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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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[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.]

[...Oh.

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.]

[He wouldn't mind? No, what is he thinking, the more impressive thing is that Linhardt doesn't find the idea terrible. Well, of course he doesn't. It isn't as though they haven't napped together before, though this is... intimate in a way naps in an open field aren't. It's entirely too dangerous - they have to wait until the war is over. They both know it, they both agreed to it, and he wouldn't want to risk losing his resolve just for one night of being that close to Linhardt.

...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.]

[Linhardt feels his resolve wavering by the second as he spends time in that closet. It would be so nice to have Hubert that close, just for one night. He's already allowed himself one indulgence, what's one more? It's not like Hubert would mind; he's the one who suggested it, after all. Hubert either was impulsive or he truly didn't mind the idea, and Linhardt's not sure what's scarier.

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.]

[He releases a breath, and nods without even meaning to. It says all it needs to but even so he forces the words out.]

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.]

[Hubert's not running. He said yes--he said that he'd like that. Linhardt's expression is utterly dumbfounded as he turns to Hubert, looking at that extended hand with an openly surprised expression. It's as if he's not altogether certain of what to make of that, but...

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.]

[character development!!]

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.]

I know, I know...

[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.]

[He smiles at that and joins Linhardt easily. It's comfortable, but he's so close to Linhardt... It's making his heart beat faster than he'd really like and it takes a ton of effort not to reach up to run his fingers though Linhardt's hair. He's so close he could kiss Linhardt. That isn't the sort of thing he should think about, but...]

I appreciate it, Linhardt. This is... nice.

[It's a bit awkward, but he means it.]

[...Gods, they really are close, aren't they? Linhardt can feel his own heartbeat going a mile a minute, and he swears he could probably hear Hubert's heartbeat if his own would shut up. It's wonderful, really.]

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.]

It is.

[The answer is easy, relaxed. It hasn't been a problem in five years, and even then it was mostly because of his numerous deep-seated issues he's been slowly trying to come to terms with. It's easier to let Linhardt in now, and he'd like nothing more than to have the other man close to him.]

You can have my arm, if you'd prefer. Or...

[He pauses once that's out there, suddenly not sure where he's going with it. Or what? What else can he offer Linhardt? They're already so close - too close - but...

After the war. After the war, he shouldn't be thinking like this.]

Ah... It's nothing. Whatever is comfortable for you, Linhardt. I don't mind.

[It's sort of embarrassed, flustered. But he doesn't mind, and if Linhardt is fine being that close, then he certainly wouldn't push him off.]

...Alright. But promise that you'll tell me if this is uncomfortable--I will back off, if needed.

[Linhardt's still hesitant, when all is said and done, but he wants to make sure Hubert knows that he's still in control. Linhardt doesn't want to be this weak, but it's like a bad craving, and he just--

He winds up pulling himself closer, resting his hand on Hubert's arm and gently tucking his head under Hubert's, letting himself rest near the taller man's chest. Hubert's always been a little taller than him, and it is something Linhardt can appreciate in times like these. What he's got Hubert in is not quite an embrace, considering the light grip Linhardt has on Hubert in case he doesn't like it, but he'll ease after he's settled and will start to close his eyes.]

Is this fine?

[It takes him a moment to remember to breathe.

This isn't the first time they've been this close, but it's different. Hugging him when he was upset hardly counts as the same thing as far as Hubert's concerned, and that evening in the gardens of Enbarr is not something he really wants to think about right now. This? This is intimate in a way that terrifies and excites him.

He should put some distance between them. He should tell Linhardt that there needs to be more space. He should move to sleep at the desk, that would be easier and more appropriate.

Should, should, should. What is it that he wants?

The answer is obvious, and his free arm moves to pull Linhardt close.]

It's perfectly fine. I want you to be comfortable with me.

I want you to be comfortable with me, too.

[Gods, this is making Linhardt's heart pound, and getting moved closer makes it pound even more as his own grip tightens. It makes him ache and ache in all of the worst ways, and yet also in the best of them. It's so lovely, and yet it feels like he's going to break their vow. He can't afford to do that. Not when the end is so close, not when he's afraid that Hubert will run again like that kiss in the capital--

He has to sleep. Linhardt knows that's the only way to stop this from going further. This isn't acceptable, but it's just one night, and then they'll never have to speak of it again until the war is done. That's what he's promised himself; that's what he's promised Hubert.

But goddess above, it's so lovely.]

...Good night, my dear friend. Sleep well, won't you?

[He's going to let himself start to nod off, pressed against the warmth of his best friend's chest and letting that warmth soothe him into slumber.]

[Hubert doesn't know how he's supposed to sleep like this, but as Linhardt nods off, he does too. It's comfortable and safe, and it's certainly something he could get used to. Not now, certainly, but maybe after the war.

He's looking forward to it.

Time passes and over a month later, the Empire has succeeded in the complete defeat of the Alliance. Claude's tactics were masterful and there was a brief moment where they were genuinely in trouble, but in the end the Alliance forces were too small. There weren't enough soldiers to overwhelm the Empire, and Her Majesty had made her way to Claude himself. It was her benevolence that spared him - at Marianne's urging - but that same night he had simply disappeared, nowhere to be found.

It made Hubert feel uneasy, but everyone had celebrated their victory.

All that remained was the Kingdom. Cornelia had been killed and Dimitri had taken his place as the rightful King, and with his coronation, their troops had swelled. He hadn't completely united the Kingdom under his rule, and that would be his downfall. The lords that were allied with the Empire would attack from the south, while the Empire's troops swept in from the east, still riding high from their victory over the Alliance.

It's the night before their attack on Fhirdiad and they've set up camp just outside the city's walls. Dimitri is undoubtedly preparing his own troops and come daylight, they'll clash. The king will fall and Her Majesty will succeed in uniting Fódlan. That is the only possible outcome of this battle.

Still, there's nervous energy coursing through him tonight. He's the last person to get riled up before a battle, but perhaps it's because of Claude's escape. He doubts Claude could have made it here before them, and even if he had he's only one man. Claude couldn't possibly be commanding Dimitri's army in such a short amount of time. There's nothing to be afraid of.

And yet fear is the only way to describe what's coursing through him, and it's what drives his feet to Linhardt's tent - not all that far away from Her Majesty's own. It isn't late enough for most people to be asleep just yet, but he wouldn't be surprised if Linhardt's already managed to nod off. He parts the tent flap and looks inside, speaking up as he does so.]

Linhardt?

[He isn't here because he thinks Linhardt will calm his nerves - although that's undoubtedly what will end up happening - he's here because this is it. This is the final battle. After this, everything will change.

This isn't like before, when he held the last piece of the puzzle and refused to place it because he didn't want everything to change. He wants this, more than anything else in the damn world. This is their last night on the battlefield, and there's no one else he'd rather spend it with.]

[It's hard to believe that this is almost over--that their efforts are finally going to bear fruit, and that Fodlan will finally be united under Her Majesty's rule. It was a long, grueling battle to get there, but soon...soon, the entire world would change under her rule. Linhardt could hardly believe that victory was so close within his grasp--freedom, true freedom was so close.

Their battle against the Alliance was perhaps a harrowing, as despite the smaller numbers, Claude's tactical prowess was something to be feared. Linhardt's own hands had practically ached from all of the Faith magic he was casting to ensure that everyone stayed alive--it helped that Marianne and Mercedes were taking some of the burden off of him to keep everyone alive, but it still proved to be a challenge. They proved triumphant, however, as the front lines broke through and her Majesty spared Claude in her benevolence. With that, the troops were riding high off their win, and they celebrated.

(Word of Claude's escape soon reached them, and Linhardt certainly had an interesting time of attempting to reassure Marianne that this wasn't her fault; he still wasn't very good at empathy, but he did manage enough to ensure that the woman didn't lose complete heart and go back to her old ways of looking at herself because of this.

Because even so, Linhardt was sure that even if they found Claude again, he wouldn't get that same mercy a second time.)

Soon, they'll be attacking Fhirdiad; come the morning, their armies will clash, and it will be a true test to see who would reign supreme. Linhardt was very confident in the Empire's odds; he knew better than to prematurely celebrate or grow overconfident, however. Hubris was the killer of man, and Linhardt was more than prepared to ensure that their troops would face minimal losses tomorrow. And if he had to fight for it...he was prepared for that, too. He had to be. Soon, everything would change, and perhaps he could finally say everything he was feeling--

Hubert catches Linhardt when he's in the middle of some light reading...or well, was. His face is right down on the book, and while he startles a bit at hearing his name called (raising his head, feeling the book slowly peel off his face and plop back down on the desk), he smiles when he sees who it is.]

Ah, Hubert....please, come in. [His tent is thankfully not nearly as messy as he'd keep his room, at the very least, as Linhardt gestures him inside; he's still waking up a bit, so he's not getting up yet.] I'm surprised to see you in here, considering what tomorrow is to bring...how are you feeling?

[He knows that Hubert is likely keeping a confident front, and frankly, Linhardt doesn't blame him. But if there are nerves under the surface...perhaps they could stand to be dispelled.]

[Ah, he was asleep... No surprise there, really. Hubert enters at Linhardt's words, his expression softening without him meaning to. He's been doing that quite a bit recently, hasn't he? Maybe he should try not to let it show so much...

Anyway, the tents are fairly large, but they aren't like the dorm rooms with a wall for him to lean against. So he ends up just sort of... awkwardly standing near the tent flap, folding his arms when he realizes he doesn't know what to do with his hands.]

I thought it would be good to come check on you; I didn't mean to wake you.

[It's not really an apology, though. Even if he'd noticed before speaking he still would have woken Linhardt.]

I'm fine. I came to check to see if you're prepared.

[His worries have already started to melt away, becoming nothing more than a quiet hum in the back of his mind. If Linhardt is able to fall asleep so easily right before the final battle, then surely there's nothing to worry about. They're so close to the end, it isn't as though they're going to fail now, not after everything they've been through.]

[Linhardt smiles a bit in kind. He's always loved that expression on Hubert, and it's no different than usual. He's got a million gold smile and it's handsome as ever.]

No, no, it's fine...I didn't quite mean to turn in this early, but I suppose sleep decided to come for me instead...

[Linhardt does wind up sitting up a bit on his bedroll, though, nodding his head firmly. He's pretty sure the answer is already obvious.]

I am. More than, in fact; I'm prepared to ensure our army--and her Majesty--complete victory tomorrow. Really, I...I'm looking forward to it.

[...]

After all, I do have a promise I need to make good on.

[There's a bit of a knowing smile there.]

[That gets a soft laugh out of him and he glances away, raising a hand to his chin like he's going to cover the bottom half of his face again before he decides against it and leave it there.]

As do I. I'm looking forward to that more than I am to the war being over.

[It's perhaps a bit too honest, and maybe those words would be a bit concerning from someone else, but Linhardt knows he excels on the battlefield, this probably isn't surprising at all.]

Don't start preparing victory speeches for Her Majesty just yet, though. Dimitri may not be a strategist like Claude, but I have no doubts they'll be prepared for us. We'll need to be careful.

[There's something there that he wants to say, but isn't sure how to put it into words. He hesitates, but doesn't continue.]

My, now that's a very bold statement...but it is one that I can concur with greatly.

[Linhardt? Linhardt is giving no fucks about how honest he's being. He's definitely all too pleased with that statement, though.]

I don't plan to, believe me; the last thing we need to do is drop our guard now. We need to keep ourselves prepared for everything, so that we may assure our victory. Only once that is done, may we prepare our speeches in Her honor.

[Linhardt notices Hubert's hesitation, however, and tips his head.]

...Is there something else, Hubert? I am willing to listen.

[He nods at Linhardt's words; the confidence in them is certainly help set him at ease, but...

Well, there's no point in hesitating. Linhardt's already caught on. He takes a step forward so he's closer to Linhardt, but doesn't really know what to do once he's there.

He hesitates again, suddenly unsure of himself. It's silly, really...]

I have something to ask of you. Will you...

[He exhales slowly.]

...Will you promise me that you will remain safe?

[It isn't something they can promise, he knows that. But...]

I understand that you will always try to heal as many people as you can. But should danger come your way... will you promise me that you will do all you can to protect yourself? I don't...

[His words trail off there, and he suddenly isn't sure if he wants to continue. This all sounds so silly. Here they are, standing on the edge of victory, and he's worried about something like this.]

[Linhardt's gaze draws upward at Hubert when he comes closer, as if he's not sure what he's expecting to hear from the man until he starts speaking.

It's a valid concern, really. Linhardt is almost always focused on healing the wounded, though it helps that there are many wounded to heal; it isn't as if Linhardt has many issues with defending himself, if needed. But if this is truly eating away at Hubert, and worrying him so...

Well, Linhardt can't let that abide. He stands up, looking up at the taller man before placing a hand on his shoulder.]

I promise that I will. You won't lose me; I will do everything I can to ensure that I come back alive. And if defending myself is necessary, I will, in a heartbeat. You may count on that.

[...Linhardt seems to look down after that, his look going worried as well, before looking back up.]

Just promise me you'll do the same, Hubert. I... [...] I don't know what I would do if I lost you.

[Oh that's. Remarkably candid, damn.]

[He looks up at Linhardt when the other man moves, though his eyes follow Linhardt's hand to his shoulder. He remains still for a moment, hearing Linhardt out before that especially honest remark.

His eyes dart, but his expression's gentle.]

You won't lose me. I promise. I will always be here by your side.

[He rests a hand over the one on his shoulder and it takes all of his willpower not to pull Linhardt closer.]

I don't... I can't imagine what I would do if something were to happen to you.

[He still can't look at Linhardt as he says it. It's honest, and so open it leaves him feeling defenseless.]

[The assurance is good, and goes a long way towards making Linhardt feel more at ease. There's still always that worry--the worry he'll never get to state those feelings in his heart, that his heart will break entirely if Hubert falls, that he'll never even know or get the chance to say goodbye--but he has to have faith. He has to.

This war will be over soon, and then he'll get to say everything. And maybe...just maybe, Hubert may reciprocate.]

...Thank you. I...

[He pauses a bit, looking down.]

I don't want to be left alone, when this war is over. I've always been afraid, whenever we step into these battles--that I'll lose sight of you, and that I won't be able to do anything before something happens to you. It terrifies me, despite the confidence I have in you, and your skills...that in one moment, it could all be torn away, and...

[He shakes a bit. Hubert's next words get him to calm some, and look up.]

...Me neither. I think I'd be pretty lost without you. [...] No, I'm...I'm certain I would be.

Edited 2019-08-23 04:46 (UTC)

[He reaches out then, without thinking. No, that's not exactly right - he reaches out, without trying to stop himself or convince himself that it isn't right. He reaches out because he wants to.

His hand finds the side of Linhardt's face and lingers there for a moment before he brushes his fingers back into beautiful green hair.]

You won't ever have to worry about that, Linhardt. Nothing in this world could take me from you. I won't allow it.

[It's so easily said, as though he really does have the power to make sure that it happens. His magic is deadly - perhaps some of the strongest in the army - but that doesn't mean he's infallible. He knows that all too well. But he also knows that reassurance is what Linhardt needs right now, and so there isn't a trace of doubt or concern.]

Her Majesty will be with me. She's the strongest soldier in our army and no one will be able to get close. I understand your fear, but you won't be left alone.

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