(Sorry for the wait. Hopefully this makes up for not updating. One word for my excuse: BILLS)

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Chapter 51 -
A Bad Guy To Anti-Villain
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“So.”

You jump when your turn the corner for Varian to be standing there. You groan, “What?”

Varian shrugs, grinning, “Nothing, nothing…. What were you Andrew talking about?” He tries to act cool and leans on one of the hallway tables, only for it to tip and knock a vase over.

“Uh…..that was already….broken.” He chuckles nervously.

You pick up the vase and see a crack, “It's just a crack is all.” You put it back on the table which Varian put back up. “And what me and Andrew were talking about isn't something I want to tell you yet.”

Varian throws his hand out, “What is that suppose to mean?”

“Girl stuff genius.”

“But he's a guy!”

“Well he understood what I was talking about.” You cross your arms and turn away.

“Well whatever he told you is most likely a lie.” He crosses his arms and grins, “I know when a guy is bad.”

“Varian, don't let your jealousy of Andrew being with Cass mess with your logical thinking.”

“Jealous? I am not jealous.” He rubs his cheek, not looking at you.

“Then stop giving Andrew such a mean face. He's not that bad of a guy.”

Varian narrows his eyes a bit, “So you like him?”

“No! He's just tolerable, besides Eugene looks way more handsome than Andrew.”

“You like Eugene?!”

“Why are you getting so upset? All I did complement Eugene.”

“I'm not getting upset?” Varian’s voice gets a bit higher at the end of upset.

“There you are!” Rapunzel speaks from down the hall and skips over. “I had the greatest plan yet! We…..are all going on a triple date! A candlelit dinner TONIGHT!”

The strings played a fairly romantic tune, the fireplace and candles on the table gave a warm atmosphere. That was Rapunzel’s perceptive.

You're slouching in the chair which is seating very close to Varian. Pascal didn't seemed too bothered by the tension around the table and kept playing the small stringed instrument.

Varian is glaring at Andrew the whole time, while Cass looked annoyed by the whole idea of this dinner.

“So Andrew, I couldn't help but notice you're going steady with our Cassandra.” Eugene breaks the tension, but most likely made it worse.

“We're not going steady.” Cass denies.

“But you are interested, right? I just want to be clear because you strike me as a guy who really has his game together.”

Andrew smiles at Eugene's statement. “I mean you're smart, attractive, not the most attractive man in the room, clearly.”

Rapunzel gasps, “Eugene!”

“And clearly not the only smart one in the room.” Varian rolls his eyes.

“Varian!” Rapunzel frowns a little.

“Don't worry, Cassandra knows we're kidding.” Eugene grins then leans over the table toward Andrew, “No. Seriously though, if she's blackmailing you blink three times if the answer is yes.” Eugene whines in pain as Rapunzel pulls him back to his seat by his ear.

“Say, ANDREW, how did you and Cass meet?” Varian asks.

“Sunshine's friend, good to meet you.” Andrew holds out his hand.

Varian just stares without taking his hand, “Don't call her Sunshine. Just answer my question.”

You nudge Varian, “Varian, be nice to Andrew.”

“If I don't like Andrew, then I don't.” Varian says stubbornly.

“Well if you must know, you see, I'm a somewhat Bibliophilic.”

“Bibliophilic? Oh I am so sorry, but don't you worry Andrew, Corona has the best medical professionals in the world.”

You and Varian look at Eugene, speaking at the same time, “Bibliophile is someone who loves books.”

Eugene blinks up in thought, “Oh…..Bibliophilic. Of course…..I've read about that.”

You take a bit of sliced potatoes, “I guess those three days of school paid off, huh, Fitzherbert?”

Varian couldn't help, but laugh in his in hands so it wasn't loud. You smile softly, then laugh at Eugene as he pouts at you. “Plus Andrew doesn't look like the type to love books either.” Varian said.

He narrows his eyes again, pointing at Andrew, “There's something about you I don't like. Why would Cassandra have any interest in a pretty guy, I mean she doesn't like Eugene.”

Andrew just smiles calmly, “Kid, does this have something to do with the fact you might be jealous? Cassie and I are so just getting to know each other is all.”

“Jealous?” Varian stutters and blushes, “Why does everyone say that?”

“Because it's clearly obvious.” You say.

“No it's not, besides me not liking Andrew has nothing to do with the him and Cassandra being together.”

You throw up your arms in exaggeration, “It has EVERYTHING to do with them being TOGETHER!”

“Why are you defending him?!”

“I'm not defending him!” You turn your head away with a huff.

Cass glares, slamming a bowl onto the table and looks at Rapunzel, “I told you this was a bad idea.”

