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[He knows it's a promise Hubert can't make--deep down, Linhardt knows that very well. It's why he works so hard to be indispensable, to be what Edelgard needs him to be, so that he can at least try to make sure it won't be necessary for him to die.

Between that, and the thoughts swirling in his head about the consequences of his actions--House Hevring's relations with House Bergliez are going to become more strained, if not fall apart. Hubert probably has to tell her about this incident, and he doesn't look forward to trying to explain all of this to her. Nor his parents, or anyone who asks, really. It hurts, all of it hurts.

Linhardt does everything he can to try to be less tense, to let himself sink into Hubert's warm, protective grasp. He feels so safe and sound; at least here in his arms, nothing will come between them. No soldiers, no rebels, no red haired nobles with an inability to have any tact--]

Don't you dare leave me behind.

[Linhardt knows he can't order Hubert around, and that fate isn't as easy to order as either of them think, but...

He needs this, right now.]

...I can't lose you, Hubert. I want to be strong enough to protect you, too...I know I must become that strong. But...please...

I won't.

[That is somehow even less of a promise he can keep. If it were up to him, he'd lock Linhardt away somewhere no one could hurt him, somewhere he wouldn't have to see the fighting or the injuries and death in the aftermath. He'd be safe and secure and he could have all day to research or nap or do whatever he wanted.

But it isn't up to Hubert, and Linhardt is very useful. His Faith magic will undoubtedly prove indispensable on the battlefield, and yet the very idea of putting Linhardt in the middle of that sends chills down his spine.

He's so close to sorting this all out. He has the last piece of the puzzle - he's had it for some time now - all he needs to do is put it into place and he'll understand everything there is to about his relationship with Linhardt.

But just like every time before, he refuses. Now isn't the time.]

You will not lose me. Nothing in this world could stop me from helping fulfill Her Majesty's ambitions. I will not die on you, I promise.

[That's also something he can't promise, and they both know it. But he feels more confident in giving that answer. Battles are unpredictable, but he's usually an excellent tactician with exceptionally dangerous long range magic. He should be fine. There shouldn't be any reason to worry.]

I don't ever want you to have to see battle. I don't need you to be my shield, I need you to be safe.

[Is that admitting too much? He shouldn't bring his personal feelings into this, should he?]

I don't know where I'd be without you, Linhardt.

[There's something so candid and sincere in those admissions; they offer him warmth, promises, and truths that Linhardt would never have thought would be uttered by Hubert. It's doing something to him, it's making his chest ache in a way that Linhardt isn't even sure how to put into words. It feels like the puzzle in his head has been tipped over the table, the pieces scattering onto the floor, and perhaps the wind has caught them and scattered them in all sorts of different directions.

It's leaving Linhardt surprisingly vulnerable, if he wasn't already; he's so used to being able to pinpoint these sort of things. He's been used to hypotheses, being able to see where point A meets point B and so forth, and yet the strange thoughts and feelings that churn through him--it's too much. All of it's slowly becoming too much for him, and Linhardt clings just a bit tighter and shudders. Everything's just too much, and his heart threatens to beat out of his chest. He's not sure if Hubert can hear it, but...

Linhardt finally moves his head a bit, and he looks up at Hubert after finally falling...well, somewhat still, the shaking not abating entirely. His eyes are still a little dull and unfocused, and his face is red from crying in earnest for the first time in years.]

I...don't know where I would be without you either, Hubert. The thought of such a thing...it scares me. I don't even want to think about how facing this without you would be. You've become someone indispensable to me.

[...His head winds up going back down, attempting to rest against Hubert in a way that allows one of his ears to lay against his chest. It's strange to seek it out, he's sure, but he's trying to hear Hubert's heart. If he can't, he can't though, and he'll move his head out of the way.]

It's...why I want us to be able to create this world that Her Majesty seeks. I want us to be able visit one another, without the need to prepare for battle; perhaps to read together, or perhaps to fish...or even work together to bring prosperity...

[He sounds like he's starting to doze off, regardless of where his head lies. He's so tired after all of these emotions. He wants them all to quiet down, to run away for a little while longer from this, even if he knows it isn't feasible.

There's something in his tone when he speaks again; it's not quite determination, but...it sounds like there's something there. The kindling of a small fire.]

...I have to face this, Hubert. I know I do, in order to help you both bring about that future. [...] I...I want to. Even if I don't know how.

[He listens to it all without interruption. Linhardt's words are comforting, though if he's perfectly honest with himself, he's not sure why. It isn't as though he needed the confirmation that he's important to Linhardt - he's known that since the man agreed to come with him, to see Her Majesty's will through. Devotion like that doesn't come along easily. It surely would test any bond, much less a newly-formed one.

