A/N: Hey there, guys, gals, and nonbinary pals! I'm here with another chapter of Euphoria! So sorry for the long wait. As always, let me know your suggestions in the reviews, or tell me what you liked so I can keep doing that! I'll do my best to update regularly. I have a lot in store for this story. This chapter should be mostly fluff and gay panic from our two favorite blondes. Evil Me may cause a little angst because I hate myself and you all should suffer with me.

Hope you enjoy it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Hey Arnold...doi.

Similar to that fateful day all those years ago, Hugo found himself studying his features in front of the bathroom mirror. This time, however, no anguished tears bubbled in his eyes, and the scars of old self-infliction had faded to small white lines painting his skin. He smiled fondly at the two dark scars across his chest. Next week would be the first anniversary of his top surgery, and he was sure his aunt would make a big deal about it. He smiled contentedly to himself, tracing the scars with his fingertips gently before slipping his shirt over his head. He decided he would wear something a little looser that day, despite the cool creeping weather of the fall. He threw on his usual black jeans and a dusty grey tee-shirt, as well as a pair of signature pink Converse to match his pink gauges and his nose ring. Shoving his phone and keys into his pocket, he happily made his way downstairs.

"Oh, what a lovely day. To get to spend the afternoon with you, Arnold, my love, is surely a dream come true!"

Before he could make it out the door, slipping past his aunt, who was hard at work on putting away their last remaining dishes from breakfast, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Inquisitively, he pulled it out and noted the text from Arnold that popped up on his screen. With a smile, he clicked it open.

A: Hey, Hugo! I was wondering if I could pick you up or if we could walk together to the arcade.

A toothy grin and wild blush plastered Hugo's face as he thought of a reply.

H: How about I meet you at yours? I could drive us there.

A: Sure! Do you know where Sunset Arms is?

H: Yeah! I'll pick you up there in five :)

A: Alright

Hugo sighed happily, pressing his phone against his chest before cheerfully slipping out the door. The drive to Sunset Arms filled the boy with nostalgia, and taking in the sight of it caused a bittersweet feeling to settle into his chest. The moment of odd bliss was suddenly interrupted by a flood of animals pouring out the front door, quickly followed by a bewildered-looking Arnold. He supposed the gawking look was because he had ridden in on a motorbike.

"Nice ride," the boy said as he padded up to Hugo.

The blue-eyed teen gave an appreciative grin, "Thanks, Arnoldo. I'm afraid I don't have another helmet to fit you, but you can just hold on tight."

The boy tapped the back seat, motioning for Arnold to sit behind him as he spoke. Arnold felt a hot blush sweep across his face; he was almost sure he saw the other boy wink when he said this. He brushed it off, playing it off as glare in the other boy's helmet visor, and climbed on behind Hugo, tentatively wrapping his arms around the more petite boy's torso.

"So, where to first?" Hugo inquired, revving the engine of the bike.

"The arcade," Arnold stated, clutching a little tighter to the smaller boy as the bike took off.

"The arcade," Hugo parroted. He could've swooned and fallen off the bike as he felt the hands of his beloved rest tightly on his hips. He fought off the thoughts quickly.

"I can't be thinking things like that. Arnold won't love you that way now that you've transitioned." He thought sadly. They continued until the pair spotted the arcade, with their couple counterpart sitting cuddled up on the bench outside.

The two piled off the bike and made their way to the couple. Gerald grinned at his best friend, "Did you enjoy the bitch seat, man?"

Phoebe gave a small giggle, and Arnold gave an embarrassed groan in response. Hugo laughed at his embarrassment. "He did just fine," he elbowed him, "Now let's see if he's as much a bitch at arcade games as he is riding a motorbike."

Arnold let out an embarrassed groan as the four made their way into the arcade. The interior of the building was dark, lit up only by the glowing neon lights blaring from the arcade games. The place wasn't too packed, with only a few people scattered here and there. It had been quite a while since Hugo had visited this place and felt himself taking a long moment to absorb the changes. The arcade was one of the first places that he and Arnold had gone on a date after they got together post-trip to San Lorenzo many years ago. It was a bittersweet feeling being in this place with his beloved again, mainly due to the different circumstances. His eyes drifted to the green-eyed boy, and he felt his cheeks warm up as he admired him. The blue, green, and yellow neon lights danced off his skin, illuminating his rosy cheeks and bright green eyes. Hugo felt a familiar dopey smile weave across his face. He mumbled softly under his breath, "Beautiful."

