I snuck into the house through the back door and snickered to myself, I had gotten away with it! Those idiots didn't suspect a thing.
Look at me, Mana Jorgenson, master of stealth.
"Mana," I heard a scolding voice call to me and I froze, "What do you think you're doing?"
Damn it, mother was still awake!
"M-Mom?"
My mother had been waiting for me this entire time? No way she heard me leave!
"Sh, you'll wake your father." My mother warned and my heart skipped a beat, "You should have left me a note, dear, I was worried about you," Her soft voice was closer now and I sighed quietly.
"I'm sorry, mom." I admitted and she simply laughed, her arm finding me before she lit a small hand-held torch, her eyes scanning my face.
"Where did you get off to at this hour of the night?" I bit my lip, would she be angry if she knew I had met Hiccup again?
"I just wanted to get out for a while, mom. I can't help it," I admitted, though hid the entirity of the truth.
Sure, I felt guilty lying to my mother's face, but I couldn't risk the punishment, I felt so restless and I didn't regret even for a moment sneaking out to see Hiccup.
It was unintentional, so it's not like I had plotted behind my family's back, right?
Yeah, right.
"Well, you should be getting to bed, dear. There's a village meeting at the Great Hall tomorrow and we all have to be there, so get some rest." She kissed me on the forehead and waved me to bed, which I did immediately.
"Goodnight, mom."
"Goodnight, Mana. I love you."
"I love you, too." I smiled as I closed the door quietly and slid into bed without another word, my hands clapsing together as I tried to relive those moments where a boy had held my hand.
And not just any boy, but Hiccup. His touch still lingered, even as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning seemed normal enough, as I was awoken by my mother who had already laid out a fresh set of clothes for me, and so I quickly changed and we were out the door.
I walked by Snotlout's side, and for some reason he seemed distant this morning. He was always poking fun at me for nothing and today he barely even looked at me, and when our eyes met, he quickly looked away as if he'd turn to stone.
My father was just the same, not looking or speaking to me. I sighed softly as we gathered in the Great Hall and from the back of the crowd my eyes scanned all the villagers, and there he was.
Hiccup stood close by his father and Stoick was speaking about some absolute nonsense that no one cared about. Talking about the dragon's nest again, and how a new search party had to be elected since the last had never returned.
I sighed softly and turned to leave, but I felt my mother's grip hold firm on me and she smiled softly, "Wait, dear." She told me, and I simply nodded.
The villagers dispersed after the meeting was called to a quick end and soon my mother, father, brother and myself were the only ones remaining.
Them, and Stoick the Vast and his son, Hiccup.
Hiccup and I stared at one another and my father sighed loudly, breaking the long string of silence.
"Stoick, now would be the best time to act,"
The red-headed chief only frowned at this as he eyed his son, and then his blue eyes fell on me and his stare hardened. "Hiccup, take your friends and leave."
Hiccup didn't question his father, only turned to me and smiled softly, "I am so freaked out right now," I admitted as Snotlout took his place at my side, Hiccup on my other.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Snotlout asked, directing his question more at Hiccup than myself, "I have no clue. My dad's been acting weird the past few days but he hasn't told me anything."
I hummed in agreement, "Our dad's been keeping Mana in her room for ages, she's so grounded." He teased and I sneered, "Not now, idiot," I stomped his toe and he whined in pain.
"Whatever they're talking about, it must be important." Hiccup finally spoke again and both Snotlout and I nodded in agreement, "Why don't they want us to be friends? What's so important that - "
"Snotlout! Mana! Come on, we're going home." I heard my dad call from afar, and we turned to face our father. "Already?"
I didn't bother with the inquiries as I knew even if I pressed the matter I'd only end up in my room again. Just as I gave Hiccup an apologetic look, his fingers laced with mine for the briefest of moments.
He leaned closer to me and with a hushed tone he whispered to me.
"Meet me at Raven Point when the moon is fullest. I'll be there."
I felt my eyes water, he wanted to see me just as badly as I did him.
"Mana!" My father hissed, and our hands detached, "Coming!" I called as I ran off in the opposite direction, feeling Hiccup's stare at my back.
