=Astrid's POV=
[Tuesday, 9/27/2022-5:30 pm]
[Dragon's Edge; Drake's Lair-Site #615]

I loved that Hiccup and I were able to make love on Saturday night; it was nothing short of incredible and perfect. That wasn't meant to reflect that only us making love was perfect; just that the deed of having sex was a great way to end the already amazing day, even if all we did was arrive, set up camp, shop, and eat dinner before sitting around the fire for a couple hours. Now, Sunday morning consisted of a late breakfast because Hiccup and I slept in until about 9:15 am. I think Hiccup got up around 6 am, though, to let the dogs out to do their business. I remember him crawling back into bed and holding me as he fell back to sleep. I showered while Hiccup made breakfast; we only did bacon and egg sandwiches on english muffins. The dogs got the leftovers plus their own food and water. Hiccup took his shower while I cleaned up; I felt that was fair since he cooked.

By the time Hiccup was dress; we decided to leash our dogs and take a walk around the campground to see what it had to offer since it had been a very long time since we'd been. I think the last time was when we were about to start high school, so eighth grade. Maybe it was after ninth grade? Maybe it was both; I had no idea. Hiccup apparently couldn't remember either. This place still seemed the same, but there were some upgrades to the time we lived in currently. This place had hiking trails, the camp store, pool, canoeing, kayaking, arts and crafts, game and music nights. And we saw the lineup for everything going on this week while we're here. There as bingo, karaoke, picnics, dancing. Hiccup and I made sure to take a copy of the itinerary so we could add it into our plans for the week. Sunday was more of a rest day, to actually enjoy the atmosphere; we didn't do anything extravagant.

Monday, however; Hiccup and I decided to go to the theme park. It was a blast! The best part about this amusement park is that there were seven parks in total, all named after the ancient dragon classes; Strike, Tidal, Tracker, Boulder, Stoker, Mystery, and Sharp. Hiccup and I were definitely trying to do them all while on vacation. We used Monday to do Mystery and Stoker. We got back home around 3:30 pm after arriving at 10 am when they opened. It was a very eventful, but fun day. We got back to the site and relaxed; then had dinner, and sat around the fire as we had the night before. We didn't make love Sunday or Monday night; it was never our style to do it a lot anyway. Even before the breakup, Hiccup and I only had sex maybe two or three times a month. Then again, we were teenagers with a curfew, school, and homework, so it was hard for us to find moments we could do it anyway.

As adults, I wasn't sure if we'd end up doing it more or not; things were different in the sense we both had jobs, and Hiccup's took his toll on him exhaustion-wise. Or, Odin forbid it, and I know it could happen again, but if Hiccup were to get deployed; that would put an extended damper on us having sex. As I said, though; not a big deal. Sex isn't what made our relationship what it is. Love, trust, and communication did; even the little outings or spending the night in each other's arms is what made Hiccup and I a great couple. But, here we are on Tuesday night; about to have dinner. Hiccup and I spent today at the campground; we played mini golf, took the dogs for a long walk around the lake, spent some time at the pool too. It was fun, and tomorrow we'd likely hit the parks again; I think we were doing Sharp until after lunch; then coming back to the campground.

Tonight's dinner was chicken over the fire with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans. Hiccup was handling the chicken while I did sides and we both did a different part of setting the table. I set the sides on the picnic table and Hiccup brought over the tray of chicken wings and legs; a small portion for us and then we'd likely share some with the dogs.

"This looks great," Hiccup said.

"Your chicken smells amazing," I complimented.

"I try," Hiccup shrugged. "For a while I thought I lost my ability to cook with all the shit meals we got overseas," he chuckled.

"That bad, huh?" I wondered.

"Babe, it's tasteless food in a vacuum-sealed bag," Hiccup informed.

"Yeah, that sounds awful," I nodded as we were serving ourselves.

"It is, but you take what you can get to survive in a tight spot," Hiccup mentioned.

"True," I smiled. "So…I have to know because I'm curious like that…What kind of girls did you end up with after me?"

