#bridgeton!au

“No matter what happens, you’ll always be the diamond in my eyes.” you smile softly at that statement. Relieved that at least one person feels that you had potential to be the season’s shining diamond. Even though you are certain this day will be just like the others because nothing about you certainly exuded “sparkling diamond” behavior. Nora followed you down the hall holding your train, stopping as you catch a short glimpse of your parents' portrait. Bowing your head before it, choosing not to linger.

It seemed as if you’re the only one in this family who didn’t ooze diamond behavior. When the famous Viscount Geto is your brother, how could you even compete? It didn’t help that your brother associated himself with the most famous entity, the Duke Gojo. Wherever Suguru went, Satoru followed. It became increasingly familiar for you to hang around the pair, not wanting to bother Satoru and Suguru. Your relationship with the pair changed when your parents died, you had no one else but your brother. 

Making it increasingly complicated to not be apart from him when he was all you had. Satoru was different, his eyes swam with empathy for you and your brother the day you found out. Every time he came over he’d help cheer up Suguru but Satoru couldn’t ignore the pain in his chest knowing you were suffering in your room alone. Days and Nights had passed not going out to balls, keeping to yourself watching the seasons in your room, until it had hit winter watching snow softly hit the ground. Remembering the times your mother allowed you to play in the snow not caring if it were ladylike, wanting to see you carelessly smile as a child should. 

Picking yourself up that day, finally choosing to get ready asking Nora for her help so you could watch the snowfall. What you hadn’t expected was for everyone to be outside. Everyone suddenly glaring at you as if they had seen a ghost. Bypassers commenting on how you gained weight while some saying you looked like a skeleton, shortly cursing Suguru in your head for leaving sweet treats at your door. You tried to block out the remarks, not wanting to turn such a jovial memory into one that was sour. Yet, some comments cannot be blocked out such as ones comparing you and Suguru’s complexion. 

Exclaiming that if Suguru looked kept and proper then what godly creature possessed you to come out looking so unkept and deathly. The ton never thought about what trials Suguru went through before opening their mouths. The same “kept and proper” Suguru was also struggling managing Viscountly duties at the ripe age of sixteen. Comments about how your mothers genes must have not hit you yet, snickering saying how an ugly duckling could always turn into a swan one day. Eyes followed you wherever you lingered, chatter persisted all around you and before you knew it you started feeling heavy chested. 

Succumbed to frustration, your feet took you home before your mind could think. Lacking all direction as you bump into another, “My goodness, watch-...” you look up, noticing Satoru’s blue eyes before anything else, eyes that widened in surprise. That day it seems as if the universe had it out for you, out of all the people to bump into, you unknowingly chose the golden boy of the ton. Satoru picked you up making sure not to tug your arm too hard before dusting any dirt off of you, “Are you okay?”. Nodding, keeping your eyes lowered on purpose not wanting him to see you in such a vulnerable state, one that was only reserved for you. 

That day Satoru walked you home not a single word was uttered but he didn’t have to say anything, his energy lingered with worry. He noticed you shivering, heavy breaths being taken as your eyes slowly watered, knowing that the dam you had built was slowly about to break. As soon as the front doors to your home shut he turned to you, lifting your chin with his finger. “Are you sure you’re okay?” He muttered so softly that no echo bounced off your home's vacant walls, holding you closer than he ever has before. Quickly you broke away from his hold, your gaze lowered as you bowed “Thank you my lord.”

“Satoru, it’s, you may call me Satoru. No need for the honorifics.” Nodding as you quickly headed up to your room without looking back. The day after he came over and you couldn’t look him in the eyes, scared that you showed him a side of you that no one has ever seen. That day you were so scared of Satoru seeing you differently, that it went unnoticed how differently you viewed him now. Satoru had never been the same to you since that day, the silence that lingered between you two in the past soon turned into jests that made you roll your eyes from sheer stupidity. However knowing Satoru for as long as you did surely came with negative attributes such as him pinching your cheek, petting your head as if you were some barn animal, and hurling ridiculous one off jests. 

People of the ton hated knowing how close you were to the Duke, some even jealous. If anything you found their jealousy ridiculous, if someone took the other seriously they would never dare convey such sickly juvenile emotions towards the other. “Finally she’s ready, had me thinking that you’d never make it to your own debut.”, you scoff at your brother’s words. “As if there was any way I could ever miss it.”, making sure to lace your tone with heavy sarcasm. “You look…” you stare into Satoru’s soul knowing that little lilt in his tone came with a catch.

  “You look like you’re being swallowed by all those feathers atop your head.” He reaches out to touch the headpiece, quickly slapping his hand away. Rolling your eyes, “Don’t you have anywhere else to be Satoru?”. The gentleman gives you no time to breathe as he instantly pinches your cheek in retort, sticking your tongue out in response. Suguru huffs in annoyance knowing there’s no stopping you two once you get going. Choosing to leave you both in the dust as he heads toward the carriage.

“I’m going to be late if you keep pestering me.”, Satoru smirks hearing you gasp heading towards the carriage. “As if Satoru, you’re pestering me! Now if you don’t mind me I have a ball to attend.” Your coach helps you into the carriage as Nora assists your train, “See you there Miss Diamond!”. Offering him a wave before resorting into your carriage, sitting upright but still fiddling with your gloves out of nervousness. Frankly you didn’t mind getting dressed up, you weren’t one to deny the act of looking presentable and prim, what you hated was having the inevitable attention of the ton.

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Arriving at the Queen’s palace made you dizzy, this was one of the moments you wished your mother was still here to guide you. Certain that she would compliment you just to ease your tension identical to the time she once did when you took your first ballroom lessons. Too caught up in your own world to notice Suguru eyeing you “My bet is on Ms. Iori”, you lean in suddenly caught off guard. “Bets on what exactly?”, “Bets on who will be the diamond, of course.” your face scrunches in offence. “Why wouldn’t you bet on me to be the diamond?” Suguru smiles as if it’s the most obvious answer in the whole world. 

“It wouldn't be very fair of me to bet on my own sister, would seem a bit undeserved, no?” You nudge him playfully. “You’re right. To be fair I wouldn’t bet on myself either, seems conceited.” Looking out the window to see the palace was in eyesight, thinking of who to place your bets on until your carriage abruptly halted, traffic. Just as you were going to check outside the window a certain tuft of white caught your eye. “My bets are on Ms. Mei Mei.”. You jump up in shock from Satoru’s sudden jump scare. “What is with you boys and your bets? My lord, you cannot be here!” Satoru smirks at you, surprised by the sudden honorifics. 

“My lord? You know no one is here to hear the honorifics, right? People are more likely to think Suguru and I are to be betrothed than us.” Satoru shrugs his shoulders in dismissal as Suguru looks at the boy in disgust. Smacking his shoulder at his ludicrous implication “I’m not saying that! You cannot be here because..” Stumbling over your words before huffing in defeat, moving over so Satoru can sit beside you. “No need for all the arguing, all you had to do was invite me in princess.” Satoru crosses his legs while you bump his leg in retort for getting into your personal space. 

“Sister, do you care to place a wager?” Suguru offers suddenly, probably not wanting you to feel left out. “What about Shoko being the diamond?” Silence fell upon the carriage, the boys responded with laughter as if it were the most absurd question they have ever heard. “Well, even though you both find it absurd, I choose to believe Shoko could be the perfect diamond! That is my bet.” Satoru’s taken aback by your sudden brazenness. “Not very ladylike of you to be placing wagers princess.” You cross your arms not caring of your posture at this very moment, more bothered by the nickname “Stop calling me that Satoru!”.

✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ

The weight of being in the waiting room alone hadn’t hit you until you entered the room, Mama’s looking at you with sorrow knowing there would be no one to help you prepare. No one to touch up your hair or fix your gown, feeling defeated as you slowly back yourself into the corner wishing that Suguru was still around. Missing Mei Mei being in your field view accidentally bumping into her, she scoffed in annoyance as her expression turned pinched. Watching her expression slowly turn lax as she took in your appearance, “I didn’t know this was a masquerade ball duckling, watch where you’re going next time.”. High chinned, turning on her heels as she leaves satisfied with her tasteless insult. 

Mei Mei was undeniably gorgeous yet her looks could never quite cover up the green-eyed monster of envy that travelled with her. You never let anything she did get to you knowing that she does these things out of insecurity, most girls in the ton operated that way due to high stakes. Yet the girl always found ways to torture you, a step that caused your dress to rip, a foot that caused you to trip, or a false rumor about your “faltering” status. Truth be told, she was envious of your ties to Satoru believing she was more deserving of a relationship with the handsomely wealthy Duke. Whereas the size of Satoru’s pockets never mattered to you when the amount he annoys you is triple the size of whatever he has stored away. 

You waited anxiously, eager to hear your name being called, fidgeting with your pearls every now and then. All doubt vanished when the doors opened, spotting Satoru each time being impossible to miss with his tall frame. What you didn’t expect was for him to catch your glimpse every now and then, lifting his eyebrows when you were caught gazing back. Thrown off between your staring contest with Satoru realizing your name was being called behind the doors. Chest puffed out as you started to slowly walk down the aisle.

Bowing steadily making sure your head was still held at an appropriate angle while your back remained perfectly straight. Returning to your normal stance you realize the Queen’s gaze never faltered from the window, more interested in anything else than what you had to show. Thanking your grace you left swiftly to the courtyard, relishing in the breezy outside air relaxing your heavy shoulders. “The queen does love a show does she not?” Shoko says behind you, shoulders jump in surprise at her sudden comment. “When you have everything in the world, others turn into your true source of entertainment.” Nodding in agreement, she drags you further into the courtyard.

“I knew I wasn’t going to be picked as the diamond but I would have appreciated a glance or two.” Pouting remembering the Queen's face. Shoko squeezes your arm as she’s filled with cuteness aggression, plucking the feather from your head and handing it to you. “Well… here’s to not being the diamond.” Shoko lifts up her feather headpiece as if it were a fencing sword, you join her as well, cheering for an obvious expectation. “Would now be a bad time to mention that I wager you to be the diamond?” Shoko smirks at your statement. “Me? Well aren’t you sweet. However, I could tell you right now, you’re losing that bet.”, you shrug. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Ms. Leiri.”

“Shoko, are you holding my sister captive again?” Shoko tightens her grip around your arm at your brother's question. “She was just telling me about a bet you two blockheads had, what was it about again?”, both boys look away acting clueless at any mention of a bet. Shoko rolls her eyes only to be interrupted by her mother, saying a quick bye to your group before parting. Deciding it was time to head to your carriage, you linked arms with your brother. Noticing Mei Mei chatting with Satoru, fake laughing at something he said, feeling your eyes rolling back in disgust. 

Suguru softly chuckles before leaning down to whisper, “Satoru cannot tell the difference between a needle or a knife in a haystack.”. Your eyebrow raises in confusion at your brother’s statement, “To be fair Suguru, I don’t think anyone could tell the difference.”. Suguru gently nods, “One who knew there was a knife in the haystack wouldn’t dare touch it, right? However, knowing Satoru he would be the only one who’s brazen enough to take on the challenge of looking through the haystack.”. Feeling joy nip at your cheeks finally understanding what your brother is trying to say “Well, consider him lucky because that challenge dangles after him desperately.” Suguru rubs his forehead in distress, knowing only his friend is foolish enough to entangle himself with the likes of Mei Mei. 

