Do you think we will ever be able to laugh at this?

[Derrick Kenworthy]

With most the ton leaving London within days, soon it would become almost unrecognizable from the bustled chaos that it was when this began. Daphne was here to visit her mother, so Simon took the chance to check in on his friend and try to . . . ease into the friendly banter they once had. In the recent weeks they had had many disagreements, a duel, and a public brawl at White's. None was good for the Ton nor for their friendship. And despite how it could have looked these weeks--Simon did indeed value that friendship.

A servant led the way to Anthony's study, before calling and introduction as Simon entered. "Bridgerton," he greeted. While Simon was sure of his welcome, he wasn't sure of the ease at which they could convers today. Talking had never been something Simon was comfortable with, but it had been less of a chore with Anthony then it had been in his childhood. Anthony had helped pull Simon out of himself in his youth and he valued that.

And he intended to make effort in trying to help mend it toward being what it once was if they were able too. While things were not awkward between them, he wanted that ease between them once more.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony's recent state had caused him to immerse himself in paperwork. Work that he had perhaps neglected before as he preferred the bliss that came with the woman he . . . the woman that was no more in his life. It was final this time. He knew it was. She had asked him to let her go, and he had to. Offering apology, and it was perhaps, the closest to allowing tears to fall from his eyes than he ever had. Fortunately, he had stopped the. Fortunately, he had woken up from this ignorant bliss. They could not be. And it was high time he take his role as Viscount more seriously.

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That he catch up on work that was not done. That he focus on finding a wife. That he focus on preparing the rest of his siblings of age to find suitable matches. Yes. He was a Viscount and he shan't make the mistake of forgetting it again, nor putting his happiness above anything else. So instead, he read and scribbled words where necessary on the documents before him. Footsteps alerting him, and a voice announcing Duke Hastings. Basset. Simon. Anthony nodded as the man entered, prompting Anthony to pause and just watch him. He truly despised how things had unfolded between them. A man that was such a dear friend, a brother of heart . . . and a relationship that was strained by way of honor and fists.

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The last time they had a conversation one to one, Anthony had scolded him for screwing up with Daphne. And Hastings, the man who knew him all too well, knew exactly what to say to prompt a reaction from him. One where Anthony all but had pounced on the man. No. This was not how he wished things to be between them. "Hastings," he greeted in return, setting down his quill and leaning back a little in his chair. He raised his hand, motioning to the chair across from him.

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Perhaps it was a good thing that there was his desk between them. Not that he wished for any more strain between them. Quite the opposite in fact. Though he did not know how to achieve, and silence filled the air in what should otherwise have been ease of conversation as it had so often been between them. "What brings you here?" He asked, his tone not harsh, but not fully relaxed either.

[Derrick Kenworthy]

Simon took the offered chair, walking across the carpeted room in measured strides to each it. As with most well off noble homes the chair was plush and comfortable. Simon relaxed in it just enough that he could cross one leg to rest his booted ankle on his knee.

"Daphne wishes to visit her mother to inquire if her plans were to stay in London or to retire to the county for the off season." Simon begin explaining in his normal slow cadence. While many just accepted that Simon didn't rush when speaking, he--and not his wife--knew that he took effort in controlling his voice. Assuming that each sound came out with perfection. "I thought to share a drink with a friend." Surly Bridgeton had something worth drinking here. If not they could seek out something at White's but he didn't seek other company right now.

Things had changed between them many times over his courtship of Daphne. Simon knew some excuses were in order, but at the same time he was a duke and never had explained himself to anyone. He planned to give Anthony the simple version without detail. So that his friend might know that he had not lied to him, but that Daphne had in fact taken him by surprise.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony sat silently, listening as Simon explained that Daphne had gone to speak with his mother. Yes. They would all need to sort out their plans as to whether they were staying in town for some time, or going to their country residences. At this moment, only Anthony's family was keeping him in town. Other than that, there was nothing. No one. How quickly things had changed.

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Simon then added that he wished to come here . . . to share a drink. Anthony just watched him for another moment, not failing to recognize that the man was at least making an effort. That he was seeking him out to . . . spend time with him. Simon was part of their family now and Anthony did not wish for there to be this, tension between them. They had just been through so much. Without saying anything, he rose to his feet and moved to where he had some of the finest brandy he could offer, proceeding to pour two glasses as he returned and extended one to Simon. "A sentiment still welcome," he told him . . . or perhaps, assured him.

[Derrick Kenworthy]

Bridgerton offered him a glass of brandy, and Simon took it--grateful for the drink and the words. "A am pleased to hear it. I know I have given you reason to doubt. I wont give reason again." He meant it. He was not going to let this second chance at life slip through his grasp again.

He was trying to let his hate with her father go, and work on a happy life instead. Or at least living to spite the man. He was still working out the details in his head, and did not think he would ever full let go of the hate for the man who sired him, but he did not have to let it drive his life.

"I thought perhaps if I explained more then I could before, it would help repair the friendship. I have always counted you among my closest friends. I would have wished for none other to be my brother-in-law as well." Simon would not expose Daphne in his telling, but only of himself.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Derrick Kenworthy
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony listened as Simon assured him that he would not give him any more reason to doubt . . . and his following words causing Anthony's heart to swell with sentiment at them. He remained silent, absorbing the meaning of them. That despite everything, they were still brothers. Now solidified through a union of his marriage to Daphne. "Before you do, I would like to say something," he finally began. Yes. This would be a perfect opportunity for the two of them to talk things out in a clear, calm manner. Able to articulate now what they otherwise struggled to do.

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"I wish to, apologize." Which, was not something Anthony did often but were they to truly put the past behind them, he needed to do so now. Simon deserved that much at the very least. "I should not have said those things to you." About his family, about his father. Anthony had gotten involved in his and Daphne's business . . . and anger took over his better judgment. Which, had resulted in a physical fight. "I am sorry," he told him, the Viscount's gaze resting on the Duke's so that he would know he was speaking from the heart. Taking a sip of his drink, he swallowed and then spoke once more. "Now please, continue," he encouraged Simon, as he had said that he wished to explain more than he was otherwise able.