Words:1541 Pairing: Ted Lasso x Reader Summary: While helping Reader move in, Roy and Ted have a moment alone together to talk. Reader and Ted discuss their friendship and how it may be possible to move forward from all their past ugliness.
Roy told himself that he was going to be nice to Ted Lasso. He’d managed to tolerate the man daily at work. There was no reason why he couldn’t handle the next hour or two outside of work to help make sure you didn’t sleep on the floor that night with a broken arm. Glaring at the back of the Manager’s head the entire way, Roy followed Ted across the hall and into the spare bedroom.
“Thanks so much for offering to help me out with this, Roy.” Lasso said over his shoulder.
“No.” Roy replied.
“No?” Ted laughed. “Are you saying no to my gratitude?”
“No.” Roy answered. “I meant we’re not gonna do some kumbaya shit where you thank me for helping and then you use your idiotic twang to charm some information out of me. I’m not gonna talk about [Y/N] behind her back.”
“I was just thanking you for helping me move the bed, Roy.” The coach insisted. He began stripping the sheets off the mattress. It made the most sense to move the mattress across the hall first. “I know that if we was in a romance movie, you’d be Team [Y/N] all the way.”
Roy didn’t say anything. He pulled the pillows off the bed and tossed them in a corner out of the way. He watched Lasso struggle to get the fitted sheet off the bed before helping him stand the mattress on its side. He lifted one end and waited for Ted to grab the other. They carried the mattress across the hall to your apartment before returning to tackle the bedframe.
“We’re all on the same fucking team.” Roy grumbled when they were alone again. Ted was surprised. He’d expected Roy’s silent treatment to last much longer than five minutes. “Me, You, Keeley, we’re all on Team [Y/N]. None of us want to see her get hurt and for some fucking reason she still loves you, so that means we’ve all got to be on Team Ted too.”
“You think she still loves me?” Ted asked, his eyes twinkled like a gleeful schoolgirl. It was enough to make Roy want to end the conversation right then.
“I’d ask how you didn’t notice, but you hardly notice anything about her lately. She broke her arm because she wanted to learn how to play football. She wanted to understand the sport better for you.” Roy told him. “She spent an entire week taking care of your family so that you wouldn’t worry about them, and she promised Your ex-wife that she would take care of you. Every major decision she makes she thinks about you. Can you honestly say that you do the same for her?”
Ted didn’t say anything. He knew Roy was right. He’s been too focused on saving his marriage. Too worried about preserving something that had been long gone and buried that he may have killed off a new chance at happiness before it was given the opportunity to bloom.
“I’m not saying you should do anything right now.” Roy added. “Give her time to think about what she wants. However long she tells you she needs. But when she decides what she wants and if that’s you, you do everything in your power to make sure she knows how important she is to you.”
“What if she decides that I’m not what she wants?” Ted asked quietly.
“You’ll accept and back off.” Roy told him, the usual bite returning to his voice. “Until then you wait. Let her take the lead. She’s younger than both of us. People her age, they’re way better at figuring out what they want and how to get it. It’s terrifying.”
“Mmm-Hmm.” Ted hummed in agreement.
“I’m gonna go get my tools now.” Roy announced, signifying he was done with the topic.
“This was a good talk, Roy.” Ted smiled, patting him on the back.
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.” Roy replied. “When I come back from the car, I’m going to pretend this conversation never fucking happened.”
Roy and Ted reassembled the bed in the room you’d chosen to officially be yours. With the minor construction completed for the night, your friends began to take their leave. Ted offered the group and half wave and trotted across the hall back to his place. Roy offered to walk Keeley back to her car and for the first time since leaving Kansas you were alone. Alone in your own apartment and alone with your own thoughts.
You took the plate of double chocolate chip cookies Ted had brough over into the bedroom along with your laptop. You nestled yourself in the bed and put on a movie. Everything else could wait until tomorrow. For now, you’d concentrate on enjoying the quiet.
You woke the next morning in your flat. You showered in your shower and dressed in yourroom. You walked through your apartment, drinking your morning tea. You thought of décor ideas as you toured the two-bedroom flat. At the conclusion of the walk around, you decided to take Ted up on his offer for some time off. You picked up your phone to tell him you wouldn’t be coming to work, when you realized it’d be just as easy to walk across the hall and tell him in person. It was the neighborly thing to do after all.
“[Y/N]!” Ted greeted you cheerily when he opened his front door. “I was just about to come your way and invite you over for breakfast. You know I was just figuring you might not have all your pots an’ pans an’ such unpacked yet and you know I always make plenty of food.”
“Oh. I was just coming to let you know I’m taking the day out. You know I’ve got a lot of unpacking to do, some decorating and shopping…” You told him.
“Makes sense to me.” He nodded. “You should start the day off with a breakfast then. Gotta put some fuel in ya.”
“You sure you don’t mind?” You found yourself bitting your inner lip as you waited for his answer.
“Not at all, Patrick Duval. C’mon in.” Ted walked into his kitchen and began carrying food to the table. You shut the door to the flat that you’d once called home.
“I’m not sure I said thank you last night for the bed.” You apologized. “Roy was right, I would have been miserable on this floor.”
“I should be thanking you for taking it off my hands.” He replied. “Now I just gotta figure out what I’m going to do with the spare room. Say do you mind if I ask you something?” He placed the last plate on the table.
“Depends on what the question is I suppose.” You sat down across from him.
“We haven’t had a chance to talk much since Michelle left.” He pointed out, serving himself some scrambled eggs. “But I was talking with Roy last night and he mentioned Michelle said something to you about watching over me?”
“Uh, yeah.” You tried to act casual, liked you hardly remembered the conversation. Like it hadn’t been playing over and over in your head since it happened. You used making yourself a plate as an excuse to avoid eye contact with him. “She said that you’re not always great at asking for help when you need it and asked me to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Actually she asked me to continue taking care of you like I always have.”
“I don’t want you to have to do that.” Ted told you sadly. “I don’t want you to feel like you have to take care of me. I can look after myself, and I don’t want you to keep sacrificing yourself for me.”
“Ted, it’s not like that at all. I’m not a simple doe-eyed little girl letting myself become overrun by your charm or anything like that.” You assured him. “Michelle was right, you are bad at taking care of yourself. But you’re great at taking care of the people around you. So I don’t mind having to pick up the slack once in a while, making sure you’re resting and eating when you should. People take care of people. What else did you and Roy talk about last night?”
“Don’t get cross with Roy.” Ted asked you. “He insisted that he wasn’t going to talk about you behind your back. He’s a good friend that Roy Kent. But he did let me know that maybe I haven’t been the best friend that I could have been to you. Which I think we’ve talked about and we both know he’s right. I’ll happily apologize for it again…”
“That’s not necessary.” You interrupted him. “There’s no need to focus so much on the past. All we can do now; Ted is keep moving forward. How about this, we can do breakfast together every morning and I’ll go back to walking to work with you and Beard. It’ll give us some time to spend together outside of work. We can start re-building our friendship. Does that work for you?”
“I think it’s a good a way as any to get the ball rolling.” He agreed.
Words:1874 Pairing: Ted Lasso x Reader Summary: Keeley comes to work with an exciting announcement, she’s found a new apartment for Reader! Keeley and Roy both come to help Reader settle into her new place.
Out on the field you watch Dani Rojas train with the rest of the team. Where Jamie had always been a piece forced to fit in with the rest of the puzzle, Dani was a player who formed to exactly what he needed to be. He could kick, he could dribble and unlike Jamie, he knew when to pass to his teammates.
“I feel like we fell out of the lucky tree and hit every branch on the way down.” Ted announced to you, Beard and Nate as he watched over practice. “I mean Jamie is an ace. Right? His attitude turns him into a seven of clubs, but we bring in another fella to turn him back into an ace, and then that fella ends up being an ace himself. And now we’ve got two aces.” He beamed.
Well at least he’s smiling. You told yourself. Keeley appeared beside you. She was smiling wide like a cat who ate the canary.
“I’ve got big news!” She told you. “The flat I lined up for you, yeah? They called and said they can get you in early. You can move in today if you like.”
