#kanthony fanfic

[fitrahgolden]

Kate and Anthony's drunken Vegas wedding. Taking pictures in the parking lot like classy folk.

@newtonsheffield

[petercapaldork]

@hartnellss reacts to my fic vs. the real bridgerton 1/?

Read Knowing Me, Knowing You on Ao3

[mxkateb]

I have some updates planned!

I’m excited to share new chapters of Satisfied and Unbroken with all of you, then eventually my second to last Carte-Blanche.

Look for those in the coming weeks.

Thanks so much for your patience with me. After writing 700k+ words under the Kanthony tag in the last year and a half, I think I really needed a break!

[jeanvanjer]

its here guys

Locked Out of Heaven

Kate was desperate. Finding herself drowning under the burden of lost opportunities, she prayed for a lifeline. She looked up everything north of the law and there was nothing else she could do. Kate knew that if she didn’t come up with the money by next month all her dreams and all of her father's dreams would die. But just as she was about to give up hope, God answered her prayers in the form of Anthony Bridgerton. Her sugar daddy. For @newtonsheffield (Thank you Molls for the moodboard)

[bm-blog01]

FanFic Friday

So onto my second FanFic Friday, disappointing that there isn't an alliteration this week....

Before I link my fics for the week I just want to say something. I have so much respect for every single author who writes these fics, I may not like every story on Ao3 but I don't have to, however not liking the story doesn't mean I can't show respect to the writers.

If there is a story where I don't enjoy it, or don't like the themes of, I just move on and won't bookmark it, nor will I read it.

What I DON'T do for stories I don't like is gatekeep what the writers can write about, these are their stories not mine, I don't leave hate on their pages, and I don't make a big deal about not liking a story, if anyone feels that strongly against what is being written then they should write their own stories, not attack other writers.

So, I just want to say a big thank you to ALL those who write fanfic, even those who write stories I don't like and am not interested in.

Also, I just hope that me highlighting stories here won't cause issues for any of the writers, my goal is to be positive, highlight the stories I enjoy (which won't necessarily be ones anyone else enjoys) and to show my love and appreciation for these stories and the people who write them.

And now onto my list for this week:

Making the Perfect Beverage by Waterlily Rose: A nice little one-shot, but with a lovely message about how sometimes it is the smallest of things that can mean the most to others. Showing kindness to someone is the best thing we can do for them.

Love Comes Dropping Slowly by Allatonceyouaretheone: A neighbours to lovers story. A lovely feel-good story.

In Every Way That Matters by Searching4paradiso: I love this story, it is a re-read, but is really sweet, and it has my two favourite Bridgerton siblings Anthony and Hyacinth. I will give one warning - tissues need to be at the ready, in the best way.

Isn't She Lovely by Searching4paradiso: Another beautiful story about Dad Anthony from this writer, this time Anthony with his youngest daughter. Another warning, this is another tear jerker so have your tissues ready.

And a couple of works in progress that were highlighted last week as well.

Renegade by LilyGoop: I am continuing this story, and will admit after the last chapter I am on the edge of my seat, and contemplating if I will wait until it is all uploaded and go to the end to make sure it all works out right (I know it does, but still....)

Mile High by Moomin_94: Continuing yet another modern AU by this author. Loving neurotic Anthony and teasing Kate.

[dreamyfanfix]

Chapter 2: It Shouldn't Hurt

Past (2 Years Ago):

Anthony had to admit it. That was the most eventful PTA meeting of all time. After Kate sat down, Portia proceeded to give out more information about the new processes that would be implemented, at Mayfair Girls, at the beginning of the term.

First: The school was going to adjust its classes to meet the standards of their new entries. The classes would now be separated by grade average which meant those who excelled would be able to take AP classes and kids who struggled would be with teachers who were known for explaining better and getting concepts across to struggling kids. Parents were not happy with this but Anthony could see some nodding teachers. The idea that kids would feel less than others was a fear but it became clear that this was also being done by subject as many kids only struggled in one area and the school wanted to make sure the students were well-rounded when they graduated.  Anthony, surprisingly, had no problems with this. His sister Francesca had spent so long ignoring some of her subjects that she was behind and catching up was taking up more time than just plain old studying.

Second: All extracurriculars would have reentry tryouts. This one caused the biggest stir in the room as many of the parents in the room bonded over their daughters' mutual extracurriculars.  Anthony, again, was actually happy about this. Eloise had been working on her social skills through the break and he hoped that she could have a retry into Debate, Public Speaking and Academic Decathlon.

Third: The school was adding mandatory 'Social Impact' lessons. These lessons funded by a Social Worker most of the time, would be lessons the girls would need in learning about those less fortunate or about social issues of the world. The girls would be volunteering at different organisations for increasing their awareness of social issues again emphasising the need for well-rounded graduates. Anthony thought all the eyes in the room were gonna pop out of their head at the implication of this new lesson plan. Everyone looked surprised, everyone except, Anthony noted, Kate. She sat there with a smug look on her face and Anthony couldn't help but smile, she was enjoying this. 

Just then Kate's eyes found his and Anthony felt locked in place by her gaze. He nodded his head in greeting but Kate scowled and immediately went back to listening to Portia.

As parents & teachers dwindled out the door when the meeting ended. Anthony watched as some parents came up to Kate to speak to her. Some of them were congratulatory and offered thanks, others just seemed like they were curious. Kate seemed to handle it all in stride so Anthony hung back, waiting for his turn.

"Quite the entrance there Miss Sharma," Anthony remarked as he walked up to her, Anthony noticed Tom by her side and shook his hand "I'm going to take a guess that this is the lovely girlfriend you were talking about earlier Tom?"

Tom smiled oblivious to Anthony's ogling of Kate "Yes this is her. Is she not amazing?"

"Quite. It seems I am destined to learn that on multiple occasions," Anthony said looking at her properly now.

"Well Lord Bridgerton, how do you feel about the changes to the school mandates?" Kate asked with a quirked brow before Tom could pick up on Anthony's meaning.

"Oh I love them," Anthony said and both Tom and Kate's eyes widened. Anthony smiled "Yeah I think these new processes will help all of our girls including your...?"

"Sister," Tom supplied.

"I think these new processes will help all of our girls, including your sister, be more well-rounded," he looked at her in a challenge.

"Is that so? Cause here I thought you would loathe these changes. I thought people like me and all the parents here today, who took buses and trains to get here should stick to our own schools?" Kate asked sourly.

Anthony's breathing hitched "You weren't supposed to hear that,"

"Why? How could I miss the opportunity for you to proclaim to the entire room how people like my sister have no business schooling with people like your sisters?" she said

"You don't understand-"

"Oh I actually think I do understand Lord Bridgerton," Kate said as she got closer to him, he suspected that Kate being quite tall herself could often intimidate men shorter than her but they were both around about the same height so all it did was bring her face closer to his and Anthony got a whiff of her "You see it seems it is not just the school that has gotten out of touch, it seems the parents and teachers need to start working to meet the standards set by hardworking children like my sister,"

Anthony had to shake his head to get the scent of her out of his mind "If this school is so below your standards, why put in such an effort to get your sister in here?"

"That's what I asked," Tom spoke for the first time in what seemed like forever.

Kate shot him a glare and Anthony felt smug before she spoke "Because a child of excellent schooling history in a fair world would get their pick of schools and that's how things should be," Kate gestured around her "Maybe if the underperforming rich kids and their parents had any self-respect or care for others they would step aside and let those with real goals and ambitions take the lead then the school wouldn't have to lower its standards to meet them,"

"That's a lot of big talk coming from someone whose sister will be enjoying the premium quality of a private school funded by endowments, private donations and exorbitant school fees that I'm sure she is not going to be contributing to,"

"I'm talking big? You literally all buddy-buddy with the Featheringtons as if, despite being in the peerage like yourself, they too are on financial aid," Anthony hesitated, he didn't know that but Kate continued "But I guess a handout isn't called a handout when you have a title,"

Anthony was really frustrated now "Look what does it matter now anyway? Your sister is attending, and the school is changing their mandates. You won,"

"I won I know that much. I'm very good at it if you can recall but I do not like being made to feel like a pariah because I stood up for my sister and did everything I could to get her the best education," Kate was now so close every breath he took he was inhaling her maddeningly distracting scent.

