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Sitting before the mirror at his husband's vanity, Hubert stared back at his reflection. He had no major plans for the day, so he had no need to fuss over his appearance. However, he still wished to look presentable for his partner. He reached for one of his combs and brought it towards his hair. He began running it through his black locks, which were growing a little curly at the end. He would need to ask Dorothea to trim his hair again, since he preferred to keep it at a more manageable length.
As he brushed carefully, he noticed a few gray strands of hair that stuck out. He leaned in closer to the mirror, staring directly at the various silver strands that littered his head. A frown formed on his face as he looked back into his own tired green eyes. He had never thought such a day would arrive where he would have his hair turning gray. It seemed like an impossible feat with the path he had followed in the name of Her Majesty.
In truth, Hubert had imagined he would die young. In the midst of a battle he would be slain brutally, or perhaps some underhanded assassination attempt would take his life. He had always been a bargaining chip for Edelgard. While she had never agreed to such a line of thought, Hubert was forever willing to offer his last breath in exchange for his liege.
Thus, it felt peculiar to still be alive and breathing years after the great war. Not only had he survived the conflict, but he had helped rebuild Fódlan alongside the Emperor and Prime Minister. Now that the days of his youth were behind him, it almost felt melancholic to remember those early years. It had been a difficult start to rise from the ashes, but Edelgard had ushered a new era of peace without the corruptions of crests or nobility.
Without a foe to face, Hubert had lessened his load of responsibilities and handed them down to the younger, inspiring leaders of a new generation. He still was a member of the Emperor's council and the Minister of the Imperial Household, but he was partially retired. He spent more days at home with his beloved than within the palace walls of Enbarr. His trips to the Capitol were made sparingly, at the request of Ferdinand. His darling spouse never allowed him to overwork himself as he had done in the past.
Sighing, he heard the jostle of the doorknob as Ferdinand entered the bedroom. He was carrying a silver tray with two cups. Each one was steaming hot, and he knew their contents like the back of his hand.
"Good morning, dear. I brought you a cup of coffee with milk." Ferdinand beamed, setting the tray down on one of their nightstands. “Shall we savor our breakfast in bed, or would you prefer to go sit outside and enjoy the weather?”
Hubert frowned slightly, but it melted into a half-smile as his partner came up behind him. “I do hope you put in less milk than the last time. It barely tasted like coffee.”
“Hubert!” He gasped, placing his hands on the other man’s shoulders. He pouted at their reflections, clicking his tongue in dissatisfaction. “You have to cut down on the acidity in your diet according to your last visit at the clinic. Your egregious coffee intake must be balanced with milk before you ruin your poor stomach.”
“I am aware, but that does not mean I am pleased with it.” He shook his head, but felt his shoulders relax under the touch of his husband. Ferdinand’s fingers began rubbing gently through the fabric of his cotton blouse, offering a light massage.
“It is for your benefit.” Ferdinand chided him, leaning forward to rest his chin on the top of his husband’s head.
Hubert knew that Ferdinand was only looking out for him, but he still enjoyed a few light banters over silly matters such as this. Even this far into their relationship, he never grew tired of faint teasing or riling up his spouse. As he felt the weight of Ferdinand on top of his head, he grew a pinch nervous. He parted his lips but did not speak, shifting his gaze down towards the counter of the vanity where his comb sat.
“Of course.” He conceded the argument, feeling a pinch insecure over his latest discovery.
It was simple for Ferdinand to read Hubert’s body language, and he could tell something was on his mind. He lowered his arms to wrap around the older gentleman from behind, embracing him openly. “You look troubled this morning. Are you not feeling well?” He asked, kissing at the crown of his head.
“I…” Hubert parted his lips to speak, but the words fell flat on his tongue. “It is a ridiculous notion. Shall we turn our attention towards the breakfast you prepared?”
“I am afraid that just will not do, Hubert. Speak your mind. I wish to know what is rattling around in that thick skull of yours.” He gave a lighthearted taunt, nestling his nose into the soft black curls.
Hubert snickered and gave a slow roll of his eyes. “I promise it is a trifle, but I will satisfy your curiosity.”
Shrugging off his partner’s arms, Hubert reached for his comb and began running it through his hair. He lifted up a portion of his hair to reveal a few silver strands that were gathered together close to his ear. There were plenty of gray hairs scattered across his scalp, although Hubert could not see all of them. Perhaps some of the gray pieces had even sprouted early due to the stress he often placed upon himself throughout his service under Her Majesty.
“My hair is…beginning to gray. It feels strange to me, due to the fact that I never thought I would live to see such a thing.” Hubert murmured, setting the comb back down and lowering his gaze.
That comment took Ferdinand by surprise. He blinked a few times, then stared down at Hubert’s hair. He began to run his fingers through it, scratching at his scalp to soothe him. He noticed the silver hairs a while ago, but he never thought much of it. He had a few strands himself, and it was to be expected. It was part of growing old together.
Yet, there was weight to his words. Ferdinand knew how devoted to the revolution Hubert had been, and he would have given anything to succeed. That included his own life if it meant achieving victory for Edelgard. Fortunately, all of their friends had managed to survive the worst of it. Hubert must have been prepared for all scenarios, except for his current one. The thought of settling down with a man he loved must have never crossed his mind. Ferdinand surely never dreamed he would be married to the infamous Hubert von Vestra, but the man was his soulmate in every essence of the word. There was no denying how they brightened each other’s lives.
“I think it looks quite flattering on you.” He hummed, pressing a few more kisses across his hair. “You are a silver fox, my darling. Still as breathtaking as the first time I laid eyes on you.”
Hubert grew hot across the bridge of his nose as a blush spread across his face. “...You have always been so poetic with your words. If it were anyone else who spoke to me in such a manner, I would call it flattery.”
“I am genuine with every compliment.” He reminded him, not wishing to be doubted. “You should know better than anyone else that I find you absolutely ravishing. I cannot keep my hands off of you even after all of these years.”
Sputtering, Hubert turned around to face his husband. “M-Modesty? Have you heard of it?”
“Not at all.” Ferdinand grinned, going to grab both of Hubert’s hands.
He lifted him off of the plush stool, helping him stand on his feet. Tilting his head closer, Ferdinand rubbed their cheeks together. He felt a faint stubble on his lover’s face since Hubert had not shaved in a few days, but he adored it when his husband wore a beard. He only began allowing his facial hair to grow out more once they retired.
“Should I trim soon?” Hubert inquired, brushing their lips together.
“Wait another day, please.” Ferdinand whispered, sharing a tender peck.
Hubert reached around towards his long orange hair, twirling a few pieces around his fingers. He brought a strand to his lips to kiss, admiring the silky locks. “I believe you may age better than me.”
“I fear my father’s genes shall one day catch up with me, but for now I only have to fear thinning hair.” He chuckled, though he was a tad nervous about possibly balding.
“I would love you regardless.” Hubert promised, releasing the hair so he could reach over to cup his partner’s cheeks. He cradled his face in his hand, cherishing the warmth.
“I know.” Ferdinand closed his eyes, relishing the moment of serenity.
Another tender kiss was shared as Hubert tasted the familiar sweetness of his lover’s lips. He knew that mouth better than his own after so many years of embracing one another. He was gentle as he moved their lips together, smiling as he felt Ferdinand grinning in return during the kiss. He bumped their nose playfully, flickering his eyes open to revere his beloved.
“Let us enjoy our breakfast in the bedroom. I feel selfish and wish to keep you all to myself.” Hubert admitted, glancing towards the silver tray near their bed.
Ferdinand nodded his head before pulling apart from the hug. He went to sit on the edge of the mattress, settling down so that his back rested on the headboard. He waited for his husband to join him on the left, then he grabbed the tray to set it out before them. The two men were careful not to jostle the blankets beneath them in fear of knocking over any of the hot liquids.
Hubert reached for his cup, lifting it up to his face. He stared down as steam wafted from the coffee. He inhaled the familiar scent of his favorite roast, comforted by its aroma. He blew once to make certain it was cool enough before taking a sip. Although he whined about the use of cream, he had grown to appreciate its smoothness as he matured. His younger self would have ridiculed him for his taste buds, but Ferdinand knew how to brew a near perfect cup. He had the ratio of milk to coffee mastered where it still kept its rich, bitter flavor that Hubert favored.
“Does it taste alright?” Ferdinand asked, placing his own tea cup back down onto the tray.
“It tastes delicious.” He pecked his cheek, reaching for one of the biscuits and knives to spread the jam over top of it. “Thank you for preparing our breakfast.”
He handed one half of the biscuit to Ferdinand, splitting it evenly down the middle. The redhead blushed and rested his head on Hubert’s shoulder as he bit down into the flaky treat.
“Mhm, I love you.” He mumbled with crumbs sticking to his lips.
Such a sight only made Hubert’s heart grow fonder. There was no one else in the world he would rather be with at that moment. He was at home with the man he loved, grateful to have lived to see such a peaceful day.