Penny for your thoughts...

I inhaled sharply, speaking softly to him as I leaned over to him. “Max, I know you have a lot going on, and I am really sorry that your mum and dad couldn’t work things out…but punching another kid in the face isn’t a great resolution”.

Max huffed, balling his hands into fists and moving to fold his arms across his chest. “He won’t do it again though, that’s the main thing-“

“You still hit someone Max, that’s not okay-“

“Would you stop acting like my mom? You're not her, so stop trying to be."

My eyes widened, a choked gasp leaving my lips as my mouth fell open in shock and disbelief. Wow...that was...not what I was expecting. That hurt a lot, but he was right in a way. It wasn't like I'd been there for him through the last few months, trying to shield him from his dumbass parents and their stupid decisions.

"I...I'm sorry..." Max replied quickly, catching sight of him from the corner of my eye as he tirned to face me, "I didn't mean-"

“No, I get it…” I replied shortly, hating the way my heart clenched in my chest, how my breaths suddenly became short and tight, “I’m sorry your mum couldn’t be here”. I turned my gaze away from Max, trying to hide the tears that threatened to fall. Fuck...I felt horrible now. None of this was Max's fault, and no matter how hurt I felt or how hard his words hit me, I could never blame him. Not for a single thing.

The door to the principal’s office opened, my head whipping towards the figure of Mr. Lautner as he pressed his lips together in a thin line.

“We appreciate you waiting, Miss L/n, but we were able to contact Max’s father and he’s on his way here, we’re just waiting for him to arrive before we continue with this meeting” he spoke informatively, before stepping back inside his office and closing the door behind him.

My eyes narrowed in confusion, a small hum leaving my lips as I turned my gaze towards Max. I noted how his body tensed, his shoulder suddenly going rigged, his eyes remaining downcast and focused on the pale floorboards as I spoke confusedly. “Your dad is coming?”

“Um…..not exactly...” he mumbled lowly, only just loud enough for me to hear over the bustle of the school's office. Alarm bells immediately began ringing in my brain as I raised an eyebrow, eyeing my nephew sceptically as I moved to speak.

But before I could even get the chance, a loud and boisterous British accent filled the hall, my eyes widening as my entire body went rigid, my jaw clenching in complete disbelief as I turned my body to face the culprit swaggering down the hall towards us.

“There’s my boy!” Billy shouted proudly, opening his arms wide as he approached with that stupid devilish grin on his face. I glared at him, wanting nothing more than to shout and abuse the shit out of him for going along with Max's charade before Max jumped up from the seat beside me and raced over to him, wrapping his arms around Billy in a death grip of a hug. Billy lifted him up into his arms, staring proudly at my nephew, “Was it a good punch?”.

“I think I broke his nose.“

“Oh you bloody beautiful kid-“

“Hey!” I shouted loudly, managing to find my voice as I finally shook myself from my stupor, standing up from my seat as I eyed the two of them with a look of fury and anger. Both Billy and Max froze, both their heads slowly turning towards me in sync even with matching 'deer in headlight' expressions on their faces. “You called Billy!?” I exclaimed in a hushed whisper, my gaze moving between the two of them as I rolled my lips together.

I watched as the two of them tried to come up with a response, a chorus of 'ahs' and 'ums' reaching my ears before the door to the principal’s office opened once more, and Mr Lautner stepped out into the hallway. “We’re ready for you now…” he spoke sternly, his gaze moving between Max, Billy and myself as he gestured for the three of us to head inside.

I smiled politely at Mr. Lautner, nodding my head as he disappeared back into his office before I whirled on Billy and Max. My eyes narrowed as I agressively pointed at the two of them, my voice low and furious.

"Don't think I'm letting this go, we will discuss this later. Got it?"

Billy rolled his eyes, mumbling a small "Yeah yeah..." under his breath as he waved one of his hands nonchalantly whilst he placed Max back down on the ground. Both of them walked past me into Mr. Lautner's office, and I couldn't help but curse under my breath as I turned to follow them.

Two hours later, sat at an ice cream parlour a few blocks away from the school, I glared at Billy and Max in the booth across from me whilst I struggled to enjoy my dessert. Both of them remained deathly silent, their eyes downcast and focused on their sundae's in front of them, refusing to look up at me.

