Symbol Prompt For Henry

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ [ ◐ ] my muse is having a sleepover with your muse. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Tag bunny

                       
                           the rules of society.

[bunny]

"AND HERE WE ARE," Henry says, opening the door to his two-floor flat. This is where he lives most of the time, but he does have some property out in the country (and another apartment in New York). However, they are both now in London, and it has been a few months since Benedict walked into his gallery and insulted his art to his face. Since then, they have spent a considerable amount of time together. . . Henry cannot figure him out. The younger man has been radiating this energy that Henry finds intoxicating, but he seems to be exploring himself. Which is fine.

Perhaps tonight will ignite something in them both. Henry offered Benedict use of his studio, which is the entirety of the second floor, to take his time and create an art piece he is proud of with Henry's expert eye helping him. The fact that he'll be sleeping over is a plus. . . 

Henry gives him a tour - of the studio, of the guest bedroom where Benedict will be sleeping, and then he even shows him the master bedroom. "With room enough for at least four people," Henry says with a saucy little glance, "but could most certainly fit two rather comfortably. Don't you think?" He lets that hang, wondering if the power of suggestion will lead Benedict one way or the other. They will see. 

"We can get you set up for the morning, but afterward I could cook us dinner -- unless you would prefer to have food delivered?" Henry asks, and he pulls out his vape pen, taking a drag and blowing out smoke to the side. It's a terrible habit, but he likes the taste. "I want to make your stay most comfortable, Ben." 

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

[Benedict Bridgerton]

                                                   I'm not bound by the rules of society                                  

Benedict knew that this made the most sense. To remain at Henry's for the night so that he did not have to concern himself with going back to his family's estate late, nor make the trip across town at a late hour. This way, they could truly maximize their time, and Henry was gracious enough to do that. At least this was what Benedict was convincing himself of. That this, was the most logical option. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Besides, they would have the morning as well. With Henry being an incredible mentor . . . Benedict wished to seize any and every opportunity to be in his company. But, he was also growing aware that this company he desired for him, was for purposes beyond . . . just art. Pulling himself out of his thoughts he smiled with gratitude, and tried not to let his comment show the true effect it had on Benedict as he remained smiling, yes the implications of it were . . . not undesirable. "A theory that might need to be tested at some point," he suggested with the same tone as however Henry had meant it, though of course it too hung in the air. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Hiding those almost shy feelings, Benedict was grateful for the next part of conversation . . . though it did nothing to help ease whatever emotions the older male was causing him to have. The offer to cook him dinner, wanting to make him comfortable. Well, damn. "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you," he quickly told him. "You're already doing so much. I'm comfortable. I mean well, I will be." Oh well that didn't sound right either. Why was he feeling strangely nervous. Or flustered. Pushing it all back, and remaining as composed as he could, he continued, hoping he wouldn't keep sounding like an idiot. "You have a really lovely place," he complimented sincerely. "And, I can help cook," he further offered, not wanting to take advantage of Henry who was clearly a very . . . generous host. Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!!

[bunny]

HENRY HAD SMIRKED at Benedict's comment. Perhaps there will be some testing of the theory -- but only if Benedict does truly show interest. He relaxes an arm against the breakfast bar in his kitchen, brow raising at the younger as he says he doesn't want to inconvenience him. Henry rubs a hand over his bearded face, giving him a curious look. "Inconvenience? You are my guest, Benedict Bridgerton, you silly boy. It is no trouble." 

He was adorable with the way he stammered. Was he nervous? Henry stands tall again, tilting his head curiously. Is that a hint of a blush on his face? Curious indeed. . . 

"Thank you. I redesigned the architecture a bit when I bought it to be more useful. It is rather comfortable, is it not?" He places a hand on his side thoughtfully. "I spend a lot of time upstairs, so I figured I better like the place. Lucy was a dear and recommended some things as well. She really has quite the eye for design. She actually designed this shirt." He's wearing a short-sleeved button down with a charming design on it. Henry looks like a modern hipster artist. He takes another drag of his vape before putting it back in his breast pocket.

"Oh, you cook? Now that is fascinating. I didn't think a proper lad like you knew how." Henry teases as he turns to his fridge. "But you can help me prepare the ingredients, if you must feel the need to be useful. Would you like something to think? I have wine, beer," and then he turns back to Benedict, "and tequila." 

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

[Benedict Bridgerton]

                                                   I'm not bound by the rules of society                                  

Benedict smiled brightly when Henry assured him that it was no trouble. He knew that with his privilege and position in society, it may give off a sense of, entitlement. And Benedict wanted to make sure he never conveyed that. That he express genuine appreciation and not take anything for granted. Especially nothing from Henry Granville. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Thank you, I appreciate that," he told him sincerely. He listened to Henry talk about the design, and that his close friend had a keen eye for it too, having designed his shirt. Ben's gaze fell to shirt that Henry wore, his eyes perhaps lingering a bit too long before raising them to meet the other's gaze. "That's quite impressive," he complimented. "Seems like you two have a lot in common. Both creative in your own ways." Creative and artistic it would seem. When Henry commented as to whether Benedict cooked . . . well, he knew he couldn't lie about that, giving him a bit of a sheepish smile. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "I wouldn't say I know how took per say," he began to say. He did not want to mislead Henry, though supposed he said it to try and impress him. Why he wanted to even do that, Benedict hadn't the faintest idea. "But I am good at following direction," he added on with a bit of a grin, prepared to assist in whatever way he could. None of his siblings really knew how to cook, unfortunately. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Benedict proceeded to roll up his sleeves in preparation to do whatever he could to help Henry; it was after all the least he could do. Ben couldn't help but chuckle with amusement as he listed off the drinks. "I don't think you want to give me tequila," he warned him. Benedict did not drink it often and the last thing he wanted was to get smashed in front of Henry. "Beer sounds good." Usually at high end social events he drank wine, so beer was a welcome change, enjoying the beverage for a more relaxed environment. "What's your drink of choice?" He asked curiously. Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!!

[bunny]

"OH, I THINK I DO. But, perhaps, another time." Henry says with a teasing little grin to his tequila comment. "And it is good you can follow directions. A good boy, aren't you?" Oh, come on, Henry. He's laying it on way too thick, but he can't help himself. There's been some kind of flirtation between them; their chemistry is addicting. So what is he to do? He would never want to make Benedict feel uncomfortable, so he gauges his reactions. He goes to the fridge and pulls out two beers from a microbrewery that a friend owns. He pops the tops swiftly and turns back to Ben, placing down one beer for him. 

Henry considers for a moment as he takes a sip of his own beer. "Hm. . . what to cook. . ." And then he turns back to his fridge, looking over his groceries. He cooks for himself about half the time, but he enjoys the art of cooking. . . the way it makes him pause and really consider what he's doing. He pulls out two steaks, some vegetables, and then he goes for his potatoes. 

"Can you peel potatoes?" He asks, placing the ingredients on his island. Henry grabs a couple of pots and bowls, making noise as he goes. He takes another sip of his beer, enjoying it, before putting a bowl and a peeler in front of Henry. "It is a simple task, but I can demonstrate if you need."

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

[Benedict Bridgerton]

                                                   I'm not bound by the rules of society                                  

Benedict gave a bit of a sheepish smile at the thought of him with Tequila . . . and Henry's desire to see him drunk with it. It was a good thing Benedict wasn't planning on that. He was worried about what sort of unfiltered jargon would come out of his mouth when his inhibitions were so drastically lowered. "Another time indeed . . . or you know, never," he said teasingly, a playful challenge in his words. The smile remained when Henry called him a good boy, phrases like that often leaving Ben wondering if it constituted as . . . flirting. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Of course he knew Henry's preference but with Benedict not having have quite defined his own, he was unsure where it left him. What he did know, was that being with Henry, awoke things in him that he had never quite felt before. So even something as simple as spending the night . . . left him oddly nervous. Fortunately, the subject of food distracted him, as did the beer. "Thank you," he said as he took a swig of his drink. He watched Henry -- perhaps a little too intently -- as he rummaged through the fridge, taking things out. Benedict swallowed as Henry asked him if he could peel potatoes. His eyes lightly widened but he quickly redeemed himself. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "Sure, I can peel potatoes." Benedict had never peeled a potato in his life, but how hard could it be? He confidently walked over to the potato, bowl and peeler, and held it up. His eyes quickly inspecting it before he began to scrape the skin in an upward motion; bottom to the top. Which, wasn't working quite as well. He quickly rectified himself and started peeling from the top to the bottom. As yes. That worked better. Benedict slightly turned his head to peek at Henry to see if he had noticed. God, he hoped not. Especially since he had offered to. Benedict wasn't an idiot. He knew how to peel a damn potato! But alas, those nerves he felt just seemed to be taking over. "Do you enjoy cooking?" Ben asked, wondering if Henry did this out of enjoyment or necessity. Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!!

