Tadaaa~ Chapter 12 y'all. So, this chapter would have been the chapter to take the story to fast-paced route but after the reviews and comments saying that the story was fine the way it was going, I decided to take the same phase I planned. :) Greatly appreciated to know none of the readers were getting bored. :D

Thank you all once again for wasting your precious time in reading this story! You guys are awesome for staying until this chapter. :D

Shoutout for my new friend, everLastingTime. You're awesome! And yep, thanks for the beta offer~ Sooner, I'll be bothering you. O.o EDIT: OMG, I could hug you right now~! Thank you so much for the beta. :D

Word Count: 5, 870 without AN.

Status: Beta'd by everLastingTime. (Gurl, ye'r awesome!)

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot. :)

Chapter 12

"Meeting"

Four hooves padded down stone paved roads, breaking the serene silence of the empty street. The usual chats and clatters of fully-awake citizens were absent for most of them chose to spend the night partying at the fair rather than resting at their homes. And although adults could keep their eyes open from dusk till dawn, the kids were a different matter. The little bundles of joy were tired from playing all day long at the fair and most parents brought their children back home, tucking their weary child down their beds and singing lullabies to convey them sleep.

Unfortunately, the case was different when it came to the triplet princes of Dunbroch. Their Majesty, the King and Queen, had no time tonight to tuck their wee children into their beds for the Royal Pair had been busy attending their event. The King, as an act of companionship, had to drink with clan leaders, townspeople and visitors, whereas, the Queen had to make sure that the event progressed smoothly.

And due to the pair being busy as they were, Jackson had volunteered to accompany the triplets back to the castle. Her Majesty, Queen Elinor, appreciated the offer of the Crown Prince, bestowing the safety of her children to him.

He had perched the triplets on his horse's saddle. And luckily for him, the three redheaded princes were cooperative. It was mostly due to the three princes' exhaustion, which was not surprising after Jackson heard of the chaos the trio had brought to the fair earlier.

Upon their arrival within the castle gates, three maids eagerly attended to the four princes. Each of them took one redheaded prince in their arms, bringing them up to their rooms. Jackson, on the other hand, preferred not to be fussed upon by any maid, bidding them goodnight as he walked up to his own room.

He hurriedly strode through stairs and halls, fastening his pace to see his twin. There were several reasons why he left the fair but his main objective was to check up on his brother's health. He hoped that his brother was fine and wished that his younger brother had gotten home safely.

Jackson did not hesitate to push their bedroom's door open, doing it as quietly as possible. He closed the door behind him, squinting his eyes on their bed. He fully expected to see his brother sleeping with sheets crumbled on one leg but what he found was a neatly fixed bed with no prince on its top. He quickly maneuvered his feet to check the bathroom, finding the same room empty of the prince's presence.

"Jack?"

He immediately spun on his heel to get out of the room, running down the castle stairs and passing through the halls in his search to see his brother. He took a stop when he saw one maid walk towards him. He politely motioned her to stop which the latter obliged.

"May A inquire yer need, yer Highness?" She asked.

Jackson smiled despite the way he was stilling his breath, "Yes, have you seen my brother?"

The maid shook her head, "A'm afraid A have not, yer Highness."

"I see," Jackson trailed off, looking around the corridors as if he was expecting to see his brother there. "Did he ask for dinner when he got here?"

The maid furrowed her brow in thought. If she remembered correctly, no one (except the maid and workers) had asked for dinner since dawn. She was not even able to recall seeing the white-haired Prince arrive this night. "He has not, yer Highness."

Jackson nodded.

"If A'm not wrong, his Highness hadn't been seen at the castle since leavin' this mornin' for the brawnfest with ye, yer Highness." She continued.

Jackson averted his eyes back to the maid, "You mean, he did not get back here?"

"Yes, yer Highness." The maid answered immediately, "Is there somethin' wrong, sire?"

His mind had trailed off but still had the thought process to answer, "No, nothing else." And with a nod of his head, he had politely dismissed the maid. He paced around in circles, thinking where his brother could be at and formulating a route in his head to where he would start his search for his brother.

He decided it was best for him to do the search for alone, thinking that sharing about the situation to the public would just cause unnecessary panic. For all he knows, his brother could have just goofed somewhere.

And although Jackson was trying his hardest to be optimistic, he could not help but feel anxious about his brother's welfare. The last thing he wanted was to find out that his brother had fainted or was robbed on his way back to the castle. If either of those did happen, he was not sure on how he would feel inside. 'I knew I shouldn't have allowed him to go on his own!'

Jackson went out of the main door, heading straight to the stables. His horse was already in deep slumber so he decided to take his brother's equine. Still, it was a mystery to him why his brother had not taken his horse with him.

He took off, heading to the first destination he thought in his mind - the Fest. He knew how his brother never missed out on any fun so it was not impossible that his younger brother was hiding somewhere at the dance and probably dancing silly now with children and maidens alike.

And as soon as he arrived, he mounted off the horse. He quickly heard a cough from someone who stood behind him which made him sigh in obvious relief, "Did we not agree that you will go home to rest?" He said, knotting the reins of the horse by a nearby fence. He proceeded to spun on his heel and was about to scold his brother for his behaviour, "What are you doing here at th-," but he stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the person behind him, "Jamie…!"

Jamie stood there with his arms crossed, tapping his foot down the ground with a face plastered with an indignant scowl, "So, that's how you two do it? You meddle with my life then you leave me suddenly?"

Jackson rolled his eyes, "Jamie, we both know that you were happy."

Jamie huffed, "How sure are you?"

Jackson did not say a word, staring at his friend blankly which made Jamie sigh with a slump of his shoulders. His face rapidly turned a pink blush and had to admit sooner, "Well yeah…" 'It's not like I ever won an argument with you two.' He pouted.

Jackson rolled his eyes, knowing that his friend would give up sooner. The mission he had in mind went back inside his head and he quickly went back into action, "Putting that issue aside, have you seen Jack?"

"Shouldn't he be at the castle?" Jamie inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Jackson sighed, "Apparently, he has not arrived at the castle yet."

Jamie looked surprise, "What? But he left after dinner. Have you told anybody already?" 'What's with people being delayed today?'

"No, I haven't. I planned to take a look around first." Jackson replied, proceeding to walk and passing by Jamie.

"Okay, I'll help. I'll take left," Jamie informed, scurrying off immediately to start his search.

Jackson then took off to the right direction, looking around and evading dancing couples. He had been doing the same two things for ten minutes but no white-haired prince has ever shown his presence. Jackson brushed his hair to the back of his head in frustration, his eyes were continuously bracing for his brother.

"A thought ye head home with mah brothers?" Someone said, tapping him by the shoulders.

The Crown Prince spun on his heels, meeting eyes with Princess Merida. He smirked, showing off his white teeth, "Oh my, Princess~ Can't I come back to have a dance?"

Merida rolled her eyes, muttering, "Alrigh', smart pants." She kept quiet for a few seconds while crossing her arms, "Who are ye lookin' for?"

Jackson had his eyes busy roving around, blatantly obvious that he was searching for something- rather someone, "Looking for? I'm not looking for anybody." He replied, gazing down to meet eyes with Merida. He gave up sooner, knowing that Merida had already seen the crack in his lie for the Princess gave him a blank stare. "I'm looking for Jack."

"Jamie said he was at the castle already," she informed.

"Well, he didn't get there. Somehow, I think he decided to stay here."

Merida nodded, understanding the situation. "Well, A have not seen him around."

The worry crawled back into Jackson's face and could not help but say things inwardly, 'Jack, where are you?'

"But A'll let ye know if A saw him." Merida said as she scurried off in the opposite direction.

Jackson nodded in reply, never having the chance to say his thanks to the Princess. He began his search once again, looking at every nook and side of the place. He even asked a handpicked number of citizens, avoiding his own people, to ask if they had seen the younger prince. But to no avail, all of them answered with a shook of their heads.

Jackson and Jamie met close by the biggest bonfire and Jackson did not have the energy to stop his self from brushing the locks of his hair in frustration after seeing Jamie alone, void of the presence of Jack.

"I didn't see him anywhere," Jamie panted, "I take it you haven't as well?"

Jackson did not reply, pinching the bridge of his nose in thoughts. "If he is not here, where could he be?"

Jamie crammed his head in thought, muttering inaudible words as he counted with his fingers. His hand had two fingers up, indicating two places the prince could be at. It was already dark and since most people would be at the fest, he doubted there were shops open at this time of the night. Even bars would be closed for there were free drinks at the fest after all. And just when he was about to stop counting, a place (more like, a person) entered his mind. He held up the third finger while thinking, 'Err…it could only be a hunch, right?'

"There's only the castle and the fest that I could think off." Jackson said while pacing. "I took the road he took to get back to the castle but I did not see him anywhere."

'But what if he was there…'

"Jamie, do you have any idea on where he could be at?" Jackson asked, looking hopeful at his friend.

Jamie furrowed his brows, looking down at his fingers, 'But I promised Jack,' he looked up, only to see the worried look on his friend's face. 'But could I stand to worry my friend?'

"Jamie…?"

"I…" Jamie sighed deeply, "I think I have an idea…" 'I hope I do not regret this.'

The wood plastered on the sleeping boy's face was slowly lifted. And Hiccup felt the heat pooling out from under the mask, thinking that it must be a great relief to have the mask removed from the patient's face. Sadly, Hiccup was only able to lift it a little; the most of the new skin he saw was the tip of the pointed nose of Jack. He realized that the mask was secured tightly by a string which was tied to big pale ears.

Hiccup dropped the cloth at the basin of cold water, freeing his hand to untie the string from the patient's ears. He diligently searched for the knot, holding one end to pull them out. But his ministration was interrupted when a hand grabbed his wrist, stopping him from what he was about to do.

Hiccup winced, half-expecting for a cracked voice to talk. A voice that would ask him what he was doing but the only sound he heard was a muttered groan. His attention was caught and he saw Jack fluttering his eyes slowly, feeling huffs of hot air coming out of his mouth, prickling the calloused hands of Hiccup.

"Hey, are you okay?" Hiccup asked worriedly. His wrist felt burnt against the hot press of Jack's palm over his skin.

Jack remained quiet for few moments before he let go of Hiccup's wrist, pushing his palms down the table to support his self in standing up. He nodded his head afterwards, fixing his mask and moving out between table and chair tipsily.

The younger male did not know what to do. He stood patiently, moving aside to make way for the other. He outstretched his arms, waiting to catch the taller male in case he falls. And it did not take long for the taller male to topple down like a newly cut tree trunk and Hiccup attentively moved to catch him in his arms, making him utter an incoherent sound that could only be spelled as, "Fwumph!"

Hiccup had expected it but he did not know the taller male would be this heavy. He wrapped his arms around the taller male, pushing him up and trying to still him in his feet. And it did not take long before the weight of the taller male took its toll on Hiccup's lanky body. And Hiccup felt his knees tremble as he desperately tried to still his feet on the floor, wishing that his peg leg would stay intact.

"Jack, hey…" Hiccup said, breathing through his nose, "You don't have to leave if you can't."

Jack, on the other hand, did not say a word, fumbling with his feet to keep them on ground. He snaked his arms around the smaller male to still himself. "I can't trouble you more than I have." He said hoarsely.

"Really? And let me feel guilty for allowing a sick person to leave and possibly faint on the way?" Hiccup sassed as he tried to tighten his hold on the slowly slipping male. "I think not."

Jack found the time to chuckle in between coughs, "Why…aren't you noble?"

Hiccup rolled his eyes, backing his peg leg a little bit, "Could you go back to seat? I don't want us to topple down on the floor."

'It wouldn't be a bad idea.' Jack thought which he quickly shook his head at, 'What the hell am I saying?' He finally stood properly on his legs, "Yeah, sure." He said, walking back to the long chair and lying on his back immediately. He closed his eyes to still his momentary dizziness.

Hiccup loomed over him. 'I really should get rid of habit of letting strangers into our home…' He reprimanded in his self. He took the drenched towel in his hands, twisting it to squeeze the excess water out. His hand moved to take the mask off again, only for the lying man to shake his head profusely, "No…don't take it off."

"Don't be silly," Hiccup said, shaking the cloth in his hand, "How am I supposed to put this on your forehead if you won't allow me to take your mask off?"

Jack still shook his head, speaking hoarsely with a cough, "Just don't." He stared straight into Hiccup's eyes, "Promise me."

Hiccup groaned, 'Why is he making such a big deal out of this?'

"Please…?" The other pleaded hoarsely.

Hiccup animatedly flailed his hands in defeat, splashing small drops of water off the cloth. "Fine, you big baby."