While Arnold didn't catch what Hugo had mumbled, he did turn to look at his new acquaintance. He found himself caught in his gaze. The familiarity of those blue eyes bedazzled by arcade lights made his heart twist strangely. He smiled tenderly at the boy before catching himself, quickly averting his eyes. Why did this feel so familiar?

This little exchange didn't go unnoticed, however. Phoebe and Gerald stared at the new boy in exasperation but kept their mouths closed and exchanged a confused glance. Hugo quickly shook off his smile and cleared his throat, elbowing the football-headed boy, "Where should we start then? You're the one showing me around."

"Oh, um... How about this racing game? It's multiplayer."

Hugo nodded in agreement, and Phoebe and Gerald followed close behind the two. An hour or so passed as the four went through each of the games, gathering tickets as they went. Phoebe and Gerald eventually went off by themselves, leaving the two blondes to explore the arcade together as they had so many years ago. Their laughter echoed through the building; bursts of chatter fell from their lips so naturally that Hugo felt like nothing had changed between him and his former boyfriend since he left. He knew that wasn't the case, but he couldn't help but hope that one day it would be.

The gangly blonde let out a wistful sigh as he sat propped up against a Pac-Man machine, watching Arnold clumsily play a game of skeeball. After a few more games to themselves and a few long moments of Hugo casting more-than-friendly glances at the other boy, the two met up with Gerald and Phoebe towards the front of the arcade, where they were able to exchange their tickets for prizes. Gerald combined his tickets with Phoebe to get a large panda plush for his petite girlfriend. Hugo glanced up at the tall wall of prizes and goodies. A wide array of knick-knacks and brightly colored toys took up the majority of the wall, but near the very top was a bright-pink stuffed pig, much like Arnold's childhood pet, Abner. The old pig had died around his and Arnold's third anniversary, and the loss had crushed the boy. Hugo slammed all his tickets onto the counter with a big grin and pointed up at the stuffed animal.

The counterworker handed him the prize, which Hugo embraced eagerly before turning to his beloved. Despite his better judgment of realizing his plan may give him away, he handed the prize to Arnold. The flaxen-haired boy raised an inquisitive eyebrow to his monobrowed friend. Hugo chuckled amusedly, "It's for you, doofus. I uh... thought you might like it because of all the crazy weird pets you seem to have."

A shit excuse, but Arnold didn't seem to notice as he beamed happily at it. He held it, admiring it with wide eyes, "It looks like my old pet, Abner! That's what I'll call him. Thank you, Hugo!"

"Yeah, well... no need for thanks. You only had enough tickets for one of those weird-tasting gumballs, and I didn't want anything," Hugo gave the taller boy a small smile and nudged his shoulder playfully. The exchange didn't go unnoticed by Phoebe, who watched the smaller blonde with a keen eye. Hugo noticed the girl's weighted gaze and nervously gulped. He knew it was an obvious move, but surely his old friend hadn't figured him out already, right? He shook his head and decided to come clean to the dark-haired girl the next time they were alone.

After stopping to rest for a bit, the four decided to play around with laser tag- a new addition to the arcade since Hugo had last been to Hillwood. The teenagers split into pairs, with Gerald and Arnold on one team and Phoebe and Hugo on the other. A perfect opportunity, Hugo thought. Slipping on their vests and adorning their laser guns, the pairs headed into the black-light light maze. The walls were covered in neon scribbles and drawings made to look like the inside of a spaceship. Hugo gave an amused chortle as he and the small girl weaved to find a hiding spot to discuss their strategy. Before they got to that, though, Hugo wanted to explain to his life-long friend who he was. He opened his mouth to speak, closing his eyes to brace for his confession.

"Phoebe, I need to tell you that I-"

"You're Helga."

The boy's wild blue eyes shot open as he stared mouth agape at Phoebe. To his surprise, the girl looked teary-eyed, and her lip quivered. Where was the yelling?

"You're not mad?"

"Of course, I'm not mad," she said softly, pulling him in for a hug, "I just missed you. We were all so worried, and we thought we'd never see you again. I thought I'd never see my best friend again."

