#Kathony ficlet

[ladykettlechips]

Beautiful Mess - Ficlet

This idea came randomly, with the initial thought that sparked this idea being the very end of this little oneshot. In short, Kate realises she likes Anthony upon opening the door to him wearing badly done make-up and ribbons in his hair, courtesy of Hyacinth. Here, Kate realises she likes him because of how much he dotes on his family, especially Hyacinth. This was never intended to be long. It's just a cute little ficlet about Kate meeting Anthony and realising she likes someone she initially disliked. The other mini-scenes are essentially how that happens, I guess. Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ When Kate first came into contact with Anthony Bridgerton in a pub, she remembered calling him a haughty prick before throwing a drink over him and his obscenely expensive shirt.

She had initially thought he was handsome. In fact, he was the type of man she was usually attracted to; well-dressed, confident, perhaps a little too cocky for his own good. A pretty smile that had probably gotten him into a few people’s beds when he flashed it. Yes, he was beautiful, annoyingly so, and Kate had actually considered talking to him at one point that night.

That was until he opened his mouth, of course.

He had been spouting some nonsense about love being a con and only finding women suitable for bedding to his mates. They had laughed in return, all cocky grins and eager agreement at this rich pricks mantra. So she had taken her glass – a large wine with an eye-watering price tag attached – said her piece and proceeded to throw the contents in his face.

“You’re disgusting,” she managed to hiss after the fact, her face hot and her body trembling as the man stared at her agape, beads of Merlot dripping from his chin and streaks staining his once crisp blue shirt.

“Excuse me-” he started, but Kate did not wait to find out what he wanted to say; she simply turned on her heel and left.

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

The second time Kate met Anthony was at an art gallery.

“Kate, Kate, you must come to meet my brother,” Benedict proclaimed excitedly. Grabbing her arm, he practically dragged Kate towards one of many paintings. “You two will get along swimmingly!”

Swallowing a groan, Kate followed Benedict to his most recent creation, a piece entitled ‘Midnight in Silver’ where a man stood. He had his back turned to them, ramrod straight while he looked up at the painting, his head partially tilted to the side.

“Anthony,” Benedict panted, his smile wide and eyes glinting with glee. “Anthony, this is Kate Sharma. Brilliant watercolourist, amazing photographer. Kate, this is…”

“You,” Anthony hissed, just as Kate groaned “You,” the moment he turned around; she would recognise the prick from the bar just two weeks ago anywhere.

“Oh?” Benedict blinked, his mouth forming in a perfect ‘o’. “You already know each other? Well, that’s fantastic!”

Kate turned to glare at her fiend, mere seconds before Anthony speared his brother with a searing glance.

“No, it’s not bloody fantastic,” the prick snarled, jabbing a finger in Kate’s direction. “She’s the reason my shirt is ruined!”

Folding her arms across her chest, Kate threw the prick a pointed look. “Maybe if you didn’t run your mouth about women only being good for bedding, maybe you’d stay dry.”

At this, Benedict’s eyes lit up while Anthony started to sputter.

“Oh! So you’re the haughty prick!” Benedict giggled, clapping his brother on the back while Anthony’s ears began to turn a dangerous sort of pink.

“I-I am not a haughty prick!” he cried and, if he hadn’t contained himself, Kate was almost certain Anthony would have stomped his foot, much like a toddler. “Besides, she shouldn’t have been listening in on another persons conversation!”

“If you hadn’t been so loud, then perhaps the whole pub wouldn’t have heard,” she returned, tilting her head as she appraised the man before her. “For such a pretty man, it really is a shame that you have the misfortune of being an uptight prick who speaks before he thinks.”

Benedict’s head whipped around to stare at Kate, his mouth slightly agape. Beside him, Anthony’s eyes only seemed to grow wider before the corners of his lips tugged upwards, a cocky, knowing grin beginning to grace his face.

“You think I’m pretty?” he asked, almost as if her were amused. Annoyingly, Kate could feel the beginnings of a blush forming on her cheeks. She would not let him win.

“As pretty as a painting hung on a wall,” she snapped, unable to keep her voice even. “And hanging you sounds mighty appealing, right now.”

Before either Benedict or Anthony could retort, Kate gave them both one final glare and turned on her heel to flee the gallery.

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

The prick seemed to pop up in her life intermittently after that. Invites to Benedict’s family home often meant enduring Anthony’s presence, be it in silence or some much-needed bickering for them both. Cheeky nights out that should have just been between friends would often include the rogue older brother, too, always at Benedict’s insistence.

It usually ended in Anthony and Kate ignoring each other, moments before trying to pry Benedict away from his phone before he could drunk-dial one of his exes in a fit of tears.

Though it brought Kate little pleasure to spend a great deal of time with the elder Bridgerton, she had learned to tolerate him against her will, at the very least.

She had also learned that, despite her initial impression of him, Anthony Bridgerton was not that bad.

He was still a prick of the highest degree, of course, but he had his moments. Like when he smiled; he did have a lovely smile, one that made his face crinkle and his eyes light up as if the person he was talking to had hung the sun. And he really was quite pretty, as much as it pained Kate to admit it.

Then there was his laugh. Anthony had a lovely laugh, one that sent the butterflies in her tummy into a frenzy. He had only ever laughed when he was with his family though, she realised one day. He had never truly laughed in public, nor did his smile ever reach his eyes unless he was with the people who so dearly loved.

But he was also competitive and over-protective and stubborn. He was constantly hovering while he looked for perfection in everything he and his siblings did. Anthony was stifling, far too much for his family who seemed to enjoy freedom away from his clutches. Except he was also stupidly loyal and caring and, more often than not, she had found him seeking approval from his family. Kate wasn’t even sure he knew he was doing it, but she had.

And try as she might, she just couldn’t stop looking.

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

The next time Kate saw Anthony Bridgerton was when he opened the door to Bridgerton house, his eyes wide when he saw her standing on the step as she looked back up at him curiously.

His hair, usually perfectly coiffed, was instead stuck at odd angles, a variety of coloured ribbons adorning each tuft. Then there was his face, usually clear but this time covered in make-up, splotches of blue, yellow and pink marking his eyelids, cheeks and lips.

Anthony looked ridiculous and, for the first since Kate had thrown wine at his face, in complete disarray.

“Ah, Kate,” he breathed, the beginnings of a lopsided grin forming on his lips. “Bad timing, I’m afraid; Hyacinth’s on a makeover rampage She has left no survivors.”

Blinking back up at him, Kate was dimly aware that she had opened her mouth to speak, only no words seemed to come out. Instead she just stared at Anthony in all his ridiculous glory, her reason for being at the house since forgotten.

Thankfully, Anthony had already turned his back to her, the door swinging open as he walked down the hall.

“Come in if you want,” he said, glancing at her from over his shoulder. “But be warned; you will leave this house looking a tad less presentable than when you arrived.” And with that he turned a corner, leaving Kate on the steps as she stared after him, wide-eyed and dumbfounded.

What is happening? she thought, tucking her bottom lip between her teeth. What the hell is happening to me?

Taking a deep breath, Kate looked up to the sky as she took a moment for herself. Finally, when enough time had passed, she stepped inside the house and closed the door. She waited another moment, willing the rush of heat in her cheeks to quell before making her way towards the living room.

Except when Anthony popped his head out of the doorway, that disarming grin now painted in letterbox red lipstick, Kate felt her heart hammer against her chest and her cheeks burst into flames at the ridiculous sight of him.

“Come on,” he said, jerking his head towards the living room. “Your make-up artist awaits.” And all too quickly he disappeared again, leaving Kate to stare at the spot he had just been in, her heart still hammering wildly against her chest.

Even when he looked a mess, Anthony Bridgerton was still annoyingly beautiful.

Oh, crap. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I really need to compile these oneshots I do on tumblr and put them onto AO3.

[everything-y-nothing]

masterpost

below the cut is a catalog of the moodboards i've created. they're primarily kanthony and bamon related, and inspired by my favorite fics. list of fic recs is also included. i own nothing, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

+ kathony (bridgerton)

AU AESTHETICS

Charlotte Bridgerton faceclaim (drabble) Charlotte Bridgerton faceclaim (source) Modern-day Kate Sharma Bridgerton | boy mum (drabble) Modern-day Kate Sharma Bridgerton | mama + minis (drabble)

FF MOODBOARDS

june, after dark i can't find the words, so i guess it's time immalleable beings something good

NEWTONSHEFFIELD you might have some bruises (and a few scars) Like a Hurricane Woman Taken by the Wind Nights Like This In Bloom (i feel) a lavender haze creeping up on me (i feel) a lavender haze creeping up on me (manip) Nothing Good Starts Across the Molly-verse: Edwina + Josie (non-kanthony) Mile High Hard Time Late Night (manip) blushing all the way home

FIC RECS (moodboard tbd 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Indecent Proposal Missing Connections Short and Sweet (oneshot series) Crickets at Midnight (oneshot) Wedlock hunt you, unmake you I Never Got Used to Watching Horses Die potential, probable, impossible

+ bamon (tvd)

AU AESTHETICS

Storm + Gambit (X-men AU) Captain Salvatore + Sea Witch (sailor/mermaid au)

FF MOODBOARDS

a cup of coffee Back to You: Chapter 3, Pretence Bitter Dispositions

DARWINQUARK six mornings after | damon + stefan six mornings after | bonnie + caroline six mornings after | kai parker

SARCASTICFINA You Know I Will Adore You (‘Til Eternity) If You Love Me (Don't Let Go), Epilogue Part II

PAINTEDWITHWORDS Dormiente Protagonista (no harm ever came from reading a book)

FIC RECS (moodboard tbd 🤷🏻‍♀️)

less awake (untitled drabble) aka "little blondie bennett" Until the End of Time i wanna live with you (even when we're ghosts)

+ bonnie bennett (tvd)

BBHC Week 2021, Day 6: Hair (drabble) BBHC Week 2021, Day 4: Tattoos (drabble) BBWeek 2021, Bonnie moves to Berkeley (ficlet)

[mskatesharma]

Anthony is lounging on the sofa, stretched out and content after a long day. He and Kate have no plans that evening, and he is looking forward to vegging out with some Netflix. He’s also hoping that he can convince her to order in, knows that they’ve both had long days at work, and the last thing Anthony wants to do is inspect the contents of the fridge and have to come up with a meal.

He feels lips press to his forehead, and Anthony closes his eyes as he breathes in his favourite scent of soap and lillies. He will never admit it to anyone other than Kate, but he adores forehead kisses, and the way they make you feel loved and adored all at once. Her lips linger, and Anthony revels in the warmth that spreads through him.

Kate removes her lips and Anthony opens his eyes, the curve of his mouth immediate as his vision is filled with Kate’s face, upside down as she looks at something on the other end of the sofa. Not that Anthony minds of course as he leans his head back a little further; from this vantage point and Kate’s current position bending over him, he has a fantastic view down the front of her loose T-shirt.

He’s just about to make a comment that’s sure to earn him a blush when Kate speaks first. “Are you wearing my socks?”

Anthony’s eyes immediately swivel down to his feet which are currently adorned with a pair of socks. Socks which he may or may not have taken from Kate’s drawer. “I don’t believe so, no.”

“Anthony.”

“Katherine.”

“Ant.”

“Kat.”

“Tony.”

“Katie.”

“Anton.”

“Kathy.”

“Anthony!” Her face has steadily got closer to his; her nose is practically touching his forehead. “Those are my socks!”

“Hmm, I must ask for proof Ms Sharma.” Before he’s even finished speaking, Kate makes a move towards his feet. Just as she rounds the corner of the armrest, Anthony snags an arm around her waist and pulls her on top of him. Her squeals are music to his ears, and he leans his head up to bury his nose in her hair.

“Anthony!”

“This is much better.”

“Ugh, let me go!” She wriggles against him, but Anthony just holds tighter. “And take my socks off! Why are you even wearing them?”

“Stop wriggling. And I think you’ll find these are my socks. They were gifted to me.” Kate manages to wrestle an arm free, and slides it under her back and pinches Anthony’s stomach. “Ow.” He holds her tighter still, trapping her arm in an awkward position.

“UGGHH.” Anthony revels in the struggle. “And you let me have them because you didn’t like them!” Anthony supposes that Kate is correct; he had received the socks at Christmas in the Bridgerton family Secret Santa, no doubt by a sibling determined to piss him off.

It’s not that they’re novelty socks, in fact, Anthony appreciates a good novelty sock. It’s just that this particular pair is covered in corgis, and while Anthony used to have no particular thoughts regarding corgis, that changed when Kate had been introduced to his life; Kate and her dog Newton.

His siblings had taken to exclusively referring to Anthony as corgi dad, or Newton’s Papa. It had started before he and Kate had even began dating, when Newton had run off during a walk, and it had ended with Anthony somehow dumped in the Serpentine. Anthony had been positive that the dog had done it on purpose. He can still picture Kate trying her hardest not to laugh at the picture he’s sure he made, and failing miserably, while trying to tell him that Newton was just effusive about life. He hadn’t been convinced, especially when a soggy Newton had trotted over and shaken out his fur right in front of him.

“I think they happen to look rather fetching, wouldn’t you agree?” He wiggles his toes for effect.

“Hmm no, I wouldn’t. Take. Them. Off.”

“Don’t think I will.”

“Anthony, your fat feet are going to stretch them out!” He loosens his grip just enough to flip them over, Kate’s face smooshed against the pillow his head has just been resting on. He smooths her hair out of the way and lays a kiss on the back of her neck. Kate awkwardly swats at him in response. “Anthony!”

“Fat feet? I think you know that my feet are in proportion to the rest of my body, thank you.”

Her breaths are heavy from the slight exertion, and her voice muffled by the cushion. “Well they’re still going to stretch the socks. Your toe is going to poke a hole through them! Take them off.” She tries to arch her back in an effort to dislodge him, but Anthony simply drops his hips a little more. He leans down to her ear.

“Stop struggling Kate.”

“Get off me then.”

“Only when you admit these are my socks.”

“You don’t even like them!”

“I think seeing them on your cute feet has made me jealous, and I realised what I’ve been missing out on.” He hears her scoff. “Maybe I should have been leaning into this whole corgi dad thing the whole time?”

“So should I get you a cap, to go along with the shirt?”

“Absolutely! I would like to have a matching set.” Kate stops struggling at his words. “I think it’s beyond time I accept Newton’s place in my life.”

“What are you up to?”

“I’m not up to anything.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“So untrusting Ms Sharma. Has anyone ever told you that?”

“Where you’re concerned, one can’t be too suspicious.” He leans down to kiss her neck again, and is momentarily distracted by lillies. Kate must sense this.

With a move that Anthony will put down to the regular pilates, Kate somehow manages to turn herself over while also ensuring Anthony falls off the sofa. She peers down at him, an undignified heap on the floor, victoriously.

There’s a low growl in his throat at the look on her face. How is he supposed to resist the provocation that is her expression; as though she has utterly bested him and is reveling in her triumph.

“The absolute most I am willing to say is that I may have taken these socks from your designated drawer.”

“So you do admit you pilfered them then?!”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You just said you took them from my drawer.”

“I didn’t say they were your socks though.”

“Anthony!”

“I would be willing to give them back, but I want something in exchange.”

“You are in no position to be asking for things. You stole my socks.”

“You know they’re mine-”

“And you let me have them.”

“HOWEVER, I would be willing to cede possession to you for one thing.”

Her eyes narrow. “Ugh, what would that be?”

“Move in with me.”

“Anthony-” He knows what’s coming, it’s been a sore in their relationship for a few weeks now. He understands her concerns; how she doesn’t want to move too fast because they haven’t even been dating for a year yet, how she’s worried that people at work will talk and say she only gets the cases she does because she’s sleeping with the boss’s best friend.

He also knows that deep down, she’s worried that at some point, Anthony will turn around and tell her it’s all been a mistake. And while Anthony would love to show her the contents of the small jewellery box he has hidden in a hollowed out tax manual, he figures getting her to move in with him would be the best place to start. He takes her hand in his.

“Look I know what you’re going to say, but, would it be really that bad?” Her expression softens, and Anthony loves how his heart clenches. “I just...I just really miss you when you’re not here. I know we spend most nights together anyway, I just wish, it was more than that. I want all your stuff mixed in with mine. I want it to be every night, and I hate it when I go to sleep or wake up those times you’re back at your flat, instead of in my bed with me. I’m even willing to get Newton that ridiculous dog bed that Colin found. I want to share my life with you, I mean everything, and I just, I want to be near you all the time.”

He can see the tears welling in her eyes, and feels his own prick in response. “What I was going to say before you so wonderfully interrupted, was my tenancy is up in two months, and I don’t think I want to renew it. Because you see, my boyfriend has been bugging me to just move in with him, and my excuses have been half-hearted at best. I’ve been silly, because really, if I think about it properly for more than a second, then I want all those things too.”

He notices her eyes overflow, and then he’s off the floor and laying Kate back on the sofa, covering her body with his as he kisses away the tears.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too, so much.” He’s about to lean down and kiss her like he’s been wanting to since he stole a look down her top, but she stops him with a finger to his lips.

“We will resume our conversation regarding the stolen property currently residing on your feet after our interlude here. I hope you didn’t think sweet words and the relationship milestone would cause me to forget?” Her eyebrow is raised and a thrill shoots up Anthony’s spine.

His smirk is automatic, and from the way she mirrors his expression, he knows she’s enjoying this too. “Of course not. I look forward to your desired retribution."

[kathonyxbee]

Kathony Advent Ficlets - Day 7

Still in the process of catching up, please bear with me, but here is day 7 of Kathony Advent!

