#⭒ ˙ ˖ ✧ — ˗ˏˋ ❝ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ’ʟʟ ꜱᴛᴀɴᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰɪɢʜᴛ; ‘ᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇ ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪ’ᴍ ʀɪɢʜᴛ ❞ ¦ 「 Varian IC 」

[canon-fcdder]

How are you going to exact your revenge on Rapunzel and whoever? You are a baby child! You need adult supervision!

「 ☆ 」    ❝  I’m not a CHILD!  ❞   Varian snaps, a gloved fist slamming down on his workbench, papers scattering to the ground unheeded. Glowering at the one who dared question his capability— as if he’s not doing that more than enough already —he continues without giving himself a chance to show any uncertainty. Words vehemently spat, they echo through the previously agonizingly-quiet lab,  ❝  I’m the one who is going to free my dad. I’m the one who is going to bring Rapunzel and her entire family DOWN if they get in my way. I’m the one who is going to take down ALL OF CORONA if I have to!  ❞  

A child couldn’t do that... but a child would encase their father in amber in the first place, because of their own carelessness. Their inability to listen. To help in a way that matters. Panic had gripped Varian when his father needed him. When he was losing the ONE person he had left in the world. The one person who mattered. Who would be there for him, unlike everyone else. So quick to go back on their promises. To forget about him in his time of need. No matter how willingly he would have jumped to their aid if the roles were reversed.

But he’s not panicking now. He’s not scared... no matter what the trembling in his body may say. Nor the quickened pace of his breathing, his heart’s frantic beat causing Varian’s chest to ache with each passing moment. A small price to pay, a small punishment to endure, while he works on what needs to be done. No matter what it means for him... or anyone else.

❝  Besides...  ❞  Voice grows quieter, tense shoulders starting to droop. Sighing heavily, voice breaks, the only break he’ll allow himself before getting back to work,  ❝  What adult is there to supervise me?  ❞  He’s all on his own now.   「 ☆ 」 

[canon-fcdder]

“Do you think we’ll ever - be a couple-couple? ” ( Sheldon/Varian )  

- ✩ { @gamblealife } ✩

{ ☆ } Sitting next to Sheldon on the stoop of his house, hands are clasped on his lap, thumbs twiddling and gaze averted to the side. Lightly biting his bottom lip, shoulders hunch slightly as he feels his face grow hot, stomach churning with indecision. After the latest... outburst conversation between them, it’s difficult to tell what he’s supposed to say now. What exactly IS there to say? It’s not as if he’s ever been in this situation before...

Well, he did have a crush on a woman before. But he doesn’t want to think about that right now, or how awkwardly he had acted around Cassandra. Popping his lips to fill the tense silence, gaze raises up to the sky, making a note of the partly-cloudy sky. Seems like it’s going to rain soon... Maybe they should move inside? Varian supposes that he could suggest they re-enter the lab, but he’s been holed up in there for so long... and the air inside is still filled with suffocating words and memories of how he’d broken down. True, things had ended alright— as them sitting in companionable, if awkward, silence can attest. But still...

Swallowing thickly, he opens his mouth to suggest they retreat before the storm can whip up, but abruptly closes it when Sheldon speaks up first. The question is one that HAD to be asked, but it still takes Varian by surprise. Like many things that had happened today. Looking over at Sheldon with shock, eyes are wide and face is flushed brighter than a rose as he blinks dumbfoundedly, all words escaping his mind in an instant. Lightly licking his dry lips, he emits a weak laugh, tinged with disbelief despite everything they’ve been through so far.

Honestly, he’s still having trouble believing that this isn’t all some weird dream brought on by inhaling too many fumes in the lab... Swallowing thickly, a hand raises to rub the back of his neck as he bashfully averts his gaze.  “Heh... Well, I- ahem... I guess that depends?” Looking over at Sheldon, blue hues twinkle with hope even as his face floods with heat. Sliding a bit closer, hand moves to rest next to Sheldon’s, a finger lightly brushing against the other teen’s, “Is this your way of... asking me to be your boyfriend?” 

Hand slides over Sheldon’s hand, fingers interlacing as he rests against the other male’s side, head turning to fully face his friend. Ocean hues are soft, yet nervous, Varian’s stomach fluttering anxiously as he waits to hear Sheldon’s response. Despite everything pointing towards what his answer will be, he still... needs to hear him actually say it. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

“ when we come out i’m going to drown you kisses every day ” ((for Varian ofc))  

- ✩ { @princelyisms } ✩

{ ☆ } It still feels surreal... Like it’s all been one magnificent, complicated, improbable dream. Like the winding road they’d traveled down, so many twists and turns— countless laughs and problems and explosions —only to end up here, TOGETHER, was something crafted from his mind. Much like his intriguing inventions, something no one else could conceive or likely have faith in. But- it’s not... It’s real. What they are is real. No matter how tempted Varian often is to pinch himself just to ensure that he’s not dreaming.