Hugo hugged her back tightly, feeling tears well up in his own eyes. He whispered into her hair a hushed, "I missed you, too, Phoebs. I'm so sorry."

After a brief moment, the two pulled away and wiped their tears before Hugo piped up in a still-hushed voice, "What gave me away? And how do you feel about me... being this?"

Phoebe giggled softly as Hugo awkwardly gestured to himself, "The way you looked at Arnold the first day you came back to school was the first giveaway. I've only ever seen you look at him like that. And the rest you made all too obvious with the Abner toy earlier. Plus, your facial features haven't changed all too drastically. Once I had a hunch, it was easier to recognize it was you."

Hugo smiled as the girl explained. Her face faltered slightly, "I only wish you'd told me all those years ago. I would've accepted you as transgender had you told me, Hugo."

The boy frowned and pulled away from her, his hands on her shoulders, "I was gonna tell you, Phoebes, I swear. Bob just found out before I could safely come out, and he sent me packing with my aunt."

"So that was the secret you mentioned in your note?" she inquired, her voice lacking its usual upbeat cadence.

Hugo gave a solemn nod before Phoebe embraced him once more, "I'm so sorry, Hugo."

"It's...okay. If you want, you can come over tomorrow, and we can discuss all of this some more."

She gave a happy nod, to which Hugo grinned, "Good, now let's go kick some ass."

The two made their way through the laser-tag maze, occasionally stumbling into the other boys and blasting each other's vests with delighted and exasperated laughter. A good twenty minutes passed their game, the four of them breathless. Phoebe and Hugo had won by a few points, but they bragged overzealously anyway. The teens left the arcade bubbling with laughter, and Hugo felt a million pounds lighter now that Phoebe knew his secret.

After their arcade escapade, they made their way to Hillwood's one-stop shop for ice cream, Slausen's. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the little ice cream shop, where Gerald and Phoebe shared a milkshake, and Arnold picked away at an ice cream sundae. Hugo sat next to him and watched with a bittersweet smile as his beloved gazed longingly at the familiar treat; it was their favorite to share on dates. Arnold mistook his staring as him wanting to try a bite, so he held an extra spoon out to his companion. Hugo, happily surprised, tentatively took the spoon from him and took a bite from the glass dish.

The teens finished their frozen treats as the sun began to set, so they took that as their cue to head home. Phoebe and Hugo exchanged phone numbers on the way out and gave each other a parting hug. Arnold climbed on the back seat of Hugo's bike once more, wrapping his arms around the slender boy's torso. The blue-eyed boy felt a shiver go up his spine and started up the motorbike. The two waved goodbye to their counterparts before speeding off towards Arnold's. Hugo felt his mind wander from the street to the grip of Arnold's hands on his waist. It had been years since he'd felt the boy's hands on him like that, and it took every bone in his body to restrain himself from blabbing his secret.

"It's me, you Football-Headed dolt! " His mind screamed, "Why can't you see that it's me? Why can't you see how much I miss you? Oh, be still my poor, gay heart."

The two zipped down the main street towards Sunset Arms, the glare of streetlamps and traffic lights bouncing off Hugo's bike and helmet. Hugo's forlorn face melted into a small, happy smile as he took in the familiar features of Hillwood. He knew he had missed the town but being back in it made him more aware of the extent of how much he longed to be back home. The whole reason he was even back in Hillwood wasn't anything special. His aunt's work had just been transferred to his hometown. Whether or not this would be an inconvenience (or something much worse) to Hugo was unknown to him so far. He knew he was still terribly in love with Arnold, but his transition had saved his life. He was sure Arnold couldn't possibly love him still, not as a man at least. Right?

Hugo pulled up in front of Sunset Arms, parking his bike carefully. He watched as Arnold clumsily got off from behind him, letting out a slight snicker as he fumbled to pull his leg off from the other side.

Hugo removed his helmet for a moment, sighing contently as he breathed in the crisp evening air. Worry etched itself across his brow as the teen took note of how high the moon had begun to anchor itself in the darkening sky. Arnold took quick notice as well, and an invitation quickly fell from his mouth before he had thought the offer through.

"It's getting late, and it's probably not too safe to drive..." he paused a moment before asking timidly, "Would you like to stay the night? I'm sure my family would be fine with it."

