"Guess who's back, back again. Spicey's back, tell a friend. Guess who's back, Guess who's back, Guess who's back, Nananana" Sorry couldn't resist my inner Slim Shady. lol. Enjoy.

"What are you doing here Colin?" Merida asked annoyed.

"I was just walking around and I saw that beautiful mane of yours and thought I'd pop over and say hey making my presence known. You here by yourself?"

"I'm obviously here with someone."

Hiccup awkwardly held up his hand to say hello even though he was not the least bit happy he was there. He was a wreak as it was, and this guy showing up didn't help. It never did.

"Oh Herring. Didn't see you there."

"It's Hiccup."

"Oh right." Colin said laughing. "For some reason it's not memorable."

The air went silent as Colin walked seemed to start walking away. Merida and Hiccup both looked at each other in hopes that that was his big exit. As unglamorous as it was, but it was never simple with Colin. He did just walk away to leave.

He made his way over to the fence the kept the horses in and he propped his foot up while leaning against it.

"For the love of…Colin what do you want?" Merida said beginning to lose her temper. "I was in the middle of something."

"Yeah I saw you near the horses and it just took me back. Our families always went riding on the ranch during the summer." He said ignoring her.

"You've been to the ranch together?" Hiccup asked feeling a little heartbroken.

He'd known they had went out before, but he didn't know their relationship went beyond that.

"Colin want do you want!" Merida said angrily.

"You haven't been yet. Well…that doesn't surprise me after all…"

"Colin! Me and Hiccup were in the middle of something. So leave."

"My bad. Didn't realize I was interrupting. Just thought I'd come over and give you a sneak peek at the greatest player to befall you." He said showing of jacket that was detailed with royal blue, white and silver. "They just came in. Oh Hector you probably wouldn't know but this is a lettermen jacket. There usually given to football players or any sports player."

"I know what is." Hiccup said annoyed.

"Didn't think the chess club gave out lettermens. No offense dude. I mean your jacket is….interesting. With your sewn on initials and all.

"Colin…" Merida said her mouth practically fuming.

"Okay Merida I'm leaving. I'll catch you later. Nice meeting you Hugo, Merida call me and tell your mom I said hi." He said as brushed beside her, going about his way.

When he was finally gone, Hiccup was left feeling horrible. He'd thought that since they had officially become official he'd be able hold his held up high as Merida's boyfriend. But he still felt like…a loser whenever that guy appeared or when any guy from Merida's past appeared. It made him like he wasn't good enough.

"What a bastard." She mumbled. "Hiccup I'm sorry about him. Forget he even popped up. Lets just get back too…"

"I didn't know your families were so close or that two were even that close. You even hanged out at the ranch…during the summers…. together. You didn't mention that."

"That was something my mother put together, so it's not like I had a choice in not going."

"Pretty friendly for an ex is all."

"He's not an ex. I've known him since I was little and we went on one date is all. So can we drop it?"

"Sure. Let's not talk about it. Consider it dropped."

They both thought to end the conversation there was a little odd, but since neither of them made an effort to ease the mood they continued on little annoyed. They watched the horses in dead silence as the mood turned sour.

Hiccup thought about apologizing, he didn't like being upset or mad and he certainly didn't like it when Merida was. But Hiccup was starting to feel like his existence came second to her and that Colin was occupying most of her thoughts. After all they had known each other longer.

If this was how the day was going he didn't like, he wanted them to pick up where they started off.

"Hey Merida…" Hiccup said turning in her direction, but he was surprised to see her not right beside him. He had entered his own little world while Merida had ventured a few steps away to take a phone call.

From where he was it want too hard to make out what she was saying or who she was talking too. Hiccup noticed a vendor sign not too far away from them and thought of a good way to improve the day. He motioned to Merida that he would be right back as he left for the stand leaving her to her call.

"Yes mother." She groaned.

"Merida." Came Elinor's voice. "Your father will be here in an hours time. I'm going to meet Maudie and get the boys, so we can all meet Henry. Please be ready to meet us near the stage."

