Accidental Fiancé

29: Shock News

A/N: Well, that went badly. We're in the final act now, so daily updates to the end. And yes, there is more drama to come...

Twenty Nine: Shock News

It was almost a relief but with a heavy heart that Hiccup walked into the room. There was a wall of intent faces, cameras and phones all focussed on his self-conscious shape as he walked in and took his seat.

There was the whirr and click of lenses as he smiled and self-consciously ran his hand through his bangs.

"Good morning," he said clearly, his voice a little hurried. He could feel the flush rising in his cheeks at the embarrassment but then took a deep breath. Just this last hurdle and then it's over... "I am very grateful you came at such short notice. And I know what I'm going to say isn't going to be welcome to a lot of people." He swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "There's really no easy way of saying this so I'll just come right out and say it. I am breaking off my engagement to Astrid Hofferson."

oOo

Blissfully oblivious to the seismic press conference, Astrid was at practice, doing short sprints, rehearsing set pieces and playing a five-a-side practice game forwards against defence. Hiccup had returned home the previous evening, quiet and withdrawn and though she had apologised profusely, Hiccup had almost shut down. He had said he forgave her but there was something off in his words and he had returned to his room with Toothless after making them both Penne Carbonara to do some work he said was overdue. So she had spent a long evening alone with her guilt and her pain, wondering how she could fix it.

"Pay attention!" Ulrika yelled and crossed a ball to her and, grateful for the distraction, she headed the ball down and powered forward. She dinked past the left back, Emma, and rifled a low shot past Bente the Keeper.

"Hey, Ast-give the rest of us a chance!" the blonde girl said cheerfully, picking the ball from the back of the bet. Bente was one of Astrid's best friends in the team, a sturdily built girl close to six feet in height with her hair in a long ponytail and surprisingly light on her feet. There were rumours that Bente was being transferred and Astrid was worried she would lose one of her best friends in the transfer window.

"No chance-because Uglithug won't-and nor will the Berserker Maniacs!" she replied with a grin. "So we have to keep you guys on your toes so we can have a solid defence to build on..."

"Ast-you know that none of the other teams have a strike force anywhere near as potent as ours!" Jannike, a lithe young woman with honey curls and a cheerful face, reminded her.

"No excuse," Astrid told her firmly. "The Valkyries strive for excellence!"

"Astrid? I think you need to see this!" There was a pause and everyone looked up as Agnes the Physio raced out and grabbed the Captain's arm. Helena the assistant Physio was only a pace behind.

"Really seriously now!" she added as the Captain frowned and nodded, handing her tabard to one of the substitutes and looking over to Eidur Harildssen, the Head Coach. "Sir?" she added and he nodded.

"Look-I think Agnes and Helena will drag you away anyway so no point in waiting," he smiled. "Go on!" Nodding thanks, Astrid turned and sprinted back to the main buildings, slowing to allow Helena and Agnes to catch up before following them into the treatment room-and the TV on the wall. And she gaped on seeing the self-conscious shape of Hiccup, holding a press conference. But the rolling headlines summary running along the bottom of the screen already had her staring in shock.

SHOCK NEWS + + + ASTRID HOFFERSON'S FIANCE BREAKS OFF ENGAGEMENT + + + HICCUP HADDOCK CITES INABILITY TO COPE WITH CELEBRITY LIFESTYLE + + + BREAK-UP RUMOURED TO BE AMICABLE...