YaAz97 - always more fluff! And honestly I've loved writing these character dynamics (though not as much as I enjoy writing other ones *cough*)
FuntasticMe - I did hear about new RTTE! Although I don't know if it comes out like one episode at a time or is all of season five just gonna appear on Netflix?
MidwestMexican - means you come back to multiple chapters! That's a bonus... right?
Karate Koala - yeah I was grinning and hating it at all the fluff, it was so fluffy I practically wrote a cloud. And thank you for that request! I actually meant to put that in and forgot so kudos for the reminder.
Incinerator1 - I actually have a backstory for that, but it's kinda gross hahaha (to me anyway, but then I write a lot of the stuff that makes others squick so I have no conscience for gross) if I manage to write it down I could post it as an outtake at the end?
BrawlerGamer - ah! I'll let you off then. I swear I didn't start this with the intent of making Astrid a hardcore pervert, but it works so well and it's so funny to write.
I love all these reviews, I'm usually in hysterics laughing at them all so thanks to each and every one!
-HTTYD-
Despite his utter peace and contentment at that moment, Hiccup did his best not to fall asleep right away. Watching Astrid slumber in his arms was just too perfect a view to waste. He was hoping to memorise it so he could memorialise it on paper the next day. He hoped Astrid wouldn't mind.
The dreams came for him eventually, waking feeling refreshed and comfortable with Astrid still asleep next to him. Her nose wrinkled cutely as he watched her, ignoring the growing urge of his bladder or the pain and stiffness in his leg for staying in the same position all night. Her eyes opened not much later, yawning and rubbing her face before smiling when she saw Hiccup.
"Mmm. Was worried last night was a really great dream."
"Hmm, not sure the usual calibre of your dreams if I'm a great one."
Astrid rolled her eyes sleepily, stretching out next to him and moving his arm from her dislodgedthe blanket. She coud hardly miss Hiccup's eyes roving downward to her bare chest, still breathless with the beauty of the woman in his bed.
"Save it night fury, your mom leaves two hours before I do."
He caught the implication of her words, watching Astrid manage to pull off seductive and sexy even with sleep still softening her features. He kissed her cheek but stayed away from her mouth, knowing Astrid would turn away anyway as she disliked morning breath greatly.
"You can go first in the bathroom."
"I'm a gentleman. Plus I need to stretch my leg a little before I get up and walk."
Astrid nodded, nuzzling the base of his throat with cute little kisses before rolling up and out of the bed naked as a newborn babe and not caring a jot. Hiccup's morning wood gave an interested twitch but Hiccup hushed it, watching her bend over to pick up her bag and stealing his pyjama top to venture off in. She looked cute swamped in his tunic-style shirt, barely to his hips but coming midway down her thighs. He was saddened to see her bare skin vanish all the same.
He sat up, rubbing at the tight skin around his scar and grimacing as it protested. He would give it a massage later, since he had a whole lot of free time that day. Hunting for his discarded boxers - he needed a little modesty in case Toothless opened the door on him again - Hiccup stood up and winced at his aching limb.
"You alright?"
Astrid returned from the bathroom, his shirt over her shorts and socks he spotted had owls on.
"My legs acting up again. Stupid thing."
"Can I help?"
"Nah, I'll put ointment on it after breakfast."
He limped past, hoping Astrid didn't think he looked silly as he went. Safely in the bathroom, Hiccup peed, washed his hands and face then brushed his teeth, eager to kiss Astrid again. She was sat on the edge of his bed, coy smile playing on her face as she looked him up and down. He kissed her eagerly, tasting minty-fresh on her lips.
"Come here a sec?"
Hiccup went, sitting and shimmyimg up the bed when Astrid gently pushed him. She knelt down at the edge, examining his leg more closely and feathering almost non-existent touches over the puckered skin. He would always dislike the scar, but he couldn't deny there was something about watching Astrid drink it in that he sort of enjoyed.
"Does it hurt if I touch it?"
"No more than it hurts when you don't. I'll be fine when I've rubbed the magical goo into it."
Astrid's eyes were obviously questioning, so Hiccup nodded to the pot of balm behind her. She picked it up, then turned back.
"May I?"
