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If you say so. But my offer still stands.

[ no wonder he's looking so lithe and withered... but she won't say anything about that. ]

When you smell my cooking we'll see about that. [ she won't use magic this time. no explosions. ] Let me get you a blanket. I assume you'll be wanting the sofa.

[ she heads upstairs to look inside the cupboard to see if a spare blanket has spawned and lo and behold, there is one. she comes down the stairs with the blanket and two pillows, handing them to Hubert. ]

Please help yourself to anything you need. I'll just be upstairs. Sleep well, Hubert. Don't be afraid to wake me up if your mood drops or you need to talk.

[ and with that, she walks to the staircase and heads to bed, dimming the cottage lights but leaving a night light on upstairs for herself. she wasn't kidding about that scared in the dark thing. ]

Yes... the sofa will be just fine.

[Seems like that or the floor. Her bed is, of course, out of the question. And while he is still, technically, quite young he feels like his bones are sometimes a few decades older than him. Sleeping on the floor would be the end of him. There would be no recovery from that sort of abuse.

While she goes to collect extra bedding he undoes his coat draping it over the arm of the sofa for now. If she doesn't find extra blankets that will do just fine as well. there are some other odds and ends that he undoes like his cuff links on his dress shirt and the tie around his neck.

It's very... surreal being in here. Sleeping in the home of the enemy, technically. His instincts demand that he be weary. What if Felix just walked through or any of the others? His his body is too tired to worry about his potential demise. He just wants to sleep. He needs to.

Hubert waves Annette away, especially at her offer but gladly takes the bedding. He sets it up comfortably and falls asleep in relatively no time at all. Which is good. It needed to be that so thoughts didn't tumble about the present situation. Just sleep and relatively dreamless sleep at that.

Dawn certainly comes and goes. By quite a number of hours in fact. And Hubert only manages to awaken because of the smell of food. It takes him a moment to remember where he is because... Edelgard certainly doesn't cook breakfast. He'd never allow her to get up before him and even begin to try. Not to mention all the smells in here are different and unfamiliar. When he sits up hair tussled and mused he has to peer blearily around.]

Damn... [He overslept. How unlike him. But everything that's happened to him thus far has been very unlike him. His head feels all foggy from all that sleep but his thoughts are slwoly clearing up. She's making breakfast just like she said she wouldn't, isn't she? Hubert falls back onto the soft pillows and pulls the blanket back over himself. Those from the kingdom are going to flay him alive if they ever find out.]

[ when Annette sees him stirring from over her shoulder, she smiles with the wooden spoon in her hand. looks like he's finally up! she is relieved that he slept as long as he did, really, because it gave her time to experiment with the pancake flavour that she is making him. and in her humble opinion, they turned out super yummy! ]

Good morning! Or, well, good day if we're to be specific here. It seems your body really needed that sleep. [ she walks over. ]

How are you feeling?

[He can feel her sunshine aura looming over him as he hides himself back under the blanket. There's no escaping it.]

Unusually well rested. [Is his muffled response as he removes the blanket from back over his head and sits back up. He has only succeeded in ruffling up his hair all the more. She has once again... caught him in a state that he doesn't let himself be seen in. He was always up and put together before Edelgard woke up so he could make her breakfast and the like. She's doing the same for him... apparently.] And genuinely mortified that I slept this long.

[He peers around for a clock to see just how badly he's done it for himself, needing to rub his eyes to help with the blurriness of sleep. The house smells... very delicious. He can smell the coffee and a bunch of other flavorful spices in the air and he'd be a liar if it didn't all come across as a bit appealing.

Hubert peers up at her feeling... well, certainly something. He is all out of sorts on her sofa with the blankets pooled all around him and feeling more ruffled than he has ever been in his life. It's just... so strange. And bizarre.]

Are you going to make me eat breakfast?

Yes! Although I think at this point it probably counts as "brunch".

[ she places down a cup of coffee for him. ]

Don't be mortified. You clearly needed it. Your body will be very thankful for the rest it had. Also, it'll be especially thankful for these pancakes I've made you!

[ she goes to the counter to get the pancakes which were warming while she waited for him to wake. ] La la laaa ♪ [ she hums while she decorates the pancakes with fruit that she foraged herself, arranging them into a very .... unique sort of presentation that Hubert will enjoy. she made the most of the ingredients that cupboards spawned from the peaceful interactions she had in her home with Byleth and Felix: she made fluffy pancakes with strong bourbon notes, mixed with coffee grains to create a breakfast food so firey and sweet. they were a work of art! scrumptious tiramisu pancakes with a kick. she brings the plate of food over and places it down in front of him with some cutlery. ]

Bon appetit! I'm going to go clean my work area. [ Annette strolls to the kitchen area - her demeanour should illustrate clear as daylight just how much she adores making food for people. she sings while she cleans, humming various melodies with a spring in her step as she gets the job done. ]

What is happening?

[He whispers the words under his breath once she is out of earshot. This is all so... very strange. He has to remember that the only reason he was here in the first place was to look for Edelgard. Or see if anyone could contact her.

He breathes out slow. Alright. Breakfast. A novel concept for him. People don't cook for him often, or ever, so he might as well enjoy it if he can.

The coffee is delicious as it was last night. Full of spices and flavors that he can taste with still that ample bitterness he's accustomed to. It's very good. He has less hope for the pancakes, purposefully poking the blueberry eyes off. Removing the eyes from the face he then cuts into it taking a small bite. Flavors... So many. Rich and good with a bite to it. And it's then that he realizes he is really hungry. He has not been particularly good at taking care of himself. Especially so since his Emperor's disappearance.

Despite how good it is he does try to eat slowly and not like he hasn't had a meal in days. She's singing in the background and the sound of running water and dishes clinking together fills the air.

It's very...

He doesn't want to go home, he doesn't think. Not where it's empty and kind of cold. And she is no longer there. Where he will have to start the process of putting away her things like she's dead or something equally as grim. Imposing any longer would cause trouble for Annette. Trouble for him if he was to be found here, he thinks.

Despite trying to pace himself he does clean his plate, fruit and all, before she finishes doing her dishes. It was just... very good. He gathers his dishes and sets them on the counter where she's currently cleaning.]

Here... let me dry them as you finish so you can get through all of this a bit quicker.

[He's already rolling up his sleeves to assist. So he's clearly not taking no for an answer.]

Eek! [ she squeaks in surprise when he appears behind her, which is a testament to how sneaky he is, honestly. ] Hubert! You ... [ her eyes peer down at his empty plate. ] Oh my gosh! I'm so happy you liked them! I mean ... you did like them, right? Or were you just really hungry or trying to spare my feelings?

[ no matter his answer: she's clearly beaming with joy over his completed meal! she stands aside to allow him to enter her kitchen area. ]

You really don't have to, I love to clean! But ... [ aaaaand there he goes ] seems I can't stop you. Thanks!

[Pleased that he unintentionally startled her, since that's just how he be, he slides in beside her taking the freshly washed dish and drying it at once.]

I did enjoy it. Which surprised me... [He sets the dry dish aside and grabs the next wet one.] Not because I doubted your cooking but because... Well, dealing with a lot of alchemic substances as I do in my service to the Empire I had the misfortune of dulling my taste buds. Very immune to poison. And flavor. [He smiles wryly] In the monastery I really only enjoyed heavily flavored meals. Things that were very spicy or very bitter. It's why I enjoy coffee so much. And why I enjoyed yours in particular.

It was very good. I don't say this lightly or to flatter but... I haven't had anything that good in quite some time. Before the war was even happening in full force, I'd say. So... Thank you. Thank you for making it for me.

[ the praise makes her blush, and blush deeply. she can't help twirling one of her golden locks of hair in her finger shyly, unable to meet his eyes from how bashful she felt at his kind words. ]

Gracious, Hubert ... you're so very welcome! I'm delighted you enjoyed it. [ while he cleans the dishes, she takes the tea towel and starts drying them before putting them on the drying rack. ] If my cooking can impress a dark mage who has limited taste, I'm sure the sky's the limit!

[ but that ... certainly is something. ]

... Honestly, I had no idea that dark magic users went to such lengths. I don't know if that's unique to you, or others, but ... in the school of sorcery we were driven away from doing things that may harm us physically to enhance our magic. I can see you were very dedicated through that alone.

[ she dries the last plate before setting it down. ]

I'm going to ensure my bakery is filled with a menu to tickle the tastebuds of even the darkest mages. [ she pokes him in the arm playfully, before walking over to the cupboards to stash the plates and cutlery away again. ]

Oh, no. While I do not doubt that there are some dark mages that go through such things it is my role as part of the Vestra House that put my taste buds to the grave. Being Lady Edelgard's shadow requires methods that are not magical and flashy in nature. It also requires me to be able to be survive things like poison for her sake. To shield her from her enemies is all well and good but it is far more useful to be a shield that can survive multiple hits rather than just the one.

[He steps out of her way so she can put her dishes where she sees fit.]

That's not to say that the toll of dark magic especially for one without a crest, such as myself, is great indeed. But we all do what we must.

[He adjusts his gloves as he speaks, watching her put things away.]

This is not the first time I've heard you speak of a bakery. Surely you must be nearly there in regards to obtaining it.

I'm sorry you went through such an ordeal. But it's good you can still enjoy tasty food.

[ she wants to comment on his services to Edelgard, but resists, taking into account that dwelling on his lady gone will dour his mood. her personal mission having him over here is to keep him in high spirits, after all. not that he knew of this. she is naturally very cheerful and kind, the behaviour may seem nothing out of the ordinary. ]

... Mmmmmm. [ a clink of one of the glasses being put away. ] It'll need a lot of stamps. Ten for the building then however many others for the ingredients ... I haven't got very many so far, in all honesty. Nowhere near enough that I need. [ sigh ] If you're wondering why I threw myself on the network at you, that's why. Asides from being completely blotto, my logic was, 'if I can sleep with as many people as quickly as possible, the sooner I can have my bakery.'