“That’s amazing news!” You exclaimed. “Can I hug you?” She held her arms open in response. You latched yourself onto her. “I owe you big time.”
“Stop it.” She waved you off as you separated. “That’s what friends are for.” You looked over to Ted, Beard and Nate realizing you’d draw the attention of all three men.
“Keeley’s found me a flat! I can move in as soon as possible.” You explained.
“That is great news.” Ted nodded. His tone didn’t sound like he thought it was good news, but you decided to chalk it up to his stormy mood and not think about how he was probably considering that you’d never move back in with him now. “Say why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Actually, take as long as you need to get settled.”
“Uh, sure. Okay.” You a greed hesitantly. “I’ll start with today, but I’ll text you later. Does that work?”
“Works for me.” He smiled.
“Brilliant!” Keeley smiled. “I’ll drive you! It’s not too far and it looks like a nice place.”
Keeley shot a quick text to Rebecca that she was stepping out for a bit before walking with you to the parking lot. Keeley drove to a part of the city that looked familiar to you. You thought maybe you were finally starting to figure your way around town, until you passed the Crown and Anchor. Keeley explained that your new flat was on a street too narrow for cars. You already felt the sinking feeling in your stomach before you followed her up the street you knew so well. You dissolved into a fit of laughter when she stopped at a white front door.
“Well, I thought it looked cute.” Keeley frowned. Not knowing the reason for your laughter.
“No, Keely, no!” You breathed. “It’s a great place.” You stopped laughing. You took a minute to compose yourself. “It’s just, this is Ted’s building.” You showed her the list of names next to each of the various buzzers. The last name Lasso was written next one of the first-floor buzzers.
“Oh shit! Shit!” Keeley gasped. “[Y/N], I am so sorry! I had no idea! I’ll speak with the landlord and…”
“Keeley, it’s fine.” You laughed. “We’ve been looking for weeks, and Higgins was looking for months before that. It will take us forever to find another place. And if it’s as nice as Ted’s place, I’m sure it’s a great flat. Why don’t we at least check it out?”
“Alright, but you should know, it’s the other first floor apartment.” She said almost apologetically.
“Of course, it is.” You laughed. You used the key that Keeley had given you and opened the door to the other first floor apartment. The flat was almost the same as Ted’s, just a mirror layout. There was a matrix like feeling as you walked the flat with Keeley. With the reverse layout, everything felt familiar, but also out of place.
“We’ll have to get you some furniture o’course.” She said when your small tour concluded. “But it looks like it’s ready for you to move in.”
Your cellphone vibrated. You checked it to discover you’d just received a text message from Roy. Where the hell did you go? Something happen I need to kill Lasso for? Keeley gave you a quizzical look as you chuckled. You showed her the text before replying to Roy that you were checking out your new flat with Keeley.
“Should we make a day of it?” She asked you. “We’ll get you some furniture, new decorations, all that stuff, yeah?”
“I’ve got to see what I still have in storage first.” You told her. “It’s been so long, I practically forgot what I had mailed over.”
“Alright. We’ll raid the storage unit first then.” Keeley looped her arm around yours and you walked out of the apartment together. “And I’m not taking no for an answer. You can hardly move in alone with a broken arm.”
“You really don’t have to help me move this stuff Keeley.” You told her as she carried another one of your boxes from the storage unit to her car. She was still wearing the stiletto boots she’d been wearing while walking the treadmill with Roy earlier. “I can hire movers. I mean your feet must be killing you.”
“Not too bad actually.” She told you, placing the box in the boot of her car. “And it looks like you don’t have that much stuff here. If we load up the back seats too, we could move everything in maybe two trips.”
Her estimate had been accurate. You’d been able to move everything from the storage unit to your new flat after filling up her car only twice. Once everything had successfully been transported, you spread out some blankets on the floor and ordered a few pizzas. Keeley finally peeled off her pointy boots in exchange for a pair of emergency flats she kept in her bag.
“So, what you gonna do now?” She asked, reaching for a new slice of pizza. “I mean Ted’s getting divorced which means he’ll soon be an eligible bachelor. But You and Mr. Kent have gotten awfully close.”
“Short answer? I don’t know.” You shrugged. “I don’t want to just go running back to Ted because he’s available. That would make it look like I was doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t, waiting for him. Roy and I have talked and we’re putting the breaks on things for now. Even if I was completely over Ted, which truthfully I’m not, it wouldn’t be fair to him if I were to start something new so soon.”
“That’s very respectable, [Y/N].” Keeley smiled. “Course if it were me, I’d just keep shagging Roy in the meantime. That man is fit.”
“I’ve never…we haven’t…” You felt your cheeks flush red. There was a knock at the door. You leapt up to answer it. Happy for an excuse to drop the topic of discussion. Roy was standing in the hall with your suitcase.
“House already feels empty as fuck without you.” He grumbled, still waiting outside. “That pizza?” He pointed to the multiple boxes on the floor.
“Come on in and help yourself. Pizza is the least I can do after everything you’ve done for me.” You took possession of the suitcase and ushered him inside.
“Don’t know why you asked me to bring your stuff here. You don’t even have any fucking furniture.”
“I’ll sleep on the floor.” You shrugged. “It’s just one night.”
“You can’t sleep on the floor with a broken arm.” Roy argued. “Come back to mine, just for one more night.” He invited.
“Yeah, or my door is always open.” Keeley insisted. She figured she’d offer just in case you decided to turn down your would be lover’s offer. There was another knock on the door. You looked to your two friends. Everyone who knew where your new apartment was had already arrived at your door. “Someone’s got to answer it.” Keeley announced, getting up off the floor.
“Oh, Ted!” She greeted your boss cheerily.
“Keeley!” Ted said excitedly. “My building manager called and said I was getting a new neighbor. Didn’t want me to be surprised when I saw someone new milling around the building. So I thought I’d come by and introduce myself.” You rolled your eyes while only Roy could see you before getting to your feet and going to the door.
“Hi, Ted.” You moved to stand behind Keeley.
“Howdy neighbor.” He offered you a small wave.
“Do you want to come in? We’ve got pizza and…well not much else at the moment.” You laughed. Keeley stepped aside so there was room for him to enter.
“Well, that’s great. I’m not hungry myself, but I brought over some dessert.” He held out a plate of double chocolate chip cookies. “I had a feeling you were the new neighbor when Beard and I spotted Keeley’s car parked in the lot down the street on our walk home.” You took the plate of cookies from him with shaking hands. The sight of them had your eyes watering with nostalgia.
“Thank you.” You whispered. Your throat was dry. You left the door open and placed the cookies on your kitchen counter. You smiled at the thought. Whatever else was happening, this flat was yours.
“I don’t want to keep y’all from whatever you’re doing.” Ted told you quietly. “But if you need anything, I’ll be, ya know, right next door. Maybe in the morning you can even join me and Beard in our walk to work.”
“Oh, I’m not staying here tonight, Ted.” You said. “Just because I don’t have a bed yet. My old one from the states was rickety and ancient so I didn’t take it with me. I’ll have to go out and get a new one.”
“Oh.” Ted nodded. “Right of course.” He started to back out of the apartment but stopped. He didn’t say anything right away. He was choosing his next words carefully. “You know, I’ve still got that spare bed at my place.” He offered. Roy audibly growled from where he stood behind you and Keeley. “I mean,” Ted swallowed. “I only bought it for when Henry comes to visit but seems like that’s not going to be often enough that he’ll need his own bed. You can have this spare one. You’d be doing me a favor, actually. I’ll just need some help disassembling it.”
“I’m not sure that I’d be much help, Ted.” You nodded at your broken arm.
“I’ll help.” Roy decided. “The girls were having dinner when I showed up. They already lugged all these boxes in. I’ll take a look at what we’re working with, then I’ll get the tools I keep in my car.” He followed Ted across the hall into the Manager’s Apartment.
“Ten pounds says Roy kills him before they get the bed disassembled.” Keeley whispered to you once the two men were fully out of your apartment.
Words:1642 Pairing:Ted Lasso x Reader Summary: Ted, Reader & Roy all face the consequence of Michelle leaving and Lasso’s impending divorce.
