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[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?]

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[Catching Linhardt is the easy part. He's not surprised when Linhardt glances back and it's only then he realized he should have warned him. Linhardt hates the sight of blood - they all know that. It would have been easy to tell him not to look, and yet in his (panic) momentary worry, he'd completely neglected to tell Linhardt that.

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.]

[He feels a little bit of the tension in his body ease when Hubert rests his hands on his back. The touch is reassuring, comforting in a way, but most of all it makes him feel safer in the moment.

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.]

[He allows Linhardt to pull back, although part of him wishes the moment wouldn't end. They don't have time to be standing around here, and Linhardt knows that too.]

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.]

[Linhardt tries to keep his mind clear as the sounds of battle grow louder. Honestly, he doesn't feel ready to jump right in after what just happened. But... he knows he has to. He has to focus on his magic and keeping up, even when he always feels like he's falling behind.

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.

[For as much as he prides himself on being aware of his surroundings, Hubert's caught off-guard for a second time today when Linhardt's hand finds his. He jolts a bit, though he doesn't pull away. Once he's glanced at their hands (and then Linhardt's expression, like he's struggling to figure out if this is a trap of some sort) he finally (tentatively) returns that grip.

He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't. And yet, in this moment, it's all he wants to do.]

I... would like that, yes.

[He'll have things to do once they return to the monastery, as he always does. But there isn't anything urgent that needs his attention, so maybe... maybe just this once he can allow himself the freedom to spend some more time around Linhardt.

He decides it's best to ignore his feelings and pounding heart for now.]

Come, we need to hurry. Lady Edelgard may have need of us.

[Or the rest of them, but he figures that goes without saying. He still struggles with the idea of actually caring about their classmates.

He doesn't let go of Linhardt's hand, though. Not yet, at least.]

[There's another moment or two of uncertainty. But then Hubert grips his hand in return, and Linhardt feels some more tension lifted from his chest.

He even manages a small smile.]

I'm glad.

[Maybe now it won't feel as awful to face the rest of the battle, knowing that he won't be alone afterward. The fluttering of his pulse reminds him of what else he'd like to do with Hubert while alone, but that... he needs to push that back for now. Holding hands is about as much as he thinks is appropriate for today.]

Yes. Okay.

[And if Hubert isn't going to let go of his hand just yet, then neither will Linhardt. He doesn't mind continuing to walk hand-in-hand, not at all; if anything, the continued contact helps encourage him the longer it lasts. It isn't until they can actually see the fighting that he lets go, but not before looking over at Hubert with an affectionate smile.]

Let's catch up with the Professor to see where we're needed the most.

[They can see the fighting now, and he's all too relieved to see that Lady Edeglard is doing just fine. The others seem to be doing well too, but even so he nods at Linhardt's words. There's still a battle to be won and for now, that's the most important thing.]

Of course.

[He begins to pull away - the last thing he needs is for any of their classmates to see them holding hands - but hesitates for a moment.

It shouldn't be difficult to find the words he needs for the sentiment he wants to express, but somehow it is. Everything he comes up with sounds wrong in his head - either too harsh and careless or too sentimental, and eventually he settles on the safer option.]

Be careful. We can't afford to lose you.

[Framing it like that isn't exactly ideal, but it's what he manages before he moves to join the professor and follow their commands.]

[Ideal or not, Linhardt is still smiling when he hears those parting words. It's nice to feel needed when so often he wonders if the team could do just fine without his help.]

I will. And you as well.

[He follows at a somewhat slower pace, but eventually catches up with the Professor as well.

By the time the battle is won and the group has joined up for the typical post-battle assessment at the monastery, Linhardt is struggling to focus on what anyone has to say.

He feels totally drained, emotionally and physically. Every few seconds he starts nodding off, only to open his eyes blearily, and then close them again. Despite that, Linhardt isn't even sure he wants to go to sleep. Not after everything he's experienced today. And even if the call of sleep is too strong to fight against regardless of his wishes, he'll still need to bring his clothes to be cleaned and wash up after the class is dismissed.]

[The rest of the battle goes as well as it can. No one is seriously injured and they don't have to drop anyone off at the infirmary when they get back, so that's probably a good sign. Still, Hubert apologizes profusely to Lady Edelgard on the way back, which earns a bit of a look and a sigh before she reassures him (once again) that she is just fine.

They return to the monastery and go through the usual assessment of the battle. The professor isn't harsh with them despite Hubert and Linhardt getting left behind, and they discuss plans for how to stay closer to one another the next time they're faced with a battle like that. Hubert pays attention, of course, though it's a bit hard to keep from glancing at Linhardt every so often.

They're dismissed shortly and while the others head out to spend the rest of their day relaxing, Hubert hesitates. He doesn't even have to ask Lady Edelgard for her permission - she catches his eye and nods before she leaves with the others.

He approaches the desk Linhardt's at once everyone else is gone, frowning a bit at Linhardt already nodding off.]

Don't fall asleep before you can change out of those clothes.

[The meeting goes by in a blur. Linhardt doesn't even realize the others have left the room until Hubert stands across from the desk where he's sitting and starts talking to him.]

Oh... was I falling asleep?

[He asks while looking blearily up at Hubert. While he knows what needs to be done, gathering up the energy and will to get up and move is proving to be a challenge.]

I'm sorry. We'll have to spend time together another day. I can't...

[-and then he's dozing off in the middle of his sentence.]

[Annnnd there he goes. Goodnight, sweet prince...

Under normal circumstances, Hubert might have given up and left him like that. Linhardt can sleep anywhere, and the classroom's a safe location; surely Caspar would arrive at some point to hopefully drag Linhardt off to bed. But today is hardly a normal day, and Hubert isn't letting this go so easily.

He reaches out to shake Linhardt's shoulder firmly.]

Linhardt. You are not going to sleep while covered in blood.

[...He is fighting a losing battle, isn't he...]

[He opens his eyes again when Hubert shakes his shoulder, though it isn't until he mentions the blood on his clothes out loud that Linhardt wakes up a bit more fully. Most of that is due to a sudden flash to the image of the bandit skewered on that spike, blood flooding from his body.]

Yes. You're right.

[Suddenly feeling a bit more energized, he pushes out his chair and forces himself to his feet.

He'll have to go to his room to change, and then bring his uniform to the laundry.

Linhardt glances down briefly, then back up at Hubert. He'd stayed behind for him...]

Would you mind accompanying me? [He wouldn't mind the company from Hubert. Of course he remembers those moments before they'd rejoined the fight.]

[He looks a bit dubious at that, but he nods easily.]

Of course. It's the least I can do after... what happened.

[And also he's not convinced Linhardt will make it back to his room without falling asleep somewhere inconvenient... But mostly, it's because he wants to remain near Linhardt.]

The least you can do? You saved my life, Hubert.

[He steps around the desk to stand across from Hubert, outright saying what was obvious but he hadn't had a chance to really acknowledge out loud yet.]

I would be dead if you hadn't acted when you did.

[He owes him, if anything.

Shaking his head, Linhardt reaches over to take both of Hubert's hands in his own.]

As if I didn't already admire you enough...

[His eyes dart at that, but he doesn't pull away from Linhardt's touch. He isn't really sure what to do with his hands in all honesty, but he doesn't mind the touch any.]

It never should have happened. I should have caught sight of him earlier.

[Linhardt thankfully wasn't hurt, yet the sentiment remains the same: he never should have had the opportunity.]

[Although he doesn't pull his hands away, he does look to the side, frowning slightly.]

You're not responsible for looking out for me.

[He should be more competent. Even if he doesn't want to fight, and ultimately hopes to become a scholar one day, he shouldn't be putting other students in danger while he is fighting.]

So don't blame yourself for anything, okay?

[That does get him to look back at Linhardt. It takes him a moment to decide that he'd rather not think too hard about any of this and shifts a bit so he can take Linhardt's hands in his.]

...I won't, then.

[It's the closest he can probably get to thanking Linhardt for the reminder.]

Anyway, I'll escort you to your room.

[He pulls back at that, tipping his head to indicate that Linhardt should come with him. Standing around in the classroom holding hands is a great way to start rumors and while he doesn't particularly care about that, he'd rather not try to explain how said rumors happened to Lady Edelgard.]

Good.

[Well, good as long as he doesn't stress himself over it. Linhardt doesn't mind if he looks after him a little.

Smiling again, he lets Hubert pull back before joining him on their way to his room. While he's used to people spreading rumors about him, he doesn't want to drag Hubert into that if it's not necessary. He probably has his own troubles to deal with in that regard.

Once they arrive at his dorm, he opens the door and lets Hubert inside. It's... well... very untidy. There are books everywhere, papers strewn about in a seemingly chaotic state, and other things here and there.]

Here we are.

[He accompanies Linhardt of course; it won't be particularly difficult to explain why if need be, but he doubts anyone cares enough about it to ask. (He will explain everything to Lady Edelgard later, of course. Should it be necessary to, anyway.)

Somehow, Hubert wasn't exactly expecting Linhardt's room to be this much of a mess. He stays put at the doorway, eyes widening a bit at the disaster zone.]

...How do you find anything in here?

[That's rude?? But it's a bit late to take it back.]

I know where everything is.

[Shockingly, really. He lets Hubert inside before him, then closes the door behind them. He opens the small closet where the rest of his clothes are stored, and picks out a more casual outfit. Some comfy black pants and a white button up shirt should do for now.

And then he starts removing his uniform, careful not to really look in case he accidentally touches some drying blood in the process.]

If only we had washrooms attached to our dorms. Wouldn't that be something else?

Hmm.

[He isn't sure he believes that, given the state of the room... But he wouldn't be surprised if Linhardt is able to keep things organized in such a horrendously disorganized manner. Whatever works for him, really.

Hubert glances away as Linhardt changes, ignoring the way his face heats at it. It's no big deal, Linhardt obviously doesn't care and neither should he, but...]

It would be. I suppose it would be a bit of a hassle for them to renovate the entire building just for that, however...

[...]

Would you... like me to take care of your uniform? Since I am the reason it's been stained, after all.

[Linhardt could probably get someone else to handle it so he's not dealing with the blood, but he offers it anyway.]

[He glances over his shoulder at Hubert's offer while carefully holding his coat so that he isn't touching any blood.

His face may be a bit red as well.]

What did I say about blaming yourself?

[But...]

Still. If you don't mind, I would greatly appreciate your help.

[Turning back around, Linhardt continues stripping out of his clothes until he's in nothing but his underwear. That, he'll wait and wash with his next load of laundry. Not going to make Hubert do all of his work, especially when it's not necessary. Or particularly appropriate.]

Here... [He holds out his uniform, suddenly more conscious that he's standing nearly naked in front of someone he cares for.] Will you come back after?

[He asks without really thinking. Of course Linhardt can pick up the laundry later- he's more concerned with being alone.]

[Hubert is staring very intently at the wall over here instead of looking at Linhardt, and it's absolutely just your imagination that he's turning red. Absolutely.

That said, he starts a bit when the uniform is held out to him and he makes the mistake of glancing over and oh. Oh no. Okay, no, he's got this, there is no way he's going to just stare at Linhardt and completely forget how words work for a moment. That's absolutely not going to happen.

...So naturally, that's exactly what happens and Hubert winds up openly staring for several moments too long before he finally snaps back into himself and snatches the uniform quickly.]

Of course. [Thankfully, his voice doesn't reflect the internal shrieking he's doing.] If that's what you would like then yes, I will.

[His movements are more mechanical than usually as he turns to head out - if he's not stopped, he'll head down to take care of Linhardt's clothes and berate himself the entire time for a slip-up like that. He is not one to stare or lose control of himself for any amount of time. Such a mistake is beneath him and entirely too stupid - and Linhardt's surely noticed, how is he supposed to face him when he returns...?

Regardless of his circling thoughts he is efficient. Laundry isn't exactly difficult and once he's done with Linhardt's clothes, he returns to Linhardt's room. He knocks on the door and takes a step back, exhaling and trying to steel himself for whatever Linhardt will say about... well. All of that.]

[While Linhardt may be oblivious to some social cues that signify affection or interest, there's no possible way he could miss the way Hubert stares at him while he's holding out the uniform.

He tries to ignore it, really he does, but he's quickly turning red himself and is getting ready to apologize for something or other when Hubert eventually does take the uniform from his hands.]

Thank you.

[Linhardt changes into the softer, more casual pair of pants and light, over sized shirt he'd picked out while Hubert is off taking care of his laundry. He's managed to at least wash his hands and his face by the time his classmate returns. At first Linhardt is quiet when he answers the knocking and opens the door to let Hubert back inside. His mind is in a bit of a whirl right now, as he spars with himself about whether or not to openly mention the obvious attraction he'd seen in the other's eyes or not.

He doesn't want to cause embarrassment, but neither does he want to ignore such an obvious issue. In the end, he decides to speak up.]

I just wanted to say... about before. I don't mind if you like looking at me. I also wouldn't mind if you wanted to touch me. I think I'd rather like it, in fact.

[Linhardt lets him back in and to be honest, Hubert isn't really sure what to do with himself once he's here. He's perfectly content to ignore... everything that happened before he left, as that was a rather unbecoming display. But then Linhardt dashes all hopes he had of ignoring it and Hubert goes bright red.

He's pale to begin with, so the blush is incredibly obvious. His gaze is fixed firmly back on the wall, even though Linhardt's no longer undressed. It's just... very difficult to look at him when he's being addressed with words like—]

...What?

[I also wouldn't mind if you wanted to touch me. I think I'd rather like it, in fact.

No, surely he misheard...? There's no way—

He does look at Linhardt then, studying him intently for any sign that this is some sort of trick. He doesn't really believe he misheard Linhardt, but there's no way that this is actually something Linhardt wants. There has to be more to it, something he's missing...]

Are you... Are you sure?

[The words are a bit hesitant, uncertain. He doesn't dare get his hopes up, but there's no disguising the caution in his tone.]

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