As Long As We're Together

Ten

=Normal POV=
(Wednesday, August 8-Afternoon)
(Berk; Stoick's House)

It had been two months since the day Stoick saw Hiccup fly in, stop a raid, scare the life out of Astrid Hofferson, and then scold her for upsetting Natalie the week before when they'd come to visit out of the blue. Well, Hiccup had a reason for the visit; he needed to discuss the raid situation and how to handle Natalie's pregnancy in case they weren't able to get back to Berk in time. However, for Stoick; seeing him step up and defend Natalie the way he did, made Stoick proud of his teenage son. Hiccup spoke like a true Heir and Chief that day; it shocked everyone. Since then; there had been a few changes.

Hiccup and Natalie did attend the Summer Solstice, and Astrid did sincerely apologize to Natalie for how she spoke. Natalie accepted the apology and things were put to rest. The rest of the celebration was enjoyed with some music, lights, dancing, and talking among friends. Hiccup informed Stoick that night that this would likely be their last visit until after Natalie gave birth because the flight for her was long, and it was uncomfortable for her to sit on Toothless for a long period. There was the bathroom factor too; they had to make more stops along the way for Natalie to relieve herself, or for them to eat. Hiccup kept Stoick up to date with letters back and forth once a week at least.

The small stay area on Dragon's Edge got done, and Hiccup had the stables finished too, complete with a landing strip. Hiccup got the cradle built for the baby, and it was set up in Hiccup and Natalie's bedroom beside their bed. Natalie would be nine months along in about a week, at least according to Hiccup's last letter to him. Stoick sent a reply that they would have things ready on Berk for his last visit, which would be for Natalie to have the baby. Also, Natalie would be turning seventeen in four months, just before Snoggletog.

The Hooligan Tribe was doing good; things were easier knowing the truth and that Hiccup was safe and sound with Natalie on another island. Stoick didn't reveal where, but no one seemed to ask either. The raids were still happening, but the Hooligans were doing good better with handling things, so the dragons weren't as aggressive, and the raids were happening no more than once or twice every two weeks now, which was very good for the Tribe. The Chieftains were doing good with their islands and Tribes, but Norbert was starting up with saying he waited long enough for the teenagers to return so that he would be doing more searches; that happened last month, so Stoick was deciding how to move to the next phase of his plan.

Making Norbert see that Hiccup and Natalie ran away for whatever reason was hard, and worse to try and get into the possibilities of why. Stoick hadn't gotten very far in his quest for Norbert to be understanding, but Stoick knew he couldn't give up.

"Stoick," Gobber's voice was heard, pulling the Chief from his thoughts.

"Yes?" Stoick raised his head. Gobber came in with a letter, and Sharpshot on his shoulder. "Word from Hiccup already?" Gobber nodded to him.

"And there's something else…" Spitelout stepped in behind Gobber now. "Norbert's ship is pulling up to the docks,"

"Why is he here?" Stoick inquired.

"We don't know, Chief," Gobber informed. Stoick unrolled the letter from Hiccup and started to read the few lines written.

-Dad,
Nat is in labor; it started just before the sun came up. I'm scared; she's giving birth a month early. I'm praying everything is okay, but I could use some reassurance from you right now. If the baby makes it; the next letter will tell you if you have a grandson or granddaughter. We'll visit once we know if things will be alright. Let everyone know for me. I hope everything is okay back on Berk.
Love always,
Your son.-

Fear washed over Stoick's face. "Stoick, what's wrong?" Gobber asked. "Is the lad okay?"

"Natalie is in labor early, has been since before sunrise…" Stoick breathed out. "Hiccup is scared, and needs me; it would take a week to get there…And now Norbert is arriving unannounced…"

"We won't say anything about the situation; let's go see what Norbert wants and then we can write a letter back to Hiccup," Gobber suggested. "Come on, Chief…Pull it together," he urged. Stoick took a few deep breaths and nodded. Setting the letter down, the three males departed the house to get to the docks.

. . .

(Berk; The Docks)

"Norbert, my friend. What brings you to Berk this fine Summer day?" Stoick greeted with a smile and handshake as always.

