=Normal POV=
{Sunday, October 19, 2025-2:30}
(Berk; Haddock Manor)
Tomorrow marked four months that Hiccup and Astrid have been happily married. But three days ago, Astrid hit twenty-two weeks in the pregnancy. Hiccup and Astrid enjoyed every single day of their two-week vacation, minus the times Astrid's morning sickness kicked in. Between 5 and 6 am every morning it seemed; Astrid was hit with nausea until about 8 am, then it would taper off. These spurts would hit Astrid at different times; sometimes she was fine and others, not so much. Astrid didn't always throw up, but she would feel extreme nausea, or occasionally light, and she would just need a little time to sit with water. Hiccup did what he could for her, but it was hard. Also, they did stop by a drugstore to pick up a substitute prenatal vitamin that her doctor approved of. Astrid set her appointment to be seen after the honeymoon when she would be seven weeks, and her doctor stated there would be a sonogram too.
After that, the honeymoon continued as planned. Hiccup and Astrid would either go out or stay in for their meals. Sometimes they would spend the day inside the room, walk around the resort, hit the beach or pool. It didn't matter as long as they were together. As they promised; Hiccup and Astrid contacted Runa every morning and night. Their daughter was always asking how her little brother or sister was doing; she was very excited to be a big sister, which warmed Hiccup and Astrid's hearts. The vacation was amazing overall, and when the fourteen days ended; Hiccup and Astrid returned to Archia Isle. The following Wednesday upon their return; Astrid had her appointment as she was nearing her eighth week. The first half of the meeting was going over the last period, symptoms, and an in-office pregnancy test. The doctor confirmed everything, and then Hiccup and Astrid finally got to meet their baby in a sonogram.
Astrid cried, but Hiccup held her as they got to see their child on the screen. Astrid was marked at seven weeks and six days; the baby was developing perfectly, and everything looked great. The doctor, Jannike Fredrickson, was informed of Astrid's previous miscarriage and everything that happened and assured that they would watch Astrid carefully to see if anything starts going wrong. It worried Astrid, but Hiccup reminded her that stress was a leading factor in miscarriages, so all Astrid needed to do was avoid as much stress as possible. Hiccup and Astrid got a couple of pictures, and to hear the heartbeat; it was a wonderful day. Hiccup and Astrid sent everyone a copy of the picture by text message. It was adorable when Hiccup and Astrid tried to show Runa the scan; she didn't understand that the baby would grow over the next seven months.
Hiccup got through by showing Runa photos from when she was growing inside Olivia's belly, and what she looked like after being born, cleaned and what not. Runa somewhat understood after that, but her excitement was just that she would get to be a big sister after Christmas. The rest of the time since then has been wonderful. Also, Hiccup and Astrid were working on the renovations for their suite to accommodate themselves, Runa, and the new baby. However, Astrid wasn't sure how it would work and Hiccup today, at least, was trying to explain it so she would understand his vision. Also today; it was Astrid's baby shower, and gender reveal. The sonogram Astrid had two weeks ago revealed the gender, but not even Hiccup and Astrid knew. Hiccup gave the result to a friend who was going to set something up for him, military style.
So, everyone who had been at the wedding basically, and a few extra friends from Hiccup's unit, which was six altogether with Hiccup. Everything was decorated pink and blue; food spread out on a table, drinks, and a separate table with gifts for the baby. Astrid was sitting in a comfy chair with Hiccup beside her; the two were discussing the room arrangements.
"Hiccup, I'm sorry; I just don't see how it can work," Astrid stated.
"Alright, fine…I'll do it the old-fashioned way," Hiccup sighed as he moved behind the stables to his forge and pulled out his big drawing board in front of her. "Look," Hiccup drew a square, then added the spots of how his room looked now. "This is the room now, right?"
"Yes," Astrid nodded. Hiccup started erasing a few chalk lines drawn; and adding new ones.
"We move our room into the Sitting Room. Bathroom stays. I can turn the art room into Runa's playroom or a spare closet. I can turn Runa's room into two rooms; one for her and one for the baby. And the big room can be our living room. The closet can stay; we'll just shrink it a little. Even with both of our clothes in there, I have plenty of unused space," Hiccup informed.
"Well, okay…Yeah, drawn like this; I see it. But what if we had more kids, Hiccup. That suite won't work forever," Astrid reminded.
"First of all, Milady. You still have like four months left in this pregnancy. And secondly…We already said while on our honeymoon we weren't having more until this baby is like three or four," Hiccup chuckled as he kissed her cheek. "Relax a little. We got time to figure something else out when the time comes that we choose to have more kids. How about we just worry about the one we have coming now?" he hugged her.
"I know. I'm sorry; I really need to stop doubting you," Astrid mumbled.
"Yeah, you do because you know I always come through," Hiccup smiled as Astrid nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's play some games!" Valka announced.
The first game was something that Astrid and the girls who had been pregnant already came up with. A relay race where they transport a balloon using pregnancy bellies, and it was a couples race. The object was to keep their two bellies holding the balloon while crossing the backyard. Heather and Fishlegs won that because if anyone knew what it was like to do things while having a big belly; it was Heather since she had twins. The prize was a $200 gift card to a home décor store.
The next game was pin the baby on the mom, a fun twist on pin the tail on the donkey or dragon. There was a lifesize picture of Astrid, and everyone had to try and pin the baby in the right spot while blindfolded. Out of the people playing, no one had gotten it right, though, Runa got the baby in Astrid's arms, and her reasoning was that the baby wouldn't be her mother's belly forever. Of course, Runa got a prize for that because she wasn't entirely wrong. After a few more people went; it was Hiccup's turn. Stoick blindfolded him and handed him the picture of a baby with a pin on it. Hiccup got spun three times, and then he was sent towards the cut out of Astrid.
"This should be good," Thuggory said. "No one else got it," he added while everyone was quiet.
Hiccup reached his free hand out, and it landed on Astrid's head. Hiccup moved slowly as his hand went down to her eyes, nose, mouth, then finally, her shoulders, chest. "The difference between me and all of you boys…" Hiccup stopped on Astrid's belly and pinned the baby in place as Hiccup took the blindfold off and stepped away with a grin. "Is that I know every inch of my wife's body,"
"HICCUP HORRENDOUS HADDOCK THE THIRD!" Astrid screeched with embarrassment.
"What, babe? Come on…I didn't get you pregnant by looking at you," Hiccup smirked. Astrid grabbed a small rock off the ground and threw it at his head.
"And if you don't behave yourself, looking is all your gonna get to do until after the baby is born!" Astrid warned. Hiccup chuckled as he moved over beside her.
"Oh, come on, Milady. You know you can't stay mad at me," Hiccup said softly, kissing her cheek, then her earlobe, which made Astrid smile a little. Hiccup kissed her neck as Astrid giggled and brought his face down to kiss his lips.
"You're right; I can't…" Astrid said afterward. "I forgive you…As long as you remind me how you got me pregnant later tonight?"
"Consider it done," Hiccup nodded as they shared another kiss. "Alright, next game!"
"That would be the baby food one," Gobber informed. "Who is playing that one?"
"I'll sit it out," Hiccup stated as he sat next to his wife; his hands resting on her belly. This game was just people trying different types of baby food and trying to guess what it was without looking at the label. Hiccup only wanted to be with his wife. At some point, Runa came over to sit with them and watch the fun commence. Afterward, Runa went off to play with the other children who were present. A few games after this were guess the mother's measurements at her current state; Adelaide won that one and a $30 gift card to Archian Donuts. Pick the item in the diaper bag was a tie between Minden and Nadia. The two split the prize of $50.00 cash.
Another game was bobbing for bottle nipples; something where the players had to get as many nipples as they could in thirty seconds. Snotlout and Eret tied that game, but both got $20.00 in cash. Thuggory was a close second, so he got $10. There was also balloon darts, which Camicazi won and got a gift certificate for a dragon supply store that was worth $100. By the end of all this; it was time for cake.
"Mommy, Daddy? Can I help cut it too?" Runa asked.
"Sure, sweetie," Astrid smiled as Runa came in and held the handle of the knife with Hiccup and Astrid. The three of them cut a piece, and then Stoick took over to slice more and start handing them out. However, Astrid took one bite of hers and set the plate down.
"Babe? You okay?" Hiccup asked when he noticed her face; it was the one he'd seen a lot. Astrid's I'm about to be sick face. Astrid closed her eyes, trying to push it back. "Ast?" suddenly, she shook her head.
"I'm gonna be sick," Astrid said while bringing a hand to her mouth. Hiccup got Runa off his lap as he grabbed helped Astrid to her feet and hurried her into the house; then over to the small bathroom across from the Great Room. As soon as she was inside, she puked.
"I thought morning sickness faded after the first trimester?" Nadia asked.
