Chapter Text
Held still under the weight of Leroy's expectant gaze, Hugo felt his hands clench and unclench in a small, self-soothing pattern. He searched for the right words to say– something to justify his now-undue absence the day prior without sounding entirely insane.
"I'm sorry," he settled on, wilting slightly. The words came as easily as breathing. "You were right. I should've listened to you instead of letting my... Emotions... Compromise my rationality. It won't happen again." He hesitated, swallowing around the shame in his throat. "Sir."
Leroy's piercing stare softened then, approval seeping into it. Hugo felt some of the tension in his core uncoil. "Better," Leroy said, nodding once. "See? I'm not asking anything unreasonable of you, Hugo. Everything I do is to help you. You can trust me."
"Of course," Hugo breathed quietly. "Thank you."
He startled slightly when Leroy's hand settled upon his shoulder, wide green eyes darting up to meet Leroy's satisfied blue. "You know you're my favourite. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're clever, reliable, valuable– and that's why it's so disappointing when you go off the rails like that."
"I know," Hugo replied, quicker than he'd meant to. "I just thought Ivy-"
"Your sister was completely fine. Wasn't she?" Leroy raised his eyebrows disdainfully. "Your investment in her is hurting you, kid. She doesn't care about you. She doesn't deserve you. You have to let go of her, Hugo. I'm not going to see you destroy yourself by putting too much faith into a woman who'll drop you in the blink of an eye."
Hugo thought of her engagement. Her warnings that Oliver would likely make her cut contact. The way she'd glared at him before storming out of the office. His tongue felt numb when he spoke. "I know." Hugo blinked, surprised to find his eyes were wet. "But she's my sister."
"So what?" Leroy scoffed. He stared Hugo down, a sympathetic grimace on his face. "Seriously, kid. You don't owe her a thing. Blood of the Covenant and all that, you know the phrase," he waved one hand in the air, the other tightening its grip on Hugo's shoulder. "You're too good for her. You belong here. You understand me?"
"I understand," Hugo replied haltingly. "And I'm happy to work here. But I don't think I can just... Give up on her."
"I'm not asking you to," Leroy sighed then, rubbing one temple with a long-suffering sigh. Hugo felt a stab of guilt twist between his ribs. "Just... Think about it, alright? A little distance never hurt anyone. You can always talk to me."
"I know," nodding slightly, Hugo looked up at him. He laughed slightly, the sound wet and unguarded, when Leroy brushed a thumb under one of his eyes, catching the moisture that had gathered there.
"C'mon, Huxley. Crying on the job?" He tutted exaggeratedly, inspecting his fingers as he ran the pointer and thumb over each other. "Might have to dock your pay for that one."
"You wouldn't," Hugo replied confidently, a smile edging its way back onto his face. A hint of smugness slipped into his tone. "You like me too much for that."
"Careful," Leroy warned, grinning back. "You're still in trouble after yesterday's stunt. How exactly do you plan on making it up to me?"
Furrowing his brow, Hugo thought for a moment. "...I could work extra hours tonight?" He offered. It wasn't as though he had much else to be doing. "If that'd help."
"Now you're speaking my language," Leroy chuckled, straightening and adjusting his tie. His nose scrunched. "God, these things are the worst. So restrictive. Don't you think?"
"They're not too bad," Hugo shrugged, one hand lifting idly to his own. "As long as you're wearing them right, I mean." He frowned, amused. "Yours isn't even tied tightly."
"Is that so?" Leroy moved closer, scrutinising the way Hugo had done his. In one sharp, deft movement, he undid the knot, each side of the tie hanging like dead snakes over Hugo's shoulders. "Alright then. Show me."
"You could've just asked," Hugo rolled his eyes, no real heat behind the words. The weight of Leroy's eyes followed him as his fingers moved to the fabric. This was a motion he'd done a million times before, Hugo reminded himself. There was no possible way to fail at it. "Watch and learn, boss."
And watch Leroy did. Once the tie was re-done (it took slightly longer than it would usually; Hugo demonstrated each moment carefully and visibly to him), Leroy released a low, impressed whistle.
"Nice going," he praised casually, eyeing the knot at the tip of the tie. "Your dad teach you that one?"
Hugo faltered. "Ah- no. My brother did."
"Oh." Leroy's expression flattened again. "Let me guess. William?"
Nodding carefully, Hugo straightened his shirt collar, suddenly plagued by an intense, nonsensical wave of self-consciousness. "He's good at this sort of thing." His eyes flickered away. "I haven't seen him in a while. Maybe this weekend I'll-"
"This weekend! Right!" Loudly snapping his fingers, Leroy seemed to come to a realisation. "There's a workplace bonding experience. One of the lads organised it. You're going. You need the social time."
"Really?" Hugo winced, put-out by the idea. "You're fully aware of my thoughts on them, Leroy. Couldn't I skip this one? I socialise plenty with you."
"I know you do, and that's good!" Leroy patted him on the head, striding back over to his desk and beckoning Hugo to sit opposite. "I mean it. You've made a lot of progress since starting here. But you're still so insular. It'd be irresponsible of me to let you detach yourself from the department. Teamwork's a cornerstone of a good workplace, Hugo! If you really hate the idea of letting people know you're not a heartless vampire, you can just stick with me 'til the end. But you are going. Got it?"
"Got it," Hugo relented, half-bitter, half-resigned. "What even is it?"
"Camping trip," Leroy said offhandedly, clearly fully aware of the way Hugo's jaw slackened in horror by the way his eyes crinkled. "It'll be great. Fresh air, hiking, whatever else people do on a camping trip. You'll have a great time. Scout's honour." He snickered. "Get it?"
"Leroy, please," Hugo began, his voice heavy with dread. "I am not exactly made for the outdoors. I would be a- a liability! A detriment to the trip. Really, it's for the good of everyone that I just stay here and–"
"You're going," Leroy repeated, firmer. "That's final."
"But–"
"Hugo."
Scowling, Hugo sank into the back of the chair. "...Is there any way I can convince you otherwise?"
His voice entirely neutral, Leroy didn't even look up. "You seemed awfully keen to skip out on work for the great outdoors yesterday. What's changed?"
"That's different," Hugo argued weakly. "I was... Look, when Ivy..."
"Excuses," Leroy lilted. "You owe me. Extra hours tonight and workplace bonding this weekend, and I won't breathe another word about the matter. It'll be in the past. Don't you want to move on from it?"
"I do." Hugo said reluctantly. "But..."
"But?" Leroy arched an eyebrow.
"...Never mind."
Softening, Leroy offered an encouraging smile. "You'll have fun. And even if you don't, it's only two days. You could do with the exercise."
Hugo hummed sceptically. "Mmhm. I suppose I'd... Best get back to work, then."
"There's that worker bee in you," Leroy shook his head fondly. "Go on, Huxley. Work your magic."
Ducking his head to hide the pleased grin tugging at his lips, Hugo got up to leave. He paused upon reaching the door, hand hovering over the handle. "...Thank you, sir. For..."
"I know," Leroy interrupted, his tone light. It felt genuine. "See you later, kid."
The door clicked shut behind him when he went.