"I'm starting my searches for Natalie and Hiccup. Will you be joining me?" Norbert asked.

"Ah, I'm afraid I can't. I just returned from a search myself; you know we can't be away for too long," Stoick lied.

"Aye, you were gone for three weeks and just returned a few days ago," Spitelout backed the statement up.

"I understand. But…Forgive me, Stoick, as I fail to see how you went and searched for them when I informed not more than two weeks ago that you weren't going to go searching until right before Winter," Norbert said calmly. "How could you have written me a note with such information if you were away from Berk?"

"I wrote it," Gobber said. "Stoick hasn't been on the island for nearly a month; he was checking Northeast, as far as the boundary for the kids. Came up with nothing," he added.

"Aye, and before leaving, Stoick said that he wouldn't do another search until Winter, as he can't be away long," Spitelout interjected.

"I'll confirm that," stated Mulch, one of the fisherman, said.

"I helped prepare the boat!" said Mulch's friend, Bucket.

Norbert eyed the small group. "Norbert, where ever these kids have gone; they must have had-," Stoick started.

"I don't want to hear it, Stoick," Norbert cut him off with a hard stare. "You've been feeding me that line since the day they disappeared. I refuse to believe that they just decided to go, and I have a sneaking suspicion that you know why, and where they are,"

"Norbert, I'm every bit looking for my son as you are your daughter," Stoick remarked.

"If that were true; you be more concerned for your son's well-being!" Norbert said.

"I taught my son how to take care of himself. I'm worried about him, but I'm sure he's fine, and so is Natalie. I told ya they liked one another and wanted to get married. Maybe they felt like you wouldn't agree, and took off. How should I know? Hiccup didn't say anything to me," Stoick informed.

"I don't believe that. Hiccup pulled you aside that night, and now both of them are missing and have been for eight months!" Norbert yelled now. "I want my daughter home, Stoick!"

"As I want my son home, Norbert; I don't appreciate you yelling, or accusing me of having information about them when I'm just as in the dark as you," Stoick retorted. Though, technically; he wasn't in the dark at all. "I don't know why they left, or where they are,"

Norbert wasn't convinced. "Tell me something. If you had to guess at why they might have left together…What would the reason be?"

"Fear of not being able to get married; that's the only thing Hiccup expressed concerns about to me when we spoke," Stoick said.

"Expressed how? Was there a reason he thought it wouldn't happen?" Norbert pushed.

"Take a look at yourself right now, and put yourself in Hiccup's boots. I'd be worried you would say no too," Stoick responded.

"Well, I would want to ensure my daughter is taken care of. You know as well as I do that we don't always marry out of love," Norbert scoffed.

"I'm aware, Norbert. But if Natalie and Hiccup felt you would say no, and they couldn't be together; it's possible they left to stay together. Now, I'm as worried as you, perhaps more because Hiccup is my only son. You know Valka, and I struggled with kids, and he's the one who survived. But I know my son can take care of himself, and Natalie. I hope wherever they are; they decide to come home; Hiccup will always have one here no matter what," Stoick remarked.

"Something about this isn't right, Stoick. You're too calm for a father who is missing the only son he claims to love so much. I'm going searching for them, and I'm sorry…But I feel like you know something about this. I'm leaving one of my trusted guards here to watch things until those two come home, or I find them myself," Norbert stated firmly.

"And pray tell what you'll do if you find them?" Gobber asked.

"I'll discover the reason why they left and decide my next move," Norbert said.

"Will you let them stay together?" Stoick asked.

"Depends on the reason they left. But if I learn that you knew anything about this; you and I will have a problem that involves breaking treaties…And anything else that happens will depend on what I find when I locate Natalie and Hiccup. If he's done anything to compromise her, Stoick…I will kill him where he stands, and I'm well within my rights to. Alvis! You are to stay here on Berk and report anything suspicious until the next time we see one another," Norbert ordered.

"Yes, Chief Norbert," the man with blonde hair and brown eyes stepped onto the dock.

"Good. Stoick…We'll talk soon," Norbert turned and got back on his ship. Stoick watched Norbert's boat launch and head back out to sea.

"So…Where will I be staying?" Alvin wondered, holding his bag over his shoulder.

