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[There were a great many things that Linhardt didn't understand in life. As someone who bounced from interest to interest, it was something of a hobby to gain new understanding over these things that remained a mystery to him, in the hopes that it would at least occupy his time until he got bored of it. At the very least, Crest research has served him well due to the many mysteries that come with it; it's an all encompassing subject for Linhardt, and one he doesn't want to take his eyes off of for a moment.
It starts with a casual jape from Caspar, as it always does. That if there's one thing Linhardt could never understand, it's love. Linhardt was more than prepared to fire back that he doubted Caspar understood it either, but something in the way his friend said those words ignited something resembling a competitive fire in him. And so, the bet was established.
Find a date by the end of the month, or he was going to prove Caspar right. Linhardt accepted the challenge, fully intending to research all there was about love and just what one does to make others fall in love. Of course, Linhardt had plenty of other work to do, for both the academy and his own studies, so he was more than content to research it in his spare time. And of course, as he researched it, he found that it was...a lot more complicated than he thought. Genuinely so. Linhardt didn't have a clue as to what all of these gestures could MEAN, what reactions they elicited from the smitten party, why those reactions came to be...
And before Linhardt knew it, it was nearing the end of the month, and time was running short. But he certainly wasn't going to prove Caspar right, was he? No, he couldn't. And thus, Linhardt was willing to resort to the lowest tactic of all.
Cheating. Or, well, cheating at love. Surely if he found a suitable date to agree to this, then he'd be off the hook and perhaps...maybe even he could understand love. Hm. Well, it was worth a shot, and he has been trying to keep an eye on Hubert and Edelgard both since Hubert collapsed a while back...surely he could get Hubert to agree. It wasn't like they would have to do this for long, really. Maybe just a couple of months to form a hypothesis, and to prove Caspar wrong and win the bet.
It was worth a shot, at any rate. And it's what sees Linhardt in the library, eyes coming upon Hubert. He certainly was still spending quite a bit of time in here, but Linhardt didn't want to start this off on the wrong foot. Linhardt walks up to Hubert easily, though.]
Ah, Hubert. I don't suppose I could have a moment of your time?
[There's nothing to it. Linhardt just doesn't want to spring this on someone he can halfway tolerate now; they can save more public gestures for later, if Hubert agrees.]
It starts with a casual jape from Caspar, as it always does. That if there's one thing Linhardt could never understand, it's love. Linhardt was more than prepared to fire back that he doubted Caspar understood it either, but something in the way his friend said those words ignited something resembling a competitive fire in him. And so, the bet was established.
Find a date by the end of the month, or he was going to prove Caspar right. Linhardt accepted the challenge, fully intending to research all there was about love and just what one does to make others fall in love. Of course, Linhardt had plenty of other work to do, for both the academy and his own studies, so he was more than content to research it in his spare time. And of course, as he researched it, he found that it was...a lot more complicated than he thought. Genuinely so. Linhardt didn't have a clue as to what all of these gestures could MEAN, what reactions they elicited from the smitten party, why those reactions came to be...
And before Linhardt knew it, it was nearing the end of the month, and time was running short. But he certainly wasn't going to prove Caspar right, was he? No, he couldn't. And thus, Linhardt was willing to resort to the lowest tactic of all.
Cheating. Or, well, cheating at love. Surely if he found a suitable date to agree to this, then he'd be off the hook and perhaps...maybe even he could understand love. Hm. Well, it was worth a shot, and he has been trying to keep an eye on Hubert and Edelgard both since Hubert collapsed a while back...surely he could get Hubert to agree. It wasn't like they would have to do this for long, really. Maybe just a couple of months to form a hypothesis, and to prove Caspar wrong and win the bet.
It was worth a shot, at any rate. And it's what sees Linhardt in the library, eyes coming upon Hubert. He certainly was still spending quite a bit of time in here, but Linhardt didn't want to start this off on the wrong foot. Linhardt walks up to Hubert easily, though.]
Ah, Hubert. I don't suppose I could have a moment of your time?
[There's nothing to it. Linhardt just doesn't want to spring this on someone he can halfway tolerate now; they can save more public gestures for later, if Hubert agrees.]
