=Hiccup's POV=
I ended up getting my two weeks off in September, when it had been thirteen months on tour with only five more to go before it was over. Not the most fabulous setup; I would have preferred to take my leave before then, but I would take what I could get. In truth, I believe my commanding officer, Major Grimborn, had forgotten that I didn't get my leave. I spent those entire two weeks with my dad, godfather, and Camicazi. I did see Astrid, Ruffnut, Heather, Fishlegs, Throk, Tuffnut, and Snotlout too, but not for long periods of time. Camicazi was thrilled to see me, and refused to be away from my side the entire time I was home. I wholeheartedly apologized to her about the day regarding her birthday, that it was just a hard assignment, and I'd been sick on top of it. I told her that I ended up with the flu for six days after that, and she felt guilty for getting upset with me that I hadn't contacted her. Also, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was more clingy, but perhaps it was just the fact she hadn't seen me in over a year other than the Skype video calls. I took her out for a late birthday and anniversary date; we made love too, but that was to be expected.
However, in all that, I never told her why I was a little different from when I'd left in August 2010. It was right, I had changed. Losing your friends in the war, seeing them die, having them pass in your arms even; none of that was easy to cope with or accept. Moreso, they were things you couldn't just forget. Camicazi knew something was wrong with me, but I didn't feel I should burden her with those thoughts. I still suffered some flashbacks about individual deaths, but had it under control. I took it up with Sergeant First Class Grimborn, explaining that I was having trouble with a few things, and he set me up to talk to one of the military specialists about everything. I was told it was a subtle touch of PTSD, and nothing to be concerned about as long as I knew how to handle it. With a little help, I had it taken care of now, but it was still something I didn't want to bother Camicazi with. I didn't feel she needed to know about all those horrific things. Not to mention, I couldn't exactly talk about it with her because it was military operations, and only some of those were cleared to be spoken about with civilians.
Thuggory turned twenty June 2011, and I knew about his mutual breakup with Astrid because he told me about it when he returned after his two weeks were up. Thuggory had been telling me about his ex, Brittany, contacting him and wanting to get back together. I suggested to Thug that he be careful in his decision to take back a woman who left him for them not having sex. When Thuggory was sure Brittany learned her lesson, and understood why he said no sexual intercourse, he wanted to take her back, but had to leave Astrid first. As it turned out, and I was shocked to discover that Astrid had feelings for someone else. I guess it worked out that Thuggory and Astrid had the same dilemma, and the two ended things peacefully, and were staying friends. Cody turned twenty-one January 2012, and Eret was now twenty-three as of September 2011 while I was on my leave.
It was currently February 2012, and by the grace of the Gods; the tour was over! I was turning twenty at the end of this month on the 29th since it actually came this year. What a lucky break that I would be back on my home island before then, so I could celebrate it with my father, Gobber, friends, and Cami, who I desperately hoped would be my fiance by that point. Today was the 12th, and we were leaving Afghanistan next week on the 19th. I couldn't wait, and the best part; I wasn't even telling Cami about the return date. I was going to surprise her, and propose at the same time. I had everything all planned out, and the ring was ready too back in Berkville. I had done some researching while on my leave, and I found the perfect one to ask for her hand in marriage with. The one I selected was personalized with our birthstones, and names on the inside of the band. This was a solid sterling silver ring with an eighteen karat gold wave running through the two heart crystals; one was Peridot, the August stone, and the other was mine; February, which is Amethyst. Along the silver was a pave of clear crystals, and inside the band was Camicazi & Hiccup.
I was picking it up when I got back to Archian State, then I would see my dad and Gobber for a bit before going to Camicazi's place to ask her to marry me. I didn't have a speech prepared or nothing, I was just going to show up, knock on her door with a bouquet of roses. I knew she'd likely want to tackle me, so I planned to stop her, then drop to one knee and present her the ring. I was just gonna say; Will you marry me? I hoped she liked it. I knew Camicazi had her own apartment; it was a one bedroom and bathroom apartment for $745 a month, that her parents paid for as long as she kept her grades up in college. Me, I still lived with my dad. I felt like joining the Marines after losing mom and then getting my own place might be too much for him, so I was staying with him a while longer. However, after the engagement happened, Cami and I would probably get our own apartment, or maybe I'd move in with her as she'd suggested it once or twice. I didn't mind if that was the case, her apartment was beautiful on the third floor. Cami's residence was in the city to be closer to college, but I didn't care where we lived since I flew the fastest dragon known to humans. I couldn't wait to be home, and start my future with Camicazi; everything was going to be perfect!
=Normal POV=
{A Week Later; February 20 th , 2012}
Hiccup's plane landed on the runway of Fort Archia Military Base, and as soon as they were allowed to clear out, they got off and stood in formation. The whole last week in Afghanistan had been debriefing, and evaluations to make sure the military members who served the past eighteen months were going to be okay to integrate back into civilian life. Hiccup had heard the stories of some people just going awol and killing themselves, or hurting others, so he understood why these checks were performed. And this wasn't even the only one; there would be at least two more over the next six months to ensure there was no late onset of PTSD symptoms. Hiccup cleared his evaluation fine, because even though he had a light touch of the diagnosis, his was controlled because he sought help while still serving his island. Henrik Andersen dismissed them all after thanking them for their service; everyone got told they had a month off before having to report to their former duty stations, and then everyone was able to leave.
"Come on, Toothless," Hiccup smiled broadly as he grabbed his bags after turning in the war gear such as the helmet, goggles, vests, etc. Hiccup only had a long gray bag and backpack now with other uniforms, his tablet, chargers, and what not in them. Toothless warbled, happy to be home as well. Hiccup waved goodbye to his friends, then headed straight for Berkville to see his father and Gobber. {Berkville}
Toothless landed as Hiccup greeted Cloudjumper the Stormcutter, which was his mother's dragon. Then there was Thornado the Thunderdrum, who was bonded to Stoick and Grump the Hotburple, who belonged to Gobber. Hiccup hurried inside to see them sitting his dad and godfather watching TV.
"I'm home!" Hiccup announced. Instantly, Stoick and Gobber whipped around and saw Hiccup there. Stoick got up and grabbed his son in a back-breaking bear hug as a welcome home. Hiccup fought through the pain and returned the gesture, though, he couldn't get his arms around his old man; it was the thought that counted.
"Aw, son. I'm so happy to see you," Stoick nearly cried as he kissed the top of Hiccup's head.
"The tour is over now?" Gobber asked as Hiccup nodded when Stoick let him go, then Gobber got his hug in.
"Finally, and don't have to report to the Berkville station for an entire month," Hiccup informed.
"That's good to hear. Have you seen Cami yet?" Stoick questioned.
"Nope, I came right here to see you two. I know you knew I was returning this week, but she doesn't know anything. I'm surprising her, and then asking her to marry me," Hiccup said as their eyes widened a bit. "We'veā¦been together for four years, and after all this, I can't see myself with anyone else,"
"I'm so proud of you, Hiccup, and your mother would be too," Stoick replied.
"Have ya got the ring picked out?" Gobber wondered.
"Yep. I'm picking it up on my way to Cami's place. I'm gonna go see her now, so you might not see me tonight if ya know what I mean," Hiccup chuckled a little.
"Aye, son. But I demand a welcome home/engagement party along with your birthday!" Stoick ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Hiccup saluted. Gobber and Stoick hugged him again, then Hiccup left the house to pick up the ring with Toothless.
{Camicazi's Apartment-2:40 pm}
Hiccup picked up a dozen red roses, and the ring from within the mall. Hell, he was still in his desert cammies uniform, and didn't care. Hiccup landed Toothless silently at Camicazi's apartment, and told him to stay quiet. Hiccup strolled up the walk and saw a dark blue four-door car in the driveway. Hiccup thought that was a little odd since Cami hadn't mentioned anything about having a car; why would she need one when she had Mimic? Either way, Hiccup reached the door and noticed it was cracked open. Had Cami forgotten to shut it all the way? Hiccup pushed it open and looked around; he didn't see his girlfriend at all. Hiccup moved silently through the apartment, even checking the backyard where Mimic was. Strange, why couldn't he find her? Hiccup started walking down the hall to where the bedroom sat; perhaps she was sleeping? It was Monday after all, and her classes were over.
Hiccup heard soft pants, and moaning. Hiccup got close to the door and put his ear up to it. "Ah! Mmm," he listened to Camicazi's voice. Was she masturbating? It's not like he'd be surprised. As far as Camicazi knew, Hiccup was still in Afghanistan. Hiccup knew Cami masturbated when she got horny and he wasn't around, and he could admit to doing the same thing before getting deployed. It wasn't wrong to do, so he wouldn't knock her for it if she was. Hiccup decided that he would just walk in, maybe join in and help her out before proposing. Wouldn't that be something? Hiccup stood up and got himself together as he held the ring in his hand of the arm where the roses were. Hiccup opened the door and walked inside with a smile.
"Guess who is off of his tour, Mil-," Hiccup began to announce as he laid his green eyes on Camicazi who was completely naked laying on her bed with her legs spread and another male over her and his cock buried inside of her. As soon as Camicazi saw him, she gasped and sat up quickly to the surprise of him being home, and there, but horrified that she'd been caught in bed, having sex with someone other than him. Hiccup's eyes had widened in shock, confusing, and betrayal of what he walked in on. Camicazi, the woman he loved and was going to ask to marry him; cheating.
