Four.

Astrid started and her eyes focussed on the door in shock. She hadn't let anyone in through the front entrance to the building and so no one had any right to just bang on her door. Hiccup had gone rigid, his eyes wide in anxiety and she rose, her brow furrowed-just as she heard a key in the lock. The door opened to admit a tall, buff man maybe a couple of years older than Astrid with jet hair in a thick pony tail, caramel eyes and Maori tattoos on his prominent chin.

"Guess what, baby?" he said smugly. "I've decided to give you another chance!"

Astrid stared with a dropped jaw, completely speechless with shock.

"Eret? What the frick are you doing here?" she managed. He advanced towards her with a cocky smile.

"I told you, baby-I'm giving you another chance!" he told her smugly. "Haven't you got a kiss for your boyfriend?"

"How did you get in?" she demanded and he inclined his head.

"Somebody's touchy," he said slightly sneeringly. "Are you needy, baby? I know how you get when you aren't getting any..."

"Answer the damned question!" she demanded. He advanced and his eyes narrowed.

"Your neighbour let me in," he said. "He was happy when I said I have a surprise for you."

"Well you can take your surprise and stick it where the sun doesn't shine!" she snapped. The smile dropped from his face and his eyes glinted. He lunged forward and grabbed her wrist so ferociously her hand turned white.

"You don't get to speak to me like that, you frigid bitch!" he snarled. "You'll be grateful that someone wants you..." She ripped her hand away and backed away.

"Get out!" she hissed and Eret glared at her-and finally noticed the shocked guest. He gave a sneering laugh.

"I don't think so," he said, his tone turning menacing. "What's this, you hypocritical bitch? You make such a big thing of my diversion and here you are with some scrawny..."

"Get out!" she yelled. "I don't have to justify myself to you! You sleep with Mrs Larson while we were together-but you dumped me two weeks ago-so we're over! I can see whoever I want...and this is an old school friend..." Eret crossed his muscular arms and gave an unpleasant sneer to Hiccup.

"I don't think so!" he scoffed. "I know all your school friends..."

"No you don't!" she returned angrily. "I lost touch with half of them before I ever met you-and Hiccup here is a friend from High School. I ran into him and invited him over for Snoggletog Eve..." Eret looked around, seeing the tree, the dog bed and the table with two place settings.

"Don't lie to me, bitch!" he sneered. "Thor, you must think me stupid!" He grabbed her wrist and spun her to face the wary shape of Hiccup with the dog in his lap. "He's got one leg, stubble and he's wearing jeans that are held together by the stains and one of my tee-shirts. That is a homeless guy. Honestly, do you think I'm stupid?"

"I presume that's a trick question?" she snapped back. "He's an old school friend and he's staying with me over Snoggletog..." He lunged towards her as she wrenched free-and then he slapped her, the sound echoing round the silent flat.

Toothless growled, the sound rising in his throat as his hackles rose-and so did Hiccup. The man clambered to his feet, the anxiety in his emerald eyes replaced by pure rage. Astrid was staring at Eret in utter shock, her cheek already scarlet from the hit and breathing fast and jagged. In one movement, Hiccup shoved her behind him as Eret gave a nasty sneer.

"And now the one-legged cavalry arrives," he spat. "You make me sick, lounging around and begging and stealing while decent people work for a living! You can grab your mutt and your rags and get out of the door and leave my girlfriend alone!"

"I believe the lady said that she didn't want you here," Hiccup said in a tight voice. "So maybe you want to take your massive ego and your tiny brain and get out!"

"Maybe I'm gonna call the police and tell them I found you abusing my girlfriend!" Eret threatened cruelly. "Guess who they'll believe?"

"Me," Astrid growled, her cheek scarlet and eyes glittering with rage. "GET OUT!" Eret lunged at her again but Hiccup was quicker, grabbing his fist and snapping the hand back, his fingers digging hard into the pressure points. The effect was dramatic as the larger man dropped to his knees, whining in pain. Hiccup glared into his eyes.

"Leave," he growled. "Or I'll break your arm. I may not have a home but I have five years Army service. And cowards like you, who threaten and hit women make me sick!" Eret grimaced and nodded.

