[Linhardt's gaze flicks over to Hubert after he says that much, tilting his head just a bit. It does sound like this is hard for Hubert, at least, but knowing that's been on his mind is...]
...How so, if I may ask? It has been on mine as well, but...well, consider me curious.
[...well, we're starting with the bluntest question ever, good job linhardt.]
[It's only fair for him to go first, though he'd greatly prefer to press Linhardt for answers...]
I've felt... bad about my reaction. I didn't mean to upset you; I simply wasn't sure how to react - or even how I felt about it at the time.
[Saying it now, it makes it obvious that he should have at least established this much with Linhardt before now instead of leaving him lost in his own thoughts and interpretation of Hubert's reaction for a damn month.]
...My apologies for that. I... didn't dislike it, anyway.
[................hubert did you even fucking try.]
[Ah, that's...Linhardt look away after Hubert says that, and winds up shaking his head.]
...I understand. It did hurt just a touch, but I also felt that I...greatly overstepped, at the time. It sounds like such a gesture only managed to confuse the both of us.
[Hubert's apology is certainly noted, but it's those last words that make Linhardt pause a bit. Eyes a little wide, flush growing on his cheeks as it...kind of hits, and--well, excuse him while he shuts his eyes and just. Takes a moment.]
[That question is so blunt, so much that Hubert ends up looking away. He stares out the window, though truthfully, he's not really seeing it at all. He doesn't want to answer that question at all, but they've already come this far. A little more embarrassment won't hurt, right?]
...I...
[It's quiet, almost too quiet. He exhales and forces himself to look back at Linhardt.]
[there are a great many things hubert deserves. pretty sure this is not even close to one of them.
Linhardt's still not looking over in Hubert's direction, and ah, there's that pounding again. Is it his head, is it his heart? At this point it feels like both of them are pounding in complete sync, and Linhardt's face is getting redder and redder. Alright, they've come this far. Hubert didn't dislike it, at least, and there's this weird flood of feelings going through him again and--
...There's really only one answer to what's plaguing him at this point, isn't there? Linhardt just kind of sighs, chancing a look at Hubert and...]
Well. That much is good to know. I...do believe I did too, despite everything.
[...What does he say now. There's something he could say, certainly, but they're both kind of. Dying of embarrassment here, aren't they. Linhardt's hands find his face, just kind of burying it in them for a moment.]
...Forgive me, this is quite overwhelming. I imagine it must be for you as well, yes...?
[It likely isn't a surprise that he's quick to turn, staring out the window while not actually seeing anything happening out there at all; though most of his face isn't visible due to his hairstyle, it's obvious he's bright pink as well. He's flushed all the way to his ears which is something he wasn't aware he could do but here we are now anyway.]
It... is, yes. But...
[He manages to kind of look in Linhardt's direction before nope, his attention returns to the window.]
I think it is for the best. There was... far too much left unsaid between us.
[Broaching the topic, no matter how difficult, is ultimately better than leaving it like that. Right?]
...I cannot say that I disagree with that. I haven't really the words to describe it, but...
[Linhardt's just. Gonna try to get his face out of his hands. This is fine? This is...well, okay, not even close to fine but it's. Something alright.]
It did feel as if there was tension growing between us. As the experiment wore on more. It likely would have kept building and building, until something worse happened...
[Linhardt considers for a moment; he starts to get up, looking at Hubert with a tilted head.]
...It was still very...rude of me, to spring such a thing on you. [But...] So...I suppose this time I will ask. Would you perhaps mind too terribly, if we tried again?
[Beat.]
Maybe not here. Unless you wish to, of course. But...I do not know. You're the only person I've really grown to want to kiss, really.
[...linhardt is still not good at this, but he's being blunt? he's. trying, hubert you don't deserve this mess.]
[Something worse... Yes, he can imagine plenty of situations where things could have escalated beyond their control, and it could have ended in a way that made things between them irreconcilable. Things could have been much worse - a month of awkwardness isn't all that bad at all, really.
Linhardt's blunt and straightforward with his request, and it takes a lot more effort than it should to keep his gaze on Linhardt instead of turning back to the window.
You're the only person I've really grown to want to kiss, really.
That makes his heart beat faster and his gaze darts for a moment.]
I... feel the same way. I've thought about what it might be like to... to have the chance to return that kiss. I would be unopposed to trying again, even here.
Linhardt's gaze goes back to Hubert when he speaks up, and in a way, he feels...strangely dizzy, but in a good way. Hubert's truly wanted a chance to return that kiss for so long? Maybe it's bold to think that Linhardt is the only person Hubert has ever wanted to kiss, but in a way, it's nice to know. The knowledge that Hubert's unopposed, and that he truly wants to do this again.
It takes Linhardt a moment. To gather his bearings a bit, to get himself up off of where he was comfortably sitting, and walk closer to Hubert so he can stand nearby. The smile on his face is small, sheepish almost, but...]
...If that is the case, then you'll find me unopposed. I admit, now you've made me curious as to how you'll return it.
