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Varian had always assumed that his escapade to complete his mother’s research would be solitary, a pleasant vacation away from his duties and stresses as Royal engineer. Taking some time alone, for once, to fulfil a need to find himself, learn more about his own past and a mom who had abandoned him long ago.
He had always enjoyed the quiet, being alone had been a part of him for all of his life, except for when Ruddiger had come around, though he was an animal so it was a lot different in Varian’s brain. Never had he thought the constant presence of friends and family while working in the castle would overwhelm him so much, so he was excited to finally have a moment to himself, thrilled to finally be able to go off on his own, to explore more than just the kingdom of Corona and his small hometown, to maybe even find his mom and a library that’s said to contain every single ounce of knowledge ever discovered.
And yet, here he is, three new tag-alongs deep, finding himself arguing with one overly obnoxious blond who had wormed his way into his life, to much refusal.
“Just hand over the book, Goggles, you’re clearly leading us down the wrong path.” Hugo was all up in Varian’s personal space, something he had a habit for doing ever since he’d started tagging along. Varian had no idea if he was doing it on purpose, or if he genuinely had no clue how close he was all of the time, but whatever it is, he didn’t know how much more he could take.
And as much to Varian’s distaste, Hugo was right, he had lead them down the wrong path at least an hour ago, but he had been determined to correct his mistake, brushing off the annoying blond once again in favour for looking more closely at the map they had been provided by Varian’s mothers journal.
“Go bother the other two, I’ve got this. Leave me to think.” Varian has said coldly, not even sparing Hugo a glance as he stared down and flicked through the journal. Both of them were sitting up front of their caravan, with Varian’s donkey, Prometheus slowly trotting along the dirt path and dragging them all along to their destinations.
It had started getting dark, Hugo had noted, they’d have to find somewhere to rest for the night soon or else they'd be even more lost, especially with Mister ‘Can’t Read a Map to Save His Life’ leading them. With a harsh roll of his eyes, he snatches the journal from Varian’s unexpecting grip, a shocked gasp coming from the preoccupied boy as Hugo turns his back towards him, using one arm to push away a now, obviously fuming, Varian who had started to try and claw at Hugo.
“We aren’t gonna get back in time-“ Hugo cuts off, swiftly dodging a lunge from Varian and holding the journal further away. “-Let’s just find somewhere to lay low for the night-” He’s cut off once again, this time Varian taking it upon himself to interrupt him.
“I know what I’m doing, Hugo! For goodness sake, stop treating me like I’m stupid!”
“Well, clearly not, cause look at where we are? Let me lead.”
Their bickering had turned physical, sharp pushing and shoving and loud yelling at each other now shaking the caravan, causing Prometheus to stop in his tracks and looking back at the two unamused. Both of them had failed to notice their sudden stop, continuing to claw at each other and yell insults upon insults, the journal quickly getting snatched back and forth between the two. This keeps up until a clearly fed up Nuru sticks her head out of the caravan and loudly clears her throat, causing the two boys up front to freeze and turn towards her, their arms and legs tangled from thrashing and kicking like toddlers, their journal between to two as they both hold it.
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The rest of the journey is quiet, Nuru opting to sit up front with Varian instead, to stop him and Hugo from fighting, though not without Hugo annoyingly announcing some pointers to Varian to get them somewhere safe for the night, and as much as Varian hated it, he listened, leading them to what looked like an old, decrepit and seemingly abandoned barn. Nuru’s nose scrunched slightly, ‘princess standards’ Varian had thought, though it was quickly forced away as she hopped down to retrieve the other two who were sitting in the back. The sun had set completely and it had even started to rain, a roof over their heads while they waited out the downpour would be nice, since they all couldn’t fit in the back of the caravan, and tents are completely out of the question, so this would have to do.
It didn’t take long for them all to settle in, Yong quickly bouncing around each corner to excitedly inspect the barn. It was mostly empty, aside from a old, large pile of hay that acted almost as a wall to hide one corner, which Varian had quickly claimed as his for the night, wanting to detach himself from the people around him as much as possible as to not get overwhelmed and lash out again like he had with Hugo.
Nuru and Yong had seemed to get the memo that Varian wanted to be alone, hanging out with each other away from him so as to not upset him, which they had unfortunately learned the hard way. The two had set up in the corner diagonal to Varian’s to keep as much distance as possible, Yong occasionally waving in Varian’s direction with a large smile as the older boy sat on a pile of hay to read more of his mothers journal, returning a small wave.
Suddenly, Varian feels a heavy weight on his back, arms sliding around his neck as the voice he hates to hear the most starts talking way too close to his ear for comfort.
“You done sulking, Goggles?” Hugo says with an obvious grin in his voice. Varian had learned to get used to the blonds antics, learning that a reaction is what he’s trying to get, so he lets his stiffened shoulders relax, letting out a defeated sigh.
“I’m not sulking. Do you mind?” Varian jabs an elbow into Hugo’s side, attempting to pry him off, but to no avail. Hugo stays put, his grip becoming tighter around Varian’s shoulders.
