ferrumcorde | marriage au

marriage au

[ McGillis has been trying for months to get Gaelio to talk marriage with him. But rather typical of the other man the moment the subject comes up he finds something else that needs his immediate attention or changes the subject. Over and over. To the point that McGillis gives up broaching the topic with Gaelio and goes straight to his father. Frankly it's not the way he would have wanted to do it ideally, but asking the parent's permission before proposing is still considered proper. It's just a bit less proper when the person in question has no idea of interest in the first place.

In any case, Lord Bauduin was amenable enough to the match if his son was. Of course no formalities could be discussed until Gaelio agreed and so, finally, it's come down to McGillis having to trap the man into the conversation he keeps avoiding like the plague.

This time, however, he believes he has an approach that will keep Gaelio form fleeing.

They're in the rose garden of the Bauduin estate, drinking tea and enjoying a brief moment of time off, just the two of them. It's a lovely setting, and suitably romantic, as far as it goes. The day is perfect, with the sun shining but not too hot, a light breeze smelling of roses and sea air, the sky a lovely blue with white clouds--picturesque and memorable.

And Gaelio is with him, talking about something or other. McGillis waits for a lull in the conversation, setting his tea down. Looks at Gaelio dead on as he announces: ]

I am currently in engagement negotiations. But I wanted your help. And advice, I suppose.

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[ He'd already been considering the next part of the conversation—something about the news, because Gaelio is incredibly simplistic in his life and doesn't do much else in the mornings when he's at home other than drink tea and catch up on the day's schedule and events—and then he's pausing. For a quick second, he's sitting there with his cup halfway to his face, watching McGillis.

And then the side of his mouth quirks up, and he's probably about to laugh, maybe. ]

Really? My advice would be to disagree.

[ Isn't he real helpful.... ]

Ah. But I'm the one initiating discussion. It's just I'm not sure what to say to the other party. How should I approach it, do you think?

[ He's looking straight at Gaelio, with a faint smile inviting his friend to actually help him here. After all, it's a somewhat big deal, getting married. ]

[ ...so, McGillis wants to get married to someone. That's... unexpected. Though compared to the carefree Gaelio, maybe it shouldn't be so weird. He's putting his cup down, then sits back with his arms crossed. ]

So you've found someone to settle down with? What an ideal heir you are. [ He's already trying to think of all of the wealthy, beautiful, potentially powerful women he knows. Except he can't think of anyone off the top of his head, because his own inner circle is impressively small for a Bauduin. ] Flowers, flattery... you shouldn't have a problem courting anyone.

[ McGillis is already... better at everything than Gaelio is, so of course Gaelio can't see how he'd fail in something like this, especially if he were to just stick to the basics. ]

[ He laughs softly. Well yes, flowers and flattery would probably work on Gaelio to an extent, if only because the other man is soft-hearted that way. He picks up his tea, giving the words some consideration. ]

The complication comes from the fact I haven't yet asked the other's interest. I have the family's blessing, but I can't seem to get a moment to discuss it directly.

Really? If they're still just that clueless, then you should just ask them directly.

[ But then he's humming, tapping his fingers against his arms thoughtfully. ]

That wouldn't be very romantic, but if you're really set on them, isn't that the only way?

Hm. That's the conclusion I came to as well.

[ He sets his tea cup down with a little clink and reaches into his pocket to pull out a small ring case, setting it on the table. He stands, reaches for Gaelio's hand, taking it in both of his and looking him in the eye, the very picture of sincerity and earnestness as he kneels beside him, here on the terrace with the roses. ]

Gaelio, will you marry me?

[ There's an intensity in his stare, after all, there's no certainty of Gaelio saying yes, and yet he's trying to convey that he's serious about this. It's true he may not feel affection or love in the way Gaelio may actually wish for in a partner, but he's certain he can fake it well enough to make Gaelio happy. ]

[ At the start of it, he'd probably thought something like "haha, is he going to practice on me? How ruthless of a suitor, but as expected of McGillis!" or something equally ridiculous.

But, ah, even Gaelio's not that obtuse. McGillis could easily pull this off as a trick, but he wouldn't. There'd be no point, he's not needlessly cruel. While all of this goes through his min, his expression goes from amusement, to a frozen shock, and then just sort of melts away into a sort of giddy exasperation. ]

...you've got me cornered here, don't you?

[ He's completely serious about it... except that he isn't, and is making a joking prod at himself, because he knows very well what he's like; he's been dodging this sort of thing for years, but the idea of marrying McGillis is... he has to tap the toe of his boot against the ground to stop his toes from curling. What a stupidly childish reaction, Gaelio Bauduin. ]

You're a remarkably difficult man to corner, it turns out.