But Linhardt chose them - chose him - and here they are now. Even though it's difficult, and even though he's terrified of losing Linhardt, he wouldn't have it any other way.]

...I'm proud of you.

[Praise isn't exactly uncommon from Hubert - at least not to those who have earned it - but it's not often he phrases it like this.]

You've become so focused and so strong. You've already been through far too much, and yet you still stand firm with us.

You don't have to know exactly what to do. That's my job. Yours is to support us, to handle the things Her Majesty and I cannot. I have difficulty imagining how this war would be going were you not here for us.

["I'm proud of you."

It's amazing what four little words can do to him--warmth floods his face, and it reddens further than what his crying had done to him. It's almost embarrassing, but those words of praise...they mean so much to him, since he knows Hubert is so honest. It makes him happy--enough to shudder, just a bit, before easing and closing his eyes in contentment.]

...Thank you. It means the world to me to hear you say that...to hear that my efforts haven't been for naught. If it means that this world will be beautiful, when this is all over...I'll do whatever it takes. I'll support you both however I can--however you both wish me too.

[His words are almost reverent in nature; how could they not, at this point? He's never been one to dedicate himself to anything that didn't earn his interest or his passion, and it's safe to say that this cause has earned both.

It takes a couple of minutes, for Linhardt to speak once he's said that much; the next words are a lot more drowsy, as if he's starting to drift off.]

...You truly are so incredibly warm...

It will be. Her Majesty will save this world.

[He's absolutely convinced of that. It's good to hear Linhardt is too. He's always known that Linhardt will follow what passion consumes him, it's just good to see he's put it toward something so useful.

He shifts a little at Linhardt's words, his hands finding Linhardt's lower back to support him in case he does end up drifting off.]

I am human, you know. I'm not quite sure what else you were expecting.

[It's gentle, and Linhardt can likely hear the laughter in the words. It's certainly never bothered him before.]

Go ahead and rest. I'll be here for you when you wake.

[~~it seems after all of this time, hubert finally fucking won out, that's it, that's their a support~~

Oh, that feels nice...Linhardt allows himself to lean a little more against Hubert, in that case, as he doe what he can to fall asleep. To think months ago, that Hubert recoiled so harshly when he had done it unintentionally...Linhardt kind of finally sees why his subconscious self wanted to doze off against Hubert. For a man who carves a blood red path, he's a wonderful pillow.]

I wasn't expecting you to be so comfortable...it's very nice...

[Sleep addles his voice a bit as sleep finds him; there's some mumbled words before he falls asleep, very soft, but...]

It feels...rather like home...

[...And perhaps to his credit, Linhardt doesn't stir at all while he sleeps. He's far too comfortable to.]

[~~can't believe it took them this long to reach the a support~~

Home, huh... Considering the home Linhardt came from, he can only consider that a compliment. It's comforting to have Linhardt pressed against him like this, where he will be safe from harm - from anything. In the end, the person Hubert trusts the most is himself, and Linhardt is safest by his side.

But he can't forget the rest of the world forever, and once Linhardt has nodded off, he moves to lift the other man and carry him back to his quarters. Under most circumstances, he would have taken Linhardt to his own; he could carry out his work from there and have all his supplies at the ready to draft a letter to Her Majesty and the local lords, but Linhardt will want to be around familiar surroundings when he awakes.

And most importantly, he'll want his bear by his side.

So he takes Linhardt back to his room, and regrettably has to leave for a bit once he's done with that. Caspar's body has already been moved, the bloodstains scrubbed clean. The battle's already over, the rebellion quelled and the fort is silent once again. It's foolish to think that this will be the end of it, and Hubert has plenty of work to do now.

But he can take care of that in Linhardt's room; once he's settled everything he needs to with his commanders, he gathers what he needs from his own room and moves into Linhardt's.

It's a bit strange that only around a month ago he was doing exactly this in Linhardt's room at the academy. It feels like it's been such a long time. So much has changed. The world isn't the same place it once was, and it's all because of Her Majesty.

...No, that isn't fair. Her Majesty is the public figure that pushes this war forward, but they wouldn't have gotten this far without his help and Linhardt's. He meant what he said - Linhardt is an indispensable part of the team.

Things may not get easier from here on out, but as long as Linhardt's by his side, he has no doubts that he can face anything.]

[Time presses onward, and with it, the Empire's reign grows ever stronger. There's been much to do, in order to ensure that her rule goes well; it's resulted in them separating for an extended length of time in order to settle things within the many pieces of the empire. Where Hubert is sent to use force, to command the soldiers of the empire and take back or secure forts that needed the fortification, Linhardt is there to deal with the nobility and deal with inter-personal matters, along with researching into various things to help Edelgard. They may be getting rid of the crests, but there's still much to look into on them that could prove useful in the future.

Things are taking shape in all of the best ways, and Linhardt is more than happy to be at the center of it all; to help usher forth a new era for all of Fodlan.

Even he is human at the end of the day, however; he still naps whenever able, he still gets absorbed into things that he's doing to the point he might lose sleep over it, but he has been becoming more responsible, for both himself and in general. But even moreso, he misses those he's close to. That, however, was easily remedied; the letters he kept between Hubert were more than enough to keep that at bay.

He enjoyed keeping letters between Hubert; the code that the two of them kept for the sake of their communications was something Linhardt found a bit silly from time to time, but he honestly started to enjoy it the more he wrote with it. It was almost fun to utilize it, Linhardt found, and the messages that they sent back and forth between each other allowed them to keep tabs on each other and happenings in their territories. It proved they were still alive, and still working to keep their promises.

Linhardt had to admit, he looked forward to each one...and found himself saving each letter with a smile. His parents did tease a little bit, not knowing who the letters were coming from but being supportive...in a weird fashion (did they think he'd found a spouse??? couldn't he just communicate with his friend in peace?), but he kept the letters close at hand and kept prompt communications when he wasn't busy.

It's not until a summons from Edelgard that he manages to see the man again; it was meant to be a meeting of the minds, in some sense. It was almost like a roundtable meeting, and it was actually quite good to see some of the others again, seeing the subtle changes that time had imposed on them and himself.

Linhardt does wind up speaking with Edelgard herself for a bit, but she seems incredibly busy; it's on her suggestion that he seeks out Hubert while she works (though he's somewhat curious about the vaguely knowing look on her face? it almost looks annoyed, at least somewhat, but she all but pushes him out the door when he asks if there's anything he can assist with), and gives Linhardt directions where to go, since he's...not very familiar with the area, perhaps surprisingly.

The capitol is a rather grand place, he has to admit, but even with directions, Linhardt winds up getting very, very lost; he's mostly just attempting to find where ever he apparently needs to go, but he's also looking for Hubert just in general. He doesn't assume the man has changed too much, at least...

Linhardt himself has changed some; most of his clothing items are a nice, dark shade of green, and he looks almost scholarly now. His hair is ever well kept, though it's grown out some as well; it almost reaches his shoulders, barely beginning to drape over them. Of course, it's in that weirdly moody state where he's not sure how he wants to style it, but it's fine...he can deal with that in the future, maybe.

...As it stands, he's got plenty to deal with in the present because dear gods he's lost.]

Was it this way...? No, no, perhaps it was that way--

[He did not anticipate getting this lost.

(Edelgard possibly did. Hopefully.)]

[Six months have passed since the attack on the fort and Caspar's unfortunate (but necessary) death. Things have gone much more smoothly since then; the Empire is primarily under Lady Edelgard's control and they have expanded their sights to the kingdom to the north. Her Majesty had entrusted securing the kingdom to him, and it was through his negotiations with Cornelia that much of the kingdom is slowly bending a knee to the empire. As they should.

Of course, that doesn't mean his job is easy or safe. He's seen plenty of battles, and always come out on top. The red path he's cut through the kingdom in the name of Her Majesty's conquest is almost astounding, but considering just how many people he has at his disposal, it isn't surprising.

War is second nature to Hubert. He was never cut out to be a student at Garreg Mach, but commanding troops on a battlefield is something that comes so easily to him it's a bit frightening. Perhaps that's why Lady Edelgard allows him to work without interruption for the most part. He would prefer to be by her side and she knows it, so when she calls him back to the capital, he is all to eager to return.

Lady Edelgard isn't the only person he's missed, however. Linhardt is perpetually in his thoughts and whenever he has a spare moment to himself, he works on his letters. There isn't always important information to send, but even if the letters were nothing but updates on his battles, he would send them.

...After at least two or three revisions, of course. He cannot let any valuable information slip, but even more than that, he wouldn't wish to write anything that might upset or concern Linhardt. He misses his friend - so much it's almost painful.

But all that ends today. He's just arrived back in the capital and met with Her Majesty. Lady Edelgard had to dismiss him early, and gave him the very confusing hint that Linhardt was probably lost in the capital.

Considering how safe it is, there's no reason to worry about Linhardt being assassinated or anything of the sort, but his steps are still quick as he leaves.

