#i had a fear it would be cressida but thank no for that

[frost-queen]

Have you all seen the new tease for Sofie??? Oh my gosh she is so perfect. Yerin Ha you are going to be magical as Sofie 🥰🥰🥰

[mschievousx]

now and then | b.b.

pairing: benedict bridgerton x ofc, anthony bridgerton x ofc (platonic)

summary: loraine silva always knew she was not normal. she loves unusual things. she loves her father's guns, horses, boxing, climbing a tree, falling from a tree, engineering, astronomy... oh, and a man eleven years older.

series masterlist

v. five: lonely in your company

the young silva did not expect this at all. yes, lady whistledown wrote about quite a lengthy chat that the viscountess silva had with a certain son of the renowned pathologist, sir astley cooper, yesterday. but, for the rest of the gentlemen to flock her now? she was aghast.

while we have so far seen how she loves being in the bridgertons' companies and how she openly enjoy the things she finds fun, it is also as open she shows her distaste to the rest of the population—probably better that we haven't seen that part yet.

"i heard you like chocolates, lady silva."

"i believe we share the same interest in mechanical science."

"we have quite the collection of guns ourselves, my lady."

"a convention in astronomy is happening in the near future. if i may be so bold to have your presence when the time comes?"

honestly, she liked the last offer—had the man been fifteen years younger. it would have not mattered to her though, if only it was benedict.

the men continued to force their offers on her face. a man pulls another to the back to have his turn. a man pushed his bouquet forward. a man yelled his offer from the back. a man—

"excuse me, gentlemen. may i have a moment with the lady?"

a woman's voice stood out from the clamor, causing the men to turn and giving a space for her to take a hold of the younger one.

the ladies did not wait for the men's responses as they easily linked arms and walked away. although they could not do anything seeing as causing a scene in the queen's presence is not to everyone's benefit, they did groaned and cursed that a viscountess got away from their grasps.

"i cannot thank you enough for that, lady arnold."

loraine spoke gratefulness, her mood still marred from the encounter.

"you know there is no need for that. you act like we do not know each other." the widowed woman warmly smiled at her as she gave a squeeze on the silva's shoulder.

"i am simply grateful," she insisted, followed by a scoff, "i talk to another man and the rest of them think they could."

lady arnold chuckled at her stubborness, "i see, you still have not stopped using your father to fend off possible suitors?"

"i fend them off with anything i can. a gun, if i must."

the older woman said an immediate shush as if on reflex, something akin to a fear of being heard about using guns on suitors—although she herself would love to do so, "do you carry?"

"oh, no. the regular size is too heavy and bulky to conceal in a dress." raine said with clear annoyance that she could not carry one conveniently, "i am currently working on a smaller one."

do note that she already finished one.

at the mention of her creating a smaller version just simply because she would like to hide one made her look staggered at the young one, "and yet, you refuse to join the discussion inside."

lady silva moaned in displeasure, "i already went in. all he talks about is the principle of circular motion."

while interesting at first read, it gets boring mean you have understood it. the concept itself is significant, no doubt, in explaining various natural as well as mechanical sciences. however, she simply did not feel up to it today.

"that and i hate balloons."

lady arnold laughed at her honesty, bidding farewell to her as she continues to the dome. raine walks by herself, trying to find the bridgertons. while she did have other friends, she was not as keen to spend time with them as she did with the said family.

and so, she strolled until she found something interesting. eloise, cressida, and penelope; all surrounding the poor man.

"what do we have here?" she mouthed to eloise from the side of lord debling and penelope.

as the bridgerton girl shrugged and gestured nothing to her, the rest of the group noticed her arrival.

"ah, lady silva." the man greeted with a hidden familiarity.

"lord debling." raine tightly smiled at him in return.

miss cowper turned to the young girl, "loraine, you are an enjoyer of science just like lord debling, are you not?"

"oh, cressida," she began with a chuckle. she does not mean any offense to her though. while the said woman was indeed quite ill-natured, so was she. therefore, she is not one to judge the other, "you would be surprised by the amount of different sciences there are."

lord debling turned back to the cowper, "we do not share the same interest."

"we despise each other." raine nodded to that reassuringly, causing the man to look at her with seriousness.

"i do not despise you."

"your loss," the young silva shrugged with a hint of jest, "i despise you."

"such a strong word, my lady."

"i am petty like that." she giggled, lightly tapping the arm of the man in a friendly manner as she continued.

"do continue your conversation. i apologise for the intrusion."

raine stepped back with a smile and neared eloise, "where is your brother?"

"i did not see him. i thought he is with you?" she asked back, trying to look around herself too to catch a glimpse of her brother.

good thing she was looking around though because she had enough time to grab the other girl by the hand as the extraordinary balloon started to fly their way.

penelope, however, was stunned on their place. lord debling did not think twice to cover the girl for safety. while they did not agree with the science, she would give him points for that act.

raine turned to the men pulling the balloon, seeing colin upfront. such a personality he is embracing now, she thought. another bridgerton stole her attention though, because just meters away, benedict can be seen rubbing his palms as if in pain from pulling the ties.

she turned to eloise to bid farewell, thinking to go to him. however, as she turned back to where he was, he was now rushing to walk away.

her confusion was interrupted when cressida suddenly yelped in pain. catching on to her hidden agenda, raine rolled her eyes.

"ugh, i really hate balloons."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

after the incident, they all went home, likely to also prepare for the ball this evening. she went with the bridgertons to their home, not wanting to disturb her father for whatever work he's doing again.

the girl grumbled as she laid down on their couch, completely not listening to whatever conversation the family was having. everyone was doing something—gregory and hyacinth eating biscuits and quarreling, francesca playing the piano, colin reading and benedict sketching, and violet and eloise talking.

raine groaned once again before speaking on her own, "my father is so busy. it is almost like he is not here at all."

she continued to stare at the ceiling, only looking at the family after a prolonged silence of whatever they were doing. lady bridgerton was staring at her lovingly as eloise added, "and when he is away, you keep on saying you want him to go home already."

raine feigned ignorance to what she said, acting like she did not say that at all—which she did say, by the way, quite a lot too.

"ben," she called for the man across who seems to be ignoring the entire happenings in the drawing room.

"hmm," he replied with a hum, intent on his sketch.

"will you marry me so that someone will be with me when father leaves again?" she said as she sit up about to go to him.

"no," he replied, looking up from the pad and to her briefly before standing up himself, "i will be painting in my room."

he turned away after bidding farewell to everyone, the sound of his footsteps slowly fading. violet and eloise turned to raine after that, confusion clear on their faces as if asking what happened.

honestly, she is asking the same thing.

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

her second ball—to be honest, balls are not as fun as the ton made it out to be. with the exception of what seems to be a men's club inside, there is nothing much in it.

"the surgeon from yesterday said he will be writing you a letter." she turned to see astley cooper, looking more dashing in a ball's fit, and still lacking greetings.

she smiled at what he said, "are they really going to study my suggestion?"

"of course, your points were quite strong. why do you seem to be doubting yourself now?"

she shrugged as she placed her glass down, "i was brazen yesterday. i am not feeling like it now."

letting out a sigh, she lifted her glass again and took quite a sip with a new resolution, "well, they better do because i have already boasted to my father that i made an expert pause and think about my ideas."

he chuckled at her changing moods in just five seconds, "oh, he shall prepare to be more proud then."

"lady silva, may i have this dance?" she turned to her right, only to see the brother of who she's waiting for.

"anthony, i told you. i am not going to dance with you first."

the viscount stood straight again, slowly retracting his hand, "you have not danced yet tonight?"

she let out a small groan at the reminder, "should i have?"

he chuckled, crossing his arms as if in deep thinking before chuckling again, "you are so obsessed with him. it is just a dance. he was already your first ever dance."

raine stopped the glass she was about to drink midway. she narrowed her eyes pointedly to the older man, the latter rolling his eyes, "okay, fine."

"viscountess silva, you are needed." a footman called for the lady, gaining the attention of the pair. his voice carried seriousness, yet that is not enough to reveal what it could be about. they all spoke monotonously during working hours.

she tapped anthony's arm before walking across the room, swiftly dodging the ton.

"lady silva."

a soldier strictly acknowledged the young lady. the man was sweating considerably as he pulled a letter from his pocket. he passed it to the girl in front of him without any word.

as raine took hold of the letter, small red stains are noticeable as well as the lack of seal. she opened to see the contents of it written in a hasty manner. her eyes flew from word to word, line to line. the lack of greetings, the lack of complimentary close.

she was not sure if this was done in jest—she would like it to be. however, upon observing the man in front of her now, his hand is visibly shaking. and so, she shut her eyes closed, crumbling part of the paper on her grip.

"name?"

"morgan," he answered with no mention of his rank. perhaps, this is his way of being sympathetic to the silva in front of him. perhaps, offering himself as a fellow person rather than a soldier would offer comfort.

"tell me where they are, morgan." she stared directly in his eyes, voice now void of the festivities behind her.

"i cannot tell."

"oh, you surely can." her volume starting to increase, sarcasm, anger, fear, and grief mixed.

"my lady, i am under strict command to not tell you their whereabouts." he did not break his eye contact, believing it as a form of respect to the girl.

she stepped forward, grasping her concealed small gun inside her dress out as she start to scream, "tell me or i will—"

"raine," a man grabbed her, pushing the gun down before anyone can wander their eyes on it. he swiftly took and pocketed it on his own. he turned to the young one, putting both palms on her cheek as if to call for her, "raine."

anthony crossed the hall as fast as he could after noticing her crumbling the paper, excusing himself from mr. cooper who conversed with him after she left. he was not the best man when it comes to emotion, but he knows anger like an old friend. and raine? she was rarely angry. she despises everything on a daily basis, but never with rage. and so, he knew something was wrong—very wrong.

he looked at her directly in the eyes, seemingly finding her behind it as he whispered, "there is a lot of people present. the ton is here."

"i do not give a hell about them. where is my father?!" he pushed the viscount away, freeing from his grasp but he reached again instantly, as if knowing how to deal with her already.

"darling, do not yell," he spoke in the same warm voice, "what happened?"

"papa has been shot," her voice broke upon saying it out aloud, just as her tears from her eyes, "in the shoulder and chest!"

raine nearly dropped down, if anthony did not pull her to him in time. although they were outside, the ball is still quite crowded. they could not let this go out. they could not let people see and know of this.

"i—" the viscount could not find the right words to say at the moment, he himself now feeling the panic akin to what he has experienced before.

sergeant morgan informed them of raphael's orders, him being the second-in-command of the currently incapacitated general, "colonel montague has ordered to have you stay in the ball. this is surrounded by our men, and the people responsible are less likely to attack a crowded event."

anthony nodded to acknowledge what the soldier said as raine is starting to lose herself, muttering on her own, "papa was shot."

while the general has certainly been shot before, this is possibly the most fatal. raphael knew that the girl would prefer the exact information, even in grievous situations. she hates when people feel the need to protect her from the truth.

and so, that is what the colonel wrote. he mentioned his state in all its actuality. general has been shot four times, once in the shoulder and thrice on the chest, sternum to left. he is bleeding heavily and is currently unconscious. we will be going on another quarters. i ask you stay at the ball. after, be with major thorpe at all times.

she pushed the viscount once again and turned back to the ball inside, "le—leave me be."

before anthony could take a hold of her, she already has entered inside. forcing to assist the girl would only raise suspicions now. she walked slowly, eyes darting from point to point as if looking for something. good thing it is a ball, and people will brush off her actions as a bit intoxicated—which could not be farther from the truth.

"where's...." she whispered to herself, not knowing that she is saying it out aloud, "where is... benedict?"

raine turned and turned, left and right, but she could not find even his shadow in the dance floor or within the hall. so, she continued to walk aimlessly, only to find who she's looking for at the bottom of the stairs, with a familiar lady conversing with him from a few steps higher. her mind was wandering. she did not understand a thing anymore.

"i need to go," she muttered to no one in particular, turning to a corner where a staircase leading to another wing can be seen.

she gripped the bannister, anthony in tow, seeing his wife in conversation with his mother. he gestured for kate to come to them, offering a smile to not raise worry before disappearing from view.

raine continues to find her way to the balcony, breaths already starting to be more noticeably heavy. fortunately, the place was vacated with no other person in sight. she dragged her feet and found comfort on the corner between the wall and a balustrade, sitting down with her knees on her chest.

"an—anthony," she began after a few gasps of air, the said man leaning closer as he crouched in front of her too.

"papa... papa was shot." the young girl reiterated in disbelief and grief. she left first for the ball as armand told his daughter he had some things to work for a bit with raphael. they were supposed to arrive late in the ball.

they were supposed to arrive on the ball.

he continues to comfort her, saying that her father's going to be well. he is a general, after all. the viscountess bridgerton reaches them with a smile, but it is immediately changed with a confuse and worried one when she sees what's happening.

anthony turned to her in a rushed manner, "kate, get my brother."

she knew better than to ask why. kate has always been a smart woman. she does not know, but she understands. and so, she nodded at him and turned on her heel in a hurry.

"you... will not find him. he—he is..." the girl whimpered. she cannot even see anything, her eyes blurried intensely as she fights to hold on to herself, "with lady..."

anthony caressed her hair before leaning his forehead to hers, speaking with the smallest and most serene voice he could, "shh, it's okay, raine. i am here. you can do—"

there were so many things happening all at once. she could not focus. she could not hold on to this for any longer.

"an..." she began, her words dying in the middle as she gasps and gasps, "tony...? i cannot... i cannot hear."

the fear started to settle in more to her. she cannot even hear her own voice. she hears nothing but the beat of her heart, irregularly fast.

she fumbled, trying to find his hands, and as soon as she did, raine squeezed it tightly.

"tony, i'm..."

she does not even know if she was able to say the following words. she has thought of it before, but more strongly now. she is thinking of it now, and she hopes that the thought counts.

"i need him."

taglist: @aadu2173 @imgondeletedis @pumkiinpasties @rebleforkicks

[krmy2386]

Swan

Lord Alfred Debling x Reader (childhood crush on Benedict) about 2.5k words

1. PLEASE DO NOT STEAL!!! I WORKED VERY HARD ON THIS!!!!

2. NOT PROOF READ!!!

3. Yes I love Benedict but I needed a plot to don’t hate me😅

————————————————————————

Lady Y/N L/N was always called the Ugly Duckling. Not that she was ever actually ugly. More awkward in her younger years, especially compared to the beautiful Bridgetons, her closest friends.

She remembers the first time she was called that name. It was Benedict Bridgerton, her best friends’ brother, and the boy she had harbored feelings for as a child.

One day Violet Bridgerton was reading a book of stories to Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Y/N and Daphne. When they finished the infamous “Ugly Duckling,” young Benedict loudly declared the Y/N must be a swan, because she was an ugly duckling. This immediately caused Y/N to sob hysterically and Violet scolded Benedict while Lady L/N tried to console her daughter. Eventually the two children made up and it was forgotten. By Benedict, never by Y/N. She never forgot how those words made her feel.

Over the years, Y/N grew into both her features and her attitude. This was her third year on the marriage mart and it was no secret to the ton that Y/N would not be doing anything she did not want to do. She had a sharp wit and a tendency to find mischief. Many people, mainly the men, joked about who could “tame” her.

Maybe that’s why she was so drawn to Benedict. He seemed to radiate joy and light. Y/N wanted that. She wanted someone who would send shocks through her.

But that would never happen. Because now, as a grown woman, she hated Benedict Bridgerton.

————————————

Lord Debling was praying for the ball to end when he realized he had only been there about 5 minutes. He felt like a duck being hunted by a hound.

