#Viscount Tewkesbury

[frost-queen]

The moment I knew // part 10 (Reader!Bridgerton x Tewkesbury)

Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers , @merlieve , @queen-of-books , @glimmering-darling-dolly ,@denkisclown , @wildieflower , @meyocoko , @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco,@subjecta13-thefangirl , @m-rae23 , @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr , @swampthing07 , @melsunshine , 

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Summary: A confession has been made. Will you take the offer and finally live your happily ever after? | final chapter [ part 1 & part 2 & part 3& part 4 & part 5 & part 6 & part 7 & part 8 & part 9]

It means I love you.

Your heart was pounding loudly in your chest. Overpowering your thoughts as you couldn’t think anymore. You weren’t sure how you were looking at him. In shock? Panicking? Glowing? Flustered? Gawking? Seemingly frozen in time as you couldn’t move. – “Miss Y/n.” – Tewkesbury said taking your hand as it startled you awake. – “I cannot bear it any longer.” – he started joining his other hand on yours.

“Every moment apart from you, is excruciating. A pain I no longer wish to bear. I have been a fool, toying around but I am done playing. I am done with my boy-ish attitude.” – he confessed as you curled up a flustered smile. Feeling a bit sheepishly, looking around if anyone was taking noticed of it as well. His hands on yours. A scandalous act in public. Behind him you saw the dancers performing graceful sequences. A dance of tug and war. Pulling and pushing. Nearing and distancing the attraction.

Tewkesbury cleared his throat, bouncing on his feet nervously. – “Miss Y/n… I have a question I have been meaning to ask ever since I became serious about you.” – he started pouring his heart out. You chuckled softly. – “As long as it isn’t a proposal.” – you teased jokingly. You kept chuckling till you noticed Tewkesbury looking saddened back at you. Making it clear in his eyes, it was in fact like that.

You stopped chuckling becoming aware of it. – “Dear lord is it?” – you let out with wide eyes. Tewkesbury looked away with a shy smile. – “Well I am not going to say it now.” – he answered. – “The moment’s ruined miss Y/n.” – he scratched his hair looking nervously away. You pulled your hands back, up to your mouth as you gasped loud. – “Is it a proposal?” – you asked lowering your hands.

“It is isn’t it?” – you called out making Tewkesbury chuckle a bit at your innocence. – “The moment’s gone miss Y/n.” – Tewkesbury said taking a small step back, looking at the ground. – “No!” – you blurted out, startling Tewkesbury. – “No, no, no, no wait!” – you shouted desperately with your hands. – “Wait.” – you spoke making Tewkesbury supress a laugh at how hard you were trying to fix this.

You turned around, taking a few paces away from him. – “Begin once more.” – you called out. – “Miss Y/n I am not…” – he began as you cut him off. – “Begin once more!” – shouting at him as you turned back to him. – “Miss Y/n I’m not just going to begin again.” – he answered feeling a bit foolish. – “You simply take my hands again, you say that you have a question to ask me and I keep my foolish mouth shut!” – you let out making Tewkesbury laugh. – “Please..” – you begged.

“Miss Y/n I…” – Tewkesbury started to laugh again, knowing how silly this was. Too played out and orchestrated. – “Fine!” – you said loudly with determination. – “Then I shall ask you a question.”  - you continued approaching him. – “My lord…” – you said looking down at his hands. Reaching for it, you took it. – “I’ve been a girl with her heads in the clouds, but you kept me grounded. My heart only yearns for you. It is yours to have and hold. I love you Tewkesbury. Will you make me your wife?” – you asked with a sweet smile.

Tewkesbury’s eyes widened. – “You love me too?” – he replied needing to be sure his hearing wasn’t deceiving him. You shyly nodded, twirling your hips a bit around. Tewkesbury’s eyes lit up, smiling purely out of excitement at you. He threw his arms around you, hugging you tight. – “You’ll marry me.” – he told you, squeezing you tighter in his embrace. He then pulled away, taking your hands, to leave a kiss on your knuckles.

Flustered you waved yourself some cool. Suddenly it felt so real till your eyes widened. – “Dear lord my brothers.” – you gasped out. Tewkesbury laughing at that. – “You fear they might skin me alive for proposing?” – he joked out. Seeing the nervous chuckle from you made him gulp. – “I’m sure it will be alright.” – you patted him on the hand, hoping you were right.

“That didn’t sound reassuring.” – Tewkesbury yelped out, breaking out a sweat. He could already imagine your brothers or the Duke stabbing him for proposing to their beloved sister or in law. Tewkesbury felt a fantom stab in this stomach making him winch. – “They aren’t that bad. It should be I who needs to be terrified of your grandmama. Her look alone will turn me to stone.” – you said with a shiver.

Tewkesbury and you shared a look before bursting out in laughter. Tewkesbury offered you his arm. – “Shall we?” – he asked as you accepted his arm. – “We shall, soon to be husband.” – you teased him. Tewkesbury placed his hand against his chest, gasping dramatically at how adorable he found that.

Tewkesbury removed your hand from his arm, holding it in his hand instead as you had found your way back inside. It wasn’t that hard to spot your siblings. He tugged gently on you, pulling you along with him towards them. Anthony and Benedict were in a deep conversation. Francesca beside them with a drink in her hand. She was the first one to notice you. – “I think we’ve found our lost sheep.” – she said with a smile. It made your brothers turn their heads at you. Benedict’s gaze went down, seeing your hand in Tewkesbury’s.

“He’s holding her hand.” – he said sweaty. – “What?” – Anthony replied looking as well. – “They are holding hands.” – Benedict blurted out stunned. Francesca clapped proudly as you neared. – “Sister!” – Anthony hissed out grabbing you by the shoulder. Benedict grabbed Francesca’s drink needing to cool himself. – “I warned you from the beginning it would be my soul purpose to marry him.” – you told your brother.

“What are you talking about?” – Anthony blinked overwhelmed with many emotions. You smiled, patting your brother against his cheek. – “You…” – Anthony said baffled, then looking at Tewkesbury with a point. – “You.” – he repeated as Tewkesbury nodded his head just a tat too amusingly. Benedict nearly fainted as Francesca had to grab him.

Anthony shoved you a bit aside to get to Tewkesbury. – “You asked my sister to marry her without consulting us first!” – Antony called out trying to keep his temper down. – “Actually my lord, she asked me.” – Tewkesbury answered giving Benedict another heart attack. He had just recovered as his knees became weak again. Francesca tried to hold him up right, fanning him. Anthony turned to you as you gave him one of your innocently sweet smiles.

He pointed fiercely at you, trying so hard to be angry at you, but that smile you flashed at him was doing it’s work. – “I’m proud of you sister.” – Francesca said. You curtsied to her. – “Don’t encourage this.” – Anthony said rubbing his forehead feeling it had become sweaty. Mama and Colin returned. – “What happened to him?” – Colin asked gesturing at Benedict. – “My little sister…” – Benedict sobbed out. It made Anthony roll his eyes dramatically at him. – “Oh please, pull yourself together.” – he said between a clenched jaw, pulling him up straight. Dusting his vest a bit off.

