Astrid's POV Elsa grips Merida's shoulder harder, protectively and notify her, "We also...know about your and Eret's situation...Divorce" I'm not prepared for what's coming next. This is too much...even for me. Before Elsa and I can continue, we glance at Dagur and nod, meaning he should leave with everyone, and he does. Instantly that they're gone, and it's only us three, I sigh in relief. I can feel Merida's shoulders relieving tension, too, realizing we're alone. We let go of the hug, and I cup Merida's face. "You know I'm here for you, right. Even Elsa and all our outrageous family," Merida snorts, and that makes us feel better. Elsa puts an arm around her torso and squeezes tight, expressing support. Elsa continued for me, which I was utterly grateful for, "I know it's tough if I were you, I'd be bawling my eyes out so...let go and be vulnerable in front of us...with us" That was all she needed and Merida burst down in tears she looked so broken that it made me cry too. Now all of it's coming back-us getting kidnapped and abused, Merida getting divorced and losing a child, and that broke the dam of tears in us. We just held each other and cried and cried, and...cried. Merida talked with hiccups because of her tears. "I never want kids, but now that I lost one...It still doesn't change that I don't want one, but it...I would've loved that child with all my heart if I had kept it. I need to digest this, please I need a minute. Is that ok?" I nod, and Elsa lets go of the hug and puts her head on Merida's shoulder. After a few minutes, Elsa talks, " I know you would've loved that child a lot. I get it; believe me, I do." Merida roughly wipes her tears with the sleeves and waves her hand in the air. "Enough about me now. How are you guys? Are you fine now? For Thor's sake, say yes" She was talking in such a rush that I couldn't even stop her. I grab her shoulders, stop her and glare at her. "Can you stop thinking about others for once? We aren't changing the subject, first, talk to us and tell us everything." Merida glares back, "Are you guys ok? My pain I don't care about, but yours I can't stand. Also, please, I don't know what I'll do without you guys, so I just...I need to make sure you're ok" I pull her in such a hard hug that it pains my bruises, but I ignore it and just squeeze harder. I hear sniffles, and Merida and I look to our left, not so shocked, to see Elsa crying. I was about to pull her in the hug when she threw herself on us and winced in pain, but like me, she ignored it. Elsa pulls back in anger and smacks Merida's forehead "You knucklehead, as Astrid would say, we are fine. We can't stand the thought of you being hurt, too and can't explain how much we cried seeing you hurt. I'm sorry for the loss of your child" I stared at Elsa and knew that look, she was blaming herself for what happened to Merida, and I couldn't let her continue. I dropped my head in my hands and cried, "It happened because of me, Mer, just me" I looked up, and Elsa looked beyond angry, noticing I took all the blame. Just so she couldn't interrupt, I continued, "If I wasn't distracted and I hadn't got us kidnapped, we would've been safe, and you...you wouldn't have lost your baby. Merida, if anything, I should be the one apologizing because it's all my fa-" The hit threw me off the bed, and I didn't miss Elsa's chuckle. I get up to sit on the bed, and Merida twists my arm so hard, not caring about any pain I'd get. "I'll rip your head off and cut all your limbs if you say anything like this again" She let go of my arm, and I screamed in pain, which only brought satisfaction on Merida's face "Thor's hammer! What was that for?" Merida throws her pillow at my face. "For being an idiot, you fool! It wasn't your fault, and this may sound harsh, but I'm glad this all happened, not the part where you got hurt; I just wanted to make that clear. I mean, we killed Hans and Pitch, all the mafia as well, and I'm a horrible person to say this, but I'm...the chapter of my baby closed before it could begin. With Eret and I getting divorced and probably wanting to get an abortion...I got out of it easily. Thor saved me from making a decision I would've regretted my whole life. Do I sound like a horrible person?" I have no idea how to reply to this. To be honest, it does make sense, but then again, it's very tricky to answer. So I just shaked my head and agreed with her. Thank god Elsa replied to me, "First of all, Astrid" she glared at me and then threw her bag at me, which will cause a bruise. She pointed and laughed at me. "That's for being so stupid and selfless," then she pulled me in a tight hug, "and that's for being the best sister" Well, where have I seen this now? I punched her shoulder as soon as we let go. I mutter, "A real knucklehead." Elsa wipes my tears. "If I hadn't gotten distracted and led us to the van carelessly...you wouldn't have to get hurt and then...Merida wouldn't have lost her baby. I'm sorry, guys and Astrid, for your Thor's sake, stop