pokebox | locked to beastliness

locked to beastliness

[The Officers Academy at Garreg Mach should come into view shortly, which means their trip is nearly over. Once they arrive, they'll have some time to get used to the monastery grounds and prepare before classes begin.

Of course, Hubert has already prepared in advance; he's studied every map of the monastery he could get his hands on and even though he has yet to see the grounds, he's certain he could navigate it easily. It isn't as though he needs to be so thorough, but given that it is an unfamiliar setting that they will be staying at for a prolonged period of time, it's in his best interests to have the place memorized before they enter.

After all, His Highness will be attending classes there, and Hubert is not about to let anything happen to the prince.

They've known each other for years; they were introduced as children and Hubert had been given the task of looking after His Highness. It's a task that has been passed down his family for generations, and one he takes great pride in. He may not be able to serve as the shield and sword like the knights, but he will always remain useful to His Highness, and if that involves doing a little extra work to ensure his safety, then Hubert will never complain.

(He's also the sort of person who gets antsy when he's not working on something, so it probably comes as no surprise to anyone around him that he's been pouring over maps and documents and learning everything he can about their home away from home.)

Thankfully, their journey has been peaceful so far. Now that they're so close to the monastery, they shouldn't have to worry about anything either, but that doesn't mean Hubert's let his guard down even the slightest bit.

He's (unsurprisingly) silent as they walk; he's never been one to feel the need to make conversation for no reason. If there's any anxiety, it's hidden below the near-smirk he always wears. Of course, Dimitri knows him better than anyone, so His Highness can most likely tell that he's already on edge and every little sound catches his attention like he's expecting them to be ambushed at any moment.]

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( Attending the Officers Academy was going to be an experience, Dimitri was certain of that. It was something he looked forward, especially knowing there would be familiar faces among those who would also be in attendance. Felix would be there, and while the other boy not be thrilled to be in his company, the familiarity would make the transition easier. And of course, Hubert was at his side the same he had been all these years. If anyone was capable of ensuring a smooth transition into life at the academy, it would be Hubert.

Hubert who was always prepared, always ahead of the game in some fashion. Dimitri was certain attending without the elder man would have changed some degree of his view on the whole situation. But now, as they made the trek to their new home of sorts, Dimitri's thoughts were constantly drawn to his companion. Their trip had been mostly silent beyond the occasional question or observation, but mostly, Dimitri had left Hubert to his own thoughts.

Just barely over the trees, he could see the monastery in the distance, reminding him just how close they were. He glanced over at Hubert once more with the thought, and while the older man's lips might be curved in that usual expression, Dimitri can feel the quiet tension in Hubert. If he were a less serious sort, the idea of purposefully snapping a twig just to reveal how tightly wound Hubert was would have been tempting. But Dimitri had never been the type of jokes or humor, himself. He liked to think Hubert appreciated that in his own way. )

If I didn't know any better, I'd say you knew there was an ambush waiting for us on the other side of these trees. ( Dimitri offered carefully, raising a brow at Hubert. It was gentle teasing at most, meant to try and coax Hubert into some sort of conversation, some confession of his own feelings. )

[He glances at His Highness at that, expression as composed as usual, without even the slightest hint of concern.

Not that it matters much; unsurprisingly, the prince has seen right through him.]

Do you think I would simply allow you to walk into an ambush with no warning?

[As always, his word choice is harsher than his tone. It's almost a joke, spoken with the slightest hint of levity. Of course, part of the joke is that if he did think there was an ambush up ahead, most people probably wouldn't be aware of it anyway. His Highness would be, of course; the prince can read him better than anyone else. It's equally reassuring and frustrating, sometimes.]

One can never be too careful.

[It's the smallest concession, an agreement that goes unspoken. He knows he's wound entirely too tightly for their trip to a (supposedly) safe location, and in all of his research and study he's found no reason to doubt the monastery's security. It's easier to be cautious, however. He remains ever vigilant - that is his role by the prince's side.]

I would certainly hope not.

( But no, Dimitri doubted Hubert would let him do such a thing. He trusted Hubert entirely, not just with his own safety but with almost anything else. If anyone was going to look out for his best interests or steer him away from danger, it would be Hubert. In hindsight, it often felt like an uneven exchange. In comparison, he felt as if he had nothing to offer Hubert. He supposed that wasn't entirely true, but if it were, his retainer would never say or leave him, he knew. What a frustrating thought.

