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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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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.

[...Those words are kind of comforting, at the very least. Linhardt almost wants to lean his head against Hubert's arm as they walk, and he almost does before he jolts himself back to simply being upright. It's fine. All of it's fine, really.]

...I truly do appreciate that, Hubert, and I may take you up on that in future endeavors. I really have never liked walking through this place at night; it always puts me on edge, and I usually try to avoid having to do such a thing. It's too much of a hassle for something that could easily be done in the morning...

[...]

That isn't...all it is, however. Could I ask you to promise not to find it silly if I divulge another reason I don't like walking through here at night?

[He draws them to a stop at Linhardt's question, turning to look at his dear friend.]

I promise you I won't find it silly. If it bothers you this badly, it isn't silly.

[He means it, though his smile is still just a touch too knowing.]

[...Some part of Linhardt thinks that Hubert already has an idea of what he's about to say, as he stops them both--he's not entirely sure he likes being so obvious, but at least it's to Hubert, of all people.

Maybe it can be a little bit acceptable, though Linhardt does kind of just. Close his eyes and try to not jump when the wind whistles outside, almost like a--]

...I rather deeply dislike ghosts.

[Not "I'm afraid of ghosts.". Not even "I'm terrified of ghosts.". Just. A simple deep dislike. Though Linhardt's mostly just trying to save his pride at this point.]

I have ever since I was a child, really. All of the stories I had heard about them were rather hideous things, and they stuck with me in ways I truly didn't appreciate. The idea of meeting one, knowing well they could be real? Is... [He pauses, trying for a wording that doesn't compromise his pride, and...] ...something I'd rather avoid, at all costs. It'd simply be a bother to deal with something like that.

[...He says, as if Hubert will understand what he means. Even if the admission isn't entirely truthful--likely easily told by how Linhardt isn't even looking at Hubert--he's. Definitely trying at any rate.]

That's why it's simply so...troublesome to come out at night.

I understand.

[It's gentle, not pitying or dismissive at all.]

There are some things you cannot help but find difficult to deal with. It can be frustrating to find yourself facing those things - or even just the possibility of facing them.

You aren't alone in facing them, however. I will always be right here by your side and I would gladly fight off any ghosts that dare disturb you.

[It's light, though still not teasing. He pauses for a moment, though.]

I... am afraid that some of the monastery's ghost stories may have been partially my fault. As you noticed, I'm usually very quiet when moving around, and I do tend to stick to the shadows...

[whoops????]

I know there was one story Mercedes often told about a spectral figure of death who could be seen sweeping across the grounds late at night... I never did correct her, though.

[oh my god.]

...Thank you for that. If you keep that up, I may just never leave your side. Not if you're going to make assurances like that.

[It's pretty genuine despite the almost mirthful tone that he speaks with. Linhardt sometimes wonders how he got so lucky to have someone like Hubert as his friend...honestly, it makes him smile a bit. The assurance is nice, as well, even if he...hasn't actually stated his fear...

...He has a feeling that Hubert knows, though, and his head leans for a second like he's about to, before his head snaps up at that next bit. Hey, wait a second--]

You're the one who Mercedes spoke of in those terrifying stories?

[oh my god???]

Those stories were utterly nightmarish! Truly, that was mostly because Mercedes was...rather good at telling those stories, for a certain value of good since they were so bone chilling, but... [...Linhardt thinks about that more, before shaking his head.] ...Well, I certainly understand where she got the inspiration for said stories from now. She always made that ghost out to be such a ghastly figure, who would take you to the underworld if he found you...who would chase you down, no matter what...really, she almost seemed to enjoy how much she frightened others...

[Linhardt shivers a bit. Okay, maybe it's not just. Dislike that he has for ghost. It's about the closest Linhardt will get to admitting his fear for such things, but at least it's. Somewhat on the table.

...But you know, Linhardt does seem slightly more at ease after a few moments.]

...But I suppose I should be thankful; that does mean at least one of those stories that everyone talks about so much is completely false.

[It gets him to laugh, softly at least.]

I'm flattered to know you completely fell for my nightmarish presence and personality.

[...He meant that as in "thinking he was a ghost" not... falling in love with...

Um. Right. Moving on before that gets weird—]

You don't have to worry. If there are any monastery ghosts - and I highly doubt it, since I haven't run into any during my nighttime walks - they won't dare get near you as long as I'm here. I'd imagine I'm the scariest thing in these walls, wouldn't you agree?

[Oh my god? Linhardt has to take a moment, before he covers his mouth with his free hand, muffling the bit of laughter that comes from him--that's making his chest do something weird and he honestly likes it for once.]

