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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

[He gives her a bow as well, though doesn't move to leave immediately. It isn't as though he has anything pressing to do tonight (the only thing on his agenda was to confront Marianne and that went much better than he ever would have expected), yet he hesitates anyway.

Suddenly, he realizes he doesn't want her to go just yet.]

Marianne, wait.

[It doesn't take him long to catch up to her, but even once he does he still hesitates before speaking.]

...Permit me to escort you to your room.

[That sounds less like a request and more like an order, but it's an attempt...]

While the monastery grounds are certainly safe, I would prefer to see you off myself. Just in case.

[It probably sounds like paranoia. Maybe it is. It's easier to admit to that than his more human desire of just wanting to remain with her for a little longer.]

[Marianne jumps a little bit when she hears Hubert ask her to wait--did she do something wrong? Marianne isn't sure at first, but she does turn around and...

...That sounds very distinctly like an order, and she's surprised that Hubert would be worried about an attack happening on monastery grounds. This place is probably one of the safest places to be for them, and yet...

Marianne nods.]

Oh, um. Well, if you're sure...

[It's a simple response, at the very least, and...]

Then let's go back. [...] Should we, um...

[...Marianne holds her hand tentatively out again, fidgeting with her sleeve with the other hand. Sure, they just had a (date) lesson, but she's not sure how private Hubert would want to keep this.]

[For a brief moment, that gets Hubert to relax. The smile he wears is genuine, perhaps a bit too open from someone like him. Then he catches himself and steels it into something a little safer, more guarded.

He takes her hand easily.]

I appreciate it.

[Her offering her and and her allowing him to escort her back, he means. His grip on her hand is perhaps a little tighter than it should be.

Other than that, he doesn't speak; it probably isn't surprising that he doesn't need Marianne to guide him back to her room.]

[Somewhere in that head of hers, Marianne wonders if Hubert just wanted another excuse to hold her hand...but no, that's probably silly. Still, the man does know his way around the monastery, and Marianne is a little surprised when he finds her room so easily.]

Oh...you know your way around the monastery really well.

[It's not said derisively or anything like that; it's Marianne's ever soft tone that comes out at that, before she fixes Hubert with a small smile.]

Thank you. It was...really nice of you, to help me to my room.

[Marianne will start to unlock her door, letting go of Hubert's hand after some reluctance.]

I'll...see you tomorrow. Good night, Hubert.

Of course.

[It's for Lady Edelgard's sake, of course. The monastery isn't nearly as safe as most students think it is, so it's been his job to prepare for the worst case scenario. As always.

But thoughts like that are far from his mind right now and he releases her hand so she can get the door unlocked.]

Good night, Marianne. And ah... Thank you, again.

[For all of this.]

[And with that began a courting experience that Marianne had to convince herself, daily, wasn't a dream.

Hubert and Marianne were rather quiet people, after all; there weren't many who knew of the fact they were courting one another. She was more than content with small, quiet dates and the like that they took throughout the next couple weeks; things that could wouldn't raise brows. Marianne liked it that way, personally. She was never fond of great, overtly noble or extravagant gestures, not at all. So the fact that they spent quiet time together was something that made Marianne all the happier; they could hold hands and enjoy each other's company, and nobody would be the wiser for it.

Of course, there were some that managed to get to the bottom of what was going on; Dorothea and Hilda had more than noticed Marianne lacking the petals that were choked out of her, and they wondered if she had gotten her feelings removed. Marianne tried to deflect the subject to no avail, and with their persistence, they found out about her status with Hubert and congratulated her. It was the most embarrassing moment of Marianne's life, and yet, she's glad nobody else caught on.

(She can't help but feel Edelgard's eyes on her sometimes, but maybe that's just her imagination.)

Of course, the problems started with the announcement of the White Heron Cup. Representatives from each house were being chosen to compete, and Byleth had decided to choose Marianne of all people to represent them. Of all the things...it wasn't as if Marianne hadn't been taught to dance. The sole problem with it is that she wasn't any good at it. Try as her many teachers, her parents, and her adoptive father might, she had two left feet and she couldn't go a few steps without stepping on someone's foot.

Even with Byleth's teaching--and they were a noticeably far more gentle teacher--Marianne's confidence wasn't high that she could pull this off for the Black Eagles. Even so, she still wanted to try--Marianne wanted to at least find a way to do this right, and maybe bring her new house victory.

It's what sees her wandering around the monastery, looking for Hubert today. She will be looking in quite a few areas--the library, the stables, the training grounds--but if she doesn't find him, she'll be making a trip over to his room to knock on the door of his room. Which...she most likely had to do some trial and error in door knocking to find in the first place, but. Listen. She's far too shy to actually ask okay.]