He wasn't sure why, but the fact she asked made his heart skip a beat. He nodded, watching her bite her lip in concentration as she knelt back down, sniffing at the menthol balm before scooping a little out and rubbing it along the thickest line of the scar. Her nimble fingers and thumbs worked it in methodically, cooing soothingly when she saw him wince at particularly sore bits. The pain began to recede under her gentle touch, skin tingling with more than just the cooling menthol as Astrid looked up and he nodded.
"Thanks."
"Anytime. I mean it, I kinda like doing it."
"You're strange. It's awesome."
She smiled, tongue peeking out between her teeth cutely as she went to wash her hands, leaving Hiccup with a predictable problem from Astrid touching him alot. He was debating whether to excuse himself to the bathroom after her when she came back and practically leapt on him. Hiccup watched hungrily as Astrid crawled down the bed, pushing down his shorts and swallowing his cock without a seconds hesitation.
The sudden heat around his shaft made his body spasm with shock and pleasure, prompting Astrid to press his hip down with one hand while the other held her weight as she sucked him off. Hiccup could only bite his lip to keep from shouting out at the exquisite sensation, trembling every time Astrid tongued the sensitive nerves between head and shaft. She repeated the motion with the very tip of her tongue, over and over until Hiccup was near-mindless, a mass of raw pleasure under her obscenely skilled ministrations.
His legs were shaking by the time Astrid took pity on his quaking body, relaxing her throat and letting him further down to swallow around him. The contracting muscles pulled him closer to the edge, Astrid's hand creeping to rub his perineum with firm circles the final push for Hiccup to come, spilling into Astrid's mouth and whining at the feeling as she swallowed him down.
She licked her lips as she came up, all swollen pout and seductive grin.
"What is that thing you do with your fingers?"
"You mean this?"
Astrid repeated the circle motion, Hiccup still sensitive from climax and he jerked backwards in shock at the feeling.
"Y-yes!"
"Take it you've never had anyone put a finger in your butt?"
Hiccup's mouth fell open in shock, shaking his head vociferously.
"No! Why the hell-"
"That thing you feel, that you like when I touch there" Astrid indicated, gentler now she knew he was over stimulated "is your prostate. That happens to be located in your butt, if you like it now you'll love it done properly."
Pulling up his shorts, Hiccup went in search of clothes - it was almost seven, his mother was going to be up any minute and that meant breakfast soon.
"I... isn't that what gay guys do?"
"Well I'm sure they do that, yeah but... that doesn't make you gay."
"Sounds kind of gay to me."
Astrid shook her head, clearly trying not to roll her eyes.
"By that logic, every guy who puts his cock in his girlfriends butt is gay. The act itself has no orientation, it's about who you do it with... or who you want to do it with. If you're against it, we won't try it, that's ok. But... please let go of your rigid definitions of gay and straight. So outdated."
Hiccup tried to process as he pulled on a t-shirt, zipped up his jeans and sat down to put on socks. He did like how Astrid's fingers felt on the outside, but it still sounded... strange. A memory occurred to him as Astrid waited, unsure if he wanted the answer to his question but it came out anyway.
"Hold on. Is this what you meant by pegging when you were trying to get me to make a list?"
"No. Pegging is me using something phallic to actually fuck you, and it still wouldn't make you gay if I did that."
Hiccup had an overwhelming urge to cover his butt protectively.
"That sounds painful."
"Apparently it's uncomfortable afterwards the first time, but otherwise no."
"Have you... have you done that before?"
Astrid nodded, smirking.
"I'm adventurous and flexible. Don't worry, I'm not going to sodomise you in your sleep. I'm hungry."
Astrid got up and headed out, leaving a really quite stunned boyfriend behind. He couldn't help his face heating as he thought of her doing... that, though he wasn't sure if the feeling in his chest was terror or interest. Maybe both.
Breakfast. Breakfast was a safe thing to think about.
He went out to find his mother and Astrid chatting, Toothless already pelting around the back garden excitedly.
"Morning son."
"Morning mom. Sleep well?"
"Once Toothless stopped snoring right next to my ear? Perfectly."
Astrid laughed, eyes on her phone as she typed out a text.
"Heather said she would drop me off after work today, which is code for she wants to talk to me about Justin without her mom listening in. Means telling her where you live... is that ok?"
"Dagur already knows where I live, so it's not like she couldn't find out easily enough."
