[ Simon goes. He's shirtless and looking to remedy that, so when he shows up at Benedict's and knocks he looks... Well, it's Simon, so he looks hot. But he also looks harrowed. He knows he fucked up and it's clearly weighing on him, even if it's been long enough now that his face is no longer tear-stained. It's fine.
He knocks, and if it's open, he'll open the door. ]
[ It is indeed unlocked; Benedict knows Simon is on his way, and the
moment he hears the dukes voice he appears, a bottle of brandy and two
glasses in hand. ]
I am indeed.
[ He stops short at Simon’s attire - or lack thereof - and clears
his throat before offering a glass. ]
Would you like to get a shirt, or continue to flaunt perfection?
[ Oh, he brought brandy. Thank god. Benedict is a sight for sore eyes.
He laughs at Benedict's compliment, a mix of surprise and embarrassment. He knows he's hot, of course, it just caught him off-guard to be called so with the long day he's had. ]
I must apologize for my state of undress. I would very much appreciate a shirt before we proceed with those.
[ The glasses he means. Hey, if he's gonna get drunk and make mistakes, why not, right? [
[ Simon smirks. Any other day he'd rise to that bait and flirt back quite well, but he's feeling rather shit unfortunately. The boost to his ego sits somewhat strangely. He doesn't deserve it, and never has.
But anyway, he follows Benedict and searches his closet for something loose. He finds a green shirt with a bit of frill to it, but it seems to be the loosest thing so it'll have to do. It certainly fits a little snug around the shoulders and the chest, but it's better than nothing. (Yes, this does mean he's accidentally putting on a bit of an impromptu fashion show for Benedict, as he'd tried a few others but ended up putting them back before he tore them entirely.)
It also means Simon does not button it in its entirety, leaving the upper part of his pecks on display, where the sub line rises all the way up his neck. It really can't be helped! But Simon at least feels a bit more in control of himself now that he isn't indecent. ]
You have my thanks, Benedict. Green is not usually my color, but it is appreciated all the same.
[ It isn’t at all how Benedict expected his afternoon to go, but he has no complaints as he stays out of the way, leaning against the wall as he watches.
What, a guy can’t look?
His smile is crooked when Simon finally finds something that passes for suitable, though the fact it doesn’t fit completely is in no way a problem in Benedict’s eyes. ]
Of course. Nothing worse than losing one’s shirt to the elements. [ He’d lost part of his when he’d first arrived, the rain melting it like ice cream on a hot day. ]
[ Simon doesn't mind the staring. Truthfully, Benedict is attractive, too, (I mean, Simon's certainly got a type,) and perhaps in better circumstances they could have fun. Right now he's just trying to keep it together. ]
Indeed.
[ Yes, better to claim it was the elements than Simon being overtaken by an urge to strip and tossing his clothes away so that Anthony could take them. That seems like a much better explanation. ]
I believe I will take that brandy now, if you do not mind.
Well, I could never let my favorite Duke starve. I'll only be a moment.
[ He'll pour the drink first and present it with a little flourish like the dandy he is, then disappear for a few moments and reappear with cold pizza on a paper plate, because what the fuck is a microwave? ]
[ Very charming, Benedict. It really is quite cheeky, but then that's Benedict for you. He and Anthony are so different, it's easy to want to joke around with him. Plus he takes the drink and smiles, nearly laughing at Benedict's offering. ]
How decadent.
[ By now Simon has tried pizza himself, but there's something very fitting about eating cold food on a night like this He takes the plate with gusto -- boy ain't gonna complain. ]
[ Sometimes it’s just a cold pizza and liquor kind of night.
Especially when Simon shows up like he has. Liquor definitely requires to
soothe those nerves.
He settles back down once his guest is properly fed, leans back and
takes a sip of his drink. ]
Just don’t ask me to repeat the recipe, I’ll never get it right.
[ Simon laughs once more, grabbing a seat anywhere in the library (he's not a gentleman among bros, sorry, Ben.) He takes a bite of his pizza and grins. ]
Of course, of course. I know true genius never creates the same thing twice.
[ Simon's smile falls, his words faltering for only a moment. ]
It was... a continuation of our recent arguments. I am not sure how much I should say.
[ Benedict has shown him kindness, has offered him a kind ear and his (Eloise's) home. But still, Simon isn't sure whether it would betray Anthony's trust to explain the truth to his brother. It's hardly appropriate, even if Simon loves Daphne and Anthony both. ]
We are both quite stubborn, though I fear I greatly miscalculated and said several things I should not have said.