[There's so much to do before Lady Edelgard takes the throne. Given her... relationship with Lorenz, she's busy playing the part of a normal schoolgirl, which leaves Hubert handling most of the research and background work. Not that he minds - this is the area he's best at, after all. But it still does trouble him that he can't be in multiple places at once; he really would prefer to keep an eye on Lady Edelgard while she spends time with that buffoon, and then there's the problem of Linhardt...
Linhardt is easily one of the smartest in their class, and if they have to worry about anyone figuring things out, it's Linhardt. Sure, he's usually lazy and doesn't have much of a reason to investigate them intensely, so they've assumed they'll be safe... But Hubert's noticed Linhardt's been working on something lately. He seems to constantly be around observing people - and quite often Lady Edelgard is one of them. It's certainly possible that Linhardt's stumbled on something related to his crest research that just so happens to line up in such a way, but Hubert isn't one to assume such things. So it falls to him to keep an eye on Linhardt as well.
Today he's been prioritizing the former over the latter; he does still have quite a few records to research to see if there's any other holes he can exploit in the monastery's defenses when it comes time for the Empire to march. But here's Linhardt, and Hubert carefully sets the book aside as the other mage approaches. Considering it's just some dusty old tome on the monastery itself, it shouldn't be too suspicious.]
Of course. Would you care to speak here, or...?
[He inclines his head a bit toward the door, just in case Linhardt would prefer more privacy. Not that the library's ever all that busy around this time of day anyway, of course.]
Linhardt is easily one of the smartest in their class, and if they have to worry about anyone figuring things out, it's Linhardt. Sure, he's usually lazy and doesn't have much of a reason to investigate them intensely, so they've assumed they'll be safe... But Hubert's noticed Linhardt's been working on something lately. He seems to constantly be around observing people - and quite often Lady Edelgard is one of them. It's certainly possible that Linhardt's stumbled on something related to his crest research that just so happens to line up in such a way, but Hubert isn't one to assume such things. So it falls to him to keep an eye on Linhardt as well.
Today he's been prioritizing the former over the latter; he does still have quite a few records to research to see if there's any other holes he can exploit in the monastery's defenses when it comes time for the Empire to march. But here's Linhardt, and Hubert carefully sets the book aside as the other mage approaches. Considering it's just some dusty old tome on the monastery itself, it shouldn't be too suspicious.]
Of course. Would you care to speak here, or...?
[He inclines his head a bit toward the door, just in case Linhardt would prefer more privacy. Not that the library's ever all that busy around this time of day anyway, of course.]
Elsewhere, if you would.
[Sure this place isn't populated as much right now, but he's not gonna risk the rumor hounds ratting him out to Caspar!! He'd lose the bet if he did!!
Either way, Linhardt will lead Hubert out toward the door, then--he's none the wiser to whatever Hubert's been reading, not having spared the book even one glance. Once they're somewhere...well, somewhat private in the hall, Linhardt sighs.]
I would like to ask for your assistance in the research I am undertaking--ah, nothing related to crests, of course. I'm well aware you don't possess one. [tactless as ever, lin] But there has been something else that has been vexing me, and I think you might be just the person to assist me in such matters.
[Sure this place isn't populated as much right now, but he's not gonna risk the rumor hounds ratting him out to Caspar!! He'd lose the bet if he did!!
Either way, Linhardt will lead Hubert out toward the door, then--he's none the wiser to whatever Hubert's been reading, not having spared the book even one glance. Once they're somewhere...well, somewhat private in the hall, Linhardt sighs.]
I would like to ask for your assistance in the research I am undertaking--ah, nothing related to crests, of course. I'm well aware you don't possess one. [tactless as ever, lin] But there has been something else that has been vexing me, and I think you might be just the person to assist me in such matters.
[Hubert nods at that, and only takes a moment to put the book back before joining Linhardt in the hall. There aren't usually many people up here unless they're going to the library, so at this time of day the hallway is deserted.
He isn't particularly surprised at Linhardt's blunt and rather rude remark, but it isn't as though Hubert's ever been bothered by not having a crest. The Vestra family has always been rather lucky in that they're in a strange position where a crest has never been necessary for their lineage, so the remark is little more than a mild annoyance at worst. He does raise his visible eyebrow, but doesn't interrupt.]
That depends on what it is you want me to assist with, precisely.
[He is really not here to become Linhardt's test subject for whatever he may have up his sleeve, but this is admittedly a fantastic way to keep an eye on him. Perhaps this will at least confirm whether or not Linhardt is starting to suspect Lady Edelgard of anything. So sure, he'll play along for now - it can't be that bad, right??]
He isn't particularly surprised at Linhardt's blunt and rather rude remark, but it isn't as though Hubert's ever been bothered by not having a crest. The Vestra family has always been rather lucky in that they're in a strange position where a crest has never been necessary for their lineage, so the remark is little more than a mild annoyance at worst. He does raise his visible eyebrow, but doesn't interrupt.]
That depends on what it is you want me to assist with, precisely.
[He is really not here to become Linhardt's test subject for whatever he may have up his sleeve, but this is admittedly a fantastic way to keep an eye on him. Perhaps this will at least confirm whether or not Linhardt is starting to suspect Lady Edelgard of anything. So sure, he'll play along for now - it can't be that bad, right??]
It's a rather simple thing; I would like your assistance on researching into this 'love' matter.
[And blunt as ever, Linhardt lays it out pretty plainly, a smile coming to his face.]
I suppose to be more accurate...Caspar made the utterly audacious claim that 'love' is the one thing that I could never possibly hope to understand. And try as I might, I have been unable to understand it. What causes such reactions, what makes this so-called important emotion so...well, important.
And I've had little luck finding anyone else who would be able or willing to assist in such a matter.
[that's because you haven't considered the fact that you're dumb and don't understand what the fuck love is???]
I suppose in the bluntest of terms, I would like for you to act as a 'date', in this experiment.
[this is the most clinical thing in the world. and he doesn't even realize it. but it's still delivered with linhardt's trademark bluntness, so he's definitely serious about it.]
[And blunt as ever, Linhardt lays it out pretty plainly, a smile coming to his face.]
I suppose to be more accurate...Caspar made the utterly audacious claim that 'love' is the one thing that I could never possibly hope to understand. And try as I might, I have been unable to understand it. What causes such reactions, what makes this so-called important emotion so...well, important.
And I've had little luck finding anyone else who would be able or willing to assist in such a matter.
[that's because you haven't considered the fact that you're dumb and don't understand what the fuck love is???]
I suppose in the bluntest of terms, I would like for you to act as a 'date', in this experiment.
[this is the most clinical thing in the world. and he doesn't even realize it. but it's still delivered with linhardt's trademark bluntness, so he's definitely serious about it.]
[...In hindsight, maybe he should have been a bit more concerned about what it was Linhardt was seeking his help for.
This is certainly... different and not at all what Hubert was expecting. Linhardt has always been blunt and straight-forward, and hearing it laid out like this makes it clear that Linhardt's thought this out - he isn't the sort to joke about something like this. But the fact that he considered all of this and then decided to ask Hubert for help with the concept of love is almost laughable.
But no, that's simply taking it at face value. All of these are pretty words, but ultimately what it comes down to is that Linhardt wants to prove Caspar wrong. All Hubert has to do is pose as Linhardt's boyfriend for awhile, at least until they've accomplished whatever arbitrary goal Caspar has set out for Linhardt. That isn't all that bad and it is a convenient excuse for keeping an eye on Linhardt.
Putting it like that, there isn't really much of a downside. Pretend to date Linhardt. How bad could that really be?]
Do you know how long this would take? While I can't say I'm opposed to proving Caspar wrong, [because of course hubert likes being an asshole] I would still be prioritizing Lady Edelgard.
[Linhardt probably doesn't need that warning - he likely figured as much before approaching Hubert in the first place - but it's best to make sure that's out in the open.]
This is certainly... different and not at all what Hubert was expecting. Linhardt has always been blunt and straight-forward, and hearing it laid out like this makes it clear that Linhardt's thought this out - he isn't the sort to joke about something like this. But the fact that he considered all of this and then decided to ask Hubert for help with the concept of love is almost laughable.
But no, that's simply taking it at face value. All of these are pretty words, but ultimately what it comes down to is that Linhardt wants to prove Caspar wrong. All Hubert has to do is pose as Linhardt's boyfriend for awhile, at least until they've accomplished whatever arbitrary goal Caspar has set out for Linhardt. That isn't all that bad and it is a convenient excuse for keeping an eye on Linhardt.
