Just one night

In the temple of the Sisters of Flight Emma was sparring with Thrush, her Kinnaran combat instructor. Sparks flew and metal rang against metal as the pair dueled with blades made from Hyoolite. Thrush had been training with Emma since her arrival. Driving the principles of swordsmanship into her. And the young girl had take to her lessons quite quickly. Her reflexes, stamina, strength, and focus were all improving dramatically under the Kinnaran's tutelage.

Her Force enhanced reflexes allowed her to keep up with her teacher's strikes, but she'd yet to beat the more experienced woman. With a powerful upward swing her sword was knocked from her hand. Emma froze as Thrush pointed the blade of her sword at her face. Emma raised her hands up in a gesture of defeat.

"You need to keep a firm grip on your sword Emma. If I were your enemy I would have killed you," Thrush said firmly. Emma nodded. Thrush twirled her sword before sliding it into a loop at her hip. "Still, you're getting a little better each time so we're making considerable progress," she added. Emma beamed while Thrush offered her a small smile.

Their attention was suddenly grabbed as more Kinnarans and the other Jedi entered the sparring chamber. Thrush looked to see her queen leading the way. She turned to give her a bow. "My Queen," she said respectfully.

"Thrush," Tooth greeted back. "Emma," she said with a nod and a smile to the young girl. Emma smiled back and waved. Then she ran to Jack and Elsa, throwing her arms around them both.

"Hey squirt. Hows the training going?" Jack asked as he ruffled her hair.

"Good. I'm getting much better with a sword," Emma said excitedly.

"Thats good to hear. We happen to have a surprise for you Emma," Elsa revealed. Emma looked up to her and arched a brow.

Elsa stepped aside, revealing two more children around her age. Both men...she thought. The fish person gave off a sort of masculine vibe. They looked around the temple, taking in their new living quarters.

"Emma, meet your new classmates, Havolian," Elsa said as she gestured to the Sephi male. "And Nemo," she said gesturing to the Mon Calamari. Emma smiled as she stepped forward to greet them.

"Hello. I'm Emma."

"Duh. We heard that," Havolian said with a blank face. Emma frowned.

"Nemo," the Mon Cala child said as he offered her his robotic hand. She did her best not to show her surprise at the fake appendage as she accepted it and gave it a shake.

"New students?" Thrush asked curiously.

"Indeed Thrush. It seems the Jedi have found more recruits. I hope you're up to the task of training them."

"Of course Your Majesty," Thrush said with a nod. With that the kids were taken on a tour of the temple. Emma got to know her new classmates. She came to decided she didn't care much for Havolian. He was a bit of a smart alek. Though she thought Nemo was ok. All in all she figured they could get along and be friends.

After the tour was done Elsa decided to stay and watch Thrush give a lesson in combat. Meanwhile the group was hailed by the rebels, who informed them that the Gungans had contacted them with news of a Force sensitive child they were willing to offer up to the Jedi.

Rapunzel beamed as she ran out of the temple with Eugene in tow, eager to get to Naboo and bring the child back to the temple.

Meanwhile, back on Zeltros Merida and Hiccup had been keeping to their mission to speak with wealthy contributors willing to give credits to fund the rebel cause. Currently Merida was speaking with a rather portly older human who was willing to give the credits, under the stipulation that Merida marry him.

Being a princess was trying at times.

Merida made sure to control herself as she politely turned down his offer. The man was still persistent, until Merida lied and told him Hiccup was her betrothed. Hiccup played along, earning embarrassed splutters and apologies from the nobleman for his rude behavior. He agreed to the amount and the scheduled exchange location and time before leaving to carouse with the locals.

Merida sighed in relief before turning to Hiccup and smiling gratefully. "Thank you Hiccup," she whispered sincerely.

"You're welcome," he said with a light shrug. She smiled wider before leaning in to kiss his cheek in thanks. As she got up to lead them to their next destination Hiccup trailed behind. His eyes were wide as he placed a hand over his cheek, specifically the spot where she'd kissed them. Merida had been doing a lot of that today. Gentle pecks on the cheeks in thanks. Not that he didn't like them, but he wondered if they were purely innocent or...

