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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?]
no subject
It seems as though you won't need to practice much. You can still cast quickly and effectively, your aim is excellent, and it looks as though that was a strong attack. Aside from some basic practice to keep your skills sharp and prepared, I can't see anything you would really need any assistance with.
[Admittedly part of that is because he focuses on dark magic instead, but he's seen enough black magic to be able to tell that Linhardt's doing really well for himself.]
no subject
[He was certain that Hubert would have a lot to critique him on, though he might be too focused on past conversations between them that hadn't gone so well. He'll have to trust that if Hubert really thinks he doesn't need much practice, that he's telling the truth.]
Well... thank you. I'm glad to hear that my skills are still up to par.
[And yet, it probably won't matter too much. Linhardt is almost certain that the Professor will be using him exclusively as a healer. They have enough powerful attack units as it is.]
no subject
[But he does assume the same thing; Byleth will most likely want Linhardt to serve as a healer.]
How is your faith magic? Will you need to practice with that as well?
no subject
[Since they have such practical uses even off the battlefield, sometimes people might request his assistance with healing. And even if Linhardt isn't in the mood, he finds it difficult to turn down such requests.]
I think I'm probably battle ready even now.
[And although he smiles, he still retains a little nervous habit of grasping his hands together when he's feeling uncomfortable about something.
Linhardt may be physically prepared to go into battle, but he'll never truly be prepared mentally. There's always the fear of seeing people die, the hatred of hurting others, or the anxiety about not healing someone in time.]
no subject
[But he can understand the hesitation and uncertainty. There aren't many people who would want to take to the battlefield.
Hubert's gaze darts and it takes him a moment to figure out how to put it into words.]
...It's likely you'll remain in the back of our formation to heal injuries. We have plenty of soldiers capable of reason magic, so your ability to heal will be important.
[It's possibly the most roundabout way of saying it, but hopefully Linhardt won't have to kill. He can remain safe, away from the worst parts of battle. He's entirely too valuable to leave behind, but at least this way he'll remain safe.]
no subject
[He nods, the smile slowly falling from his face. It's exhausting to keep up the pretense that everything is completely normal between the two of them, even after all this time.
Linhardt can't help but wonder how Hubert feels about him these days. Perhaps he's far too involved in war plans to give much of anything else a second thought.]
I'm determined to take care of everyone to the best of my ability.
[There will be casualties, of course; there's no way to prevent that. But if he can keep the officers safe, morale should remain high, and... well, he won't lose any of his friends.]
no subject
[And even though it's been five years, he does. Linhardt doesn't put forth effort unless he feels he has to, but he will if it's to keep them safe. It's nice, in a way, it's familiar. It's almost as though five years haven't passed, as if they're just students again.
Hubert isn't one to feel nostalgic, however.]
If you do wish to continue training at any point, I'll be around. It is getting late, however. Do you plan to stay out here for much longer?
[He won't insist on walking Linhardt back to his room - not when there isn't a good enough excuse for it - but for just a bit longer he can pretend that he's only here to keep an eye on an ally.]
no subject
[So there's no real reason to remain out here. If he can get in some extra sleep, he should do that. Napping during the day is a bit more complicated when there are war councils to attend as well as advanced lectures provided by the Professor.]
I think I'll go to bed now.
[He's about to turn, but pauses just short of it.]
And yourself?
no subject
Linhardt pauses and Hubert raises an eyebrow at the question.]
I'll retire shortly, though I haven't yet finished my rounds before bed.
[They do have guards to ensure no one manages to sneak in, but Hubert isn't satisfied until he's checked every corner of the monastery for himself.]
no subject
[He didn't know anything about 'rounds,' but he isn't clued into everything Hubert and Edelgard are up to anyway.]
If that makes you feel better.
[There's another hesitation.
Why is it so tempting to ask some more personal questions? Why does he have to still care so much? It's frustrating, but... their conversation has been calm and cordial. There's no reason to potentially start an argument.]
I will see you later, Hubert. Sleep well.
no subject
[He isn't going to try to pursue; Linhardt needs to rest to be prepared for their battles, and Hubert still has to ensure the safety of the monastery before he can sleep. All the things he wants to ask are unimportant, especially now.
Besides, the last thing he should be doing is getting his hopes up for something he knows won't work. Her Majesty needs him to be at peak performance for the duration of this war, and then for as long as it takes to eliminate Those Who Slither in the Dark afterwards. He doesn't have time to spend pining over anyone, much less the boy he let go five years ago when he actually had a shot at attempting something.
Hubert doesn't regret that decision, because he knows it was the right one. But sometimes he does wonder how different things would have been if he hadn't stopped himself that day.
It doesn't matter now. Linhardt has undoubtedly moved on anyway. He isn't going to focus on something he can't have.]