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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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...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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But perhaps Linhardt's sensed his nervousness or maybe he's just lucky, either way, he's brought a topic of conversation up, and that's something Hubert can cling to while he tries to get his bearings and figure out how to salvage this.]
I'm pleased that it has brought you to my side. I've never had any fondness for nostalgia, but it is nice to be here with you again.
[Still a little stiff, but that's fine, he can work through it.]
I don't know how things would have turned out if you hadn't made that wish.
[Not that he believes the wish was the cause of everything, because of course it wasn't. He still doesn't believe the Goddess Tower and any wishes made here hold any power, but hearing Linhardt express it was most likely what set him on a path to better befriend the man. It hadn't been a conscious decision at the time, but had Linhardt not spoken it, he might never have bothered.
It doesn't do to dwell on what-could-have-beens so he ignores it.]
I'm... happy to be back here with you now.
[It's the truth, even if it's a little difficult to express it at the moment.]
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[Linhardt feels his confidence building, though, and he winds up holding out one of his hands for Hubert to take, if he so wishes. He's running on impulse alone, at this point--he has to ensure that he doesn't lose his nerve.]
I'm happy too. For that reason, and...because I feel like I know you so well now. I know so much more about you, than I did before, and it's all because we seized the opportunity and forged this path.
Do you feel the same?
[Linhardt can do this. That's what he tells himself, at least.]
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He has to remind himself to breathe, and to listen to what Linhardt's saying.]
Of course I do. This isn't a path I would have ever thought to find myself on, but there's nothing else I would ever want. I am - and always will be - Her Majesty's, but I've found that there's more to me than just my service to her. All that I have left, I would give to you, Linhardt.
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I-I'm...I'm glad to hear that, Hubert. Rather glad, in fact.
[This is as good an opportunity as any. Linhardt decides to go for it.]
In that case...I'd like to ask you something. A once-in-a-lifetime question, if you will.
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