Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Varian watches from the truck window as his father, Quirin, talks to another man. This was the last stop before reaching their destination,  Corona. That is where Varian was studying, where he had been studying for well over two years and where his mother had gone before her disappearance.

He had looked forward to attending the University of Corona since he was a child. While his first year hadn't been entirely what he had expected, he was eager to go back. This year he had hoped to get more involved with on campus life since he was more accustomed to the community. After all, he applied to share a suite with his friends Wong and Nuru.

"All set, kiddo?" Quirin gets into the driver's side of the truck.

"Yeah, just an hour left." Varian responds. "I think we'll make it just in time for my check in." 

Quirin smiles and starts the engine. "Are you nervous to be going back?" He glances over at Varian, who had his arm propped up and his head in his hand.

Varian turns to his father. "It's more like I'm excited but worried that I am some how going to mess things up because things are finally good." He sees the worried expression cross his father's face. "But I have my friends and we can hang out all the time since we have an apartment together."

"Your friends seem like they have their heads on their shoulders, maybe they can help keep yours on."

"Hey!" They both smile. 

Varian looks down at his phone, at his lock screen. It was a photo of him and his friends from the previous year, they all looked so happy.

"You could meet them you know." Varian says. "They've asked why you don't stick around when you bring me to school."

Quirin’s smile fades to a pressed line. 

"They'd love to meet you, it's not like you're one of those overbearing-" Varian pauses. "I mean, you aren't one of those parents that try to befriend their kid's friends."

"College is a time for you and you finding yourself. Besides, I didn't know your mother's parents when we were in college. Ruins the magic in a way." Quirin replies. "It's not a no. Just a 'someday'."

Varian watches Quirin in silence.

His father had been weary of those Varian called friends since he had fallen into the wrong crowd a few years back. Varian was an ignorant child and Quirin wasn't there for him. Of course Varian often blamed himself for the events and citizens of their town also gave Varian a hard time. College was a way to start anew, somewhere not many people knew who he was.

Varian did have a few reliable upperclassmen to help him out when he arrived. Rapunzel is the daughter to the King and Queen, but also a student at the university. She is a graduate student in the painting program and often helps out their family when needed. Cassandra is Rapunzel's best friend, while she isn't a student she does teach a few beginners self defense and outdoor education classes. Eugene is Rapunzel's fiance and a former student, he works for the college as head of Campus Security with his best friend Lance.

Each of them had been there for Varian in one way or another, even before college. Varian had a rocky relationship with them for a while, but things have mended themselves.

Varian turns to looks out the window once more. The scenery of the familiarity of a small town fades away as they grow closer to the city. Tall buildings build upon eachother until each building they pass is at least ten stories or more. They definitely weren't in Old Corona anymore. Approaching the campus the buildings stay on the shorter side and trees lining the roads flourish. 

They enter the campus and stay to the left, where campus housing is located. The buildings aren't new by anymeans, but look as if they had been newly painted to give the illusion.

"The apartments are the building closest to the gym, the one labeled '109'." Varian reads from the note he wrote himself.

They pass the dorm building Varian had spent the last two years in. He would not be missing the communal bathrooms or the other students running around at all hours of the night screaming.

He breaths a sigh of relief. "So glad I am not living there anymore."

Teens run around the parking lot ushering their parents to the building and others trying to carry as much as they can up the stairs.

"You we're a lot like them, you know." Quirin says. "I remember you applying to college but the only one you wanted to go to was this one. You were just as eager to start as them."

Varian's face grows red. "I guess you're right."

Quirin turns into the parking lot for the appartments. There were cars parked everywhere, even places marked as fire lanes, unpacking their boxes. Naturally, there is less parking than is needed for the students to park their cars comfortably. 

"Oh, there's a spot. That person is pulling out, so we can have theirs." Varian points to an orange VW Bug pulling out of a close spot.

Quirin swiftly pulls into the space after the other car leaves. Varian unbuckles and hops out of the car. Quirin follows soon after.

"10:56, we made it just in time." He says. "My check in is at 11:00 and then we can take my stuff up." 

Quirin unlatches the tailgate and leans against the truck. "Go ahead and check in, I'll get things situated out here."

"I'll try to be quick." Varian says and hurries to the front door of the building.

Inside he waits at the front desk as a girl with blonde hair pulled into a tight ponytail searches the computer for his information. Once she finds it she leads him up the elevator to the 7th floor and to his room. She talks about the damages left by previous people and if he understood that he would be charged for damages. Varian agrees and she hands him an extra key and tells him his keycard can also let him into the room. She explains that rooms are first come so he might end up with the worst one if he were last. When she leaves Varian enters the room.

Inside there are a few boxes stacked in the kitchen area and in the living room. Music comes from one of the rooms and laughter spills out.

Varian makes his way to the room and leans against the frame to peak in.

Inside Nuru and Yong are sitting on the floor looking through photos.

"You guys didn't tell me you were going to be here early." 

The two turn at the sound of his voice. Nuru jumps up and rushes to pull Varian into a hug. Yong follows and gets in on the hug.

"We missed you!" Nuru says. "It's weird not seeing you over a video call!"

"You could have taken longer." Yong says with a smile. "But I guess you're not late."

"I missed you guys too!" 

They share the embrace for a few seconds before breaking apart.

"How long have you guys been here?" Varian asks.

Yong shrugs. "About an hour or two, Nuru has been here since yesterday."

Nuru tugs on a coil of hair. "I wanted to be ready for when you guys got here. It didn't happen, but still.."

"Hey, I'll be back up and we can talk more. My dad is waiting at the truck to bring things up."

Varian turns to leave and makes it to the front door before being stopped by Nuru.

"You should know that we dont have a three room apartment, we ended up with a four room. They told me they dont know who our other roommate is just yet, but they'll try their best to get someone in soon."

Varian shrugs. "Whoever it is, I'm sure we could get along with." He says before turning and heading back down to the parking lot.

Quirin is waiting at the truck, already having boxes unloaded.

"Yong and Nuru are already here, they are setting up their rooms. They won't say anything to you if you don't want to, but there's nothing I can promise." 

Quirin hands Varian a box. "It's okay, if they speak to me I wont be rude." 

"I was just warning you, Yong can be a talker." 

Quirin follows Varian inside with two boxes.  "Varian, you talk a lot too. I'm sure I can stand your friends." 

Varian shrugs. "Alright, but I told you so." 

They make their way up to the 7th floor and are able to take just 3 trips to het Varian's belongings into the apartment.

Varian takes a room across from the empty room, where their last roommate would live. The window faces west and into a small courtyard below. Yong and Nuru had introduced themselves to his father, formerly this time. Varian had talked to them about how his father didn't want to talk much, just that he wanted to know that Varian was in good hands.

He sets a box down on his bed and heads back to the living room. Quirin was checking the outlets and lights, you know, dad things.

"That’s everything." 

"Hm." Quirin says. "Looks like you've got a decent set up here. I bet you won't miss the old dorm with this one."

Varian laughs. "Definitely not."

