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[That earns a smirk, but Linhardt switches to a different topic and Hubert's expression relaxes. He moves to lean against the wall, inclining his head a bit in an indication for Linhardt to continue.]

Of course. Go ahead.

[He imagines it'll be about crests which is... a little awkward, in all honesty. He has no interest in them, and given everything Lady Edelgard is trying to do, the subject is a bit of a strange one. Still, he cannot deny that Linhardt is incredibly bright, and if this is where his interest lies for now then there's no harm in listening. Perhaps someday he'll be able to point Linhardt in the direction of something more worthwhile, something that will strengthen the Empire and Lady Edelgard's rule.

But for now... Well, he can't say he's really opposed, even if he doesn't care much for the topic.]

[He appreciates Hubert in these trying times. He'll gladly talk about his crest research for sure, explaining what he's learned of their effects and origins and all of that happy stuff. Linhardt's genuinely happy to have a chance to show his intellectual chops in this regard--sure, he's got very little on Hanneman in that regard, but there's no doubt that he's more than enthusiastic on the subject, and that he's really just...happy that someone's willing to listen to all of his blathering.

...Besides Caspar, who does but doesn't get a damn thing about it. But the boy tries.

Still, Linhardt's look is kind of all over the place when he talks, really, though he's keeping himself level to a certain extent. There is a pretty common place he's looking, though; the dance floor. His look lingers there for certain spans of time, listening to the various swells of music that play out for those actually dancing. Though, he doesn't quite let it stop him from talking, because when would he ever.

He does stop after some time, however, pridefully smiling at what he's accomplished in his research.]

...I do believe that about sums everything I have learned, but there is still much more that needs to be discovered. Perhaps even other theories to be tested, once we have finished our education. [He smiles, though, inclining his head a touch.] I truly appreciate your willingness to listen. It's not often that one is willing to listen to me blather on...

[His look goes back to the dance for the umpteenth million time, seeming...contemplative. At this point it feels like he has something to ask, but seems...unsure.]

[Crests have never been Hubert's area of expertise. He has no reason to research them and absolutely no interest in them. The number of times he's has to politely find a way to escape from Professor Hanneman is a little alarming... It's almost like being a mage means he assumes one is interested in crest research...

Anyway, Linhardt's research is still above his own knowledge, but it's far easier to listen to him. The way he gets so excited about what he's learned and the things he hopes to work on and uncover is... his first thought was "kind of cute" but that's a little weird. Moving on...]

Some of your biggest breakthroughs can come in explaining it to someone who doesn't understand. I certainly don't mind listening.

[Something about that does bother him a bit, though. Linhardt is looking to work toward his theories and test them after they've completed their time at Garreg Mach... Things certainly won't go as he's expecting, and then...

Hmm. There's no point in thinking about it. Besides, it looks as though Linhardt has something else on his mind.]

Is there something else? You seem a bit distracted.

[Linhardt does wind up nodding his head in response to the first comment--that is incredibly true, after all, and he does feel like he's come a little closer to understanding them in putting them to practice with Hubert. Of course, his mind seems elsewhere, and as he watches the people below dance in merriment and seeming joy, he can't help but think he's never been able to--

Ah. Linhardt's look jolts back to Hubert when he calls him on his distraction, raising his hands a bit in front of him as he shakes his head, as if caught, honestly.]

Oh, no--nothing at all. It's nothing worth worrying about, at any rate. It's simply something rather inane, if I may be honest with you.

Edited (wording.......) 2019-08-11 06:01 (UTC)

[He arches an eyebrow (the visible one) and gestures for Linhardt to continue.]

I'll admit I'm curious. What is it?

[Ah, that's...

Well, when did the room start to get warm? He's not sure if this is an effect of that hex (or what he assumes is one), but his words kind of die in his throat--]

...This is going to sound incredibly asinine, I will forewarn you.

But...I suppose I was just thinking about how all of the other nobles seem so happy while they're dancing. [Linhardt doesn't look at Hubert when he talks, his look going back towards the floor.] They all seem delighted when they find someone who dances with them perfectly. It's as if they've found a perfect match for themselves, and they all make it look so effortless, while I... [Mnnnngh, he doesn't like admitting this, he's doing a Feeling and he's not sure what it is, but he Doesn't Like It.] I suppose I'm simply jealous that I haven't found something like that, even after being asked to dance so much...

