Twenty Seven: Gala Misgivings
The Annual Archipelago Soccer Awards was a very grand affair, being held in the 'Asgard' Hotel in Archi City, overlooking Erik the Red Park. Astrid had been bouncing all day, excited and looking forward to the gathering of players from all over the Archipelago, from all the teams as well as male and female players. The papers knew that she was up for two awards tonight and the Valkyries were hot favourites for 'Team of the Year'. Of course, Hiccup was less enthusiastic because he had no clue what to expect and was still struggling with his notoriety as a role model and reluctant spokesman for male partner abuse. He had noted that not all of Astrid's team-mates...and certainly few of their partners...had been at all supportive and the sneers he had fielded from the likes of Raseri and the pop stars had been worse since the Ron the Viking Show.
But it was Astrid's big night and he knew it was his duty to do whatever he could to support her-so he dressed in the tuxedo she had ordered for him and made sure he looked the best he could. His hair was still untameable but she had refreshed the little braids in his hair and he was surprised how unlike himself he looked when he had checked in the mirror. But his breath was completely taken away when he saw Astrid.
In commemoration of the occasion, Astrid had commissioned a new entry into Team Astrid-a stunning aquamarine gown that was off the shoulder with a low-cut, fitted bodice and a skirt that flared from her hips in a shimmering waterfall of satin and silk waves. The asymmetric hemline granted flashes of Astrid's toned legs and golden kitten heel sandals completed the outfit. Her shimmering golden hair was loose of her shoulders, a small portion from her right temple braided over her head and finishing in a slender braid behind her left ear. Her 'engagement' ring glittered on her left hand and a fine gold chain looped around her neck.
"Wow," Hiccup breathed. "You look absolutely stunning, Milady." She gave a swirl, the skirts twirling around her calves.
"It's not too much?" she asked worriedly and he gave her a broad grin.
"Astrid-you will be the most gorgeous woman there," he told her sincerely. "And that includes all those WAGS whose only job it is to look like arm candy!" She smiled in pleasure at the compliment and brushed an imaginary piece of lint from his shoulder. He was flattered by the tailored tuxedo that emphasised his sleek outline, highlighting that his shoulders were a little broader than would be expected for his lean build. His green eyes sparkled, lighting his face and she stared deep into his eyes.
"And I will have the handsomest escort there," she told him as he felt the slightest blush warm his cheeks.
"Well, I'll come first in the Fishbone category," he admitted as she swatted his shoulder lightly.
"Enough of that, Mister Haddock," she reminded him. "Remember, we're working on positive thinking and accepting compliments for what they are!"
"You've been talking to Dagur," he grumbled lightly as she grabbed her golden Givenchy purse. It had been a gift from her parents when she attended her first awards dinner and she had superstitiously taken it to every one since, even though she made dress purses in the Team Astrid range.
"You're absolutely right," she scolded him. "He's the man who has had the most psychotherapy out of everyone I know so when he suggested some simple steps to help you regain your confidence, I listened!" The buzz of the door interrupted them and she smiled. "It's time," she told him, grabbing his hand and leading him to the door. "You ready?"
"Not at all," he admitted, "but I am looking forward to watching you win!" She smiled then.
"Born winner," she admitted and his heart fluttered a little at her smile as they headed down to the car. Cami was there, unusually in a tuxedo, black dress pants, patent boots and with her wild blonde hair tamed into a very sleek bun on the back of her head, dark glasses lending the woman a professional look at odds with her usual grungy but natural appearance.
"Your chariot awaits," she smirked and opened the door for Astrid and then-to his surprise, for Hiccup. Her grin widened at his shock and she pulled away professionally, taking them unerringly to the police cordon that was restricting access only to those permitted. As the officer leaned towards the driver's window, Cami wound it down with a smile, offering the man their invitations. "Astrid Hofferson and partner," she said firmly, awarding Hiccup status he immediately felt he didn't deserve. The man peered into the back, seeing the most recognisable blonde in the Archipelago smiling back at him. He waved, smiling goofily, and waved them on, lifting his radio and whispering a warning that the woman was on her way.