"Typically, it does. For some women, like myself with Hiccup, it can be harder. I was sick my whole pregnancy," Valka informed. Ten minutes later, Hiccup was helping Astrid back out to sit in her chair.
"Mommy okay?" Runa asked.
"I will be, sweetheart. Don't worry," Astrid smiled a little. Runa got the cake and tried to hand it back to Astrid, but Astrid made a face and Hiccup set the plate away from his wife. "Mama don't want it?"
"No, baby girl. The cake is making her sick," Hiccup explained.
"Oh!" Runa nodded. "I sowwy, Mama,"
"It's not your fault," Astrid cupped her cheek a little. "Your baby brother or sister must not like it," she chuckled a little. "I usually love cake," she added.
"Will you wike it when my brother or sister comes out?" Runa inquired.
"Probably," Astrid nodded.
"Daddy, wrap Mommy's piece up. And she can have it in…Um…How much longer?" Runa looked at him.
"I don't think the cake will last that long, Roo. But I'll tell you what, okay? After your brother or sister is born; you, Mommy, me, and the baby will go out for dinner and have cake as the dessert. We'll get Mommy's favorite kind," Hiccup told her.
"What kind is that?" Runa tilted her head to the side.
"Double chocolate ice cream," Hiccup smiled. "It's chocolate ice cream, fudge center, and chocolate frosting," Hiccup enlightened. Runa clapped her hands and hugged Astrid, then Hiccup before sitting down next to them.
"When is Mama gonna open her presents?" Runa asked.
"Well, I suppose we could do that now while everyone is eating their cake?" Astrid suggested.
"Can I help?" Runa questioned.
"Of course," Hiccup nodded. After that, Astrid was opening gifts with Hiccup and Runa's help while everyone else enjoyed the cake. It was all the expected things; diapers, wipes, gender-neutral clothes and onesies, some socks, pacifiers, bibs, bottles, nipples, spoons, bowls, and plates. There was a bassinet from Maeva and Bard. Stoick and Valka got them a dark wood crib. Gobber got the sheets and blankets for it. Spitelout and Frida got a changing table while Alvin and Termagant did a dresser. Viggo and Ryker did a joint gift of an infant carrier and stroller. Katja and Verena did baby blankets. There was a little something from everyone, and truthfully; it reminded Hiccup of when Olivia was pregnant with Runa.
"What did you get her, Hiccup?" Birger asked curiously.
"Well, I gave her the baby," Hiccup started, and then he felt his wife's glare on him and nervously gulped. "B-But I did come up with a little something," he added quickly as the glare turned into slight curiosity. Hiccup knew Astrid didn't expect anything from him; that's not what the glare was about. No, Hiccup got that look because Astrid didn't like him cracking remarks that he gave her the baby when they both knew it took two to make a baby, so they both had a hand in the baby growing in her stomach. "I wrote a song for you," Astrid's eyes lit up excitedly now.
"Do I get to hear it live, or is it on a CD?" Astrid inquired.
"Um…It's on a…CD," Hiccup saw her frown sadly. "B-But I, uh, I can sing it for you live if y-" Hiccup started.
"Yes! Do it!" Astrid demanded quickly as her face returned to a wide smile now.
"Want…" Hiccup finished. Hiccup grabbed his phone and plugged it into the station. Astrid giggled happily as she held Runa in her lap now. "Alright, so I wrote this for you based on everything we've been through together in our lives. The fact that somehow we've ended up here because it was always meant to be that way," Hiccup said as Astrid blushed a little. Hiccup pressed play as the music began differently than most of his did.
"Stay with me. Don't fall asleep too soon. The angels can wait, for a moment. Come real close. Forget the world outside. Tonight we're alone; it's finally you and I." Hiccup started in a soft voice. "Oh! It wasn't meant to feel like this…Not without you," he smiled as Astrid blushed a little more. The music picked up a bit more now.
"Cause when I look at my life, how the pieces fall into place. It just wouldn't rhyme without you. When I see how my path seems to end up before your face. The state of my heart. The place where we are was written in the stars," Hiccup moved closer as he offered her his hand to take. Runa climbed off her mother and sat in her chair once Hiccup brought Astrid to her feet. Runa clapped her hands, giggling happily at the sight.
Hiccup pulled Astrid against him, beginning to dance with her. The music began to soften once more. "Don't be afraid. I'll be right by your side. Through the laughter and pain. Together we're bound to fly," Hiccup sang gently, but everyone could still hear the song. "Oh! I wasn't meant to love like this…Not without you," he stared into her eyes.
