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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ There's actually more of a thrill to the brush of lips than McGillis was expecting. Strange. He doesn't dwell on that spark of feeling and... excitement? Lifting the hand not trapped by Gaelio's arm to cup Gaelio's face gently.

He kisses back, soft and careful, nothing overly pushy. This is their first kiss and he wants Gaelio helplessly in love with him, to lure him in and blind him with that, to make him easy to push in the directions he wants.

So, going slow, starting with a gentle kiss that's lingering, but not lewd, a press of lips together and a mingling of breath when McGillis pulls back half an inch. His own body reacts handily, and he doesn't have to fake how his breathing picks up at something so tame, and when he licks his lips it's automatic.

But the rest of his brain kicks in quickly and before either of them can lean in for a deeper kiss he slides his thumb over Gaelio's lips and smiles, their faces so close and intimate. ]

And today you're still my best friend. And more, if you'd have me. But I treasure what we have now more than anything, it's why I want to marry you.

[ His noble and adorable goal is well within reach if he just keeps at it like this. His breath catches and even though Gaelio isn't the type to just blush over most things, there's a very faint pink in his skin. His eyes are falling half closed, and he's almost whispering against his thumb when he speaks. ]

I don't think that anyone could deny you.

[ There were so many people interested in McGillis; all through high school he'd been jealous of the ones who just wanted to befriend him, even if he thought it'd be good for him to have friends. But he'd wanted, more than anything else, to be the one directly next to him, at all times. The answer was there all along—marrying him means that his position with him is secured no matter what. ]

If it's you, then I'm happy regardless.

[ Gaelio's fingers are squeezing his arm and he's smiling up at him. He's not helplessly enamoured yet, but he's easily on the way to it. ]

[ McGillis is patient, he can wait and do this in proper order so that Gaelio loves him unconditionally and unreservedly. It would make it easier on both of them, and it would make Gaelio happy.

So he smiles, brushes his thumb over Gaelio's lips and leans in to steal another soft, brief kiss, gentle and hinting at what could be more, but not desperately passionate, not yet. And then he pulls back enough to brush his fingertips over the pink of Gaelio's cheek, brush his hair back a little. ]

Then let's take things naturally as they come. Having you at my side always makes me happy, but I think letting our feelings grow from friendship into more--if that happens I'd be just as happy. To have you as my partner in all things.

[ There's a very tempting, fleeting thought—he could just dissolve into a content mess in McGillis' lap, right here and right now. But he's got better control of himself than that, he's not some lovestruck swooning teenager—but he is impulsive and open with his emotions, so it's there. ]

How compelling of you. [ Is there a more perfect match? There can't be. For the first time in his life, Gaelio's excited about the prospect of actually being married to someone—though it helps entirely that it wasn't arranged by his parents of all things.

And that it's McGillis, but that part is obvious. Smiling against his hand again, he's finally leaning away and back against the seat. ] But you're only able to say that because you've delegated all of the wedding preparations to me.

Haha! You caught me.

[ He rolls with the joke but turns to keep looking at Gaelio, leaned in towards him so they're still intimately close as they talk. ]

But then, who else could I rely on without worry?

[ Gaelio's making a noise that's just a playful grunt. What a man McGillis, who makes his underlings want to work so hard... including his new fiancé. But Gaelio can only jokingly think that, because it's completely true.

Well, he thought to give McGillis room after their kiss, but it doesn't seem like he wants or needs it. Which is more than fine with him, apparently, because he's not pulling away and just sinks down against the couch deeper. ]

You have a lot of people who are dedicated to you. But then again, putting the wedding plans of the esteemed McGillis Fareed on anyone else's shoulders would just be cruelty to them.

[ How stressful it'd be to make everything perfect for their superior... Gaelio feels bad for them and it's only a theoretical. ]

I did have something to ask you, before we start all of this.

Come now, I don't mean it to be.

[ He says it gently, teasing and good humored and just a shade like he's embarrassed at the flattery and compliments all at once. He rests his elbow on the couch and smiles, gentle and curious, all ears for Gaelio's question. ]

Please, ask. I would hope we can both say whatever we want around each other.

