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A/N: What can I say; I thought about these three and went 'hey, they actually work really nicely together'! I was always disappointed how in Scarlet Blaze the broken trust between the three wasn't ever explored in the second part of that route. Some facts are taken from the excursion dialogue with Hubert & Edelgard!
The past few days have been… tense.
One may think that it is to be expected when a war is going on, but this particular tension has nothing to do with it. Nor does it have anything to do with forging alliances, dealing with cumbersome nobles, or anything that can be classified as substantial work for the empire. It also has nothing to do with the shadowy work he conducts, be that to Lady Edelgard’s knowledge or not.
No, it concerns a certain person…
…person’s feelings.
Accursed face showcases his frustration as his brows dip to form a scowl. It is fortunate his back is to Lady Edelgard as he looks through past battle strategies on her bookshelf. For someone brought up to be nonchalant in how he conducts himself around others he is flabbergasted as to why he is acting so bothered over a person’s views of him. True he is human, a being capable of irrational thinking and fixating on someone who is upset with him, but the concept is so foreign to him that it frustrates him to no end. There are far more pressing matter’s than a person’s feelings over him, especially when said person still fights for Lady Edelgard’s cause. He should be content with that.
Should be, but isn’t.
“Hubert.”
Mustering his most neutral gaze he turns towards his majesty. She sits at her desk and looks up at him with a surprisingly open saddened gaze, a sight that makes him blink owlishly. She is not one to showcase vulnerability, even with him, yet here she is, clearer than a cloudless sky, being open about her feelings. It worries him, not because she is being vulnerable, but because she appears to be turning to him of all people. Comfort or matters of human connection are not and never will be his forte.
“I wish to address our relationship with Shez.”
Of course it had to be that: the very person who plagues his mind.
“What is there to address?” He hates how he lets out a snort that sounds akin to any other person desperately trying to avoid the topic. “We admitted to her that we always questioned her origins and only promoted her to captain so we could keep an eye on her. We have also agreed to continue working with her.”
“I wish to show her that we trust her,” Lady Edelgard stresses, a hint of irritation in her tone implying that she is aware of him trying to sugar-coat an issue. It is unlike him to act such a way. “Despite how she behaves it is clear that she feels hurt, and doubts we will live to our side of the bargain.”
“I never made a promise to any bargain,” Hubert clarifies, as if that will assuage whatever unpleasant feeling grips at his heart upon thinking on Shez.
White brows furrow in disappointment. “Which proved to her that you still doubt her,” she responds with exasperation over his inept social skills of not knowing when a white lie is better than telling the truth.
“Because I do.”
Most would not see how Lady Edelgard’s shoulders rise then sag over the sharp intake of air to blow through her nose. Though her fingers do not fidget or drum the table he notes the subtle crease in the black gloves of her gripping against it. Then her lilac eyes try to bore right through him, to kill him with an odd mixture of intensity and softness.
“Why can’t you admit that you like her?”
He cannot help but flounder. There is no way to slip on his mask of nonchalance, not when she saw through him. The way she asked that question was with such softness that it pierces through the fine armour he has made of his frightening persona to remind him that he is capable of schmaltzy thoughts. Perish the idea—him with such thoughts, ridiculous. He is simply flummoxed by Lady Edelgard’s comment and the delivery of it.
The frown to appear upon him gives the impression that he is deadpan when in reality he feels a pitiful degree of panic. He crosses his arms to better sell the illusion. “Now there is a farce if I have heard it,” he says through gritted teeth, his usual bite more of a baby lamb nibbling at another than a bear gnawing down on prey. “How can I like someone if I constantly doubt them?”
“You are in absolute denial,” she snorts as she shakes her head; he bristles at being seen no different from a rumbunctious student to a patient teacher. “Even with your reservations you took a liking to her.”
His throat feels clogged with mud, though somehow he manages to choke out, “And you have evidence to such ludicrous claims?”
That was the wrong thing to say. She cocks a brow at him, accepting his challenge. “You brought up with her one picnic outing that she’d fit into House Vestra. That is quite the invite to one you supposedly have no fondness for.”
It was just… a spur of the moment. A weakness, one most unfortunate. Shez brought black coffee to share, taking him into consideration with what he felt tempted to believe was sincere care. They had been chatting about commoners and ridiculous nobles; a comment of his enacted that toothy grin of hers that can lift even his cynical spirit. Then he simply blurted out that she’d fit into House Vestra, for her contagious charm can bring people to her how a flame brings moths. She had the gall to sit there quietly and actually consider his offer… and he had the bigger gall to express gratitude with a rare non-sinister smile.
“And what of the time you encouraged her to speculate on your family? That is a secret that I thought you would take to your grave, Hubert.”
Another most unfortunate spur of weakness. Truly he should have murdered her that day… but she is better off alive, simply because she is useful and a valued member of the army, yes, simply that. They had been scouting together in the mountains where he sustained an injury from an unseen archer. She carried him to safety, refusing to abandon him, and kept catechising him to keep him conscious. In a moment of haziness, when asked of family, he blurted out that she figure it out. Then he let out some chuckles at her ridiculous theories on his family, because he was enjoying hearing her take such an interest, and of being with her.
“You seem shockingly at ease around her, despite supposedly seeing her as a threat. You crack more smiles—the non-sinister ones—and chuckle more often than not. You are, and continue to be, bothered that she is upset with you.” A damning knowing smile crosses her, and her eyes twinkle with joy over something she perceives to be wonderful for him. “Knowing you, Hubert, I can confidently say you like her a lot.”
To be hammered away until he is nothing but a husk of utmost humiliation nearly tempts him to come up with some pathetic lie to excuse himself. His fingers dig against his crossed arms to the point they bruise the skin beneath his sleeves. His posture shifts to… to do what, distract himself? Nothing will distract him when his mind fixates on something, especially when it is deemed a flaw.
Enjoying the company of Shez? Admittedly it may not seem quite as preposterous as he once thought… Everyone gravitates to her, for she is the sun that all can turn to in need. (When did he start waxing poetic—Goddess strike him down if he becomes like Ferdinand…). So he was unable to resist the pull; he can be, in his terms, friendly, but keep himself at a long leash’s length. Until that leash shrunk more and more as he got to know her.
Companionship is a luxury he can never have. Even when the war will end, both with the Church and those vermin, he will not pursue any close relations. It is… not something he is crafted for. Is he seriously yearning for a relationship, and with Shez of all people? The way Lady Edelgard is eyeing him means she’s come to the same conclusion, and seems pleased and congratulatory for him. He bristles at such implications, and does what he does best: deflect:
“But you are one to talk, Your Majesty. You clearly fancy her.”
Edelgard’s expression drops to wide-eyed shock. Just like him she sees no reason to quickly change to a neutral expression, not when he has seen through her. It is unlike him to derive some satisfaction at catching her off guard, but if it eases his silly mortification then there is a first for everyone.
“You try to spend any free time you have with her—oh you will claim to be helping in chores and training and the lot, but I know you are simply finding excuses to be around her,” he lists off, wishing to unload everything so she cannot recover to further convince him of his growing feelings for Shez.
There is that subtle quiver of her brows of her being embarrassed he’s become attuned to over the years working with her. Most would think the glaze in her eyes is intense with solemnity, but it is with the frustration of being torn open apart for those to see into the shell.
(He is not a man to be jealous, especially over something as someone dear to him wishing to spend her free time with another. Yet he has felt… a peculiar desire to be with them. Not in matters of battle or politics, but to simply be by their sides. To assure Lady Edelgard she needn’t stain her hands too much when he will gladly step in. To agree to that damn proposal of Shez that she cuts his bang and he cuts hers. To be truly seen by two people that see through this persona he has built, even if it terrifies him).
“Whenever you speak of her you ooze a fondness I have not heard used on anyone else. You complimented her eyes with rather poetic prose for a mere friend describing the appearance of their friend.”
Naturally he joins in on any expeditions from the shadows that Lady Edelgard partakes in. It was the first time he ever saw Shez be utterly bashful; wide-eyed, waving a hand dismissively, chuckling all nervously—it was quite the sight to behold. Seeing Lady Edelgard be so at ease, forgoing the need to be a beacon that others look towards, all smiles, puerile laughter, conjured such a warmth in him that he was smiling throughout the whole expedition.
“And you have spoken of private matters, such as struggling to get close to people due to your work. Such moments seem fitting for someone falling in love.”
There certainly was a time not too long ago when he felt ill at ease about her developing romantic feelings for Shez. After all she has similar powers to those vermin and has unknown origins—everything appeared to point to her being a spy and assassin for them. Then as time went on his opinions shifted more to Shez’s character: what does Lady Edelgard see in this unapologetically open-minded, admittedly charming, buffoon?
Now he feels cautious happiness for Lady Edelgard. After all if anyone deserves a wonderful partner it is her. He will continue to support her, now and forever, yet he can never be an adequate lover for her. Their relationship is certainly one where conventional labels do not seem to do it justice, and for that they have constantly assured one another that there are no expectations to follow, save that they will always be there for each other.
Her cheeks tint pink. After a moment she scoffs and shakes her head. “You are trying to make this about me so you don’t confess that you like her.”
Of course she was going to catch onto him. They are far too attuned to one another to miss anything.
She lifts her hand up to silence him from further argument. They will go around and around in circles before either confesses their feelings. “To go back to the topic at hand: I want to show her that we value her.”