“I wasn’t expecting you to already be up.” Roy commented as he shuffled into the kitchen Monday morning. He was wearing charcoal grey pair of sweatpants but had forgone a shirt. He wasn’t expecting it, because in the week or so since you’d been staying with him, Roy had risen before you almost every day.
“It’s hard to sleep with my arm.” You told him.
“And the Taylor Swift playing on the homepod, that cause of your arm to?” He nodded to the wifi enabled speaker that was currently blasting the song My Tears Ricochet throughout the kitchen.
“It was hard enough seeing him when his wife was here.” You confessed, wrapping your fingers around your tea mug. “He’s going to be miserable with her gone. She left me a mess and I basically promised to clean up after her.”
“You don’t owe either of them nothing.” Roy insisted.
“He’s still my friend, despite whatever else is happening. I’d do the same for you or Keeley.” You assured him.
“I’d never expect you to.” Roy argued. “Neither would Keeley. We’d take care of ourselves. Friends are for support, not for building a whole new fucking person.”
“Sometimes it’s both Roy.” You disagreed. “I’m gonna go get ready for work.” You caught the last of the Taylor Swift lyrics as you headed out of the kitchen. “And if I’m dead to you, why are you at the wake? Cursing my name wishing I’d stayed. Look at how my tears ricochet…”
Ted was the last of the coaches to arrive to work that morning. You were about to ask Beard if someone should call him when the Head Coach came barreling into the office half dressed. He tossed his backpack onto his desk and began riffling through it for clothes.
“Sorry I’m late.” He said as he tugged a Richmond cardigan over his polo shirt. “But you know, now I’m here. And Beard’s here and Nate’s here and [Y/N]’s here too. Which is great because the world can be a sad and lonely place but hey, c’mon now, let’s get to work, shall we?”
“Your shirts on backwards, Ted.” You told him as Beard whispered something to Nate.
“Michelle.” He’d said because Nate had looked entirely confused by the Head Coach’s odd behavior that morning.
“Which is fine.” Ted commented, having heard Beard’s no so quiet whisper. “You know, it’s okay.” He took his arms out of his shirt sleeves and attempted to right his rumpled sweater. “It’s a great time now for me to burry myself in my work. Although, I’m not crazy, I don’t love, the word burry. It has a negative connotation to it. What’s another word I can say?” He asked, now fiddling with the collar of his polo shirt.
“Bath?” He suggested. “Everyone loves a good bath right? So that’s what I’ll say. I’m gonna bathe myself in work. How about that? That’s good. Nate, you got a favorite bath balm, Buddy?”
“Oh no.” Nate frowned. He hadn’t known there’d be a pop quiz at the end of his boss’ ramblings. “I don’t really enjoy baths, just ‘cause my skin gets really wrinkly and I’m deeply worried about aging.”
“Okay. I get that.” Ted nodded. “What about you, Coach?” He looked to Beard. “You got a favorite bath bomb?”
“Crème brulee honey.” Beard answered without hesitation.
“Honey?” Ted repeated. “Is that an ingredient or something you just calling me right now?”
“Ingredient.” Beard clarified.
“Shoot. I was kind of hoping it was the other one.” Ted confessed. “But that’s kind of a fun idea. Maybe we start calling each other little pet names. You know? Like HoneyorBabe?It might be nice right?”
“No.” Beard disagreed.
“Hey, Nate, will you just do me a favor and help Coach here plan practice for today?” Ted asked. Nate agreed to help. To which Ted replied. “All right, thank you, Sweetie. Okay, I’ll see you all in a little bit.” And then he walked out of the locker room.
“Is he alright?” Nate looked between you and Beard.
“No.” You both said at the same time. Beard even laughed at the idea that anyone behaving that way could be perceived as all right.
“Any idea where he’s off to?” You asked Beard.
“I think he’s got a press conference he’s late for.” He answered.
“How long are we supposed to let him be like this?” You asked him.
“Give him some space for now.” He told you.
Players began to arrive while Ted was at his press conference. You, Nate and Beard worked together to plan that day’s training. It seemed there would also be a new player arriving that afternoon, Dani Rojas from Mexico. He had joined Richmond during a summer transfer period and was immediately injured so no one had really seen him play yet.
Ted returned an hour later from his press conference. He still looked out of sorts, but the press conference must have gone well. The usual gentleness had returned to his voice. Beard almost hesitated to relay the news to Ted that Jamie was claiming he was too hurt to join practice. Ted opened the door the Manager’s office and stepped out into the locker room without saying a word. He stomped over to Jamie.
“Hey Jamie, I heard you’re not gonna be able to run with us today. That true?” He asked the young player.
Even with the office door open you couldn’t hear Ted and Jamie’s full conversation. Jamie’s locker was too far down the line. But you could see Jamie’s body language through the glass that separated the office from the locker room. You could see his smug smirk as he answered one of Ted’s questions and the shrug of his shoulders as he replied to another.
Ted began walking back to the office. You didn’t know what was said offer that, but Jamie had mouthed off. He’d said something that made the entire room go quiet. Ted turned on his heels and marched back to Jamie’s locker. No one missed a single word of what he said now.
“Hey, you can’t practice, you can’t practice. If you’re hurt, you’re hurt.” Ted nodded. “It’s as simple as that. But it ain’t about that…at all. You’re sitting in here; you’re supposed to be the franchise player and yet here we are talking about you missing practice. We’re talking about practice.” Every time Ted said the word “practice” his voice raised slightly. “Not a game. Not the game that you go out there and die for, right? We’re talking about practice. Practice! You know you’re supposed to be out there. You know you’re supposed to lead by example. You’re just shoving that all aside.”
“And so here we are, Jamie.” He was shouting now. You stole a glance at Beard who’s one look back told you not to interfere. “We’re talking about practice. With your teammates. The only place that we get to play together, that we’ve got control over. Rest of the time it’s us eleven against those eleven. We’re talking about practice, man! I’m talking about practice! And You can’t do it, ‘cause you’re hurt! Right?” Ted took a breath.
“It’s fine by me.” He added, no longer yelling. “Tell you what, do me a favor. When you get out there, set up the cones so the other reserves can do a little passing drill.” Ted started towards the office again.
“You want me to set up cones?” Jamie questioned. Jamie Tartt didn’t set up cones.
“I really appreciated it.” Ted shouted over his shoulder before entering the office and shutting the door behind him.
Later that day, Roy was reading a book while walking on the treadmill in the workout room. Some of the other players were lifting weights and using the various machines. Other players were even still out on the field practicing drills. Keeley Jones sauntered into the room. Her all black outfit looked like something out of the matrix, complete with ridiculous looking stiletto heel boots. She climbed on to the treadmill next to Roy.
“It’s lovely weather we’ve been having don’t you think?” She asked him. “I love this time of year. All the smells and fresh leaves.” Roy marked his place with his finger before looking over at her.
“Sorry, what’s happening?” He demanded.
“I was just pretending that the two of us were on a walk.” She explained.
“I’m trying to read.” He flashed his book at her.
“I’ve been doing a lot of reading myself, actually. Recently.” She said, perfectly segueing into the reason for her visit. “I read this mad story about a kid who grew up in a shit part of South London and who got sent off to play as a child in Sunderland of all places! And later was forced to wrap his own verse in a charity single which was called Winner Winner Football Diner.” She laughed.
“That was for world hunger.” He smiled back.
“And I believe it was the cure.” She teased him.
“How do you know all this anyway?” He asked, his book now forgotten. “What are you doing now? Stalking me?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m reading all the player’s bios. Part of my new job helping with the team’s PR.”
“You can leave me out it.” He told her. “I’m not one of your show ponies.”
“Hmm.” Keeley offered him a noise of disagreement. “You wear a number and you trot around while people clap so I wouldn’t be too high and might about it.” She slowed down her machine and prepared to get off. “Later Roy.” She told him with a smile. His sister. Pheobe. Keeley Jones. [Y/N]. The women in his life were determined to kill him. He decided. The preferred way of torture seemed to be annoying him to death.
Words:1761 Pairing:Ted Lasso x Reader Summary:Following their very public display of affection, Reader and Roy escape the Richmond clubhouse to discuss their relationship.
“Is that [Y/N] kissing Roy?” Nate asked Beard. The two men were walking together from the sidelines of the pitch towards the center of the field where the rest of the team was celebrating.
“Yup.” Beard confirmed.
“That’s new, isn’t it?” Nate looked at him.
“Not if you’ve been paying attention.” Beard answered. They reached the group just as you and Roy came up for air.
“Well would you look at that.” Ted moved to stand between his two assistant coaches. The three of them were watching you laugh at something Roy said while they stood just out of earshot. “First time I’ve seen her smile in weeks.”
“That’s the only time I’ve ever seen Roy smile.” Nate comment. “It’s making me uncomfortable actually.” Nate shivered and walked away. He headed towards the locker room to prep the stations and ready the laundry bin. Beard and Ted stepped off to the side listening to the chanting from the supporters.
“You’re going to have to put me down eventually.” You told Roy breathlessly.
“I can carry you to car like this.” Roy disagreed.
“You’ve still got to shower and change.” You sighed. “Especially if you want to go to dinner.”
“Dinner! Fuck I’m starving. Alright, down you get.” Roy set you back on your feet but took your unbroken hand in his. You and Roy walked hand in hand to the locker room. Some of boys were already changing. They whistled and howled like teenagers when you stepped inside.
“I’m just going to…” You gestured vaguely to the Manager’s Office before slipping inside and closing the door. Maybe it wasn’t fair, leaving Roy to ferry all the guy’s questions, but you knew one scowl from the team captain would have them all silenced. While you waited for Roy to finish changing, Ted entered the office alone. No Beard, no Nate and no family in tow.
It felt like a lifetime since you’d been alone together. You realized the power dynamic between you had changed without either of you meaning for it to. Sure, he was still your boss and you were his assistant, but you didn’t feel like just his assistant anymore. You were more than that. You’d always been. Michelle had said as much herself and Ted had said no one knew him better than Michelle. Except maybe you.
You realized that you held just as much power over Ted as he did over you. That was why he’d wanted his family with you all week. It wasn’t just because he trusted you to take care of them. It was because you held all of his secrets. You knew who he was without him having to say it. Where Michelle could only ever see the unwavering optimism, you saw through the cracks in his façade.
Ted Lasso was just as dark and twisted as the rest of us, but it took as special person to see through those cracks. More importantly to see through those cracks and want to stay. You could tell by the defeated look in his eyes he thought you’d seen all there was to see, and you weren’t staying.
“Left my keys.” He explained, pointing to the ring of keys on his desk. His voice pulled you from your thoughts. You retrieved his keys and handed them to him. Your fingers brushing against his for a half second longer than they should have. Ted accepted them but still hovered by the door.
“I probably shouldn’t say anything. seeing as I agreed not to and all,” He added with a nervous glance over his shoulder. If he was checking for Roy, Beard, Michelle or all three you didn’t know. “But if Roy makes you happy, I think that’s great. He’s a great guy. It’s just so…great. That you two have each other.” He turned to leave but you called after him softly.
“Ted? I’m sorry about your divorce.” You said it so quietly, you thought your voice might break.
“She told you about that, did she?” Ted looked back at you, blinking away tears.
“She didn’t have to. Just said it would be a long time before she and Henry came to visit again.” You confessed.
“Good night, [Y/N].” Ted said with a sad smile. “See you Monday.”
“See you Monday, Ted.” You repeated back.
Ted stopped long enough to tell the boys to celebrate their victory hard and enjoy their day off on Sunday before leaving the locker room. Roy was dressed in a black t-shirt, black jeans and black shoes. He held out his hand which you accepted immediately.
“Well, I feel underdressed.” You looked down at your outfit which was a pair of blue jeans, V-neck Richmond sweater and a Richmond scarf.
“You look great.” Roy insisted. “Sides, we won. It’s good to have a little Richmond pride.” He kissed you on the cheek before swinging open the Passenger’s side door of his car for you.
“I noticed Jamie wasn’t in the locker room.” You said carefully.
“He probably packed up his shit after he was benched. I’d like to think he’ll come back on Monday with a better attitude but he’s Jamie fucking Tartt so.” Roy shrugged as if to say “What can you do?”
“And the fight you had out on the pitch?” You asked him.
“You saw how he was treating Sam!” Roy growled. “He could have been seriously hurt. I wish that prick would go back to Man City, except I wouldn’t want to play against him anymore than I want to play with him. He’s a shit person, but he could be a great footballer.”
“Where are we going exactly?” You asked, changing the subject.
“Dinner.” He answered you shortly.
“I gathered that much.” You laughed. But Roy kept his secrets as he continued driving. He kept stealing glances of you out of the corner of his eye. As if checking to make sure you were still there. “What is it, Roy?” You asked him after about the fourth time he’d done it.
“Nothing.” He lied, looking back at the road.
“Roy, you have been dealing with me spilling my guts out every other day for the past month almost. I would hope you know that you can talk to me about anything.” You assured him.
“It’s nothing.” He insisted. “I don’t want to ruin the night. Later.”
“I’m sure whatever it is we can work it out without ruining the night.” You said softly.
“I’m gonna remind you that you said that if I have to.” He warned.
“I expect you will.” You looked out the window and watched the lights of London as you passed them.
Roy parked his car and you walked together down the street and Roy led you into what you could only describe as an alley. A tiny hole in the wall restaurant was wedged between two massive buildings. The alley would have been dark if the restaurant’s owner hadn’t strung thousands of twinkling lights up above in a net of faux starlight. Six small tables set for two or four sat outside.
“Whoa.” Was all you could think to say.
“Wait till you tried the food. C’mon.” Roy took your hand and led you inside.
As picturesque as it looked, it was too cold to eat outside. You and Roy sat at a table towards the back of the restaurant. He slid a menu towards you. It seemed to be comprised mostly of comfort foods, fish and chip, burgers, pizza and a variety of soups. Roy didn’t even glance at a menu. He must have gone there often enough to know exactly what he wanted. A waitress came by and took your orders, promising to have everything right out.
“You asked me to kiss you in front of everyone.” Roy said, looking at you. He didn’t sound angry. If anything, he sounded confused or concerned.
“I did.” You’d be lying if you told him that it had been a calculated decision. “Should I not have?”
“That depends. Did you do it just to get a rise out of Lasso?” He asked seriously.
“No.” You reached across the table for his hand. Roy let you take it. “I promised you the night of the gala that I wouldn’t use you just to make Ted jealous. I meant that. I like you a lot, Roy.”
“You like me, but you love him.” Again his tone wasn’t accusatory. “Look, [Y/N], I’m not twelve-years-old. I don’t give a shit if you snog me in front of the whole world. I don’t care if snog half the team. You can do more than that if you like, whatever makes you happy. But Lasso cares and you need to decide if that matters to you.”
“He’sstillmarried.” You reminded him.
“But she doesn’t look at him the way you do. She looks at him, the way you look at me. She cares about what happens to him, doesn’t want to see him get hurt. He’s family, but he’s not the love of her life.” He said. You leaned back on your chair, letting what Roy was saying sink in.
“I told you I didn’t want to ruin the night.” He added.
“No, no.” You gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. “I wasn’t going to say anything but they’re getting divorced.” You told Roy about the conversation you’d had with Michelle and the very brief conversation you and Ted had while Roy was changing. “But what I keep thinking about is this conversation I had with Keeley. Does Ted make me better?”
“Maybe I’m just gotten jaded over the years, but if you ask me, it’s not about who makes you better. It’s who ruins you the least after they’ve chewed you up and spat you back out.” The served delivered your food. You retracked your hand from Roy’s so the two of you could eat.
“Not a very high opinion of love there, Kent.” You commented.
“I’m thirty-seven, [Y/N].” He told you. “I gave up all hope of true love, unicorns and rainbows and shit a long time ago.”
“Roy, I doubt you ever believed in unicorns and rainbows.” You laughed.
“No, I suppose not.” He chortled. “But maybe love, though. Like a really fucking long time ago.”
“I don’t want to go running back to Ted before the ink has even dried on his divorce.” You confessed.
“So don’t.” Roy shrugged. “I’m not kicking you out any time soon. You can stay at mine as long as you want to. That goes for the bed and the house.”