Charlotte (accidentally, maybe) starts a family snowman-making competition and Edmund and Newton form a team! ☃️

Day 7 - "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" is below the cut! ☃️🐝🌷

“Papa, papa!” Anthony looks up from where he’s bent in the snow, making a snowball he plans to use against his wife, to find Charlotte standing in front of him, hands on her hips, her huge brown eyes exactly like Kate’s staring at him, looking every bit the Kate who’d sunk his ball in the lake during Pall Mall all those years ago and stolen his heart in the process, not that he knew it at the time.

“Yes, my little menace?” he says dropping the snowball he’d been holding.

“Were you going to throw that at mama?” she wonders, narrowing her eyes a little, voice only loud enough for him to hear.

“Caught me,” he sighs sheepishly as he crouches down so he’s eyelevel with her. “But you won’t tell her, will you?”

“As long as you help me build a snowman, papa,” she says, lips curving into a tiny smirk that is a mirror of his wife’s when she’s up to something. “Will you, papa?” she asks him, blinking at him with those huge, slightly slanted brown eyes of hers that are so much like Kate’s, her lower lip jutting out just slightly into an adorable pout, and Anthony knows he’s done for.

“Why not?” he says, already starting to gather snow and Charlotte crouches, too, piling on snow with her tiny hands.

“Mama, mama!” Miles had clearly seen them and is showing Kate, who turns, hands on her hips.

“And, what are you two doing?” she asks, obviously amused.

“Building a snowman, darling, what’s it look like?” he quips, smirking slightly.

“Well, Miles and I shall build a better one,” Kate says, having obviously sensed the challenge in his voice. She crouches, Miles joining her, the two starting to make their own pile.

“Not if Lottie and I have anything to say about it,” he shoots back, his daughter giggling beside him. “Right, darling?”

“Of course, papa,” she murmurs, her and Miles both trying to reign in their giggles.

“Which team are you joining, Teddy?” Charlotte asks, drawing Edmund’s attention from where he’s playing with Newton.

Edmund looks between him and his wife and shakes his head, rolling his eyes. “Neither. I believe Newton and I shall make a snow dog, right buddy?” The corgi sniffs his assent as Edmund starts gathering snow, laughing as Newton gets in the way, jumping into his pile.

“You sure about that, Ted?” Miles asks, grinning from ear to ear while Anthony and Charlotte take a step back, both of them looking critically at the pile of snow.

[viscountessevie]

WIP Game: Bridgerton Edition

Post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it! And then tag as many people as you have WIPs. Also I’m taking mine from my Bridgerton fic folder so I’m adding in my completed works too!

Thank you to @hptriviachamp and @livingonfanficseyra for the tags! I love this concept and cannot wait for yall to send me asks!! I’m adapting the format from Trivia who got it from @jake-amy 

Ongoing WIPs: 

10 Things I Hate About You - Kathony AU based on the 1999 film Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Francesca & The Stirlings (A Band AU - loosely based on Daisy Jones) [Unpublished but with snippets posted soon so it goes here]

One Shots with a Possible Sequel 

Tamil Lessons 101 with Kate Sharma | Now On AO3 Part 2 is Anthony learning Tamil more and potentially proposing in Tamil but fails miserably. But he improves by the time they get to their wedding and he delivers his vows perfectly - loosely inspired by this scene in Jane The Virgin 

Beckett Begins | Now On AO3 Part 2 is Theo (who is trans and Ben’s ex in my ficlet) takes NB!Sophie aka Beck binder shopping where they bond and have a laugh over dating Benedict.

Finished 

Newton The Emotional Support Crow | Now On AO3 Kathony Pregnancies Headcanons

Unpublished

Written:  English Love Affair - Set during their S2 visit, Colin and Marina start an affair with Phillip’s agreement and then come up for a scheme with Philip to get a divorce so they can be together. 

This Town - Johncesca Song fic based off the Niall Horan song of the same name set after his death so PEAK angst 

Prompts:  Introducing Lord & Lady Bridgerton - Kathony hosts their first family dinner after their wedding

Last Christmas - Another sweet but angsty Johncesca AU fic but I won’t spoil the premise if you haven’t watched the movie but yeah it’s based off the Emilia Clarke & Henry Golding movie. 

No Plot just Sienna & Kate being besties and roasting the fuck out of Anthony  Untitled but John lives and Johncesca is alive and well so Michael has to move on and meets Sophie before Benedict and they fall in love. No mistress funny business cos Michael doesn’t care for titles and does whatever he wants. 

