I walk up to Hiccup's front door, rubbing my eyes. I just woke up about an hour ago even though it's 1:30. I stayed up really late with Hiccup. We had gone down stairs after we were done eating on the roof, to watch a movie. I had fallen asleep on the couch around 12:30, so Hiccup took me home in his mother's car. Uncle Finn said he saw the car pull up in the drive and went to the door, since he didn't recognize it. He noticed Hiccup get out and walk around to the other side, open the door, and that's when he saw me. Hiccup apparently, picked me up bridal style, and carried me all the way to my bed.

HICCUP'S POV

I sit on the couch watching "10 Things I Hate About You". I know it's kind of old, but it's still one of my favorites. I hear a light snore beside me. I look over at Astrid. She's laying down, curled up in the fetal position, her head on the arm of the couch, past out with a furry, brown throw draped over her. I smile at her relaxed expression, her eyelids twitching slightly as she dreams. 

I pause the movie, and get up to retrieve the keys to my mother's car.  She's out with Merida, Punzie, Elsa, and Jack's parents, since we were all at the dance.  I guess she road with someone else, because her van is still parked in the driveway. I open the front door and passenger car door as well.  I go back to the couch, scooping Astrid up in my arms. I carry her through the front door, and bend down a little to hook the handle in the crook of my elbow, slowly shutting the door. I set her down gently in the passenger seat, making sure not to wake her. I close that door as well, and walk over to my side and get in.The car quietly purrs to life, and I back out. 

It seems silly driving to her house since it's within walking distance, but I didn't want to have to wake her up. She looked so peaceful, and I don't think I can carry her that far. I'm not really the muscular type, not that she's heavy; don't get me wrong, that's not what I'm saying. i'm more on the scrawny side. Jack is really thin too, but he's stronger than he looks. 

I park in her drive and climb out, going around to he side. I see her uncle open the front door as I pick her up. I re-situate her in my arms as I lean back against the car door, shutting it. He opens the door wider when I get closer.

"Good evening Sir," I say, stepping inside. 

"Good evening Mr. Haddock. Do you want me to take her?" he asks, shutting the door.

"No, I've got her." I insist. 

"Alright then. Just take her up to her room there." he says pointing to the steps. I follow his gaze, staring at all the stairs I have to take in order to get to her room. I suck in a deep breath, readjusting her again. Astrid nestles deeper into my chest, getting more comfortable. I ascend the stairs, taking slow, sure footed steps because the last thing we need is for me to trip and drop her. We don't need any trips to the hospital any time soon. I kick open the door, walking over to her bedside, and laying her down, pulling the covers up to her neck.

"Good night Asty." I say, planting a light kiss on her temple. I back out of the room quietly, closing the door behind me and padding down the stairs.

"Thank you, son, for bringing her home."

"No problem Mr. Hofferson." I answer, making my way to the door.

"Hold on there, Mr. Haddock. Please join me for a cup of coffee?" he asks, gesturing to the kitchen table.

"Um... ok." I say, sitting down. He goes into the kitchen, turning on the coffee maker and selecting two mugs from the cupboard.

"You're a junior, is that correct?" he asks me. 

"Um, yes Sir."

"have you lived here long?"

"I've lived in the same house for 17 years."

"You live close by?"

"Yes Sir, on Ravenpoint." I answer. He nods, bustling around. He brings a small, wire basket full of little creamers and a container of sugar cubes to the table.

"What do your parents do for a living?" he asks glancing t me.

"Well, my mom is a tenth grade world history teacher and um... my father actually passed away about five years ago," I say, clearing my throat.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Mr. Hofferson responds, straitening up. "Do you mind me asking how?" I shake my head.

"We were both in a car accident. I guess I was more lucky. I walked away with cuts and scrapes and an amputated left foot."

Mr. Hofferson nods at this. "We lost Astrid's parents about two and a half years ago in a plane crash."

"I remember hearing about that on the news," I say. 

"It's been hard for her, but I think it will be good for both of you knowing someone who understands."

I nod. He heads back to the kitchen to retrieve the the mugs and coffee pot. "So on a more cheerful note, how did you two meet?" he calls.

"Well, uh...," I chuckle nervously. He sets the mugs down, pouring the warm brew. I make the bitter drink how I prefer it as I talk. "I was chasing after my dog on my skateboard and I was going too fast and Astrid had her earbuds in, so she couldn't hear me. Ultimately, I crashed into her. After I helped her up, she told me she had watched the band perform on Saturday, so she already knew of me."

"You make your coffee just like my niece does." Mr. Hofferson says, watching me.

"Two sugar cubes and three creamers." We both say. I smile finishing up, pouring in the last creamer.

"Sorry. Continue." he adds after a moment. 

"She helped me find Toothless, my dog, and then when I got to school, I found out we have lockers right next to each other and a few classes together. We've also been walking to and from school together ever since then." 

He nods, sipping his coffee. "Would you say you two are close?" 

I shrug, feeling a tad awkward about the question. What am I supposed to say? 'Yes I'm in ove with your niece and I think she feels the same towards me. And oh, while we are on the subject, I made out with her at the dance that we didn't really go to, I took her home.' Yeah, that would go over well. I've only met him for what, the second time? 

"I guess you could say that." I answer.

"I'm glad to hear that. i was hoping she would try and make friends here. That was probably my biggest fear about moving. Ever since her parents passed, she's been very distant from everyone." I smile, pleased I have some how eased his worrying mind.

ASTRID'S POV

I knock on the door, waiting for someone to answer. A clicking and shifting of bolts, sounds from the other side, eventually revealing a tall, slender woman with long, brown hair. 

"Good afternoon. Please, come in."

"Thank you Mrs. Haddock." I say, crossing the threshold. 

"Please, Astrid. I've told you. Just call me Valka. Or even Val for short." I nod, showing her a shy smile. "You know where to find him.

"Thanks," I tell her, walking to the door that leads to the garage. I pull open the door, hearing voices from the opposite side. Hiccup and Jack both sit on puffy, black bean bags.

"No, no. Go over to that building beside the old mill. I think I saw someone. I'll cover you at the entrance." Jack instructs, as his fingers and thumbs work extremely fast with the controls, Hiccup's moving just as quickly.

"Dude, get that guy who just ran by. I think they are trying to regroup," Hiccup says. "Ok, I'm in. Are you at the front yet?"

"Hold on. The guy you saw was headed to gather supplies he found I guess."

"Well, hurry before they notice I'm coming." Hiccup orders.

I sit down on the couch, watching their game. It always makes me laugh how serious boys take their video games. It's almost like it's real life for them. Jack gathers the supplies he was talking about and makes it back to the building Hiccup's in before any casualties. 

"There's nothing in here, man." Hiccup tells Jack. 

"No, no. There is. I saw the dude fire from the broken window on the top level." Jack presses.

"Alright, I'll check the roof and then I'm coming down."

"Ok."

"Wait, come up. Hurry! I think I saw someone run up the stairs to the roof hatch." Hiccup says, his excitement rising. 

Jack runs in, making it to the top level where Hiccup is waiting. They inch their way up a flight of stairs to a trap door that Jack blows up, since it was locked. "Freeze. No where to go bad guys!" he shouts. Ultimately, they shoot down about ten guys, resulting in  a lot of blood. 

"Level 19!" they both shout, high-fiving.

"Now, I'm beginning to wonder how long you two have been playing today, seeing how this game came out yesterday." I say, interrupting their little party. They jerk their heads around, looking at me sitting behind them.

"Astrid! Oh my gods I'm sorry. How long have you been sitting there?" Hiccup asks, getting to his feet and turning off the game.

I shrug. "Not that long."

"Oh my gosh. It's 2:00," Jack says, checking his watch. "Lunch break?"

"Does that sound good, Asty?" Hiccup asks, looking at me for compliance.

I nod, smiling. He just used the nickname Uncle Finn started. I like the way it rolls off of his tongue. I follow them inside as they chat about the game.

"You finally got them to stop playing that stupid war game," Mrs. Haddock laughs.

"It's War Solider X3X! It's not stupid. It's the ultimate war game. You feel like you are actually there, with 3D effects and graphics. It's not stupid." Jack says, defending his precious video game. "You should play with us, Val."

She rolls her eyes, looking at me. "They've been at it since 7:30 this morning. Which is crazy since none of y'all went to bed before three last night."

"Astrid did." Hiccup says, chuckling. "She doesn't know how to stay up late."

"I do too!" I argue. He raises am eyebrow at me. "You say another word about it, and I'll make sure you're too scared to even blink, let alone sleep. " I warn, pointing a finger at him, threateningly. I watch his Adam's apple bob in his throat as he gulps. I lean back, smirking, my arms crossed over my breasts.

"Ok, well, we are going to get some lunch, Mom." he says, averting his eyes from me.

"Ok, kids. Have fun." Mrs. Haddock responds, heading to the living-room. We walk out the front door, heading to the side walk.

"Oh, hold on. I'll be right back." Hiccup says suddenly, running back inside.

"So.... Did you enjoy the dance last night?" I ask Jack.

"Yeah. It was tiring. Where did you go last night?  I turned around and you and Hiccup were gone. I didn't see either one of you the rest of the night."

"Oh, we went and got some pizza since we didn't eat dinner." I answer, avoiding his gaze, embarrassed.

"So are--" 

"Here you go. You left this last night. Well, I guess I technically did since you fell asleep." Hiccup interrupts, handing me my skateboard. 

"Thanks." I say, taking it from him.

"So what sounds good?"

"How about Sonic?" I offer. They nod, setting out.

"So are you two a thing now?"

"Uh...." we both hesitate.

I don't--" I begin.

"Jack, really?" Hiccup groans, cutting me off.

"What? Just asking. But, if you don't want to admit your feelings for each other, that's y'alls problem. I wont push it." he says, holding up his hands defensively, a smirk plastered to his face. We both roll our eyes at him.