The door is left ajar, and Ted starts to notice the ember glow through the crack. Warm and radiant, inviting and safe and space for him to make a home. The door is tough, heavy and the opening times are few and far between. When he watches the way you move in that room, he knows exactly where he wants to put down roots.
‘Soulmate is too soft a word for the string that tied my heart to yours’
CONTENT: Ted is the same character as the show, reader is an East London/just outside of London girly, also she is the founder of the Richmond Foundation, who is the charity that gives back to the community. Age gap, or not, completely up to you (I am writing with one but it isn’t the focus of the plot), Beard is still a strange little endearing man, Ted is our observant, sexy moustached lil stud. Not sure where I’m going with this, but I need to get it out of my brain. Hope you enjoy angel muffins.
If any readers from outside England need help deciphering the British culture, my door is open🔮
‘Do you really think the pink over the red?’ Higgins asked, flustered as ever walking towards the office with you.
‘Trust me, whatever your gut is telling you about your wife, pick the opposite.’
Higgins hummed with consideration.
‘Thank you for your help. Albeit mind blowing.’
‘Thank you for feeling like you can ask my opinion. I’m always here, friend.’
He blushed slightly, before patting your shoulder and half run/walking as Rebecca bellowed his name down the corridor.
You looked back to your phone, in a world of your own, almost falling as you went to push the door Ted was already holding open for you.
‘Good morning,’ you squeaked.
‘And very good it is.’ Ted tipped his cap, and you rolled your eyes smiling.
‘Oh yes, very good morning, you.’ Keeley piped up from her seat.
‘Yes Keeley, right you are indeed.’ Rebecca replied.
‘Whatever you two are doing, stop.’
‘And whatever you two are doing, please continue.’ Keeley snickered, as Rebecca held back her laughter too.
Keeley squealed, quickly tapping her heels on the floor, and gaining all composure when Ted walked back in the room.
He placed down a coffee your pink heart adorned mug, and casually walked off.
‘Right piss off, go do some work.’ You whispered to Keeley.
‘Lunchtime in my office, be there or be talked about.’ Rebecca kissed your cheek goodbye, and you cuddled Keeley.
‘Bye bitches,’ Keeley sassed.
Caffeinated and feeling productive, an email popped up in the bottom corner of your screen.
TED:
Can we schedule a meeting at 10:30am?
YOU:
Sure thing, Coach.
You gathered your notebook, post it and glasses. 10:29am, and Ted loved to spring a last minute brain storm on you.
‘Knock knock.’ You slowly opened the door.
‘Usually people knock first,’ Ted folded his arms, reclining slightly in his chair.
‘Well, I’m not people.’ You winked, straightening your dress and sitting on the sofa in his office.
Ted smiled.
‘No, and people would not be able to help me now like you can.’
You crossed your legs, leaning forward curiously.
‘If you’re asking for advice on how to win the next match, I’m just going to say get the ball in the net.’
Ted smacked the desk with his hands ‘Hell now why didn’t I think to tell them that before?’
You jumped, falling back into the sofa in fits of laughter.
‘You’re an idiot. Right before I accuse you of playing silly buggers on company time, how can I help?’
He beckoned you with his hand, with a secretive come here motion. You sighed, stood up and pretended to walk towards him unwillingly. You crouched down beside his chair, forearms rested on the desk. He pointed to a sticky note with the word ‘SATURDAY’ written on there on its own and underlined.
‘What’s happening Saturday?’
‘Team building, but that’s only for three hours so the rest is for you to decide.’
‘Coach Lasso, are you asking me to plan your Saturday or plan our Saturday?’
‘That’s what I was hoping you would help me with.’
You opened your mouth to say something, and Ted’s phone rang.
‘Sorry darlin’, gotta take this.’ He moved your hair off your shoulder, fingers brushing against your neck.
‘Go do your dad duties, it’s all good.
You stood up, Ted’s eyes burning into your back as you walked away.
‘Hey Michelle, what’s up?’ Ted asked.
You closed the door delicately, blew a kiss through the window as Ted caught it and held it to his heart.
Ted didn’t come out of his office for the rest of the day. You resisted the urge to text, asked Beard questions about work that Ted only had answers too.
5pm rolled around, and Ted had left at some point around lunchtime during your interrogation with Rebecca.
You slowly packed up, taking longer than usual in hope that Ted would turn up for you to say good bye.
Ted was in the press room with Beard, figuring out how to organise his thoughts.
‘Yesterday was nice.’ Beard declared.
Ted smoothed his moustache, his hand lingering across his mouth. Trying to smile through the stress.
‘It was.’
‘Her family are wonderful.
‘They are.’
‘You liked her.’
‘I already liked her.’
‘You looked at her like she was the last pancake.’
‘Not true, because then I would’ve looked at her sad and disappointed.’
Beard tilted his head in agreement.
You took the long way to the station. You knew you hadn’t upset Ted, but the empty space left in his absence shone such a light on how he elevated every part of your day, and your day was dull without that.
Walking on the Thames, your phone buzzed. A wave of excitement crashed, anticipating it would be Ted.
NANNY🐆🫖💕
Ted left chrgr here. Telk that lovely broad Americab he’s welcome every Sunday.
Your phone almost got launched into the river.
You bit the bullet and texted Ted.
YOU
Nan said you left your charger at hers. I’m there on Thursday night, can pick it up for you. You’re invited too, but completely up to you. See you tomorrow xx
‘Way too many words,’ you muttered to yourself as you pressed send.
The next morning was slow. The coffee didn’t taste as good when you had to make it yourself.
Ted felt the same.
The cold of the football pitch hit him. He’d rather be in the office with the smell of vanilla and sound of your laughter.
‘You okay, Coach?’ Beard asked.
‘Henry stuff. Rough day yesterday.’
Beard didn’t pry anymore.
The players warmed up, and training started.
The sound of you laughing grabbed Ted’s attention. He turned behind him and looked up in the stands.
You were stood with Rebecca and a man who Ted did not recognise.
You laughed again, both waving Rebecca off.
Ted hadn’t seen you shy, but if he were to put a name to your body language, shy would be it. It sparked something.
He watched as you nodded your head then pointed down to Ted, smiling softer and giving a little wave.
‘That’s just a sports writer.’ Beard said.
‘Yeah I know.’
‘You look concerned.’
‘I’m just being nosey.’
‘Hmm.’
‘Good morning.’ Ted called to you from up the stairs.
‘It’s 4:27.’
‘I know but I didn’t get to say it this morning.’
‘All okay?’
‘Yes it’ll be fine. Thanks for asking. You okay ,darlin’?
‘I’m good,’ you held up a stack of papers, ‘Busy.’
‘Oh so your giggling had a purpose.’
You raised an eyebrow and folded your arms.
‘Go on…’ you waited for Ted to dig himself out of that one.
He shook his head.
‘I was laughing. And team building is all sorted. So you’re welcome.’
‘And what are we doing after that?’
‘Oh you want there to be an after that?’ You pushed.
‘Heck yeah. Let me know your final thoughts on Thursday.’
‘Thursday?’
‘Yeah, when I drive us back home from your Nan’s.’
