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we're flying through the night
[There are a lot of things Hubert knows for certain.
He knows that Lady Edelgard will take the throne and usher in a new era for Fódlan. He knows that his duty is to serve Lady Edelgard, regardless of personal cost. He knows that he would do anything and everything for her. He knows that his entire being is devoted to her, completely. He knows that nothing can stand in the way of her conquest or of his devotion.
He also knows that he's been coughing up flower petals for exactly a week now.
Hanahaki Disease is certainly not uncommon in the monastery; most of them are a bunch of stupid teenagers, it certainly isn't surprising that several of them have managed to find themselves developing feelings for someone. Such a stupid, pointless thing should have been limited to the dumb teenagers who have nothing to worry about but grades and their stupid, pointless feelings for one another.
This shouldn't be happening to someone like him. Perhaps he would be taking the situation more seriously if his feelings were for Lady Edelgard - although a situation like that is a bit horrifying to imagine. He would never betray her trust in such a way. He loves her, certainly. But not like that. That would only cause problems.
No, these feelings have come from someone else; someone entirely unexpected.
Marianne.
It's been four months since they met. In truth, he doesn't recall much of their first interaction. Claude had called Lady Edelgard over (which meant he had come with her) to introduce the others in his house as they ate breakfast. All he can remember is assessing the individuals to see if any of them could potentially be useful to the future Empress or if they could pose a threat. Marianne hadn't stood out at the time.
She hadn't stood out much when they'd first ended up talking either. It had been during some downtime, when she was tending to the animals and he was doing his usual patrols around the grounds. He'd startled the horses she was tending to so badly it had taken her quite a long time to calm them down. He had lingered a bit - curiosity compelling him to stay and watch - but he doesn't recall much of their conversation that day. Marianne was just as quiet as he had figured.
They met a few times like that, where she took care of the horses and pegasi and he watched. Despite being the most intimidating student in the academy (because he was certainly more intimidating than Dedue), she had let him remain there without much in the way of commentary.
Eventually, she ended up joining their class. Professor Byleth is certainly a skilled instructor (despite their lack of experience in teaching), so it was no surprise that Marianne had eventually left the Golden Deer to join up with them. Not that he's really aware why Marianne had joined - he hasn't asked her. It's the most logical conclusion, though.
From there, they were set to stable duty together. He'd tried to get the professor to change their mind and stick him with Lady Edelgard, but they had refused to budge. Lady Edelgard also seems to be fine with her current job with Dorothea, so he supposes he can't complain too much... Even so, it's left him with a lot of time to get to know Marianne.
Oh, sure, they don't really talk that much. At first, it was difficult to work with her. She was so quiet and he was completely inexperienced at tending to animals, and the whole thing was a mess. But eventually she started explaining how and why she was doing things to help calm the animals, and while they certainly don't like him, they're beginning to warm up a bit.
He would have just left it at that, and maybe this whole Hanahaki disaster wouldn't have happened. But instead, he decided he needed to be three steps ahead - as always - and asked Marianne to teach him to ride. A horse, of course, he wouldn't dare get near a wyvern or a pegasus. Hopefully no one was aware of that little problem.
Marianne had agreed, and riding lessons have been going surprisingly smoothly. Hubert was taught to ride as a child, but his mastery of horses is... lacking. Desperately lacking. If he has to fight on horseback, he'll definitely die. So learning to train a horse and teach it to respond to his commands is important, and Marianne has been helping tremendously.
Well, she was helping. Before the whole Hanahaki disaster thing.
He hasn't seen her in three days. Not that he's avoiding her. Or keeping track of the days. No, that isn't it at all. It's just that he's been terribly busy with Lady Edelgard's plans - they still can't do anything just yet, but every step is another one closer to her victory. It's slow-going, but it's a necessity.
In truth, he's been distant from everyone, even her. He has work to do, certainly. But he also has to keep these stupid petals to himself so no one finds out. Admitting that he has a problem sounds like a horrible idea. It would just cause Lady Edelgard to worry and the other students of the Black Eagles house to tease him mercilessly. So no, he won't do that. Once he has the time, he'll simply track down Professor Manuela and make her remove this stupid thing. The memories he'll lose don't matter to him.
(Never mind that he could do this at any point and waiting only makes it worse.)
Today isn't really any better than any of the days before it. He can usually get through the days with only two coughing jags, and he's been lucky enough to hide it from everyone. Today continues that trend - but only barely.
It strikes him when he's in the library, searching through financial records for information that could assist Lady Edelgard. The near-choking feeling hits him suddenly, and he coughs up more than a handful of delicate, white petals. The fact that they're still white is good - it hasn't been long enough to risk staining them red. Perhaps that's the one good thing about this - at least he's coughing up light-colored petals.
