Chapter Text
As Hiccup finished his story, he could tell Merida was in awe at all the adventures he had while they were separated. He bit his cheek to keep himself from snickering at her gaping expression, finding it adorable.
“Wow! That’s a lot better than what I’ve been doing all these years!” Merida exclaimed. Hiccup gave her a smile.
“I’m sure it hasn’t been that boring.” Hiccup tried to reassure her, hoping he didn’t come off as arrogant for telling her of all his adventures with his friends and Toothless. Merida shook her head, her fiery curls swinging everywhere.
“No, ye don’t understand. My Ma has always kept me close, too afraid to let me do anything remotely dangerous. I feel like a doll rather than a person at times. I’m always told to sit straight, be proper, never be anything less than a princess!” Merida waved her hands around in frustration as she mimicked her mother’s instructions. Hiccup chuckled at her display, making Merida crack a smile.
“I promise after this is over, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.” Hiccup told her. Feeling bold, he took her hand and caressed it with his thumb. Merida’s eyes widened at his words. Her cerulean eyes then sparkled and she clutched his hand, holding it close. The gesture made Hiccup’s pulse quicken.
“Really?! Ye mean it?!” Merida exclaimed, looking positively ecstatic. Hiccup felt warmth fill him from her happiness.
“We always said we’d go and explore the world together, so why not? It will be years before you become queen after all.” Hiccup didn’t want to tell her the real reason was because he wanted her to see the wonders of the world with him by her side. He wanted to see her eyes light up with awe and eagerness at the possibility of adventure from her passionate nature like when they were children. It felt so surreal to be sitting and talking with her about plans for the future again. Seeing her smile was such a thrill—as if he was flying on Toothless on a clear summer day with the breeze running through his hair a thousand times over.
“I’d like that…” Merida said sincerely, and Hiccup couldn’t help but give her another grin, just happy to be with her after so long of wishing she was there with him.
When the news of her betrothal gathering had reached Berk a month beforehand, from a Scottish trader that had good relations with the Hairy Hooligan Tribe, he felt the world being swept from under him. It was lucky that he was there, examining the trader’s goods when he had caught wind of the trader speaking to one of his shipmates about Princess Merida’s upcoming engagement.
Hiccup remembered he almost dropped an expensive spyglass at his words, whipping his head to the merchant and his shipmate. He could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage in panic, and he hurriedly left the ship, a plan already forming in his mind.
“You’re leaving the tribe?” Valka asked, blinking as her son was pacing back and forth. Toothless eyes tracked his rider in worry, wondering if the poor boy was going to self-combust like a Monstrous Nightmare. Hiccup ran a hand through his hair roughly, turning to his mother with a panicked expression.
“I have to go, Mom! They’re auctioning Merida off like she’s a piece of meat! I would’ve gone back for her sooner if I knew her parents were wanting to marry her off!” Hiccup exclaimed, frustrated his childhood sweetheart was going to be forced to marry against her will. He remembered Merida—the spitfire she was—and he knew she would never be happy with an arranged marriage.
Valka furrowed her brow in worry while she watched her son beat himself up. She walked over to him and stopped him from pacing. She cupped his chin, turning his gaze to look into her own.
“Don’t blame yourself, Hiccup. You’ve had the duty of your tribe to act on—just because you’ve been busy with your duties and people doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten about Merida.” Valka soothed him. Hiccup still appeared sad.
“I just feel like I’ve failed her…” Hiccup whispered. “If she was happy with this, I would understand, but I know she is not. Even after all these years I know she wouldn’t be happy with this…”
Valka watched him, observing him.
“You were planning to abdicate to go to her, weren’t you…?” Valka finally voiced out. Hiccup averted his eyes, and Valka got her answer. She sighed, taking her hand away from Hiccup’s face.
“I wouldn’t if they would let me take her here, but she’s meant to be queen…” Hiccup murmured, and Valka knew, even after all this time, Hiccup’s heart always belonged to Merida. She couldn’t force him to stay as their chief if he wasn’t happy.
“Have you chosen a replacement?” Valka asked him, and Hiccup stared, shocked she was okay with his choice. Seeing his expression, Valka smiled. “I would be a fool if I didn’t know where Merida was, your heart would always follow. Your place is at her side—it always has been.”
Hiccup grinned in gratitude, embracing his mother, and Valka knew she had made the right decision to support him.