“Y/n and Tewkesbury are engaged.” – Francesca informed Colin and mama. – “What?” – Colin shouted a tat too loud, drawing the attention of almost the entire ton. Seeing everyone was focused on him, he cleared his throat. – “Carry on.” – he said waving them away.

The ton proceeded to do what they had been doing before, paying no attention anymore to them. – “What?” – Colin repeated in a lower tone, closer to you. – “Well this is a surprise.” – mama said touching her stomach nervously. – “Do not worry mama, I’ll have him ask me again properly.” – you assured her with a wink. – “Well he better.” – mama answered waving her handkerchief playfully at him. Tewkesbury excused himself with you from your family.

“Where are we going?” – you asked curious. Tewkesbury chuckled nervously as your eyes fell upon his grandmother sitting at a table. – “Dear lord no!” – you blurted out, pulling hard at his arm, coming to a stop. – “It will be alright.” – Tewkesbury reassure you. – “She’ll eat me alive.” – you told him, not wanting to be introduced as his soon to be wife now. – “She already ate diner Y/n.” – he joked. – “This isn’t funny.” – you gave him a slap against his shoulder.

“You want to throw a scandal at the ton?” – you whispered to him anxiously. He placed his hands on your shoulder. – “It will be alright, she won’t cause a scene in public. It is bad for her reputation.” – he responded with a warm smile. Taking a deep breath, you weren’t sure about this, but you couldn’t avoid her forever.

Tewkesbury took your hand, placing it on his arm as he guided you towards her. He cleared his throat near her. – “Tewkesbury?” – his grandmother said looking questionable at him. She then gave you a glare as it made you gulp soft. – “Grandmother.” – he started placing his hand on yours on his arm. – “You’ve met miss Y/n Bridgerton before.” – he went on with shaking legs. – “Yes, the girl you’ve stolen her dance card.” – she recalled making Tewkesbury chuckle nervously.

You gave Tewkesbury a little nudge for encouragement. – “Yes, well.” – he began trying to find a way out of his words. – “Well out with it boy!” – she called out impatient at the lack of information he was giving her. – “I am to marry her.” – he popped out. – “What?” – his grandmother spoke setting her hands on the table as she was about to rise from her seat. Tewkesbury took a save step back, not sure what she would to next.

His grandmother than laughed loud. – “I am to marry her!” – Tewkesbury repeated more confident now. – “Laugh all you want, there is nothing you can do about it. I will marry her. The estate will be mine, so be mindful I don’t see you out grandmama.” – Tewkesbury spoke with seriousness. His grandmother stopped laughing. – “You wouldn’t…” – she replied.

“Watch me.” – he answered as you took a hold of his upper arm. A calm gesture to him to not loose himself in emotions. His grandmother stood up straight. – “How dare you threaten me like that. If it wasn’t for me you’d be a waste. Was it not I who had picked you up after the death of your parents!” – she called out. You could tell Tewkesbury was getting emotional. – “That is enough!” – you made clear silencing her.

“You will always have a home with us if you wish, but you do not disrespect the Viscount!” – your words made her swallow loud. You curtsied at her, not wanting to lose any more words to her. You pulled Tewkesbury with you away from his grandmother. You brought him to a secluded area rubbing your hand up his arm. – “Are you alright?” – you asked. – “I am now.” – he responded leaving a kiss against your cheek.

His touch flustered you, sweeping you up in the moment. You jumped at him, throwing your arms around him as you pressed your lips against his. Your feet found ground again as your lips retracted from his. – “Miss Y/n what a scandal.” – Tewkesbury teased goofily with a blush on his cheeks. – “Good thing I already am to marry you.” – you responded. Tewkesbury grabbed you to kiss you again.

Tewkesbury had proposed properly at your house. Sending a wave of emotions over your family once again. Benedict crying for he didn’t want to loose his younger sister yet. You reassured him you would always be close, visiting the house every day. Tewkesbury and you married by the end of the season. You moved into the estate with him.

His grandmother having settled in the manor up on the country side. It seemed your little counter response tasted bitter in her mouth. She didn’t like getting stepped on her toes. You send word to the girls you knew from your year away. Enlisting them as you had promised. Giving them a good house and a good household to work for. Your siblings would visit almost every day with the smallest thing wanting to share or just spend time with you for they couldn’t stay away. The dream of becoming a princess died out. For what is a princess, when one has a Viscount as Tewkesbury.

------------------------------------------

Read more of my fics on my Masterlists! 

[lucifertoxics]

give me butterflies | viscount tewkesbury

| pairing: tewkesbury x reader

| genre: friends to lovers

| warnings: no warnings <3

| word count: 1.4k

| aura's note: just a cute tewkesbury ff because who wouldn't want to have him as their boyfriend, so enjoy :)

[ BACK TO MASTERLIST ]

The evening was lovely. It was one of those summers nights when you lose track of time. Young people dressed up for occasion, were dancing to the rhythm of the classical orchestra.

As you were making your way through the crowd, a hand grabbed your arm to drag you away from the ballroom. That's when you immediately recognized your childhood friend.

"Long time no see. You have grown. I can't help but wonder, are you still such a poor dancer?" Tewkesbury said warmly, putting on a gentle smile.

"Tew! What are you doing here?" You said surprised to see him there, as you hugged him tight, wrapping your hands around his neck.

His hand moved to the small of your back and hugged you warmly, his lips curling into a teasing smile. "I couldn't bear miss this party. I was hoping to run into you again. Oh, how i missed our conversations." He looked at you with an amused expression. "I'm sure most of the gentleman in line to have the honors of dancing with you must envy me right now."

"You can be sure of that." You smiled looking at him. " But i'll be more delighted to dance with you more than any other gentlemen."

Tewkesbury chuckled, enjoying the soft way you were teasing him. As the orchestra was striking the first chords for the next dance, he took your hand and led you to the dance floor. "You look beautiful tonight, by the way. This shade of violet is very becoming on your skin."

"Thank you." You said blushing as you looked at him. "You don't look too bad yourself, black always suited you."

Tewkesbury laughed, appreciating the praise of his attire. He danced graviously, his movements fluid and sensual, making the most out of every spin and step you took together. And, even with the crowded dance floor, he managed to catch your gaze from time to time while dancing, his gaze full of longing and tenderness. He finally broke the silence, his voice soft and flirtarious. "Tell me...have you missed me, by any chance?"

"Of course i've missed you, we haven't talked in a while!" You said smiling and looking at him as the two of you danced.

Tewkesbury'a grin widened as he heard your answer. "I'm relieved. I'd be furious if you tood me you haven't missed me!" He danced closer to you, his movements getting a bit more passionate and sensuous now, He leaned closer ss you two swayed together, his voice barely a whisper. "Tell me...should we make up for our lost time now?"

"That woukd be such a great idea." You smiled as you looked at him. He looked so handsome. The way his eyes glowed as he looked at you as if you were a precious jewel he had never seen before. The way he laughed at your teasing. You loved everything about this boy. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

"I was thinking we could find a quiet place in the garden, or maybe in one of the salons. You know to get some fresh air..." He paused, his words carrying a hidden meaning. "Or we could spend some time without all those people around us." His voice was full of tenderness and sensual desire; his eyes scanned your features for a few seconds before he asked. "Just...just the two of us?"

"Ever since i've known you, you have always liked flowers so i might suggest that we could go to the garden." You said in the same tone as his, still looking into his eyes.

"How sweet of you to remember my fondness for flowers." He tilted his head with a cheeky grin. "But i like how your mind works, a lovely place to start. Let's go to the garden then." He led you out into the warm summer night, passing through the elegant halls ans crossing the threshold of the garden. He walked beside you, his hands holding yours as you walked, his other hand on your waist. As the two of you were getting further away from the party, he pulled you closer to him.

You look at him surprised by his action. "So how have things changed while i was gone? Did you miss me that much?" You say pushing his shoulder playfully.

"It's safe to say i have." His fingers combed through your hair, taking time to appreciate the way your hair looked so soft ans shiny in the moonlight. "Did you miss me too?" He teased peacefully, pulling you closer ro him. "To you, i'm just the same boy you knew a long time ago, but...i've changed a lot since you last saw me, in more ways than one."

"And how did you change?" You said rearranging his tie still keeping eye contact. "Certainly you have much grater hair now." You said ruffling his hair.

Tewkesbury smiled at the way you were playing with his hair. "First...I grew a bit, i'm not that skinny kid you used to laugh at anymore. I got taller, more..grown." His hands moved away from your hair to your waist, his voice getting sexier as he continued. "Second...i'm not as innocent as i used to be. If i were to tell you what i've been up to in recent years, i'm sure you'd blushed, a lot."

"I heard about your recent adventures and courtings that have happened" You smiled looking at him. "Girls seem to be all over you, viscount" You said in a teasing voice wrapping your hands around his neck.

Tewkesbury chuckled, enjoying your playful teasing. "Courtings?" He asked in a sarcastic tone. "That sounds very fancy, if i may say so. I've had countless girls trying to get my attention, and yet...none of them ever made the cut, so to say. They didn't have that thing about them. They never caught my attention. He leaned closer to you, his voice becoming more romantic. "And what about you? Any special gentleman in your life?"

"Well there have been several of them that have tried to catch my attention, but no one in particular has managed to give me the butterflies i have been longing for." You explained yourself to him in a romantic voice, as what you have just told him also had a hidden message.

Tewkesbury grinned as the hidden message sunk in. "So you're looking for someone to give you butterflies, is this what you're trying to say?" His grip tightened around you, and his voice had dropped to an amorous whisper. "Someone that can make you feel something special, someone you would be eager to spend time with...and who amkea hours dissapear in the blink if an eye, is that correct?"

"Yes, that's exactly what i search in that someone." You said leaning in closer to him, playing a bit with the hair from the back of his head, focusing on his face.

Tewkesbury smiled as you played with his hair. "Then tell me, do i give you that feeling? Do i have it...the special something you've been looking for?" He caressed your cheek, his lips a few inches from yours, close enough for you to feel the heat of his breath on your skin.

"You've always had that, tew." You leaned into his touch, closing your eyes, enjoying the feeling.

Tewkesbury's grin widen as he heard your words and saw your action; he moved his other hand to the small of your back, his lips now just an inch away from your earlobe. His breath was warm, yet subtle enough to make you lean toward him. He spoke with a low voice, his words drippung with sensuality and desire. "I should have come to find you years ago..."

"You're here...and that's what matters." You said leaning in closer to him, your lips inches apart.

This time, it was Tewkesbury who leaned in, wanting to close the last gap between the two of you. He moved slowly, letting time pass before your lips finally touched. When it finally happened, your lips smashed together so naturally, as if they were made exactly for each other. Your tongues danced, as your hands caressed each other's back as you stood together in a passionate embrace. A moment later, he pulled away and looked at you intently. Your breaths were mixed and your hearts beat quickly in your chests

© LUCIFERTOXICS ⎯ do not translate, plagiarise or claim any of my works as your own.

[imdead770]

Help Im in so many random fandoms at this point and I can’t pick one to obsess over so I’m obsessing over all of them

why do they gotta cast such pretty boys 😭😭

[1asbrightasthestars3]

I'm a feminist, obviously.

But I wouldn't really mind HIM saving me..

[mindisinmars]

COMING TO TERMS WITH THE FACT THAT ILL NEVER BE A TEENAGE BOY IS HARDER THAN IT SEEMED ❗❗❗

[percysbestgirl]

me everytime i remember i can't get him pregnant:

[tommiruewrites]

Hi! I would like to request a Tewksbury x fem’Reader (romantic)! Reader is Enola Holmes’ sister

So basically, I was hoping for this to take place in Enola Holmes 2 in the theater fight scene. If you remember, Enola almost gets stabbed, but her corset protected her. So what if it was reader instead, and the corset didn’t protect her? Reader does finish the fight like in the movie because she’s just a girlboss like that and has that whole moment with Tewksbury after, but the stab wound finally takes its toll. That’s sort of just the base of the idea, you can do whatever you come up with after that! I sort of think of this as an angst + fluff? Thank you!

Just a Little Longer - V.T.

word count: 1.2k

requested: yes | no requests: open | closed request rules here

warnings: fem!reader, fluff to angst (but mostly angst bc i love to make myself miserable but in a cute poetic way), brief mentions of fighting, talk of blood, major injury, main character death, best friends to lovers/idiots in love, tragedy, holmes!reader, NOT PROOFREAD

a/n: i'm SOOOO sorry, ik it's been ages since you put in this ask, but my adhd slump was a pain in my ass. it has finally been forcibly lifted (by yours truly) bc i want to write again, and i found the start of this fic in my drafts and decided to finish it. i hope you're still active and able to read this, lovely anon! <3

remember to like, comment, and reblog to support my writing <3

part 2

· • —– ٠ ☆ ٠ —– • · • —– ٠ ☆ ٠ —– • · • —– ٠ ☆ ٠ —– • ·

Everything went by in a blur. You were fighting alongside Tewkesbury and Enola, dodging weapons and fists. The next thing you know, you’re on the floor, wind knocked out of you.

A loud crack rings out and you feel an intense pounding in your head, so you guess you must have hit it when you fell back. As you begin to stand, you feel a dull ache in your ribs. You look down to see the cause, and you thank the heavens that you’re wearing one of those god-awful corsets you've always hated so much. Shouldn’t leave more than a nasty bruise.

You hear Tewksbury —who’s still fighting from across the room— call out your name to make sure you’re alright, but you don’t have time to respond. Your sister reaches a hand out to help you up off the floor as she dodges a hit. A bit preoccupied in a fight of her own she misses the silver handle sticking out of your corset.

“Are you alright?” she screams over the chaos.

You stand firm on your feet, still staring down your opponent. “Fine. Just a little fall, nothing I can’t handle.” Pulling the blade from your abdomen, you miss the red glint of blood as you resume the fight.

