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[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...]

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[It gets a soft laugh out of him and he's so tempted to run his hand through Linhardt's hair. He can't allow himself to get that close, to discuss this before the war is over, but... it's getting more and more difficult to keep Linhardt at a respectable distance. Even this is a bit much, isn't it? Not that he's going to stop, of course.]

You have my thanks. You've been here for me for so long... It's a bit strange to think about, in all honesty. I appreciate it, more than I can express, really.

[Hubert isn't the only one; Linhardt can feel his resolve wavering in the face of this closeness. Even now, he wants nothing more than to brush his bangs aside and just...stare into his eyes, maybe cup his cheek a bit, but--

This is enough. It has to be enough.]

It really is no trouble. You've done the same for me, when I needed it, and you've helped me become someone far better than the person I once was, through your guidance. I'm truly thankful for it as well...

[...]

It means so very much to me, that you have.

[He wants to bite his tongue for saying that, that's too much, but it's out, very softly, before he can stop it.]

I'm glad I could help you. It... means a lot to me that I've been able to.

[This is nice, it's so nice and he never wants it to end, but...]

I... suppose I should go let the professor know that I won't be able to help with this particular task.

[He doesn't want to move, but he begins to pull back, gently.]

I'll see if we can continue working together.

[Ah, that is true, isn't it. Linhardt begins to pull back just a bit, too, as much as he doesn't want to; they do need to address this with the Professor, after all.]

That would be for the best; I sincerely hope you never have to deal with this again. [Linhardt considers something for a moment.] Perhaps, could I come with you? I would be more than willing to back up your story. That, and Professor Byleth can be a little...

[...]

...aggressively themself, so to speak.

[Jesus Lin, come after the poor teacher's whole family, why don't you. He's sure Hubert gets what he means. He's never seen a person so damn dead in the expression department in his life, but he does at least want to offer.]

Edited (is themself an actual word, i don't think we settled on byleth's gender so. #yolo) 2019-08-21 01:19 (UTC)

[It makes him laugh, anyway.]

Yes, they certainly are a bit... much sometimes. I'd appreciate the company.

[He smiles at that; it's that expression that's a bit more open than usual and reserved only for Linhardt.]

You have my gratitude for the offer. I'm sure it will be easier with you by my side.

[Needless to say, Byleth did end up making sure to take Hubert off of the rotation for Sky Watch after the two of them had spoken to them. Linhardt had backed up Hubert's story rather effectively, enough so that even Her Majesty likely would not have to question it. Not unless Hubert wanted to brooch the subject himself, at any rate; he still had much to deal with, Linhardt was sure, but he was certainly hoping now that Hubert would be able to reach out more, to finally heal after all of this time.

He certainly wasn't alone anymore, at any rate, and Linhardt was happy to be put on tasks that didn't risk Hubert's fears being brought forth. He'd even take the rubble clearing with pride, at any rate, knowing he wouldn't have to deal with Ferdinand again.

It's a couple weeks later, however, that Linhardt finds himself in the library once again; the library has become something of a haven in these times, a nice quiet place of refuge to get work done. Of course, Linhardt tries to keep to a routine when he's not using the place as a glorified bedroom; be out before nightfall, take everything to his room, eat dinner, and then don't step out out until the next morning unless there's tasks to be done.

If anyone asked, it was because Linhardt rather preferred to be in bed earlier than most...which wasn't entirely a lie. Linhardt did like to be in bed early enough, if only because it minimized his chances of getting up later at night for something. It certainly wasn't because of some insignificant fear, not something like...ghosts, or anything like that. Not at all! It certainly didn't play into why Linhardt was never fond of spooky stories at all, or wandering around too late in the dead of night. Nope. No sir. Nothing like that at all.

So Linhardt is totally not on edge when he wakes up in the library at a much later hour than what he had intended to stay in. Nope. Not at all. The realization totally doesn't dawn on Linhardt that he's alone, this late at night, and that he's gonna...have to navigate through the monastery alone...

It's fine. It's totally fine. He's got this. He can wander his way around and find his way out, it's...totally...

...Okay, no, it is very decidedly not fine; it's entirely too late to be trying to go out walking out, surely just. Due to it being unsafe to be out this late. That's just it, honestly, it's not safe. It's not due to the fact that ghosts could be out. Or the fact that there's...the sound of footsteps in the distance...

Linhardt is going to prove himself to be world's worst horror protagonist and go check out the noise, over from his safe place at the library's hallway. Surely nothing could go wrong like this, right? Surely.

