Betrothal (a merricup story)

Fifteen- a drunk Astrid and a kiss

Merida looked down at the dress. "Are you sure this is ok?" She asked uncertainly, looking over at Punzie. The dress was a deep emerald colour, with gold embroidery around the hem, and the edges of her sleeves.

"You look great." Rapunzel said, fastening a necklace around her own neck. She was wearing a light purple dress, with pink embroidery along the edges of the skirt. "Don't worry about it." She said. "Now, lets not keep them waiting, shall we?"

~~~

Meanwhile, the lords were busy grilling their sons on how they would approach the princess and ask for a dance. "Be sure to puff out your chest, look manly." Lord Macintosh said. "Confidence is key."

"Don't be bothered if she's taller than you." Lord Dingwall muttered.

"Enquire about her daily life, try to look interested." Lord MacGuffin said. His son asked him something, speaking in his dialect. "No, don't ask her that." He replied.

Stoik looked down at his son. "You sure you're ok?" He asked.

Hiccup rolled his eyes. "Dad, I'm perfectly fine. It's wasn't serious." He said. "I'll be fine." Stoik didn't look particularly convinced. Fergus laughed, walking over. "Stop fussing over the lad, Stoik. He's tougher than that, right, lad?" He clapped Hiccup on the back. Hiccup winced, nodding. Jack snickered.

The door opened. Queen Elinor walked in, and everyone straightened up. "Merida." She called, looking behind her. The red haired princess walked into view. Hiccup's eyes widened as he stared at her, just like every other man in the room. Rapunzel was next to her.

"Wow." Jack smiled as he looked at her. Punzie walked over to him, a smile on her face. "You look beautiful." He smiled, kissing her cheek. She giggled. "You look very handsome too." She said.

Hiccup's eyes never left Merida. Elinor walked up to the front. "In a few days, the final challenge will commence. After the victor is announced, there will be another ball to celebrate." She said. "But for now, let us celebrate the coming together of our tribes."

Fergus nodded. "Let us drink to the future of our tribes!" He shouted, raising his mug. He was followed by a chorus of shouts from the men. "Let us drink!" They all drained their mugs. Hiccup took a mouthful of the liquid and his eyes widened at the taste.

"Like the beer?" Jack snickered.

Hiccup looked around quickly, then spat the beer back out in the mug. He wiped his mouth, grimacing. Jack laughed. "You'll get used to the taste. Eventually." He said. "If you're lucky." Hiccup looked at the mug in distaste. He didn't think he'd be getting used to that taste anytime soon....

"So, lets get this ball started!" Fergus roared. "Music!"

A merry tune for dancing began to play. Fergus and his queen were the first to begin the dance, followed by the others. Macintosh puffed out his chest, trying to look as manly as possible as he walked over to Merida. Merida stifled a snicker as she looked at him. When a dancing couple passed by her, obscuring her from his view, she took the opportunity to escape, leaving a surprised Macintosh looking around for her. Merida dodged and evaded the three suitors as they all battled to get the chance to dance with her.

Jack looked at Rapunzel. "A dance, milady? " He asked, offering his hand to his fiancé. He winked. Punzie laughed, linking hands with him, and they joined the dance. Hiccup sighed, standing on the sidelines. "Great, I've got nothing to do." He muttered.

"Hic!" Merida whispered, appearing next to him. He yelped, taking a step back. "Wha-Merida?!" He gasped. He looked at her. "I, er...I-" he cleared his throat. "Wanna dance?" He asked nervously, offering his hand. "I know you probably don't want the attention and all....oh, boggarts, I'm no good at this-"

She smiled, and he stopped. "I'd love to." She said. He blinked, then smiled. She linked hands with him and they joined the dance.

~~~

After a few dances with him, Merida slipped away when she saw that Macintosh had caught sight of her. "I'll look for you later." She grinned, running off. Hiccup sighed as he watched her leave. He walked over to the side of the room, swirling the contents of his mug around as he thought about what he should do next.

"Hiccup." A voice called. He looked up. A Viking girl with a blonde braid stood before him. He blinked in surprise as he realised who it was. "A-Astrid?" He asked.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she smiled at him in an almost....shy way. Hiccup watched her carefully. He'd never seen Astrid with that sort of expression on her face before, and it scared him. She walked over to him slowly, still smiling. "Er, Astrid, are you...ok?" He asked.

"Me? I'm fine!" She giggled. Oh. She was drunk, he realised.

"Um, you're drunk." He said.

"No, I'm not." She mumbled. He backed up, wondering how dangerous a drunk Astrid could be. "You know, Hic? I did like you." She said. He stared at her, unsure of how to react to that sudden confession. "So just stay still." She pulled him forward, and kissed him.

His eyes widened in shock as she kissed him. There was a loud crash, and Astrid pulled away, looking behind her. Merida stood not too far away, her eyes on the two. A tray of mugs was on the ground. It was clear from her hurt expression that she'd seen it all.

"Merida-" Hiccup started, stepping towards her. She turned away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving the Viking to stare after her hopelessly.