———————

The battle is over, and the energy is high. You and Tewkesbury bounce off the walls blabbering on about the recent events, adrenaline running through you while Enola concludes the investigation with your brother, Sherlock.

“Did you see me! I got some really good ones in there. Think I got him in the nose!”

You laugh, breath like shard of glass in your lungs from the cold, "You were wonderful! Just like I showed you."

He beams at that, his cheeks glowing a warm pink, which he hopes could be chalked up to the biting chill outside, “You didn’t do so bad out there yourself.”

“Not bad?” you scoff, "You must have missed the look on that guy’s face when I threw him across the room!"

You both laugh softly, your breath visible in the winter air. You ignore the tight feeling in your lungs.

Suddenly you’re both hyper aware of the lack of space between you. Looking between his cold pink lips and his glassy doe eyes, you hold your breath as he begins to lean closer.

Just as you feel his intoxicating lips graze yours, your knees buckle beneath you. You try to steady yourself against Tewksbury, hand pressed against his chest, as he quickly grabs your waist to hold you up. He chuckles a bit as he tries to help you regain your footing, but immediately stops when notices that you’re practically limp in his hold.

“What's wrong? Talk to me.”

It feels like your chest is collapsing in on itself, and your head starts to spin. “Oh- I’m fine. Just cold.” Mostly reassuring yourself, nothing bad could happen right? You won after all. You beat them. Your family is safe and your best friend that you've been in love with for years is finally kissing you. Those are all good things. Really good things. So it's just the cold making you feel weak and breathless, right?

“I’m just really, really tired.”

Just as you begin to stand up straighter, sharp pain shoots through your stomach and your knees buckle again, causing Tewkesbury to almost fall over. He panics when he hears a gasp that sounds too much like you’re in pain.

“Enola! Something’s wrong!”

Enola and Sherlock stop their current debate and immediately notice your uncharacteristically frail state, rushing over to help Tewkesbury get you on the ground. They sit you down as quickly as possible without hurting you, your back to Tewksbury’s chest so he can keep you stable. His shaky hand tremble against your hips as he surveys your body for injuries. Enola kneels to be eye-level with you, “What's going on? Are you hurt?”

"No-" You nod your head, "I'm fine, I just-" you cut yourself short, unable to create a more convincing reply as a groan of pain rips through you. Thats when Enola notices a deep tear in your dress.

“Her corset. Take off her corset!”

Enola and Sherlock work to quickly remove the thick article of clothing, Tewksbury squeezing your hand reassuringly when you wince at the movement of him lifting your arms. Once the corset is successfully removed, a deep cut reveals itself, crimson red seeping through your under-dress. "Oh my god-"

You look up, the concern in Tewkesbury’s voice making you nervous. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

Enola grabs your focus when she presses her hands against your wound.

"Oh..."

Sherlock frantically removes his coat to tie around you and try to stop the bleeding. “Nothing's wrong. Nothing at all. You’re going to be just fine.” He rambles out, trying to calm both you and himself.

In your hazy state you can't fully sense the anxiety all around you, or how serious your injury truly is. You only register one thing. You’re going to be just fine. Your brother would never lie to you. Not ever.

Your breathing begins to slow as you relax, leaning your head back against Tewkesbury's shoulder. You begin to feel your own shoulder dampen. Looking over at the cause, you see Tewksbury’s face tacked with glistening streaks down his cheeks, staring at Enola and Sherlock frantically try to stop the bleeding as he helps where he can.

“Tewks?” His eyes jump to yours, sniffling. “What's the matter? Why are you crying?”

Much to your dismay, that makes him cry harder. "Nothing’s the matter."

You reach a weak hand up to wipe tears from his cheek as more roll down in their place. “Then why are you crying?”

There’s a long pause, your sibling’s desperate shouting falling deaf on your ears as a faint ringing replaces it. "I’m just so proud of you is all."

You smile at that, "I'm proud of you too, fighter." You tease. He chuckles weakly, not surprised that your wit is still intact even as you're bleeding out. Your eyes begin to feel heavy as you stare into his, eyelids fluttering open and closed.

“Hey! Hey, keep your eyes open for me. Just a little bit longer.” He stammers, squeezing your hand to keep you awake. "We just need a few more minutes. Just a few more minutes, and then you can rest, alright?"

You groan in discomfort, feeling all of your energy go into the one simple task as your body begins to feel floaty and numb. “Tired.”

“I know, I know. Just a little longer. I promise everything will be fine. I promise. Just please, don’t close your eyes.” He sobs out desperately, interlacing his fingers with yours.

Enola and Sherlock keep trying everything in their power to stop the bleeding, sobbing and begging for anything to work. For you to be okay. You try your best to keep your eyes open for them, you really do, but it’s just too difficult. You can hear distant shouts of your name as you finally let the peaceful darkness consume you.

[wishicouldkeepconcentration]

a quick check-in: i’m in my louis partridge era *again*, which means watching enola holmes every two days became my religion.

BUT

this makes me wonder: what might tewkesbury’s first name be? because, in my mind, it should be the same thing as it is with anthony bridgerton, because they do refer to him as ‘bridgerton’ a lot since he’s the viscount, the rightful heir, but has a first name which we, of course, know.

same with hastings.

and since tewkesbury is a constituency, tewkesbury (the person) should have a first name, right? or is it just me who doesn’t get the concept of victorian era england?

I’M CONFUSED AND CURIOUS.

[fbfh]

You are the GOD of writing yearning. It’s always so palpable and I’m always left blushing. Romantic or Sexual, it doesn’t matter. You’re literally in my top 5 favorite tumblr blogs.

AWWWWWW BABES!!!!!!!!!!!! WAILING SCREAMING SOBBING!!!!!!!! <3333333

Listen Tewkesbury is my current brain rot (stage 5 and chronic) and he is the god of experiencing yearning!!!!!! Match made in heaven!!!!!!!! perfect opportunity to drop some Tewkes yearning for you quotes!!!!

pov tewkes and you finally end up in a heated love confession bc he's been waking up in a cold sweat at night craving your touch and your adorable obliviousness is finally about to make him fuckin snap

"I wish they would retract my status as an eligible bachelor in the society pages, but I more so wish that you would be the one to rescind that title for me."

"There is nowhere far enough for you to run that could remove you from my thoughts, and there is no length too great that I should not follow."

"You plague my mind. You consume my every thought. Every moment, waking and asleep, I ache for you."

"I am coming unone, I am unraveling at the mere thought of you! Each moment I spend in your presence is another moment spent wishing for you to consume my very being!"

[thestrangerblog]

I'm rewatching Enola Holmes and am so exited for the next movie.

And I wonder if we will ever learn Tewky's first name. Enola can’t call him by his last name forever, right?

Do you guys have a first name for him in mind?

To me he's an Oliver.

[myownworld2509]

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 (Lord Tewkesbury x Reader) Masterlist.

