As Long As We're Together

Twenty-Four

=Natalie's POV=
(Thursday, July 13-Morning)
(Berk; Village Square)

Things have been nothing short of amazing since the day Hiccup became Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, and we got re-married at the request of our families. I understood why they wanted the wedding ceremony; it was because Hiccup and I got married a year before with only Atali, Throk, and Mala present. Well, Garth was there too, but he was still young, and I think he'd been napping during the ceremony that we had on Dragon's Edge. It's been a peaceful six months with me pregnant. Garth is about to turn five next month, and the twins; Vigrid and Sigurd turned two the month after Snoggletog. I'm due to give birth any day now to mine and Hiccup's fourth child, and then we're taking a break from having kids for at least two or three years.

Hiccup's days are busy since becoming Chief, but that was to be expected. At the same time, Hiccup always makes time for the children and me. We take random outings if Hiccup isn't too tired, but he always makes sure that the kids and I are taken care of no matter the time of day. Hiccup gets up before the sun, takes his flight with Toothless and gets in a patrol; then after breakfast, his duties begin. However, Hiccup manages things differently than Stoick did, so I think that's why Hiccup always has some free time to spend with his family.

My mom, dad, and little brother visit once or twice a month to see Hiccup, Garth, Sigurd, Vigrid, and me. It's not a hard trip when we're only a one day sail away from each other, but even shorter with the dragons. My parents and brother all have one, and the trip is only a couple of hours with a dragon. Hiccup and I take the kids to see them sometimes too, but Hiccup wouldn't allow me to fly Lightheart after I hit six months pregnant. Speaking of which…Toothless and Lightheart are mated as of Snoggletog, and have three babies that Hiccup decided to call Night Lights. As I said; things are amazing and I know I wouldn't change the life I have for anything. Right now; it's just after breakfast as I'm collecting a few things in town for the house.

=Hiccup's POV=

My job as Chief wasn't hard; I have no idea why my dad made it seem like he never had any time to do anything. Then again; I ran things a bit differently, so that might have something to do with it. Also, I never watched my dad do his Chiefing a lot. I was fascinated with Gobber's forge work, so I spent a lot of time there when I was old enough. Most of my job was walking around and checking the usual things such as food and supplies. I'd make repairs in houses, to ships, do weddings or bless new children into the Tribe. That was about it. I spent more time on Toothless and watching everything from above, stepping in if necessary or was asked for help.

Natalie was giving birth in a week or so if my timing is right. We're beyond happy that she didn't go into labor too early. Gothi said that if Natalie went now; there was no worry if the child would make it or not. I guess it's anything a month before or early that makes things concerning and questionable. I understood; I was born two months early. The twins were born two months early too, and Garth was a month early. There was a lot of worries if my boys would make it, but all three of them pulled through, and I couldn't wait for the fourth child to arrive. Everyone is taking bets on if it will be a girl or boy; the boy has the highest vote as in that's what everyone is assuming since I have three boys already.

I didn't mind another boy, but I did kind of hope this baby would be a girl. I didn't care either way as long as it was healthy. Did I mention that Toothless and Lightheart are married with three hatchlings of their own? There are two boys and one girl. The girl and one of the boys have green eyes, and the second male has silver eyes. I don't believe I've officially named them yet, but I've been busy too with preparing for the birth of my next child and tending to the village. The biggest part of my job was overseeing a lot of the dragon and human interactions because I was not only helping my Tribe settle to live with dragons; I helped the others too.

All the Tribes were using Terror Mail to pass messages back and forth to one another; it made things easier than sailing. The Chieftains and Heirs or Heiresses were all fully bonded to dragons and trained to ride and train them. Dragon Training has been remodified to actual dragon training and not training to kill them. There is a dragon academy on every island where a kill ring used to be. However, if anyone stumbles upon a problem; I get fetched to take care of it because I am known as Hiccup the Dragon Master Haddock. I suppose it's alright; it keeps me busy on top of everything else, so I'm never bored or looking for something to do.

There have been some…Relationship changes in the last six months. Heather and Fishlegs are speaking more, and probably going to end up being together. Dagur and Mala hit things off nicely six months ago during the celebration of me becoming Chief and re-marrying my wife. Snotlout had a thing for Minden, and I think Tuffnut was head over heels for Camicazi, but I didn't know how that would work because Bog-Burglar was an island of only women. I think Camicazi is going to change that, though. For Ruffnut; I think she has the hots for Eret the Second or Throk. I'm not entirely sure on that, but she might be leaning more towards Throk. Even Astrid and Brynjar, the Heir to Hunter Isle, seemed to be talking a lot. These were the only big things I'd noticed at least.

No, everything seems to be going great for my Tribe, and all the other ones too. I often think back to where it began; I'd like to say it was when Natalie and I had a drunken night together, but that's not accurate because I started the peace with dragons bit when I met Toothless at fifteen. Everything else happened during the drunken night with Natalie. Honestly, if I had to go back; I wouldn't change a thing and let everything happen all over again the same way. Currently, I'm in the forge helping Gobber out by teaching him the formula for Gronckle Iron. Did I mention my dad and Gobber both have bonded dragons?

