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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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.

[ 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. ]

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WHY DID I EVER MAKE THAT ICON I PLAYED MYSELF

GET REKT

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