ofsharpe

[ofsharpe]

as she spoke, mentioning that his choice to purchase her basket had been confusing, theo nodded. he understood where she was coming from, and that should the roles have been reversed, he would likely feel that same way she did. he didn't like to confuse her, but things were complicated. he couldn't exactly just tell her that he bought her basket because he didn't want anyone else to court her. she needed to find someone of wealth to wed, someone with a title and someone who could support her. he would never be that person, and in turn the two of them could never be together. though that did not stop theo from acting selfishly, from acting upon his own desire to have her all to himself. biting his bottom lip, his gaze them dropped to the ground, his stomach churning as he gnawed on the flesh of his lip. "mai.. you know that i know you better than anyone but.. i was not sure whether your feelings toward marriage may have changed in the past year." he spoke, softened eyes then moving up to find her face again. her beauty was beyond words. she always managed to take his breath away, even when she was being distant as she was now. "i- i know. i'm sorry. perhaps i should not have. i just-" he shook his head, inhaling sharply. he had to just say it, didn't he? with a shaky breath, he then met her gaze once again. "it was selfish. i was selfish. i bid on your basket because the thought of someone else getting to court you.. getting to be with you in the way i wish i could haunted me. it still haunts me." he admits, shaking his head and clasping a hand around the back of his own neck. his eyes were focused on the ground, afraid to look at her.

ofsharpe​:

whatmai​:

theo approached her, his dark eyes drinking in the sight of her. no matter how she dressed, she always managed to take his breath away. whether she was dressed to the nines as she was now, or whether she was dressed down.. she would always be the most beautiful woman in the world to him. biting his bottom lip, he then combed a hand back through his own thick dark locks, pushing them away from his face. there was something that didn’t quite sit right with the male when it came to the idea of mai spending time with someone else, nor when it came to her being forced to spend time with someone who viewed her as a prize to be bought. as soon as she spoke, he felt her jab go straight to his chest. eyes moved to the ground, his head shaking slowly. “it was selfish of me to bid, i know.” theo started then took a seat beside her. “and.. keeping you from someone who may potentially be your one true love, the person you are destined to spend the rest of your life with.. that was perhaps a little selfish of me too.” he took a breath, turning to face her then. “but.. mai.. i- i care about you. i care about you too much to stand by and watch as some rake tries to claim you as his due to the mere fact that they paid enough money to spend the night with you.” there was a slight hint of jealousy in his tone, the idea of someone else wining and dining the woman who held his heart making him feel sick to his stomach.

She had not expected to see him, after their last interaction, which was unwanted on his part, she assumed he would keep his distance. However, she was receiving mixed signals from him, and her mind was full of ‘what if’s’ and considering if her own actions had caused such destruction to their friendship. She had tired to speak it through, with the likes of Lucas, and instead felt more confused. His conclusion had been that Theo held feelings for her, but she had not believed him. How could someone refuse to be around her, but hold feelings for her? She could not understand it. She shook her head, eyes moving to meet his, lost almost in his deep hues. She wished things were different, in fact, she wished to take his hand and reassure him that she was there for him, whatever was causing his distance. “I don’t believe it is selfish – merely confusing mostly.” She confirmed, arms folding across her chest in defence. She needed answers, after months of uncertainties, she needed to know why he was treating her this way. “If you know me at all, it is that despite my father’s best efforts, I am avoiding marriage.” She sighed, huffing a little as she did. “You are confusing me, one moment you cannot stand the sight of me, the second you are here, bidding on my basket – you know I will be repaying you every penny.” She spoke defensively, shaking her head.

[ofsharpe]

as the girl spoke, theo nodded his head slowly, taking in the information as best as he could, it seemed that she was the kind of person whose lips moved faster than their mind, and it was most amusing for him. "ah, so i'm sure your sister is very much in the forefront at the moment until she weds, hm?" he questioned.

Eloise let out a little laugh. There was something weird about this man. Something that she wasn't quite sure how to describe. "It is my first. My brothers have been involved in more. They're older than I am. I'm the second eldest daughter." She told him. Why was she telling him all of this. "That is exactly how I feel!"

[ofsharpe]

eyes narrow for a moment as the girl speaks. in truth, he had met a woman who worked for lady whistledown, and the issues were printed by he and his boss, he had no clue of the writer's true identity. "i am afraid that myself and my boss will be of no use to you in this endeavor. lady whistledown's identity is as much a mystery to us as it is to everyone else."

Eloise sighed and looked over towards Theo with a little eyebrow raise. “Well, unless you are Lady Whistledown which I somehow doubt… I don’t know how much you’d be able to help me. Unless you’ve met her?”

