Forever and Always

Devil for a Partner

*Merida and Hiccup*
The smell of spring filled the air as it traveled in through the open window. Merida smiled and sat at the table, drinking her hot cup of dark coffee. She liked it as black as night. She brushed her curls out of her face and listened to the birds chirping awake. The sun was just about to rise. Years ago, she would've told you that she wasn't a morning person. After having children, this was her one time to relax by herself. "Bye Hic." She waved as he husband rushed out the door.

"Bye Mer. See you later." Hiccup smiled as he kissed her head on his way out. His folders were everywhere, surprisingly not spilling papers this time. Merida chuckled as she watched her clumsy husband start his car. He peeled out of the driveway, headed to school.

"Here we go, Merida. Ready to start the day." She encouraged herself as she headed to the bathroom to take her shower. She stood under the cold water, loving the way it tingled against her pale skin. She stepped out of the shower and placed her ear against the baby monitor. Henry was still fast asleep, his snores ringing in her ears. She softly chuckled as she wrung the water out of her hair.

After getting ready, she stepped out of her bathroom and headed down the hall towards her little warrior's room. She quietly opened the door, trying to see if she was still asleep. The red curls were at the bottom of the bed and her feet were at the top. The little girl's mouth was wide open, telling Merida that she would be asleep for a long time. Merida smiled as she gently shut the door.

"Wow. For once they're passed out." Merida chuckled as she headed back into the kitchen. She pulled out her phone to see if she had any calls. Tiana. 10 missed calls. What was she doing calling Merida at 8 in the morning? Merida quickly dialed her back, hoping it wasn't something terrible.

"Merida! Thank goodness you called me back." Tiana greeted as Merida held the phone against her ear. She walked over to the couch and sat down, wondering what this could be about.

"What's wrong, Tia?" Merida asked. She held the phone close, hoping she wasn't being too loud around the kids.

"There's been an accident down by the freeway! It looks like Hiccup's car." Tiana fretted. Merida's eye went wide as she dropped the phone. She sprinted to the tv remote and turned it on.

"Come on!" Merida urged as the tv warmed up. Could this thing be any slower? And why did it have to do it now?

"Merida! Merida! Are you still there?" Tiana's voice rang out from the phone, bringing Merida back. She picked up the phone and put it on speaker.

"Ya, I'm still here," Merida replied. "What channel?" She questioned as she flipped through the tv stations, tying to find it.

"13." Tiana answered. Merida quickly punched in the numbers and the screen flipped to scene. Sure enough, there was a pile up on the freeway. Merida's blue eyes scanned the scene, trying to find his black car.

"I don't see it." Merida fretted.

"Bottom left." Tiana softly spoke. Merida looked down and there it was. It looked exactly like Hiccup's car. Only now, the windows were smashed, glass laying everywhere. Firetrucks were heard in the distance as a few cars were flaming up. The sirens got louder and louder as they passed by her window, headed towards the scene.

"Mum? What's going on?" Melissa asked as she rubbed her green eyes, trying to get the sleep out. Her hair was in tangles and she had dried drool running down her face.

"Nothing sweetie. Just go sit down and I'll get you some breakfast," Merida quickly spoke. Melissa nodded and walked to her spot with Merida quickly behind her. "Tia, I've got to go."

"I understand. I hope it's not Hiccup's car." Tiana wished. They hung up, both hoping they were mistaken, but something was gnawing at Merida's stomach, telling her it was his. Merida watched out the window, thinking of possible scenarios. What if it really was his car? What if he's dead? No, he has to be at the school right now. Hiccup's fine.