He finds Linhardt near the gardens - a showy and bright display of flowers and nature fit perfectly into the front of a large stretch of shops and the like. The whole thing has never been of any interest to him, but he isn't surprised that Linhardt has found his way here. The place is always bustling and full of people, but at this time of day most of them are beginning to head home for the evening.]

Did Her Majesty direct you to the tea house? She's quite fond of it.

[He sounds faintly amused as he approaches, but his footsteps slow as he catches sight of Linhardt.

It's only been six months, and yet his friend has changed so much. The outfit is new - and it's as breathtaking on him as the one he wore to that party Ferdinand's father hosted so long ago. He looks positively scholarly, like he'd be perfectly at home in a library studying the hours away. His hair has grown out too, Hubert notes. It isn't styled the same way as it used to be, and while his old hairstyle was very cute, this one makes him look positively breathtaking.

Hubert has to remember to breathe.

Of course, Linhardt isn't the only one who has changed over the past six months. Hubert has changed his hairstyle as well - cutting it much shorter instead. He still has his bangs styled over his right eye, but they get in his way less than they used to and occasionally it's even possible to see that there's a perfectly functional eye under there, he just does it for the aesthetic. Speaking of aesthetic, he's traded out the academy uniform for something more military in design, but still taking cues from his mage classes. It isn't a uniform, but there are definitely military inspirations in the jacket's design. The cape is just to make him look more intimidating.]

...It's good to see you again, Linhardt.

[His voice thankfully does not reflect any of his inner thoughts, though the pause does last for far too long.]

[Linhardt could swear that his heart just jumped out of his chest and landed in the garden when he hears the voice he's been hoping to find.

Linhardt winds up turning almost immediately, his eyes catching sight of Hubert and he has to make sure he's not seeing things. The way his hair is cut...the outfit, that cape, all of it--it's actually gorgeous? Is that a word he could use to properly describe Hubert? Linhardt tries to think of other words, coming back to dashing and lovely, and that doesn't exactly help matters in the slightest. Linhardt finds himself staring too, so at the very least, the pause isn't so awkward because even Linhardt is struck by how he looks.

Linhardt has to try to remember to speak (and get the thoughts of Hubert as a tall, dark, mysterious vampire out of his head, because he makes the look surprisingly attractive), but he at least collects his thoughts and bows with some noble bearing and elegance to collect himself.]

So I was going in the proper direction! And here I had been worried that I was getting mindlessly lost in the Capitol...

[He picks himself up shortly after saying that, a smile coming easily onto his face.]

As it is you, my friend. It truly has been far too long since we've seen each other face to face...are you faring well?

[...They can talk about the tea house in a bit, he's gladly taking this excuse to just. Stare at Hubert gladly. He's not sure what is going on with his feelings, but he's actually enjoying it instead of being worried about it.]

You're headed the right way. Through the gardens, and take a right.

[He inclines his head a bit to indicate the general direction, but he makes no move to usher Linhardt along. They're alone here, and the sooner they start moving, the sooner he has to stop staring at Linhardt, which is clearly unacceptable.]

I am, yes. The trip back was as pleasant as any trip could be, and completely uneventful. It was almost too boring.

[It's clearly a joke, because he's pretty sure Linhardt wouldn't appreciate hearing him say he would have preferred a rebel attack or a bandit raid.]

And you? It seems you aren't very familiar with the capital.

What ever would I do without your splendid guidance?

[Linhardt absolutely makes no move to leave, however; that would involve leaving Hubert and no??? Absolutely not??? He doesn't wanna take his eyes off of Hubert, honestly. He's glad that Hubert's trip went so well, at the very least; no issues are good issues, as far as Linhardt is concerned.]

Oh, much the same for myself. I did sneak a nice nap along the way, however...really, I may need to ask Her Majesty if she would mind too terribly if I could utilize this place to nap deeply for a time. It's so wonderfully pleasant...

[Ah, but he is getting sidetracked. He looks a little sheepish when he addresses his lack of familiarity with the capital.]

That obvious? I'm afraid that I don't know my way around here very well. It's a very easy place to get lost in... [Linhardt pauses for a moment, as if considering his actions.] I'm afraid I may have to seek some help in wandering about.

[...there is a slight hint to his tone.]

[Oh don't worry, he caught it.]

Well, if you're in need of a guide, I suppose I could offer my services.

[you guys really think you're so slick, huh]

I'm sure Her Majesty wouldn't mind if you found some nice spots to nap here; your work has been incredibly important to her and I'm sure you could use a break every so often.

[Linhardt's eyes seem to sparkle, just the slightest bit. Apparently this increased his motivation gauge to 100%, good job, Hubie. But oh my god, they do seriously think they're slick.......]

