#Anthony doesn't wish to deal with that

[panthera-tigris-venenata]

Question, when did my Dead Beauty AU go from "Isle teenagers with no survival instincts getting into relationships drama and maybe regicide" to "Isle teenagers with no survival instincts getting into relationships drama and maybe regicide, going absolutely feral when their younger relatives are in danger"?

[fayes-fics]

Second Son

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: The second son is, for once, the first choice...

Warnings: none really... mild angst, family dynamics, love at first sight.

Word Count: 2.9k

Authors Note: Request fill for anon here, about Benedict being the second choice for everything.... until his love turns up. Thanks for this request; I hope this is angsty enough for you anon. Im not sure about it tbh. Sorry that it's taken more than three months to get to it on my WIP list. Unbetaed. Enjoy <3

Benedict Bridgerton was born into privilege and can have few complaints. Except perhaps that he is always second. The spare. The just-in-case option. Being a familial insurance policy lends one more freedom than the burden of being the titled first son, perhaps, but it also feels like your whole existence, in some respects, can seem like a contingency plan.

____

His stomach swoops with excitement as the arrow pierces the target dead on the bullseye. And on his first ever archery lesson, just after his twelfth birthday.

He turns around to see if anyone is there to witness his triumph, but it goes unmarked. All his young siblings gathered around Anthony, patting him on the back for his achievements in doing the same moments before. Being a good shot is an essential skill for the next Viscount indeed. The fact that he has been receiving instruction for months already and this is Benedict’s first lesson hurts a little.

But he doesn't bother to bring attention to his arguably more impressive feat. It seems pointless now. Wordlessly he shrugs and walks towards the target, plucking out his arrow and starting again. Perhaps next time, they will notice.

____

“Is that the new Viscount Bridgerton?” Benedict hears a young girl murmur as he sweeps into the first societal event of the season, the spring following his father's death. 

“Oh no, my dear, sadly not; I believe that is one of the brothers,” her mother replies, acting as if he has no sense of hearing, even trying to ignore it as he is, surveying the crowd.

“Such a shame,” the young girl huffs, “he is so very handsome.”

“Yes, dear, but sadly not titled. We can do better,” her mother chides, moving them along out of earshot.

He will never get over how cutthroat the Ton can be, a part of his tender seventeen-year-old heart sinking. Not that he had a potential interest in that girl, more the principle that he will somehow be rendered as an also-ran, at best a consolation prize, for the rest of his life.

What is most galling, perhaps, is that, when his mother needs their presence the most on a night like tonight, the new VIscount is nowhere to be seen. Has not even bothered to show his face, running off to some spurious gambling den and brothel, spending the night indulging himself rather than facing society. 

So here Benedict is, stepping up to play the dutiful son that his elder brother should be. Being the support their mother so desperately needs at her first event as a widow, her arm looped heavily through his, her whole bodyweight seeming to use him as her literal pillar of support. As he escorts her around the room, he is filled with admiration at her brave face. He can see the overwhelming sadness in her eyes every time the word dowager is invoked, and his heart cracks a little at the loneliness he can feel emanating from his mother’s very soul. 

“Tis a shame the Viscount did not deign the first event of the season worthy of his patronage,” she states pointedly as she sips champagne.

“I am sure he has very good reasons for his absence,” Benedict replies soothingly, covering for his errant brother, attempting to shield their mother from the truth of his philandering ways. Benedict knows it is Anthony’s way of dealing with the responsibility of the title of Viscount being thrust upon him so young. But sometimes, just sometimes, Benedict wishes he could escape his grief in such a manner, Anthony taking his turn attending a stuffy ball and playing guardian to a grieving woman. Their burdens may be different, but the wish to escape them is often not, Benedict realises.

____

She catches his eye at a garden party at Aubrey Hall. She is a pretty young lady, maybe eighteen to his twenty-three, with bright eyes and a sweet, happy face. She makes his palms slightly sweaty. He watches her from a distance, uncertain how to approach or what to say, feeling a little tongue-tied, even. 

Just then, Anthony materialises at his shoulder.

“Who is that pretty young thing?” Anthony asks, tracing Benedict’s line of sight.

“Miss Bradstreet,” he replies, watching as she turns to face the sun, closing her eyes, basking in its warmth. The light captures her cheekbones perfectly, and he itches to have his sketchbook and capture her likeness. He would very much like to get to know her better.

“Let's go provide a warm welcome,” Anthony smirks, clapping a hand on Benedict’s shoulder and practically dragging him across the lawn.

Benedict reluctantly follows, a flutter of excitement as her eyes land upon them as they approach. 

“Miss Bradstreet,” Anthony swaggers. “Viscount Bridgerton at your service; I am so very pleased to be your host today,” he bows.

Benedict's stomach plunges as he watches her practically melt into the lawn right there, virtually swooning at Anthony’s feet.

“Oh, and this is my brother, Benedict,” Anthony adds, almost as an afterthought. 

She flicks her head to the side briefly to politely acknowledge Benedict before returning to Anthony. All of her undivided adoring attention on him as he regales the story of his latest hunting triumphs upon her insistence. Benedict heaves a sigh and watches as yet another young lady he likes chooses his brother over him. He is almost used to it now, but it doesn't stop the sting every time.

____

Your world grinds to a halt as you see him. He is descending the stairs with what you assume is the rest of his family. He is very much in the middle of a tight circle, walking behind what appears to be his mother and perhaps older brother. Quite the most beautiful man you have ever seen, your heart pounding in your ears, your throat suddenly dry despite the lemonade in your hand. You assume they must be the hosts, seeing as they are the very last to enter the ballroom here at Bridgerton House, and there is no announcement of their name.

“Who is that?” you whisper, leaning towards your elder sister. She has been out among society for a year and knows the Ton better than you.

“That is the Bridgerton family, of course,” she replies. “Illustrious in the extreme. Our hosts for this evening. The Viscount there is the most eligible bachelor of every season… and every season, he has resisted a match. So I wouldn't bother if I were you,” she sniffs.

“Which is the Viscount?” you check, your eyes unable to leave the beautiful man with a cravat tied in the most unconventional fashion.

“The one with his arm looped with their mother, the dowager Viscountess, naturally,” your sister rolls her eyes as if patently obvious.

“And what of the others?” you inquire keenly, realising the man you admire cannot be the one your sister is referring to. “Do you know their names?”

“I do not,” she admits, “such things are not really important when one is looking for a titled husband,” she points out airily. 

You nod, knowing the responsibility your sister must carry as firstborn to find a suitable match that can provide for your widowed mother and, indeed, perhaps yourself and your younger sister should neither of you be able to find a husband. You don’t envy her position one little bit. 

You are, however, desperate to get closer to the most beautiful man you have ever seen. And so you spend your evening working towards them, in as polite of a fashion as you can, your stomach in knots of excitement to know him.

“Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton, it is an honour and a pleasure to meet you,” you curtsy, heart pounding as he now stands a few feet away, unable to look at him so close by.

“Hello, my dear and you are?” she asks politely.

“Miss y/n y/l/n, it is my very first season; I am so honoured to be here,” you explain. “I must provide the apologies of my mother, Mrs y/l/n, who could not attend tonight due to a cold, but she is so very thankful for the invitation.”

“Oh, of course,” the viscountess smiles. “I am so sorry to hear of her illness; please pass on my best regards… Anthony!” she turns to her side to grab the attention of a man. The viscount’s head whips around from where he is in discussion with another. “Come meet Miss y/l/n,” she needles pointedly. “Miss y/l/n, this is the Viscount Anthony Brdgerton, and he is so pleased not only to make your acquaintance but also for your presence here tonight,” she welcomes on his behalf, and you do not miss the subtle nudge in the ribs she gives him.

Then his regard is drawn to you. He is handsome certainly, and you appreciate his polite but absent-minded greeting. His attentions are obviously elsewhere, but then you cannot fault him as yours are the same. Your gaze strays over his shoulder to the man who first captures your attention. And your breath is stolen by how his hazy blue eyes stare intently at you.

____

Benedict is twenty-six years old when he is struck by lightning. Not literally. But that is the sensation that runs through his body when he first lays eyes on you—politely introducing yourself to his mother and thanking her for your invitation to this ball. 

He thought he knew what attraction was until this point. He thought he knew the depths to which one could fall in love in an instant. He was an utter fool. He looks at you, and at once, everything is so quiet and loud all at once. He is desperate to know you in a way he has never felt. To grab your hand, take you somewhere, and ask you a million questions to get to know your soul. He also wants to kiss you so much that his lips tingle. And inside, his lungs want to scream as his mother does the natural thing and introduces the beautiful, polite young lady to her most eligible son… Anthony. 

Then his heart jolts as your eyes stray from Anthony and meets his, your pupils dilating in a way that makes his lungs too small to inhale air. It is the first and only time a young woman has had Anthony’s full attention and has looked away from it. And to him, no less. The tidal flood of chemicals in his system makes it feel like he is vibrating in his very shoes.

____

You try your best to be polite and look at Anthony as he speaks, but your sight is drawn to this other man like a moth to a flame. From appearance, the second son, as you are the second daughter. A flare of understanding and sympathy in your chest as to how that is. You want to grab his hand and run away with him.

“My lord,” you find your voice and snap your eyes back to the Viscount, “would you do me the honour of introducing me to the rest of your wonderful family?” your ask, almost timid.

He looks temporarily taken aback, as if mystified why anyone in the Ton would care about the status of anyone beyond his mother and himself. You smile at him expectantly and do not miss, from the corner of your eye, how the beautiful man’s face is awash with surprise at your request.

“Oh, most certainly,” Anthony seems to snap out of his temporary stupor and turns to introduce his siblings in attendance. A tall, baby-faced young man stands to attention as Anthony moves from left to right. “This is Colin; he has just returned from his travels in Greece,” you nod and smile politely, knowing nothing of the subject. “And this is my sister, Eloise; it is her first season, and she is not in the slightest bit happy about that,” he adds dryly, and you can't help but giggle and feel a kinship with the spirited young lady who returns your wry smile. “My eldest sister, the Duchess of Hastings, who is visiting us,”

You curtsy and bow your head. “It is an honour, your Grace,” you add, and she smiles sweetly at you, her arm looped in her mother's.

“Obviously, you have met my mother,” he continues, and suddenly he is the last in the line. You feel your palms clench, sweaty in anticipation of learning his name “... and this is my brother, Benedict; he hopes to be an artist.”

You are finally brave enough to meet his eyes again. He is so achingly beautiful that the rest of his family, indeed the whole ballroom, melt away from your view—he is all you can see.

“Oh, I adore art,” you stutter, mesmerised, offering your hand to him, the first and only person in the family you do so to. Unseen by you, your gaze only on one man, Anthony’s mouth drops open in surprise.

Nothing can prepare you for when Benedict’s gloved hand gently touches yours, him bowing to kiss the back of your hand. You catch a woody citrus scent that makes your mouth water as he does so. And then you feel the warmth of his lips through your glove, and you are utterly undone.

“Miss y/l/n,” he rumbles quietly, the sound making your insides melt even more; it's deep and resonant and makes every inch of your body tingle.

“Please call me y/n,” you murmur, moving closer, knowing how scandalous that might be, but seemingly unable to stop yourself. He has a hypnotic hold over you that you don't want to fight.

“Only if you shall call me Benedict,” he breathes, and it takes Anthony clearing his throat to make you spring apart, suddenly remembering where you are.

____

His lips touch the silk of your glove, and he is gone. 

Already planning a future, his mind supplying images of you at his cottage out in the country, the lady of the house. Tending to the herb garden, reading happily curled up in front of the fire in the drawing room, fearlessly plucking a bow as you stand in front of joint archery targets gently teasing him for losing to a girl, and finally, the image that truly knocks the wind out of him, you naked under him, desperately moaning his name as you move together, entwined in ecstasy.

He hears your sharp inhale, and his heart skips at the idea you feel it too. That you are the first woman ever that sees him and not Anthony. Really sees him. Not as the second son. Not as a consolation prize. 

