bakerstreet | All been arranged

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All been arranged

Marriage for love is a such a modern concept. In the past, marriage was
recognised as a social contract. Unions were entered into for many
reasons: to obtain property, to unite families, to carry on a bloodline,
et cetera. Whatever the reason, congratulations, you're getting married!

HOW IT WORKS:
❧ Post a comment with your character's name, canon, and any preferences.
❧ If there's a specific set of circumstances you like best, set the scene.
❧ Or leave your comment blank and let others use RNG to choose the scenario. Feel free to mix and match.
❧ Please note the prompts below are merely suggestions and you're more than welcome to come up with your own situation.
❧ Have fun!

POSSIBLE REASONS FOR MARRIAGE:
① Station → You come from a royal, noble, or otherwise distinguished family who has chosen a suitable spouse for you.
② Feud → You are being married to put an end to the bitter enmity between your two families.
③ Economics → Your economic state and/or your station will improve through the union, though one of you may be marrying down.
④ Empire → You and your spouse are merging your businesses and/or property to create something more influential or profitable.
⑤ Tribute → You have been offered as a gift or appeasement, alternately you're the spoils of war.
⑥ Bloodline → Carrying on your distinguished family name has fallen to you and the equally well-bred spouse of your family's selection.
⑦ Disapproval → Your marriage has been arranged to keep you away from the person with whom you truly wish to be.

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS:
① First meeting → This is the very first time you're meeting your future spouse.
② Courtship → To get to know each other and encourage affection, your family has approved of you going on dates.
③ Engagement party → Be it a huge, formal affair or a small, intimate get together, you're celebrating (or pretending).
④ Wedding day → The big day!
⑤ Reception → The big party!
⑥ Wedding night → Every meme needs a smut prompt, right?
⑦ Honeymoon → Where will you go with your new spouse and what will you do there?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ it's strange, really -- how different the achilles in front of him is, from the one he's met in the past. how he's beginning to feel as if they never met at all; as if time has truly healed all wounds, no matter how petty. ... he'll never let go of his childish grudges, but -- he's willing to shove them aside, for the sake of getting along with his future spouse.

maybe.

being raised among commoners meant witnessing the meaning of marrying for love. unlike royalty, people with low standings had no real reason to marry for economic purposes; not everything was an arrangement, and even hearing the tales of his father -- who went to war for the sake of love -- gave him... possibly unrealistic expectations about marriage itself.

at the same time, he can't help but fall for hints of romanticism; being an idiot aside, he's also... admittedly not very experienced; unable to tell when someone's being genuine and when someone just wants to talk their way into fucking him to death. rip. ]

That... is surprisingly admirable. [ and surprisingly mature, he notes. glancing down, he doesn't move to take his hands away; somewhat placated by achilles' wit. pls god help him. ] You've matured quite a bit, haven't you?

[ in a perfect world, arthur would understand that achilles' sweet-talking doesn't mean much. even if he's telling the truth, all of this is said to fool him into compliance, anyway -- but this is not a perfect world, and he's admittedly a bit starry-eyed, easily swept up in achilles' pace. ]

I see. I admit I've had my reservations, but I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm unhappy, necessarily -- ah. [ he should absolutely lean back. but he doesn't, letting achilles tilt his chin up with a surprised expression.

he's not sure what this strange warmth coiling within his chest means, but he really wants it gone. ]

And will you fear and weep for me in return?

[ While his words seem like waxed poetry, they are partly genuine. Despite all his own bravado and poor attitude at times, Achilles is still a romantic. He believes in grand gestures of love and courtship, which all counts as a display of one's ability. He prides himself in being a great bedmate and an even better lover.

Arthur all but melts, and he smiles proudly at his praise. ]

No, I won't. Because no harm will befall you as long as I'm protecting you. [ Instead of going in for a kiss, he leans in to bump their foreheads, to touch noses. A sign of intimacy in his culture.

And he means what he says, too. He'd flip the fuck out if anything ever happened to what he considers his. But there are better ways of saying that, and in a more romantic manner. ]

[ if achilles prides himself in being a good bedmate, how come people die?

thankfully, arthur doesn't know about any of that. so he accepts the affection with a small smile, leaning his forehead against achilles' in what feels like... a surreal scene, really. regardless of how unlikely this seems, though, he can't say having the other man close feels bad; enjoys the warmth his body radiates, relaxing visibly. ]

I don't need protection. But I wouldn't mind having you fight by my side, either. [ he's a Big Boy with a Big Sword, he can handle himself?

please @lord don't let arthur witness one of achilles' fits before they get married or he's going to run for the hills. ]

I apologize for my behavior earlier in the day. Admittedly, I've expected you to receive me with a similar amount of hostility.

[ Achilles is pretty handsy, so Arthur will have to deal with all his touches, fingers carding through his hair and pushing his hair back as he presses his mouth against his brow. ] If you say so.

[ They'll have that talk another day, when things are more urgent. Achilles is stubborn, okay? But he's smart enough to let go of an argument not worth getting into, because it's all hypothetical. Well, it's actually a matter of when it will happen, in this case. ]

I'm no longer the snot-nosed brat you remember me to be, you know. But I can't fault you for being so guarded. You're uncomfortable, being here. [ His hands drop from his face, to join Arthur's fingers in his lap, holding his gaze with one of muted concern. ] I wasn't sure what I expected meeting you today. Maybe I came on a little strong, but I was overeager after seeing you.

I won't rush to hold you in my arms. I'll wait, if you need time.

[ he really has to wonder how to counter this -- because while merlin had warned him to be on his guard, there's no way he can dismiss achilles being so... straightforward. at the same time, he's also been told to be mature about this; the future of his country is at a stake, after all, and this marriage is supposed to help them move forward.

arthur isn't about to ruin that chance out of his own selfishness or immaturity, regardless of his bad attitude. ]

You didn't. You left me to my own devices. [ that's not really coming on strong? he does appreciate the time he's been given, though; to at least familiarize himself with his surroundings.

sucking in a deep breath, he shakes his head, glancing up at achilles with... an almost determined expression, really. ]

No, it's fine. Physical contact is important in a marriage, isn't it? I acted selfishly, but I'll fix my wrongdoings. [ and he squeezes achilles' hands, nodding. ] Merlin had told me about this, anyway.

[ sex crash course for dummies. ]

[ HE MEANT AFTERWARDS! But he does bow his head respectfully, wondering if he should have... made a better effort to help him adjust before straight up offering to fuck him. Is he a fuck boy?

Arthur easily relents to him, as he should. Most girls usually don't take any coaxing from Achilles at all, and he's the one usually getting dragged to bed by the arm. It's one of the perks of being royalty, good looking, and perfect in every way... Men and women alike desire him, and Arthur shouldn't be excluded from that demographic.

... But he is a bit air-headed. Earnest. A little too trusting. Just looking at that expression of determination on his face makes Achilles deflate a bit, and he has no idea why (he's charmed). He's surprisingly agreeable, too, which is an entirely different impression he's getting than the one he had as a child. ]

Would you like to share a bath with me, first? [ Fine, he'll meet him halfway. But only because he's a good person and Arthur probably has no idea what he's getting himself into. ]

[ short answer: yes. yes he is.

arthur has no idea, though, still living somewhere on planet romance, where achilles' swaying words weren't spoken for the sake of getting his dick wet. naturally, once he realizes what all of this was about -- and sooner or later, even his mind will catch up -- achilles might get smacked around a bit, but for now...

he can enjoy the more compliant side of the king of britain, offering himself up not unlike a sacrifice. well, for arthur, everything is a part of martyrdom -- so maybe in a way, he thinks of this as a necessity rather than indulgence; a way to obtain what his country needs, consequences be damned.

he'll grow out of his naivete one day. (he won't.) ]

Share a bath? [ you'll have to explain this one. ]

Yes, a bath. [ His charming smile returns as he begins to stand, offering a hand to Arthur in the process. He has enough strength to lift him up to his feet with a single arm... Because he's a damn jock. ]

Have you never had one before? [ Teasing. The joke is that Britains don't bathe. But Achilles doesn't know that. ]

[ look, no matter how achilles views arthur, he's a king and he's too prideful to take his hand just to stand -- ignoring it entirely in lieu of getting up by himself. ]

Funny. [ not.

don't insult his primitive bathing methods, ok. ] We don't have it in our customs to take baths together, is all.

