Hiccup's POV

"What the hell Hiccup?" Astrid stormed, her braid swaying  behind her back as she yelled. I was not going to back down now. Not for anything. I had to end this.

"Astrid, you heard what I said," I continued. "I think we'd be better off as friends. You've been treating me like shit these past few weeks -"

"Excuse me?!"

"You heard."

"Why did I even decide to go out with you in the first place?" she suddenly shouted.

"Huh?"

"Well, look at you! You're scrawny, weak and just hopeless! You're not a real man!"

That did it.

"Just get out Astrid. You were a crush, nothing more. We're over."

"GOOD!"

She runs out of my room and slams the door. I turn on my stereo and as the music begins to play as the reality of what I've just done hits me.

We say goodbye in the pouring rain and I break down as you walk away -

Stay.

Stay.

Cos all my life I felt this way but I could never find the words to say -

Stay.

Stay.

True to the song, I slump in my chair and let a single tear fall. I pick up a paintbrush and begin to continue on my art homework, almost as though it's a reflex. Painting and sketching has become my only salvation and therapy, it just allows me to escape from reality somehow. In the end though, it's not enough. Maybe Jack or Merida or Punzie can help me out. I go for the first option; and Jack keeps going on about how little I text or call him. I pick up my mobile and scroll through my contacts, reaching his name and pressing the dial button. It takes a little while but eventually he picks up.

"Hey Hic."

"Hi Jack."

Something tells me I called at the wrong time; Jack's voice is gruff and irritated.

"What's up bud?" I ask.

"Not much. Merida and me broke up."

I don't know why, but for some reason I feel a swooping sensation in my stomach. What the heck Hiccup? I think to myself. Get a grip on yourself. Jack needs the support right now.

"God - I mean, I knew that you two were rowing more than usual these days -"

"That was an obvious one," Jack smirks.

"I just never imagined, this..."

"I suppose." Jack sighs. "Why'd you call, anyway? You never call me!"

"Yeah I know, but this time's different."

"How come?"

"I broke up with Astrid."

"No way man! You liked her for ages!"

"High school crushes come and go."

"Ooh, get Mr Mature!"

"I'm serious Jack. She was treating me like crap these past few weeks. I knew I had to end it. We had a row, she yelled a bit, and I dumped her."

"Woah." Jack goes quiet for once in his life. "You didn't break up with her for someone else?"

"No!" I say, far too quickly. "I mean, no. She was just being a bitch."

"I did warn you she was stressy."

Thank Odin he bought that lie.

"OK, I think I have to go. My dad always gets annoyed when I don't finish my homework in the evening."

"OK. See you around Hiccup."

"Bye."

I hang up and lean back in my desk chair, sighing and breathing deeply. I close my eyes and think hard. There was no way anyone can know. I can't let myself do this. Have I fallen for one of my best friends for life? Have I admitted this to myself a mere half hour after I dumped Astrid? I wring my face in my hands as I let my thoughts take over my dazed brain. No. You do not love Merida. You don't even like her. Only as a friend.

I thought some more, and it wasn't angry thoughts of Astrid that filled my brain this time. It was Merida. Her untameable but beautiful red curls. Her petite and womanly figure. And her electric blue eyes. Those eyes...

Shut it Hiccup.

They were the colour of the Mediterranean sea on a sunny day, full of life and twinkling with beauty...

Stop it Hiccup. Your emotions are running wild and you're clinging on to the first person that you think is nice. And it just so happened to be Merida. Stop it now.

I lay on my bed and attempt to read, but my mind isn't giving me any rest. Suddenly my mobile rings and I pick it up to see the caller ID.

It's Merida.