#ddcrobin

Truthfully, Wendy had no idea just where she was. It was a forest, that much was obvious, of course— But it certainly wasn’t one she’d ever wandered in her lifetime. How had she ended up here? 

Her heart was a hummingbird, beating frantically and knocking against her ribs as she pushed through a dense thicket of bushes, looking around for any sign of another person being nearby. The forest itself didn’t seem particularly threatening, but the thought of being lost here— Trapped, with no idea where she was or how to leave was certainly doing well at frightening her. Rough bark bit into the soft skin of her palm as she braced herself against a large tree, looking for all the world like a lost girl. It seemed there was a stream nearby, if the trickle of water was any indication, and she followed the noise. Maybe if anyone else were here as well, they’d be by the water.

It had been a long time since they’d met up to do some training. What with the hiatus, there hadn’t been much need for it. Though with the carnival close to starting up again, Roger had been pretty eager to get back to it. Or more anxious, might have been the better word. When your job involved getting sharp objects hurled your way, it was nice to be assured that your partners were still up on their game.

Roger walked into the Big Top for the first time in what felt like forever, and was greeted by the sight of Robin. A smile instantly lit up his face, and he gave the other man a wave.

“Hi Robin! Long time no see.” He spoke, making his way towards him. “How’s the break been treating ya?”

After the conversation Hiccup had with Calhoun, he found himself being even more confused than before. While she had cleared up things for him, a little, he still wondered if there was something wrong with him. He walked through the carnival with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, and tried his hand at people watching. But it was just weird to him. He passed multiple women, and men and they all look so plain to him. He didn't feel any sort of attraction to anyone, no desire to go out and talk to them. He tried his hand at picturing himself getting romantically involved with anyone, and all he saw was blank space. 

He wondered if there was something off in his brain. Like maybe a wire wasn't connected right, or there was a chemical imbalance. The whole ordeal at the party truly sent his mind into a whirl. He had never thought about it before, ever. He had been on earth for nineteen years, and had never even once kissed a girl, or a boy, or anything. He never thought that was a problem before....But now..It seemed to be a big deal. He now saw himself as a lame, nineteen year old peg legged virgin. The stigma of pathetic. 

Hiccup knew that he was making everything worse. Calhoun's words echoed through his mind, bouncing off the walls and seeping into his self conscious. He was normal. He was himself. He was his own person...He was an ameba. He was awkward. He was a loser. The positive thoughts were soon drowned out by all negative ones. "My gods..." He mumbled, running a hand through his hair. 

He took a deep breath, and leaned against a pole. He crossed his arms over his chest, and tried to people watch again. But once more, it was a bust. He was about to just crawl back into the animal car, right into the tiger cage, and be with his cubs. Maybe eventually he could accept the fact that he would never have friends, or have a significant other. He would have his animals. But he would forever be known as the animal man. Hiccup's heart slowly fell to the pit of his stomach, a frown painting it's way onto his lips. Until he saw a familiar face. 

It was the man from the party, who seemed very friendly. Hiccup wasn't sure exactly if Robin, who's name he had recalled, was just being kind because of Hiccup's awkward demeanor, or if he wanted to be friends with him. "Worth a shot.." He whispered to himself as he made his way to Robin. 

Okay, so the present wasn't the best wrapped in the world-- he wasn't good at that-- but it'd do. He found Rob easily, and he poked him with the end of the present, proffering it to him. "Hey Rob. You came back just in time for Christmas, so Merry Christmas. Uh, hope you can get through all the tape."