=Normal POV=
[Friday, 9/30/2022-6:00 pm]
[Dragon's Edge; Drake's Lair Campground]

The day had been pretty peaceful after the situation with Dane. The family and friends of Hiccup and Astrid stayed at the campsite to talk more and enjoy each other's company. Lunch was calm; they had clam chowder, homemade by Hiccup. When all that was cleaned up and put away; the group sat around to talk more since the topics seemed to be endless. Dinner was upon them now; the choice was an obvious ribs, burgers, hot dogs, and chicken on the fire or mini grill.

"Babe, you got the sides all set? Meats will be done in about three minutes," Hiccup called over to Astrid.

"Finishing them up now, Hic," Astrid replied from her spot in the outside kitchen. "Do you need the serving trays?"

"Yes, please," Hiccup smiled. Astrid headed inside the camper to grab a few and then bring them over to Hiccup. "Thank you, Milady,"

"You're welcome," Astrid kissed his cheek before returning to her work on making sides for the meal; it was mashed potatoes, corn, and biscuits. The guests around the area were just relaxing while Hiccup and Astrid worked on dinner; they had tried to help with it, but the two lovers insisted that they had it under control and to just enjoy everything. "Sides done," she informed.

"Main set," Hiccup nodded as he started getting everything on the trays and setting them on the table to serve. "Come and get it," he called. Everyone got up, lining behind Hiccup and Astrid as they got theirs first and sat down.

Once everyone had their food and was sitting; the group began to eat and enjoy the music and atmosphere. It was such a beautiful night, and only just beginning to reach sunset colors. Hiccup was still planning his proposal, how it would go. Hiccup had a lot of ideas, but nothing seemed right. The first time he asked Astrid to marry him; it had been about 11 pm at night, right after they made love, and with something very basic. Not to mention out of the blue. Hiccup figured that this time; he should be more…Romantic about it. Especially since they had their friends and family over.

Hiccup had the ring put away in his suitcase, and he could do things a million different ways. Hiccup knew Astrid wouldn't care which; she'd be shocked, but she would absolutely say yes. Hiccup just needed to decide how to go about the asking. Honestly; he felt like he just should do it. No gimmicks, no pauses, not fear; just stand in front of Astrid, say a little speech, and then get down on one knee and ask her right out. At the same time; that wasn't his style. The way Hiccup asked Astrid to be his girlfriend at the end of ninth grade was with a song that she loved. Hiccup wondered that if he got the song going; would she take the bait. The first time; they just danced and afterward, Hiccup asked her out. This time, Hiccup was really hoping that when the song ended; he'd drop to one knee, say his little piece, and pop the question.

But why go through all that? Hiccup wanted Astrid to know that he loved her, wanted only her for the rest of his life. There was no reason to hide that fact behind music; if Hiccup just said what was on his mind, even if she saw it a mile away he was going to propose, what did it matter? All Hiccup needed was one word in response. That was all he wanted and needed, and then the rest of his night; he likely wouldn't care what happened. Yeah, the two of them would make love after everyone left, and that would be awesome too. But all that mattered to him was Astrid saying yes to his proposal; she had always mean to eight years ago anyway, but she panicked and ran off. It was in the past now; they both made mistakes in that situation and they were older now and definitely stable in their lives to take the next step together.

With dinner eaten and cleaned up by 7:00 pm; everyone was relaxing around the fire with a drink in hand. There was some music going in the background, and it was officially dark. Hiccup knew he had to get this done before everyone left, which would be at 9 pm, since the last flight to Berk was going out at 9:30 pm. It gave him two hours, and there would absolutely need to be some celebrating over the event of becoming engaged. Hiccup had retrieved the ring from the bag when he'd gone inside to use the bathroom; the object was safe in his pocket now.

"You're quiet tonight, babe. Is everything okay?" Astrid inquired, pulling Hiccup from his thoughts about marriage.

"Hm? Oh, I'm fine. Just enjoying the night with everyone," Hiccup smiled. "It's perfect,"

"I gotta agree with him. This is pretty perfect," Dagur nodded, sitting beside his wife while their twins were respectively sitting on one lap each belonging to their parents. Dagny with Dagur, and Magne with Mala.

Hiccup took a look around at everyone else; it seemed everyone was content with how their lives were going now. Thuggory and Camicazi were officially a couple now; he asked her out the Sunday that Hiccup and Astrid left for their vacation. Eret asked Ruffnut out today after lunch. Adelaide was pregnant with Tuffnut's child; she found out two weeks ago and is currently eight weeks along. Heather and Fishlegs were dating as of the beginning of September apparently, and had kept it quiet for a bit. Minden and Snotlout were still going strong and actually about to be engaged because they had been discussing marriage. From what Hiccup understood; they would probably get officially engaged over Snoggletog. That had been a private thing Snotlout told Hiccup, though because Snotlout had asked Hiccup if he'd be his best man at the wedding. Of course, Hiccup said yes to him; they were cousins after all and close enough to be brothers. Obviously, Hiccup's and Astrid's parents were still happily married and in love. Then there was Gobber; still single but happy, nevertheless.

