sranks | locked to darkseal

You need to eat something, even if you aren't feeling hungry. It's no wonder you fainted.

[Hmm, it is pretty late, but he should be able to find something light for Linhardt to eat in the kitchen...

He's pulled from his thoughts by that question, though.]

No, I haven't.

[...is it obvious...]

[It is so obvious.]

I was simply curious, that's all.

[...Linhardt likes him enough to not call him out on how bad he is at this, that is the sole saving grace. He'd honestly take Hubert over dealing with Manuela any day of the week...]

...But I suppose your right. [...] If you're going to the kitchen, can you see if they have anything sweet?

[LIN, YOUR PRIORITIES]

You aren't only getting sweets.

[But he sounds exasperated instead of truly worried or stern. This is just how things are going to be...]

I'm going to the library as well - do you want me to bring you anything?

[Honestly, he has no idea how long Linhardt will need to recover and he desperately needs to find something that can guide him in these trying times. Lady Edelgard's advice is solid, but not enough to tend to the sick.]

Ah, I see I'll have to employ creative methods of getting rid of my vegetables again...

[That's a joke, at least. Maybe. Linhardt does smile a bit, though, turning over on the bed a bit.]

Well...if there is anything Edelgard would permit me to assist you with, I'd like that. But if not, I'll simply take some books on crest research.

[...not that he doesn't have a solid chunk of the library already on the floor over here, but maybe if he doesn't say anything, Hubert won't mess with the mess that is his room...]

[The first part does get a stern look, but he leaves it for now. The second... Well, it troubles him.]

You need to rest. I would have thought you were the expert at that.

[Something about that seems to fit, though. He has all the pieces to this puzzle, he just needs to order them properly to see the picture in full.]

...You haven't been getting enough rest lately, have you?

[He doesn't intend for the question to come across as pointed, but it is blunt. It's not really a question at all, actually.]

I can rest and still study, you know...

[There's a bit of annoyance in his tone at that, and it's causing something to feel tangled in his chest again. He doesn't want to acknowledge it, really, and he kind of turns over on the bed so Hubert can't see his face. (Or, well, hopefully he can't.)

Of course, the true question of the hour causes Linhardt's body to visibly tense on the bed before he forces himself to ease, just...bringing his blanket closer to himself.]

It's...fine, you know; nothing to be concerned over. I can't afford to be idle, that's all.

[He doesn't want to talk about it.]

Neither can I.

[Irritation flares within him before it is immediately crushed. He's not even sure if he's annoyed with Linhardt for being so stubborn or with himself for not catching on earlier.]

But I seem to recall an incident in which someone reminded me that I need to take care of myself as well.

[The words aren't pointed, but they are blunt. He stands, pushing the chair in and carefully stepping around Linhardt's books and papers.]

I'll be back in a bit. Try to rest, and don't even think of leaving your bed.

[He leaves then, a bit too quickly, perhaps. He needs to be out of the room and back on his own so he can find a way to mask his rebellious emotions.

He leans against the wall just outside Linhardt's room for a moment, where he can't be seen by anyone else. No one riles him up like this, no one frustrates him and makes him ache like this.

But he doesn't have time to stop and consider what all this means. There's so much that needs to happen, and so little time left. He can consider everything later.

For now, he has to fetch his friend some food and something light to read while he tends to him. As best he can, anyway.]

[The reminder stings--he knows, he knows very well that he said the same damn thing when Hubert overworked himself. It was different then, though, or so Linhardt thinks, as hypocritical as that is--something he's unwilling to acknowledge. He can't afford to be idle now, not when Edelgard is likely scrutinizing his resolve and everything he's capable of, and the likelihood that if she just says the word that Hubert, his friend, the one who inspires so many weird feelings and probably cast a hex on him if the goddess herself didn't, will kill him without hesitation and--

He has the decency to wait until Hubert leaves to let the venom escape unbidden, and he feels himself clutch that bear in a practical death grip.]

That's easy for you to say when you aren't the one who's potentially expendable.

[He's thankful Hubert is gone when he says that much. Hubert doesn't need to hear that, and as soon as the words leave him, he...well, he doesn't settle, but he's at least a little better. Probably. Or he's just shoved everything down because That Sure Is An Emotion He Doesn't Like.

Either way, he will wait for Hubert in his bed, as ordered. He does wind up turning over so he can look at the door when Hubert comes back in, getting himself comfortable since he's clearly gonna be there a while.]

Edited 2019-08-12 07:25 (UTC)

[It takes him longer to gather everything that it should.

It isn't because he has a difficult time finding books, or because there isn't much in the way of food he can take without having to prepare, it's because he takes his time with it.

Anger doesn't suit him. Even irritability and annoyance aren't advisable for a man in his position, though it's difficult to quell those entirely.

