𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮 ➪ 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗱

𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲. 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀.

AGNES HUMMED IN FAKE AGREEMENT.
there was an awkward pause between their interaction, with both women staring at each other without knowing exactly what to say.

"you know I was always the black sheep of my family. it's taken a lot to get used to all of this." Penelope began.
"I know how you feel." Agnes smiled, looking towards her shoes. "they're always staring at you; as if you are some kind of god they can't wait to get the blessing of."

"oh, they're not looking at us. not really us. they're looking at the great Penelope Fittes and Agnes Berkshire. who they want us to be." Penelope agreed.
"and who can blame them? it's a frightening time to be alive. people need hope, reassurance." Agnes nodded at the woman's words.

"I'd love to help you some more, Agnes. there are some benefits to being on the inside..." Agnes cut the Fittes off.
"I'm very grateful you've been giving me so many chances, Penelope. but I just-"

"you feel safe with him. Mr.Lockwood." Penelope clarified. Agnes held her new necklace that Lockwood gave to her.
"we all make a great team." Agnes smiled in fake reassurance.

"but you as a pair are inseparable, connected. I know the feeling, I had that once...if you ever need to talk, I'm a good listener." Penelope smiled, turning to walk away.
"ditto!" Agnes spoke a bit loud so that Penelope could hear.

"well you managed to mingle after all." Lockwood appeared behind her with a charming smile, in which she returned as she dropped her necklace back into it's place.
"what did she want? what did she say?" he questioned curiously.
"nothing to worry about, really." Agnes shook her head, not knowing what to say.
"we should go, finish our job." Agnes took his hands to hers, holding it firmly as they walked away from the party.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

"did she offer you a job?" Lockwood asked after a few minutes of silence. they were walking down the hallways of the building.
the two were separated, their hands no longer intertwined.
"how did you know?" Agnes swallowed hard, her heart beating loudly in her chest.

"well I would've done it if I were her. and if I were you, I'd have bitten her hand off." Agnes smiled, a small breathy chuckle leaving her reddened lips.
"why?"

"I can't compete with this!" he spoke a bit nervous now, nervous of losing Agnes. and unfortunately, within the time span of one week he would not have someone to hug with in bed.
"never asked you to." Agnes shrugged, looking at the map as she leaded the way.

Lockwood sighed, following her like a dog on a leash.
"wha-what's going on then?" he questioned.

"Anthony Lockwood what are you talking about now..." Agnes sighed in confusion.
Lockwood held her hand softly as they came to a stop.
Agnes looked up at him; waiting for an explanation.
"look, I saw you talking to Kipps earlier outside." Lockwood leaned on the wall against him, his hands still holding Agnes.
"oh..."