50 Reasons Why I'm Not Gay

-Hugo-

Hugo's POV:

I watched from the corner of my eye as Varian scribbled aggressively in his little book, furrowing his brow before sighing in frustration.

Firelight danced across his features as crickets made their endless racket and other nighttime things did their thing in the background.

"Thanks Hugo!", Yong exclaimed as he looked at the tent I had set up, "It's perfect!"

I smirked and glanced at Varian once again, "Of course it's perfect, I mean, why wouldn't it be?"

I heard Varian huff as he stood up and shut his book, "Well, it's just a tent.", he said rolling his eyes, "I'm sure you'll put it up easier next time Yong."

"Well Goggles, he couldn't THIS time. Which is what is important that plays to the fact I'm useful and helpful.", I intervened not letting him downplay my good deed.

Varian looked at me annoyed, "OKAY... but I'm sure YONG WILL BE ABLE TO PUT IT UP JUST FINE NEXT TIME, HUGO. There's no reason to act like you're a king just because you put up a tent!!"

Yong looked between the two of us and scratched the back of his head, "How about we make s'mores?", he tried.

"Not this second Yong.", Varian said pointing at him, "I need you to prove to Hugo that putting up a tent isn't that great.", he glared at me.

Varian's raccoon chittered in agreement, narrowing his beady eyes at me.

I had to hold back another laugh as both of their faces seemed to mirror each other.

"Could you stop smirking for half a second and continue a conversation? Or is your face permanently stuck like that?", Varian said looking like he wanted to strangle me.

I just continued to smirk at him as I crossed my arms, "Since when is complaining about my thoughtfulness a conversation? I thought we were supposed to support one another Princess Rapunzel."

"Prin-! Wha-?!", he sputtered, "What did you just call me?!?"

I shrugged, "You heard me, Goody Goggles."

Varian let out a exasperated yell and tackled me, losing control.

I fell to the ground hard as he smaller body flew into my chest of rage. We rolled on the ground for a few minutes as we tussled.

It was kinda fun as I let him hit me with his not very efficient blows and blocking his slaps from my face, but as soon as it started it was over.

He then blew out a frustrated sigh and got up off me, his moment obviously past. "I'm sorry... just...", he turned away and walked over to Yong who was standing there awkwardly with Nuru, "Lets make those s'mores guys!", he said his mood changing.

His raccoon ran over to the campfire as everyone else gathered around it, starting to pull out the marshmallows and started talking casually.

I raised an eyebrow as I watched him relax and start to chat, his smile wide on his face as Nuru recounted some old tale.

I felt a sting of annoyance.

Was I that easily forgotten? That easily gotten over?

I had been able to annoy Varian but the stupid shit just bounced right back up!

I didn't know how to feel exactly as I watched the three laugh and talk and seem so familiar and comfortable with one another.

I didn't share in any part of that...

Practically forcing a scoff, I walked off and sat myself under a tree, far enough to see their distant shapes, but close enough to catch snippets of their conversation.

I drummed my fingers on my knees as I amused myself with my thoughts and stuffed down any annoying feelings concerning not being invited to stupid campfire talks.

It wasn't like I wanted a friend or tagged along because I believed in the power of friendship.

Of course I didn't want or need any of that-

I came on a mission and was working under Donella to find the Eternal Library. That was it.

So why did I have impulses to see Varian put out with me? More then anyone else??

As this trip progressed I've enjoyed seeing him flustered, angry, happy, scared... pretty much anything.

It was...

I felt my cheeks go red as I looked over at the laughing, singing group and saw Varian, as if a spotlight was on him, singling him out.

CUTE.

The word blared through my brain as I ran a hand through my part-shaven hair and clenched my fist.

I could NOT develop feelings.

That's how most idiots screw up.

Yet here I was...

Starting tomorrow, no tonight, I needed to just focus on my job.

Smooch my way into the group, gain their trust as they collected the totems and made their way to the library and once it was unlocked, steal the Book of Infinity.
The first two were already done and we were almost at Demanitus' famed library. All that was left to be patient and then betray them all.

Then, and only then, would I get everything I ever wanted.

Nothing tho was stopping me from continuing to press people's buttons, I thought smirking.

I turned over and looked into the Stars overhead and imagined my life of luxury and famed respect... and someone who could be proud of me for once in her life.

That dream wasn't to far off... all I had to do was wait.