Quirin pulls Varian in for a hug. "I'll miss you around the house." He says. "Don't be afraid to call or text me if you need anything. I'm your dad, so I dont want you to starve or something because you won't ask for help."

"I'll be fine dad. This is my third year here," Varian pulls out of the hug. "When dont I call or write you?"

"I know." Quirin says. "I wanted to remind you." 

Varian walks towards the door. "You should get going if you need to make it to that meeting." He opens the door for Quirin. "I can walk you down if you'd like."

"No, I've got it. Just get yourself situated." He says. "I'll let you know when I get home." 

Quirin gives Varian one more hug before stepping into the hallway. Varian waves goodbye before his father dissappears down the hall. He shuts the door and is met with his two roomates lounging on their communal couch.

"He seemed nervous." Nuru says, looking up from a magazine in her hands.

"He's not great when it comes to meeting my friends." Varian says as he opens a box on the counter. "I think he liked you guys though."

Yong leans back. "Yeah, he seemed cool." 

Varian pulls out a toaster and a spice rack. "Hopefully he warms up to you guys, and who knows, he might like our new roommate too." He places the objects on the counter and goes back to fish out the spices.

"I hope they aren't a weirdo." Yong says. "I heard of some guy who made his own flamethrower to kill wasps in his apartment."

Nuru puts down her magazine. "I doubt that actually happened." She enters the kitchen to help Varian. "I won't lie, it sounds cool but excessive."

"I agree, the school would have kicked him out for that." Varian reaches into the box and pulls out a pair of salt and pepper shakers. "I hope they would."

Yong shrugs. "Crazy things happen." 

"I belive that, but you believe anything you hear."

Outside the door there's muffled voices and some rummaging around. The doorknob clicks and turns as their new roommate enters. The three of them stop what they're doing to turn and look.

At the door stands a lanky masculine figure with glasses and blonde hair. He is holding a crossbody bag and dragging a suitcase behind him. 

Varian just looks at him as if he had just walked into the wrong room. The figure looks at them from behind his round frames.

Hugo smirks. "Well, isnt this just our luck." 

Varian bites his lip upon recognizing him. Hugo and Varian had a rough relationship since the start. They were the equivalent to rivals and Hugo had made it his life's purpose to tease Varian for anything he did. At least, that's what Varian thought.

"Yeah, bad luck." Nuru places her hands on her hips and glares at Hugo.

"Believe me, I don't want to be in your presence either." Hugo closes the door. "They said this was the only room available, so looks like we'll be stuck together." 

"I have a hard time believing you." Nuru snaps.

"You're welcome to go have an enlightening chat with housing if it would make you feel better." Hugo pushes his suitcase into the living room. "So, which one is mine?"

Yong leads him to the side of the appartment with Varian's room and the empty room.

Hugo glances back at Varian and Nuru. "Looks like we're neighbors, Goggles."

Varian's heart drops in his chest. This was going to be a long year.

~

Chapter Text

Varian turns in his bed and glances at his alarm clock.

5:07 

He squints through the dark as he hears someone moving about the apartment. He pushes the blankets off of himself and stumbles around the boxes to the door.

He quietly pushes the door open with one hand and peers into the hallway. Varian leaves his room and walks down towards the living room and the kitchen.

Hugo is rummaging through a box in the kitchen and eventually fishes out a glass cup. He leans against the counters as he fills the cup at the sink.

"Can't sleep?" Varian says and leans against the edge of the counter.

Hugo turns and takes a sip of water. "I assume you couldn't as well." 

"I was sleeping, I heard some clumsy blonde guy stumbling around and woke me up." 

Hugo shrugs. His hair wasn't pulled back like it normally was, hiding his undercut. It was weird seeing him like this.

Varian noticed Hugo staring at him, neither of them hadn't said anything in a while. "Uh, It's weird seeing your hair down."

Hugo just stares, unsure of what to say.

He then looks away quickly. "Get use to it." He takes a drink. "By the way you were gawking, I'm sure you won't mind."

Varian does his best to not roll his eyes. "I've never seen your hair down, do you blame me for staring? Without your glasses on I would have thought you were an intruder." 

Hugo let's his own eye roll as he places his glass on the counter. He moves closer to Varian, towering over him. 

"And what would you do, if I were an intruder." He raises an eyebrow. 

Varian feels his heart skip a beat as Hugo leans close to him. "I-" He stammers for a second before fore turning away. "I sure as hell wouldn't be having this conversation." 

Hugo watches his movements like a vulture before once again leaning against the counter nonchalantly. He smiles. "You seem nervous."

"I'm not." Varian says. "I just don't want you up in my face." 

Hugo brushes his hair back with one hand, giving a glimpse of his undercut. "Say what you will." He says. "I'll see you later, Goggles." He takes his cup from the counter and heads down the hallway.

Varian watches as he enters his room and disappears.

Varian sighs. He'd one day figure out what is deal was. He looks back at the empty kitchen. What was that Varian? Way to make him think you're more of a wweirdo. He runs his hands through his hair. Hugo’s definitely going to find a way to use that against me.

Varian pushes away from the counter and heads back to his own room. He quietly goes back to bed, but does not fall asleep.

