There is a centuries-old tradition in Japan of well-to-do families with no or only female children to adopt a male heir to carry on the family name and business. In cases where there are only daughters, the male is usually a non-relative who takes the adopting family's surname and marries the (oldest) daughter.
Your family is in trouble. It's at a dead end, with no one to possibly carry on the line and the family name. Well, there's you, but you don't really count. At least, you can't do those tasks alone. That's why, when you were young, your family adopted an heir: someone promising, yet less fortunate, alone in this world, or with less prospects on their own. When both of you are ready, you're to be married. In fact, that time is approaching - or, oh, it's already here! So, how do you feel about all of this? Was it awkward growing up with someone you knew you'd eventually spend your life with in that way? And how you relate to them has to have been shaped by your upbringing. Surely, you view them as a brother or a sister.
...unless you actually do have feelings for them, and matter turns out to be much more difficult than you'd think with a pre-prepared spouse! You don't want it to be a relationship of convenience, despite the fact that it's always been that.
- Comment with your character, canon, preferences, etc.
- Comment to others, using the RNG to determine your character's role and the prompt.
role
- the true born
- the adopted
prompts
- confused: what they are to you is still a mystery to both of you.
- ideal love: you two have the best relationship one could imagine, but is it as perfect as it seems on the surface?
- fake it to make it: pretend you want this, pretend you love them like that, and maybe it will come true.
- forbidden: you're supposed to get married for appearances only. any actual intimacy and love is forbade by your family...yet here you are.
- like brother and sister: you can't do this! you still see them as your annoying but lovable little sibling.
- someone else: there's a teensy dilemma here: both of you are involved with other people on the side, outside your familial obligations.
- don't get along: this set-up should work out well, except for the fact that you've always gotten along like cats and dogs.
- one-sided: one of you is utterly smitten, always has been. the other? jury's still out.
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bakerstreet2015-04-16 08:51 am
Akane Tendo | Ranma 1/2
Izumo Kamiki | Blue Exorcist | OTA
Would work best if the other party's family had a good deal of spiritual background or such. The Kamiki family was known for it's powerful spiritual mediums and has a very small amount of inari blood to the line as well.]
Jushiro Ukitake | Bleach | OTA
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5!
[He pulled at his tie uncertainly, not sure if it was simply a result of his nerves, being unused to the western-styled suit that he was wearing for the occassion, or his own misgivings about the entire affair. They had known eachother for a long while-- perhaps even a little too long by many standards-- and the thought of this powerful woman standing beside him as a wife still was strange, in his eyes.]
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[Tessa frowned. She'd never really questioned her father's decisions up to now. At least not aloud. It wasn't her place. But being as empathetic as she was, and sensing her prospective husband's anxiety, she couldn't help but wonder if this match, or the timing, was right.]
Is there someone else?
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No-- that's not it at all!
[He waved a hand, smiling brightly in a show to cover his qualms.]
You know there isn't anyone else. Most people don't want a husband like me.
[He was too frail, too sickly at the worst of times. No one wanted a partner who could potentially weigh more heavily than an anchor at sea.]
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Is that what's bothering you? You're afraid that I'll think less of you for any reason, after all this time?
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Ah. That's not it either.
[He reached up and rested his hand upon her own, quietly considering his options for even approaching this topic with her.]
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[There is genuine sympathy and concern in her voice.] You know that I would never force you to go through with this if you're not ready. Or if you don't want this. There's...there's no reason to rush.
[She wasn't one to disobey her father, but she couldn't bear the thought of causing anyone, least of all a friend, to suffer.]
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I'm not certain that I'll be a good husband for you, even though we've known eachother for far longer than many others can believe.
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Well, you see, it's just that...
['You're like a sister to me,' is what he wanted to say, but there was no simple or tactful way to do so.]
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...you aren't attracted to me in that way, are you? It's all right, you can be frank with me. I won't... [Be disappointed? Maybe just a little.] I won't hold it against you.
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It's not that I don't like you, [he added, quickly,] but we've known eachother for so long that I already see you as a part of my family.
[He sighed, recollecting his thoughts.]
If this is something that makes the feeling official, then I have no problems with it. The situation will simply be strange for a while, that's all.
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You are family. Whether we go through with this or not, that will not change. But if you wish to keep the nature of our relationship as it is...I can respect that.
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No-- we can still do this. I will never be uncomfortable with your company.
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We can take all the time that we need.
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[He smiled, visibly relaxing now as he reached for her hand to hold in his.]
Are we partners, then?
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I hope you like AUs and dear of the teal variety!
[Orihime doesn't know what favor her brother could have done for Jushiro of the Ukitake family that would result in her inclusion amongst the prestigious family. It was Sora's dying wish that she'd be taken in and cared for as one of their own, and betrothal was one surefire way to seal such a union.]
