Meant To Bee

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony was not sure how they had ended up here. One moment he was asking Kate to walk about the room with him, the next, they had wound up outside of the event near the gardens in the backyard. He was really just trying to find any excuse to be in her company. He couldn't exactly ask her to dance with him. Though many knew that one had to go through Kate to seek approval for Edwina, there would be far too many whispers about Anthony dancing with the older Sharma sister . . . again.

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There would be clear confusion as to who he was actually interested in. Confusion that was not too unfounded either for it also prevailed in Anthony's mind -- and heart -- as well. Rationality set in for one, desire burning for the other. It was why he had not officially stated any intentions. His thoughts to marry Edwina not yet repeated, not publicly stated. Damn Kate for making this so much harder.

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When realization set in that they were outside, having been caught in conversation that came so easily, so effortlessly between them -- even if most of it had often been back and forth banter -- he paused for a moment, having lost sight of the back doors to the event. That was how deep in the gardens they were. He knew he should not be venturing so far from a public setting with her -- not wishing to attach any scandal to her name.

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Besides, he knew first hand what happened in the gardens when two people were alone. Yet, he made no effort nor motion to take her back to where everyone else was. He wasn't ready to relinquish this private time with her. After all, he was running out of excuses and ways to be in her presence: just the two of them. Besides, a part of him felt rather . . . arrogantly pleased that she left the party with him, to be in only his company.

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"I must say, you have come a long way since I first met you. I would not have thought it possible you would leave Edwina in a room filled with men eager to court her." The words were said with clear teasing -- after all, Mary was in there too -- but that arrogant part of him, rather enjoyed point out the fact that she had chosen instead, to be with him. Realized or not.

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He couldn't resist subtly -- not perhaps not soo subtly with how well they seemed to understand each other -- pointing that out to her. Though, he knew that he too had been one such man; though he would leave out the term eager. And yet, he too had chosen -- preferred -- to come out here with Kate, instead of being in there asking her younger sister to dance. The irony was not lost on him, but simply one that he consciously failed to point out.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

Kate had never held the attentions of a man like Anthony before. What first seemed like a callous rake who only wanted a pretty face and cared nothing about her sister--turned out to be something different. She tried not to, but Anthony was . . . . was fun to be around. She liked being around him. She . . . dare she admit it? Maybe when she was alone she'd admit it to herself, but currently all Kate wanted to do was be in the moment. Enjoy the moment!

"Hardly, I am only distracting the season's biggest rake out here, so she will be safe in there." Kate counted, though her voice was both a insult, and a playful jab all in one. More meant to poke fun of how they used to seeing each other--her the mother hen and him the fox she was keeping her chick away from. They no longer saw each other and thus.

Which was why she had let him lead them away from the ball, and further away from the lights and seeing eyes. She had known that they were leaving the ball but she had not raised a voice to halt it. Foolish perhaps, but she wanted to spent time with him. She wanted to be the one he saw . . . the only one he saw . . . if only for a shorten while.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

A flash of arrogance swept over the Viscount's features as Kate spoke. "You give me far too much credit, Ms. Sharma," he told her returning the tone of teasing. Somehow, despite the mockery of their words to one another . . . it was understood that they were not meant. Well, perhaps they were to a certain extent. But certainly not to the same level they had been when they first met. Much had changed since then. Evolved. Progressed.

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. . . Intensified.

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"Though, I am perhaps the most clever one as it is known that you are quite an obstacle." Anthony deliberately left off how she was an obstacle. It could of course be assumed -- commonly -- that he was talking about the fact that one had to go through Kate and gain her approval, in order to successful propose and even court Edwina.

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But, deep down, that was not what Anthony meant. It meant . . . that Kate was an obstacle. Kate, herself, was an obstacle because she was creating conflict within Anthony and causing these feelings, and desires to burn with him where he otherwise should just be focused on her sister. And yet, he could not keep his eyes off of Kate. Damn her. She was quite the obstacle indeed.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

He claimed he was the smart one, as she was the obstacle one had to over come. Kate knew that the idea that Edwaina had to get approval from her wasn't in complete seriousness but she took the idea to heart none the less. She had not wanted her sister to get her head turned by a charming rake and be left unhappy in her life for it. She wanted her sister to make a good match.

