[Linhardt's words get a wry smile out of him, but the question is more important. He's prepared for it, and has already practiced the words that should set Linhardt's mind at ease, but...
It's the last statement that catches him off-guard.
He's always been aware that the others have trouble with fighting their former classmates - even Her Majesty had a bit of difficulty with the idea at first. Fighting - killing - doesn't come naturally to most people, and turning weapons on a former friend is not easy.
Linhardt is a healer, and he hates the sight of blood. Of course he wouldn't want to fight their former classmates. Of course he wouldn't want to be left in a position like that.
Already Hubert is planning, lost in thoughts of battalions and formations and even though he shouldn't be thinking like this - he should be thinking about placing Linhardt where he will be most useful - he only wants to find a spot to keep Linhardt safe, to protect him from having to face an old classmate again.
He draws himself from his thoughts.]
I understand. [He doesn't, not really. He'd kill anyone for Her Majesty. But he understands that some people are like this, and that it is something he needs to take into consideration.] It isn't easy to stand against a familiar face.
[He's quiet for a moment.]
We did not win the battle today. We were forced to retreat, though we haven't lost any ground. We already have plans in place for tomorrow. Our victory will come soon.
[The words are practiced and easy, said with complete confidence.]
For now... Focus on recovering. I will handle everything else.
[And oh, the battle wasn't won. That's disappointing to hear, although there's a small, traitorous part of him that is glad because that makes it more likely that Annette is still alive.
He shouldn't be rooting for her considering how she attacked him so viciously, but just because he has reservations does not mean others have the same. That doesn't mean Linhardt believes she should die or wishes ill on her. If he had it his way, the worst would result in her being taken prisoner.
Annette was such a sweet girl. It's painful that they're fighting on opposite sides.]
Oh. I see.
[Linhardt supposes he won't be in the next battle if they're preserving magic stores for the next. At least he still has some energy ready to help the worst of the injured that will be sure to arrive here tomorrow.]
Hubert, wait. [He reaches out a bandaged hand, drawing his fingers over the other man's palm.] Keep the rest of the Black Eagles safe, please? And take care of yourself.
[He adds extra emphasis to that last word. He knows how strong Hubert is, but he still wants him to hear Linhardt's concern for him.]
[He wants to take Linhardt's hand, to hold tight and never let go. He's terrified of hurting him though, so in the end he allows the touch but doesn't grip back.]
I won't allow anyone to fall under my command.
[It would be a huge blow to them if they were to lose any of the Black Eagles. But more than that, he doesn't want to see any of his classmates die. He might not see eye-to-eye with all of them, but at the very least there's respect there, if not fondness.]
And I... [A pause.] You don't need to worry about me, Linhardt. I won't die.
[It's the sort of thing he can't promise, irritatingly enough. His magic is exceptionally powerful and dangerous, but if he ends up at the pointy end of a weapon, there isn't much that could save him. War is unpredictable, and there's no telling what tomorrow will bring.
But his words are confident and certain, stated as a fact. He won't die, because he has entirely too much left to do.]
[He does smile at the reassurances. No, he knows Hubert can't promise anything when it comes to war because battles are always unpredictable, but... he still feels somewhat better hearing those words all the same.]
I'll hold you to that.
[He lets his hand drop back down to the cot and lets out a sigh. Being injured is awful... he's been injured in battle before, but never without magic to help him recover soon enough after. Having to preserve energy like this is a pain.
For once he wants to exert himself, if only to make life easier.]
Please come visit me after you are victorious. I will do my best to heal those who need it more than I, but I still wish to see you. [To make sure you're okay.]
[It's selfish to ask that of Linhardt, he knows that. But if Linhardt exerts himself too much, he could risk making his own injuries worse. It's for the best if Linhardt recovers; he is one of their best healers, after all. So there's a reason for it beyond his own selfishness - but that's not why he said it, he knows that.]
I will visit you as soon as I can. You can hold me to that as well.
