sranks | to a new year

to a new year

[It never gets easier for the Order of Heroes. Ever since the day that they repelled an invasion from Embla, their lives all changed. For Alfonse in particular, it's involved discovering a great many things about the world at large--whether it be what truly ailed the Embla royal siblings, Muspell's attempt at conquest, or Hel's attempt at taking over the entire world, all Alfonse saw at the end of the day were evil people who needed to be stopped, no matter what. And he was more than willing to put his life on the line, in order to see that justice through.

But it also meant being able to heal from old scars. Zacharias's betrayal, for one, and learning how to open himself up even slightly to other heroes for another. Sure, Alfonse still preferred more cold and detached individuals rather than anyone who would try to befriend him, but even the prince needed someone to call a friend.

He simply wasn't exactly expecting to find such stalwart friendship with the likes of Hubert von Vestra of all people.

Ever since he had been summoned, Alfonse took something of an interest in the man. Hubert kept his distance from anyone and everyone who couldn't offer him anything useful, but even so, Alfonse sought him out. Simply to chat, to start, but their chats soon became rather commonplace. Alfonse learned much about the history of Fódlan from Hubert, and several of the man's opinions on said history. If Alfonse could be honest, he could see why Hubert disdained the history so much; between the corrupted nobility and what had happened to Princess Edelgard, it was no wonder Hubert held such a deep bitterness.

In return, Alfonse confided into Hubert about...much, really. Be it daily happenings with Sharena, tactical exchanges and the like, and anything and everything in between, he'd grown much closer to Hubert as a result. Hubert had called him out on such a thing once; that for as much as Alfonse talked of keeping a distance to others, he sure sought Hubert out often. And that was true, but it was because of Hubert's logical reasoning and lack of emotional attachment. In a way, Alfonse felt...safe, around him. There was less worry about growing emotionally attached and having to worry about Hubert leaving one day. Which of course Alfonse knew was inevitable; he was the servant of Princess Edelgard, of course he'd leave. Still, it made it easy for Alfonse to talk to him, and to befriend him.

But as time wore on, that excuse held less and less water. Alfonse and Hubert were both quite busy, but Alfonse sought Hubert out more often than he would most other heroes. It was so easy to talk to him, to confide, and even to fight alongside the man. There was no doubt in his mind that of all of the Heroes within the order, Hubert was clearly the closest to the Askran Prince. It wasn't as if it meant anything. They were simply friends, and just that. It didn't matter that Alfonse was so comfortable around him, and that he found himself thinking about Hubert more and more often as time wore on. That was just friendship, right? And nothing untoward. Absolutely nothing untoward.

At any rate, it would be a normal day like any other--but of course it isn't. The new year is coming in, and of course, the Order of Heroes is celebrating. Anna has already set up the celebration and Sharena has managed to convince him, and several other heroes to partake in the festivities, so naturally, Alfonse has been taking part. Sharena has stayed close to him today, and they've been having a lot of fun. But even so, someone hasn't arrived, and it's...causing something strange in Alfonse. He's tried to keep it from being obvious, but Sharena did pull him aside to ask what was on his mind...

And he almost feels like he's made a big mistake in telling her that he wished Hubert was here. Her grin is all too bright as she gives him what's essentially a pep-talk, and before he knows it, he's back in the castle and going right for the library.

("Oh, just go and ask him! The worst he can say is no, right?" Sharena winked shortly after saying that much. "But I imagine he won't say no if it's you asking!")

It doesn't matter what Hubert's answer is. Alfonse couldn't possibly impose such frivolity on his friend if he didn't want it. And yet, as he enters the library...well, he's about to do just that. He'll walk in, yukata-clad and all, and go find his friend--]

Ah, Hubert. [There he is. Alfonse keeps his voice calm, though there is a small smile on his face as he comes across the man.] Am I disturbing you?

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[...Alfonse hasn't let go.

That isn't the thing Hubert should be focusing on, especially since Alfonse is speaking, but the majority of what he's hearing right now is his own pulse spiking and that really shouldn't be happening right now. He can focus on all of this later, but for now he should... Well, he should start by letting go. It still takes him a moment to actually do that, but thankfully he isn't jumping back like Alfonse is on fire or anything.]

Ah, yes, of course.

[What did Alfonse say, exactly?? Something about the end of the festivities or something? That seems like a safe answer anyway, let's... go??? Ohhhh man he really was not prepared for this turn, was he.]

[It takes until Hubert lets go of Alfonse to realize that he held on for too long. Stupid, stupid, stupid--what is he thinking? This is too much, this is too distracting, and Alfonse has to avert his gaze because he's gone a stark shade of red that he hopes Hubert hasn't seen--

Just. Get through the end of the festival. Get through the end of it, they can do this and never speak of this again, hopefully.]