[ she steps to her feet from crouching on the floor, glaring at some of the high cupboards with two empty mugs in each hand. ]

... Hubert, could you put these away for me? I don't know why this place spawned cupboards so very far out of reach for me, but if you wouldn't mind, it saves me climbing on the counter.

[He takes the mugs without question and places them on the top shelf with little effort. Not even needing to push himself onto his toes.]

No apologies needed. All in service to the Empire and I regret none of it. My life has always had one purpose the rest is inconsequential.

[No need to worry Annette, he can bring that sort of thing up all on his own. The momentary dwelling on Edelgard passes quickly as Annette continues and he glances down at her.]

There's no shame in that, of course. I did much the same. I haven't my notes on me right this moment but I had a card where I wrote down the best way to achieve what I needed for a better home and other supplies for Lady Edelgard. Taking into account double points and what I was willing to do.

That being said... [He sees himself out of the kitchen to grab his jacket that's still resting on the sofa. He reaches into the inner breast pocket where he keeps all sorts of important information and knives, usually. But here it is only the stamps. Taking out the ones he needs for himself leaves him with an extra five. Of which he turns and offers to Annette.] Here. For you. Maybe that will help get you a little closer to your goals. Consider it... [he shrugs not sure what to say.] ...my thanks for all that you have done for me thus far.

What?!

[ well. she wasn't expecting that! ]

Y-You can't be serious! Surely you need those, Hubert! Food on your table? Clothes on your back!? You don't need to do something like this for me. Seriously. I-I can't accept this. My kindness needs no favour.

I have perfectly calculated just how much I need and what needed to be done to get them. I have a home. I have new clothing and I even got my spell book. Anything extra would have gone to someone who is not here at present.

[Edelgard's clothes, her axe whatever it is she may have liked.]

And I would rather have them be put to good use. If it puts your heart at ease you can get me something in turn when you have the means for it. But you need these now, do you not?

If you do not take them from my hand I'll simply leave them here. Or throw them away. Whichever suits my fancy when I depart from here.

[ ah ... right. and she figures him hanging onto them would be a painful reminder of them missing their purpose. ]

So I see ... [ it's this consideration which ultimately changes her mind. she looks up at him with a kind, appreciative smile. ] Thank you, Hubert. I'll take great care of them. You have a really kind heart, you know! I'm so very grateful. The first cake I bake in there will be all yours!

Flattery will get you nowhere. [He waves her words away.] It would be a waste otherwise... And since I worked so hard to get them they might as well be in the hands of someone more likely to use them in a timely manner.

[He huffs even more at this.]

I will take your cake but leave the state of my heart out of it.

[ okay, Hubert, whatever you say. she does laugh into her hand at such an adorable objection to her compliment. ]

Heehee! Of course. [ really, she can't hide her joy. ] I'm so happy! Please promise me you'll visit at least!

[He huffs again.]

As I am now partially responsible for this business of yours coming into fruition I would like to make sure it succeeds... There's a lot more to these sorts of things than just making your product...

[He takes in a deep breath feeling... well a little like he's invading her space but he is desperately looking to fill the time. And this might be as good a way as any.]

I can balance your books and keep track of your supplies. That's the boring unfun part anyway... and I'm quite good at managing. I did it during the war too. If it pleases you I could do that for a time. Until you get a handle on things even.

This would all be as thanks, of course, for everything you have done thus far.

[ he can huff as much as he wants, but nothing will dampen the joy she feels at him! ]

Oh! That's a wonderful idea! It would be far too much for me to juggle on my own. Supplies and all that ... I'm far more interested in the creative aspect. [ see, Hubert! you really do have a good heart! ]

Okay! It's a deal! Not that I really have anything to pay you with, apart from my eternal gratitude, and ... [ giggle ] coffee, cake ... that sort of stuff.

[ she can't remember the last time she smiled as much as this! her face aches. ]

If you like, you're more than welcome to stay a little longer. We can discuss things some more, if you like! And I would be glad to be in your company. [ heehee! ] You're going to hate it when I tell you this - but you're great to spend time with!

I don't need any payment. And I imagine I'll be taking home pastries by the dozens so. [He waves a hand. Having something to do is more than enough to be quite honest.] That'll be a fine arrangement.

[Hubert wrinkles his nose at her compliment but she's right. They should discuss things. So with a heady sigh he acquiesces to her whims. A common occurrence in his future, he fears.]

Alright... Alright. I will stay simply to hash things out in regards to your establishment. But I am leaving before it gets dark. And that's final.

[ SURE, HUBERT. WHATEVER YOU SAY. ]

Wonderful! I'm really looking forward to this! Ooh, I wonder if any kind of logo I design will become part of it when I cash my stamps in! I'll have to doodle some fun ideas while you take care of the other things for me. This is going to be the best!

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