"Hiccup, you coming?" Merida called. Hiccup shook his head, dropping his arm to catch up to her. He figured he was overthinking things.

Merida was having a delightful time on Zeltros. While she was still all for winning the war she liked being able to get away and have some fun. She was still young after all. And having Hiccup here with her made it all the better. As they went around their meetings they sampled local cuisines, joined in some of the revelry, and overall had a good time. It felt like they were on a date.

The next meetings were with a Ceran official. Next there was a female Devaronian business woman from her planet. Lastly they met with a Falleen noblewoman at a small cantina and hotel. The bar was run by an older Zeltron woman who had made it for a more mellow atmosphere away from the wild festivities of the rest of the planet. Here her patrons could drink and rent a room for the night when they'd had enough.

The pair sat with the Falleen noblewoman who explained that her people care little for the politics of the galaxy. But she was willing to support what she believed to be a noble cause that the rebels were fighting for. Though she insisted that their dealing be kept secret. She did not want her people hearing of her decision to aid the resistance movement. Merida readily agreed with a vigorous nod.

The Falleen smiled at Merida before excusing herself to the washroom and asked Merida to accompany her. Merida accepted her offer and stood to go, but was stopped as Hiccup grabbed her arm. She looked back at him with an arched brow, meeting terrified eyes.

"Don't leave me," he whispered under his breath.

Merida rolled her eyes. "I'll only be gone for a minute Hiccup. Surely a Jedi Knight can survive a few moments with beautiful ladies," she whispered back with a smirk. She gently pulled her arm free before following after the noblewoman. Hiccup fidgeted in his seat nervously, now without Merida to keep the Zeltron women away from him.

Stay calm. He thought to himself. He shifted his eyes around, taking note of the other Zeltron patrons and servers. He was relieved to see none had noticed him. Thats right, all of you. Stay where you are.

Hiccup still wasn't particularly fond of Zeltros. The planet was temptation incarnate. Beautiful women were around every corner. And they wore clothing that left nothing to the imagination. He'd noticed all the appreciative glances and stares he'd been getting all day, but luckily they'd stayed away due to Merida's presence. He assumed they thought they were a couple. He wondered if they gave off that vibe?

"Hello," came a feminine voice. Hiccup stiffened, he glanced over his left to see the Zeltron bartender smiling at him. The smile wasn't like the sly smiles of the other Zeltrons. It was a genuine friendly smile. He smiled back.

"Hello."

"What can I get you hun?" she asked as she gestured to her selection of alcohol behind her.

"Uh well, I'm not really much of a-"

"Not much of a drinker? No prob," she quickly grabbed a few bottles and began mixing them together. When she was done she slid him a small glass. "Very light. Give you a little buzz but won't put you on your ass," she explained. Hiccup eyed the drink. And with a shrug he accepted it. He sipped at it, and was pleasantly surprised with the delicious taste.

"So the red head your girl?" the Zeltron asked, motioning with her head to the bathroom where Merida had gone.

"Uh...kind of," Hiccup said shaking his head. He said with a shrug. He didn't want to explain why they were there together.

"Kind of?" she asked curiously.

Hiccup blushed and began to stutter awkwardly, trying to explain their reason for being there without revealing their mission and that he was a Jedi and could not be with her even when -IF!- if he wanted to. He meant if of course. Its wasn't like he liked her in that way right? She was pretty, he could admit that if he thought about her objectively. He liked being around her and was always happy when she came to seek him out. She was brave, funny, hot tempered, but also compassionate. And he liked that about her. But that didn't mean...did it?

"Hey Hiccup."

Hiccup stiffened and nearly leapt out of his seat as Merida was suddenly behind him. He'd been so lost in thought he hadn't sensed her approach. He muttered an excuse and went to the bathroom. Merida stared after him and sat down on a bar stool. She sighed to herself, knowing their mission was complete and they'd have to go back to war. Back to being professional.