[bunny]

HENRY WATCHES BENEDICT out of the corner of his eye as he combats the potatoes. Oh, how hilarious. He is delighted by Ben's attempt at confidence. He starts to work on the meal, chopping up some peppers on the counter across from him, spying glances. Benedict Bridgerton is so endearing; it is hard to stay away. He had been hoping for this night alone. He does not expect anything of Bridgerton, though he would not be upset if something did occur. After a few moments, he finds himself focusing on the task at hand. 

He has onions and peppers chopped up and placed in a bowl when he hears Benedict ask his question. Henry turns to him and looks at the state of the poor potatoes. He snorts a little bit and goes over to him. "Allow me?" He asks, and he reaches to take Ben's hands. "You are being much too aggressive with the potato. We are losing some delicious pieces." He's speaking right in Benedict's ear as he moves to guide him, to show him the correct way--should he not put up any resistance. "And yes, I do enjoy cooking very much. It is much like painting in that it soothes me. . . helps keep my mind occupied with something. And the final result is usually pleasant. I take all kinds of culinary classes for the fun of it. Perhaps I can drag you to one as well."

Tag: Benedict Bridgerton

[Benedict Bridgerton]

I'm not bound by                                  

It would seem that Benedict had failed with the potatoes. So when Henry came to him, offering to do it . . . Ben couldn't help but feel embarrassed, though he tried to make no show of it. Perhaps if it had been anyone else, he wouldn't have minded . . . hell, he probably would have straight up admitted that he'd never peeled potatoes. But with Henry, it was different. Everything certainly was different with Henry. "It's . . . quite obvious isn't it, that I've never peeled a potato before," he said a bit sheepishly as he felt Henry's hands touch his. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ Ben was becoming quite distracted from the vegetables when he felt Henry speak so close to his ear, and his hands directing him to the peeling. Benedict swallowed, wondering how the hell Henry managed to make something like peeling potatoes so sensual. Surely, this was just another skill that the man possessed . . . among the many it would seem. Benedict felt all too aware of him, knowing that if he turned his head just a little, that their lips would not be far . . . and yet, Benedict somehow miraculously managed to keep his gaze at the task before him. Hands gliding over the skin with Henry's guidance. ◈   ◈   ◈  ◈  ◈ "That's . . . great." Was that even the right thing to say? Oh yes! Henry was talking about cooking classes. "I mean, it is truly a helpful skill to have." Having grown up with servants, it was never something Benedict had needed to learn. But, it did not mean he wasn't willing to. "I'd like that," Benedict said with a smile, the thought of doing a cooking class with Henry rather appealing. Trying to distract his mind -- though it felt as if it was an impossibility given their current positions -- Benedict continued. "As long as there are no potatoes involved," he told him with a bit of a chuckle, though not without truth. Tag bunny

                       
                           the rules of society.

[bunny]

"You are adorable when you lie, Benedict." Henry teases as he continues to guide Benedict through the peeling. Is he purposefully doing this to muddy the waters? Maybe -- okay, yes. He is curious to see how hard he can push before it becomes too much. Perhaps he should just be open about it. Though it is quite fun to watch Benedict squirm. . . "Yes, I agree. It is." He helps him through another two before finally, finally, pulling away. He finds it hard to be apart from Benedict. He tries to recall what cologne he's wearing. 

"No promises. You need to up your potato game." He chuckles, and he goes back over to his meat. Henry starts seasoning the two steaks he'd pulled away. He crusts them over with salt. "When you're done doing that, I'll show you how to make mashed potatoes the cheap and easy way. I'll need you to cut the potatoes into cubes, but I'll demonstrate so you don't cut off a finger." He's got the stove on and preheating, and he's putting some other seasoning on the meat before he wraps it in tinfoil and puts it in a pan. . .

It's about another forty minutes before the meal is finished, and Henry sets both plates down on the table. He pours them both a nice glass of wine, choosing one that would pair well with the encrusted meat. The artist relaxes in his chair, swirling some of the wine in his glass over his near-empty plate. "So, tell me more about the idea that you're planning." He glances across the table to Benedict. "For the pieces. How much help do you want from me? Or would you prefer me to just let you work in the space alone?" Henry can certainly find ways to distract himself, but he hopes Benedict wants him around upstairs.

tag: Benedict Bridgerton