bakerstreet | Arranged

Arranged Marriage

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?

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He should be accustomed to being used, but this? This grates on his every nerve.

"Scorpion, you are a gift. If he accepts you, he ties himself to us. Think of what we could do with his power!"

Zhao Jing had even gone so far as to suggest - though he was careful not to state specifically - that he would accept Xie as his son at last. If he did this.

False promises. Empty words. And to make matters worse, Xie is to meet Ye Baiyi to discuss this matter during a party. A party that Zhao Jing hopes will be an engagement celebration.

Jerking the fabric of his robes down, smoothing out the invisible wrinkles, Xie grits his teeth and closes his eyes, raging silently. He really is no different than some pretty bauble. A low, angry sound leaves his lips and he pushes the bowl filled with water - for washing - to the floor. The resounding crash leaves him shaken and he curls his hands into tight, pale fists.

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immortalfoodie - 2022-05-04 23:10 (UTC) - Expand

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[ ota cross-canon, m/m castmates ]

[ things don't always work out.

tetcho certainly didn't think he'd be finding himself entangled in an arranged wedding; duty is duty, and if it is an order then he follows it to the letter. that doesn't mean he is happy about it since at heart he is an idealist who wanted to marry for love but the lives of people are more important than a simple, selfish want and though his husband-to-be, no his husband now is a stranger, it could be worse. since their first, brief and only meeting prior to the wedding there seemed to have been an unspoken understanding.

tetcho doubts he wanted this either but they must make due. besides, his husband is handsome and tetcho appreciates the way his hair and skin are of a pleasing shade. he's always liked colors which are almost the same. it's an ongoing obsession alongside watching ants.

after several toasts, a long dinner and a cake, they're finally alone but tetcho is mindful of giving his new husband a wide berth in their room. ]