There is no way to convince Lady Edelgard to change her mind when she is committed to the task at hand. The situation with Shez will gnaw at her until she is incapable of focusing on her duties. It would not eat at him… is what he believes, though the fact he is so fixated on someone’s feelings towards him proves he may be wrong.
“Then perhaps we should spend some downtime together.”
She perks up. “Perhaps an excursion will do.”
“It will give us a valid excuse to be together without anyone else,” he affirms. He recalls how he brought up to Shez that Lady Edelgard wanted to join them, and how Shez said they should do so next time.
“Then it is settled,” Lady Edelgard decrees with a nod. “Whenever our schedules are clear we shall invite her out for a picnic.”
“I suppose you’ll wish for me to clear them now, providing there is nothing important to be addressed?” He asks with a lazy knowing smile.
“If possible then yes.”
Despite the two of them appearing at ease regarding their plan he knows that they are both feeling trepidatious. Neither are known to be the best when it comes to socialising, especially over matters of their feelings and without needing to evoke a certain image. Shez is unapologetically herself, so to try and meet that on equal terms is… truthfully he thinks impossible. Yet it is all, supposedly, about trying. He did claim to Shez that he will at least try.
It did not take any convincing to inform Ferdinand and Monica to leave them be. Hubert likes to think they do not suspect him and Lady Edelgard harbouring feelings for Shez, though occasionally Ferdinand and Monica can be perceptive. Anyhow, no point dwelling on such matters.
When he and Lady Edelgard spot Shez sharpening a sword they approach. Try as he must to appear nonchalant his clenched fists must surely be a telling sign to all that he feels nervous. Lady Edelgard forgoes the need to appear at ease; her soft eyes and brows showcase how desperate she is to prove to Shez that she values her. Even if he wanted to appear more, how to say, open, he physically cannot. It is akin to asking a human to stop breathing.
When Shez sees two shadows appear above her she halts sharpening her sword and looks up. Hubert instantly notes a glaze of sadness, the sort of someone still being upset with others yet trying to move on, appear for a brief moment in those purple eyes, only to be quickly replaced with the usual chirpiness she exudes.
“You two need anything?”
Such casualness is something he knows that Lady Edelgard takes great pleasure from, and even now he sees that with how her demeanour eases. There is a small part of him that twists his heart at being unable to calm her, but that is where Shez comes in. Everyone has their own strengths, and people compensate any weaknesses when working together.
“We were hoping you would come on an excursion with us,” Lady Edelgard says with a welcoming smile that bellies her shame.
“Together, huh,” Shez mulls as she darts between the two. She snorts, but it does not have any bite: simply droll. “Trying to make me feel welcome, I see.”
There was no way his and Lady Edelgard’s intentions were to be subtle, even to one that can be as block-headed as Shez. Lady Edelgard’s posture tenses then sags upon her sighing at being caught.
“We… we see how we have hurt you,” she starts with the grace of someone trying to approach a timid injured animal. She then looks to Hubert with furrowed brows to goad him to acknowledge that it is indeed ‘we’.
He shifts uneasily, unused to being put on the spot over being truthful to others and most of all himself. “I think it is safe to claim that I am the one who has caused you great agony,” he confesses with a pitiful splutter. “Lady Edelgard has promised to trust you, yet I have only said that I plan to try and be more trusting.”
“It does hurt knowing that no matter what I do you won’t trust me,” Shez says without any restraint, her eyes boring right through Hubert. Then she turns to Edelgard. “And despite you having been open with me I don’t know if that was because you wanted me to let down my guard so you could use me.”
Such words are scathing, yet he does not fault her feelings. Lady Edelgard does not insist otherwise, even when he knows (and he believes that deep past her anger Shez is aware too) that she has been open because Shez made her feel comfortable enough to do so. He offers no comfort to Shez’s claim, for it would be empty words. They did agree to be honest about their feelings with one another, and that is something he can respect.
“None of us can change the past, but we can move forward,” Lady Edelgard affirms with a light bow to showcase that she is genuinely apologetic about her past actions, even if they made sense (to which even Shez agreed they did). Lilac eyes become beseeching. “Will you give us another chance?”
Shez appears to enter some contemplative trance as she stares at nothing in particular. Fascinatingly enough he gets the impression of her listening to someone offering advice, with how subtle her nods are and how her expressions shift.
She then turns to him. It is quite clear that she believes mending and strengthening a bond with Lady Edelgard is possible, but with him it may be an obstacle. He shifts on the spot, once again unused to the idea that people wish to be around him because they like him as a person. There is a part of him that wonders if it would be best to end any way to mend his relationship with Shez, thinking that she and Lady Edelgard would be better off without him. Surely Shez will be happier without his company.
