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Hubert watches from his position on a log as Ferdinand picks his way across the rocks on the mountain ledge. Or is it the top? He does not know, all he does know is that it is far too high up for him to relax completely, no matter how far away he sits from the edge. And it does help that watching Ferdinand get so close keeps giving him anxiety. He says nothing though, because the relaxed and happy look on his lover's face makes it worthwhile. He just hopes he can get the nerve up to do what he came to do.
He has been planning it for months now with Edelgard and he fully intends to see it through. It almost didn’t happen however because Hubert wanted the place to mean something to Ferdinand but for a man who enjoys talking he is very tightlipped about places he’s been, especially if it has anything to do with his immediate family. So Edelgard ‘forced’ them to take a vacation and while Hubert will admit he is filled with apprehension at the thought of someone else attempting to do his job, he knows this will be worth it.
Hubert has known he wanted to marry the man since that one night about a year into their relationship when they both laughed so hard drink came out of their noses. He doesn’t even remember what was so funny but he knows that at some point after they settled down that he looked over at Ferdinand and saw his future. Right now his future is standing in front of him a little ways away, and seems to be taking photos of the scenery. Hubert would prefer not to do this on top of a mountain but it seems he’ll face more than one fear today.
“Ferdinand,” Hubert calls, and is pleased to notice that his voice is steady. The man in question turns around to face him and gives him a wide smile; when he does the sun hits him just right and Hubert wishes right then that he was better at taking pictures. Hubert blinks the dazed feeling away and smiles back, holding out his hand. He watches as Ferdinand’s smile slips into a grin as he walks over and takes the outstretched hand. Hubert gives it a small tug and is surprised when instead of joining him on the log Ferdinand sits down in front of it on the rocky ground. Hubert frowns at the back of his for a moment before he lets out an inaudible sigh before he steels himself and slowly moves to sit beside him. He knows his grip on Ferdinand’s hand must be painful and he’s thankful Ferdinand does not begrudge him this small comfort.
They sit in silence for a long time, just enjoying each other’s company and the scenery. When the sun starts turning the sky colors Hubert says, “I do think this is my favorite one from today, even if the ledge spikes my anxiety like nothing else.” He feels Ferdinand’s snicker more than he hears it from where their shoulders are pressed up against each other, “It is my favorite as well. It always has been.”
“How did you know this one was here? It is more hidden than some of the other trails we’ve been on today, which have worn me out just so you know.” Hubert gives Ferdinand an annoyed look at the loud laugh that barks out of him and does his best to push down the smile threatening to break free. “I am sorry for wearing you out, my love,” Ferdinand teases, “I promise tomorrow I don’t have any hikes planned for tomorrow.” Hubert cannot help the grunt he lets out as he rolls his eyes, ““I never said there was anything wrong with it and you haven’t answered my question.” Ferdinand lets out a quiet hum instead of answering and leans his head on Hubert’s shoulder.
It is only after Hubert lays his own head on top of his that Ferdinand starts to speak again, “We used to come up here a lot. “My father, mother, my siblings, and I. It was my mother's favorite vacation spot because it’s cooler. She was never fond of the heat. I think I was about six or seven the first time we found this trail. The mountains have a peaceful aura to them anyway but this one.” He pauses here and Hubert remains silent, letting him go through the memories at his own pace. When he speaks again it is much quieter, ““This one has always comforted me. When I could drive on my own I used to drive up here just to get away. Sometimes I’d bring my work but sometimes not. It’s been so hectic the past few years I haven’t been able to come up here. But I also haven’t needed it as much. I wanted to bring you because it is important to me and because you’re important to me.” Ferdinand takes another moment before his normal voice returns, “Plus there is no better time to come. I have seen it in every way: spring, summer, autumn, winter. But autumn is my favorite. I mean look at it. It’s gorgeous. The colors are phenomenal and the weather is perfect.” Ferdinand shifts and Hubert immediately picks his head up and turns it to look at him. Ferdinand gives him a small smile, “It is just a piece of me I wanted to share with you. Ah, I am sorry. My mouth ran away from me again. Are you-”
But Hubert doesn’t let him finish his question. His eyes never move from Ferdinand’s face as he reaches into the pocket of his leather jacket and pulls out a small black box. Huber already knows what is inside it: a white gold ring with a band that looks like tree branches and a modest peridot stone in the middle. And in his other pocket is a matching ring but instead of what it has a black band and orange sapphire instead of peridot. A matching customized set to fit both men and to have a little reminder of the other. Hubert had spent a year painstakingly going through hundreds of engagement rings before he found a place to let him make his own.
Ferdinand’s eyes are already tearing up and Hubert has not even started talking yet. Still never taking his eyes off his face he lets go of Ferdinand’s hand to open it up. Ferdinand looks between him and the box and when his teary eyes finally settle on Hubert’s face, Hubert smiles. Shift to sit on his knees in front of him and after reaching to take back the hand he had let go Hubert starts to speak, “I love you, Ferdinand von Aegir. I will love you now, tomorrow, next year, and for the rest of our days and after. Will you do me the honor of being my husband?” Ferdinand is crying freely now and Hubert feels his own throat close up when he says, “Yes, Hubert. A million times yes.” Hubert pulls him into a loving kiss, hoping Ferdinand can feel the joy in it, before moving to put the ring on his finger. They both stare at his hand for a moment and Hubert feels incredibly proud of how good that ring looks on his finger before Ferdinand gets out, “We will need to get you one-”
Hubert interrupts him with, “I already have one,” and he pulls the other black box from the other pocket. Ferdinand takes it in his trembling hands and laughs a little when he opens it. Hubert hides his grin from him when Ferdinand takes his hand, rather tightly if Hubert can say so, and slides the ring on. Giving Ferdinand’s hand a light squeeze Hubert leans forward and brushes his lips against Ferdinand’s, “How about we get off the top of this mountain and go out to eat and celebrate properly?” Hubert does not begrudge Ferdinand his laugh, especially not when he kisses him again before pulling them both to their feet, “I think that’s a great idea.”