Here's the first prompt for Mericcup Month 2018: Alliance
Disclaimer: I don't own httyd or brave
Alliance
Merida's hands shook as she held her father's arm while they traveled down the aisle to end her old life. It had finally happened—she would be married. No matter how hard she fought or pleaded or screamed at her parents, she was to be married off. Even after turning her mother into a bear years ago, it was all for nothing now because she had to put aside what she wanted for her nation.
She just didn't expect being married off to a Viking.
She supposed it made sense. Conflicts between Vikings and Highlanders were becoming worse as every day passed. Both sides were losing men rapidly, and it was called for the Celts to align themselves with a Viking tribe to settle tensions and create allies among the tribes. While not solving the problem completely, it would help to have Viking sources to aid the Highlanders against other more violent tribes.
If only it didn't call for the marriage of their future queen.
The price was almost too high. Fergus and Elinor refused at first, fighting that Scotland needed its future queen more so than Stock's heir needing a wife, but Stoick the Vast was always stubborn, refusing to give them his son to be King as he was his only son, and Elinor and Fergus had more children to take Merida's place as heir. Eventually, them losing too many people to the Viking raids weighed too heavily on Scotland's King and Queen, and with heavy hearts, agreed to marry off their precious daughter.
Fergus tightened his grip on his daughter, attempting to reassure her, but it fell flat. None of them were familiar with Vikings or the Hooligan tribe with Elinor being the only one who was able to speak their language. Despite Elinor's urgings, Merida had refused to learn Viking language, her final rebellion against this farce of a marriage.
She didn't know what this Hiccup was like. He could be a brute or a domineering husband for all she knew. At least if she didn't understand him, she wouldn't have him break her with verbal abuse. Her mother had warned her not all marriages were happy like hers and Fergus's, and with sadness, her mother had explained that she could end up in an unhappy marriage with these arrangements, so it was best to try and appease Hiccup rather than fight him. This made Merida vow to not be a docile wife. She would not be something she was not. If this Hiccup did not like a spitfire as a wife, it would be as miserable for him as it was for her.
She kept her eyes locked to the floor while her father and her journeyed down the aisle towards her future husband. She didn't dare look up, not even when Fergus transferred her to her intended's hand. Her hand was still trembling, but she refused to be weak and cry. She was a Scot. She was strong and proud. Merida told this to herself over and over to try and ease herself from breaking down. The Vikings would not see her weep.
Her hand was given a comforting squeeze and she snapped her head up, looking straight into Hiccup's eyes. They were a beautiful green, reminding her of the lush hills of Scotland she would ride across with Angus. If she wasn't careful, she would get absorbed in them. Her eyes traced his face and she found handsome features where she expected deformities to be. Unlike her untamable hair, it appeared his messy hair suited him well with little braids in it to accent it.
The ceremony was combined with both Scottish and Viking traditions, and Hiccup continued to convey softness in his gaze as he squeezed her hand to try and comfort her while Stoick tied a cord around their joined hands, reciting to his people and Merida's family the official words of what Scottish tradition dictated. As for Merida, she couldn't understand a word he was staying as it was all in Viking language, and straightened her shoulders, titling her chin up, and narrowed her eyes in challenge, showing Hiccup she was not a Scotswoman to be broken. Hiccup jolted a bit, blinking curiously, surprised by the fire in her gaze. Nonetheless, he wasn't deterred. In fact, her spirit seemed to make him smile, his eyes sparkling in mirth as he tried to keep himself from laughing.
Next came the Viking tradition where they would exchange swords. He would be giving her his ancestral sword from his family, so she would gift it to their son one day and she would be giving him her own sword to defend, protect, and honor her and their future children while reciting their vows. Hiccup began reciting his, gazing into her eyes, promising her whatever Viking culture dictated. When he finished, he gave her a gentle smile. Now it was Merida's turn to recite her vows.
Everyone stared at her as she remained silent, and it seemed to dawn on everyone that Merida didn't know Viking language. Some gasps were heard while some of Stoick's people whispered in offense. Elinor spoke with Stoick, and Merida knew Elinor was trying to save Merida and the Scottish from making offense. Hiccup spoke up then, gesturing to her and himself, and Elinor looked relieved that he excused the faux paus. Stoick looked disappointed, but under his son's encouragement, let Merida's disrespect slide.
