darkbishop | NOCTIUM INBOX

Um, just to make sure, this... this is Hubert, right?

[Look who hasn't learned phone anxiety yet!]

[Huh... Well, Hubert's available when the call comes in, so he picks up right away. Hearing Bernadetta on the other end is a bit of a relief; it's good to know she's still here, and just as importantly, not too terrified of him.]

It is, yes. Is there something I can do for you, Bernadetta?

I... just... um, I wanted to see how you were doing?

[It comes out as a question, but her confidence seems to hold, at least. His ominous presence seems to be fine, from voicechat.]

There's, um... there's a lot to adjust to. In... in a lot of ways.

[It's remarkably hard to be menacing from voice alone. Maybe someday he'll figure out how to do that.]

I appreciate it, then. I'm doing just fine.

["You don't have to worry about me" nearly follows that, but he manages to catch it. There isn't any reason to start with things like that; after all, it's only natural to be a bit worried about your allies in a situation as strange as this.]

It sounds as though you've at least had some luck with the technology.

[...okay, that one's a joke, said in the usual wry tone. Does it come across as well without the usual smirk??]

I think so!

[She sounds so bright and upbeat, for once.]

Did you know you can order almost anything you want on these and the sellers will have them sent right to your door?

[...that's... probably why.]

[Well, that gets a brief laugh out of him. That sure does explain a lot, huh?]

I wasn't aware of that actually, thank you for letting me know.

[No wonder she's doing fine!! But honestly, who could blame Bernadetta for wanting to stay in her room here??]

I take it you've been doing well, then?

...yes!

[Ignore that slight hesitation, Hubert.]

It was a little surprising when I met my roommate, but we're getting along, now. I barely see him, some days!

I'm glad to hear that.

[There's a brief pause as he considers just how much he wants to say.]

I was... hoping you would be doing well enough here. Settling in here hasn't been easy.

[Which means it's only been even more complicated for her, given what she remembers happening.]

I, um. It was rough at first, when I thought... well, you know.

[That this was the afterlife.]

But, I-I'm trying... to be positive. I've got a room now, and I can get plenty of things, and... and you and Dorothea are here! Things are r-really confusing, but it's okay. I-I'm... I'm healed up, and not alone, and I'm okay.

[There's a soft exhale on his end as he listens to that; it's straightforward and honest, and most of all, it's believable. What she's been through has been far rougher than the rest of them in terms of getting accustomed to this world, and yet she truly does sound like she means it, that she really is okay.]

I'm pleased to hear it. If there's anything you need at any point, just say the word. I have no doubts that Dorothea would eagerly rush to assist you, but I will do what I can as well.

[Black Eagles gotta stick together, even if you're from a different timeline where things went really poorly.]

I-I will too.

[She says that firmly.]

If... you both are, um, really, really capable, and crafty, I-I know that. But if you ever need me, well, Bernie will be there. ...no door rattling necessary. I... I promise.

[A special privilege, that one.]

[Perhaps it's a mercy that this is over the phone, because that gets a genuine smile out of him.]

I'm honored, truly. I'm sure we will need you - you are one of us, after all. I'm... glad you're here.

[It's a bit of an awkward sentiment given that she's from a different series of events that ended in her death, and he's from a point in time far before such a thing could even happen, but that doesn't make it any less true. For as strange and alarming as this world is, knowing that he isn't alone helps tremendously.]

[She's half buried in a pillow, coming down from that burst of confidence. Don't mind her!]

...me too. I... more than anything, I-I wanted to see you all again. So.

[Yeah.]

Um, is it... just us three?

From the Black Eagles Strike Force, yes. Dorothea and I have compared our experiences, and it seems that our memories match up.

[It certainly isn't easy with just the three of them, but it certainly could be worse. Just imagine if he was stuck here with Caspar and Linhardt.]

Oh. I'm...

[Hm.]

Wait, should I be happy or sad Edelgard isn't here...?

[It gets a quiet laugh from him, anyway!!]

A bit of both, perhaps. I wouldn't wish for her to be dragged here, but I certainly do understand wanting to see her again.

[Partially because Bernadetta's in such a unique position to begin with, and partially because Hubert has spent almost his entire life with Lady Edelgard, and it certainly hasn't gotten any easier being separated from her.]

She...

[Her voice quiets down, again.]

She said something to me, at the end. But... I-I didn't... I couldn't say anything back. I... wanted to say something back.

[Ah...]

I understand. Should she arrive here, I'll be sure to let you know.

[You know, assuming Bernadetta doesn't run into her first. As curious as he is about that, it isn't his place to pry.]

...I do hope you get the chance to speak with her about it.

Thank you, Hubert.

[There's a shy smile in her tone.]

...me too.

...

So, um, what have you been up to, here?

[...Bernadetta is too cute for words.]

I have been attempting to learn more about this world, but so far I haven't had much success with the important questions.

[How we got here, how do we return home, what exactly is going on, what aren't you telling us, and you know. Everything else.]

That is expected though, given how different this world is. I have a lot to catch up on, it seems.

[...Maybe that's too distant... It does sound more like a report rather than talking to a... friend?? Friend. Sure. It feels kind of weird to think about it like that, so he'll just. Move on!!]

Dorothea and I went out to get coffee. You can come along with us sometime, if you'd like.

[...he's sort of voluntelling dorothea into this but listen, she surely won't mind.]

[He has a hand-stitched boutonniere that says heck yes they're friends.]

Oh! That's right! They have so much of it here...

[She's not a huge fan of bitter drinks but it seems common to have really sweet pastries with them here, so...]

I-I'd like that! Do you... um, the two of you, is there a certain shop you like?

They do have tea as well.

[One guess what Dorothea got...

But anyway, that's really nice to hear; he nods before he remembers that she can't see him. Phones......]

The one we went to was nice; the coffee they have there is excellent, and Dorothea seemed to enjoy the tea as well. We can all go together next time, then.

[He definitely sounds pleased, though!!]

Okay...!

[Can you hear the double arm pump of excitement, Hubert?]

I, um, might need help getting there! ...but, I'll come. For sure.

[He sure can!! Cute...]

Of course, Bernadetta. I certainly don't mind helping, and I'm sure Dorothea won't either.

Crowds are...

[Well, they now have the fun added edge of battlefield fatigue. So.]

Th-they're still a little tricky, for me. ...I'll, um, try to keep working on it. But, thank you.

NOCTIUM INBOX

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