#i imagined this as a GD run but its honestly vague enough for any

[indigowallbreaker]

Kiss prompt request: Linhardt/anyone of your choice, #32: kiss at dawn? Just for the sheer irony of LINHARDT of all people being up at dawn. Also because I love him. Thank you!

(@luuxxart I got this and then SOON AFTER saw your recent art. so this is your fault. I thank you)

32: Kiss at dawn

It wasn’t the first time Linhardt had been surprised by the sunrise and he feared it wouldn’t be the last. Was it his fault he’d found an interesting volume about the Crest of Ernest? No. Not at all.

The library was emptier than usual at the early hour now that Tomas, or rather, Solon wasn’t a constant presence any longer. It suited Linhardt just fine. More uninterrupted peace to read and study. Currently he wanted uninterrupted sleep. Though with class starting in an few hours, he wasn’t likely to get it. 

Yawning, Linhardt slipped the book under his arm and left the library for the stairs. He would have made for the exit past the classrooms and fallen into bed like a normal person who had stayed up all night. But movement out the other exit made Linhardt turn. Someone was sneaking into the graveyard. At sunrise. In the middle of winter. 

This was most definitely not Linhardt’s problem-- in fact it might not be a problem. It was something that woke up his curiosity, however, so Linhardt went through the opposite doors and made his way to the wall overlooking the graveyard. 

“Oh, good, it’s just you.”

Ignatz jumped at Linhardt’s voice. For someone who was trying to be stealthy, he sure was tense. “Linhardt! What are you doing here?!”

Linhardt thought about it for a second. “I’m not sure. For some reason whatever you are doing here is more interesting than bed, though.” He descended the steps. “So, what is it? Why are you here so early?”

As he reached the last step, it was quite apparent what Ignatz was doing. Ignatz had set up an easel, which sported a plain white canvas, and was holding a palette of paints. “Promise you won’t tell?” Ignatz said, voice thick with anxiety.

“Are we not suppose to know you paint? Because we very much do. Even Caspar.”

Ignatz flinched. “I know you all know, that’s not what I’m talking about. Given everything that’s been... happening--” The way the Deer referred to Remire was different, but the emphasis stayed the same. “--I know I should probably be getting up early for training. Not for hobbies.” Turning, Ignatz looked out at the rising sun over the mountains. “It’s selfish but... I just wanted to paint something peaceful.”

It was much too cold for a heart to heart conversation in Linhardt’s opinion. He hugged the book to his chest and went to stand beside Ignatz. Leaning their shoulders together added a little extra warmth. Linhardt was a head taller than Ignatz but every bit counted when the wind was this biting. “Not wanting to fight isn’t selfish,” Linhardt said, eyes on the brightening sky. “It might not mean much coming from me, but I think you should paint as many peaceful things as you can. While you still can.”

Ignatz was stiff beside him. Then he relaxed against Linhardt’s arm. “Do you want to be in the painting?” 

“I want to be in a bed.” Linhardt yawned. “But I’d love to see your painting later. Maybe at dinner? When I wake up?”

Ignatz laughed. “Sure. I’ll let you borrow my notes for the day.” With a sleepy smile, Linhardt pat Ignatz on the head. Was it his fault Ignatz was perfect head-pat height? No. Not at all. “And, Linhardt?”

“Hm?”

Holding the paint palette well away, Ignatz leaned up and kissed Linhardt. It was soft, and brought more warmth than the dawn sun was giving off, and Linhardt thought it was a pretty good setting for a first kiss all things considered. Ignatz was red as he drew back. “Thank you,” he said simply. 

Linhardt blinked down at him. “Any time.” With that, he turned, mind on his heavily blanketed bed. But at the top of the stairs, he looked back. Ignatz was already getting to work. Linhardt had no doubt it would be a lovely sunrise.

(Give me all the kiss prompts, i want them all)