[Hubert is so drunk, it's quite possible even he will forget he elected to leave him be and proceed to get him hot and bothered with more friskiness...
Ferdinand can't help but pick up a gaggle of voices in the background jeering at his public display of subversion from the outdoor seating area of an establishment they pass, but the conversation is mostly drowned out by the ensuing honking laughter and the hum of the city. It might be a bit too garbled for Hubert to have heard in his condition, which is probably for the best... but it ruffles Ferdinand's feathers just a bit. He can't even participate in any light banter with his friend and lover without it earning comment from the populace...?
Could he get them in trouble for it?]
Not yet. It will take more than just this to tire me out. You are actually not that heavy, but you are not light, either.
[Ferdinand is accurate in his assessment. Hubert lost a considerable amount of weight in his first couple of months in Duplicity, due to his fear of eating drugged food, and he is still slowly gaining it back now that he knows where it's safe to eat. He still often refuses to eat at events or when at strangers' houses. So the frame on Ferdinand's back is rather light for how tall he is.
But his mind is pulled from any thought of weight at the sound of strangers jeering at them. Hubert is more vigilant than the average person, and when drunk, he's more vigilant than the average drunk person. His face burns again, and he wonders if they're taking issue with the piggyback, or Ferdinand's bossiness toward his Dominant, or both.
As they pass, Hubert's head lifts up, turns toward the onlookers, and he raises his middle finger at them. He spits:]
Fuck you.
[Sorry Ferdinand, your workout might have just gotten more difficult.]
[Oh, dear. Hubert's vitriol. He'd better hustle. Who knows what trouble his umbrage might get them in when his inhibitions aren't all there! As such, Ferdinand picks up the pace, gripping harder to his legs.]
Pay them no mind, Hubert! [A mere request not being too publicly overbearing, is it? Agh! He shouldn't have to think of such things!] They are not worth your attention.
[They seemed spooked at first, but once it appears as though there's really nothing to worry about, they continue tittering amongst themselves. But they're getting further and further away as Ferdinand hurries.]
[Hubert is ready to jump off of Ferdinand's back and launch dark spikes at their audience if they were to retaliate to his verbal jab, but they don't. It seems they aren't very intimidated by a drunk man riding on his Submissive's back. Hubert hates when people he wants to scare aren't affected!]
Urghhhhh...
[He groans and grumbles, anger flaring through him still even as the onlookers disappear from sight and he turns to face forward again.]
Blasted idiots... I'll remember you... And find you...
[There is definitely a sarcastic lilt to his voice. Hubert can be... difficult to deal with; this is a fact that everyone who associates with him knows. However, this is an entirely different brand of difficult on him. It's like dealing with a wet and angry cat. Maybe he should get him focused on something else. Speaking of how not heavy he is...]
[He grumbles, but now it's more pouting than anything. He rests his chin back on Ferdinand's shoulder.]
No.
[He can't even remember the last time he ate. He had a coffee and a pastry at the library... But that was several hours ago. Has he had a meal today? Who could say...]
[By the sounds of it, he HASN'T had a proper meal today!!! And Ferdinand has caught on to Hubert's dietary ways in this city by now. He won't trust just any food.]
Hubert... [he chides, but softly.] I will make you something when we get back, then. What prompted this night out, anyway?
[He murmurs, wrapping his arms more tightly around Ferdinand's shoulders.]
A man caught my attention at the library and he slipped me a note that just said "The Void 8pm..." So I went there... He had interest in me and bought us a bottle of whiskey... He kissed me... Oh dear, I am sorry...
[He suddenly feels very guilty. Is this going to upset his partner?]
[A chill runs through him at the implications, which heats up into antagonism toward this man who sounds as if he were trying to take advantage of Hubert. Which is an unlikely scenario, given Hubert is difficult to take advantage of, but... it's not impossible. Was Hubert really so taken by this man that he let himself get into this mess?
That doesn't exactly please him, either. The indignation strains his tone a little as his pace slows.]
You... He... what? What else did he do to you like this?
[Ferdinand's tone makes him realize the way this all sounds.]
No, no, nothing! It isn't like that, Ferdinand... I wanted to kiss him... And I foolishly drank too much... He wasn't trying to- to sleep with me, he stopped us from going too far...
[Oh, what a mess. Somehow admitting that he wasn't taken advantage of and that he'd wanted all of it makes him feel even worse. What has he done?]
I am a fool... I am sorry... Were we in Fodlan, I would be so faithful to you... But here... This damn place... It makes me confused...
[That the man stopped him from going too far while Hubert's senses and inhibitions were compromised quells most of the rage that was fomented by the conclusions he had been jumping to, and Hubert's apology further dampens his emotions into pity for his beloved companion. He can relate to it, and it would be hypocritical of him to hold such a thing against Hubert when he faces the same confusing straits in this city, when he has found himself wanting to kiss so many others, and already has. Despite all reason, a hurt he has no right to had still throbs, though lightly, assuaged by Hubert's words.]
I see... I understand. Thank you for telling me. I do not hold anything against you for your lustfulness in this city. But you are definitely a fool tonight.
[It sounds as though Hubert is in as much pain as he is about this unfaithfulness, if not even more. It tugs on Ferdinand's heartstrings. He stops completely on the streets and lowers Hubert off of himself, taking care to ensure his passenger has enough balance and support to right himself to his feet. He then turns to wrap him in a hug, taking his hand to the back of his head to guide it toward his shoulder.]
I will not deny that there is a very... insecure part of me that stung, knowing you had eyes for another. A fear that I will not be as good as him, even if I tried my hardest to be. It is a feeling I am accustomed to fighting against. [Edelgard will always be better than him in just about every way, after all, and he has grown to accept it on good days. He starts rubbing his back in soothing strokes.] But to loathe you for it? No, especially not when we are being coerced to do so. You will always have room for me in your heart no matter who else catches your fancy, will you not?
[He gets close to Ferdinand, brushing his red hair out of his face and caressing his cheek tenderly. He presses their foreheads together.]
Listen to me. To me, you are better than everyone else here. The best. No matter who I may be compelled to touch or kiss, you will always come first, above the rest. You are my priority, the one I love.
Oh, listen to you, indeed! [he cries sheepishly, nuzzling him with their foreheads pressed.] You are remarkably adept at turning my cheeks pink... My heart is swimming with joy. I love you, Hubert.
[He embellishes that statement with an impassioned peck on the lips.]
[He kisses back firmly, petting Ferdinand's hair.]
I love you, too, darling. I have been worrying as well about you with others, as I know I can be jealous and... Overbearing... But so long as we can talk about these things and reassure each other, I am hopeful that we can manage it...
Yes. Communication is a cornerstone in any relationship. [He hugs him tightly.] I believe in our ability to persevere in the face of obstacles such as this. Would you like for me to let you know when I sleep with someone else? Or would it be better for your heart if I do not?
Do not bother... Unless someone harms you or takes advantage, or you elsewise require comfort or support after a negative happenstance... Then please do tell me...
[If Ferdinand tells him every time it happens, Hubert will just drive himself crazy with paranoia, looking into the people he speaks of to try to assess threat. It is better for both of them if Ferdinand makes those decisions on his own and tells Hubert if something goes awry. Wow, is this what healthy boundaries are like?]
Likewise, you need only tell me if you believe there is something I should know. Something like tonight, such as letting me know what you were up to when I ask, or letting me know you are staying with someone else for a night so that I know not to anticipate you. [Ah... but that hurts to think about, lying in bed wishing for him while he is tangled with someone else. He will definitely need to learn how to deal with such an emotion.] Or if you have been hurt by someone, or if, perhaps, in your sexual adventures you discovered a kink that you enjoy and would like to share it with me... I trust in your discretion.
[He listens as carefully as he can in this state, nodding seriously. Perhaps comically serious.]
Yes. Surely if we are communicating too much or not enough, it will become apparent...
[He sighs, threading his fingers into Ferdinand's curtain of hair and pulling it back, cradling the back of his head, and giving him a hug. He rests his chin on Ferdinand's shoulder again.]
I trust you to remember who you belong to. As will I.
[The way he exerts so much focus on his words almost brings Ferdinand to laugh, his heart swelling in endearment toward this side of his love. He sighs as his hair is played with, returns the hug, and tilts his head to kiss him on the shell of his ear and whisper his answer.]
You are ever in possession of my thoughts. My heart... Come what may, I daresay you will have them forever.
[He has made an everlasting impact on him. If they are ever separated, be it from a chasm of their own making or fate's design, what they have is indelible.]
[Ferdinand's loving words so close to his ear make Hubert shiver and melt against him.]
I love you.
[He closes his eyes for a few moments, savoring being held, despite it being so public. When they finally part, he looks around, blinking and disoriented.]
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Ferdinand can't help but pick up a gaggle of voices in the background jeering at his public display of subversion from the outdoor seating area of an establishment they pass, but the conversation is mostly drowned out by the ensuing honking laughter and the hum of the city. It might be a bit too garbled for Hubert to have heard in his condition, which is probably for the best... but it ruffles Ferdinand's feathers just a bit. He can't even participate in any light banter with his friend and lover without it earning comment from the populace...?
Could he get them in trouble for it?]
Not yet. It will take more than just this to tire me out. You are actually not that heavy, but you are not light, either.
cw weight loss / eating restriction
But his mind is pulled from any thought of weight at the sound of strangers jeering at them. Hubert is more vigilant than the average person, and when drunk, he's more vigilant than the average drunk person. His face burns again, and he wonders if they're taking issue with the piggyback, or Ferdinand's bossiness toward his Dominant, or both.
As they pass, Hubert's head lifts up, turns toward the onlookers, and he raises his middle finger at them. He spits:]
Fuck you.