He sighed, thoughtful, as his brows creased and he reached up to push a lock of blond hair out of his eyes. )

Is there nothing I can do to put your mind at ease? ( He wondered, glancing over at the dark haired man to regard him carefully. Dimitri imagined the answer would be a negative. But even if there was only a small chance Hubert might share his thoughts or concerns, he would always ask. As far as Dimitri was concerned, Hubert's thoughts and well-being were just as important as his own. ) I understand your concerns about a new and unfamiliar place with so many new faces from across different lands. Though I hope you'll take at least some small comfort in knowing we have allies here - Felix, Sylvain, and Ingrid. ( Admittedly, Felix's aggression might not be a comfort to many people, but Dimitri was confident he was, if nothing else, capable of lending a sword to them if it were ever needed. And if nothing else, he had nothing but faith in Rodrigue's ability to raise a competent and strong heir, much like he had with Glenn.

The thought of Glenn brought a brief flash of a memory of the man's death, of he encounter with the individuals who had tried to bring harm to Dedue. He reached up without a thought, putting one hand to his shoulder where one of those scars - still a striking red, still sometimes painfully deep - was spread across fair skin. He forced those thoughts quickly out of his mind, hand lingering. )

Edelgard will also be here. She will be, at least, another familiar face. ( Though if her intensity was anything like it had been those handful of years ago, perhaps that wasn't the greatest comfort. )

[He glances back at His Highness when the prince moves and remains studying his expression while the prince speaks. As always, he considers both the words and His Highness' actions before forming a reply.

It would be easy to dismiss the actions and focus solely on the prince's words, but Hubert has a guess as to why His Highness' hand goes to his shoulder. As though it could be anything but the ghost of the memory from what happened during the tragedy? He knows how heavily those thoughts weigh on the prince - or at least, he thinks he knows. It isn't something he pries into and even if His Highness wanted to talk about it, there's little Hubert can do to help. Physical threats are something he can handle, but emotions... that's far trickier. He never learned how to properly care for the prince in that way. That's what people like Ingrid and Sylvain (and Felix, some time ago) are for. He has his friends that he can rely on to help him when Hubert can't.

It doesn't prevent his expression from tightening to something that might almost be anger. Being reminded of what happened - and how he wasn't there for the prince - always bothers him. He would do anything to ease His Highness' suffering.]

It is my duty to always keep an eye out. [The response is easy, practiced. No trace of anger and it's quickly stamped out from his expression as well. His gaze only lingers on the prince's hand for a moment before he redirects it.] It's good that there will be familiar faces present, but that doesn't mean I'll relax any.

[It's almost a joke, without being one at all. His Highness knows him well enough to know that it's the truth.]

( It was brief, but the change in Hubert's expression hadn't gone unnoticed. While Dimitri made a point to avoid situations that would make Hubert uncomfortable or bother him (even if he never said such things out loud), he knew there would always be something that weighed on Hubert. The tragedy at Duscur that had left him close to death, haunted by the ghosts of those who'd perished that day, and forced to bear the marks of such events... That was something Dimitri knew would always hit a nerve for Hubert.

Here and now, it was hardly worth broaching the subject. Instead, Dimitri spared himself a brief, scolding thought that he should have been more mindful of his own actions. Out of respect and courtesy for Hubert. )

Is there nothing I might help you relax? ( The question was an attempt to redirect the conversation as he reached to instead push a lock of blond hair out of his eyes. He lowered his hand, busying it by tugging at the end of his glove on one hand and then the other. Having Hubert on guard wasn't a bad thing, he knew, but the last thing he wanted was for Hubert to be wound so tight he exhausted himself mentally or physically before they even reached the monastery. )

[Hubert's attention remains outward, on their surroundings and the monastery. In the (incredibly unlikely) event that they're ambushed, they should be just fine, but it never hurts to be cautious.

He allows the dismissal of the previous topic easily, only glancing over at His Highness when the prince speaks up again. He's not terribly surprised that His Highness is (once again) trying to get him to settle; Prince Dimitri has always been entirely too kind with his servants and it's no exception when Hubert is involved. It's a bit exasperating, if he's perfectly honest, but there's something endearing about it too.]

You know you don't need to worry about me, Your Highness. [The words are practiced, almost easy. There's a hint of amusement to them, but most of all, it's an attempt at being reassuring.] In truth, I'm not entirely sure I know how to relax.

[It's stated as a joke given the slight hint of sarcasm behind it, but given what the prince has seen of him, he wouldn't be surprised if His Highness didn't take it as a joke. Hubert genuinely can't remember the last time he was actually relaxed, after all.]

( It will never cease to frustrate Dimitri whenever they had conversations like this. Hubert served him, yes, but it was his job to ensure Hubert was taken care of as well. And even after all this time together, Hubert still continued to refer to him as "His Highness" instead of his name despite how many times Dimitri asked. Sometimes it made him wonder if it was worth continuing to insist Hubert would call him by his name rather than his title and begin to see him as perhaps a friend. But every time, he always told himself that yes, it would be worth it. )

You say that often, but we still continue to have this conversation. ( His lips curved into a small smile, bordering on teasing, as he glanced over at his companion. ) Just as I continue to remind you that you can call me Dimitri. ( "Your Highness" was so formal, constantly reminding him of how difficult it was to communicate with people who weren't of noble or royal lineage.

They continued to walk, and after a moment, his smile disappeared, replaced by a thoughtful frown. )

Promise me something, Hubert.

Of course. I imagine we'll have it several more times within this month alone. [His tone remains even, at least until he finishes it with:] Your Highness.

[It's perhaps the closest Hubert gets to teasing, though like so much about him, it isn't gentle at all. It probably speaks volumes that he's even gotten to this point; any acknowledgement of his steadfast refusal to address the prince by name is definitely an improvement over the rigid behavior he used to demonstrate. Not that he'll ever improve beyond this much, as much as she's sure Prince Dimitri would like him to. Proper address is exceptionally important, especially with someone he is this devoted to. Anything less would be an insult.

He glances down at the prince after a moment, just in time to catch the smile disappearing for a frown and the words that follow. He lifts his one visible eyebrow, curious.]

That depends on what it is.

[The words are back to normal, no indication of any feelings he may or may not have on the matter just yet. It's a bit hard to tell exactly what the prince will request of him. Hubert isn't in the habit of making promises before he knows what the promise is for.

(Not that he's in the habit of keeping promises either, but that's not really important. If it is a promise he can keep, then he will. But if it isn't... Well, there isn't much more to it.)]

( Dimitri caught the tone of Hubert's words, knowing it was Hubert's way of teasing or attempting to do so. To those who were unused to Hubert's personality, he supposed it might sound like anything but teasing. But Dimitri preferred to think in the years they'd been beside one another that he'd learned to read him well enough to pick out such things, even if he missed them sometimes.

Still, he said nothing on it. It would be best not to get into a longer discussion over it, especially one that he knew would always end the same. He would insist for Hubert to see more to their relationship than simply a prince and his vassal, and Hubert would always reject or deflect the idea. It was Dimitri's hope, however, that the day would come when he would hear his name on the other's lips instead of his honorific.

Pausing in their trek, he turned to full face the other. )

Please, tell me if I ever make an unfair demand of you. ( It was something of a regular concern for Dimitri. He very rarely made demands or requests of Hubert, but when they did (such as their most recent conversation), he always hoped if it was something unreasonable or unfair Hubert would tell him. Honestly and bluntness had never been an issue for the older man, but still, loyalty and dedication did make some used to the idea of allowing things that might have bordered on acceptable without realizing it.

Asking Hubert to call him by his name, though, felt entirely justified considering the years they'd known one another and how much time they spent with one another.

The look he gave the man said he was genuinely concerned this may one day become a problem, even if unintentional on either of their parts. )

You may not consider our relationship as anything beyond a prince and his vassal, but you are well aware that I hope we might truly be more than that. ( Friends. He wanted nothing more than to be able to say they were friends and have Hubert agree. )

[Hubert stops when Prince Dimitri does, a hand going to his chin as his other one rests beneath his elbow. He isn't particularly surprised by the prince's request; this is something he's noticed that His Highness worries about frequently. He is a conscientious and kind man, one that Hubert finds himself worrying about more often than not. Sometimes he wonders if Prince Dimitri really will be just fine when he takes his rightful place as king...

But those are thoughts for another time. For now, the proper way to address this is to ease the prince's worries. Even if he were to ask something unfair or unreasonable of Hubert (which is incredibly unlikely, given the prince's personality), he would determine the best course of action on his own. Directly disobeying Prince Dimitri is something he prefers to avoid doing if he can help it, but he has little issue with disobeying direct orders if he deems it necessary.]

I promise I will let you know, should such a thing ever happen. [A bow, as if to seal the deal.] But I sincerely doubt you would ever give such an order.

[It's the last part that gets the brief hesitation, the quick flick of his gaze. He returns to looking at the prince shortly, but Prince Dimitri likely knows by now that it's a tell that something about that bothers him. He doesn't wait to be prompted into disclosing it.]

However, your words worry me a bit, Your Highness. You are a prince, and I am your vassal, but that description does not convey the depth of my loyalty to you. I am not merely another servant; I am your sword, your shield, whatever you need and require of me.

[...Okay, so he's more like a dagger or poison, something less steadfast and steady than a shield and not quite as reliable as a sword, but no less deadly. Still, it's something he feels he needs to say, because sometimes he wonders if the prince understands the depth of his loyalty and just how far he will go for His Highness.]

( This was the closest to easing his worries Hubert would ever get, Dimitri knew. It had much less to do with their relationship and more to do with Hubert's personality, but it was enough to help ease tension in Dimitri's shoulders. His gaze never left the older man, and he managed an attempt at a smile with Hubert's words. )

Your doubt is reassuring. ( And wasn't that an odd thing to say? He almost laughed at the thought. Almost. There were many odd things about their relationship he'd realized early on. An exchange like this was only one.

Whatever smile had managed to make it to his lips or humor he might have found for those brief seconds vanished in the face of the rest of Hubert's words. Hubert was never without his own worries, but to have him voice them was something Dimitri would always pay attention to in an instant. It was one of the few things he could do in return, after all.

Dimitri found it oddly... reassuring to hear Hubert's declaration, despite his initial words. He never doubted Hubert's loyalty, but to hear the man say it so easily, to echo and reinforce that sentiment in moments like this soothed an ache in Dimitri's chest he was certain would never go away. His life was full of uncertainties and potential threats as a prince, more so knowing the rumors that circled his uncle and the emotional distance between the prince and king regent. But having Hubert at his side gave him hope that he would never fall victim to another tragedy and if he did, he would not have to endure it alone. )

I have never once doubted your loyalty. Please, know you have been everything I have needed over the years and more.

( Hubert left something to be desired in terms of what Dimitri wanted, but that was a dead horse he was certain needed no further beatings for the day. )

I only hope I have been someone worthy of your loyalty. ( He smiled this time, genuine and sincere. Hubert likely hadn't known what he had been brought into at such a young age when the first met, but he sincerely hoped he was able to make these years of dedication worthy of the time given. )

I am pleased to have been of service.

[Which is Hubert's way of expressing his own gratitude. It isn't easy to put into words, and even if he were to find the words to explain it, he has no doubts that Prince Dimitri wouldn't be nearly as comforted by it as he is. The prince has given his life purpose, in a way little else could ever compare to. It may have started as simply the duty he was born to take, but it has developed into so much more.

Saying that Prince Dimitri is his very reason for living is a bit much, but it's not exactly inaccurate. He can hardly imagine what he would be doing without the prince to look after.

It's the second part of the prince's words that get a soft exhale that's almost a laugh.]

You worry far too much, Your Highness. You never need to concern yourself with that. I will always remain loyal to you.

[He doesn't need to be "worthy" of it. That's simply how things are, and how Hubert wants them to remain.]

( You worry far too much, Your Highness..

How many times had he heard that now from Hubert alone? Far too many to count, certainly. The thought kept the smile in place, and Dimitri chuckled softly, fondly. Would Hubert ever stop saying such a thing to him? He doubted it, but there was amusement in that thought. Their relationship may never quite be what he hoped it would be, but at least he could allow himself to expect this, to take comfort in the familiarity of it. )

Thank you, Hubert. ( For words that reassured him, soothed a constant worry. Reminded him that if nothing else, he would always have Hubert at his side.

Dimitri turned slightly, glancing back towards the Monastery in the distance before turning his attention back to Hubert. He made a careful sweep of one hand to motion his companion forward. )

Shall we? ( The small group that had accompanied them on their journey had passed them moments ago, and they were becoming smaller and smaller in the distance. He supposed it was time they moved on as well before they fell too far behind. )

[He nods, satisfied that the prince understands him for now. He won't be surprised if he needs to remind Prince Dimitri about his loyalty again; it isn't something most people really understand. Attempting to put it into words is difficult, and he's not one to waste too much time on sentiment. He serves the prince because he wants to, regardless of his family's duty. His loyalty is unwavering, that's all there is to it.

At the prince's urging, he nods.]

Of course. Lead the way.

[Because naturally he's not going to leave the prince at the rear; it's better for him to remain back here in case of an attack. If something comes at the prince from the front (unlikely, given the others that are ahead) then Hubert's magic has enough range to compensate. It would be more difficult to counter someone coming at them from behind.

Not that he thinks the area this close to the monastery will be that dangerous, but it's best for him to be prepared for the worst case scenario anyway. Someone has to be.]

( The journey to the monastery continued without incident, and the pair was able to settle into their new home as well as could be expected.

Being at the academy gave Dimitri the chance to see Hubert in a different environment than what he was used to, and despite the occasional (threatening) mishaps with the other students or occasional staff member, he was pleased to find the man seeming to fit so easily into their temporary home. Their time together lessened slightly as he imagined it would, but it made him appreciate (and cherish) the time they did share together. A part of him hoped the same could be said in return for Hubert, but he never did ask. Truthfully, a part of him worried he might not like the answer he received.

It had been a couple months now since their arrival, and Dimitri found himself up late as he often did. He had fallen asleep at a reasonable hour for once after sharing a meal with Hubert, but a nightmare about of the memories of that night in Duscur that left scars littered across his skin pulled him from his sleep with a sharp gasp. ) Father, Glenn- ( He put a hand to his face, breathing coming hard and fast as he stared at his bedding. There were bright spots of blood that he could only will away by closing his eyes for a moment before reopening them.

And then he heard it, the sound of his name in a familiar voice. He looked over from his spot on his bed, towards the sight of his father standing there with blood across his armor. The man's lips moved, but there was no sound suddenly. He stared, eyes wet with a familiar pain and discomfort as the scars on his back burned as if they were still healing, freshly made. ) Father, please. I- ( He shifted on his bed, tangled in his sheets. ) Please, speak to me-

Edited 2019-10-19 22:53 (UTC)

[Life at the monastery is... interesting. "Interesting" is probably a good word for it. It's a relatively safe place, with the Knights of Seiros around. Hubert should be able to let his guard down at least a little bit, but in truth he finds it nearly impossible to do so. That isn't to say it hasn't happened, but he always finds himself feeling immensely guilty the moment he realizes he's become distracted.

And it is very easy to get distracted here. He could hole himself up in the library for hours if he wanted to. It would be just as easy to lose himself in magic training, though at least that he doesn't feel nearly as bad about, since his strength is to serve Prince Dimitri. Regardless, Hubert doesn't like getting caught up in anything, especially when it means he's spending less time around the prince.

Not that Prince Dimitri seems to be in any danger, of course. The rest of the students in the Blue Lion house are either friends or at the very least respectful and cautious around both the prince and Hubert himself. None of them seem like they'll pose a threat. There are other students in the other houses who have caught his eye as potentially dangerous (Claude is his biggest concern; he isn't stupid enough to think that Claude is genuinely as relaxed and carefree as he acts) but for the time being, everything is... well, fine.

In truth, he'd been expecting their time here to be more of a pain. It's actually not bad at all. That isn't to say he's enjoying it, of course.

Today had gone just about the same as always, though he'd thankfully not been caught up in his reading today and was able to spend some time with the prince before retiring for the night. Hubert's usually up late, but he'd already drifted off some time ago. It's the faint sound of an all-too-familiar voice that jolts him awake in a heartbeat, and in no time at all, Hubert's dressed properly and standing outside Prince Dimitri's door.

He wouldn't be surprised if it's nightmares, but hearing the prince's voice... It unsettles him. He knocks on the door before he can question it further.]

Your Highness?

( The knock startled Dimitri enough that the image of his father vanished as his heartbeat quickened in his chest. His head turned towards the door, trying to focus on the sound of the voice that had called out to him. A familiar voice of someone who he knew to be very much alive. )

You may enter, Hubert. ( Dimitri called out to the other, though there was a noticeable hint of breathlessness to his words. A sign of distress brought on by seeing the all too real sight of his father there, speaking to him as if he hadn't so tragically fallen all those years ago.

Slowly, his hands moved to try and untangle the mess his blankets had become around his waist. But as he looked down at himself, he could see the lines of blood over the white fabric of his shirt that matched the scars underneath. He made a sound in the back of his throat, abandoning his earlier endeavor in favor of reaching to rub at one scar through his shirt as if that would be enough to be rid of the image. )

[At the words, Hubert lets himself in. He closes the door behind him before approaching the prince.]

Are you injured?

[Of course, a cursory glance reveals that to not be the issue at hand, and it's severely unlikely given the security at the monastery, but he's not really sure how else to start. Asking the prince outright if he was having nightmares seems a bit... rude, at the very least. So he'll start with that and see if he can sort out how to proceed from there.]

No.

( The answer came quickly, perhaps too quickly. Physically, he had no new wounds. Nothing had harmed him. But emotionally, it was something entirely different. He felt vulnerable and raw in the face of his nightmare as if those wounds had only just been inflicted hours ago, as if he had only just watched those evil swine cut down so many people he knew and loved.

He scrubbed again at one of his scars, shaking his head before looking up at Hubert. ) I apologize if I woke you. ( With their rooms so close and Hubert such a light sleeper, he would genuinely be surprised if he hadn't been the one to wake him. Thought he supposed it wouldn't be unusual for the other man to still be awake at any time during the night.

But if he had woken him and he was here for him... The thought eased some of his distressed, helped the blood fade from the edges of his vision as his eyes lowered back to his tangled blankets and messy shirt. )

[Hubert doesn't relax any, though he does nod to indicate that he's heard. It's good that his assumption was right, but...

Well, to put it bluntly, he isn't sure what to do here. He can handle physical pain (though it certainly wouldn't hurt to try studying faith magic to better help with that) but emotional pain is a bit beyond him. He's never known how to comfort, after all. It's perhaps one of his biggest failings as the prince's retainer.]

You don't need to apologize, Your Highness.

[No indication on whether he was awake or not. The important thing is that he's awake now and here to do whatever he can for the prince.]

Is there anything I can do for you?

[His gaze darts as he asks it; it isn't something he should need to ask. He should know how best to serve the prince in all situations. This is just more proof that he isn't good enough. Not yet.]

( Of course he needs to apologize, Dimitri wanted to argue. The fact that he survived a tragedy that stole the lives of such important people was a constant reason to apologize. It may not have been what Hubert meant at all, but it was always one of Dimitri's first thoughts when someone told him not to apologize. That guilt had consumed so much of him, he was certain there would never be a day where he would accept that he lived where others had not.

But those thoughts scattered at the question. The icy blue eyes blinked, and despite himself, he managed a smile. ) No. I am fine, Hubert. ( It was no secret he had nightmares often, but to have someone come to his side made an unusual warmth blossom in his chest. To have someone who cared enough to try and tend to any needs or attempt to provide comfort was more than he could have ever asked for and yet here Hubert was... )

I just need a few moments. ( Some time to be sure he wouldn't look over his shoulder and see Glenn or any of the other soldiers who had fallen that day. A couple of minutes to fully even out his breathing and be sure his vision had cleared properly.

He reached up, rubbing briefly at his face as if to properly wake himself. When he lowered his hands, he hesitated before daring speak. )

Actually, if it isn't a burden, I would appreciate if you would... sit with me for a moment. ( As if Hubert could scare away ghosts of the past. )

Of course.

[He can only imagine the sorts of nightmares the prince has. After everything he's been through, it's not surprising that his nights are plagued with dreams that call back to what happened. It's another reminder that Hubert should have been there - although he's certain he couldn't have done anything to help. Still, not being there for something so horrific, that ultimately hurt Prince Dimitri so...

Well, it's a bit difficult to think about. What matters is that he's here now, and he certainly isn't going anywhere.]

I only would have left if you'd given the order.

[He was absolutely planning on staying here until either the prince fell asleep or he'd asked Hubert to leave. It isn't as though he believes he can chance Prince Dimitri's nightmares away, but perhaps having a familiar face nearby will make sleep come easier.

