A/N: I'm going start of by saying I'm really sorry for taking so long to update this chapter. There had been few reasons for this delay. I've already have mentioned in the previous chapter that I have a major exam coming, even though it is over and done with my teacher are releasing assignments back to back. This really isn't an excuse, but sadly the only one I've got.

There has also been another reason why there haven't been a update recently. There has been a certain individual posting comments inappropriate for this platform and community. I'm currently dealing with that person, should behaviour like this continue from anyone I will be forced to stop updating the story.

Now, I know most of my reader are super supportive towards this book, and I'm internally grateful to them. I just want you guys to understand that it's not acceptable, but I also know this doesn't apply to most. So I'm really sorry to you guys. I love to hear your thoughts and love interacting with you guys. Again I'm really sorry.

Hayden's POV

My relationship with Astrid was nothing short of amazing. Obviously, the whole school now knew that I, Hayden Haddock was dating the Astrid Hoffreson and that bought a lot of unwanted attention. Mainly for Astrid. Jerks would go up to her and start treating her like a slut. I've had to put many guys in their right full place when I got to know of them, of course this meant that I would get in trouble with a teacher and get sent to the principles office a good couple of times a day. My parents aren't to happy about that slight detail, but made them understand that I wouldn't let anything happen to Astrid while I was still breathing. My mum is now 8 months pregnant, and the baby could arrive any day now. I'm still not excited and happy about the baby, but what can I do apart from living my, and accept what is given to me. One thing I know for a fact is that this baby will never replace my little princess.

Astrid, now Astrid is very excited about mum's pregnancy, and it's all she ever talks about these days. Since, mum has taken her maternity leave Astrid has been spending more and more time with my mother, and my mother would love to spend a lot of time with Astrid talking about the baby. The only annoying thing about this is that, I don't get to spend time with Astrid, and dad doesn't get to spend that much time with mum. I know that it leaves him irritated, and I don't blame him. Astrid's parent's got in contact, and had been in contact with Astrid this whole time according to them. They are coming home in a week's time. Astrid didn't seem to happy about it, and had been in a bit of a mood ever since we got the news. Though her beautiful smile that I've come to love never faltered.

Our friends are doing better as well. Fishlegs apparently got inspiration from me, and asked Heather out. Ruff is dating Snotlout, and it has been going on for a lot longer than expected. Which I admit is a little weird for snotlout's standards. Tuff had confessed to having a crush on this girl from a thing that he attends to. What thing? You may ask. Well, he's volunteering at a care centre, and this girl named Claire had punched him, and apparently it was love at first sight. I know that Dagur is crushing on this guy, but he hasn't said anything so everything is in the dark when it comes to him.

And me, well I still haven't told Astrid anything about Toothless or the fact that I am the famous Ryder that everyone is talking about. Also, the fact that I qualified to the semi-finals of the league races. The truth is about to come out very soon, since the semi-finals are held in the main lands. It's also held during school days so, I'll be needing a very good excuse as to why I am travelling to the main lands. I need to tell Astrid, and need to hurry it up. School is officially ending for us this July, and that is only a month away. All the exam have been dealt with, and I'm not worried about the results. I'm a A* student even if I mess around at most times. However, my record for being a civil person isn't the best since I get into trouble half the time, and had officially made my head teacher's office so, Mr. Bludvist's office my second home. Fishlegs, Heather, Astrid and I are planning in going to the university. Snotlout, Dagur and the twins are planning to get a job straight after school ends. Astrid and I are planning in renting a two bedroom apartment near the university.

Right now though, my grandparent from my mum side are coming from Italy. I haven't seen them since Ivy's funeral. I can't wait to meet them, and they're the only ones that knows about Toothless. I'm really glad that they support me on this though because if they had told my parent straight after they had found out, Toothless would have been taken away from me, and my father would have probably shun me more. They said they were gonna arrive sometime in the evening because dad would be home by then.

"Oooh, Hayden what if I say the wrong thing in front of them, and they hate me?" said a pacing Astrid. She had been nervous all week, and this morning she began pacing in the living room.