"I'll go!" he protested pathetically and Hiccup stepped back as Eret instantly lunged for him, but the auburn-haired man dodged and grabbed the man's ponytail, tugging sharply and hauling him back-into a very hard punch. Eret slammed back his fists balling.

"I'll kill you," he breathed but as he lurched forward again, Hiccup grabbed his wrist and this time he forced the bigger man to his knees, pathetically begging not to have his wrist broken.

"Key," he growled. "You have no right to a key and no right to be here. If you don't go now, we'll have the police remove you. And press charges!" Eret fished the key out and handed it over-and Hiccup instantly tossed it to Astrid. "Is this the one?" She nodded. Without hesitating, Hiccup hauled Eret to the door, his wrist still bent back agonisingly and shoved him through, then slammed the door and slid the bolt across. And then he sagged and slid to the floor, breathing hard. Astrid stared at him in shock and walked forward.

"Are you okay?" she asked him and he managed a wry smile. "I should be asking you that," he admitted ruefully. "Sorry-I kind of lost my temper when I saw him hit you. I mean...you asked him to leave and he lied his way in, used a key he had no right to and struck you." He sighed. "Sorry."

She stared at him-then lunged forward and kissed him soundly. His eyes widened in shock and he stared, frozen as she pulled back, smiling.

"Hiccup-that was amazing," she told him. "No one has ever stood up for me like that before." He stared at her, his lips parted in shock.

"Um...you're Astrid Hofferson...I doubt anyone has ever needed to help you..." he admitted in a self-conscious voice, rubbing the back of his neck. She sat back on her heels, inspecting him.

"Probably true...but the fact you did anyway was...awesome..." she told him with a smile. "I'm guessing that fighty stuff was stuff you learned during training?" He looked up and smiled at her.

"Wow-yeah," he managed with a grin. "Lucky I learned some of that 'fighty stuff' during basic training of the Army!" She chuckled and lightly punched his shoulder. "Ow! Why would you do that?" he protested lightly. She smirked.

"It's communication," she reminded him and he sighed, rubbing his shoulder.

"Couldn't you just learn sign language?" he asked and then got to his knees, his brows furrowing. "Are you okay?" He gestured very gently to her cheek and her fingers ghosted over the swollen flesh. She nodded.

"This is going to bruise," she sighed and he frowned.

"Has he...erm...before?" he asked with concern. There was the briefest of moments when her eyes flicked away in shame that told him everything. He shook his head. "You deserve so much better, Astrid." She gave a pained smile.

"Why?" she asked bitterly, sitting next to him and leaning back against the door. "I've cut myself off from lots of things through my grief and stupidity. I've lost touch with friends. I let you go because I was too diverted with being popular and living in the now when I should have been protecting relationships with those who cared, no matter where they were." He took her hand and gave a small smile.

"Astrid, you lost your way when your parents passed...but you're still the same brave and fierce woman and you should never settle for a slimy, lying, misogynistic abusive swine like Eret!" he said passionately. "And it's completely none of my business but you should only ever settle for someone who loves you. Never less!" Her hand squeezed his and she sighed.

"How are you saying this when you have far less than I do?" she asked. "When you have had everything so much worse than I could ever endure? When I have been such a bad friend?" He smiled gently.

"Astrid-you were a bad friend for a brief period but we both had a second chance and when that happened, you've become the best," he told her softly. "Because you saved me and protected me and Toothless when we needed it most. And I know you will heal." He gestured to the little tree. "One day you will be perfect and whole and you will find the perfect man..." He paused and a small smile lifted the corner of his mouth. "Because I have to say, so far, your taste in men is horrible." She cast him a sideways glance and then shrugged.

"I'll take that under consideration," she said and nudged him. "And maybe try to do better?" Toothless gave a small bark and his tail wagged. She smiled. "I agree. Now lets get some coffee and try to relax. It's Christmas Eve...and we've had a busy day." She levered herself up to her feet and offered Hiccup her hand. "Will you, Lieutenant?" He allowed her to pull him to his feet.

