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Chapter Text

It was early in the morning on Christmas Day. Hiccup and Astrid were still in bed, enjoying the last few moments of peaceful slumber before the day's festivities began. The bedroom was cozy and warm, the soft light of the winter morning peeking through the drawn curtains. 

Astrid groaned as she slowly began to wake, shifting her position in bed. Beside her, Hiccup was also stirring, but his eyes remained closed as he muttered something incoherently in his half-asleep state. She couldn't help but chuckle softly at his groggy mumbling, finding his sleepy muttering endearing.

Astrid glanced at the clock on the nightstand, squinting to see the time through her blurry vision. It was still quite early – barely ten in the morning. But with the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations ahead, there was no use in trying to prolong the inevitable.

She gently nudged Hiccup, who groaned softly in response. "Hey, sleepyhead," she said, a hint of teasing in her voice. "It's time to get up. We have to start preparing for the party later on today."

Hiccup groaned again, finally opening one eye to glare at Astrid. "Can't we just stay in bed for a little while longer?" he muttered, his voice still hoarse with sleep.

Astrid smirked, rolling her eyes affectionately. "That would be nice, but no," she replied. "We've got to get up and start cooking, and decorating. We can't just loll here all day."

Hiccup let out a dramatic sigh, reluctantly admitting defeat. "Fine, fine. But is there coffee involved?"

Astrid chuckled. "Of course there is. I wouldn't expect you to function without your caffeine."

With that, Hiccup finally relented, sitting up in bed and stretching his arms above his head. "Why do we always throw these parties?" he asked, running a hand through his messy hair.

Astrid smiled as she joined him, sitting up beside him. "Because it's tradition, and because it's fun. We get to invite all our friends and family, and you know how much Nuffink and Zephyr love these parties." Before she speaks again she rephrased her words. "Or should I say more of Nuffink? Zephyr seems grown out of it."

Hiccup nodded, his expression turning fond at the mention of their children. "Yeah, I suppose you're right," he said. "Still, sometimes I wish we could skip all this chaos and enjoy a quiet Christmas at home."

Astrid chuckled, shaking her head. "You know that's not going to happen. And frankly, you'd be bored out of your mind if we did."

Hiccup chuckled as well, knowing she had a point. "Yeah, I guess you're right. But can we at least get some breakfast before starting the madness?"

Astrid nodded, sliding out of bed. "Already one step ahead of you," she said. "I started the coffee maker earlier, and I've got a quick breakfast planned. We can discuss the party details over pancakes."

"Pancakes? Now we're talking," Hiccup said, a grin spreading across his face as he also got out of bed and stretched. "Lead the way, my pancake-making wife."

Astrid laughed and playfully rolled her eyes. "Flattery will get you everywhere, but don't expect me to do all the work. You're helping too."

Hiccup groaned playfully, but he knew better than to argue. "Fine, I suppose I can assist with the pancake-flipping. Can't promise they'll be as perfect as yours, though."

"Oh, trust me, I've seen your pancake-flipping skills, or lack thereof," Astrid teased, as she led the way towards the kitchen. "But I guess I'll have to settle for slightly misshapen pancakes if it means having your company."

"Hey, not everyone can be a pancake-flipping prodigy like you," Hiccup retorted, feigning offense. "I'll have you know my pancakes have their charm too. They're... rustic."

Astrid chuckled, opening a cabinet and retrieving a mixing bowl. "Rustic, huh? Is that your polite way of saying lumpy and not quite round?"

Hiccup shrugged, grabbing a whisk and a measuring cup. "Rustic, unique, call it what you will. They have character," he said, grinning. "And they taste pretty damn good."

Astrid raised an eyebrow as she gathered the pancake ingredients. "Well, I suppose I can't argue with that. But just to be safe, I'll be the official pancake-flipper, and you can handle the batter-mixing. That way, we can ensure a mix of perfect pancakes and 'rustic' character."

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As Astrid and Hiccup are busy in the kitchen, Nuffink's bedroom door creaked open and a sleepy Nuffink stumbled out into the hallway. He rubbed his eyes groggily, still half-asleep. Just then, Zephyr's door swung open and she appeared, wearing a grumpy expression.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Zephyr mumbled to her brother, who was still visibly half-asleep. "You look like you haven't fully woken up yet and is still stuck in dreamland."

Nuffink yawned widely, stretching his arms above his head. "Yeah, I feel like it," he mumbled, his voice still thick with sleep. "I could use another hour or two in bed."

Zephyr rolled her eyes in response. "Dream on little brother, Mom and Dad are up, and they'll want us to help with the party preparations soon enough."

Nuffink groaned softly, not looking forward to the impending task. "Do we really have to help? Can't we just watch TV or something?"

Zephyr shot him a disapproving look. "And leave Mom and Dad to do all the work? Nuh-uh."

Nuffink let out another dramatic sigh, realizing Zephyr was right. "Fine." 

Nuffink pauses as his nose picks up a familiar scent that he knows and loves. "I smell pancakes!"

Zephyr smirked slightly, knowing her brother's weakness for pancakes. "Let's head downstairs and see Mom and Dad."

Nuffink brightened up at the mention of pancakes and was already darting for the stairs. "I'll race you." He says, clearly already having a headstart. With that, the siblings made their way downstairs, their morning routines momentarily forgotten in the prospect of a delicious breakfast. Astrid and Hiccup were bustling around in the kitchen, the aroma of pancakes lingering through the air.

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Astrid looked up as the kids entered the kitchen, their faces lighting up at the sight of the pancakes cooking on the griddle. "Good morning, sleepyheads," she said with a smile. "Just in time. Pancakes are almost ready."

Nuffink's eyes widened in excitement, he promptly plonked himself down at the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting the pancakes. Zephyr, on the other hand, leaned up against the counter, crossing her arms across her chest. "Pancakes, huh? Any toppings?" she asked, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

Astrid chuckled, flipping over a pancake. "Of course, there will be toppings. We've got syrup, butter, fruit, and a variety of other options. Anything and everything you want to put on your pancakes. I know how picky you can be." She cast a knowing glance in Zephyr's direction.

Zephyr rolled her eyes, pretending to be annoyed by the comment, but the small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth betrayed her amusement. "I'm not picky, I just have high standards when it comes to pancakes."

Hiccup chimed in, pouring batter onto the griddle. "That's a fancy way of saying you're picky," he teased. "But I know what you mean."

Nuffink glanced at the pancakes. "Can I please have some whipped cream and chocolate chips on my pancakes?"

Astrid nodded, grabbing a bag of chocolate chips from the pantry. "Sure, you can have chocolate chips and whipped cream on yours."

Nuffink grinned excitedly. 

Zephyr looked at the pancakes. "I'll take berries and cinnamon on mine, please?" she asked, giving a polite request.

Astrid responded with a smile, grabbing some fresh berries out of the fridge. "One order of pancakes with berries and cinnamon, coming right up." She glanced at Hiccup, who was still diligently tending to the pancakes. "And what about you, Hon? Plain pancakes or spice things up a bit?"

Hiccup thought for a moment before answering. "I'll go with a classic: just plain pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup. Keep it simple but delicious."

Astrid nodded approvingly, adding his pancakes to his plate.

Astrid placed the plates on the table, a smirk plastered across her face. "There you go, Dig in." 

Both Nuffink and Zephyr wasted no time in grabbing their forks and starting to eat their pancakes. 

With the pancakes slowly diminishing on their plates and bellies starting to feel full, the siblings started wrapping up their breakfast. Nuffink was the first to finish, sighing contentedly. "That was good. Can I be excused now?"

Astrid, still sitting at the table, shook her head. "Not just yet, Nuffink. There's still one more task before you can be excused."

Nuffink groaned softly, "What is it? Do I have to help clean the dishes or something?"

Astrid nodded a slightly mischievous glint in her eyes. "That's right, you're on dish duty today. But don't worry, you won't be doing it alone. Zeph will be joining you."

Zephyr, who had just finished her own plate, let out a resigned sigh. "Oh great, we get to spend quality time together washing dishes. YAY!" She says sarcastically. 

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Astrid and Hiccup, having finished their breakfast, decided to head upstairs to get ready for the day. They went into their bedroom and got situated. Astrid started by taking a quick shower, using her favorite lavender-scented body wash, and washing her hair with a gentle shampoo. Meanwhile, Hiccup brushed his teeth and then hopped into the shower with her.

Astrid stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a towel, and began drying her hair with a blow dryer. A little longer after that, Hiccup, now finished with the shower, wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped out of the shower, drying his hair for the final touch. 

Astrid, her hair now dried and brushed, started getting dressed, choosing a comfortable outfit consisting of a pair of sweatpants, a sweater, and her cozy pair of black uggs. Meanwhile, Hiccup combed and finished drying his damp hair. Then got dressed in his usual attire, a sturdy pair of black pants and a shirt adorned with a red pattern.

Astrid, now fully dressed, added some light makeup and spritzed on a bit of her favorite perfume, while Hiccup just ran his fingers through his hair, then sprayed some of his usual cologne and called it done. Both of them were now looking presentable and ready to face the day ahead. Astrid, satisfied with their preparations, gave Hiccup a smile and a quick kiss.

"You're looking handsome," Astrid said, eyeing Hiccup appreciatively. Hiccup chuckled and gave Astrid a flirty smirk. "And you're absolutely beautiful, like always. You sure we can't just skip the party and go on a date somewhere?" 

Astrid laughed, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "Nice try, but you know we can't do that. You know how important this party is. Our family and friends are going to be here, and we can't leave them hanging."

Hiccup sighed dramatically, wrapping his arms around Astrid's waist. "Fine, fine, I know. Duty calls. But after the party, it's just you and me. Deal?"

Astrid smiled and slid her arms around Hiccup's neck. "Deal. I'm looking forward to some quality time, just the two of us."

Hiccup's smirk deepens, his hands resting on Astrid's hips. "Mmm, I like the sound of that." They shared one more quick kiss before Astrid reluctantly pulled away. "We should probably head downstairs and see how the kids are doing, and get started on preparing."

Hiccup nodded, signaling okay. 

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Astrid chuckled and led the way out of the bedroom, with Hiccup following closely behind her. As they made their way downstairs, they couldn't help but worry a little about what mischief Nuffink and Zephyr might be getting up to. After all, you could never be too sure with those two.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Astrid called out, "Hey, kids, how's the dish situation going?"

They heard a collective groan in response from the kitchen. Nuffink's voice called out, "Boring! Dish duty sucks!"

Zephyr chimed in sarcastically while flicking a little bit of water at Nuff, "Yeah, it's just thrilling. We're having the time of our lives over here."

Astrid shared an amused look with Hiccup before entering the kitchen. "Oh, stop grumbling, you two. Dishes are a necessary chore. But chin up, you're almost done. Plus you do know if these chores don't get done then that means no allowance" 

Hiccup leaned against the kitchen counter, watching as Nuffink and Zephyr continued to wash the dishes with exaggerated sighs and eye rolls. He couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions. "It's not so bad, you know. Dishes teach you responsibility and the value of hard work."

Nuffink, rolling his eyes, responded in a dramatic tone, "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Chores are good for character and all that." Zephyr groaned, "You sound like Mom."

Astrid smirked, crossing her arms. "Well, believe it or not, we do have some wisdom to share. And speaking of being like me, Nuffink, if you roll your eyes one more time, you're gonna get stuck that way."

Nuffink immediately stopped rolling his eyes, looking a bit sheepish.

Chapter Text

Hiccup suddenly realized the time, glancing at the clock on the wall. He then turned to Astrid with a slight sense of urgency. "Oh shoot, Astrid, we need to get going with the party preparations. I guess time got away from us while we were chatting and having a laugh." 

Astrid nodded, her attention shifting to her to-do list. "You're right. I need to get started on the cooking, and you three have to handle the decorations."

Zephyr interjected, her arms folded across her chest. "Wait, Hold on now, you mean "These two". I'm going up to my room to chill." 

Hiccup raised an eyebrow, amused by her nonchalance. 

Zephyr shot him a sly grin. "You and Nuffink can handle the boring decorating. Plus, I have to check on Sparks!"

Astrid let out an amused chuckle. "Alright, Zeph. But don't be too late coming back down, okay? We need as much decorating help as we can get."

Zephyr smirked, already making a beeline for the staircase. "No promises, Mom. Might end up taking a nap, for all you know."

Astrid shook her head, watching Zeph disappear upstairs. "That girl, always sooo-" Astrid pauses as she can't think of the right words. "I don't know why I even bother thinking she was gonna help." 

Hiccup chuckled, nudging Nuffink with his elbow. "Looks like it's just you and me for decorating duty, buddy."

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The scene transitions to Zephyr's bedroom, cluttered with various personal items. She flops onto her bed, grabbing her phone off the bedside table. Her bearded dragon, Sparky, lounges in a sunbeam near the window.

Zephyr scrolls through her phone, checking her social media apps and various group chats. She responds to a few messages, occasionally letting out a soft chuckle or eye-roll at the latest drama from her group chat.

While scrolling through her phone, she absentmindedly reaches out to Pet Sparky, who basks in the attention. After a few minutes, she sets her phone down and looks around her room, contemplating whether to grab her guitar and practice or just lounge around doing nothing.

Deciding that she's done enough socializing for the day, Zephyr instead plops back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Her mind drifts off as she contemplates the upcoming party and the various family members she'll have to interact with.

As Zephyr lies on her bed, her thoughts wander to the upcoming family party. She groans internally as she remembers that her annoying cousin, Gustav, will be in attendance. Images of his smarmy smirk and loud laugh flash through her mind. Her expression turns sour at the memory of having to put up with him during past family gatherings. But then, her thoughts shift to her favorite cousin, Heather. A smile forms on her face as she recalls Heather's infectious laughter and the mischievous mischief they've gotten into together.

The contrast of her feelings towards the two cousins makes Zephyr realize how much she's not looking forward to interacting with Gustav. But the thought of spending time with Heather lifts her spirits slightly, knowing that at least one family member will make the party somewhat bearable.

Zephyr shifted her focus back to the present. She picks up her phone and scrolls through her list of contacts, looking for her friends. She debates which friend to call and what to talk about. Part of her wants to discuss the latest drama happening at school, but another part of her just wants to goof off and crack jokes with her friends.

After a few moments of contemplation, she decides to call her best friend, Willow, who she knows will always be up for a good laugh and some light-hearted conversation. Without giving it a second thought, she taps on Willow's number and hits the call button, waiting for her friend to pick up.

As the phone rings, Zephyr taps her fingers impatiently, hoping that Willow will pick up quickly. After a few moments, the line connects, and Willow's cheerful voice greets her from the other end of the line.

"Hey, Zeph! What's up?" Willow's voice sounds cheerful and carefree, instantly bringing a small smile to Zephyr's face.

Zephyr responds with a smirk, glad to hear her friend's voice. "Not much. Bored and just lying around. Thought I'd call to see what you're up to."

Willow laughs, her energetic personality coming through even over the phone. "Oh, you know me, always up to something. But I'm glad you called! I was just hanging out with the gang, trying to decide what to do today. Wanna join us?"

Zephyr responds casually. "Sure thing, I'm down."

Willow excitedly responds, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "Awesome! We're thinking about going to the mall. You know, check out the Christmas sales and just chill. Does that sound good to you?"

Zeph grins, knowing that the mall offers distractions and potential entertainment. "Malls, sales, and goofing off with you guys? Yeah, I'm down for that. I could use a change of scenery."

As Zephyr considers the idea of joining her friends at the mall, she suddenly realizes that she's out of money. Her allowance has already been exhausted, and she knows her mom won't be keen on giving her more money. 

A mischievous idea pops into her head. She thinks about sneaking into her mom's room and taking some money from her drawer, hoping that she won't notice it missing. With a mixture of exhilaration and a bit of guilt, Zephyr contemplates If she should do this.

With a hint of hesitation, Zephyr shares her plan with her friend Willow, explaining her need for some extra money to join them at the mall. Willow responds with a surprised gasp, "Whoa, Zeph, you're considering stealing money from your mom's room? you've got balls, my mom would kill me." 

Feeling a bit silly, Zephyr then turns to her bearded dragon, Sparky. "Hey, Sparks, what do you think? Should I do it?"

To her amusement, Sparky just looks at her with his beady eyes and does a slight head bob, seemingly unbothered by the situation. Without any response from her reptile companion, Zephyr takes it as tacit approval for her plan.

With a sly grin, Zeph makes up her mind, feeling reassured by her friend's surprise and her dragon's non-reaction. She thinks to herself, "Alright, I'm doing this. But I need to be quick."

She tells Willow about her decision, "Alright, I'm gonna do it. I'll head to my Mom's room and grab some money. I'll be quick about it, and hopefully, she won't even notice. Or even if she does I'll just pay her back." she sighs, and mutters under her breath. "Where's the employment when you need it."

Willow's voice on the other end of the line seems a tad worried. "Be careful, Your Mom is pretty perceptive. Don't get caught, or you're in for it."

Zephyr grins, trying to play it cool. "Don't worry, I'll be in and out like a ninja. Mom won't suspect a thing."

Zephyr hangs up the phone, a sense of determination washing over her. She stands up from her bed and quietly opens her door, peering into the hallway to make sure the coast is clear. Knowing that Mom is occupied downstairs, Zephyr moves silently toward her parent's room. Her heart races with a mixture of excitement and anxiety, knowing she's treading in forbidden territory.

She gently opens Astrid's bedroom door, making sure to do it slowly and quietly, avoiding any creaking noises. Once the door is ajar, she steps into the room.

Zephyr approaches Astrid's dresser, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting Astrid to suddenly appear. She quietly pulls open the top drawer and begins rummaging through the contents, searching for the spot where Astrid usually keeps her wallet.

After a moment of searching, she spots the familiar shape of Astrid's wallet tucked away behind a few folded underwear and bras. She carefully takes out the wallet, her heart rate quickening as she opens it to find several $20 bills inside.

 She counted it quickly $60, more than enough for the mall. She quickly stuffed it in her pocket and as soon as she was about to close the drawer Astrid walked in, intentionally looking for her phone but instead of seeing her phone, she was greeted by a Zephyr.

Astrid stands at the doorway, raising an eyebrow as she observes Zephyr's panicked state. "Zeph, what are you doing in my room?"

Caught off guard, Zephyr starts blubbering, trying to come up with an excuse. She finally blurts out, "I needed to borrow a bra, mine is all dirty."

Astrid's expression softens, her concern shifting from surprise to mild amusement. "Really? You needed to borrow a bra and chose to raid my drawer for it?"

Zeph nods, attempting to keep up the facade. "Yeah, I was in a rush, and I didn't want to ask you outright. Figured I'd just grab one real quick."

Astrid lets out a light chuckle, seeing through Zeph's excuse. "You know, you could've just asked me. I wouldn't have minded lending you one."

Zeph grins sheepishly, feeling her face flush. "I know, I know. But I didn't want to bother you, and I didn't think you'd mind if I just took one." 

Astrid shakes her head, still amused by Zeph's antics. "Just next time, ask first, alright? No more raiding' my dresser."

Zeph gives an ok."Roger that. I'll ask next time."

Astrid clearly knowing she's lying, continues to act casual. She then calls her, out enjoying Zeph's flustered state after getting caught red-handed. You can go ahead and give me back the money you were taking from my wallet, Also... you are very bad at lying. I washed everyone's clothes 2 days ago."

Zeph's eyes widen, caught right in her lie. She tries to play it cool, but her voice betrays her nervousness. "I just needed some money for the mall. Willow, I, and a couple of friends were going to hang out later. I was going to put it back, I swear."

Astrid raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying Zeph's excuse. "Mhm, right. And you thought the best way to get some cash was to quietly steal it from my wallet? I just gave you your allowance a couple of days ago! But I'm guessing you spent that."

Zeph sighs, knowing that Astrid won't let her keep the money, she reaches into her pocket and hands it back to her.

Astrid takes the cash and puts it back in her wallet and back into the drawer. "Thank you very much. Now, you can leave my room."

As she walks out of Astrid's room, Zeph repeats the curse word silently in her head like a mantra. "Fuck! What was I thinking? I'm in for a real lecture later."

With a mix of guilt and embarrassment, Zeph shuffles back to her room, head hung low. She picks up her phone and calls Willow again. As the line connects, Zeph's voice sounds a bit deflated. "Hey, Wills, it's me. You won't believe what just happened..."

Willow picks up on Zeph's tone and immediately senses her friend's distress. "Hey, Zeph, what's going on? Did something happen?"

Zeph sighs, flopping down on her bed. "Yeah, you can say that. Mom caught me in the act of trying to sneak money out of her wallet.

