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sleepyscholar
[It was supposed to be just an ordinary class outing to take care of a bandit problem.
Oh, sure, these class outings are usually dangerous; bandits aren't simply going to roll over and allow a bunch of students to kill them, but this is hardly the first time the Black Eagles have been tasked with such a thing. They head out and take care of the problem with no real issues. Sometimes some of them are injured, but Linhardt can always keep them healthy until they can be taken care of back at the monastery.
So Hubert wasn't really expecting anything different today. The woods they've engaged the bandits in are thick and make traversing through them difficult, however; that's most likely how they managed to get separated from the rest of their class. The sounds of a clash can still be heard distantly, but for now...
Well, for now, he and Linhardt are separated from the others. That isn't necessarily a problem; he likes Linhardt well enough, and while Linhardt doesn't like to fight, Hubert can certainly look out for both of them. The bigger problem is that Linhardt is their healer, which means Lady Edelgard is out there without a healer in case she ends up in a bad situation. Rejoining the rest of their class is the top priority.
(It has nothing to do with the fact that being alone with Linhardt is... not exactly ideal. They're friends, yes. He likes Linhardt, yet. The problem is that he likes Linhardt entirely too much and being alone with him sends Hubert's pulse skyrocketing and those thoughts become almost impossible to ignore. He cannot afford to split his focus like that in battle, not when something could happen to Lady Edelgard and he isn't even there to protect her right now—)
Needless to say, he's very antsy as he picks his way through the trees and bushes. He's on high-alert, as always. Most of the bandits are most likely fighting their fellow students, but they've had to fend off a few stragglers so far, so he certainly isn't about to let down his guard.]
We need to make it to the others quickly.
[This would be easier if the trees weren't so overgrown... How are you doing, Linhardt?]
Oh, sure, these class outings are usually dangerous; bandits aren't simply going to roll over and allow a bunch of students to kill them, but this is hardly the first time the Black Eagles have been tasked with such a thing. They head out and take care of the problem with no real issues. Sometimes some of them are injured, but Linhardt can always keep them healthy until they can be taken care of back at the monastery.
So Hubert wasn't really expecting anything different today. The woods they've engaged the bandits in are thick and make traversing through them difficult, however; that's most likely how they managed to get separated from the rest of their class. The sounds of a clash can still be heard distantly, but for now...
Well, for now, he and Linhardt are separated from the others. That isn't necessarily a problem; he likes Linhardt well enough, and while Linhardt doesn't like to fight, Hubert can certainly look out for both of them. The bigger problem is that Linhardt is their healer, which means Lady Edelgard is out there without a healer in case she ends up in a bad situation. Rejoining the rest of their class is the top priority.
(It has nothing to do with the fact that being alone with Linhardt is... not exactly ideal. They're friends, yes. He likes Linhardt, yet. The problem is that he likes Linhardt entirely too much and being alone with him sends Hubert's pulse skyrocketing and those thoughts become almost impossible to ignore. He cannot afford to split his focus like that in battle, not when something could happen to Lady Edelgard and he isn't even there to protect her right now—)
Needless to say, he's very antsy as he picks his way through the trees and bushes. He's on high-alert, as always. Most of the bandits are most likely fighting their fellow students, but they've had to fend off a few stragglers so far, so he certainly isn't about to let down his guard.]
We need to make it to the others quickly.
[This would be easier if the trees weren't so overgrown... How are you doing, Linhardt?]
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All in all? Not a good time.
Getting separated from the group isn't a relief, either. Not when he and Hubert still have to deal with bandits on their own. And, well... he does worry about the others not having a healer, even if he hates the job. Silently, he doesn't want to disappoint Hubert either.
Linhardt struggles to keep up as they pick through the overgrown bushes and trees, not wanting to get even more lost on his own if he falls behind.]
Yes, I-
Don't move!
[He gasps when a strong hand suddenly grabs him by the wrist, tugging his arm behind his back while a short sword is pressed close to his throat. How did he not hear someone coming? Is he going to die? Are there others?]
