(I’m going to turn these headcanons into proper fics eventually, just humor me)
After the Haddock family return from seeing the dragons for that final time, Hiccup is deep in thought on the sail home. He smiles and laughs and dotes on whatever Zephyr and Nuffink talk to him about or do, but Astrid can see that he’s not quite with them. She assumes it’s because of the bittersweet meeting with their dragons, having to say goodbye again, and she lets him have some time to himself - if he falls too far into a funk, she will intervene but for now she knows he needs time to process.
They get back to New Berk, and the people are happy to see the Chief and his family returned safely - none of them know where the family were, just that they had taken a trip. That night, after Zephyr and Nuffink are asleep, dreaming of dragons and flying, Astrid finds her husband standing in front of the fireplace; he still seems to be thinking.
“You wanna talk about it?” She asks, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Hiccup is silent for a few seconds before smiling, taking her hand and wrapping an arm around her waist. “Maybe. Just been thinking a lot, that’s all.”
“They’re safe,” She reminds him. “All of them are... And Toothless is happy. He has the Light Fury, and did you see their babies?”
He grins. “Fishlegs is gonna be mad he didn’t see them for himself.”
They both laugh at this before watching the fire together; Astrid can tell that Hiccup has something else he wants to say, something important, but she waits for him to feel ready - he will tell her when he’s comfortable, when he’s had his time to think. It’s oddly peaceful, feeling the warmth of the flames bathe them while the house is quiet - the children aren’t demanding their attention, and it’s just the two of them, having a moment together alone.
Finally, Hiccup clears his throat. “You know, the whole journey back, I was thinking...”
“How dangerous,” She jokes, and he laughs. “Sorry, go on.”
“Well...I was just thinking that perhaps that’s it,” He admits quietly. “At least for a few years. Toothless is happy, Stormfly is happy, and I just know that the others are too - Toothless will be taking good care of them all. So I guess I was just thinking that perhaps we should just...not bother them.”
It dawns on her what he means, and she peers at his face in surprise. “Hiccup...”
“I mean, I’m not saying never see them again,” He explains, somewhat heavily. “I just...they’re happy as they are, living their own lives. He...He doesn’t need me anymore.”
“That doesn’t mean he doesn’t love you,” Astrid tells him, though she understands. “He was so happy to see you, to see us.”
“Yeah,” He agrees gently. “But he doesn’t need me like he used to - and, Astrid, I realized that maybe I don’t need him like I used to either.” He swallows the lump in his throat. “It’s for the best if we don’t visit too often - all it takes is someone to follow us...”
“We can’t let that happen,” Astrid finishes firmly. “We won’t, Hiccup - we’ll keep the secret safe. And who says that we can’t sneak in a quick flight here and there, so long as we’re careful?”
Hiccup smiles now, looking at her with an expression of adoration. “When you put it like that, milady... There’s something else too,” He admits before she can lean in to kiss him, and his expression is now somewhat sheepish. “I was thinking on the boat, and...I’m happy, Astrid. So unbelievably happy.”
“Yeah?” She grins. “I am too.”
“I miss the dragons,” He continues. “But I wouldn’t trade this for anything; you, the kids... I’m happy with it all.” There’s more to come, she can tell. “While we were heading home, I thought about the kids, about our family, and I guess...what I’m trying to say is that maybe...if you’re okay with it...”
“I kinda want another baby.”
Astrid is positively floored by this. “You what?”
Hiccup has gone slightly pink-cheeked underneath his beard, and he seems to backtrack under her incredulous facial expression. “I know, I know, it’s stupid, I just thought...we’re so happy, we love the kids - Gods, I love them more than anything, Astrid - so I thought that, you know... If we were going to have another baby, now is a good time.”
“Yeah, I’m being stupid,” Hiccup laughs self-deprecatingly, clearly embarrassed. “I know you probably don’t want another baby, especially given how difficult it was with Nuffink, and I don’t know if I’d want to risk losing you like that again.” His voice nearly breaks. “Gods, what am I thinking? Of course I don’t want to risk it again! And Zephy and Nuff, they’re so wonderful and I love them, and I don’t want you thinking that I don’t-”
“Hiccup!” Astrid interrupts exasperatedly; he falls silent immediately. “You don’t think I’d want another baby?”
“Well...no. Like I said, it’s not easy and I know it wasn’t fun even with Zeph, and with Nuffink...well, you get the idea.” He sighed, shaking his head. “Like I said, it’s just a stupid idea I was thinking about - I’m sorry for bringing it up.”
She puts her hands on her hips, giving him a look. “Is this because Toothless has three hatchlings? Because if it is, I swear to Thor, Hiccup...”
“No, no, it’s nothing to do with that,” he insists hurriedly. “To tell you the truth, I was thinking about it before we left, but then we had to prepare for the trip and...I guess I just never found the perfect time to say it. Like I said, it’s dumb, and I’m not about to force you into it since it’s you who’d do all the hard work - and you’ve done more than enough of it already.”
“Don’t think I’m not grateful,” Hiccup continues, now turning to her and taking her hands in his own. “I am unbelievably so - you’ve not only been by my side through everything, but you gave me two beautiful children,” He smiles now, and she can see the love in his face. “Gods, I love them so much, Astrid - I feel blessed and beyond grateful that you brought them into the world. The three of you are the most important people in the world to me, so thank you.“
Astrid isn’t sure whether to laugh or cry at his proclamation - he has a habit of making her feel like that. “Gods dammit,” She mutters under her breath.
“I don’t need another baby to feel complete - like I said, just another one of my not so brilliant ideas. I just thought I’d mention it, just in case.” He looks sheepish again. “You know what? Forget I said anything, I’m being-”
Well, that shuts him up. Hiccup’s mouth nearly falls open, his eyes wide as he stares at her. “You’re...”
“Pregnant,” Astrid repeats, giving him a small grin. “I kinda suspected before we left, so I saw Gothi this afternoon just after we got back. I didn’t know if you’d feel...I dunno, overwhelmed or something.”
For a moment, Hiccup is still too gobsmacked to speak - but then it dawns on him fully, and he’s grinning and tearing up as he pulls her towards him, kissing her eagerly. “You” he breathes between kisses. “are something else, you know that, Astrid?”
She smirks against his mouth. “Of course. I’m glad you’re happy, babe.”
Oh, he’s happy alright - so happy that he doesn’t waste time bringing her to their bed to show her just how much he loves her.
(I have another idea about the whole Hiccstrid third baby concept after THW but I can’t decide which I like best)
origamiaround
romaincrisis
andulkaphoto
ellievsbear
discoholicmusic
2087
snowghoul
stormborns
