Unedited. Please forgive me.

"And then Cas died. People were really offended when I laughed at that but I couldn't help it. His expression was hilarious!!" Jim exclaimed throwing his hands in the air and letting out a chuckle.

"Mmm" Merida replied her eyes still on her food as she twisted the spaghetti on her fork.

"You almost got us kicked out!!" Mulan said slapping his hand and Jim only stuck his tongue.

Mulan rolled her eyes and they fell on Merida who hadn't still reacted to their entire conversation.

"Merida" Mulan called snapping her fingers at her.

Finally she got Merida's attention who looked at her a questionally.

"What are you thinking about?" Mulan asked concerned.

Merida shrugged not wanting to answer but then decided against it.

She sighed, rubbing her eyes tiredly before talking "You know Hiccup right? The one in my English and History class" she reminded.

Mulan and Jim nodded still slightly confused where this was going.

"Well....He hasn't shown up for a week. Which is pretty weird because he hardly gets absent" Merida informed.

Her friends gave her a confused look. As if not understanding what was the problem and why was Merida so troubled about this.

"Maybe he is out of town. I mean many people skip school at this time of the year. Why are you so worried?" Mulan asked.

Merida opened her mouth and closed it again without an answer. She had asked the question herself. Why was she worried about him. Sure she had known Hiccup for a very long time but they never actually talked or been friends. They just sorta knew each other.

Merida shrugged again but replying this time " I don't know. I think I am having a bad vibe or something"

Jim who had been silent all this time, finally spoke up.

"I heard something guys. There is a rumor that Hiccup and his father were involved in a car accident but I don't really how much true this is"

"Well we can always ask his friends Astrid or Frank" Mulan added sarcastically.

Merida knew exactly what she was talking about.

Astrid and Frank, were Hiccup's best friends. Merida was really curious about the origin of their friendship. All three of them were so different but they were together as long as Merida could remember.

Last time Merida checked, Astrid isn't the one for gossip especially about her best friend and Frank (Fishleg) also had his fair share of stubborness. In short they were pretty loyal to one another and wouldn't spit a thing.

So that pretty much concluded the conversation at that time.

The group stayed silent for a minute before Jim broke it again as usual. He slung one arm around Merida and the other around Mulan.

"Are we up for Saturday or not" He asked tightening his grip on their shoulders.

"Ofcourse, how can I miss an opportunity of Mulan impressing Shang" Merida grinned as her current worry was placed at the very back of her mind at that moment.

Mulan rolled her eyes removing Jim's arm off her shoulder.

"I don't impress him. PING impresses him" Mulan corrected him.

Merida and Jim shared a teasing grin annoying Mulan further more but before anyone could sat anything else.

The bell rang and lunch was over.

Later that night

Merida closed her tablet and closed her eyes. They were aching due to them constantly staring at the bright screen in her dim room.

She sighed satisfied, Ouran High School Host Club's last episode ended and it was great. Merida never knew that she would be ever interested in a romantic comedy show but turns out she was.

One episode and after that she couldn't stop. She also felt a little heart ache, knowing that from tomorrow, there wouldn't be a new episode.

She fell back on her comfortable pillows as she closed her eyes and tried to sleep.

Her eyes opened wide as she remembered what Jim had said earlier. Had Hiccup really been involved in a car accident?

Her heart skipped a beat as she shook her head trying to sleep but why was she so worried. She had hardly said two words to him this entire year.

But it's not like he ever tried to talk to her as well...but why would he?

They were just people who knew each other. They aren't obliged to be friends.

"Stupid brain go to sleep!!" She muttered angrily as she tried sandwich her head with her pillows.

Few days later

It turned out the rumors were true, everyone found that out the hard way.

Merida still remembers the morning, when she found huge crowd gathered in the hallways.

She stood on her toes trying to catch a glimpse of what was going on and her eyes widened seeing the familiar pair of forest green eyes looking overwhelmed by the attention.

Luckily he had his two best friends with him, Frank was carrying Hiccup's bag and Astrid was pushing the crowd aside making way for her friend.

Her other arm was busy giving Hiccup support, he did look sorta disbalanced to Merida but it was understood, he must have gotten some injury.

Later, Merida learned that his left leg had been removed and he was still learning to use his fake one. Hiccup had been a lot luckier, his father onthe other hand were still in a critical condition and was in coma.

Merida did really feel bad for him, she remembered the time her father had lost his leg when he was attacked by a bear. She remembered being so scared and wanted to help Hiccup.

Worst of all, his father was his only family left. Hiccup had no siblings and his mother had left him when he was just one year old.

Merida wanted to help him but these days it was pretty hard to approach him. In class he was always surrounded by some students or by a teacher.

And as soon as class ended, Astrid would immediately come and walk him out as he was still managing with a limp but getting better day by day.

And even if she did get a chance to talk to him. What would she say?,

Sorry about your leg
Or
Sorry about your father
Or
Sorry about the accident.

None of them felt right to say so she gave up the matter entirely and decided that maybe they weren't meant to talk to each other.

But that changed when..

A week later

"Astrid, look I am fine" Hiccup laughed gesturing to himself.

Astrid bit her lip unsure, " I don't know Hiccup, Fishleg is already out of town for that national education contest." Astrid protested.

"But Astrid, you have to go. You have been waiting for this vacation for 6 months. Besides it's only for a week" Hiccup argued back.

"Are you sure?" She asked again.

"I am perfectly sure, see I can properly walk again so it's no big deal beside you deserve a vacation. You two have done so much for me" Hiccup grinned as Astrid punched his shoulder.

