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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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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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Thank you.
[He takes the envelope, taking a moment to stare at the handwriting.]
From your mother?
[He'll go ahead and open it though, curious about what Linhardt's mother would want to give him of all people.]
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Yes, from her. I do hope she doesn't say something too overbearing...
[Oh Linhardt, you sweet summer child.
Either way, when Hubert opens the envelope, there are at least a few things inside--a few sheets of paper, one rather colorful, one a little more sketch-like, and the other a letter, with enough words to fill two pages. The letter will read as follows--
And yes. It's just as embarrassingly written as it appears.]
To dearest Hubert,
Hello, sweetheart! If you've received this letter, this must mean that you've agreed to marry my son, right? ♥
(Unless you happened to find this and proved a little too nosy--in which case, I should say shame on you, but it's more likely my silly little boy dropped it and ruined the surprise! Please try to at least show a little surprise to him, won't you? It would mean the world to him, I'm sure.)
But! That is beside the point! I cannot tell you enough how excited I am to welcome you into our family! ♥ Oh, I've seen those letters you boys exchanged with one another and wondered if my sweet, silly little Linny found a nice lady (or man) to fancy, but I could hardly believe my eyes when I met you! That such a wonderful young man would come before us, asking to court our son. ♥
Even if Cadmus and I had our worries at first, you proved yourself to be more than a fine enough young man to take our son's hand, and motivate him so wonderfully! ♥ Oh, our silly boy likely doesn't say it enough, but I've seen the way you've changed him. He's become a fine young man in his own right, so motivated, so full of that bright youthful vigor that I admire about those your age! ♥ And you, dearest Hubert, have proven yourself far more than the nobles who only flap their gums day in and day out--you're a kind young man, prudent in all you do, and the strength of your character speaks far more volumes than anyone else ever could!
That, and I'm certain that cad of a man did everything he could to deserve his deathPlease ignore that, Cadmus is looking over my shoulder while I write and says that's improper to say. But it is true! ♥ Even if you were involved, no parent of a child who actually loves and cares for them would ever invite such hideous actions! That's what I believe, and nothing would ever change my mind.
Back on track, however!
[...You're gonna wanna flip the page for this one, Hubert, she reached the end of the paper...]
I'm quite happy to say that we have more than approved of our son taking your hand in marriage! ♥ Oh, I cannot tell you how excited I am to see what sort of wedding you two decide to go with. Know that we will be more than happy to facilitate everything your little hearts desire! ♥ So long as Her Majesty approves of you marrying Linny, we are more than happy to allow it as well!
Truly, we are both most excited to welcome you into our family. I haven't the faintest idea if you wish to stay with House Vestra or not, but if Linny doesn't bring it up, allow me to--you are more than welcome to join us in House Hevring. ♥ Our family is a rather eclectic in nature, but there is more than enough room for you to take a place here. Let us show you what a true family is like! ♥ Let us all show you love, laughter, brightness, and anything else your little heart wishes for, my son
-in-lawno, no, simply my son! If you've gotten this far, then you deserve to be a part of our family in full! I would be more than happy to call you mine, and Cadmus, distant as he is, would be more than happy to consider you his own as well. ♥ (He'll just be a little fuddy-duddy about it, but don't worry about him.)Oh, I should stop before I ramble on. Please, do take care, dearest Hubert. ♥ We look forward to seeing you again very soon, and I look forward to getting the chance to spoil you! ♥
Yours truly,
Octavia von Hevring ♥
P.S. I do hope you don't mind that I decided to sketch you two! I wanted this to be a proper painting, but my muse simply did not find me properly. You two simply must let me paint you together! ♥♥♥
[True to her word, Octavia did include two pictures in her letter. One is simply a sketch of the two of them together, holding each other in their arms; it turns out she's quite good at what she does, considering the sheer detail that she captures Hubert's face and expression with, and the softness she gives Linhardt's expression.
The other? Is almost a painting; it seems to have been colored in with watercolors, but it appears that she did paint one of her sketches rather vibrantly. It's of Hubert and Linhardt taking a nap in that huge, colorful field of wildflowers together. Seems like she must have been...watching...whoops? But at least it's pretty???]
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Your mother had quite a lot to say, and included some of her work.
[He'll pass the pictures over after taking a look at them; they're beautiful and gentle and he's very happy to have seen them.]
She's a very talented artist, and she's very welcoming. I... really couldn't be happier to have her approval.
[He'll let Linhardt see the letter if he wants to, but otherwise he'll reread it over and over again, like he's having a hard time really accepting everything she's written out for him.]
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...They're beautiful. Mother really captured both of us so wonderfully, didn't she?
[He'd never actually shown an interest in what she sketched out, but now...Linhardt has to admit, he's kicking himself for not doing it sooner.
Linhardt will move over to read the letter over Hubert's shoulder, if he'll let him--he's not surprised by the words, or the excessive amount of hearts, that's just how she is, but...
He sees the look on Hubert's face as his eyes scan the letter, and Linhardt smiles.]
...That woman has never lied a day in her life, you know. [Linhardt starts that easily.] Mother always encouraged living true to one's self, within reason, and though she's overbearing...she wants to encourage everyone to be the best they can be, even at her age.
[He'll place a hand on Hubert's shoulder.]
So you can be assured that she means every embarrassing word on that page. That approval of hers comes from the heart, and so does everything else.
[Linhardt's not sure if Hubert can believe it, but he's at least trying to assure Hubert.]
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[He turns so he can face Linhardt, smiling openly.]
I would like to spend more time with your family. I... would like to be accepted into your house. It doesn't have to be immediate, of course, but...
You're right. House Vestra carries a lot of terrible memories, and I would greatly prefer to put it behind me.
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Either way, Linhardt's nod is utterly resolute at that last portion.]
Then let us put all of those painful memories to rest, once and for all. Bury them where they belong, and take the time to do so...
But here and now, forevermore...you may proudly call yourself a member of House Hevring. They've all but accepted you as is, my love. We will have to visit again to settle things properly, but...
We will do that when we have the chance to. As of right now, however, you are a part of our family. And...I couldn't be happier to have you here.
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[He pulls his boyfriend - fiance - back into his arms and holds him tight.]
I am a bit embarrassed that I still can't recall any of what I planned to say to you, but you've certainly outdone yourself with this proposal. I can't imagine being any happier.
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You'll have to tell me if you recall any of it, if you ever do--I'm certain you would have swept me off my feet in the most lovely of ways.
[Linhardt moves one of his hands to rub at Hubert's back.]
I'm so glad to have made you happy, Hubert--I didn't plan a single thing, outside of giving you the ring and letter...the rest of it was simply a series of impulsive decisions. And I'm glad that they fell into place enough to make you so very happy.
Ah... [Linhardt sighs, contentedly.] I'm so incredibly excited to spend the rest of my life with you, my love. There's still much work to do, and yet...I cannot wait to see where this journey of our joined lives takes us.
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[His grip on Linhardt tightens for a moment.]
Ah, but while we're up here... Do you have another wish now that yours has come true?
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Well, he does so even more.]
Another wish...hm. I had not considered...
[Maybe the Goddess can grant them another push in the right direction...or maybe they can set a new goal for themselves to work toward. It worked well enough for them last time. But...]
...I think I do indeed have something.
[Linhardt closes his eyes a bit.]
I wish to make you the happiest man alive--to assist you further in your goals, until the day comes where we can retire peacefully, and pass the world to a new generation. One unbound to the hierarchy, one that will live in, and bring prosperity to this world, once our part is done...
And I wish that once this is over...that we may retire to the countryside, and grow old together. That we may find a place...that we may truly call paradise, and grow old in each other's lasting company.
[...Ah. Linhardt chuckles, sheepishly.]
...Perhaps that is a touch too complicated. Perhaps...it would be simpler to wish that our future will be bright. So that whether the Goddess blesses us or not...it is something we can work toward, ourselves.
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Knowing that it ends with Linhardt fills him with joy.]
I like that idea. I don't know how easily I can settle into a peaceful life, but spending it with you sounds incredible. I look forward to it. It's a wonderful wish. Let's do all we can to make it come true.
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