"You're going to be fine Asty, unless you say something offensive, then they'll tell my aunts in Italy, and may well hate you, and not turn up to our wedding or our funerals for a matter of fact. Yeah, you're pretty much doomed." I replied smirking. I love playing her like this. She gets really cute.

Man I'm whipped! What the actual fuck happened to me? But I love her so who cares. 

"Oh for blueberries sake Hayden, will you stop being a jerk, and help me out. I'm your girlfriend for Thor's sake, your supposed to comfort me." Now is my time to have some fun.

"You're my girlfriend are you?" I asked which made her raise her eyebrows at me.

"KITTEN! You're so bad Hayden." Astrid sighed, but I didn't fail to see that beautiful smile making it's way to her beautiful face.

"One, I'm not a cat, and two I never told you I was good." I replied and winked at her.

"Help me Hayden!"

"Why, did you want me to lie to you? But aren't you always preaching like the good little angle you are that lying is bad." I continued to tease her.

Astrid being Astrid threw a cushion at my face. "I hate you, you stupid..."

"What banana? Or poop?" The smirk never left my face.

"HAYDEN WHY ARE YOU BEING A JERK?!" Astrid shrieked, while I laughed out loud.

Not being able to do anything she sat on my lap, burying her head in the crook of my neck with a pout on her face. A dish cloth smacked my head out know where brought me to a stop. Looking right, I saw my attacker. Mum was standing with her infamous glare, and had her arms crossed across her chest.

"Hayden Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III! Will you leave this poor darling alone?"

Well shit I'm in trouble.

"Yeah, Hayden leave this poor darling alone." My oh so sweet darling decided to chime in. Looking down at I saw a smirk playing on her soft plump lips. I'll get her back for this. I thought as mum pulled Astrid out of my arm.

What the hell?!

"Astrid come on darling, my parents will love you. You're too sweet for anyone to hate you love. Also, I've got some new baby clothes that I bought while you guys were at school."

"Aww, not fair, I wanted to go the baby section too, but yeah lets go I wanner see them Val." At that moment dad entered the living room and made eye contact with me. The single nod he gave me was all I need.

"No, Asty you're not going anywhere."

"Hayden, don't be so silly. I'm just going to your parents bedroom with Val to look at baby clothes."

"Yeah, but that's all you've been doing for the past few months. You're always with mum. I never get time to spend with you. I'm not the only one upset about this, dad can back me up on this because I know he's been irritated at the fact he can't spend time with my mum."

"Is that so Stoick? Mum asked dad, with both of her hands now resting on her hips, and both eyebrows raised. Well, I think I just lost my back up.

"No, Val no. I just wanted a little time with you and the baby, but if you want to go with the lass its fine. "

"I don't care if dad is to scared to admit he doesn't like it as much as I do." I took hold of Astrid's wrist and pulled her down to my lap.

"But, I really want to go. You have to see them Hayden, they are so cute." Oh man, she's pouting. Why does the gods hate me so much.

"I've already seen them many times, when Ivy was about to be born. I used to gush over them too at one point in my life. Not anymore."

"Is it because if everyone knew it would ruin you bad boy persona. Huh. I could use this." I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to hear the last part.

"Why don't you join us, you love babies." My mother decided to chime in. Urgh. These women control my life.

"Nah, it fine Asty you can go, I'll just be in my room. I'll see you guys when grandpa and mami gets here."

Its no point. Why can't I just be happy for this baby? Maybe this is the new beginning I've been looking for. I can't help, but be irritated every time someone mentions this stupid baby. It's always baby this, baby that. I hate that about myself. This baby should mean to the world to me, as it's giving me a another chance to be big brother, but I can't help but hate. Ivy is my baby sister, she always will be and no one other baby can take her place in my heart. I just know that I'll be a horrible brother to the new baby, but deep down I don't want to be. I want to be able to love this baby that everyone is excited for.

A knock broke me away from my thoughts.

"Kitten, can I come in? Please?" Why does she insist on calling me that. What am I going to do with her. Well I could....

A smirk appeared at a certain thought, but she's too sweet for it.

