[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
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.]