[She'd been twelve at the time, and too upset with the loss of her brother to ever give that part of the deal much thought. The cold stares of the matriarch and the other members of the family never made her feel welcome. She'd known her status was far beneath Jushiro's, and they reminded her of it daily. But Jushiro was different. He was kind like her brother, and attentive. He introduced her to the funny koi in the pond that would nibble at her fingertips if she dabbled them in the water, and it made her laugh. That was all it took to endear him to her.]
[The biggest cause of concern for her is his health. On the nights where he was laid up in bed because of the violence of his cough, she sat outside his window, hugging her knees and listening to the doctors. She's terrified every time that he might not pull through, but so far, he's managed to beat the odds.]
[It's perhaps this fear that causes her healing power to manifest one day, at the age of sixteen. After healing the matriarch's terrible fever, the woman was a bit more positively disposed toward Orihime. Suddenly the thought of a marriage wasn't quite so terrible if she brought powers like that to the Ukitake bloodline. As soon as she was eighteen, they'd decided, she would be permitted to marry into the family. 'Better her than all these other golddiggers, harumph!' the matriarch declared sourly. After all, Jushiro was young, handsome, rich, and sickly. That was almost a guaranteed inheritance.]
[Orihime just wanted him to be healthy again. She's trained hard, and sometimes she can take the edge off of a bad night. But she's got a long way to go before she can erase his sickness completely. The thought of marriage didn't even sink in until after her birthday passed, and the house came to life with ceremonial preparations.]
[Huh.]
[Coming downstairs, she spots the matriarch leaning over a table with two of Jushiro's favored assistants, talking about flowers and meals. Would they serve herbal tea, or black? How many tiers of cake were appropriate? It occurs to her at that point that she really has no idea how Jushiro himself feels about marrying her. The matriarch just kind of decided that on her own, for all she knows. Glancing out the window, she spots him easily by the paleness of his silver hair. He looks to be reading calmly, away from the excitement and bustle of the manor. Before anyone can pull Orihime aside for measurements, she slips out of the house and into the garden.]
Ukitake-sama.
[She greets him with a fond smile, but remains outside of the gazebo until invited. It's only polite, after all. He might be the only one she's comfortable with to be her usual weird self around, but he still deserves respect on the sheer virtue of his calm, kind demeanor.]
Could I speak with you for a minute? I won't be long!
THOSE ARE THE BEST DEER (and this is a thread I didn't realize I was dreaming of!)
Indeed, her company was sometimes far better than that of anyone else in the household, including his numerous younger siblings and his two energetic assistants.
He smiled at her and marked his place in the book he was reading-- it was a strange tale about legends and lake gods, something that he enjoyed reading on the days when the mere thought of leaving his bed seemed like an arduous mountain to climb.]
I always have time for you, Inoue-san. [He was never entirely sure how to address her, the girl that had been arranged for him to marry. She was so young and so lively, but using the more affectionate '-chan' felt too informal when she continued to address him in such respectful terms.
Setting his book aside, he brushed his long hair out of his face and shifted on the bench he was sitting on. Patting the wood beside him, he motioned for her to join him.]
Come here. We don't want you to get burned in this sun.
Sweeeeeeeeeeeet. I was tempted to write out ALL the backstory, had to summarize!
[She could probably withstand a little more sun, given how much she enjoys the good weather and the gorgeous gardens. But yes, sunburns are terrible, she can't argue that! Orihime smiles brightly at his invitation, hitching the hem of her kimono slightly to let her climb the short steps into the patched shade of the wisteria-strewn arbor. She feels no hesitation or awkwardness in sitting beside him. Everything about his presence gives her comfort.]
[Now she just has to figure out how to ask what she wants to ask. That's the real challenge.]
I was just thinking, with the wedding coming up, you know. And I wasn't really sure.
[She folds her hands in her lap, not fidgeting, even if the realization now kind of bothers her.]
Is it something you truly want, Ukitake-sama?
[Orihime looks up at his face, her features serious, brow inclined slightly in concern.]
It's just that I was thinking back to the first day your family took me in, because my brother asked you to. Everyone's been really nice to me, and I'm so grateful! But...I don't know what you want. I don't think anyone's ever asked you.
[Including herself, and that makes her feel pretty guilty.]
So I thought, you know, I could get a job and start taking care of myself. I'm pretty good at baking, and I'm sure I could do some freelance sewing! And if I just abruptly ran off, then you wouldn't have to worry about obligations or honor. It would all be on me! And I didn't have much to lose in the first place, ha ha!
[Her brother was a good person, but there's no doubt in anyone's mind that her parents are as common as they come, and borderline criminals at that. She has no problem not wanting to see them again. If she married into this family, that issue is sure to come up, and she doesn't like the idea of ruining Ukitake's good name.]
So...I guess I just wanted to say that you have options. I want to pay you back for all you've done for me. Please tell me what you'd like, I'll do all I can to make it happen!
Whoa! How big is this backstory?!
