The Frozen Brave

Face to Face

Merida was the first to wake up the next day.

She looked around. She glanced at Rapunzel who was still sleeping before she carefully sat up. Anna was snoring away on the hay next to Kristoff (or was it Kristopher?), both of them having traces of snow like they had experienced a blizzard last night. Toothless was all curled up beside the door and there's no sign of Hiccup.
She stood up and went out. She stretched facing the snowy cliff she didn’t know was there, a few meters away from the cabin. It was still cold but when she looked up, she couldn’t find any snow clouds.

A smell of eggs greeted her nose and she walked to the far right. There was a clearing. And right in the middle, with his back facing her and humming a tune, was Hiccup.
She stopped. Now what should she do? She did do something last night and she wasn’t sure if she could be called his friend anymore.
She managed a foot back. Then she stepped back the other. Then another. Then another. Then-
Snap! She cringed. The humming stopped. Hiccup turned with widened eyes.
“I-I was just heading back um-ah I have to wake Punzie, you know. And you’re busy so-“ She was stuttering!
“No, it’s alright.” He cut in. He motioned her over with a smile. “Good morning. Would you join me here?”
She stared before nodding and slowly sitting right next to him. She felt awkward.

What she didn’t know was that he feeling the exact same thing.

As he turned over the fish he was cooking, he cleared his throat.
“So uh…did you have a good night’s sleep?” he asked.
“Kind of. It was pretty cold so..”
He nodded. They both fell silent for a while, both unsure if the other wanted to talk about the confession.
“Hiccup, I um…About last night…well…” she began to stammer.
He stopped turning the fish and leaned back, looking down. It would seem to Merida that he was processing everything and she looked away from him. She's embarrassed now. What was she thinking?
“I like you too, Merida.” She froze and slowly turned around, seeing Hiccup look at her with sincerity in his eyes.
“You…you do?” she asked softly, not believing what she just heard.
“Since the day we met.” He confirmed.
They stared into each other’s eyes.

It dawned to Hiccup what he just said. He just gave her hope that he would return the same feelings. The truth was Hiccup wasn’t so sure if he did like her more than a friend. He didn’t want to lead her on because he cared for her. He just wants to be sure first before he does the first move.
On Merida’s mind, she was wondering what he meant: if that was still a friendly liking. She didn’t like hoping. She never really had an intention to fall in love. But Hiccup was different. She’d met him at that perfect moment in her life. She needed someone who would understand her and care for her and Hiccup was exactly that person.

“Good MORNING!” Rapunzel’s voice cut through their thoughts.
She ran to hug both friends and sat opposite them. "I had a wonderful night. Didn't you?"
Her eyes widened gleefully at the food.
“Oh you two cooked food? Thanks!” she took one fish and ate. Merida giggled at her. Hiccup turned his gaze back at Merida. She glanced his way once and stood up.
“I’ll go wake Anna and Kristoff.” She muttered and left.
Rapunzel stopped munching and smiled at Hiccup. She set down the food and put her hands on her lap.
"When feelings come to light, all happy endings seem too close to be real." She said.
Hiccup turned to her. "Huh?"
“I asked if you're ok.”
“Oh. Yeah, I think.” He sighed.
“You just have to give time for her to let it sink in. You need time as well to think it over. Love is very confusing but you let her know you care. She needs you to understand her.” She said.
“How-“
She winked. “I try not only to heal physical wounds but relationships as well.”
He shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. Rapunzel sure knew how to make the atmosphere good.
But when Merida returned with Anna and Kristoff, his smile turned doubtful.
After breakfast, everyone talked about the rescue.
“You were serious about helping me find Elsa?” Anna asked.
“Of course, Anna. Besides, we also need to talk to Elsa.” Rapunzel said.
“Why-oh. The Eternal Winter thing.” Anna responded.
“Well, at least now we have you. We have someone who can talk to Elsa.” Merida said.
“Even if you don’t tell me, I would have done it myself. I was on the way anyway. But I have no lead on where she is now.” Anna said.
“I think I do.” All eyes turned to Kristoff.
“Really?” she asked.
“I’ve been seeing strange things at North Mountain. We can look there for a start.” He responded.
“Well then, we can leave immediately.” Hiccup stood along with everyone else. “Kristoff, man, lead us?” he held out his hand to him.
Kristoff shook it. “Let’s go.”