"You ok cheeka? You seem a little...down," the Zeltron bartender said in concern. Merida tried to smile and said she was fine, waving off her concern. The bartender cocked a brow before she began making her a drink. "On the house," she said with a smile. Merida smiled gratefully and accepted it. The taste was strange, but not bad.

When Hiccup came back she said they were done and could leave soon. Hiccup noticed the slight sadness in her voice. So he said they could stay for a little while longer and enjoy the atmosphere. She perked up immediately and he smiled at the sight. So they sat down and began to talk, recounting the sights they'd seen and Hiccup's various Zeltron admirers who would surely be heartbroken that he'd never see them again.

Hiccup groaned and rolled his eyes at her teasing, and while they talked they drank a few more glasses supplied by the bartender. After yet another glass Hiccup wobbled a little. He shook his head, noticing a slight raise in his temperature.

"You ok?" Merida asked in concern.

"Yeah. Might have had too much to drink though," he said rubbing his temples.

"Oh sorry sweeties. I guess I gave you a bit too much. You guys should probably stay the night. Don't want you passing out in the streets now," the bartender advised. Hiccup wanted to refuse but Merida accepted the offer. They were escorted up to the hotel, given one room with two beds. Merida ushered Hiccup inside, taking note of his temperature which seemed to stay relatively warm.

She sat him down on the bed. "Maybe some water will help?" she offered. He nodded, rubbing his eyes to try to get them in focus. She nodded, looking over the room before finding the small fridge. She went to it, opened it, and bent down to look inside. It was filled with mainly alcohol. But she could make out some water hidden behind the spirits. She smiled as she shuffled the contents around to get at them. As she laced her fingers around a bottle she suddenly stiffened.

She stood up and shut the fridge. Not sure if she was imagining this feeling. She rocked her hips slightly and it was still there. So slowly she turned her head and looked down. And as it turned out, she wasn't imagining it. There was a hand...resting on the curve of her rear. She followed the arm that hand was connected to, not believing it could belong to the only other person in the room.

And it indeed was connected to Hiccup, who was staring at her ass like it was some kind of treasure. She began to blush and her face started to burn as Hiccup kept an intense gaze on it.

"Uh...Hiccup?" Merida began awkwardly. Hiccup didn't respond. Instead he moved his hand, rubbing it over her pants as he traced the shape of her curve. Merida blushed even deeper. "Hiccup?" She didn't know what to do. If it had been anyone else she would have broken his nose. But she was more surprised with this out of character behavior.

Hiccup seemed to snap out of his stupor. He blinked his eyes a few times before looking up at her in shock. He leapt up, pulling his hand back like he'd touched burning hot metal. Merida turned, pointing her backside away from hims and resting her hands over it self consciously.

"Oh my god! Merida I'm so sorry!" Hiccup cried in horror.

"Its-its ok," Merida stammered awkwardly.

"I don't know why I did that. I just...I like its shape," Hiccup suddenly said. Merida blanched, flinching in surprise. Hiccup's eyes widened as he realized what he'd said. "Nononononono, I didn't mean that," he said shaking his head and palming his forehead.

"I meant that I wanted to feel if it was as firm as it looked."

"Wha?"

"NO!" Hiccup cried in horror. "I meant that I like the way it sways back and forth when you walk away-AGH!" Hiccup said slapping his head. "What is wrong with me," he said in frustration.

"Maybe I should-"

"NO!" Hiccup interrupted. Merida stiffened in surprise. He suddenly stepped closer to her. "Merida I-" he paused as he suddenly noticed how she seemed to be sparkling. And her eyes...were they always that blue. Or her lips. Had they always looked so pink? So soft? He stepped closer, face a few inches from her. "I-" He paused once again as he brushed hair out of her face, he examined the strands, running a hand through the copper locks. It had always been beautiful. He always loved the way it reminded him of fire and how it seemed to perfectly match her passionate personality.