The ceremony passed on in a blur after that. Merida honestly couldn't remember most of it, too busy drinking herself into a stupor. She wanted to be as incoherent as possible for what was coming tonight. Her mother gave her sympathetic looks, but also whispered her a warning not to mess anything more up, eyes pleading with Merida that they needed this treaty.
Merida made a move to gulp down another goblet but was stopped when a hand softly placed itself over the rim to prevent her from drinking more. Merida turned a waspish glare at her now husband. He wasn't affected, murmuring to her in a concerned tone. Merida felt her head starting to spin, shaking her head. He seemed to take that as an answer and moved to get out of his seat, helping her out of hers and leading her towards away from Berk's Mead Hall to what appeared to be the hut that was crafted for them. Merida shook her head, tears running down her face, too inebriated to keep a façade.
"No… I-I'm not ready. I don't want to do this…" Merida cried as he supported her. She knew Hiccup couldn't understand her, much less her understand him, but she couldn't stop her drunken ramblings. They arrived at their hut and he scooped her up, carrying her like she was a precious treasure. Surprisingly, he didn't take her to their bedroom, but the living room where there was a couch. He set her down on the couch gently, stroking her forehead, murmuring in his native language, appearing to try to reassure her. Of what, she didn't know, but she didn't get time to think as she felt bile rise into her throat. Hiccup was quick, knowing what was coming, and retrieved a bucket as Merida began vomiting. He held her hair back like a gentleman, whispering to her while she continued to throw up the contents of today's feast. She continued to cry, the burning sensation of vomiting making her feel worse. Despite her disgusting state, Hiccup continued to hold her through it all.
Something appeared to peak in through the window, making noise, but Hiccup waved a hand, saying something, and the thing left them be. Merida coughed, finally ceasing to vomit, and Hiccup just held her, not daring to leave her to get a drink for her in case she needed him again.
"I just wish I had my own choice, ye know?" Merida resumed, sniffling, wiping snot onto her sleeve, not caring it was her wedding dress. "I thought I finally had my freedom…"
Hiccup didn't seem to mind she was babbling in a language he didn't understand. He sat beside her on the couch, rubbing her shoulder in comfort. He began speaking, holding her close, but not suffocating her. She felt like Hiccup was also telling her his concerns, and it made her see him as human rather than just a Viking, for he probably had his own reservations about the arranged marriage. She just listened as he babbled on, running a hand through his hair frustratedly as he vented his own concerns.
Nonetheless, Merida jumped when Hiccup turned to her, his eyes alit with something she couldn't name, and he brushed some of her unruly hair aside softly, afraid if he was too harsh he'd break her. He went on, his tone much gentler, as he stared into her eyes. Merida just stared back at him, confused. Hiccup appeared to have an idea, and he laid her against the back of the couch to support her while he went to retrieve something. He came back with a book, settled beside her, and opened it to the first page. Merida blinked her eyes, feeling how heavy they were getting from her exhausted state. However, she surveyed the book curiously, finding it was filled with dragons.
Hiccup sat beside her, reading the book softly. Merida realized he was trying to help calm her and lure her to sleep, and she was shocked he wasn't trying to push for them to consummate their marriage. He didn't even force her to hold him as he read, simply content to have her beside him while he calmly read.
"Yer a strange one…" Merida murmured, drifting in and out. She didn't protest when she felt her head fall against Hiccup's shoulder, who maneuvered a bit to make sure she was comfortable while he continued to read about dragons.
She soon fell asleep to the gentle baritone of his voice, dreams filled with dragons drawn in the book.
Merida awoke the next morning with a crick in her neck, a massive headache, and bad breath. She yawned, stretching lazily, and turned to see her new husband observing her. It appeared he was up for a while but refused to move since she was still sleeping. Merida was touched by the gesture but was more distracted by her headache to really dwell on it. Hiccup moved to get her something for her headache, and she nodded in thanks when he handed her a remedy. She wasted no time in gulping it down.
Satisfied, Hiccup helped her upstairs, and Merida froze when she realized they were in the bedroom. Did he want her to consummate after all? Protest rose in her throat, but Hiccup surprised her once again, when he merely peeled back the covers and ushered her under them, tucking her in. She turned to face him, listening as he spoke to her, and he brushed her hair back from her face tenderly.
He appeared to be bidding her farewell as he rose from his kneeling position from beside her and walk towards the door. He gave her one last lingering look before leaving her to rest. Merida wasted no time in getting comfortable, not going to argue if Hiccup wanted her to sleep more and drifted off into slumber once again.
