NightStormPhoenix - I like my rock!

YaAz97 - It's ok I come out once a day to post!

FuntasticMe - thanks! Someone actually asked if I could write a HTTYD/YD crossover, but its not an easy thing to try and write. I'll get around to it.

Karate Koala - Astrid isn't going to punch Hiccup here, I know that's a canon thing she does but I'm really iffy about it because if he did it to her all the time it would be seen in a different light. However, why do I need to be killed!? I thought last chapter was a little easier on the Hiccstrid souls.

MidwestMexican - you and your fiancee seem to have a very odd relationship! Haha

DyingSunlight - hey! I'll take pillows, keep your pole to yourself!

BrawlerGamer - we have to hope! And what would this fic be without some pervstrid?

I laugh myself silly at the reviews on this story! Also, you guys smashed 10k and reached 12,000 views today! Thank you all!

Note to all who followed me because of this story, I really appreciate it (over one hundred people have me spamming their email inbox with stories yo) but I really hope you checked what else I've written and will continue to write, else you're gonna get surprising alerts when this story is over! (hint, I don't usually write Hiccstrid)

-HTTYD-

"Gods, so good!"

She hummed in pleasure, head thrown back as she swallowed.

"Astrid, you're giving a pornstar performance for a sandwich."

"Hush, I'm hungry."

Hiccup couldn't help smiling, watching Astrid eat was one of the funniest things because she didn't care how she looked, just wanted to get the food into her mouth as quickly as possible in case it tried to escape. He ate his own chips more sedately, warm potato leaving oil residue on his fingers and sitting warmly in his stomach. An old woman with her grandson (he assumed) in the corner watched Astrid aghast, but he just kept smiling.

"Ready to go get changed?"

Astrid nodded, dropping money at the till and heading toward the changing rooms. She hesitated for a second, then turned back to him.

"I think maybe we should take turns in there. After... after last time."

Last time. Last time was the day Hiccup almost ruined everything. He nodded, taking a step back.

"Ladies first."

Astrid headed in, lockers clanging and rustling fabric until she reappeared in her work clothes and looking no less adorably gorgeous for it.

"All yours."

"Really?"

Her eyes flashed, but Astrid smirked.

"We'll see."

She was nervous; he could tell. This would be the first time she saw his mom again with everything out in the open, and while Hiccup was basking in his mothers blessing now, Astrid hadn't yet seen that in action. She waited for him to come back out, so Hiccup took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. Astrid perked up, squeezing back as they went out.

"Hey mom."

"Hiccup! Finally decided to show up for work."

"I got held up with a movie."

"Mhmm. Hello Astrid."

"Valka. Hiccup said... you're ok with this?"

Well, straight to it then. His mother nodded, smiling.

"Now he's stopped lying to me, I'm happy if my son's happy. Now, shall we?"

Just like that, she gestured toward animals in need of poop scooping or Odin-knows-what-else, turning away and Astrid immediately stretched up on her tip toes to kiss Hiccup. It was unbelievably liberating to do so in open air, daylight and no secretive sneaking. Valka cleared her throat, arms crossed as she looked expectantly at the twosome.

"At what point did you think you could slack off?"

"Alright alright, sorry mom. Come on Astrid, let's get to work."

It was a world of difference, sharing their knowing smiles and being able to just brush a hand across her back or suddenly find himself with an armful of blonde girl, Astrid squeezing around his waist with a smile and he realised - she hadn't minded the secrecy, but he had made her feel like something shameful. Now that was over, they were starting to slot together properly.

He still planned to do what she asked; Hiccup desperately wanted Astrid to see he was capable of appreciating what he had in his life. Even if what he had was some big, prideful idiot of a dad... at least he had a dad. Astrid didn't.

"Ow! Damnit Hookwing, have you been taking lessons in manners from Drago?"

Hookwing hooted grumpily, biting and pecking and protesting as Hiccup gave him a once over to check he was healthy, then put him back with the others. Astrid laughed at his pain, winking and dissolving any mild irritation when Hiccup looked over at her cute face.

"It must be your fault, he's never bitten me. Or your mom."