Linhardt is working hard to prove himself. He's attempting to be an asset to Lady Edelgard's plans. He's working with Reason magic and taking the job he's been given seriously. All of this should be something he's encouraging, not something that's aggravating him like this.

Why is it aggravating him like this? That's the question he keeps asking himself and one he keeps pushing aside and away, refusing to think about. Refusing to answer. He might already know the answer, and it's not something he's ready to put any serious thought into.]

Infuriating. [It's murmured into the stillness of the library.] Absolutely infuriating.

[He manages to find a few books that will help him with Linhardt's fever, though obtaining the herbs tonight will be far too difficult. He can get them from the merchants tomorrow morning. With any luck, he won't be gone for very long.

With any luck, Linhardt will get over this soon.]

And get over himself while we're at it.

[It's the sort of petty he never allows himself to sink to, but it makes him feel a little better anyway.

By the time he's located a couple of books for Linhardt and reached the kitchen, he's feeling less irritated. He prepares a tray and even manages to locate a small bag of chocolates (that was probably being hidden for someone to snack on later, but too bad). He returns quickly, managing to get the door open somehow despite all he's carrying.

He hands the tray over to Linhardt once he's in the room, moving to shut the door once that's done.]

Eat first, you can have the books once you're done if you're not tired.

[There's nothing cold in the words, just the usual blunt tone of voice. He sets Linhardt's books on the desk (near him, so Linhardt won't snatch them), though it's probably obvious that despite his words, he's picked up something that isn't exactly light reading.

They're books on crests, and even judging from the titles on the spines alone, it seems like he was paying attention when Linhardt had rambled at length about them.

The book he's currently got open is easily recognizable as a medical text. It's not one based in Faith magic - he's never had any desire to learn and would make for a poor healer anyway - but rather in the more practical ways to tend to illnesses. There's another book on the subject too; Hubert came prepared.

He won't talk to Linhardt while he's eating, but that's not because he's angry. He needs to figure out what to do to help with Linhardt's fever, so this is more pressing.]

[Linhardt winds up moving the bear out of the way when Hubert comes back into the room, setting him so he's taking a seat next to Linhardt on the bed so there's plenty of room for the tray. Gods, all of this looks delicious...Hubert will likely see Linhardt's eyes light up the slightest bit when he spies the chocolate, and then even more when he spies the books, ones he hasn't even gotten a chance to read yet--Hubert really did go out of his way for him, didn't he?

It's...nice, it's really nice, and it takes a few seconds to realize that thinking about it too hard is making his cheeks heat and he likely looks even sicker as a result, so he's just gonna stop before this gets more embarrassing.]

...Thank you, Hubert. I truly appreciate this.

[Linhardt will start eating after he says that, though, more than content to let the room go quiet while Hubert reads. He won't even try to stealthily get rid of the vegetables as a token of thanks!

...He admittedly does wind up attempting to sneak chocolate between every few bites of the actual food, but if Hubert tells him to stop, he will. Otherwise, he has no qualms at all; he actually does eat in relatively short order, at least, likely owing to how hungry he was. That's a little embarrassing, honestly, but at least he didn't do it as fast as Caspar at his worst...

...Of course, Linhardt is kind of feeling drowsy now, which is a bit of a mistake because he doesn't want to go to sleep (for once), so he looks at the desk and the books Hubert brought...]

Are you sure I can't have one book before bed? It may help me get to sleep...

[oh my god you sound like a kid]

[He nods at the thanks, though doesn't speak otherwise. He does notice Linhardt sneaking chocolates, and gives the other man a bit of a look at it. But he doesn't reprimand him or tell him to stop.

He glances up from the book when Linhardt finishes, and there's a slight twitch in his mouth that might have been him repressing an attempted smile.]

Nonsense. You'll get absorbed in what you're reading and be awake all night. You need to rest, Linhardt. You'll have plenty of time to read tomorrow.

[Oh, come on...Linhardt definitely looks a little put out, but he catches that slight twitch and just. Closes his eyes, allowing himself to flop back on the pillow since he's done.]

...You do know me entirely too well.

[I'd rather not render myself entirely useless. is a thought that enters his head, causing his brow to furrow a bit before he settles, grabbing the bear again and nestling into the covers.]

But I suppose that is a fair point to make. I promise I'll go to sleep like a good infant, then.

[That's definitely joking, but he will listen, okay.]

You'd better.

[It isn't a threat, and he loses the battle to keep the smile at bay.]

I'll be here if you need anything.

[Hope you weren't planning on having any privacy?? He's just. Going to sit here all night, apparently.]

[...Linhardt's actually not sure what to say to that, or what part of that is making that goddess forsaken hex act up, but all he winds up doing is chuckling and promptly burying himself under the covers.]