Co-Writing with Lav @sweetestviscount

Bridgertons v Featherington - A court room drama where Penelope as LW is in her full villian era with no HEA and the Bridgertons sue her for everything she’s done to them. Marina is married to Colin in this hence she’s also a Bridgerton and is the primary person hurt in this class action.  Phantom of the Opera AU - Colin is Christine, Marina is Raoul and Penelope is the Phantom 

Abandoned 

To Lady Paige, With Love [Eloise x FemOC! Paige Crane] (Paused)

Part 1 - Prologue: Take Me To The Lakes  Part 2 - Chapter 1: Right Where You Left Me 

Unpublished & Abandoned: Love Story - Kathony Arranged Marriage AU based off this tiktok and I even made a fancast for it

***

Did not realise how many fics/ideas I have til this post lmao. Feel free to ask me about any of them!! Though the abandoned ones I won’t be continuing at all - maybe To Lady Paige but that’s a l o n g time away. 

I do not know 15 writers in the fandom and three of my friends have already done this lmao so I’m just tagging @newtonsheffield cos I need to know how many WIPs you’re juggling lmao every day its a new AU Molls hshshsh and whoever sees this and wants to do this, consider yourself tagged!!

Come Talk WIP/Fics To Me Masterlist

[lizzibennet]

hello hello was wondering what ur ao3 is i am mighty interested in this kathony fics 👀

i have just one little ficlet there <3 here

[ladykettlechips]

Beautiful Mess 2 - Ficlet

Turns out I wasn't done with 'Beautiful Mess' - I really enjoyed writing the first part of the ficlet that I ended up writing some more on my longer flight. It's not complete, either; I'm fairly certain there will be a part 3 to this as well because in my head it's not complete.

It's fun writing short snippets of Kanthony in this style! Just so laidback and easy while still showcasing how cute they are together even when Kate thinks Anthony is being annoying ahaha.

Anyway... ENJOY!

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

When Benedict threw an absolute rager for his birthday at Aubrey Hall, Kate found herself falling in love with Anthony a little more.

She’d been drinking – they had all been drinking – since about 2 o’clock so, by the time seven rolled around, Kate was absolutely rat-arsed. Truth be told, she could barely remember left from right, let alone walk straight.

Despite this, she still managed to find her way to the loo and spill her guts down the porcelain bowl.

She dimly remembered someone knocking on the door just moments after she heaved the first time. She recalled the door opening behind her, a deep sigh reverberating deep inside her bones. She had felt caring hands gather up her hair until cool air ticked the back of her sweaty neck and a soothing palm rub up and down her back while she sobbed, hating that she had done this to herself.

Once she was finished, she was half-aware of being picked up until she was slung over a broad back, her chin propped against a very nice shoulder. She allowed herself to fall into a lull of blissful sleep with every step the person took, the warmth of their back seeping into her like a welcoming blanket.

She hadn’t realised they had dropped her into the bed of her designated room until she woke up, nor had she heard them bring a glass of water and set it on the bedside table.

If it wasn’t for the tell-tale scent of sandalwood and pine that still lingered on her shirt and skin, Kate might not have known that it was Anthony who had been with her all along.

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

“You seem to have a penchant for getting me wet, don’t you?”

Heat rushed to Kate’s cheeks as Anthony stared back at her, a rueful grin plastered to his face as beads of Pinot noir rolled off his chin and droplets of red dripped from his hair.

This time it had been accident; how was she supposed to know Anthony would be rounding the corner to enter her kitchen?

Cursing under her breath, Kate slammed her wine glass onto the counter-top and went in search of a tea towel. She should have known it would be a bad idea to invite him to games night, but Benedict had put on a sob-story for his older brother, claiming him to be a lonely, boring loser who had no friends.

So, out of the kindness of her own heart – not a desire to see Anthony, no, no, no – Kate had agreed. And surprisingly, the night had been going as well as one could expect; charades had become chaotically competitive thanks to Anthony and Kate’s need to win and, during the first twenty minutes of Monopoly, Edwina only had to stare her down once for trying to throw a hotel at Benedict’s nose because he was lolly-gagging on whether or not to buy Old Kent Road, for Gods sake.

Around an hour into the game was when she had run out of wine. If she was going to get through a game that Anthony was clearly winning, well, she’d need more to numb the loss, so she’d poured herself a generous glass and grabbed some snacks.

And then Anthony had walked through the door just as she was exiting it.

“You should look where you’re going,” she had muttered, a feeble attempt at trying to regain the upper hand. “Next time it might just be coffee.”

Anthony laughed, clearly less peeved about this shirt than the last one as Kate fished out a printed tea towel Edwina had gifted her donkeys ago. Throwing it towards him, Anthony caught the cloth with one hand.