"Come in beautiful." The door slowly opened and Astrid poked her head through the gap and flashed me that beautiful smile that makes my heart race.

I quickly stood up next my bed and held my arms out wide. "Come here princess."

Her eyes lit up and rushed to my arms. She's where she belongs. "I'm sorry I neglected you"

"Princess..."

"I didn't mean to do it, I just love babies and I know you don't like talking about it."

"I just didn't want to hurt Valka's or your feelings. I love doing stuff with Valka, but I honestly...mhpm"

I pressed my lips against hers for a light kiss. Sometimes she just doesn't know when to shut up, but then again I love listening to her voice. It's not like those high pitched bitches.

"I don't really mind love, I just want to spend a little time with you too. It doesn't matter Asty."

"It matters to me, and your grandparents are here. I think I've already done something wrong."

"How can you already managed to do something when they just arrived princess."

"Because your grandmother keeps on frowning at me."

Shaking my head I let out a huge sigh causing Astrid to frown at me.

"Let's go an see what you've done shall we?"

"I'm pretty sure I haven't done anything wrong, they just don't like me."

"How can anyone hate your beautiful face, and adorable personality love?"

Going downstairs my grandparents aren't anywhere to be seen. Loud laughter that boomed through the house caught my attention immediately. I haven't heard that kind of laughter for years in this house. My dad's hearty laughter used to fill this house along with little princess's squeals as she ran around the house wearing her little princess dresses. I remember how she used to run up to my room and jump on me asking me to hide her from dad. I hope she's happy wherever she is.

"You alright Hayden?" Astrid asked, and that's when I felt wetness on my cheeks. Quickly wiping away my tears I flashed Astrid a small smile.

"Yeah, I'm good. I haven't heard my dad laugh that loud in so long, and I guess I just missed it."

"Oh Hayden." Astrid whimpered engulfing me in a hug.

Astrid's POV

Don't worry Hayden, I'll try my very best to bring that happiness back to you. No matter what.

"Come on, let's go and see why mami hates you." I couldn't help, but giggle at that comment.

Intertwining our hands Hayden took us straight to the living room where Stoick, Valka and Hayden's grandparents holding a photo album, and laughing. Although, Hayden is right next to me, and I was literally holding onto him, I couldn't help the flutters that erupted in the pit of my stomach. The pounding of my heart was louder each second, I swear it was so loud that I everyone in this room could hear it.

"Oh Hayden! Oh sweetie, look at you! You've grown so much since the last we saw you honey!" Hayden's grandmother kept pinching Hayden cheeks while shaking his head slightly. 

"Look at him Magnus!"

"Yes Ingrid, I can see that the boy has grown to be a fine young lad."

"Aww, I feel like it was yesterday when you were starting to walk!"

"That's what happen when you grow up mami." Hayden replied with a cheeky grin.

I was loving this so far, but I don't want any of their attention right now. My heart began to pound and palms start to sweat. Wiping them on my jeans I looked down on the floor. 

"And who's this dearie?" Hayden's grandmother asked while approached me as if she was walking up to an wild animal , afraid to spook then away, she carefully lifted her hand to my face gently touching my cheeks and slowly sliding her finger tips until she was cupping the side of my face.

"Mami, this is my girlfriend Astrid. Astrid Melody Hofferson."

"Devine beauty. Well lass, you're parents clearly have picked out the perfect name for you. You definitely are a beauty. Hayden's lucky to have you, and you tell me if he hurts you. I'll hunt him down for you." 

Not wanting to be rude, I gave her a little nod with a gentle smile, but my eye contact remained with the floor. I didn't have enough strength to look at her eyes.  A blush burnt through my cheeks, and my face felt like an hot oven. A sudden awkwardness washed through me, and the little strength I had vanished in an instant. 

They won't think that the moment they find out the truth. They'd hate you! Keep your mouth shut idiot! You know something that he would have loved to know, yet you're keeping it from him. He's gonna hate you. The entire Haddock family is gonna hate you!

