A/N: And on we go...

To ladyamethyst21: Well, he does tend to have bad ideas occasionally... Let's see how this turns out... And yes, I hate them, too. (And you know I'll never ever stop... ;x)

To Katveena: Thanks! ;)

To flamingoflannel: Here you go ;)

. o O o .

Chapter 8: A Plan

"Just to quote a very annoying guy: Shut up, Snotlout!"

Snotlout lifted his arms in a protective gesture and made a step back. "I'm just saying." He tried to explain himself. "Enjoy the time while you still can. Lying in bed all day, sleeping through the entire night, that won't be possible anymore after your baby is born." He had a point. Astrid knew that. But it didn't help, not at all. Not with nothing bloody else to do all day!

"Tell me something," she pressed through gritted teeth while she rubbed her tight belly in an attempt to get the muscles to relax. "Have you ever been pregnant?"

Snotlout rubbed the back of his head, obviously uncomfortable and shrugged. "Well, no! But-"

"Exactly!" Astrid interrupted him. "You haven't. You have no idea what it feels like! So believe me when I say it's no fun at all and I want to to be over. It's enough!" She tried to shift into a more comfortable position on her bench and groaned when she couldn't find one. Because there was none!

God's she wanted it to be over! Logically, she knew Snot was right. Things wouldn't be easier after their baby was born. But they weren't easy now either so what was the matter? At least she would be able to do something again!

The past three weeks hadn't been fun, not at all. The baby could be born any day now, that's what her aunt had said and Astrid had been so relieved. Any day now, all this would be over and she would finally be able to hold their baby in her arms, to look at it. It could happen any day now, maybe even today!

Waking up to this thought for over a fortnight was grueling to the extreme and Astrid couldn't stand it any longer. She just wanted it to be over! Yes, Snot was right, but still, he simply didn't understand. Trying to placate her with logic wasn't helping!

She slumped back down on the cushioned bench they'd set up for her in their living room and stared at the ceiling. One week, she thought dreamily. In one week, everything would be different. Surely, the baby would be born by then and almost as importantly, their visitors would be gone again! She could endure one more week like this, couldn't she? One week was nothing!

Although, the last five days had been even more agonizing than those before. Before, she'd at least had Hiccup to keep her company and to distract her. They'd talked excitedly in pleasant anticipation, had gone for slow walks, had laughed and, yes, had had a lot of sex. Those days had been bearable, even though the thought it could be any day now had already nagged at her.

But ever since the Redthorn delegation had arrived five days ago, her life had become pure misery. Hiccup had to spend his days up in the Great Hall or out in the woods or on a fishing boat, to keep the Redthorns company during their visit and also to keep an eye on them. This was something he couldn't and wouldn't delegate off to anyone else after all. So Hiccup wasn't there to distract her anymore and in addition, she wasn't even allowed to leave their home. Because even though they were keeping a lot of close eyes on their guests, one could never know. One of them might snug out or something, it was just a precaution.

Yeah, right!

It was keeping most of Berks female population prisoner, that's what it was! Oh, Astrid understood why Hiccup thought it necessary, even agreed with him. She hadn't forgotten the look in Geir's eyes after all. But that didn't mean that she liked it! Staying inside day and night was just so boring!

"So, what do you want to do now?"

And Snotlout of all people keeping her company wasn't helpful!

"I want to fly to Glacier Island for some extended holidays," she stated flatly and practically could hear how Snot rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I guess even that sounds like a pleasant alternative," he admitted humorlessly. "But honestly, what do you want to do?"

"I really don't know, Snot," she sighed. "Just… I don't know. Show me how to bath a baby again or something."

Snotlout complied and produced the baby-sized doll again her aunt had given them for this exact purpose. He showed her how to bath it, how to hold it while changing diapers and all the other theoretic things, he'd showed her so many times already and that she wouldn't be able to fully grasp anyway until it was her real baby in her arms. Sighing, she let her mind drift away. Through the half-closed windows shutters, the colorful light of sunset shimmered into the room and reminded her of her very first flight. Smiling dreamily, she remembered how frightened she'd been in the beginning and how overwhelming it had been once she'd overcome that fear. Oh, how she wished she could go on a flight like this right now. Just her and Hiccup on Toothless' back, no duties and worries, just the two of them and the wind and the sky.