“I’ve thought about asking Astrid…” and Hiccup and his mother began speaking about arrangements to leave and pass on succession to ensure their tribe the best success.
“It’s getting late.” Hiccup said, reluctant to let this moment end, but knew he must return her and abide by Elinor’s rules somewhat.
“Aye. I guess even kidnappers are afraid of my Ma’s wraith!” Merida laughed, and Hiccup wanted to keep her with him forever. He resisted the urge to hold her close again and instead smiled jokingly.
“I’d fight anyone for you, but I won’t lie, she does scare me at times.” He said sheepishly, running a hand through his hair. Merida giggled at his expression and words, rising from the tall grass and holding out a hand to him. Hiccup’s grin widened at the gesture, and he gently grasped her hand, allowing her to pull him up.
“Come on, ye wee baby!” Merida nudged him, and they climbed aboard Toothless, who was well rested from relaxing as they talked. Merida wrapped her arms around him securely, and Hiccup urged Toothless into the air. Instead of elaborate tricks, they coasted through the air, enjoying the scenery the setting sun casted on the Highlands of Scotland. Hiccup heard Merida sigh, laying her head against his back, and he felt a giddy grin come upon his face at her touch.
Instead of going to her window, they landed in a safe secluded place where no one would see them. Hiccup slid off Toothless and turned to assist Merida, bringing her to the ground gently, neither one of them letting go as they gazed into each other’s eyes, his hands holding her upper arms and hers placed against his chest. Hiccup felt his mouth go dry, words eluding him as he stared into her eyes that reminded him of the sea. She was absolutely bewitching, and Hiccup was undoubtfully under her spell. It appeared she was under a similar trace, gazing up at him like she was hypnotized. He licked his lips, and Merida’s eyes immediately locked onto his mouth, and Hiccup felt his heart almost burst from his chest.
He stepped closer to her, and she did the same, neither of them still saying a word. Hiccup had the sudden urge to kiss her. He had always wondered what her lips would feel like against his own, even when he was a boy. He cupped the side of her face softly, and Merida leaned into his touch, her eyes closing in contentment.
I love you. He wanted to say, emotions stirring within him. He wanted to tell her over and over again how much she meant to him. How much he had longed for her even when they were apart after all these years. He wanted to tell her he thought about her every day ever since they last saw each other. He wanted to whisper how she kept him going during the worst years of his life before he was a hero and respected in his village. There was so much he wanted to say…
But he knew it wouldn’t be right to force his feelings onto her. No matter how desperately he wanted to be with her, her happiness came first, and if she didn’t love him, he wouldn’t force himself on her. With those thoughts giving him strength, he stepped away from her arms, her warmth, and swallowed. Disappointment shined in her eyes and he refused to let himself think it was because he did not give into his urges.
“You should be getting back, sváss.” He whispered, heartbreakingly soft. Merida took a step forward, as if she was intending to entice him into her arms again, but she clutched her hands together in front of her.
“Yer right… I’ll see ye.” She finally said, and with a blushing face, she turned and ran off towards the castle with Hiccup watching her depart, his heart going with her.
Toothless called to him, and Hiccup finally turned away when Merida’s form disappeared to look at his friend. He gave Toothless a reassuring smile, petting his neck.
“You did great today, bud.” Hiccup praised him. Toothless purred. “Come on, let’s go back to the tribe so we can feed you. I’m sure the others caught a lot of fish.”
Toothless looked delighted at the prospect of fish and trotted beside Hiccup while they journeyed to where their tribe made camp. Many of his tribesmen noticed his arrival, waving excitedly as they caught sight of him. Hiccup grinned and waved back, happy to see the Hooligans settling in well.
He finally stopped at several people his age sitting around a fire eating fish. Astrid caught sight of him first and rose up to greet him, a teasing glint in her eyes.
“Should I even ask where you were?” Astrid smirked, greeting him. Hiccup laughed, not even bothering to appear guilty.
“You always knew me best in Berk.” Hiccup said. Toothless appeared offended, whacking Hiccup with his tail. “Gah! After you, bud, I mean! Sensitive reptile!” Hiccup steadied himself. Toothless made noises like he was laughing, and Hiccup playfully glared at the dragon.
“So, did you get her to say yes?” Fishlegs asked his chief, eager to hear if Hiccup had won Merida’s heart. His other friends looked at their chief, also nosy. Hiccup coughed.
“Errr…”
“I’ll take that as a no then. Figures he’d screw up.” Tuffnut said. Ruffnut rolled her eyes.
“He’s probably doing better than you ever could.” Ruffnut remarked. Tuffnut bristled.
“At least I’m better than Snotlout!” the blonde jabbed a thumb at the bulky brunette Viking. Snotlout growled.
“Hey! I’m better than you any day, Tuff!” Snotlout protested.
“Oh yeah, then how come you still ain’t dating Astrid yet?” Tuffnut sneered. Snotlout blushed, embarrassed at his affections for Astrid being called out into the open.
“Because I’m out of his league.” Astrid chimed in, but you could see the jest in her smirk. They all laughed at Snotlout’s grumbling, his entire face glowing with a blush. Ruffnut high-fived Astrid.
“So, what did you accomplish today, Chief?” Ruffnut asked Hiccup.
“Yeah, you were out for a long time! It’s dark now!” Tuffnut pointed out.
“We flew on Toothless and then talked.” Hiccup admitted, grinning boyishly as he recalled his time with Merida.
“Just talked?” Fishlegs asked, raising a brow. Hiccup nodded, his mind retreating to Cloud 9 at remembering Merida in his arms. Everyone around the fire groaned.
“He’s whipped.” Snotlout groaned, facepalming. “You’d never catch me acting like that for a girl.”
“Says the guy who goes off into La-La land every time Astrid passes by.” Fishlegs muttered, but everyone heard and laughed, making Snotlout scowl. Astrid patted Hiccup’s shoulder, bringing him back to the present.
“Don’t worry. She’d be stupid not to fall for you.” Astrid told him. Hiccup sighed, his shoulders slumping.
“I don’t know, she finally just started to remember me. How can I expect her to fall for me?” Hiccup groaned.
“You’re putting yourself through too much stress. Even if she tells you no now doesn’t always mean no forever.” Fishlegs chimed in.
“Legs is right, Hiccup. You’re acting like if she says no, it’s all over for any possibility of you guys ever being together. From how you describe her, Merida is a girl that goes after what she wants regardless of what people say. Just give her patience and she’ll eventually come around.” Astrid comforted her chief.
“And if she does say no for forever, I’ll be happy to take her spot as your wife.” Ruffnut flirted. Fishlegs looked disappointed but didn’t allow Ruffnut to see. Hiccup sent a sympathetic glance to Fishlegs to show he understood.
“I just want her to be happy…” Hiccup finally whispered, and his friends gave him sympathetic looks. Astrid gave him a smile.
“Have faith, Hiccup. The Gods are on your side, I’m sure.” Astrid said. “I know you, and if you were your usual self, no doubt you’ve created an impression with Merida too.”
Hiccup then settled around the fire with his friends while they all chatted about mundane things. Hiccup listened to Ruffnut and Fishlegs describing all the cool stone structures they saw and mourned the fact that Gobbler was taking care of their dragons back in Berk, so they could not fly them to the top. Snotlout and Tuffnut chimed in saying that one of them would win if they raced to the top of the castle with their dragons with Ruffnut reminding Tuffnut they ride the same dragon while Astrid reminded them Hiccup would wipe the floor with them all since Toothless was a Night Fury and therefore, the fastest.
Hiccup laughed and enjoyed the company of his friends and the unity of his tribe. He was so grateful his tribe was okay with him pursuing Merida with the intention of marriage. He knew they would miss him if he became Prince Consort, but like his mother, they knew this is what Hiccup wanted. As Astrid was the second-best dragon rider and knew diplomacy, his tribe readily accepted her as a replacement when he would abdicate being chieftain. He had taught his tribe everything he could about dragons, and he knew they would treasure that knowledge and continue to advocate for dragons and Vikings to coexist.
It was when the fires died that the Hairy Hooligan tribe settled in their makeshift tents to retire for bed. The Games would start soon, and they all wanted to be well rested to cheer Hiccup on. Meanwhile, Hiccup laid with Toothless under the stars, relaxing with his dragon.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving the tribe to marry some princess!” Astrid growled. Hiccup remained firm. He knew what he wanted, and no one was going to stop him from leaving.
“Astrid, I’m not changing my mind.” Hiccup told her. Astrid glared at him.
