=Normal POV=
[Thursday, 9/1/2022-5:00 pm]
[Isle of Berk; Berkian Military Base]

"That's it for today," the four platoon leaders, Johann, Krogan, Viggo, and Hiccup, called to their groups. A normal day of work for an active duty soldier was about eleven hours from 6 am to 5 pm. Sometimes it was shorter, and others it was longer. Thankfully, no weekends unless it was drill, which was the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the month unless they were deployed or something came up to change those orders. Today was over and the soldiers were freed to head home for the night, unless they lived on base; in which case, they went to their dorm.

Hiccup cracked his back and prepared to head off for the night as well; he and Astrid had movie and dinner plans for 6 pm. "Lieutenant Haddock," Drago's voice pulled Hiccup from his thoughts about the date with his girlfriend tonight.

"Yes, Captain?" Hiccup stopped, facing the main and saluting. Drago gave one back.

"Everything to finalize your housing is set; we just need a few signatures. Can you spare a few minutes?" Drago inquired.

"Just finished the shift, so yeah," Hiccup nodded to him.

"Great, right this way," Drago motioned. Hiccup followed him over to the housing office. Once inside fifteen minutes later, Hiccup was seated in a room with another officer who had some papers out; he had already messaged Astrid that he might be a bit late for something at work and would let her know when he was on his way.

"This will be quick, Lieutenant; just a few signatures and we're set. So, a quick rundown since were efficient like that. You selected a three bedroom, two bathroom, one level home on the Isle of Berk at the address of 1 Drage Drive," the man read off the file.

"That's correct, sir," Hiccup nodded.

"The price of this home is $269,000 in total; you agree to pay the amount of $1,600 for the next fourteen years to pay off the home, at which time it is entirely yours…This sum total is with the military discount, and includes electricity, heat, and overall care. After fourteen years, when the home is yours; it will become your responsibility to take on the bills and maintenance," the man stated calmly.

"Understood," Hiccup replied. "Though, I did have a question,"

"Go ahead, Lieutenant," the man motioned with his hand to continue.

"Is there a way to set up that the payment just gets taken right from the bank automatically? I dislike writing checks," Hiccup admitted.

"Lucky you, we prefer to do it that way anyway. Yes, we'll set all that up to take the payment on the first of every month. Sound good?" Drago chuckled a bit.

"Sounds perfect," Hiccup sighed with some relief. "So, you have guys that just come by to check everything, or do I report it if there's a problem?"

"We have people that will stop by to check things and take care of it if needed. This also continues if you should be deployed," Drago nodded. "Again," he added.

"Alright, perfect. That's great," Hiccup stated. "And…No random inspections? I can have friends, family over? Maybe have roommates?" Hiccup wondered.

"Correct," Drago said.

"Well, sort of. We do a once-a-year full house inspection to make sure everything is good with it," the officer informed.

"Oh, not so bad then. I assume I need to be home for that?" Hiccup asked.

"It won't take long, about an hour," Drago shrugged.

"No harm then; just give me notice," Hiccup said.

"We'll let you know a week before, and it'll likely be a Saturday or Sunday in the morning," Drago informed.

"Sounds good," Hiccup agreed. "Alright, where do I sign?" he asked. For the next fifteen minutes, it was all signing lines of agreements discussed and then setting up the automatic withdrawal from his account. Hiccup only had to worry about his phone, car insurance, and stuff for the house such as food and cleaning items. This was going to be great; he couldn't wait to have his own space. As soon as he was moved it; he was gonna throw a big house-warming party with his friends and family. And if all went well; he was asking Astrid to marry him too.

"Well, I think that takes care of things. We'll get this filed, and give you the keys tomorrow before you leave," the officer shook Hiccup's hand.

"Thanks," Hiccup smiled as he shook Drago's and then finally headed out to get to Dagur and Mala's.

. . .

[5:45 pm]
[Bazirk Residence]

Getting to Dagur and Mala's house; Hiccup wasn't feeling so hot. Hiccup had felt a bit tired and achy since this morning when he got to work, but as the day went on; he felt worse and worse. Of course, Hiccup pushed it aside to focus on his duties, and then there was the excitement of finalizing his housing situation. But since reaching the Bazirk Household; Hiccup couldn't shake how shitty he actually felt. Hiccup sat on the edge of his bed, trying to keep the nausea down. A text came through as he checked his phone.

Milady, 5:45 pm
Everything okay at work?

Hiccup opened the message and typed his reply.

5:46 pm
Yeah. At Bazirk's now. Babe, do you mind if we raincheck tonight's date? I'm not feeling so great.

Hiccup normally could push this stuff off, but he wasn't feeling like he could. Not more than two minutes later; Astrid was calling him. Hiccup slid the icon and set it to his ear. "Hi, babe," he answered.

"Hi, baby. What's wrong?" Astrid asked.

"Started with some fatigue and aches this morning, and gotten worse as the day went on. Just got home about five minutes ago and been trying to not throw up since," Hiccup admitted.

"Maybe you're getting sick? Want me to come over and take care of you? We can do the date another night when you're feeling better," Astrid said.

"I don't want you to get sick," Hiccup informed. "If I am," he added.

"Hiccup, don't be stubborn. We both know that when you get sick, it gets bad and you're gonna need someone to help you out. It might as well be your girlfriend who also happens to be a CNA. I'm gonna come over, okay? I'll be there in fifteen minutes. For now, why not just lay down until I get there?" Astrid suggested.

Hiccup knew better than to argue with her because when he got sick; it did hit him pretty bad. Someone always had to be helping him because he'd just be too sick to move on his own power. Sighing, and knowing he would end up needing the help, plus it would be nice to see her tonight regardless of canceling the date; Hiccup wouldn't say now. "Okay. I'll see you when you get here, babe. I'll be in bed, just come to the room when you arrive,"

"Wow…You must be sick. Hiccup Haddock actually agreeing with something I suggest without a fight?" Astrid remarked sarcastically, but in a playful tone.

"Oh…Shush up and get here…Maybe seeing you will make me feel better," Hiccup replied. "I love you,"

"I love you too," Astrid hung up first and Hiccup set his phone on the nightstand to charge before just laying back on the bed, feet slightly off since he was still dressed in his uniform. Hiccup sighed out, closing his eyes. Gods, he didn't want to be sick right now.

. . .

[6:05 pm]

Astrid arrived at the Bazirk residence and parked; then knocked. After a moment; she was greeted by Heather. "Astrid? What are you doing here? I thought Hiccup was picking you up for a date at 6 pm?" Heather blinked.

"Change of plans; Hiccup isn't feeling well, so I figured I'd come check on him and help him if he needs it. When Hiccup gets sick; he gets it pretty bad," Astrid explained as Heather let her in and closed the door afterward.

"Ah, poor guy. I just got home myself five minutes ago; Fishlegs and I are going to dinner," Heather smiled.

"That'll be fun," Astrid said. "Fishlegs is a good guy,"

"Yeah…I know," Heather blushed a little. "Anyway…" she cleared her throat. "Uh, you know where Hiccup's room is. I gotta go get ready," Heather stated.

"Have a good time," Astrid said as she headed for Hiccup's bedroom. Once arriving, she knocked and poked her head inside. "Babe?" she asked. Astrid's eyes fell on Hiccup's sleeping figure as she smiled some and moved inside the room quietly. Of course, it didn't last because Toothless woke up from his place under the window and barked; instantly awaking and alerting Hiccup that there was someone in the room. "Toothless, ssh…It's only me," Astrid mumbled.

"He's just doing his job, Milady," Hiccup sat up, rubbing his eyes a bit. "He's a military dog, trained to alert their handler of intruders…"

"I'm your girlfriend," Astrid chuckled some.

"But he was outside when I talked to you; he didn't know you were coming," Hiccup informed.

"Ah," Astrid nodded as she moved closer to Hiccup and kissed his forehead; feeling that he was warm. "How are you feeling?"

"About the same as when I got home originally; it's only been about twenty minutes," Hiccup sighed.

"But symptom wise, how are you feeling, babe?" Astrid inquired softly.

"Headache, fatigue, no appetite, some nausea, achy," Hiccup listed calmly.

"You feel a bit warm too," Astrid mentioned after feeling Hiccup's forehead and cheek. "You said it started this morning?"

"The fatigue and aching, yes. Everything else wormed it's way into the mix a bit after lunch, but didn't eat much because the no appetite kicked in, and just felt blah by the time the day was over," Hiccup enlightened.

"I suppose we can rule out food poisoning…You'd likely be vomiting by now, and have stomach pain or cramps along with watery diarrhea. Maybe just a twenty-four-hour thing, or it could be a full bug. Slight possibility of it being the flu-," Astrid started.