I sighed heavily, dropping the spoon into the bowl with a loud aggressive clang before leaning back against the booths red cushions. I eyed them both individually, pursing my lips as I huffed annoyedly. “I honestly can’t believe you two-“

“A three-week suspension isn’t that bad…” Max tried to defend, his eyes briefly snapping up to meet mine before he cowered slightly as I replied. “It’s NOW a three-week suspension because Billy here decided to piss off the boy’s father-”

“Okay…” Billy replied lightly, holding his hands up in surrender “…to be completely fair, it was painfully obvious that the prick was fucking his secretary behind his wife's back, did you see the lipstick on his collar?-"

“That isn’t the point!” I exclaimed hysterically, groaning in frustration as I slumped forward against the table, burying my face into my arms as she shook my head. “And you, calling Billy of all people..." I groaned, my words directed towards Max as my muffled voice sounded even more pained than I felt, "...you’re lucky Mr. Lautner has never met your dad before.“

“It’s not like he was going to answer his phone anyway," Max spoke almost boredly, shrugging his shoulders as he spooned another mouthful of ice cream into his mouth, "so when they said that they were going to call him again, I just said that I forgot he changed his number, and gave them Billy’s.“

“Oh my god...” I groaned again, shaking my head again as I prayed that the floor would just open up and swallow me whole. I could hear the two boys laughing at my distress as I sunk further into my seat, whilst I lifted my head and glared at the both of them with a disapproving look. "I'm so glad you find all this so amusing, because if this happens again-" "Would you calm your tits?" Billy snapped playfully, despite the bite in his tone which I knew held no true malice, "okay look, maybe this wasn't the best idea in hindsight and yes-" Billy held up his hand, giving Max a warning glare to silence my nephew as he tried to interject, "...this definitely could have been handled a little better. But you and I both know Y/n, that Michael wouldn't have shown up anyway." "I..." I paused, lifting my head up from the table as my gaze flickered between Billy and Max. I knew it was true, everything Billy had said was true. Michael wasn't doing anything to help himself, ever since his marriage with Laura had fallen through.

I sighed heavily, nodding my head as I brushed my hair from my face, biting my lip as I cleared my throat. "I know...and...thank you for stepping in, Billy. I appreciate it, I do...but let's not make this a regular occurance." "You got it, cross my heart..." Billy joked brightly, that dumb devilish smirk forming on his face again as he continued, turning his gaze towards Max, "lose my number, kid."

"What!? No way!" Max exclaimed in horror, dropping his spoon into his sundae with a glare of protest "what if I need you?"

"Then call your aunt, Y/n is more than capable of helping you out. And you don't need my shit piled on top of yours, trust me. Supes are hard enough to deal with."

I leaned back in my seat, watching the two of them bicker and fight. I couldn't help but smile, shaking my head as I listened to them create a ruckus much to the displeasure of the other customers around us. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to care. Something about this felt normal, or at least it felt somewhat normal with how chaotic my life had been since...

That ache in my chest returned at the thought of him, at what he was doing right now. I wondered if he missed me, just as much as I missed him. As I let my mind wander whilst I listened to Billy and Max continue to argue, I couldn't help but smile sadly, feeling oddly at peace in the present, whilst silently wishing that John was here with me.

I needed him, more than he would ever know right now.

"You have no idea what you are asking of me-"

"I ask nothing of you!" You cried, tears threatening to fall from your eyes. The stinging sensation forced you to blink, your heart aching with every breath you took. Your chest felt heavy, a small choked sob breaking through your lips as you trembled. It was raining heavier now, your dress and coat soaked right through. You hugged your arms close to your body, sniffling softly.

"I have loved you for so long, Benedict. My heart has always been yours, but you have never truly seen me. I have spent two seasons as nothing more than a wallflower, constantly looked over and never truly valued, never truly loved...when you called on me that day, my heart soared. I felt as if a fairytale was coming true, that perhaps you felt something for me as I did you. But you only called on me to tell me you were courting...her, and it was then I realised that you would never see me that way-"

"Y/n-"

"I understand that our friendship means the world to you..." You choked, the taste of bile forming in your mouth as you spat the word harshly "...but I cannot in good conscience, continue to be your friend when my heart yearns for you, when I crave your touch so much that it hurts...when I know you will never return these feelings."

Your watery gaze met Benedicts, your heart breaking when you realised how dishevelled he looked. His dark brown hair now black in the rain, stray strands sticking to his forehead as his soft blue eyes searched your face desperately. His green coat had turned a darker shade, the velvet damp and likely now ruined. He released a choked breath, his shoulders falling as he spoke confusedly. "What are you saying?" He asked lowly, his voice soft and breaking, hinting at what your next words would be. He really didn't want you to say it.

Your lips parted, breathing in shakily as you tried to hold yourself tall. You didn't want it to end like this, you didn't want to let go. You swallowed thickly, the lump in your throat choking you as you replied "...I'm saying this is-"

Benedict closed the distance, cupping both sides of your face as he smashed his lips to yours in a passionate kiss. Your eyes squeezed closed as you savoured this moment, the feeling of his lips against yours, his hands now tangled in your hair. The feeling of your heart breaking in two. You brought your hands up to steady yourself against his chest, grasping his coat collar greedily as Benedict deepened the kiss. His tongue clashed with yours desperately, you allowed youself to get caught up in the feeling of him before you gently pulled away, resting your forehead against his as you panted heavily.

"Please...don't say it" Benedict begged, his voice low and barely above a whisper. Another choked sob escaped you as you met his eyes, your heart aching as your grip on his coat loosened.

"Goodbye, Ben".

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@everythingmarveltopgun @elite4cekalyma @tulipatheticee @marveldaddys

The train attached to Lady Worthington’s dress was a nightmare to manage, all bundled up in your arms so as to not drop it in the mud at your feet. You were covered in it now, thanks to a harsh push from Cressida who sent you sprawling onto the ground. Luckily however, you managed to save the train though.

You felt the sting of tears prick your eyes, a sense of sadness overwhelming you. How had you become so unfortunate? To be stuck with a wicked witch for a stepmother, and two stepsisters that laughed at you upon your little trip in the dirt. Elizabeth hadn’t said anything, nor looked your way when Mary and Elizabeth started to cackle loudly. She merely turned away; her eyes downcast as she carried herself into the awaiting carriage.

You missed your father, you missed your mother. Their love and kindness was completely gone from this home, the home you had grown up in as a child. You cried into the cushions, sobbing loudly and desperately. You had never felt so alone, so vulnerable…so lost. You knew that they would want you to be brave, to stay strong, and to have hope that everything will work out in the end. Your mind flickered back to the book you were reading earlier that morning, of the fabled prince charming sweeping the princess off her feet, and living happily ever after.

Perhaps your prince charming was around the corner, perhaps he was waiting for you somewhere to take you away from this now horrid home, filled with heartache and distant memories-

There was a loud knock at the door, so loud that it echoed throughout the foyer and into the living room. You jumped with a small squeak, bolting upright in your position on the lounge. You wiped your eyes, drying your hands on your muddy dress and wiping your nose with your apron. It was unladylike surely, but you were not a Lady anymore. After trying and failing to make yourself look presentable, you hurried towards the door as the knocking sounded again. It sounded desperate, frantic even, your face contorting into a confused expression as you tried to think of who it could be.

It couldn’t be a visitor for Lady Worthington or her daughters, the rest of high society was at Lady Danbury’s ball, and it was way too late in the night for anyone to be here in the first place. So, who could it be? As you opened the door your breath caught in your throat, your heart skipping a beat as you recognised the man that stood before you.

Viscount Anthony Bridgerton smiled, staring down at you with kind and soft expression. His eyes never left yours as he spoke, seemingly examining every inch of your face as he bowed politely.

“Miss Y/n, I apologise for calling so late, would I perhaps be able to come in-“

“Why are you here!?” You found yourself exclaiming, your eyes wide in shock as you felt your heart began to beat wildly. Anthony Bridgerton, one of the most distinguished men on all of the ton was standing on your doorstep. Why?

Anthony chuckled, his charming smile widening as he shrugged his shoulders. “Why not?” he replied lightly, finding amusement in your expression as it changed from shock to pure bewilderment.

“If you are here to see Lady Worthington or her daughters, they are gone” You replied shortly, your gaze falling nervously to the floor as you suddenly became very aware of your current state. You were completely covered in slowly drying mud, bloodshot eyes from crying, you no doubt looked like a complete wreck…wonderful.

Anthony hummed “I’m not here to see then, thank god. They arrived at the ball shortly after I left-“

“Why did you leave? Surely someone will notice your absence, and what will the ton think if you are found here, alone…with me-“

“My brother is good at coming up with excuses, I’m sure he’ll spin some wide tale about my whereabouts”.

“And is that something you wish to deal with?”

“Benedict can be a bit excentric at times, but I trust him wholeheartedly…” Anthony finished, clasping his hands behind his back and standing tall, “..now Miss Y/n, may I come inside? Or are you to leave your visitor out in the cold?”.

It hadn’t occurred to you until now, but as Anthony stood before you, you couldn’t help but notice how tall he truly was. You hadn’t noticed it this morning, but he towered over you, the top of your head just barely reaching his chin. You stared up into his eyes, searching for any sign of jest, that this was all some sort of joke, and a complete figment of your imagination conjured up by your saddened state.

But he was real, and he was here.

You released a short breath, a soft smile crossing your lips as you stepped aside and gestured for him to enter.

Tag List:

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@misscaller06 @slayqueenizzy @everythingmarveltopgun @idek-what-to-put

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@avngrssckr @lolly145 @ksgeeze @hawklovesskippy @staplerrrr @lyralikesshifting

Anthony could see that his mother, Violet, was incredibly uncomfortable with the whole situation. She had warned the two of them to sort out their differences before arriving at Lady Danbury’s residence, otherwise the two would be an embarrassment to not only themselves, but the Bridgerton House. Even if was only just for the night.

The carriage jostled about along the cobblestone street, with Violet, Eloise and Anthony sitting in complete awkward silence. Anthony could feel his sister’s glare burning holes into his head, the tension weighing heavily as his gaze moved to settle on his mother. Violet looked between her two children nervously.

They were to be at Lady Danbury’s residence any second now, appearing before the ton in such a state was not a good look for anyone. “Now I don’t know what is bothering the both of you, but you two need to resolve this matter quickly. You are both the face of our family tonight-“

“Mother-“

“Enough! I have never seen the two of you bicker like this before, it is unlike you both. Now I suggest that you settle this matter here and now, before we are to arrive” Violet snapped, glaring harshly between her two children before her. All Anthony could do was sigh. He heard Eloise scoff, shifting uncomfortably beside him as she grumbled “Fine. I will play nice for now, but you need to actually open your eyes-“

“Open my eyes to what!?” Anthony exclaimed, turning his body to face her fully “You had told me nothing! What exactly am I supposed to be looking for here?”

“It is so plainly obvious, even Colin could figure it out”

“Then why don’t you tell me!?” Anthony shouted, hearing his mother sigh heavily across from him.

Eloise glared, clearly uncomfortable with where this conversation was progressing. He noticed that her hands had now clenched into fists by her side, her eyes falling to the carriage floor. “I…I cannot, I am sworn to secrecy-“

“Oh for the love of-“

“Oh thank god, we’ve arrived…” Violet breathed nervously, fixing her cream and gold patterned dress as she adjusted her gloves anxiously. Both Anthony and Eloise fell into silence, anger bubbling in his chest as he continued to stare at his sister.

Something was going on, and it irked him to not know what it was. He felt the carriage stop, and turned his gaze towards his mother as she quickly exited the carriage and breathed a deep sigh of relief. Next was Eloise, who cleared her throat and fixed her skirts as she moved toward the carriage door, but Anthony stopped her. He gently grabbed her forearm, stopping her from moving as she quickly turned to face him, a furious expression on her features.

“Does this have something to do with Y/n? The girl we met this morning?”.

