A/N: Yes, this is a multi-part (but not a very long) Christmas-themed story. Enjoy!

...

Two.

The soft sounds raised her from sleep, whimpers and low wordless cries and for a moment, her mind struggled to work out what was happening-until she recalled her guest. The homeless man. Hiccup.

"NO! Get away from me!" The cry was desperate and she leapt up, grabbing her pepper spray because the shout was so persuasive that she feared there really was an intruder in her apartment...but as she silently opened the door, she saw him sitting upright, his ashen face lit by the weak light from the side lamp, eyes dark and staring with fear. She leaned silently forwards, seeing him shaking, his breaths fast and desperate.

"Please...don't..."

The words broke her heart and she had no idea what he had suffered but whatever it had been, it must have been horrible. And then she heard a whine. Toothless had scrambled up to sit in front of the distressed man, resting his front paw on Hiccup's hand, whining. His ears were pricked and his green eyes were loyally fixed on his face as he shuddered and finally sagged.

"Th-thanks...bud..." he gasped as another bout of coughing wracked him. He ran a hand self-consciously through his hair and then reached out a shaking hand to rest on the dog's head. "Don't know what I'd do without you." He paused. "You're the only one who cares," he sighed as he lay down and arranged the blankets round his body and then patted beside him. The dog eagerly jumped up and lay alongside him, pressed against the trembling man. Astrid's eyes softened as she saw him drape an arm gently over the warm canine body and then slowly fall asleep.

Softly closing the door, Astrid rested back against the wood and chewed her lip thoughtfully. One thing was certain: some horrible things had happened to the boy who had been her friend. And she needed to find out so she could help him. She was already feeling some very uncomfortable guilt that her actions may have contributed to the choices he made...somehow, she had a second chance to be the friend she should have been.

"In the morning," she murmured to herself. "I'll ask in the morning."

oOo

When she emerged from her bedroom, jaded from fractured sleep as his nightmare rolled around and around in her mind, she found him still asleep. Yawning and walking quietly to the window, she peered outside to scan the snowy world. A foot of fresh snow had fallen overnight and her guest would not be alive if he had remained where he was. And there was no way he could go back out into the cold world any time soon-not that she wanted to let him anyway. How many times had she walked by the homeless men, huddled up and sometimes begging on the sidewalks...? Had she walked past and ignored Hiccup in her travels round Berk? Logic dictated yes and that scourged shame through her.

Quietly, she walked to the kitchen and began brewing some coffee, then glanced in her fridge: she was light on meat and foods that would be suitable for a dog or a skinny guy who needed building up. She closed the door thoughtfully and retrieved a couple of mugs, pouring herself coffee and leaving the rest warming in the pot on the stove, her eyes trailing to the curled up shape. For a tall man, Hiccup certainly could curl up tightly and as she moved slightly, she could see him lying peacefully against Toothless, his arm gently draped over the dog. For a moment, an ear twitched and the dog cracked open a green eye, as if feeling her scrutiny, before his tail wagged twice and his eye closed again. She smiled.

"You don't need to worry," she murmured. "I just want to help your master."

"Glad to hear it," Hiccup murmured, his eyes still closed and she gasped. He opened his eyes and gave a small smile. "You learn to sleep very lightly if you sleep in hostels-or on the streets. You drop your guard and anything could happen."

"And did?" she asked casually, watching his shoulders tense. "Sorry-not my business..." He grimaced and a cough wracked him again. Slowly, he levered himself to a rocky sitting position.

"No, it's a reasonable question," he sighed and scrubbed his face with his hands. "Yes, is the answer. I was attacked in a hostel and badly hurt. After that, I didn't feel safe there. The couple of utterly freezing nights I stayed in a shelter, I was awake all night, because I was too scared to sleep. When I found Toothless, I was able to relax a little because he looks out for me-but none of the shelters will take him." He grimaced. "Speaking of which, I ought to take him out to...you know..."

"It's still freezing out there-and snowing," she said urgently. "Look-you can wrap up in my jacket if you want to take him down...and I'll make breakfast while you do..." He stared at her. "Come on-you didn't think I'm letting you go anywhere in this weather? You-you're welcome to stay until the weather gets better..."