[Linhardt offers Hubert a hand; an open invitation.]
[Linhardt approaches and offers his hand, and it occurs to Hubert that this is really happening. There isn't any going back from this - but there's no way he'd ever want to go back either. They were able to talk this through and now...
And now he has the chance to kiss Linhardt like he's been dreaming of and he knows if he stops and thinks about it, he'll talk himself out of it. He'll hesitate or convince himself he shouldn't. So he can't allow himself to do that - he's learned he needs to seize the opportunity while he has the time.
Hubert takes Linhardt's hand in one of his, tentatively at first as he steps closer. His free hand moves up to hover near Linhardt's face.]
...Yes.
[It's a quiet, breathless agreement and he guides Linhardt's chin up to finally, finally return that kiss. He doesn't really know how to kiss, but it's gentle and shy nonetheless.]
[Linhardt's heart pounds as Hubert takes his invitation. It's happening--it's really happening, and neither of them have to run this time. They've managed to talk this through, and they know where the other stands. This is what they want, and as Hubert steps closer, Linhardt's look becomes a very soft sort of smile. The sheepishness fades into something practically adoring; nothing saccharine like he did for their act, but something decidedly softer.
And when Hubert guides his chin up, so gallantly his head notes, Linhardt goes easily, and his eyes fall shut in content just before Hubert's lips meet his own. It's strange, really, how the beating of his head and heart both have gone down to a dull roar, but it feels right. Everything about this does, and Linhardt kisses Hubert back just as gently.
Linhardt's not exactly experienced with this either, so his own kissing is perhaps a touch shy--really, for all of his research, his own experience with kissing was basically "it's just a cheek kiss, but on one's lips", and that didn't prepare him for any of this. But Linhardt laces his fingers with Hubert's as they kiss, and if Hubert isn't adverse--well, his own hand comes up to gently cup Hubert's cheek and really, he couldn't ask for more. This is a moment for the two of them, and it's perfect as can be.]
[He isn't opposed, certainly; Hubert leans into the touch and tightens his grip on Linhardt's hand where their fingers are laced like he's afraid Linhardt will let go. Like he's afraid Linhardt will run again. There's no reason for that, certainly - they've properly expressed themselves and explained what happened and why - but the fear is there anyway.
Because truthfully, he's enjoying this. Neither of them may know how to kiss properly, but it's nice and it's comforting and it's exactly what he wanted - and exactly what he's been trying to tell himself wouldn't and couldn't happen. He doesn't want to let this moment go, because in some ways, he doesn't want to know what will happen afterwards.
But regrettably, Hubert does have to breathe, so he does eventually pull back from the kiss to catch his breath. He doesn't let go of Linhardt's hand or pull away from where he's moved to cup Linhardt's cheek, but his gaze darts and his blush deepens.]
...Thank you.
[...that's probably not what you're supposed to say after kissing someone??]
[It's certainly a little regrettable when they have to actually pull away here, but being close to Hubert like this is still a treat. Linhardt hasn't made any move to move his hand or move away from him, either, but his eyes do open and he sees just how flushed Hubert is and how his gaze darts, and...]
What are you thanking me for? Shouldn't I be the one thanking you?
[It gets Linhardt to laugh, as if he probably wouldn't have said something similar. Because let's be honest, he's eternally going to be bad at this as well, if they even go...
...Mm, no, not gonna think about the forward right now. Linhardt's own gaze darts briefly before going back to Hubert's face, chuckling.]
...If I'd known you had this much of a cute side to you, I would have tried sooner.
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no subject
...How so, if I may ask? It has been on mine as well, but...well, consider me curious.
[...well, we're starting with the bluntest question ever, good job linhardt.]
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I've felt... bad about my reaction. I didn't mean to upset you; I simply wasn't sure how to react - or even how I felt about it at the time.
[Saying it now, it makes it obvious that he should have at least established this much with Linhardt before now instead of leaving him lost in his own thoughts and interpretation of Hubert's reaction for a damn month.]
...My apologies for that. I... didn't dislike it, anyway.
[................hubert did you even fucking try.]
no subject
...I understand. It did hurt just a touch, but I also felt that I...greatly overstepped, at the time. It sounds like such a gesture only managed to confuse the both of us.
[Hubert's apology is certainly noted, but it's those last words that make Linhardt pause a bit. Eyes a little wide, flush growing on his cheeks as it...kind of hits, and--well, excuse him while he shuts his eyes and just. Takes a moment.]
...Did you by any chance...well, like it, at all?
[LINHARDT]
no subject
...I...
[It's quiet, almost too quiet. He exhales and forces himself to look back at Linhardt.]
I did, yes.
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Linhardt's still not looking over in Hubert's direction, and ah, there's that pounding again. Is it his head, is it his heart? At this point it feels like both of them are pounding in complete sync, and Linhardt's face is getting redder and redder. Alright, they've come this far. Hubert didn't dislike it, at least, and there's this weird flood of feelings going through him again and--
...There's really only one answer to what's plaguing him at this point, isn't there? Linhardt just kind of sighs, chancing a look at Hubert and...]
