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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It is, isn't it.

[It almost feels like the whole world could slip away here in this moment. For the briefest amount of time, all he can focus on is Marianne.]

I've never been particularly fond of dancing, but seeing you so happy is... very nice. I suppose I could do this all night if it means you won't stop smiling.

[There's supposed to be a teasing edge to the words, but it doesn't happen. They sound too genuine, too real. It's vaguely uncomfortable and his gaze darts.]

You've gotten very good at this.

[It's. It's an attempt...]

[Honestly, it already has for Marianne. She's already giggling a bit in delight as she hears him speak, her smile warm and her face full of joy that's never usually present on her face so explicitly.]

You...you really mean it? [Marianne knows that both of them would die if they actually attempted to do this for the rest of the night.] Um, thank you. You have a really nice smile to...like you're almost...at ease. I-It's very nice...

[Marianne does wind up averting her gaze at the compliment, but she's still smiling and focusing on the dance.]

Thank you. You're the one who helped me get better, after all. I'd...probably still be stepping on your feet if you didn't.

[they're both making attempts, it's fine]

[Ohhhh that is not fair, and it's absolutely getting him to flush. It's a bit hard to temper the smile into something more natural too, and he's really hoping that none of their classmates are looking at them right now. He'll get himself under control in a moment, just... at the end of this song. He'll give himself that long.]

Even if you were, I'd still be enjoying it.

[Though he wouldn't enjoy her obvious panic at that, so this is much better.]

This is... really nice.

[Even though it's a simple admission, it makes the blush burn even brighter. He can beat himself up over showing this much (weakness) emotion later, for now... it really is nice.]

[Cute...Marianne flushes too, the idea that he'd still enjoy dancing with her even if she was still terrible at this all too sweet to her--it's making her go red up to the tip of her ears the more she thinks about it--]

T-thank you. I'm...I'm glad to hear it.

[The song is likely going to be over soon, Marianne can tell, but...she looks back at him, and she decides to be brave for once.]

Please...don't look away.

[He asked her to focus on him once before, so maybe it'll be fair to ask him to focus on her, too. Even if both of their faces are burning and Marianne is hoping nobody else is seeing this...]

[He can't keep his eyes on her for long - that beautiful blush captivates him for a moment, but it's difficult to avoid being so embarrassed...

And then those words leave her and it feels like he's been punched directly in the lungs. He's not sure he'll ever be able to catch his breath again. His gaze returns to her immediately, however, almost as if he'd been ordered to.]

I won't. [It's breathless.] Nothing can take my attention from you.

[Nothing can compare to her, not right now.

The ending notes of the song play and Hubert draws them to a stop, though he doesn't pull away from her immediately.]

[Marianne's eyes light up a bit with joy when he looks back at her, trying her best not to appear too overjoyed--honestly, he looks so handsome like this, and knowing that his eyes are for her and her alone make her so happy.]

T-thank you. Thank you, you're the best. I...

[The end of the song comes all too quickly, and Marianne can't help but feel a little melancholy--the words at the tip of her tongue would have been too much, she knows, and she trails off before she can say them, but...

Well. Marianne can't see it, but Hubert might be able to; Edelgard, accompanied by Hilda and Dorothea are talking to the band briefly for a moment, and they start to play the next song; a perfect song for a slow, close dance, and something that causes Marianne to flush a little deeper.]

O-oh, this...this song... [Marianne feels like she recognizes it, and looks up to Hubert a bit, conflicted.] Um...would it...be too improper to...

[...Marianne can't finish that, and her gaze goes to the floor. She shouldn't be selfish and ask for another dance, not when he's already given one, the other students will suspect something--]

[A flash of red catches his attention and his gaze does leave Marianne for a moment - it's enough to give him a warning of what's to come, and the opening notes of the song confirm it.

A quiet - but still entirely too dark - laugh leaves him.]

How fitting. It's the song I used to teach you.

[Sure enough, the melody is exactly the same as the one he was humming to teach her the steps. Perhaps Marianne let Dorothea or Hilda know how the song went and they picked it out, otherwise it's the strangest damn coincidence in the world. Either way, he can appreciate it.

They haven't pulled apart just yet, so he easily guides her back into the dance. Maybe he'll regret it later - it's strange enough for either of them to be dancing with another partner a second time, but for now he can't imagine wanting anything more.]

Oh, I...I knew I recognized that.