"With me," Gobber stepped in before Stoick could answer. "You'll be staying with me," he said again.

"Very well," Alvis nodded. Gobber led Alvis away to his home above the forge.

"I'd write to Hiccup right now, and tell him the situation, Stoick. You know he'll send more messages, or show up if you don't reply…" Spitelout suggested.

"I will…But I fear this will be the last bit of communication for a while; getting through to Norbert isn't proving to be easy," Stoick sighed as he headed for his house with Spitelout.

. . .

(Berk; Stoick's House)

Stoick sat at the table with a piece of paper, writing out a single letter, and making sure not to leave out anything imperative that Hiccup would need to know. It broke Stoick's heart to break contact with Hiccup, but he knew this Alvis guard Norbert left on Berk would be all over them, so Stoick couldn't risk anything being revealed that he and the Tribe knew the reasons regarding Hiccup and Natalie running away, or that Hiccup befriended a Night Fury. Odin only knows what could happen.

"That should take care of everything, for now," Stoick took a breath while checking over the letter he wrote.

"You realize it's going to be a year or longer before Norbert gets out of this phase and falls into something else?" Spitelout informed.

"I'm aware, Spitelout. I warned Hiccup that this isn't going to go as fast as we hoped, so he needs to stay there and remain safe. That I'd come to him when things were alright," Stoick nodded. "Norbert is stubborn, but at some point; he will give up his searches and make him wonder if he did something to cause it,"

"That will be when we can talk to him?" Spitelout asked.

"It will be when we can try," Stoick replied. "I'll send this tonight; we're due for a raid anyway. Sharpshot will be able to sneak away easy," Spitelout nodded, understanding. "I just hope they'll both be alright until we see them again,"

"I'm sure they'll be fine, big brother," Spitelout assured.

"But Natalie is in labor, Spitelout…And giving birth a month early. Hiccup said he needed me, and I can't be there for him. And if something happens to that child…I know that pain too well, and I pray Hiccup doesn't have to feel it," Stoick looked down.

"Just as Valka was there for you, and you two got through things; Natalie will be there for Hiccup, and they will get through it. Hold faith," Spitelout said. Stoick nodded, taking a deep breath. This was the last letter he'd be sending for a while, so he hoped he got in everything he needed to. This was for Natalie and Hiccup's protection; that's all that mattered to Stoick now.

. . .

(Night)
(Dragon's Edge)

"AH!" Natalie screamed out in pain as Toothless warbled, trying to cover his ears. It had been a long day, but at least Hiccup was prepared and had time to make sure everything was ready. Natalie woke up during the early hours before the sun rose uncomfortably. Natalie tried to sleep through it, but it didn't work. After the sun came up, Natalie was feeling sick and in a lot of pain; she said it felt like intense cycle starting cramps that lasted for a little time, then backed off.

As the day continued; it got worse, and the pains were closer together. Hiccup had been taught that this meant Natalie was likely in labor and the closer the pains got together, the closer she was to giving birth and would feel like she had to push. Hiccup was also told to watch for the baby's head coming lower. Hiccup had time to get her water to drink, and tend to anything she needed as the process went on. Natalie was sweating, panting, and in a lot of pain; Hiccup did what he could for her.

As things continued; Hiccup had time to boil water, get a clean knife to cut the cord, towels, blankets, and rags to clean the baby after it was out. This was scary for both of them because the baby was a month early, and they were worried it might not survive.

"Ssh…" Hiccup soothed, staying beside her. Hiccup only left her side if he needed to get something, but everything was ready. Hiccup held Natalie's hand as she squeezed it; Hiccup knew it hurt, but he'd recover when this was over. Somehow; he knew the time drew closer that Natalie would push.

"Hi-Hiccup…" Natalie whimpered.

"I'm here…I'm right here, Milady," Hiccup said softly. "What is it? What can I get for you? Do for you?" he asked.

"H-Hurts so much…" Natalie let a few tears slip.

"I know…I know; it's almost over. You're doing great, babe," Hiccup smiled. "Hey…I never thanked you…"

"F-For what?" Natalie looked at him.

"Giving me all this," Hiccup replied.