Astrid nodded, smiling as she sent the message before following him to the kitchen and hugging around his waist. The position reminded him of what she had said, face flushing again as he dug in the cupboard for a mug.
"You a tea or coffee drinker in the morning?"
"Coffee, definitely."
Hiccup basked in the sight of both women in his life laughing and joking first thing in the morning, enjoying just listening to them chatter away as he sipped his tea, or as they all ate the omelettes he made.
Even if the topic was embarassing childhood memories... he had promised Astrid could have those if she wanted.
It didn't mean he wanted to relive running into walls in his exuberance as a 'dragon' when he was a boy. Astrid fell about laughing and Hiccup saw the way she lit up, deciding his mortification was well worth it.
"I'm going to take Toothless with me... I'll see you both this evening?"
"Yeah, see you mom. Love you."
"Love you too. Bye Astrid."
"Bye Valka."
Toothless tottered after Valka, yapping excitably about getting in the car that day. Astrid was playing with his fingers, looked up at him with a smile as the sounds of his mothers car starting came from outside.
"You could go join her while I'm at work you know. Don't sit around doing nothing all day on my account. I can get Heather to drop me there."
"You sure?"
"Positive. However... we do have a couple of hours to kill first."
"Whatever shall we do to pass the time?"
Hiccup barely had chance to appreciate Astrid's predatory gaze before she was in his lap kissing him hungrily, hands under his t-shirt exploring his torso before yanking it off completely.
"How sturdy is your desk?"
"I built it myself, so pretty solid. Why?"
Astrid smirked, hopping out of his lap and his erection protested her soft weight vanishing. Hiccup moved his ink bottles and anything else he couldn't risk getting damaged, but Astrid seemed not to mind getting charcoal (he liked the way it blended) transfer on her skin as she stripped her t-shirt off and laid back, waiting for him to take her.
"As I recall, your description always included being bent over, not laying back for me to do all the work."
"Why don't you make me bend over?"
Hiccup had never been 'dominant' in his life before Astrid, but something about the power play, about her challenging him set his blood on fire. He grabbed her, halting for a second to look into her eyes.
"Stop me if I hurt you?"
Astrid returned the intense gaze, knowing Hiccup would hate to cause her pain in the quest for his own pleasure.
"Promise."
He pulled her up off the desk, kissing her and squeezing her soft breasts while he could, drinking in Astrid's moans of pleasure before turning her and pushing her over the desk. He halted to check she wasn't in pain, that he hadn't pushed her too hard, but Astrid only bent over further, pushed her ass up in the air and turned to throw a smirk over her shoulder.
Her shorts came down easily, revealing no underwear beneath and he growled at the sight, hungry for this nymph girl who lived to torture him so beautifully. Astrid seemed to exist to meet every one of his desires, all while being fiercely independent and absolutely her own person, fiery and unique. Hel, that was part of the attraction - Hiccup loved the fire.
He squeezed the globes of her ass, thumb teasing over uncharted territory and Astrid shivered, moaning softly.
"I'm game for trying that, but not right now. I need to be able to walk today."
Hiccup pressed his thumb down more firmly, testing her reaction as the guardian muscle gave before pulling his hand away and she actually sounded disappointed. Gods, she was perfect. And she had a point - there was nothing gay about it, she was the woman he was attracted to regardless of the act.
"Maybe we'll trade."
"I've created a monster. Excellent. Now fuck me! Condoms in my pocket."
Hiccup had to admire her forethought, bending down to retrieve the square from her shorts and nipping teasingly at the pale curve of her ass. Astrid whined but the sound wasn't of pain, merely impatience as Hiccup pushed down his shorts and sheathed himself, using his fingers to check she was ready and finding her as hot and welcoming as ever.
Hiccup took his time, listening to Astrid moan and gasp as he filled her slowly, savouring the way her body fit his perfectly until his hips were flush against that amazing ass of hers. Astrid pushed back, trying to get him moving and he felt it rude to make her wait any longer, withdrawing halfway before sliding home in one smooth motion. The sounds she made were divine, low and throaty as he watched her grip the far side of the desk for purchase.
Her submission in this instance was a gift, not an expectation. Hiccup knew he could easily take what he wanted and leave her unsatisfied, but Astrid was trusting that even when she looked little more than a receptacle for him to get off, Hiccup would make it good for her, would thrill in her pleasure as much as his own.