Merida awoke sometime later, when the sun was almost gone in the sky. She stretched, feeling oily and greasy, and hurried to take a bath. She made the water as hot as possible, determined to get all the grime off of her body. Dunking her head in, she emerged to see a surprised Hiccup staring back at her in awe. She stared back, blinking.
"I'm bathing." She spoke, embarrassed. That seemed to have knocked Hiccup out of whatever trance he was in and he coughed, his cheeks flushing, as he averted his eyes.
"Err Sorry, Merida." He said quickly making a move to leave but Merida's eyes were wide with shock when she registered he was speaking Scottish Gaelic to her. Thoughts of being nude around him vanished as she gripped the tub in eagerness.
"Ye can understand me?" she asked, heart pounding in an emotion she couldn't name, and Hiccup nodded.
"Only a little. Your mother helped. Gave me some books." He said sheepishly, still conscious of her nudity.
Her mother must've said something to him and he accepted to learn her tongue. He didn't push his language onto her, but rather accepted her language instead. Merida's lips quivered, and wasted no time emerging from the tub, water dripping down her body. Hiccup yelped, throwing a towel on her to preserve her modesty, but Merida paid him no mind too focused on her mission.
Hiccup was stunned when Merida embraced him. He didn't expect her to be so happy he was learning her language that she would initiate contact. Regardless, his heart swelled with warmth, and he grinned, giddy he was pleasing her.
"Go get dressed. Read together when done." Hiccup promised, ushering her to their room to give her some privacy. Merida dressed quickly, excited by the prospect to speak in her own tongue with someone that wasn't her family here in Berk.
Hiccup prepared some dinner while he practiced phrases with her. It seemed nothing could get rid of the grin on his face, and Merida found his grin infectious.
They stayed in the living room all night, studying new vocabulary and reading over Scottish children stories. Merida, for the first time, felt at ease with the marriage between her and Hiccup.
When morning came, neither of them seemed to be tired, too excited with the prospect of being able to communicate with each other. Merida found herself intrigued by Hiccup rather than disgusted like she formally thought. He was very bright, with a dry sense of humor, and could match her wit with his own without issue.
"I have to go." Hiccup told her as they walked to the door, prepared for the day. His fingers brushed against hers, tentative. Merida didn't pull away. "I have to fly Toothless."
"Toothless? Is he yer dragon?" she knew Berk had tamed dragons, and that was why Fergus and Elinor had chosen them to align with in the first place.
"He's my best friend." He replied with conviction, and Merida suddenly wished to share with him something of her own.
"Angus is my horse. He's my best friend." Merida said, showing she didn't find it strange. She shyly brushed his fingers back, and Hiccup looked positively ecstatic. He didn't dare take her hand though, probably wanting to still give her the reigns of this new union. "Will I get to see him?" she asked, curious about Hiccup's dragon.
"Soon." He promised. "He's eager to meet you, but I don't think your parents would appreciate you getting too close to dragons." Merida rolled her eyes.
"Bah! Eventually I'm gonna have to! I live here now, and Berk is crawling with dragons!" Merida blew some hair out of her face. Hiccup chuckled.
"Just humor them." He replied, and they parted, Hiccup going to meet Toothless while Merida went to go meet with her parents. When she spotted her mother, she embraced her.
"Thank ye, Ma. I can't believe Hiccup let ye teach him our language." Merida told her sincerely. Elinor blinked.
"Merida, lass, I didn't make him learn. He asked me to teach him." Elinor told her. Merida blinked, before a happy smile bloomed on her face. Hiccup was learning for her of his own accord—not because her family dictated it. Warmth flowed through her, and she had the sudden urge to embrace Hiccup once more.
She spent the day with her mother and father, with the addition of Stoick, who taught her Viking customs. Stoick still seemed put off that she wasn't learning their language but knowing Hiccup would be angry with him if he insulted his new wife, he kept it to himself. The day went by without a problem and soon Merida was being led to where the dragons were kept. Nevertheless, Merida protested.
"I want to meet Toothless first before the other dragons. He's Hiccup's after all." Merida told them. Elinor translated to Stoick, who raised an eyebrow, but soon a grin was overtaking his face, probably glad she was giving Hiccup a chance. He said something to her, mentioning Hiccup, patting her shoulder, and bid them farewell.
"What did he say, Ma?" Merida asked her mother, who was giggling. Elinor caressed her daughter's unruly hair.
"Ye'll have to ask Hiccup, lass." Elinor teased. Fergus also appeared confused, and Elinor gave him a look telling him she would tell him later. Merida pouted, put out that her mother was keeping secrets from her.
"Ma! That's not fair!" Merida protested. Elinor laughed.
"Well I guess then ye'll have to start learning Viking language if ye want to know so bad what everyone is saying." Elinor pinched her cheek, and despite Merida's annoyance, the princess couldn't keep her laughter in.
After spending more time with her parents and brothers, she journeyed back to her shared hut with Hiccup, a part of her excited to see him again to talk about Toothless, and another part excited just to talk to him in general. She stopped walking, heart pounding and face blushing, realizing what she was thinking, and rapidly shook her head.
"It's only been a day, lass. Get a hold of yerself…" Merida scolded herself. With that, she opened the door to see Hiccup already there. Despite her inner protests, she felt a bright smile emerge on her face, and she willed herself not to run to him to embrace him.
I'm not some ninny who falls at men's feet! Merida reminded herself and clasped her hands together to prevent them from grabbing him and holding him close. Hiccup noticed her, and his greeting smile made Merida's heart leap into her throat.
"Did you have fun today with your family?" he asked her, unaware of her heart doing summersaults at the sight of him. Merida swallowed, nodding. Hiccup beamed at her.
"Where's Toothless?" Merida asked him, excited at the prospect to finally see Hiccup's dragon. Hiccup appeared sheepish, running a hand through his hair.
"Err about that…" suddenly there was some banging from upstairs and a big, hulking, black mass came bounding down the stairs. Two luminescent green eyes stared back at her, the dragon making curious noises as he observed her. Hiccup scolded him in Viking speak, but Toothless didn't appear apologetic, too busy with sniffing Merida.
As for Merida, she was laughing loudly, Toothless's breath making her ticklish. The dragon continued to get into her space, and Merida fell backwards. Luckily, Hiccup was there to catch her and help her stand up. Merida ignored the fuzzy feeling his touch created and focused on Toothless, who was panting with his tongue sticking out like one of her father's hounds at DunBroch castle. Merida made cooing noises at him, reaching a hand out to pet the dragon. Toothless met her hand, delighting in her touch. Hiccup was beaming behind her, joyful that her and Toothless met without problems. He showed Merida where Toothless like being scratched and the beast was putty in her hands.
"Yer just a wee baby, aren't ya?" Merida cooed to Toothless, who titled his head as he didn't understand what she was saying but could tell through her tone she was praising him. She then turned to Hiccup, scrutinizing him. "I thought ye said we would wait until my parents left." She directed at Hiccup.
Hiccup gave her a guilty look.
"Errr yeah, but I could tell you really wanted to meet him, and of course he was excited to meet you, so I just snuck him in here without your parents seeing…" he rambled on, and Merida was once again touched that Hiccup was going above and beyond for her when she wasn't doing the same for him. She took his hand, halting his ramblings, and he glanced down to marvel at their joined hands.
"Thank ye Hiccup." Merida told him sincerely. Hiccup placed a hand against her cheek, and Merida wondered what he was thinking while she gazed into his eyes looking down at her with tenderness. He appeared to want to do something, but he held himself back, and Merida wondered what it was as he took his hand away, clearing his throat.
"I think we should make an appearance at the Mead Hall tonight—not that I don't enjoy dinner with just the two of us—" he rushed to say, blushing. "It's just I think your family will want to see you at dinner before they leave tomorrow." He explained, embarrassed. Merida nodded, and he looked shocked she agreed with him.
"I think yer right. I do miss eating with my family..." Merida admitted, and Hiccup sighed in relief he didn't offend her. Toothless followed them to the Mead Hall but stayed outside where some of the other dragons were hanging out while Merida and Hiccup went inside, practicing Scottish Gaelic so Hiccup could learn more. He asked her a lot of questions, and Merida answered without annoyance. He was learning all of this to accommodate her after all, and that chilled any ire she would have from his questions.
