[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 FΓ³dlan 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?