=Astrid's POV=
[Saturday, 8/27/2022-10:00 am]
[Isle of Berk; Dreki Café]

A few weeks have gone by since Hiccup's surprise homecoming. I loved that the tour was over two months ahead of schedule, and that Hiccup got to come home three weeks earlier than everyone else because his commanding officer, Captain Drago Bludvist, wanted to make up for cutting Hiccup's two-week leave short back in June. I was also ridiculously happy that Hiccup's living situation was decided based on him wanting to stay stationed on Berk; now, he wouldn't bounce around to the different islands. Hiccup's Company is all on Berk now; Eret, Thuggory, and Dagur are back too obviously. We all went to the airport to greet them on Monday, the 22nd. Everything is going really well for everyone; I'm glad to know that. Hiccup was still staying at the Bazirk Residence until his whole house thing was settled. I guess there was a lot that went into it according to Hiccup. There was paperwork, him saying what he wanted or needed, and then them finding that a place to match; then there was all the financial side of it. Either way; Hiccup didn't seem to mind waiting.

Right now, Hiccup and I decided to grab breakfast together since I didn't have work and he didn't have his drill training until next weekend. I know it was on the first weekend of every month, Friday morning to Sunday night. I loved these weekly dates we went on; it felt great to be with Hiccup again. I was so happy to be his girlfriend again. Everything about this felt right, unlike all the other dates and failed relationships that apparently Hiccup and I both went through before making it to where we are now, rather, were back in June. I love that we originally got together June 15th back in freshman year 2011, broke up on June 15th, 2014, and got back together June 17th, 2022. I found it hilarious, and so did Hiccup when we talked about it. As I said, right now; we're just enjoying breakfast and then possibly taking a walk through the park.

"How's your breakfast?" Hiccup asked me.

"It's great," I replied. "How about yours?" I smiled.

"Much better than what I had overseas," Hiccup chuckled a bit.

"I bet," I smiled, taking another bite of my eggs. "How are the boys doing with being home? Heather says Mala mentioned Dagur is having trouble sleeping at night,"

"It's just the readjustment to be out of war. I had trouble sleeping too, still do occasionally. It's because we're so used to being on high alert for attack; think of it as auto-tuning in for anything that seems not right," Hiccup explained.

"Sounds awful," I frowned.

"Hey, it's alright. Don't upset yourself with what we go through, babe. It's part of our job, and we all knew that when we signed up," Hiccup informed, setting his hand on mine. I smiled at him, nodding, but inside I still felt bad.

"What's it like?" I decided to ask.

"What? Not being able to sleep? Being on high alert? Gonna need you to be more specific," Hiccup stated.

"Having PTSD," I clarified.

"Well…It's official name is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," Hiccup started. "It's hard to explain because it varies depending on the person," he mentioned.

"I'll be more direct; what's it like for soldiers? For you?" I wondered.

"I feel compelled to ask why you want to know?" Hiccup inquired.

"I guess…I just want to know what you're going through, so I can understand and be here for you…Help if possible," I admitted.

"I'll accept that answer," Hiccup nodded. "All soldiers, especially after war, have a form of PTSD. Well, form is the wrong word; it's more of a level. Some are slight or minor cases, and then there are some which are much more severe,"

"You mentioned yours was a minor?" I asked.

"Minor, yes," Hiccup replied. "That is determined based on the things I report in evaluations. The biggest thing those exams are for are to make sure that a soldier can readjust and live normally in civilian life. And I know that look; you're wondering the difference between civilian and soldier life?" I nodded to him. "Well…Civilian life is…This, what we're doing right now. Just out, having a good time; laid back, relaxed. Soldier life," Hiccup shook his head. "There is moments of rest; we could enjoy a meal, laugh, have a decent time, but always ready to go into a fight. You gotta be able to switch in the blink of an eye while at war,"

"So the evaluations are to make sure that you're…Not bringing the war mindset home with you?" I questioned.

