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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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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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He tips his head slightly to the side at that, studying Linhardt for any indication of what he wants to ask.]
I'll answer. What is it?
[...there it goes, right over his head...]
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...You've said that all you have left, you would give to me. And I would like to take you up on that, Hubert; I would like to occupy your time in a way no one else has--in a way that not even Her Majesty does, though I...don't intend to take anything from her, of course...
[Shoot. He's losing his nerve, isn't he?]
But...I...
[Linhardt's not sure how to finish that, and he knows he's just saying something to make the air not so awkward or tense--which it likely quickly becomes after that, since Linhardt's feeling his throat close on him.]
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Wait.
Wait, hang on, is Linhardt—?]
Are you asking me to marry you?
[It's blunt, perhaps entirely too much so, and he can't really do anything besides stare because this? This is somehow the last thing he expected, even though this is exactly what he came up here to do. He doesn't sound opposed to the idea, just confused.]
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...Yes? [...] Was I not obvious enough in my intentions?
[Hubert's not the only one who's staring at this point. Linhardt looks so confused? Hubert doesn't look...opposed, so that's good, but.
There is such an audible ?????? in his tone.]
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It's at that moment that Hubert realizes (yet again) that he is supremely bad at this whole courting thing.
The laugh that leaves him is undignified and unrestrained, and he has to duck his head to try to get himself under control. This? This is the funniest and stupidest damn thing he has ever witnessed, and if this doesn't sum up their entire relationship, he doesn't know what would.]
I'm not... My timing was awful, I'm not laughing at your proposal. I came up here with the same intention, and with a well-rehearsed speech that I promptly forgot the moment I laid eyes on you.
[He brings his free hand up to the side of Linhardt's face, resting it there gently.]
I would love nothing more than to be yours for the remainder of our lives. Yes, Linhardt, I'll marry you.
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But that's just the way he likes it, honestly, and he looks back up at Hubert once he brings his hand to the side of Linhardt's face, and Linhardt leans into it with deep contentment.]
I didn't even come here with a speech...truly, I was simply hoping to wing it and hope that you might say yes--I wouldn't have ever dreamed that you would come up here with the same idea...!
[Gods, he's so happy.]
Ah, but I should--hold a moment, I need to ensure I do this part properly, if nothing else. I have a few things, but...
[Unfortunately, this means that Hubert's hand is likely going to have to disconnect for a moment while Linhardt goes down to one knee--idly, he worries about messing up the dancer outfit by doing so, but he doesn't care. Hubert said yes.]
Now, this is rather hilariously out of order, but-- [Linhardt digs through his outfit a bit--the letter from his mother, a surprisingly thick envelope with the seal of House Hevring on it, falls out while he searches, but he finds what he's looking for; a silver ring with a deep green gem laid within it. He presents it to Hubert while he looks up at him. There's no fancy box, but...] --this is for you, Hubert.
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He kneels beside Linhardt and moves to pull him close, holding him tightly.]
Thank you, Linhardt. I'll gladly accept.
...Unfortunately, I don't have a ring for you. Given the circumstances, I thought it might be best not to give you House Vestra's.
[He has the ring, sure, but he killed his dad so uh. That's awkward.]
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This is what he's wanted all along, isn't it? This is what love is meant to feel like, like he's walking on clouds and supporting Hubert as they walk, uncaring of the world at large. They're the only ones who matter, in this moment.]
Thank you...thank you, for doing me the greatest honor...
[Linhardt pulls his head back the slightest bit to press a kiss against Hubert's cheek, smiling in a contented manner.]
...And I understand. Really, it may be for the best to disconnect yourself from such a thing, wouldn't it? For the memories are painful, and they deserve to be left in the dust--to be replaced by new ones.
[...]
That, and... [Linhardt's tone goes a little soft, more nervous, as he speaks again.] ...I think that Hubert von Hevring suits you much better. What do you think?
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To be honest, he never had any interest in asking Linhardt to join House Vestra. He hadn't really thought of joining House Hevring, though. Linhardt's certainly not wrong in saying that there are painful memories there, and replacing them with new and better ones with Linhardt and his family...]
I do. It's a much better name, isn't it?
[His grip tightens on Linhardt and he rests his forehead against Linhardt's shoulder. His own shoulders start to shake and suddenly he's aware that he's crying. When was the last time he cried? It must have been so long ago, when he learned Lady Edelgard was taken. This isn't the same sort of crying, he can tell that much. That was desperation and anger and it felt like he was losing a huge part of himself. This feels like he's finally becoming whole.]
I'd be honored to be Hubert von Hevring. Nothing... Nothing could mean more to me.
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Linhardt holds Hubert while he cries. He rubs Hubert's back, as he feels tears starting to fall from his own eyes--how could they not, at this point? He loves Hubert, he loves this man who he's wanted to give happiness to for so long, and to finally have that opportunity is something Linhardt is relishing as relief floods him--as understanding finally comes, as he cries alongside Hubert. He couldn't be happier to have this moment, to be able to give Hubert the life he feels he deserves.]
I'm...so incredibly glad, you know...more than I could ever express.
[And they'll stay like that for a little bit--he'll let Hubert cry, and only once he feels Hubert still, once he feels Hubert is ready, he'll use his free hand to pick up the bulky envelope that fell out, and press it into one of Hubert's hands.]
In that case...this, too, is for you.
[It has fancy quill-work on the front that says Hubert ♥ on it. Yes, heart and all. It's not Linhardt's handwriting, to say the least. It's more likely to belong to someone overbearing...
Which likely means it won't be too hard to figure out who made this. Will you open it up, Hubert?]
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