Two gentle soft wrapped around my shoulder, and calloused ones on top of them. A sense of comfort washed over me. It didn't feel odd, it felt just right. Safe. Something I have never felt in my family. I've always felt safe when I'm with Hayden, but this feeling is different. I can't quite put my finger on it, it almost felt like I was part of their family. 

"Come on lass, show me your face properly. Magnus and I want to see you properly."

With the little strength I've gotten from Hayden's parents I looked up to see exotic glimmering green eyes that matches Hayden's and Valka's. Now I see where kitty's family genetically have gems for eyes.

"Be careful mami, she'll poke your eyes out." 

My head snapped towards Hayden instantly, and gave him my biggest glare. This stupid banana. Oh blueberries.

"Now she's naming different types of fruit, probably most definitely blueberries and my favourite banana's."

"What why would she..."

"That's it, Haddock! I don't know why, but today you've been trying with my patience. Honestly, you stupid banana why would you say that." I jumped onto Hayden causing him to fall onto the sofa behind him. Grabbing the pillows on the side, I started to hit him with it. Laughter surrounded the entire room. I was quite enjoying myself. 

"Princess, I was speaking the truth, you're the one who told me to tell the truth."

"There is a time and place for the truth you strawberry! So yes, your parents, you and now your grandma have gem like eyes. That doesn't mean I'm gonna poke their eyes."

"You poked mine!"

"That's because your you, and its fine,  also I couldn't control myself."

"How is that fair!"

"Aww you big baby boo."

Sitting up on the couch, still laughing Hayden took my hands in his. I don't know why he's laughing, its not funny. I mean why would he say that in front of his grandparents.

Oh holy strawberries!

Oh strawberries! I literally just tackled their grandson, shouted at their grandson, and hit their grandson in front of them. OHHH STRAWBERRIES! This is all Hayden's fault!

"My dear Thor, I haven't seen anything hilarious like this in such a long time."

"These two are always like this dad, Hayden always riles the poor girl up for no reason. He honestly gets it from his father." 

"Ayy, I agree, and Stoick got it from his father."

"Valka, mum"

"Now, now Stoick everyone here knows that the truth."

Wait their not angry or disappointed, they're enjoying themselves. I love this family. Hayden gave a gentle  kiss on my forehead.

"Wait, earlier when I saw you I thought I recognised you. Now I know why!"

"Umm...why?" I hoped to all the gods above even the ones that I didn't know the existence of that she doesn't know my past. Every good thing in my life can be snatched away, and I don't want to ever be  away from Hayden or my the new friends that I've managed to make. They are the only reason why my life is a little less miserable. 

"You're the Hofferson couple's daughter right? I'm right aren't I. I could never forget those beautiful blue eyes. They're just like Ingrids, and that temper reminds me of Steve."

"I was waiting for you to say something mum. This is Ingrid and Steve's daughter Astrid. They left her here because they have some work aboard." Hayden's mami just nodded her head gently with a kind smile on her face.

"Aww that's sweet. Welcome to the family darling."

"Thank you." I didn't people could be this kind to a stranger. That's what I am, a stranger. They know my parents, but not me. I've always thought that this world was full of cruel, heartless, and cold people, but every minute I spend with the Haddocks proves me wrong. 

A sudden thought flashed into my mind. Oh today I'm a bad person.

"Umm, I forgot that my parents told me to call them around this time. I forgot to mention that Hayden's grandparents were coming over so they are expecting an call from me. May I be excused?"

"Of course sweetie, go talk to your parents and take your time love. We don't mind." Hayden's grandmother chimed in before any one could put their thoughts forward.

Giving her small smile I rushed upstairs taking two steps at a time. When I arrived at my room I gently closed the door and frantically looked around for my phone. As soon as I found the phone I dialled the one person I knew that would make me smile. Not that Hayden doesn't, its just I love this person more than life itself.

"Hello?"

"Hi Amy, Its Astrid. Is she still awake?"

"She's awake, have been asking for you all evening Astrid."

"I know, I'm so sorry. Hayden's grandparents had come over, and I was all over the place worrying about if they'd like me or not."

"Well, do they like you?"

"I think they do, Amy they are so kind, loving and caring people. I honestly, didn't think people like that even existed anymore."

"Well they do hun, she's dying to talk to you right now."

"Give her the phone then."

I waited patiently as Amy handed the phone down to her.

"Alright, she has the phone now!" 

I heard Amy on the other side.

"Hey baby."

"Hiiiii" She spoke in her sweet gentle voice. How I miss her.

"How are you honey?"

"Muw-wna-iwn"

"Yea, that sounds nice. I'm glad you had a nice day."

"Muwaa-mawwa-baby"

"I know, I'm a naughty person. I called you soo late. I promise to see you soon love. I'm counting the days until we meet again.

Excited laughter is all I could be heard. Tears sprang from my eyes. 

"I have to go now baby. I love you."

"love youuuu"  was all I head before she hung up.

I slowly fell on my knees and the tears burst forth like water from a dam, spilling down my face. I feel the muscles of my chin tremble like a small child and I look toward the window, as if the light could soothe me. There is static in my head once more, the side effect of this constant fear, constant stress I live with. I hear my own sounds, like a distressed child, raw from the inside. It takes something out of me I didn't know I had left to give. That's the way it is when people are hard. It's like a theft of the spirit, an injury no other person can see.

The ringing phone on the night table seized my cries. It might be her. Maybe I could listen to her beautiful voice again for one last time. Hoping its her I answered the call without looking at the caller Id. 

"Hello sweetheart."

NO! NO! NO!

"How did you get my number?" I spoke with every strength I've got.

"It doesn't matter how and when I got your number princess. I hope you and your little boyfriend is happy in your little love bubble. I wonder what he'd do if he found out about your dirty little secret Astrid."

"Please. Please, please, please just leave me a...alone. Don't, d...don't t...tell him Sam. Please. Please don't ruin this for me. You've ruined my entire life Sam, don't ruin this for me." Every bit strength slipped away instantly.

"You little bitch, you're mine. You're whoring around with other men while I was away. Just you wait Astrid. Just remember to watch your back from now on.

"Sam! Sam! Please! No! Don't, no please I love him. Don't hurt him, I'd do anything please Sam."

"Just watch your back Astrid." Every word was filled with venom. Each word hit me like a knife stabbing me each and every time. 

My eyes drip with tears. My walls, the walls that hold me up, make me strong just... collapse. Moment by moment, they fall. Salty drops fall from my chin, drenching my shirt. Perhaps these tears will help wash the blood out. I press my head against the wall... baby blue, so innocent... I am anything but innocent. I'm trembling. I can't-can't stop. Even as I press my hand against the wall it shakes, it trembles. It's raw, everything, raw tears, raw emotions. I can't stop... I can't stop. Why can I not stop crying?

Third person's view 

It was more than crying, it was the kind of desolate sobbing that comes from a person drained of all hope. She sobbed into her hands and the tears dripped between her fingers, raining down onto the carpet. As much as she tried to hold it in, the pain came out like an uproar from her throat in the form of a silent scream. The beads of water started falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping. She hit the wall and tried to scream, but the fear of losing Hayden stopped her. The muffled sobs wracked against her chest. The world turned into a blur, and so did all the sounds. The taste. The smell. Everything was gone. The last painful emotion slammed against her before she lost the feeling of feeling. She cried until no more tears came, but still the emptiness and sorrow remained. There was nothing left, nobody left, no reason to move. Everything darkened into nothingness as she passed into the oblivion of unconsciousness.

Hayden's POV

Two hours passed by and Astrid still haven't come downstairs. Fear loomed in the corner of my mind. She's in her room talking to her parents, but from what I have heard they're not nice people. I remember her tell me that after her parents would call her she would often cry herself to sleep. No matter how many or how much I pry for answers she wouldn't tell. A sickening feeling crossed through my soul. Trapped in my own psychosis, a living nightmare for one, tailor made by my own brain to play on my deepest fears. 

I shouldn't be this worried. She's in her room. It's not like she's out on the streets or anything right?

The sickening feeling came back as if a wave crashed against in full force this time making me nauseated and lose my apatite.

"Hayden are you okay darling?" Mami asked.