Putting it like that, there isn't really much of a downside. Pretend to date Linhardt. How bad could that really be?]
Do you know how long this would take? While I can't say I'm opposed to proving Caspar wrong, [because of course hubert likes being an asshole] I would still be prioritizing Lady Edelgard.
[Linhardt probably doesn't need that warning - he likely figured as much before approaching Hubert in the first place - but it's best to make sure that's out in the open.]
[He's not saying no. That's certainly more than Linhardt was expecting--he thought he'd have to bring up Hubert's little collapsing incident to get some form of leverage, but Linhardt's expression lightens, even at the reminder.]
Two months, at most--perhaps less than that, should my research prove easier with a partner. But I wouldn't expect you to stop prioritizing Edelgard first.
[Because let's be honest, Hubert wouldn't even if Linhardt blackmailed him.]
Are these terms acceptable?
Two months, at most--perhaps less than that, should my research prove easier with a partner. But I wouldn't expect you to stop prioritizing Edelgard first.
[Because let's be honest, Hubert wouldn't even if Linhardt blackmailed him.]
Are these terms acceptable?
Edited 2020-11-03 22:26 (UTC)
[Two months... Well, it isn't a lot for Linhardt to ask for, all things considered. It certainly could be worse. It will be a bit of a time crunch and he'll have to be careful with his research since he'll be keeping Linhardt closer, but that certainly seems doable. It'll ensure that he can keep an eye on Linhardt and draw attention away from Lady Edelgard and her relationship with Lorenz, so the only real downside here is... well, pretending to date Linhardt.
But that's a small price to pay to assist Lady Edelgard, so after a moment of deliberation, Hubert finally nods.]
Very well. Caspar would be insufferable if you were to lose this bet, and I would prefer not to deal with that. Knocking his ego down a peg or two would only serve to benefit us all.
[That's totally the reason behind it, don't worry about it.]
But that's a small price to pay to assist Lady Edelgard, so after a moment of deliberation, Hubert finally nods.]
Very well. Caspar would be insufferable if you were to lose this bet, and I would prefer not to deal with that. Knocking his ego down a peg or two would only serve to benefit us all.
[That's totally the reason behind it, don't worry about it.]
[Linhardt smiles when he hears Hubert's answer; perfect. And no bribery needed! This couldn't have gone any better in the slightest.]
He most certainly will. I'd never hear the end of it from him if I didn't produce any sort of result at all! He would certainly never let me live it down, and none of us could have that.
[Linhardt bows, very slightly. Already he's pleased; he can chalk that up easily to pulling one over on Caspar with him being none the wiser to this. But maybe there's something else...he'll have to research it.]
Thank you for your cooperation. [He comes back up easily, waving his hand around as he speaks.] There are quite a few hypotheses I wish to test, and certainly some that I believe will be beneficial for making this 'courtship' appear legitimate--tell me, when might you be able to spare time for one of these ventures?
[...A date. He's asking Hubert for a date, oh my god you fucking disaster man.]
He most certainly will. I'd never hear the end of it from him if I didn't produce any sort of result at all! He would certainly never let me live it down, and none of us could have that.
[Linhardt bows, very slightly. Already he's pleased; he can chalk that up easily to pulling one over on Caspar with him being none the wiser to this. But maybe there's something else...he'll have to research it.]
Thank you for your cooperation. [He comes back up easily, waving his hand around as he speaks.] There are quite a few hypotheses I wish to test, and certainly some that I believe will be beneficial for making this 'courtship' appear legitimate--tell me, when might you be able to spare time for one of these ventures?
[...A date. He's asking Hubert for a date, oh my god you fucking disaster man.]
[He raises an eyebrow at that, and it only arches further at Linhardt's question.]
You can just call it a date, you know.
[...Jokes aside, though...]
I will have some free time later tonight, as well as tomorrow evening; whenever you aren't sneaking off to nap, of course.
[Nighttime in general is usually easier for him, if only because there isn't really a ton to do all that late here at the monastery. He can really only sneak into Abyss so many times before people start getting curious, after all.]
You can just call it a date, you know.
[...Jokes aside, though...]
I will have some free time later tonight, as well as tomorrow evening; whenever you aren't sneaking off to nap, of course.
[Nighttime in general is usually easier for him, if only because there isn't really a ton to do all that late here at the monastery. He can really only sneak into Abyss so many times before people start getting curious, after all.]
[i don't know what you expected hubert]
Well, with this all taken care of, I do believe I've earned a well-deserved nap. Coming up with such a... [Yaaaawn.] ...masterful plan is quite tiring.
Tomorrow evening will do just fine. We should have the garden to ourselves, and I do believe that will be an excellent place to start these experiments.
[Read: Edelgard and Lorenz aren't going to be there, and Linhardt can set something up to instill these so-called ~elements of romanticism~ into the date. It's gonna be awful.]
Well, with this all taken care of, I do believe I've earned a well-deserved nap. Coming up with such a... [Yaaaawn.] ...masterful plan is quite tiring.
Tomorrow evening will do just fine. We should have the garden to ourselves, and I do believe that will be an excellent place to start these experiments.
[Read: Edelgard and Lorenz aren't going to be there, and Linhardt can set something up to instill these so-called ~elements of romanticism~ into the date. It's gonna be awful.]
Edited 2020-11-04 06:32 (UTC)
[honestly, fair...
Linhardt's certainly been keeping close track of Lady Edelgard and Lorenz if he knows the garden will be open tomorrow night, which is a bit irritating. Well, all the more reason to make sure Linhardt doesn't have anything else he's been noticing about Lady Edelgard recently, right?]
Of course. I will see you then.
[And obviously in class before that, but Hubert isn't really thinking too much about any of that.
As it turns out, he wasn't putting nearly enough thought into any of this. He hasn't spoken with Lady Edelgard about this arrangement - though he plans to after their meeting tonight, just in case rumors start from this meeting alone. In truth, there's something a bit... nerve-wracking about going on a date with someone - even though that date is entirely faked and this is only to discuss exactly how they should proceed. Perhaps he should have turned Linhardt down, or found some other way to handle this situation. It isn't like him to get nervous like this, and Hubert honestly isn't sure why it's bothering him this much. Perhaps it's because he's used to acting in a certain way - and that way is one to drive people away.
But here he is anyway at the appointed time - he's even prepared tea. There are a few simple sweets that he managed to swipe from the kitchen earlier, though none of it is particularly fancy or even slightly romantic. It's done because that's what Lady Edelgard and Lorenz do, and it would look a bit strange if they were meeting in the gardens without anything, right? Right. So here we are. Hopefully Linhardt remembered and didn't end up napping...]
Linhardt's certainly been keeping close track of Lady Edelgard and Lorenz if he knows the garden will be open tomorrow night, which is a bit irritating. Well, all the more reason to make sure Linhardt doesn't have anything else he's been noticing about Lady Edelgard recently, right?]
Of course. I will see you then.
[And obviously in class before that, but Hubert isn't really thinking too much about any of that.
As it turns out, he wasn't putting nearly enough thought into any of this. He hasn't spoken with Lady Edelgard about this arrangement - though he plans to after their meeting tonight, just in case rumors start from this meeting alone. In truth, there's something a bit... nerve-wracking about going on a date with someone - even though that date is entirely faked and this is only to discuss exactly how they should proceed. Perhaps he should have turned Linhardt down, or found some other way to handle this situation. It isn't like him to get nervous like this, and Hubert honestly isn't sure why it's bothering him this much. Perhaps it's because he's used to acting in a certain way - and that way is one to drive people away.
But here he is anyway at the appointed time - he's even prepared tea. There are a few simple sweets that he managed to swipe from the kitchen earlier, though none of it is particularly fancy or even slightly romantic. It's done because that's what Lady Edelgard and Lorenz do, and it would look a bit strange if they were meeting in the gardens without anything, right? Right. So here we are. Hopefully Linhardt remembered and didn't end up napping...]
[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.
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.]
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.]
I suppose I should not expect any less.
[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?
[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?
...Ah.
[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...]
[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.]
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.]
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.]
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.]
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--]
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.
[...thanks, hubert.]
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.]
[...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.
...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.
[thanks, linhardt.......]
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.]
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.]
Oh, I've no doubt about it.
[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.
[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.
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