Well, I didn't know this was going to become a slumber party.

[...His words are a bit muffled as a result of said burying, but he doesn't sound like he minds, though? He's a little too tired to tell, admittedly, but he sounds almost pleased by the idea.]

Try to get some sleep as well, when you're able. My desk is open, as you already know. [He wasn't lying about the guest bed comment, at least...??? But once again, Lin's invitation is forward. One day he'll learn some tact.] Good night, Hubert.

Edited 2019-08-12 21:19 (UTC)

I certainly wouldn't call it a party.

[But he's still smirking even as he turns back to his book.]

Good night, Linhardt. Do try to recover quickly.

[He won't go to sleep any time soon; he has to make sure Linhardt gets his rest, after all.]

I'll do what I can, then. Good night...

[He falls asleep...well, not very easily; Hubert will likely hear Linhardt toss and turn throughout the night, though he eventually settles enough to finally get some peaceful shut-eye. It's probably the most uninterrupted sleep he's gotten since deciding to join with Edelgard and Hubert...funny how that works.

Still, he does wind up waking in the early morning, kind of blearily looking around the room before he settles upon Hubert again, conked right out at his desk. It's...actually kind of cute to witness again; he at least hopes that Hubert is sleeping somewhat soundly, after all he's done to watch out for him. It's thanks to him that Linhardt didn't just overwork himself to...well, the infirmary really, dealing with Manuela is a thing he'd rather avoid at all cost--but that's beside the point.

Linhardt does feel a little more energized. Slightly, at least. The least he can do is try to repay Hubert a little bit, he feels. Sure, the man will likely yell at him if he catches him out of bed, but surely it's fine! He's just trying to do something nice for his friend. That's all it is. That's totally all it is. As long as he does this quickly, and gets back into bed before Hubert notices, it'll be all well and good. He's sure he can think up a good lie!

(He is, in fact, not sure and Hubert knows damn well he's bad at lying, this is gonna be a disaster.)

Quietly and stealthily as possible (for Linhardt, at least), he tiptoes out of bed and slowly goes to pick up the blanket he had attempted to toss the day prior. It's easy enough to pick up at least, though he's definitely going back to bed after this; he's still feeling warm and he'd rather be warm in bed than warm walking, thank you very much. Once it's carefully in his hands, he slowly makes his way over, careful to not try to disturb the myriad of papers and books on his floor, before attempting to lay the blanket on Hubert's shoulders.

He just hopes this works so he can go back to bed and have Hubert be none the wiser...]

[Hubert honestly isn't sure when exactly he decided he was going to sleep, but it must have happened at some point. He's still fast asleep when Linhardt leaves the bed and retrieves the blanket, but the moment he feels something on him he stiffens, and Linhardt will catch those bright yellow eyes open approximately a second before he's speaking.]

What do you think you're doing out of bed?

[It's almost like he hadn't been asleep at all; there's no time between waking up and being awake enough to scold the other man. He's asleep one moment and wide awake the next, which is a little weird. But it's Hubert, so of course it's weird.

He sits up, the blanket falling back around his shoulders and he catches it before it falls. It's easy enough to put the pieces together.]

Ah, I see. You should be in bed.

[It's less harsh the second time.]

[You know, Linhardt doesn't usually get surprised so easily. He goes with the flow pretty damn well, and he doesn't really have it in him to be all too startled.

This? This manages to startle him.]

--Hubert! I, uh...

[Well, congratulations, Hubert, you scared the man. Linhardt actively jumps a bit--stumbling some but thankfully not falling over, eyes widening for a moment before he settles. Is this man even human? Usually people are drowsy as all hell after being woken out of a dead sleep, but that's...

...Well, okay, okay, he gets the hint and goes back into bed, sighing.]

I suppose no good deed goes unpunished... [He yawns a bit, before looking to Hubert.] When did you fall asleep, anyway? You're surprisingly well rested for someone who just woke out of a dead sleep...

[...He assumes, anyway? He hopes???]

I have to be. I am Lady Edelgard's protector, and should it be necessary, her first line of defense.

[...]

I have trained myself to be awake and ready at a moment's notice. Should an enemy ambush us, I will be ready to battle immediately, without the risk of allowing anything to harm Lady Edelgard.

[...Hubert, as always, is extremely Extra.]

Anyway, I'm not entirely sure when I dozed off. It's been long enough, at least.

[...perhaps unsurprisingly, Hubert's one of those weirdoes who can function just fine on like four hours of sleep.]

[...

Hubert. Friend. Buddy. Are you okay. Linhardt's face does a Thing when he says that much, and he's not sure if he admires the amount of effort Hubert's willing to put in or if he's doing a concern...]

