bakerstreet | The Forced Family Unit Meme

The Forced Family Unit Meme

The Not So Happily Married Meme

(or the FORCED FAMILY UNIT meme)

Let's get one thing straight. Not all marriages are happy. They don't start with love, and they don't end with it. In fact, some marriages are more arrangements that anything. Whether it be through the will of an iron-fisted totalitarian government or something as ancient as tradition, people end up stuck. And now, you're one of them. Maybe you were assigned you partner. Maybe your parents picked them out. Maybe it's something different all together. But no matter what, you're going to be with them in some shape, fashion, or form.

So, what can you do? Do you just deal with it? Try to find a way out? Or worst of all, do you blame your so-called "spouse" for all this? You'll have to do something.

HOW TO PLAY;
1. Comment with your characters, putting any preferences you have in the subject. These are your OOC preferences, however. Remember, in meme your character's preferences won't matter.

2. Reply to others! You can use the RNG to roll for the WHY (why are your characters in this mess), the WHEN (what stage are they at), and the HOW (how do they feel about their partner). Or just wing it.

3. The fun of this meme is putting together characters who would normally never be together or have no business getting married, whether it be cross-canon, enemies, or strangers. But feel free to do what you want. Unlike your characters, you're never forced.

4. This is not a smut meme, nor is it a romance meme. There is a smut option and a romance option, but neither are required. The focus here is on CR and coping with situations that might be fairly unpleasant.

5. Have fun! And by that, I mean be miserable.

WHY;
1. GOVERNMENT: You live in a world where all aspects of life are controlled by the government. This includes who you're matched up with. Take "government" to mean anything you want it to, whether that be actual government or something like gods.

2. ARRANGED: Due to your culture, status, or family, you have an arranged marriage. Your significant other was picked out long before now.

3. SOLD: One of you belongs to the other in some way. At any rate, it's not a completely consensual arrangement.

4. KEEPING UP APPEARANCES: You don't particularly care for this person, but you have to look good for some reason. They'll do for that.

5. SHOTGUN WEDDING: Because of outside circumstances (read: an unplanned child), you're stuck together.

6. CURSED/POTION: At least one of you is under the effects of a curse or potion that binds you both.

7. THE BEST I COULD GET: Either one of you or both of you are settling. This is just a marriage of convenience.

8. Wildcard/free space.

WHEN;
1. JUST MET: You've never seen this person that you're engaged, intended, or assigned to. This is your first meeting.

2. JUST MARRIED: Ceremony or knot, you've just tied it.

3. CONSUMMATE: What's a married live without consummating the union? Whether it's for some kind of ritual, a fulfillment of a contract, or the need to produce offspring to become workers, you have to come together.

4. IN THE FAMILY WAY: Congratulations! You're about to bring a child into this (potentially loveless) family. Are you proud?

5. MARRIED WITH CHILDREN: You have kids already. They might be biological, or they might be state-assigned. How's the family life going?

6. FILLING YOUR ROLE: The two of you have a job or purpose, such as starting a business.

7. TRYING TO ESCAPE: You have to get out. You can't take this life anymore.

8. THERE'S SOMEONE ELSE: Since you didn't ask for this marriage, one of you has a lover on the side. Do you tell your spouse upfront, or do they find out themselves?

9. Wildcard/free space

HOW;
1. STRANGERS: You hardly know this person. Getting to know them is important (since you're only going to be spending the rest of your lives together) , but are you willing to put forth the effort for that?

2. HATE: They've ruined your life. Maybe not directly, but they're there and that's enough.

3. LOVE: There might be a light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps you do love each other, or you're at least learning to do so.

4. IN THIS TOGETHER: It may not be perfect, and you might not be be in love, but you're making it work for yourselves or for any children you might have. And hey, sometimes friendship like that can be a strong enough bond.

5. Wildcard/free space

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

"I almost forgot about the party." Inara laughed quietly, shaking her head. It seemed surreal to worry about finishing dressing for one of her events after the conversation they'd had. Her timing did occasionally leave something to be desired. She dropped a quick kiss on his lips. "Tomorrow will be a hectic day, and I can't say that I'm looking forward to another visit with a doctor."

"I think I'd like to be Mrs. Stark, at least for most purposes. I doubt I will stop being Inara Serra professionally any time in the future." Serra-Stark just sounded odd to her and made things overly complicated. "I'm very happy that you're still so excited when it's more than just an abstract idea."

"I haven't - I'm starving." He grinned, fierce with joy. He returned that kiss - pressing his lips happily against hers. "Yes, absolutely hectic, but very much fun, and you're not the only one who's going to get jabbed."

He said that a few times, before smiling warmly, "I think I'll just call you 'my darling wife'. Because it will be true." He rose to his feet, and taking her hands, pulled her up so he could kiss her. "Well, it's still pretty abstract, if only because you don't even look a day pregnant, much less two months, and I still won't be able to tell anyone for another month beyond that. You know, I'm sort of surprised I've done so well not asking you to marry me until now - as I'm horrible at waiting."

He leaned his forehead against hers. "So where are we going on our honeymoon, my darling wife."

"I won't keep you from your dinner longer than necessary. And may I remind you, I was the one that had to see a doctor already. It makes a difference."

She kissed him back happily, enjoying his excitement at this turn of events. "We'll just keep things quiet for as long as possible, and then I'll excuse myself from society. Hopefully, not too many people will be able to count on their fingers." Not that it bothered her one way or the other, but it would bother Howard and his family.

"We could always go back to Paris so I can play tourist this time."

"This is why you're the best fiancee. And I will remind you of that, and make up for it, whatever way you like."

He closed his eyes, smiling happily as he thought of it. "Juuuuuuuust this side of scandal, but hey, that's where I usually live." He wasn't going to have anyone say anything about his future wife, nosiree. Or their child.

"I like it. Paris has been good for us."

"You'll make it up to me by being a charming date while I hold my little soiree for a group of trainees and hope they don't embarrass me more than necessary." She sighed and slipped far enough away to pick up the gown she'd picked out for the night.

"You would be bored if people weren't whispering. This is more fitting for your reputation than a drawn out engagement. People will be less shocked by this."

She stepped into the silk and turned her back to him so he could zip her dress up. "Paris it is."

"I will utterly charm your group of trainees, and give them excellent practice for your possible client pool." He went to grab the phone, flicking through his memory to his lawyer. He dialed to the operated, and asked for the appropriate connection, before resting the headset on his shoulder.

"True - I just don't want your reputation to take the hit because of mine." Which was utterly true - Inara had a sparkling reputation next to his, and he wanted to keep it that way. She took such pride in her work...

He leaned over and zipped her all the way up, pressing a kiss to her shoulder. "I'll make a call - do you want to stay in my favorite place or yours?"

"Please do, as you were specified for some of the girls that aren't as confident as a safe person to approach if they're feeling overwhelmed. This is a new House and for some of these trainees, it's their first time at a party like this." She brushed a kiss to his cheek in thanks before turning to head to her vanity. A vivid tiger lily was waiting for her and she secured it in her hair. "Any young lady with a white lily is a trainee, and if you'll help me keep an eye on them, I would appreciate it. All of the invited guests are aware that this is purely a networking event and an opportunity to meet some ladies that aren't quite ready for their debut, but sometimes people get carried away."

Clients tripped over themselves and fought (and paid handsomely) for an opportunity like this, getting to meet and mingle with ladies just young enough to seem scandalous and possibly get a head start on developing a relationship with a future Companion.

"My reputation will be fine, Howard. The House practically considers us married already." She tossed him a smile over her shoulder. "Your favorite will be fine, as you have more experience with Paris than I do."

"Will do. I even promise to wear pants." He flashed a smile, that widened as her lips brushed against his cheek as the line picked up. "Paul - hey - it's Howard. No, no, nothing's wrong -- everything is really right, actually. I'm getting married!" A pause, and a roll of the eyes, "Yes Inara knows, as it's her. No, no big thing, we're going to elope. Yeah! ... you know she said the same thing. Can you take care of the paperwork? Yes? Excellent, I'll be at a party most of the night but get back to me with the details."

He hung up the phone, finally deciding to put on his pants. "Okay, girls with white lilies need to be carefully guided, girls with tiger lilies are all right on their own." He padded into the closet, going for his ties, and he held up the selections for her.

"I know, I know ... but better to have it all above board." He got a little charge at that smile - this woman was going to marry him. "Good. I'll make the arrangements for that tomorrow when all the agencies are open."

"Pants would be required for a formal occasion, yes." She turned back to the mirror, adding a pair of earrings to her outfit. She could hear his excitement and could guess at Paul's reactions. There would be many variations of that conversation over the coming days.

"Ladies with any lily that's not white will be mentors and fully trained Companions, so they will be able to handle a party. I insisted that the girls wore white lilies so that we can keep an eye on them." It would also intrigue the clients, that allure of the new and innocent.

"Yes, most of the preparations will have to wait until tomorrow. Tonight, we are going to go and try to keep a group of overly excited young women from embarrassing themselves." She tapped the dark blue tie that would go well with her silver dress.

"I don't know, you seem to like me well enough without pants." He smirked at her, before going back to his dressing.

He shook his head a little as he looped the tie around his shoulder, flipping his collar so he could tie it into a nice Windsor knot, then flipped his collar down, adjusting it just so. It was a nice contrast against the white, and his slick black suit.

He paused in front of her so she could straighten it to her heart's content. "Should I be wearing a flower, so these overly excited young women know I'm a safe bet?"

"Yes, I do, but I prefer it when I'm the only one enjoying that view." She gave him a matching smirk before setting to work straightening his tie and smoothing out his collar. He had immaculate taste in suits, but he was in a hurry.

"The girls will know who you are. Any trainee that shows up to the party and doesn't know someone on the provided list will be in quite a bit of trouble." The girls all had photos and biographies for the guests of interest. Being a Companion took more than being pretty and looking good in a dress.

"Well you're the only one who gets to enjoy that view for the next fifty, sixty years, so I really hope you're sold on it. Which reminds me ... need to schedule time at the gym for the next fifty, sixty years." He smiled quietly as she smoothed him out, taking his turn to kiss her on the cheek warmly, before he headed back into the closet to get his suit coat and shoes.

He called out from the depths, "All right - any topics I should skate away from tonight. I know I wasn't allowed to touch politics with a ten foot pole last time."

"I highly doubt you will need to schedule time at the gym, considering how busy you typically are." She sat down so she could put her heels on and buckle them up. While it wasn't a networking event for her, she needed to set a good example for the trainees.

"You can discuss topics with the girls, not with the other guests and potential clients. They need the practice, but I don't want to break up a brawl because you insist on expressing your complete, uncensored opinion."

He carried in his jacket as he finished putting his cufflinks on, sliding a little in his fancy shoes over to her, his grin warming again. "So you think all my work should keep me from getting soft in the middle? I want to look as good to you in fifty years as I do now, you know."

He bowed briefly from the waist, sliding on his suit jacket after, his look becoming mischevious. "Got it. Discuss all the racy stuff with the girls, keep it to the oatmeal with everyone else. Virginal ears are always better for talks about modern science and politics anyways."

He gave a brief spin, arching his eyebrow again. "Do I pass inspection, General?"

"I certainly think it will. Considering my current condition, I'm the one more likely to have to worry about being soft in the middle." She ran her hands down the front of her dress. She would need new clothes . . .

"Virginal? I doubt there will be any virgins at this party. But the girls will be practicing their charm and grace, so feel free to challenge them."

Inara tipped her head to the side, making a show of studying him. "I'm going to have to deal with my trainees being smitten with my husband."

"With all the martial ...whatever you do? Unlikely. You'll be perfect and round for about nine months, then go back to being deceptively soft." His eyes also moved to her stomach, and he couldn't help but smile again.

"I shall, and I will. No soft Companions in this outfit."

That smile widened. "My wife flatters me, so my wife should come here so I can steal a kiss to ensnare her affections all over again. Especially since I have a feeling some of your Customers might forget you're retired, the way you look tonight."

"Tai chi, love. And the occasional yoga when I'm feeling tense. But we'll see. It's going to be interesting. I haven't spent much time around babies."

"No soft Companions on my watch. This is a new House, but the standards cannot be any different than what I had at my own House."

"No customer would ever have a chance with you in the room. The trainees are already whispering about the man that swept the famous Inara Serra off her feet and into retirement." She leaned in to kiss him, slow and lingering. "Get your kisses in now before I put on my lipstick."

"I haven't either - which yes - should make it very interesting. You know, we've never talked about how we want to raise our children. Guess it's a good thing we got nine months to decide. Sorry, wait, seven."

He quirked a smirk. "I can see it now - dozens of little almost Inaras."

"That's only because I fell so unbelievably in love with the famous Inara Serra that I could not rest until she was mine." He closed his eyes at that kiss, feeling that little jolt he got every time she pressed close to him.

"Never have I had a better offer ..." He slipped a few slow kisses in, squeezing her gently, sliding his hands up her back, then down again. He pulled away, dark eyes bright. "You know what? You're going to marry me."

"We'll manage. Somehow." She tapped her fingers against her stomach and then sighed. It would have to wait until after the party. They did have months to discuss the details.

"You are the only man I know crazy enough to chase me around the world, for months, with no encouragement." She enjoyed those slow kisses, her fingers running along his jacket before she reminded herself that they had somewhere to be.

She laughed quietly, her fingers combing back through his hair. "Yes, so I've heard. I'm a lucky woman."

"Yes we will." He watched her touching her stomach, his gaze softening. They would find a way - and probably have a lot trouble - but they would.

He hummed softly into the way she was touching him. "Who says there was no encouragement? You kiss a man like that and I can strongly say that I feel very motivated to keep chasing you."

He gave her a fond smile. "I'm glad you think so ... shall we go, Mrs. Stark?"

"There was a period where there was no kissing. Where I hoped you would just forget me." She brushed her lips against his cheek, her smile soft and contemplative. "That seems like a very long time ago now."

"Yes, we should go. I shouldn't leave the party short handed." She linked her arm with his so he could walk her out to the car.

"I know - that was the worst two months of my life." He glanced up at her, his eyes gentle and warm. "It does. A whole lifetime ago."

"Lord knows we can't leave those not so virginal girls on their lonesome." He curved his fingers over hers as he lead them to the front of the house. "I think ... I think I'll have Jeeves drive tonight."

"It's not exactly a period in my life I look back on proudly, or want to ever experience again." She did have some lingering shame over her cowardice and the cold way she treated Howard. It could have all ended so differently.

"I can only imagine the mischief they could get into." She gave his arm a squeeze. "And why is Jeeves driving? Bored with your toys?"

"It's past us now - about a hundred miles in the rear view mirror." He leaned over and pressed another kiss to her smooth cheek. "We've both learned from our past mistakes." That horrific scene in the Paris party was not one of his finest hours either.

"Nah, I just want to talk to you and I can't really do it while I'm concentrating on the road. Besides, there's going to be champagne there and I feel like doing a little celebrating."

"Yes, the distant past." She said it with finality, smiling while shoving the past where it belonged. Away. Now was not the time to dwell on the foolish things both of them had done.

"A little celebrating is in order, even if we can't publicly announce just what we are excited about. Should we just leave it to 'Howard being Howard' and let them make their own guesses?"

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!

Re: Rusted!