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[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...]

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[Linhardt feels his face heat as he looks to Hubert when he says that, nerves consuming him whole but--]

...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.]

[...

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.

[Linhardt's confused at first by the laughter, wondering if he'd done something wrong--but then Hubert explains himself, and the knots in Linhardt's stomach undo themselves all at once and Linhardt finds himself the most expressive he's ever been in his life as he laughs as well. It's unrestrained and free, and the fact that they both came up here with the same idea is all too hilarious.

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.

Edited 2019-08-25 18:50 (UTC)

[Linhardt moves away and it's only when he kneels that Hubert understands what he's doing. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest and it takes him a moment to realize what he wants to do.

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.]

[Linhardt feels his eyes starting to blur again the slightest bit as Hubert pulls him so close--and Linhardt returns that in kind, holding his boyfriend--no, his fiance, as close as humanly possible as he laughs, full of mirth and freedom.

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?

[Oh, that...

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.

[Linhardt worries for a moment that he may have said too much, but when Hubert's shoulders shake after he says that it's a much better name, and he feels his shoulder getting stained with tears...

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?]

[It takes him a little bit to settle, to get the tears under control to a point where he feels comfortable sitting back a bit and looking at Linhardt again. One hand comes up to Linhardt's cheek and he presses a brief kiss to the corner of his mouth.]

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.]

[Linhardt's eyes close in content at that brief little kiss, and he nods his head.]

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 death~~

Please 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-law~~ no, 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???]

Edited 2019-08-25 20:25 (UTC)

[He reads through the letter, easily smiling as he goes through it. Octavia certainly is quite a character...]

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.]

[Linhardt will actually move to take those pictures, and his eyes widen a bit in surprise--he knew his mother sketched from time to time, she had small piles of sketchbooks in her closet that she sometimes had him help organize, but this...]

...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.]

Your mother is an incredible woman. I can see where you get your overwhelming honesty from. And where you get your urge to tease me from.

[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.

[Linhardt laughs a little at that, though he can definitely agree with Hubert's analysis. He definitely got those traits from his mother, that's for sure. (Though he's more than willing to argue that the teasing is natural, but he digresses.)

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.

Thank you, Linhardt.

[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.

[Linhardt's more than willing to return that gesture with gusto, holding his fiance as close to him as he possibly can. He never wants to be parted from Hubert ever again.]

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.

I'm sure it will be amazing. I could never have imagined things would end up like this.

[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?

[Linhardt chuckles a bit at that--in agreement, at first, and then when Hubert's grip tightens on him...

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.

[He sits back a bit to look at Linhardt as he speaks. It's comforting, to hear Linhardt speak so freely and confidently about the future. Their future. It's not something he'd really thought about before, because he'd been so busy focusing on Her Majesty's path and to be honest, he hadn't really considered where it would end.

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.

And do so we shall. I'm looking quite forward to it.

[Linhardt will move to press a kiss to the corner of Hubert's mouth, and simply just...lets himself lean back into Hubert, honestly. He's so content to be near his fiance...]

We'll need to continue to work in order to ensure that your wish comes true to, you know. Mine isn't the only wish that we should focus on; our wishes are each others, to work toward.

[He holds Linhardt tightly, almost as if he's afraid to let go.]

Of course. I would expect nothing less. I will remain Her Majesty's right hand until she has no need for my services anymore. With an era of peace, I can only imagine that the day may come sooner than I imagine.

[There are certainly problems that can be solved with murder, and it isn't as though they're free from war forever. There are still potential threats, but they don't seem as immediate right now.]

Still, thank you. I doubt I could do this without you at my side.

[He doesn't want to imagine it.]

That is what we will do, then. Until that day of peace arrives, and then...we can nap freely, and deeply.

[Linhardt is more than happy to be held so tightly--he almost always says it, but Hubert is truly so warm that it's so lovely. He could spend the rest of his life like this, with his fiance...

...And the more he thinks about it, the more he's giddy to soon call this man his husband...gods, that'll be a hell of a day.]

It's no trouble, Hubert. It's much the same for me. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world. [...He is starting to feel a little cold in his dancer outfit and it's showing, though, brr. He's just kinda gonna cuddle Hubert a bit for warmth.] ...Well, except maybe in a room, curling up with you, but...I'm rather enjoying being in here again. I simply regret not changing; taking a nap in here like I've always wanted will prove to be a harder endeavor than I thought.

[That gets a soft laugh out of him, and he moves to scoop Linhardt up easily.]

Come, then. Let's find somewhere a little warmer. You can come back here and nap whenever you'd like. For now... For now, I'd like to be selfish, and keep you with me.

[...]

I suppose I can let you walk once we're back downstairs, if you'd prefer.

[Unless you are absolutely fine showing off in front of everyone, which he doesn't mind at all right now.]

[O-oh...that is very attractive and Linhardt's more than happy to allow it, holy shit. He hooks his arms around Hubert's neck with no intention of letting go, cuddling into him all the easier.]

Oh, absolutely not. I don't ever want to leave those wonderfully strong arms of yours...at least, not until we get to the destination you have in mind. You have my complete permission to be selfish with me, my love...

[Linhardt's absolutely here to show off and be shown off. Have at, Hubert. Though, he does chuckle--]

Will you sweep me off my feet like this again, when we're walking down the aisles? This is quite fun...

[He's practically giddy as he lets himself relax in Hubert's arms.]

If you'll allow it. I certainly wouldn't mind showing off my incredibly handsome partner.

[He keeps Linhardt held tightly to him as he descends the stairs, and doesn't hesitate at all as he enters the main hall again. There are stares, certainly, but he doesn't give any of them a passing glance or thought (aside from Her Majesty, who gets the briefest nod) before he's already headed out.]

Would you prefer it if we stayed in your room tonight or mine?

[Because separating is absolutely out of the question.]

Of course.

[Linhardt himself keeps something of an eye on the people as they enter the main hall, though he only pays attention to those relevant, in his eyes--though he does think he heard Sylvain whistling, if nothing else, he gives Marianne the briefest of smiles, and waves at Annette and Mercedes when they wave at him (enthusiastically, in Annette's case, bless her soul)--but otherwise, he's more than here for being comfortable and shown off.

Hubert's question does get a bit of a pause in consideration...]

Let's stay in yours; I've been quite happy to play host a few times, after all, but I've always wanted to spend the night in that room of yours... [Ah.] May we stop by mine first, however? I ought to get changed into something a little more comfortable than this.

[...]

Unless you'd like me to stay in this...

[There's the hint of a smirk on Linhardt's face when he says that.]

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