Her family waved at her as they dined with Chief Stoick, and Merida hastily raced over to them, Hiccup following behind without complaint. Stoick greeted his son affectionately, his son laughing bashfully, his cheeks reddening as his dad nudged him about something, looking between him and Merida. Hiccup gave her a nervous look, but Merida merely raised an eyebrow and Hiccup muttered something in his native tongue while his father laughed boisterously. Meanwhile, Elinor was smiling as she sipped her ale, and Merida wondered if her mother would tell her now what they were saying but doubted she would. Elinor always liked to make Merida work for her answers, after all…
Merida didn't bother having much table manners as she ate for she hadn't eaten all day. Elinor groaned at her display but Stoick and Fergus laughed, Stoick saying something. Merida looked confused and Hiccup laughed.
"He says you eat like a Viking and that you'll fit in here." Hiccup translated for her. Stoick raised an eyebrow at his son speaking Scottish tongue, and asked him something. Hiccup spoke back, not bothered by speaking Gaelic to his new wife. He turned to Merida and told her "My Dad's not too happy about me learning Gaelic, but I told him I wanted to speak with you and it would improve relations with Highlanders if I knew the language instead of you always speaking for me with your people", and Elinor had on that same smile, as if she was privy to a joke Merida had no idea about. She narrowed her eyes at her mother, sticking her tongue out, and her mother rolled her eyes. Merida found that to be logical.
"Is that the reason yer learning? So I don't have to speak for ye?" Merida felt a trickle of disappointment run through her, but she squashed it. Hiccup shook his head, averting his eyes and blushing, picking at his food with his fork.
"Errr well it is nice being able to do my chieftain duties, but I am learning more so we can speak. I like talking with you and knowing what you're saying…" he trailed off, bashful. Merida discreetly sighed in relief and the strange feeling was back as she smiled at him, glad he was enjoying what she had to say.
A couple of Hiccup's friends approached the table, seemingly to congratulate him on his new marriage. They didn't get a chance to speak to him at the feast since he was with Merida the whole time, but it was clear they held no ill will towards her—some even giving her welcoming smiles. A blonde girl Hiccup's age approached, speaking to him, and Merida couldn't help but feel inferior to her beauty. She kicked herself then, wondering what was with her.
I never cared how I look before. Not best to start now…. She shook her head. The girl turned to her, giving her a smile and saying something. When Merida didn't answer, she turned to Elinor to ask her something and she appeared to be giving her a translation. Satisfied, the girl nodded and faced Merida again.
"Thank you for marrying Hiccup. He'll cherish you." The girl said. She then said something else in Norse, taking her hand and smirking. Hiccup choked
"Astrid!" Hiccup blushed, embarrassed. The girl, Astrid, gave him a sly smirk and flicked his forehead. His other friends laughed at Hiccup's expense. Hiccup glared at them, but soon a grin overtook his face, and Merida suddenly wished she knew what they were all saying.
Elinor seemed to have noticed her daughter's melancholy and patted her hand with a sympathetic smile. Merida gave her a returning smile, albeit it being a bit forced. Her mood seemed to worsen as she watched Astrid and Hiccup interact, the way they were at ease with each other, and Merida wondered if Hiccup had someone he loved before marrying her. Maybe he was just trying to make the best of the situation with her to cover up his feelings for someone else? Or maybe he was just noble and was treating her good because it wasn't in him to be cruel?
A sick feeling brewed in her stomach, and she suddenly lost her appetite, angry at herself. She had only known Hiccup for three days and one of those days she was terribly intoxicated from despair of their nuptials. She had no right to feel this way, even if they were married. Their marriage wasn't for love, it was for an alliance between Highlanders and Vikings. If Hiccup had a sweetheart, it wasn't her business besides for the sake of a treaty.
Merida suddenly stood from her seat, not in the mood to interact with anyone anymore, and bid her family good night, embracing them and whispered loving words in their ears. Elinor sensed the turmoil in Merida, and wanted to comfort her, but didn't want to make a scene that would embarrass Merida.
The young princess didn't bother waiting for her husband and hurried out of the Mead Hall. She could hear Hiccup's worried voice behind her, but she didn't slow down. Despite his metal leg, he was able to catch her very quickly, gently but firmly grasping her arm, turning her to face him carefully, concern shining in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked, his green eyes shining in worry. Merida swallowed, feeling like she was choking on her words. He stepped closer slowly, not wanting to scare her.
"We can break off the marriage if ye want." She blurted out, surprising him. He stared at her in shock while she hurried to continue. "I know ye married me for the treaty, but I don't want to tie ye to me if ye love someone else. I will make sure yer people and mine are aligned still so don't worry. I don't want to keep ye from finding love and wasting yer time with me—"
She cut interrupted when Hiccup grasped her face with a desperation. He touched their foreheads together, breathing deeply, trying to find the right words.
