This fic is dedicated to my dear friend NoctusFury! And it is also a little present to him for his birthday! Which is today!! So say happy birthday and go check out his profile on FFN and here! He's a fellow How To Train Your Dragon fan and an amazing guy and an incredible author fyi!

Also, this was written with Homecoming in mind, but started before it came out, and it's kind of what I hoped to happen! So enjoy!

Hiccup looked across the faces of the children as they all leaned in closer as the story came to a close. "And that kids, is how a boy and his dragon saved their Tribe," he smiled and all the kids cheered. A few began to run around again, their arms spread, imitating flying. Others came closer to ask who the boy was and what happened after that. He laughed softly at all their questions, telling them they could learn more tomorrow. They were satisfied with that and ran off to find their parents. Zephyr, Nuffink and one of the youngest children of the Berkians remained. He bounced little Dagmar softly and smiled as her mother retrieved her. 

The sudden emptiness brought a painful reminder of the heartache from the past few years. He tried to brush it off and he momentarily was distracted as Zephyr and Nuffink took hold of his hand. He smiled softly down at the two beside him and stood as they made their way towards the festivities. He tried to push back the sorrow, reminding himself that he had two perfectly amazing children; but the memory pressed forward. He blinked back the mist from his eyes and sighed softly.

3 years before

The air was warm from the fire that blazed inside, chasing away any bit of chilliness. My eyes turned to my mother as Astrid rested for a moment. "They're still asleep, don't worry," she smiled as she seeped the cloth with some warm water.

"Alright my dear, you ready?" She asked and I looked at my mom, more than grateful that she was here. Astrid's own mother would've come, but she was away with the rest of the Hofferson Clan, to celebrate a family member's wedding, specifically a cousin of Astrid's. So having my mother here was more than a blessing, and I don't think Astrid would've wanted anyone else. A shrill cry brought my focus back to Astrid as her body arched, most of her weight on me. I remained calm and gently encouraged her, knowing she would relax.

"It'll be over soon, you've got this," I whispered and she let out a deep breath as the pain subsided for a moment. Her hand squeezed my own as she nd leaned her head a little closer. "We'll be holding the little one soon," I murmured softly. The pain came once again and she whimpered softly. I squeezed her hand softly, offering a bit of encouragement and it was all she needed. A moment later a cry pierced the air as the child was placed on Astrid's chest. 

"You have a son," Valka smiled proudly as she placed a warm cloth over both of them. I fought back the tears as I looked down at the child, who was very much alive. Relief washed over me at the sight and I leaned forward, peering down. Nearly a year ago we had lost a baby early in the pregnancy, it was painful and came as a shock. But five moons later we found out we would be welcoming another. Waiting for him had brought so much hope and joy into the family as we healed from the loss and anticipated his arrival. 

"And now he's really here," Astrid whispered, echoing my thoughts. I laughed softly, wiping the tear that had fallen from her cheek. 

"You were amazing," I whispered, planting a kiss on her forehead before looking at our son. I gently stroked his head as he peered up, his eyes squinting open as Astrid gently spoke to him. "He looks a lot like Zephyr," I smiled, feeling a little sense of pride at the fact, considering Zephyr had many similarities to her grandfather.

"But with Finn's hair color," she added as she held him close and I smiled, tucking a few of her hair strands behind her ear as I watched the two. 

"Yeah, your color," I spoke as she smiled and kissed his brow. I rested my cheek against her head, staring down at the tiny being, unable to take my eyes off of his face, noticing how peaceful he was.

"Why don't we get you cleaned up, that way you can lay down and rest; dawn isn't for several hours and the kids are fast asleep," Mother spoke as she tied the cord and wrapped the afterbirth in a sack. Astrid nodded and shortly after a warm bath, we all laid together on our bed, our son in between the two of us. 

"I just can't believe he's really here," Astrid whispered as she watched him eat, stroking his head softly. 

"Yeah, it is pretty amazing," I smiled and looked over at her, "What do you think about Gunnarr Steinn?" I spoke and Astrid looked at him for a moment with a smile, but shook her head.

"I don't think it suits him, and I know we agreed on using Gunnarr, but, I think it should be in the middle; would that be okay?" She asked and I looked at him and nodded, glad that she had voiced what I had been thinking.

"Yeah, I agree," I replied and thought for a moment. "What about Arnþorr? As it'd honor your dad, it's a strong name, and I like how Arnþorr Gunnarr Haddock sounds." I suggested as I looked at him. 

"Arnþorr Gunnarr Haddock... I like it. I hope though Zephyr can say it," she chuckled and I laughed softly at the sweet reminder of two-year-old Zephyr and how she couldn't say her brother's name correctly. This led to her calling him Nuffink and soon enough, everyone else called him that when she began introducing him as so.

"I'm sure she'll be able to," I smiled and watched as Astrid rubbed his stomach for a moment after he finished eating, it released some air and she then wrapped him up before she laid her head on the pillow. "Rest m'lady, he'll be okay," I assured her and she looked at me. I smiled softly and stood up for a moment. I moved to her side of the bed and pulled her close. I began to hum a soft tune to her as I ran my finger along the base of her neck until she had drifted into a peaceful slumber. I followed not long after and the three of us peacefully slept for a few hours.

Dawn came quickly and after I had taken care of the morning tasks, I resumed to find Astrid awake, nursing little Arnþorr, while my mother cooked some food.

"The children are still asleep, but should be waking soon, and recovery is going well, for both of them," Mother assured me and I smiled as I placed my coat onto the rack, thankful for the blazing fire that heated the house.

"You're the best mom," I pecked her cheek before going over to Astrid and smiled proudly, giving a kiss in greeting. "You got enough rest?" I asked and she nodded.

"Yes, I did. Will you go wake-" before she could say anything else, the thud of feet from the room in the corner interrupted her and she didn't need to say anything else as I walked over and drew back the curtain.

"Morning Zeph," I greeted and she rubbed her eye sleepily as she yawned. Nuffink sat up, stretching his little arms. 

"Did mommy have the baby yet?" She asked. I knelt down with a smile, for the past few weeks, that had been the same question, every single morning.

"She did, the baby is here," I answered and suddenly her glazed eyes became elated as she jumped with a squeal and quickly ran past me to the room outside. Nuffink was suddenly a little more alert at seeing his sister's excitement.

"Come on bub, want to go meet your little brother?" I whispered, holding my hands out to him and he nodded as he leaned forward into my arms. I lifted him up and walked out where Zephyr peered next to Astrid at the little boy. "Zephyr, Nuffink, meet your brother Arnþorr," I smiled proudly as I set Nuffink next to his sister. He gazed at the infant and smiled. 

"Baby," he pointed and clapped his hands as he scooched in closer. I laughed softly and nodded at his words.

"You want to hold him?" Astrid asked and Zephyr nodded fiercely, quickly sitting down and holding out her arms. She smiled and shifted the babe into her arms. Zephyr smiled widely as she looked down at him, her eyes shining in delight.

"He's so tiny and so cute," she giggled a bit, planting a kiss on his forehead. At the sight, I couldn't have been any prouder or thankful. Nuffink quicky followed his sister's lead, giving his brother a kiss of his own as he sat next to her. Without any instruction, Zephyr lowered her arms so Nuffink could see better.

"How did we get to be so lucky?" I whispered to Astrid as I watched our children and she smiled, taking my hand with a squeeze. 

"I don't know," she answered as we watched the three together. The two of us filled with love and joy unexplainable.  

present time

It wasn't even a week later when we suffered the unexpected loss of his life and had a ceremony to honor his life, rather than one to celebrate. A gentle tug from Hiccup's hand brought his attention back to the two at his side. Nuffink looked up at his father as he pointed to the game, jumping in excitement, asking if he could go. Hiccup smiled with a nod and turned to Zephyr as he ran off to play. "Are you okay daddy?" She asked and he knelt down, looking in her blue eyes, the same as her mother's. 

"I am, don't you worry, you go join your brother," He smiled, squeezing her hand gently in hopes to reassure her.

"Okay, I will," she smiled and pecked his cheek before joining her brother. Hiccup smiled as he watched them join in the game, being reminded of how grateful he was to have the two. He sighed with a quick glance around for Astrid, wondering  how long Gothi's would take.

"Looking for someone?" Her voice came from behind and he turned quickly, a smile on his face.

"You're back, how was Gothi's? Did she find the reason for your nausea?" He asked, his concern showing as he peered down at his wife. Relief washed over him at her nod, for awhile he had been concerned it was some sort of sickness.

"Yes, she gave me some tea to help soothe my stomach. But don't worry, she said it was nothing and the tea should help. Probably something I ate," she shrugged as she placed her hand in the fold of his arm. Warmth spread from the contact and he smiled, even if they were older, she still had the same effect on him when they were very young. But only, it had deepened over time.  "Where are the children?" She questioned, glancing around for them.

"Right there, playing the game," Hiccup pointed where they stood and her smile widened. "So, did the children enjoy the retelling of your stories?" She asked as she watched the two play. Laughing softly as Nuffink mimicked his sister, who simply smiled and then helped him a moment later.

"Our stories," He gently corrected her, patting her hand as he turned his gaze to the children, away from her. "But yes, they did. They were eager for more, which I assured them by dinner they'll have another," he answered. 

"Good, now as much as I wish to stay, I need to get back to prepare the food for the feast tonight," she spoke and Hiccup groaned. "Don't you worry, I'll see you soon, have fun," she said with a peck on his cheek. Leaving before he could protest further. He sighed with a smile and shook his head. He hoped that she wouldn't get too crazy with whatever she'd make. Zephyr's cheer of excitement brought his attention back to the two that played together and he went to join them.

-

Astrid breathed a sigh of relief as she entered their home and set the bag of leaves on the counter. How was she going to keep the news a secret? Unconsciously, she pressed a hand to her stomach and smiled widely. The initial shock of the news was gone and joy now warmed her heart. But fear also crept it's way in, she closed her eyes for a moment and breathed in. After losing their son and the babe in pregnancy nearly a year before that;  she initially didn't want another, too afraid of the risk. But it wasn't long until that fear and grief dissipated, she realized she did want another. It didn't feel right to have just two. And after two painful years of no success, Astrid had begun to let the dream go.

But then the bouts of nausea came. The thought had never once crossed my mind because there had been no other indicators and she expected Gothi to tell her it had simply been the food she'd been eating. But no, that wasn't the case and when Gothi told her, she immediately laughed, not believing her; then Gothi probed a little further and realization had dawned. She smiled to herself, letting out a slow breath. The action calmed the bit of nerves and she began preparing the dish. As she worked, she thought of a way to surprise Hiccup. She couldn't wait to see his reaction. After she brought up having another child, years ago, she knew he had wanted it just as much. And after the years passed as they thought it not possible, it nearly broke her seeing how devastated he was. But now, now they were going to have the baby they had hoped and prayed for. She paused in her work for a moment, looking around to try and figure out how she could tell him. As her eyes scanned their home, her eyes landed on a spare pair of boots, belonging to Finn. An idea popped in and she smiled widely at the thought.

three days later

A few days passed and it was the last day of their celebrations. Their tribe had celebrated with one final feast and telling of tales; honoring the late Chief and reminding them of their dragons that had once lived among them. There had also been a gift exchange between family members, which left the children buzzing in anticipation to hurry home. 

After Zephyr and Nuffink eagerly opened their own gifts, together Astrid and Hiccup bathed them before bed. It took a little bit of an effort, considering their excitement, but with a soft lullaby, they soon were dozing off. 

Astrid glanced at Hiccup as he closed the curtain where they slept, she walked over to where the rest of the gifts were as he went to the kitchen for a moment. She picked up the cloths that had served as a wrapping for the gifts, she sensed him. After knowing each for so long, and married as well, she didn't need an announcement when her husband was in the same room, or when he was looking at her. She straightened as she folded the cloth in her hands and her heart raced a little as she felt him come close. A moment later his arms wrapped around her waist and she leaned into him. He breathed in deeply and sighed as he rested his cheek on her head. "I love you," he spoke, the huskiness in his voice causing her stomach to stir. 

"I love you too," Astrid smiled and turned around, ignoring the moan of protest from him as she moved, placing the pieces of cloth on the bench. "So, what'd you get me?" She asked innocently, turning back towards him. He shrugged casually as picked up a gift, but she didn't fail to notice the look in his eyes. The look nearly made her lose her train of thought and she hid her blush as she picked up a few gifts.

"Why don't you find out?" He smirked and she only blushed further, catching her breath. She ignored his heated gaze and filled her arms with the gifts. She carried them over to the cushions in front of the fire and looked up. 

"Come on, let's open these, any other gifts can wait for tonight," she grinned, winking as well. She laughed softly at his flustering, taking a seat and waiting for him to join her. A moment later he took a seat next to her and she handed him his first gift. Moments later, they had opened all except one and she had purposely been saving it for last. She handed it to him and he took it, casting a curious glance at her as she said nothing. Astrid watched in anticipation as he slowly untied the string and then flicked open the cloth. He pulled open the lid, revealing a pair of tiny baby boots.

He picked them up, his brows furrowed in a bit of confusion. And then his eyes lit up as his eyebrows raised and mouth hung open. He slowly looked up at her. "Are you...are we....?" He let the question hang in the air, the hopefulness in his voice causing her to lose her resolve to not cry. She nodded her head, unable to speak as she smiled widely. "Astrid, this is the best gift ever." He whispered, tears falling down his own cheek as he quickly pulled her close. She didn't resist and smiled softly at his thanks. "When did you find out? Is that why you've been so sick? Did Gothi say when?" He asked quickly, causing her to laugh softly.

"I found out three days ago, and Gothi estimated near the end of summer. But yes, that's why I've been sick," she answered. Hiccup's arms tightened around her and she welcomed it, tightened her own embrace.

"Thank you," he whispered and she smiled softly, laying her hand on his chest. 

"You're welcome," she whispered back and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. His hand moved and titled her head upward.

"You missed," he smiled softly and she returned it, closing the gap a moment later.

seven months later

"How?" Hiccup's chuckle filling the air as he stared at the little boy in his arms. He was still in disbelief over the fact. Astrid laughed herself, shaking her head as she held their daughter. He glanced over at her, a smile on his face. "We have twins, two babies," he grinned and Astrid returned the smile. 

"Yeah, two," she whispered and leaned her head against his shoulder as she peered down at each. "He looks so much like Arnþorr, but only darker hair," she whispered. Hiccup looked down at their son and nodded in agreement, seeing the uncanny resemblance. He then looked at the girl on Astrid's chest. He noticed how they were similar to their other two, but also had their own individual looks. However, they both had the same hair color, a golden brown. Hiccup looked up as his mother walked in with a smile. 

"The children are both finally asleep, although it took some extra coaxing, as they were both excited at having both a brother and a sister," she chuckled, laying out a gown for each babe. 

"Thank you mom," Hiccup smiled warmly, thankful for her aid in it all. Astrid's mother and sister, Sif, had also helped. But when Astrid and the twins were all taken care of, they headed home to catch some rest. 

"Of course," Valka smiled warmly as she came close for a moment, watching the two babes. "It's still amazing that there was two," she grinned, the warmth in her eyes, evident of her love. Hiccup looked at Astrid for a quick moment, finding this a perfect moment. She nodded with a smile and Hiccup looked up at his mother. 

"We were thinking if we had a girl, that we'd call her Valkyrie, Valkyrie Iðunn," he smiled. She looked at him and he glanced at his daughter. "We wanted to honor you and Astrid's own mother. We figured that every legend surrounding the names aided in making it a very strong name," he spoke and looked back up, finding a few tears on his mother's face. "And then for a boy, we figured we'd use Gunnarr in some way, to honor their brother and also Magni, after Astrid's father," he explained.

"Well, I'm honored," she whispered and kissed Hiccup's head. "I think the name is a strong choice, both are," she paused with a smile. "Thank you, now why don't you two get some rest while you can," she spoke softly, however a hint of firmness also in the recommendation. Hiccup laughed softly, but agreed. He reached forward and took the two gowns, and together, they dressed them in the clothing and wrapped them in a blanket. They settled into their bed, watching them as they slept, still in awe.

"Gunnarr Magni and Valkyrie Iðunn," Astrid whispered, breaking Hiccup's train of thought. He smiled as she stroked their little cheeks. "I think it suits them," she added, looking up at him with a smile. 

"Yeah, they really do suit them," he agreed and took her hand in his. He softly kissed the palm of her hand. "I love you" he whispered and looked up at her, seeing the reflection of his heart in her eyes.

"I love you too," she whispered and laid her head on the pillow. He followed suit and in a moment, the four of them were resting soundly.

Alright, thank you all for reading this little short! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it!