"Hush, I'm obviously not good with teenage boys. That's why I teach college students."

Astrid laughed, waiting until he was done to slide her arms around his waist again, Hiccup putting his arms around her shoulders. Valka smiled over at them, but then something behind them seemed to catch her eye and the smile faltered. Hiccup turned, almost dropping in surprise.

Mala.

He didn't let go of Astrid, waiting to see what his colleague would do. Astrid turned to see what the big deal was, spying her English teacher watching them through the fencing.

"What do you wanna do?"

"March over there and tell her to report me, Thor knows she's been dying to."

"Seriously?"

Something struck him then, and Hiccup felt stupid for not thinking of it before.

"Astrid, I was never embarrassed about you. The only people who's opinions matter to me are you and mom, and both of you are with me. Everyone else can take a hike."

If Mala suspected before, she was definitely going to be suspicious when Astrid looked up at him, grabbed his hair and kissed him soundly right in front of Mala. Hiccup let her, having zero inclination to turn her down regardless of their audience.

"Will you two behave?"

"Sorry mom!"

She rolled her eyes, but Hiccup could hear her laughing.

"I'm gonna go talk to Mala. Won't be long."

Astrid frowned, but stood back to let him go. Hiccup walked straight to the fence and Mala seemed surprised, though her face was oddly cool.

"I thought you were the consummate professional. That there was nothing inappropriate."

"That was then. You can turn me in Mala, it won't change a thing. I'll stand in front of every boss in there and tell them I'm in love and you can't do a thing about it."

He caught her off guard, that much was clear. Mala blinked, then frowned.

"It's not appropriate for a teacher."

"I'm handing in my notice. If they want to toss me before terms over, then fine, otherwise I'm gone by then anyway."

"You think you can get away with dating a student by quitting, moving schools and still be a teacher?"

Hiccup shrugged, itching to get back to what he was doing - looking at Astrid.

"I just told you Mala, I'm quitting. If you want to speed up the process, then by all means go ahead."

He didn't give her chance to answer, turning away and crossing the path back to Astrid. When he looked back after kissing the blonde beauty in his arms, Mala was gone.

"What happened?"

"Not sure. Guess I'll find out tomorrow."

Astrid smiled, nuzzling the base of his jaw.

"You didn't have to do that for me."

"I love you. Of course I did."

Astrid didn't say anything, but Hiccup caught her smile as she shook her head, turning away.

"Let's get back to work before your mom comes at us with a shovel."

Chuckling, Hiccup let himself be dragged along by Astrid. They finished out the afternoons work with no more incident, fooling about with his mom and bedding down all the animals by late evening.

"Do you need a ride home Astrid?"

Hiccup only just realised they had come on foot when his mother offered to drive Astrid home.

"No, its fine, I can walk."

"I'll walk you, if you don't mind."

Astrid smiled up at him, soothing Hiccups nerves.

"I'd like that."

Valka smiled, hugged Hiccup and told him if his leg gave him trouble, he should call her and she would come get him.

"Thanks mom. Ready Astrid?"

"Mhmm. I guess I'll see you soon Valka."

"Indeed."

The two women shared warm, friendly smiles and Hiccup relaxed - the two women in his life were getting on. He didn't need much else in life.

"See you soon mom."

He and Astrid walked the streets hand in hand, enjoying the relative peace and quiet. His leg ached a little, but it was beyond worth it to spend longer with Astrid and it would have ached after hours at the Nature Centre.

"Guess I won't see you tomorrow, I don't have your class and you'll be busy after."

"Yeah, but if you're not busy Friday... you could come sleep over at my house. It's ok if you still don't want to you know, do anything. I just want to fall asleep with you again."

Astrid stopped dead, looking up at him and he wondered if he had said the right thing.

"You... you don't have to."

She shook her head, half-smiling.

"No, I want to. It's just... strange. I'm assuming your mom is ok with that?"

"Yep. So long as your underwear isn't in the living room."

"Cami?"

"How did you know?"

Astrid chuckled, shrugging.

"I figured you would make me aware of a third ladyfriend, and you've not lived with your mom that long."