"So I'm supposed to feel bad because I too did all I could for my sisters?" Anthony asked.

"Okay guys you both are good siblings, might want to take a break?" Tom interjected.

It was only then that Anthony noticed that almost everyone had left the room at that point. He looked at his watch and shit, he was late.

On the car ride over to work, Anthony could not help but think about the similarities between him and Kate Sharma. She too was a protective sibling and she clearly loved herself an argument. Despite it all Anthony finally felt like he got a glimpse into who she was and he was curious to know more.

That being said Anthony knew he might have to table those thoughts because she was seeing someone and she clearly disliked him. Despite the intensity of their exchange, Anthony thought staying clear of Kate was a good bet, the idea that they would be at each other's throats for the next few years sounded exhausting and yet compelling but also Anthony felt like getting involved with her would bring up too much introspection about the life he had been living and he was not ready to deal with all of that just yet.

Yeah, he was going to stay far away from Kate Sharma.

------

4 months went by and Mayfair Girls was putting on a recital for performing arts. Select excelling students, like Edwina, had been training for this moment for 2 months. This recital was significant, Edwina had done ballet performances since she had been at Mayfair Girls but this was the first time that a school-wide performance was being put on, especially when she had only been at the school a few short months. Even though Kate felt like Edwina had more than proved she belonged at this school, Edwina felt like this was the first time she could actually shine and Kate was nervous for her sister.

Kate had taken an active role in the school since Edwina's entrance and things had gone relatively smoothly. She did often bump into other parents who were still hostile about the circumstances of their children, things did get a bit tense when the school began to rescind admissions for some students.

The Carrigan twins were the first to go, Vince Carrigan was a prolific alcohol distributor in the country and was thinking of running a campaign for a labour slot. He was not happy when his daughters had to leave the school many thought he would sue but he did not have the grounds so others thought he would use his government connections in the future to change the rules unfortunately, it never got that far. The Carrigans were out and Vince Carrigan was arrested for fraud 2 months after that.

Next to go was Prudence Featherington, this caused quite a bit of gossip because Portia was the head of the PTA.

Up to 5 girls per grade were removed from the school and Kate thought the PTA or someone else would do something to change it but apparently, the shame of not meeting the standards of Mayfair Girls was enough to satiate any possible retaliation from parents. Portia on the other hand was less than friendly whenever she bumped into Kate. Although Kate loved to remind Portia that they were both in the same boat financially so her nose need not be so high in the air. At least Penelope was still at school, she seemed like a smart girl.

None of the girls who left the school were Bridgertons and Kate was finally secure enough to admit that she was relieved. She didn't even believe that Anthony had anything to do with Eloise and Francesca's growing performance despite what she would say in arguments with him.

She doesn't even who starts them anymore. All she knows is that they would get in a room together, eye each other intensely, fake pleasantries and then argue over things. They argued over parking spaces, school uniform, his dating life and her dating life. Anthony loved remarking on her relationship with Tom. Kate hated it. Maybe she did not love Tom but she did not like that despite calling him an old friend, Anthony would mock him. It was not something she liked to see or hear from him. She often wondered if he was jealous but decided against analysing that too much because she was supposed to be staying away from Anthony.

Only they couldn't stay away from each other it seems. Anthony's best friend it turns out: Simon. She remembers when she went with him as his date to an event and was stuck in the middle of their reminiscing of old party days. Kate got quite a bit of insight into how much of a player Anthony was, I mean Simon was too but she knew that. Anthony visibly blushed when Simon brought up the open relationship debacle with Siena. Apparently, despite his being shared, Anthony was not one to share. Kate rolled her eyes at the nerve of it all.

Kate hated herself a bit for wanting to know more. When she and Anthony ended up at the bar by themselves Anthony slid a cosmopolitan in her direction and Kate took it gratefully. 

She asked if Siena was a sore spot and he blushed again and said it was complicated. Kate couldn't help herself she asked him if he was still in love with her, and she gazed at her drink the whole time.

Anthony laughed at the question and said "No. I used to think I was but lately, I've been feeling this pull to someone else that can only be attributed to deep devotion. It was never like this with Siena,"

Kate's breathing hitched, she tried to think of people she had heard or seen with Anthony and was drawing a blank. When Kate was with Anthony he tended to be singularly focused on her even if other people were chatting with them. It was exhilarating and dangerous. "Does she know?" Kate asked.

"I thought she would figure it out. I am not exactly being discreet, in fact, my siblings have called me out on it a bunch of times," Anthony said and Kate could feel his eyes on her.

Kate lost the battle she was having with her self-control and looked up at him. Anthony was now gazing at the dancefloor where Anthony's brother, Benedict, was dancing with his boyfriend Henry, in a sweet embrace.

Kate sighed and said "Well I doubt a guy with a title and a pleasing smile would have a tough time getting the woman he adores,"

Anthony looked at her with a giant smile on his face "You find my smile pleasing?"

Kate sighed "Despite being a man who thinks way too highly of himself, I cannot tell a lie,"

"So that is a yes?" Anthony asked inching closer to her.

Kate nodded and giggled at his giant puppy eyes gazing at her "Yes," and then her phone vibrated and Kate saw the message on her smartwatch. It was Tom.

"Don't worry Kate. I won't tell your boyfriend that you pine for me," Anthony said as he made his way away from the bar, from her.

"That's not what I said," Kate said walking after him.

They bickered the rest of the night and Kate felt like crap when she returned home to multiple missed messages from Tom.

Kate snapped herself back into the present and walked into the rented theatre backstage. She had gotten there early and secured a family pass for her and Mary, Kate wanted to wish Edwina good luck before the show started.

I guess Kate was not the only one who had that idea because a couple of parents lingered around backstage helping their girls get ready to perform.

Kate spotted her sister "Edwina,"

"Kate! Over here," Edwina said directing her towards one of the dressing rooms. It seemed Edwina was sharing with Francesca Bridgerton. Kate had reconciled months ago about Edwina's going friendship with Eloise Bridgerton. Both of them were incredible readers and Kate had more than once caught them asleep in the living room, books in hand.

"Hey, you nervous?" Kate asked

"Yes and no. I know I am a good dancer but everyone has bad days, I'm just hoping this isn't one of them," Edwina sighed.

"Bon, you are heads and shoulders above all the other dancers even on your worst days," Kate said hugging Edwina tightly.

"Even during December of last year?" Edwina asked.

Kate visibly shivered "Even then,"

Edwina looked at her, through the dressing room mirror, with scepticism but didn't say anything further.

"Do you need anything before you put on makeup? Water or snacks?" Kate asked.

"No, but you can keep me company for the next hour. Though you are going to have to leave and get to your seat cause you know how mom is terrible at finding her seating,"

Kate nodded, Mary was always losing her place or forgetting her row even when they went to the movie theatre.

A little while later Francesca came in with her makeup done, she was with her older sister Daphne and Anthony. In a lot of ways, Francesca looked like she could be both Daphne and Anthony's child because she looked like a mixture of them both.

The conversation in the dressing room was lively. Kate noted how Francesca was not much of a talker but she got her quips in now again. Apparently, due to the two-per-family rule, Anthony and Daphne had to wrestle with their mother for tickets. Luckily or unlucky their youngest sister, Hyacinth, started vomiting and their mother stayed behind relinquishing her ticket to Daphne.