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His first thought is to berate himself. How could he be so stupid, to let something like this happen? Even if he ignores his personal feelings for Linhardt (which is nearly impossible right now given how his heart is pounding in his ears), there's no denying that losing their healer would be a devastating blow to all of them. It would be even worse emotionally, and he is not going to report back to the others that Linhardt is dead.
It takes a matter of seconds, but it feels like much longer as he considers his options. He could hear the bandit out, and possibly give into his demands if the man is smart enough to ask for something like gold that Hubert can part with easily, but he already knows that isn't an option. His usual means of attack are out of the question as well, since most of them require firing a spell at the target, and Linhardt is in the way of that. He wouldn't dare risk hurting Linhardt. Linhardt could probably survive a blow from him, but the idea of taking a risk like that in order to eliminate the bandit frightens him.
He isn't one to frighten easily, and he does still have another option. So Hubert simply twists his wrists, calling dark spikes up from the ground beneath the bandit, skewering him upward and dispelling once he's certain the job is done.
He moves forward immediately afterward, to reach out for Linhardt, to catch him if he needs the support.]
Are you unharmed?
[There's a note of something in his voice that usually isn't present - worry, perhaps. In truth, it feels closer to panic. He doesn't think the spikes caught Linhardt, but...]
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In one moment, Linhardt feels his gut twisting with fear of an impending death. In the next, he's falling forward into Hubert's arms.
Instinctively, he glances back at the bandit, only to shudder violently at the sight of his body impaled with a spike and covered with blood. Maybe the others think he's weak for fearing the sight of blood, but it just makes him sick, and this... well, this is brutal by any measure.
It's only the two of them now. Between feeling as though he was just about to face down death, and then to see that, he doesn't feel too embarrassed about hiding his face against Hubert's neck while his hands grasp at his uniform. Thankfully he doesn't believe he's been injured, though there's undoubtedly some blood on his own uniform.
For a little while he just stands there silently, trying to calm himself down. He needs to get a hold of himself if he's going to be of any use when they make it back to the group, right?]
...I'm fine. [Not true, no. But he can't disappoint Hubert even more.]
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Not that it would matter much, he supposes. Linhardt's clothes are bloodstained.
He's not really surprised when Linhardt buries his face in his neck, though he's not really sure what to do with himself. It isn't as though he's opposed - far from it - and that's the problem. He shouldn't be this close. He shouldn't allow Linhardt to be this close. They need to return to the others quickly—
But he also knows that Linhardt needs a moment. That was... well, it must have been even more terrifying for Linhardt. It wasn't particularly easy for him either (and his heart is still threatening to beat out of his chest, made even worse by Linhardt's proximity) but it must have been much worse for Linhardt.
His hands settle on Linhardt's back, careful to avoid the bloodstains. He doesn't know how to comfort Linhardt; he doesn't even know where to begin. It's selfish for him to want the proximity, but if it helps Linhardt even a tiny bit, then isn't it worth it to give him what little comfort Hubert can offer?
He's going to drive himself mad thinking in circles like that, so he tries not to focus on that.]
You will be, at any rate.
[He doesn't buy for a second that Linhardt is truly fine right now.]
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Hubert's careful touch helps motivate him to rally forward. He cares, more than Linhardt would have dared to hope.
His hands shake where they're digging into Hubert's uniform, but eventually he forces himself to let go and take a step back. They still need to catch up with the rest of the group, and some people will probably need to be healed. If he just boxes this up and stores it away for now... like he's used to doing... then he can wait until he's alone in his dorm tonight and let his emotions overwhelm him.
Or he could hide out in the library and forego sleep tonight. That might be the easier option.]
I'm ready to continue. But can we... maybe we should walk side by side for now.
[The last thing he wants is to be surprised by another bandit. And even if he'll be glancing over his shoulder more frequently now, keeping pace with Hubert sounds much preferable to trailing behind him.]
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Yes, of course. I wouldn't want... [you to get hurt] It will be easier to keep an eye out that way.