They stopped at the entrance, lit brilliantly with a red carpet and a throng of paparazzi clicking away at top speed. The hotel was sumptuous, dripping elegance and as they stopped, Cami jumped out, professionally opening the door and allowing Astrid out, The click and whirr of cameras was almost deafening and Hiccup managed to get out almost unnoticed as Astrid smiled brightly for the cameras. She paused and glanced back, her hand extending to take his and pull him close, the look on her face leaving no one in any doubt that she was overjoyed to be here with him. There were a few photos of them as a couple, both smiling before they turned and walked up the red carpet to allow the next person to arrive. Astrid smiled and waved as they walked into the hotel, graciously allowing anyone who wanted-professional and amateur-the chance to get their picture of the famous soccer star. And it was only once they had passed the lobby that she sighed.
"Thank Thor that's done," she sighed. "We should be okay for the rest of the evening. They only take shots of the winners at award time and that's only by the Association Official Photographer. So we can relax..." He gently ran his thumb over the back of her hand.
"You were awesome," he admitted. "I'll never be so at ease in front of a camera."
"It's a skill like any other,"she told him as they walked thoughtfully towards the ballroom, where the awards ceremony-and dinner beforehand-was being held. "I was lucky to have a good teacher. The Captain when I arrived-Stacey Forrester, a US International-was amazing. She told me that if you give freely when asked, they are less likely to hassle you when you want some private time. Always be gracious because they have a job to do like everyone else and do your best to accommodate them."
"Good advice," he murmured as they reached the door to the ballroom. Immediately, Astrid peered at the seating plan and rolled her eyes.
"We're on table 1-which is fine, I was kind of expecting it, though it suggests I have an award so it won't take forever to get me up on stage, but we've also got Hella Gudjonson and Raseri, Ulrika and Mala, Franz Immelmann and Theodore 'Thuggory' Cabeza de Carne, the Captain of the men's National Squad."
"Cabeza de Carne? That's Meathead in Spanish!" Hiccup said, frowning as Astrid burst out laughing.
"Thor, you're the first one who got it that fast-ever!" she giggled. "Yup-his Dad was Spanish and moved here when Thuggory was one. He chose to play for the Archipelago...but he loves himself!"
"Thuggory?"
"Most vicious midfielder in the league," she explained. "Likes to rough up the opposition with a good full blooded tackle in the first few minutes. One of the papers nicknamed him Thuggory and he loved it. And kept it!"
"And he's up for an award as well?" he guessed. She nodded.
"Don't let anything he says upset you, okay?' she said urgently. "He has to be the centre of attention and he hates anyone or anything that detracts from that...even people who aren't making any conscious attempt. And you, my dear Hiccup, are distracting...both for your courage and for your looks." He started.
"Okay, I get the Bella situation but looks?" he asked her. "I mean, I have crazy hair and a big nose and all sort of wild freckles..."
"You have the most stunning eyes, a handsome face with a great jaw, your kindness and determination show in your features and your hair is just...perfect," she told him softly. "You think Bella would have gone on about your looks if there wasn't a real danger people would compliment you? She wanted your confidence at rock bottom. But you have a lot going for you..."
"Pretty much all of it standing just beside me," he said gently and she almost purred.
"You, sir, are too smooth for words," she grinned and took the arm he offered her, gliding into the decorated space. It was already thronging with very fit looking men, all in very expensive suits and beautiful women in extremely designer gowns. All seemed to have long blonde hair extensions, uber-bling jewellery and killer designer heels that no respectable soccer player would wear for fear of a career-ending ankle injury. A waiter offered them drinks and they both scooped a flute of champagne, sipping the dry bubbly drink. Astrid finished hers much quicker and grabbed a second as they circulated.
"Ast! Great to see you!" Ulrika-the ginger-haired winger-grinned as she walked up arm in arm with Mala. Ulrika was in a jade green that suited her colours while Mala was in black that flattered her serene inner calm.
"Rika! Mala! I saw we're sitting together!" Astrid said happily.
"Only because we're getting the Diversity Award," Mala commented dourly. "I think we're the token minority this year…"
"Oh dear-what does that make me? Token non-soccer player?" Hiccup quipped.
"Date of the hottest female player of the year," Ulrika giggled.