Willow gasps, clearly surprised by the turn of events. "Oh my god! What happened? Did she get super mad at you? I bet she was pretty pissed off, huh?"

Zeph groans, burying her face in her pillow. "Yeah, she was not happy. I tried to come up with some lame excuse, but she saw right through it. I swear I've never been more embarrassed in my life."

Willow can't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Haha, that is priceless. But hey, on the bright side, at least she didn't ground you or anything, right?"

Zeph lifts her head from the pillow, rolling her eyes. "No, she didn't ground me, thankfully. But I know she's going to give me a lecture later, about honesty and all that. Oh, and she confiscated the money I was going to use for the mall."

Undeterred by Astrid's confiscation of her cash, Zeph's mind starts swirling with a new idea. She still desperately wants to join her friends at the mall and refuses to let a minor obstacle like a lack of funds spoil her plans. She thinks to herself. "I'll just double back."

"Hey, Wills, I have a new plan. I'll just double back."

Willow looks at her phone with a "wow!" expression. "You are insane. You know that right?"

Zephyr laughs at her response. Before saying boldly. "Insane is my middle name." Zephyr quickly says her goodbyes to Willow and hangs up to text Nuffink.

Zeph picks up her phone and quickly texts Nuffink. "Hey, Nuffink! Just a heads up, I'm heading out later with my friends. If I'm not back in time before the guests arrive, don't let anyone go into my room or touch my beardie, okay? He gets skittish or aggressive when he senses unfamiliar faces, and I don't feel like being the cause of someone's finger being bit. Thanks, bro!"

Nuffink sees the message and grins. He replies, "Haha, got it! I'll make sure no one disturbs your room or messes with Sparks. You go have fun and don't get into any trouble. I'll let Mom know you are leaving."

Zephyr replies "I'm SERIOUS Nuffink, if someone touches my Lizzard or he gets hurt, I'm BEATING YOUR ASS!"

Nuffink Replied scared "Ye- yeah no worries sis." He says chattering his teeth terrified. He remembers what Zephyr can be like when she gives strict orders and they are broken.

Chapter Text

With that out of the way, Zeph pockets her phone and begins to double back to her parent's room. This time she successfully swiped the $60.

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As Hiccup and Nuffink work together, with every new addition to the decor, the room becomes more and more vibrant and festive. Hiccup and Nuffink work seamlessly together to complete a masterpiece of decor.

As the final touches are added, Hiccup and Nuffink stand back to admire their work. The room is now adorned with a sea of colors and cheerful decorations. They high-five each other, a sense of accomplishment on their faces.

Astrid takes a moment to observe the decorations Hiccup and Nuffink have placed around the room. Despite her exhaustion, a small smile plays on her lips as she appreciates the effort and thoughtfulness behind the surprise. "Wow, this looks great, you two," she says, giving them a genuine compliment. "It's like a mini celebration in here. Good job." With those words, Astrid heads off to the kitchen to finish up the cooking.

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Astrid enters the kitchen and begins working on the cooking. The smell of delicious food fills the air as she slices, sautes, and simmers ingredients for the surprise party menu. Occasionally, Astrid glances at the living room, where Hiccup and Nuffink are spending time doing countless things.

Astrid pushes aside her curiosity about Hiccup and Nuffink's behavior and focuses solely on the task at hand - completing the cooking. She moves with precision and efficiency, her years of experience in the kitchen showing in her fluid movements. As she works, Astrid finds solace in the monotony of chopping, stirring, and arranging.

The familiar dance of cooking soothes her mind, and she loses herself in the rhythmic process. The sounds of sizzling, boiling, and bubbling are her temporary companions, each ingredient playing its part in creating the surprise feast.

Astrid is preparing a sumptuous spread for the surprise party. On the menu, she's preparing a variety of dishes to cater to everyone's tastes and preferences. She's making golden, crispy-edged mini quiches, stuffed with a delightful mix of herbs and vegetables. There's a big bowl of homemade guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips, and a refreshingly cool bowl of fruit salad, each piece of fruit carefully cut to perfection. For the main dish, Astrid is grilling juicy burgers on the stove, using a secret blend of herbs and spices that will have everyone asking for seconds. And much more is being made!

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Inside her room, Zephyr picks up her phone and quickly dials Willow's number. After a few rings, Willow picks up. "Hey, Wills, I'm ready," Zephyr says, a small hint of excitement in her voice.

Willow replies from the other end of the line, "Okay, give me 20 minutes. I'm heading to Dunkin' Donuts real quick. Do you want anything?"

Zephyr thinks for a moment before replying, "Yeah, can you get me one of those chocolate frosted donuts? And a hot chocolate, please."

"Sure thing," Willow responds. "Anything else?"

 "Nope, just the donut and coco. Thanks, Wills."

"No prob," Willow replies. "See you in twenty." 

Time passes, and after about twenty minutes, Willow's car pulls up in front of Zeph's house. She honks the horn, signaling her arrival.

 Zeph, who had been patiently waiting near the window, quickly sprung up from her seat as soon as she heard the horn. She grabbed her coat, hat, and gloves and started putting them on as she walked downstairs and headed toward the front door.

Astrid was still in the kitchen doing some final finishing touches, when Zephyr was heading to the door. "Mom, Willow's here!" Zephyr announced. |

Astrid looked up, a slightly concerned look on her face. "Okay, kiddo. Be careful and have fun, but make sure you're back before the party starts, alright?"

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Nuffink takes a moment to wander around the house. His mind drifts to the black cat known as Toothless, who is always up to something. He searches around the house, checking behind furniture, under tables, and all the usual hiding spots. 

However, despite his efforts, Nuffink can't seem to find Toothless anywhere. The sly cat has a knack for choosing the most obscure and difficult-to-reach hiding spots. Nuffink starts to feel a mix of irritation and amusement, wondering where the elusive Toothless could possibly be hiding this time.

As he continues his search, Nuffink mutters to himself, "Where the heck did that cat go? You'd think a black cat would stand out in a vibrant-colored house."

The search continues, and Nuffink's frustration grows with each passing moment. He checks under the couch, behind curtains, and even inside cabinets. But no sign of Toothless. He can't shake the feeling that Toothless is silently watching him from some invisible perch, just waiting to pounce at the most inconvenient moment

After what feels like an eternity of searching, Nuffink finally finds Toothless. The cat is perched high up on top of a tall bookshelf, tucked away in a narrow spot between two books. Toothless is casually washing his paws, completely unbothered by Nuffink's search for him.

Upon seeing Toothless, Nuffink lets out an exasperated sigh, but a hint of relief and annoyance in his tone. "Toothless, you sly little thing. I've been looking everywhere for you. Why do you always have to hide in the craziest spots?"

Toothless, with a self-satisfied air, continues washing his paws, barely acknowledging Nuffink's words. He gives a languid stretch, extending his claws, then proceeds to groom his ear. It's as if he's silently saying, "I have no regrets. I'll hide wherever I please."

Nuffink, shaking his head, can't help but chuckle at Toothless's aloofness. The cat acts like he owns the place, and in truth, he probably does. Nuffink has long since accepted that Toothless does whatever he pleases, and there's no changing that. 

Nuffink, still carrying the lighthearted irritation from his Toothless search, walks into the kitchen and sees his mom, Astrid, finishing up the food. He approaches her and speaks in a conversational tone. "Hey, Mom. I finally found Toothless. He was hiding on top of the bookshelf again. That cat just loves to make me search like some treasure hunt every time."

Astrid glances over at Nuffink with a small smirk, clearly familiar with Toothless's escapades. "Ah, yes. Toothless and his hiding skills. He seems to have a secret joy in making you run around the house like a headless chicken sometimes." 

Nuffink chuckles, acknowledging the truth in his mom's words. "Yeah, he's a crafty little troublemaker. I swear he gets a kick out of it. But hey, at least it keeps me on my toes and helps me work on my detective skills, right?"

Astrid smiles and nods, appreciating Nuffink's positive outlook on the situation. "That's true. Maybe Toothless is secretly training you to be the world's greatest hide-and-seek champion. Or to be a secret agent. Who knows what goes through that cat's mind?" 

Nuffink looks over at the stove. The smell of Christmas dinner being all prepped up. "You did a good job with the food mom!" 

Astrid loving the compliment from her son, smiles and says with an exhausted but somewhat happy tone. "Thank you, baby, It definitely took a while but it's all done."

Nuffink, momentarily derailed by the conversation, quickly snaps back to his task. "Oh, right! I came in here for some cat food. Toothless is probably starving." He walks over to the cabinet where they keep the cat food and opens it, rummaging inside for a tin or pouch of cat food.

After a moment, he finds what he needs and pulls out a small can of cat food. He examines the label to check if it's the flavor Toothless prefers, then nods in satisfaction. "Looks like this will do. Toothless will be happy to see me coming with his favorite food."

Meanwhile, Toothless, perched on the kitchen counter, has been watching out of the corner of his eye, silently anticipating the appearance of his food. Seeing the can of cat food that Nuffink holds, he leaps down from the counter and begins winding around Nuffink's legs, meowing impatiently.

Astrid laughs at the sight of Toothless weaving around Nuffink's legs, clearly eager to get his food. "Looks like Toothless is quite interested in his dinner. You'd better feed him before he starts a protest march."

Nuffink grins, amused by Toothless's eagerness. "Yeah, you're right. This little guy has no patience when it comes to food. He'll be meowing all night if I don't feed him right now." He pops open the can of cat food and then scoops out some of the contents into Toothless's food bowl. 

00000

The sun begins its slow descent, casting a warm orange glow through the kitchen window. As the time reaches around 5 PM, the afternoon sunlight starts to fade, and the shadows in the house grow longer.

Outside the house, cars start to pull up along the driveway, one by one. Friends and family, having received invitations to the Christmas party, begin their arrival. There's a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air as they step out of their vehicles, carrying gifts.

The doorbell rings, echoing through the house. Astrid, who's busy finishing up everything in the kitchen, turns her attention to the sound. She calls out to Nuffink, "Hey Nuffink! Can you get that?" 

Nuffink, who's hanging around in the living room with the cat, answers with a, "Sure, Mom." He walks over to the front door with a hint of curiosity about who that could be.

He pulls the door open and finds Heather standing there, wearing a bright smile and carrying a gift-wrapped present. Upon seeing Heather, Nuffink's face breaks into a broad grin.

Nuffink: "Heather!" As he says in excitement to see his favorite cousin.

Heather steps in, bringing a bit of the wintry chill from outside. "Thanks, Nuffink. Sorry for being late, traffic was a nightmare." 

Nuffink closes the door behind her and shrugs. "No worries, you're right on time. The party's just getting started." 

They join Astrid in the living room. Astrid greets Heather warmly. "Hey, Heather. It's good to see you! Thanks for coming and bringing a gift, too. You didn't have to." 

Heather smiles back at Astrid, happy to be there. "Oh, it's no problem at all. I can never come to a party empty-handed, it feels wrong." 

Nuffink pipes up, glancing at the gift wrap curiously. "What did you get us, Heather?" 

Astrid chuckles, patting Nuffink on the head. "Hush, Nuffink. Patience. We'll find out what Heather brought later on." 

Heather grins at their exchange, clearly amused by Nuffink's impatience. "It's nothing too spectacular, just a little something I thought you might like. But you'll see soon enough."

Heather, looking around, doesn't see Hiccup, or her best friend Zephyr anywhere in the living room. She turns to Astrid and Nuffink, a curious expression on her face. "Hey, where's Hiccup and Zeph? I don't see them around." 

Astrid chuckled. "That boy is stuck up in his office working on some project for work. Meanwhile, Zeph's at the mall with her friends, but here's the kicker, she tried to swipe sixty bucks from my room to spend at the mall, but I caught her in the act."

Heather laughs heartily, clearly amused by Astrid's story. "Oh, Zephyr! She's incorrigible, isn't she? Trying to swipe sixty dollars from your room, no less! I can't believe she thought she could get away with that."

Astrid chuckles, shaking her head. I caught her red-handed, right in the act. She tried to look innocent, but I wasn't buying it for a second. The crazy part is, I have a feeling she went back and still took the $60."

Heather shakes her head, a mixture of amusement and mild disbelief on her face.

The doorbell rings once more, and Astrid excuses herself to answer it. Nuffink goes back to lounging by the fireplace, while Heather walks over and plops down onto the sofa, looking around.

A moment later, Astrid returns, followed by two more guests Ruffnut and Tuffnut, who barrel through the door, causing a bit of a commotion. Ruffnut, all energy, and vivacity, yells out, "We're here!" Tuffnut, with a grin to match his sister's, adds, "Prepare yourselves for the ultimate party takeover, folks!"

Astrid rolls her eyes, though a hint of affection is visible in her expression. "Oh great, the dynamic duo is here. Let the chaos commence, I suppose."

Nuffink chuckles at Astrid's words, clearly used to the twins' antics. Ruffnut, already looking around for something to get into, sees Heather and her eyes light up. "Hey, hey, if it isn't Heather! Looking as lovely as ever." 

Heather smiles at Ruffnut's compliment, replying jokingly, "Oh, shush, Ruffnut. You're gonna make me blush."

Tuffnut, not wanting to be left out, chimes in with a goofy grin. "Yeah, and you know what they say, the more the merrier! Especially when there's this much beauty in one room." 

Ruffnut rolls her eyes at her brother's hammy commentary. "Yeah, yeah, shut it, Tuff. You're laying it on a bit thick there."

Astrid, hearing a lull in the conversation, tells Nuffink she'll be right back. "I'm gonna go check on your dad."

00000

Astrid exits the living room and makes her way upstairs to Hiccup's office. She approaches the door and knocks gently, calling out in a soft voice, "Hiccup? Can I come in?" 

There's a moment of silence before Hiccup's voice answers from behind the door, sounding somewhat distracted. A moment later, Hiccup's voice answered from behind the door, "Yeah, come in."

Astrid enters the office to find Hiccup deeply focused on his work, surrounded by blueprints and sketches. He looks up when he hears her voice, a hint of distraction in his expression.

"Hey," Astrid says softly, not wanting to startle him. "You know everyone's here, right? Or most of them at least."

Hiccup looks up at her, his expression not tinged with any hint of sheepishness. "Oh...yeah," he responds. "I've been working on this project for my job. Lost track of time." He gestures to the messy desk. "But I'm almost done."

Astrid nods in understanding, crossing the room to stand beside him. She rests a hand on his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It's okay," she says, her eyes flickering over the various blueprints and sketches. "I figured as much. But you've been holed up in here for a while. Maybe it's time to take a break and join the fun, hm?"

Hiccup grins and nods in agreement. "You're right, you're right," he replies, rising from his chair. He glances at the piles on his desk with a rueful smile. "Though I swear this project is going to drive me mad." He takes Astrid's hand, intertwining their fingers. "Lead the way." 

Astrid laughs and grips his hand tight. "You'll figure it out. You always do," she says, her voice filled with confidence. "But for tonight, let's leave all that behind and enjoy the party." 

They exit the office and begin to make their way down the stairs. The sound of laughter and chatter grows louder with each step, signaling that the party is in full swing below.

Chapter Text

They reach the bottom of the stairs and step back into the living room. Everyone is engaged in various conversations, and some are even enjoying refreshments. Ruffnut and Tuffnut are telling a somewhat exaggerated tale, while Nuffink and Heather chat quietly in a corner.

Astrid looks around, taking in the lively atmosphere. She squeezes Hiccup's hand and nods towards the others. "Looks like everyone's having a good time already."

Hiccup glances around the room, a mixture of exhaustion and fondness on his face. He takes a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the socialization that awaits. "Looks like it," he says, a hint of resignation in his tone, but a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Though, I have a feeling those two," he points at Ruffnut and Tuffnut, "are about to reach peak obnoxious levels soon enough." 

Astrid, looking slightly concerned, turns to Hiccup. "Hey, I just remembered I need to check in with Allison. She was supposed to be here, but... well, you know her track record lately. She's been so absent from our lives."

Hiccup nods understandingly, having experienced Allison's inconsistent presence. "Yeah, I get it," he replies with a sigh.

Astrid gives Hiccup's hand a reassuring squeeze before pulling out her phone. "I'll be back soon," she tells him before heading towards a quieter area. As she walks away, she dials Allison's number. The call rings a few times, and Astrid anxiously waits for her sister to answer. 

After a few tense moments, Allison's voice comes through the phone. "Yeah, hello?" 

Astrid takes a calming breath, her voice both hopeful and slightly guarded. "Hey, Allison. It's Astrid. Got a minute to talk?"

There's a brief pause on the other end before Allison responds in a tired tone. "Yeah, sure. What's up?" 

Astrid, trying to keep her voice casual, replies, "Just wanted to see how things are going with you. It's been a while since we talked...and, well, I'm kind of curious about something." 

Allison's voice sounds a bit evasive but also resigned as if she knows where this conversation might be heading. "Right...well, things are good, I guess. Just busy with work and other stuff." 

Astrid sighs silently, her irritation and disappointment rising slightly with Allison's response. "Yeah, I know. Same old answer."

Allison goes silent for a moment, not denying Astrid's observation. Then she attempts to change the subject somewhat. "How about you? How's marriage life treating you?" she asks, a hint of forced casualness in her tone.

Astrid takes a deep breath, trying to keep her tone neutral. "Marriage life's good. Pretty much the same, to be honest. Work, home, kids, and the occasional crazy adventure." She pauses, building up to the question she really wants to ask. "But...that's not what I wanted to talk about. Are you...still planning on coming over tonight for Christmas?" 

Allison hesitates for an uncomfortably long moment before replying. "...About that."

 Astrid's stomach sinks slightly, a knot of disappointment and frustration forming in her gut. "Allison, please don't say you're not coming again..." she responds, her voice tinged with a hint of pleading. 

Allison's voice becomes slightly defensive, a hint of guilt coloring her tone. "You know I would if I could, Astrid. But work has been crazy, and it's just a nightmare trying to schedule anything around my shifts, plus the recent breakup I had. You remember Kean right? ugh- 9 months wasted with that prick." 

Astrid's grip tightens on her phone, her frustration growing. "Work's always an excuse? huh. And yes, I've been told your ass to leave Kean... He was such a dick." 

Allison lets out a huff, sounding a mix of annoyed and resigned. "I'm not just making excuses, Astrid. Really. You have no idea what it's like being an ER nurse." 

Astrid sighs heavily, feeling the weight of disappointment heavy in her chest. "I do get it Al, you keep forgetting I'm a therapist. I might not know how it feels to save a life, but I do know how it feels to help one. I get it, I do. But it's Christmas, Allison. You promised to be here. We've been waiting to see you for so long..."

Astrid, sensing that she might have hit a nerve, decides to try a different approach. "Allison, look, it's not just about us," she says, her voice taking on a more pleading tone. 

"Nuffink and Zephyr, they're missing you too. They ask about you all the time. Have you ever thought about how your work schedule has been affecting your relationship with them?"

Allison remains silent on the other end, and Astrid continues, her voice softening slightly. "They're growing up fast, you know? They barely remember you at this rate." 

Astrid's frustration was etched on her face. Her thoughts and emotions swirl inside her, making it difficult for her to think clearly or rationally. "But sure. Keep using work as a get out of jail free card," Astrid continues her voice a mix of frustration and concern. "You're missing out on their lives. Not to mention, you missed two of my birthdays."

Allison, still tired and just wanting to hang up in Astrid's face, exasperated at Astrid's words and finally snaps. "God, Astrid I get it, okay? You don't have to harp on it so much!" she retorts, her voice sharp with irritation. "I know I've missed a lot. Do you think I don't feel bad about it? I wish things were different, alright? But it's not as easy as just taking a vacation and driving to your house whenever I feel like it. NOT TO MENTION, WE LIVE AN HOUR AWAY!" 

"I have responsibilities, Astrid!" Allison exclaims, her voice betraying a mix of defensiveness and frustration. "My job isn't some nine-to-five gig where I can just take time off whenever I feel like it. It's not that simple. I'm saving lives, for God's sake! Do you think I enjoy being away from my family all the time? You think I want to miss these important moments?" 

Astrid, feeling a mixture of anger and resignation, finally reaches her breaking point."I UNDERSTAND THAT AL, I just miss you is all." Astrid sighs and then goes quiet. 

Allison responds in a low tone. "And I miss you too sis, I promise I'll see you guys soon. Unfortunately, I do have work in 5 hours so I'm going to hang up and get some more rest, okay?"

Astrid not wanting to end the call just yet, lies her back against the wall and sighs. "Hope you sleep well and have a good day a work, good night Al. I love you."

Allison replies before hanging up. "Love you too sis." 

Astrid rejoins the group near the couch, plastering on a smile to mask her inner turmoil. Nuffink and Heather are deeply engaged in a board game, their laughter and occasional banter filling the air. Ruffnut and Tuffnut, always the mischievous pair, are trying to playfully antagonize Hiccup, who looks both amused and slightly exasperated. Astrid glances at the lively scene before joining in, her heart still heavy but determined to try and enjoy the rest of the party. 

She slides onto the couch next to Ruffnut and Tuffnut, who immediately acknowledge her presence with knowing grins."Astrid!" Ruffnut greets her with a sly smile. "You're just in time for the show. We're getting Hiccup all riled up." 

Astrid rolls her eyes with a mixture of fondness and resignation. She knows that these two always have a knack for causing a little chaos. Hiccup, sitting across from them, gives her a wry smile and a slight shake of his head as if warning her to prepare for their antics.

Astrid, her face conveying a mixture of disappointment and resignation, goes over to Hiccup. She gives him a subtle nod, and he immediately catches on to the silent message conveyed by her expression.

Hiccup, noticing Astrid's nod, lets out a sigh. His voice carries a mixture of resignation and disappointment. "I take it Allison's not coming?" he asks, his eyes meeting Astrid's. "What did she say this time?" 

Astrid shakes her head, a flicker of anger and frustration crossing her face. "Same old thing," she responds, her voice taut with suppressed emotion. "Work, work, work, and her shitty breakup with her shitty boyfriend, Kean. Always an emergency. Never enough time for family." 

Astrid, still frustrated and disappointed about Allison's absence, shifts her focus. "Speaking of family, we're missing one," she begins, then turns to Nuffink. "Nuffink, would you mind texting Zephyr and asking her if she's on her way back from the mall yet?" 

Nuffink, sensing Astrid's underlying concern, nods in understanding. He pulls out his phone and quickly sends a message to Zephyr, his fingers tapping swiftly on the screen.

Nuffink's phone vibrates in his hand. Nuffink glances at the screen, his expression changing from curiosity to relief. "Zephyr's on her way back now," he says, looking up at Astrid. "Said she'll be here in about 10 minutes." 

00000

Zephyr is in the passenger seat, her phone clutched in her hand, displaying a recent message from Nuffink asking about her return from the mall. 

Willow, driving skillfully, glances over at Zephyr with a curious smile on her face. "Everything okay? You're awfully quiet over there," she teases, breaking the silence in the car.

Zephyr looks up from her phone, her thoughts momentarily interrupted. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replies, her voice a touch quieter than usual. She turns to face Willow, her expression guarded. "Just got a text from Nuffink asking when I'm coming back," she explains. "Guess they're worried about me being out so late."

Willow grins, sensing that there might be more to the story. "Worried, or do they just miss your charming presence?" she says, her tone laced with a hint of mischief. "Bet Nuffink's pining for you already."

Zephyr rolls her eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Oh, please," she retorts, feigning annoyance. "Nuffink's just being overprotective as usual. No pining involved. or if anything it's probably my mom worrying about me and just told Nuffink to text me."

The conversation shifts from the topic of Nuffink to their time at the mall. Willow, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, leans closer to Zephyr. "So," she begins, her voice filled with excitement. "The mall trip was fun. You buy anything cute?" 

Zephyr, her face lighting up at the change in topic, smiles sheepishly. "I did, actually. Saw this really cute dress at that boutique we went to," she admits, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "The one with the lace detailing, remember? I couldn't resist."  

Willow lets out a delighted laugh, clearly living for these kinds of conversations. "Aha! I knew it! You always have an eye for fashion. You'll have to show me that dress later. I bet it'll look amazing on you," she says, her voice filled with enthusiasm. 

Willow, taking advantage of Zephyr's good mood, seizes the opportunity to gossip about their recent stop at the Bath & Body Works store. "Oh my god," Willow whispers, her voice filled with excited gossip. "Can you believe they had that new scent I told you about? The one with the jasmine and vanilla? I had to buy a million bottles." 

Zephyr, caught up in the gossip herself, raises an eyebrow. "A million bottles? Really, Willow? You're going to end up smelling like a walking candle store" she teases, her laughter filling the car. 

Zephyr switched the conversation. Curious about what Willow brought. She recalls her going into foot locker, the FYE store, and Victoria's Secret.

Willow, noticing Zephyr's smirk and knowing that she witnessed her entering Victoria's Secret, feigns shock. She laughs heartily, her expression filled with mock innocence."What, me? In Victoria's Secret?" Willow says, her voice filled with faux disbelief. "I have no idea what you're talking about." 

Zephyr, her smile widening, isn't buying it. She playfully calls Willow out."Oh, please. Don't try to deny it. I saw you sneaking in there earlier. What did you get? New lingerie or something?" she teases, her tone filled with playful insinuation.  

Willow, knowing that she's caught, grins mischievously. "Okay, fine. I might have picked up a little something," she confesses, her voice filled with a blend of embarrassment and amusement. "They had a buy two, get one free deal on body mists, and I couldn't resist. Sue me. And yes I also pick up a silk nightgown." 

Zephyr's eyes widen slightly, a mixture of astonishment and amusement crossing her face."You again with these dam body mist... and a silk nightgown?!! Wow, someone's feeling fancy," she teases her friend, a playful smile on her lips. "Planning on having a romantic rendezvous soon?"

Willow, caught in the moment, playfully swats at Zephyr. "Oh, shush!" she giggles, her cheeks flushing slightly. "A girl's allowed to treat herself now and then. Don't you think a silk nightgown is a totally valid shopping choice?"

Zephyr laughs, enjoying Willow's flustered state. "I suppose, but a silk nightgown? That's quite the splurge." She grins playfully. "Who's the lucky person who'll get to see you in it?"

Willow, trying to regain composure, rolls her eyes in mock annoyance. "No one, okay? I just wanted to feel pretty, alright? I'll probably just wear it to bed and feel like a million dollars." She pauses for a moment, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Or maybe I'll send pics to a certain someone..." 

 Zephyr, intrigued by Willow's sly hint, smirks at her. "And who might this certain someone be, hm?" she asks, her voice laced with playful curiosity. "Come on, spill the beans!" Zephyr exclaims, leaning in closer to Willow. "WAIT! IS IT DUSTIN, the tall built dude from Mr. Edwards's class?"

Willow, feeling cheeky, shrugs coyly. "It's a secret," she answers, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But they're definitely worth sending some photos to." A hint of a blush creeps up her cheeks, as she knows that Zephyr struck lighting with that guess.

Zephyr rolls her eyes, then continues to stare out the window as they drive back home. 

Willow turns the car, and soon enough, Zephyr's neighborhood comes into view. As they drive through their neighborhood, Zephyr gazes out the window, taking in the familiar sights of her hometown.

The car comes to a halt in front of Zephyr's house, the engine idling gently as Willow parks. Zephyr gazes out the window, taking in the scene before her. A flutter of anticipation mixed with a tinge of trepidation fills her as she gazes at the array of cars lining the street, a clear indication that her family's Christmas party is in full effect. 

Zephy unbuckles her seatbelt, preparing to step out of Willow's car and make her way towards her house. Before getting out, she turns towards Willow with a grateful smile.

"Thanks for the ride, Willow," Zephy says, her voice full of appreciation. "And hey, give me a call later, yeah?" 

Willow smiles warmly at Zephyr, nodding in agreement. "Of course, no problem at all," she replies. "And definitely, I'll give you a call later."

Zephyr, walks up the pathway leading to her front door. As she approaches her house, she glances around, the Christmas wreath hanging on the door, the warm glow of light streaming from the windows. She fishes a set of keys out of her bag and inserts it into the keyhole. She enters the house. 

Zephyr, carrying her bags, spots her mom, Astrid, in the crowd. She calls out to her mom. "Mom, I'm home."

Astrid, hearing her daughter's voice, turns to look at Zephyr and the shopping bags she holds in her hands. "How was the mall?"

Zephyr replies a small smile on her face with a hint of nervousness. "It was fun. Willow offered to pay for my stuff." 

Astrid, knowing that Zephry is lying straight to her face, continues to play it cool Mom. "That's so sweet of her, but guess what? I got a gift that's better than what you have in those bags. She chuckles. "I can't wait for you to open it. 

Zephyr looks at her mom's eager expressions before replying. "I can't wait to open it Mom, but first, I'm going to take my bags upstairs to my room, and I'll be right back down." 

Astrid nods in understanding, her excitement not dimmed by Zephyr's words. "Alright, sweetheart," Astrid replies, a proud smile on her face. "Take your bags up to your room." She watches as Zephyr makes her way towards the stairs.

Zephyr, acknowledging her mom's words with a nod, heads for the staircase, her heart thumping with excitement. 

The party continues to hum and buzz around her as she ascends to her room, her shopping bags in hand. She reaches her room, turns the doorknob, and enters the familiar space of her room.

As Zephyr enters her room, she sets her shopping bags on the bed with a soft thump. Her eyes automatically glance over to Sparky's enclosure in the corner, and a wave of affection washes over her at the sight of her beloved bearded dragon.

She approaches the enclosure and decides to give him a late meal. She grabs some crickets and mealworms from the supply canister and carefully sprinkles them into Sparky's habitat. 

Zephyr watches as Sparky moves around, his small tongue darting out to snag the insects. A smile plays on her lips as she sees him start to eat, feeling a moment of comfort in caring for her pet. After making sure Sparky is fed, she steps away from the enclosure, leaving him to his meal. She makes her way back down the stairs. 

Zephyr descends the stairs with a lightness in her step, feeling a strange tranquility despite the anticipation of the upcoming conversations. As she reaches the first floor, she veers into the kitchen to grab some food. 

she heads into the living room where her brother, Nuffink, and her cousins are gathered. She finds herself surrounded by Gustav, Lily, Kayla, and Dylan, among them. 

00000

Hiccup is engaged in a conversation with Dagur and Snotlout, their voices animated as they discuss various topics. Heather, Mala, and Astrid sit nearby, their own conversation, a melodic background noise.

As Hiccup, Dagur, and Snotlout chat, the topic naturally turns to football.

Dagur grins, his eyes sparking with excitement. "Can you believe the game last night? That final touchdown was insane!"

Snotlout nods in agreement, a smirk on his face. "Yeah, it was pretty epic. I had money on that team. Made a killing!"

Hiccup sips his drink, smiling at his friends' enthusiasm. "I didn't catch the whole game, but I saw the highlights. That last play was definitely a game-changer."

Dagur chimes in, his voice filled with disbelief. "I still can't believe they won by such a narrow margin. Talk about a nail-biter!"

Snotlout chuckles, shaking his head in agreement. "You said it. It's moments like that that make me love the game. The tension, the unexpected twists and turns..."

"Can't argue with that," Hiccup responds, his voice filled with amusement at his friends' animated discussion. It's clear that they're all enjoying the topic of football.

Snotlout, ever the one to steer a conversation to his favorite subject, suddenly changes the topic. "Enough about sports for now," he declares with a cheeky grin. "Let's talk about the real important stuff: how's everyone's love life these days?" 

Hiccup and Dagur exchange a knowing glance, their expressions a mix of amusement and resignation at Snotlout's predictable shift in conversation.

"Always trying to get the latest tea, aren't you, Snotlout?" Dagur teases, rolling his eyes fondly.

"Hey, it's called being curious," Snotlout retorts, his tone light-hearted. "Besides, I just want to know if anyone's found someone special lately."

Hiccup shakes his head, a chuckle escaping his lips. "You're hopeless, you know that? To answer your question, Astrid and I are good." 

Dagur, sensing that Snotlout's love life query is on a trajectory to get annoying, steps up to rescue the conversation. "Enough of that, Snotlout," he interjects with a smirk. "How about we do something more interesting and fun?"

Dagur's eyes light up with excitement as he offers an alternative. "How about we play a game? Maybe something simple like Chess or solitary?"

Hiccup and Snotlout exchange glances, both visibly relieved by Dagur's suggestion.

Hiccup speaks up. "Yeah, that's a good idea. A game would be more entertaining than hearing Snotlout go on about our love lives."

Snotlout grumbles a bit in protest, but secretly, he's glad to move on from the topic of relationships. 

Astrid, Heather, and Mala are engaged in conversation, their voices blending together in a soft, musical exchange. They chat about various topics, ranging from fashion to the latest gossip. Astrid brings up a recent event. "Did you hear about that new boutique opening downtown?" 

Heather responds, her voice filled with interest. "Oh, yes! I saw the sign the other day. I heard they have the cutest dresses."

Mala chimes in, a smile curving her lips. "I think I might go check it out soon. I've been looking for something new to wear for the upcoming New Year's Eve party." 

Astrid's face lights up as a thought seems to occur to her. "Are we all going to the New Year's Eve celebration?" 

Heather and Mala exchange nods and smiles. "Absolutely," Heather replies with excitement. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

Mala adds, "It's always such a fun night. It's a great way to ring in the new year." 

Astrid turns to Heather and Mala, her smile warm and inviting. "Does anyone want a drink?"

Heather's eyes light up at the offer. "Yes, please. I could use a refill."

Astrid nods, understanding the request. She turns her attention to Mala, who politely declines. "Mala, how about you?" 

Mala shakes her head gently, a soft smile gracing her features. "No, thank you. I'm still nursing this drink," she replies, holding up her half-full champagne glass. 

Astrid accepts Mala's answer graciously. "Alright, then," she says, her voice filled with respect for Mala's decision. "I'll be right back with a refill for you Heather."

With that, Astrid heads off to the kitchen to get the drinks, leaving Heather and Mala to continue their conversation. 

00000

Nuffink and Zephyr are engaged in a rousing game of Uno with their cousins Gustav, Dylan, Lily, and Kayla. The competitive energy is high. Gustav, the most competitive of the group, lays down a card with a victorious grin. "I win this round!" he proclaims, his voice filled with triumph.

Nuffink, not one to take defeat lightly, challenges Gustav's claim. "Hey, no way you won! I was closer to winning that round!"

Dylan chimes in, an amused smile on his face. "Yeah, right, Nuffink. You were nowhere near," He says, teasingly.

Zephyr laughs at her cousin's competitive banter. "Let's just accept that Gustav won this time and move on. There's still plenty of game left," she suggests, ever the peacemaker.

Lily, not wanting to be left out, playfully chimes in. "Maybe I'll win the next round!" 

Kayla grins, joining the playful banter. "You wish! I'm not going easy on anyone."

The group shuffles the cards and starts a new Uno game. The dynamic hasn't changed much, with Gustav still asserting his competitive spirit and the rest of the cousins rising to the challenge. Gustav places down a card with a smirk. "This game is mine, just you watch."

As the game continues, Toothless struts into the room, his curiosity piqued by the activity. Without a care in the world, he walks right into the center of the Uno game, knocking over the deck of cards with a lazy flick of his tail.

Zephyr, mid-play, looks up at Toothless and lightly swats him away. "ugh- Toothless! Can't you see we're in the middle of a game here? Zephyr lets an annoyed sigh. Out of all pets Nuffink... Why? Why a cat!" 

Toothless, unperturbed by the scolding, merely looks up at Zephyr with his wide, innocent eyes before casually sauntering off, his tail twitching with feline nonchalance. A collective sigh escapes the group, a mix of frustration and amusement at the interruption.

Chapter Text

As the night wears on, the laughter and joviality continue to float through the house. Nuffink and Zephyr, along with their cousins, spend time upstairs, engrossed in watching TV, playing games, and having a generally good time.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Hiccup checks the time and gently taps Astrid's arm. "Hey babe," he says in a hushed tone, "I think it's almost time for the kids to open their gifts." 

Astrid glances over at Hiccup, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. She nods in agreement, her smile widening at the thought of the upcoming gift-giving. "You're right," Astrid replies, her voice filled with excitement. 

Astrid takes a deep breath and calls out loudly, her voice projecting throughout the house."Alright, kids! It's time to gather downstairs for presents!"

Her shout echoes through the corridors, instantly catching the attention of Nuffink, Zephyr, and the cousins who are upstairs. Conversations and activities come to an abrupt halt as everyone hastens to make their way downstairs. 

Excitement buzzes through the air like static electricity. The kids, realizing what Astrid's call signifies, scramble to get moving. Nuffink and Zephyr lead the charge as they all race down the stairs, a mixture of anticipation and eagerness on their faces. 

Hiccup and Astrid watch as the kids pour into the room, their faces lit up with excitement and curiosity. Laughter and chatter fill the air as the children gather around the Christmas tree, their eyes fixated on the presents waiting to be opened. 

The adults smile at the sight of the kids, their faces reflecting the joy of the season. It's a moment of anticipation and delightful anticipation as the kids exchange eager glances, each of them wondering what kind of gifts they'll find under the tree. 

Hiccup, standing in the midst of the excited group, clears his throat to get everyone's attention. He looks at the eager faces of the children and speaks with a warm smile."Alright, everyone, settle down for a moment," he says, his voice full of enthusiasm. "We have plenty of presents under the tree, and we'll start opening them one by one. But first, let's make sure we thank the people who gave us these gifts." 

The kids, while still excited, quiet down a bit, their attention focused on Hiccup. They know that showing gratitude is important, especially in the spirit of the holiday season. 

A wide grin spreads across Nuffink's face as his eyes flick from one gift to the next, searching for his name on the tags. He counts five boxes that have his name on them, and his excitement grows with each one he finds. Nuffink exclaims, "Wow! These ones are all for me!" 

Zephyr and the rest of the cousins let out envious gasps at the sight of so many gifts for Nuffink. But they also feel some jealousy, eager to begin opening their own presents. 

Hiccup, noticing the other kids' growing eagerness, chuckles and chimes in. "Alright, Nuffink, go ahead and open your gifts. But don't forget to thank each person as you open them." 

Nuffink nods enthusiastically, his eyes still glued to the stack of gifts bearing his name. "Right, Dad, I will." He carefully picks up the first gift and looks closely at the tag, his hands shaking a bit from excitement. 

Nuffink carefully tears open the wrapping paper of the first gift, which is revealed to be from Heather. Inside, he finds a new video game that he had expressed interest in a few weeks ago.

Nuffink's eyes light up, his face radiant with joy. "Oh wow, Heather! This is exactly the game I've been wanting!" 

Heather smiles warmheartedly, pleased with her gift choice. "I'm glad you like it, Nuffink. I remember you mentioning it a while back, and I thought it would be perfect for you." 

Nuffink's excitement continues as he moves on to the second present, this one bearing Dagur's name. He carefully unwraps the paper and reveals a Nerf gun. Nuffink's eyes widen, and he lets out an excited gasp. "Whoa! A Nerf gun! Thanks, Dagur! This is awesome!" 

Dagur grins broadly, his pride evident at Nuffink's reaction. "I thought you'd enjoy it, Nuffink. You've always loved playing that target practice game. Maybe now you can take your aim to the next level."

Nuffink tears off the wrapping paper of the final gift, and as he sees what's inside, his eyes nearly pop out. It's the new Limited Jurassic World Funko pop that he had been eyeing online for weeks. Nuffink's jaw drops, and he looks up at his parents with disbelief. "You guys got me the Funko pop?!" 

Astrid and Hiccup exchange smiles, pleased by Nuffink's reaction. Astrid nods, her own excitement matching Nuffink's. "Yep, lucky for you there were 4 still available when we purchased it. We know how much you've been wanting it." 

Nuffink, overwhelmed by the incredible gift, stands there for a moment, staring at his new Indominus rex figurine with a mix of awe and joy. But then, without warning, he jumps up and races over to Astrid and Hiccup. Nuffink throws his arms around them in a tight, heartfelt hug, tears of happiness glistening in his eyes. "Thank you so much, This is the best present ever!"

Astrid and Hiccup hug Nuffink close, their own emotions mirroring his. Astrid, her voice choked with emotion, speaks softly. "You're very welcome, Nuffink. We knew how much you wanted it, and we're so happy to see you so excited." 

As Nuffink finishes opening his gifts, the attention turns to Zephyr, who looks equally excited to start unwrapping her own pile of gifts. The kids all watch curiously as she carefully picks up the first package. 

Zephyr's hands tremble with excitement as she slowly tears the wrapping paper of her first gift, her heart pounding with anticipation. Slowly, the package reveals a brand-new 320-alcohol marker set and other countless art supplies. 

Zephyr's eyes light up as she sees the art supplies, and a smile spreads across her face. "Oh, wow! Look at this! It's exactly what I wanted!" she exclaims, her voice filled with joy. 

The cousins gather around her, looking at the shiny new art supplies and expressing their excitement as well. "That's so cool, Zephy! You're going to make such awesome art now," one of them says enviously. 