"Merida, I don't love anyone else. I'm not wasting my time with you either." He told her sternly, his eyes shining with that darn emotion she didn't understand. "I'm choosing to make our marriage work because I want to. Not because of our treaty and I'm forced to put up with you." Hiccup reassured her, his eyes begging her to understand.
"I'm sorry." She apologized, biting her lip. "I don't know what's wrong with me or why I care! It just hurts. We've only been married for a few days and I've just been feeling really weird!" she told him, worried at what was happening to her emotions.
As for Hiccup, his eyes widened in realization, seeming to have come to the conclusion of what was going on with her faster than she was. He looked giddy, like he wanted to hold her tight to him and never let go. However, he simply chuckled, moving some hair out of her face with affection.
"Merida, ást," he breathed in his native tongue, and she wondered what it meant. "Don't worry. ek elska þik." He declared, and the phrase seemed to have filled him with some courage for he took one of her hands, kissing it and gazed down at her with the same unknown emotion. Merida furrowed her brow, not understanding what he said, but was satisfied with his explanation that she could understand and gave him a relieved smile.
Hiccup tugged her then, the opposite direction from where their hut was, and she followed, curious. They traveled towards the dragons' keep, and she spotted Toothless relaxing with other dragons. At Hiccup's arrival, he perked up at seeing his rider, bouncing over to them excitedly. He spoke to Toothless softly, petting his head and murmuring to the docile creature. Toothless purred at the attention. Then Hiccup turned to Merida, holding out a hand, beckoning her closer.
"I want to show you something." He told her smiling. Merida gave him a grin in return, grasping his hand. His fingers wrapped around her hand tenderly, and Merida squashed the warm feeling she had before from surfacing. They put Toothless's saddle on him, climbing on his back, and shot into the air.
Merida yelled, gripping Hiccup tight, as they soared up to the heavens. Her hair whipped around her face roughly, but she couldn't bring herself to be afraid. No, rather she was quite exhilarated. It was even more intense than riding on Angus! Her eyes were alit with awe as they glided through the night sky, the stars and moon being their only companions.
"We're almost there." Hiccup whispered, and Merida wondered what he had in store. She didn't wait long for soon they were surrounded by multiple colors of lights shining in the sky. Merida felt breathless. She had never seen anything like this. Merida could tell Hiccup was watching her, enjoying her reaction, and when she gave him her biggest grin, he beamed, causing her heart to pound against her chest.
Words could not convey what she was feeling right now. As she gazed upon Hiccup's face, she had the urge to do something, but she didn't know what that something was. The answer continued to elude her as they flew down to where their hut was. Hiccup landed Toothless securely before sliding off and turning to help her climb down. The three of them headed to the hut, not feeling the need to speak due to the serenity around them. Toothless headed in the hut first, ready to go to bed now that he was allowed in the hut with Hiccup and Merida.
However, Hiccup and Merida lingered at the doorway. Hiccup was watching her, and Merida tried to find the words to express her gratitude for all that he had done, but found all words fell flat, not being good enough. Hiccup had went above and beyond to make her feel welcome in their marriage, never asking anything from her in return. The feeling to do something returned, and her eyes flickered to his lips, before glancing back up into his eyes. Hiccup seemed to have noticed her look, and stared at her with a heated gaze, making Merida's mouth go dry.
Instead of acting on whatever desires they shared, Hiccup cupped her cheek, pressing his lips softly against her forehead before connecting their foreheads. He exhaled shakily, and Merida placed her hands on his chest, feeling his heartbeat quicken against her palm.
"ek elska þik, Merida." He breathed, gazing into her eyes that shined like the ocean. Merida wondered what he was saying, but didn't dare ask, scared to shatter the moment between them. She reached and brushed her fingers against his hesitantly. When he brushed her fingers in return, she grasped his hand and pulled him inside.
Seeing she was leading him to the bedroom, he squeezed her hand, stopping her.
"No, ást. Not yet." He told her gently. He caressed her hand with his thumb.
"Why not?" Merida whispered, feeling rejected. Did he not want her like that and she was imagining the desire in his gaze? Hiccup was quick to reassure her.
"You're not ready, ást." He told her gently. "I don't want you to do it because you feel indebted to me. I want to make you comfortable."
Merida didn't feel like she was doing it to pay a debt, but rather out of another feeling. The unknown emotion swirled in her body, but she didn't want to argue with him.
"Then just lay next to me?" Merida pleaded, not wanting to be separated from him just yet. Hiccup gave her a shy smile. "I want to be close to you…" she confessed.
"Okay."
They journeyed up to the bedroom with joined hands, each getting ready for bed separately to preserve privacy, and then peeled back the covers, each of them laying down next to each other. Merida and Hiccup still held hands as their eyes drooped, succumbing to slumber.
Months passed, and Merida settled into Berk nicely. She spent her time with Hiccup often, even during times when he was with his father learning how to take over the mantle of chieftain someday. Not many tried to speak to her besides Hiccup's friends and Stoick, who were fine with Hiccup translating for her. Astrid ended up learning Scottish Gaelic from Hiccup to communicate with Merida on her own, and Merida appreciated someone other than Hiccup to talk to. The two women bonded over their warrior spirits and both admired the others' skill and craftsmanship in weaponry.
It was during one of these times with Astrid when Merida asked her what did Hiccup's words to her mean. He often said them, and wouldn't tell her what they meant, often teasing her with eyes shining with mirth and a devilish smirk. Merida would then scowl, throwing a cloth at him while he dodged, laughing at her.
"He said what?" Astrid blinked. Merida repeated the words Hiccup has been saying to her. Hearing this, Astrid burst out into laughter, tears of jollity appearing at her eyes. Merida frowned, not happy that Astrid, Hiccup, her mother, and everyone else would keep secrets from her. Astrid patted her shoulder. "He's not insulting you, don't worry." Astrid promised her.
"I didn't think he was. I just don't know what he is telling me…" Merida grumbled. Astrid found Merida's pout amusing, chuckling at her friend's expense.
"Maybe you should tell him you love him already and he'll tell you." Astrid smirked while Merida spluttered, her face turning red.
"I do not! Yer imagining things, Astrid!" Merida waved her off. Astrid gave her an unimpressed look.
"Yes, because only friends look at their friend like they want to kiss them senseless." Astrid rolled her eyes. "You are married—just consummate already." Astrid was the only one who knew Merida and Hiccup haven't consummated their marriage which could rule the marriage invalid and the treaty null and void. Merida flushed, inappropriate images of Hiccup and her sharing physical love emerging in her head. The princess glared at the blonde who appeared smug.
"I had tried in the beginning. He said I wasn't ready." Merida grumbled, remembering Hiccup rejecting her invitation to share physical love. Astrid burst out laughing again.
"Sounds like Hiccup! He's so noble he'll even tell his own wife not to do her wifely duties unless she has feelings for him!" the blonde Viking continued to cackle.
"That can't be the reason, can it?" Merida looked exasperated.
"I've known Hiccup for a long time, even when he was known as the village screw up." Astrid began. "He'll never say it, but he's always wanted someone to love him like he would love them. It's cute really."
Merida flushed. Hiccup couldn't love her, could he? The very thought made her feel giddy, like she could race through the whole village screaming in joy at the top of her lungs. Nonetheless, fear of rejection kept her thoughts hidden. Astrid sighed, seeing the reluctance on her friend's face.
"People are eventually going to figure out you guys haven't consummated when you don't end up with child. When that happens, girls are going to come and steal Hiccup from under your nose." Astrid told her.
"He's not that popular, is he?" Merida groaned. Astrid nodded.
"He's known as the Dragon King, has tamed dragons when no one else could, defeated the Red Death—he's a pretty good catch." Astrid pointed out. Merida grumbled.
"I'm leaving." Merida muttered. Astrid laughed as Merida stomped away. She started searching for Hiccup, pushing all thoughts of hers and Astrid's conversation away, not wanting to confront things she didn't know she would get a positive answer to. Her and Hiccup had such a good relationship—she didn't want to ruin it by professing feelings he might not have.
She finally found him at the docks, greeting a neighboring tribe. Merida was about to call out to him, but she froze when she saw a girl race from the boats towards Hiccup, embracing him tightly. Merida's heart leapt into her throat, making her choke up. The girl lingered too much for Merida's tastes, and she seethed when Hiccup wasn't really pushing her away. Astrid's words reared their ugly head in her mind, and she began to feel anxious that Astrid was right and someone else would try to steal him since their marriage was technically invalid.