It would still be a while before Hiccup came home tonight. He needed to stay up in the Great Hall, keep Magnus and Geir company and-

An angry and irregular knocking sounded from the front door toward them and Astrid's head whipped around. She'd recognized Hiccup's pattern in an instant and made an effort to pull herself up to unbolt the door. Snotlout beat her to it though, an alarmed expression on his face.

"Hey, Hiccup. You're early, did anything happen?" Snot asked but Hiccup just pushed passed him and got rid of his cloak and weapon's belt with a few curt motions. He angrily hurled both items into a corner and was at Astrid's side a moment later while Snot bolted the door again with an apprehensive expression. Astrid wanted to say something, ask what was up but didn't get the chance.

Hiccup pulled her into his shaking arms and buried his face in her hair, hiding against her neck to get grounded again. She heard and felt him take a few deep and labored breaths before he noticeable relaxed. It took a few more, calmer breaths before he pulled away again and threw her a grateful and apologetic smile before turning halfway.

"No, nothing happened. Just the usual. And I needed… I just had to take a break! I can't stand it anymore! I just wish they were gone already!" Hiccup blurted out, hands balled into tight fists and Snotlout nodded knowingly.

"I see," he said to Astrid's annoyance. "Was it worse than last night? What did they say?" Hiccup's face darkened with a half angry and half pained expression but before he could answer, Astrid interjected.

"What did they say last night?" She asked, glaring at the two men. Hardly anyone ever told her anything about the Redthorns and what they did or said. Sure, that was mainly because nobody wanted to be unnecessarily reminded of them but she still felt left out. Hiccup threw her an unreadable expression and then nodded.

"I asked Magnus after Laif last night," he started in a low voice and Astrid noticed how Snot's face darkened as well. Valka had kept her company yesterday so Snot had been in the Great Hall and knew what had happened. "I asked how it came that we didn't meet him last year, hadn't even heard about his existence at all. Magnus explained that Laif hadn't been on Redthorn Island then, hadn't been there for almost his entire life in fact. According to him, Laif had been a prisoner of another tribe further to the south, a hostage or something and about a year ago, they'd finally been able to free him again." Hiccup paused to let what he'd said sink in and it took Astrid's bleary mind a moment to get what he meant.

"That's what they got the weapons for!" She gasped and Hiccup nodded. "But how? We watched them, when-"

"They must have departed only hours after we left their island," Hiccup murmured, eyes cast down to the floor. "There's not as much ice in the south and apparently it was a very quick journey. One week of travel with good winds, slaughtering an entire village in one night and returning to their island. When we arrived here, they might have been back already as well."

Astrid stared at him in shock. All their work, all their preparations to keep an eye on them, to learn what they'd needed the weapons for, to keep them from attacking and killing people, it had been all for nothing. Hel, their entire contact with the Redthorns had been for nothing! Berk had never been in danger and they hadn't been able to prevent any other bloodshed either.

"Oh, Hiccup…" She whispered almost inaudibly and reached for his hand. He took it gratefully.

"That's not all though, is it?" Snotlout prompted in a harsh voice and Astrid noticed how he, too, was trembling with rage. "These… these beasts! They-" he broke off, hard eyes staring into nothing.

"What?" Astrid asked calmly. It wouldn't serve anyone if she got angry, too, even if she wanted to. Why didn't anyone tell her anything, dammit!

