Not What You Expected

Author: Nightstar Fury from Nightstar Productions.

Rated: M for Mature.

Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD, Frozen, Tangled, or Brave.

49; Miracle.

Hiccup couldn't remember when he'd gotten to the hospital, everything had happened so fast. One moment he was leading the dragon race, the next he was sitting in the chair by his wife's bedside as she slept, wondering if his new premature born twin daughters were alright. His green eyes glanced at the clock, it was now 4:15pm and he had yet to get an update on them. Astrid was still recovering from the c-section which is why she was so tired, Hiccup promised to give her an update as soon as he got one, his friends were all worried. They'd been texting and calling him non stop since their arrival. They were all in the maternity ward waiting area. Hiccup refused to see them until he knew the babies were alright.

Hiccup had called his father and Calder both but neither answered him, he left a panicked message to call him back as soon as they were able. The doctor had already said Astrid would be in the hospital about a week and he of course was more than welcome to stay too. Hiccup would have to go home to get some things for them, he got up from the chair and began to walk around the room thinking about everything. It didn't make sense.

How had they miss a second baby in every ultrasound. Astrid didn't even look like she was carrying twins, and them being born at 3lbs, they were so small. The nurse's had said nothing was wrong, just a few tests to check. Had something happened to them? Did something come up on the test. The worry was making his chest hurt, he opened the door and walked in to the hallway now looking around for a doctor or nurse, he needed answers. After 2 minutes, he saw a nurse and rushed to her. "Excuse me..." Hiccup said calmly. The nurse faced him with a smile now.

"Can I help you?" The nurse replied.

"I hope so. My wife gave birth about 2 hours ago by emergency c-section to twin girls...They said they'd keep us updated but I've heard nothing...can you...please find something out for me. Anything at all...just so I know they are okay?" Hiccup pleaded softly.

"You're...Mr. Haddock yes? In recovery room 1017?" The nurse asked, Hiccup's eyes lit up hoping the nurse knew something. He nodded quickly. "Both girls are fine. Their tests came back perfect but they were born at only 3lbs respectively and do have to remain in the nicu until we're sure they can feed properly and breathe without the tubes. Being born at 28 weeks tends to have its problems. For your girls, no illnesses but their lungs are underdeveloped and require the breathing machines for the time being. They are currently beside one another in safe box, limited contact except with the nurses...The survival rate can't be determined, we always estimate low until we see improvements. I was sure someone had come to tell you already. I apologize for the wait sir." The nurse informed him.

Hiccup felt his heart drop, yes they were alive but they could still falter and not make it. What would he do? How was he going to tell Astrid? Why did it have to happen to them. "Th–thank you for telling me..." Hiccup managed to get out as he turned to go back to the room where Astrid was.

"It will be okay, Mr. Haddock. When you're wife wakes up we can take you to them. You won't be able to touch them but you can be in the nicu seeing them in the safebox. If we can get them to 4lbs you'll be able to hold them, and once at 5lbs you will be able to take them home with you. Just be prepared for them to be here at least a month or so, that's an estimate. It depends on the girls honestly." The nurse smiled at him.

"We are ready to wait as long as we have to until we bring them home with us..." Hiccup said firmly.

"That's what we like to hear. I'm the nurse assigned to your wife's room tonight until midnight so just call for me. Just press the button on her bed and I'll get a signal here and come okay?" The nurse said. Hiccup nodded as he then entered the room, there was hope for their daughters that was good enough for now. Hiccup felt he should at least let his friends know Astrid was okay, he write Astrid a small note and left it on the bedside table then walked down the hall to the waiting area.

No sooner than he opened the door he was instantly rushed by his friends asking tons of questions. Stoick pushed through now. "Give him some room to speak!" Stoick's voice silenced them all. "When you're ready son..." Stoick calmed now.

"Astrid had to have an emergency c-section. She's asleep right now, resting." Hiccup began.

"And the baby?..." Anna asked with worried eyes.

"The babies are in the nicu on breathing and feeding tubes, but they are okay at the moment." Hiccup stated slowly. All their eyes went wide now with gasps.

"Bab–babies!?" They all asked, even Calder and Stoick.

"Yeah, twins. Its why she went so early, one of the babies was in a breech position and there was no choice. They were born at 2:54pm, 3lbs and 2oz and 2:55pm, 3lbs and 6oz..." Hiccup gave a soft smile. "They were so small...God so tiny. We only got to see them for a minute...before they were taken out by the nurses." Hiccup added now as he found himself sitting in a nearby chair.

"How did...no one see a second baby?!" Calder asked, clearly mad that this could of cost him his grandchildren's lives.

"You guys came to the ultrasounds, nothing was ever there but the one..." Hiccup shrugged.

"What were they? The twins we mean." Heather asked quickly.

"Twin girls..." Hiccup smiled gently now.

"Oh Hiccup...that's wonderful son. We're glad everyone is okay..." Stoick said as he hugged Hiccup tightly.

"Astrid will have to be here about a week...think you can run home and grab a few things for me and her, I'm staying too..." Hiccup asked.

"Of course. Just let us know and we'll get what you need." Stoick said with a smile, he could see Hiccup's eyes. Full of fear and worry. There were unshed tears there too. "Hiccup, you don't have to hold back in front of me son...I've been through this already with you as a matter of fact...You were born at 6 months and lived, these beautiful girls will too. Don't you be giving up hope." Stoick told him.

"I'm terrified dad...We haven't even seen them yet...they said we could when Astrid wakes up. But I don't know if I can do this...see them in a plastic box, riddled with tubes and can't even touch them?..Gods, how is Astrid going to handle this...she doesn't even know yet...She was so scared in surgery...we both were..." Hiccup sighed sadly.

"Son, I know you think that you can't handle this but I promise you as a father myself...you can. You'll find inner strength when you stand with your wife beside you young children. You'll know how much she needs you to be her strength. Trust me son...you will get through this. Now, I think its time you best be getting back to Astrid. The rest of you get home. Hiccup will let everyone know." Stoick ordered.

"Yes Stoick sir." The group said.

"Give Astrid our love, Hiccup and the babies too. Pictures as soon as you can?" Elsa said as they all left together. Hiccup nodded as he smiled, he was truly blessed indeed.

"Now, what do you need from the house? Calder and I will go get it and we'll take Toothless too." Stoick smiled at him. Hiccup listed off basic things like clothes and hygienic stuff. They left as Hiccup returned to Astrid's room just in time to see her waking up, he sat by her bedside.

"Hiccup, the babies! Where are they? How are they?" Astrid panicked seeing him now.

"Hey relax babe...relax. The babies are in the nicu. They are okay but have to be on breathing and feeding tubes for a while, until they can do it on their own...the nurse said she'll take us to see them. But Astrid...they are in plastic box, and we can't touch them right now...I just want you to know that. I know it will be hard, but it will be okay. Our girls are strong, just like all the Haddock's and Hofferson's. They'll pull through this." Hiccup told her, his father had been right. He was scared before, now he felt confident because he knew how scared Astrid was.

"We...can see them?" Astrid asked. Hiccup nodded. "Lets go then...right now!" Astrid said, Hiccup pressed the call nurse button and they waited 10 minutes before she came in.

"Are we ready to meet our babies?" The nurse asked with a smile. Astrid and Hiccup nodded at the same time as the nurse helped Astrid in to the wheelchair then they left the room, Hiccup held Astrid's hand the whole time walking down the hall and to the nicu. Astrid squeezed his hand as the automatic doors opened and the room was revealed to them. There weren't many babies in there, maybe 4 and two of them were the twin girls in one box.

"Oh Hiccup..." Astrid said once they were wheeled to the box with their daughters in them. Astrid slowly leaned forward and put her hand on the plastic box seeing the girls. "They are so small...All those tubes and wires..." Astrid started to cry. Hiccup put his arms around his wife and soothed her softly.

"Ssh...ssh its okay babe, it's okay...look at them. Those are our babies, our girls. They will get stronger every day I know it...And hey we have another girl name to pick now. Come on, we can't call them twin one and two when we bring them home." Hiccup smiled trying to lift her mood.

"But Hiccup what if we can't..." She was instantly stopped by Hiccup's serious eyes.

"No, Astrid. Don't say it...Our girls will be coming home with us as soon as they reach 5lbs they can come home...that's only 2lbs and I guarantee...they will gain it and we'll be home by the end of September..." Hiccup told her.

"How can you be so sure...?" Astrid asked.

"Because I do. Now...lets give these two their names...The first one can be Valsta...and the second?" Hiccup asked looking at Astrid with a smile now.

"Astalka...Astalka Haddock." Astrid smiled now looking in to the case again.

"Would you two like a picture?" The nurse asked. They looked at her a bit shocked but happy too.

"C–can we?" Hiccup asked.