Let us be on our way then. Follow my lead.

[It's thankfully not a far walk to the place Alfonse knows of--it's a hill that overlooks the entire celebration where everyone seems to have gathered, some even in...twos...oh gods, why are there so many couples, just focus on the celebration--]

I...I do hope this area will suffice. I can imagine you might find the crowd below a little more than suffocating.

[Alfonse just...kind of fidgets with his sleeves while he watches everyone below, gaze averted from Hubert.]

[Alfonse is certainly more flushed than he was before, but... well, it could be any number of things. Speculating wildly isn't going to do any good. It's best just to let it go.

So Hubert follows, and once they're looking out at everyone else, uh... Oh. Well then. Hubert wasn't aware some of these people were even interested in each other to begin with, which just goes to show he needs to pay more attention. Not that he cares who is dating whom, but being out of the loop with any information is a bit aggravating. It's absolutely not something to focus on that isn't Alfonse or the fact that Alfonse took him here, where there are plenty of other couples.]

I would, yes. This spot will be just fine.

[A bit distracting, maybe, but they're high enough up that they can't accidentally eavesdrop on anyone, so it should be fine.

...Awkward, but fine.]

[It's fine. It's all fine, there's nothing wrong with this. Alfonse can't ever look at Hubert again and his heart is hammering in his chest, but he nods in response to Hubert's question. It's...fine. It's fine, there's nothing wrong here, not even as the people start the count down.

Even now, Alfonse just finds himself fidgeting in the extended silence. Alfonse doesn't even bother to speak up, but he's suddenly so antsy. All at once it feels like his skin is on fire and there's no way to quench the flames, and his nerves have already started taking over. There's so much he wants to do and stuff he wants to say, but all at once it feels like too much, and--]

...Hubert?

[Alfonse's voice feels so very small. It's only something to break the silence so the air doesn't feel so tense.]

[The silence is oppressive. This is exactly the sort of atmosphere Hubert tries to create with so many people - particularly back home - and yet here it is without him trying at all. What exactly is causing this tension? It's been building this entire night, but... Does he really want an answer to that? No, that's not the question he should be asking. He already knows the answer.

The question is: does he want a resolution to it?

Logically speaking, no. He doesn't want any sort of resolution to it. It's best just to forget tonight ever happened. This world is not his own, but that doesn't mean he can simply forget his duties and desires and everything that he holds so dear back home. Ignoring all of that would be downright foolish. It doesn't matter what he wants here.

But even Hubert von Vestra isn't solely dictated by logic, and the overwhelming majority of him wants something to happen, even if it's simply for this festival to be over so he can escape and go back to ignoring whatever revelations he may or may not have had tonight.

Then Alfonse speaks, and Hubert finds himself drawn like a moth to flame, despite knowing that he'll likely be burned.]

What is it?

[Alfonse's voice is quiet; nervous, maybe. He's not used to the prince sounding so uncertain. It's not really helping with his own nerves, but of course he'll hear Alfonse out.]

[Alfonse turns back to Hubert when he speaks up. He hasn't once stopped fidgeting with his sleeves, but even now, he does everything he can to steady himself. To will his own frantic heartbeat down, to will the impulsive actions he wants to take--Alfonse has never considered himself a reckless man, but others have told him that he is. He can't help but wonder if there's a bit of truth in those words.

Alfonse steels himself and takes a step closer to his friend.]

I...truly hate to trouble you. You know this better than anyone. But I... [...] Could I ask you to...trust me, for a moment?

[Alfonse's heart is beating so fast that it's a wonder he's not fainting. It's absolutely impulse guiding him at this point. But Hubert could tell him to leave, to give him the reality check he sorely needs, and Alfonse would back away.

But even now, Alfonse stares at Hubert outright, and his expression has a strange determination in it.]

[I don't trust easily is his first thought, which is certainly true. During his time here, Hubert has always been on edge. In some ways it both improved and got worse once Lady Edelgard was summoned. Regardless, he's never been the sort to trust anyone without good reason.

But that... isn't the case with Alfonse. It hasn't been the case with Alfonse for quite some time. When exactly did he start letting his guard down? It's pointless to think about something like that now, but it certainly does confirm that his next words are true.]

I've trusted you for far longer than that, and I doubt that will change now.

[It's stupid to make assumptions about what Alfonse will do next, and yet... given their proximity, Hubert hopes his assumption is correct.]

