[There is a lot of preparation that goes into these dates, Linhardt is finding. Even after having the night to rest, there's still so much to do. He simply has to make this work or he's not going to understand, and Caspar will literally never let him hear the end of it. That's where these nerves are coming from, Linhardt surmises; he can't think of any other reason that he would be nervous about this.
From what he's gathered from his research, there are certain things that go into dates--neatness of the area, for one, which Linhardt was able to take care of by clearing the area and straightening it out. Next...he's seen Lorenz light candles, which seems to help the ambiance a bit? So there's a few at the center of the table, small ones. And...well, this much is only because he's heard Ferdinand have a fit about it, but when Hubert arrives, Linhardt will be able to see that Linhardt seems to be attempting to brew coffee, a book in front of him and carefully watching over the process.]
Hmm...it should be but a few more minutes. If I have this right, this should produce a favorable result...?
[Of course, Linhardt will take a moment to look around and--oh.]
Ah--punctual as ever, Hubert. You could have stood to make your presence known...
[...Dangit, that's what he forgot, the sweets. Ughhhh...]
...But please, take a seat. I will be ready to begin in a moment, but, ah... [Linhardt certainly wasn't expecting Hubert to come with anything.] ...I do thank you for thinking to bring something to eat. I'm afraid I had been priorly occupied.
[Truthfully, Hubert expected Linhardt to have decided a nap was more important that this. Even if Linhardt had decided to show up for this, Hubert wasn't expecting him to actually put effort in. It's a surprise, and he's not entirely sure why it feels like something is strangling his insides. Anxiety, perhaps, though he's not sure what there is to be anxious about here.]
My apologies. [He really isn't sorry, though.] It was simply habit.
[He's very good at sneaking around and will always do that, deal with it.
Anyway, he sets the tray down and inclines his head a bit at the coffee pot.]
I wasn't aware you enjoy coffee.
[...........no one said linhardt was the only person bad at this.]
[Linhardt sighs at that, but he doesn't sound too put out at least. It really just is how Hubert be, and he supposes that something like that would never change.
Still, the statement gets a quirked brow from Linhardt. Is Hubert really that blind?]
Oh, I truly don't. It's far too bitter for my taste, and interferes with my perfect napping schedule besides. [He shakes his head.] I do hope that Ferdinand's incredibly loud complaining hasn't steered me in the wrong direction--you do enjoy coffee, don't you?
[Well, this is... "awkward" is what he wants to call it, but that isn't it at all. They're supposed to be dating - or at least, starting to date - so it's only natural for Linhardt to prepare something for him, as he's prepared something for Linhardt. Right?]
I see. Thank you, then. The tea is for you, of course, since coffee is my preferred drink.
[They really are terrible at this, aren't they...]
[They really fucking are. Not that it stops Linhardt from grabbing a notebook (where the fuck did he pull it out from? who knows, maybe out of literal thin air) and starts writing observations. The preferential gift does seem to cause a change in emotion, though it's hard for Linhardt to actually...understand just what emotion is on Hubert's face.
It is nice that Hubert thought of him, though. Perhaps that's simply how positive feelings manifest; the increase in heartbeat, the light, warm feeling of appreciation. An idea that someone prefers you, and keeps track of your preferences.]
I thank you for going out of your way for me, then. [Linhardt's expression remains pretty blase, distracted by his writings.] I should have your coffee prepared in but a moment, so please, take a seat while I pour you a cup.
[It only takes a minute or so longer for the coffee to be done--though admittedly, Linhardt did lose a little track of time talking to Hubert, but it should be at least passable for a first attempt with these instructions. Soon after, the coffee book is put away, and...provided Hubert doesn't decide to do it himself, Linhardt will serve him a cup.]
Do let me know how it tastes, and what I could improve. [Aaaand he's gonna take the seat opposite of Hubert, and...promptly grab some of those sweets, yoink.] How would you say I have done, thus far? Are you feeling anything different?
[...He's gonna be exactly this clinical about it, I'm so sorry.]
[Well, never let it be said that Linhardt doesn't put his all into his research...]
You'll have to be more discrete whenever we meet where others may see us.
[If they see him whipping out a notebook to take notes, they're going to have some questions. Even Caspar is likely to figure out that something's amiss there.
But Hubert does as asked, and watches Linhardt work. The light conversation is perfectly fine with him, and while he certainly could handle brewing the coffee himself, he allows Linhardt to do it. It will likely look more convincing if Linhardt's the one doing it for him, after all.
Of course, Linhardt's words are not exactly helping much and Hubert raises an eyebrow as he takes a sip of the coffee.]
...It isn't bad, though you do need to be a bit more careful with how long you leave it for before serving it. Certainly not the worst cup of coffee I've had.
[That honor goes to Lady Edelgard, not that he'd ever admit that.]
Considering that all of this is an act, I'm likely not going to feel any different. The important thing is ensuring that we look the part of a couple, is that not right?
[Sure, Linhardt's interested in the research aspect, and while Hubert finds it rather pointless, it's at least better than crest research. But that doesn't mean that he's going to be swept off his feet by Linhardt of all people, and neither of them should expect a result like that. That's just ridiculous.]
[...Perhaps he should save his note-taking for the end of these 'dates', then. At any rate, though, Linhardt nods his head at Hubert's critique.]
I will endeavor to get better, then.
[Hubert does have a point, though.]
This much is true, but I am simply curious. That is all. But so long as we look the part where people can see us, I suppose that is what matters--it is said that it is easy to see how much people 'love' one another from how much effort they put in for the other. I certainly saw Lorenz do some similar things...
[Ah, it looks like someone's walking by. Linhardt can at least smile at that.]
But truly, the most important part-- [And, for the passersby to hear--] --is that I am happy to be able to do for you.
[...Shit, should he put his hand on the table? Maybe that'll sell it more, he puts a hand on the table in easy reach of Hubert.]
[Linhardt may have a lot left to research on the topic of love, but it's obvious that he has definitely been doing his homework. The words that leave him so easily are... honestly the sort of thing that would probably catch Hubert completely off-guard if he weren't expecting it, but since he was expecting it, it's totally fine. His brief hesitation and the way his gaze darts suddenly is definitely a part of the act.]
You flatter me. [Strange how even the breathlessness comes so easily.] Though I find I can't bring myself to complain too much. Try not to make a habit of it, or someone's likely to catch us.
[It's for the person who is passing by - selling the act and making it sound like something that's supposed to be kept secret. Gossip will spread like wildfire, so this will undoubtedly reach Caspar's ears eventually.
Still... There's something about all of this that is... different than what he was expecting. He's not really sure he can't place it (he's not really sure he wants to place it) so Hubert pushes thoughts like that aside and does his best to lean into the role he has to play. He brings his hand up to rest beside Linhardt's, just barely brushing their fingers together. He's fairly certain this is entirely too scandalous for Lorenz, but it should sell the act well enough.]
[Oh...wow, Hubert's doing a far better job of this than Linhardt could have ever. He chose correctly for this, then; Hubert makes it sound so easy. The breathlessness--is that what couples feel when they speak to one another? How fascinating. Even Linhardt can feel something flooding through him at the act--he'll have to write that down later.
Of course, Linhardt too has a part to play, and he brings his free hand up to chuckle behind it.]
Ah, of course, of course. We wouldn't want anyone getting ideas, now would we?
[It's strange, really. But he's still so curious, and this is...nice, honestly, nicer than he thought it'd be rather than a waste of time. His next words come as a whisper, something to play the part a little better, but--]
That smile on your face is very nice, however, I must say.
[He definitely hears that the passerby has stopped--he can only imagine that they're looking over at all of this right now, and and he can scarcely imagine what they're thinking. Even after the steps start up again, Linhardt's content to ignore the other person, though he does drop his hand back down to the table.
...And at the very least, he's content to stay quiet and not ask for Hubert's critique right this second, see, he is learning--]
Edited (words..... actually no, let's do this, make it dumb) 2020-11-04 23:24 (UTC)
[...Well, if Linhardt was aiming to get him to flush, he's certainly succeeded. That's a normal part of this whole act though, right? So it doesn't really matter that it isn't something he can't control, and it doesn't really matter that it gets his gaze to dart again and it feels entirely too real.
Maybe this whole thing was a mistake. He wasn't expecting Linhardt to be good at this.]
Flatterer.
[The footsteps are heading away and Hubert finally feels the stranglehold on his chest releasing.]
You certainly do have more talent for this than I would have expected.
[...Wait, why is his face going red, is he getting a fever? Linhardt's eyes at least briefly go a little wide. Does Linhardt need to lecture him again--oh wait, no, no, that was. Actually good? Hm. Intriguing, really.
...And of course Linhardt's absolutely ruining the mood by plucking out that notebook again and discretely writing some notes. He's at least doing it under the table, but. Still.]
Intriguing. I felt that was simply a paltry compliment--I likely could have worded that in a much better manner, but I shall not argue with results.
[thanks, linhardt]
Indeed, I do believe that we have planted the seed quite well. [Linhardt's just gonna knaw on some sweets again and drink some of that tea, don't mind him.] But really, you're not bad at this yourself. It was a rather convincing performance.
I suppose I should have given your acting skills more credit. That should be enough to start the spread of rumors, anyway, though I imagine it will take a few days for Caspar to catch on.
[in this house we drag caspar]
We should stay for a bit longer; we don't want to make it seem like we were only here for long enough for someone to catch us.
[Better to have two witnesses than just one, that sort of thing. Admittedly, he would like to return to his room and get back to his work so he can completely forget about all of this, but some mild embarrassment is probably normal, right?? Right.]
But yes, quite. I would very much like to delay the cleaning up of all of this by as much as possible, but I suppose that more witnesses will help the ruse take more concrete form...
[Don't mind Linhardt, he's just absolutely gonna be munching on sweets while he thinks--]
You truly do have a good eye to have found these, however. I quite like these, and the tea. They make for a delightful pair.
I can't take any credit for the sweets; Mercedes and Annette were baking earlier, and I assumed they wouldn't miss a few of these.
[thanks, hubert.]
The tea is one of Lady Edelgard's preferred flavors. I thought it might be suitable.
[Tea isn't really one of his areas of expertise besides knowing how to brew it for Lady Edelgard, so he did his best with what he had. His best just happened to be pretty good in this one circumstance, but that was more coincidence than planning on his end.]
[You know, he should feel slightly worse about eating stolen sweets, especially from Annette and Mercedes--they're so kind, after all. But never the less, Linhardt keeps munching them down.]
Well, I suppose even if they do, they won't have any proof left of by the time I'm finished.
[linhardt..........]
I see, however. She certainly likes her tea rather strong...I would have expected her to prefer something a touch lighter.
[That may just be his preferences talking, though.]
[Ah, that gets Linhardt's eyes to light up in an instant, a smile coming onto his face--it's still a little bit blase, but...]
I would quite like that. I've always been fond of anything sweet, so please do.
[he's a simple man to please. give him sugar and his support points will go up.
Of course, Linhardt can't see it right now, but--it looks like there are two people coming from behind. It isn't the person from earlier, but two new people, it seems!]
[He's noticed, of course - and he lifts his head a bit to glance over at them in the hopes that Linhardt will catch it. It's a bit of an obvious tell, but not one the people passing by are likely to pick up on. Hubert doesn't want to make this look too faked, but he does take the opportunity to shift his hand, brushing against Linhardt's and lingering there for a bit too long.]
Thank you for agreeing to meet me tonight. I... have truly enjoyed our time together.
[The words are easy enough, the brief hesitation and glance to the side even moreso. It's an act of course, but one he takes to a bit better than he was expecting.]
[There's a brief moment of confusion on Linhardt's face as Hubert tips his head, before it hits--ah, right, right, they've still got a part to play. Linhardt's expression settles, a smile coming to his face, and well...
Linhardt does gently slide his hand away from Hubert's brushing--before laying his hand right on top of Hubert's gloved one.]
It's truly no trouble at all--especially for you, Hubert. It's only a shame we can't stay a little longer...
But I do enjoy the moments we have stolen together.
[Linhardt's gaze averts at that, and...honestly, he does flush a bit. Did he really just say that? Hm, that was actually impressive, as soon as these students leave he's absolutely writing that one down--]
[It occurs to him yet again that Linhardt really has done his research. He's never doubted Linhardt's intelligence, but the way he's able to put what he's learned into practice so easily is downright impressive.
...It's a little less impressive when it's legitimately flustering him like this, but that's... well, it's surely just because he hasn't heard words directed at him like that before, and even though this is just a part to play, it's still somehow a bit unexpected. It would be easier if he was just pining after Linhardt in this little show of theirs, but Linhardt returns it to easily that of course it's a bit much. Right? That's a completely normal reaction to have, isn't it?
Well anyway, he finds himself tongue-tied, and only barely manages to return his gaze to Linhardt and nod; but that's enough time for the two passing by to actually get a move on and Hubert exhales softly.]
That should be more than enough to get the word out.
[He sort of wants to bury his face in a pillow for the next three years, so it might be good to call it here.]
We should keep meeting here around this time for the next few days, at least until the rumors have taken hold.
[These reactions are incredible, in a word. Yes, the rush of...something--endorphins? Is that what they called them--to his mind and the warmth that seems to have taken root in his chest are interesting side effects of this. Yes, so that's what this is meant to simulate, isn't it? The rush of happiness, the blood rushing to one's face, the rapid beat of the heart, all of it. Though that last one could potentially be dangerous; perhaps it would be best to take it lighter--
Oh, right, Hubert spoke up. Linhardt's gaze goes back to Hubert, and it's back to his usual expression all too easily once that's done with.
...It's odd that he can't will down the flush quite as well, but eh, maybe that's just a side-effect.]
Ah, yes, of course. So long as Edelgard and Lorenz don't see it fit to use this place, I would be most inclined.
[...]
Especially if you find a method to keep pilfering those sweets from Mercedes and Annette.
[ah yes, right back into gremlin territory as if nothing's changed at all. he's even getting out his notebook again to write down observations now that the coast is clear.]
Lady Edelgard and Lorenz typically do not meet this late, but I will send word to you should we need to rearrange our schedule.
[...He will pass a note in class, that's what he's saying. This just makes it sound more mature.
The latter part gets a smirk from him, though; now that's the Linhardt he was expecting.]
I'll see what I can do, but I promise nothing.
[With that, he moves to stand. There isn't anyone around; it's late enough that most of the other students have retired to bed, and the late-night patrols won't start for another few hours yet.]
I'm interested in seeing just how this goes. I'll be sure to let you know what I hear. Until tomorrow, Linhardt.
[And with that he takes his leave, all too aware that he's still flushed, that Linhardt was still flushed, but that's... well, it's just a part of the act they're playing. That's the only explanation.]
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no subject
From what he's gathered from his research, there are certain things that go into dates--neatness of the area, for one, which Linhardt was able to take care of by clearing the area and straightening it out. Next...he's seen Lorenz light candles, which seems to help the ambiance a bit? So there's a few at the center of the table, small ones. And...well, this much is only because he's heard Ferdinand have a fit about it, but when Hubert arrives, Linhardt will be able to see that Linhardt seems to be attempting to brew coffee, a book in front of him and carefully watching over the process.]
Hmm...it should be but a few more minutes. If I have this right, this should produce a favorable result...?
[Of course, Linhardt will take a moment to look around and--oh.]
Ah--punctual as ever, Hubert. You could have stood to make your presence known...
[...Dangit, that's what he forgot, the sweets. Ughhhh...]
...But please, take a seat. I will be ready to begin in a moment, but, ah... [Linhardt certainly wasn't expecting Hubert to come with anything.] ...I do thank you for thinking to bring something to eat. I'm afraid I had been priorly occupied.
no subject
My apologies. [He really isn't sorry, though.] It was simply habit.
[He's very good at sneaking around and will always do that, deal with it.
Anyway, he sets the tray down and inclines his head a bit at the coffee pot.]
I wasn't aware you enjoy coffee.
[...........no one said linhardt was the only person bad at this.]
no subject
[Linhardt sighs at that, but he doesn't sound too put out at least. It really just is how Hubert be, and he supposes that something like that would never change.
Still, the statement gets a quirked brow from Linhardt. Is Hubert really that blind?]
Oh, I truly don't. It's far too bitter for my taste, and interferes with my perfect napping schedule besides. [He shakes his head.] I do hope that Ferdinand's incredibly loud complaining hasn't steered me in the wrong direction--you do enjoy coffee, don't you?
no subject
[Well, this is... "awkward" is what he wants to call it, but that isn't it at all. They're supposed to be dating - or at least, starting to date - so it's only natural for Linhardt to prepare something for him, as he's prepared something for Linhardt. Right?]
I see. Thank you, then. The tea is for you, of course, since coffee is my preferred drink.
[They really are terrible at this, aren't they...]
no subject
It is nice that Hubert thought of him, though. Perhaps that's simply how positive feelings manifest; the increase in heartbeat, the light, warm feeling of appreciation. An idea that someone prefers you, and keeps track of your preferences.]
I thank you for going out of your way for me, then. [Linhardt's expression remains pretty blase, distracted by his writings.] I should have your coffee prepared in but a moment, so please, take a seat while I pour you a cup.
[It only takes a minute or so longer for the coffee to be done--though admittedly, Linhardt did lose a little track of time talking to Hubert, but it should be at least passable for a first attempt with these instructions. Soon after, the coffee book is put away, and...provided Hubert doesn't decide to do it himself, Linhardt will serve him a cup.]
Do let me know how it tastes, and what I could improve. [Aaaand he's gonna take the seat opposite of Hubert, and...promptly grab some of those sweets, yoink.] How would you say I have done, thus far? Are you feeling anything different?
[...He's gonna be exactly this clinical about it, I'm so sorry.]
no subject
You'll have to be more discrete whenever we meet where others may see us.
[If they see him whipping out a notebook to take notes, they're going to have some questions. Even Caspar is likely to figure out that something's amiss there.
But Hubert does as asked, and watches Linhardt work. The light conversation is perfectly fine with him, and while he certainly could handle brewing the coffee himself, he allows Linhardt to do it. It will likely look more convincing if Linhardt's the one doing it for him, after all.
Of course, Linhardt's words are not exactly helping much and Hubert raises an eyebrow as he takes a sip of the coffee.]
...It isn't bad, though you do need to be a bit more careful with how long you leave it for before serving it. Certainly not the worst cup of coffee I've had.
[That honor goes to Lady Edelgard, not that he'd ever admit that.]
Considering that all of this is an act, I'm likely not going to feel any different. The important thing is ensuring that we look the part of a couple, is that not right?
[Sure, Linhardt's interested in the research aspect, and while Hubert finds it rather pointless, it's at least better than crest research. But that doesn't mean that he's going to be swept off his feet by Linhardt of all people, and neither of them should expect a result like that. That's just ridiculous.]
no subject
I will endeavor to get better, then.
[Hubert does have a point, though.]
This much is true, but I am simply curious. That is all. But so long as we look the part where people can see us, I suppose that is what matters--it is said that it is easy to see how much people 'love' one another from how much effort they put in for the other. I certainly saw Lorenz do some similar things...
[Ah, it looks like someone's walking by. Linhardt can at least smile at that.]
But truly, the most important part-- [And, for the passersby to hear--] --is that I am happy to be able to do for you.
[...Shit, should he put his hand on the table? Maybe that'll sell it more, he puts a hand on the table in easy reach of Hubert.]
no subject
You flatter me. [Strange how even the breathlessness comes so easily.] Though I find I can't bring myself to complain too much. Try not to make a habit of it, or someone's likely to catch us.
[It's for the person who is passing by - selling the act and making it sound like something that's supposed to be kept secret. Gossip will spread like wildfire, so this will undoubtedly reach Caspar's ears eventually.
Still... There's something about all of this that is... different than what he was expecting. He's not really sure he can't place it (he's not really sure he wants to place it) so Hubert pushes thoughts like that aside and does his best to lean into the role he has to play. He brings his hand up to rest beside Linhardt's, just barely brushing their fingers together. He's fairly certain this is entirely too scandalous for Lorenz, but it should sell the act well enough.]
no subject
Of course, Linhardt too has a part to play, and he brings his free hand up to chuckle behind it.]
Ah, of course, of course. We wouldn't want anyone getting ideas, now would we?
[It's strange, really. But he's still so curious, and this is...nice, honestly, nicer than he thought it'd be rather than a waste of time. His next words come as a whisper, something to play the part a little better, but--]
That smile on your face is very nice, however, I must say.
[He definitely hears that the passerby has stopped--he can only imagine that they're looking over at all of this right now, and and he can scarcely imagine what they're thinking. Even after the steps start up again, Linhardt's content to ignore the other person, though he does drop his hand back down to the table.
...And at the very least, he's content to stay quiet and not ask for Hubert's critique right this second, see, he is learning--]
no subject
Maybe this whole thing was a mistake. He wasn't expecting Linhardt to be good at this.]
Flatterer.
[The footsteps are heading away and Hubert finally feels the stranglehold on his chest releasing.]
You certainly do have more talent for this than I would have expected.
[...thanks, hubert.]
no subject
...And of course Linhardt's absolutely ruining the mood by plucking out that notebook again and discretely writing some notes. He's at least doing it under the table, but. Still.]
Intriguing. I felt that was simply a paltry compliment--I likely could have worded that in a much better manner, but I shall not argue with results.
[thanks, linhardt]
Indeed, I do believe that we have planted the seed quite well. [Linhardt's just gonna knaw on some sweets again and drink some of that tea, don't mind him.] But really, you're not bad at this yourself. It was a rather convincing performance.
no subject
I suppose I should have given your acting skills more credit. That should be enough to start the spread of rumors, anyway, though I imagine it will take a few days for Caspar to catch on.
[in this house we drag caspar]
We should stay for a bit longer; we don't want to make it seem like we were only here for long enough for someone to catch us.
[Better to have two witnesses than just one, that sort of thing. Admittedly, he would like to return to his room and get back to his work so he can completely forget about all of this, but some mild embarrassment is probably normal, right?? Right.]
no subject
[we absolutely drag caspar in this house]
But yes, quite. I would very much like to delay the cleaning up of all of this by as much as possible, but I suppose that more witnesses will help the ruse take more concrete form...
[Don't mind Linhardt, he's just absolutely gonna be munching on sweets while he thinks--]
You truly do have a good eye to have found these, however. I quite like these, and the tea. They make for a delightful pair.
no subject
[thanks, hubert.]
The tea is one of Lady Edelgard's preferred flavors. I thought it might be suitable.
[Tea isn't really one of his areas of expertise besides knowing how to brew it for Lady Edelgard, so he did his best with what he had. His best just happened to be pretty good in this one circumstance, but that was more coincidence than planning on his end.]
no subject
Well, I suppose even if they do, they won't have any proof left of by the time I'm finished.
[linhardt..........]
I see, however. She certainly likes her tea rather strong...I would have expected her to prefer something a touch lighter.
[That may just be his preferences talking, though.]
no subject
The latter is something he notes to himself; one of Lady Edelgard's other preferred teas may be a slightly better match for Linhardt, then.]
She is quite fond of sweeter teas, so perhaps I'll bring you one of those next time.
[Because otherwise he has no idea what he's doing with tea and wouldn't even begin to be able to guess what Linhardt would like.]
no subject
I would quite like that. I've always been fond of anything sweet, so please do.
[he's a simple man to please. give him sugar and his support points will go up.
Of course, Linhardt can't see it right now, but--it looks like there are two people coming from behind. It isn't the person from earlier, but two new people, it seems!]
It would be quite thoughtful of you.
no subject
[He's noticed, of course - and he lifts his head a bit to glance over at them in the hopes that Linhardt will catch it. It's a bit of an obvious tell, but not one the people passing by are likely to pick up on. Hubert doesn't want to make this look too faked, but he does take the opportunity to shift his hand, brushing against Linhardt's and lingering there for a bit too long.]
Thank you for agreeing to meet me tonight. I... have truly enjoyed our time together.
[The words are easy enough, the brief hesitation and glance to the side even moreso. It's an act of course, but one he takes to a bit better than he was expecting.]
no subject
Linhardt does gently slide his hand away from Hubert's brushing--before laying his hand right on top of Hubert's gloved one.]
It's truly no trouble at all--especially for you, Hubert. It's only a shame we can't stay a little longer...
But I do enjoy the moments we have stolen together.
[Linhardt's gaze averts at that, and...honestly, he does flush a bit. Did he really just say that? Hm, that was actually impressive, as soon as these students leave he's absolutely writing that one down--]
no subject
...It's a little less impressive when it's legitimately flustering him like this, but that's... well, it's surely just because he hasn't heard words directed at him like that before, and even though this is just a part to play, it's still somehow a bit unexpected. It would be easier if he was just pining after Linhardt in this little show of theirs, but Linhardt returns it to easily that of course it's a bit much. Right? That's a completely normal reaction to have, isn't it?
Well anyway, he finds himself tongue-tied, and only barely manages to return his gaze to Linhardt and nod; but that's enough time for the two passing by to actually get a move on and Hubert exhales softly.]
That should be more than enough to get the word out.
[He sort of wants to bury his face in a pillow for the next three years, so it might be good to call it here.]
We should keep meeting here around this time for the next few days, at least until the rumors have taken hold.
no subject
Oh, right, Hubert spoke up. Linhardt's gaze goes back to Hubert, and it's back to his usual expression all too easily once that's done with.
...It's odd that he can't will down the flush quite as well, but eh, maybe that's just a side-effect.]
Ah, yes, of course. So long as Edelgard and Lorenz don't see it fit to use this place, I would be most inclined.
[...]
Especially if you find a method to keep pilfering those sweets from Mercedes and Annette.
[ah yes, right back into gremlin territory as if nothing's changed at all. he's even getting out his notebook again to write down observations now that the coast is clear.]
no subject
[...He will pass a note in class, that's what he's saying. This just makes it sound more mature.
The latter part gets a smirk from him, though; now that's the Linhardt he was expecting.]
I'll see what I can do, but I promise nothing.
[With that, he moves to stand. There isn't anyone around; it's late enough that most of the other students have retired to bed, and the late-night patrols won't start for another few hours yet.]
I'm interested in seeing just how this goes. I'll be sure to let you know what I hear. Until tomorrow, Linhardt.
[And with that he takes his leave, all too aware that he's still flushed, that Linhardt was still flushed, but that's... well, it's just a part of the act they're playing. That's the only explanation.]