"Was this the college experience you got, mom?" He says to himself. "Wish you were here to guide me."

~~~

A soft knock falls on Varian's door. He glances up from his phone. "Come in."

Nuru enters and closes the door behind her.

"What's going on?" Varian sits up in his bed as Nuru weaves through the maze of boxes to Varian's bed.

She sits at the end of his bed. "Can I talk to you for a second?" 

"Yeah, anything." 

"So, this morning I heard you talking to Hugo in the kitchen."

"Shit, you did? I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to be loud." 

She shakes her head. "It wasn't you. Hugo was on the phone before you came out and he was arguing with someone." She leans back on her palms. "It was strange, don't you think? Who could he be arguing with at 5 in the morning."

Varian leans forward on his elbows. "That is kind of strange. It is Hugo, I know he's been having issues with his family. Maybe it was his mom."

Nuru gives Varian a quick side glance. "I may be sounding like I just don't like the guy. I don't, but maybe we shouldn't be welcoming him with open arms." She makes a wide gesture. "He has done all that shoddy stuff to us and not to meantion how he teases you." 

"I guess you're right." Varian says and sits back. "He has gotten a little better and I don't want to make assumptions about people..."

Nuru shoots him a glare.

Varian raises his hands in defense. "All I'm saying is that in my times of need I would have liked people to be there for me. What if Hugo just needs friends?"

She lets out a big sigh. "Varian, I think you can be nieve and always want to see the best in people. But when you haven't seen the sun behind the clouds, it's probably going to rain." 

"What does that even mean?" He says. "Just because there's a possibility doesn't mean it's set in stone." 

"I'm just saying that you need to be careful." She stands and makes her way to the door. "Yong wants to set stuff up soon if you want to help. I also got donuts for everyone."

Varian nods. "I'll be out soon."

Varian slips out of bed and opens the blinds. It's overcast outside and casts a large shadow over campus. He turns and pushes some boxes out of the way, closer to the wall. He opens the door and enters the hallway.

There's music playing from someone's phone, but he cannot recognize the song. He walks towards the sound and sees Yong sitting on a rug in the living room, he's digging through a box. Nuru is in the kitchen and by the sound of it, Hugo is in the shower.

"Morning!" Yong says but doesn't look up from the box. 

"Good morning." Varian responds. "You sleep well?"

Yong glances back. "Yeah, slept like a baby." He pulls something from the box, an extention cord. "Nuru told me you were up early."

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep. Guess it's just going to take some time getting use to the appartment." Varian walks to the kitchen and picks a donut from a pink box on the counter.

"You're telling us." Nuru says as she turns, hands on her hips. "Seems like all of us are going to have to get use to this new living situation."

"I slept fine, so I dont know what you two are talking about." Yong responds. "Hugo said he slept well too."

The door to the bathroom opens down the hall, then Hugo's bedroom door opens and closes.

"You guys must be stressed." Yong says and plugs in the extention cord.

Varian glances down the hall. "Yeah, maybe." He takes a big bite of the donut and walks to the couch. There was nowhere to sit, it was covered in boxes and whatever was inside of an opened box on the floor. He closes to sit on the floor next to Yong.

Varian finishes his donut as Hugo is exiting his room, entering the living space. 

"Need help unpacking?" He says nonchalantly.

"Sure!" Yong responds.

"We've got it." Nuru says at the same time.

Hugo leans against the wall and glances at Nuru. "Little miss sunshine not want me near your things?" Nuru crosses her arms. "I get it. I can take a hint." He waves his hand through the air.

Varian presses his mouth into a thin line and locks eyes with Nuru. He attempts to communicate to her through facial expressions to just let him help. Nuru rolls her eyes and waves her own hand.

"Fine." She hisses. "Don't break anything."

Hugo smirks and pushes himself off the wall. He saunters over and sits across from Varian.

"I can set up the TV and dvd player or whatever else you guys brought." Hugo says as he picks up a remote.

Yong pushes a box towards Hugo. "These are the devices,  all their cords are with them. There's like a PS5, dvd player and a switch in there. The TV is already plugged in." He gestures to the flat screen on the TV stand.

"Got it." Hugo digs into the box and gets started.

Varian continues to work through another box and Yong  finishes his. Nuru and Yong go through another box full of movies.

Eventually the boxes are cleared and everything put in their new places. The four of them lounge around the living room; Varian sits on the couch with Yong, Nuru leans against the couch and Hugo is on the floor with his ankles crossed and palms to the floor.

"It looks pretty good." Nuru says.

Varian nods. "Now we only have our rooms to unpack." He sighs.

"Yeah." Yong sighs too.

Nuru sits up. "Well, I already unpacked my room." She says. "But I could go get us all something for lunch."

"Oh, I'm starving!" Yong jumps up from his seat. "I'll come with you. What are we getting to eat?"

Nuru looks to Varian and Hugo. "Any preference?"

Varian shrugs.

"Not to be picky, but I'd prefer something with no dairy."

Nuru and Yong both walk to the kitchen. "So, no pizza or any good junk." Hugo gives annoyed look. "We'll figure something out." They wave and exits the appartment.

"Whelp," Varian stands. "I'm going to unpack my room." He turns to walk down the hall.

"Do you need any help?" 

Varian turns back to Hugo, who looks extremely pained to have asked to help.

"It's not like I have much to unpack and I'd just be twiddling my thumbs out here." He was right, Hugo only had a suitcase and what was probably his backpack. 

Varian bites his lip and takes a breath. "Sure, why not."

Hugo looks surprised at the response, but eventually gets up to follow Varian into his room. There's only a few boxes, around 5, and they were mostly clothes and school stuff. 

"Just take a box and start. Just stack the clothes on my bed and the school stuff can go on the dressers." Varian says and starts unpacking a box of chemistry supplies. 

Hugo begins as well. The two are quietly unpacking for a while when Nuru and Yong arrive with lunch. 

~~~

Chapter Text

It was already September, which meant the group had been living with eachother for nearly a month. Varian felt as if he were finally settled in and getting used to attending college once more.

His friends were hardly at the appartment when he was, except for the weekends and after 6 pm on weekdays. They didn't seem to be growing apart in their absences, but it seemed to strengthen their bonds. Even Hugo had started to hang out in the communal living space more often and joining them for meals. Varian knew it must be hard for Hugo, he didn't seem to have any other friends. He tried to include Hugo in activities and whatever else they were doing, but he didn't always accept. 

When Hugo didn't accept the invitations he would hide out in his room. Most of those days he was in an irritable mood. He had been acting like this for a week now and no matter what Varian said to him, he would snap. 

Just this morning Varian ran into him after chemistry and offered to get lunch with him. Hugo just mumbled something about how he was busy and didn't have time for nonsense before taking off down the hallway. 

Now Varian sat on a stool at the counter peninsula with his laptop open. He had just finished his homework for the night, but his roommates had yet to return. He received a text from Nuru that she was going to spend time studying for a test in the Library and Yong had been back at some point during the day, since his stuff was strewn on the couch.

Varian takes a sip from a glad beside his laptop. It was already 7:00 and he hadn't seen or heard from Hugo either. Not that he wasn't an adult and could do whatever he wanted, but mainly because he was concerned what how he wad been acting all week. 

Just as Varian closes his laptop the locks on the door click and the door slugishly swings open. Standing there was Hugo, looking just as tired and sluggish.

He quietly shuts the door and drops his bag next to the couch. Hugo walks past Varian without a word and enters his room. When he returns he is changed out of his every day clothes and into a forest green hoodie and black basketball shorts. Varian hadn't known Hugo even owned a pair of shorts.

Varian turns in his seat to look at the blonde as he makes his way back to the kitchen and opens the fridge.

"Is everything alright?" Varian asks, preparing for a snarky response.

Hugo glances at Varian. "Of course not, I'm wearing a hoodie and basketball shorts. No sane person wears this combination." 

Varian shrugs, but he knew all too well that it was true. "Does this combination have anything to do with your attitude all week?"

Hugo rolls his eyes.

"I'm just asking." Varian says. "You've been on edge all week, do you maybe want to talk about it?"

Hugo closes the fridge and leans against it. "You are asking me to tell you my feelings?"

It did sound kinda dumb put like that, but Varian sighs. "Hugo, I know college is hard but I'm just trying to be your friend. It seems like you do everything in your power not to get close to us. I just want to know why." 

He looks at the floor. "I'm sorry I've been kind of distant. I have a lot going on with my mom right now. She's very demanding." Hugo says. "That's all."

"Is there anything we can do to help?"

Hugo shrugs. "Sometimes I feel like Nuru doesn't like me being around.."

That was also true. "You and her do butt heads," Varian thinks out loud. "I can talk to her again, let her know that you feel excluded."

Hugo gives a little nod.

"But Rome wasn't built in a day so you have to be patient with her, with all of us. You did some messed up shit to us last year and some of us are more willing to forgive than others." Varian says.

