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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[...Oh no, he moved back. Marianne's look seems slightly put out for a moment, and the deflection is...not unexpected. But Marianne can't deny the allure of being a little bold, just this once--]

You're better at this than I am. It's...fine, Hubert.

[...]

I'd like to, but...um...could you come back? If that's okay...and not too much to ask...

[Marianne hesitates too, not sure if that's too much to ask for, but...she's trying not to die here, even if her brain is screaming at her not to be so selfish. That closeness is just too wonderful.]

[Oh, that's...

For a moment, all it gets is a blank look out of him. He tries not to be caught off-guard so easily, but honestly he never would have expected Marianne to want this, much less be so bold about it.

It's a really nice look, though. That expression falls away easily and he moves back in, holding her close.]

I can't say this is the proper way to dance in public, but who knows. Perhaps it will help you memorize the steps.

[That's almost sarcastic, though there isn't an edge to it. A joke, perhaps. He guides her through the steps again, still humming the tune softly as he goes. It isn't as though the dance is quick usually, but something about slowing it down and having her so close is really, really intimate... It's almost breathtaking.]

[For that brief moment, Marianne wonders if she's overstepped her bounds. Maybe she's said too much, maybe she was being selfish, and she was about to apologize for it, but--

He moves back to holding her close, and Marianne feels herself practically melt. It's genuinely nice, and comfortable, in a way Marianne doesn't feel like she deserves, because she's wretched, she's cursed, and--

No. No, those thoughts can quiet down.]

I...I think it might...

[Marianne says that much with a giggle, and she simply listens to him hum and let herself ease into it. She's actually doing well, this time; she's not too rigid, and following his steps a lot better than what she was before.]

I'm having a lot of fun, Hubert...um...thank you. For everything.

[She looks up at him when she says that, and Marianne's smile is very warm as she does.]

[He returns it unthinkingly; it's still a bit of a guarded expression, even like this, but it's genuine. It's open too, at least moreso than it usually is.]

You don't need to thank me just yet. We still haven't worked up to the proper speed, and you haven't taken the lead yet.

[In other words, we're probably going to be here for awhile. Not that he minds at all - quite the opposite, really. He can't dream of letting her go just yet.]

[Hubert's smiles are so nice to Marianne...they're so pretty. Marianne's expression is likely as warm and fuzzy as she feels.]

That is true, but...it helps that I have such a good teacher. I think I'm really starting to get it, and that's all thanks to you.

[True to her word, she is getting much better--she managed to not step on his toes even once! A miracle!!]

You make it so much fun.

I'm pleased I can help you. Truthfully, I wasn't sure I'd be any good at teaching this. Dancing is something I've never had much interest in.

[He continues guiding her through the steps several more times, just to be sure she has it. Then he brings her to a stop.]

Would you like to try leading now?

It isn't? I'm surprised...you're very good at it.

[Marianne does get better and better, as he repeats the steps--she thinks she's got it down enough that she's able to nod when he stops her and asks.]

Yes, I would like to. Um...let's see...

[...Does she need to place her hand elsewhere--you know what, no, it's fine like this, she thinks. Marianne will lead, replicating the steps...a little shakily at first, but she does get a little more confident when she starts to hum, urging him to follow.]

[That gets a quiet laugh out of him (though it's still entirely too evil-sounding) and he follows along until she reaches the end. No dips here, of course - though it will be expected in her dance for the White Heron Cup. Thankfully, that doesn't require a partner.

Once she's finished, he'll bring her to a stop.]

You've certainly improved, but you've made one rather large mistake.

[He taps the hand at her hip as an indication.]

The partner who leads takes this position.

[Instead, he moves his hand to her shoulder.]

It's a bit awkward given our difference in height, but let's try that again.

Oh! I...

[Marianne chides herself inwardly--she should have realized that! That's why his hand was at her hip, that makes...a little more sense, even if it is weird with their height...]

I'm sorry. I'm sure I'll get it right this time.

[Marianne's hand will go to his hip, and she'll lead again. She's a little more confident now, and hell, she's even giggling like the school girl she is while she does it. It's cute.]

Is this better, Hubert?

[It's really cute... She's so much more confident now, leading like she's never had a problem before. She's beautiful like this...]

Ah, yes, you're doing an excellent job.

[He doesn't need to get distracted. The last thing he wants to do is make this awkward for her.]

Are you ready to try it at the usual speed?

[She's no longer having any issues, so she'll probably be fine after a couple of practice rounds at the proper tempo.]

Yes! I... [That was a little too enthusiastic, entirely too bubbly with giggles.] I'd like nothing more. I'd like to be led, and then I'll...I'll lead you. If that's okay.

[It's definitely more confident than Marianne's usual, but she's having a grand old time. And she'll remember the hand positioning this time!]

Of course. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job.

[He moves his hand back to her waist and waits for her to position herself before starting again, humming along as they move. It's easier now, and if he's being perfectly honest, there's something fun about it too. Maybe it's just because Marianne is clearly enjoying herself, but regardless of what it is, he smiles a little easier.

Once he's done leading her, he'll move his hand back to her shoulder and allow her to lead. How are you doing, Marianne?]

[Perhaps surprisingly well! ...Okay, it does take her a bit to get used to this tempo, but she moves her hand to his hip and hums along to keep a sense of tempo, and while she does flub the first few times toward the end--

She does manage to get it down perfectly, once, and Hubert will likely be able to see her eyes light up.]

I...I did it! And I didn't make once mistake this time...!

[Marianne's tone is very bright, jubilant, and everything she's usually not--really, she's trying to hold back a little, but it's practically teeming out of her.]

[Oh no she's so cute...]

You did. You've gotten very good at this, Marianne. Once more, let's see you do it again.

[She's doing such a good job, and she's growing more confident with each step as well. It's wonderful to watch her blossom like this, to really come into her own and work through the steps so easily. He's proud of her, something that feels both wholly familiar and completely strange at the same time.]

Okay. I'll do my best!

[Marianne says that with newfound confidence as she leads him again, just...genuinely savoring the moment. The only thing she's nervous about now is trying to do a dip--she knows she'll have to, in order to win, but her strength is abysmal and they'd more than likely fall on the floor at this point.]

I never thought dancing could be this fun...my instructors were always so berating, and I never wanted to try after that. But now...I feel like I know what I'm doing.

[She really is doing such a good job... He can't attribute this to his (rather lackluster) teaching, so it really is patience and practice that helps her out. Good to know - not that he thinks he'll be teaching her anything else, of course.]

Most nobles don't seem to realize that dancing can be enjoyable. It's usually a means to an end for most of them.

[And until today, he was one of them. Incredible.]

However, I am in agreement that the instructors are hardly suited for it. The ones I had were exceptionally severe as well, and for years I was entirely too rigid to make anything look remotely natural. I had to train myself out of that.

[For as little as he liked dancing, it's a required skill for dealing with nobles and their pointless parties.]

[Hubert, don't let her hear you say that. He's been a good help too!!

...Yeah, though, Marianne's look dampens a bit and she nods in agreement with him.]

...Yes. My adoptive father is like that. He's the one who insisted on more lessons for me, and it's why I never...really enjoyed dancing. He wanted me to learn so I could impress the nobility, but...

[...Yeah. Marianne doesn't finish that, eyes closing a bit.]

It's...awful, isn't it? That all dancing is for is just...establishing connections. When it's much more fun to simply do it for one's self, with someone they enjoy the company of.

Unfortunately, the nobility is often [always] like that. I've never been fond of how they place importance on things like this.

[The disdain is obvious in his voice, and the way he speaks of them - despite being a noble himself - is harsh.

He shakes his head a bit once that's out there, though.]

Nevertheless, I'm pleased I could help teach you. You've picked this up very quickly.

...I guess that's something we have in common.

[Marianne could never possibly be that disdainful, ever, in her life, so like. Mood, Hubert? Big mood, at that. Seriously, it's so unnecessary.

But Marianne doesn't settle on that for long either, smiling.]

I really appreciate it. I'm...I'm sure I'll bring our house victory in the Cup. And I think that much will be enjoyable.

[He lets the first part go, content with dropping the subject entirely.]

Even if you don't win, you'll put up an excellent fight. Before you leave, I'd like to see you run through the routine on your own, to make sure you don't have any issues with the dip at the end.

[But for now... For now he wants to stay close, to let her continue leading until her steps are just as confident and certain as his own. She doesn't need to win the cup; knowing she has the confidence in her skills to think she can is far more than enough for him.]

Oh, of course.

[...Marianne titters, the slightest bit.]

I don't think I could dip you without us falling on the floor, anyway. And that would be a bit of a mess, wouldn't it?

[It's a joke, but Marianne doesn't want to leave his side either. She's gotten comfortable here, and it's wonderful.]

As amusing as the sight would be, I doubt either of us want to deal with the potential damages that could cause.

[Mostly to his pride, but also any physical injuries that could result from that. It's stated as a joke, anyway.]

Let's keep practicing until you're certain you have it down.

[An excuse to remain this close, an excuse not to let her go just yet. It's one he'll happily take.]

No, you're right. It'd only result in a disaster...

[Even if Marianne could absolutely heal any physical injuries of his, the emotional ones are something she doubts she could deal with. So it would be best to avoid it, honestly.]

Let's. [...] I'm, um...really enjoying this. A lot. I...

[Marianne feels any braveness in her words slip away quickly, a light flush settling on her cheeks.]

I-it isn't important. Let's just...keep going.

Oh?

[He doesn't stop, allowing her to continue leading, though he tips his head slightly to the side as he studies her. His expression is still light, but it's hardly fair to call his expression a smile when it's really more of a smirk.]

You can tell me anything, Marianne. You don't need to be shy around me.

[Despite the smirk, the words are... well, okay, they're not gentle, but they're soft and not teasing at all despite the word choice.]

[Marianne feels herself flush when she sees that smirk, her eyes darting away from him for a moment. The question is certainly nice and gentle--or at least as much as Hubert gets, but the lack of teasing is good. It's just...]

...I don't know if I want this to end. It's...really so much fun, and I feel...safe here. Secure. I-I know that sounds silly, and I know I'll have to leave, but...

[Marianne trails off there, clearly embarrassed.]

Please forget I said anything...I'm asking far too much.

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