him ever saying a single word.

The younger was a tad bit shorter- nearly the same height, yet he was definitely the younger of the two. He had messy black hair and a toothy grin, and greenish grey eyes from what she could tell in the painting.

"Who are these people?" Taylor asked curiously.

Tom shuffled nervously, tilting his head to one side. "Ah, well- that's Stoick and Valka Haddock." He pointed out the two said persons, smiling softly. "Um, that's Thomas Haddock- I was named after him."

"I see the similarities. Your parents named you well." Taylor chimed in with a laugh. Astrid looked from Tom to the boy in the painting, knowing without a doubt that he was indeed related to the Haddock's… even she couldn't deny that fact.

"And who's this?" Astrid aimed her flashlight at the older boy with the expressive eyes, once again finding herself wondering about his life story.

"That's… Hiccup Haddock." Tom's voice dropped low, and his face was tense. He coughed, before he went rigid. "Who is nothing important at the moment!"

Taylor and Astrid both stared at him in surprise, not understanding his quick outburst. He was once again shuffling nervously, eyes back on the painting.

"Eh- yeah. That's- so…" He stuttered, looking away and playing with the hem of his shirt awkwardly. "West Wing?"

"What's wrong with you?" Astrid asked. "If you're plotting-"

"I'm… nothing. Just that- I wish I had met them." He shrugged, his odd answer not calming Astrid's suspicion. If anything, it made her even more so.

Taylor moved on down the hall, while Tom followed. Astrid quickly glanced back at the painting, before dashing after the two teens heading on without her.

"How big is this house?" Taylor was asking, gazing up at the intricate ceiling pattern.

"Huge. Five stories- with attic- Twenty restrooms and thirty bedrooms. And of course, the Ball Room and living space." Tom explained. Astrid took up her vigil once again, hand gripping his shoulder tightly in a sharp reminder.

"Wow… how did they fill all that space?"

Tom laughed, "Most of the time they didn't. Only during the holidays when they held parties or reunions- Stoick Haddock was a big man in the industry world."

As interesting as this all was, Astrid had a hard time focusing on it. Her mind was scrambling for an answer for what to do in this awkward situation- let the kid stay or kick him out. Legally he could be on his own… but it looked like he'd been living alone for a while. Could he even survive in the outside world?

Her next thought was- hey, this was a huge mansion they were living in, she doubted he could find them- but that thought quickly diminished. This kid had been living there supposedly for years. He would know the place like the back of his hand. Big advantage.

"Astrid?"

She snapped her head up, staring at Taylor in question until the girl nodded. "West Wing." She stated.

Tom ducked under her and walked to one of the sturdy oak doors, tapping it with his foot. "This is my room." As soon as he pushed the door open Astrid grabbed Taylor and shoved her behind her- reflexes. She had no idea what this man might do, and sometimes being cautious was the best thing to be.

Tom quirked an eyebrow in amusement, but looked respectful as he opened the door wider. "You don't have to come in- it's a mess in her anyways. But I just want you to know… I don't have a weapon. None whatsoever if that's what you're worried about. You can search me and my room- I have no intention on hurting either of you." His eyes were serious, his smile gone and replaced with a sincere frown. "I just want to stay under a roof."

Taylor looked to Astrid, who glared back in return before motioning for her to stay in the dimly lit hallway. "Stay." She ordered sharply, before grabbing Tom's arm and pulling him into the room, tossing Taylor her flashlight as she slammed the door shut. The light shining through the windows lit the room brightly, but she had some choice words for the stranger that she did not want Taylor to hear- her innocent immature sister just did NOT understand…

"Listen." She hissed, fists in his jacket collar as she shoved him against the door. "I want you to know- if you stay here, there are conditions. You can't leave without telling me, and you can't explore the mansion as you wish. This-" She pointed sharply at the room "Is you home. It's the average size of an apartment- you'll survive. In the morning and evenings, you can come and get something to eat but only if you help out around the place."

Tom's dark green eyes were wide with fear, pupils wide and body limp. He nodded quickly, hand going to grab Astrid's wrists which still gripped his coat.

"I'm not finished." She growled menacingly. "You are to leave Taylor alone. Is that understood? One wrong move- one wrong word- and I'm calling the cops, got it?"

Tom gulped and squeaked an agreement, in which Astrid released her hold and let him drop to the floor. The boy grunted as he rolled over onto his hands and knees, scrambling to his feet.