[ Benedict isn't the type of man to press, though his curiosity certainly had prompted him to ask. ]
Anthony can have that effect on people. You two will work it out, I'm sure of it. [ He refills his drink and takes a sip before offering the bottle over to Simon. ] For all his...stubbornness, I suppose I'm rather fond of him.
The words themselves did not matter, in the end. What went unsaid is, I believe, the true cause...
[ That Simon realized his feelings for Anthony in the very worst moment, in perhaps the very worst way. But Benedict is kind to offer Simon comfort for it, and Simon cannot help but smile as he takes the bottle and refills his own drink. Honestly, it's a relief to be able to talk about Anthony like this. Benedict certainly knows what he's doing when it comes to offering comfort. ]
I am quite fond of him as well. [ Understatement. The way he says it, it's clear he means more than that. He's shit at hiding these kinds of feelings, because he ultimately has very little experience with love. ] I know he will forgive me, ultimately. In his heart, he is too kind—a trait you Bridgertons all share.
Mmm, yes. I've heard that some things are better left unsaid, but that isn't always the case.
[ Benedict himself doesn't have much experience with love, either - lust, definitely. Affection, yes. But has he ever given away his heart? No. He hasn't allowed himself to be in a situation where that would be the case; his dalliances are only that, and he never lets himself get attached. When Genevieve brushed him off, he'd been disappointed but only in that he'd enjoyed their casual, easy relationship. No expectations. ]
He will. He's stiff, but there's softness under all that armor he likes to wear.
Mm. I am not usually a man of such words, but... I fear you may be right.
[ But he can't let Anthony think he really thinks all those awful things he said. And he can't let Anthony continue to push him away when it's clear they both care for each other in ways that are not strictly platonic. You would think with how much they sleep together, Simon would have realized sooner, but Simon is nothing if not terrible with his feelings.
Expectations had caused quite a bit of problems, but Simon was more than willing to curtail expectation to have Anthony's heart. Deep down, Simon is a romantic. He knows Anthony isn't much for love, or so he has claimed, but sometimes you meet the right person. Or the right people. And, well. You yell at them and fuck it up, but you fix it, hopefully. ]
Oh, undoubtedly. Your brother may be the softest among you. He feels everything so strongly—alas, his armor protects others more than himself.
[ Simon smiles at that, easy and fond. It's nice that Benedict gets it—of course he does, he is Anthony's closest brother—but still. Simon has known Anthony for so long, at times it is strange when his family seems not to see past that armor of his. But Benedict understands. It's a balm, after everything. If Benedict says Anthony will forgive him, then Simon can be sure it is true. ]
In this case, it may be best to calm down, the both of you. Then speak on it, make it right. Anthony will forgive you, I know it in my heart.
[ He pauses, crosses his legs and takes another sip. ]
Forgive each other, perhaps. He can be harsh with his words, too. [ An actual laugh bubbles up, smoothing a hand over his jaw. ] You can care very deeply for someone, but you don't always have to like them.
[ Simon takes a sip, watching Benedict with that same fond smile. He's really enjoying the chance to talk about this, and the buzz of alcohol is certainly helping his mood. ]
I could not have said it better myself. Your brother and I—at Oxford, we would come to blows over the pettiest of things, but it was never a matter of liking or disliking one another. I imagine it must be the same for you and he.
I'm sure there's an intellectual quote about time healing wounds, but it escapes me at the moment.
[ Brandy and all, making his head a bit fuzzy and his limbs warm and toasty. ]
Oh, absolutely. We've had our fair share of disagreements, especially when it comes to fencing. He accuses us of cheating, but I think we all know that is not the truth.
[ Simon laughs, finishing off his drink and setting it down. If he happens to scoot his chair a little closer, well, he does that too. It's a little breezy with how Benedict's shirt fits, so maybe he's doing it for warmth? Or because Benedict has a lovely smile. ]
Ah, he only does so when he loses, does he not? [ Simon shakes his head, the warmth of the brandy making him feel light and loose. ] I could never best your brother in fencing, he practices too often with you and Colin. Had to make the switch to boxing just so I'd have a sport where I could have the upper hand.
[ See, now they're just two little guys. Conspiring. Thinking. Looking longingly into each other's eyes. Basking in the glow of a little drink, you know. ]
I have, in fact! [ He grins. ] I've tried both Patch's and the Red Emerald. Both have their charms, though Patch's feels more like the gym I frequented with Mondrich, back home. I did so enjoy learning from him -- even if I am still only an amateur.
[ Mondrich... now there's a strong man, right. He's certainly worth watching. ]
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no subject
Date: 2024-07-14 10:53 pm (UTC)[ Simon goes. He's shirtless and looking to remedy that, so when he shows up at Benedict's and knocks he looks... Well, it's Simon, so he looks hot. But he also looks harrowed. He knows he fucked up and it's clearly weighing on him, even if it's been long enough now that his face is no longer tear-stained. It's fine.
He knocks, and if it's open, he'll open the door. ]
Benedict? Are you in?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:17 am (UTC)[ It is indeed unlocked; Benedict knows Simon is on his way, and the moment he hears the dukes voice he appears, a bottle of brandy and two glasses in hand. ]
I am indeed.
[ He stops short at Simon’s attire - or lack thereof - and clears his throat before offering a glass. ]
Would you like to get a shirt, or continue to flaunt perfection?
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:24 am (UTC)He laughs at Benedict's compliment, a mix of surprise and embarrassment. He knows he's hot, of course, it just caught him off-guard to be called so with the long day he's had. ]
I must apologize for my state of undress. I would very much appreciate a shirt before we proceed with those.
[ The glasses he means. Hey, if he's gonna get drunk and make mistakes, why not, right? [
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:34 am (UTC)No apologies necessary.
[ That’s for damn sure. ]
This way.
[ He’ll lead him through the house until they’re upon the room he’s claimed as his own, gesturing to the closet proper. ]
Take whatever you like. If it fits. [ It might be snug Benedict is not quite so.. strapping. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:41 am (UTC)But anyway, he follows Benedict and searches his closet for something loose. He finds a green shirt with a bit of frill to it, but it seems to be the loosest thing so it'll have to do. It certainly fits a little snug around the shoulders and the chest, but it's better than nothing. (Yes, this does mean he's accidentally putting on a bit of an impromptu fashion show for Benedict, as he'd tried a few others but ended up putting them back before he tore them entirely.)
It also means Simon does not button it in its entirety, leaving the upper part of his pecks on display, where the sub line rises all the way up his neck. It really can't be helped! But Simon at least feels a bit more in control of himself now that he isn't indecent. ]
You have my thanks, Benedict. Green is not usually my color, but it is appreciated all the same.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:53 am (UTC)What, a guy can’t look?
His smile is crooked when Simon finally finds something that passes for suitable, though the fact it doesn’t fit completely is in no way a problem in Benedict’s eyes. ]
Of course. Nothing worse than losing one’s shirt to the elements. [ He’d lost part of his when he’d first arrived, the rain melting it like ice cream on a hot day. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 12:57 am (UTC)Indeed.
[ Yes, better to claim it was the elements than Simon being overtaken by an urge to strip and tossing his clothes away so that Anthony could take them. That seems like a much better explanation. ]
I believe I will take that brandy now, if you do not mind.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 10:24 am (UTC)[ He'll move, expecting Simon to follow, glancing over his shoulder. Thank God he's clothed. ]
Not hungry are you? [ There's pizza in the fridge, so glam. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-07-15 02:25 pm (UTC)I would not wish to impose more than I already have. But your offer is appreciated.
[ That's a yes, but he'll live. ]
FOUND IT
Date: 2024-07-25 12:59 am (UTC)[ He'll pour the drink first and present it with a little flourish like the dandy he is, then disappear for a few moments and reappear with cold pizza on a paper plate, because what the fuck is a microwave? ]
Dinner is served, my good sir.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 01:37 am (UTC)How decadent.
[ By now Simon has tried pizza himself, but there's something very fitting about eating cold food on a night like this He takes the plate with gusto -- boy ain't gonna complain. ]
You have my thanks, Cook.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 01:49 am (UTC)[ Sometimes it’s just a cold pizza and liquor kind of night. Especially when Simon shows up like he has. Liquor definitely requires to soothe those nerves.
He settles back down once his guest is properly fed, leans back and takes a sip of his drink. ]
Just don’t ask me to repeat the recipe, I’ll never get it right.
no subject
Date: 2024-07-25 02:11 am (UTC)Of course, of course. I know true genius never creates the same thing twice.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-02 12:14 pm (UTC)[ He flashes a little smile; one day he'll learn to use a microwave. ]
Dare I ask what you two were arguing about?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-02 03:06 pm (UTC)It was... a continuation of our recent arguments. I am not sure how much I should say.
