[Oh. Goddess above, this feels...strangely pleasant. Linhardt places his hand on Hubert's shoulder, but even with Linhardt's lacking experience and Hubert's more...mechanical experience, it's strangely nice. Hubert isn't the only one finding it hard to keep his eyes where they should be, but...
It is nice. It's causing a strange feeling to flood him, as the music runs ever onward and their dance continues. Linhardt doesn't even know what to say or do in kind, just content to follow Hubert and the rhythm of the song until their end. Oh, what he'd give for this to be an endless song so he can relish in this moment, but...why? Is it just the dance--something that Linhardt couldn't be bothered to put effort into on a good day? Or is this just how people feel when they dance with someone they supposedly love?
...Why is that word so awkward to think of, right now, even as the song nears it's conclusion? It's an observation he'll have to write down later, all of this is, but--
The song ends, and Linhardt finds he doesn't want to leave. He doesn't want to be here either, hearing the clapping of a crowd only barely over a frantic heartbeat, but--]
...I don't believe you give yourself enough credit, Hubert. You did incredibly well.
[The words are breathless, easy, and yet--Linhardt gestures with his head. Come on, this is too much, let's get the hell out.]
[There's something charming about Linhardt's reactions - but surely that's only because he's improved his acting skills quite a bit through all of this. Linhardt was never terrible at selling their act, but these reactions seem so authentic. The inability to hold his gaze, the gentle touch, the soft smile—
But of course, he's putting on the same act, so Linhardt's clearly just improved along with him. Because it is still an act, after all.
The song comes to an end and for a brief moment, Hubert entertains the idea of asking Linhardt for another one. Sure, there's no reason for it. Sure, that's just drawing more attention to themselves that they don't need. But it would be... nice. He doesn't want to stop just yet.
But Linhardt speaks up and inclines his head, and that brings Hubert back to the reality of their situation, and undoubtedly their classmates' eyes on them. He nods and leads the way; let's head outside for a moment to collect ourselves.]
It was something I was taught to do, that's all.
[...He may be turning slightly pink at the compliment, though.]
[Yes, let's go outside and escape this situation. Linhardt follows Hubert easily, doing what he can to quell the rapid beating of his heart. It's...easing some, but not nearly as much as Linhardt would be expecting that to be. Why is that? This is all just an act, and perhaps that was too much stimulus for him, but it doesn't make sense that he's still feeling it now...
It takes Hubert's words for Linhardt to realize he's become distracted, and was practically staring off into space the entire time they walked. Oh, uh, right---]
Well, you still pulled it off quite well. I think that much is worthy of praise; you needn't be embarrassed by it.
[...It's slightly teasing, but only because they're alone and Linhardt can get away with it. Besides, there's something almost...endearing about seeing Hubert like this.]
...You certainly made it more fun than I was expecting, for the effort being put in.
[That's...a little more genuine. Hm. Not sure how he feels about that, TIME TO GO BACK TO STARING OFF INTO SPACE--]
[It earns a scoff from Hubert, but he finally stops once they're in the gardens. There aren't many people here; some are on their way out (undoubtedly to the Goddess Tower) and others are milling about near the exit but none are within range to hear them.]
I had to ensure you wouldn't fall asleep on your feet, I suppose.
[It's light teasing, though. It's cool out here; it's certainly getting cold enough to risk being too cold without proper coats, but tonight is surprisingly nice. Maybe it's just because of how warm it felt in there.
It's a little easier to think out here away from everyone else, but that also makes it clear that Linhardt still isn't looking at him. This is rather awkward now that they're done dancing, he supposes... Still, something about it is... unnerving, somehow. He's not sure what it is, but it feels like something has shifted and now he's suddenly not sure how to talk to Linhardt. Which is absolutely ridiculous; nothing has changed, and he can talk to Linhardt as he always has. Why the sudden hesitation now?]
[The gardens are quite a nice place, really. Or at least they would be at any other time, but now it's just a reminder of the fact that they're alone and it's...still rather awkward to think about looking at Hubert.
Linhardt doesn't understand it. This is just an act, isn't it? Why does it feel like there's something tight over his throat, something awkward between them when this is all just a prolonged experiment? Could it be that something has shifted between them? That maybe something has caused something else to take root?
