locked to darkseal

[hevring]

[Truthfully speaking, this Ball was nothing more than a glorified dance class in Linhardt's mind. They were practically obligated to attend and partake, dancing with people and exchanging smiles and pleasantries; a ball like this was at least somewhat important to the nobility, Linhardt was sure, but as far as he was concerned? He had no business here, and the first chance he could get out, he took gladly.

He wasn't altogether sure about where to go, honestly; he could certainly just turn in for the night on his bed, or get back to his crest research, but there was another curiosity that he wanted to take a look at; the Goddess Tower. The details were a little fuzzy in Linhardt's mind, but he had heard some so-called rumors about what happened within the tower. Something interesting would happen if two people entered the tower...was it that they would be blessed by the Goddess if they shared a vow, or that they would be cursed for defiling her tower? Linhardt couldn't really recall off the top of his head, as it wasn't a topic that interested him too much, but...well, it was an interesting research opportunity and there was certainly a first time for everything.

But of course, he knew very well he wasn't exactly destined for much in the love department. As far as he was concerned, the Goddess Tower would be a once in a lifetime napping spot, and Linhardt intended to take the bait. It was surprisingly quiet, though he didn't doubt that there were people waiting to come in and try to find their 'true love', as they would likely call it. Linhardt finds his way to a nice spot within the tower, settling himself in for what's likely to be an interesting sleep, if nothing else.

Who knows, maybe he'll get to eavesdrop on some unlucky sap within the tower before he nods off, or perhaps even hear someone find the love of their life. The latter would certainly be a nice thought, for one of the others, perhaps. That would at least be interesting to hear...]

Comments

[hevring]

[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...]

[darkseal]

[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.]

[hevring]

[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?

[darkseal]

[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.]

[hevring]

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?

[darkseal]

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.]

[hevring]

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.

[darkseal]

[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?

[hevring]

[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?

[darkseal]

[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...]

[hevring]

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?

[darkseal]

[...

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.]

[hevring]

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.]

[darkseal]

[...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?

[hevring]

[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?

[darkseal]

[...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...]

[hevring]

[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?]

[darkseal]

[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.]

[hevring]

[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.]

[darkseal]

[It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but that forward invitation gets him to look away, his expression darkening as the color rises in his face.

In order to prevent Linhardt from seeing - or even worse, getting any ideas about what could throw him off like this - Hubert moves to settle down nearby. He's not particularly close to Linhardt, and he doesn't really seem to know what to do with himself once he's down here. How... does one relax...]

[hevring]

[Linhardt's eyes are closed by the time he hears Hubert finally settling down, arms folding behind his head in a fashion that allows his head a nice place to rest.]

Good night, Hubert...just try to forget about your troubles for a bit, won't you?

[It's idly said while he starts to doze off, another, much larger yawn escaping from him. You just gotta empty your mind, Hubert!! It's so easy!!]

[darkseal]

[Forget his troubles? How can he possibly forget what he was working on for Lady Edelgard? If he doesn't do this, it will fall to Lady Edelgard, and he would never dream of sticking her with something like this. It's tedious and time-consuming and more confusing than he'd care to admit, and if he's having difficulty with it, he certainly wouldn't want to stick Lady Edelgard with it—

...In short, he's not going to be able to shut his mind off and rest, even though he's found a (slightly) comfortable position for the time being. He rests on his back with his hands folded on his stomach, staring up at the clouds like that might help.

It's just surreal to try to sleep in the middle of the day...

He'll glance over at Linhardt after a moment, though he's expecting the other man to have already fallen asleep.]

[hevring]

[Hubert would actually be correct about that, if the steady rise and fall of Linhardt's breath is any indication. He looks at peace, really; he's done this a million times before, after all, and it certainly helps shut off his mind.

...Well, if he didn't turn in his sleep ever so often, which Hubert is likely to feel, at least somewhat. He's perfectly asleep while he does so, but his body moves involuntarily one way or another, and he even smiles a bit as he sleeps. Perhaps he's even dreaming already? Huh...there's even a light bit of snoring going on there. How the hell is this man so blissfully asleep already??

Either way, Linhardt doesn't seem to be much the wiser, honestly. He's just out like a fucking light.]

[darkseal]

[Ah, that's...

Weird. Yes. Very weird. How could he possibly fall asleep so easily? Doesn't he have plenty to think about as well? Surely he should be concerned with his research, or his tasks, or even his homework...

...

He does look very peaceful while he sleeps... It's almost—

Ugh, he's never going to rest at this rate, and Linhardt will never let him leave until he's slept... Hubert closes his eyes firmly and tries to push all thoughts from his mind.

Especially ones about Linhardt.]

[hevring]

[Hubert. You act like anything short of the goddess-damned apocalypse would separate him from his naps. You fool. You absolute buffoon.

Either way, though, he seems to settle a bit while he sleeps, and while Hubert at least tries to rest--he's blissfully unaware to the other man's troubles, and just seems more than content to sleep literally everything off.

...

And continue snoring. It's actually getting slightly louder, especially as he tosses and turns again. Hopefully that doesn't disturb Hubert's slumber too much?]