Hiccup closed his eyes, brows furrowed and lifted her hand to his lips to brush a soft kiss on its backside. "Chastity greatly disagrees with them. Sometimes it seems to me like they talk about nothing but how they long for a warm and soft body to put their dicks in. One would do, they would take turns…" He gritted his teeth. "All day long, they make remakes like this, it's… it's horrendous!" A harsh laughter escaped him. "And yesterday… When Magnus told us about how he freed his son… He complained about his stamina. About how he regretted to not be able to rape a dozen women in one night anymore. And praised Geir for accomplishing even more…"

It was quiet for a minute, nobody saying a word. Only their anything but calm breathing was to hear before Astrid's expression grew tight.

"What can we do about them?" She asked, hard pressed to stay calm. "This should be a case for the Chiefs' tribunal, right? That's beyond 'Every Chief rules as he sees fit'. With all their raping and slaughtering and… and…" She trailed off when she noticed Hiccup's hopeless expression. "Hiccup, what can we do?" she pleaded but Hiccup just shook his head.

"Nothing," he whispered. "We can't do anything. You're right, this would be a case for the Chiefs' tribunal. But we have no names, no proof, no witnesses, nothing. We don't know where they attacked, don't know which village they razed to the ground. We don't have anything except their words. Magnus and Geir would shrug it off as empty boasting of drunken men if we were to confront them." He paused, his expression turning into a despondent mask "If we knew where they attacked we could go and look for survivors or witnesses. If we had any proof of what they did, Dagur and I could formally accuse them and the tribunal could punish them. But until then…" He shrugged and shook his head. "Eret suggested to keep up the charade, play nice, placate them and maybe they let something slip, something we can actually use against them. So that's what we're going to do but by Thor's Hammer, I want to-" He broke off, gritted his teeth and tightened his hands into fists until the knuckles stood out white.

Astrid watched him apprehensively. Hiccup was a pacifist at heart. For these people to make him want to turn violent… She leaned her head against his shoulder, to comfort and to calm him. At first, he didn't react but then exhaled and noticeably relaxed. He laid his arms around her in a firm embrace, his head resting on her shoulder, too, and his flat stomach aligned to her swollen one.

"Are you going back?" Snotlout's voice startled her, she'd almost forgotten he was still there. "Or do you want me to take over and keep an ear on what they say?" Hiccup retreated and they both looked over to where the shorter man still stood close to the door, his hands also balled into fists and a determined expression on his face. Most of the times it was easy to forget but right now Astrid was reminded of how much he'd grown into a man as well.

"Neither," Hiccup answered. "I can't stand another word from them anymore tonight but you don't need to take over. Dagur and Legs arrived a few hours ago and agreed to keep them company."

At this, Snotlout's face lit up. "They arrived? So you'll sign the treaty tomorrow?" Hiccup nodded which made Snot grin tightly. "Great! I'll go up there and support them anyway. The more distraction the better!" With these words, Snotlout bid his farewell and Hiccup stood up to bar the door behind him again.

"Is he still avoiding his dad?" Astrid asked with a small smile and Hiccup shrugged.

"I guess so. He specifically said there would be no need for him to stay home and watch over Ruff and Refflout when Spite refused to leave them anyway. Living with one's dad under the same roof after so long is hard, I guess…" He trailed off, eyes cast down. Astrid knew Hiccup would do anything to be able to do that again. But life didn't always go as planned, they had to make the best of it.

"Okay, but why do I have to endure his presence then?" She asked lightly, mainly to change the subject. "You all have your eyes on Magnus and his men and I can bar the door myself. Why do I need to be watched over in addition?" Hiccup's exaggerated sigh in fake exasperation made her grin. They'd been through this already, many times but that didn't matter if it helped to lighten his mood.

"You know exactly why, you stubborn women," he pulled her up into his arms and pecked her nose. "Because I won't take any chances. If anyone should come here, you wouldn't be able to defend yourself in your condition and Snot is one of our best fighters. And I want you to not be just on your own should you go into labor. If I can't be here to help you then there should at least be someone else."

"You know that's not something that happens in the blink of an eye, right?" She mumbled, snuggling into his embrace and he sighed.

"I know, but still. And it's not for long anymore anyway. Just the signing tomorrow and the feast afterward to celebrate it and then they'll hopefully leave soon. Just a few more days and then I'm all yours again."

