In Order To Survive

Rated; M for Mature
Pairing;
Hiccup X Vera[OC]
Disclaimer;
I do not own How To Train Your Dragon, movies or books. Everything belongs to Dreamworks or Cressida Cowell

A Close Eye

=Normal POV=
[Friday, 6/15/2018-1:00 pm]
[Dragor, Denmark; Hiccup's House]

The back door opened and revealed Hiccup standing there between Lightheart and Toothless.

"Welcome home, laddie," Gobber smiled broadly.

"Thanks," Hiccup said as his two dragons instantly went to their spot to lay down next to one another. Hiccup closed the garage door and walking in more; plopping on the couch with a heavy sigh.

"Rough meeting?" Thuggory asked.

"Unnecessarily long," Hiccup mumbled.

"Everything go well?" Viggo wondered.

"After some yelling, yes; everything is settled now and ready for the next phase," Hiccup sat up more now, seeing Emma happily feeding in Vera's arms. "How's she been?"

"Oh, absolutely perfect," Vera smiled as Hiccup got up to kiss his girlfriend, then his daughter's forehead. "I had her down back in her crib by 6:15 this morning. She slept until 8:30, was content with the binky until 8:45. I changed her diaper and got her into the clothes you picked out for her to wear today; then fed her. By 9:15 she was back to sleep in the crib after drinking 3 ounces. And…She's been fast asleep until about 5 minutes ago. I changed her diaper, and she just started the bottle," she informed thoroughly.

"You're the best," Hiccup said gently with a smile. "My parents ever stop over?"

"No," Tuffnut and Ruffnut said together.

"No big deal then. You want me to take Emma so you can get a break?" Hiccup inquired.

"No, she's fine, Hiccup. Why don't you go change out of your uniform and relax a little?" Vera chuckled a bit.

"Can't relax, so much to do before 4 pm…" Hiccup stated. "All the cleaning," he sighed.

"We took care of it for you," Dagur smiled.

Hiccup blinked now. "You…Cleaned the house for me?"

"Yeah. It was Stoick's idea; he figured since you were still gone at the meeting, we could help you out by cleaning things up," Astrid informed.

"We did the dishes, swept, mopped, vacuumed, dusted, wiped things down…" Heather stated.

"We did all the bathrooms and bedrooms too!" Signy giggled.

"Yours included. Vera did your room and bathroom," Brenna smiled wide.

"And we took care of things outside," Alvin added.

"I mowed the lawn," Viggo said.

"Alvin and I did weed-whacking," Stoick nodded.

"Snotlout and Thuggory weeded the garden," Soren enlightened. "Eret and I wiped down tables, counters, and chairs,"

"I watered the garden!" Tuffnut announced.

"We even did laundry," Vera interjected. "I did yours for you,"

"Seriously? You washed, dried, folded, and put away my clothes?" Hiccup asked, astounded that they did all this for him.

"Well, I didn't know what drawers they went in, but yes; I folded them along with Emma's. I did put hers away," Vera mentioned. Hiccup couldn't believe that they cleaned the entire house for him while he was away in the meeting. And outside too; they just saved him hours of extra work. "So go change and relax with us a bit; you deserve it,"

"Wow…Thanks, guys…Seriously; I mean that. You didn't have to, but thank you," Hiccup said genuinely happy and surprised at what they did.

"You're welcome," they replied together, smiling. Hiccup headed into his room to change out of the military uniform and into a pair of basketball shorts and a gray tank top. Finally, Hiccup sat back down on the couch and fully relaxed. Now, there was nothing to do but chill out until the graduation at 4 pm. Well, there was decorating for the party, but that could wait until 3 pm, so Hiccup wasn't worried until later.

. . .

[7:10 pm]

"I'm proud of you, sis," Hiccup told Britta while they were getting into the house. The Vikings didn't get to go to the graduation, but it was only because of the invitation saying immediate family could attend. Just the Andersons, Hiccup, and Emma went. Everyone else arrived at Hiccup's place 15 minutes before him arriving with Henrik, Mari, Hagen, Lilly, Lukas, and Britta now.

"Thanks, Hiccup," Britta smiled.

"And with that…Happy graduation, sweetheart," Mari stated as Hiccup flipped on the lights to reveal the party for her.

"Congratulations, Britta!" the guests cheered.

"Awe! Thank you!" Britta giggled happily. "Now…PARTY ON!" she announced.

