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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 7, 2021 2:38:25 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict leaned into her touch, the comfort of her presence always allowing him to feel at such peace and happiness. She told him that she did not intend to pull him away, and he closed his eyes as she placed a light kiss on his cheek, enjoying the sensation of her lips upon him. Another feeling that he would never grow tired of. Opening his eyes once more, his focus went to his wife rather than the piece of art before him. The mere thought of her leaving and him preferring to be alone, was one that he quickly had to put to rest. Particularly as she said that she wanted company as well.
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"Your company is never unwelcome," he told her sincerely. "Nor undesired." To be able to be with her was wonderful, and every moment spent together . . . were ones he cherished so deeply. To further reinforce his words, he gently pulled her towards him so that she now sat on his lap, his arms around her to hold her in place. "You are quite the distraction," he told her with playful accusation. "For now that you are here, I can not focus on anything else." He leaned forward to lightly kiss her lips. "Nor do I ever want to." Placing another kiss on her lips before drawing a bit back, still holding her near. Her question prompted him to look at the painting before him.
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"Lord Colborne commissioned me to do a painting of his wife to surprise her for her upcoming birthday." Benedict knew he had come a long way from the self critical, insecure artist for now his work was receiving more recognition. "I would welcome your thoughts, from such beautiful eyes indeed," he told her flirtatiously, though meant every word. He adored Sophie for all her support that she gave him. The honesty in which she critiqued his work; the kindness in which she approached it. She was one of the very few people he felt comfortable sharing his incomplete work with; his trust in her emphatic and the confidence in him stronger because of it.
Tag ali Note: Better layout coming soon! This boy is just so happy and so in love!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 7, 2021 2:24:37 GMT
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.
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"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.
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"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.
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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!! |
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 7, 2021 2:12:02 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict smiled upon hearing her say that it was a wonderful way to consider it; a fulfilment of dreams. And there was nothing more special, than honoring a parent's dream by being able to fulfil it. He listened intently to her continue about the business her mother once had, of the happy life that her mother had created, and how this had eventually become her dream. This business was certainly one that she flourished in and despite the social circles that Benedict had grown up in, he found nothing . . . degrading about the working class. Quite the opposite in fact. Genevieve was a perfect example of that.
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"Were you?" Benedict found himself asking. Reaching out his hand returned to casually twirling her curly locks around his fingers. "Happy I mean, as a child growing up." Benedict knew that he was among the privileged. Not just because of rank -- that was quite secondary in his mind. But because, he grew up in a house full of love. Despite the tragedy that struck them at a young age, there was never an absence of love among their household. He found himself wanting to learn more about Genevieve, quickly realizing that he hardly knew anything about her. He didn't even know her face when she first spoke to him at Henry's party. "What was your dream then?" He continued to ask, wondering if she had not become a Modiste, what did she aspire to be?
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"Forgive me, for all these questions," he apologized, realizing that he may be prying a little too much. "I just, do not know a great deal about you." Voicing his earlier thoughts, there was no point in concealing them. "And I find myself, curious," he added on teasingly, his words playful and though he meant it . . . he also knew that it was more than just intrigue. Deeper than just mere intrigue. "Wanting to learn more about you. Or at least what you are willing to share." An added offer, that she did not have to answer anything she felt uncomfortable with. It was different, talking to her. His walls and guard were down and he did not have to overthink what came out of his mouth as he did among the ton. With that, came the risk of possibly offending her or being too intrusive.
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Upon her next stated words, Benedict felt . . . touched. Truly touched to hear that. To know that she held his words so dear, for he meant them. The smile on his lips, unwavering. Such an easy expression to make in her company and when it faded, it was usually due to their less . . . conversational activities. "Then I am both flattered and honored," he began to say. "That you hold my words in such high esteem." And he couldn't resist, leaning forward to place a kiss upon her cheek, reflecting that her words in return, meant a great deal to him too.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 21:40:15 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict quietly -- yet attentively -- listened to Lewis talk about . . . flayed men. Benedict could confidently say that this was the first time anyone had spoken to him about such things. Corpses and flayed men and . . . well the entire subject. That said, the Bridgerton son still remained nonjudgmental. In fact, he was perhaps more fascinated with Lewis being so interested in this subject more than the subject itself. Benedict instead, listened and . . . perhaps should have guarded his words better because as the story quickly processed in his mind, he was unsuccessful in holding back a question that, might be irrelevant to the entire thing.