Gods did he thrill in it. Astrid's moans and pleas were beautiful music that filled his ears even with the guttural sound of their skin against each other as his thrusts grew faster, harder and fuck did Astrid respond to every one.
"More... gods Hiccup, harder... please-"
He saw the grip of her knuckles turn white, felt her tighten around him and Hiccup leant forward, sinking his teeth into her bare shoulder and Astrid shattered beneath him, muscles spasming around his cock as she swore and moaned and thrashed through the climax. He delighted in being privy to such moments, his own orgasm taking him by surprise as he was so lost in watching Astrid.
Helping Astrid up was his first priority, finding indentations along the top of her thighs where the desk had dug into her skin. He didn't like them, but Astrid seemed faintly amused as he guided her back to the bed on shaking legs.
"I told you not to let me hurt you."
"You must be under the impression I was noticing anything other than how good your cock felt. Mmm."
Hiccup rolled his eyes, tossing the condom and righting his shorts as Astrid made a grab-hands motion at him until he crawled into arms reach so she could cuddle up to him. She certainly seemed to be in no pain, nuzzling his neck and peppering kisses over his chest. Hiccup didn't know his nipples were sensitive until Astrid bit down gently on one, soothing the sting with her tongue as he groaned in pleasure.
She pulled off his shorts again, seemingly content simply to feel bare skin on bare skin as she explored his torso, mouth and fingers running over his chest and stomach with no hint of dismay for how wiry and scrawny he was.
"Still can't believe this happened."
"I think that's my line Astrid."
"Hush" she bit his nipple again, silencing him with a moan "I'm allowed to be surprised that after months of practically coming in my pants just watching you, I managed to find out what was under those leathers. And it was well worth the wait."
Astrid bit at his collarbone, sucking a bruise into his skin and letting go with a wet 'pop' to gaze proudly at the mark she left. He brushed his fingers over the one blooming over her shoulder, unable to help himself enjoying the way Astrid responded to biting.
"I'm not sure how any of that was possible, but I'm not complaining that you charged into my life and turned my world over. Or that you gave me a second chance."
Astrid frowned for a second, then her face cleared.
"You ever talk to me that way again and I'll castrate you, but... it's done with. Like Cami. The past has a place but I'd rather focus on the future."
"Does that mean... does that mean you see me in your future?"
"Do you want to be?"
He was shocked she needed to ask, nodding fervently.
"Gods Astrid, there's nothing I want more."
She smiled softly, laying her head on his chest and listening to his heart beat beneath her ear. He rolled them over after a few minutes, nuzzling at her cheek and kissing her pretty little pouting lips. Astrid responded just as sweetly, arching her back and rubbing her breasts against his chest. Hiccup had always enjoyed sex, but with Astrid it was more like a spiritual connection, she was so open and receptive to him.
Her hands buried in his hair as he pressed into her body, head falling back as she gasped his name softly. Never did such a ridiculous name sound so perfect as it did on Astrid's lips. Her legs wrapped themselves around his narrow waist, Hiccup never happier for his slim frame as his hips slotted so well between her thighs. She clutched at his back and moaned in his ear, sending pulsing waves of heat rolling through his body as they rocked together, sharing in the pleasure as much now as they had when Astrid was bent over his desk.
Maybe even more, because Hiccup could watch her face.
Maybe he had an item for his 'list' - sex in front of a mirror, making Astrid watch how utterly beautiful she was in that primal state.
Murmured words of love whispered between kisses, Astrid's intonations of emotion the purest pleasure Hiccup had ever known. It wasn't an earthquake, but the climax they shared was a full-body experience and left Hiccup feeling warm and happy inside. Astrid looked to be similar as they cuddled up together, gently caressing each others bodies and pressing lazy kisses to exposed skin.
"I have to go to work and make cakes."
"Tough. I'll pay you to stay right here and cuddle me."
Astrid chuckled, craning her neck to kiss him.
"Tempting. Heather would yell at me though. I need a shower. I'd invite you but then I would definitely be late."
"I'm telling my mom you're wasting water."
She laughed, grabbing her bag and venturing to the bathroom. Hiccup watched her cute butt as she sashayed out, absolutely swaying her hips for his enjoyment. He sighed happily to himself, trying not to think too hard about the next day. He was thrilled at the prospect of introducing his gorgeous girlfriend to his grandfather, but Hiccup also knew it was a make or break time for the relationship with his dad.
"I'm nervous!"
"Heather, you're not a virgin. But... if you really don't want to jump him yet, don't."
Astrid leant back against the car seat, box of bread and cakes resting on her lap. Heather was dropping her off after their shift at the bakery, and stressing about the potential happenings of the evening as she was off to stay at Justin's again.
"I do, it's not me. I'm just worried he's gonna turn me down and give me a whole mental complex about why he doesn't want me."
"He totally wants you. But.. that doesn't mean he's ready. Especially if it's his first time. Look babe, just do what feels natural. If it's the right time, it's the right time. If not, then let me know and I'll get you a sex toy for your birthday."
"Astrid!"
She laughed as Heather swatted at her, then started up the car to take her to where Hiccup and Valka were. She had been a little late for work, mostly because it was very hard to banish Hiccup from the shower once he was in there, all pleading eyes and offers to wash her... by the time they were done Astrid needed another shower. Then he put his leathers on, and Astrid had felt compelled to mark the occasion - so had Hiccup, pushing her to her knees and pressing his cock to her lips with a smirk...
"Are you even listening to me?"
"No, I won't lie. I was thinking about Hiccup."
"Gods you're gross. But at least you're smiling again."
"Mmm. Not like I'm giving you explicit details about exactly how he-"
"No! Stop right there, I do not need those images in my mind when I'm off see Justin."
Astrid giggled, seeing the road she wanted to be on coming into view.
"I'll see you tomorrow. If you need to declare you two had wild amazing sex, do it by text."
Heather swatted at her again, shooing her out of the car and waving before she zipped off toward her own man. Astrid headed in to find Sven playing with Toothless, who was rolling on the floor wagging his tail happily.
"Hello Astrid! Little late to be joining them isn't it?"
"I had work. But I brought cupcakes?"
Sven cooed and selected one, immediately garnering Toothless' attention as Astrid went to change, then headed out to find Hiccup and Valka both covered in owls. They both smiled when they saw her, Hiccup carefully shooing a few owls off of himself and throwing his arms around her.
"Did you have a good day?"
"Yep. After Heather roasted me for being late."
Hiccup feigned innocence, as though her lateness hadn't been caused by him at all. She licked his neck because it was in reach, enjoying the way he yelped and squirmed.
"What was that for?"
"Felt like it. Hi Cloudjumper. You're looking very fearsome."
Cloudjumper ruffled his feathers, looking proud and haughty. Valka laughed at him, stroking his belly and cooing as he preened.
"This is why mom will never remarry. She doesn't love anyone as much as that owl."
"Not true son, I love you just as much. Mostly."
Astrid watched them with a smile, knowing tomorrow was going to be rough on both Haddocks. They should be happy and carefree while they could. The last couple of hours there whiled by easily, then the trip back to Haddock central comfortable and easy. Astrid felt welcome there, and it had only been a day.
Valka clapped excitedly when Astrid revealed she'd brought bread, then tried to tell Astrid to stop bringing her things.
"I always get stuff to take home. Usually it's banana bread and cake. Today it was pumpkin bread and cake. Now hush and eat your cake."
Valka chuckled, taking the offered brownie pieces and chewing them while Hiccup was getting his leg balm thing. Chamber Of Secrets was on the TV, pizza delivery on the way and Astrid was in her favourite pyjamas. Life was good right now.
Hiccup sat next to her and rolled up his pyjama leg, looking round in confusion when Astrid reached for the balm.
"You sure?"
"Told you I am."
He chewed on the thought, then handed the pot over and shifted so Astrid could lift his leg in to her lap. Valka watched them with a smile as Astrid rubbed his scar, clearly used to Hiccup being unhappy about letting anyone see his scar - Astrid didn't think he owned a single pair of shorts other than pyjamas. She knew he couldn't swim, because he had been getting treatment when other kids his age learnt, and now he was embarassed to go. Astrid made a resolution that she'd get him in a pool after he finished working at the college.
Valka got up when the door knocked and paid for their food, returning with two flat boxes full of steaming cheesy delights. Astrid washed her hands, then made herself comfortable leant against Hiccup while they ate pizza and watched Hogwarts get terrorised by a huge snake.
"So let me get this straight. The bad guy left part of himself in a book so he could do some damage fifty years later?"
"Yep."
"Talk about playing the long game. At least mom stayed awake through this one. We'll watch the next one in the morning before we leave."
Astrid smiled, glad she was achieving her goal of three movies before she left tomorrow. She tried not to dwell on the actual leaving, knowing she would ache for the feel of his arms when she slept alone again.
Hiccup seemed to be thinking along the same lines, holding her tight as their bodies twined, gasping against her lips and whispering that he loved her over and over. Astrid could no more contain herself than stop breathing, returning the sentiment and clutching at him just as needily. He kissed her hungrily, fingers exploring her skin like he would never get another chance. It took hours before they were spent, enveloped in each others arms and knowing there was no place Astrid would rather be.
She was sore when they woke, but Hiccup's fingers worked themselves inside her, stroking and teasing her to a barely-conscious orgasm that was undoubtedly an excellent way to wake up. Hiccup's shaft was smooth and hot between her fingers, his gasps against her neck erotic and addictive until he spilled over her fingers with a needy whine.
"Mmm. Morning."
"That it is. Damn, you fucked me good last night."
She stretched, feeling the persistent ache inside her and relishing the feeling of having had Hiccup inside her.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No! Hiccup, you need to trust that I'll tell you if you do. When you have a lot of sex in a short amount of time, it aches but... it's a good feeling."
"How?"
"Everytime I feel it, I remember a damn good fuck from this handsome devil."
He frowned, but eventually seemed to believe the girl smiling leisurely up at him from the mattress.
"Are you sure?"
"Positive. Was I complaining at any point last night?"
A smile stole over his face, remembering.
"No."
"Well then. Stop stressing."
Astrid got herself up and to the bathroom, still aching pleasantly and seeing the dopey, unable-to-suppress grin on her face. There were bruises littered over the top of her thigh, shoulders and hips where Hiccup had bitten or gripped her and she loved each and every one.
A quick shower and some comfortable shorts and t-shirt later, she was happily ensconced in Hiccup's arms watching Prisoner Of Azkaban and picking at yesterdays cake. Once the movie was over, Hiccup nuzzled the back of her neck with a kiss on the top of her spine, then turned to his mother.
"We better get ready to go. You sure you're up for this Astrid?"
"Wouldn't be here if I weren't."
"Mom?"
"I'm always behind you son."
Hiccup hugged them both in turn, then he and Astrid headed to get dressed for the meeting. Astrid opted for her usual comfortable jeans and a red t-shirt she'd seen Hiccup linger on whenever she wore it before. Hiccup looked unfairly devastating and handsome in a slim green jumper and brown jeans, plus some heavy brown boots that made Astrid a little weak inside.
"Wow. You look beautiful. He's not going to believe you're with me... so he might ask if I paid you to be there."
"I promise not to tell him how much."
Hiccup broke into a smile, wrapping his arms around her and Astrid breathed in the cedar and sandalwood scent of his aftershave, letting out a breath full of shuddering desire. He was so rude, being so utterly desirable all the time.
They went to Valka's car, which had a fresh throw blanket in the back so they weren't covered in dog hair from Toothless being on the seats often. Hiccup's hand stayed tightly in Astrid's the whole way, though she knew his tension was about his father rather than his grandfather. Seeing the farm from the front in daylight was a different view to the back view when they were sneaking around at night before, and Astrid felt oddly like they had come full circle.
Valka embraced her son, petting his hair as they waited - they were a little early.
"Whatever happens son, you're not alone ok?"
"Thanks mom."
The silence was weighty as Hiccup paced a little, standing still a surefire way to make his leg stiffen. The sound of a heavy truck had both Valka and Hiccup turning toward the sound, a huge monster truck trundling up the driveway nearby. She didn't need to be told that was his fathers truck - their reactions said it all.
"You don't have to be here for this mom."
"He's not seperating us again son."
Astrid wasn't sure she was supposed to hear that, watching as the huge truck spat out two huge men. The awkward tension was palpable - Stoick and Valka couldn't even look at each other. Astrid squeezed her boyfriends hand, then nodded encouragingly.
"Hi dad. Hi Gobber. This is Astrid. Astrid, meet my father Stoick, and my would-be uncle Gobber."