"Of course! Gather round the case..." The nurse said now as Hiccup handed her his phone after turning on the camera. The nurse stood back a bit and snapped the picture of Hiccup and Astrid with their girls, then handed it back to him as Hiccup couldn't fight back a few tears falling from his eyes. "So what were their names again? The first one born at 3lbs 2oz, was Valsta Haddock? The second born at 3lbs 6oz is?..." The nurse asked.

"Astalka Haddock." Hiccup informed, she wrote them down on two different color bands. She then placed the respected name band on the baby's foot it belonged.

"There we go." The nurse said gently. The yellow band had Astalka on it and the pink one had Valsta, now both babies could be identified easily for them.

"We should send that to our dads and friends..." Astrid smiled at Hiccup now.

"Later...I'd rather just be here with you and them right now..." Hiccup said softly. For at least an hour they stayed there just looking at their two daughters and then they had to return to their room. Calder and Stoick had come by again, this time being let into Hiccup and Astrid's room, they were able to see the picture of the babies and both never looked so happy. Around 7, their dads left and they ate dinner. Then by 9 they were both ready for bed. Hiccup had pulled out the couch bed to sleep on but Astrid insisted he sleep next to her so he crawled in beside her and they both fell asleep.

(2 weeks later)

Things had been going well. Astrid was released from the hospital a week after giving birth by cesarean section and they had to go home but they were allowed to come visit their girls anytime time during visiting hours. Astrid was still sore and couldn't do a lot, Gobber told her to take all the time she needed to heal and come back when she was ready to. As soon as Hiccup and Astrid returned home, they instantly began readying the small room to house two babies. It took them the entire week to do it too.

All their friends helped out with getting things set up and put away. Hiccup and Astrid had to buy another crib and put it opposite the original one. They only needed one changing table which was under the window and stocked to the max with diapers, wipes, and more. Both cribs had built in drawers off to the side and within reach for Hiccup or Astrid to reach from the changing table. Stoick and Calder went out and bought a whole bunch of clothes for both girls and even some small toys they could enjoy as they got older.

There was simply two of everything now. Double the bottles, formula, etc. There were a few times that Astrid said she was worried if they could handle two babies but Hiccup quickly hushed her fears saying he'd be there to help her since his races were every few weeks, and the band could practice right at the house once they finished sound proofing the basement. The twins were doing great, both were at 4lbs and a lot more active with being awake. The feeding tubes were no longer needed but the breathing ones were. Today was a good day too since they'd been told as long as there were no problems that morning, they could hold the babies.

Their friends wanted to come too but the nurse was very clear that only the parents could, Hiccup promised that he'd take pictures to show them, they seemed satisfied with the reply. Something else big is that Stoick began wrestling part time wanting more time with his son, daughter in law, and grand-daughters. Calder of course who worked for Stoick would get the same time off. Now Stoick only had matches every couple of weeks and only on the weekends.

"Hiccup, can we go now!" Astrid pleaded as she stood near the door happily. Hiccup nodded to her gently. "We finally get to hold them Hiccup! I was devastated when they were born and we couldn't, and having to watch them through a plastic case these last two weeks...its been...torture." Astrid sighed out. Hiccup got up and kissed her forehead now then looked in to her eyes.

"Alrighty, lets get going then. Got the video camera?" Hiccup asked, he nodded once she held it up. Soon they left and locked the door, getting in the car which already had two car seats installed they drove to the hospital.

Once they arrived there Hiccup parked the car and walked around to help Astrid out. She was still sore and healing, she would be for another few weeks still according to the doctor when she was discharged a week ago. This was fine with Hiccup since he was there to help her out with what she needed to do. Hand in hand they walked in to the hospital entrance going straight to the elevator, then pressing the number 2 button. "Hiccup...this is...so exciting!" Astrid smiled wide.

"I know, I can't wait to see them again...I wonder if there's any new updates?..." Hiccup questioned as the elevator stopped and they walked out heading to the nicu doors pressing the speaker button.

"Names?" Asked the voice from the speaker.

"Astrid and Hiccup Haddock for Astalka and Valsta Haddock." Hiccup said. The door beeped and opened, they two walked in and did what they always did. Had to wash their hands and put on some throw away paper scrubs before they could even go near the box. Once inspected by the head nurse, they were given a smile as they walked towards where their daughters were, but something was different. This wasn't a box, this was a normal holder. No plastic covering or arm holes, just open with their babies in them.