"I know." Hugo begins. "I don't know how I can express how sorry I am for that. It's complicated, but I'll make it up to you."

Varian smiles a little. 

"As you said, it'll take some time on my end as well." Varian nods.

"Well," Varian begins. "If you're not busy and since everyone else isn't here, do you want to go get something to eat? There's that Pizza Hut close by." 

"Why not." Hugo pucks up his keys and waits as Varian gets up and puts his shoes on.

He grabs a black flannel off of the arm of the couch since it had been getting colder out and heads to the door. Varian follows Hugo down the stairs and into the main community area. There were lots of students hanging out down there, playing ping pong and watching TV. Varian had no idea why they'd rather hang down there than in their rooms, maybe they're the freshman who didn't quite adjust to having their own spaces yet. 

Hugo holds the outside door open for Varian as they exit. A cold breeze whips around them, causing Varian to shiver.

Hugo glances at Varian. "Regretting not bringing that jacket?"

"It's colder than I thought it would be." Varian says.

The sky is churning with light and dark clouds, preparing for rain. Varian sighs in defeat. 

"Hopefully it doesn't rain too much." He says.

Hugo laughs under his breath. "It's barely autumn, so I assume it'll snow early this year." He is staring up at the sky as if he's entranced by it. "I do enjoy when the leaves begin to change color and fall." 

Varian watches him as he speaks. There's something about him that had softened over the past 20 minutes, was he more comfortable around Varian?

"Is it your favorite season?" Varian asks.

Hugo shrugs and a small smile apears on his face. "You could say that." He gestures to Varian. "How about you, what's your favorite season?"

"I'm not particularly a winter person, I hate the cold." He says. "I do really like when the snow melts and flowers bloom. Spring is like a new beginning, you know?"

Hugo nods. "Guess that makes us opposites."

"Yeah, I guess so." Varian looks up at Hugo. "Aren't you cold? It's like 60 degrees out and  you're in shorts."

"No, not really."  He gives a little shrug. "My mom likes the thermostat low, so I'm use to it."

Hugo's smile fades as he speaks. 

Varian takes note of the tension and chooses to change the subject. "Ah, so how have classes been?"

Hugo also notices Varian's switch up. "You know we can talk about things other than school, we are friends."

Varians eyes light up and he nearly jumps, grabbing onto Hugo's arm. "You think we're friends!"

"Oh, uh."

Varian sees the shock on Hugo's face, but his smile doesn't fade. "Guess I get an upgrade from just roomate." He releases Hugo's arm and tucks his hands into his pockets. "If you don't want to talk about school, then what do you want to talk about?"

"Just tell me things, I feel like I hardly know you and we've known eachother for over a year and lived in the same appartment for nearly two months." Hugo says as they walk. "Like what are your hobbies, favorite foods or places you'd like to travel some day. Fun things, not boring classwork." 

Varian thinks for a bit before deciding to add to the conversation. "Okay, my favorite lunch meat is ham, I would like to travel the continent, there's this super cool library I'd like to visit some day and I enjoy classical music." Varian nudges Hugo. "You're turn."

"Some very strange facts you have decided to share." Hugo says with a raised eye brow. "I enjoy soups, I would like to explore more of Corona and I can play a musical instrument."

"Wait, you have to tell me what instrument you play!" Hugo shakes his head, lips pressed tightly closed. "Come on, I'll tell you more interesting facts about me if you do!"

"Well, go ahead. If I think they're worthy, I'll tell you."

Varian rolls his eyes. "You make it sound like I'm asking who you have a crush on." 

"Guess you won't know then." 

Varian makes a pouty face in hope that Hugo would cave. When he doesn't Varian gives in. 

"I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was younger, and once I thought that if I stared at the sun long enough I would get super powers." Varian looks to Hugo. "How's that?"

"Eh," Hugo says. "I've heard better." He smirks.

"Fine." Varian thinks again for something to offer. "I was raised by my father because my mother went missing when I was a baby. I also was born with a light patch in my hair and I dye it every so often, that's where my streak came from."

Hugo's pace slows as he listens. When he notices Varian looking at him in the silence he adjusts his glasses. "Piano." He says to cut the silence. "Well, piano and saxophone. I was only going to tell you one, but you were very vulnerable and I felt bad." 

"You've got to play us something sometime." They come up to a crosswalk and press the button to signal their crossing. "And it's not really a secret or something. Everyone I'm close to knows about it, since we're friends you should too." 

Hugo's heart leaps into his throat. Was his rival going to be his first actual friend? Is this what having a friend felt like, or was it something else? 

"Hey, are you cold? Your face is all red." Varian says. 

"Oh, yeah." Hugo responds. "Guess wearing shorts wasn't the best decision." He lies.

"Let's hurry across then." Varian beams and begins across the street. 

Hugo knew what was happening now. As he watched Varian cross the street in front of him, analyzing the way he qalked and the soft smile on his face. He could feel the butterflies deep down.

FUCK.

Chapter Text

Varian hugs his knees as he watches Yong move his piece on the game board. Hugo leans back on his hands and Nuru leans forward on her elbows.

"I own that one." Hugo says.

"You said that about the last one." Yong pouts.

"Yeah, well I own a lot of them. Now pay up." Hugo holds his hand out as Yong reluctantly places the colorful bills into his hand.

"I think it's time we call it a game." Nuru says and pushes up from the floor. "I think it's clear that Hugo has won this game, cheating or not."

Hugo shrugs. "You hate to see me succeed, don't you." He smiles at her, only to be met with an eye roll. "I didn't cheat either. It was pure strategy." 

"I'm not saying you cheated, it's just odd how you landed on free parking three times." Varian says as he begins collecting his bills.

Yong snickers. "Maybe Hugo is just lucky."

"Thank you Yong!" Hugo waves his arms as he picks up each silver playing piece. "Whatever being looks upon us must enjoy my company, which is more than I can say about you guys."

Yong shuffles the cards together and carefully places them in their box. "I enjoy your company." He smiles. "I have to admit that you're growing on us. Well, all but probably Nuru."

Nuru shoots Yong a glare. She stands up straighter and folds her arms. "Maybe I'd like you if you weren't a cheater or a jerk."

"Ow, I am so hurt." Hugo holds a hand over his chest and pretends to be in pain. "How ever will I survive without your friendship."

Varian stands with the boxed up board game in his hands. "Let's all just calm down. You two are just joking, right?"

Hugo and Nuru give eachother a long forced look before Hugo turns and smiles. "Of course!"

Nuru sticks her tongue out at the back of Hugo's head. Yong snickers and gets up from his position on the floor.

"You two will come to love eachother, I just know it." 

Nuru rolls her eyes and pretends to fix one of the star clips in her hair. "Whatever you say Yong."

Varian puts the game back in a cabinet with other board games. "You know what would help some of us get along?" The group turns to Varian as he speaks. "We should cook eachother stuff, like each make a dish for the group to try." 

"That sounds," Nuru begins.

"Great! I'd love to show off my cooking skills a bit." 

"I am not the best cook, but I think it could help us bond." Varian stands with his hands on his hips. "So, what do you guys think?"