The mothers of the ton had set their sights on him. Their daughters were less intense but just as obvious.

He began lightly pacing, hoping for a hole to swallow him when he heard a shrill voice shout his name.

Oh God, he thought. Mrs Cowper, with her daughter Cressida in tow.

Lord Debling sighed, but did the gentlemanly thing and bowed.

“Lady Cowper, how are you this evening?” He asked politely.

Cressida flutter her eyes so fast a hummingbird would be jealous, “So much better now that I see you are here. Are you planning on dancing tonight?”

Fear ran through his body and he began to stutter, “Um, w-well I-I hadn’t..”

“Lord Debling!” It was his guardian angel, Lady Danbury. He felt relief fill his lungs and he turned to Mrs. Cowper and Cressida, “Excuse me.”

He rushed over to Lady Danbury and bowed before leaning to her ear, “Thank you!” He whispered.

Lady Danbury laughed lightly and patted his hand on top of hers, “Never fear, I promised your mother long ago to look out for you, and they looked ready to rip you to shreds.”

Lord Debling couldn’t help but nod. He tried to see the good in people but something about Cressida Cowper made him uneasy.

Something about the way she speaks down on everyone, her garish clothes, her unnatural hair shapes.

Alfred Debling never thought a love match would be in his future. The most he hoped for was a kindhearted friend to spend his days at home with. But that didn’t mean he didn’t have standards.

He didn’t want a fake person who would change the minute they were behind closed doors. He wanted someone real. Someone he could share life with, even if they were just friends.

“My mother would’ve loved this,” he mumbled softly. “Meeting people and dancing.”

Laney Danbury nodded in agreement. “Yes, your mother was a spirited and kind woman. And she would’ve put Lady Cowper in her place in a heartbeat.” She joked. Debling couldn’t help but laugh.

—————————

Y/N was miserable the entire carriage ride. Not only would she have to once again parade around like a peacock trying to catch a husband. It would more than likely fail. Her only solace was that she planned to escape to Penelope as soon as possible. But even the Featherington girl had been in social mourning since her whole plan with Colin blew up.

Stupid Bridgerton Boys, she thought to herself. They ruin everything.

“Y/N” she heard her mother’s gentle voice, “I know you hate this dear, but please try to have some fun!” Her mother was so genuine in her request, Y/N couldn’t help but smile. They didn’t need her to marry for money or title. She had that privilege.

Lady L/N knew something has shifted in her daughter. She never pushed Y/N to share, but she was worried. The spark had left Y/N’s eyes.

Y/ N grabbed her mother’s hand.

“I will try.” She said truthfully. Maybe she could force herself to enjoy one evening for her mother’s sake. She never meant for her mother to worry about her so much. As a child, her mother worried due to her talents in running off and climbing trees. Now she had all new worries, that Y/N might be sad, or lonely for a long time. No mother wants that.

—————————

Lord Debling was glancing around the room. Hoping for something, anything, to make the time go by faster.

When he glanced at the stairs he swears time stopped.

She was beautiful. She wore a cream colored gown with gold and silver thread embroidery. She glided down the stairs like she was floating. She didn’t have a large fake smile plastered on her face. She looked content but not overly excited.

“Beautiful is she not?” Lord Debling jumped at Lady Danbury’s voice.

“Yes,” he said. Then turning full attention back to the beauty on the stairs, “she certainly is… gorgeous.” He whispered.

Lady Danbury looked at poor Deblings face and almost chuckled. If he thought she was impressive to look at, wait until she spoke to him.

“That is Y/N L/N, daughter of some close friends of mine. She is a wonderful girl. Spirited.” Lady Danbury says with a knowing smile. “And, she is not yet married.”

Debling was now giving Lady Danbury his full attention. “She isn’t? Are you sure?” Lady Danbury normally would be offended at someone questioning her knowledge of the ton. But she took pity on him, this once.

“I’m sure. This is her third year out in society. She doesn’t need money or a title so she has the luxury of being picky. Although, most of the men in the ton find her to be too much to handle.”

Lady Danbury said gently. She loved and adored Y/N and knew she could be a bit much for some people.

This made Alfred Debling swoon. A woman who was unapologetically herself.

“Will you introduce me to her?” Lord Debling asked Lady Danbury.

This caught her slightly by surprise. He had never asked for her help meeting the women of the ton. He normally had no problem introducing himself to people. But she could tell by his eyes, he was begging.

“Alright.” She said taking his arm. “Follow my lead.”

———————————

After they descended the stairs, Lady L/N and Y/N thanked their host before heading into the main ballroom.

Y/N hadn’t seen the Bridgertons yet. Maybe. She would be safe after all.

“Duckie!” Hearing that name made Y/N cringe. There were only two people alive who still called her that name.

She turned cautiously and was greeted by both Colin and Eloise.

“She prefers Y/N, Colin. We aren’t children anymore.” Eloise scolded. She saw the hurt that would flash in Y/N’s eyes at the old nickname.

Colin, oblivious as ever laughed, “She’ll always be Duckie. Even her father called her that.”

At the mention of the late Lord Y/N everyone froze. Even Colin realized what he had done.

“I’m so sorry Y/N I didn’t mean to-“

Y/ N interrupted, “I’m going to get some air.”

And she all but ran away.

Eloise slapped her brother’s arm, “Great job Colin! We spoke to her for 10 seconds and now we’ll never speak to her again!”

It had been a year since Y/N had truly spent time with the Bridgerton family. Since her father’s death. Eloise had planned to ease their way back into her life. That clearly didn’t work. She should’ve known better to recruit Colin instead of Francesca.

————————

Alfred felt lightheaded as the approached Y/N. She was alone in the hallway. She excused herself from the ballroom and Lady Danbury insisted this was the perfect opportunity.

Y/N was staring out the hall window. Her mind was racing and she was praying for a distraction.

“Y/N! It’s so good to see you! How have you been darling?” Lady Danbury asked.

Y/N smiled. It was impossible to be in a bad mood around Lady Danbury.

“I’m doing well. How are you? I’ve heard about the new additions to your garden. Mama and I have been dying to see it.”

Alfred felt his heart jump at her smile. It was real. She was genuinely happy to see Lady Danbury. Maybe one day she would smile at him that way.

“Yes, the garden is in full bloom and ready for visitors. But I have someone here who wanted to meet you.” Lady Danbury gently pulled on Lord Debling’s arm, silently urging him to introduce himself.

“H-Hello Lady Y/N. I’m Lord Alfred Debling.” He choked out. Mentally cursing himself for stuttering.

Y/N was taken aback. A man wanted to meet her? A handsome man?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Debling. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before.” Y/N said, mesmerized by his big, puppy dog eyes.

“Well I’ve been encouraged by my family to, um- get to know more people” He wasn’t sure how to explain his situation without blatantly saying he wanted a wife.

Y/N giggled. She knew exactly why he was here.

“I understand perfectly, Lord Debling. But I must warn you not everyone is worth getting to know.” Y/N said bluntly.

Alfred couldn’t help but smile.

“Is that so?” He started. “Perhaps you could escort me around the room and enlighten me to who is who?” He asked, mustering up all of the bravery he could.

Lady Danbury was shocked. Not only did Lord Debling offer Y/N his arm, she took it. Unheard of for both of them.

—————————

As the night carried on, Lady Danbury and Lady L/N watched happily as Lord Debling and Y/N walked circles around the room together.

Y/N talked on and on about everyone at the ball. Telling stories and sharing her personal experiences.

“And that is Lord and Lady Timsley. They are the oldest couple here.” She stated.

“Really?” Lord Debling asked. “How long have they been together?”

“52 years. They have a cottage close to ours in the country. Lord Timsley used to let me climb his Genovian Pear Tree. Until one day the branch I was on broke and I fell.” Y/N stated.

Alfred was shocked, “Good Lord! Were you alright?!”

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes I was fine. My mother was furious and my father found the entire thing hilarious.”

Alfred couldn’t help but see the bittersweet look when she mentioned her father. It’s how he felt when anyone mentioned his mother.

“Is there anyone else here I should be wary of?” He asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Um-“ Y/N surveyed the room then sighed, “the only people left are the Bridgertons”

Lord Debling looked at her and immediately knew there was an issue, “Are they people to be wary of?” He asked.

“No. N-no. I just… “ Y/N started before she was interrupted by the one person she dressed to think of.

“Duckie! Where the devil have you been? It’s been ages!” Nearly shouted inebriated Benedict Bridgerton.

Lord Debling saw Y/N immediately go tense and he became on high alert.

Y/N could tell Benedict was drunk. He didn’t hold his liquor well. She briefly looked over to where the other Bridgestone stood and they all looked mortified.

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend, Duckie?” Benedict smirked. “Names Bridgerton.” Benedict forcefully pushed his hand forward and eyed Debling. Almost challenging him.

Alfred took a few seconds and took in his surroundings. Y/N was visibly uncomfortable. Maybe if he found the confidence to talk to her. He could find it to defend her.

So he took a breath and grabbed the Bridgerton boy’s hand. Hard.

“Yes, Viscount Bridgerton. Lovely to meet you.”

Benedict’s faces dropped. “Um- no. That would be my older brother Anthony.

“Oh,” Lord Debling started, “terribly sorry, you are the one who just got back from travels. Tell me, how was Greece? I hear it’s beautiful.”

Benedict’s eyes hardened in the man. “That would be my younger brother.” He gritted his teeth.

Y/N was speechless. No one had ever truly challenged Benedict before. Even Anthony would let him win just to go away.

Before either man could speak again. Violet and Anthony stepped in.

“Benedict, dear it’s time to go home.” Violet tried to gently coax him.

“But I’m being introduced to Lord Dumpling.” He replied.

“It’s Debling, and you’ve already met.” Anthony stated, clearly annoyed.

Benedict’s face lit up with recognition, “Yes! The man who watches the birds! Tell me, what do you eat instead of meat?” Benedict asked cheekily.

“That’s enough brother.” Anthony said sharply.

“What I’m just asking.” Benedict said in his best fake innocent voice.

“It is odd is it not?” He asked, looking directly at Y/N.

“I think it’s lovely.” All Bridgertons and Lord Debling looked at her.

“Really?” Alfred asked.

“Yes. It takes a lot of will power and compassion to make a bold choice like that.” She said looking directly at Lord Debling.

Benedict felt his heart lurch. She didn’t even spare him a glance.

He turned to Violet, “I’d like to go now mother.” Said stomping off to the nearest exit. Anthony rolled his eyes and followed after him.

Violet looked at Y/N, “I’m so sorry for my son’s behavior.” She breathed heavily and added, “All of it.”

Y/N nodded in acknowledgement, “Have a good evening Lady Bridgerton.”

Violet left and Y/N’s mother walked over.

“Lord Debling, it is so nice of you to keep my daughter company.” She said gently. Not wanting to draw any more attention to the situation.

Lord Debling chuckled, “it was quite the opposite Lady L/N. She has been a wonderful guide for the evening.”

Y/N felt herself blush.

“I was hoping I could call on you tomorrow.” Alfred said to Y/N, “if that is okay with you” he directed to her mother.

Lady L/N looked to her daughter to answer.

Y/N looked at Lord Debling. And once again, she became entranced by his caring and gentle gaze.

“I would like that very much.” She smiled, and he smiled back.

[austenhowe]

jess madsen as cressida cowper

I would just like to extend my love and appreciation for jessica madsen's performance as cressida this season. Initially, I didn't care much for her character—tbh I didn't care much for the show outside of kate, anthony, and benedict—but what was a controversial choice for the writers, pairing her up with eloise, ended up as such an interesting and promising plot point and it got me hooked.

She gave such a layered performance and committed fully to her character knowing what would happen at the end. She portrayed aching vulnerability, fear, desperation, adoration, hurt, and many more with just her eyes and micro expressions (jaw clench, furrow of an eyebrow, subtle shaking in her shoulders to show her fear and nerves). Her acting felt natural and her chemistry with her screen partners (particularly, eloise and her mom) was organic and always rooted in the present.

It would've probably gone better for the show imo (in terms of audience response to cressida's ultimate fate) if she played it less sympathetically—bitchier, meaner, whatever other adjective people use to justify laughing at her terrible prospects. Alas, her kicked puppy and, somehow at the same time, grumpy cat expression always won me over.

I didn't even know that she had this range. They always wrote her as a one-dimensional character. I guess given a storyline with some meat in it, it was no surprise that she was gonna eat it up. I was really rooting for her and I have to credit it to her very sympathetic portrayal.

Shout-out to claudia jessie too for her performance! Not your fault the writers don't care about your character beyond being penelope's bestie, as if your last name isn't the one in the title of the show. Lots of collateral damage in terms of other characters' development in this season when I think about it (god I really was so close to stanning eloise, then they took her from me *sigh*).

I know it was her job to act so I shouldn't really be so impressed but there were some performances this season that I found to be absolutely charmless and devoid of any natural feeling (robotic, monotonous, bland, rehearsed, stiff) that I felt bad for the people they were performing with. If I'm being honest, it really was just one person. Pissed me tf off too, but I digress.

Anyway, thank you jessica madsen and keep up the good work!

[thesparkling-diamond27]

The Second Bridgerton And I: Part 5

Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

Summary: Y/n Clearwater becomes named the “Sparkling Diamond” by Queen Charlotte herself, but she doesn’t know what to do with all this attention. Of course she has her family, but sometimes that doesn’t seem enough. But what happens when she encounters a specific Bridgerton, which changes the course of her season.

Author’s Note: This chapter includes scenes from season 3 episode 3 of Bridgerton. Down below is the link to the part 4 and part 6. I hope you enjoy!

I awaited for the impact and felt nothing. I released the breath I was holding and turned around to see that it was Lord Debling who saved me.

“Thank you Lord Debling.”

“You are we—“

“Y/n!” Someone shouted “Y/n!”

I turned to the voice and saw Benedict running down the stairs of the wooden platform towards me. As he reached to where Lord Debling and I were he crouched down to my level and inspected my body for injures.

“Are you hurt? Did the ballon hit you?”

“I am alright.” I placed my hand over his to calm him down and the concern and fear in his eyes seemed to fade slightly, but not completely.

“Thanks to Lord Debling I am safe.”

“Y/n are you okay?” Penelope asked.

I did not realize while talking to Benedict, Penelope made her way over here and stood behind him. Before I could respond, my family came running towards us. My mama and father were at the front with my brothers close on their tails.

“Y/n dearest are you hurt?” My mama asked when she reached me.

“Y/n are you harmed?” Noah asked.

Noah and Alex both crouched down on each side of Benedict and started to inspect me like how Benedict did before.

“Do not worry about me dear brothers I am unharmed. Lord Debling saved me from the balloon hitting me and Penelope and Mr. Bridgerton made sure that I was alright before you all showed up.”

My family all turned to Lord Debling and my father spoke up first.

“Lord Debling. Thank you for saving my daughter. I am in your debt. Whatever you desire I shall comply.”

Lord Debling stood from the ground and said , “There is no need. I did what any noble gentleman would do. Clearwater family. Mr. Bridgerton. Miss Featherington.”

He then walked away to check on Cressida who was “crying” and seemed to be faking an ankle injury. Alex spoke to Benedict.

“Thank you so much for checking on my sister Benedict. I am glad I can trust you with her when I am not around.”

“It is the least I could do for my best friend.” Benedict said.

“Since Lord Debling did not accept my father’s offer, will you accept? For saving my sister.”

“I did not help her for an award. I did not do much anyway. I only checked to make sure she was alright.”

“Do not downplay your actions.” My mama said, “I am grateful for any part you had in helping my daughter. Maybe I will invite you and your family for dinner.”

“Dinner seems acceptable.” Benedict said.

I turned to Benedict and realized that he was already looking at me. Was he looking at me the whole time? No that is not possible he was talking with Alex and mama. But maybe he was when he wasn’t talking with them…

I did not notice the confused look upon my mama’s face or the amused one on Penelope’s as Benedict helped me to my feet and made sure I was alright once again with gentle attention. He held on to my arms for any sign of discomfort and I silently reassured him that I was well.

“I will speak with your family right now Benedict.” My mama said, “Thank you again!”

“You’re welcome.” Benedict said with a smile.

My mama gestured for my family to follow her, however I decided to stay behind with Benedict and Penelope. Penelope squeezed my arm and said, “I am glad you are okay. Would you like me to stay?”

“No I am okay.” I replied.

She nodded and gave me a teasing smile, after glancing at Benedict, and walked away. As soon as Penelope was out of hearing distance Benedict asked,

“Are you sure you are alright?”

“Yes I am fine. I am just a little startled as one would be in a situation like this.”

“Would you like to sit down?”

I nodded and Benedict placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me to a nearby bench. Even though there was fabric separated skin on skin contact, I still felt a tingling sensation when he touched my back. I tried my best to hide what I was feeling, but my breath hitched and Benedict noticed.

“Again. Are you well?”

He thought I was still shaken up from the accident with the balloon. If only he knew.

“Yes I am truly.” I said.

His face showed that he did not believe me, but he nodded regardless. We reached the bench and he urged me to sit down, while he stood in front of me.

“Is there anything that you want that I can get you?”

“No. Only your company.”

I patted the empty space on the bench beside me for him to sit. He accepted the invitation and sat next to me.

“You can tell spring is here.” I said, “The flowers are so beautiful.”

“I can agree.”

We continued sitting in a comfortable silence. The breeze died down, but it still appeared every once in a while. The trees rustling, the birds chirping and the chatter of people all at once created a cohesive harmony that became calming.

“I want them.” I said.

“I’m sorry?”

“Flowers. I want flowers.”

“Do you want me to get them for you now?”

“No! Sorry. I said that without context. I do not want you to retrieve flowers for me right now. I mentioned flowers earlier and I was thinking how I wish to receive them one day. From someone else if I am lucky.”

“You will.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“I just know. You are an incredible woman. Anyone who does not fall in love with you is a fool.”

I was flustered with the compliment he just gave me. Does he really believe that I am that lovable? Can he possibly love me?Or does he see himself as the fool? Only seeing me as a friend and nothing more.

“What about flowers makes you want to receive them?”

“They are all beautiful. There are so many different kind of flowers and one type of flower can have so many different meanings based on the color. For example, red roses represent love and yellow roses represent friendship. Red carnations show deep love and affection, while pink carnations show gratitude. And so on and so on. But the thought of someone feeling the need to buy me flowers because they want to, makes me feel warm. I want something like that…I am sorry I went on a tangent.”

“No it is okay. It is nice to know that you are passionate about something. It reminds me of the incident at Lord Tremble’s event a few days ago. Would you like to talk about it?”

I debated on if I should talk about my Panic attack. I know he wanted to talk about it, but I already discussed it with my family and I was not in the mood after almost getting hit.

“No not right now. We might be having dinner with one another, so we can discuss it then if that is okay with you.”

“Of course. As long as you are comfortable. What about the book I offered you? Did you begin to read it?”

“Yes. However, not enough for me to discuss I’m afraid. What about you?”

“I started it and it is very interesting. It is entertaining, but not enough to keep my nose in the book. I finished part 1 and—“

“No! Do not tell me. I want to wait until you get about halfway through the book if that is alright with you.”

“That is alright with me.” He said with a smile and I returned it.

I looked over to the balloon, now in place and secure, when I noticed a familiar tent in the distance.

“Can you accompany me while I purchase some sweet treats?” I asked.

“It would be my pleasure.”

—————————

Alexandra was adding the finishing touches to my dress for dinner with the Bridgertons. It was a beautiful sky blue dress with a white accents throughout it. My hair was tied in intricate twists and curls with a diamond hair pin placed just right. I felt like my hair was too much, since this was only a dinner instead of a ball, but Alexandra insisted. She wanted to try the new hair style on me and she thought tonight would be perfect because only the Bridgerton’s and my family would be seeing me instead of the whole ton.

I could not wear my green flower ring, so I pulled it from my finger and placed it on my vanity next to Benedict’s handkerchief. The handkerchief stayed in that exact place, ever since I placed it there after I came home for Lord Tremble’s . I know he said to keep it, but I wanted to give it back to him, since it belonged to him. I was going to give it to him at the balloon event yesterday, but it slipped my mind. I could give it to him tonight, but a part of me wanted to wait a little while longer. It may sound silly, but having the handkerchief is like having a piece of Benedict with me when he is not here. I smiled at the thought of Benedict being at dinner tonight, and it amazed me how fast he has been integrated into my life.

“Are you ready Y/n?” Alexandra asked.

“Yes I am. Thank you for everything.” I said gratefully.

“It was my pleasure. Now meet your family downstairs.”

Alexandra began to clean around my room and I walked out of my room and downstairs to where my brothers, father and mama were waiting to leave. The dinner was originally supposed to take place at our house, but after our families realized that there was scheduling conflicts they decided to have the dinner at the Bridgerton household.

“At least I am not the last one.” I said with a smirk.

“You are still not one of the first ones dear sister. Were you getting all dolled up for a specific Bridgerton?” Alex said with a joking smile.

I blushed at his jest as I walked down the stairs. Alex found it amusing after he found out about Benedict and I’s friendship. Ever since then he has made it his personal mission to embarrass me by teasing me about Benedict. He even asked me if I fancied him! Such as ridiculous question. Any girl who falls in love with him will be lucky to stare at this ocean blue eyes all day and run their fingers through his soft chocolate brown hair. And smell his calming scent whenever he is near, but that girl is not me because I do not have feelings for Benedict.

“No I was not!”

“Mhmm hmm.”

I tried to change the topic.

“Is Adeline done yet?”

“She appears to still be getting ready.”

I groaned. “She always takes forever.” I plopped myself on the nearby sofa and Alex said,

“Are you sure you slouching will make Benedict become attracted to you, because I don’t think so.”

“Alex!” I said annoyed.

He is going to be the death of me tonight. I hope does not embarrass me in front of Benedict or even the rest of the Bridgerton family.

—————————

Viscountess Violet Bridgerton led my family and I to their drawing room and it was just how I expected it to be. It had the same layout as my family’s drawing room, but there room was decorated with blue shades instead of purple hues. It does make sense, since the Bridgerton family’s color is blue. It makes me feel glad that Alexandra dressed me in blue tonight. Maybe she picked the dress on purpose, since she knew we were having dinner at the Bridgertons. I wonder if Benedict will notice.

The younger Bridgerton siblings, Gregory and Hyacinth, were sitting at a small table arguing over something, Francesca was playing a beautiful tune on the piano forte, Eloise was reading a book called Emma, which I have read before, on the couch, and Benedict stood by the fireplace with his brother Colin.

“I find it absurd that we have not shared a dinner with one another all these years when we live right across the street from one another.” Violet Bridgerton said.

“I know. I do not know why it took so long, but I am glad we are doing it now.” My mama said. “I think we will be doing this more often due to our children’s friendship.”

Mama and Violet Bridgerton started having their own conversation, which left the rest of my family and I to fend for ourselves. Adeline followed mama, while Alex and Noah joined Benedict and Colin at the fireplace. I wanted to approach Benedict, but I did not want to overstep my boundaries when my brothers and his brother were all present.

I looked at Eloise and wondered if I should approach her. On normal circumstances I would, but now I am not so sure due to what is going on between her and Penelope at the moment.

I decided to approach Francesca. The last time we had conversed with each other was at Lady Danbury’s ball and that was awhile ago. I wonder what has happened with her recently?

That is splendid playing Francesca.” I said, “Definitely better than me”

“Oh do not over exaggerate. I am average at best.”

“Don’t be modest! You are a talented musician.”

“Thank you. I do rather enjoy it and it gives me peace. When I play I am able to take a break from all the stress and pressure. Join me.”

Francesca slid over on the piano bench to give me room to join her. I sat onto the chair and she began to play a simple familiar tune that I knew with her left hand. There were two parts to it and she was playing part 1, so I began to pay part 2 with my right hand. Together we became to play in harmony and in sync with one another.

“You mentioned stress and pressure.” I started, “what makes you so stressed if I could ask.”

Francesca continued playing with me as she thought about her answer. I could tell she had something to say and she was trying to figure out the best way to say it. I felt that way a time or two.

“Society can be stressfull. I am in my first season out like yourself and I want to make my family proud. I want to meet a noble man to marry, but I cannot seem to find a connection. It has been a struggle so far, but I am optimistic.”

“I know exactly how you feel.”

Francesca looked up at me surprised, but she continued to play with ease.

“I would have never expected someone like you to feel that way.” She said

“What do you mean someone like me?”

“You always appear confident and poised and you walk with such ease and grace. Far more grace than most ladies in the ton. It always seemed to me like you never faced the pressure of the ton. Also not to mention that you are this season’s sparkling diamond.”

“There is always more that meets the eye.”

————————

Benedict

“Benedict! How have you been!” Alex pulled me into a hug as he asked this.

“You literally saw me a week ago.”

“So what. I cannot know what my best friend is up to?”

“No.” I said sarcastically.

Alex began to laugh.

Slow music began to play and we all turned to see Y/n playing with Francesca.

“It appears our sisters have something in common.” Noah said

“It appears so.” I said.

“Sure your sister plays the piano forte as well, but do you hear her playing nonstop?” Colin dragged out the last syllable.

“No I am afraid not.” Noah said.

“Well consider yourself lucky because this is how it is here. Welcome to our humble abode.”Colin added.

Alex put his arms around Colin and I and said,

“Well I have been here before, but this is Noey’s first time visiting.”

“Eww do not call me that.” Noah said.

“Ummm…no.”

As those two began to bicker, I could not help, but glance over at Y/n as she continued to talk and play with Francesca. I wanted her to look over at me and acknowledge me. I originally wanted to walk over to her when she walked in, but her brothers came over before I could. Hopefully I can speak with her later.

“Benedict. Hello!”

“Yes.”

“We have been trying to gain your attention.” Alex said, “What are you so focused on?”

I wanted to answer honestly, but I couldn’t. I wasn’t going to say that I was staring at Y/n and especially not in front of her two brothers. Any man who would say such a thing in front of a girl’s brother is mad.

“Nothing.” I lied.

“Uh huh.”

Alex didn’t seem to buy it and his suspicions face turned into a smirk.

“Anyway, Colin was going to shows us things from his travels. Want to come with?”

“No I have already seen it.”

“Suit yourself.”

I watched as Alex, Noah, and Colin walked out of the drawing room. I diverted my attention to Hyacinth and Gregory who were arguing once again and I chuckled. Those two can never seem eye to eye and I don’t think they ever will until they reach adulthood. I glanced at Eloise who was reading her book titled Emma. She has been more invested with society recently and it has been surprising. Eloise never cared much for the ton before. My eyes eventually landed on Francesca and Y/n. Francesca was extremely quiet this season and I hope she was alright. Y/n and Francesca seemed to be getting along. It was nice to see Francesca somewhat branch out. She tended to isolate herself in the past.

I walked up to the piano forte and Francesca stopped and playing, since she noticed me first. Y/n looked up at me after her and she took my breath away. Her dress was blue. More specifically a Bridgerton blue. She has been wearing blue more lately and I believe the color suits her. I wonder if she wore blue tonight on purpose? Or maybe she just randomly picked it. Her hair was tied in an intricate bun with a diamond hair clip to complement her hair. She looked absolutely lovely.

I was almost tongue twisted, but I managed to hold myself together.

“Can you join me Y/n for a moment?”

—————————

Francesca smiled at me and started to play another beautiful tune on the piano forte. I guess that was my cue to leave with Benedict. I rose from the piano bench and walked with Benedict to the windowsill.

“Um…You mentioned the other night that the windowsill brings you comfort and peace, so I figured we could sit here.”

I smiled at the thoughtful gesture.

“Thank you.”

I took a seat and gazed out of the window. I could see my house from here. I can even see the inside of my room if I looked close enough. It is crazy how I can see the inside of my home from the window of the Bridgerton drawing room.

“I can see my room from here.” I said.

“Really?! Which window is it?”

Benedict peered over my shoulder to see where I was looking and his proximity caused me to freeze for a moment. Feeling his breath on my neck was overpowering and our mouths can almost touch if I turned to look at him. I wonder what it would be like to kiss Benedict. To feel his lips upon mine. Wait why am I thinking about kissing Benedict? I cleared my throat and pointed to the window of my room.

“The window right there, on the second floor. Two windows to the left from the front door.”

“Ahh I see. Someone is in there.”

“It is probably my maid Alexandra.”

Benedict nodded and returned to his seat beside me.

“I wanted to talk to you privately about what happened at Lord Tremble’s house.” Benedict said.

So that is what he wanted to talk about. We did not get to discuss about it after I was almost hit by the balloon, so I think now is the time.

“Before we arrived, I was on edge all day and I knew that if I was ever left alone I would become triggered, so I tried to stay as close to my family as possible. Eventually I ended up alone and as you know Lord Clayton and two other gentlemen bombarded me with questions and I felt overwhelmed.”

Benedict nodded and I continued.

“I tried to isolate myself from the situation because that has helped me in the past. I used to have frequent panic attacks, but this was the first one in a very long time. I am glad you were there to comfort me. If you weren’t there I would have been alone.”

I placed my hand on top of his to show my gratitude. Benedict stared at it for awhile. I wonder what was going on in his head. Suddenly he brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.

“You are a strong woman Y/n. What you go through is not easy and I am glad you felt comfortable enough with me to share that. From now on I will be there if you need me.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“It is the least I can do.”

I looked down at our hands and noticed that he was still holding mine. It looked like he had no intentions of letting go soon, so I found myself looking out the window again. The sun was beginning to set and the once blue sky turned into shades of pink, purple, orange, and yellow. It was a beautiful sight and it reminded me of paintings I see in museums.

“The sunset is beautiful.” I said.

Benedict turned to the window to look at the sunset.

“It is isn’t it.”

“The colors all swirl together and it looks like paint on a canvas. To me at least.”

“I have a finger painting similar to this.”

“You do?”

“Yes I painted it myself.”

“You paint?”

“I do.” He said with a smile.

I was shocked to hear this news. I did not know Benedict enjoyed painting.

“The painting is a little different from the sunset though.” Benedict said, “I used a lot more colors than the one in the sky and the painting is a little more swirly than the sunset, but they are both quite similar.”

He mumbled something else, but I could not quite hear what he said.

“I’m sorry I did not hear you correctly.” I said.

“Oh…I said that it is kind of funny…because I was a little impaired when I painted it.”

“Impaired? Impaired how.”

“Last season I was under the influence of something that Colin brought back from his travels and it caused me….to become a little loony.”

I tried to picture Benedict being high while painting or doing anything for that matter and I couldn’t help, but burst into laughter. Benedict looked at me embarrassed.

“I am sorry, but that is too funny Benedict. You shouldn’t be embarrassed. The fact that you were able to paint something when you were impaired is actually impressive.”

“I guess when you put it that way…”

“I would like to see it for myself one day. If you will let me. Or any other artworks you have accomplished.”

Benedict didn’t say anything, but he seemed to be pondering on the thought.