“What about the rest of us, Hiccup? You’re really going to throw us all away, so you can run off into the sunset for your happily ever after?” Astrid shouted.
“But I’m not leaving you to rot—I want you to take over as chief!” Hiccup protested. He knew Astrid would be difficult, but he was hoping she would give him some leeway.
“But you’re chief! You’ve always brought greatness to our tribe ever since you’ve trained Toothless! Why is she so important you need to give that up?” Astrid didn’t understand. Hiccup was the greatest chief they’ve ever had.
“Because I love her, Astrid.” Hiccup stated, and his confession made Astrid pause, looking at him in shock. “Because… she’s like the sun to me. Always shining and burning bright… If I let her go, Astrid… it would be like letting the sun die in my world…” Hiccup looked defeated, the news of Merida’s incoming nuptials wearing him down. Astrid surveyed his slumped shoulders and down casted expression critically.
“And if she says no…?” Astrid asked, not biting, but not kind either. Hiccup closed his eyes, sighing.
“Then I will stay by her side and swear my fealty to her when she comes to power. Her happiness is what I want most, and if she’s happy, I’ll be happy, even if it’s not with me…” Hiccup confessed. Astrid had never seen him look so defeated, and she felt a well of emotions stir in her gut.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Astrid sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“I still think you’d be a better chief…” Astrid said begrudgingly, but there was a gentle smile on her face.
“You clearly give me too much credit.” Hiccup laughed, happy he had accomplished the next step of his plan.
“Psst!” a voice startled Hiccup from his musings. Hiccup and Toothless glanced around, wondering who was calling to them. Toothless sniffed towards some trees, and the figure emerged, petting Toothless on his nose. Hiccup’s eyes widened, seeing who exactly it was.
“Merida?” he whispered loudly as the girl stumbled a little in the dark. She was wearing a black cloak over her dress, but he could make out her fiery red curls and features in the dark. He approached her, steadying her to him. “What are you doing here? You shouldn’t be out this late.” Hiccup couldn’t help but scold her, worried something could have happened to her on her way here.
As for Merida, she wasn’t perturbed by the sternness in Hiccup’s voice and bounced on her toes excitedly, grin wide as she peered up at him with the dying embers of the fire highlighting her face, making her eyes shine in the darkness. She was positively breathtaking with her beauty, and Hiccup could feel his cheeks heat up in the dark.
“I couldn’t wait!” she whispered back, quickly grasping his hands, and Hiccup’s blush intensified while his pulse skyrocketed. “I was sleeping Hiccup, and I had a dream—I remember us sledding into the Loch! I woke up and I was so happy I couldn’t go back to sleep! I just had to see ye to tell ye!” she explained, tone still low despite her enthusiasm.
She came all this way just to see him? That just served to make him even more warm and flustered, and he couldn’t keep the absolutely goofy grin from spreading on his face. Merida saw, and it caused her to grip his hands tighter with Hiccup clutching her hands back.
“That’s great, Merida!” Hiccup whispered loudly, heart swelling in happiness. He brought her closer, holding her hands between them, and Hiccup was too ecstatic to notice their proximity. However, Merida did, and his forwardness and unhidden joy made a blush glow on her cheeks. Nonetheless, her own smile didn’t fade.
“And that’s not all…” Merida said, forcing her blush to fade. She separated from him and went towards the bushes. Toothless and Hiccup watched curiously, and she struggled a bit, but soon presented them with a shield, her eyes shining in mischief. “I thought we could try again.”
Her smirk was positively devilish, and her eyes took on an impish glint causing Hiccup to feel a different kind of heat pooling in his body, specifically in his loins. Nevertheless, he used every effort inside him to resist the urge to ravish her and focused on the shield.
“You’re kidding.” Hiccup laughed.
“I’m not, I’m afraid.” Merida said completely serious. Hiccup walked over to her, helping her with the shield. She glared at him in envy at how easy he was able to carry the heavy shield when she had trouble.
“We could get caught.” Hiccup warned, but he knew his resolve to deny her was easily crumbling in midst of his own eagerness to recreate a precious memory.
“This coming from the one who stole me from my bedroom earlier.” Merida teased, and Hiccup laughed, shaking his head.
Even after all these years, some things don’t change.
“Alright then.” Hiccup smirked, just as mischievous, bowing to Merida playfully. “Lead the way, Milady.”