(10/19/16) HEY ALL! It's been so long since I've updated this fic, and I'm planning to in the future! But for now I'm gonna go through and edit the published chapters so far. My old writing bothers me and I'll be changing some things! Anyways, thanks for sticking around! :D

"It had been a particularly hectic day in Castle DunBroch. There were plenty of things that had to be done, especially for Princess Merida and Prince Hiccup. Reading over trade plans, dividing up plots for farming, and making sure the stables were equipped to handle the new clutch of baby dragons that would be hatching soon to name a few.

"The two had gotten married a few years prior, to Merida's parents delight. She met Hiccup when they were teens, their relationship blossoming until they married in their early twenties and brought peace between the Scots and Vikings. Elinor and Fergus were still alive and well and ruled the kingdom wonderfully, as were the teenage triplet boys who caused even more mischief than their younger selves, though everyone managed.

"One calm evening, the two lay facing each other on their sides in their bed. Hiccup rested his elbow against the mattress and held his head up with his fist, while Merida lay her tired head down on the pillows and gazed up at him. They had been taking part in idle chitchat for the past few minutes and were simply enjoying each other's company. However, they were not the only two in their room at that time. In addition to them, there was also their unborn child that Merida harbored safely within her. Her growing midriff caused there to be a slight space in between the two, but neither minded one bit. Their baby was precious and both parents relished time they were all alone.

"Merida slowly let her fingers trace soft, circular patterns on her swollen midsection, smiling softly as she did so. "What do you think she'll be like, Hic?" she quietly murmured to her husband, glancing up at him with a warm smile.

"Hiccup smirked, grinning in total delight. "Just like you, m'lady. Is there any doubt?"

"Och, like me? She's goin' t' be an absolute terror then, aye?"

"Ohhh, a terror? No, no, she'll be a wonderful little lady." he chuckled, moving a curl from her face. "She'll be bold and always ready for adventure, like you."

"The princess blinked dreamily at him. "Plus gentle an' compassionate, like you."

"Oh, how he beamed at that. "I love her so much already," he whispered, placing his hand atop Merida's that already lay on her belly. "I just can't wait for her to get here and actually be with us, ya know?"

"Merida nodded slowly and began to intertwine her fingers with his. Blue eyes looked away, her brows knitting ever so slightly. "Aye…" she breathed, "But I'm just…I suppose I'm a wee bit scared of that…"

"Of what, Mer?" he asked softly, instantly sensing her shift in mood.

"Well… I'm scared of the… actual delivery an' such." Her body suddenly tensed and her eyes widened as terrible possibilities flooded her mind. "W-what if something goes wrong, Hic? What if I'm not strong enough?"

"Hiccup shook his head and gripped her hand gently, hoping to convey some sort of much-needed reassurance. "No, Merida, don't think like that…"

"W-what if… What if our wee babby…" Her voice caught in her throat as if she had choked on her words. When she was finally able to speak, it came out in a near broken whisper. "What if she's strong enough?"

"Hiccup stared at her, his mouth open slightly as he tried to search for the proper words to comfort his beloved wife. He had no idea she harbored such fears… Slowly he exhaled, moving his elbow aside and laying his head down on the pillow so as to look into her eyes. "Merida… Listen to me. You are the strongest woman I've ever know, physically and mentally. And I may not know a lot about babies, but I do know they're half of each parent. So if she's anything at all like you, she's going to be a-okay." He offered her a soft smile as he slowly rubbed her belly. "Both of you have a strong will, I know it. Both of you are my brave girls…and both of you will be fine."

"Merida closed her eyes momentarily and took in a series of soft breaths to calm herself. She and her baby seemed to share emotions, and the soon-to-be mother did not want to cause her unborn child any stress whatsoever. She then finally leveled her gaze with his, looking at her husband silently for several dragging moment. Finally a soft smile crept across her face as she whispered, "Th-thank you, Hic."

"Hiccup leaned forward and rested his forehead gently against hers, using his free hand to caress her rosy cheek. "Of course," he chuckled, pressing his lips delicately to hers.

"Instantly she melted into the kiss. All her troubles faded away at his gentle touch, and this particular display of affection made her feel as if they were the only two people left in the entire world. She then drew a short gasp and broke the osculation, causing Hiccup to look at her anxiously.

"Sorry," she chuckled, her eyes flitting downward. "Our wee lassie's actin' up again."

"The viking exhaled in relief and wiped his forehead, relieved she was alright. "She tends to do that a lot, doesn't she? Guess she likes to be the center of attention!"

"Aye…" Merida breathed, her voice growing tired. A smile then slowly but surely made its way across her lips. She took his hand in hers, gently rubbing both their palms over her belly in soothing motions. "But I dodnae mind."

"He couldn't help but grin at that. As the days and weeks went by, Merida said she could feel kicks and movements from their baby more than before, and that they were doing a number on her. Of course he felt sympathy for his wife, for he knew he could never truly understand what it was like, but he was forever grateful when she let him experience these fascinating movements.

"The two waited in silence for a few seconds, hoping to catch any sign of movement at all from their daughter. "Oh, c'mon, girl," Hiccup cooed disappointedly to their baby, "Surely that wasn't the last kick of the night?"

"Merida giggled softly, rolling her eyes at his words. "Oh, I'm sure if we wait long enough she'll-oh!" Her face immediately broke into a bright smile as she felt a healthy kick against her palm. She looked up at Hiccup and admired the ecstatic grin plastered on his face. "I take it you felt that one, eh?"

"Hiccup nodded rapidly, gently massaging her stomach as he did so. "Oh man, she's tough! Just imagine if she was here with us right now. Like… emwith/em, with us. Lying right here between us…" He sighed dreamily as he looked into her eyes. "Wouldn't that be somethin'?"

"It sure would…" Merida murmured, picturing the scene: The two of them lay on their sides as barriers for their baby girl who was situated between them, sleeping soundly. The thought caused her stomach to flutter, though she wasn't sure if it was just in her head or perhaps was caused by their baby. She gradually brought her hand to Hiccup's neck, drawing him impossibly closer to her.

"His stomach rested against her belly as he tried to scoot closer to the redhead. He simply gazed into her eyes, reaching forward and moving a curl of fiery hair from her forehead. "I love you," he breathed, meaning every single word. "So much… so much you'll never know."

"Merida felt her insides do summersaults at his quiet words. "I love you, too." she whispered, running a hand gently through his brown locks. It caused her to wonder if their baby would have his or her hair. And what about the eyes? Would they be green or blue? Would she have freckles? There were so many unanswered questions that she wanted desperately to know. Truthfully, she wanted nothing more than to have their baby in her arms; to kiss her offspring's tiny head and hold her close in a motherly embrace. But, for now, she would settle with what she had in this moment. Her baby was obviously comfortable where she was, and it would be at least a few good weeks until she arrived in the world.

"Hey," spoke Hiccup with a slight snicker, breaking the princess from her thoughts. "Watcha thinkin' about?"

"Merida blinked slowly at him as she ran her fingers across her stomach, smiling at the slight fluttering sensation from the baby that came in response to her touch. "Everything." she hummed, taking her arms and wrapping them around his body. She nestled her head against his and closed her eyes, breathing in softly and feeling a comforting sense of warmth as he did the same.

Slowly, the couple drifted into a peaceful slumber in each other's arms, their baby resting serenely along with them.