Seventeen: Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Sunday morning had Hiccup shocked as Astrid cooked them a fried breakfast, cheerful and competent and chatting over a big mug of coffee which she had managed to brew without destroying the machine. Of course, the bacon was rather crispy around the edges, the egg was slightly bouncy and the sausage was a little charred but Hiccup was happy to eat anything that wasn't actually on fire because it was a kind gesture.
Surprisingly, Heather didn't come round for breakfast until Astrid informed him that she and Dagur were coming round and they would all be going out to lunch.
"Are you sure…I mean I don't want to come between you and your friends…" he asked her in a concerned tone. She smiled.
"They're your friends…and I think Dagur is dying to talk to you," she admitted. "He doesn't really warm to people that easily. But you…he really seems to have clicked."
Because we're both broken…I just won't admit it, Hiccup thought silently.
"You okay?" she asked him softly and he looked up-and then nodded.
"I oughtta call Dad," he said. "I mean I haven't heard from him or any of the others since I left Berk." He paused and felt a twinge of hurt tighten his chest. In truth, he had been disappointed that no one had called him-not even Fishlegs, who was supposed to be his best friend. He rose abruptly and headed into his room, taking his phone with him. Staring after him, Astrid felt her heart sink. Usually-and certainly formerly, Hiccup was an open book but there were moments now when she had no clue what was going on in his head.
Damn you, Bella, she thought savagely as she turned back to the washing up.
In his room, the auburn-haired man stared at the phone for a long time before unlocking it and scrolling down his depressingly small contacts list, then dialling the familiar number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Dad-it's me. Your son. Still alive here, just in case you cared." His voice was more bitter than he had intended and he knew it wasn't the best opening gambit. Stoick was a gruff man and very busy…maybe he just didn't have the time to bother with a son who should be old enough to look after himself…
"SON! Odin, it's good to hear your voice. I wasn't sure if I was allowed to call. I mean, you warned us against calling you when you were with Bella and…"
All his anxieties melted away and he sighed.
"Sorry, Dad. I was just feeling a bit…lonely, you know?" he apologised but Stoick chuckled.
"Aren't you spending all the time with that lass of yours?" he asked and Hiccup sighed.
"She has training and other commitments," he admitted. "But Gary has allowed me to work remotely so I'm still able to refine the wing designs I was working on…"
"No fabulous parties?" the Mayor asked and his mind flew back to the other HABS, sneering at him and drinking and doing drugs instead of supporting the players.
"Not really a party guy," he admitted.
"I saw the interview with that old lady in Archi," the Mayor continued conversationally. "Glad you're still true to the man you were brought up to be. Made me proud…"
"I am always proud of you, Dad," he admitted, a smile curling his lips. "I mean-you're a great and caring person who always puts Berk ahead of everything…"
"Except my son," Stock assured him. "So when am I seeing you and that lass?" Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Hiccup sighed.
"Probably not for a while," he admitted. "Astrid has a lot of matches coming up in quick succession and I ought to be around. I mean, I am her fiancé…"
"Aye…but that doesn't mean you're not allowed to do things for yourself…" Stoick's tone was almost pleading now. "Please tell me she isn't as demanding as Bella…"
"What? No!" Hiccup replied quickly. "No, I just…"
"You know that Bella has been round here four times, looking for you?" Stoick told him softly, his tone worried. "She plays the sweet little girl but I really don't trust her at all…" Hiccup held his breath. "I told her I had no idea where you were-and I'm not sure she believed me. I wouldn't let her in though she kept asking about Toothless…"
"Is he okay?" Hiccup's tone was suddenly panicky but Stoick was chuckling.
"Sitting on my desk as we speak, cleaning his unmentionables and purring," he reported. "I think he does it on purpose…" Forcing his mind back to his time living with Bella-which he was already reluctant to recall-he remembered that the little cat seemed to delight in sitting in the middle of the room before giving his posterior a good clean.
"Yeah…he's got cattitude, all right," Hiccup replied in a relieved voice. "Are you okay, Dad?"
"Missing my son but otherwise, I'm well, Hiccup," Stoick said, the wistful note there again. "If you ever fancy a trip to Berk…or want me to come over for Sunday lunch, I'd be happy to arrange flights…" Staring out of the window, Hiccup smiled.
"I will take you up on that," he said honestly and smiled. "Gotta go, Dad. But you can call me anytime now. Because I'm with Astrid and…" He paused. "And I'm happy."
"You know, that's all a father wants for his son," Stoick said. "Love you, son." And he hung up.
Hiccup stared at his phone, the image of a smiling Stoick covered with the words CALL ENDED and he tenderly ran a thumb over the picture. Since Hiccup's mother died when he was small, there had just been the two of them, his father eschewing all offers at matchmaking by concerned friends because his heart belonged only to Valka. And though younger Hiccup had been a bit of a disappointment to the former College Football Player physically, Stoick had never made any secret of his pride in his son's intelligence, kindness, determination and bravery. They had grown much closer since Graduation and Hiccup regretted the isolation that Bella had enforced. He swiftly dressed and emerged to find Astrid flicking through the channels. She looked up with a smile as he sat next to her.
"You okay?" she asked, her tone concerned but he smiled and pecks a kiss on her cheek.
"Just being stupid," he admitted. "Dad's okay and Toothless…well, he's being Toothless…"
"Gods, he was just a little kitten when we graduated, wasn't he?" she frowned. "I mean, he was a rescue and had lost half his teeth…"
"Hence Toothless," Hiccup grinned. "He's a feisty little panther in the body of a very small black fluff ball. Honestly, he is so cute it's a wonder he doesn't implode sometimes…" She started giggling.
"You could bring him here, if you want," she invited him and he stiffened. "Hiccup?"
Bella said that…to use as a lever…I can't risk him again…
"I may take you up on that," he forced himself to say, though the joy had left his voice. Guessing she had overstepped some boundary, she smiled and gently touched his arm.
"There's no pressure, Hiccup," she reminded him gently. "Whatever you feel is best is fine with me. But if you are missing him…he's welcome as well." And she smiled because she was offering her pristine apartment as a cat home/toilet/playroom and somehow, if it made Hiccup smile, she didn't mind… He glanced into her face and his eyes warmed, his smile growing a little more genuine.
"Thanks," he added more happily. "I really may consider that." She patted his shoulder.
"I'm getting a shower and then we can go meet Heather and Dagur," she said, getting up and heading for her room.
oOo
Erik the Red Park was the jewel in the Centre of Archi, named for the famous Chieftain of the past and a magnificent space for the people of the city. Wide open grassy stretches were between manicured beds, statues, fountains and the lake where people could swim, boat or float. There were at least three permanent shops that were scattered through the park along with concession stands for yak roast, ice cream and sweets and the plentiful benches were being used by young and old alike.
Astrid had driven herself and Hiccup to the park, almost giving him multiple heart attacks from her aggressive driving style and impatience with other traffic. Parking up, she had chuckled at seeing Hiccup offer a fervent prayer to Odin for his safe arrival and switched off the engine, unbuckling her belt.
"You weren't in any danger," she assured him. "We didn't hit anything."
"We probably would have if this car had thicker paint on it." he retorted. "I have never seen a bus driver scream in fear before…"
"I'm sure he was just sneezing," Astrid replied.
"And all the passengers-all at the same time?" he asked pointedly.
"Dusty bus," Astrid announced confidently.
Hiccup merely raised an eyebrow and she took a resigned breath.
"Okay, so maybe that one was tighter than usual…" she conceded. "But we were never in any real danger…"
"I think you may be in a minority in believing that!" he said sarcastically.
"You think you can do better?" she asked him tartly, her pride stung and he nodded.
"Definitely," he replied.
"Well-prove it!" she said. "You're driving us home!"
There was a pause and he stared into her glittering eyes. She was annoyed at him and if she had been Bella, he would be cringing and gabbling apologies, not caring whether he was right or wrong because her anger was always to be placated…but Astrid was safe. And while he didn't want to upset her, he knew she wouldn't behave like Bella. Astrid was a decent woman and would behave like an adult in a disagreement…like the one they were having now.
"Are you sure?" he checked, his tone tentative.
"Oh yeah," she smirked, her tone glittering. "And I expect chauffeur level driving…"
"Look, what you're going to get is not-crazy-psychoAstrid-driving…" he replied and her eyes widened.
"PsychoAstrid? I'll have you know I'm a well-loved role model and fashion icon…" she reminded him playfully.
"Who drives like you're a Formula One driver…" he finished. She smiled as a rap on the window interrupted them-and they looked up to see Heather grinning at them. Astrid wound down the window.
"Are you planning on staying in there all day or are you coming out into the sun?" she asked and grinned. Astrid huffed at her.
"My fiancé here was just calling my driving psycho and crazy!" she protested.
"Boy, it didn't take him long to pick that up," Heather commented. "Good work, Hiccup. Can you make sure she doesn't get killed on the way home?" He nodded.
"Especially as I'm driving," he confirmed.
"Busted!" Dagur grinned at Astrid and she folded her arms, pouting. "Come on, brother-let's leave the girls to their conversation and I'll show you the lake!" Getting out and locking up, Hiccup found himself accompanying a very excited Dagur to the lake and getting dragged into a rowing boat as Astrid and Heather sat on one of the benches with ice lollies. His eyes trailed slightly worriedly over the pair, seeing Astrid talking animatedly and wondering if it was all going to end…but Dagur pulled him back to the moment.
"You mind if I row?' the buff man asked. "I find it works out my back and shoulders…"
"Knock yourself out," Hiccup invited him and Dagur gave a large grin.
"Thanks, brother," he said cheerfully and pulled them rapidly out into the centre of the lake, away from prying ears. Then Dagur paused and sat back, closing his eyes and smiling. "I love this-it's so peaceful," he added. Hiccup sat back a little uncomfortably, casting glances over to Astrid. She was still deep in conversation with Heather as he sighed.
"You're not happy," Dagur said. There was a pause and Hiccup stared, his eyes widening.
"Whatever gives you that idea?" he asked too quickly. Dagur's thoughtful eyes opened.
"Your response," he said simply. "You're very defensive. And I don't think Astrid is the problem…is she?" The urgent shake of Hiccup's head was answer enough and then Dagur frowned. "Look-I know when someone is hurting, when someone is struggling, Hiccup. I've come through…stuff you wouldn't believe and seen things no man really should. And I really didn't want to cope. I actually wanted to end it…more then once…" He unbuckled the thick leather cuff around his left wrist and showed three wide scars all the way across. "Heather found me and made sure I was taken care of. I-I would never try again because I can still see the hurt, the fear in her eyes that I would rather die than talk to her about what was worrying me." He carefully buckled the cuff up again.
"Are you okay?" Hiccup asked, his tone concerned. Dagur nodded.
"But my point is…" he began. Hiccup nodded.
"It's not Astrid," he confirmed. "It…it's my former girlfriend, Bella." Dagur watched him without saying a word. "She…she doesn't like that I'm with Astrid. She…is not someone who is willing to accept defeat…"
"Are you in danger?" Dagur asked in a low voice and Hiccup took a slow breath.
"I don't know," he said slowly. "I mean…she's not going to come after me with a knife or anything…though when I lived with her she had a few moments where she got physical…" Dagur remained silent, watchful, and saw the auburn-haired man's head drop. "You can say it if you want," he mumbled.
"Did you tell anyone?' he asked evenly. Hiccup shook his head.
