sranks | locked to darkseal

[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...]

Well...

[...Linhardt actually gets a bit of an idea from his own tiredness, before his eyes seem to light up.]

Perhaps I would have you join me for a nap. I was planning to take my mid-afternoon one, and I'm quite certain that a nap would be the perfect thing to help you relax.

Will you join me?

[...

Well, that's unexpected. He had thought maybe Linhardt would ask to take the books from him (which he wouldn't have allowed anyway; he doesn't need Linhardt looking into what he was working on), but this...

Needless to say, Hubert looks completely dumbfounded.]

You would have me join you for a... nap.

[He repeats it, as if he needs to hear it again.]

Yes?

[Linhardt says it like it's the most obvious thing in the world.]

Quite simply, it's the only way to ensure that you relax properly. Besides, a good nap would certainly assist in getting rid of your troubles, I'm sure.

[He sounds very convinced.]

[...Linhardt isn't going to let this go unless he agrees, is he.

The solution is obvious, but it isn't one he likes. It's awkward in a way he can't quite place, and it's doing something to stir up his troublesome feelings again. How annoying.

But there isn't any way around it, is there?]

...You'll let this go if I agree and... [sigh] ...take a nap with you?

[Linhardt actually smiles at that. It's stirring up feelings inside of him, too, and...well, he can't say he minds, even if he's assuming Hubert feels nothing but contempt.]

I shall, yes. Because it will at least ensure that you're getting proper rest, so that you may be even more useful to Edelgard.

[He looks at the piles upon piles of books--they don't look like anything he recognizes, but...]

Will you be needing assistance in putting those away, before we go?

[...Well, he can't deny that. Perhaps he would be more useful after he's rested. Looking over all of this with fresh eyes could help. Maybe this won't be a complete waste of time.

Maybe he can calm the strange things his feelings are doing as well with a nap.]

Ah... I suppose you won't let me do it myself.

[It's wry, but he takes a moment to close the books and push one stack toward Linhardt. You'll probably notice that most of them seem to be either accounting records or history books - the sort that go into dry detail about battles and tactics, hardly anything that would be halfway interesting to most people. The books don't really seem to have anything to do with one another, and Hubert's already packing up his notes before you can get a look at them.

He'll move to put away the other books, of course. He's steady on his feet, so don't worry about him fainting again.]

I'm ready to go when you are. I imagine we'll be going someplace... private?

[...He'd prefer not to let Lady Edelgard catch him napping, and who knows what sort of rumors would spread if anyone else saw them...]

Edited 2019-08-10 03:09 (UTC)

[Linhardt chuckles a bit at the comment, nodding his head in response to Hubert's wry comment--it's absolutely true, and he doesn't plan on letting Hubert potentially overwork himself. Besides, it causes that fluttering feeling in his chest to intensify the slightest bit while he works. Whatever hex Hubert's cast on him, it's definitely affecting him somehow while he does stuff for him...how curious.

At least, a hex is what he assumes. He's not sure there's another explanation for this. Either way, his eyes are mostly on the books, so Hubert's notes don't get much, if any mind paid to them. He's plenty distracted as is.

Once they're finished, Linhardt will signal for Hubert to follow him.]

I do believe I am ready now. Come; I'll show you one of my favorite spots.

[Sure, this puts him at risk of Hubert finding him here when he's actively looking for Linhardt in the future, but...who knows. Maybe he wouldn't mind being found by the man. Too much, at least.

Either way, he'll lead Hubert to surprisingly secluded little place; it's not a place that receives much traffic, if the overgrown plantlife is any indication. There is a certain beauty to it, though, and the grass is quite soft looking...]

It's not quite paradise, but...I do quite prefer this place above most others around the monastery. It's rather quiet, and private...a wonderful place to relax, eat sweets, or read a few books when the moment strikes...

[His tone seems genuinely prideful, honestly, and he'll gesture for Hubert to join him when he lays down in the grass. You coming?]

[A favorite spot, hmm... Well, he'll be sure to keep this place in mind when he has to track down Linhardt next time he skips a lecture or doesn't show up to a class meeting.

Anyway, the place Linhardt leads him to is secluded - it's a bit strange to find a place within the monastery that isn't carefully taken care of. The overgrown plants are almost calming, but perhaps that's because it's an indication that they won't be bothered. After all, this wasn't exactly the most obvious place to get to.

He glances over at Linhardt before returning his gaze to the surrounding area.]

It certainly is secluded. I can see how you would lose track of time in a place like this.

[It's a bit difficult to say that it's something he likes - he's always placed function over beauty, and that certainly remains true even now.]

[hubert why, that's so mean!!

Either way, Linhardt gets himself comfortable while nodding his head--letting a yawn out, and stretching his arms and legs.]

I'm glad that you can appreciate this as I do.

[He pats the spot next to him idly.]

Join me, won't you?

[get over here loser, it's naptime, if you awake youse a fake

...And once again, Linhardt von Hevring proves he has no idea how to not be overly forward, I am so sorry Hubert.]

Edited 2019-08-10 03:51 (UTC)

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