"It's been a lovely day," Valka said.

"Well, except for that whole crazy ex-boy-," Tuffnut started.

"TUFFNUT!" everyone shouted.

"I was just saying," Tuffnut huffed.

"Yeah, well just say it to yourself," Astrid muttered before getting up and moving down the edge of the dock, standing there with her arms over her chest.

"Come on, dude…" Snotlout stated.

"Why would you even bring that up?" Fishlegs remarked.

"Not cool," Eret said.

"I didn't know she'd get all upset about it; that's not typically Astrid's style," Tuffnut claimed.

"We all know it's not her style, Tuff," Hiccup said. "The night she told me, even I asked her why she didn't rip his dick off and mail it back to his mother on a silver platter; she told me it's because she was unprepared for the hit and more violence would have made it worse, which is the mature response,"

"Says the guy who held on a gun on her ex earlier," Thuggory rolled his eyes.

"It was a water gun, and secondly…I only fought because he pushed her down and attacked me first; it's self-defense," Hiccup corrected. "You all would have done the same for your significant other, so don't give me crap over it," he added. "I'll go talk to her," he got up and followed after Astrid onto the docks. Getting to the end; he got his arm around her waist she Astrid just shifted and leaned against his shoulder with her arms both around his waist. "Don't listen to him; you know he's an idiot sometimes,"

"I know, but still…" Astrid mumbled with a heavy sigh to follow.

"Don't let it get to you, babe," Hiccup assured. "I don't think we'll have any further problems with Dane; he's apparently in a lot of trouble for various things on Hysteria. What happened today was just a freak…Encounter, and it won't happen again. I mean, if he knows that's good for him. I don't think he wants to deal with me again," he laughed a little.

"Yeah, not likely. Even Brynjar didn't want to fight you after that," Astrid nodded.

"I'm one of the top fighters, not many want to fight me," Hiccup chuckled some. "Come on, cheer up. We're having a good night,"

"Alright…Sorry I wondered off. Guess I just needed a moment or two, one of those wondering how things would have been if Snotlout and them weren't around that night. Dane absolutely wanted to go after me again, and I felt like I probably could have taken him on, but at the same time; the initial hit took me by surprise and I felt fear…"Astrid shrugged some.

"That's a normal reaction, babe. You are undoubtedly one of the strongest, kindest, and smartest people I've ever met…But you are only human, love. And we all deal with those instances where you feel something rare. No matter what you do, those feelings exist and certain situations can bring them out. Like…With how you got scared and ran away from me eight years ago. Choosing not to face a situation isn't your style, but that situation was one that made you run. And being abused, even if just once; is another one. Consider the situation if it was just you, babe. You were…Shocked at what he did, but would you have been able to recover and fight back in the moments it took you to process what had happened?"

"Put like that, no. The force took me to the ground, and I was down there a good minute or two with Fishlegs while Snot and Tuff held Dane back," Astrid admitted.

"My point, love, is that it happens to all of us. Despite how we typically are on a day to basis; there are moments when we show sides that don't come out often. But just because we don't feel it often, doesn't mean it's not there. It's just…Part of being human," Hiccup informed.

"You're right," Astrid replied. "Thanks for putting it into perspective for me, and coming over to cheer me up," she added. Hiccup smiled as they shared a light kiss before turning and returning to the campfire. "Oh, and thanks for…Defending me earlier against him…Even if you did use the wrong label," she giggled a little.

"I did?" Hiccup asked curiously now.

"You, uh…Told Dane that no one puts their hands on your wife and then runs from the beat down," Astrid smiled now.

"Oh, that," Hiccup said in a serious tone. "It wasn't an accident that I called you my wife,"

The campsite fell quiet now as Astrid looked at Hiccup, seeing that he wasn't smiling. "I-It wasn't?" Astrid asked.

"I know what I said," Hiccup responded. "I said it because I meant it,"

"B-But I'm…Not your…Wife?" Astrid said, confused.

"No…No you are not," Hiccup sighed as he figured this was the best moment to do it. "But you can be," he added as Astrid's eyes widened a bit. "All you have to do is say yes this time,"

The guests gasped a bit, eyes widened and watching intently. Of course, some of them, already knew to record this moment. "Hi-Hiccup? What do you-," Astrid started.

"Astrid, you are the love of my life. Alright? There's no questioning or debating that. I mean, come on…Eight years after you told me no, and several failed dates and relationships later; we're back together as if nothing changed because our feelings never faded or died for one another. I've said it before, and I'll say it again as I did all those years ago…" Hiccup began as Astrid didn't say a word. Was he really about to propose to her? "Do you remember the night of the memorial, when I said I had no favorites?" Astrid nodded to him once. "You're not my favorite because you are my first," Astrid felt her tears start to form.

"Okay? You are my first friend; first crush, like, love, and kiss. You are my first girlfriend, the only girl I've ever made love to despite all the others who have tried, and I mean desperately tried to sleep with me," Astrid giggled a little as Hiccup was holding her hands, smiling softly now. "It seems none of that was meant to be as I'm back here with you. You are not my favorite because you are my first and you will be my only because I don't want anyone else, so you're gonna be my last. You have a very special place, Astrid, and there is not a soul on this Earth who can take your place in my heart or my life," Hiccup continued. "You and I have been through everything together, and I believe that we can make it through anything as long as we're together. Astrid, you have me no matter what. Whatever that means, whatever you want it to mean; I am with you,"

The tears finally slipped from Astrid's eyes as she choked up, smiling still. "There will always be a Hiccup and Astrid. I love you, Astrid Hofferson, with everything I am…And until the day I take my last breath; I always will," Hiccup reached into his pocket, pulling out a red, heart-shaped box and getting down one knee. Astrid brought her free hand to her mouth, gasping in surprise. Hiccup held her other hand, while opening the box to reveal the ring that looked all too familiar to Astrid. "Despite what happened; I never got rid of this, Astrid. It was always meant for you, and so here we are as it was eight years ago…" Hiccup took a deep breath. "Milady, will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me, Astrid?"

Astrid made sure that if she did this; it wouldn't end in injury to either of them. Astrid smiled wide, tears flowing from her eyes as she nodded to him. "Yes…Yes! Infinity times; yes, I will!" Astrid threw herself forward at Hiccup, knocking him down to the hard, dirt ground. Hiccup instinctively made sure the ring was secure and held onto Astrid so she'd land on him.

"Ow!" Hiccup yelped upon hitting the ground, but somehow, despite the pain; he could only smile and breath a sigh of relief. Astrid held herself up with a giggled before going down and kissing Hiccup deeply. Astrid broke the kiss and sat back as Hiccup came up more, even though they were still on the ground. Hiccup pulled the ring from the box and slipped it on Astrid's left-hand ring finger. "Finally, right where it belongs," he chuckled some. "I love you, Astrid,"

"I love you too, Hiccup," Astrid replied as he cupped her cheek with his left hand and pulled her in for a hard, passionate kiss. The group of friends and family cheered, chapping with joy for the moment. After the kiss, Hiccup got both of them back on their feet as Astrid held onto him tightly; her head was on his shoulder, one hand on his chest. Hiccup an arm around her waist as they just smiled and faced everyone.

"Marvelous job, son," Stoick stated.

"Beautiful," Asvora and Valka said together.

"Now…We got two hours left here; I say we celebrate!" Snotlout announced.

"Alright, alright," Hiccup agreed. "But keep it down; the last thing I want is to end up kicked out over noise," he chuckled.

"Decided to go with out of the blue again?" Astrid looked up at him.

"Actually…No. I've been planning this since I got home from the tour," Hiccup admitted as everyone blinked. "I told you, I never got rid of that ring. It's always been among my things, even after we broke up. I made sure it was with me when I left Berk, times I went on tour…Everywhere. Never in sight, but always close by. When I got home, and learned about all the housing stuff; I knew what I was going to do. I told myself that I had you back, and I wouldn't lose you again, Astrid. I decided that once I got all my things taken care of; I'd ask you to marry me again,"

"Things? As in…Getting the house?" Astrid arched a brow.

"You got it. So, Snotlout wasn't…Entirely wrong at the house-warming party. I purposely picked a big house for me so it would have room to add more to a growing family. The master room for us, two extra rooms as one is an office, perhaps the second for a child? Or both for kids, doesn't matter. I wanted to ensure that things would be set for after this trip. Being engaged now, I assume you'll be moving in," Hiccup stated. "I have a key already made for you at home on the counter; set on purpose for when we got back and you'd see it…Astrid, everything since I've been home has been part of one big ass elaborate plan for us to start the future we should have had eight years ago. And I'm not blaming you, because there is enough to go around between both of us," Hiccup informed.

"Regardless…I knew once we started dating again in June that this is where I wanted things to be as soon as possible. I wanted to be with you, get the house; one big enough for you to be able to move in with Stormfly along with Toothless and I; then we'd have a home to start our family in. And Odin knows there's enough room to renovate if necessary. I wanted everything taken care of to ensure the security of our future together," Hiccup said.

"Oh, Hiccup…" Astrid hugged him tightly.

"I love you," Hiccup said.

"I love you too," Astrid replied as they kissed again, only get more cheering from family and friends.

"Party time!" a few exclaimed. Hiccup nodded, turning up the music a bit. This was a great night, and the vacation wasn't even over yet. However, one thing was for sure; the next big event was planning Hiccup and Astrid's wedding. Hiccup and Astrid couldn't wait.