arranged marriage AU

[thoughtsonyaoi]

Arranged Marriage Turned More To have and to hold, you said, till death do us part, all while the sharp, swinging pendulum of obligation hung overhead. But how could you have truly meant those words? This union has been tainted from the start, forever bearing the chains of an arranged marriage. It would be understandable if you couldn't bear to look at your new life partner, eternal reminder of your stolen future that they are, much less like them. Much less love them... Still, things can change. You could realize that they are in the same boat as you or, that when compared to others around you, they are the lesser of evils. Perhaps you even open up to the idea of a friendship; at the very least, an alliance may be in order to become a power couple in a perilous world. From that innocent decision or sense of self-preservation, a new feelings sparks. Something like affection. Something, you realize in the wake of speeding heartbeats, like love. Will you acknowledge this? Can the two of you have a happily ever after - happier than if you'd met in another fashion - or will you hold firm in your distaste? how to play. - Everybody loves "couples forged by less-than-ideal circumstances" tropes! - Comment with your character, prefs, all that good stuff. - Reply to others. - IDEC where you set your threads, it's wide open. Fantasy world with hairy hobbits, old-timey lands, future AUs, do a space marriage for all I care. I'm sure they're still getting married in Star Wars or whatever. 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?

Comments

[gentledawn]

The decorations make him smile; he can sense the giddiness of the Ghosts and he whispers to them, finding it easy to befriend them. But then, oh then, he sees Kexing. His groom. Color rushes to his face and he pauses, bowing to the Ghost Lord. Once he straightens, he can't stop himself from smiling wider.

"He's so handsome..."

The Ghosts near him grin and usher him forward - well within reach of their master. Xingchen tilts his head and blinks as a veil is placed over his head.

[soakedinvinegar]

Kexing watches as Xingchen approaches, dark bright but otherwise unreadable. Once the veil is in place, Kexing turns to face Xingchen. He gestures to his bride, indicating that he should kneel. Kexing does the same.

It's then that the white-haired woman calls out, "Bow to the heavens and earth!"

Kexing immediately kowtows.

[gentledawn]

He kneels immediately, ready to follow what is expected of him. The woman's voice rings in his ears and he kowtows too, showing respect. The gods have brought him to Wen Kexing; he trusts they have a plan for the both of them. When he glances up, he seeks his husband-to-be's gaze, smiling encouragingly.

If nothing else, perhaps they can be friends? Though the heat he had felt earlier in their kiss said there could be more between them too.

[soakedinvinegar]

Kexing has no desire to force any form of relationship from Xingchen. The marriage is more a formality to keep him in Ghost Valley. Whatever comes of it will come. Though, deep down inside, he hopes Xingchen can find some happiness in this place.

"Bow to the ancestors," she calls out, prompting another bow from Kexing.

[gentledawn]

Xingchen mirrors Kexing, gracefully bowing at his waist, his sleeves fluttering with the motion. His heart races in his chest and he pales behind his veil as he rises. This is...a lot. For a humble cultivator from the mountains. He glances up at the white-haired woman, his hair ornaments clinking gently with the motion.

[soakedinvinegar]

"Bow to each other!" She calls out.

Kexing turns to face Xingchen, taken in momentarily by the beauty of the man in red, even if obscured by the veil. He kowtows to the other man, then rises to his feet. Next is the toast, which the white-haired woman prepares, handing each man a cup of wine. Kexing downs the wine and, once Xingchen drinks the assembled Ghosts begin to cheer.

[gentledawn]

The last bow is directed at Kexing and Xingchen finds himself holding his breath. He takes the cup and drinks the wine, lifting his veil to do so. Once the cup is empty and the cheers begin, he flushes darkly, smiling demurely.

He lets the gauzy material of the veil flutter from his fingertips and he approaches his husband, his smile growing.

"You look beautiful."

[soakedinvinegar]

"So do you," Kexing purrs in reply. "Red suits you." It throws Xingchen's fair skin into sharp relief and Kexing's Ghosts styled his hair to best advantage, accenting Xingchen's natural beauty. Kexing holds out his hand to Xingchen, waiting for the man to take it before guiding him to their seat. The banquet was next and they, of course, were the cause for celebration. It's a rarity in Ghost Valley so those who live there went out of their way with food and drink to honor their leader and his bride.