Linhardt is in the library, but even the rough, nearly-pained sounds of coughing up flower petals isn't enough to wake him. Hubert can be thankful of that much, but he's certainly not wasting any more time in here. He puts the books away, grabs the petals, and leaves. Hubert heads back to his room in a hurry, those petals clutched tightly in hand so no one will see them. No one can know about this.
...He's missed a single petal, but surely that isn't important.]
He knows that Lady Edelgard will take the throne and usher in a new era for Fódlan. He knows that his duty is to serve Lady Edelgard, regardless of personal cost. He knows that he would do anything and everything for her. He knows that his entire being is devoted to her, completely. He knows that nothing can stand in the way of her conquest or of his devotion.
He also knows that he's been coughing up flower petals for exactly a week now.
Hanahaki Disease is certainly not uncommon in the monastery; most of them are a bunch of stupid teenagers, it certainly isn't surprising that several of them have managed to find themselves developing feelings for someone. Such a stupid, pointless thing should have been limited to the dumb teenagers who have nothing to worry about but grades and their stupid, pointless feelings for one another.
This shouldn't be happening to someone like him. Perhaps he would be taking the situation more seriously if his feelings were for Lady Edelgard - although a situation like that is a bit horrifying to imagine. He would never betray her trust in such a way. He loves her, certainly. But not like that. That would only cause problems.
No, these feelings have come from someone else; someone entirely unexpected.
Marianne.
It's been four months since they met. In truth, he doesn't recall much of their first interaction. Claude had called Lady Edelgard over (which meant he had come with her) to introduce the others in his house as they ate breakfast. All he can remember is assessing the individuals to see if any of them could potentially be useful to the future Empress or if they could pose a threat. Marianne hadn't stood out at the time.
She hadn't stood out much when they'd first ended up talking either. It had been during some downtime, when she was tending to the animals and he was doing his usual patrols around the grounds. He'd startled the horses she was tending to so badly it had taken her quite a long time to calm them down. He had lingered a bit - curiosity compelling him to stay and watch - but he doesn't recall much of their conversation that day. Marianne was just as quiet as he had figured.
They met a few times like that, where she took care of the horses and pegasi and he watched. Despite being the most intimidating student in the academy (because he was certainly more intimidating than Dedue), she had let him remain there without much in the way of commentary.
Eventually, she ended up joining their class. Professor Byleth is certainly a skilled instructor (despite their lack of experience in teaching), so it was no surprise that Marianne had eventually left the Golden Deer to join up with them. Not that he's really aware why Marianne had joined - he hasn't asked her. It's the most logical conclusion, though.
From there, they were set to stable duty together. He'd tried to get the professor to change their mind and stick him with Lady Edelgard, but they had refused to budge. Lady Edelgard also seems to be fine with her current job with Dorothea, so he supposes he can't complain too much... Even so, it's left him with a lot of time to get to know Marianne.
Oh, sure, they don't really talk that much. At first, it was difficult to work with her. She was so quiet and he was completely inexperienced at tending to animals, and the whole thing was a mess. But eventually she started explaining how and why she was doing things to help calm the animals, and while they certainly don't like him, they're beginning to warm up a bit.
He would have just left it at that, and maybe this whole Hanahaki disaster wouldn't have happened. But instead, he decided he needed to be three steps ahead - as always - and asked Marianne to teach him to ride. A horse, of course, he wouldn't dare get near a wyvern or a pegasus. Hopefully no one was aware of that little problem.
Marianne had agreed, and riding lessons have been going surprisingly smoothly. Hubert was taught to ride as a child, but his mastery of horses is... lacking. Desperately lacking. If he has to fight on horseback, he'll definitely die. So learning to train a horse and teach it to respond to his commands is important, and Marianne has been helping tremendously.
Well, she was helping. Before the whole Hanahaki disaster thing.
He hasn't seen her in three days. Not that he's avoiding her. Or keeping track of the days. No, that isn't it at all. It's just that he's been terribly busy with Lady Edelgard's plans - they still can't do anything just yet, but every step is another one closer to her victory. It's slow-going, but it's a necessity.
In truth, he's been distant from everyone, even her. He has work to do, certainly. But he also has to keep these stupid petals to himself so no one finds out. Admitting that he has a problem sounds like a horrible idea. It would just cause Lady Edelgard to worry and the other students of the Black Eagles house to tease him mercilessly. So no, he won't do that. Once he has the time, he'll simply track down Professor Manuela and make her remove this stupid thing. The memories he'll lose don't matter to him.
(Never mind that he could do this at any point and waiting only makes it worse.)
Today isn't really any better than any of the days before it. He can usually get through the days with only two coughing jags, and he's been lucky enough to hide it from everyone. Today continues that trend - but only barely.
