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favefandomimagines · 1 month ago

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You’re on Your Own Kid (a.b)

Summary: all it takes is a bee sting for Anthony to finally tell you his true feelings

AN; inspired by the scene in season 2 when Kate gets stung by the bee

Also: the prompt is #11 on my prompt list! Requested by @shadowsoundeffects13

The warm summer breeze of the new social season swept across the Bridgerton estate, carrying the faint aroma of blooming wisteria. Y/N, an old family friend of the Bridgertons, had spent countless summers here, her laughter echoing through the halls alongside the Bridgerton children. However, this season felt different—more weighted, more final.

For two years, Y/N had been out in society, harboring a quiet hope that Anthony Bridgerton, Viscount and eldest of the Bridgerton siblings, might look past their friendship and see her as more. But Anthony, ever the dutiful head of the family, was determined to find a wife who could provide a future for his lineage, not complicate his already tumultuous emotions.

Determined to move on, Y/N resolved to find a husband this season. At Lady Danbury’s ball, she met Lord William Hartley, a handsome, charming man who seemed genuinely interested in her. He had called on her several times since, and though she couldn’t ignore the tug of her heart toward Anthony, Y/N knew she couldn’t wait for a love that might never come.

Y/N was speaking with Daphne and Violet, the sun shining down on them, when Simon and Anthony joined them.

“And what might you ladies be discussing?” Simon asked, stopping next to Daphne. “We were just discussing Y/N’s courtship with Lord Hartley. He sent rather expensive flowers to both Y/N and Lady Y/L/N.” Daphne explained.

“Lord Hartley?” Anthony questioned. “He filled her entire dance card at Lady Rutledge’s ball on Friday. He is such a kind man. And Y/N is quite taken with him.” Daphne added. A blush rose on Y/N’s cheeks upon hearing Daphne recount her courtship with Lord Hartley.

“I think he could propose within the week.” Daphne added. “My lady’s maid may have mentioned that Lord Hartley spoke with my father in his study recently.” Y/N spoke.

Anthony’s jaw tensed at the woman’s words. He never thought he could lose Y/N to another man, he seems to have taken her presence and her friendship for granted until it was threatened to be taken away.

“Anthony, why don’t you promenade with Miss Y/L/N while we await Lord Hartley’s arrival. A few other suitors have been eyeing her since we’ve arrived.” Violet suggested.

“Of course, mother. Y/N?” Anthony replied. Anthony offered his arm, and Y/N hesitated for just a moment before slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow. His warmth was familiar, but it felt different now, almost as if the contact held a weight neither of them dared to name.

For the first few minutes, they walked in comfortable silence, the gravel crunching beneath their feet. Birds chirped in the distance, their melodies the only sound other than the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Finally, Y/N broke the silence. “Have you found any young ladies this season who you think might make a suitable wife?” Her tone was light, but there was a subtle undercurrent of tension.

Anthony glanced at her, his lips twitching upward in a wry smile. “If I did, I’d have to get past their vicious mamas first. That alone is a task I am not eager to repeat.”

Y/N laughed, the sound as musical as the wind chimes hanging in the nearby pergola. Yet her laughter didn’t reach her eyes, and Anthony noticed. He always noticed.

“Well,” she replied, looking ahead, “you’d better find a way. You’ve made it quite clear that duty demands it.”

He stiffened slightly at her words, but he said nothing, letting the silence stretch between them.

When they reached a fork in the path, he stopped and turned to her. “What about you? Lord Hartley seems... determined.”

Y/N felt her cheeks warm. “He’s kind, and he has been calling on me regularly.”

Anthony’s jaw tightened imperceptibly. “Do you like him?”

Y/N blinked at the question, caught off guard by its sharpness. “He’s charming and well-mannered. Why wouldn’t I?”

His gaze darkened, but his voice remained steady. “Don’t marry him.”

Her steps faltered, and she turned to face him fully. “What?”

“Don’t marry Hartley,” Anthony repeated, his tone more insistent.

Y/N frowned, confusion knitting her brows. “Why not? No one else is offering, Anthony. And I can hardly wait forever.”

He stepped closer, his presence commanding as always, but his expression was unreadable. “Because he’s not the husband you deserve.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “And who is the husband I deserve? Because I certainly do not see him anywhere.”

His silence was deafening.

Frustration bubbled up in her chest. “If not Lord Hartley, then who, Anthony? Who is this man that you believe is so perfect for me?”

Anthony’s hands curled into fists at his sides. “You deserve someone who will see you for the incredible woman you are. Someone who will put your happiness above all else.”

Her voice rose slightly, her emotions spilling over. “And where is this paragon of virtue? Because unless he’s hiding in these gardens, I’ve no idea where to find him.”

Their heated exchange was interrupted when Y/N suddenly winced, her hand flying to the side of her neck.

Anthony’s demeanor shifted instantly, his expression morphing from frustration to pure concern. “What is it? What happened?”

“I think I’ve been stung by a bee,” she said, wincing again.

Anthony froze, his face paling as his breathing quickened. His eyes darted to her neck, then back to her face, panic overtaking him.

“You need a doctor,” he said, his voice trembling. “Are you feeling faint? Is it hard to breathe?” He questioned, his hand coming to where her’s was.

Y/N, startled by his reaction, took a step closer to him, her free hand coming to his wrist. “Anthony, it’s just a bee sting. I’m fine.”

But he didn’t seem to hear her. His breathing grew shallower, and he muttered under his breath, “It’s happening again. I can’t— I can’t lose her.”

Realizing what was happening, Y/N gently cupped his face with her hands, forcing him to look at her. “Anthony, stop. Look at me. I’m fine. Nothing bad is happening to me. I’m here, and I’m okay.”

His dark eyes searched hers, desperate for reassurance. Slowly, her steady gaze calmed him, and he exhaled shakily, his shoulders relaxing.

“I cannot lose you,” he whispered, his voice raw. “Not you.”

Her heart ached at the vulnerability in his tone. “You won’t lose me, Anthony. I promise.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning into her touch as if drawing strength from it. When he opened them again, there was a softness in his expression she had rarely seen.

“I didn’t want you to see me like this,” he said quietly. “Weak. Broken. But I guess that’s what I am now.”

Y/N shook her head, her thumbs brushing against his cheekbones. “You’re not broken, and you’re not weak. You’re afraid. And there’s nothing broken or weak about being afraid.”

He let out a bitter laugh, his voice barely above a whisper. “The reason I don’t want you to marry Hartley… is because I’m in love with you. I’ve been in love with you since we were children. But the thought of leaving you behind one day, like my father left my mother, was too much to bear.”

Her breath caught, tears welling in her eyes as a soft smile spread across her lips. “Anthony…”

He swallowed hard, his voice hoarse. “You deserve more than I can give you, but I can’t stand the thought of you with anyone else.”

Y/N’s smile grew, and she shook her head slightly. “Anthony, I’ve always loved you. But we cannot let fear stop us from living our lives. We deserve happiness, even if it comes with uncertainty.”

Anthony stared at her for a long moment before a tentative smile broke through his serious expression. “How did I ever deserve you?”

“You didn’t,” she teased gently, her eyes twinkling. “You’re just lucky I’ve always been a little foolish when it comes to you.”

He laughed, pulling her into an embrace, and for the first time in a long while, the weight on his shoulders felt lighter.

The sun shone brightly over Aubrey Hall on the day of Y/N and Anthony’s wedding, its golden rays dancing through the lush greenery and blooming flowers. The estate, which had been their playground as children, was now the backdrop to the most important day of their lives. Guests in vibrant attire filled the gardens, their laughter and chatter creating a symphony of joy.

Y/N stood in her bridal suite, her reflection staring back at her from the gilded mirror. Her gown was a masterpiece of ivory silk and lace, the intricate embroidery catching the light with every movement. Violet Bridgerton fussed with the veil, a motherly tenderness in her touch.

“You look radiant, my dear,” Violet said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Y/N smiled warmly, her nerves settling at the matriarch’s words. “Thank you, Violet. For everything.”

“Y/N, you have always been part of this family. And I am so proud of how far you’ve come.”

There was a knock at the door, and Daphne entered, her face alight with excitement. “It’s time,” she announced, her voice bubbling with energy.

Y/N took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched her bouquet of white roses and lavender. This was it—the moment she had dreamed of for so long.

Anthony stood at the altar, his heart racing as he awaited her arrival. He had always prided himself on his composure, but today, he felt like a young boy seeing his first sunrise—awed, humbled, and completely undone.

Benedict leaned in from his position beside him. “You look like you’re about to faint, brother. Don’t worry. If you topple over, I’ll catch you.”

Anthony shot him a half-hearted glare, but it melted away when the string quartet began to play. The guests turned in unison, their murmurs of appreciation a mere whisper compared to the pounding of Anthony’s heart.

And then, there she was.

Y/N appeared at the end of the aisle, her arm linked with her father’s. She was radiant, her smile bright enough to outshine the sun. Anthony’s breath caught as their eyes met, and in that moment, the world around them faded away. It was just her—his Y/N—and the overwhelming realization that she was about to be his wife.

Each step she took felt like an eternity and a blink, and when she finally reached him, Anthony extended his hand. Y/N placed hers in his, her touch grounding him in a way nothing else ever had.

“You look beautiful,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“And you look like you’re about to faint,” she teased softly, her eyes sparkling.

Their laughter mingled as the officiant began the ceremony, weaving together words of love, commitment, and eternity. When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Anthony wasted no time, pulling her into a kiss that was both tender and fervent. The guests erupted into cheers, the sound carrying over the gardens as they sealed their union.

That evening, under a canopy of stars, the newlyweds danced their first dance as husband and wife. The world around them faded once more, the music a distant hum as they moved together in perfect harmony.

“You’re my wife now,” Anthony murmured, his forehead resting against hers.

“And you’re my husband,” Y/N replied, her smile wide. “You’re stuck with me forever, Viscount Bridgerton.”

He laughed, his hands tightening around her waist. “Forever doesn’t seem long enough, Viscountess Bridgerton.”

As the night wore on, they stole moments of quiet amidst the revelry, their hearts full and their future bright.

#imagine #imagines #anthony bridgerton x reader #anthony bridgerton imagine #anthony bridgerton #bridgerton imagine #bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #daphne basset #simon basset

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