[In truth, Hubert wasn't really sure what to expect after that night. His first order of business the next morning was to find Lady Edelgard and confess to everything that had happened, along with explaining himself and apologizing for not letting her know about the problem sooner. She had been surprised - of course, she was under the impression she could read him better than anyone else and even she hadn't known that this was happening. After some (pouting, it was definitely pouting, not that he'd ever call it that to her face) resistance, she settled into the idea willingly. She was happy that Hubert was beginning to open up to their classmates, and finding someone he cares about so deeply is really important.

Of course, that can still only be secondary to her goals. She didn't need to remind him of it; he said as much himself during the confession.

They might have been given a powerful weapon with Marianne, though it's still a bit too early to tell. Their plans are moving forward now - still far too slow for either of their liking, but any step forward is a good one, no matter how small. If the opportunity presents itself, he will certainly make use of Marianne.

Not that he wishes to hurt her, of course. Far from it. Those petals never would have appeared if he had meant to use her all along. But he'd be stupid to ignore a potential advantage over the Alliance - even just one small part of it. So he considers, and he plans, and he prepares for the day when Lady Edelgard can put her plans into motion and change the very fabric of the world around them.

But such lofty thoughts certainly can't color his everyday dealings, and Hubert has settled into a routine. He sees Marianne frequently, sometimes on dates, sometimes just for riding lessons (which are still practically dates), and sometimes just in class. No one else seems to know of their involvement just yet. Well, no one besides Dorothea, who has been shooting him knowing looks and winks and smirks whenever she thinks she can get away with it. She's always got amazing timing, he'll give her that much. Still, he really does wish she'd stop...

And with a routine in place, naturally something has come to upset everything. Perhaps surprisingly, it's the White Heron Cup. Hubert had thought he wouldn't have to worry about anything until the ball, and even then he doubted Marianne would actually want to dance so there seemed to be little to concern himself with there as well.

Unfortunately, the professor had other ideas.

Perhaps they chose Marianne to try to build her confidence, though thrusting her into a contest like this in front of everyone is hardly the best way to do it. Hubert would have gladly questioned their motivations, but Lady Edelgard had suggested he cool his head for a bit before he did anything rash. (She did so with a knowing look, one he felt embarrassed by later. She always has been able to read him better than anyone else.)

So he's let it go, and pretended not to have any interest in any of it. He's been hoping Marianne will give him some indication of what she feels about the whole thing, but he doesn't want to press her on it either.

Today he's in his room, and when the knock comes he's careful to set aside what he's working on (and hide the things he doesn't need anyone to see).]

Come in, the door's open.

[When she comes in, she'll notice that his room is spotless - almost exactly the same as the day he arrived here. There's very little to imply that Hubert actually lives here, outside of the necessities. He's at the desk, back to her as he works on something at the desk. Once she's come in, he'll set the quill aside and turn to her.]

Good afternoon, Marianne.

[As though he knew it was her just from the knock alone.

...Actually he definitely did, because the only people who knock on his door all have a very distinct style of doing it, so it's not really a surprise at all.]

Oh! Ah...

[Marianne wasn't actually sure if that was going to work--the small, startled noises escapes her a little too easily, and she calms herself a bit by clasping her hands together before going to open the door gently.

She's...definitely not surprised by the cleanliness of it, but how clean it is surprises her. It's as if Hubert barely lives here. In comparison to her own room, it's a haven. Maybe she should ask him for tips on how to be tidy, since that book she keeps losing doesn't seem to be working...

At any rate, Marianne does what she can to straighten.]

Good afternoon, Hubert. Thank you for inviting me in. Is the afternoon going well for you?

[Marianne wants to ease herself into the conversation, and maybe make herself a little less nervous about asking for something that'll definitely cause rumors to swirl, but she's likely all too obvious as she fidgets with her sleeve.

She is giving Hubert eye contact, though. That's something she does a little more easily with him, even with her usual tired, baggy-eyed expression.]

[He's noticed, and it gets him to smile. The expression is - as always - guarded, but it's not something most people can get out of him.]

Make yourself at home. [...] Ah, unless you'd prefer to speak somewhere else?

[It only then occurs to him that it might be a little... strange to do this in his room. He spends time in Lady Edelgard's room and sometimes she spends time in his, but their relationship is completely different. While he doesn't care at all about any rumors that might surround him, he certainly wouldn't want to make Marianne uncomfortable.

Oh, but he won't forget her question.]

It's going fine, nothing particularly noteworthy today.

[Which - as usual - means he's been working tirelessly on all sorts of things for Lady Edelgard, because Hubert von Vestra is literally incapable of taking a day off.]

I...I think my legs could stand to rest, from how much I've walked...but...

[...He does have a point, though. If anyone did see her wandering into the room (if anyone saw her playing trial and error with the doors, dear goddess above--) they would suspect something, wouldn't they? Perhaps it would be best to make this quick, then--]

I'm glad that your day is going well. You seem hard at work. I'll try to make this quick...

[Deep breath, eyes closed.]

I, um, wanted to ask you something. For a favor, if that's okay. It's...it's about the White Heron Cup.

[...Marianne's hands clasp in front of her to try and will down her nerves a bit.]

I was, um...Professor Byleth has already given me a lesson, but I...I still don't think I'm going to do well. I've never been very good at dancing. I've had a lot of teachers, but they weren't very...

[You know. Kind.]

N-not that Professor Byleth wasn't, but--I--I think I still need help.

[Quick, then. Very well. He listens attentively, but once the White Heron Cup is brought up, he suspects he knows where this is going.

...Except he's completely wrong. He had figured she'd express fear and uncertainty, wanting to get out of it. It would be easy enough for him to threaten Professor Byleth until they complied (never mind that they have never once given any indication that they're bothered by his threats, that's not important) but instead she asks something else entirely of him.

His expression is openly confused for a moment before he recovers himself.]

I cannot guarantee that I will be a better teacher than the professor, but I don't mind helping you.

[Dancing. Why does it have to be dancing...

It's not that he's bad at it - quite the opposite, really. He knows exactly how to play his role and look good doing it. They were some of the easiest lessons he was taught. But even though it's easy, it isn't something he knows how to teach, or even something he particularly likes. This ball isn't something he's looking forward to at all because he'll be expected to attend and not cling to the shadows the entire time. Dancing just makes things complicated.

So for her to come to him for help... Honestly, he wonders why she chose him over someone like Ferdinand. And then he immediately remembers everything Ferdinand has decided to be and rescinds that thought. Never mind, of course she wouldn't ask Ferdinand. He's entirely too much, even when he's at his best (which isn't often at all).

Very well. He'll do what he can to help her, and hopefully not want to die the entire time because he'll be dancing with Marianne.]

Where would you... prefer to do this?

[There aren't many places that will be completely abandoned at this time of day...]

[why would anyone trust ferdinand with anything, have you seen that boy?? that boy ain't right i tell ya]

You will?

[Marianne sounds surprised when she says that much, but--there's no mistaking the smile on her face, almost utterly delighted until she reigns it in somewhat. He agreed, he actually agreed. All be told she was wondering if asking such a thing would prove too bold, but...

Even if he isn't a good teacher, the idea of dancing with him is...nice. It's very nice. Marianne could never possibly ask him to dance with her at the ball--she's going to be quite happy hugging them there walls, thank you very much--but this...not only is it going to be (hopefully) fun, but if it means she'll win for them, that's all the better.]

Um...if it's okay, maybe in here? [Ah, wait, Marianne recedes on herself a bit and clutches her hands together in front of her.] If you're not too busy. There are a lot of people around, and it might be awkward if someone sees us...

[could you imagine dorothea seeing us. the horror]

...Maybe somewhere else would be a good idea, though I...don't know where. I-I wouldn't want to knock anything over...I'm really bad at dancing.

Hmm.

[That's all he says for a moment as he studies the space and considers everything. It's not likely anyone saw her come to his room - most people don't retire to their rooms this early, so it's unlikely anyone was in the hallway when she came up here. If anyone notices that either of them are missing, they won't assume that they have anything to do together. Marianne could easily be mistaken for retiring early, and Hubert... well, he tends to vanish from the monastery grounds entirely sometimes, keeping track of him isn't something most people can do.

So logically speaking, there is no reason why they can't stay here for awhile, as long as Marianne leaves at a time when most people won't be returning to their rooms.

As for the room itself, it is spacious enough for dancing. There isn't anything that could get in the way. About the only problem he can see with the location is the potential for someone to barge in on them, which is unfortunately something that happens sometimes. Caspar doesn't know how to knock, although he rarely has any reason to interact with Hubert, so once again Ferdinand is the problem. He believes knocking is the precursor to throwing the door open without waiting for a response, and as the Prime Minister's son, it seems no one ever felt the need to correct him.

Hubert stands easily, pushing the chair in and moving toward the door, hesitating once he gets there.]

I don't have any problems staying here. It's unlikely anyone will attempt to come in, but... Would it be okay with you if I lock the door anyway? Ferdinand occasionally likes to barge in with witty comebacks for remarks I've left him with earlier in the day.

[It's equal parts sarcastic and exasperated. Once or twice was fine, almost amusing. But Ferdinand continues to try to prove himself and for some reason he likes to bother Hubert with it instead of Lady Edelgard. Maybe it's because barging into a woman's room would be entirely too forward and Ferdinand isn't that stupid.]

If it would make you uncomfortable, I'm sure we can find somewhere else.