Summary: Y/N is a beautiful girl from Avonlea who has never been satisfied with her peasant life and aspires to something more. After all her friends leave for the university, she stays behind to pursue her romance with Billy Andrews. At the same time, a naive and clumsy boy arrives in Avonlea who seems unfamiliar with his surroundings.

No one imagines that this is the Marquis of Basilwether who fled his home to be free and away from those who want to kill him!

For her part, Y/N has no interest in her new arrival, but Tewkesbury is captivated by the girl's strength and charisma to the point that he will do everything to win her over. Meanwhile, in London, Sherlock Holmes is entrusted with the case of the missing marquis, which he will solve with the help of his cunning little sister.

Note: This is an AU where Tewkesbury does not meet Enola on the train but instead takes a boat direct to Prince Edward Island, where this story will have a crossover with Anne with an E.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Chapter 1:

Summary: The young Marquis of Basilwether flees from those who want to assassinate him; he manages to take the train, but after a confrontation with a hitman, he boards a ship that takes him to a land beyond his imagination: Prince Edward Island.

[frost-queen]

The moment I knew // part 8 (Reader!Bridgerton x Tewkesbury)

Forever tag:@missmelodramatic, @merlin-dahlia, @alex--awesome--22, @elllie-does-the-posts, @floatlosers, @merlieve, @queen-of-books, @glimmering-darling-dolly,@denkisclown, @wildieflower, @meyocoko, @bubblybrianna, @justanothercoco,@subjecta13-thefangirl, @m-rae23, @harleyquinnswifeyfrfr, @swampthing07, @melsunshine, 

@panhoeofmanyfandoms, @venomsvl, @the-uncoordinated-house-cat, @rosecentury,  @imagines-by-her,  @evilcr0ne, @vviolynn, @cayt0123, 

@powwowsworld, @yomamacrusty, @mileyy22, @omgsuperstarg, @helen06dreamer, @misscaller06, @l4venderia, @dracoflaco, @loliakeoghan23, @emotionaldamageemotionaldamage, @reallysparklychaos, @ok-boke, @the-fifth-marauder7, @asgards-princess-of-mischief, @cherrysxuya, @lol6sposts, @cierrajhill, @heheyhey

Summary: During a ball sneaks Tewkesbury his presence more onto you. Almost desperate to be near you. Even so desperate he calls upon your house yet he isn't the only one. [ part 1 & part 2 & part 3& part 4 & part 5 & part 6 & part 7 & part 9 & part 10 ]

Candles were dazzling in the bright room. The walls warmed with the comfort of people. The ton bustled together in a room of delight. Chattering chippering up yet not too loud for the music to be overwhelmed. In a corner was the orchestra. The piano forte, violins, cello’s, enough to make the room dance. In the centre ladies and gents were waltzing. Graceful and delicately.

Each in their own world of slowly falling in love or hoping to be. Benedict appeared from between the crowd holding two lemonade glasses up so they wouldn’t get knocked over. He approached with a heavy exhale. Francesca and you turned more towards him. – “Your drinks sisters.” – he said lowering his hands to offer the glasses. Francesca and you took yours.

Benedict joined Colin’s side behind the two of you. Colin looked at Benedict half disappointed. – “What about me dear brother?” – he asked with pouted lips. – “Go fetch it yourself!” – Benedict replied with a sneer. Colin raised his eyebrows playfully at you when you had turned around to listen in to their conversation. – “I’ll fetch mine all by myself than.” – he exaggerated making Benedict roll his eyes.

The dancers came to a stop as the dance had ended. The room emptied as the orchestra began their next song. The first few notes shot up like a rush. Playful tunes that made you supress a squeal out of excitement. You hastily pushed your glass in Colin’s hands. Startled he nearly spilled some lemonade on his gloves.

“Y/n!” – he groaned out as you grabbed Benedict’s wrist. – “Come brother dance with me!” – you called out. Benedict got pulled with you swept amongst the crowd of joining the dance. Francesca came standing at Colin’s side. – “Now you have your drink.” – she said before taking a serious sip. You came to a stop as Benedict nearly stumbled. You positioned him before you and dove right into the dance that had already begun.

Benedict was a bit slower watching those beside him to what he needed to do. He held his hands up as you clapped your hand against his diagonally. You then clasped your hands together and spun around. Benedict started to catch on clapping his hands against yours at the same time making you laugh. You heard laughter from all around you as this dance was not so stiff.

A pleasant folklore dance with lot’s of spins, hops and fun. Tewkesbury’s eyes widened seeing you amidst them dance with your brother. He knew what kind of dance it was. Gulping nervously he very much wanted to join. Looking quickly around he grabbed the first girl’s wrist he saw near him and pulled her without a word into the dance. He forced his way to be beside you.

The couple that were already dancing near you got stopped in their movement, leaving them confused for a brief moment. They cleared the way as Tewkesbury dove right into the dance. He took the girl’s hands facing your back as he followed the dancers go in a circle forwards.

“What an honour my lord.” – the girl said breathlessly. – “Quiet!” – Tewkesbury said to her trying to focus on you. They came to a stop, changed hands and went back the other way. You furrowed your brows looking at the suspicious back of the person hopping before you. – “Is that?” – you muttered before Benedict pulled you to a halt. Clapping your hands against his again. Benedict let you spin under his arm. Benedict then walked over to you to come at your side.

Tewkesbury’s eyes widened as he hastened himself at your side. Taking your hand before the girl he was with could do so. Feeling the sudden warm grip on your hand made you look up. – “My …” – you wanted to address his presence but got pulled to the centre by your brother and Tewkesbury. Each holding your hands as you had formed a circle with the other dancers. Coming together in the middle to then part back to a full circle.

In a confused haze they pulled at you needing you to follow the direction they were going. The full circle going to the left. There was a brief pause before you were pulled in the other direction. There was another stop as you stood lost when Tewkesbury stood before your brother and you before the girl he danced with. – “What are you doing?” – Benedict shout-whispered, clapping his hands against Tewkesbury’s. – “May I dance with your sister?” – Tewkesbury asked before taking a spin as did Benedict.

You and the girl did the steps in silence and confused as to why you were suddenly dancing with each other. – “Please.” – Tewkesbury pleaded as Benedict sighed deep. Tewkesbury took it as an agreement turning his posture away from Benedict and giving the girl a gentle nudge to get her out of the way. You took each other’s hands hopping to the side and back. 

You watched Benedict leave the dance returning to your siblings. – “You scared my brother away.” – you teased. – “I asked.” – Tewkesbury responded taking you by the waist. You did the same twirling around with him. – “This is more fun isn’t it?” – he said. – “I’ll decide that.” – you responded trying to supress a smile. Tewkesbury saw the mischief in your eyes knowing you weren’t serious.

He let you twirl under his arm before he pressed his hand on your back and pulled you to his chest. He was a bit too eager making you fall against his chest, needed to have pressed your hand to escape a hard bump. – “Where’s your partner?” – you asked glancing to the side. Tewkesbury pulled you back in by your chin, wanting you to look at him. – “Right here.” – he whispered making you look bashful away. – “Don’t be silly.” – you slapped him against his chest. Tewkesbury took a hold of you dancing around with you. Hastened and energetic that you were out of breath. The music slowed, fading out as the two of you were panting.