[ofsharpe]

theo approached her, his dark eyes drinking in the sight of her. no matter how she dressed, she always managed to take his breath away. whether she was dressed to the nines as she was now, or whether she was dressed down.. she would always be the most beautiful woman in the world to him. biting his bottom lip, he then combed a hand back through his own thick dark locks, pushing them away from his face. there was something that didn't quite sit right with the male when it came to the idea of mai spending time with someone else, nor when it came to her being forced to spend time with someone who viewed her as a prize to be bought. as soon as she spoke, he felt her jab go straight to his chest. eyes moved to the ground, his head shaking slowly. "it was selfish of me to bid, i know." theo started then took a seat beside her. "and.. keeping you from someone who may potentially be your one true love, the person you are destined to spend the rest of your life with.. that was perhaps a little selfish of me too." he took a breath, turning to face her then. "but.. mai.. i- i care about you. i care about you too much to stand by and watch as some rake tries to claim you as his due to the mere fact that they paid enough money to spend the night with you." there was a slight hint of jealousy in his tone, the idea of someone else wining and dining the woman who held his heart making him feel sick to his stomach.

ofsharpe​:

event starter // ft. @whatmai​

when he had initially heard of the event, the basket auction, theo thought it was a ridiculous idea. auditioning off women to the highest bidder was a tragic idea, one that did not sit right with him at all. when the list of names were announced, he hoped that mai wouldn’t be one of them. although.. he knew deep down that she would. it was her duty to find a husband, no matter how messed up theo thought that to be. he cared about mai deeply, more deeply than he cared for anyone else. and the idea of her being bought by someone who would perhaps treat her like a trophy.. that made him sick to his stomach. so theo raided his savings and even took up a few extra shifts at the printers. he would try his very best to make sure that he would be the highest bidder. it was difficult, considering he were a mere commoner. but, somehow he managed to do it. so here he was, wicker basket in hand on his way to find his former best friend, the woman whom he cherished. 

she could not explain the reason her heart sank , the moment that the winning bidder was released, anxiety set in. the man of which broke her heart, had ignored and isolated their friendship without word or reason. she was unsure what to expect, or his vendetta. she had spoken with lucas about the situation, and he had insinuated that theo may have feelings, and she had disregarded such things. she had approached the destination , and eyes fixated upon him for a moment longer than intended. everything about him filled her with joy, despite everything they had been through. he was her safe haven, and she could not understand her feelings. despite this, it was evident she loved him. “i was surprise to see you here.” she responded softly, eyes averted in anticipation. “you know, your mood swings are giving me whiplash.” she sighed, moving to sit down on the blanket beside the basket.

[ofsharpe]

event starter // ft. @whatmai​

when he had initially heard of the event, the basket auction, theo thought it was a ridiculous idea. auditioning off women to the highest bidder was a tragic idea, one that did not sit right with him at all. when the list of names were announced, he hoped that mai wouldn’t be one of them. although.. he knew deep down that she would. it was her duty to find a husband, no matter how messed up theo thought that to be. he cared about mai deeply, more deeply than he cared for anyone else. and the idea of her being bought by someone who would perhaps treat her like a trophy.. that made him sick to his stomach. so theo raided his savings and even took up a few extra shifts at the printers. he would try his very best to make sure that he would be the highest bidder. it was difficult, considering he were a mere commoner. but, somehow he managed to do it. so here he was, wicker basket in hand on his way to find his former best friend, the woman whom he cherished. 

[ofsharpe]

listening to the brunette speak, theo then folded his arms over his chest, licking his lips as his eyes narrowed for a moment. “it seems you do not enjoy the social season much. is this your first one?” he chuckled. as for her comment about him liking books more than other men she’d met, theo wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that, considering he and the other had only just met. “i believe there is more to life for a woman of your station than finding a man to court. for any woman for that matter.” he didn’t really keep his views close to his chest, he never had. theo had always believed that women deserved more, that their rights should be the same as any man’s.

@ofsharpe continued from here

"Not a lot of people understand." Eloise told him. "In fact you're the first man that I've met that seems to care about books at all. My brothers don't have the same love as I do. They're much more concerned about finding a woman to court." She rolled her eyes. "So, stupid. I don't see why people have to dress up and parade around in uncomfortable dresses, acting completely different to how they actually are. People, putting on an act."

[ofsharpe]

alliahdes·:

alliah was walking the streets of london on her own. she had only been here 3 days, and while waiting to hear what her assignment would be, she decided to get to know the city. it would make it easier to do her mission. it was why her boss sent her out early. alliah was usually more cunning and stealth on the streets. maybe she was loosing her touch because she heard someone’s voice.  ❝trust me, i am more frightening that anything on the streets.❞

hearing the voice of a woman, theo couldn’t help but laugh lightly, brows arching at her comment. “is that so?” he then shrugged his shoulders. “you do not look very frightening to me.”

[ofsharpe]

wxntofly·:

Eloise had been on the hunt for finding out where Lady Whistledown published her papers. She wanted to know exactly what would happen if she found her literary hero. She just needed to know who the woman was. Her gaze turned towards the man that had spoken and she raised an eyebrow. “I’m merely looking around to see if I can find a certain publisher.”

hearing the girl speak, theo raised a brow, chuckling lightly. “well.. the only publisher in this particular area would be my employer. i’m afraid i have just closed the shop for the night, so you may need to come back tomorrow if you wish to speak with him or myself.” he gave her a nod.

[ofsharpe]

ledgercallie·:

calliope had been in her own little world, completely and utterly oblivious to the going on’s around her. she had been on her way home from visiting a friend when she made the wrong turn and ended up getting herself a tad lost. with a frown she travelled further down the street and let out a small huff. “this isn’t the way,” she muttered to herself. it was the new voice that had startled her as she walked further down, “my apologies,” she muttered softly. “it seems as though i’ve made a wrong turn on my travels home,” she stated with a small chuckle.

theo watched the woman with an intent gaze, his eyes flicking around the dimly lit streets as she made an attempt at finding her way. “no apologies needed, my lady. it is i that should apologise, if i startled you.” theo murmured, offering a slight smile. “would you care for some assistance? i know these streets like the back of my hand.” the man spoke, smiling once again, hoping that his air of kindness would allow her to trust him.

[ofsharpe]

whatmai·:

She had spent the evening indulging in the hidden boutiques and delicatessen that London had to offer, and had become consumed , so much so , that she had not noted the time. Night fall set upon her, and as she stepped out of the store, she shivered at the change of temperature. She had not come equipped with an outdoor coat, and thus found a shiver ricocheted up her spine. She walked up the street, noting how they seemed to blend into one. No longer did she feel so confident on her route home. She noted a figure in the distance, and hoped they may be able to help. “I appear to be lost– the night time has changed my perception of my route home, and I hoped you may be able to guide me” She spoke with a wishful smile, before realising who stood before her. “Theo?”

through the darkness, it had proven difficult to recognise his former best friend but, as soon as he heard her voice, theo felt his chest begin to burn. a light, shaky, breath left parted lips as he moved further out into the street, his defined features now illuminated by the flickering flame of the lanterns that lined the cobbles. a soft smile crossed his face, eyes not daring to leave the face of the woman whom he’d only seen in passing over the last year of them being apart. of course he still held a flame for the woman, that much was evident by the way his heart ached as he drank in the sight of her. swallowing hard, he then nodded his head slowly, as if confirming that it was indeed him. “mai.. you should not be on this side of town.” theo spoke, taking a few hasty steps toward her. “may i escort you back to the estate?” he asked, eyes still soft and full of care.

[ofsharpe]

❛ how is it you always know what i need, huh? ❜ (@whatmai )

a smile crosses plump lips, pulling her into an embrace. calloused, working hands run up and down her back lightly, comforting her. "because i know you, perhaps sometimes even better than you know yourself." ink stained fingertips move into the back of her hair, combing through the ends of her raven locks. "i will always be here for you.. you know that, right?" he mumbles, lips puckering against the top of her head. @whatmai

[ofsharpe]

“ kiss me like you mean it. “ (@whatmai )

eyes widened hearing the words she spoke, his breath catching in his throat as he met her gaze. brows furrowed for a moment and he pursed his lips. truthfully.. there was nothing more that theo wanted to do in this moment than to give her what she wanted, to kiss her. but.. he still had his reservations. the fact that he was lower class and she was upper.. it meant that the two of them could never be together, not properly anyway. so why indulge now? surely it would be better for the both of them to just ignore the way they obviously felt about one another and move on. that was perhaps the sole reason that theo had decided to separate himself from mai. "i.." he struggled to find the words, biting his bottom lip softly. his forehead rested against hers as he took a breath, eyes falling closed. "i cannot.." he sighed, shaking his head. his heart longed for her, but he wouldn't allow himself to indulge.. he couldn't. @whatmai

[ofsharpe]

❛ books mean more to me than people anyway. ❜ - eloise (wxnttofly)

a soft laugh escaped the male, brows narrowing for a moment. "that's a strange sentiment.. although.. i suppose i do not entirely disagree." - @wxntofly

[ofsharpe]

felix mallard in ginny and georgia s02e01

[ofsharpe]

with ink stained fingers, theo left the printers for the day, locking up the shop behind himself. thankfully, his mentor and boss trusted him enough to cover the late shift, and that meant that he was able to get any new issues of lady whistledown’s saga printed before the day’s end. today it seemed that there wasn’t going to be an issue to print, so he decided to treat himself to an early finish. his gaze moved through the darkness, squinting a little in hope of it allowing him to see better. he made his way out from the back alley, and into the street, the street lamps allowing him an easier time at finding his way home. seeing a figure at the opposite side of the street, theo then tipped his head to the side, studying them. “is everything alright? it’s rather late.. you probably should not hang around too long on this side of town after dark.” theo warned, brows drawing in concern for the other. 

[ofsharpe]

Felix Mallard in Ginny & Georgia 2.04 “Happy My Birthday To You“

[ofsharpe]

Felix Mallard photographed by Shane McCauley for Behind the Blinds Issue 14 SS23. Felix wears full look Dior Men