"Do it Toothless," Hiccup said as Toothless flipped the level that opened the roof up; then Lightheart used her claw to turn on the music. "Party on," he laughed a bit. Emma was fast asleep, so Hiccup put her to bed until her next feeding which would likely be at 8:30-9 pm. Also, Hiccup didn't relax much earlier before the graduation; he turned his art room into Emma's nursery. It wasn't entirely finished it, but the crib, changing table/dresser, and rocking chair was in there along with the diaper bag and clothes. And the best part; Hiccup's art room was soundproof, no sounds in or out. All Hiccup needed was the baby monitor to see and hear his daughter; it worked perfectly.

Upon the part beginning; everyone wanted to eat first. There was pizza, ribs, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. This was on top of the snacky-like appetizers of cheese, soupy, crackers, chips, dip, fruits and vegetables. The dessert was going to be cake and some ice cream. It wasn't due to get dark until around 8:30-9 pm, so for now; everyone was outside with the music and hanging out. After everyone ate; some of the guys were grouping up to play basketball. So far; it looked like Colden, Henrik, Frode, Brynjar, Oivind, Jolgeir, Davyn, Sigvard, Eirik, and Ander.

"Hiccup. Round up your boys and play us," Colden chuckled.

"Um…You have my boys," Hiccup mentioned.

"You got enough to make it 8 against 8 over there," Davyn said.

"Come on, you got me on your team," Brynjar patted his shoulder.

"They don't know to play," Hiccup stated.

"Just tell us the object of the game, Hiccup; we can pick it up," Soren suggested.

"Get the ball in the other team's hoop," Brynjar informed. Hiccup rolled his eyes and sighed as he gave them a quick explanation of how the game went.

"You think you got it?" Hiccup asked.

"Seems easy enough," Thuggory and Eret said.

"Until you start playing," Brynjar chuckled a little. "Just get Hiccup or me the ball; we'll take care of shooting baskets,"

"Got it," Fishlegs said.

"Game on," Ander smirked. For the next half an hour; the 16 males played basketball on the court in Hiccup's backyard. So far, Hiccup's team was losing, and there was only about a minute left before the game would be over and the others would win. All of them were panting, sweating, and grouped up in a circle during a timeout.

"Guess we're not that good at this," Tuffnut huffed.

"It's cool, neither am I…" Hiccup chuckled a bit. "I'm out of ideas," he shook his head.

"We only need 3 points to beat them, or at least 1 to tie," Brynjar informed. "What if we try the leg-up?"

"You know I can't lift you, Bryn…Didn't go so great last time," Hiccup sighed.

"So we'll switch it up; I'll lift you," Brynjar offered. Hiccup panted again but gave in.

"Got nothing to lose by trying," Hiccup nodded.

"Not sure what you're planning to do, but how can we help?" Eret asked.

"Get Hiccup the ball," Brynjar said.

"You got it," Snotlout nodded. The 8 of them broke their huddle and set themselves up in position.

"Ready to lose, Haddock?" Sigvard asked.

"Ain't over til the clock runs out," Dagur remarked. Everything started once more as the clock began to count down while everyone watched intently. Frode passed the ball to Jolgeir who went to take a shot; it missed as Thuggory grabbed the ball and passed it off Dagur, then to Tuffnut, who turned to avoid the ball getting taken by Eirik. Tuffnut threw it to Soren; it went to Snotlout.

"Yo, you ready?" Snotlout called to Brynjar.

"Now!" Brynjar yelled back as he crouched down with his hands linked together and the palms up. Snotlout passed the ball to Hiccup who moved down the court and stepped into Brynjar's hands as the man lifted Hiccup up fast; launching him into the air.

"No way!" Strike Unit and Frode gasped. Hiccup slammed the ball into the net on the last second as the timer went off. Hiccup smiled laughing as he hung off the metal rim while his team high-fived and hugged. The others were grumping and mumbling about how good the move had been.

"Toothless!" Hiccup shouted as Toothless came out and hovered under the hoop as Hiccup let go and landed on his back in a crouch before the Night Fury landed carefully and Hiccup got off. "Thanks, bud,"

"We did it!" Fishleg cheered, hugging Hiccup. The rest of the guys on his team lifted him up on their shoulders and continued to celebrate.

"Lucky shot," Davyn muttered.

"No luck, just skill," Brynjar laughed before they put Hiccup down and all grabbed a victory beer to enjoy.

"Nice game, boys," Henrik chuckled as Colden nodded in agreement.

"That was entertaining," Britta smiled.

"Indeed," Katja, Eira, and Frieda giggled.

"Oh, you only thought it was fun because almost all of them are shirtless!" Mari and Kelda sighed.

"So many muscles," Katja blushed looking at Ander.

"Is that what entertained you ladies about all this? Us being shirtless?" Brynjar arched a brow.

"I mean, come on…It's hot," Camicazi shrugged as Heather, Astrid, Ruffnut, Signy, and Brenna nodded.

"I suppose that depends on who you are looking at and saying is hot," Hiccup stated.

"I'm looking at you, babe," Vera blushed.

"I assumed as much," Hiccup put his hands on the arms of her chair and leaned in to kiss her deeply.

"So, since it keeps getting stopped by unforeseen circumstances…And it's my graduation party…Will you sing tonight, big brother?" Britta asked.

"Very well," Hiccup sighed as he handed his phone to Britta. While she was browsing songs; Hiccup looked at Ander who kept looking at Katja. "You know…Talking to someone you like usually helps in letting them know how you feel,"

"I doubt she likes me," Ander smiled.

"Dude, she's eyeing you up like a dragon to a bucket of fish…Just go tell her how you feel," Hiccup suggested. "You're looking at her the way I look at Vera," he added. "I had to take a chance and go for it to be this happy, so do you," he urged. "Go, Ander,"

Finally, Ander moved towards Katja nervously and sort of crouched in front of her as they began talking. Brynjar happened to look over to see Katja and Ander so close. "I guess what I'm saying is that I really like you, Katja…" Brynjar went to step in, but Hiccup elbowed him in the gut.

"Leave it be, Brynjar…" Hiccup stated.

"B-But…She's only-," Brynjar started.

"She's 22 years old, my friend. Ander and Katja like one another a lot; Dagny adores Ander about as much as she does you and me. And I think Kat could use some stability in hers and the kids' lives. Ander wouldn't hurt her; you know that." Hiccup reminded.

"I know, Hiccup, but after what happened with-…" Brynjar sighed.

"Ander is not Dane, Bryn; you saw how ticked off Ander got when he found out what happened to Katja. And Ander has only been supportive and as helpful as he can be since everything. Ander would never hurt Kat, Dagny, or Rowan. Let them be…Let your little sister be happy; she deserves to be after what happened with Dane," Hiccup informed softly. Brynjar looked back at Katja and Ander now; seeing his hand holding hers.

"I only want the chance to do what your idiot, I'll probably knock out if I ever see him face to face ex-boyfriend failed to do; make you happy and be here for you and your children. Will you…Be my girlfriend?" Ander asked.

"I will," Katja smiled before she and Ander shared a small kiss.

"Know that if you hurt her; you deal with me," Brenden scoffed.

"I as well," Viggo stood next to Kelly, arms crossed over his chest.

"And me," Brynjar added in. Now the three males looked at Hiccup, expecting him to include himself in the threat.

"Boys, enough," Kelda rolls her eyes.

"Hiccup, aren't going to warn him?" Brynjar inquired.

"What? I don't have to say anything; he knows," Hiccup huffed. "He's more afraid of me than you three put together,"

"How so?" Viggo blinked as Brynjar and Brenden were just as curious.

Hiccup chuckled a little as Ander gulped. "Because I know Hiccup is a member of the Elite Special Forces with an expert shooter level and ridiculously good sniper from very far away, which means he's more than capable of killing me with any kind of weapon and could absolutely get away with murder by making sure no one ever finds my body,"

"What body?" Ander whimpered a little, hiding behind Katja now. "Trust me…There wouldn't be a body to find," Hiccup grinned. "But we should have to worry about any of this, right, Ander? You won't hurt Kat, will you?"

"Sir, no sir," Ander said shakily.

"See now? It's all good," Hiccup shrugged.

"You just told us you'd kill him; we'd go after you first!" Colden remarked.

"If you can find me, you can capture me. Just remember that you couldn't even find me in a game of hide and seek. And that was before you trained me as special ops," Hiccup smirked. Colden had nothing to say.

"Shit, that's right. You'd never find him," Strike Unit chuckled.

Britta tapped Hiccup's shoulder and held the phone out to him with the song she wanted him to sing ready to play. "That's the one you want?" Britta nodded smiling. "Geeze…I don't even know if I can hit those notes anymore, Brit…" he rubbed the back of his head.

"Come on…Try it," Britta giggled.

"I don't know, Brit…This isn't exactly a party-related, and nobody is gonna know it," Hiccup stated.

"What song is this?" Sigvard inquired.

"Hiccup wrote it," Britta informed. "For soldiers who suffer PTSD,"

"You did?" the soldiers around the backyard blinked. Hiccup nodded a few times.

"Dude, let's hear it," Brynjar encouraged.

"I-I don't know; it's…Kind of depressing," Hiccup admitted.

"I'd like to hear it," Colden stepped up.

"Do I have to?" Hiccup mumbled.

"Would you like me to make it a direct order?" Colden wondered.

"I'm off the clock; you can't make me do anything, and Aksel would agree…" Hiccup muttered. "But fine…Since you're so curious…" he sighed pressing the button. "The shit I get dragged into…" the music started very softly on a guitar.

"I've been home about six months now, and I still have my doubts. Well, I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm gonna get out. My mama says I look the same as I did before I left, but if she could see inside of me; it would scare her to death," Hiccup began as everyone located a seat to listen.

"I can still taste the powder from the barrel of my gun. I can hear my Sergeant screaming; run, soldier run. I can feel the backpack on my shoulders; God, it weighed a ton. And I see death in every single thought…They taught me how to put that uniform on; I just can't get it off," Hiccup continued while the everyone was trying their best to figure out just how close to home this song was from Hiccup's point of view.

"Last Saturday they honored us in a small parade downtown. When they shot off those fireworks; I nearly hit the ground. And while people smiled and cheered for us; all I could do was stare, 'cause part of me is here at home, but part of me is back there,"

"I can still taste the powder from the barrel of my gun. I can hear my Sergeant screaming; run, soldier run. I can feel the backpack on my shoulders; God, it weighed a ton. And I see death in every single thought…They taught me how to put that uniform on; I just can't get it off!" Hiccup sang a little louder.

"God, there's no end in sight. 'Cause even though I'm home now; I'm still fighting for my life…" Hiccup took a deep breath as Toothless came beside him, crooned sadly and rubbing his head under Hiccup's hand. "I can still taste the powder from the barrel of my gun. I can hear my Sergeant screaming; run, soldier run. I can feel the backpack on my shoulders; God, it weighed a ton. And I see death in every single thought!" Hiccup threw his leg over Toothless's neck. "They taught me how to put that uniform on; I just can't get it off," Hiccup finished. (Song was "A Soldier's Memoir-PTSD Song by Joe Bachman.)

"Hiccup…" Henrik started. "How long ago did you write this?"

"September 2017, right after Roger died and I got sent home for 2-week leave," Hiccup admitted.

"I know you said this was for all soldiers who suffer PTSD, and for you to write something that deep; you'd have to experience these feelings as well," Brynjar informed.

"I never said I didn't experience it a time or two…I also never said I didn't suffer from PTSD," Hiccup stated.

"Hiccup, I told you to talk to me about this," Henrik sighed. "You promised me you would come to talk to me if things started to bother you,"

"And you know you're required to report status changes to your physical, emotional, and mental health, Lieutenant," Colden reminded.

"If you'd like to go check my file, Major Kongur; I did report it. Just because I didn't report it to you doesn't mean I didn't do what I'm supposed to do. I was re-evaluated that day, and diagnosed with a minor case of PTSD; this happened…I don't know, a month ago maybe," Hiccup confessed. "Come on, Toothless; let's go for a fly before Em wakes up,"

"Hiccup, we need to talk about-," Colden began.

"We don't need to talk about anything, Major. I followed protocol, and I know how to deal with it, alright? And how I cope is by writing, singing, or drawing. I'm not drowning it in alcohol, and I'm not turning to drugs, so lay off. It's only a minor case, and quite standard for someone who has seen, heard, experienced the things I have. Now, enough already. Toothless, sky!"

The Night Fury gave a snort and launched into the air, Lightheart wasn't far behind. "I don't assume I need to tell you 7 to monitor this situation," Colden told Ander, Strike Unit, and Brynjar.

"No, brother; you don't. We've been watching him since returning from Afghanistan," Ander informed.

"Don't worry, Colden…We know Hiccup's had a hard time since we got back, but that could be due to everything and not just war-related things. There was the Viking situation, Olivia cheating. Those soldier dying…How can anyone get relaxed and feel normal after the war when the bad things don't seem to stop?" Brynjar mentioned.

"True," Colden nodded.

"Hiccup knows he can talk to any of us, even his father; it seems like he's got his PTSD under control, and if it's only a minor case then he knows how to deal with his attacks," Sigvard added.

"Just keep a close eye on him; that song made it seem like whatever he's dealing with is more than minor," Colden said.

"We've got all eyes on him," Ander affirmed. "Now, let's just get back to the party; you know Hiccup will be pissed if he's hounded when he gets back,"

"Good idea," Henrik nodded. From there; the graduation party continued while Hiccup was taking his flight with Toothless. Hopefully when Hiccup got back; everything will be as it was before the song. Nobody meant to upset Hiccup; Britta asked Hiccup to sing something he wrote. Subsequently, it seemed like a song that Hiccup never meant for anyone to hear or maybe he would have shown it later on. But doing it now obviously brings back bad memories. Vera only looked at the sky with concern for her boyfriend; she wanted to make sure he was okay. But the others were right; it was best to let things go for now and go back to having fun.