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

Matters Into My Hands

=Hiccup's POV=
[Friday, 7/8/2018-4 pm]
[Dragor, Denmark; Hiccup's House]

Today marks 3 months that I've been with Vera in a relationship, and I love it. Vera is understanding, kind, caring, helpful, and loving. I'm sure I could think of a bunch of other words too, but Vera is simply amazing, and I love her. Truly love her. I never felt this way for anyone, not even Olivia. Yes, I loved my ex-wife, and the 4 years we had together. But thanks to Henrik; I realized that that was just it. I only loved Olivia; I wasn't in love with her as I am with Vera. And Vera isn't just amazing to me; she's great with Emma too. I learned back on June 16th, Britta's graduation party; that Vera took care of Emma's 12:30-1 am feeding since I had knocked out and didn't hear when Emma woke up. And the fact that Vera had offered to babysit Emma when Henrik and Mari hadn't answered me the morning before the party, and I needed to go to the meeting; it's just unbelievable how wonderful Vera is as a girlfriend.

I felt like I couldn't lose Vera. To me; she's truly one of a kind, and I'll never find anyone like her anywhere in the world. Now, I know that if I were following Viking traditions; Vera and I would likely already be engaged and preparing for marriage. Honestly, I'm at a point where I don't care if that happens; I wouldn't even fight. Vera has entirely healed my heart from what Olivia did-God rest that woman's soul, and I feel ready to move forward completely with Vera into the future. No matter what that entails; having sex, marriage, another baby. I feel ready to do it all. I'm happy to take my time with it too, but I think tonight; I'm going to make love to Vera. I know she's ready and can feel that I am too.

Today; I'm throwing a big Summertime bash. I know Summer started in June, but things have been so crazy that I put the celebration off for a few extra weeks. The start of June is when I did that mission; then there was Britta's graduation and party. Oh, and Katja had her baby! Yes, little Rowan Hiccup Oliversen has been born. June 25th, 2018 at 10:35 pm; I babysat Dagny from the time Brynjar dropped her off and said Katja was on her way to the hospital because her water broke; that was around 3 in the afternoon. Brynjar also came to pick up Viggo so he could be part of things with Brenden, Kelda, and Katja. I did love Viggo had good relationships with Brynjar and Katja despite how the information was revealed, and Viggo missed so many years with both of them. Hell, I even think Kelda might give Viggo a second chance with her.

I'm on my way home now from drill; Askel let me leave early with Brynjar, Colden, Ander, Jolgeir, Eirik, Davyn, Oivind, and Sigvard that way I can get the bash ready. And the only hitch was that I had to invite Askel to the party since he's never been and heard it's a riot. Plus, Askel might be the Major General in the Army, but he's a good friend too. I've known Askel since I arrived in Denmark at 14 years old; he and Henrik were the first 2 people I really got to know and came to trust fully, they helped me out a lot. Emma was at home with Vera and the others; I could trust them to watch her.

"Hic, you want us to hang at the house and help you clean until 4 pm?" Sigvard asked. 4:30 pm is when I told everyone to come over.

"If you want to," I replied. I had the Kongur brothers, Brynjar, Strike Unit, and Askel following me from Kastellet Base. "It won't take me very long,"

"Alrighty," Oivind smiled. All my friends had dragons except Colden, Oivind, and Askel. Ander has a Titanwing Thunderdrum, male, and his name is Boomglider. Davyn has a male Monstrous Nightmare named Ashspark. Jolgeir and Sigvard have Gronckles. Sigvard's is called Stomper, and Jolgeir uses the name, Rocky. Eirik has Solarflare, a male Deadly Nadder. Oh, Katja, Kelda, and Brenden have dragons too. Katja has a female Razorwhip named Silverthorn. Kelda has a female Nightmare called Skyfire. And Brenden has a Titanwing Nightmare, who is Skyfire's mate, called Redblaze. Eira has a male Skrill, Stormbringer. Frode has a Female Snow Wraith, Whiteout. So right now, my friends who did have dragons were carrying those who didn't so we could get back faster.

