"You seem happier today, boss. Spill the beans."
"How very astute, Jack Harkness. What do you want to know?"
Eret raised an eyebrow at Hiccup. "You're going to tell me?"
Hiccup gave a mock frown. "Well I was, but after such an obvious question I'm thinking no."
"Right. Next question then. How was it?"
"I'm sure you already know."
"I want you to admit it. I've got a bet riding on it."
"How much?"
"Fifty."
"And what is the condition of the bet?"
"If I tell you, will you tell me what I want to know?"
"Depends on what it is."
"It was whether you would get laid."
"Why am I not surprised? And no, I'm not going to tell you anything, Eret."
"Sellout."
"Hush you," said Hiccup, rolling his eyes.
I bet Astrid doesn't have to put up with this. I wonder how she's doing.
…
"You're smiling. You never smile unprompted. Tell me about him."
"What makes you think it's a guy?"
Heather stared flatly at her. "Highschool."
"That was a quite a while ago. Things can change."
"You haven't, clearly. Details."
"Fine. You want to know about him? His name's Hiccup and he's amazing."
"Hiccup? The same Hiccup from highschool?" Heather checked.
"Yeah."
"Was he at the bar the other day? Where you spaced out and ignored me?"
Astrid winced. "Sorry…"
"No biggie, we both know I've done the same before but just… give me a heads up next time or something," Then Heather grinned. "Now, you know what I'm going to ask next."
"How was it? Sorry, that's classified."
"Oh c'mon, Astrid…"
"What? I'm contracted by the army. I can totally say that."
"No you can't. You just don't want to tell me."
Astrid shrugged. "Same difference."
"Fine. Keep your all-important secrets. Hey, Gothi! Your prodigal daughter is back! Get out here before she decides to leave."
"Heather, I'm not going to-"
"Good. Stay there then."
…
"Hiccup, have you heard the news?"
Hiccup was in his office, sat at his desk and had just picked up his phone after it started ringing.
"No. What happened?"
"Bertha disowned Cami."
Hiccup blinked. "What? I think I misheard. Can you tell me that again?"
"Stoick asked her about what happened between you and her daughter, after the bar visited last week. He made a call a little over an hour ago. Just recently I heard Bertha disowned Cami. What do you think?"
"I think disowning Cami was entirely pointless, especially since it doesn't get that damn picture back. But anyway, is there anything else I should know? Just about to go get lunch."
"Cami might show up again. I'd be careful, laddie. She won't be happy now."
"That should go without saying. Thanks for the heads up anyway."
"Anytime."
…
The rest of the day passed by and the following morning came.
The bang of his front door slamming shut caused Hiccup to wake up facing his nightstand. There was a picture frame there, with a picture that he hadn't seen in a decade.
Reverently, he reached out and touched the wrinkled paper. The picture of his late mother had seen better days but was still in decent condition, considering everything.
Beneath the frame however, there was a note. Lifting the picture frame, Hiccup plucked the note and set the frame down again.
Was disowned. You probably know by now and are celebrating. Here's the picture back. Guess I deserve what I got but I'm not enjoying it. Perhaps the gods don't hate you completely anymore, since you scored twice.
Well that explains who shut my house's door.
With that thought in mind, Hiccup tossed the note to the floor. He didn't care where it landed. Rather, he turned over as his thoughts drifted to the blonde laying asleep in bed beside him.
He observed her sleeping form for a few moments before a thought hit him and he got out of bed as a smile took up residence on his face.
He got dressed and then made to leave, taking a long look at his still sleeping girlfriend.
His partner and colleague and physical therapist; who had changed him for the better.
And, if Freyja allowed, she would become his fiancé as well.
When Astrid woke up, it was to the feeling of something small on her lap.
She sat up to find a small velvet-covered box and a note there, the paper crinkling as she moved.
If you're reading this, I'm probably making breakfast so I can't ask you in person. So, Astrid; will you marry me? Put on the ring and come find me if the answer is yes.
She got up to look for him, finding him in the kitchen. He looked up from the stove as she entered with a quizzical expression.
Then his eyes sought her hands. Spotting the ring, his eyes met hers as she smiled and embraced him.
"My answer is yes," she whispered, then dived for his lips.
Her hands gripped his shoulders, his drifted into her hair and breakfast was quickly forgotten.
All that mattered in their world at that time was each other, after all.
Later still, Hiccup dialled a number.
"Hello?"
"Dad, can you get me in touch with Cami? I want to have a word with her."