[That joke appears to lure his body language back in — Hubert’s arms uncross, the corners of his mouth pulling upwards with dim amusement. No, he supposes out of all the people circling the orbit of his life, Ferdinand especially might know what to expect. Hubert possesses a clever mind, sharp and tactical and scheming, an endless well of devotion to a cause he truly believes in, and yet he is not without his faults. His friend, he thinks, can see that just as clearly as his advantages, given the tumultuous start of their friendship (which was not a friendship at all, at that point). This is the rare instance that someone seeing right through him is preferable.]

Then fortunate for you that I feel similarly.

[Today is a day of agreeing with Ferdinand, apparently — what a lark, made a reality.

Hubert leans forward, faux conspiratorial, offering his usual tone of shadowed humor while ignoring the way his heart is now hammering in his chest at Ferdinand’s admission. He does not know if they’ve crossed a threshold just now, but it feels like it. A switch flipped, an official shift between them, made prevalent by a simple conversation. The flush has still not left his cheeks, but Hubert remains unashamed.]

Then if you realize that holding ridiculous expectations over my head will be a waste of time and effort, I see no reason why we cannot… try. Because, despite how utterly exasperating you can be, [a fond joke, indeed] I find that I’ve grown very attached to you as the years have passed us by.