Hugo gives Varian a worried look before smiling nervously. "Sure."

"If I say no, I look like the bad guy so I guess I'm in too." Nuru says reluctantly, be you can see on her face that's he secretly wants to.

"Then it's settled. Pick what you want to make and start or go get stuff to make it." Varian makes his way to the kitchen area. 

Varian opens various cabinets, unsure of what he is wanting to make. Maybe it was more of a question of what he could make without burning down the appartment. 

Yong starts talking about what he wants to make and Nuru enters the kitchen to stand next to Varian.

"So, you and Hugo are... close?" She narrows her eyes at him.

Varian doesn't look at her. "What's so wrong about that?"

"You seriously think he's changed? Don't you remember what he did to you last year? He cheats and lies to get what he wants."

Varian lets out a frustrated sigh. "I don't want this group to be torn apart for petty stuff from the past. People can change Nuru, maybe it's time you do and give him a chance. Hugo presses your buttons and is just an ass hole sometimes, and maybe he deserves it." He is gripping a seasoning shaker so hard his knuckles are turning white. "I'm getting real tired of it and it's stressful as fuck. Both of you need to get over your grievances." He slams the container on the counter and exits the appartment.

The door swings shut behind him with a loud bang and the three are left standing around the kitchen.

"What was that about?" He raises an eyebrow at Nuru.

Nuru frowns and crosses her arms at Hugo. "I think you already know." 

"Indulge me." Hugo smirks and leans against the counter top. "I know you hate me with all of your heart, so why don't you just tell me everything on your chest."

Nurus' face grows red with anger. "How do you expect me to trust you? I don't ever believe a word out of your mouth, because you're shady. You have no friends, but you're always on your phone talking at all hours." She waves her hands through the air gesturing. "After what you did to us, I'll never trust you again. Frankly, you look like you're just trying to get close to us for some secret mission of yours to manipulate and use us." 

Hugo presses his mouth into a thin, straight line. "I apologized, I wasn't in the right mind then." 

"That's not enough." She responds. "You want my trust? Earn it and mean everything you say." 

"What else do you want me to say? I know I was a jerk and I sometimes still am. I'm trying to be a better person and you seem to think that my growth isn't fast enough for your liking." Hugo exhales. "I don't want you guys to hate me."

"You should have thought about that sooner."

Yong watches the two exchange words before he heads to his room and shuts the door. 

Nuru smooths back her hair before crossing her arms again and stares at Hugo with a bone chilling glare. "You want me to like you, fine. Did you or did you not purposely get yourself assigned to our dorm? There was no one assigned originally and suddenly you show up, doesn't sound like a coincidence." 

Hugo frowns and turns away from her. "Yes, I did."

"Why."

"You said it yourself, I don't have any friends.  While you guys weren't necessarily my friends, I thought that would be the closest I could get to anyone else." Hugo pulls the sleeves to his hoodie over is hands as he speaks. "I did request to be housed with you three after I overheard you talking about housing last year. I thought that if we were roommates , we could eventually become friends or just acquaintances."

"If you want me to feel bad for you, it's not working." She hisses. "We're all struggling right now."

"I know." Hugo says. "I just want to be given a second chance. Will you give me another shot?"

Nuru looks Hugo up and down. She takes a deep breath before responding. "If Varian is willing to, I don't see why I can't." 

"Thank you Nuru, it means a lot."

"Yeah, yeah." She truns and pulls a pot out of the cabinet. "Someone should go find Varian before it gets too dark."

"You should go." Hugo says. "I'll handle the food, I think it's only fair." 

Nuru opens her mouth to say something but just nods. She pulls a jacket on and heads out the door as Hugo gathers ingredients for dinner.

Nuru makes her way down the hallway and to the elevator. There was a loud commotion coming from the communal area downstairs, there must be an event happening. When she gets to the main floor, she turns and goes the opposite way of the groups. There was no way Varian was still in the building with that noise, he had to be outside. 

Nuru walks past the closed dining area and heads straight for the doors leading outside. It was already starting to get darker outside since the sun had set.

The wind whips around her as she steps outside bringing a cold chill up her spine. The streetlights lining the sidewalks are lit and on a bench under a light sits Varian. 

Nuru quietly walks over and sits next to him. He doesn't say anything or look at her and neither does she, for several minutes.

"Varian," Nuru begins. "It's cold out here, don't you think we should go in?"

"I'd like to sit here for a bit." 

She turns to him. "I'm sorry." 

Varian doesn't respond.

"I was kind of a bitch. I know i should have just gotten over it, but it seemed like you got over it too quickly. I know your past of holding grudges, but Hugo wasn't a good guy." She says. "I know people change, we all have changed."

Varian glances at her but still doesn't say anything.

"Hugo and I talked. We apologized to eachother and discussed our grievances. We're going to try to be better, for our and everyone's sakes." She looks away from Varian and focuses on the cement. "I'm very sorry Varian."

"I'm sorry too." He says. "I just assumed everyone was going to be okay and transition well to Hugo being our roommate. I now see that maybe I was a little too optimistic."

"No, no. Varian, you're fine for thinking we would be more open. I am the one in the wrong. You've been hurt so much and are still willing to be friends with people who have hurt you or caused you harm." She places a hand on Varian's knee. "I wish I were more like you."

Varian smiles a little and rolls his eyes. "Sure."

Nuru smiles. "I promise we won't fight anymore."

"You're absolutely sure you two are okay?" Varian asks. 

"Yeah, I'm sure." She scoots closer to Varian. "Now, can we go inside? It's cold and I'm sure you are freezing. Hugo is making something to apologize." 

Varian stands. "Are we sure Hugo can cook?"

Nuru shrugs. "Hopefully."

Chapter Text

The next few weeks passed quickly, and before they knew it, it was nearly fall break. 

Tonight the group planned on going to the university's "Monster Mash" together. Hugo was reluctant up until they offered to let him choose the group costume. Varian wasn't quite sure if he had ever celebrated Halloween before, but decided not to ask too many questions. Classic monsters was an easy enough costume idea, so no one complained too much.

Varian was going as the wolf man, Nuru was doing the Mummy, Yong would be Frankenstein's Monster and Hugo was going as Dracula. They all went to the thrift store to gather items for their outfits last week.

Varian was now sitting on the floor of his bedroom making last minute adjustments to his costume. He cuts tiny holes in the shirt and dabs areas with brown fabric paint.

After a while he sits back and proudly admires his work. He holds it up with a smile.

"You proud of that old shirt?" 

Varian glances at the door where Hugo is leaning against the frame. "I am" He lowers the shirt and leans back against his bed. "Have you even started working on yours?"

Hugo shrugs and pops fake fangs into his mouth. "Do I even need more than these?" He grins as the two fangs peak out from beneath his curled lip. 

"You could just do that, if you want to be lame."

"You are calling me lame?" Hugo rolls his eyes with a slight smile. "I won't lie, I may need some help. I'm not very good with this sort of thing. Could you maybe help me?"