Yet, in effort to keep this one away from her sister, she had let him turn her head, and more. "And what does a rake intend to do with such an obstacle in his way?" There was never any competition between her and her sister but Kate was coming to enjoy and crave her time with Anthony. She wasn't sure why he wished--or had wished--or maybe still did wish? to marry her sister. It left her wanting to spend the time she could with him, and wondering what this meant.

Her question wasn't meant to be deep. It wasn't meant to ask more then continue the teasing between them and jest toward their rocky beginnings. However, once spoken her mind begin to think of more.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Oh there were so many ways he could answer that question. It was becoming increasingly difficult to restrain the natural urges that seemed to consume him when he was around Kate. To exercise self control and restraint. And being provided with a perfect opportunity to give a suggestive or flirtatious answer . . . was more than tempting. But, he needed to be careful. Kate was not the one he was planning on marry. That would pose far too many complications. So instead, he just smiled, the same expression he held since they started this conversation.

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"The same I do with any obstacle . . ." He stepped a little closer to her, leaning in towards her. Close enough that he took in that intoxicating scent of hers. Had he moved any closer . . . if he only simply leaned in a bit more . . . "Overcome it." The words so plainly stated and yet, held an underlying tone to them. Yes. Restraint was indeed becoming increasingly difficult and had a distracting buzzing not suddenly filled the otherwise, tense air . . . he may very well have kissed her. But instead, his head jerked toward the sound and saw non other than a bee. He abruptly stepped back, instinct wanting to swat it away but also realized that it was not only his life at stake, but Kate's too. "Remain still," he told her, all hint of amusement vanished from his face. His features matching his tone: deadpan and serious.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

He was going to kiss her. Anthony Bridgerton was going to kiss her. Kate felt herself leaning closer to him, her eyes slowly beginning to close--and then he stepped back and asked her to remain still. Opening her eyes she saw the bee flying around. She felt disappointed and confused. Looking around she wondered if someone was coming closer to them.

When Kate saw no one, she looked back at Anthony who was still while the bee flew closer. "I do not understand." she admitted in a slow voice. Turning to look up and then turning the other way to look around her, she then looked back at him. Why should she not move? At first she assumed they were caught but no other persons were around. Did . . . did he mean the bee?

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

This was not the first time that Anthony had been in the presence of a bee. He had of course crossed paths with them before. Hell, he had even flirted with the dangerous notion of them, daring them to sting him. He was not afraid of death. It was inevitable; the only certainty of life. For Anthony Bridgerton, it simply meant that this certainty would come sooner rather than later. He supposed he was luckier than most, for he knew when it was going to happen for him. He was . . . prepared -- somewhat -- for it. And so, he remained unafraid of those bees that buzzed around him. Taunting him. Playing a dangerous game of life and death. But, this was different. This time, Kate was in his presence and he would not have a bee claim her life.

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He would not lose anyone else to it's venomous sting . . . not that Kate was even his to lose. Yet, rationality had never been strong in Anthony's mind when he was around this woman. His eyes widened as the bee continued to fly around them, getting too close to Kate. His lips slightly parted though no sound came out as he saw the way it was hovering around her head. He silently willed it to come at him, to sting him, attack him! NOT her! The silent -- and very one sided -- showdown and dialogue that Anthony was having with the bee did not change the present situation. It was still far too close to Kate.

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The Viscount's gaze fixated on the buzzing creature and realizing that it was too great a risk to let it remain -- as it did not seem to be leaving -- Anthony had to take action. He quickly stepped forward, pushing Kate to the side. Not with enough force to cause her to fall, but enough so that she would be out of the bee's path. The action aggravated the insect but fortunately, it was not Anthony who it would condemn. Though, the Bridgerton heir did not quite realize to what extent that would be. It all happened so quickly . . . one moment he was getting ready to shoo it, the next . . . he was flicking it off of his shoulder where he felt the sharp sting of it's attack. And then everything . . . stood still.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

One moment, Kate was confused and looking around, and the next the Viscount surged forward and 'moved' her out of the way. "Have you lots your wits?!" She asked, turning to look at him engage in what could only be described as a child-like battle with the bee before he frozen, while holding the area she assumed he was stung at.

Kate stood still as well, as she wasn't sure what was happening. The moment grew in silent length for a short moment that felt much longer then it was. She had heard of some afraid of such animals, but she had not expected a man such as Anthony Bridgerton to be such. She spoke slowly, trying to figure out what was happening here. "Lord Bridgerton, are you well?" She asked stepping closer toward him, in slow steps.

Simple words, but deeper meaning. She had accused him of much in their short history but none of it would have lead to to believe that he held such a fear. Or would behave in such a way. Normally she would have snapped out a sassy reply however this time she was both confused, and . . . concerned. Because 'are you well' wasn't meant as a normal insult but an honest question in honest concern for both his body--and his strange mental state.

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

Anthony Bridgerton was going to die. He had always known it would come, the certainty of death the only guarantee in life. He knew he would not live past his father's age, he just . . . had not fully expected to leave this world the same way he had. He supposed there was some poetic irony in such a thing. One that would have made the Viscount laugh had he not been consumed with fear. For, he did not feel ready to die. Where he once flirted with the notion of death anytime a bee was near him, he found his duties in this world not yet fulfilled. He had sisters he needed to marry, heirs to sire, and then there was Kate.

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Why she was the first draw for him to live that entered his mind . . . he did not know. Especially since his death was the very reason he could not marry her. Irony indeed. But rationality had long gone in the heir's mind. And he knew he was panicking. He hastily took off his waistcoat, letting it fall to the ground before unbuttoning the vest he wore under it just as quickly.

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He only had mere moments, mere moments before the venom would spread! He divested himself of the vest, letting it join his other article of clothing on the ground, and then proceeded to unbutton the top first few buttons of his shirt; one hand making quick work of it before the other stared to pull it out from where it was tucked into his trousers. Her questions had not fully registered in his mind but his actions certainly gave further validity to them.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

He said nothing. Kate watched him, stepping a little closer as they stood in--He pulled his coat off. "Lord Bridgerton!" She said in what might have been the primmest voice she had ever used. "Put that back on!" Yet he did not, and instead took off his waist coat too! "Do you have a mental affection?!" She asked with wide eyes and shock--not surprised, pure shock. Yet if she thought she was shocked now it was nothing to when he began to undress more and pulled his shirt out from his trousers!

Kate stepped back, "Lord Bridgerton!" She hissed looking around, "You are going to get us compromised!" Which might have been his plan?! This was how rakes . . . raked?! It made little sense! Nothing was adding up and she had thought she was a fairly smart woman! "Anthony!" She called again, using his christened name as this didn't feel like a formal setting any longer.

Right as he began undoing the buttons, she surged forwards and grabbed his hands. "Say something!"

^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

On some level, he knew she was talking. Scolding him. Telling him to put his clothes back on. Her verbal panic however, was not enough to deter his physical one. Her lips may have been moving without any sound coming out, for it was faded into the background. So far in the distance that it was almost as if she was not even here. But . . . he was somehow still aware of her presence. It should have been enough to cause him to cease, but it wasn't. In fact, in a strange way, it only further spurred him on. He did not want to die in front of her. He pulled his hands from her grasp, knowing it should have grounded him but . . . it did not.

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Once the top buttons of his shirt were undone, leaving the rest still buttoned -- for Anthony was only undressing what he needed to in order to access the wound, he turned his head to look at it. Or, try to. It was at a most inconvenient angle. Damned it all! He did not even need to attempt to know that his mouth would not be able to reach it. It was red and swollen and . . . it was going to be the very thing that killed him.

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He needed to suck the venom out, but he could not. This, was where he knew her presence would be most helpful -- despite her protests of his actions and suggesting the very possible threat that they could be seen, in a most compromising position. Yet, as previously known . . . logic and rationality were long gone and all that was left, was a very panicked, terrified Viscount, who looked Kate dead straight into her eyes and said . . . "You must suck it."

[Kathani Bridgerton]

His pulled his hands from her's and she was about to say more, but he appeared to try to look at his shoulder. Tilting her head she saw that the bee had stung him, and it left a small red welt where the skin has been broken from the stinger. Her brows were bent in confusion as he turned to her and looked into her eyes. He looked scared, and her heart began to panic for the first time. Anthony Bridgerton looked so human and lost in this moment that her heart skipped a beat.

Something was wrong. His words however, weren't ones that brought her any clarity. "Wh-What?" she asked, not even able to begin with 'pardon?' which would have been polite in mix company. Instead his demand that she suck it had brought her to what she could only describe as a stouper. Did he mean the . . . the bee sting?

Kate stared at the half dressed man before her, knowing this was as close to a naked man as she had ever been, and couldn't fathom more then the four letters she had somehow managed to escape.

^{Anthony Bridgerton 🌷🏑🐝💕}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

He was running out of time! While he did not know the exact number of minutes it had taken for his father to succumb to the venom of a bee, he imagined it was fairly quickly! For it surely took the strongest venom to bring a man as great as his father down. "You must!" He further urged. Why was there so much confusion?! "We do not have much time," he said quickly, his eyes returning to the wound. He did not yet feel any toxins within his body, so he supposed that was a good sign. He could still move, still speak, but the panic did not ease.

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His hands went to either side of her upper arms, very lightly shaking her so that she understood the urgency of this matter."You must suck the venom out before it is too late!" He looked back at Kate, his eyes almost pleading. This was her fault after all. For before, he would not care if a bee had stung him and that was it for his life. But now . . . there was a huge part of him that wanted to live. Wanted to live for her. Whether anything could come of them or not, whether anything would happen or not . . . this desire was perhaps as irrational as his belief in dying, or his fear of bees but never the less, it was there. Ever so present in his mind. "Hurry!" Before he fell to the ground and all was lost. Or well . . . his life.

[Kathani Bridgerton]

He was wild with panic and Kate did not understand. She could not imagine what was causing him this sort of fear! Over a bee! Yet, apart of her understood because of her own fear of storms. They terrified her.

"Anthony," she said, trying her best to keep her voice calm. "Its but a bee. I have been stung many times. No one has ever died from a bee." She had not even heard of them having venom. She had been stung many times over the years, and while they hurt she rarely thought about them by the following day. A poultice would help ease any discomfort, even if it was messy and smelly.

🌷🏑🐝💕
^{Anthony Bridgerton}

[Anthony Bridgerton]

Tag: Kathani Bridgerton
Note: Better layout coming soon!

i will

ALWAYS PROTECT YOU

She was calm. How was she so calm?! He may fall lifeless to the ground at any given moment and here she stood. Speaking so calmly and seemingly so . . . unaffected by this! She . . . had been stung by a bee before? And she lived?! It did not make sense, but nor did Anthony try to find logic or reason. His mind so irrational with the fear coursing through him. The only words of hers that seemed to process in his mind . . . were the ones she said of how no one had ever died from it before.

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No! That was untrue. And he needed her to know it was untrue before she would lay witness to its . . . untruth! "Yes they have!" He insisted, his eyes widening with the fear and panic. Desperate conviction in his voice so that she would understand. "My father did!" The words just came out in urgency. He seldom spoke about his father but this was a desperate circumstance where he needed her to understand. "And if we do nothing, then I will too." It was almost, poetic. For a son to die in the exact same manner that their father did. And while Anthony had no longer feared death . . . meeting Kate, made him want to stay in this world for as long as he could.