[Once that's out there, he works to try to dismiss it quickly--his tone slightly rushed, and seeming forced back into something happier.]

It's nothing to worry over, however. Things like that are why I typically avoid such bothers...and this may be my last one unless my parents force me into it. These dances are more trouble than they're worth.

Edited 2019-08-11 06:12 (UTC)

[Honestly, Hubert isn't sure what he was expecting. Even after spending a month getting to know Linhardt better than he knows most other people (it's a wonder what casual conversations can do instead of just listening in from the shadows), he still hadn't expected this. Linhardt doesn't usually like physical activity, and he had assumed dancing fell under that as well.

He can't deny that there is something fun about dancing with a good partner, and if Linhardt has yet to experience it... Well, he probably won't. Once Lady Edelgard has ascended to power, dances like these will be a thing of the past - at least in the way they're presented now. Shows of power for the wealthy and elite, something to brag and flaunt their wealth.

...Well, it can't hurt to humor Linhardt, can it?]

Perhaps you haven't found a partner who knows what they're doing. It isn't particularly difficult.

[Conveniently, another song is starting up. Look at that, it's almost like this was meant to be.

Hubert offers a hand, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.]

At the very least I can give you a practiced partner.

[...Oh.

You know, Linhardt was pretty sure that was going to get some form of admonishing, and quite frankly, he'd deserve it. He's pretty sure noble dances aren't about finding happiness, they're about securing power, making connections, and bowing your head and bending the knee to those of greater power whether you like them or not. No matter what, that was what it was always going to be about, but...

Linhardt turns to face Hubert after the first comment, prepared to chuckle a bit--he does have a point, after all, maybe that is the case and Lin's just missing something. It wouldn't be the first time he's missed something so obvious.

But then Hubert offers his hand to Linhardt and he could swear he finally felt his heart stop.

Linhardt stares; openly, and deeply shocked, and try as he might to form words, they're just...not coming out, despite his best attempts. His eyes are wide as he looks between Hubert's hand and the man's face, watching Hubert's expression twitch upward, and it's actually unfair? This is actually unfair in so many ways, because he's found himself rendered speechless. He wants to say something, anything, and his mind is racing with so many forms of yes that he's afraid he's accidentally gonna say no and render this all moot, and--and--

He winds up just going for it and taking Hubert's hand in one of his own, wordlessly. His face is heating in all of the worst ways and he almost shudders a bit, though he's not sure what that's with, but that's probably the most enthusiastic yes Linhardt's left unspoken.

...

Of course, he is kind of looking at Hubert with a slightly confused expression, but thankfully he finds his words--]

Where...where do I put my other hand?

[...His tone sounds so utterly in awe, it's actually embarrassing and he is gonna die? He's gonna die. They'd better do this quick before his heart actually explodes on him.]

[For a moment he wonders if he's said something he shouldn't, or if he shouldn't have offered. Has Linhardt taken this the wrong way? Did what he say come off as... well, something it shouldn't have, somehow? Despite the concerns bubbling to the surface, Hubert's expression doesn't change at all, and he waits patiently for a response, not drawing his hand back or otherwise letting on that anything might be amiss.

His concerns are dismissed the moment Linhardt takes his hand, but new ones replace them. Linhardt's blushing and that's...

Not important. It's not important. It almost feels like he's on the verge of a breakthrough in his research, that moment when the final pieces of the puzzle are about to click into place and everything will become clear.

He doesn't allow them to.]

Allow me to lead first.

[He positions Linhardt's free hand on his shoulder and places his own at Linhardt's hip.]

Even if you aren't familiar with the steps or don't recall them, it should be easy enough to follow.

[Hubert wasn't lying - he is practiced. Leading is an easy job, one that he does well. His job is not to be the star of the show but to guide, to allow his partner to take the spotlight. It's easy, practiced, and almost calming against the wild beat his heart has taken up.

It is warm in here, but he finds he doesn't really mind right now.]