[There will be plenty to do even in the aftermath of the battle, but he can spare a few minutes to check in with Linhardt, so the other man knows he's okay. It wouldn't do to let Linhardt worry about him.
...He doesn't really have a justification for that one, though.]
Now that isn't something I thought I'd ever hear from you.
[Usually he's being asked to push himself harder. How funny that in this circumstance he actually does want to exert himself, but has actual physical limitations?]
Good. I will.
[Truly, he will. If Hubert doesn't return fast enough he'll ask after him. Because they are going to win. They have to.]
[Hubert's visit heartens him for a little while, but by the time he wakes up the next morning, Linhardt is back to worrying.
There is going to be another battle today, and after the last one, he fears the other side rallying enough to eke out a victory. That would be tremendously disastrous for them all.
Unfortunately there's no way to contact Hubert one more time before the fighting begins. He has to simply have faith in him and the others, that they'll overcome the stalemate and come out victorious, or at the very least take enough ground that the others retreat.
There's no way to know what's happening in the tent with the other injured soldiers. All he can do is wait, unpleasant feelings and thoughts passing through his mind almost constantly. For someone who is usually much more carefree, this is exhausting.
Not exhausting enough to get him to sleep. He's going to be awake until he hears about the conclusion and sees evidence that the others are okay for himself.]
Linhardt will undoubtedly see soldiers rushing back and forth, carrying the injured in and escorting supplies out to the front lines, and it seems even though the fighting isn't near camp, it's still hectic. But as the sun sets and evening falls, many of the soldiers return to camp exhausted.
Hubert is among them of course, looking no worse for the wear but mildly annoyed. His first stop (after ensuring Her Majesty is unharmed and has no other tasks for him, of course) is to visit Linhardt.
He's a bit surprised to find Linhardt awake and nods in greeting.]
Good evening. How are you feeling?
[He'll take one of the chairs nearby and sit so he's not just sort of hovering around anxiously like yesterday.]
[When it becomes apparent that the battle is over and that they're victorious, Linhardt feels some relief. So far he hasn't been asked to try healing anyone else, but he knows it's only a matter of time.
Of course, there's someone in particular he's waiting to see that hasn't shown up yet. Linhardt keeps checking the entrance to the tent until finally, finally, Hubert appears and walks over to where he's resting.]
Much better now.
[There's a sincere smile on his face, even though he's clearly quite exhausted. Hubert must be feeling even worse after such a long fight.]
How are you? You aren't injured, are you? [His eyes run up and down Hubert's form, searching for anything obviously wrong.]
[That certainly seems to be true; he's not the sort to hide an injury and his clothes are still perfect, so he's fine.]
The battle went on for longer than I had anticipated, but we did not suffer heavy losses, so there isn't much to complain about.
[He certainly could complain, but he doesn't really want to trouble Linhardt with that. Instead he shifts a bit, leaning forward and folding his hands.]
You haven't been pushing yourself today, have you?
[He doesn't think Linhardt has, because it's Linhardt. He wouldn't unless it was absolutely necessary. But given the battle and how many injured have been escorted here today, he wants to check.]
[Not suffering heavy losses is a relief. Still, he can't help but wonder about their former classmates... especially Annette. Linhardt decides to spare himself and not ask just now. He doesn't think he can take it.]
No. Manuela has been taking care of everything so far.
[Thankfully. He's been too worried and tired to work hard just yet. He'll do what he must once ordered to, but until then? Hubert has the right idea.]
I suspect I'll be busy soon, however. [He sighs, rolling onto his side so he can prop himself up on one forearm while he continues to look up at Hubert.] Are we taking a break from battles after this one? Or are we pushing forward straight away?
[Not that it's good to put all the healing on Manuela, but pushing Linhardt right now is a dreadful idea.
At the question he sits back a bit so he can fold his arms.]
We'll be pushing forward. We can't afford to sit idle for any amount of time.