Natalie shook her head. "No…No; you did this, Hiccup. You…Found the island, build our house, the barn, stables, stay area…You got the field ready for farming; the forge, the defense system…" Natalie reminded, trying to breathe through the pains that seemed constant now. Natalie whimpered again, squeezing Hiccup's hand tightly.

"Breathe…Breathe, love," Hiccup coached, trying to help however he was able. "Nat; I might have done a lot of the physical stuff…But you did the biggest part by…Giving me a chance," he said softly, grabbing the rag to dab some of the sweat away from Natalie's face. "You could have told your parents what happened between us, that you were pregnant; risked us getting banned from seeing one another…But you didn't. You hid everything and came to me. You…Gave me a chance to be your boyfriend, this baby's father; to take care of you, to love you…You gave me this,"

Natalie cried more as Hiccup leaned in and kissed her. Natalie returned it before she tensed up and yelled out again, nearly crushing Hiccup's hand. "O-Ow! Hiccup…I-I feel like I have to push!" Natalie said.

"Okay, okay…Easy. I'm gonna look, okay. You've still got my hand…" Hiccup got up, carefully moving to be between Natalie's legs and moving the blanket; he could see the top of the baby's head. "I think it's time to push, babe…Let's give it one and see?" he suggested. Natalie nodded to him, taking a few breaths. Hiccup got the towels under her, and ready; there was also one in his lap. "Take a deep breath…And push, alright?"

"What if-?" Natalie went to ask.

"Don't think that way. Everything is going to be fine, okay? I promise…Trust me. Now…Let's have this baby. It's you and me, Nat. Always and forever…I'm yours, and this is our life. Our family," Hiccup encouraged.

"Always and forever, Hic; I'm yours…" Natalie panted with a nod.

"Come on, give me good push," Hiccup urged. Natalie took a breath and started pushing. Natalie screamed at how it felt. "I know, I know it hurts. We're almost there; give me another one…" Natalie did it again, and again about seven times. "The head is out. The head is out, babe! See, it's alright. Give yourself a second, and push again," Hiccup instructed.

"I-I can't! Hiccup, I'm tired…" Natalie cried.

"You can! You can do this, Nat. Come on; you got me. We have each other; we can do this. Take a deep breath, squeeze my hand as hard as you can, and push!" Hiccup said. "I love you, Natalie,"

"I…Love you too, Hiccup!" Natalie pushed hard, yelling out loudly again. Suddenly, the baby was out, and Natalie felt almost instant relief as she flopped back. Hiccup quickly let go of her hand and made sure to wrap the baby so that it would be warm. Seconds later, a cry filled the room. Hiccup laughed in relief.

"I-It's a boy! We have a boy, babe!" Hiccup informed quickly as he tied the cord and cut it. Hiccup cleaned the baby off with a warm, wet rag as it cried. Hiccup wrapped the newborn in a blanket, and then a fur one as he handed him to Natalie.

"I-Is he alright?" Natalie asked.

"Seems to be. Hold him; I'll clean up all this," Hiccup smiled. Natalie nodded, sitting up a little. Hiccup cleaned up Natalie's lower bits first; then everything else. By the time he returned, Natalie was bringing up her shirt and bringing the baby to her left breast; he latched instantly and began to suck.

"Oh, he's beautiful, Hiccup…" Natalie swooned as Hiccup grabbed a spot next to his girlfriend while she fed their son. "Your eyes for sure…" she smiled.

"Well, color-wise at least. He has the shape of your eyes, babe. And a mix of our hair," Hiccup pointed out noticing the dark brown hair, almost black, but it was brown.

"Freckles, like you," Natalie giggled, "And your nose. He's so small, Hiccup,"

"Born a month early, not too bad. Seems like he's pretty strong, though. I think everything is going to be alright; he cried when he came out, and the color was good. Gothi mentioned those being big things, and he's feeding well," Hiccup stated.

"We'll just have to watch him closely for a bit," Natalie said lightly. "What are we going to name him…I know it's a tradition that you do," she added.

Hiccup thought about it for a moment as he looked at his son in his girlfriend's arms, then he smiled. "Garth…Garth Haddock," he finally said as both of them admired their child now.