Instead, Varian settles for slinging an arm around Alin’s waist and leaning against his side. Yep, he’s still standing. Which means that the Prince is definitely beside him and not merely a figment of his imagination. Cheeks are already dusted with a vibrant blush, freckles showing up starkly against the scarlet hue, but Varian remains close. Giving Alin’s side a soft squeeze with his arm, he chuckles lightly— bubbly sound matching the fluttering in his chest —and says, “Heheh... Well, I’m definitely looking forward to that.” 

Honestly, he’s pretty nervous about making them public. One would think that with the Princess being involved with a former thief, he wouldn’t be worried at all about his own social standing. Although, being the son of a village leader isn’t anything to sniff at. Corona is a pretty open-minded kingdom, for the most part anyway. But Varian still can’t help but wonder if everyone is going to be... disappointed. Not simply because of what he is or where he comes from— some tiny little town on the very outskirts, far from the heart of the kingdom —but just because of WHO he is. Of the problems he’s caused for his village, the kingdom, his friends...

What if the King and Queen doesn’t think he’s good enough for Alin? He doesn’t.

“Sooooooooo... Do you think I could get a sprinkle of those kisses right now? Like... How about a little preview?” Varian asks, trying to quell the anxiety arising within his stomach. A gloved hand moves to playfully bat at the long strands of hair framing Alin’s face, much like Ruddiger sometimes does with his apron strings, “Just so I know what to expect~” { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @musetothemusic } ✩ - Continued from ★

{ ☆ } True, Brit has a point. One could argue that for every problem Varian solves, there’s a trail of several of his own making in his wake. Still, he would rather suffer through another explosion than admit SHE was right about something. Besides, it’s not as if she’s entirely correct. Problematic or not, at least he’s TRYING to do something… Unlike the uppity-girl who won’t even put in the effort of entering the room. Honesty, you’d think that a smidge of soot would kill her or something. At the threat of reassignment, Varian just rolls his eyes— something he seems to do a lot when in her presence —and begins to dust himself off.

As if she’s been much help so far anyway. Honestly, he doesn’t know why the teacher keeps pairing them. It’s a near-disaster each and every time, with arguments and difficulties in abundance until the finish. Yet here they are once more, brought together for an experiment. This one somehow even MORE challenging than the last, since Varian each team was given free rein to decide what they’re presenting. Maybe the teacher hopes that they can positively influence each other? Varian helping Brit become more academically ambitious, and Brit helping him become more... socially adept. Able to befriend more than one person.

Either way, Varian has to question their critical thinking.

Unamused and unphased, he simply pushes his blackened goggles up back to the top of his head— a mask of soot around his eyes that mimics his raccoon —before crossing his arms. Despite his disheveled appearance, hair messed up with clothes wrinkled and torn, Varian doesn't appear ashamed in the slightest of his most recent failure. If anything, he doubles down on that ‘braggart’ opinion his reluctant science partner has of him, just to annoy her further. Gloved fingers lightly tapping against his arm, he emits a soft scoff and says-

“Look, you don’t get to have the best grades in class by settling.” Upturning his nose and cocking a brow, he states, “And if you only ever do things in your ‘skill level’, you’re never going to SURPASS that. You’ll just be stagnant.” Hand moves to rest on his chest, other clenched at his side as he leans toward Brit, still a fair distance away, “I’ve always been on time with my assignments, and I’ve always made sure that I had something I could be proud of too. I’m not about to start sacrificing scientific exploration just because my partner— who probably doesn’t even know WHAT I’m working on —can’t handle the pressure.” 

“Besides...” Standing up straight once more, hand moves from his chest to gesture at the mess surrounding him, “THIS is the mark of a true scientist. These ‘situations’-” Air quotes accompany the snarky repeat, brow quirking further, “-are opportunities to gather data and better understand what it is I’m working with. Without failure, there can be no eventual success. There isn’t a single worthwhile thing that wasn’t achieved through hard work, determination, and many failed attempts.” In other words, HE’S GOT THIS. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @musetothemusic } ✩ - Continued from ★

{ ☆ } The other’s retort only earns a blatant eye roll from the teen, a soft scoff slipping out of his pouted mouth as he wonders, yet again, why he was saddled with HER of all people. He would have been fine with anyone else. With the kid who’s always falling asleep in class, the girl who chews her gum obnoxiously loud, even the guy who spends half the time glancing at the clock... At least THEY wouldn’t be questioning his capabilities. Most likely, they’d be leaning back and allowing him to do all the work. And why wouldn’t they?