[He hesitates for a moment, though.]
If you still need time to recover, you'll have it. There's no reason to push yourself. We can't afford to lose you.
[Tactically speaking, that is sound. Linhardt is vital as one of their strongest healers. Of course, if this were strictly about tactics, he wouldn't have hesitated.]
[Naturally his demeanor wilts at the thought of pushing forward without a break. Even if he'll surely be better soon enough, he doesn't much like the thought of rushing through the battlefield again so soon. All the bodies and fighting... it makes him feel ill just thinking about it.
But then Hubert offers him an out.
Oh, it's so tempting to just grab that and run with it. And of course, if the Professor and Edelgard decide not to bring him into battle (doubtful), he won't need to worry about it. Still... there's an unusual sense of guilt at the thought of going along with an excuse that isn't sincere.
If he's honest with himself, that feeling has been growing along with his relationship with Hubert. He doesn't want to leave him, or any of the other Black Eagles, at risk of dying because he wasn't there. Truly his friendships have grown much more than he ever expected.]
[There isn't any way for him to express what he wants to. He wants Linhardt to stay safe, and it isn't something he can guarantee. His strength serves Her Majesty, and it always will. He can't afford to take his eyes off her for even a moment when on the battlefield.
Normally such a thing wouldn't bother him. It does now.]
...Perhaps we could rearrange the formation and have more soldiers near you.
[It's said more to himself as he muses over it. It's a sound strategy, and keeping Linhardt from being injured again would be in their best interests. Of course, it isn't really that simple, and he alone doesn't have the power to make those sorts of decisions. There's also the fact that it isn't a strictly strategic decision - he isn't the sort to let personal attachments get in the way.
But he doesn't want Linhardt to get hurt. That's... really important.]
[It isn't like Hubert to question his readiness for battle. And to suggest a change in formation like that? He's rather stunned.]
The extra backup would be helpful.
[He can't pretend it wouldn't be. Having some more fighters to watch his back while he was busy healing would reduce the risk of him being injured, though it would take away resources elsewhere.
Linhardt doesn't know if the Professor and Edelgard will agree that it's a good decision.]
But I know how much my input in these matters counts.
[For nothing. Zero. Less than unimportant. He's not a strategist and he's known for wanting to do as little work as possible. So... no, his opinions about battle are given very little priority.]
Her Majesty and Byleth will have to approve of it, but it would be beneficial.
[He knows all the right words to say to Her Majesty, but Byleth... Byleth is a bit of an unknown. He can try, but there's no guarantee he can protect Linhardt and that is far more frustrating than it should be.]
...Regardless, your assistance on the battlefield is crucial. I'm pleased you're feeling better.
[But Linhardt agrees that Byleth is a bit unpredictable. A fantastic strategist, but difficult to understand. He would prefer if Hubert had a greater say than the Professor.]
If you say so.
[He closes his eyes for a few moments, before looking back at Hubert.]
You... make me want to try harder. [And that's true, amazingly. Nobody else has motivated him to care about the battlefield instead of his own studies. If not for Hubert, he would constantly be trying to get out of fights.]
[Those words get his gaze to dart, down and away. It's... very important, that Linhardt wants to try harder. He should, of course, for Her Majesty and for everything they're doing, but...
Knowing that he played a hand in that is something Hubert doesn't really know how to process.]
...I'm glad to hear it. You've... been very useful to us.
[That isn't exactly what he wants to say, and he realizes it the moment it leaves his mouth.]
I... I am glad you have decided to walk this path with us.
[That's... a little better, but boy is he bad at this.]
[The way Hubert looks away, and then hesitates so much in his speech, tells Linhardt much more than his actual words. He doesn't believe Hubert is only glad that he's there to help the Empire. By now he truly believes there's more to it than that.]
I am glad as well.
[He smiles a little, but doesn't reach out to Hubert like he desires. There are a lot of people here, and he doesn't want to put the other man in an uncomfortable position.]
I am especially glad that I have you looking out for me.
[His gaze remains averted at that, though the tension leaves him.]
I will always do what I can for Her Majesty's army.
[That isn't really what he wants to say either, but he thinks Linhardt understands. There's a lot he can't say (won't say?) but as long as Linhardt understands what he means, that's good enough for him.]
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no subject
It's the last statement that catches him off-guard.
He's always been aware that the others have trouble with fighting their former classmates - even Her Majesty had a bit of difficulty with the idea at first. Fighting - killing - doesn't come naturally to most people, and turning weapons on a former friend is not easy.
Linhardt is a healer, and he hates the sight of blood. Of course he wouldn't want to fight their former classmates. Of course he wouldn't want to be left in a position like that.
Already Hubert is planning, lost in thoughts of battalions and formations and even though he shouldn't be thinking like this - he should be thinking about placing Linhardt where he will be most useful - he only wants to find a spot to keep Linhardt safe, to protect him from having to face an old classmate again.
He draws himself from his thoughts.]
I understand. [He doesn't, not really. He'd kill anyone for Her Majesty. But he understands that some people are like this, and that it is something he needs to take into consideration.] It isn't easy to stand against a familiar face.
[He's quiet for a moment.]
We did not win the battle today. We were forced to retreat, though we haven't lost any ground. We already have plans in place for tomorrow. Our victory will come soon.
[The words are practiced and easy, said with complete confidence.]
For now... Focus on recovering. I will handle everything else.
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[And oh, the battle wasn't won. That's disappointing to hear, although there's a small, traitorous part of him that is glad because that makes it more likely that Annette is still alive.
He shouldn't be rooting for her considering how she attacked him so viciously, but just because he has reservations does not mean others have the same. That doesn't mean Linhardt believes she should die or wishes ill on her. If he had it his way, the worst would result in her being taken prisoner.
Annette was such a sweet girl. It's painful that they're fighting on opposite sides.]
Oh. I see.
[Linhardt supposes he won't be in the next battle if they're preserving magic stores for the next. At least he still has some energy ready to help the worst of the injured that will be sure to arrive here tomorrow.]
Hubert, wait. [He reaches out a bandaged hand, drawing his fingers over the other man's palm.] Keep the rest of the Black Eagles safe, please? And take care of yourself.
[He adds extra emphasis to that last word. He knows how strong Hubert is, but he still wants him to hear Linhardt's concern for him.]
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I won't allow anyone to fall under my command.
[It would be a huge blow to them if they were to lose any of the Black Eagles. But more than that, he doesn't want to see any of his classmates die. He might not see eye-to-eye with all of them, but at the very least there's respect there, if not fondness.]
And I... [A pause.] You don't need to worry about me, Linhardt. I won't die.
[It's the sort of thing he can't promise, irritatingly enough. His magic is exceptionally powerful and dangerous, but if he ends up at the pointy end of a weapon, there isn't much that could save him. War is unpredictable, and there's no telling what tomorrow will bring.
But his words are confident and certain, stated as a fact. He won't die, because he has entirely too much left to do.]
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I'll hold you to that.
[He lets his hand drop back down to the cot and lets out a sigh. Being injured is awful... he's been injured in battle before, but never without magic to help him recover soon enough after. Having to preserve energy like this is a pain.
For once he wants to exert himself, if only to make life easier.]
Please come visit me after you are victorious. I will do my best to heal those who need it more than I, but I still wish to see you. [To make sure you're okay.]
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[It's selfish to ask that of Linhardt, he knows that. But if Linhardt exerts himself too much, he could risk making his own injuries worse. It's for the best if Linhardt recovers; he is one of their best healers, after all. So there's a reason for it beyond his own selfishness - but that's not why he said it, he knows that.]
I will visit you as soon as I can. You can hold me to that as well.
[There will be plenty to do even in the aftermath of the battle, but he can spare a few minutes to check in with Linhardt, so the other man knows he's okay. It wouldn't do to let Linhardt worry about him.
