Accidental Fiancé

18: Little Problems

Eighteen: Little Problems

Lunch was a fun affair with Astrid smiling brightly as they returned to shore and making sure that he perched next to her while she finished her lolly. Both she and Heather were smiling and seemed relaxed so Hiccup assumed he hadn't messed up too much and when Astrid leaned against him as he perched on the arm of the bench, he felt a flutter run through his chest. Dagur grinned as he caught his new friend's expression and hoped that Astrid would treat Hiccup properly-because Hiccup deserved some luck. His revelations about his ex-girlfriend had worried the former soldier and he hoped that the woman would accept that Hiccup was gone and look for a new plaything...but a small, nagging voice in the back of his head suggested it wouldn't be that simple.

They went to a Brazilian Grill that had opened recently in the Park, a colourful and vibrant space with exotically named cocktails and a very enticing menu...as long as you were a carnivore. The group all went for various skewered meats grilled with salads, fries and cocktails-though Astrid went for the non-alcoholic version since she tended not to drink during the season. She admitted that because of this, she had almost no alcohol tolerance-so she would be a very cheap date. But she was happy and was able to laugh and joke with her friends, while Hiccup thought that his father-a Viking through and through-would love a place like this, filled with cooked meat and alcohol.

"You okay, Hiccup?" Astrid asked and he smiled.

"Just thinking my Dad would love this place," he admitted and she laughed.

"Maybe you can invite him over when things are a little more settled?" she suggested. "I know you miss him." He smiled.

"It's been Dad and me since Mom died," he admitted. "I was only four so I don't recall that much about her...but Dad has always been there. And I didn't see him so much when I was with Bella...because she didn't really like my family. So I miss Dad-and Gobber..." Heather and Dagur shared a look: both their parents were dead so the two only had each other-and Astrid spoke to her family most days.

"Don't worry," Astrid reassured him, resting he hand on his. "You can get him over whenever you want."

"And I can visit?" he asked hopefully. There was a pause.

"Of course," she said though her voice held a 'but'.

"But...?" he prompted her, brows dipping slightly.

"But a new fiancé wouldn't immediately go back to visit his Dad after moving in with his girlfriend," she pointed out. "He would be glued to her side and try to do as many things as possible with her." He stared at her, realising she was correct and feeling a tiny surge of betrayal. Was that all that this trip was-something for the cameras to prove they were engaged?

Stop it! Astrid wanted you to come out because it's Sunday afternoon and normal people go out for Sunday lunch and enjoy themselves-not just couples but friends and family as well. And this is a change from cooking for Bella and waiting for her to criticise what you had made-or for her to tell you to take her out to some place that cost more than you should spend and where she would spend the time appearing the perfect girlfriend and complaining slyly about how useless you are.

"I...understand..." he sighed. She squeezed his hand.

"Hiccup-if you really want to see him, go ahead," she smiled. "You have been so great-whatever you need to do, you do it." His fingers curled around hers and he returned the smile.

"Right back at you," he said. "So what's happening the coming week?" Heather frowned and peered at her phone, checking her calendar.

"You two have an appearance on the daytime TV show 'Archipelago Daily Report' where Tora Hanssen will be interviewing you. You'll also be expected to do a cookery segment together."