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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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Here we are indeed...and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else...
[He lets out a noise of content at those kisses to his jaw, exhaling easily and letting his fingers run down Hubert's hair, trailing into his scalp.]
I'm more than content to take you up on that. Someone ought to keep you amused while you're in this dreary place, and ensure that you're healing properly...and I would be happy to do that for you.
[...]
That, and I do suspect this room will be the most comfortable place to nap...but that's only because you're here.
[lin]
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[It gets another laugh out of him though, and he stills a bit just to feel Linhardt's hand in his hair.]
I can never thank you enough for all you've done for me. At the very least I can allow you to nap in here away from everyone else. It won't be particularly hard for them to find you, however.
[He's pretty damn sure everyone's aware of what happened by now... Even if Marianne didn't say anything, Her Majesty was right there, as were Annette and Mercedes, and possibly some others he didn't notice.]
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It took Hubert a few weeks to properly heal up, but by the time a month had passed, he was finally well enough to be on the front lines. Linhardt wanted to be absolutely certain that his boyfriend was well before he went back into the fray. They always made time for each other even during the war, but now they had all the more reason to do so now that it's all but over. Taking Hubert on dates, and letting Hubert take him out...really, any date with Hubert proved to be fun, from the simple dates that Linhardt usually provided (though he made up for the simplicity with loving affection), and the more traditional dates that Hubert took him on, that Linhardt loved so much--they were all lovely. Really, Linhardt was happy as could be.
Of course, in that time, they did visit his parents; it may have taken some talking after their initial apprehension (mostly his father's, as he predicted, due to Hubert's...reputation, to say the least), but his parents did wind up approving of them being together--his mother even called them adorable, seeming all too enthusiastic about her son finding someone to love, and perhaps seeming a little too excited about their future--something that wound up embarrassing Linhardt a little bit. But even his father came around in a more genuine fashion, despite his distant demeanor, and he did seem to have hope for them both.
(If Hubert asked later, about his mother, and if she was just...like this, Linhardt would have confirmed that it was indeed the case. She was just. Like This.)
He was able to show Hubert so many things during that visit, though; that field he'd talked about, speckled with beautiful wildflowers that seemed to go on without an end...his own bedroom, if mostly to show his rather...expansive collection of animals, and all of their outfits. (And all of their names.) Really, Linhardt was so excited, and that's just been their relationship.
It's been exciting to be with Hubert, and Linhardt has fallen for the man even more, now. He wants to spend the rest of his life with him--he wants that more than anything in the world.
Linhardt had to separate from Hubert for a week or so to deal with some matters at home, or so he had said; it was mostly to ask for his parent's blessing, however. And he received it almost enthusiastically, his father granting approval and his mother practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. His father gave him a ring bearing the crest of House Hevring; his mother, a letter to give to Hubert when the time came to propose...
And well, with Her Majesty calling upon everyone to come to Garreg Mach for a celebratory ball, now seemed like the perfect time. He brought them both with him when he came back, but it turned out that there was something he'd forgotten; they were holding the White Heron cup at the same time...and someone had entered his name among the entrants.
Shoot. He'd avoided it last time because Professor Byleth had gone for a rather obvious option to win the cup, but Dorothea seemed to be the one who had encouraged many entrants in this time. He didn't even see Hubert yet, but surely he was here--Linhardt would just have to find him after he got changed.
And that's where Linhardt is now, the dancer's garb on him as he looks left and right before the cup begins to try and find Hubert. Linhardt is hoping to escape--maybe if he finds the man quickly, they can both escape off to the Goddess Tower and leave all of them none the wiser.
...Linhardt would certainly like that, if because it's very hard to hide and ring and a letter in these clothes, dear gods--]
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Of course, he wouldn't even be considering anything more without Her Majesty's blessing. He'd spoken with her not long after asking if Linhardt would date him, and she had been all too pleased to give them her blessing. (He's fairly sure he heard her mutter "Finally," but perhaps that was just his imagination.) Without any (important) family left to consult with on the matter, Hubert was all too happy to enjoy his time with Linhardt.
It hasn't always been easy - there are still plenty of things to attend to and his job remains ever the same; he is Her Majesty's right hand and he would do anything for her. With the war over, it's easier to find time to spend with Linhardt, and they've been on quite a few dates while they attempt to court properly. Okay, so they aren't really doing a good job of following the official guidelines, but it's not like they really care.
The important thing is that he loves Linhardt, and he never wants to be apart from him again.
So naturally, when Linhardt had to return for pressing family matters (he wasn't able to ascertain exactly what those were, but he's kept his prying to a minimum because he trusts Linhardt, and he wants to show his boyfriend that he does) he's found himself being more worked up than usual. Her Majesty certainly took notice, and sent him out to deal with some minor bandit attacks, probably because he was driving her crazy too.
