Confessions of a Third Wheeler

The Bear Queen

"I need your help."

"What is it?"

"It's about my mum."

There have been noises of shuffling then a closing of a zipper, "And?" said the voice on the other line.

Merida rolled her eyes, "If you haven't been paying any attention, my mum is a total monster!"

"I think that's an exaggeration, Mer." A shuffle, "We did thought of our parents as monsters growing up. I get it your mom's overly strict but that's because she loves you."

She groaned, "Not you too. I don't want to hear this right now! Just sympathize with me, 'kay? She's here in my room again, she invited —wait, no, forced me to some fancy restaurant today for an evening dinner with the family, she said, and I haven't consented yet but she's still waiting outside. Knowing my mother, she'll not take no for an answer. I'm in the bathroom, by the way."

"So that's why you're whisper-shouting," He said. Sounding like his soul have felt better like he uncovered a mystery, "Seriously, Mer, It can't be that bad. Maybe she's making up for the bad days, you know, parents do regret something and she's actually making an effort for you. Just try it for her, if not, try for your brothers and your dad. Plus! there'll be high class foods there and your parents gonna pay for you. Think about that."

Merida snorted, "Are you actually giving me a pep talk right now? You're hopeless, Haddock. But thank you anyway, maybe I'll do that. You sure know how to wind me up when it comes to food."

"That's the spirit! You can do it and if you need more of my empowering words, I'm right here and still packing my stuff." a loud thump and a hurried pacing, "Shit—I forgot to unplug the toaster, call you later, Mer!" The line went out.

Merida sighed and looks into the mirror—to her. This is going to be a challenge. She got out of the bathroom and when she saw her mother dusting her shelf with a black cloth, she can't help but to shriek, "What are you doin'? Ugh, nevermind—is that my shirt?"

The look on her mother's face was stoic, "These shelves are dusty and," she held up a used tissue paper, "Really? You can't even throw this in the trash. This shirt of yours is worn out. I don't know how you put up with these—" she cuts off, clearly stopping herself from mocking her any further and looks at Merida in the eyes with a gentle expression, "Have you made up your mind?"

"Yep, I refuse to go."

"Have you really thought about it?"

"Yes, I have. I might've considered but you put me off with your usual constrain on me." Merida said, not blinking, "There's the door. Goodbye, mother."

Elinor reached for her daughter's hand, "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop myself. Oh, do come, Merida. Your father and brothers have missed you. I missed you."

Merida couldn't argue with her, not right now, and not with her mother looking like that. She had denied her countless of times and this was not the first time she felt guilty. She knew her mother was playing the pity game and her mother also knew she was but a sucker, "Okay."

Her mother smiled so hard Merida thought her face might break in to two. "But no condescension or any nagging I'll hear from you."

Her mother took a sharp breath (Merida rolled her eyes) and closed her eyes, it seems she was counting one to five when she opened them—"Alright."

Merida nodded her head and grabbed her duffel bag, "Let's go."

"Hold on, you can't possibly wear that!" Her mother pointed at her choice of outfit, respectively.

"Wearing a ripped jean and a Ramones tee doesn't qualify of a heinous crime, mum, and you agreed to no nagging."

"We are going to a nice restaurant, Merida, just this once, I beg of you."

Choosing a path of peace, Merida grumbled about mothers and their insistence, "Do I have a choice?"

She never has seen her mother brighten up before, and now she did. She looked younger and happier. Her mother looked like the beautiful woman she had been, fourteen years ago—back when her eyes were glinting with happiness and her spirit was as high as the sky.

Merida's heart slowly reached out for Elinor.

What havoc did she agreed upon to?

She stared at the human-sized mirror. If only her eyes could make something explode— the mirror would be the first one then she and the dress, wait no, the dress would be the first. She likes dresses; really, she even owned at least four. Flowy dresses just above her ankle are her guilty pleasure, in contrast to people only thought of her as a tomboy who dresses up like a frustrated feminist with daddy issues. "Wow, you're a Boho-fied cutie!" Anna had remarked once when seeing Merida in her comfortable dress, but this one... It's not the type she's used to. It's too form fitting. It shamelessly hugged her form. It's shorter than her standard shorts! Jesus. What did fashion designers think when they created a dress supporting only one shoulder? And talk about the price! It's plain stupid... And she doesn't like seeing her bare back. There's, at least, eight zits there that could count as a constellation across her back, but thank god her wild mass of a hair covered them up.

Although, she furiously thanked herself for shaving her legs and armpits earlier...

She saw her mother on the reflection, just behind her, wearing her proud face. "You look elegant, Merida darling."

"I look like a ninny."

"Oh hush, you're exquisite." Her mother stepped out of the changing room and she could hear her mother talking to the assistant, "We'll take it. And oh, do you have a silver Scarpin size 8?"

Merida huffs, "Mum, remember what I said earlier?"

"What am I supposed to do? Pair that beautiful dress with a..." Her mother grimaced, looking at her shoes like they were made by Satan himself.

"Converse—"

"Yes, converse. I know you've been wearing that with dresses, looking all like that gothic, flower-power ladies you idolize too much, but your shoes right now are downright sullied. Do you even wash them?"

"Okay, geez, stop judging me, I'll wear your kind of fancy shmancy shoes." She said, crossing her arms, and then uncrossing them when she realized it made her boobies bigger because of the dress, "If I get to choose the shoes for me."

Elinor squinted her eyes, "A classy shoes, then done."

Merida looks at the saleslady, who'd been witnessing their feud with enthrallment, like she's watching a Lifetime movie, "I'd like a galapagos green Lita, size 8, please."

And now she's agreeing for a makeover.

It's not like she didn't tried fending herself off her mother's annoying invasion. She did, multiple times, told her that her face and hair is fine enough.

"You look stressed out."

"Because I am!"

"Relax, darling, and your face is oily, same thing as your hair, only greasier. Heavens, what do you use?"

She's tired arguing, oh how she longed for a snack. But the salon was far away from any 7Eleven and Walmart, and its neighbors are high end stores and rival companies, her mouth instantly craved for a food; Cheetos, pringles, and oh god—pizza! And her mother would possibly deny her that comfort. Speaking of mother, Elinor sat on the wide, white sofa, reading a magazine (definitely Cosmos) while the hairdresser is looking like she's cursing her on her mind.

It's not my fault I don't brush my hair.

The minutes, hours gone by and Merida could swear her butt is numb from sitting for god-knows hours. The scent of her hair gave off a pleasant smell. So far, so good. She haven't seen her hair or face yet as her mother insisted to be a surprise. Well, there's no surprise that her mother would say that. And so, she was led into a mirrorless room for the magical transformation like a lab rat she is. After all the agonizing brushing, the tingly feel of her head, the dabbing of presumably chemicals on her face, the excruciating torture is over. The hairdresser slash makeup artist, Marnie— it said on her nameplate, had a proud look on her face when she presented Merida to her mother.

Elinor gave out a yelp.

"Am I still not socially acceptable enough?" She snorted out.

"You look so beautiful, Merida." Her mother earnestly said.

She looks at the full-length mirror behind her and her mouth hang agape. "I look..." she studied the face looking back at her, blinking if she is her, she is! Her hair is still curly but the wildness of it has tamed and prettily styled. She touched it to feel the softness. And her face...she didn't know whether to appreciate it or scorn at it, "Incredulous."

"You've done a wonderful job, Marnie." Her mother said, smiling at the woman.

"Indeed." The hairdresser replied.

But Merida wasn't all too happy. She looks at the mirror again and sees herself, her other self looking back at her saying inside her mind; you can't eat too much or this'll be in ruin!

The restaurant has a nice atmosphere. Warm and elegant. The only off putting is that its name is The Locals, and Merida thought how stupid it was. You have to get a month's reservation and it isn't easy. She understands why her mother was so adamant about the dinner. Merida could see the people's lives here: some are here for business matters, some for sophisticated dates and others are here just to pronounce wealth. Tonight, neither label would she ever be. She stopped being the rich man's daughter, who was prim and utterly proper, the moment she decided to be on her own. Merida thought how many of the folks here have ever worked with their bare hands? Probably haven't.

Merida looked to see her mother gently nodding to the woman, four tables away from them, the woman raised her champagne with a perfectly manicured fingers holding the glass with ease at Elinor, then looks at Merida and raised her eyebrows and smirked, as if to say she loves the dress Merida is wearing. Merida isn't a snob, and definitely isn't clueless to the function of society, the wealthy people often flash their money with dresses, jewelries and sickening smile to each other, as a mean of pronouncing themselves without ever greeting one another.

Her eye easily caught the huge form of her father, sitting on his chair with masculinity and poise, and laughing at something the three young boys beside him had said—his eyes turned to look at her way, and their similar eyes met.

"Wee lassie!" Her father stood up, large and tall. She forgotten her etiquette right there when she ran to their table, to where her father was waiting with outstretched hands. Merida embraced the person who'd been supporting her though thick and thin. She smelled pine-trees and smoke, and it brought a memory of her when she was just a child, running through the woods and laughing with her father as he tried to catch her. She missed her father so much. "Look at ye! Yer a bonnie one! That's fer sure!"

"Da! I'm not little anymore!"

"Are ye sure about that?" Her father said, pinching her cheeks, he turned to the people in their tables, "Look at me daughter!" He said out loud, and she could see her mother face-palming from her side. "The pride of Dunbroch!"

"Haud yer wheesht, Fergus!" Elinor said, crossing her arms.

"Gonnae no' dae that, Eli! It's been months since I saw me lady bairn!" He said, joyfully, and pulled the chair for Elinor and Merida. He's still a gentleman, no matter how loud and ruckus he was.

"Thank you." Elinor said, sitting straight, she looked at Fergus, "Tone it down, hun, do you want the people here to gawk at us? You're disrupting the peace."

"They can kiss me arse."

Snorts and giggles had escaped from the young boys, Elinor was not at all amused— giving them that look shut them up, even Fergus.

"Devils," Merida smirked at her younger, identical brothers, and they smirked back at her. The last time she saw them was Thanksgiving, and that was a year ago from now. They're likely teenagers and she loathed to found out that they're taller than her now.

"Oh hush, Merida, your brothers are now the perfect gentlemen, right boys?"

Merida knew they were faking it up when they nodded in unison, even clasping their hands in front of them with added effect of innocence. Merida didn't buy it, not one bit, even when Hubert asked her how her day was; Harris telling her the nice weather; and Hamish politely complementing her look.

"She is wonderful," her mother agreed. The waiter came to fetch their orders, and Merida found herself intrigued when she ordered meat and her mother didn't protest (her mum raised her to be a vegan since the day she could chew, but to no avail) that's where her unusual dinner begun.

Hiccup let a sigh escape his mouth.

He finally sorted out his things, done mentally checking his list; the relief was written on his face, plopping down on his bed, he looked at the ceiling. It was bland in color; beige, was it? Hiccup had a plan in mind when he first arrived at his apartment; he could decorate it, paint the walls, add some things he'd like, put a few posters of Bjork (but deciding not to because Flynn would visit and make some comments about it) and instead he pinned his sketches and drawings, a touch of familiarity; it was to be his temporary home.

Home.

He'll come home, soon, in ten hours or less.

He imagined the scene when he comes home and being able to see his friends personally again. Toothless will sure bounced up and down when he sees him. Hiccup really missed his dog, his companion and best friend.

He missed his dad. Despite of their misunderstandings, Hiccup found it hard to say goodbye when he'd first gotten his acceptance letter. He knew his father didn't approve of them; his passion, his chosen university, his want to explore, and Hiccup's decision to decline his father's offer of being a village chief. He knew he broke his father's heart, but in the end, his father let him be, with a proud smile on his face and a firm hug, "Come back home, son." His father had said.

Breaking out of his reverie, his eyes stared to look at the ceiling; he hated the color of it, he'll have to paint it...sky blue or cerulean, just like someone's eyes he grew fond of, but it'll have to wait.

He'll go back home first.

Reaching for his cellphone, Merida had texted him, minutes ago.

From: (Princess Merida of Pringletown)

Hey

Hey? wassup?

just wanted to text ya that im havin lamb for dinner n possibly rosemary n peppers coz restaurants do them ol de time

He smirked, replying...

To: (Princess Merida of Pringletown)

Just finished packing and thank god toothless is finally asleep

Don't forget truffles and fishes' eggs ;)

Have a nice dinner, princess

The food was tasty. That's all Merida could judge.

Maybe her taste for gourmet meals has vanished ever since she started eating Chinese takeouts. Of course she couldn't really choose, she's tight on her budget and it's not like she can afford lamb salad with fregola like the one she's eating right now. But if you compare it, the haggis back home is much more savory than the eighty dollar a plate meal nowadays. And the contents are damned miniscule, fucks sake!

"Eat the leeks, boys." Her mother said, sternly looking at the three boys poking their dinner with careful disinterest, "or no desserts." The last sentence/threat would make anyone eat whatever they're forced to take, and the boys begrudgingly complies, looking painful while swallowing their braised leeks...not even the mozzarella toppings could take away the flavor.

There's nothing wrong at her mother's order; Scallop Sashimi with Meyer Lemon Confit, even of its absurdly small quantity, her mother would always pick the ones Merida will never order willingly. But there is something the matter when her mother smiles up at her every few minutes, casually asking Merida if she'd like to order more. That couldn't be right...she guessed she'll have to wait for dessert to come.

They were eating their dessert, chocolate truffle— obviously, all expensive foods starts with truffles. All those reality cooking show can attest to that. And add shaved gold to the top of it, and then you might as well shit million dollars in cash. Merida didn't mind it at all, especially when her parents would pay for whatever she's eating, and the fact that the truffles are undeniably delicious, although her eyes scanned her mother's face for any sign of motive; she found none, yet.

Merida was suspicious.

Her right to suspect proved to be correct when her mother granted her to have another batch of soufflé, which her mother from these past years never do unless she wants something from Merida without really pointing at said something. And the fact that Elinor moved gracefully, smiling at her daughter when she caught her gaze, there was a flash in her eyes, fleeting, but Merida caught on it. Her mother is too careful, equivocally so.

Beneath the table, her hand gripped her phone, with practiced skill she acquired growing up, she texted Hiccup and hit send.

To: (VikingBoii)

my fam is acting crazy af

dad hasnt finishd his steak n hasnt ordrd for another

thats weird

txt me bck hic im gettin worried here

It was awfully quiet now, unlikely for her family, even her talkative father was silent as he took a bite from his food, his steak was shockingly unfinished and his slice of velvet cake was barely touched, her real father wouldn't do that. Wouldn't disrespect food like that, he worship them and sanctioned them inside his belly. She looked at the time; 09:15 pm, she wondered if they'll stay like this for the whole evening and if that be so, she'll likely go mad.

The boys were shooting her glances—that kind of glance you give to homeless person and runned down animals on the street; pity glances with no resolution.

"Um, what is happening?"

Damn, she hadn't meant to say that out loud, but the pressure was building up on her, someone had to say the matter.

After long, painful silence...

"You tell her, Fergus."

So there's something wrong.

Her father looked at Merida, to Elinor, and to the boys, to Elinor again, and then to Merida, his mouth hang open, when words can't produce, he glanced back at Elinor.

"Oh for heaven's sake!" Elinor scowled at her husband, "Your father and I accepted a proposal."

Merida scrunched her forehead in confusion, "I'm sure that's what you do in business."

"No," her mother smiled at her, taking Merida's hand, gently, "A marriage proposal for you."

A marriage

Her mother beamed at her.

proposal

She could hear the loud sound of metal against plate. She unknowingly dropped her fork.

for

The sudden atmosphere suffocated her, her hands grew cold. Emotions clouding her mind, negative ones.

you.

"YOU DID THE FUCK WHAT?" Merida has always acted on impulse. Standing up abruptly, some customers nearby looked at their table—eyes glinting ready for drama.

Elinor would have none of it. "Sit down, Merida, and please, be mindful of your language. Calm down."

She sat down, but not because her mother told her to, it's the fact that the rich folks are watching them—her, with their hawk-eyes.

"Now, I'm sure you're quite surprised—"

"Oh! I'm not just surprised, mother, I'm all beyond surprise!" She gritted her teeth, barely shouting while keeping her tone acidic.

"Your father and I thought it best if—"

Merida looked at her father, glaringly; he surrendered his arms in defeat, shaking his head, "I didnae know 'twas a marriage proposal!" Elinor glared at him too. He bowed his head to avoid being shamed by the women in his life.

"We, your father," Elinor pronounced him thickly, "and I thought it best if one of the sons of our partners will be paired with you, our only daughter."

"This isn't eighteenth century, mum! You can't just give me away like I'm some cattle!" Gripping her head, a few curls got out of her styled hair, "this is a punishment, isn't it?"

Elinor scowled, "No, It will give me the utmost pleasure knowing my daughter's future is secured and her wellbeing is safe."

"Ooh, it's not about that, not at all, how can you be so selfish?"

Elinor's expression hardened, "I did it for you, and don't you understand that? How could you be so ungrateful?"

"How can I understand the concept of you metaphorically selling me?"

The tension was deep. Their staring contest was unbearable to the boys—who find themselves staring at their unfinished ice cream that's now melted. Fergus—big, strong Fergus didn't want to butt in, he knew this was something very personal for his wife and daughter.

Merida glanced about the place, she wanted to get out, her mind is telling her to go and run as fast as she can.

"Excuse me for a minute; I need to go to the restroom." She calmly said. Her mother nodded her head; thinking Merida was finally warming up to her idea.

She walked with confidence, and when she saw the door of the ladies-room, she turned to the other way—to the door where her freedom would be.

How many minutes would it take for them to figure out that I won't come back?

"Hello?"

"Hiccup?Whereareyou?Areyou stillinyourapartment?Haveyou seenmytexts?DoyouhaveDoritos?"

"Whoa, hold on, take it easy, and breathe." He heard an exhale from the other line, "Okay, good. So, what ails you, fair maiden?"

"I need your help, Hiccup."

"But I'm on my way to the airport—"

"Please?"

"I'm sorry, Mer, or I'll gonna be late."

Her voice was barely a whisper, "Oh, okay." it sounded cracked, "Stay safe then, best of luck." This was the very first time he heard her like this...he hated himself for disappointing her.

Hiccup got out of the cab; he then proceeded to get his luggage out of the trunk. "Keep the change, thanks again." He waved off the cab driver. He stared at his phone, and then to the area he was dropped at.

Huh.

So this is what uptown looks like.

Nothing was amiss, it looks like a well cleaned neighborhood, except this was a street and there's no such thing as average houses except marveling penthouses, classy stores;few cars stood by on the side that were appearing upscale, certainly seems the owners are in a competition to whomever has the new Lambo or what set of Ferrari looks good.

He tried to remember the street he's supposed to go and he's got no idea where he was. Fortune seemed to smile upon him when he happened to come across a presumably middle aged woman, dressed like a character from Downton Abbey (Violet Crawley, maybe) —he went for a smile, "Excuse me, ma'am, I'm a bit lost, would you mind if I ask you where might this location be?" he showed her the address, she frowned slightly seeing it.

The woman glanced at him, briefly, moving away slowly, and then stopped, as if she now understood he wasn't from this part of town. "You'll have to go there," pointing the way ahead of them, "and turn left, then walk until you see the sign." She moved past him, not giving him a chance to speak any further and went away.

No thanks for the instructions, he thought. Hiccup, clutching his luggage, made his way and to hell with directions.

The Locals.

The sign was clear, with a classic font from a diner. The red and white lights dancing to his periphery and below it a bright four stars erupted proudly.

With a sigh, he walked towards a restaurant, he notices few cars proudly presented for onlookers. Eyeing the front of the restaurant, he instantly knew it's for the rich people and he laughed at the absurdity of its name.

He rounded up on the corner, on the far side, not wanting to be a display outside a fancy restaurant, especially when the guard was looking at him; thoroughly looking at him like he's expecting Hiccup to dress in a tux and has wads of Benjamin Franklin with a black 2016 McLaren.

Of course, Hiccup had neither of that, and the guard sensed it too.

"Psssst!"

He looked around to see someone; no one. The guard obviously didn't hear it, did Hiccup really heard that at all?

"Here, Haddock!" Someone whisper-shouted, he turned to look at the source and found that source in the dark alleyway.

"What—Merida, what are you doing there?"

"What does it look like I'm doing? Obviously hiding! Come here, you fool!"

With a chuckle, Hiccup dragged his luggage as he walked to her spot, only then he notices the outline of Merida's body against her gloomy hideout.

Was she really that curvy before?

He might have blushed but her voice came first, "Swear to god, don't laugh at me, 'kay? Or I'll damn ripped your eyes off and sew your mouth shut."

That is Merida, he thought and he couldn't help himself retorting back, "Geez, such expression of your love to me, I feel myself crying with joy."

"Shut it."

He would've responded something witty, one that would make her chuckle—but no, his sentence died when she stepped out of the shadow with clicks on the pavement, the light from the lamppost surrounded her form and all he could do was stupidly gawk at her.

Is she really Merida?

Because what he's seeing is a lady in a tight cerulean blue dress, hugging her unnoticeable-until-just-now form in all the right places, it ended at the middle of her thigh, exposing her legs —how the hell did she get so leggy? — The dress wasn't all that provocative, rather it has a flare of sultriness while remaining classy; Of course, these are the things Merida would often avoid.

Still eyeing up her, he only then just noticed the lack of amusement on her face, a flash of irritation in her eyes, and her mouth was moving, violently.

She was talking to him. Snapped out of it!

"Er...what?" He said after his ears finally received her voice, the sound was Merida-harsh.

"Are you daft?" Yep, this fine lady is Merida alright.

"You're just so pretty."

What the actual fuck?

Both he and Merida looked away, his cheeks shamefully red and before either of them could say something, loud voices can be heard from the restaurant and suddenly, strong hands pulled him from his spot and into its place. His luggage gave out a sound, his footing a bit disgruntled, and his eyesight could little see from where he was dragged in. A hand clamped his mouth to recede a surprise gasp, so firmly his nose found it hard to breathe. The owner of said hands were staring at him and without personal space whatsoever, they continued to stare. Neither moving or making a sound, even in darkness, he can plainly see the blueness of Merida's eyes.

She let go of him, and he inhaled, not sure why he had held his breath. Merida put a forefinger up, signaling him to hush. Sure enough, footsteps on the pavement and voices came, the owners oblivious to the hiding miscreants.

His heartbeat was loud in his chest, he wondered if Merida could hear it. They were so close that he could smell her perfume, sweet, alluring—fragrances he haven't smelled from her before.

He inhaled her scent, oh god, please don't let her notice that...

"They're looking for me," Merida finally said, breaking the intense eye contact between them. She heard faint barks and whistles, "For fuck's sake! Come on, let's go!"

Thankfully, Merida had called in for an Uber minutes before he arrived. She surely plans ahead, that he knows. However, the Merida beside him hasn't spoken a word since they got on the car. He told the Uber driver to drop them off at his address, knowing Merida didn't plan everything.

She looks at the window, through its glass and while seeing the fast motion, blurred faces and iridescence outside, she's not entirely seeing at all, she's focused on her thoughts.

They're engulfed in silence all the way to his apartment.

He let her have his bedroom for the night, he even joked that she's fortunate that the room being not in a mess, she cracked a smile, a little. One thing he could cheer her up is food, he offered to fix her up something and before he could go, she halted him.

"I'm sorry." She finally said.

"For what?"

"For coming up to me. I'm such a burden, so sorry, you could've gone to the airport —but you came to me, I'm so selfish."

She looked like she carried the world on her shoulders; the sadness in her beautiful eyes broke his smile.

"Don't say that, Merida, you're not a burden, ever. And you're not selfish either. You're special to me, okay?"

Her knees buckled before she slumped to the ground, he moved quickly to her, he got down next to her, a comforting hand on her back. She glanced at him, up close she's even more beautiful than e could imagined, she whispered a "thank you," and her hands snaked up to his neck. The sweet smell of her clashed inside his nose once again. His arms returned her embrace, her shoulders trembled, her body vibrating, the faint sound of whimpers came from her mouth.

And for the first time in his life, Merida cries on his shoulder.

HESUS!

I'VE FUCKED UP. I UPLOADED THIS CHAPTER ON DOCS WEEKS AGO AND I THOUGHT IVE ALREADY UPDATED IT! STUPID STUPI STUPID! I'M SORRY YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR THIS. AND ALSO I CORRECTED SOME

OF THE MISTAKES ON THE CHAPTERS, I FEEL SO PROUD.

AND THERE WILL BE MORE!