He’s got some of— if not THE —best grades in class.

Which is less than he can say for Brit, despite not knowing exactly what hers are. Based on what he’s observed of the girl chatting and paying minimal attention in class, he doubts that they’re anything to brag about. Or that she’s even remotely concerned about. Most likely, she’s just trying to rile him up. In which she is succeeding. “Oh, puh-lease...” He murmurs under his breath, before focusing his attention on the instruction sheet, pretending to read it. Honestly, with his photographic memory, there’s no need... Still, re-reading lines he already knows by heart beats listening to her whine. Until the beaker is at the right temperature, anyway. Then they can commence with the experiment, and eventually part ways.

It’s so hard to resist the urge to turn up the heat dangerously high and speed things along.

Unfortunately, the sheet is snatched away and along with it, his excuse to tune her out. At the mention of ‘laziness’, the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, shoulders tensing and a frustrated growl arising in his throat. Lazy? She spends most of class filing her nails and she has the gall to call HIM lazy? “Um... Excuse you, but I’m perfectly aware of how much water needs to be in this beaker... and no, I’m not just calling it good enough.” He retorts, voice strained and eyes narrowing as he insists, “I’m calling it BETTER. Because this amount of water is actually the optimum amount for the chemical reaction we’re looking for.” 

Cue his arms crossing now, a brow quirking and gaze roaming over to his lab partner— if she can even be CALLED that —as he adds, voice laced with smugness, “Something that I know because I’ve actually done this little experiment before. Several times, in fact.” Emitting a soft chuckle, meant to be more than a tad patronizing, he then dismissively waves a gloved hand at Brit. Through a half-lidded gaze, brow raised and demeanor filled with more sass than a nerd should be capable of, he adds, “So, yeah... I think I know what I’m doing.” { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

{ ☆ } TFW you get a weird chill up your spine, as if one of your biggest heckin’ secrets has been blabbed to your crush. He’s just... gonna stay holed-up in his basement lab. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

“Is it just me or does the whole world suck. Well. Okay. Only if you're there with me it doesn't suck as much.” ( hnng. Sheldon/Varian  - ✩ { @gamblealife​​​​​​​​ } ✩

{ ☆ } “Trust me, it’s not just you…” Varian irritably replies, back resting against the wall and knees hugged close to his chest. Chin resting atop of them, glare is riveted on the floor, vivid blue hues burning. But it’s not anger at his own humiliation— although, he'd suffered greatly —but at what Sheldon went through. Those jerks wandering the halls had been far from kind to his crush friend, and it was all Varian could do to stop them from ramming the poor teen into a nearby locker. How original. While he’d been able to prevent Sheldon from getting stuffed into the metal prison, he HADN’T prevented the roughing-up that happened prior. 

Stupid gym teacher, holding him after class just because the unstable concoction in his bag had accidentally covered the floor in highly volatile goop… If he had just met up with Sheldon sooner, maybe the other male wouldn’t be sporting a black eye. Grip on his legs grows tighter, brows furrowing further at the thought… Varian’s stomach churns, guilt and a need for vengeance ANGER swirling around inside of it. Those jerks must be free from his experimental substance by now; its good for much more than just messing up gymnasium floors. They’re probably on the hunt for them right now… But with the lights off and lab room seemingly deserted, it should be safe for him and Sheldon to head home soon enough.

Normally, he’d want to be doing some hunting of his own... but he has someone else’s well-being to consider. Evident by the warmth that starts to hint his cheeks, fury replaced by a rosy-tint and gaze darting up from the floor to look at Sheldon instead. ‘Only if you're there with me it doesn't suck as much.’ Eyes widen with surprise for a moment, before he releases an awkward breathless laugh, “Y-Yeah, you make the world suck less too…” A light shove is given with his shoulder, expression softening from flustered to something more tender. Smiling at the other teen, heart pounds in his chest from more than the adrenaline of earlier, stomach’s churning changing into those flips that Sheldon seems to entice.

Placing a gloved hand on top of Sheldon’s, Varian turns to better face him, cheeks glowing with a blush that shows even in the darkness and blue hues cutting through with their own affectionate light. “I’m… I’m really glad that I met you…” Varian doesn’t even realize that he’s leaning closer, too focused on those enchanting green hues. “Y’know, I’ve never met anyone like you before.” Heart POUNDS so heavily that he can hardly hear his own voice, face burning and fingers gingerly interlocking with the other male’s. Words are softly spoken, murmured near lips as eyes start to flutter shut, “You’re my best friend, Shelly…”

Sudden noise outside the door causes Varian to pause, body tensing as he quickly presses himself against the wall and away from Sheldon. Breath hitching and heart stalling in his chest, he swallows a lump in his throat— mind abruptly realizing what he’d been about to do earlier —and waits for the murmured curses to fade away, along with the sound of heavy footsteps down the hall. They’re gone... It should be fine for them to leave now. 

They should probably leave now. 

“I- Ahem, I uh, think the coast is clear...” Varian mumbles, fumbling to stand while avoiding Sheldon’s gaze, moving to peek out the small, rectangular window adorning the door. Just to make SURE that everything is fine... Not because he wants to pretend what happened a few moments ago- didn’t. “We should head out before they come back.” { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { Meme } ✩  - ✩ { @gamblealife } ✩ - 19. A clumsy kiss 

{ ☆ } It had started like any other day. Diligently trudging along from class to class: enduring the ridicule and tormenting of his peers, the praise and adulation of his teachers, which then leads to further jealousy-induced jeers and pranks... Until he could finally drop his heavy backpack down onto the tiled-floor of the science classroom. While their club couldn’t meet every single day— despite Varian’s pleas to the contrary —today was thankfully, one where they DID. True, he and Sheldon tend to spend time together after school even when they don’t have a club meeting. But Varian is incredibly close to a breakthrough in his latest (semi-dangerous) chemical experiment and requires substances only found in the school lab.

Until he is able to acquire some more for his personal one, of course...

The other boy seems to be running a bit late, but Varian doesn’t blame him for it. Sheldon’s days tend to be even more hectic than his own, and it’d hardly be the first time he was delayed by forces outside of his control... Aside from when he goes out of his way to talk to X-J9. But that unpleasant thought is promptly (and roughly) shoved to the back of Varian’s mind, mild grumbling and the harsh jostling of a beaker accompanying it. Placed down with more force than necessary, the vibrant liquid inside sloshes over the edge. Hitting the top of the desk with an unfortunate sizzle and puff of smoke. The smoke lingers in the air for a moment before dissipating with a threatening hiss of its own. That’s... concerning. 

As is how the liquid begins to bubble violently, spreading across the desk’s surface. “Oh, no... No, no, no, no, nononononononono...” Varian mutters as he quickly sets down the beaker— still containing a decent amount of corrosive liquid —and races to find something to mop up the mess. Paper towels would be a poor choice, even with protective gloves on. That’s definitely not a mistake he’s eager to make again. Sponges would likely just dissolve as well... As seconds tick by, his search becomes more frantic. More desperate; the sounds of sizzling grower ever-louder and the smell of something burning becoming stronger. If he doesn’t find something to rectify the situation with soon... DISASTER.

He doesn’t even notice the other boy entering the room... until it’s too late.

Turning the corner of the desk (for what must be the third time) gaze darting around in search of something suitable for touching what he hath wrought upon the science lab, he only has time to let out a startled cry— feet futilely skidding to a halt —before colliding with his poor, unsuspecting friend. Stumbling forward, arms blindly flailing for something to steady himself with, his efforts are useless and soon Varian finds himself falling. However, his landing isn’t as hard as he expected. Instead of hitting the unforgiving tile floor, he lands atop something far more comfortable. A grunt of discomfort is emitted from his unwilling cushion as he falls on it— or rather, him —before it is abruptly cut off... For a reason Varian will soon discover. 

Eyes are closed— having shut when he felt himself losing his balance —hands resting atop of something that rhythmically rises up and down, a frantic beating felt underneath his palms. It only takes a moment for him to realize that what he feels is Sheldon’s heart racing... and one moment more for Varian to understand WHY. And why his own is following suit. Lips are pressed against his crush friend’s, awkward and a tad sore from the impact, but against Sheldon’s nonetheless. It’s... strange, and exciting, and wonderful, and terrifying, and- 

A million things that hit him all at once, causing his stomach to churn and his palms to sweat beneath his gloves and his heart to pound in his chest. It’s Varian’s first kiss... and it’s with someone who he’s imagined kissing for what must be a hundred times. He’s not certain if he’s doing it right. Their lips are touching... and that’s all a kiss IS, right? But he doesn’t allow himself time to figure it out, quickly pulling back mere seconds after realizing what happened. After all, it was an accident... He hadn’t meant to kiss Sheldon for real, and Sheldon certainly doesn’t WANT to kiss him. His heart is already focused on a certain robotic girl.

