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darkseal
[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...]
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'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.
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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?
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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...
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[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.
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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]
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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...]
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...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]
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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.]
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[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.]
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[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.]
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[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.]
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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.]
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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.
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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.]
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[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!!]
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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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Yeah, Hubert isn't the only one going a surprisingly bright shade of pink at that, holy shit. Linhardt winds up averting his own gaze as he tries to not die over here.
It's not that he doesn't want to say yes; it's honestly tempting. But a gesture like that is intimate, so very intimate, and he knows his resolve would weaken even further if Hubert were to do that. But it would be nice, wouldn't it? He's fallen asleep on Hubert many times before, and it likely wouldn't be uncomfortable, to say the least. There's a war being waged in Linhardt's mind, and he's not sure whether to say he should, or say he shouldn't--]
I could, you know. If you wanted to.
[Aaaand of course he blurts out the first thing on his mind, let him just--]
I'll go get those for you, then.
[That's said in a rushed tone as Linhardt goes over to his closet to grab them, just give him a second to dig through stuff--and by that I mean die slowly and try to make himself sound busy.]
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...But on the other hand, sleeping at the desk was uncomfortable five years ago, and it's not like he's getting any younger. It'll be hell on his back to sleep here. If he looks at it that way, then there really is only one option. He certainly can't carry out his work to the best of his abilities if he's injured his back sleeping in a weird position.
That sort of justification is dangerous. Really dangerous. But it's sounding better and better by the second.]
...Did you mean it, Linhardt?
[The words are quiet, careful. He's studying the back of Linhardt's head now, trying to sort out if the offer was genuine or if he'd just startled the other man into saying something he didn't mean. It was supposed to have been a joke, but now...
Well, the idea really is nice, isn't it.]
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He can't do this. If he does it once, what if it goes wrong? What if Hubert flees from him again, leaving him behind? What if they never see each other ever again? There's so much at risk here, if he tries anything, and Linhardt's not sure he could deal with another four years of silence between them. It feels like yesterday that they finally closed the distance between them and returned to the way things were--the way that made them happy. Linhardt didn't want to lose him again, not after Hubert began to finally confront some of his own issues, and he couldn't ruin that. He couldn't.
But Hubert finally poses the question, and Linhardt hesitates. He doesn't know what he wants to say, he's so divided. But...]
...I did. [...] Did you? I...
[...He's not sure how to start that, so he doesn't. He doesn't turn to look at Hubert, though he feels his heart pounding in his chest.
He just hope Hubert doesn't run away if that was too forward of Linhardt.]
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I did, yes.
[It was supposed to be a joke, but it was one he meant. He stands, not really sure where he's going to go until he's suddenly on his feet. There's really only one place to go, though, and he crosses over to Linhardt easily.]
I would... like that. If it doesn't make you uncomfortable, of course.
[He holds out a hand, not to take the pillows or blanket, but to take Linhardt's. He's here, and he isn't leaving.]
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Hubert might see Linhardt's eyes glisten for only a moment, before he winds up taking Hubert's hand with both of his own eagerly. His expression is warm--he knows he's going back on that vow, at least somewhat, but...he's only human. Hubert is too.
One night will be enough, and then they can go back--he's certain of that much.]
It doesn't. It doesn't make me uncomfortable at all. [...] I had worried that you might be, if it were either of us. I didn't want to be too forward.
[character development??? linhardt, trying not to be forward???
He laughs, though, the sound leaving him easily.]
I suppose now this is a real slumber party, then.
[That's clearly a joke, but you know what, it basically is at this point.]
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I was the one who asked, you know.
[He wants to pull Linhardt close, to hold him tightly just for a little while, but he refrains. Instead, he leads Linhardt over to the bed, where he'll pause and carefully remove his boots and set them aside so they aren't on any papers or books.
...After a moment of consideration, he removes the cape and slips out of the uniform jacket as well. The dark shirt beneath has a high collar and doesn't look much more comfortable, but it's still better than trying to sleep with the jacket on.]
I suppose it is. It only took us five years.
[It's teasing, of course.]
Which side of the bed do you want?
[The bed isn't all that large, they'll probably be pressed fairly close together... Not that he minds that at all, of course.]
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[He doesn't finish that, though, but his tone is kind despite the exasperation that permeates it.
Linhardt follows easily, and winds up following suit, at least somewhat; off goes the coat, the brooch coming off easily as well as he...hm. Well, he could absolutely throw the coat over on the desk chair, haphazard as his shoes. But he does rather like the brooch that it's attached to, so after a couple seconds consideration, he'll just. Go put that on the chair like a good man and rejoin Hubert on the bed.
He can deal with the rest of his clothes, even if the high neck on the suit is going to be a little cumbersome to sleep in.]
Better now than never, hm?
[That's just as teasing, and Linhardt winds up scooting over to the left side of the bed as his answer to Hubert's question.]
I'll take this side. [He should probably move Nyx, and he does; sorry sweetie, you're going on the windowsill nearby, just for tonight.] Do be sure to get comfortable, hm? And let me know if there's anything I can do; you're my guest, after all.
[It's easily stated as Linhardt lies down facing the right side, leaving enough room for Hubert to lie down and get comfortable.]
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I appreciate it, Linhardt. This is... nice.
[It's a bit awkward, but he means it.]
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I do as well. It's so very nice...I feel incredibly safe with you here.
[There are so many things he's thinking about as he half-liddedly stares into Hubert's eyes. He could get lost in them, honestly, and the temptation to close that small gap between them is a tempting one, though he feels his face heat at the thought. No. It can wait, he's sure it can wait.
...But his eyes do drift down to Hubert's arm, and Linhardt feels his own hand lift very slightly for a moment before he has to will it down, and his gaze averts a bit.]
...I may wind up...clinging, in the night. Is that quite alright with you?
[Hubert's let him before, but that was just with his arm. It's not as if he hasn't curled into Hubert, when the man held him back in Fort Merceus when Caspar died. But he'd be even closer, if Hubert let him near...the thought excites and terrifies Linhardt, and he almost wishes he didn't ask.]
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