=Hiccup's POV=
[Tuesday, 9/27/2022-6:30 pm]
[Dragon's Edge; Drake's Lair-Site #615]

It had been a fun couple of days on vacation so far. Astrid and I were mainly enjoying the fact it was just us for the trip; our dogs too, but if we went anywhere outside of the campground they would stay in the camper. I'd leave the fans on and full food and water dishes, so they were good when we were gone; I'd also lock the doors while we were away. Sad to say, but I didn't trust anyone else in the campground not to mess with our stuff, or the dogs. I wasn't worried about Toothless being hurt, but Toothless could definitely hurt someone else being a husky and wolf hybrid. Toothless dealt with that in the past, being bullied for lack of a better word. Toothless became so distrusting and aggressive that everyone was scared of him until I came along and showed Toothless that I trusted him and wasn't afraid. But all that aside; I was glad Astrid and I were sitting down and chatting about ex's.

I can't even begin to describe the anger that sparked when I learned Astrid almost got raped on a date. But the rage that took hold of me learning someone actually hurt her…It set me off. I was controlling my emotions regarding the matter; I understood it was in the past, but I didn't like hearing Astrid was smacked. There was even some guilt, because she was talking about me that day and her, at the time boyfriend, didn't like it. If I ever saw him and he tried anything; I'd deal with it personally. Right now; we were both basically done eating and decided to clean up. We set away leftovers and did the dishes before relaxing in the double camping chair with the fire going; the dogs were laying together in front of the flames while enjoying the warmth.

"So…These others guys. Start talking…" I joked with Astrid, smiling.

"Well, dates-wise; it was a bigger number…But if we're talking just relationships since you…" Astrid paused. "Five guys, including the one who hit me. Sadly; he was the longest and the last for two years until we met up again," Astrid informed.

"Alright, so…Who was the first?" I questioned.

"His name was Kolgrim Moller; good guy. We had some interests and hung out three or so months before he asked me out. We dated, maybe three months before he came to me, openly, and admitted that he still loved his ex-girlfriend. Something about them talking again and wanting to get back together. I respected it, of course, knowing that if it were me with you; I'd do the same. That was the first relationship, from October 2015 to January 2016," Astrid stated.

"Seems like a nice guy," I replied calmly.

"Uh…He was a year older than me. I was nineteen, going on twenty in April 2016. He was…Twenty-one, red hair, green eyes, stood about five-foot-seven? Uh, birthday? Fuck…I can't remember the day, but I know it was in December, after Snoggletog," Astrid offered.

"Alright…Who was next?" I inquired.

"I think the next person was a quicker relationship. His name was Hedin Jespersen, born late November. Dark brown, almost black hair-always spiked. Uh, light brown eyes. We talked a bit at the end of 2016, into 2017. I think…March 2017; he asked me out, but we only dated about a month. It just wasn't working with us being a couple. He was…How do I word this? Emotionless. Like still saying how he felt, but didn't show it. If that makes sense?" Astrid shrugged.

"It does. A lot of saying, but not showing? Like the old-time saying of actions speak louder than words?" I asked.

"Yeah, exactly like that. And like I said; I think we were better…Friends than lovers. But somewhere after the breakup; we lost contact. Haven't heard from him since like…July 2017?" Astrid mentioned.

"Well, around this time I was serving my second tour in Afghanistan. So…Where did your next dating adventure take you?" I wondered with a smile, grabbing the stick to shift the wood on the fire to get the unburned bits burning.

"Well, the next one was…Sort of an unwanted breakup," Astrid said, gaining my attention. "I meant that as in us breaking up was…Outside of our control," she clarified. "Our relationship started May 2018; we were together for five months…But he died," Astrid looked down now. "No one saw it coming. I didn't receive much information on it; I attended the services and then took a long break afterward. I don't think I dated again for a while after that,"

"I'm…Sorry to hear that," I looked down. I'd known a lot of friends who killed themselves too.

"After the break; it was probably a year later. I focused on my studies and getting over the death. I didn't think it would hit me so much. But in June 2018, I met this one guy; his name was Magnor Eldur. We talked a while before dating; that happened later on in August 2019. We dated until December 2019 and ended things because it just wasn't working out. He was a very shy guy, insecure, constantly anxious and panicky. It clashed with my personality, so we ended things mutually," I informed.

"So…The last guy must have happened then? The abusive one. You said February 2020," I remarked.

"Yes, the abuser was the last until we met up again in June 2021…So, he was very cocky and always had some kind of comment about everything. We dated February 2020 to August 2020, and broke up because I initiated it after he hit me. We haven't seen one another since, but I heard a lot of rumor after the fact that he was cheating, and had done this to other girls. But…That was it, yeah. In October 2020 is when I had to do the birth control switch…And I've been single since. Well, until we met up and got back together," Astrid smiled.

I nodded, thinking about something. "Babe?" I asked.

"Yes?" Astrid replied.

"I…Noticed out of all the guys you listed…You didn't give the name of the one who…Died," I informed gently. Astrid looked down a little, then into the fire. "I'm…Not trying to stir up painful reminders, it's just…This guy passed away in October 2018, right?" I inquired.