Why, it would be a great honor to be guided by you. It would be simply delightful...

[He'll even offer Hubert a hand to take, to guide him around.]

Her Majesty is quite kindly, then; I should make the most of such an esteemed privilege... [Linhardt smiles, though.] But not a second before we've had the chance to catch up. Do lead the way, won't you?

[It gets a genuine smile out of him for a moment before he tempers it into the usual smirk. He'll take Linhardt's hand, of course.]

Of course. Do try not to get lost again.

[It's teasing, though... Anyway, the tea house isn't all that far away, around the back of a larger building. There's a small pond here, with a pretty little sitting area out back of the tea house.]

I'm sure Her Majesty directed you here because she thought you'd like the scenery - or at least find the area acceptable to nap in.

[it's not because it's romantic of course]

It's nice enough, though I've never been fond of tea.

I won't, I won't...

[He only complains a little bit, sounding more amused than anything as Hubert leads him to the tea house. Quite frankly, it's even more beautiful than he could have imagined; he knew the capital had incredible landscaping, but this was breathtaking...]

...Oh, it's more than acceptable.

[Linhardt seems genuinely in awe of it, really. Of course, once he properly gets his bearings, he gently pulls Hubert and gestures for him to follow.]

Well, we don't need tea to simply have a wonderful time enjoying the scenery, do we? [ah yes, Linhardt Brand Forward Invitations] Join me, won't you?

Edited (no actually this is better) 2019-08-15 06:25 (UTC)

[Maybe someday he'll get used to Linhardt being so forward, but it manages to catch him off-guard again now. He laughs, feeling himself flush a bit at that. It's not really something he can say he minds any.]

Of course I will. You don't need to ask.

[...Partially because Linhardt's tugging on his hand and partially because he wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. He follows easily, to wherever Linhardt wishes to lead.]

The tea house should still be open, if you want some. I have no complaints with enjoying the scenery without tea, however.

[It's nice to see Linhardt practically light up on seeing the place, but honestly he's more interested in watching Linhardt than looking at the scenery.]

[Linhardt, of course, sees no problems with this. He seems pleased with the reaction, though...Hubert's honestly so precious when he's flushed, he can't help but love it...]

Perhaps in a while; I simply want to enjoy the view of this beautiful place for a time...

[He'll find a nice place to lay down, and gesture for Hubert to sit with him while he stretches out, practically sprawled right out on the ground. He doesn't expect Hubert to lay with him, but Linhardt is nothing if not dedicated to relaxation.]

Ah...this is simply paradise. Wonderful company, a beautiful view...what more could one ask for, truly?

[He'll join Linhardt on the ground, sweeping his cape out of the way so he doesn't sit on it and have to struggle when getting up. He is nothing if not determined to keep his dignity. So no, that means he won't be lying down. He'll lean back on his hands though, once again paying far more attention to Linhardt than to the scenery.]

Plenty of free time to nap, I'd imagine?

[It's light, of course.]

[Linhardt chuckles at that. Hubert's certainly not wrong, at any rate.

He finds himself missing holding onto Hubert's hand, though; when he finally gets comfortable, he lets them spread by his sides, silently hoping Hubert might grasp them again--]

I do suppose that is quite true, yes.

[Linhardt's tone is light when he says that, and his blue eyes look up at Hubert warmly.]

But I don't wish to nap quite yet. Taking in the wonderfully clean air is a blissful reward all it's own...as well as taking in such lovely sights...

[There isn't really any reason for him to take Linhardt's hand, but he finds himself considering it anyway, so who knows, maybe...]

The capital is a lovely place. I'm not surprised you find it so beautiful. I'm pleased I have the opportunity to show you around.

[And you know. To spend more time with Linhardt in general.]

If I didn't know any better, I'd say you wanted to do this all along...

[That's at least a tiny bit teasing, but Linhardt's tone is honestly very pleased with the outcome.]

Not that I mind, of course. I couldn't think of a better way to enjoy my time here.

[That earns a small laugh.]

It's good that you know better.

[That's teasing as well, of course.

He pauses for a moment before deciding that he might as well address the obvious changes.]

I hadn't realized you were growing your hair out. It looks nice.

["nice".............]

[Linhardt laughs a bit at the first remark, but the second...that actually gets him to close his eyes somewhat, in contentment.

...And totally not because that sort of praise is making his cheeks heat the slightest bit, you're imagining that--]

Ah...thank you. I must admit, I'm not used to that sort of praise...I have wanted to grow it out for quite some time now, but I could never find the right way to style it. I still don't think I have...

[Now he wishes he styled it some more, ugh!!]

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