=Hiccup's POV=

I didn't know what to think after I got pulled off of a patrol by Viggo, then told Astrid's water had broken, and she was in labor. The first thing I did was pack up and reach Arc City in a record twelve hours on Toothless. We only stopped for breaks, quick ones at that, and then we started again. Getting to the hospital, I explained who I was, and wanted to know where Astrid was. I was told the third floor, and then someone there would bring me to her. So that's what I did, and soon got taken to room #329. The nurse let me in, and as soon as I saw Astrid there with no baby around, I felt relieved because I knew I'd made it home for the birth. Seeing Camicazi there had been a surprise, and I was furious at first, then Astrid explained that Camicazi had been helping her, and I couldn't stay mad. I even requested Cami remain to finish this with us because I had no idea what to do since I'd missed everything due to deployment. However, after all was said and done; Astrid gave birth at 4:57 am on July 5, 2014 to our daughter. Ragni weighed 6lbs 26oz, and measured to 19 inches long. Perfectly average and healthy, which is all I could have asked for in a baby.

Camicazi took some photos for us of when Ragni came out, was getting cleaned, measured, weighed, and wrapped up. Hell, she even snapped a shot of me next to Astrid in the bed while Ragni was breastfed by Astrid. Camicazi capture moments of Astrid's face when Ragni was out, and getting to hold her, then one of me holding our daughter. I thanked her for all of that, because they were memories I didn't want to stop seeing. Camicazi must have left around 5:30 am when everything settled down, and I thanked her once more for everything. Astrid went right to sleep once Ragni was in her bedside crib, and I was in the chair, all three of us desperately needed the rest. I'd been flying since 3pm Archian State time, and reached the hospital at 2:15 am, then by the time I laid eyes on Astrid in the birthing room, it was 2:25 am or so. After getting some much-needed downtime to close my eyes, Astrid and I were up again to feed Ragni, and change her at 8:45 am. Once she was back to sleep, we did the same, telling everyone they could come by later.

That time was now. It was 3:45 pm, and we had just gotten Ragni settled when people began to arrive. First it was parents, and my godfather. Everyone got a turn to hold the little one, then after that, it was friends coming in sections to meet the newest addition. It was now a moment where everyone was in the same room together, and I was taking my chance. I rushed out at lunchtime, and picked up an engagement ring for Astrid. It was nothing extravagant, because I knew that's not how Astrid was, but I knew she'd love it. What shocked everyone is when Camicazi returned with the newly printed pictures she took from her phone. I explained that Camicazi was there because she helped Astrid through everything until I arrived, after that, no one seemed to mind her being there, and I thanked her for the pictures. Perhaps we'd be friends, who knew? However, my focus was on the new memory I was about to make; asking Astrid to be my wife. It was July, we'd be together two years in three months, so why wait? I knew who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Of course, as I'm about to do this, the nurse comes in. "Wow, full room in here," the woman pointed out.

"They all wanted to come see the little one," Astrid beamed.

"Ah, right. You two were so tired, we never got the newborn's name," the nurse reminded. Oh, shit, that's right.

"Our daughter's name is Ragni Val Haddock," Astrid said before I spoke up. I blinked. Val? When had then been decided. I saw Astrid look at me with a smile. "Ragni meaning Lovely Warrior, and Val for Hiccup's mother, Valka," she explained. The nurse smiled and left.

"Y-You gave her a middle name after my mom?" I asked.

"Well, I thought there should be a little representation of the woman who gave birth to you, because if she hadn't, well, I might not be this happy right now. I love you, Hiccup," Astrid replied. Yeah, that did it. I was entirely sure of my choice now. I had my guys watching this; Thuggory, Eret, and Cody were on Skype with their lovers, who were in the room to meet Ragni as well. The moment was perfect, and I wasn't passing it up.

"I love you too, Astrid," I smiled and kissed her lightly, then Ragni's forehead.

~She's beautiful, Haddock.~ I heard Henrik comment from the background of one of the cell phones connected to Skype.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel Andersen," I replied.

~Your leave starts today. I expect you back on July 18, 2014.~ Henrik stated.

"Sir, yes sir. Orders received and understood," I said in response.

~Come along, boys. Let's give Haddock time with his family.~ Viggo remarked.

"Wait before you all go," I said, which took them by surprise, but thankfully, they stopped. "It's time," I told them as they nodded and got ready. I saw Astrid's eyes widen a little.

"Hiccup, what…are you doing?" Astrid inquired softly, perhaps nervously too.