Well, I suppose that is a fair point. Being ready at a moment's notice is certainly an advantage to have over your enemy, and they would prove rather frightened if they saw just how fast you were able to regain consciousness...

[...]

In any case, may I have one of those books now? I don't think I'll be getting back to sleep anytime soon.

[...please go to sleep, Hubie, oh my god he'll stay in bed and not move, just never do that again.]

Edited 2019-08-12 23:32 (UTC)

Precisely. It can only be beneficial.

[He... doesn't think it's weird... or creepy...]

You may, as long as you promise not to overwork yourself.

[He hands both books over, though he'll be keeping a close eye on Linhardt.]

[HUBERT, HONEY...]

You really have so little faith in me, don't you...

[Linhardt honestly sounds kind of exasperated, though he takes the books readily and just kind of buries himself in them. He'll be a good boy and not try to leave the bed again.

Some time will definitely pass by before Linhardt speaks up again--it's more of an idle thing than anything, something because he hasn't really been talking in a bit, but...]

You know, you'd think that cutting out all of those naps would have actually been more beneficial in the long run.

[Linhardt's calm when he says that much. He's been a little cagey in regards to why this happened, and he knows it, but...it didn't feel fair.

He's not sure how much he wants to say (or how much Hubert will ask of him) but...it's a start, at least.]

[Hubert's reading too, so he doesn't mind the silence that spans between them. It's not exactly comfortable since he's still keeping an eye on Linhardt, but it's not bad either. Maybe if Linhardt wasn't sick, this would genuinely be nice. Just a moment where he can put everything else aside and focus on something that feels so trivial compared to the work he's been doing for Lady Edelgard.

...Not that taking care of Linhardt is trivial, not at all. He seems to be doing better, anyway.

He glances up at Linhardt's words, considering them carefully before responding.]

Not everyone requires the same amount of sleep. Lady Edelgard has difficulties getting up in the morning if she hasn't gotten at least six hours of sleep.

[1. why do you know that and 2. why are you making that sound like it's weird???]

It's possible that you require more sleep than most people. Your sleep schedule is erratic as well, is it not? That could have something to do with it as well.

[...]

While I can't say I personally care for the amount of naps you take, as long as you're doing what we've asked of you, there's no harm in taking breaks. Pushing yourself to your very limit will only cause setbacks.

[Straightforward, but there's a hint of something beneath it. It might have been open worry in another person, but it's Hubert so of course any and all emotions are Difficult.]

[Linhardt isn't surprised that Hubert knows exactly how much sleep Edelgard needs; he's been attending to her needs for what probably counts as forever, so his knowledge of that is...unsurprising, to say the least.

Still, he...kind of gets what the man is getting at--it's no less frustrating, because the more he thinks about it, the more it feels like a false platitude. It feels like he's not doing enough, that he needs to push himself harder because it's only a matter of time before they spring their plan and he doesn't want to get left behind and have to face the possibility of--

Linhardt's look gets surprisingly stormy, the more he thinks about it, and he winds up just...hiding his face in his book a bit. Trying to push the thoughts out. Push the anxieties out. He can't afford to hesitate, he can't afford to falter anymore, because it's not just Hubert he has to impress anymore.]

My sleep schedule has always been like this, yes. The sweet embrace of sleep has always proven far too tempting...but...

[On one hand, he does tire out pretty easily. On the other, he's...never had to properly manage his time for a day in his goddamn life, and lord knows he spends more time than anyone reading on crests and anything to do with crests? He doesn't have time for any of the other shit he should be doing, usually, because he's always stuck to what interested him.

...This is probably the biggest reality check that Linhardt's actually faced thus far, in hindsight.]

...No, never mind. It's likely an inane worry.

[He puts his book back down and goes back to reading, once again avoiding actually saying what's on his mind or acknowledging there's a problem. Because goddammit Lin.]

[The stormy look gets him to pause, poised to turn the next page in the book (because of course he can manage to read while talking, this is Hubert what do you expect) but at that look he hesitates. He listens when Linhardt decides to talk, and the words help him make up his mind.

Hubert shuts the book, setting it down on the desk as he turns to give the other man his full attention. He crosses his legs and folds his hands on his knee. It still manages to look poised, though it's more relaxed than he usually gets around anyone.]

Linhardt. [It's not warning or scolding, just an attempt to get the other man's attention.] This goes beyond just your sleep schedule.

[He doesn't know that, not really. Hubert has always been good at reading people, but a good amount of his methods involve guessing until he hits on something that will assist him. That's what this is based in, but this isn't about ensuring Linhardt's usefulness.

He wants to know what's troubling his friend. He has a pretty damn good idea of what it is already.]

Tell me what's on your mind.

[It isn't an order. It's not exactly the most conversational either, but he's paying attention and eager to listen.]

locked to darkseal

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject