A/N : This chapter is heavy on Hiccstrid. Oh and while I'm here, I want to apologize if I made Jack too arrogant previously. His sudden behavior is based from a real life situation, mhm. Sorry. Anyway, not to worry because he will be nicer from now on :)
[ Jack ]
"You know what that is Jack?" Hiccup challenged, "'Crush'"
"Nah, I don't have that" I shook my head.
"So, you're saying that you...like her now?" Astrid smirked and stretched an arm out suggestively, completely ignoring what I just said. That or her thinking nature made my statement oblivious.
"No!" I exclaimed and lay down.
Hiccstrid and I were hanging out at mine and Hiccup's dorm, as usual. They were sitting sweetly on Hiccup's bed while I lay on mine...alone, again, as usual. After Math class, we had Science; another class Hiccup, Astrid, Elsa and I had at the same time. Nothing very interesting happened there, just my Chemistry teacher teaching us about chemicals and covalent bonds? Honestly, I was too occupied to actually care. But the good news is- Chris Gregory wasn't in that class. Ha!
I don't know why his name, face and voice bothers me all of a sudden when the guy never even did anything to me! Damn, maybe Elsa's right; I need my brain checked. Of course, I'm only kidding. We all know why I'm feeling this way- cause of Elsa's weird antics of making me confused as hell.
When class hours were finally over, I escorted Elsa back in her dorm room...at her request! Astrid invited her over at our place, which is right next door to her dorm, but she denied the offer. She had a pretty long day after all, her not being able to join the three of us is pretty understandable. That or she's just going to do her homework. What I've noticed about her today is how studious and attentive she is at every class. I have a feeling that her and Anna are the same when it comes to studies; responsible and focused.
"Hmm, it's obvious you do now Jack" Hiccup teased.
"What?!" I immediately sat up. "I don't, okay?!"
"See? You're already showing us two signs!"
I looked at them questionably. Astrid just rolled her eyes playfully. "One, you were jealous earl-
"I wasn't jealous!" I protested, my breath getting caught in my throat.
"Yes, you were! And that is the second sign, you're too defensive!" Astrid cut me off.
"I am because you two are telling me something I'm not"
"You could've just said no. And the Jack I know would be cool if I tease a girl to him multiple times" Hiccup crossed his arms condescendingly. "You'd just smirk and shrug it off, but right now? Nah"
I groaned exasperatedly, "Please no double ganging on me, I'm not used to it"
They both laughed together, their laughter commingled melodiously. "Jack, it's not that we're trying to bring you down and victoriously prove we're right, we're just saying what we observed" Hiccup explained.
"I know that" I sighed, "I'm telling you guys my dilemma in hopes that you can actually help me solve it and understand why"
"In order for us to help you, you have to tell us everything" Hiccup looked at me seriously.
"Huh?" I tilted my head to the side.
Sometimes, I hate how observant and intelligent Hiccup is. He sees through everything and everyone! I only told them about the weird feelings I'm having for this girl, I left out the important parts of how she reminds me so much of Princess. I wanted to wait for their reaction before I completely let it all out. Judging from their curious and listening ears, I'll take that as a cue for me to spill it all.
I sighed, "Alright fine! You got me"
Astrid giggled, "You're so good at this" she kissed Hiccup's cheek, making him blush.
I started telling them what happened during History class yesterday. When I stared into Elsa's eyes, I saw Princess' eyes and when she touched me, I pictured Princess again. Whenever she says my name, I kept hearing Princess' voice too. And I, especially, emphasized the moment when Elsa and I were practicing Romeo and Juliet in front of them.
They listened intently, eyebrows furrowed in comprehension at the right moments, and their eyes always squint at 'interesting' parts. I continued telling them about how I truly felt upon seeing Olivia pinning her down on the ground. It's something I truly could've lived without seeing and something I wish I could just erase from my memories.
When I finished, Hiccup stood up from the bed and started pacing back and forth on the open space in our dorm. Astrid and I just sat down and watched him. With the way he walks, chin on one hand, sight down on the floor and slightly furrowed eyebrows, I know he's thinking hard of what I just told them. Astrid looked down on the soft mattress and brushed her braided hair absentmindedly. Clearly, she's in deep thoughts as well, trying to piece everything together.
I thought about it myself. Is it possible that Elsa is Princess? The girl I danced with that night? I mean it won't be hard to believe. First of all, they're extremely similar with physical features. But the attitude? Hmm, not so much; that's the main reason why my brain is battling right now. But Elsa as Princess? Umm, I have to admit...it's not so bad, excluding her foot.
"I think we should ask Punzie or Elsa, herself, if she attended the ball" Astrid shrugged.
"Wonderful idea, milady" Hiccup turned around and smiled at her. "Simple and easy. Why are we even trying to figure out a harder way to do this?" Hiccup added.
"I don't know, Elsa seems...secretive about herself" I said.
"What made you say so?"
"Well, whenever we talk she doesn't really say much. I remember earlier when she was hesitant to tell me about her inner feelings with what the girls did." I explained. Hiccup and Astrid only looked at me in pure befuddlement. Oh yeah, it's only been a day. "Umm, she found out about the Mojos plan and how the girls hid it from her."
"They probably just don't want her to freak out" Hiccup shrugged.
"I know, that's what I told her"
"Well you can't really blame her for getting pissed about it." Astrid rolled her eyes. "And besides! Jack, it's just a question. You think she'll lie about that?" Astrid crossed her arms, going back to the topic.
"Eh- who knows!" I blurted out.
"But you know what I think? It's her" Hiccup announced.
I rolled my eyes and looked up at him, "How can you be so sure?"
"Cause I'm smart!" he proudly said.
A small chuckle escaped my mouth. "I know that, but Hiccup! We have to be extremely sure before we jump to conclusions!" I stood up and walked towards him.
"Can't believe I'm saying this, but he's right babe" Astrid shrugged.
"Thank You, Astrid" I looked at her appreciatively even though she just underestimated me.
"You want more proof eh?" he raised an eyebrow at me. I nodded with a smile. "What is it with you and reasoning nowadays?" he asked with a hint of annoyance.
"Hiccup, you know Princess got to me pretty bad. I don't wanna be disappointed." I said.
"Aww, Jack's finally growing up!" Astrid chirped in a small voice. "Guess we proved you wrong-again" she smirked.
Hiccup sighed. "You've seen other girls recently, how come they don't remind you of Princess? And when you get close to Elsa, she suddenly comes back to your brain?" he explained, slowly and clearly.
"Maybe because I'm familiar with other girls and not her?" I guessed.
"And Princess is familiar to you?" Hiccup crossed his arms.
Touché. "Okay. Fine. So there's a slight-" I pinched my fingers together "possibility that Elsa is my crush then?" I freaked out when the words got out of my mouth.
Elsa, the girl who made my foot swollen, my friend's sister, the girl I argued with before, the girl I saved from Olivia, the girl who's going to play alongside me as Juliet and I, as her Romeo, is the graceful girl I danced with?! I can't...I can't even express my feelings into words.
"Come on, milady. Let's do our Math assignment" Hiccup made his way back to the bed, beside Astrid. My eyes widened and I immediately grabbed his arm, however, the action didn't go as planned. Instead of standing him up and pulling him towards me, he fell on the bed, face first. Astrid supported him, he groaned as he turned back around and shot me a glare. He sunk his body down on the mattress and let his head rest on Astrid's thighs while she brushed his hair in hopes of refraining any impending headache. "Dude!" Hiccup complained.
I grinned cheekily and shrugged in guilt. "Sorry..?" I ended up chuckling.
Hiccup pouted and Astrid only stroke his face dearly. "Aww, babe..." she cooed.