[He ignores the momentary slip up and waits for Linhardt to join him before setting off again. He's slower this time, careful to keep Linhardt beside him as they move. The sounds of the clash are growing louder, so at least they're making some headway.
...But...]
Linhardt, when this is over, I...
[The words escape him, and suddenly he's not sure how to finish that. Were it anyone else, perhaps they would know what to say to help ease Linhardt's mind. Perhaps they would know how to comfort him, to look out for him. Hubert can handle physical threats with ease, but he doesn't know how to fight things like fear and anxiety.
He chances a glance at Linhardt as they keep moving, but his eyes don't stay on his friend for long before he's looking away, back toward where the battle is raging.]
...I would like to be sure you weren't hurt. Will you allow me to escort you to the infirmary when we return?
[That isn't what he wants to say, and really, there's no need for it. If Linhardt's able to move just fine, then that he means he wasn't injured. But it's the closest thing Hubert has, so it leaves him anyway. He could kick himself for how stilted and awkward the words sound.]
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Today he'd just fallen behind literally.
He's busy gathering his focus back together when Hubert speaks to him again. He looks over at him, still staring even after the other mage turns away.
The infirmary? He tilts his head slightly, a bit puzzled by the question, coupled with Hubert's body language. It's almost as if there's something else that he's trying to say. In fact, that almost sounds like something Linhardt himself might say if he wanted an excuse to spend more time with someone.
This may not be a major battle they're heading back into, but Linhardt has found that there's no time like before a potentially deadly fight to take chances. He's tried his best to bury his feelings for Hubert away out of a feeling of certainty that they wouldn't be returned.
And yet... after what had just happened, and now, he's not so sure anymore.
If he's wrong, hopefully he can be forgiven for reaching out and taking one of Hubert's hands in his own.]
That won't be necessary. But I wouldn't mind if you wanted to join me to rest somewhere quiet.
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Part 2
Time passes without further incident, and eventually the evening of the Academy ball arrives.
Much to his surprise, a member of the Blue Lions named Stas invites him to accompany him there as a date. Considering he's quite the tall, handsome fellow, with dark brown hair and matching eyes, Linhardt accepts. While he only expects them to spend some time chatting and maybe dancing, it's still a pleasant turn of events.
Stas turns out to be quite the charmer. Even though Linhardt really doesn't know much about dancing, he patiently leads him through a few songs, then spends time at the snack table discussing class and their interests.
He's having a good enough time that he allows the other student to lead him into a darkened hallway, free of onlookers, where Stas pins him against the wall and begins to kiss him. Things get heated pretty quickly, with the taller student grabbing a handful of his ass so that he can pull him closer. Linhardt doesn't object, even if he's a bit concerned about going too far out in public like this. He's a little rough too, isn't he? It does feel good to be wanted, though maybe this is a bit too much a bit too fast...]
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Not that things have been going well on the personal front. He still has to deal with Linhardt more than he'd care to, and he still finds himself watching Linhardt even when he has no reason to. Even though time has passed, the feelings are still raw and painful, and he wonders if Linhardt feels the same way.
Some part of him thought Linhardt did. And then Linhardt showed up to the ball with another man.
Stas is his name. Hubert doesn't know him personally, but he can at least recognize many of the students on sight. In truth, he doesn't know more than the man's name, but even though he has no reason to be wary, he ends up watching both of them far more intently than he probably should.
It does help that Lady Edelgard has been selective with her dance partners and none of the potential threats have dared approach her, but even so he shouldn't be getting distracted. He should be focused on her - and only her - which is what he's been telling himself since that fateful day in Linhardt's room.
And yet when Linhardt and Stas disappear, Hubert finds himself following. Lady Edelgard will be fine for the five minutes it takes for him to sate his curiosity.
(What does he expect to find? It's likely they're leaving for a reason, and that's a reason he has no part in. Linhardt has moved on. Isn't that for the best? Linhardt won't be hurt when Lady Edelgard finally springs her plan into action. Linhardt won't be thinking about him at all. So to follow them - especially when they most likely plan to be intimate - is only further damning himself.)