Well. That much is good to know. I...do believe I did too, despite everything.
[...What does he say now. There's something he could say, certainly, but they're both kind of. Dying of embarrassment here, aren't they. Linhardt's hands find his face, just kind of burying it in them for a moment.]
...Forgive me, this is quite overwhelming. I imagine it must be for you as well, yes...?
no subject
It... is, yes. But...
[He manages to kind of look in Linhardt's direction before nope, his attention returns to the window.]
I think it is for the best. There was... far too much left unsaid between us.
[Broaching the topic, no matter how difficult, is ultimately better than leaving it like that. Right?]
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[Linhardt's just. Gonna try to get his face out of his hands. This is fine? This is...well, okay, not even close to fine but it's. Something alright.]
It did feel as if there was tension growing between us. As the experiment wore on more. It likely would have kept building and building, until something worse happened...
[Linhardt considers for a moment; he starts to get up, looking at Hubert with a tilted head.]
...It was still very...rude of me, to spring such a thing on you. [But...] So...I suppose this time I will ask. Would you perhaps mind too terribly, if we tried again?
[Beat.]
Maybe not here. Unless you wish to, of course. But...I do not know. You're the only person I've really grown to want to kiss, really.
[...linhardt is still not good at this, but he's being blunt? he's. trying, hubert you don't deserve this mess.]
no subject
Linhardt's blunt and straightforward with his request, and it takes a lot more effort than it should to keep his gaze on Linhardt instead of turning back to the window.
You're the only person I've really grown to want to kiss, really.
That makes his heart beat faster and his gaze darts for a moment.]
I... feel the same way. I've thought about what it might be like to... to have the chance to return that kiss. I would be unopposed to trying again, even here.
[...No, that's not right.]
I would... I would like to try again.
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Linhardt's gaze goes back to Hubert when he speaks up, and in a way, he feels...strangely dizzy, but in a good way. Hubert's truly wanted a chance to return that kiss for so long? Maybe it's bold to think that Linhardt is the only person Hubert has ever wanted to kiss, but in a way, it's nice to know. The knowledge that Hubert's unopposed, and that he truly wants to do this again.
It takes Linhardt a moment. To gather his bearings a bit, to get himself up off of where he was comfortably sitting, and walk closer to Hubert so he can stand nearby. The smile on his face is small, sheepish almost, but...]
...If that is the case, then you'll find me unopposed. I admit, now you've made me curious as to how you'll return it.
[Linhardt offers Hubert a hand; an open invitation.]
Will you show me?
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And now he has the chance to kiss Linhardt like he's been dreaming of and he knows if he stops and thinks about it, he'll talk himself out of it. He'll hesitate or convince himself he shouldn't. So he can't allow himself to do that - he's learned he needs to seize the opportunity while he has the time.
Hubert takes Linhardt's hand in one of his, tentatively at first as he steps closer. His free hand moves up to hover near Linhardt's face.]
...Yes.
[It's a quiet, breathless agreement and he guides Linhardt's chin up to finally, finally return that kiss. He doesn't really know how to kiss, but it's gentle and shy nonetheless.]
no subject
And when Hubert guides his chin up, so gallantly his head notes, Linhardt goes easily, and his eyes fall shut in content just before Hubert's lips meet his own. It's strange, really, how the beating of his head and heart both have gone down to a dull roar, but it feels right. Everything about this does, and Linhardt kisses Hubert back just as gently.
Linhardt's not exactly experienced with this either, so his own kissing is perhaps a touch shy--really, for all of his research, his own experience with kissing was basically "it's just a cheek kiss, but on one's lips", and that didn't prepare him for any of this. But Linhardt laces his fingers with Hubert's as they kiss, and if Hubert isn't adverse--well, his own hand comes up to gently cup Hubert's cheek and really, he couldn't ask for more. This is a moment for the two of them, and it's perfect as can be.]
no subject
Because truthfully, he's enjoying this. Neither of them may know how to kiss properly, but it's nice and it's comforting and it's exactly what he wanted - and exactly what he's been trying to tell himself wouldn't and couldn't happen. He doesn't want to let this moment go, because in some ways, he doesn't want to know what will happen afterwards.
But regrettably, Hubert does have to breathe, so he does eventually pull back from the kiss to catch his breath. He doesn't let go of Linhardt's hand or pull away from where he's moved to cup Linhardt's cheek, but his gaze darts and his blush deepens.]
...Thank you.
[...that's probably not what you're supposed to say after kissing someone??]
no subject
What are you thanking me for? Shouldn't I be the one thanking you?
[It gets Linhardt to laugh, as if he probably wouldn't have said something similar. Because let's be honest, he's eternally going to be bad at this as well, if they even go...
...Mm, no, not gonna think about the forward right now. Linhardt's own gaze darts briefly before going back to Hubert's face, chuckling.]
...If I'd known you had this much of a cute side to you, I would have tried sooner.
[LINHARDT]