[ 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. ]
[ Simon grins, tugging Benedict closer through just that hold. He wants him close—Simon is so lonely (he's not, that's just his brain's excuse,) and Benedict is here, and he's so warm. More than that, Simon isn't blind. Benedict is attractive. His eyes might be blue where Anthony's are brown, but the resemblance is more than just a passing thing. His thumb strokes Benedict's wrist, getting more of that wonderful warm contact. ]
I believe I can.
[ Yeah, alright. Simon knows how Anthony gets when he trounces someone—the arrogant little smirk that can be so frustrating to receive, and so charming. But it's always a look that follows exertion, the two of them panting, bodies warm and alive after a bout or a match. Picturing Benedict, his breaths ragged as his brother looms victorious over him... it makes Simon lean further, closer, nearly dragging his chair before he finally just reaches over with his other arm and lands himself nearly in Benedict's lap.
Nearly. He's stood up now, looming over where Benedict sits and leaning on his chair, his eyes aflame with heat. He'll back off if his attention is unwanted, of course, but he hopes it isn't. ]
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Date: 2024-08-26 02:57 pm (UTC)I believe I can.
[ Yeah, alright. Simon knows how Anthony gets when he trounces someone—the arrogant little smirk that can be so frustrating to receive, and so charming. But it's always a look that follows exertion, the two of them panting, bodies warm and alive after a bout or a match. Picturing Benedict, his breaths ragged as his brother looms victorious over him... it makes Simon lean further, closer, nearly dragging his chair before he finally just reaches over with his other arm and lands himself nearly in Benedict's lap.
Nearly. He's stood up now, looming over where Benedict sits and leaning on his chair, his eyes aflame with heat. He'll back off if his attention is unwanted, of course, but he hopes it isn't. ]
Care to show me?