“I-I... I, uh...” Varian breathlessly stammers, the metaphorical heart lodged in his throat making it difficult to speak. Hands are now resting on either side of Sheldon, to keep the upper half of his body from laying atop of him. Still an awkward position, Varian gazing down at the friend subconsciously pinned underneath him. But he is far too frazzled to realize that he should probably just stand up completely. He’s no longer kissing Sheldon and no longer feels his frantic heart... That’s the extent of Varian’s planning. “I’m... sorry?” Yes. He is sorry. Very sorry. So why in the world did that have to come out sounding like a question?  

“I-I mean, I am so sorry! Incredibly, unbelievably sorry, Shelly!” Varian quickly amends, words frantically pouring out. Cheeks are flushed a vibrant pink as the heat of shame washes over them, eyes wide as they distraughtly gaze into the other boy’s. As if searching to see how upset Sheldon is... Must be. “That was an accident, I swear!” Voice cracks, his heartbeat managing to quicken. Visions of his best friend becoming angry, becoming resentful, filling his mind in an instant. Disgusted with him... BY him... Leaving him. “I... I didn’t mean to.”

In the background— completely overshadowed by far more IMPORTANT things —the top of the desk gains a small flame, triggering the sprinkler system and drenching the teens. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

Takes a deep breath. "Okay. Varian, this might sound super crazy, but I've ── I've been feeling this for quite awhile now & I know things didn't go so well before, but ... oh, geeze." He's clearly flustered, practicing in the class room before Varian arrives. "What if he still says no? What if he just ── what if he just wants to remain friends ... " It'll be a lot for Sheldon to take, but he'd accept it & drop the subject completely. ( -YEET- ) 

-  ✩ { @gamblealife​ } ✩

{ ☆ } “Oh, Shelly~ Guess who just got his hands on a copper-plated alembic? That’s right, heh... This guy!” Thumbs cockily jut into his puffed-out chest as Varian bursts into the room, kicking open the door for dramatic effect— at the risk of giving Sheldon a near heart attack —before setting his ridiculously heavy backpack down on the lab table with a boom. “Do you have any idea how many poly-alchemical substration tests I’ll be able to run?” 

“Heh... What am I saying? Of course, you do!” Varian jokingly answers his own question, certain that out of everyone in school— in his life —Sheldon understands his excitement the most. While he might not be nearly as versed or enthusiastic about Alchemy, he wouldn’t just scoff and brush Varian’s excitement aside either. “A lot. The answer is a lot.” He adds with a snicker, a small (dorky) snort slipping out in the process as he sets down his latest piece of equipment. Dinged and dusty, but nothing that a good polish and buffing won’t fix.

Glancing over at the other boy, excitement becomes more subdued when he notices how... anxious Sheldon seems. “Hey... Are you- Are you alright?” Varian asks, tone quieter than before as if wanting to ensure that he doesn’t startle the seemingly-jumpy boy. With a soft smile— filled with a nervous fondness —he adds, “You’re not feeling... Y’know, weird around me now or anything... Are you?” Did his voice crack a bit? Shit... It did. Swallowing a lump in his throat, smile is shaky as he awaits Sheldon’s response. Curse his pounding heart.

Mind fills with visions of him saying that things are too strange now, too different, too... Whatever the reason may be, for him to want some space. Space that would stretch days, to weeks, to months... Until their friendship is nothing but a bittersweet memory. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @gamblealife } ✩

{ ☆ } He’s doing it again... Talking about HER. During the time they’re supposed to be using to work on extracurricular experiments. It hadn’t been easy to convince the science teacher to allow the boys to use his classroom for their after school club. Especially after the latest... ‘incident’ with Varian’s highly-unstable compound meant to instantly clean even the trickiest of beaker stains. Long-story-short, the class had to be completely resupplied with brand new beakers... and extra fire extinguishers had been installed into the room. Still, the man has a bit of a soft spot for the intelligent boy and had (reluctantly) agreed after a particularly heartfelt speech that was borderline pleading... All of this effort, for WHAT?

For their club to turn into the Jenny Is Soooooooo Great club?

Apparently. Because for some reason (that Varian only slightly understands) the other boy can’t keep from mentioning her. Constantly. He’s infatuated with the robot. Completely and utterly infatuated to the point where no one else has a sliver of a chance at breaking through to him... Fists clench tighter as they rest upon the desk, brows lowering further as he feels an all-too-familiar pang in his chest. Varian can feel his heart’s every beat, heavy and aching as he just quietly looks at his science partner. His best friend. His oblivious crush. Sheldon looks so happy... and yet, sorrowful too. A bitter-sweet feeling it is, unrequited love.

To admire someone so much, to notice every little breathtaking, wonderful detail about them— the way he cocks his head slightly when smiling, how those stray hairs bounce with every movement, how lively his voice is when he’s passionate about something... or someone, in this case —all while knowing that they don’t see ANY of your’s. That nothing you do or say will ever draw their attention. Will entice a fluttering in their heart or cause a blush to spread across their face... Like right now. Sheldon is clearly blushing, and it’s all because of some girl who wants nothing to do with him. Varian can feel his own face grow warm...