They talked some more before Daphne said to Kate and Anthony "Why don't you two make your way out and find your seats? I can help the girls finish their makeup,"

Anthony gave Daphne a look she could not decipher and then got up, Kate did too, Mary would be here soon anyway. Kate gave Edwina a light kiss on the cheek and Anthony gave Francesca a kiss on the top of her head. The gesture was sweet it made Kate's heart constrict.

Anthony then led Kate out of the room and down the hallway.

It was quiet while they walked for a bit until Kate finally asked "Hey, did you ever get around to telling your beloved about your feelings,"

Anthony sighed, they were in the seating area now and it was still empty "No, I haven't. There's no point. She's seeing someone,"

Kate’s heart quickened as she realised his implication “Anthony be serious,”

“I am serious Kate. When have I ever not been serious?” Anthony asked.

Kate walked a few steps away from him and Anthony walked a few steps towards her “I’m confused here, Anthony. Last month you called me the 'Bane of your existence,”

“And yet you also the object of all my desires. A maddeningly frustrating combination I tell you,” Anthony spoke and he looked at her with such adoring eyes that Kate felt dumb that she hadn’t noticed his attention before.

“You never said-”

“When was I gonna tell you, Kate? PTA meetings with your mother? Clubs with Simon? When I spot you and Tom on a date?” Kate wondered when the last one could have occurred cause she didn’t remember ever seeing Anthony anywhere she was out with Tom.

Anthony reached for Kate, Kate was going to let him reach her but then her phone rang. It was Mary.

------

Concentrating during this recital was impossible. Anthony had told Kate how he felt and now she sat two rows from him, looking straight ahead. He wondered what she was thinking, what she was feeling. He felt like such a cad because Tom was a good guy, there was a point a couple of months ago when Anthony started to feel bad for slagging him off because Tom was not the problem. Anthony was the problem. He fell in love with a woman with a boyfriend.

He couldn’t even remember when it all started. He remembered first trying to avoid her and then bumping into her at PTA meetings and events. He noticed that when she was around her mother she tried to be on her best behaviour so he started taking joy in baiting her into arguments.

One day he and Kate got into a spat and Mary sent her away to get water.

Anthony felt himself flush when he saw Mary looking at him curiously “You know this is the first time 'the boy pulling on a girl’s pigtails’ story is starting to make sense to me?”

"I don't know what you mean," Anthony said to her.

"Sure, be a dear and tell Kate I went to the ladies," Mary said as she walked away.

Kate came back and Anthony informed her that Mary had gone to the bathroom "You know you and your mom are quite alike in your scrutiny?"

"Sure. Mary is a nurse so she deals with people who have done a whole bunch of weird stuff to their bodies in the hospital. It is quite interesting,"

"Yeah I mean you even look the same. The same discerning eyes,"

Anthony saw Kate go rigid and she said "That would be quite impossible but a nice thought. Mary's my stepmother she married my dad when I was 5 years old. 5 years later Edwina was born. My dad got sick when I was in law school but he didn't want me to take time off to take care of him so I actually doubled down and finished early. He died 3 years ago,"

"I'm sorry. If it's any comfort, it does get easier," Anthony replied.

"How long for you?" Kate asked.

"12 years," Anthony replied. It hadn't even occurred to him how much time had passed.

"Wait isn't your youngest sister 11?" Kate asked.

"Yeah, she was born a few months after his death. It was a tough time," Anthony explained. Usually, he was not forthcoming about his family but gave him a look into her life so he returned the gesture.

"I couldn't imagine. Edwina was a handful but at least she was 13. She could generally take care of herself," Kate responded.

“Yeah, I was the only one above 18 so anything that mother couldn’t do, I did. And there was a lot back then. Signing permission slips, pick-ups, groceries and doctor’s appointments. I kind of think that’s why I’m so organised even now. Despite things running a bit smoother now that everyone is older,” Anthony said only just realising how much he truly had to take care of, Kate put her hand on his arm and Anthony tried to ignore his speeding heart and the heat radiating off of that one spot.

“I mean I only had to worry about the fact that we were one paycheck down. I was still doing courses and training but had midnight shifts at bars and I did a bit of modeling at art studios. Anything and everything to keep us afloat. 13-year-old Edwina did not like having to learn how to take the bus and not being able to go on some school trips but once Danbury Law hired me it was a game changer. A good paycheck, way better than even my dad was providing. We finally could start having nice things again,” Kate said with a twinkle in her eye.

Anthony's heart ached for the Sharmas but mostly for Kate. It never occurred to him how dealing with his father's death would be made much harder if he also was concerned about money. If he needed a babysitter he could pay, if he was desparate he could send a car to pick up his siblings. Tutors, vacations, clothes and cars for Benedict, Colin and Daphne when they all turned 18. He even had his eyes on an electrical car for Eloise when she turned 18. Anthony wondered if anyone had ever actually gotten to spoil Kate like that since her dad had gotten sick and then he remembered Tom.

He remembered every bit of their conversation for weeks.

One night Anthony was drinking at a bar with Benedict when a guy approached him "Hello there cutie, can I get you a drink?"

"No, thanks but see that guy over there who looks similar to me?" Anthony pointed at Benedict dancing.

"Yeah he's like you but taller," The stranger said.

"He'll never let me forget it. You can buy him a drink," Anthony said.

Benedict was going through a rough patch and he needed a pick-me-up. 

Anthony on the other hand was actually having a peaceful month. I mean he would still argue with Kate when he saw her but the venom in their exchanges had lessened and they would often end their exchanges laughing. Portia had scolded them on more than one occasion during PTA meetings about their giggling interruptions but Kate's takes on Portia's attitude often made him chuckle even sometimes when Kate was not there.

The bartender had come and given the stranger, Henry, his drinks "You sure you don't want anything?"

"Yep, I'm good. Designated driver," Anthony replied.

"You know there's such a thing as Uber, love?" Henry replied.

Anthony chuckled to himself "This is exactly the conversation I was having with Kate the other day. She was giving me shit because I have drivers on stand-by instead of just taking an Uber, even though she only started taking Ubers this year," Henry smiled at him and Anthony continued "She's periodically late to everything now because she never factors in finding a driver time. The other week she was 30 minutes late to the PTA meeting because she let her Uber driver take her to a gas station so he could get snacks. I was like 'He could have kidnapped you' and she actually gasped and said 'Kaseem would never'," Anthony chuckled to himself "You know for a woman who spent her twenties studying the law she sure as hell does not know about the crimes that can happen to her. That being said if it was her sister-"

Henry cleared his throat “Anthony you’ve been talking about your girlfriend for a while now with no break,”

Anthony could feel the heat rising in his cheeks and gulped his bottle of water "Oh Kate's not my girlfriend. She's not even a friend. Besides she's seeing someone,"

"Oh. Oh," Henry said with the second 'Oh' sounding a bit softer and Anthony looked down not being able to stand the look Henry was giving him at that moment.

"We understand each despite not really coming from the same background. Actually, we don't have much in common really, she likes RnB and Jazz and I like Rock music. We really only connect because we are both the oldest," Anthony rambled.

Henry gave Anthony a knowing look and said "Relationships have been built on less," Henry began to walk away and then said "Look, maybe you guys are not endgame but it seems like she's already taking up your time even if it is just mentally. You should go for it,"

"She has a boyfriend," replied.

"Football teams have goalies," Henry replied walking away for real now.

Anthony remembered sitting in the PTA last month, waiting on Kate he wanted to show her pictures from Hyacinth's 12th birthday party. He wanted to show her she was right about Hyacinth loving the idea of a mermaid theme, he would obviously fake contrition but it worked with their dynamic. Anthony looked at his watch and realised Kate was late again, sometimes he wished he could be linked to her Uber account so he could see how far away she was. There was that option on Uber security to let you share your trip with friends and loved ones...

Loved ones.

It hit Anthony like a brick. He knew he was attracted to Kate before he knew her name. He liked their banter but over the last two months, it had become more.