Thoughts of Hiccup with another girl created a bad taste in her mouth, and she clenched her fists, stomping over to the two talking. Hiccup saw her approaching, grinning at the sight of her, but was stopped from saying anything when Merida got to him and the Viking girl. Hiccup's eyes widened when Merida stepped between him and the girl, and his heart pounded when she gripped his hand tightly.
"Ye cannot have him! He's taken, and I love him!" with that, she left the girl blinking for the girl must have not known what she was saying, and dragged Hiccup, who was spluttering, back to their hut. He just gaped at her dumbly, shock all over his face at her words. When they arrived at their hut, Merida pushed him inside, dragging him up to their bedroom and pushing him on the bed while she paced, cussing in Gaelic and ranting about how Astrid needs to stop putting dumb ideas into her head and that Hiccup needs to be more conscious of what he does since their marriage was invalid and he shouldn't give other girls ideas. Hiccup finally seemed to have snapped out of whatever stupor he was in for he stood, grasping her arms softly, but firm enough to bring her attention to me.
"You love me?" he asked. Merida glared, growling.
"Of course, ye daft Viking! Why do ye think I wanted to sleep with ye? And I know ye don't love me cause ye rejected me, but ye need to be careful or else the treaty will be null and void and I know it's selfish but I don't want to leave ye—"
Merida was interrupted when Hiccup crashed his lips against her, kissing her fervently. Merida's eyes widened in shock before they closed, and she responded just as enthusiastically. Hiccup caressed her face while her hands tangled themselves into his hair. They fell back against the bed, Hiccup hovering over her, breaking the kiss and laying kisses on her neck. Merida moaned when he found a particular spot on her pulse to kiss and suck on. He trailed his mouth back up to her lips, kissing her heatedly again before he ceased his ravishing of her lips. Merida gave a whine of protest, but Hiccup laid his forehead against her, gazing into her eyes with such passion it left her breathless.
"Merida, ást, I only rejected you because I thought I was forcing you when you didn't love me yet like I love you. I knew you were starting to fall for me, but I didn't want to risk anything and push you into something you might regret later."
"You love me?" Merida asked, shocked. Hiccup looked shy then, blushing.
"I've loved you since I saw you shooting arrows in the forest on your horse a year ago. I was mapping out new islands with Toothless and I saw you racing on Angus down below. Your hair was like a fire opal, and when I got closer to see you, I saw how free-spirited you were, and I couldn't help but fall for you." Hiccup explained, averting his eyes. He locked eyes with her, his gaze intense. "ek elska þik, Merida. I love you so much." He translated in Gaelic. Merida smacked him on the head. "Ow! What was that for?" he rubbed his head.
"Why didn't you just tell me what that meant?!" Merida exclaimed, glaring. "You've been teasing me for months!"
"Sorry. I just didn't want to scare you away if you knew what it meant…" Hiccup confessed. "I knew you weren't for the marriage like I was because I found out it was you I was marrying…"
"Then who was that girl?" Merida eyed him suspiciously. Hiccup looked surprised before it clicked.
"That was Heather, a friend of mine from a neighboring tribe. We've helped her tribe through some trouble before. Her tribe came today to increase good relations and to negotiate aiding the Scottish if the time came." Hiccup explained. Merida groaned, face palming.
"And of course, I yelled at the ambassador and thought she was a harlot…" Merida grumbled. Hiccup laughed, nuzzling their noses, and pecked her lips.
"I'm sure if you apologize, she'll forgive you. She was hugging me to congratulate me on our marriage." Hiccup told her. Merida groaned louder, angry at herself for letting Astrid to get to her.
"I guess I better go get that apology over with." Merida grumbled. Hiccup's eyes then carried a mischievous glint and he sported a devilish smirk as he gazed down at her.
"I think it can wait." Hiccup grinned, brushing hair out of her face. "After all, I believe I owe my wife some attention."
As he finished speaking, he brought their lips together, and Merida's ire vanished, wrapping her arms around his neck while they set to give into their desires at last.
It was after a very satisfying experience that Merida asked Hiccup to start teaching her Viking language, so she could apologize properly to Heather and not jump to conclusions like that again.
"ek elska þik, Hiccup." Merida told him in his native tongue. Hiccup responded by promptly ravishing her again.
There we go! First oneshot of the month! Please let me know what you think!
ek elska þik = I love you
ást = love (n.)