vogelfrei | Call Me Out - Once Upon Post-Game Threads!

.... oh.

[ Well, that's awkward. McGillis' expression makes very clear that Edelgard has his condolences for... whatever is going on there. It could be convenient enough to pull some strings via their sort-of relation, but... McGillis shudders to think what panic might have even lead to this reveal in the first place. ]

It would be only natural for him to seek out your entourage in an attempt to understand you better. Frankly, I doubt I could reveal anything concerning about your person to him. For weeks on end I was convinced your idealism would prevent you from taking necessary if also more shady measures.

[ KIND OF EMBARRASSING, REALLY... ]

[ It's less a matter of not finding it intimidating and more one of really appreciating the intimidation, but maybe that's a distinction that doesn't matter.

McGillis will absolutely hunt down some sect elder later though to learn more about the history of the hall and its politics. For fun, you know? It is merely that strange pesky feeling of affection that makes him spare Huaisang from having to explain more of it.

Instead, he obediently lets himself be ushered away from the interesting hall and it'd be a lie to say he wasn't somewhat guessing what comes next.

That doesn't make it any less delightful to arrive at though. McGillis feels like... well, not really like himself as a child but like a child when coming to meet so many feathery friends. ]

Ah, the species you have here are totally different form the ones common in my home...!

[ He knows how to identify them though, because that's what reading 'Birds of the World' a few dozen times does to you. ]

I've wanted to see this garden since the first time we talked to each other.

[ McGillis huffs in amusement at that. It's the simple pleasures in life... ]

Has he been integrating well here? C-ta, I mean.

He has. It's a lot quieter than the city life he's used to, but he's adjusting to it well. He's also been making some friends here despite the handicap of being my boyfriend.

[Suga's expression turns into something more genuinely annoyed than McGillis has seen out of him, including during the murder.]

Last week a guy hit on him right in front of me. Can you believe the nerve of some people?

[Probably a good idea to keep the fact that she and Hubert were actively undertaking a plan to kill said step-brother. She smiles slightly, amused.]

I'll do my best not to shatter that image then, shall I?

[She's almost a little offended, but it's not like she can blame McGillis for that presumption.] I wouldn't describe myself as an idealist. I find the idea of preconceived lines or absolute rules to be hypocritical at best and actively destructive at worst. Alexei is a good example of a man who wishes to change the world clinging to his ideals even as they actively harm his goals. I respect his intentions and everything I know about his empire's political structure suggests the worst, but I personally do not think he will succeed in the end.

If anything, I'd say chasing the more cynical avenues has been what has shot me in the foot thus far. You and your Piper taught me a lot about that in the game, honestly. [You're not entirely useless, McGillis. You can be used as a bad example.]

[ ... Oh my god, McGillis. By the end of his stay he's definitely going to become favored well by those in the Nie Clan and not just because Huaisang has made it clear that he's taken him to be his fated cultivation partner.

That aside, Huaisang's most definitely anticipating the blond to be enthusiastic about the bird garden once he's in it...but he can't say he'd be able to expect what kind of reaction exactly. Which is definitely worth nudging him along here because his excitement is absolutely adorable and endearing. ]

They're amazing, aren't they?? Of course, they all have names too...

[ Because of course he named them. They're...names alright. There's Peony, Lily, Oranges, Bai Xing, Meimei, Chestnut, Pie, and Feather to start with. ]

I had a feeling you would be looking forward to this. Oh and let me know if you have any suggestions for future names? I might be running out of ideas. Also, watch this!

[ Then he turns to the birds and gives a few whistles, which causes a few of them to fly over. Most of them land on Huaisang. One on his finger, one on his shoulder, and another on his other shoulder.

One tiny very red bird is going to curiously fly over to McGillis and land on his shoulder too provided he stays still and allows it to happen. ]

Look at that, I think Pie likes you!

[ You bet that McGillis will allow this to happen, being blessed by a bird is the greatest honor after piloting Bael! He'll stay perfectly still, only moving his head ever so slightly so he can get a closer look at Pie.

And then he glances back to Huaisang because if there was ever anything that told him he didn't completely fuck up in extending this relationship indefinitely it's seeing him covered in feathery friends. ]

If you leave names to me, it's all going to be war heroes, gods and demons... it might ruin the scheme a little.

[ Though maybe he could name them after candies...? That'd not feel quite so disruptive.