"Yeah…I'm not sure how he did it; there were a lot of different rumors regarding the method. Some say he overdosed, others claim he shot himself…" Astrid said.

"Astrid…What was his name?" I asked straight out.

"Why do you need to know?" Astrid wondered.

"I'll…Tell you after, but I need to know his name. Right now, please?" I pushed.

"Ander. Ander Kongur," Astrid responded with a sad sigh. I sat back, eyes widened and in complete shock. "Why do you suddenly look like you're the one who lost him?"

"Be-Because I did…" I said. Astrid's head snapped up in confusion.

"What?" Astrid stared.

"Astrid…Ander Kongur was a soldier in my platoon…" I informed her.

"A-Ander was in…Your platoon?" Astrid blinked. "B-But he never…Mentioned being in the military, at all!" I didn't say anything at first, trying to collect my thoughts.

"I've known Ander since I joined, Ast. We were in training together, always on Dragon Platoon under Viggo…In 2018, I was the rank of Sergeant First Class, Ander was only a Corporal…I was…Sort of Viggo's second in command, unofficially. Ander was medically discharged from the military in May 2018 for failing a psychiatric evaluation after a really big loss in the company. We…Lost about ten people, all in the course of five days. Ander saw three of them die; he was sent for eval…And failed it, diagnosed with severe PTSD…" I closed my eyes. "He…Was supposed to be getting help with an outside therapist…" I lowered my head. "We heard about his death two days later,"

"Tell me, Hiccup," Astrid put a hand on my shoulder.

"You don't want to know…" I turned my head.

"Hiccup, please?..." Astrid tried again. "I want to know,"

"Astrid…" I sighed. "Ander committed suicide; he shot himself in the head. He did it one night when he was alone; he was found the next morning, face down on his bedroom floor. He'd been drinking a lot, using drugs…I'm sure you weren't told any of this, but we were. Babe, this is how bad PTSD can get over time if left unmanaged. This is what Gobber, Eret, Thuggory, and Dagur were talking about the night of the welcome home party. How a lot of our friends said they were fine…When they really weren't. It's a mention to how many people told us they were okay, and we found out shortly after that they ended their own lives," I stated.

"Hiccup…Honestly, how bad is your PTSD? And the only reason I ask is because the guys pointed out that you said you were fine…And not to get mad at them for worrying about you…" Astrid put her hand on mine.

"As I've said; I only have a minor case, babe," I assured. "I've had moments were it became a bit much to cope with…But I did get help in managing it all. The guys only say that because I've seen and done more as Special Ops. But I am okay, Milady. I promise,"

"You'll tell me if…That ever changes, right?" Astrid hoped.

"Of course," I nodded.

"Good," Astrid leaned her head on my shoulder. I kissed her forehead. "I love you, Hiccup,"

"I love you too, Astrid," I replied lightly. We stayed there quiet for a while, just watching the fire and enjoying the peacefulness around us. I knew that the topic a moment ago probably made things a little weird. I learned Astrid dating a member of my platoon, and she learned he killed himself because of PTSD. Not exactly joyful for a romantic vacation, but it happened to come up in conversation. When she mentioned the death; it just seemed…Familiar and I felt like I had to know if it's who I thought it was. Turns out I was right. And sometimes; I really hated when I was.

"So…When did you pick up singing as a hobby?" Astrid asked.

"Huh?" I looked at her.

"During the welcome home party; you did that song with your friends. And the Archian Soldier one you actually wrote. Is that something you picked up over the years gone by?" Astrid reminded.

"Not so much a hobby as being bored and it was something to pass the time," I chuckled. "There were a lot of times where literally nothing was going on, so we'd do anything to stay entertained. Some played games, others took naps. I decided to see if I could write a song. Me singing, well, that surprised me as much as it did everyone else. Some of the military songs out there are good at riling everyone up before a big mission; reignite the fire to kick ass," I shrugged.

"You're really good at it," Astrid blushed.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Would you sing for me?" Astrid wondered.

"What? Right now?" I blinked as she nodded. "I mean…I don't have any other…Original songs to sing. It would only be covers of others,"

"I don't mind that. I just want to hear you sing," Astrid giggled. "Anything at all," she added.

"Eh…I usually only do it when it's called for. The song I did with the guys were because I was with them and that was a tune we used to get ready for mission. And the one I wrote…Well I did that because my boss basically made me. I guess it's just gotta be the right time for me; I don't do it at random," I explained.

"I understand, but I definitely wanna hear you sing again because it's really good," Astrid stated.

"On my word, love," I offered a head bow to her. These past days have been great; I think we really needed it after everything. After all, it had been kind'a crazy since we got back together. I was only on my two week leave, which got cut in half. Astrid and I talked, made up, and got back together in one night. I was deployed another two months, got home early, all the work, the memorial, stuff with the house. It's been madness, but this…These past few days of peace and fun with my girlfriend have been amazing. I loved that we still had Wednesday through Saturday, four more days of fun. I mean, we technically leave on Sunday the 2nd, but that would mostly be a breakfast and packing up to get out by 11 am; that was checkout time from the campground so that the staff had time to come in and clean up the RV for the next renters.

"Babe?" Astrid got my attention as I looked at her.

"What's up?" I asked.

"You think we should invite everyone up for Friday morning? Give them the whole day with us?" Astrid inquired.

"If that what you'd like to do?" I questioned.

"Well, I know this whole thing is mainly for us…But I was thinking on what they said last Friday," Astrid shrugged.

"About us telling them and we all could have gone camping together?" I arched a brow.

"Yeah," Astrid nodded. "I mean…We all were supposed to do a trip together after graduation. Even after you left, none of us ever did it. I was just thinking that it'd be nice to get the experience of having all of us here for a full day. Obviously, the night is still ours, but…"

"Milady, if you'd like to invite everyone for all day Friday; I'm fine with it. I'm sure they'll be thrilled. We won't be doing anything that day anyway," I smiled.

"I know, Friday was a campground day because Wednesday is a park day. We're doing…Sharp and Boulder tomorrow," Astrid said.

"Yep. And then Tracker and Tidal on Thursday," I agreed. "And then we're doing Saturday afternoon in Strike and staying for fireworks because they do the big show on the water on the weekends," I added in.

"Right, so I guess we can afford a day on Friday with everyone. What time should we tell them?" Astrid asked, getting her phone out to text everyone.

"Well…We have to consider when the first flights here from Berk are…I want to say they start doing them at 5 am," I informed.

"They'd probably take a 7 am flight. Hour and a half…Puts them at 8:30 arrival, plus the shuttle from the airport here…I'd say about 9 am they'd reach the campground," Astrid shrugged a little.

"Tell them that then. But add in it's entirely their choice if they want to spend all day here. If some still want to come at lunch, that's fine," I said. Astrid nodded as she was working on texting the friends, and her parents. "I'll tell my parents," I got my phone to message Gobber and my folks about the invite to come earlier. "So, that's taken care of…What now?" I chuckled setting the device down.

"You up for s'mores?" Astrid inquired.

"Oh, sounds good. You wanna break the stuff out while I use the bathroom," I looked at her.

"Sure," Astrid nodded as we both got up. "Stormfly, stay,"

"Toothless, stay here, bud," I told him as Astrid and I both moved inside the camper. I went and used the bathroom, and I knew Astrid grabbed the marshmallows, chocolate bars, and the graham crackers. I finished and joined her back outside as she was setting everything up on the small side tables we had next to our double chair. I grabbed the metal roasting sticks and got them ready with a marshmallow each. "I can't get over how perfect the weather has been,"

"Yeah, I love it," Astrid beamed as we worked on cooking our little snack for the night.

"Guess we picked a good time to take a vacation," I chuckled a little while shifting the stick to make sure the cooking was even. I saw my phone light up with a reply from the message I sent earlier. "Hold this for a sec?" Astrid nodded, taking it as I got my phone to check who messaged me.

Mom's Cell, 7:57 pm
Hi, son. That sounds lovely. Dad, Gobber, and I will be there by 8:30 on Friday. Snotlout and Adelaide will be with us. Hope you're having a good time! Love you!

"Mom said they'll come with Snot and Adel," I informed calmly.

"Nice," Astrid replied as she handed me my stick back. I quickly replied with something easy.

8:00 pm
Can't wait to see all of you. Let me know when you get here on Friday; I'll meet you at the office and bring you to the site. Is anyone bringing a car?

Mom's Cell, 8:02 pm
We're renting a van. I think Dagur and Mala are too. We figured to carpool once arriving. Is that okay?

"Guess they aren't taking the shuttle when the come on Friday. Mom just said they plan to rent for the day," I told Astrid.

"I suppose that makes it easier. There are going to be nineteen of them, right?" Astrid looked at me.

"Yeah, I think so," I nodded to her while checking my marshmallow; then turning it a bit to brown the other side while texting my mom back.

8:05 pm
That's fine. And yes, we're having a blast. Tell you more about it on Friday. Currently having s'mores with Astrid. See you in two days, love you. Night.

I set the phone down and finished my marshmallow and set it on the cracker chocolate then added the cover and pulled the stick out. Astrid finished hers and did the same; we clicked snacks with a laugh and started eating them. Today was fun, so was the evening; I loved all the relaxation of this vacation, and the best part is that Astrid and I would be leaving as engaged lovers. I knew Astrid didn't know that yet, but she would on Friday. Though, I was debating to ask her on Saturday night when we watched the fireworks together. I think it would be a bit more romantic to ask her when it was just us, like the first time. I was still deciding; I had a couple of days to make the full choice. I had the ring with me, put away in my suitcase. I knew she wouldn't go in it because our clothes were outside and stacked neatly on the top bunk.

"I love you," Astrid said.

"I love you too," I replied as we leaned in and shared a kiss. I couldn't wait for tomorrow, another fun-filled day with the love of my life.