[You know, there are a lot of reactions that Marianne could have to that. Really, she is actually happy, and more than fine with the door being locked because that means nobody will be able to barge in. And if worst comes to worst and Edelgard needs to be in here, Marianne could certainly leave. Or...hide, whichever is preferable.

But that comment about Ferdinand takes Marianne aback, and she's. Not sure what her face is doing but while she nods her head, she looks a little aghast.]

T-that's fine. That's very fine. I didn't know that he felt the need to do that...

[Why is Ferdinand like this, dear goddess above. Marianne honestly sounds pretty exasperated as well. Was that boy raised in a barn or something?

Marianne will straighten up though, letting a small smile come onto her face, letting him lock the door and letting her hands fall to her sides.]

But...I'm comfortable with that. And I really appreciate it.

[...She might be slightly excited, too.]

He's a pain.

[Hubert says, like that explains everything...]

I'm glad you approve, though.

[He locks the door, then moves to check the middle of the room again. Nothing will get in the way of the typical steps they expect of the participants of the White Heron Cup, so this should be fine.]

Would you like me to demonstrate first and then guide you?

[...Marianne's way too nice of a person to say it but. You're right and you should say it Hubert, goddess above.

Either way, Marianne smiles just the slightest bit before nodding her head.]

I'd like that. The professor said that my main problem was...a lack of rhythm, I think. So seeing you follow it might help...I hope.

[Marianne may essentially be a Disney Princess but do Not let her have a musical/dance number. She will fail. Spectacularly.]

Very well. I'll show you the steps.

[...Hopefully she'll get it without the music, because he really doesn't want to try to hum a tune to help her out... That's a bit more embarrassing than even the dancing...

Anyway, he bows to her, then offers a hand. Given the smirk, he's obviously not taking it very seriously.]

Thank you, Hubert. I promise to do my best.

[But...but that'd be so cute...let Hubert hum!!

Marianne does feel her cheeks heat at that, but she'll take his hands easily, giggling very softly. Let's get this started.]

[He takes her hand easily, guiding her other one to his shoulder. He settles his other hand on her waist once she's in position.]

You'll be expected to lead during the White Heron Cup, so for now watch my steps.

[Once they're settled and ready, he begins. Each step is in time to the beat of the music he's entirely too familiar with for someone who hates balls as much as he does. It's not a particularly complicated routine, but how is Marianne holding up anyway?]

[Ah, this is nice. Marianne does feel her face flush a bit at being so close, but it's fine! All of this is fine.

...Except it's not, because even if Marianne's keeping her eyes to the ground, she has. Absolutely no style. Not even a shred of grace. Marianne's steps are kind of a disgrace? She's clearly trying, but she's either a beat or two too slow, or she very nearly steps on his foot and jumps, missing the step entirely and nearly losing her footing entirely--]

I-I'm sorry, I'm sorry--

[The nervous apologies come when she misses the steps, and it's clear Marianne is just. Very damn nervous. So it's not going too well, even if it isn't complicated, and she clearly feels guilty about it.]

[Hmm. He can certainly see where the professor was having problems with this... Someone with more experience (or at least a better disposition for teaching) would probably be able to help her out easier, but in truth he has no idea where to start.

He pauses for a moment, still holding her close as he considers how to proceed.]

Don't apologize. You're still learning, and it's not as though you'll injure me if you step on me.

[He was prepared for that, really... He wasn't exactly prepared for this level of difficulty, but it's fine. He's (probably) got this.]

Let's try again, but I'll take it slower. This is half the speed, once again watch my feet.

[He'll start again, still managing to keep to the music in his head despite slowing it. If she can't keep up with this then he does have another idea, but... Well, hopefully this will work??]

I'd just like to avoid that...

[Marianne's expression dampens pretty significantly, but she doesn't even look up at him before nodding her head. Maybe slower will do her some good.]

I'll try, I promise.

[Well, the half speed does help--a bit, at least. She's a little less wobbly on the steps since she has more time to react, and she's getting it a little bit more. She's...still having issues, though it's mostly with overstepping now; she still jumps a tiny bit when she does, and tries to settle back in place. It at least works a little better now that it's slower, but it's...far from perfect...

Marianne looks like she's trying not to lose all hope, really, but she is trying. Maybe that's the difficult thing, that she's trying too hard--she's definitely a little rigid and trying to focus.]

[She's certainly doing better now, and half speed isn't bad for learning the steps. Surely there's something more he can do to help her— Oh.

Once he's reached the beginning of the steps again, he pauses.]

This time, don't look at my feet. I want you to look at me, and follow along. Do not look down.

[Do not look away, but that... Well, he doesn't want to frighten her. Once she's ready, he'll start again. She has a basic idea of the steps by now, and he's still going at half speed, so perhaps it will be easier for her to follow if she isn't trying to stare down at their feet.]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject