[From here, because Tumblr formatting and screaming]
Blinking rapidly, he stares up at the taller male hes come to know and love, in a platonic nature. With hundreds of eyes suddenly on them during their dinner celebration of another good year, he felt the other take his hand tightly to please the masses. It was just family and close friends that attended this annual dinner, but word would spread like wild fire the moment the party ended. Feeling smaller than ever before, he narrows his eyes at his arranged betrothed, “What did you do!?” As if Sephiroth was the one to blame for the sudden announcement. Prompto was not made aware of the arrangement, until today. Making it clear that he had no idea what was going on, he tried to pry their hands apart, only to be met with a stern gaze from his parents in the distance. Hushed voices filled the reception hall as the two stood together, hand in hand. One aware of the situation and other completely lost at what was going on.
Rattling the back of his mind for any indication that Prompto was suppose to be at least hinted at his new future, he came to no conclusion that there was ever suppose to be a marriage involving him. Sure his family was well know for their name, their brand of merchandise and the influential power they had, but shouldn’t they have at least asked him if he was okay with the idea of marrying someone to keep the reigns going? Looking back towards his partner and their joined hands, he had to shudder at the idea of marrying his best friend. Not that Sephiroth wasn’t excellent suitor for continuing their companies business and partnership; but again he was his best friend since they were in diapers! Well—since Prompto was in diapers. Sephiroth had a few years ahead of him. Regardless, the blond was not to keen of the arrangement and following announcements that were made for the rest of the night.
Marriage was a heavy situation for blond. Not only because he had zero romantic affections for the silver haired man anymore, but because he was a man that didn’t believe in marriage to begin with. He was not a firm believer in bonding with someone for eternity under God’s guidance. He wasn’t for putting a ring on someone and keeping them bond to him ‘until death do us part.’ He was a man of freedom and he was going to keep it. With or without Sephiroths help.
He sighed quietly, the smile just a little artificial, for the crowd. The words were far more private. “Apparently when I was asked if I wanted to take more responsibility for potential future partnerships... well, that means different things in different places.” He didn’t really elaborate further, but he didn’t have to. He wasn’t... exactly tricked. Just not entirely aware of what he’d agreed to until things were already in place and going forward. Sure, right, that made him feel a lot better. “Look, we can talk about it and I can apologize profusely later, alright?” It just wasn’t going to work if people weren’t convinced they were both willing. Which… they weren’t, and that was technically lying, which he was sort of uncomfortable with, but–
Decisions had to be made. Backing out would have meant any number of things to both families, none of them good. Both of them likely having been labeled irresponsible, removed from any sort of decision making, or worse. Even if it was all… uncomfortable, he’d convinced himself that it wouldn’t be so bad. That something could be worked out. Of course, he had also been pretty sure he’d have been able to see Prompto before that point to talk to him. Things... didn’t work that way. Attempting to look like a happy couple was starting to hurt a little, though. When that fake smile turned to the blond, it faltered slightly before being plastered in place again. Leaning in, he whispered the best explanation he could offer at the moment. “It’s– A ring. A piece of paper. Security. You don’t have to treat it as anything else.” He meant that, really.
It wasn’t a best case scenario. And it sure wasn’t ideal in any way. But, there would be food, and cake, and the ceremony itself would be quick. So he told himself. Repeatedly. Fake smile really starting to hurt his cheeks, he suggested through partially gritted teeth, “Let’s just try to make it through the evening, alright?” It wasn’t completely living a lie. He obviously did care about the blond. Enough to put them both through the ordeal they were currently attempting to survive, which... he hoped would make sense later. To one or both of them.