[This is happening. This is actually happening right now, this isn't a dream, this is the reality he is in and he wouldn't trade it for the world. His heart feels fit to burst, and while his emotions have always tended to be more dulled in comparison to most, he can't deny that what he's feeling right now is exhilarating.]

Yes...yes, of course...

[Gods, he sounds like he's on an entirely different plane of existence. He's not sure how this happened, but he's not questioning it even slightly as he allows Hubert to lead him in this dance. Everything feels warm, and it's almost intoxicating--everything about this feels intoxicating, Hubert feels intoxicating and he can't stop focusing mentally on that hand on his hip, and--

Something feels like it's coming together for him. Something, at least, as he analyzes the dance Hubert leads him into and follows along quite well, once he's used to it. Linhardt's always been a rather analytical sort, after all, when he's interested in something. And this has captured his interest in a way he wasn't expecting.]

This is wonderful, Hubert. I think I'm getting it...!

[He sounds so genuinely delighted by the prospect, and even if he doesn't understand all of the feelings going on right now, there is one thing that's becoming clear to him.

He didn't just want to dance with anybody here. He's wanted to dance with Hubert this entire time, and the man was doing an excellent job at sweeping Linhardt off his feet, in a metaphorical sense.]

You are. You're doing very well.

[Encouraging words aren't abnormal, but they're rarely given to anyone but Lady Edelgard. There's usually no one else worth his time and effort. There shouldn't be, probably, but right now that doesn't matter, and he focused on the man before him.

For a brief moment, everything else falls away. Nobility, duty, his schemes, and even Lady Edelgard are all thoughts that exist somewhere in the back of his mind, far away from the dance and Linhardt's pleased expression.

He doesn't want this moment to end.]

Keep your eyes up, don't look at your feet.

[Don't look away, he wants to say.]

Thank you. Thank you, I...

[His tone is so airy that he's wondering if it'll start to melt away at this point. He's not sure he minds either way, at this point. It's not as if anything else matters--no naps, no crest research, not even the thought that tomorrow this won't even matter, for now they're simply a couplet of birds, dancing as if they'll never dance again.

When Hubert tells him to look up, Linhardt obliges. His eyes are so soft, so gentle, and he's staring directly into Hubert's with the deepest thankfulness--no. Fondness. That's what this is, isn't it? He's so utterly fond in this moment, but that doesn't feel like the right word as even the music seems to fade from Linhardt's mind, and he feels his mind focus on the sound of something beating wildly that he can hear vaguely.]

I will, Hubert. I think I understand it perfectly now.

[Everything's starting to bubble up as his heart feels like it's beating so fast that it's fit to break, and he feels himself getting closer to understanding--]

I think...I think this is what I wanted all along.

[Linhardt looks up at him, and Hubert finds himself wanting to look away, or at his feet, or anywhere but at that expression. He hadn't realized Linhardt could be this happy, and something in his chest tightens to the point it makes his breath catch.]

Is it? I'm flattered.

[It's not sarcastic - not at all - but there's a hint of amusement in there anyway, like he's not rapidly losing control of his composure because suddenly it's really damn difficult to remember to keep his guard up, his expression locked behind the usual front. He's not entirely sure when he started smiling like this, and right now he doesn't want to stop.

The music winds down, but he barely hears it, only drawing to a stop when he's reached the end of the steps, the end of the routine. Even so, he doesn't want to move his hands and he doesn't draw away immediately.]

[Hubert really has a wonderful smile. It's captivating; he's heard so many others say he could never smile, or call him so stone-faced that he wouldn't even know how to, but Linhardt doesn't stop staring for even a moment.

It's lovely. It's so lovely. He's lovely, and--

Linhardt doesn't want this to end, even as they come to a stopping point. He doesn't show any signs of letting go either, and his fond look doesn't dissipate even slightly as he simply finds himself captivated.

Something about what he was thinking--lovely, that sticks out in his mind while he stares, and he knows that's the final piece, but it doesn't fit quite right, maybe--]

...Could we... [The music's bound to start again soon, isn't it? He doesn't know. He doesn't know if he cares, he just doesn't want to leave this closeness.] Um...

