sranks | locked to darkseal

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]

[...

Well, this is a complete disaster, okay. He rests his chin against his hand as he tries to find a way to explain this without slowly wanting to die.]

It is meant to be tried as lovers. I doubt there would be any results should we attempt.

[...??????? Is... is that acceptable...]

...Oh.

[Okay that. Makes more sense and he has the decency to go a little wide eyed with understanding, but, unfortunately, Linhardt doesn't seem that deterred?]

Well, we don't know that much for sure, unless we try it...?

[He. He at least kind of gets what Hubert's saying now? But. Curious Tho. He doesn't really see what's so wrong with this.]

I don't know why you're so concerned, if you don't believe in the rumor...it's not like we're very likely to bump into anyone else and create some sort of new rumor around the Academy. There's really no harm in an attempt, is there?

[like why are you putting this much stock in the rumor now...]

[...

Well, Linhardt's right. There's no reason for him to put any sort of stock in a legend like this. He's already said he doesn't believe it, and he doesn't believe it'll have any sort of effect whatsoever, so what's the harm in it? There isn't any.

He can understand that logically, and if Linhardt is so determined to go through with this, then it would be better for him to assist him. If left to his own devices, Linhardt might trouble someone else, right? So certainly this is for the best.

...So why does he still feel mildly apprehensive about this?

It's stupid; he casts it aside and settles into a more neutral expression with a brief incline of his head.]

Very well. I see no harm in an attempt; as I've already theorized, nothing will come of it anyway.

What is it you would wish for, then?

[There's no sense in having any sort of feelings about this. It's as Linhardt said - there's no reason to think that there will be any negative effects, be they rumors or the goddess' wrath.]

[Linhardt waits in anticipation of Hubert's answer, perhaps a little eager for once in a way that's...actually pretty clear on his usually neutral or tired face--when Hubert actually gives him an answer, and the answer he was hoping for, at that, Linhardt seems to genuinely smile at that. He's not sure why his heart is doing that weird thing again--it feels like it's fluttering, almost, and he's. Really not sure why?

Maybe that's the goddess's curse, but well, if his heart decides to fly away in his chest, it'll obviously be good for research. It probably doesn't have anything to do with being pleased at Hubert's willingness to go along, or that strange, warm feeling...]

Thank you, Hubert. I truly appreciate your assistance.

[...Of course, once the question gets to his wish, he...hmm. He seems unsure, for a moment. Contemplative, even. There is an obvious wish in him, going back to what he said earlier; he really would like more reasons to spend time around Hubert. He's not so bad when he isn't going out of his way to drag him along somewhere, and maybe talking to him would let him study these weird reactions going on inside of him--]

...Why don't you go first? I must admit, I am curious.

[...Well that's. Unusually cagey. Or Linhardt doesn't know. Either way, his gaze is looking away from Hubert for the moment.]

[Huh... He had expected Linhardt to have already prepared a wish, but he can't say he's entirely surprised to find that Linhardt hasn't. All of this is spur of the moment, and when being put on the spot like this...]

I should think my wish would be obvious. I wish for Lady Edelgard to be able to accomplish everything she sets out to do.

[...Yeah, okay, it's not exactly perfect for what Linhardt's trying to do, but it is the first thing to come to mind, and probably the closest thing he actually has to a wish.]

[Well, it's still undeniably Hubert...Linhardt really can't say he's surprised, honestly.]

Well, as long as you don't overwork yourself in doing so...there's certainly no harm in that. You'll certainly have little problem of accomplishing that. As for me...well...

[The more he thinks about his own wish, though, the more...almost dismayed looking he seems to get. Surely there's something he wants more than anything, surely there is--something he can actively work toward, something he doesn't have now that he wants for the future. Being put on the spot like this himself is doing something to him, and he's not sure what, but he doesn't like it.

He winds up blurting the first thing that comes to mind.]

Perhaps I'll wish to spend time with you more in earnest, then, if I'm--

[...oh.

Oh that was meant to have stayed in his head. Why did he blurt that out??? Oh my god???]

--No, no, I...I think I'll stick with my desire to find out all there is to know about the Crests. I won't have any problem doing that much.

[Please don't call his bluff, Hubert, he. He kind of wants to Die? Oh goddess please strike him down if that's what you plan to do--]

[Initially, Linhardt's worried and dismayed look is a bit confusing. He doesn't understand why Linhardt is unable to come up with a wish, but after a moment of thought, it makes sense. Linhardt doesn't usually apply himself to much, so naturally he doesn't have something he would devote himself to so fully. Perhaps that's it.

And then Linhardt opens his mouth and the last thing Hubert ever would have expected falls out.

Once again he's left at a loss, eyebrows arched and expression openly confused.]

I...

[...How many people have actually said something like that to him? There are only a few who would willingly seek him out to spend time with him - perhaps that's why his chest suddenly feels tighter and why words aren't coming as easily as they should.

He can't leave it at that, and he can't ignore it. If he ignores it, that's far too kind. It would look suspicious if he left it at that or ignored it, right? So he can't do that. He needs to come up with something to say soon—]

...Consider me flattered, Linhardt.

[It isn't nearly as biting or sarcastic as he intended, and Hubert realizes that immediately after it's been said.

How awkward...]

I've no doubt you'll continue your research. Perhaps your wish here will lead you to some breakthroughs soon.

[Right, let's just... focus on that and not on anything else, it's fine...]

[It's totally fine, what are you talking about. That wasn't totally awkward at all, nope! Linhardt's totally just full on averting his face because he's trying to see if there's someone else here (there isn't), not because he's not sure if the goddess is actually trying to burn him alive and that's why his face is heating, or if it's something else.

"Consider me flattered, Linhardt." is making his chest do all sorts of weird shit and he's. He's pretty sure he just bit off far more than he bargained for here.]

...Thank you for the vote of confidence. I'll be certain not to disappoint, and to apply myself thoroughly.

[Hubert's not being cruel or biting so maybe it's just--]

I do think we've managed to do what we've come here for.

[shall we just. leave before the earth consumes us whole with awkward

and maybe before hubert changes his mind and goes for the sarcastic route of wording, he's really not sure if he could deal with that right now even if he's glad hubert can't see his face--]

[A nice promise, but one he expects Linhardt to start slacking on after a few days of work. Still, he finds he's not really annoyed by that...

Anyway, he's busy glancing back toward the stairs as though to make sure no one else has approached and overheard them. They're thankfully alone, but even that isn't quite enough to quell the sudden nervous energy flooding through his system.

Pathetic. Why should he be riled about anything that has happened here tonight? He'll need to make sure it doesn't happen again.]

Yes, of course. I'll take my leave, in case you wanted to get back to your nap.

[He ducks his head a bit, though he's still not looking at Linhardt. With that said, he'll head back downstairs to find Lady Edelgard. There are more important things to deal with than whatever strange thing is happening to his feelings tonight.]

[It's been a few days since he's crossed paths with Hubert. He can't help but linger on the wish he'd attempted to make that night, or at least the first thing that came to mind--it wasn't like he couldn't just bother Hubert whenever he wanted anyway. Or that Hubert wouldn't go out of his way to attempt to drag Linhardt to class if Edelgard truly ordered him to. Linhardt has been kind of glad that he seems to have been cured of what ails him after having the best nap of his life in the Goddess Tower, and leaving Hubert to do his own thing.

Still...Linhardt is a curious beast by nature. And he wants to study those feelings, just to see their cause--if it's just the Goddess Tower, then certainly there's some merit to the rumors. But the only other explanation could be that Hubert was affecting him somehow...maybe with some kind of hex.

There's only one way to find out, isn't there?

It's a while after class when Linhardt finally gets the idea to go looking for Hubert--sometime after his afternoon nap. Now it's time for his mid-afternoon nap, but certainly he can spare some time to find the man of the hour...]

Hmm...now, if I was a Hubert, where would I hide...

[...

Time to go skulking in the shadows! Surely he'll be able to find Hubert if he thinks like him. Linhardt sucks at being stealthy, but he's keeping his (rather drowsy) eyes peeled as he explores around the Monastary, looking in shady places. Where could he be...]

[It's a smart idea, but unfortunately it seems Hubert's presence in the shadows is not going to result in much today.

Don't worry, though. You'll run into him when you head up to the library. Hubert's got several books spread in front of him, flipping through the pages to check a document he's got in front of him, occasionally marking something on it.

His expression is tight, and he's so focused on his work he won't even hear Linhardt come in. Hubert looks tired; like he's been at this for quite some time with very little progress. Even so, he doesn't seem like he's going to stop any time soon.

Lady Edelgard had given him this task, and it's taken him longer than he would have thought. It's frustrating, to be unable to fulfill her wishes as quickly as he would like. He has other tasks he needs to accomplish after this, and once he's done with those he needs to ensure that Lady Edelgard herself is not overworking...