Dad is bonded to a male Thunderdrum named Thornado. And Gobber has a Hotburple, male also, that he calls Grump. Astrid, Fishlegs, Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut are still with their dragons from the day of the Red Death fight. Astrid has Stormfly, a female Deadly Nadder. Snotlout is bonded to Hookfang, a male Monstrous Nightmare. Ruffnut and Tuffnut share a male Hideous Zippleback where each of them named a head; Ruffnut rides the right one, calling it Barf and Tuff is on the left, which he's dubbed as Belch. Finally, Fishlegs has Meatlug, a female Gronckle. I could go through what everyone has, but it would take forever.

=Normal POV=

Natalie was walking through town with a basket on her arm. Lightheart was walking beside her rider, keeping her safe from people running into Natalie since she was nine months pregnant. The Night Lights Garth, Vigrid, and Sigurd were beside her, playing with their sewn dragon toys acting like dragon riders. Hiccup stated firmly that they were not allowed to have bonded dragons until they were twelve; that went for all kids. Bonding, training, and riding dragons took a lot of hard work and focus; Hiccup didn't believe that kids under twelve were going to handle that, so he set an age limit for how early someone could start in all that.

Natalie was picking up some fruit, vegetables, and bread for the house because it was becoming a thing that Hiccup started where people could eat at home with their families instead of coming out to the Great Hall if the weather was too cold, raining, or snowing. Natalie felt it was a nice touch, and supported it fully. She enjoyed having a meal at home with Hiccup and the boys now and then. So the village square was set up as a market place, and people could pay with gold or trading things as it went when Trader Johann came to the island with all sorts of things the villagers could get in trade.

Natalie saw Hiccup flying around and taking care of things because it looked like a bad storm was coming in; the works with rain, lightning, and thunder. It appeared Hiccup was heading out to sea to help bring in the fishing boats. Natalie smiled as she started inspecting fruits for sale, assuming they'd be dining at home for lunch and probably dinner. Natalie went to reach for an apple when she stopped suddenly feeling a sharp pain. Natalie shook it off and continued, but it happened again and again. Natalie winced placing a hand on her belly, taking a few breaths. However; it was too much, and Natalie knew she was in labor.

"Come on, boys," Natalie told them as they began heading for the house. Natalie didn't make it far before she whimpered in pain, gently lowering to her knees and sitting on her legs.

"Mommy? Are you okay?" Garth asked.

"I'm…Fine, baby," Natalie tried to assure her eldest son. Lightheart whined for her rider lightly. "It's okay, girl…" Natalie panted a bit. Lightheart was not convinced but didn't want to leave Natalie by herself.

"Natalie?" Astrid asked, hovering on Stormfly above her. "Are you alright?" Natalie shook her head as Stormfly landed, not far behind her was Heather and Fishlegs; then Snotlout, Ruffnut, and Tuffnut.

"What's wrong?" Heather inquired. Natalie laid her head against Lightheart, trying to breathe through the contractions.

"Ba-Baby is coming…" Natalie managed.

"Let's help her get to the house; then we can get Hiccup and Gothi," Snotlout suggested.

"Ruff, Tuff, keep the kids back," Astrid ordered. Lightheart ordered her babies to sit down and stay put. Astrid and Heather went to help Natalie up, but she yelled in pain, staying down.

"What's going on?" Stoick asked, strolling up.

"Natalie's in labor…" Fishlegs reported. "And I don't think we can move her…" he added.

Natalie shook her head. "N-No…You can't…My water broke, and I can already tell the baby's head is positioned for pushing…" she cringed.

"She can't give birth in the village square," Stoick said.

"Well, she can't walk either," Astrid informed.

"Has anyone gotten Hiccup?" Gobber asked, reaching the group as the forge was not far away. Lightheart rolled her eyes before raising her head and roaring out and firing a blast into the sky.

"What was that?" Snotlout asked.

"She's…Getting Toothless's attention…" Natalie panted. Not more than seconds laters; Toothless zipped in and landed as Hiccup got off his back and rushed to his wife's side. Natalie leaned into him, whimpering.

"Ssh…I'm here now…" Hiccup soothed. "Everything is okay…" he added. "We have time to get to the house?"

"Maybe…B-But I can't walk…" Natalie replied. Hiccup carefully scooped her into his arms as she held on to him. Hiccup walked towards his hut and set Natalie on the couch gently.

(Berk; Hiccup and Natalie's Hut)

"We'll get Gothi," Stoick offered as he and the others arrived.

"No time, Dad and Gothi is helping others right now," Hiccup stated while grabbed a bunch of stuff and setting it up as he'd done many other times when Natalie was in labor and about to give birth.

"C-Can we help?" Heather asked.

"No thanks; I got it. It's easier if I do it myself. Keep everyone out," Hiccup ordered.