...He hopes. Linhardt is fully prepared to high tail it back into the library to find a hiding place if he does not hear any sort of confirmation. Or just. The footsteps getting closer. It's not a very concrete plan, but it's a plan at least. Let's just hope he doesn't have to put it into action...]

[There's a lot for Hubert to sort through, and in the following weeks he attempts to tackle it piece by piece. There's so much he'll have to come to terms with and accept - about himself, his father, his family situation, and everything that's led him to be the person he is now. It isn't something he expects to be able to handle immediately, and even after two weeks he's still finding it difficult to talk to Her Majesty about it. He's started to open up to her a bit more than he has in the past and she's taken notice, but she doesn't push him either. Her Majesty has always been more patient with him than most, and he appreciates it in these trying times.

Of course, Her Majesty isn't the only important person in Hubert's life anymore, and he spends as much time as he can with Linhardt. They still have plenty of work to do and can't be around one another all the time, but it's nice to be back at the monastery and falling into rebuilding efforts that are a bit less stressful than battles and tactics.

(Admittedly he is a bit annoyed that Byleth has taken over his job of commanding troops and plotting out their next course of action, but he can't remain all that frustrated when he has plenty of things to still work through on his own. Maybe this is Her Majesty's way of trying to give him a break. He hasn't had one in five years, after all.)

It took him longer than he would have liked to wrap up his work tonight, and he hasn't seen Linhardt at all recently. The last place anyone saw him was the library, so that's where he's headed upstairs to check. Unsurprisingly, Hubert moves entirely too quietly for it to sound natural, and his footsteps are soft enough to be easily missed despite his boots.

Or in Linhardt's case, to sound too quiet to belong to a person.

And also they're approaching steadily.

They're entering the library.]

[No.

Linhardt winds up scampering to find a hiding spot before those footsteps get any closer--something that Hubert will likely hear, at any rate--hiding behind one of the many pillars in the room while keeping as silent as he possibly can, not daring to turn around to stare the evil in the face. That was the thing about ghosts; they followed sounds, but as long as you kept perfectly still and quiet, they wouldn't find you. Or, at least, that's what some of the other kids told him.

He's not sure what to do at this point, really; hearing around for the ghost isn't going to help when their footsteps are so quiet. If he makes a sudden move that isn't a mad dash for the door, he'll get caught by the ghost, and he'd rather not die tonight? He'd rather not die, after all--he still had so much to do! So much research to get done! So many letters to send! So many wounded to heal! A man to...well, no, okay, Linhardt didn't actually think that far yet, but the point still stands!

Linhardt isn't sure what to do at this point, clutching one of the books he had taken out to himself like a life line. He knew using magic on ghosts wouldn't be effective, but...maybe a book would distract them if he tried to get their attention elsewhere...

What Hubert will see when he walks into the library is...well, a bunch of clean tables and one very, very messy one. There's papers all over the table, books open to various pages along with a generally large stack of books. There even seems to have been a candle lit up at one point, though it's half melted and was clearly put out before it became a hazard. It sure is how Linhardt normally leaves his stuff, at any rate...

But it is pretty damn dark in here, if he didn't bring his own candle or something with him. (Or if he isn't using magic, you know, like the mage he is.) What will he do from here?]

[The library looks to be in (mostly) pristine condition, which isn't surprising. Most people try to keep it clean after they've been in here, but there's one desk in particular that looks an awful lot like how a certain someone keeps his workspace. Hubert sighs, though it isn't exasperated. That's just how Linhardt is...

But where is Linhardt anyway? There aren't any other lights in here than the one he has with him (though it's admittedly not nearly as bright as it probably should be, because Hubert is a creature of darkness and doesn't need much light to see by anyway). Did Linhardt wander off and leave a mess here? He wouldn't be particularly surprised about that, honestly...

He pauses at the door, a hand raised to his chin as he considers. Well, it won't hurt to give the library a look before he leaves. Maybe Linhardt fell asleep in a corner somewhere or something.

There's the (very) faint glow of a candle and those still entirely-too-soft footsteps as he moves to check the library further.]

[There's a light in the room. It's an entirely too faint to be something like a candle, Linhardt justifies to himself, so he knows that the ghost is in the room with him.

That's great! Spectacular! Absolutely wonderful! He's trapped in the library with a ghost and it's getting closer, those soft steps are getting closer and he doesn't have much time to make his peace with this. He's going to die if the ghost finds him. He's going to die and there isn't a soul (hah) who can save him in here. He's gonna probably join the ghost in this fate of haunting the library forever, isn't he?