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Though the surprise of hearing it, caused him to just blurt it out. "How did they obtain a body like that?" Benedict paused after asking the question. What could be perceived as an . . . odd question. Though perhaps well in line with the actual topic and Benedict was not always good at withholding thoughts. Either it would be successful in encouraging the conversation that Lewis was so passionate about . . . or, it would backfire and Lewis would find Benedict to be the odd one for inquiring about such a thing. Either way, the nobleman raised his glass to his lips, quickly taking a sip to keep his tongue from spouting out anything else and let the question linger in the air.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 21:32:30 GMT
SO I GOTTA KNOW authorflies . . . what was going on in Eloise's mind when she saw Genevieve get into the carriage with her and Ben?! Her expression was priceless so I am sooo curious as to what was going on in her head and what exactly she was thinking!! That whole scene is seriously hilarious so would love to get your El insight of it  !
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 21:27:37 GMT
I'm not bound by "I'm sorry," Benedict immediately apologized softly when she reacted with pain. Perhaps he should call for a doctor now . . . and yet, still felt the need to tend to her. To at least wipe the blood from her brow, make her feel comfortable. He slowed his actions, trying to be as careful as he could when touching the cloth upon her soft, delicate skin. The discolouring of the bruise on her cheek continuing to make his heart intensely ache. The cruelty of others never ceased to shock him. When she assured him that she was comfortable and not to go out of his way, he was about to protest . . . but it seemed he did not have to as she winced and then conceded that this was perhaps not the most comfortable place.
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Benedict gave a small smile, rinsing the cloth in the bowl and straining it once more, before resuming his previous actions. "It is not the ideal place for the rest you require," he admitted, having technically known that when he moved her here. Yet, the panic had prompted him to just get her off her feet and move to the closest surface to assess her injury. As best as a non-doctor could anyway. It was not until she took his hand, and asked to stay that he paused what he was doing, and looked into her eyes, though her gaze was averted from him. This, was where he realized he had made such a great mistake. He had assumed. He had just merely assumed that she would stay the night here and . . . he no longer had that right to make such an assumption. She had wished to end what they had and . . . he should not have merely assumed that she would remain here. A realization similar to when he had started to pull the ties of her dress, only this time, much stronger. One that hit him quite harder.
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She was asking him to stay and part of him hated that she had to ask . . . yet the other part of him had to be reminded, that this was how it was between them. Realizing he had just been still and looking into her eyes lost in thought -- and lamenting in how things had ended between them -- he finally found his voice. "Of course," he said, his voice suggesting that there was no doubt. There had never been any doubt. "I do not want you to be alone." His words holding the implication that it was not just company that he wanted for her . . . but rather, his company. He knew full well how selfish it was of him, but he could not help it. Despite what the nature of their relationship was now, it did not simply suddenly erase the deep care and affection he had for her. The drive to protect her from harm and take care of her where he could.
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"You are more than welcome to stay," he added on, needing to say something before his gaze betrayed him. Or, before far too revealing words came out. Benedict had after all, not always been skilled in withholding his emotions and thoughts. Often expressive on his features or words falling from his tongue without second thought. No. It was not right of him to express either of these things . . . not when he had to honor her decision to no longer be with him. He needed to remain very mindful of that. Yet, could not help but feel . . . touched that she sought him out, and wished to remain here. Shifting his gaze, he proceeded to continue to wipe the blood. "Would you be more comfortable in something else?" He asked. Clothing wise of course.
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Surely she would not be comfortable in her current dress, yet Benedict was limited in what he could offer her. "Unfortunately, I do not have spare dresses here," he said in lighter tone, the words meant to be a bit of a joke yet they held truth. "One might worry if I did," he added on. "But perhaps a shirt, so that you may rest comfortably." With her petite size, it may as well be a dress. He just, needed to keep his mind practical. Thinking of what she needed right now. Safety. Care. Comfort. Not . . . his emotions, nor intimate words, nor expression of how much fear and worry he felt for her. Withholding this all in was . . . suffocating. Especially considering how freely he had been himself around her. Now, he had to swallow everything back, and he was unsure how long it would even last.