Although it is less of a blush and more of a flush of frustration. 

‘Sorry, heh... How long have I been talking for?’ That question manages to break through the boy’s sullen thoughts. Sheldon’s other XJ-9-centric words having dulled into white-noise quite some time ago. Eyes widening with surprise, Varian starts slightly at the unexpected acknowledgment— with how Sheldon had been rambling on, Varian hadn’t thought he’d stop until it was time to leave —fists abruptly unclenching so that his palms now rest flat atop the desk. Blinking a few times to clear his head and the sheen of intense thought from his eyes, Varian awkwardly coughs into a closed fist before responding, “Oh, y’know...”

“Only if you consider an hour to be long.” Words are hinted with a bit more snark than he originally anticipated, a classic tell-tale sign that something is bothering him. HAS been bothering him for a while now, to be honest. But until this moment, Varian likes to think that he’s been keeping it hidden well enough... “Technically-” Reaching into his apron, he pulls out a handmade pocket watch and glances down at it, “-fifty-nine minutes and thirty-three seconds, but I’ll just round it up.” Looking back at Sheldon with a light pout, he adds, “You walked in, sat down, and then proceeded to talk about XJ-9 after I asked you-” 

Here’s the part that causes his stomach to churn... “-how your day’s been.” Which had sent the boy into a spiel about how he had bumped into ‘Jenny’ in the halls and how she’d said something super nice to him and WOW isn’t she the greatest and hey, did he know about her new upgrades and- Varian had seen Sheldon today too. They’d had a few classes together, eaten lunch together— like usual —had bumped into each other in the halls (literally), he’d even helped Sheldon pick up all the things that’d tumbled out of his backpack because of that impromptu bump... But apparently, none of THAT stuck with the other boy.

All because XJ-9 had interacted with him for five minutes. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

"It's alchemy. It's not magic, it's science." (Have an Ed for your Varian, if that's a'ight!) 

- ✩ { @pond-songs​ ​​} ✩

{ ☆ } Varian’s mouth clamps shut, the frustrated retort he had been about to hurl dying in the back of his throat when a stranger manages to do it first. Honestly, he never thought that he’d hear those words in a voice other than his own... Varian had been attempting to present his newest experiment to the stragglers who had seen fit to stop and pay attention, but with the unending comments about ‘magic’ that quickly dispersed throughout them— he hadn’t even gotten a chance to explain his product before they reared their ugly head —he is quick to abandon that task in favor of speaking to the unfamiliar teen instead.

He just has a feeling that this conversation would be more worth his while.

“Thank you! Finally, someone gets it!” Varian exclaims, quick to scramble over, nearly tripping in his haste and extending his arms outward to motion at the stranger. Vivid blue hues practically sparkle with unbridled enthusiasm, overtaking the aggravated gleam that had filled them mere moments prior, “You do not know how many times I’ve tried to explain that. I mean, it took forever just to get people to quit calling me a wizard!” Even now, those rumors resurface from time to time. Usually after a particularly big failure mistake of his.

Gloved hands clenched in front of himself, he looks down at the shorter boy and asks, “So... Do you happen to have an interest in alchemy?” From Varian’s hopeful tone, it is obvious an interest in science, especially in that category, isn’t as abundant in the area as he'd like. “Because if you do, maybe you’d like to see my lab? Or some of my experiments?" { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

gamblealife replied to your post ““Don’t get me wrong, the power of science is impressive. But it is...”

Sheldon vc: “... I’m right here, Vare.” >)

{ ☆ } “Oh...” Is all Varian can reply for the moment at the unexpected arrival. Tone and expression a deadpan kind of confused calm, like a deer caught in the headlights. When had his friend wandered into the room? ... Probably during his little monologue about the benefits (and superiorities) of science when compared to other, less-logical reasonings... Like love. 

After all, love causes an abundance of problems... for him, at least. 

“H-Heh... Hi, Shelly.” Yet try as he might, he just can’t seem to shake it. “How uh... How long have you been standing there?” Cheeks growing warmer— partially from embarrassment and partially because of... other reasons —a hand awkwardly rubs the back of his neck as he admits with a light chuckle, “I was just... talking to myself.” Something that he happens to do a lot, now that he thinks about it. “When there’s usually no one else around, you kinda... get accustomed to it.” Cue a small silence, Varian averting his gaze as he mulls over whether he should voice what he’s thinking. Something that honestly, barely takes him a second. 

