#Gregory is their younger brother
Text
I'm working on an Au called Of Gods and Mortals. Or OGAM. Anyways this is y/n. They're the child of the king. It's an au based vaguely on Greek mythology. I have four gods that are sun and moon as well as two ocs, however I'll post them when I finish their designs
#different#y/n is only alive because of one of the gods#it's why a strand of their hair is white#and their right iris is purple#their eye that's covered is dark sclara with a white iris#Gregory is their younger brother#and they have a mentor that's also a seer. she's an oc. i have yet to post her or her OGAM au self yet tho#y/n hides their black and white eye because-#-they're afraid the kingdom will hate in the king if they learned the king's child was
0 notes
Note
Art request where golden Freddy(Cassidy and Evan) use an illusion disk on their animatronic, to look like their bodies and their also fused to the side/or hip/conjoin??
I tried my best with grasping the concept! Hope it matches what you were thinking :D
#fnaf#five nights at freddy's#fnaf cassidy#fnaf cc#crying child#cassidy#golden freddy#golden fredbear#fnaf evan#fnaf 4#I like to think CC’s name is Oliver#cassidy definitely protects him kinda like a big sister to a brother#I tried to make him look similar to gregory but eeeee#…also the eyepatch covers his eye cause its bye bye :)#Ollie’s also a little younger than Cassidy#buhh#art requests#my art
34 notes
·
View notes
Text
Reunion Of Sorts-Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader
(GIF credit to @mrsbridgerton)
Requested by anonymous: ‘Hi! If your requests are open I'd love to request an Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader where the reader's Simon's sister. Prompts 14 and 15 please? Thank you so much, your works are amazing!’
14) 'It's only good news depending on how you look at it.'
15) 'I just wouldn't have expected this!'
Characters: Anthony Bridgerton x Basset!Reader, Simon Basset x Basset!Reader (siblings), Daphne Bridgerton x Reader (platonic), mentions of Bridgerton family
Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name
Warnings: Just extreme fluff!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Are you quite alright, (Y/N)?" Simon asked his sister as they journeyed in their carriage.
(Y/N) had started fanning herself a little faster."I don't know why I'm so nervous. I just hope to make a good impression."
"Of course you will. I'm sorry you haven't met them sooner."
"I could have at least met your wife at the wedding, if I had been invited."
"We have been through this, (Y/N)."
"Yes, and I'm not trying to argue with you, Simon. I know you married in haste, and I know why, but you must admit, you've left this far too long. You have a son now!"
"You have been cooped up in that house with your matron as father intended. I think she would have had my head if I tried to get you out of there."
They laughed together.
"Simon?"
"Hm?"
"I am very excited to meet your wife and my nephew."
As usual, the Bridgerton house was abuzz with excitement and chaos. Eloise didn't understand why she had to dress up so much for this visit, Gregory and Hyacinth were bombarding everyone with questions about Simon's sister, Colin and Benedict tried but failed to escape the madness, Anthony watched everything unfold and Daphne nervously bounced her baby boy on her knee.
"Daphne, do not fret. His sister will love you." Anthony tried to reassure his sister.
"What if she's like their father? What if she heard all the rumours about us and judges me for it? Simon has never spoken of her, I have no idea what to expect."
"I met Simon's sister many, many years ago. She was nothing like the things you are dreading. (Y/N) was a lovely, respectable young lady, I'm sure she hasn't changed."
Daphne let a small smile grace her face, trying to convince herself that everything was fine. Simon had kept his family such a secret, she just wanted to ensure that his sister would want to stay and be part of theirs.
Simon playfully rolled his eyes as (Y/N) asked how she looked, not in vain, but in anxiety. Her dress was beautiful, her hair perfectly in place, her jewels glistened but they weren't ghastly, nothing was wrong. Her nerves were getting the better of her. Just as she was about to ask again, the carriage stopped. Simon chuckled at her panicked look, already stepping outside.
He held out his hand for her."You'll be absolutely fine. Just be you."
(Y/N) took a deep breath before taking her brother's hand, being extra cautious to not fall on her face, especially since the entire Bridgerton family were stood on their front steps.
As head of the household, Anthony was ready to start introductions, until (Y/N) lifted her head, showing her dazzling features. He had only admitted to himself that he had a fancy for her when he was younger, though who wouldn't? She was beautiful, smart and didn't try hard to impress anyone; she was just joyful to be around. (Y/N) had never pined for Anthony or tried to grab his attention at every moment, or any man for that matter. He definitely considered her a friend, he was somewhat angry at himself he hadn't written to her over the years. But seeing her now, it was a mystery as to why she hadn't been married yet? That was quickly solved when he remembered Simon was her brother.
Simon stuck beside his sister until Daphne stepped forward. They shared a short but loving kiss, before Simon took their son into his arms, cooing and laughing as the baby gurgled. (Y/N)'s heart melted at the sight.
"Oh, how we've missed you." Violet beamed, greeting her son-in-law.
"I apologise for the delay, the weather was not suitable for travelling. Nevertheless, everyone, this is my sister, (Y/N) Basset."
(Y/N) curtsied as all eyes were on her."Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful home. I have been so excited to meet you all."
"Well, why don't we go inside? We can have proper introductions in the warm." Daphne hid her nerves, presenting herself well.
Everyone agreed, leading (Y/N) inside. The family lined up like soldiers, with Anthony stepping forward to introduce everyone.
"I hope I don't have to reintroduce myself." he teased.
"Of course not, how could I forget you, Anthony? After all the trouble you and Simon got into?"
He chuckled, but cast a worried look towards his mother. He quickly continued.
"My mother, Violet, sisters Daphne, Eloise and Hyacinth, and my brothers, Benedict, Colin and Gregory."
"And your nephew." Simon added.
(Y/N) reached out a finger for the baby to hold."Yes, he's bigger than I thought he would be."
"Children do grow so fast." Violet said.
"But you're here now to see him grow." Daphne quickly added. "And we're all very happy that you're finally here."
Everyone knew that it was Simon who had kept (Y/N) away. He loved his sister with all his heart, which is why he never saw her; she was living a happy life, he didn't want to dampen that.
"The chefs have prepared a marvelous lunch. The table is all set if you are hungry now?" Voilet asked.
"Oh, yes, as long as everyone else is."
As soon as (Y/N) agreed, Colin, Eloise and the two youngest were off. They were starving, even though they had eaten only a few hours ago. (Y/N) giggled to the relief of the others. They slowly followed behind, but Simon was hesitant. (Y/N) gently nudged him forward.
"Go, see your family. I have all the time in the world to get to know Daphne."
Simon thanked her, still carrying his son as his other arm wrapped around his wife. Another arm appeared in front of (Y/N), ready for her to take it.
"May I escort you to the table?" Anthony said.
"Thank you, I much appreciate it."
They both knew they were being dramatic, though it was sweet of Anthony to make the gesture.
"How many years has it been?"
"Too many."
"I'm sorry your brother hasn't involved you. If the...situation between him and Daphne had been different, I know you would have been here straight away."
"I know. And I understand how stressful that all was. But as said before, I'm here now. I must say Anthony, I have missed you."
"Really? Even after all those times Simon and I riled you?"
"Yes. Although annoying, you both had your tender moments. I remember one evening, you and Simon were returning from your club, and you both had found yourselves in a quarrel with some other members. They followed you home, and I was waiting by the back gate to sneak you back inside. They were closer than expected, and do you remember some of the horrible things they said to me?"
"Unfortunately I do. And I unfortunately remember what happened next."
"It was very chivalrous for you to defend me, though you needn't have fought. Your nose wouldn't stop bleeding!"
"But you were right by my side, holding a handkerchief for me."
"Yes, because if you got blood on the carpets, you would have something worse than a bruised nose."
The pair were laughing to themselves as they walked into the dining room. Most were already seated. Anthony guided (Y/N) to her chair, next to Simon, who stood to tuck it in, but Anthony beat him to it. Simon watched his friend's moves very closely, knowing deep down that Anthony was just being polite; however, he wasn't too fond that they were sat opposite each other, able to gaze into each others eyes.
Simon tapped his glass with a knife once everyone was sat, standing with said glass in his hand."Before we begin eating, I would like to propose a toast."
Everyone immediately grabbed their own glasses, except Eloise, taking her time as she huffed; couldn't they at least toast after the meal?
"To my sister, (Y/N). I am so happy that you're here with me, with us. I'm sorry I haven't been a better brother but that will change now. And I can't wait for you to get to know this loving family, who made me one of their own, as I know they will you."
"To family." Benedict finished.
"To family." Everyone cheered.
"Now the food. Please." Eloise needed a plate in front of her.
All through lunch, Simon kept a close eye on his sister and Anthony. He was awful at keeping up with conversations, slow at eating, he just had a weird feeling when he glanced at them both. Simon constantly apologised to Daphne, blaming the long journey for his daydreaming.
However, Anthony and (Y/N) might as well have been dining at their own table. They were in full conversation, of course others chimed in to join, but they couldn't stop reflecting on the past and laughing. It was impossible to not notice how well they were getting along, and Violet had a glint in her eye as she saw how much Anthony was smiling. He never smiled this much, and the way he was looking at (Y/N) reminded her of how her husband used to look at her.
After dinner, they retired to the drawing room, sipping on fresh lemonade as Hyacinth showed off her new skill on the piano. Simon sat with his child in his lap, Daphne by his side, and although he was thoroughly enjoying the time with his family, he couldn't stop gazing over at his sister.
Unsurprisingly, (Y/N) and Anthony were cosied up, still smiling ear to ear as they continued talking. How could they have so much to talk about?
"Let's put him to bed Simon, for a nap. He's getting fussy." Daphne interrupted his thoughts.
Simon didn't want to cause a scene, agreeing to put their son down together. Even as they left the room, Simon's eyes lingered, and he immediately became tense once they were out of sight.
"Has my brother dazzled you?"
Simon was quiet as he laid down his son."Hm?"
"Well you haven't stopped staring at him all night."
He sighed."Was I that obvious?"
"You were indeed. Would it be so bad?"
"What?"
"Would it be so bad if my brother loved your sister?"
"Daphne-"
"Has he been disrespectful? Has he done her wrong? Has he done anything that we did?"
He was stumped. Although his brotherly instincts were kicking in, wanting to protect (Y/N), realistically he knew Anthony would never hurt her. Anthony was trustworthy, he knew him inside out and just from tonight, there was something there.
Simon didn't reply, but Daphne knew he wasn't ignoring her. She could see him thinking it all over as he walked to the window.
"It's only good news depending on how you look at it."
"I know, but it will be fine-"
"No, look!"
Daphne quickly joined her husband at the window, trying to see what he was looking at. Down in the gardens was Anthony and (Y/N) taking a stroll. The pair were lit by the setting sun which was casting a beautiful orange and pink glow across the garden. Although they had not stopped talking through the afternoon, now they were silent, both silently worrying that the other had no more to say.
"(Y/N)-"
"Anthony-"
The spoke at the same time, pausing for a moment before laughing. Anthony said nothing, being a gentleman and letting (Y/N) speak.
"I was just going to say how much I have enjoyed our time together. It feels as if no time has passed since the last time I saw you."
"How long will you stay?"
"Sorry?"
"Well, are you staying for a short visit? Or perhaps an extended time?"
"Simon and I have not discussed that as of yet. I am to be staying with a friend of mine who lives in the Ton, so I shall be here for a little while."
Anthony couldn't help but smile."Good, that is good news."
They were quiet again as they continued walking, only taking small steps as they wee nearing the end of the garden. They were standing close to one another, and although they had linked arms before and been sat on the plush sofas, this held more tension. Perhaps it was the way neither of them wanted to startle the other, despite their desperate want for affection. As their minds drifted off to where this was leading, their hands ever so delicately brushed. Both were startled, halting their steps and looking at each other.
"My apologies-"
"Anthony, it's fine. I...I just wouldn't have expected this."
Anthony thought for a moment, glancing down at their hands that were no longer close. He didn't like it. He wanted to be bold and take the next step, even if it was just holding one another's hand. But this was Simon Basset's sister. And it was (Y/N), who he had the upmost respect for.
"Miss Basset?"
"Anthony, why are you calling me that?"
"May I enquire into the address of your new lodgings?"
"Yes? Why?"
"So that I may call on you in the morning?"
#anthony bridgerton#anthony bridgerton imagine#anthony bridgerton imagines#anthony bridgerton x reader#anthony bridgerton one shot#anthony bridgerton fanfic#anthony bridgerton fan fic#anthony bridgerton fanfiction#anthony bridgerton fan fiction#bridgerton#bridgerton imagine#bridgerton imagines#bridgerton one shot#bridgerton x reader#bridgerton fanfic#bridgerton fan fic#bridgerton fanfiction#bridgerton fan fiction
2K notes
·
View notes
Text
Are you jealous?
Melissa schemmenti x fem!reader
Summary: Reader is shy and feels like Melissa is far to out of their league, but with enough nagging from Ava, and the presence of Gary, they finally tell Melissa how they feel.
Warnings: fluff, minor angst, jealous reader, comfort, Gary (for the plot only), my failed attempt at humour, Ava and readers are besties, Most of this was wrote at 3am, first time posting my fics on here, I’m trying my best.
*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*
“I think you should tell her” Ava suggested, “why, so she can laugh in my face and ruin the perfectly good relationship we have? Yeah, No thanks.” You joked slumping further into your chair.
When you had joined Abbott you had instantly fell in love with the people there, janine, although she could sometimes be annoying at times, you know she means well by it all. Jacob was like a brother to you, he was nerdy and sometimes ruined a joke or two, but for the most part he was caring. Gregory took some time to open to you, but when he finally did, he was surprisingly funny and good to be around. Barbara was one of the kindest people you had met in your life, you saw how she mothers the younger teachers, Janine mostly, and it was sweet and admittedly wholesome to be around.
Melissa was at first cold and icy toward you, which you later learned that was normal for her, but eventually she warmed up to you. After some time she started to bring in cannolis from your favourite bakery, more recently though she started to even bring in home cooked lunches for you. She was sweet and you admired her, but eventually you realised after a while, that you had developed a crush on her. You knew she wouldn’t like you like that though, You were quiet and awkward, while she was strong and confident, not to mention gorgeous, and so you figured a woman like her, a woman who deserves the best, wouldn’t settle for a person like you. But that was fine, if friendship was all you could have, you were fine with that but, a date or two would be nice though.
Ava was your best friend at Abbott and the only person that knew about your little crush on the second grade teacher. When you first met Ava she thought you were like Jacob or janine, more on the awkward side, but when she ran into you one night clubbing, she found that you weren’t at all like you were at school.
That was why you were currently sat in Ava’s office sulking in the chair across from her desk. “But what if she feels the same though? I mean, your hot, so I don’t see why she wouldn’t” Ava said putting her feet onto her desk. “How could Melissa Schemmenti like me?” You questioned. “Oh come on? What are you gonna wait till someone else swipes her up? Girl c’mon live a little, you can’t avoid her forever” Ava asked, her face now serious. “Cause have you seen that vending machine guy? he’s been makin’ moves on your lady” she continued. “He has?” You turned to her with wide eyes, normally you would be in the break room at lunch but since your realisation you’ve been staying in your classroom as of late, not that you don’t want to be near Melissa, but you thought that if you distanced yourself, your feelings would eventually go away.
“But what if she doesn’t feel the same?” You questioned, concern filling your face. “But what if she does though?” Ava countered, The bell rang as she finished. Letting out a sigh you finally agreed with Ava, “alright, we’ll I’ve got to go get my kids from the gym” You pushed yourself up from your chair and walked out of your friends office.
*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*·.·*
The next period ran over quicker than you thought it would. You were dreading going to lunch. You knew Melissa would never like you and yet after talking to Ava you somehow gained this false hope that if you asked Melissa out before Gary did, then maybe, you had a chance.
Finally, after many minutes of persuasion you went into the break room, you only saw Barbara at first, but then you saw…him. You had forgot Gary stocked the vending machine today, you saw the questioning look sent your way from Barbara, you walked straight over to the counter and grabbed your cup out of the cupboard and started to make a coffee, as you waited for the drink to finish you began overthinking everything, you knew you should have never thought you had a chance, it was obvious that Gary liked Melissa and of course she would like him back, he was good looking and he was sweet and thoughtful. Barbara had said it herself a while back, even she saw that they would be perfect together, and how could Barbara Howard be wrong?
The beep of the machine in front of you rang through your ears as you broke out of your thoughts. Grabbing the cup you tried to get out of the room as fast as you could. Opening the door you almost bumped into someone, it was Melissa.
“hey hon, slow down, your gonna trip over someone-” The second grade teacher hushed, “hon, are you alright?” She continued. The care in her voice sent a pang of pain to your heart, you didn’t want to avoid her anymore, but you knew it was for the best. “Yeah Mel, I’m fine” you rushed past her, practically running to your classroom.
You slammed the door behind you and slumped down in your chair. You threw your head back and let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding. Not long after, you heard a knock on your door and you groaned at having to talk to someone when you were on the verge of tears.