Astrid was already rustling through the cloths and closets, keeping a close eye on Tom standing against the wall. After about ten minutes of scouring the room, no weapon or threat detected, soft knocking came at the door.

"Astrid?" Taylor muffled, "It's dark out here and creepy. Please let me in!"

Astrid looked to Tom, and gave a curt nod. He bit his lip nervously as he carefully opened the door, allowing Taylor to scuttle inside.

"Thank goodness- Ast why the heck did you leave me in the dark with only a flashlight!?" Taylor shuddered and rubbed her arms. "And is it just me or is it cold?"

"It's just you." Astrid replied. She stepped back, giving one last look about the room before deciding it safe. She clicked the ring of keys in her hand, heading towards the door with the others following close behind- or more specifically Taylor, that Fearful Hofferson.

"It is cold." Taylor muttered, and Astrid rolled her eyes.

"Sis, you're imagining it. Now Tom." The boy jumped at her shrill exclaim. "Show us the rest of the West Wing."

He paused, but with another look at the firm Hoff he nodded slowly, moving carefully down the hall.

"All these rooms are empty." He said quietly. "Unlocked too, I think."

Astrid tested a doorknob to see if he was telling the truth, finding them just as he'd said. After glancing inside each, she saw them empty, with maybe one or two beds in each, or a dresser. Nothing of much interest or excitement.

The door across from Tom's room was the last on the hall stretch, and she distractedly tested the knob. She stopped, twisting it a bit harder and realizing with despair that it was locked. Great. Another locked door that she had to search for the key.

Tom coughed awkwardly. "Uh… that door has been locked since like… forever." He stumbled over the word "like", which Astrid found strange, "Never could find the key."

Astrid pulled out her ring, moaning while Taylor choked on a snicker. With a playful glare in her sister's direction, Astrid began ticking through the keys until she found one that resembled the doors key almost perfectly. She tried to fit it inside, but it got stuck half way.

She tried twenty more keys, but none worked on the large oaken door. She frowned and stepped back, stuffing the keys back into her pocket as she puckered her brow in unsettlement. This annoyed her… what the heck was in that room?

"You sure there's no key? Anywhere?" She had no clue why she was asking Tom- the most untrustworthy person there- but it was almost natural to ask the person who'd been living there the longest.

"I've never found it- because believe me, I'm just as curious as you are." Tom's gaze was on the floor, back leaning against the wall and hands folded before him. "I'm sure it's another empty room."

Astrid frowned, and glared at the door. "Irking."

"Come on, Astrid!" Taylor squeaked, voice filled with cover-up-happiness to scare away the fear. "Uh… we have a whole first floor to clean. Don't you think we should get to it?"

Astrid sighed and nodded in submission, but shot the door one last glare before heading back down the hall, grabbing both the flashlight and Tom's arm as she passed.

"Hey!" Tom yipped. "Uh-uh… I thought I lived in the West Wing?"

"And if you want a bed to sleep on and food to eat, you're going to help." Astrid replied deeply. "That was our agreement, right?"

Tom bit his lip but nodded. She tromped back down the hallways, amazed she remembered the way back without trouble. By the time they reached the Ballroom, Tom was walking alongside her without needing to be dragged, and Taylor followed closely.

On the entryway railing, Astrid shut the Ballroom doors and turned about with a deep breath. "Okay, we should find a place to sleep tonight."

"How about just in the Dining room for the night?" Taylor suggested. "Tomorrow we can finish up and clean some rooms."

"There is the master." Tom piped up, gesturing towards the Dining. "It's normally the "extra" room of the mansion, sometimes used by the head housekeeper. It's huge, and has more than enough room for the two of you."

Astrid a Taylor glanced at each other, not remembering seeing anything resembling what Tom was describing. But Astrid supposed she could give it a look over, so she grabbed Tom's arm again and began dragging him down the stairs, Taylor skipping along behind.

"Where?"

"Servants quarters." Tom answered with a whine. "Please let go of my arm- I'm starting to lose circulation."

"Oh, stop complaining." Astrid snorted with a small smile. He really did sound like a child at times, and she was beginning to see him as some immature younger brother- he reminded her a bit of Taylor. He was becoming less and less intimidating as the hours wore on.

"Right!" Tom exclaimed, and Astrid turned sharply through a swinging door off the Dining. They were in the hall, and Astrid spotted the said room instantly. It was the first on the right side, so she paused and jingled the keys till she found the correct one, slipping it into the lock and giving it a sharp twist.