"Gods, please no…" Hiccup begged.

"But flu season doesn't usually hit until October; that's why I said slight possibility. As I was saying; it's a hard call to make right now. I think it's just best if you take it easy tonight, babe. We can see how you feel tomorrow," Astrid informed lightly.

"Aye, aye, Doc," Hiccup gave a half-assed salute.

"I'll get you some water, but best to avoid food. You haven't thrown up, and mentioned nausea; best if we don't push that," Astrid stated. "Come on, let's get ya comfortable in bed,"

"I was gonna take a shower…" Hiccup mumbled.

"You still can if you want," Astrid smiled. "I can wait here,"

"Or…You could come with me? Dagur and Mala went out with the kids, and I think Heather has a date with Fishlegs tonight," Hiccup suggested.

"You…Want me in the bathroom with you when you shower?" Astrid arched a brow.

"Not…Like that. Just…Talking and keeping me company. I tend to take longer showers at night; relax and use the heat to ease the soreness away. I normally do it alone, obviously, but since you're here…?" Hiccup stated softly.

"Well, you go in first and let me know when you're in the shower; then I'll come in and keep you company," Astrid agreed.

"Cool, thanks," Hiccup smiled a bit as he got off his boots and extra layers. Hiccup moved out of his temporary room and to the bathroom in the hallway; Astrid followed him and Toothless stayed put on his bed. Hiccup entered the bathroom first; he got the water going and stripped down before climbing inside and then closing the curtain. "You're good, babe," Hiccup called out to Astrid.

Taking a deep breath, Astrid opened the bathroom door and headed inside the space while closing the door behind her. Astrid didn't understand why she was so nervous either; it was not the first time she'd seen Hiccup naked or sat with him in the shower. The two of them did it all the time eight years ago when they'd dated, and used to make love. Perhaps it was just because things were still in a beginning stages of dating again? Astrid held the towel in her lap as she sat down on the toilet quietly.

"Feel awkward yet?" Hiccup inquired.

"A bit, even though we've done this before," Astrid admitted.

"I know; that's why I figured you'd be alright with it," Hiccup said. "I guess it's been a while,"

"Understatement much?" Astrid remarked. Hiccup laughed a little from within the shower. "Remember the first time we did it?" Astrid asked.

"Stayed in the bathroom with one another while showering? Yeah. We were almost seventeen, weren't we?" Hiccup inquired.

"Yeah, it was after my softball game. The girls were taking too long in the showers, so you snuck me into the boy's locker room and kept watch for me," Astrid smiled. "Pretty sure that's how we got into doing foreplay too,"

"Well, not that exact time, no. I think we had turned seventeen by the time we did that," Hiccup corrected. "It was a night my parents were out at some dinner and we were watching a movie in my room with the door open. You shifted a little and it turned me on,"

I remember now. You tried to hide it, but after we started making out; it was all over," Astrid giggled a bit. "Remember the first time we had sex?"

"I do, very well in fact," Hiccup replied.

"It happened, what? About a month after we started foreplay?" Astrid asked.

"Sounds right," Hiccup said. "Remember that we got caught and grounded from each other for two weeks, except for seeing one another at school? So awkward,"

"At least we'd just finished and were under the blankets," Astrid reminded. "And we purposely stayed after to spend more time together?" Astrid chuckled some. "Good times," she sighed contently. "But hey, our parents decided to meet up and talk about what happened during our punishment,"

"They figured we'd just do it behind their backs if they kept us grounded or constantly watched, so they gave us the sex talks and made sure we were both prepared," Hiccup responded.

"As long it didn't interfere with homework, didn't happen too much, and we semi-hinted when we'd be doing it; they were okay with us having sex," Astrid laughed a little. "I still think they only got mad because the first time we did it; it was out of getting caught in the moment and we didn't use protection. I only say that because my period changed a bit, and showed up a week. Mom thought I was pregnant, so we went to the doctors for a test. Came up negative, obviously, and the doctor said it was likely due to just having sex for the first time,"

"Well, I'm sure your parents hated it no matter what the reason…But I guess they realized after two years of dating, and the fact we would be eighteen soon; they realized they couldn't stop it either," Hiccup shrugged inside the shower. They did have a lot of fun as teenagers; that was for damn sure. And Hiccup loved that they could sit here and reminisce about it all. "You, uh…You still using that IUD or whatever it was?"

"No, I had some trouble with it and switched to the pills," Astrid informed.