During that time he did ask her opinion on something else, though. He plans to propose to Linhardt, and wanted to make sure she was fine with it. Of course she'd agreed, and vowed to keep it a secret until Hubert could find the time and place to propose.
The time and place is obvious - the Goddess Tower, and Her Majesty was kind enough to throw a ball there to ensure that there isn't any suspicion from anyone else. It's not that it matters what they think, but it'll keep them occupied while he finds the courage to propose to Linhardt.
(He's got the words written down, and after at least twelve edits, he's satisfied with how he'll do it. It's only a matter of remembering when the time comes.)
Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about the White Heron Cup. It's likely that Dorothea put Her Majesty up to including that, though he can't rule out Byleth. Regardless, almost everyone's names ended up in the running, and the only thing left to do now is to get dressed and head out there to dance. Hubert would greatly prefer not to, but Her Majesty had been unwilling to let him sit this one out, saying that it was all in good fun. She'd even let her hair down and dressed in her own dancer costume, so he supposed there really wasn't a choice.
The dancer attire he wears is thankfully in blacks and reds, with a hint of purple to the hem. It's still not anything he'd normally wear, but he can put up with it for one night. He'll change the moment he has the option. But for now...
Well, his feet carry him to the most important person in the room, even though he's not entirely sure he's ready to face Linhardt just yet.]
It seems the person responsible for putting us all up to this didn't forget anyone.
[He's noticed Linhardt fumbling with something, and quirks an eyebrow, but he's not trying to get a closer look. For now, he's more fascinated with Linhardt's dancer outfit. It's... really attractive...]
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...Oh, wow. Hubert's dancer outfit definitely flatters him, Linhardt notes--the black and red really suits him all too well. Linhardt's own outfit is in various shades of green and dark yellow, and while it suits him, he can't deny that Hubert pulls off the outfit that much better. He's gorgeous.]
...They certainly did not. [Linhardt finally finds a suitable way to place his things while he tries not to stare at Hubert too much, and fails, completely.] I must admit, I'm impressed with their dedication to this. I wonder why they elected to include so many this time...
[Not that he's complaining, if it lets him see Hubert like this.]
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I have to wonder if they're teasing us... I doubt many of us would wear such silly outfits normally.
[It isn't all bad, though. There are certainly worse class outfits. This one thankfully doesn't bare his chest or risk showing the massive scar that runs down it from that battle. While he isn't the sort to be easily embarrassed, he's been intentionally trying to keep that hidden. It's an ugly scar, and certainly not one he wants Linhardt to see.]
I must admit, I can't say I'm all that opposed.
[He smirks.]
After all, the outfit suits you well.
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[Linhardt would much rather go back to his priest outfit any day of the week. He's far from confident in his body, though it isn't because of scars; Linhardt has always been a rather lanky individual, almost gangling in appearance and thin in ways that made him look weird. Or so he thinks, anyway.
Hubert looks much better in the outfit, despite his scars. Really, Linhardt would like to do nothing more than to stare all day, but--
Oh.]
Ah-- [Oh, there goes his composure. Linhardt has to look away at that, shaking his head.] No, no. It suits you much better. I don't think I've ever seen a more attractive outfit on you...it's incredibly flattering.
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[The words come easy, the confidence easier, but it does nothing to hide the beginnings of a blush. He'd like to think he's gotten better at reacting to Linhardt's compliments and teasing by now, but it still isn't easy.]
Anyway, I don't really have the build for a dancer. Yours is far more suited to it - I'm sure you'll look elegant in motion.
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[Linhardt chuckles, trying not to focus so much on the compliments--all Linhardt can really see are the flaws, how the outfit emphasizes all of his imperfections, how long his arms are, how he's got skinny chicken legs, how he's not nearly as well built as Hubert is, but--]
Come now, you're perfect for such a thing. You shouldn't sell yourself so short, my love. [It's gotten so much easier to say that now that they've been together for so long, he loves it, even if he is using it to deflect the compliments aimed at him.] I'm simply going to have to ensure that I don't trip over myself, but you...you'll be perfect no matter what. That's what I think. [Beat.] I do thank you for the compliments, however; you're very kind...
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Nonsense. You always carry yourself with more grace than you give yourself credit for. I can't imagine you would have any trouble with this outfit over your others.
[...But that does get a sly smirk out of him.]
If you're so worried about tripping over yourself, perhaps you'll allow me to guide you?
[...Okay, so threading a hand through Linhardt's hair would be a bit much, but clearly dancing with him would not. Shut up.]
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No fair, hitting him with a one-two punch of embarrassment!!]
Ha...I may need your guidance, you know. Your expertise is unmatched, after all...
[He says that, but he has to hide his face with one of his hands because he's getting embarrassed.]
...But truly, I would want that. Dancing with you is such a delight, after all... [Beat.] So long as Ferdinand isn't anywhere nearby.