Andrew speaks up to help Cass calm down and takes her hand, “I simply had to see King Herz Der Sonne’s book as an anthropologist, as a historian, and as a mere amateur calligraphist. Well it's been my dream.”

He glances at Cass with a soft gaze, “Anyway, I sent the Captain of the Guards many letters, requesting an opportunity to study the book up close.”

Cass smiles softly at Andrew, “But my dad asked me to send a letter rejecting his request for security reasons.”

Varian sarcastically laughs, “I wonder why?”

Cass rolls her eyes, “So instead, I invited him to come see the book on the Day of Hearts when it's available to the public.”

“And our letters continued and well Cassie and I got to know each other very well.” They gaze at each other with tenderness and Pascal goes by tossing up tiny hearts before they hug each other close.

“Cassandra hates it when someone calls her Cassie. Might want hold back on that, Andrew. She’s a skilled fi-”

The table shakes and Varian stops, “Ow.” He rubs his shin and you glare at Cass.

Cassandra laughs nervously, “Aaand on that note, I think we should call it a night. Andrew has to fly home on the morning.” She gently pushes Andrew to the door.

Rapunzel, Eugene, and Pascal look at them in shock, “FLY?!”

You're leaning on the basket of the Hot Air Balloon and just looking out at the descending ground. You didn't listen the conversation much, especially since you were thinking about Varian.

That night of the dance was amazing. Now that you think about, you wondered what it would feel like to kiss Varian.

You smile dreamily, giggling to yourself. His hugs were amazing, everything about him is amazing.

“You've got that look, so who's the lucky guy?”

You nearly hit Eugene and laugh nervously, “Wait, wait, don't tell me. It's Varian, isn't it?” Eugene smirks and you shove him while telling him to be quiet.

Varian looks over after hearing his name. He frowns and crossed his arms.

Andrew notices and grins, “Eugene! You wanna take us down?”

Eugene gasps and yells happily, going over by the valve.

You laugh lightly at Eugene and turn back to look out at nightly scenery. Andrew steps next to you to pick up a sandbag.

“Are you still up for bringing the book?” He asks quietly.

A locket twinkles around his neck which catches your attention. “Yeah. You still have to add your name and Cassandra’s in the book right?”

Before Andrew could answer, Rapunzel pops up and grins at his necklace, “Wow! That necklace is so beautiful! May I see?”

Andrew takes it off and hands it to her. You look as Rapunzel opens it to see a familiar emblem which you seen somewhere in one of Xavier's history books.

“It's been in my family for decades. It means love is true inner wealth.” Andrew says poetically.

As you're about think of the word for the emblem, until Eugene calls out.

“You said clockwise, right?”

Suddenly the balloon makes a hard shift and you all tip to the side. You nearly go over the edge which down below was a thorn infestation if it weren't for Varian who pulled you back up.

You knew who it was and you couldn't help to hug him, burying your face onto his chest. After all, he hasn't been paying much attention to you today and you just need Varian close.

Varian blinks in surprise, “(____)?”

“Don't worry, us guys will find it. You two go finish your date.” Rapunzel says.

Eugene grimaces, “It was counterclockwise, wasn't it?”

Everyone, except you, glares at Eugene and Varian holds you protectively. Andrew doesn't let Eugene fly this time and lands the balloon himself.

You reluctantly let go of Varian and blush while hoping out of the basket.

Varian chuckles softly and hops out. Before you could walk away, Andrew hands you a note and goes back to flying the balloon.

You read it over. Andrew said he'd meet you out on his balloon after he finishes a date with Cass and to make sure you bring the book. You slip it in your pocket, not noticing Varian had seen the whole note exchange.

“Hey (____), Varian! Can you help us find the Andrew’s pendant?” Rapunzel asks.

“Sorry, I can't…..I have to get to bed early. You know, morning….lessons.” You lied, smiling a bit.

Rapunzel pouts, “Aw. Okay, Varian can you please walk her back. It's a pretty lonely walk back.” She grins.

The two of you are walking in silence, only hearing your faint steps in the grass. Varian soon breaks the silence.

“What are you up to, (____)? I know you don't go to sleep early.” Varian asks.

“I'm gonna have Cassandra and Andrew sign the book.” You shrug then smile, “Their loe for each other will work out like it did in the story. Love between Corona and Saporia has come again.”

Varian narrows his eyes in confusion, “Saporia? Wait, Andrew is from Saporia….his job occupation and hobby is toward the book….” He stops walking, “He's the bad guy!!!!”

You giggle, “Yeah, if you seen that pendant he has with the emblem of the Separatists of Saporia, then yeah.”

Varian panics, “Separatists!? Oh no! He's after that book for the tunnel maps!”

You grin, “Just like in the story with Shampanier wanting the book. Of course Andrew and Cass are gonna fight then when they both see the book, then they realize their love for each other.” You sigh happily, “That's actually a pretty amazing love story actually.”