Tag lennie3 Note: Better layout coming soon! Ben is realllyy suffering with holding back his emotions here! Dude is going to burst soon me thinks!! hahah!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 21:02:29 GMT
I'm not bound by "I need you." Benedict almost paused upon hearing Henry say this. Had the older man's hands not been over him, and lips not been pressed against his, Benedict surely would have been taken aback by the words. Not because he did not long to hear them; he did. He enjoyed hearing it. Hearing of the man's need for him. But, in the back of his mind . . . all he could wonder was that if Henry truly needed him, then why was he leaving him?
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The question that he dare not bring to voice, for he didn't want to hear it. For he knew that there was no way to change his mind. He knew that if he spoke it now, it would ruin these last moments together. And even if that would make it more painful to part ways, right now, it was all they had. So Benedict tried to push it back, silencing the risk of saying anything by continuing to move his mouth against Henry's, his tongue slipping between his lips to deepen the kiss while Benedict's hand stroked the other again, and again, building the need that Granville spoke of.
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Benedict eased out of the kiss, dragging his lips along Henry's cheek towards his ear, pressing them against it, attempting to catch his breath but also did not wish to waste a precious moment. So he took the opportunity to speak. "I need you too." Trying to keep the full magnitude from his words, yet he knew it was impossible. For whether it was physical or emotional. . . Benedict needed Henry.
Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 3:10:13 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict's mind seemed to have been distracted as of late, for he has been distracted. Ever since Sophie had agreed to work for his family -- though rejecting his proposal to be his mistress so that they may be granted time alone -- he found it difficult to not draw his gaze to her. Yet he tried. Often failing, but still he tried. In moments where he felt no one else was looking, he'd dare steal a glance at her, and quickly looking away when there was the risk of someone catching his line of sight.
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Thus far, no one seemed to be aware of it. But it was getting increasingly difficult, especially after the time they had together at his estate. From there, now thrust into this home full of people where they were faced with opposite circumstances. From being only the two of them, to now . . . so many others. He was currently sitting in the drawing room, attempting to work on a sketch when he heard someone enter. He didn't need to look up from his work to see who it was. In fact, he forced his eyes to stay on his paper. He knew this was a perfect opportunity; no one else was around.
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Surely he could look at her. Take his time to silently praise her beauty. And yet, he kept his eyes locked on his paper, trying to remain focused on the task at hand but damned it all, she made it so difficult. "Sophie," he greeted in return, slightly clenching his jaw and hoping it went unnoticed as he attempted to fight the overwhelming urge to lock eyes with her. To simply, gaze upon her. It wasn't until he heard the shaking of the door that he looked up from his work, in time to see her cast him a look of, was it apology? Commenting on the fact that they may be locked in. Benedict remained calm, unpanicked as he closed his sketchbook and set it on the side. Rising from his position, he walked over to her.
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"You say that like it is a bad thing," he told her teasingly, joking towards the fact that . . . well, they hardly were ever alone now and they could barley even communicate. Benedict's hands moved to the handle, attempting to open it but it was as he had suspected if she herself could not open it. "Unfortunately not," he said, trying to shake the handle a little more but to no avail of it budging. "The lock had been proving to be a challenge as it had stiffened." He paused, knowing there was no point to keep trying to open it. He then turned his head to look at her. "It is why we always leave it ajar," he told her, though his tone was not accusatory. Instead, it held teasing to it as he could not help but smile with an expression to match the tone.
Tag ali Note: Better layout coming soon! YASSS I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! omgg!! Right now Ben is just teasing her but he's going to start getting tense soon enough.. being alone with her and all!! hahahh! Your post was PERFECT!! <3
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 2:53:50 GMT
I'm not bound by It had been a matter of days since Sophie had started working as a maid at his family's estate. A position that he had offered to her for many reasons . . . and a big part of it was precisely why it was impossible for him to tear his gaze from her. Whenever she was near, he had to fight to not watch her, as to not draw attention to his . . . well, attentions upon her. The last thing his family needed to be made aware of was that he had developed feelings for her.
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While he was not ashamed of having them, or feeling this way about her, he knew that his family would not share the same understanding. Nor did he wish to expose such things right now. But, it was not easy. He had been spoiled, having those days with her at his estate where it was just the two of them. A place where they had shared a kiss. And now, they were surrounded. By other servants, by his family . . . the idea of being alone seeming to be an impossibility.
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But tonight, perhaps he would try. They had just finished dinner and every had moved to the drawing room for conversation. Hyacinth and Gregory were the first to get ready for bed, and their mother was soon to follow. Eventually, each of them faded, one by one, and Benedict purposely remained as the last. But, he did not go upstairs to his room. Instead, he went the opposite direction, going towards the downstairs level of the kitchen to see if Sophie was there.
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He first poked his head through the entrance, knowing that he could quickly come up with an excuse if someone else was near by. But she was alone. And yet, he waited still, leaning against the threshold of the entrance, just, watching her. When he finally pulled himself out of this trance, and realization came to him that no one else would -- hopefully -- come, he finally properly entered the room, making his presence known.
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"Sophie," he greeted with a soft smile. Now that they were finally alone after the past few days, he wanted to savor every precious moment. "I came to see--" You. Why was that such a difficult thing to now admit after all the time and moments they shared at his estate? "If you required help with anything." Another odd notion he supposed; for him to be helping her with the expected tasks. And yet, the offer remained. Because anything he had to do in order to spend time with her, he would gladly and eagerly do it.
Tag ali Note: Better layout coming soon!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 2:43:55 GMT
I'm not bound by the rules of society This felt so incredibly wonderful; possessing a level of . . . domesticity. A comfortableness that Benedict was unsure he could find with another, to this extent. Blissful, pure joy. When Henry moved to take off Benedict's shirts, the younger male's hands went to ease the movement, enjoying the relief of it no longer being on and thus, being able to enjoy further closeness and contact with the other male. Benedict chuckled when Henry proceeded to paint on his chest, looking down to see that it was a heart which only made him chuckle even more.
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"I have no negative critique of this painting of yours," Benedict said teasingly, referring to their very first conversation that . . . had apparently led to such wonderful moments like this one. When Henry commented on continuing to paint, among other things . . . Benedict demonstrated clear signs of intrigue upon his face, exaggerated to play along with the very idea of what that could entail. But before words could part his lips, they were occupied by Henry's, kissing him deeply to which Benedict responded. He smiled amidst the kiss, feeling the cool liquid of the paint upon his cheek. It only prompted Benedict to continued to kiss Henry, and tilt his head so that the paint from his own cheek, was rubbing against Henry's cheek as well.
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Furthermore, Benedict wrapped his arms around Henry, conveniently reaching for the palette of his hand where he dipped a couple of his fingers in it. He then slipped his wetted hand under the fabric of Henry's shirt, sliding up his back to create two long strokes of green paint. Benedict moved his lips from Henry's, kissing along his jawline and lower to his neck, purposely rubbing his cheek against his skin to transfer more paint onto him. "And what, other things do you have in mind?" He asked him teasingly, a tone of suggestiveness as he continued his trail of kisses upon his neck.
Tag bunny Note: Better layout coming soon!! |
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 2:21:41 GMT
I'm not bound by A playful smirk formed on his features when she made the comment of trouble, unable to resist the amused expression. The warmth of her continued touches and attentions made him feel so incredibly relaxed and at ease. He felt as if he could lay here forever. A dangerous thought, yet he could not help but let the serenity of all this wash over him, and truly embrace the peace of these four walls. However, he was abruptly pulled from it when she began to shift. He did not move with her but he raised his head a little to watch her, wondering if he had said something wrong. If his question had been to invasive.
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His sudden worries completely masked by the calm expression on his face, with a flicker of curiosity. He settled with his head back against his folded arm once more when she lay back down, her hand running through his hair and he resumed that previous feeling of bliss. Intently listening to her as she explained her answer. The response drew a soft smile on his lips, looking at her with an equally soft gaze. "You fulfilled your mother's dream," he both asked and acknowledged at the same time. "Was it your dream too?" Was this what she had always wanted to be, a modiste? Or did she do it in honor of her mother? Either way, Benedict admired her. She was an independent, hardworking woman and that just made her all the more attractive and captivating in the Bridgerton's eyes.
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Society may dictate otherwise, but he cared little for it's dictations. This entire arrangement between them, this . . . bond and rapport -- relationship, though the word did not immediately enter Benedict's mind -- was not due to necessity. She did not need him, as most mistresses needed a wealthy man. They were together, because they wanted to be. Because there was mutual desire there. Perhaps, that was what made it all the more special between them. He moved his hand to her cheek, gently caressing her, looking into her eyes. "I admire you, Genevieve." For all that she did, and the strength of her character. Some deemed it inappropriate for those of such varying ranks to associate with one another in such a way. But to Benedict, he only felt admiration for someone who worked hard and built a life of their own.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 1:59:33 GMT
I'm not bound by 31. Your muse catches mine naked.
Benedict could not truly remember the last time he had been this sick. Of course everyone often caught something once in a while, but this was on account of the weather he imagined and . . . if Sophie had not been here, then he was not sure what he would do. She had been taking care of him diligently; her nurturing and caring nature truly shining in these circumstances. Not that he doubted it about her. In fact, it made him fall even more in love with her. It made him admire, and silently worship her more than he thought possible. It would be bittersweet, the moment they had to leave his estate and return home for during this time . . . alone with her, his feelings were developing, deepening and he did not look forward to the time where they had to return to the reality of their lives. Having to step away from this little sanctuary where they were alone.
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Today however, Benedict was going to attempt to get up, having bene laying down for far too long. Sophie had been preparing a meal and he assumed she would be doing so for a bit of time, which would allow him to take his own time to get dressed and his aim was to meet her outside his room, so she would not have to come to him and serve him, which is what she had been doing due to his previously weakened state. His movements were slow but manageable as he made his way to his closet and pulled out a clean shirt, suspenders and a pair of breeches.
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Benedict proceeded to pull off his current shirt he was clad in as well as his pants, setting them on the bed. He was just about to reach for his clean pair, completely ignorant of the sound of approaching footsteps, when the door was pushed open and Sophie stepped inside. Benedict spun around, freezing as he saw her, the shock of her sudden presence and . . . the fact that he was completely nude in front of her. At least enough of an instinct eventually kicked in and his hands fell to cover his lower region . . . however delayed it may have been.
Tag ali Note: Better layout coming soon! Hahahah this one gave me the funniest mental image!!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 1:46:31 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict smiled, slightly wincing in pain at what the expression had made him feel, though he couldn't help it upon Henry practically shooing his hand away. He younger male made no second attempt to try and clean himself, being in compliance with Henry's words. Instead, he followed direction, remaining still as he felt the tenderness in which Henry began to clean his face.
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Benedict could not help but feel it wrong of him to be so . . . comforted in this moment. To selfishly bask in the attentions that Henry gave him, and allow himself to drift into a sea of ease. Feeling cared for. Feeling safe. Those previous feelings of selfishness for taking advantage of a man as kind hearted as Granville drastically increasing in the young Bridgerton and yet . . . he did nothing to change it, nor reveal it. He merely stayed still, the refreshing water and caress of Henry's fingers, and the comfort of his soothing voice encouraging him, talking to him.
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His latter question pulled Benedict back to the present -- a good thing before he got too lost in all sensations within him. Benedict felt the immediate deprivation of Henry's hand upon him when he pulled away after presumably the blood was cleaned. How was he feeling he asked. "Safe." The word escaping his lips before he had a chance to stop it. Though he knew that was most probably not what Henry was asking. Did he still feel pain he asked.
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"No," Benedict breathed, though whether it was due to the tonic or the comfort of the artist's presence, he was unsure. "No, I believe it is helping ease the pain," Benedict added on, as it was not a total lie. He attempted to sit up a bit more, taking a slow breath once he shifted. "I suppose the rest will just take time to heal," he added on, trying to break free from this calming lull he had been entranced in.
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
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euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
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Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 1:33:12 GMT
I'm not bound by His other hand hovered near her as she shifted positions, able to tell the pain that it caused to course through her. But she then granted him permission to loosen the ties. He needed -- no, she needed to get out of this dress to be more comfortable. But before he did that, he needed to clean her up. With her consent, he continued to pull the ties of her dress as the upper area started to loosen. There was injury there, as evidenced by the way she had cringed from the movement. Benedict knew that it would be helpful for him to see it, though it did not appear that there was any blood as it would have leaked through the dress. But at the same time, he was worried to lay sight to it.
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Each obtained injury making him feel more and more sick and angry at the thought of anyone daring to lay a hand on her. Right now however, he would focus on what he did see. He locked eyes with her as her hand went over his, stroking his skin and . . . offered him a smile. A soft smile. One that he had sorely missed as he did her touch. Looking at her in this moment, reminding him of all that she inspired within him. And how much he missed every single thing about it. He offered a small, soft smile in return, finding it difficult to let the full expression fill his features due to the grim circumstance of her appearance at his home. "You never need thank me," he told her. He wanted her to know that. That she would never owe him gratitude. That he would be here for her, in whatever way she would permit.
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Unable to fight the urge to express his relief of seeing her and the concern and fear he'd felt for her, he leaned forward and brushed his lips in a tender kiss upon her forehead. Perhaps it was too bold of him to do this when she had made her intentions clear about them. But . . . he had done it. Letting his heart guide his actions, which was proving over and over again to be a massive flaw of his. Doing it to a fault. Straightening himself once more, he dipped the cloth into the water, straining it before gently, carefully dabbing the blood from her brow.
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"Once this is all cleaned, I will move you somewhere more comfortable." The most comfortable bed in his home was of course his. "And will send for a physician as soon as possible." Because she needed to see one. He wasn't even thinking of her leaving his home tonight. To go back out there in this condition. Her home was far and even if he took her there . . . he did not want her to be alone, nor be greeted in the morning by impatient women knocking at her door.
Tag lennie3 Note: Better layout coming soon!
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the rules of society.
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Second Son
Free Spirit
"Should I not have a friend?
I'm not bound by
the rules of society.
Please do not tell mother."
Personal Text
Nobleman
Rank
Aspiring Artist
Occupation
|
euphoria
Offline
Tag me @benedict
|
|
Post by Benedict Bridgerton on Apr 6, 2021 1:21:44 GMT
I'm not bound by Benedict wished to do all that he could to help Henry during this time, but when he told him not to dismiss the guests, Benedict simply gave a small nod in compliance. How very generous of him to not wish anyone else's evening to be spoiled. But then, that had always been Granville: a generous man. He had be quite generous to Benedict himself. Offering him his home to come to of course, but also, generous with his time.
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The time he spent with the Bridgerton son to teach him, mentor him, and just . . . be in his company. It continued to make it painfully tragic that a man so kind and willing to help others, was hurting so much in this moment. For he was most undeserving of it. Would that there was a way that Benedict could ease him of his pain, wishing he could take it upon himself to spare the other of enduring it.
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So when Benedict had asked if there was anything he could do or anything Henry needed, the younger male eagerly awaited his answer. Willing to do whatever was within the realm of possibility, whatever was within his capability, to help the man before him. But Henry's response, was not what Benedict had expected . . . at all. Benedict remained frozen in place, watching Henry as he leaned forward to close the distance between them. Benedict's eyes remained open during the kiss, all too aware that . . . he had imagined this moment far more than he cared to admit.
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And now, with their lips touching, it had awoken something within Benedict. Something he could not describe not identify. He had been struggling with this inexplicable . . . feelings he had whenever he was around Henry. Unable to understand what they meant or what they even were. Now, with this kiss . . . it was abundantly clear and the thought, left Benedict uncertain as to what to do. But he finally closed his eyes, soaking in the kiss as his lips ever so carefully, tentatively returned the kiss. Not deepening it, but not remaining completely still either.
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But as much as this seemed to sate inner . . . desires that Benedict had been harboring, he also knew that this was not about him. This was about Henry. And how he approached the subject would need to be done with the utmost care. He could not bare further hurting Granville with yet another rejection such as the one he received from his former lover just moments ago. His arms lowered from Henry, as Benedict eased out of the kiss, belatedly opening his eyes as he needed a minute to process what had just happened.
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Processing . . . the fact that he now knew what it was that he felt whenever near Henry. The unfamiliar stirrings and inner desires. Finally, he met the other male's gaze once more, swallowing and being gentle in his words. Softly spoken, and hoped to convey the lack of rejection in them. "You are hurting right now," he told him, putting a hand on Henry's chest, over his heart. "And you need time to heal." No promise in his words, nor certainty of what this kiss meant. Was Benedict just mere convenience for the man? That he just so happened to be here at the right moment? Benedict did not know but he what he could determine . . . was that Henry was hurting, and Benedict refused to do anything to make it worse. Though, there was that unsettling fear that his words may have done that very thing that Benedict was trying so hard to prevent: hurting Henry.
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the rules of society.
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