No. No, he can't do that! He can't just give up like this! Linhardt doesn't want to die and join the spirits of the damned; he still has a whole world left to create, doesn't he? He has to survive. He has to. He has to make them all proud--make Hubert proud, if nothing else. He can't exactly do that when he's dead, at any rate. If he wants to live...he has to try to face this head on.

Linhardt waits until the footsteps feel close enough, gripping the book in his hands tightly. He's still too afraid to face the ghost head on, so he's relying entirely on sound for this; he waits, and waits, shuddering slightly as he prepares to throw this book with all of the strength he can muster, in the hope that it distracts them for long enough so he can flee to the safety of his room. Maybe even get some help.

Once the ghost is in what Linhardt hopes to be striking distance, Linhardt comes out from hiding and proceeds to yeet the book directly at the ghost.]

Leave this place at once!

[...Of course, there are two problems; one, Linhardt's strength isn't exactly the best, so the book is not likely to travel too far. And two...well, he's relying solely on sound, rather than actually looking the so-called evil in the face. There's. A very strong possibility he just chucked that book in the entirely wrong direction.

Which Linhardt doesn't even realize, because once the book is thrown, he's attempting to run as fast as humanly possible out of the library. Of course, his eyes are still shut, so he's very likely going to run into and hit his head on something, so he. Might need a bit of help, um.

...Sorry Hubert, hopefully you don't get a book to the face???]

Edited (you know what, dialogue might help) 2019-08-21 22:13 (UTC)

[Is that breathing he hears? It must be, so as predicted, Linhardt is still in here. He doesn't sound like he's asleep, though... Hubert approaches and suddenly two things happen at once.

The first is that a book is launched at him and smacks him directly over his right eye. It wasn't thrown with enough force to seriously injure him but the startled noise he makes at that causes him to lose his grip on the candle and it falls to the floor.

The second is that something soft and person-shaped collides with him and Hubert sighs before reaching out to grab the person by the shoulders.]

I can certainly say that's the most rude way I've ever been greeted.

[He doesn't need the light to know who it is, and a smile's already beginning to tug at the corners of his mouth.]

Good evening, Linhardt.

[Linhardt doesn't register the startled noise at first, so when Linhardt feels his shoulders getting gripped and held into place, for a second, he believes that's it. The ghosts have finally caught him, he's going to be dragged to the spirit world for all eternity and never be able to nap freely again--

And then he finally hears Hubert's voice, and Linhardt's eyes snap open, startled. Wait, when did Hubert get in here?]

Hubert? I can't say I expected you to be in here this late at night...

[Linhardt tries to will down his slightly shaky tone, so Hubert doesn't have to worry. It's fine, it's totally fine, no problems here. Certainly nothing is wrong.

...Of course, that's before he looks at Hubert's face, and he suddenly feels himself growing several shades paler.]

...I wasn't expecting anyone to be in here at all, so I thought that there may have been...

[He trails off there, but. Well. This is suddenly exceedingly awkward.]

No, never mind that. Did you get hurt?

[...Please tell him he didn't legit take out your eye...]

[Oh, that's...

To be honest, he wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Linhardt after getting smacked in the face with a book, but somehow fear wasn't it. Hubert quirks an eyebrow, but otherwise doesn't comment on it. Yet, at least.]

No, I'm not hurt.

[...his hair is covering that side of his face so even if he was, it'd be impossible to tell. But he probably wouldn't be this calm if you took out his eye?? Probably. This is Hubert we're talking about, so who knows.]

It's not like you to get this worked up. Did something happen?

[Small mercies, at least. He was tempted to push Hubert's bangs out of the way to check, but Linhardt at least trusts Hubert to tell him if he's hurt or not.

...The question though, ugh. Linhardt jolts a bit before forcing himself to settle, shaking his head.]

Nothing at all. I had simply fallen asleep in here and woke to the sound of footsteps...I wasn't sure what to think of them.

[...wait, no, that'll just raise more questions, try to deflect--]

Who to think they were, rather--whether they be friend or foe. I don't usually stay in here this late, after all...

[...Huh.]

Did you think there was an intruder? Surely no one could make it all the way up here without someone catching sight of them. We have patrols all night...

[He's already busy thinking about ways to step up security, not necessarily because it's needed, but to help Linhardt sleep easier. It's not like it would hurt to have more patrols, anyway.]

Well, the footsteps I heard were rather quiet...I wasn't sure if they were the sound of someone attempting to sneak about, or something more frightening than that.