And if his throat had not hurt every time he used it, Jack would have chuckled loudly after he saw the actions that the smaller male did. 'Amusing.' He mused inwardly. Then the thought of his brother entered his mind, 'Is this the reason perhaps, brother?' He sat up, placing his palms on his knees, "Have you…," Jack trailed, staring at Hiccup's face, "Have you ever been to any other Kingdom other than Dunbroch?" Yes, Jack knew that it might be a question that seemed to sprout out of nowhere. But in actually, it had basis for the moment he remembered his brother – the questions that his brother had asked him before entered his mind as well. And one of those questions was whether there was a chance that this boy was familiar with the both of them.

Hiccup was squeezing the water out of the cloth when he heard Jack's question. "No." He said, shaking the cloth off, folding it into a square. He took Jack's arm, gently wiping the heated skin. And Jack could not help but sigh in relief, having the cool water press onto his skin made him crave for more. If he would not be hiding who he was, he would be more than happy to remove the mask and wig that concealed his identity.

Hiccup proceeded to the other arm, wiping it with the same gentle motion. And Jack watched the other's calloused hands work. 'Maybe…brother saw someone that resembled him..?' He thought, averting his eyes to stare at Hiccup's face. Although he was drowsy, those sleepy eyes of his were still able to identify notable constellations with the freckles of the smaller boy's face. "Has anyone ever told you that your face is speckled with constellations?"

Hiccup raised his brow, "Excuse me?" 'This guy sure has a lot of things to talk about.'

"Like, right here," Jack lifted his forefinger, touching Hiccup's left cheek and connecting one freckle to another. And Hiccup felt the heat from the other's fingertip as it moved. "It's a constellation called Lyra."

Hiccup hummed, a sign that he was listening even when he was busy.

"And here," Jack brought his fingers closer to the side of Hiccup's nose, "I am certain that this is the Crux."

"Really?" Hiccup chuckled, "I guess you know more about my face now than I know about yours," making Jack retreat his hands. Somehow, he felt he was being unfair for not showing who he was. But what could he do? His brother would be found out. Then he remembered, 'He hates us, right? But why?'

The silence and the distant stare on the icy blue irises of Jack made Hiccup retrieve what he said, lightly bopping the other by the head to catch his attention, "Don't stress yourself out. If you do not wish to show me your face, I will respect that."

And that made the guilt pang more. 'You're too nice. And too trusting..' Jack opened his lips, "Say…"

Hiccup hummed in question, "Yes?" drenching the cloth back into the basin.

"Is there anyone…you hate?" Jack asked wearingly.

"Don't we all?" Hiccup replied, patting the cold cloth into Jack's neck. 'Sick people sure are talkative.'

Jack craned his head to the side, allowing easy access for Hiccup to wipe away the sweat in his neck. "But…have you ever hated someone without reason..?"

Hiccup stopped wiping Jack's neck, pulling his hand back to dip the cloth again, "There's no such thing, Jack." He squeezed the water out, "Everything has a reason." He held the cloth close to Jack's face, "Here, strip and wipe your body with this. I can't do it for you without removing your mask. I will just go upstairs and grab you some clothes." He stood up, pointing behind a wall, "If you wish, you could change there."

Jack took the cloth, watching the brunette wobble up the stairs. When he knew the smaller male was out of sight, he weakly walked behind the wall, seeing that it was a place for bathing. He hastily took his mask and wig off, feeling relief and chill course through him as he felt the sweat dribble from his forehead down to his chin.

He proceeded to remove the white tunic he wore, leaving the pants on him. And while he was busy wiping his body, he saw Hiccup's hand wave a shirt to the side of the wall, avoiding seeing him. "Here," Hiccup's voice croaked, "I'm not sure if this would fit you but that's the biggest shirt I could find."

Jack grabbed hold of the shirt, muttering his thanks. He busied himself with cleaning whereas, Hiccup went to grab the blankets off the table, "Hey," he walked up to the stairs, "I'm going to bring the blanket up my bedroom, I'll just wait for you there."

Jack tried to refuse the offer but his throat did not want to work with him. He ended up choking a cough instead of forming words, saying he was fine to sleep down the kitchen. He chose to hasten instead, threading the cold water on his steaming head. He dried himself with the nearby cloth, wearing the shirt that Hiccup lent him and wondering why he was not provided with pants. 'None would probably fit me.'

He felt that the shirt was pretty small for him, seeing as he had difficulty moving the area of his shoulder and armpits, 'But hey, it's not like I could complain.' He thought.

He cleaned up his mask and wig, wearing them right away before leaving the seclusion of the tiny wall. And as he went out, he saw the fire by the hearth was put out and the only illumination left at the room was the one provided by the lamp which he took to light his way up the stairs. He had two steps up before knocks stopped him in his tracks.

Jack just stared at the front door, waiting for knocks which he heard soon enough. He waited for a little longer for Hiccup to attend the door but when he felt the freckled male would not do so, he decided to open the door himself, hopefully, whoever was at the other side of the door would not freak out when they saw him.

Hiccup went down the stairs upon hearing the knocks but when he was at the last stair, he saw the back of Jack. "Jack, who's there?"

Jack visibly stiffened, stepping aside to reveal his new visitor. And there, Hiccup saw the chestnut-haired shepherd he knew recently.

"Jacyn," Hiccup said, rubbing his arm, "What are you doing here?"

Jacyn, on the other hand, just smiled. But it was not left unnoticed the irritation in Jacyn's face. "I just…" Jacyn trailed, moving his eyes to look at Jack, "…thought that I should check up on you whether you got back safely."

Hiccup furrowed his brow, saying a mere, "Oh…" but not without smiling after.

"But I guess you are." Jacyn continued with eyes still focused on Jack. And the time he decided to remove his eyes to meet Hiccup's, he immediately asked the young man a question, "Who is he?"

Jack faced Jacyn and the two made eye-to-eye contact that Hiccup was not able to decipher. "Uhm…this is Jack, a friend of mine."

A look of surprise made its way to Jack's face, recovering right after with a bright smile on his face. However, Jacyn pursed his lips, looking at Jack and muttering, "A friend of yours…I see."

"I know he is unusual," Hiccup said, giving Jack a once-over, "…with the whole mask thing and all."

Jacyn nodded his head, "Indeed."

There was this look on Jacyn's face that Hiccup could not put his finger into. Like a mixture of relief and disbelief, bordering irritation and hesitation. "Jack, this is Jacyn. A friend from the Kingdom of Overland…"

Jack nodded his head, hesitating and trying to still his voice, "It is a pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand towards Jacyn which the latter took with grace, shaking those hands. "It is great to know one of Hiccup's friend."

Jack gave a slight nod, pulling his hand.

Hiccup butted in, walking closer to Jacyn, "Jack, you may go upstairs. I'll take it from here."

Jack acted warily, clearly hesitating. "It's really okay, Jack. Just go upstairs and lie down." Hiccup continued, looking at him.

Jack averted his eyes, glancing shortly at Jacyn. Little did Hiccup know that Jacyn nodded his head towards Jack, telling him to go ahead and do what he was told. "Okay…" Jack said, smiling his lips slightly by one side before spinning on his heels to go up the stairs.

"I'm not trying to be rude but is there anything else you need?" Hiccup said, catching the attention of Jacyn.

Jacyn shook his head, "No…nothing really…" He answered with a hasty smile.

"Well, I need to go now. My friend is having a fever so…" Hiccup said, doing funny movements with his arms in his attempt to point upstairs.

And if it was not for the uncomfortable feeling that Jackson had, he would have laughed at Hiccup's actions. "Yeah…yeah, I understand." Jacyn said. "Take good care of him…" 'for me.' He continued in his mind.

"Will do." Hiccup smiled, his cheeks puffed, making Jackson have the urge to pinch those freckled cheeks, which of course, he did not do.

"I shall go then," Jackson said, pointing the thumb at his back, walking backwards. "Good night, Hiccup."

"Good night, Jacyn. And thank you for today." Hiccup smiled sheepishly. "You know…at the race earlier." He continued awkwardly.

Jacyn nodded his head, smiling. "You're welcome." He spun his heel and started walking. Hiccup, on the other hand, slowly closed the front door.

Jackson was then greeted by Jamie, "So, was he there?"

Jackson just nodded his head, taking the reins that Jamie held in his hands. He mounted the horse quietly, making Jamie do the same. "Is he well?"