“Go away Ava” you murmured, with your eyes closed. You heard the door open and you began to speak again “Ava I’m not in the mood-” when you opened your eyes you had realised your mistake. “Oh- Um, hey Mel, sorry I thought you were Ava coming to talk about one of the student’s dad or whatever” you half laughed trying to seem alright in front of the redhead. Mel perched herself on the side of your desk, crossing her arms. “care to tell me why you haven’t been coming to lunch?” She questioned with a raised brow. “I- I’m just catching up on marking”
You weren’t necessarily lying when you said that. Most off your time was actually spent grading papers, while the rest was spent either sleeping or wallowing in your own self pity. “For two weeks straight?” She frowned at your petty excuse. “Tell me what’s wrong Hon, please” she pleaded with you, but you couldn’t look at her, “why do you care, shouldn’t you be with Gary” the words left your tongue like venom, the very Mention of the man made your fist clench and your heart ache. “Why would I be with Gary?” She questioned, confused at the relevance he had in all of this. “I don’t know, maybe because you always are.” You mumbled, jealousy taking over your words. “Oh c’mon that’s not true and you know it” She reasoned. “Oh please, every time he’s here, you only talk to him.” You retorted.
Melissa grew silent after that, as she re shifted her focus to your face. You felt you face flush beat red under her unrelenting gaze. After a while, her furrowed brow raised as a smirk grew on her face. Melissa stood from her seated position on the side of your desk and sauntered her way toward you. As she stopped in front of you, she lent down and grabbed both of the arms on the chair. With her arms trapping you and her legs either sides of your now closed knees, you were practically unable to move.
“Are you jealous, hun?” She asked, the humour in her voice evident. “I-uh…No, why would I be?” You stuttered out, knowing you did not seem convincing at all, as you looked down and away from the woman. You felt one of her hands grasp your chin in her hand and forced you to look her in the eyes, “I want your eyes on me, sweetheart” she practically growled, “now, are you jealous of Gary?” She asked again, her voice significantly lower than before. You contemplated on lying to her again, but as you stared into her piecing eyes, you felt you brain go foggy from her close proximity.
“Well, I- uh…maybe, yes” you mumbled as you stared at her with an anxious look, “I- I like you Melissa, like really like you” Melissa’s eyes softened, as she smiled. “That’s good to know” she chuckled. Suddenly you felt Melissa’s lips meet yours, you froze at the sudden action but melted in to her soft touch shortly after. You whined as she pulled away with a smirk. “I like you too by the way” she laughed again at seeing the adoring look on your features. “Wait but I thought you liked Gary?” You questioned. “Oh please, sure he’s nice, but you? Your amazing hun, I’ve practically liked you ever since you got here” Melissa smiled sweetly at you. “I’ve like you since you got here too” you grinned back at her.
“I was thinking, how bout this weekend you could come over to mine and we can have dinner?” She asked, sounding very small as she spoke. You smiled at her hoping to comfort her, “I would love to Mel." She rose to a standing position, she kissed the top of your head as she did so. “I’ll see you later, hun” You watched as she left and you smiled to yourself at the feeling of lips that still lingered on both the top of your head and your own lips. You spun in your chair at the thought of dinner with Melissa.
Once you turned to the direction of the door, you saw Ava’s head appear from around the doorframe. As she walked in to the room you the look she was giving you, “tell me everything” she gasped with shared excitement.
#melissa schemmenti x reader#melissa schemmenti x y/n#melissa schemmenti x you#melissa schemmenti#lisa ann walter#melissa schemmenti imagine#wlw#fluff#light angst#comfort#abbott elementary
318 notes
·
View notes
Text
since when? (a. bridgerton x reader)
You grew up with the Bridgertons and for the longest time, Anthony thought of you as a friend…since when did he look at you differently? (friends to lovers, slow burn, the Bridgertons being the best wing men, you look at him but he’s already looking at you….)
helpful links: navigation | master lists | rules and guidelines | tag list | fic recs
It was no secret among the Ton that your family was a dear friend to the Bridgertons. Your mother and Violet Bridgerton have been friends since they were children. They shared paper crowns, secrets, joys, and sorrows. They got married in the same year and soon enough, your mother was helping Violet as she birthed Anthony and then Benedict. Soon, it was Violet who helped your mother as she birthed her only child, you.
The Bridgerton household has always been big and it provided your parents some comfort to know that you won’t have to grow up alone. You’d always be surrounded by the Bridgertons and you were. Many a time, the older brothers would sneak into your gardens to tease you while you played with your dolls, a picnic blanket laid on the grass as you waited for Violet to bring Daphne.
“You know, there are other games than dolls,” Colin would tease, his nose scrunching. “Anthony loves to play pall mall. Maybe you’d beat him,”
“Hey! No one can beat me,” Anthony would scold, taking a doll from your hand.
“Anthony! Give me back my doll!” you’d call and he’d run away from you, cackling evilly while his younger brothers inspected your toys curiously. When you’d grow tired, you’d sit on the porch of your house and cry until Anthony came over to you with an apologetic look on his face.
“You took my doll, Anthony! You can’t make girls cry! You can’t make your friend cry too!” you’d sob but Anthony would utter a string of apologies that you’d accept. “I’m your friend, right?”
“Of course. I’m sorry for making you cry,” he’d say. Later in the day, he’d force Benedict to give one of the servants a box of cookies for you and in the morning, he’d sneak off again to see you happily munching on them. He’d steal a piece or two of course, but as a punishment, you’d force him to stay and have a tea party with you.
When you grew older, Anthony was still playful. When he’d bring his friends over while you were having tea with Daphne, he’d pull a face and would ask “What are you doing here again? Do you not have a home?”
“I could say the same,” you shrugged. You were teenagers now and the blows just got better. “With the amount of time you spend in our house, one would think that your family hates you. Guess, I’m right,” you shrugged, the same amount of sarcasm.
“Don’t mind him,” Daphne would say, rolling her eyes. “He’s sulky whenever you’re not around,”
“He’s probably annoyed because he’a got no one to annoy, Daph,” you replied, sipping on tea. She’d smile at you and you’d smile back at the girl whom you’ve always loved as a little sister. “It’s been a while since all of us got together but I understand, of course. The boys have their education to attend to and us…well, we have pianoforte and needlework,”
“They will be coming back soon for a break,” Daphne says. “Perhaps we can all have a picnic?”
And so you all attended a picnic together. It was a summer’s day, families were setting up their own tents in the park for a lovely afternoon. It was unusual to see your family’s tent and the Bridgertons’ right beside each other.
“What is it you’re reading?” Benedict asked, when he saw you. He just got back from schooling two days ago and was back to his old antics.
“Nothing worth mentioning since you can’t read,” you replied with a smile hiding behind the book. “Gregory’s still so young but I bet he can read way better,”
“Hey!” he scolds. “If you must know, I was the best reader in my class as a young boy,”
You laughed. “How have you been, Ben?” You’ve always been softer on Ben and Colin. They’d bother you like brothers did but they never made you cry as a child.
“Same old,” he shrugs, sitting next to you. “I took art history and art as a course for my studies this year,”
“And?”
“I plan on pursuing it,” Ben says. You smiled proudly at him.
“That’s great, Benedict. My husband and I would like to commission you for a painting in the future,” you said. “When you’re famous, please give me a friendly rate!”
“You don’t even have a husband yet,” Benedict shrugged. “Besides, maybe it’ll be your husband who’s going to finance my artistic pursuits,” he hinted and you tilted your head, confused.
“I don’t have a husband…” you trailed off, making Benedict laugh as he saw the gears in your head turning.
“I jest!” he says, making you laugh.
“You are insufferable, Benedict Bridgerton!”
“You are as clueless as I am insufferable,”
-
It didn’t take long enough for you to make your debut and enter society. It was a big commotion inside your house but a quiet one amongst the Ton. It unnerved you because you were still young. How could your mother not see that you didn’t want to marry yet? She told you that you’d been putting it off for years; now that you were not a teenager. Two and twenty…a little too late to debut but who cared? You were the most beautiful debutante the Ton has ever seen…or at least someone thought so.
“Stop your staring, brother or flies will get inside your mouth,” Colin whispered, leaning ever so slightly to Anthony.
“I am not staring! I’m only surprised,” Anthony replied.
“Well, no one should be surprised,” Benedict added. “She’s of age and she needs to find a husband. Could you imagine? If she marries this year, we could have a little baby to bother next year. Oh, I so want to become an uncle!”
You were looking around nervously. You’ve always hated big gatherings and Lady Danbury’s ball was enormous. At the sight of your three friends, you visibly relaxed, excusing yourself from the gentlemen who approached you (quite rudely) to make a beeline towards them.
“Oh, God. I’m so glad you’re here!” you breathed.
“Lady Danbury would have our eyes for breakfast if we do not attend,” Colin replied. “You look beautiful!”
“Thank you, Colin,” you said, scrunching your nose. You weren’t unfamiliar with Colin’s compliments now and then. He never found it troublesome to say the words one needed to hear to feel comfortable, if not good.
“I was just talking about how much I want to become an uncle,” Benedict said. “Anthony doesn’t want to marry, Daphne’s too young…”
“And you’ve taken me as an unwilling volunteer of your aspirations,” you finished for him, making him chuckle.
“Well, that might be the case. Have you ever had champagne? Libations are usually free-flowing in events like these,” Benedict winked. “In fact, let’s go get champagne after we dance. Come,” he says, extending his hand toward you. You smiled brightly and accepted with your gloved hand, allowing Benedict to lead you to the dancefloor.
“Tsk tsk,” Colin chides Anthony who has not said a word since your arrival. “She’s beautiful, is she not?”
“I suppose,” he mutters before taking an exit.
-
Upon hearing the news that you have debuted, the girls rushed to your house to hear about last night.
“Did you meet anyone?” Daphne asked eagerly.
“No one,” you replied, seeing as Daphne deflated, you tried to brighten her spirits up. “But…it’s only the first ball. There are many other balls to attend to and bachelors to meet,”
“Are Lady Danbury’s ball as great as everyone makes it out to be?” Francesca asked. “Where are your callers?”
“It is,” you nodded. “I have not danced with anyone last night but Benedict and Colin,” you shared.
Daphne, Eloise, and Francesca were all excited for you. Daphne, mostly, who has always looked up to you as her older sister. Now that you’ve made your debut to society, it could be real. You could finally be her sister.
“And Anthony?” she asked.
“He was brooding the whole night,” you chuckled. “As he always does,”
“I hope whoever you marry is at least smart,” Eloise commented from her chair. “Someone smart enough to hold a conversation…definitely not one of my brothers,”
“Eloise!” you scolded playfully.
“What? It is true,” she shrugged, a glint in her eye.
In a few hours, Anthony comes to fetch his sister. You had been answering the younger girls’ questions patiently, keeping them entertained as you showed them your dresses for the season. Eloise was in the drawing room, drowning herself in her writing.
“Where’s Daphne and Francesca?” Anthony asked.
“Hello to you too, brother,” Eloise greeted. “They’re in Y/N’s bedchamber. She’s showing them some dresses and other things for the season,”
Anthony hummed and made a beeline for your room. It was wide open, your giggles heard in the corridor. Eloise was hot on his tails, trying to see the commotion for herself.
“I hope you’re not giving my sisters any ideas,” he says, leaning on your doorframe. In all of the years he’s known you, he’s never seen your bedchamber. His eyes were darting around quickly, taking note of your books, your table, and paraphernalia that embodied who you were.
“Anthony!” you greet. “Ow!”
He looks at you in alarm, laughing when Francesca apologizes for stepping on your shoes as you taught her how to dance.
“What are you doing, Francesca?” he asked, back straightening to walk inside but he stopped himself, afraid to cross any boundaries. It was Eloise who literally had to shove him slightly.
“It’s okay, Anthony,” you smiled. “I was teaching your sisters how to dance. I’m a great dancer, you know? I can teach you…so you won’t have to step on a poor girl’s foot while you dance,” you teased.
Three girls waited in anticipation but Anthony said nothing.
“No reply?” you asked. “It must be my lucky day, girls.”
“Not that it’s any of my concern but I’m afraid I’m a far better dancer than you’ll ever be. Perhaps, it is I who should teach you? Benedict complained all night because of your dancing,”
“He did not!”
“He did,” he teased, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Come along, sisters. Mother wants us all for dinner,”
That night, when the three sisters were huddled in the library quietly, they all agreed how wonderful it would be to have you as a part of the family. Unbeknownst to them, their two older brothers also agree.
-
Anthony peeked outside the window, noticing the line of carriages on the street.
“What’s the commotion outside?” he asked, no one in particular.
“Didn’t you know? Our Y/N was the talk of the ball last night,” Benedict replied. “Such a shame you weren’t there, Anthony. She was seen making an acquaintance with a businessman. He asked if he could call on her today and her mother said yes. Her dance card was filled to the brim, I almost wasn’t able to dance with her,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as he watched Anthony. He wasn’t lying, you told him all about it and showed him your dance card. You complained at how tired you were while you both danced. “Maybe we’ll have a nephew or a niece soon, hmm?”
“Can you go accompany me later, Anthony? I want to go to her and see all of these gifts!” Daphne asked. “Do you think someone gifted her a dog?”
“Ask Benedict or Colin to come with you,” he replied sourly.
“I can’t…I have a prior commitment,” Benedict lied. “with Colin,”
“Ah, yes,” Colin added. “I am ready to go to the farm, brother,”
“Come on, Anthony. You could just take me there and leave me. You can come back in a couple of hours!” Daphne begged.
Anthont relented before walking off. He didn’t see how his younger siblings smirked at each other.
Afternoon came and you were tired. You were sitting lazily on the loveseat amongst gift boxes you have yet to open. Luckily, no one gifted you with a dog.
“Y/N!” Daphne called and you smiled, fixing your posture slightly to greet her. “Your gifts! They’re so many!”
“Hello, Daphne,” you greeted. “Anthony, you’re here,”
“Daphne dragged me,” he said, taking a piece of chocolate from the box given to you by some gentleman before plopping down in front of you. “Don’t mind me.”
You looked at Daphne who shrugged.
“Do you want to open them with me?” you asked her, sitting up. “I need your help, you know and you can take whatever you might like,”
“Really?” she asked eagerly. “You’re certain? These might cost a fortune and you’re giving it away?”
“Yes,” you nod. “You can take some for Francesca, Eloise, and Hyacinth too. Besides, you’ll be helping me out. None of these would fit in my room,”
Daphne nods excitedly and picks a box from a shop she knew. She gasped as she takes out a music box with a man and a woman dancing in the middle. She turns the crank and hears a sweet melody.
“Look! The female dancer looks like you,” she says. She digs the box for anything and reads out a card. “Thank you for keeping me company and for making me feel welcomed. Sincerely, A.S..?”
“Alfred,” you told her. Anthony was secretly listening to your conversation. You were on a first name basis now? It annoyed him, he didn’t know why. “We danced last night,”
“What does he look like? Is he handsome?”
“He is!” you giggled, putting away the box that you just opened. “He looks quite intimidating and has a brusque way of speaking but he’s gentle.”
“What are the color of his eyes?” she asked.
“Gray…with hazel and blue,” you replied. “It looks like a dark blue from afar but when you’re closer, you’ll see specks of other colors too,”
“I wish to meet him,”
“Daphne!” Anthony scolded after listening.
“Sorry,” she apologized, a frown on her face.
“It’s okay,” you assured. “You can meet him some other time.”
The Ton fully believed that you were courting. Sightings of you and Alfred around London had been common. You’d have your hands wrapped around his arm while your maid trailed behind. People were so sure that you were courting. How could they not? He was always calling on you or has been seen dancing with you multiple times. It didn’t help that Alfred only danced with you during balls. It didn’t help at all.
“Y/N has been spending so much time with that Alfred lately,” Colin remarked. “They’re always huddled by the dance floor, laughing among themselves. If they weren’t dancing, you’d be certain that they’d be together,”
Colin looked at Benedict discreetly. Daphne and her sisters watched Anthony.
“Maybe there will be a nephew or a niece after all,” Anthony replied with a strained voice. His throat ached as he suppressed an emotion that bubbled in his chest.
The Bridgertons could not be any more wrong. On your first meeting with Alfred, he admitted that he had a girl he loved back home. He hasn’t told her yet, still building his business to fully support her. He only attended this social season to expand his business and had made your acquaintance because your father invested a sum in his business. You both agreed to keep a ruse that you were courting. You weren’t looking to marry and he didn’t want any mamas vulturing him.
He’d been successful in gathering investors. He told you all about his travels and about the woman he left home. He said that they’d visit you sometime soon. Meanwhile, you showed him to London’s high society. You told your father to invite him to his club. He liked dancing and had thought of you as a suitable dance partner. Your parents never minded. The more you spent time with Alfred, the more suitors you had. You’d never know exactly why but Alfred has been telling everyone that you were warm, comforting, and kind.
One afternoon, you were seen with Alfred again, not knowing that the Bridgertons were there in the park too. It was nothing formal. Alfred showed up at your door, asking if you had any plans this afternoon. You said no and asked if you’d like to accompany him to the park. He’ll be leaving in a few days and wanted to spend more time with you before he left.