"Yeah okay sure."

"Merida."

She covered the phone and let out a sigh.

"Yes ma'am, I'll be sure to be there. See ya in a bit." Merida said quickly hanging up.

Merida hung up the phone feeling even worse than before. Hiccup was clearly down from meeting Colin as was anyone. And this was no situation she could tell him the truth in. She needed to do something. Something uplifting.

She then noticed Hiccup walking away to get something. Any other time she would have automatically walked in his direction, but she needed to cool down. Between Colin and her mother, she was getting a serious migraine.

She closed her eyes and took in the air trying to come to a clear state of mind. She had had maybe ten minutes of collected herself when she heard Hiccups footsteps.

"They're selling candy apples." He said suddenly.

"What?"

"I went and got us some."

"Oh. Did that clear your head?"

"I didn't mean to rude, but when I see him and you I'm just reminded of how different I am from your world. I overreacted and I'm sorry."

"You don't need to apologize. And yeah you and I might not be one of the same but that's why I like you so much. Me and Colin grew up together I've known him for years."

"And I know there's nothing between you and him. But he just…just…"

"Just makes you want to punch him in the face."

He silently nodded looking at the small smirk playing on her face. He stood up and slid his jacket off placing in on Merida's on shoulders.

'I know it's not a letterman, but…"

"It's perfect Hiccup. You shouldn't let him get to you. Not like I'm one to talk though. Colin loves to talk a big game, but he's about as tough as pillow. In terms of personality he doesn't even come close to you. You're more charming and you're kinder, sweeter and funnier. There's no competition, you win hands down."

"I'm only a winner because I have someone like you by my side."

Hiccup didn't have time to say anything else, in a flash he saw Merida's hand reach up and grab his face pulling it close to hers. She captured his lips in a kiss moving them passionately against his own. Almost knocking him off his balance. When she finally pulled away she unknowingly was wearing a seductive face, prompting Hiccup to lean for another quick kiss.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to get use that." Hiccup commented. "I guess you're good now."

Merida didn't know how to respond since she knew her face was probably beet red. She slid her arms into the jacket pulling the jacket close to her.

"Merida!" Came a sing-songy voice from not to far.

"Rapunzel, hey. And you're with Flynn and Jack. Hey guys."

"Sup Red." Flynn said as Jack gave wave.

"Hiccup I hope you don't mind but I'll be borrowing Merida for a couple of minutes." Rapunzel said already giving her a slight push.

"Sure. Borrow away."

Rapunzel ushered Merida away from the boys while Flynn shouted for her to bring him some cotton candy.

"What's with you?" Merida finally asked.

"What's with me? What's with you? Public displays of affection…Merida who are you." Rapunzel said giddy. "Although I'm just happy and relieved you finally told Hiccup."

"I haven't told Hiccup anything yet."

"But you guys were all kissy and flirty."

"No we weren't. Stop saying that." Merida said blushing.

"Merida I saw the kiss. Why haven't you told him?"

"I'm trying, but I keep getting interrupted." She said with eyes looking over Rapunzel. "…and the timing is never right."

"You must really like Hiccup. I've never seen you worry about anything this much. You're more a dive head first kind of person and you just seem very…hesitant and cautious lately."

"Yeah, sometimes when I'm with him there's this side of me I never knew of."

"And do you like this other side of yourself." Rapunzel said while also conversing with the cotton candy vendor.

"I don't know, I mean I just like…the feelings I have…when I'm with him. Whether they're happy or sad I want to be with him." Merida said becoming embarrassed. "And I want to tell him. I do."

"I understand Merida. And I…" Rapunzel eyes went big and her words stopped. "Uh oh."

"Uh oh? What uh oh?"

"Don't look."

"What? Why?"

"Don't turn around." Rapunzel said. "Quick hide your hair."

"Punzie what is happening." Merida demanded.

"Its…"

"Merida dear." Said a way to familiar voice.

