Every Minute From This Minute Now

Chapter 2

Hugo was blown away from the lab Varian had constructed in a cave not too far from the castle, hidden by thick woods and a wide river.

"Goggles...this is amazing..." He said, looking around at the spacious area with tables and books strewn about.

He saw Ruddiger go lay on a plush cot piled with blankets and pillows. Big enough for Varian and himself if they laid closed.

He wandered to an open book and beakers that were in serious need of dusting.

"Don't touch anything." Varian said, a soft lit in his voice.

"Aw..." Hugo whined and walked to his boyfriend. "But it's all so..."

Varian cupped his cheek and made Hugo face him.

"Let me show you around, then you can play." He said with a soft smile.

Hugo nearly melted, lashes fluttering close as Varian pressed their foreheads together.

"O-Okay." He said, Varian leaving him leaning down.

Hugo straightened up and smiled when a figure scampered up a bookshelf and jumped to his shoulder.

"Olivia!" He said, taking her in his hands and petting her little metal body with his thumbs.

"I kept her nice and safe for you." Varian said, then smiled at Ruddiger when he jumped on his shoulder and purred. "Hey, Bud. Hugo take care of you?"

Ruddiger chittered in confirmation, nuzzling Varian's cheek.

"Yeah, me and Rudds were okay." Hugo said with a wink. "But we're glad to be back with you."

Varian's cheeks flushed as he walked back to Hugo, getting in his space and leaning towards him. Hugo's back hit a wall as he stared down at Varian, his face flushing again.

"Thank you." Varian murmured and moved closer, eye lids falling.

Hugo shut his eyes, but the kiss never came. He opened them to see Varian next to him looking over a sketch.

"They may be rebuilding their defenses...but we need a new base of operations. This..." He waved an arm at the spacious cave. "Is a little bolt hole of mine. So we can recover here."

Hugo nodded, swallowing.

He had to play along.

"Okay. What can I do?" He asked.

Varian turned, face slack in surprise before he grinned.

*

Hugo had drawn up a new design for the automatons; more aerodynamic and flexible.

Varian had nodded in approval, excitement lighting up his eyes as he seemed to gloss over the weak spot Hugo had unmarked in the joints.

They had been working since sundown, bright chem lights pinned to the walls to keep their workspace illuminated. Hugo had left to get some air, noticing how high the moon was.

"I can't remember much." Varian's voice said, breaking him out of his trance.

He flinched and turned to see Varian, sans jacket behind him.

"But I remember how I feel about you." He said. "It's...grounding."

Hugo blushed and turned, taking his boyfriend's hands.

"I'm with you." He said. "You told me about your Dad. But...is he still trapped in amber?"

Varian opened his mouth, then cried out and clutched his head. He screamed in pain, sweat beading up.