"Sure, you can being your stuff in here if you'd like." 

Hugo looks a little nervous before agreeing. He comes back with a cheap cape, a flowy white shirt and some crafting supplies. He sheepishly takes a seat on the floor by Varian.

"I wanted to do this kinda classic look but not too old looking. More elegant, if you know what I mean." 

Varian smiles. "I think I do." He reaches for the cape and unfolds it. "So, you want to elevate what you already have?"

Hugo nods.

"What did you get to add to it?"

Hugo picks up some cheap red gems, a roll of black lace and some second hand jewelry.

"Okay." Varian scratches his head. "I'm sure we can figure something out."

Varian sets his stuff to the side to dry and starts working on Hugo's. Hugo adds some input and glues a few gems on.

"Hey, V." Hugo says as he carefully glues on the last gem.

"Hm?"

"How do you make friends after the things you've done?" 

Varian stops and looks at Hugo in shock.

Hugo's face turns red. "Sorry, that was out of line. I didn't mean to come off as nosey."

"No, its okay." Varian responds. "You caught me off guard." 

Hugo sets down his work. "I'm just curious. You seem to get along well with most people so I was interested in how you get people to forget your past."

"It's not really that they forget, but forgive to an extent. I should be held accountable for those things, but also be able to move past that." Varian responds. "Kind of similar to you."

Hugo nods.

"So," Varian changes the subject. "Are you excited for the party?"

"Oh, yeah." Hugo says with a nervous smile. "I hope it lives up to all the raunchy teen movies I've seen." 

Varian laughs a little. "I can't say for sure, but I also can't deny anything." 

"If there's no drunk girl who vomits on everyone's shoes dressed as a sexy cat, then it's going to be disappointing." Hugo adds jokingly. 

"Well, a vampire probably rip her throat out for that." Varian says as he continues to work on the costume. "I hope you're a nice and merciful vampire."

"What if I'm not?" Hugo says, a little more flirty than he was hoping for.

"Then I see a wooden stake in your future." Varian doesn't look up from the costume as Hugo blushes. He blushes so hard, his face burns. He quickly turns away to hide his face.

The two sit in silence for a few minutes before Varian sets down his part of the costume. "Ok, I'm done with that. Was there anything else you wanted done on it?"

"No, that should be good." He responds with a side glance. "Thank you, for the help." 

Varian smiles. "I'm happy to help! I hope it doesn't fall apart at the party though."

"I think I'll survive even if it does." 

"Why did you want to be a vampire anyways? Always liked them or are you into them in a different way? No judgement of course, I watched Twilight at a young age too."

Hugo shrugs. "I don't really know, it's a classic. Why did you pick a werewolf? Can't imagine you'd be into being covered in fake fur."

"I felt like it was easy and also the opposite of your costume. Can't have a vampire without a werewolf." Varian looks down at his phone for the time. "We should start getting ready if we want to be on time."

"Yeah, of course." Hugo scoops up his belongings and heads back to his room. "Thank you again."

Varian beams. "Not a problem."

