The big four: Modern AU

Chapter 2

"Oh, so you are helping out?" Hiccup smiled smugly as Jack walked with him gloomily out of the school. He nodded.

"Well, that's great and it only takes 20 minutes to walk so..."

"I was thinking we could drive..." Jack smirked, his old self returning as he leaned against his car. Hiccup turned.

"That would be more reasonable." He nodded, grinning.

<+>

The bell on the door jingled as Hiccup lead Jack inside SilverThorn pet shop. As they he entered, a strong smell of dog meat and bones hit him in the face like a ton of bricks and it took him a while to grow accustomed to the overpowering scent.

He looked around. Along one wall was a large pen of rabbits with a hatch at the back, open, showing a small garden. Along the other, a cashiers desk and a door behind that with a sign above reading SilverThorn animal shelter. There was a stairway along the back leading to a balcony that overlooked the shop, filled with animal treats and leads and all sorts. But below was a door that read office.

Hiccup walked to the desk, and dinged a bell as Jack dawdled around, glancing at a few posters on the walls. Before long a sparky pretty lady with a black pixie cut best through the door carrying a heavy load of papers.

"Hey, Hiccup! Just go right on in. I see you've brought that community service boy. Just show him the ropes would ya? I'm really busy!"she said quickly before disappearing into the office.

Jack followed Hiccup into the door where she had come from. And there, cuddling a puppy close to her, was the prettiest girl Jack had ever seen. Stunning great eyes, long flowing blond hair, and a smile that seemed to light up his world. Wow she was beautiful.

"Hey Punzie." Hiccup smiled as he began to check on a rabbit, Rapunzel flashed one back.

"Hey." Her eyes landed on Jack, who stood there like a lemon "whose this?"

"Oh this is Jack. He's gonna be helping us out. He...um... He's doing community service here."

"Oh. Well, hi, Jack. I'm Rapunzel but everyone calls me Punzie." Rapunzel introduced herself and put out a hand. He shook it gently, he didn't want to hurt her but she seemed so delicate like china.

"Nice to meet you. Can I just say how pretty you are?" He said.

"Thank you." She blushed deeply.

Suddenly a noise came from the door and Merida stumbled in, her face flushed like she had been running. She gasped for air.

"Word of advice..." She managed to mutter "do not egg... Mr Bunny's house... He may be small but MAN can he run."

"Merida can you even walk down the road without causing some sort of mess?" Jack chuckled.

"Not if I can help it." She laughed, then, she looked at something behind Jack. He glanced at over his shoulder and Hiccup stood there, stiff, wide eyed and biting his lip. Jack but back a laugh.

"You okay there, Hiccup?" He managed. Rapunzel poked his head and he rocked, staying as straight as a stick.

"I think he's a bit... Gob smacked, shall we say?" She giggled, nodding at Merida.

"What? What are ya talkin' about?" She asked, angrily looking between Rapunzel and Jack.

"Um, Hiccup, Rapunzel, this is Merida." Jack introduced, gesturing towards her with his thumb.

"Hi!" Rapunzel waved. There was a moment of silence before Rapunzel nudged Hiccup with her elbow firmly. He relaxed but was still staring at the red head and began to mumble and stutter.