Work Text:
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There was nothing Colin liked more than cheese.
Okay, maybe his mother and his siblings, but cheese came to a close second. The differing tastes, the variety of shapes, textures, and smells… Eating cheese was heavenly to him. London was sadly not the perfect location for a cheese lover who could recite over 100 kinds of cheese, if necessary, even under pressure (namely during a hostage situation that had not occurred as of yet).
The map of Europe in Colin’s head was not just of its mountains, rivers, and landmarks, but also of its cheeses. For example, sure, Lombardy in Northern Italy was home of Milan and the Orobic Alps but the only thing Colin really adored from the region was Taleggio, or what he preferred to call a blessing to all of humankind.
Colin had been fortunate that his Instagram account reviewing restaurants had taken off recently. At the bright age of 26, he had finally found his calling: eating and getting paid to review what he ate. Of course it was not as simple as that, but he was proud of himself, and well, Anthony was too—so it was a win all around.
Today Colin had something exciting planned for his lunch: visiting and filming at a real fromagerie,or a French cheese monger shop. This particular one had a selection from all over the continent, and even the world. Plus, it had a small eatery that looked to die for.
The journey to the shop was fun; it was located near Hampstead Heath, the closest thing to the countryside without leaving London.The spring sun warmed his heart as well as his face while he walked outside. He was wearing his new glasses for the first time and he felt like he was walking on clouds. He pushed the blue door with a brass handle that looked like it belonged in the 19th century and a little bell rang to announce his presence. A sound straight out of a 90’s dream. Maybe Hugh Grant could play him in this film from the past that was never made?
The voice of the owner, who he chatted with online briefly, resonated once he stepped inside the boutique. It was dimly lit and Colin immediately felt at ease. The combination of cheeses smelt heavenly, at least to him, and he felt at home.
“Good morning! Welcome to Philippa’s Cheeses! I’m Albion, what can I do for you?” The owner smiled widely at his new customer.
“Well, good day, sir!” Albion nodded proudly as Colin greeted him. ”I’m Colin Bridgerton, we messaged a bit over Instagram. I stumbled upon some of your videos and we seem to share the same passion. I wanted to highlight your store on my page. What can you recommend to me for a small pre-lunch?”
Albion smiled even wider, which Colin did not know was possible.
“Oh, of course, I’m so glad you actually came! I even wore my special shirt for you!” Colin looked at it and let out a little laugh. On his chest, two pins of a camembert wheel and of a goat cheese were proudly featured over a shirt that read “Keep Calm and Eat Cheese” with a wheel of cheese instead of the usual crown.
“Oh my god! This shirt is so fun! And those pins are amazing, where did you get them??!!”. Colin almost shouted. He really was excited to meet someone sharing the same passion as he did.
“Over at the Lactalis museum in France!”
Colin’s eyes bugged out of his face. No way?! How could Albion know about this museum? Colin thought, almost letting the words out.
The milk museum of Laval, Mayenne in France was… not on everyone's radar to say the least. The small town was in a part of France nobody ever really visited but Colin, and well… It had been one of his favourite museums when he lived in the country. Sure, Eloise explained to him that the company behind it was not the best and that it was a promotion of milk to an extent that may not meet environmental and health goals, but… it was his guilty pleasure.
“You’ve been there?” Colin asked, trying to appear as sane as he could.
“Of course! I’ve visited a lot of French towns! I consider myself a sort of cheese expert, more than a cheese monger, a cheesemellier if you will.” Albion snorted with glee, and Colin followed. This guy really was perfect.
They both laughed for a full minute before Colin spoke again. “I’ve visited a lot of French towns too! Parlez-vous français mon ami?” (do you speak French my friend?)
Albion’s smile diminished. Colin’s accent was perfect. Too perfect, in truth, for any British man. Colin understood that the cheesemellier was nervous he might actually be French for a minute. “Oune petit peu. Etes-vous frenchais? Vous parliez twès bien.” (with mistakes, a little bit, are you french? You speak very well.)
“Oh non! J’ai simplement grandi en France, près de Nantes. Les parents de ma mère sont originaires de la région et j’y ai passé une grande partie de ma scolarité.” (Oh no! I simply grew up in France near Nantes. My mother’s parents were from the Region and I attended school there for a while). Colin replied.
“Donc vous connaissez bienne le Pont L’Evêque?” (with mistakes, So you know Pont L’Evêque?).
Colin grinned. This guy really was the real deal “Oui! Absolumment. Let’s switch back to English, my French is rusty.”
Albion continued, “Sure! But it’s not rusty at all, in fact I'd consider it perfectly polished! Okay, so for someone that grew up in France, maybe I recommend the Tomme d’Anjou, not a very well known cheese that I directly import from Bouchemaines, a small city outside of Angers. I’d pair it with something stronger like this gorgonzola made by a local farmer, on this toasted bread with some pickled carrots and radishes on the side. Finally, maybe a simple Queso Majorero from the Canary Islands with a chorizo and a baguette!”
Colin was on cloud 9… This was all so wonderful.
“You’re really a cheesemellier! I already adore you, Albion! Don’t tell me, you also like video games and photo editing because then we may be the same person!”
Albion laughed, “Well, actually, yes to video games—in case it’s not obvious yet I’m obsessed with Stardew Valley. Sadly no on the photo editing.”
“Is it because you’ve also always dreamed of being a farmer and making your own cheese?” Colin asked right away, geeking out over one of his passions. He readjusted his glasses. Did he just make a friend so instantly?
“Yes? Are you a Pokemon guy too?” Albion asked with an incredulous tone.
“ I sure am! Pokopia is my current obsession,” Colin laughed. He had spent too many hours on the game lately.
“Same here.” Albion smiled, as he prepared Colin’s meal.
“Also this… This place is amazing, please let me film a bit. You’re totally my next reel!”
“Let me comp you then!” Albion said, toasting the baguette to a perfect crisp.
“Absolutely not! I’ll tag you though.”
Colin waited a bit and did not know what to say for a second, but Albion came to his rescue. “Well, Colin, it’s such a pleasure! Could I impose myself and share this meal with you? I’m due for a little break, my wife Philippa is arriving in 5?”
“Definitely, are you kidding? I feel like we’re already friends!”
“We are?” Albion asked a bit shyly.
“Of course, any guy that knows how to actually pronounce Pont L’Evêque is my friend!”
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In the two weeks since Colin met Albion, they texted constantly. So much so that his family asked if he was dating anyone. It was rare for Colin to meet someone and click instantly. It warmed his heart to feel so close to someone. Only a few times in his memory, but Albion quickly became one of his closest friends outside of his family. Traveling a lot made it challenging to build any kind of relationship, though with his recent move to London permanently, he was excited for what his new life would look like now. Albion was that rare kind of friend who was endlessly supportive and always made Colin smile even on tougher days. They had even taken to texting each other cheese jokes and puns, though one stuck out as Colin’s favorite.
Colin and Albion
Albion: What kind of cheese is found in basketball?
Colin: I don’t know. What?
Albion: Swish cheese 🤣
Colin laughed at a message
Colin: Okay, but that is legit funny
Albion: I was not good at basketball, but I did come up with a decent cheese joke
Colin: Thanks mate. Needed that laugh
Albion: That’s what gouda friends are for 😅
Colin loved coming up with his own cheese puns to share. It became a near daily occurrence. If his family thought he was cheese-obsessed, they did not realize how much worse (or better if you asked Albion) it could get.
It was a beautiful Saturday, and he was walking around when he realized that he was near Phillipa’s Cheeses. He and Albion had mostly texted since they met, and he knew that Albion was working so he figured he would stop in to say hello. He walked into the fromagerie and yelled out, “How does cheese get curly hair?”
And then he heard footsteps getting closer and closer before he heard, “A perm-esean!”
“Albie!”
“Col!”
“How are you today?”
“Pretty good. I am making a cheese board for my sister-in-law. She has her book club tonight, and I love making them for her.”
“That’s nice! Are you close with Phillipa’s family?”
“Yes, they’re grate!” Albion winked at his cheese joke, and Colin couldn’t help but chuckle.
Suddenly the door bell rang, and Albion smiled widely, “Harry! I didn’t know you were stopping by!”
The man who Colin assumed was Harry replied, “I wanted to come since I heard this was the hot new place in London to get cheese from.”
Albion waved off Harry with a laugh before turning to Colin, “This is the other member of the ‘Cheese Feather Bros.’ Harry is engaged to Prudence, my other sister-in-law.”
Colin stuck his hand out, “Nice to meet you mate. A fellow cheese lover?”
“I would brie silly not to be,” Harry said, shaking his hand in return.
“Also, love the group name. Why Feather though?”
Albion answered, “Oh it’s based on Phillipa’s maiden name.”
Harry nodded in agreement with a dreamy smile on his face. “I can’t wait for Prudence to become a Dankworth though.”
Colin loved seeing how in love Albion and Harry were with their partners. It reminded him of his parents’ love and the love his siblings had for their own spouses. He was a bit wistful that he had not found his person yet. Sometimes even jealous seeing others so happily in love. Though he did love a good love story so he had to ask.
“How did you each meet your partner?”
Albion smiled, “I used to work for a catering company before I had my own business, and there was this cute event planner that I would see a lot at events and parties. Almost every month for a year. She had this laugh that I could hear across the room, and I was immediately struck by her.”
Harry pushed out his lower lip and went “awwww” with his hand over his heart. Colin assumed that they all seemed to love love the way he did as well. Even more reason they were kindred spirits.
Albion continued with stars in his eyes, “And I eventually worked up the courage to ask her out. We got married about three years ago and had our little Philomena last year. I just love my girls.”
Harry started to speak, “And I think Albie has to start the story of how I met Prudence since he is the one who set us up.”
“It’s true! I met Harry when I was catering an event he was at: a teacher networking event two-ish years ago.”
“I teach middle school English and drama.”
“And we hit it off 一 kinda like I did with you, Colin. So fun and easy. We started hanging out and I invited Harry to come over when I knew Prudence would be at our flat, and I gently encouraged Harry to ask out Prudence.”
“I had to court her for a bit before she went out with me on a proper date. Though once we had our first kiss, I knew she was the one for me.”
“You courted her?” Colin asked, a bit confounded. He disliked a lot of dating conventions so hearing of courting a young woman sounded wonderfully old-fashioned.
Harry nodded, “Yes, I used to bring flowers or chocolates or go on walks with her when she was out with Phillipa and Albie.”
Albion added, “Prudence is the loudest of the sisters, but she has a soft heart once you get to know her. She just had to trust him. And now he is to be my official brother!”
Harry turned to Colin, “Do you have any brothers?”
Colin laughed, “Well I have 3 brothers and 2 brothers-in-law already, but I would happily have more.”
Albion beamed, “Penelope is single. She’s the best! So sweet. Super smart! I could give her your number if you want?”
Suddenly, Colin was nervous. He only recently moved back to London after many, many years away. A lot of his family lived here too, so he was spending a lot of time with everyone, especially his siblings. While his whole family moved to France when he was a child, over the years, his siblings and mother slowly moved back to the UK for university or jobs or because of loved ones. Colin had spent the last four years traveling around the world, so he would visit but he did not know where he had a true home anymore. His childhood in London felt so long ago and most of his family, save Benedict, now resided in the UK. It left him feeling unmoored, and only recently moved to London to set down roots of his own. He was slowly settling into a routine, but everything here was fresh and new in a way that still sometimes unsettled him. While Albion was being really nice about everything and had become a great friend, dating felt like a bridge too far for now.
“Um, I’m not sure I am ready to date yet. I’m still finding my footing in London, but I’ll let you know, if I’m ever ready.”
“Oh of course. Sorry, I tend to get a bit excited about matchmaking. Harry can attest.”
Harry laughed in agreement, “He was persistent… but it worked out great. So maybe he is right?”
Albion rolled his eyes playfully before waving Colin, “No matter. We can still add you to the group chat! Have to include a fellow cheese bro.”
Colin clapped his hand on each of their shoulders. “Cheers! Thanks mates. Excited to be added.”
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Cheese Feather Bros
Colin: Albie, how did the cheese board for your sister-in-law go?
Albion: Great! She and her friends loved it
Harry: And her name is Penelope if you couldn’t remember 😉
Colin liked a message
Colin: How was the rest of your Saturday?
Albion: Good, the girls came soon after you left and we had a picnic at the park
Harry: Prudence was busy most of the day, so I just played Disney Dreamlight Valley
Colin: Very cool
Harry: Next time, you have to come play with us
Albion: Definitely. We’re not the best, but I will supply the cheese so it’s always a fun time
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Two weeks later, Colin was hanging at Albion’s flat playing video games with him and Harry. It was such a great time, and he loved the joy he felt being with these men. They had very quickly become brothers to him. While he loved his brothers immensely and loved hanging out with them, he did not always feel comfortable sharing his nerdier interests. They did not get his enthusiasm and passion the way Albion and Harry did. And from the little he heard from them about Penelope, their sister-in-law, she seemed almost too good to be true. There were a lot of: “Penelope volunteers at the library.” “Penelope fosters kittens.” “Penelope knits her own sweaters.” As a result, he could not get her out of his head. He was intrigued, and he figured that it would not hurt to go out with her one time if she was agreeable. He hoped that Albion had been talking him up to Penelope as well. Furthermore, he made sure to mention other interests of his or interesting anecdotes just in case.
Colin and Albion
Colin: Thanks for the video game hang
Albion: Anytime!
Colin: Next time at my flat. We can be as loud as we want 😅
Albion: Haha yeah, with Philomena, have to watch the volume
Colin: Can I ask you something?
Albion: For sure. Everything okay?
Colin: Yeah, yeah. I’m good
Colin: Could you give Penelope my number? I’d be open to talking to her…
Albion emphasized a message
Albion: YES!
Albion: I mean, *ahem* of course
Colin laughed at a message
Albion: Phillipa just asked if you’d want to go on a double date with us and her
Colin: Yeah, that would be really cool. Thank you
Colin: You’re the best
Albion loved a message
Albion: Anytime. I’ll text Penelope and let you know what days work
Colin liked a message
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Colin was nervous.
More nervous than he wanted to admit. Colin was social in the way where people gave him energy and joy, though he adored his peace and he never felt like he completely fit in. And god, this Penelope. Well… She… She looked like the perfect person for him. Sweet, soft, and funny from what Albion had told him.
And god, when he saw a picture of her, he could not comprehend how someone could be so unbelievably beautiful.
They were supposed to meet at a raclette and fondue restaurant that had just opened in South Kensington, the “6th largest French city,” right next to the Institut Français. Obviously Albion had chosen the place, for its reputation and to try new cheeses.
When Colin arrived, she was already sitting in the Alpine-inspired booth and was wearing this cute, yet simple, outfit that made his brain melt a bit because it was just so perfect: a black turtleneck, blue overall dress that matched her eyes, and lacy tights with flowers embroidered.
She jumped up when he arrived, hitting herself with the elaborate oak chair.
“Are you okay?” Colin asked.
“Well, yes I’m… I’m okay,” Penelope answered. “You must be Colin?” She continued with a smile.
“Um, yes, I must be Penelope, right?” He answered before thinking.
Penelope snorted.
“Well hello Penelope, you’ve grown taller!” Albion joked, from behind.
Colin turned red and laughed. There was no way he just said that?! What a dunce! Penelope was too stunning for him to function properly.
Albion sat down and Philippa smiled at Colin who stayed standing up for a second too long. Albion frowned a bit and without talking Colin understood he had once again made a fool of himself.
“So! You’re the famous Colin!” Philippa asked.
“Well, I’m not Penelope, that's for sure! Don’t know if I’m famous either!”
Philippa piped again “You’re very famous! I’ve seen your TikToks all over my “For You” page!”
Colin blushed. And Penelope smiled gently at him. He did not really like being the center of attention. He preferred when the focus was on cheese and food in general. Talking about himself made him a bit self-conscious. .
“You’re… you’re an event planner, right, Philippa?” Colin asked, too anxious to actually talk directly to Penelope yet. He did not have enough cheese in him to do so.
“I am! I work all kinds of events, but now that we have our little one, I’ve specialized in kid’s birthday parties!”
“That’s actually adorable. I have a few nephews and nieces, they’re my pride and joy. Truly the best thing that ever happened to my life!”
Philippa blurted, “You’d make such a great uncle to little Philomena then!”
Albion frowned at his wife and for a second, nobody talked around the table. Like the French would say, an angel passed, his white wings making a tiny “whoosh” sound over the very quiet table.
Hopefully, they were saved by the server appearing at the table. She was quite small and had very light brown, curly hair and she smiled very wide. “Bonjour!” She said in a perfect French accent. “Bienvenue à Vive le fromage! I’m Mia, your server for tonight,” she added, in a not-so-perfect English accent. “Are you ready to order?”
Colin knew he wanted cheese, lots of cheese.
Albion saved him by answering for the table. “I think we wanted to test your famous all you can eat raclette dish for four? Can we… Do you guys have any taste ‘envies’?” He finished with a French word, meaning desires.
“Je veux bien moutarde et poivre s'il-vous-plaît!” (I’d like mustard and black pepper please!). Colin answered, slipping back into his old French habits.
“Vous parlez merveilleusement bien français pour un britannique!” (You speak splendid French for a British man) Mia said in shock. “My colleague, Collette, will never believe it!”
Penelope spoke for the first time since they sat down. She was blushing. Maybe it was his French accent? Maybe it was the heat from the next-door table whose Raclette appliance had been turned on.
“Je veux bien ail des ours si vous en avez!” Penelope answered in a very good French accent.
Colin could not believe it! She was just so perfect?!
“Are you French?!”
“No, but I went to a bilingual school when I was younger! It’s near here actually!”
“No way! You went to Charles de Gaulle school?”
“I did! Wait…” Penelope’s eyes grew so big, he thought they might pop off of her head. “Are you… Are you Colin Bridgerton?”
“What? Yes… Yes I am! … Are you? Penelope?? Penelope Featherington??? You were friends with Eloise? No way it’s you!!!”
Mia cleared her throat, breaking this enlightening moment. “Do you want to order anything else?”
Philippa listed other tastes and the server went away, playfully rolling her eyes at Pen and Colin, still in shock.
Albion frowned. “Wait? You guys know each other?”
“Barely.” Penelope answered, with her high-pitched voice. “I was very close friends with this girl Eloise in kindergarten and she went away when I was … When I was maybe 6 years old? And I think… I think Colin is her brother!”
“Yes! Oh my god, I’m so happy! I remember you! You were so cute! We moved to France around that time. Damn! You’ve changed so much but also not at all!”
Penelope chuckled. “Well same for you too! I’m… My friend Genevieve will never believe it! She had such a big crush on you when we were 5! I still remember it to this day!”
Philippa frowned, confused. “Wait… I don’t get it? You… you’re…” She changed faces, her eyes litting up and her voice getting all pitchy and excited. Penelope shook her head, and Philippa refrained herself. What was going on?
“Well, I’m … I’m shocked! Small world! Almost as big as a babybel!” Albion spoke with glee, his cheeks red with excitement.
“Wait! But… Colin? Colin Bridgerton? You’re… you’re the first grader that dressed up as Morbier, that weird blue cheese for the end of the year costume competition? The whole class talked about your costume for the next year after you guys left.” Philippa exclaimed, laughing a bit. She did not sound mean though, more dumbfounded by the entire situation.
“Well, what can I say? Cheese has been a love of mine for a very long time!” Colin joked, feeling a bit embarrassed by the story. He peeked at Penelope, and she was smiling and laughing quietly. At least, he was entertaining?
Albion laughed. “Well, this is such a crazy coincidence! I’m… I’m impressed, Colin! Even I never dressed up as cheese when I was a kid.”
“Well, you know… listen, I was… I was a peculiar kid.” Colin answered with a tinge of sadness in his voice.
“Me too!” Penelope chimed, as she reached out to touch his hand with care. “I think it’s adorable really, it shows passion and dedication.”
Colin blushed. Damn, her touch was so soft, so delicate.
Albion snorted. “I was an odd kid too, don’t worry. I did my science fair project about the aging of Rocquefort when I was about… 8 or 9?”
“I was not peculiar! I was special, at least that’s what mum always said anyway,” Philippa beamed.
They all laughed. God, it felt so natural being here the four of them. So simple. So perfect! Damn Colin, he thought, don’t screw this up.
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A new server, named Colette, arrived and set up the Raclette Machine. Colin loved his tiny little skillet. The server was wearing glasses, had the loveliest shade of pink hair and the sweetest smile. She had an American accent and explained how the machine worked.
“So you guys! It’s rather easy to use, put one little slice of cheese on your little skillet, put it under the hot rock, and then it’ll melt!”
“Like I do when I see you, Philippa!” Albion interrupted, making all of the people around the table go awwwwww.
Colette laughed a bit at his words and continued her instructions. “You have potatoes here, they’re already peeled.”
“Lucky us!” Colin said. “This is… this is a pain to do usually, you always end up with burned fingertips.”
“Well, we wanted you to not suffer. It’s too hot otherwise,” Mia appeared again with the potato plate, whispering something in Colette’s ear that made the latter giggle. Colin was not sure but he was almost convinced Mia had whispered, “Like you and the redhead together.”
“And, you have charcuterie here, both meats, most from France and Italy and some vegan options for Miss Featherington, if I’m not mistaken?” Colette asked.
Penelope nodded.
Colin was taken aback by this revelation.
“You’re a vegetarian?” He asked.
“Well… I’m… I’m not per se, but I prefer avoiding meat as much as I can. It is a personal preference.”
“Is it because you volunteer at an animal shelter?” Colin asked with genuine interest.
“Well, yes! And for the environment too. But I’m… I’m not vegan, I do eat cheese, let me reassure you!"
Colin laughed a little. “Well, honestly, I… I do admire the passion, and I would have accepted and not judged you either way but… Cheese is my life, so it would be complicated for me to live with someone that can’t eat it.”
Penelope rolled her eyes slightly and laughed too. “Well, it’s a good thing I do eat cheese,then?”
Albion laughed, and he saw Philippa wink at Penelope.
“So how was your day at work, Pen?” Albion asked her, preparing his first slice of cheese, potato, and meats.
“It was fine! My boss, Fi’, was kind of chaotic today. She kept on sending memes on the main slack channel but besides that… I made progress on my new project, so I’m quite happy about it!”
“What do you do for work?” Colin asked her, not even trying to include Albion and Philippa in the conversation anymore.
“I work as a culture coordinator for Oxfam’s homeless shelters. I mostly manage culture programs, do partnerships and a bit of advocacy.”
Colin smiled at her and asked “Oh! What’s one of the programs you manage?”
“Visits to museums, for example. We have a great partnership with Victoria and Albert!”
“Wow! That’s very cool! I’m so impressed! What’s your favourite part of the job?”. Colin continued, completely ignoring both Albion and Philippa, who were for once very silent.
“Honestly it’s when I do the writing workshops! We… We’re actually planning on doing a podcast based on the stories of the participants, it’s a great way for them to process trauma, to gain confidence…”
“You seem like you love your job.”
“Well, I do love it! I have the best colleagues! Elle, whom I adore who works with me sometimes. She’s the mental health coordinator. Marie, who works as the family coordinator, she’s the sweetest! And of course Tamara, the loveliest and funniest lawyer in our department. Our boss Fi is … She’s something but, god, she’s the kindest human.”
“And what do you like to do after work? Besides volunteering at every organisation possible?”
“I’m sure Albion exaggerated. I work once a month at my local library and I go often to the animal shelter; I mostly take care of kittens. Besides that… I’m quite a homebody. I love to knit and read!”
Albion chimed in, including himself to the conversation, much to Colin’s dismay. “And she writes! Pen! How could you forget that?!”
She was such an interesting person, she sounded like a perfect fit to his own nerdy vibes. He already saw them, sitting in their living room whilst he played Pokemon and she read a novel tucked under a blanket she crocheted.
Penelope blushed at Albie’s interjection, and the pair did not really talk for a bit, Albion and Philippa taking over the conversation, talking about the last thing they read, thanks to Penelope’s recommendation. Colin focused on his plate whilst the three talked about Hamnet and Emily Henry. The cheese was hot, and Colin absolutely marvelled at the way it perfectly melted and stringed. He had not eaten such a good Raclette in a long time. There were tons of things he preferred in London compared to Paris, but god, the cheese? Give it to the French to actually know how to make milk… So interesting?
Colin loved the books the trio was discussing. Another one of his favorite hobbies. So much so that he was in the midst of writing a book himself: a hidden restaurant guide to London’s world food scene which… he thought still counted as a book, right? He made a mental note that this restaurant would make a great entry.
Albion looked over at him and frowned. He had not talked for the past 10 minutes and was focused on eating his potatoes and cheese. “Let’s play a game, shall we?” Albion suggested, smiling like an idiot.
“Sure!” Philippa exclaimed whilst Penelope nodded. He saw that she was kind of struggling with her cheeses, but Colin did not know if he should intervene or wait for her to ask.
Colin nodded at Albion, after the latter stared at him for a full second shaking his head slightly.
“In honor of our differing passions, we need to make a recommendation to the others about something new to try cheese or book related!” He giggled.
Colin absolutely adored Albion’s passion and dedication to matchmaking and inclusion of everyone. He may be the best hype-man he had ever encountered, and he was so glad he met such a kind human with such similar passions. Finding friends in adulthood was hard, especially when you were a bit on the shyer side.
Philippa started first. She was so excited with the game and Colin felt at ease among this group of people, so happy to be so included, so understood.
“So! Oh my, this is… this is so hard!!! Let me first be with you, Colin, since I barely know you, even though I bet you're a travel loving version of my husband. First, the book for you… I’m… I don’t really read that much but I love manga, namely thanks to Albion, so if you have not I think you should try the Pokemon original manga, they’re to die for apparently! For the cheese, I’m also not an expert but you seem like you’d love Reblochon, and I can’t wait to cook Tartiflette for you when you come over next.”
Colin smiled at her. She was sweet, very welcoming, albeit a bit aloof, which he found endearing. He totally understood why Albion and she fit so well. Penelope blushed at the sentiment.
It was such an example for him, actually. He always had been surrounded by “cool” people. Anthony was very serious and he adored all things manly and adult that Colin despised. How can someone be that into cars that much in real life? Of course when he met Kate, things changed… She was just as cool and as intense as Anthony, and he found them together even more impressive, the it-couple, the hot-shot lawyer and the poised investment banker.
Benedict and Sophie were also cool in their own way. They defied society’s rules simply by being themselves without shame. They were that couple who always had the best thrift-shop finds and the best art in their apartment. They did not care about the world’s opinion and the world cared about them for it. The artist and the teacher. So perfectly admired without wanting to be. And of course there were Daphne and Simon. He could never measure how admirable they both were, how grown up they seemed. A picture perfect couple. He knew it was mostly about appearance and they struggled with fitting in as well but none of them were as nerdy as him. They did not giggle like he did, they did not feel like they always interrupt in the conversation with their weird niche interest. Albion and Philippa were just so themselves, so naturally uncool that they actually were the coolest people he had met in his life.
Appearances always mattered so much to Colin. And it was part of his job now. But deep inside, he was just the glasses-wearing geeky younger brother who had played so much Minecraft one night he started to see the world in cubes.
Albion next recommended so many things to the table, not following his own rules and suddenly it was Colin’s turn and he was just so scared. What if they judged his choices?
The fear soon died, because there was no way on earth Albion would judge him; he was not like that, he was true, he was genuine, he was thoughtful.
“So… This is such a hard game Albion,” Colin joked. “I… I’m going to recommend to you first, my friend. For the cheese, my god, you know them more than me, but have you tried a barbecued camembert? It’s actually very good! The book, well, we’ve never discussed this topic before, but I love to read too. I think you’d love to get back into reading in French, so I think Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne might be good!” Albion nodded and touched his friend’s elbow. A simple gesture of acceptance that warmed his heart.
“For Philippa, I know your cheese-loving husband might have already introduced you to it, but I think you’d adore 18-months Comté, it’s fruity, it’s delicious, it’s otherworldly. As for the book, I think you’d love Claire Keegan. She writes short stories with so much impact in very few words…” Philippa thanked him and he finally turned to Penelope. He barely knew her, yet in the sparkles of her light blue eyes he saw a future.
Colin had never believed he could find someone; he thought relationships made you too serious, responsible, conscious of the world around you. Boring even? But with these three people, with Penelope especially, he felt like a child in awe. And he could see a relationship with her, he could feel something forming even in these early hours.
“As for Penelope…For the cheese, you seem like an adorable person, and my heart already melts being with you” Penelope blushed and Albion gave him a thumbs up. “I think you’d adore morbier, the cheese I dressed up as when we were kids, it’s the softest blue cheese and it has so much personality!” She smiled at him and whispered thank you. “As for the book… God, recommending something to a book lover is complicated. From what I understand you’re a romantic, and you care so much about the world around you, so let me recommend you something about history that includes a heart-wrenching love story, a book about sorrows and legacy: There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak?”
“That’s one of my favourite books!” Penelope exclaimed. “I… I already read it, but Colin… That's a wonderful suggestion. Truly!”
He saw her smiling, but when she turned back to her food she continued to struggle with her cheese. She seemed to not want to bother anybody, but he saw that she needed help so that she could enjoy the meal properly.
“Do you need help with your cheese?”
She nodded yes. “I don’t know why they stick to the little pan and then they don’t feel hot enough on my plate. I don’t want to overcook them, I let the first one burn too long.”
Colin smiled at her. “I think you don’t let it melt enough, that’s why it’s sticking to the pan.” He showed her his own tiny skillet. “When you see the little bubbles, it means it’s almost done. Don’t let it out just yet, however, wait for them to settle down a bit. Then… I really recommend pouring it directly over the potato, this way the heat of the cheese continues to melt on your potato since they are both hot!”
“Oh that’s great advice, Colin, thank you!”
Albion smiled, “Well, he is a cheese expert after all! And a videogame connoisseur, and he travelled to more cities in Europe that I have fingers on both my hands and feet! This guy…” He pointed at him with his thumb. “Is simply the best! He’s way too humble, not answering many of our questions deeply but … he’s the perfect man!”
Penelope laughed. “Maybe you should date him then!”
“Oh no! We’re too similar for that and I’m not really into very tall, chestnut-brown, wavy hair, blue-eyed pookies. You know I only have a thing for redheads named Phillipa!”’
Philippa laughed. “Also, he’s a guy?”
Albion added, laughing. “Oh yes, that too!”
“So, what do you do for work, Colin?” Penelope asked.
“I’m a food influencer. I try to discover underrated places to recommend to people.”
Penelope smiled. “That’s really cool! You bring joy to people, that’s so important!” She touched his hand again, maybe there was a spark between them? Maybe their connection was not just in his head?!
She continued, “When did you start traveling?”
“I took a gap year after Uni and that’s when I started my account.”
“This is so interesting! What are your other hobbies?”
“Well, cheese.” Albion laughed at Colin’s casual way of saying it. “I also love videogames, food, reading and writing… I’m writing a food guide actually!”
Penelope’s eyes shine at that final mention. “Oh wow! I’m so impressed! You seem great!”
Penelope touched his hand and smiled at him. She blushed slightly, and they talked more, chatting about books and writing.
After a while, Colin saw Philippa take out her phone not-so-discreetly under the table, and not even ten seconds later, Albie’s phone rang.
“Oh! It’s the call I’ve been waiting for! Let me take this.”
Philippa followed him when he got up. “I should … I should come with you. Is it about the thing that we need to do together?”
Then they both ran away and Colin chuckled.
“Well… They’re not subtle.” Penelope said.
Colin laughed and smiled back at her. “I hope you’re having a good time?”
“I’m having a great time ! I’d… I’d love to see more of you soon if you’d like.”
“It… It would be my pleasure…”
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“So, after the already together couple came back they stayed for how long?” Colette asked Mia, gossiping after their shift whilst sharing an iced-tea.
“2 hours! They talked and talked and talked… Most of it was weirdly cheese-related? I’m… Colette, I’ve never seen two couples as well matched as them… That Albion guy and his wife were both as zany as the other and that Penelope and the Colin guy, well… They have to be soulmates, right?”
Colette touched Mia’s shoulder and nodded. “Well, believe me when I say they’re the cutest couple I’ve ever seen.”
“Hey! What about me and Kevin?” Mia frowned and crossed her arms, acting very young all of a sudden.
“Well, besides you and Kevin obviously. And me and my husband,” Colette laughed.
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Colin and Eloise
Eloise: Hey big bro! How was the double date with that cheese guy and his wife to meet his sister-in-law?
Colin: Hi sis! It went so great! Going out with her again next week! I’m excited!
Eloise emphasized a message
Colin: In fact, not sure you remember a girl from primary school named Penelope…
Eloise: Of course! She and I used to hide in the library and read during recess
Eloise: Wait??!?!
Eloise: Did you go out with that Penelope??!
Colin: 🫠🤩🥰
Colin: Yes!
Colin: And she was even cuter than I remembered!
Eloise: What a small world!! 🤯
Eloise: How is she?
Eloise: Wait, she went out with you? 😮
Colin: 👀
Colin: Yes?
Eloise: Colin!
Eloise: She is way too good for you!
Eloise: You cannot mess this up!!!!
Eloise: At least before I reconnect with her lol
Colin laughed at a message
Colin: I won’t mess this up, I promise
Colin: I can already tell she is my butter half 🥰
Eloise disliked a message
Eloise: Please tell me you did not use food puns on your date
Colin: ….
Eloise: No! You ruined it already!!!!
Colin: Hey, she liked them 😕 Even laughed out loud a few times
Eloise: She did love romances even when we were young, so it makes a little sense
Eloise: Can you at least give me her number?
Eloise: So I can see her even if you drop the ball
Colin: I’ll ask her
Colin: But I won’t drop the ball. We’ve been texting a lot since our date!!
Eloise: Thank you!
Eloise: I mean she did think you were nice back then
Eloise: Maybe there is hope for you 🤭
Eloise: You were always my favorite brother
Colin laughed at a message
Colin chuckled to himself as he opened his messages with Penelope. During their date after Albion and Phillipa left, they exchanged numbers. In the last few days, they had texted each other a fair amount (okay maybe, more than a fair amount). The interactions were mostly check-ins and random getting-to-know-you questions. Colin was in awe because the more he learned about her, the more he liked her. And he did not think that was even possible after their amazing double date. Colin could not help but have a goofy smile whenever they were texting.
Their date in four days could not come soon enough.
Colin and Penelope
Colin: Hi Pen!!! How are you today? ✨
Penelope: Hi Colin! I’m good. Just taking a break from writing to make coffee 😀
Penelope: How are you?
Colin: I’m great! I was talking to Eloise…
Penelope: OMG! How is she? I miss her 🥹
Colin: Well that is kinda the question. She asked if I could give her your number
Colin: Is that okay?
Penelope: Absolutely! Oh, I am so excited!
Penelope: Thank you, Colin 🫶
Colin loved a message
He had figured she would say yes, but it warmed his heart to know that she still had a fondness for his sister. He hoped it meant she would fit right back in with his family when she eventually met them. They did have Sunday brunch this weekend at his mum’s house, so maybe he would ask her to join him. He did worry it would be too soon. He shook his head out of that dream for now. They only just reconnected this week. And he did not want to overwhelm her with too many Bridgertons just yet. He had to win her over first.
Colin and Eloise
Colin: Sending you her number now
… 10 minutes later
Colin: You’re welcome 🫡
Eloise: Sorry, was chatting with Pen. We have so much to catch up on!!
Eloise: Thanks big bro!
Eloise: Oh, and I already asked her to be my date for Sunday brunch
Colin: What?!
Colin: I wanted to do that eventually, after a couple of dates!!!
Eloise: Snooze you lose
Colin disliked a message
Eloise: Bye ✌️
Colin: Well, Daphne’s my favorite sister
Eloise laughed at a message
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Colin and Penelope
Colin: Looking forward to our date tomorrow? 😊
Penelope: Of course!
Penelope: If only someone would tell me where we are going…
Colin: 😏
Colin: It’s a surprise. I will pick you tomorrow at 6
Penelope loved a message
Penelope: Cannot wait 😍
Colin loved texting Penelope, and he did in fact have a fun date planned.
He had consulted Eloise, trying to remember as many of her favorites as they could remember. Mostly she remembered that Penelope liked the Magic Tree House series and kittens, which was not that helpful. Though he did ask Penelope some to make sure he put his best foot forward. This was their first real date, and he wanted it to be perfect. Albion had also texted him a lot after the date, and those ones were more Penelope-focused. It was sweet, if not a bit much. However, Colin was definitely used to sibling meddling, so he did like the fact that Penelope would understand it all.
Colin and Albion
Albion: Penelope likes more than just cheese. Make sure you take her out somewhere different this time!
Colin: I know, Albie! I am taking her to a hole in the wall Italian restaurant that is my family’s favorite.
Albion: She loves pasta! Good call my friend 👍
Colin: And you don’t need to keep hyping her up, Albie 😂 I think she’s wonderful already!
Albion: Good. I know we added you to the Cheese Feather Bros chat already, but it would be even better if you were a Featherington husband too 😉
Colin: Subtle
Colin: Very subtle 😆
Albion: She seems to like you so just trying to help
Colin: I know, I was joking
Albion laughed at a message
Albion: Sounds good, Col!
Albion: I can get some insider knowledge if you need
Albion: Just let me know
Colin liked a message
Colin: Thanks man. I do really appreciate your support in all this 🎉
Albion loved a message
Albion: All’s fair in love and cheese. Gotta do what I gotta do 😂
Colin just laughed at Albion’s texts. He could not believe that less than a month ago he did not know any of the Featheringtons. Well, he supposed he had known Penelope nearly 20 years ago, but they were children. It was different now that he had found her again. He wanted to do everything in his power to ensure he did not miss this chance. Life was cheddar with her around.
Colin and Penelope
Penelope: Did you ask Albie to ask me my favorite color?
Colin: No! 🫣
Colin: But he did offer to ask you questions and then let me know
Colin: But I repeat, I did not ask him to do that
Penelope laughed at a message
Penelope: It’s okay. It’s sweet 🥰
Penelope: He keeps telling me things you’ve told him so I can ask you about them on our date
Colin: 🤦
Colin: He is a very nice and very involved man
Penelope: He was like this with Harry and Pru
Penelope: I take it as a compliment 😊
Colin loved a message
Colin: Okay, but what is your favorite color?
Colin: Since he asked 😅
Penelope laughed at a message
Penelope: Any shade of blue is my favorite
Colin: Mine too 💙🩵
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Colin was standing outside of the building where Penelope lived, holding a bouquet of dahlias - her favorite flower, he learned while texting Penelope - and he was hopeful. Yes, he had been nervous for their double date, and tonight he tried to push down those nerves to lean into the joy. He had reconnected with a childhood friend who was related by marriage from a brand new friend after going into a fromagerie in London.
What were the actual odds? Pretty small, he figured. So he hoped that luck and fate would continue to be on his side for their first solo date. He hoped they were tied by an invisible string (of cheese) all along.
Penelope walked out in an emerald green wrap dress with her hair cascading down past her shoulders. She looked ethereal, a fairy princess, the woman of his dreams. He had struggled with dating women in the past, wanting to have an emotional connection with them but it felt unnatural so he would move onto the next person in hopes of finding the one. He knew when dating felt wrong, and he worried that he would never know when it felt right.
Standing here as the sun set in London watching this beautiful, funny, talented woman who laughed at his puns and smiled at his quirks, he did. And then he realized he had spent at least a minute staring at her like a total dork, while she giggled watching him hold out the bouquet with the grace of a baby horse taking its first steps.
“You look stunning,” he exclaimed when his brain finally got enough oxygen to speak out loud.
She blushed, making her cheeks even pinker underneath the makeup she wore. Luckily it was minimal because he loved seeing her freckles and the rest of her natural beauty.
“Thank you,” she said as she took the flowers into her arms. “I am just going to put these in my flat before we go….”
She stared at him before offering, “You can come up if you’d like. I know we have a reservation so it’d only be for a minute.”
“Oh, of course, yes.”
He used his long legs to his advantage to get to the door first and held it open for her as she smiled softly at him, whispering “thank you.” He was very grateful for all the etiquette lessons his mum had him and his siblings endure because he wanted to be a perfect gentleman for Penelope and prove himself worthy of her attention. Albion may have been hyping her up to him, but she did not need it, showing Colin in every interaction and conversation how spectacular she was and how little credit she gave herself.
She unlocked her door, and he looked inside to see the cutest little one bedroom flat. It was the definition of homey with blankets draped over the blue-velvety couch and the cosy-looking armchair. Her coffee table with a myriad of papers and notebooks strewn across. A small bookshelf was bursting with books as well as a stack of books next to it. A few mugs left out on the counter. And it smelled like vanilla and cinnamon. He wanted to curl up on the couch with her immediately, but they did have a reservation to get to.
Penelope looked at him, smiling with pride, “It’s not a lot, but it’s mine and I love it.”
“I love it too from what I can see,” he replied sincerely, looking deep into her blue eyes. “Definitely suits you.”
She locked the door behind them as they started to walk back down the stairs to the outside.
She beamed at his response. “Thank you! I only moved here last year, and I’ve spent a lot of time finding pieces that were functional and unique. I’m very proud of it.”
“You should be, it’s lovely. And it smells really good too.” Colin touched his neck, wanting to grab her hand but not daring to just yet. He wanted to wait for the right moment.
“Um, well, I baked biscuits this afternoon as a stress relief. I was a bit nervous about our date,” she shyly explained, tucking a rogue curl behind her ear.
She had not mentioned she liked to bake, and damn, another point in the pro column for why this woman was remarkable.
“Amazing! I am not much of a baker, though I love to help and taste test. My mum says I am very helpful when I am not eating them,” he joked, earning him a small giggle from Penelope.
“What’s your favorite kind of biscuit?” She asked earnestly.
“Hmmmm, hard to say, but I love really good shortbread. When it’s done right, it’s hard to beat.”
“Good choice. I happen to have a mean shortbread recipe…” She smirked.
He totally caught her drift when he replied, “Maybe an idea for a future date.”
“That’s bold of you to assume there will be more.” He loved seeing her get bolder with him the more they talked. She was quiet, but that did not mean she did not have the sharpest wit he had ever seen. And he quite enjoyed that he got to see this side of her. He was pretty sure only a select few had the honor.
He laughed, “I prefer optimistic.” And then he added, “Also I could not bear the thought of not having more dates with you if this is how our first solo date is going already.”
She took a sharp breath at his honesty, and then she took his hand. He looked at her in wonder before looking at their hands clasped together. It was as if they were puzzles that had finally found their match. The perfect pairing.
Penelope whispered, “I think it’s going well too.”
Colin beamed as they walked onto the street and he gently guided them to the restaurant nearby. He wanted to be within walking distance of her flat to be respectful of her time and maybe be able to extend the date if it went well. He was making more of the effort because he wanted to show that she mattered to him already. Also his family did love this Italian restaurant. It was a place he would never post on his socials because it was something that was important to his family. Also the owners had repeatedly told him that they did not want his publicity. It was that special. A hole in the wall that had been a mainstay of the area for almost 50 years. And somehow she had not been there yet. He was excited to share more of his love for food with her and talk more deeply about everything and anything.
The dinner went by quicker than he could ever imagine. The conversation never lulled and they laughed so much that they started to get looks from the other patrons. Yet Colin could not care because of how much fun he was having. They ordered multiple kinds of pasta with various sauces and copious amounts of cheese, including a cheesy garlic bread that made Penelope moan in such a way that he had to adjust his pants when she was not looking. He appreciated how everything was made in house and it was easy to taste the effort made by the chefs. Truly one of the best meals he had ever shared with another person.
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Penelope suggested they walk around the park, and while there were clouds in the sky, it was not raining. The moon shone through the clouds creating an extra layer of ambiance and magic. It resembled a watercolor painting, a masterpiece that could be hung in museums. Fate had intervened once again. They found a bench nearby and sat down, still holding hands. She had scarcely let his hand go except to eat and drink, and he was thankful whenever she would reclaim his hand. Reclaiming it as if it was already hers.
“I think I can see a few stars,” he mused, pointing out a few rogue stars in the night sky. She leaned into him to almost press her body against his. He could feel her body heat radiating off of her. He took a chance and let go of her hand. She looked at him confused, though she sighed as she realized that he was draping his arm around her, pulling her to close the remaining gap between them. She snuggled into his arm and put her arm around his waist, and he just sat there amazed at how comfortable they both were in this moment. Yes, he was a touchy-feely, hugging kind of guy - the Bridgertons were an affectionate bunch - but this was different. She was different. He pressed his nose into her hair, desperately trying not to sniff her.
“I see them too,” she replied a bit dazed as she looked into his eyes. “I used to make wishes on stars when I was a little girl.”
“Do you want to make a wish now?”
She closed her eyes and scrunched her nose, and then said, “I made a wish. How about you?”
He mimicked her process as she giggled watching him. “Done.”
“What did you wish for?” She asked.
“I can’t tell in case it doesn’t come true.” He obviously wished to kiss her tonight, but he did not want to pressure her. They would go at whatever pace she was comfortable with.
“I could tell you mine….” Penelope smiled with a hint of cheekiness that Colin was beginning to love seeing in her.
“Hmmm, I’m all ears,” he replied, rubbing his hand up and down her arm. He could feel the goosebumps appear on her skin as he continued to touch her. He could hear her shuddering breaths and gasps as he did so. She was quiet for a few minutes and he wondered if he was distracting her from telling him her wish. Though he was loath to stop what he was doing considering she seemed to be enjoying it as well.
She brought his hand to her lips and pressed a soft kiss at the top of his hand. It made his nerve endings feel sparkly and overwhelmed in the best way. The kind of way that makes you want to close your eyes and remember this feeling forever. That aha moment when life has more clarity than it did before.
“I’m fondue (fond of) you,” Penelope whispered almost to herself, dreamily smiling. She seemed to have forgotten to share her wish, though he had to say he preferred her saying a cheese pun instead. If Colin was not already halfway in love with her, this was the true moment he fell. He had been the one who said the cheese puns since they met and now she shared one of her own to connect with him. He sat up straighter and she turned to look up at him, stars reflecting in her eyes matching how he felt looking at her.
Colin leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, slowly and carefully, and when she pulled at his shirt to move even closer to him, he wrapped his arms around her as they continued to kiss. He was unsure how long they actually kissed, but a second or a million years later, they finally stopped to catch their breath. She breathlessly laughed as she smiled so widely that it took his breath away even more seeing how happy she was.
He pressed his nose against hers, wanting to maintain their closeness even if they were not kissing. She nudged his nose with hers, earning a deep chuckle from him.
“I had been thinking about a good cheese pun all night,” she admitted softly.
“That might be my favorite cheese pun of them all,” he smiled. She snuggled back into his side, and he kissed her hair. Cheese had always been one of his favorite things, though it might be bumped down the list in favor of his new favorite, Penelope. He laughed, knowing that this meant he was now an official Cheese Feather Bro™. He was unsure who would be more excited by this development: Eloise or Albion.
Either way, he was blissfully happy sitting on a bench in the moonlight, next to the woman who made him melt.
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