Chapter 21

Two years later

"Astrid relax," Hiccup said as he watched his girlfriend fret while doing her makeup.

"Relax?! Hiccup this is the social event of the year!" She shot back. "And for the first time, I'm debuting as your long-term girlfriend. The press was already going crazy at last year's event when you showed up without a date and announced you were in a serious relationship."

"The press can sod off for all I care. I want you to be comfortable with this," Hiccup stated. "Mom and Dad will be there so we might not get that much attention," he added. "They love you!"

"Correction, your mom loves me. Your dad is still lukewarm about you even dating me," Astrid retorted. "I just... don't want to screw this up,"

"And you won't. You are a great girlfriend. An awesome partner, and can keep us all on our toes," He stated. "You weren't this nervous when Damian started first grade,"

"That does not compare to the annual Police Man's ball Hiccup!" Astrid shot back. "If you think about it, it is kind of ironic that the Haddocks are invited to the ball as philanthropists... you know.... Considering...."

"But we are very much philanthropists," Hiccup countered. "Mom runs several charities as do I." When Astrid shot her boyfriend a look he just shook his head.

"I know what you mean Astrid..." Hiccup nodded. "But let's face it, the Berk Police force is underfunded. While I am now an established Don, there are still some forces in Berk that are not under my control. The main purpose of the gala is to get more funding, disregarding where it ultimately comes from. Anything 'alleged' is brushed off as people mingle,"

"What are you really worried about? Hiccup then asked. "If it's Snotlout and Tuffnut appearing as nuns again like last year, know that I gave them a stern warning. While the habit did get them to evade the police it was disrespectful,"

"No it's not that," Astrid shook her head though she still had a smile while thinking back to the nun-debacle. "It's just... this is the first time I will be debuting. I just feel it will change the whole dynamic. To the mom-friends I made at school... The friends at my former retail job might not even care but.... Hiccup we are going to appear in the society pages together. My parents get this news. The small town I am from gets this news. They would be salivating at the gossip alone."

"Do you actually care about them?" Hiccup questioned with a frown.

"Not really...." Astrid mumbled. "It's just... I hate rumors." She confessed. "I've been the bud of them in that town for a good while,"

"Astrid, Astrid," Hiccup's hand guided his girlfriend's chin so she'd look him in the eye. "Screw them," He stated. "You are better than them and never forget it. You were a single mom, yes, providing for herself and her son. That is admirable. You got your GED, you got a job, you are financially independent. Your son is in a good school and you are actively caring for him. To me that speaks volumes. Who is to say that you don't deserve the world?

"Need I remind you that you threatened my physics teacher?" Astrid shot back.

"What?! He was hitting on you.... We just had a... friendly chat," Hiccup shrugged. "Him being the leader of the Outcast gang in his part-time was just icing on the cake,"

"Hiccup you scared the shit out of him." Astrid deadpanned. "Granted he wasn't being difficult about the makeup assignments after my recovery but still.... He never looked me in the eye again!"

"Pearls or silver?" She questioned as she held up two necklaces for Hiccup. Both complimented her long black dress though Hiccup immediatly zeroed in on the pearls. "You know I love it when you wear pearls," Hiccup purred near her ear as he took the string of glossy white pearls and helped her put it on.

"Hiccup we'll be late," Astrid admonished as she smacked his hand that was wandering lower. "And I am not tearing these stockings. They are my last pair,"

Hiccup actually pouted while Astrid merely rolled her eyes. "Later..." She promised with a smirk.

"Tease... Temptress..." Hiccup groaned.

"And you love it," Astrid shot back as she grabbed her small handbag while showing off just how backless her dress was.

Hiccup quickly joined them and as the pair made their way down to the foyer they could see Fishlegs and Heather also dressed to the nines. "Damian?" Astrid asked as she looked around.

"Snotlout and Ryker tucked him in already," Heather replied. "He fell asleep on the couch not long after dinner," Astrid nodded. Her boy was in good hands. In the last two years, Damian had taken a particular liking towards Snotlout and Ryker and they had become his unofficial babysitters if Heather wasn't available.

"You ready girl?" Heather asked as she knew this was a big night for her friend.

"As ready as I'd ever be," Astrid muttered.

"You'll be fine," Heather stated confidently as she slung an arm around her best friend. "And if any paparazzi get too close I'll use the old Heather charm."

"You can't go around punching paparazzi!" Astrid admonished. That was another thing that had changed. Once Heather and Fishlegs made their relationship official a year ago she had quit the Police Force and came to work with Hiccup as security. Mostly for Damian and herself though Heather had accompanied Hiccup on a few outings, none of which she breathed a word about. Astrid was fine with that, she even admired that. You don't mix business and pleasure in this type of life.

The ride to the venue was mostly quiet. Hiccup had opted for a limo instead of his usual town car. They had made small talk on route and Astrid even drank a tumbler of whiskey on the rocks for liquid courage. She could already see the lights in the distance as the limo driver pulled into the line of vehicles destined for that red carpet. Astrid hadn't been joking when she said that the Annual Police Men's ball was the social event of the year. They went all out to attract investors. The creme de la creme, so to speak. Hiccup had even told her that there was a silent auction to support the K9 unit and other divisions.

When it was their limo's turn Hiccup looked at Astrid and asked "Ready?" She nodded, not really trusting her voice.

"Look down when I help you out of the car. The flashing lights will blind you." Hiccup reminded her as he pushed the door open.

The red carpet was mostly a blur. She followed Hiccup's lead as he linked their arms and guided her through the usual pleasantries. They only stopped for one photo op before her attentive boyfriend indicated for them to go inside even while more of the press were trying to get their attention. She finally took a deep breath once inside the venue and then asked "How do you do it?"

"You get used to it really," Hiccup stated. "I'll let you in on a secret," he then whispered. "My first time at one of these events I froze and nearly faceplanted on the red carpet if Dad hadn't caught me,"

"No way..."

"Yes way..." Hiccup confessed.

"Gods I hate that one reporter," Heather growled as she and Fishlegs joined Hiccup and Astrid. "I should have thrown my heels at him for what he said about my bestie!"

"What did he say?" Astrid asked while at the same time Fishlegs looked horrified and blurted out "Those are Jimmy Choos!"

"No no, nothing to worry about..." Heather deflected. "You two lovebirds go do your thing,"

"It doesn't sound like nothing," Astrid mumbled.

"It's fine, really," Heather assured. Reluctantly Astrid nodded as she and Hiccup linked their arms once more to enter the main hall of the event. Neither of the couple noticed the look Heather was giving Fishlegs. Nor did she hear Heather ask Fishlegs "Darling, could you find out more about that reporter?"

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AN: Hello everyone!!! I'm back from my long Japan vacation. How are all my readers doing? It was wonderful! For those who have been following the trip on Instagram, I hope you enjoyed the pics. Now on with the show. The second half of Bella Donna is going to be awesome! I will try to update weekly but with work and the Holidays coming up in December I might be a bit busy.

P.S. I am working on an HP story in my spare time. If all goes well, you will see the first chapters pop up in December (I am already past chapter 10 in my private doc), for those in that fandom as well. I am still working out some kinks and plotholes but progressing strongly. It's been a couple of years since I published anything in the Harry Potter archive. Let me just say... a 'duck' is involved. I should note that this entire HP plot came about due to a what if discussion and too many glasses of wine with some other writers.... It spiraled out of control after that....