taking all my blame" Both Merida and I punch Elsa this time. I'm not gonna lie; we should all stop with the violence. Merida being the eldest makes it very clear now, "Listen carefully! As the eldest-" "I'm gonna stop you there, sis, because that's my spot" We all turn to the voice and smirk, knowing well enough this was Dagur. Merida groaned. "Dagur, how many times have I told you not to eavesdrop on us?" Dagur grimaced and ruffled Merida's red wavy hair annoying her not caring about the tangles. I agree. "Yes, Dagur, you have to stop this." Elsa points at me, "What she said! When will you understand Dagur?" Dagur scratched the back of his neck, which reminded me so much of Hiccup, and answered, "Well, I heard Merida crying and then ran here, but then I was just shocked and...and couldn't help but listen to everything else. I'm sorry, guys, that I eavesdropped, but I wanted to protect you and just...I thought if I knew everything, I could help better. I'll try not to eavesdrop again" He scratched his red beard and looked guilty but sincere. I huffed in annoyance. "Alright, we forgive you but don't do it next time. Now promise us!" Dagur traversed his arms and stuck his tongue out. Thor, this is never a good sign "Oh Odin, no! I do not promise anything." We all girls facepalm and yell, "Dagur!" He shivered and flew back in fear of three angry Hoffersons yelling at him. "Loki's children calm down, please" He threw his hands up in surrender and cried. Merida hit him with her pillow and asked, "I'm calmed down but won't be for a long time, so now speak before I lose it; why did you interrupt us?" Elsa and I agree with what Merida said. Dagur sat on the bed, noticing it was safe to come near us. "Well, I was looking for a moment to barge in, and then I heard Merida claiming she's the eldest, which she isn't, and then I ran in" He ruffled Merida's hair again, teasing her and then got smacked. Merida crossed her arms and blew her hair on her head in embarrassment. "Dagur, stop, or I'll kick you out! I am the eldest in the girls, and that's what I meant" Dagur smirked. "Uhuh, sure that's what you meant" This time, I punched him because he was annoying the shit outta me. I made a fist again, threatening him and screamed, "Dagur, for Thor's sake, just tell why you're here!" Dagur threw one arm around me and held Elsa's and Merida's hands together in another hand. "You guys were handling it pretty well, but then you started blaming yourselves, and I couldn't let that happen" A smile crept up on my face noticing the emotions in his voice and love on his face. I hugged his torso and put my head on his shoulder, going through the same feeling Merida and Elsa came forward and hugged him too. We three glued to him like children glued to their parents, and he was smiling like a crazy but adorable puppy. Dagur teased, "Look how everyone hugged me, and here you guys were kicking me out" We all moan annoyingly and get off him, but he screams, pulling us closer, "I was joking!" He hums and smiles like a maniac enjoying this feeling. Elsa pleads, "So complete what you're saying, please." Dagur coughs and gathers himself. "Right...Right...So what I want to say is that...Alright, starting with the Queen of Berk, Astrid, whatever happened wasn't your fault, nothing was, ok?" I nod pretty confidently this time. He faces Elsa. "And you Queenie of Iceland did nothing wrong too. You and Astrid are both stupid for thinking this happened because of you; it didn't. You guys get that?" We both nod, smiling. He takes a deep breath and faces Merida. "You aren't a horrible person to think...you know...what you think, and yes, you were right. I'm glad you didn't have to make a decision you'll regret later by any chance" This was all that Merida needed. We all whined when Dagur tried to leave. "No, stay, please." He laughed and ruffled all our hairs while we groaned at the tangled hair. "Here I'll stay" ~~7 hours later~~ Elsa's POV I groan and lift my head off Dagur's shoulder, looking around, and I notice how we were sleeping and what happened a few hours ago. All the memorable moments clicked in, and I chuckled, waking everyone. Merida yawned, and just like that, everyone did as well because it's so damn contagious. "Alright, do I need to know anything else before I can go home?" Astrid yawns again and replies, "I'm not sure about if you can go home or not, but we do have some exciting news" she takes a break and announces, "We've got a new Hofferson in the clan" Oh right, she didn't know about me being her cousin yet. I expected her to be excited or shocked, but her expression stayed pretty standard. "Yeah, I know Dagur's going to have a girl." Dagur turns to her, hearing his name. "No, there's someone else! Not my princess." Merida's eyes popped out, and she stared at Astrid's belly. "Thor, you're pregnant?" Astrid blushed and yelled out, "No, Odin's beard, no! I'm not" Dagur burst out laughing loudly and fell off the bed due to the imbalance. "Oh, I'll kill Hiccup if he