Through The Ups & Downs

Couple; Harrison X Briana

Rating; Mature

Disclaimer: I do not own HTTYD or any songs I might use! In addition, from this point in the story and in future chapters, I do not own the character Ella (Eira) Solveig. She belongs to a good friend, ShadowSpirit020.

39) Full of Surprises

{Normal POV}

[August 28, 2016-Haddock Household-7:20 pm]

No one knew what to say or do after Harrison left on Toothless with all his gear for war. Those among the group who were military knew for a fact that vests, guns, and helmets were issued upon arrival, so why did Harrison have his before he was even off Arc Isle? It was painfully obvious to them all that Harrison was going overseas again, but they didn't know where or for how long. Harrison knew he was going to Afghanistan, but couldn't tell them that. Mentioning it once at the hospital last month started a huge issue that Harrison didn't want to deal with again, so it was easier not to say anything more than what he had to them, which was basically nothing. What started out as a great night and celebration for Nate's cancer being in put in remission had turned into nothing but confusion and worry. Aaron and Glenn knew something, that much the group was sure of because their words at the hospital, stating specifically that Harrison was on top-secret operations. Another reason the group knew Aaron and Glenn knew what was going on was because they were the only two sitting around the fire who didn't panic or get confused. In truth, the two commanding officers just sat there with their eyes closed.

In addition to that, some in the group were assuming that Briana knew as well since she asked Harrison how long he'd be gone this time, but perhaps Briana just knew he was going on operations overseas and nothing more than that. It was hard to tell and the worst part about it; the group knew the Aaron, Briana, and Glenn weren't going to tell them anything at all.

"Alright, I have to ask it. Major Hagebak, why can't we know what's going on?" Chelsea blurted out in the silence that lasted a whole five minutes after Harrison left.

Aaron sighed and looked down. "It's international security, Miss. Boggs. There are very few who know what is going on and the orders come from over our heads. To be honest, we don't even know about this who situation. When it started, Harrison was in the US, Major General Wright only called Glenn and me to make sure it was all right that we let Harrison go. However now, it seems that the militaries are starting to work together and top leaders are issuing these, shall we say, mini-deployments,"

"Isn't this kind of stuff saved for…like specially trained soldiers?" Regina wondered.

"That's what Harrison is, he's been doing side training while deployed in Kuwait and also while over in the US, it why you didn't hear from him a lot and thought he was ignoring all of you," Glenn informed.

"So, what? He gets a call and rushes off?" Dexter asked.

"I'm afraid there is a lot more to it than that, Dexter. See, Harrison is a…how you put it, a special soldier. Do you remember that first day in-," Aaron began, but was cut off by Glenn instantly.

"Aaron, stop. You're telling them too much," Glenn warned.

"It's fine, Glenn. This Harrison's family and friends, I'm sure they can keep a secret," Aaron stated.

"It doesn't matter if they can or can't. You said it yourself, this is international security and marked as a level ten. Undisclosed operatives and locations aren't to be except for those who are approved. If anyone finds out, we're subject to imprisonment for up to twenty years. They can't know, Aaron, there's a lot riding on it. You know what we got warned about in the briefing, and I don't want to see that happened. So for his and our sakes, shut up," Glenn glared.

Aaron looked down, then took a breath before glancing the others who were hoping he'd keep going. "I'm sorry. I wish we could tell you, but it's just not allowed,"

"Just…" Viviana started, then paused to choose her words carefully. "Will you please just tell me if my son is going to be all right?"

"If we had that answer, we would give it to you, Mrs. Haddock. Unfortunately, we don't know until anything until he comes back. The only way to get those kinds of updates would be to contact either Fort Fury in Archian City and speak to Colonel Cody Dawson or Fort Benning in Georgia, you'll be waning to speak to Major General Ethan Wright," Aaron said lightly. "Come on, Glenn, we should leave," Glenn got up with Aaron and the two departed the back yard. Nate got into Harrison's truck and started folding down the speakers and screen. Trevor drove it out and put it back in its place, then gave the keys to Spencer.

"Briana," Nate said calmly as she looked at him. "Do you know anything about this?"

"Only what I've been told. I know that Harrison goes on these top-secret missions and that's…about it. I don't know where he goes or how long he's set to be there. I don't get that information until after he arrives and checks in," Briana shrugged. The group sighed. "I know it's not easy to accept, but please believe that Harrison is just playing his part to make the world a safe place for everyone. All us soldiers have a role to play, and…unfortunately, this one is Harrison's. I'm sure he'll be able to tell us more when things are more…secure,"

"I hope you're right," Nate replied. With not much else to do, the party ended. Everyone pictured in to help clean up, Emily's father came to get her and Luna after a quick explanation from Briana about the bonding process, Emily's father said he'd handle the paperwork and what not. The friends left, Briana went to Harrison's room and fell asleep in there. The rest of the night was quiet, everyone hoping Harrison would be okay and they would hear from him soon.

{Harrison's POV}

[12/24/2016-Georgia, USA-Grayson Home]

Dear Gods above, I HATED keeping secrets from my family and friends! Four long months in Baghdad, Iraq, but I was finally on US soil. I was cutting it so close to Snoggletog. However, I guess in the states, this holiday is called Christmas and today was Christmas Eve, celebrating the day before. It was interesting to say the least, still, I didn't care. All I wanted to do was touch down, grab a shower, call my family to let them know I was okay, then hold Briana until I knocked out and slept for what I hoped would be the entire night. This set of orders was worse than the ones in Afghanistan and I already told Wright I was gonna need some time off to adjust to being back and settle with things. The first time, when I was away for two months while Nate had the cancer, I thought that had been bad, but I was wrong. So, so wrong. Wright shocked me by telling me that right after the New Year started, I could go home to Berkville and station there, carrying our the orders given to me by Aaron, Glenn, or anyone else high than me.

I was thrilled about that, but, there was something I had to do first and that was see if Briana wanted to move with me so we wouldn't have to be long distance. If not, then I was happy living in the US so she didn't have to leave. With Toothless, it only took me about fourteen hours to get home, with breaks about seventeen. What was I worried for? I had my gift for Briana all ready to go, I grabbed it in Atlanta, Georgia and was just now arriving at Briana's parent's home. I wasn't telling anyone where I'd been this time, they knew I was on top-secret stuff so I might as well not make them freak out more by letting them know where I'd been for four months. Of course, what ticked me off upon checking in at Fort Benning was that I still could not tell anyone what was going on. It drove me nuts but I suppose I could understand.

Everything was tense with the situation, one wrong move could mess everything up so it was better to play it safe and follow all rules regarding the matter. I set Toothless down in Briana's backyard, then climbed off and moved to the door, knocking on it twice. Carter Grayson answered; I put a finger to my lips, as he understood I was trying to surprise Briana. Carter shook my hand with a smile and let me in, motioning that Briana was in her room. I quietly moved down the hallway and to her door, then knocked on that.

"Dinner time already?" I heard Briana say, and then some movement of her getting off the bed. The door opened and she saw me standing there in front of her. I watched Briana's violet eyes open wide as she brought a hand to her mouth in shock.

"Hello, Milady. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, but if you have an hour, I'd like to take you out for dinner?" I said with a gentle smile.

"Harrison?" Briana asked, I nodded to her with a grin now. Briana instantly threw herself at me in a fit of tears while she was overwhelmed with emotion. I caught her in my arms and held her tightly. "Oh God! Oh My God, you're back! Thank the heavens!" she exclaimed repeatedly.

"I am, just flew in about five minutes ago. Let me grab a shower and we can go grab dinner, just us?" I smiled.

"I'll get ready too then. Does…anyone else know you're back from…uh, wherever you were these past four months?" Briana asked.

"Gonna call them now and tell them I'm tired, then take that shower, we can go eat and after that, just sit back and relax," I told her. Briana nodded as she kissed me deeply and I returned it. Briana went into her room to change her clothes while I got my phone and powered it on, then called the landline to my parent's house.

"Hello, Haddock Residence. This is Viviana," greeted his mother.

"Hey, Mom. Guess who?" I asked. Silence a moment and then she squealed with delight, also, I think she was trying not to cry.

"Harrison!? Oh, Gods, is it you baby?!" Viviana sobbed.

"It's me," I smiled.