‘So you did see my text?’
He pointed a finger at you, ‘It’s a date and as always, I’ll call you tonight.’
The door is left ajar, and Ted starts to notice the ember glow through the crack. Warm and radiant, inviting and safe and space for
him to make a home. The door is tough, heavy and the opening times are few and far between. When he watches the way you move in that room, he knows exactly where he wants to put down roots.
‘Soulmate is too soft a word for the string that tied my heart to yours’
CONTENT: Ted is the same character as the show, reader is an East London/just outside of London girly, also she is the founder of the Richmond Foundation, who is the charity that gives back to the community. Age gap, or not, completely up to you (I am writing with one but it isn’t the focus of the plot), Beard is still a strange little endearing man, Ted is our observant, sexy moustached lil stud. Not sure where I’m going with this, but I need to get it out of my brain. Hope you enjoy angel muffins.
If any readers from outside England need help deciphering the British culture, my door is open🔮
Saturdays were always better when you were not rushing. They consisted of actually finishing a cup of tea, and leaving the house with your bed made and the sink empty.
Best of all was the ritual of getting ready in your dressing room, taking the time to make sure your eyebrows were actually even rather than ‘that’ll do.’
Spring was officially springing, which meant sunglasses paired with a slightly smaller over-sized coat. Daffodils were blooming, and the crisp air carried birdsong throughout the flat.
You headed to your car, good luck playlist on and opened your phone, a slightly unsure look upon your face as you opened your messages and opened Ted’s name.
YOU:
Hope you’re having a good morning, Coach. Good luck today. Just on my way to meet Keeley☕️x
Sent.
You shrieked into your steering wheel.
‘Jesus you’re such a lemon’ you thought.
You felt embarrassed. Scared of feeling like you were crossing a line, and even more scared of rejection, even though you weren’t sure what was being rejected.
‘Ah fuck it.’ you sighed. Phone on silent, soft top down on your car and music up.
You parked at Keeley’s, and waited for her to come out before you walked round to the stadium.
‘You look bloody beautiful.’ She shouted from her bedroom window.
‘Get down here, it’s colder than it looks,’ you shouted back, cackling at each other.
You passed the time wandering around Richmond and spending money in boutique stores on summer clothes that wouldn’t get a look in until at least 5 months in the future. You got to your seats, checked your phone slyly away from Keeley’s wandering sapphire eyes.
TED:
Thank you kindly. Have fun, be good🥂
You smiled despite yourself. It was ridiculous how one tiny message could make you feel simultaneously giddy, nervous and inexplicably lighter.
Keeley looked at you like you’d grown a third head.
‘What’s got my man-hater all man-loving?’
‘Who said it’s a man? Could just be my mum cracking a joke?’ You said sarcastically.
‘Right. Could just be, except it isn’t just that is it.’
The whistle blew.
‘Right, eyes forward or do I have to explain to your ferocious hairy boyfriend why you missed him playing?’
She kissed your cheek.
‘As long as you’re happy.’ She cuddled into you.
Half time was over and the players were back out on the field with the coaches. You watched intently, still not bored of how happy everyone was while they were playing.
Richmond were awarded a penalty, silence fell across the fans, and you and Keeley, shrieked ‘GO RICHMOND!’
‘Well if it isn’t Richmond’s very own banshees,’ Beard flatly declared, slowly turning at you both.
Ted glanced towards the owners’ seats, spotted you amongst the crowd and broke into a grin before lifting a hand in a small wave.
You waved back, timidly.
‘Oh my fucking god.’ Keeley gasped, gushing as she put the pieces together.
Rebecca chuckled knowingly, excited for the debrief on Monday morning.
‘Shut up the pair of you.’ You winked, reaching behind for Rebecca’s hand.
Following a well deserved win, you were all in high spirits.
‘I’m just gonna pop and see Roy, let him know I’ll meet him at home.’
‘Sure babes, I’m just gonna pop to the loo. See you in 10.’
‘Well if it isn’t my good luck charm!’ Ted walked down the hall with his arms open.
You hugged him back.
‘Congratulations! See what happens when I decide to be spontaneous.’
‘Spontaneity suits you.’
‘My nan text me.’
‘Hey, Miss Sharon?’
‘Yes Sharon indeed. How do you and Beard like the sound of a celebratory Roast dinner tomorrow?’
Ted looked across at Beard.
‘We would love nothing more.’
‘Perfect. I’ll text you the details.’
‘I’ll call you tonight.’
‘Well done again, Coach. Very well earned.’
You nodded, smiled, and caught up with Keeley who was waiting at the other end of the hall.
The last thing Ted caught before you disappeared round the corner was your laugh.
He watched, hands in his pockets, whilst you messed around with Keeley like a couple of teenagers.
‘Nice score, Coach.’
‘Beard, wear something pretty. We’ve got dinner tomorrow. Does it count as dinner if it’s at 2pm?’
Beard pondered, ‘No sir. I already have dinner plans and they’re at 6:30.’
‘I’ll let her know you can’t make it then?’
‘No sir. I’ll be there.’
‘You’re a spectacular man, Beard.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Oh. Sure.’
Ted was in the kitchen, watching the coffee drip from the machine into his Richmond mug, before the alarm even got the chance to wake him up.
His phone chimed, and he opened it onto your thread. He let out a soft breath and smiled.
BEARD:
You awake yet?
TED:
47 minutes and counting
BEARD:
Nerves mean you care. I will see you at 11am
‘Alrighty then. Pancake Sunday.’
He opened the fridge, no milk. Or eggs.
‘Alright then. Sunday.’
TED:
Know a recipe for pancakes without milk or eggs?
YOU:
Sure… do you like flour in a pan?
TED:
I don’t think so.
YOU:
Just skip breakfast and you can just get to my nan’s early for a little brunch situation.
TED.
Don’t need to ask me or Beard twice. That buddy’s batting a thousand where meals are concerned today.
YOU:
Jesus.
Ted called Beard to let him know the change of plan.
30 minutes, a shower, another cup of coffee and a close outfit conundrum later, and Ted was considerably more nervous than before.
Pacing to the hallway for his shoes, he almost slipped suddenly remembering the bottle of wine and flowers.
3 sharp knocks at the door.
Opening the door to a vision in autumnal colours and a flat cap.
Beard stared Ted in the eyes, before casually dropping his gaze to the gifts in his hand.
Ted scoffed.
‘You are aggressively psychedelic.’
‘It’s only paisley. It’s tasteful.’
‘Sure. Taste. Or lack thereof.’
‘I will haunt you in the next lifetime, probably wearing this shirt.’
‘I commend the self-assurance.’
Beard clapped and rubbed his hands together, ‘Brunch time, baby.’
Ted looked down at the flowers in his hand, then back at Beard.
‘You know, most people get nervous meeting someone’s family.’
‘Oh nervous shmervous,’ Beard offered. ‘You have flowers and I have fashion.’
‘You know what? That helped less than you thought. Thanks.’
3 sharp knocks. In true Beard fashion.
‘You knock like you’re delivering bad news.’
‘It’s assertive.’
‘It’s grandparents. How assertive do you need to be?’
Beard nodded understandingly. Ted felt the nerves wrap in his chest.
‘Oh bloody hell, Ted, Coach. Come in, you’ll be freezing your knackers off I should think.’
You appeared behind your nan, out of breath. You were stunned at her boldness, trying not to focus on the subject of that sentence.
‘I tried to beat her to the door, she’s a spritely old bird.’
Your Nan swatted you on the arm.
‘These are for you, thank you for having us.’
Your nan wrapped an arm round the men either side of her, Ted blushing like his first day of school, and Beard’s mind already racing at the fascinating architecture of the Victorian Era home,
‘You must both be starving. Got a few bits for brunch. Don’t go mad though, Ray’s doing pork.’
‘Yes ma’am.’ The pair said in unison. Your nan scatted past you, hooting and hollering with excitement.
‘If you want to turn around, you have full permission.’
They looked at each other, and slipped their shoes off and hung their coats up.
You clapped your hands together with pleasure.
You took the flower and wine off Ted, giving him a kiss on the cheek as you had your hands full.
‘Now don’t you look dapper Mr Beard. I respect a man who is comfortable in his wardrobe.’
You winked at Ted.
‘Come through, please. But brace yourself.’
Your nan’s house was cosy. The smell of lit candles filled the room along with fresh coffee, fruit and pastries.
‘Now shall I call you Nan, or is Sharon okay?’
‘Well I’m not calling you Coach am I, Ted?’
‘True. In that case, this looks beautiful. Sharon?’
‘That’s right.’
Your grandad walked in from the garden, extending a hand to Ted and Beard.
‘Nice to meet you, Ted. I’ve heard good things.’ Ted smiled appreciatively.
Beard’s turn.
‘Pleasure, good sir.’
Your mum almost spat her tea everywhere, but composed herself.
You shot her daggers.
‘Come on, I’ll show you the garden we just had finished.’ Your grandad gestured to Beard. ‘Brick’s just set, immovable. Mark my words.’
You were dumbfounded, and Ted was speechless for once.
Your nan and Mum started firing the small talk questions. Employment, America, you. You prepared for the wine to spill and the embarrassing stories to spill simultaneously.
You curled up on the end of the sofa, legs tucked underneath you and cup of tea in hand. Tapping the seat next to you, you gestured for Ted to come and sit next to you. He walked over with your nan from the wall of pictures, struck by the vision of that picture of you all on your laptop screen. It was the same setting, and you looked even more radiant in person.
Two figures were swaying outside, and the four of you turned in unison, slowly walking to the French doors like a wildlife photographer to a gazelle- just not as graceful.
Beard was hopping like a mountain goat on to your grandad’s new brick wall.
‘He has a thing for structural soundness.’
‘I can see that,’ your mum chimed in, tilting her head.
‘You do this often? Your grandad asked.
‘Only when necessary.’ Beard prompted.
‘You seem limber.’ Your grandad noted.
‘Ah my doctor prescribed me something for the sciatica.’
‘I get that too.’
‘Tai- chi.’ They harmonised, and suddenly you felt like a female bird watching these fruit loops show the most effective way to release their ailments.
‘It’s all in the breathing.’ Your grandad said, as you parted to let them in.
‘Obviously.’ Beard high-fived your grandad
‘Okay. Well. As long as we add orange juice, I think we may open the prosecco.’ You inhaled, really unsure of where to take the conversation after that performance.
Fortunately, with the first day jitters out the way, the rest of the afternoon felt comfortable. Ted kept offering help in the kitchen, and then you got asked to fulfil that same offer because when your nan said she didn’t need help, she really did but just not from Ted. That’d be rude.
‘Dinner’s going to be 15 minutes.’ your mum shouted through.
‘That’s my cue,’ you put your hand next to Ted’s lap to push you up, ready to set the table.
‘Where’s the bathroom?’
‘Upstairs, and round the bend. Call me if you get lost.’ You laughed to Ted.
‘Where on earth is he?’ Your nan asked.
‘I’ll go check.’ You picked up your glass of red wine and headed upstairs to make sure Ted was okay.
A solid oak door with a raggedy bit of paper stuck to it was half open. You cringed, wondering what curiosities you’d have to explain to Ted.
‘Just like leopard print was going out of fashion, right?’
‘Hey, I was 14 and lost my way. But mark my words, leopard print will never go out of fashion.’
Ted laughed with you. You were stood with Ted in your childhood bedroom.
He pointed to a picture of a chunky toddler with extreme bunches who was basically drag racing a pushchair.
‘See, I knew you’d always been this cute.’
You pushed him lightly, setting your wine glass down on the daisy shaped nightstand.
You passed a photo album to Ted.
‘I get it from Ray, obviously.’
‘You’ve got some good folks. Must have been so much fun growing up here.’
‘Yeah, it was safe. My dad was a real piece of work, so we left when I was like 2, came here and never left.’
Your cheeks burned, tracing with your thumb a photo of your grandad and you as a baby. Ted looked up at you, stood in front of him, and shuffled to stand back up when he saw your eyes go glassy.
‘Hey, and you both made it. What a life to turn it all around and know this type of love that you have.’ Ted put an arm round the back of your shoulder, pulled you into his side and placed a kiss to the top of your head.
‘God I’m blaming the merlot on the tears.’
‘Nope. You’re just human. We all have to let it out sometime.’
You smiled at him, squeezing his hand.
‘Come on, or my grandad will be stealing both of our potatoes.’
You led Ted out, still holding his hand and he rubbed his thumb over your wrist, before letting go.
‘If I could click my fingers and have this dinner, every day for the rest of my life, I would.’
‘Nan you have truly outdone yourself.’
‘It’s nice to be appreciated. Next time, bring the whole team.’
‘I absolutely won’t, but we can plan some sort of schedule. One player a weekend until the end of the year.’
Everyone laughed, sparking all different plans and ideas to keep the house as warm and full as it always has been.
You tucked your leg up underneath you, brushing Ted’s leg accidentally. He looked at you, smiling comfortably. You looked at him, a couple of seconds longer than usual, and noticed the way the orange sunset reflected in his hazel eyes.
‘Ah the end of the year. Christmas will be great this year. Ted, Beard, I hope you like charades.’
‘No one likes charades Nan.’
You looked at Ted again, shaking your head subtly as if to say you do not have to entertain this.
‘If that was an invite to Christmas, I wholeheartedly accept.’ Ted nodded.
‘Yes ma’am. Permission for a plus one?’
‘Bring a plus 20 for all I card. The more the merrier.’
She held up her almost overflowing glass of Prosecco and proposed a cheers.
‘Kitchen’s done for you, Nan.’
You walked back into the living room, Ted patting the seat next to him. Your nan and grandad were squished on the arm chair, your mum taking up the two person sofa, Beard cross-legged on the rug by the coffee table.
‘Glad to see your comfortable, Beard.’
He nodded.
‘Jane’s here. Dinner reservations.’
You all turned to look at Beard.
‘You’ve eaten enough for a small village and you still have dinner plans?’
‘I shan’t let my lady down.’