"Yes, but…Obviously; that's hard to do. Fighting in a war so long, it's hard to come back to this and not be on edge all the time. It takes some time to get out of the war mind, realize we're safe and can fully relax without worry. Now, most soldiers can take some time and reach that point. But then there are others who can't; that's where the post traumatic stress title comes in," Hiccup stated softly.

"The more trauma you endure; the harder it is to cope," I said.

"Exactly," Hiccup nodded. "Like I said; we all have level of PTSD, Ast. I look totally fine, but at any time; I can get triggered-," he stopped. "But hey, this isn't a conversation for a date. Come on, cheer up, babe. I'm alright, and if the day comes where that status changes; I'll let you know,"

I nodded and smiled. "Okay. Sorry, just wanted to understand more,"

"I get it," Hiccup stated. "Let's just enjoy breakfast," he reminded. It did worry me to know that Hiccup had PTSD of any form; I wanted to know more so I could help him if he went through any of that stuff. I suppose I felt a bit better knowing he said he had it under control, and if that changed; he'd let me know. We both started eating again until Hiccup stopped to get his phone and check the ID. "I gotta take this one," he mumbled.

"Work?" I asked as he nodded. "Well, go on then. I'll be here," Hiccup got up, kissing my cheek before stepping off into the bathroom to take the call. I chuckled a bit and kept eating until Hiccup returned a few moments later. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah, just discussing a couple things regarding the memorial service coming up; it's happening in September. The final date it still being decided, but I get informed because I have to tell my platoon. These calls are just Bludvist calling Viggo, Krogan, Johann, and me for updates, and then we pass them along to our respected groups," Hiccup informed.

"Ah, so big ass phone tree?" I giggled.

"Bingo," Hiccup responded. "Oh, one other thing though. I guess they found a house that might match my criteria; I know we have that welcome home party at my parents' house, but…I set the showing for tomorrow at 11 am, would you like to join me for it?" Hiccup inquired.

"I'd love to," I replied to him.

"It's a date then," Hiccup held my hand, leaning forward a bit to kiss the back of it. I blushed before he let go and we both got back to eating and chatting about random things. I couldn't wait for later; it was gonna be a big welcome home for Dagur, Eret, Thuggory, and Hiccup; even though he's been home for a little under a month now. We all thought it'd be nice to throw a party for them.

. . .

=Normal POV=
[4:30 pm]
[Haddock Residence]

"Welcome home, boys!" the group cheered and laughed as Eret, Thuggory, Hiccup, and Dagur walked through the back gate to the Haddock Household.

"I'd like to point out I was home weeks ago," Hiccup stated.

"Oh, shush!" Astrid giggled as she hugged and kissed Hiccup. "Love you,"

"I love you too," Hiccup replied gently before greeting everyone else. The party was nice and all, but he honestly just wanted some time with Astrid; he couldn't believe they'd been back together nearly three months now. To him, it felt like they never broke up with how well it was going. Of course, the truth was that they did break up for eight years and managed to just get right back to what they had despite the time in between. Hiccup and Astrid loved that about them in particular.

Everyone was still doing greetings with one another and grabbing drinks to enjoy when Hiccup was mildly surprised to see Astrid's parents; Calder and Asvora Hofferson among the group and making their way towards him and Astrid. "Good to see you again, dear," Asvora said lightly, giving Hiccup a hug.

"You as well, Mrs. Hofferson," Hiccup replied respectfully as Asvora stepped back and then Hiccup and Calder shook hands.

"Welcome home, Hiccup, and thank you for your service," Calder stated.

"Thank you for your support, sir," Hiccup responded.

"We're so happy to see that you and Astrid worked things out and are back together," Asvora smiled.

"I know we may have had our differences, but I can see now how happy you make our daughter. And especially after meeting some of the people she was with after you…You are definitely the one I want to her with," Calder informed. Astrid wanted to facepalm as Hiccup wondered now himself what kind of dates Astrid ended up having after they broke up; it didn't sound like anything promising for her father to admit fully he wanted Astrid with Hiccup. "Once you two work your way back up to getting married; I'll give it to you now, Hiccup…You have my blessing to ask,"

Hiccup cleared his throat a bit. "I, uh, thank you, Mr. Hofferson,"

"I know I could ask for no better man for my daughter to be with. You have mine as well. Now, Astrid, best not lose him again, sweetheart," Asvora chuckled.