In short, there's much to be done. Things aren't going as planned already, he doesn't want things to derail even further.]

[Honestly, he'd fully given up by the time he had reached the library--he was intending to get some reading material for himself by the time he reached there, and needless to say, he tries not to be too startled when he finds his mark up in the library with his head shoved in so many books that it's a wonder he isn't suffocating.

...Well, literally, at least. Figuratively, he's looking so utterly tired that his head is flashing back to the day he'd found Hubert much like this and dragged him elsewhere.

Needless to say, Linhardt's definitely walking over to Hubert with a very, very blunt look on his face.]

You know, Hubert, they say the definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing twice and expecting a different result.

[He's got his arms crossed and he's looking at Hubert.]

Have you been getting any rest?

[Hubert looks up, poised mid-word when Linhardt interrupts him. His expression sours a bit, but not nearly as much as it would have were he interrupted by anyone else (excluding Lady Edelgard).]

This is hardly the same thing as last time.

[...it's almost the same thing, but that's not exactly the same!!]

I've been getting as much as I need. You have no reason to worry about me.

[He continues to write, dismissing it that easily. It's not any more harsh than normal, but it is perhaps a bit more blunt.

To be honest, he's not really sure what to do with Linhardt. He hasn't exactly been avoiding the man - because that implies that there's a problem he's not confronting - but he hasn't sought him out either. Those strange feelings that manifested at the Goddess Tower haven't exactly faded entirely, which is beyond frustrating. Clearly he isn't focused enough. He has more important matters to attend to.]

Hmm. I suppose you'll have to forgive me if I don't believe you.

[Hubert. Oh my god. Why are you this stubborn. Linhardt winds up stepping closer to get a proper look at Hubert's face, and needless to say, he doesn't like what he sees...]

I believe I have plenty of reason, Hubert. I'm quite certain that the bags under your eyes have their own bags.

[This is already so much effort, oh my god. If it were anyone else but Hubert, he wouldn't bother with helping. He'd leave them on their way, maybe picking them up if needed and getting them taken care of if they're exhausted, but...

Well, those weird feelings are coming into his chest again. It seems Hubert is the cause of this. How curious...]

You've been overworking yourself again, haven't you?

I've been doing what's necessary for Lady Edelgard.

[...That's probably enough of an answer given his general state of being at present, but he refuses to acknowledge that he's having any sort of trouble. He hasn't fainted, after all. He hasn't reached his limits, and he won't.

He won't ever let himself be that weak again.]

If you don't mind, I'm busy. You're free to admonish me at a later date.

[He gestures briskly toward the door, clearly indicating that Linhardt should take his leave, because of course Hubert is exactly this stubborn.]

As a matter of fact, I do mind.

[You're not getting rid of him that easily, Hubie. Immovable object, meet unstoppable force.]

You're working far too hard, and I'm afraid I cannot let that abide. You're going to wind up passing out in your books if you do not get some form of rest, Hubert, and while I will--reluctantly--drag you elsewhere again should you fall victim to your own lack of regard...

[He doesn't like to have to resort to playing dirty like this, but Hubert. You give him little choice...]

I cannot assure you that we will not pass Edelgard this time.

Edited 2019-08-10 02:15 (UTC)

[Hubert glances up at that, one visible eye narrowing.

Lady Edelgard would certainly scold him for overworking himself, and he's opposed to letting her find out he's been pushing himself this hard. She does try to look out for him in her own way, and she would find this unacceptable. It's necessary, but sometimes Lady Edelgard doesn't realize that.

Attempting to convince her of that would be far more trouble than it's worth. Fighting with Linhardt on this is undoubtedly going to end poorly if he's already threatening to tell Lady Edelgard.]

...You'll keep this to yourself if I agree to return to my room, then?

[There's something resembling relief in Linhardt's expression when Hubert finally speaks up, despite his almost withering glance--Linhardt really didn't want to have to resort to this, but knowing Hubert, it was necessary.

...Of course, that's not enough, however, and Linhardt does give Hubert something of a Look. It's not angry or anything, but very unconvinced.]

And how do I know you'll actually get some rest if you do?

[Hubert sighs, frustrated. He sets the quill down and folds his arms as he leans back in the chair.]

What would you have me do?

[It's fair not to trust him in his room, honestly...]

locked to darkseal

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