“... I guess I don’t really need to do it all that often anymore, huh?” { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @iiamthehorse } ✩ - Continued from ★

{ ☆ } Varian is aware of how strange this might seem to onlookers (and perhaps even the horse) but frankly, he doesn’t care… Earlier in his lab, he had been absentmindedly bouncing the ball against a wall until he broke a beaker, when he had suddenly been struck by an ingenious thought. Why play ball by himself, when he could discover whether he can play it with Maximus? True, playing fetch with a horse is rather unorthodox. But who says that only canines get to enjoy it? After all, Rudiger is quite fond of the game. Thankfully, the raccoon doesn’t mind sharing his toy… Likely because Varian had smuggled it out in his apron.

A joyous laugh bubbles out of him at the sight of the impressive horse bounding after the object. Snickering at the other’s less-than-graceful movements, eyes twinkle with mirth as he calls out, “Good boy! Good boy, Maximus!” Bending over a bit and patting his knees much like he does when playing with Rudiger (despite the horse being considerably larger than the raccoon… and him) the boy unnecessarily adds, “C’mon, Max! Bring the ball…” To avoid a crick in his neck, Varian is quick to stand up once more when the horse arrives. Although he does still need to angle his head to better meet the tall animal’s gaze.

Hand outstretched, he attempts to catch the ball. Which leads to him awkwardly fumbling for a firmer grasp, the drool-covered object refusing to stay still in his gloved hands. With a desperate grab, both hands attempt to clamp around the orb, causing it to shoot into the air with a surprising amount of force. Slipping through his fingers with a defiant squeak, it soars toward the sun… The wide-eyed boy gazing upward at it, head cocking to the side and a brow quirking- before the ball returns to the earth; hitting Varian’s face in the process.

“Ow...” Voice is flat, a hand going to rub at his aching forehead as he curiously watches the ball bounce along the ground (managing to go considerably further than when all it had was the force of the lanky boy’s throw guiding it) Within a few seconds, laughter is flowing out of him once more, “Pffffff... Well, I guess that’s one way to do it.” But not one that he plans on repeating anytime soon, no matter how favorable the results were... After all, some things just aren’t worth doing in order to get something to happen. Some things. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

Varian- what is your favorite thing about Ruddiger?

{ ☆ } “Ruddiger is…” Gaze flickers down to his companion, sitting amongst the scattered papers spread atop his desk. Trusting eyes lock onto Varian’s light blue ones, hidden behind thick goggles, yet sensed all the same. A gloved hand raises to remove the goggles, dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep causing the tired alchemist to resemble his furry assistant. “Ruddiger is loyal.” Tone is firm, certain of his decision. Something that has been unfortunately rare lately. “I can rely on him. Trust him… He’d never purposely do anything to hurt me.” Accidents happen, of course. Varian knows that more than anyone. But even if the raccoon somehow brought harm upon him, Varian’s trust would remain strong as ever. 

Because Rudigger wouldn’t mean to do it… Hurting someone doesn’t count if the person didn’t want to do it. Varian hadn’t wanted to hurt his dad. He was only trying to help. If they’d do anything in their power to fix what they had done. Anything. Honestly, who’s more at fault: someone who accidentally caused harm, or someone who purposely let harm befall another? It’s not his fault. It’s theirs. It’s HER’S. Fists clench at his sides, teeth gritting as he feels a familiar pang in his chest. A deep burning, causing each breath to feel sharp and his stomach to churn uncomfortably. Reminiscent of a time when he’d accidentally inhaled an unfortunate compound… Only this time, the antidote is much more difficult to acquire. 

“No matter what happens, no matter how things end… I know that he’ll be right by my side. Because he cares about me. Ruddiger believes in me and I believe in him.” Varian continues, eyes narrowing as he steels his nerves; something he finds himself doing uncomfortably often. “Together, we’ll save my dad. Regardless of what we have to do or have to become… We’ll free him. Won’t we, buddy?” Determined gaze is riveted on Ruddiger (blind to the slight tremor that courses through the raccoon’s body as he nods) a snarl frown cemented on his face, “Corona views us as the bad guys. Rapunzel and her family want to paint us as monsters… Well, that’s just fine. Because while they didn’t take us seriously before-” Hand goes to pick up a vial, liquid glowing ominously as he holds it up to his face. Brows furrowing further as that uneasy feeling grows ever stronger… “-they certainly are now.”