“Is it naive of me to think that maybe they were simply discussing gossip?” Suguru stills, “Do not jest.”. Hopping into the carriage waiting for your brother's full attention, “I’m not jesting, is it so bad to simply have a little bit of faith in Satoru’s character? Especially when he’s talking to someone as arrogant as Mei Mei.” Baffled at your response, your brother seems to have a look of shock on his face. ”Yes, having faith in anyone who is not yours is a dangerous entanglement. Especially when the person you put your faith into is as arrogant as the person you dislike.” You scoffed at his comparison. Sure Satoru was full of himself but the confidence the boy had was completely different from the narcissism Mei Mei displayed. 

“I’d like to believe that I know Satoru better than anyone else so please try not to argue. I don’t want an argument. I want you to be aware that the Satoru in your dreams is not the Satoru in reality.” Your breath halts, confused at what your brother could be implying. “Excuse me? What do you mean by the Satoru in my dreams?”, shoulders tensing with fury. Suguru tilts his head, eyes zeroing in on you, “Don’t be foolish, you can lie to everyone in the ton but not me sister.” Head swimming in confusion feeling completely dense at what he is implying. 

“You’re so called annoyance for the boy teeters on the edge of admiration.” No question mark at the end, a statement as if he didn’t need to hear your opinion to assume he was correct. Suguru was waiting for the gears to turn in your head, waiting for you to finally acknowledge the frequent jests, nicknames, and gamesome routine you two shared was not out of displeasure but out of affection. Suguru watched both of you and knew that Satoru wasn’t comfortable with just anyone like he was with you. He often wondered if the boy was being nice because you are his sister or if Satoru’s lighthearted nature came from being interested in you.

Suguru never got the verbal confirmation he wanted from you but your appearance was too heavy to deny it. Your brows furrowed in irritation, looking back on all the instances you’ve ever interacted with Satoru. The bickering slowly turned somewhat saccharine after you realized how much he was smiling during all of it. Evading your personal space not out of displeasure but out of routine. “Whatever you think brother is simply not true, I could never display such feelings for Satoru because he would never have such feelings for me. You have it wrong.” 

“Would you like him to have such feelings for you?” Coughing so hard out of shock that you're afraid the corset might bust. “That is not, this” As suddenly as you open your mouth the carriage door opens “We have arrived.”. Your coach notices the tension immediately grabbing your hand as you squabble to leave. “Don’t forget about the ball later at dusk!” Suguru yells. “I cannot forget it! Even if I wanted to.” Whispering the last part under your breath. 

✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ

“Suguru!” Calling for your brother only to be met with a heavy silence. “Suguru! Where are you?” Resorting to your wits end, checking for him in his office. Opening the doors to see him still working while you were fully dressed for the first ball of the season. Crossing your arms, dissatisfied that he reminded you about the ball only to forget it himself. “I know what you’re thinking but I figured we would head to the ball separately, I have to catch up on some of my duties.”, sighing out of pity for how hard your brother worked while you mingled around. 

“Fine, I’ll allow it. At least now I get to leave earlier while you get stuck by yourself with debutaunts.” Suguru chuckles, noting the time. “If anyone asks I’ll tell them you’re showing up fashionably late. I’m off now, I’ll be expecting you later.” Suguru nods in agreement watching you leave, Nora trailing not too far behind you. Unsuspecting of your brother's suspicious behavior, just as he suspected. Maybe if you had spared a single glance behind you, you would’ve spotted a particular gentleman getting out of his carriage. 

Satoru watches as you leave, suspicious as to why Suguru called on him so unexpectedly. “Suguru, what’s the deal? I spotted your sister leaving, are you playing some sort of game with me?” Satoru notices Suguru shaking his head, “You know there’s a ball to attend right Suguru?” Suguru looks up sternly “Satoru, I have a request for you. One that is quite serious to me.” Satoru glances back and forth between Suguru and the empty spaces in his office, genuinely confused if he’s talking to him this seriously. 

Satoru leans on Suguru’s desk following him as he stands, “I request you not to entangle yourself with my sister.” Satoru starts scratching at his chin, “Entangle? What exactly do you mean by that?”. Suguru stands up straight looking down on the giant man leaning on his desk. “If you have no intentions of eloping with my sister, do not give her false hope.” Satoru starts fumbling on his words knowing that Suguru’s request is out of protection but is also incredibly shallow. “Let me get this straight, I cannot be around your sister unless I have clear intentions?” Suguru nods.

“Did she make this request or are you trying to shield her?” Suguru exhales very dramatically. “Satoru, I will always protect my family. We both know about your rakeish tendencies, is it so wrong to be protective over her?” Satoru’s fists clench “Does this rule go for every man in the ton? Or is this a special rule?” Suguru’s wide stance takes over Satoru’s tense stature, leaning in. “Let me ask you this Satoru, what are your intentions with my sister?” Satoru slaps his hands down on the desk “Why don’t I talk to your sister and you’ll find out.”

“Want to duel before we go to the ball, Satoru? Rules are rules and you will never have my blessing unless I know your head is clear.” Suguru leaves the gentleman behind not caring anymore for the conversation. He knew he only had so much time to chat until he had to get ready. His point was crystal clear and now, the both of you knew exactly what it would take for you to come together. Whether you both will like the outcome was not up to him but down the line, you’ll thank him for it.

✧₊⁺🕯⋆.˚୨ৎ

Sweet melodies filled the beautiful manor as people all throughout the ton scattered around the ballroom. Dance cards had started to be filled out, drinks were passed around, and social groups had been formed. An hour had passed noting the time so you could pester your brother about how rude it was to be late. The Tsukumo's greeted you shortly asking about your brother before leaving to greet other guests. Observing who was around that you could find some interest in chatting to.

Falling short choosing to instead look around the art the Tsukumo’s had displayed. Encapsulated by how vibrant the colors were, failing to notice another girl was around you. “The skyline on this one is particularly gorgeous is it not?” Glancing over to see Utahime. “Yes, it is but I am quite interested in this one’s skyline. The cerulean blue is too beautiful to not catch one's eye.” Utahime winces while you giggle at her silly expression.

“I take it you're not a fan of cerulean blue?” she grimaces at the mention. “I don’t have a particular fondness of blue overall. It reminds me of a certain gentleman I do not take a liking to.” Filling in the blanks as to what gentleman she is regarding, your brows furrow. Never really noticing how you associated the color to Satoru. “To be fair Mr. Gojo can be a bit polarizing to some, I understand your displeasure of the association.” 

“I’m Utahime Iori and you’re (y/n) Geto, correct?” nodding, surprised that she knew who you were. “All of the other debutaunts only ever really talk about suitors but you Ms. Geto are quite refreshing." Cheery at Utahime’s praise you continue to talk about the interest you shared in art. Realizing that another hour has gone by, you excuse yourself from the conversation with the girl. Insisting that you will be calling Utahime as soon as you can tomorrow to fetch you both some painting supplies, shocked that you finally made a friend not associated with your brother.

It had already been a couple of hours when you noticed Satoru and Suguru had not shown up or made their presence known. Eyes scouting around the ballroom, only to halt when you come to notice Satoru once again chatting with Mei Mei. She leans particularly close as if to whisper something into the gentleman's ear before she leaves swiftly. Your eyes were too busy to follow Mei Mei instead desperately looking around to see if anyone noticed the scandalous behavior she was exuding. Shocked that you saw Satoru’s eyes unexpectedly on you, he looks away hastily, turning around to walk the opposite way Mei Mei took. 

Assessing the situation your brain told you to not follow him scared to walk in on something you’re not ready to face. Whereas your heart told you to follow him, wanting to believe he had the best intentions. Taking a glimpse around, noticing that no one was observing as you speedily ushered the route Satoru took. Catching up enough to see his silhouette but not close enough to grab his attention. 

Soon he opened the door to a room, closing it discreetly. Your heart raced, never being this cunning before in your life but deciding the risk was worth the charge. Opening the door to only find an empty library, no scandalous noises, or clothing disarray. “You followed me?” hearing his voice you crumble in guilt. “You’d actually believe I’d follow her?” Having no chance to answer as Satoru’s hardened gaze took in the sight of you.

Satoru’s eyes never once left you, not bearing to look directly at him but feeling his aura exuding disappointment. Your hands were shaking, not knowing whether to feel relief or shame by what your true intentions in following him were about. “I could not live with myself knowing that, that you” Stumbling over your shaky words as your throat began to dry up. “That I would scandalize myself to Mei Mei?” Satoru finishes your sentence assuming the worst.

Brows furrowing as you completely shake your head in disagreement at the barbaric accusation. Astonished at what Satoru said, “No! That thought never crossed my mind, what makes you say that?” Satoru freezes realizing what he said in the heat of the moment “You think I don’t know about the gossip that gets spread around about me?” Rebuttiling instantly “You think that I out of everyone listen to gossip? What are you hiding, Satoru?” Satoru should’ve told you right there what Suguru had told him about making his intentions clear but his friends' words lingered in his mind. 

Knowing his past, knowing that the Satoru you knew in your mind was flawed would make you seem him entirely different. Satoru took a deep breath, “You are aggravating!” The gentleman took steps toward you. “You pry, you lurk in the shadows, pretend not to care but I notice and it is maddening!” your lips tremble fearing that the person you never wanted to bother finds you abrasive. Satoru finds himself peeling back as your fragrance hits his senses taking over every ounce of sanity he had. Needing to breathe fresh air he heads towards the terrace until you intervened pulling his wrist back.

“Satoru, I could not live with myself knowing that Mei Mei took advantage of you knowing she does not have your best interest, I think it would be senseless of you to associate with her.” Satoru’s shoulders stiffen at your rapid breaths, “Personally, I think that you shouldn’t entangle yourself in my business.” Satoru thought you would let go of his wrist but was shocked when you grabbed it tighter. “What are you talking about Satoru?”, clenching your jaw in anger at his sudden withdrawal. “The interest you have in me is not one that I can give back to you, can’t you see that.” 

Your heart aches in your chest finally realizing what he is verbalizing. “Satoru,” “Your Grace, you may not address me as Satoru any further." Finally letting go of his hand as if he hit the last nail on the coffin. “I think the decision is best if you were to find new suitors. They would not like you calling me by my first name.” Satoru noticed the sudden sadness that was hiding beneath your eyes. “You should be on your way now.” He pats the top of your head before feeling a sharp palm hit his left cheek. When he looks back at you all he can see is fury, “You think that after everything you can suddenly erase yourself from my life? After you're the one who irritatingly worked your way into it.” 

Satoru can’t find the words currently stuck in his throat, shocked that you slapped him. “If you truly believe that Mei Mei is the one for you then so be it but don’t punish me because you’re too cowardly to communicate.” You leave the room, allowing him to ruminate on your last statement, upset at yourself for letting him see you in such immodesty. Misery surrounds you, fully aware that the person you thought you knew found your existence aggravating. Not an ounce of hurt that you were feeling translated on your face as you were walking to your carriage, not wanting to give the ton the satisfaction of gossip they were feeding for.

Your body freezes from the chill hitting you, watching as your coach pulls up offering to help you in. Not caring to say goodbye to anyone, just wanting to get home to your room as soon as possible. Staring out the window picturing Mei Mei laughing with Satoru, not knowing if he even cared about your presence not being present. Nauseous knowing that Mei Mei, the green eyed monster of the ton would get to see the loving gentler side of Satoru, when all her desires were sinful. Suguru was right, the feelings you had for the gentleman were out of affection.

You were obtuse to have not realized it sooner. Maybe if you had, this predicament would’ve been less likely. Now all you're left with was a broken heart, a heart that severed a connection that was never truly yours in the first place.

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