"…another interruption."

"Quick hide me." Merida whispered as her mother faced approached.

"I tried. It's too late." Rapuznel quickly grabbed the cotton candy from the vendor. "Text me."

Elinor walked over to the two girls head held high with a smile. She wore a long flowing and breezy dress and flats. The wind carried the dress as she walked making it look like she was gliding across the ground.

"Merida I thought that was you. Hello Rapunzel."

"Hello Mrs. DunBroch. I would love to stay and chat but I'm taking this cotton candy to Eugene."

"I see. Don't let me interrupt your fun. I hope you enjoy the festival, tell Eugene I said hello, and give your parents my best."

"I will." Rapunzel turned to face Merida giving her a look that said "I'm sorry for ditching you."

"Such a lovely girl." Elinor said as she left.

"Yeah, sure, a bucket of sunshine she is. Umm Mother I should really get back to my friends until dad comes."

"Oh nonsense, just send them one of those text messages saying that will be away for a few minutes. Your father just called and said he managed to get away early and should be here in no time. I would like you to come and meet some people while we wait for him."

"But I was…"

"Merida please just this once just come along. I don't have time for your objections." Elinor said turning around beginning her walk.

Merida wanted to puller her hair out.

"Come along Merida. A lady does not dawdle."

She'd tell Hiccup eventually.

(0.0)

Rapunzel approached the group of guys with her cotton candy at hand, giving one to Flynn.

"Where's Merida?" Hiccup asked concerned.

"She got picked up by her mother. We probably won't be seeing her until later."

"I see." Hiccup said with a part of him wanting to go meet up with her and her mother. When his phone buzzed with a message from her saying she be back in a minute he made himself comfortable in his seat.

"So what I miss?" Rapunzel asked.

"Caught sight of a bunch of Blue Ridge boys sporting letterman's." Jack grabbing some cotton candy.

"Everyone from the school seems to have a problem." Said Flynn moving the cotton candy on of Jack's reach.

"You can't say that about everyone from the school."

"Maybe so Punzie." Said Jack reaching for her cotton candy. "But I've gone toe to toe with some of the Hockey players from that school. Those guys are not fun, they do whatever they want."

"Isn't hockey the exception for sports regarding rules?"

"That doesn't extend to the health and body aisle in the store." He said eating more cotton candy. "Guy tries to buy deodorant and gets body checked into the toothbrushes."

"Bunch of bastards if ya ask me."

"Language." Punzie said firmly. "That still doesn't mean everyone. Just because you've met a few people from the school doesn't mean everyone's like that. You agree right Hiccup."

Hiccup was surprised at the sudden invitation to engage in the conversation and took a moment to remember that last thing that had been said. Usually he'd zone out and think about his upcoming project designs.

"Umm well…I…"

"Wasn't listening?" Flynn asked raising an eyebrow which earned an elbow into the arm from Rapunzel. "We were talking about those snotty, rude, good-for-nothings from Blue Ridge."

"Granted some people there aren't something you'd wish upon a star on, however you can't make that assumption about everyone there."

Hiccup replayed the only memories he could draw up that had to do with anyone he'd known from Blue Ridge. Lucky for him they were only Merida's ex-boyfriends.

"Sorry Rapunzel I would have to agree with Flynn, about them being…bastards."

"See even Hiccup agrees." Flynn said patting him on the shoulder.

It was probably the only time he'd ever acknowledged him or even said his name.

"Hiccup." Rapunzel said disappointed.

"I'd hate to base them as a whole, but my experiences were not pleasant." He said trying to smile.

"Oh. Right." Rapunzel said remembering.

"Oh yeah Colin and Gaston." Jack said with another handful of cotton candy.

"Yeah them. They were really great actually, and if you don't believe me ask them yourself. They'd probably go and on about how awesome they are."

Hiccup was surprised when Flynn started to give a chuckle.

"Right." He said with a smile. "I've never met people that absorbed in themselves."

"Says the guy who stops every time he sees a picture of himself." Said Rapunzel also laughing.

"Punzie that's not fair. You know every picture I take makes my nose look weird."

"Yeah how will people recognize his mugshot or pick him out of a lineup?" Jack joked. Flynn playfully punched him in the arm and moved his cotton candy out of his reach.

"He could show them "the smolder" I've heard so much about." Hiccup said seriously using his fingers to do the quotes.

Everyone paused and looked at Hiccup.

Had he gone too far? He fairly remembered Merida mentioning it once or twice and he had said it just like she had. Hiccup opened his mouth to form an apology but Jack and Rapunzel's laughter filled the air.

"Rapunzel." Jack said grabbing on her cotton candy and eating. "When he used it on the lunch lady."

"And she thought he was constipated."

They both fell into each other as a way to keep their balance from falling into the ground laughing. The two kept going back and forward with their past experiences of 'the smolder' holding their stomach from the laughter pains.

"Okay. Okay. We get it. Thanks for bringing that up dude." Flynn smiled at him. "Respectable burn."

Hiccup was a little stunned by the compliment but smiled nonetheless.

Rapunzel seeing the action had a lightbulb had go off in her head.

"Jack!" She suddenly called gaining everyone's attention. "Come with me."

"…Why?"

"You owe me another stick of cotton candy."

They were going back and forward and without realizing himself Jack had indeed devoured her cotton candy.

"Seriously Punzie."

"Don't you seriously Punzie me Jackson Overland Frost." She said placing her hands on her hips. "Now let's get going."

"Okay okay I'm coming. No need to 'middle-name' me."

She turned to Flynn and Hiccup.

"Alright you two we'll be back in a few."

Flynn shot Rapunzel a look of dissatisfaction. As they slipped into their mental conversation.

"I know what you're doing Blondie. Cut it out." Flynn mentally warned. "don't leave me alone with him."

"This is a perfect moment for you and Hiccup to get along."

"Why? I spoke. What more is there to do?"

"Eugene stop being a baby, and make nice with Hiccup."

"And if I say no."

"…Say it. You can say no. Do it. I dare you." She said narrowing her eyes. The message she was sending was clear, and she was positive Flynn knew what it was. She waited for his response.

"Alright hurry up you guys." Flynn said aloud.

"Love you Eugene."

Rapunzel smiled, as Flynn sighed heavily watching her skipping away to catch up to Jack.

Flynn turned side-eye to look at Hiccup who was doing his best to not make eye contact.

"Really what does red see in this guy." He thought. "And Rapunzel what's her problem leaving me alone with him? What are we going to talk about? Maybe I could just walk away? ….And face a pissed Punzie….not worth it."

"So." Flynn heard suddenly in Hiccup's direction.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"Sorry thought you...uh...said something."

"Me? No."

"Oh."

Silence.

Silence.

Silence.

More silence.

"Actually Flynn, have you…chose a college yet." Hiccup tried. The silence was getting to him. He would have gotten up and left but he'd texted Merida he'd wait here for her.

"No I haven't. Lot of choices."

Silence.

"But." Flynn continued remembering to make nice. "..it's really between two."

"Which ones if you don't mind me asking."

"Walt Disney U and University of DreamWorks."

"Wow. Those are both pretty amazing. Very amazing."

"Thanks dude. I'm really leaning towards Walt Disney."

"Their football team is one of the best in the country, number one in the its state. Strong offense, which appeals to you since you play…quarterback right? Not to mention DreamWorks just hired a new coach so who's to say how they'll be running plays this next year..."

"Woah. Woah. Woah." Flynn said holding up his hands. "You know football."

"Yeah." Hiccup answered.

"I thought football wasn't your thing."

"It's not. That doesn't mean I'm clueless. I watch college and pro games with my dad since I was little. I just don't play."

"Why not?"

"I understand the mechanics, the rules, the plays, but my body doesn't want to cooperate. It took two broken arms, a twisted ankle, and almost a concussion during a peewee game for my dad to realize that I suck."

"Ouch."

"Your telling me. You'd think your own cousin would go easy on you."

"Merida didn't mention anything about you being a fan."

"I wouldn't go as far to say fan. Besides she probably thinks I totally inept when it comes to the game."

"Why not tell her."

"Because she loves the sport. And it would be embarrassing for her to find out that I'm a total loser when it comes to playing. So…if wouldn't mind…."

"No problem. Your secrets safe with me. Although I don't think it's much of a secret."

"Thanks anyways." He smiled.

Hiccup and Flynn both couldn't believe it. Had they just had a full conversation. It wasn't awkward or weird, it barely qualified as a conversation but they were both beginning to think that the other wasn't as bad as their previous judgments had made them out be.

But Hiccup was beginning to realize that whenever he'd taken 3 step forwards, life and all of its misfortunes would act upon him sending him 5 steps back. And once again life had not disappointed.

"Twice in on day." Hiccup thought. "How lucky."

"Oh great this jackass." Flynn said when seeing Colin stride towards them. "I hate this guy."

And that's when it had hit Hiccup.

"Maybe Jack was right. Flynn is pretty cool." Hiccup suddenly thought.

He couldn't believe he'd have to deal with this guy again. What was the point in coming over? It's not like Merida was here.

"Why so defensive boys just came to give my hellos." Colin said in the middle of two other redheaded boys. "I wish you well in the start of the new season."

"That's a bunch of crap and you know." Flynn said. "What do you want?"

"Girls don't like guys with shitty attitudes. I'm sure that Rapunzel would agree. Speaking of her where is she? It's so unusual to see you not hanging off her hip."

"Leave her name out of your mouth. She's not your concern."

"Tsk. Tsk. Eugene. You seem to be having some temper issues."

"Whatever issues I have with you I'll settle it on the field come game time." Flynn said firmly.

"I agree. There's no reason we can't act like gentleman. I heard a lot of the seniors left so your teams practically empty, that must be hard. Especially for you since you're the captain, you'll be leading a bunch of rookies while recruits come to look at leadership skills. Boys smaller than you will be your defense and against us your offense will suffer. Not to mention Blue Ridge is only one school you'll be facing out of many others. You might not even get to us. I'd really hate to be in your position, I'd really hate to be you."

Flynn wanted to punch his lights out. Hit him square in his face. But he couldn't do that, not here. In a place where he knew he had the upper hand. What bothered him even more was that he was right. He couldn't refute even if he wanted to.

"Merida told me you've already gone college touring. Congratulations really." Colin said clapping. "I would go ahead agree to one since after this season your whole school will be put to shame. But I'm sure it won't be your fault. I mean…who are you?" He said laughing gaining laughs from them guys beside him.

"Dude you are such a douchebag."

Everyone turned to see whose voice the words belonged. Hiccup also looked to see whose voice it was. Their heads focused in one single area. They were looking at him.

Had he really said it loud.

"Well if it isn't Hatchback. You mind running that by me again."

Hiccup didn't speak. He was still stunned that the very words had escaped his mouth.

"Well…I…just…"

"Listen don't even worry about it. You obviously have no idea who I am or who my parents are. It's clear to see Merida's not dating you for your brains…or your looks, considering she does have a little bit taste. So it begs the question why someone like her is going out with you."

That was it, he didn't have to take this. It was time Hiccup spoke up against Colin.

"Maybe because she was tired of guys like you." Hiccup blurted out again but this time he really didn't care.

Every time he saw this guy he'd insult or ignore him, sometimes both, all while flirting with Merida. His girlfriend, and she would never hold her tongue, so why should he.

"Do you hear this guy." Colin said nudging the two redheaded fellows behind him. "And tell me Harper what kind of guy am I?" Colin said in a more serious tone walking closer to Hiccup.

But Hiccup didn't budge or back down. Colin needed to be put in his place.

"The kind of guy that cares more about his hair than he does anything else. A guy whose so conceited and narcissistic he views the world as one big mirror. The kind of guy Merida would never go out with. In fact, I'm having a hard time understanding why you're even interested in her. You're complete opposites."

"First things first the world is my mirror, and every morning I wake up and take a glance at myself…and it is beautiful. Now about that other part. Conceited? Narcissistic? Just words Harlow and may I mention sticks and stones, but I'd be careful because these two guys will break your bones." He said motioning to the two guys again. "And lastly me and Merida have a lot in common, more than you two do anyway. We…how should I put this…suit one another."

"So you spent time at the ranch. I would hardly say that makes you soulmates."

"I've done more than visited the ranch." Colin said.

Now they were faced to faced and they both seemed to have met up in the middle.

"And what is that supposed to me?"

"I've eaten dinner with her family, we gone on vacations, we've spent holidays together. I can at least say what color her bedroom is, which is more than you can."

Hiccup wanted to say something back, but what? What could he say that could possible bring him down. What words would offer up a challenge that would tell Colin none of that mattered. That none of that bothered him.

But it did.

"Besides no one's rooting for you." Colin continued. "Who do you have in your back corner. Flynn? Rapunzel? Merida's parents love me. In fact they're best friends with mine. Our mothers do every community project together and our dads work together on the police force. Honestly Hagrid did you think the police commissioner would want some guy like you dating his only daughter. He's probably had you background checked and surveillanced multiple times."

Hiccup was stunned.

"Did. Did he just say police commissioner? But Merida said he was an officer. Why? Why would she lie about something like that?"

The shocked on his face wasn't hard to pick up and seeing the color drain made Colin stifle a laugh.

"Don't tell me you didn't know. Oh Harambe how sad, how very very sad. My heart goes out to you. It's probably sadder to think that she was keeping you a secret and the only reason they found out about you is because of me. Oopps." Colin said dramatically placing his hands over his lips. "Don't tell me you didn't know about that either."

Colin laughed this time out loud.

"This is just to fun. Ummm let's see what else, what else, what else. The ranch you know her family owns that right."

Hiccup didn't respond to Colin delight.

"No again huh? Man what has she told you? I'm not dating her….yet, but I seem to know more about her. The only reason your meeting her parents is because they're making her. Don't take it personally I mean you didn't think you had a future with her. Let's make this clear if this were a movie or some epic romance novel you would be a side character, a hopeless fling. Not the guy who ends up with a girl completely out of his league."

"No. I guess not." Hiccup answered deflated. He was way in over his head. Merida was keeping so much from him.

"Don't be all depressed. It's true she's out of your league but if it makes you feel better I'm out of her league. So when she does dumps you she'll at least upgrade. Girls like her are really only good for one thing."

"Excuse you." Hiccup said getting irritated. No. getting super pissed.

"I mean you've spent time with her. Pretty to look at but if that wasn't the case who'd be around her besides the fact she's loaded."

"I really need you to stop talking."

"What? Mad? Be realistic. Anyways I'm pretty sure her ex-boyfriend, Gaston….broke her in…if I may say politely?"

Hiccup began to boil with anger, he hated this guy with a deep loathing passion. He'd never been this mad before, ever. In all his years of living, and many would say it was a less than desirable life, he had never wanted to it someone so much. He felt angry and embarrassed and stupid like he was a fool standing in front of a king made to sing and dance at his amusement.

He had to calm down. He wouldn't break, he wouldn't give Colin that satisfaction and power of him.

Hiccup clenched his fist in an effort to walk away.

"Hey Harley." Colin called, and Hiccup paused. Colin got up real close to Hiccup's half turned body.

"Trust me. I'll be sure to take care of her when she dumps you."

That was it.

Hiccup turned around in one swift motion and swung his arm around directly connecting his clench fist with Colin's face. Colin fell on his back in daze.

"My name is Henry, maybe now you'll remember it."

xoxoxoxoxo.