sranks | hubie and flayn's excellent adventure

[...Is... is she serious...

She seems to be, which is baffling. Perhaps she wants to ensure he will return to his room at some point, or maybe she wants to keep him busy. Not that he thinks this entire thing was staged - there's simply no way she could have known he would be out this late and that she'd hook him quite like that. But this is worrying, and he doesn't like it.

Still, it's best not to risk upsetting her, both because of what she is and because word might get back to Seteth and then he'll have to deal with that. Technically there aren't any rules about being out this late, but Seteth will probably lecture him anyway.

So Hubert nods, because it's the path of least resistance.]

Very well. As long as your brother doesn't catch us, it should be fine.

[There's just enough of a smirk and sarcasm in his tone to make it obvious it's a joke. He doesn't really expect Seteth to be up and about at this time of night. But he probably would be murdered for taking a midnight stroll with Flayn if they were caught, so hopefully that doesn't happen.]

He ought not, I assure you. You have my humble thanks for agreeing to allow this!

[Flayn smiles, though, never the less and naive to everything as ever. She'll go put away the fishing rod, though she...doesn't actually think to try and get any of the fabric off the hook, but surely that'll be fine...but she'll join back with Hubert rather soon, curls bouncing as she rushes back.]

Let us away.

[...Of course, once they do start walking, Flayn won't stop talking--]

I must admit, I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to be among the Black Eagles--you all are such intriguing individuals, and I believe I will be able to most enjoy my time with all of you.

[Hubert takes note of that, and makes a silent note to himself to come back to get it later, or at the very least switch his uniform out so no one will notice. Flayn seems like the sort to forget all about it, but he isn't stupid enough to believe she really will. He'll be careful as he proceeds.

He doesn't mind the walk, at least, though Flayn isn't the sort to keep quiet, he supposes...]

I wasn't expecting you to join our class. [That much is absolutely true.] Your brother must trust our professor.

[More than he thought, at the very least.]

He does. Brother is not the sort to trust so easily, and treated the Professor so coldly when they first arrived, but...I do believe that their actions have proven themselves worthy of Brother's trust.

[Flayn says that much with a smile.]

I was the one who insisted upon joining the Black Eagles, however! It is truly the first time I have been allowed to explore such things all on my own, and it is quite an exciting prospect to behold! There's so much to learn, and so many interesting people to meet...

I find it most exhilarating, as if a new world has opened up to me!

[She's genuinely enthusiastic; there's so much to see and do that it's hard for her not to?]

[In truth, he's a bit surprised that Seteth's warmed up to the professor so quickly. Byleth is an unknown, and someone who comes off as almost creepy in terms of how little they seem to feel. But this may be a good thing; perhaps Seteth isn't nearly as much of a threat as Hubert first assumed.

Of course, this is coming from Flayn, so there's no telling how much of it is truthful.]

It sounds as though you've been enjoying it so far.

[She seems genuine, of course. He can't tell if it's an act or if she truly is this flighty. It's best not to assume anything for now.]

You seem to be fitting in well. Our classmates are very fond of you.

[It's not a lie, the others are very happy to have Flayn join them.]

You have heard me correctly, then! I have been enjoying it ever so much.

[Flayn absolutely perks up when Hubert says she's fitting in well, though--she certainly hopes that she has, at any rate! But it's very nice to hear, and gets something of a genuinely joyful expression out of her.]

Oh, I am so very glad to hear that! Our classmates are all such interesting and intriguing individuals, and I am ever so grateful to have the opportunity to know them even better. I have made fast friends with quite a few of them, and I do believe we shall all be able to work well together; I shall do no less than my utmost best for you all.

[Flayn, ever naive to Hubert's true thoughts, seems so utterly pleased and happy to hear all of that; her words are very bright, and she's got a very big smile on her face.]

Of course, I am afraid I do not know you nor Edelgard all that well...nor Monica, truly, but... [Flayn's pleased look briefly goes slightly concerned, before she puts it away--it's nothing to focus on.] You two have always seemed so busy. I would not like to interrupt either of you if you are talking of important things, but...

[...Flayn's not sure how she wants to finish that, and she winds up trailing off.]

[It's the last part that gets him to glance over, looking for any indication of where Flayn is going with that. If he was a more trusting individual, he'd probably be able to see that Flayn wants to spend more time with them and get to know them, but as it stands, Hubert is completely at a loss. He certainly doesn't want to let on that they are talking about important things, so...]

I'm certain we can make time, should you require it.

[...The ??? here is pretty obvious in his expression, even if it isn't in his voice.]

What is it you want?

[Despite the words, the question isn't harsh. It's just very confused.]

[--Oh! Flayn looks over at Hubert for a moment, briefly surprised--they'd be willing to make time for her? She feels so silly for not asking earlier, and Flayn winds up pumping her fists a bit in glee.]

Oh, I would so very appreciate that!

[She's kinda. Barreling through that ??? with all of the force of her !!!]

I would like to befriend the two of you, of course! I have made such fast friends with the Black Eagles, and yet I have never had the chance to grow closer to the two of you and befriend either of you...but I would very much like to change that!

[...flayn as oblivious as ever...]

[This has to be a trap. There's no way she's genuinely this excited over befriending them. Lady Edelgard, perhaps, but him? Absolutely not. So it's as he suspected - she's far smarter than she pretends to be. Keeping an eye on them like this isn't something he wants, but he can't exactly deny her, not without it looking suspicious. She's most likely been sent to keep a closer eye on them by Rhea and Seteth... but have they done anything suspicious? Why send her here at all when no one seems to have any suspicions of what's to come?

This is something he'll have to puzzle out with Lady Edelgard when they next get a moment. For now, he has to pretend to be a normal student, which is far easier said than done.]

Lady Edelgard and I have been focused on our studies. [And plans.] But of course, it makes sense that you would want to get to know us better. I'll speak to her about it.

Ah, but of course! I would not dare interrupt your studies. It is good that you are both so wonderfully studious, but one must endeavor to have some fun every now and again!

[Still, Flayn smiles like she's utterly delighted. She hadn't worried that they were being distant on purpose, though it was a thought that certainly made it's way into her mind, but it's strangely relieving to know that none the less.]

I look most forward to hearing your answers. Thank you so very much.

[...]

You know...Bernadetta did say that you were quite a frightening individual. But now that I have had the chance to speak to you, I believe she may have a great misunderstanding of who you are.

[Having fun..... sounds fake.

Anyway, Hubert smirks a bit at Flayn's words, at least until she gets to the end of what she wants to say. That... Honestly, he doesn't know what to do with that. He's spoken with her for only a little while and she thinks he's more than just a frightening individual? Well, maybe that's a good thing. He is supposed to be a normal student, after all...]

Oh? I'm surprised to hear it. Most people agree with Bernadetta.

[Flayn is a simple person. You agreed not to tell Seteth about her being out and now she at least likes you!!]

Well, I would most disagree with them all! I have not felt threatened even once in conversing with you. Why, I wager that they would be able to say the same if they had the courage to speak to you!

[...the sheer force of her :D here is. strong.]

[Is... Is this to say she doesn't find him a threat at all...? Which is fair, he's not supposed to be, but...

Maybe he's overthinking this a bit.]

I suppose not many do have the same amount of courage.

[He's. He's trying to recover?? Oh man.]

[He may just be--though if Flayn notices his attempt at recovery, it isn't immediate.]

Well, then I believe that they are full of cowardice for not even trying to do so.

[Though, Flayn does look at him a bit, canting her head slightly.]

...Is something the matter, Hubert?

[He's not exactly surprised that she's calling him out like this, but still...]

I'm a bit surprised to hear it, that's all.

[He shakes his head a bit, as if to dismiss it.]

You have my thanks, though.

[Even if it's coming from her, it is kind of nice to hear it...]

[Oh...Flayn smiles at that, watching him and hiding a bit of a giggle behind her hand.]

It truly is not any trouble. One should be reminded of such things!

[That's what Flayn believes any...way...

There's a very distinct sound of footsteps coming from around a nearby corner, and Flayn freezes when she hears them. She usually didn't pay them any mind, and she's certain it's just the monastery guards, but there's that lingering paranoia that it's gonna happen again, it's gonna happen and she should've stayed in her room, she shouldn't have gone out--

Flayn looks to and fro, shaking a bit, before looking to Hubert. She's not sure what to do, and it shows, and they're getting closer by every meandering second.]

Edited 2019-11-25 15:50 (UTC)

[Hubert's response is immediate. Or at least it seems immediate, because he's been paying close attention and probably heard the footsteps before Flayn, but that's not the point.

He locates the closest cover - thankfully there's a shadowy corner with a bush that should block the guard's line of sight - and he grabs Flayn's wrist and moves. Sure, he could leave her behind, and he did consider that. But then she might mention that he was here with her, and he doesn't want to deal with that. It's for the best to hide them both, even if it means allowing Flayn a glimpse into how good he is at this.

Assuming Flayn doesn't resist any, he pushes her back into the corner and follows, standing in front of her and pressing in close to hide her distinctive and bright hair behind his darker colors. He keeps his head turned, listening carefully for the sound of footsteps retreating.

...Also he doesn't say a single thing about this and just expects Flayn to deal, so sorry??? Yikes.]

[Flayn is pretty obviously not prepared for how fast Hubert reacts to this--as if he's heard whatever was coming before even Flayn did, and it results in a yelp from Flayn as he pushes her into the corner, shock being the only thing that keeps her from kicking at him or anything like that.

Of course, it takes her a few seconds to realize just what's happened, and by then he's got her covered and those footsteps come around the corner and she feels her heart beating out of her chest. She looks up at Hubert while she waits for the steps to retreat as well--they talk about hearing something, but thinking it was their imagination...well, it gets a bit of a sour look from Flayn as she watches them proceed back with their march, marching away as quick as they came.

Flayn waits as well, until they're out of earshot before rubbing at her wrist a bit and looking up at Hubert. It's starting to hit that this is awkward and they're a little close, and Flayn speaks up.]

Ah...Hubert? I do believe that they are gone...

[...She has a great many questions but let's. Let's get out of the corner first??? Because she'd like to get her bearings before asking what the fuck.]

[The guards pass by, mentioning hearing something but dismissing it. Hubert waits - considering their pace and what he's learned from the patrols around the monastery, they should be in the clear in a few more seconds—

And then Flayn speaks up and it's only then that Hubert realizes just how close they are. He pulls back like he's been lit on fire, jerking away and absently straightening his clothes as if he's managed to mess them up (he hasn't). It's a terrible habit and one he's mostly broken himself out of, but put under enough stress it does tend to reappear.]

My apologies. I thought it would be inconvenient to be caught wandering the grounds this late at night.

[And more importantly, it would look bad for him to be caught with her.]

[...Good lord, Hubert, Flayn almost wonders if he's been caught on fire when he jolts away like that and straightens himself out. Flayn straightens her own clothing out too, though she really doesn't need to.]

I do thank you for your quick thinking. I would most like for us both to avoid trouble.

[...]

But please, if you are ever to have need to do such a thing again, would you kindly warn me? I must admit, you did frighten me for a brief moment--I simply wasn't expecting you to be so adept at such a thing...

[Flayn figures that her accepting the apologies is something obvious, so she doesn't say it outright, but she does focus her look on him after she says that.]

Of course.

[He bows slightly - it's low enough to be respectful, but not so low that he can't keep his eyes on her.]

Should such a thing ever happen in the future, I'll give you adequate warning. You have my word.

[Not that it'll happen again; he doesn't exactly plan to make a habit of this, after all.]

[A smile finds it's way back on to Flayn's face, clearly settled by the promise. As far as she's concerned, that's enough for her.]

You have my most heartfelt of thanks. [...] I should be back to my room before there is risk of another situation like that, however. And perhaps you ought to get some rest as well.

[Flayn will walk on ahead, just a bit, before looking back to Hubert and speaking up once more.]

I do hope we have this chance to converse again, Hubert!

[And with that, she's going to start walking back.]

hubie and flayn's excellent adventure

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