Hugo smiles.

~~~

Varian sits on the couch in the communal living space as he ties his shoes. Yong was in the kitchen getting a snack before the party and Hugo hadn't come out of his room yet. Nuru was fixing part of her costume before they left.

"This stupid thing keeps breaking." She sighs. "Do you have a safety pin?" 

Varian helps her pin the costume. "You guys heard from Hugo yet, is he almost ready?"

Yong shrugs and Nuru shakes her head. "I assume it wouldn't take too long, but who knows." 

Varian stands and goes to Hugo's door. Hugo opens the door to reveal that he is still wearing his glasses and has his hair pulled back. He is wearing the newly finished costume and decorated in jewelry. Hugo flashes a pointy toothed smile and Varian before slipping past him.

"Oh, so you were ready?" Varian turns with his hands on his hips. "You could have told us you were almost done."

"The surprise is more fun." Hugo turns on his heels and approaches Nuru. "Wow, I thought you wore a lot of glitter before." 

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" She crosses her arms.

"It lookes good." 

Nuru stares at him in awe as he turns to the door. 

"So, we ready to go?" He says, the fake teeth giving him a slight lisp.

The crew exits the dorm and heads to the party. There are several other students headed out as well. Many are dressed as pop stars, super heros and memes. A girl dressed as a rodeo clown honks a horn at the group as she exits the elevator on their floor. 

Varian adjusts the ears atop his head and helps Yong quickly fix his hair. Once the crew reaches the Student Union building they get their tickets and head in.

The music was incredibly loud and the lights dim, except for colorful flashing coming from a stage in the ballroom. 

The white on their costumes glows bright under the blacklights as they make their way through fake spider webs. They stop at a table decked in a black plastic table cloths and fake eye balls at the side of one of the rooms.

"I think we should meet up here when we're ready to leave. If you can't find all of us within an hour, you can leave if there's two of us." Nuru says. "The party ends at 2 am, so I dont think we should walk back alone if we can avoid it."

Everyone nods, but unsure if everyone actually heard her over the music. 

"Most of all, have fun and take pictures!" She smiles. "Let's start now." She pulls everyone together and holds her phone out for a photo. 

The group squishes together and take the photo. Afterwards, Nuru spots some friends and goes to say hi. Yong takes a seat at the table and waits to see what Varian and Hugo are doing.

"So, what are we supposed to do now?" Hugo asks, wrapping his cloak around him. 

"Dance. Eat too much candy. Talk to people you'll only see once. Just have fun." Yong says.

"Or, you can hole up in a corner at a table and just watch people have fun." Varian shrugs. "Both are fun, just depends who you are." 

Varian starts to walk away fron the table and towards the snack table. He gestures tocthe bowl of punch as the two nod. Varian carefully scoops 3 cups and walks back to the table.

"I didn't inspect the juice, so it may be spiked. Just don't drink too much of it." He says and hands out the cups. "I'm going to go check out everything else really quick." He takes a large sip from his cup before dissapering into a crowd.

Hugo turns to Yong. "I fucking hope this has alcohol in it." He takes a big gulp and sits next to Yong. 

"Wasn't this your idea?" 

Hugo grumbles. "Yeah, but I just wanted to feel like I was a part of the group. You all seemed pretty into it though."

"And, were you into it because Varian was into it?" Yong raises his eye brows and sips from his cup.

Hugo feels his face burn as he fumbles for any words. "I- What are you even talking about?" He covers his face as best he can, but he's not even sure the embarrassment can be seen with the flashing lights. "Of course not."

Yong gives a sly smile. "Sureeee. You probably didn't think you accidentally look like you're wearing a couples costume."

Hugo gives Yong a confused glance. 

"You know, werewolves and vampires are a thing. the whole opposites attract kind of thing."

"You're joking, right?" Hugo turns to quickly look over his shoulders. "You're fucking with me. You're trying to catch me at a weak moment to embarrass me.."

Yong laughs. "Why would I do that, I'm trying to help you. I've always wanted to be a wing man, and I think Varian might like you more than you think."

Hugo narrows his eyes. "What makes you think I enjoy Varian's presence in that way?"

"I've seen how you look at him." He says. "You've been close these past few weeks. I don't think it's a coincidence."

"That's just how friends are." Hugo sips his punch.

"I don't know what kind of friends you have, but there's just something else. You guys look good together." Yong shrugs.

"What, you think I need your help or something? I'm very capable of being charming on my own, thank you."

Yong nods. "Sure, but if you need anything help- I mean assistance. I'm here, let me know."

Hugo leans an elbow on the table and watches the crowds of people. Did he really need help from someone else to win over a partner? He sighs as the other students dance and cheer when a song they like comes on. 

"I'm not asking for help, but hypothetically, if I were.... What do you suppose I do?" Hugo asks.

"If that were me, dance with him. Find a quiet place to talk." He says. "Just romantic junk, but not too forthcoming. You don't want to scare him."

Hugo takes a deep breath. "You sure you don't want to date him?"

Yong let's out a laugh. "Of course not! I just happen to watch a lot of rom coms."

"Thought I should ask, since you seem to know a lot about this stuff." Hugo turns to find Varian talking to someone in the crowd.

Varian smiles as a girl with short black hair dressed as cow boy, waves her arms in the air. Hugo hadn't seen this girl before, maybe Varian knew her from his past? Before long another girl with braided red hair, also dressed as a cow boy joins them.

Hugo furrows his brows. "Am I about you make myself look like an idiot?"

Yong shrugs. "That's all on you buddy."

He takes a moment to collect himself before standing and making his way over to Varian and the two girls. 

"Hey," Hugo says. "Who are your friends?"

Varian turns and gives Hugo a small smile. "Oh, Hugo!" The girls give no reaction. "This is Kiera and Cat. They're friends I met a few years ago."

The dark haired girl looks Hugo up and down with a sassy look on her face. The red haired girl gives Hugo a smile but doesn't say anything.

"This is my roomate, Hugo." Varian adds. "Hugo, Cat and Kiera are Lance's kids. You remember Lance, right?"

"Yeah, I do." Hugo says with a small, forced, smile. "He was sure a character." 

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kiera crosses her arms.

"He was a lot to handle, just like a lot of Varians other friends."

Cat buts a hand of Keira's shoulder as she opens her mouth to say something else. "You are a lot sometimes."

Keira rolls her eyes. "Whatever."

"V talks about you and his other friends a lot, you all must be close." Cat says quietly.

Hugo turns to Varian, who quickly turns to hide his face. This makes Hugo smirk. "Oh, and what does he say about us?"

"He said that you're a stubborn ass who doesn't listen." Keira says.

"That and that you can be selfless and caring." Cat adds. "All of you have helped him so much."

Varian's face is bright red as they speak and eventually grabs Hugo's arm. "That's enough of that, I'm sure you don't want to hear more about what I say to my friends."

"I think I would love to hear more."

"Thanks for saying hi, well let you two get back to having fun!" Varian says as he drags Hugo away from the two girls.

"So, you talk about me to your friends?"

"I talk about all my friends." Varian responds, almost too quickly.

"Yeah, but I didn't think you liked me enough to talk about me with such dignity." 

"Do you not want me to?" Varian stops, forcing Hugo to stop.

Hugo turns back to Varian as he speaks. "No." 

Varian realizes that he is still holding onto Hugo and that they are standing very close, so he let's go and takes a step back. It's hard to make out in the light, but his face is still flushed.

"Varian," Hugo starts. "I meant to ask you something."

Varian gives a glance around. "Right now? Can't it wait til later."

Hugo shakes his head. "I have alcohol in my system and I'm afraid that if I don't do it now, my body will betray me." 

Varian looks at Hugo, puzzled. 

Hugo holds out a hand to Varian as a slow song begins to play. "Will you dance with me." 

He immediately bites down on his tongue as the words leave his mouth. GOD, that was so corny and embarrassing.

A small smile cracks across Varian's lips. "You sound so-"

"Hm?"

"I was going to say, different but it's not that." Varian takes Hugo's hand. "Cheesy? Maybe, desperate."

"Do you want to dance or not?" Hugo rolls his eyes.

"Of course, I was just stating a fact.."

Hugo pulls Varian closer and positions his hands in their correct places. Varian seems to know his steps aswell and they fall into a gentle swaying.

Others around them are doing the same, some with matching costumes and others who step on eachothers feet as they go through the motions.

Several couples opted to step off the floor and embrace in the dark corners of the room. There's a few people who also slink back to the punch table in a socially awkward manner.

"So, was there something else you needed to talk to me about?" Varian asks, snapping Hugo's attention back to him.

"What makes you think I have more to say?"

Varian looks up at him. "The way you're acting. Your posture and the tone of your voice. You do seem a little different today."

Hugo let's out a light laugh. "I'd say that's thanks to the liquid courage."

"Maybe you're right, or maybe you've changed."

"In a good way?" Hugo asks.

Varian looks down and smiles. "Yeah, I hope so."

"You're different too." Hugo says. "It's almost like you are more open, or maybe that's because you trust me more now."

"I always trusted you, to an extent." Varian replies softly. "You're difficult to figure out, I think I've got a better understanding of you now."

Hugo raises an eyebrow. "Oh, you have me figured out?"

"Not quite."

"So, I can keep some of my secrets."

Varian smiles again, but tries to hide it. "For now."

Hugo also smiles. "I won't make it easy for you."

"Have you ever made anything easy?" Varian looks up at Hugo.

"I suppose not."

Hugo feels his heart pounding against his chest. He looks down at Varian. His eyes gleam in the rainbow changing lights and he traces his freckles with his eyes. Before he realizes, his palm is against Varian's face.

Varian looks slightly taken aback. Hugo leaves his hand against Varian's cheek as the song finishes. Varian places his hand on top of Hugo's hand.

"I think I need to go to the bathroom." Varian quickly pulls away and makes his way through the crowd as everyone begins to dance to the more up beat music.

"Hold on, V!" Hugo attempts to stop him, but he's to quick. Varian dissapears from sight, leaving Hugo by himself in the sea of drunk teens and loud jocks.

~~~

Varian stands at the mirror to the restroom, unsure if the feeling in the pit of his stomach meant he would be sick or not. The reflection of himself in the mirror shown his smudged makeup and frazzled expression. 

Was Hugo messing with him, or possibly had too much of the spiked punch? He didn't seem drunk or as if it were a joke. The look in his eyes was something else, something different. It was a look Varian had only seen from a few of his friends. It couldn't be that. Could it?

He sighs and looks down at the running water. 

"Way to go Varian." He mutters to himself. 

He then turns off the water and cleans himself up as best as he could before making his way back out to the main area. The crowd had dwindled a little since he had left, but many were still jumping around and dancing to the music.

Varian carefully walks back towards the table the group had selected. Nuru, Yong and Hugo were all back at their seats. Part of Varian wants to stop and turn tail back to the bathroom. Another wants to pretend nothing happened between them and forget it happened. The last wants to pull Hugo to the side and admit all those hard feelings he'd kept buried beneath the surface. 