Hiccup knew he needed to have a proper and thorough discussion with Cami - he could hardly continue their friend-with-benefits thing now he was trying to court Astrid properly. Apparently, Astrid was thinking about her too.

"I'm ok with that, by the way. We wouldn't be together without her, don't drop her like a stone on my account."

"Its ironic. I only slept with her because of you."

Astrid raised an eyebrow, curiousity piqued.

"Excuse me?"

"I had this firecracker blonde in my class constantly getting me hot under the overalls, and I had to tell myself constantly that I couldn't have her. Then Cami popped up in my life saying she wanted to hook up, and I... needed an outlet. She knew that, knew about you from the start."

"Huh. There was me thinking I was the only sexually frustrated one."

"Definitely not."

They reached her road, falling silent rather than discuss their relationship where anybody could hear them.

"Would you mind if I kissed you goodnight?"

"I'll mind if you don't."

Hiccup couldn't help smiling against Astrid's mouth as they kissed, feeling very much like a normal guy dropping his girlfriend home. Even if they weren't officially that yet. It was blissful. She hummed against his mouth, cheeks flushed and pupils dilating as he looked at her.

"I'll get back to you about Friday. Let me know how tomorrow goes?"

"I'll call you?"

"Sounds good. Tomorrow it is then."

Hiccup smiled, watching Astrid head into her home and practically bouncing down the steps.

"You look weird without your Night Fury."

"You here to beat me up this time Dagur?"

The redhead had apparently materialised from thin air, but he didn't look as murderous as he usually did.

"No, I saw Astrid looking happy. That's what I want for her."

"Oh. That's good then, at least for my staying un-beaten."

"You uh, want a ride home? I know you can't walk far."

Hiccup swallowed a sigh. He knew what this was under the gesture - big brother talk. Still, he may as well get it out of the way while he could. And his leg was starting to play him up.

"Sure. Thanks."

Dagur watched Hiccup fold himself into the passenger seat, trying to arrange his lgesw comfortably.

"Hey, do you teach one of the Jorgensons?"

"Uh, yeah. The junior ones in Astrid's mechanics class."

"I thought as much. Is there another teacher at your college... slim, blonde. Kinda cute but looks like she'd eat you alive?"

Hiccup was officially intrigued, watching Dagur key his ignition and pull the car out onto the road properly.

"That sounds like Mala. English teacher. Why?"

"Huh. Just curious. Jorgenson is one of my victims- l mean clients at the gym. Pretty sure I heard him bragging to his buddies about 'nailing' someone of that description. There any truth to it?"

"Mala? Mala and the lesser evolved of the Jorgensons? Oh my gods, if that's true then she's the worlds biggest hypocrite."

He had to halt his shock to direct Dagur to his home, but his mind was racing all the same.

"She been on your case about Astrid?"

"Yeah, but then she did watch Astrid kiss me at volunteering."

"Maybe you should let her know you know she's got a guilty conscience. I mean, I don't really care what happens to you but I gotta look out for my little sis yanno?"

"Thanks I think. I'll uh, hold on to that info. Thanks Dagur. Left here."

Dagur pulled up outside his home, then got out of the car and eyed Hiccup closely.

"I'm giving you a shot, because she seems happy now. And Astrid said hurting you would hurt her. But if you hurt her again, I swear I will make you regret ever being born."

"Dagur, if I ever hurt her again, I'll hand myself over to you. I love her."

Some of the venom seemed to deflate clean out of Dagur, then he smiled. It was a little... eerie, but still.

"I'll hold you to that. I better get back and make sure Heather's new man isn't secretly a jerk. This big brother business is tough."

"Well, thanks for the ride Dagur. And the info."

"No problem. Later Haddock!"

Bemused, Hiccup limped into his house on a leg stiff from the sudden shift from a lot of walking to inactivity. He'd be fine after he rubbed some ointment in.

"Hiccup?"

"Hey mom."

"You're back so soon."

"Yeah... Dagur gave me a ride home. Told me something interesting about Mala."

He watched his mother weigh up what he'd said - the last she heard Dagur's name, it came with associated death threats.

"Oh? That would be the one who was giving you and Astrid the glares earlier, yes?"