Words:1617 Pairing:Ted Lasso x Reader Summary:Reader has made it through the week with Ted’s family mostly unscathed. With just a single football game standing in the way of the Lasso family’s departure, Michelle asks Reader for something she’s not sure she can give.
With the game officially paused for halftime, you got up from your seat. You were happy to finally have an excuse to get away from Michelle and Henry. It wasn’t that you had any objections to either of them personally. In fact, you’d done your very best to make them feel comfortable during their visit. Henry still remembered you from all the times you’d watched him back at your office in Kansas. He really was a sweet kid. Michelle had asked you about the move and how you were adjusting to things in a new country.
“[Y/N]!” You heard someone call out to you as you began to descend the stairs from the owner’s box. You looked over your shoulder to see Michelle walking towards you. “I was hoping I could have a word with you. Keeley said she’d watch Henry for a minute.”
“Oh. Uh, sure Michelle.” The two of you continued walking down the stairs. You led her to a secluded hallway away from the roar of the crowd. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh yeah.” She nodded too quickly for you to believe her. “I just wanted to thank you.” She smiled. “You’ve been so great, helping me and Henry get around and you know taking care of Ted.”
“Oh.” You waved her off casually. “That’s nothing. All in a day’s work as a personal assistant.” You told her with a smile you hoped she couldn’t tell was forced.
“Not everyone would move across the country for their boss.” Michelle laughed. You forced yourself to chuckle along but inside you were panicking. Had she worked it all out? Did she know what you’d been trying so hard to hide from her?
“Oh well, Ted makes it hard to say no.” You told her, swallowing hard.
“You’ve always been there for him though.” She said softly. “He tells me all the time how well you take care of him. I know he’s your boss, but he thinks of you as his friend too.”
“I liked to think he, Beard and I have become good friends over the past couple of years.” You agreed. You hoped that maybe by throwing Beard’s name into the mix it would save you from being accused of doing anything unsavory with her husband.
“I’m glad to hear that.” Michelle was still smiling, but you could tell her eyes were begging to water like she was holding back tears. “It’s going to be a long time before Henry and I are able to visit again. So I was hoping I could ask you to do me a small favor?”
“A favor?” You gulped. Is it stay away from your husband? Because I’m trying Michelle. I really am. But out loud you just said. “Anything.”
“Ted’s going to need al his friends around him after…” She stopped and studied your face. It was as if she wanted to confess something to you but decided at the last minute that it wasn’t her secret to tell. “After we’ve gone home. Please continue to take care of him. He might not always say when he needs help. He’s always too worried about how other people are feeling. He needs someone who will worry about him. Will you do that for me?”
“I’d be happy to, Michelle.” You promised.
“Thank you, [Y/N]. I knew I could count on you.” She gave your arm a soft squeeze before leaving you and heading back up towards the owner’s box.
You didn’t know what to do with this information. The game was only half over. You would eventually have to go back up in those stands and sit next to her and pretend the two of you had just had a perfectly normal conversation. She had to know about you and Ted. Why else would she have pulled you aside like this?
You replayed the entire conversation again. You needed to talk to Ted. Needed to know what the hell he’d been thinking partnering you with his wife for an entire week. You stomped through the halls of the clubhouse towards the locker room. When you reached the locker room door, Beard was standing outside of it.
“Who you hear to see, Roy or Ted?” He asked.
“I-um…” You didn’t have an answer to his question. As much as you wanted to rage and shout at Ted, you also wanted to talk to Roy. You wanted to ask if he was alright after his fight with Jamie on the field. But more so you just wanted to be next to him. Being around Roy calmed you down. Like his anger burned bright enough for two of you so there was no need for you to simmer on.
“You think it’s a good idea to talk to either one of them in the middle of a game?” Beard continued to probe you.
“I…she asked me if I would take care of him when she’s gone, Beard.” You breathed. “Like he was a hand-me-down pair of headphones and not a person she’d been married to for years. She just dumped that on me, and he expects me to just sit there next to her pretending its not killing me inside. Lying to her. Tiptoeing around the subject.”
“I know it’s hard [Y/N].” Beard acknowledged. His tone truly sympathetic. “But these fellas got work to do. It’s forty-five minutes. You’ve lasted the whole week. You can do another forty-five minutes.”
“Okay.” You nodded, trying to talk yourself into it. “You’re right. I can do this.”
“Would you feel better if I gave you a hug?” He offered.
“Well, Coach, I wouldn’t feel worse.” Beard enveloped you in a hug. You hugged him back briefly before retracing your steps back up to the owner’s box. The hug hadn’t helped nearly as much it would have had it come from Roy or Ted.
“There you are, Babes!” Keeley remarked as you sat back down next to her. “I was starting to wonder where you’d gone off to.”
“Just the loo.” You lied to her.
“Course.” She nodded. “Did you check on the boys?” She asked.
“No. Didn’t need to. They’ve got this.” You looked out to the field.
“Course they do. Also, I’ve got some good news!” She exclaimed. Keeley pat your knee excitedly. “I’ve found you a flat. You can’t move in till after the away game but you’ll finally have a place of your very own.”
“Really?” You tore your eyes away from the pitch to look at her. “Keeley Jones you’re a miracle worker!”
“I know.” She agreed. “Ooh It’s starting again.”
Gameplay resumed and the team was playing better than you’d seen them. No one had benched Jamie Tartt before. Not the previous Richmond coach, or any of the coaches at Man City. Ted had made a tough call and showed the other guys that Jamie being a great player didn’t make him the only important player on the team.With morale finally on the rise, Richmond managed to keep the other team from scoring. Players were fighting hard on both sides to gain any ground.
It was a tie game with only two minutes left. Richmond’s own Declan Cockburn had possession of the ball. He traveled up the field with it and passed the ball to Roy. Roy traveled the rest of the way until he was nearly in front of the net. He had a choice to make, he could take the shot for himself, or he could pass it to Sam.The clock was running down, but Roy didn’t hesitate. You imagined Roy cursing Jamie in his head as he showed the younger players how it’s done.
He passed the ball to Sam. Sam had been wide open on Roy’s left. He punted the ball straight into the net. With less than a minute left in the game, Sam and Roy had turned the game in Richmond’s favor. Seconds later, a whistle was blown, and the match was over. A.F.C. Richmond had won its first game with Ted Lasso as the manager.While slightly removed from the rest of the supporters, the owner’s box was still celebrating the win. People were on their feet chanting and cheering. Rebecca was the only one who remained seated. You swore you heard her mumble something like “Oh Shit.” But no one else around seemed to notice.
“You two want to go down there and celebrate with them?” You asked Michelle and Henry, pointing down at the pitch.
They both stayed close to you as you flashed your badge through the various security check points. Once you were out on the pitch neither you nor Michelle could stop the little boy for running straight to his father. Ted had seen all three of you come onto the pitch and was waiting with open arms for his son. He picked up Henry and spun him around. Michelle walked towards them at a much slower pace. You Began backing off the field to give them some space.
“Must have been that good luck kiss.” A gruff voice said from behind you.
You were already smiling before you turned around to look at Roy. He surprised you by putting his hands on your waist and hoisting you up off the ground. You wrapped your legs around his waist for balance and hooked your good arm around his neck.
“Worried I’m going to drop, ya?” He laughed. But you knew he was holding you securely with one hand on the small of your back and the other on your hip.
“Not at all. I trust you with me life Roy.” You promised. “Can I offer you a victory kiss?”
“Fuck yes.” Roy said before crashing his lips against yours.
Words:1568 Pairing:Ted Lasso x Reader Summary: Reader and Roy arrive at work the next day. Reader has to explain their broken arm, and not everyone is inclined to believe it’s football related.
“Holy shit, what happened to you?” Keeley gasped, taking in the sight of your cast.
“Football injury.” You explained.
“Right yeah. Of course.” Keeley nodded. “Football.”She mouthed, before winking at you.
“Keeley.” Only Roy Kent could make someone’s name sound like a greeting and a threat at the same time. “Good to see you as always.” He looked over to you. “I’ll bring your computer and your purse inside.”
“Well, you two are usually here before everyone except Rebecca, so Ted and Beard were a little worried when you weren’t. Now we all know why.” Keeley looped her arm around your good one and escorted you inside.