Hugo's eyes widened in surprise as he felt his heart flutter happily. He managed to stutter out a witty response to hide his excitement, "You sure you're keen on letting a stranger sleep in your room?"

Arnold laughed, placing a hand on Hugo's small shoulder, "You don't seem that strange to me."

The shorter blonde shivered at the touch, inwardly grinning, "Let me call my aunt to see if it's okay."

Arnold gave a curt nod and watched his companion pull his phone to his ear and shuffle his feet as he waited for his aunt to pick up the call. After a moment of chatting on the phone, an excited squeal from his aunt, and a wild blush unnoticed by the ever-oblivious Arnold, Hugo gave the other boy a thumbs-up approval. The two dodged a flurry of animals as they traversed into the building, casting small greetings to the boarders they passed. Arnold hurridly introduced his new companion to each of them, rushing to get up to his room. The football-headed boy opened the door to his room, gesturing for Hugo to step in, "Sorry for rushing you through. The tenants can be a little... talkative."

Hugo gave a slight chuckle, "No worries, Arnoldo."

He glanced around Arnold's room with a wistful stare. He set his small bag down on the floor next to the door absent-mindedly, just as he had done out of habit years ago. His fingers trailed over the boy's neatly organized desk, quietly admiring the boyish penmanship on homework and small trinkets that adorned the table. He stopped and noticed a picture frame propped proudly next to his study light. Upon further examination, he realized it was a picture of himself and Arnold on their first date. He picked it up tentatively and ran his thumb across the glass as he felt hot tears prickle in the corner of his eyes. He batted them away before the other boy would take notice and cleared his throat to shoo away the strain of an oncoming sob. Why does he still have this of us? After all these years?

He raised the picture to Arnold, feigning ignorance, "Who's the chick?"

Arnold's head perked up with the question, and a bittersweet smile etched across his face as he gently took the picture from the other boy. His thumb rested on top of the image of young Hugo, almost as if to embrace him. He gave a small sigh, "My girlfriend in middle school. Her name's Helga."

Hugo chuckled awkwardly, ''You've got a framed picture of a girl you dated when you were 12?"

Arnold turned to look at Hugo with a small smile, "She's the love of my life. She moved away suddenly when we were in junior high."

His brow furrowed before softening, "Her father kicked her out, but I don't know why. She left behind this little note, and I never saw her again."

He set the picture on his desk before reaching into his pocket and pulling out an old, weathered piece of faded pink paper. Arnold unfolded it carefully, scanning the words he'd memorized before hesitantly handing it to Hugo. The blue-eyed boy read the letter he'd written in haste all those years ago. He noted its frayed edges from constant reading and water stains from salty tears cried over the note. Oh, Arnold...I'm so sorry.

A shaky voice interrupted Hugo's remorseful thought, "I just miss her. I'd do anything to see her again."

"I'm sorry, Arnold."

Hugo's tone sounded guilty, but Arnold brushed it off as genuine sympathy from his new friend. He shrugged slightly and redirected his attention to the speaker on his desk. Hoping to clear the air, he hit shuffle on his music, and soft jazz began to dance around the room. Hugo smiled to himself, trying to push away the sadness and guilt that began to eat away at his insides. Arnold unfolded his little red couch and plopped onto it before patting the spot next to him. Hugo obliged and sat next to his flaxen-haired love, happy for the abrupt change of pace. Arnold turned on the T.V. and pulled a handful of movie cases from the tableside drawer beside him.

"So, you like horror movies, Hugo?"

"You bet your ass I do."

The two spent the next few hours watching Evil Twin VI and Evil Twin Remastered. They laughed at the terrible graphics and cheesy acting of the endless series of awful movies. Snarky remarks made by the older teen made Arnold chuckle. His laughter caused Hugo to unconsciously shoot longing glances his way, unnoticed by the younger boy. The two were in the middle of the opening credits for Nightmare on Pine Street when there was a slight knock on the door.

"You in there, Shortman?" Arnold's grandpa called through the door, "I brought snacks for you and your little friend."

"Yeah, Grandpa! Come in!"

The old man opened the door, a bowl of popcorn held securely in his arms. He handed it to his grandson before casting an inquisitive glance at Hugo, "Who's the young man? This isn't Gerald."