“You can’t blame me for this one, Kate,” Anthony chuckled, still grinning as he unfolded the towel. “I didn’t even have to open my mouth this time to be doused in… what in the world-”

Kate didn’t even try to hid her smirk as Anthony’s delight morphed into a look of perplexion. His brows drew in, the crease that was permanently nestled between them growing even deeper as he looked at the picture on the tea towel and began to scowl.

“You have to be kidding me- Kate, surely you have another towel on hand?”

Exasperated, Anthony looked between the towel and Kate, his own cheeks growing red. Shaking her head, Kate grinned towards him deviously as she snapped the kitchen drawer shit.

“Sorry, Anthony; the rest of my tea towels won’t be clean until tomorrow. That’s all I have left,” she replied all too sweetly. Grabbing her glass, Kate threw back the remainder of the wine before grabbing the bottle of Pinot noir. “You can leave it on the counter when you’re done, kay?”

And before Anthony could reply, Kate practically swanned out of the kitchen to leave him standing there, seething with quiet rage as he mopped his face with the towel that had been printed with2 a portrait of Newton’s fluffy, round butt.

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

Kate had quickly come to learn that, when invited to tea at Bridgerton House, you did not decline an invitation. Violet Bridgerton was a formidable woman when it came to hosting tea and come Hell or high water, she would somehow strong-arm you into agreeing for a brew with the family.

It wasn’t that Kate was opposed to tea, of course; she enjoyed spending time with Violet and the rest of the Bridgerton clan. It was more that she had been spending too much time with the family these days and, while that was not necessarily a bad thing, it did mean she was constantly in his company.

Him being the one and only Anthony Bridgerton who, at the exact moment Kate took a sip of the god-awful Earl Grey she had been handed, felt his foot nudge hers under the table.

She looked over at him curiously, one eyebrow arched as he glanced over his cup. Tilting his head, Anthony threw Kate the cockiest smirk he could muster before taking a long, drawn out sip of his own tea.

Rolling her eyes, Kate returned her attention to Violet. They had been discussing a party that Violet was planning – something to do with hearts and flowers – when Anthony had so rudely snatched her attention away. Doing her best to ignore him, Kate gave Violet her full attention as she nodded along and took miniscule, polite sips of her disgusting tea and smiled through her grimace.

Violet had began talking about the floral arrangements she had planned – “Lilacs, I think; a symbol of first love.” - when Kate felt another soft tap to the side of her foot, except this time he lingered, his gaze firmly set on her.

Tearing her gaze away from Violet who, thankfully, was gesticulating at some flowers that adorned her tea room, Kate shot Anthony the filthiest glare she could muster and offered him a pointed kick to his shin.

He winced at the force of Kate’s attack but, to his credit, swallowed down his grunt and instead coughed as a cover up.

“Stop kicking me,” Kate mouthed. Really, what had gotten into Anthony? Why was he acting like a child fighting their younger sibling?

Staring at her curiously, Anthony eventually offered her a shrug before draining the rest of his tea. Standing from his seat, he heaved what might have been the heaviest sigh Kate had ever heard and turned to his mother who, as luck would have it, was still happily discussing the flowers in the room to no one in particular.

“Mother,” Anthony said, his voice low and sounding somewhat… disappointed? Kate couldn’t quite place it. “It has been lovely having tea with you and Kate, but I have some work to do. Take care and have a lovely afternoon together.”

And with a kiss to Violet’s forehead and a nod in Kate’s direction, Anthony turned on his heel and practically marched himself out of the room. Unphased by her eldest sons quick departure, Violet smiled over at Kate and picked up the teapot.

“More tea, dear?” she asked, dragging her own empty cup towards the precariously poised spout.

“No, thank you,” Kate smiled with a shake of her head as sh8e took another sip of her half-full tea, wondering absently to herself why Anthony had left so quickly, and why he had been acting so strange.

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

The next time Kate came over for tea with Violet, Anthony was notably abesnt.

Surprisingly, so was her cup of Earl Grey.

“Anthony suggested you might enjoy some chai instead,” Violet smiled, handing Kate a freshly brewed cup of chai. “It took a little time for our staff to perfect it, but I think they have it right. It’s quite lovely, I think.”

Kate stilled in her chair, the tell-tale fragrance of a well-made chai enveloping her as she stared at Violet, her mouth slightly agape. To the Bridgerton matriarchs credit, Violet seemed to ignore Kat’s blatantly rude silence by instead taking a careful sip of her own chai.