“I usually don’t show people my artwork…”

“Oh I’m sorry I shouldn’t have—“

“…but no one has ever asked to see my artwork, so you would be the first. Maybe after dinner I will show you.” He said with a smile.

I was surprised to find out that I would be the first one to see his artwork. I was even more surprised that I was the first one to ask. However, I felt honored that he was willing to share his artwork with me. I know artists or writers are very sensitive about their work and do not share too often unless it is finished. Their projects have a piece in them and it can be hard to share that with someone else.

“I would love to see your artwork.” I said.

“Dinner is ready children.” Violet said.

I quickly removed my hand from Benedict’s hold and we both started walking out of the drawing room with Francesca and Eloise. I hope no one saw our hand holding because I did not want his family or my family to think that we were interested with one another. Our proximity and hand holding was inappropriate and I’m glad they were not here to see any of that. Francesca was too engrossed with her piano playing and Eloise was reading, so I doubt they noticed anything.

When I reached the doorway, Alex linked our arms together and whispered in my ear,

“You and Benedict are getting kind of close.”

“We are just friends Felis. Nothing more.”

“Okay Carina. Whatever you say.”

—————————

Dinner was extremely enjoyable. Violet Bridgerton sat at the head of the table and my father and mama were to her right. To Violet’s left was Colin and Eloise and Benedict was next to Eloise, which made him sit across from me. Francesca sat to my right followed by Adeline. Alex sat beside Benedict followed by the two youngest Bridgertons. This left Noah sitting at the other end of the table across from Violet. Anthony and his wife Kathani were still on their honeymoon, so they were absent at tonight’s dinner. I do wish they were present because I would love to formally meet them.

The food was delicious and conversation was easy and free. I found myself mainly talking with Francesca and I could see a friendship blooming between us. We continued our conversation from earlier dealing with pressure and stress from the ton and she opened up about Lord Samadani and the Queen expecting her to marry him. As we talked I noticed how much in common we have, since we both feel the immense pressure from society and we both do not want to disappoint our families.

It felt nice to begin a new friendship because at the start of the new season I noticed a shift between me and my old friends. They seem distant, so it is nice to know I have friends like Pen, Benedict and Francesca in case those friendships unfortunately come to an end.

“I simply want to make my family proud.” Francesca said. “Lord Samadani seems like the easy choice for me. I have the best connection with him compared to other suitors and he is kind and gentle. However, I have a voice in the back of my head telling something else. Not in the form of words. More like a feeling. Like I am not on the right path.”

Her feelings were similar to mine. When Maxwell asked to court me, I felt a sensation of uneasiness. Penelope and I figured it was just nerves, so maybe that is what is going with Francesca.

“I’m dealing with something similar as well. When Lord Tewkesberry asked to court me I felt something wrong. A sense of uneasiness. Penelope and I agreed that I was feeling nervous. Courting is a major step that can possibly lead to marriage. Of course you feel nervous about Lord Samadani. It has nothing to do with you or Lord Samadani. The thought of being married is daunting. Remember that your family is here for you and I’m here for you if you let me.”

Francesca appeared to be reviewing my words and looked upon with a grateful expression.

“I would love for you to be there for me and I would love to be there for you. You have shown great character and I would love to be your friend if you will let me.”

“It would be my honor.”

We both shared smiled and continued on with our meal. As dinner came to an end it was time for dessert.

“I hope you all enjoy dessert. We are having lemon cakes and raspberry macarons, which Benedict told me are Y/n’s favorite desserts.” Violet said.

I looked ahead to Benedict and he was already looking upon me with a sheepish smile. He went out of his way to make sure my favorite desserts were present at tonight’s dinner and I felt warm. I hope no one noticed the blush that tainted my cheeks.

“Thank you Benedict for the gesture.” I said.

“Of course. I wanted to make sure you felt welcome.”

I noticed Alex looking at me with a knowing look and I knew he is going to have a field day with this now that he witnessed this interaction and caught us holding hands earlier. I tried to give him a discreet warning look, since there were non family members present.

The maids brought out the dessert and as I placed a lemon cake on my plate I noticed Benedict’s eyes on me. He had a smile on his face and the feelings that resulted were foreign, but welcoming.

[atlasshrugd]

My thoughts on Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 (Spoilers)

Hi guys! I have reached astounding levels of brainrot over this season (having rewatched Polin scenes until I am blue in the face) so here I am going to air my thoughts out in probably an incoherent manner. Thank you!

Off the bat:

. Amazing, stunning, beautiful chemistry. Nicola and Luke are really the fucking MVPs. Their chemistry is undeniable to the point where I NEED MORE. It kind of seems like they didn't have enough scenes together, but maybe it just felt that way because of all the other plotlines going on.

. Speaking of plotlines, I am sorry to say that I found all of them unnecessary and dull. I just wanted more Polin, I couldn't stand the Featherington drama, Mondrich drama, Queen drama, or even Bridgerton drama. Francesa's story was probably the most significant, but I felt it was still very dull!

. However, that won't turn me off from loving this season because I have been waiting EONS for Polin to get together! Someone needs to sedate me!

. LET'S TALK ABOUT COLIN "MANWHORE" BRIDGERTON. I have to say that while I was with everyone else when the news broke and hated the idea, I honestly did not mind it. I found it a good and impactful way to show the difference between meaningless sex vs actual intimacy and love. I liked that Colin was exploring himself and thinking he had to be more "manly" like society dictates, but that his genuine and deep connection with Pen (literally his only real friend aside from his siblings) made that pale in comparison. I LOVED how he was trying to get it off at the brothel but couldn't even GET IT UP when having a threesome. That made me laugh! I was like DAMN girl Penelope you did a number on this man. He is Colin "17 cities" Bridgerton yet ONE kiss from a virgin is enough to turn his world upside down and make him question everything he knows???? Hmmm yeah more of that please.

. Oh, carriage scene. If I loved you less I might be able to talk about you more. I can only say that I've broken my rewind button. It’s got CRACK in it. COLIN'S FACE when he realizes that THIS is the woman I will devote myself to for the rest of my life. He is done with his gallivanting ways and wants to literally just be with one woman for the rest of his life. I feel like without his promiscuous ways and bravado in the earlier episodes, this realisation would not hit as hard. It's no longer just the puppy love that he had with Marina, or the vacant lust he had with other women on his travels, but a true, real, meaningful connection that makes him LOSE HIS MIND. I like that that distinction is VERY clear and leaves no room for doubt that he is CHOOSING her.

. I love that he is “experienced” and that she isn't, but she’s able to bring him to his knees with one kiss! That dynamic is always tea, I fear! Also, I LOVE that my girl Penelope is able to get her needs met by someone who KNOWS what he’s doing. I don’t know what people are saying by “they have no chemistry.” To me, they have chemistry falling out of their ass!

. That being said, I am so scared about the LW reveal!! Holy shit, they are engaged and she still hasn't told him!! Which is different in the books. But LW is different in the show + the Marina thing didn't happen in the books. However, I love that they made LW less scathing in this season. She actually compliments all the debutantes and is really more of a reporter over a tabloid (except for that little thing she wrote about Colin, lol! But she was right!). I feel like Colin's hatred for LW is a little overstated. LW saved him from being trapped in a loveless marriage full of lies. I am shaking to see how this goes! Bring on the angst!

. I actually surprisingly liked the Cressida and Eloise friendship, I liked how it became a vehicle to show another side to Eloise, a more tolerant, compassionate, and realistic side. I loved Eloise and Pen's relationship this season. While they are fighting, they still love and try to protect each other. It's really the secondary love story of the season. We love to see it. I just hope Eloise doesn't fuck with her too much in part 2! (Btw, hate that this season is split into two parts! How am I going to wait until June 13th??? Tf???)

. Also, am I the only one thinking that they are building to Cressida having feelings for Eloise? Their connection and Cressida's sincerity towards Eloise is a little too real. I feel like by going into her stifling home life, they are inching towards that. Also, I am guessing that Cressida will end up marrying Debling, who will be gone so much and won't put any demands on her, so it will more be a marriage of practicality that allows Cressida to explore her feelings. We shall see!

. LET ME JUST SAY I SCREAMED when Penelope put her hand in Colin's hair. I remember in an interview Nicola saying that it was her idea to do that. THANK THE HEAVENS FOR THIS WOMAN !!!!! Because that was actually the hottest part of the season, there I said it. I CHEERED!! And if that was improvised by them, then that means that LUKE'S SLUTTY FACE was also his design!! I cannot thank these two enough for their service to this country!! Also, give Nicola an Oscar right now. I have never seen a more realistic sex scene and depiction of female desire tbh (oh god the moans). Especially in Bridgerton. This was the most real and sincere sex scene they've had yet. Take all the awards!

. LET'S TALK ABOUT COLIN'S FEELINGS. I've seen some people say that the season felt off (which I understand, I think it's bc of all the unnecessary plotlines) because Colin's feelings developed too fast. Let me just say that I DO NOT AGREE. I thought this was an entirely natural and logical progression of events. Think about it. We are not watching a "friends to lovers" arc from scratch. They have had TWO SEASONS of the "friend" part. We have had to watch ignorance, rejection, obliviousness, and misunderstanding between these two. Finally, in their own season, all that groundwork (laid over multiple years) has the chance to come off. It's like a spark that finally lights the embers. Their love has been smouldering under the surface for so long and all it takes is a match (their kiss) to make it spark into flame. Colin has felt so deeply for Penelope for a long time, and indeed they are best friends. He has always admired her as a woman and friend and felt comfortable with her. It wasn't until he kissed her that he realised those feelings were much more layered than he supposed. The fact that he dreams about her and that kiss, and ends up growing regretful and jealous of helping Pen attract other men, is absolutely right. The fact that he tries to get over her by going back to brothels but it DOESN'T WORK is absolutely genius! His love and desire for her, and thereby the realization of his feelings for her, is what propels him to look into himself and find that what he has been trying to be has been a lie. It's in that scene where he's with all the other Rakes. He considers himself, at heart, to be a gentleman - unlike the rest of them, and unlike what he's been presenting. He realizes that all the escapades he had only afforded him vacant experiences. He knows the difference between shallow and real connection now. This is when he decides to stop being someone he's not and embrace himself finally, just as he embraces his feelings for Pen! It's a great moment for his character development. I will be the one to say that by the realization of his feelings for Pen, he comes to the realization of himself.

. ONE MORE THING. I have seen some viewers complain about Penelope being the one to "beg" Colin to kiss her. I think these are more new fans who don't know the books, but I am TIRED of seeing this. The fact that Penelope is finally voicing her desires to the object of her desire after never speaking her mind or asking for what she wants, IS empowering! She is finally taking control of her own destiny! Unabashedly asking for what she wants! Being truthful with herself and brave enough to voice it! That is my GIRL. I was so proud of her. It was at that moment Colin knew that he was fucked (look at his face after he decides to do it). MM HM. That is good shit. I don't see her "begging" for it to be degrading. This was a beautiful moment between two close friends who trust each other more than anything. And that was the match that sparked all those repressed and ignored feelings!

. ALSO, I do not understand why people wanted Penelope to fall on her face after the carriage! WTF? Sure, in the books it’s fine, but actually seeing it??? Do they realise how humiliating and painful that would be? I’m so glad they didn’t do that in the show (and I hope it doesn’t happen in the next part). She is TINY, and do you see that huge ass gap between the carriage and the ground? If she fell, she would scrape her whole hands and face and it would be bloody. Why do people want Pen to suffer in humiliation even more?? It would not be funny.

. ACTUAL LAST THING: I actually LOVED Colin’s dream confession to Penelope, maybe as much as the carriage confession! “I’ve not been able to sleep, to eat, to speak…these days. My entire thoughts consumed by our kiss, by you.” I just loved Luke’s delivery of these lines. Btw, that dream was horny af! 

. So, in this way, I don't really understand the complaints about Colin or Polin in this season. I thought it was very well done and well acted. The only complaint is that I needed MORE. MOREEEEE

Anyway, that's all I can think of for now. I'm afraid I have nothing to say about the other storylines because I was resisting the urge to skip them the whole time. My heart lies with Polin and that's what I am focusing on. Thank you for reading!

[simplydannie]

If you’ve been with me and read my stuff, first of all, thank you!!

You have no idea how much that means to me and just encourages me!

Secondly, you may have questions about certain characters I list in my fics that are not recognizable or may seem new to you. That’s okay! Because, they kind of are! I have a small list of OCs I have created to fit into my stories. I’m not much of a drawer and still require a butt load of practice, but i am a writer and will try to draw the mental image of these characters as much as i can. So here we go!!

PS: Drawing takes me a long time, so if I can get to drawing these characters then I’ll try! I also wouldn’t mind artist out there bringing these characters to life in their own light!

The Mistress

Ah yes. This is a name you have recognize and seen a couple of times in some of my stories. The Mistress is a name I have given to Velvet and Veneer’s manager. Why Mistress? It’s a code name she chose to hide her try identity. She’s been running this muck of a business for years. And what exactly is that business? Hiring and grooming young Rageons into her little fame fraud. There is something about using Trolls essence that makes someone’s mind easier to mend and control, she doesn’t if it kills the Troll…or the person using it. All that matters to her is good business and money. She finally find her “super” stars when she discovered the twins, but now that they are out of her grasp, out of her control, you’d think she’d move on…no. That just makes them more desirable to her and her scheme. Unfortunately, the contract the twins signed made them her property. She deems this contract “unbreakable” somehow through some sort…and is only broken in case of death of the twins.

Her age is a mystery.

She is known to be very beautiful with kind eyes…which makes her very deceiving. Her hair is known to be a dark red tint of sangria and her skin light redwood red. She always wears elegant style business suit. Mistress has beautiful piercing green eyes, her hair always styled into a messy bun that allows her curls to fall beautifully around her face.

Ruff and Gruff

These OCs were inspired by some drawings I saw of @skydiverdrawings . Ruff and Gruff are sibling Bergens that reside in Rageous. Bergens in Rageous? It’s much more common in Under Rageous which is where the Bergens are from. Mistress needed body guards and henchmen to do her bidding. So she hired the biggest and toughest Bergens she laid her eyes on during one of her visits to the under-city. Ruff and Gruff are paid handsomely, including the occasional Troll. These Bergens are still set with the mindset that eating Trolls brings happiness…much like the rest of the Bergens that reside in Under Rageous. So every now and then, Mistress will make sure they are kept happy.

They are downright mean and will not hesitate to kill on demand…even if it’s a teenaged Rageon.

I haven’t thought much about their looks other than they are bigger and stronger than a normal Bergen (Under Rageous Bergens tend to be bigger and stronger than those in Bergentown). Their names were inspired by HTTYD twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut.

Cressida

If you know her, you probably wished you wouldn’t. Cressida is the twin sister of Velvet and Veneers mother, Vivian…their aunt. She was always jealous her sister though her sister always treated her lovely. Vivian always longed for a loving relationship with her sister, but Cressida never cared for it. Things changed and got worse when Vivian met the twins father. Cressida was in love with him, but she was cruel and greedy…and their father saw this. He had always tried to be kind to her, but she would always try to manipulate him in some way. Eventually, he ended up falling in love with Vivian. Vivian was hesitant in his affections and marrying for fear of breaking her sisters heart. It took a couple of years before the twins father eventually won Vivian over. This left a bitter tasted in Cressida’s mouth allowing more hate to grow in her heart. Despite that, Vivian still trusted her, even with her own children.

Cressida was highly abusive towards the twins, mainly Veneer since he reminded her so much of their father. As Veneer got older, Cressida began to take notice of his physical demeanor…eventually leading her to take advantage of him physically. Eventually, thanks to Velvet, the twins break free and leave their aunts. It is unknown what happened to Cressida during the twins fame arc and return to Under Rageous.

Tye

Now for this little guy I do have art for. Not the best, but I’m still practicing.

Tye is a Troll born and raised in the under-city of Under Rageous. He’s a handful of Trolls that dwell there. This colony of Trolls are decendents or escapees that have run away from the clutches of Under Rageons. Tye is 17 years old but is quite mature for his age. As he got older, Tye took it upon himself to help raise the younger Trolls being born in the under-city. He’s also dedicated in going out to rescue trapped Trolls throughout Under Rageous with the older Trolls.

It’s not quite sure what type of Troll he is since he’s lost his color. He really hasn’t given himself time for hobbies since he’s main desire is to help ALL captured Trolls, so unfortunately, this means he also does t have any friends…

Until he meets a green, swooped haired Rageon, whom at first he doesn’t trust and finds annoying.

Shank

Shank is an Under Rageon crime boss. He was the one who mentioned the twins to Mistress in the first place. He and Mistress have a CLOSE working relationship. They’ll deny being together romantically, but their physical attraction to each other says otherwise.

Not much is known about him or how he and Mistress met, but rumor has it they had known each other since they were young and have been in love since then. He is just as evil and ruthless, spreading fear to those he meets. He’s the number one crime boss in the under-city, so don’t cross him, because he has everywhere. To his surprise, the ones to out smart him so far have been the twins… which he finds really annoying… and boils his blood.

Shank is a pale Rageon (almost like the twins except he has a little more tint on his skin). He has dark, blue denim hair that is stringed into dreadlocks. His teeth are filed sharped and scars covering his entire body, his eyes are always hidden behind sunglasses but are a brilliant maya blue.

[casterousaudrey]

Polyjuice Confessions

Word Count: 3k

Pairing: Sebastian/reader

Theme: Jealousy, Pining, Confessions.

Note: Reader is a Slytherin, characters are now in their 7th year, I keep seeing jealous Sebastian fics and wanted to take a shot at a jealous reader fic. Hogwarts Legacy has single handedly made me write fanfics again.

"I am yours"

You never really knew when the pining had begun, maybe it was the time you saw how he looked at you in your first herbology class or the time when he took the fall when you were caught in the library. All you know is the rose-tinted glasses suddenly appeared and they never came off. 

When traveling and defeating ashwinders you fight, you find yourself excited to tell Sebastian of your adventures and long for the praises that he usually blesses you with. He was charming, you knew that a lot of other people knew that. Sebastian was approachable to ask about studies or questions about the class so it wasn't hard to take a liking to him. You have bonded with him in your 5th year, seemingly going through up and downs with him but never really leaving his side. You take care of him when memories of what happened to Solomon and Anne haunted him, he knew he could always come to you for whatever he needed. You were always an owl away.

"Merlin to Y/n? Are you even listening" Your friend Imelda seemingly tries to get your attention by waving her hand in front of your face. She noticed you have been poking at your food without really eating it while your mind seems to wonder only Merlin knows where.

"I was asking if you would be interested in trying out this new course I found somewhere near Hogwarts but your mind seems to be elsewhere. Thinking about Sallow again no doubt." She giggles at your flustered reaction. You finally shoved some food in your mouth to hide the fact that you were daydreaming about a certain someone. "Honestly I haven't the slightest idea why neither of you has told the other your feelings. He's attached to you by the hip which I am surprised he's not with you now, and you never really hear one sentence come out of his mouth without mentioning you!" Poppy, is the nicer of the two friends you have, though she was very vocal about you and Sebastian being each other's soulmate every chance she gets.

"Guys please, we're just very good friends who study, go on adventures, and visit Hogsmeade together from time to time....." You sigh as you can't help the feeling of wanting to do those things not as friends but as lovers. The kind who seem like love-sick puppies that either make people scowl in disgust or reminisce about how young love is so pure. 

"Maybe you should brew amortentia to find out if he smells you

"Or ask Ominis, they are bestfriends" 

"Asking Ominis to ask Sebastian feels awkward. It's like having a human owl as a source of communication" Each time your friends find an opportunity to tease or urge you to confess to Sebastian you can't help the fear of rejection which you ponder, might it change your entire friendship forever? You do feel that after all that you've been through your friendship isn't one that will easily snap but a rejection sure would make things awkward.

"You know Sebastian is quite a charmer, even got some 5th years making heart eyes at him so I suggest just getting it over with. I'm sure if even he doesn't feel the same way you guys would stay tight!" Poppy's urged in an attempt to make feel you better.

"Thank you Poppy that made me feel like confessing to him right now...." You sarcastically said as you shoved another tart in your mouth, groaning at the confusing feelings that has been lingering for quite some time now. You couldn't help it, each day you spend time with Sebastian makes you fall for him even more and his flirty attitude surely helps in really making butterflies flutter in your stomach.

"Speaking of Sebastian being a charmer I've been seeing that Cressida Blume flirting with him and asking for his notes even though she writes her own. Something about non-verbal casting" Just as Imelda finishes her sentence you slam your fist to the table which causes some of the Slytherin students and your friends to jump in surprise. "Merlin I can not stand that girl! Ever since the fifth year about the favor she asked about her diary, she's been acting like a total nightmare towards me. She expected me to do something for free and just because she's good at charms doesn't mean she's the best" 

You said in anger but low enough so that not everyone would know what you were talking about. "She always tries to vex me in one way or another. Ugh, I can not stand her!" If this was a cartoon Imelda and Poppy would see steam coming out of your ears right now. You resisted the urge to brag to Cressida about how you could not only cast non-verbal magic but you could cast non-verbal ancient magic but you didn't want to wander around Hogwarts just saying that you could use a rare type of ability. 

"Stay calm Y/n. No use allowing her to get on your nerves. We should probably go to potions class, by the way, don't want Sharp to get any more provoked today." Coincidentally you and your friends had the same class so you could walk to class together. You finished eating and brushed the remaining crumbs out of your robes. 

You hadn't seen Sebastian all day which you assume he took that time to read up on more for his N.E.W.T.S. In every class you have together it became a habit to sit next to him if your friends don't need you that is. So as you were chatting with Poppy about how exciting the recent classes have been she couldn't help but wonder how your face had contorted to a shocked then angry look.

She looked at where you were looking and saw Cressida Blume sitting next to Sebastian and twirling her hair about. Sebastian on the other hand was too kind to tell her that he wanted you to sit next to him, just awkwardly laughed at her jokes. 

"Merlin help me or I will curse her right here right now Poppy" You glared at Cressida's back but quickly gained back your composure as you sat next to Poppy instead, Imelda sitting behind you with her other Ravenclaw friend. "You really got this 'don't give her a reaction' down to the bone Y/n. So nice and composed" You rolled your eyes at Imelda's comment as Professor Sharp spoke up to open your books to a certain page. 

As the class continued Sebastian kept sneaking glances at you as if asking for help but you, too upset at how he could let your seat taken (although there really aren't any permanent seating arrangements), kept looking away and ignoring his signs. "I'm surprised Professor Sharp allowed us to brew Polyjuice today since the last incident of someone taking the form of Headmaster Black" you coughed as Poppy says this remembering that incident clearly and how you toyed with some of the students while using a Polyjuice to become Headmaster Black back in your fifth year. "I think it was quite funny" you spoke out giggling as Poppy raised a brow.

"You are just so smart Sebastian" Cressida suddenly cackled while touching and shaking Sebastian's arm. She also shot you a smirk and continued doing her flirty gestures toward him. "Talk about attention hoarder" Imelda whispered to you as your anger made you put too many leeches in the potion which made it spark and blow up everywhere much to your dismay. "I expected better from you Miss L/n 10 points from Slytherin" You hung your head low with annoyance ad you heard Cressida snicker in your direction as Sebastian shoots you a worried look. 

"Chin up maybe at least after class you'll get your man all to yourself"

"Thank you for the most part Imelda"

 Imelda smiles at you as she helps redo your potion so that Professor Sharp won't be complaining about your 'irresponsibility'.

In all this jealous rage you wondered if you had confessed sooner you could just storm to any girl who doesn't take the hint and drag Sebastian to the undercroft where it was only you and him, most of the time. One of the happiest moments in your life. Just as you finished fixing your potion you were ready to walk back to the Slytherin common room with Sebastian only for Cressida to still be holding his arm as if they were together and it seems she was dragging him to the library so she could 'get more help'.

"You know I should really get back to my own common room, Cressida"

"Nonsense surely you could spare a few minutes?" You heard her talk to him. As they walked away you feel like you could blow up and it took everything in you not to curse her with ancient magic so that not just anyone can cure her. Maybe it was just your anger talking so you try to calm down as you bid goodbye to Imelda who wanted to ride her broom and Poppy who wanted to visit Highwing. So now you were walking alone back to the Slytherin common room occasionally looking at the painting around Hogwarts to try and cool your mind. 

"Y/n may I have a word" 

"Ominis I thought you would be at the undercroft?"

"Well Sebastian tried to ask for help getting away from that Cressida girl so I ought to try and help but I wanted to ask if you could 'save him' since I have an essay to finish by the end of the day" You furrow your brows as you huff at Ominis' request. Normally you would accept it but you were too blinded with jealousy that you didn't want to approach Sebastian right now or perhaps you did want to steal him away from Cressida, either way, you were still mad at the current situation.

"I'm afraid I can't do that Ominis, he has to handle this on his own for now" 

"Well alright. He is capable of handling his decisions anyways"

he seemed to be confused by your decision but ultimately did not question it.

"Y/n wait up!" You turn to see Imelda running up to you with a tired look on her face.

"Imelda? I thought you were going to practice on your broom for today?"

"Yeah uhh I didn't feel like it today" You raised your brow at that since usually Imelda never gets tired when it comes to practicing on her broom. "Ok... did you want to come back to the common room with me?"

"Uhh yes yes sure! Hello Ominis, you look rather dapper as always" it was Ominis' turn to raise a brow at that. Since when did Imelda start giving compliments to others?

"Imelda are you feeling alright you don't sound like yourself"

"Yes yes as I said I am just quite tired" Ominis, though has some suspicion, ultimately let it go as the three of you walked through the castle while talking about current assignments.

"Y/n what is wrong with Sebastian he sounded rather troubled with Cressida following him around" You grunted and the sudden anger you felt before came back that even Ominis could feel the tension thicken.

"Honestly who does she even think she is? She's hogging my time with Sebastian. I know you're also just going to tell me to just confess to him to get it done with but how can I when someone is always at his side?" Ominis didn't mean to put you in a bad mood, he knew about your feelings for Sebastian but he didn't know you would react with jealousy once someone tries to take your time with him. The time he knew was precious to both you and Sebastian.

"Merlin she makes my blood boil, Ominis. Does she think she can just steal Sebastian away like that? I was the one who has been through everything with him" As you continued to ramble and walk ahead of the two Imelda's cheeks suddenly became redder and redder. As the seeming effects of the Polyjuice wears off and all that was left was Sebastian. He transfigures his outfit to the usual male uniform and walked nervously behind you waiting for you to notice.

"He's my partner in every class Omini, so what doesn't that girl get? He's mine well I hope he'll be ... someday... but that's not the point ugh I have half the mind to Levioso her and leave her hanging there until a Professor finds her. You better stop me when I come to that point Imelda" you waited a few seconds for Imelda to acknowledge your reply only to hear silence from both Ominis and Imelda. 

"Nothing like a good practice with a broom to clear my head" Imelda appears in a corridor in front of you as she skips towards where you were. Wasn't she just behind you and following you?

"Wait, Imelda? I thought you were too tired to go practice?"

"Pfft too tired? When have you ever heard me say that"

"Wait if you're here then who-"

You turn to your back only to be met with a blushing Sebastian staring directly at you and nervously fiddling with his wand.

"I was going to show you how well my Polyjuice potion worked...." With the sudden realization of the fact that you have been rambling about Sebastian this entire while he was there your face also turned red as Ominis snickers beside him.

"Well, Im- I am umm I can explain?" You looked down as your jealousy turns into embarrassment while Imelda still doesn't know what was going on.

"Imelda I think we should go on ahead. It seems these two have a lot to talk about" Imelda only grinned at that and acknowledged Ominis as they went ahead to go back to the Slytherin common room.

It was only you and Sebastian left in that empty corridor, conveniently no one has walked by in a while. A minute passed of just fumbling with your words as you try to explain to Sebastian about your rambling and looking down at your shoes to avoid his gaze.

"See I didn't mean all that I wouldn't hurt a defenseless student... Well, I would play pranks but it's not the same as the one I said-"

"I am yours" you stopped rambling and hesitantly looked up at him with a still-red face that only seems to match his, but Sebastian he had a cheeky grin plastered on his lips. Lips that you have always wanted to kiss.

"Honestly hearing you be all that possessive about me is cute because I know I would've reacted the same" he snickers as he steps closer to you to place a kiss on your forehead which made you even more red if it was possible. "I didn't know why it took me this long to do that but I have been irretrievably in love with you Y/n L/n from the moment I first went to Hogsmeade with you. I think I was just scared of losing another loved one in my life that I hid my feelings away" 

He places a hand on your cheek, which you instinctively leaned into as he tucked a lock of hair behind your ear. "No other woman would have my heart at the mercy of their hands and fills my head with thoughts of love more than you"  

You stared at his eyes, the one that you have seen every emotion appear on and darted to his lips, the same one that you have daydreamed of kissing for forever. With these in your mind, you finally made your move. You cupped his cheek and closed the gap between your lips, ignoring the shocked expression on his face. Sebastian eventually melted into the kiss as he held your hand that was on his cheek and rested his other on your waist slightly pulling you closer 

 His lips were soft just like how you imagined and at this moment you felt that he was yours, wholely and undeniably yours. He smiled into the kiss as he realized you were also his and always have been. As you pulled away to gasp for air you could only stare at his eyes and a smile plastered on both your faces as a weight disappeared on both your shoulders. He laughed as he kissed your hand that was on his cheek and intertwined his own with it.

"God I waited so long to do that but I never expected the circumstances to be like this. Then again  I didn't expect you to be so possessive about me"

"Don't even start Sebastian you weren't meant to hear all that" You playfully hit his arm as the both of you continue to walk through the castle hand in hand just purely happy.

"What? It was cute, and for the record, I did signal for your help"

"Well you could have handled that yourself and told her straight up you didn't want to talk to her"

"And miss the opportunity to see your scowling face and the death grip you had on your wand? Never" Sebastian earned a hip bump for that as you kiss his cheek again in an attempt to make him flustered for a change.

"Well it doesn't matter now because I have a reason to sit beside you every time"

"And what might that be? That you're so unbelievably in love with me?"

"That you're in love with me and that's it"

"Me? Looks whos talking" You rolled your eyes at Sebastian and leaned closer to his arm, occasionally swinging your intertwined hands as you walk. It started as a most frustrating day but ended in the best way possible. A relationship built on understanding, friendship, and support. Everyone would only say that it was a matter of time as you arrived in your common room, Imelda silently cheering and Ominis happy for both of his best friends.

Bonus:

The next day in potions class, you and Sebastian were talking to each other while making your potions when you see Cressida shoot a daggered look at you. You only smirked as you pulled Sebastian down to kiss him on the cheek while Professor Sharp was looking away. He was confused but still smiled, appreciating every affection you give him.

You giggled as you see Cressida look even madder than you were yesterday.

[thegreatwicked]

Update!

