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

[ ... you know he absolutely can't recall the ancestor who thought calling the core Nie Sect area the Unclean Realm most of the time, but you know what, it's fine. It makes it all the more surprising for those who visit the first time, case in point where McGillis is concerned.

But...at hearing McGillis actually contemplating relaxing, there is a twinkle in his eyes that comes and goes. He almost can't believe he's hearing it. ]

Oh really? I don't know McGillis, you may find yourself getting so caught up in its beauty, you can't help but relax. You'll even find out the benefits soon enough...mostly because you're in my home, of course.

[ Huaisang pulls away, smiling at him in a slightly cheeky manner. ]

Though, we're going to do a little more sightseeing before winding down. There's this area where the important discussions and decisions happen...which we'll only be there for a second because there's hardly anything interesting in there. The area I'm showing you after this, I think you'll really like, but I'm keeping it a complete surprise unless you can guess.

[ He's going to go forward, one of his hands still holding McGillis', to the main hall, and then of course show him a rather important area up ahead. Mostly reserved for the Sect Leader and of course important peeps. There are a handful of disciples in here, standing guard or looking otherwise a touch relaxed, but not many others. There isn't much of importance to be done in here in here at the moment, so that helps.

The seat looks very obviously kind of a little rough for the short man beside him...except there is a pillow on an otherwise very hard and uncomfy seat. Very untraditional among the drab stone, given how bright green it looks, but... it's very Huaisang. ]

[ McGillis enjoys it, walking hand in hand with Huaisang through his domain, as if doing so was entirely self-explanatory. As if they hadn't gone down a thousand winding roads to get here, as if there weren't a thousand more they need to follow. It's a tiny taste of happy ending ahead of the happy ending.

McGillis gives an impressed hum as they enter the hall. Though he glances at that pillow, he's not going to comment. Improvise, adapt, overcome and all that. ]

Imposing. So this is where you hold court? I think I might disagree that there's nothing interesting here because I could probably get lost in the design and its impact for an hour or two... but I'll spare you from having to explain all the intricacies.

For now, anyway.

Oh, well. It doesn't feel too intricate to me.

...But in retrospect, it might be, depending on what's being discussed. The difference in talking about relations between other Sects and any internal issues are rather vast ones, after all. Which, I guess I'm probably just too used to it by now. [ ... ] Though, I had a feeling you might appreciate the way it looks—you're one of the few people who wouldn't find Nie architecture intimidating.

[ Also, the Nie don't really loudly gossip like other clans do, but they do gossip enough. But with so many generations, it's bound to reach the branch family whose ancestors constructed the intricate parts of this hall. Which is a good thing, in his opinion, since it'll look favorably on McGillis. ]

I think we're done in here for now, though. Let's head to the next place right away...

[ Spoilers, he is SO excited to show him the next area because it's actually Huaisang's bird garden. Well, for lack of a better term, but there are going to be a lot of birds around. Most of them perched in trees, though there are cages for some, of course. There's also normal plants like bushes in here and other foliage but it's catered towards the birds. ]

[ 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.

[ ... 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.

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)

[ McGillis is wearing a light blue suit - he may not be in Gjallarhorn anymore, but he's worn its colors for so long that it feels difficult to imagine himself in something different. The blue of the sea, the blue of the sky, surrounding him entirely... There is something nostalgic about the color. One day he will return to that place and take Huaisang with him just as he promised. A free floating island in the middle of the ocean, sanctuary of Agnika Kaieru's legacy.

Wearing Nie colors will be quite a departure from anything McGillis has picked out for himself since they've known one another. He gives the tapes a curious look and makes a mental note that he may need to learn those units if he plans on visiting more often. ]

Certainly. I assume you need me to strip? If so... well, this is the least objectionable context for taking my shirt off so far.

Edited 2021-09-21 23:56 (UTC)

[ Huaisang always feels like McGillis looks perfect in blue, but of course, once again the Sect Leader believes the blond looks amazing in practically anything.

That being said, if his hands weren't going to be currently a little occupied, here is where he would cover part of his face with a fan at that. It almost feels like it's been too long since he saw him shirtless. ]

Oh yes, definitely. I'm glad you think so!

After all, it'd be a little embarrassing if the clothes made for you were too tight or something like that...oh, and don't worry, we're obviously not going to be disturbed in here~

[ Technically, Huaisang had servants for this, but doing something like this is easy enough and it's preferable for a variety of, oh...you know, obvious reasons. So that is why there's none of them present. Anyway, he'll wait patiently for him to strip. ]

[ McGillis appreciates the consideration immensely. Huaisang is sure to remember that evening in the little cabin in the snow, but even without such emotional vulnerability thrown into the mix... The black metal box attached firmly and permanently to his spine is sure to raise some questions in a world as old-fashioned as this one. McGillis is already a confusing stranger, he doesn't need to make himself seem even more suspicious to Huaisang's entourage.

Since it is finally and truly just the two of them, McGillis has no problem stripping down entirely to his underwear for the measuring process. He's very quick and efficient at it - no teasing here, sorry. ]

Alright, I'm ready. Don't pay much mind to the AV-port, it doesn't tend to stick out with layered clothing.

[ It sure would be a pity if they had to deal with such a fallout. No one can say he isn't thoughtful. It's really to their benefit, really, as it's essentially a time for them to take it easy...though, it is for the best there also isn't a strip show here because would Huaisang have ever recovered?!

Okay, yes he would, but you bet your britches he'd have ascended first.

All jokes aside, once McGillis has fully stripped, Huaisang comes right over with the tape without a single bit of hesitation. ]

Oh, that's good. I was wondering if I'd have to account for that, but I did remember I couldn't see a hint of it when you were clothed. You know, I also don't believe I've ever asked...but does having that thing hurt at all?

[ Starting from the top is good. Luckily the highest point he'll have to begin with he doesn't exactly need a stool for though it is a close thing. It won't take very long to go from shoulders down to arms, and he's definitely asking McGillis to move his arms slightly in the midst of this. The contact from his fingers are feathery light, like they usually are, but he's rather efficient even if he does admittedly let his touches linger somewhat as he's making a note of the measurements in his head. ]

[ McGillis is an obedient subject of the measuring process, moving exactly as Huaisang instructs the moment he asks for it. Unlike all those times in Aira Niluc, he feels entirely relaxed now and he's not going to reprimand Huaisang for taking his time either. ]

It doesn't. Medicine in my world is rather amazing when you have the funds to access it. As invasive as the surgery itself was, I barely feel it now... aside from the discomfort of leaning my back against hard surfaces, of course. It is still a metal box.

[ That is inevitable but also really annoying, he has to admit. Leaning back in chairs used to be a whole lot more satisfying. Thank god there are soft backrests. ]

The only time it puts real strain on my body is when I use it to connect to Bael.

[ That just makes it easier for him to do what needs to be done, though he's definitely enjoying that he has the opportunity right now to touch him like this, there'll also be time for more of that later in a different context.

It does also help he's relatively efficient; that being said he's listening closely, concluding that he doesn't have to look into healing techniques to help soothe any problems, which is something he's pleased with. ]

Well, good! I don't want you to be in any discomfort while you're here...and Bael is your robot, right?

[ But anyway, soon after he's pretty much done with the measuring portion. Though he's not going to call for servants to go running to the tailors just yet for obvious reasons, even as he steps back, and goes to put the tape away. ]

Also, I think I'm all set now, so you can get dressed whenever you like.

Call Me Out - Once Upon Post-Game Threads!

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