"What...about April?" he murmured sarcastically. There was a pause.

"Yes," she said firmly and his head snapped round to look at her. "Look-you need help and I'm happy to offer it. We were friends years ago and I'm willing to be your friend again, Hiccup. If-if you'll let me?" He stared at her in shock and then leaned forward to carefully strap his prosthetic onto his amputated leg. With a hiss he staggered to his feet, then stretched.

"Make sure you know what you're getting yourself in to before you make a commitment," he advised her. "Once you hear what happened to me, I doubt you'll want me to stay." She stared at him: she had thought he was back to being the man, the person she knew...but under his facade, he still seemed to think he wasn't worth anything. And that saddened her beyond words-because Hiccup her friend was a smart, witty, brave, inventive young man who would do anything for a friend. And somehow, she had forgotten that...but now, more than ever, she wanted that friend back.

"I may surprise you," she said stubbornly, silently vowing to keep him safe. He looked sadly back at her as he led the mutt to the door, pulling on his boot.

"People often surprise me-but never well," he told her as he headed outside.

oOo

It was only when he got outside, wrapped in an oversized jumper that Astrid had given him, presumably belonging to her former boyfriend, that he appreciated how cold it was-or how comfortable and warm he had been in the apartment. Toothless was happily walking down, his tail wagging wildly as his friend led him to the alley by the apartment building and he did what needed to be done. Hiccup felt his hands and face freezing, the cold like a slap on his bare face and as he stood out of the wind, he shivered, missing his beard possibly for the only time in his life.

Astrid Hofferson! How could he possibly wrap his brain around that conundrum? He had been in love with her since he was about ten and when he had moved away in Freshman Year, he had been devastated, sustained only by her sincere promise that she would keep in touch. And he had really tried, diligently texting and phoning her...but her replies had rapidly become shorter and terser until they had dried up completely. And, truth be told, that had broken his heart, shattering his boyish dreams of one day asking her to the Prom, of being her boyfriend, of a life together... He had told himself he had accepted it, that she could never be expected to wait and had moved on and he should as well-but that was never an option because he hadn't made many friends in Meathead, just new bullies.

Small, nerdy and clumsy had been as unpopular in his new school as the old and the fact he was an outsider from Berk had just made things worse. It had only been Thuggory who had shown kindness to the new student, finding a wary, sarcastic but generous young man who had forged an unlikely friendship with the handsome, popular son of the owner of Meathead's largest factory. As they had grown, they had become inseparable and Hiccup had helped Thug with his school work, ensuring he passed classes while Thug kept the bullies off his friend.

But then Thug had been persuaded to do his part and sign up, wanting the military life. And without anything else, Hiccup had promised to go with him. He worked at his godfather's garage in his spare time and had been hoping to become a mechanic or engineer but that was always a possibility later. What he hadn't expected was his father's vehement opposition, refusing to allow his son-who had finally hit his growth spurt-to join the Army. Stoick had served, had seen friends die and end up scarred in body and mind and he refused to allow his son to take the same risks. And while Hiccup now understood his father's qualms, in the ensuing argument, the words used had only strengthened Hiccup's determination.

You're not strong enough. Thor-you're clumsy and weak and you'll be killed in a week! See sense, boy-you going there will be a disaster! What on Midgard are you thinking of?

To an inherently stubborn teenager, none of that had presented any cogent argument and Hiccup had yelled back that it was his choice and he would do it with or without his father's blessing. The threat at disownment-Stoick's stock response-fell on deaf ears and Hiccup had grabbed the bare minimum and had walked out.

He had never been home again. His father had refused to take any calls, had removed all his stuff-though Gobber Belcher, his godfather, had saved a few things. He had shipped out after Basic Training, knowing that he had nowhere to go when he got back-so he stayed with Thug. They had become inseparable, battle buddies who did everything together. Occasionally, he tried to get hold of his father but there was never any response but Thug had been there for him when he had been devastated that his father had cut his only child out of his life.

Until...that day in Kandahar...

