[ 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. ]
Mondrich is bloody intimidating. [ That is one big, sexy man. Like, Jesus Christ. Likely straight as an arrow, shame. ] Patch's does seem like it would suit you more, and do I look like I belong in a ring?
[ that actually has him laughing, reaching for the bottle wherever it is, groping to pour himself another drink. ]
[ Simon has seen him with his wife and family of course, so it's easy for him to say that. But the man is indeed completely straight. A real shame.
Unlike Benedict, of course, who is, well, certainly not the kind of man you find at Patch's in the ring. Maybe in some of their other areas. There's apparently some glory holes there? Hm. Hmmmm. Simon does find himself. picturing it. It's been a very long day and he's emotionally exhausted, you can't blame him. ]
You would be quite a sight, being crushed into the mat, or pinned to the ground.
[ He's just a gooey little guy, let's be real. Benedict remembers when they were younger, before their father passed. Anthony was a very different person.
He is immediately distracted by what Simon says, though, and he chuckles, coughs a little and masks the flush of red to his cheeks by taking a sip of his drink. Or, he tries to mask it, anyway. ]
A funny one, I'm sure. [ More of a croak, there. ]
[ Simon is thinking about it now though. Between missing Anthony and knowing that he brought this onto himself and the memories of trying to cajole Anthony into boxing only for the man to fail miserably and land himself squarely on the mat, sweating and panting. They were indeed days Simon would not soon forget.
Benedict is even softer. He'd fall over flat, carry a look of surprise much like the one on his face presently. Blushing bright red with exertion as all Bridgertons do when they're flustered. Simon can't help it if that's what he likes, if that image in his mind takes hold and won't let go. ]
I disagree. You'd give a valiant effort, I think. [ It's that same image that finds him reaching for Benedict's wrist, just holding him. ] Anthony practiced with you, didn't he?
Edited (changed the order a little for dramatic tension) Date: 2024-08-20 02:19 pm (UTC)
[ He'd end up on his ass immediately. Give him a fencing sword and that might be another story entirely, but boxing, he would not excel in. He's pink cheeked now thinking about it, the idea of looking up at Simon from down on the ground also will not leave his head.
He clears his throat, the fingers on his wrist warm, sizzling his skin heat flooding his body. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-19 01:05 pm (UTC)Mondrich is bloody intimidating. [ That is one big, sexy man. Like, Jesus Christ. Likely straight as an arrow, shame. ] Patch's does seem like it would suit you more, and do I look like I belong in a ring?
[ that actually has him laughing, reaching for the bottle wherever it is, groping to pour himself another drink. ]
I'd be crushed into the mat.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-19 03:10 pm (UTC)[ Simon has seen him with his wife and family of course, so it's easy for him to say that. But the man is indeed completely straight. A real shame.
Unlike Benedict, of course, who is, well, certainly not the kind of man you find at Patch's in the ring. Maybe in some of their other areas. There's apparently some glory holes there? Hm. Hmmmm. Simon does find himself. picturing it. It's been a very long day and he's emotionally exhausted, you can't blame him. ]
You would be quite a sight, being crushed into the mat, or pinned to the ground.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-20 12:51 pm (UTC)[ He's just a gooey little guy, let's be real. Benedict remembers when they were younger, before their father passed. Anthony was a very different person.
He is immediately distracted by what Simon says, though, and he chuckles, coughs a little and masks the flush of red to his cheeks by taking a sip of his drink. Or, he tries to mask it, anyway. ]
A funny one, I'm sure. [ More of a croak, there. ]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-20 02:17 pm (UTC)Benedict is even softer. He'd fall over flat, carry a look of surprise much like the one on his face presently. Blushing bright red with exertion as all Bridgertons do when they're flustered. Simon can't help it if that's what he likes, if that image in his mind takes hold and won't let go. ]
I disagree. You'd give a valiant effort, I think. [ It's that same image that finds him reaching for Benedict's wrist, just holding him. ] Anthony practiced with you, didn't he?
no subject
Date: 2024-08-26 12:56 pm (UTC)He clears his throat, the fingers on his wrist warm, sizzling his skin heat flooding his body. ]
He did. I think you can guess who won.
(no subject)
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