Work Text:
"Hey V, whatcha doing?"
Varian glanced up from his workbench to see Catalina standing in the doorway. "Morning, Cat!" he greeted as Catalina made her way over to the small cushioned area in the corner of the lab. Rapunzel had insisted on the cushions after probably the third time she'd found Varian asleep at his desk, if he wasn't going to leave the lab he could at least have somewhere more comfortable to rest. Varian had decided against telling her how often he'd still fallen asleep at the desk even after the 'cushion corner' had been installed.
Cat flopped onto the pillows, Ruddiger gladly welcoming her, curling onto her lap and soaking up the attention as she pet him.
"I thought you'd be with your sister?" Varian questioned, turning back to his work and picking up a screwdriver. As much as he loved both of the girls, Catalina was slightly less likely to mess with his inventions, and if it was only the one Schnitz today it would be easier to prevent any accidents.
"Normally yes, but last night was a full moon and she and dad are practicing sword fighting," Catalina yawned, "didn't think I'd have the energy, so thought I'd come and bother you instead." she smiled a mischievous smile before yawning again.
Varian smiled, rolling his eyes, "I'm working on a new project, once this machine's done I just need to carefully combine the chemicals in in just the right amounts. This baby's gonna improve the lives of everyone in corona, and maybe even beyond!" He enthusiastically rambled on about the all the little details of his new invention and what a major breakthrough this could be for the alchemical community.
After ten minutes or so Varian realized Catalina had been quieter than usual, normally she would at least pretend to be interested in his science. He glanced over. Catalina's eyes were closed, her breathing slow and steady - she was fast asleep.
Varian sighed, smiling fondly as he walked over. Gently, he lifted her head to place a pillow underneath, then he grabbed a blanket, draping it over Cat's shoulders.
"Goodnight Catalina, sleep well." Varian turned to walk back to the bench, shaking his head, "she needs a better sleep schedule."
Ruddiger chittered nearby, fixing Varian with a look.
"what!? I get plenty of sleep!"
Ruddiger looked even more skeptical.
"what?... oh, shut up."
Ruddiger just rolled his eyes, heading back over to the sleeping girl and curling up next to her before falling asleep himself.
"Goodnight you two," Varian said, rolling his eyes before turning back to his work again.