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[...Of course it was Hubert.

Linhardt honestly expected Hubert to be by Edelgard's side and watching the potential swath of would-be dancers try to ask for her to dance with them and judge them and their life choices accordingly, but no. Of course not. Still, he couldn't exactly deny that the man's presence was...well, the most unwelcome out of all of their classmates, for reasons that Linhardt didn't really care to know about in all honesty.

However, Linhardt does audibly groans a bit--definitely some kind of signal that he's awake, he's awake okay, before cracking one eye open to regard Hubert a bit.]

Hubert. [...] I'm surprised you are not still down at the Ball. What brings you up here?

[It's a bit of an idle question while he tries to get himself comfortable enough again, but hey, it's more than what he'd give most others.]

Edited 2019-08-09 00:32 (UTC)

I imagine you're as bored with the proceedings as I am.

[It isn't exactly ideal to admit to being bored, but Linhardt certainly knows him better than the face he puts on for others. Pretending to be interested in the Ball won't do, so honesty it is.]

I had heard rumors about this place, and thought it would be a more interesting use of my time. Did you wander up here because you thought you'd be alone to nap?

[He sounds faintly amused by that. Given the rumors he's been hearing, Linhardt would definitely not be left alone, but perhaps Linhardt didn't pay close enough attention to those rumors.]

[...You know what, he can respect that, honestly. His eyes open up a little bit more and he looks more like he's actively looking at Hubert rather than trying to retain consciousness.]

Entirely so. There's only so many times you can perform the same, tired old dance before it becomes yet another chore...and it was already a chore to begin with.

[He's never seen a reason to be dishonest before, and he has little reason to start now. Still Linhardt tips his head a bit in thought when Hubert brings up the rumor, propping himself up with one of his arms a bit.]

Well, yes, at least in part. However, I was hoping that I might be able to research the rumors of this tower, and attempt to see if they hold any merit or not. If it proves heavily trafficked, my research will bear fruit; if not, I will get a most pleasant nap out of it.

[It's a win-win situation, as far as he's concerned!!]

Whether they be blessed by the goddess or cursed by her, I think it's a rather lovely legend to attempt to observe.

[Ah, there it is, that makes sense. Hubert nods.]

It's likely that others will approach soon enough. You're likely to experience more from the shadows. If they catch you sleeping, they might leave and you won't learn anything.

[It still sounds amused, the corners of his mouth quirking up.]

I'm already so comfortable over here...

[It's...well, admittedly only a minor complaint--he does seem to give something resembling a pout for a moment, but as much as he hates to say it, Hubert does have a point. And, well, the more research happy side of Linhardt is more apt to win out in this situation, so up he goes, right over to...

...Near where Hubert is, but at least still in the shadows? This is the most engaged he's been in a conversation with this man that didn't involve dragging him elsewhere after he'd collapsed, okay. He's not the worst to talk to.]

...But I do suppose that I can see merit in the shadows. I'd rather avoid any skewed results, so staying out of sight is a logical course of action. [There's a quiet yawn while he rubs at his eyes, and though his next words are more hushed, they sound a little amused.] I should thank you for the advice. I am surprised that you're willing to give it so freely...

[It gets a proper smirk out of him, and he rests his chin against his hand, the other arm folded beneath his elbow.]

Consider it payment for... the other day.

[You know, when he collapsed. That thing he's been trying not to ever speak about. Lady Edelgard must never know.]

Do hurry, there's no telling when someone may approach.

Ah, that? It seemed pretty cut and dry as it stood.

[He didn't tell Edelgard, Hubert just needs to actually take a damn rest every once in a while, that seemed...pretty even...is there something he's missing here, he's not sure, he looks mildly confused.]

It's quite fine, really. I simply hope that you've been taking my advice and have been attempting to rest more often.

[...

Linhardt still hasn't. Really moved from the spot he's in. He's not sure if Hubert's telling him to get lost or what but he likes it here. This is His Spot.]

Edited (...wording) 2019-08-09 01:55 (UTC)

I have been. [A nod.] It wouldn't do to let something like that happen again.

[While he doesn't always sound sincere, he does mean it. Resting is difficult when there's so much to be done, but he couldn't stand to let himself collapse again, especially if someone else were to see. Lady Edelgard would worry unnecessarily, and he could never forgive himself for something so foolish.

That's not his primary concern now. He folds his arms and tips his head a bit as he studies Linhardt.]

Do you intend to stay there? I already invited you to join me.

[He steps back into the shadows, gesturing to the space beside him. There's more than enough room for two people here, don't worry.

Perhaps it's a bit of a forward and too-obvious invitation, but he sees no reason not to provide it.]

Good.

[...Linhardt intended to leave it at that, honestly, but Hubert's words finally help him realize that oh. He was. Actually inviting him over next to him?

...He's not sure why his chest seems to be doing a Thing at that (should he see Maneula for this? Ugh, goddess no, she's the last person he wants to see right now, he's probably just tired.), but he goes right on over next to him once he realizes that Hubert actually wants him to go over there. He even smiles, just a bit?]

Oh...thank you. I had thought you were telling me to get my own spot...

[He seems pleased? He's pleased. It's actually not so bad over here, really.]

Edited (slight wording change (will i ever get the wording right first try, signs point to no)) 2019-08-09 02:36 (UTC)

[It gets a brief, sharp laugh out of him.]

Nonsense. I have no plans of returning to the Ball just yet. There's no sense in sending you off to find a different spot.

[We'll be hidden well enough here, don't worry.]

[That...actually gets Lin to chuckle a little too, though he does it softly.]

Well, that's good. I suppose that makes us partners in research, then, at least for the time being.

[It's stated with some matter-of-factness, and were Linhardt better with emoting, it might have sounded prideful. As it stands, his tone makes it sound like an obvious fact, though an amusing one.

...Though, that gets shoved aside when Linhardt (though more likely Hubert first) hears footsteps and goes very quiet. He's not sure who on earth is coming up here, but he's definitely got rapt attention on who it could be...]

[He does hear the footsteps, and gestures for Linhardt to step back into the shadows so they remain unseen.

It doesn't take long to see the couple emerge up the stairs. Unsurprisingly, Sylvain has a girl on his arm and a wide grin on his face. It's a bit hard to hear them from back here, but whatever it is he's saying is clearly pleasing the girl, since she's giggling and turning red.

From what snatches of conversation can be overheard, it sounds like they're here to make a wish. The girl seems sincere about whatever she's wishing for, and Sylvain looks like he's taking her seriously, but by now everyone knows that Sylvain's bad news. Whatever it is he says next clearly doesn't sit well with the girl, however, and she yells at him for a moment before slapping him across the face and storming off. Sylvain doesn't even bother looking dejected for a moment before returning downstairs as well.

Hubert definitely looks amused at that.]

So it's true, then. Some people really do believe in making wishes here.

[That's almost as funny as watching Sylvain get slapped.]

[Linhardt gladly does as he's gestured to do, watching with rapt attention as two of the students (Syl...vain, was it, for the redhead? Linhardt's never met this one but he thinks he's heard a few people talk about a particular redhead who chases skirts far too much...) seem to be making some kind of wish. It seems to be going well; he's saying all of the things to charm the girl, clearly, if the way her face going red is any indication. All seems like it's going smoothly...

...Well, until the red-head opens his big, fat mouth and the girl (rightfully) decides to slap him and go downstairs, with Sylvain following close behind. Linhardt's look is locked on the two in pure thought, contemplative.]

Well, I suppose that's one point in favor of a curse upon those who visit...though I don't know if that's more to do with the goddess than it being self-afflicted...

[Hubert's words bring Linhardt out of his contemplation, causing him to look at him with some curiosity. He wasn't expecting that kind of a reaction, and well, he's ever curious. And nosy as all hell.]

...Is that really so surprising? It is a rather prominent rumor. [...you know, one part of him wonders if you just hate fun.] Is it so unbelievable to see someone try such a thing?

[...Well, his definition of "fun" is a bit weird, yeah...]

I wouldn't say it's unbelievable, and certainly not for someone like that.

[Sylvain, he means.]

Still, to think that one could so earnestly believe in such a silly myth... Wishing won't get you anywhere, and putting so much faith in it can only end poorly.

[He states it with the utmost certainty, as though nothing in the world could change his mind.]

[...You know what. This is absolutely true. Linhardt can't really even say he's surprised by that, honestly, though his look...continues to be somewhat contemplative as he stares at Hubert a bit. He's...not sure what about that answer strikes him weirdly, making Linhardt's brows furrow, dispelling his otherwise blase expression, in a way that almost makes him look unsatisfied, but--]

...That is certainly a way of looking at it.

[He does seem to consider Hubert's answer a bit, at any rate. Turns it over in his head some.]

I do see the merit in what you say, as there isn't any tangible proof that the Goddess blesses nor curses those who make wishes here. But to say that wishing won't get one anywhere...I am curious, why do you think that it won't?

[Linhardt's tone isn't argumentative; it's more curious, as if he wants to hear what Hubert has to say in regards to how he thinks.]

Edited 2019-08-09 04:34 (UTC)

[He listens to Linhardt's words without dismissing them, and when being posed a question like that... well, of course he's going to answer.]

Wishing is relying on someone else to do the work for you. The Goddess, fate, whatever powers may be other than your own. Holding on so tightly to wishes is a waste of time. If there's something you desire that badly, you go out and get it for yourself. Carve your own path forward. You won't have any need of wishes if you have the power to grasp what you desire.

[It's a straightforward answer to him, though he can see some flaws in it now that he's spoken it aloud. Still, he does believe what he's said, and sees no reason to offer wishes for anyone else to grant.]

[Linhardt listens rather attentively. Honestly, it's a little surprising; Linhardt's usually bored to tears (or well, yawns) in most conversations, but...there is something about this that's entertaining. Like he's properly getting to know something about Hubert that isn't just what's on the surface.

...He's not really sure why he cares so much, but you know what, he's just here for the intellectual shit. Not for navelgazing about feelings.]

Hm. That is an interesting hypothesis, and logically sound; no less than I would expect of you.

[There's that matter-of-fact tone, again.]

I don't quite see it the same way, however, but I concede that our very definitions of what 'wishing' is may differ. [Linhardt takes a more contemplative stance, looking onto the ground for a moment.] Wishing does not have to be expecting a higher power to grant their desire; the way I see it, a 'wish' is simply but sharing the other side of a coin with a 'goal'. Perhaps a more far-off one than simply something you could work toward right this second; it is a goal one cannot reach without years, perhaps decades worth of significant work put towards it. Gaining strength to protect others, gaining knowledge to better understand the world, finding love, looking for the most sublime of napping spots...all of those things can be what one wishes for. And thus, those people 'wish' for the chance to realize their goals, and such wishes motivate them to work harder towards them, so that they may be eventually fulfilled.

[...]

Ah, but I suppose by definition, that is what 'carving your own path forward' is to you, is it not? [Linhardt looks back at Hubert when he says that much. Perhaps it was a bit silly to present his own thoughts, in hindsight, but...] Your way simply takes out the credit to other forces entirely, and gives credit to those who work towards those goals. Am I correct?

[Hubert rests his chin against his hand again as Lindhardt speaks. While his default expression is sort of intense and his one visible eye always looks piercing, he's not intending to be intimidating. He's legitimately curious about Linhardt's point of view, and as the other man explains, he finds himself understanding exactly where this is going.]

We're looking at it similarly, yes. I'm certain there are those who rely on outside forces to grant those wishes, but I wasn't entirely accurate in stating that all those who rely on wishes believe that.

[A concession. A small one, but even he can admit when he's not entirely correct.]

It easily could be a simple difference in names. Goals are something admirable and something to be sought out, but wishes have a more... whimsical quality to them, I suppose. A goal is something within reach, a wish is something that may be impossible to obtain.

[That's how he's defined it, anyway.]

So in the end, it depends on the person doing the wishing, and what exactly they're wishing for.

[...You know, he can't actually say he expected that to make any sort of sense.

Somehow, he actually feels...some sort of pride, at being able to do that--and at least somewhat happy, as he listens to Hubert. Sure, his damn heart, and his...stomach, he guesses (He's damn certain he ate during the ball, he remembers some of the sweeter treats all too well to know that he's not hungry--and he didn't eat that much, so why is it acting so...weird?) are acting funny, but he's definitely pleased, and it's visible on his face as he nods at Hubert's words. Sure, Hubert looks as intimidating as ever, but...well, Linhardt's never necessarily been intimidated by him, if the way he's sassed off in the past is any indication.]

I do believe I understand what you are saying now. [And that's good! Honestly, it is.] Though we have differing definitions of such things, I do believe I have grown to understand your point of view better after that. And for that, I thank you.

[...that's surprisingly genuine, coming from him.]

A goal or a wish...all it is, in the end, is what one sets upon, and what one does to make it come true.

Precisely. [He nods.] Regardless of what they choose to call it, the important thing is whether or not it is obtained. There are people who will be unable to accomplish their goals and those who achieve their wishes; it comes down to the individual in question.

[It's good to see they're on the same page despite the initial misunderstanding. In some ways, it's reassuring to know that Linhardt is following the same logic, even if he interprets it a bit differently.

(He's not entirely sure why that matters; it isn't as though Linhardt is an essential part of any of his plans, but it's nice anyway, for reasons he doesn't care to think about.)]

Indeed. And so long as one is set on their goals and continues forward...well, there's little way they can lose.

[Linhardt goes contemplative again in that moment, a small smile coming onto his face. This could go poorly, he knows it, but...]

...I suppose while we are on this subject, I do perhaps have a proposition for you. If you would like to hear it.

Oh?

[Between the smile and the words, this is intriguing. He has no reason to go along with it, and given the topic he already has an idea of what Linhardt might suggest, but he's feeling charitable today. He may not have anything to gain from it, but he has nothing to lose either.

And besides, something about that smile makes him more inclined to agree.

...What a silly thought.]

I'll hear it. Go ahead.

[Hubert's actually humoring him...Linhardt seems more confident in asking, as well as very pleased, as he lays his request down.]

Then to put it plainly, I would like to put the rumor of this tower to the test. Since we are both skeptical of this legend, the results will prove far less biased if something should result from it--perhaps there is something that Sylvain and the girl he was with were missing, in order for this 'blessing' to be granted. If it actually works, it's power would certainly be worth studying the effects of.

And if it does not, that simply means we will have new goals to meet for ourselves.

[...he's kind of not taking into account that maybe it only works for actual couples, but hey. They're two dudes, making a wish (quote unquote "wish") together, who'll at least work towards it with or without the blessing. What could possibly go wrong???]

[Hubert's one visible eyebrow shoots upward and for a brief but very telling moment, his expression is openly surprised. There's no knowing smirk, no scheming look, nothing. He's genuinely been caught off-guard.

The request itself isn't entirely unexpected - given what they were just talking about, he had assumed this is where it would go - but the cavalier way in which Linhardt proclaims that Sylvain and the girl were missing something is... surprising, really.

He hadn't assumed Linhardt would be so forward with his feelings.

And to be honest, Hubert's not sure what he's feeling as a result of that.]

My, how forward of you.

[The words come as he's collecting himself, and it only occurs after they're out there that maybe... they aren't on the same page...

Linhardt had admitted to not knowing very much about the legend, correct? So maybe he just doesn't... know...]

You... do know how the legend goes with regards to the pair that make a wish, don't you?

[...he has a really bad feeling that Linhardt does not know and that he just managed to play himself.]

[...Okay, the very surprised expression actually manages to get Linhardt to look utterly confused. What did he say? Was Hubert not understanding what he was saying? Surely he had to know that this was purely theorytesting, right? Was it forward of him to ask Hubert to test that theory with him? Sure, there's that whole 'bound together' thing, but like. Hubert has to know that he doesn't mean this in that context, right...

...

Or. Not? Oh. Linhardt's eyes widen for a moment when he realizes what Hubert's thinking, and he's not sure what kind of expression he's wearing right now but oh god, hang on--]

Well, yes, of course I know about that 'bound together' part of the legend. But there's no telling if that will truly happen? I mean, it didn't with those two, likely because they were unworthy for one reason or another.

[He's. He's approaching this from a purely intellectual standpoint, but oh my god, Lin, you are not helping here. He doesn't seem to get why this is so dismaying???]

Besides, if it doesn't actually work, there's no harm in simply trying as friends, is there? I don't see what the problem is. [Beat.] And I wouldn't mind more reasons to spend time with you.

[LINHARDT, FOR FUCK'S SAKE]

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