Anthont watched from the tent as you passed by. You were so consumed with some joke that you didn’t notice the tent.
“Is that Y/N and Sir Alfred?” Daphne asked. “He’s as handsome as she described him! Franscesca, look! I’m going to say hello,” she declared before gathering herself. Anthony ran after his sister who was more than excited to be introduced to the man who had occupied your time. Maybe it was Daphne but maybe it was because he needed to know but either way, he followed.
“Y/N!” Daphne called and you stopped, smiling widely as Daphne neared. You also threw a quick smile towards Anthony.
“Hello, Daphne,” you greeted. “I didn’t know you were here. Had I known, I would have dropped by,”
“It’s alright. I just wanted to say hello to you and…”
Your eyebrows rose and you chuckled.
“Alfred,” your friend introduced himself. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Bridgerton. Y/N has talked so greatly about you. Good afternoon, Viscount Bridgerton,” he greeted and Anthony returned the greeting.
“Alfie—Alfred, you’ve yet to meet the others,” you smiled up at him. Anthony’s heart clenched. Alfie?
“Hey! I told you to stop calling me that,” he chastised playfully. “It ruins my reputation,”
“I apologize, sir Alfie,” you teased. “Anyhow, this is Daphne and Anthony. They’ve been my friends since we were children. They’re like my siblings,”
Alfred’s eyebrows shot up. Maybe to all of them…but that label was disliked by someone. He was looking at him right now.
“Would it be a bother if I introduced Alfred to the rest of the family?” you asked. Daphne shook her head, taking your hand immediately to bring you to their tent, Alfred and Anthony in tow.
“Y/N’s here!” Daphne announced. “She brought Sir Alfred with her,”
“Sorry for the intrusion, everyone,” you apologized. Anthony was about to say that it wasn’t a bother at all. He saw how his siblings’ faces lit up when they saw you. “Everyone, meet sir Alfred. Alfred, meet everyone,”
Everyone introduced themselves. Alfred was charming and perfect for you. Anthony could see that and it made him uncomfortable. He’d been denying the fact for so long and he will continue to do so.
“Alfred is very favorable, is he not?” Violet commented when you both left. You had to go attend an opera show with Alfred for the evening. “Such a handsome man who seems to care deeply for our Y/N. Do you think they’ll be engaged soon?”
“I believe someone else is perfect for our Y/N,” Benedict spoke. “Alfred may be as you described him, mother but I see nothing but friendship between the two of them. Trust me,”
-
The simple bracelet dangling on your arm made Anthony question Benedict. You told Daphne that you weren’t feeling well today because Alfred left last night. As a parting gift, he gave you a bracelet with a simple pendant. Daphne recalled how puffy your eyes were when she visited. It was obvious that you both held each other dearly. You were just too sad to see him go.
Anthony took it upon himself to light your spirits up again. After a morning of appeasing your callers, Anthony put it upon himself to sit by the garden seen right outside of your drawing room. You knew he was there, he always liked to sit by the swings. You walked towards him and he looked up.
“Why are you here?” you asked.
“I’ve noticed how sad you’ve been since your…Sir Alfred left London,” he said. “So, I thought…why must I let you suffer any longer? Let’s have tea in that place you like. I’ll pay for everything,”
“What happened to Anthony Bridgerton?” you asked and he chuckled.
“We’ve been friends way before we learned how to walk. Besides, banter gets boring, don’t you agree?” he asked, extending his arm for you to take. “You know what? I’ll even listen to you. Just for a day,”
“You will?” you asked, attaching your hand on his arm. “Wait—my maid—“
“It’s okay. Everything has been taken care of,” he said. “Let’s go,”
The Bridgerton carriage waited for you both and he let you in. The ride to the town square was quiet. If anyone understood your plight, it was Anthony. Besides, who would he tell? The gossip papers? Certainly not.
Sitting across from him in a secluded table in the tea shop with finger food and tea before you, you decided to speak.
“Alfred and I weren’t courting,” you confessed, sipping your tea. Anthony feels the constriction in his chest loosen. As if he hadn’t been breathing properly before your confession.
“Pardon?” he asked, setting down the cucumber sandwich that he was eating. “You’re not courting? Then…what about your dances? Everyone was waiting for the two of you to wed. You do know that you aren’t fooling me, right?”
You chuckled.
“He has a sweetheart back home,” you said and Anthony’s hands clenched. How could someone like Alfred fool you? “It’s not like that…before you declare war. Listen to me, alright?”
“Alright,”
“He and I thought of a ruse that we’re courting. I don’t want to be married yet, Anthony. You know more than anyone that I’m in no rush. He didn’t want to be surrounded by debutantes and mothers who asked him for a dance. He was only here to expand his business by looking for more investors,” you said coolly. You looked at Anthony’s furrowed brows. “I know I should have told you but we both agreed to keep it between us. The fewer people involved, the more effective. He and I are friends and nothing but,”
“What about the music box and your bracelet?” he asked. He wanted to take the words back if he could. It showed that he paid attention and it bothered him.
“Oh…” you stuttered, looking away. “The music box was a gift from him. A gift for agreeing with everything. The bracelet…well, it’s the same. It’s a parting gift for our friendship. We both have the same bracelet with the same gem. I was sad to see him leave but more than anything, I’m looking forward to his next return with the woman he loves. Did you know he’s going to confess his feelings? If everything goes well, he'll ask her hand for marriage.” you said and Anthony knew that it was the truth. Your eyes sparkled as you talked about Alfred’s possible marriage.
“It’s what I want for myself,” you spoke. “I want to marry under those circumstances and not because of practicality or…whatever it is. I am expected to marry someone with a rank…someone from a good family. I am an only child but I do not want to be restricted by my responsibilities,”
“I see,” was his pensive reply. “We haven’t danced yet. Did you know that?”
“I am well aware,” you acknowledged. “The last ball will be soon. Would you care for a dance, Viscount Bridgerton?”
“I would,”
-
Anthony went home that day humming.
Violet was alarmed…he has never seen Anthony so carefree since Edmund’s tragic death. His brothers were amused and his sisters were confused. They were all so used to a brooding Anthony.
“Anthony, is everything alright?” Violet Bridgerton asked. Anthony halts his step, sitting on his own chair.
“Of course,” he says. “It’s a wonderful day, is it not?”
“I suppose so,” his mother replies. “Would you like some tea before dinner? I can make you a cup,”
“It’s quite alright, mother. Y/N and I just had tea,” he shrugged. Daphne’s piano stopped playing and Anthony could feel eyes on him.
“You and who?” Benedict asked.
“Y/N and I,” Anthony replied. “Why are you all looking at me? Is something the matter?”
“No but usually you’d ask me to come—“ Daphne stops as her mother looks at her pointedly. Anthony was in good spirits and it is therefore favorable for everyone if his good mood persists.
“Of course, dear sister but remember, she and I are good friends. I just decided to ask her to spend the afternoon with after Sir Alfred’s departure,” Anthony replied. They didn’t know what he knew.
“Such a shame,” Eloise added. “I thought for sure they’ll be married by the end of the season,”
“What?” Anthony asked, an edge in his voice. Violet’s eyes rolled, annoyed that Eloise might have ruined Anthony’s mood. “Why must she marry him? There are other bachelors in London who suit her better,” he says. “Besides, they are friends,”
“What about the bracelet he gave her? Did you know he has the same one?” Daphne asked.
“Would you rather her marry somebody from outside London and see her rarely or marry someone close and see her often?” Anthony asked. Everyone stayed silent, it seemed as though the Viscount himself hadn't realized his feelings. “Exactly. Anyhow, thank you for your interrogation. I will be in my study to oversee some matters,”
He says, kissing his mother’s head before walking off.
“If that is what Y/N can do to Anthony, I would really want her to be married to him,” Francesca says, earning a few nods from her siblings.
-
The last ball of the season came and Anthony was dressed in his best clothes. He went to his barber before going to the tailor to have his clothes altered perfectly. He was in the ballroom, awaiting your arrival. Before leaving that afternoon, you both agreed to look your best.
Your mother soon comes with you behind her. You were donned in Anthony’s favorite color, butterflies and flowers embroidered in the dress. Jewels were in place, your hair falling in all the right places. Anthony thought that you looked ethereal.
He waited until you saw him, eyes brightening. He smiled, walking towards you. He forgot his brothers who stood behind him. He’d love nothing more than to have your first and last dances.
“Anthony,” you greeted. He takes your hand and kisses your gloved hands.
“You look beautiful,” he says.
“Does that mean I’m not beautiful on a regular day?” you teased. “You look just as handsome, Anthony,”
“Shall we dance?” he asked and you nodded, allowing him to escort you to the dance floor. Anthony looks into your eyes as lilting music starts. Soft murmurs in the crowd fade away. It’s the first time he’s seen you so, so close. There was a faint smile playing on your lips and he found himself smiling too. “Do you remember, when we were younger, our dance teachers would pair us together?”
“And I remember being the better dancer,” you boasted. “Is this how you teach?”
“No,” he replied, finding his hand on your hip, the feeling of the fabric soft against his skin. “I concede. You are the superior dancer,”
You beamed. Anthony thought that he’d let himself lose in your arguments to see you smile like that again.
“Maybe I should teach you…so you wouldn’t have to embarrass yourself in front of other debutantes,” you offered.
“Why should I learn how to dance with others when I’m perfectly fine with my dance partner?” Anthony asked. “It’s just…one, two, step. Remember?”
“Of course, I do,” you replied. “I remember Miss Rutherford scolding you for stepping on my toes,”
Anthony laughed. “You will never let that down, will you?”
“Of course not. Banter may get boring but I find it most pleasurable to see you agitated,” you replied. “Do I…agitate you?” you asked, swallowing thickly. Anthony could feel your breath on his face.
“You do,” he replied. “Is that good?”
“Very,”
-
“How was your dance?” Benedict asked. “Did you all know that he and Y/N danced last night? Laughing among themselves?”
“You did?” Francesca asked, excited.
“He left us when he saw her. I think Anthony forgot that he was supposed to be with his brothers,” Colin teased.
“I don’t see the matter,” Anthony replied, swallowing his breakfast. “You have both danced with Y/N. I did too. We are friends,”
“Of course,” Colin replied. “Only…you had your eyes glued on her last night. You shared your last dance together. Mother had to separate the two of you beside the refreshments table because you were too busy giggling among yourselves,”
“I for one would love it if Y/N became a part of our family,” Eloise remarked.
“Isn’t she already a part of it? We all grew up together. Why is everyone acting absurd?” Anthony asked but he knew. He couldn’t stop thinking about you these days. Last night, he tossed and turned in his bed because he couldn’t stop his heart fluttering from the recent events. He remembered the relief he felt when you told him about your ruse with Alfred. He remembered how much he enjoyed his banter with you over the years…most especially recently. He has always seen you as a friend. Since when has he looked at you in a different light? His mouth ran dry, gulping the cold water to calm his nerves. Was this true?
“I would like to visit Y/N,” Daphne announced and Anthony sputtered. He coughs to clear his throat. “Would you accompany me, Anthony?”
“I could not,” he lied. How would he react if he saw you unbothered? How would he react if he saw you again? “I have matters to attend to. Ask Benedict or Colin to take you instead,”
-
Anthony sat in his office doing nothing but nursing the tumultuous beating of his heart. Since when did I think of her like this? Why is she so beautiful? Would she still accept me despite our shared banter?
Later in the afternoon, Anthony found himself pacing in their garden. He was so tempted to go over to your garden but he knew that Daphne would be there with you. He looked at the gate that separated you to him. Oh, how he wanted nothing more than to have that demolished.
“You’re looking too pensive for my liking,” Violet Bridgerton says, looking at her first born with concern. “I hope you know that your siblings only like to tease,”
“I know but…what if they were right?” Anthony revealed. Violet’s eyebrows shot up. Sure, she noticed how different Anthony seemed to be these days but she never could have expected it to come from him so easily.
“If that’s how you feel, why not tell her?”
“She told me she has no wish to get married,” he says. He then told his mother about the ruse that you had with Alfred. How you both fooled everyone in London.
“Well, Benedict’s right all along,” Violet says. “But you’re both still so young, Anthony. You have so much time and I want you to spend this time on what makes you happy.”
“What if I fail?” he asked with a weak voice. Violet was reminded of Anthony as a child, when he used to voice his insecurities. There was something so beautiful about a child seeking his mother.
“At least you tried,” she said. “It would hurt more if you’re left all your life wondering what could have happened if you tried,”
-
The weeks that transpired after the social season could be described as irregular. You were thinking of better words to say but it was hard. Anthony was kinder and would purposely seek out your company on slower days. Over the course of a few weeks, Anthony had accompanied you to the theater. He spent time with you at the museum. He stayed at your house to share a meal with your family. The banter was there and it was still enjoyable but you couldn’t deny the fact that the new Anthony was way more favorable. You were now in the Bridgerton home after being invited by the siblings for a meal in the garden. The weather was amazing and Anthony had just installed beautiful lamps that illuminated the garden.
“I would like you to be my sister, Y/N,” Francesca announced after helping her choose a bow. She settled with a peach-colored bow that went beautifully with her hair. You chuckled, brushing off her comment.
“Are we not like sisters already?” you asked, tying the bow perfectly around a lock of hair.
“We are…but it would be better if you lived with us,” she said. “Or visited us more,”
“I’m sorry if you’ve been feeling neglected,” you told her honestly, your hand caressing her hair gently. “But now that the social season is over, we can see each other more.”
“You promise?” she asked.
“Of course. Daphne, Eloise, and you could all come visit me at home. We’ll have the night all to ourselves in my bedroom. I’ll prepare your favorite sweets and we can just talk the whole night. How does that sound?” you asked, your heart warming when Francesca beams at you.
“I’ll have to ask Anthony but I would love to!” she says. “I would have to go to Daphne and Eloise to tell them. Thank you for fixing my hair!”
You sat back on the couch afterwards, enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. You were thinking of all the preparations you might have to do when they do decide to visit. Your eyes darted to a sound and watched the Viscount sit down beside you. While he settled, you closed your eyes. The social season was tiring and it was hard to find rest sometimes.
“You haven’t been here for an hour. Why do I hear Fransesca talking to Daphne and Eloise about a possible visit?” he asked, closing his eyes to rest. He’s been cooped up in his study for hours to oversee the estate.
“She’s right. Maybe not soon, though,” you replied, voice soft. “I’m so tired.”
“Me too,” he says and no words were spoken. The noise outside the house was forgotten now. Your and his even breathing both lulled you to sleep and it was your mothers who found you and Anthony’s heads leaning on each other, just like you did when you were kids.
-
Anthony has been occupying all of the spaces inside your head recently. Sometimes, you were scared that your mind was projecting him because he’d always be there. You’d walk in the hallways and hear him laughing with you father. You’d be in town with your maid and he’s there, inviting you for gelato. You’d go home with a faint smile playing on your lips before reminding yourself that it was Anthony.
“Miss, the Viscount Bridgerton is here to see you,” your maid says. She took note of how you immediately smiled. “He’s been here…a lot,” she teased.
“We are friends, Mary. Of course, he’d be here,” you told her. “Besides, we grew up together,”
“Of course…but…”
“What?” you asked, fixing the tendrils of hair on your face. “Do I look alright?”
“Since when did you think about how you looked in front of Viscount Bridgerton?” she teased, laughing when your mouth was open agape. She had a point. “If it’s any consolation, you look amazing. I’m sure the Viscount would think you look amazing…if he doesn’t already,”
Confusing feelings that you nursed plagued you. Every now and then, you’d feel flustered when you felt his eyes on you. It was funny, really but what’s funnier was how everyone seemed to know but the two of you. Nothing escapes anyone, especially Lady Danbury who, along with the Bridgertons, visited your house for dinner.
You were all over the table, quiet as you heard murmurs from everyone. Your mother was talking to her friends while your father talked to Benedict and Colin about their travels. It seemed as though the only people who weren’t speaking were you and Anthony. You looked around the dining table, trying to listen in on all kinds of conversations when your eyes landed on the Viscount. He was already looking at you, a teasing smile on his face and you felt your cheeks warm. You looked away quickly, sipping on your lemonade, never noticing that his eyes were still glued on you.
-
“You both have to do something about those children of yours,” Lady Danbury commented, her eyebrow raised expectantly. “Do you think they’re fooling anyone at all? I’ve seen how they stole glances from one another. It was not subtle,”
“I know,” Violet agreed. “I’ve seen Anthony look at her. Really, all his siblings seem to know too,”
“Y/N is the same,” your mother added. “She’s always off to run with Anthony. Have you noticed?”
Meanwhile, you were all in the garden. Benedict and Eloise were huddled together in the swings while you were laying on the picnic blanket. You didn’t care if it seemed appropriate. They were the Bridgertons, they never minded. You were looking up at the stars when Anthony blocked the view. A mischievous idea pops inside your head and you extended your arm upwards.
“Anthony, will you help me up?”
Anthony takes your hand but before he helps you, you pulled him down, sending him flat on the space beside you.
“You’re dead!” he exclaims as you run away from him.
“Benedict, help me!” you called, as you increase your speed.
“Don’t you dare, brother,” Anthony threatens, running after you. His heart fills with warmth when he heard your boisterous laugh. You were so carefree and so joyful.
Your screams rang through the garden when Anthony’s arms wrap around your waist. You looked at him, laughing.
“You really shouldn’t be doing that,” he scolds, tickling your sides. “Stop squirming! That’s your punishment!” he laughed, tickling you more. Suddenly, you both stopped, noticing the close proximity between the two of you. Your faces were inches away from each other and you both looked away, coughing. Unknown to you two, his siblings were smiling in amusement.
“Eloise!” you called. “Didn’t you want me to help you with something? Let us go,”
Anthony could only watch while you scurry off with Eloise and his sisters somewhere.
“Scandalous, is it not, brother?” Colin teased which earned him a light shove from the Viscount. His siblings watched him follow you with amusement. Someone has to do something about the two of you.
-
“What was that?” Eloise asked you when you reached your bedroom.
“Was what?” you feigned innocence. Daphne was with the two of you, sitting on your bed with her eyebrow raised.
“Everybody saw that,” Daphne said. “You know, it’s no harm to tell us about how you feel towards Anthony. The attraction is so obvious!”
“I agree with Daphne,” Eloise added. “While I do think that marriage is a trap, I fully support you marrying into our family. You’re good to us and Daphne’s right. There’s attraction there,”
“Since when did you girls know about attraction?” you mused. “You lot are still young,”
“Seems like we’re less clueless than you are,” Francesca teased, making thr girls giggle.
“Anthony is agitating,” you relent. “He’s kind and playful,”
“What is it that you look for in a husband?” Daphne asked, playing with a dainty necklace that you gifted her before.
“Someone kind and well, I’d love it if it feels like we’ve known each other forever. Sometimes, you get that feeling, you know? Like you’ve known them for a lifetime and everything just falls into place.” you said. “Someone who understands…someone patient. I’d like to marry someone who can make me laugh. I’d like to have a big family and marry someone coming from one…oh, dear,” you muttered. You were describing Anthony Bridgerton.
“That sounds a lot like…”
“Anthony!” Daphne gasped, seeing the man on your doorway. “What are you doing here?”
“Mother is looking for you girls,” he says, looking expectantly at his sisters.
“Anthony, you always ruin the fun!” Eloise glared. “We were having girl talk, if you weren’t aware,”
“It’s alright, Eloise,” Daphne says. “Let us go and let them have a moment of privacy,”
Eloise could only scowl at Anthony while Daphne ushers her out. Anthony breathes a sigh of relief as he looks ar you for permission.
“May I?”
“Of course, Anthony.” you smiled. “Come in. Did you need anything?”
Anthont doesn’t answer. Instead, he locks the door behind him. You gape as he walked nearer, until you were face to face. You were close again and you could feel him.
“Is something the matter?” you asked softly. “Would you tell me?”
“I heard what you told my sisters,” he replied, his voice just as soft. “Is it true? That the man you’re looking for sounds exactly like me?”
“Anthony—“
“If you must know, I feel the same.” he said. “I’ve been putting these emotions away from me because you once said that you were in no rush to get married. I thought that if I waited for you long enough, then you’d want to be married to me but I cannot wait any longer. Did you know how miserable I was when I thought that you and Sir Alfred were courting? I set it off for you but I am a selfish man and I cannot wait any longer. So tell me, is it true?”
You felt your throat constrict when Anthony’s gaze drops on your lips. Should you kiss him right now to convey your emotions?
“It is,” you replied. “But I’ve been keeping my emotions at bay because I feel the same,”
Anthony beams.
“Say it,” he whispers. “Say what you feel.”
“I love you, Anthony,” you replied. Anthony takes your head and kisses you deeply. You felt every emotion there is; inching your face closer to the roughness of his calloused hand. He moves away slowly and lays you down on your bed; him crawling on top of you to attach his lips on yours again.
“I love you too,” he mumbles softly, kissing the soft skin under your ear. Anthony would’ve liked it better if he could hear the soft whimpers that came from you. He trails down to your neck, and then the hemline of your chest. “I love you…so much. Tell me you love me,”
“I love you,” you whine.
“If you let me, I’d still want to court you properly and formally. Will you let me?” he whispered.
“We’re way past courting if you’re kissing me like this,”
“Do you want me to stop?”
“Never.”
(If you know who Alfred is based off of, comment to get a follow from me…u deserve it)
cc: @screechingdreamercollectorsblog @pink-lemo @lana-isabelle @evelyn3000 @simran1111 @marrilly @jemimah-b99 @goldeng1rl8 @lovely-him @wreckedsymphony @silvermistt @rexit-mo @chazubagi @freyathehuntress @flourishandblotts-inc @ @bellaiscool @rayodesol97 @munsonology @miyababbby @jesslexi1170
#anthony bridgerton#anthony bridgerton x reader#anthony bridgerton imagine#anthony bridgerton fanfiction#bridgerton#anthony bridgerton fluff#anthony bridgerton fanfic#fluff#oneshot#one shot#imagine
910 notes
·
View notes
Text
(not so) simple pt3 - anthony bridgerton
masterlist
summary: coercing lord bridgerton into pretending to court you to avoid the affections of a baron is very simple — that is, until it isn’t.
a/n: so first of all let me apologize for how long it took for this to come out. literally nine months. a whole baby has passed. i lost my bridgerton inspo HARD but like i always want anthony bridgerton even if it's deep within me and that just came through today as i finally pushed through and finished it. hopefully you guys still care about this series because i sure do and the end is in sight, like i literally have most of it written i just have to do the in between parts and connect it all and this horrible wonderful terrible amazing mini series that has killed me will be done. anyways here she is and i hope you enjoy!!
wc: 9.7k
warning(s): historical inaccuracies, fluff, angst, a lil bit of violence/injuries, a cliffhanger that will make you want to kill me. yn is going kind of crazy because she's never felt pleasant emotions before
The next month was akin to a blur. With each day your mother grew more and more excited about your courtship with Anthony, so much so she’d even begun knitting a blanket as a wedding gift to the Bridgertons.
(When she’d first told you about it over dinner, you’d nearly choked. You were beginning to dread telling her the truth more than you dreaded your fake courtship).
That, perhaps, was beginning to become a lie. Dread was not the proper word for how you felt about your courtship.
It was still strange, knowing that everyone around you believed you and Anthony were to be married. Though your secret was still one well-kept, you could hardly contain yourself whenever you overheard snide remarks with you at the center—it seemed they had still not gotten over the fact that their precious opportunity at becoming a Bridgerton had been stolen by you. Perhaps their daughters would get their chance in the next season, once you and Anthony had broken things off.
But that was not enough to hold his image in the same sour view as before.
Anthony was irritating as ever, yes, and but he was no longer the mere rake, the sarcastic older brother who firmly believed you were running out of time, the womanizer Lady Whistledown painted him as.
At least, you did not see him as such. He certainly did not act that way around you anymore.
Anthony Bridgerton was lighter around you—he smiled more, laughed more, joked around with you in a way that Benedict told you he hadn’t seen in years. And of course, he was only able to tell you that because Anthony brought you along on outings with his family.
The Worthings had always been friendly throughout the years with the Bridgertons, especially because of your closeness with Eloise and, more so when you were younger and before her debut, Daphne. You were fond of the rest of the family as well, Benedict and Colin looking on you fondly as that of an annoying younger sister much like Eloise—you were happy to fill the role. Francesca was pleasant when she wasn’t off traveling, and Gregory and Hyacinth were always a delight. Hyacinth seemed more attached to you because of the courtship, and truly looked forward to welcoming you as a sister.
Anthony had always been the older brother that foiled your fun with Eloise, that urged you to take your role more seriously if for no other reason than to influence Eloise down the path as well.
Now you felt closer than ever to him, and though it was merely for your ruse, you couldn’t help but enjoy it.
Stranger yet, though, was how your image of Anthony had changed since that first dance the night you agreed to this ruse. When at first you could only stand his company because of the promise of continuous jabs and protection from suitors, you now found that you actually… enjoyed being around him. You recalled the night out in the Bridgerton gardens with Anthony far more than you should have.
He certainly had no right to keep you awake at such late hours the way he did.
You no longer despaired early wakings to promenade with him, no longer wrinkled your nose at the prospect of dancing with him. Though you still dreaded the glitz and the glamour of the ton all the same, Anthony himself did not spurn the same response.
Of that, you did not know exactly what to think, but you supposed the absence of misery was something to celebrate.
You and the viscount were becoming friends. You enjoyed his presence. You began to look forward to your next outing with him, time spent with him outweighing your dislike of early wakings.
You were a frequent visitor of Bridgerton family outings because of your friendship with Eloise, and you only found yourself more involved with their picnics and promenades through Anthony.
Invitations found their way to your doorstep far more often because of the Bridgerton name attached to yours, and you found you enjoyed them more on Anthony’s arm.
You attended operas together in their private box. He frequently called on you, leading to conversations in your drawing room and promenades all about. You dined with them at least once a week, always sitting next to Anthony and whispering things to each other throughout.
In addition to the time you spent with Eloise, your proximity to the Bridgertons, especially Anthony, was near constant.
And you enjoyed every moment of it.
Truly, there was something very wrong with you.
But perhaps the strangest of all was your newfound fame. If there were ever any hope of keeping your ruse even the slightest bit secret, it was crushed by virtue of Lady Whistledown, who aided you with your most fantastical feat yet—you were mentioned by name in every single edition she’d published since the night you and Anthony partook in your first dance together. The ton knew you well now, far too well, and even when you were not around the viscount you were attuned to the glances and whispers of gossips.
You found it interesting how easily you had become a source of intrigue, simply because it looked as if you were the object of Anthony’s affections—but you also found it largely annoying. You did not much like the attention.
Running off to the country sounded better and better with every passing day.
“I swear,” you muttered as you went through the stack of pamphlets, “news of our relationship makes up half of Whistledown’s repertoire these days. Truly, we should get a cut of her wages for providing so much material for her.”
Anthony’s lips quirked up in a smile. The two of you were sat in your drawing room, chaperoned as usual by Julia, a stack containing each edition of Lady Whistledown during the length of the season set between the two of you. It was past the traditional hours of a caller, but the “advancement” of your “relationship” allowed Anthony leeway. He had brought with him yet another pamphlet of Lady Whistledown, which Eloise had confronted him with after getting her hands on it.
“We do seem to be quite popular,” he agreed. “But at least that will make it easier for the news of our parting to spread.”
“I just wish she did not make it so dramatic,” you huffed, and you picked up the most recent edition that Anthony had brought. You brought up the pitch of your voice and made your accent as haughty as possible as you read the printed words:
“The mystery that is the Viscount Bridgerton and Miss Worthing continues to unravel. The two were sighted together in a box at the newly redecorated Adelphi Theatre, admiring the opening night of Rossini’s Tancredi. I begrudgingly commend them on the taste in opera; I too, am a fan of Voltaire. One can only wonder the sort of activity they commenced in with their privacy.”
Anthony allowed himself a laugh as you shook your head and let out a sigh. “It’s ridiculous. She makes it sound as if we are engaging in the most scandalous behavior there is, when we were merely watching the opera! The only activity we commenced in was discussion.” You set the pamphlet down on the table with a huff. “It was quite intellectual discussion, if I do say so myself.”
“Certainly,” he said with a nod, and he smiled wryly. “Are you saying you are not a fan of all this attention, though? Surely it is your dream for every member of the ton to know of you and your exploits.”
“I am certainly not—” you began, but your attention was drawn to the doors as your mother walked inside.
“Lord Bridgerton!” she exclaimed as a smile tugged at her lips. Though your mother looked happy, you saw through the practiced expression—she held a letter in her hands, turning it over and over as if to calm nervous energy. “How lovely to see you here.”
“It is just as lovely to see you, Lady Worthing,” Anthony greeted, the charm flowing effortlessly through his words. “And may I just say how effervescent you look, even at this late hour?”
Your mother smiled. “You know exactly what to say to get yourself out of trouble, don’t you?”
“It is a virtue,” Anthony joked, and when he stood up you did as well. “I apologize if I have overstayed my welcome—I simply enjoy your daughter’s presence far too much. She is a sure credit to your family.”
“Oh, it is of no mind,” she said, brushing her hand through the air. “I always enjoy having the Bridgertons over. You are no exception.”
“You flatter me so, Lady Worthing, but I must insist I take my leave.” He bowed to her and then turned to you, taking your hand in his and pressing a delicate kiss to the back of your palm. “I bid you a good night, my lady.”
You suppressed the flutter in your chest at his touch. Your hands were typically gloved whenever you held hands during dances or promenades, but not at this hour. His lips against your bare skin made your breath catch for a moment, even for such a slight occurrence.
“I can escort you to the door,” you said, smiling through the uncertainty in your chest.
Anthony nodded, a small smile on his lips as well. “I welcome your company, my lady.”
Anthony offered his arm and you took it, and you could sense the excitement from your mother even from afar.
“Do not stay out too long, you two!” she called with a grin as you strolled out the door, and you had to stifle your laugh.
“You are going to be the death of me, Miss Worthing,” Anthony murmured in your ear as you walked out, his breath tickling your skin.
“Not if you get to me first,” you countered.
“I think the opposite is far more likely,” he said.
“How so?” you said, feigning disbelief. “You are the one keeping me up past natural hours with your presence. You are the one dragging me with you into Whistledown infamy.”
“But you are the one who got me into this in the first place.” Anthony glanced at you. “Quite the predicament, I might say.”
“Oh, do not act as if you are not enjoying it by now,” you said. “We are friends at this point, yes?”
A small smile quirked on his lips. “I suppose so.”
Again, that warmth in your chest. If Anthony knew, he would surely understand that he was far more likely to be your undoing than the other way around.
You reached the doors, and when you opened one and peeked outside, there was a notable absence of a carriage.
“My deepest apologies Viscount Bridgerton.” You turned around to see your head maid hurrying across the floor, slightly out of breath. “There has been a miscommunication between our two estates—your carriage will arrive, but it will be delayed. It should not be too long a wait, albeit, but—”
“It is of no worry,” Anthony interrupted, bowing his head. “I thank you for your dedication. Please, enjoy the rest of your night.”
She looked to you for confirmation and you nodded. “Thank you, Emma. You can retire for the night.”
She smiled gratefully. “I appreciate your kindness, my lady. It shall be here soon.”
You let go of Anthony’s arm as she began walking to the servant’s quarters and you pushed the door open again.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“We have time to waste,” you said, looking back at him mischievously. “Do you trust me?”
“…You make it seem as if I shouldn’t,” Anthony said.
“Oh, relax. We have some time to ourselves and a night sky above us. Surely you can indulge me once.”
“I believe I have indulged you far more than once,” Anthony said, but he followed you anyway. He planted his hand against the door, taking the weight off of yours, and for some reason even that act made you take a deep breath.
Thank God for the cool air, you thought hastily as you stepped outside, because your cheeks were burning for no good reason.
“I apologize on Emma’s behalf for the delay,” you said, thankful that he was following slightly behind you. “The Worthing estate has been in a state of disarray lately. I try to help around, but my mother insists it’s not my place.”
“I already said it was a nonissue,” Anthony said, and you bit your lip as he took a step closer and put you on equal ground. You’d no idea what was wrong with you.
“And I thank you for your continued grace, but I still feel as if I must apologize anyway,” you said. “You likely know of our… monetary issues.”
His brows knit together. “Of course, but that means nothing. Of your status, I mean.”
You smiled a bit. “To you, perhaps. But my mother is so ashamed of our lack of staff, she hardly ever has her friends over for tea anymore. We’ve never been able to afford much, but we had to let many of our staff go over the past summer.”
“It is noticeable. You’ve no doormen, few maids and servants,” Anthony said. “But it shouldn’t matter to any true gentleman.”
“I suppose that makes you a true gentleman, doesn’t it?” you said playfully.
Anthony chuckled. “After all the years my mother has spent trying to turn me into one, she would certainly hope so.”
“That is why this is all such a problem.” You glanced at him. “Why my mother is so delighted of our courtship. She believes you will be my— our entire family’s— saving grace upon marriage.”
“Quite the burden upon us,” he said dryly, though his words did not hold the usual humor. There was a certain solemnity about him.
“Indeed.” You sighed. “Our ruse frees me from the hand of other men for this season, but there is still the problem of… of what awaits.” You wrapped your arms around yourself, the night chill beginning to get to you along with something else. “I am certain I will think of a plan eventually, but still I worry more each day of what I will do when it is all over.”
Anthony didn’t say anything, and you didn’t fill the silence though you felt his gaze upon you. Suddenly, though, you felt the heaviness of fabric over your arms.
Anthony’s jacket, you realized when you looked at him. Your lips parted, words stuck in your throat, but he didn’t give you the chance to get them out.
“You were cold,” he shrugged, answering your question before you could ask it. “It would be unfathomably rude to force my dearest betrothed to freeze.”
“You noticed,” you said.
“Always,” Anthony said.
You care.
You could not help but stare at him, if not just for a moment, because— because God, the man was beautiful. There lay no use in denying it. There was a reason that, despite being the ton’s most infamous rake, he was still so desired by countless ladies.
His eyes almost as dark as the night around you holding a kindness he didn’t share with many, his white undershirt with slightly-rolled sleeves in stark contrast to it all, the curve of his jaw and the slope of his nose and the barest coif of his chestnut hair.
He was beautiful, and he was the one thing you could not have.
“Miss Worthing?”
Which did not matter, because you did not want him.
“My apologies.” You blinked and cleared your throat, Anthony breaking you out of your spell, and you gestured with your head as you continued along your way. Heat burned inside of you, all the way from the tips of your ears to the soles of your feet, and you could hardly stand it.
“You seem… distracted,” he said.
That was one way to describe it.
“Apologies,” you repeated with the slightest of smiles. “I’m merely… in my head, is all.”
This was all fake. You had to remember that, even if you had to bash it into your head for it to stick. The charm practically oozed off of him, and though you’d been near immune to it when you were able to despise Anthony, it was much more difficult not to fall victim to it now that you considered each other… friends.
You are a lady, and he is a gentleman, you could picture your mother saying. It is nature’s oldest tale. There is no shame in it.
He is my brother, and you hate him, you heard Eloise scoffing in the same vein. The thought made you smile.
“Where are you taking me, Miss Worthing?” Anthony’s coy voice brought you out of your stupor once again, and you blinked.
As you looked around, you realized you’d already made it there. You turned to Anthony with a smile, your hands out as you gestured at the open field of grass behind your estate.
“Isn’t it obvious?” you asked. “I’ve brought you here to stargaze.”
“Stargazing,” he repeated, and he laughed a bit. “I’ve never…”
“You’ve never stargazed?” you finished, and he nodded. “It makes sense. A serious viscount such as yourself cannot be bothered with such frivolities.”
Anthony shrugged. “If you enjoy it, I would love to try.”
“It isn’t something you try so much as you just do,” you said as you sat down on the ground. You smoothed out your skirts and then looked up at Anthony, amused by the expression on his face.
“It’s alright, my lord,” you said. “I promise, the grass will not hurt you. My maids have worked out many a stain in my youth, so I assure you that will be alright as well.”
“I have a carriage coming,” he said.
“They can wait,” you said. “Can they not?”
He hesitated for a moment, and then his lips quirked into the slightest smile as he took a seat next to you. You took his hand, ignoring the skip of your heart, and you pulled him back so you were both lying down.
“How do you feel?” you asked. “Have you fallen ill yet?”
“Very funny,” Anthony said wryly. “I am just fine. Your worries are much appreciated.”
“I would never worry about the great Viscount Bridgerton,” you said haughtily. “He has everything handled at all times.”
“Hardly,” he countered, and he let out a sigh. “Lately it seems as if I’ve got nothing handled at all.”
You made a noncommittal noise. “Then you are quite the actor, my lord. You’re very good at looking perfect.”
“You think I look perfect?”
You turned your head to see Anthony looked at you, a sly smile on his lips, and though your rolled your eyes you could not hold back your amusement.
“Yes, Viscount Bridgerton,” you said playfully. “Quite perfect.”
“It is good to know that my betrothed no longer hates me.” Anthony allowed one of his hands to rest in the grass, and you could feel his eyes on you.
“Oh, we are not betrothed yet,” you said offhandedly. “The way my mother acts, though, you would certainly think so.”
“Well, then,” Anthony said, “would you further prove your devotion by showing me some of your constellations?”
You chuckled. “Of course.”
Your gaze turned to the sky, squinting slightly as you searched for your favorite. When you did, you made a sound of triumph and you sat up on your elbows. “There— do you see those?
He frowned as he pushed himself up as well, and in his focus he unconsciously leaned closer to you. “I do not see anything,” Anthony said, and you laughed.
“Right…” you shifted closer to him, and you took his hand in yours as you held it up to the sky. “There.” You traced the outline with his finger, and you glanced at him. “Do you see it now?”
“I do, but…” Anthony’s lips twitched into a smile for a moment. “It is just… lines. A triangle with lines.”
You laughed, full and bright. “It is, that much is true. But it is the constellation of Libra, in relation to astrology.”
“I did not know you were educated on astrology.”
“Oh, I am certainly not,” you said. “But it is the sign of my mother’s birth month, and it was the first constellation she taught me to find. Now, it is always the first one I seek out on nights such as these.”
His eyebrows rose ever so slightly. “You used to stargaze with your mother?”
You hadn’t truly realized the implications of what you’d said until his words, and you paused for a moment before you took your hand away from his and laid back down.
“It is alright if you do not want to talk about it,” Anthony said softly.
“It is not that,” you said, and you sighed. “It is just… that the relationship I have with my mother is a complicated one.”
You felt Anthony’s eyes on you still, and you bit your lip.
“I have always felt so small whenever I look to the stars,” you murmured. “I think it is part of the reason I still do it— for the perspective. To remind myself of how minuscule I am in the broad scheme of things.”
“I… think I feel the opposite, funnily enough,” Anthony said. “I do not stargaze, obviously, but I have always viewed an individual’s contribution as meaning far more than I can even imagine. Each and every person who has walked through my life has made some sort of impact— you have been, and still are, one of those.” He looked over at you with a surprisingly earnest expression. “You are certainly not minuscule. Not by any sort of margin.”
You found your cheeks heating up from his words, and you could not hold back your smile. “Why, Lord Bridgerton, that was quite a compliment. Are you sure you are feeling well?”
“I feel wonderful,” he said, his eyes still not leaving yours. You felt your cheeks heat and you had to look away.
“I know my mother only wants what is best for me. She pushes me so because there is no other choice, and she truly believes that it will just… click for me someday.” You pulled Anthony’s jacket tighter around your arms, but it was of no aid when the chills came from within. “And I feel as if I am failing my entire family by not being able to accept it.”
“I understand what it is like to have the weight of your bloodline on your shoulders,” Anthony said after a moment’s hesitation. “It is my job to ensure that my family stays afloat, that our finances are handled, that my siblings are provided for, that everything runs smoothly without a hitch. It is…” he huffed a small laugh. “It is overwhelming, I cannot lie. But it is my responsibility as the head of house, and so I take it on.”
“You are saying that I should pursue a real courtship,” you said dryly.
“That is not what I am saying,” Anthony countered with a glance at you. “You were correct when you said that I could leave at any time if I so desired. I do not, but if I wanted to, I could. I am pushed on through even the most difficult moments because of my love for my family. Everything I do is for them.”
“I still am not following.”
“If you want to be happy, then you must find your motivations,” Anthony finally said, “and you must follow where they lead you. No matter where that is.”
“So you are supporting my ill-advised rebellion.” You sat up, looking down at him with the beginnings of a smile. “Is that it?”
“I thought that quite obvious the moment I agreed to this ruse,” he responded wryly. “You are a bad influence, Miss Worthing. I am a man of honor.”
“Of course.” Your words were laced with mock austerity, and you sighed. “I just do not understand why I was born the sole daughter of a struggling family. It seems a cruel joke when there is none I despise more than marriage.”
“We are quite similar, you know,” Anthony said offhandedly. “We both have the fate of our families on our shoulders, and we both know what we must do for our name. It should be woefully easy, but… it isn’t.”
You shook your head. “We are not similar, my lord. Perhaps in structure, but not in much else.”
He raised his eyebrows, silently urging you to go forward.
“You are a man,” you said simply, “and you have everything because of it. You can have whatever life you please. It is not required of you to marry, though your mother might like it to have an heir from the first son. But I have nothing— I am nothing— without a man. The life that I so desperately want is one that I will never be able to have, not without giving up everything I hold dear.”
You swallowed thickly in your throat, turning away from Anthony to not give him a view of your imminent tears. “I either have to marry a man I will never love or abandon my family and become a disgrace, but I do not want either. It is as Eloise has always said — I just want so desperately to fly. Unfortunately, my wings are doomed to be clipped.”
“Miss Worthing…” Anthony started, but he trailed off just as quickly. He could not seem to find the right words to quell your worries, and it infuriated him beyond any sort of reason. He did not have a way with words like Eloise, he did not have the effortless charm of Colin nor the presence of Benedict, and he most certainly was not able to comfort others like Daphne — and yet the need to fix problems he himself was incapable of fixing washed over him so suddenly and so intensely he could hardly bear it.
“I am truly sorry.” It took him far too long to break the silence that hung in the air, only punctured once by your sharp intake of breath in an attempt to hold back tears. “I wish there was more I could do for you. There should be more I could do for you as a viscount, but…”
Sure that you would be able to hold back any tears should they decide to pester you once more, you turned to face Anthony with what you hoped was a convincing smile. “You need not apologize, my lord. You have already done far more for me than any rational man should have in your position.”
“One could argue it is because of you I’ve done all this,” he said. “You have a way about you that makes a rational man want nothing more than irrationality.”
That brought a genuine smile to your face, thankfully able to avoid the tears you thought were sure to come.
“You flatter me, Lord Bridgerton,” you said wryly.
“Anthony,” he said, and you blinked.
“Pardon?”
“I believe we are far past Lord Bridgerton,” he explained with a slight smile. “What, with how many times you have bared your soul to me this season, I should think Anthony is perfectly acceptable.”
You felt your cheeks heat up under his warm gaze as you nodded. “Then Anthony it shall be.”
Trying to recover from the embarrassingly soft moment, you cleared your throat and turned away once more. “Of course, your permission is not needed to refer to you as your name rather than a title, but I suppose it cannot hurt.”
This time, the smile was nearly palpable in his words. “Of course, Miss Worthing.”
You shook your head as you said your name. “If I am to call you Anthony, you shall call me by my given name as well. It is only fair.”
He raised his eyebrows. “When has fairness ever been a concern of yours in regards to me?”
“Anthony,” you said, though not without slight mirth, “will you do it?”
“If it is what you desire.” Anthony then said your name, and you could not deny how your chest spurned in such a way at the sound.
There was so much you yearned to say, so much on the tip of your tongue, nearly all of it relating to the man in front of you. How could there be so much of him on your mind, when just a mere fortnight ago you were joking with him about how much you could not stand him?
After ensuring none of your inner emotions were visible on your face, you turned back to him and offered a small smile. “It certainly is.”
But as he smiled back at you, that slight quirk of his lips that softened his features and brought out the light in his eyes that you had grown to appreciate but he did not have nearly enough…
You feared you were beginning to desire much more.
You looked at the sky above, and the stars twinkling back at you suddenly made you remember as you turned back to Anthony.
“We should get back,” you said. “It would be woefully inappropriate for a man of honor to miss his carriage.”
His lips twitched at your words. “You end our outing so soon?”
“You were against it in the first place,” you pointed out. “And I believe this has lasted far longer than I initially planned.”
“I was also against your ruse,” Anthony said, and when he stood up, he offered his hand. “But you seem to be quite skilled at changing my mind.”
It was so different from all the others, when he offered his arm for a promenade or took you to the dance floor, and it was why you hesitated. But you pushed the thought aside as you took it, and Anthony pulled you up from the ground.
“I suppose I am,” you joked.
“Thank you for this.” He brushed off his clothes, a smile as genuine as the others pulling at his lips. “It was enjoyable.”
“Just enjoyable?” you asked playfully.
“My apologies,” Anthony said. “This was fantastic. Incredible. Is life-changing satisfactory?”
You nodded, biting back your smile. “I believe so. Nothing with me is anything less than life-changing.”
“That is certain,” he agreed.
Anthony offered his arm and the two of you began walking back to the front of your estate. The silence was comfortable as it lingered in the air, only broken once you stopped in front of the carriage that he was indeed late for.
“I do mean it,” Anthony said, “my thanks for this. Sincerely so.”
“Of course,” you said. “If you ever find you are in need of some stars, my yard is always open.”
His lips quirked into a slight smile. “The stars do not have much meaning without you beside me to give them one.”
You huffed a slight laugh as your gaze turned upwards again. “Well, that is Cassiopeia,” you said with a gesture at the sky, and you managed a wry smile. “Though you will probably just see more lines.”
“If you tell me they are more than lines, then they are more than lines,” Anthony said. “That much, I know.”
You felt the warmth rise to your cheeks, and you curtsied to him. “I will see you tomorrow, Lord Bridgerton.”
“I will see you tomorrow.” Anthony hesitated, gazing into your eyes with abandon. He lifted your hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it, murmuring your name before he let it go.
And then he entered the carriage, though there was some form of reluctance in his movements. You waited until his departure, even longer after until he and his men were nothing but a speck in the distance, and it wasn’t until then that you could breathe freely.
“My lady?”
Your focus was broken at the sound of your lady’s maid’s voice, and you blinked a multitude of times as you turned around.
“Julia,” you said. “What brings you here?”
“You, my lady,” she said with a slight laugh. “You’ve just been… standing out here. Alone. Doing nothing.”
“My apologies,” you said with a practiced smile, though you wrought your hands together. “I appear to be in my head tonight. You needn’t come out here for me.”
“I wanted to make sure you were alright,” Julia said. “Is the viscount gone?”
“He is. I saw him off.” The skin where his lips touched still burned, and you felt a swell of something inside of you. “I— I should be settling in for the night.”
You began walking in at a hasty pace, but Julia easily matched it. “Of course. I will help you get ready.”
You shook your head, and you couldn’t help but cast one last glance out the door before it closed. You cleared your throat and looked back at Julia. “All I request is that you help me into my dressing gown, and then you can retire. I would like some solitude tonight.”
She nodded. “Of course, my lady.”
“Is my mother still awake?” you asked as the two of you walked up the stairs together.
“No,” Julia said. “She retired shortly after you and the viscount took your leave.”
“Good,” you murmured. You did not think you could deal with her much tonight. Not after… whatever it was that went on between you and him.
Julia did as asked, helping you out of your layers and into your nightgown before she took her leave.
Lying in bed alone, you found yourself staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep.
All you could think of was Anthony. His eyes boring into yours, the heat of his lips against your bare hand, his willingness to do something he likely saw as ridiculous merely because it made you happy. The weight of his jacket against your shoulders, the attentiveness he had towards you for him to have realized.
The softness with which he said your name, every syllable a symphony in your ears, more beautiful than anything simply because Anthony spoke it.
Oh.
Your heart hammered in your chest as the realization struck.
Oh.
You were doomed.
-
Split down the middle. It was an apt designation for how you felt in the coming days and weeks.
One part of you—the idiot, lovesick part—wanted nothing but to spend more time with Anthony Bridgerton. A singing heart every time Julia told you he awaited you in the drawing room, weakened knees when he offered his hand to pull you onto the dance floor, an unavoidable smile throughout any of your conversations. You finally realized what all those ladies saw in the Viscount Bridgerton.
The other part—the intelligent part that knew this was the one thing that could absolutely not happen—wanted nothing more than to ignore his every call. To stay silent during promenades, to refuse his dance offers, to stay shut in your room when he called on you. To be able to avoid him in every possible way because you could not encourage your feelings further.
It was terrible. Awful. Horrendous. You were quite sure that you loved Anthony Bridgerton, and the one thing you were meant to do was not love Anthony Bridgerton.
The more time you spent around him, the more you thought about him, the more you felt for him, and there was not a single way to avoid it because his courtship was the only thing keeping you above water.
You really were doomed.
“Are you even listening to me?”
You blinked as Eloise said your name, and you looked over at her. “I apologize. I was in my head.”
“You’ve been in your head quite frequently as of late,” Eloise said, and she huffed a sigh as she flopped onto the couch next to you. “I can only assume my brother is to blame.”
You felt your cheeks heat. If only she knew how true that was.
“He is part of it,” you admitted, turning your head slightly so she could not see any visible embarrassment. “It may not be easy to be a Bridgerton, but it’s by no means easy to be courted by one, either.”
“I can imagine,” she said with another sigh. “For how serious Anthony always is, he certainly is dramatic.” Eloise eyed you. “Would you like me to speak plainly?”
Your brows creased slightly, though you still didn’t look at her. “Always.”
“I honestly think he may be enjoying this,” she said. “Anthony has never been much for… anything, really. Anything besides duty. He’s pleasant around us for the most part, and I love him with all my heart, but he’s always so serious.” She shrugged. “It appears that you’ve brought out another side of him.”
Your breath caught in your chest for a moment. You still could not bring yourself to meet her eyes. “Truly?”
“Truly,” Eloise nodded. “When you end this, I believe he’ll come out the other side a better man. So I suppose I should thank you for this whole ruse.”
A smile played on your lips for a moment, but it fell just as quickly. You’d always known it was going to end—the ruse was your idea in the first place—and yet you were the one fighting against her impossible feelings. You were a damn doomed fool.
You had to fight the urge to hit your head against the back of the couch. You felt as if you were going insane, but you could not reveal the whirlwind inside your mind to anyone.
“There is no need to thank me,” you finally said. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“A pleasure,” Eloise said dryly. “Really?”
You nodded, finally sitting up and looking at her. “Yes. Anthony was a bit of a nuisance at first, but…” you smiled just at the thought of him. “We’ve become friends after all this time. Quite close friends.”
Eloise’s nose wrinkled, and then she sighed yet again. “I suppose it is a good thing if you two are getting along. As long as you will still trade barbs with me about him.”
You chuckled. “Always.”
You couldn’t tell her. You wouldn’t tell her, because there was no use in creating such a problem for no reason.
You loved Anthony, you were sure of that by now, though you had not previously thought it at all possible. And none of it mattered, because by the end of the season, your courtship would be a distant memory.
You and Eloise continued your idle chatter, but your heart was not in it. How could it be, when you could only think of Anthony? You could only think of Anthony, the one man you never thought you would want and now the one man you can never have.
It was ridiculous. He turned you into a ridiculous woman and you would never forgive him for it.
You’d always wondered how you would end your ruse when your mothers had grown so attached to the courtship, the idea of you as a Bridgerton.
Your mothers were no longer the problem.
-
The middle of the season came and went, your feelings for Anthony growing ever stronger—your disdain for those feelings grew alongside them.
Your parents were working harder than ever as the peak of the season approached—your father spent most nights bent over documents and papers regarding the finances, pushing pennies so that you would be able to afford the frivolities of the ton and appearing on the arm of a Bridgerton.
Your mother had a job of equal difficulty—she had to maintain the Worthing image and name. It had never been the best to begin with as one of the poorer families of the ton, but Anthony’s courtship had pushed you through the ranks. Your mother was determined to keep you there.
The pairing between you and Anthony should have remained the same stagnant charade, but it was difficult to act the same as always with your feelings evolving ever so. It did not help that both your mother and Lady Bridgerton were convinced a proposal was to be just around the corner when nothing could be further from the truth.
And it was not as if they were wrong for holding that belief. Were this a traditional courting, Anthony would likely be preparing to get down on one knee—instead, your promenades consisted of discussions on how best to end your situation.
(“Perhaps you could have a meltdown,” Anthony had suggested once. “It would certainly not come as a surprise to the ton—they would merely see it as what has been coming all along.”
“Your faith in me is truly astounding, Anthony,” you said dryly. “It is sure to be a mystery on how we did not work out.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “I am only trying to work with you. Must I remind you that it was you that started this, all because you did not want to get married? This would simply be an extension—you’ve never wanted to marry a man before, what is one more to add to the list?”
“Yes, but…” you shook your head and sighed. “I fear we may have performed our act too well. At this point, it feels as if any means of our splitting will hurt our mothers and cause a riot in the ton, no matter how we do it.”
“I think you may be right,” Anthony said, and he frowned. “I do not know whether I want Hyacinth to find out you will not be her sister through Whistledown or through me—I know I could not handle the look on her face, but to let her discover it through gossip seems even worse.”
You could not help a sly smile at that. “Are you telling me I have charmed your family even more than I had before?”
He offered a smile of his own. “I believe I have charmed your family just as much, if not more. Your mother adores me more than ever.”)
No, it did not help that your mother adored him, and it did not help that Hyacinth and Gregory adored you. Every second spent around Anthony and his family pushed you further to your doom, and what a lovely doom it was.
Seeing Anthony dressed up at every ball was also not of aid, and you could not help but smile when your eyes met at the latest ball. You knew of your mother’s watchful eye over both of you, but you found you didn’t care when he offered his hand.
“You look beautiful,” Anthony murmured so only you could hear it as he led you out to the dance floor. You took up your positions and started the waltz—you had Anthony to thank for the increase in your skill, for the amount of dancing you did these days made it impossible for your ability to remain stagnant.
You chuckled a bit. “Thank you, Anthony, but nobody can hear us. You do not need to keep up appearances.”
The smile remained on his lips for just a moment too long before he blinked and nodded. “You are correct. I suppose it is just becoming a habit.”
Butterflies erupted in your chest, and in your flustered state, you fell out of the rhythm and missed your next step. If it hadn’t been for Anthony leading so well, you would’ve fallen.
How could he just say those things? How could he just say those frustratingly charming things without blinking an eye, words that made you trip over your feet and spurned warmth in your core and drove you insane?
Did Anthony even know what he did to you?
“Are you alright?” he questioned, and for a moment all you were able to do was stare into his eyes. They were beautiful.
“Yes,” you finally managed, clearing your throat as you glanced away for a moment.
It is just becoming a habit, he said, words that near perfectly echoed your own situation.
Each time you slipped your arm around Anthony’s, each time he was a caller in your drawing room for an early morning—early mornings which you were becoming all the fonder of with each outing—each time he smiled at you in that way of his, each time you looked into those warm brown eyes, each time he was just the slightest bit too close and you were able to feel your heart speed up and your breath hitch.
Being around Anthony Bridgerton was becoming a habit for you, you realized, a habit you did not want to let go of.
You did not realize Anthony was speaking to you until he said your name again and you snapped out of your thoughts, staring at him for a moment before you nodded.
“Apologies,” you covered up, “it seems I am very in my head tonight.”
“It is alright,” he said, smiling softly. “I was merely asking if your outing with your parents the other night went well.”
“Yes,” you breathed, “yes, it was quite pleasant.”
Though you answered, you could still hardly focus. And it was all because of the man you were dancing with, because of the delicate yet sure grip he had on your hands, because of the sweetest eyes you’d ever known gazing at you with reassurance.
You were horribly in love with Anthony Bridgerton, and there was nothing you could do about it.
-
“…So,” Anthony said as the two of you trailed through the streets, “remind me what you have roped me into?”
“I have not roped you into anything,” you said. “I am taking you to a rally; one for the advancement of women. I believe it would do you some good to see what your myriad of sisters put up with because of men like you.”
“Men like me?” he repeated, having the gall to sound slightly offended.
“Yes, men like you,” you agreed. “Men who do not even question why they are so deserving of their position so high above us, and do not even think to change things because society solely benefits them.”
“Do you ever get tired of your constant bitterness?” he asked dryly.
“No,” you responded cheerfully, “I only get tired of you.”
“Ah,” he said with a nod. “That is why you have not only decided to be my fake courtee for an entire season, but to willingly bring me along on one of your weekend escapades.”
“I put up with you so I will not have to put up with those even more irritating,” you reminded him.
“And that is why you always smile at me with the strength of a thousand suns while we dance?” he asked. “Why you continue to promenade with me and indulge my conversational whims and accept me without complaint as a constant caller?”
You shrugged, and you hoped the heat rushing to your cheeks was not visible. Perhaps he could read you better than you thought. “As I said, it is so I will not have to put up with those more irritating. I have come to appreciate you.”
“Times like these, I wonder if we are truly faking it,” Anthony said. “We already bicker as much as a married couple — perhaps we have somehow skipped the engagement and the wedding and gone right into the arguments.”
“I believe that is simply called friendship, Anthony.”
He raised his eyebrows, a smile tugging at his lips as he said your name. “You see me as a friend?”
“And now I regret saying it,” you laughed.
“Oh, do not lie,” Anthony said wryly. “Why have you brought me here, if not to argue on the way?”
“It is simply a learning experience for you,” you scoffed. “It is actually quite enriching, Anthony. You may want to take your leave now though, lest you end up learning something.”
“You are truly hilarious,” he said, devoid of emotion. He glanced down at the basket you carried in your hands before looking back to you. “And what is in there?”
“Any goods I can spare,” you said. “I am one of the poorer ladies in the ton, but I am still more fortunate than many of the women that attend these rallies. They are often working mothers and sisters trying their best to support their families, but it is hardly ever enough. I do what I can to make it even the slightest bit easier for them.”
Anthony went silent, and when you glanced at him he had an odd look on his face, his gaze set on you.
“What?” you asked, and he offered the smallest smile.
“That is quite a gesture,” he finally said. “Most families in society tend to ignore anyone beneath them. They would not be caught dead in a place like this.”
“They are not beneath me,” you corrected. “They are not beneath any of us. None of them have chosen the lives they lead; wealth begets wealth, and poverty the same. It is a vicious cycle that hardly anyone is able to break out of. I see no reason why I should not use my privilege to make anyone’s life even the slightest bit easier.”
“Besides,” you said with a raise of your brow, “you are here with me, are you not?”
Anthony nodded after a moment. “I suppose you are rubbing off on me.”
You smiled. “I am glad to have gotten through to you on at least one thing. Helping others with your wealth is perhaps the best thing for you to pick up from me, I think.”
“You are quite good at ruining the moment, are you aware?”
“Oh,” you said with a cheeky smile, “I absolutely am.”
You soon made it to the opening where the rally was being held. Though some were underground in the metaphorical sense, this one was rather out in the open. It was in a darker corner of the city, so you supposed the organizers did not think they would be disturbed.
You wandered around with Anthony for a bit as you emptied your basket to a variety of women and youths, and by the time the first speaker had begun, you had handed out everything you’d brought.
You took Anthony’s hand and pulled him behind you as you moved through the crowd to get closer, and when you tried to let go of his hand, he wouldn’t let you. You smiled up at him, and it seemed as if he’d only realized what he’d done in that moment.
“I do not trust this part of town,” he whispered to you. “It is for your protection.”
“Of course,” you whispered back, though you could not hide your mirth as you turned back to the speaker.
It was wonderful. She spoke of all sorts of things relating to women and the betterment of your sex, how they deserved a place in Parliament and a voice and respect for more than motherly duties, how—
“This is unseemingly,” Anthony huffed.
You frowned. “How?”
“This is hardly a proper place for anyone.” His eyes darted around.
“This is where I am to end up if I do not figure out a better way out of the ton,” you said. “This is how a majority of London lives.”
“I am aware of that,” he muttered. “Do not think me so naive that I do not understand my privilege. I just…” Anthony shook his head and sighed. “No matter. How many of these have you been to?”
“Five, I believe.” You frowned. “Six, actually. There was the time I told my parents I was ill and snuck out.”
“It is a miracle you are still alive,” Anthony marveled.
You shrugged. “I never said I was intelligent. Merely smart.”
He laughed, genuine and full, and you found yourself smiling.
And then there was yelling.
Your brows creased again as you looked to the front, only to see a man. His burly and unkempt appearance weren’t the only off-putting things about him. He spat rhetoric against everything the rally stood for, and the look in his eye was chilling.
You’d heard of this happening before, of men from the city who indulged their baser instincts and liked the world just the way it was now, invading rallies and meetings held by women just to create problems and spread fear.
Some cries ran out around the crowd, and your head whirled around to see other men like the one yelling pushing through the sea of people, intimidating and snapping their way through. You went to take a step back, but Anthony was already ahead of you as his grip on your hand tightened.
It appeared that this was one of those times.
“Ah,” you said, beginning to back up alongside Anthony. “I forgot to mention one thing to you.”
“And that is?” he asked, annoyance coloring his words.
“This gathering is not exactly legal.” You winced as a pairing shouldered past you, but you held fast onto Anthony’s hand. “I’d say it’s quite illegal, actually. Which is why it can be interrupted in this fashion.”
“Wonderful,” he breathed. “I’d say that it is time to take our leave. Would you agree?”
“Yes,” you said, “I would.”
The glint of a knife caught your eye even from afar, gripped in the hand of one of the men, and a lady’s scream pierced the air.
And then full-on chaos broke out.
-
Everything after that was mostly a blur. Something triggered inside of Anthony, clear in the wild look in his eye, and his only thought was seemingly to get you out unharmed. It worked for the most part, to his credit, though you didn’t get away completely unscathed.
You also did not get away together. Somewhere in the middle, someone had barreled between the two of you and broken your link. Anthony had lost you in the rush, and he felt as if he was going insane.
This may have been your idea, illegal as it was, but he was not going to allow anything to happen to you. He couldn’t allow anything to happen to you— he couldn’t.
He shouted your name, once, twice, three times, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried his best to navigate through the insanity. This was no longer a rally, this was a riot, and with you missing Anthony truly feared the worst. His stomach twisted into knots just thinking about it.
He shouted your name, once, twice, three times, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried his best to navigate through the insanity. This was no longer a rally, this was a riot, and with you missing Anthony truly feared the worst. His stomach twisted into knots just thinking about it.
He’d just passed an alleyway when a hand darted out of nowhere and pulled him to the side; though his first instinct was to break away, the weight of his anxieties disappeared when he saw who had dragged him over.
Anthony said your name with complete relief, his shoulders dropping as the tension faded away. “I couldn’t find you, and I thought the worst— thank God you’re safe.”
“Thank God you are safe,” you murmured, and he chuckled as he shook his head. Somehow, in this situation, you were worried about him.
“I still cannot believe you are here,” Anthony huffed. He moved to the edge of the alleyway to watch, waiting for the chaos to clear out. “Is this truly what you are engaging in every weekend? Barbaric riots where its attendees are lucky to make it out alive?”
“I promise,” you said through a shaky exhale, pressing your aching fingers to your chest as you held your good hand against your bleeding nose, “they are never like this.”
His eyes darted back over to you, and that was when he noticed the injury. “God, what happened to you?”
You opened your mouth to diminish it, but Anthony moved over and began examining you for worse injuries. You let out a breathy laugh and shook your head. “I am fine, Anthony, trust me. Men in these parts believe in one vein of equality, at least, seeing as I was punched in the face.”
His eyes widened and it only made you smile more. “Do not worry. I punched him back.” You held up your hand, bunching it into a fist. “I believe my knuckles will bruise something fierce later, though.”
Anthony shook his head, another breathless laugh taking him. “You are truly something else.”
“And I am fine,” you assured, though the slight strain of your voice said something different. Anthony did not notice, though, and he moved back to his spot on the edge watching for clearings.
“You said you have been to six of these before,” Anthony said. “And they have never been like this?”
“Never.”
“Then I assume this riot was something special they planned just for me.”
“You jest, but you may not be far from the truth.” You chuckled but immediately winced. “You are bad luck, Anthony.”
“I am bad luck?“ He turned and fixed you with a pointed look. “You are the one who threw herself into the middle of a fight; it is fortunate you got away with so few injuries.”
You huffed a laugh but a sharp pain once again shot through your chest, far more extreme than the last, and you barely managed to stifle your gasp of pain. You took your hand away from your nose and pressed it against your side, but all it caused was an even greater ripple of pain throughout your entire body.
When you took your hand away, every part that had been against your dress was coated in a shimmering layer of blood, a small drop falling from your finger and splattering to the ground below. Your heart caught in your throat as you weakly pulled at the hem, crimson red seeping through the laceration in the fabric as a confirmation of the injury below.
So it seemed you had not been lucky enough to get away with only a bloody nose and bruised knuckles.
“...Anthony?” you managed weakly, your limbs growing heavy as your vision began to blur. “I… it…”
Anthony’s head whipped around. His eyes were the last thing you saw, wide with fear and lips moving in silent panic as he lunged towards you.
And then the world around you faded into darkness.
-
perm tags: @dv0412 @siriuslyslyslytherin @maruchan77 @simonsbluee @kwyloz @masteroperator @louderfortheback
bridgerton tags: @theonewithallthemilkshakes @rach2602 @milkiane @korol-lantsov @heyyitsreign
not so simple tags: @ifilwtmfc @readers-post @fangirling-galore @funkydinosaurs @baby-i-am-fireproof @mess-is-my-aesthetic @likeballet @mdkfh @brezzybfan @magical-spit @lafy-taffy @miss-celestial-being @mercurysrhapsody @evilsailorsenshi @mainstreambitchlife @aangsupremacy @chloepluto1306 @lostaudfound @panhoeofmanyfandoms @blhemmings @my-acrylic-heart
#anthony bridgerton x reader#anthony bridgerton x you#anthony bridgerton fic#bridgerton x reader#bridgerton fic#anthony bridgerton fanfic#x reader#bridgerton imagine#sadie writes
640 notes
·
View notes
Text
harvey headcanons
dr. harvard gregory mcclintock. what a man
our sweet boy was raised in a small town just east of stardew valley. his parents lived with his maternal grandmother, and regularly hosted a revolving door of cousins and extended family. he grew up in a very full house
he’s the third of four children. his older twin sisters, charlotte and eleanor, both live in zuzu city. charlotte is an executive chef and eleanor is a personal trainer. his younger brother robbie is a skydiving instructor who travels for work
he’s not really allergic to salmonberry or spice berry, he just grew up foraging and picking so many fresh berries in the summers as a kid that one day he got sick of them
he is mildly allergic to joja cola though, which he didn’t find out until he mentioned to a friend in college that he doesn’t like the spicy aftertaste of the drink (that beverage is… not supposed to be spicy)
he was a quiet kid growing up. he wore big green glasses, he had a lisp, and he was kinda gangly. he liked running and swimming, but was never particularly well-coordinated when it came to sports or dancing
he got his first growth spurts pretty early, but he was a late bloomer when it came to dating. he went on his first date in college, and he didn’t even realize it was a date until his lady friend kissed him on the lips when they got to her door
despite being a doctor, he’s entirely too squeamish to do any procedures on himself. no drawing blood, no sutures, not even finger pricks. he got a splinter in his foot once while he was down at the docks, and he had to look away while elliott removed it for him
he’s really good at skipping stones across the lake but he can’t do it if he knows anyone is watching him
besides his established fear of heights, he’s also scared of spiders, snakes, clowns, public speaking, and venus fly trap plants
speaking of plants, he’s killed every plant he ever had except one - a snake plant his sisters sent him to cheer him up while he was in med school. he nicknamed the plant bertha and it’s been with him ever since
he’s very careful about his grooming. nothing too elaborate, but he does wear sunscreen every day, flosses daily, gives himself regular manicures and pedicures, and irons his work clothes like his grandma taught him. and of course, he keeps his signature mustache neatly trimmed
he sleeps in whatever old sweats or gym shorts he can find in his drawers, but that man sleeps with a satin pillowcase to protect his curls and you cannot convince me otherwise. also, his grandma gifted him a heated blanket for the holidays one year and it’s his prized possession
he’s really close with his dad. his dad is a retired commercial pilot, and even though harvey couldn’t follow in his footsteps, they share other interests and hobbies. his dad is a real cheerleader for all four of his kids, but especially his little harvey-bear
sometimes when he has insomnia, he walks to the park next to the community center and lays on a bench to stargaze. one time, linus and gil even found him fast asleep there when they did their pre-dawn patrol sweep
#stardew valley#sdv harvey#sdv harvey headcanons#help i have so many thoughts about this mannnnn T^T#harvey sdv#harvey stardew valley#ven be writing
119 notes
·
View notes
Note
I have a possible fic request! What about Benedict with a reader who gets easily flustered. He’s such a flirt and I feel like if he flirted with me, I would be so nervous and flushed that I couldn’t speak. No rush on the fic, and only if you want to!
Lots of love! :)
Subtle(tea)
A/N: Hey love! Thank you so much for your request! I hope you like it and sorry it took me so long!!
Word Count: 851
Warnings: none
Tea with the Bridgertons was not an unusual event for you and was something that made Sunday your favourite day of the week. The familiar wisteria comes into view as your carriage pulls in front of their house, signalling you were soon to be reunited with your favourite family- though you wouldn’t dare let your mother hear you say that. You spot Hyacinth ducking her head away from one of the upper level windows, her chestnut curls twirling behind her as she undoubtedly raced to alert her mother of your arrival. Their front door opens as one of the footmen lends you a hand for descending the short carriage stairs, and Hyacinth and Eloise are quick to meet you on their front steps.
“Y/N you’re here! We thought you were never going to make it!” Hyacinth announces as she grabs your hand, pulling you faster up the steps.
“Hyacinth Bridgerton, I will not have you bombarding our guest before they even have the chance to step foot inside,” Lady Bridgerton makes herself known from just outside the front door, giving a harsh look to Hyacinth before smiling at you. “It is always wonderful to see you dear,” she remarks as she leans in to give you a hug, forcing Hyacinth to let go of your arm.
You laugh as you return her hug, “I’m simply glad you all find me entertaining enough that I keep receiving the invite”.
“It would be so incredibly boring without you,” Eloise adds as the group of you walk through the house to the drawing room.
“Tell me, is Anthony still pushing away every young lady of the ton?” You ask with a smile as you sit across from Hyacinth and Lady Bridgerton, with Eloise beside you.
Lady Bridgerton rolls her eyes, “unfortunately so. He seems determined to make this much more difficult than need be. It appears to be a family trend”.
“Talking ill about us again, Mother?” Benedict jokes with a tilt of his head as he leans against the drawing room door, sketchbook under his arm as normal.
“Benedict!” Hyacinth smiles.
“Oh Hyacinth, I believe Gregory was looking for you to test out his new marble set with him,” he passes on the information from his younger brother who had raced past him earlier. She lets out a gasp of excitement and runs off, waving a quick goodbye before dashing down the hall. Benedict makes his way behind the couch upon which you and Eloise were sitting and standing beside you. “Had I known we were to be having such appealing company, I might have scrubbed up better for the occasion,” he comments in a low voice, trying to avoid the two other pairs of ears in the room.
You keep your head directed at the carpeted floor, hoping the blush growing on your cheeks was not so incredibly obvious. “So, is your father still away on his business overseas?” Lady Bridgerton asks you, bringing you back to the conversation at hand.
“Indeed he is,” you nod, “he has about a month left abroad from what I gathered in his latest letter.
“Well, if you and your mother find yourselves in need of companionship, you are more than welcome here at any time,” she offers you a warm smile.
“For my sake if nothing else,” Benedict mutters, again keeping it between you two. You would be lying if you said you did not find the second son attractive, and the current attention was only making that more apparent. You clear your throat, hoping that it might disrupt your current train of thought.
“Is everything alright dear?” Lady Bridgerton asks, and you hear Benedict chuckle quietly beside you. You can just about feel the slightly proud smirk on his face.
“If I knew your reaction to me would be this strong, I would have acted like this sooner”. This man and his hypotheticals will be the death of you.
“Yes, I’m just fine,” you nod, giving Lady Bridgerton the least awkward smile you can imagine as you feel your cheeks grow hotter by the second.
“Every artist needs his muse, does he not?” Benedict whispers, pretending to adjust the sleeves of coat. Your breath stops, and you try your hardest to continue making eye contact with Lady Bridgerton, hoping she’s not too aware of the situation unfolding in front of her. “Well, I suppose I shall be off. Let you enjoy your tea and whatnot,” Benedict begins to walk back to the door.
“You’re not going to stay for a cup dearest?” His mother asks, looking confused.
“Not today, Mother. I believe I have accomplished all that I needed to do here,” he looks directly at you. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I had some painting to catch up on”. And with that, he is gone.
“Did he seem strange to you, Eloise?” Lady Bridgerton asks her middle daughter.
“Not any stranger than usual,” she shoots you a quick glance with a mischievous smirk on her face before looking back at her mother. Perhaps you were not as subtle as you once thought.
#bridgerton#eloise bridgerton#benedict bridgerton#anthony bridgerton#benedict bridgerton x reader#the viscount who loved me#bridgerton x reader#daphne bridgerton#the duke and i#an offer from a gentleman
350 notes
·
View notes
Text
Gregory's fingers curled in the blanket as he called out to the boy he'd considered a bully. He didn't understand. Looking now, he could see the toll everything had taken on Michael.
The emotional breakdown from earlier had to be Gregory's fault, surely. Everything from today was his fault. He'd hit Michael to begin with, but the words coming out of his mouth...
If Michael really was implying that he was Glamrock Freddy, returned to the past simply to continue protecting Gregory, then what happened to his new friend's brother?
Frustrated tears built in Gregory's eyes. Why was everything falling apart so quickly? Why was it so painful? Gregory just wanted to survive.
"No," Michael mumbled. His body stiffened beneath the blanket. "No. No."
"Uhm." Gregory stumbled away from the bed.
"He... he can't be..." Michael curled into a ball beneath the blanket. "It was a prank. It was meant to be a stupid prank... BRING HIM BACK!"
Oh. He was having a nightmare. "Mike?" Gregory said tentatively. He inched closed to the bed again.
It definitely wasn't Freddy possessing Michael. It couldn't be. Whatever was going on, it seemed like a recurring thing for Mike. Maybe that was why he didn't want to sleep. Maybe it was why he changed. Gregory's shoulders relaxed minutely.
"Mike, I think you're having a nightmare-" Gregory cut himself off abruptly when Michael grabbed his wrist.
"Gregory," Michael murmured. He seemed to relax a little bit then. Not much, but at least he wasn't screaming anymore.
Gregory's mouth dried out. He didn't know what to do from here. It was weird, being in the position to comfort someone else again. It was weird, being the source of comfort for someone he'd punched in the face a few days ago.
Michael was strangely affectionate. Gregory wouldn't have guessed, based on how his younger brother reacted to it. The joyous tears that had fallen from his eyes had been worth the discomfort Gregory felt each time Michael hugged them though.
Michael was mumbling his name again. "I'm here," Gregory whispered.
Michael's grip got tighter. "I can't... lose... you..."
Tears filled Gregory's eyes so quickly that he couldn't blink them away. "You won't. I can take care of myself."
"Promise..." Michael turned his head, mumbling into the pillow.
Gregory took that as his cue to leave. He really should've left sooner, actually.
With intense care, as to not upset or wake Michael, Gregory peeled Michael's fingers off his wrist. He then quietly tip-toed out of the room.
This whole ball-pit thing was getting weirder by the minute.
Page that inspired this ficlet
@pixlokita
You cannot put this all on me. Your page literally implied it. ALSO:
#cloud writes#see what you've wrought pix#inspiration#it's not evil if it's based on true events#and by true events#i mean your comic#bc#fanfic based on comics#can still be technically canon#but only to your comic#<3#and look#I didn't kill anybody#see?#I'm capable of restraint#fnaf#michael afton#fnaf gregory#fnaf sb
239 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ok so there's a new clip out that a friend showed me, and it got me thinking. In the clip we see the Bros finding the pipe, and somewhere along the way Mario loses track of Luigi. We see him enter the pipe, and he says:
"Luigi, are you in here?" And he almost sounds... exasperated? Like this has happened before. Maybe it's just the nerves of being in such an unsettling place, but as a younger sibling I recognize the exasperation in his voice, lmao. That's the voice your brother uses when you once again get yourself into a Situation, and he's done with your Curious George arc.
That being said, if anyone has played Mario Galaxy, you know that every now and then Luigi will send you a letter basically saying:
"Hey Bro! I found something interesting, but now I'm stuck in x place and need help."
So you go to help him, and you end up finding this ridiculous green bean in the most bizarre place imaginable, and you're left reenacting that one Security Breach meme:
"GREGORY! What the *honk* are you doing?? HOW DID YOU GET UP THERE?!?!?!"
This man right here:
Is absolutely impulsive as shit. Yes, he's jittery, and is most definitely going to scream at the sight of his own shadow, but put him on the trail of something interesting and all common sense goes down the pipes. This guy is ALWAYS getting himself into these situations, throughout the games, and presumably also in the movie.
I would not put it past this guy to cause unintentional chaos in Bowser's castle, just with his curiosity. Someone pointed out that his level of fear always stays the same, that he sees a spider in the bathroom and heccin' Cthulhu with the same level of fear, and it's absolutely true. Idk, maybe I'm overanalyzing this, but the idea just gave me a laugh. Feel free to share your thoughts!
(here's the clip, btw!)
youtube
#luigi#mario#mario movie#trailer spoilers#man is just curious#mario should just get one of those backpack leashes for him at this point#mario galaxy#Youtube
744 notes
·
View notes
Note
benedict with a younger sister who he catches at one of the parties he goes to talking to a man who has less than innocent intentions with her and she’s oblivious and just thought it would be a fun place to drink bcs that’s what she’d heard when was out at the park earlier that day
A/N- Sorry for it taking a while I really am starting to believe in the fanfiction curse. I also made up the seedy guy who had unhonorable intentions in this story just an FYI.
Readers Pronouns- She/Her
TW- Sexism
Word Count- 1,653
Summary- Benedict goes to a local gathering of artists and happens to find his darling younger sister enjoying the company of some of Benedict's unsavory friends.
Unhonorable Intentions
I am a rake. I take no shame in this fact. I am allowed to be a free spirit it is my birthright as the second-born son. No obligations no responsibility. I would loathe to be in Anthony's shoes. Though Y/n seems to have made it her mission for me to walk in his shoes tonight. What is she even doing in a place like this? Last I knew she preferred literature over the arts. Yet she hangs on a man's arm as he explains his next work. in progress that he is sure will be his Magnus opus. I glare at them hopefully sister notices my gaze burning into her side so I can continue my night as if nothing happened. However, when I glare at them I realize who the man she is talking to is and now I know there is no way I can continue my night. Unfortunately said man felt my gaze instead of Y/n and smiled and pulled her forcefully along with him.
"Bridgerton! It's grand to see you! We've missed you at the club!" Alexander shakes my hand roughly and I return it with an insincere smile. "Saw you eyeing my new muse, I regret to inform you I don't share." God, I want to gag as I know what he does with his so-called muses. Y/n smiles at being called his muse she does love it when I draw her but this man does not have honorable intentions. He and I have very different definitions of what a muse is. My idea of a muse is someone who inspires you to create, Alexander's idea of a muse is a woman to sleep with and then abandon.
I straighten back to assert my taller posture over the man, "And I regret to inform you your so-called muse is my darling baby sister." I look down at her with demanding eyes, "I do say it is time we get back to Mother. Isn't Y/n?"
She looks taken aback by my tone, "What do you mean? I just got here."
Alexanders' grin increases tenfold, "A Bridgeton! Benedict I had no idea you were hiding such a beauty to yourself! If I was her brother I'd never let her out of the house either." This man is truly revolting the artist community here is unfortunately very small and I have to find a way to remain civil.
Y/n smiles, "So you know Alexander? That's too bad really I was hoping to learn some different art techniques from him to impart to you! I had no idea you knew such a famous artist!"
I grit my teeth, "Famous now Alexander are we?"
This flusters him for a moment but he recovers quickly, "Aren't all artists famous in a different sort of way?"
I want to laugh at such an absurd response… sadly Y/n is far too naive for her own good.
"I agree wholeheartedly! Benedict is the most famous artist in our family! I'm quite jealous of his talent I must admit! It makes sense he would be at such a regal event filled with so much talent. To be truthful I overheard this soiree would have fabulous drinks on this morning's promenade and couldn't resist," she gushes over my talents and breaks my heart for not being more present in my siblings' lives.
Anthony just seemed to have it all handled, Daphne was married off, Eloise could certainly hold her own ground, Francessa was so busy with her studies, and Mother had Gregory and Hycanith under control. Even though Y/n is Eloise's twin she couldn't be any more different she believes the best in everyone and is too quick to forgive in my opinion and Alexander is taking advantage of that and I will not let that stand.
I smile down at Y/n, "Y/n you downplay your own talents no need to associate with a man whose talents consist of preying on women through false pretenses."
Her eyes widen to the size of quarters, "Benedict you can not make such outrageous claims!"
I pretend to not know exactly what she is talking about, "You mean your talents? Your poetry talent is outrageous and that's not a claim it's just a fact."
She blushes at the compliment but for some asinine reason still wants to defend Alexander. Though it seemed her brain could not keep up with the unusual compliment from me and the unflattering words I spoke about Alexander she just stuttered unintelligible anger, shock, and joy all marking her face. Alexander on the other hand was just fuming red.
"First you insult me Bridgerton then you demean poetry as a genre by encouraging a woman to write it." he snarls.
I have never seen Y/n turn so quickly and before anyone in the room knows what's happening a resounding slap is heard over all the chatter and everyone turns to the noise. Alexander's eye is twitching and a red welt in the shape of my sister's hand is forming on his face. He glares at her with murderous eyes but she holds her head high I have never seen her this determined and it makes me wonder what else I missed while she was growing up and I was galavanting around with men like Alexander.
She points an angry finger at him like Mother would when she would scold us, "Gentleman like yourself actually I wouldn't even call men like you gentleman but that's beside the point. Men like you say women are too emotional to do anything but care for the home. Poetry is all about emotion it's supposed to make you feel something like the art you make, or apparently don't make from what I just learned from Benedict's side comment. I would also like to remind you who is in charge of our country or rather what sex they are?"
All eyes are on us and Alexander looks like he might strangle Y/n with his two hands if the vein bulging out of his forehead is any indicator.
"Oh and by the way when I complimented your line work on your latest piece I was lying it was shit but you know how men can be so emotional I didn't want to hurt your feelings," she fake pouted. This is definitely not the young sister I once knew she may still be naive but she has now learned to use her talent with words as a knife.
Alexander's arm shoots to roughly grab her but I am quick to block, "I'm Alexander but we must be going. It was so nice talking to you as always. I would definitely take my dear sister's words under advisement to spend more time working on your line art." I then pull him very closely into my body and if anyone hadn't seen the previous incident they would have thought it was just two chaps hugging. I whisper, "Less time with lines of ladies and coke you might find yourself able to make straight lines. And if I ever hear you laid a hand on my sister I will kill you myself." I roughly release him and he scrambles backwards ungracefully as all eyes on him.
I link arms with Y/n, "Come on we must really be going now."
Once we make it outside away from prying eyes she quickly bursts into sobs, "Gods what have I done! I was just so angry he'd judge me just based on my sex. God, what if Lady Whistledown writes about me!" She starts pacing with her hands on her forehead and this is the Y/n I am all too familiar with, " Oh God what if Mama reads it! What if I ruin the Bridgerton name? Anthony will never forgive me!"
I clap and quickly gain her attention back, "You certainly won't be the first Bridgerton featured in Lady Whistledown and I am certain you will not be the last."
"Not helping!' She shouts back.
"No one will be mad you stood your ground… in fact, I am quite proud of you."
Her eyes study me, "Are you serious? I just slapped your friend in a soiree full of your peers."
"Anthony was more of an acquaintance," I add.
She rolls her eyes, "That is not the point!"
I sigh, "Yes, I am proud. You defended your honor and didn't need my help to do so. Though I am sure any of your brothers would be there in a heartbeat to defend it including me."
She smiles, "You're proud of me."
"I am not saying it again," I state.
she starts to repeat you're proud of me in a sing-songy voice.
"My pride in you is diminishing and my worry is growing. I think I will be around more often seems like Anthony isn't keeping a watchful enough eye on you if he let you go to a seedy event like this."
She tilts her head, "But you were at the event?"
"Exactly I only attend seedy events, though it appears now I must reform. Think of me has your second Anthony," maybe having responsibilities won't be so bad if I get to see Y/n chew out more men like Alexander.
She groans, "I don't want another Anthony how will I ever do anything fun."
"That's the point Y/n," I smile.
She groans, "I hope Lady Whistledown writes you into the story and makes you sound dreadful."
"As long as she writes how daring and smart my younger sister is we will be on good terms," I smile as she groans again at her failed attempt to get under my skin.
"Thank you, I guess," she responds.
I may be late in helping my siblings but at least they all still have some more growing to do and I plan to be there for all of it.
#bridgerton x reader#bridgerton x y/n#bridgerton fanfic#bridgerton fanfiction#bridgerton x you#bridgerton request#bridgerton siblings#bridgerton!sister x reader#bridgerton!sister x y/n
90 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ok, this is a longer post than I planned, but I love thinking about Mike's relation to children and how he ended up with so many kids despite never expecting to have any.
I just like the idea of Mike being very adamant about not ever wanting to have children up until Cassie enters his life and then he ends up taking care of like 10+ children. They just keep popping into his life, he has no idea how it keeps happening.
Like, he's spend his childhood forced to take care of his younger siblings (and even though he loved them, it was very taxing on him and he feels like he failed enormously at it, considering they both died "because of him") and now he's scared of failing whatever child he might have. And of course, he's terrified of turning into his father and ending up hurting his kids, so he just decides that he doesn't want to have any at all, and he makes it very clear to Jeremy when they get together.
Jeremy is a bit sad about it because he loves the idea of a big family, but he understands where Mike is coming from and it's not really a deal-breaker for him so he goes with it. Though he is a bit sad for Mike anytime he sees him interact with kids, especially in one of the restaurants when they have the occasional dayshift because he's actually very good with them (both before and after getting scooped too)
But then, Cassie enters their life after Phone Guy dies in Fnaf 1, and they get custody of her because they are her godfathers and Mike is scared of screwing up, but he can't just let her end up in an orphanage. So they take her in and she changes his life entirely. He loves her so much and he would die (again) for her. He's very protective and he's so grateful to have her in his life. (Jeremy is so enamoured with him and loves seeing the two of them interact)
And then Cassie becomes friends with Gregory, and after they all find out he's been abandoned by his parents and living in the street, they take him in too. And it's so easy to fall into a routine, and Mike finds himself happier than he's ever been.
But it doesn't even end at that, because after Mike freed the Missing Children in Fnaf 3, they get attached and end up staying with him and Jeremy on and off (even more so as Susie/Chica is in fact Jeremy's little sister and she is glad to be reunited with him)
Cassidy is more wary of him at first, but they quickly get along anyway. Evan is just excited to be with his big brother again, even if they're a bit awkward at first.
And then UCN happens, and they find Liz and Charlie, who end up coming along with their ragtag family too after some tears and revelations.
And Mike and Jeremy end up having a house full of kids out of nowhere and neither of them would change that for anything in the world. The ghosts mostly come and go, but they still consider them as parental figures and Mike definitely cries when they all prepare something special for him on father's day.
#fnaf#michael afton#jeremy fitzgerald#jeremike#fnaf cassie#fnaf gregory#missing children#cc afton#elizabeth afton#charlie emily#dadmike#he is so confused on how it happened#but he is resolute to be a good father despite his fears#he tends to be a little too lenient with them#because he is scared of kf saying no#but he's trying his best
135 notes
·
View notes
Note
🐢
Judging by his reaction, he was unhappy, so I warn you. I also want to point out that you have very dangerous acquaintances, namely: your Mike killed his younger brother. You father is a serial killer. The boy Gregory caused several billion dollars in damage to Freddie's company. Vanessa is suspected of missing children. For this reason, you are also under suspicion of criminal actions.
I don't think you can scare them, you don't look very scary.
I look like this. It's not the prettiest, but it has worked for the time being.
@williamfnafton *crying* I'm very scared, you told Michael the police were awful and now I fear I'm going to go into a compound and I can't go into a compound. I can't go underground again- I just can't. My chest feels very tight just thinking about it.
86 notes
·
View notes
Text
Written 2yrs ago and haven't reread it (just posting here) so may be more cringe than my current writing. Yes, I had the mangas in hand as I searched for dates and details. Ready 4 new black butler season: my offering
Gregory Violet x Fem. Noble Reader
~
The word "fag" will be mentioned in this story, but it only means someone who does a lot of things for a house's prefect. Hope you enjoy.
~
2 June 1889
Dear Diary,
It is finally the 2nd of June, just two days before Weston College's interhouse cricket tournament. That means tomorrow the tournament eve's festivities will be held and I can once again meet my beloved Gregory at his school. I hate that his school prevents me from seeing him often, but he seems happy going there and he sends me many letters with some of his lovely drawings, many inspired by the people at his school, so I suppose it's not all bad. His house may not win the tournament this year, but I know that at least his house's match will be entertaining, as it is every year. I wonder if he'll be busy drawing instead of participating again this year? Or if he'll dance with me after the tournament ceremony tomorrow. I usually dance with his fag [a fag, in this, means someone who acts similar to a butler towards the house prefect], Cheslock, or Scarlet Fox's prefect, Edgar. They're both wonderful, but I'd rather dance with Gregory, he is my betrothed after all. If he declines tomorrow, then I'll just have to drag him onto the dance floor. It's very unlady-like to do so, but I must dance with him at least once before we're married. And besides, I've seen some girls oogling him during the festivities in previous years, and I'm not fond of it. They are either too shy or scared to actually talk to him, but that doesn't mean the same can be said for this year. I know his heart belongs to me, but I can't help but want to make that clear to those ladies by dancing with him. Yes, I've decided, I will dance with Gregory tomorrow, no matter what I must say or do to make it happen.
-Y/N L/N
3 June 1889
Dear diary,
Today was absolutely wonderful! After each house and their players entered the Grand Dining Hall and the P4 lit the Flame of Saint George, the festivities began. Well, after the vice headmaster fell down the stairs. It was startling, he had blood running down his brow, but he walked around just fine afterwards. He's always been rather clumsy, but I think this is the first time he's ever got himself hurt that bad. I hope he's truly okay. But, anyhow, I finally got to dance with Gregory! I can feel his hand on my waist and in mine as if he is still guiding me across the Grand Hall's floor. My heart is still jumping with excitement. He was wasn't too thrilled at first and protested profusely, but Edgar and Cheslock convinced him to dance with me. He sighed and, reluctantly, led me in a dance with a pout on his face. But his frown soon turned upside down as we talked throughout the dance. I told him what's been happening with me and vice versa. He has such a lovely smile, I wish he showed it more often. I'll figure out every small thing that makes him smile soon, and do my best to keep him happy. Oh, and before I forget, I met the new housemaster and student of Sapphire Owl House that Gregory mentioned in his letters. The new housemaster's very tall and handsom (and appears to be much younger than the other housemasters), and says such flattering words. But, I can tell that his smile's fake and his words insincere. He was trying to leave the ceremony early but was prevented from doing so. As for the new student, he's short and cute, in a younger brother sort of way. His house's prefect, Lawrence, and his rather large family were surrounding him, as well as Green Lion's fag, Edward, and his family, for a majority of the night. According to what Gregory's said, and from what I've seen, the two are very popular. Gregory thinks there's something suspicious about the pair, though. I hope it's nothing to be concerned about. Anyways, tomorrow is the start of the cricket tournament. I won't be able to be with Gregory the whole day since he'll have to be waiting with and for his house to play, but I'll be cheering him on wholeheartedly from the sidelines.
-Y/N L/N
62 notes
·
View notes
Text
I have a question. How many of you BELIEVE in Glammike theory? To be honest, when I returned to the fandom, this became my favorite theory. Imagine what the plot twist would be if it turned out that all this time Glamrock Freddy was possessed by Michael, who was the protagonist in many parts of fnaf! And the most interesting thing is that this theory may well be true given the fact that the Mega Pizzaplex was built over a Freddy Fazbear's Pizza Place. It just dawned on me that by the words "my friends are here" Freddy most likely meant not glamrocks but animatronics from fnaf 6! And his phrase "I am not me" still leads me to confuse me...
Referring to this theory, I now all the time think that one of the reasons why Freddy helps Gregory is because he reminds him of his younger brother. I even had a theory that Gregory is the reincarnation of C.C.. (But that sounds a bit dumb to be honest. Or maybe not.Idk)
#fnaf#fnaf sb#fnaf security breach#fnaf 6#fnaf 6 pizza simulator#glamrock freddy#freddy#michael afton#glammike#glammike theory#fnaf gregory#gregory#fnaf crying child#fnaf theory#Now I'm even more sorry for Michael#after all judging by this theory his soul remained in the burned-out pizzeria for YEARS until a new one was built under it#updated#ok guys#please STOP writing me facts from the book#I haven't been able to read them yet.#And yes I know that there is A LOT of additional information about the game#but I hope you understand that unfortunately not everyone has the opportunity to read all the books#if you DO NOT believe in this theory then please do not write out a whole lecture about why you DO NOT believe in it#Since initially I asked in my post only those who BELIEVE in this theory#I hope you understand me 😭
154 notes
·
View notes
Text
Walls Are Crumbling: Part 3
Fandom: Bridgerton
Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x F!Reader
Summary: 3 Months after marrying Benedict, you've come to realize those feelings you used to have for him are still there. On Benedict's end, his attention is always on you and he still has yet to confess his feelings for you, to Anthony's dismay.
Part 1 | Part 2 |
Married life was...interesting. It wasn't exactly what you expected it to be, but you were still happy. Benedict was so caring, always asking you how you were, how the baby is doing; overall being a wonderful friend and husband.
In regards to the baby, you're starting to show a little bit, which meant that you started buying slightly bigger dresses. Every morning, Benedict would greet you and then your "little cherub". You couldn't help but get a little giddy every time you heard him call the baby that. Even though he isn't the father, he already sees them as his own and it makes you feel so elated. You have no doubt in your mind that he'd be a good father. He treats his siblings so well, so you have no worries on that front.
______________________
You're sitting under a tree at the Bridgerton household. Benedict's head is resting on your lap and he's having a conversation with your unborn child.
"You'll be so loved by your aunts and uncles. They'll adore you just like they adore your mother. I just hope you get all of your mother's good looks, hm? And not your cowardly father's."
You lightly swat his shoulder, "You stop that!"
He grins up at you, "Well, also, it'd just be better if he looked like you. Wouldn't want to raise suspicion would we?" he reaches out and boops your nose, "Besides, we won't be mentioning anything about him to our child. Not unless it's really important to."
You nod in agreement, your hand now brushing through Benedict's hair, "Do you want many children?" You're suddenly aware of what this insinuates. You two didn't consummate your marriage. Benedict was adamant that that wasn't a necessity considering the situation. But the idea of having children with him, little ones that are part you and part him, isn't something you're opposed to.
He hums, "If you'd like. If not, I think just having our little cherub would suffice."
You nod, accepting his answer, maybe...just maybe...
_____________________
You and Benedict join the rest of the Bridgerton family on an afternoon promenade.
Anthony, Kate, and Benedict are walking with each other, while you're behind them with Violet. Kate notices how Benedict keeps glancing back at you and his mother. She then speaks up, "Have you told her your feelings yet, brother-in-law?"
"No, I haven't." Benedict replies simply.
Anthony groans, "Brother-"
"I can't, Anthony. If she doesn't feel the same, I don't know what I'd do. I'm spending the rest of my life with her and if she doesn't love me, it would, quite literally, kill me."
Kate snorts, "A bit dramatic."
"He can be that way," Anthony responds.
Benedict rolls his eyes, "As if you two are the perfect example of a love match."
"We expressed our feelings in the end though. Are you really going to go your entire life not telling her how you feel?"
"I don't need this right now," he grumbles and joins his three younger siblings up ahead.
__________________________
You're smiling as you observe Benedict playing with Hycinth and Gregory. Franchesca looked on with an annoyed look, already behaving as though she was above it all. But you could see how she still wanted to play with her siblings.
Violet, catching your soft gaze, clears her throat, "So, will we be expecting another addition to our ever growing family?"
You didn't know what it was, but the hopeful look in Violet's eyes...you couldn't take it, "Yes, actually."
Your mother-in-law gasps in excitement, "Oh that's so wonderful! I'm so happy for you two!" She pulls you in tight. When she pulls away, she's gleaming at you, "You know, I truly am so happy that you two finally found your way to each other. I recall when Benedict was younger, he'd follow you everywhere. I knew my son's heart belonged to you, has all these years."
You look at her in surprise, "Really?"
She laughs, "Yes, really. He loves you so much, Y/N. I can see you love him just as much. It's so wonderful for you to be a part of this family now." She gives you a loving kiss to the head and proceeds to walk alongside you.
Benedict is then panting as he rushes over to you, "Dear wife, please give me an excuse to take pause from my siblings."
You giggle, "Not as energetic as you used to be, husband?"
He shrugs, "Afraid not." He catches his breath and offers his hand to you. He then looks to his mother, "Mother, may I-"
"Of course. Let me rally up my rambunctious children." She swiftly heads forward to her three youngest, wrapping her arms around then and, probably, warning them to ease themselves for a bit.
"I saw mother looking excited. Did you tell her about the child?"
You nod, "Yes, I'm sorry," you look at him guiltily, "She asked me if we were going to have children soon and she looked so hopeful. I couldn't lie to her."
Your husband chuckles, "It's alright. We were going to tell her eventually. We don't necessarily have to hide it now."
You hum, "Your mother did say something very interesting to me as well."
Benedict's brows raise, "And what did she say?"
There's a bench nearby and you pull Benedict to it. Once you and he are sitting, you speak, "She said your heart had belonged to me since we were children. Is that true?"
A part of him wants to lie, to say that his mother was merely jesting. However, his brother and sister-in-law's words came to mind. Realistically, he doesn't think he can spend his entire life with you and not confess his feelings.
Nothing like the present, he supposes.
He lets out a deep breath, "Y/N, ever since I was a boy, my heart, truly has been yours. You have been, and still are, the light of my life and I am a moth drawn to your ever loving flame."
"Ben-"
"I must admit that I feel...guilty."
"Guilty? What for?"
"I suppose it's a bit ironic. You were so worried that I was being forced to marry you, that being called your husband would be the worst thing in the world. But it's not. It's an honor and privilege to be called such. However, I feel guilty for feeling as though I've forced you in this position. To marry me, a man you don't love, to ensure your secured spot within society. I feel guilty for practically forcing you to be my wife."
You cupped Benedict's face, "You didn't force me," you stare into his eyes, "I suppose we both agreed to this for our own selfish reasons but...I think it's worked out well. And I wouldn't necessarily say that you're a man I'm not in love with," you say shyly, bringing your hands back to yourself and looking away from him.
"You love me?" Benedict asks breathlessly.
You nod, "I always have, but I didn't believe you'd ever feel the same, so I tried moving on. That's-" you chuckle, "That's how I ended up with Lord Mattias. I was so desperate to be loved and he was so charming and made promises that I thought he'd keep." You shake your head, looking at your lap in shame, "So stupid."
Benedict places his hand on yours, "You're not stupid for believing in love, for believing Mattias." He lightly places his hand under your chin and turns your head towards him, "But you're right. I think this worked out well. Not ideal but...I believe it was always supposed to be us in the end."
"I think so too," you whisper.
"May I kiss you?" he asks softly, his eyes glancing to your lips.
"But-"
"We're a married couple. No one has to know that this will be our first kiss, and, hopefully, not our last."
"Okay," you mumble before leaning in and pressing your lips to his.
The kiss is soft but it's everything you thought it'd be. Benedict is gentle but you feel the love oozing out of him, the love he has for you.
You break apart when you hear someone clearing their throat. You look up to see Anthony and Kate smiling at the both of you.
"I win," Kate states with a proud grin and Anthony is rolling his eyes.
Anthony is scowling, "You couldn't have waited another week, brother?"
"I'm sorry, what?" You ask in confusion.
Kate is smirking, "Anthony and I had a bet. I said Benedict would confess his feelings within the week. Anthony said longer."
The viscount sighs, "Yes, well, everything's all worked out now. You two are married and in love now. Wonderful," he says annoyingly, "Anyway, we're all headed to the house for lunch. Will you be joining us?"
"I think I'd like to rest, but we'll see you at dinner."
"Of course," Kate bends over and gives you a hug, "Take care. We'll see you later."
Anthony nods to you and Benedict, and guides her towards the rest of the waiting Bridgertons.
Benedict proceeds to stand, offering his hand to you. The both of you follow the family until you go your separate ways. The group to the Bridgerton household and you and Benedict to the small estate left to you by your father after he'd past.
241 notes
·
View notes
Last Seen Blogs
politicoscope
Politicoscope
soukeyed
ellie : )
moodsbytraviswillingham
Today's Travis mood...
gwtsamuel
Virtual Designer Mall
lotuseatcr-blog
Endure, my heart; yea, a baser thing thou once didst bear