He closed his eyes as he began to tremble. He usually avoided thinking about it but he had been so thrown by meeting Astrid that he had just slipped into recalling everything-because he had promised to tell her about his life. He didn't doubt she would throw him out after she heard his sorry tale. Then he felt a warm pressure against his leg and heard Toothless whine, dragging him back to the now.

"I'm okay, bud," he said gruffly, rubbing his hands to warm them up. "You done?" Toothless wagged his tail again. "Okay-I'll clean up and we can go up-before I freeze."

He was shivering and the cold was irritating his chest, causing him to cough and double up as he struggled for breath. He couldn't feel his hands or remaining foot when they came back to the door of the apartment building...but when he got back, the door was closed and locked and he found himself starting to hyperventilate as he rested his hands on the wood. Desperately, he hunted for the bell and found the little device-but there were no names and he stupidly hadn't noted the number of Astrid's apartment.

He found himself shaking and finally he stabbed the best guess button. A hostile male voice answered, the crotchety sound hateful.

"Hello?"

"Could-could you let me in please? I-I'm here to see Astrid..."

"On yer way! Or I'll have the cops take yer away! I can see yer through the window. Homeless scum!"

Hiccup jumped back as if burnt and stared up to see a mean old man glaring through the window just above the main entrance. The old man's eyes narrowed and he waved his fist at the skinny shape. Hiccup stared up as the old man slammed the window open and leaned out.

"Don't think I can't see yer, hanging around and trying ter scrounge off decent people-scum!" he yelled as Hiccup cringed back. Toothless glared up at the cruel old man and began to bark, defying the vicious tirade. "And I'll have yer mutt in the pound before yer can say 'worthless animal'!" The old man threatened. "In fact I'm calling the police now! Let's see what they think about you trying to break into an apartment building!"

"I-I'm not..." he managed, shivering. "I-I'm staying with Astrid..."

"Nonsense!" the old man yelled. "Yer a lying rat! Now git!" And he grabbed his phone and obviously dialled 9-1-1. "Police? We got some scabby homeless trying ter break inter me apartment building. Yes-it's Mr Archibald Mildew of Flat 4, Raven Point Apartments, Nadder Street. On yer way? Excellent!" Hiccup stared up in horror as the man stabbed a crooked finger at him. "That'll show yer! I'd run if I was yer..."

Eyes wide, Hiccup desperately stumbled back, another bout of coughing wracking him as he turned to the list of apartments, desperately trying to recall which one was Astrid's and pressing buttons at random.

"That ain't working!" Mildew yelled. "I can already see the squad car! Maybe they'll lock yer up in a nice warm cell for Christmas..." Panicking, Hiccup snapped his head round and saw the approaching cop car. Instincts took over, stumbling down the steps and skidding, before he turned and ran, limping on his prosthetic. Mildew hung out of the window, gesticulating wildly. "There he is! He's getting away!"

The cops got out of the car-stared up at the raging old man and saw the scruffy shape shambling away, skidding and stumbling on the snowy sidewalk.

"He were breaking in!" Mildew yelled and the cops frowned, then ran after him, swiftly bringing him down. Toothless barked wildly at he hit the snow-covered ground, snapping at the cops, one of whom kicked him away as the skinny auburn-haired man was dragged up from the snow, his arms pinned across his back and struggling wildly. There was a yelp and the mutt staggered back, limping hard. A second kick drew a much louder yelp and he almost collapsed. He was barking fiercely, though he remained out of kicking range. Hiccup stared in horror at his friend and then looked desperately back at the cops

"Let me go!" he shouted. "I wasn't doing anything wrong! Please..."

"Where do you live?" the first cop asked him gruffly and his eyes widened.

"I...I..." he stammered. The second cop looked over his huge blonde beard and gave a knowing nod.

"Homeless scum," he growled. "Well, it's your lucky day, sonny-we have a lovely warm cell you can stay in...for the night. And then tomorrow morning, we'll take you to the city edge and for a Christmas present, you can leave Berk and go and spread your mischief elsewhere..." Hiccup struggled fiercely. All his clothes, his possessions...everything...was in Astrid's apartment. He would die of the cold if he was thrown out of Berk with nothing but what he was standing in.