Hello friends! Just dropping a quick update here, as we ride off into the sunset summer it's been almost a year since I started writing seriously again as a fanfiction author! This past year your wonderful comments, reblogs, likes, messages and overall good vibes have kept me going. And has even given me the confidence boost I needed, as well a kick in the ass to put myself to work and push myself to do something I never thought possible: publish.

It still sounds so wild to me that anyone would be interested in reading my stuff online let alone pay for it! In any fashion, I regret to inform you all that I'm just a little bit burned out at the moment with practically constantly publishing new content for my main stories being: Unbreakable Bonds, and Padawan. I don't need a break from writing, just a little pallete cleanser!

I AM NOT ABANDONING THESE STORIES. FEAR NOT!!!

Just gonna take a break for maybe two or three weeks!

I've had such a lovely time writing them and if the motivation strikes me, as it tends to do, you can bet I will ride that wave of writing vibes!

I plan on revisiting some very old stories that I haven't touched for the better part of almost a decade and giving them some love too. My first big story I ever wrote was part of the Assassins Creed fandom which I still LOVE, and if you guys liked Belladonna and Cressida I think you'll love these OCs. OCs are a tough sell sometimes so thank you again for all the love!

[dragon-appreciator-fray]

I Would Rather Live in a Delusion than this World.

Deluded Hearts, Book 1: Inheritance

I watch as my friends look on in despair. Our Game Master tallies up the critical hit dice damage, but at this point the math doesn't matter. Our healer is dead.

The realization slowly washes over the rest of the table as the GM describes our last chance at coming out of this finale fight alive become an undead servant of the enemy. There are just two of us left, a rogue and me, the bard. Three if you count an NPC companion and Arc 1 Antagonist that I convinced to set aside world conquest in the face of the end of the world.

I breathe a sigh of relief. There is now no way to bring anyone back. With nothing left to lose, the decision I have been weighing for the last couple of turns has been made for me.

The rest of the table is already starting to check out and make plans for summer break. But the Game Master turns to me. They notice my smile. "Jill. It is your turn. What would you like Cressida to do?"

I'm just a silly bard. I came here to sing and be merry. This is the only place I can be myself. Unlike anyone else here, I don't have a home to go back to. In this moment, this fantasy world that I have shared with my friends for the past 3 years of college is all I care about.

I won't let it end like this. Not while there are options left to play with consequences too grave to consider before now.

"I hand Nualia the Arrow of Spacial Rending." It is less an arrow and more the claw of a Demon from Act 2 responsible for rending a hole in creation at just the right place for these life devouring horrors to enter the material plane.

The GM nods, and dutifully describes the moment where Nualia, our long time enemy and now ally of desperation refuses to die and yield this world to these upstarts. She throws down her flaming claymore, pulls out her bow, and fires an arrow the rends a scar in the material plane.

All of reality is undone in a 200ft cone in front of Nualia. The Malfeasance and what remains of our healer does not get a roll. They're just gone now.

The improvised Plane of Fire in their place now spilling into our world is not my problem. Not as far as I am concerned.

Or, to be more accurate, it will not be my problem for long.

The fight for all of Creation is not over. None of the prior actions will will stop us from getting killed by the 2 Malfeasance in melee with the Rogue.

But it's a fitting last act of defiance. The healer's player thanks me, assuring me that their character's greatest fear was spending an unlife undoing all the good he has done.

But I'm not finished yet. "As a Bonus Action, I drink a potion." I scribble down a note and slide it to the GM. The healer's player gives me a pointed look.

The GM nods dutifully before passing the spotlight to the Rogue's player. "You hear bones crack and skin melt as your party's Bard, Cresssida turns into a Black Dragon."

The Rogue's player turns to me. "Jill. I mean… Cressida. What are you doing? That transformation is cursed. You can never go back."

I say the words I have left unsaid for the past two weeks. "I never had a home to go back to." And I shrug without any reservations. I'm trans. I'm trans and sharing the room with the only people in the world that know it.

Now my Bard won't have a life to return to, either.

My medical care was made illegal about two weeks ago. I have been holding it in so far, to not saddle anyone else with my issues during finals week. But the tears start flowing. I channel all that emotion into finishing this game. I spent two weeks feeling hopeless. I'm done feeling like there is nothing I can do and that the future is crumbling around me.

I knew what needed to be done after a cursory look over all the cursed and one use items I had been carrying for most of the campaign. I just needed to commit to using the capacity for violence and destruction at my disposal.

The rogue's player breaks away from the group hug that has formed around me to whisper conspiratorially. "I know your equipment is supposed to hide in hammer space while transformed so you don't lose it. But because this is a curse..." The rogue's player flashes the GM a grin. "Can we say that all of Cressida's gear falls to the ground at her feet?"

The GM chuckles. "Sure. Why not? This is the last session. And I don't care what rules lawyers on the internet or otherwise might say."

The Rogue succeeds at a tumble check, maneuvers to my side to collect a few small summon monster scrolls. Before long the players with dead characters are playing a bunch of weak summoned monsters that don't stand a chance. But everyone here has picked up my defiance with a willingness to fight to the bitter end.

And in the end? We do win. But in a bittersweet twist, Nualia finds an opportunity to betray us by killing my dragon form. Pencils and dice are hurled at the GM in protest but I don't much mind at this point. Better a tyrant rule than all life on the world end. It's a better end than anyone expected about half an hour ago when our healer died.

If anything it is a a more honest ending. Now that my fantasy world is trending in the direction of my real one, it seems like a good a time as any to step away from it. There will be other adventures for characters to take up the banner of rebellion, I am sure. But my story ends here. I made my peace with that before getting out of bed today.

My last dinner with my friends was bittersweet. Tomorrow I go home. I get to tell my moms that they have a daughter. And while I expect them to be overjoyed, I don't expect to find my usual summer job or extended family to be anywhere near as welcoming.

I have long been ready to burn that bridge. It just took escaping out from under an oppressively small town filled with smiles and empty kindness to see the monsters for what they are: People who have gleefully made this world a place where I will never feel safe in again.

But what do I know? I am just a silly Bard who wants to wear dresses and pour my heart into songs for my friends.

[hyacnthis]

“ sloppy? hardly. tired, on the other hand? ”   hyacinth lets a wry smile and an exhale through her nose answer that. she takes a sip of her refreshment, gaze flicking up to the incandescent glow coming from overhead.   “ my, my, miss cowper. i feared myself the only one in this room capable of good humour, tonight. ”   she did not truly mean to come across as accusatory and in bad spirits, but it couldn't be helped that she'd been in a rather sour mood since miss beresford had all but shoved her engagement ring ( a la lord fitzroy ) into the face of anyone who spared her one glance.

“ three older sisters certainly prepared me for some aspects of society. though, i fear i may have worked it up to be much more fanciful than it really is. ”   she shrinks in on herself at this, a move so uncharacteristic of the youngest miss bridgerton   —   one usually so sure of herself and her place in the world, reduced to a deflated little girl, clinging to the walls of a party she'd usually be game for.

“ i suppose that daphne and francesca had almost everything sorted for them the moment the ton laid eyes on them. perhaps i should have heeded eloise's warnings a bit more, ”   her breath catches. watching for a reaction from cressida through her periphery, she curses herself. she's too used to being the cleverest in the room, and here she is   —   digging up stories that miss cowper probably did not care for, and bringing up names from the past she definitely would not want to hear of. she's overtly aware that at least one of her sisters would ( attempt to ) strangle her, if they knew the topic being discussed, and more importantly, with whom it was discussed. not to mention ... probably one of her brothers as well. it was hard to say who would do what in such a large brood, but hyacinth prided herself on knowing the motives and going - ons of those close in orbit to her, thank you very much !

“ i'm sorry, miss cowper. i understand if you'd prefer to speak of anything else, rather than my sisters. ”   hyacinth bridgerton is a vision in blue tonight, which does little to quell how hauntingly similar she looks to her famed relatives. with chestnut brown hair and startlingly blue ( — grey ) eyes, it's said that most people in the ton couldn't tell any of the sisters apart if they were stood opposite the room   —   something which hyacinth had once scoffed at, until she had been beckoned across some ballroom at a party soon following her debut at the mention of daphne. well, now, she couldn't help being the tallest of her sisters, but surely everyone knew that she was the only bridgerton sister out in society? apparently not.

“ tell me, then. was there any sense of adventure, out in wales? i must know. ”

"I rather thought my return would be more thrilling."  It comes almost as a lament, shoulders rounded as she leans against the wall, grateful for the fact that tonight, she has neither mother to chastise her posture nor audience to judge her for it.  Perhaps there are advantages yet to be gleaned from spinsterhood –– the first that she has found all these years later.  "Though, compared to the sheep and dour company to be found at my Aunt Joanna's estate, it's positively electric tonight."  The pun is unintentional, though the penny drops for Cressida herself as soon as she says it, and a smirk is directed at the gas lights overhead.

Though the cloth of her gown is expensive, it is not thick enough to provide warmth, the breeze coming in from the balcony sending a slight shiver down her spine.  Sleeves reach her knuckles, so material bunches as she grips her glass of punch, easily her third or fourth of the night already.  She indulges much more when given the chance now, for she has not known luxury in such a long time.  Meals tend to come in the form of beige simplicity, refreshments near-imaginary, libations forbidden.  An empty plate is a sign of gluttony, an empty glass a sign of inebriety; it's only natural, then, that for however long she is in London, Cressida ensures she does everything her aunt would disapprove of.

"But it does not seem that much has changed since I left, beyond my own circumstances."  Strangely enjoyable when she's not in amongst the throng of the ton, but rather, lurking on the sidelines.  She used to pity tyrannise the wallflowers, revile the spinsters, strive to do whatever she could to avoid their fates: yet now that she is the one lurking in the corner, free from the marriage-minded mamas and their pathetic sons, it's ... quite liberating.  A shame, of course, that there is still a more-than-decent chance that nothing will change for her when her father passes, and she will be returned to the Welsh countryside to act as companion and vassal for Joanna.

All the more incentive for her to enjoy this brief sojourn from what her life has become.  "I would have thought a girl with three older sisters would know exactly what to expect of society.  Don't tell me the famed Bridgerton clan has grown sloppy in my absence."  Words have the potential to be venomous, especially given her history with one of London's most illustrious families, but they lack any such vitriol.

[ijustwant2write]

Bickering-Anthony Bridgerton x Reader

(GIF credit @gifshistorical​)

MASTERLIST

Summary (requested by anonymous): ‘Hi ! Can I request something with Anthony Bridgerton if it’s good for you ? Like something cute ? The reader uses a lot of sarcasm and it drives Anthony crazy and he hates her/want to sweep her of her feet/is totally infatuated with her. And at some point the blond bitch Cressida makes fun of Heloise, and she jumps to defend her with sarcasm and Anthony is so smitten and turned on he tells her he loves her. Thank you very much 🥰’

Characters: Anthony Bridgerton x Reader, Eloise Bridgerton x Reader (platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

(Y/L/N)=Your last name

Warnings: Bullying, fluff 

                                        *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

There (Y/N) was, glowing like an angel as she always did, outshining any other lady in the room. It was a shame she didn't speak like one.

(Y/N) (Y/L/N) was a lady, she did everything a lady should, except for when it came to conversations. She often let her thoughts take over, using sarcasm to get her point across without causing offence...sometimes. It was hard to say you didn't like her, because she was pleasant a lot of the time, it was just those few moments where she took it too far.

Anthony watched as she made her way through the crowds, seemingly his way. He hated to admit it, but he had been captivated by her, he was under her control despite trying to hold his ground every time they spoke.

"Bridgerton." (Y/N) bowed her head, giving a slight curtsy as she smiled.

"Lady (Y/N)." he bowed back.

"Ah, you have already fetched me a drink." She took the glass of champagne out of his hand, knowing that it was his.

He scoffed a laugh, letting her take it."Of course, we are all merely your servants my lady."

"Well, if you are to do my bidding, perhaps you can assist me tonight."

"Assist? You know I'm a Viscount?"

"There is a certain gentleman here tonight. whom I wish to get away from. And no, I'm not talking about you."

He rolled his eyes."I feel like you're going to keep talking no matter what I say, so go on."

"He keeps pestering me at any event. All he does is compliment me, send my flowers, talk about our possible future-"

"That sounds terrible."

"Let me finish. I hardly know him, I don't want to know him. But he isn't understanding that. Please Anthony, just for the evening would you stay by my side?"

Anthony could have immediately answered, he would have said yes straight away. But of course, being as stubborn as he was, he made a show of thinking about his answer.

"If only were as quick at thinking as you are going through women." (Y/N) rolled her eyes.

"I was about to say yes."

"Really?"

"I was until that comment."

"Oh Anthony please, I really wouldn't be asking if I didn't need your help."

She seemed stressed, this wasn't the usual (Y/N)."Has he done something to you?"

"No, but I fear that if I keep being polite and let him continue with his efforts, my parents may seem him a good match for me."

"Well, we can't let that happen, can we?"

He held out his arm, smiling as she did when she looped her own through his. She was relieved he went with the plan, unintentionally holding onto him tighter than she thought. He smirked to himself, feeling proud as people noticed them together.

"So this gentleman, who exactly is he?" Anthony asked as they began walking around the room.

"Lord Taylor." (Y/N) rolled her eyes.

"Oh, what a monster!" Anthony laughed.

"It is sweet of him, I know, but he is not the one for me. He's too soft."

"Yes, how could you ever live with that man? Someone who gives you attention everyday? Someone who will secure you a good future?"

"Hm, maybe you should take from notes from him, you could be married by now."

"And if you acted like every other lady here, you too could have a husband."

"That would make me boring."

He couldn't argue with that.

"At least look like you're having fun with me." (Y/N) nudged him.

"It will be a challenge."

(Y/N) and Anthony strolled around the party, making small talk as they passed friends. Everyone was shocked by the couple, normally you would hear them childishly bickering with one another, even though it was obvious how much they adored the other. Many had predicted that they would be the next big couple, even Lady Whistledown had mentioned it in her writings.

"I'm going to get us another drink. The same again my lord?" (Y/N) offered.

"My, I could get used to this."

"Don't ruin it." though she sounded serious, there was a smile on her face.

He quietly chuckled as she left his side and it suddenly felt empty. It didn't feel right not having her beside him. He knew he had feelings for her, he tried to fool himself into thinking they weren't strong, but he knew he was wrong. The refreshments were not far from them, (Y/N) was taking her time. Anthony began to worry, thinking she had found another eligible bachelor to speak to. It also infuriated him, he was helping her, the least she could do was keep him company...and that was the only reason he was angry.

It was only when people's heads were all turning in the same direction did he notice (Y/N) stood with Eloise, seemingly frowning at Cressida. This wasn't good.

"You know, it's funny Cressida," he heard (Y/N) say as he rushed over,"here you are mocking Eloise for not finding a suitor, yet I have not seen any man on your arm this season."

"Well, I could say the same about you." Cressida smirked.

"Oh, have you seen Anthony Bridgerton tonight? Of course you haven't, because he's been with me for a majority of the evening."

Cressida (like every other woman) had desired a Bridgerton boy."A Bridgerton was with you? Why?"

"Because the Bridgerton's don't associate themselves with those who regard themselves higher than others, when they are in fact, not." Eloise stood up for herself.

"I couldn't have put it better myself." (Y/N) smiled.

"But she's a freak! It's not natural for a woman to read so many books, she doesn't have any friends-"

"I'm her friend." (Y/N) stood beside Eloise.

"That makes sense." Cressida turned up her lip.

"Cressida, I don't have time for this pointless chatter. Instead of wasting our evening by squawking nonsense, turn around, and socialise with people who we don't care for. Because know this, when I am married, when I do have my own estate and home, you certainly won't be invited to any event I hold, and believe me, you'll be missing out. I'll also make it a point that you aren't invited and explain why to everyone, who unsurprisingly will agree with me."

Cressida rolled her eyes, her skirts twirling as she turned to leave. (Y/N) waited for her to be a good distance away before checking on Eloise.

"Are you alright?" she asked, a hand on the girls upper arm.

Eloise nodded."Yes, thank you. It's nice to have someone in your corner."

"No need to thank me, I've been waiting for an opportunity like that."

"Ignore her Eloise, everything that (Y/N) said was true." Anthony appeared.

"Oh, you're agreeing with me for once, things are exciting tonight." (Y/N) smiled.

"Eloise, would you excuse us. I would like to ask Lady (Y/N) to dance."

(Y/N)'s eyes widened, her smile also growing. She took Anthony's hand, keeping up with his long strides. The stood opposite each other, bowing and curtsying before they started the slow paced dance.

"You know you didn't have to dance with me, I'm sure you just being with me would keep Lord Taylor away." (Y/N) said.

"That isn't the reason I asked."

"It isn't?"

"No, I wanted to dance with you."

"What are you up to Bridgerton?"

He smiled down at her, pulling her closer (if that was possible) as they continued to dance around the room."Can my true intentions not show through?"

"Please do not tease me."

"I am not. (Y/N), what you did for my sister was honourable. Although I would usually disagree with some of your word choices, I fully supported everything you said. And that is how I realised what my true feelings were."

"I've never heard you speak like this before."

"You and I both know that we've had something unspoken between us. I know we tease, argue and bicker sometimes but your fiery attitude is what drew me to you. Please do not deny it, for we know it is true. And I would like nothing better than to get to know you even more."

"Do you really mean this? I have never heard such a romantic statement, especially from Anthony Bridgerton's lips."

"Yes. I do believe you shall receive a visit from me in the morning."

"You are to call upon me?"

Anthony's heart fluttered at her beaming face."If you desire."

(Y/N) made it obvious she was thinking about it."Hm, do I desire?"

Anthony chuckled."Now you are the one teasing me."

"Yes, Lord Bridgerton. I do desire that. And i look forward to what I will be brought in the morning."

"Is my company not enough?"

"It is. But its a good opportunity for you to also realise the way to my heart is through a box of chocolates."

[a-lone-heart-in-the-wild]

what keeps us standing

Basically, all I want is a fic in which Anthony notices how Colin and Marina’s engagement is tearing Penelope apart and he sympathizes with her. Their situations are mirrors to each other - the ones that feel responsible for their families, the ones that try to keep everything together.

Everything proceeds mostly as in canon up until the s1 finale. But- Anthony and Pen have started developing a friendship because Penelope recognizes a fellow heartbroken soul and she can be the support system his family can’t be.

Eloise at first is jealous, but she comes around to the friendship once she realizes it could mean that Penelope would marry into the family.

In the meantime, Anthony and Penelope aren’t even thinking about marriage, because they both still need some time to get over Sienna and Colin respectively.

And then we come into s2 territory, and the Sharmas remain in India (sorry Kate, Edwina, Newton and Mary, no way you wouldn’t have derailed the hell out of this, we’ll miss you) and Colin is still not back from his travels.

And this is where things start changing - Anthony is not in search of a viscountess (or so he thinks lol). Eloise makes her debut in society, which means that she and Pen can spend much more time together at social events.

Which means that Anthony and Penelope start spending much more time together in front of the ton. Their interactions are always super proper and respectable on the surface, but they can read each other pretty well by that point, because they’ve written to each other for the whole off-season (PORTIA FEATHERINGTON AGGRESSIVELY DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE CORRESPONDENCE IF IT MEANS A MARRIAGE TO A VISCOUNT), which means that they don’t need words to communicate.

(Cressida Cowper is dying of jealousy, because what the fuck did Penelope Featherington do to make Anthony Bridgerton pay attention to her?)

The ton at large mostly assumes that Anthony dances with Penelope because of either 1) Eloise or 2) Violet but nope. He just wants to dance with her because she told him she loves to, and it’s not like it’s an imposition to dance with her.

Violet has decided to keep her mouth shut, because she fears Anthony will shut everything down if he gets even a hint of the fact that he’s basically low-key courting Penelope, and she’d like her as a daugher in law, thank you very much.

Anyways. Weeks go by, Penelope’s dance card is steadily full (she’s dancing with a viscount, it makes eligible bachelors notice her), she is invited promenading with Eloise (even if she spends an awful lot of that time talking with Anthony) and really, this is just so much better than last year.

And then she makes a mistake - she writes one of the comments she made about someone into a Lady Whistledown column. Anthony isn’t dumb and he connects the dots: Penelope is Lady Whistledown.

Which means... which means that she almost ruined her own family for Colin. Colin, his idiot brother who had never noticed the yearning glances Penelope sent his way, who needed to grow up a lot more before he could be worthy of someone as amazing as Penelope.

That evening he gets drunk, seriously drunk, for the first time since after Sienna refused his marriage proposal.

He has no idea what to do- someone else will connect the clues, sooner or later, and Pen will be exposed to the ridicule of the whole ton. She’s more clever and witty than most people he knows, but she’s a woman, and one that does not fit the standards of beauty at that. They will tear her apart and enjoy the process.

And it’s three sheets to the wind that Anthony gets the best idea ever. If she marries into the Bridgertons she’d be protected from a lot of the backlash. The idea of marrying Penelope is almost... nice.

The next day he’s hungover and irritable. It’s not even anyone’s fault - he just took a look at his and Penelope’s friendship and realized he’d already been low-key courting her.

Meanwhile Penelope’s getting over Colin because well. she’s falling for his older brother and damn if he isn’t even more unobtainable than Colin. He’s a viscount, he’s charming, he’s beautiful and there is no way he’d ever look in her direction when he’ll decide to settle down.

Sure, they’re friends (or as much friends as they can be when they’re both unmarried and there is no understandings between their families) but she’s well. She’s the third daughter of a baron, she does not fit into the ton’s beauty standards and she’s keeping a big secret from everyone.

No way she’ll end up married to any Bridgerton, let alone Anthony Bridgerton.

[insert weeks of Anthony trying to make clear to Penelope he wants to court her and her being super oblivious, until she finally gets it]

And basically. Penelope and Anthony get married, Colin gets a weird pang in his chest for the first six months he’s around them bc well. sure. Penelope is an amazing sister in law, but he thought their friendship would never change.

Eloise is ecstatic bc now she and Pen are really sisters! Violet had wanted to adopt her basically five minutes after meeting her and now she’s her daughter-in-law!

Lady Whistledown stops publishing a season after Pen and Anthony marry (she reveals her secret after they return from the honeymoon and he goes ‘Oh, I already know’ and she is gobsmacked bc she expected a big argument) and they live happily ever after.

[f4irycafe]

Hi could you please write some headcanons for Tarquin and Tamlin, about what they'd do or how would they react if their mates where pregnant.

ofc my love !! thanks for the request. requests are open. COMMENTS AND REBLOGS APPRECIATED <3

pregnant s/o hc’s

characters: tarquin. tamlin.

warnings: none all fluff!

tarquin

his goal (aside from class equality, let’s go king tarquin 😌) has always been to settle down and start a family. so you can imagine his absolute JOY when he found out you were pregnant.

he starts bragging about the baby before they’re even born.

oh he’s just the best. he knows your strong, independent, and capable, so i honestly don’t think he’d hover too much. he knows you can handle yourself, which is one of the reasons why he loves you so much.

all that he ask is if you leave the palace to either take cressida, varian, or one of the guards just in case.

one thing he will do though is make sure you’re eating and sleeping well. he wants this baby to be healthy, so that means keeping YOU healthy.

def talks to the baby at night.

hell lay by your side, his hand rubbing your stomach gently as he tells both of his favorite people about his day and what he has planned for tomorrow.

never leaves u without kissing your tummy first, even when the babe was a little bean.

overall, very excited to bring a sweet new life into the world.

tamlin

did someone say childhood trauma 🤔

please make sure you have someone else with you when you break the news to him, he will pass out and fall over immediately.

i think he’s be pretty freaked out at first. we all know how his own childhood was, and the memories he has of his brothers and father.

hopes for a girl so that they can be like you and his mother 🤍 but would be just as happy with a boy.

once he gets over his initial shock and fear, oh lordssss.

where tarquin was chill tamlin was most definitely the exact opposite.

always fussing. one wince and he’s like “is it the baby? are you okay? what do you need?”

it was sweet at first, but the later you get in the pregnancy the more annoying it gets. you had to yell at him to tell him to just leave you the fuck alone a few times before he started to chill out.

gives you everything you want, even if it’s a whim.

he’s so nervous to be a dad, he doesn’t want to mess up. he also knows the legacy he’s bringing the child into and wants to change for them.

he won’t want them to deal with all the conflicts and petty drama he’s had to go through over the years. he’s make a point to begin to right his wrongs so that that may be a reality for his child.

summary - very stressed someone give this man some tea and a nap

[minediamonds]

"Thank you!" Eloise says with a bright smile. It's rare for her to meet someone who understands. Once, Penelope had been that person for her. Now, Cressida. And Katherine. Still, she appreciates it whenever someone does understand her.

Eloise nods along to Cassandra's words. "Exactly! I fear my family doesn't, for the most part, understand my feelings. Except maybe my brother Benedict. But...the rest? Not really. Though my mama is no longer pushing suitors at me, so that's something at least." Still, how long can that last? Will Eloise be forced eventually to reenter the marriage mart? She shudders at the thought. Though she is not immune to the allure of love, she doubts that she'll find it with any man of the ton. That he would respect her independence and be her intellectual equal. She doubts it very much.

@realmyths sent: ❛ My mother accused me of losing my mind. ❜ ~Eloise for Cassandra

A FROWN CARESSED CASSANDRA’S features. The young woman let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head.

  “That is most unfortunate indeed, because I don’t think you’ve lost your mind at all.” She commented. “You are one of the few souls in this world who has begun the delicate process of awakening to the difficult truths about our society.”

[partlystiles]

Thank God For Quidditch - James Potter

Thank God For Quidditch - James Potter

james potter x fem!reader (smut)

summary: After Gryffindor fails to win a Quidditch Match, the other team’s captain’s teasing causes something in James to snap and the next thing he knows, he has her falling apart in his grasp.

word count: 4,795

warnings: NSFW, thigh riding, unprotected sex, praise, choking, hair pulling, swearing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nothing inflates someone’s ego like praise. Y/N L/N knew that all too well, spending her days basking in every single compliment thrown her way for whatever she did whether it be someone liking her outfit or talking about the Quidditch game she had won the previous week. Whatever it was, Y/N thrived off of it all and the only thing more buzzing than an actual Quidditch match was the aftermath where people talked about it for hours on end and asked the team captain, Y/N, for a full recount of the match.

The biggest match was the one at the end of the year between the two houses in the finals. Also known as the one that her team had just won, their seeker catching the snitch in her hands with a loud laugh as the crowd erupted with noise and the commentator screamed about her skills. It was always the crowd that spurred Y/N on, their screaming smile and happy shouting making her feel proud of her team and her skills whilst she zoomed after the small little ball in the air.

“Yes, Y/N!” The team yelled in different variations as she flew down to the ground with the snitch still in her hand as the crowd raced each others out of the stands to come down to the field. She dismounted her broom and left it in the pitch before she raced over to her friends and threw herself into the Keeper’s arms and he twirled her around.

The cheering became louder as he lowered her and their heads snapped over to every tower where students were filtering out and running behind Madam Hooch who was approaching with the Quidditch cup in her hands. Other teammates patted her back in congratulations as she took the cup in her hands from Madam Hooch with glinting eyes at her accomplishment.

“Woah!” She exclaimed as the two beaters lifted her onto their shoulders and she was lifted above the shouting crowd with the cup in her hands. Even people supporting Gryffindor in the match were crowding around them and shouting congratulations, cheering with their friends banners instead of their red ones.

There was another sea of red further away from the ones in the crowd and Y/N’s eyes zeroed in on the large number 7 printed on the back of the Gryffindor Captain’s uniform as he walked not-so-calmly towards the changing rooms. He looked on the verge of a temper tantrum and Y/N smirked at the memory of his earlier words.

“Enjoy the pity party after the match, L/N.” James Potter had said, glaring as the two of them shook hands in the centre of the pitch. The grip was tight, both of them seeming like they were trying to cut off one another's circulation so the Chaser couldn’t carry the Quaffle and the Seeker couldn’t grasp the snitch.

“I’m sure you’ll throw it great, I’ll be at the actual party with the rest of my winning team.” She replied, a bitter smile on her lips as her crescent nails scraped over the material of his glove in the tight grip.

“It’s nice to have dreams, even if they are pathetically unrealistic.” He shrugged his shoulders as they let go of each others hands on Madam Hooch’s orders and walked away from each other to mount their brooms and fly up to their starting positions.

She had vowed to make him eat his words which thanks to her wonderful Quidditch skills, he had and now he was storming back to the changing rooms one second away from snapping his beloved broomstick in anger. Sirius Black was walking close to him and the other members of the team were walking back up to the castle instead of the changing rooms. 

“Put me down, put me down.” Y/N laughed as she tapped one the heads of the two team members holding her up in the air; they let her down with a laugh and being up there was definitely better than being down on the floor where people were still cheering. “I’m gonna go rub it in Potter’s face.”

“Have fun.” Cory Michaels, one of the Beaters who had held her up, leaned down in excitement to kiss her cheek before he pushed her away and she started to worm her way through the crowd.

The praise followed her out of the clump and she soaked it all in with a smile whilst squeezing through the gaps between people  who milled around the edge of the large ground, someone yelled and she glanced back with a scoff to see Cory being held in the air with cup that she had given to Cressida Bridge in his hands. 

Jacob Jones was one of the last people who complimented the game on her way out of the circle, after she had passed him she broke into a small jog to get to her destination. The changing rooms weren’t that far away from the centre of the pitch but it was a fair distance, Y/N would do her bragging then return to her common room for the afterparty...there was always something inside her that itched to make James angry especially after Quidditch matches. 

It was the way his eyebrows scrunched in irritation or the way that his cheeks flushed a bright red from the effort and sweat glistened on his skin from flying around the pitch and tossing the Quaffle around. Y/N was sweaty too, slipping the gloves off of her hands as she walked so they were free of their confines and the breeze hit them almost immediately because of her jogging.

Slowing down into a walk as she got closer to the changing room, she took off her shin guards and held them with her gloves. She was half-tempted to take her ponytail out but decided against it until she was having her shower and could cool herself down. 

A few metres in front of her, the doors to the changing rooms opened and Sirius Black came out with pursed lips as he shut the door behind him and went to start walking but he froze at the sight of the opposite teams captain walking towards him. She had a smirk on her face, her eyes glinting with mischief as she stared at Sirius and he shook his head slowly towards her, his own smile peeking up.

“Not a good idea, beautiful.” He said as she got closer but all she did was smile at him and give him a small chuckle as she passed and he started walking with a smile. “Your funeral.”

Disregarding his comment, Y/N slowly pushed open the door to the changing room and saw Potter tugging a shirt on with his back to her. It was a simple white t-shirt and black jeans but he tugged the top on so aggressively that she wanted to laugh but just settled on closing the door and leaning against it before throwing her gloves and shin guards down onto the nearest bench with a clatter.