[ He says it gently, still holding Gaelio's hand, still on his knees. It's actually rather nerve-wracking, which he wasn't expecting. He can't be sure Gaelio will accept his proposal, and waiting on the answer has his heart hammering.

As calm as he keeps himself he can't help the way the twitch of his fingers betrays him a bit, speaks of nervousness that his expression doesn't betray. And while his trepidation may not be from the fear of rejection in the way a suitor truly in love would feel, it is a fear of rejection, and it could easily be interpreted as stemming from emotions like affection. ]

[ Look, McGillis. It's almost a kneejerk reaction when he hears anything about marriage or weddings, but... for a second, he wonders if he's really the best choice.

Turns out, he is. It doesn't take that long to figure out. There's his status and position, and then the bonus (but often incredibly welcome) personality traits of his that really do make him an ideal spouse. He shifts forward just a little, squeezing his fingers around McGillis' hand. ]

I guess my advice was sound. [ He can't say no. He doesn't want to say no. Being married to... he... it's hard to think about, so he doesn't. ] Yes.

[ ...he's trying to be cool about it, but he's so obviously embarrassed suddenly. ]

[ He breathes out, a sigh of genuine relief. It makes everything easier, if he has the Bauduin's status. And ideally, Gaelio's backing. It's a big hurdle overcome, or at least will be. But this step alone is also important, and he smiles, bringing Gaelio's hand to his lips, to kiss the back of his knuckles, a gallant gesture, his smile relaxing wider.

He doesn't have to feign being happy with this, and what Gaelio assumes he's happy about may not be the reality, but that's fine. ]

You have my word, I shall do all I can to ensure your happiness.

[ It sounds very grand and romantic, and it is, in fact, sincere. He genuinely wants to make Gaelio happy. Yes, that benefits him too, but it would be nice to think that in the world he plans, he can make Gaelio happy. And before that as well, for both practical and personal reasons, his happiness is important. ]

[ A-ah... maybe this was why he dodged so many proposals, just for the moment when someone he was a good match with proposed to him—but that sounds so silly and weak, embarrassing, he's just going to shove it away. Having delicate feelings is ridiculous. ]

As long as you don't tie me down here where I can get lazy like my father. [ It's a fond teasing, but also was genuinely a reason he never wanted to get married... let him have his mobile suit, okay. ] So all of those other times... because of your hard work, I'll treat you well too.

[ That's the easiest way to express how light and quick his heart feels right now, but there's also one other; he's pushing off of his chair and is lightly pressing a kiss to McGillis' cheek. ]

I was rather hoping you'd stay by my side.

[ He touches his cheek where Gaelio kissed him, still smiling as he gets up from his knees. ]

I'll be relying on you, after all.

[ For certain things, at least. Gaelio's help will be invaluable in the coming years, though he'll have to ease him into the idea of revolution. And there's a marriage timeline to work out--ah well, it'll be busy. He squeezes Gaelio's hand, not yet having let go. ]

I might work you even harder. Are you still interested?

[ Now that he's sure of Gaelio's interest, he can tease him. ]

[ swoons tbh ]

[ He's not about to admit that being alongside him has been his lifetime goal (that's reserved for when you murder your boy for ambitiousness reasons only). ]

I'm sure that I'm up for the challenge. [ Gaelio's already practiced in it, he really is the best candidate— ] The worst of it will probably be the planning. You probably know exactly how long my parents have been needling me for this.

[ Considering it's Gjallarhorn.

Probably a very long time. ]

I suppose we'll have to take some time off for the planning.

[ He sounds amused more than exasperated. There's always other things he can do with vacation time, even if he has to plan a wedding. ]

Though I'm sure they'll want to hold an engagement party before we do the wedding preparations. And of course there's a date to set.

[ Humming softly, he's tilting his head in thought. ]

I don't really have many preferences. [ Honestly for Gaelio it's "don't let them make it embarrassing" and "don't invite weird people" for the most part. ] So I don't think it'll be too difficult.

[ Famous last words, weddings are always tiring. But there's one more thing: ]

But why me? There's a few others in our circle with similar statuses.

[ He doesn't sound like he minds, or that he's even suddenly insecure; it's just plain curiosity, mixed in with a tiny bit of "tell me why you like me mackey." ]

[ He was more or less ready for the question, and the real question behind it.

He settles next to Gaelio again, sitting but turning to look at him with a slight smile. ]

If all I were after is status, I suppose that's true. You may laugh at the romanticism but I would like to be married for more reasons than what is simply "suitable" and for that.... I can think of no one better.

You are the only one I would truly want to trust at my side. [ ha ] As far as qualities for a life partner, are we not already well suited? We must both marry for status, but I think that need not be miserable or loveless. Not if it's with you.

[ It comes out easy and sincere, though in fact it's carefully worded. Gauging Gaelio's reaction, to see if he desires more than a convenient partnership from this union, as McGillis suspects. Surely it won't be impossible to navigate pleasing his betrothed with a happy relationship as well as whatever other hurdles lie in his path. ]

[ Well, he's right. Gaelio really is the one who should be beside him forever, especially considering he's already decided on just that. You'd be stuck with him anyway, that sort of thing. ]

How could I laugh at something like that? [ It's... cute. His cool, beautiful McGillis being so endearing. ] You're right, though.

[ Reasonably, the least it'd be is the same as their relationship is now, which is already important to Gaelio. So much more important than his relationship with anyone else, because very few of them could claim the spot of "best friend and also person he wants to stay beside forever." ]

You really did take my advice. The flattering seems to be working.

[ god he's embarrassing. ]

[ Gaelio is his only friend, so by default his best one. And while he has no intention of trusting all his schemes to Gaelio, he supposes that slowly drawing him in this way, he might be able to count on his loyalty and devotion. Two emotions he has little experience with and is terribly wary of, but they might just prove helpful.

In the meantime though, he must do what he can to make Gaelio happy, without seeming artificial about it. He wonders if that will be more or less difficult with someone who's spent a lifetime beside him. To ensure Gaelio's happiness, as his friend and as a necessary tool, but also to keep him close. Those aren't mutually exclusive. He thinks he can make Gaelio happy, while still achieving his ultimate goals. Gaelio will want to help him, when the time comes.

So he smiles back at Gaelio, opening the ring case and taking the ring out, lifting Gaelio's hand to slip it on him. ]

Is it flattery when I mean it? You know I shall not lower my standards or demands of your performance even when we're wed. So don't think this is a way to get me to go easy on you.

[ It's easy teasing, it comes naturally enough with Gaelio, after so long. ]

[ Being silly and casual about this whole thing makes it easier for Gaelio to just not explode into indescribable feelings. When he's allowed his hand back, he's rubbing his other thumb over the ring in a sort of pleased thoughtfulness. ]

Hmm, so not just a supreme officer, but a spouse as well.

[ Already Gaelio is praising him. Getting him into your evil tyrant schemes without more than a huffy protest or two at first is going to be easy as shit, McGillis. ]

I'll have to do my best, then.

I'll be counting on you.

[ He says it gently, but with a smile that is designed to make Gaelio feel like he's the only person McGillis sees right now. After all, he's going to be entrusting a lot to Gaelio, in a way. So it's not exactly a lie, as much as McGillis counts on anyone. ]

Honestly, I was incredibly nervous. I wasn't sure if you'd accept the proposal.

[ Suddenly there's a lot of pressure on him... but it's fine, he can handle it, and more than anything he feels like he's going to thrive in handling it. ]

I can see why. [ Gaelio knows what he's like. And he's kept himself in check for years—aside from his friendly loyalty, he'd never let himself slip out of anything platonic if he could help it. He's leaning against him, ducking just enough that he has to look up slyly at McGillis. ] I'm glad you did. Where are my flowers?

[ He looks caught by surprise, and in truth he is a bit. He had some idea Gaelio would be open to the idea of marrying him, but the outright flirting is not quite was he was expecting. It seems he somewhat underestimated Gaelio's feelings for him? Or at least Gaelio's openness to feelings for him. That's useful, and he relaxes with a rueful smile. ]

I'm afraid I came rather unprepared, didn't I? How shall I make it up to you?

[ Nevermind that they're surrounded by flowers. ]

[ Gaelio now wants flowers especially picked and arranged for him, thanks... he's sensible but he believes in your ability to satisfy any high maintenance desires he might have, McGillis. ]

Hmmm. I could have you break the news to both of our parents, but that'd set a lazy example of me already. [ He doesn't want McGillis to be the only subject to the "OH THANK GOD YOU FINALLY GOT HIM TO AGREE," spiel that's likely from his own family. ] Just promise that you won't leave me down here. You already mentioned it, but... that's what I want the most.

[ McGillis will naturally meet any romantic expectations, to make his betrothed happy. If Gaelio wants flowers he shall have them every week, tastefully arranged. ]

I won't leave you here. I promise. Well, except for the wedding planning. I'm afraid if your parents insist on one of us staying to help I'll be forced to abandon you for a little while, so I'll be counting on you.

[ It's teasing but he's serious. Gaelio might not like the idea of marriage, but he's far more adapt at navigating his own desires with his parents. McGillis will gamely be open to whatever is decided on. ]

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