Hugo stood up from his seat and offered the older man his hand, "I'm Hugo, sir. I just moved in with my aunt a few blocks from here. I'm in your grandson's class."

Philip gave the boy a toothy grin and shook his hand eagerly, "Nice to meet you, Hugo! Will you be staying the night?"

Hugo gave a curt nod and opened his mouth to speak, but before he could respond, Arnold's grandmother barreled through the doorway and enveloped the scrawny teen in a tight embrace.

"Eleanor! What a surprise to have the first lady visit once more!" The old woman cackled as she let go to look at Hugo, "You do look mighty different, Eleanor."

Hugo gave the old woman a bewildered glare and nervously chuckled. She recognized him. He stepped back and shook his head quickly, "You're mistaken, lady. I'm not who you think; I'm Hugo, the kid who just moved in a few blocks away."

"Naw," Gertrude waved a dismissive hand and gave Hugo a knowing wink, "I'd know my Eleanor anywhere."

Exasperated, Hugo stumbled over his words for a moment before Arnold piped up, "No, Grandma. Helga hasn't been here for years."

Philip took his wife gently by the arm to lead her out of the room, mumbling something about "crazy old woman" under his breath before calling out a goodbye to the boys. Hugo plopped down onto the red sofa once more, a stunned look on his face. To this, Arnold took notice. He patted the bewildered boy on the shoulder and explained with laughter in his voice, "Don't worry about my grandma. She's always been a little...crazy."

Hugo cracked a hesitant grin at the football-headed boy, meeting his green eyes. Arnold looked his friend over, trying to understand where his grandmother had come up with such a crazy notion. That's when his eyes locked onto Hugo's. Familiar.

He felt his mouth go dry and heat creep over his face, clearing the strange thought from his mind. Now he sees where his grandma was mistaken. Those eyes looked just like Helga's.

"You wanna keep watching, Hugo?"

The scrawny blonde gave him an excited nod of approval. Clearing his throat and tugging at his collar, Arnold switched the movie back on. Hugo settled close to him on the couch, dipping his hand into the popcorn bowl. The two watched in silence, save the gasps and startled noises when a jump-scare flashed on the screen. Every once in a while, the two would scoot closer to the other unknowingly with each scare. Arnold's hand reached into the popcorn bowl, his hand brushing Hugo's lightly. The blue-eyed boy held back a swoon before pulling his hand away, pretending not to notice.

By the time the movie ended, both blondes were fighting back yawns. The little potato alarm clock on Arnold's bedside bookshelf blared a bright red at 2:30 AM, harshly coaxing the two to head to bed. Arnold stood up and stretched before grabbing a pillow and blanket and placing it on the red couch beside Hugo. The blue-eyed boy cast a tired but grateful smile. He stood by Arnold and rubbed his tired eyes, "I wouldn't suppose you have some sleep clothes I could borrow, maybe?"

"Oh, yeah! Sure, I just can't promise pants that'd fit," The tall boy rifled through his drawers and picked out something to sleep in. He tossed Hugo one of his green sweaters before beginning to change. Hugo gawked at the boy with a wild blush before averting his gaze. He changed into the sweater with his back to his beloved, careful not to show off the top surgery scars that might give him away. The boy slipped off his jeans, tossing them haphazardly onto the floor.

As the two got settled for the night, Hugo breathed in the scent of Arnold's cologne on the sleeves of the oversized sweater before sighing dreamily. He turned gaze towards his beloved, "Thank you, Arnold."

"What for?" Arnold asked, his voice barely more than a sleepy grumble.

Hugo smiled somberly. He couldn't thank him for holding on to his memory, let alone continuing to wait for him to come back. He knew his return wasn't at all what Arnold was expecting, and that scared Hugo so much. The older boy rolled over onto his side, sinking into the cushions beneath him and holding himself tight. Hugo hoped his companion couldn't hear the sadness and guilt in his voice as he responded, "Thank you for everything."

As Hugo drifted off to sleep, he was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions; his heart was full of excitement of being with Arnold once more, but his mind raced in fear of what will come when his secret is finally revealed.

Across the room, Arnold fell asleep to the thought of a familiar pair of gentle blue eyes.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I don't plan on making this story too long, but I want to be sure that I tell the story I have in mind. I appreciate all comments and critiques. And as always, thanks for reading!