It strikes him when he's in the library, searching through financial records for information that could assist Lady Edelgard. The near-choking feeling hits him suddenly, and he coughs up more than a handful of delicate, white petals. The fact that they're still white is good - it hasn't been long enough to risk staining them red. Perhaps that's the one good thing about this - at least he's coughing up light-colored petals.
Linhardt is in the library, but even the rough, nearly-pained sounds of coughing up flower petals isn't enough to wake him. Hubert can be thankful of that much, but he's certainly not wasting any more time in here. He puts the books away, grabs the petals, and leaves. Hubert heads back to his room in a hurry, those petals clutched tightly in hand so no one will see them. No one can know about this.
...He's missed a single petal, but surely that isn't important.]
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You don't need to worry about that. I don't particularly care whether your father would approve or not. If this is something you're interested in, then we can find a way to address that should it become necessary.
[He lifts their hands, shifting a bit so he can hold her hand before him.]
I would be honored if you would agree to... court me, Marianne.
[He presses a light kiss to the back of her hand, exactly as gallant and proper as someone like Ferdinand would manage.
...It's kind of ruined entirely by just how red he's turning, but you know what, he's trying.]
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For as mildly concerned as Marianne's look gets, all of it is lost the very instant he starts to shift their joined hands up and...
...
Marianne.exe needs to reboot, oh dear goddess above.]
Y--Y--Yes! Yes, I would--I would, um, l-love to...!
[...That comes out super stupid and choked, and her whole face practically goes a stark shade of red. Honestly, her face looks like a beet right now, red enough to cook off of and likely warm enough to do so as well.
Does not compute?? Does not compute????? Help???????? Someone factory reset this child, her brain has practically short circuited and she can only stare at Hubert with the dumbest expression in the world.
The horses do all seem to neigh in relative, almost cheering unison, though. You both did it!!]
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Her words get another laugh out of him, louder this time. It's still entirely too evil-sounding and dark for the situation, but it's genuinely pleased too.]
I honestly hadn't thought you would be interested in me at all, so I admit I'm not entirely sure what to do now.
I'm... very pleased, Marianne. Thank you.
[He drops her hand back down, though he doesn't let go and instead moves to lace their fingers together as well.]
I... ah... apologize for skipping riding lessons lately as well. I'm sure the reason why is obvious now, but it was still rude of me not to let you know I wouldn't be present. Perhaps... you would be interested in continuing that now?
[...As a date. He means it as a date, look he really doesn't know what he's doing here—]
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Marianne does jump slightly at the laugh, but she finds herself laughing with him. Her laughter is far too quiet, almost breathy in comparison, and a little on the awkward side but...she is happy, at the least.]
N-no, thank you. If it wasn't for you, I'd...well...
[...No, let's not focus on that. Marianne's more than happy to let him lace their fingers together, and she's honestly content to leave it at that...
But oh, that is a good point.]
Well, I wouldn't mind...but...it might be a little late--
[As if on cue, Dorte neighs from nearby--bringing Marianne out of her thoughts with whatever the horse was trying to convey, and she thinks she gets it.]
Oh, Dorte doesn't mind! [Marianne laughs a little more.] ...I think he's happy for us both. If Dorte is okay with it, so am I.
[Sure it's a little late, but...maybe being a little rebellious wouldn't be so bad. Let her just get the door unlocked for him and get him out...]
Should I...see if one of the others wants to join us?
[.........the horses, because of course their feelings matter.]
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I was thinking tomorrow, perhaps... But if you and Dorte are not opposed, I certainly wouldn't mind a ride tonight.
[To be honest, he doesn't want to return to his room and to sit and think about all of this. He's not sure he'll be able to sleep well anyway... This is a lot to take in. It's exciting and freeing, but there's so much he has to consider. He has so much to tell Lady Edelgard, and then he'll undoubtedly need to figure out how to work Marianne into everything they're doing...
He's not going to dwell on it right now, though.]
I'd like that, but I certainly wouldn't want to keep you up too late.
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[Was she too enthusiastic? She might have been too enthusiastic. Marianne's expression dampens a bit, but not for long, because a small smile returns.]
...Well, I should be in bed. But...I...want to be a little rebellious. I-If that's okay, of course.
[She'll go and get the saddle all prepared and stuff, she knows Dorte's favorite and most comfortable one at least. And it'll be comfortable for Hubert, too.]
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[He follows and watches her, of course. He's learned plenty about horseback riding from her, but even so it never hurts to watch a master at work.]
We don't have to stay out too long if you're worried about it, but this is... nice.
[Really nice, okay.]
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[Marianne can say that confidently, for once. Well, with as much confidence as she has on a good day, which...isn't much, but being around him helps her feel more confident. She can do this!!
Once she's got Dorte all prepared, Marianne...well, she actually does look to the other horses and she already sees that most of them are sleeping, or readying themselves for sleep. So...]