"Is that even a thing?" Astrid asked.
"Hey, if that was an award, you would win it!" Hiccup told her, smiling. Mala was a friend from the HABS box and he felt more comfortable with her than many of the others but as the other members of the team came up and chatted to Astrid, Hiccup found himself trying to be polite to people who routinely ignored him when they attended matches. Only Dane the actor would speak to him and then it was a low murmur of congratulations on his work as a spokesman. But Astrid was chatting eagerly and animatedly to the other players so Hiccup remained at her side, nodding when expected though he was largely excluded from the soccer insider talk, shaking hands when asked and trying to ignore the sneering looks of the other HABS.
Then a tall, buff man with jet hair, dark eyes and tanned skin pushed forward, his eyes fixated on the blonde. He grasped her hand and kissed it, causing her to spin round.
"Astrid Hofferson-you look a vision," he said smoothly. She snatched her hand back.
"Thuggory-doesn't your girlfriend need your attention?" she asked tartly. He gave a brilliant grin.
"She's over Stateside filming," he said easily. "And while the cat's away…"
"Another cat moves into his territory," Hiccup cut in dryly. "I don't think we've met!" His voice was surprisingly firm as he moved to Astrid's side and the other man glanced him up and down.
"You've got to be Hiccup," Thuggory commented with a disparaging look. "The role model for male disempowerment."
"While you play for the Archipelago because you weren't good enough for Spain," Hiccup replied, seeing the man's eyes narrow. "Big fish in a small pool, Cats eat fish, you know…"
"Depends on the fish," Thuggory snapped as Astrid giggled.
"Oh Thuggory…don't feel threatened," she soothed him. "Have a drink and you'll feel better! You always do!" Glaring at Hiccup, the soccer Captain turned away, leaving Astrid staring at her friend. "And what was that?" He looked into her eyes.
"I don't like him," he said quietly. "I've had enough of assholes." As she felt his hand find hers, she recalled Thuggery's retort and nodded.
"Yup, he's an ass," she commented. "I mean, he can be good fun but he's very much an alpha male and hates any challenge to him." She smiled. "And you totally put him in his place, babe. Proud of you."
"Why thank you. I also do Birthday Parties!" he sassed and she smiled as they were called to the table for Grace. Hiccup found Thuggory to his right and the man studiously ignored him but as Ulrika and Mala were on Astrid's left, they chatted with the couple cheerfully throughout the meal and coffee. As liqueurs and coffees were served, the Host Bjorn Bjornsen stood forward.
"Welcome to you all!" he announced. He was the best loved sports presenter on the main station, VikingSport, and his greying sandy hair and twinkling blue eyes were familiar to everyone there. "If an asteroid landed on this hotel, there would be no league left! I haven't seen so many sportsmen since there was a special offer on jockstraps at Sven's Sporting Goods! Am I right?"
There was polite applause. He sighed.
"Pass the fizz round!" he called. "This lot aren't even half pickled enough yet!" And then he smiled. "It is an honour to host the Annual Soccer Awards and be able to hand out richly deserved recognition for such amazing players!" Astrid sipped her coffee and made sure her chair was half-turned to grant her easy escape if she was called. Hiccup leaned forward.
"Nervous?" he whispered and she nodded.
"What if I don't win?" she whispered back. "I know I was on the shortlist but what if I come away empty-handed?"
"Then they're idiots for overlooking the best soccer player and most beautiful woman in the room," he told her in a low voice and she half-turned to look at him, squeezing his hand.
"Thanks, babe," she murmured. "Whatever happens, I have you."
She needn't have worried, for as the awards were handed out, Astrid won the Player of the Year and the Critics' Award as well. Ulrika was indeed awarded the Diversity Award for her work in promoting gay rights and gay visibility in sport. The Valkyries won Team of the Year-an award contested by all the teams, not just the female ones-and Thuggory won male Player of the Year. Finally, the award winners were invited up on the stage for the winners' photographs and glasses of champagne were handed round as they toasted their success.
As soon as the final shots were taken and the thunderous applause died away, everyone got up from their seats and began to mingle, going to talk to their friends on other tables. Hiccup sat quietly, drinking his coffee and waiting for Astrid to return-but after ten minutes, he was starting to worry. Mala, though was reassuring.