Varian stares at you then scowls, “Really? You know what, I'm not letting you bring that book to him. “

“I'm still gonna bring the book to him. It's not like he's going take off with it, Cassandra will stop him.”

“Do you realize how you're sounding right now, (____)?” Varian sighs and run a hand through his hair, “That's just a story, it's a part of history and its not a like it gonna happen again.”

You just continue walking and Varian catches up, “(____), listen to me, please.” He stops you, holding onto your arms, “I don't want you to get hurt again.”

“I'll be fine, Varian. Besides, Andrew is just going to jail after all this is done anyway. Don't you want Andrew AWAY from Cass?” You stomp off.

Varian watches you then groan loudly, kicking around and starts mumbling, “Like Cass, Like (____), like Cass, like (____). Why is this so complicated?!”

He falls onto the grass and lays there, glancing at the moon and stars. “This situation is something, not even a genius can figure out.” He sighs sadly.

Something softly lands on his cheek and he picks it up. His eyes stare at the white petal. “You're not going through anything alone.” He gets up and runs to find Eugene and Rapunzel.

You hold the book close and jog through town. Quickly, you hide as you spot Rapunzel, Eugene, and Varian at Xavier's. They suddenly ran to the castle and you took off to where Andrew would meet you.

You pant and hop into the basket, noticing it's ready to take off when it needs to.

“Do you have the book?” Andrew says and hops in.

You yelp when the balloon jerks up into the air after Andrew turned the valve up high. You sat down and watch as Cass had hopped into the basket.

“I just realized, I never gave you a goodnight kiss, HUBERT.” She smirks and punches Andrew.

“Hubert?” You ask yourself. “Andrew was much better.”

They start fighting and you jump when Eugene and Varian pop up above you. Eugene pants, “That….was insanely hard.”

Varian kneels next to you, “Nothing happened?”

You shake your head.

“Good.”

“Uh, guys? Who's driving this thing?” Eugene looks terrified while look at something.

You and Varian stand then your eyes widen as the balloon is floating too low and it's heading for tree tops.

The balloon hits part of the trees, causing you and Varian to tumble down on top of each other. Varian blushes and gets up, while pulling you up.

“I knew you cared after all.” Andrew/Hubert smirks at Cass who's in his arms by accident.

Eugene goes to punch him, “Well I don't!”

The book is yanked out of your hands and Eugene's hand hits it, “Oh Bibliophilic!”

Varian groans and begins pulling at the book, “Enough! Just give us the book!”

Hubert grins and let's go, causing Varian to accidentally smack Eugene with the book. You roll your eyes, “Can someone just get us down from here?”

“I got it!” Varian and Eugene say at the same time and glare at each other before they both grab at the valve.

“I know how to drive!” Eugene turns it clockwise.

“No you don't!” Varian turns it counterclockwise, “We're still above the trees!”

You hang on in panic, “Would you two just stop!?”

They keep turning it until the valve breaks. You yell when the balloon shoots straight down and hear Rapunzel. You look over and see Rapunzel hanging onto her hair which is wrapped around the balloon ropes.

“Uh, guys! Might wanna bring the balloon up more!” You try to help Rapunzel pull up since she was heading toward the thorn infestation.

“Working on it!” Eugene hits the broken valve in attempt to do something useful.

The balloon goes up again and this time you all stay up right.

Varian facepalms and glance at you, “Why aren't you doing anything?”

You step back when Cass and Hubert fight pass you. “They're suppose to work it out on their own.”

“(____)! Get your head out of the clouds!”

“I will if you do!” You turn away.

Varian pouts, “What do you mean?!”

“Eugene, give me the book!” Hubert says.

Eugene holding the book gives him a expressionless stare, “And have Cassandra mad at me? I think not.”

Hubert grins, “Oh believe me, you'd rather have Cassandra mad at you than this!”

You pulled against him and you groan in annoyance as his sword is held to your neck, “Hostage? Really?”

“Sorry Sunshine.” He leans close, “But we gotta see if your FRIEND has the guts to do something about this.”

“Varian!” Rapunzel calls and throws up Cassandra's sword.

Varian grabs it and runs at Hubert, “Ah!”

Hubert still holds onto you and uses his sword to block Varian's hit, which also bounces off and cuts on of the ropes.

“That all you got kid?!” Hubert laughs.

Varian glares and swings, but Hubert moves to the side and the rope is cut again.

You all scream as the basket falls to the side, no longer supporting you all. You panic more when Hubert drops his sword and hangs onto the dangling rope. Luckily Rapunzel caught it.