If anyone was going to be our mysterious figure, I'm glad it wound up being you.

[There's not even a lick of embarrassment in those words, That's Just Facts(TM). Delivered in true Linhardt von Hevring forward fashion. Hubert may be intimidating as all hell but Linhardt knows no fear now.

Of course, he does look to Hubert at the next bit, though, the laughter becoming a little more free.]

Well, of course you're the scariest thing within these walls. You're like a talisman that wards off evil spirits--they wouldn't dare to come near you. Not unless they want to be shown true fear.

[Linhardt smiles at that, but come on, let's start walking again.]

I suppose I can add that as another of the many reasons I like to spend time around you...

I'm flattered.

[His smile is a bit easier now, more open than he'd usually let anyone see. Most people can't set him at ease like this anyway.

It shouldn't be too much trouble to make it back to the dorms and upstairs to Linhardt's room, but he's not in any rush.]

I'm pleased to know my intimidating appearance and demeanor continue to work in my favor. It takes quite a bit of planning to come off this menacing, you know.

[Neither is Linhardt, at any rate. He's more than content to take this slow, even once they get outside--even if the whistling wind does cause him to jump a bit, perhaps clinging tighter to Hubert as they walk.]

Really now, it takes that much planning? Would you be so kind as to share some of your secrets? I am most curious about what lengths you go to...

[dark hubie share the forbidden secrets to looking like a menacing creature of the night]

[...in a completely serious tone:]

If I told you that, I'd have to kill you.

[oh my fuckin god]

I'm afraid it would be a bit difficult for you to pull off.

[lin is too soft... too cute... too pure...]

[HUBERT, OH MY GOD, YOU CAN'T JUST DO THAT TO A MAN?

...Of course, while Linhardt pauses for a moment at that, he winds up giving the slightest of smirks. Can Linhardt smirk? It looks a little too much like a smile, but it's certainly an attempt.]

Perhaps I'll simply have to take the chance...curiosity may kill the cat, but satisfaction can certainly bring it back.

[oh my god lin, you don't have a big enough ego to go "surely, my massive ego will protect me"]

Now who said anything about pulling it off? I'm simply asking for my own curiosity's sake. [...] You truly don't think I would be able to, however?

[lin you are KIND OF A TWIG oh my god]

[It gets him to laugh, at any rate.]

I can certainly appreciate your confidence, but that alone won't be enough for you. See me once you've mastered the art of looming menacingly.

[He tugs a bit on the arm Linhardt has on his to pull him closer.]

Intimidating is not an easy tactic, and certainly not one that fits everyone. You're much better suited for your scholarly role. You're a bit too cute to be intimidating.

[It's a bit bold and a bit too close to open flirting, but he finds he can't really bring himself to stop.]

Oh, come now, not even I'm tall enough for that...

[You're so tall, Hubie! So tall!! How can he loom over people when he's not even the tallest in this cast?? He's been doomed from the start to be unintimidating...rip...

Linhardt does move in closer when Hubert tugs on his arm, and he has to admit, even if he'll never pull off intimidating...pulling off scholarly is in and of itself a treat. And he could swear his heart skipped a beat at that little bit of boldness.]

...You really do flatter me. [Cute...that's a compliment he could get used to. He sounds pleased, at any rate.] But I can see what you mean, even if it saddens me ever so slightly that intimidating is a look I'll never pull off. It's much better suited for someone as wonderfully dark and mysterious as you, after all...

[He winds up returning that bold tone, though one of the words on his tongue doesn't wind up escape. There's no denying he's returning fire, though.]

Edited 2019-08-22 06:08 (UTC)

"Dark and mysterious" might be a bit generous...

[He sounds pleased, though. He's used to being more intimidating and creepy and things along those lines. It's charming that Linhardt can find his normally off-putting presence so nice...]

You don't need to worry. Even if you aren't intimidating, your intellect is. Quite a few people are nervous about working with you - you'll put them to shame if they're assigned to the same projects.

[...Ah... Here we are. He pauses in front of Linhardt's room, though doesn't make any move to pull back.]

Will you be able to sleep tonight?

[It's not like they talked a lot about ghosts, so Linhardt will probably be fine. Still, he puts it out there anyway in case...

In case what? Does he really expect Linhardt to invite him in to stay? He's been pushing their boundaries far too much tonight. He really should just let Linhardt go.

...Still he finds himself hesitating, curious about the answer.]

I simply state the truth.

