Summary: Ironically talking to each other is neither Hugo's nor Varian's strength.
"We need to talk."
Nothing ever good followed those 4 words and Hugo wasn't arrogant enough to believe he was the exception to the rule. To his credit thou, he was the one that said them so if the universe had a shred of mercy to offer maybe, just maybe, it would spare his poor soul the drama.
"Sure," Varian replied.
When nothing followed the teen stopped bandaging the cut on his upper arm and looked suspiciously at him.
Oh the irony, Hugo thought bitter.
"Is it about the last trial? I told you I am -"
"No. I mean I was clearly in the right but, uh, no." Hugo's boots became suddenly very interesting. "It's about the woman from earlier."
"Oh." Varian tilted his head. "The one that attacked us? Dorella?"
"Donella," he corrected. "Do you know anything about her? Who she is? What she wants?" He clenched his fists. "Why she was there?" This hadn't been part of the plan and it still startled him to the bones. To think of her being near Varian. Of them talking.
"No. Do you?" For the first time, Varian's voice wavered as if he wasn't sure he wanted the answer to this particular question.
"I…"
Hugo kept quiet. This was why he was here, wasn't it? He needed to tell him the truth. That they were in danger. That Donella would stop at nothing to get to the library and that he was here to help her. At least in the beginning. But things changed. He changed. He didn't want Varian to be hurt. He didn't like Yong crying and couldn't stand Nuru's screams. They were his friends. Yet she was his family.
"I guess it doesn't matter," Varian interrupted. "Time will tell."
"Yeah." He remembered him saying the same words a lifetime ago.
Hugo still didn't manage to meet his eyes and did what he did best. Distract. Run. "So what's up with you becoming a mummy hair-stripe?"
Varian scoffed. "As if you could do any better."
"Scoot over, princess," the older teen sighed overly dramatical. "And ever heard of something called disinfection? Seriously how are you still alive?" He muttered, already taking care of Varian's injury.
"I have good friends," the alchemist smirked pleased. "Also I am very good at dealing with grumpy nurses."
"What - Wait I don't wanna know." Hugo shook his head and Varian's laughter filled his heart with warmth he didn't deserve, not when his inevitable betrayal was just around the corner. Still, he was greedy by nature. Ever had been. Maybe that's why he leaned closer when he was done with his handy work on Varian's arm or maybe it was because of the two blue orbs blinking up at him through thick lashes - people didn't usually look at him like that. Either way, he placed his lips over Varian's. A thief through and through.
"Not grumpy," he heard himself murmur. He was going for sexy but could already feel a second wave of Varian's laughter bubbling against his skin. He had to up his game.
Varian's face flushed nicely as he deepened their kiss.
"See, I even kissed it better."
"Lucky me," somehow the alchemist still managed to have the last word, before happily continuing their little make-out session.
It was Hugo's turn to smile. He was the perfect distraction.