[The words echo in Alfonse's mind. Just the thought that Hubert would trust him so easily, that he's earned that trust from a man who keeps everyone at arms length--it fills Alfonse's chest with something, like a vicegrip. And yet, as Alfonse takes a breath to steady himself and steps closer, closer, closer, practically to the cadence of the final countdown...

Seven, six, five--]

...Thank you, Hubert. It...means a lot, to hear that.

[Alfonse isn't too far behind in height compared to Hubert, even if at this proximity, he's going to have to get up on his toes. He can do this.

Four, three--]

I hope that you can forgive me, my friend.

[Two, one--

Alfonse doesn't hesitate. He promptly screws his eyes shut, prepared for a rejection of some manner as he stands on the tips of his toes and kisses his best friend.]

[In hindsight, perhaps Hubert should have seen this exact scenario play out. He knows Alfonse very well; he knows Alfonse would see this as being selfish, as doing something he shouldn't.

And yet as midnight strikes and Alfonse kisses him, all Hubert can think is Don't ask for forgiveness, you idiot.

It's with that thought in mind that Hubert returns that kiss, one of his hands coming up to grip the front of Alfonse's yukata tightly - to keep him from pulling away, and doing something ridiculously stupid like apologizing.]

[Alfonse isn't expecting much, even as a strange feeling of euphoria takes him. He only needs a second, no, maybe a few of them to convey the feelings held within, and then he can spend the rest of eternity apologizing for taking this so far, for ruining the trust of his friend--

Or well, that's what he thought. Alfonse isn't expecting Hubert to grip the front of his yukata at all, and his eyes briefly flutter open--the kissing not ceasing, but a realization. Hubert wants him here. He wants this, and...

It makes it all the easier for Alfonse to act on impulse, to close his eyes again and bring his hands up--they take residence on Hubert's shoulders as Alfonse continues to kiss his dear friend, with no fear in his heart. It's so nice, even with the backdrop of everyone's cheering at the fireworks and their own celebrating. It's...bliss, simply put.

And there's no place that Alfonse would rather be, in this moment.]

[Alfonse doesn't pull away. He doesn't startle or apologize, instead he moves closer, and Hubert's free arm comes up to circle around Alfonse's waist without thinking. There will be a time and place for him to consider all of this, but now isn't it, and he's not going to let this moment slip him by.

Of course, they do have to part eventually to breathe. The sound of everyone else's celebrations is very far away right now; all that matters in this moment is what they've just done, and what Alfonse was brave enough to do. Clearly such a momentous occasion should have some proper words to go with it—]

Don't even think about apologizing for that.

[..........never mind, it's hubert, what were you expecting.]

[Alfonse won't either; Hubert's arm wrapping around him gets a wonderfully pleased sound in the kiss, and in this moment, Alfonse really couldn't ask for more. It really is more blissful than he could have imagined, because his friend reciprocates, he actually feels the same, and that's--

Well, wonderful. Even as they separate for air, Alfonse stays close, catching his breath. His face has basically gone flushed up to his ears and down his neck, and there's nothing that could possibly ruin this moment.

And then Hubert opens his mouth and Alfonse looks up with (it's totally not a pout, shut up) an embarrassed expression, trying not to die outright. Rude???]

I--I won't! I just...I simply didn't know if I was...I...

[Gods, he's stammering, let him just. Take a second to get his thoughts together. He's not moving away from Hubert at all, and he just...kind of wants to stay like this for a while, while he gathers his bearings.]

...At...at any rate, I am glad that you do not mind it.

[Alfonse isn't the only one who's flushed; Hubert's may not be extending quite that far, but it's just as bright on him.]

Of course I don't mind it. If I had seen it coming earlier, I would have assured you of that.

[But sometimes he's just not as observant as he likes to think he is... Oh well. These things happen sometimes, he supposes.]

...I really should have just spoken that much outright in the first place, then.

[The words aren't chiding towards himself, at any rate; if anything, Alfonse sounds kind of amused, a small chuckle escaping him as he honestly just leans into Hubert a bit more.

They're going to have to talk about this, and...just what to do, if anything at all. Alfonse isn't quite sure how to brooch the subject--or if Hubert would even want to at the moment. But for now, it's honestly just nice to be close and not have to worry. It really doesn't even feel real.]

...Thank you, Hubert. I cannot even begin to express how happy this has made me.

[There certainly are things they're going to need to discuss, and there are things Hubert needs to think about and consider on his own as well. He hadn't expected tonight to end like this, but right now... right now he can't imagine being happier.]

Neither can I.

[He finally releases the front of Alfonse's yukata and moves to keep him held close.]

Thank you as well, Alfonse.

[He certainly wouldn't have been willing to risk it.]

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to a new year

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