"Cause when I look at my life, how the pieces fall into place. It just wouldn't rhyme without you. When I see how my path seems to end up before your face. The state of my heart. The place where we are was written in the stars," Hiccup leaned in closer now. "We made a few mistakes, yeah. Like sometimes we do. Been through a lot of heartache…But I made it back to you!" Hiccup held the note as the music began to pick up again.
"Cause when I look at my life, how the pieces fall into place. It just wouldn't rhyme without you. When I see how my path seems to end up before your face. The state of my heart. The place where we are was written in the stars!" Hiccup sang out again as Astrid laid her head on his chest, trying not to cry. "Cause when I look at my life, how the pieces fall into place. It just wouldn't rhyme without you. When I see how my path seems to end up before your face. The state of my heart. The place where we are was written in the stars," Hiccup smiled at her gently as he leaned in and kissed her as the dance came to a stop and he looking in her tear-filled blue eyes where the tears just began to slip down.
"The state of my heart. The place where we are. Was written in the stars…" Hiccup finished after the kiss, and the music faded off. Hiccup wiped her eyes dry. "It's always been you and me, Milady. Then, now, and forever more," Hiccup whispered.
"Then, now, and forever more," Astrid replied. They kissed again, but Astrid broke it abruptly as she looked at her stomach; then put a hand there as she gasped.
"What? What is it? Are you okay?" Hiccup asked, worried about her.
"I-I felt the baby move," Astrid told him quickly. "There it is again!" she got excited.
"You've never felt it before?" Hiccup asked. Astrid shook her head.
"Most first-time moms don't feel the baby move until closer to twenty-five weeks," Mala pointed out. Astrid grabbed his hand and put it where hers was. Less than ten seconds later; he felt it and smiled.
"That's amazing," Hiccup kissed her again.
"Daddy, I want to feel the baby move!" Runa rushed over and tripped over a stone; then began falling. Hiccup dashed to the left and bent a little to catch her before she hit the ground.
"Got ya," Hiccup said as he stood up and held her in his arms. Runa held him tightly, scared that she almost fell. "It's okay. Daddy won't ever let you fall," he soothed as she kissed him and smiled. "Still wanna feel your brother or sister move?" Runa nodded. Astrid sat down in her chair as Hiccup knelt down and let Runa sit on his knee. Hiccup placed her hands on Astrid's belly and waited.
"I don't feel it," Runa said.
"Try talking to the baby," Hiccup offered. Runa thought a moment, then leaned closer to her mother's belly.
"Hi. I'm Runa. I'm your big sister…I can't wait to meet you. We'll pway, and I'll always keep you safe as Daddy does to Mommy," Runa said.
"Awe, that was adorable," Heather clapped her hands together. "Oh, come on, Fishlegs…Let's have another one,"
"NO!" Fishlegs and Dagur yelled at the same time nervously. Everyone laughed because it was funny that Heather wanted another baby right now when she had two two-year-olds. The twins birthday just passed in August. Runa closed her eyes, and then she felt it.
"Daddy! Mommy! I felt it!" Runa exclaimed. "Can we pwease find out if it's a boy or girl now!?" she pleaded.
"I think we've held off long enough," Astrid giggled a little. "Go on, babe since you're the one who planned how the reveal would go," she invited. Hiccup grinned a little. "And I feel like I'm gonna regret giving you that power…" she sighed. Hiccup set Runa down as he whistled for Toothless and Stormfly to come towards him.
"Ready guys?" Hiccup looked to the five males from the Strike Fury Unit. Three guys brought out small, ball-looking objects and then another one of them opened a case as the other guy pulled out a gun and tossed it to Hiccup.
"I can already see where this is going…" Gobber facepalmed.
"On three!" Hiccup called.
"Aye, sir!" the five called back.
"One!" Hiccup yelled as the three held the objects in hand. "Two!" they prepared to throw them up as Hiccup set his gun in position. "Three!" the males laughed the object in the air. "Toothless, Stormfly; fire!" at the same time; Toothless fired his plasma blast, Stormfly shot a single spine, and Hiccup fired his gun. Not more than a second later; the three attacks hit the balls in the air as there was an explosion of blue smoke.
"It's a boy!" everyone cheered as Hiccup pulled Astrid into his arms and kissed her deeply; they were having a son!