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It looks as though he's occupied by Dorothea. Judging from how animated she is, I assume we have quite some time before she'll let him loose.
[He reaches out for Linhardt's hand, to gently guide it away from his face.]
The blush looks good on you too, my love.
[If he's doing this great now then proposing's totally going to be a breeze. Why was he worried??]
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[Nooooooo, let Linhardt keep his hand there, it's his only defense!! He's gonna Die, oh my god--]
You're--you're just saying that to embarrass me-- [Linhardt huffs a bit, though he's definitely losing that war to keep his hand near his face, so Hubert can see him in all of his red-faced glory.] But...I suppose I can accept such compliments from a tall, dark, handsome man such as yourself.
[This means war!! A war of compliments!!]
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Do you think I'd say something solely for that purpose? I say it because it's true.
[And because it embarrasses his boyfriend!!]
You'll have to try harder if you want to fluster me. It's very sweet that you're attempting, but I'm afraid I already have the upper hand.
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Not that he'd want his occupied hand to be anywhere but entangled in Hubert's fingers. Linhardt opens his eyes, and huffs a bit at Hubert.]
Should I call you adorable, then? [Linhardt winds up taking a step closer--if there's nobody around, he doesn't have to care about how this is being viewed, right?] Charming, lovely, precious, the cutest man alive whom I have ever met? I will find a way to get the upper hand back, you know.
[Linhardt takes another step forward, looking right into Hubert's eyes. He's not sure if this is too much, or if he's being too bold, but dammit he's not gonna let this stand!]
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If you aren't careful, I'll find you entirely too endearing and kiss you right here in front of everyone.
[It's partially joking, partially serious, somewhere between a threat and a challenge.]
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[Linhardt's own smirk forms, something of an emulation of Hubert's expression, as he takes another step forward and looks up at his boyfriend.]
What if, if you don't...I'll kiss you in front of everyone, without the slightest hint of shame?
[All Linhardt needs to do is go on his tip toes, at this point, to meet Hubert's lips--but no. He waits to see if Hubert will take the bait.]
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[Hook, line, and sinker.
There isn't far to go, they're already so close to one another. He keeps one hand laced with Linhardt's, but the other comes up to the back of his head easily and it's like the kiss is the most natural response in the world. It doesn't matter that Dorothea's facing them, or that she's stopped talking and Ferdinand's looking over his shoulder at them, or that Mercedes and Annette are here too, and Her Majesty and everyone else are somewhere around here and probably staring at this point - and it certainly doesn't matter that someone (probably Sylvain) just whistled.
All that matters is Linhardt, and he's more than happy to take the bait.]
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(It's not going to matter, once they get to the Goddess Tower--but that's only if he's analyzed Hubert right, and isn't making a mistake in what he intends to do next...)
He won't make any moves to deepen the kiss, this time; just a simple kiss is fine, and Linhardt separates after a moment with a smile.]
You really are too perfect...
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[He doesn't pull away from Linhardt, though he doesn't move to kiss him again. Before either of them can say anything else, music starts and several people make their way onto the dance floor. Her Majesty is among them, perhaps to draw attention away from Hubert and Linhardt. He wouldn't be surprised. Her Majesty is always good at knowing when to intervene.]
I suppose we'll have to dance at some point.
[He sighs, like it's such a hassle, but it's not as though he really minds. Not with Linhardt right here, anyway.]
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I suppose we will...the sooner we get it over with, the better, hm?
[Linhardt's smiling, though--he makes a small noise to get Hubert's attention before he leaves, though, cupping his hand in a way that makes it so most of the people can't see what he's saying as he whispers--]
Let's sneak off and meet in the Goddess Tower in a little while, alright? Once this gets boring for us.
[Linhardt winks, and he'll start going to the dance floor--you coming, Hubert?]
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Whatever it is that drives Linhardt to ask him that, it certainly isn't something he's going to be able to ask him right away. It seems everyone is excited to dance, and the moment he steps toward the dance floor, he's whisked away by Her Majesty. She looks somewhere between proud and vindicated and thanks him for helping her with a bet she was certain she'd win, but refuses to elaborate any further. She also manages to tease him mercilessly for the duration of the song, and he would have greatly preferred retreating to hold up the walls for awhile, but he's not nearly lucky enough for that.
Ferdinand is there immediately afterwards, and with a sigh, Hubert allows him a dance as well. He's somehow even more embarrassing than Her Majesty's teasing with his sincere compliments and well-wishes. Once that's over with, he does make his retreat, finding a nice spot against the wall to watch everyone.
It's nice, really. This is the first time in years that they can all really relax and unwind and start to piece together their lives after the war. Peace isn't really something that fits him - he is Her Majesty's weapon and always has been - but he can't really say he minds it when everyone looks so happy like this. He wonders when exactly he started befriending these people and finds that he's not sure. Battles have a way of bringing people together, he supposes.
Eventually he leaves, abandoning the hall and retreating to his room to change clothes. He'll keep the dancer's outfit, if only because Linhardt is so fond of it. His clothes are necessary, however, because he can't do this if he's not comfortable. Never mind the fact that his hands are already shaking and all that earlier confidence has abandoned him, he isn't going to back down. This is the best time, the best place for it. He has to ask, regardless of how difficult it feels.
The Goddess Tower looks the same as it did five years ago, and while Hubert always finds himself drawn to the shadows, he remains standing where Linhardt can see him as soon as his boyfriend ascends the stairs. He keeps away from the edge so he can't see how far up they are, and while he attempts to stand still at first, he ends up pacing. Each word of the speech he's rehearsed bounces around in his head and he's certain, certain that he has it down and has prepared adequately for this, though he can't help but feel like he's forgotten something important...]
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Of course, it doesn't defend him entirely; some of the others dance their way over to him and say things, things that Linhardt doesn't really understand nor appreciate all that much, but he supposes it can't quite be taken back; Dorothea tells him, with an all too pleased smile, just how happy he's made 'her Edie'. Sylvain says he 'never knew Linhardt had it in him'. (Which, Linhardt only surmises, could be about kissing Hubert in public, and that's set to make him flush.) Even Annette and Mercedes, who seem to be dancing together without a care in the world, come over and talk, and they're probably the only ones he doesn't want nothing to do with because they simply seem so happy in general, in a way that doesn't feel smug or superior.
...Though Mercedes does congratulate him a bit, and Annette seems to giggle a bit before Marianne herself seems to whisk him off; he's all too thankful that she guides their dance toward the wall, and even towards an exit, though he quirks his brow a bit--]
Marianne, what are you doing...?
["Oh...Hubert just left." She smiles a bit at him. "I thought...you might want to join him."
...Oh. Linhardt has to look away at that, a little embarrassed on being so easily called out; Marianne speaks again.
"P-Please don't worry. I'll...I'll cover you." Her smile is soft, gentle as she gives his shoulder a supportive pat. "Have...fun. Okay?"
...Marianne's always been a little too sincere for her own good, but it's what he appreciates about her; Linhardt smiles and gives his thanks before she covers his exit, seeing himself off while she heads back to the dancefloor all too easily, in hopes of distracting the others.
Linhardt doesn't think to go back to his own room to change his clothes; the dancer outfit isn't the most comfortable thing in the world to be in, but Hubert likes it well enough; he'll keep it. But getting his own outfit back on would prove to take too much time; Linhardt's worried that he'll lose his nerve to ask the thing that's been on his mind for so long, the thing that his parents have approved of, something that makes Linhardt...rather nervous, honestly, because he doesn't know how it'll go.
So it's partially laziness and partially trying not to lose his nerve that sees him coming up the steps to the Goddess Tower in that outfit, as he adjusts the ring and letter he's hiding. Linhardt winds up finding Hubert after ascending several flights, pacing back and forth as if he has something on his mind, and it suddenly hits him that maybe--just maybe, Linhardt should have changed.
Oh well. No going back now, is there?]
Hubert! There you are. [Linhardt smiles easily, brushing some of his long hair out of his face as he goes to join his boyfriend.] I hope I did not keep you waiting for too long.
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He hadn't been lying when he said it suits Linhardt - his boyfriend is tall and perhaps lanky, with long limbs that haven't been filled out by muscle or natural build. He finds it charming, and the way the dancer's outfit is both loose and ornate in a way completely different from Linhardt's usual attire draws his eye. Honestly, he could spend all day looking at Linhardt in the outfit, and that sounds like a damn good idea right now, but Linhardt's addressed him and he returns his eyes to his boyfriend's face.]
Ah, no, you didn't. I just... needed a break. From all of that.
[...But that makes it sound like he didn't want to be up here, hang on—]
Not to say that I... [mmnngh] I'm pleased to be here with you.
[Entirely too formal, but fine. It's good enough. Now all he has to do is recite the words he's spent entirely too long preparing and repeating over and over again like a mantra, because this is something he needs to do, wants to do and it has to go as smoothly as possible...
...
.........
How has he managed to forget every single word of his proposal.]
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...Or maybe he really should have changed...]
Well, I would hope so. This is the place that started it all, isn't it? [Linhardt smiles easily. He's not sure why, but...this place is filling him with confidence, slow but sure. Is this the Goddess's blessing...?] Being here with you, up here--it feels like yesterday we were simply content to spy on the others and observe this tower's effects. It's truly nostalgic...
[Linhardt pauses a bit, before he finds some words to get what he wants to say started.]
...This place has allowed me to stand at your side for years, and I've found that there is no place that I'd rather be. Do you know that?
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