...No, that's silly, isn't it? It's all an act. Every last bit of it is, and all of this is just a result of that. A result of what they're doing, and it's nothing more than that, isn't it? It has to be, right?
If that's so, why can't he just talk to Hubert like he normally does? Or even look at him? Why does it feel so strange?]
I don't think I could have gotten very much sleep in such a loud, noisy place like that, anyway.
[Maybe if Linhardt were better at this, he'd realize that he was in over his head. Maybe if he really knew what love was, he wouldn't be having these problems. But Linhardt forces himself to look back at Hubert after saying that much, sighing and trying to just...be casual about it, because everything is certainly fine.]
So thank you for at least keeping me entertained. I couldn't possibly imagine the reaction they'd all have if you couldn't.
[Surely whatever this bizarre feeling is will pass soon enough. They're away from everyone else with no concerns about being spied on for the moment, and yet... somehow this is still just as awkward as being surrounded by people who think they're dating. If he'd realized everything was going to be this awkward after just one dance, perhaps he never would have asked in the first place.
Still, he can't just leave Linhardt's words hanging there; for all he knows, the awkwardness is solely on his end and Linhardt may not notice anything different. It's certainly possible that this is all in his head and he's overthinking it, so perhaps he needs to stop doing that.]
I doubt they'd be all that surprised. [It's fairly light, though.] It seems we've fooled them well enough by now, at least.
[Sure, there may be some of them who don't buy it, but their little show tonight must have put those doubts to rest. And if they haven't... Well, there's still the Goddess Tower.]
No, they likely wouldn't. But really, I'd much rather avoid a lecture from Edelgard, Caspar, and...well, whoever else would have words to say about such a thing.
[Linhardt chuckles a bit after saying that much. There's still so much that he doesn't understand about any of this, and why his feelings are acting up this way. But right now, they're easing, and strangely enough, it is...nice, actually, to talk to Hubert like this.]
But you are correct, I would say. They've all fallen for it like fish to a baited hook. We're certainly better at this than I would have thought.
[Not that Linhardt understands love any better after all of this. If anything, he's starting to understand it even less.]
I wouldn't have thought they'd all be this gullible.
[Okay, that's a blatant lie, he wouldn't have agreed to this in the first place if he'd thought that no one would buy it, but it's fine, Linhardt can just think he really wanted to prove Caspar wrong.]
Though I must admit, I didn't think we'd last this long either.
[Whether it was because of their acting skills being so poor, Linhardt developing some other interest to research obsessively, or Hubert needing to turn his attention elsewhere to more pressing matters; regardless, here they are still. It's almost funny that they've made it this long.]
[Okay, that gets Linhardt to chuckle outright. He looks genuinely pleased by that--definitely assuming he wanted to prove Caspar wrong alongside him, but the second observation is what's causing the bulk of it. A month, a gods forsaken month--]
Nor did I, if you want the honest truth. It really is quite funny, when half of the relationships you see around the monastery last for a week at best. And the others are a product of Sylvain's womanizing.
[in this house we drag our schoolmates]
And yet, here we are, having lasted longer than most all of them. Next thing you know, they'll be asking us when we plan to celebrate our "month-iversary" or some nonsense like that.
[That's so stupid. Anniversaries are supposed to be for years, not short term relationships!!]
[That gets a short, evil-sounding laugh from him.]
Normally I would try to argue that, but that sounds exactly like the sort of thing Dorothea would want to plan.
[Mostly because she'd find it funny and want to fluster them, but considering how quickly most relationships tend to break up... Well, a month is perhaps something worth celebrating. It probably wouldn't be if Sylvain wasn't here dragging our statistics of relationship length down, but alas.]
[...Oh gods damn it all, Hubert's right. Linhardt really can't help but make a face and groan at that.]
Isn't that supposed to be planned by the couple themselves? Really, she'd have more luck planning for Edelgard and Lorenz's eventual anniversary...
[Linhardt's honestly just whining. Entirely because it's going to require effort on his part to show up and be schmoopy if she does, but Hubert's only laid out the possibility. It's not like it'll actually happen, right???]
...But you are correct, she would. Gods, she'd make it so incredibly loud and noisy too--deeply unsuitable for the likes of us.
[Surely she will and won't just take that as more incentive.........
