Betrothal (a merricup story)

Eight- the dragon doesn't trust you

"You want to what?!" Rapunzel exclaimed in shock, staring at Merida. "Are you crazy, Meri??"

"It's not a crazy idea." Merida said. She glanced at Hiccup. "Right?"

Hiccup gulped. "Well, er...princess-"

Merida narrowed her eyes at him, her hand hovering over her bow. "Don't. Call me princess." She said.

"S-sure....Merida? Um, well....I don't really think it's such a good idea either." He said nervously. "And dragon riding usually takes a lot of practice- and a dragon-"

"There's a dragon right here!" Merida said, looking at Toothless.

Hiccup cleared his throat. "A dragon that doesn't mind having you on it's back." He said. Toothless was still glaring at Merida and eyeing her bow cautiously. "I don't think you and Toothless are off to a good start."

"Sorry, Merida, but I'm with Hic on this one." Jack said. "It's definitely not a good idea to go near a dragon-let alone ride it, if it doesn't like you."

Toothless looked almost smug as Merida glanced at it.

"Well, maybe you should make friends with it first?" Rapunzel suggested, scratching the dragon behind the ears. Toothless had taken quite a liking to the blonde, and enjoyed her company. Jack on the other hand....not so much.

"Any suggestions how to even do that?" Merida asked.

"Er...." Rapunzel looked at her. "How about taking your bow off first?"

Merida stared at her in disbelief. Take her bow off?! The bow was like a part of her, and she didn't like the idea of being weapon-less in front of a dragon. "Can you promise he won't attack me?" She asked.

"Nope." Jack said. "He really doesn't like you."

She looked at him. "Gee, thanks for reassuring me." She said sarcastically.

Jack mock bowed dramatically. "My pleasure, princess." He grinned.

She punched his shoulder. "That's for calling me princess." She said.

"Ouch." Jack rubbed his shoulder.