"Mom, I had no intention of doing so," Astrid mumbled. "We're probably…A long ways off from that," she added. "We've only been together about three months…" Hiccup pulled Astrid closer against him and kissed her temple as she blushed a bit. Asvora and Calder smiled, nodding, and headed off to mingle as Astrid sighed heavily. "I am so sorry,"

"Don't worry about it, babe. I'm kind of glad it happened," Hiccup chuckled a bit.

"You are?" Astrid arched a brow.

"Yeah, your parents finally accept me. I guess it took you dating a few not-so-great people to bring it on, but hey; I'll take the win," Hiccup laughed a bit as Astrid mumbled under her breath. "And I'm happy to have their blessing because not gonna lie; I never asked for the first time I proposed to you and I felt bad about it," he added.

"Don't because they probably would have said no back then, and knowing you; you'd do it anyway," Astrid smiled a bit. "There'd be tension between you and my dad forever,"

"See, it worked out then," Hiccup stated. "Come on, let's go enjoy the party," he walked with her over to everyone else.

. . .

[6:30 pm]

Two hours in, and everyone was having a great time. The dinner was burgers and hot dogs with chips and a variety of other little dishes. Everyone was now sitting around the fire, talking with a drink in hand and having fun. The talks were mostly of some better moments over the last eight years while deployed; the boys might have fought in war, but they made sure that it wasn't all work. Turns out that Camicazi made an appearance at the party, wanting to welcome Thuggory home. There was music going in the background, so it was just a very relaxed, fun setting. Thuggory, Eret, Dagur, and Hiccup all appreciated the peacefulness above all else.

"Hey…It's our theme song playing," Eret chuckled.

"Oh, yeah…" Dagur nodded.

"So it is," Thuggory stated. Suddenly, all three of them looked at Hiccup.

"What?" Hiccup asked. The three soldiers gave him a grin. "Oh, my Gods…Fine," he sighed out. "It's time to strap our boots on; this is the perfect day to day. Wipe the blood out of our eyes. In this life, there's no surrender. And there's nothing left for us do; find the strength to see this through…We are the ones who will never be broken. With our final breath; we'll fight to the death. We are soldiers," Hiccup started singing. The rest of the group quieted down, rather curious.

"We are soldiers," Eret, Thuggory, and Dagur sang.

"Woah. Woah. Whoa….Whoa. We are soldiers!" all four of them sang out together as the music picked up and they smiled.

"I stand here right beside you. Tonight we're fighting for our lives! Let me hear your battle cry. Your battle cry!" Hiccup yelled out.

"We are the ones who will never be broken. With our final breath; we'll fight to the death," Eret sang.

"We are soldiers. We are soldiers," Hiccup, Dagur, and Thuggory continued.

"We are the ones who will not go unspoken. No, we will not sleep; we are not sheep. We are soldiers. We are soldiers, yeah!" the four sang together.

Hiccup put his hand out. "We stand shoulder to shoulder,"

Dagur connected his to Hiccup's with a grin. "We stand shoulder to shoulder,"

Eret and Thuggory connected their hands. "We stand shoulder to shoulder,"

"You can't erase us; you'll just have to face us," the four sang as they released hands and looked at one another. "We stand shoulder to shoulder! We stand shoulder to shoulder. We stand shoulder to shoulder!" the four males hand one hand each meet in the middle and piled on top of one another. "You can't erase us; you'll just have to face us!"

Hiccup, Eret, Thuggory, and Dagur threw their hands in the air. "We are the ones who will never be broken. With our final breath; we'll fight to the death. We are soldiers. We are soldiers. We are the ones who will not go unspoken. No, we will not sleep. We are not sheep. We are soldiers. We are soldiers, yeah!" they yelled out.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa…! Whoa," Hiccup and Dagur sang.

"We are soldiers!" the other two continued while pulling out four nips and passing them around.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa…! Whoa," Eret, Dagur, and Hiccup sang.

