=Hiccup's POV=
[Saturday, 6/11/2022-12:15 pm]
[Isle of Berk; Raven Point Park-The Cove]

Every time I went to Berk; I knew I ran the risk of running into Astrid over the years. It never happened until today when Dagur, Eret, Thuggory, and me were sent home on two-week leave because I got hurt on a mission keeping them safe. Since Dagur and I didn't get our requested time, and then Thuggory and Eret were due for their requested times; we were all sent together. That and the guys were keeping an eye on me to make sure I didn't hurt myself more while recovering. I knew months ago that Alpha Company was stationing on Berk after this third tour ended in October. Mala, Dagur's wife of four years come December, said that she and Heather with the two kids would go to Berk early and start scoping out places to live for when Dagur and I came home. Of course, I already stated that I would live on my own or with Eret and Thuggory. Mala and Dagur with their twins and Heather deserved to have their own life; I felt I shouldn't be living with the Bazirk Family anymore; I had been since November 2014.

It's been a crazy, busy eight years. I've been on two tours, and finishing the third now. The first, Syria, was a year. June 2015 to June 2016. We stationed on Caldera Cay; that's how Dagur met Mala; they were incredibly fond of one another and started dating and Mala ended up pregnant after a very drunken night, so February 18, 2017; Dagny and Magne Bazirk were born. The second was Afghanistan in 2017, right after Dagur's twins were born and I'd turned twenty-one. We left in March 2017 for eighteen months, and returned November 2018. And this third one, in Iraq now, we left April 2021, and still had four months to go to October 2020 when it would be over; another grueling eighteen months. Mala and Dagur got married December 2018 because during his leave in the second tour; he asked Mala to marry him and she said yes. The guys and I were happy to be part of the wedding; it was planned while we were on tour and finalization took place as soon as we got home. I was Dagur's best man.

We stationed on the Swallow Lands for two years in January 2019 and stayed there until May 2020 when we transferred to Meathead until December 2020. After that it was Bog-Burglar where Thuggory met Camicazi Boggs; they hit it off great, but then this tour was announced in March 2021 for a month later in April. Cami and Thuggory still talk a lot, though, and I'm pretty sure they're gonna date soon now that we're stationed on Berk. Bog-Burglar is only two and a half hours away by car; far less if you take one of the island hopper planes. These were just seaplanes that travel short distances to other islands. Eret has had a couple dates, but no relationships; he feels it's hard to settle down with the army life. I told him I understood as I'd been in that same position.

As for me; I've been on countless dates since the end of the first tour when the guys begged me to just put myself back out there. Some were just dates, others turned into relationships, but nothing that lasted more than six months. The most recent, possible relationship, is Heather; Dagur's sister. I've always seen her like a little sister, but before the third tour; we started getting closer and found we have quite a bit in common. We've gone on some dates, shared more than a few kisses; both small and make-out level. I could say confidently that I developed a crush on, and liked her as more than a friend. However, there was hesitation in dating because I've lived with Heather and Dagur for a long time, and for the longest, at least up until the crush started; I've seen Heather as a sister. So I really didn't know how take a sibling-like relationship and turn it romantic. Honestly; it felt weird, so we said we were gonna talk when the third tour ended.

Also, now there is a new problem. I'm standing in front of Astrid Hofferson for the first time in eight years since the night I had stood before her asking for her hand in marriage. Sadly, seeing her again brought everything back as I'd feared it would. As I said before the first tour with four people as my witnesses; no matter what I did, where I went, or who I might be with-I'd always love Astrid. Truthfully; I'd always hoped to see her again. Maybe the reason I had such a hard time letting go is because we never truly said goodbye. Astrid ran to her room, and I left with my car; then two weeks later, left Berk for the mainland because I joined the army. Astrid and I didn't get any closure, so I wondered if it's because of how we left things. And here we are, finally face to face after eight years. I didn't know what I should do or say; I actually felt like I had at fourteen…Speechless around her, not knowing what to do in fear of messing up.