[ anyway, lead the way -- ]

So you've never had a Grecian bath before. You're in for a treat.

[ He laughs a little as he marches down the corridor, the chill of the ocean wind moving past the marble columns and into their path. Every so often, Achilles will check on Arthur from over his shoulder, to make sure he's not getting nervous. ]

I'll have the servants draw a fresh bath for us. You can get undressed in my room. [ And don't worry, he'll wait outside the room you shy baby. ]

[ he doesn't even understand how a bath is supposed to be a treat, but, sure, whatever achilles says. he follows after him, anyway, close behind to make sure he doesn't get lost. it's hard not to get nervous -- but he keeps his head high, only pausing when achilles mentions getting undressed.

oh yeah, you do that for a bath.

unless he chickens out and this is gonna be him. ]

... completely? [ how is he supposed to get to the bath from achilles' room naked? this is a very dubious plan. ]

[ You Britains and your hatred of baths. ]

Completely. [ He's grinning a little. Greeks walk around with their dicks out all the time, so it's endearing to see Arthur being shy.

He doesn't plan on letting him walk to the bath stark naked, especially on a cold night like this one. ] Don't worry. It won't be far from my room.

[ He leads him to a doorway, pushing the oak board of the door to make room for Arthur. The room is framed by marble and carved wood, and is as extravagant looking as the rest of the palace.

It's pristine, too. No thanks to Achilles, since he'll leave his shit around without a second thought. ]

I'll wait outside here.

Edited 2017-10-10 03:52 (UTC)

[ okay, yeah, he knows people in this country have no actual idea of what proper coverage means, but that doesn't mean he's steeped so low just yet. this little trip is already a stretch; if you told him he'd be stripping an hour ago, he'd just make a disgusted face and leave.

but there he is, dropping the heavy cape off his shoulders when achilles lets him into the room. it's beautiful, just like the rest of this place -- but he honestly hadn't expected anything less. ]

... alright. [ he waits until achilles leaves to continue; undoing the intricate knots holding his formal outfit together, everything in silvers and royal blues.

when he's done, he picks up the cape again; wraps it around himself tightly, suddenly glad it's a little too big for him. look, he's not going there naked, period? once that's done, he approaches the door, though... with both hands occupied, he can't even open it. ]

You can come back in.

[ Achilles starts undressing just outside of his own door as he waits. He pulls off the richly dyed robes from his frame, then the leather strapping covering his arms. He holds the mass of clothing, unable to continue without making a mess on the floor, but he obediently stays put until he gets the call.

He'll come in after, dropping his robes and armour to the floor, still wearing his skirt and tunic. ]

...

Edited 2017-10-10 04:10 (UTC)

[ Cute.... ]

Are you ... naked under there?

[ WHAT KIND OF A QUESTION IS THAT!! ]

You told me to undress completely. [ duh??? he just followed instructions?

maybe it's good that his hands are occupied, though, because achilles' is making a very punchable expression right about now. regardless, arthur moves in his direction hesitantly, passing him by without making eye contact.

or any sort of contact.

he's definitely not tempted to stare at his chest. ]

[ Is he shy? He'd been told about the Britains and their modesty, but it's still a little alarming.

How is he even real... He's cuter than most girls living in this palace or any young man who's shied away from his gaze. ]

And still you're not yet nude. [ A bit of a laugh as he sheds the rest of his clothes, unashamed... ] You'll have to wait for me. Otherwise, you might get lost with only a cape to cover yourself with.

Edited 2017-10-10 04:19 (UTC)

[ all he ever sees are people in full suits of armor, or at least robes to cover themselves with completely. britain is cold; not to mention the people's mindsets are different entirely. all of that leads to arthur being very much unaccustomed to casual nudity, grimacing when he hears the rest of achilles' clothes fall to the floor.

indecent.......... nasty.................. ]

I'll disrobe properly when we're there. [ the other's words are more than enough to make him stop in his tracks, though, waiting for achilles to catch up without looking at him at all. ] ... you said it's not very far, right?

[ The pads of his feet slap against the tile floor as he jogs up to meet Arthur in time before he can get out of his line of sight. He lets him walk further, before yanking a bit at his robe. ]

You just passed it. This way. [ Okay, so maybe that was intentional of him, but he's just teasing.

Also, careful Arthur, or else you'll get an eyeful. ]

[ achilles yanking at his cape almost makes him lose his balance; he leans back, rocking on the heel of his foot before turning, managing to somehow end up looking... relatively graceful. ignore the fact that he almost just fell on his ass.

all the while, he makes sure not to look at achilles, acutely aware that he's... well, naked. sooner or later, he'll have to -- but the phrase 'take a bath together' haven't really set in just yet, not when he has no idea what's in store for him. at best, arthur assumes it's just taking baths at the same time.

which sort of makes sense, in his mind. they're supposed to sleep together; he's not going to enter someone else's bed dirty, that's just... bad manners. ]

Is that i -- [ he pauses, then, the sight of the actual bathroom making him stop in his tracks. it is a bathroom, right? it looks more like... a lake. an indoor lake? that's so fucking weird. greeks are so weird. ] ... what's this?

[ Achilles has his arms crossed, but he isn't looking into the bath area. It's an enclosed area, with columns surrounding a steaming pool of clear water. Rose petals float over the surface and the aroma smells strongly of flowers and fruit.

He waits for Arthur to step in first. The last of the maids with a bucket of boiled water comes shuffling out of the room, bowing when she passes Achilles and murmuring something about the bath being hot enough now. ]

Are the fragrances not to your liking, my King?

[ he's just a little stunned, don't mind him. it's understandable, considering back home, he's used to taking baths in... much different conditions. still, this is very far removed from 'not to his liking'? on the contrary, he enjoys both the sight and the scents, lured in by the sweet fragrances.

so he steps inside first, curiously, stopping on the very edge of the bath before glancing down at the water. there's so much of it... what a waste for just two people? still. ]

It appears to be more like a lake than a bath. [ ocean???????? ] I was simply caught off guard. This place is lovely, however.

[ is it nice enough to unburrito... maybe. the steam rising from the hot water certainly makes him want to, his hold on the cape relaxing. ]

[ There is no door to shut, so he simply stands at the threshold, leaning against the frame of the entryway with his arms crossed. He's never invited a commoner that hadn't served under him to the bath before, so his reaction is unexpected but endearing. His eyes crease as he smiles, waiting for him to take the first step in. ]

We'll build one in your castle back in Britain.

Hmm... Britain is quite cold. I'm not sure if it'd see much use.

[ it appears to be... out in the open, considering there's no door. it makes arthur hesitant, too, because what if someone sees him like this? after a moment of thought, he gives in -- the temptation to soak in the warm water is too hard to resist.

so he lets the cloak fall off his body slowly, shoulders and ears red with embarrassment. pls don't stare at his pasty ass too much.

not that he'd let achilles' gaze linger, anyway -- entering the bath and sitting down as soon as possible. yeah, that's much better. ]

[ Of course he stares. Admiring the view of his slight frame and the way his waist tapers just above his pasty, pert ass. ]

That doesn't matter. We'll have boiled water ready at all times. [ He declares quite proudly, walking over to the edge of the pool with his hands framing his hips. ]

You can swim, can't you?

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