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 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. ]

[ At this rate, he's never going to find out what happens in the True Route here.

Anyway, he's laughing, but he's pleased with that answer so he's forgiving for the stark lack of pretty flowers this time. ]

When you put it like that, I can't refuse. You can leave it to me. [ Again, his lifelong goal of having McGillis rely on him. He didn't expect this, though. ] If you have any preferences, you should tell me now before they get their hearts set on something. My father adores you enough that I'm sure he'll be happy to accommodate you.

[ As is Gaelio, but you know... his pride can only get so doki-doki at once. ]

[ He reaches over, places his hand over Gaelio's. ]

I trust your judgement here, in keeping your father from going too overboard. It should be a nice ceremony though. It's something we'll only do once in our life, it's not bad to be a buy indulgent with it.

Alright, alright. I'll make sure it's a worthy one, then.

[ He's just settled into his role as waifu already I guess. ]

If you don't have any more flattering to do, I should go tell them. [ Gaelio's joking but, you know, feel free to tell him you want him around again, McGillis—he's standing up, but he hasn't dropped his hand yet. ] Truth be told, I didn't expect anything like a proposal from you. But since it's you, it's more than fine with me.

[ Isn't this much better than just murdering him?? ]

Now you flatter me.

[ He smiles, standing and squeezing Gaelio's hand before letting it go. ]

Go break the news. I suppose I should contact father as well.

[ As always there's that hint that the last thing he wants to do is talk to Iznario, but it's only proper that they both inform their parents of the proceedings now, and move ahead with official things like engagement parties and setting a wedding date after. ]

[ Gaelio's giving him a sympathetic smile, shrugging one shoulder casually. ]

If you'd like to wait until I'm finished here, I could come with you. He enjoys my sincerity and charm, don't forget.

[ Look, he knows McGillis doesn't like him. Gaelio doesn't really like him just because of that. So, here he is, being a good fiancee already. ]

[ Frankly McGillis can't explain why hearing that makes a small shudder go down his spine. Well, he knows why, he just can't express it to Gaelio. It's a fortunately thing Gaelio's from a seven stars family, and was never a pretty blond child. Iznario knows not to shit where he eats, but it's still creepy to be reminded he always found Gaelio charming. ]

No, I can break the news myself, but thank you. I'm sure your parents will be delighted enough. If it's all right I may return after I've told him.

[ "If it's all right," McGillis says, as if anyone in the Bauduin family would ever not want him to be around. ]

That's without question.

[ ...and reminds him that one of the things they'll need to discuss in the future is living arrangements. He can't imagine it'll be too hard to convince McGillis to just live with him here, and it's a strangely relieving sort of feeling.

He's turning to leave, getting into the doorway leading back into the house before he turns around to look back at McGillis, and he's awkwardly rubbing the side of his face before he gets around to saying what he wants to say. ]

I'm glad you didn't take my original advice after all.

[ You know, when he straight up just said "don't do it." ]

[ He smiles a little fondly. ]

I'm too stubborn for that, at least.

[ Gaelio is cute, really, with his obvious concern and his attempts not to seem too excited. ]

I'll see you again this evening.

[ Gaelio returns his smile with an easy one of his own, then he's disappearing into the main house. Along the way, he's instructing one of the servants to see McGillis out whenever he's ready, walking toward where he can hear his parents talking.

The subject is, pretty clearly, received well considering they'd already given McGillis their blessing. Between the gentle berating about finally and we didn't know what to do with you there's already plans being made; it's a little tiresome, but considering how it's ended up, Gaelio's only complaining a little.

Gallus had decided to make the official announcement—on their end—that night, so Gaelio hadn't pushed it, and is now back to waiting for McGillis to return while his family rushes around him in an excited frenzy.

He's already decided to let Almiria do most of his planning, tbh.... ]

[ Iznario is, of course, pleased by McGillis' news, and concedes to let the Bauduins handle the arrangements, with his half of the financing assured. As far as encounters with his father goes it's mostly painless, except for it being an encounter with his father in the first place.

He's in a subdued mood when he returns to the Bauduin manor but that's not unusual after he's visited home.

Of course he's received in high spirits by Almiria and the rest, and he puts on his charming face to greet everyone and accept their congratulations before they leave him alone with Gaelio.

At which point he does allow himself to sink somewhat dramatically onto the couch next to him. ]

Well. It seems everyone is happy.

[ except you, mcnugget, except you. ]

That's putting it lightly. [ Gaelio's turning to him, crossing his legs and leaning into the couch with a shoulder. ] You've apparently saved my family's legacy, or something similar.

[ Which is funny because they can't actually continue said legacy but nobody cares here. ]

[ He's not unhappy about this, okay. He's just never happy. ]

Is that so? How heroic of me.

[ He's been thinking about this since he left but he's fairly sure what he saw in the garden from Gaelio was more than friendly interest. The flirting especially.

With that in mind he leans his head back a bit and smiles, looking at Gaelio. Watching to see how flirting back more openly is received. ]

I think such a deed deserves a kiss.

[ In romantic action movies, the lady love interest often has a look she reserves for the playboy she can't help but adore. It's when he needlessly makes a comment that she finds exasperating but adorable, and gives him a very oh, you look.

That's basically the same look that Gaelio is giving him now, and after a moment of quiet he's laughing and sliding himself closer, leaning against him and looping him arm around one of McGillis'. ]

Hmm. Just yesterday, you were my best friend. [ Which isn't a lie, but Gaelio's not entirely sure what his feelings ever solidified into. "The person he admires more than anything, the person he wants to protect the most, the person he wants to be beside forever." ] But you're not wrong; your hard work does deserve a reward.

[ It's ridiculous how nice it feels to have his thigh pressed against him, or where he's got their arms tangled together, and while he's never allowed himself to even start daydreaming of a situation like this it doesn't feel strange or unnatural at all—it's McGillis, who he's been glued to for most of his life, and anything is fine as long as it's him (unless it's fucking murder). So when he kisses him, it's softly and he's essentially leaning over his lap to reach him, his free hand bracing him on the couch between McGillis' legs. ]

[ 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.

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