It took me all of freshman year to tell her how I felt, and ask her to be my girlfriend. I was scared she wouldn't feel the same, nervous she would say no…But relieved when that didn't happen. Happy when we got together. That's how I felt right now; scared and nervous. And I felt like Astrid was too, scared and nervous to be facing me after what happened. Well, living on Berk again; I think Astrid and I needed to make what happened water under the bridge. I didn't know what would become of us, but we should at least clear the air between us. Perhaps out in public like this wasn't the best way. My eyes hadn't left Astrid's; after all this time her presence alone was enough to make my heart beat fast.

. . .

=Normal POV=

"Hiccup…" Astrid whispered after what seemed like an eternity of silence. "Hi…"

"Hey, Astrid," Hiccup replied calmly. "You, uh, are you alright?" he asked, making sure she was steady to stand on her own.

"Y-Yeah…I'm fine…Missed my footing," Astrid turned her head a bit, tucking some of her loose hair behind her ear.

"Still falling for me, are ya?" Hiccup joked, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"Psh, yeah…Pretty sure it was the other way around, Hiccup," Astrid shrugged cockily.

"Oh, excuse me? How could I forget that you're always right," Hiccup rolled his eyes, but smiled.

"Better never forget it, Haddock," Astrid grinned, going to playfully punch his arm, but Hiccup stopped it. "Oh…Not gonna let me hit ya like always?"

"I would, but you tend to hit the right arm, and currently recovering from an injury," Hiccup informed softly.

"I guess I can let ya off the hook this time then, just this once," Astrid winked at him.

"Much appreciated, Milady," Hiccup said. "Bet it's been a while since you've been called that, huh?"

"You're the only one who ever has; it was your nickname for me. That or-," Astrid stared.

"Asty. Elementary school days; then Ast in middle school, and finally, Milady through high school while we dated," Hiccup nodded. "I haven't forgotten,"

"And you've always been Hic through all of them," Astrid laughed a little.

"Or Haddock when you're mad," Hiccup reminded. "Good to see somethings haven't changed…I know it's been a while,"

"Eight years," Astrid nodded, glancing down a bit. "You look good, still a twig. Love the hair; slightly tamed but still wild,"

"Yeah, and look at you…Keeping your hair down finally. Always thought you looked better with it down," Hiccup said as Astrid tried not to blush. "I'll never stop being skinny. But hey…You look good too, Astrid…" Hiccup responded. More silence. "It's…Really great to see you again."

"Same," Astrid stated. Continued silence.

"So, should we get on with the picnic?" Snotlout wondered.

"Uh…You guys go ahead. I gotta call Bludvist and let him know we've landed safely," Hiccup cleared his throat a little.

"Hic, come on…We just got back; this is supposed to be no work," Dagur informed.

"Maybe for you three, but I'm still the platoon leader and have work to do despite being on leave…" Hiccup reminded firmly.

"But son…You've only just gotten back…Can't we spend some time with you?" Stoick inquired. Hiccup glanced at Astrid from the corner of his eye. It still hurt him; it shouldn't, but it did. How easily they were able to talk like friends. Cracking the jokes like they used to. It was as if nothing changed, but Hiccup knew better.

"I suppose I can spare an hour or two," Hiccup sighed. "But I still gotta call in, and I could do with being out of this uniform," he remarked before walking off; then stopping and giving a whistle. "Come on, Toothless," the dog instantly got up and moved beside Hiccup, who rubbed his head, and the two kept walking. Astrid only watched him walk away; she sighed heavily as everyone else watching had noticed something; Hiccup and Astrid still deeply care for one another and it showed in high definition resolution. Perhaps there was a chance to fix them, if only they could get Hiccup and Astrid both past their stubbornness.

. . .

[1:15 pm]

Almost an hour later; the group of people were all sitting around after eating. Everyone had a drink and was talking to one another. Heather stayed beside Hiccup as Astrid felt she shouldn't interfere; it seemed like Hiccup and Heather had a thing for one another, signaling that Hiccup was over her and moved on with his life. It definitely showed with the fact he went through with joining the army. Hiccup, though, was deep in thought about things; he wanted to talk to Astrid, but it seemed that she was over him and moved on with her life. Neither of them thought that seeing one another after eight years would have such a powerful impact on the others; or such was their separate trains of thought. Hiccup's phone rang as he answered it, and then got up to move away from the group; Heather ended up leaving to use the bathroom.

"Talk to him, Astrid," Ruffnut stated out of the blue.

"Excuse me?" Astrid stared.

"Eight years ago, all you wanted was a chance to explain to Hiccup what happened…Why are you not jumping at the chance to tell him?" Snotlout remarked.

"Because it's been eight years," Astrid mumbled.

"So what; you can still tell him the truth," Tuffnut stated.

"They are right, dear…" Valka chimed in.

"I don't want to kick all that back up again and risk losing the chance at being his friend again…" Astrid looked off to the side.

"But why settle when it's clear you still love him? You've gone on so many dates, had a few relationships and none it stuck because your heart belongs to Hiccup," Fishlegs reminded. Astrid didn't say anything.

"Why settle for friendship when there's a chance you can get him back as-," Adelaide tried.

"He's moved on with his life, and apparently love life…" Astrid said under her breath.

"I'd…Just like to go on record here and speak up about that," Dagur said as Astrid looked at him. "Hiccup and Heather aren't dating,"

"But…They kissed earlier," Astrid pointed out.

"But they aren't together in a relationship, Astrid," Thuggory stated again.

"He still must have a thing for her," Astrid informed.

"They won't date, Astrid," Dagur mentioned firmly, but in a calm tone. Astrid sighed. "Look, Astrid; we've known Hiccup since 2014, alright? Thug, Eret, and me met him on the mainland when we were all going to Reception Week for the army, which is like pre-basic training," Dagur remarked. "Heather and Hiccup met on Family Day at the end of Basic Training, and became friends. But after all training was said and done, and we finally got out stationing orders; it was on Berserker Island. Hiccup has been living with Heather and I since November 2014,"

"Not seeing your point," Astrid replied.

"Their relationship has always been one for siblings, Astrid. Hiccup is practically my brother. And up until right before this third tour was announced; the two of them started getting closer because every other date or relationship that Hiccup has been on since you, has failed," Eret mentioned. Astrid's eyes widened a bit.

"Heather and Hiccup may have little crushes or whatever on each other, but Hiccup's doing the same thing with her that he's done with plenty of other women; he's hesitating because of you," Thuggory remarked.

"Why me? I haven't seen in him in eight years," Astrid huffed.

Heather walked up behind Astrid now and crouched behind her. "Because he still loves you after all this time," Astrid jumped a bit, looking over at a smiling Heather. "Astrid, there's something you should know about Hiccup, okay? He's never stopped loving you. He never moved on. And he never stops thinking about you," Heather informed as Astrid's eyes widened a little. "But he's scared to let you in because you, unfortunately, hurt him and that sticks because he was left with nothing as to why,"

Astrid looked down some. "I never meant to hurt him. And I never meant to say no; I just…Scared myself, panicked, and ran away. By the time I realized what I'd done; he was gone…"

Heather put her hand on Astrid's with a soft smile as Astrid looked back at her. "Then you need to tell him all this, not us,"

"It…Doesn't matter. He obviously wants to be with you," Astrid sighed. "Just let it go…He didn't want to know years ago when he was told it was a misunderstanding. He told his parents he just wanted to put it behind him and move on. There's no point trying to explain now,"

"Astrid, you still need to tell him, alright? You keep saying you want to clear the air, make it all water under the bridge. Ain't gonna happen if you don't grow a pair and talk to him!" Snotlout groaned. "Gods, you two had no trouble communicating when you were together!" Astrid mumbled, but sadly, knew Snotlout was right. They were all right. Astrid needed to talk to Hiccup and get everything off her chest. There was no telling what would happen after they talked, but they needed to. The question was when was the best time? Astrid didn't know where Hiccup was living right now, and there was still the thing with him and Heather. Astrid knew she shouldn't worry about it; if she'd lost Hiccup for good, it was her fault. But maybe if she told Hiccup about freaking out and panicking; he'd understand that she just got a bit scared and reacted badly.

"Talk to him, dear," Valka encouraged lightly, setting her hand on Astrid's hand.

