No big intro...let's hop straight in!

Ferdinand didn't go to the bar very often considering that he had turned eighteen not long after the school year had started, but Caspar seemed to really want his advice, so he agreed. He had told Byleth that he and Caspar were off into town and would be back before curfew and the two were off.

It didn't take long to get to the bar. Ferdinand had ordered a fruity whiskey (per Caspar's warning that he would need it) while he got Caspar a lemon water (despite him insisting that he could hold his liquor). The ginger downed his drink in nearly one gulp. "What do you need help with?"

"You're in a steady relationship, right? I just need some relationship advice."

"I am not in a steady relationship. But I would be more than happy to help."

"You're not? But I could've sworn that you and Hubert-"

Ferdinand almost considered ordering another drink. "Hubert? You think that I am in a relationship with Hubert?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, sure, the two of you argue a lot, but he still seems to hate you less than he hates us. Well, everyone except Edelgard."

Ferdinand blushed, finishing the rest of his glass. "I think you are being ridiculous. But enough about me, can I assume that this person you are trying to impress is Linhardt?"

"It's that obvious?"

"From what I have heard, the two of you have been friends for a long time. It only makes sense that you would develop feelings for him. But why do you need my advice? You should have no problem with this."

"I don't do this romantic stuff."

"And you think I do?"

"Do you realize how many people swoon over you whenever you walk into a room? People love you and you don't even try."

Ferdinand quirked a brow. "I was not aware of this. But if you want my advice, I would just tell you to be yourself. Linhardt does not seem like the type of person to like fancy and over the top things. I think if you just tell him outright, he will accept."

"I think you're overestimating Linhardt."

"I do not think you are giving him enough credit. Just try it, Caspar. This is Linhardt you are talking about. Even if he rejects you, the two of you will still be friends, no?"

"I guess you're right. Thanks, Ferdie! You're good at this stuff. I can see why Hubert's so fond of you."

He blushed. "Again with this Hubert stuff. I would hardly consider the two of us friends, let alone lovers. I think you are seeing something that is not there."

"Alright, Ferdie. But I can see your pining from here. All of us can. Edelgard and Dorothea find it rather amusing, actually."

The ginger's blush deepened. He folded his arms across the table before burying his face in them. "I am not pining for Hubert. If anything, he should be the one pining for me."

"He is. Worse than you are, in fact. Every time anyone brings you up to him, he denies feeling anything but hate towards you."

"Well…that is good for him. But I do not think either of us will act upon these supposed feelings."

"Maybe you should follow your own advice, man."

"Maybe I will-" The door to the tavern they were in quickly burst open, cutting their conversation short.

In walked three men, all carrying swords. "Alright!" One of them turned to the barkeeper. "We'll take all your money and women and be on our merry little way. If not, everyone in here is dead."

Caspar and Ferdinand looked at each other. The bluenette stood before Ferdinand could tell him not to. "Now hold it right there!"

"Caspar, wait-"

"You think you can just come in here and steal money and women?! How low will you three stoop?"

"And who are you, pipsqueak?" One of the men held a sword towards Caspar as a warning. "Do you wanna be the first to die?"

"No one here is dying anytime soon," Ferdinand answered, standing from his spot at the table. He pulled out a knife from his boot. It was no lance by any means, but it was better than nothing.

"Hold on now," the third man started, lowering his accomplice's sword. "I think I've seen these uniforms before. You two go to the Officers' Academy?"

"And if we do?"

"Then ya must be noble. You yourself look a bit like Duke Aegir if he were skinnier, taller, and had more hair." The three ruffians laughed.

Ferdinand growled. "Leave this place or we'll be forced to fight back."

"You think that the two of you can take us on? Don't make me laugh, kid."

"He won't be taking you on, but I will."

"Caspar!" Ferdinand grabbed his friend by the arm. "Don't do anything stupid! You'll get yourself hurt!"

"You've been working on some faith magic, right? Just heal me if I get hurt."

"So you're a healer?" The two didn't notice that one of the ruffians had circled around behind them until he grabbed Ferdinand. "You'll do nicely with us."

"Let go of me!"

"Ferdinand!" He turned to who he assumed to be the leader. "Let him go! He's not the one that you're fighting."

"We're not fighting either one of you." He gestured to the man holding Ferdinand, causing him to place his sword at the teen's throat. "Attack any of us and I'll kill your friend."

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"The plan was to take the money from this little tavern, but seeing as we'll probably make much more money from you two, I think we'll take you with us."

Both teens paled. Ferdinand pulled at the arm around his torso. "You cannot do that!"

"And who's going to stop us? You?" He turned to the other men. "Bind our friends here. I'll be waiting out front."

The two men nodded, beginning to tie the two nobles. Caspar tried to do much, but couldn't with the sword still at Ferdinand's throat. "I'm sorry, Ferdie."

"What are you apologizing for?" He bit back a groan as the rope bit into his wrists. "None of this is your fault. Besides, it is getting close to curfew. The professor should be here soon."

"A report just came in from town."

Byleth looked at the knight who had just barged into the Black Eagle classroom. She tilted her head to the side. "Oh?"

"Some ruffians are attacking a tavern in town. Witnesses who could get out say that there are two students trying to hold them back."

"Two students…" Edelgard started before looking at Hubert, who somehow looked paler than usual. "Is something the matter?"

He shook his head, though his visible eye was betraying his feelings. "It's nothing. It's just that…" He turned to Byleth. "The two students are most likely Caspar and Ferdinand."

"It's not that surprising that Caspar would get himself into a fight," Linhardt started, clearly unamused at his friend's antics. "But to drag Ferdinand along with him?"

"Something seems off," Hubert mused, looking at Edelgard. "It's not like Ferdinand to get into a fight."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm saying that something feels off. They could've gotten themselves in trouble."

"Well then, Professor," she looked towards Byleth. "Shall we head out?"

"Let us go, dammit!"

"Stop squirming, kid! I've already dropped you once. I'll knock you out if you keep this up. Why can't you be more like your friend?"

"You knocked him out! Of course he's not fighting back!"

Linhardt wasn't one to show much emotion, but his eyes widened once he recognized the voice. "Caspar?!

"Lin?!"

"What do we do, Boss?"

"Leave him. We already have one of them."

The Black Eagles arrived just in time to see a wagon driving off. They all ran to Caspar, who was bound hand and foot in the middle of the road. Byleth was the first to speak. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah. But they took Ferdinand."

"Where did they go?"

"I don't know where they're going."

Hubert growled. "We probably won't be able to catch up on foot. Lady Edelgard-"

"Just go, Hubert. Ferdinand's life is in your hands."

He bowed. "Of course." With that, he warped away.

Ferdinand woke up to heavy bouncing around him. His breathing sped. He tried to sit up but found it hard with his hands tied behind his back. The gag didn't make his breathing any easier. He tried screaming but quickly found that that wouldn't do anything. He had no idea how far he was from Garreg Mach, and he had no clue where Caspar was.

The wagon he was in suddenly lurched, launching him to the side. He bit back a scream as he landed on his shoulder. He heard a scream from the outside and he paled. From one kidnapper to another…could this get any worse?

"Ferdinand! Are you there?" The teen felt a mix of excitement and embarrassment. He knew that voice all too well. He called out to Hubert, who opened the flap of the wagon not long after. Instead of a look of scrutiny, however, Hubert looked…afraid. He quickly moved to untie the gag around the ginger's mouth. "Are you alright?"

"I was tossed around a little, but other than that, I am fine." He averted his gaze as Hubert reached behind him to untie his hands. He could feel the man's breath on his ear. He blushed.

"You had me worried." Hubert let his thoughts slip out before he realized what he was saying. He too blushed, though Ferdinand couldn't see.

He chuckled softly. "It is not like you to worry, especially over someone like me."

He paused before leaning away, moving to untie the teen's ankles. "Why not? Surely you don't think yourself to be above worry."

"Not at all. It's just that…I thought you hated me."

Hubert stopped, looking at Ferdinand incredulously. "Why would I hate you?"

"The way you talk to me and talk down to me-"

"That doesn't mean that I dislike you. In fact…" he finished untying Ferdinand's ankles. "I don't dislike you at all. Quite the opposite in fact."

Ferdinand took the hand that Hubert offered him, stepping out of the wagon. Both of their faces were bright red. "Well then…shall we discuss this back at the monastery?"

Hubert gave the ginger a rare smile, squeezing his hand. "I would be happy to."

We're almost halfway through the week! My school starts back tomorrow, so my updates might be much later into the evening for the rest of this week. Stay tuned and see you guys l8tr!