Accidental Fiancé

27: Gala Misgivings

Twenty Seven: Gala Misgivings

The Annual Archipelago Soccer Awards was a very grand affair, being held in the 'Asgard' Hotel in Archi City, overlooking Erik the Red Park. Astrid had been bouncing all day, excited and looking forward to the gathering of players from all over the Archipelago, from all the teams as well as male and female players. The papers knew that she was up for two awards tonight and the Valkyries were hot favourites for 'Team of the Year'. Of course, Hiccup was less enthusiastic because he had no clue what to expect and was still struggling with his notoriety as a role model and reluctant spokesman for male partner abuse. He had noted that not all of Astrid's team-mates...and certainly few of their partners...had been at all supportive and the sneers he had fielded from the likes of Raseri and the pop stars had been worse since the Ron the Viking Show.

But it was Astrid's big night and he knew it was his duty to do whatever he could to support her-so he dressed in the tuxedo she had ordered for him and made sure he looked the best he could. His hair was still untameable but she had refreshed the little braids in his hair and he was surprised how unlike himself he looked when he had checked in the mirror. But his breath was completely taken away when he saw Astrid.

In commemoration of the occasion, Astrid had commissioned a new entry into Team Astrid-a stunning aquamarine gown that was off the shoulder with a low-cut, fitted bodice and a skirt that flared from her hips in a shimmering waterfall of satin and silk waves. The asymmetric hemline granted flashes of Astrid's toned legs and golden kitten heel sandals completed the outfit. Her shimmering golden hair was loose of her shoulders, a small portion from her right temple braided over her head and finishing in a slender braid behind her left ear. Her 'engagement' ring glittered on her left hand and a fine gold chain looped around her neck.

"Wow," Hiccup breathed. "You look absolutely stunning, Milady." She gave a swirl, the skirts twirling around her calves.

"It's not too much?" she asked worriedly and he gave her a broad grin.

"Astrid-you will be the most gorgeous woman there," he told her sincerely. "And that includes all those WAGS whose only job it is to look like arm candy!" She smiled in pleasure at the compliment and brushed an imaginary piece of lint from his shoulder. He was flattered by the tailored tuxedo that emphasised his sleek outline, highlighting that his shoulders were a little broader than would be expected for his lean build. His green eyes sparkled, lighting his face and she stared deep into his eyes.

"And I will have the handsomest escort there," she told him as he felt the slightest blush warm his cheeks.

"Well, I'll come first in the Fishbone category," he admitted as she swatted his shoulder lightly.

"Enough of that, Mister Haddock," she reminded him. "Remember, we're working on positive thinking and accepting compliments for what they are!"

"You've been talking to Dagur," he grumbled lightly as she grabbed her golden Givenchy purse. It had been a gift from her parents when she attended her first awards dinner and she had superstitiously taken it to every one since, even though she made dress purses in the Team Astrid range.

"You're absolutely right," she scolded him. "He's the man who has had the most psychotherapy out of everyone I know so when he suggested some simple steps to help you regain your confidence, I listened!" The buzz of the door interrupted them and she smiled. "It's time," she told him, grabbing his hand and leading him to the door. "You ready?"

"Not at all," he admitted, "but I am looking forward to watching you win!" She smiled then.

"Born winner," she admitted and his heart fluttered a little at her smile as they headed down to the car. Cami was there, unusually in a tuxedo, black dress pants, patent boots and with her wild blonde hair tamed into a very sleek bun on the back of her head, dark glasses lending the woman a professional look at odds with her usual grungy but natural appearance.