"Yep. According to Dagur, the lady is in no position to be casting judgement."

Valka's eyes widened, almost comical on the woman who already had the biggest doe eyes on the planet.

"Do I dare ask?"

"Dagur's a personal trainer, works in the gym yelling at people to lift weights. One of his clients mentioned he had been sleeping with Mala. Said client is in Astrid's class."

"Is it an epidemic at your college?"

"I hardly think two is a pattern. And it's not like we're school teachers. Then it would be considerably worse."

"I suppose."

They chatted lightly for a while longer while eating dinner, then separated for bed. She still hugged him, kissed his forehead and just generally made Hiccup feel loved and accepted. He climbed into bed smiling, doubly-so when he found a text from Astrid waiting on his phone.

"Saw you being taken away by Dagur. He didn't try to hurt you did he?"

"If I say yes will you kiss me all better?"

"No, I'll just kill Dagur. Are you ok?"

"Peachy. Honestly, we just talked. He gave me some very useful information."

"About me? What was it?"

"No, about Mala. If it's true, then she's going to be in more trouble than me if she outs us because I'm moving on to a new job."

"Who's she sleeping with? Oh gods, its not Justin is it?"

"You think Dagur would let him date Heather if that were true? No. Jorgenson junior."

"Oh. Gross!"

Hiccup woke the next day still feeling positive - he had Astrid and his mom behind him, he could face his dad. Going back to work felt a little odd, and it was a bit pants just to see glimpses of Astrid that morning. Hiccup started to feel like Mala absolutely did have a guilty conscience, because she hadn't turned him in that morning (he felt sure his bosses would have pulled him in on it) but she did turn up in his classroom at morning break.

"What can I do for you Mala?"

"I came to discuss the situation with you."

"There's nothing to say. I only haven't turned myself in because I don't want Astrid's time here cut short. If you say anything for me though, I'll have to let the bosses know I've heard rumours about you. And you know as well as I do that its all about appearances."

He had expected more of a denial from Mala, but it was clear nobody had ever challenged her on what she was doing.

"I... I uh"

"Mala. I'm happy to never say a word about it, and simply put it down to I'll mind my own business and you mind yours. Now if thats everything? I'm very busy."

Hiccup owed Dagur a fruit basket. Or... maybe he would prefer a protein basket. Mala, still stunned into an inarticulate silence, stood up and left. Less than a minute later, a different blonde head peered around the door.

"Come on in."

Astrid strolled in, wasting little time in perching on the corner of his desk. Gods, she was beautiful. Hiccup found himself frequently stunned by that.

"I finish before lunch break today and I have work, then homework to catch up on so this is my only chance to wish you luck in person. I saw Mala come in, then leave pretty quick. What happened?"

"I told her to mind her own business and I'll mind mine."

Hiccup stood, hesitating until Astrid grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, tilting her head in clear invitation. He kissed her, reveling in the feel of her lips on his. Astrid smiled when he pulled back, sweet and playful as ever.

"I'll see you tomorrow, but you better still call me tonight."

"I will. I can't give you a time, I don't know how dads gonna be. I might be done in five minutes or five hours."

Astrid laced his fingers with her own, squeezing tight.

"I'm proud of you. Being the bigger person."

Hiccup couldn't help but flush, suddenly shy.

"What can I say? You make me want to be a better man."

Astrid leant up and kissed him again, keeping her hands on his hips to hold him close.

"I better go before there's a repeat of before. See you later."

Astrid had almost vanished before Hiccup clicked, watching her smirk toward his desk and cursing the warmth that sparked in his belly. She left him smiling, bouyant. He checked his schedule, finding that he was free next period and deciding now was as good a time as any to go tell the college he was resigning.

They were shocked to say the least.

"You've only been here two years!"

"I know, but to put it bluntly, I've been offered the only job I want to do more than teach."

The head of the college, Alvin Treacher, stroked his enormous beard and huffed.

"I see. And there's no way we can convince you to stay?"

"Nope. But I'm giving you as much notice as possible, so you can find a replacement in plenty of time."

"Most courteous Haddock."

