The devil went down to Berk (HTTYD)

Part 3

Chapter 3: Mommy got chased by a reindeer

Hiccup was rifling through Astrid's fridge when the door slammed shut. He looked up to see Ariana sniffle and dry her eyes while Astrid looked murderous.

"What happened?" Hiccup asked as Ariana wordlessly gave him a hug before heading to her room with a sniffle. Astrid had meanwhile placed her handbag on the counter with a thud and proceeded to take her knitting needles out.

"Oh no.... Astrid, honey......" Hiccup said as his girlfriend huffed before looking at him.

"I want to put sheep in a particular someone's car," She muttered.

"What happened?" Hiccup asked as all thought of food was forgotten.

"You know the Christmas pageant at the school the day before Winter break," Astrid asked and Hiccup nodded. "You know how Ariana got the lead role."

"Of course," Hiccup nodded. How could he forget, it was all the little girl talked about.

"Well she isn't the lead anymore," Astrid's eyes darkened as she told him the news. "And I might have been escorted off the school premises by security."

"Wait?! What? Why!" Was all Hiccup could utter. Now he was insanely curious about what went on at the rehearsal.

"One of the mothers found out their 'little darling' had been cast as a pinecone in the play and threw a damn hissy fit. They demanded the lead role for their kid even though said kid couldn't sing and was quite happy to play the pinecone." Astrid grumbled.

"And the teacher allowed this?" Hiccup asked with a raised brow.

"She had no choice Hiccup!" Astrid groaned as she flopped down on the sofa. "That kid's parents are major donors to the school. Of course they would get their way."

'That doesn't explain the security......" Hiccup mentioned.

"Let's just say I let my displeasure be known." Astrid stated. "Another thing to put a damper on this day, my mother called. She wants us to come for dinner on Christmas eve."

"Is a Christmas dinner really so bad?" Hiccup asked with a raised brow.

"This is my mother we are talking about Hiccup," Astrid deadpanned. "The woman is still sour that I got pregnant."

"Then just don't go." Hiccup told her.

"You've never met my mother," Astrid grumbled. "If Ariana and I don't show up she'll be harping at me until after New Years."

"Want me to come with you?" Hiccup asked.

"I didn't know you did the whole Christmas thing, being a demon and all." Astrid remarked with a raised brow.

"A holiday where a demon can probably get into a food coma....." Hiccup winked at her causing Astrid to guffaw.

"Which reminds me, I'm making yaknog for today." Astrid told him. "And I should probably go check on Ariana."

"I'll go check on her." Hiccup said as he stood up. "I am wondering what recipe you are calling yaknog though."

Hiccup went to Ariana's room and knocked. He heard a sniffle come from behind the door and he opened it a crack to poke his head in. "Ariana?" Hiccup asked as he saw the girl hugging a pillow.

"Uncle Hiccy," The name came out more of a sob as Hiccup walked into the room and looked at the little girl with concern. He made his way towards the bed and sat down on the edge. "Come here," he indicated and Ariana cuddled against him.