"Idiot, that are what friends for" she replied as she slid out of her seat and waved goodbye to him, as she walked out of the cafeteria doors.

Hiccup sighed resting his head on his table.

He didn't really like the fact that from tomorrow he would be alone for the whole week in school but he was glad he had such caring friends. Fishlegs had been reluctant to go as well but Hiccup had assured both of them that he would be fine.

But deep inside he didn't want them to go. For the first time in his life, he felt alone. Friends gone and his father in the hospital, fighting between life and death.

"Get back here!" Mulan shouted at Jim.
"Merida save me!!" Jim pleaded hiding behind one of his best friend.

Merida only laughed in response and handed Jim to Mulan, who had an amused smile on her face.

Hiccup grinned seeing the scene play outside the window.

Then it happened, Merida looked straight back at him. The forest green clashed against the ocean blue.

A pale shade of red, spread on their cheeks as they looked away. Hiccup had no idea why his face started burning all of a sudden.

He looked back and saw that Merida attention had turned back to her friends but it could easily be said she looked distracted.

Next day

Hiccup had his head down, as he tried to catch 2 minutes of sleep before the final class of the day started.

He had a hard time sleeping at home, he kept having nightmares about the accident and the daily visits to his father, weren't helping.

So he tried to get as much sleep as possible where ever he could.

He looked up from his desk, to see students coming in one by one. Finally he spotted the familiar redhead who was busy texting someone on the phone.

Yesterday's events flashed in his mind. He had a strange urge to say hi to her but he pushed his insane idea back.

He felt like Merida didn't like him, after all she was one of the few people who hadn't approached him after the accident even though her friends had.

The thing that Hiccup didn't realize that he had been constantly staring at Merida, who had taken the seat beside his but luckily she was too much engaged in her phone to notice.

A little curious, he leaned slightly to see what she was doing. It turns out she was playing a game and was having a hard time in fighting a villian.

The teacher had entered unnoticed and he cleared his throat to get the students attention.

Merida jumped slightly as she closed her phone in haste and this time caught Hiccup's stare.

Much to his surprise, she gave him a small smile before turning back to the teacher who had started speaking.

He grinned back as his heart skipped a beat, it felt weird but a good weird.

During the whole class, he couldn't help but glance at Merida from time to time.

This confused him, what was up with him?. Why was he suddenly so interested in her.

Why had he just now noticed how much attentive she was in history. How she was furiously scribbling down notes. How her eyes focused like they were standing in a battle field, ready to charge. How had he never noticed the stray red curl falling in her eyes as she pushed it back impatiently. How had he been so blind before?

End of the class

Hiccup marched unhappily to his locker, there was a history test on Monday. He had planned to catch up in writing his notes but now he had to study for the test. The worst part was that he didn't have the notes to study for the test and he had no time to make them.

Astrid and Fishlegs were too far away to help.

Hiccup groaned and then immediately let out a surprise cry as he slipped and fell on the floor with a hard thump.

His books scattered around him and he punched the ground in anger.

Could this day get any worse?

"Hey! You ok?" A voice called out to him and he looked upto see Merida with a concerned look on her face.

Within seconds, she pulled him up. He stood there for five seconds as Merida collected his books.

Instead of handing all of them to him, she kept half of the books.

"You really should read the sign" Merida grinned pointing towards the wet floor sign.

Hiccup mentally facepalmed. He ticked, 'embarrassing yourself' off his list of stupid things to do for today.

"Oh yea. I was just thinking" Hiccup replied, as they both headed out of the school.

"You really have a lot of books with you. I didn't think you were a nerd" Merida continued talking as Hiccup almost froze.

Nerd.

He was used to the fact, that people had a general idea of him being a nerd. Even though, he really wasn't. He wasn't obsessed with getting perfect scores unlike Fishlegs. He sure did manage to get good grades though but any one who knew Hiccup well, also knew the fact that he did homework at the last minute. Mostly during lunch or the fact Fishlegs had to constantly remind him of his tests.

But.......

But Merida?, she never assumed him to be a nerd?, that was weird. It made Hiccup realize, that maybe she was picking small details all this time but Hiccup. He had nothing to say in return.

Or did he

Hiccup grinned, "Well, the same goes for you. Have you ever seen yourself in history?, you are on fire"

Merida turned red from the compliment and Hiccup grinned further in satisfaction.

" I have a thing for history and english." She murmured slightly embarrassed.

"What's your excuse?" She asked with a more confident approach.

"I thought about making some notes over the weekend but then the History test came up" Hiccup groaned.

"Do you have the notes for the test?, I don't think you were there, when we studied it" Merida asked and Hiccup shook his head.

"Nah, I don't. Astrid and Frank are out of town. I can't borrow them now. So I guess I will flunk another test" Hiccup groaned, hitting his head on the pile of books he was carrying.

"Calm down, we don't want you having a nervous breakdown. Considering you just came back from the hospital" Merida grinned.

"We can study for the test together. You can use my notes, group studies are always alot more fun" Merida suggested.

Hiccup looked up surprised, yesterday they weren't even talking and now they are making plans for studying.

"Thanks but you don't really have to do that" Hiccup replied. He had already been a burden to Astrid and Fishlegs, he definitely didn't want to add Merida to that list.

"Nonsense, that's what friends are for." Merida replied.

Wait so now we are friends?, Hiccup questioned himself.

Before Hiccup could ponder more on that subject. Merida spoke up again.