[He figures the question will be obvious to Hubert. He's hoping that it is.]

[It gets a soft laugh out of him and just in time, the music starts up again. Good, because he certainly doesn't want this to end any time soon.]

Would you like to lead this time?

[He's not sure Linhardt knows the steps or if he remembers them, but he certainly doesn't mind letting Linhardt lead if he'd like.]

I...yes. Yes, absolutely.

[He nods his head rigorously after only a moment's consideration--he's not sure if they need to shift hands, but as far as Linhardt's concerned, he's more than happy to lead Hubert as the music continues on.

He can't believe this. He can't believe he's dancing, and he feels so happy while doing it--this is what he's been missing, this whole time. He keeps to the rhythm, the steps that Hubert showed him, the one's he's practically memorized even after simply once, and he's chuckling--]

I'm having so much fun, you know. It's all because of you...

Edited 2019-08-11 07:35 (UTC)

[He's still smiling at that, and shifts their hands so his free one is on Linhardt's shoulder and Linhardt's is on his hip. He's surprisingly just as experienced at following and if Linhardt needs any guidance, he can offer it. Anything he offers is nothing more than a gentle reminder or nudge in the right direction, since Linhardt is doing just fine on his own.

The words get him to flush, but he finds he doesn't really care, even though he's acutely aware of it.]

Nonsense, I just happen to be a better partner than the ones you've seen tonight. You flatter me too much, Linhardt.

[But there's something in the words that's just shy of teasing. He knows, and he feels the same.]

Oh no, I'm not allowing that...

[Linhardt's surprisingly serious, though his expression doesn't change much, if at all--he wants Hubert to take credit for this.]

I'm...I'm saying what I feel you deserve to hear. Because you're not just a better partner, you're the best of them. I swear on my heart, I...

[He's saying a lot, isn't he? He finds himself chuckling and unfortunately averting his gaze again, his eyes closing--he still looks delighted, but he looks properly embarrassed this time, even if he's laughing with so much mirth.]

I have been told I'm an expert.

[Oh, but that's...

No, he doesn't want to stop and think about it. If he stops, he's afraid he'll lose his nerve, or he'll analyze it too thoroughly and all of this will slip through his fingers and nothing will ever be the same as it is in this moment.

He can't stop. Not yet.]

I have to admit, I'm enjoying this as well. Your presence has certainly turned tonight around.

[Gods, Hubert knows how to flatter him in all of the best ways. Linhardt winds up chuckling and agreeing with his first statement, finally getting over his sheepishness to look back up at Hubert and stare into his eyes again while he continues to lead. Well...that may not be accurate--he's looking all around at Hubert's face, practically like he's trying to memorize every detail he can while he has the chance.]

Is that so? Well...I could say the same to you, you know. You're the only reason I decided to bother with this at all.

[That's honest. That's forward. That's exactly what he wants to say, and yet it feels like so much, maybe too much--]

It's...it's lovely, I must admit. I almost...

[He trails off there, not sure if he should be so forward...]

Oh?

[That is forward, but he can't say he minds it any. Was Linhardt really only interested in coming because he'd be here? That idea is both shocking and honestly one of the most flattering things he's ever heard. He's tempted to ask more - there's so much he wants to know about that - but Linhardt's words catch his attention and he inclines his head a bit to the side. It's not quite enough to reveal his other eye, but his bangs fall a bit out of his face for once.]

Almost what? Go on.

[It's encouraging, not demanding.]

[Linhardt's gaze goes off to the side for only a moment, before looking back at Hubert all too easily, and he practically feels his heart thump into his throat--he actually has another eye, and it's just as attractive, and he's not sure when attractive entered his dictionary in regards to Hubert but it feels like it's always belonged there--]

No...not almost. [He wishes he could move closer, honestly but he doesn't want to mess up the dance so he won't.] I...I definitely wish this wouldn't end. I'm having so much fun, and it's so lovely. I love it.

[There's no denying that his heart skips a beat at those words, and Hubert laughs softly.]

Do you? It's almost a shame the song is—

[Almost over, he was going to say, but a new one will start soon. In a perfect world, they could have kept dancing without interruption. In a perfect world, all of this would have led to something wonderful.