"It would be my pleasure, Milady."

oOo

He slept again on the couch with Toothless at his side, though he still woke screaming and needed the mutt to bring him back to calmness before he could get some rest. This time, though, Astrid came to sit by him as well and the hug she gave helped. But they parted and went back to sleep separately.

But when morning dawned, Astrid's eyes opened and she stared at the ceiling, thinking hard about what she had heard the previous evening. And then she raised her hand to stroke her swollen cheek and recalled that moment when Hiccup had stepped up and the briefest flash of the man he had been, the soldier and hero, burst forth. He hadn't been cruel or unkind: he had just protected her. She smiled and sat up, reaching over and flipping open her laptop before typing in the words HICCUP H HADDOCK.

A little while later, she emerged, smiling at the lean shape curled by the black dog. Toothless had remained on the couch with Hiccup and the two were sleeping peacefully as she yawned and went for a shower after refilling the kettle. When she emerged, he was awake, petting Toothless and there was fresh coffee brewed. He looked up, emerald eyes warm with a smile.

"Merry Christmas!" he greeted her and she grinned back, still braiding her hair. She walked forward and offered him a hug.

"Merry Christmas, Hiccup!" she said happily. "Gods, I haven't said that to anyone for so long! You can shower while I make breakfast!" His eyes widened and he pointedly sniffed his tee-shirt.

"Oh Thor, I'm smelling the best I have in years and she wants me to shower again? Wow...bud-protect me from this obsessive woman!" he said comically as he levered himself to his feet. But he wasn't protesting as he headed obediently to the bathroom-to find a section of suitably male shower products and shaving foam waiting. He stared-then stuck his head round the door.

"Astrid? Um..." She smiled, cooking pancakes.

"You're welcome," she said smugly. "I guessed you wouldn't want to go round smelling just like me..."

"Wouldn't mind..." he commented and she laughed.

"There's the Hiccup sass!" she giggled. "I missed it." He dipped his head.

"Thank you," he sighed and closed the door again, speeding through a swift shower and emerging shaven with damp hair and smelling suitably non-fruity. She smiled at his slightly self-conscious expression as he walked forward and gratefully accepted the cup of steaming coffee she handed him. He took a sip and looked at Toothless-who was already scoffing away at a fresh serving of dog food in his bowl. Then he gestured to the room.

"Um...what do you normally do at Christmas?" he asked vaguely and her face briefly fell. She sipped her coffee to compose herself.

"Put a pizza in an oven, find a section of trashy films and drink myself senseless," she said quietly. "You?" He sighed.

"If I can cope I go to shelter for lunch and then try to find somewhere as warm as I can to sleep out," he admitted slowly. "Don't drink-obviously-and this is my first Christmas with Toothless so I'm not sure what to do with him. I would suggest a walk but..." He gestured to the bandages around the dog's splinted leg.

"That and the blizzard outside," she pointed out and he stared at the window.

"That as well," he admitted with a shrug. "Look-if you want me to go out or keep out of your way, I can always go sit in the bathroom or the hallway so you can have some privacy..." She walked over to him and punched his shoulder lightly.

"Muttonhead!" she scolded him. "Honestly, spending time with you is what I'm looking forward to! And rather than being alone and feeling no one cares and there is nothing to live for, suddenly I have someone here just when I need him most." There was a small yip. "And his dog!" she added with a smile.

"Well, if you put it like that...it would be my honour," he said genuinely.

It was strange and somehow felt right to have Hiccup there at breakfast, encouraging her to tell him about his life and what had happened to her in the intervening years and she had found herself opening up to him. Some of it was as he had expected-Prom, Homecoming Queen, graduating with honours-but some less so, such as the time at college studying the environment and then getting the job in the offices of the Berk Wool Trading Co. Somehow, he had never seen Astrid as an office worker, instead imagining her using her fire and her determination for something she really cared about...but as she spoke, he realised she had given up as well. She had finished her course because her parents had been so excited that she was pursuing something she really believed in but once that was done...nothing. She felt numb inside and when Heather had told her there was an opening in her office, she had taken her up on the offer and secured the position: she had never moved since.

