Varian and the Seven Kingdoms (Varian's Seven Trials)

The Demanitus Chamber

"D'you really think we'll be able t'build that thing?" Hugo asked. He was laying on Varian's bed, while the boy read through the book at his desk.
"We won't know unless we try."
"Sounds like you're not sure." Hugo smirked.
"Ok, the plans are...a little confusing. But nothing I can't handle."
"You're not big on asking for help, huh?"
"And you are?"
"I didn't say I was. I just expected you to be."
"Why do I feel like you've had a lot of assumptions about me that were wrong?" Varian turned in his chair to face Hugo.
"You're not predictable, I'll give you that." The blonde chuckled.
"Hey, I'll admit you've surprised me a few times."
"Like when I saved your life?" Hugo smirked, smugly.
"Heh. Like when you gave me your reward money." Varian smiled and turned back to the book, while Hugo looked aside, embarrassed.
"I...don't think you would've done that when we first met." Varian said.
"I might have." Hugo protested.
"I saw you sleeping with a pouch of gold in your hand." Varian smirked.
"Ok, so what? You changed me?"
"No- you can't change someone." Varian laughed, "All I did was give you a chance..." He looked to Hugo again, "You made the decision to change yourself."
Hugo sat up, so Varian turned to look over at the bed again. When the blonde stared meaningfully down at his hands, Varian pushed the book aside then went to join him on the side of the bed.
"Do you...feel changed?" Varian laughed slightly.
"In a way." Hugo replied with a chuckle, "I still want money." He smirked, "But it's not a priority."
"Yeah? And what is?" Varian prompted.
"Helping you find your mom." Hugo smiled, "Donella said she was in the Library. That means you can meet her, like you wanted."
Varian stared at Hugo then smiled too,
"Is that why you stayed?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Goggles. I'm still in it for the money." Hugo reached into his pocket and pulled a gold coin from it, "Which you still owe me."
"You kept that?" Varian chuckled.
"Of course- it's the first instalment of many to come." Hugo grinned and Varian nudged him. There was silence, though it wasn't uncomfortable. Hugo rubbed the coin between his fingers,
"Hey, Stripes..."
"Mm?"
"We're comin' towards the end of the trials now...and soon we'll've reached the Library, so..." Hugo begun and Varian's heart felt heavy at the thought, "Before I leave, and- we don't see each other again for...who knows how long, I..." Hugo looked up at Varian. The boy's smile was so genuine and made it hard to keep a train of thought. Before Hugo could continue, Varian placed a hand on his arm,
"Stay." He said, simply.
"Stay?" Hugo laughed, blushing lightly.
"Yeah, i- it doesn't have to be for long...you said you might stay in Corona a while."
"I wasn't serious." Hugo looked aside.
"You should stay. I could use a lab assistant." Varian joked with a wide smirk.
"Pfft...like I wanna be your assistant."
"Ok, ok- there's other jobs in Corona."
"A job doesn't sound like my sorta thing." Hugo smirked and Varian rolled his eyes. There was more silence.
"Where would I stay, anyway?" Hugo asked, casually, but he knew the answer he wanted to hear.
"I dunno- I'm sure we could find you somewhere to stay..." Varian laughed and the blonde looked a bit disheartened. Varian took notice of this, "It- was just an idea." He stuttered.
"No, no...I'm not- I'd love to stay a while." Hugo took Varian's hand into his own and the boy blushed, "I guess...I was hoping you'd invite me to stay here."
Varian's eyes widened and Hugo went red, "Y- You wanna stay here with me?" Varian stared.
"If...you'd even want me here."
"No- y- yeah, of course I want you here. Not that- I don't want the others here too- I'm not singling you out specifically."
"Course not." Hugo grinned.
"B- but you're offering to stay, so if you want to stay here..." Varian looked up at Hugo. The blonde was as red as he was, "With me..."
"Y- You don't have to put the offer out there just cause I brought it up..." Hugo cleared his throat and Varian was quiet.
"It's not that I don't want you to stay here. It's just- my dad- he might not want someone else staying with us...and I don't want Nuru or Yong to think- you're my favourite or anything."
"But I am." Hugo grinned widely. Varian smiled, squeezing Hugo's hand slightly without realising it. The blonde's eyes flickered down to their hands and his cheeks were hotter than ever.
"I'd be happy to have you stay here if you decide to." Varian smirked.
"Thanks, Goggles."