"Mmmh… sounds wonderful!" Astrid hummed, making Hiccup chuckle.

They stood like that for a few minutes, just silently holding each other. Moments like these had become rare during the last days, just calm, comforting and loving and Astrid enjoyed it thoroughly. It was quickly getting darker now and Astrid felt how the weight of the days began to press down on them.

"How are you feeling?" Hiccup sleepily mumbled the question into her hair and Astrid took a moment's time to think about the answer. Her body felt tight but it wasn't as bad as it was on other days occasionally and Hiccup seemed exhausted. He surely wouldn't mind having sex tonight but she felt like just holding each other might be evenly satisfying.

"Maybe a little tired?" she finally answered and with a light chuckle, he picked her up and carried her to their bed.

Taking each other's clothes off had become a ritual between the two of them, at least on nights like these when they actually went to bed at the same time. It was sensuous, though not always necessarily erotic, even though the caressing fingers and brushing lips on uncovered skin more often than not led to more.

Today was weird, though. Astrid noticed Hiccup's desire, heard it in the way his breathing became faster and felt it in the way his hands glided down her spine but he didn't act on it. It could have just been that he held back because she'd said she was tired… But somehow she felt that there was more. He was too tense, too anxious, his eyes betraying an internal fight.

"Hiccup?" She asked, the question clear in her voice but he just closed his eyes and shook his head. Then he drew her into a tight embrace and hid his face against her neck.

"Nothing," he mumbled. "I don't… can't…" The way he held her reminded Astrid of how he'd held her earlier, right after he'd entered their home this night. It reminded her of how there had been something Magnus or one of his men must have said that had led to Hiccup reacting so strongly. Something he hadn't talked about yet.

"Hiccup, what happened earlier in the Great Hall?" Astrid asked cautiously but in a firm voice. "What did they say?"

For a moment, Astrid thought he wouldn't answer. It was possible that he would need more time to think it through before he could talk about it. But then she felt him nod against her neck before he retreated to throw her a troublesome look. She saw rage and fear in his eyes and it made her anxious. She opened her mouth to say something but Hiccup laid a finger over her lips to silence her.

"It was something Geir said," he started. "I don't know how the topic came up but suddenly they were all boasting and bragging about how they like it best. He said he likes it rough, the rougher the better." Hiccup gritted his teeth for a moment and Astrid saw how much it cost him to repeat the next words. "He said that… that seeing his cum dripping out of a woman's slut, mixed with her blood is the biggest thrill for him." He was shaking with rage now and Astrid reached up to soothingly caress his face even though she felt anything but calm.

"We'll find a way to stop them!" She said firmly. "Whatever it takes, we'll find a way!"

Hiccup gave her a pained smile before leaning his forehead against hers. "That wasn't the worst part of it," he whispered, eyes closed. "It wasn't even so much different from other things they say all day. No, what made it worse was…" he paused and Astrid felt his hands tightening on her hips where he held her. "The worst part was how he said it. How he looked at me with that cold sneer." Hiccup swallowed and when he continued, his voice was barely more than a whisper. "He wants you! He hinted at it more than once already but in that moment… He wants to do that to you specifically!"

For a moment, Astrid was quiet. This didn't really come as a surprise, not after how he'd looked at her at the docks on that first day. "Let him try!" she finally snorted.

. o O o .

Hiccup stared at her disbelieving. Let him try? She had no idea what she was saying, how utterly ruthless and unscrupulous Geir was. He'd meant what he'd said, Hiccup was sure of it.

"I might not be as mobile as I used to be but I'm still a warrior. And how would he manage to get to me anyway?" Astrid placed a hand on Hiccup shaking chest. "Don't you worry. You said it yourself, it's mostly boasting and bragging."

A harsh laughter escaped Hiccup and he shook his head. She really was incredible. He'd thought hearing what Geir had said would make her anxious but he should have known better. He knew her after all.

