Work Text:
Commentator
"Ninety minutes on the clock, and Manchester City have one final chance to beat Liverpool. If Francesca Bridgerton misses this penalty, the match will end goalless."
Francesca had been tackled inside the box by a Liverpool defender. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot before pulling out a yellow card.
since francesca was Manchester City's star striker, there was no doubt who would be taking it. Francesca took a deep breath, carefully placed the ball on the penalty spot, and stepped back. A salted piece of sweat rolled down her cheek as the stadium fell silent. bShe began her signature run-up and struck the ball low to the left goalkeeper dove the wrong way
AND SHE SCORES!
manchesters fans went crazy in the stands. Francesca sprinted towards the corner flag and immediately broke into her signature charli xcx brat celebration One by one, her teammates joined her, with Leah being the last to wrap her in a tight hug. "Good job, Frannie! We did it!"
A few moments later, the referee blew the final whistle Manchester City had stolen a dramatic 1–0 victory. Back in the dressing room, the coach congratulated the team before stopping in front of Francesca. "You played well today, Bridgerton. Keep it up for our next match." "You got it, Coach!" The coach continued around the room, praising the rest of the squad. Leah had already finished her post-match interview after an incredible performance in midfield, and now it was Francesca's turn. "Frannie, you were brilliant out there. It's your turn to talk to the journalists. I'll save you a seat on the coach." Francesca nodded before patting Leah's shoulder "Thanks, Leah. I'll see you on the coach."
Leaving the dressing room behind, Francesca made her way towards the flash interview area. The moment she stepped through the doors, journalists surrounded her.
Journalist #1
"So, Francesca, how does it feel to score the winning goal?" "I'm really happy I managed to convert the penalty, but honestly, we wouldn't have won if it wasn't for my teammates. They defended brilliantly today. Leah especially had an amazing game in midfield, so all the credit doesn't belong to me. Another journalist quickly spoke up. "Fans noticed you looked nervous before taking the penalty. What was going through your mind?" "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling the pressure. It was the final minute of the match, and those three points were incredibly important for us in the WSL. But I never doubted my ability." She offered the reporters a polite smile. "I think that's enough questions for today. Thank you, everyone." "Bridgerton! One more question! Please, Bridgerton!" Francesca simply smiled before disappearing back into the dressing room. By the time she returned, most of her teammates had already changed She quickly showered, got dressed, grabbed her bag, and made her way outside to the team coach.
Leah was already sitting in her usual seat, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone. "There you are, Bridgerton!" Francesca smiled as she dropped into the seat beside her, Leah locked her phone and turned towards her.
"So... have you been on any dates recently?" Francesca sighed. "Not really. Maybe men are just boring. and i should stay single forever." She laughed sarcastically. Leah narrowed her eyes but stayed silent for a few seconds. Francesca raised an eyebrow. "What?" Leah held out her hand. "Give me your phone."
Francesca frowned. "Wait... tell me why." Instead of answering, Leah snatched the phone from her hands and started downloading Tinder while carefully shielding the screen. "Just trust me." Francesca sighed but nodded. Once the app had finished downloading, Leah opened Francesca's gallery. "What are you doing in my camera roll?" "I'm making you a fake Tinder profile."
Francesca blinked confused.
"A what?" "A fake Tinder profile. And don't question the pics i’ll choose because. If I let you pick the photos yourself, you'll somehow choose the worst ones." Francesca gasped dramatically. "That is not truee."
Leah laughed "that’s something we'll agree to disagree." About ten minutes later, she proudly held the phone up. "There." Francesca's eyes widened. "Wait... no! You used my brunch picture!" "Hell yeah, I did," Leah laughed. "It's called showing personality, Bridgerton." Francesca shook her head with an exaggerated sigh. "You're so unserious..." She looked back at the profile.
"...but okay. Let's see these guys, I guess." but Leah suddenly pressed another button. "Oh, and btw i putt hannah as your name since i wouldn’t want people dating you only cuz you’re a footballer and…. I set your preferences to women too." Francesca looked at her in surprise. "You think I'm gay?" Leah shrugged. "No. Of course not honey. But... you never know." She nudged Francesca's shoulder. "You've never really clicked with any of the men you've dated. Maybe you'll meet a woman who completely surprises you."
Francesca stayed quiet.
"And if women aren't for you," Leah continued with a grin, "then at least you'll know. You can always go back to dating men." She laughed. "I wouldn't even mind if you dated my brother. He'd make a decent boyfriend." She paused before rolling her eyes. "...Although, he's so dumb sometimes." The coach arrived at Manchester City's training facility, where all the players had their cars parked. As everyone got off the coach, Leah turned to Francesca. "But you know I care about you a lot, Fran. You're my best friend, and your sisters trust me to keep an eye on you. So... just try this. Swipe on some women with this fake persona and let me know if you get a date!" Grateful of Leah's words, Francesca pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you, Leah. I appreciate you a lot. I'll let you know how this Hannah profile does" They hugged one last time before Francesca walked over to her white Porsche Macan and lifted her suitcase into the trunk. She sat in the driver's seat and swiped through a few women's profiles, but none of them really caught her attention. With a sigh, she slipped her phone into her pocket. "I really need a coffee... Maybe I should try that new coffee shop that opened last week." "Siri, set directions to Stirling's Coffee."
