[Ferdinand is right to be conscious of the lack of people remaining in the courtyard. Hubert’s mind is forever that of a tactician, constantly and acutely aware of his surroundings even if he appears focused on a conversation with a friend. Were there still a small crowd idling about the perimeters of the rose bushes, or centered in the middle with drinks in-hand, he would have offered another low laugh and a more forthright rejection.
Now, well, Ferdinand still earns that noise of amusement. But a lingering look at the offered arm, and the other man’s endlessly sunny disposition in the midst of them being alone has him actually considering it. Frivolity, indeed. Something that Hubert is often quick to deny, but the courtyard is emptied out, the interior of the palace brimming with energy he’s made an effort to detach himself from and an Emperor that would shoo him away should he return so quickly; all of this calculates into there being no reason to deny him, unless he thought the notion too ridiculous to humor.
Once, he thought sharing a casual conversation over tea and coffee with this man would’ve been ridiculous. A dance in the middle of the night, trouncing around an empty courtyard like a suitor trying to woo a maiden even more so. Should he find it odd or disconcerting, then, that these notions no longer apply?
Neither, really. Only vague amusement sparks in decisively sharp eyes as he takes that offered hand, expectation clear.]
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Now, well, Ferdinand still earns that noise of amusement. But a lingering look at the offered arm, and the other man’s endlessly sunny disposition in the midst of them being alone has him actually considering it. Frivolity, indeed. Something that Hubert is often quick to deny, but the courtyard is emptied out, the interior of the palace brimming with energy he’s made an effort to detach himself from and an Emperor that would shoo him away should he return so quickly; all of this calculates into there being no reason to deny him, unless he thought the notion too ridiculous to humor.
Once, he thought sharing a casual conversation over tea and coffee with this man would’ve been ridiculous. A dance in the middle of the night, trouncing around an empty courtyard like a suitor trying to woo a maiden even more so. Should he find it odd or disconcerting, then, that these notions no longer apply?
Neither, really. Only vague amusement sparks in decisively sharp eyes as he takes that offered hand, expectation clear.]
Fine. Impress me, if you think you can.