Under_The_Whispering_Door_by_TJ_Klune

everything I’m saying right now?”
“Probably,” Nelson said. “He’s kind of a voyeur like that.”
Hugo sighed. “Grandad.”
“What? Man’s gotta right to know that a higher being watched him poop or
drop food on the floor and then pick it up and eat it.” Nelson peered around
his chair. “Did you pick your nose? He saw that too. Nothing wrong with it, I
suppose. Humans are gross that way. It’s in our nature.”
“He didn’t,” Hugo said loudly. “That’s not how it works.”
“Fine,” Wallace said. “Then I’ll just see for myself.” He was surprised
when Hugo didn’t try to stop him from picking up the folder. Surprised, that
is, until he discovered that he couldn’t pick it up. His hand passed right
through the folder to the counter underneath. He jerked his hand back before
trying again. And again. And again.
“Let me know when you’re done,” Hugo said. “Especially since I’m the
only one who can pick it up and see what’s inside.”
“Of course you are,” Wallace muttered. He sagged, hands flat against the
counter.
Hugo reached for him again. It was happening more and more, as if he
kept forgetting that he and Wallace couldn’t actually touch each other. He
paused, one hand above Wallace’s. Wallace wondered what his skin would
feel like. He thought it would be warm and soft. But he’d never find out.
Instead, Hugo rested his hand between Wallace’s, tapping his pointer finger.
Wallace’s own fingers twitched. Mere inches separated them. “It’s okay,”
Hugo said. “I promise. Nothing bad. Your file said you were determined.
Hard working. That you didn’t take no for an answer.”
A month ago, that would have pleased Wallace.
Now, he wasn’t so sure.
“I’m more than that,” he said dully.
“Glad to hear you say that,” Hugo said. “I think so too.” He picked up the
file from the counter, flipping it open. Wallace attempted to lean in
nonchalantly but ended up falling through the counter. Hugo eyed him above
the top of the folder. Even his eyes were smiling.
“I dislike you immensely,” Wallace said, feeling rather petulant as he
stood upright.
“I don’t believe that.”
“You should.”