The Heart Of Alchemy

Talks of the Night

I hope you've all enjoyed this story so far, I know I am. Now, let'z begin! 😊

The first thing Hugo noticed when walking out of the boiler room was how dark it was. The only light that shined through the windows was the light from the moon. The stars drifted along the glowing rock high in the sky.

When Hugo looked towards the direction he and Varian were walking, smoke bellowed out of the door behind them, causing a coughing fit to them both and what he assumed were others that were waiting for them. Once it subsided did Hugo notice the slight rigged form Varian went into as the younger stared forward.

" Dad. . . ? " He asked it more as a question than a definite answer, lifting his goggles off of the blue eyes Hugo adored. Hugo removed his own goggles and adjusted his glasses before he saw who the man was.

" That's your dad. . . ? " Hugo was surprised to see the man before him, the same man who helped him when he crashed into him earlier. Just how long has he and Goggles been down there for? But he shook his head at the thought. All he cared about was that Varian was with him once more.

Varian's father was quick to run up to his son, and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Hugo could tell by the look in his eyes that the father and son were distant. Especially when the very touch made Varian flinch under his father's gaze. The man let out a sad sigh before releasing his grip on him.

" Welcome home, Varian. " The man said. His gaze shifted to Hugo, who looked up when being noticed. He gave an awkward laugh and wave before the father's gaze returned to his son's.

" Hi, dad, " Varian moved in to hug his father. His arms slowly wrapped around the older man before he buried his head in his father's chest. Varian let out a deep breath before noting the sound of rapid feet.

" Varian! " Two voices called out at once. Varian released the grip of his father as two people tackled him into a hug. Hugo quickly grabbed him by the shoulders to prevent him from falling onto the floor.

Hugo noted the slight flinch the boy gave when he was touched once more. That's just another thing he and the others will have to help him with.

A fake cough caught Varian's attention as he quickly removed himself from his friends' grasp. His posture elevated itself up right with a small intake of air being held. His blue eyes darted towards his father as quick as an arrow.

" I think it's a good idea for you all to go rest for the night, " a new voice chimed in. " You can introduce it to your friends tomorrow, Varian. I can show you to your rooms. "

Varian nodded as he gave an awkward wave to his father, who returned the kind gesture, as he and his friends followed Rapunzel.

~

Hugo laid on the bed in the room he was given. His mind was scrambled. Everything that happened today made it into 'The Weirdest Things Hugo has ever been a part of List'.

But he couldn't wrap his mind around one thing: the way Varian acts today. Saying that his boyfriend had had a rough day today was an understatement. The boy's flinches were more frequent, he'd seemed to refuse physical contact unless forced to, he looked like he was going to have a panic attack at Xavier's, the list went on.

But it all came to the simple thought that when entering Corona, Varian changed who he was. They all knew about Varian's past and accepted him for it, but did they truly know him? It was something Hugo couldn't wrap his head around.

Light tapping caught the blond's attention. His gaze trailed off to one of the bedroom walls- the one that held a fireplace against it. He made his way over there with ease.

Hugo looked at the wall in confusion before turning to go to bed. But just as he'd done, the light taps became present once more. He quickly turned around but saw nothing. He was about to touch a piece of the wall paneling began to move upwards. And upon doing so, there stood the love of his life.

" Can I come in? " His voice was just barely above a whisper, yet a gleam of panic was still present in his eyes. Hugo gave a nod before the boy walked out of the wall, who pressed a certain part of the wall before it collapsed back down.

Varian shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His arms hugging himself as the silence between them grew.

" So, today was weird. . . "

Varian only nodded at the statement. His gaze on the floor as Hugo walked towards him, stopping only mere inches away from him.

" Hey, Goggles. What's wrong? " But Varian wouldn't budge. A slight pulsing pain made its way into the younger's head. He bit his lip in agony as the pain continued to grow as he began to draw blood from his lip. He opened his mouth with the slight drip of blood, mumbling something afterwards.

" Goggles? "

" I'm fine, " he said. He was about to walk back over to the door when he felt a slight tug in his arm. Turning around, he saw Hugo with eyes made of concern and worry.

Hugo gently pulled the smaller boy into a hug, his body freezing when he felt the boy flinch. He looked at Varian's eyes to only see them being frosted over. He carefully pulled the boy's eyes to his chest. The silence returned once more.

The blond couldn't help but stroke the younger's hair. It was something he realized calmed the boy down. It was a small gesture, but one that was effective.

After another moment, Hugo felt the weight on his chest subside. Varian faced the ground. His arms still hugging himself, his bleeding lip opening slightly.

" I'm sorry. " Hugo shook his head before tilting Varian's head up to face him.

" You have nothing to apologize for, Goggles. " This warned a small smile from Varian, seeing that he didn't have to apologize for his little mistakes was still something he wasn't used to.

" I suggest you, " Hugo pointed a finger towards him, " go to bed. "

Varian rolled his eyes at Hugo being a mother hen. He could be just as bad as Rapunzel and Nuru combined. Maybe even worse than Eugene!

" But, " Varian caught Hugo's gaze right into his own. " Do you swear to talk to me tomorrow? About everything you aren't telling us, telling me? "

Varian looked as if he was pondering when I'm reality he was grateful. A single word was all it took for Varian's world to come crashing down right before his eyes. People may still use that word around him, but Hugo never did.

" Of course, " Varian replied, unwrapping his arms from himself and placing them around Hugo's neck. He pecked the boy's cheek before Hugo pulled him in for a kiss.

' Sometimes I feel that it is only Hugo who still respects my boundaries. ' Varian thought as he and Hugo pulled away from each other.

" Good night, Goggles. "

' And that was okay. '

" Good night, Glasses. "

' Because Hugo was the only person I could be myself around. '

I was originally going to have the official meeting be in this chapter, but decided to end it on a different note. And again, would you want a sequel or a series of One-Shots to go with it? Also, before you ask, yes I'm publishing this while I'm at school, but I finished my 70 multiple choice test, so I'm probably allowed to do so.

Have a wonderific day/night to you all! 😊

~ Brooklyn