Ron and Hugo “things you said while we were driving” for the mini fic prompt thingy?
prompt #7, “things you said while we were driving” with hugo x ron
“Are you okay, Hugo?” Ron asked, peering over at the man in the driver’s seat.
“Yes, Ron.”
Ron wished he wouldn’t lie to him. Hugo was slouched down, and the muscles in his face were tensed, and Ron knew him better than anybody. He could tell when something was eating at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Ron!” Hugo snapped.
Ron sighed and looked out the window. Hugo’s temper just confirmed what he already knew: for whatever reason, his partner was grouchy. It was the same way he got when they visited Bob’s Burgers, and he had to see his ex-fiancée with her happy little family. Ron liked the Belchers, but he almost wished their restaurant could be assigned to someone else. He hated seeing Hugo upset.
“Ron?” Hugo asked after a heavy silence.
“What?”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled.”
Ron nodded, grateful for the apology. It was enough to make him turn back to face Hugo and send a small, sympathetic smile his way.
“It’s okay.” He said quietly, using the tone that he knew soothed Hugo’s nerves. “I forgive you. Will you tell me what’s bothering you now?”
Hugo sighed, and Ron took note of his grip on the steering wheel tightening.
“It’s just...that stupid pasta place! With the cross-contamination! How could I have missed that? It’s ridiculous!”
Ron looked at him, surprised. Hugo was still thinking about a restaurant they’d visited three stops ago? The pasta place Hugo was referring to had stored chicken and beef together, and a drizzle of chicken juice had spilled onto the beef below it. It was a sure-fire way to create a trail of vomiting customers.
“But I caught it, Hugo.” Ron reminded him. “On the way out, remember? So, everything’s okay.”
Hugo’s body stiffened, like he wasn’t sure how to go about responding. Ron gave him a reassuring smile.
“I know.” Hugo said. “I just...wish I could be good at something.”
Ron frowned. Hugo was good at a lot of things. He was good at standing his ground. He was good at being firm with restaurant owners when he needed to be. He was smart and strong-willed.
“You’re a great inspector, Hugo.” He said honestly. “You’re dedicated to your job, and that pays off. A lot of restaurants are much safer because of you.”
Hugo sighed.
“Thanks, Ron.” He said. “It’s nice to know that somebody notices that.”
Ron wanted to help him feel better. He had an idea of what might do the trick. He reached forward slowly, as to not startle Hugo. He grabbed his hand gently, removing it from the steering wheel for a moment and stroking the back of it with his thumb. Hugo visibly relaxed.
“I love it when you do that.” Hugo said quietly, as though speaking at a normal volume would somehow ruin the moment.
Ron brought his lips to Hugo’s fingers (softly, barely even brushing them, afraid to go to far), because he knew Hugo liked that, too. Hugo kept his eyes on the road, but his features softened. He didn’t take his hand away.
“Thank you, Ron.” He said.