" Yes mami, why do you ask?"

"You're looking a little pale honey."

"Oh um...right. Mum, did you by any chance see if Astrid left the house to take the call. I mean its been an awfully long time to chat to parents don't you think?"

"Don't be silly Hayden, she just appreciate her parents more than you do."

Nope. It still didn't feel right. Somethings wrong. I can feel it. It almost feels like half of me died on the spot. Something is definitely wrong with Astrid. Without even excusing myself I rushed upstairs to her room. My parents and grandparents on my heel. The dread creeps over me like an icy chill, numbing my brain. In this frozen state my mind offers me only one thought. Ignoring every thought that rushed into my head I slowly opened the door. I don't care if Astrid will shout at me. All I need is, her in my arms where she belongs.

The sight that welcomed me as I entered the room stopped me dead in my tracks. Silent panic coursed through my veins, my heart pounding louder and louder at each second passed raising my heart rate. I couldn't move, my feet were stuck to the ground, no thoughts clouded my mind. I could only stare at the beautiful angle on the ground with a grief stricken face, eyes red and puffy. Her normal neatly kept blonde locks were a mess. She wasn't sleeping. There wasn't a single sign of peace in her face.

"Astrid." Was the only words that I could utter before my body unfroze. 

Rushing to where she lay, quickly kneeling down I pulled her to my chest. She was cold. 

"Astrid wake up. Asty please wake up."

"Sweetie, lay her on her bed." Grandma stepped forward and laid a hand on my shoulder.

Not knowing what else I could do I obeyed her order. As soon as I laid Astrid under her covers mami began checking her. I could only watch and hold her icy cold hands.

The wall clock ticks like the timer on a bomb. I can't stop it, reverse it or slow it down. Each tick drags me forward, helpless and nervous to the allotted time. I can no more avoid it than the beating of my own heart as it pounds with futility against it's cage of bone and cartilage. The dread is an invisible demon sitting heavy on my shoulders and only I can hear the sharpening of it's knives. I sweat and become pale, then the tremor in my hands begins. 

"She's fine Hayden, unconscious, but fine." Mami broke into my thoughts.

"Why would she collapsed, she's clearly have been crying." Dad spoke to break the silence.

"She was speaking to her parents, maybe she was missing them. Its almost been a year now. No wonder the lass is feeling a little homesick."

"That's probably it. It looks like she passed out due to exhaustion. She's fine Hayden dear."

They are wrong. Something is going on with Astrid. The first day at the beach house flashed into mind. She was shaking like a leaf. petrified. Like someone was coming after her constantly. She was hiding. Then the pub. As soon as the man touched her. This unexplainable fear flashed across her beautiful eyes. It almost looked like a dark memory was flashing through her eyes, and she wasn't able to stop it. Its almost like its easy to scare, and she's always looking behind her. What are you hiding Astrid?

None of these things makes sense. She never talks about family. Never talks about her parents, and when she does, her words sound like no one ever cared about her.  

"Son, are you coming downstairs?" I can't leave her now. There is no way I can leave her like this. 

"No dad, you guys go I'm gonna wait until she wakes up."

"Don't hound her with a million questions Hayden, leave the lass be." mami warned me before she left while grandpa patted my back and left the room with them.

My head becomes a little giddy and my stomach nauseous from the dread that's creeping up on me. Everything is falling apart again, but I won't let that happen again. I will protect Astrid with everything I have. I will not make the same mistake twice.

For now, all I can do is wait.

A/N: And there you have it guys. Really sorry for the long delay, and sorry about the A/N at the beginning its just been really hard recently, and these comments really don't help. Though they are not hurtful comments towards me or my writing, its still inappropriate and my life would be just a bit more easier without them. I know mostly everyone here is amazing and brightens my day with their comments. Without you guys I wouldn't be here so thank you so much. I love you all so much.

I haven't got much to say apart from:

Shout out to my friend XV-MCMLXXII .

Check out his book Infernus. I promise you guys will love it. He's new to this platform so please be nice if you're checking his book out. 

Thanks for you time my lovelies.

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