"Thank Odin. A-Are you on leave? Are you okay? Can we see you soon?" my mother fired off questions.

"Okay, slow down, Mom. Don't give yourself a heart attack. I'm alright, just exhausted. I'm not on leave and hopefully won't have to go back for a while. Lastly, I know it's going to suck, but you won't get to see me until after the New Year. I have to stay here for now, but after that passes, I'm stationing back on Arc Isle," I explained quickly.

"Oh, that blows we can't see you for Snoggletog, big brother. But really, you're living here again?" I heard Nate asked. So obviously, I was on speakerphone.

"Yep, just have to finish up some things here first. I miss you a lot, will you let everyone else know too? Unfortunately, I literally landed about five minutes ago. I'm tired at hell, after a shower and bite to eat, I'm going to bed but I will call you tomorrow, okay?" I said.

"We're so glad you're back, son. Can't wait to see you again, a big welcome home party we'll have! Rest up and we'll talk tomorrow," Spencer said happily.

"Thanks, Dad. Talk soon. Bye," I hung up after that and sighed out. Now, for that shower and then dinner with Briana, I couldn't wait.

[Snoggletog Morning; 9:30 am]

Dinner was amazing! Briana and I went to a quiet place to eat, and have some dessert. Around 6:45 pm, we returned to her house and hung out with everyone until 10 pm. After retiring for the night, I was in Briana's room with her, we made love as quietly as possible until 12:15 am, then finally went to sleep. Now, it's Snoggletog morning, well, Christmas morning as it's known here. I called my family at 6:00 am knowing they'd be awake and said I'd call again later. I watched as the Grayson's opened their gifts, though, everyone kept saying they felt bad I didn't get anything. I told them not to worry about it because being back was enough for me. Now, the fun part about this day for me was that Briana's father, Carter knew what Briana was getting from me. I asked him for his blessing to have Briana's hand in marriage, of course, he said yes. I then placed Alexander in charge of getting my parents on Skype so they could see it too, but had to be quiet so Briana wouldn't suspect anything.

Finally, the moment had come. Briana was relaxing on the couch as I sat between her legs on the floor while she played with my hair. Yes, it was coming in nicely, so was Nate's from what I could see this morning on Skype when I'd called them. It was time to ask Briana to marry me, I was nervous. At this marker in our relationship; Bri and I have only been together a year and four months on the 7th of December. I didn't feel like we were rushing it, we've already done everything else including share custody of little Stormsky, who would be a year old in three days. Exciting, right?

"Perfect Christmas," Briana sighed out.

"Yeah? You get everything you wanted, babe?" I asked her while looking up.

"Having you home for Christmas was all I asked for this year and I got that wish yesterday," Briana giggled.

"So, you didn't want anything else? Just me?" I asked while carefully reaching into my pocket to pull out a purple squared-shared box but keeping it hidden from sight.

"Mmhm," Briana nodded. I shifted and turned around to being on one knee, though, she couldn't see that because I had my elbows on either side of her legs with a smile.

"Well, if I'm all you want then how about I give you forever?" I said as I flipped my wrist and revealed the box to her, I opened it revealing a round brilliant count, three cut stone engagement ring in white gold as she gasped bringing a hand to her mouth in shock. I took her available hand in mine as I stared into her violet eyes. "I don't think I need a long speech to tell you what you mean to me, Bri. You are smart, funny, kind, caring, thoughtful, and beautiful. I want to spend the rest of my days with you by my side. So, with all that in mind, will you marry me, Milady?"

Briana leaned forward with tears in her eyes. "I will," she whispered then threw her arms around my neck and tackled me down, thank the Gods I had a good grip on the ring box. "I will! Yes, I will marry you, Harrison!" Briana cried out with joy as she kissed me. I sat us up and slid the ring on her finger and we kissed again. "When…did you have time to get this for me? Y-You only got home last night and you've been with us since," she asked now.

"Hey, I've told you before, I'm just full of surprises, babe," I remarked, referring to that day in the hospital when I told her I could just propose out of nowhere and she'd never knew it was coming. Briana giggled again as she kept her arms locked around my neck and kissed me; I returned it and held it longer. Now this was the best Snoggletog ever.