[ He knows, and that's why McGillis is such a person to admire, he thinks. ]

It's nothing like that, though you are right. [ But he appreciates it... he thinks. Really, Gaelio doesn't have much of a dark past, there's no skeletons in his closet, and there's not much on his mind that he doesn't loudly complain about whenever he feels like he should. ] I was wondering if you'd like to move here.

[ Because he's pretty sure that neither of them want to live with Iznario. ]

[ A complicated expression briefly flashes across his face, almost bitterness in there before it mellows into a surprised but pleased smile. ]

I'd be happy to, if that is something you'd like.

[ Considering that he gets the answer that he wants to hear, Gaelio's not pushing it... but he did notice something, at least. You don't get to be an inspector without noticing faces.

Just, usually McGillis is exceptionally good at hiding them from him. ]

If it wasn't me asking, it'd just be my father doing it.

[ He's back in control of his face at least, with a wry smile and everything. ]

My, I seem to have really made an impression somewhere along the way. I'm honored.

[ Gaelio's laughing, because of course McGillis has made an impression; for someone who was talked about so badly as a child, he's shown everyone who thought so otherwise. Doesn't even that show how terrible Gjallarhorn's ideals are now— ]

It might be early to say this, but I can't imagine you suddenly backing out. [ Or himself, but that's obvious to Gaelio. It would just be in bad taste!! Just don't making Bauduins upset and you're fine. ] It's not like we're short on room, so you can choose whichever one you'd like.

I'm not one to give up on something I set my mind to.

[ So no, he's not backing out of marrying you at any point Gaelio. Stop fussing. But he does tilt his head, amused, and ask a little playfully. ]

In that case, the room next to yours?

Even if it's a broom closet?

[ It's not and honestly McGillis has probably seen his bedroom so he probably already knows, but Gaelio is playing along anyway. ]

[ He's probably well aware what rooms are next to Gaelio's but he'll play along because, well, Gaelio seems to be enjoying it. ]

I suppose that would get cramped if you wished to visit me in it.

[ HE DOES ENJOY IT!! If McGillis is content and (seemingly??) happy, then so is Gaelio. At least, that's how it works most of the time. ]

Hmm. Well, we're lucky that's not the case then. That aside... plans have already been made for the engagement party.

Do fill me in. When is the official party?

[ He's content enough. The whole wedding fuss is not his to have to deal with but he'll still get the benefits, so he's certainly appreciative of that. ]

This weekend.

[ "Dad I'm engaged now" "Great son now we're getting you hitched as soon as possible so you don't run away again" "I DON'T RUN AWAY!! I GET BUSY!!" was more or less the conversation they'd had. ]

I hope you didn't have plans.

Nothing more important than this.

[ When doesn't he have plans? But he's prepared to clear his schedule for whatever is required to make this happen. ]

Your parents must be elated to plan so quickly.

[ It's an obvious answer but it's still... strangely comforting to hear. ]

I'm not sure that they didn't already have all of it pre-planned.

They're ever hopeful.

[ He sounds amused. The constant battle between Gaelio's disinterest in marriage and his father's insistence on it has being going on a long, long time. ]

[ He's just glad he got to make his own choice first... twenty-six years old and this is the life of a rich Gjallarhorn kid. ]

At least they'll make things easy on me. After the engagement, you'll get to go free for awhile, and I'll be stuck here. I guess I was overdue for a vacation anyway.

[ He's a tiny bit petulant sounding but... he doesn't mind too much. ]

I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself somewhat with the time off.

[ Gaelio is cute, sulking. But McGillis isn't going to save him from wedding planning. ]

Somewhat.

[ THANKS, MACKEY. ]

Well that's after the party. For now, please bear with the amount of congratulations we'll be getting. [ At least they're both good at socialising... more or less. Used to it might be a better term. ] We should also probably call it a night.

[ He's a great husband already, right? But he just smiles and straightens a bit, no longer leaned into Gaelio's space. ]

I suppose. I'll be busy tomorrow rearranging my schedule for the weekend.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

WHY DID I EVER MAKE THAT ICON I PLAYED MYSELF

GET REKT

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject