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[Linhardt isn't entirely sure he should say anything.

Yes, it's true that Hubert looks exhausted, unkempt and not recently bathed. And yes, he probably hasn't had a proper meal in a day or two. But it isn't Linhardt's job to keep an eye on the Emperor's right hand man's health, is it? He'd probably snap at him and make excuses, all up until he passed out again like he had when they were back at the academy.

The easiest option would be to ignore all the warning signs. Normally he's the type of man who chooses the easiest path for himself, however... goddess help him, he's starting to care about Hubert more than he should. Not a wise course of action considering his undying devotion to the her Grace, and yet there is only so much running from the truth that he can manage at once before it becomes too exhausting.

So, despite nearly every fiber of his being yelling at him not to confront Hubert, Linhardt fights back against himself and goes to find the other man, wherever he might be at the moment.]

Hubert? I understand that this isn't exactly any of my business, however, I feel nobody else is coming forward to say it, so it will have to be me.

You look awful. When was the last time you stopped to care for yourself? It's showing. And if I've noticed it, others will have well.

[Ah, so maybe he could have put it a bit more gently. Still, at least he's said something. Now Hubert has no excuse but to confront the issue.]

[It seems there's always entirely too much work that needs to be done, and it cannot all fall to Her Majesty.

Well, okay, maybe that's not entirely accurate. Some of what he's been working on very easily could be given to Her Majesty or even Ferdinand if it was absolutely necessary. It isn't necessary, however, and he wouldn't wish to burden Her Majesty with anything else. Or deal with Ferdinand for any longer than he absolutely must. These are things he can handle, and even if they've been piling up lately and he can't remember the last time he slept, he's made it his duty to take care of all of them.

He's in the middle of a note to some of the local lords to request more troops when Linhardt interrupts him, and he looks up so quickly that his vision swims. That... isn't a good sign, but he chooses to ignore it and reaches for the cup of coffee at his side. Ugh, it's already cold...

He doesn't even get a greeting out before Linhardt's laying out the problem, and Hubert resists the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose. He loses the battle to prevent a sigh, and he leans back in his chair and folds his hands.]

As I'm sure you're aware, there's plenty that needs to be done for our upcoming battles. There isn't any of this can can be left until later, and should we not make adequate preparations in advance, Her Majesty's army will be in trouble.

[There's only so much exceptionally talented warriors can do on their own, after all. While he can acknowledge that the Black Eagles are all incredibly powerful, they alone cannot carry the entire army.

Normally, Hubert would just leave it at that. Well, maybe he'd throw an order to get out of his office in there. But perhaps it's simply because he's too tired to bother, or maybe it's because despite everything, Linhardt has somehow managed to make himself somewhat endearing over the years. Regardless, he sighs again and continues.]

I promise I will take care of myself once all of this work is done. I would never risk entering battle without being properly prepared.

[...It's not exactly the most reassuring, but it's an attempt...]

[When he isn't researching or sleeping, Linhardt does on occasion stop to observe the activities of those around him. Enough so that he doesn't quite believe that Hubert needs to be working himself quite so hard. He is only one man, after all, and the Empire has plenty at its disposal. He doesn't need to take on every task available to make himself useful. Her Majesty would be foolish not to already know how invaluable Hubert is for her cause.]

Actually, I seem to recall you collapsing five years ago for very similar reasons.

[And while Linhardt isn't about to volunteer to take the burden of work off of Hubert's shoulders, he will encourage him to split it among others, and also help him take care of himself.]

So your promise isn't good enough. If you collapse again, it might in the middle of a very serious battle.

Instead of risking that possibility, I must insist you stop working immediately. If we begin now, we can have you in proper working order by tomorrow morning.

[He's already compiling a to-do list in his mind: bath, a shave, food, split the work up, and sleep. It doesn't seem like a terribly long list.]

[He's already preparing a list of reasons why that is unacceptable, but all of that goes completely out the window due to one little word.]

"We"?

[Oh no. That's not good. Once Linhardt has set his mind on something, only a nap will deter him from it. While he never found any of Linhardt's passions to be particularly interesting or useful, he can at least acknowledge that the man is incredibly intelligent and incredibly determined when he sets his mind to something.]

I don't need any assistance, I can handle all of this on my own.

[It isn't harsh in the way it probably should be. It's easier for him to push people away, after all. Perhaps he's just tired.

As much as he hates to admit it, Linhardt does have a point. Getting himself in working order will certainly require a bit more effort than he first thought. He casts his eyes down at his work, frowning. If he isn't up to dealing with all of this now, working through the night (again) will certainly not help. He hasn't forgotten the lesson he learned five years ago, and he's been careful not to push himself too hard since then. He is Her Majesty's right hand, and should something happen to him due to his own negligence...

He won't allow it to happen. With a long-suffering sigh, he begins to rearrange the papers on his desk.]

I'll hand these off to some of the others. Is that acceptable?

[It's stiff, and more of a question than a sarcastic and biting response he was aiming for.]

[Linhardt nods at the single-word question. Yes, we. He doesn't trust Hubert to do all of this on his own. Not only because he thinks he'll try to sneak back to his work, but because he's so tired he might pass out before he can finish bathing or something else equally unhelpful.

It obviously takes the man some time to come to the correct conclusion. When he does, Linhardt smiles with appreciation. It's always nice when someone listens to him, especially someone who normally would not do so. Not about matters of personal health and duty, anyway.]

That is acceptable. Thank you, Hubert.

[But he's still standing there with no obvious intentions of leaving.]

I will see you off, and then wait for you back at your chambers. I can have a bath and a meal waiting for you.

Don't tell anyone I'm doing this for you, either. I wouldn't want anyone to think I'm ever going to put in so much effort again. The thought makes me want to collapse as well.

[It's fortunate he only just woke up from a recent nap, giving him enough energy to go through all of this. Not to mention the extra bit of determination because it's Hubert's health at issue.]

[All of that makes it remarkably difficult to be irritated with Linhardt. If only he'd put this much effort into something more useful...]

You don't need to bother. I promise I'll take care of myself.

[Once again, the words aren't biting like they should be. This whole thing has set him on edge in a way he doesn't like and isn't used to. But he's just so exhausted - and that's really only sinking in now, so perhaps he's closer to passing out than he would have thought. He doesn't have the energy to be as unpleasant as he usually is.

With the paperwork sorted and a list of people to visit before he can retire for the night, he finally stands.]

You have my word I won't mention this to anyone.

[It's in their best interest, really. Her Majesty doesn't need to know he's been pushing himself this hard, and Linhardt doesn't need anyone else knowing that he's being this useful. It works out. Now if Linhardt will just let him escape with his paperwork and retreat to his room in peace...

He gets about ten steps away from the desk before he stumbles, and while he's thankfully able to keep a hold on all the papers and not fall, he is coming to the realization that maybe he's not as prepared for this as he assumed.]

[At that next promise he almost reconsiders the latter part of his suggestion. And maybe he would have even trusted Hubert to make it all the way from one place and another without falling over, if he didn't just witness him stumble so badly before even leaving his office.

Linhardt is standing close enough to catch him by his elbow, just in case he was in danger of falling over fully.]

This won't do at all.

[He'll have to call for someone else to distribute the papers and retrieve a meal. No matter. They're going to go straight to Hubert's chambers, no stops on the way.]

Off to your chambers we go. Once there I'll have someone come collect these papers.

[Keeping a hand on Hubert's elbow, he starts off toward said chambers, which are luckily not very far from the man's office. This is much worse than Linhardt thought. Thank goodness he decided to check in when he did, or else someone would have found the Emperor's right hand man asleep with his face in some papers and cold coffee at his side.]

[He really is in no position to argue, and doesn't have the energy to fight a losing battle. So with that he sighs, sets the papers down on the closest surface and allows Linhardt to lead him without complaint.]

...I suppose I should thank you for coming to check on me when you did. It would have been inexcusable had Her Majesty found me like this.

[...That's not exactly a proper "thank you", but you know what, it's at least a start.

He doesn't have any further troubles on the way back to his room, though maybe that's because Linhardt's at his side to prevent anything from happening. Regardless, they'll make it to his room just fine. Perhaps unsurprisingly, his room is exactly as neat and tidy as his workspace, with very little to imply it's actually been lived in as opposed to somewhere he goes just to sleep.]

Your assistance is... appreciated.

[It's grudgingly admitted, but it's the truth. He's feeling a little light-headed even now, and the thought of trying to hand papers off to several different people is just so tiring. It's probably a good thing Linhardt interrupted him, even though he would have preferred no one catch him quite like this.]

No thanks are necessary.

[He isn't the sort that requires excessive praise or gratitude. Sometimes it even makes him feel a bit uncomfortable. Hubert's way of thanking him is just right, by Linhardt's standards.

When they make it inside, he can't help but take a quick, curious glance around. Unlike his own room, Hubert's is so tidy. Too tidy, if he were to be asked. But that really isn't his business, so he doesn't say anything about it.]

Are you awake enough for a bath, or would you prefer to go straight to sleep?

[Of course he isn't about to let the man bathe and fall asleep in the water until it's icy cold. Though... how would Hubert feel about him watching him bathe, or even helping him? He might find that too much. Linhardt can't help but feel a twinge of excitement about the idea, though. How awful, but still to be expected considering his current feelings toward Hubert.]

I'll have you know I don't intend to walk away until you're safely in bed. Whichever you choose.