"Oh!" She murmured at the sight. It was huge, quite majestic for a room in the servant's quarters. A large four poster bed was on a platform in the middle, and in one corner was a giant wardrobe. Baskets and another wardrobe were scattered around the room for use, and thankfully there was electricity to be switched on and off.

"This should do." Astrid nodded and pushed the door open wider, tugging Tom inside while Taylor wandered in grinning at the sights.

"I get the bed!" She called, shooting a teasing smile in Astrid's direction. "Floor for you!"

"That bed is huge." Astrid replied, "Don't you think we'll both fit?"

Taylor flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, "Pfft, fine, but I call the right side."

"What's the difference?" Astrid said in amusement. Tom coughed awkwardly behind her, and both girls turned, having slightly forgotten he was there.

"Tom, you go and get some hot water." Astrid instructed, grabbing him by the scruff of his coat so she could pull him menacingly closer. "Got it? Nothing else, don't try any-"

"I get it!" Tom squeaked, not even bothering to struggle as he nodded fiercely.

"Hurry. It's already three and we haven't even started yet." Astrid shoved him out the door, pulling it shut behind her and letting out a deep sigh of relief. "Okay, grab the covers and sheets and let's see what condition that mattress is in."

"Probably rotting." Taylor crinkled her nose. "But maybe we could flip it?"

Astrid peeled some of the sheets away, prodding the mattress with her finger tips. "Oh, wow. It's… actually not as terrible as I thought it was. It does have springs though, so might be rather prickly."

"I can live with that." Taylor jumped onto the bed, a cloud of dust poofing up about her. With a sneeze, she stepped away waving her hand in front of her nose. "But they do need a washing."

"Nah, we'll do that tomorrow. I brought some clean ones in the car- along with sleeping bags. Didn't know what I was getting myself into." Astrid rolled her shoulders and cracked her knuckles. "Time to get this room in livable… decency."

"That doesn't even make sense."

"Decent living quarters." Astrid replied. "Come on! Let's find a mop and rags- there must be something we could tear up that'll do."

"These curtains?" Taylor gave the said item a little shake, more dust lifting. "Erm." She hastily pushed the window open, laughing as she waved a pillow to allow the dust to escape. "We bought a sand box."

Astrid grinned, before opening the door and heading back down the hall. "I'm going to explore the storage closet and find some rags to clean this place up- and you go grab the vacuum from the car."

The two gathered the needed supplies, Tom returning not much later with two buckets of sloshing water. All evening they scrubbed the room until it practically shown with cleanliness, and Astrid even had some time to unpack her cloths. They had mutually agreed that Taylor would sleep across the hall from the current room, where they'd both sleep that night. Tomorrow they'd tackle cleaning that one, along with the kitchen and living.

Astrid escorted Tom to his room, reminding him firmly that the rules were to be followed, to which he agreed meekly. Convinced that he wouldn't try and kill them in the night, Astrid hurried back to their shared rooms, making sure to lock the servant's quarters doors- just in case.

She entered her bedroom with a sigh of exhaustion, flipping the large (and heavy) ring of keys onto the dresser, along with emptying her pockets.

"Is there another outlet in her besides the one by the door?" She queried her sister, looking about for a place to plug in her phone.

"Right behind the dresser, kinda in the middle of the wall." Taylor replied from her place on the bed, brushing her hair.

Astrid pushed her charger into the outlet, placing her phone onto the dresser. She pulled open the drawers and grabbed her pajama's, retreating to the bathroom to get changed.

"You know, this place is much better then what I thought it would be." Astrid said before jumping onto the freshly made bed.

Taylor paused, before grumbling in agreement. "Yes, I thought it would be much worse."

Astrid rolled onto her stomach, yawning loudly and blinking tiredly. "Tay, I'm tired. Turn off the lights would ya?"

Taylor tossed the brush onto the bedside table as she crawled out of bed, trotting over to the door and pushing the light switch. Astrid rolled under the covers, as Taylor dove into bed beside her and did the same.

Astrid rolled her eyes with a smile, amused by her sister's childish antics. "'Night, Tay."

"No 'good night'?" She whispered frightfully.

Astrid just smirked in the darkness, and allowed herself to drop off to sleep.

…

Taylor's phone alarm rang loud and clear next morning at seven, Astrid jumping up with a whoop and dashed to get dressed. Taylor moaned loudly and pulled the covers over her head, whining about the early wake up call.

"Sis, come on! There's so much to do- you can't spend the whole day in bed." Taylor groaned in reply.

