Without Saying

Chapter 16 - The Hunter and the Hunted

Pretend that Ruffnut is looking at Hiccup for the picture above because she hasn't met Eret in this story yet. 😁

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Astrid had been keeping a close eye on Hiccup since that morning that he 'went for a walk'. She found it strange that he was being so illusive. Well...she wanted to think it was weird. After all, it wasn't like he was just as reclusive when he was a kid too, and he definitely didn't just jump right back into a group of people after being away for almost a decade. Nope, he was definitely hiding something, and she was determined to find out what. That was how she caught Hiccup and Trader Johan talking the day the merchant left. What could that be about? She wondered.

"They haven't seen each other in years. They must just be catching up."

Is what she had told herself, but what could they have to catch up about. It wasn't like Hiccup was telling a past acquaintance the story that he couldn't even share with his own tribe. She found it even more strange when the merchant returned a few days later. No one else really seemed to notice, but Astrid spotted Johan passing a small bundle off to Hiccup before he left. WHAT WAS GOING ON!!? After that, she kept following the returned heir in hopes of learning something, but only found that Hiccup had jumped right back into his old habits from before he left. Mornings in the village square to assist with building repairs, the Great Hall to help cook, the fields to plow new irrigation channels, Sven's pasture to re-rangle sheep and build a new fence, the docks to reset the rigging lines on the fishing boats (which he was surprisingly still very good at despite his growth spurt), the forge to help Gobber, and Gothi's hut to help her prepare some herbal medicines. It was just like before. He was still all over the place doing everything, only this time Astrid caught more than a few other girls glancing his way, especially when he was down to a sweat soaked undershirt. Who knew he could have such well built - Get a hold of yourself, Astrid! (😁) He had grown so well over the last eight years, but it would be a lie to say that he wasn't the same person. He still had the same quirky grin. He still used his hands a lot when he talked. He still had the same smile and the same laugh....

Snap out of it, Astrid!!! She thought, shaking her head. She was starting to feel like she had turned into a lovesick puppy while he was gone, but that was impossible. She barely knew him properly before he disappeared. How could she have feelings for him now? She turned her attention back to the hut where Hiccup and Gothi were sitting on the front deck drawing in a patch of sand while Hiccup continued to grind. I wonder what they're talking about? Suddenly, Astrid noticed a large bundle of faded blonde braids sticking out from a bush a few yards to her right, and Ruffnut's head popped out into view. How long had she been there!? Was that half-brained Loki-worshipper stocking Hiccup!? Oh, no you don't!

"Hey, Astrid,"

Astrid froze. Had she been caught spying?! She turned to the source of the voice and found the entire gang, minus Ruffnut, standing behind her.

"have you seen Ruff around? We lost her a while back around this area."

Snotlout called. Astrid didn't know weither to groan or laugh, but decided on a slightly annoyed chuckle and pointed behind her where Ruffnut was still attempting to be 'sneaky'.

"Seriously, again?!! When will this cursed phase of Loki end!!"

Tuffnut overdramatically whined/shouted, marching over to his dim whit pair and yanking her out of the bush by her braid.

"AH! Oo! Ouch! Hey, knock it off, Bro!! I get it!"

Ruffnut huffed releasing her brothers hold once they had joined the rest of the group.