"Please..." he begged. "I'm just visiting my friend..." The first cop snorted as he manhandled the struggling man towards the car.

"Your kind don't have friends," he growled.

"HEY! What are you doing?"

Planted on the sidewalk, swathed in a scarf and huge cardigan, was Astrid, her arms folded and eyes glittering with anger.

"Out the way, miss," the first cop said firmly. "We're just arresting this homeless person who was breaking into the apartment building..."

"No you're not," she told him angrily. "This man is my guest. He came out to let his dog do his business and he must have forgotten which apartment I'm in, the muttonhead. It's three, by the way..." Hiccup, hyperventilating and struggling, suddenly stared at her, his eyes wide with shock.

"But the old man said..." the first cop said, wilting a little under the ice-blue laser glare the ferocious blonde was directing at him. Astrid growled in her throat.

"You mean that vicious lying trouble-making old coot?" she snarled, stabbing an accusing finger at Mildew, who was hanging out of his window and shouting obscenities at her. "The man who has already been banned from calling 9-1-1 because he calls the cops about every perceived slight? Such as playing music too loudly at 3pm in the afternoon? Or maliciously carrying shopping up the stairs and making a noise? Or having friends round at Thanksgiving and having the door open literally three times to let said friends in? Or telling him to mind his own business when I found him rifling through my mail?"

"Yer vicious bitch? I'll 'ave yer out yet!" Mildew yelled down as the cops stared up at him and then at the furious blonde.

"You okay, Hiccup?" she asked the panicking man and he nodded dumbly, stopping struggling.

"Wait-you really do know him?" the second cop asked, his badge reading 'Officer Ack'. Astrid nodded briskly.

"He's an old school friend who's down on his luck and he's now staying with me..." she began.

"Dogs aren't allowed!" Mildew shouted.

"NEITHER ARE SHEEP! Astrid yelled back. "Or do you want to talk to the officers about that?"

The window slammed shut. Giving a satisfied snort, Astrid turned back to the cops, who immediately released Hiccup. The first officer-a man with a large dark beard named 'Officer H Hoark'-looked embarrassed.

"Um...I think there has been a misunderstanding," he mumbled. Deliberately, Astrid walked forward and grabbed Hiccup's hand, staring into his still wary emerald eyes.

"You okay?" she whispered and he nodded wordlessly. "Yes, there has been," she added more firmly. "I think you owe my friend an apology." The officers stared at her, scowls twisting their faces. It was clear neither had much sympathy for the homeless but both chose the better part of valour when faced with a furious Astrid Hofferson and mumbled insincere apologies before leaping in the car and driving away in search of something more fun to do. Astrid's grip tightened in his cold hand. "And we need to get you inside as well-your hand is freezing!"

"Um...thanks," Hiccup managed, still shaking and damp with snow. She stared at him.

"You're soaking," she pointed out and he glanced down at the sodden sweater.

"I seem to attract trouble,' he mumbled ashamedly, trying to untangle his hand but she held on tight. "Th-thanks..." He glanced round and whistled. Slowly, Toothless limped up, whimpering. There was a nasty mark on his hip and he was looking woebegone. Instantly, Hiccup pulled away and leaned forward to scoop the dog in his arms. "Toothless?"

"Let's get him inside," Astrid suggested, helping him up and unlocking the door. "And you as well, Mister Skinny. Once you're warm and dry and fed, we can see to Toothless."

Hiccup had obediently gone into the shower to warm himself up, once Toothless was ensconced on an old blanket on the couch. Astrid watched him kneel down, murmuring reassurance to the dog and hug him before taking care of his own needs and in that moment, she understood their relationship, summed up by one murmured phase:

You protect me and I protect you: that's how it works.

Emerging, damp and warmed up in another old brown tee-shirt of the departed Eret and his own ragged but now clean and pressed jeans, Hiccup crouched down again and checked on the dog. The leg was swelling and looked misaligned: it was definitely broken. He took a shuddering breath and glanced up.

"His leg is broken," he said quietly. Astrid stared and then nodded, heading for the door. He stiffened, realising this was it-but she returned in her coat and pulling on her hat and scarf.

"We'll need to get him to the vet's," she said and then paused, seeing him staring at her. "What?" He shrugged helplessly.

"He's not insured," he said quietly. "And he's like me...worthless..." Astrid stared at him and shook her head.

"Hiccup-neither you nor Toothless are worthless," she said quietly. "You've both been through tough times and neither of you are where you are except for ill fortune. Now let me help Toothless because he was protecting, you, right?" He nodded and frowned, then rose and went to his wretched pack, digging right to the bottom and bringing out a flat box. Unhesitatingly, he handed it to her.

"Please-take it," he said quietly. "It's all I have. Um...you can't sell it...it's against the law...but it's all I can give to you as thanks." She frowned and opened the box-and then her eyes widened.

Inside was a medal, a five-pointed golden star with adornments, suspended from a gold bar marked 'VALOR' and topped by an eagle. Hardly breathing and eyes wide, she consciously wiped her hand on her jeans and then lifted the medal, turning it to see the words: THE CONGRESS TO LT HICCUP H HADDOCK III. She lifted her eyes and looked at Hiccup, who was sitting passively, his hand absently stroking Toothless's head.

"Is this...?" she whispered and he nodded.

"Um...Medal of Honor," he said quickly. "It's all I have. It's yours..."

"I-I can't take this," she protested in shock but he gave a desperate shake of the head.

"Please..." he asked her softly. "I-I have to give you something in recompense for the kindness you have shown me..." She gently closed the box and carefully put it in the dresser, her eyes thoughtful.

"I will look after it for you," she told him. "As a friend. Now get your coat on-we're going to take Toothless to the vet."

Hiccup was unable to relax as they sat in the back of the taxi, driving through the snowy streets of Berk to the best vet Astrid could find open this close to Christmas. Unflinchingly, she had paid for the cab and led them in, accompanying Hiccup in with the dog. The vet had examined Toothless carefully and shook his head.

"He's starved, there are two breaks in the leg and he needs worming," he said. "Has he had his vaccinations?" Hiccup stared at him and then shook his head.

"Could never afford them," he mumbled. Astrid stood at his side and gently stroked the whining Toothless.

"What can you do to help him?" she asked. The vet frowned.

"Ideally, he will need an operation to reduce the fracture or he'll always have a limp," he said. "And he'll need worming, flea treatment, shots..." Astrid looked at the dog, who turned his big eyes on the girl. The cold, impersonal white of the surgery, smelling strongly of bleach, was a world away from the filthy alley she had found the pair but it was what they needed. She nodded.

"Do it all," she said firmly. "Shots, treatments-and fix the leg..." Hiccup stared at her. "Put my address since they're living with me. I'm paying the bill. He deserves this." The vet nodded and looked at Hiccup who nodded dumbly. He signed the papers and then turned to Astrid.

"Are you sure?" he asked and she smiled. Compared to last Christmas-a boozy affair with Eret in the Caribbean that she couldn't recall but had left her feeling empty-this was much more interesting and much more human. She had cut herself off from everything to numb her pain but somehow, doing what she could for her friend and his beloved pet made the season less...irritating. And she felt more alive than she had since that fateful knock on the door, six years earlier.

"I've never been more sure in my life," she told him as they turned to the waiting room. Astrid paused and then she looked at Hiccup. "You'll be waiting for him?" she checked and he nodded.

"He's my friend," he confirmed. "Nowhere else I should be." She sat by him and took his hand, squeezing it comfortingly.

"I've got some shopping to do," she told him gently. "Will you be okay?" He nodded.

"As long as he's here, I have to know," he said and smiled. "And Astrid? Thanks." She smiled and nodded.

"I'll see you later," she reminded him. "You owe me a story, Hiccup." He shrugged.

"I promised-and I always keep my promises," he reminded her, smiling wanly. She rose.

"I'll see you later," she said and headed for the door, seeing him offer a small smile, then return to his contemplation. She had a short time-and a lot of shopping to do...