"Yes, Chief," Gobber shoved the others out and closed the door. "Don't give me that look; he knows what he's doing," the man added with a huff before Natalie screamed in pain. Inside, Hiccup already got Natalie's leggings, skirt, and underwear off; then draped a blanket over her legs. With help from Toothless and Lightheart; the water was boiling, and Hiccup had his dagger and a bunch of towels ready beside him.

"I feel like I have to push…" Natalie said.

"Go for it," Hiccup told her as he got a towel in his lap, and another right next to him. Natalie held Hiccup's hand, yelling out as she pushed. "That's it, babe…I already see the head. We've got this, like the others…It should come easy," Hiccup encouraged as Natalie took a few breaths and pushed again. On the fourth; a cry filled the room. Natalie flopped back, panting as Hiccup quickly tied off the cord, cutting it with his dagger; then wrapped the child and started cleaning it off.

"Is…Is it alright?" Natalie managed.

"She is…" Hiccup whispered.

"What?" Natalie inquired. "What did you say?"

"She's alright, babe. And yes…I said she! A girl!" Hiccup's eyes lit up. "We have a girl!" he said excitedly. "Finally!" he said as Natalie laughed a bit. Hiccup finished everything and brought their daughter to Natalie so that she could feed her. Hiccup kissed his wife lovingly. Natalie returned the action, relaxing on the couch now as she took the newborn girl and began feeding her from the left breast. Hiccup cleaned everything up and headed for the door.

"How are Natalie and the baby?" Stoick asked instantly.

"Both perfect. Send word to the other Tribes that a new Heir has been born…" Hiccup smiled. "Boys…Come with me," Garth, Vigrid, and Sigurd rushed to their father.

"Wait, tell us if girl or boy?!" Stoick inquired. Hiccup chuckled.

"You'll find out when everyone else does. You're in charge for the rest of the day," Hiccup said.

"Yes, Chief," Stoick bowed his head, knowing better than to ignore an order from his son, more so because he was the Chief now. Hiccup brought the boys into the hut, closing the door. Stoick cleared everyone away from the house and continued Hiccup's duties for the day, making sure that the first done was sending word to the other Tribes.

. . .

(Saturday, July 22-Dusk)
(Berk; Great Hall)

Word reached the Chieftains and their Heirs almost instantly as everyone planned their trip and arrived this morning. Hiccup was busy with his family, so Stoick took care of village-related things. Now, it was time; the reveal of the new Heir or Heiress or Berk, also, the name. Hiccup was over the moon to have a daughter, and it was hard to keep the secret, but that's how he wanted to do things. The boys were excited too; they got to meet their baby sister the day Natalie gave birth.

Everyone was gathered in the Great Hall as the doors finally opened, revealing Hiccup in first with Garth, Vigrid, and Sigurd. Natalie came in last, holding the wrapped child in her arms. The family made their way to the front of the Great Hall and stood before the Tribe and guests.

"Welcome, everyone," Hiccup greeted once the room was quiet. "Now, I'm sure everyone is anxious to meet the new addition, so I won't waste time in doing so," he continued as Natalie carefully handed Hiccup their daughter. "I'd like for everyone to meet the newest Hairy Hooligan and member of the Clan Haddock; Magna Haddock; Fourth Heiress of Berk," Hiccup announced, turning his arms so that everyone could see the little girl in his arms. The baby was almost the spitting image of Natalie; black hair and purple eyes, but had Hiccup's eye shape, freckles, and nose.

"You got your girl, son," Stoick chuckled. "She's beautiful,"

"Thanks, Dad. But I can tell ya right now that Magna is not the first of mine and Natalie's children, and she likely won't be the last," Hiccup chuckled as Natalie blushed, but laid her head on Hiccup's shoulder.

"Congratulations!" someone yelled. This went on at random, and everyone got a chance to see little Magna up close and present gifts for the child. And of course, there was a feast to celebrate the event. Natalie and Hiccup sat together with their family, watching everything take place. There was smiles, laughter, talking, eating, and drinking; nothing was better than this.

"Hiccup?" Natalie said.

"Yes, Milady," Hiccup replied.

"I wanted to thank you, again, for all of this…You made it possible," Natalie mentioned lightly.

"This wasn't me, babe. This was us. Us refusing to adhere to the laws and traditions. Us deciding how to live our lives. Us making a life for ourselves. This. All this…Is you and me, Natalie. As I've always told you…Everything will be alright-," Hiccup started as Natalie nodded, smiling.

"As long as we're together," Natalie and Hiccup said together before sharing a long, passionate, and deep kiss.

~Author's Note; And this is the end of As Long As We're Together, folks! Kept it short and sweet this time, instead of my usual 50+ chapters. Anyway, hope everyone enjoyed the story, and guess what? I've already got three chapters pre-typed for the next story. It'll be a Modern Toothless and Hiccup one. I'll have it posted by the end of the week, hopefully. Thank you for all the continued support, and see you again soon! Thank you- Nightstar.