"Maybe," he finally admitted. "But you shouldn't underestimate him. So far they behaved and stuck our rules but still. He's cunning and might find a way to get around us." He gritted his teeth as the same rage threatened to boil up again. "But if he so much as takes a step too close to you, I'll-"

"You'll do nothing stupid!" She interrupted him. "And neither will I, okay? Simply getting rid of him wouldn't change much. Not even them having an accident on their way home would change much. There's a whole tribe that thinks what they do is okay, right? That has to change. Stick to the plan you told me about, find some proof and get them all punished. Let them and everybody else know that it's not okay!"

Hiccup gazed at her for a few moments. Of course, she had a point. Just getting rid of Geir or his father or their men wouldn't change anything. If only they were gone already and he could concentrate on one thing at a time.

With a heavy sigh, he slumped down on the bed, face resting in his propped up hands. There was just too much on his mind these days. Their baby still wasn't born. When Helka had said it could be any day now, he'd hoped at least this point would be off the list by know. But it wasn't and he barely thought of anything but Astrid all day, when she would go into labor and whether everything would work out. Whether she and their baby would be alright. These worries ruled his mind and that made dealing with Magnus and his entourage so much harder.

But he had to keep them entertained least they got bored and got any stupid ideas. He had to endure their comments and crude remarks, knowing they were more than just empty boasting most of the time but unable to prove it.

Just a couple of days! Then the Redthorns would be gone and they would finally have time for some thorough investigations. There had to be something! Some solid proof, someone who'd testify against them, just something! He had to keep all eyes and ears open as not to miss the tiniest hint.

And Geir… he had to keep an eye on him specifically. The blond man had tried to sneak away several times already, always under the guise of some excuse or other. So far, he had never made it very far but… Only once. He needed to be successful only once. Only one moment of carelessness and someone might have to pay a high price for it, maybe even Astrid. No, that wasn't acceptable. Hiccup had to make sure Geir stayed where he was supposed to.

And –

A sudden shove made him fall back onto the bed and his eyes instantly flew open in surprise. Astrid stood above him, hands on her hips and a scowl on her face.

"You haven't heard a word of what I just said, have you?" She asked accusingly and Hiccup winced. She'd said more?

"Erm… Sorry… No, I haven't," he admitted reluctantly. "What did you - Oh Thor almighty!"

. o O o .

Astrid stopped midsentence and just watch Hiccup for a moment. She'd been trying to convince him that she wouldn't be in any danger, that she knew not to underestimate Geir and would be careful. That she wasn't stupid and would stay where she was safe and where other Berkians could help her at any moment. But he seemed not to listen anymore. He just sat there on the edge of their bed, entirely caught up in his thought and didn't seem to notice anything anymore. Sighing, she shifted her weight. He needed to relax! If he was equally observant when talking to Magnus it was no wonder he hadn't overheard something useful so far.

Well, tomorrow would be another day. But he needed to sleep, to gather strength and wound up like he was right now, that wouldn't happen anytime soon. He needed to relax and his mind needed to rest as well. She gave him a light shove against the shoulder and, distracted as he was, it was enough to topple him over.

"You haven't heard a word of what I just said, have you?" She said just to get him back to the presence. Hiccup made a few attempts at muttered excuses but she would have none of that. Without hesitating any longer, Astrid got down on her knees between his thighs and leaned closer. She wouldn't be able to stay in this position for long, not with her bump, so he would have to forgo any extended foreplay.

"Oh, Thor almighty!" came his breathless gasp as her hand closed around his cock and his full body jolt when she dragged her tongue over his sack was just divine. She went on slowly but steadily, let her mouth wander on and licked the sensitive underside of his shaft until she reached the tip and gave it a playful flick. By then, Hiccup's legs were trembling and his breathing had become faster, interspersed with low groans. Astrid let her tongue circle around him and blew warm air on the wet skin which made him whimper before he pushed himself up to look at her.

"Ah, Astrid, wait," he gasped, eyes locked on her mouth on his cock. "You… you don't need to – Oh Gods…" She'd taken the entire head into her mouth, tongue playing while sucking lightly before she drew away to smirk at him.

"But you need it!" She stated simply. "And I want to, so hush now. Relax!" She went back to work, taking the bulb into her mouth and let her tongue lick around his head to hit all the sensitive spots, while her one hand moved up and down his shaft and the other caressed his balls. She had a bit of experience by now when it came to this, knew what he liked and what would drive him crazy. Normally, she liked it more to first play with him for a while, enjoyed the power she had over him in moments like these when he groaned and cursed and his hands desperately fisted into the sheets. And she was looking forward to when she would be able to do so again, to drag it out for as long as he could stand it. But today, she couldn't. Her body already began to ache all over due to the uncomfortable position, bending over at an awkward angle so her bump wouldn't be in the way. She had no time to play today, had to get him off soon.

"F- g-gonna c-" Hiccup's almost incoherent grunts and the slight swelling of his cock in her mouth a few minutes later were the only warning before he came, back arching, thrashing and howling. She swallowed and kept licking and sucking until he softened, his entire body becoming limp and heavy.

With a satisfied smile, Astrid struggled to push herself back up on wobbly legs before she slumped down on the bed next to her husband.

"Mmmm…thanks," mumbled Hiccup and rolled around to take her in his warm arms. Astrid chuckled and snuggled closer into his embrace, greatly enjoying how unwound and calm he now was.

"You're welcome," she answered lightly. "And you needed it, tightly wound and irritated as you were."

Hiccup gasped out a low laughter and pulled her closer to his chest. "Remind me to get irritated more often if that's what I get for it!" Chuckling, Astrid jerked back her arm to fake-punch him with her elbow but he didn't even pretend for it to hurt. He just nuzzled against her neck and covered her skin with light kisses which made her giggle even harder.

"What about you?" He asked a minute later but Astrid just shrugged.

"I'm fine. Let's just go to sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day, with the signing and the feast and all. And didn't you intend to show the dragons to the Redthorns tomorrow as well?" Despite his hatred of Magnus and his men, Hiccup wouldn't forego a chance to show how peaceful dragons could be to as many people as possible.

He gave her a long and loving look before he nodded and they crawled up to properly settle down for the night.

. o O o .

It had been a lie. A small one and in that moment, she hadn't even been aware of it but it wasn't true either way. She wasn't fine with just going to sleep. But when she realized that about an hour later, it was too late.

She lay on her side, a cushion halfway stuffed beneath her to support her bump and Hiccup's sleeping form spooning her from behind. She was tired and knew she needed to sleep as well. She would need to attend the feast tomorrow night, too, after all. An occasion like that would call for her presence, no more hiding in their hut and she would need to be on her guard. But as much as she tried, she couldn't get her body to relax enough to fall asleep. That itch between her legs that had been barely noticeable when Hiccup had covered her neck with playful kisses had grown stronger and hotter until in now consumed her every thought and made her restless.

She was a grown-up woman, dammit. Shouldn't she be able to control her body? Shouldn't she be able to decide when she wanted to have sex and when to sleep? Ah, but no, she wasn't in control, hadn't been in control for months now! If she had learned one thing by now then it was that she couldn't win against the chaotic whims her body came up with lately.

Carefully, she wiggled her arm out of Hiccup's sleepy embrace and reached down between her legs. It wouldn't be the same as when he did it but it had to be enough. She would not wake Hiccup now just because she was horny all of a sudden!

Slowly, she began to rub her clit and had to fight back a moan at the welcome sensation. She would need to be quiet! Careful and slow motions only as not to accidentally wake Hiccup after all. It was hard! She wanted to move her hips, to intensify the friction and quickly find release but knew that with him so closely cuddled against her that wasn't possible. It was maddening, the slow pace drove her crazy but she didn't dare to move faster, didn't want to-

Suddenly, she felt soft lips and hot breath brushing against her neck and a larger hand pushed hers between her thighs aside. He didn't say anything, didn't ask or comment, just took over where her fingers hadn't been sufficient anyway. He kept her maddeningly slow pace but it felt so much better, it was ridiculous. Only his talented hand would do, forever only his. Exhaling in a low whimper, she let him take over, gave herself into his hands and allowed herself some small noises, more audible breathing, and quiet gasps.

