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

[ 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.

[ 'Whenever you like' is naturally 'right now immediately'. ]

Bael was originally Agnika Kaieru's... robot - though the actual term for it is 'mobile suit'. Now it is mine, yes.

[ It's not Huaisang's fault that he can't keep up with the tech terms from his world (and McGillis himself is doubtlessly going to say a great many nonsensical things about cultivation) but he can't help correcting anyway. ]

It had been my lifelong dream to inherit it and with it the noble mission baked into its very being. It is a truly splendid machine.

[ It just wasn't enough, somehow. What a twisted world. With his wish he was going to make them all see-- that ambition feels a lot more distant now. ]

[ He'll let another small smile grace his lips at his explanation and praise of that technological object. ]

Well, with all of these praises I am looking forward to seeing it up close, you know. Maybe it'll make for an interesting subject for a painting...though not as much as you'll be~

[ He gives a wink.

Though, he's going to enjoy himself more or less when McGillis shows it off and he has a chance to sit in his lap during a ride of some sort. Not that he even knows what a cockpit is yet, but he'll get there.

Still, when he's sure that his lover is fully dressed, he'll head to the door, opening it and make a call to a servant to start making plans for the purchase and make of clothing for McGillis, as well as start passing word to the kitchen to make an extra helping for the upcoming meal. Said servant is about to scurry off, but Huaisang holds up his fan in a way that can be interpreted as 'wait', and then he turns to face the blond again. ]

...I don't think I know the difference much between a robot or a mobile suit since I've never really seen either, now that I think about it.

Oh and we're going to be eating soon, so...do you have any allergies that I should know about? I'd also ask about dishes but we're from such different places that I don't think it's necessary at this point, unless it's something like desserts. And you never struck me as a picky eater.

[ Being able to show Bael to Huaisang is a nice little dream for the future - all McGillis can hope is that they haven't disrespected its legacy entirely and taken it apart by now, so nobody can get up to the same mischief he did. The longer he is absent from it, the more his world turns into a foreign one, difficult to predict.

But he does want to hold Huaisang on his lap and go soaring to the skies with him, a joyride between the stars. What a frivolous use for Bael it would be. Did Agnika Kaieru ever have a lover for whom he'd turn a war machine into a private haven for just an hour or another? The sources conflict on it. McGillis now hopes he did. ]

Correct assessment. I'll finish any meal put before me. [ But if it's super bitter he may be trying not to make a face about it. Living as a spoiled noble for so long did have some effects...] And I am quite curious about everything your sect has to offer, even on the dinner table.

[ McGillis gives a smile and nod to the servant as well before the walk off to pass on the orders. The people around this residence should learn to see him as someone friendly and polite after all. ]

Robots tend to be seen as machines moving on their own due to commands given prior - mobile suits are weapons that you control directly from the inside - you wear them like a suit, a gigantic mechanical humanoid body that exceeds your own body's power by far.

[ If McGillis ever asks for his opinion on whether or not Agnika Kaieru may have, he would absolutely state that it 'had to have happened, absolutely'!! Or something like that.

Let it never be said that Huaisang does not know how to do encouragement to wild fantasies involving war heroes, or in general, for that matter. ]

Oh, alright then! I guess anything will do in that case, so it looks like what I already have will do.

[ Perhaps McGillis will find himself lucky to find himself in company that 'doesn't like bitter things'. He's far too delicate for overly spicy or bitter things, to be honest. Anyway, he sends the servant along with a light flicker of his fan, and so they go. Dinner is likely half-way towards being done anyway, because while he doesn't call himself overprepared when it comes to hospitality like the Jin Sect can be, he is good at planning and timing things.

Then, he begins to step towards out of the room, beckoning with a hand gesture to McGillis to join him. ]

I really can't imagine controlling anything like that, though if it's so tall and so big, maybe it can be compared to riding a dragon?! Or maybe not, since you can't really go inside a dragon or control one like that...

Oh wait, it'll be like if you were like inside a wooden doll you can move around, right? Except it's much bigger and made of...er, something? Oh, and are you going to carry me into it when we get a chance to go inside?

[ McGillis nods encouragingly when the wooden doll comparison is made - this kind of explanation is selling mobile suits short by a lot, but they can work on Huaisang's perception. The important thing is that he's trying to wrap his head around it. ]

Did you have any doubts I would?

[ He smiles down at Huaisang as though he's contemplating swooping him up here and now already. What kind of face would the sect members in the dining room make, he wonders... ]

You're so petite, it's awfully hard to resist the urge as is.

Call Me Out - Once Upon Post-Game Threads!

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