An Unlikely Match (LanceTheSpanko)

[LadyLoki]

(18+, all characters over the age of 18)



Today was the day. Victor looked over his suit in the mirror one final time, before nodding at his reflection. His mother had finally harassed him into arranging a marriage, and to a family she approved of no less. Victor had been certain he was going to live a bachelor’s life, and let his work be his life partner. Alas, it was not to be. He had never even met the person who was supposed to be coming over today, but Victor supposed he had best make a good impression. He didn’t want his mother to come all the way back just to harangue him about losing a potential family alliance. Victor was a bit of a romantic, deep inside. Arranging a marriage was about connections and status, not about love. What a shame, indeed.

With a sigh, the man descended the stairs into the parlor where he was supposed to wait. The butler would show his suitor and his suitor’s guardian in, where terms and such would be discussed. Victor rubbed his temples, before settling into his favored leather chair. Soon enough, he heard voices began led toward the parlor. The dark-haired man stood, opening the door where the butler bowed. “Lord Moore, your guests.”

[LanceTheSpanko]

Russel groaned, as he continuously tied and then untied the tie around his neck. To say he was nervous would be an understatement. Today was the day he was supposed to meet the soon-to-be love of his life. He knew very little about him, aside from what his brother had told him. What if he made a bad first impression? What if he didn't like him? His mind was taken over by these what ifs and he was unable to think straight.

"Hey Russel, quit messing with your tie. Here's the lucky guy's house."

He suddenly snapped back to reality, hearing his brother speak up. He took a deep breath and followed behind as Emmett led him up to the front door. It was a much nicer home than he and Emmett lived in, which he expected. Emmett did mention he was more wealthy than them. They were almost immediately greeted by who Russel assumed to be a butler. Also expected, given his wealth. After a short conversation, the man led the brothers into the man's parlor, where he got the first look at his new husband. He couldn't say he was disappointed in what he saw.

[LadyLoki]

Victor was pleasantly surprised by the sight of the young man he was supposed to be marrying. At least if anything he would have a pretty face to take to court. He bowed upon two entering, before reaching forward to shake the older brother's hand. Emmett, if he remembered correctly. And that would make the younger one Russel. "Pleased to meet your acquaintance." Victor said smoothly, motioning for the pair to sit down in the parlor chairs. "Please, sit. The servers should be in shortly with tea."

His gaze was focused solely on Russel more so than Emmett, which was to be expected. As soon as tea and pastries was served, Victor took a sip and leaned forward to speak.

"Well Mr. Clarke, I reviewed your terms earlier and on behalf of the Moore family, we would like to accept them." Victor said, nodding to Emmett. "If it is all the same to you, I would like to request a short period before the wedding to get to know Russel." He smiled slightly, setting his cup down with a soft clink. "I hope you don't think it too improper, but I find it a little harsh to marry someone I haven't spent any time with." Victor's dark eyes went back to Russel's face and his mouth quirked up slightly.

[LanceTheSpanko]

As Victor walked up to them, Russel got a better look at him. He had to admit he was quite handsome, although he was a bit taken back when he noticed just how tall he was. Of course, Russel was short already, so he wasn't surprised that he was shorter than Victor, but he looked to be an entire foot taller than him. He watched as his brother shook the man's hand, and they exchanged greetings.

When invited to sit, the pair nodded and they both sat down. Emmett listened closely, while Russel kept his focus on Victor. He couldn't help but stare as he talked to Emmett. Well, he was going to be spending the rest of his life with the man, so he felt like a little bit of staring was justified.

Emmett thought over Victor's request. "Well, what do you think Russel?" the older man asked, as he turned toward his brother who suddenly turned back and sputtered out a quick 'I agree'. Emmett simply smiled and turned back to Victor. "Well, I certainly have no objections. There's no need to rush into this."

[LadyLoki]

Victor was amused at how focused his now fiancé seemed to be on him, but a true smile appeared on his face when Russel agreed to spend some time with him. "I agree, there's plenty of time. It might be best for Russel to spend some time here, to learn the routines and what will be expected of him in court. More often than not, he'll be accompanying me." He said, before standing up and waiting for the two brothers to follow suit.

"I suspect you will need time to gather whatever items you want to bring with you, and put any affairs in order. I will await your arrival the day after tomorrow, let's say around noon." Victor smiled, before bowing slightly to the Russel and straightening to shake Emmett's hand. He showed the two to the door, before settling against it with a sigh.

At least the meeting had gone well enough. Russel seemed like he would be a good match. His mother would be pleased. After two days had passed, Victor found himself pacing in his study and waiting for Russel's imminent arrival. He was looking forward to getting to know the younger man, especially without the overbearing presence of a chaperone.

[LanceTheSpanko]

Russel smiled back at Victor as he spoke. He had good feelings that this relationship would work out. Victor seemed like a good person, and he seemed like a person that Russel could get along with. The younger man really looked forward to getting to know more about him.

But for now, he and Emmett had preparations to make. Emmett shook his hand, and Russel returned the bow, before they took their leave. The two days were mostly uneventful. Russel didn't have much to bring, and Emmett was the one who dealt with the majority of the things needed to be done before he moved.

When the time finally came, Russel gave his final goodbyes to Emmett before going back to Victor's home. He insisted that he go alone, so he stood at the front door with his small amount of luggage. He just stood for some time. This was such a big change in his life. He had always looked forward to this as a child, and now it was finally here. Was he worried Victor wouldn't like him? Maybe that's he was so hesitant. But he was already here, and there was no more stalling. So, with a final deep breath, he stepped forward and rang the doorbell.

[LadyLoki]

As soon as the doorbell rang, Victor heard the door open and he hurried to meet Russel in the doorway. It would have been terribly impolite not to do so. "Hello Russel, welcome." Victor greeted, before motioning for the butler to take Russel's meager luggage and put it in one of the guest rooms.

Of course, now that his future husband was standing in front of him, Victor realized he had no idea what to say. This was completely different than socializing with the court nobles. He couldn't mess this up, after all. "I hope that it wasn't too much trouble to pack." Was the best he could think of as he led the way to the more private parlor, in the back of the manor.

Victor settled on the couch, and motioned for the slightly younger man to join him. It was almost endearing how short Victor was, and Victor's mouth turned up in a smile. "I must admit, I find myself at a loss for what to say." He said quietly, trying to defuse any awkwardness. "I suppose we're going to be married, so there really shouldn't be a need for us to dance around each other like this." Victor's gaze focused on Russel's face, and studied it for a moment. "So tell me, what do you like to do in your free time?"

[LanceTheSpanko]

The door opened, and Russel grinned when he saw Victor on the other side. "Ah, good morning. Oh, thank you," he said, handing his bags over to the butler. Russel sighed and followed Victor into the building.

As they walked to the parlor, Russel looked around the halls. Everything was so... beautiful? Elegant? He wasn't sure how to describe it, it was all just so different from what he was used to. But he felt like he could get used to it. Or at least, he would have to, considering he now officially lived here.

Russel quickly sat down on the couch along with Victor. Their height difference was evident even as they were sitting, and Russel just kept his eyes on his lap nervously. He looked up when asked what he liked to do and gave the older man a smile. "Oh, well whenever I have time to myself I do like reading," he answered quickly.

[LadyLoki]

"You like to read?" Victor broke out into a smile, pleased. "I do as well. I keep a library in the back of the manor, I'd love to show it to you. My personal favorites are kept there, feel free to peruse any of the books." He offered, hoping to make Russel feel more at home.

it was interesting how much smaller Russel was, though perhaps Victor was just a giant. Victor leaned forward a bit, and placed a hand on Russel's shoulder while they sat together. It was a break in decorum, but Victor smiled and squeezed his hand comfortingly. "You don't have to be nervous. You're not going to say the wrong thing."

Victor pulled back, setting into the couch once again. "I dabble in painting myself, though I'm not very good." He admitted, chuckling. "A lot of my time does into work, or attending at court. It can be rather tiresome...though you'll find that out for yourself soon enough." Victor said, tapping his chin. "Your brother mentioned you would be attending, correct?"

[LanceTheSpanko]

Russel was glad the two of them found something they had in common so quickly. "Ah, it sounds lovely. I would be happy to," he answered with genuine excitement. He didn't have the biggest collection of books back home, and he was looking forward to seeing what kinds of books Victor enjoyed.

Russel nodded once Victor assured him and told him not to be nervous. The feeling didn't go away completely, but it did make him feel better. He was glad that his fiancé was so kind, and it put him more at ease. "Ah... thank you."

"Yes!" Victor answered, leaning towards Victor. He was interested in how the courts worked, as well as spending time with Victor. Although, he spoke a bit louder than he had planned. Once he realized, he shook his head and corrected himself. "I-I mean, yes, I would be glad to attend court with you."