Before he can decide what to do, Nuru spots him from the table. She waves him over with a smile.

Varian can't help but head over to the table. Hugo only glances over at him as he approaches and Varian does the same.

"I think I want to go back to the appartment, I'm all Halloweened out right now." Varian says.

"Oh, one of us will go back with you." Nuru says. "I was going to hang out longer but if you guys want you stay, I'll go with him."

Yong makes a face at Nuru and tries to inconspicuously point to Hugo. Nuru's eyes go wide as she mouths 'oh' back to him.

"Hugo, Yong and I were thinking about playing some of the games. We're you wanting to stay or ho back with Varian?"

Hugo looks at Yong as he nods. Then he looks to Varian, who looks as if he may retort but does not.

"If Varian will have me." Hugo looks to Varian, making eye contact for the first time since their dance.

Varian hesitates. "Yeah, I'm probably just going to head to bed anyways."

"Looks like it's settled then, Hugo will go with you and Nuru will stay with me." Yong says.

As Hugo stands Yong gives Hugo a nudge towards Varian. Hugo gives him a quick sharp glare before going to Varian's side willingly.

Varian doesn't look st Hugo directly and neither does Varian. The two quietly exit the building and step into the chilled air of the night.

The wind is completely calm tonight, only the occasional breeze. They walk back without saying more than a few words to eachother.

"It's a full moon." Hugo says as they reach their dorm building. 

Varian glances up as the clouds part to reveal the illuminated sphere.

"Funny, since you're a werewolf. " He watches for a reaction from Varian but ge only turns and opens the door.

"Yeah, it is." Varian enters the building and heads for the elevator.

Hugo follows.

As the elevator reaches them, they both step in. Varian stands against the wall on the right and Hugo stands against the back wall in the middle. 

"I think we need to talk." Hugo says ans the elevator begins to move.

Varian doesn't look up at him and doesn't say anything word.

"Varian." Hugo crosses his arms. "I know you can hear me."

Varian looks up finally as the elevator reaches their floor. "There's nothing to talk about." He steps out into the hallway.

"Oh, so you are just going to pretend it didn't happen?" Hugo tries not to raise his voice as he marches down the hall after him.

"No, I know what happened. I don't think we should talk about it."

"Why is that?" Hugo leans against the wall by the door as Varian unlocks it. 

"Because-" Varian responds in a flustered manner. "Because I don't want to say anything stupid. You're the one who says stupid stuff."

"I didn't even say anything stupid."

Varian shoots Hugo and annoyed look as the door swings open. "I don't want to do this in the hall where everyone can hear us."

Hugo shrugs and enters the appartment. "Then let's talk in here."

Varian quietly shuts the door behind him. 

"So, you want to say stupid things behind closed doors?" Hugo says.

Varian rolls his eyes and moves further into the apartment.

"Varian," Hugo stops him from walking past. "Can we talk about this?"

"We are talking." Varian responds. "We're talking and not really saying anything."

Hugo holds his hand up to Varian. "Look, I know how you feel."

"Do you?" Varian grabs Hugo's hand and places it against his own face. "Do you know how I'm feeling right now?"

Hugo opens his mouth respond, but decides against it. He just looks down at Varian, desperation in his eyes. He couldn't help but feel as if he was pleading for something.

"Hugo." Varian says softly.

"No." Hugo says. "I don't." 

Varian almost looks pained as he answers. He looks down for a moment. He looked as though he were gathering his own thoughts or contemplating his next course of action.

"How do you feel?" Hugo says, almost a whisper.

The moment is calm, but both boys feel this hearts pounding in their chests.

"Confused." Varian responds. 

Varian watches Hugo closely, but he keeps his composure. Hugo just gives him a sad and small nod.

"I understand." Hugo says. "I'm sorry for confusing you, I'm confused myself."

"Can I kiss you?" Varian blurts out impatiently.

Hugo nods. "Yeah."

Both hesitantly move closer to eachother, watching what the other is going to do. Ultimately,  Varian lets go of Hugo's hand and cups his face in his hands. Hugo's hands go to Varian's waist, pulling him even closer.

Varian takes a few deep breaths as Hugo waits patiently. Both close their eyes as they embrace. The kiss, when it finally happens, is short and fairly decent. 

Hugo opens his eyes.

Varian makes a face and also opens his eyes. "You left your vampire teeth in."

Hugo's face turns red and immediately removes the fake teeth. "Do you want to give it another go?"

"Does that make me desperate?"

Hugo shrugs with a small grin. "You just wanna kiss me again."

"Shut up." Varian pulls him back in for another kiss.

This time is still as awkward as the first, but at least they knew what to expect. It's much the same, except Varian wasn't getting poked with Hugo's fake teeth. 

They pull away once more, both breathing heavy. 

"How are you supposed to breathe when you kiss someone?, do you just breathe through your nose?" 

Hugo shrugs. "It's a bit of both. Youre lips aren't locked the whole time so you can breathe through your mouth. Or your nose, whatever you prefer."

They stand there, too close for just talking for too long and Hugo gently let's go of Varian and takes a step back.

He adjusts his glasses. "Thought you liked girls."

Varian's face flushes. "I do, well I think I do. "

Hugo leans against the counter. "Ah. Playing for both teams, eh?"

"Not sure I would label it like that, or at all right now." Varian gives a confused look before he slips his shoes off. "I'm figuring it out."

"Don't tell me I was just a test dummy, that would hurt my feelings." Hugo jokes.

Varian does not laugh. "What about you then. What do you label yourself?"

He makes a face and plays with a pen on the counter, twirling it between his fingers. "I don't like labels, but if you're asking if I like men. The answer would be yes."

Varian nods.

"You've kissed someone before, yeah?"

Hugo stops twirling the pen and looks Varian dead in the eyes. "Why, you jealous?" He cracks a smile before Varian can answer. "Of course I have."

"How many times?"

"You sure have a lot of questions." Hugo responds.

Varian bites his lip. "Sorry. You just seemed like you had some experience."

He sighs. "I get it, but chill a bit. It's giving me whiplash." Hugo does back to twirling the pen. "Only a few times and one person. It was a long time ago, so it doesn't really matter."

Varian leans against the counter next to Hugo. "Did you love them?"

Hugo doesn't answer right away. He takes a deep breath and turns to Varian. "I thought I did." He quickly looks away. "You don't have to love someone to kiss them, it's a complicated feeling."

"You're right." Varian says. "I thought I was in love with Cass, but I wasn't." 

"Sometimes we do dumb things when we are lonely." Hugo adds. "Not to meantion, being a child."

Varian smiles.

Hugo pushes off from the counter and begins walking towards his room. "I'm going to take a shower and go to sleep. I'd like to talk another time, about this. If you'd like."

"Yeah, I'd like that."

Hugo gives a small smile and a quick wink before walking into his bedroom.

Varian stands alone by the island connecting the living room and the kitchen. He places a hand over his chest and takes a breath.

I just did that. You just had your first kiss dressed as a werewolf, in the kitchen of your college appartment.... Does that make me cool or a loser?