And when your body seems to sway towards him, he is already mentally asking his mother for a betrothal ring from her grandmother, which she said she is keeping just for him.

____

“Benedict,” his name feels wonderful in your mouth, like a gift from the heavens. “Please, may we take a turn around the gardens?” you implore, the boldest you have ever been in your whole life. 

“It would be my very greatest pleasure,” he responds.

And you know with absolute certainty you have met your husband, the father of your children, your very future. 

____

“It is not as if this is my show….” he sighs.

“You should not do that, darling,” you say affectionately, ruffling his hair as you move to fix his cravat; it definitely needs to be more jaunty, in your opinion.

“Do what?” he breathes, his wedding ring catching the light as he places his hands gently over yours and stills your motions.

“Think of yourself as second,” you argue, running your hand over his cheek. “This gallery opening may feature others' work too, but you are the star of the exhibit,” you reassure, tilting his forehead down so it rests upon yours.

There it is again. That look that always floors you. Even now, a year later. Like you are the most wondrous creature, and he can scarcely believe you are his.

“Never forget, you will always be first to me,” you utter fiercely, watching his eyes soften with devotion. “And not just me….” you guide his sizeable warm hand onto the swell of your belly, “to us. We love you so much, Benedict,” your tone is ardent, wanting him to believe he deserves this recognition, that he should believe in himself the way that you do.

“I love you, too,” he responds quietly, reverentially. “So very much. Both of you are my whole world,” his voice choked with emotion, and you throw your arms around him and squeeze hard, wanting to telegraph just how much he is the very centre of your universe.

An hour later, you clutch your hands over your chest as you watch him being brought onto the raised stage and introduced to the crowd as they applaud him and his work rapturously, awaiting to hear him talk of his art. As he does so, you stroke your belly unseen under your cloak, beaming with pride for your wonderful husband.

____

He sees your face in the crowd, and as ever, it calms him, especially at this landmark moment. So as he finishes the speech that he has rehearsed for days now, he decides to do something perhaps unconventional but something he seems unable to resist.

“Lastly, before I allow you back to your champagne,” he jests, finally at ease with the attention and recognition. “I want to thank my life’s inspiration, the very reason I stand before you today. My wonderful wife. Thank you, my love, for being the light of my life; for always making this second son your first choice. You will always, always be my first choice. I love you.” 

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @lilithseve @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @mlovesbridgerton @m-rae23 @last-sheep

[dragon-kazansky]

Dragon's Lair

Spirit of the sea

You were a member of Blackbeard's crew long ago. Then you became a ghost story. Izzy Hands only sees you in his dreams these days, until he sees you for real when investigating Stede Bonnet. This sets him on a rollercoaster of emotions between you and what his captain is doing.

Captain Hands

Izzy is captain of The Revenge. You're his first mate. Your intention is to take down the man that tried to take away your Izzy. In the meantime, you get up to all kinds of shenanigans along the way.

Symphony of dreams

You are his lover. When Morpheus was captured, you fell into the deep sleep. He has no idea until he returns to his realm where Lucienne tells him what happened. Unable to help you until he gets his tools back, he is more determined than ever to get his full power back.

Veil of the dreamless

A cursed Morpheus holds your father prisoner when he enters The Dreaming without permission. You, also able to enter the realm, take his place. Now a prionser to the Dream Lord, you do all you can to learn about the curse and hopefully break it.

When the raven calls

You, his raven, die protecting Jessamy while rescuing the Dream Lord. When Morpheus returns to his realm, he mourns your loss, only to find a stranger waiting for him in his throne room. The stranger claims to be you, now in human form. He doesn't understand, but his raven will always watch over him.

Heart of the Dreaming

You are the daughter of Rodrick Burgess. You find out about the "demon" in the basement and decide you want to see it. Things take an unexpected turn when your soulmate connection is made with the man you find down there. You are the one he has been waiting for, and you're being taken away from. Not for long. Dream will protect his soulmate.

The song in our hearts

A musician with a heart that sings and an admirer who wishes to see his songbird thrive. Two beings in different worlds get caught up in each other when someone threatens to steal his songbird's spotlight. Loving Lestat isn't simple, and your life will never be the same again. What is eternity without chaos?

Bridgerton shade of blue

Season One - Benedict bumps into you, quite literally, at a ball while trying to escape his mother's attempts to find him a partner. You decide to humour him with a dance, not realising just how entwined you would become with him. It seems the universe will find every excuse to push you and Benedict together, no matter how much you fight it.

Bridgerton shade of blue

Season Two - The Viscount is set on finding a wife this season, and you are trying again for your second season. While Anthony is dealing with trials between Edwina and Kate Sharma, you are dealing with trials of your own. Benedict Bridgerton is ever present in your life, but your pursuit to find a husband must come first. Society is ever so exhausting.

Heart of Ketterdam

In the heart of Ketterdam, a group of troublemakers and thieves prepare take on a big job for a lot of kruge. However, they're not the only one's who caught wind of the big payout. Kaz doesn't like being beaten. Looks like he'll have to go for the alternative. If you can't beat them, join them.

To be determined!

Head in the clouds

The past was supposed to stay in the past, but with Goose and Maverick getting into Top Gun, it would seem that it’s repeating itself. No matter what you do, you can never escape Tom Kazansky. 

[thekatebridgerton]

Eight deadly sins: Bridgerton partners edition

Companion piece to my 8 deadly sins Bridgerton siblings edition. So let's get started

Kate: Wrath

I think I chose her as Wrath because its the driving force behind most of her actions in TVWLM. Take playing pall mall, she doesn't want to win, she just wants Anthony to lose. Anthony pisses her off so much during their book that her almost in perpetual state of annoyance drives most of the actions she takes and also, it is often mentioned in later books, how much Anthony dreads making his wife angry. If you ask me, out of both of them it's Kate who has a tiny bit of an anger management problem. ( She's capable of ruining Maria Rosso whole career in a pique of annoyance, just sayin)

Sophie: Lust

Self explanatory. Sophie spent her entire book acutely aware that her lust for Benedict was a particularly terrible weakness of hers and as such she guarded herself against sleeping with him with all trough thick and thin. So much that when she does fall into bed with Benedict it makes her feel like she betrayed herself and makes her want to immediately run away from the situation.

Penelope: Pride

Penelope's pride was what ultimately led to her downfall. So proud of Lady Whistledown, so happy to have made a name for herself right under the ton's nose, so confident nobody would ever figure it out. Penelope likes being the smartest person in the room, she likes the invisible power her secret gives her. So much that the moment Cressida tried to take credit for LW Penelope's pride wouldn't let her get away with it! And her hurt pride also leads her to lash out at Colin when he discovers her secret. It's her life work! She's not going to let anyone minimize what she's achieved

Simon: Vanity

He does think he's hottest snack in the room and needs protection from matchmaking mamas. No Seriously all jokes aside, for someone that insecure, he does have a very high opinion of himself that borders on vanity. Simon has worked all his life to build his public image, to hide the parts of him that his father deemed undersirable and cultivate an image of aristocratic aloofness. It's Daphne seeing past all that, which makes Simon break character and start liking her

Phillip: Sloth

More like, he was content with the bare minimum, before Eloise came into his life. Most of Phillip's sins in TSPWL can be blamed on inaction, some because he didn't know what to do,(deal with the aftermath of Marina's death) others because he was too passive to actually do what needed to be done (take charge of the raising of his children) Phillip is content with inaction, with isolation and distance. That's all he's ever known. At least until Eloise lights a fire under him and pushes him to make things right

Michael: Gluttony

I guess I put Michael in this category because Gluttony is the sin of overindulgence and he's the merry rake. Michael is an overindulgent person, not just in Francesca's eyes, but also in the eyes of everyone else. Which makes it ironic that the only thing he's had restraint in, has been his desire for Francesca.

Gareth: Greed

His greed comes in good faith okay. We still love him. But truth be told he still has to replenish his family fortune by marrying an heiress and he's still looking for the family diamonds for this reason. Gareth's greed is ultimately channeled into healthy outlets but we all know that had lady Danbury left him to his own devices, he would undoubtedly have married for money

Lucy: Envy

Like Gregory, Lucy ended up getting envy by process of elimination. Which is fitting considering that while she doesn't Envy anyone's life, she does envy the fact that they have a choice in the outcome of said life. Lucy's entire life has been controlled by her uncle while Hermione and Gregory did grow up with families that let them have a choice in how they wanted their lives to be. Even Richard has more choices than she does. And Lucy envies them for this. Not to the point of wishing anyone ill, but yes to the point of trying to make sure the people she loves don't squander the chances they got, because she doesn't get to have those chances

An: honestly this post was hard because I do think all the Bridgerton partners are Angelic beings who have done nothing wrong. Still I did my best with the prompt

[genieofthebooks]

Chaos of 35 Portland Row

Pairing: Platonic!George Karim x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Lucy Carlyle x Fem!Reader, Romantic!Anthony Lockwood x Fem!Reader

A/n: This is an Incorrect Quotes fic. They all belong to the sources that they came from, I got them from an Incorrect quotes generator.

Warnings: Swearing, Chaos.

Lucy, spraying a melted cutting board with a tiny water gun: We gotta cool this bitch down. Cool it down.

Lockwood: I actually just put the cutting board in the oven...

George, visibly confused: Okay, so they decided to put the cutting board in the oven?

Lucy, spraying Lockwood: You FUCKING DUMBASS!

Lockwood: Dude, I forgot-

Lucy: OH MY FUCKING GOD! We're trying to make Chicken Alfredo right now, and you fucking MELT the cutting board in the oven at 400 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT!?

Y/n: *Watching in complete confusion while trying to process this whole situation.*

-

Lockwood: Guess what I'm about to get!

Y/n: On my nerves.

-

Y/n: Is this a good idea?

Y/n: Probably not.

Y/n: Do I care?

Y/n: No

-

Lockwood: What is love?

George: An emotional minefield.

Y/n: A neurochemical reaction.

Lucy: Baby don't hurt me.

-

George: I am convinced Y/n and Lockwood share a brain cell.

Lucy: And it's not in use very often, it seems.

-

Lockwood: That's ridiculous, Y/n doesn't have a crush on me.

Lucy: Yes she does.

George: Yes she does.

Y/n: Yes I do.

-

Lucy: How do Lockwood and Y/n usually get out of these messes?

George: They don't. They just make a bigger mess that cancels the first one out.

-

George: So, Y/n is no longer allowed to take the rubbish out at night.

Lucy: Why?

George: Because I've caught her trying to train raccoons to fight five times in a row.

Y/n, arms crossed and pouting: You'll be thanking me when the third raccoon battalion saves your arse.

-

Lucy: We’re about to do the taser challenge. You want in?

George: What's the taser challenge?

Y/n: We tase eachother, then drink.

George: How do you win?

Lucy: What are you, a lawyer? You want in or not?

-

Lockwood: If you want my advice-

George: No offense but you’re the last person I want relationship advice from. You tried to kill your girlfriend. Multiple times.

Lockwood: First off, that was before we started dating. Secondly, she's also tried to kill me.

Y/n: It’s true. It was mutually attempted murder.

-

Y/n: There's no way he would like me back.

George: Lockwood would throw himself in front of a moving car for you.

Y/n: Lockwood would throw himself in front of a moving car for fun.

-

*George drunkenly wanders around the house and Lockwood is drunkenly giggling*

Lucy, completely sober: *sighs* Well, looks like it's just me and you against the wold, Y/n.

Y/n, going to her and Lockwood's room: Nope, just you. *shuts door*

-

*Lockwood and Y/n are planning to break in somewhere*

Lockwood: We need to distract the guards.

Y/n: Right.

Lockwood: What are we gonna do?

Y/n: I'm gonna break their elbows while you poke their eyes.

Lockwood:

Y/n:

Lockwood: Deal

-

Lockwood: I WOULD DESTROY THE WORLD FOR YOU!

Y/n: Okay, can you do the dishes?

Lockwood: No!

-

Y/n: I wish I was a cat, but not in a furry kinda way, more like a “I can sleep all day and hit people with no consequences” kinda way.

-

Y/n: You don't think I can fight because of my gender!

