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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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Hubert blacks out.
He wakes up again less than a minute later.
It takes him a moment to recognize what's happening. Faith magic is flowing through him - stronger now than before, more than before - and he's in pain. So much pain, it's almost enough to make him black out again, but he can feel. He's healing, he can tell the injury is stitching itself back together.
He's going to live. In all honesty, he doesn't know how to feel about any of this, so he puts it aside for now.
His grip tightens on Linhardt's hand as he recognizes that Dimitri is no longer advancing - Her Majesty and Annette and Mercedes are fighting, and Marianne is beside Linhardt healing him.]
Linhardt, Linhardt, I—
[He's able to pull himself up a bit now, and when the words leave him, they leave him in a rush.]
I can't wait another day, I have to tell you...
[It doesn't matter that Marianne is right there, that Her Majesty and the others are nearby, probably killing Dimitri as they talk. What matters is the spike of adrenaline through him and the reminder that he's alive, that he's going to live.]
I love you; I love you so much...
[He knows they were supposed to wait, but how can he when he nearly died? He's admittedly not going to be awake for much longer; the adrenaline is temporary and he'll need plenty of rest to actually recover from the broken ribs or the massive slash down his chest, but for now... For now he's worked up and all too excited to finally tell Linhardt what he's wanted to say for so long.]
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Hubert's grip on his hand tightens, and as much as his own vision is starting to swim--as much as his hands are starting to ache, as much as his own energy is being overextended--Linhardt's gaze looks up at Hubert with the most shocked eyes, his mouth agape with shock.
They had done it. They--they'd actually done it, Hubert was going to live, he was going to see the end of this war and the world her majesty would create--
It's all so much. Linhardt's chuckle is genuinely delighted as the sound of magic overwhelming echoes in the background; needless to say, there was no more holding back.
...In multiple regards, as Linhardt listens when Hubert finally utters those three little words that make his heart soar out of his chest, and with faith magic unabating and not even a shred of annoyance for the promise they'd made being broken, he grasps Hubert's hand tighter and finally speaks the words he has longed to, for years upon end--]
I--I love you too. I love you more than anything, Hubert...you're so intoxicating a person to be near and I love it, I love you so deeply--
[Linhardt openly weeps a bit--the tears coming from a little bit of everything. The despair of nearly losing Hubert, the elation at him being alive, the joy of his love being returned, the pain in his hands from overusing all of that magic...everything all at once leaves him, and the smile on his face is so utterly relieved.]
Please--never leave me again.
[(It's a little awkward, but Marianne seems to smile a bit as she watches and works. Needless to say, she'll be telling Her Majesty all about this later on...)]
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[He finally lets go of Linhardt's hand and reaches up to gently trail his fingers over his cheek.]
I'm so happy to hear it, Linhardt...
[But the world is already fading to black again, and he passes out quickly. The wound is healing just fine - he'll certainly live.
Hubert wakes up some time later, the pain mostly gone and an unfamiliar ceiling above him. He looks around to find an unfamiliar room as well. A quick check confirms that he's covered in bandages and his ribs are probably still bruised badly. He finds that out by poking them, like the absolute genius he is.
He's able to sit up easily enough despite the mild pain, and leans back against the pillows. Moving tires him out, so he's sure he won't be getting up and leaving any time soon.
Still, he wonders... Surely Linhardt is around somewhere. He'll see him soon, he can't imagine Linhardt would be away from him for long.]
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[Hubert passes out again and Linhardt's tone shifts to worry, but Marianne is quick to abate his fears; she tells him that he's just exhausted, and that he'll need to rest once the battle is done.
But they did it. They ensured that Hubert did not have to die that night, and Linhardt has never been more thankful for both his and Marianne's skills in Faith magic in his life.
The battle is soon won after Annette and Mercedes assist in taking down King Dimitri; Dedue goes down soon after, and while Felix puts up a surprising fight to the finish, Edelgard cuts him down after a grueling battle and claims victory for the Empire. They've won. They've finally done it--the world is about to change, and all for the better. Her Majesty conquers the Holy Kingdom, and soon, all of Fodlan shall be united as one.