McGillis' voice is very quiet, he's trying hard not to spook the little bird. ]

It would definitely ruin the scheme if you gave them the names of demons; they're too cute for that. [ He says this, sounding amused, because he absolutely is. ] Gods might be okay, especially if you used like a shortened or cutesy version of their name or something like that.

As for war heroes...for the most part I really can see them easily not fitting at all. We might be able to fit your favorite in, though, if we don't use the full name. It'd be just "Agnika", or even "AK". How does that sound?

[ Yes, of course he remembers when he brought up Agnika Kaieru...and assumes that he is the favorite of the bunch. He hasn't heard the other 71 people uttered by name, but you know, he's also sure that McGillis has them memorized by heart too.

In the meanwhile Pie chirps happily and Huaisang uses his free hand to lightly give the one on his finger gentle pets perfect for birds. ]

Agnika. Shortening his name to initials feels disrespectful.

[ This is an immediate and decisive response. Should he hesitate to name an animal after the near mythological founder of Gjallarhorn? Maybe, but he won't. Birds are good enough that they deserve to carry his name. ]

And you're right - I'll argue in favor of demon names all day long, but not for songbirds like these sweethearts. It'd have to be birds of prey.

[ Maybe he'll obtain a falcon and name it Bael one day. Who is to say? ]

Maybe types of candy would be better suited...? Pie here could be the start of a scheme.

[ McGillis is still not moving, by the way, this bird's comfort is top priority now. ]

Agnika it is, then! Someone might even say it can be a symbol of his spirit being carried on by the wings of a bird. Even though there's probably more than one by now.

[ There's definitely going to be a new bird by the name of Agnika before the end of the week. But you know if McGillis goes and names a falcon Bael he's going to have to introduce him. It's only fair. ]

Yes, candies, sweets and desserts, maybe some fruits too. Like chocolate, or...

[ He smiles, noting that his lover is intent on staying still for the sake of the pleased bird who seems content where it is. And then his eyes briefly sweep up to the blond hair. ]

Lemons?

Lemon? That's the polar opposite of a sweet, isn't it?

[ Lemons are so bitter... For all his maturity, McGillis' deep dark secret is that his palate is actually fairly childish. The reference to his own color scheme is lost on him, he's too swept up by food opinions. Woops. ]

Not that I disapprove of fruits as a theme, but I'd start with something like peaches. Maybe we should make a written list of options...

[ If left unchecked he WILL come up with a whole name cataloguing system. ]

[ That sure was some light laughter on his end. ]

Yes, but...I was thinking of your hair. But you know, even if lemons can be bitter, lemonade can be sweet, can't it?

[ His voice has a hint of amusement but definite fondness. Even if McGillis' tastes are childish when it comes to these things in particular, Huaisang can't help but want to indulge it. It helps they share this thing in common. Besides, he likes that he can be so serious about the consideration of names. So he makes a quiet whistle and the birds on him fly off. Pie just stubbornly stays seated on McGillis' shoulder, even as Huaisang moves slightly so he can kiss McGillis on the cheek. ]

So how about peaches and lemonade to start with for this list? Those sound rather fitting in retrospect, right?

[ He'll smile oh-so-innocently at him regardless, the amusement easily dancing in his eyes. ]

[ With Pie so very secure in his position, McGillis finally dares to move from his statue-esque position so he can lean in for that kiss a little bit. ]

I co-sign this suggestion. [ ... ] But also, I cannot help but feel we've become rather sidetracked here.

[ The issue of naming birds is very important, sure, but... ]

I still have approximately a thousand questions about your culture and history, but before that... I should update you a little on my current living situation, right? The famiglia has begun setting up a house in the former Beldam dimension - I can't guarantee I will always be there, given the fact that we are helping with Edelgard's revolution and various other matters need attending, but...

If you need to reach me from here on out, you always know where to go. If you come by and I happen to be out, just leave a note and I will hurry to you as soon as I can.

[ McGillis smiles faintly at the pessimistic assessment of Alexei's goals - Edelgard really is merciless to the likeminded but that is also exactly what makes her effective. It's laughable how similar the three of them are in many regards and how much time they've all spent judging each other on the details of their convictions. ]

"My Piper", really now? Yuri will take offense.

[ He's joking, of course. ]

What kind of personality is your step-brother as opposed to you? How honest we can be to him from the get-go depends a lot on his baseline disposition.

