"I hope your favorite show gets a horrible ending and your favorite character turns into a Cthulhu looking abomination that erases your other favorite characters from existence" is terrifying.
i want a spin off of just five’s diner. i want to know how it came to be, why nobody has paradox psychosis, how the nicknames happened, why brisket five always wrecks shit, et cetera. i’m obsessed because every five in there is better than the one we got!
the fact that we went from five screaming, damn near crying, after seeing the apocalypse in a flashback for .2 seconds
all from seeing kids playing in the street
to five not even reacting to physically being in the apocalypse again
its disgusting..
like look at how close to greatness we were! lilas expression, recognising that this is Five's personal hell, like come on
and we get only a pensive face from five?? after literally stepping foot in the apocalypse that drove him mad?? remember when Viktor returned to the place that drove him mad
Retired fanfic writer whose been pulled out of retirement
So I used to dabble in fanfic here and there, on another account, but its been a few years... until now after watching the terrible 4th season of The Umbrella Academy. Which led to start somewhat of a passion project. It was originally just going to fix the 4th season for myself, but I found to many plot holes and, unlike the writers, had to fix them (and then I became proud of it, and decided hey! What if I came back to tumblr for real!) so Its essentially a whole re-write of the show. I have the plot and everything laid out, including the first 2 chapters... Even the OC name, which is Francesca Greco, she is kind of an older OC that I had, her complexity comes from it and personality, but I spruced her up and am finally ready to let the world meet her. I love this OC.
So i'm reaching out to the tumblr gods in hopes that this finds the right people, and people are interested and want this, because i'm kinda proud of it...
As someone who finds Anthony Bridgerton super relatable from a fed-up-eldest-sibling perspective. I want Julia Quinn to just give me a novella of Anthony decent into ultimate insanity from book 1 to 8
My Family an 8 book series by Anthony Bridgerton
Book 1: My best friend the traumatized Duke and my sister the one with the dubious understanding of the rules of consent and how they apply to baby making
Book 2: Falling inlove with Kate hoping my siblings absolutely do not follow my example of dumbassery, because even if my bad decisions are legendary I'm still right about all of them being idiots
Book 3: never make the mistake of thinking a sibling is well adjusted. Next thing you know he's seduced a maid, gone crying to mommy about his relationship issues and proposed to someone in jail
Book 4: Surviving Mr Bridgerton, lessons from my dumbass brother on how to end up as both lady Whistledown's sugar baby and Portia Featherington's son in law in one masterful session of stalking
Book 5: to sir Phillip with my apologies, how my sister managed to brainwash a man and two kids into naming her as their leader and I accidentally punched an innocent single dad for something that was wholy Eloise fault !
Book 6: The quiet one strikes back, see my most normal sister ruin her track record of cero scandals by bringing the Merry rake into the family. Using the excuse that what happens in Scotland stays in Scotland.
Book 7: felonies my little sister may need a lawyer for in her journey towards true love, breaking and entering, stealing private property, and the usual bribing of servants.
Book 8: I AM SO DONE. So Watch how Kate deals with my little brother's one man mission to top the entire family's track record for Mad shenanigans. While I comfortably hide in my study and scream.
𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓂𝒶𝓇𝓎: The man you despise so much is suddenly in the arms of someone else and that makes you realize you actually have real strong feelings for him
𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉: 5.1k
𝓌𝒶𝓇𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓈: 18+ ONLY dirty talk, explicit language, fingering, pussy eating, handjob, grinding, kissing, making out
part 01 | part 02 | part 03 | part 04 | part 05
—-
The small light brown envelope that you were holding had Anthony’s name on the back. Anthony had sent you letters before, to which you never responded. But the envelope was usually a lot bigger than this. A small letter perhaps meant that this was urgent and that you needed to open it, as soon it landed in your hands.
Your Mama left you alone with the envelope, she never interfered with his letters and never once asked you to read it in front of her. No matter how hard she wanted you to be with him, she still did not wish to see the contents of the letter.
You sat there on the chair, still in front of the vanity, flipping the envelope to the other side, where you gently opened it. Inside there was an even smaller piece of white paper, which again was odd to you, as Anthony sends his letters in a slightly off shade of white. But nevertheless you took it out and read the writing.
‘Dear Lady Y/ln, how dearly I miss your presence. The days and nights I spend without you are tortmeting with my being. Meet me in town, alone at this address and come at night. I can’t wait to see you, Lord Anthony Bridgerton.’