Zephyr's eyes widen with delight as she opens the next gift. Inside is a bag brimming with an assortment of bath & body works goodies – body lotions, perfumes, soaps, and more. Her eyes sparkle as she takes in the array of fragrant treats.

Zephyr lets out an excited gasp. "Omg Yesssss.... I've been needing some more perfumes and stuff." 

Zephyr's excitement levels only seem to climb as she moves on to the next package, this one bearing Mala's name. She carefully tears off the wrapping paper and reveals a beautiful jewelry box with a note tied to it. 

Zephyr opens the jewelry box and finds inside a pair of elegant earrings and a matching necklace, all set with sparkling gemstones. Her eyes widen with delight as she holds the jewelry in her hands, the light catching each gem and making them glitter. 

Zephyr looks up, her voice full of joy and surprise. "Mala, these are absolutely gorgeous! Thank you so much!" 

Mala, sitting among the other adults, smiles warmly at Zephyr's reaction. "I'm so glad you like them, Zephyr. I wanted to get something special and beautiful for you." 

Zephyr, with excitement still on her face, opens the last gift from Astrid. She carefully unwraps the present, and her eyes widen as she sees a small box. Opening it, she finds a single piece of paper inside. The note reads, "You're grounded." Confused and surprised, Zephyr looks up at Astrid with her eyebrows furrowed. "WHA- what the hell is this? Grounded for what?" 

Astrid watches with amusement as Zephyr unwraps her last gift, only to find the grounding notice inside. At Zephyr's flabbergasted expression, Astrid can't help but smirk. "Language," she says sternly, her eyes narrowing as she looks at Zephyr. "As for why you're grounded, It's about that money earlier... you know- the one you doubled back to get."

She avoids eye contact with the rest of the family, who are all watching the scene unfold with a mix of shock and amusement. Gustav, always ready to tease his cousin, lets out a smirk and mutters under his breath, "Busted." 

Astrid looks sternly at Zephyr, her expression making it clear that she means business. Astrid says, her voice firm but fair, "Zephyr, because of your stealing, you're grounded. You're losing your phone, no TV privileges, and also, you're going to be doing Nuffink's chores for the foreseeable future. I hope this teaches you a lesson and gets you to think twice about taking what doesn't belong to you." 

Zephyr's shoulders slump as she receives her punishment, the realization of the consequences sinking in. The other family members watch on with a mixture of surprise and agreement, aware that Astrid is being a fair yet firm mother. 

Astrid, now satisfied that the situation with Zephyr has been addressed, returns her attention to the rest of the family. She speaks out to the room. "Alright, now that's settled, everyone else can continue opening their gifts." Astrid's words signal the return to the cheerful mood from earlier, and the kids immediately start unwrapping their presents once again.

After the incident with Zephyr, Astrid continues overseeing the gift opening, while Zephyr sulks, trying to hide her embarrassment. The rest of the cousins – Lily, Gustav, Kayla, and Dylan – watch the scene unfold, their faces a mix of surprise and curiosity.

The cousins quickly turn their attention back to their own gifts, eager to explore what's inside. With Astrid's watchful eye, they go back to tearing off the wrapping paper and discovering what's beneath.  

Lily, the eldest cousin, is handed a small wrapped box. She opens it to reveal a new journal with a beautiful cover. Next, Gustavo unravels a present that holds a brand-new skateboard. Kayla excitedly uncovers a drawing tablet that she's been wanting for ages, and Dylan grins when he sees the model boat kit for building his own sailing vessel. Each cousin can't help but feel a mix of excitement and gratitude for their newfound gifts. 

Astrid's eyebrows furrow in confusion as the doorbell rings, surprised by the unexpected interruption. She turns to Hiccup, asking if they're expecting more guests, but he shakes his head in negation.

Astrid, curiosity piqued, walks towards the door and opens it, only to be met with a familiar long-lost face, her sister, Allison. A smile instantly floods Astrid's face as she realizes Allison actually made it.

Astrid's surprise morphs into delight as she gasps, "ALLISON! I thought you couldn't make it. OMG, I can't believe you're here!" 

Allison stands there, grinning from ear to ear as she responds, "I had some last-minute changes and managed to get here."  

Astrid is still in shock, but her sister Allison smiles widely, explaining her surprise arrival. Allison tells Astrid, "I talked to my boss last minute, and I managed to arrange time off."

As Astrid stands there, still surprised, Hiccup, Zephyr, and Nuffink immediately get up from their seats, excitement written all over their faces. They bound towards Allison, their eyes wide with happiness. Nuffink and Zephyr nearly trip over themselves in their haste to reach Allison. They throw their arms around her in a tight embrace, voices bubbling with excitement. 

Nuffink and Zephyr: "Aunt Allison!! We missed you!" 

Allison, just as overjoyed to see her niece and nephew, wraps her arms around them, returning their tight hug with a warm smile. Allison laughs, her voice filled with affection, "Oh my goodness, you two! You've grown so much since I last saw you. I missed you both so much!" 

Zephyr and Nuffink continue clinging onto Allison, their faces pressed against her sweater, relishing the warmth and joy of her presence. 

Allison, her heart swelling with love for her niece and nephew, strokes their hair affectionately. "I hope you both have been behaving well and not giving your parents too much trouble, hm?" 

Zephyr and Nuffink nod enthusiastically, pulling away slightly to look up at Allison with wide, innocent eyes. Nuffink "We've been good, Promise!" 

Zephyr: "Yep! Mostly..." she adds, her voice trailing off mischievously. 

Astrid steps forward, her face beaming with happiness, and pulls Allison into a tight and loving embrace. She holds on to her sister as if she's never going to let go, a sense of relief and joy washing over her. 

Astrid, her voice filled with emotion, sighs, "It's so good to see you. I missed you so much." 

Next, Hiccup moves forward and envelops Allison in a warm, comforting hug, expressing his happiness at her arrival. 

Allison, touched by Hiccup's warm welcome, smiles and gives him a gentle squeeze. But after a few moments, she pulls away, her smile still present. "Thank you, Hiccup," she says, her voice gentle but purposeful. "It's great to be here."

Hiccup lets go of the hug and pulls back, his smile still warm as he looks at Allison. "You're welcome," he says simply, his voice soft and sincere.

Allison, still smiling, rummages through her purse, producing two envelopes. She hands one to Nuffink and the other to Zephyr, each bearing their names. "I didn't forget you two," Allison says, with a wink at the kids. "Your Christmas gift."

As Nuffink and Zephyr eagerly open their envelopes, their eyes widen to find $200 in each. The kids let out exclamations of delight.

As Zephyr gazes at the money in her hands, her eyes widen in surprise. She mutters to herself. "Holy shit Aunt Al. This is a lot of money!"

Allison then turns her attention to Astrid and Hiccup. "And you two, I have something special." She grins mischievously. 

Allison fishes out another envelope from her purse, holding it towards Astrid and Hiccup."This is for you both," Allison says, her grin growing wider. Astrid, a hint of suspicion in her eyes, takes the envelope, a bit confused. Hiccup, on the other hand, is already giddy with anticipation.

Astrid and Hiccup open the envelope together, and Astrid's face falls as she sees what's inside. "Are you serious?" Astrid mutters, a mix of shock and annoyance in her voice. Hiccup, however, has a huge grin plastered on his face, already envisioning teeing off at Top Golf.

Allison, her eyes twinkling with excitement, responds to Astrid's less-than-thrilled expression. "Oh come on, Astrid. It'll be fun! We can all go to Top Golf on Friday, and have some quality time together."  

Astrid rolls her eyes, a hint of resignation in her voice as she replies. "You know I'm not good at golf. I'll just end up embarrassing myself." 

Hiccup, in an attempt to cheer Astrid up, interjects, "But it's not about being good, it's about having fun. Just give it a shot, Hon!" 

Astrid hesitates for a moment but then sighs, resigning herself to the situation. "All right, I'll go. But don't make fun of me if I end up looking like a fool on the golf course," she says, her voice dripping with a bit of reluctance. "I still remember that incident where I almost knocked someone unconscious because I didn't have a good grip on the golf club."

Astrid, suddenly remembering about Zephyr's grounding, quickly snatches the envelope from Zephyr's hand. Zephyr's face falls as the envelope slips away, disappointment clear in her eyes. Astrid, her voice stern but firm, says, "Not so fast, young lady. You're grounded, remember? You lost your gift privileges.

She turns to Nuffink with a softened expression. "Nuffink. Here, take this $140. You deserve it. "With a smirk, Astrid discreetly adds, "And I'll keep this $60. Call it a sort of repayment for something missing earlier," as she tucks the $60 into her pocket. 

Nuffink, although a bit surprised by Astrid's quick decision, looks pleased to still receive $140. He pockets the money, not questioning Astrid's action. Meanwhile, Zephyr looks on, a mix of annoyance and resignation on her face as she realizes her gift money has been snatched away.

Zephyr's anger flares up, her eyes darting from Astrid to Nuffink, who's happily pocketing her $140. Zephyr, her voice sharp and tinged with bitterness, retorts, "Why does Nuffink get to keep his money but not me? That's not fair!" 

Astrid, used to handling her children's outbursts, replies in a firm tone. "Because you're grounded, remember? And you took $60 from me earlier without asking. That was not okay. Nuffink, on the other hand, has been a good boy, so he gets to keep his gift money." 

Allison, observing the scene, can't help but giggle softly in her head, recalling her own experience as a teenager. She recalls similar moments with Astrid and their parents, the drama of sibling rivalries, and the occasional grounding. 

Allison, her voice filled with warmth, suggests to Zephyr and Nuffink. "Hey, how would you two like to stay over at my place for a couple of days? We can binge-watch movies, go shopping, and maybe even hit the ice rink. What do you say?"

Nuffink's eyes light up, his excitement apparent. Zephyr, while still a bit upset, starts to warm up to the idea. The prospect of fun sibling time and a change of scenery outweighs her current disappointment. 

Nuffink: "That'd be awesome!" 

 Zephyr, trying to maintain a bit of her grumpy facade, reluctantly agrees. "I guess it could be fun.." 

Allison, seeing the kids' eagerness to stay at her place, grins. "Alright, then! Go pack your bags, guys. We're going to have a blast, I promise!" 