He looked back at her face. He was so close he could count her freckles. His eyes zeroed in on her lips which were slightly parted. He could feel her breath as he slowly started to inch closer.

Merida was frozen as Hiccup began to lean in to her personal space. But on instinct her eyes began to close. She was still flabbergasted by this sudden turn of events, but she'd be lying if she said she hadn't wanted to kiss him again.

Before Hiccup could press his lips against her he reeled back. His eyes were wide in panic. He began to pant as he suddenly felt like he were in a sauna.

"I need a cold bath! Maybe you should go!" he said as he rushed to the refresher. Merida stared after him as she heard the water begin to run. She decided she needed fresh air to clear her reeling head. She left the room to head back down to the bar.

In the refresher Hiccup was banging his head against the tile of the shower. "What the Hel is wrong with me?"

Down at the bar Merida sat, replaying the events of she and Hiccup's almost kiss. As she sat there she kept receiving attention from other men who tried buying her drinks. It began to get annoying as she turned down the tenth man. As she sat there the Zeltron bartender came up to her. She cocked a brow at her curiously.

"Cheeka? Why are you here? Shouldn't you be upstairs with your man?"

Merida palmed her head and sighed. "Yeah, something weird happened," she muttered. "Oh, and he's not really my lad. We're just friends."

"So you aren't together?" the Zeltron asked. Merida shook her head. "Oopsie," the Zeltron replied as she sucked in a breath through her teeth. Merida looked up at her to see her guilty look. "Sorry cheeka. I may have slipped something into your friend's drink."

Merida gaped at her before demanding to know what she'd given Hiccup. The Zeltron explained how she'd given him something of her own creation based upon the Zeltrons' Elixir of Infatuation.

"I may have given him three doses more than normal. He seemed kind of resistant to the first dose so...yeah," she said with a sheepish smile. "Probably shouldn't have given you that pheromone enhancer either," she added.

"Pheromone enhancer?" Merida cried. The Zeltron nodded and explained how she'd given her something that was enhancing her pheromones to levels akin to the Zeltrons, making her appear more attractive to every male she came across. Merida realized thats why all the men seemed to want to buy her drinks. But she steered back to Hiccup.

"Why would you do this?"

"Sorry cheeka. I sensed you were down. We Zeltrons like for people to be happy and I wanted to make sure you both had a last night on Zeltros to remember. So I thought...And I didn't know you weren't together. I figured you were by how much you two like each other," the Zeltron explained with a shrug.

Merida blushed. "Wha- How do you know I like Hiccup?"

"Zeltrons can read emotions. I can feel how much you two like each other."

"Wait...each other? Are you saying Hiccup likes me?" The Zeltron nodded. "What? That can't be right," she said shaking her head in disbelief.

The Zeltron cocked her head to the side. "Oh no cheeka. He likes you. Like a lot," she said nodding her head. Merida stared at her like she were mad. But warmth bloomed in her chest at the thought of Hiccup feeling the same way she did. Her heart began to flutter at the thought.

But she focused on Hiccup. "What can I do about this potion affecting Hiccup?"

"Well nothing much really. The potion will last all night probably. Unless you want to...help him burn through it quicker," the Zeltron suggested with waggling brows.

"What!? I can't do that. He's drugged!"

The Zeltron rolled her eyes. "Its not like I slipped him a mickey. He's still fully aware. He still fully capable of making decisions. His inhibition are just lowered. He's more honest about what he really feels and wants," she explained. Merida just sat there, blushing like mad. The Zeltron noticed her apprehension and sighed. She reached into her top, rummaging around her cleavage before pulling out a small vial full of blue liquid. "Give him this. It will knock him out for the night. He should be fine by morning," she said as she slipped it into his hand.

Merida accepted it before standing up. She thanked her before heading back upstairs to see Hiccup. As she did she paused. So Hiccup was just being honest? Saying what he really felt about her? So when he touched her earlier...

She looked over her shoulder and down at her backside. She always thought it rather small. Merida was confident in her looks but could admit she was rather lacking in the hips and bust department. A smile crept to her lips. But apparently she could turn a Jedi Knight's head.

