sranks | we're flying through the night

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.]

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I'm not worried.

[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?

[O-Oh, that's... Well, it's not as though it's the first time they've ridden together, though maybe this time will be less awkward since he's actually fully aware of his feelings and fully aware of hers.]

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.]

[So gallant...Marianne has to hide her all too delighted smile behind her hands, giggling into them delightedly. This really is the first time they've done this, so it is going to feel special...]

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.]

[...Oh, uh...]

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.

I-I'm certain.

[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.]

Very well. Thank you. Ah, both of you.

[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.]

[Marianne will climb on easily, gently patting at Dorte a bit before settling down. Hubert will likely feel Marianne's hands ghost his shoulders and his waist almost nervously, before just...

...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!!]

[Ah good, she's settled in. It's admittedly a bit awkward, but in a good way. He's glad she can't see that he's flushed too.]

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.

Y-you really have! I...I was a little surprised that you wanted to learn, but...

[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...

[He freezes for a moment when she leans into him, but it passes quickly enough and he relaxes. That's... really nice, honestly... It's really a good thing she can't see his face right now; he's not entirely sure what his expression is doing, but he knows it isn't something he wants to let anyone see.]

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.

[...Marianne can't help but feel nervous, the longer she does this, but...it's nice, honestly, even if he can likely feel her fidget a bit. It's fine, she's fine--]

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.

[His hand comes down to hers, to rest gently over them for a moment before returning to the reign. It's his attempt at a calming gesture, anyway.]

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.

[Oh...that's actually kind of nice. Marianne does calm a bit at that, and she settles against him. It's honestly nice that he's taking the time to calm her at all.

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?

Edited 2019-09-17 05:22 (UTC)

[The shoulder pat is kind of nice...]

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.

[...Professor Hanneman is kind of an awkward subject and Marianne is super glad that he can't see her right now. Marianne's hands go to clasp each other around Hubert's waist; she doesn't want to fidget this time.]

...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.

I have.

[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.]

[same bad at emotions hat..........]

...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.

[It gets something that's not quite a laugh out of him, more like an exhale.]

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.]

[Marianne is likewise glad, believe her. She winds up holding him a bit tighter at that and it'll definitely feel like she's burying her face in his back. Just a bit; enough to ensure that if anyone sees, they won't see how bright red she is.]

I...I didn't, too. It was, um... [...] You were always very imposing. When Claude introduced us to Edelgard. You were with her there, and it was a little...

[...Scary? Frightening? Awkward? All of the above work, but Marianne trails off.]

...But I'm glad you chose me. And I chose you, too. You're really nice.

[you know, under the five million layers of vampire aesthetic and being an intimidating, looming man]

[O-Oh, it's really nice to feel her against him like that...]

Don't let anyone else hear you say that.

[It's more of a joke than a threat. He can imagine just how bizarre everyone else would find that idea...]

You're one of the lucky few who gets to see that side of me.

[...Okay, that gets a giggle--]

It's okay. I'm good at being quiet.

[This is the most anyone has likely ever heard Marianne talk, in the history of ever. It's just easy to chatter with Hubert like this.]

I'm...really happy. That I get to see it. It's something I'll...cherish.

[As if she doesn't already. This is nice, and ideal. Quiet, private enough, and Marianne is the most comfortable she's felt in her life.]

[Oh, he's noticed. And he would love nothing more than to continue this forever, but...]

I suppose I should return you both soon. It is getting late.

[Not like that's a problem for him, but it's rude to assume she wants to be up all night.]

Would you... care to continue this tomorrow?

[...Ah, shoot, that is true. Marianne does need to...well, at least try to get some sleep. She's never been very good at it, but it's okay, she can probably get some coffee in the morning. Marianne does give the tiniest yawn before answering.]

I'd like nothing more, Hubert.

[...But yeah, let's get back to the stables, Dorte seems to be a little drowsy too. The growing boy needs his rest, and so do these two goblins--]

Hopefully...these flowers clear out from both of us, too. They shouldn't cause anymore problems, now that we've...

[You know, admitted it. Marianne does raise her head a little bit and coughs, though--she's still got quite the mess going on in her chest, but at least it should be fine.]

They should clear up sometime within the next day or so.

[Perhaps a bit longer for Marianne, given the size of her petals.]

If there's anything I can do to assist you until then, please let me know.

[He guides Dorte back to the stables, bringing the horse to a stop once they've arrived. He'll dismount first, then hold out a hand for Marianne.]

[That makes sense...at least they won't be growing further and causing problems. Marianne will gladly take his hand and get down, giving Dorte a pat on the head before walking out with Hubert.]

I'll try. I don't think it will bother me too much, but...I will let you know if there are any problems.

[...She says, not saying a thing about how bad they had gotten, but it's fine, it'll heal.]

...Thank you. For this. Um...I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

[She's not sure if he'd want to walk her back to her room or not, but Marianne will give a small bow and turn to head back.]

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