His mouth was the first to become more active, breathed open-mouthed kisses on her neck, licked at the sensitive spot behind her ear, nibbled his way along her jaw and, leaning over her a bit, sucked at her pulse point until she squirmed and moaned. She felt his free hand combing through her hair where he must have propped himself up on his elbow and the tickling sensation made shivers run down her spine. Then his hand between her legs began to move with more purpose, his fingers gliding deeper along her slit. She heard him groan appreciatively when he found her slick and wet and without hesitating, he pushed two digits into her.

The angle was weird, he couldn't reach in deep but it was enough to set all the nerves close to her entrance ablaze and a louder gasp escaped her as the sensation made her clench deliciously. Freya, it felt so good… But he knew exactly how to touch her after all.

A moment later, she felt Hiccup shift behind her until he pulled her around so she lay on her back, looking up into his moonlit face. He gazed at her intensely, his expression unreadable in the dim light but Astrid thought she noticed a wry smirk playing around his lips.

"Hiccup," she whispered breathily. "Sorry, you w- nnggh!" Her apology for waking him was interrupted as he used their new position to push into her more deeply. She gasped and arched her back, pushing herself onto his fingers to chase the sensation and more felt than heard Hiccup hum above her. He leaned down as if to kiss her but stopped less than an inch before their mouths touched. Astrid, who had her lips parted already to welcome his kiss, whined and tried to reach him but to no avail. She only felt his breath on her face as he chuckled and a moment later crooked his fingers inside her to make her arch again.

"You're so beautiful!" Hiccup murmured, his lips brushing lightly against hers for the fraction of a second before he drew back again and she knew he meant it. Despite her weirdly deformed body and all the changes pregnancy had brought with it, he still thought her beautiful.

Hiccup then slowly began to thrust into her with his fingers and her eyes fluttered shut at the intense sensation. He went on with his ministration for what felt like forever, his fingers playing her expertly while his thumb lazily massaged her clit, his breath ghosting over her while his lips stayed just shy out of reach. She had one arm wound around his back, clutching at his bare skin while the other grasped at the sheets beneath them, desperately trying to find something to hold on to. Lying on her back wasn't exactly comfortable, the weight of her bump pressing on her spine, but in that moment she didn't care. She moved involuntarily, fucking herself on his fingers and seeking his lips all at once until it became too much.

"Hiccup!" she wailed, drawn out and helplessly begging for him to bring it to an end.

"Yes!" he groaned and sped up his thrusts, his thumb firmly rubbing her clit. Her body tensed up beneath his hand and she almost choked as pleasure suddenly surged through her in hot waves. A moment later, his lips were on hers, finally, sealing her mouth and swallowing her cries as she came on his fingers.

Hiccup kept his hand on her while she came back down again, moving slowly and carefully, only to not end it to abruptly and Astrid loved, loved, loved him for it. When he finally drew his hand away from her, she turned and snuggled into his arms, humming contently.

"Thank you once again," she whispered but Hiccup just chuckled and didn't answer otherwise. So she asked: "How are you?" This made Hiccup laugh for real now and he shook his head, nuzzling into her hair.

"I'm still good," he replied lightly. "Not everyone is as insatiable as you are, Milady. I can wait until morning." She could hear the mischief in his voice but didn't say anything. He was right after all. "But let's sleep now," he added more lovingly. "You were right, tomorrow is going to be a long day, we'll need our strength." He kissed her once more and then they cuddled back into their former position, Hiccup spooning Astrid and his arm draped lightly over her belly.

This time, it didn't take long for her to drift off into slumber.

. o O o .

A/N: Everything works so far and the Redthorns behave... But for how long?

As always, feel free to comment. Every reasonable feedback is welcome, good or bad ;)