I promise I will get back to the main story line! Eventually. In the meantime, here's some fluff. Or angst. I don't really know what this is, actually.
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Jack glared with an irritable huff at his twin's retreating back as the brunet wove through the crowded hallway. He wasn't really mad at Hiccup. No. He was mad because Hiccup had just informed him of their father's latest scheme to make Hiccup into the "perfect" son. He was mad that Hiccup kept trying to meet that impossible standard. Mad that, even as a child, Jack had been rebellious and wild to the point that their dad had pretty much given up on him, instead transferring every expectation meant to be shared between the two of them like everything else squarely on Hiccup's shoulders. Mad that he didn't know what to do about it.
Cory, a friend of Jack's from the hockey team, let out an indignant laugh. Jack shook away his bitter thoughts and smiled.
"How do you put up with that guy?" Cory's words froze the joviality Jack had just returned to.
Later, Ben, another member of their team, would casually mention that from where the rest of them were standing, it had looked like an argument. They hadn't been able to hear any specific words, only the sarcastic edge accompanying Hiccup's deprecating smirk and the anger in Jack's stiff shoulders. It had looked like Hiccup had merely come to antagonize their friend and Cory was probably just trying to show support.
Jack didn't care.
"We don't know each other real well, Cory," he'd bit out, anger spewing out his mouth from where it boiled in his stomach, "so I'll let this one slide. But let me make something clear to you: Hiccup is my brother. If you aren't cool with him, I am not cool with you. Understand?"
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I would love to hear some opinions! What did I do well? What needs some work? What would you like to see in another installment? Anything.
Love, joy, and hugs, ~Rachel
"One must not judge on half-hearing or half-seeing."
~Robin Hood by Paul Creswick