*(A/N: Alright so in lieu of Memorial day tomorrow, 5/30/2016, and after watching a ton of soldier home coming videos on youtube. I decided to write two versions of a HTYYD story, one modern verse and one regular verse of Hiccup going off to war with his friends then returns after his tour of duty surprising Astrid with his home coming. And they will be keeping their original names. So hope you all enjoy. Be a two parter. Chap 1 will be modern au, and chap 2 will be the regular verse!)*

Rated T.

A girl with blond hair and blue eyes sat in her new dorm room of her college, she was rooming with her best friend Ruffnut and just down the hall a bit were her other two friends Heather and Camicazi. This girls name was Astrid Hofferson, college sophomore at Archipelago University. One of the best colleges that the island of Berk had to offer and she got accepted with all her friends. She'd graduated high school with honors too. Astrid did have a boyfriend of 3 years, Hiccup Haddock. They had known one another all their lives since they were about 10, were the best of friends and then in junior year when Astrid got her heart broken. Hiccup took his chance to pick up the pieces and show her how much happier she could be with him. Since then they had been happy.

She glanced down at her phone seeing no new messages or calls from him. He'd promised he would call. They were just starting a new year of college, Astrid only had a year left after this. She sighed heavily as Ruffnut came in with Heather and Camicazi behind her. "Astrid, you can't just sit in here all day waiting for Hiccup to call. Come on, they are having a bonfire down in the square to kick off the new year." Ruffnut tried to pull Astrid to her feet.

"Knock it off will ya..." Astrid mumbled to her pulling it back. "He said he'd call...He promised and you know Hiccup...He never makes a promise he can't or won't keep..." Astrid retorted to her friends.

"Astrid for Thor's sake he is over seas right now with Snotlout, Eret, Tuffnut, and Dagur." Heather reminded. "I miss my brother too but you can't just give up everything to wait for Hiccup to call you." It was true. Hiccup, and the male friends of their old high school group were in the army and currently serving a tour of duty over seas. Snotlout was Hiccup's cousin, Eret was Ruffnut's boyfriend, and Tuffnut was her twin brother. Dagur was Heather's brother, Fishlegs was her boyfriend but he never joined the army after high school was over. Astrid remembered it like it was yesterday when it fact it had been 16 months since Hiccup left. Almost a year and a half.

{Flashback}

She wanted to hate him, she wanted to scream and beat the crap out of him but all she found herself doing was crying her eyes out in his arms when he told her the news. They had just graduated high school when Hiccup revealed to her at the graduation party that Snotlout, Eret, Dagur, Tuffnut and himself joined the army. and were setting out for basic training that lasted 8 weeks, then they'd be stationed around the Archipelago at bases.

"Don't go...Please don't go babe." Astrid pleaded him through her tears.

"Astrid don't start...I told you that I wanted to do this when I was 16...You know what the military means to me. My father, my grandfather...All of the Haddock males have been in the military somehow and I won't be the first to break the chain. I want to do something great..." Hiccup explained.

"But you will be gone two months...I'll be in college by the time you get back...How are we going to see each other?" Astrid asked.

"We'll find a way. I promise and I'll call every chance I get." Hiccup sighed as he cupped her cheeks and kissed her gently. "Now come on, its a graduation party." Hiccup smiled, Astrid wiped her tears and nodded to him. She didn't want him to go but she knew nothing was stopping him, Hiccup lost his father over seas when he was 16 and had been determined ever since to join the military and carry on the tradition. Hiccup also lost his mother to cancer when he was 5 so he was raised by his grandparents. His cousin Snotlout was going with him, then Eret, Tuffnut, and Dagur too. They weren't going to originally but then decided they wouldn't let Hiccup go alone. They were all packed up and leaving in a week, Hiccup promised he would spend all that week with Astrid before he had to leave.

When the week ended. Fishlegs, Astrid, Heather, Ruffnut, and Camicazi were all at the bus terminal to bid them a goodbye. It was tearful of course. Hiccup had asked Fishlegs to make sure the girls got home safe and to keep an eye of them. Fishlegs gave his word that he would be going to Archipelago University with them and keep an eye out. Hiccup and Astrid were locked in a tight hug as she tried to control her tears again. Heather was hugged her brother Dagur, telling him to be safe and call or write when he could. Snotlout was saying goodbye to Camicazi, and Ruffnut was saying her farewells to Eret and Tuffnut. It was very emotional for all but the men stayed strong.

"Alright privates. Time to load up on the bus!" Yelled their commanding officer.

"Please Hiccup...Please don't leave..." Astrid asked him.

"I have too. I'll be home soon, I promise. Its just two months..." Hiccup whispered to her as he hugged her tightly again then let her go and picked up his gray bag. He was dressed in his military suit, they called them grays although it was a mix of blues, whites, and blacks too. He was also wearing his dog tags the read 'Haddock, Hiccup. Private.' Astrid watched briefly as the other boys picked up their bags and were all standing with Fishlegs trying to control their tears and waving goodbye as their brothers or boyfriends got on the bus.

"I love you, Hiccup." Astrid cried.

"I love you too, Astrid." Hiccup replied as he cupped her cheek and kissed her deeply, tears streamed down her cheeks as she kissed him back. They held it a few seconds before Hiccup broke up, he kissed her forehead. "We'll be together again soon." He smiled as he turned from her and got on the bus and the door closed. Astrid stood there barely able to stand as the bus pulled away from the station and he was gone.

2 months went by and the distance killed her inside being away from him. He called at least twice a week but never had long to talk to her. When their graduation was announced, the girls and Fishlegs planned a road trip to see it. She was so happy when she got to see Hiccup again, she ran right into his arms as soon as she was able. Her world was perfect again. Hiccup was home, so were the others and they were all stationed right in Berk living on base in the same barrack. Astrid started college but she and Hiccup saw each other on the weekends for dates or to just hand out. And then she got the worst news that she'd been fearing since he joined and she didn't dare hold back her feelings when he told her.

They were sitting together in Hiccup's old bedroom of his grandparent's house, watching a movie together. "Astrid..." Hiccup said to her. She looked up smiling while laying on his chest and his fingers were running along her arm. "I need to...tell you something." Astrid noticed his tone changing to a lower one and she got nervous.

"Wh—what is it?" Astrid asked attempting to keep herself relaxed until she knew but she already had a bad feeling.

"I...uh...I'm going over seas with the others. We're...being deployed to to fight in the war." Hiccup closed his eyes. Astrid sat up quickly, tears already falling as she gasped.

"No...NO! Hiccup no! Please no!" She pleaded him.

"I don't have a choice, Astrid." Hiccup sighed.

"H-How long? Few months?...When did you find out you were being deployed? When...do you leave?" Astrid asked quickly.

"I don't know. Could be a year or two...They aren't giving us a definite. I found out yesterday at work, and we leave...in two weeks." Hiccup replied. Her eyes widened as the tears fell from her cheeks faster now. The rest of that night was spent with Hiccup holding her close and trying to assure her that he would talk to her all he could.

(Two Weeks Later)

She couldn't do it. She couldn't say goodbye to him, she refused to let go as once again they were standing for departure only this time is was a plane and Astrid wasn't allowed past the first security gate. Hiccup hated hearing her cry and beg him not to go, he was already in his uniform. Black, gray, and white camo pattern. "Hiccup please..." She pleaded.

"We've been over this, Astrid...I do not have a choice..." Hiccup sighed holding her tighter.

"Cuz, its time to go. They just called our gate to board." Snotlout said to him softly.

"I'll be right there. Gimme a minute..." Hiccup said as he lifted Astrid's chin up seeing her tear filled eyes. "I have to do this, Astrid...You know what it means to me." Hiccup reminded.

"I-I do but...Hiccup you'll...be gone and..." Astrid began but Hiccup silenced her by shaking his head.

"I'll be fine. Astrid I swear to you on my life that I will return to you." Hiccup told her.

"Haddock! Lets move, that's an order." Yelled his commanding officer.

"I have to go babe. I'll write as soon as we're settled. I love you, with all my heart Astrid." Hiccup said as he kissed her deeply before stepping back before she could hold him, Hiccup nodded to Fishlegs as he came over beside Astrid. Hiccup followed his squad through security and soon was past the place where Astrid couldn't get to him and as he anticipated, Astrid tried to get through but Fishlegs held her there.

"No..No! Hiccup please! Please come back!" She begged falling to her knees. Right before he went out of sight, he whispered another I love you to her. As they left the airport with Ruffnut and Heather keeping Astrid from stumbling and falling, they saw a plane take off. Astrid felt her phone vibrate as she saw a text from Hiccup. =This isn't goodbye forever babe, just a little while. I love you, and we'll see each other again soon.= Of course if only made her cry hard through the ride back to the university.

{End Flashback}

Thus far, Hiccup had been gone 16 months and still no word on their return to Berk. She forced herself to watch the news to get updates since where they were, Hiccup's cell phone didn't work well and the signal for internet was terrible. They talked once a week if that, sometimes he couldn't get through and that only made it harder for her. "Its hard on all of us, Astrid. I miss my brother and boyfriend too but this was their choice..." Ruffnut sighed.

"Come to the bonfire and get your mind off it for a while...Sitting here crying isn't going to bring him home faster." Camicazi insisted. Astrid sighed nodding as she put her phone in her pocket on vibrate so in case he did call her. She went with them sadly, up til now she hadn't heard from Hiccup in almost two weeks and she was worried something had happened to him.

(The Next Day)

Nope she hadn't heard from him at all. It was driving her crazy with worry now. Her friends could see it too and were in turn worried for her. Astrid sat in class sadly, barely paying attention. What she wouldn't give for him to just text and say he was alright would be enough for her. Few hours later she was sitting in the cafeteria picking at her food while the girls sat with her. "Come on Astrid, you have to eat something..." Ruffnut urged.

"I'm not hungry..." Astrid mumbled staring at her phone at a picture of her and Hiccup.

"Well come on then, we're gonna take a walk outside." Camicazi said.

"Not in the mood..." Astrid said closing her eyes. Her friends forced her up and practically dragged her outside. "What the hell guys..." She growled.

"Enough of the depression, Astrid. We all know how much you miss Hiccup but do you think he'd want you to be this way..." Ruffnut told her.

"Well he isn't here to tell me that..." Astrid got out of their grip and walked away from from. She sighed pulling out her headphones and getting her music going. She closed her eyes after seeing her friends come sit with her in the grass. She just sat there as long as she could listening to music then suddenly she saw Ruffnut get to her feet and rush towards Eret and Tuffnut, wrapping her arms around both of them and crying. They were back? Astrid pulled her headphones out quickly watching Heather dart off and jump in her brother, Dagur's arms. Then of course it was Camicazi to Snotlout.

But Astrid didn't see Hiccup? Where...was he? They were all on the same squad, they should...be together for homecomings. Fear washed over her as the girls walked towards Astrid with the boys now. "Where...is...Hiccup?" She asked slowly.

"He's okay. The plane could only take so many of us back so...He chose to stay behind. He asked us to give you this." Snotlout said softly holding out a tablet to her. Astrid unlocked it to see a video of Hiccup there, she pressed play and watched as Hiccup's bright smiling face came to life almost.

"Hey babe. If you're seeing this then the boys are back and I'm not with them. I'm sorry I couldn't return at the same time, the plane offering to take soldiers out only had room for 4 extras so I told the boys to go and I'd catch the next available one out. Not sure how long it will be though...I am okay. I miss you more and more every day, I can't wait until I hold you in my arms again. I know you're probably mad and disappointed that I gave up the chance to come home to see you but you know how I am...I always think of others over myself. I'm sorry I missed all the major holidays so I got ya something and sent it with the boys. Hope ya like it. I didn't want to wait anymore. Not a day passes you aren't on my mind. I love you babe, I'll see you as soon as I can." Astrid began to cry running her fingers over the tablet at his smiling face.

"Hiccup..." She whispered. "The only thing I could ever want right now is for you to be home..."

"Oh right, present for you." Dagur said as he handed Astrid a small wrapped gift, she took it gently and opened it slowly revealing a red heart shaped box. Astrid's eyes widened, as she opened it to see a pink sticky note that said 'I know you would of preferred I ask you in person but I didn't want to wait...And the ring is on its way, I'll ask again when I see you but for now...Will you marry me?' Astrid couldn't believe it. Hiccup sent a ring box with no ring and asked her to marry him!?

"Oh my gods! That's so sweet." Heather exclaimed.

"Jerk...You really think I'll say yes if you're not here in person to ask me..." Astrid cried a bit. Playing over the intercom was a song she hadn't heard since the night she and Hiccup got together. 'Together' by Kristen Alderson. She heard her friends gasp and looked at them to see what was wrong.

"Astrid...Turn around..." Camicazi said to her.

"I swear to Thor if you assholes brought me a life size picture of Hiccup...I'll pummel all 4 of you..." She sighed.

"Oh my Gods..." Ruffnut let got of Eret and pushed Astrid so she'd turned around, her eyes widened at what she saw. Hiccup. It was Hiccup walking up to her, still uniform and with his bag over his shoulder and carrying a bouquet of red roses. Astrid couldn't contain herself as she bolted right towards him and jumped in his arms crying hysterically. He of course caught her after dropping his bag, she wrapped her legs around his waist burying her face in his shoulder.

"Hey babe. Did ya miss me?" Hiccup said softly holding her tightly. Astrid lifted her head off his shoulder crying still.

"How can you even ask that, Hiccup! Of course I've missed you. What are...you doing here? Oh my Gods is it really you? Are you really back!?" Astrid asked quickly.

"Well I got a chance to come home, so I took it and then made you think I wasn't gonna be home with the guys. And yes...It's really me and I'm really back." Hiccup replied as he put her down down and she kept her arms around him still.

"But you said...the video...I don't understand." Astrid said.

"Part of the plan. I came back with them and hid out. I want to surprise you, guess it worked." Hiccup chuckled at her. "Oh speaking of...I heard that comment you said about not saying yes unless I asked in person." Astrid blinked a little wondering what he meant, then he stepped back holding her hand and lowered himself to one knee. "I did say I would ask you in person when I saw you. Astrid Hofferson, you are the smartest, most beautiful girl I've ever met and I'm grateful every day that you gave me a chance 3 years ago. Unfortunately I don't want to date anymore...I want you beside me for the rest of our lives together. So, Asty...Will you make me the happiest man alive, and marry me?" Hiccup asked her as he pulled out a blue heart shaped box and opened it revealing a silver band with a heart design at the top filled with small diamonds.

Astrid's hands cupped to her mouth in shock as the tears fell freely. "You know I hate...that nickname, Hiccup..." She said then smiled removing her hands as she tackled him down. "Yes yes yes! I will marry you, Hiccup!" Astrid added as Hiccup kissed her gently then they sat up as he slipped the ring on her finger. "You don't know...how happy I am right now. How...long are you home for?" Astrid asked wiping her tears.

"Not nearly as happy as I am babe and well there isn't really a time frame for that..." Astrid tilted her head a bit, "How does forever sound to you?" Her eyes widened a bit.

"Y-You mean...Your done? You're home for good?!" Astrid exclaimed.

"I quit a week ago. That was the offer when our tour ended, to sign up another few years or leave. And after these past 16 months away from you...I knew I couldn't do it anymore so I left. And so did the others. We are all home for good." Hiccup smiled to her.

"But what about...the Haddock tradition of a male always being in the military?" Astrid asked.

"I say its time we start a new tradition, one that involved me never leaving your side." Hiccup said as he got up and pulled her with him, she smiled nodded as he kissed her deeply again. The crowd outside erupting into applause for the two. Astrid was unbelievably happy, Hiccup was back. He was home for good and nothing would ever separate them again. They had each other for a life time, together forever in nothing but happiness. And true to that goal, Hiccup and Astrid were married a year later and living in their own apartment as Astrid was expecting their first child.