A Little Brighter

A/N: Hey everyone, this is my first Hilda fic. I know this is far too late for Valentine's day, but I had this idea last night and I just couldn't resist it.

Since the Bell Keeper's name hasn't been revealed yet (as far as I'm aware) he is called Nick here.

Enjoy!

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Nick grumbled as stared at the wilderness beyond the wall. His mood hadn't been the best as if late and getting another, early visit from the Safety Patrol certainly didn't improve it. There hadn't been any sign of trolls today, not even wandering ones, reminding him that he usually spent most of his day keeping an eye out for troll attacks that never come.

He wasn't practically fond of his job nowadays. Back where there were other bell keepers he had at least someone to talk to and share his work with, but now…

Sighing, he took a sip from his thermos and rested his cheek on his palm. Meanwhile, he lost track of how many heart-shaped balloons he had seen flying off the city and over the wall. He glanced back to Trolberg and rolled his eyes with a huff. Checking his watch made him realize it was time for his break and he perked up a bit. Heading down the tower and slipping into his cabin, he soaked in the comfort of the place with a content sigh. He switched on the radio to something calm and decided to make himself a few sandwiches.

He just finished making a handful and sank into his chair with a plate, ready to take a bite when a sudden knock came from the door. With a groan, he stormed over and yanked it open. "Ahlberg, for the last time, I-"

He blinked when he found himself staring at empty space. Glancing down, he realized it was a familiar little girl who was staring at him, taken aback. Her pet deer fox growled beneath her feet. "Oh, it's you, kid,"

"Um, hello, Mr. Bell Keeper," she mumbled.

"Sorry about that. Not having the best day," he coughed and tried to relax. "So, anything you need, kid?"

"Well…I've been going around giving these to all my friends and I thought you might like one," she pulled out it a purple card from her bag and handed it to him.

Nick blinked at the card. It wasn't the neatest looking thing, with small splotches of ink which she tried to cover up by drawing hearts on them.

Happy Valentine's Day

From Hilda

He couldn't help feeling a bit touched by the little thing. He didn't think the kid thought of him as a friend, considering the short of amount of time they've been around each other. She even went as far as adding a golden sticker of a tiny bell at the corner of the card just for him. He gave a light chuckle at that. If anything carried the spirit of everything that was the kid in front of him, it was this gift. "Ah, that's really nice of ya, kid,"

"I know it's not that good," she said, rubbing her arm self-consciously.

"Hey, now. You shouldn't worry about impressing anyone here, least of all an old fool like me. You've just given me more than anyone else has today," his smile then fell. "Sorry though, I don't have anything to give you,"

"It's ok," Hilda shrugged and added sheepishly. "This is actually my first time doing something like this,"

He raised a brow. "Really?"

"We used to live in the wilderness, so it was usually just me, Mum and Twig," she bent down to pet her deer fox and rolled her eyes. "And of course, the occasional visitors from the forest,"

He wondered who could it be she was thinking of that put that look on her face. "I see. Well, thanks kid," he ruffled her hair and stuffed the card into his pocket.

"I should be going now. I still have a few of these to deliver," she said and turned to leave.

Biting his lip thoughtfully, Nick called out. "Wait just a moment, okay?" he slipped back inside and came back with a small paper bag, holding it out to her. "I remember you said you liked cucumber sandwiches, right?"

"Um, are you sure?" she asked.

"I insist,"

"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Bell Keeper. Let's hurry, Twig!" she glanced at Nick one more time and beamed. "See you later!"

He waved them goodbye as he watched them disappear between the houses and went back inside. He checked his watch. He would have to go back to the tower soon. As he sank back into his chair and pulled out the little card with the tiny bell, he found himself smiling a little. I guess this day wasn't all bad.

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A/N: Thanks for reading. I love the dynamic these two have. I might write more about them later in the future.