He sighed, her touch seemed to have a relaxing effect on him. "Dude, you have to help me" I sat on his bed and looked down at him. Astrid moved and leaned her back on the wall while Hiccup shifted to a more comfortable position while he was still clinging to her. He leaned his head on her chest and nestled in between her legs. He took a few deep breaths while Astrid embraced him from behind and buried her face in his soft auburn hair.
Something about the way they're cuddling closely together made me feel envious. Never, in my whole immortal life, have I ever experienced that. Sure, I received a few hugs from my female friends before, but I never shared a 'special feeling' for any of them; the kind of feeling Hiccup has for Astrid. Now, I have strong, unique feelings for this mysterious girl whom I danced with at the ball and I don't even know who she is, or what she even looks like without a mask on. It was the way she lightly talked to me that made me feel comfortable and the kiss was the one that really triggered my interest greatly.
"You know, bud" Hiccup began. I looked at him, and he's still clinging to his beloved. "It would be a lot easier if you asked her name during the dance"
I sighed, "I know man, I know...small talk matters" I mimicked the latter with his voice. "I didn't know the outcome so I didn't bothered. Asking her name completely fell out of my head"
"Yeah, that's what you said that night" Astrid cut in.
"Hiccstrid, you have to help me!" I pleaded and held their connected forearms. "I don't know how this works! I never even felt this way before!"
"What feeling are you feeling exactly?" Astrid raised an eyebrow, her lips curled up into a devious smile.
I pursed my lips together and tried to find words. What am I feeling? Intrigued? Curious? Confused? Interested? I sighed and just pour it all out. "It's like...when I'm idle, all I can do is think about that night with her. Reminisce the short happening and hope that it will happen again. Every night, whenever I sleep, I always dream about her; how amazing it would be if we were...well, a couple" I blushed and scratched the back of head awkwardly. "That's it."
"Aww..." Astrid smiled and held Hiccup closer.
"Honestly, that's how I felt when I first met Astrid" Hiccup blurted out. As soon as he completed his sentence, he immediately clamped a hand over his mouth in sudden realization of what he just said out loud.
Astrid looked down at him curiously. "Really?" she smirked.
"Uhh! I umm, y-yeah" Hiccup stammered.
"Whoa, man. You're lost at words! I haven't seen you like this before!" I teased.
He eyed me with fierce half-squinted eyes. I know that look, he's trying to tell me to 'Stop'. I only chuckled and gestured him to proceed with whatever he's trying to say.
The brunette sighed, "You mad at me, milady?" he looked up at her, pouting.
"What?! Are you kidding me? No, Hiccup!" she chuckled and hugged him again. "Why haven't you told me before? That was one of the sweetest things you ever said to me" she said silently.
"I was afraid you'd punch me, 'cause you might think I'm a creep or something" he blushed.
"Of course not." She smiled and brushed away his bangs before leaning down to kiss his forehead.
Staring at them, my vision suddenly blurred. My sight transitioned, I saw a reflection of me and Princess instead of the two. We were positioned exactly like how Hiccup and Astrid were. She still had a mask on, of course, and she was wearing her blue gown, the same gown she wore that night. I, on the other hand, was looking up at her and cooing her to take the mask off. We were giggling, having a fun time and cuddling one another. Being the Guardian of Fun, I know what is fun and not, and let me tell you- what I witnessed is something that is definitely fun.
I shook my head and went back to reality. I was still staring at the two and what I saw almost made me gag. "EEW! Get a room!" I immediately covered my eyes and averted my gaze from them. I'm used with the two giving short pecks on the lips, but a passionate French Kiss? No, not at all. Even though I already made a move to make them stop, I still heard kissy noises and puckering of lips. "Hiccstrid!" I called out again.
I heard a pop of lips pulling away then giggles, "Jack. You're such a killjoy at times" Astrid implied.
"Am not." I rolled my eyes, "I just don't like seeing you two...like that!" I gestured to their two connected bodies.