[...Ah. That's...

In all honesty, it shouldn't be a question. Linhardt isn't leaving until he's in bed either way, and once he's rested he'll be able to handle everything else himself. Besides, the idea of Linhardt helping him bathe is just...

...It's more appealing than it should be, which is a bit difficult to admit even just to himself. He is Her Majesty's first and foremost and everything else is unimportant. Perhaps once this war is over and Her Majesty's goals have been realized he can start to consider things outside of that, but now is not the time or the place.

And besides, just the thought of Linhardt assisting him with a bath is entirely too embarrassing to seriously consider.]

...You don't need to stay. I can handle myself.

[Once again, there's no bite to it. It also isn't an answer, but that's... probably fine.]

Nonetheless, I feel that I should. Just in case you stumble again, or pass out and miss the bed.

[He knows he's been bolder than usual, but is there any better time than now, in the thick of war?

Every time they go into battle, there's the chance of someone losing their life. It would be such a shame to have ignored simple pleasures for the sake of something as horrific as fighting and death.

Yet he knows he and Hubert will never see eye to eye on certain things... it's difficult to even know where to begin when it comes to issues of attraction. Would any of his advances be welcomed, or treated with scorn? Normally he would say he doesn't care, but in all honestly? He does. It matters to him more than he would like to admit. The thought of rejection is quite painful.]

I could start the bath while you undress. Would that be acceptable?

[Ah, it looks as though Linhardt has made the decision for him. Hubert is not the sort of person to let decisions fall into anyone else's hands - even Her Majesty cannot make decisions for him and he will act against her wishes should it benefit her - and here he is finding himself relieved that he doesn't have to turn Linhardt away.

Ridiculous. This whole thing is completely and utterly ridiculous and he should put such thoughts from his mind. Even if - if - he were to indulge in whatever fleeting desire this is (for it surely can't be anything substantial, not in the heat of war like this) there is no telling whether Linhardt feels the same way.

Linhardt is trying to help, and he needs to keep his mind where it belongs and not chasing something that could distract him.]

If you would.

[Still, he finds himself giving in anyway.

Linhardt will find that the bathroom is just as pristine as the rest of Hubert's living space. It shouldn't be particularly difficult or time-consuming to draw a bath, and you can probably hear Hubert moving to remove his uniform.]

[With that decided, Linhardt heads into the bathroom. It is indeed very tidy and has a comfortable air about it. His attention is drawn almost immediately to the bath near the back of the room. Quite appropriately fancy for such a distinguished person.

He toes off his shoes (because it would be a shame to trail any dirt in this room), and goes to start the hot water. Once the bath begins filling, Linhardt then begins his quest for everything a proper bathing experience requires. There's some shampoo, soap, oils- where are the oils? Hmph. That must just be something he uses, then.

Oh well.

He places the shampoo and soap at the edge of the bath, folding his arms as he listens to the soft sounds of Hubert undressing in the other room. If only he could watch. He's quite tall and handsome, isn't he? What would he look like beneath that uniform? It's a question Linhardt has wondered on many an occasion, and there's even the chance he might find out tonight.

Should he wait in here, then? Or leave the room? Ah... should have thought this part through a bit better.]

[It isn't particularly difficult to undress, but Hubert finds himself a bit distracted tonight. It's partially due to exhaustion, yes, but Linhardt is in the bathroom and honestly he's not entirely sure why the idea of Linhardt seeing him without his usual attire is flustering him so badly. Shame is completely pointless. Is it even shame? Embarrassment, perhaps? What does he have to be embarrassed about?

It takes him longer than he really needs to shut his mind up (he is entirely too tired to deal with that right now) and finish undressing. Still he hesitates, and only enters the bathroom after retrieving a spare towel from his room to wrap around his waist.]

Thank you for preparing the bath.

[He enters silently behind Linhardt. Hubert's tall and broad-shouldered, but not overly muscular. He's perhaps a bit thinner than one would assume given his height, but overall he's not bad to look at, if you can get past just how pale he is. There are a few scars here and there from battle injuries that weren't healed quickly enough.]

Do you... intend to stay in here to keep an eye on me?

[The question is a bit more hesitant than he would like, and he's honestly not sure what answer he's looking for.]

[Linhardt takes too long to make a decision, so Hubert ends up making it for him by entering the bathroom.

He turns around, a bit startled by Hubert's quiet entrance. Caught off guard that way, he finds himself staring... a bit too much. Yes, that's about the build he would have expected from someone of Hubert's talents. As for being pale? Well, Linhardt can hardly judge anyone on that matter.]

Oh! You're welcome. [He tries to snap out of it, but goodness, is it difficult to keep his focus where it should be just then.]

I, ah. [He expected to be kicked out. The idea of an option is unexpected and sudden. What does he do?]

Yes. I intend to keep an eye on you so you don't drown. [It's a bit blurted out and fully lacking in elegance, but there he is. Inelegant and blushing. Maybe he can pass it off as the heat from the bathwater getting to him.]

[That earns a soft exhale that's almost a laugh.]

Do you really think I would allow that to happen?

[Don't answer that, he knows he's barely staying awake as it is.]

Fine, you can stay, but you're not to speak a word of this to anyone.

[They already agreed on that, but he says it away to feel like he has some sort of control over the situation. He still does - he's fully aware he does - and he could send Linhardt out if he really wanted to. He's sure Linhardt would leave if he asked.

But he doesn't, and before he can stop to think about it any longer, he moves to the bath and sets the towel aside before slipping in. Surely it's just the heat that's causing both of them to turn this red.]

I-

[He clears his throat, cutting himself off. Best not to answer that.]

Of course not. Nobody needs to know what we do in private.

[Linhardt makes sure to look away a little when Hubert removes the towel and steps into the bath. It would be rude to stare at him fully naked, even if he'd like to do so. But once the man is settled in the water, he turns back around.

Just standing there and watching doesn't feel right either.

Hopefully Hubert won't be too irate when he steps over and grabs the bottle of shampoo.]

May I wash your hair? There's no need for you to exert yourself more than necessary.

[He glances up when Linhardt steps closer and after a moment of consideration, he nods.]

Very well. You're being awfully accommodating today.

[It's an observation, nothing more. It's not as though he minds, anyway. It's still a bit embarrassing to have someone look out for him like this, but he'd be lying if he said it wasn't nice.]

I do what brings me pleasure. You know that, Hubert.

[Given the go ahead, Linhardt sits himself at the edge of the tub. The heat from the water intermingles with the heat of excitement at the prospect of touching the other man while he's naked. Even if it's only his hair.

He starts scooping water in his hands and letting it run over Hubert's hair. It isn't very long, so there's no real need to dunk his head in the tub.]

And... well, I couldn't leave you the way you were.

[He allows it, sitting still and letting Linhardt work without interruption.

...Well, with a little interruption.]

You don't have to look out for me, you know. It isn't often I get this tied up in my work.

[He's been careful about it since the incident five years ago. Usually something like this wouldn't happen, but... There's been so much work to do lately, he's just got caught up in that and neglected to take care of himself.

...It's sort of nice to have someone to help with that.

What a stupid thought.]

Forgive me if I have trouble believing that.

[As far as he sees, Hubert is absolutely obsessed with doing everything perfectly for Edelgard. In a way Linhardt feels envious. What would it be like to feel such fiery passion for someone else?

...Maybe he would be able to find out if he was given the chance.]

You should have more assistance from Ferdinand, for starters.

[Once Hubert's hair seems to be wet enough, Linhardt takes the plunge and starts running his fingers through the dark strands, making sure there are no tangles.]

Hmph.

[It's not exactly the most dignified sound, but it's an admission anyway. Yes, he knows he needs to rely on the others more for help, starting with Ferdinand. Still, he prefers to handle as much as he can on his own. Trusting others doesn't come easily.]

I will... endeavor to let Ferdinand assist more. I can't allow Her Majesty to see me like this.

[She certainly wouldn't tolerate it, and knowing her, she'd be upset she hadn't noticed sooner. It's best if she doesn't find out about it. Ever.]

Good. I'm glad you're listening to me.

[He understands that it's probably not easy for Hubert to trust the rest of them, especially like this. Linhardt will do his best to make sure he sees that offering that trust, at least to himself, is worthwhile.]

We'll make sure she doesn't, then.

[Once Hubert's hair is smooth and wet enough, Linhardt squeezes some shampoo into his palm and rubs his hands together. Then he starts massaging the shampoo into the other man's hair, letting his fingers rub against his scalp. Hopefully it feels nice.]

It's appreciated.

[He falls silent once that's out there, letting Linhardt work without further input. It does feel nice and it gets him to relax a little bit. It's probably obvious that he's still tense - he's always tense - but there's the slightest slump of his shoulders as Linhardt works that indicates that he's at least trying to let down his guard a little bit. It's not like he'd let just anyone tend to him like this.]

[And Linhardt works silently in return. Once the shampoo is rubbed in thoroughly, he starts dipping his hands back into the water to rinse it away.

He does, of course, notice the tension in Hubert's shoulders, so opposite of his own relaxed demeanor. It makes his fingers itch to rub away some of that tense energy.]

You may want to start with the soap before the water starts to cool. Unless you want me to wash you up as well.

[He can't help but grin after teasing. But oh, wouldn't that be nice? To roll up his sleeves and dip his arms under the water, running the bar of soap over Hubert's body...]

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