Your eyes widen at those words because to you all of this did not make any sense. Anthony would never ask you to come to town, especially at a dark hour where so many different people are out and about. It is a dangerous place to be for a lady, even if she is with her guards and a maiden. But what was more poking your eyes was the writing and the signature.
Quickly you lift yourself from the vanity and step to the small nightstand you had beside your bed. Opening the drawer, you scramble around before finding a pack of Anthony’s letters. You always kept them, not really sure why but you were glad you had them now. You pick at the first one he has ever sent you and return back to the letter you just received, comparing the writing.
And to your surprise they were no match. Not one single letter was the same as the other one. As well as the signature, the lines were wobbly as it seemed whoever the sender was, went over it a couple of times to ‘perfect it’ but had no result in succeeding.
The only question that remained was who would be the sender? Why would someone ever send a letter like this, so obvious that it wasn’t Anthony.
But it did peek your interest, on the other hand you were afraid that it might be some sort of a trap, perhaps from Lady Whisteldown. So you came up with a plan, a plan that would uncover who this person was and keep you safe.
I've gotten back to reading fanfiction after a really long time. I'm loving every bit of this!! I'm experiencing feelings I'd forgotten fanfiction can give. The way you describe everything, the portrayal of the characters and their witty dialogue is truly amazing!! Thank you for taking the time to put this out for us! You're doing an amazing job!
requested by annon: Hey, if your requests are still open could you please do an Anthony x reader fic where him and the reader have always been really close until some guy is interested in the reader and she starts spending more of her time with him, so Anthony is jealous and realizes his feelings for her? Thank you!
a/n: I've started doing this thing where i listen to string covers of songs whilst writing and just... my imagination is going wild. Also this is long as hell but i hope you enjoy it - Anthony is my tortured boi and adore writing him.
summary: Y/N has waited a long, long time for Anthony Bridgerton to finally decide to get married. But by the time he finally decides to find a wife, Y/N has run out of time and Anthony is suddenly faced with losing her to someone else.
Every ball the queen held was a flawless masterpiece. From the clusters of candles lighting the room to the endless bouquets of violets, lilies and irises decorating the walls. It was impossible to not look around in awe.
The groups of couples dancing around the ballroom floor obscured the painted crest on the floor but the myriad of coloured dresses brightened up the room.
"You can't keep dancing with me to escape the ladies of the ton," Y/N said, carefully spinning around Anthony, her gloved hand holding his.
Anthony smirked at her, winking. "But it is such a foolproof plan, Y/N."
She rolled her eyes, placing her hands back on his waist and taking two steps back, two steps left. Anthony guided her around the room, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Has anyone caught your eye, yet?" Y/N asked.
"Much to my mother's displeasure, no. There isn't anyone - they are all so boring. Which, I suppose is a good thing. I merely need to marry someone who is somewhat intelligent."
Y/N stumbled a step. "Marriage?"
"You know, Colin choked on a peanut and Benedict fell of his chair when I told them - why is this such a surprise?"
"Because ever since you came of age you have not stopped talking about how you are not going to marry," Y/N pointed out.
"A man is allowed to change his mind. Even if every young lady out at the moment is a dud."
Y/N giggled, ducking her head as she tried to hide her face. "Anthony," she chided kindly. "Be nice."
"I thought you young ladies were taught to dance - and to at least act intelligent," Anthony grumbled.
Y/N walked around him, taking his hand in hers and pressing her back against his chest as they stepped back and to the side.
"Most mama's value beauty and manners over intelligent conversation," Y/N replied. "To find a well read woman is a rare thing indeed."
"It is even rarer to find a woman who can dance properly."
"Well," Y/N spun to face him, their faces inches apart from one another, "isn't it a good job you have me, then."
Anthony spun her one last time. Y/N moved away and Anthony pulled her back and into a gentle dip as the song concluded. They stepped away from one another and respectively bowed and curtseyed.
"I should go find my mother," Anthony muttered, looking around the ballroom. "Let her introduce me to more young ladies lacking brains."
Y/N smiled at him and scoffed lightly. "At least you get to choose," she said. "Mine has been pushing me at men all week thinking one will propose before we go to Aubery Hall for the week."
Anthony looked at her. "You are coming to Aubery Hall?"
"Received the invite this morning. We arrive a week Friday."
Anthony nodded. He began to smile. "Well, perhaps my mother's ball shan't be as tedious with you around."
"Perhaps not," Y/N replied. She curtsied. "My lord."
Anthony bowed as she stepped away. He watched her go and felt a part of him leave with her. Her perfume lingered and Anthony closed his eyes for a moment, the smell of roses haunting him.
"Anthony!"
Anthony's eyes opened sharply and he turned, forcing a smile to his face as his mother approached him, ushering a young lady along with her.
Y/N tried not to laugh at Anthony's misfortune as he offered another lady a dance, clearly unhappy with the arrangement. A waiter approached her, offering her a glass of champagne.
"I do believe, this is the most expensive champagne I have ever had at a ball."
Y/n turned and immediately curtseyed. "Sir Hughes."
"Miss Y/L/N," he replied. His bow was short and curt.
Sir Hughes was a military man - and a well-decorated one at that. His uniform sparkled in the many candles littering the room. He was tall and long with a moustache that essentially screamed his status in the military.
Y/N had spoken to the man a few times over the years when he'd been in town - her father was a good friend to Sir Hughes' father.
"I was not expecting to see you here, I thought you were still overseas," Y/N said, standing up from her curtsey.
"I was but I was called back to London on important business," Sir Hughes said. "The queen summoned me."
"Ah, well, it is best not to ignore her majesty," Y/N replied.
Sir Hughes laughed and Y/N found herself smiling at him. He looked at her for a moment and she matched his gaze.
"Would you do me the honour of a dance, Miss Y/L/N?" Sir Hughes asked, holding his hand out to her.
Y/N smiled and nodded, taking his offered hand. He gracefully led her onto the dance floor, guiding her around until she stood in front of him.
She'd danced with so many men over her last two seasons out in society, that it truly did not require much brainpower. One step here, a twirl here, a smile there - it all came together. And whilst her suitors may have died down over the years, her dance skills had not.
Most dances occurred out of mere courtesy and rarely meant that the people involved desired to court one another. It was a talent, Y/N had decided, to be able to dance with someone and have no connection with them. To not feel anything as they took your hand and spun you around the room - their eyes solely focused on you, as if you were their entire world in that singular moment.
Y/N had rarely felt anything when dancing. She'd never felt as if she was the centre of someone's universe - she merely orbited in a circle for a bit and then moved on.
"I do hope you forgive me for being so forward, Miss Y/L/N, but are you being courted by anyone at the moment?" Hughes asked, taking a step forward, his hands coming to rest on her arms.
"No, Sir Hughes. I have had many suitors but... none have come to anything," Y/N replied honestly. "I am sure you can imagine how my parents feel."
Hughes chuckled. "I do struggle to understand why you are not yet married, Miss Y/L/N."
Y/N looked at him and smiled sadly. "I have yet to find the one, I believe."
Hughes twirled her around and Y/N spotted Anthony, standing against the wall with his brothers before she faced Hughes again.
"Miss Y/L/N?"
"Yes, Sir Hughes?"
"May I call upon you tomorrow morning? I was planning to attend the exhibition at the national museum and your presence shall improve the experience all the more."
Y/N felt herself smile. "Of course, Sir Hughes. I would be honoured."
"I don't even understand why you are so worked up over it, brother. You have made your opinions on marriage very clear to everyone - including her. You wish not to marry for love, merely for convenience."
Anthony picked up an orange and threw it in the vague direction of Benedict's head.
"I was... painting that. Besides, you hit the shelf, not my head," Benedict muttered, crouching down and picking the orange up, placing it back in the bowl.
"She's too good for him," Anthony replied, picking an apple up and staring at it intently. He sighed, sliding further down in his chair. "Sir Hughes is never even in the country."
"For some women that might be a positive. But, again, you have no interest in marrying. Well, not for love, at least. Unless you have changed your mind..."
Anthony shrugged. "I do not know. To be honest, Benedict, I no longer know what I do and don't want. Mother has shoved every eligible lady my way these last few weeks and whilst the idea of marriage has begun to appeal to me - not because of love but for the practical side of it all - I still do not..."
"Feel ready?" Benedict suggested.
Anthony just grunted, taking a large bite out of the apple. Benedict looked at his brother and sighed. He set his palette down on the table, giving up on his painting for now, and approached the seat opposite Anthony.
Benedict kicked Anthony's feet off the plush chair and sat down in it, stretching his legs out. "Do you love her?"
"I do not know. I do not think..." Anthony hesitated. He dragged a hand down his face. "I do not think I am capable of love, to be honest brother."
"You love us."
"That is different," Anthony replied curtly. "Besides," he add, quietly, "I made a promise to father to look after you all." Anthony sighed, shrugging. "I do not know how to explain it, brother."
Benedict looked at his brother, intently studying his face. "Try me."
Anthony exhaled heavily. "After... after Sienna and the disaster that was Daphne's season I decided that I need to find a wife. To fulfil my duty as head of this family and as a viscount. Trying to find someone I love makes the entire affair far more difficult. All I want is a mother to my children and a wife who will be a good viscountess - that is all. Love just complicates everything."
"That's not the only reason, though, is it?"
Anthony sighed softly and shook his head - the movement barely noticeable. "I remember every waking moment after father's death. I remember the pain, the tears... the lingering sensation of death. Yet, I could not do anything about it. There was nothing to be done. I could not grieve with the rest of you because, if I did, everything would have fallen apart. I refuse... I refuse to inflict that pain on anyone else. I refuse to be the cause of such unbearable, indescribable pain because I decided to love someone."
The clock that sat on the mantlepiece ticked into the silence. Benedict was silent, unable to find any words to fill the void Anthony's confession had left.
"Anyway, I shall leave you to your painting," Anthony said, standing up. He tossed his apple into the air as he left, catching it in one hand and immediately taking a bite out of it.
Aubery Hall was stunning in the setting sun. The walls were bathed in warm orange light and ivy crawled around each window and crevice. Y/N had been here before but it had been many years since she'd last stood at the foot of the stairs, staring up at the building with awe on her face.
"Lady Bridgerton!" Y/N's mother exclaimed, bustling up to their host and embracing her. "Thank you so much for the invitation."
"Oh, it is no bother - I am so glad you could both attend!" Violet replied, beaming.
"I am only sorry my husband was detained - important business that could not be missed, unfortunately."
Y/N looked around the foyer, taking in every single detail. As she lowered her eyes from the ceiling, she spotted Anthony standing to the side of the staircase - evidently hiding - and gave him a smile.
Anthony returned it, nodding his head politely at her.
"It is not a problem. Y/N, dear, it is so good to see you again," Violet said, embracing Y/N tightly, pulling her away from Anthony's gaze.
"You too, Lady Bridgerton. I forgot how beautiful your home is in the summer," Y/N replied, looking around again, noting that Anthony had vanished.
Violet sighed fondly, looking around too. "A lot of work has gone in to it over the years." She turned back to face them, any sign of nostalgia gone. "Come, you must be exhausted from your journey. Mollie, here, will show you to your rooms. Dinner will be at eight should you wish to join."
Mollie began leading the way up the stairs and down the corridors of Aubery Hall. Y/N was just overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the house in the dying light. So much so that, as she turned a corner, she walked straight into one viscount.
"Oh, I am so sorry, my lord," Y/N exclaimed, trying to step back and create space between them but only succeeding in tripping over her dress.
Anthony caught Y/N as she tumbled back. He put a hand on her waist and pulled her forward and up, holding her steady.
"Are you alright?" He asked, looking at her.
Y/N looked at him and couldn't help herself as she looked into his eyes. As if she had been hit with a book, Y/N blinked and moved away, aware of how close she had been and the fact her mother, and the maid, were both watching.
"I am perfectly fine, thank you, my lord," Y/N said, feeling her face beginning to warm.
Anthony nodded. "Ladies," he said, bowing.
He moved past her and began walking down the corridor. For some reason, Y/N felt a weird sense of guilt inside her.
"My lord," Y/N called, turning to face Anthony's retreating back. "Shall we see you at dinner tonight?"
Anthony turned midway down the stairs and looked at her, the smallest of smiles appearing. "Yes, Miss Y/L/N, you will."
Y/N's laugh drowned out everything else around him. Anthony watched her, from the end of the table, and stabbed his fork into a carrot with more aggression than needed.
"I am very relieved to not be that carrot," Colin muttered, leaning over to Benedict. "What is his problem?"
Benedict smiled knowinly into his glass. "Y/N and Sir Hughes."
Colin looked over at the two. His mother had not been subtle with the seating plan for that night's dinner. Anthony was surrounded by young, eligible ladies, all lacking brain cells and the ability to hold an intelligent conversation, and Y/N had been placed next to the man she had been rumoured to be courting.
Well, rumour reported in Lady Whistledown that almost certainly meant it was true.
"If he loves her, why does he not do something about it?" Colin asked quietly.
"Brother, I don't think he's realised he does," Benedict replied. "I think he's still waiting for some miracle."
"If he waits much longer, she will go."
Benedict looked over at Y/N and sighed softly. "I know."
The tiny gems embedded in the flowers of her pink gown sparkled in the candlelight. Y/N ran her gloved fingers over them, feeling each petal and each gem.
"You look beautiful, my child," her mother said, standing in the doorway of their room.
Y/N smiled at her in the mirror and dropped her hands down to her sides. "It is a beautiful dress."
"A beautiful dress to get engaged in," her mother said, coming to stand behind her. She put her hands on Y/N's shoulders and kissed her cheeks. "Sir Hughes is a fine man."
"Indeed he is. I shall be very lucky," Y/N replied.
If her mother had not been so caught up in the potential engagement looming, she would have notice how Y/N's heart truly was not in the words she spoke.
Sir Hughes was a gentleman and a lovely one at that. But Y/N did not feel as if she was at the centre of the universe. As if everything orbited around them and no one else.
But given how little time she had left to find a match - and given how much of a burden she felt to her parents - if Sir Hughes did propose, she wasn't going to say no.
Even if there was someone else she wanted.
She did not have the luxury of time. She could not afford to wait any longer than she already had. Her marriage would not be for love. As long as she was happy and safe, that would be all that mattered.
As soon as she stepped onto the balcony overlooking the ballroom, she found him. It was as if she was magnetised to him - unable to look away and to lose him amongst the crowd.
Anthony Bridgerton raised his head and found Y/N looking down on him from the balcony. He locked eyes with her for a moment before she turned away, Sir Hughes appearing at her side.
Y/N looked down at Sir Hughes. He stood on the stairs and held a gloved hand out to her.
"May I have this dance?"
"You may, Sir Hughes."
She placed her gloved hand into his and he led her down the stairs and onto the floor.
Anthony smelt her perfume as she passed and had to hold himself back from pulling her to him. God, the hold this woman had over him.
"She looks stunning," Daphne said, approaching Anthony and standing on his left. She watched as Y/N circled Sir Hughes and came to stand in front of him, her dress sparkling in the candlelight.
"Hmm, I would not know, I am not a woman."
Daphne scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course, my apologies." She paused, debating whether to share what she knew. She sighed softly but Anthony heard her. He looked down at her and narrowed his eyes, concern and curiosity in his gaze.
"Daph, what is it?"
"Sir Hughes -"
"What about him?"
"Nothing bad," Daphne said quickly at Anthony's curt question. "Just... I had that he may be proposing to Y/N tonight," Daphne said quietly. "The grand occasion this ball is - it would be a perfect time."
"Ah," Anthony said softly, the word almost lost to the music. "And Y/N?"
Daphne looked up at him. "I assume she will say yes."
Anthony's head turned sharply. "Why?"
"What do you mean why?" Daphne looked up at him. "Brother, you do realise that Y/N, much like the rest of the ladies still out in society, cannot stay unwed forever. If Sir Hughes does propose it means safety and security for her and her future." Daphne looked at him, seeing straight through his walls. "If you want her, I would act fast -"
"When did I ever mention wanting her?" Anthony snapped. "I am merely surprised, is all. Besides, Y/N and I do not share anything. We are merely friends, nothing more. I am after a wife, sister. Not a love match."
Daphne nodded, unconvinced entirely. "Of course. My apologies, brother." Daphne waited a moment, watching as Sir Hughes danced Y/N around the room. "She makes time stop for you, doesn't she?"
"What?"
"You know exactly what I am on about, brother, do not lie. Y/N. She makes time stop when she's around you. She makes you feel like you're the centre of the universe and that no one else matters. That... nothing can break you apart."
Anthony swallowed harshly. His sister had, irritatingly, described the exact feeling. The feeling he felt every time Y/N even just glanced in his direction. Yet, he refused to take her. He refused to subject her, and himself, to such pain when the time came.
"Excuse me, sister."
"Anthony -"
Anthony walked away from his sister, unable to bear the truth in what she was saying. The song ended and Anthony saw Sir Hughes leave Y/N's side - heading for the drinks table.
His feet moved before his brain did.
"Miss Y/L/N," Anthony said, approaching her and bowing in one swift movement.
"Lord Bridgerton," Y/N said, slightly stunned by the man's sudden appearance. She curtseyed to him, standing up and meeting his gaze as he looked at her.
"May I have this dance?" Anthony asked, holding out his bare hand to her.
Y/N looked at his offered hand, every instinct inside her telling her to not accept it, to not cause herself any more pain. Instead, she placed her silk gloved hand in his and squeezed it tightly.
"You may, my lord."
Anthony led her to a spot on the floor and both respectively bowed to one another. He took her hands in his and they began moving around the floor, mirroring the actions of the other. Y/N followed his lead, her dress swishing about her feet as she stepped, turned and stepped, avoiding Anthony's feet.
Anthony's bare hand moved to her elbow as he turned behind her, his back pressing against hers. She could feel his fingers brushing against her skin and fought against the tingle that ran down her spine. Y/N turned her head as Anthony turned around, her back pressing agaiainst his chest. She met his gaze as they stepped back, holding on to one another.
Her gloved hand was on her chest and Anthony's hand held it tight, his ring finger brushing the bare skin. Y/N took a shaky breath in, unable to fill her lungs, as she stared into his eyes.
"I hear Sir Hughes is to propose," Anthony said softly, his eyes never leaving Y/N's, even as his foot swept across the floor and she moved with him.
"He may."
"Are you going to accept?"
"Is that any of your business, my lord?" Y/N asked, rather harshly at that.
Anthony's eyes narrowed, a flash of hurt appearing on his face. "No, but my sister mentioned it in passing and I was merely curious. Forgive me."
Y/N sighed softly. Anthony spun her away and then back in to him, their arms raised above their heads as they swayed side to side.
"I am going to, yes," Y/N admitted. "I do not have much choice, in all honesty."
"Whatever makes you say that?" Anthony asked, his brow furrowing.
"I am a burden to my parents, my lord. I am running out of time to find a suitor and I do not have a lot of options left. Sir Hughes is a good man -"
"Do you love him?"
Y/N stumbled a step, Anthony's hand grabbing her waist and preventing her from falling.
"It is not a matter of love," Y/N replied, shaking her head slightly. "Sir Hughes, should he ask me, shall provide me with the safety and security I need."
"But he cannot make you happy, Miss Y/L/N," Anthony argued, his breath hitting the bare skin at the back of her neck.
"No, I will admit that," Y/N said, turning gently, "But I shall not be unhappy. He is a lovely man, my lord, and I -"
"You cannot marry him."
Y/N stopped and stared at Anthony. "Pardon me?"
Anthony sighed, closing his eyes. He curled his fist tightly. "You cannot marry him."
"I just laid out all the reasons I have to marry him and how little choice I have in the matter and yet you," Y/N raised her eyebrows at him as they resumed dancing, "are standing here telling me I cannot marry him. Anthony, you are not my father nor are you, my brother, you have no say in this."
"But he cannot make you happy, Y/N. He cannot fulfil your desires -"
"Oh, and you can?" Y/N snapped. Anthony was silent, which was more than a perfect answer for Y/N. "Lord Bridgerton, up until fairly recently, you have not shown any interest in getting married. You have pushed every woman away, including myself. Why do you think I decided to settle on a friendship with you over a courtship?"
"Miss Y/L/N -"
"Lord Bridgerton, I am a woman living in a society built by men for men. I have no say over what happens in my life. If Sir Hughes proposes, I am accepting because it gives me some sense of control where I have none. I cannot afford to keep waiting for you, Anthony. I tried." Y/N sighed sadly. "Look where it got me."
Anthony spun her away one last time. Their hands were held above their heads as the song ended and they slowly dropped them, the last notes fading into the silence of the room. Y/N curtseyed to Anthony as he stared at her, unable to move.
"I truly am sorry, Lord Bridgerton. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening."
Y/N walked away from him, her perfume lingering where her presence did not. She made a beeline for the table of drinks, picking up a glass of champagne and drowning it in one go, wincing at the acidic taste in her mouth.
"Apologies, for my absence, Miss Y/L/N," Sir Hughes said, appearing at Y/N's side suddenly. "I was summoned by the queen."
"Oh, do not worry, Sir Hughes, I went to freshen up after our dance," Y/N replied, forcing a smile to her face.
Sir Hughes nodded. "Ah. Um, Miss Y/L/N, might I have a word with you out on the terrace? Your mother is out there with Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury so we shall not be unchaperoned -"
Y/N cut him off. "Of course, Sir Hughes."
She knew what was coming. It had been hanging in the air the entire night - the whispered conversation of those around her with the lingering stares.
Sir Hughes walked her out onto the terrace and Y/N risked a glance at the three women standing nearby, all watching on with undisguised excitement on their faces. Though, Lady Bridgerton looked more regretful than excited.
"Miss Y/L/N," Sir Hughes began. "These last few weeks, spent with you, have been wonderful. You are a truly beautiful woman and I have enjoyed every moment spent in your presence."
Sir Hughes got down on one knee and Y/N could hear the ripples of excitement go through the people outside as they watched on. He pulled out a small velvet box and lifted the lid.
He looked up at her and smiled. "Miss Y/N Y/L/N. Will you marry me?"
"Anthony, what -"
Benedict trailed off as he watched Anthony drown almost an entire bottle of whiskey, slamming the glass down on the table and exhaling heavily.
"She's going to marry him."
"I heard."
"I tried to stop her."
"Brother, I do not think that is your decision to make," Benedict said gently.
"I know, Benedict!" Anthony snapped, looking at him. He sighed, evidently trying to hold his emotions together. "It's all my fault," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Benedict frowned. He pushed the office door shut behind him and walked over to Anthony, standing the other side of his desk. "What is?"
"This entire situation. She..." Anthony cut himself off and cleared his throat, the words getting stuck. "She waited for me. She waited for me to change my ways and to realise that..."
"To realise that loving someone isn't a bad thing?" Benedict suggested.
Anthony dropped his head, closing his eyes as he exhaled deeply. He all but collapsed into his office chair and he leant forward, hiding his face in his hands, as he felt the tears burning his eyes. Every single emotion he had tried so hard to conceal, come rushing out of him.
He had come so close and yet he had still lost it all. If only he had realised sooner, if only society and time would let them wait for one another.
Benedict crouched down next to him and put a hand on the back of his neck, squeezing it reassuringly. "I am sorry."
"It's not your fault, brother," Anthony said quietly, dropping his hands. He looked at him, knowing he looked a mess with red eyes and tears running down his face. "It's mine. It's always my fault."
The office door flung open with more force, and drama, than needed as Colin practically fell into the room.
"Colin, whatever is the matter?" Anthony asked, his walls coming up as he began to think of every single horrible thing that could've happened in the last ten minutes.
Colin panted as he stood up. "She said no."
Anthony nearly fell out of his chair. He subconsciously gripped Benedict's arm, digging his fingers into the fabric of his brother's suit jacket.
"What?"
"Brother," Benedict said, his voice even, "are you sure?"
Colin nodded. "She said no, Anthony. She turned him down."
Anthony was almost certain the servants thought him absolutely mad. The sun had barely risen and here he was, in his clothes from the night before, holding a ring box, waiting. Admittedly a bit impatiently but still waiting.
He could see two servants whispering to one another halfway up the stairs and knew something was going on.
"I know it is early but -"
"It is not that, my lord," one said, bowing to him. "She is not here. We cannot find her."
The head stablehand appeared in the foyer, looking up the stairs. "We've got a horse missing, too. One of the lads said a young lady took it out about ten minutes ago."
Anthony stood there, his brain running wild as he tried to figure out where Y/N would go so early in the morning. It clicked in his head, suddenly and violently and he barged past the stablehand and ran down the corridor, heading for the stables.
It'd been many years since he and Y/N had last spent a summer at Aubery Hall together yet he still remembered the exact route and the exact place they used to go riding together.
They had acres of land but there was only one place that Anthony knew she'd be. He'd introduced her to it, after all.
Despite the sun there was a light rain, covering the grass in tiny water droplets and making it sparkle in the morning sun. Anthony urged his horse into a canter, careening down the field and into the forest.
The lake sat hidden behind numerous oak trees and willows. No one would know it was there unless they looked for it. Anthony slowed his horse down as he approached, spotting Y/N sitting on the shoreline, her back to him.
"I am either incredibly stupid or I am an idiot," Y/N said, leaning back on her hands.
"Considering they are both synonyms of each other, I am not sure you can be both," Anthony replied, jumping down from his horse. He stopped where the grass bank dipped down into the lake, standing just behind her. "You declined his proposal."
Y/N sighed. "Yes."
"Why?"
"I am not entirely sure myself," she admitted.
"When I spoke to you about it... you were so certain - you were set on it. What happened?"
Y/N turned and looked at him. "You happened, my lord."
"Miss Y/L/N -"
"You spoke to me and suddenly I no longer knew what I wanted. Suddenly..."
Y/N trailed off. The wind blowing through the trees and the water hitting the shore were the only sounds - it was strangely peaceful. Anthony moved closer, tentatively sitting down next to her on the shore.
"Suddenly I could not imagine being apart from you," Y/N continued, staring straight ahead. "I could not imagine being betrothed to someone else when you are the only man I want to be with. And I could not do that to Sir Hughes. I could not spend every day with him knowing that I will never be content because my heart is constantly yearning for another."