Kipps: I don't think you can fight because you're in a wedding dress. For what it's worth, I don't think Lockwood can fight in that dress either.

Lockwood: Perhaps not. But I would make a radiant bride.

I hope you all like this, sorry it was not what I normally post

[sissy-the-siren]

Borderlands: Debt or Alive

"You seem to misunderstand who you're talking to," I growled. "We did this to save you. We're the good guys." "Funny," Fittzwiggins said, a cruel smile curling his lip. "I seem to remember one Handsome Jack saying much the same thing."

Things I was expecting from Borderlands: Debt or Alive--my girls, guns, and fun.

Things I got from Borderlands: Debt or Alive--my girls, guns, fun, Rhysha goodness, Fiona being Very Gay, existential crises, and class revolution.

A solid entry into the Borderlands universe, Anthony Burch doesn't disappoint, returning with the same wit and charm to his writing that made me fall in love with Borderlands 2. Fast-paced and action-packed, this isn't your standard novel and reads almost like a movie script, but it's so much fun, and, well, so MUCH FUN!!!

(If you haven't played Borderlands 2 and Tales from the Borderlands, this book might not make much sense or be enjoyable for you, just a head's up.)

After running and gunning for so long, when con artist sisters Fiona and Sasha finally get their Big Break, they find themselves wallowing in apathy, missing...what, they're not quite sure, but whatever it is, it's preventing them from enjoying their new life of luxury. It only takes Sasha's second death, Fiona's first death, Deathtrap's destruction (don't worry, he gets rebuilt!), Gaige's torture (twice), and an uprising against Eden-5's uber wealthy Elite for them to figure it out, but they get there!

I was hoping--PRAYING--for some Rhysha goodness, and Burch more than delivered; in-between bouts of dealing with her own mortality and the cold realization that nothing awaits her after death, Sasha examines her life, where she's at, what her future holds, and where Rhys slots into it all. I've compiled the following list of Rhysha moments:

Chapter 1 p. 13-14 - Taking place during the last battle with the Guardian, Sasha reflects over the events of Tales, with an emphasis on how she developed feelings for Rhys (and vice versa), largely due to how loyal he was to his friends and the lengths he'd go to protect them. p. 16 - Sasha's death scene, where Rhys is sobbing uncontrollably (described as "heartbreak" by Fiona) and Sasha thinks to herself that he's "[d]umb as a rock" but that he has a "big heart".

Chapter 2 p. 20 - Fiona wonders if she's going to be stuck in the Vault forever while Rhys is free to go and hit on her sister. p. 25 - Sasha's eyes light up with joy, something they haven't done since they were kids--and, Fiona adds in a footnote, since Rhys started flirting with her (she tries not to think about that though). p. 27 - Sasha wishes for a Vaultlander collectible from the Vault, something she learned about from Rhys. He told her about them when she "accidentally brushed my hand against Rhys's arm and he got so nervous he wouldn't stop talking about these things for twenty minutes." Fiona tells her that she can do better, to which Sasha tells her to stop being "such a mom" and that Rhys is "a nice guy".

Chapter 4 p. 39 - The sisters discuss the Vaultlander, Rhys, and whether or not Rhys has ever taken his Vaultlander figures out to play with them (he told Sasha that he hasn't because they're a "sound financial and artistic investment"; the sisters both think he has though).

Chapter 6 p. 50-51 - NOT Rhysha related, but just one--and the most significant--of the many sections that screamed "FIONA LOVES WOMEN!!!!" to me. There is no hetero explanation for the amount of detail with which Fiona observes Holloway. NONE. Chapter 9 p. 71 - Sasha says that meeting Rhys couldn't have been for nothing. Chapter 10 p. 79 - Sasha is able to get a debt cuff off of Fiona because Rhys taught her how to hack. This comes in handy several times throughout the book. Chapter 15 p. 111 - Fiona notes that Sasha ECHOchats with Rhys almost every day. Chapter 16 p. 114-116 - Half of this chapter is Sasha talking to Rhys. Both admit that they miss each other, even if they're in a weird are-we-or-aren't-we place. Sasha thinks that Rhys is a kind, handsome himbo with ambition. Rhys blushes while saying she means a lot to him and Sasha realizes that she likes him. Chapter 31 p. 220-226 - Soooo much happens in these pages! The first thing that comes up is that Sasha notices the beginning of Rhys's mustache and that he's altered his voice. The tone turns serious when Rhys asks if he can call her his girlfriend, to which Sasha apologizes and says that she's not ready for that until she knows that she can promise him with certainty the future that he deserves. Rhys understands and is willing to do whatever is necessary as long as she's happy, to which Sasha admits to herself that she can see them being more--eventually. Things take a MORE serious turn when Rhys asks her how she's doing and Sasha tells him the truth--the full truth, which isn't something she normally would do, but feels comfortable doing so with Rhys because she cares about him and actually wants to let him in to her life. Rhys helps the sisters get back on track and renews their fighting spirits. Chapter 32 p. 227 - Fiona once against questions why Sasha is crushing on Rhys when his brilliant idea to disguise the guns he sent to them is by writing "Not Guns" on the pallets. Sasha says that his heart is in the right place, to which Fiona responds, "[w]here his brain should be." p. 228 - Sasha quotes Rhys ("Mustaches are a facial accoutrement that convey trustworthiness, masculinity, and culture without ever needing to leave the cozy confines of one's upper lip."), much to Fiona's horror, and when his parroted words succeed in swaying the secbot to let the "mustache wax" (pallets of guns) through, Sasha gets an air of "see-Rhys-can-be-useful-who-looks-silly-now" about her. Chapter 34 p. 237-242 - Taking up the bulk of this chapter, Fiona and Sasha argue over Sasha and her inability to make up her mind when it comes to whether or not she wants to be in a relationship with Rhys. Fiona points out that they're not living out of a caravan anymore, not constantly on the run, and that Rhys is a "decently handsome idiot who worships the ground you walk on", going so far to admit that she--Fiona--even likes him. She encourages Sasha to make a decision one way or the other--it's only fair to the both of them. Chapter 36 p. 255 - Fiona hands Sasha a note that Rhys handwrote for her that he sent with the gun shipment. A "big, dumb smile" appears on Sasha's face. Epilogue p. 308-309 - Fiona sends a text-only ECHOcomm to Rhys. Fiona thanks Rhys for everything he's done for her, and for being good to Sasha (of course, she follows up by saying that if he's ever NOT good to her, she'll hunt him down and fill his brain with bullets). She reluctantly congratulates him on officially being Sasha's "long-distance boyfriend".

…and there you have it! RHYSHA GOODNESS IN THE YEAR 2024 THANK YOU ANTHONY BURCH!!!!!

Even without all that Rhysha goodness, Debt or Alive is a solid book and a wild ride with plenty of love, laughs, and anarchy. (Side note: The sisters' last name is Dillon? Dillon?????)

[the-other-art-blog]

Benophie wish list: Benedict and Anthony (PART 1)

It's no secret I have my criticisms about Anthony, one of them being his treatment of Benedict. I hope we see some exploration on this relationship, especially now that Johhny Bailey called Benedict "the beating heart of the family." 🥰🥰🥰

First off, I don't think it would be easy to be Anthony's younger brother. Let's be real, he was not an easy person to love until s3, even Kate struggled. And when you are in a system like the aristocracy, it's even worse. Anthony gets all the authority just for being born first, and Benedict is automatically undervalued as the spare.

I want to be fair to both of them because they both are good people. So, if at some point you feel I'm going too hard on Anthony, I promise I'll judge Benedict too here and in other posts.

I think Ben has been accumulating a lot of frustration regarding Anthony since they were children. One of my fav scenes in First Comes the Scandal (Rokesby series #4) illustrates this relationship since childhood.

Here is Anthony (7 years old) and Benedict (5 years old):

Before this scene, Anthony and Ben are described as "little terrors" by Edmund. Yes, they have fun together and were having fun before this incident, but Anthony does something to upset Benedict every now and then.

I wonder if this is how Ben got his black eye, mentioned in To Sir Phillip with Love:

My headcanon is they were practicing boxing and it got out of hand due to some brotherly teasing gone too far. Anthony threw a punch too hard and knocked Ben down by accident. I don't think Anthony meant it, but Benedict didn't move quickly enough. I wrote a little drabble about this:

And if we remember the fencing scene in s2, Anthony is a sore loser. Benedict says that whenever Anthony doesn't win, he accuses them of cheating. We can see how he reacts when Benedict bests him at fencing and it's not very mature, because he holds all the authority granted by birthright. An aristocrat like him is used to get everything he wants and he can't even deal with his brothers.

Thankfully, by the time the show began, Benedict was old enough to fight back in his own way. Some of Benedict's best moments in s2 are when he's teasing Anthony. That is one advantage of Benedict, he can tease all he wants because he's more likable (in the story), so he gets away with it. Who doesn't love this scene:

It must have been so satisfying for Benedict to see Kate winning the argument. He loves her for putting Anthony in his place.

Of course not everything is negative and this is not a post meant to trash Anthony. Benedict also has made plenty of mistakes in this relationship. For starters, he should have helped Anthony much more in estate management. He's just a couple for years younger and he must have been trained in management, just in case. Honestly, I cannot understand how an aristocrat fills his time. What was he doing? Yes, we all have lazy days, but years? of doing nothing but sleep around and attend parties? (more on this in my next post.)

Onto the positive. Anthony and Benedict are still very close despite their differences and frustrations because for 5 years they were the only children. That's a considerable age gap between them and the rest of the siblings.

The whole thing of the heir and the spare also plays into this relationship to stay as tight as it is. It falls upon them to continue their father's legacy by law (which is why Ben should have helped Anthony more). The scene before the duel tells the audience so much about this. Colin, Gregory, and the girls loved Edmund as much as Ben and Anthony, but they will never have the connection these two had with him. They knew him longer and got the chance to have more mature conversations with him.

So for good or for bad, they have to have each other backs. Yes, Anthony pushed Benedict during the fending match, but he also helped him get up.

I have divided this post in various parts cause there's so much to unpack with these brothers. So, next post will be about the Academy fiasco. If you thought this was too harsh on Anthony, wait for it. No matter how wrong it was what Anthony did, Ben is taking advantage of that to blame Anthony for his self doubt.

[reflections-in-a-critical-eye]

top ten first watches of 2023?

I assume you mean films, right? Anyway, top 10 in no particular order.

Crash was a long time coming, but it took a podcast I used to listen to weekly to finally get to this Cronenberg classic. Bodily modifications? Violent eroticism? Body as a machine? Death & eroticism? It has it all and much more.

For those of you in your 20s and 30s (or even older) who feel alienated in the urban landscape, surrounded by crowds whilst feeling lonely and yearning for any type of human connection, this film is for you.

It's no secret that Brian de Palma wanted to be Hitchcock since he was a baby (I assume, but it sure does look so). You can see it in so many movies of his and Body Double is a perfect example. It even has the misogyny down to a T. But it's also really good and I'm a fan of voyeurism in cinema (from a critical position mostly). This is like Rear Window and Vertigo mashed together, but with 80s hair.

Now this was probably the highlight for me this year. Editor by day, sex worker by night, Kathleen Turner is a force in this film, alongside Anthony Perkins, the perverted priest. But if that is not enough to do the trick, the cinematography and that anal sex scene might do the trick 😉

Who knew Joan Crawford had such a big issue with wire hangers? Not me, but I sure found out in that crazy scene that has one of the most memorable meltdowns in cinema. Every shot of Faye Dunaway screams "I want that Oscar, god damn it!"

Fedora is the late 70s version of Sunset Boulevard and it has the same director. Not as good as that classic, but my god, the clothes! I'd watch it again just for the clothes, particularly that white suit Fedora is wearing in the garden of her villa when she receives that honorary Oscar.

I don't think there's any Paul Schrader film that I didn't like. It wouldn't make sense to call him underrated, but he's better than others from that 1970s gang (cough *de Palma* cough). In Hardcore, a father finds out his daughter went to Los Angeles and started acting in porn. He gets the confirmation when he actually sees her in one film in some shady movie theater. It's a weird and very uncomfortable scene and by comparison, not much, knowing how it will unfold later.