"Do you mind, if we meet up at your house?, My house is worser than a zoo onthe weekends" Merida asked and before his mind could comprehend, he replied.

"Sure, I can text you the address later" He replied and personally he was impressed, on how smooth he was.
Let's be honest, we all have these moments.

They were now in the parking lot, most of the cars had gone. A few of the students were also hanging out there. He easily spotted Merida's friends there waiting for her.

He also caught their look of surprise, seeing them together but they quickly covered the surprise by a smile and even waved at them.

Merida waved back as she handed him her phone, so he could type his number.

Hiccup unlocked his car in the meantime and threw his books in the back seat.

"So see you tomorrow" Merida waved goodbye at him and headed towards her grinning friends.

"Yeah, bye" He smiled faintly in return as he slipped into his seat and started his car.

What even happened today? He wondered with a small smile as he adjusted his mirror and drove off.

Meanwhile

Merida kicked the stray can as she walked shoulder by shoulder with her best friends.

She tried her best to concentrate as Jim narrated one of his latest stories, and Mulan usually added a snarky comment to which Merida snickered in response.

This was them, she and her two best friends. Two people who could be really annoying at times but she loved them to bits anyway.

And these were their last few months together. Before they parted their ways, heading towards the so called real life.

Merida shuddered just thinking about it.

She fell behind them as two of her friends walked forward, making fun of the annoying commercial guy.

Did they realize that yet?

Merida looked around her which seemed like a perfect day. She passed the cafe, the long glass windows making it easy to peak inside.

There her eyes saw a couple, laughing before attempting to take another funny picture.

A small smile creeped on her face, how did it feel like to have a person like that in your life. She hadn't ever had person like that and she wondered how does it feel like to have one.

"Yo Mer!" Jim called as her friends joined her near the window of the cafe.

"Don't tell me your staring at a poor kid's chocolate cake" Jim teased slinging his arm over her shoulder.

Merida just laughs at his comment surprising both Jim and Mulan.

She slings her arm over Mulan's shoulder as they start walking again.

Maybe it was best to enjoy the moment right now.

The Next day

Hiccup jumped at the sound of the doorbell, Astrid to who he was currently video chatting looked at him confused.

"Who could that be, I thought your house keeper was sick?" She asked.

"Oh...it must be Merida. Got to go!" Hiccup said disconnecting the call before Astrid had a second to react.

He wasn't in the mood to answer Astrid's questions.

Toothless jumped from the sofa, following Hiccup to the main door.

Merida smiled at him, as she walked inside and finally greeted him.

"So you ready to get started?" Merida asked as she sat her bag on the floor.

"Meow" Toothless called out to her, trying to get her attention.

Hiccup only rolled his eyes, his cat is such an attention seeker.

Merida kneeled next to Toothless, "hi there fella, what's your name" she asked him as if Toothless would actually reply to that.

It was the special way only pet owners were aware about. To them their was pet was their best friend.

And all Hiccup could do was appreciate how beautiful she looked, the afternoon sunlight spilling on her fire red curls and on her ocean blue eyes.

He didn't realize that he was staring till Merida looked up and said to him.

"You have a great cat" she complimented, stroking Toothless's shiny black fur.

"Thanks" Hiccup blushed slightly.

"So let's start studying. There is alot to cover.", Merida clapped her hands together.

"Sure" Hiccup said leading her towards the empty living room. A dark shadow passed through Hiccup, as he sees his father's deserted arm chair.

"Hey" Merida called softly, putting a hand on this shoulder. Hiccup almost jumped but luckily didn't.

Merida was smiling faintly, her eyes didn't hold sympathy....they held understanding. She looked like she had been in his shoes once.

"He will come back to you. I promise you" Merida whispered

And for some reason, it felt the most reassuring thing ever since he woke up from that accident.

Few hours later

"Wow...you are such a nerd" Hiccup teased.

"And you are not, how did you even get the title" Merida questioned.

"Shhh. It's a secert" Hiccup whispered as the pair laughed it off.

It wouldn't be wrong to say, they had really gotten along during the few hours. Hiccup was surprised, that how they didn't become friends earlier.

Merida glanced at her phone as she stood up, "I better be going now" she informed.

Hiccup glanced at the clock, it was 3:45 pm.

"Oh please, let me treat you. It's the least I can do..... If your free that is" he added quickly, thinking he was coming off to forward.

"Who can say no to free food" Merida replied.

Hiccup grinned as he grabbed his wallet and they both headed out of the house.

Toothless just smiled evilly, as he settled on his favorite cushion. It was nap time after all.

On Monday

Merida and Jim were walking towards the cafeteria, Mulan would have been there already. Considering that she had a free period.

"Mer, you are so crushing on him" Jim teased her.

"Jim, I am not crushing on him. Stop acting like a primary school kid" Merida replied.

"But in all seriousness, from all the guys. You had to choose Astrid's boyfriend" Jim asked causing Merida to stop in tracks.

"Astrid and Hiccup aren't dating" Merida defended.

Jim just shrugged, "I don't know, there have been solid rumors about them"

"Jim you know better then to believe high school rumors. Remember what people used to say about you" Merida questioned.

"But Mer, look at them. Sometimes it even looks like they are low key flirting or something" Jim added.

Merida couldn't help but agree, a weird feeling filled her stomach thinking about Astrid and Hiccup.

"Look I am not saying, that you shouldn't be friends with Hiccup but the thing is, you are a really closed person. I mean you never hang out with anyone except me and Mulan. So when you suddenly start hanging out with Hiccup, people will take it in a wrong way and since many people think Astrid and Hiccup are dating. They will judge your character and call you sick names. I can't stand if anyone calls you or Mulan something like that" Jim concluded.