And yet, he doesn't stop. He blends seamlessly into the shadows and tails them at enough of a distance to keep them from noticing. Not that either of them would given how focused on each other they are, and they stop far sooner than he would have thought.
Unsurprisingly, they are getting intimate, and it makes Hubert flush a bit at the sight. What was he expecting? Of course this was going to happen, and he shouldn't be here - he needs to leave—
Just as he's turning to do that, he happens to notice Stas grab Linhardt's ass and before he can stop to think, Hubert's suddenly slipping out of the shadows and interfering, which is exactly the wrong thing to be doing.
He grabs Stas' shoulder hard and yanks him backwards. While Hubert is a mage and trained almost exclusively in reason magic, he has the natural build to lend him some strength. It might just be the surprise of it that allows him to get away with that much, and before Stas can retaliate or even react properly, Hubert has stepped smoothly in his way in between Stas and Linhardt.]
You're lucky I caught you instead of Seteth. Can you imagine how much trouble you would be in if he'd been the one to catch you in such a position?
[The words and his expression show no hint at the tangled knot of emotions brewing within him. Fury at Stas for daring to treat Linhardt like that, embarrassment at having that be the first thing to come to mind and actually getting involved, frustration at himself for acting without thinking, and something much more fragile and fearful beneath it all - the thing that keeps him from looking at Linhardt.
He could be wrong, after all. Maybe this really is what Linhardt wants. And if he's wrong...
No. He won't consider it right now.]
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Had Hubert been following them? Well, that doesn't matter now. For the moment, Linhardt can think of little but how utterly embarrassed he is by the whole situation, and maybe, just maybe, a hint of relief that Hubert came by when he did. So when Stas seems like he's ready to pick a fight, he speaks up, trying to make sure that doesn't happen.]
It's okay. Just go. We can talk later. [That turns out to be the wrong thing to say. Stas starts to storm off back to the ballroom, and leaves him with a few parting words: Didn't really want an easy slut like you, anyway.
Linhardt feels frozen in place as he watches the other student hurry away. Those words echo in his mind, his face growing red with the humiliation of being insulted in such a way, especially in front of Hubert of all people. Was that what Hubert thought of him as well? An easy slut?
He'd fallen into the same damned trap again. His throat felt suddenly tight, and he turned his face away, wanting to run and hide just then. Perhaps he'd been leaving himself too vulnerable lately by daring to drop his usual rude, off-putting attitude to a more bearable level. Now it seemed that even when he actually tried to open up to new people, they still hated him.
In that moment, Linhardt felt like nothing. Forever a disappointment to his family, to his class, and to himself.
With so many emotions threatening to overwhelm him, it takes a little bit before he can bring himself to say anything to Hubert.]
I think I will... go to bed early tonight. You should get back to the ball.
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It's only years of training and self-discipline that keep him from hurling a spell at Stas' retreating back. Doing so would reflect very poorly on Lady Edelgard, and he certainly can't allow that. But if he had been certain he could get away with it...
Well, Linhardt would never have to worry about Stas again.
Linhardt finally speaks up, and though he doesn't sound particularly upset by anything that just happened, Hubert has to wonder just how much of this has shaken Linhardt.
It takes him a moment to finally turn and look at his classmate.]
...Allow me to accompany you.
[There's something he wants to say, he just doesn't know how to put it into words. If he can buy himself just a bit longer, maybe he can work it out.
He realizes how that sounds after it's out there, and glances away.]
I want to ensure he doesn't cause you any trouble on the way back.
[It's unlikely, and Hubert could easily just watch Stas for awhile until he was certain Linhardt was safe in his room. But this... This is something he wants to do. This is something he can do.
He can't be what Linhardt needs and wants in a partner, but at the very least, he can protect him.]
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While he's done his best to push back his feelings for him over time, they haven't actually gone anywhere. His chest still has a tendency to ache when he looks at Hubert for too long, and he feels pain and regret whenever he goes over their last private meeting together.
Hearing this offer now just makes everything come to head at once, most likely because of the stress of the current situation. And while Linhardt keeps his expression mostly neutral for the time being, there are certainly hints that he's feeling far from okay. Just the effort he puts into a carefree demeanor is probably telling enough.]
He went in the opposite direction. I will surely be safe.
[He turns, finding it difficult to keep up the facade while facing Hubert head-on.]
Hubert. I have been very cordial with you. That said, we allies and classmates, but that is all. I...
[Without realizing, his hands curl into fists, his shoulders shaking slightly. And just like that, he blurts out his thoughts.]
At least Stas told me what he thought of me. You couldn't even look me in the eyes when you left like a coward.
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And he's right, really. There isn't any denying that he fled, that he hadn't offered an explanation or anything to attempt to make it easier on Linhardt. What was he supposed to say? There wasn't anything that would have made that any easier, and there isn't anything now that will help either.
Perhaps the smartest thing to do would be to walk away again. But he doesn't want to, not when there's a chance to confront this and maybe (maybe) make things a bit easier on Linhardt.
(And perhaps he can allow himself to hope that Linhardt won't find himself wandering off with handsy, crude jerks if he just tries to talk about this—)
He doesn't flee, at least, not yet. His eyes have strayed from Linhardt at some point, but he corrects it now.]
If Stas was going to be angry at anyone, it should have been me. His words were cruel. He's lucky he was able to walk away.
[He can't ignore Linhardt's words though, and after a short pause, he nods.]
You're right. I did flee from you that day. You have my apologies for my behavior.
I... don't wish for any harm to come to you. I can't be what you need and want in a partner, but I can at least look out for you.
[It's for the best, he has to tell himself. Because no matter how badly he'd like to pull Linhardt into his arms and forget about everything else, he never can. It's for the best to let him go.]
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Part 3
Surprisingly, Professor Byleth had chosen to come to Lady Edelgard's aid, and with their professor's help, the rest of the Black Eagles students followed suit. Even though there were worries, all of them joined in the attack on the monastery. Things were going far better than he ever thought they would, and they continued to go that way up until the professor's disappearance.
Time once again passed, and it's been five years since all of this started. The professor turned up and has rejoined them, Garreg Mach monastery is theirs to use as they see fit, and Lady Edelgard's plans are moving forward as smoothly as possible. Everything is more or less how it should be and going as well as it can. There are still things to worry about, certainly, but for the time being, this is almost... nice.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides. Hubert's attention does have a tendency to be drawn away whenever a certain green-haired mage enters his field of vision, but in his defense Linhardt is unfairly pretty. Time has been nothing but kind to his former classmate, and Linhardt's appearance now is tremendously distracting. Those feelings - the ones he tried to bury, the ones he had thought were dead - resurfaced almost immediately on seeing Linhardt again, and it's a struggle to keep his mind where it should be when all he wants is to focus on Linhardt.
How stupid. It's been five years. He shouldn't be pining over a man who is almost certainly taken by now. Linhardt has undoubtedly moved on. Why can't he?
It's getting late and Hubert always patrols the monastery before bed. There are some nights when he has company from the professor or even some of their other allies, but tonight he's alone and there are definitely sounds coming from the training grounds. He goes through a mental checklist of everyone who might possibly be here this late, but the sounds aren't those of a weapon hitting a training dummy, or arrows hitting a target, so who could possibly be practicing magic this late?
The answer is the last person he ever would have suspected. Honestly, Hubert's not sure he's ever seen Linhardt at the training grounds of his own free will. He finds himself watching from the doorway, captivated by Linhardt's movements and his appearance, yet again.
He forces himself to move forward and he speaks before he can lose his nerve.]
I didn't expect to find you here tonight.
[They're allies now. Whatever feelings he had (has) are in the past. The least he can do is be cordial, and perhaps figure out why Linhardt's here, of all places.]
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So he went, back to Garreg Mach and to the horrors he knew would soon be upon them all.
The strangest moment of all was surely seeing Hubert again. The changes to his hair and subtle differences in his face only made him more handsome, which irritated him quite a bit. The last thing Linhardt wanted was that crush to resurface when he'd been doing his best to live his life without worry about romance at all.
Unfortunately, emotions were never so kind as to respect his wishes.
The best he could do was try to ignore those reemerging desires. He was older now, and although he never got over his almost perpetual sleepiness or difficulty focusing on singular tasks, Linhardt did hope he matured in some ways.
Tonight he wanders to the training yard with a sudden determination to practice some offensive magic. It's been years since he's conjured so much as a small fireball, and if he's going to be fighting as well as healing, he should really see how much he remembers.
He hears Hubert's voice just after sending a sizable flame into the air, turning toward him with a surprised look.]
Oh- hello, Hubert. It's been awhile since I've used fire magic, so I thought I ought to make sure I still remembered how.
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But of course Linhardt isn't like that, and of course Linhardt hasn't spent the past five years fighting and killing. He's remained safe, far away from the battles. It's good that he's attempting to prepare himself for the battles to come, but...
Well, some part of him wishes he could spare Linhardt from that much. He still vividly remembers how much Linhardt hates blood and killing.]
I see. It's a bit late to be training. If you require assistance with it, I could...
[He trails off there, wondering suddenly if that would be entirely too awkward given what happened five years ago. It's only training, why would that be awkward? Ugh, he's overthinking this.]
...I could assist you, or I could ask Dorothea to help, if you'd prefer.
[It's not exactly a graceful save, but it should work well enough.]
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[He smiles at the offer, and likely much to Hubert's surprise, decides to accept. There's no better attack mage out there than Hubert, after all. If he's to take some pointers on the matter, they might as well be from him.]
If you like, I will accept your assistance.
[This won't be like training with Caspar, after all. Linhardt won't need to worry about falling over in exhaustion or having to heal himself from any bruises.]
What pointers do you have?
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Of course, he's quick to settle back into the more familiar smirk once he notices it.]
Start by showing me what you can do. I want to see what you can do to the training dummies.
[Don't worry about them, they're pretty durable and should be able to handle most attacks. And even if they do break or burn, there are extras.]
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The blast from the spell tears into the dummy, nearly knocking it clean from the ground. Apparently he hasn't gotten rusty after all.]
How was that?
[Despite the accuracy and strength behind his magic, Linhardt still knows he could do better. The fire could burn hotter, or reach farther.]
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Part 4
No, he hated everything about it, but at least the Imperial Army had returned victorious, and that meant there would be some time before they marched again.
This was the perfect opportunity to take a long, luxurious bath in the officer's washing quarters. Linhardt eagerly stepped into the large, heated tub, his clothing discarded and resting on a table off to the side of the room. He was alone with his thoughts and his bathing products: a nice smelling soap and a few expensive shampoos. Despite everything, he wasn't about to let anything get in the way of his personal upkeep.
Linhardt removes the tie from his hair, letting it all fall down his back. Then he closes his eyes and rests against the back of the tub, soaking the soothing warmth into his tired muscles and all around enjoying the comfort afforded to him. Others will undoubtedly stop by eventually, but until then, he'll be satisfied with what he has.]
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Well, that and the Empress' safety, but Her Majesty has retired for the night and Hubert's finished up everything he needed to do. He's eager to bathe and clean up after that battle, so he thinks nothing of heading to the officer's washing quarters. It's likely at least one other person will be here, but Hubert doesn't really think much about it before entering.
He just so happens to pick the one occupied room and tub, of course. Were this any other person, he would slip out as quietly as he entered, never to speak of it. But instead he finds Linhardt in the tub with his hair loose and Hubert promptly forgets why he should be moving out of the room.
Linhardt is gorgeous. That's simply a fact and not personal opinion, but there's no denying that he finds Linhardt gorgeous as well. With his hair loose and the edges of the tub concealing most of him, Hubert's left to wonder about the rest of Linhardt and just how amazing he looks—
Ugh, dammit, he knows better than to get distracted by this. He's spent years trying to put Linhardt out of his mind, he's not going to stand here. It's entirely possible Linhardt heard him approach already, so he should really just leave...
And yet he finds himself rooted to the spot, needing to leave but desperately wanting to stay.]
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He opens his eyes and glances over, eyebrows raising just slightly when he sees Hubert. The man hasn't said a word, but it's obvious he's been staring, either wanting to say something or just... stuck in place for another reason.
Meanwhile, Linhardt considers what he should say. Should he shoo Hubert away, or...
No. He shouldn't. And yet, he's been feeling those eyes on him each day since arriving at Garreg Mach. While ignoring issues isn't difficult for Linhardt generally, this one has been bothering him for far too long. Maybe being his usual blunt self is what he needs to do once more.]
Hubert. Are you going to just stare, or will you share the bath with me?
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Well, Linhardt's got other ideas. Hubert opens his mouth, then promptly shuts it so he doesn't end up saying anything stupid.
This is something he should reject. Either Linhardt really doesn't care about sharing the tub and this is something he's reading too much into, or he's reading into it exactly the right amount and Linhardt's got something besides bathing in mind. The former will be absolutely embarrassing for him and the latter... He can't afford to get distracted. He shouldn't take this chance.
He's fully aware of that and he has time to consider it before deciding that no, he'd prefer not to continue denying himself the simple things he wants. Linhardt's offering and this is what he wants, so what's the harm in it? It's just a bath.
(Unless...)
He nods instead, finally finding the words he wants.]
Very well, if you insist.
[He continues in, carefully laying out the towel and the soaps he brought before moving to undress. He doesn't look at Linhardt as he works, but he hasn't turned away either. Hubert's not ashamed of his body, but he's not particularly fond of it either. He's cultivated an appearance that serves Her Majesty, but that's about the extent of his thoughts on his own appearance.
He removes his gloves first, then the uniform jacket and undershirt, followed by his boots and socks. Hubert doesn't allow himself time to second guess this, and the pants and underwear come off easily as well. He's perhaps surprisingly toned for a mage, though nowhere near as muscular as someone like Caspar or Ferdinand would be.
Hubert slips into the water on the opposite side of the tub, careful not to bump Linhardt too much as he enters. He's not exactly able to keep his eyes off Linhardt's body now that he can see him.]
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So when Hubert steps into the bath and settles in across from him, he smiles, once again aware of the way those eyes can't seem to stop looking at him.
He isn't the type of person to talk about his appearance much or try to show off, but he's quite aware that he's attractive. Pretty, beautiful, or whatever choice of word, Linhardt has heard it all back in Enbarr over the last several years. That doesn't mean he's actually given any of those people the time of day, but he can still recognize compliments when he receives them.
Right now? Well, he supposes this will be him breaking his temporary halt to romance and intimacy. Assuming Hubert is open to the idea.]
Listen. Time has passed, but it's clear that we're both still attracted to one another. Why not indulge a little? We don't have to get engaged or anything like that.
[He lets one foot run up and down the side of Hubert's thigh as he speaks, testing him.]
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Some part of his mind is still telling him that he needs to leave, that there's simply no way he can lead Linhardt on like this, but that part goes ignored. He's spent five damn years fighting this attraction to Linhardt and he's tired of denying himself - and Linhardt - what he wants. What they both want.]
You certainly are forward. [It's amused though, and one of his hands trails idly up Linhardt's leg.] I can't say I mind it any.
[If anything, it's good to know they're on the same page without dancing around the issue any further. Linhardt's probably fully aware that if he didn't say anything, Hubert would have to struggle his way through it and neither of them need to deal with that right now.]
Yes, let's indulge.
[Honestly, he isn't really sure where to start. There's so much he'd like to do with Linhardt (and to Linhardt) but knowing where to start is a bit of a struggle...]
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