"These two have made remarkable progress since last night when you left at 8pm. Valsta can breath on her own so we removed the breathing machine for her, but we're keeping in close just in case. And she reached 5lbs 1oz around 5am after eating a full 2oz without throwing it up. Astalka is almost to 5lbs, but not yet. We'll see how she does with her feedings today. All in all, they are both healthy and we're waiting on them to be ready to leave here." The nurse told them happily. Hiccup and Astrid couldn't believe it, that was better news than they'd been expecting.

"D–does that mean...we can take Valsta home today?" Hiccup asked now.

"I'll speak with the doctor first. If she can go all day without the breathing machine and eating with no trouble, then I don't see why not as long as you have the car seat to bring her home in?" The nurse asked.

"Of course! They are both in the car downstairs..." Astrid said, she was trying not to cry but it was hard. Hearing the news they could possibly bring one child home today was making her more emotional than she anticipated.

"I will talk with the doctor when he comes on in 20 minutes. He checks the pregnant women first, then comes here." The nurse said gently. "So would you two like to hold them?" She asked next.

"Do you even have to ask?" Hiccup smiled, the nurse nodded as she motioned to the chair behind them. Astrid sat down in it, they didn't want her holding the baby while she was still healing from her c-section.

"Who would you like to hold first, Mrs. Haddock?" The nurse asked.

"It doesn't matter to me...they are both equally loved by us both." Astrid replied, the nurse nodded as she carefully picked up Astalka then moved over to Astrid who had her arms ready, Hiccup had the camera out and recording the moment as the nurse placed Astalka in Astrid's arms and stepped back. The tears flowed freely from his wife's eyes as she cradled the baby gently. "Hello my sweet baby girl...Yes...yes its mommy. I'm here...Gods...look at her Hiccup..." Astrid cried lightly.

"Just mind the wires is all." The nurse reminded as Astrid nodded.

"I know...and look at you in instant mom mode...I don't think I've seen you this happy since our wedding..." Hiccup chuckled a bit.

"If you'd like to give the camera to the other nurse beside you, than you may hold Valsta?" The nurse offered, Hiccup nodded as he handed the camera off to the nurse who was next to him. The head nurse lifted Valsta up and walked to Hiccup who put his arms in position when the nurse gave him their daughter. Even he couldn't contain his emotions as his eyes became teared up while he was looking down at his daughter who yawned softly and curled in to his arms.

"Gods they are so beautiful..." Hiccup said moving beside Astrid so she could be close to them both. It was as if time stopped in this moment for them, holding their babies in the arms for the first time.

"We'll leave you 4 alone, if there is any trouble just call out." The nurse said as the other nurse put the camera down in a position to capture them both. Hiccup and Astrid nodded to her with silent thank you's. The two nurses left attending to the other babies now.

"You know Astrid...I never thought...I'd have a family of my own...everything I've gotten or gained this year is all because of you giving me a chance not only to be your friend but lover too. Thank you...thank you for all of this." Hiccup said looking over at her now.

"Hiccup...we did this together. All of it. And that's how it will always continue to be..." Astrid replied looking back at him. They kissed gently before breaking apart and just sitting there with their daughters. After 20 minutes, both began to cry softly. Hiccup noticed that Valsta was making a sucking face and he chuckled lightly.

"I think they are hungry..." Hiccup pointed out he looked around for the nurse and spotted her, she smiled coming over.

"Ah, feeding time. I'll prepare the bottles, while you're waiting you can change them. Just be careful and do one at a time." The nurse said heading off to make the bottles. Hiccup moved to the changing table and placed Valsta down gently, he got her pacifier from the bed they slept in and she took it instantly. Hiccup slowly changed her diaper and then handed her to Astrid while he took Astalka in his arms being mindful of the wires and changed her. The nurse returned with two warm bottles, she handed one to Hiccup and another to Astrid. Valsta began to eat instantly, Astalka on the other hand was being a little difficult.

"She was like this during the 5am feeding too, we had to use the feeding tube to get her to take an ounce and a half." Said another nurse coming over now. Hiccup didn't like that, hearing the tube was necessary again. The nurse went to take Astalka but Hiccup turned a bit. "She has to eat Mr. Haddock..." The nurse frowned.

"I know...just...give me a second." Hiccup said as he spotted a chair slightly to his right, he sat down and carefully placed Astalka on his lap and used his hand to support her head and neck, this made Astalka in a slightly more upright position as he took the bottle with his free hand and let a little of the formula drip on to her lips, it took a moment but she soon opened her mouth and took the bottle, sucking it just fine.

"That's...quite impressive Mr. Haddock. What made you think of it?" Asked the second nurse now.

"My dad always told me I was difficult too when I was born. I was born at 6 months...and was in the hospital for months on a feeding tube. The first time my parents could hold me, I was stubborn and didn't eat. Fearing to be back on the tube, my dad sat me on his lap and did the same thing. The bottle's formula dripped by accident but it worked. The doctor then had said that it's just the position. Babies have to be comfortable to feed. She's like me, I didn't like the feeling of the bottle's nipple dry. That's why they have to taste the formula before they understand that the nipple will feed them." Hiccup explained.

"Correct you are son. I think I remember you actually. Hiccup Haddock the Third right?" Came the voice of an older man, Hiccup looked up to see the doctor standing there now. Hiccup nodded his head. "I'll never forget that brown hair and deep green eyes. Yes you were difficult indeed, this is the first time she's been fed by bottle. I've often said that babies who come through here don't get what other's do which is being held right away after birth. Sometimes, all it takes is mom or dad for them to progress further. If she takes all her feedings today, she might just make the 5lbs mark and if that is the case...I'll be happy to send you both home tonight with them." The doctor smiled.

"Re–really?" Astrid asked now. The doctor nodded to them smiling.

"So you're the doctor who took care of me then?" Hiccup asked looking to the doctor now.

"I am. You were with us for nearly 3 months if I recall. Yes yes...you were. Your parents were here every day for you, I remember the day we told them they could hold you. I've never seen a woman cry so fast in my entire career." The doctor laughed a bit.

"Sounds like my mom alright..." Hiccup smiled softly looking back down at Astalka while she fed contently.

"Valsta is probably ready to be burped now. We try to give them half before burping." The nurse said. Astrid nodded as she lightly pulled the bottle from the infants mouth and brought her up to her shoulder then lightly patted her back a few times before a small but audible burp was heard. Astrid smiled happily as she put her back in her arms and began to feed her the rest of the bottle.

"Someone must of been hungry because Astalka finished hers already..." Hiccup said as he took the bottle away and set it down on the table, he lightly began to burp her on his shoulder but nothing. Finally after 5 minutes he put her back on his knee and positioned his hand to support her head and neck from the front, he leaned her forward a bit and patted her back. The nurses seemed worried with this but the doctor shook his head as if to tell them to let it go. After a minute, Astalka gave a burp.

"That was a 3oz bottle too." One nurse said. "She's doing so well being in her father's arms." The nurse added. It was long before they removed the breathing machine and just stayed close to watch. They were expecting to have to put the machine back on but to their shock, Astalka did fine and for over an hour.

"I would say she's exactly like you, Mr. Haddock. You improved a great deal once your parents got to hold you. I'd like to see if this continues with your wife holding her, if I may of course?" The doctor said.

"Sure, no problem." Hiccup said as he got up and walked over to Astrid, they switched babies again and Hiccup stayed beside her standing now. Valsta was moving around in his arms and slowly opening her eyes. "Babe look! S–she opened her eyes for me." Hiccup said happily. "Hi beautiful girl..." Hiccup smiled wide. Hours passed before lunch time came and both girls were back in their cradle while Hiccup and Astrid went to eat lunch in the cafeteria downstairs.

"Hiccup that was...amazing. I can't believe the feeling that gave me to hold them and you getting Astalka to eat...its almost like us holding them let them know everything was okay...We'll have to bring the car seats up with us when we go back in. They are weighing Astalka, if she...hits 5lbs we can take them home. Both of them. Wouldn't that be a surprise for everyone?" Astrid asked as she took a sip of her water.

"It would but lets see what the doctor says first babe, okay?" Hiccup said gently to her, as exciting as it'd be he didn't want to get his hopes up until he knew for sure. Once finished eating they returned upstairs to see the nurse and doctor by the cradle where the twins were. The machines were off, wires put away and both girls were dressed in outfits. They hadn't been before, only in their diapers. Astalka was wearing a yellow shirt with black pants, and Valsta was wearing a pink shirt with white pants. The shirts both read that child's name.

"Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Haddock. Today you will both be taking home your girls with you." The doctor smiled at them now. Astrid burst in to tears as she wrapped her arms around Hiccup, he wrapped his arms around her. It was incredible emotional. "No tubes, no wires. Both of them are set to go." The doctor added. Astrid and Hiccup couldn't believe it, they'd get to bring their babies home today.