darkbishop | NOCTIUM INBOX

[Hubert must be unnerved if he's agreeing to indulge what he usually terms Linhardt's 'ridiculous and pointless experiments'. He's hoping that Linhardt's research yields actionable results, of course, but then, Linhardt is hoping Hubert's yield interesting research results, so it's an equal enough exchange.]

That in and of itself is useful information. I'm too familiar with my Gem's affinity; its magic is giving me no difficulty. Flying is exhausting; even more so than Warping others, but otherwise it's intuitive enough.

[Then again, Linhardt has never had any difficulty with magic, which is one of the reasons he drove his fellow magic students insane. He'd sleep through all of his classes and somehow keep up.

Those were the primary questions Linhardt had wanted to ask, so he yawns and turns to lounge on his side, grabbing one of the couch's generic pillows and closing his eyes.]

Has Lady Edelgard given you your new purpose in life yet?

[Linhardt cannot resist teasing. It's absurd that someone so practical-minded has no goals of his own. No curiosity, no desires... Linhardt doesn't know how he stands it.]

[The first part gets a nod, and he's not particularly surprised that Linhardt has taken well to the Gem's magic. Linhardt's seemingly never had difficulties with his magic lessons, and from what he knows about Amethysts, their abilities line up nicely with Linhardt's own. Flying is new... how long until Linhardt's just taking naps in midair...

But anyway, that question gets him to roll his eyes.]

My purpose in life has always remained the same, this place could never change that.

[It was just harder to accomplish Lady Edelgard's goals and look out for her wellbeing while she wasn't here!! But it's fine, whatever crisis he was having about that has thankfully been cut short now that she's here.]

[Linhardt waves an arm dismissively, not even bothering to open his eyes. Typical Hubert. Linhardt will never understand the man at all. How can he allow someone else to dictate his entire life? How can he be happy that way? Is Hubert happy?]

As you say, Hubert. I do find myself wondering which Lady Edelgard has more of your devotion? Will you seek to return to Fodlan, or stay?

[Either way, he will be abandoning an Edelgard. He'll need to make a decision based on his own ideas and values, not just Edelgard's say so.]

That isn't a topic I'm going to discuss with you.

[He is very firmly putting his foot down on that one, thanks!! It's a difficult topic, and one he's still in the process of carefully considering. It's something that he can't ignore - nor would he want to - but it isn't something simple that has an easy answer. It certainly isn't the sort of topic he can get into with someone like Linhardt, who already doesn't understand why this is so important to Hubert.]

Don't bring it up again.

[This does get Linhardt to open his eyes and give his friend a thoughtful look. He doesn't object to the boundary line being drawn, but it makes him think. Hubert has spent his entire life bending himself to Lady Edelgard's will. While he's done unspeakable things, the purpose for those things has always been clear to him.

Noctium is perhaps the first time that Hubert has been in a position where whichever choice he takes he will need to betray some aspect of his nature.

Linhardt isn't upset. It's worse than that, he's sympathetic. The emotion flickers across his face before he shuts his eyes and turns away so they can both ignore it.

And underneath, there's something else. Something hard and hot and unpleasant. Linhardt stuffs that down inside himself with the rest and grabs a pillow to wrap his arms around.]

As you wish, Hubert.

[Something flickers across Linhardt's face somewhere in there, and that's what gets Hubert to turn his attention away for a moment. It's not like he needs to glance back over toward the door to make sure it's locked, but he does anyway just to give them both a moment. No, perhaps it's more accurate to say he's giving himself a moment.

He doesn't need or want any sympathy for this. This is a decision he has to make, and it's one no one else will ever truly understand the weight of. It's one that will undoubtedly eat him alive - even more than Lady Edelgard's absence would have, perhaps.

But he isn't angry at Linhardt, and when Linhardt simply lets it go, Hubert nods and settles.]

Is there anything else you wanted to discuss today?

[Not that he's trying to kick Linhardt out or anything, he's just eager to move the conversation away from this topic.]

[It's hardly the first time they've gotten on each other's nerves. Linhardt doesn't worry: So long as he does not endanger any form of Lady Edelgard, Hubert won't hurt him. (It's Lady Edelgard hurting Hubert that Linhardt is concerned about.)]

Yes.

[His voice is muffled by the pillow he's now squishing his head into.]

Your pillow selection is atrocious, Hubert.

[He is absolutely going to fall asleep on your couch if you don't do something.]

[That gets another roll of his eyes, and he moves to stand and snatch the pillow in one swift move, assuming Linhardt doesn't try to stop him!!]

If it's so dreadful then you shouldn't be falling asleep here.

[Betrayal! Linhardt glares when Hubert takes his pillow, then resolutely digs into the couch. He sleeps on benches, in meadows, under trees...]

Maybe I wouldn't if you weren't so exhausting.

[Is his yawn and his stretch a little more exaggerated than usual? Yes, it is. So is how he turns his back to Hubert and pulls his coat over his head. Go away. Socializing time is over.]

[That gets another roll of his eyes and Hubert tosses the pillow aside, back onto the couch.]

I will deposit you outside if I must. You aren't sleeping here.

[Linhardt deserves better, but Hubert certainly isn't going to let him get away with this!!]

[The pillow hits Linhardt square in the face. The mage sighs as though Hubert's desire for privacy is a personal affront (because it is, he's tired and he wants to sleep).]

You know, Hubert, it wouldn't kill you-

Hmmm.

I was going to say it wouldn't kill you to be nicer, but knowing you, it might. Fine, fine.

[He sits up and stretches again before finally standing.]

There's a junior scientist on Nova who's interested in my healing magic and is about to get to work anyway. I should go see them.

[They had promised him a look at the X-ray machine. Linhardt yawns and moves towards the door. Oh. Wait. His phone. With no preamble, he heads back to the bedroom and emerges with his own small rectangle.]

Goodbye, Hubert. I had a wonderful time.

Edited 2021-03-17 02:52 (UTC)

[It would absolutely kill him to be nice, thanks for noticing!!]

Try not to fall asleep on them.

[He watches Linhardt retreat into the bedroom, but given that's where their phones went, he isn't particularly surprised. The last remark gets a scoff from him.]

Perhaps next time will be just as enjoyable.

[He will never be fun to be around, sorry Linhardt!!]

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