"He's coming back over," Ruffnut informed. Hiccup returned and joined them once more, smiling as he took his seat.

"Sorry about that," Hiccup apologized.

"It's alright, son. I understand the feeling of always getting calls," Stoick laughed a bit.

"Who was it?" Heather smiled.

"The boss," Hiccup replied.

"Captain Bludvist?" Dagur arched a brow.

"Yeah, he was returning my call about landing safely and said to enjoy our leave," Hiccup stated lightly.

"I feel like you're not telling us everything," Eret mentioned.

"Your mood has shifted; that wasn't a good call, was it?" Thuggory wondered.

"It's…Nothing that can be discussed in mixed company," Hiccup informed.

"Ah…Has to do with work then," the three other soldiers nodded, understanding.

"But still…You look miserable all of a sudden…" Dagur pointed out again.

Hiccup sighed. "I just got unofficially promoted to Dragon Platoon leader at the rank of Second Lieutenant," he said softly.

"Dude, that's officer ranks! That's awesome!" Eret exclaimed.

"Yeah, congrats, Hic," Thuggory smiled. Hiccup didn't look excited happy. Dagur put his hand up to them and they silenced.

"So why aren't you happy about it?" Dagur pushed.

"Grimborn has just been confirmed KIA, not Viggo, but Ryker. So Viggo is taking over Viking…And I'm officially in charge of Dragon," Hiccup said with head down.

"I take it you can't tell us with civilians around the details surrounding the death, can you?" Dagur asked. Hiccup shook his head. "What the hell, man…" he sighed.

"This makes…" Thuggory started.

"I know how many this makes it, and I really rather not hear the number aloud if it's all the same to you, Meatsen…" Hiccup muttered.

"Everything will be okay," Heather offered, putting her hand on Hiccup's hand; he didn't seem to respond much to it as Astrid felt a twinge of jealousy go through her. She always used to be the one who comforted Hiccup when he was down. Well, who the hell said she still couldn't? Just because they were broken up didn't mean she couldn't be there for him.

Astrid moved a bit, as she was somewhat near him already. Astrid put her hand on Hiccup's shoulder as he whipped his head up to look at her, as if he recognized her touch. "I know it's hard to lose the people you care about, Hiccup, but just remember that those who no longer walk beside us in the land of the living, fly beside us as guardian angels from Valhalla. They'll always be with you, even if you can't see or hear them anymore," she said gently and sympathetically.

"Copying what I've told you in an attempt to cheer me up?" Hiccup glanced down a bit "I told you that years ago when your uncle passed away overseas…"

"Cheered me up when you said it to me; guess I'm just…Returning the comfort you gave me as it's related to the same thing; losing people in war…" Astrid stated.

"It's kind of working," Hiccup gave a half smile to her. "Yeah, it's helping a bit…" Hiccup admitted. "Thanks, Ast," he used her old nickname jokingly.

"Any time, Hic," Astrid winked. The two of them laughed a bit.

Heather frowned a bit that Hiccup responded to his ex's comfort over hers. Dagur eyed her strongly, shaking his head and mouthing the word; stop. Heather got the hint loud and clear too. Hiccup still loved and cared for Astrid as he had said years ago he always would no matter what. And Dagur had told Heather previously when she and Hiccup started getting a bit closer than friend or siblings, not to be surprised if Hiccup and she ended up the same way all the others had. Hiccup hadn't been able to move on in his love life; the dates and relationships all failed because of his very strong feelings for Astrid through the years even after they'd broken up. Heather kind of had a feeling the minute she was introduced to Astrid that things with Hiccup and her wouldn't work anyway. Living on Berk, it was inevitable that Hiccup and Astrid would see one another again. And Heather realized that she didn't help her own case any by encouraging Astrid to talk to Hiccup about eight years ago. Heather understood that she might have inadvertently opened the door for them to make up and get back together. Big if, but still possible. At the same time; it seemed Hiccup and Astrid were able to still talk, smile, laugh, and offer comfort all on their own because it came naturally to them being old friends and lovers who still had deep feelings for one another so many years later.

Now, the question on everyone's mind was what would happen next and would there be a Hiccup and Astrid again in the near future.