[Linhardt's very confident when he states that much, though he definitely peers at Hubert when he speaks of his intellect--the idea of people being intimidated by such a thing has never really crossed his mind. Linhardt viewed his intelligence as something for himself alone, for his singleminded desire to gain knowledge, for most of his life. But even when he was using it for the sake of the people...

Hm. Perhaps such a thing should have crossed his mind a bit more often. At any rate, Linhardt doesn't seem to mind too much.]

...I believe I can accept that. To be intimidating in such a manner...yes, I do believe that is most suited for someone like me.

[It's a bit idly stated, but he gets it. It means he's indispensable, in some manner--that his intelligence is enough to earn the respect of his peers, right?

...It's kind of nice, actually.

Either way, once they're at the door to his room...Linhardt himself doesn't find himself separating either, and Hubert's question feels like it's set a delayed spell off in his heart.

There's much he could say to that, really, and much he should. Letting him in like this was acceptable back when he was sick, but now it feels like it's pushing too far. Linhardt doesn't want to go back on his word, the proposal that he and Hubert both came to agree on, but it's so hard when it's right in front of him, when the ball is in his field.

Linhardt hesitates. Maybe...]

...You know, I'm not entirely certain. I suppose it's still lingering with me...

[...]

...If it would not be too much trouble, would it be alright...if I asked you to stay, just for tonight?

[Linhardt's voice is pretty soft, and he has to look away after he's said it--but it's out there, now.

Maybe it'll be okay to be weak. Just this once.]

Edited 2019-08-22 06:54 (UTC)

[It's nice to hear that Linhardt can appreciate the power his intellect has over the others; it's a gift, and Linhardt is incredibly lucky to be able to put it to use for such a wonderful cause. Perhaps he'll compliment Linhardt about it more later, but for now...

For now, Linhardt's words send his heart beating faster, and the words leave him like an exhale.]

Yes, of course. Just for tonight.

[One night won't change anything. He can sleep at the desk, just like he did five years ago. It doesn't mean they're breaking their vow. It isn't too much, and Linhardt clearly agrees that it's not too much.

He wants to touch him, or hold his hand, or run his fingers through his hair—]

I'll make sure nothing harms you.

[They can pretend it's to guard Linhardt from ghosts. That's all the excuse they need.]

[Linhardt heart warms when he hears Hubert say that. It's so much, already, to know that Hubert is willing to say yes to him--that he's agreeing to protect him. His smile is soft, and he doesn't really look at Hubert, but...

He does give in, very slightly. Hubert may feel Linhardt's head gently rest itself upon his arm, and his grip tighten on it just the slightest bit--before Linhardt brings himself back, and while he doesn't let go of Hubert, he does make to unlock the door.]

Thank you, Hubert. This... [He laughs a bit, soft and light.] It means a lot to me, that you're willing to go out of your way to do this.

[Maybe if he says that much, he can ignore how much his heart is pounding in his chest.

He does unlock the door, though, ushering Hubert inside. His room's definitely still very much the mess that Hubert will remember it being all of those years ago--it might have gotten slightly worse, really. But it's home, for Linhardt; the desk has but a few things on it, at least, so Hubert can occupy it if he'd like.]

Feel free to make yourself at home.

Edited 2019-08-22 07:05 (UTC)

[That isn't fair, how can Linhardt be so cute and expect him not to do something—

Ah, he's already pulled away, which is possibly even more unfair. It's certainly better in the long run - they have to wait until the war is over, of course they do. But still...

He enters the room, glancing around at the mess and holding back the urge to sigh.]

You really should clean up one of these days...

[There's no bite behind it, though. It's almost comforting to know that not much has changed in the five years since they were last here. He moves to take the chair at the desk, leaning back in it.]

There's hardly enough time for that, not with all of the work I do...perhaps I'll try to do it some other time. [Beat.] Maybe, at least.

[What can he say, the mess makes it feel like home.

Linhardt starts getting his shoes off and setting them...well, no, just kind of tossing them off over at the corner of his room where the door is. It's fine. He'll at least need those tomorrow.

Linhardt does wind up going to sit on his bed after that, before he looks to Hubert on his desk, thinking--]

You know, that desk must not be all that comfortable...would you like a pillow and blanket? I have a few spares in my closet.

[He just wants to make sure Hubert is comfortable, that's all!!]

[There go the shoes... No wonder this place is such a mess...]

And here I thought you were going to offer to share the bed with me.

[...That. That was too forward. Um. He really should think before he opens his mouth for snappy comebacks, um.]

...Yes. I'd appreciate the pillow and blanket.

[Time to glance away and try to hide the fact that he's bright pink look it's fine.]

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