"Because I know you're a fan of boy bands, and since I won't be home to celebrate our two-year anniversary. The guys helped me work on a little something for you, early gift," I smiled as she blushed a bit and nodding to continue. I hooked my laptop to the TV screen in the room, then started up Skype as Kristen, Dahlia, and Brittany ended their phone calls, and one came in from Thuggory on the laptop. I pressed accept, and the three males showed on screen. I minimized the Skype call, then brought up a video file, and pressed play. It started with showing the barrack on Afghanistan, then me in front with Thuggory, Eret, and Cody behind me.

=Normal POV=

The song began playing, Hiccup as lead with his friend singing backup to the music. The song chosen was This I Swear by Nick Lachey; it had always been a favorite of Astrid's. Hiccup knew that Astrid's ideal proposal was to be sung to, so he chose to do that in a recording that his friends assisted him in doing. The song played through as Astrid was only smiling, on the verge of tears too. Hiccup secretly pulled out the box, but didn't let anyone else see it.

"And I will love you, until forever. Until death do us part, we'll be together. So take my hand, and hold on tight! And we'll get there. Oh, we'll get there," Hiccup started singing the last big live, as Astrid held his hand while he turned to face her lovingly. Hiccup released her hand as he brought the box to her line of sight, then dropped down to one knee by her hospital bed. "This I swear," Hiccup finished. "If the saying is first comes marriage then comes baby, then I believe we may have skipped a step. Astrid Hofferson, you are the love of my life, and I don't want to spend the rest of it with anyone but you. Will you do me the highest honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?" he asked while opening the box to reveal a gold band engagement ring with three small diamonds on each side of the band, but a seventh large round one that was fixed to the top.

Astrid let a few tears fall from her eyes, then she smiled. "I will," she responded. "YES!" she practically screamed. The room began applauding as Hiccup got on both his feet, then slid the ring on her finger before kissing her passionately.

~Another successful mission carried out!~ Eret cheered.

~Well, shit, he's been planning this since February.~ Cody added.

"Oh, my Gods, have you really?" Astrid asked him.

"Mmhm," Hiccup nodded.

Astrid smiled and kissed him again. "Everything is perfect now," Astrid informed afterward.

"When did you grab the ring if you've been here all day with her?" Heather wondered.

"I snuck out while she was sleeping at lunchtime. Told the nurse to tell her that if she woke up while I was gone, I went home to change out of my uniform and grab a shower. I actually just changed clothes in the bathroom and then went to the store, picked it out, and bought it then and there, then raced back here," Hiccup smiled.

"Sneaky," Astrid giggled.

"I thought that's what you loved about me, Milady," Hiccup kissed her forehead. "Now, hand over the little one because daddy wants a turn holding her," he held out his arms as Astrid placed Ragni in them gently. "There's my girl," Hiccup kissed the newborn's forehead.

~Alright, now we'll get out of his hair. See ya when ya get back, Haddock.~ Thuggory smiled, then they bid their lovers a goodbye before hanging up.

"We should go as well, give the new family some time alone," Camicazi suggested with a smile. Everyone agreed as it was a momentous time for Astrid and Hiccup. For one, their daughter was born about at about 5 am, and now the two were engaged to be married. Everyone said they would be checking in, and soon left the room as Hiccup crawled into the hospital bed next to his fiance, while they admired Ragni.

"So you want to bind your life to mine, do ya?" Astrid asked.

"I want to spend our lives together, yes," Hiccup responded.

"Just one question; why me?" Astrid inquired.

"To be honest; it's because you've always been here for me. Ever since we met in November 2009, while I was still dating Camicazi. You and I were friends, and you always checked in to make sure I was doing alright. After Camicazi broke my heart, you stepped in to help pick up the pieces. You even fought Cami to make her give up her desire to have me. You've been amazing, loving, supportive; I could go on and on, Astrid. But the bottom line is that I love you, our little family here, which I hope will expand in the future, and you're always here for me, no matter what. And I promise that I will do the same for you," Hiccup explained. Astrid smiled as she shared a kiss with him. "I love you, Astrid,"

"I love you too, Hiccup," Astrid replied as they relaxed together.

It was the truth too. Astrid had been there for Hiccup as a friend, and lover at different points in their lives since meeting. Astrid was the one to help heal his heart, put the pieces back together, and then Hiccup gave it to her to protect, and that she has since October 25, 2012 when she admitted her feelings for him. Hiccup almost took Camicazi back, but then Astrid stepped up, and made it known that she liked him as he liked her. That was all Hiccup needed to be with her, and then learning that Astrid was asked to go to the karaoke lounge by Thuggory to save Hiccup from being with Camicazi again? That was more than enough for Hiccup to know he made the right decision. Astrid was the love of his life, and he wanted to spend the rest of his with her, bound in matrimony.