Tewkesbury bowed before you as you took a hold of your dress and curtsied. The two of you moved to the side allowing other dancers to join the next dance. – “May I see your hand?” – Tewkesbury asked. – “Wha--- why?” – you responded confused. Cheeks flushed from the heat. – “May I see it?” – he pressed on. You moved your hand up with a taunting smile. Your dance card dangled on the cord around your wrist. – “Perfect.” – He mumbled pulling at the  cord. – “Hey!” – you called out as it snapped, dance card now in his hands. – “That’s mine!” – you called out wanting to grab for it. Yet he was faster pulling it back out of your reach. – “I’ll keep this.” – he showed you the card with a smirk.

“If you think you are being charming, you are wrong silly boy.” – you answered crossing your arms. Tewkesbury shrugged his shoulders. – “You can have it back when I’ve claimed all my dances.” – he replied finding it cute how angry you were trying to look. – “You see it has my name on it.” – he continued as you puffed loud. – “Where? I don’t see your name.” – you said tauntingly back looking closer at your dance card just for the dramatics. – “Right here.” – he began moving his gloved finger down your entire card. – “Tewkesbury.” – he spoke slowly as his finger went down.

“It’s in invisible ink.” – he added jokingly.  You punched him in the armpit just to stop him from laughing at his own smoothness. – “Au!” – he called out, rubbing the pain area. You stuck your tongue out to him as Tewkesbury did the same just to play with you. He dangled your dance card happily up to tease you even more. – “Stealing girl’s dance cards are we now?” – you heard as Tewkesbury stiffened. He turned, dropping down into a bow at the presence of his grandmother. – “I…I was just…” – Tewkesbury began as his grandmother shushed him.

“Who are you girl?” – she asked narrowing her eyes at you. You dropped into a curtsy. – “Miss Y/n Bridgerton, My lady.” – you introduced yourself. She only hummed intrigued. – “I hope my grandson has his manners.” – she shot him a glare making him swallow nervously. You stepped up, coming a bit in between him and his grandmother. – “He has been more than polite, My lady. A dream as to say.” – you spoke to her. His grandmother hummed intriguingly again before taking her leave. Tewkesbury exhaled relieved once she had gone. The dance card was for your plucking as you took it from him. – “I’ll have this back now.” – you laughed out backing up.

Tewkesbury smiled widely following you trying to take it back from you. You kept backing up till you bumped against someone. It made you gasp, turning round quickly to apologize. – “Enola!” – you blurted out upon seeing it was her you had bumped into. She furrowed her brows. – “You know my name?” – she then looked beyond you putting on a smile to Tewkesbury. – “Viscount.” – she addressed as Tewkesbury smiled nervously back at her. Then the two dots connected. – “Ah you must be the girl.” - she spoke with a giggle at Tewkesbury.

“I can see why he likes you.” – she spoke as Tewkesbury was waving his arms across behind you. - “What was I not to say that?” – Enola said dumbfound just to tease him more. Tewkesbury slapped his palm against his face in agony. You looked back to Tewkesbury who nervously rubbed his hand to the back of his head. – “Y/n!” – you heard, drawing your attention away from him. Francesca appeared from between the crowd making her way over to you. She eyed Enola and Tewkesbury before coming to take you away from them.

You brushed past Tewkesbury letting your hand brush against his. His eyes slightly widened feeling the card being forced into his hand. He closed his hand keeping the dance card by him. Enola came at his side as they watched you leave. Tewkesbury opened his hand and held the dance card up. Letting it twirl in the air by it’s snapped cord. – “You are so in on her.” – Enola teased with a comforting pat on his shoulder. Tewkesbury looked from the dance card to where you had gone.

The next day you were in the Parlor with mama, Francesca, Hyacinth and Gregory. Your brothers had gone out. Just a boring midday. Mama was knitting. Francesca reading a book with less interest. Hyacinth and Gregory playing a game of cards. You sat near your sister, head laid back to stare bored at the ceiling. These calling hours could be so dreadfully boring someday. The time of the day where anyone without an invitation could announce themselves at the house.

Mama had let her calling card known with who would be at home. The door opened as it barely made any of you move. – “Is that how you all spend the day?” – your eyes widened at the voice of your sister. – “Daphne!” – Hyacinth shouted loud dropping her cards immediately. All of you jumped awake getting up to greet your sister. You were hugging her when the duke dropped in with Augie. Augie now at the age of three he held Simon’s hand.

“Ladies.” – Simon greeted. Hyacinth and Gregory rushed up to him to hug him. Simon let go of Augie’s hand and hugged them tightly back. Francesca picked Augie up to play with him. You hugged your sister tightly as you had missed her dearly. – “You must come more often.” – you told her. – “I know.” – Daphne responded giving you a tight squeeze.

Daphne took your hand and led you to the armchairs. – “Now you must tell me all.” – she spoke. – “There is not much to say.” – you told her. – “Now that is a lie.” – Francesca pitched in as Augie bounced on her knee. – “Is that so?” – Daphne asked intrigued. – “There’s this Viscount.” – Francesca went on. – “Viscount? What Viscount?” – Daphne wanted to know looking curiously and eagerly at you. – “It’s… it’s… not like that…” – you told her a bit unsure of what was happening between the two of you.

Would this simply grow into a friendship or was there room for more from both sides. To be honest Tewkesbury have been giving you mixed signals. All with the whole Enola thing going on. – “Then what is it like?” – Daphne wanted to know more. The door opened once more, this time the doorman entered. He cleared his throat before speaking. – “A visitor for Miss Y/n Bridgerton.” – he called out. – “Me?” – you said confused getting up. – “Well who is it?” – Daphne asked. The doorman cleared his throat again. – “He said Miss Y/n Bridgerton could guess.”

You already had a clue so you left the Parlor to head into the hallway. Your idea had been right. Tewkesbury stood by the door waiting for you. – “Miss Y/n.” – he spoke dropping into a bow. – “What are you doing here?” – you shout-whispered at him. Tewkesbury got startled a bit by the tone of your voice. – “I…I came for you.” – he said. – “My sister is inside.” – you told him a bit panicking. – “Francesca?” – he guessed. – “Daphne!” – you told him. – “I…I just wanted to see you.” – he responded as you kept looking frantically over your shoulder.

“I hope my grandmother had not scared you away.” – he asked when you gave him a gentle nudge back towards the door. You stopped furrowing your brows. – “I…you needn’t be frightened of her. She’s all bark but no bite.” – he told you taking a hold of your hand. – “I promise you.” – he continued as you got lost in his eyes.

Forgetting about your surroundings and only thinking of him. You were so deep into his eyes that you didn’t hear the door open. Till you heard a voice. – “You must be the Viscount?” – Daphne spoke. You jumped out of your skin, pushing Tewkesbury behind you.