"We are soldiers!" Thuggory smiled.

"Whoa! Whoa…Whoa! Whoa," the four sang, opening the small bottles of alcohol and raising them up. "We are soldiers," they finished. After a quick tap; the boys sucked them back and then laughed.

"Man…Good times," Thuggory said.

"Seriously," Eret nodded.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what's with the alcohol?" Dagur wondered. "I think we established that the four of us drinking together is not a good mix,"

"You're telling me," Mala and Heather sighed.

"I'm gonna go on record and say that I never, ever get as drunk as you three," Hiccup remarked. "There was one time, and that was my twenty-first,"

"Bullshit; you've been shitfaced way more than once!" Eret remarked.

"If you can prove that; I'll back off," Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Also remember that when I turned twenty-one; we were just getting deployed to our second tour for eighteen months, so by the time we came back and drank together again; I was already twenty-two and a half. I don't like getting wasted; one of the four us has to be aware of what's going on to make sure the rest don't do anything stupid," he informed.

"We've never done anything stupid," Thuggory said.

"Yeah, because I'm the sober one making sure you don't!" Hiccup retorted.

"You were getting drunk with us before you turned twenty-one," Dagur smirked.

Hiccup went to protest, but couldn't because it was true. "Hiccup! That's against the law," Stoick instantly said.

"And…What can anyone do about it about now, Dad? We didn't get caught, and we stayed at the apartment," Hiccup replied. "Come on; I never got super drunk and it was nothing hard, just beer, one or two shots maybe," he shrugged.

"And what are you laughing about, Thuggory? You were doing it too," Eret reminded. "You were hilarious drunk,"

"Screw you. So was Hiccup," Thuggory stated.

"No he wasn't," Heather rolled her eyes. "Hiccup was probably the most laid back and quiet,"

"He had a blast on his twenty-first," Dagur argued.

"Well, yeah…That was Hiccup turning twenty-one; You, Dagur, and Eret took him out for a couple drinks and then came back to the apartment to have a last hoorah before you guys shipped out to Afghanistan for a year and a half," Heather informed.

"And they were celebrating the birth of the twins," Mala added in.

"Exactly," Heather nodded.

"Thank you, girls, for making my case for me. You three are the drunken buffoons; I merely supervise and keep you safe as it's my job to, quite literally," Hiccup remarked.

"You can't tell us what to do off the battlefield," Eret huffed.

"Would you like to bet on that?" Hiccup arched a brow. "As long as you're soldiers of the Barbaric Archipelago Army and members of the Dragon Platoon in Alpha Company; I am your commanding officer, and your sorry asses belong to me,"

"But we aren't soldiers right now," Thuggory said.

"Doesn't matter," Hiccup informed. "Battlefield or not; I'm Stryker Unit and Dragon Platoon leader. It's my job to watch your backs and keep you out of trouble,"

"Awe, you do love us," Dagur chuckled.

"Never said I didn't, but watch yourself or else next drill weekend…I'm gonna give you the workout of a lifetime," Hiccup chuckled.

"You wouldn't…" the three males paled.

"Try me," Hiccup responded. "We can spend wake up to breakfast doing exercises, then the rest of the day doing obstacle courses or war drills,"

"Nope!" Eret said.

"I'm good," Dagur informed.

"You're the boss," Thuggory added.

"That's what I thought," Hiccup sat back with a triumphant smile.

"I ever tell you how hot it is to see you in charge," Astrid giggled.

"Easy, Milady," Hiccup laughed a bit, pulling her over into his lap. "But yes, you told me all the time eight years ago when we-," Astrid blushed intently.

"Shut up!" Astrid screeched.

"Maybe don't ask a question you don't want the answer to coming out in mixed company, babe," Hiccup chuckled some. "Now, let's just enjoy the rest of the night," he added as everyone agreed, but still got a kick out the bickering they just heard. It was definitely funny, but fun to see everyone just having a good time. The soldier could all admit that they needed this after the last tour; it was amazing to be home with family and friends again.