In a perfect world, Ferdinand von Aegir would not exist, and he certainly wouldn't have walked up to the balcony in the middle of this.

There's a brief moment where Ferdinand stares at them and Hubert stares back, almost uncomprehending given the situation. It doesn't last long.

He springs away from Linhardt with all the grace and speed of a cat that's been sprayed with water and he absently moves to adjust his attire, a nervous gesture he had trained himself out of long ago.

Ferdinand looks just as surprised as Hubert and for a moment he seems unable to find words before he finally manages "Lady Edelgard was looking for you."]

Ah, of course. Thank you for letting me know.

[...Should he... indicate that Ferdinand should go... or should he just leave, um...

Ferdinand looks just as confused at how to approach this, for the record. Hubert quickly decides that attending Lady Edelgard will make this slightly less awkward, so he nods to Linhardt - which isn't really an indication of whether he'll be back or not, in retrospect - and turns to leave. Ferdinand follows, though for once in his damn life doesn't open his mouth.]

[It truly could of, if only the most noble among all nobles didn't exist.

Hubert's jumping catches Linhardt by surprise, and for a brief moment he wonders if he's done something wrong--it isn't until he decides to look over, seeing Ferdinand having walked up to the damn balcony, that he realizes just what's happened and he practically freezes like a deer in headlights. Everything else from that point on is a blur--he's sure Ferdinand said something, but Linhardt'll be damned if he can actually remember.

He at least sees Hubert nod, nodding idly in return, and just as soon as Ferdinand entered and proceeded to do That, they're both gone and Linhardt...isn't sure what to do with himself, in hindsight. Surely the dance will be over soon? Maybe?

...

You know what, no. No, he's taking a goddamn nap up in this balcony and there isn't a force on earth that can stop him. Is this blatant disrespect to the von Aegir family? He's pretty sure it is.

Does he care? Absolutely not.

He's just gonna sleep it off until they prepare to go back to the monastery.]

[Well, that was a disaster.

Not the dance, necessarily. He obtained the information he needed for Lady Edelgard, and the information she managed to pry out of those nobles was more useful than his, so they've made progress in their plans. Everything is starting to come together and it won't be long before she can finally take her place as Empress.

Unfortunately, everything that happened after his meetings with the nobles was a disaster.

He's had to threaten a certain redhead more than he'd really care to in order to keep his big mouth shut, and he's even had to resort to bribery to ensure that mouth stays shut. It would be infinitely easier just to cut out his tongue, but Lady Edelgard has made it clear that she requires his counsel so she knows what not to do. It's frustrating beyond belief.

But perhaps even more frustrating is dealing with Linhardt.

Hubert isn't avoiding the man, though his pride certainly wishes he could. They see each other in class, and he's perfectly civil and polite if not a bit distant, and he brutally crushes anything that even resembles a feeling every time it threatens to pop up.

He's not going to think about it. He's not going to acknowledge it. He has more important things to do.

As another unfortunate side effect of all of this, Hubert hasn't exactly been as careful as he normally would be. He's focused on too much at once and spreading himself too thin, and as a result, he hasn't always managed to hide everything he's working on nearly as effectively as usual. It's not something he's really aware of, but it means that it's possible to figure out which books he's been looking at and get an idea of just what he's been up to.

The picture it paints isn't pretty, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the paint's blood red.

He's in the library today, shortly after class. There are several other students here working on various things. Mercedes, Annette, and Ashe are all here going over some hypothetical battle plan that Annette drew up, but they're keeping their voices very low and aren't being distracting.

Hubert's got several books in front of him and a few sheets of paper he's fact-checking again in front of him, just like that day so long ago. At least, it feels like it was a long time ago... But that's a feeling, and feelings are not allowed right now, so he ignores it. Whatever he's working on has him incredibly busy, but he doesn't look like he's been overworking himself lately, at least. Even though he's trying to keep busy to hide from his own thoughts and definitely-not-there-at-all feelings, he's careful never to get to a point where Linhardt will worry.

...Because that would be inconvenient. Yes, that's it.]

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