I-I guess I'll be riding with you. Dorte, is that okay?
[An affirmative neigh!! Marianne smiles.]
He says it's okay. Hubert, what about you?
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Of course. I'd be honored.
[He presses a hand to his chest and ducks a bit in a bow, mostly because he's flushed and doesn't want her to see it.]
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Thank you, Hubert...
[...It occurs to her that she's not sure whether he wants to lead the horse or not, but...
Marianne will move a bit so he can get on the horse first; she'll sit behind him, unless he has objections.
...And maybe lean against him because he is tall and probably comfortable.]
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Ah, are you certain? I wouldn't wish to make you... or Dorte uncomfortable.
[Not that he's not able to handle most horses by now (he's decent, at least), but Dorte is her favorite, and he's not entirely certain he's up to the task of doing this properly. Of course, this is probably a better option than having to sit behind her and put his hands on her waist, but—]
I leave that up to you, Marianne.
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[Affirmative neigh!!]
Oh, and Dorte is too. I think he'd...like to see how you can do. But I'll be right behind you. Just in case.
[Marianne does believe in Hubert, at the very least. Dorte's...on the fence, but on the good side of the fence!! Surely you got this, Hubert.]
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[A nod to Dorte... It's a little weird being proper to a horse but you know what, his life's already pretty damn weird.
Anyway, up we go! He mounts easily and waits for Marianne to join him before gently urging Dorte forward.]
If you have any tips, don't hesitate to give them. It will be quite some time before I've mastered this.
[Not that he's ever really mentioned why he needs to master this. Look, it's fine. The likelihood of him actually fighting on horseback is low, but it's not a chance he's willing to take.]
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...She is so thankful that he can't see her beet red face as she settles on steadying herself by going for the waist, it's fine, it's all fine--]
Just...be gentle with them. Even in battle, you'll both be much happier if you treat each other with kindness...
[It's gentle advice, at least.]
But...you are, um, doing very well. I think Dorte is starting to like you.
[...The rest of them are still on the fence, but congrats, you have one (1) horse friend!!]
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Thank you. I'm pleased I've been able to improve this much.
[It's not perfection, not yet. But every little bit helps.]
And thank you for taking the time out of your day to teach me.
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[Marianne sounds pleased, honestly. She never would have expected him to even like animals, but the way he's been so earnest about learning is...honestly, a good part of why she likes him. Anyone who appreciates animals is a good person, in her book!
Marianne's head winds up leaning into Hubert's back while they ride, just...kind of settling there. Hopefully that's alright.]
You've gotten so much better. It's, um...I'm really happy that you are. It's been one of my favorite things to do...
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You're exceptionally skilled with animals. I've never been very good with them. Riding is... much more relaxing than I thought it was when I was first taught.
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Oh, um...who taught you how to ride them? [...] Some people really aren't...good at teaching it. It can make everything really stressful, and ruin someone's impression of it...
[...]
I...I am glad that I can help you.
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My father taught me when I was very young. The lessons... didn't stick very well.
[For many reasons. But he's content to leave it at that.]
You've been patient with me and you're very skilled at giving pointers and advice without making it sound demeaning. I've enjoyed your lessons.
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But...then he talks about his father, and even in so few words, it gets Marianne to frown.]
...I see.
[Marianne can glean a few things from that, and one of her hands does separate to go up, briefly patting him on the shoulder.]
I...I, um, don't think that being harsh...allows anyone to learn. That's all. It only discourages them. And that just, um...makes not want to learn it again...
[Her hand goes back down to his waist, wrapping around again.]
And that...helps no one, doesn't it?
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You're right, of course. It's why the Officers Academy is so highly recommended, I'd imagine. I've heard good things of Professor Hanneman and Professor Manuela, and Professor Byleth is certainly... interesting.
[...is that a compliment or not???]
The overwhelming majority of instructors I had were harsh. What I've seen here at the academy is much preferable.
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...They are very interesting. All of the instructors are. It makes, um, learning at the academy enjoyable.
[...]
I'm glad that you're here. That you can have teachers who aren't so harsh. It sounds like you've been able to learn a lot.
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[He's only going to be more useful to Lady Edelgard now, so he certainly can't complain.]
I'm pleased you're here as well. I'm glad you joined our house.
[It's a little stilted, because expressing emotion is always kind of Difficult, but he means it.]
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...I am too.
[Marianne's voice is always soft, but it's a little softer at that. Kinder.]
Even if I was worried...you all have been really kind to me. I'm, um, really happy to be a part of the Black Eagles.
[...]
And...with you. Too.
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I never would have imagined any of this would happen when you joined us. I hadn't anticipated developing feelings for anyone, but all things considered... I couldn't have chosen anyone better.
[...He's really glad she can't see his face right now.]
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