[Sorry Ferdinand, your workout might have just gotten more difficult.]
Hubie... ;__;
Pay them no mind, Hubert! [A mere request not being too publicly overbearing, is it? Agh! He shouldn't have to think of such things!] They are not worth your attention.
[They seemed spooked at first, but once it appears as though there's really nothing to worry about, they continue tittering amongst themselves. But they're getting further and further away as Ferdinand hurries.]
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Urghhhhh...
[He groans and grumbles, anger flaring through him still even as the onlookers disappear from sight and he turns to face forward again.]
Blasted idiots... I'll remember you... And find you...
[He won't do either of those things.]
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[There is definitely a sarcastic lilt to his voice. Hubert can be... difficult to deal with; this is a fact that everyone who associates with him knows. However, this is an entirely different brand of difficult on him. It's like dealing with a wet and angry cat. Maybe he should get him focused on something else. Speaking of how not heavy he is...]
Have you had anything to eat?
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[He grumbles, but now it's more pouting than anything. He rests his chin back on Ferdinand's shoulder.]
No.
[He can't even remember the last time he ate. He had a coffee and a pastry at the library... But that was several hours ago. Has he had a meal today? Who could say...]
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Hubert... [he chides, but softly.] I will make you something when we get back, then. What prompted this night out, anyway?
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[He murmurs, wrapping his arms more tightly around Ferdinand's shoulders.]
A man caught my attention at the library and he slipped me a note that just said "The Void 8pm..." So I went there... He had interest in me and bought us a bottle of whiskey... He kissed me... Oh dear, I am sorry...
[He suddenly feels very guilty. Is this going to upset his partner?]
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That doesn't exactly please him, either. The indignation strains his tone a little as his pace slows.]
You... He... what? What else did he do to you like this?
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No, no, nothing! It isn't like that, Ferdinand... I wanted to kiss him... And I foolishly drank too much... He wasn't trying to- to sleep with me, he stopped us from going too far...
[Oh, what a mess. Somehow admitting that he wasn't taken advantage of and that he'd wanted all of it makes him feel even worse. What has he done?]
I am a fool... I am sorry... Were we in Fodlan, I would be so faithful to you... But here... This damn place... It makes me confused...
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I see... I understand. Thank you for telling me. I do not hold anything against you for your lustfulness in this city. But you are definitely a fool tonight.
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I know... It is a miracle you do not loathe me by now. I deserve no one so kind as you...
[There's no sarcasm to be found. He sounds genuinely ashamed of himself.]
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[It sounds as though Hubert is in as much pain as he is about this unfaithfulness, if not even more. It tugs on Ferdinand's heartstrings. He stops completely on the streets and lowers Hubert off of himself, taking care to ensure his passenger has enough balance and support to right himself to his feet. He then turns to wrap him in a hug, taking his hand to the back of his head to guide it toward his shoulder.]
I will not deny that there is a very... insecure part of me that stung, knowing you had eyes for another. A fear that I will not be as good as him, even if I tried my hardest to be. It is a feeling I am accustomed to fighting against. [Edelgard will always be better than him in just about every way, after all, and he has grown to accept it on good days. He starts rubbing his back in soothing strokes.] But to loathe you for it? No, especially not when we are being coerced to do so. You will always have room for me in your heart no matter who else catches your fancy, will you not?
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[He gets close to Ferdinand, brushing his red hair out of his face and caressing his cheek tenderly. He presses their foreheads together.]
Listen to me. To me, you are better than everyone else here. The best. No matter who I may be compelled to touch or kiss, you will always come first, above the rest. You are my priority, the one I love.
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[He embellishes that statement with an impassioned peck on the lips.]
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I love you, too, darling. I have been worrying as well about you with others, as I know I can be jealous and... Overbearing... But so long as we can talk about these things and reassure each other, I am hopeful that we can manage it...
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[He thinks on this for a very long moment.]
Do not bother... Unless someone harms you or takes advantage, or you elsewise require comfort or support after a negative happenstance... Then please do tell me...
[If Ferdinand tells him every time it happens, Hubert will just drive himself crazy with paranoia, looking into the people he speaks of to try to assess threat. It is better for both of them if Ferdinand makes those decisions on his own and tells Hubert if something goes awry. Wow, is this what healthy boundaries are like?]
Should I tell you?
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Yes. Surely if we are communicating too much or not enough, it will become apparent...
[He sighs, threading his fingers into Ferdinand's curtain of hair and pulling it back, cradling the back of his head, and giving him a hug. He rests his chin on Ferdinand's shoulder again.]
I trust you to remember who you belong to. As will I.
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You are ever in possession of my thoughts. My heart... Come what may, I daresay you will have them forever.
[He has made an everlasting impact on him. If they are ever separated, be it from a chasm of their own making or fate's design, what they have is indelible.]
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I love you.
[He closes his eyes for a few moments, savoring being held, despite it being so public. When they finally part, he looks around, blinking and disoriented.]
Are we... Near to home now?