Of course Madonna is always in control of her image and what she allows to be seen or how she comes across. But that doesn't mean there's nothing genuine there, on the contrary. And the camera captures that. The backstage, the everyday conversations, the relationship with the dancers. Real people with real emotions and the more darker parts are allowed to slip in through the cracks. On top of that, it has footage from her tour in 90-91, a reminder of how Madonna is one of the best performers out there, making me wish there'd be a time machine so I can see her live during that time.

For anyone who is a fan of Sex and The City, how about a late 1930s version? Fast pace dialogue, outfits to die for and a cast made almost entirely of women.

The second Cronenberg on the 2023 list. I watched M. Butterfly after seeing Madame Butterfly at the opera. The film is slightly different and it deals with some of my favorite themes in fiction and media lately: gender identities, criticism of colonialism, orientalist fantasies that obscure realities and so much more.

[v1rtueouss1nz]

Play The Game?

Yes[] No[]

Huskerdusk if husk was still an overlord

(Pulled from my twitter, sorry for formatting)

~🕷️🎲~

•∆•∆•∆•∆•∆•∆•∆•∆•

Angel is very reluctant while gambling Husk to simply...help him. Do him a much needed favour, really. Husk convinced him, got close to him, comforted him...

And whispered into his ear, a rough smirk on his face that poor Angel could not see. A naive demon sitting in front of a polished bar, The Smiling Swindler's words slithering in through his friendly, caring demeanor.

"I could deal with him, you know."

Angel would look up from the drink he was drowning himself in, his eyes widening slightly in the way that they do when he's caught off guard and his facade slips. Anthony peaks through, he doesn't know it but Husk notices. It's his job to notice, to find the weak spots, to see how desperate they truly are.

"That's impossible, even if I wanted you too," Scoffs Angel. Ah, he always did resent showing weakness. He would spit it out like the silent, desperate plea the words held.

'i wish there was a way.'

There was always a path, if you had enough power.

"Val has more money, fame, and power. I'm a respected actor, and the gig pays well," Angel would defend, crossing his arms and turning away from the overlord.

A slight smile. A sharp tooth glinting in the lamp of the clean, polished bar of the hotel.

"I would challenge him to a game. His pride would never let him deny a challenge," sound confident, he will reason with the idea. He has been doing that more, Husk noticed.

"Really Husk, I don't want to leave. I am living the life! I am a respected film actor, and the money helps me keep my lavish lifestyle of cocks and coke," Angel would always use his accomplishments as a shield, hiding behind the face of a successful, sexual celebrity.

But it was just that, a face. It was all in the eyes. You can't be a gambler without being able to read the eyes.

"But are you really that respected?" His words were like tendrils, wrapping around Angel's ears, seeping into his doubts. It was always the same for the desperate.

"Look at how Valentino treats you, compared to how we treat you. We just want what's best for you, and Valentino is in the way of that," Husk's cane tapped hypnotically against the floor as he circled Angel. Like a Tiger lining up for the final strike. Ironic, knowing Husk hates cats.

Angel couldn't help but look into his eyes as Husk rounded in front of him. His cane tapped once between them, not moving an inch as Angel forgot to breathe. When did he forget to breathe?

"I don't want you risking your safety just to free me when I have no problems with my job,"

Husk would look offended at Angel's words, putting a hand to his chest, mock hurt displayed on his face and coating his words.

"Angel, are you doubting my skills? I'm an overlord for a reason! I'm the best gambler around, and I have perfectly enough power to crush that Moth if I need too,"

A friendly, guiding hand on his shoulder. Angel wouldn't flinch away, like he remembered Valentino would make him. Husk's hand was warm, it was nothing but comforting. Wait when did Angels start referring to Val as Valentino? He didn't know.

"Charlie probably wouldn't want us starting another conflict, especially with the extermination so soon."

Angel was grasping at straws, Husk knows he was. Angel knows Charlie would help with anything they needed if it would help him. Besides if she disagreed...

Well, whatever she doesn't know can't hurt her.

"We both know that's a lie. She's like a people-pleasing, spiky, piece of bubble wrap when it comes to friends," Husk chuckles, placing his elbow on the freshly wiped wood of the bar. He poured a cup of scotch, swirling it around.

He eyed the glass, glancing up at Angel to smirk at the hopeful look on his face. Such a comforting look, knowing they were always already too deep to crawl out of his grasp.

"Of course, for my help, I like to gamble for it," Angel would stiffen, as Husk set his glass down.

"It would cost nothing! If you win, I free your soul no strings attached," Husk smiled dangerously, a look that did not promote confidence in Angel, "but if I win... You sign a contract with me," Husk slid the glass across the wood, Angel grabbing it with both hands. The amber liquid looked comforting as Angel stared into it, something similar to how he felt when Husk was in his eyesight. What an easy spider to trick.

Sigh, you'd think he'd know the traps of a web better.

"Have a drink, enjoy the evening, take a good night's rest," Husk walked past his shoulder, past the corner of the bar only Husk ever needed to cross. Angel would turn to catch sight of Husk waving as he walked backwards, smiling.

"Think about it. Could the outcome really be as worse as how it is now? I'm not as bad as Valentino,"

Angel contemplated the offer, something few might argue is riskier. A definite chance to escape Val... but a slight chance to still have his freedom stolen once again.

Husk smirked, recognizing the look of gears turning in Angel's head, something the spider demon rarely did while working under Valentino.

"Good night Angel Dust, sleep well," Husk finally turned, quickening his pace as he ascended the Hotel stairs. Angel couldn't see the smirk on his face as he planned the next step, a game of poker. Because of course Angel would say yes.

Anthony would watch him leave, waiting for the overlord to be out of sight before glancing down at the amber liquid in the crystal glass. He scoffed, Husk really had to go with the most expensive option.

'i have the funds, why not splurge on things I will cherish?' he'd said.

Anthony supposed he was right. Does that mean Husk cares about him if he's willing to risk souls for his release from Valentino's torment? Angel shook his head, face reddening at the idyllic thoughts. He sighed, resting his elbow on the bar as he brought the glass to his lips

The stupid, expensive crystal that Husk just had to splurge on. Because he would cherish it. Just like Angel. He groaned, kicking himself as the rest of the bourbon draining into his throat. His hands immediately reaching for the nearest bottle of alcohol at his fingertips.

Husk smirked, watching the crumbling demeanor of Angel with a chuckle. He turned on his heel, stepping away from the wall he stood behind. His signature cane tapped against the hotel floor, out of reach of Angels ears, as Husk chuckled while turning down a hallway, a hand reaching up to dust off his shoulder in a job well done. They always fall.

Like a card tower. You just need to find the weak spots, seep into the cracks with a friendly demeanor and an ear to listen. Once they trust you, they trust your word. And once they trust your word, well, you just have to wait until they're desperate.

∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A

When they're desperate, they always play the game

∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A∆A

[nitrateglow]

Thoughts on Five Miles to Midnight (1962)

Movies like this are why I don't take critics seriously. I really enjoyed this one so much more than I expected. It's not a perfect movie-- I found myself wishing Hitchcock had directed it instead-- but it's a deliciously dark psychological thriller.

Sophia Loren and Anthony Perkins are Lisa and Bob, a married couple living in Paris. Bob is a possessive, emotionally unstable jerk. Lisa can't handle the abuse anymore and wants a divorce, but Bob refuses. When Bob takes a flight to Casablanca, the plane crashes midway, reportedly leaving no survivors.

Before Lisa can feel liberated, Bob returns to their apartment days later, bloodied and bruised. Turns out he survived, but he doesn't want her to tell anyone because his life insurance policy will make the two of them rich beyond their wildest dreams. Lisa just wants Bob out of her life, so the two make a deal: Lisa will hide Bob in her apartment while going through the process of collecting the money and then Bob will start a new life elsewhere, never darkening her doorstep again.

Several factors complicate this simple plan: a nosy kid peeking into the apartment from across the street, a sleazy neighbor hoping to put the moves on the now available Lisa, Bob's aggressive sexual jealousy towards his repulsed wife, and Lisa being at her wits' end as her husband tries to convince her to stay with him despite everything.

I was fascinated by the two main characters in this movie. Bob is a narcissist of the highest order and Lisa is vulnerable but manipulative in her own way (we learn she mainly married Bob to escape a bad situation, a truth which makes Bob bitter). Their messy marital drama blended well with the crime element, giving the film the grim vibe of noir.

My only issue is that some of the suspense scenes could have used a surer hand and more tension. I really think Hitchcock would have done a great job with this story. However, as it is, the performances are good and the story kept my interest. I don't get why it's considered such a dud. Maybe it's because none of the characters are super sympathetic? I don't care-- they were INTERESTING and Lisa was sympathetic enough for all her faults, so I was invested.

Also, I love Perkins' sunglasses and leather gloves look. What an aesthetic!

[bullet-prooflove]

A quick round up of updates on the blog including new characters added to the ASK LIST and a list of fics that went out last week:

New Fics:

Chicago Med:

Emergency Contact - You realise you don't have anyone to put down as an emergency contact. (Sean Archer x Reader)

Don't Look Back - After running into you at the hospital Sam tries to convince himself not to look back.

Couples Counselling - Sam and you start to date again after couple's counselling.

Right Here, Right Now - Crockett doesn't need anymore than you can give.

Emergency Contact - You help Mitch out in a tricky situation.

Cobra Kai:

Self Defence - You wake up in the middle of the night with John Kreese's hands locked around your throat.

Failure - Terry makes a decision regarding your home in the aftermath of what happened with Kreese.

I Do - Terry gives you his mother's ring in a chapel in Tuscany.

Paper Airplanes - Terry begins to consider starting a family.

Summer School - Daniel's excited to meet Anthony's new art teacher.

Criminal Minds:

Empty Drawer - Will will do anything to get you to stay.

Lily Blossom - Will makes a realisation during your first night together.

FBI:

Yours - Omar realises that you still belong to each other after all this time.

FBI Most Wanted:

The Worst Type of Asshole - Remy apologises for his behaviour.

Haven:

Sedated - Your Trouble causes issues when the doctors try to help with your injuries. (Dwight Hendrickson x Reader)

Stars (NSFW) - You and Duke spend a night under the stars.

Law & Order:

All I Want Is You - Mike reveals his feelings after he makes a mistake.

Mayans:

Silver (NSFW) - You discover Neron has a piercing.

The Musketeers:

In Sickness & in Health - Athos tries to look after you when the sickness moves through Paris.

The Most Dangerous Woman in France - Even on your wedding day you are still the most dangerous woman in Paris. (Treville x Reader)

NCIS:

Not Yet - Jimmy doesn't want you to come just yet.

Rainy Mornings - Nick wishes he could stay in bed with you on a rainy Washington morning.

NCIS - LA:

Name Your Prize - AJ asks you to name your prize during a race.

NCIS New Orleans:

The Cutest Damn Thing - LaSalle realises he's in love.

Second Fiddle (feat: Douglas Hamilton) - You finally end things with Douglas.

The Rookie:

One Woman - There's only been one woman that Tim's been thinking about these past few years.

Culpability - John tries to reach out after he finds out about Robert Ortiz.

Late Night Wine - Wade wakes up the morning after on the floor in your living room.

The Rookie Feds:

Time (NSFW) - You and Matt don't want to waste any more time

Supernatural:

Sweet Dreams - Dean thinks about how this all started.

Deals With the Devil (feat: Michael)- You wake up with an angel in your bed.

Top Gun Maverick:

Something About You - There's just something about you that makes Jake want to settle down.

[o-uncle-newt]

Cabin Pressure Advent Day 16: Paris

PAAAAAARRRRRRIIIISSSS!

There are not words for how much I love this episode, there really aren't. I actually listened to it early this morning because I was so excited, and then had to deal with a difficult personal situation and was like "oh dang I wish I hadn't listened to it yet so I could cheer up from it now!" But I had, so I listened to Hot Desk (from Double Acts) instead. Also very effective.

Anyway- I love everything about this episode, because I LOVE Golden Age mysteries! I'm not super well read on all the different authors, but I've had a lot of fun over the years reading Conan Doyle (and Poe and Wilkie Collins, if we're going that far back), Chesterton, Christie, and more recently Sayers, and even more recently have read a smattering as well of John Dickson Carr, Margery Allingham, Anthony Berkeley, and a bunch of others. To digress a little, I highly highly recommend Martin Edwards's excellent book The Golden Age of Murder and his wonderful short-story anthology compilations and reprints- it really got me on a kick of trying to read a bit more broadly in the genre after discovering how much I loved reading a few specific authors growing up. It's been really rewarding and I highly recommend it!

Now, the thing with Paris is that the popular backstory is "John Finnemore had Benedict Cumberbatch on the show, he became famous as Sherlock on Sherlock, Finnemore thought it would be funny to do a mystery themed one as a result, and so we have Marin Crieff as "Miss Marple." Which is apparently not UNtrue per se, but JF himself has said that he always planned to do a mystery episode. Which makes sense, as in the first link just now JF makes clear that Golden Age mysteries are his "trashy fiction of choice," about which I can only say amen!

Which is what makes the episode so great- because it's super clear what kind of love for the genre he put into the episode as a result. There's the Christie- obviously the Miss Marple references but also the "gathering everyone together in the parlor" thing (which she doesn't do ALL the time... but she does PRETTY often lol). There's obviously the Conan Doyle reference, which is "snappily put," as Douglas says. There's a fun reference to Raffles- who may not be a detective himself but is definitely a cousin to the whodunnit genre (or shall we say brother-in-law, as he was Conan Doyle's...), and there's "Crieff of the Yard," which is a phrase that I'm confident has a basis in detective writing but that I'm not able to pinpoint, which is annoying. Arthur's example of the monkey at the circus also evokes a few stories of MASSIVELY varying quality involving unlikely murderous animals, which is always fun. (And parenthetically, while there are no Sayers references that I can find, I will say that I continue to be confident that the dog-collar plotline in Here's What We Do from Double Acts is a reference to the dog-collar plotline in Gaudy Night. He has never confirmed it but like, how could it not be? Or at least so I tell myself.)

But all of that is window dressing- the episode itself is a beautifully written impossible crime mystery, and I love that about it. JF has mentioned that he likes John Dickson Carr, who was big for locked room mysteries/impossible crimes- though loads of writers wrote them (including, incidentally, AA Milne, who you likely know better from Winnie the Pooh, who wrote a fun early example of the genre that you can read here for free because of that magical phenomenon, copyright expiration). And this episode is just such a good example of one that it makes me wish that JF would get into the whodunnit-writing game more broadly (beyond his Cain's Jawbone sequel). If Richard Osman can do it...!

In one of the above-linked blogposts, JF mentions that it's "pleasing how naturally my main cast fitted into familiar roles from the detective fiction genre - the meticulous detective, his devoted assistant, his no nonsense boss… and his nemesis, the Napoleon of crime." Which is awesome, but I think there's even more there. I particularly love that it's an impossible crime mystery in a closed circle. While there's a genre of whodunnit where you have the corpse or whatever and have to cast a wide net to find witnesses and clues, writers there often either have to make the potential dead ends in the detective work REALLY interesting or rely a lot on coincidence. Closed circle crimes (like ones at a country house or within a workplace or somewhere with guards at all the doors or something like that) can help mystery writers focus in on the story without having to worry too much about the logistics of "why these people?" and it's why you get so many mysteries set on trains or ships or islands or whatever. And an airplane is one of the best closed circles there is, because unless you're DB Cooper you're not getting out. Agatha Christie did an early one in Death in the Clouds which is a lot of fun, and this episode is a great example.

The fun thing about closed circle whodunnits and impossible crime mysteries is that the whole point of them is that usually, the author is just straight up lying to you. There's a vent for a snake to go through, or a secret doorway to the outside, or the time when the door was locked or the circle was closed isn't actually when the crime took place, but a fake gunshot makes you think it was. And that's why I love this so much- because the author/liar of the mystery is Douglas. He's the genre savvy one. He's the one who's lying, he's the one who's turning it all into a whodunnit, and he's waiting to see if he can get away with it. He's the Napoleon of Crime- and a Columbo villain setting up the false trail that he hopes Columbo will fall for.

Because... and JF notes this in both blog posts... there's no mystery here! Obviously Douglas did it. The point here is that this episode is like if Columbo was as dumb as he seemed and the criminal managed to lead him down the garden path and got away with it. It's "what if Poirot were a moron but still had to solve the murder of Roger Ackroyd." Douglas is the one who creates an impossible crime scheme, anticipates that he'll still be suspected because, well, he's him, and manages to come up with alternative scenarios- including ones that open the seemingly closed circle of the crime- that are convincing enough to throw Martin off the scent. Without him, it would just be "so how did Douglas do it this time?"

Now, the impossible crime is still important, because while we all kind of know that Douglas did it, we still don't know how he did it. And from that perspective alone, JF's impossible crime puzzle is genius. The clues that he drops are really interesting (I'm not 100% sure I see the nail polish bottle as being fair play, but plenty of whodunnits aren't so I don't really care) and it's something that, even as we see Douglas writing a whole separate decoy mystery (reminiscent of his decoy apple juice?) on top of his own scheme, keeps us intrigued throughout even once it becomes pretty clear that Douglas has been snowing all of them. So all of that is fun- but it's far more fun with all the other tropes and schemes and false trails laid on top of it, giving it so many more dimensions.

And then, at the end, nobody solves it- the detective's reveal, after all the carefully left false trails, comes from the thief himself.

It's just... so beautiful. Ahhhh.

I feel like (and one of the blog posts mentions this) that there's a question of whether Douglas actually pulled it off, particularly in the context of whether Martin would really need to pay Carolyn at the end. My opinion is: practically, yes, Douglas stole the whiskey. If Birling hadn't offered them the cufflinks, he'd never have revealed his trick and he'd have had ample opportunity the rest of the trip to empty his decoy apple juice in the sink, replace it with whiskey, and fill up the bottle with cheap whiskey from the plane's bar or the Paris airport duty free. (Or whatever his plan was- but that seems plausible.) Carolyn would have never known once they returned. And the episode leaves open whether practically speaking Martin actually does have to pay Carolyn, but thematically... yes, of course he does, the whole question here is "is Douglas the organ grinder" and the answer is that he obviously is. The monkey's gotta pay up!

I love, incidentally, so many more things about this episode- the humor, Mr Birling, the ways in which everything is so true to character, basically everything about Arthur... but I've already gone on long enough.

[thekatebridgerton]

How did each of the Bridgertons cope with their break ups?

Anthony: full denial

He acted so shocked, like how dare Kate breakup with him first. Anthony was a total primadonna, he denies that Kate broke his heart, because he didn't love her, so he's fine, see how fine he is. *Lives in the office* *stares longingly at Kate whenever she picks up Violet for a girls night* *refuses to see anyone except his mother* *keeps working himself to death* he's fine!! (He's not fine, he's barely eating or sleeping, someone get this man some water)

Benedict: Went full hoe

He broke up with Sophie, because she wanted to be 'in a relationship ' not a ' situationship' then he Threw himself into the art scene, getting high, having meaningless after meaningless flings with whichever person, because guess what Sophie, he wanted freedom, see how free he is, who wants to put labels in a relationship, certainly not him. (He Calls Sophie's old number in the middle of the night to leave sad voice messages) Sophie doesn't get his messages, she blocked his number and the only Bridgerton she takes calls from, is Violet.

Colin: became a wreck and is still a wreck

This man stopped functioning after the breakup. Went on a bender, stopped showering for weeks, grew a beard. Took some job taking pictures in war thorn countries. At least Until his boss demanded he go back home and deal with his issues before he killed himself taking pictures of Colombian drug Lords. Currently Colin is holed up at his mom's home, low key pinning after his ex who of course is living her best life without him.

Daphne:

Did what every social media influencer does after a breakup, and had a makeover, went from redhead to blonde, got extensions, a new wardrobe, all the works. Then partied with her 40 closest celebrity friends and basically became the new life of the party in every club of the city. She is fine, see how not broken hearted she is, who cares that Simon didn't want to start a family with her. Who cares that they were engaged, she's got a billion followers on Instagram. And friends to party with * Cries in Gucci* Violet is worried about her

Eloise: She's coping... Sort of

Eloise is so angry at herself and at Phillip, that she joined a Taekwondo group and is now trying to channel all her rage into punching things via martial arts. So yeah, she alternates her time between listening to sad music in her room, sleeping a lot and hitting things in the gym. At least she's gaining muscle out of it, and she's going to be a black belt soon if she keeps on like that. Violet thinks she's going to hurt herself one of these days

Francesca: Faking it like a pro

Did cry on her mother's shoulder, and Violet does feel bad for her because Francesca pretends to be happy and wishing Michael all the best but she really is taking the breakup hard. As in, she cries a lot, and joined Anthony in his singlehanded pursuit to die from overwork. She blames herself for the breakup but won't admit she that she should have chased after Michael instead of waiting for him to realize he was wrong.

Hyacinth: Became addicted to videogames

After the breakup she got breakup bangs, changed the preppy dresses for pijamas and picked up Gregory's gaming console. Up until this moment Hyacinth never liked videogames, but now she prefers to play beat saber and Hitman 3, rather than face a world where she's not dating Gareth, sooo videogames it is. Violet thinks that Hyacinth is proving Gareth's point about being too spoiled to understand real world problems. But Hyacinth won't hear her, the only thing that matters is that Gareth is not here to tell her she's being silly and immature. And She's fine with that! She will do all the immature things she didn't do when they were dating. Who cares what Gareth thinks

Gregory: Learned how to bake

He's actually filling his entire college application with every extra curricular he can find to get his mind away from Lucy. So far he's been baking, knitting, playing the guitar, learning Mandarin and training the dog he got after his breakup. It's a total coincidence that he plant to go to the same ivy league Uni as she does. So far Gregory has been finding the most meaning in banking, creating a feedback loop with his siblings where he stress bakes, his siblings stress eat and he stress bakes again. Colin at least is always appreciative. Gregory is convinced that if he bakes enough muffins for Lucy's brunches with his mother, then Lucy will feel his longing... Violet wishes he would just talk to her!! Their breakup was a misunderstanding!!

And that's the tea

[bumblesimagines]

The Sun and Moon

Part 9

Request: Yes or No

~~~

The silence was suffocating. Words refused to form rendering him speechless as Kate's shock morphed into anger. Her hands closed into fists and she swallowed, head lifting as she inhaled. She gripped the sides of her dress and lifted them slightly, walking down the stone path until she reached the painter. (Y/N) expected to be slapped across the face, but instead, she exhaled, shoulders drooping as some tension escaped her body.

"Because you've been nothing but kind to my sister and I, I will allow you to explain yourself, Mr. Granville." She spoke, containing her anger for the moment.

"I-"

"But, I must know Lord Bridgertons' intentions with my sister." The ever-devoted Kate continued. Despite having witnessed what most would consider a heinous act, her priorities remained completely with her family. 

"He intends to marry her." His words did nothing to soothe her, obvious by the way her brows shot up

"Marry her?" She repeated, jaw clenching. "After he embarrassed us last night? After he-" Kate shut her eyes and pressed her lips together, practically shaking from anger. Hesitantly, (Y/N) raised his hands and grasped her arms in an attempt to calm her. Kate's eyes snapped open but instead of pushing him away or demanding to be let go, she shakily exhaled.

"What you saw was... a moment of confusion." (Y/N) ignored how it stung to utter those words. To brush aside Anthonys' actions as a mistake. But seeing how he'd abruptly left, it was no doubt just that. A mistake. And he now had to deal with the consequences and pray Kate liked him enough to care for his safety. "I can assure you, Miss Sharma, Anthony wishes to wed your sister. She's all he ever talks about, all he cares about... She's what he desires. He'll propose, I'm sure of it."

Unlike Edwina, Kate wasn't an open book. Perhaps years of being looked down upon had taught her how to hide her emotions and thoughts behind a stoic mask. Her dark eyes bore into (Y/N)s' and her silence was nearly as intimidating as her cold eyes. But then, they softened.

"Do you love him?" She asked quietly.

"What?" (Y/N) blinked, reeling back at the question. Love? Was he truly in love with Anthony?

"My father had to leave London because people refused to accept the love he and my mother had for each other. I have seen what that does to someone. I do not care if you love or lay with men. I care about my sister being hurt because she cares for someone who does not care for her." Kate explained, words carefully uttered but nonetheless spoken with genuineness.

"Do you love him?" She repeated.

"It doesn't matter." (Y/N)s' response made the Sharma scoff.

"It matters to me. It will matter to Edwina-"

"No, you mustn't tell her nor anyone, Miss Sharma. If anyone were to find out it could spell disaster and ruin."

"Edwina would be crushed if she found out she wed the man someone else loves!" Kate raised her voice, quickly closing her mouth and glancing around in case anyone had heard her. But the area was empty. Most servants had been occupied tending to Violets' requests and needs. "Edwina will care-"

"My feelings do not matter because Anthony does not feel the same way." (Y/N) cut her off sharply. Kate fell silent once more and her expression turned solemn, full of pity. 

"Truly?" 

"Truly." (Y/N) breathed, letting his arms fall to his sides as he swallowed and stared at the grass beneath their feet. He felt his eyes sting and clenched his fists, digging his fingertips into his palm to put his focus away from his feelings. "Anthony feels nothing for me. If he had, he wouldn't have left and wouldn't be so set on marrying Miss Edwina."

Kate appeared conflicted, but (Y/N) couldn't blame her. The man she loathed continued to prove he wouldn't be a good match for her sister but he'd already admitted he wouldn't give her the true love match Edwina desired and she still wanted him. Whilst exposing Anthony would push her sister away from the man, he wouldn't be the only one hurt. His family, (Y/N), and Edwina would feel some of the backlash and Kate didn't despise him enough to involve innocents in the mess they had created. So, she made a choice. A choice she hoped she wouldn't regret.

"I'm putting my trust in you, Mr. Granville." Kate began. "And I do not wish to be made a fool again."

"You won't, Miss Sharma."

"But, I must say..." Gently taking (Y/N)s' hand into her own, she frowned at the man. "An arrogant fool like Lord Anthony doesn't deserve you, Mr. Granville. He'll at least be giving Edwina security and a family. He will only give you problems."

A soft, sad chuckle escaped the painter. "Yes, I've been made well aware of that." 

               ꕤ         ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ

"Are you feeling well?" Benedict asked his friend, eyeing him closely. For the past two days, both (Y/N) and Anthony had been spacing out more than usual. Not to mention the fact the two were never in the same room for more than a couple of minutes. Going from being attached at the hip to seemingly avoiding each other had not gone unnoticed by Benedict. In his mind, it could've only meant a few things. But seeing how things were, he guessed it'd been a disagreement of sorts. Or maybe even rejection. Though the red mark on his neck-

"Mr. Granville was stung by a bee the other day," Kate revealed as she approached them, bowing her head in greeting before looking at (Y/N). "I do hope it no longer hurts, Mr. Granville.

"A little bit." (Y/N) responded, reaching a hand up to his neck and rubbing the spot where he'd been stung. Anthonys' fearful eyes flashed in his head again followed by the memory of their lips locking.

"Mr. Granville, would you mind accompanying me to fetch some lemonade?" Kate asked after noticing his distant gaze, glancing at Benedict as the Bridgerton looked between the two.

"Of course, Miss Sharma." (Y/N) nodded and offered her his arm, bidding Benedict a soft goodbye before the two stepped into the sea of guests. Taking a glance around, he spotted his mother speaking with the other mamas whilst his father appeared to be having a serious conversation with a gentleman.

"The effect Lord Bridgerton has on others is truly astonishing," Kate muttered, shaking her head. 

"You and Anthony have been too busy pointing out each others' flaws and basking in each others' failures to notice the good qualities you both possess. Under better circumstances, I'm sure you two would've been good friends." (Y/N) said, gently pushing his arm against hers in a playful manner. Kate scoffed softly and shook her head, lip almost curling in disgust at the mere thought of befriending Anthony.

"Kate! Come sit with us." Hearing her sister's voice call out to her, Kate paused and looked forward, a soft groan slipping past her lips. (Y/N) followed her gaze and spotted Edwina and Anthony sitting alone together, a few feet away from the rest of the guests. Anthony turned his head in their direction, his body growing stiff when he noticed (Y/N) standing beside Kate before his gaze lowered onto their locked arms.

"Edwina wishes for Anthony and I to get along," Kate explained quietly and turned her head toward the painter. "If you wish, I could make an excuse for you-"

"No, it's alright, Kate. We're both adults and it's about time we behave as such." (Y/N) assured her with a smile. Although she looked hesitant, Kate nodded and addressed her sister with a forced smile as the two approached the table. Anthony rose from his seat, watching the two break apart from each other with a small frown.

"Miss Sharma, Mr. Granville." Anthony greeted with a nod of his head, hands folding behind his back as his eyes flickered between the two of them. 

"Lord Bridgerton." Kate greeted him in return, taking another glance at (Y/N) before she took a seat beside her sister, giving her an adoring smile. (Y/N) simply nodding in greeting and followed suit, sitting across from Edwina and gently scooting his chair closer to the table. An awkward silence fell over the four of them before Edwina smiled at (Y/N) and leaned forward slightly.

"Has Kate told you that we've been thinking about getting a family portrait done?" She inquired with a tilt of her head.

"No, she hasn't." (Y/N) responded, smiling at the younger girl and her attempt at getting a conversation rolling between them all.

"Ah, well, we were hoping you'd be able to do it. I've heard you portrayed the Duchess and Duke quite beautifully." Edwina turned her attention to Anthony. "Have you seen (Y/N)s' paintings, My Lord? I'm sure they're as wonderful as they say."

"Yes, I have. I was quite taken by one displayed at Somerset House."  Anthony answered, looking away from Edwina and allowing himself to gaze at the painter. "Mr. Granville has quite the eye for beauty." He added softly, holding eye contact with him before forcing himself to look away. 

"I'd be honored to do it, Miss Edwina." (Y/N) answered with a smile. The brunette beamed and looked at her sister with twinkling eyes, reaching over to place her hand over Kate's and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Did you hear that, Didi? That is fantastic news!" Edwina gushed. Kate chuckled at her sisters' excitement, staring at her fondly and holding her hand. The sweet moment lasted a few minutes before another silence fell over them and Edwina felt inclined to try again.

"Kate was telling me how she is eager to see more of the grounds of this magnificent estate." 

"I was?" Kate blinked, eyes flickering over to Anthony as Edwina spoke.

"After having spent the last few days on her own, or well not entirely alone." Edwina corrected herself with a chuckle and smiled at (Y/N). Anthonys' brows furrowed and he turned toward (Y/N) but before he could ask, Edwina continued. "Might you give her a tour today while I spend time with the other ladies?"

"I am certain Lord Bridgerton is occupied with other guests." Kate cut in, eager to avoid spending any time with Anthony and she was not alone in her resistance.

"Shooting, in fact, with the other gentlemen," Anthony confirmed with a nod. "The party is to leave quite soon, I'm afraid."

"Did you know Kate is an excellent shot?" Edwina boasted with a proud smile.

"Of course she is," Anthony muttered under his breath. Kate narrowed her eyes at his response but remained silent.

"Are we all set for the hunt, Brother?" Benedict questioned loudly as he swooped in, excitedly patting Anthonys' shoulders. Anthony chuckled and nodded, rising from his seat and standing beside Benedict.

"Fantastic." Benedict grinned and set his hands on his hips, looking at (Y/N). "Will you be joining us?"

"I'm afraid I don't know my way around a gun." (Y/N) answered with an apologetic smile, chuckling when Benedict pouted. 

"Kate, tell him how you used to shoot all the time! Kate is being modest." Edwina assured Anthony desperately, her desire for the two to be friends showing plainly. In response, Anthony chuckled breathily and shook his hand, glancing at Benedict with a small grin. 

"Do you not think it true?" Kate questioned with a frown, unable to keep silent anymore. 

"Perhaps your sister aims straight on the field, but surely she would have some trouble managing-"

"Why would you assume I had any trouble managing at all, My Lord?"

"I only mean to say-"

"Because I am a woman?" Kate inquired further, brows lifting as she frowned, though she appeared more disappointed than angry. Her words caused Anthony to stammer as he attempted to backtrack, frantically glancing between Edwina and (Y/N).

"I- I did not say that!" He protested as Benedict snickered quietly, amused by his brothers' desperation. 

"But you thought it." Kate countered.

"I believe it is only polite to give others a chance before assuming things, Anthony." (Y/N) piped in, looking up at him. "Miss Sharma might be better than some of the gentlemen in your party. Surely, it'd be better to bring her along in case it's true."

"(Y/N)'s right, Brother. I'm sure we can make an exception, just this one time." Benedict jumped in at Kate's defense, bumping his shoulder against Anthonys' and earning a bewildered look from him. However, his friendly grin turned mischievous and (Y/N) felt his smile drop into a frown.

"Anthony and Miss Sharma could even teach (Y/N)! Since he's such a diplomat, I'm sure he'd make sure these two get along." Benedict added. His eagerness to defend Kate made much more sense to (Y/N) as he listened to Kate and Edwina voice their approval. And with that, it was decided, and (Y/N) could only push himself out of his seat and follow the two Bridgertons' toward the stables. 

Luckily for (Y/N), he had experience riding, unlike the poor maid that had been selected as Kate's chaperone. Her quiet stammering and huffs as she tried to maintain control of the horse faded into background noise as (Y/N) took in the wooded area around him. The forest was dense, though the hunting party treaded on a dirt path wide enough for two to three horses to keep out of the brush. The sun peeking in through the branches illuminated the forest, making the green of the leaves and brush more vibrant. He understood why Kate enjoyed taking strolls by herself. The forest felt tranquil and it almost made him forget about the previous days. Almost.

"To the right, gents!" A man called out and Kate quickened her horse's pace to catch up with Anthony. The two went back and forth, the short conversation resulting in a smirking Kate, though the amused look on her face quickly disappeared when she caught herself. 

"It's alright to like him, Kate." (Y/N) reminded her quietly as she fell back to be beside him. "It's the whole reason why your sister wanted you to come." 

"But-" 

"Go on." (Y/N) encouraged and nodded toward Anthony with a smile. Kate sighed, gaze lingering on him before she nodded and returned to walk alongside Anthony. The two went a while without speaking before they began talking, the conversation seeming to go smoothly before Anthony got called by Benedict and quickened his pace to see why he was needed. Kate silently rejoined (Y/N), staying beside him until they arrived at camp and tied their horses up.

"What's the thrill of hunting?" (Y/N) asked her as she leaned her musket against her shoulder and followed the men through the thicket. 

Chuckling, Kate glanced back at him, "Not a fan of hunting, eh? I suppose it's the pride of bringing home food. Ah, and the bragging rights, of course." She responded with a playful grin.

"The elusiveness is part of the fun." (Y/N) turned his head, watching Anthony and Benedict chat with a man. The new Lord Featherington, if he remembered correctly. He appeared to be quite the charmer with the ladies of the ton and seemed rather taken with Cressida Cowper as of late. "And you cannot fault the sunshine."

"No, certainly not." Anthony agreed, arm brushing against (Y/N)s' as he walked by them. He turned his head to look at (Y/N) and his lips parted.

"(Y/N)-"

"The men out enjoying the sunshine. A sign of a great hunt." Kate's voice dripped with sarcasm. (Y/N) couldn't help but chuckle, sharing an amused look with the woman.

"I suppose you prefer the darkness, Miss Sharma?" Anthony questioned with a chuckle. Kate's amusement disappeared as she rolled her eyes at him and came to a stop. 

"What I would prefer is to be allowed to follow my own instincts on this hunt instead of blindly following the guide." She answered truthfully, taking (Y/N)s hand and carefully stepping over a log. Lord Featherington didn't respond, lips forming a smile before he and Benedict continued on their way. 

"You are still convinced we have lost our prey?" Anthony asked as he approached the duo, eyeing their hands. 

"I'm convinced that deer prefer the edge of the forest. This is much too open out here." Kate responded, moving her hand up to (Y/N)s' bicep and staring directly at Anthony, eyes squinting when she spotted the way his eyes followed her hand. 

"Yes, well, perhaps you are right, but we should carry on." Anthony cleared his throat and began following the men again. "Certainly there'll be other deer on other parts."

"Come," Kate whispered to (Y/N), releasing his arm and bringing a finger to her lips as she glanced back at her distracted chaperone. With no eyes on them, she grabbed his hand again and pulled him along, glancing back at Anthony as his voice grew distant. (Y/N) made sure to avoid fallen branches and crunchy leaves so as to not alert the others.

"Where exactly are we going, Kate?"

"We're gonna catch a deer. If they wish to bask in the sun, so be it." Kate responded, entering a much denser part of the forest and stopping at the sound of rustling. She approached a large fallen tree and crouched down in an area where they wouldn't be spotted before offering (Y/N) her musket.

"Why are you giving me this?" 

"It was part of the deal, remember? You come along as the peacemaker and are taught how to use a gun." 

"Benedict said that as an excuse for me to come along." (Y/N) pointed out, but nevertheless took the gun from Kate and followed her instructions on how to hold it. She glanced back at the sound of footsteps and sighed deeply when Anthony appeared.

"Are you quite serious? If anyone were to find the both of you alone rumors would spark!" Anthony approached them, resting his gun against the tree and crouching down beside (Y/N), keeping the man trapped between him and Kate. "Do you know your maid is having a terrible ti-"

"Be quiet." Kate hissed and looked forward, inching closer to (Y/N). Her cheek almost brushed against him as she stared forward for any sign of movement.

"It is rather like you, Miss Sharma, to leave everyone behind. But to drag (Y/N) into your little plan?"

"I'm not a helpless child, Anthony." (Y/N) frowned as he looked at him. "I don't need you coddling me. Especially not when you've been avoiding me."

"You've been avoiding me as well!" Anthony argued, bottom lip puffing out in the slightest as his brows furrowed.

"Only because it's obvious you don't wish to see me."

"That's not true!"

"Will you two stop acting like little boys and finally speak like adults?" Kate questioned quietly, glancing out into the forest before looking at them. 

"This does not concern you, Miss Sharma." Anthony snapped at her, rolling his eyes when she scoffed and shifted to face them.

"I'm afraid it does concern me when I'm right here having to listen to this!" She sneered. 

"You can return to your maid-" The sound of more rustling made Anthony shut his mouth, his head snapping toward the foliage. Kate nudged (Y/N) with her elbow and leaned forward, hands moving to show him how to hold it before Anthony brushed her hands away.

"You don't know how to hold a British gun, Miss Sharma." Anthony mumbled, pressing his chest against (Y/N)s' back. He placed his hand over the one stabilizing the gun, his other hand making sure the back of the gun was tucked into his armpit before he cupped (Y/N)s' other hand. (Y/N) swallowed, unable to focus properly with Anthony breathing right up against his ear. Anthonys' fingers squeezed around (Y/N)s' hand and he pressed himself against (Y/N) even more as if seeking his warmth. 

"You-"

"This way, boys!" Jack's voice hollered through the forest, the closeness of it pulling the two apart. (Y/N) almost toppled over Kate, quietly apologizing and handing her the musket as he stood. He offered her his hand and finally noticed the look on her face. 

"What?" He asked breathily, glancing over his shoulder as Anthony joined Benedict.

Taking his hand and pulling herself up, Kate took a step closer to him. "Are you certain he has no feelings for you, (Y/N)?"

               ꕤ         ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ

(Y/N) watched the lighting illuminate the room in white, listening to the pitter-patter of the rain hitting the window. His thumb ran over the back of his hand and he inhaled, still feeling Anthonys' touch. Kate's question ran circles in his head, refusing to leave until he could figure out the answer. Lowering himself down onto the windowsill, he stared up at the dark sky and allowed the beauty of the storm to slowly clear his mind. Candlelight illuminated some of the room, flickering every so often.

The sound of the door creaking open pulled his attention away from the window. He'd half expected Kate to be standing there, but instead, Anthony stared back at him, holding his own candle. 

"I saw the candlelight... Thought you'd forgotten to blow it out before heading to bed." He explained quietly, entering the room and closing the door behind him carefully to avoid disturbing the other guests. 

"Are you unable to sleep?" He asked as he set his candle down beside (Y/N)s' and approached him, footsteps slow and light. "Is it the storm?"

"No, far from it. I enjoy storms as a matter of fact. They're loud but... sometimes they can be soothing." (Y/N) said, pressing his figure against the cold window and following a droplet as it slid down. He kept his attention on the droplets as Anthony got closer, feeling Anthony rest his hand on his shoulder. 

"I wanted to speak with you."

"About?" (Y/N) peered up at him curiously and Anthonys' hand left his shoulder, finding its place under (Y/N)s' chin.

"What happened the other day when we..." Anthony trailed off and sighed, dropping his hand and instead running it over his face as he exhaled deeply. "I'm sorry for fleeing. I was overwhelmed and not thinking straight-"

"It's alright." (Y/N) swore he felt his heart squeeze. "I've made plenty of mistakes and impulsive decisions when overwhelmed, it's only natural-"

"No, no, you misunderstood." Anthony shook his head. "It wasn't a mistake."

"But..." (Y/N) stood up, holding eye contact with Anthony as he tried to voice his questions, his surprise. His jumbled thoughts vanished when a warm palm pressed against his cheek. Inhaling deeply, (Y/N) placed his hand over Anthonys', leaning against it for a moment before pulling it away.

"Go to bed, Anthony. We've got a long day tomorrow." (Y/N) said softly, looking down at Anthonys' hand and rubbing his thumb over the back of it. "And you've got a lady to court." He reminded, releasing his hand and stepping toward his bed.

"Did it mean nothing to you? The kiss?" Anthony asked.

"That doesn't matter, Anthony. Like you've said numerous times, you're the firstborn and are expected to wed. I refuse to not only hold you back, I don't wish to deceit Miss Edwina. You may not want to love her, but she should have at least half of your attention if she's to be your wife." (Y/N) responded as he sat down on the bed, pressing his hand down into the soft covers.

"I see." Anthony swallowed and nodded, stepping back toward the candles and blowing out (Y/N)s before picking his up and heading toward the door. "Rest easy, (Y/N)."

"You as well." (Y/N) balled up his hand, waiting for the door to close and for Anthonys' footsteps to grow distant before falling back onto the bed, his head landing on the pillows. He covered his face with his hands and exhaled, his sigh almost coming out as a groan. How could he focus on anything or get over his feelings when Anthony made it so difficult?

               ꕤ         ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ

"I feel out of breath just watching them dance," Stephanie said, fanning herself and making sure to angle her hand so (Y/N) could catch some of the cool air. The painter gulped down another glass of lemonade and set the empty cup on the table behind him, nodding along to her words. The young lady glanced at him and hummed, her free hand toying with her necklace.

"I'm surprised you haven't begun fawning over the decorations. Flowers are your thing, after all."

"Yes, well... I've got a lot on my mind." He replied, avoiding the gaze of Anthony as he danced with Edwina.

"Do tell." 

"It's nothing." (Y/N) released a forced chuckle, trying to ignore how loud the music had suddenly gotten or the way everyone spoke at once, their voices overlapping and growing louder by the second to the point he couldn't even hear himself think. His attire made him feel excruciatingly hot. Stephanie moved closer and placed her hand on his arm. 

"If you need to leave, go ahead. If anyone asks, I'll inform them you've retired for the evening." Barely catching the end of her sentence as he left her side, weaving through the bodies of guests until he left the room, allowing his feet to blindly take him to an empty room where he could gather his thoughts. Pushing the doors open and entering what appeared to be a study, he collapsed onto the nearest chair and exhaled heavily, pulling the gloves off and letting them fall to the floor. He heard the door open with a squeal and grunted softly.

"I'm fine, Steph." He croaked out.

"Are you?" With widened eyes, he snapped his head in Anthonys' direction. He quickly lent over, picking his gloves up and standing from the chair as Anthony grew near, stopping only a foot away.

"Yes, I just needed some time alone." He nodded, smiling at him and clearing his throat. "Has Kate given you her bless-"

"She told me she saw us." Anthony interrupted him. "And that you knew about it... And didn't tell me."

"You have a lot on your plate, Anthony. I didn't wish to add to it." 

"So, you chose to carry the burden by yourself?"

"It's hardly a burden. Kate won't tell anyone." (Y/N) insisted, tossing his gloves onto the nearby desk and searching the room for something to drink. 

"How can you be so sure? Have you grown so close that you can trust her with your life?"

"Because Kate is honest and straightforward! She doesn't dance around subjects or give mixed signals." (Y/N) snapped at him. Anthony reeled back, eyes widening at his outburst. 

"I know I can trust her, just like how I trust Benedict and Stephanie. I know she won't do anything to hurt me because she cares."

"Are you saying I don't care about you?"

"I know you do, Anthony." (Y/N) sighed, rubbing his forehead and trying to soothe the growing headache. "You care about other things more, and that is perfectly fine."

"Other things?" Anthony whispered, a small laugh escaping him as he stepped closer to him. 

"Don't deny it-"

"I care about you, (Y/N). You're all I think about day and night... All I dream about. You are like a drug I cannot quit. Everything about you is addicting and ever since that day in the garden... All I've wanted to do is get another taste of you." Anthony revealed softly, hands reaching out to gently take (Y/N) by the waist, resting his forehead against (Y/N)s'. "I care for you so much it frightens me."

"We can't do this, Anthony..."

"Why?"

"Because you need Edwina." (Y/N) placed his hand on Anthonys' cheek, running his thumb back and forth over his skin. He felt their lips brush against each other and Anthony leaned in, but before their lips could lock together, a gasp pulled them apart and they turned to look at a wide-eyed Daphne.

"I'm sorry!" She squeaked and whirled around, leaving the room. Anthony pulled away from (Y/N), calling out after his sister and following her out of the room, the door slowly sliding close behind him. (Y/N) leaned back against the desk, gripping the edge and attempting to keep his breathing even. Anthony would convince Daphne, he knew that for certain. Daphne would never do anything to hurt her family.

Quickly approaching his sister, Anthony spoke, "It is not what you think."

"Trying not to think about it at all," Daphne responded, setting down the glass of bourbon and glancing at her older brother as he came to a stop beside her.

"Daphne-"

"You are courting Miss Edwina!" Daphne glowered. 

"And I have every intention of bringing it to a point." Anthony maintained, though it almost felt as if he were convincing himself it was what he needed, what he truly wanted.

"Why?" Daphne gasped softly.

"Why?" Anthony repeated with a scowl. "Because I am courting her! Because I've decided." 

"And I had decided last year that I'd marry the prince until you caught me in the garden with Simon at the Trowbridge Ball under very similar circumstances!" Daphne shouted at him, practically sneering at her brother. 

"Similar? I am a man and so is (Y/N)!"

"But you were alone and quite close to one another." 

"Nothing happened, Daphne!" Anthony snapped at her, slamming his fists down against the table but Daphne didn't react, she didn't even flinch. Instead, she scoffed and shook her head, sighing softly. 

"It is clear you have affection for Mr. Granville, Anthony. Do not deny it when I've been seeing it for the past few days. You can't stand to be more than a few feet away from him and your eyes always find him first when you enter a room!" Anthony breathed deeply as Daphne spoke, feeling his skin burn. He couldn't believe he'd been so blatantly obvious that his own sister had noticed. Picking up a glass, he poured himself some bourbon, finishing it in two gulps before slamming his cup down on the table. Daphne watched her brother with a frown.

"I may not... understand why you love another man but there is obviously something between you. I know that this is not as you would wish it but you must be honest with yourself." Daphne pleaded, leaning in as she spoke softly. "Because, one way or another, these kind of feelings always have a way of coming to the surface."

"And what kind of feelings are those?" Anthony asked but he knew the answer. He'd known the answer for months now but he'd pushed it down, too denial to want to think about it.

"Well," Daphne paused for a second before continuing. "Love."

Love. He loved (Y/N) Granville. He loved his smile, his laugh, his eyes, his touch. He loved the way his eyes lit up when he saw something that interested him, the way he'd fail to contain his amusement, the way he cared for the Bridgertons. Anthony Bridgerton had sworn off love long ago, promising himself he'd never love anyone to free himself from heartbreak. The same heartbreak that had killed a part of his mother when she lost Edmund. 

"I know what I must do." Anthony exhaled and nodded. Daphne smiled, placing a hand on his arm and giving it a squeeze before she stepped away, turning her back to Anthony and leaving the room. Anthony waited to hear the door close before squeezing his eyes shut, and digging his fingers into his palm. He wouldn't cry, no, he refused to.

               ꕤ         ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ       ꕤ

"Dearest, I feel as if we haven't seen each other at all these past few days." Lucy pouted, looping her arm around her son's and lifting her favorite blue fan, fanning herself as they waited for their carriage to be loaded with their possessions. (Y/N) smiled down at his mother, grabbing the hand holding his arm, and squeezing her fingers gently.

"Sorry, Mother. I know you cannot go a day without seeing me." He teased lightly, though his heart wasn't fully in a playful mood. The Bridgertons' hadn't cast them out and Violet had gleefully said her goodbyes to them which meant Daphne hadn't told her mother what happened the night before. 

"I do hope you'll tell us what you've been up to then." Henry chimed in but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He wasn't an old fool. He'd once been (Y/N)s' age, and just as hopeful for love. 

"Yes, I do wish to hear of any gossip you might know." Lucy giggled mischievously, beginning to make her way toward the carriage. She released her son and took Henrys' hand, climbing inside the carriage and setting her fan on her lap. Henry looked at his son and reached forward, patting his arm.

"You can tell me what happened at home," Henry assured quietly, not wanting to worry his wife before he climbed inside the carriage as well. Sighing, (Y/N) turned toward the Bridgertons', chuckling when the youngest Bridgertons’ excitedly waved at him. He waved back and went to use the step before Anthony walked out of the mansion, making his way down the stairs and walking directly up to Edwina. (Y/N) felt his throat tighten as Anthony got down on one knee. 

It's truly astonishing how one's world can come crashing down so swiftly.

[japhan2024]

Ianthony prompt inspired bu today’s members livestream: cast and crew hitting on / flirting with an oblivious ian infront of anthony. And even being flirted with outside the office (ex. Random barista or waiter or whoever) (today’s live is stuck on my mind i’m too fond of oblivious ian not knowing he’s being hit on)

A kiss in the park - Japhan2024 - Smosh [Archive of Our Own]

This is such a lovely prompt and I feel exactly the same way!!! <3

"I know my bro! I know my bro!" Ian excitedly declares, as his points go up in the "What would Anthony Do" game.

Anthony smiles approvingly.

Of course he's giving Amanda the least points. She's his biggest rival - in the wooing Ian department, that is.

Amanda is just so... she won't leave Ian alone. Doesn't she know Anthony and Ian are already a duo? Why does Ian love her so much?!

"And Ian? Thank you for being my best friend," he says, making sure Amanda hears it.

"You did so good!" Amanda coos into Ian's ear after the shoot while heavily rubbing his arm. Ian smiles boyishly under his 'stache and answered, "You tried your best, Amanda. You should join me and Anthony sometime and we'll hang out, you'll get to know him so much better!"

Anthony doesn't like that idea at all, but he chooses to ignore it for now.

"Ian, the king of knowing Anthony!" Shayne booms. He looks mischievously at Anthony, like he always does, like he's about to prank him. Anthony hates it. Especially because Shayne and Ian are so close.

"You know me!" Anthony shoots back in his girliest voice. Shayne looks like he doesn't understands, but Amanda engages him in some talk about their gaming videos and Anthony is saved from having to talk more with him.

"You look really good today, Ian," a crewmember says. She twirls her hair at him and giggles.

"I've been a matcha girly, it's great for my skinnn" Ian jokes and the crewmember giggles even harder. A whole crowd has formed around Ian, all praising him and flirting with him.

Of course, Ian is oblivious to flirting. Anthony knows a thing or two about that.

But now, Anthony starts to feel claustrophobic, without Ian there beside him. Ian really is Anthony's anchor at Smosh hq. As long as he can casually touch him - a grazing hand, a bro-hug, a pat on the back - he's fine. But now he can't get to Ian.

"Hey big boss guy," a voice from seemingly nowhere sounds.

"Oh, hey Tommy, I didn't see you there!"

"Everyone does love Ian, don't they?" Tommy says dramatically, putting his arm around Anthony.

"I mean, w- who wouldn't love a guy like Ian?" Anthony stammers, kinda sadly. "Ian is such a fun person to be with. I wish I had him for myself..."

"I wish I had you for myself..."

"What?"

"What?"

"Uhh, so how's your music, Tommy?"

"Going great. Want to come to my place and listen sometime?"

"I am kinda busy, sorry about that!"

"Typical..." Tommy walks away. What was that even about? Anthony does feel better, getting distracted from his possessive thoughts for a while.

Ian's showing Erin videos on his phone now. She's laughing and faux-adjusting the strap of her top, making it fall down even more.

"And that's the power of empire right there," Ian says.

"That's so interesting," Erin, Chanse and Arasha say in unison.

"Let me show you another," Ian begins but Anthony finally manages to get through the crowd.

"That's enough torture you've put them through, Ian," Anthony fake-laughs.

"No, we want to learn more about North-Korea!" Chanse pouts.

"So, you'll come with ME now..." Anthony ushers Ian away to their shared office. This madness has to stop, Anthony decides. He has to take matters into his own hands!

"Everyone in the office is flirting with you, what's that about?!" Anthony demands.

"What are you talking about? We were just vibing," Ian counters.

"No, you were being assaulted with doe-eyes and hair-twirls!"

"Nah my guy, they are always like that."

"They're always like, like that... around YOU."

"Whatever man. So, what's up? Did your deal with the new merch-supplier go through?"

"Yeah, it did... Ian?" Anthony walks really close up to Ian.

"Yeah?" Ian looks up at him, and Anthony slowly removes Ian's glasses.

"You have really nice blue eyes."

"Wow, thanks Anthony! I mostly wear glasses so people aren't BLINDED by the BEAUTY" Ian starts to laugh but Anthony waves his hand through Ian's hair.

"And your hair looks on fleeeeek."

"Um, hello 2006? They want their slang back."

"And your hands are so soft, Ian," Anthony takes Ian's hands in his.

"I mean, I do use lotion."

"Ian, your, your lips... are so soft..." Anthony swallows. Is he going through with this? It's the only way to get those vultures outside out of the way.

"Why would you comment on my lips? Why does this feel like a fairy tale where I'm the wolf?"

"Ian!"

"Yes, Anthony?"

"Can't you tell? I'm flirting with you! f-l-i-r-t-i-n-g."

"Yeah right! You're just messing with me." Ian pushes Anthony aways but Anthony holds on and hugs Ian really tightly.

"No, I'm not messing with you!" He grunts.

"O- oh."

"Yeah."

Anthony doesn't want to let go. He doesn't want to see disappointment in Ian's mesmerizing eyes. He doesn't want to see Ian's beautiful Scottish brow furrowed at him.

But then, two tentative hands hug him back. Anthony breathes in Ian's cologne and closes his eyes. He wants to stay in this moment forever.

"Ian..."

No verbal response, but the hands travel all over his back.

"I love you, so, so much. I fear I love you too much sometimes. I get jealous..."

"I know, Anthony. ...I love you too."

"Oh, fuck... why do I always cry..."

Ian breaks the hug to wipe Anthony's tears.

"Anthony..."

Their faces are so close, yet to kiss in their office when all their horny colleagues are still on the prowl, doesn't seem like a good idea. They touch their foreheads in stead.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I need to go outside, I think."

"Shall I join you? We could do another walk."

"A fart walk?"

"Definitely a fart walk. I farted a moment ago because you were strangling me."

"Yeah, I can tell! Let's get out of here!"

And Anthony maneuvered them right through the sea of people who were all still eyeing Ian up and down, until they were outside under the trees of the nearby park.

"I wanted to do this ever since we got back together." Anthony stroked the side of Ian's cheek as he leaned in for the kiss.

"Same here," Ian smiled.

[videogamesincolor]

"You're crazy, Hammond. You're gonna get us all killed!"

I was watching TheRadBrad's playthrough of the Dead Space cashgrab Remake, and as it approached the end, I think the biggest problem I had with it by far was how they handled Zach Hammond.

The big draw of the game is the fact that Isaac has a voice in the remake. Gunner Wright does an okay job. It's pretty much on par with his other two performances in DS2 and DS3. I'm so accustomed to Silent Isaac, though, that a lot of the dialog for him (in the beginning) feels like "self-insert" dialog. It gets better towards the end (like there's a genuine sense that they were finding Isaac's voice as they figured out how to make him a proactive character).

But, regarding Hammond: I don't quite know how to put it into words, but Remake Hammond's characterization lacks any charisma. He's bland as hell. Anthony Alabi's performance isn't bad, but the direction and writing doesn't hide his 'okay-ness' as an actor. The story really makes Remake Hammond feel like an inexperienced commanding officer. There's no sense of wisdom or situational control.

The caustic the dynamic between him and Kendra Daniels is erased entirely, and I hate that. It played a big part in how Hammond and Kendra were characterized.

In the absence of it, it makes Kendra cop-jacketing Hammond more suspicious than in the original, because it's lacking that conflict (and the implication that these two people don't like each other before being stuck on a ship full of undead monsters).

Even with as little you got to see him in the 2008 original outside of transmission cinematics, it was how Peter Mensah characterized him that seemed to make him extremely present in the story. How he talks about helping Isaac find Nicole, how he tries to keep his cool when dealing with Kendra and the Necromorphs. There's also that sense of arrogance that comes with a position like his, that you see in his clash with Kendra (who also has an arrogance about her).

You don't really get that dynamic with either Kendra or Isaac in the remake. DSR minimizes Hammond's role in the game, by, I guess 'mid-point', when Isaac has to deal with hydroponics and the USM Valor. This appears largely in favor of the Elizabeth Cross and Jacob Temple subplot, and more back-and-forth dialog between Isaac and Kendra.

One thing I actually liked about OG Hammond was how little the Marker appeared to influence him. If anything poised a risk to Hammond's life, it was the deadly environment of the ship and the Necromorphs. The latter literally rips him apart, but he's of sound mind when it's happening. It hurts to watch him die so violently, even with Silent Isaac's exaggerated grief (or non-reaction IIRC).

The remake tries to insert this relationship with red shirts named Chen and Johnston to flesh Hammond out as a character. This is a change I would've appreciated if Chen and Johnston survived beyond the opening gambit to actually earn the ending they give Hammond. But they don't.

Hammond basically speed runs Marker Madness toward the end of the game, and gets a silly sacrificial death scene that leans hard on a relationship type that was better established in Dead Space: Extraction with Nathan McNeil and Gabe Weller.

I think Peter Mensah did a lot with the little he was afforded. As one of the two primary speakers in the game outside of Tonantzin Carmelo (OG Kendra's actor), he communicated the tension created by the no-win scenario that was the USG Ishimura outbreak.

And about Kendra Daniels, I personally loved how abrasive she was in the original, but this iteration of Kendra isn't bad (Brigitte Kali Canales is definitely the strongest performer in the game). I actually enjoyed the dimensionality they gave her (particularly in her dynamic with Isaac), even if they made her the "Evil Lesbian". I just wish they hadn't removed the beef between herself and Hammond.

(As far as remakes go, DSR isn't bad. It's a different take on the Visceral Games franchise. Some of its ideas land better than others. It just has the shitty luck of being a EA property still.)