Hubert gestures to the chair at the desk.]

May I?

[...does he really need to ask permission to make himself at home here?? Yes. The answer is obviously yes.]

Thank you.

( Those couple of words were soft but sincere, and Dimitri felt they would never be enough to truly convey his gratitude to Hubert at a time like this. To have a familiar face nearby, especially someone he trusted so deeply and entirely, was rapidly helping to do away with his discomfort. )

Of course. You are always welcome to make yourself comfortable in my quarters. ( He reminded, lips still curved in a small smile. It was highly unlikely Hubert would ever take such liberties, but that would never stop Dimitri from saying such things.

He watched Hubert for a moment before turning his attention back to the mess he'd made of his bedding, brows furrowing as he carefully moved to unwind and untangle himself as best he could without pulling too hard at or ripping the fabric accidentally. He had done such things before in the past, and it never failed to embarrass him when he had to explain he ripped his blankets pulling too hard in his sleep or trying to sort out his bed. )

[With another nod, Hubert takes a seat. He's just as stiff even when he's sitting down, but it's hardly because he's uncomfortable. It's just... difficult to relax. Ever. It's fine.

Anyway, he watches the prince fight with his bedsheets, torn between wanting to offer his assistance and unsure if that will make Prince Dimitri feel useless...]

...Would you like some assistance?

[Naturally, Hubert is no good at sitting and watching his prince struggle with anything, so the offer is out there before he can think to stop it. He's not really surprised that Prince Dimitri has managed to make such a mess of the sheets; after everything he's been through, restful sleep seems nearly impossible, after all.]

( The question earned a soft curious 'mm?' from Dimitri as he paused to look up from his hands and towards Hubert instead. Now that he'd had a moment to relax, his heartbeat and breathing back to normal, there seemed to be a healthy color back in his face as he arched a brow at his retainer. )

I suppose an extra set of hands would be useful. ( He responded after a moment, nodding. His attention shifted smoothly back to the task at hand, and carefully, he fished out the end of the blue blanket he typically kept at the end of the bed. He focused on trying to save it from where it had become twisted around the bedding underneath with only minor success. )

It usually isn't this bad. ( Often something ended up on the floor from how much he moved, but to find himself so twisted and the bedding in such a mess while he was still in it was something rare. )

Of course, Your Highness.

[He's up and at the prince's side in a moment, with no hesitation. Sure, there's something a bit awkward about helping the prince out with his bedding, but it isn't as though awkwardness has ever bothered Hubert any. Being allowed free rein to fret over the prince is a good thing, as far as he's concerned. Plus, he has the benefit of being able to look at the sheets from a different angle, to determine how they're wrapped around.

Between both of them, it shouldn't take too long to figure out how to unwind them. Hubert's got a natural eye for puzzling this sort of thing out, at least.]

If you're in need of someone to help you with this again, you need only say the word. [A brief pause.] Quite literally. I'm certain I could hear you from my room if you called for me.

[It's a bit lighter than usual, but hardly a joke. He'll always come running whenever Prince Dimitri needs him, for anything.]

( A faint dust of color crossed his cheek in embarassment at Hubert's words. He was used to the other man offering his assistance, but to be told he could call on him for something so small (and admittedly a bit silly) such as this made him feel a bit... inept, for a lack of a better word. )

I hope it won't be an issue in the future. ( He responded, carefully unwinding and twisting some of the fabric with Hubert's help. Though he did pause with a thoughtful frown with the reminder that their rooms were close enough that a few simple words would have Hubert's attention. It made him wonder how many times he had disturbed the other in the past with his nightmares. )

I would rather not disturb you when you sleep. ( Not without good reason, at least. )

Even if it is, it's no trouble.

[As always, he means it. No matter how small the task, anything he can do for Prince Dimitri is important.

The prince's next words get him to pause and he glances up for a moment before returning his attention to his work.]

I understand the sentiment, but you don't need to worry about that. I always make sure I get enough sleep; I don't require nearly as much as some people.

[...That's not exactly helpful, but Hubert is supremely bad at this comforting thing.]

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locked to beastliness

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STILL ME JUST AGE APPROPRIATE ICONS...

NO WORRIES

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don't mind random older dimitri....

it's cool!!

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