Reaching home, Toothless dove down and landed in the backyard. The rest did the same as I got off my Night Fury and opened the garage door. Toothless hurried in to greet his mate as I got met by the others.

"Welcome home!" the 20 of them shouted. Thank the Gods that Emma's room is soundproof; I finally finished it. I moved all my art things into my bedroom and kept it much more organized.

"Hi everyone," I smiled. Instantly, I noticed that Emma was crying in her room; I could hear it from the baby monitor. I checked my watch now; it was only 4:05 pm. "Why is Em awake right now?"

"It's been on and off since 3 pm when Vera put her down at 2:45," Heather said.

"I've tried re-burping her, changing, rocking; she just won't stay asleep, babe," Vera frowned. "And I know you don't want us just holding her so she'll sleep," I dropped my bag from the weekend drill onto the floor before going into the nursery. I lifted Emma into my arms and laid her against my chest, bouncing her a little and patting her back.

"Ssh now…Daddy's here," I soothed. The crying began to lessen over a few minutes while I hummed a soft tune to her. When the crying ceased, and I saw Emma yawn; I got her pacifier back in place; then Emma began to slowly drift to sleep. By 4:15 pm; I laid her back down in her crib after kissing her forehead. I smiled. "Sweet dreams, my princess," I whispered and then slowly backed out of the room and closed the door. I waited another 10 minutes, and Emma remained fast asleep as I smiled.

"We did the same things…How come it worked for you?" Alvin asked.

"Sometimes kids just need their parents," I shrugged while moving into my bedroom to change out of my uniform; the returned wearing brown sweatpants, a red short-sleeve, and no socks. I instantly started grabbing things to clean with. I guess I didn't have time to do everything I had wanted, but I could do a decent amount. I took care of the kitchen and living room; then went outside to handle all that.

"You know, we could have helped," Askel said.

"My house; my job to clean, not guests," I stated while beginning to bring out appetizer snacks and unwrap them. By this point, others began to arrive. It was Katja, Brenden, Kelda, Dagny, and Rowan in Katja's arms first. Following them was Eira, Frode, and Frieda. Last to arrive were Henrik, Mari, Britta, Lilly, Lukas, and Hagen. "Well, let's get outside and enjoy the-," I stopped upon looking outside and seeing a flash of lightning; then a booming roll of thunder. "day…" I finished.

"Well, there goes that…" Vera frowned.

"It just means we party inside," Brynjar stated. "Well, if Hiccup still wants to?"

"I don't have a big house for nothing," I chuckle while setting the music to start playing. "I don't mind," I continued laying food out on the dining room table and upper counter space. "Kat, if you wanna put Rowan in the nursery, you can. It's soundproof," I stated. "Or the weight room; that's soundproof too,"

"Thanks, Hiccup," Katja smiled while heading for the weight room.

"I'll help you, Katja," Viggo offered, which only made Kelda smile broadly to see Viggo stepping up and acting like a father ever since the truth came out in December.

"Thanks, dad," Katja replied. Brynjar and Katja both seemed to accept Viggo as their father, and wanted him in their lives. I was glad Viggo was happy; it wasn't every day you learned you had 2 kids, missed over 20 years with both, and had to earn your right to be in their lives. Viggo loved being a grandfather to Rowan and Dagny too; Viggo did great with both of them, and on top of all that; he was getting closer to Kelda. I had no idea what would happen when the Vikings returned to the Archipelago, but I guess that wasn't my problem to worry about.

For me; I'd be visiting to see Vera, Halvor, Valda, and Gobber. I was still reserved about the others; part of me was saying that they were only acting so cool and accepting because they were literally on my time and turf. How was I to know that if I went back; things wouldn't be exactly as they were in which caused me to leave 8 years ago? I knew if I chose to return to the Archipelago; my father, Stoick, would try to push me to become Chief of the Hairy Hooligan Tribe. Valda and Haldor were only 5, going on 6 in January 2019; they weren't of age to take over yet, still 10 years off in fact. Not even, much farther away. The earliest an Heir could take over was 16 in the event of the current Chief passing.