[ Benedict has shown him kindness, has offered him a kind ear and his (Eloise's) home. But still, Simon isn't sure whether it would betray Anthony's trust to explain the truth to his brother. It's hardly appropriate, even if Simon loves Daphne and Anthony both. ]
We are both quite stubborn, though I fear I greatly miscalculated and said several things I should not have said.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-05 11:37 am (UTC)[ Benedict isn't the type of man to press, though his curiosity certainly had prompted him to ask. ]
Anthony can have that effect on people. You two will work it out, I'm sure of it. [ He refills his drink and takes a sip before offering the bottle over to Simon. ] For all his...stubbornness, I suppose I'm rather fond of him.
[ Just a little humor for you, Simon. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-05 02:22 pm (UTC)[ That Simon realized his feelings for Anthony in the very worst moment, in perhaps the very worst way. But Benedict is kind to offer Simon comfort for it, and Simon cannot help but smile as he takes the bottle and refills his own drink. Honestly, it's a relief to be able to talk about Anthony like this. Benedict certainly knows what he's doing when it comes to offering comfort. ]
I am quite fond of him as well. [ Understatement. The way he says it, it's clear he means more than that. He's shit at hiding these kinds of feelings, because he ultimately has very little experience with love. ] I know he will forgive me, ultimately. In his heart, he is too kind—a trait you Bridgertons all share.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-09 12:41 pm (UTC)[ Benedict himself doesn't have much experience with love, either - lust, definitely. Affection, yes. But has he ever given away his heart? No. He hasn't allowed himself to be in a situation where that would be the case; his dalliances are only that, and he never lets himself get attached. When Genevieve brushed him off, he'd been disappointed but only in that he'd enjoyed their casual, easy relationship. No expectations. ]
He will. He's stiff, but there's softness under all that armor he likes to wear.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-09 02:26 pm (UTC)[ But he can't let Anthony think he really thinks all those awful things he said. And he can't let Anthony continue to push him away when it's clear they both care for each other in ways that are not strictly platonic. You would think with how much they sleep together, Simon would have realized sooner, but Simon is nothing if not terrible with his feelings.
Expectations had caused quite a bit of problems, but Simon was more than willing to curtail expectation to have Anthony's heart. Deep down, Simon is a romantic. He knows Anthony isn't much for love, or so he has claimed, but sometimes you meet the right person. Or the right people. And, well. You yell at them and fuck it up, but you fix it, hopefully. ]
Oh, undoubtedly. Your brother may be the softest among you. He feels everything so strongly—alas, his armor protects others more than himself.
[ Simon smiles at that, easy and fond. It's nice that Benedict gets it—of course he does, he is Anthony's closest brother—but still. Simon has known Anthony for so long, at times it is strange when his family seems not to see past that armor of his. But Benedict understands. It's a balm, after everything. If Benedict says Anthony will forgive him, then Simon can be sure it is true. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-10 12:45 pm (UTC)[ He pauses, crosses his legs and takes another sip. ]
Forgive each other, perhaps. He can be harsh with his words, too. [ An actual laugh bubbles up, smoothing a hand over his jaw. ] You can care very deeply for someone, but you don't always have to like them.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-10 04:38 pm (UTC)[ Simon takes a sip, watching Benedict with that same fond smile. He's really enjoying the chance to talk about this, and the buzz of alcohol is certainly helping his mood. ]
I could not have said it better myself. Your brother and I—at Oxford, we would come to blows over the pettiest of things, but it was never a matter of liking or disliking one another. I imagine it must be the same for you and he.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-17 02:51 pm (UTC)[ Brandy and all, making his head a bit fuzzy and his limbs warm and toasty. ]
Oh, absolutely. We've had our fair share of disagreements, especially when it comes to fencing. He accuses us of cheating, but I think we all know that is not the truth.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-17 07:09 pm (UTC)Ah, he only does so when he loses, does he not? [ Simon shakes his head, the warmth of the brandy making him feel light and loose. ] I could never best your brother in fencing, he practices too often with you and Colin. Had to make the switch to boxing just so I'd have a sport where I could have the upper hand.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-18 03:46 pm (UTC)Mhm, yes. When he loses. Boxing though, excellent choice. [ plus, shirtless. ] Have you engaged in that here? There's several gyms, I'm told.
[ benedict would be shit in the ring but you bet your ass he'd come watch. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-18 04:33 pm (UTC)I have, in fact! [ He grins. ] I've tried both Patch's and the Red Emerald. Both have their charms, though Patch's feels more like the gym I frequented with Mondrich, back home. I did so enjoy learning from him -- even if I am still only an amateur.
[ Mondrich... now there's a strong man, right. He's certainly worth watching. ]
Have you ever considered learning?
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