BAG OF BONES ; 𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.
▊ &&. "You have two rules that are non-negotiable for the day," they begin, propping their hands on their hips and trying to look very serious at eye level since they made her sit down for this.
"One: You have to be nice to Vayu. You two can get back to your catfights as soon as this is all done with, but today he is a groom and you will be a little gentleman about it."
That should be difficult enough, but they fear their next request is an impossible ask.
"And two: You are not allowed to hook up with any of the guests. No exceptions."
SHE KNOWS what the first rule will be before it leaves their mouth. Be nice to Vayu. Puck has been preparing herself for doing just that since the day she learned her twin intended to make the worst mistake of their life.
Puck has a feeling that he is cursed in some way to never get along with those that keep Iago company - no matter how hard he tries, & their husband-to-be is no exception. In fact, he is the blueprint. Puck would rather get a third lobotomy than have Vayu of all people as an in-law.
Oh, but Puck has never seen Iago so happy. So radiant. They look like starlight in their sari, ( a gift from Vayu's sister, if Puck recalls correctly ; he's sure she's lovely, too bad her brother sucks ) & it would be cruel to try to dim their shine.
At the end of the day, Puck's loyalty lies with Iago. It is not bound to petty grievances that she may have against . . . certain unpleasant individuals. If marrying Vayu is what Iago wants, Puck will not get in the way of that. She is not who she once was, & she will not steal Iago's joy.
Even if that man makes her blood boil.
Puck looks his twin in the eye, expression sincere. He holds his palms out, both as a gesture of good will & to clasp with Iago's if they will allow. ❝ I will be perfectly civil, I promise. I doubt I'll even notice he's there when my vision gets too blurry from crying. ❞
As if on cue, her eyes start to mist, soft smile turning watery. ❝ I hope you know that I wish nothing but joy for you. I may not be fond of him, but I am fond of you - & I am proud of you. Deeply. If he is who you love, then I am glad that you have him. ❞
But, of course, she must lean in conspiratorially as she sniffles, blinking several times as if to innocently bat her lashes, but the action is most certainly to prevent tears from messing up her makeup already.
❝ That being said, I am still your brother, therefore obligated to tell you that I will eat him if he breaks your heart. ❞
Then comes the second non-negotiable rule, & Puck blanches. His mouth hangs open. All sincerity is thrown out the window.
❝ WHAT ! That is not fair ; that- that is discrimination. Misogyny. Oh my GODS, you hate fun, you hate ME ! You take that back -- ❞