[ How is this the angriest he's ever seen the guy?? Not when C-ta betrayed him? When he killed him? Any OTHER time??

Priorities........... ]

People have always been and will always be vulgar and tasteless. I imagine C-ta made them regret the advances though.

[ Considering how scary he gets about Suga... ]

[The murder wasn't personal? It's kind of hard not to take someone hitting on your boyfriend right in front of you personally.]

Me and Pericles did, actually. It's really easy to convince someone that they've snapped when a bird starts talking to them.

[She lets out a short laugh at that.]

I'm sure she and Huaisang would be willing to talk terms. [Do Hamelin and McGillis get a say? Nope.

And then he gets to her... brother and she frowns, clearly a bit apprehensive.] He's... painfully honest. Honourable, righteous and very easily manipulated. He doesn't have the means to change the world on his own. I'm not even sure if he wants to, he's a follower of the church after-all.

Faerghus is a lot different from Adrestia or even Leicester. Following the doctrine of the church is unquestioned there, there's no room for heretics or dissidents against the system of nobility. They raise their children on poisonous ideals of chivalry, on how noble dying to serve your liege really is, on how honorable unquestioning loyalty is. We've spoken a few times about it, and he agrees that it got Glenn Royland Fraldarius killed, as well as countless other knights. But... still. He's young and idealistic, believing that everything can be solved if everyone just talked it out.

That's all what I thought, anyway. Supposedly he is... well, Hubert described him as mad with a thirst for blood. Hubert draws pictures of his father's mangled corpse in the corners of his workbooks, so understand that's not coming lightly. Dimitri apparently seeks vengeance against those who killed his father and my mother, and then pinned the crime on a neighbouring allied people, who were then subsequently annexed and had a genocide committed against them. [Her lip curls in disgust.] He believes it was my uncle, the man who murdered my siblings. He's right. And my uncle has made it so that I am culpable of everything he has done while we're "allied."

Lucky for everyone involved, I have no interest in keeping that man alive any longer. Between everything I've gained from the Beldam's little game, and the possibility of an alliance with the Alliance and the prince of Faerghus... I have no need of him. So, I imagine his head will be a valuable bargaining chip for winning the prince over to our side.

Whether that means an alliance with all of Faerghus is possible, however, is another matter. I doubt it. They love Dimitri because he is a return to tradition after an era of upheaval. Most of his vassals will rebel if he declares on my side of the war. But his classmates are at least loyal to him, so we'll see.

Edited 2021-09-08 06:25 (UTC)

Oh, right.

[ Huaisang absolutely got side-tracked, and luckily McGillis makes a point of it on both their parts following their kiss, because he can certainly go on in regards to tangents like this...

But yes, he expects there are many questions remaining. Though also there's still taking a quick moment to get the process started for McGillis getting proper wear in this world! Like, you know, taking measurements and such...then of course there's the meals, and then even later on—okay, he needs to get a hold of himself here.

So Huaisang's listening in closely as McGillis begins to talk about his living situation. He has been kind of real curious about it, actually. ]

That sounds like an idea, then. Maybe I'll even leave a little present with the note too.

[ Like some chocolate. But, hm, speaking of revolutions he makes a note to visit Edelgard soon. ]

What's it like, anyway? Living with the others? I'm sure Yuri is just fine, but the other two—they're not doing crazy things that keep you up all night, are they?

[ Gifts? He's really being spoiled here. However did he end in a relationship with such a hopelessly affectionate person? It feels like a mystery, but then, many things about his current comfort are mysterious. ]

I'm afraid I have to report that I am perfectly capable of keeping myself up all night already. There's always something to do or read...

[ This man has not had a healthy work schedule in years and even now that he technically has nothing but free time, his mind is always hard at work. ]

Living together is... comfortable, really. I've never before had a housing arrangement in which I could fully relax. There's appearances to keep up, a role to play... I've never just been myself before.

[ Not even with the people he loved. Especially not with the people he loved. ]

[ Hearing McGillis say this makes him feel reassured that McGillis will one day learn how to truly relax.

...He supposes he can give Hamelin some credit for that, though he'll never say it to his face (he's fine with acknowledging Jack and Yuri as a part in that, he's just reasonably still petty where the other man is concerned.) ]

You know, I'm happy that it's working out for you. It really is a different when you're able to just be who you are, without worrying about anyone else or ... anything happening. I mean, sure, people can be who they are, but—being that way around other people who you know will understand or not judge makes a world of difference.