For an Heir just stepping into the position; I believe they had to be 18. Most Heirs or Heiresses have to train for two years, but it could be one if they did really well. So by 19 or 20, an Heir would take over, sometimes 21. It really all depends on the Tribe; everyone is different. I wasn't sure what would happen if I returned to Berk; I'm certain Stoick would want me to become Chief as soon as possible. I wanted to be close to Vera since we're dating, but Gods, there was so much happening right now. If I returned to the Archipelago and accepted my birthright as the firstborn Heir; I would have to get married, and provide and Heir myself. And while all that didn't seem like the worst thing that could happen; there was the threat of an impending war looming. On top of that; I have a duty to Denmark being one of its soldiers.

There was a lot of thought that went into a decision like this, and I said I'd never return to the Archipelago. Obviously, that didn't last as all this happened back in November. At the same time; I never expected for any of the things that have taken place to occur. And I certainly never planned to fall in love with Vera.; I never thought I'd be divorced, and a single father to a child that isn't biologically mine, but is my now deceased ex-wife's and her imprisoned lover whom she cheated on me with. I never thought I'd end up in the Archipelago where I learned I had two half-siblings, Valda and Halvor. I never figured that everyone would miss me. When I left Berk 8 years ago; I said it would be forever, but it seems that destiny or fate has another plan. So despite the fact today is supposed to be happy and fun; I'm stuck with the weighing thought of actually considering to go back to the Archipelago.

I've tried to put it behind me, and not worry because once we handled this war thing; it would go back to how it was. The sad part is that I know it will never return to what it once was before November. Olivia was still cheating on me from May 2017 to November 2017 when I filed for divorce; the Vikings had nothing to do with that one. And fell in love with Vera, and bonded with my younger half-brother and sister. I never intended on it, but it happened. So what now? I'm left to actually consider going back. I'm a Viking; different than the rest, but I'm still a Viking. I tried to start a new life and leave my past behind me, but it caught up, and it's actively in my life again. No matter what I do from this point on; the Archipelago is part of who I am. My life will always be tied to it in one way or another. Vera is the one who made me see things clearly and understand all that.

I didn't know what to do, but I know that this is a big decision and I needed to think about everything carefully. Unfortunately, with everything going on right now; I didn't have time to just give much thought to the idea of staying in Denmark and visiting the islands…Or straight up moving back. This was honestly beginning to stress me out, and I was frustrated that deciding between two things was this difficult. And by far; this is one of the hardest choices I've ever had to make.

"You okay?" I heard a voice ask me; it pulled me from my thoughts as I found it the person beside me to be my girlfriend of 3 months.

"Yeah, I'm okay, babe," I replied.

"Seem kind of dazed for the last 10 or so minutes," Vera giggled a little.

"Been a long weekend with drill and stuff," I smiled.

"Well, maybe an early night for you then?" Vera suggested.

"Only if you join me," I chuckled. "It is our anniversary, Milady. I enjoy sleeping next to you,"

"Well, I think I can do that. You're comfortable to sleep on," Vera blushed some. "And I enjoy the quiet time we get," she added.

"As do I," I responded.

"Well, as long as you're okay; then so am I," Vera leaned up and kissed me softly; I returned it. "I'm gonna go socialize with everyone. Don't stay over here by yourself too long; people will start harassing you and asking if you're okay," she said afterward and headed with join the rest of the guests. I continued working on getting food out, then the drinks.

"Son, can we help at all?" Stoick wondered.

"You're doing all the work," Gobber added.

"I don't mind. Go enjoy the Summer celebration; I got it," I informed while getting a knife and the things I needed to start working on a side dish that didn't take long to make. I started cutting the foods up while glancing over to see everyone having a good time. My mind was still a million miles away while thinking about the choice I had to make when all this was over.

"Oh, Hiccup…I almost forgot to tell you," Askel stated.

"Hm?" I continued cutting the food.

"HQ made their decision on the next move," Askel stated. I didn't look up.

"I thought it was discussed at the last meeting to leave things alone until we collected more information," I reminded. "I stated a few times now that no further moves can be made against this threat until we have more data on the target, weapons, and location," I continued working on the prep for the side dish.

"Hiccup, listen for a second. I know what you said, and HQ agrees. But we still have to deploy troops into the Archipelago to fight this enemy," Colden interjected.

"Maybe you didn't hear me at the meeting," I glanced up now, glaring. "Allow me to reiterate; this is not just part of Denmark to me. The Archipelago is my home; I'm not just fighting to stop a war in the world…I'm trying to save my home, my people," I stared coldly. I heard the Vikings gasp a little at what I said. "And I told you that jumping into this without knowing where you'll land is dangerous for the soldiers and the civilians involved as this is my home you're messing with. You will not endanger my Tribe or the other ones. Have I made myself clear, Major General?"

"Yes, Lieutenant; you have. But you have to know the risks that come with these types of situations…You're just one soldier, Hiccup…" Colden began.

"You can't save everyone in this war," Askel finished for Colden.

"Maybe I can't save everyone, but I can sure as hell try. And I can start by making sure you don't needlessly put the residents of the Archipelago in danger with your unrealistic, half-assed, lack of information plans," I scoffed.

"Lieutenant, you are out of line. You don't make the decisions on these-," Askel began.

"Do not forget that I'm not just a soldier of Denmark; I'm also a firstborn Viking Heir to the Hairy Hooligan Tribe of Berk. But despite my birthright status to the one Tribe…I will fight with everything I have to protect all of them and defend my home," I reminded firmly. "Even if it has to be against all of you…" everyone gasped.

"Hiccup! You don't really mean that!" Ander said quickly.

"Sorry, Ander, but I meant every word. You brother, Askel, and HQ are coming up with dangerous ideas on how to defeat an enemy they know nothing about. And as I've said before; that's how innocent people get killed. I'm not going to stand here and support their plans when I know what the outcome will be. So if they won't stand beside me when I'm telling them they don't stand a chance; then they can fight against me," I remarked sternly. "But I'm not letting them carry out their operations while we're left in the dark and entirely unprepared for the outcome of a haphazard plan to attack first,"

There was silence. "The decision belongs to headquarters to make, Major General; I know I have no say in what the military decided to do involving war-related situations, and I know that a battle may be inevitable. If it becomes one; I will fight as I have in the other wars. However, I asked once, and I'll ask again; consider all options, and make sure you're fully aware of the target, location, and weaponry before you make a choice. But understand that if you jump in and try to risk my people needlessly…You will have to deal with me. And I don't mean that as in a; pull me into your office to scold me type deal. You will have to fight and kill me to move forward in your plans."

In this, Toothless and Lightheart were on either side of me, growling lowly in warning. From outside; the other dragons who belonged to my friends could be seen through the windows, staring and growling as well.

"Silverthorn, stop it," Katja said to her Razorwhip.

"Rocky, enough," Jolgeir commanded his Gronckle.

"Skyfire. Redblaze, stand down," Brenden ordered his and his sister's Nightmares.

Eirik, Davyn, and Sigvard attempted to use hand signals, but their dragons, Solarflare, Ashspark, and Stomper wouldn't listen.

"Whiteout, down," Frode tried with his Snow Wraith.

"Firewing?" Henrik stared as his Nightmare.

"Boomglider, go lay down," Ander demanded to his Thunderdrum.

"Moodscale?" Vera asked in surprise seeing her Hobblegrunt.

The dragons weren't listening to orders from their trainers/riders as everyone stared at me now. I snapped my fingers as Toothless, and Lightheart stopped. I gave my hand outward motions as the other dragons backed off. "As you can see…Despite bonding and training; the dragons will listen to their Alpha. If Toothless tells them to do something; a human command means nothing. If I fight, Toothless and Lightheart will stand with me, and so will the dragons. Understand that is what you're up against if you needlessly endanger my home," I informed. "The dragons understand what it means to protect your home and family, why can't you do the same? This will be last time I say this to you…The next time this discussion comes up; I'm not saying anything, and I will act accordingly by taking matters into my own hands," I warned.