...He doesn't really have a justification for that one, though.]
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[Usually he's being asked to push himself harder. How funny that in this circumstance he actually does want to exert himself, but has actual physical limitations?]
Good. I will.
[Truly, he will. If Hubert doesn't return fast enough he'll ask after him. Because they are going to win. They have to.]
Win that battle. I'll be waiting.
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[It's gentle teasing, though.]
I'll return to you as soon as I can. Take care.
[He does have things to do and can't stay here forever, but still it takes more effort than he'd care to admit to convince himself to turn and leave.]
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There is going to be another battle today, and after the last one, he fears the other side rallying enough to eke out a victory. That would be tremendously disastrous for them all.
Unfortunately there's no way to contact Hubert one more time before the fighting begins. He has to simply have faith in him and the others, that they'll overcome the stalemate and come out victorious, or at the very least take enough ground that the others retreat.
There's no way to know what's happening in the tent with the other injured soldiers. All he can do is wait, unpleasant feelings and thoughts passing through his mind almost constantly. For someone who is usually much more carefree, this is exhausting.
Not exhausting enough to get him to sleep. He's going to be awake until he hears about the conclusion and sees evidence that the others are okay for himself.]
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Linhardt will undoubtedly see soldiers rushing back and forth, carrying the injured in and escorting supplies out to the front lines, and it seems even though the fighting isn't near camp, it's still hectic. But as the sun sets and evening falls, many of the soldiers return to camp exhausted.
Hubert is among them of course, looking no worse for the wear but mildly annoyed. His first stop (after ensuring Her Majesty is unharmed and has no other tasks for him, of course) is to visit Linhardt.
He's a bit surprised to find Linhardt awake and nods in greeting.]
Good evening. How are you feeling?
[He'll take one of the chairs nearby and sit so he's not just sort of hovering around anxiously like yesterday.]
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Of course, there's someone in particular he's waiting to see that hasn't shown up yet. Linhardt keeps checking the entrance to the tent until finally, finally, Hubert appears and walks over to where he's resting.]
Much better now.
[There's a sincere smile on his face, even though he's clearly quite exhausted. Hubert must be feeling even worse after such a long fight.]
How are you? You aren't injured, are you? [His eyes run up and down Hubert's form, searching for anything obviously wrong.]
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[That certainly seems to be true; he's not the sort to hide an injury and his clothes are still perfect, so he's fine.]
The battle went on for longer than I had anticipated, but we did not suffer heavy losses, so there isn't much to complain about.
[He certainly could complain, but he doesn't really want to trouble Linhardt with that. Instead he shifts a bit, leaning forward and folding his hands.]
You haven't been pushing yourself today, have you?
[He doesn't think Linhardt has, because it's Linhardt. He wouldn't unless it was absolutely necessary. But given the battle and how many injured have been escorted here today, he wants to check.]
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[Not suffering heavy losses is a relief. Still, he can't help but wonder about their former classmates... especially Annette. Linhardt decides to spare himself and not ask just now. He doesn't think he can take it.]
No. Manuela has been taking care of everything so far.
[Thankfully. He's been too worried and tired to work hard just yet. He'll do what he must once ordered to, but until then? Hubert has the right idea.]
I suspect I'll be busy soon, however. [He sighs, rolling onto his side so he can prop himself up on one forearm while he continues to look up at Hubert.] Are we taking a break from battles after this one? Or are we pushing forward straight away?
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[Not that it's good to put all the healing on Manuela, but pushing Linhardt right now is a dreadful idea.
At the question he sits back a bit so he can fold his arms.]
We'll be pushing forward. We can't afford to sit idle for any amount of time.
[He hesitates for a moment, though.]
If you still need time to recover, you'll have it. There's no reason to push yourself. We can't afford to lose you.
[Tactically speaking, that is sound. Linhardt is vital as one of their strongest healers. Of course, if this were strictly about tactics, he wouldn't have hesitated.]
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[Naturally his demeanor wilts at the thought of pushing forward without a break. Even if he'll surely be better soon enough, he doesn't much like the thought of rushing through the battlefield again so soon. All the bodies and fighting... it makes him feel ill just thinking about it.
But then Hubert offers him an out.
Oh, it's so tempting to just grab that and run with it. And of course, if the Professor and Edelgard decide not to bring him into battle (doubtful), he won't need to worry about it. Still... there's an unusual sense of guilt at the thought of going along with an excuse that isn't sincere.
If he's honest with himself, that feeling has been growing along with his relationship with Hubert. He doesn't want to leave him, or any of the other Black Eagles, at risk of dying because he wasn't there. Truly his friendships have grown much more than he ever expected.]
That's okay. I'll be fine.
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[There isn't any way for him to express what he wants to. He wants Linhardt to stay safe, and it isn't something he can guarantee. His strength serves Her Majesty, and it always will. He can't afford to take his eyes off her for even a moment when on the battlefield.
Normally such a thing wouldn't bother him. It does now.]
...Perhaps we could rearrange the formation and have more soldiers near you.
[It's said more to himself as he muses over it. It's a sound strategy, and keeping Linhardt from being injured again would be in their best interests. Of course, it isn't really that simple, and he alone doesn't have the power to make those sorts of decisions. There's also the fact that it isn't a strictly strategic decision - he isn't the sort to let personal attachments get in the way.
But he doesn't want Linhardt to get hurt. That's... really important.]
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The extra backup would be helpful.
[He can't pretend it wouldn't be. Having some more fighters to watch his back while he was busy healing would reduce the risk of him being injured, though it would take away resources elsewhere.
Linhardt doesn't know if the Professor and Edelgard will agree that it's a good decision.]
But I know how much my input in these matters counts.
[For nothing. Zero. Less than unimportant. He's not a strategist and he's known for wanting to do as little work as possible. So... no, his opinions about battle are given very little priority.]
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[He knows all the right words to say to Her Majesty, but Byleth... Byleth is a bit of an unknown. He can try, but there's no guarantee he can protect Linhardt and that is far more frustrating than it should be.]
...Regardless, your assistance on the battlefield is crucial. I'm pleased you're feeling better.
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[But Linhardt agrees that Byleth is a bit unpredictable. A fantastic strategist, but difficult to understand. He would prefer if Hubert had a greater say than the Professor.]
If you say so.
[He closes his eyes for a few moments, before looking back at Hubert.]
You... make me want to try harder. [And that's true, amazingly. Nobody else has motivated him to care about the battlefield instead of his own studies. If not for Hubert, he would constantly be trying to get out of fights.]
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Knowing that he played a hand in that is something Hubert doesn't really know how to process.]
...I'm glad to hear it. You've... been very useful to us.
[That isn't exactly what he wants to say, and he realizes it the moment it leaves his mouth.]
I... I am glad you have decided to walk this path with us.
[That's... a little better, but boy is he bad at this.]
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I am glad as well.
[He smiles a little, but doesn't reach out to Hubert like he desires. There are a lot of people here, and he doesn't want to put the other man in an uncomfortable position.]
I am especially glad that I have you looking out for me.
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I will always do what I can for Her Majesty's army.
[That isn't really what he wants to say either, but he thinks Linhardt understands. There's a lot he can't say (won't say?) but as long as Linhardt understands what he means, that's good enough for him.]
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[Maybe in private he could get Hubert to say something a bit more... personal. Out here? It seems unlikely.
He'll just have to take what he can get.]
As the injured are brought here, my abilities will become in demand. I must aid Manuela.
[He smiles softly at that. If nothing else, he knows that Hubert appreciates him helping the army. That will always be true.]
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[He doesn't need to remind Linhardt of that, they both know that. But it's really the only way he can express his concern right now.]