The surprise he felt at the suddenness of her line of questioning and her words was evident all over his face. It was only natural that she would feel awkward and insecure about the entire affair, even after the time that had passed. Afterall, she was barely more than a slip of a girl when they had met-- he, with the years he had on her and the illness that was a constant (and not always silent) factor in all of his affairs, must have concerned her on those early days.
While there could be no denying his own misgivings about being a good husband to one who was so young and full of life. How long would he last for her? Would she falter in the unease that she had kept hidden for so long?]
Inoue-san, [he began gently, taking both of her delicate hands into his. He offered her a smile.] Don't worry about any of this. The circumstances are beyond my hands as well, but I have never had any doubts in your strength and honesty. If anything, I worry more about worrying you.
Your smile is lovely, you know that? I would hate to be the person who takes that away.
Just more elaborate details on points in the AU history, no big deal!
I don't think that's possible.
[She smiles at him, giving his hands a light squeeze.]
You're the most important person in my life, Ukitake-sama. I don't think you could ever make me unhappy! It's just...there's a big difference between what we are now, and what we might be. I don't want to take away your future just because you felt obligated to keep taking care of me. That's all. If you want me to stay, I'll gladly stay! I will.
[Orihime glances away sheepishly. She kind of hoped he wouldn't mistake her offer to leave as a means of getting out of marriage. There's nothing about him or his health that she would reject.]
I just want you to choose what makes you happy. Okay? I mean, this is the rest of your life, that should be a decision you get to make! And I want you to feel like you can definitely choose for yourself. You deserve that!
awww
You won't be taking away my future if you're here. Rather, you would have an equal part in it-- more than anyone else can imagine.
[He lifted his eyes to her again, searching her's for an answer to a question that he hadn't even begun to form yet.]
...However, I do have a small request, if we both are in agreement to be partners of equal standing in this arrangement.
leekspins
[One small favor? That's it? She nods, then pauses to tilt her head in consideration.]
Wow, I guess we really would be equals, wouldn't we?
[That's another crazy thought she'll need to get used to... Oh! But he's trying to ask her something, pay attention!]
What is it?
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Please stop addressing me so formally. That is not how equals refer to one another-- and, it makes me feel a little strange sometimes when you do.
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Ah! Sorry! I didn't want that to happen, I just didn't want to seem ungrateful or disrespectful! Sorry!
[She calms somewhat, glancing away in embarrassment.]
Anou...I suppose I could start using your given name, if that's what you'd prefer. When do you want me to start?
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You could never seem ungrateful of disrespectful! [He exclaimed between chuckles before getting himself to calm down.] And you can start whenever you like...
Although, I suppose this means I should call you by your given name as well. Is that alright, Orihime-chan?
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Mm! I'd like that very much. It's actually been a long time since I've heard someone else speak my name.
[She likes it. His voice is warm with affection. She really could fall in love with him. Maybe she already has.]
So... You really do want to get married? To me, I mean.
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...It's going to be tricky to look at you as a wife for a little while, I do admit, [he began, carefully picking out his words.] But, I can't think of anyone else that I have met who I would like more for a partner for as long as I am to be in this world. How can I not want to be with you?
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To tell the truth, that's how I feel too. I'm really glad we're thinking the same way!
[She just didn't want to say it, for fear that it would put undue pressure on his shoulders to just accept what had been dropped into their laps.]
I'll work hard to be a good wife to you. And I'm going to perfect my powers, so you might even outlive me once I figure out how to cure your illness!
[Orihime hesitates for a moment. She wouldn't normally do this, but they're sharing their first names now, and they're committed to each other. Hesitantly, shyly, she reaches for his hand to clasp it in her own. Her fingers squeeze in reassurance.]
I want you to live with hope that you'll see a long, wonderful future, Jushiro-san. Please rely on me to see it through with you.
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[His own fingers, tangled amidst her's, squeezed in return. Her energy and cheerfulness, even in the face of the condition he had faced for his entire life, was something that he had needed for a long time. He had made peace with his circumstances long ago, but sometimes it seemed like the others around him hadn't-- they gave in to their worries and frustrations, coddled him, and at times wouldn't let him do what he knew needed to be done in order to proceed...
Moreover, many of them had written him off as a lost cause.
He pulled her closer, dipping his head down to rest his forehead against her auburn hair.]
Don't pressure yourself over it, Orihime-chan. But, if it is something that will make you happy, then I won't stop you. There's no way anyone can know anything for certain unless every option as been tried.
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Exactly, Jushiro-san!
[She opens her eyes to grin at him, still brow to brow. There's nothing she wouldn't do to keep him happy and healthy; she meant what she'd said, about being the most important person in her life. He's worth fighting for.]
I think we're going to be just fine.
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I think so too, Orihime-chan. I think so too.
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Mary Crawley | Downton Abbey | M/F
Orihime Inoue | Bleach | F/M