MEME: Arranged Marriage AU

[frozenfractals]

We were craving a meme, so after some digging around, we've got something new and different for you guys, with a huge hat-tip to the bakerstreet RP memes comm (original post here). Let's get some of those marriage feels sorted.

Time to get your faux-historical/fantasy novel on. For today's meme, your pup is getting married, whether they want to or not. It's arranged marriages time!

HOW IT WORKS
❧ Post a comment with your character's name and any preferences. This should include whether you're open to full threads or mostly dialogue, Test Drive-style, if you have a preference.
❧ 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.
❧ Or even just write drabbles to any (or none) of the prompts.
❧ 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?

Comments

[somepoorsoul]

“You are a member of my household,” Athos insists with a look that is unused to being disobeyed. “I will not keep you as a prize, and I will not ask you to work without compensation. I-“ And he falters, a rare thing for this man of careful control.

“Perhaps it is better that you stick to the honest work. Know that I will keep you on, even without… this." He swallows, looking away, hating how weak he feels, how much he does not wish to lose this bit of comfort.

[du_vallon]

Porthos' face falls to think that he has to decide which he'd prefer -- his honour at not being paid for the physical intimacy he's just learned to love, or losing that. "But I want this," he says, as selfish as he's ever been as he admits the words plaintively. "I'm not a prize, I...isn't there a way you can arrange someone else to pay me. Not your pockets?"

[somepoorsoul]

It’s a brilliant idea, one that sidesteps both Athos’ pride and Porthos’ honor, leaving neither of them in the other’s debt. More selfishly, Athos is relieved to hear that soft note of need in Porthos’ voice, his hand on top of the other man’s tightening. “I will arrange something,” he agrees, and more softly yet, adds, “Thank you."

[du_vallon]

Porthos slides his free hand to cup Athos' cheek, offering him a fond smile. "Thank you. Training, a job, money, and intimacy? Our side may have lost the war, but I came out of it feeling as if I've won."

[somepoorsoul]

Athos ducks his head with a snort that’s almost a laugh. Ironically, he had been thinking something very similar before Porthos came, but in reverse - for a man on the winning side, he had felt no sweetness of victory. Now- now he isn’t sure. “You only say that because you do not yet know me well,” he observes with a rueful twist of a smile.

[du_vallon]

Porthos gives him a confused look, though there's some mild fondness in it. "Where I came from? No, doesn't matter who you are, I already like the person I've met," he promises, lifting his hand to kiss at the knuckles there. "You should go. Maybe people will talk if you linger too much longer in here."

[somepoorsoul]

Athos can only shake his head, wondering at the fondness in the other man’s face. Porthos has his reasons for being grateful, perhaps, for a bed and a living, but this warmth he bestows is far beyond what Athos deserves. Isn’t it?

He nods faintly, hating to leave this room, knowing reality waits for him outside like a bucket of ice-cold water, but knowing Porthos to be right. “I will send someone to show you around. And tonight- I will come for you.” The words sticking in his throat slightly.

[du_vallon]

Porthos feels a spike of desire bolt through him at the promise, nodding and already looking forward to the evening more than anything else. "Only a few more hours before I can really show you my gratitude," he murmurs. "Good."

[somepoorsoul]

Athos blushes, and though he tries to hide it by looking away, surely Porthos already knows how easily he can make the Comte turn red. He stands, doing up the last buttons on his doublet, and chances to look at Porthos with a smile. “Until tonight, then."