"He is." Jackson replied, maneuvering the horse to run, not waiting for his friend. And when he was away, he muttered, "He will be…"

Few clatters sounded inside the humble home of Hiccup for Gobber went back home with food in his able hand, putting them down the table for Hiccup to eat. He was sleepy and tired from the night's party, although, he never did dance; he did drink ale and wrestled arms with several men.

He quickly noticed the abandoned basin of water at the top of their table, making him scratch his chin in thought. One thing is for sure, Hiccup was not the type to leave the table unclean. He then decided to stop pondering about it, going up the stairs to check up on Hiccup. And by a light push of hand, the door quickly flung open.

"Heccup?" Gobber asked to which the young male in question moved and opened his eyes.

Yawning and stretching his arms up, Hiccup scratched his eyes, seemingly tired for someone who just awoke from his sleep. Little did Gobber know, something did make the little boy busy that night.

"Ye okay? Ye look tired?" Gobber continued.

Hiccup nodded his head, his bed hair swished up and down. "Yeah…" He said hoarsely. "I'm just a little…tired."

Gobber raised his brow, "A see," he stepped to his side, planning to go out of Hiccup's room, "A brough' breakfast with meh. A left it a-," he stopped in mid-sentence when he saw the sheets move. "Who is tha'?"

Hiccup raised his brow, looking to where Gobber was pointing at and realizing that he was not alone in bed.

The other occupant sat up, yawning and seemingly better than last night. His wig was slanting to the side while his mask was properly intact. He proceeded to rub circles on his stomach and it did not take long for him to realize that he was not alone, feeling the stare of Hiccup and the blacksmith that he identified as Gobber.

"Uhhh…." Hiccup trailed, thinking how he would explain this to Gobber.

The old man got impatient and jumped into his own conclusion, pulling out a sword and positioning his body in battle pose. "Heccup, move away!" He ordered.

"Uhhh…Gobber, wait." Hiccup said, waving his palms toward Gobber, frantically stopping the old man. "He's a friend of mine." And Jack sat there with wide eyes, vigorously nodding his head.

Gobber glanced at Hiccup, who was now busy putting his peg leg on. "Really?" He averted his eyes to look at the masked man, "Ye sure he's not a burglar?"

"No," Hiccup said, standing up, "Trust me. We both know that no burglar would waste their time by barging into our home for anything." Hiccup stood in front of Gobber, "Besides, if he was a burglar, why would he be sleeping?" He reasoned.

And although it was distressing to admit, Gobber could not help but agree internally. Looking at their wooden home, there was nothing valuable kept inside for only basic necessities were bounded inside it. And the second reason did not need any explanation for only common sense was more than enough to answer it. Gobber slowly put down his sword but his face still showed distrust, "What's with the mask tho'?"

Hiccup just shrugged while Jack briskly blinked his eyes with shoulders slumped in relief.

"Uhh…" Jack hoarsely trailed, "…to be myste-rious…?" He finished with a squeak. Jack was far from a wimp. But he knew when he should be worried. And this situation was one of them.

He knew how Gobber fought. For a handicapped man, it was a surprise and mystery to Jack as how he could fight against men with both limbs intact and still win – with the exception of the King. The two seemed to be on par when it comes to their fighting skills.

Gobber motioned his sword up, pointing it towards Jack with a face as hard as stone, "Ye…" he bellowingly said to which Jack gulped at. "A like ye, lad!" He said, laughing right after. Gobber had an affinity for things unusual (mythical, mysterious and what not)…such as trolls, dragons, even the very ridiculous hammerhead yak and hammerhead whale.

Jack forcibly smiled his lips, showing off his sparkly white teeth. He laughed along awkwardly which Hiccup knew to be forced. But it seemed that Gobber was not able to see that.

"Oh well, come along! Ye lil' lads should eat," Gobber sheathed his sword, going out of the room.

Hiccup turned to face Jack, motioning to his head which the still sitting lad deciphered to be a matter regarding his wig. Jack quickly fixed his fake hair, positioning it properly as Hiccup went to apologize for Gobber's behaviour.

"It is fine, Hiccup," Jack chuckled; his voice was pretty clear now but not completely void of the phlegm. "I cannot help it if people would like to battle a strong-looking figure like me." He wiggled his brows, sadly, Hiccup was not able to see the play he did with them. And there the freckled lad went, thinking the other male was being serious. He pulled the blankets, causing the bed occupant to fall down on the floor. "Yeah sure, tough guy." Hiccup chuckled.

Jack winced, massaging his backside. "Hey, I'm a patient here." He complained.

Hiccup rolled his eyes, patting down the blankets. "If you have the energy to boast, then you are fine." He stretched his arms before motioning his hands for Jack to go out the room with him, "I'm not sure about you but I have to go for the fest early today. How about you?"

"Mhmm," was the only answer that Jack provided. 'I needed to be there.'

"Getting all mysterious again, eh?" Hiccup playfully mocked, paddling one of his elbows in the air like a chick.

Jack smiled. "You got me."

Jamie fixed the kilt that Jackson had to wear today, securing the green belt around the Crown Prince's waist. "Are you sure that you do not wish to wear the blue one?"

Jackson straightened his back, looking at his image in front of the mirror. "Yes."

"Did Lord Pitch not mention anything about it?" Jamie said, looking at his own reflection.

"No."

Jamie sighed in relief but then pursed his lips. "Are you still mad at me?"

Jackson did not reply, instead, he proceeded to wear the sandals provided to them by the maids.

"Come on, Jackson. I just found out about it too. Heck, it was not even a day when I heard about it and I already let the story out." Jamie pouted, crossing his arms in agitation.

"If the situation did not call for it, you wouldn't have." Jackson replied frigidly, making Jamie recoil. Jackson then looked up after securing his sandals. "But don't worry; I'm not mad at you."

Jamie, on the other hand, raised his brow. "Then why are you acting this way?"

"I was worried about my brother, Jamie." Jackson replied, going by the nearby table that was sprawled with their breakfast. He sat his self, putting food down his plate. "Did you know what I felt when I did not see him last night? Lord knows I was scared he fell down somewhere around town." He said, chomping at the first slice of meat on his plate.

Jamie sighed silently, "Is that all?" He sat in front of Jackson's seat. And the other looked up, staring straight into Jamie's eyes.

"It's not, is it?" Jamie continued, stuffing his own plate with food.

"Jamie…" Jackson trailed, "You knew I could be found out any minute because of Jack."

Jamie took a bite, chewing slowly. "As far as I know, Jack has been careful all day long." 'If only you had seen his effort.' Jamie internally chuckled as he remembered how Jack would just suddenly run out and in of places which puzzled Jamie at first but was able to figure out when Jack confessed that he was interacting with Hiccup.

"But is there a need for him to talk to Hiccup..?" Jackson sliced too hard that creaks were heard on the plate. He quickly put down the knife, taking his cup of coffee instead and sipping the hot liquid. "Why is he doing that for? Is he crossing me?"

Jamie shook his head, "You know him better than that, Jackson. Think about it. The two of you are like two peas in a pod. If you are in his shoes, why would you do it?"

Jackson put down the cup, resting his jaw on the palm of his hand. He thought deeply, listing reasons in his head. 'Doing this as a prank?' a thought that he ripped off completely. He knew that his brother was playful and would sometimes make a fool out of him but this was not something his brother would do in exchange for a laugh.

As Jackson was lost in thought, he suddenly remembered the night where Jack caught him sneaking out of the castle to meet Hiccup. He realized on how his brother had been curious as to why he kept on bugging the crippled male. He was asked, only for Jackson to ignore the question and allow himself to be lulled by Sandman's sleeping dust.

Jackson sighed, muttering, "So…that's why."

A raise of brow was shown in Jamie's face, visibly expecting what Jackson was about to say.

The Crown Prince massaged the back of his neck, the lack of sleep last night was getting to him. He leaned his back on his chair, craning his head back and looking up at the ceiling. "I guess I am the one to blame." He blew air through his nose, grabbing his utensils to eat.

Yup, after battling with blockage, I manage to get this through~ Cause, truth be told, I do not have a a draft thingy for the WHOLE story. I only have it stuck in the head. XD So yeah, I constantly have to battle the block-sickness in every chapter. No worries, I will finish this story. I promise that~

Oh yeah, I'm sorry for the cliche scenes. I can't help it, I'm a big shoujo fan. XD

Btw, mind checking out the poll I made for this story? It can be found in my profile~ Thank you! c: