["Noble." Linhardt snorts. Only Ferdinand would consider that a compliment.]
I could say the same to you. [Ferdinand's hair is so long now. Far longer than he'd ever thought Ferdinand would let it grow.] I think... you don't quite look like a noble now but maybe, rather, [a pause for thought] a hero? Like from storybooks.
I like it. [He finally pulls away from Ferdinand's shoulder so he can stretch, arms high above him, as if that will distract Ferdinand from what he's said.]
[ That stretching does, indeed, fail to distract Ferdinand from his words. He blinks dumbly at Linhardt, processing his words.
He... thinks he looks like a hero? Like from the legends???
The blush on his face turns a shade darker as he tucks a long strand of hair behind his ear. ] That was not my intention... I simply never thought to get it cut. [ For five whole years. ] But I truly appreciate your compliment.
It suits you. [Ferdinand is being really cute with the blushing and playing with his hair and it's truly unfair. Linhardt would be a little annoyed if he wasn't entirely enamored.
Linhardt looks out into the distant landscape. It really is lucky they've met up now, before reaching Garreg Mach. It's nice to just take a moment - especially since they don't know what to expect of their reunion. Something tells him it might be a trap: they're going to end up in something deeper than they expected. They're going to have to fight. It's probably a trap.
So, if he has anything to say to Ferdinand... he should probably say it now.]
Ferdinand, I have something to say. So listen closely, okay?
[ Ferdinand has similar thoughts. Though he's truly looking forward to seeing their classmates, he has a feeling it'll be more than just a simple reunion between old friends. After all, when they promised to meet all those years ago, Edelgard and Hubert had been there. They'll know where to find them - and while Ferdinand can't imagine Edelgard sending Imperial forces just to wipe out the six of them, if he's learned anything since she rose to power, it's that he doesn't know her as well as he thought.
So he blinks again, but nods. ] Of course. What do you wish to tell me, Linhardt?
I love you. [He's still looking into the distance. Wouldn't it be nice if they could just stay like this.] I've loved you all this time - since our Academy days.
[Even Linhardt is not immune to the embarrassment of confessing such a thing. His cheeks color slightly.] I don't regret most things - it's too much effort. Too much emotional strain to bother. But I regret not telling you sooner. I regret not telling you five years ago. [Before everything turned around on them. Before Edelgard pulled the rug out from beneath everyone's feet - beneath Ferdinand's feet and then he went missing for five years.]
I've never felt more caged than I have these past five years; and not just by my father but by my own fear. I hadn't a clue where you were, Ferdinand. [He clutches over his heart.] My only comfort was your name on my chest.
[ When those three little words - "I love you" - leave Linhardt's lips, Ferdinand has to bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from blurting his reply.
He loves him. He loves him. He loves him, he loves him, he loves him.
Goddess, he doesn't even know how long he's felt this way anymore. Ages, as far as he's concerned. But loving Linhardt feels as natural as being by his side - as easy as resting his hand over Linhardt's and squeezing tight. ]
I- I love you, too, Linhardt! Truly! My heart is singing with pure joy, to hear that you feel the same as I do! [ Their distance, though small, is too much for Ferdinand to bear. Not when he speaks of regrets, of missing him, with such sadness in his voice.
Clumsily, eagerly, he wraps his other arm around Linhardt's shoulder and pulls him close, holding him in a half-embrace. ] And I promise, I will not leave you alone again. I will stay by your side, so long as you want me. [ A tight squeeze. ] I do not wish to make you sad, ever again.
[Linhardt sighs heavy through his nose, exasperated. Indignant.] I wasn't sad, I was terrified.
[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[ "Terrified" sits heavier in Ferdinand's chest. He had little reason to fear for Linhardt's safety these past five years - his father may have pledged his support to Edelgard, but he, more than anyone else, knows how to avoid conflict - but...
Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
[Linhardt allows himself to be pulled into Ferdinand's lap and he settles there, against his chest. In this position, and with the weight of everything out in the open and off his shoulders finally, Linhardt now feels exhausted.]
We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
[ A warm fondness swells in his chest as he feels Linhardt settle comfortably against his chest. His weight against him is comforting in a way he cannot put into words. ]
Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
Hmm? Go ahead... [As long as it doesn't require Linhardt to move. But Ferdinand show know better than to jostle him from his napping place, much like a cat, by now.]
[ With Linhardt's (very sleepy) permission, Ferdinand reaches around his own neck to unhook a hidden chain and pull something out from beneath his cravat - a gaudy, golden ring, to be exact.
He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.
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no subject
I could say the same to you. [Ferdinand's hair is so long now. Far longer than he'd ever thought Ferdinand would let it grow.] I think... you don't quite look like a noble now but maybe, rather, [a pause for thought] a hero? Like from storybooks.
I like it. [He finally pulls away from Ferdinand's shoulder so he can stretch, arms high above him, as if that will distract Ferdinand from what he's said.]
no subject
He... thinks he looks like a hero? Like from the legends???
The blush on his face turns a shade darker as he tucks a long strand of hair behind his ear. ] That was not my intention... I simply never thought to get it cut. [ For five whole years. ] But I truly appreciate your compliment.
no subject
Linhardt looks out into the distant landscape. It really is lucky they've met up now, before reaching Garreg Mach. It's nice to just take a moment - especially since they don't know what to expect of their reunion. Something tells him it might be a trap: they're going to end up in something deeper than they expected. They're going to have to fight. It's probably a trap.
So, if he has anything to say to Ferdinand... he should probably say it now.]
Ferdinand, I have something to say. So listen closely, okay?
no subject
So he blinks again, but nods. ] Of course. What do you wish to tell me, Linhardt?
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[Even Linhardt is not immune to the embarrassment of confessing such a thing. His cheeks color slightly.] I don't regret most things - it's too much effort. Too much emotional strain to bother. But I regret not telling you sooner. I regret not telling you five years ago. [Before everything turned around on them. Before Edelgard pulled the rug out from beneath everyone's feet - beneath Ferdinand's feet and then he went missing for five years.]
I've never felt more caged than I have these past five years; and not just by my father but by my own fear. I hadn't a clue where you were, Ferdinand. [He clutches over his heart.] My only comfort was your name on my chest.
no subject
He loves him. He loves him. He loves him, he loves him, he loves him.
Goddess, he doesn't even know how long he's felt this way anymore. Ages, as far as he's concerned. But loving Linhardt feels as natural as being by his side - as easy as resting his hand over Linhardt's and squeezing tight. ]
I- I love you, too, Linhardt! Truly! My heart is singing with pure joy, to hear that you feel the same as I do! [ Their distance, though small, is too much for Ferdinand to bear. Not when he speaks of regrets, of missing him, with such sadness in his voice.
Clumsily, eagerly, he wraps his other arm around Linhardt's shoulder and pulls him close, holding him in a half-embrace. ] And I promise, I will not leave you alone again. I will stay by your side, so long as you want me. [ A tight squeeze. ] I do not wish to make you sad, ever again.
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[Which is no better and he understands Ferdinand's sentiment will remain the same. So Linhardt reaches and returns Ferdinand's embrace. He buries his face into his neck, nosing into his warmth.] I'll hold you to that. Whatever happens next... whatever we may find at Garreg Mach, you mustn't leave my side. Not until we can spend our days in peace, lazy in love, and napping in sun spots. And even then...
[Don't leave him. Don't leave him.]
no subject
Ferdinand shakes those thoughts off and urges Linhardt to settle between his legs. It'd be more comfortable this way, he thinks - and he can curl around his soulmate like a protective shield, sheltering him from the world around them for a few more precious moments.
After all, he, more than anyone else, deserves that peace he so greatly desires. ]
I will not leave you. Not even for a single moment. [ He squeezes him tight, brushing his lips over his hair. ] I love you, Linhardt von Hevring, with all that I am. And I will not allow anything to stand between us again. [ He'll swear it, over and over, whispered against the top of his head as many times as he needs to hear it. ]
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We've allowed... [He stifles a yawn.] far too much as it is...
[He adjusts against Ferdinand's chest, moving away from whatever it is that he has underneath his clothes that's poking him. Linhardt wrinkles his nose.]
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Indeed. For now, though, you should get some more rest. We still have a ways to travel before we reach the monastery. [ And while Linhardt doesn't necessarily need to be conscious the whole ride there (because there's no way he's letting linhardt walk while he rides duchess marigold von aegir), he's certain there are better places to nap than on horseback. ] But, before you drift off, may I give you something? You may consider it a token, so we may never forget my promise to you.
[ Or, well... more than that, if he'd prefer. It's bold, but so was Linhardt's confession. And as they've just addressed, they've allowed far too much to get in the way as is. Why wait any longer? ]
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He holds it up for Linhardt to see, allowing the emeralds to glisten in the afternoon sun for a moment, before taking his left hand in his. ] This ring is one of the last things that remains of the Aegir family. [ There's himself, the ring... his father, hopefully... and their legacy. That's it. ] You may find it silly, but I could not bear to leave it behind in our estate. I have been carrying it with me for the past five years, close to my heart.
But now I would like you to have it, so that you may look upon it whenever I am not immediately by your side, and remember my promise to you. [ He gently opens up Linhardt's hand to place the ring in his palm. ] Even if I am out of your line of sight, I will always return to you - and I will never stray far, to where you cannot find me again.