Varian feels himself flush slightly, though he plays it off as anger in his own mind, quickly standing up to cause Hugo’s arms to fall from around his neck, and walking to hide in his solitude little corner. If Hugo had noticed Varian’s blush, he hadn’t made it obvious, shrugging softly and taking the defeat for now, opting to go bother the other two, knowing they’ll be more entertaining while Varian continues to isolate himself.
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Hours pass, the younger two of the group having fallen asleep a while ago, Yong’s incapability to manage his energy causing him to pass out as soon as he lay down, and Nuru’s insistence of keeping a healthy sleep schedule following him soon after. Hugo watches over the other two as they rest, his legs crossed and head resting in one hand, occasionally sparing a glance in Varian’s direction, still unable to see him as he hides away in the corner. Hugo can tell he’s still awake due to a soft green glow radiating out from the hay, obviously coming from one of Varian’s makeshift neon vials which he must have shaken up a while ago.
As per usual, Hugo decides now is the perfect time to ruin Varian’s night more than he already has, getting up from his spot and striding over to peek around the corner of the hay wall, his eyes settling on a completely lost in thought Varian who was chewing on his thumb nail and tapping a quill against the side of the journal that lay in his lap. He steps out from the corner, walking up to tower over Varian, the shadow causing him to jolt and stare upwards, before he grimaces realising who’s above him.
“What do you want now?” Varian says flatly, going back to looking in his lap, which Hugo can now see that he’s attempting to find a way to get the group back on track, and with a kiss of his teeth, Hugo moves a foot to kick the journal closed.
“It’d be easier to just let me do it, whatcha say, Goggles?” Hugo says as he steps back, Varian looking up with a scowl and lifting himself off the floor to get up in Hugo’s face despite the obvious height difference, borderline growling in anger.
“I know what I’m doing, why won’t you just let me-?” Varian’s cut off by Hugo rolling his eyes, the gesture causing his eyebrows to furrow further. “Seriously, Stop treating me like I’m an idiot!”
Hugo raises his hands in mock defence, “Hey, I’m not the one who got us crazy lost, I’m just saying I’d help.” He grins wider as he hears Varian make a noise of anger as he goes to grab for Hugo, who swiftly steps aside to avoid it. “Don’t gotta be all defensive, We all make mistakes, nothing wrong with being a little empty up there.” Hugo brings a hand to gently knock on the top of Varian’s head, who, with a sharp breath, grabs onto the blonds wrist tightly and pushes him backwards.
Varian’s grip twists Hugo’s wrist away from his head, holding it next to the blonds figure who just grins back, obviously pleased with himself. Varian will forever deny that Hugo’s grin, for some reason, works on him despite telling himself how much he hates it, soon going red faced, now realising he has Hugo pinned up against the barn wall.
“Eager today, are we Freckles?” Hugo teases, Varian looks away as soon as he feels his face get warm, his grip on the blonds wrist faltering as he steps back slightly, though without warning, Hugo snakes a hand around Varian’s waist, pulling him back and pressing them together.
This isn’t the first time their arguments have ended up with them all over each other, the heat of the moment often getting to them, and in an attempt to cool off, they… Varian furrows his brows once again, pushing himself off on Hugo with an annoyed grunt, despite his obvious flush, he's still mad, turning away from Hugo and going to pick up his mother’s journal.
“Don't flatter yourself, I’m busy.” He scoffs, picking the journal off the ground and keeping his back towards the blond. Hugo very much enjoys the challenge, going to grab back at Varian’s hand, earning him a shove back into the wall, this time Varian's arm bars over his chest, his hand harshly gripping Hugo’s shoulder, the smug grin reappearing on his face as Varian continues to try and threaten him, all while trying to hide his red face.
“Seriously, what is your damage? Why won’t you leave me alone?” Hugo leans down so he and Varian are level, tilting his head slightly and keeping their faces inches apart.
“Why would I want to?” The question causes Varian’s breath to hitch, trying to give himself space but finding himself stuck with Hugo’s hands resting on his hips. The two of them find themselves staring at each other for what feels like hours, examining each other's expressions before Varian dramatically rolls his eyes, grabs the front of Hugo’s jacket and forces their lips together roughly, pushing him harder against the wall.
Hugo eagerly responds with a soft hum, tilting his head to the side to deepen their kiss, his hands instinctively traveling up Varian’s sides to grab at his waist, their bodies pressed impossibly close to one another.
Varian’s first to pull back, his breath heavy as a string of saliva splits between them, staring up at Hugo, who is just as dazed, his eyes half lidded and lips parted slightly as he breathes, the look on his face causing Varian’s mind to short circuit.
With a swift motion Varian pulls Hugo’s goggles from over his head, throwing them on a haystack behind them and beginning to work on the buttons of his jacket, soon revealing his undershirt. Hugo watches him work, still attempting to catch his breath from their previous kiss, chuckling softly as he watches Varian stare at the now bare skin of his neck.
“Don't you know not to keep a guy waiting, Goggles-?” Hugo attempts to joke, but is cut off by Varian immediately diving into the crook of his neck, kissing and biting at the sensitive skin, which causes the blond to snap his mouth shut to swallow back a desperate noise, his head lulling to the side at the contact. Varian knows exactly where to work to shut him up, finding a pulse point and harshly biting down, knowing the damage his teeth can do causes Hugo’s eyes to roll, which is confirmed when he feels the blonds throat bob slightly as he swallows again, a shaky hand coming up to tangle in Varian’s hair, holding him in place.
He pulls back after a short while, wiping his mouth on the back of his glove and inspecting the damage he caused with a satisfied hum, Hugo above him trembling slightly, knees weak and throat covered in newly forming dark marks. Varian takes notice of his imbalance, ordering him to “Sit.”, to which he obliges without hesitation, melting under Varian's demand and sliding down against the wood until he hits the floor. Varian watches in anticipation, Hugo’s easy obedience making him bite at his lip as he quickly follows suit, slotting himself between the blonds legs.
As the air between them grows thick, Hugo hooking a leg around Varian's waist and pulling him in so their hips finally connect, the contact making both of them tremble. Varian lets out a shaky breath as he brings a hand to grip at Hugo’s face, his nails digging into his cheeks and pulling him in for another harsh kiss, forcing his head to tilt with his tight hold. Hugo swiftly reciprocates, his lips parting as Varian pries them open with a sharp bite to his lower lip, hastily claiming his mouth with his own.
Hugo can’t help but squeeze his eyes shut as a soft moan bubbles at the back of his throat, feeling Varian begin to slowly grind against him. He attempts to move in sync with the boy above him, but finds himself unable to, a heavy hand holding his hips down and keeping him stuck to the ground. Varian takes notice at the attempt, responding by pressing into him harder, the pressure between them continuing to build as Hugo hands eagerly grip the fabric around Varian's waist as a means to ground himself.
They break away from each other once more, their breaths coming in short bursts as Varian continues to slide their hips together, his grip on Hugo never faltering. His eyes drift to look at the desperate mess he's making of Hugo, his face twisted and flushed in both agony and pleasure, the crescent shapes of Varian's nails continuing to dig into his cheeks. A small grin creeps to his face, harshly forcing Hugo’s head to turn to expose more of his neck and humming appreciatively when the blond lets him tug him around without resistance. Varian's eyes wander over his assault on Hugo's neck once more, the marks now showing up a deep purple at the bruises begin to set in, that is until he feels a few fast taps on his back, Hugo wordlessly signalling to him that he’s close.
Varian lets his grip on Hugo’s face fall in favour of using both his hands to hold his hips firmly,
“Already?” He breathes out with a soft laugh, Hugo responding by letting his head dip forward to rest on Varian's chest, his heavy breath, whines and twitching hips a clear sign that he won't last much longer, his arms travelling up Varian's back to claw at the fabric of his vest.
Not wanting to be around Hugo any longer than he already has, Varian lets his pace pick up in an attempt to get himself off in time with the blond beneath him, hearing his breath hitch at the sudden change in speed. It’s not long until he feels Hugo stiffen beneath him, his whole body shaking with release before his grip around Varian weakens, who continues to move harshly against him.
Varian soon follows suit, his own release hitting him as his head falls limp onto Hugo’s shoulder, the both of them staying still and catching their breaths as they come down from their highs. Hugo’s arms stay holding Varian close, legs wrapped around his back almost caging him in, Varian enjoys the contact for a little longer than he'd like to admit, before pushing himself off of the blond, standing up and dusting himself off, as if nothing had happened. Hugo’s used to this by now, watching him stand, his expression still dazed as Varian turns to look at him, his usual look of unamusement back on his face.
“Well? You got what you wanted. I’m tired and I’m Not letting you sleep here.”
Varian tosses Hugo’s goggles back to him and stares until the blond feels forced up by his gaze, leaning a hand on the barn wall to stabilise himself and also dusting himself off. With a quiet “Whatever.” Hugo leaves Varian's designated corner in favour of collapsing on some old hay somewhere else in the barn, passing out almost immediately out of exhaustion. Varian doesn’t let himself sleep until he hears Hugo's soft snores from the other side of the hay wall, turning onto his side and hiding a soft smile with his hand before letting his eyes drift closed.
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Varian had let Hugo lead the way the next morning, finally accepting defeat and letting him get them all back on track.
They both sit up front of the caravan once more, though this time much more civil than the day before, Hugo gently pointing out to Varian where he had turned wrong, his voice warm and not teasing to any capacity. For once Varian lets himself listen, watching Hugo talk and not really paying much attention to the map.
They fall into a comfortable silence until they're back on track, Varian immediately going to take the lead again and snatching the journal from Hugo’s grasp, once again claiming he doesn't need his help. Hugo rolls his eyes, not wanting to deal with the same argument as before, making sure Varian does, in fact, take the right turn this time before their silence returns, their journey resuming as if nothing had occurred.