"I already told you that I haven't had sex with anyone but you," Hiccup stated.

"No, no, not like that. Just…In General. Girls you met up with for dates or actually dated," I chuckled.

"I mean, I don't remember all of them," Hiccup admitted.

"That's okay," I smiled. "I'm just wondering because you said none of them were me, so I'm genuinely curious as to what kind of girls there were after me,"

"Well…I wasn't with anyone at all the whole first year because of army training, then moving to Berserker, and then the year-long tour in Syria. So…Two years before anything happened at all. And I didn't even put myself out there," Hiccup began.

"Let me guess…Dagur, Eret, and Thuggory?" I giggled a bit.

"Bingo," Hiccup responded. "They are the culprits behind me getting back into dating after you. The three of them, and even Heather were trying to get me to get out there and get over you," he said. "It started with just dates; you know…Going out to dinner, or maybe a movie. Some of these women showed right away that they only wanted sex, and needless to say; that was the end of that,"

"Yeah, been there," I understood. "One and done," I mentioned as Hiccup nodded.

"Like I said, nothing really lasted long because of my career…Or the erection problem," Hiccup shrugged.

"Alright, so…Who were the girls you dated? How long? What were they like?" I questioned.

"The girls I dated were…Let's see," Hiccup looked up a moment. "The first was Vera Grimborn," he stated.

"Grimborn…? As in, related to Viggo Grimborn; the leader of Viking Platoon?" I blinked.

"Yes…Vera is his niece," Hiccup nodded. "It lasted maybe three weeks; there was nothing wrong with her, but I just couldn't deal with the constant being watched by Viggo, Ryker, Agnar, and Brynjar…Obviously, you know who Viggo and Ryker are…But Agnar was Vera's little brother, two years younger and then Brynjar was Vera's older cousin. Also, Vera was nice, very shy and uncertain about everything, also three years younger than me…I was twenty, she was only seventeen. I guess you could say it was hard to talk to her. Thank Odin that Brynjar and I remained friends,"

"You still see him?" I asked.

"From time to time when we have missions to do while deployed; he's on my Special Ops team," Hiccup informed. "Along with Soren, Oivind, Frode, Sigvard, and Jolgeir. You've never met them, but you probably will at some point. We're all in Alpha Company on different platoons; I rank highest and lead that group,"

"Ah. So who else?" I smiled.

"Uh, next was Olivia Holgerson; she's actually Oivind's adopted sister when her mother married his father. I guess she elected to keep her birth father's last name. Anyway…I was with her for…Four months? Things started alright in…I think it was November 2016? But she started getting really pushy and demanding on the intimacy side of things. I mean, I tried…But you know that didn't go so well. She got annoyed as I'd mentioned not being a virgin and have had sex before; she stated that it shouldn't be a problem unless the reason I couldn't get it up was because I was still hung up on my ex, which, as I learned years later was the exact reason,"

"Safe to say it ended when she brought me up?" I inquired.

"Yeah; it turned into a big fight and I got defensive regarding you. She said she couldn't be with someone who wasn't going to be all in it and it's clear I wasn't, so she called it over and we haven't really seen or spoken to each other since. Oivind mentioned last time we talked that Olivia was settling down with some guy she'd been with for two years. I said I was happy for her and that's where we left it," Hiccup said. "Uh…There were quick relationships after her, obviously, I was 21 and we were heading out to our second tour. I'd been talking to one girl; she was…Norna Beck. Very outgoing, talkative, and headstrong. We maintained a long distance for a month and a half, but didn't work out because she was cheating on me with her ex, go figure,"

Hiccup took a drink of his water bottle. "I let that go, wasn't broken up about it at all. Next relationship was Ragna Falk; she's another go-getter kind of girl, but her biggest flaw was her cocky attitude. Always having to be in charge, ya know. I just…Didn't like it. We dated two months; I was home on two-week leave and she tried to have sex with me. Got mad when I wasn't getting hard. I returned to Afghanistan and then maybe three weeks later; I ended things because I just wasn't any kind of happy and she wasn't my type,"

"Was there anyone else while you were on tour? Well, the second one?" I asked while taking a bite of my chicken.

"The last one was Thordia Dahl; that actually went pretty well, if you want honesty. We were able to talk, nothing demanding or pushy, had some common interests, etc. We dated…Probably five and half months, and it ended when I got home from the tour. We broke up because I had gotten hurt a few times, she would get concerned or panicky if I wasn't able to make contact for more than three days. When I got back; she admitted that she cared for me, but couldn't handle my military life," Hiccup explained.

"I feel I should ask…Is that why you asked me if I could handle it? As a make or break for us dating again?" I wondered.

"Yeah, that had a part to play in it. But also just making sure you'd be cool with the fact I joined when we broke up and it's not a job I can just quit," Hiccup nodded.

"So…Was there anyone else?" I looked at him.

"Uh…There was Disa Hansen, briefly. That happened…Perhaps three or four months after second tour ended. It went decently, but she wasn't my type in the sense there wasn't much trust. She was always under the impression I was cheating. I ended that one after two months," Hiccup said. "A few others were Gala Vinter, and Signy Ostberg. Neither lasts too long. Signy is also Soren's cousin; he's the one who wanted me to date her, but hard feelings when it didn't work out. There was one I was with for literally seven days, Brenna Grayson. There was nothing wrong with her, but I think I just hit a point where I felt it would be like the rest, another failure, so I ended it. Gala was the last after a month of dating, in December 2020. After her, there might have been a few random dates here and there, but no relationships. The only one that was close, was Heather. But I told you how that went," Hiccup informed.

"Yeah, I remember," I nodded.

"Like I said, none of them were you. I just didn't make the connection I have with you with anyone else. Don't get me wrong; there was…Let's use potential, that one or two of the relationships might have worked if we actually fought to keep it going. I just didn't have the drive to fight, though," Hiccup stated.

"I understand," I replied lightly.

"So, what kind of guys you end up with since we're on the subject?" Hiccup asked.

"Well…After the breakup; I stayed hung up on you for about a year. After you left; the only thing I wanted to do was get the chance to explain my mistake and beg your forgiveness. I was asking your parents at least once a week if you made contact. One day Snotlout told me you made contact, and told your parents that I wasn't supposed to know anything about you. All our friends, and your parents told me that they hoped a day would come we could talk and work things out, but until then…It was best to move on with my life. I probably took the rest of that time until it hit a year we'd been broken up; just to get my head together and focus on me," I explained.

"I'm ridiculously surprised that Snotlout of all people was the one to say something," Hiccup replied.

"I was too actually. I originally figured he said it to try and date me, but turns out…Snotlout never made a move on me after you and I broke up," I mentioned.

"Really? Not once? No flirting, hints, anything?" Hiccup arched a surprised brow.

"No, nothing. I asked him once, probably after he met Minden and they started dating. Snotlout said that he couldn't do that to you, make a try for me after what happened between us; knowing you were ready to marry me and when things happened, you took off. Also, he stated something about that it wasn't his job. He never explained that," I shrugged.

"I can," Hiccup stared. "I asked him to keep an eye on you,"

"What?" I said, shocked.

"Before I went on the first tour, which was a year after we broke up…I asked Snotlout to watch over you. Not like bodyguard or anything; just that you were alright. Act like a semi-protective brother where you two had the type of sibling relationship who never saw eye to eye, but if you ever needed protecting or anything; they'd be there," Hiccup informed.

I couldn't believe it. Hiccup arranged for Snotlout to protect me after the breakup? "Now it makes more sense why he told me that if I ever needed anything to let him know," I said. "I guess I can thank you then,"

"What for? Did you actually call him for something?" Hiccup asked.

I nodded. "Once or twice when dates or relationships went wrong,"

"I…Don't like where this is going. What happened?" Hiccup inquired.