‘Tell her she’s invited next time, Beard.’
‘I’ll walk you out.’
Beard said his goodbyes, and you headed to the door. Beard turned and gave you a hug.
‘Thank you, so much.’
‘You’re always welcome. So is Jane. And you don’t ever have to hug me again by the way.’
‘I shall not. Unless I am extremely thankful.’
‘Noted. Have a good time tonight. See you in the morning.’
You checked the time, conscious of the early morning you had tomorrow.
Instead, you sat on the sofa and ignored the responsibilities for tomorrow.
Luckily, Ted instigated the goodbye so you didn’t have to.
‘We’ve got an early morning tomorrow, I may have to think about heading back.’
‘Yeah I’m with you on that, I’m going to end up falling asleep on the train.’
‘Ah poppet, one of us would drive you but we’re pissed as anything.’
‘Standard. It’s fine, thank you anyway.’
You kissed everyone goodbye, and headed to the door with Ted.
‘I can drive you home.’ He said, quietly so no one heard to make a fuss.
‘Are you sure? That’d be lovely.’
‘I’m sure. Come on.’
You walked down the driveway, nipped by the drop in temperature.
Ted opened the passenger door for you.
‘Always a gentleman.’
He chuckled, shaking his head, walking round the front of the car to the driver’s seat.
You watched every step intently, before looking up at your nan and grandad’s house and seeing the trio scarper away from the net curtains in the kitchen window.
‘Thanks for letting me be part of that. I’d like to borrow your family more often.’
You beamed.
‘Anytime. You are always welcome to take them off my hands.’
He laughed. Turning the heating up a little bit and moving the air vent to face you.
‘I’ll remember that.’
The streetlights glowed, the silhouette of Ted’s face soft in the light. You both took it in turns to glance at each other, with care that the other didn’t see.
‘This is me.’ You said, not moving to get out of the car.
Ted looked up at your apartment, fairy lights wrapped around the balustrades of the balcony and a warm amber glow from the bedroom window.
He sat, hand rested on the gear stick. You looked down, then up at him. Ted was already looking at you.
‘Thank you for being there today, Ted.’
‘Well, I should be thanking you. Pretty sure I just experienced the world’s most emotionally supportive Sunday roast.’
You laughed, softly.
‘Don’t forget to pick up some milk.’
‘You just saved me from an incredibly disappointing Monday morning.’
‘Goodnight, Coach.’
You placed your hand on his, and in the split second of him realising what you were doing, he looked. The way your hands were slightly pink from the cold, the red nails that were perfectly manicured, and how your whole hand was only slightly bigger than his palm. He stopped breathing for a second, wondering how many Sundays it would take before this felt normal.
The door is left ajar, and Ted starts to notice the ember glow through the crack. Warm and radiant, inviting and safe and space for him to make a home. The door is tough, heavy and the opening times are few and far between. When he watches the way you move in that room, he knows exactly where he wants to put down roots.
‘Soulmate is too soft a word for the string that tied my heart to yours’
CONTENT: Ted is the same character as the show, reader is an East London/just outside of London girly, also she is the founder of the Richmond Foundation, who is the charity that gives back to the community. Age gap, or not, completely up to you (I am writing with one but it isn’t the focus of the plot), Beard is still a strange little endearing man, Ted is our observant, sexy moustached lil stud. Not sure where I’m going with this, but I need to get it out of my brain. Hope you enjoy angel muffins.
If any readers from outside England need help deciphering the British culture, my door is open🔮
After beating your way through rush hour, you finally made it home. Your mum had been round your place during the day to let the boiler repair man in.
You walked through the door, the smell of the slow cooker filling every corner. Your bed made with your 20 year old cat teddy propped up on the pillows, and the flat hoovered and serene.
You sighed with relief.
18:28 YOU:
Thanks, Mumma xxx
18:28 YOU:
Thanks for today, Coach. X
You turned your phone screen down, and just spent the evening in the peace of your own company, feeling hopeful that Tuesday would indeed be kinder to you.
Tuesday felt better already. You walked to the office and it was cold, but the second the sun hit your face, you felt warm.
You looked up, Ted was in his office with the door shut. You couldn’t blame him as the casual shouting and swearing at each other was in full swing before it was even 9:30am.
Creeping over, you filled your water bottle up at the cooler underneath the window of Ted’s office. He opened the door presuming you were going to come in, and kept it open as he sat back down at his desk.
He was on Facetime to Henry, and you heard them talking about Henry making it onto the sports team.
‘Now is that soccer football or shoulder pads football?’ Ted asked.
‘Shoulder pads, Dad. Jake loves it.’ Henry confirmed, sounding proud and excited.
Ted smiled, but it caught halfway before he swallowed.
“Jake’s gonna help me practice, Dad.”
‘There it is buddy. Tell your mum and Jake I appreciate them.’
‘Yeah, Love you Dad.’
‘Love you, Bud.’
You closed the door when you walked past, in order to let Ted have some privacy.
Lunchtime rolled round.
You were lingering in the carpark, half waiting to catch up with Ted, and half resisting the urge to have a bottle of cava with Keeley and a drunk cig before 3pm.
Fortunately, Ted came out of the doors.
Your phone buzzed.
It was a text from Roy.
You have an hour exactly before your gaggle of vertically challenged 5 year olds arrive.
Ted noticed the smile lingering after you’d slipped your phone into your back pocket, and wondered who’d put it there.
‘Hey.’ You smiled.
‘Well, hey,’ Ted greeted you back, not quite smiling, ‘Mondayest Tuesday ever. Still not used to seeing Henry from thousands of miles away.
‘I get it. Family life is so fricken hard My mum’s still gets sad over my dad, and he was a piece of shit. So imagine when you have two parents and a bonus parent, trying their best.’
You shrugged it off, but you made it so clear to Ted. You were right, they’re trying their best. And Henry was at the heart of it all.
‘Fancy a wander?’ You asked.
Ted nodded, instinctively holding his arm out.
You looked at it for a second, and looped yours through.
‘Well thank you kindly.’
You strolled through the town, trying not to stumble on the cobbles in your new heels.
‘Oh my fucking god, Ted. Take a look.’
A chalkboard sign outside a new wine bar read ‘Karaoke Thursdays.’
‘We have to do a team building. I need to hear Beard belt out Phil Collins at least once in my lifetime.’
Ted laughed, from the stomach, loud with no care for who heard. Not because the thought of Beard singing Genesis was particularly funny- no, he had been there done that.
But because images of you, Keeley and Rebecca getting wine drunk and stumbling on stage to Spice Girls added another ‘must see’ to his to do list, and the thought of Nate secretly being a pro at 90s R&B was mind blowing but not completely unfathomable.
‘I’m not joking, I will not be able to stop thinking about that place until we have conquered it.’
You carried on wandering with Ted about the dogs and their winter coats, or trying not to cry at the baby ducklings shielded by their mothers across the river.
You managed to find the hilarity in everything, and Ted felt lighter than he had in weeks.
‘Oops sorry Ted, gotta take this.’
‘Hey Nanny, how you doing, doll?’ You squealed, music to Ted’s ears.
‘Yes yes love, all good here. Yeah Mummy tell you about yesterday? Frigging nightmare. Yeah the flat’s all fine, just had a little shutdown’
You smiled, looked at Ted and grinned even wider.
‘No not right now. Yes, I am. We’re just out at lunch. He’s okay, yes thank you. Alright then Nanny, will do you that Roast this Sunday. Tell Grandad to bring his third best red. Yep, Mummy’s coming too. Okay, okay, ta ra. Love you so much more.’
Ted smiled at you. Eyes searching for where to even process that.
‘Sorry, my Nan. She’s certainly something.’
‘She sounds glorious. She sure makes you brighter than a beacon.’
‘Yeah for sure. You know them people that just bring light everywhere they go?’
‘Oh I do indeed.’
You looked up at him, winter sun setting slowly down behind his shoulder, and lighting up your eyes a honey shade of hazel.
You smirked, blushing too, but tried to move swiftly on.
‘’Pray for me. Sunday roast with the grandparents this weekend.’
‘Not sure yet, game on Saturday but that’s about it.’
‘Ahh yes, need me to show up and do anything?’
‘No, enjoy your weekend to yourself, you’ve worked extra hard lately. Deserve a break.’
You put your hand on his forearm, and squeezed gently.
‘Anyhoo, shall we make tracks? Looks like it’s about to piss down and I have this bloody tour.’
‘Let’s go sideways.’
‘Okay, well who wants to meet the players?’ You cheered along with the children.
You lead them out with Ted and Rebecca at the back.
‘She’s a natural, ain’t she.’ Ted spoke soft to Rebecca.
‘Oh, very much so. Never seen someone just take it all as it comes.’
‘Them kids are fascinated by her.’
‘I’m not sure it’s just the kids,’ Rebecca assured.
Ted thought about that for a second. ‘Hmm. Well.’
‘Am I right in thinking you’re to thank for this?’
‘Ah not at all. I should be thanking you and your lovely class. It’s been a pleasure having them here.’
You shook his hand, kneeled down with the children.
‘Now, before we go, who has any questions?’
They all sheepishly looked at each-other, before boldly raising their tiny paint stained hands.
‘Well no time to wait, let’s go see the team. Follow me.’
You guided them into the press room where a handful of players were sat behind the mics and the children sat in the reporters seats.
Questions ranged from ‘Can I play for Richmond?’ all the way too ‘That man (referencing Isaac) is scary.’ , to which he replied with thanks.
The excitement grew, slightly out of control, so you wrapped up interrogation time and walked the school out to their coach.
Tired but rewarded, you filled a to-go cup with tea for your journey home.
Just as usual, you loitered round the office. Asking Higgins about the boys and his wife, swapping outfit inspiration with Keeley, and having the best hug from Rebecca when she tells you ‘I just want to roll you in my pocket.’
‘Hey Ted,’ you announced yourself, knocking on the already open door of Ted’s office, ‘I’m off, need anything?’
‘No, you go get yourself home safe.’
‘Thanks Ted. Appreciate ya.’
‘Yeah, you too.’
Streetlights glowed amber, though the sun was resisting sleep. You were long into your train journey, and Ted was deep into his evening.
He sat on the cream sofa, blinds open so he could watch the city go by. He was comforted by dim lamplight, beyond tired and on the brink of exhaustion.
‘Trying their best,’ your voice echoed through his brain.
He took a deep breath, mindlessly watching a reality show he remembers you smacked Roy for almost ruining.
He huffed. Not enough to laugh out loud, but warranted more than a smile.
‘Look, your best will be enough for the right person,’ some blonde 5’8 model whispered as she consoled her friend in a barely there bikini.
‘Well, ain’t that profound knowledge.’ He switched the TV off, before heading to shower and settle down for the evening
He checked his phone, the message you had sent was still not responded to.
He typed:
‘Hey’
Then deleted it, locking his phone, and throwing it gently to the other side of his sofa.
A split second later he strained his back to reach for it. He unlocked it, typed again. But he was still lost for words.
Meanwhile, on the train, you opened your phone whilst listening to a song on repeat.
No reply from Ted. You still smiled warmly, because aside from no reply, Ted somehow made nothing feel like something.
Ted has feelings for the new AFC Richmond marketing manager—but can’t seem to tell her. When one Bantr match gets her a little too excited, Ted finally takes matters into his own hands.
My Love, Mine All Mine | @multipotentialitepisces
When Rupert makes passes at you at Rebecca’s gala, Ted steps in. What unfolds throughout the evening reveals feelings and secrets neither of you thought would ever come to light.
Imagine | @cherikitty
afc richmond’s new coach, and your favourite victim to mess with. there’s just something about him. whether it’s the large age gap, that sexy midwestern accent, the silly moustache— it’s safe to admit you’ve got a little crush on him.
after hours | @storiesforallfandoms
in which he’s at work late again, so she goes to see if she can persuade him to give up for the night and come home
Ted Lasso Fics | @daisyfieldrecs
𐙚 Roy Kent
“Safe Haven” | @roseandxanderfics
Roy Kent never expected to fall for a single mum and her kid, but somehow, he’s become the grumpy protector of both. He’s got a reputation to uphold—except when it comes to you two.
Lover | @a-second-hand-sorrow
Y/N and Roy’s relationship, set to Taylor Swift’s ‘Lover’
Work-Married | @/a-second-hand-sorrow
The five times Roy and Y/N call each other their work-husband and work-wife, and the one time they forget about the ‘work’ part
Congratulations | @/a-second-hand-sorrow
The five times Y/N tells someone about her pregnancy.
The Lunch Date | @gracebutnotgraceful
after numerous unsuccessful attempts at getting over your crush on roy, you’re ready to give up. keeley is nothing if not a wing(wo)man.
Locker room, part 2 | @axelsagewrites
Future Mrs Gramma | @/axelsagewrites
Charity | @/axelsagewrites
This Night | @buckychristwrites
It's a beautiful day for a youth football match, where you are the brand new coach. And what better way to start it than meet the infamous uncle of one of your players?
The door is left ajar, and Ted starts to notice the ember glow through the crack. Warm and radiant, inviting and safe and space for
him to make a home. The door is tough, heavy and the opening times are few and far between. When he watches the way you move in that room, he knows exactly where he wants to put down roots.
‘Soulmate is too soft a word for the string that tied my heart to yours’
CONTENT: Ted is the same character as the show, reader is an East London/just outside of London girly, also she is the founder of the Richmond Foundation, who is the charity that gives back to the community. Age gap, or not, completely up to you (I am writing with one but it isn’t the focus of the plot), Beard is still a strange little endearing man, Ted is our observant, sexy moustached lil stud. Not sure where I’m going with this, but I need to get it out of my brain. Hope you enjoy angel muffins.
If any readers from outside England need help deciphering the British culture, my door is open🔮
A cold sweat washed over you as you jumped out of bed in a panic. You knew it was Monday, but considering the sun didn’t rise until gone 7:30am, you had no way of telling how early or borderline late you were.
You sprinted like a Looney Tunes character to boil the kettle and put a bagel in the toaster, before stripping bare while running frantically to the shower. You twisted the shower handle, expecting a loving caress of steamy water, but you were instead met by a downpour of cold water that seemed like it’d been holding a grudge.
You jumped back, hitting your elbows on the tile behind you. Your cheeks burned, tears threatening to spill. With gritted teeth, determined to beat the shower, you lathered and rinsed in the same shiver, beating your personal best.
Shivering, you layered yourself in skincare and body lotion and wrapped yourself up in your dressing gown. In all the chaos, you hadn’t even questioned why your alarm didn’t go off. The digital clock on your oven was flashing, indicating it had been cut off from the power at some point.
‘Fuck my life.’ You audibly groaned.
Phone battery dead, rain still falling sideways, you sat on the edge of your bed contemplating life. If you were late, you might as well be extremely late.
Girl logic.
You spent half an hour intricately painting on your makeup, surprised at how the curls falling out of your updo, elevated the structure of your face, and you actually looked half decent, you modestly thought.
You slipped on some black skinny jeans, black heeled boats and a cream blazer over a black long sleeved top.
With your hand on the front door handle, you saw Ted’s scarf hanging on the coat hook, waiting to be returned after forgetting as you tried to escape the rain on Saturday evening.
You smiled, deciding to spray your perfume and accidentally-on-purpose caught Ted’s scarf in the mist. Folding it neatly, you tucked it into your bag and headed off.
The train pulled into Richmond, relieved you were only an hour late.
It so could have been worse, you thought, but again, it could have been so much better.
You stumbled in the office, losing your footing over a loose bit of carpet. Trying to hold back the tears, you put your Airpods back in and sat at your desk, with your head in your hands.
Beard walked past, annoyingly extra observant and chatty.
‘Your hair looks nice.’
What planet had you been dropped onto?
Roy followed, ‘Fucking carpet,’ walking past your desk. ‘Your hair suits you like that.’
You wanted to slap each and every person that dared to comment on your hair.
Then the moment you had been waiting for, but not yet prepared for.
Ted sauntered past your desk from behind, whistling a tune. He stopped in his tracks, your face screwed up tight.
‘Well hey now don’t you look prettier than a sunflower in Summer.’
You stood up, and darted out the office.
Ted looked concerned, and worried. His body pulled, but he turned back the opposite way to his desk.
He pressed his lips together, and slowly walked back to the office, met by Roy and Beard.
‘Was that me?’ Ted asked.
‘Nope.’ Beard responded sharply.
‘Okay cause I feel like that coulda been me.’
‘No.’ Roy chimed in.
‘You sure?’
‘Fucking ‘ell Ted. Yes. It’s the hair. The hair reads, bad morning.’ Roy snapped.
‘The hair reads like palms to a psychic.’
Ted was confused. But let it sit.
‘And then they said my hair looks nice.’ You sobbed.
Rebecca looked like she had seen a ghost. Keeley sat on the sofa stirring her tea, eyebrows raised like she was about to get told off.
‘Do they not understand when a bird has their hair so extremely different from usual it’s the sign of a crisis?’
Keeley cackled, but you just sobbed even harder.
‘Aw come ‘ere babe. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh, you just make us smile.’
‘Come on darling. Whatever it was, we can work it out.’ Rebecca came and sat on the other side of you, so you were sandwiched in between the two gorgeous blondes that you called sisters.
‘I woke up late.’
Keeley gasped, ‘Wow that is not like you.’
You wiped a tear away. ‘My boiler packed in and the touch of hot water feels a distant memory. And the leccy cut out.’
‘Missy, let me tell you. We may have laughed, but that sort of morning warrants a way bigger meltdown.’
You looked down, tears still falling, but slowly feeling lighter as you just needed to vent.
You saw Ted walk past in your peripheral, he stuck his head back but carried on, making a mental note of what to do for you.
You all had a girly lunch together in Rebecca’s office, with the reassurance of ‘emails will still be there when you get back, no matter how long you’re here.’
‘Thank you my girls for the pick me up. Fiver each if I cry again today.’
‘Ooh Becks what you gonna buy with your fiver?’ Keely nudged you.
You flipped them off and strutted out the office, feeling more like yourself by the minute.
Like magic, it was somehow 2pm. You got back to your desk, greeted by a mug of coffee, a diet Coke and a bottle of ice cold water, with a pink post it note.
Thought we oughta cover all the bases.
You looked up from your desk, smiling cheesily as you met Ted’s eyes from a few yards over. You held up the mug of coffee as if to toast to him.
He was standing, on the phone, and struggling to listen and pull together a sentence while he watched as the light returned to your eyes.
You read his lips, ‘I’ll call later.’
He hung the phone up, not once breaking away from looking at you.
He came over, ‘Penny for your thoughts?’
‘I’ll sell them for a pound.’
He laughed, pulling up a chair from the desk behind.
You turned to face him, knees millimetres away from touching, and he leaned in, ready to listen intently.
‘I’m here all day.’
‘Except for in five minutes time when we’re gone for half hour in a meeting.’
‘Shoot. You got notes for me for that?’
‘Sorry Coach, if you let me know where in my job description it says PA to Ted, then I’ll rustle some up.’
‘Darn it.’
You spun on your chair to your desk, and as you turned full circle back to Ted, you handed over Ted a pink sparkly notebook.
‘Everything that is being covered. Thank me later, Coach.’
‘Oh boy, last time I thought that far in advance was three weeks ago when I knew about this meeting but planned that you’d have my back.’
‘Get lost, before I change my mind.’
3:27pm. A few more minutes before you could take an hour to slowly pack up your stuff and move closer and closer to the exit.
Ted was about to walk out the meeting room when it came to a close, you panicked.
‘Hey, Ted.’
‘Yes, my dear. All ears here.’
‘Please stop rhyming.’
‘Yes ma’am.’
‘I’m no longer feeling the inclination to apologise. Who knew rhyming was so not it?’ You teased.
Ted rolled his eyes and smiled.
‘I’m sorry for disappearing earlier.’
‘You don’t need to apologise. Just know I’m here if you ever need anything.’
‘Don’t make me cry again.’
‘Again! I knew I made you cry the first time.’
You pushed his chest playfully. The hair on the back of his neck stood up.
‘You could never make me cry. I know where you work, you wouldn’t dare.’
‘Sure, whatever you say. Anyway, a problem shared is a problem halved.’
You began to explain the morning, and your sensitivity. And asked, do you actually really like my hair?
Ted whistled. ‘Yes ma’am. You look phenomenal as always. But I guess that doesn’t soften the blow of a whole lotta Monday.’
You blushed, still unable to take a compliment from him.
‘I’m glad I still got to see you today.’
He spoke softly, unsure whether to dip his toe into that territory.
You looked at him. Frowning slightly, though you were just reading his expression. Your shoulders relaxed, and you ran your tongue over your bottom lip. You counted to five in your head, trying to ground yourself gently.
‘Me too.’
He held the door open for you, and you headed off.
‘I hope you get the rest of the day that you deserve.’ He stood with his hand in his pockets.