[Marianne chuckles a bit--she remembers talking to them about it a bit, but she only managed to hum the first few notes before getting embarrassed. It's likely that Dorothea recognized the song, or something...

But Marianne is more than happy to be back to dancing with him. It's honestly nice to be able to do so slowly, even if she's certainly flushing. And wants nothing more than to be closer to Hubert, but...no, that's too much. She knows it, and he knows it, but...]

I could...get used to this. Hearing this song and dancing to it, I mean...it feels like...um...

[Marianne flushes a bit and winds up glancing away, but she has a bit of a silly smile on her face. She settles for acting a bit, instead, and she simply hums the song while they dance. It's...much easier to explain it that way, even if it says little; it's their song, in a way.]

[He nearly prompts her to keep going when she trails off, but when she starts humming he suddenly understands. This song and this moment are theirs, something that belongs only to them, something that no one else can truly understand because it's an intimate moment between the two of them.

Marianne deserves better, she shouldn't be courting someone like him.

It isn't a new thought. It's one he's had plenty of times since the first petal appeared. Marianne deserves to be happy and safe, comfortable with herself and her partner. She doesn't deserve to be dragged into a war that will change everything. She doesn't deserve to be with someone who can't tell her anything, who strings her along with the vain hope that someday, someday things will be better.

She deserves better. And yet that thought alone can't make him separate from her.

It only lasts a fleeting moment, and his expression doesn't reflect it, although his eyes have darted for just a moment - he finds Lady Edelgard in the crowd before he catches himself and returns his gaze to Marianne.

As true as that thought is, now is hardly the time or place to think about it. If he were to give into his default urge (to run) he would have to deal with stares and Marianne's worry and panic, and none of that is good for keeping his head down and pretending to be just your average student. If anything, the dances and lingering stares on Marianne are only serving as a better cover than he ever could have hoped for. If anyone sees anything of him tonight, it will be that he's falling (has already fallen) for Marianne. Any rumors that spread will be of that and not of what he and Lady Edelgard are planning.

It's disgusting to think like that, to make use of Marianne like that. And yet he will. He always, always will. Anything for Lady Edelgard and her dream.]

It's relaxing, isn't it? There is something nice about dancing with someone you like.

[The words hold no hint of his thoughts and he's torn between pulling her closer to rid himself of them or to drown in his worries as punishment for his behavior. He's a fool for letting himself get sidetracked; he's a fool for leading Marianne on like this when he can never be what she needs and wants in a partner.

The song begins to wrap up, but there's still the dip. It would be selfish to steal this moment as well, to borrow just a bit more time to hold her close, as close as is socially acceptable with the dance. It's selfish and cruel of him, but—]

May I dip you?

[There's enough time for her to say no. He hopes she does.

(He hopes she doesn't.)]

[Marianne's honestly too content to notice that he's having any trouble--her eyes have closed and she's genuinely content as she hums the song, sharing this moment between them and looking likely like she's fallen head over heels for Hubert. Not that she hasn't already, but now...well, it's undeniable, isn't it?

Marianne wonders sometimes if she should push him away again, if she should do so for his own sake. Her crest is still a matter that bothers and haunts her, at least somewhat, but...Hubert's given her the confidence to try and move forward. To take back her own life from the hands of that awful crest, to make it hers and to perhaps...well, in the far off future, marry him. He's a wonderful man, after all. Her father wouldn't be pleased with little to no shift in power, but surely even he would see the benefit of having connections within the Empire.

Surely, her father will let her love this intimidating man who she's grown so fond of.

Hubert's words get Marianne's eyes to open, having missed anything he was doing for a brief moment and stopping her humming.]

I-It really is. Especially when it's with someone I...um...

[Hubert's question brings her out of her original thought--three damning words that could've been very bad for anyone else to hear, and she's honestly glad that he's asked.]

Oh, um...yes. [Marianne's eyes dart, her flush deepening before her gaze goes back to him and her whisper is very tiny.] Please, Hubert.

[Between the blush and her peaceful expression, Hubert can only imagine what she's thinking of. She really does look so happy... He wishes he could be what she wants him to be, that he could make her happy like this forever.

But he can't. He's just going to hurt her. And he's going to keep hurting her right now, because all he can focus on is how badly he wants to do this, and damn the consequences.

So with her approval, he leads her into the dip. It isn't particularly difficult; while he might not be particularly strong, she isn't very heavy so he manages it easily and with all the grace and poise it requires.

They're so close - it would be so easy to kiss her. He doesn't, of course, and he pulls her back up easily. They're still close even once she's standing properly again, and his heart pounds in his chest at the proximity, at the mere idea of kissing her in front of so many people.

He doesn't, and he's not sure if he's thankful he's smart enough to pull away or cursing himself for not going for it.]

Thank you for the dance, Marianne. I... believe I should go check on Lady Edelgard now.

[He's flustered - the blush and the hesitation are enough proof of that - but it isn't just because they were so unbelievably close in public like this. He needs to give himself some space, some room to breathe. He needs to try to get his thoughts to settle, at least a little bit.

...But he doesn't want her to think she's done anything wrong in case she doesn't assume that this is just Hubert being bad at relationships.]

Perhaps I'll ask you for another dance later on tonight.

[He'll definitely see her again, he isn't going to run. He wants to, but he can't. He needs to remain here, to make this look as legitimate as possible, so he doesn't draw any unwanted attention. And even though he's nervous and the anxiety building within is nearly suffocating... he does want to see her again before the night is over. He wants to steal away with her for just a moment (or more, or much more) and maybe continue to pretend that everything is okay, just for a little longer.

He's never allowed himself to be this selfish before. He hates it. He wants nothing more.]

[Marianne is so giggly when he performs the dip on her, and it takes all of her self restraint to not meet that scant distance between them, press their lips together, and say the three damning words on her mind right now. Even when he brings her back up, he's so close, and she wants to just...be bold again, to take the initiative--

But then he says that he needs to go check on Edelgard, and any thoughts of that go out the window. Marianne does her best not to deflate, giving him a small, subdued smile--she can see the flush on his face, at least, and he's...probably having a Time, and quite honestly, she is too. This is all so overwhelming and she feels eyes on her...]

O-of course. I, um...I'm likely going to find a nice place to...get some fresh air, for now.

[Marianne fidgets with her sleeves a bit, but...]

I'll--I'll come back, though. And I'd...I'd like another dance, before the night is over. Um...

[...]

I'm g-going to go now. But I'll...I'll see you.

[Marianne gently separates and walks away, and only to come across Hilda and Dorothea when she does and they accost her almost instantly. They do talk for a while, and while they are definitely supportive of everything, it's...honestly too much for Marianne, especially when more people start trying to ask her to dance.

Marianne winds up fast-walking away from the fifth student who tries to ask her, and she's...honestly pretty uncomfortable with all of the attention, she's finding. She might not actually come back, but she can at least get some privacy in the one place she thinks she'll be left alone.

The Goddess Tower.

It's a place that most are probably going to come to at some point, but Marianne winds up climbing the winding tower to be as near to the top as she possibly can. She's winded by the time she does, but...it's good to be high up here. There isn't anyone this far up, and she can have a little bit of privacy for a while. It's something she'll gladly take, and for a little while, she stands in blessed silence.

...Still, she would be remiss to not take the opportunity to wish for something. The Goddess has answered her prayers before, albeit in an unusual fashion; Marianne doesn't long for much else in her little life, other than to find peace by Hubert's side. Where she had simply prayed for all of her pain and suffering to go away before, came prayers for their continued happiness and support. Something the Goddess had given them the opportunity for, by making those flowers bloom in their chests...

But Marianne knows Hubert isn't religious--or at least, she assumes he isn't. She hasn't ever seen him step foot in the church itself, nor seen him pray, and even if that is something that worries Marianne, she...doesn't want to bring it up. It'd be useless to burden him, wouldn't it? She can pray enough for the both of them, she's sure.

Maybe...maybe she can make a wish for happiness here, with some help. There's a bird that comes to sit nearby, at a window staring out the expanse of the tower, and Marianne has at least convinced it to stay. She's hoping he's a male pigeon; the prayer only works when there's a couple up here, and while she'd love for Hubert to come up and pray with her...well, she's not going to bother him with such stupid things.

...Of course, the pigeon in question is getting a little antsy, making noises and bringing Marianne out of her thoughts while she prays, and she tries to calm it down.]

Shh, shh...just a little longer. I'll be done with my prayer in a moment, but...please, stay still.

[...She's really hoping nobody comes up and sees her talking to a damn pigeon to make a prayer up here...]

[Marianne's smile is subdued; she isn't happy with him drawing away like this. He's torn - equally angry with himself for upsetting her like this and glad that he'll have time to himself for a bit. He can sort his thoughts out and remain by Lady Edelgard's side for a bit. It's where he's supposed to be; it's where things make sense. So he nods at her words and allows her to depart, moving to locate Lady Edelgard.

She's a bit surprised to see him, though she keeps it off her face well. They spend some time against the wall - under the guise that she needs to rest - and nothing they talk about is even remotely serious. He doesn't speak of the insecurities and fears bubbling just beneath the surface, and she doesn't hint at any annoyance about spending tonight pretending to be just another normal student.

For a little while, everything is just fine. Everything makes sense, and he can pretend he's not looking out over the crowd for a certain someone.

It's Dorothea who approaches them, asking Lady Edelgard to dance and giving Hubert a look - it's so ferocious he's almost taken aback. Had he upset Marianne more than he'd figured...? He tries to work it out before she angrily whispers two words at him as she passes.

"Goddess Tower."

Ah. Of course. He's heard the rumors - who hasn't? - and he did intend to slip out at some point to check it out. Not because he has any interest in making a wish or anything so ridiculous, but because he wants to see who does believe in it. It sounded like an interesting way to spend time, anyway. But now that he's been told that's where Marianne went...

He's honestly not sure what he's feeling. Marianne has never talked about religion with him, and he's never brought it up either. He doesn't care for the church (to put it lightly) and has no interest in the Goddess either. Making a wish at the Goddess Tower is completely ridiculous... but it sounds like something Marianne would believe in. It's likely to be mostly empty right now anyway, given how many people are here, so at the very least she could retreat there and be left alone.

So why is his heart hammering in his chest, when he doesn't believe in such things? Is it because she believes? Is it that going there and humoring her will only damn him further the moment she learns the truth?

Despite his circling, worried thoughts, he finds himself heading in that direction anyway.

Hubert never spends any time at the church - the closest he gets is the massive bridge, and even then he's not particularly fond of it. The view is breathtaking... quite literally, if he makes the mistake of looking down. He doesn't now, hurrying toward the Goddess Tower.

He doesn't find her on the lower floors, and silently he wonders just how far up he'll have to go. He keeps his hand on the railing and his eyes up as he ascends further.

Marianne seems to be in the middle of a conversation when he finds her, though he's... not really sure who she's talking to... It doesn't sound like a prayer— Oh. Oh no, there's a bird there...

He knows she loves animals, but to see her talking with a bird is just adorable. Once again he's struck by just how much he cares for her, just how weak she makes him feel. In this moment, he really doesn't mind that weakness, and that's what causes him to step forward.]

I hadn't thought to find you making a wish with someone else.

[It's obviously a joke, and he's careful to ensure it lacks the usual edge his taunts hold. It's not exactly gentle, but he's trying to be.

Of course, this is a terrible way to announce his presence if she hasn't already heard him ascending the stairs, but it's fine?? It's totally fine. Hubert's definitely good at this.]

[Unfortunately for Hubert, Marianne is...not exactly the most perceptive sort. Even if he had been stamping up the stairs, Marianne wouldn't have noticed, between starting and stopping her prayer when she's interrupted, and trying to keep the bird with her--]

O-oh!!

[Marianne winds up jumping when Hubert speaks up, turning to face him and placing a hand over her heart. Goddess above, he startled her--when did he get up here, when did he manage to come in and--

...Oh, darnit, the bird flew away. Marianne manages to get herself composed a bit, though she winds up...taking the joke a little literally...]

Oh, I...I'm sorry, Hubert. I was just...um... [Marianne looks down, fidgeting with her sleeves a bit.] ...I've been up here for too long, haven't I? I'm sorry. I know I said I'd come back down there, but I...I lost track of time up here...

[...]

Not that I'm unhappy to see you up here, but...um... [Should she ask? No, she shouldn't, she--] I didn't want to bother you with something like this. It's...a little silly, I know.

[He starts a bit at her reaction, mostly because she's so close to the railing - but she's not going to fall. It would be very difficult to fall from up here, he can see that. Yet his fear of heights continues to control him, and it's what keeps him over here, away from the railing and further away from Marianne.

Hubert ends up folding his arms, inclining his head a bit as she speaks.]

I was joking, Marianne.

[It's still not gentle, but it isn't particularly blunt either.]

You haven't been gone for all that long, don't worry.

[The last words, though...]

Silly or not, this is something you want, isn't it? In that case, it isn't silly. I'm already here, after all; we may as well see if there's anything to the rumors.

[It's cruel of him to do this. He knows that. He shouldn't lead her on. Perhaps he should take this time to be honest with her. Maybe Lady Edelgard is right and he should tell her as much as he can. But... he knows he can't. Partially because he can't allow any potential leak of their plans and partially because he wants to be selfish. He doesn't want to ruin this evening, this moment.

He wants to pretend that they're a normal couple, for just a little bit longer.]

Oh, I...I didn't know. But um...thank you.

[...Okay, Marianne at least giggles a bit--she does look around the tower for a moment, mostly to make sure she hasn't missed anyone else, before she decides to walk over to Hubert's side instead of staying over by the window.

...Wait.]

W-wait, you...you want to... [Marianne looks uncertain for a moment, before just...staring at him for a moment.] You...really want to pray with me? Are you sure?

[Marianne's not sure what to think--she looks shocked, almost smiling a little bit in her shock because she's delighted that he would want to. He's not religious by any means, but he wants to do this because she wants to, and...

It makes her realize she loves him all the more. It's a nice feeling, that he wants to try.]

I'm pretty sure the goddess wouldn't have accepted my prayer, if I had prayed with my friend...he didn't seem very happy to sit still for it either. [...] But...are you sure?

[...Okay, her look is a little more serious and concerned now.]

I don't want to make you uncomfortable...

[She's suspected it, and Marianne doesn't love him any less for it--the Goddess preaches love to all, and Marianne is more than willing to accept that this is something they'll never see eye to eye on. She loves Hubert too much to do otherwise.

But...she hopes he'll be honest with her.]

Of course I'm sure.

[He wouldn't have offered if he wasn't. He knew coming up to the Goddess Tower that this is likely where things would go, and if he'd truly been opposed, he wouldn't have come up here after her.]

Such a thing won't make me uncomfortable. Besides, it would mean a great deal to you, wouldn't it?

[That's worth a little discomfort. Not that praying to a Goddess he doesn't believe exists is really all that uncomfortable anyway.]

I want to make you happy.

[It's such a simple statement, but it's the truth. It's so painfully true that he ends up glancing away.

He really does love her. Maybe... Maybe she'll remember these words after he's told her the truth, whenever he can finally manage that. Maybe it will help.

But more likely, this (along with everything else he's doing) will only hurt her worse.]

[Marianne listens to Hubert while he speaks, mostly just...looking at him, to make sure he isn't lying. The last thing she wants is for him to resent her for forcing him along into something he doesn't want--she'd be horrified if he did, and it results in her staring for a little bit.

I want to make you happy.

...There's something so honest in that statement that Marianne can't help but smile, and she winds up gently holding out one of her hands for him--she wants to hold his hand a bit.]

...Okay. I'm...I'm glad that you want to do this with me, because I want to make you happy too. I know you don't like going near the church, and I had thought...

[Marianne stops herself there.]

What do you, um, want to wish for, then?

[It's gentle, and she is curious.]

[Hubert takes her offered hand easily, lacing his fingers with hers without a second thought. Even now he continues to take and take from her, without her even knowing what's to come...

That question gets him to tip his head slightly as he raises his free hand to his chin. Honestly, he doesn't have to ponder for long.]

I wish for a brighter future, one where the things that have troubled us are no longer concerns. A future where everyone is free to choose how to live life as they wish. One where no one is shackled to their parents' desires.

[It's a careful way of putting it, but that doesn't mean it isn't true.

He finds himself hesitating, and the next words aren't quite as easy and practiced, but perhaps that makes them more honest.]

I would also wish... for the world to be a kinder place, especially to those who have already suffered so much. [His gaze turns out to the horizon.] I would wish for a world where you would never again have to suffer, where you would always wear such a content and peaceful smile.

[Where we could truly be happy.

He stops himself there. He's already being cruel and selfish, but he isn't going to twist the knife further. He can't. He can't.]

[Oh...

Hearing all of that from Hubert is...it genuinely gives Marianne pause, and she listens to him easily. The way he says all of that, that he wants a world without the things that have troubled them...where they can live as they wish, where the world could be kinder to those who have suffered--so she wouldn't have to suffer--

Marianne's smile is warm, even with Hubert's hesitance, and she grips their laced hands together tighter. Marianne wants nothing more than to help him bring that world into a reality, even if she questions if she deserves such dedication...but...]

...I think the Goddess would be pleased to grant a wish like that.

[Marianne's voice is very soft, but very pleased as well.]

That's...that's similar to what I wish for, too. [Marianne's gaze goes out into the distance, her own expression gentle.] I planned to wish for happiness, for...all of us. So that you could continue to support Edelgard, and be able to lead the Empire well when the time comes...and that everyone could be able to seek out what their heart desires, without anything holding them back. So that...everyone could have a bright future.

...And...maybe we could, too. [...] I-In the very distant future, of course.

[Marianne is sadly going to have to separate their hands for a moment so she can pray, but her eyes close easily as she starts to recite a prayer.]

Dear Goddess, I beg thee...

[...Just give her about a minute or so to go through with the prayer--is he going to pray out loud too?]

[He nods at her words, though he doesn't believe the Goddess really exists. Maybe some idealized version of her would agree, though.

Marianne's wish is genuinely heartwarming. She wants something similar, although she doesn't fully understand just what his wish entails. She has no way of knowing. And of course, she says what he was thinking and his gaze darts again at that.

Her hand separates from his and it takes him a moment to realize what she's doing. Should he... mimic that and pretend he's praying?? Should he just... not do that... Hmm. He's certainly not going to pray out loud, but he'll at least have the decency to mirror her, hoping to keep the disgust at such an action out of his expression. As a noble of the Empire, he is expected to be pious, so he at least knows how to fake it well enough. Those of House Vestra have never been particularly observant about worshiping the Goddess, but they know enough to make it look halfway believable, should they need to pretend.

He'll listen to her, of course. He may not believe - and finds the teachings of the Church of Seiros to be nothing more than lies, a way to organize the masses in their favor - but he can at least humor her today. Maybe someday they'll have to properly talk about religion...

But that's assuming they even get through the conversation about Lady Edelgard's plans. He's certain she'll want nothing to do with him after that. And then...

He's not going to think about it. Not now.]

[Marianne finishes her prayer easily, breathing easily and returning back to reality shortly after. It's honestly nice, being in such a quiet place away from all of the prying eyes...and Marianne's none the wiser to Hubert's disgust, even if she has her suspicions from his general avoidance.

Once they're done, she's going to offer her hand again, but...]

Hubert? Um...I don't want to go back downstairs yet, but I...I'd like to make good on that promise. Er--the dance. Um...

Could we...maybe do so up here, instead?

[Marianne really hopes that's not too much to ask...]

[He settles once she takes his hand. It's easy to fall into this, to let himself be comforted by her presence, even though he knows that this can't possibly end well. He loves her, and that's perhaps the worst part of all of this. If he cared for her less, all of this would be so much easier. He could either break it off with her or use her as needed, but instead...

Instead he wishes he could give her that future she wants, one where they can be happy together.

He won't allow himself to imagine what that future could possibly be like. It isn't the future he'll have.]

I'd like that. I'd like to keep you to myself for just a little longer.

[That's certainly true. He loves her too much to let her go, even if it would be easier on her. Once again, he's proving just how selfish he is.

He finds the complaints slip away as he moves to pull her closer - closer than is really appropriate if there were others watching. But no one's likely to come up this far into the Goddess Tower, and if they do, he'll hear them. So for now...

For now he can continue pretending that everything will be okay; that they can have a future together.]

[Marianne practically lights up when Hubert agrees to do so, and the idea of him keeping her to himself--she'd love nothing more than for him to do that. Forever, really, and Marianne's smile is full of pure joy when he brings her close.

...Closer than is appropriate, but there's no place she'd rather be as she decides to try and take the lead, if he'll let her...]

And...I'd like to keep you, too. N-not for too long, but...I want to enjoy this with you.

[As long as they can enjoy this. Marianne begins to hum again, no matter if she leads or if he decides to lead instead--either way, she doesn't want this moment to end.]

[He will, of course. Seeing her want to take the lead and being so confident in it... it's enough to get his heart to pound, threatening to drown out the sound of her humming.

Hubert follows easily, trying not to let his gaze dart too frequently. He does want this - more than he could possibly express - but there's something about doing this here and now that flusters him. He tries to take his mind off it.]

You really have improved tremendously. You deserved to win the White Heron Cup.

[The praise leaves him easily, as if flustering her will distract from his own embarrassment.]

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