"It's…humiliating," he forced out. "It's shaming and humiliating and I know that a man shouldn't be beaten up by his girlfriend. I mean, it just means I am so pathetic and…oh gods, why am I telling you this?"
"I'm a great listener," Dagur said calmly. "And I don't judge." Hiccup leaned forward and clasped his hands in front of his face.
"You can't tell Astrid," he said desperately.
"Why?" Dagur asked him simply.
"Because she's amazing and brave and beautiful and deserves more than…than this!" He gestured to himself with real loathing. Dagur suddenly lunged forward and grabbed his wrist, glaring into his eyes.
"Astrid wants you!" he snapped. "Not some buff footballer who betrays her or some model or music star or any of these other worthless wannabes! She wants Hiccup Haddock because when she's with you, she's smiling for real. You spar with her, you care for her and you make her feel normal. Can't you see that in her eyes?"
"I love her," Hiccup said quietly, his tone suddenly defeated. "I have for years. I would do anything for her so when she asked me to come here…I would have swum here if necessary. No matter that Bella wanted me locked up and made sure I had no means to escape…"
"She took your wallet?" Dagur asked. Hiccup nodded.
"Destroyed my clothes, wrecked my dragon statues, damaged my computer, took my wallet, cleaned out my bank account, maxed my cards…"
"Does she know where you are?" Dagur asked firmly. Hiccup shrugged.
"I think she can find out I am on this island but no one knows where Astrid lives-and I haven't told anyone…not my family or friends and never her…"
Dagur grabbed his arm with his other hand and shoved the sleeve up, revealing the white scars of burns, perfectly straight and wide. His eyes widened. Hiccup carefully retrieved his arm and slid the fabric down once more.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "I won't let it embarrass Astrid." Dagur caught his hand.
"Brother-I won't breathe a word to Astrid…but I would really recommend that you tell her anyway," he said urgently. "She cares for you-and she will support you. And I will." Hiccup shook his head.
"I can't lose her," he murmured Even though I know it will happen anyway… "Please…respect my decision."
"Only if you promise to call me if you have any contact with Bella…or she tries anything," Dagur said firmly. "I'm here to protect Astrid…but also you. And a woman who will harm you like that has no limits, Hiccup. No matter what you think, if she contacts you, call me!"
"Dagur…"
"I'll row us around in circles until you agree," Dagur threatened him with a smile and after a glare, Hiccup sat back.
"Fine," he huffed, folding his arms. "We'll see who gets dizzy first…" Chuckling, Dagur dipped one oar in and pulled strongly, the other just holding station. The little boat lurched and swung round in a circle. Hiccup yelped and grabbed the sides of the boat. "Oh, come on!" he whined. "You're not serious…"
"You know, my sister teases me that I'm Deranged…" the buff man taunted Hiccup, giving another one-sided pull.
"Quit it!" Hiccup protested.
"Weak stomach?"
"Not on your life," Hiccup sassed back. "But if you drown me, Astrid will be very upset…"
"I'm a qualified lifesaver…and she'd be upset if anything happened to you, Hicc," Dagur warned him, laughing as the boat swung crazily round. Hiccup lunged at him, missing the oar and landing in an ungainly heap on the bottom of the boat.
"You win," was the muffled concession. Dagur helped him up easily before he grasped the oars and inspected the auburn-haired man, sitting hunch-shouldered opposite him.
"Hiccup-I want to be your friend," he said honestly. "And friends stand by each other…help each other…no matter what." He gave a hopeful smile. "And one day, I may need your help." Inclining his head, Hiccup nodded.
"Though what I could do for someone like you…" he said aimlessly but Dagur grinned.
"Everyone needs a friend," he said honestly. "Now let's go back to the girls. I don't know about you but I'm starved. I could almost eat a yak!" Hiccup gave a smile.
"You know, I think my cousin could give you a run for your money…" he said as they began to head back for shore, unaware of the cameras greedily snapping a stream of shots of the pair…