After they had tidied up, Astrid had vanished into her bedroom and emerged holding a large squashy parcel wrapped in red foil wrapping paper with a huge golden bow on. She smiled as she handed it to the man and he blushed, looking embarrassed.

"Um...I can't take this," he had said in a suddenly dull voice. "It's far too much, Astrid. You've already done so much for me that I can never ever hope to repay you..." She held the parcel forward and her lips curved in the beautiful smile that sent a flutter through his chest.

"Hiccup-you're here," she told him gently. "I'm not alone and I have been given a chance to make up for my stupidity. And thank the man who punched Eret for me!" He rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously.

"I'm never going to live that down, am I?" he asked warily and she shook her head.

"Please..." she asked him and he eventually accepted the package and ripped the paper open. And then he stared, for he held a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved tee-shirt, a thick winter sweater, socks and underwear. He stared at her and she smiled. Then he dropped them and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her fiercely. Her arms closed instantly round him and she squeezed him with all her might.

"Thank you," he whispered and she felt dampness against her skin.

"You're welcome," she whispered. Swiping his eyes, he pulled away, then turned and held the trousers up against his legs: the length was right but the waist was probably a couple of inches too wide. He cocked an eyebrow.

"I guess I oughtta grow into them," he commented, then held up the tee-shirt, a bright leaf green that highlighted his eyes and he gave a broad grin. "Wow-I'll be the best-dressed hobo in the alley!"

"No you won't," she told him intensely. "You're not going out there again, Hiccup." Her eyes caught his and she stared fiercely. "Stay with me. You and Toothless are safe and warm here and I...I need to know you are safe. And that is my final present to you...a home, as long as you want one." He stared at her and gave a shocked laugh.

"You...really?" he gasped and his eyes shone. "This has to be a mistake or a dream because nothing like this could possibly happen to me and...oh Thor..." He turned to the dog and dropped to his knees. "Toothless? Would you like to stay somewhere warm permanently?" Ears pricked, the dog gave a canine smile, his tongue hanging from his mouth and tail wagging fiercely.

"I think that's a yes," Astrid smirked. "Now, I want you to try out those new clothes so you can celebrate with me." Looking up at her, he grabbed the clothes and slowly got to his feet, then headed for the bathroom.

"Your wish is my command," he said with a wink.

Once Astrid had put the traditional yak roast in the oven and set the pumpkin and potatoes cooking, they settled on the couch with Toothless draped over their laps, flicking through the channels on the TV and looking for a Christmas Movie. Astrid was hoping for Miracle on 34th Street, which had been one of her mother's favourites while Hiccup was rooting for National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, admitting he loved the anarchic and irreverent take on a holiday which had never been standard for him. But in the end, they settled on It's a Wonderful Life because both were drawn to the positive message at the end. And as the end titles rolled and Astrid snuggled into Hiccup, he was on the brink of feeling happy...

...when a buzz sounded and her head snapped up.

"Who would be at the door today of all days?" she murmured, pulling away from him and leaving him feeling strangely bereft. "I mean, they all know to stay away from me at this time of year..." She rose and went to the little intercom in the lobby by the door, pressing the button. "Hello?"

"Let me in, bestie-I'm freezing my ass off out here!"

"Heather? What in Midgard are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Berserk with Dagur!"

"Weather ruined that! I've been trapped in the airport at Visithug since yesterday and we made it back by train today and I knew you would be alone so..."

"Heather..."

"Let me in! It's absolute perishing out here!"

Astrid sent a helpless glance at Hiccup and he nodded, his hand dropping to stroke Toothless gently, though the blonde could see the tension in his shoulders and anxiety in his face. He may have managed baring his soul to someone he cared for and who had saved his life but someone new was a lot for him to deal with.

"Door's open-knock when you reach me," she said in a resigned voice and pressed the button. Then she turned back to the man, who was getting up and bundling his things away. He looked up defeatedly.

"Can I leave Toothless here?" he asked quietly. "I mean, he can't walk properly yet but I can get out of your way and you won't have enough food and..."

"Hiccup-stop!" she said, raising her hands. "Just...stop. No one is going anywhere. Heather has her own house and will go there after she visits. You are staying here so you are not going out in the cold. And neither is Toothless-right, boy?" The dog whined, seeing his master looking suddenly worried.

"But she's your friend and..."

"And you're my friend, muttonhead!" she told him, gripping his hands. "I said I wanted you to stay...and I realise that having her here is a big ask but I won't let her ask anything indiscreet. I promise. Just...try to relax. No one here is going to be cruel to you because I will punch them out if they are-deal?" He took a shuddering breath.

"Deal," he sighed as there was a knock at the door. Astrid cast him a warning look and he sat defeatedly by Toothless on the couch, his arm around the skinny black dog as Astrid straightened her top then opened the door.

"SURPRISE!" several voices yelled and Astrid gaped as Heather grinned at her-with their friends Raquel and Timothy Thorston (or Ruffnut and Tuffnut), Frederick 'Fishlegs' Ingerman and Simon 'Snotlout' Jorgensen standing behind her, carrying bottles and packages.

"Merry Christmas!" Heather added when Astrid didn't move and she stepped forward, catching Astrid's hand. "And I know you hate Christmas and want to just hide away but we really don't want to let that happen and for you to be alone on Christmas Day, of all days. It's been six years, Ast, and we all know you're hurting because Eret dumped you and...are you going to say anything?"

"I'm not alone," Astrid said in shock. Ruff grinned wildly.

"Of course not," she said briskly. "Because we're here now!" And she pushed past Astrid followed instantaneously by her brother. The twins did everything together so it was no surprise they barged in first. Heather followed, with Fishlegs and Snotlout paused at the threshold.

"Now you're shot of that Eret clown, you know I'm here for you, babe," he told her thoughtfully. "You never gave me a chance at High School but maybe I'm just what you need, hmm?" She blinked and her brows dipped.

"I very much doubt it," she said, following him into her suddenly-crowded apartment. The others were staring at the self-conscious shape on the couch.

"Okay-who's he?" Heather asked, her arms folded. Astrid scowled at them and pushed through to stand by the couch.

"Sorry?" she said firstly. "What the fuck business of yours is that?" They all started. "You barge in here without being invited and start asking who I choose to spend my Christmas with? Who the Helheim do you people think you are?"

There was a silence.

"We're your friends," Fishlegs said timidly.

"Friends who know I hate being ambushed wouldn't lie their way in here," she growled at him, her fists bunched. "Heather lied." The raven-haired girl stared at her in shock.

"It was a surprise," she protested. Quietly, Hiccup reached over and took her hand.

"It's okay," he said gently. "They meant well. Take it how it was meant-as an act of friendship." She stared at him and then nodded, her fists relaxing. Her hand squeezed his and she smiled slightly.

"Thanks..." she whispered. "Okay-I hope you like veg because the yak roast is only two person sized..."

"Hey-we brought a cooked ham and cranberry sauce!" Tuff told her, resting his package on the counter.

"Dauphinoise potato and red cabbage," Heather added, resting her package by Tuff's.

"Christmas pudding and brandy butter," Fishlegs continued.

"And lots of wine and beer," Snotlout finished, resting a huge bag on the counter. He winked. "You know me, babe-life and soul of the party!"

"Ugh!" Astrid commented. "Okay-this is Hiccup." She gestured to the auburn-haired man. There was silence. "Hiccup Haddock? Left in Freshman Year at High School?" Hiccup gave a humourless smile and rose to his feet.

"I think they can all recall who I am, Astrid," he said sarcastically. "I mean-Snotlout is my cousin as well as the bully responsible for making my life Hel a lot of the time. The twins pranked me and humiliated me for years and helped Snot. Fishlegs used to be my friend in Middle School but he dumped me when he started High School to be with the popular kids and Heather just ignored my entire existence-even when you and I were standing together in the Hallway. So yeah-they all know me." They all started at the tall, skinny man with thick, wild dark auburn hair, glittering emerald eyes and missing a leg. Not one of them would have recognised him.

"Hiccup?" Snotlout frowned. "I-I heard you were dead..."

"Awkward," Tuff commented, sitting on the couch and leaping up as Toothless growled at him. "Wow. Mean dog, man." Astrid scowled at him.

"He's not mean-he's an adorable puppy," she corrected him. "But you're not being friendly to his master to why shouldn't he protect his friend?" Heather sighed.

"Look-I think we got off on the wrong foot," she began and Astrid growled in her throat...but Hiccup gave a low chuckle.

"Did you really say that?" he asked her wryly and the girl reran her words and then blushed fiercely. "Astrid...I'm not offended. It's your call, of course...but this is part of moving on as well..." She stared at him.

"Are you okay?" she asked and he shrugged.

"I'm alive," he said. "And I heard a friend once tell me...hate is always foolish and love is always wise...and never, never fail to be kind. Your friends love you and have done a kind thing in coming to cheer your up. Accept the gesture and...enjoy yourself. Your friends have come round so have fun!" He smiled. "I'm here," he added quietly.

"Thank you," she mouthed and headed into the kitchen, unaware of the eyes trailing over Hiccup. The young man felt a chill run down his spine and steeled himself: he would put up with it because Astrid needed this. But as he caught Snotlout's scowl, he felt his shoulders hunch. Suddenly, he wasn't looking forward to lunch.

oOo

The meal went surprisingly well and the yak roast and ham with side dishes was plenty to ensure that everyone felt full by the end. Fishlegs's splendid pudding was duly cooked and set on fire with brandy before being served with more brandy butter. Stuck at the end of the table, Hiccup was quietly excluded from the conversation as the friends all chatted and shared in jokes and ridiculous stories...and he felt more and more awkward. It was almost a relief when Toothless needed to use his puppy pad and Hiccup volunteered to take the soiled pad down to the bins. Astrid handed him her key with a smile and watched him leave with a small smile.

Immediately, her friends leaned close.

"What the Helheim is he doing here, Ast?" Heather hissed. "I mean, he vanished ten years ago and he's here with you?" Astrid lifted her glass and rolled it in her hands. They had been at the table for hours, eating and drinking steadily and she was more than a little tipsy. Her eyes were unfocussed and her lips tilted in a smile.

"Found him," she slurred. "On my way home from the Bar, he was being beat up in an alley. Someone had a knife so I stopped them and brought him home." Snotlout scowled.

"But why?" he asked, not understanding. She smiled.

"Because it was the right thing to do," she told him simply. "He was in need and would have frozen so I gave him a warm and safe place to stay. I got Toothless to the vet and we've had a really nice couple of days..." Heather leaned forward, taking Astrid's hands in hers.

"Is he blackmailing you?" she asked and Astrid frowned and pulled her hands free.

"What? No!" she protested. "He's a nice guy and an old friend who is incredibly down on his luck. And I want to give him a chance after the holidays to get him back on his feet!"

"Foot," Ruff corrected her. "What happened to him anyway?"

"Blown up in Afghanistan," Astrid said carelessly. "Came back to no home or family or friends..."

"So why is it your responsibility?" Heather asked her suspiciously. "He left Berk in our Freshman Year."

"And he tried to keep in contact...but I was so busy I just kind of...didn't bother..." Astrid admitted in a slightly slurred voice. "And I just sort of forgot about him. Thor, I never even wondered what had happened to him...but while I didn't bother, he joined the army. He fought overseas. He even won the frickin' Medal of Honor!"

"Is that what he told you?" Tuff asked suspiciously. She glared at him and then stumbled to her feet, staggering towards the dresser and fishing out the flat box. She fumbled with the lid and then fished out the medal.

"There!" she said triumphantly. "Awarded to Lieutenant Hiccup H Haddock!" Fishlegs stared at her.

"So he's a veteran, down on his luck and homeless," he mused. "Is he exploiting you, Astrid? You are very vulnerable around this time of year, especially since Eret dumped you!"

The door opened and Hiccup returned, staring at the friends clustered around Astrid and almost shrinking back at the intensity of the glares directed in his direction.

"Have I interrupted anything?" he said.

A/N: The 'hate is always foolish' quote is of course from Doctor Who 'Twice Upon a Time' (2017).