...Though, I'm going to try to make sure you're not up all night doing anything—or even thinking—while you're staying here, alright?

[ He'll give a wink with a smile. ]

[ McGillis gives Huaisang a measuring look as he describes the joys of living your authentic self as though such matters have nothing to do with him. Is this really how Huaisang feels? Huaisang, who seems so fearful of his own ruthlessness being perceived? Maybe that's the difference between the two of them - McGillis has embraced his own jaded self as his truest core, but Huaisang still holds onto the hope of fully embodying the person he shows to the outside world.

Supportively, McGillis wants him to succeed. Selfishly, he hopes that some measure of bitter calculating coldness will forever remain, easy for him to hold onto. ]

Hm, I don't know. We might both be up quite late that way, don't you think?

[ Surely sect leaders and their fated partners can afford some very private rooms, after all.

McGillis allows Pie to flutter off as he raises an arm to brush his fingers along Huaisang's cheek. ]

But maybe you are powerful enough to convince me to sleep in, A-sang.

[ Huaisang has always imagined when he was younger that he'd live a life where he doesn't have to really put too much effort into things outside of his hobbies and the people he loves. But given he's Sect Leader, that's an impossibility, and he's accepted that. But, the consequences of what he experienced and has done, changing him irrevocably...

Well, he doesn't think about it too hard at the moment, currently caught up in what McGillis has just said, as a soft and very visible flush rises to his cheeks, feeling quite pleased. He raises a hand quickly to lightly rest on the other's hand as if to keep it there, as Pie flies off to back where the other birds are. ]

Oh, well~! When you put it like that...I imagine that both are possible! After all, we're bound to have even more time to ourselves in our private room~

No one would dare disturb The Sect Leader and his loved one.

[ In the current times, that comment would've gotten him a 'Shameless' remark from somebody, but that part of himself he's less inclined to hide right now (though is he ever?) ]

Speaking of privacy, though, how about we go and get your measurements done right away?

[ There is a pleased little hum from McGillis at the enthusiastic response to his insinuations. He'd have felt guilty getting this close to Huaisang when they were a mock affair with a looming deadline, but now that he's experienced a fit of insanity and committed to another person... He thinks it'll be nice, somehow. His own experiences with intimacy are mixed at their best, but Huaisang carries no such baggage. He'll be able to make him happy, plain and simple. And that might be like a first time in its own right. ]

Gladly. Nothing will be able to make me blend in here, but I am certainly looking forward to seeing how you'll dress me up.

[ He can't quite imagine it. He's been wearing generic Western fashion for all his life, he wouldn't know where to start picking flattering Chinese garb for himself. His curiosity is piqued for sure. ]

I might turn the tables on you in the future though.

[ Huaisang in a fancy suit... ]

[ Huaisang's practically bouncing on his feet, though that's not quite the word for it either, as he's listening happily to what the other man is saying, rocking a little back on forth on his feet. ]

You're really in for it! Of course, not only will there be measuring but there's even some colors I've had laid out for you to decide between. Though it's not like I'm going to force you to choose only one, considering...though of course you'll naturally have quite a few sets aligned towards the traditional Nie Sect colors.

[ Huaisang really can't wait to see how McGillis will look in many colors. But, also, particularly Nie colors. Oh, yes. ]

If you do turn the tables on me, I'll expect that what you intend on picking out would be perfect for a person like me!

[ He's a very finicky person when it comes to clothing, though he knows—or figures—McGillis is excellent at choosing the best clothing to wear based upon what he does wear. Though it definitely helps he looks good in everything...but anyway! Huaisang will lead him away from the bird garden to through the halls and into another room entirely.

It was like a smaller mini-room of sorts. There was a small desk of some sort with some scrolls on it. On said desk and properly set along the room's walls were some paintings and calligraphy that looked like this and more colorful things. Like backgrounds, some profiles, the rare painting of abstract art, or...the one silly peach with eyes on them.

In addition, there are some pieces of fabric folded on a table very neatly. But there is some kind of measuring tool on the able as well—or rather, a tape with measurements that would be unfamiliar to McGillis. ~~Technically those are not confirmed to exist in Ancient China, but this is Fantasy China here~~.

Also, this is a good time to ask what exactly is McGillis wearing?? ]

Alright, are you ready?

Edited 2021-09-19 00:05 (UTC)

Call Me Out - Once Upon Post-Game Threads!

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