A tear dropped down your cheek. You took a step closer and he opened his arms, welcoming you in. You held round his waist, conscious to not get makeup on his cream jumper. He ran his hand down from the back of your neck to halfway down your back, before gently squeezing you in.
You sighed, then let go.
‘How are you, anyway?’
He snorted. Shaking his head.
‘Don’t you worry a second about me.’
‘Oh shit. This is for you.’
You pulled away quickly, before Ted got the chance to melt into you.
You handed his scarf, a cloud of sweet perfume enchanting it.
‘Ah you didn’t have to. I have 8 of these.’
‘Not me thinking it was sacred.’
‘Hey now, just cause I have 8, doesn’t mean I treat all of them with care.’
You rolled your eyes, and half smiled, half blushed.
‘See you tomorrow, Ted. Be kind to yourself too, just like you are to everyone else.’
He stood for a second longer than he meant to, watching you disappear into the rain.
He turned on his heel, walking the opposite way.
He kept turning behind, sure you were behind him, unsure why you weren’t when he could still smell you. He lifted his jumper to his nose, not that. ‘Hmm.’ He carried on walking.
He stood by the exit, slid his coat on, and unfurled the scarf and placed it round his neck. There it was again. He smiled, ‘Well, I’ll be.’
Roy appeared on the other side of the glass insert of the door.
Ted jumped, before pulling the door open towards him.
‘You’re fucked.’ Roy said.
‘You’re telling me.’
In true Coach Beard fashion, he materialised next to Roy.
‘There’s 9.’ He swallowed then cleared his throat, as if preparing to read scripture.
Roy turned his head to him like a clockwork owl. Ted folded his arms, ready for the next nonsensical thing to follow.
‘9 stages of falling. And you, good sir, are on 5.’
Roy chimed in. ‘The good news is, she’s on 4.’
‘I’m out of here.’
Ted parted them by the sides of their face, and walked through the middle of them.
Roy turned and watched like a bouncer waiting for trouble, and Coach Beard nodded approvingly.
Ted walked home, peaceful, and wondering if you would be able to enjoy a hot bath tonight.
Summary: What dates are like with Keeley Jones
Pairing: Keeley Jones x gn!reader
WC: 163
A/N: Pics from Pinterest and dividers’ credits in my reblogs. This one’s kinda short and shitty bcs it’s my first fic! But I’ve been thinking about Keeley so… yeah.
I can totally see her organizing a picnic date, preferably on the ground. A blanket on the grass, a large basket with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, sweets, and other snacks... and definitely some champaign
It would also be somewhat late, so you two can watch the sunset
Picnic date sex
Also, fancy restaurants and/or and ice-cream with a walk through the park
But if you're not really a person who likes to go outside for dates, she'd also love to huddle up inside her home (which is basically now yours too from how much you stay over)
Either dinner on the table or on the couch while you two watch a reality tv show together, all with a glass of wine
It will surely end up in bed
Sex or not, you two will end up cuddling under the covers as the hour grows late
"I love you, babe," she'd whisper after a kiss on your lips right before falling asleep
Warnings: Age gap. Mature themes and language. Sexual content.
Part X
Part XI: Little Lady
Ted wasn’t sure how to approach Molly about the whole ‘naked pictures on the internet’ thing. He didn’t want to seem nosy, but he also didn’t want to seem uncaring. He wanted her to know that he cared about her, and that he didn’t think any less of her. And so, in typical Ted fashion, he became far too involved and made everything weird.
Ted: Hiya, beautiful! How’s your night going?
Molly: Pretty good. You doing alright?
Ted: Yeah! Why wouldn’t I be?
Molly: Oh. Did I say you weren’t?
At this point, Ted panicked, realizing he’d already screwed up the conversation. Not knowing what else to say to her, he threw his phone on the couch, sighing as he buried his face in his hands. He was the one with the 27 year-old girlfriend, and still he was the fuck-up in the scenario. He gave up on trying to come up with a response, turning on the TV as he decided he’d take some time before apologizing to Molly. He flipped through movies on HBO, figuring he could use something a little edgy to put things into perspective, and immediately found something he kind of hoped he’d forgotten about by now.
Rotten Girl (2012), directed by Rich Bukowski. Starring Molly Remi and Aidan Gillen. Ted just sighed, seeing their faces together on the dark, provocative horror poster. He knew the very last thing he should be watching was an erotic horror starring his current girlfriend and the actor twice her age who played the famously off-putting characters directed by her ex-husband. But being Ted, he couldn’t help but read the description out of morbid curiosity: ‘When a young girl’s attackers leave her for dead in the woods, a divorced theology professor is drawn to her undead power.’ Ted scoffed a little.
He saw the movie when it came out, and had watched all the clips whenever they were sent to him online by friends. Especially the more scandalous clips of Molly. He’d loved the movie when he first saw it, and even thought it to be Oscar-worthy at the time given the compelling story and acting, even if Molly thought she was bad. Ted loved the movie, but now that he was dating Molly, and he knew it was directed by her terrible ex-husband, as she starred alongside the unnerving but still handsome Irish Game of Thrones actor, he felt a little bit differently about the whole thing. Unable to escape his morbid sense of masochism, he poured himself a quadruple whiskey and hit ‘play’.
The sinister opening of the film began, and he did his best to drown his sorrows in dark liquor and dark thoughts. Ted’s brows furrowed as he watched the opening scene of Molly, in the shower. What this had to do with the plot, he had no idea. But given that the film was directed by Rich Bukowski, practically the British Roman Polanski, he didn’t have to guess how it got there. Ted almost averted his eyes. The scene was artistic, and yet still managed to be lewd in the way that Molly’s body was observed. It had felt wrong to watch before he knew her, and that certainly hadn’t improved now. When Aidan Gillen’s character was introduced, Ted’s stomach nearly turned. Although he knew it was all acting, and the man was more than lovely in real life, the thought of him, or his character, near Molly made him deeply uncomfortable.
Almost halfway into the movie, Ted had drank enough to tranquillize a… maybe a medium-sized dog? He had no clue about anything anymore. It was a clear knock on the door that eventually snapped him out of his depressive state. After a moment of deliberation he got up, stumbling toward the door opening it with a sigh. Then he saw her on the other side.
“Hi,” Molly Remi said hopefully. “I hope you don’t mind that I just dropped by.”
“What are you doing here?” he questioned, momentarily forgetting to reassure her.
“I don’t know, I just… felt like maybe I should check on you,” she confessed a little awkwardly. “Is that insane? If it is, I could leave, and we could just forget about the whole thing, never speak of it again.”
“No!” Ted interrupted quickly before softening, “No, stay.”
Molly nodded, shoulders relaxing as she held onto her purse over her shoulder.
“Come in,” Ted invited her in apologetically.
“Thanks,” Molly nodded, unsure of how to respond now.
“Can I get you anything?” he asked. “Water, a snack? Some microwave pizza? I ate most of it, but maybe I can scrounge together a whole piece from the leftovers—”
“Ted!” Molly interrupted, unable to keep up.
Ted stopped in his tracks, eyes widening as he scrambled to appease her. “What? What’s wrong?” he asked fearfully.