I sighed. "One of the dates I went on was giving me really bad vibes, and I didn't have my car. Ruffnut dropped me off on her way somewhere since my car was in the shop. I was really uncomfortable with this guy; I tried to get anyone to pick me up, no one could. When the date ended; Ruff had said she was running late and would be there soon. The guy stood with me, said to sit in his car because it was cold and starting to snow. I agreed, but he was getting really touchy. I ended up getting a text from Adel, asking how the date was going. The guy kept trying to grab at me. I guess it sparked me remembering what Snotlout said and I instantly messaged him; he showed up five minutes later when the guy was trying to corner me,"

"Wait…Was this guy was trying to rape you?" Hiccup arched a brow with a much more serious tone.

"I feel like he might have tried; it was about 10 pm and we'd gotten out of a movie. When he cornered me; I kicked him in the dick and when he doubled over; I kneed him in the face before shoving him off and running. Snotlout and Tuff had already been heading in my direction; I instantly got in the car and tried to calm down. You know; the initial adrenaline wearing off and then you process the situation," I stated lightly.

"Yeah, been there. But, you were okay right?" Hiccup questioned.

"Of course. Snotlout threatened the guy to stay away from me or he'd pound him; then he took me back to my parents' place. The two of them sat with me until my parents got home," I said.

"And…Were there any other instances?" Hiccup wondered.

"Yeah; I had a couple friends over when I dated this one guy. He was decent in the start, but after a couple months; he got too comfortable as my boyfriend. You know, trying to sleepover, asking me to make him food or drive him around. One time I had our friends over the house, and me and the guy argued about something. I think we…Actually were on the subject of you. No one told me anything, of course; just that you still checked in now and then, were doing good. The guy got mad I was curious about my ex, so we argued a bit and…He backhanded me across the mouth," I looked down a bit.

"What?" Hiccup stared.

"I was unprepared for the hit, so it took me to the ground…My lip was bleeding, cheek bruised. Fishlegs had seen it and rushed to help me; the panicking got the attention of the others and they came into my room to help. Snotlout and Tuffnut held the guy back from trying to attack me again. I recovered a few moments later and ended things; then told him to get out or I'd call the cops. He left, haven't seen him since," I mentioned softly.

"Surprised you didn't castrate him and mail his dick and nuts back to his mother on a silver platter to be entirely honest with you. Does he live on Berk?" Hiccup asked.

"I felt like more violence would only make it worse...But believe me...I wanted to. And no; he lived on Hysteria, but it's been so long now that I can't remember where exactly. That happened…I don't know sometime in 2020; I think after him I decided to say fuck it to dating guys. Not so much because of what he did, just because I knew they'd never be you, Hiccup. None of them could make me the happy that you do. No one could or can take your place," I assured.

"Well still…If I ever see him and he tries to hurt you again…I'll kill him," Hiccup warned.

"Babe, you're not a killer…" I said lightly, putting my hand on his.

"Not of the innocent. Astrid…I'm a solider. I've killed to protect myself and my comrades overseas…I would absolutely kill someone trying to hurt the people I care about here at home. Also…I'd only kill him if he refused to stop an assault on you. I'd probably only have to beat his ass to knock him out or wait for cops…" Hiccup shrugged. "Anyway, let's not go to a grim topics…How about some of the other guys? I know they weren't me, but you said you longest had been about six months, so I'm guessing not all of them were spineless rapists and abusers…" he added.

"Alright, alright…I'll tell you about some of the relationships," I nodded with a smile. I knew telling Hiccup about those two specific guys would make him mad. I knew he had to of killed overseas; it was part of the job. But I figured all that was just…Casualties in battle; stuff you don't ever see. I never expected to learn that Hiccup had killed knowingly to protect himself or friends. Again, I knew it could happen, but I didn't think Hiccup would be so forthcoming with the information. Either way; it was nice to get this kind of stuff out in the open. Hiccup told me about the girls he dated; it was fair that I did the same. I guess this is how we were spending out evening, which was fine with me.