He’d been wanting to ask that question since their return home, since Benedict had bothered him all afternoon about his feud with their sister. If this was supposedly about you in some way or another…why? He knew that you and Eloise were close, good friends even. But what did Eloise, and supposedly Colin know that the rest of the ton did not? What was going on in the Worthington household?

The way Eloise’s expression softened confirmed his suspicions, she sighed heavily. “I can say no more, but I will say this to you, and I want you to think about it…really think about it. The ton knows that Lady Worthington married Lord L/n upon his late wife’s passing, and she adopted Lord L/n’s daughter alongside her own. So, think on this dear brother…what happened to her?”

Anthony froze, his brow furrowing as he though on Eloise’s words. He hadn’t thought about it really, no one had seen Lord L/n’s daughter since his passing. He’d heard rumours that she had run away in grief, leaving behind her family estate and fortune to Lady Worthington and her daughters. He remembered he’d only seen her once, he’d attended one of Lady Danbury’s balls as a child with his mother and late father. He had been quite nervous being amongst all those people, but he couldn’t take his eyes off a young girl about his age, perhaps a little younger, dancing with some of the men and women at the ball.

She had the brightest smile, and a contagious laugh. It was only after the ball upon their return home that Anthony had asked his father who that girl was. Upon hearing that it was the daughter of Lord L/n, he’d hoped to see her again. But he never had.

Violet stuck her head back inside the carriage, glaring at the two of them harshly. “Will the two of you get out!? People are watching!” She exclaimed in a hushed whisper, urging the two of them out with her hand. Eloise forced her arm out of her brother’s hold and stepped outside, smiling forcefully up at her mother as she tried to appear happy.

But Anthony was stunned. He felt rather uncomfortable now, unsure of what to think or do now with this knowledge. It irked him, made his stomach churn uneasily as he stepped out of the carriage and fixed his jacket. His eyes met Eloise’s once again, and he couldn’t help but feel sad. He entered the ball by her side, his arm looped through hers as they moved about the crowd of people. His mother had disappeared to speak with Lady Danbury, he could see the two on the other side of the room gossiping to themselves happily.

He felt as if he was in a trance. Amongst the dazzling light of the chandelier and the multitude of candelabras strewn about the room, he couldn’t focus. The sounds, the surroundings, everything was blurring into one big mass. He left Eloise for a moment, allowing her to mingle with some other debutants while he chose to escape outside for a moment of fresh air.

He felt sick, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest. It had only been an hour since their arrival, but all Anthony wanted to do was leave. He couldn’t think straight, couldn’t actually come to terms with what Eloise was suggesting…if she was even suggesting that in the first place. He took a deep breath in, now turning back to face the congregation inside.

He couldn’t go back inside, not after seeing Lady Worthington and her daughters enter the room with an extravagant pose. Upon seeing Lady Worthington, dressed in a deep blue gown with golden shawl draped over her shoulders, Anthony jumped the small balcony and landed in the gardens below. He fixed his jacket, releasing a quick breath as his eyes quickly darted around to make sure no one had seen him.

Though…he had to be the most unfortunate man at the ball tonight.

“What the hell are you doing!?” Benedict exclaimed in a hushed tone, a confused yet furious expression on his features.

Anthony flinched, lifting his gaze upward and giving his brother an awkward grin.

“Cover for me”.

“Excuse me!?”

“Just…be there for Eloise…” Anthony groaned in annoyance, shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly “…I have some business I need to take care of-“

“Don’t you dare leave me here with…” Benedict growled, his entire form freezing as he heard the shrill voice of a woman call out to him, one that Anthony couldn’t help but snicker at “…that.”

“It would appear that Miss Mary Worthington requires your presence, dear brother. Perhaps it is I that will enjoy your misfortune instead-“

“Oh, oh ha ha ha…” Benedict snapped sarcastically, glaring down at his older brother with annoyance “…you’re such little bas-“

“Give my sincerest apologies to our mother, and I shall see you upon my return home!” Anthony called out as he spun on his heel and jogged away, laughing quietly to himself as his brothers’ pleading cries faded into the distance.

Tag List:

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@misscaller06 @slayqueenizzy @everythingmarveltopgun @idek-what-to-put

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