Of course, everyone else is so unimaginative. Labeling them as such already, when they’ve barely gotten started. Varian has yet to show how much of a ‘bad guy’ he can be… and Ruddiger is about to show what a real monster looks like. A hand gently pets the raccoon, contrasting starkly with the hard gaze riveted on the vial. He didn’t want things to turn out this way. Didn’t mean for any of this to happen. But if this is how things have to… Then so be it. “It’ll… It’ll be okay… I’ve tested this extensively. I’ve… ensured that it’ll work. You’ll only be a monstrosity long enough to draw their attention.” Varian, however, can’t as easily revert back to what he once was. “You’re going to be okay, Ruddiger… I promise.” He doesn’t run when the compound is reluctantly poured onto him. Varian knew that he wouldn’t.

Varian and Ruddiger don’t break eye-contact, even as the transformation begins. { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @gamblealife } ✩ - Continued from ★

{ ☆ } Initial scoff goes unheard, Varian engrossed in his ‘work’, brows furrowed and tongue sticking out slightly as he tightens a particularly troublesome bolt. However, the sudden clearing of a throat manages to get through… Perhaps a bit too much. Flinching, hands fumble to grab the wrench before it can hit the ground; tool nearly slipping through his gloved fingers. A deep sigh of relief slips out when his grip tightens around it. While hitting the ground might not have hurt the wrench much (if at all) the possibility of it hitting the bike and damaging something was much too high for his liking… At least, when Varian’s luck is factored into the equation. Not that he believes in luck. But it doesn’t hurt to be safe.

Turning to face the stranger, blue eyes are curiously wide as a brow cocks. Smile slipping from his freckled-face at the accusatory tone, he takes a second to analyze the situation. Honestly, that’s all the quick-thinking boy needs… “Tightening the bolts.” Varian unabashedly replies, smile quickly returning (deciding that the stranger doesn’t pose a substantial threat) Standing up, the wrench is promptly returned to his apron. One hand going to rest on his hip, the tall boy gestures at the bike with his free hand, “I was examining your bike’s frame when I noticed that the bolts supporting the spokes were loose. You really have to make sure those are taut… Don’t want those wheels buckling while you're riding it, do you?”

Voice holds a hint of a laugh, although the supposed amusement doesn’t seem directed at the other boy. Rather, it's just a natural energy that Varian can’t help but emit. “Honestly, I don’t know how they managed to get that loose. I mean, it isn’t uncommon in motorcycles. But that’s because vibrations meticulously rattle the bolts. It must have taken a lot of kinetic energy to get it to happen in a bicycle. Like, WHOOSH amounts of energy-“ Hand mimics an object speeding by to emphasize his point (as if the sound effect wasn’t emphasis enough) A giggle soon accompanies it before Varian then extends a hand to the other boy.

“Soooooooo… Can I know the name of this crazily-competent cyclist?” Tone is playful, a brow raised and smile still laced with that earlier laugh. “Mine’s Varian!” { ☆ }

[canon-fcdder]

✩ { @gamblealife } ✩ - Continued from ★

{ ☆ } Solution? Honestly, Varian hasn’t yet thought of one to their unfortunate problem. He had been more focused on ensuring that he wasn’t just imagining it. It wouldn’t surprise him if all this fresh air and full night’s rest had sent his mind into shock. It’s not as if his body is used to being treated this kindly, after all. Well, aside from having decent food. It’s still very much lacking that. As his fellow competitor has just confirmed. “Weeeeeell… I’m guessing you want a solution that involves us actually receiving sustenance.” He jokingly responds in a hushed whisper, giving Noah a light nudge with his elbow; hoping the other guy doesn’t mind the playful touch. At the very least, Varian knows that he won’t take a swing at him like some of the others would. “So, just going the day without eating is out of the question.”

Honestly, that’d be Varian’s go-to solution. It’d hardly be the first day he’s gone without food. But, he’s not the only person at risk of losing a meal. Noah needs food. So food, Noah shall get. “Just give me a minute…” He mutters in a drawn-out tone, brows furrowing in thought as he rests his arms on the table. Propping up an elbow, cheek goes to rest on his hand as he thinks. Lightly nibbling his bottom lip, vivid blue eyes are riveted on the table (purposely avoiding looking at his tray) as he mulls over their situation. “What if weeeeeee… Swipe some better food?” Questioning gaze flickers over to Noah as he sits up and gives a small shrug. It’s a simple solution, sure… But sometimes the simplest solution is the best one.

Voice hushed, Varian discreetly slides closer to his fellow competitor as he continues, “I’ve seen others sneak into the kitchen when Chef wasn’t around. If they can do it, we certainly can…” Normally, Varian prefers to use more sound logic. But in this case, he’s willing to leap to assumptions. If it means spending time with an actually enjoyable (and cute) teammate... The chance of food is just a nice bonus. “What do you say? Wanna pilfer the kitchen with me?” He asks, tone holding a hint of excitement and a brow playfully raised. { ☆ }