Brothers Of Heart

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy

Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

There weren't many that Anthony trusted, nor considered a dear and close friend. Bassett Hastings was one of the few. So to see him returned to London was indeed a joyous thing. The man was now Duke and somehow, it was difficult for Anthony to wrap his head around. Perhaps because he knew titles had never stood between them. That they had become friends and bonding over more than rank. A similarity of personality and a mutual understanding as well as respect.

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It was why he insisted that Simon join him at the club today, so that they may catch up. Anthony knew the loss of a father though he also knew that Simon's upbringing was quite different than Anthony's own where it came to family. When he saw Simon enter, he stood up with a smile. "Hastings, come," he urged, motioning to the vacant seat across from him. Vacant; because Anthony had made sure no one sat there. "Will you have a drink?" Anthony both asked and offered. The two shared quite the memories from their days at Oxford. Memories that Anthony held quite dear and ones that had allowed him to form a bond . . . one that time had not severed.

[Derrick Kenworthy]

London never held much appeal to Simon, who instead liked the simpler life of the country where he wasn't accosted by 'good meaning' people who wanted to tell him how sorry they were his father was dead--or worst compare him to his father. Every time one of these debutant mothers approached him to sing the praises of her prized pet daughter and told him how much he looked like his father, or how sad they were he was gone--Simon wanted to make them eat their overly stuffed bonnet.

He wasn't sad the bastard was gone. He didn't want to look like him, or be like him, or even be the Duke right now. The Hastings line was dying, and he was going to be what killed it. His father could watch from Hell as his hated idiot son let it die slowly. It was a vow he'd made years and years ago--but had only recently told it to his father. It was the last thing the old man had heard, and Simon took pleasure in that.

His father was the reason he didn't like London, or even a lot of people in London. The social world and the appearance of perfection had meant more to the Duke then his son--so Simon had come to hate it all.

With the exception of an old and dear friend. One who Simon never felt pressured to talk with, so the words came more with ease. "Bridgerton," Simon greeted, walked over to join his friend and letting the thoughts of his father slip away for a short while. Simon ordered his drink, and then offered Anthony his hand in a formal but warm greeting between old friends. Only then did he take the offer seat. He liked that with Anthony he could be Simon, even if Anthony called him Hastings. "It is good to see you. I had planned to let call on you before I left. Lady Danbury . . . insisted I join her at her ball or I would have told you I was in town before." It wasn't a direct apology, but between friends that wasn't always needed.

^{TAG: Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy

Note: Better layout coming soon! 

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony took Simon's hand in greeting, casual and warm for Hastings was indeed a dear friend close to his heart. He reminded Anthony of a different time in his life; one where he pulled pranks and did not have as much . . . responsibility. Anthony always knew he was destined for this, born into it. However, he had never expected to take on the role so soon, and so young.

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Once Hastings sat down, so did Anthony, listening as he explained that he had meant to see him sooner. "It was a pleasant surprise," he assured him. "And I know what you would have done, had you the choice between calling on me or attending the ball," Anthony said jokingly, implying that Hastings would rather see him. He was of course simply teasing, though he knew how the now Duke felt about such extravagant affairs. Especially with mamas swarming him with their daughters. "How terrible was it?" Anthony asked, with a slight chuckle of amusement, eager to hear his friend's account of the night.