Nuffink doesn't waste a second and dashes off to pack his stuff, already imagining the fun they'll have. Zephyr moves reluctantly, her lingering annoyance still apparent. But as she starts packing, a hint of excitement starts to show, despite her efforts to hide it. 

Allison, with Zephyr and Nuffink now busy packing, turns her attention back to Hiccup and Astrid. She smiles warmly at the couple, glad for a moment of adult conversation. "So, how have you both been? It feels like it's been ages since we last seen each other." 

Astrid, glad to have a break from the kids, grins. "We've been alright. Busy, you know, keeping these two in line," she says, chuckling and gesturing toward the direction where Zephyr and Nuffink had disappeared. Hiccup, sitting next to Astrid, pipes in, a fond smile on his face. "Yeah, it's never a dull moment with them around, right?"

Allison laughs in agreement, nodding her head. "Oh, I can imagine. Parenting isn't easy, especially with two energetic kids. But you two handle it well." 

As the evening progresses, the other family members begin to bid their farewells, slowly filtering out of Astrid and Hiccup's house. They each express their gratitude for the lovely Christmas gathering. Snotlout and Mala give a friendly wave, saying, "Thanks for hosting, Hiccup and Astrid. "Dagur and Heather offer warm smiles, with Mala adding, "Merry Christmas! See you next year." 

The twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, add their own unique flair to saying goodbye. Ruffnut, with a signature smirk, chimes in, "So long, Astrid and Hiccup. Merry Christmas, don't do anything we wouldn't do! "Tuffnut grins mischievously, adding, "Yeah, and that leaves a lot of room for shenanigans!"

Zephyr and Nuffink return to the living room, each carrying a small backpack packed with their essentials. Allison, seeing the kids ready to go, stands up, her own coat in hand, and smiles. "Looks like we're all set. Let's head out, shall we?" 

Zephyr and Nuffink nod, their earlier excitement returning. They say their quick goodbyes to Astrid and Hiccup before following Allison to the door. Astrid and Hiccup stand at the threshold, waving the three of them off as they step into the chilly December night.

The door closes behind them, and Astrid and Hiccup are left alone in the now-quiet house. They share a look, both feeling a mix of relief and nostalgia as the house feels a little less lively without their children.

Astrid and Hiccup stand amidst the remnants of the lively Christmas gathering. The room is strewn with cups, dishes, and a few scattered decorations. They exchange a glance, both feeling a bit weary but satisfied. 

Hiccup: "Looks like we have a bit of cleanup to do. 

"Astrid nods, her hands on her hips. "Yeah, but I don't think I have the energy right now. How about we just put the dishes in the sink and leave the rest for tomorrow yeah?" 

Hiccup smiles, relieved by Astrid's suggestion. "That sounds perfect to me."They begin tidying up, gathering the cups and plates, and depositing them in the kitchen sink. Astrid gathers a few stray decorations and puts them away. Soon, the room starts to look more manageable. Hiccup looks around and smiles. "Good enough for tonight, right?" 

Hiccup sighs, a look of exhaustion on his face. "I don't know about you babe, but all I want right now is a hot shower and to fall asleep to TV. I'm beat." 

Astrid, in agreement, nods her head. "Yeah, I feel you. A hot shower sounds heavenly right about now. Let's take a quick shower, change into our pajamas, and fall asleep to some TV."

Hiccup grins, appreciating the simplicity and comfort of the plan. "Sounds perfect. You go ahead and take your shower first. I'll put away a few more things here while I wait my turn." 

Astrid smiles appreciatively at Hiccup's offer. "Thanks, babe. I'll try not to use up all the hot water." She gives Hiccup a quick kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs, the thought of a warm shower luring her into a state of relaxation. 

As Astrid disappears up the stairs, Hiccup takes a moment to collect himself, looking around the room. With a small smile of contentment as he takes in the remnants of the Christmas gathering. He begins to put away the leftover food, straightening up as he patiently waits for his turn in the shower.

Time passes, and just as he finishes tidying up, Astrid walks halfway down the stairs, her face glowing from the refreshing shower, wrapped in a robe. Astrid, her voice a mix of tiredness and comfort, calls out to him. "Hiccup, your turn. I'll wait for you in bed." 

Hiccup smile crossing his face at the sight of Astrid. He nods his own exhaustion and need for relaxation evident. "Okay, I won't be long." He gives Astrid a quick wink before heading upstairs to take his turn in the shower, looking forward to the rest and peace that awaits them both in their bed.

Astrid, feeling even more relaxed now, quietly heads towards the bedroom, the soft hum of the shower water serving as a soothing background noise. She crawls into bed, the sheets cool and inviting, and settles in, the warmth of the blankets and the promise of a well-deserved rest lulling her into a state of comfortable drowsiness.

Meanwhile, Hiccup stands under the warm spray of the shower, feeling the soothing water wash away the weariness of the day. He takes his time, relishing the solitude and the peace that comes with the hot water and the steam. As he cleans himself, he can already feel the tension from the earlier hectic celebrations slowly slipping away.

After a few minutes, Hiccup steps out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. He dries himself off and puts on a pair of comfortable pajamas, feeling the material's smooth texture against his skin. With one final look in the mirror, he takes a deep breath, ready to join Astrid in the comfort of their bed.

After a few moments, Hiccup emerges from the bathroom, his hair still damp from his shower. He's dressed in cozy pajamas, the fabric soft against his skin. Hiccup pauses for a moment, taking a satisfied look at his reflection in the mirror, before heading to the bedroom. He pushes open the bedroom door, and his eyes immediately go to Astrid, who is already in bed, waiting for him.

Astrid looks up as Hiccup enters the room, her eyes raking over him, taking in the sight of him in his cozy nightwear. Her lips curve into a soft smile as she pats the space beside her, inviting him to join her under the covers. 

As Hiccup settles next to Astrid, he yawns and stretches out, sinking into the softness of the pillows. After a moment of comfortable silence, Hiccup turns to Astrid. "So... did you find anything yet?" he asks, his voice tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Astrid lets out a frustrated sigh, her eyes skimming over the endless list of movie titles on the screen. She's been searching for something to watch for what feels like ages, and her patience is wearing thin. With a dismissive shrug, she finally decides to just pick something and be done with it. "No, I didn't."

"Honestly, I don't care anymore," she mutters, scrolling up and down the list for a few more seconds before clicking on the first movie her cursor lands on — Lilo & Stitch.

Astrid tosses the remote onto the bedside table and turns to Hiccup, who's already comfortably settled in beside her. "I'm done looking," she declares. "I just threw on Lilo & Stitch. Hope that's okay with you."

Hiccup smiles, his hand finding hers under the covers. "Of course, it's fine. Lilo & Stitch is a classic." He shifts closer to Astrid, wrapping his arm around her waist. "And besides, I'm up for watching anything as long as I'm with you."

Astrid's smile widens as she snuggles closer to Hiccup, nestling her head against his chest. "You're such a charmer," she teases, her voice soft in the dimly lit room. With a content sigh, they both settle in to watch the movie, their bodies intertwined beneath the blankets as the opening credits roll.

As the movie plays in the background, the room becomes consumed by a comfortable silence, interrupted only by the soft sounds of the characters on screen. Time seems to slow down as Astrid and Hiccup remain cuddled up under the blankets. The flickering light from the TV casts dancing shadows against the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. Hiccup steals a glance at Astrid every now and then, admiring her peaceful expression as she watches the movie. With each passing minute, the exhaustion of the day starts to weigh heavier on them both, their eyelids growing heavy.

In the movie, Lilo's mischievous alien companion Stitch is on the screen, spouting off a string of garbled words in his characteristic nonsensical language. Hiccup lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head in amusement.

"I swear, I've watched this movie a hundred times, and I still can't make out half of what the hell Stitch is saying," Hiccup says with a smile, glancing over at Astrid.

Astrid chuckles, her eyes glued to Stitch on the screen. "Yeah, it's all just gibberish, but I guess that's part of his charm."

Hiccup nods in agreement. "Yeah, I always wondered if those words actually mean something, or if they're just made up to add to his quirky personality."

As the movie progresses, Hiccup and Astrid's eyelids grow heavier and heavier. They snuggle up closer to each other under the covers, their breaths growing more even and deep. The dialogue and sounds from the movie fade into a soft background noise as they gradually drift off to sleep, their bodies relaxed and their minds at ease.

Astrid reaches for her phone, her weary eyes struggling against the brightness of the screen. As she sees Zephyr's name flash across the display, she's initially confused about who could be calling this late.

With a groggy and disoriented expression, Astrid picks up the call. "Hello?" she mumbles into the phone, her voice thick with sleep. 

Zephyr's voice comes through the line, cheerful and full of energy, in stark contrast to Astrid's sleepy state. "Mom, hey! I hope I didn't wake you up."

Astrid stifles a yawn, blinking bleary eyes. "No, no, you didn't wake me up... What's up, Zephyr? Everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," Zephyr reassures her. "I just wanted to remind you to feed my bearded dragon while I'm at Aunt Allison's. You know, in case you forgot." 

Astrid groans a little, her dislike for reptiles evident even through the phone. "Ugh, right, your beardie. You know I'm not a fan of those scaly things, that's why we have a cat."

She lets out a small sigh before continuing. "Don't worry, I'll have your father take care of feeding it while you're gone. He's always been better with those types of creatures anyway." 

Zephyr's voice picks up again, eager to provide instructions. "Remember, you need to give him a mix of greens, like lettuce or kale, and bugs like mealworms or crickets. You also need to coat the bugs in calcium powder to make sure he gets all his nutrients. And don't forget to check the humidity in his enclosure. He needs to have a spray bottle to stay hydrated." 

Astrid can't help but yawn again, her eyelids feeling heavy with exhaustion. She glances at the clock and sees just how late it is.

"Yeah, yeah, I got it, Zeph. Bugs, greens, calcium powder... I'll make sure to let your father know," she mutters groggily, her voice tinged with hints of impatience as she just wants to go back to sleep.

"Is that it? Can I go back to sleep now, or is there anything else I need to know about your scaly friend?" Astrid says, her sleepy irritation creeping into her words.

Zephyr stifles a chuckle at her mom's clear desire to go back to sleep. "Nope, that's it. That's all you need to know. Thanks, Mom. Sorry for waking you up." 

Astrid says a quick farewell to Zephyr and hangs up the phone. With a weary sigh, she sinks her face back into the pillow, relishing in the cool comfort of the fabric against her skin. The drowsiness quickly washes over her, pulling her back towards the realm of sleep.