Merida felt really touched by Jim's concern, which was valid. She couldn't stand it either if anyone called her friends something like that as well.

"Awww, that's so sweet of you" Merida teased him, trying to avoid the topic right now.

But before Jim could say something in return. Mulan called out to them, she was sitting at their usual table.

But...

Sitting beside her was none other then Hiccup.

He smiled at them, Merida and Jim shared a confused look for 0.5 seconds before approaching the table.

"Since Hiccup's friends are out of town, I invited him over to eat with us for a while" Mulan informed but Merida could tell from her eyes, there was more to it.

Jim immediately fell back to character, taking his usual seat and his smirk back.

"Welcome" he greeted shaking Hiccup's hand and taking over large bite of his apple.

Merida also regained herself, taking her seat as well which was directly opposite to Hiccup's because the author literally planned that.

She had no idea what Mulan was cooking and she also had this weird feeling inside her.

What if her friends don't like Hiccup? Or what if Hiccup didn't like her friends.

But then she realized, why was she even thinking about such things?.

It's not like that's gonna effect any of relation, She has with either of them.

For example, Jim was great friends with Jack Frost and Merida loathes that guy to the extreme but it hasn't affected Merida's friendship with Jim.

So this shouldn't matter either.

"So Mer! You coming right?" Jim asked and Merida's head shot up.

"What?" She looked up confused.

"The movie. Are you free that day?" Jim asked slowly as if he was talking to an alien.

The shade embrassement spread on her pale cheeks and she gave a quick glance to Hiccup, who looked slightly concerned.

"Yea sure" Merida replied regaining her confidence as the conversation continued.

"After the movie, there is a great place where we could have dinner." Hiccup suggested and the rest agreed.

The Next Day

"I can't believe it!!" Hiccup cheered holding his paper high in the sky as opposed to Merida who had stuffed hers in her bag.

Merida smiled seeing his happiness, Hiccup had gotten an A and couldn't control his joy.

"And here I thought I would flunk another test. You are a life saver" He praised and Merida grinned proudly in reply.

But a thought crossed her mind and her smile turned into a frown.

"Hiccup.."

"Hmmmm"

"You know you don't need to come on Saturday if you don't want to" she mumbled causing Hiccup to stop in his tracks.

"You don't want me to be there?" He asked surprised and Merida almost jumped out of her shoes.

"No no no, I have a great time with you. I just don't want you to feel obligated to come. I know me and friends...." Merida drawled to which only Hiccup laughed and replied.

"Mer, your friends are awesome besides..." his voice fell into a softer tone.

"It's been a long time since I had some fun and you are a great company" He whispered.

A faint blush spread on Merida's cheeks as her heart start running a marathon. Luckily Hiccup, had been immediately distracted by two students who were asking, how he is doing.

This gave her time to think, what the hell was happening. This had never happen before, why was her heart constantly racing. Why had she started blushing so much?

Unfortunately, she wasn't given much of the opportunity to ponder on these questions because as the students left. Hiccup turned back to Merida and simply grinned. .

"We must celebrate"

Sometime later

"Wow, you might be a regular here" Merida commented as they walked out of the diner.

"Yea, I use to have lunch here everyday after school but after the whole accident. This is the first time, I visited again" He replied.

"Your lucky, my mother would never..." Merida lost her words in her mouth.

She was careful not to say the word "mom" in front of Hiccup but she let her tongue slip. Stupid! stupid!

"Yea what about her?" Hiccup asked confused as to why Merida had stopped in mid sentence.

"That she wouldn't dare let me eat out everyday." Merida resumed as she kicked a stone.

"Yea but my mother hasn't exactly been present from the past 16 years of my life" Hiccup replied, Merida searched his entire face for a hint of sadness but there wasn't anyway.

She bit her tongue from asking, but she was as curious as anyone could be.

She looked up to see Hiccup with a amused expession.

"You wanna know right?" He leaned closer as if telling her a secert.

His grin grew wider as Merida shook her head, turning red for being caught.

"You know people tend to ask as fast they can but you..you took your sweet time" Hiccup commented.

"It's not my place to know." Merida replied honestly, she was never the type to enjoy a story out of other's misery.

Hiccup just smiled in reply, he smiles alot. Merida noted.

"I am gonna tell you anyway." Hiccup shrugged.

"There's not much to tell though, she and my dad were having problems and one day. She couldn't take it anymore so... Boom!! left us" Hiccup mimicked an explosion trying to pretend that it didn't affect him.

But sadly he wasn't that great liar as he thought.

"The most I have heard about her, is that she lives in an another continent now and is a vet. I guess" he concluded clapping his hands together as if intending that the topic was closed.

Merida didn't know if to reply to the conversation or just straight away ignore it.

Instead, she brought up a invitation. "You know, I got this math's quiz coming up and if you help me. I will treat you with a home cooked meal" she offered.

"I don't know, I have to check my schedule. You know I am a pretty busy man" He declared fixing his collar.

"Don't worry, I can ask Mulan" Merida replied walking ahead with a sly smirk.

"No no. I will do it" Hiccup replied catching up to her and they both laughed for no particular reason.

"See ya tomorrow" Merida waved as she climbed the bus.

Hiccup was standing beside the stop sign, waving back. As the sky had taken a deep orange color signaling that the day was over.

Hiccup just sighed happily, as he ruffled his spiky brown hair. Trying his best to stop his grin but failed.

He had never remembered, having such a connection which he possessed with Merida and he was really glad that he had slipped onthe wet floor that day.

Sometime later

Hiccup was walking in the white hallways of the hospital. He nodded to some people in greetings as he walked towards the specific room.

The hospital had become his second home in the past few weeks. He had made some great friends here as well.

But his favorite, was the doctor who was in charge of his dad. Miss Emily, was her name.

She was a women in her late 50's, with streaks of gray in her copper hair,warm brown eyes and a smile that could melt anyone's heart.

"Hello Hiccup," she greeted looking up from the sheets of reports.

"Hi Miss Emily, sorry to keep you waiting" He apologized as he took his usual seat.

"It's ok dear, I am just glad you are adjusting back into your life. I am so proud" She whispered and a flashback hit Hiccup as he remembered, the days. When he spent hours in the hospital. Clutching his father's limp hand. Begging him to wake up.

"Thank you" He replied as doctor Emily stood up.

"I have to go now but see you tomorrow" She said and Hiccup replied with a nod.

He took his usual seat beside his dad, looking at the heart monitor made him relax, at least he's still here.

"Hey, dad you know. Today I got an A in history it's mostly thanks to Merida..."

2 days later

"Eat up, dear" Eleanor smiled looking up from her food.

Hiccup smiled in a little helpless way which made Merida choke on her own food.

Merida smiled, there hadn't been such a peaceful dinner since like forever.

It was just her mother, her and Hiccup and thankfully her mother had decided to be generous with Hiccup and cook something eatable.

Also it wasn't a mere coincidence that her father, Hamish, Hubert and Harris weren't present. Both Merida and her mother agreed it would be a bit too overwhelming.

Merida had told about Hiccup's story but was surprised to find out that her mother already knew.

Turns out her and Hiccup's father used to be friends before they had a falling out.

Anyhow, she hadn't spared any effort to make it as much homely as possible.

"So Merida, can I expect an A this time" Eleanor asked and Merida realized that she had zoomed out again.

"Don't expect more then a B mom. It's math after all" Merida gave her mother a cheeky grin.

To which her mother only gave a fond smile but from the corner of the eye, Merida noticed her mother was not the only one smiling at her fondly.

An hour later

"Thanks ,Mer" Hiccup smiled shyly.

"Oh come on. It's nothing" Merida waved it off.

"No no you don't understand, you have done a lot for me. Helped me more than anyone has during this time and I don't know how to...to.. thank you" Hiccup breathed, looking a bit flustered.

"Hiccup...we are friends now. You don't need to thank me for anything. Look I just wanna see you happy. That's all" Merida replied smiling sincerely.

There was an awkward silence between before Hiccup blurted.

"I better get going, see ya tomorrow" Hiccup waved and headed back to his route.

Merida just shook her head, walking inside. She was trying her best to hide her smile but failing miserably.

Then suddenly she remembered, Hiccup's friend Astrid was coming back tomorrow and her smile vanished as if it wasn't ever there before.

Few days later

The days passed quickly. Faster than anyone can imagine. Merida didn't mind it that much but there was something she did mind.

After Astrid had returned it felt like she and Hiccup had moved back to level one and all the progress they had made had been lost.

Merida saw Hiccup in class but there had been a change in seating arrangement so now they sat on the opposite sides of the class and couldn't exchange more than a few smiles now and then.

Hiccup's friends took most of his time and aside from the hallways she hardly ever saw him.

Merida's friends on the other hand, had noticed that she and Hiccup weren't acting like best buds but they didn't say anything about it, though they were trying to make her feel better about this all.

Merida appreciated their efforts but she was slowly coming into terms with the fact that maybe some friendships no matter how great they are don't work out.

2 days later, in the library.

"Hi!" Hiccup grinned literally coming out of nowhere.

Merida almost fell back in shock, "Hiccup what the hell" she breathed picking up her textbook which had fallen on the ground.

"Uh sorry about that. It's just we haven't been able to talk for sometime" he replied sheepishly.

Merida couldn't really control the grin slowly forming on her face.

"How did you know I was here" Merida asked.

"I kinda ran into Mulan. She asked me to tell you that she is sorry, she won't be able to help you with your test and asked me if I could help you instead" Hiccup replied innocently as he took a seat.

But Merida knew better. Her phone rang indicating that she got a message. It read.

"Thank us later :)(;"

Yep, she exactly knew what was going on.

"Come on Merida. Let's start already"

Hiccup called out and Merida just smiled in reply.
She really loved her friends.

An hour later

The pair had now abandoned their studies and were deep in a conversation instead.

"So I was wondering if you would like to know my friends a little better" Hiccup brought up suddenly.

Merida looked at him her eyes wide with surprise.

"That sounds great but I don't think Astrid likes me very much" Merida replied honestly.

Hiccup couldn't help but laugh at the answer.

"Well Astrid doesn't really like alot of people but once you get to know her properly....." He replied clearing his throat.

"Still sometimes I wonder... how did you guys even end up being friends and later dating" Merida shook her head in disbelief.

This time Hiccup's green eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"Wait.. wait! rewind, rewind. What did you just say?" He asked.

Merida gave him a confused look before repeating her answer.

"I was saying how you guys-" Merida was cut off.

"You thought we are dating?. Who even told you that" Hiccup asked clutching his stomach as he tried his best not to fall off his chair.

"Uhh..I heard it somewhere" Merida replied embrassed, Making a mental note to kill Jim later on.

"Come on, you must know better than to believe highschool rumors but just to make it clear. Me and Astrid are just friends. Nothing more" Hiccup added the last part with a serious tone.

Merida for some reason felt really relieved.
"So you guys are just friends. Like how you and I are friends?" She asked.

Hiccup paused for a moment before leaning a little closer with a intense look in his eyes.

"Me and Astrid are friends like how you and Jim are friends."

"We are a different version of friends. Don't you agree?" He asked and without Merida's permission her head nodded in agreement.

I can never take credit for these lines. This belongs to a very Awesome author from the story 1992 and I absolutely adore that story and especially the above said lines. They are kinda the reason why I wrote the whole story.

next day

"Ok, see you later" Merida waved as Eret headed down the hallway.

She turned back to her locker and started collecting her books when suddenly...

"No way!" Hiccup came, literally out of nowhere with a huge grin on his face.

"What the hell" she hissed as she smacked him with a book.

"Are you a ghost or something." She questioned, and Hiccup smirked in reply.

"Maybe" he replied and Merida shook her head.

No no no!! No more ghost. We are done with the whole ghost Au.

"Anyway you know Eret!, why didn't you ever tell me that!!" Hiccup asked shaking her shoulders.

"Woah! Slow down. Why is that so important?" Merida questioned.

Hiccup leaned a little closer as he lowered his voice and whispered.

"Astrid has the biggest crush on Eret but she can hardly say to words to him"

Merida's eyes widened hearing the news. "You are kidding me. Your saying Astrid doesn't have the courage.... I find that hard to believe" she stated.

"Oh come not everybody has the courage to talk to their crush" Hiccup reasoned.

"And you know people who do" Merida questioned raising her eyebrow.

"Why yes I do know such people but anyway that is not the whole point. I have this great idea and I need your help" Hiccup asked.

"Oh bloody joy"

Saturday night

"Hiccup, I have no idea why you invited Merida. Like you could come with her any other day as well" Astrid questioned annoyed.

"Hey but I want you guys to meet her and I know you two will eventually get along" Hiccup replied his green eyes still fixed on the entrance.

Fishlegs who was surprisingly eager to get along with Merida pointed out

"Look there is Merida...and is that Eret?" He asked confused.

Astrid's pale face was suddenly painted by a faint red color and Hiccup tried his best not to laugh as the pair finally approached them.

"Hi..Astrid" Eret greeted and it was kind of amusing to watch two of the most confident people they knew suddenly turn shy and awkward.

"Hey Eret" Astrid replied pulling a golden strand behind her ear.

Fishlegs who just put two and two together gave a knowing smile to Merida and Hiccup.

"Ok guys I don't think we came here to stand on the entrance all night. So let's go"

The amusement park had been newly built, so it was a pretty hot spot during the weekends.

People of all ages were present and the night was as beautiful as it could be.

But Hiccup couldn't help but stare at redhead beside him as she threw another dart and hit a bullseye.

Just two months ago they were oblivious to one another. Not stranger but neither friends. Who knew there would come a day, when they would be standing beside one another having the time of their lives.

"Hey! look what I won" she grinned holding up a toy cat.

"I just got Toothless a friend" she grinned if she had won a noble prize.

Hiccup chuckled in response. He glanced around as Fishlegs asked Merida about her shooting skills.

He finally spotted Eret and Astrid competing in a game and their shyness was slowly fading as they were getting more and more in the competition.

Hiccup felt happy for his friend, he turned his attention to his other two friends.

Merida and Fishlegs had disappeared from their current spot but he found near the cotton candy stand.

The crowd was becoming thinner as most of the families had started leaving and mostly teenagers were seen.

Suddenly it reminded him of the old park, he and his dad used to go to. A bittersweet feeling filled as he was reminded of the fact that his father was still in the hospital.

The doctors said he was actually getting better and who knows he might even wake up soon.

"I bet!, I can beat you next time" Astrid challenged

Hiccup's train of thoughts were broken by the incoming pair.

"Sure. You can try" Eret teased. They both had started acting normal but ofcourse something else was present.

Merida and Fishlegs returned holding four cotton candies.

"I think we miscalculated" Merida grinned sheepishly handing Eret and Astrid both of the cotton candies in her hand.

"Thanks" Astrid replied with a soft smile which Merida returned.

Progress is happening, Hiccup grinned as Merida held out the third cotton candy stick to him.

"Guess we will have to share" She added and as Hiccup looked back to the stand,It had closed.

"I have no issue " he grinned tearing a piece.

Some of the game and food stands had started closing but they still managed to have a great time with the limited opinion they had left.

Heck, Merida and Astrid even teamed up against Eret and Hiccup in one game and won. By the end of the night, everyone agreed that this was one of the best nights ever.

"The moon looks so big here and so many stars are visible here as well" Merida complimented looking at the dark blue sky.

"Yeah. It is a amazing sight to see. Next time we should bring Jim and Mulan as well" Hiccup added as they walked in the almost empty amusement park.

"That sounds like a good idea" Merida whispered finally looking at him.

"You know.....I kinda find this ironic that we have known each other since 1 grade but only in our last year of high school, few months before school was ending we decided to be friends" Merida added.

Hiccup shrugged and replied, "I don't know but maybe this is the way things were meant to be and I am glad that even for few months but I still got to know you better"

"Me too"

Monday

"Uh..Merida can I talk to you for a second" Astrid asked.

Merida, Jim and Mulan looked at her with a identical look of confusion.

"Yeah, sure" Merida said standing up and following Astrid out of cafeteria.

Astrid gave a small smile before starting. "Uh I just wanna say... ummm..s-so-s"

"Sorry for the way I acted before to you. It's just .... I am very protective of my friends and then suddenly you became friends with Hiccup...so I had kinda doubted your intention but after yesterday I have realized that you are a great person and I...was hoping that if we could become friends as well" Astrid finished and Merida could hardly believe her ears.

She smiled in reply, "Actually me and Mulan are gonna head for some archery practice after school. Would you like to join us?" She offered and Astrid gave her signature confident smile.

"I will see you after school then" Astrid said walking away and Merida smirked seeing that Eret had been waiting for her.

She just smiled at the sight and turned her heels back to the direction of the cafeteria.

"Did you notice Astrid and Eret?" Hiccup grinned. He was standing at cafeteria door, waiting for her.

Merida's brain had stopped asking on how he made such sudden appearances.

"Yea..wait did you ask Astrid to apologize to me" Merida asked and Hiccup shook his head.

"On the contrary-"

*Ring*

Hiccup was cut off by his phone ringing and his eyes went wide seeing the number. It didn't take a genius to figure out that it was a call from the hospital.

Merida watched intensely, studying his expression. When she saw tears form in his eyes, she felt dread fill but that feeling didn't last long because the tears were followed by a smile which grew and grew and he finally ended the call.

He carelessly wiped the stray tears and turned his attention back to Merida.

"My dad-d...He's finally awake" he managed to breath out.

"Are you alright?" Merida asked as Hiccup tried to regain his balance.

She reached forward and help steady Hiccup. Her pale hand clasped his.

"To be honest, I am kinda in a shock. A good shock but...I can't believe it" he whispered.

He finally managed to stand straight, but his hand was still holding onto Merida's.

"They are saying, he is waiting for me. My dad is waiting for me" Hiccup grinned, Merida noticed for the first time in their friendship the cloud of darkness that surrounded Hiccup had disappeared.

She grinned in response and replied, "Silly, then go. What are you waiting for?"

"Its just.." the hesitation in Hiccup screamed and Merida squeezed his hand in comfort.

"Do you want me to come with you?" she asked to which Hiccup gratefully nodded.

Few months later

The remaining months passed like a cool breeze, the friendship we witnessed had evolved. Yes there were good times and yes there were bad times but both of them had a feeling, the bond they had created was for a lifetime.

It was the day of the graduation, Merida's hair was tied in a messy bun, which she had to admit, suited her.

Her two best friends were right by her side as always.

Merida had a feeling that no matter what happens, Mulan and Jim will be there for her and she vowed to be there for them as well.

She had mixed feelings for the life in front of her but she felt brave enough to finally experience it.

"Looking for someone" Jim teased her as her eyes searched the crowd.

Merida only rolled her eyes at his comment, her cheeks turning red.

Finally she spotted him, Hiccup finally appeared, Fishlegs beside him as they made their way over.

Merida wasn't gonna lie, that the sight of those forest green eyes didn't make her heart run a marathon.

It had been only 2 months since she discovered her feelings and accepted them but something told her that Hiccup felt the same way.

It was like their secret, they both saw in each other's eyes that the interest was mutual but never had said anything about it.

It was a very different kind of love unlike in those soap operas, she sometimes watched with her mother. They weren't afraid that if the other person liked them back or not because they both knew that they do.

And everyone around them knew, it was like a unspoken truth.

"Hi there," Hiccup smirked, Jim beat Merida in replying.

"Hiccup, you were making someone wait too much." He replied and earned a smack from Merida.

"Don't you have anywhere to be?" she questioned her friend.

"Are you kidding me?and leave you guys alone" Jim shot back but actually moved away this time along with Mulan and Fishlegs.

"Where did all your hair go?" Hiccup teased.

"Magic" Merida whispered,.

"To be fair that is the only thing that can fix your hair" Hiccup replied.

"But still something that doesn't look quite right" he added, as his hand reached out and pulled out a red curl to frame her face.

"Perfect" he whispered, and Merida smiled in response.

Their eyes met and
they moved closer and closer...

"Oye! Come quickly you two!!. The ceremony is about to start" Mulan called out.

They both shared a embrassed glance before heading towards their friends and classmates.

"Come on Mer!, let's head to our seats" Mulan grabbed her friend's hand.

A fond smile spread on Hiccup's face, as his ears ringed with the sound of her laughter.

Life is truly unpredictable, there was a time when they both were like parallel lines. Beside each other but never meeting but now...everything is so different and to be honest, it seems for the best.

Who knew, getting into that accident was the best thing that could ever happen to him.

The End.

Happy New year!!
Hi guys!! Honestly it's been such a long time that I don't really think my old readers would be here.

I really missed you guys and it's been a whole year since I last updated and I am truly sorry but the good news is that I finally have found myself again and if the inspiration strikes. I will surely write.

Anyway, this year I am graduating from school. Yay!!. Is there anyone else who is graduating in 2018?

Do let me know.

I know I used a odd combination of friends this time but this story is sorta inspired by a fan fiction in which the main characters have two friends each.

So for Hiccup I kept the book trio and for Merida I was inspired by two things.

First was a YouTube comment and the other was a comic strip in which this trio was in the background.

This is also one of the stories, that took me the longest to write. I have been writing since July and till the last minute even I have been writing.

This is also a very special story because it is ranked number 100 on my Drafts. I hope you enjoy it and forgive me for minor mistakes

Anyway there were some scenes that couldn't make it to the final cut since I have been gone for some long, I decided to add them as well.
They are in order to the story.

Scene 1

Merida nervously looked at Hiccup. A heavy shadow had surrounded him and his eyes were filled with guilt.

She had no idea, how their conversation had let to this.

She finally mustered the courage and spoke, "Look Hiccup, it's normal that we blame ourselves for such things but ..believe me. It wasn't your fault"
Merida reassured.

Hiccup finally looked up, his face was twisted into a terrifying expression. It was a mixture of anger, hurt and frustration.

"You don't know, Mer. You don't know anything about what happened that day. Nobody knows" he said looking away.

"Then would you mind telling me. It might help" she suggested.

Hiccup looked at Merida, her eyes were filled with genuine concern for him.

His friends had tried asking him about that day but he never did tell them. He was afraid to tell them, he considered himself a monster after that day.

But, for some whenever he looked at Merida. He always softened, it felt easier telling it to her.

He gulped and started speaking, " Me and my dad were arguing. I started the argument, it was a small thing but it escalated quickly and in anger I said....I said that, he was unbearable to live with and it was no surprise that mom left him and then everything turned black." He closed his eyes in pain, as if the memory had hurt him physically as well.

"And now if something happens to him, I can never live with the fact that I said these words to my father. Who despite every problem had been there for me" Hiccup added slamming his fist onthe table.

Scene 2

" Skipped" Merida grinned throwing her card.

They were sitting on the park benches, while Hiccup and Jim had gone to get snacks and playing Uno.

Because that's literally the only card game. I know how to play.

"Uggh, I hate you" Mulan playfully glared at her.

"My turn" Astrid grinned, throwing another skip card.

"I have been avenged, thank you Astrid" Mulan grinned.

"Mulan, the other day I saw you with Shang. I didn't know you befriended a rock" Astrid teased.

" Oh, don't you know Mulan has a crush on him" Merida added.

"I donot!" Mulan replied turned.

"Honey, who you think you kidding, he's the earth and heaven to you" Merida teased.

Can someone tell me which song this line is from.

"He's barely an atom for me" Mulan replied.

Before Merida could reply Jim and Hiccup walked back with the snacks.

Merida got up and told her friend,
"Jim, she is denying her love for Shang again"

Hiccup just snickered as he distributed the snacks.

"For the last time, I don't like him" Mulan shouted ready to strangle Merida.

"You swoon, you sigh, why deny it?, Ohooo" Merida and Jim sang in unison and that was the last straw.

Mulan started chasing them as they ran for their dear lives.

"So you and Merida are getting along fine" Hiccup said opening chips packet.

"Uh huh, you are lucky that you found a girl that I approve of" Astrid smirked.

"Haha..like I would have stopped if you didn't approve" Hiccup replied as he fondly smiled at redhead who was running from her friend.

"My dear friend Hiccup, you have literally fallen so deep in love" Astrid replied.

"So who is denying it" Hiccup grinned taking a sip of his coke as finally the trio came back.

Merida sat beside him and he offered her a can of coke, "Thanks" she panted.

"Hey Mer, can I ask you a question?" Hiccup smirked.

"Yeah"

"Who's the earth and heaven to you?" Hiccup grinned as Merida turned red

"Shut up"

"Hehe"

Scene 3

"Oh no!" Hiccup cried out as he checked the time.

He had fallen asleep in the library. The clocked 7:30 pm as he ruffled his hair and started packing his books.

His teachers had given him extra assignments so he could make up for the grades, he had lost because of his accident.

Unfortunately due to lack of time, his schedule had become hectic and he barely had time to breath this whole week.

Finally he had completed those assignment but due to his work, he hadn't visited his dad in the hospital for a few days.

Come to think of it he had hardly traded three words with Merida as well. He will have to make it up to her later.

But right now, he had promised his dad that he would visit him at 7 pm.

Half an hour has already passed, his father has been waiting for him.

He started running as best as he could with his fake leg.

Some time later

"Sorry I am late dad" Hiccup panted as he entered the room but surprised to see two faces staring back at him.

"Uh Merida, what are you doing here?" He asked confused.

"Well she has been keeping me company from the past few days" Stoick replied instead.

"Well you finally decided to show up" Merida smirked as Hiccup grabbed a chair and sat next to her.

"I am sorry, I fell asleep in the library" Hiccup apologized.

"Here have a sandwich" She passed him and just then Hiccup realized how hungry he was.

"Thanks" he said munching the sandwich.

"Seeing you two reminds me the good old days of Fergus and Me" Stoick chuckled.

"You know as soon as I get better. I am gonna meet him again" He added.

"That would be great" Merida grinned.

"I better be going now, or else I am going to be late for dinner" she said standing up.

"I will walk you out" Hiccup said as they headed out of the door.

"Merida"

"Hmmm"

"I am in great debt to you."

"Hiccup look, Astrid told me how stressed out you were and I did my duty as a friend and helped you" Merida replied.

"But it's always like you are helping me" Hiccup replied.

"Don't worry I will give you plenty of opportunities. Just you wait" Merida declared to which Hiccup chuckled.

"It looks like you and Astrid are getting along well" He asked.

"Famously" Merida replied putting her hands in her pocket.

"Now I am actually regretting my decision" Hiccup replied.

"Well I am certainly not. She is a better than you" Merida teased.

To which Hiccup sighed, "Fine how can I make it up to you?" He asked.

To which Merida smirked evilly "You can start by taking me to that new ice cream shop."

The End