did that," but then he looked horrified and asked Astrid, "Wait, are you? Did he impregnate my baby cousin?" This time I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt. I explained, "No, she isn't, and he didn't!" Dagur mumbled swears under his breath and then announced, "Well, we are horrible at telling the news. So Merida as the eldest" He paused to tease Merida, who smacked his arm and then continued, "The new member is Queen Elsa. If you'd do the honours, your majesty" He bowed down, and Astrid copied him. I laughed at their childish behaviour, still no idea why they call me queen. Out of nowhere, Merida launched herself on me. "Thor, and here I thought I couldn't love you more. I can't explain how much I love you right now but wait, how?" She questioned Dagur, who was still bowed down, so she flicked his forehead with her fingers to bring him back to normal. Dagur winced in pain and stood up straight. "Ouch, yeah, so I grabbed the family tree scroll from the den and found Aunty Iduna there. She and Aunty Helga were Hofferson cousins, so by that, Elsa is part Hofferson." Merida asked curiously in confusion. "How come we never knew? I wish Aunty Helga had found this out in her life because she would've been mad happy" I smile and look down in heartbreak. That is true, mom loved Aunty Helga, and she would've gone crazy if she found out they were related by blood. I know because I love Astrid way more than I did before and others too, of course, but just Astrid more... Dagur sat down on the chair and explained in detail, "So I did some digging while you guys were sick. Now try to take this in because this might get confusing." We all nodded and sat straight in curiosity. "Yes" He starts telling, "So it starts from our great grandparents. They were two brothers, and all had sons no daughters ouch. One of their sons fell in love with a girl they disapproved of, and they disowned him, and that disowned man was your father Elsa. He swore never to tell anyone he was a Hofferson, and he didn't, but I guess now we know. The Hofferson family is huge you know I mean look at us cousins" I got goosebumps when he finished the story, and I hadn't realized that I was crying. Astrid took me in her arms and whispered calming words, "It's ok, Elsa. It's alright...I'm here...I am right here...here with you." I put my hands around her and held her tighter "I love you, Astrid. I love you so much; please don't leave me." Astrid gasped and stuttered, "No...I would...n...never." I cried, "I know." When I calmed down, Astrid asked me, "Are you ok now?" I lightly nodded and murmured, "Yes" She carefully and slowly wiped my tears. Astrid looked in my eyes and asked with concern, "What happened? Do you need me to call a doctor?" I quickly move my head left to right continuously and whisper to Astrid, "Just hold me, please." Astrid holds me correct and chuckles, "You always wanted me to hold you like this all those years ago, and even now, you haven't changed." Feeling better now, I lift my head from her shoulder and whisper, "My mom always said something was missing in her life. She wanted to know more about her family background, but grandpa always said no and would scold her. So, unfortunately, she stopped looking, but then she found Aunty Helga a few years later after his death. She was around 8 or 9 when she met Aunty Helga, and mom always said she was her missing piece. Something she always looked for but couldn't find, and now that I know they're related by blood...I'm happy for her" Astrid played with my hair and started braiding them. I give her a pointed look, and she glares at me. "Trust me; you'll look good." I nod and continue talking. "That's how I felt when I was a kid" I feel her hand jerk in surprise. "I never told you this before, but I didn't have any family. My dad was an orphan, and my mom was the only child with no family around her, so it's normal for me to feel left out and confused about my identity. I found you just because our moms were best friends. I have a lot to thank my mom for; for you mostly, and because of you, I finally found my identity. I'm part Hofferson, and I do have my own family. I have cousins, uncles and aunts. What would I do without you?" Astrid snorted, "Be lost in a deserted island." I groaned and threw a pillow on my face to hide my blush. "That was once!" "Works every time!" She snapped her fingers and laughed. I touch my braided hair and stay dumbfounded. "Wow, this is beautiful. That's it; only you're doing my braids from now on." She held my face in her hands and pecked my forehead. "Though I never felt the same like you because I wasn't alone, I did feel a hole in my chest and that not belongingness only because my parents passed away when I was so young. So now that I have you and as a Hofferson! Thor, this just couldn't get better. I'm complete, and I love you, muttonhead." I threw my head back, laughing, "I love you too, knucklehead" We stayed hugged for a few moments until a cough broke us apart. I looked where the sound came from and...everyone was there, standing by the door, with tears in their eyes. I turn to my right and notice Merida and Dagur crying as well. Apparently, we had forgotten about them too. I cover my face with a pillow in embarrassment, laying in her lap while she plays with my hair ignoring everyone, and I whisper. "Also, thanks for saying that, Astrid; I don't know why but it meant a lot" We stayed in this position; Astrid kept playing with my hair while I stayed in her lap, listening to everyone talk. Merida asked in a whisper, "Where...Where is...Eret?" I saw Dagur and Snotlout making fists. Now it begins. Flynn replied, "He vanished and...we haven't tried to contact him because you know of what he did to you." Merida stayed silent, and then Dagur spoke, "To hell with him! I want them to get divorced, and that's final. No one hurts my family." Merida whispered, "I want to talk to him because I heard him talk to Hiccup before we were leaving for the mission, and he sounded devastated. I just...I...before I make this huge decision, I need to talk to him" Everyone's jaw dropped with confusion and anger, but only Hiccup and Mala looked a bit satisfied and happy for her decision. Snotlout stuttered, "But what he said to you is unacceptable! How can you even talk to him after that?" Merida released a big sigh and explained while holding her tears, "I want to talk to him and ask him that...was I not enough? And he knew...he knew about my childhood, and I had warned him before our marriage. Then why did he hurt my feelings? Was I...Was I not enough?" It's like a dam broke in her, and she cried loud and vulnerably. Her words that were supposed to convince others only made the situation worse. From the looks of everyone, nobody was going to forgive him, but maybe...maybe he deserves a chance to explain himself, but again he had hurt her enough. Dagur made it very clear, "I don't care if you guys forgive him, but I...I won't" He kissed Merida's forehead and calmed her down. Slowly she stopped crying in a good fifteen minutes but still sat hugging Dagur. Merida looked, and Dagur determined, "Call him and tell him to come here; I want to talk to him" Dagur hesitated and raised his eyebrows, but Merida's look forced him to call Eret. He called Eret, and it went straight to voicemail; everyone else called him too, but Eret didn't answer. Only Merida was left, and she dropped her head in her hands and started to cry again. I took out her phone and forwarded it to her. "Think about it, and whatever you decide, we're with you" All of us nodded, including Dagur. Though we disagreed with her decision, we will support her no matter what. Merida's hands shook, holding her phone while she scrolled up and down, finding Eret's number in the contacts. She suddenly stopped, hesitating to tap Eret's number and looked up at us, searching for an answer. Mala put a hand on her back. "Listen to your heart" That's all Merida needed, and she tapped the number. Within a ring, Eret picked up "Merida," seeing the look on Merida's face when she heard his voice. We all glimpsed at each other and exited the room, realizing they needed privacy. She didn't even realize that we had left. Merida's POV Eret picked up and whispered, "Merida" His voice carried all the emotions while he spoke with such affection that it formed guilt in me, which I sure knew didn't belong there. I stayed still in shock, anger, confusion and sadness, all those emotions piled up together, and I couldn't utter a word. Finally, after a good minute, I replied, "Get here, I want to talk to you before I finalize the divorce" I didn't let him finish and ended the call; looking up, I realized everyone had left, and somehow this only made me feel worse. I don't know if I should call them in or let them stay out, even I don't know my own emotions. Now all I can do is wait for him to arrive. ~~15 minutes later~~ I was staring out the window, lost in my thoughts, and then I heard the door creak open. The footsteps were too familiar, and I knew right away who that was. I didn't dare look his way and kept staring at the sky. He came closer and closer and closer, and then he stopped. I didn't make a move, and neither did he. We both waited for the other to speak, but neither of us did. He touched my shoulder and let out with such sincerity, "I'm sorry," and it broke me. Maybe it was just the apology I needed, or perhaps it was his voice, only my heart knows. I turned around to look at him and was shocked to see him...crying. Why am I like this? Is it my fault? But no, I had warned him before we married, and he was aware of it then why...why do I feel this guilt? I asked him, and my voice broke with every word. "Was I not enough?" He brought his hand closer to my cheek but hesitated and pulled the hand away, but I leaned in, and so his hand touched me. He gasped, remembering this familiar feeling and caressed my cheek. Tears rushed down his face, and he nodded left to the right disagreeing, "You were more than enough." I cried, "Then why? I had told you before we got married, right, didn't I?" He nodded quickly multiple times. "Yes, yes you did, I was just too dumb to realize-" and then he suddenly pulled his hand away and put it in his pocket like he always did when he felt guilty. Now I realize that yes, he felt guilty. I pulled him on the bed by my side and spoke lightly. "Realize what?" "I need you more than life" Just like that, he shattered into a million pieces, and his head fell into my collar bone. He fell on my chest and held me with all his dear life as if I would disappear if he let me go. I sat there motionless, not knowing what to say or do and then I asked him the main question, "Do you need kids?" His face was on my chest, and I couldn't see the expression it held "I just need you." I exhaled a deep breath I didn't know I was holding and sighed. "Then why did you even bring up that topic." "When I recused this girl on the mission. As soon as she saw her father, she crazily ran to him, and I guess that did it for me. I just wanted that feeling" I nod, understanding what he meant. I slide my hand in his hair. "Then you should date someone who does want kids because I don't." He takes a pause and then continues, "No, I don't anymore...I only want you." I groan annoyingly. "Eret, we should get a divorce." His head jerked up, and his expression showed as if he would kill someone. "No! Not as long as I'm alive, you're not going away from me." I fell back on the bed and groaned at his stubbornness. "Eret, this topic will come up again, and I don't want to get hurt again. I can't deal with this guilt; you've to be childless because of me. I don't want that, so I will move forward with this divorce." "Merida, if not with you...then I don't want kids, ever. How can I have a kid with someone else when my heart belongs to you" He kissed my forehead and placed his head back on my chest. I dropped my chin on his head and reminded him, "You said you didn't love me anymore." He snorted, "I'm Eret, I'm stupid. Don't you know that? I was angry and said things I didn't mean." I chuckled, and my chin quivered, holding back sobs. "But it sounded real like you really meant it." He sat up straight and held me in his safe hands. "I didn't mean it. I can swear on my deceased mother; I didn't, love, believe me," As soon as he mentioned his mother, I knew he spoke the truth. "I do now" I exhaled and kissed his neck. He sighed, and his shoulders relaxed. "Thank Thor, so will you please not divorce me anymore and forgive this fool who loves you more than anything...please" I looked up, and he was giving me his puppy eyes. Rolling my eyes, I pulled him in a kiss and only then realized how much I had yearned for this. "I forgive you but...but I need time. Will you wait for me?" "Even if it takes an eternity," He promised with confidence. I kissed him again and whispered with my lips still brushing against his, "If I say I still don't want kids, and I am sure I never will. Will you still wait?" He looks at me more confidently and nods. "Even then, also, I don't want kids anymore." I looked at him as if he grew two heads. "What?" He gives me a sure look and explains, "I don't. I babysit Throk's kids, and you wouldn't believe the trouble they bring with them. Thor, I don't want kids anymore." I throw my head back, laughing and add, "Yup, they sure are annoying. So no kids then?" He stared into my eyes and kissed the tip of my nose. "I don't! I swear on my love for you, I swear on my deceased parents, I swear on Thor, I swear on-" I shut him up with a deep kiss When we part panting, I look up and stare into his deep eyes. "Ok, ok, I believe you." He whispers, "Good." I look down at my hands and whisper back, "Did you know I was pregnant?" I stared at his face expecting him to tear up but what he said shocked me. "I do, and it hurts to say, but I'm glad the chapter closed before it could open. Also, it wasn't even a baby yet. Literally the size of a pea, so it doesn't matter" I don't know what took over me; I suddenly leaned in and kissed him again. With passion and emotions, I couldn't understand. "Woah, want me that bad, love?" He smirked and kissed me behind my ear, knowing well enough that turned me on. I pushed him off and smirked back. "Nope, I don't. That was just to show some appreciation" I take a deep breath and turn serious now, "But I still need some time to think this through" "Again, I'll wait even for an eternity" Eret grabbed my hand kissed my knuckles. I teased him, "You better, otherwise I'm sending Dagur and Astrid your way" I can't even imagine the words he must've heard while I was unconscious. He paled and shrieked, "Thor's sake, no!" I drop my head on his chest and let him hold me. "Ok, then you better treat me better." "I swear on the universe; I will now. Not better but the best, and I'll wait for you, even for an eternity, I'll wait for you" He kissed me on the face, then my neck, then my hands, then my arms...everywhere he could. Soon we both fell asleep in each other's arms. Astrid's POV I hugged Hiccup tighter and complained, "Ugh, my back hurts." Hiccup tightened his grip on me and laughed. "Well, it's a hospital bed; what do you expect?" He cringed and added, "I've no idea why they use this for patients; I mean, aren't they supposed to feel comfortable." "No, Hiccup, I meant because of the bruises. You have to stop agreeing with whatever I say" I glared at him, and he gulped, frightened. I adore how he agrees with whatever I say, but sometimes I'd appreciate it if he gives his own opinion. He started stammering as usual while throwing his arms everywhere. "No, Milady, I could never disagree with you. You are way smarter than me, and you carry the brains in the relationship...So you're always right-" He gulped and continued, "Also, I don't have the guts to ever disagree with you." I rolled my eyes and pulled him in a kiss by the collar. "You're something else, Haddock." "So I am" He made a bold move and pulled me in for a kiss. This is something always I do and not him. He held me protectively and showed such possessiveness that it made me feel all types of emotions. I've never seen this Hiccup before, and he's definitely something else. When we part, I ask him, baffled, still trying to gain back my consciousness, panting heavily, "Woah, babe, where did that come from? Never seen this side of you before, not that I'm complaining or anything." He pecked my nose. "Just because I love you." I rolled my eyes and pulled him in a kiss just like I always do. "Dork." He drops his head on my collar bone and smiles. "But I'm your dork." "That you are," I chuckled "Oh well, the conversation took a passionate turn. So how are you feeling now? You said your back hurt?" He lifted his head and stared into my eyes, worried. I yawned and replied, "Better now, babe, better." Hiccup groaned. "I wanna go home," I hummed in response, meaning yes. My eyes were about to shut that the door opened, and Merida came out looking fresh and happy...? I'm assuming they are back together, which I'm not in favour of. We all gather on the bed I'm sitting on, waiting for Eret and Merida to say something. Their faces said enough, but the words were needed to make sure. Eret coughed and started, "Merida and I are back together-" I cut his speech, "Not in favour of" Eret looks down guilty, and everyone agrees with me with a nod. Merida whispered with gritted teeth, "Astrid-" The Hofferson in both awakened. I stand up and walk to her. "No, Merida, I can't let you walk in this again! What if...What if he repeats this or what if-" Merida threw her arms up in the air and yelled back with tears in her eyes, "You think I haven't thought this through? I have and...I don't know Astrid; I don't know. My heart says I want this, and he promised he wouldn't do it again. Can't you be on my side?" "First of all, I know he'll do it again because men are assholes," Everyone yells, stopping me. Snot cried, "Do you think I'm a woman? Or any of us guys here?" All the guys nodded and looked the same amount of hurt. All of a sudden, all the guys became self-conscious and started asking their partners. "Malapoo, am I a bad husband? Have I ever hurt you?" Dagur grabbed Mala's face in his hands and waited for her answer. Mala kissed him. "No, my love, you're the best." The other guys asked simultaneously, "Have I ever hurt your feelings?" All the girls looked at me and smacked their heads. I threw my hands up. "Alright, just not you guys but other men, yes, they suck, including Eret over there" I point at Eret, and he looks down, ashamed. Merida came forward and pressed her hands on my shoulder. "Astrid, do you not trust me?" I sigh and reply, "Of course I do; I just don't trust him, Mer. What if he hurts you again? I won't be able to stand it, and I am not...strong enough to see you hurt" I started crying vulnerably. Merida pulled me in a hug right away and sobbed, "I know he won't and...and if he does again, I'll divorce him. But I'm sure he won't, so please for me try to forgive him." I start complaining, "I...I Merida n-" She stopped me and caressed my cheek in a motherly way. "Please" I chuckled and cried in defeat. "Alright, alright, I'll try, but it'll take time to regain my trust" I stepped towards Eret, grabbing his collar I threatened, "I swear on my Thor if you ever...ever hurt her again, there's no one alive in this universe to save you from me. I'll rip your limbs off, slit your throat and-" Elsa wrapped her arms around my torso and pulled me back. "Astrid, that man will die in fear; God's sake, let him go!" I folded my arms. "Ok" Merida yells out of nowhere, startling everyone, "To her, she'll listen!" Everyone slightly nodded, agreeing with her. "Hey! I listened to you too! See, I'm trying to forgive your man" I rolled my eyes and yelled back. Merida smacked my head. "Well, yeah, but after threatening him to the point, he's trembling in fear!" I murmured, "Right." "Astrid, I'm not getting back with him right away; I need some time to think this through so you don't have to worry" She sighed and sat on the bed. I looked down, ashamed. "Right, I'm sorry I just cut you off at the start." She smiled. "It's ok but just have trust in me; you know I'll make the right decision." I answered with a confident face, "I trust you with everything I have, Merida" she smiled in gratitude. There's pin-drop silence, and we all were thinking of what to say or ask. I had many questions, some afraid to ask and others I didn't want answers. The unexpected happened, and Eret spoke, "I'm sorry, guys. I know I'm an idiot, and I've hurt Merida enough, but please know that those weren't my intentions. Emotions took over me, and I said words I didn't mean. Do forgive me for that and accept me as the Eret you knew before...please." I turn to Hiccup as if expecting him to answer all my unsaid questions. "I know, Astrid, I know, but please try to forgive" I barely nod, letting him and everyone who heard him know that I may in time forgive Eret. Ruffnut stood up all of a sudden and explained, "Eret, I speak for all when I say do not hurt her again and slowly we'll be able to forgive you" This couldn't have been said better. Eret pushed everyone out of the way and jumped on Ruffnut, squeezing the life out of her "Thanks so much, Ruff!" I yelled, separating them, "Hey! Still not forgiven!" Dagur walked up to him and said nose to nose, "Eret, don't hurt her" Before he could continue, he got punched in the face by Merida and landed by Mala's feet. Merida facepalmed, "Honestly, guys, who do you think I am? I am a Hofferson through, and through I'll kick his ass and then divorce him if he repeats shit. Also, I told you all that I am taking some time to think this through, so Thor's sake, don't worry right now." Everyone mutters a quiet "Yes" under their breath while Dagur rubs his cheek. Elsa got off the bed and announced, "Alright, Merida will stay with us until she makes her mind and everyone heads home." Eret complained, "No, Merida can stay home, and I'll rent a place until she is ready." Merida was about to agree with Eret but looking at Elsa's and my face, she sighed. "Elsa's right; I'll stay with them. I think...I think I need them right now" I smiled and nodded in gratitude. Turning my head towards Elsa, I realized she did the same. Snotlout jumped on the bed. "Guys, let's head home." I raised a brow, "And you had to jump on the bad to say that?" Moving my head to Ruffnut, I asked with concern, "Are you sure you want to marry him?" "I kinda have to now; we spent loads of money on the wedding venue already," She replied, acting sad, but when Snotlout's jaw dropped, and tears appeared in his eyes, she chuckled, "I'm kidding, babe" And within a second he started kissing her everywhere on the face telling her how gorgeous she is. I gagged, "Yes, we definitely should head home." Jasmine entered the room. "Hi, guys, nice to see you all. I knew you all were coming" Rapunzel smiled and looked at everyone. "What can we say? We love each other" Jasmine smiled in return. We only were a few cousins, and we loved each other to death. Our parents always ignored us, and some of us didn't even have any, so our love for each other multiplied by millions. Jasmine turned to Merida. "Alright, so Merida, you're fine now, and you are good to go, but please do keep me updated if anything happens. You guys have my number. And Aladdin's, of course," We all nod because last time we were here, she shared their numbers and strictly told us to call or message if they ever need anything; so Jasmine smiled and exited the door. "Great! Have a good one, guys." Jack, who was asleep the whole time, woke up and yawned. "Can we go now? Oh, hi Merida!" I turned to Elsa and asked, frightened, "Are you sure you want to date him?" Everyone else shared the same look. She rolled her eyes and nodded. Looking to my left, I realized Jack slept again. He's drugged because no human can sleep this much. Now I do want to go home and just cuddle with Hiccup. It hurts how he doesn't wish to, though; whenever I try to lay down with him, he moves away inches, and that breaks my heart. Just one thought haunts me "Does he not want me anymore?" Before I start crying and gain attention, I take a deep breath and shove these thoughts out of my brain or shut them in a room I'll open later when I'm alone and safe to cry. "Have a good night, guys!" Saying this, everyone goes home except Mala and Dagur as they wanted to wait for us to leave; they wanted to make sure everyone was gone before they left. It's kind of funny how the heads of the families married each other, and now they act as our eldest siblings or parents sometimes, depending on the situation. We walked to the car, and Dagur kissed mine Elsa's and Merida's forehead and gave us a big hug; he held onto us for whole long minutes. Mala kissed Hiccup's and Jack's cheek. They both headed to their car once we were in ours. I love them; it's unbelievable how much I do. Merida ordered, "Jack and Hiccup sit in front, Astrid and Elsa sit with me in the back" We did as told. In around 4 hours, we reached home, and I realized this was the first time Merida was visiting us; this got me excited. Elsa realized the same "Oh my god, Merida, this is the first time you're at our house" Merida laughed and rolled her eyes at our immaturity. Jack unlocked the door, and Elsa and I hurriedly dragged Merida into the house. "Astrid and Elsa, be careful your feet are hurt!" She snapped, and we both groaned. This is her mom's side showing up. I replied, "Ok, mom." Elsa didn't care and showed her the whole house. "This is it! Do you like it?" She waited impatiently for her answer, and I found that adorable. Merida touched her cheek. "It's beautiful," Elsa squeaked like a child who just got her favourite toy, and here I'm sitting with a simple smile. It was scarce of me to show any emotions, and I think it's maybe because I'm not used to it. I hate showing emotions, and I think it makes you look weak and an easy target for others. "It's 11 pm now, shouldn't we sleep? Especially Merida," I just realized and told them. We really should sleep, considering we are hurt. Merida yawned as soon as I mentioned sleep. "Yeah, we need to sleep. So where's the guest bedroom?" Woah, now hold on, she's isn't a guest "Merida, you'll sleep with me in my bedroom. Hiccup can sleep on the couch in the living room" Elsa raised her index finger to talk, but I glared at her. "Over my dead body! Elsa, go and sleep with your boyfriend" She stepped back and forth, trying to make a decision, but she sighed in defeat and headed to her bedroom after saying goodnight. The hiccup came in the bedroom shirtless and grey sweatpants. "Milady, do you know where my night suit is?" I stayed dumbfounded and kept admiring the view. His tough abs, which were staring right at me, I know it's not possible, but I swear it felt like. Merida's cough brought me back to reality, and my cheeks turned bright red. "Umm, babe," I call him and wait for him to see Merida in the room. Is he blind? He pokes his head out of the Chester drawer, and his entire face turns red. He quickly grabs a random shirt and puts it over his head. I screamed and laughed, seeing that it was my hoodie he put on and might I add, he looked adorable. He blushed harder. Merida smacked her head "Hiccup, for the love of Thor, go and sleep out on the couch." "Yes, ma'am. Good night" Just like that, he left. Merida slapped the back of my head, bringing me out of my thoughts. "Help me, Freya...Now, why are you embarrassed?" I mumbled under my breath, "He looked hot." Merida chuckled and said, surprised, "I had no idea he had abs. What secret potion did you give him, girl?" Flipping my hair dramatically, I replied, "My love." She laughed harder. "No, really, I had no idea he had abs. I mean, he's Hiccup." "It was a shock to me too, and boy it was" I remembered that day like yesterday. We were making out, and I expected he'd have a flat stomach as he shows, but abs weren't even close to my expectations. When I took off that shirt, we stopped, and I stayed speechless for a good minute. It was a shock. "So what about Elsa?" She asked with a serious face. Everything that happened till now rushed into my mind. "What about her?" I knew she did nothing, but my heartbeat thought otherwise. Merida inhaled a deep breath. "She didn't talk to me in the car, and it breaks my heart. Did I do something?" Oh no, I can't let her think that, so I rush my words out, "No, oh Thor, no! She was drained today, and you're overthinking it" Suddenly, I feel terrible getting flashbacks of Hiccup pushing me away when I cuddle with him. Merida pushed my head up and looked into my eyes. "What's wrong?" "Hiccup doesn't love me anymore" She laughed like an idiot. She said in between her laughs, "You fool, that guy worships the ground you walk on" "Yeah, right," I scoffed. Merida ignored me. I punched her arm. "Why are you ignoring me?" She smacked her head. "Because that's a silly question." I part my lips to reply, but she interrupts me "Nah ah, he loves you and thats it. Let's talk about something else." I inquire "Ok so what will you do about Eret now?" She dropped her head in her hands. "Well, we're on a break right now" "Ooh, like the one in Friends?" I guessed and pointed out playfully. Merida got mad and defended, "They. Were. Not. On. A. Break" I rubbed my forehead with my fingers and cried out, "Here we go again." I just don't get it; They were on a break! This is an ongoing argument that will never resolve. I put my hands up in surrender "Ok you win, They weren't" not wanting to continue arguing. We both quite down and I notice her eyebags and the colour of her face. These few days had ruined my cousin. All I wanted to do was hug her, but I couldn't. That would mean I'm feeling sympathy, and she hates it so much. I end up saying nothing, and we both soon fell asleep. Hoping when we wake up tomorrow everything will go normal again.