Finding Hiccup - Modern!Au ✔️

fifty nine

We didn't win. Not only did we not win, we were stomped.
Mum was genuinely shocked. I think she'd mentally checked us in for the finals in Toronto and the six-million-dollar prize pot, with her lording it over all the other parents.
"So, how did they beat you?" she said in astonishment when we'd finally got it through to her.
"They played better," said Heather despondently. "They were really good."
"Well, you're really good too," says Mum at once. "You killed loads of people. I mean, you have great technique, Heather. Doesn't she, Steven? Very good technique."
You have to love Mum. She's now behaving as though the only thing she rates in life is LOC.
"Anyone want the last Krispy Kreme?" she says, and we all shake our heads. It's a pretty sad atmosphere in here, what with the silent computers and the Coke cans and the air of defeat, and I think Mum realizes this.
"Well, anyway!" she says brightly. "We'll go out for a team lunch to celebrate the taking part. Pizza Express, everyone?"

"Cool." Heather takes off her headset and switches off her laptop. "And then I might go in to the Fox and Hounds," she says casually. "Ade said I could help in the kitchen or whatever at weekends. I need to talk to the head chef. I'll give Ade a ring now, sort it out."
"Oh." Mum looks a bit flummoxed. "Well...OK, Heather. Good idea!" As she lopes out of the room, she turns to Dad, her jaw sagging. "Did I hear that right? Is Heather getting herself a job?"
But Dad can't hear. He's put on one of the headsets and is logged into another LOC game with Merida.
"Dad, can you play?" I say in surprise.
"Oh, I've picked up a bit," he says, and clicks furiously. "Here and there."
"But who are you playing with?"
"A couple of friends from school," says Merida, who is equally engrossed. "They were online, so...Go on him!"
"I'm on it," says Dad breathlessly. "Oh, shit. Sorry."
Mum is staring at Dad, flabbergasted. "Steven, what are you doing?" She pokes his shoulder. "Steven! I'm talking to you! Did you hear what I said about Heather?"
"Right." Dad pulls off the headset for a moment. "Yes. I heard. Ground her."
I can't help giggling, and even Mum gives a little smile.
"Get back to the game, you big kid," she says. "But we're going out in half an hour, OK? Half an hour. And I don't care if you have to interrupt the game."
"OK," says Dad, sounding just like Heather. "Great. Yeah. Can't wait." He clicks madly, then punches the air as the screen explodes in colour. "Die, you bastard! Die!"