A/N: Okay, is this a shameless reworking of the biggest couple in the world (IMO) rn? Yes. Is it a perfect retelling of what that relationship is? Nope! Hope you enjoy it! Thank you to my alpha Solaria_Flare and my beta Spinster_Vickster! (At some point I will get back and finish Emergence, but that might be a ways away.)
January 2018
Excerpt from an interview:
Penelope Featherington: After my dad's death, the rights to my master recordings were transferred to his lawyer. This was a holdover from before I was of age. At least I tried to get him to let me purchase them from him. But he refused. At that point, I knew he would sell them.
[Penelope pauses to take a breath.]
Penelope Featherington: I could not believe who he sold them to.
Interviewer: Tell me more about Cressida Cowper.
Penelope Featherington: She has been in this industry for a long time. She has a lot of friends in high and low places. She is someone that we've had numerous conversations about. My dad's lawyer knew how I felt about her. But he has millions of reasons to work with her, and they're all sitting in his bank account.
Interviewer: So, what will you do now?
[A smile takes over Penelope Featherington's signature red lips.]
Penelope Featherington: Cressida may own my masters, but I own my words. Let her have my recordings from years ago. I can re-record. So, keep an eye out for new versions of my previous albums. There may even be some old songs that didn't make the final album cut that would be new to my fans.
Interviewer: Thank you so much for meeting with me.
December 2021
Benedict walked into his brother Anthony's office.
"What are you doing here?" Anthony asked accusingly. He looked up from his contracts.
"Hello, Benedict. How lovely to see you! How is my wonderful brother today?" Benedict adopted a falsetto.
"Piss off. What do you want?" Anthony turned his attention back to the papers and contracts on his desk.
"Ugh, fine. Do you have tickets for Colin's next home game?"
"Why don't you ask him?" Anthony looked up again.
"He's cut me off. You'd think he'd be happy to have me supporting him at each home match." Benedict grumbled.
Anthony snorted.
"What?" Benedict pushed.
"Maybe if you didn't insist on so many tickets for your friends and harass the attendant in the family box, he might be more willing."
"Who told you about Sophie?" Benedict's horrified eyes looked at his brother.
"Mom, of course. You can't keep secrets from her. She thought it was cute that you were mooning over the girl. However, I know we taught you better than that. No means no. Also, don't corner women at their place of work. That's an unfair power imbalance since she can't leave."
"It isn't like that. Look, can you get me tickets or not?"
"Can I? Yes. Will I? No."
"I should have asked Daphne," Benedict said as he left.
"She's going to the next away game with Simon, Fran, and mum might go too!"
Anthony called out after him. "Good luck!"
June 2021
Michael Stirling watched Colin Bridgerton edge around the dance floor. He seemed to be evading Bertram Fife. Michael, Colin, and Bert had all gone to Eton together - or they had until Colin was pulled out to be a fancy footballer at a development club.
The three had remained friendly, but Michael and Colin had always been closer. Michael had even lost touch with Bert.
Adjusting his collar, Michael made his way over to Colin stealthily.
"What was that?"
Colin jumped. He hadn't expected Micahel to be there, let alone sneak up on him. "Oh, Michael. How are you, mate?"
"I'm doing well, but I just noticed that you were actively avoiding Bert. What has he done?"
Colin's eyes immediately started darting all around the ballroom - a clear sign that Colin was about to lie. "Is Bert here? I haven't even seen him." Colin started to whistle.
"Oh my goodness, you still whistle when you lie," Michael said through a snort. "That's precious." He said before he turned serious, making Colin even more nervous. "What's actually going on?"
"Ugh, I hate that you already know all my tells." Colin rolled his eyes.
"I gotta tell you, that's not a hard one to guess."
"Fine, you caught me. I'm avoiding Bert. But it's for a silly, embarrassing reason. I'd rather not get into it." Colin said, turning away again.
"I have to hear it now. You can't just say something like that and not explain it."
"Alright, alright," he conceded. "You know Penelope Featherington?"
"Not personally, but there's not many who haven't heard of her," Micahel said.
Colin coughed. "Yes, well. There's a rumor that Bert inspired one of her songs - allegedly, he treated her friend Goring, something, in a rather - erm - ungentlemanly manner." Colin looked pained.
"Allegedly is pulling a lot of weight in that sentence." Michael raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I know. While it seems a little ridiculous, I'd rather not spend any time with the man if I can avoid it." Colin said.
"If you feel strongly about it, I'll help you." Michael sighed. "But, honestly, I've been avoiding him for years. After you left … he developed a reputation with women. It wasn't good. I tend to steer clear when I can as well."
"Thank you, Michael. You're a good friend." Colin nudged him. "I know we all used to be friends, but I don't particularly want to associate with anyone who treats people like that. I know it's just rumors but …"
"Yeah, there were enough rumors that I've done the same. My life didn't change that much when I stopped spending time with him anyway."
"So, anyone new in your life?" Colin said. "I can wingman for you since you're helping me avoid Bert."
Michael clapped him on the back. "Introduce me to one of your lovely sisters, and we can call it even."
"Ha! Just for that description, I should introduce you to Francesca. Let her put up with you." Colin chuckled. "It's not like I'd let someone like Bert around my family, let alone my sisters."
December 2021
"Penelope!" Prudence called. She was looking at pictures on her phone while they were all spending Boxing Day together.
Penelope fought not to let out a sigh. It was still the beginning of the day. She could probably make it through the holiday without snapping at her sister, probably. "What's up?"
"Are we still under the holiday picture censure? It's no longer Christmas after all." There was a worrying glint in Prudence's eyes.
At that moment, Penelope put it together. Prudence had already posted something.
"Let me see it at least." Penelope held her hand out for Prudence's phone.
"But you look great!" Prudence said. Penelope sighed, of course, she looked great. Her mum had even gotten her a Colin Bridgerton jersey the day before. So, Penelope was going to wear it to watch her team on Boxing Day. Her mum knew that Colin was her favorite player.
"Oh my," Penelope walked over. "Just let me see it. I know you already posted it."
"Ah!" Prudence looked proud. "But I haven't tagged you in it."
Penelope ignored her. "Just let me," Penelope huffed out. She wrestled the phone out of Prudence's hand. Emerging victorious, Penelope looked at the phone.
The photo wasn't hideous. It was the shot from the morning with everyone in the family repping their jerseys ahead of all the matches. Nearly everyone was repping Arsenal with Penelope and her mother the outliers wearing the Tottenham jerseys.
"While I wish you had asked first, it is fine." Penelope rubbed her temples.
"It's better to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission," Prudence sang. "I'll just go ahead and tag you then."
And now Penelope had a headache. She hoped the Spurs at least won.
December 2021
"Okay, stay calm. Stay calm." Eloise muttered to herself as she looked at her phone. She hadn't looked up from her phone despite the thrilling football match on the pitch below her. She had made the trip up with her mom to join Daphne, Simon, Francesca, and Michael for the away game.
Simon looked pained, but he figured it was at least his duty to ask - though he'd rather focus on his brother-in-law's match. "Is everything okay, Eloise?"
"Yes! It's just that … well … the Penelope Featherington's sister just tagged her in a family photo!"
Simon was lost. "And, a popular singer taking a family photo, that's cause for a 'stay calm,' mantra?" He tried not to look at his sister-in-law as if she was being ridiculous, but it's hard to say if he succeeded or not. Daphne always said he had an expressive face.
"Look!" She thrust her phone into his face. It took a second for him to focus.
The photo looked like a normal Boxing Day family image. Most of them seemed to be cheering for Arsenal, but a couple were in Tottenham jerseys. He didn't have a second to identify who was who before Eloise pulled her phone back. Taking a chance he said, "It's cool that one of the most famous singers is cheering for Colin's team?" Simon hoped his slight smile helped convince Eloise that he was following.
"Are you telling me or asking me?" She used her professor's voice.
"Definitely asking," He admitted.
"Ugh, where's Daphne? She'd appreciate this."
Simon wasn't sure that she would, but he directed Eloise to where his wife was nonetheless.
"Daphne! THE Penelope Featherington is wearing Colin's jersey!" Eloise screamed out in the vague direction of Daphne - the emphasis on the article was louder than the rest of the scream.
"What!" His wife yelled back. Huh, he guessed she had a more appropriate response.
Eloise shot him a smirk. Then, she got up to talk it over with Daphne.
Simon sighed. It wasn't something he wanted to be involved in. He turned back to the match.
December 2021
Excerpt from the post-match press conference with Angus McElheny, the Manager, Colin Bridgerton, forward, Richard Abernathy, the keeper, and members of the press.
[Angus points to the representative from the Sun.]
"James McIntyre, the Sun. My question is for Colin Bridgerton."
[In the pause, Richard, the keeper goes to take a sip once it is clear the question isn't for him.]
[The reporter James' face looks pained as though he doesn't want to ask this question.]
"Is there something going on between you and Penelope Featherington?"
[The keeper, Richard spits out his water with a truly impressive spit take. Then he begins coughing. Colin pauses to smack him on the back. After a second, Richard has control of himself.]
"While I'm a big fan of her work, I've never met the woman. Has she said something about me?" [Colin's face was startled. His voice sounded a little hopeful at the end. But that is up for interpretation.]
"She was photographed wearing your jersey and enjoying Boxing Day. Our readers want to know if there's anything between you two."
[The reporter, James, looks almost embarrassed as if he wants to ask about the match, but he is forced to follow this line of questioning.]
"There's nothing but respect for her talent from me. I can't comment on her thoughts." [Colin pauses to take a quick drink of his water.]
"Should we get back to discussing the match?"
January 2022
[Interlude in transit]
"We have to get moving or we'll be late for lunch, Francine." A woman said to her friend and they hurried to the Seven Sisters Railway Station.
"It's fine if we're late. I'd rather be late than sweaty, Sandy." Francine said, following her friend at a more sedate pace.
"Oh, my goodness. Fine, I'll slow down." Sandy said.
"Sandy! Look at this! I can't believe they put them next to each other!" Francine said. "Did you see Penelope Featherington's Boxing Day photo and Colin Bridgerton's press conference?"
[The physical ad on the wall at the Seven Sisters Station stop: An image is shown of Colin Bridgerton in the middle of doing a scissor kick on the field.]
[Another physical ad (next to the first) on the wall at the Seven Sisters Station stop: An image of Penelope Featherington's latest album art lists the date of its upcoming release.]
"Of course I did, you sent them both to me on Instagram." Sandy sighed. "He's so handsome."
"I would have appreciated a response," Francine grumbled. "Penelope's brand new album breaks up her last two re-records. But she still has four more albums to re-record. I can't wait until she owns all her music."
"Yes, fuck that Cressida Cowper," Sandy said.
May 2022
Colin isn't sure how he merited an invitation to the BRIT Awards. Okay, yes, he did know. Anthony was originally invited as a thank-you from his client and then couldn't make it. So, Colin isn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He loved live music and now that the season was over, he could also enjoy the free drinks. Plus, he had an alarm on his phone for when his night had to end to get some sleep for his off-season training the next day. So, he put on his best tuxedo, pulled up his big boy socks, and walked out the door.
It isn't often that he gets to enjoy live music and this event was full of it. He was in his element and he couldn't stop himself from dancing. Clearly, his energy was infectious, the woman seated next to him invited him to an after-party with her. She was also a last-minute addition. Apparently, her sister Kate couldn't make it. But, Edwina had plenty of contacts to get into an after-party - and bring him with her!
Once he got the address from the lovely Edwina - he didn't catch her last name, he headed home quickly to change out of the tuxedo. (Edwina had lightly encouraged him to wear something less formal to it and claimed that changing outfits was the standard. He agreed since he was just happy to keep the night going.)
It never occurred to him to be nervous at the idea of going to an awards show alone, nor to show up at an after-party where he only knew one person. Instead, he stopped home quickly to put on more comfortable, but still nice, clothes and then he headed out the door again. (He may have also pushed his phone's alarm back two hours.)
May 2022
When Colin got there, he quickly found Edwina and whisked her away to the dance floor. He'd been dancing nonstop basically since he arrived. There were so many nice people here. In the middle of the dance floor, someone came up to him.
"I haven't seen you in forever!" They exclaimed. Due to the lighting, Colin could barely see them. But, he figured it couldn't hurt to be nice.
"How are you?" Colin yelled over the music. They went in for a hug and Colin returned it.
"I'll see you later," the mysterious person called back. Oh well.
Edwina, who had been dancing near him, asked, "Was that Cressida Cowper?"
"No clue!" Colin replied.
She started dying of laughter. "You just went in for a hug with a random stranger?"
"It seemed like the polite thing to do at the time." He shrugged. "I'm going to get some water and take a break!"
Edwina gave him a nod and Colin moved off. He saw that she started moving closer to another man. Colin vaguely got the sense his name was Fred, but he wasn't sure why.
Circling to the edge of the room, Colin needed a break. He spotted an open seat on a couch in the back. He was a little sweaty from all the dancing, but he fell onto the couch with a slight groan.
He heard a light giggle, but he let his eyes stay closed as he rested for a moment.
"You can't be … I mean … oh my goodness … what are you doing here?" A young voice said.
Colin cringed and debated keeping his eyes closed. He was pretty recognizable, but this party had several VIPs, and he was pretty sure that he'd seen Queen Charlotte (no last name, she's pretty famous for only using her first name professionally). So, he'd be shocked that he'd earned that reaction.
"Did you want a photo?" A different, melodic voice asked from his left. Colin stiffened and his eyes shot open. He recognized that voice. He now knew why someone was starstruck.
He was sitting next to Penelope Featherington. (Technically, she was about a meter away, but who was counting?) Hell, he was tempted to ask for a photo.
"Yes, please." The young person said. They looked around for someone to take the photo.
"I can do it," Colin offered before he even thought about it.
With the phone in hand, he took a few photos vertically, then horizontally, and finally in portrait mode. There had to be at least one good one in there.
After he returned the phone, the person let out a quick thanks and ran away in excitement.
"That was really nice of you to do," He said to Penelope. "I'm Colin, by the way."
"Penelope," she said with a smile. Colin found a matching grin on his face. She was probably the biggest singer in the world, and she was still introducing herself to him. He couldn't help but be charmed. "I saw you earlier with Cressida, so I assumed you wouldn't want to be around me."
"Cressida Cowper? I don't know her." Colin shook his head lightly.
"I could have sworn I saw you hug her. But my mistake." Penelope grinned.
"Oh! Was that Cressida? I didn't know who she was. It was clear that she was committed to hugging me. It seemed easier to just give her a hug than explain that I had no idea who she was."
"You're a real go-with-the-flow person, then?" She said a slight sparkle in her eye.
"Only off the pitch," Colin smirked.
From there, the conversation flowed freely. Colin was shocked to learn that Penelope was actually a huge football fan.
Though, she was passionately against the use of VAR. "It takes up so much time! They should just make the call on the field. If they're wrong, then they're wrong. The ball doesn't lie. If a team deserves to win, they'll win despite a bad call. With VAR, it's like they're constantly stopping to double and triple check everything."
Colin was thoroughly enjoying the conversation, but he didn't want her to think that he could only talk about football.
"Okay, but you are a superstar in your own right. Your turn of phrase is legendary! Have you heard that viral sound? It goes something like 'Yes, London Bridge is nice, but it's not the best bridge in the world. That belongs to Penelope Featherington.'"
"Well, that's certainly a mouthful for a viral sound." She had a pleased smile on her lips.
"It's accurate is what it is," Colin said firmly.
After chatting for a little longer, the conversation was broken up by a persistent beeping. Colin pulled out his phone.
"No, no, no!" He muttered as he hurried to turn it off.
"What are you, Cinderella? Are you going to disappear any second now?" She teased him.
"Not exactly, but I do have to get going." Colin sighed. "I really enjoyed our conversation. Any chance I could leave you with my phone number?"
"You're not going to ask for mine?" She said, raising a quizzical brow.
"No, I'd rather you decide whether or not to take the next step. I know that I want to keep talking with you, but I'd like to give you the opportunity to back out. I didn't mean to monopolize your night." He bashfully smiled at her.
"Okay." She let out a slight smile and pulled out her phone.
Colin quickly rattled off his number and forced himself away from the comfortable conversation and couch.
With a final goodbye, Colin headed out.
Summer of 2022
After the party, Penelope was immediately returning to a worldwide tour. So, while the ease of conversation from that night stayed with them over text, that's not to say that it was smooth sailing from there. Colin was enmeshed in his off-season training. Their schedules didn't sync up easily. There tended to be a few hours between their messages.
But Colin was committed. He enjoyed spending time with her and wasn't going to give up so easily. He started to keep his phone volume on instead of the near-constant vibration setting.
After repeatedly staying on top of the messaging, Colin and Penelope caught a spare hour. They had been messaging back and forth steadily and Colin decided to just call her. They ended up chatting for another two hours over the phone.
It didn't take long for Colin to become smitten. Even his siblings called him out on it. Though, they didn't know who the 'she' in the equation was. Colin refused to be one of those people who aired everything immediately. No one knew who it was - with the exception of his mom. She was in a whole other class though. You couldn't keep secrets from Violet Bridgerton.
Since Penelope and Colin didn't exactly run in the same circles, they didn't have as much time face-to-face in person. But they did have a lot of video calls, texts, and regular calls building up. However, the lack of in-person time probably helped out with the early stages of their relationship.
They truly got to know each other. Colin found out she had a delightful habit of stopping everything - sometimes when he or she was even mid-sentence - to go and write down a turn of phrase or an idea for a song.
At the beginning, she apologized for it. But Colin wore her down to get her out of the habit. He let her know that he was incredibly flattered by it. That their conversation would inspire her in her job excited him. He had a silly grin on his face every time she did it.
He was sure that she was learning his idiosyncrasies as well. He spent a lot of time with his family. And, while he didn't tell them about her, he told her all about them.
While they were still in the early stages of whatever this would develop into, Colin was having so much fun with it. And, he hoped that she enjoyed it as well. He had hope that they and any relationship they built would go the distance.
December 2022
[Another Boxing Day Photo: Colin Bridgerton has an arm wrapped around Penelope Featherington after winning his match. They have matching wide grins on their faces as they stare at the camera. Penelope is in the same Colin Bridgerton Tottenham jersey from the year before.]
The End.
A/N:
Okay, google said the BRIT awards are usually in March, but I'm pretty sure the Premier League doesn't end until May. So we're moving the awards to May. It's fine - waves away timeline concerns. [Potentially the Awards and Premier League are on the same channel? So ignore that too :)] Also, this is an AU where the pandemic didn't happen. I wanted to place this in recent years, but I have no idea how to fit all the ramifications of the pandemic into this AU, so again wave it away with fanfic magic. [I did mean for ColinxPenelope to meet earlier than page 9/12, but the story wants what the story wants.]