Cass had Varian while hanging on a rope of her own. “Varian give the sword.” Varian hands it to her as she hooks it to her side. She swings Varian toward Eugene who catches him.

You surprised when Hubert swung you toward them and the two catch you.

“Did he just swing you to safety?” Eugene asked.

You nod and look up to see Hubert and Cass fighting in the balloon, “Yeah. He not so bad and they can change if they find the right person to be with.” You grin at Eugene and he looks down at Rapunzel.

“Hm…..I'm not going to agree, but I won't disagree either.”

You chuckle then feel gloved hands take hold of your face and you're turned toward Varian.

“Hold still.” Varian examines a cut on your neck and sighs, slightly pouting, “You always have to get hurt huh?”

You hum, “Well if I didn't, then I wouldn't be stronger.”

Varian smiles and shakes his head, pulling out a small vial from his pocket. It was that healing substance he used on your wound the last time. Gently, he applies it to the cut and you feel it heal.

“Thanks.” You nearly fall again when the balloon lands.

Varian holds onto you, “I got you.”

Cass throws down a unconscious Hubert and dusts her hands off. “Ugh….I don't want to carry him back.” She pulls out handcuffs and cuffs his hands.

“Wait until he wakes up.” Rapunzel says and that's when Hubert groans. “That was fast.”

You take a deep breath, “I need to speak to him alone for a moment.”

“Uh, no. Did you see what just went on a few minutes ago?” Cass puts her hands on her hips.

“Please. I….I know he won’t run off. Just trust me.” You plead.

Cassandra groans, “Fine, but if he tries to run. I will have you thrown in.”

You grin, “Deal.” You watch them walk a few yards away and you smile to comfort Varian who watches you and Hubert.

“Iron Maiden, I'll tell you that.” Hubert groans in pain and holds the side of his face. “I actually love this side of Cassandra.” He chuckles.

“Eh. That's why she's the Captain's Daughter.” You shrug and cross your arm, “So, HUBERT. Aren't you going to run?”

He glances at you and rubs where Cass hit him, “What's the point? I didn't get the book and being locked up here is better than going back and getting killed.” His eyes wander over to Cass. “Besides…...I realized I fell for that woman. It'll mostly be bittersweet relationship for a long time, but I can wait.” He smiles softly.

“I have a feeling she feel the same way. I'm sure at some point, you two can start over better.” You sigh, “I knew you weren't all bad, even if it's just a pinch of good because you didn't let me go when you had the chance.”

Hubert shrugs, “I'm not that heartless. It was actually getting annoying in taking orders from Saporia’s separatists.”

“Well….we have a long walk back.” You gesture him to follow.

He gets up and follows close behind, then smirks, “Did you tell your Friend you like him yet?”

You shush him, “Quiet! And no. I didn't, so keep your mouth shut.” You blush and cross your arms in a pout.

“You know, I think I saw hearts when she punched me.” He moves his jaw and winches in pain.

You snort in your hand, trying not to laugh.

“I see you didn't run.” Cass states with a serious look.

Hubert smirks, “And I see you haven't left.”

She rolls her eyes and shoves him to get moving, making sure he doesn't escape. Eugene gags at them and Rapunzel huffs, gently hitting Eugene.

Varian walks with you, “What was that about?”

You smile and take his hand, “It's like I said. It's the Story of King Henz Der Sonne and Shampanier again, though he's more of an Anti-Villain.”

Varian hums, “Well…..it makes sense, but I still won't trust him.”

You giggle, “I know.”

At the castle, you two had separated from Rapunzel, Cass, and Hubert. You tap Eugene, “Hey Eugene, you don't mind if Varian bunks with you tonight?”

Eugene raises a brow, “I don't mind, but doesn't he always bunk with you?”

Varian looks at you confused.

You nervously rub your arm, “Yyyes…..but… Just go with it please, you two.”

Eugene sighs and goes in his room, “Fine.”

You close Eugene's door, leaving you and Varian in the halls.

“(____), is something wrong?” He gets worried, “Did I do something? I'm sorry if I did, actually I'm sorry for not paying attention much today! I just don't know what's wrong with me-”

Suddenly, Varian stops as his eyes widen and he stood there completely frozen.

You had placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.

He blinks and stares at you.

You're looking down and shyly mumble something before running back to your room.

Varian still stood there, trying to comprehend what you had said. Slowly, he holds a hand to his cheek before his eyes fall starry eyed and he smiles a dreamy, but loving smile.

Eugene comes out, “Hey, kid. Do you want the floor, I mean, I need my bed, but-” He stop and waves a hand in front of Varian's face. “Hello?”

Eugene puts his hands on his hips, “Wow.” He smirks, “YOU. Got it bad.” Eugene waltzes in his room, “I'm taking your answer is the floor!”

“Varian…..I really like you.”