“I don’t want to hear it, Padfoot, you made your point.” He grumbled as he grabbed a bottle from his bag and put it up his shirt, spraying it in the direction of his armpits and Y/N wrinkled her nose up in disgust. “I’m overreacting.”

“I don’t know what a padfoot is-” She began to say and James jumped out of his skin as he whirled around and nearly stumbled whilst putting the cap back on his aftershave. “- but I’m not it.”

His expression turned sour as he stared at her and he turned back to his belongings to start packing his uniform in his Quidditch bag quickly, more aggressive now that she was in the room. “Come to gloat?”

“Yes, actually.” Y/N nodded with a smile and pushed herself off of the wall, walking closer to where James was packing his stuff up and she leaned against the wall beside that instead, meeting James’ eyes as he glanced at her. “What happened out there? You’re bad anyway, but today you were horrible.”

“Shut up.” He scowled, grabbing his red jersey and stuffing it into the bag on top of the Quidditch sweats they were all made to wear. Y/N only smirked slightly wide as she saw that she was affecting him.

“I mean, the Finbourgh Flick was a good tactic.” She continued casually as the rustling of the clothes got louder and James breathed more heavily in anger. “Too bad it didn’t work.”

“Quit it, will you?” He snapped at her, eyes flaring as the eye contact was made but he looked away with a rising and falling chest. 

“The reverse pass was good on your part as a Chaser.” Y/N continued and James’ hands fumbled with his stuff whilst his face heated up with the humiliation and the anger. He glared heatedly her had the urge to just...push her into a wall and kiss her right on the mouth so she would shut up.

What?! He blinked for a second, erasing the thought from his mind with a shake of his head...the thought of kissing her should disgust him but through his angry haze he didn’t seem to be bothered whilst looking away from her features that glowed and glistened with a thin layer of sweat that looked disgustingly enticing in that moment.

“But that failed too...” She frowned mockingly and he glanced back up, eyebrows furrowing in anger and his hands itched to press her shoulders against the wall she was leaning on. Rendering her speechless. So he could have a moment of peace. “Your chasing skills were okay but same couldn’t be said for your captaincy...should’ve brushed them all up on their passes. That’s on you.”

He snapped, jerking away from his bag and towards her, his hands reaching to her arms as he slammed her back against the wall she was leaning on in anger and shoved his lips against hers to shut her up. She jolted slightly at the impact but she accepted the kiss as he stood an inch apart from her, hands gripping at her arms and eyes closing but still full with anger at the sight of her though they softened slightly behind is eyelids when he realised he had just pinned someone against the wall, kissed them roughly and let his anger get the best of him.

He pulled away just as roughly, panting whilst his eyes searched every detail on her face in fear he had made her uncomfortable in any way; it hadn’t been his intention but she just made him so mad. “I’m, uh, sorry.”

She panted just as heavily as him, her breath having been stolen by the way he slammed her against the wall and then his lips had pressed against hers with vigour. Though as his blazing eyes searched her face, he found no sign of uncomfortableness or disgust, instead he saw the smirk twitch at her lips again.

“Don’t apologise.” She breathlessly told him, licking her lips and James eyed the wetness that now covered them as he gulped at the sight and his eyes flicked back up to hers again. “Do it again if you’d like.”

Then she winked at him and James swore he went into cardiac arrest for a moment but he regained himself quickly before looking at the wetness on her lips and diving in again, pressing his lips roughly against hers before pulling back and doing it again and again and again. Like he was addicted. But he was still angry which he didn’t understand...James’ grip tightened on her arms slightly as he took a step closer so their noses nearly touched and he kissed her on the lips again.

Y/N responded as best she could, but the kisses he delivered were short and rough, not ones were she could give him the pleasure of kissing back. So she just let him attack her lips with his, feeling them bruise with every bit of pressure was put onto them with his endless kisses that came again and again and again. Every kiss got him more worked up it seemed and for one of them, he planted his lips onto hers and just pressed them there for longer, letting the feeling consume him.

She had no problem with it, just wished he would do something else to stimulate her building arousal. James grunted at one point and she prepared herself for his touch, his tongue pressed against her lips and she opened them immediately, welcoming him inside with a small, escaped breath. His tongue circled around hers, moving around her mouth as they groaned in unison. 

Y/N desperately wanted to touch him somehow, but he still had her arms in his tight grip despite the fact that he was almost pressed against her completely and there wasn’t even any way she would want to leave now. She moved her tongue too and he grunted again, finally moving his hands from her arms to her his but still keeping her pressed against the wall.

She moved her arms out to wrap around his neck, pulling him impossibly closer to her and letting her hands play with his hair, tugging at it slightly and making him groan as his hands travelled slightly higher but he stopped when he realised she was more or less still in her full Quidditch Uniform

He disregarded that fact for a minute and let his lips travel down across her jaw to her neck where he ducked his head down and she leant hers back to give him more access, his lips sucked gently at the skin as he kissed her neck and gave the occasional blow which caused a shiver down her back and the slightest arch.

James chuckled lowly at her back arching slightly and she groaned slightly at the sound and the breath on her neck, his kisses went further up her neck until he was dangerously close to her and she felt them skim her earlobe before his voice invaded her hearing. “I knew you liked me.”

She could practically hear the cocky smirk through the small laugh as he nipped gently at her earlobe before travelling his kisses back down to her neck. Y/N rolled her eyes and used her hands to grab James’ face before bringing him to face her. Both of them were breathing heavily and James quirked his eyebrows up at her as she made them meet eyes.

“Shut up.” She said to him breathlessly, pulling him back in to connect their lips and he smiled into the kiss they shared before he went serious again and stuck his tongue into her mouth again. 

And again she welcomed it eagerly, the muscles circling around each other as they engaged themselves in a rough and passionate make out. James grabbed at her waist and pulled her right up against him, off of the wall so he could unzip the back of the jersey and push it off of her. He didn’t bother to unbutton the cape that attached at the bottom of the jersey so he just let it fall with it. 

So now she was just in her long-sleeved black shirt, her black joggers and her boots. Y/N quickly discarded of her shoes, throwing them to the side and letting her sock-covered feet land on the hard wooden floor below her before she pulled her socks off too.

 James didn’t waste any time in grabbing her by the back of her thighs and using his remarkable strength to hike her up so her legs wrapped around his waist and they engaged back in a heated kiss with his hands squeezing at her thighs and her hands running through his already messy hair.

He moved backwards as they kissed, both of their lips surely bruised by now from the roughness of their kissing. The feeling of her body against his was intoxicating and she craved so much more. James lowered himself onto one of the benches so she was now straddling him and they kept kissing one another, their heavy breathing loud amongst the thickening air of the changing rooms. 

Caught up in the moment, Y/N grinded against James who groaned into their kiss and put his hands on her ass, squeezing as she grinded again and their tongues found solace touching the other. Soft breathy moans from Y/N and small groans from James filled the changing room and she felt thankful for the rest of the team deciding to shower back up at the castle instead of in the changing rooms.

James started to kiss at the skin on her neck, sucking and pecking it as Y/N continued to grind on him with her small moans. “Want you to ride my thigh.”

“What?” She breathed out, breath catching in her throat as he started sucking in the same spot for a while, surely leaving a mark. 

“I want you...” He smoothed his tongue over the spot where he’d been sucking and Y/N exhaled shakily, bucking her hips. “to ride” He peppered kisses across the extra expanse of skin until his mouth had trailed up to her ear and he lowered his voice down to a whisper. “my thigh.”

“Okay.” Y/N moaned out softly and moved from straddling both of his thighs to straddling only one and looking at him to make eye contact, his eyes were alight yet dark with lust as he looked at her and before she started moving, his fingers ghosted over the hem of her shirt.

He pulled it off of her and she raised her arms so it slipped off easily and he threw it across the changing rooms without looking for an exact place to throw it. He then pulled his own shirt off and threw it away too. 

His eyes were too busy travelling over the sight of her bra-covered chest and marvelling at the way it perfectly pushed up her breasts to where he could bury his face in them and kiss at the skin which made her moan out again as his hands groped at them hungrily. She tilted her head back as she felt his thumbs trace over the material of the cups and her nipples began to harden in arousal.

His fingers travelled around to her back and he unhooked her bra, pulling it off of her shoulders and throwing it in the direction of her shirt. He put his hands on her breasts again, groping at them and kissing them too, his hands just felt better now that it was skin on skin. 

“Move, baby.” He whispered against her skin and she breathed softly as she began to drag herself along his thigh, feeling the faint stimulation as the joggers pressed against her knickers and her knickers pressed against her vagina.

A shiver went up her spine as she continued to move against him, breathing shakily and getting faster with every rut. He flexed his thigh from underneath her and moved his hands away from her breasts towards her ass to move her faster against his thigh which had her gasping and gripping his shoulders and moaning whilst the stimulation against her clit got faster and rougher and his hands were squeezing her ass harshly. 

He groaned as she bucked faster, moaning whilst her fingers pressed into his skin and muscle. James even started to bounce his thigh which sent sparks of pleasure through her as her tits started to bounce on her chest and James watched them hungrily whilst they went up and down over and over and over again until she was a moaning mess on his body.

“I’m gonna-” She cut herself off with a loud moan, rutting faster in chase of her release as James leaned forward and stuffed his face into her neck, kissing and sucking and even nipping slightly at the skin there as he continued to bounce his hip. “I’m gonna cum.”

“Cum for me, L/N.” He whispered roughly into her ear, squeezing her ass hard enough to leave a bruise as he bounced quicker and listened to the pretty noises that she let loose. “Do it for me.”

“For you,” She breathed out in a moan, tilting her head back whilst she thrusted faster and the lewd noises escaped her with no hesitation. “All for you.”

“All for me.” James chuckled into her ear and with one last loud cry of pleasure, Y/N released and continued to shake and stutter in her rhythm as she rode out of her high and James softly kissed her through it. “Well done, my girl.”

Y/N let her hands loosen their tight grip on him as she panted after her orgasm, letting her palms massage his shoulders instead of gripping them tight. James rubbed her ass before moving his hands up her back to smooth over the skin of her back whilst she calmed down.

“We’re not done yet.” He whispered into her ear and she moaned softly again at the declaration. James began to stand, making Y/N stand too and he slowly lowered his hands to pluck at the waistband of her joggers. 

He crouched slowly, bringing the joggers down with him until they were pooled at her feet and she stepped out of them. His fingers travelled back up to get the waistband of her knickers and he pulled them down next, smiling cockily at the sight of the glistening wetness inside of it. She stepped out of those too and James stood back up with them still in his hand, her grabbed her face in his hand and showed them to her as her cheeks squished in his hold.

“Made such a mess.” He tutted, moving his hand that held her face so she was shaking her head. The confidence and dominance radiated off of him like he was a raging fire spreading smoke up into the air, Y/N loved it and the way he held her face in one hand made her go crazy. 

James threw her knickers away too and she was left naked in front of her half-naked Quidditch nemesis. Who knew that this is where they would end up? Y/N moved her hand, getting the urge to make him feel good and she reached out towards his joggers, wanting to touch the bulge that had grown there but James grasped her hand before she could touch it and tutted again.

“I wanna make you feel as good as you made me.” She told him, words muffled by his hand squishing her cheeks but he understood her anyway by the way he smirked at her.

“You will make me feel good.” He released her cheeks and grabbed her hips instead, pulling her against him so her breasts pressed against his bare chest and she groaned slightly at the feeling. “By letting me fuck you until you can’t remember your own name.”

Y/N moaned at the thought, trying to pull him down for a kiss but James pulled away which made her whine slightly. He chuckled at her noise as he began to walk them back against the wall and she shivered once her back pressed against the cold tiles and James towered over her with an aura of dominance. The rustling of his pants made her look down to where he was pushing both his joggers and his boxers down his legs before stepping out of them.

Y/N’s eyes trained to his erection and she licked her lips at the sight before looking up to James who smirked at the look in her eyes before wrapping his own hand around his dick and pumping it just to tease her because he said she couldn’t do it before. He let go of his dick, crouched and looped his arms underneath her thighs, guiding her legs to wrap around his waist like they had before as her weight was supported against the wall.

She moaned slightly as her pussy touched his bare body and he just smirked at her before pushing his hard dick into her with no prior prepping and enjoying the way her head tilted back against the wall with a large moan scraping at her throat. He went in slowly, watching her mouth fall agape further as one of her hands pressed against the wall behind her another grappled at his shoulder, with every inch that went in, the wider her mouth fell with the pleasurable pain he was delivering.

James bottomed out and held himself in there for a couple of seconds, kissing at her neck and sucking another mark whilst she got comfortable. His other one he had made stood out as a bright red blotch on the side of her neck and James kissed at that again, Y/N whimpering at the touch.

He began to pull out in a slow pace before taking his time pushing back in, he continued the slow pace as he let her get used to it. The feeling was remarkable and Y/N moaned softly as he slid in and out of her agonisingly slow.

“Faster.” She panted, her chest heaving and James stopped altogether, bringing her to whimper but then his mouth was against her ear again.

“As you wish.” He said, his raspy voice heavenly in her ears and she allowed herself to revel in it for a moment before her peace was interrupted by James’ hips slamming into her and causing a loud moan to pour out of her lips as he kept thrusting into her whilst she balanced herself against the wall.

His thrusts were relentless, in and out over and over. He spoke through gritted teeth whilst slamming and thrusting into Y/N. Moans were spilling from her lips with no mercy and her tits were bouncing up and down over and over as James   kept up his rough pace. He pulled out all the way and then slammed back in over and over and over again with praise and profanities spilling shamelessly from him. 

“Yeah, my good girl, fuck yeah.”

At his words, she let out moans which were met with groans from James as he thrusted in and out with his eyes on his girlfriends breasts which were bouncing for his view and Y/N attempted to bounce herself back on his dick with a screwed up face from the pleasure whilst her eyes tried to peak down at where James was thrusting into her but he reached back and pulled their hair so they were looking up at the ceiling of the changing rooms.

“James-” She cut herself off, their eyes rolling back in their head as James put a hand around her throat and laughed at their fucked out expression and went impossibly faster into her. The moan that she wanted to let out was blocked by his hand gripping her neck tightly, his fingers pressing into the skin whilst the sound of skin slapping echoed around the rooms.

“You like my hand around your pretty neck?” He grunted and she nodded, her hand on his shoulder going to touch his arms as a whimper made its way out and James laughed lowly. “Use your words, sweetheart.”

“Y-Yes.” She choked out, moaning as James loosened his grip slightly when he felt his orgasm approaching. Y/N could feel her own, the coil slowly tightening in the pits of her stomach as her eyes rolled back again and James groaned louder. “James, fuck me.”

“Come on, baby.” He moaned, going faster and Y/N whimpered repetitively as his dick brushed against her g-spot and it prodded at the pressure point repeatedly. “Come on. Cum all over me, my good girl, cum on my dick.”

His words sent multiple shivers down her spine and finally, with motivation from James’ thrusts against her g-spot and his hand tightening on her neck again at the chase for his own release, Y/N let go and had her second orgasm all over James’ dick that was still pounding into her but starting to stutter in it’s rhythm. She clenched around him and it took a lot of self-control for James to pull out and let his own cum squirt up all over her torso.

Once both of their orgasms had mulled over, Y/N leaned her head forward and rested her forehead on James’ as they both panted and their chests went up and down in unison. James tilted his head so his lips could catch hers and Y/N responded softly, the kiss softer than their rough ones which had started the whole thing off.

“Thank god for Quidditch, huh?” Y/N muttered against his lips and he managed a chuckle, the two of them naked and sweaty but still laughing with each other after a failed match for one of them.