She entered the room to see Hiccup on one of the beds, legs crossed, and head bowed as he meditated. But she saw how he gripped his legs as she came into the room, her pheromones obviously affecting him. Merida felt the vial in her pocket. She was tempted to use it. But while Hiccup was in this state she had questions she desperately wanted answered.

Now might be the only time she'd ever get them.

"Hiccup are you ok?" she asked as he sat down on the other bed.

He nodded. "Yes. And I'm sorry Merida. I don't know what came over me."

Merida nodded in acceptance. Then she swallowed as she steeled herself for the more important questions. "Hiccup what do you feel for me?"

Hiccup flinched. He opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her. He swallowed. She was still sparkling. "I...like you," he said nervously.

"Like a friend? Like in the way you like say...Jack?" Merida asked.

"No," Hiccup said shaking his head. He suddenly uncrossed his legs and stood up. He came to sit down beside her. For whatever reason he had to be beside her. He looked at her, staring right into her eyes. "I definitely don't want to kiss Jack."

Merida's heart thrummed. So he did like! As more than a friend. Just like she liked him. He suddenly turned his head away. "But I can't like you. Its wrong," he said shaking his head.

"Wrong? Hiccup you aren't made of stone. Its normal for two people, friends, to develop more intimate feelings for each other," she said. Hiccup looked back at her, brow cocked. Merida flinched and flushed as she realized she'd just confessed to him. "I like you too. As more than just a friend," she admitted shyly.

"You're my comrade," he tried to argue.

"I'm also a woman."

"I know but..." he paused in frustration. Wishing he could make her understand. He felt her hand touch his cheek, forcing him to look up and at her. As he did she suddenly planted her lips against his. This kiss was unlike the last time they'd kissed. It was gentler, more cautious. It lasted only a few seconds before she pulled away. She was blushing like mad, looking at him with hopeful eyes.

Something powerful, primal, and very masculine rose from within Hiccup. Before he could stop himself he lunged at her. His arms snaked out. He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her into his lap before he began to kiss her urgently. Merida wrapped her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. She tangled her fingers in his hair as she craned and turned her head to rub their lips togethers. Her tongue slithered out and past his lips, delving into his mouth to mingle and dance with his. His hands started to run up and down her sides. Tracing her figure with curious hands.

The Zeltron's words echoed in her mind. Somewhere deep down Hiccup wanted this. Wanted her. She felt the same way. So how could this be wrong?

Apart of Hiccup was aware of what he was doing. And yet he felt no desire to stop. He wanted Merida. Had wanted her for a long time. He loved her.

He loved her. Suddenly it was all too obvious. That he had all along. How could he not? He loved her smile, her compassion, her bravery, her heart, and her soul. She'd saved him. She chased the pain and darkness that he'd let fester within his heart with her love.

Her hands suddenly grabbed and tugged at the hem of his shirt. He raised his arms over his head as she pulled it off. Merida smiled at the sight of his bare chest and arms. All hard lines. Not overly muscular. But still solid and strong. And marked with scars. He traced her fingers over them before Hiccup suddenly tugged at the hem of her own shirt.

She smiled as she reached her own hands down and tugged it off. Leaving herself in her bra. And she felt no need to stop there. She began to kiss and nip at Hiccup's neck making him shudder and pant with want. He suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her away slightly. She looked at him in concern.

He held his hand up and she noticed it was shaking.

"You're trembling,"she said in concern.

"I'm afraid," he admitted.

She nodded in understanding. For he understood this feeling. She'd never felt like this about anyone. And it was terrifying. But also exciting and wonderful at the same time.

She leaned in and kissed him. "Me too," she whispered as their lisp parted slightly. But soon they were locked once for dominance.

It wasn't too long before more clothes started being shed as the pair gave into their innermost desires. For just tonight nothing else mattered but them. They weren't soldiers in a war. Not a commander and a general. Not a princess and a Jedi.

They were just a man and a woman.

And they were in love.

new chap