Molly saw the hurt in his eyes. That struck a nerve. Something deep and sad had been triggered in him, and she knew she had to find a way to get him to just relax, which he never seemed to be able to do, no matter the situation.
“Nothing,” Molly pleaded, “Absolutely nothing. Nothing is wrong, especially not between us. We’re great, and there’s no way you don’t know you’ve been a perfect gentleman. Now tell me what’s wrong, you can talk to me. Please,” she breathed.
Ted immediately deflated, his stress alleviated as soon as he heard her soothing tone. It was like Molly had some sort of instruction manual to him, and knew how to do a total reboot.
“Nothing’s the matter, really,” he admitted. “Just me overthinking as usual, I guess.”
“Overthinking?” Molly echoed. “About what?”
Ted sighed. It took him a long time to string together the words.
“I just…”
Molly glanced behind him, spotting the TV still on. She immediately recognized Aidan doing his fake lecture.
“Is that Rotten Girl?” she realized, not judgmental, just surprised.
“I—Uh. Yeah,” Ted told her, mortified, “I just… came across it and put it on. Your performance was great. As usual.”
Molly nodded, thinking to herself for a moment. Ted knew he had recognized that thought process. She must’ve known. No way she didn’t find it suspicious and absolutely lascivious that he had chosen to watch the most racy erotic thriller she had ever done all alone in his apartment while working his way through a bottle of cheap whiskey. He thought he was done for. But Molly never ceased to amaze him.
“You’ve never seen it before?” she asked curiously.
“No, I have,” Ted explained, “I just… saw it pop up, and thought I’d revisit it.”
“You really liked it?” Molly asked him.
“Yeah,” Ted melted at the genuinely sweet expression on her face. “I didn’t just like it. I loved it. It really is a gem… Even if you’re the real masterpiece here, if you’ll allow me to be a bit cheesy,” he laughed.
“I don’t mind,” she promised.
“No?” Ted asked in a gravelly tone.
“Never,” she promised him.
That put him at ease. At least for now.
“Alright,” Ted rasped with a nervous chuckle, “Just… let me know when I’m rambling on too long and need to shut up.”
“Ted?” Molly said firmly.
“Molly,” he breathed.
“Never shut up,” she urged him.
There was a certainty in her eyes that gave him confidence.
“You really like listening to little ol’ me stumble over my words like I’m on a little alphabet treadmill?” Ted emphasized.
“Ted, I adore you,” she promised.
Finally, that was enough for Ted. He leaned in, closing the distance between the two of them as he grabbed her face in his hands and pressed a kiss to her lips. Ted caged her in gently with his hands, as if trying to impart an important lesson. His kiss was soft but full of need. He needed this. He needed Molly. Right about now, she was the only thing he really had to look forward to. She wasn’t the Diamond Dogs, or the team, or football, she was something special just for him.
“Molly,” Ted breathed as he pulled away.
She listened with wholehearted curiosity, hanging onto every word. It had been a while, Ted thought, since someone had really looked at him like that, in this way.
“Molly, I need you to understand just how much I like you,” he professed ceremoniously.
“I like you too,” she assured him, “Just as much.”
“I know,” he nodded, “For once, I get it, and I know. Like, I finally got it through my big, fat stubborn head that someone can like me not just because we got a kid to raise together, or because I gave them the win they needed. I know you’re telling the truth when you say you like me, and I know how much it means for a gal like you to clear her busy, London schedule for a cheesy old schlub like me. And I know I gotta quit moping around and acting like that’s a bad thing, and just give you the attention and the affection that you deserve,” he spluttered out.
“Ted,” Molly said evenly, “It’s okay.”
“It’s more than okay, baby,” Ted insisted adamantly, “It’s… it’s fucking kismet that I got a lovely lady like you willing to go on dates with me, and be seen with me in the newspapers. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and more importantly, sweetheart, you’re exactly what I need right now, and I promise you, I will never let you go until you ask me to,” he choked on his own words, tears welling in his eyes.
“You really care for me that much?” Molly said finally, her voice softening into a whisper.
“I do,” he nodded solemnly. “I care for you a whole lot. I want to be the one to spend every day with you, and lavish you when you’re happy, and hold you when you’re not. I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon, and if I’m being honest about the kinda life I’m living, I think one day, I want to marry you, if this all works out.”
“I’m not here to waste your time, Ted,” she told him.
“You could never waste my time, Molly,” he responded. “I think for the first time, I’m fully okay with the possibility of this ending in heartbreak. It’d be worth it. Because the way you look at me, it’d be a crime not to scoop you up, and keep you for myself. In an equitable, non-gendered way.”
Molly smiled at his usual awkwardness, and he felt seen by her. He stopped second-guessing. He just looked into her eyes, seeing the warmth and the affection, and he accepted her.
“I could see myself falling in love with you, you know,” Molly warned him, tears in her eyes.
Ted laughed, his own tears making it bittersweet. “Baby, I’m already halfway there.”
“I spent years in hell before I met you,” she sniffled, making him start to shake as he cried. “I was in an abusive relationship that changed my very DNA, and I counted the days until all my skin cells would regenerate, and I’d be able to shed myself of his hands.”
“Molly,” pleaded, in shambles in front of her.
“You see what I thought was disease, and you treat it with such gentle hands, I don’t know what to do with myself,” she breathed.
“Yeah, well, maybe I’ve been a bit too gentle,” he pointed out. “So many dates, and I didn’t even kiss you for real ‘til now.”
“But I don’t mind it, Ted,” Molly confessed, “My ex threw me out of a moving car. My body was scarred, and I didn’t leave my house for months. You touch me, and it’s like flowers should bloom.”
Ted looked into her eyes in awe. “I would never hurt you,” he sniffled, “Never in a million years, with my hands or my words. I can promise you that. You’ll always be something precious to me. Even if I never saw you again after today.”
“That’s not going to happen,” she affirmed.
“I… I want you, Molly,” he stated. “I may not be able to move at my usual pace with things, but… I’m in it for real.”
“I am too,” she nodded.
“Come here,” Ted sighed.
He took her into his arms, his light touch only ghosting over her. He held her head to his chest, stroking her hair. His chin rested on top of her head, and he wanted to prolong this for as long as he could.
“You’re my little lady, you know that?” he said in an intimate murmur.
“I know now,” Molly promised.
Ted closed his eyes, pushing away the wish that he would’ve said it sooner. She pulled away as he looked down at her constantly worried she was going to run away. Molly looked up at him with those sparkling eyes, and he thought he would turn to jelly right then and there.
“This doesn’t scare you?” she asked with natural concern.
Unable to stand the distanced he’d imposed between them up until now, he kissed her, his rougher hands trying to treat her butter smooth skin carefully.
“This terrifies me,” Ted confessed. “But there’s nothing good in this world that doesn’t.”
His thumb brushed her cheek reverently, as he made up for all of his mistakes.
“So from now on, I’m gonna be a man about it,” he decided. “From this day forward, I’m all about my family, and my little lady first.”
Molly smiled, kissing him back. “My beautiful man.”
Ted closed the distance again, unable to stop kissing her after that.