“Yes,” Violet murmured, gently placing her cup back down onto its saucer with a small smile. “Quite lovely indeed.”

[kathonyxbee]

Kathony Advent Ficlets

Starting a new Advent project for 2021 with Kathony - a ficlet for every day of Advent (December 1-24). Hope you enjoy!

Day 1 - 'All is Fair in Love and Snowball Wars' ficlet is below the cut ❄️🌷🐝

Aubrey Hall is surrounded by a blanket of beautiful, blinding white snow. And Kate has the sudden urge for some spontaneous fun involving her husband.

He turns, a little shocked at first, but soon he catches on, and his expression becomes determined.

She doesn’t even see him make the move before something cold and wet lands on her chest.

“Oh, I am going to get you for this!” she hisses, bending down to gather another snowball.

“You started it, you menace,” he shoots back, attempting a glare. “It’s only fair, don’t you think?”

“You’ll pay…” she threatens, drawing her arm back.

He grins in that annoyingly devilish way of his, “oh, I’m aware, my dear wife,” he quips.

“Choose your next words carefully, husband,” she retorts and throws.

He doesn’t even blink before he launches his next attack. “Who said anything about words, my lady?”

She snorts in amusement, “oh, you’re on,” she sing songs.

He just grins, and before she can launch her next attack, she’s hit by yet another snowball.

“Now, that is not fair, Lord Bridgerton!” she shrieks, both from indignation and the cold, but mostly the cold.

“Who said anything about playing fair, Lady Bridgerton?” he quips, still smirking devilishly.

“Well, you know what they say, all is fair in love and war,” she remarks, snowball at the ready.

“And snowballs are your weapon of choice?”

She hits him squarely in the chest, this time. Just to make things even.

He just chuckles before throwing another one. They go on like this, pelting each other with snowballs until, without her realizing it, Anthony wraps his arms around her claims her lips for a rather cold kiss.

“Oh, I do love you, Anthony,” she murmurs once they pull away, bringing up one gloves hand to cup his cheek.

“I love you, too, my lovely menace,” he mutters, smiling happily.

And, as she tilts her head for another kiss, she thinks that he does have a rather pleasing smile, after all.

[kathonyxbee]

Kathony Advent Ficlets - Day 4

Happy Day 4 of Kathony Advent! 🛷

Kate and Anthony are going on a sleigh ride! Enjoy!

Day 4 - "Sleigh Ride" ficlet is below the cut ❄️🐝🌷

It’s a winter day, the kind that has Kate wishing to stay in bed, drinking a cup of hot milk or drinking chocolate, or perhaps canoodling with Anthony, making love lazily, using each other’s bodies to stay warm. But, alas, Anthony is out and she’d just had tea at Number 5 and returned, shivering slightly as her maid takes off her cloak and gloves when the door opens to reveal Anthony himself, cheeks a little red from the cold, but looking devilishly handsome in navy blue.

“Ah, Kate, darling, you’re here,” he says, striding over to her and tilting her head slightly before pressing a cold kiss to her lips, making her shiver.

“Anthony!” she exclaims when he pulls away. “You’re cold. Where have you been?”

“Out,” he tells her.

“Yes, that’s quite obvious,” she mutters, completely deadpan. “And, what were you doing out?”

“Making plans, dear. Will you join me for a ride?”

“A ride? Isn’t it a little cold for a ride? And, I’d have to get my habit on,” she sighs, not particularly excited about it. “And, the carriages can’t make it through the snow,” she adds.

“Oh, I know,” Anthony says, unbothered. “That is why I’ve arranged for us to go for a sleigh ride. I’m having the horses fitted to one right now and we can go at once,” he informs her, smiling proudly, and she feels herself warm from the inside at how adorable he looks.

“That… that does sound rather wonderful, Anthony,” she says with a smile. Her maid helps her dress again, and she fastens her winter cloak, then slips on her gloves. Anthony offers her his arm, and she takes it, following him outside to where the sleigh awaits. Gallant as ever, Anthony helps her up and follows after her, wrapping a blanket around them both, and she snuggles against him, seeking his warmth.

“Shall we?”

“Of course,” she nods and the sleigh starts moving. Turning to Anthony, she quips, “this is certainly one of your better ideas.”

“When have my ideas been bad?”

“Oh, I can think of several occasions,” she quips, her lips curving into a smirk. “But, I love you all the same.”

“How kind of you, dear wife. Lucky, I happen to feel the same.”

“I know,” she murmurs, letting out a small chuckle before pulling him into another kiss.