There is still much work to do; Edelgard has to deal with many of the other nobility, while most of Linhardt's efforts are focused in the infirmary alongside many of the others. There are many injured to take care of, and even how own injuries to look after, once confronted on them. Mercedes had chided him as she wrapped bandages around his hands, her own faith magic soothing the ache only slightly; he had overextended himself a bit, but it was all worthwhile. Every bit of it was, from their victory over King Dimitri, to having Hubert back at his side at last.
Linhardt does keep a close eye on Hubert alongside Marianne while they all stay in Fhirdiad, and she's really only here when she's able to; he has to find a way to thank her at some point, really, even if she's starting to get those bags under her eyes again. He simply hopes that Annette and Mercedes are helping to take some of the burden off her, if only a bit. But it's mostly Linhardt that keeps an eye on Hubert, watching him as he rests off his pain and breathes, alive and well, and his heart warms.
It's today that Linhardt's out of the room for a bit, out for supplies, mostly; he gets back a little after Hubert wakes up, the door opening with a soft click as he carries the supplies in--]
Oh! Oh, my--
[He's definitely not expecting Hubert to be awake, however, and it sees his eyes go wide. Linhardt literally can't put down the supplies fast enough as he scrambles to get them out of his hands, before Linhardt goes over by Hubert's bed and freely takes one of the man's hands.]
I wasn't expecting you to be awake already...good morning, Hubert. I'm glad to see you're back with us.
[Back with me. He says it so nonchalantly, but it hides the sheer joy in his tone, and how soft his eyes go once he sees Hubert awake and alive.]
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[He takes the man's hands easily, frowning when he feels the bandages. He'll get to that in a moment, though.]
What happened? How long was I out? Are we in Fhridiad?
[...Well, of course he's got something else on his mind first. He doesn't like not knowing what happened.]
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[Linhardt's more than happy to inform him, with a smile.]
We are in Fhridiad, and well...we've all but won. Her Majesty is out dealing with some of the leftover nobility while we heal our troops from the battle we faced; it's only a matter of time before they give into her demands, or face her down alongside her loyal soldiers. King Dimitri has fallen, as have his loyal soldiers...
[...Gods, she's probably being defended by the fuckboy squad and Dorothea, that's bound to be a trip for the ages--]
The world is about to change, very soon, Hubert. There is still much to be done, but...we have all made it this far.
[There's genuine joy in Linhardt's tone when he says it.]
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She's almost done it, then. Her Majesty will soon have complete control...
[He sounds so proud, so happy for her. It's been a long, difficult road, but it's been worth it. Every step has been worth it.]
Thank you, Linhardt. I wouldn't have survived without you.
[He moves to lace his fingers with Linhardt when he's reminded of the bandages again.]
Ah, you're hurt... You over-exerted yourself, didn't you?
[He already knows, of course. There have been plenty of times when his hands have been bandaged in the same way. Not for healing, of course.]
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[Linhardt smiles a bit at the praise--he doesn't want to sound too prideful, considering how harrowing the experience was, but...he's still so happy to finally be able to see this new world with Hubert by his side.]
Think nothing of it, Hubert-- [Ah, gods dammit, Hubert noticed his hands. He does a little sheepish.] --But ah, perhaps a touch. It's hardly a scratch in comparison to what you faced, however, so...please do not worry.
[...They still ache like all hell but He Can Deal With It, basically. Linhardt would do it all again in a heartbeat, after all; injuries and all.]
How are you feeling?
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[His hand tightens a bit on Linhardt's anyway.]
I've certainly been better, but I'm recovering. I wouldn't have thought it possible.
[His free hand trails over the bandages for a moment before he settles again.]
I cannot thank you and Marianne enough. I should have died there.
[He squeezes Linhardt's hand.]
Thank you, for saving me.
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[Linhardt almost laughs at the irony of such a statement--Hubert really doesn't have a place to talk about that, but he supposes he'll give Hubert this one, just this once.]
I'm quite glad, but I had better not see you up and out of that bed until Marianne and I have given you the clearance to do so. You need to rest after all of that--you deserve to.
[Linhardt doesn't flinch when Hubert squeezes his hand, though he has to avert his gaze a bit--that should have died bothers him somewhat, but he winds up squeezing Hubert's hand back, and his free hand joins the other and envelops Hubert's hand.]
It's no trouble. Really, I'm... [He smiles.] ...I finally understand what you spoke of, back there--about how...if you want something so badly, you need to go out and get it for yourself.
Marianne and I, we carved that path forward to saving you. We carved through whatever that so-called fate had in store...and brought you back here, safely. And...I could not be happier...
[...There's something on the tip of his tongue, and it dies, so he tries to move past it. Why is he so uncertain? They already admitted their love, and yet--]
...I owe her a debt of thanks, myself. Perhaps once you are better, we can find some way to thank her for her assistance.
[...]
Thank you for holding on. I...I don't even want to imagine what could have happened if you...
[He trails off, gaze averting.]
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Yes, you did. Wishing alone wouldn't have saved me. I'm proud of you.
[Of both of them, really, but for now he's focused on Linhardt. After a moment he reaches up with his free hand for the side of Linhardt's face, fingers lingering gently there. It's like the last of his barriers and resistances have been broken down and he can finally express himself a bit more openly, at least while no one else is around.]
I'm here now, and I'm not going to leave your side. I... wish I had never worried you so much. [Mm, that's not quite what he wants to say...] I am... I am very sorry I worried you.
[It sounds a little stilted, but at least he manages the apology.]
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It feels like a miracle. A real miracle, that they forged with their own hands.]
...I forgive you. You may make me worry to the point that I get wrinkles, but I would not have it any other way--you're still here to worry over, and that's enough.
[Linhardt laughs a bit at his own joke, even if he knows it's stupid.]
I'm...I'm so happy to have you back by my side, my...my...my...
[...Gods, Linhardt wants to let down the final barrier himself--but gods, trying to take that step is making him tongue-tied and going pink in the cheeks. He's not unused to being forward, but to be forward on this level is a lot.]
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Do you want to give it a name? I can think of a few... though perhaps that's best saved for the... ah.
[Oh. Right.]
The Goddess Tower. I meant to wait and tell you everything there, but... Well, I suppose I got a bit caught up in the moment.
[To say the least.]
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...I do believe that we were both caught up in the moment when we spoke. It was almost...well, the last time that we would be able to speak to one another, and...
[He doesn't know how to finish that.]
At--at any rate, I... [Nnnnn.] ...I'm simply trying to cease this tongue-tied meandering...
[he. he doesn't necessarily Want To Die but boy does he wanna disappear under some covers for a while--]
But I...would not mind it--no, I'd rather like it, actually. If that is what you wish, as well, my...nngh...
[COME ON AND JUST SAY IT LIN, GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME]
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You don't need to be embarrassed. I believe I can understand some hesitation and anxiety, however.
[He squeezes Linhardt's hand and rests his other on top of Linhardt's.]
I'll ask, then. Linhardt, will you do me the honor of...
[...]
Ah... courting me?
[The confidence lasts up until then and then it just sort of dies, like he's suddenly not sure Linhardt will agree despite the words they exchanged just a couple of days ago. He was trying to make this easier on Linhardt, and in the end he's only ended up worrying himself...
There's... also something more he wishes he could ask, but that's entirely too much right now. One step at a time. He's not sure how Linhardt feels about courting, but it can't hurt to take a small step in the right direction, right?]
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[Linhardt trails off, and he doesn't get the chance to pick his thoughts back up before Hubert's hands are atop his own, and he poses the question that makes Linhardt's heartbeat flutter. It takes a few seconds--only a few, because he sees how fast Hubert's confidence dies at the end of that and he can't keep a shocked look forever--
Linhardt chuckles.]
Of course I will. You--you foolish man, as if I could possibly say no to you? Because I couldn't, you know.
[Linhardt's more than happy, at any rate. He's almost elated--it's official now, isn't it? And it feels so good, it feels like something he's wanted all along.]
Aha...I'm afraid you may find me a touch lacking, in traditional courting technique. But if you'll have me, then I would be more than pleased to court you, my...
[Linhardt forces his way past his tongue-tiedness, though it results in the next words coming out weirdly stuttered and almost choked.]
My love.
[...NOW IF YOU'LL EXCUSE HIM HE'S JUST GONNA RECEDE EVEN FURTHER INTO THE HAND THAT'S HIDING HIS FACE, GODS.]
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It isn't easy to say, is it? Even though we know, it seems so difficult... I suppose we'll become more accustomed to it in time.
[He's smiling, the expression open and honest and easy, like he's never had a damn problem with expressing such emotion in his life.
He moves then, scooting over to one side of the bed and gesturing for Linhardt.]
Join me. I want to be near you.
[Closer to you is more accurate.]
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[That's muffled into Linhardt's hand, and he's practically steaming. Honestly, just put him in a pot, he'll set the whole thing to a fast boil at this point--
Linhardt does wind up looking to Hubert when he hears the man shift, eyes narrowing only slightly--and then the order comes in, and even if Linhardt knows it isn't an order...
Well, who is he to deny Hubert? Linhardt climbs into bed with him, carefully--he'll wait for Hubert to get adjusted on the bed before he decides how he wants to lie down.]
As if I could ever say no to an invitation like that...
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Good. I don't want to be apart from you.
[Not right now, at least. After a moment, he returns to their earlier topic.]
I'm not exactly... experienced in courting. I hardly know the basics. It was never something that I thought I'd need.
...I would like to meet your family at some point, though. When you're ready.
[Obviously Linhardt's going to have to tell them about him at some point, so he'd like to make a good impression...]
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[Linhardt easily fits into Hubert's side, and lets himself ease into the bed alongside him as they speak.
And that statement...Linhardt understands it, but the statement about his family gets his attention the most. He looks up at Hubert after that, with a look on his face that's almost contemplative...
Before it settles into a smile.]
Well, we can both be abysmal at this together. Or simply do it our own way; the only people we have to impress are each other, right?
[...]
I think they'd be delighted to meet you, you know--my family, I mean. [Linhardt chuckles a bit, the sound light.] They know I've changed, and for the better because of something significant--and Mother has always theorized about those letters that we sent back and forth. She was always so nosy, peeking over my shoulder, asking if I was writing to a significant other...
But I know that they would welcome you with open arms.
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[He moves to thread his hand through Linhardt's hair as the other man continues. It earns a noncommittal hum from him for a moment while he considers his response.]
I am aware of my... reputation among the nobles.
[It's carefully spoken, with no sense of judgment or discomfort with the idea. While he doesn't personally care what anyone thinks of him, it would be hard to ignore the whispered rumors. His father's sudden and violent death and his emergence as Her Majesty's right hand are surely no coincidence, and the nobles have always been the sort to talk when they really shouldn't. There are those who believe he's Her Majesty's enforcer; an assassin who kills those who disagree. It's not exactly far from the truth, but it doesn't paint him in a favorable light.]
That's why I would like to meet them for myself, so they can ease any doubts they may have about me. I wouldn't want them to think I would do anything to harm you.
[He couldn't, not even if Her Majesty ordered it.]
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Linhardt hadn't considered that angle, and goes contemplative again--that makes...a little more sense, when spoken like that. He's definitely not sure what his parents think of Hubert, at least in a general regard; he's always tended to tune out their talk of other nobility unless they spoke directly to him about someone, but he never considered that they might be apprehensive because of Hubert's so-called reputation...
It's a very valid worry, and if his parents do have apprehensions about that, that could pose an issue. Hrm.
...It's hard to be too pressed about it with Hubert's hand in his hair, though it's definitely food for thought.]
...I understand that, then. It would be for the best to dispel any doubts before they have the chance to linger in their minds. [Maybe it was a little silly to have blind faith in them, but Linhardt's parents haven't exactly failed him in any regard, so it's...definitely a little eye opening to think about.] But I am certain that once they meet you--the real you, not the you that they've heard of from the nobility who can't seem to stop their gums from flapping...they will warm up to you. And you won't be alone in easing their doubts, either.
[Some part of him wants to tell Hubert it won't matter--if worst did come to worst, Linhardt would be more than willing to cut off his family entirely to be with Hubert. He'd ensure that it wouldn't matter what the nobility thought in order to protect him; they could ignore them freely, without a care in the world.
At the same time...that's not attempting to deal with the issue, isn't it? That's avoiding it, and that isn't attempting to ease his worries at all. Linhardt is at least going to try, if nothing else.]
I know that they will be willing to listen to reason. And once they see the proof in front of their faces that you are not a terrible man in the slightest... [Once they see you the way I do.] ...They will come through. They're far from unreasonable people.
[If they were unreasonable, he surmises, they wouldn't have agreed to support the Empire at all despite his convincing.
He's certain that they'll come through--for both him, and Hubert. Perhaps they can give Hubert a true family to call his own, but--that's much further down the line.]
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I have no doubts that you can convince them that this is what you want. I don't wish to worry them with your well-being, that is all.
[He doesn't expect to be accepted with open arms; it's enough for him to be allowed to court Linhardt without House Hevring's interference. Not that it would matter much, of course. He could always accept Linhardt into House Vestra, considering that it only really consists of himself at the moment. Still, it would be best not to make trouble with such an influential part of the Empire.]
I appreciate it, truly. It isn't something we need to worry about right away, but knowing you will be there to assist helps ease my worries.
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[Linhardt's smile is a little lighter, though he doesn't go into another reason on his mind--he can do that when the time comes--and he lets himself ease into Hubert a little more, careful not to do anything that would agitate his injuries, of course.
Thinking about it...his mother will likely be easy to convince; she's seen all of those sappy letters that he's written to Hubert, after all, and the ones that Hubert has sent in kind. Even if she did keep her ears toward the other noblewomen, she's always been the more optimistic among herself and his father...he'd probably be the one that would need the most talking to, he surmises.
Linhardt's already setting a plan of attack in his mind, but he doesn't want to focus on that for now. Linhardt's own hand attempts to go to cup Hubert's cheek, brushing his thumb across it.]
But no, you are right--it is a bridge we can cross once we get to it. [There's a thumping in his heart, and he decides he has nothing to lose--they love each other, after all, and he quickly attempts to press a kiss to...well, the nearest place he can, which is likely attempting to be Hubert's other cheek and winds up being Hubert's jaw, but you know. Close enough.] And I will support you with all I can. I swear to you that I will.
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I wouldn't want to completely ruin my reputation, you know.
[It's teasing though; he doesn't care one way or another about his reputation. As long as he gets results for Her Majesty, that's what matters. It does help that he's seen as intimidating, but it's not as though he'd mind if Linhardt's parents were to see him differently.
The touch against his cheek gets him to turn to look at Linhardt, and the kiss pressed to his jaw causes his heart to stop. It isn't as though there's a problem - not really - but even something so small is still intensely intimate, and it sends a spike of fear through him. There are numerous reasons for it - he could hurt Linhardt again, he isn't sure he knows how to handle it, he doesn't think he can return Linhardt's affection in any meaningful way - and it takes him a moment to close his eyes and will it away.
He's afraid because he doesn't open himself up. He's afraid because he's spent so long carefully crafting these walls. He doesn't know what will happen when he lowers them, but there isn't anyone else he would want to let in like this.
It helps, and he relaxes. The hand in Linhardt's hair moves to the back of his head to gently encourage Linhardt to angle his head upwards.]
May I...?
[The question trails off, as though suddenly he's not sure he wants to ask it. Hubert's eyes dart to the side before he forces himself to look back at Linhardt and ask the damn question.]
May I kiss you?
[It's something he needs to ask after what happened last time. He understands if Linhardt can't agree to that - he certainly wouldn't blame him - but this is what he wants to do.]
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