"Perfect. Stirling's Coffee is 30 minutes from your current location and 15 minutes from your home."
"Thank you, Siri."
"You're welcome."
After a thirty-minute drive, Francesca finally arrived and parked outside the café. As she stepped inside, she noticed a small queue. While waiting, she opened Tinder again and continued swiping, but still no matches. When it was finally her turn, she placed her phone on the counter. Michaela had just finished making the previous customer's drink. "Welcome to Stirling's Coffee. How can I help you?" she asked with a warm smile. Francesca looked up, for a second, she forgot how to speak. "I... uh..." She laughed nervously, "Sorry... I'm just a little nervous." Michaela smiled again. "That's totally fine. Take your time. I'm at your service, sweetheart."
Francesca blushed
"You think I'm a sweetheart?" she asked shyly.
Michaela chuckled.
"Of course. You seem pretty sweet, Why would I lie?"
Francesca couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her face.
"so... have you decided what you'd like?"
"Oh! Yeah... sorry. I'd like a vanilla latte."
"Great choice. I'll have it ready in just a second."
"Thank you."
Francesca picked up her phone again and opened Tinder
she nearly dropped her phone.
The woman making her coffee… was the same woman on her screen
Francesca looked from her phone to Michaela, then back to her phone again to see if she was tweeking
(francesca’s thoughts)
She's so kind... and she doesn't even know who I am. Plus, her cat is adorable. She's an animal lover like me... I really hope it's a match.
She took a deep breath and swiped right
What's the worst that could happen?
IT'S A MATCH.
At that exact moment, Michaela felt her phone buzz in her pocket, She finished pouring the vanilla latte before handing it to Francesca.
"Here you go."
Francesca accepted it with a smile.
"Thank you."
She stood there for a second, hoping Michaela would check her phone.
"Did I forget anything?" Michaela asked, worried she'd made the wrong drink. "Oh! No, of course not." Francesca quickly walked over to a table, coffee in hand. She told herself she'd only wait five minutes, but five minutes turned into ten, then twenty, Michaela stayed busy serving customers, so Francesca simply scrolled through her phone while stealing the occasional glance towards the counter
Eventually, Michaela turned to John.
"John, could you take over for me for a bit?"
"Yeah, of course." Michaela finally checked her phone.
Curious of what the tinder notification was about she opened the app and saw the match, before looking around the café her eyes landed on Francesca
who was still sitting at her table even though she finished her coffee
A smile tugged at Michaela's lips. She walked over to the table.
"Hey... I just checked my phone." Francesca looked up almost immediately. "Did you swipe right on me while I was making your coffee?" Francesca blushed.
"Yeah..."
She looked down at her cup.
"Did I... creep you out?" "No." Michaela laughed softly. "Not at all."
She sat down across from her. "I actually thought it was kind of cute."
Francesca looked back up.
"...Really?"
"Really."
She smiled.
"And since you've already seen my Tinder profile... I'm glad to meet you, Hannah." she reached across the table and shook Michaela's hand.
"I'm glad to meet you too, Michaela." Michaela smiled.
"Now that I think about it... was this why you stayed after I gave you your coffee?" Francesca laughed awkwardly.
"Uh... yeah."
She rubbed the back of her neck. "I was waiting for you to see the match, but you still had customers, so... my bad."
Michaela smiled.
"I have to admit..."
Francesca looked at her.
"You're pretty awkward."
"Is... that a compliment?"
"It is."
fran smiled shyly
"But," Michaela continued, glancing towards the counter, "as you can see, I still have work." "Oh, of course." "So... maybe we should go on a date sometime?"
Francesca's eyes widened just at the idea just a little
"omg I’d love to go on a date with you any time ur literally perfect we could go to Zaap Thai once you're done... if you'd like."
Michaela smiled.
"thank you but i was actually thinking we could get to know each other a bit first and maybe plan something next week..." She paused before grinning
...But I also wouldn't mind Thai food tonight, if you don't mind waiting
Francesca smiled
(francesca’s thoughts)
‘of course i don’t mind at all i mean have you seen michaela she’s literally someone’s dream came true and accepts to go on a date with me like oh my god’
"I don't mind."
"Perfect."
Michaela stood up. "I'll be done in about two hours." She headed back behind the counter. Francesca watched her go before immediately grabbing her phone.
“OMG LEAH I'M GOING ON A DATE”
less than 3 secs Leah immediately called
‘GIRL TELL ME MORE’