They both looked her over, comfortably under Hiccup's arm on her shoulders and physically closer to Valka than she suspected Stoick had been since they divorced.
"So... shall we go in?"
"I'll wait out here. We shouldn't overwhelm him."
"You sure mom?"
"Positive. On you go my boy."
Astrid didn't miss the way Hiccup stayed between his mother and father, not moving until Stoick stepped toward the house. Gobber lumbered along as the head of the party, knocking the door with the organic arm he had, prosthetic not shamefully hidden away at all.
Hiccup cast a look back at his mom where she was leant against her car, looking very in place surrounded by the nature view behind her, her yellow top and brown skirt rather reminiscent of her 'work' clothes. She waved and smiled reassuringly as the door opened, what was clearly a nurse in her deep blue uniform opening the door with a broad beaming grin.
"Hello! He's all ready for you, come on in."
Hiccup had warned her his grandpa was ailing and elderly, but she was pleasantly surprised to see a slim but sturdy enough man sat up in an armchair, wearing something quite similar to Hiccup in a green jumper and brown trousers. He had the same profile as Hiccup somehow, despite Hiccup looking much like his mother and this being his paternal grandfather.
"That's ne'er you Hiccup! Get over here!"
Hiccup let go of her hand, leaning down to hug the frail man who smiled broadly at the embrace.
"And who is this young lady?"
"Gramps, this is my girlfriend, Astrid."
"This stunner is with you? Did he pay you lass? Don't worry, I'll double it."
He winked at her, reaching out a hand and Astrid took it, finding he had a surprisingly firm grip. She laughed openly and the man beamed, then turned to the other two visitors as nurses pointed the two youths to a seat together.
"Stoick. And... I'm hoping your wife hasn't really let herself go."
There was a concern Hiccup had raised - the old mans failing memory not retaining the divorce.
"Ye cheeky old fishbone, I'm Gobber!"
"I know that you one legged lout."
Stoick barely made a sound, taking up half the room with his bulk and awkward silence. He eventually reached to hug his father carefully, stepping back with a gruff sound.
They talked lightly - mostly about Astrid - for half an hour or so, several times he had to be gently prompted to remember things he got wrong.
"So, where is that wife of yours son? Cannae miss her!"
Stoick froze, obviously not wanting to say they were separated if the man had forgotten.
"She's outside with the car. Come on dad."
Astrid went after them, leaving Gobber and the elderly gentleman chatting about 'the olden days' as Hiccup and his dad headed outside.
"What are ye doing lad?"
"Well you didn't tell him you split. So I'm making the most of it. You don't have to say a word, just keep quiet. That's what you're best at."
Hiccup quickly explained to his mother, who obviously agreed to play along for a few minutes to satisfy an old man with bad memory. Hiccup even had his mothers wedding ring with him.
"Tradition dictates a mother gives hers to her daughter and a father to his son" he explained to Astrid "but they only had me and I would have to wear dads as a bracelet."
Valka looked uncomfortable putting the ring on, but straightened herself up with a smile and continued not looking at her exhusband. They went back in, and 'gramps' lit up at the sight of her.
"Valka! You beauty, oh if I were twenty years younger."
"You always say that."
"Well it's always true lass."
Effortlessly friendly with him as she was with Astrid, Valka kept the old man laughing as he lamented the later generations of Haddock men had much better luck with women than he had. Astrid supposed that was a compliment.
Eventually the nurses noticed him beginning to 'sundown', memory worsening and frustration showing. That called time on their visit, and as the fivesome got outside Valka handed the ring back to Hiccup without a word, then headed for her car without a look at Stoick.
"Thank you for coming dad. It means alot, especially to gramps."
"Mhmm. I guess I'll see you around."
Stoick walked off, but Gobber was more positive.
"He'll come around lad. Stay in touch will ya? And take care of her, ye got a good girl there. All this chaos and not a blink."
As Gobber trotted off and hauled himself into the truck that Stoick rumbled off in sharpish, Hiccup turned and kissed Astrid deeply, emotions thick on his mouth.
"Thank you. I'm not sure I could have gotten through today without you and mom."
"Well... you're stuck with us."
Hiccup grinned, kissing her again and leading her to the car.
"I'm just that lucky."
-HTTYD-
Whew, this chapter got super long. Enjoy!