Y/N turned her head and looked at him. The wind picked up, roaring through the trees and blowing the fabric of her shawl around. She pulled it tighter around her and curled in on herself a bit.
"I turned Sir Hughes down because what I want he cannot give me. My one desire is to feel like I am the centre of someone's universe. To feel as if it is just me and them against the world. To feel... as if we are the only things that matter.
"Sir Hughes can give me security and safety and I would be happy. But I would not be content. I would be constantly yearning for that feeling. A feeling that I have only ever felt with you. When I dance with you, Anthony, I feel as if we are the only ones in the room - as if there is no one else there. As if... we are in our own world."
Anthony didn't speak for a while. He let the words hang in the air, contemplating what to say. He breathed in and held it for a moment before exhaling slowly.
"My mother does not remember much after my father died. She was barely there. Yet, I remember every single moment. The pain. The grief. I... I could never be the cause of such pain. Of such grief. Which is why I want to have a marriage without it. A marriage untouched by the ravages of grief and heartbreak."
Y/N looked at him, pity yet understanding in her gaze. "But that's what love is, Anthony. It is pain and heartbreak and being so overwhelmed by grief that you cannot breathe. You cannot have love without pain. You can try and eliminate it all you want, Anthony, but it will always be there -"
"I know. I just..." Anthony inhaled sharply and Y/N could see the tears forming in his eyes. "I cannot imagine finally getting to love you only to lose you. I do not think I would ever be able to cope."
"You are not going to lose me, Anthony," Y/N said quietly, taking his hand in both of hers. "I am right here. But I cannot afford to wait any longer. I am running out of time."
Anthony nodded. "I understand. Truly, I do."
He moved suddenly, shifitng to kneel on his knees as he fumbled around in his pocket. As he pulled out whatever it was he had been looking for, he moved to kneel on just one knee.
"Miss Y/N Y/L/N," Anthony said, popping open the lid of the ring box. "Will you marry me?"
Y/N stared at him. "Anthony, I -"
"I decided a long time ago that you would be the one I would marry. I just could not accept," Anthony said. "I refused, in fact, to accept. It took seeing you with someone else - as a finer man as he is - for me to realise that a life spent without you is no life at all. I am scared to love, I will willingly admit that. I am scared for the day when I lose you and I have to suffer in this world without you. In all honesty, I hope I die first, but until then, I will spend every day with you, cherishing you and your presence in this world because I know time is precious. I cannot lose you, Y/N. Not now. Not ever."
Y/N smiled down at him, her eyes beginning to burn. "I knew waiting for you would be worth it. Even if it was a long, long time."
Y/N moved to her knees and all but fell onto Anthony, capturing his lips with hers and kissing him frantically and with the passion of someone who had waited far, far too long. Anthony wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him as Y/N threaded her fingers through his hair.
Anthony tipped her backwards, guiding her to the sandy, damp ground, their lips still locked together. Y/N arched into him, holding onto him tightly - daring him to leave her. She moaned softly as Anthony's hand worked its way up her skirts, hovering near where her stockings ended and her bare leg began. His fingers brushed the inside of her leg and Anthony broke free suddenly, leaning back on his haunches, panting.
"I will stop," he said, holding a hand between them - a barrier. "I will stop."
Y/N yanked him back down on top of her by his waistcoat. "Do not stop. Not ever."
I know that Katara said that Sokka was dead by LOK time, but I think we’re all ignoring the possibility that Sokka faked his death and is, in fact, living a nice retired life in the Fire Nation with his retired Firelord husband. He lives as resident therapist, Dr. Wang Fire.
you know the thing thats possibly most annoying (not WORST, but specifically annoying) is that it wouldn't even be hard to make winx dark while staying accurate to the source material. you wouldn't even have to change any actual plot points.
like, half the main characters LITERALLY DIE to attain enchantix, plus sky and nabu, bloom is the only survivor of a genocide, as is roxy, valtor has a fucking weird quasi-sexual relationship with his. what. cousins? nieces? that is NEVER acknowledged, aisha ran away from a forced marriage, musa's life is defined by extreme poverty, the death of her mother, and toxic men, there are multiple instances of mind control, like-
this show had A LOT of dark shit in it already. it was all just portrayed in a very sanitized way. all it would take is intense music, aggressive editing, and a little more reflection on characters emotional states to bring the exact same plotlines up to TV-14
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