"Trouble with it?" Hiccup asked.

"Yeah, some…Unexplained bleeding and pain around…I want to say it was…" Astrid thought a moment. "Just two years ago. Had to go to the hospital to get it removed, but they said everything was fine. No major damage, and I'd still be able to have kids," Astrid mentioned. "As soon as my cycle returned to normal; I chose to use birth control pills and haven't had a problem since,"

"That's good," Hiccup sighed with some relief as he shut off the shower and took in a deep breath before reaching out to get his towel; his hand rested on Astrid's shoulder, moving down a bit and sitting on her breast. Hiccup gave it a squeeze before realizing what it was. "Fuck…I'm so sorry, babe,"

"It's alright," Astrid blushed a little as she lifted the towel to give to him. Hiccup pulled it into the shower to start drying off. "I didn't mind,"

"If I recall; you liked me just massaging them," Hiccup stated.

"Mmhm, that and when you used your mouth on them," Astrid blushed a little more.

"Yeah…You always said I had a perfect touch," Hiccup smiled as he wrapped the towel around his waist and secured it in place before opening the curtain.

"Odin above, Hiccup…You're wicked hot…" Astrid eyed up his figure.

"And I wasn't before? Gee, thanks," Hiccup remarked sarcastically.

"I mean, you were…But you always hid it under the long-sleeve shirts…This…You…Fuck," Astrid couldn't even find her words. Hiccup had always been a lean-figured male, but he was strong even though it didn't show much because of the style of clothing he wore. But now, Hiccup was still lean, but actually looked strong. The legs, arms, and chest had bulked a bit more and there was no denying the four-pack of abs.

"Wow…Did me gaining some muscle make you speechless?" Hiccup wondered. Astrid nodded to him. "I think I can accept that win," he chuckled before bending down a bit and kissing her forehead. "I'm still me, babe; this is just more…Defined me," he stated calmly. "Remember that I hit puberty late, so that could be why it seems different to you,"

"I'll say," Astrid blushed. "I totally forgot you started puberty late. What was it, like thirteen?" she wondered.

Hiccup cleared his throat a little, recalling how much it sucked when he didn't hit puberty around the same time as other teenagers did. The average was twelve, but some started at eleven, and some a bit later. Hiccup, unfortunately, hit it a lot later. "It was fourteen and a half…" Hiccup mumbled a bit.

"Nothing to be ashamed of babe," Astrid comforted. "You hitting it late is kind'a how us having sex for the first time happened because you were dealing with all the changes," she giggled a bit.

"Don't remind me…Not for all that stuff we did, just that because I started late…I finished late. They say it's between two and five years…I started right in ninth grade…And dealt with until nineteen or twenty…Yeah, sounds right. I stopped growing when I hit six-foot-one, at twenty-years-old," he muttered. "I think the rest stopped…Right before or maybe after we broke up," he added.

"I noticed you hit a growth-spurt between sixteen and seventeen," Astrid giggled a little. "It's all good, babe. Least it's done now and the overall finished product is incredible,"

"Would you stop eyeing me up like a piece of meat?" Hiccup grumbled as Astrid kissed his lips lightly. Hiccup smiled now. "Come on," Hiccup offered his hand to her as she got up and the two of them exited the bathroom and returned to Hiccup's room. Hiccup quickly got dressed in something simple and flopped back on his bed.

"Did the shower help at all?" Astrid inquired.

"Helped ease the soreness, but still feeling kind'a bleh," Hiccup admitted.

"Well, then it's time to rest," Astrid smiled. "I can stay if you want?"

"Up to you. Don't you have work tomorrow?" Hiccup asked.

"Don't you?" Astrid responded.

"Fair point," Hiccup nodded. "I just don't wanna get you sick,"

"I'll be alright," Astrid smiled.

"Well, as long as you're sure," Hiccup shrugged. "I won't fight you on it," Astrid went to change into her night clothes and flipped the light off before crawling into bed with Hiccup. Astrid carefully held onto him as he gave her a light squeeze and in the silence and darkness of the room; Hiccup fell fast asleep within fifteen minutes. Around ten minutes after that, Astrid slipped Hiccup's grasp to go make herself something to eat; it was an average peanut butter and jelly sandwich, two of them before she used the bathroom and returned to Hiccup's room. It didn't take long for to also fall asleep once comfortable and back in her boyfriend's arms. That was the end to both of their long days.