"There are dozens of people who will want to talk to Astrid," she reminded him. "They all want a word with the National Captain or the Soccer Player of the Year or the Valkyries Captain. And she will have a chat to all of them because that's who she is." Hiccup nodded as the two rose.
"We're just going to talk to a couple of gay male soccer players," Rika said by way of apology. "We'll be back in a while. Will you be okay?" Emerald eyes flicked up guiltily.
"Me? Yeah, I'm fine-as long as Bella hasn't sneaked in as one of the awards…" he said sarcastically and Rika gave him a swift hug.
"If you need us, call," she said kindly and then headed into the throng. Hiccup sat back, loosening his bow tie and draining his coffee. He was able to get a refill and as he aimlessly stirred a lump of sugar in, his gaze slid over the throng where he presumed Astrid was.
"She looks fabulous," a voice said behind Hiccup and he turned his neck to see two WAGS chatting. Both had long blonde hair, tans that clearly weren't natural, lips too plump that had clearly been aided by injections and far too much make-up.
"And he's dreamy," the other one simpered. "I mean, they make the perfect couple. Both the Players of the Year, both the National Captains…why is she going out with that loser again?"
"Doesn't she feel sorry for him?" the first one said. "I mean, he was beaten up by his ex on TV. I saw it on V-tube…"
"Gods, what does she see in him?" the second one scorned. "I mean, Thuggory is a real man, a proper man who is handsome and strong and brave, just like her…but the boyfriend…"
"He's skinny and quiet and honestly, what is it with this stupid braids?" the first one scoffed as he self-consciously raised a hand to the two little braids in his hair. Astrid had insisted on them…but did they just make him look ridiculous?
But there are HABS with piercings, fake tans and tattoos…as well as far weirder hair-dos. Why are they getting at me?
"I heard Thug talking-apparently he's a sarcastic bastard as well-and honestly, he's nobody!" the second sneered. "I mean I don't think he even works. And what do they have in common? Look at Astrid chatting to Thuggory. They're so compatible and they're chatting all the time. But him? What can he offer?"
Nothing. Chaos and embarrassment. She can't chat about her training or tactics or matches to me. I'm just someone who is pretending to be her fiancé and is just there to make her look good…
But she said she loved me. Don't listen to them. Remember what Astrid and Heather and Dagur said. Even Dad. You have people who care and what Astrid said is genuine, not a fake.
He sat back and tried not to listen to the sneering gossip but it was clear that the WAGS believed that the dream couple was Thuggory and Astrid…and Hiccup didn't feature in the picture, because he wasn't famous, rich or handsome. And though he did his best not to take the words to heart, he couldn't ignore the sensation of anxiety that gripped his stomach. Finishing his second coffee, he craned his neck and tried to see Astrid, but there was no sign of her. So he rose and quietly began to walk through the room, using his height to try to see Astrid amid the throng. The problem was that the majority of heads seemed to be blonde and there were a lot of tall people blocking the view.
It took a long time to do a circuit of the room and when he had finished, he couldn't find Astrid. There was no sign of her-or of Thuggory either. At a loss and worried, he arrived back at the table to find Rika and Mala-but no sign of Astrid. And then he realised-her purse had gone. He looked urgently over at Rika and Mala.
"Have you seen Astrid?" he asked and there was a pause.
"A few of them have gone on to a Club-the winners always do it," Rika said sympathetically. "I'm not a Club girl…I'd rather go home with Mala, to be honest."
"And Astrid?" he asked. The pair shared a look.
"I'm pretty sure she was in the first cab with Thuggory," Mala said quietly. "I'm sure she's texted you to let you know where she is and how to join them…" He fumbled out his phone and stared at the screen-but there was no message. His finger hovered over Astrid's number and for a long second, he looked at the image of her, smiling and beautiful…and then he locked the screen.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "I'm not her minder. If she wants to go out, she can."
But there was a deep pain in his chest at the thought of Astrid laughing and joking and dancing with Thuggory…but in the end, it was her choice. And she had made that very plain…and who she had chosen.