Astrid pulled on a hoodie sweater and jeans, grabbing her comfy tennis as well, although she wasn't one who wore shoes around the house on a daily basis. But cleaning… she'd rather half something on her feet to keep her from walking on who-knows-what.

She straightened up and went to grab the ring of keys, finding a clip to fasten them to her jeans, making it easier to move about hands free. She quickly ran the brush through her hair, piecing it into a loose braid before tying a blue bandanna about her head, keeping her face free of most of her wayward hair.

She reached for her phone, pausing when she found it missing, the chord remaining where it had been, but her phone was gone. She frowned and looked under her small make-up bag, frowning deeper when the phone was still nowhere to be found.

She peered behind the dresser and bookcase, beginning to be alarmed at the disappearance of her cell. She quickly looked about some more, before looking to Taylor's shape on the bed and voicing her concerns.

"Tay, did you take my phone?"

"Mm, nuh."

"I can't find it."

Taylor's head peaked out from above the pillow, eyes hazy and expression sleepy, "Where did you have it last?"

"On the dresser, remember? It was charging…"

Taylor shoved herself into a sitting position, looking puzzled, "Well… maybe it dropped to the floor?"

"I've scoured this bedroom! It's spankin' clean, and I can't find it anywhere." Astrid wrung her hands worriedly, before frowning and marching to the door. She hastily unlocked it, frowning deeper at this new sign.

"The door is still locked." She muttered. "What the heck- but it has to be Tom."

"I doubt Tom would take your phone." Taylor mumbled, swinging herself out of bed and stretching lazily. "You probably misplaced it- like usual."

"Can you try and call it?"

Taylor picked up her phone and swiped her password, pausing and going still as they waited.

Not a sound.

"Welp." Taylor stood and shuffled to the door.

Astrid swung the door open and marched out into the hall, fuming angrily as she hastily unlocked the hall door as well.

"Astrid!?" Taylor called after her, grabbing a sweater to pull over her bare shoulders as she rushed after her sister. "Astrid, what're you doing?"

"Having a word with our guest!" She huffed. "Tom took my phone, he's the only one here."

Taylor paused, fear flashing across her face as it dawned on her. "…or… if it wasn't him…"

"Stop it, Tay, and face a true fact. Tom took my phone, and I'm darned mad about it." Astrid snapped, running up the stairs of the entry and grabbing the Ballroom doors, swinging them open. "TOM GET DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!" she shrieked, choking on the loud words.

"Don't hurt yourself." Taylor snorted behind her. "But I still don't think-"

Astrid heard a door slam above her, and waited patiently as the sound of scuffling feet sounded on the staircase. Tom stumbled off the steps, still hurriedly pulling on a jacket and trying to straighten his messy black hair.

"Whah- what is it?"

"My phone." Astrid hissed. "I want my phone this instant."

He blinked in confusion, shaking his head and extending his hands in gesture, "Your phone? I… I didn't… I don't even know what it looks like! Honest, I never touched it-"

"It's missing, and you're the only one that would've taken it."

Tom blinked again, going still for a few seconds before shaking his head. "No, I… I'm being truthful I never touched it. Honest. I have no idea where it could be… but I can definitely help you look for it…"

Astrid growled and made a move closer, but Taylor gripped her arms before she could make way. "Stay level headed, Ast." She whispered. "Look, he didn't take it. He might not even know what a cell phone is, seeing as how he's been a hermit for years. And… both doors were locked."

"He knows this place better than we do. He probably knows a way in." Astrid hissed. "I don't trust him!"

Tom stuttered to defend himself, eyes wide and frantic. "P-please… I didn't take it. I have no idea where they could be! It… it wasn't me."

Astrid closed her eyes and took in a few shuddering breaths to try and get her nerves under control. She looked up, sighing before nodding sharply towards the entry. "We have cleaning to do." She muttered.

Tom looked regretful as he shuffled passed them, while Taylor just patted her sisters arm comforting. "We'll find it, Astrid. Probably while we're cleaning." She reassured.

"I hope so." Astrid sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "The last thing I need to deal with is a missing phone."

Taylor smiled sympathetically, before making her way down the stairs towards the dining room. Astrid sighed again, then followed, wondering which story to believe…

And if she'd ever see her dang phone again.

I'm so sorry for the week late update! My computer's battery has not been working the past few days, so writing anything over 1k words has been extremely difficult. But here you are, reviews are lovely. :)