“I am.” – Tewkesbury replied politely, moving a bit from behind you. – “And he is just leaving.” – you said pushing him back. – “Wha…no… no Miss Y/n.” – Tewkesbury whispered at you holding you by your wrist as you pushed him back. – “Come back another time.” – you whispered back to him. Desperate to get him away from Daphne yet he stood his ground, not moving quick enough. – “I still have your dance card.” – he whispered back making you look panicking over your shoulder.

Daphne watching the whole display. Tewkesbury holding you by the wrist trying to stay close as you tried to push him out of the house. She tilted her head with an intriguing hum. – “A cup of tea Viscount?” – Daphne called out. – “Yes!” – Tewkesbury called out letting go of you and stepping to the side. Daphne gestured to the Parlor. Tewkesbury went in as you followed behind. In the door opening plucked Daphne at your cheek with one of her glances. The one you feared the most. The one that stated that she knew more than you could see.

“The Viscount!” – Francesca pointed out teasingly. Simon turned his head looking the boy up and down. – “Isn’t it wonderful that he came to visit.” – Daphne said. Tewkesbury glanced over to you, catching your gaze. You held it still for a moment, for a longing moment where you stared into his eyes. Daphne looking between the two of you. – “Y/n tea!” – Francesca called out making you hum loud. You took your leave to set some tea.

Tewkesbury came to sit down in the armchair as Daphne had offered to him to sit. Both Simon and Gregory got up, coming to sit at each his side. Tewkesbury swallowed nervously at the stare Simon was giving him. Gregory smiled rather teasingly at him yet it uneased him a bit. – “You were at the opera.” – Gregory stated. – “I…I was…” – he replied. You returned to give him his tea. Taking a seat by your sisters across from him.

Tewkesbury drank his tea nervously hoping his hands weren’t shaking too much. – “Are you nervous boy?” – Simon asked. – “Simon!” – Daphne hissed at him for trying to intimidate him. Tewkesbury nearly spilled some tea. – “No…no your grace.” – Tewkesbury answered. You smiled sheepishly at Tewkesbury feeling a bit embarrassed by your own family.

“He’s very handsome.” – Hyacinth sitting on the ground in front of him. Staring dreamingly at him. Tewkesbury smiled. – “If you do not marry him then I want to marry him.” – Hyacinth said to you. – “Hyacinth!” – you shout-whispered at her to stop embarrassing you. Francesca snorted loud. – “Alright I believe calling hours are ending.” – you had jumped up, wanting to end the attention on you. – “Are you perhaps feeling shy sister?” – Francesca asked as you slapped a pillow at her head.

You gestured for the door as Tewkesbury followed. In the hallway you waited with him as the doorman opened the door. – “Have a good day my lord.” – you told him pushing him a bit to the door. Tewkesbury stood in the door opening turning back to you. – “Your family is lovely… please do not fear mine.” – he said almost desperately. As if he wanted you to know his rather cold grandmother could do you no harm.

You leaned against the door with your head, curling up a smile. – “I am not afraid.” – you answered. Tewkesbury took your hand and kissed the back of your hand. – “Till our next meeting.” – he told you taking his leave with a bow. – “For that I cannot wait.” – you spoke out of reach for his ears, watching him get in the carriage.

---------------------------------------

Read more of my fics on my Masterlists! 

[bylermoon]

guys is that okay that i got humbled by louis partridge?

[twilight-zoned-out]

Alright, with Enola Holmes 3 tentatively in the works, what are people's thoughts?

[kaitlinamberxo]

“I don't need friends. I have my own company.”

kaitlin's 100 favorite female muses — 72/100: Enola Holmes

[heliads]

HELLO MY LOVE YOU'VE SEEN ENOLA HOLMES 2 AND NOW IT'S MY TIME TO SHINE.

Okay so hear me out, Tewksbury x reader where the reader is a matchstick girl and she lives in one of those shared accommodation houses but she can't stand the cramped space of it. She goes for late-night walks every night to get away and Tewksbury looks out his window every night when he's closing his curtains or something and always sees her walking alone. So, one night he goes out and walks with her until it gets to the point where it's a routine they have and Tewksbury meets the reader outside of their place every night at a certain time so they can walk together. Idk about anything else but maybe a little 'I like you' confession comes from it after they've got to know each other or something.

I'm so sorry for this but ily xoxo

it is always your time to shine eva

masterlist

Your nails are stained again. Despite the fact that you’ve been taking great care to stay away from the damning phosphorus powder– you’re in charge of chopping up the small pieces of wood that become the sticks on the match, not even near the accursed white dust– it’s still there, turning your nails an unsettling darker shade after some time has passed. 

You knew that life wouldn’t be easy when you took up your new life as a matchstick girl, but at least it was a job you could have, and surely that would make things better. It’s the little things, though, that get to you in the end. The way the phosphorus dust gets into everything. The exhaustion that hangs over you like a cloud, refusing to cease dogging your heels wherever you go. The fact that even when you finish the day’s work, your place of residence feels no more like a home than the factory.

Most matchstick girls live in shared accommodation houses, and you’re no different. You split a small room with two other girls, and although you’re glad they’re nice and try not to infringe on your own personal space, you don’t really get a lot of time to yourself. It’s easy to snap to a temper, and on evenings like this, you’re unable to stop the irritation from coursing through your veins.

There’s only one surefire solution to get out of your own head, and that’s to get out of the accommodation house before you go mad. You tell the other girls that you’re heading out, and they nod in passive acceptance as they always do. Slipping out into the dark streets, you breathe a quiet sigh of relief at the absence of stifling sound. The cool air is a balm on your cheeks, and you treasure the sensation of finally not being shoulder to shoulder with people as you go.

You’ve come to appreciate your evening walks ever since you started work at the matchstick factory. You might have to give every other one of your hours to work, to your roommates, to this dratted city and its wheels that never stop spinning, but at least out here it’s just you and your own thoughts. Two blocks down, you’re already feeling better.

Or, you’re feeling better until you run smack into someone else. You have a habit of sinking into your own thoughts when no one needs you for anything. Maybe that was the case tonight. It would at least explain why you didn’t notice the man in front of you until you’re colliding with him.

Unable to stamp down a quick fire of outrage over this boy ruining your one time to yourself, you narrow your eyes and shoot him an angry remark. “Watch where you’re going! The pavement is wide. Walk anywhere else, why don’t you?”

It’s only once the bitter words have left your lips that you realize you haven’t walked into any old worker or drunk, but a gentleman, and a nicely dressed one to boot. His collar is crisp, his demeanor perfect. Everything about him screams that he is not someone to be trifled with, and you’ve just snapped at him.

Your eyes grow wide and you frantically sputter out apologies. “I’m so sorry– thought you were someone else— it’s my fault, really, don’t mind it–”

The young man’s not angry, though. In fact, he’s actually grinning. “I think it was my problem, actually. I walked straight into you, you were totally right to call me out.”

If there’s any emotion strong enough to snap you out of your regret, it would be strong surprise, kind of what you’re feeling now. “What?”

He laughs. “I wasn’t looking where I was going, that’s my mistake. I apologize, miss.”

You snort before you can stop yourself. “I’m hardly worth that title.”

Far from brushing off the encounter and continuing on with his destination, the young man’s smile drops. “Why not?”

You gesture incredulously between the two of you. Come to think of it, you think you’ve seen his face in the newspapers of a friend of yours. Isn’t this boy the viscount who’s recently been making waves in the House of Lords?

“I’m not exactly the sort of person you usually interact with,” you point out, “anyway, I’m a complete stranger and you have no idea who I am, yet alone if you should argue with me about a title or not.”

“If we’re not to be arguing,” he muses, “I think that means you need to accept the title. I already have. Besides, you’re not a stranger. I’ve seen you walking here before.”

You stare at him, confusion starting to morph into annoyance once more. Who is this boy to be messing with you like this? “We’ve never spoken. We’re strangers.”

You bow your head once in a quick goodbye, and move to continue walking down the street. The young man, however, just keeps pace by your side. Infuriating. “We should fix that, then. Perhaps if I accompany you on your walk, we would be better suited to knowing more about each other.”

You arch a brow. “Absolutely not. This cannot continue.”

“Why not?” He asks, bemused.

You’re less entertained. “This is not going to work out, obviously. You’re you, and rich, and I’m me of all people, and–”

The young man lifts a shoulder casually. “Of course it’s not going to work out. It doesn’t have to, you know. Not everything has to be right. Sometimes we can just do things because we like them at the moment.”

“I don’t know that’s the best mindset for a politician to have,” you say, regarding him suspiciously.

His eyes flash with victory. “I thought you didn’t know who I was.”

“I can still claim ignorance if I wish,” you reply, keeping your voice purposefully even. It takes great effort on your part.

The boy shakes his head, still nothing but offhand in his manner of addressing you. “I’d prefer you didn’t. That being said, if we’re going to be even, I’d have to know who you are, and I don’t. Not yet, at least. I think that means we have to spend more time together. You know, so I can fix that.”

You fold your arms across your chest as you walk. “Most certainly not. I am merely trying to take a walk, and you are bothering me. Why should I tell you anything about myself?”

“Because I asked?” He mentions helpfully, “Here, I’ll start. My name is Tewkesbury. I live down the road. I’m exceedingly friendly, or so I’m told.”

He looks at you meaningfully, and you sigh. “Fine. I’m Y/N, Y/N L/N. I live near here. I like to take walks by myself, with no bothersome boys interrupting me.”

He laughs. “Surely I can’t be that bothersome.”

You risk a glance his way. “Why not?”

Tewkesbury gestures in front of you. “Probably because we’ve been walking for so long that we’re back at your house and you haven’t even noticed yet.”

You redirect your gaze forward once more and blink in surprise when you realize that he’s right. It hadn’t felt like all that long that the two of you had been talking, but yet it had. When you look back at him, Tewkesbury is smiling proudly. You don’t think it irritates you as much as it has earlier, though.

He must be able to sense this small victory over your heart, because Tewkesbury pushes his luck even further with a kiss to your hand before managing to extort a promise to see you again the next night. You have every intention of blowing him off, but, well, you really can’t stand spending so much time cloistered in your small room, so you might happen to show up to the same street at the same time the following evening.

You were only half sure that he would be there, but yes– just down the block, Tewkesbury is waiting for you again. This time, he offers you his arm like a true gentleman. You take it just to spite him, but when you’re still holding onto him at the end of the walk again, you have to admit that you might be doing it for yourself as well.

Such is the rhythm that the two of you develop over the following weeks. Soon enough, you’re instinctively relying on Tewkesbury to be there for you every evening. Even on nights when he comes straight to your street after work, practically  about to drop dead from exhaustion, Tewkesbury always stays long enough to walk with you before he goes back.

If you didn’t know better, you’d say that you rely on that time with him just as much as Tewkesbury. Despite your best efforts at guarding your heart, each evening with him comes to be the spotlight of the day. Maybe work in the matchstick factory is difficult like nothing else, maybe you’re certain that your life will never get better, but there is that blessed time in the evening when it’s just the two of you. When the streetlights come on, when the sun sinks below the horizon, you feel yourself growing lighter at the thought that you’ll see him soon enough.

You just can’t help it; Tewkesbury makes you happy, he really does. He listens to you like no one else, and he means what he says, every word. Despite the fact that the two of you should never have interacted in your lives, you did, and somehow that coincidence makes it all better. He’d fight Fate off if it meant one more evening with you, and you’d return the favor every time.

Soon enough, you realize that the two of you are dancing around the strength of that truth. Conversation has never been difficult with him, but for some reason there’s this one topic that both you and him are absolutely terrified to bring up. Every time someone comes remotely close to it, you’re conjuring up subject changes faster than the blink of an eye.

Somehow, you get the feeling that were you to speak your feelings aloud, if you actually dared linger on the fact that you like Tewkesbury better than anyone for a very specific reason, the entire illusion that you get to keep him for yourself would all fall to pieces. Of course this isn’t real, not really. Someone like Tewkesbury was not meant to fall in love with someone like you.

That being said, pretending that he could be yours is something spectacular. In those evenings with him, you can almost convince yourself that it’s true. Then you wake up to newspaper articles the next morning about how Tewkesbury is constantly sought after at balls, how every eligible girl in the city is practically throwing herself at him, and you remember the truth. There’s not a chance that he would pick you out of everyone, not in a million years.

Still, Tewkesbury does have a knack for making you forget that. He smiles at you in a way that makes you feel like you’re the only one in the world. He could tell you that he’d run away with you forever, and you’d believe him, you’d believe him a thousand times over.

Sometimes you almost think he wants to ask such a thing. His gazes have grown lingering as of late, his stares speak of more secrets than he dares to tell you.

At last, one spring evening he dares to speak it into existence. The two of you have finished the evening’s stroll, but neither of you really want to leave the other quite yet. Instead, you stand together in silence, keeping close in the hopes that one of you will come up with an excuse to stay even a little bit longer.

Tewkesbury’s breath hitches in his chest. “Do you ever think about us?”

“Every night when I see you waiting for me, obviously,” you joke, but neither of you can really laugh for long.

He shakes his head. “More than that. What if we were something else? Not friends, but something better than that.”

You take a step back, closing yourself off instinctively. “I think we both know that can’t happen.”

“What if it did?” He whispers to you, voice half carried away by the wind.

You stay silent a moment, two, perhaps an eternity. “I’d like that very much,” you say at last.

The impossibilities are unavoidable, but the two of you try to duck around them anyway. “If it could be,” Tewkesbury murmurs, “tell me you’d choose me.”

He reaches out, takes your hand in the dark. The streetlight overhead goes out, no one sees. Still, the secret burns between the two of you, and that is enough. “Every time.”

You can sense his smile even despite the shadows. “I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow.” Just like always.

You answer him in the night, in the dark, in the uncertainty. “I’ll be waiting.” It is truer than anyone would know.

requested by @thatfangirl42, i hope you enjoy!!

enola holmes tag list: @/thatfangirl42