A/N: Just to clarify-Heather meant 'there is no match as far as you're concerned. You're not going.'
Twenty Three: Fallout.
"What-what do you mean?" Hiccup stammered, his eyes wide with shock at the blunt words.
"You are not going to the match," Heather told him flatly. "Astrid doesn't need the distraction-and currently, you are a distraction. The paps will be hovering like flies around you, wanting to snatch a picture of the most hated man in the Archipelago."
"But it's not true!" he protested, glaring at her. "None of it's true!"
"Hiccup-there are people out there who believe all publicity is good publicity," Heather replied sipping her coffee and peering at her phone, wincing at the torrent of emails pinging into her inbox. "But that isn't true when you want to promote a positive image and have some woman claiming you've stole her husband and that she is left jilted and pregnant."
"And it's not true!" Hiccup protested. "Look, get your lawyer to look into it. She's not pregnant. Or if she us, it certainly isn't mine. I mean we haven't for ages! And we were NEVER engaged. If I can speak to Astrid…"
"NO!" Heather snapped. "You stay away from her. She doesn't need any distractions. We can discuss this when she gets back…"
"But I promised her I would come," Hiccup argued. "And I don't want her to think that I…"
"No," Heather snarled. "Enough. You stay here and don't put her off. I will explain to her-when she's done. And then we can try and sort out this unholy mess…"
"But…"
"No, Hiccup-you stay here. You've caused enough trouble." And with that, she left, slamming the door and leaving the auburn-haired man watching her, feeling as if he had had the breath punched out of him.
"Wow. I knew she didn't like me but that was harsh," he said sarcastically, looking at Toothless, who was neatly licking a back paw. "And fat lot of use you were, bud. Why couldn't you have tripped her up?" The cat meowed plaintively and the young man sighed, walking over the scoop the warm body in his arms. "Yeah, I know," he sighed. "She would still have hated us."
Toothless looked deep into his eyes, then raised a paw and gently rested it against Hiccup's cheek.
"Thanks, bud," he said despondently. "I mean, I'm only here to act as a puppet to make her look good, aren't I? I don't matter-that seems pretty obvious. And whether it's Bella telling me how worthless I am or Heather calling me a distraction and a troublemaker, I just can't win." His shoulders slumped. "Gods-what will she tell Astrid? She'll tell her to dump me, bud-and honestly, why would she carry on this-this pretence? I mean, what do I bring except the lie that makes them money…and when I start to be a liability, it'll be 'Bye bye, Hiccup, thanks for everything but get lost!' And that will just…well, it will be the end."
Toothless purred and rubbed against his face, chirping gently as Hiccup slumped onto the couch.
"I know-I'll still have you but…nothing else," he breathed. Struggling suddenly, the cat jumped from his arms and walked proudly across the couch, his tail up before he bounced onto the shelves and patted a framed photograph. Lunging forward, Hiccup automatically caught it and stared at the image of his group of friends at school-with Astrid stuck by his side. And quietly, he raised a couple of fingers to his lips and recalled what had happened since-loss and reconnection and all those little moments that his heart had told him was real, despite the words of Heather and Bella and his own wrecked confidence.
"It was real," he murmured. "It is real. And I promised."
Carefully, he placed the photograph on the table and nodded.
No matter what happens, Hiccup-I am your friend. I was a bad friend before but I'm back now and here I'll stay.
"The Hiccup she knew wouldn't let someone tell him to stay behind like a disobedient puppy when he had promised to go to the game to support her," he murmured, staring at the image of his laughing younger self, hanging onto the grinning Astrid. "Bella would rip me to pieces if I disobeyed her and Heather looks pissed, to be honest. But…this is for Astrid…" Toothless flicked his tail and looked as smug as only a cat can. Decisively, Hiccup rose to his feet and sniffed his shirt. "Okay, we freshen up and then…"
MEOW!
"Okay, first we feed you-sorry, bud-then I freshen up and then we find a way to get to the Shivering Shores!" he said.
oOo
Showered, shaved, dressed in clean clothes and owning a very full and sleepy cat, Hiccup grabbed his wallet and phone and headed for the door, dialling Cami's number.
"Yeah?" came the drawling reply.
"Cami-I need a favour," he said urgently. "Can you take me to the Airport. Now?"
There was a pause.
"Heather doesn't want you to go to the match today," Cami admitted. "She phoned you in case you tried to get me to help."