He was in love with her.

Anthony scolded himself for being so stupid. He knowingly fell for a girl that is dating his friend. And even if Anthony gave himself leeway by saying Tom was not a proper friend it still didn't account for the fact that Anthony was sure Kate despised him. She hated everything he stood for. And for the first time in his life, Anthony felt shame. Shameful for throwing his money around everywhere, for treating people with less than like crap and even the idea that even if he got in a relationship he would not know what to do because he had never been in one.

Anthony sat and watched Kate, barely registering the students that went on one by one. Francesca was last as the instrument portion was last and Edwina was after intermission because the dance portion was second. Now Anthony listened as people sang and then a girl got on and she started to sing 'Dancing On My Own' by Robyn only it was a lot more slowed down, this was obviously in the mix of Calum Scott's version. Anthony felt every pang of the lyrics:

"And yeah, I know it's stupid But I just gotta see it for myself

I'm in the corner, watching you kiss her, oh I'm right over here, why can't you see me? Oh And I'm giving it my all I'm not the girl you're taking home, ooh I keep dancing on my own, ah"

At that moment Kate got up and Anthony instinctively did the same.

"Anthony, where are you going?" Daphne asked.

Anthony didn't even stop to look at her when he said "I'll be back just now,"

Anthony felt a bit like a creep following Kate out of the theatre and down the hall. So he decided to call out her name but she just sped up so Anthony did the same.

Anthony finally saw Kate turn into the bathrooms by the dressing rooms. Not exactly main bathrooms but if the dressing room bathrooms were overflowing the performers could come out here and use them. Anthony knew too much about theatres and bathrooms thanks to the plentiful times he has seen Daphne dance.

He stopped at the door. Took a breath and opened it.

------

Present:

Kate sat anxiously with Daphne on their couch waiting and then Simon appeared "So Anthony is stable. Turns out mixing prescription drugs from different psychiatrists is not a good idea,"

Daphne sighed relieved holding her pregnant belly "Thank you, Si. Did my mom say anything else?"

"Just that he is stable. Although she was concerned about how it took so long for anyone to find him," Simon said.

"You know Anthony. He keeps to himself, everything is so close to the chest," Daphne said.

Kate must have had a look on her face because Simon asked "Is there you might know Kate?"

"Not really. You guys know Anthony a lot better than I do," even though Kate's heart was hammering with relief with Anthony's condition she still felt a pain in her chest ever since she heard the news while having breakfast with Daphne and Simon.

"Kate, I don't think that is true," Daphne said.

"I have barely spoken to the man. We broke up over a year ago," Kate said getting heated.

"Yeah but ever since the engagement and wedding it seemed like you guys were at least friendly," Daphne said.

"Ah yes, the baby shower, where he screamed at me for not finding my own family to be a part of. Where he said I ruined his life and that he wished he had never met me. You mean that baby shower?" Kate asked choking up a bit at the end. Kate always thought the decisions she made were for the greater good. Justice and all that. But as she looked at a dishevelled Anthony during Daphne and Simon's baby shower she wondered if all the decisions she had made since she agreed to be Simon's Best Person was hurting Anthony and in turn his family.

"Kate, Anthony did not mean any of those things," Daphne said trying to calm her down.

"Yeah he clearly was going through a tough time and seeing you always hurts him," Simon said.

"Well thanks for the heads up, Simon. I have been hurting him with my presence for the last 7 months now. That information would have been helpful," Kate said now preparing.

"So you could do what? Not be a part of my wedding? So you could not be a godmother to my daughter? Kate I love you and Anthony is my brother now. I was tired of living separate lives with you two," Simon said with pain in his voice.

"Kate, we missed you," Daphne said softly like she was on the verge of tears.

"Maybe it's all for the best Simon. Daphne. Cause you are right Anthony is your brother and you have to prioritise family," Kate said as she left giving them no space to answer her.

She was sad, heartbroken and overwhelmed without even thinking she drove and drove until she was outside Mayfair private hospital.

[axelallie]

I Thought I Was So Smart

I Thought I Was So Smart - a Kanthony Oneshot

As Lady Danbury’s carriage approaches Aubrey Hall for the second time that Season, Kate finds herself overcome with nerves once again, albeit for different reasons. This time, she can name those same feelings which had plagued her in the spring, but they are also the source of her present anguish. After tomorrow, she will no longer be a Sharma, but a Bridgerton. She will be giving up her name, her family, her homeland, for Anthony. Of course, she is beyond happy to marry Anthony, yet marrying Lord Bridgerton means consigning herself to London Society for the rest of her life. When she’d first arrived in England a few months prior, it was with the understanding that her stay would be temporary. Once Edwina found a husband to love, and Mary’s security was guaranteed, Kate would return to India - to its familiar sights, languages, and chai. She had prepared for every contingency, but Kate never imagined she would be the one to fall in love. The journey had been winding, and at times acutely painful, but once Anthony had finally entrusted her with his heart, she had realized India was no longer home; it was him.

I published a fic? Who am I? You can read it on AO3. Shoutout to the lovely @stilesssolo for being the best cheerleader ever

[jobrookekarev]

Delicate Details

Summary: Anthony oversees the hanging of the new portraits and thinks of his wife before helping her in the nursery change out the canopy. 

Rating: General Audiences.

Words: 1,643

Fandom: Bridgerton 

Relationship: Anthony Bridgerton/Kate Sharma 

Additional Tags: Fluff, Romance, Humor, Family, Drabble, Light-Hearted, One Shot, Domestic, Pregnancy, Canon Compliant, Anthony being sappy, Kate being stubborn.

Read at AO3

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AN: This is my first Bridgerton/Kanthony fic and I really enjoyed writing for these two. I’m not sure if I got the tone or the voices right, but I’m hoping to learn.

…………………………………………………………………

It was a quiet afternoon in the Bridgerton household. Most of the members were doing leisurely activities, while Kate had laid down for an afternoon nap. Anthony was the only member of the household that was still working. He was overseeing the installation of the new portraits in the Great Hall. There was a new family portrait to include Kate, Simon, and baby Augie, along with a portrait of himself and Kate as newlyweds that was finally finished. 

The one of him and his wife was a beautiful portrait. Anthony was in a classic suit and Kate was in a beautiful green dress sitting in a chair in front of him as he stood behind her. They had scheduled for another one to be commissioned, pending the arrival of the new Bridgerton heir. Although Anthony had a slight feeling that the baby was a girl, Kate insisted it was a boy. 

He had wanted to schedule for them to sit for another painting in order to have a permanent memory of his beautiful pregnant wife. However, Kate said that it would be a waste and would be better to have a portrait of the new family, once the baby arrived. The image of Kate's belly swollen with his child was something he would have to commit to memory. 

Still, he admired the portrait he had of her, her dark lips slightly turned up in the glimmer of a smirk that had been impossible to keep off her face. Yet with every smile and winning smirk that she gave him he fell more in love with her. His brother often said that he would trip over himself for her and although he denied it, he knew it was true. Her beautiful skin was alike to the walnut of the intricate fame the painting sat in. It was also portrayed as dark as it truly was at their insistence. Her brilliant sparkling eye stared into him with intensity that betrayed the true power of her stance in their relationship, despite his domineering place behind her as head of the household. 

She had a kind of tenacity that he adored that showed through in the painting. She kept him on his toes most days and challenged him in a way he never thought to want. When he originally went on his search for a wife, he wanted someone agreeable. Someone who would tend to his household and raise the children, while managing the duties of hosting in society. Of course, Kate did all this although he would not say that she was agreeable. 

Anthony never imagined someone who would push and challenge him in the way that Kate did. She questioned him on many things including business decisions. She additionally involved him in the running of the household in a way he never expected he needed to be. Yet he appreciated it as the knowledge that his household staff and family were well looked after and provided for brought assurance to his mind. 

They finished hanging the portraits and Anthony made sure they were perfectly displayed before he gave his final approval. Then he retreated upstairs, intending to check in on Gregory and Hyacinth's studies. As he approached the school room, his attention shifted when he heard a commotion coming from the nursery. The door was partly open as such he only peeked in as he saw Kate fussing with the cradle. The door was silent enough to hide his entrance as he pushed it open and Kate was huffing in a way that he was sure she did not hear him. 

“My understanding was that you were lying down,” Anthony said, although he did not startle her nor did she turn around to greet him. 

Every inch of the nursery had been redone to suit Kate’s standard and to bring parts of India into the Bridgerton household. There were new paintings, linens, rugs, and toys that Kate had all personally picked out. The nursery was her domain, as the rest of the house was still his mother’s although touches of Kate appeared here and there. 

He was astonished at what she had accomplished although she was extremely particular about everything. It seemed that certain things would never quite meet her standards. As was such the canopy that she now fussed with. She was taking down the white lace for another one she held over her arm. 

“It is impossible to rest in this summer heat,” Kate said as she continued to change out the canopy. 

“One might think that you would be used to such a thing,” Anthony said with a little smirk as she finally turned around to face him. 

“I am used to the heat and humidity, yet I am not used to tolerating it while pregnant. It seems that this child has thrown off my ability to withstand such things,” Kate said as she panted and rested a hand on her growing belly, although he knew she bore no such malice for the child but merely was uncomfortable.

“I must say though the humidity does wonders for your complexion,” Anthony smirked as he finally approached her.

“Your flattery will not get you what you want today,” Kate snipped as she turned back to her task.

“Can a husband not flatter his wife?” Anthony said, coming up behind her and wrapping his arms around her. 

The baby greeted him with a strong kick as Kate flinched and he soothed his hand over her belly. Although she drew closer to him now, leaning into his chest. As he studied her, he could see that there was a sweat up on her brow and she took heavy breaths, something that was certainly not preferable in her state. 

“You should not be struggling with such tasks in this heat,” Anthony said, taking the canopy from her hands despite her protests. “You are flushed, we should have some of the servants come in and fan you, or perhaps draw you a cool bath…”

“I shall rest once I have successfully put up the new canopy,” Kate said reaching for it although he snatched it out of her reach. 

“Allow me then, so that you might rest, please Kathani,” Anthony softly asked of her.

The use of her full name, something he did only when he begged her caused her to pause and consider his plea. “If you insist.” 

Kate sighed as she moved back to let him fuss with the canopy. He knew the fact that she was giving in meant that she was more tired than she let on. Anthony tried to put the canopy up upon the dowels above the cradle he knew not of what he was doing. Thankfully, Kate was behind him directing his efforts as he finally managed to hang it up and display it as she wanted.

When it was finally in place Anthony pulled her back into his arms again as she relaxed against him. Their baby gave him a series of kicks as his fingers danced across her belly teasing them for a moment. Nevertheless, Kate grew tired of his pestering and moved his hand to settle on one side where the baby kicked. They smiled at their child’s movements as they admired the crib. 

“What brought forth this change?” Anthony asked as he pressed his cheek to her head. 

“I saw this when I was out shopping with our mother this morning. I preferred it more than this one that has been in the nursery before I required it,” Kate said with a small smile as she traced the lace with her fingers. 

“It is quite beautiful,” Anthony said as he admired it.

The lace’s intricate pattern was a tribute to the lacemaker’s work. Instead of the white of the previous one, it was a yellow lace with red interweaving ovals in a pattern that reminded him of India. 

“Is the nursery as you hoped it to be?”

“I believe I am finally content with it, as I am content with the nursemaid we have hired.” 

“How come I was not aware we hired a nursemaid, surely I would like to interview the woman raising our infant and the heir to the Bridgerton title.”

Kate merely rolled her eyes and chuckled as she turned around to face him. “It is because of such interest that you were left out of the decision. Your mother and I as well as my mother have picked out a very fine nanny that I assure you will take the utmost care of our child. If you would like to observe her the first few days with us I shall have no objections.”

“Very well,” Anthony reluctantly agreed, although he had his stipulations. “But I make no promises or assure her of employment if I find her unworthy of the task.”

“Not unless I agree,” Kate said, as she leaned in and kissed him, ending the argument and making him forget it as she often did when she kissed him. 

He was content to hold her and kiss her as his hands fidgeted with her dress. She tasted him upon her lips as they as she held his cheek in place. Kate moaned into his lips as her hands moved to press into his chest and flirt with his shirt. 

“Have I told you how enticing you look today,” Anthony said his hands already going to The back of her dress to undo it. 

“You have not,” Kate said with a smug smile although she stepped out of his grasp as he moaned and chased her. “However if you would like to appreciate me more, I must insist that we retreat from the nursery.”

“If you insist,” Anthony said, catching her again and pulling her in to ravage her lips before pulling her away from the nursery and down to their own quarters.

[islemeadow]

”Burn - Edmund Bridgerton II’s story” is finally here with continuous updates every Thursday!

You’ll find the two first chapters on AO3 and Wattpad via this link 💜

Here’s the synopsis:

Miss Amelia Fife is young, beautiful – and utterly penniless. Since her father’s tragic passing her uncle has paid for one season in London, and one season only, during which she has to find herself a husband and save herself, along with her infamous opera songstress mother, from utter ruin.

Amelia enters her first ball with one simple instruction: stay away from the Bridgertons – and especially Viscount Bridgerton’s sons. When none other than said viscount’s oldest son and heir, Edmund II or rather Eddie, steps in her way, things no longer seem to be in Amelia’s control. As determinedly as she tries to steer her course towards a more suitable husband, she somehow always ends up in the dangerously handsome young viscount’s vicinity.

It would be easy enough to withstand the pull she feels towards Eddie had he only been a smirking rake, but how is she supposed to resist giving in to their overwhelming connection when he finally shows her his true colours?

[fitrahgolden]

Coming soon: A Weary Memory prequel

“I'm Anthony.”

“Anthony?” she asked, with a hard “th.”

He shook his head.

“Anthony,” he enunciated. “With a ‘ta.’“

The way Anthony exaggerated the consonant sound drew Kate's attention to his mouth and the way his tongue peeked out just a little from between his teeth. I wonder if that's a move. He has lines, so surely he also has moves. I bet that “with a ‘ta'” nonsense is the only reason he pronounces it that way. 

Kate realised too late her gaze was lingering on his mouth, looking up only once Anthony started smirking. And I totally fell for it, damn him.  

Anthony with a “ta” put a hand on the wall behind Kate, and his forearm brushed against her shoulder as he leaned forward. “Would you like me to demonstrate again? Up close this time?”

Kate rolled her eyes. Definitely a move. “No, thanks. I'm a quick study, Anthony.” She noted it must work both ways, judging by how Anthony's eyes darted down to her lips. “Sounds quite posh, pronounced the proper way. Suits you.”

“Why doesn't that sound like a compliment?”

Kate tilted her head to one side, and Anthony seemed to reflexively tilt his head the same way as his eyes stayed trained on hers. “Perhaps because it isn't.”

—

Hold My Hand, I'll Walk With You: A Weary Memory Prequel

Coming soon.

[ninzied]

(let them) talk

four times kate and anthony find themselves defending each other to the ton, and one time they don’t.

15k. explicit.

ao3.

this one’s for my pals @carry-the-sky @edourado @ejunkiet @evilbunnyking @everylastlinex ♥

[mxkateb]

An oldie but a goodie

Possession Upon realising that her husband’s possessive side had a silver lining—in the bedchamber—Kate is unable to stop herself from dancing with Thomas Dorset at the Bridgerton House ball. Rated: E Words: 3.5k

Go read

[jeanvanjer]

Can we get 1. “Come over here and make me.”, please?

based on this

I hope you like it! Sorry it took me a while!

Kate Sharma, his hot sexy breathtaking annoying neighbor, was a thief.

When she moved in next door to him months back, he didn't mind her too much. She kept to herself just like he did.

Sometimes they would see each other in the early hours of the morning, nodding to each other in greeting before taking off for their runs towards the opposite direction. Her dog was alright and didn’t make much noise. The guests she had over occasionally, her sister and mother, he assumed, never made too much noise either. All in all, Miss Sharma proved herself to be the perfect neighbor.

Until last month.

It was around that she became a menace. She started to become more and more friendly. Always coming by to give him some baked goods or some dinner, or would ask him for eggs or flour. It didn’t matter if somewhere deep inside him he loved the attention she gave him, basked in the warmth she shone on him. He would avoid her like he avoided everyone else in his life.

“You’re a shy little one arent you. I never see you out and about. What are you avoiding, Mr. Bridgerton?” She said one day when he refused another one of her dinner invitations.

“One day, I’ll get you to come over.” Miss Sharma quipped confidently.

Anthony just grumbled as he shoved a whole carton of eggs at her. Hopefully that would keep her away longer.

But she was persistent. If he never came around, she did every weekend. She came with cooked food or bought over ingredients, to cook food at his place, ordering him around to chop this and stir that until she eventually made herself a vital part of his life.

Until he kissed her.

He didn't know why he did it.

Wrong.

He did know. He wanted to kiss her since the first time he saw her early in the morning when she stepped out for a run. Her head tipped back to soak in the rays, and he saw someone who lived life, and he wanted to know what that felt like. He wanted to ‌taste life’s essence on her lips.

One night she was over at his palace teaching him how to make some pasta dish, and he was at his limit. Who knew food was so sexy? The way she kneaded the pasta dough, the muscles of her arms clenching and unclenching with every move, the way her eyes would roll back when she tasted the sauce, and then when she held out her finger for him to lick, her eyes tempting him like they always did? He was a saint for not ravishing her on the kitchen island.

But he controlled himself. Even when she moaned and awed at the food while eating with him. And he thought he controlled himself when he walked her back to her place.

But then she leaned in close to give him a hug, and the scent of her perfume invaded his senses. He lost it.

Pulling her close, he crashed his lips onto hers, devouring her as if he hadn't eaten just moments ago. Kate kissed back with equal fervor, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling his head down, closer. Anthony pushed her against the door, trying to ground himself against her when her door swung open and they stumbled in, breaking Anthony from the spell Kate casted over him.

‘I- I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have–” he stuttered. He cant believe he mauled her like an animal.

“What? Anthony no come inside and we can ta–”

Anthony didn't let her finish and ran back to his home, the sound of him slamming his door surely echoing through out the whole neighborhood.

That was five weeks ago. He avoided her now. He no longer went on his morning runs lest he see her again, and he never answered the door anymore when she came knocking.

And then his clothes started to go missing. As usual, he hung them up to dry outside in his yard every Saturday morning and slowly but surely his clothes started to go missing.

Anthony didn’t go around accusing people of being thieves. He had his suspicions before, but now? Now he had proof.

There Kate lay, the bane of his existence, in her yard, under the light of the morning sun, wearing nothing but his favorite sweatshirt.

She looked as gorgeous as ever. Every time he laid eyes on her her beauty would hit him like a train, and after days on days of not seeing her he gazed at her like a starved man. How did he manage to ignore this goddess for the past month? No, he had to focus. She had his sweatshirt, his favorite sweatshirt, and he needed it back. Now.

Angry, he stalked up to his fence to confront her.

“Miss Sharma!!” He hissed out, "What the hell are you doing wearing my sweatshirt?"

She propped up on her elbows and lowered her sunglasses to look at him.

“Oh hullo Anthony. I see you’re still alive.” she quipped as she got up and walked over to where stood stood at the fence.

“That” he pointed, “Is my mine and I want it back. Now.”

“How can you prove its your shirt? How do you know its not mine?” Kate put her hands on her hip, causing his sweatshirt to ride up a little bit, exposing more of the delicious skin of her thigh.

“Because it’s my college sweatshirt and it has my name on the back so unless you’re changing your name to Bridgerton, it belongs to me.” Anthony hissed.

Kate edged closer. So close he could taste her minty breath and smell the lilies on her skin.

“Is that your way of asking me to marry you, Mr. Bridgerton?” Kate whispered, and his eyes fell closed as her whisper slid down his spine, settling in his soul.

“If you want it back, come over here and make me. My door’s always open for you.” Kate said as she walked away, her hips swaying enticingly.

He was stunned, his mouth hanging open in shock.

[bm-blog01]

FanFic Friday

Welcome to my weekly round up of the FanFic I have been reading.

The last couple of weeks (and the upcoming couple of weeks) have been unexpectedly busy for me, so I am still catching up on the Anthony week fanfics, however, I have read a few one shots that I have liked, and am trying to keep up with the multi chapter stories I am in the middle of.

So, here are the fics I have read this last week:

The Viscount Who Fell in Love by vexinganthony: This is a series of ficlets written for Anthony Week 2023. [Mix of Canon Compliant and Modern AU]

Mile High by Moomin_94: Continuing with the story of Pilot Kate and Flight Attendant Anthony. Looking forward to seeing them move past their mutual idiocy stage. 😁. [Modern AU]

Magnolia Wind by Allatonceyouaretheone: This is a series of one shots that are all connected. They are all so sweet, and so beautifully written. There are six one shots in this collection. [Modern AU]

Life's so Fragile and Love's so Pure by Allatonceyouaretheone: This is a short 2 chapter story in the same universe as Magnolia Wind. I loved this, it was a beautifully written emotional story of Kate and Anthony. [Modern AU]

I'm So in Love That I Might Stop Breathing by BumbleBee823: I loved this, such a cool little Kate / Hyacinth one shot (with a little Taylor thrown in). [Modern AU]

Blushing all the way home by Moomin_94: This is a fun one shot take on Taylor Swift / Travis Kelce. [Modern AU]

And speaking of Taylor Swift / Travis Kelce, here is another take on it. Are you Ready for it? by Kalesun. [Modern AU]

Two Little Menaces by Anonymous: Okay, this is one I read when it was originally posted as a one-shot, then when it expanded to being 2 then 3 chapters, but it was so cool to see that the author has added a fourth chapter to the story. Imagine Kate and Anthony at Nursery School, with Kate being the ringleader menace. So cute. [Modern AU]

I hope there is something new here for some of you, and of course if you have recommendations please feel free to drop them in the comments.

Have a great weekend everyone.

[stars-of-kyber]

“I got you a present.” - Kanthony. Modern Au or Canon - I leave it up to you.

Look, I started with a short little idea on my head and it kind of… got away from me?

This is pure fluffy fluff.

Enjoy!

________________________________

Very early into her relationship with Anthony Bridgerton, or maybe even a bit before they’d actually been together, Kate realized that, although her now husband was very bad at expressing it, he was a person that loved very deeply. He was just truly terrible with words.

Anthony’s love language was not words of affirmation, nor physical touch. Actually, he was so touch starved that he looked awed every time Kate, who’s love language was physical touch, entwined their fingers as they walked or rested her hand on his tight when they sat down, a goofy, adorable smile lightening his entire face.

No, Anthony Bridgerton’s love language was acts of service and gift giving. He wouldn’t hesitate a moment to drop everything he was doing if anyone close to him needed him. Even before they moved together, Anthony always made sure to have his fridge stocked with her favorites, her shampoo and soap in his bathroom and he went so far as to change toothpastes when he realized she didn’t really like the one he used. He drove his siblings to their several extracurricular activities whenever he could, sometimes sitting to watch Hyacinth’s whatever her new hobby at the moment was. He offered to take Gregory to the mall when he noticed his brother was starting to outgrow his clothes. He made sure Francesca’s piano was always properly tuned every time she came home from Scotland on holidays.