[Linhardt eases, at any rate. Surely this is fine, he can avoid stating his stupid fears and we can all be on our way. Totally!! He's not just trying to avoid the subject, no sir.]

Perhaps more security would be more prudent, however. [...He does kind of look out towards the hallway, a slightly dismayed look crossing his face at the thought of navigating the monastery alone for a moment.] For now, however...could I perhaps ask a favor of you?

[It was definitely something more frightening than that, tbh.]

Certainly. I'll speak to Her Majesty about increasing the number of guards and patrols; the last thing we need is for anyone to slip in here undetected.

[He inclines his head a bit at Linhardt's question.]

What is it?

[Nothing more frightening than seeing the actual vampire at night!!]

As prudent as ever, Hubert. You have my thanks.

[Linhardt's look winds up going away from Hubert when he asks his question, as if a touch sheepish.]

Would you accompany me back to my room? I must admit, I do feel rather uneasy after all of that. I would feel much safer with you walking beside me.

[Linhardt figures that won't get any questioning! ...He hopes it won't, dear gods please let this be a quiet walk and not just a fucking hell walk with everything setting him on edge.

(It's gonna be a hell walk with sounds and everything setting him on edge.)]

[He smiles at that, before leaning over to pick up the candle.]

Of course, Linhardt. I didn't mean to startle you so badly.

[It isn't really an apology, but it's still difficult for him to manage those. Instead, he offers his friend his arm.]

I'll be right here on the off-chance that someone has managed to sneak onto the grounds. I won't let anyone or anything hurt you.

[It's simply said, and one would be forgiven for taking it entirely at face value.

The slight smirk is probably an indication that there's more to it than that.]

...Don't fret over it too much, it's quite fine. [Linhardt sighs a bit, though there's a slight smile when he looks back at Hubert.] I should apologize for rather intimately acquainting that book with your face, instead. That was rather rash...

[He'll gladly take Hubert's offered arm, clinging perhaps a bit too much--as long as Hubert's here, no ghosts will frighten him. None. Nada.

...

Hey wait a minute, Linhardt winds up looking at Hubert with a slightly confused expression, though his eyes are a little narrowed.]

I--I don't believe I ever said anything about things hurting me, Hubert... [There's a very slight pout in his expression, before he makes it settle back into something more neutral. Just. Just ignore that slight stutter.] ...But I appreciate the sentiment, and your support. Shall we be off?

[does he gotta keep an eye on your shady ass...]

Edited 2019-08-21 23:57 (UTC)

Oh, I know you didn't. But I suppose I'd serve as enough of a precaution for anything that would try, wouldn't I?

[He's definitely smirking now, but the words are gentle teasing, nothing more. He's content to lead Linhardt back toward the stairs, and then down them.]

I...suppose you are correct in that regard...

[Linhardt feels the heat rising to his cheeks. This man has him all figured out, doesn't he? Linhardt was honestly hoping he wouldn't have to confront it in more detailed terms, but maybe this will just be a normal trip down the hallways of the damned before getting back into his room.

...Well, maybe not, considering how Linhardt's looking around the stairwell as they walk, and just. Generally kind of being antsy and nervous. Trying to ignore that smirk and the weirdly foreboding feeling it brings. The teasing is making his cheeks turn pink, but surely that's fine!!]

I'm really not worried about anything coming out and trying to harm us, however. [That's said a bit too fast, and unconvincingly.] I sincerely doubt that something could manage to get the better of you, of all people. Whatever tried would have to make a true effort towards hurting either of us, I'm sure.

I can reassure you that nothing will happen to you while I'm by your side.

[Linhardt's just so cute... how is he supposed to refrain from a bit of teasing...]

If something else is troubling you, you can tell me.

[Honestly, it's what Linhardt deserves for all of the teasing he's inflicted on Hubert, but come on--he's at least reassured by that much, if nothing else, but not enough to talk...]

It's nothing. It's nothing at all, it's...

[...Mmm, well, okay, maybe he can relent a bit. Even if he's still looking around like he's expecting something to pop out at him...]

...It's simply that I've never been too fond of wandering about the monastery at night. It simply has a bit of an eerie air to it.

[It's a start?]

I thought that might be it.

[He's pretty sure there's more to it than that, but he can understand that Linhardt doesn't want to get into it.]

The monastery is impressively old, and being alone at night here can certainly be unsettling. [for people who are not him, of course] I'll escort you back to your room, and if you need it at any other time, I certainly don't mind.

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