"I don't care what Heather said," Hiccup said intensely, "because I promised Astrid that I would be coming and unless I am half-dead, I'm not letting her down."
There was a longer pause.
"Y'know, she talks about you when I take her to training?" Cami asked him. "I think she's really fond of you-and frankly, I wouldn't let Heather boss me around."
You haven't had the Bella treatment. I mean, I almost didn't even try…but what kind of pathetic spineless worm allows someone to tell him to stay put like a child? I am an adult and I have a right to go where I want-and keep my word to the girl I love. Because she won't know why I'm not there, only that I'm not…
"Will you help?" he asked, fingers crossed.
"Hell, yes," she said. "I'll be with you in five. But I can't use the official car…and maybe, you don't want the attention?"
"Anything-as long as I get there on time," he admitted. There was a low chuckle in response.
"Be waiting for me," she said and hung up. Pulling his leather jacket on, he headed out and sped down the stairs-just as a sleek motorcycle pulled up. The rider, the black leathers with a black helmet flipped up her visor-and Cami grinned back.
"Really?" he asked as she fished out the spare helmet, which was green.
"Faster than the car," she grinned. "Come on, sport. You're pillion…and you need to hang on tight. Because I'm not hanging around. Astrid is my friend as well as my boss and I know…she wants you there. So this is gonna be the opposite to the normal chauffeur experience…"
"Oh Thor," Hiccup muttered, cramming the helmet on and hanging onto Cami's waist. She kicked the stand up and they accelerated away, gliding through the traffic and putting the hammer down as they hit the Freeway until they reached the Airport. Hiccup was fearing for his life and screaming silently with exhilaration all at the same time as they roared off the ramp, dodging between coaches and speeding up to the Terminal. Breathing hard, he jumped off and handed back the helmet, his lopsided grin definitely relieved.
"You can make the next flight," she told him as he opened his mouth and then hugged her.
"Thanks, Cami," he said. "I-I owe you…" She winked.
"Hey-what are friends for?" she asked. "Now you got a plane to catch!" He nodded and ran into he terminal, making his way to Archipelago Air Desk and buying a ticket on Flight VNG 113 to the Shivering Shores using the card Astrid had arranged for him. He was so focussed on making the plane that he almost missed the eyes on him, the fingers pointing and whispers as he sprinted to Security and to his gate. The stewardess scowled at him as he slid into his seat just before the doors closed and he meekly dipped his head as they pushed back and headed down the taxiway. A large part of him was telling him that he was an idiot and that he would probably be refused entry to the ground-or beaten up by furious Valkyries fans. But the stubborn kernel of Hiccup that had resisted Bella and her attempts to cow him reminded him that this was for Astrid-and for him.
The flight was a little longer than to Berk and he couldn't even concentrate on the book he had downloaded to his phone, staring out of the window and willing the flight to be over. He had ordered a couple of meads to try to calm his nerves but it had little effect as he sighed. His HABS ID card from the Valkyries' Home Ground was in his pocket and while he had no desire to mix with them any more than he had to, it would be needed to allow him a chance to speak to Astrid…after the game. So after they landed and he had cleared the security, he kept his head down and walked through to the taxi rank. Again, he was aware of eyes on him and heard more whispers as he caught a cab to the stadium. Head down, he walked to the turnstiles, buying a ticket at the 'away' end and walking quietly in to get his seat.
He had missed kickoff and the She-Devils were already attacking fiercely. His eyes searched the pitch and he relaxed as he saw the lithe shape of Astrid, her characteristic headband picking her out as she made a deft tackle and relieved the ball. The Valkyries fans cheered as she passed to Jannicke on the wing and the accelerated up the pitch, taking the pass and drinking past the defender and scorching a shot just past the post. Hiccup groaned with the other Valkyries fans and the goalkeeper collected the ball and kicked it up the field.
But his heart clenched painfully as he saw Astrid walking back up the pitch, her head briefly turning to the box and he knew she was looking for him. He sighed: he didn't want to argue with security and the people in the box but Astrid wouldn't know he was here.
He just hoped she would forgive him.
oOo
Astrid was angry, seeing her team go a goal behind and the referee book her player for a foul which was, in fact, a dive by the opposition player. The subsequent penalty had been scored and the sense of injustice was keenly felt. And she glanced up to the box she had been told would be made available for the HABS and friends-and there was no sign of Hiccup or Heather. She sighed, wondering if the flight had been delayed. She could see Mala, standing alone in the friends area and she felt a sense of disappointment. She had seen Hiccup watching her throughout the home game and it had been nice having someone just for her-not that Heather wasn't cheering for her…but it was different with Hiccup.
By halftime, she was furious. The She-Devils were playing very cunningly and Astrid had been tricked into a challenge that had lead to a dive and a yellow card. And as she had never been booked in her career before, she was immensely annoyed that she had fallen for the ploy. The whistle for the break was a relief and she marched off the pitch briskly. The team talk was to the point and she stood up by the Coach, adding her encouragement to the team so when they emerged, she was feeling positive and determined…but her entire mood crashed down as she glanced up-to see Heather standing by Mala…but no sign of Hiccup. For a moment, she glared…before she stormed onto the pitch, her fists clenched. She felt let down and abandoned, that she was giving and he wasn't even bothered to come and support her. And she felt betrayed…because he had promised…
Then she dismissed it, focussing on the game. She needed to lead her team and couldn't be distracted by someone who was-or wasn't there. And she needed to be more on her game than ever-for if she slipped up again, she could be sent off and leave her team exposed. And it would take all their skills to break down the She-Devils defence…
oOo
The final whistle brought cheers from the home crowd as the She-Devils hung on for a tight one-nil win and though the away team politely filed off, acknowledging the crowd and waving…but Astrid glanced up to the box and her eyes narrowed before she marched off. Hiccup rose and headed down the steps to the walkway-as the crowd started to file out. But two men accosted him and one of them grabbed his arm, hauling him back.
"I bet you put her off," the first said. He had a shaven head and a long, straggly beard, his dark eyes menacing. Hiccup struggled.
"What?" he protested. "How?"
"That interview. She must be so shamed about the revelations…and how you treated that girl…" The second man-a solid, stubby man with mean eyes and a bushy moustache-shoved Hiccup back.
"If you cared for her, you would have stayed away!" he sneered.
"Or better still, gone away!" the first man sneered, his eyes narrowing. His fist slammed into Hiccup's middle and as he staggered back, raising his hands to protect himself. the second man hammered a flurry of blows into his side. He hit the wall and slid down, curling up to try to protect himself.
"HEY! A voice echoed and immediately, the legs surrounding Hiccup vanished. Cringing, he looked up-and he saw a security guard, looking sternly down on him. "What are you doing down there?" the guard asked and wincing, Hiccup looked up.
"Getting up?" he suggested automatically, earning a frown from the man. "And then…looking for Astrid." The guard immediately scowled but frantically, Hiccup brandished his Valkyries HABS card and the man frowned.
"Aren't you the one who…?" he asked, his tone unsympathetic. Hiccup staggered to his feet.
"Whatever I did-or didn't do-is a matter for me and Astrid," he said firmly. "Please-I need to see her." The guard looked at him, seeing a man who was sincere…and certainly didn't look like a monster. In fact, he looked dejected. The guard sighed.
"I'll take you through to see her…though whether she wants to see you is a different matter," he warned the auburn-haired man. Hiccup shrugged.
"I'll cross that bridge when I come to it," he managed philosophically. "After all, I promised I would come for her." The guard nodded and led him through the bowels of the stadium, until they reached the Press Conference room. The room was packed with reporters, all trying to put the same questions to Astrid. There was barely room for Hiccup to slide in the back after sincerely thanking the guard as the reporter from the Archipelago Broadcasting Company put his questions to the Valkyries Captain.
"Has your fiancé explained his behaviour to you?" he asked. Astrid took a deep breath.
"Hiccup and I talk about many things," she said. "And personal conversations are private. What happened with his previous relationship is not my business. Especially when he was NOT engaged when he became my fiancé…"
"But the interview…" Astrid's smile became strained.
"Assume I didn't watch a self-serving diatribe by a vengeful woman who is determined to make her ex pay for reclaiming his life…" she said dryly. "Maybe…the young woman exaggerated at best…and at worst…"
"Are you ashamed of how you stole her man?" the columnist from the Archipelago Enquirer yelled.
"Are there any questions about the match?" Astrid asked and when there were none forthcoming, she smiled brightly. "Okay, guys-you know the score. Press Conference is over. I only talk about the game on match days. Other queries are through my manager. Bye!" And she sat back as they filed out, muttering but knowing that she wouldn't give them anything more. But she stiffened as she saw the one person still in the room, standing alone and self-conscious as he closed the door behind him.
There was an awkward silence.
"Astrid, I…"
"Where the Helheim were you?" she snapped.
"I was here. Watching," he explained quietly.
"You weren't," she accused him sharply. "I was looking for you! Dammit, you promised!" He walked forward suddenly, pulling his crumpled ticket from his pocket and tossed it at her.
"Yes, I was," he snapped through gritted teeth. "Of course, your best buddy Heather didn't want me here. She forbade me to come." Astrid stared.
"So why…" she began but he leaned over the table, resting his hands flat on the table and forcing her to lean back, shocked.
"I mean, I guess that I should have stayed away like the pathetic spineless nothing you and she and everyone thinks I am…but I promised…" His tone had turned from anger to pleading. "I wouldn't let you down like you let me down!"
"Low blow," she retorted.
"It was a low thing to do," he replied. "I came. Despite Heather telling me to stay, that I was too much of a distraction and that she would decide what happened, despite her telling Cami not to take me to the airport-not that she listened, thank Thor-or arranging for anything this end…" Astrid gaped.
"What the Helheim has happened?" Astrid breathed. Hiccup looked away.
"Bella went on Ron the Viking and basically made me look like the most foul, grasping, shallow, money-grabbing, faithless monster in the history of the Archipelago. I mean Loki, the Jotun and the ancient Red Death dragon rolled into one wouldn't be half as repugnant as I am!" he admitted. "And I guess that is why Heather wanted me gone." He swallowed and turned to the door. "And I don't think she understood just how what Bella said…hurt…" He turned away. "I'm sorry, Astrid. I never wanted to make you feel ashamed of me. I never wanted her to involve you. She's my problem…" Astrid rose and saw him facing the door, his shoulders tense.
"Hiccup-she's both of our problem," she said more gently. Gently, she rested her hands on his shoulders. He flinched.
"Astrid…you should let me go," he sighed. "You can always say I lied to you and you were blameless…" She spun him round to face her and gently raised her hands to press against his cheeks.
"And it would be a lie," she told him. "This is all my fault. And whatever she has said is a lie, right?" He nodded slightly, his emerald eyes searching her face.
"All of it," he managed hollowly and pressed his cheek into her gentle touch. "Gods…I would never ever…"
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?" Heather's voice rang through the room and Hiccup turned to face her, his face shocked for a second before he folded his arms.
"Guess what? I'm an adult so you can't tell me what to do!" he snapped.
"And I told you that you would harm Astrid if you turned up and distracted her…" the raven-haired girl sneered.
"Since she didn't know I was here until just now, I couldn't have distracted her-and I made a promise to her!" Hiccup snapped. "Who the Helheim do you think you are to make me break my word?"
"I'm her manager!" Heather snapped.
"And I am 'her'," Astrid growled, her tone cutting through the heated voices. Hiccup swallowed, sagging. "And I can talk for myself."
"Sorry," Hiccup mumbled.
"Look, Ast-I gotta look out for your interests…" Heather said in a reasonable voice.
"And yours," Astrid retorted. "What was distracting was looking for Hiccup-and not seeing him. To know he had broken his word and not come-when he promised he would. But despite your sabotage, he came."
"I…"
"Heather-I am able to make my own decisions and I want Hiccup here," she snapped. "Look, he's my friend. He's done everything we asked and his horrible ex is now causing him trouble. There is no way we can abandon him. I would never abandon him."
"But…"
"Heather-when all's said and done-it's my life, not yours," Astrid said, taking Hiccup's hand. "And who I have in it is my choice-not yours!"
"But it is my business when it threatens everything we have build over the last four years…" the raven-haired girl retorted.
"Then do what you're paid to," Astrid told her bluntly. "Get Throk and go forensically through everything she said. Find evidence to refute her lies. Undermine her story."
"I can tell her about the police report…not that she ever thought I would have the guts to report her for any of her actions," he muttered.
"Hiccup?" Astrid's voice was suddenly wary, her fingers sliding between his and feeling his hand curl instinctively around hers.
"Look-I know that her engagement ring was bought after I moved to Archi, not months before, because I have the statement," Hiccup sighed. "And I think we need to undermine her 'poor little Bella' act." They stared at him and Astrid smiled, recalling the first time she met the woman.
"Maybe by showing people who she really is," she said. Hiccup suddenly felt a flicker of hope, run through his breast, that maybe…just maybe…there finally was a way out of this horrible nightmare.
"I-I have a suggestion," he said. "I know what we can do…"
