Bella Donna

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Two years later

"Astrid relax," Hiccup said as he watched his girlfriend fret while doing her makeup.

"Relax?! Hiccup this is the social event of the year!" She shot back. "And for the first time, I'm debuting as your long-term girlfriend. The press was already going crazy at last year's event when you showed up without a date and announced you were in a serious relationship."

"The press can sod off for all I care. I want you to be comfortable with this," Hiccup stated. "Mom and Dad will be there so we might not get that much attention," he added. "They love you!"

"Correction, your mom loves me. Your dad is still lukewarm about you even dating me," Astrid retorted. "I just... don't want to screw this up,"

"And you won't. You are a great girlfriend. An awesome partner, and can keep us all on our toes," He stated. "You weren't this nervous when Damian started first grade,"

"That does not compare to the annual Police Man's ball Hiccup!" Astrid shot back. "If you think about it, it is kind of ironic that the Haddocks are invited to the ball as philanthropists... you know.... Considering...."

"But we are very much philanthropists," Hiccup countered. "Mom runs several charities as do I." When Astrid shot her boyfriend a look he just shook his head.

"I know what you mean Astrid..." Hiccup nodded. "But let's face it, the Berk Police force is underfunded. While I am now an established Don, there are still some forces in Berk that are not under my control. The main purpose of the gala is to get more funding, disregarding where it ultimately comes from. Anything 'alleged' is brushed off as people mingle,"

"What are you really worried about? Hiccup then asked. "If it's Snotlout and Tuffnut appearing as nuns again like last year, know that I gave them a stern warning. While the habit did get them to evade the police it was disrespectful,"

"No it's not that," Astrid shook her head though she still had a smile while thinking back to the nun-debacle. "It's just... this is the first time I will be debuting. I just feel it will change the whole dynamic. To the mom-friends I made at school... The friends at my former retail job might not even care but.... Hiccup we are going to appear in the society pages together. My parents get this news. The small town I am from gets this news. They would be salivating at the gossip alone."

"Do you actually care about them?" Hiccup questioned with a frown.

"Not really...." Astrid mumbled. "It's just... I hate rumors." She confessed. "I've been the bud of them in that town for a good while,"

"Astrid, Astrid," Hiccup's hand guided his girlfriend's chin so she'd look him in the eye. "Screw them," He stated. "You are better than them and never forget it. You were a single mom, yes, providing for herself and her son. That is admirable. You got your GED, you got a job, you are financially independent. Your son is in a good school and you are actively caring for him. To me that speaks volumes. Who is to say that you don't deserve the world?

"Need I remind you that you threatened my physics teacher?" Astrid shot back.

"What?! He was hitting on you.... We just had a... friendly chat," Hiccup shrugged. "Him being the leader of the Outcast gang in his part-time was just icing on the cake,"

"Hiccup you scared the shit out of him." Astrid deadpanned. "Granted he wasn't being difficult about the makeup assignments after my recovery but still.... He never looked me in the eye again!"

"Pearls or silver?" She questioned as she held up two necklaces for Hiccup. Both complimented her long black dress though Hiccup immediatly zeroed in on the pearls. "You know I love it when you wear pearls," Hiccup purred near her ear as he took the string of glossy white pearls and helped her put it on.