Hiccup got the feeling Alvin didn't think him courteous at all - he was good at his job, had an excellent pass rate last year despite being completely new. Alvin dismissed him to get to his next class, leaving Hiccup feeling excited about his future job despite the less-than-warm reaction he got from Alvin.

If Alvin tried to get him to stay, Hiccup would outright say he was sleeping with a student and get himself fired. Dragon Wheels didn't need a reference, already having signed him up. He hoped it wouldn't come to that though.

His next class turned up, cheering that he was back from sickness and Hiccup knew he would miss teaching, but his new job alone was worth it. Being free to win Astrid's heart was the ultimate bonus. Hiccup got on with supervising the second year mechanics class as they played with toasters - a good way to see if they had learnt to rewire and repair smaller objects. Mechanics could not live on engines alone.

Unless they were his dad, Hiccup mused.

He called his mom once classes were over, needing some comfort in her soft voice and reassuring tone. Luckily, she was on hand to help him keep his head.

"You'll be fine son. If you don't feel up to coming over to me, I'll see you when I get home."

"Thanks mom. I better get going. Love you."

"Love you too."

Hiccup hung up, took a deep breath and changed to wheel himself along to the garage. The way back was fairly instinctive, but Hiccup noticed the second he saw it that it no longer felt like home. Gobber spied him first, waving and silently pointing toward the back, meaning his dad was in his office. Hiccup wheeled his bike up out of the way, placed his helmet on the seat and took another deep breath, exhaling heavily and letting some of his tension ease.

He debated just throwing the door open, but decided to try for a more peaceful start and rapped the door with his gloved knuckles.

"What is it now Gobber?"

Hiccup highly doubted Gobber knocked unless Stoick was in a particularly bad mood and didn't want an engine part or heavy tool launched at his head. So... not off to a great start. Hiccup pushed the door open, waiting for the huge man to look up.

"Oh. It's you."

"Nice to see you too dad."

"I'm busy Hiccup."

"Too busy to see your son?"

Stoick sighed, scrubbing a hand through his massive beard.

"Fine. Come in."

Hiccup pushed the door closed behind him, surveying his dad with a wary eye.

"You made yourself pretty clear the other night that you don't want to see me, or at least when it's not on your terms. But I'm not moving back in, and I'm not coming back to work here. I don't want this to be the last time we speak to each other, but you're going to have to meet me halfway on this."

Stoick just stared at him, still able to make Hiccup feel like a tiny boy who was in heaps of trouble.

"You're different."

"I am. I'm in love. I'm about to start my dream job. I'm happy, happier than I have ever been but... I do miss you dad. But I'm not here for me."

The thick eyebrows folded, making the man's eyes almost vanish between the facial hair and his furrowed brow.

"You've only been gone a little over a month."

"I know. I'm here to ask you to come with me, to go see gramps. I know you got the same call I did. He may not have long. Me and mom suffered long enough for your ten year bad mood, nobody else is going to. I'm going to assume... no, I'm going to hope that as my father, you want me back in your life somewhere under that pride and snark. This is how you prove it."

Hiccup couldn't fail to notice the surprise in his fathers face at his stance, his confidence. Hiccup had been so beaten down by the constant cycle of work and more work, the only social contact from work and the rare times he managed to see his mother.

Now he was flourishing in his freedom, and Stoick didn't seem to recognise him.

The silence stretched out, and Hiccup began to grow irritated. Stoick was close to losing his father, and yet didn't seem that interested in either seeing him, or getting Hiccup back in his life.

"Fine. I'll give you the chance to process. I'm going to set up a time to go see gramps, and I'll send the details to Gobber. If you don't show... I guess I'll have my answer."

Hiccup turned and left, not a single word following him. He had forgotten just how apt Stoick's name was. That was one of the things his mother had said to the man frequently - "stop being so stoic, Stoick."

His whole world had been changed, but apparently his father wasn't interested in coming along with him. Hiccup tried not to be disappointed, waving to Gobber as he left and got on his bike. He was disappointed though, massively. He missed his dad... the man wasn't all bad, but Hiccup was done trying to be the dream son. He was happy now he was himself.

-HTTYD-

Well... do we think Stoick's gonna show?