"You're just jealous you don't have someone to snuggle with" Astrid teased.
"So what if I am?" I crossed my arms.
"OH!" Hiccup exclaimed and ended up laughing out loud. "See? You finally admitted it!" he pointed his finger at me accusingly.
I rolled my eyes and just shrugged multiple times. "Come on, guys. Need your help"
"Jack, I don't really know which" she held her hands up and gestured both of her index and middle fingers as quotation marks "'dilemma'" Astrid placed her hands down on Hiccup's chest, "you actually wanna solve first"
"Yeah? Which is it?" Hiccup looked at me curiously. "Finding or, possibly, getting over a girl you only met once. Or...figuring out these weird feelings you have for a girl you hated before, if you're going to ignore it and just be friends with her or you're going to admit it to yourself"
"Admit what to myself?" I stared at him.
"That your feelings are evolving from acquaintance to crush" Hiccup said.
I sighed and looked down while biting my lower lip. I have a decision to make. Two girls are slowly making me lose my mind! I don't know which one of them had a worse effect on me! Both of them had managed to equally changed my belief and make me feel this way. Alright fine! I'll admit it now- they both made me crush on them...hard!
Elsa may be pretty bad but...as what most people say: boys like girls with a strong attitude. Just look at Hiccup, for instance, Astrid is a really fierce girl and doesn't let anyone get in her way. If they do, it's either a punch or a kick. And yet, he fell in love with her and so did she, no wonder why they're so fitted together. He's smart and calm while she is assertive and more on fun. They're opposite and they complete one another by filling in the gap of the other half. Hiccup calms her down when she's too mad and she helps him out whenever he argues with someone, which rarely happens.
Honestly, I think I would be Astrid and Elsa would be Hiccup. She's quiet and yeah, a bookworm, just like him. Me? I'm just a free, reckless soul; careless about what grade I might get and if I need to go to the Principal's office, but I still have the chivalrous and kind attitude, I'm not that naughty. This mutual attitude Astrid and I share is probably what makes us close and understand one another. Wow, I can't believe I just realized all of that.
"Fine. Elsa..." I finally decided. Princess is...somewhere out there, better that I move on from her instead of getting my hopes up of seeing her again. I'm not saying that Elsa will be the replacement! I just wanna sort everything out with her. And yet, I started comparing and contrasting us with Hiccstrid. Hmph, nice going Jack.
"Then get to know her so you'll see if her attitude is the same with Princess" he plainly put. "Not only am I helping you solve one, I'm helping you with two dilemmas of yours" he smirked.
I suddenly remembered something that Elsa refrained me from doing the moment she struck my foot, and that's basketball. The one humanly activity I actually find fun to do. I don't think Princess, being the very graceful female she was when I danced with her, is capable of doing the sort...right?
"Look Jack" Hiccup placed his hand on my shoulder, "I know it's hard to consider Elsa being that girl you fancy because of what she did." he began to say. It's like he read my mind, darn it! He's super smart! "But you'll never know unless you try and get closer to her, okay?"
"And then I'll get all these mixed emotions" I concluded.
"Exactly" Astrid smiled.
Moments of silence passed. Neither of the two broke it, they just cuddled with one another and savored each other's embrace. I, on the other hand, didn't bothered them and just thought of a way on how I can get Elsa to talk to me more and actually be good friends with her. I hope the play will be a good excuse! Is it gonna go more than that? I don't know. But what I do know is it's not going to be easy, especially if a person is very inconspicuous. All of us have secrets, yes, but I feel like she has more to that which might explain her careful and quiet nature.
Honestly, something as simple as 'Hey! Did you go to Punzie's party?' shouldn't be planned out like this, it's just something that can't be brought up easily. It'll make me look both curious and suspicious. I should probably wait for the right and perfect moment and then, quite possibly, I can make her say if she went to that party or not by herself without being too obvious or force.
My hopes are not sky high, but if she is Princess after all...I sighed, "Good luck to me."