#the only way i can see it working is...yes and then... *writes 17k feverishly* yeah it'd have to be like that. :)

[lunarharp]

outside the sanctum of lady edelgard's parlour - that birthplace of so many plots through the years - how absurd it seems. but now several seasons since the long war's end, needs be that someone go to leicester. the gesture has grown necessary, and ultimately, it does have to be him.

"and you. I want you with me," is how hubert concludes. simple is best, perhaps. ferdinand sits very still before him, hand over mouth. "look - this was never my idea. but I also can't downplay your role. I hope I've elucidated how valuable your presence would be."

"you - you really have. I," and he takes a strong sip of wine, then another. (hubert pours a generous replacement.) "excuse me." he then moves to the adjoining room, and paces rapidly for a good many minutes.

this is as difficult for me as it is for you, is what hubert longs to call, fingers pressed to his temple. but he has already put that mortification aside out of necessity, and his duty now is to affect total calm. he must not distract from the seriousness of the endeavour, nor the confidence lady edelgard has imparted in them.

ferdinand doesn't need to know that he needed a full day to process the idea.

 "hubert, dorothea once confided in me a worry. that if I were to wish you marry, whosoever I commanded you take as your partner you would accept. well, I ask you now to put on the act."

a ~17k T-rated ferdibert fic for the “fake dating” prompt 🧡 🖤

link!