Yet there is no mistaking the wistful hope in her purple eyes of her wanting to mend their relationship and strengthen their triad. A triad must be made of three. So his posture and mannerisms soften in a way he only ever displays around Lady Edelgard and Shez. The way Shez lights up in an instant startles him and even Lady Edelgard, and the toothy grin to adorn her reminds the two just how much they missed this Shez. With a clear pep in her mannerisms she shoots to a quick stand.
“Since we’re all willing to give it another try, then yes.”
Lady Edelgard smiles to her ears and murmurs that she is grateful. He snorts with the fondness for a fool, and then his cheeks tint pink at how the two women before him shoot him delighted looks. Shez certainly has a contagious way of bringing out the best in everyone. So long as others are not aware that, that applies to Lady Edelgard and himself then that is fine.
Their picnic is… the most relaxed Hubert has felt in forever.
Of course he is not completely relaxed enough to let down his guard, for such an outing is the perfect opportunity for assassins to strike. Yet his eyes no longer linger upon Shez with the belief that she is the assassin. No, he looks out for Lady Edelgard and Shez.
Droll amusement twinkles in Shez’s fondly exasperated eyes as she sits across him with a bread roll in hand. “With your fringe covering one eye won’t an assassin use it as a blind spot to strike?”
“For anyone else it would be valid concern, but I can see through it,” Hubert assures; this is not bravado, he is being genuine.
“It is to make him appear more intimidating,” Lady Edelgard informs Shez with a light bump of her shoulder against hers, an extremely telling sign of her growing comfortable around another.
Shez snorts; only she and Lady Edelgard never take his image to heart. “Makes you look like a wet dog that just dried itself.”
He huffs at the jab, though he cannot be too infuriated with how Lady Edelgard tries to stifle her giggles behind her hand. Seeing her be so at ease means he can never ever be upset.
He decides to indulge in this game. With a smile he adds, “I suppose this is the moment you suggest that this be the time we both cut our fringes?”
“I’m down for it after we finish our meals!” Shez says with—oh Goddess she is being sincere…
Before he can correct her that it was a joke Lady Edelgard chimes in, “It would certainly be a sight to see…!”
The sense of betrayal he feels cannot be put into words. It is clearly written on his face as he looks to Lady Edelgard, who simply ignores him with the mischievousness of her younger self.
“Though I must admit I am too fond of my fringe,” Shez confesses, still ignorant that this was all a joke from his end. She fingers it, lifting it up so Lady Edelgard and Hubert can (be enamoured) see both her eyes. “Maybe another time?”
It takes him an embarrassing three seconds to register that she asked him a question. He clears his throat with the subtlety of a thoron shot at him. “Yes, perhaps another time.”
They dine on their meals, from bread and cakes. When Shez gets some cream on her nose and acts like doesn’t have any Lady Edelgard leans forward to clean it off with her thumb. Hubert grins into his cup upon Shez spluttering out the black coffee he offered her; Lady Edelgard shares her sentiment that the drink is disgusting. Lady Edelgard and he chuckle how the two of them together look like they are plotting something, to which Shez simply remarks when are they not plotting something.
For some time they do not chat. They all simply bask in the surroundings. The sound of a few birds chirping close by. The smell of flowers blooming for the first time. The taste of each meal made with the care only given to those who the maker is fond of. The sights of the greenery around them. One can be easily lulled into a tranquilness that cannot be matched. It is the sort of experience Hubert never thought he, or even Lady Edelgard since the experimentations, would ever have. It is dangerously intoxicating, a drug that once tasted he cannot get enough of no matter how hard he resists. Good company will do that to you.
“This is nice,” Shez breathes out as she leans back and admires the canopy. Then she looks to the two with a peaceful smile. “The three of us just… relaxing and talking like we’re ordinary people.”
The smile turns sad as she hunches forward to draw patterns against the dirt. “I’m still not quite over how you guys looked at me,” she admits, her truthfulness something both he and Lady Edelgard admire. Her eyes then crinkle out of gratitude. “But I can see that you’re both trying to make amends. No one’s ever made that effort with me. I appreciate it.”
“We appreciate you, truly,” Lady Edelgard confesses with that peaceful smile she’s been showcasing all day during their excursion. She looks over to him with dry exasperated amusement. “Even if Hubert won’t admit it.”
“You are good company.”
The look of surprise to cross both women’s face at his confession has him wishing to squirm about. Instead he simply grumbles in embarrassment and pretends to take a large sip of his coffee. Shez appears touched, and leans over to give him a gentle punch to his shoulder to express that she likes him too. Lady Edelgard side-eyes him with that knowing fondness of hers whenever she is onto his true feelings.
They make for quite a peculiar triad, yet he could not ask for a better one. (But he shall dine to keep that to himself…)
A/N: I'd love to hear your thoughts (be that a multi paragraph analysis, a keyboard smash, or even if it is an emoji) and if possible some feedback! (It is never too late to comment :D).