“Nothing happened…really.” You grinned. “I really did hurt my arm playing football. Nearly stopped a goal from Roy Kent himself.”
“Yeah? That’s impressive! You want to do lunch later?” She asked you, stopping in front of the locker room door.
“That sounds great. See you then.” You agreed. Keeley walked off to wherever her new office was. You realized you’d never asked her exactly where that was. You’d been too wrapped up in your own thing. You’d make it a point to ask her at lunch.
As usual, the guys were chatting away as they dressed in their training gear. Jamie and his mates were shouting across the room to each other. Isaac and Moe kicked a ball back and forth between themselves, waiting for the others to suit up. Roy, dressed quietly in front of his locker. Avoiding the others. Nate was the first one to notice you.
“What happened to your arm, [Y/N]?” He asked. The room was quiet. All eyes were on you.
“Football injury.” You confessed. “Was playing a game of pick up with a…friend.” You purposely avoided making eye contact with Roy. “Dove for a ball trying to stop a goal.”
“Did you stop the goal?” Thierry Zoreaux, one of the team’s goalkeepers, wanted to know. The truth was you didn’t know. You’d been more focused on the pain at the time. You surveyed the room. The team was waiting for your answer. Roy bobbed his head slightly, encouraging you.
“Course I did!” The boys cheered and clapped as if you were a premier league player yourself.
“[Y/N]?” Sam approached you from his locker. “Could I sign your cast?”
“I’d love that Sam. Do you have a marker?” Someone else shouted that they had one it was passed along to Sam, who happily signed his name.
“Obisanya, let me have that pen.” Jamie said, getting up off his bench. Sam handed the marker over. Jamie scribbled his own name on the cast. He finished the autograph with a flourish. “There, now you have a signature that’s actually worth something.”
Not to be outdone, Colin stepped up after Jamie to sign the cast. Soon there was a queue forming in the locker room of players each waiting their turn. Ted and Beard stepped out of the manager’s office, surveying the commotion. They said nothing, as the players worked their way through the line. When it seemed like the whole team had scratched their names onto the plaster wrapped around your arm, Beard blew his whistled and called for everyone to go outside.
“We were starting to worry about you.” He said when just you and the coaches stood in the locker room. He’d never say as much, but it was as close to a scolding as you’d get from him. He’d been worried about you when you hadn’t arrived to work early. They’d both been, but Ted was trying his best to live up to the truce you’d formed yesterday. He wasn’t going to push you.
“I’m sorry, I would have called if I thought I was going to be late. Actually, I’m still a few minutes early.” You noted, looking at your watch.
“Glad you’re okay, kid.” Beard said, patting your softly on the shoulder. “You need to take some time off to get used to that thing?”
“I’d much rather be at work than in bed alone all day.” You confessed. “I should be fine as long as I take my medications on time.”
“You’ll let us know if it’s too much though? Cause, you’ve just about taken care of everything for next week’s game, and this week’s a home game. I-we’d understand if you need some rest.” Ted added.
“I’ll let you know.” You agreed. “I mostly sit at my desk all day anyway so it should be fine. But I was thinking maybe I could come watch training for a bit. Get some fresh air?”
“I think that’d be alright. What do you think, Coach?” Ted looked to Beard.
“Should be fine.” Beard nodded. “We’ve missed having you out there with us.” The three of you began walking out towards the pitch.
“By the way, the National Health Service?” You commented as you walked. “Best thing since sliced bread. It was only four hours at the hospital last night.”
“Four hours to be seen?” Beard remarked. “That’s about what it was in the states.”
“No! Not a four hour wait to be seen.” Your corrected. “Four hours for the whole A & E visit. It was mental.”
“Can I ask who brought you to the hospital?” Ted questioned. You watched his eyes flick down to the cast and then back to your face.
“The same friend I was playing football with.” You told him.
That was all you gave him. You weren’t going to tell him that it was Roy you’d been playing football with or that you’d been staying at the Midfielder’s house. You definitely weren’t going to tell him that you’d slept in his bed or that you’d kissed him. But even as you smiled at Roy across the field, it was Ted you wished was holding you in his arms at night.
“Oi! Hughes!” You shouted across the field. After another player stole the ball from him. “You’re kicking too hard with your right foot. It’s making you zig-zag all over the place, which is why you just lost control of the ball!” Ted and Beard exchanged a look.
“She’s right.” Beard said to Ted.
“She’s right.” Ted agreed.
When the team broke for lunch, you headed inside. You went looking for Keeley, her office or someone who could point you in the direction of either one. As it turned out, she wasn’t all that difficult to find. An office door with her name on it was on the first floor, just across from the press conference room.
“Hey [Y/N]!” She greeted you immediately. “How’s your arm?” You flopped down into one of the office’s vacant armchairs.
“Hurts.” You complained. “So does everything else and I’m exhausted because Roy kept waking me up all night.”
“I bet he did!” Keeley waggled her eyebrows.
“No, like he actually did.” You yawned. “He had to make sure I didn’t have a concussion or that my meds didn’t knock me out. I’m so tired now.”
“Why don’t you just go home?” She asked. “It’s alright to leave early if you’re not feeling well.”
“I don’t want to give Ted any excuse to ask me questions. Where am I going? How will I get there? Should he call me an UBER. It’s just as easy to stay here and wait for Roy to be done for the day.”
“You could just tell him you’re staying with me.” She suggested. “I’ll say you need rest and I’m bringing you home. I can actually bring you to Roy’s and then no one will know that’s where you’re staying.”
“I’ll keep it in mind, as an exit strategy.” You told her.
“Alright, can we talk about your football injury then?” She wondered.
“For the last time.” You laughed. “It is a football injury! I’ve got the muddy kit at Roy’s to prove it.”
“Right, but you did kiss though.” Keeley leaned on the edge of her new desk.
“I never said that, and I know he didn’t.” You insisted.
“You didn’t have to.” She shrugged. “I’m your best friend. I just know these things.”
“I-no.” You tried denying it, but it was no use. Someday you’d have to figure out what superpower Keeley Jones possessed that allowed her pull information like this from you. “It was just one kiss.” You conceded.
“Holy fucking shit!” Keeley exclaimed before covering her mouth with her hands. “I was just teasing you.” She gasped through your fingers. “Does Ted know?”
“No. And he’s not going to! This stays between us Keeley.” You pleaded with her.
“Of course, it does, babes!” She finally moved her hands from her face. “Good for you! You are handling this Ted break up spectacularly.”
“It’s not a breakup. We were never really together.” You reminded her.
“And you and Roy are you together?” She pried.
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” You shook your head.
“Too bad.” Keeley shrugged.
“We talk about me all the time.” You said. “Why don’t we talk about you for a change. How are you doing now that you’ve cut ties with Jamie?” Keeley considered her answer for a moment.
“I dunnknow.” She confessed. “But I do know that the next person I’m with, I want them to be like my partner. Like marmalade and toast. Two things that are alright on their own, but when you put them together, they become even better. Jamie didn’t make me better.”
Words:1478 Pairing:Ted Lasso x Reader Summary: The surprises continue with Mr. Roy Kent as he and Reader settle in for their first evening living together. Author’s Note: Last NPLH update for the evening my friends! This has been a triple upload, and as I stated in pt 23, Ao3 will likely have the most up to date version of this story (currently at 32 Chapters) so if you find you just can’t wait for updates, you can find the newest chapters here. Otherwise I will continue to update Tumblr in 2-3 Chapter chunks so as to not spam my non-Ted Lasso Readers.
You didn’t even manage to make it halfway through Batman before your eyes began to droop. It certainly wasn’t the most action packed of the Tim Burton batman films, but the campy film was also not like the Rom Coms that usually made up your movie nights with Ted. You leaned your head onto Roy’s shoulder, hoping the change in position would help you stay awake. If your body wasn’t fighting so hard to stay upright, you reasoned. Roy looked down to make sure your eyes were still open but said nothing.
Twenty minutes later there was still another forty-three minutes left of the film. You imagined enough time had not passed that Roy would allow you to sleep. That thought alone was enough for you to sigh loudly. Roy looked down at you again.
“You can lay down.” He said. “But I’ll have to wake you every hour.” Roy didn’t move or readjust himself.
“I’ll take what I can get.” You yawned. You got up from the couch and started towards the floating stairs.
“Oi!” Roy called after you. “Careful on those stairs. They ain’t got no railing. Wouldn’t want you falling off, you can’t brace yourself with that chicken arm.”
“Ha, now I know why your sister is the nurse and not you.” You told Roy. “Your bedside manner sucks.” This earned a genuine laugh from him.
“C’mon lay down on the couch.” Roy said, getting up. “I’ll go fetch you a blanket.”
Roy jogged up the stairs two steps at a time while you crawled your way back to the couch. It seemed you were even more tired than you’d thought. Your arm was sore. In fact, your muscles all over ached. You closed your eyes. You were nearly asleep before Roy returned with a dark black duvet.
“Am I supposed to stand here through the rest of the movie?” Roy grumbled.
“You’re the worst nurse ever.” You complained, already sitting up, which was a struggle given you only had one arm. Roy sat back down at the end of the couch. He covered you with the duvet and gestured for you to lie back down. You placed your head in his lap and looked back at the TV. You felt Roy’s hands begin to comb through your hair.
“I’m sorry you’re stuck with me.” He mumbled. “Now you’ve got a broken heart and a broken arm.”
“They’re healing, my heart and my arm and you’re not to blame for either one so I don’t expect you to be the one to put them back together. I’ve known for a long time that Ted and I, we’re probably never going to happen. My arm was entirely from me never knowing when to quit. Guess the situation with Ted is too. I don’t want to talk about any of that shit anymore.”
Roy’s eyebrows shot in the air. He was certain that was the first time he’d heard you swear. You simply snuggled into the dark comforter, breathing in Roy’s scent that had been trapped inside it. You cradled your broken arm with the hand of your good one and closed your eyes.
“All things considered; it was a pretty good date for ten-thousand-pounds. Maybe next year, I’ll bid on you again.” You yawned.
“I want to kiss you, so fucking bad.” Roy mumbled. That was enough for your eyes to shoot open. “Sorry.” He mumbled. “I just…I dunknow.” He blinked. You tried to sit up. Roy helped you this time, one hand hovering on your lower back.
“So do it.” You whispered. “Kiss me, Roy Kent.” And then he did. Kissing Roy was different than kissing Ted. Your kiss with Ted had felt like two magnets crashing together, polarized ends finding each other after being pulled apart for a long time. Kissing Roy was like a starlight. There was hunger, burring everything in its wake, but it would fizzle out. There was no substance, nothing solid.
“That, was fucking amazing.” He remarked, when you finally came up for air.
“Then we should do it again sometime.” You smiled. “Just not now, because I’m exhausted.” You put your head back in his lap.
“Get some sleep.” He ordered. “I’ll wake you in an hour.” Roy’s fingers were once again combing through your tendrils of hair.
As promised Roy woke you ever hour to make sure you hadn’t lapsed into a coma. After two or three times he seemed satisfied enough to suggest it would be safe enough for you to sleep in an actual bed. He collected his comforter and walked with you. He offered to carry you up the stairs, but you declined. So he stood on the outside, where the was no railing, just to be sure you didn’t fall off.
“You could join me in here.” He nodded to his bedroom when you reached the top of the stairs. “It’ll be easier for me to make sure you’re still breathing.”
“Okay.” You nodded. “Okay yeah.” You smiled. You followed Roy to the bedroom. He riffled through his drawers before tossing you one of his old t-shirts. You changed as he kindly avoided your gaze, striping himself down to just his boxers. There was a brief thought of Oh, we’re really doing this. To yourself before you climbed into the bed.
“This doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to.” He said carefully.
“Roy,” You whispered his name, resting your head on the pillow next to his. “Shut up and kiss me.”
You woke up the next morning in Roy’s bed. He was awake already, reading a book. He seemed to notice you were awake as soon as you’d begun to stir.
“I was just about to wake you.” He folded the top corner to mark his page before closing the book. “It’s time to take your med again.” He handed you a glass and your bottle of medication. “You planning on coming to work today?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” You questioned taking the medication.
“You broke your arm.” Roy shrugged. “it’s a good enough reason as any to skive off work. And To avoid seeing Lasso.”
“As much as I would love that, I think I should still go to work.” You got out of bed. “You mind if I shower first? I think it’s going to take me longer than usual to get ready with this.”
“You think I’ve got this massive house and only one shower?” Roy chucked.
“Well, I have it on good authority from the homeowner that the water pressure here is shit.” You shrugged. “So maybe I should wait till we get to work.”
“You gonna need help showering?” He smirked. Coming from the mouth of almost every other man you’d known, it would have been an outright sexually explicit suggestion. But even half naked in the bed, you could tell that Roy was asking in an attempt to supportive and helpful first. Any other implications would be a bonus.
“I’ll figure it out.” You told him. “Hang on, you’ve got more than one shower and you still come in early to work and shower there? Why?”
“It’s for good luck.” He shrugged.
“I…what? Footballers.” You muttered to yourself before leaving the room.
You showered in the bathroom down the hall, which was harder than you anticipated, having only one fully functional arm. (Even if Roy had made sure you were given a waterproof cast.) You dressed in the guest room your stuff was in where the bed remained untouched from the night before. You tried to button your pants without the use of one thumb. It was annoying enough of a process you considered calling to Roy for help.
Roy. You knew no matter what the kisses you exchanged the night before, although they’d been just kisses, they changed things between you and Roy. As the sun began to rise, so did the clarity that came with early mornings. Had you jeopardized your chance at an actual friendship, because you knew in your heart that you didn’t love Roy? Could you grow to love him? Would he even want you do? Perhaps this was your chance to try something new. No strings attached. No whispered promises or expectations.
“Oi!” Roy shouted from the other side of the door. “You coming to work or not? I want to get there before that prick Jamie Tartt parks in my favorite spot!”
“I didn’t realize parking spots were such a point of contention for you.” You laughed, opening the door. “I need help buttoning my pants.”
“Course you do.” Roy reached over, buttoned your pants as simply as if you’d asked him to brush an eyelash from your cheek. He kissed you on the forehead and began walking down the hall. “I’m gonna start the car. If you’re not outside in five minutes, I’m leaving you here.”
Words: 1537 Pairing: Ted Lasso x Reader Summary:Things go amiss when Roy sets up his 10,000 pound date with Reader. But alone with Reader, Roy begins to share parts of his life that he hasn’t with anyone else, even if he wasn’t exactly meaning to.
Roy left you to unpack and change. You left everything in your suitcase. You wouldn’t make the mistake of feeling comfortable somewhere new again so soon. You changed into a pair of athletic pants and one of Roy’s old Jerseys from his years at Chelsea. You put on a fresh pair of socks and tried on the boots Roy had given you.
“Roy?” You called for him, aware of how your cleats sounded stomping on his floating staircase as you descended.
“This way!” You followed his voice to a door that led to the back yard. From the doorway you could see that Roy had two regulation nets outside. He’d set up several cones the way the team did during their own trainings. You could also see that it was raining out. Not pouring or anything. Just the kind of misting that offers low visibility. “I’m gonna go change. I don’t want to ruin your shirt.”
“Why not?” He shrugged. “It’s an old kit. Not from the year we won or nothing. Unless you don’t want to play in the rain.”
“Little water never killed no one.” You decided stepping outside. Roy followed you. He placed a ball at your feet.
“That is a football.” He said pointing to the ball. “I don’t want to hear you call it anything else.”
“I’m paying ten-thousand-pounds for this?” You asked him. “I know what a football is.”
“No, Keeley is playing ten-thousand-pounds. And you’ve already failed the most important rule of football.” Before you could ask what the most important rule was, Roy kicked the ball away from you and began traveling down the yard with it. “Keep possession of the ball!”
You and Roy trained in the garden until the sun began set and you were drenched through your clothes with water and sweat. He taught you the basics of traveling, dribbling and kicking. You’d been having so much fun, you hadn’t even noticed the rain had picked up.
“The garden’s getting muddy and the sun’s going down.” Roy noticed. “Maybe we should head in.”
“I want to trying go…keepering? I want to play Keeper. That’s what y’all call goalie right?” You moved to stand in front of one of the nets.
Roy agreed, if for no reason other than he was glad you hadn’t mentioned Ted once since playing in the garden. Roy kicked the ball hard and it went whizzing by your head. You shouted at him, insisting he go easy on you. To which he commented you weren’t going to become a professional footballer that way. Still, his next kick was significantly softer, the ball grazing your fingers as you tried to catch it.
You kicked the ball back at him. He praised you for passing the ball back to him smoothly before asking if you were ready to try again. You nodded, getting in position, ready to catch. The ball went higher than Roy planned, but you dove for it any way. You leapt up, touching the ball but not quite able to reach it. Twisting in midair, you still couldn’t quite catch the ball. It continued its trajectory and hit the back of the net. You fell to the ground with a deafening crack. A sound you heard well before you felt the pain.
“[Y/N]!” Roy rushed over to you. The pain was nothing like you’d ever felt before. It was so constant. The pain was causing your vision to blur.
“My arm.” You managed to say to him. Roy scooped you up off the ground, and cradled you close to him.
He carried you to the car and stretched you across the back seat. He ordered you to stay there. Normally you would have made a comment asking exactly where he thought you were going to go, but you were in too much pain to think, let alone speak. So, you laid there and waited for Roy to come back. You were aware of him growling something to you and swearing when he returned to the car.
You very well may have passed out from the pain, because laying in the car was the last thing you remembered before waking up on a hospital bed. Someone was holding your hand. The same hand that was connected to an IV pole with three different of medicine hanging on it. Your other arm was wrapped in a cast. The cast covered your arm from you elbow down to your wrist. It also encompassed a small part of your hand, looping around your thumb to keep your wrist straight.
“Now I know why you never played any sports.” Roy commented when he realized you were awake. It was his hand holding onto yours. The two of you were alone in a small hospital room.
“What this old thing?” You nodded at the broken arm. “You should see the other guy.”
“I did. The football’s doing fine.” He said.
“Well, this is going to be fun to explain to everyone tomorrow.” You sighed. “Don’t suppose I could talk you into lying for me that it’s from something badass like a bar fight?”
“Having a football injury is badass.” He insisted. “Makes you a more dedicated player than some of the pricks on the team.”
“Sorry I ruined our ten-thousand-dollar date.” You apologized, trying to sit up in bed.
“Nah, this is way more fun than I would’ve had with Cheryl. Sides, I haven’t been on this side of an A&E room in a while. Usually, I’m the one in the bed.” He commented. “I’m gonna go get the doctor so we can get the hell out of here.”
You wanted to tell Roy that you were pretty sure that wasn’t how things worked. Your best friend broke her arm in grade school, and she was in the hospital for at least two days. Plus, the sun had finally gone down. You were pretty sure hospitals stopped discharging patients after a certain time. Then again, you realized, you were in a different country. This was your first experience with European healthcare. Roy was the expert here. He returned with a dark-haired nurse whose nose and smile were strikingly similar to his.
“[Y/N], this is Nurse Kent.” He introduced you.
“Nurse Kent? She’s your sister?” You questioned.
“Catches on quick, this one.” Roy’s sister smiled. She seemed to have the exact opposite energy of her brother. While the footballer was mostly brooding and pointed stares, the doctor was smiles and a soft voice. “[Y/N], can you tell me who the Prime Minister is?”
“No.” You confessed. “But not because I’ve been injured, because I moved here a few weeks ago and I haven’t bothered looking into it.”
“That’s alright. And you know who he is?” She pointed to Roy.
“Of course, he’s here, he’s there, he’s every fucking where, Roy Kent.” You said, remembering Roy’s football chant.
“Good enough for me.” She decided. “I’ll get the paperwork started and then you can take her home. Feel better, [Y/N], I’m sorry we had to meet like this, but I know you’re in good hands with Roy.” Nurse Kent left the room and Roy huffed.
“So that’s your sister.” You probed him. “Is she Phoebe’s mom or do you have more than one sister?”
“Just the one. Thank god.” He grumbled.
“Why didn’t you tell me your sister was a nurse?” You asked him.
“You never asked.” He shrugged.
“My mom’s a nurse at a hospital. Surgical nurses are no joke.” You pointed out.
“Like I said, she works harder than she needs to. Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of her, but she wanted to be a doctor. She could’ve been the one doing the surgeries if she’d had more time to study.” He spoke. “She’s a damn good nurse though. Searched the whole hospital to find you plaster as close to Richmond blue as possible.” He nodded at your cast.
Twenty minutes later Roy’s sister returned with your discharge paperwork and a bottle of medication. She provided you all the information on when and how often to take the meds. The clothes you arrived in were caked in mud so they were placed in a plastic bag so you could wash them at home. Instead, you were allowed to leave wearing the pair of hospital issued scrubs, which although comfortable, did not fit. You couldn’t wait to get back to Roy’s and change.
Roy helped you into the car again, this time you’d been allowed back in the front seat. You arrived back at his house expecting it to be well into the early morning. But the clock on the car’s dashboard claimed it was only a little past ten pm.
“I’m not supposed to let you sleep for the first few hours.” He said as you got out of the car. “Supposed to monitor you and make sure you don’t slip into a coma or nothing.”
“But I’m so tired.” You complained, following him into the living room.
“Sit.” He ordered, pointing at the couch. “You like Batman?” He held up a DVD box set of the Tim Burton’s Batman movies. You nodded. Roy put the first DVD in the player and started the movie.
“The reason we start with Rebecca is all rooted in George Roy Hill starting on those long close-up shots of Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, ‘cause he was an unknown Broadway actor, but George Roy Hill wanted to let people know that yes, [Paul Newman] is in here, don’t worry, but this guy is in the movie too. So, this show is about Rebecca, even though it’s called ‘Ted Lasso’, in my opinion. The first season, certainly.“ - Jason Sudeikis
“I had this picture in my head of what Rebecca looked like, more just in essense, like an aura, and I walk in, and see who we know now as Hannah, and I saw Rebecca. I saw Rebecca first, and then I got to meet Hannah.” - Jason Sudeikis
HANNAH: Were you thinking, “She’s a giant!”
JASON:No, I didn’t think that. I mean, we talked about it that day. I remember you being sort of surprised that I didn’t comment on it. I think I said, “It wouldn’t bother Ted. It doesn’t bother me.”
“You get little glimpses or an eye flutter of it as early as episode one. When Ted says to her, “Oh, yeah, I heard about that. How are you doing?” — knowing that this was going to be a longer-running thing — it allowed me to give a smile, but an acknowledgment of somebody being so direct to her. In my head, that is literally the first moment anybody had checked in with her. I was glad that, in the edit, that came across. That slight startle.” - Hannah Waddingham
“I knew when playing that scene we’d go to Rebecca’s face after Ted asked to have to sit with it. Sometimes you put that in the script and other times you don’t, but you just know it editorially.” - Jason Sudeikis
“I do think Rebecca likes him very early on, and that gets in the way. She didn’t think her plan through. She saw this guy online and thought, What an idiot, let’s get him to destroy the club. She didn’t think she would actually have chemistry and empathy with this person.” - Hannah Waddingham
”She stops weaponizing him early on, like, when she gets to know him, basically after [episode] 4, it’s no longer [that].“ - Jason Sudeikis
"Rebecca finds things that she respects Ted for far earlier than people think.” - Hannah Waddingham
INTERVIEWER:When you look at [Ted and Rebecca] there’s actually a lot of similarities between them. They’re both dealing with the end of a relationship, they’re trying to navigate heartbreak, and what their sense of identity is outside of what has been their lives for several years. […] Was there a conscious thought about some of the paralels between their journeys with that in mind?
BRENDAN: Yes. […] We will see a little more of why they are kindred and parallel spirits in season 2
“I do believe they are soulmates.” - Jason Sudeikis
“They are ultimately soulmates, in whatever form.” - Hannah Waddingham
“She realizes that they’re each other’s saviors. She unwittingly has saved his life by bringing him away from his wife and his home life, and he has been brought into her life to bring her strength and sunshine when there was none.” - Hannah Waddingham
