Disclaimer: I own nothing.

AN: This ff was writing for the Bridgerton Gardens' Six Month Anniversary Exchange Extravaganza. It was supposed to be an OS, but every character decided to tell their own story, so it's now a whole AU with at least six or seven os. Each of them is a stand-alone, and focus on a different couple, but since they are all entwined, I'm sharing them here as different chapter under the same main ff.

Alpha and beta love to the Cinnamonbun24 & Coeurs_de_Coeurs who are both wonderful - and my kindest regards to ExistentialMalaises & HannahPelham for their helpful input.💜

See you tomorrow, and as usual, happy reading!❤️

if I ever get the never to say

~for MissNanou, with all my love,

I was so happy to write for you during this exchange

and had a blast creating this 💜

Cinnamon and orange blossoms.

No, not quite.

Cinnamon and chocolate. Maybe a touch of vanilla. Yes, that was it.

The smell was heavenly. His mouth watered at the delicious aromas, he even sighed a little hoping he would be able to catch a treat soon. Alas, he has promised Anthony he would stick around until 7.

A nagging suspicion came over him as the flavours kept getting stronger. He knew only of a single person who could manage that perfect balance of redolence, that delectable taste he couldn't get enough of.

And sure enough, there she was, around the corner. A warm, and quite familiar, sentiment, arose within himself as he took her in. The usual one that always arose whenever he saw her.

"Pen," his grin widening. "Fancy meeting you here."

The young woman looked up at that, a similar smile appearing on her lips.

"Colin," she said, her kind eyes bored into his for a second. "I didn't know you would be here."

"Naturally. I trust you're alright?"

"Oh yes, yes." She bit her bottom lip for a moment. "I have a delivery."

"Oh, of course." That explained her presence at his brother's office. "I didn't know you were doing it all by yourself."

Her mouth tightened a bit around the corners. "It didn't seem a huge deal, since Anthony's office is just down the block. And I had hoped to meet Kate. I wanted to ask if she was better."

"Of course. Of course," Colin repeated, wracking his brain for something to say. "Well, she's probably just preggers again, you know?"

Kill him. Now. Wasn't he supposed to be smooth. Did he have to bring his sister-in-law's possible pregnancy into it? And in such an ungentlemanly way?

Thankfully Penelope hummed a non-committal reply, looking for somewhere to leave her pastries on since Anthony's desk was a mess.

It actually hadn't been, but Colin had been so bored, so annoyed at being asked to work from his brother's ― the exact quote being that Colin could work from anywhere ― that he has decided to make a mess. Hence why he covered the mahogany surface with books, more books, papers, and the lone paper plane. What could he say, he really was too hungry to work on an empty stomach, he was an outdoor blogger. Not a confined behind closed doors kind of writer.

It seemed almost providential that Penelope had arrived, bringing over some of her delicious cakes.

But as a thick silence fell instead of their familiar comradery, Colin grew uneasy. He hoped they had not lost their great friendship, their comfortable companionship. With a small tug at his heart, Colin wondered if he had spoilt it all, if it was all long gone. If he would ever get to sample her new recipes or even get a nice welcome again – which may have been nothing more than a habit.

"Did you―"

"Would you―"

They had spoken at the same time, making them laugh a little and easing a bit of the tension.

"Your turn," he said amiably, with a courteous vibe.

Penelope nodded gracefully. "Where did you last travel to?"

Her question made sense, it was as good as any topic, since he loved to talk about his wanderings, the many countries he visited, and how they were so different from their own. But Colin was also pretty sure she already knew the answer, hadn't he sent her a postcard or a letter at some point?

"Athens. It was lovely," he obliged regardless. "I brought some great olive oil. That I should definitely gift you by the way."

"Oh," she interjected surprised, "there's no need―"

"Oh, but I insist," he grinned at her blushing face. "I really should. You're my best friend, aren't you?"

Another eerie silence fell upon them. Colin realised a little too late how his words could be interpreted. Way to break it. Again. He just couldn't stop himself, it seemed.

"I am, aren't I?" Penelope finally said with a brave little wince. "I'm gonna leave these here and just call Kate later, if that's alright."

Leaving the cardboard box on the corner of a desk, she smiled blandly before turning on her heels.

As he watched her leave, a telling feeling settling in his stomach, she turned back to give him a warning glance. "Please don't eat them all, Colin."

He waited for her to be gone, the sound of the door closing behind her, before dropping his head into his hands.

His best friend. Really.

Was that really all she had ever been?

"What do you mean he doesn't eat anymore?" Kate's voice came across a little worried.

Hyacinth shrugged easily. "I mean just that, he doesn't."

"Then, it's serious. We're talking about Colin, mind you," she sighed heavily. "I wonder what would make him lose his appetite."

"Probably a woman," joked Anthony as he raised his brows in mocking. "It's what makes me... Why are you all looking at me like this?"

Kate smirked at her husband. "I'll have to admit. You're improving quite a lot. You're even starting to be good ― what do you say, Hy?"

The teenager nodded vehemently. She loved Kate, wanted nothing more than to resemble her sister-in-law, of course she would agree. "He really does."

Colin shook his head from the doorframe, as he finally entered the drawing room. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

Hyacinth and Kate both glared at him. "Don't you? "

He caught a biscuit, nibbled at it. "See, nothing wrong with my appetite."

Ignoring him, Hyacinth smirked at Kate. "I made a wager with Gareth, you know."

Anthony interrupted with a frown. "St. Clair?"

"He's a good kid," said Colin half-heartedly. Maybe that would win him back the women's approval but they merely chuckled from behind their hands.

"No boy is a good boy around my teenage sister," practically growled Anthony.

"You better take it up with Gregory then," chipped in Hyacinth in an angelic voice. "He's the one who sent St Clair as backup."

"Anyway," interrupted Kate with a soothing hand on her husband's arm before he could answer. "What outcome did he bet on?"

Baffled, Colin gaped at her. "That's your question? Not what the stakes are?"

Her smile was positively feral as she shared a knowing glance with his sister. "Oh, I already have a fair idea what it is about."

Hyacinth's phone buzzed at that very moment, leading her to jump up so she could catch it.

SPOTTED!

Francesca Bridgerton seen in a dashing blue dress ― is the beautiful lady who owns all our hearts out of mourning yet?

It has been a few years and this author can't help but wonder how difficult it is to find a good man.

― xoxo, LW~

"Is Francesca due to visit us this week?"

Everyone shrugged. With their mother gone for the next few weeks, it wasn't certain Francesca would make the effort to see them. They tended to be a bit much for her, all buoyant and full of energy, and if she only had a couple days of leave, maybe she would rather spend them at the spa.

"I'll ask her," decided Hyacinth, quickly sending her older sister a text message.

Not waiting for an answer from any of them, she shot to her feet. "Okay, I'm off! Colin, are we still on for editing my vlogs later today?"

"Sure," he agreed. As annoying as his teenage sister was, Colin couldn't help but feel proud that she had turned to him for help. He did make a living of his travels, even if it was unconventional.

But Kate was not done making use of her dry wit this fair morning, playfully designating Colin with her thumb. "Your brother was a bigger rake than you ever could be."

"And? I'm sure there's a point to this sentence," Anthony drawled.

Kate curled her lips. "There is, I just want to point out that it will be most difficult to make him settle down."

Colin barked a laugh at Kate's soft voice, who was barely concealing the glee she displayed at Anthony's blanched face.

"You know what to do, Colin, don't you?" Anthony scowled at him. "Next time eat all the damn pastries."

A small buzzing sound echoed, Hyacinth's hands darting out to check the update she'd just received.

OUT OF SIGHT, BUT NOT OUT OF MIND!

Alas, if this author had a dime every time someone shared fake news, she would be a rich woman indeed.

So no, Francesca Bridgerton wasn't seen this weekend. She very mysteriously disappeared after attending Crystal Palace Park, on the Dinosaurs' trail with her family. .

We wish her well, for her next movie's Grande Première is next week ― and she's sure to be back in The Smoke.

― xoxo, LW~

"I'm not sure how that woman knows everything," muttered Gareth, rubbing his chin pensively.

"She's so great, isn't she?" Hyacinth put her phone back on the table. "Felicity and I love her."

Penelope smiled nicely. "You've been following her for a long time, haven't you?"

It was a slow day, with mostly orders instead of clients braving the heavy rain for some treats and pastries. But not for Hyacinth Bridgerton, who had decided to try her hand at vlogging, and wanted a safe space to practice. Penelope had of course allowed her to make use of the bakery's small sitting corner. She was used to her and Felicity hanging around anyway every once in a while ― mostly when her mother went out of town and decided Felicity just couldn't be left alone.

What she hadn't expected was Gareth St. Clair. The young boy had a dry humour, a clever mind, and a sharp eye ― which always sought Hyacinth.

Just like right now, as he watched the girl intently, as she was tilting her head, explaining why she liked the gossiper (who only shared the truth), how long she had been following her (since Daphne's marriage), and she hoped to find out who the clever woman was one day (for she only had thought to use the collective community to share knowledge).

A soft grin crossed her face: Penelope could see how Gareth followed Hy's every word, every movement, clearly under her spell. If anyone could understand, truly it would be her.

These Bridgertons... Not capable of taking the mere hint. She felt kindly for the boy, for he was quite good-looking. His easy charm would ensure that his popularity, that he could seduce any girl, or man. Yet here he was, ready to do Hyacinth's bidding so that she would notice him. What had he pretended again? That he owed Gregory?

Penelope sighed wistfully. She ought to give them a push in the right direction. Maybe by requesting Felicity's help? Yes, that should do it. Her sister was a fierce one, she would make Hyacinth notice Gareth.

And it would undoubtedly make Penelope feel better about her own situation. Her very own unrequited love for a Bridgerton. And the matter of her going abroad, despite it.

Because it was time for Penelope to move on. To leave, to go abroad, take care of her own life. And maybe even forget about Colin Bridgerton, his charming smile, and his devastating green eyes.

It was time she stopped being his safe harbour ― the friend he always found back home, sent letters and whatnot to.

She couldn't keep on being his beacon, waiting for him to notice her, she deserved better. She ought to fly away, and start loving herself more than she loved Colin.

To let go off this love may be the harder thing she had ever done, but she had to hope for the best.

That better things lay ahead.

SPOTTED!

Francesca Bridgerton was seen sneaking into the entrance of the St Ermin's Hotel.

What's the dashing divorcee up to nowadays ― a new movie or a new love story?

― xoxo, LW~

"Would you kindly stop looking at your stupid phone so much, Hyacinth?"

The girl merely smiled. "I'm sorry Colin, you know I like to follow Lady Whistledown latest's updates."

Colin didn't give a care about the gossiper; he was angry for a whole different matter. And ready to throttle someone if he could. "Who is that in every one of your videos?"

"Who? Oh, that's just Michael!" Hyacinth frowned a bit. "He often comes around at Penelope's, and he is super friendly. Super fun too, he helped me sample some new biscuits yesterday!"

An unknown surge to throw something on the ground and stomp on it went straight up in Colin's blood. Who was that guy? And why was he so often at Pen's? Surely, they weren't dating!

"Don't you think that he's very good looking too? I really like his eyes," continued Hyacinth in a dreamy voice.

That was it. He had to find out for sure what was going on.

"Colin? Colin!"

But he didn't answer his sister, he was already out the door.

"Well now that she's dating Phillip, she's kinda busy."

He snorted a bit. "Eloise dating? I always thought she was ace…"

"Colin, don't," admonished Penelope in warning.

He raised his hands in surrender, just happy they were strolling together like they used to do, without a care, without cautiously second-guessing himself. Colin felt at ease, in his typical happy-go-lucky mood.

As he had reached her bakery, Penelope who was on the verge of leaving, had welcomed him, offering him warm tea and to taste a new batch of cookies. She had readily agreed for him to walk her home, and above all, she had made no mention of any man. Not yet anyway.

"Okay but answer this then," he smirked. "Who are you dating?"

Gaping at him, Penelope blinked a few times. "I… I don't… I mean, it hardly seems the right time to do so, does it?"

That clearly wasn't the answer Colin had expected. It wasn't even good enough. "What do you mean?"

She inhaled softly before saying. "I've been offered a position. Abroad. And I've accepted."

"Oh," he replied, stunned. "Where?"

"Paris."

A wistful look on his face, his eyes took her in; her cheek smudged with a bit of flour she hadn't quite manage to catch and her perky little nose. She was a bright, cheerful woman, a force to be reckoned with, and would definitely be so loved in Paris… Seen as the true gem that she was.

"Are you really going then?"

A small smile tugging on her lips, she tilted her head to feel the breeze on her face. "I am, it's a great offer and I've already hired someone to take over the bakery in the meantime. I can't wait to learn new things, I love French pastries!"

It made sense. Really it did. Yet Colin's restlessness only increased at her words. Would she even come back? Did she have anything to come back to except her sister and a few friends? What stopped her from making a home there?

"I love Paris," he started his piece, "so I can undeniably see the appeal, especially with the great position they offered you… But…"

"But?" She met his eyes, a surprised expression grazing her sweet features.

"I always thought you were you know, there. That you would always be here. Just not going anywhere."

Her smiled faded, a frown appearing on her face. With insight, that sounded quite selfish of him. Rude even. But Colin didn't seem to be able to stop making a fool out of himself lately. And especially around her.

"Pen, I―"

"This is me," she exclaimed with a bit more force than was necessary. "Thanks for accompanying me home! Have a fun evening, Colin." Penelope merely nodded at him, dashing away, as if the devil was on her very tail.

Damn, damn.

He was stupid.

And he hadn't even found the opportunity to mentioned their ill-shared kiss last week.

SPOTTED!

Francesca Bridgerton was seen rushing down the streets to her hotel.

This author has it on good authority that she was being closely followed by a man ― and this author can't help but wonder if it was a fan or a lover.

― xoxo, LW~

Penelope was putting cupcakes away when someone knocked on the door. She had let her apprentice leave earlier, so it made no sense for anyone to disturb her.

"We're closed," she shouted anyway, at the top of her lungs.

"Pen, it's me."

Her heart missed a beat.

Despite the muffled glass, Penelope recognised the voice. She was pretty sure she'd recognise it to her dying day.

She started to move towards the door, but then stopped herself. Didn't she say she was done? Should she really open the door? Or couldn't she pretend―

"Pen, please."

Despite her brain screaming at her that it was a bad, a terrible idea, her heart won out ― as usual. Colin stood under the rain, barely dry as he tried to seek shelter despite having forgotten his umbrella.

"What kind of Londoner doesn't take an―"

But he interrupted her with an impatient wave of the hand. "I'm sorry about the kiss."

Of course. The kiss. That he had finally decided to acknowledged.

Because he thought it was about the kiss, that she was running away.

Because they had kissed, and best friends didn't kiss each other. Not as they had.

Because all her life, or rather most of it, had been cantered about him. And he could tell she was slipping away.

"Colin, I'm moving. It has nothing to do with you," she said as she went back to her pastries.

He followed her, closing carefully the door behind him.

She couldn't meet his eyes. She wasn't lying, was she? Only a fool would refuse the offer ― and it was the perfect opportunity to help her move on.

Colin shrugged out his coat, shook his hair to remove some of the raindrops. "What am I gonna do without you?"

A small smile graced her lips as she took in his dishevelled state, offering him napkins. "Find a new bakery, that's all."

His green eyes settled on her face, with a serious expression he seldom rarely sported. "I didn't mean the cakes. I meant you. What am I to do without you, Pen?"

Oh.

"I―"

He grabbed her hands, his fingers catching hers in a tight grip. "All this time… I didn't know."

"You didn't know?"

"That all I wanted was here, just here."

"All you wanted?" She repeated yet again.

Colin nodded. "I have been going around the world, searching, hoping to find something. I had no idea I already had found it. I didn't know that my missing part was here all along. Who would be so lucky?"

"Colin." She was trembling, afraid of what she was hearing. "What happened to me being just Pen?"

He laughed sheepishly. "It appears she's the only one for me."

It was too much. Too unexpected. Feeling dizzy, she grabbed a table to stay upright. But apparently Colin was going all in. He was constant in his absolute love of things, if nothing else. He grabbed her shoulders to steady her, but his touch was gentle, his expression soft. He inhaled sharply, released a long sigh of pent-up tension.

"I've been on edge these past weeks, and I'm sorry. Truth be told, even food had tasted sour lately and I'm sorry, so sorry, it took me Hyacinth's freaking vlogs to―"

"What does that have to do with anything," snorted Penelope with a perplexed look. Her head was still pounding madly, but Colin's touch had helped calmed her. Which shouldn't surprise her, as she has loved him for more than half her life. Still, it was unnerving how he could make or break her.

"Will you let me finish?" Colin pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's already hard enough as it is, and…"

"Yes, sorry, do go on," Penelope said tactfully. Now that she was better, that she was actually watching his features, she could tell he had decided to tell her whatever it was that he had on his mind.

"Thank you. As I was saying, I've been stupid, the stupidest. Nevertheless, I humbly ask you… Will you marry me, Penelope?"

At her sharp intake of air, he rushed to add a few words. "Not now, not today. But soon. Just soon. Please?"

Her heart missed a beat. Penelope pinched herself once, twice.

"What are you doing?"

"Checking I'm not dreaming," she answered dazedly.

"You aren't. Or we're sharing the same one," Colin grinned at her.

"That would be lovely."

He dropped his forehead to hers, inhaling that luscious smell he could distinguish from anywhere. Cinnamon and orange blossoms. And just a pinch of vanilla.

"I'm still going to Paris," Penelope warned.

"You should. I'll visit you. Hell, I'll even come with you if you'll have me."

She laughed at that. "You didn't need me as an excuse to go to Paris."

"I didn't," Colin agreed. "I just need you. Please say you'll marry me."

Her heart fluttered happily. Was it possible to fall even more in love with that man than she already was?

"Soon," she vowed, their fingers intertwining together. "Very soon."