But yes, let's be off. Linhardt's definitely more at ease as they walk towards the tower, and he can't help but be slightly excited. There's definitely going to be plenty to see here--plenty of opportunities to see if this tower really does have any effect on people's relationships, and pretending to do something like this in kind will surely sell their act.
...Even so, he feels his heart starting to beat again. He's not sure why he's nervous, but maybe it's just that Linhardt doesn't want to screw this up.
It doesn't take long for them to reach it, and Linhardt smiles as they start to make their way inside. Linhardt can practically hear people talking in the background, making their little wishes and the like, and he finds himself smiling.]
We should find a good spot to make our own wish, shouldn't we, Hubert?
[Linhardt settles back into their act easily, turning and giving Hubert a smile. It's strange, but...Linhardt does seem genuinely happy at the idea.]
[This is the last thing they have to do to really sell their act; perhaps that's why Hubert's heartrate has picked up again. It can't be anxiety - that doesn't even make sense. What would he have to be nervous about here? It's not like he's ever had any problems pretending to believe in the Goddess before, after all.
There certainly are others here, and Hubert can catch a few words here and there, but not exactly enough to determine what everyone else is wishing for. Oh well. As much as he wants to be nosy, he's here for a reason.]
Yes, of course. We don't need to go too high up, [this is partially because he doesn't want to be that high up tbh] but we should be somewhere somewhat more private.
[Public enough to be seen, not public enough to make it look like they're putting on a show, in other words.]
[There's damning hesitation there, and Linhardt feels his heart skip a beat as they walk further and further in. In a way, he's a little more than overwhelmed by the prospect, the closer they are to their destination. (which he's definitely letting Hubert choose)
Linhardt isn't sure what it is that's making his heart beat like a drum, unending and almost making him feel lightheaded with anticipation, but once they do manage to reach the spot, Linhardt pauses. Staring anywhere but at Hubert, surprisingly shy and...]
Well, here we are. I imagine you already have your wish picked, don't you?
[It's almost easily said, despite the feeling of unease overcoming him. Maybe it's something he needs to sort out, or maybe it's something he truly wishes to do, but he's...making an attempt, at least, despite seeming surprisingly off.]
[He notices the hesitation, but he's not entirely sure what caused it. Perhaps Linhardt is having second thoughts, or maybe he's not confident in how well they can sell this. That's fair, neither of them are expert actors, after all; and if they fail to make this convincing enough, their entire act falls apart around them. It would be more embarrassing to explain why they've been pretending to be dating than to actually successfully pull this off, right?
So up they go. They only need to ascend once in order to find an alcove tucked away further back. It has a nice view and it's not the easiest place to navigate to unless you know the Goddess Tower fairly well - which is exactly what anyone would expect of them. They likely can't be directly overheard from here either, though someone may be able to catch their voices. All of this is more or less exactly how it should be.
And yet somehow, it feels like something has his lungs in an icy grip and it won't let go.]
Of course I do.
[Not at all, really. He could wish for something entirely unrelated, but it feels like an insult to do that. Wishes don't grant power, and the Goddess certainly doesn't respond to them. So it should be something that fits with their act... Do they usually say their wishes aloud? Should he have prepared something to say? Damn, he hadn't thought this through as much as he should have, evidently.]
[For what it's worth, it's not entirely a lie. Linhardt has to swallow down a lump in his throat, but he has an idea of what he can wish for. He's not sure if this will work, or if this is something Hubert will even be amendable for, but...
He's only read about such an action. A simple kiss, that's all it would have to be, and it would surely seal their act, and yet the icy claws of fear grip him.]
I do believe we simply need to close our eyes and pray, in order to seal the deal. [...] But...I would not mind hearing of your wish, once we're done. Shall we?
[Linhardt's hands clasp in front of him, not...quite in reverent prayer but eh, nobody but the goddess is seeing this so it's fine? It's fine. Maybe a few seconds alone with his thoughts to 'make a wish' will make him feel more sure of this. He thinks.
[There is certainly a proper way to pray and bow one's head while doing so, but Hubert's only barely managing it. Usually he at least does a better job of pretending, but not today, and certainly not here. He doesn't exactly have a wish, but there is one sentiment that is very clear regardless:
I hope this goes well.
Their "relationship" mostly, but everything else that will follow. With any luck, their trip here has secured the status of their "relationship" and that... well, then they've done what they set out to do. Where do they go from there?
He finds he doesn't want to think about it right now. Instead he glances back over at Linhardt.]
[Linhardt isn't exactly doing much better on that end; sure, he manages it for at least...well, a good minute or so, but the more he thinks about what he wants--what he's wishing for, the more a strange anxiety takes hold of him. These kinds of feelings are foreign to him; usually he'd be able to power through but this...
Linhardt's wish is a simple one.
I wish for the strength to do this.
He winds up staying in prayer a little longer--wondering if that was how he should have worded that. That feels almost...childish, to word it as such, and Hubert might be able to catch Linhardt's expression shift a few times--at ease, to frustrated, to confused, and back to frustrated, before his eyes open and he forces himself to settle. He turns back to Hubert, and--]
--Oh, ah. [...] I...took a little longer than I expected; you have my apologies for that, Hubert. You're finished, then...?
[He watches Linhardt's expression change and he finds himself wondering what exactly Linhardt is thinking about. Is he... taking this seriously? Trying to come up with the perfect wish for their fake relationship? He supposes that's possible, but rather pointless, and surely Linhardt's aware of that as well. He doesn't have long to think about it before Linhardt's attention returns to him.]
[Linhardt's sure this will be fine. Maybe he's just overthinking this, and yet his nerves feel as if they've been set aflame by a source he hasn't the faintest clue of. This is supposed to be fake; he shouldn't be putting so much thought into it.
[He could just leave it at that. That is what he wished for at its core, and any elaboration isn't strictly necessary.
But he finds himself continuing anyway, as though that simple idea isn't good enough.]
I hope that we're able to see this through to the end; that you'll get precisely what you want from this and that you'll be happy with the end result. I'm sure you've already learned quite a bit from this experience, after all.
[And that's... also true. It isn't accurate to say that he only thought about what Linhardt would be getting out of this, but the way he frames it now is hardly a lie. He does hope Linhardt's satisfied at the end of this - because truthfully speaking, he's not entirely sure he will be when this is over. He's not sure what he wanted - or expected - from this experience, but... it will feel very strange when it's over.
He doesn't really want to continue thinking about it, so he inclines his head a bit and presses on.]
[Linhardt listens to Hubert, and though his face is the picture of calm, his mind is anything but. The wish itself is simple enough, that this is to go well, and Linhardt can't help but feel silly for a moment. Maybe he is over thinking it and yet...
I hope that we're able to see this through to the end; that you'll get precisely what you want from this and that you'll be happy with the end result.
Ah.
He's not sure why something icy grips his chest at that, but Hubert, of all people, wishing for him to be happy at the end of all of this is...it's making his mind do something. It makes him...happy, to hear that. It's something that sees just the tiniest tinge of color rise to his face, and realistically he knows Hubert is just saying that for anyone who might be listening, and yet...and yet...
Linhardt's starting to wonder where the line between his actual feelings and the feelings he's simulating in this experiment are, because he doesn't know anymore. But somehow those words, they fill him with joy and fear all at once.]
...That is very kind of you, Hubert. That is my hope as well.
[...]
I... [Linhardt pauses, looking elsewhere.] ...In truth, I wished for something quite a bit sillier. Courage, in fact.
[Linhardt's look goes back to Hubert at that, something...close to resolved, yet more nervous than he's been in his life.]
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It is nice. It's causing a strange feeling to flood him, as the music runs ever onward and their dance continues. Linhardt doesn't even know what to say or do in kind, just content to follow Hubert and the rhythm of the song until their end. Oh, what he'd give for this to be an endless song so he can relish in this moment, but...why? Is it just the dance--something that Linhardt couldn't be bothered to put effort into on a good day? Or is this just how people feel when they dance with someone they supposedly love?
...Why is that word so awkward to think of, right now, even as the song nears it's conclusion? It's an observation he'll have to write down later, all of this is, but--
The song ends, and Linhardt finds he doesn't want to leave. He doesn't want to be here either, hearing the clapping of a crowd only barely over a frantic heartbeat, but--]
...I don't believe you give yourself enough credit, Hubert. You did incredibly well.
[The words are breathless, easy, and yet--Linhardt gestures with his head. Come on, this is too much, let's get the hell out.]
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But of course, he's putting on the same act, so Linhardt's clearly just improved along with him. Because it is still an act, after all.
The song comes to an end and for a brief moment, Hubert entertains the idea of asking Linhardt for another one. Sure, there's no reason for it. Sure, that's just drawing more attention to themselves that they don't need. But it would be... nice. He doesn't want to stop just yet.
But Linhardt speaks up and inclines his head, and that brings Hubert back to the reality of their situation, and undoubtedly their classmates' eyes on them. He nods and leads the way; let's head outside for a moment to collect ourselves.]
It was something I was taught to do, that's all.
[...He may be turning slightly pink at the compliment, though.]
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It takes Hubert's words for Linhardt to realize he's become distracted, and was practically staring off into space the entire time they walked. Oh, uh, right---]
Well, you still pulled it off quite well. I think that much is worthy of praise; you needn't be embarrassed by it.
[...It's slightly teasing, but only because they're alone and Linhardt can get away with it. Besides, there's something almost...endearing about seeing Hubert like this.]
...You certainly made it more fun than I was expecting, for the effort being put in.
[That's...a little more genuine. Hm. Not sure how he feels about that, TIME TO GO BACK TO STARING OFF INTO SPACE--]
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I had to ensure you wouldn't fall asleep on your feet, I suppose.
[It's light teasing, though. It's cool out here; it's certainly getting cold enough to risk being too cold without proper coats, but tonight is surprisingly nice. Maybe it's just because of how warm it felt in there.
It's a little easier to think out here away from everyone else, but that also makes it clear that Linhardt still isn't looking at him. This is rather awkward now that they're done dancing, he supposes... Still, something about it is... unnerving, somehow. He's not sure what it is, but it feels like something has shifted and now he's suddenly not sure how to talk to Linhardt. Which is absolutely ridiculous; nothing has changed, and he can talk to Linhardt as he always has. Why the sudden hesitation now?]
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Linhardt doesn't understand it. This is just an act, isn't it? Why does it feel like there's something tight over his throat, something awkward between them when this is all just a prolonged experiment? Could it be that something has shifted between them? That maybe something has caused something else to take root?
...No, that's silly, isn't it? It's all an act. Every last bit of it is, and all of this is just a result of that. A result of what they're doing, and it's nothing more than that, isn't it? It has to be, right?
If that's so, why can't he just talk to Hubert like he normally does? Or even look at him? Why does it feel so strange?]
I don't think I could have gotten very much sleep in such a loud, noisy place like that, anyway.
[Maybe if Linhardt were better at this, he'd realize that he was in over his head. Maybe if he really knew what love was, he wouldn't be having these problems. But Linhardt forces himself to look back at Hubert after saying that much, sighing and trying to just...be casual about it, because everything is certainly fine.]
So thank you for at least keeping me entertained. I couldn't possibly imagine the reaction they'd all have if you couldn't.
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Still, he can't just leave Linhardt's words hanging there; for all he knows, the awkwardness is solely on his end and Linhardt may not notice anything different. It's certainly possible that this is all in his head and he's overthinking it, so perhaps he needs to stop doing that.]
I doubt they'd be all that surprised. [It's fairly light, though.] It seems we've fooled them well enough by now, at least.
[Sure, there may be some of them who don't buy it, but their little show tonight must have put those doubts to rest. And if they haven't... Well, there's still the Goddess Tower.]
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[Linhardt chuckles a bit after saying that much. There's still so much that he doesn't understand about any of this, and why his feelings are acting up this way. But right now, they're easing, and strangely enough, it is...nice, actually, to talk to Hubert like this.]
But you are correct, I would say. They've all fallen for it like fish to a baited hook. We're certainly better at this than I would have thought.
[Not that Linhardt understands love any better after all of this. If anything, he's starting to understand it even less.]
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[Okay, that's a blatant lie, he wouldn't have agreed to this in the first place if he'd thought that no one would buy it, but it's fine, Linhardt can just think he really wanted to prove Caspar wrong.]
Though I must admit, I didn't think we'd last this long either.
[Whether it was because of their acting skills being so poor, Linhardt developing some other interest to research obsessively, or Hubert needing to turn his attention elsewhere to more pressing matters; regardless, here they are still. It's almost funny that they've made it this long.]
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Nor did I, if you want the honest truth. It really is quite funny, when half of the relationships you see around the monastery last for a week at best. And the others are a product of Sylvain's womanizing.
[in this house we drag our schoolmates]
And yet, here we are, having lasted longer than most all of them. Next thing you know, they'll be asking us when we plan to celebrate our "month-iversary" or some nonsense like that.
[That's so stupid. Anniversaries are supposed to be for years, not short term relationships!!]
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Normally I would try to argue that, but that sounds exactly like the sort of thing Dorothea would want to plan.
[Mostly because she'd find it funny and want to fluster them, but considering how quickly most relationships tend to break up... Well, a month is perhaps something worth celebrating. It probably wouldn't be if Sylvain wasn't here dragging our statistics of relationship length down, but alas.]
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Isn't that supposed to be planned by the couple themselves? Really, she'd have more luck planning for Edelgard and Lorenz's eventual anniversary...
[Linhardt's honestly just whining. Entirely because it's going to require effort on his part to show up and be schmoopy if she does, but Hubert's only laid out the possibility. It's not like it'll actually happen, right???]
...But you are correct, she would. Gods, she'd make it so incredibly loud and noisy too--deeply unsuitable for the likes of us.
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[Not that it'll stop her, but then they just won't show up and that will surely work out well. No one said they had to put up with it!!]
I'm sure she can put her talents to better use irritating some other couple.
[Not Lady Edelgard though, of course!!]
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You know, I didn't even consider the possibility we could decline such a thing. But that makes dealing with such a thing much easier.
[FUCK THAT, GO BUG EDELGARD AND LORENZ Linhardt himself doesn't care, those two have basically been dating for longer than they have!!
Still, Linhardt starts to see some people filing off in a certain direction--off towards the Goddess Tower. Well...]
...Perhaps we should start getting going, before we get too carried away?
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Anyway, Hubert's caught sight of that too, and he nods at Linhardt's words.]
Yes, of course. This way, a few of them are bound to see us.
[Shall we?]
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But yes, let's be off. Linhardt's definitely more at ease as they walk towards the tower, and he can't help but be slightly excited. There's definitely going to be plenty to see here--plenty of opportunities to see if this tower really does have any effect on people's relationships, and pretending to do something like this in kind will surely sell their act.
...Even so, he feels his heart starting to beat again. He's not sure why he's nervous, but maybe it's just that Linhardt doesn't want to screw this up.
It doesn't take long for them to reach it, and Linhardt smiles as they start to make their way inside. Linhardt can practically hear people talking in the background, making their little wishes and the like, and he finds himself smiling.]
We should find a good spot to make our own wish, shouldn't we, Hubert?
[Linhardt settles back into their act easily, turning and giving Hubert a smile. It's strange, but...Linhardt does seem genuinely happy at the idea.]
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There certainly are others here, and Hubert can catch a few words here and there, but not exactly enough to determine what everyone else is wishing for. Oh well. As much as he wants to be nosy, he's here for a reason.]
Yes, of course. We don't need to go too high up, [this is partially because he doesn't want to be that high up tbh] but we should be somewhere somewhat more private.
[Public enough to be seen, not public enough to make it look like they're putting on a show, in other words.]
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[There's damning hesitation there, and Linhardt feels his heart skip a beat as they walk further and further in. In a way, he's a little more than overwhelmed by the prospect, the closer they are to their destination. (which he's definitely letting Hubert choose)
Linhardt isn't sure what it is that's making his heart beat like a drum, unending and almost making him feel lightheaded with anticipation, but once they do manage to reach the spot, Linhardt pauses. Staring anywhere but at Hubert, surprisingly shy and...]
Well, here we are. I imagine you already have your wish picked, don't you?
[It's almost easily said, despite the feeling of unease overcoming him. Maybe it's something he needs to sort out, or maybe it's something he truly wishes to do, but he's...making an attempt, at least, despite seeming surprisingly off.]
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So up they go. They only need to ascend once in order to find an alcove tucked away further back. It has a nice view and it's not the easiest place to navigate to unless you know the Goddess Tower fairly well - which is exactly what anyone would expect of them. They likely can't be directly overheard from here either, though someone may be able to catch their voices. All of this is more or less exactly how it should be.
And yet somehow, it feels like something has his lungs in an icy grip and it won't let go.]
Of course I do.
[Not at all, really. He could wish for something entirely unrelated, but it feels like an insult to do that. Wishes don't grant power, and the Goddess certainly doesn't respond to them. So it should be something that fits with their act... Do they usually say their wishes aloud? Should he have prepared something to say? Damn, he hadn't thought this through as much as he should have, evidently.]
...Are you prepared as well?
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[For what it's worth, it's not entirely a lie. Linhardt has to swallow down a lump in his throat, but he has an idea of what he can wish for. He's not sure if this will work, or if this is something Hubert will even be amendable for, but...
He's only read about such an action. A simple kiss, that's all it would have to be, and it would surely seal their act, and yet the icy claws of fear grip him.]
I do believe we simply need to close our eyes and pray, in order to seal the deal. [...] But...I would not mind hearing of your wish, once we're done. Shall we?
[Linhardt's hands clasp in front of him, not...quite in reverent prayer but eh, nobody but the goddess is seeing this so it's fine? It's fine. Maybe a few seconds alone with his thoughts to 'make a wish' will make him feel more sure of this. He thinks.
...He hopes.]
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[There is certainly a proper way to pray and bow one's head while doing so, but Hubert's only barely managing it. Usually he at least does a better job of pretending, but not today, and certainly not here. He doesn't exactly have a wish, but there is one sentiment that is very clear regardless:
I hope this goes well.
Their "relationship" mostly, but everything else that will follow. With any luck, their trip here has secured the status of their "relationship" and that... well, then they've done what they set out to do. Where do they go from there?
He finds he doesn't want to think about it right now. Instead he glances back over at Linhardt.]
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Linhardt's wish is a simple one.
I wish for the strength to do this.
He winds up staying in prayer a little longer--wondering if that was how he should have worded that. That feels almost...childish, to word it as such, and Hubert might be able to catch Linhardt's expression shift a few times--at ease, to frustrated, to confused, and back to frustrated, before his eyes open and he forces himself to settle. He turns back to Hubert, and--]
--Oh, ah. [...] I...took a little longer than I expected; you have my apologies for that, Hubert. You're finished, then...?
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I am. Would you like to hear what I wished for?
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[Linhardt's sure this will be fine. Maybe he's just overthinking this, and yet his nerves feel as if they've been set aflame by a source he hasn't the faintest clue of. This is supposed to be fake; he shouldn't be putting so much thought into it.
So why was he...]
What did you wish for?
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[He could just leave it at that. That is what he wished for at its core, and any elaboration isn't strictly necessary.
But he finds himself continuing anyway, as though that simple idea isn't good enough.]
I hope that we're able to see this through to the end; that you'll get precisely what you want from this and that you'll be happy with the end result. I'm sure you've already learned quite a bit from this experience, after all.
[And that's... also true. It isn't accurate to say that he only thought about what Linhardt would be getting out of this, but the way he frames it now is hardly a lie. He does hope Linhardt's satisfied at the end of this - because truthfully speaking, he's not entirely sure he will be when this is over. He's not sure what he wanted - or expected - from this experience, but... it will feel very strange when it's over.
He doesn't really want to continue thinking about it, so he inclines his head a bit and presses on.]
What did you wish for?
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I hope that we're able to see this through to the end; that you'll get precisely what you want from this and that you'll be happy with the end result.
Ah.
He's not sure why something icy grips his chest at that, but Hubert, of all people, wishing for him to be happy at the end of all of this is...it's making his mind do something. It makes him...happy, to hear that. It's something that sees just the tiniest tinge of color rise to his face, and realistically he knows Hubert is just saying that for anyone who might be listening, and yet...and yet...
Linhardt's starting to wonder where the line between his actual feelings and the feelings he's simulating in this experiment are, because he doesn't know anymore. But somehow those words, they fill him with joy and fear all at once.]
...That is very kind of you, Hubert. That is my hope as well.
[...]
I... [Linhardt pauses, looking elsewhere.] ...In truth, I wished for something quite a bit sillier. Courage, in fact.
[Linhardt's look goes back to Hubert at that, something...close to resolved, yet more nervous than he's been in his life.]
Will you hold still for a moment?
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