But he was a little… excessive with the gift giving.

Greg wanted to go to EuroDisney on his birthday, so he took his brother to EuroDisney on his birthday. Violet had gotten expensive diamond earrings for Mother’s Day because they simply reminded him of her. Hyacinth had wanted riding lessons, so he just went and got her a pony. An actual, living breathing animal that now lived happily on Aubrey Hall’s stables.

She supposed one of the perks of having an exorbitant amount of money was that he could really splurge on his presents. And Kate, who spent her teen years managing a very tight family budget, had a bit of a hard time adjusting to it.

Every week since the beginning of their relationship, Anthony bought her a bouquet of tulips, because she made the mistake of once mentioning to him that nobody had ever given her flowers. She had eyed a pair of shoes in a shop, so he went in and got them for her. He gave her a new laptop for her first birthday as his girlfriend because hers was, admittedly, falling apart and she was too stubborn to get a new one herself. She once sighed because her work bag started to tear at the seam and two days later he showed up with a beautiful brand new leather bag for her that Kate had found out had cost more than her month’s rent. She made a rule of never checking the price of his gifts again after that.

Arguing with him over it didn’t work. He’d just tell her it was his money to do whatever he wanted with, completely unmoved to any argument she might have against spending his money on her. Refusing the gifts only led him to look very sad and dejected while he sighed “well, I chose it for you.” quite miserably and, really, Kate was not as immune to his sad pouts as she’d liked to pretend. So she learned how to quell her pride down and resign herself to his maniac, expensive gift giving.

So every time Anthony Bridgerton turned to her and said “I got you a present”, she’d steel herself to see whatever he’d done that time.

—————————————-

“Anthony, is this a car?” She watched as Anthony smiled happily by her side.

“Happy Christmas, love.” He replied shamelessly, kissing the hand where he’d placed an engagement ring just a month before and placing the car’s key on her open palm. She stared from his face, to the key, back to his face, her mouth agape.

“Babe, what the hell?” His smile dimmed as he tried to read her expression.

“You don’t like it? He ran his hand through his hair, shifting nervously on his feet. "If you’d like a different model, or another colour…”

“Anthony, it’s exactly the type of car I’d pick.” She sighed, her hand resting on his cheek. “But this is way too much.”

“You deserve that and so much more, Katie.” His lips pressed softly against her palm with a chuckle as she rolled her eyes at him.

“Anthony…”

“Hy and Greg helped me pick it out, so you can consider it their present as well.”

“Oh, now that makes it all better." Sarcasm dripped from her words, but he didn’t seem bothered by it.

“Honestly Kate, you needed a new car.” He had turned, walking back into the house they shared, dropping to the sofa next to a happy Newton with a pet to his head. “That thing you called a car is not coming back from the mechanics and you know it.”

“I was just going to take the tube like any normal carless person!” She crossed her arms in front of her chest stubbornly, looking down at her shameless fiancé and her treacherous dog.

“And now you don’t have to anymore.” He shrugged, unperturbed, making her groan. “Honestly, what’s the big deal?”

“It’s a bloody CAR Anthony!” He looked up at her for a moment, before tugging on her arm until she was tumbling into his lap.

“So?”

“You can’t keep buying me ridiculously expensive things, love.” She sighed, the fight clearly lost. Anthony would most certainly not return the car. He would rather let it sit unused in the garage for the rest of his life than return it. And, even if she loathed to admit it, a car would make her life terribly easier.

“Sure I can.” His lips were trailing a path of kisses from the side of her face to her neck. “I’m pretty sure I did, actually.”

“You’re infuriating, did you know that?” Her eyes closed as he bit softly over her pulse point.

“You like to remind me of it everyday. How could I forget?”

“I’ve only got you a suitcase and some lingerie for you to unwrap from me.” She could feel him still behind her, his muscles tensing, his intake of breath at her words hot on her ear.

“Honestly, I’d say I’ve got the best presents from the two of us, apparently." Anthony pulled on her neckline, trying to glimpse under it, his other hand sneaking up her waist under her shirt. “Can I see it?”

“The suitcase?” She asked, batting her lashes innocently, making him groan.

“Kate.”

“Come on, show me my new car, hotshot.”

————————————-

“Anthony! You cannot see the bride on the wedding day!” Daphne’s voice rang around the suite from the closed door, her brother’s exasperated huff following it.

“But I got a present for Kate!” She rolled her eyes. Of course Anthony would a present for her. She wasn’t exactly sure why she hadn’t seen it coming. She was half expecting him to give her something the night before, when Edwina burst into their bedroom declaring Kate would be spending the night with her in her room, since it was unlucky for him to see his fiancée before the wedding. He had scoffed petulantly, a little bit like an annoyed child, which Kate knew she shouldn’t find so adorable, before pulling her into a kiss that left her legs shaking and allowing her sister to tug her from the room. She imagined he’d just give her something after the ceremony or during the reception.

There was some movement and rushed voices in the antechamber before the door connecting the two rooms opened and Anthony was pushed inside. Kate’s heart melted at the sight of him, his tie still loose around his neck, his blue waistcoat unbuttoned and his hair carefully styled. Around his eyes, his sister had tied the string of one of the bridesmaids’ silky robe, covering them. It was so adorable it sent Kate’s heart beating wildly on her chest, reality sinking in around her. She was going to spend the rest of her life with this hot, ridiculous, lovely man.

“I swear to God, Anthony, if you remove that blindfold, I will know.” Her pregnant sister-in-law threatened menacingly, before closing the door behind her, Edwina and Eloise’s laughter ringing behind it.

“Couldn’t wait to see me?” She asked with a glint of humor in her voice, stepping close enough to him so he could reach out and touch her.

“Yeah, had to make sure you weren’t going to run off on me.” He laughed, his hand finding her arm, his fingers trailing down until he had his hand wrapped around hers.

“I’m not going anywhere. You can’t get rid of me anymore, Mr. Bridgerton.” Kate used his loose tie to pull him closer, their chests touching, before she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that ended way too soon.

“Thank God.” He mumbled into her mouth, his smile almost blinding. “I got a present for you, actually.”

“I thought you said we weren’t doing the whole wedding presents thing.” She raised her eyebrows at him, even if he couldn’t see it.

“Honestly, I didn’t really expect you to believe it.” He shrugged, unabashed, twirling the velvet jewelry box in his hand before offering to her. “It’s not exactly a wedding present anyway. I’m just giving it to you now in case you might want to wear them now.”

“If it’s a set of wedding rings, you’re going to have to wait until…” Her voice died in her throat as she stared at the set of earrings and necklace in the open box in her hand. The delicate, intrinsic patterns of green and gold of the jewelry matched perfectly with the bangles carefully placed around her wrists. Her mother’s wedding bangles. One of the only possessions she still had of her birth mother. Her eyes filled with tears as she ran her fingers over the green gems.

“I know how much you love your mother’s bangles.” He explained coyly. “I thought you might like to make it a set. Maybe something you could pass down to our daughter one day.” It was too much. The gift, the way he spoke so casually of their future together, not a doubt in his mind they’d be blissfully happy. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him soundly, pouring all her love into it.

“You are the most amazing man I’ve ever met.” She said, the words a bit choked by her tears, as she pressed her forehead to his, his content sigh filling her heart with so much joy she was half scared she might burst. “I’m so happy to be marrying you.”

“Not nearly as much as I am to be marrying you.” Anthony smiled, his arms wrapped carefully around her waist. “I’d offer to put them on you, but you know…” He gestured to his blindfolded eyes. “Unlucky and all.”

“Hum, we wouldn’t want that, would we?” She hummed, her nimble fingers pulling on the loose ends of his tie, tying it carefully as she used to do every morning before he left for work. “I actually got you a present as well.” She mumbled timidly.

“I thought we agreed on no wedding presents?” She could see his arched eyebrows under the satin sash, his lips curling in a silly, cocky smirk.

“You were right, I didn’t really believe you when you came up with that.” His laugh echoed around the walls and right into her heart. Kate watched as he traced his fingers over the silvery cufflinks on the box she had placed in his open palm, his smirk turning soft as he felt the little details on the circular silver links.

“Are these…?”

“Tulips. True love and all.” She hummed, pulling them from the box reverently. Kate had spent hours trying to come up with something to give her soon-to-be husband on their wedding. It was a bit difficult finding a gift for a man who had everything. But in the end she settled on something he could carry around on him, their flower, the ones he got her every week, the ones on her wedding bouquet, resting right over his pulsepoint. “I had our names engraved under them as well.”

She pulled his hands to her, carefully arranging the cufflinks in each of his sleeves with a smile. She had actually had her name engraved as Kate Bridgerton, which would come to be true in just a couple of hours anyway. She’d let him see that part for himself.

“I’m so happy sometimes I don’t really believe it.” He whispered, his lips pressing over hers tenderly.

“I know. I never knew I could be this happy before.” Her fingers trailed his cheek as she sighed joyfully. If, three years ago you’d tell Kathani Sharma she’d be marrying the love of her life, feeling that type of love she’d grown up admiring from her Appa and Mary, she might have laughed and told you that kind of thing wasn’t really for her. And yet, there they were.

She could barely wrap her mind around it.

“Time’s up lovebirds, the guests are starting to arrive and both of you still need to finish getting ready.” Edwina was by the door, her hand on her hips. “You’ll have the rest of your lives for cuddles, come on.”

“I’ll see you at the altar, I suppose.” He smirked, placing one last kiss on her cheek.

“I’ll be the one in white.” She laughed, as Ewdina started pulling him from her and outside the room.

“I can’t wait!” He called out, just before the door shut behind him.

And really, neither could she.

—————————————————-

By the time they had been married for 10 months, Kate was mostly sure there was nothing Anthony could get her anymore, because she had absolutely everything she had ever wanted.

In hindsight, she shouldn’t have been so naive. He’d always find a way to surprise her, anyway.

Her husband had shuffled into their living room quietly, settling himself next to her and Newton on the sofa, something clutched tightly into his hand.

“I got you a present.” It wasn’t the usually lively sentence, full of confidence and excitement she was used to. This time it was nearly shy, his eyes darting a little nervously, the tip of his ears turning a bit red.

“From your day out with Hy?” She nested contently into his waiting arms, feeling the warmth of him envelope her.

“Hyacinth thought it would be fun if we took a knitting lesson together.” He scoffed, as if he’d ever refuse anything his littlest sister suggested to spend time together. “And I’ve made you this.” He pushed the thing he had been holding onto her hands, the blush taking over his entire face as he avoided her curious eyes. “They’re socks.”

“Socks?” In her hand, she had what would probably be the ugliest, most uneven pair of brown socks in existence. Anthony really wasn’t the most talented in the arts and crafts department.

“I was going to make them purple but Hy took the last bit of purple yarn they had.” He shrugged. “She knitted a pretty nice hat.”

“You made these for me?” She asked, her entire body flooding with affection for her embarrassed husband.

“Yeah. I know how your feet always get ridiculously cold at night, so I thought you might like them.” He shrugged, his voice so shy and unsure it only made the burning behind Kate’s eyes stronger. “They are not really great but…”

“They are the best gift I’ve ever got.” Her voice was raspy from the tears running down her cheeks. His eyes snapped to her face, surprised.

“Katie…” His hands immediately moved to her cheeks, pushing the wet tracks away. “They’re just…”

“No!” She snapped, pulling his free hand to her lap. “Anthony, you made these, actually created it from scratch, for me.” She pressed her lips to his fingers tenderly, fighting the fresh wave of tears pooling in her eyes. The idea of him, sitting in a class with his sister, thinking about her cold feet at night, putting an effort in a solution to it, was the most endearing thing she had ever heard. “I love them.”

“But they’re really ugly.” He mumbled lamely, motioning to the brown lump she had shoved up her feet.

“Do not shittalk my favorite pair of socks, Anthony Bridgerton!” She swung her feet happily, enjoying how actually pretty warm they were.

“Whatever you say, love.” He sighed with a chuckle, kissing her cheek, his hand caressing her hair softly, her back tucked tightly to his chest. He had learned long ago how useless it was to argue with her when she set her mind into things. If she wanted to love her hideous warm socks, he wasn’t the one to complain about it.

Watching the ugliest, most lovely pair of socks on her feet in the comfort of her husband’s arms, Kate couldn’t help but allow her mind to drift to the present she had made to him, the one hidden on a gift box between her sweaters in her side of the closet. To the cute little mug she had hand painted herself, the words Best Dad in the World painted in purple like a silly little cliche. She couldn’t help but imagine his reaction when he opened it, how his surprised face would light up beautifully as he read the words. Would his eyes fill with tears? Would his words be choked on his lips? Would he pick her up, spinning her around the room in joy?

Well, she would find out soon enough, she supposed.

She let her imagination fly free, conjuring a vision of the future, an image of a little baby with her curls and his smile, theirs. Of a little boy clutching her hand as they walked. Of Anthony with a little girl perched on his shoulders. The little family they’ve always talked about, always desperately wanted, so full of joy and love.

It was the best present she could have ever asked for.

Send me a pairing and a number and I'll write you a drabble.

[suspendingtime]

So, last week I popped my AO3 cherry.

Anthony Week 2023:

Find my week's answers and Tumblr ramblings along the way here.

It started with me thinking, yeah this could be fun...

Hm, but I doubt I'll think of something new everyday...

By day 3 I was writing about Father Anthony the priest being tempted by a church going Kate Sharma. (I'm actually obsessed with them, and chapter 2 is in the works lmao)

Um, anyway, here's my little series list:

Astride - Mature, Post Canon, Domestic Fluff

Anthony speaks in his sleep and Kate overhears his dream debaucheries. He eventually admits the truth and tells her about the effect their first encounter had on him, and still has on him.

Nectar - General, Post Canon, Domestic Fluff

Anthony attempts to make friends with Nectar the horse, Nectar is not really having any of it at first. Hyacinth swoops in with some sound sisterly advice, and Anthony learns about how Kate got Nectar to like her so quickly.

Temptation - Mature, Modern AU, Fluff + Mild Smut

Anthony has joined the priesthood in this universe, but a new lady has started coming to his services. He's obsessed with her, and it seems she's obsessed with him too. After a session in the confession booth he finally asks her to go for a drink with him. He's celibate so he promises himself and God that he'll only look, no big deal.

Hunt - Mature, Canon Divergence, Mutual Yearning

In this twist of the canon, we spend some time with Kate and Anthony after that gun holding moment during the hunting trip. They get very into their feelings and find out that they really enjoy hearing the other one say their name. Gratuitous heavy breathing, smelling each other, wet chests etc etc.

Obedient - Teen, Post Canon, Domestic Fluff

Anthony's in the first person and tells us about his little entanglements with learning to be more obedient around Kate. Kate is very supportive and teaches him about yoga.

Nursery - Teen, Modern AU, Domestic Fluff

Kate and Anthony are being unhinged parents at Eddie and Miles' sports day. The head teacher is their no. 1 nemesis as she ostracises them away from the competitive action. Kate also has something important to tell Anthony.

Yours - Explicit, Post Canon, Domestic Smut

Simon and Daphne ruin Anthony's birthday getaway plans, he's mad as hell and horny as hell... and hungry. Thankfully Kate comes to the rescue and thinks of a way they can thoroughly enjoy his birthday dinner on their final night away.

That last one will probably get added to at some point as well, how could I not?

Thank you to kateandanthonyweek for setting up the whole thing! Until next time.

💙💜❤️