#but Keeley is the one who was there from day one the one who listens to him behind his smugness and get out of his own way

[somethingserious]

one reason I really wish we got to see the royjamiekeeley ot3 was so we could see Keeley fall in love with this new version of Jamie. She’s a large part of the reason he learns to trust others and be more kind and open. you can see it in all the ways she smiles at him in s3 that her heart was so full to see him finally be the best version of himself, jumping at the chance to help him when Roy asks. there’s such a pure connection between them that I wish we got to see come to fruition

[iamnotoriginalphil]

Request: some jealous Rebecca Welton x oblivious reader where reader just cannot tell when someone is flirting with her one of the many reasons also why it took so long for Rebecca and reader to officially start dating

Jealousy

Words: 2.8k

Warnings: some swearing

Rebecca’s fingers tightened around the pen in her hand, the plastic groaning from the pressure. She ignored it, eyes trained on your figure. Your laugh made her heart thump hard behind her rib cage, the bruise left in its wake due to not being the one to coax that laugh from you. You flipped your hair over your shoulder, listening to Isaac as you lent closer.

His arm slid over your shoulders, leading you further down the hallway. Something ugly gnawed at Rebecca’s stomach. She had to turn away or risk hurting someone. Taking some deep breaths, she peeked over her shoulder. You were looking back at her, not realising the way Isaac’s eyes were sweeping down your body.

The smile you gave her was brighter than any you’d given Isaac. Her own lips curled up, an unconscious response, never able to not give in to the impulse when it came to you.

Extracting yourself from Isaac, you said something quietly before making your way to Rebecca’s side. Isaac’s eyes lingered on your retreating back, dipping down to follow the sway of your hips. She bit back her growl, that ugly feeling sink its teeth into her stomach again.

“Hi,” you said, looking up into her face, your smile broad.

“What did Isaac want?” she asked, knowing her voice was harsher than she intended.

“Oh, he was inviting me to the party tonight. Why didn’t you tell me about it? Apparently all of the guys want me there,” you said, “you’re going right?”

“Of course I am,” she replied, despite having previously declined an invitation. A groups of sweaty football players in a darkened room with loud music was hardly her idea of an enjoyable evening. You in a darkened room, however, was a different matter altogether. Especially if that room was full of sweaty football players with testicles bigger than the size of their brains.

Your smile widened and your eyes sparkled. You reached out, hand landing against her forearm, burning through the silk of her blouse. You bounced onto your toes, face drawing just a bit closer to hers.

“You’ll really come?” you asked.

“For you, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said, just waiting for the words to hit your brain. She could see the moment it did. Your teeth sunk into your lower lip as you tried to contain your grin and you were looking at her like she hung the moon.

“Tonight is going to be ace,” you said, letting her arm go, “I’m going to go buy something to wear. I’ll see you later tonight.”

She felt bereft as you stepped back, taking one then another away from her. You waved to the guys before pushing out of the door into the sunlight that swallowed you up. You glanced back, just long enough to meet her eye, flashing her another one of your bright smiles. The way it warmed her, you could have been the sun that flooded into her club.

She was distracted the rest of the day, the image of the boys flirting with you distracting her from her work. Who could focus on contracts when those very men were trying to steal you from her? Your bright smile was meant to be turned in her direction, not laughing at one of the boys dirty jokes.

“Hey good looking,” Keeley said, strutting into the room, “why are you wearing ‘someone’s going to die but I’ll look fit while doing it’ face?”

“I’ll give you three guesses,” she said.

“The boys invited her to the party?” she asked.

“Yes, and now I have to go or wonder which of them are putting their dirty mitts on her,” she replied, lips pursing.

“You know she’s crazy about you. You don’t have to worry,” Keeley said, nudging her.

“I’m not worried about her. It’s them I’m not happy with. I don’t like them… thinking they have a shot with her,” she said, hands flapping as she tried to put into words her anger.

“So you need to look hot tonight. Show them there’s no competition. A bunch of sweaty hairy guys? They’ve got nothing on you,” she said, “you’re well fit.”

“Thanks,” she said, a small chuckle on her lips, “you really think I have nothing to worry about?”

“Come on, Rebecca. She looks at you like you’re the greatest thing she’s ever seen. There’s literally not even a competition going on,” Keeley replied.

“You’re right. Of course your right,” she said, “I should wear the red dress, shouldn’t I?”

“Fuck yes!”

Rebecca laughed, head tipping back, the vestiges of her jealousy seeping away. Of course she had nothing to worry about. It’s not as if you were going to the party with Isaac. You’d asked her if she was going. It mattered to you.

So why, when she arrived, did Isaac have his stupid hairy arm around your shoulder, passing you a drink while you smiled up at him?

She did her best to ignore it, striding past to find her own drink, missing the way your eyes lingered on her. Something not in a plastic cup if she could avoid it. She hadn’t done that since her university days. She wasn’t about to start doing that again, just to be like the boys.

She rifled through the cupboards to find a glass to pour some of the cheap wine into. With a sigh, she took a long drink from it, just able to see you through the door. The moment your gaze landed on her it was like electricity struck. Your eyes lit up and you ducked out from under Isaac’s arm, practically tripping over yourself to reach her side.

“You came,” you said, beaming up at her.

“Of course. I told you I would,” she said.

“Yeah, but I mean this isn’t really your scene,” you said, glancing over your shoulder at the dim living room. You snorted when you saw the boys.

“Anywhere you are is my scene,” she said.

Your smile brightened, “aw, that’s really sweet. Thank you.”

You hauled yourself up onto the counter, legs swinging, heels kicking against the wooden doors. The skirt of your dress lifted, skin on display making her feel crazy. She longed to touch it, to feel your skin against her fingertips as she dragged them upwards until you moaned her name.

“I’m really glad you’re here,” you said, “it’s nice not being the only girl. Keeley said she was coming later but when she does Jamie is going to up the idiocy and then Roy will growl and Keeley will be distracted. It’s nice to have someone bring a bit of class to this thing. Plus, you’re like my favourite person so know I won’t have to leave early to see you.”

“You don’t want all those boys to yourself?” she asked, sidling up to you, arm brushing your leg.

“Them?” you scoffed, “you’re clearly the best one here.”

“Well, after you,” she said.

Your smile was so pretty when you looked at her. Sitting on the counter, your were face to face with her, something she didn’t often get to enjoy. You shifted closer, leaning into her. She did her best not feel flustered at the feeling of your arm pressing against hers. Even after all this time, she still felt like a girl in the grips of her first crush.

“You know, if you wanted to, we could-“

“There you are,” Sam interrupted, walking into the kitchen, “I was hoping to see you here.”

“Sam,” you said, turning that smile on the young football player.

You reached over, pulling him into a hug. She didn’t want to focus on how easy it was for you, doling out your affection.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he said, drawing back as his eyes slid over your body.

“Oh this old thing,” you giggled.

“You really do. You’re lighting up the room,” he said.

“Thanks Sam,” you said, teeth sinking down into your lower lip.

“Come, there is dancing. Someone as beautiful as you should be shown off.” He held out his hand to you.

“Oh, I don’t know,” you said, “I might just stay here and talk to Rebecca.”

“We need your radiance to remind us to be civilised. A pretty girl like you should be dancing,” he said.

“Really. I’m okay,” you said, “but you go have fun for me.”

“I must insist. You dance with an elegance the rest of us can only dream of,” he said.

“Well, if you’re insisting.”

You took his hand, letting him help you down from the counter. Rebecca opened her mouth to say something then snapped it shut, not wanting to ruin your fun. She lingered in the doorway, watching as Sam’s hands landed on your hips and your head tipped back as you laughed. Her fingers continued to tighten on the glass in her hand. She downed the wine in one swig.

You spun from Sam’s arms, straight into Dani’s. You were laughing and he was holding you closer and Montclaur was eyeing you up. She turned, leaving you be, needing another drink. Scooping up the bottle of wine she’d poured from earlier, she left her glass in the sink and slipped out the back door.

The garden was small, just a bit of grass and a few chairs. She sunk into one, not bothering to think about the dirt she’d be getting on her dress by sitting. Bringing the bottle to her lips, she let herself have a moment to wallow. She wanted that attention on her, to be in your atmosphere.

She tipped her head back, looking up at the night sky. A few stars winked down at her, just seen through a small gap in the clouds. Sighing, she took another drink. She knew it wasn’t the same as with Rupert, that you weren’t the one going around hitting on anything that moved. But the old insecurities were rising again.

She knew all the reasons you shouldn’t be with her. She’d been on cloud nine since the first time you’d kissed her but even then she’d known that she didn’t deserve you. She was no better than Rupert, going after a younger woman. A young woman who shone so brightly of course everyone else was drawn to you. She took another long drink.

“There you are.”

You were standing just outside the door, your arms curled around your body. Given your dress was skin tight, she could see the way you were shivering. You walked towards her, your smile bright despite how cold you looked.

“Why are you out here?” you asked.

She held out a hand to you, drawing you closer. You didn’t hesitate to settle yourself on her lap, curling an arm around her neck. Her own hand rested on your hip, the other gentle as it rested on your thigh. Skin on bare skin was enough to make her crave you with every fibre of her being.

“Baby?” you asked.

“You seemed busy so I decided to get some air,” she replied, not wanting to admit just how much she couldn’t bare to watch you dance with those men.

“Aren’t you cold?” you asked, snuggling closer to her.

“Not with you here,” she replied, “you’re warming me up.”

Your lips pressed to her cheek, soft and chaste. Her fingers tightened on your thigh, a reflex to the feeling. You hummed, your lips ghosting over her skin, pressing to spot under her jaw that you knew drove her wild. Her sharp inhalation of breath was a surprise to her and yet she was melting under your touch.

“I love this dress on you,” you murmured into her skin, “you look so hot.”

She flushed from the compliment.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re really out here?” you asked, “did the boys make you feel unwelcome since you’re the boss?”

“No,” she sighed, tipping her head back, giving you better access.

“Please, Rebecca,” you pleaded, drawing back, looking at her with those big eyes, swimming with concern. She cursed under her breath, knowing she couldn’t say no to you, not when you were looking at her like that.

“I don’t like the way the boys flirt with you,” she admitted.

“They boys? They’re not flirting,” you said, shaking your head.

“Of course they are. Isaac can’t keep his hands off you. Sam was drooling over you in the kitchen. Montclaur was leering at you. I heard Dani asking you on a date. They’re not even hiding it from me, the fuckers,” she said, looking back up at the night sky.

“They’re just being nice,” you brushed off.

“They’re fucking not,” she snapped.

You drew away from her and guilt curdled in her stomach. There was no point getting angry at you. It wasn’t your fault. You were so gorgeous it was no wonder everyone you met wanted you. She had. It would be hypocritical to not understand why other people would want you.

“Baby, are you jealous?” you asked.

“No,” slipped from her too fast to convince anyone, “yes. It’s not important.”

“Of course it’s important,” you said, “I don’t want you feeling like this over nothing. You know I have no interest in any of those boys, right? They’re all hairy and sweaty and gross.”

“Really?” she asked, hating that she needed the reassurance.

“No one even comes close to comparing with you. You’re the greatest person I’ve ever met. And the most beautiful. Like, if I could I’d be with you all the time. I don’t want to be with anyone but you.” You gently cupped her cheek in your warm palm, “I love you, Rebecca. No one is going to change that.”

“You love me?” Those words were branded into her brain, none of the rest of it penetrating after that.

“I was planning on telling you at a nicer place than this but yeah. I love you. I thought you might have figured it out already. I don’t think I’m very good at hiding it.” You gave a little self conscious chuckle, “but I love you so much and so I don’t want you to worry that one of those boys could ever steal me away. You’re the only one for me.”

She stared down at you, not able to comprehend that you loved her. That you were choosing her. That you wanted her. You were smiling, so close to her, looking so beautiful, loving her. Your smile dimmed a little and she realised she hadn’t said anything for too long.

“I love you too,” she breathed.

Your grin returned as you lent forward. Your lips brushed hers, and she couldn’t stop herself from pulling you in further, her tongue running along your bottom lip. You moaned into her mouth and she knew she could spend the rest of her life listening to that noise.

Someone wolf-whistled and you drew away, ignoring the way she tried to pull you closer again. Looking over your shoulder, she was ready to tell off whichever of the boys was interrupting her time with you. Keeley was grinning at the two of you, sparkling like the amazing woman she was, leaning in the doorway.

“Keep it in your pants, Welton,” she called, making her way towards the two of you, “leave some for the rest of us.”

“Very funny,” she called back.

You giggled, pressing your face into her shoulder, doing your best to stifle them. She pressed a kiss to the top of your head. She wasn’t ever going to get tired of this.

“Looks like you two are having fun,” she said, perching on one of the other chairs.

“We are,” you said, emerging from your hidden spot. She tightened her arm around your waist, making you press closer.

“We could get out of here, if you want to,” she murmured into your ear.

“Okay,” you said, “but can we get some ice cream on the way back to your place?”

“Of course.”

You climbed off her lap, holding out a hand for her. You tangled your fingers together, tugging her away from the chairs. Rebecca passed the wine bottle over to Keeley, leading you towards the gate to let you out of the backyard.

“Have fun you two,” Keeley said, giving a salacious wink as she passed you to re-eneter the house.

Having you leave with her, sliding into her car, smiling at her like she was the greatest thing you’d ever seen, it was enough to make her not even able to remember why she’d been so jealous earlier. Of course you’d choose her. You loved her.

There was absolutely no one to be jealous of.

[alwritey-aphrodite]

head first, fearless

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x single mom!reader

Warnings: swearing, motherhood

Word Count: 5.5k

Author’s Note: here she is!! I also have ideas for a little follow up if anyone’s interested! And a very big thank you to @sokkigarden for being so lovely and helping me so much with this one

Some days you’re convinced Keeley Jones was put on this Earth simply to make your life better. When you’d moved next door to her five years ago, you never would have thought that the brightly dressed, brightly smiling woman would become one of your closest friends and your go-to babysitter.

It didn’t matter if it was a Wednesday or a Saturday, twelve in the afternoon or twelve at night, Keeley would take five-year-old Stella into her home with open arms and a bright smile.

“Anything you need, babes, I’m always here,” she’d told you the very first time you’d asked her to babysit at the last minute with tears in your eyes, and you’ve come to learn that she meant it.

So today, when you received a call from your boss at nine in the morning on a Saturday, you didn’t think twice before bringing Stella next door. Stella was settled on your hip, chattering away about how excited she is to see Keeley and all the fun things they’ll do together while you knocked on the door.

“You aren’t Keeley,” you say, confusion clouding your face at the man in front of you. He seems vaguely familiar to you, like you’d met in passing before, but you couldn’t place him.

“Jesus, Jamie,” you hear a voice from behind the man and he moves out of the way to reveal Keeley rushing towards the door, “sorry about him, he doesn’t know not to answer the door at other people’s houses,” she tells you as she rolls her eyes before reaching out for Stella with a bright smile.

Stella wriggles out of your arms and rushes towards Keeley’s plush couch with barely any time for you to plant a kiss on her forehead. You sigh with a mixture of relief and exhaustion, gathering yourself mentally before you head into the disaster zone that is your job.

“She’s been doing this thing where literally all she eats is strawberries,” you tell Keeley before you rush off, “but I’m sure you could get her to eat anything.”

“I’ll try my best,” she tells you with a wink before she all but shoves you away, “now don’t you worry about us, we’ll be just fine.” You smile at her one last time before you rush off to work, knowing Stella will be safe and happy for the whole day.

“Who was that?” Jamie asks, trying to seem nonchalant as he watches Keeley pour juice into a sippy cup as the little girl uses her chubby little fingers to turn on her favorite show.

“Oh that’s my neighbor, she’s a single mum and her boss is a total dickhead so I watch Stella whenever I can,” Keeley explains, leaning against the counter as she levels Jamie with a knowing stare, “she’s real fucking fit and I wouldn’t mind watching Stella while she does something actually enjoyable, like go on a date.”

Jamie’s a little embarrassed about how easy Keeley is able to read him, able to clock the way Jamie looked at you as he lingered in the doorway. You seemed magnetic, drawing Jamie towards you even as you rushed away and left him with nothing but the desire to know you better. Keeley stares for a few more seconds, long enough for Jamie to squirm under her gaze, before heading over to give Stella her breakfast with a giant smile.

Unsurprisingly, you were right, and Stella eats anything that Keeley makes for her, even the broccoli she had screamed at the night before. She ate it all with a smile, and Jamie was a little terrified at how quickly the little girl was taking over his heart. He’d always loved kids, loved getting to spend time with them and listen to the nonsensical way they talked, but something about Stella seemed different. She had been apprehensive about him at first, but by the time nap time rolls around, she falls asleep in his lap, her little head nestled against his shoulder.

This is how you find them when you rush home before dinner, not even bothering to knock or wait for Keeley to let you in. There’s still a Disney movie playing softly on the TV, and Keeley and Jamie are talking quietly so they won’t disturb Stella, even though you’re sure that girl could sleep through anything.

“Hi, babe!” Keeley greets you with a grin as she pats the couch next to her, and you’re so exhausted you don’t even think twice about sitting down, “Wanna stay for dinner?” She always tries to get you to stay for dinner, tries to get you to let someone take care of you for a change, but you’ve never once accepted her offer.

Today, though, you’re tired to your bones, and even the thought of ordering takeout seems like too much work, so you just nod. Keeley squeals before she looks over at Stella in mortification, but she’s still fast asleep against the man who opened the door that morning. Keeley must catch you looking because she sends you a wink before introducing the two of you, “That’s Jamie, Stella really seems to love him,” and then scurrying off to the kitchen.

At that, Jamie seems embarrassed, his cheeks tinged pink as he glances down at Stella, “I can try to hand her to you, if ya want?”

“Oh, no, I can never get her to nap this long,” you reassure him, and it almost feels like a swarm of butterflies are let loose in your stomach when he smiles at you.

The two of you talk quietly, Keeley joining in whenever she has something to add, and before long Stella is up and happily watching cartoons again. When it comes time for dinner, she demands to sit next to Jamie, practically vibrating with excitement at the idea of spending more time with her new friend.

Watching the two of them interact throughout the meal creates a pit in your stomach and an aching in your chest, as Jamie kindly helps Stella cut up her food and shoots her a wink when he steals a bite off of her plate and Stella just giggles and grins her way through the meal. As much as you’d like to stick around and catch up with Keeley and thank her properly for all of her help, you’re feeling the need to run so you help clean up in the kitchen before dragging Stella back home.

She’d been more than reluctant to leave and seemed on the verge of tears until you promised her ice cream before her bath and now she’s happily eating her dessert while recounting her entire day from the moment you dropped her off to the second you walked through the door.

“Jamie’s really nice and he let me do his hair and taught me to play football and Auntie Keeley said he thinks you’re pretty and…” you zone out after that, and even though you know Keeley was probably just teasing her friend, the thought sends you into a tailspin.

Sure, Jamie was obviously attractive and he was clearly great with Stella, but you barely knew each other and Stella could be lying to you because she’d recently started doing it just for fun. Knowing Keeley, though, she’s always trying to play matchmaker, and you wouldn’t put it past her to try and set up two of her single friends, regardless of if they’re compatible or not.

Still, you decide to spend some quality time searching for Jamie online after Stella goes to sleep.

What you don’t know, though, is that as you spend hours scrolling through all of Jamie’s socials, Keeley and Jamie are having a very similar conversation next door.

“Please just ask her out!” Keeley pleads for the thousandth time, pouring a glass of wine as Jamie pulls up the most recent episode of their favorite reality show.

“Keeley, I don’t know her at all.”

“I know, but I know her! And I know you, and I know the two of you would have a great time. Please, Jamie, the two of you deserve to have a good time and I want to babysit for something other than her boss being shitty.”

Jamie seems to be contemplating it, and Keeley knows she has him.

“I’ll give you her number, maybe invite her and Stella to a game, and then you can ask her out to dinner?” Keeley’s been toying with the idea of setting the two of you up, and now that you’ve actually met it seems like the most perfect idea and she knows you’ll be perfect together.

Keeley doesn’t wait for confirmation, going ahead and sending Jamie your contact information as he turns up the volume on the TV, as if to drown her out.

“And I’ll know if you don’t ask her,” she adds as she sits down next to him, feeling the need for one last push.

“Watch the show, Keeley,” Jamie says as turns his attention to the drama unfolding as if his heart isn’t racing at the idea of seeing you again, at the idea of taking you out for dinner.

It takes him a while to gather his courage, and he couldn’t even begin to count the amount of times he’s typed a message to you before quickly deleting it. He’d briefly considered asking his teammates for help, but that would mean explaining the whole situation and he remembers how intensely involved everyone was with Sam’s Bantr girl and he has no desire to be on the receiving end of that.

Instead, Keeley’s endless messages of Text. Her. push him over the edge until he types a text and hits send instead of delete.

Hey, it’s Jamie from Keeley’s house. Do you and Stella want to come to the game on Saturday? The seats are next to Keeley.

He couldn’t help the way he checked his phone every five minutes after hitting send, or the way his stomach swooped once you sent a reply.

Stella would love that, thank you :) she hasn’t stopped talking about you or football

Jamie needs to tamper down his smile when he reads that because he knows if any of his teammates catch him smiling at his phone, he’d never hear the end of it. Instead, he tells you that Keeley will have the tickets for you and he goes about the rest of his day as if his stomach isn’t full of butterflies at the idea of seeing you again or getting another text from you.

Saturday can’t come soon enough, with Stella bouncing off the walls at the idea of seeing her new friend again and, even though you’d never admit it to anyone, you’re looking forward to seeing Jamie too. Even though your conversation was brief, it was clear that Stella loved him and you’d gotten to know him a little better through texting, where he made you promise to come down to the dressing room after the match so he could say hello to Stella.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a struggle to get Stella into her little Richmond jersey, an old hand-me-down of Keeley’s niece with Kent plastered on the back; she begs you to wear it all the time, but the one day she’s supposed to, it's like the fabric is made of knives. By the time you stumble out to Keeley’s car, you’re sweaty and aggravated and looking forward to spending the afternoon with your best friend.

What you weren’t expecting, though, was to be led up to the owner’s box, where you were greeted by Keeley’s friend Rebecca, who was intimidatingly beautiful and the owner of AFC Richmond. You’d met a few times, but seeing her in her element while you wrangled a kindergartener made you feel like a fish out of water.

“And you must be Stella,” she says, looking down with a smile at your daughter who’s trying to escape your grip on her hand.

“Normally she has manners,” you respond as you smooth a hand over the girl’s hair, trying to get her to calm down for just a moment, knowing all the excitement of the match is going to make it impossible for her to sleep as it is.

Rebecca just chuckles, her brilliant smile never leaving her face.

“I completely understand, my Jelka sometimes acts like she’s never left the house.”

“I didn’t know you had a daughter?” Your statement comes out more like a question, racking your brain for any memory of Rebecca mentioning a child before.

“It’s a recent development,” Keeley adds with a wink to you as she squeezes Rebecca’s arm, and the taller woman just scoffs.

The four of you make your way out to your seats, Stella insisting on standing up on your legs, blocking everyone behind you. You turn to apologize, but the man sitting behind you just brushes it off.

“Children are strong willed,” he tells you with a reassuring smile, “I couldn’t even get my boys to wear pants when they were her age.”

It’s hard to ignore the urge to apologize for everything you or Stella did, but knowing you were surrounded by parents who understood the struggles of a strong willed child helped calm your nerves. It wasn’t that Stella misbehaved or that you let her run wild, but sometimes people who weren’t parents didn’t understand and expected her to sit quietly and still, as if she was a little adult and not a five year old child. Luckily, as the match started, everyone seemed to get as rambunctious and energetic as her.

Watching the game, you can’t help the way your eyes keep drifting to Jamie, even when he doesn’t have the ball. There’s just something about him that continues to draw your eyes to the large number nine on his back as he runs across the pitch. He scores right before halftime, and no one in that stadium is half as excited as Stella, who’s jumping up and down and screaming as if you just told her you’re taking a trip to Disney.

Richmond scores two more times, winning the game without much of a fight.

“Come on, let’s go see the boys!” Keeley stands and wiggles her fingers at Stella, who clambers out of her seat and eagerly grabs her hand, leaving you no choice but to follow. Keeley all but runs down the stairs with you and Rebecca trailing behind, exchanging information to get your girls together some time.

When you make it to the dressing room, you’re hit in the face with noise and warmth and the smell of sweat, but Stella is so excited you can barely focus on anything other than keeping your grip on her little hand. Keeley knocks and lets herself in with you and Rebecca following and you can’t help the way you immediately feel like there are 27 pairs of eyes on you.

“Jamie!” Stella slips out of your grip and makes a beeline for the striker and your heart stutters at the easy way she jumps into his grip, at the way he smiles at the little girl.

“We’ve gotta get you a better fucking kit,” Jamie tells her when he sees the large Kent plastered on her back, leading to stares and shushes from the rest of the team. Jamie, realizing what he’s said, looks to you with eyes wide with fear and remorse.

“It’s nothing she hasn’t heard before,” you tell him with a smile, and the room erupts into noise again, the team swarming your daughter and asking her opinions on the match, considering everything she says with genuine concern. You keep watch out of the corner of your eye, but from what you’ve heard from Keeley and what you know about Jamie, you’re sure Stella will be fine, but it’s hard to turn off the mom instincts.

Isaac is marching Stella around the room on his shoulders to “give her a better view” when Jamie comes over to where you’re standing with Keeley, Rebecca, and the coaches.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Yeah, sure, of course,” you shoot a glance back at Keeley, but she just winks at you as Jamie leads you out into the hallway.

It’s silent for a few moments, Jamie fiddling with the front of his kit, before he finally says, “Did Stella have a good time?”

“She loved it, probably the best day of her life so far,” you grin at him, hearing your daughter’s happy giggles through the dressing room door.

“Good, good,” he falls silent again, shoving his hands into the front of his kit.

You’re about to head back into the dressing room, even though you’re certain that wasn’t what Jamie wanted to ask you, when a question tumbles out of his mouth so quickly you’re certain you’ve misunderstood him.

“Wanna grab dinner sometime?” He expels a breath as if this is the most difficult thing he’s had to do today.

“What?” You ask in response, confused and surprised and sure you just didn’t hear him right.

“Would you like to get dinner sometime?” He asks again, slower, “Like, as a date?”

“That sounds nice,” and with the way he beams at you, you’re sure you’d agree to whatever he asks you.

“Cool.” You stand in the hallway for a few moments longer, just smiling at each other, before the laughter of your daughter snaps you out of your stupor and you head back into the dressing room. You can tell by the look on Keeley’s face that she knew exactly what Jamie had asked you, and was probably the one who pushed him to do it.

“Need a babysitter Friday night?” she asks as you approach, and you just roll your eyes at her, turning your attention back to Stella and the group of footballers that seem so enamored with her and her opinions.

The celebration starts to die down, even though you’re certain the party’s going to pick up at some exclusive club or bar in a few hours, and Rebecca walks with you and Keeley out into the car park.

“How long has that been a thing?” She asks, jutting her head back towards the building with a knowing little smirk as you buckle Stella into her seat.

“There is no thing,” you fix Keeley with a look, knowing that she’s probably been planning that for months, before you’d even met Jamie, and Rebecca has been in on it the whole time.

Still, you promise to message Rebecca with the dates that you and Stella are free for a playdate before buckling yourself into the driver’s seat, all the excitement of the day starting to wear you down. Hopefully, Stella’s so worn out from excitement she goes right to sleep when you get home, but you know the more likely scenario is that she stays up all night because she’s wound up.

The universe must be on your side, though, because Stella falls asleep before you’re even home and you need Keeley’s help to open your front door.

“God, this was so much easier to do when she was smaller,” you whisper with a grin, thinking of all the times Keeley needed to help you into your house when your arms were full of a sleeping Stella and groceries and your work bag. Keeley grins back, placing a kiss on Stella’s forehead before scampering off to her own house, waving goodbye before she closes the door.

Tell me when Jamie gives you a day + time, I’ll come over to help you get ready ;)

Even though you roll your eyes when you see the message, sent before you could even get Stella into bed, you really do appreciate her offer. You can’t even remember the last time you’d been out on a date, and you’ve certainly never been out with a professional footballer. Jamie’s clearly a nice guy, and you’ve enjoyed the few times you’d talked in person, but you’re already beyond nervous for the date that’s still days away.

Those nerves only grow as the week goes on, as you and Jamie settle on Friday at seven at an upscale restaurant you’d never even heard of, and as Keeley lets herself into your house with her spare key at four o’clock on Friday, your nerves reach their peak.

“Well, I’d totally fuck you,” Keeley says after she zips up the back of your dress, looping her arms around your waist and looking into your eyes through the mirror with a grin.

“Thanks, Keels, I’ll be sure to let him know that,” you reply with a giggle, finally starting to feel a little giddy at the thought of your date, even though your anxiety was pulsing just below the surface. The doorbell rings then, and you’re almost certain your heart is going to stop.

“I’ll get it,” Keeley gently pushes you aside as she makes her way out of the bathroom, “grab a purse before you come down, and not the big one! He won’t need snacks before dinner to stop him from crying!” She gives you a wink and then she’s gone, and you can just barely hear her greet Jamie at the door, followed by Stella making a run for him.

Breathing deeply, you make your way back into your bedroom to stuff all of your belongings into a tiny purse, leaving your trusty, large tote sitting on the bed, overflowing with snacks and toys to keep Stella entertained whenever you go out. As much as you’d love to, you know you can’t hide out in your room forever, so you snap your purse closed and make your way downstairs.

Walking down your steps makes you feel like you’re a teenager again, your prom date eagerly waiting at the door after getting grilled by your father, except this time it’s Jamie getting grilled by Keeley and your daughter. When she sees you, Stella is already reaching for you, attempting to wriggled herself out of the arms of a slack-jawed Jamie.

“C’mon, babe,” Keeley intercepts Stella instead, knowing you’ll never leave otherwise, “let’s go find a movie to watch.” Now, it’s just you and Jamie standing by your front door in silence, Stella’s happy jabbering filtering in from the living room the only noise.

“You look nice,” you finally break the silence, feeling awkward and unsure of yourself and certain you sound lame, like you haven’t been on a date in the last six years.

“So do you,” Jamie responds, gently trailing his eyes up and down your form despite the blush on the tips of his ears, “ready?”

You just nod, still needing time to process the fact that you’re going on a date with Jamie Tartt, who looks nothing less than perfect in dark slacks and a button up, and it’s clear that he had attempted to style his hair but the way he continually runs his hands through it has ruined whatever styling there was before. Hopefully the shock of going out with someone so gorgeous will wear off soon so you can actually participate in conversations.

Luckily, by the time you make it to the restaurant Keeley had recommended to Jamie, you’re able to talk about anything and everything, swapping stories about your childhoods and work and Stella, stories that Jamie seems genuinely interested in.

“I hadn’t put together any of her nursery furniture and she would not stop crying so I couldn’t put her down,” you tell him over dessert, explaining the beginning to your friendship with Keeley, “and then there was a knock on the door and I was ready to scream at whoever was on the other side, but it was Keeley and she took Stella right out of my arms and of course she stopped crying then.” You smile, reminiscing on how essential Keeley was during those first few months where you were convinced you’d made a mistake and you’d never survive.

“And then she sat with me while I put together the rest of Stella’s furniture, and she put her in the crib, turned on the baby monitor, and made me dinner.” Keeley had shown you that you weren’t alone, that you’d be able to handle whatever life throws at you because you had her by your side, and if anyone could understand that feeling it was Jamie. “She sat with me and came over every night, just to hang out, and when I went back to work, she watched Stella for me and I didn’t even need to ask.”

“Yeah, she’s magical like that, making you realize things about yourself, believing in you and shit,” Jamie adds, even as his cursing catches the attention of the tables around you.

“She insisted on being Stella’s fairy godmother,” you add with a giggle, delighting in the way Jamie smiles at you.

“I ordered Stella a Tartt kit, by the way,” as soon as the thought crosses your mind the words are out of your mouth, and it’s worth it when Jamie looks at you like this is the best news he’s ever heard.

“She’ll have to wear it to our next match, then,” and you’d agree to anything he says when he says it with that soft look in his eyes, like he might actually love you.

It’s too soon for any of that, but the thought doesn’t scare you the way it normally does. You think you’d enjoy being in love with Jamie, making breakfast together on the weekends and falling asleep next to each other every night of the week. Stella already adores him, so you’d never need to worry about that, and it seems like he cares for Stella the way you and Keeley do, and you know she needs all the love and support she can get.

Jamie glances at his phone, letting out a sigh as he notices the time.

“This is the best night I’ve had a in a while,” he says and you brace yourself for the finishing blow, “but grandad makes me get up at 4 AM for training. Maybe I can bring you coffee tomorrow?” He looks so hopeful, even if you weren’t already foaming at the mouth at the idea of spending more time with him, you’d say yes.

He walks you to your door, and you have to pretend that you don’t know that Keeley is watching from behind the curtains when you press a kiss to his cheek and he squeezes your hand in a way that makes you want to invite him in, even though you both know that would never happen. He waits until you’re safely inside before driving away, and as soon as the door shuts behind you, Keeley is attacking you for details.

Seated on the couch, legs tucked underneath you and junk food spread out on the coffee table, you recount your whole night, telling her how wonderful he was and how great he made you feel and Keeley looks happy enough to burst. Whether her joy comes from the fact that her two friends are happy or because she set the two of you up, you’ll never be sure.

After she leaves, you find yourself texting Jamie, thanking him for such a great night and wishing him luck with training before throwing yourself into bed, happy and exhausted and ready to sleep forever. You dream of Jamie and Stella and a dog, and when you wake up, you’re a little disappointed that it wasn’t real, though you’d never admit that to anyone.

Jamie brings coffee in the morning, and almost every morning after that. When you tell him to stop going out of his way, he tells you his house is right down the road, but Keeley confirms your suspicions that he’s lying. You just laugh when she tells you he’s wrong, too delighted that someone would go out of their way for you every morning to bring it up with him again.

It’s a little terrifying, how seamlessly Jamie fits into your life. You and Stella find yourself in the owner’s box of most Richmond home games, and Jamie brings over takeout every Friday night. If you’re ever working late or stuck at the office, Jamie always jumps at the chance to pick Stella up from school, sometimes grabbing Phoebe as well so the two girls can play together.

Sometimes you wonder if he does that solely to bother Roy, but you don’t mind as long as the girls get home safely.

Jamie is wonderful with Stella, and that was what scared you the most, because while you were used to dealing with heartbreak and disappointment, your daughter wasn’t. Every time you see them kicking a football around in your backyard or catch Stella asleep in Jamie’s lap during a movie, your heart constricts and your breath catches in your throat because you don’t know how you’re supposed to explain it to her if Jamie decides to leave, decides that a fit young footballer doesn’t need to be tied down by a kindergartener and her workaholic mother.

One night, a few months after that very first dinner, the two of you are sitting on the couch with Stella safely asleep in her bed and you’re so happy it scares you a little. This is everything you’ve always wanted, a loving partner who cares for your daughter like she’s his own, but you need to resist the urge to self-destruct.

“Jamie,” you start, reaching for his hand and pulling his attention away from the movie and hating how much this sounds like you’re about to break up with him, “I love you.” It’s a miracle you’re able to keep your voice steady with the terror you feel, but it all evaporates in a second when Jamie smiles at you, beaming from ear to ear as if he’s scored a game winning goal.

“I love you, too,” and he kisses you so softly it hurts you a little, hurts the part inside your brain that was wishing your life could have always been like this, wishing you could have always been this happy. You kiss him back, though, and the movie sits forgotten for the rest of the night.

“I got pregnant at nineteen,” you tell him later, wrapped up in your sheets and his arms, “and Stella’s dad isn’t a bad guy or anything, he just… wasn’t ready, which is fine, it was my choice in the end, but sometimes it really fucking sucked.” You sniffle, hating yourself a little for ruining such a lovely night but Jamie just pulls you close, presses a kiss to the crown of your head and traces nonsensical shapes on your arm.

“But then I found Keeley, and now I have you, and Stella’s perfect and everything turned out okay but I just wanted you to know,” you finish, breathing deeply for the first time since you started talking. It wasn’t like it was a secret that you had Stella young or that you were a single mom, but sometimes revealing all the details felt too intense, like no one needed or wanted to hear how you got to this point.

“Me mum was only twenty when I was born,” Jamie tells you, continuing his tracing on your arm and it’s then that you realize he’s been drawing hearts, “and my dad’s a real piece of a shit, so she basically raised me all on her own. And then she found Simon when I was a teenager and he’s a good guy, likes baking and shit. I think they’d both like you a lot, you and Stella.”

“Well, your mom must be pretty great, putting up with you all on her own,” you smile, bursting into laughter when Jamie squeezes your side, both of you feeling lighter and falling asleep after sharing more giggle-filled kisses.

Life continues on, leaving you giddy to see what the next day will hold. Jamie continues to bring coffee every morning, stopping by while Stella eats breakfast in front of the TV and you pack up three lunches. If there isn’t a game, Jamie stays over on the weekend and the two of you make breakfast together, swaying gently in the kitchen in your pajamas, basking in the sun and his presence until Stella stomps her way downstairs, hair ruffled and her grumpy little frown blooming into a smile the second she smells the pancake batter.

Stella started playing football on the same team as Phoebe, and you and Keeley get equally as excited as you do at Richmond matches. Whenever he’s available, Jamie will join Roy as an assistant coach, and even though he tells you it’s to spend time with Stella, you’re sure seeing the annoyed look on Roy’s face whenever he shows up is a nice bonus. The four of you will take the girls out to lunch after, and you’re reminded of all the wonderful people you’ve had in your corner, some longer than others but all equally as important to you.

Your life might not have gone the way you expected, but what you have now is better than anything you ever could have dreamed.

Tags: @whimsical-roasting @hopefulromances @onceuponaoneshot @jamietarttdodo @scaramou @ickydollysstuff @drizzyreese @amieinghigh @ilymoonie @better-things-to-do @yepyeahuhhuh @zazima @guccilongboard @shineforever19 @tortilla-maria1 @shakespeareanwannabe @lilweirdgal @flashyourgreeneyesatme @aiyaiy @just35yrsandtrying @chrissy1986 @emmy2811

[benedictscanvas]

be still, my foolish heart [1] - jamie tartt x reader

pairing: jamie tartt x fem!reader

word count: 2.5k

series warnings: lots of language throughout, some allusions to smut but nothing explicit, a LOT of fucking fluff mostly ngl

a/n: eeeek i have been furiously writing this the last few days and now that a few chapters are done i'm desperate to share. chapters will be out regularly, every couple of days or so. really hope you lot enjoy this one, i'm so grateful for all the recent love <3

series summary: when jamie gets called up to the england team for the first time, he's terrified. enter you, all smiles and swearing, and suddenly his only fear is falling head over boots for you.

next chapter | series masterlist

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chapter one: to be alone with you

Jamie hadn’t found himself this nervous in quite a while. He’d been worried when he came back to Richmond of course - trying to prove to his team that he’d changed, that he was there for the right reasons, was a challenge. But he’d overcome it and now he had a family for the rest of his life. He thought very little could make him properly nervous anymore.

That was until he was sat in his childhood home, clutching his mum for dear life as they waited for the England team to be officially announced, refreshing the page over and over and over again on his phone. When it appeared at 2pm like clockwork and his eyes scanned the list of forwards only to find the name Jamie Tartt as clear as day, he was up in a moment, him and his mum screaming as they hugged each other and bounced around the room.

It had been the same at Richmond the next day, the congratulations coming thick and fast. He was overwhelmed and excited and eager to chat to every single person who’d listen to him about his dream coming true, but the nerves only kicked in when he was sat in a car with tinted windows a couple of weeks later, arriving at the training ground for his first ever training sessions, which would turn into his first ever England matches in just a few weeks time.

He didn’t know anyone here apart from a few Manchester City players who he had never said goodbye to, so he had no idea what they’d think of him. Sometimes, on a not-so-good day, his mind would wander to the idea of his old City mates laughing together about the shit he’d gotten up to the night before on Lust Conquers All. He hated thinking about it. He knew seeing their faces again would make him think about it more.

It had only been a few days but he missed Sam. Isaac and Colin and Beard and Ted and Keeley and Roy. Roy would have something so simultaneously horrible and inspiring to say to him right now. Richmond had become such a family, it was difficult to imagine playing football with anyone else.

“This is it, Mr Tartt,” the driver says, and that makes him feel even worse because Mr Tartt is his dad and he is not his dad. He hadn’t even realised they’d pulled into a car park.

“Just Jamie, yeah?” he says rather than running away as he gets out of the car. The man smiled, passed him the suitcase that had been sat in the boot of the car and drove off without a word. Now he was really alone.

He pulled his headphones from around his neck and placed them on his head, putting the playlist that the boys had curated for him back on. Ted had made everyone make a playlist for the boys on international duty over the summer, ‘somethin’ to remind you of home’, he’d said, and Jamie had honestly thought it was weird.

Now he was listening to ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’ by Coldplay, added to the playlist by none other than Ted himself, and he had to admit - it was catchy. And it reminded him of home.

He looked around for the entrance and spotted one other young man who he recognised from Liverpool making his way in at an entrance to his left, so he made a beeline for it.

He was just reaching the doors when a woman leaned into his eyeline just enough to catch his attention, just ahead of the doors. He was quick to tear the headphones from his head to avoid looking rude - it was his worst fear.

“Sorry, did ya say somethin’?” he asked, trying to wear a bright smile even if he knew it would come off a little worn. You appeared unphased, wearing a far brighter grin that he knew he could ever manage. It was warm; you were warm. And incredibly pretty, even though he was less keen on how quickly he noticed that.

“I tried to tell them that this whole thing would be a bit awkward when you had headphones on,” you said, and as he stepped closer to have a conversation, it was easier to notice that you were actually quite flustered, the bright grin masking some embarrassment, “I’m part of the PR team, we’re just doing some content for the Instagram. Ask the players what music they’re listening to when they walk in, people go crazy for it. If you’re trying to become the summer’s heartthrob, I recommend saying Taylor Swift.”

“They’re supposed to tell the truth!” a man beside you piped up, all nasal, but Jamie barely spared him a glance. He was still a little caught up in how pretty you really were the closer he got. You were very fucking pretty now that he was a couple of metres away, leaning on the handle of his suitcase. He scolded himself for even thinking about flirting with you.

You, now looking at the man who’d spoken as if you’d just remembered he was there. You cleared your throat.

“No, I know, sorry. I was just fucking with you,” you confirmed, turning back to Jamie, then wincing, “Playing with you, I mean. I swear I’m a very professional person and I don’t swear that much. At work.”

Jamie only realised a few moments into the silence that you were waiting for him to speak. He could feel the heat in his cheeks he had been desperate to keep at bay.

“I swear all the time,” he said, already kicking himself for how stupid that sounded, “Work or no work. Swear as much as you fuckin’ like.”

He can see at least a bit of your embarrassment leaking away, so maybe it hadn’t been such a stupid thing to say after all.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” you say, head tilted in a way Jamie can only describe as fuckin’ adorable. All too quickly, you seem to snap back into work mode, “Anyway, Brian’s right. The truth would be preferable, but if the truth is Taylor Swift, good for you! Any chance you’d be willing to walk backwards a bit, then pretend to do this again for the camera?”

You had the decency to look embarrassed, again, to be asking, but he was quite sure he’d do whatever you wanted him to with those wide, pleading eyes of yours. Just the little kindness you’d provided had washed away a lot of the deep-seated fear he’d been feeling just moments prior. He’d do what he could to repay the favour.

“Yeah, ‘course, whatever you need. Just walk up, pretend I hear your question with me headphones on and then…answer?”

“You’re a natural, Jamie Tartt,” you offer up, signalling who he assumed was Brian to raise his camera back up and get ready. He can’t help himself, just like with his driver, although this time he hopes he won’t get blanked.

“Just Jamie, eh? Less syllables, an’ that.”

You nod and almost look impressed, but he can’t imagine why.

“I’m almost sure Just Jamie is the same number of syllables as Jamie Tartt actually,” you argue, and he almost thinks you’re serious until you break out in that big, bright grin again and he feels like he’s 16, “Sorry. Fucking with you again. You can call me Just Y/N if you like.”

Y/N. Suits you, he thinks. Almost as much as that shade of blue does, all rich and Richmond-esque. He’s sure he’s got a team shirt somewhere that matches that exact colour.

“It’s nice meeting ya, Just Y/N,” he says, then realises how much he’s smiling and needs to do something about it, “And you, Brian. It’s great to be ‘ere, actually, just in general like.”

You nod, kind. Brian does a signal Jamie doesn’t understand, but he walks back a few paces anyway and puts his headphones back on. This time, when you step forward to stop him, he knows what you’ve asked without hearing it and takes his headphones off with a genuine smile at you.

“Oh, this?” he says, making sure he doesn’t smirk when you giggle behind the camera at his acting, “Whole Richmond gang made a playlist for us international lot. Ted, the gaffer, he put a lot of inspirational stuff, you know? Right now it’s Adventure of a Lifetime, the one by Coldplay.”

He’s not sure if he’s meant to say all that or just say the name of the song, and he’s ready to ask if he should start over before Brian signals that he’s cut the camera and you’re gaping at him.

“Okay, I know I put it in your head that you could lie, but you’re actually telling the truth, right?”

Brian scoffs. The prick within Jamie wishes Brian didn’t exist.

“That was worse than just saying Taylor Swift to impress girls,” he mutters, and you make a face that only Jamie sees. You don’t like Brian either and he already likes having something in common with you.

“I know you think that music went downhill after the 1960s, Brian, but no need to take it out on literally everyone who comes through here today. We’re meant to be a fun greeting crew! Why don’t you go get a snickers or something?”

Brian looked disgruntled throughout your speech until you suggested a snickers - clearly the way to the man’s heart. He was turning and speed-walking to the what Jamie assumed was the nearest vending machine in no time.

Now you were pretty and assertive. A deadly combination in Jamie’s eyes, particularly when paired with the fact that he was now pretty sure you were Brian’s boss. You were staring after Brian reproachfully, with a bit of that embarrassment back that Jamie was desperate to rid you of.

“Uh, it was true, by the way,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck, “I can go again if you don’t want me to say that much, or-“

“No! No no, that was-“ you shake your head in a disbelief he doesn’t understand, “Brian’s been like this forever. Please don’t take it personally. I’ve been trying not to all morning.”

“It’s okay, really,” he tries to reassure you, “He works for you?”

He can see the smirk that you try to hide. It’s endearing.

“No, not technically. I like that you think so, though,” you smile, a real one again, just as he’d hoped, “I don’t normally work with Brian, he’s usually a match cameraman, not so much PR. I was just a woman down today.”

Jamie leans in, all conspiratorial, because he simply cannot help it.

“You pulled the small straw, huh?”

You giggle a little and he can feel himself puffing up with pride.

“Short straw, you mean?” you laugh, and some of that pride deflates in his chest. He could have sworn it was small, “Either way, yes. Very much so. I’ll be glad when Tiff’s back at it.”

“So when ya said that you were part of the PR team…you actually meant that y’ run it, right?”

“Guilty. What gave me away?”

“Just an air about ya,” Jamie says, because he doesn’t have a fucking clue what to say. You seem to like his answer, ducking your head a little in a way that’s driving Jamie to distraction, so he decides he’s definitely getting in over his head here. He’d already decided he was not going to flirt. It was a terrible idea, “Anyway, I’ve taken up enough of y’ time. Are y’ sure me bit was okay?”

You look startled at the mention of how much time he’s taken up, like you haven’t even thought about it. Soon enough, that ducked head is gone, replaced by the shoulders back, head up attitude that you’d greeted him with, the one that had told him you were in charge. Professional. He couldn’t decide which version he liked more.

“It was perfect, they’ll love it. Such a great story, even better that it’s true,” you confirm, then you add, like you’ve been holding it in, “Richmond ‘til we die, right?”

He actually feels his heart skip, just for a moment: a moment that tells him he’s absolutely fucked. You look like you’ve just told him the biggest secret of the century and he can’t help but believe you. 

“You-“ he’s too breathy, has to cough to correct himself, “You’re a Richmond fan? Or do ya have to say that to all of us?”

“I’m not supposed to say that to any of you,” you grin, “We’re supposed to keep club level allegiances to ourselves. We’re all one England team and all that. But, you know, star striker tells you the most adorable story about your hometown club, it’s pretty hard not to tell them. Think you can keep it to yourself?”

He’d definitely do whatever you asked of him right now. He wants to go and call Keeley right away, but he already knows what she’ll say. Bad idea: wrong place, wrong time, wrong woman. She’d be right. He shakes aside all thoughts of any harmless flirting with the exceedingly kind, exceedingly pretty Richmond fan. 

“Me lips are sealed,” he says, and he mimes it. He even throws the invisible key in your direction and watches you pretend to struggle to catch it, then mime swallowing it yourself. You finish with a rather convincing gulp then nod at him, like you've just entered a blood pact. He nods back, matching the serious energy.

“Enjoy England camp, Just Jamie,” you say, still with an air of fake seriousness the two of you are keeping up. He wants to shake your hand, continue to play pretend, but there’s the sound of a suitcase behind him and he knows you have work to do. He hopes you don’t like anyone's music choice more than his.

“See ya around, Just Y/N.”

You both nod again and it’s getting a bit stupid now but the two of you seem to want to keep it up. He tries ever so hard not to look back at you once he’s inside, and he almost manages it until he hears you talking to the next arrival. He turns to see you in full professional flow…

With two of his old City teammates.

It’s a bucket of cold water over his head. One pretty girl to greet him and he’s managed to use it as a distraction, a way of forgetting all his doubts, worries, fears. Seeing the two City guys brings them back full force, so he glances back at you once more, then turns to delve further into the training complex, hoping to find another face as friendly as yours.

There’s a voice in his head telling him that would be impossible, but he doesn’t want to listen to it right now.

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if you got this far, i fucking love you <3 oneshot/drabble requests remain open for sexy little jamie tartt and his grumpy bestie roy!!

[yelena-bellova]

Heartfirst: A Ted Lasso Story - Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty: Believe

Plot: Richmond and West Ham face off in the deciding match of the season.

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: language

A/N: Well, we’re almost at the end. I wanna thank everyone who’s patiently waited for this one through my depressive waves and exhaustion. Means a lot. This one’s short and sweet, but hopefully it brings some smiles <3 Enjoy!

—————

The long anticipated day had arrived.

Richmond versus West Ham.

From the first crack of dawn, the entire town of Richmond was abuzz. Shops were closed, pubs were bustling, even those who didn’t care about football were showing their support. This was the highlight of the year.

Y/n was up with them, so anxious she was barely able to eat or sit or do anything but anxiously pace her apartment. The caffeine in her morning tea didn’t help either. Caring, it turned out, came with enough nerves for the whole team.

Jamie had spent the night at his place, the two of them agreeing he needed rest more than they needed time together. He’d made Y/n promise to text him when she got to the stadium so he could sneak out and see her before the match.

Y/n waited as long as possible, which was still two and a half hours ahead of the match, before getting dressed. The controversial #9 shirt was now standard uniform and she put it on with pride. She pulled out her phone and snapped a picture in the mirror, sending it to Jamie. His response was quick.

Jamie Tartt: Magic

We’re def gonna win now.

Y/n smiled, more giggly than anything else. She gathered the rest of her things and headed out.

Despite getting there early, the traffic surrounding the stadium was substantial. There were fans lining the streets, waiting for the gates to open. All along Nelson Road, you could hear the Richmond chants. Everyone was ready for a match.

Y/n parked in the staff lot and headed into the building. There wasn’t much work to do on game day. Pressers and interviews were already lined up and organized. Higgins wouldn’t even be in until right before everything started. She had time to spare.

Deciding some calm before the storm would be nice, Y/n slipped into her office. There were still a few leftover things there, books and papers and such. Some computer supplies and her chair. Eventually she’d move back in once Keeley was more settled, but for now it felt like a ghost town.

From her desk, she could hear the roar of the crowd filing into the stadium. Their cheers and collective conversation. Y/n settled into her seat and simply listened, uplifted by the enthusiasm penetrating the walls.

There was no way to know on her first day at Nelson Road what would transpire. That she would find the family she’d always longed for or the love she’d never let herself have. That she’d have a job she could take pride in. It had all come to be in spite of her best efforts and beyond what she thought she ever deserved.

A tear slipped down Y/n’s cheek. Her world was golden.

When it was finally time, she headed back downstairs, texting Jamie when she was outside the locker room. The boys’ chatter could be heard through the doors. The adrenaline was practically seeping out the cracks.

Jamie slipped out, him and Y/n sinking into a hard embrace outside the door.

“Hi,” Jamie mumbled into her shoulder.

“Hi,” Y/n giggled, running a hand over his hair.

“I like this.”

“What?”

Jamie swayed them lightly, face still buried in Y/n’s coat. “Getting to see you before a match. Don’t have to come up with excuses now.”

Y/n laughed as he moved them around, pulling back eventually to properly see Jamie. She placed her hands on his cheeks, “How’re you feeling?”

“Good,” Jamie smiled, “Good. We got this.”

“Yeah, you do,” she beamed, “Are we gonna be one of those couples that has some pre-game good luck ritual or something?”

Jamie glanced down at Y/n’s chest. The sight of her wearing his number seemed special enough. “Long as you’re wearing that, we’re set. But,” he adjusted his grip and nudged Y/n’s nose, “Can never have too much luck.”

Dipping her slightly, Jamie smiled into an easy kiss with Y/n grinning equally. It was a routine they could settle into quite comfortably.

“OI!”

Jamie startled and pulled them back up. Roy was coming out of the coach’s office and stalking towards them. When he reached them, somewhat awkwardly, Roy held out a badge to Y/n.

“It’ll get you on the pitch,” he explained, “We save ‘em for sick kids and rich pricks that want a good story to tell their rich prick friends.”

Y/n rubbed a thumb over the badge. V.I.P. Was he offering what she thought he was?

“If you distract him or I catch him tryin’ to show off for you,” Roy pointed to Jamie, “You get the fuck out of there.”

When Y/n nodded, barely hiding her smile, Roy headed back down the hall.

“I love you too, Roy,” Y/n called.

He grunted as he rounded the corner.

“Guess we’ve got his stamp of approval,” Y/n mused as she fiddled with the badge.

“Guess so,” Jamie chuckled, “You gonna do it?”

“Yeah. But I’m starting out in the box,” Y/n wrapped her arms around Jamie’s shoulders, “I am here for people other than you.”

Jamie smirked, “But mostly for me, right?”

“Tell yourself whatever you need to,” Y/n smiled against his lips, leaving one more kiss, “I love you.”

“Love you too,” Jamie replied and stole one more hug from her, “Next time I kiss you, it’s gonna be on the pitch.”

“It better be.”

Y/n stepped away, dragging her hand down Jamie’s arm and holding his fingers till they were forced by space to part. They turned away from one another, beaming.

Y/n went through the staff entrance into the stadium, melting into the crowds until she reached the elevator. She took it up to her respective level and entered the owner’s box. It was twenty minutes to game time and most guests were already in their seats. From her spot, she could see the top of Keeley’s pigtails in the front row.

“Hello,” Y/n greeted in a sing-song tone.

Keeley squealed and stood up to hug Y/n, sliding over a seat and letting Y/n settle next to Rebecca.

“You remember my dear friend, Flo, I’m sure,” Rebecca gestured to the brunette on her other side.

“Of course,” Y/n reached over and squeezed Sassy’s hand. They’d met at a staff event Rebecca had invited her best friend to.

“You have a lot of gaps to fill in,” Sassy winked theatrically, “With scandalous amounts of details.”

Y/n looked between Rebecca and Keeley, “Do you just go around broadcasting my love life to everyone?”

“You’re dating one of the most popular players in the country,” Rebecca pointed out, “It’s not going to stay a secret forever.”

If they were honest, Jamie and Y/n really hadn’t considered the publicity. Everything had come to be so suddenly that the press were the last thing they were thinking about.

“How’s he feeling?” Keeley asked.

“Good,” Y/n answered, looping her arm through Keeley’s, “Definitely no repeats of last time.”

“Good,” she nodded.

“And,” Y/n turned towards Rebecca, “Have we had any run-ins?”

Where West Ham was, Rupert followed, and everyone was eager to know how Rebecca was handling it.

“Yes, and all is well,” she smiled, only half-forcing it.

Sassy snorted from beside her best friend. Differing interactions had clearly occurred.

Nevertheless, Y/n accepted the answer, “Okay.”

Soon enough, Higgins and his wife joined the group along with Barbara. When the whole group was assembled, the Hammers and Greyhounds came onto the pitch. As they stood in front of the crowds, Richmond looked noticeably…shaken.

“Something happen?” Keeley asked.

“I don’t know. Everything seemed fine when…” Y/n shut her eyes and bit her lip, “Shit.”

Rebecca looked over, “What?”

“Beard asked me for any videos or photos I had from the season,” she explained, “He said it was for something he was putting together.”

The women took a breath, while simultaneously holding one.

The tears passed and the match started like any other. The first fifteen minutes flew by without either team scoring, which felt like some sort of victory. It was short-lived though, as by halftime, West Ham had scored twice.

Y/n found that watching a match as a player’s girlfriend was a whole new experience. Anytime Jamie made a move, she was practically out of her seat. If a Hammer looked like he was going for him, anxiety flooded her chest. Every emotion was heightened, a blessing and a curse.

When the boys headed off the pitch, there was nothing left to do but fear. No matter how hard the women tried to appear calm, each of them were sweating out the possible loss.

“That’s it,” Y/n announced once she’d grown too nervous to stay still.

“Where are you going?” Keeley asked as Y/n climbed over her legs.

“Down there.”

“I didn’t think your badge got you that far,” Rebecca half-asked.

Y/n hopped on one leg around Sassy on the aisle. “It doesn’t,” she replied, “Keep a closer eye on the printer.”

Weaving through the crowds, Y/n made her way to the staff entrance. Halftime seemed the most logical moment to sneak down. The announcers would be on break and commercials would be running.

Once she got to the pitch, she hurried along the edge, oblivious to any puzzled looks she received. Even if she was simply a passive observer, Y/n could feel a rush of energy sweep over her. She couldn’t imagine what the boys felt like every time they stepped up.

“Hey,” Will brightened up when he saw Y/n, “You made it.”

“Yeah,” Y/n squeezed his hand quickly, smiling to Nate on the other side, and settled into the empty seat. “There’s perks to being on Roy’s good side.”

The three shared a grin of anticipation before Trent leaned out of his seat and patted Y/n’s shoulder.

“Nice to see you down here,” he smiled, winking.

And the feeling that filled her, though she’d expected it to be out of place, was one of belonging. Like there was nowhere else for her than right where she was.

When the fifteen minutes were up, the Greyhounds and Hammers reentered the pitch. Jamie’s eyes went to the dugout to find Y/n looking back at him. They shared a soft smile, their eyes lighting with glee. This was a special moment.

Roy was quick to spot the spark. “I’ll fucking take you out,” he promised.

Y/n nodded, “Yes, coach.”

The boys came back with a new fire lit under them. They were playing not only like they had something to lose, but like they were actually enjoying themselves. It was a perfect combination.

Jamie got the ball to Dani, who in turn missed a shot off the goalpost. Sam took another shot at it only to recieve the same outcome. The third attempt, made by Colin, was still no dice. It wasn’t until the ball got returned to Jamie that he finally put it away, a perfect shot.

“YES!!” Y/n leapt out of her seat, throwing her fists in the air and not even bothering to hide her bias.

After the boys finished celebrating, Jamie looked straight over to Y/n, slapping his hand over his chest. It took them both straight back to Wembley.

“He’s gonna do it again,” Y/n said adamantly, settling back in next to Will.

“He’s gonna do it again,” Will repeated. Neither of their eyes moved from the pitch.

Jamie was off again, moving across the field when a West Ham player swept past him, tripping him. He rolled rather harshly into the grass.

The second he went down, Y/n was up and breathless. She had to catch herself before she ran out onto the pitch.

“Get up, get up, get up,” she whispered.

The referee rightfully called a penalty and Richmond gained a free kick. Just after it was called, Sam helped a grinning Jamie to his non-injured feet.

Y/n smirked and shook her head, “Fuck.”

While it was Jamie’s shot to take, he rolled the ball over to Dani. Dani in turn passed it to Isaac, which surprised everyone.

“Crap,” Y/n uttered.

Nate looked over, confused, “What?”

“Just…” Y/n struggled, “Guard your face.”

The knowing spectators sat at the ready as Isaac lined up the shot. He took careful steps back before surging forward and power kicking the ball. It was fast, but flew past the net and straight into the crowd. The stadium groaned with disappointment, it would have been Richmond’s assurance of victory.

“Shit,” Y/n mumbled, running her hands over her hair.

“Wait, wait, wait, guys,” Nate drew Will and Y/n’s focus upwards, “Look.”

Mike Dean was crossing the pitch to the posts. He inspected something in the net before signaling that it was indeed a goal. Isaac had just sent it through the netting.

Nate, Will and Y/n jumped out of their chairs, grabbing onto one another in a victorious embrace. Richmond wasn’t out of the ring just yet.

With stoppage time started for the grounds crew to replace the net, the Greyhounds headed to the sidelines to discuss strategy. Once enough had been said, Jamie jogged over to the dugout, making a beeline for his girlfriend.

“Hey,” he smiled, “What’d you think?”

Y/n exhaled shakily, “Yeah, we’re definitely breaking up after this because I can’t take the stress.”

Jamie laughed.

“No, seriously,” Y/n grabbed his hands, “My palms are a fucking river, my mouth’s dry. I can’t do this on a regular basis.” She pulled their intwined fingers between them, urging Jamie to look at her. “You’re brilliant.”

While his cheeks were already flush red, the hue deepened at the compliment.

“You’re a fucking menace out there, and you don’t stop being one,” Y/n practically commanded, “Because I got news for you, you’re in their fucking heads. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that once you’re in somebody’s head,” Y/n grinned, “You don’t come out.”

Y/n pressed a palm to Jamie’s cheek, the sounds of the crowd and everything around them disappearing. “You’ve got this.”

Jamie’s self-confidence wasn’t lacking, but there was something about hearing those words come from one specific person that made it shoot sky high. If Y/n believed in him, he could win the whole fucking thing.

“And you need to go now before Roy kills me,” Y/n finished.

Just as Jamie was about to tell her he loved her, their attention was drawn to the side. An indignant Rupert was marching down the field, brushing past the Greyhounds.

“I gotta…” Jamie said distractedly.

“Yeah,” Y/n slipped her hands away, Jamie headed back to the boys.

The whole team watched in shock as Rupert berated his head coach before shoving him to the ground. The stadium was stunned into near silence. An unprecedented moment.

The boys headed back out to the pitch as the ref whistled and Rupert had no choice but to leave. The crowd came back to life fully and began a rousing chorus of ‘Wanker’ to carry him off the field.

“Holy shit,” Y/n exhaled.

“What was that?” Will asked without really seeking an answer.

There was no time to look any further into it as the match restarted. There was serious hustle from Van Damme before the Hammers eventually made a goal, bringing the score to 3-2. However, one of the players was found to be offside and it returned to a tie.

Finally, it came down to the very last minute.

Jamie carried the ball to Richard, who was taken down by a Hammer, and Richmond earned a free kick. If they made it, they could take the whole thing. They just needed a really, really, big move.

As the coaches huddled, Ted looked back at the seats. “Hey, Nate,” he called, “Nate, come here.”

Hesitantly, Nate got up and joined Ted at the front. Ted called out to the boys and began pointing to the former assistant coach.

“What’s happening?” Y/n asked Will as Ted began to shout something about an Oscar.

“I don’t know,” Will mumbled.

Whatever it was, the boys seemed to understand it, and each headed to their marks. Y/n prayed that the unconventional coaching methods of Ted paid off one last time.

The ref blew the whistle and the teams set off. Sam laid the ball off to Dixon, who slid it over to Bumbercatch. Jamie, exaggeratedly, made a run for it, screaming for a pass.

For two seconds, Y/n stood wildly confused, before she spotted Sam. No player was near him. She and Will clutched onto one another.

This was it.

Bumbercatch got the ball to Sam.

Sam made a perfect goal.

The entire stadium, from field to nosebleeds, went wild. And once the ref called it, it became overwhelming.

The Greyhounds had done it.

Y/n and Will latched onto one another and jumped up and down, somewhere between tears and screams.

The pitch became flooded by the players, the coaches and the fans. Y/n didn’t secondguess her decision to run on, following the rest of the crowd. Trent and her ended up beside one another, racing up to the growing group of Greyhounds.

As she looked around, searching for anyone to congratulate, she spotted Colin, hand in hand with a man she’d never seen. Just before he dragged him into the victory circle, the mystery man spotted Y/n and smiled.

“I think you belong with me.”

The two shared an understanding look, Y/n’s eyes flicking briefly to Colin, who looked ecstatic.

“I think I do,” Y/n smiled back, grabbing the extended hand and racing off with them.

The whole team was locked in an embrace, surrounding a dancing Ted. They cheered and chanted and fell into one another. All the while, Y/n and Colin’s beau held onto one another, letting their other halves enjoy their moment.

Jamie, however, was already searching around frantically. The second they made eye contact, he and Y/n were snaking through and past their friends to get to one another.

Jamie threw his arms around her, lifting Y/n up and spinning her around. Y/n’s eyes began to water as the full emotion of their magnificent win sunk in.

“You did it,” she cheered as they spun.

Jamie set her down finally, took one good look and pulled Y/n in for an earth shattering kiss. The one they’d both been waiting to share longer than they even knew.

When they eventually pulled back, breathless and giddy, all the joys around them seemed to amplify. Naturally, Jamie and Y/n ran straight back into the team huddle. Once the boys saw Y/n, she got passed around from body to body in big sweaty hugs. Even Roy swept her into a firm embrace.

There was singing, there was chanting, there was so much pure happiness. After a season filled with so many trials and tribulations, the Greyhounds had earned their perfect moment in time. And it was glorious.

————

Heartfirst Taglist: @lalla-04p @optimisticsandwichgladiator @makingmunson94 @taytaylala12 @storysimp @sokkigarden @lightninginab0ttle @poohkie90 @alipap3 @verra-nerevarine @shineforever19 @spaceagechimera @burnafter-reading @qardasngan @cyberpvnk-enthusiast @sogoodtoheritsvicious @buckybarnex @angelsunflxwer @blueanfield @thewildestwonderland @sablecities @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @strawberryacethingz @mentalistfan @tortilla-maria1 @katdahlali @for-fuck-sake-im-alive @glitterquadricorn @jamieolivia27 @imvibin69 @katlizada @lil-tracys @fanaticalfantasist @heyitz-julia @cactajuice @peachyy-tea @notalxx @rockchickrebel @anxiety-prime-max @mentalistfan @loveforaugust @jellycolors @actuallybarb @heletsmelovehim @lovinnscarletknight @imfalling-inlove @leslieiscrying @meg-ro @littlemisssunshine192 @beboldbebravethings @maydayfigment @spencerreidsbookclub @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @lemoonandlestars @im-a-weirdo-for-life @mindless-rock (tags cont. in comments ❤️)

[ofstarsandvibranium]

HIIII!!

Can I get 122 "I'm not going anywhere" with Jamie??

Hurt/comfort maybe?? BUt idrc go with it where you will!!!!

(aaahh! yes! absolutely! here you go! hope you like it! <3)

Stay Right Here

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x GN!Reader

You've heard it all from the press, hell, even from some of Jamie's teammates. It didn't bother you. It never used to bother you, but now it was starting to.

See, you're just a regular person. You own and work at a cafe in Richmond. That's where you met, Jamie. You knew who he was, but didn't care too much about him. But he was nice to you as he ordered a croissant and a black coffee. He sat himself in the back corner, hoodie up, sunglasses on so people wouldn't bother him. He kept to himself as he scrolled on his phone.

He started coming in a lot more after that day. He liked how your cafe wasn't as busy as the other one he used to frequent.

You'd serve his drink and he'd ask you questions, whether they were about life or yourself, it was nice talking to him.

Then he did the unexpected: he asked you out on a date.

You thought he was fucking with you at first so you laughed at him. But then you saw how upset he got and then realized he was being serious.

"Sorry, I just-why me? Aren't guys like you supposed to be dating actresses or models? I mean, shit, your last girlfriend was Keeley fucking Jones!"

He shrugged, "Dunno what it is about you, but I like you. You're real, like. You're not afraid to say shit to me. You talk to me like I'm not a famous footballer, like I'm just Jamie. Listen, I like you, but you don't have to go out with me if you don't want to, yeah? I take consent seriously."

You giggle at him, "Alright. Tomorrow's Saturday and I like to close the cafe early so I can enjoy my night. You can take me out then."

"Fucking mint," he slaps a hand on his thigh in excitement and takes his to-go cup of coffee, bolting out of your cafe in excitement.

The date went well, as did the many ones after. Three years into dating and you're happy with Jamie. But you're not sure if he's still happy with you.

This all started because of some TMZ clip a friend sent you. It was footage of Jamie at dinner with a woman. The caption said that she was on Richmond's womens league. You watched as Jamie leaned in, whispering something into her ear and she bursts out laughing.

Usually paparazzi shots didn't get to you but this one did. The way he looked at her, spoke with her, his body language. It was very much giving the idea that he was interested in her. Who wouldn't though? She's a fit footballer just like he is. She's, quite literally, in the same league as Jamie.

Maybe this was the end of your relationship with him.

________________________

Ever since you saw that clip, you've been trying to read any signs that Jamie was going to break up with you. But he was behaving the same he always did. He'd kiss you before leaving for training, kiss you when he got back. He'd still drop you off at work before heading to the pitch. He'd hold your hand, tell you he loves you, he was the same just as before.

But you weren't.

Jamie could tell something was wrong, but you never said anything. Your smile stopped reaching your eyes. Your kisses with him were chaste. Shit, you didn't even face him when you two went to bed.

So when you pulled away from him when he tried to cuddle you during movie night, he had to know what was going on.

"Is something wrong?" he asks after pausing the movie.

You shrug, "Dunno, is there?"

He sighs, completely turning his body towards you, "You've been distant lately. Just trying to see what's goin' on. Did I do something?"

"Are you cheating on me?"

He looks at you with wide eyes, "What?! No!"

"Are you gonna break up with me?"

He shakes his head in confusion, "Lovey, what are you talking about? No! I'm not cheating on you and I'm not breaking up with you! What made you think that?"

You sigh, curling into yourself, as if protecting yourself, "I saw footage of you with one of the girls from the women's league. You looked...close. Sitting right next to her, whispering in her ear."

"When was this?"

"Last weekend."

"Tilda and I were the first ones to arrive at the restaurant. The music in there was pretty loud so we sat close together so we could hear each other. More people started arriving a little after. We weren't alone for long."

He reaches out and grabs your hand, "Y/N, I love you. And I mean it when I say it. There's no one else for me, but you."

"You say that now, but then someone prettier or more athletic or smarter or just so much better than me in general is gonna come around and you're gonna go running after them!"

"Says who? Lovey, do you really think so low of me that I'd do that?"

"..no, it's just...it's bound to happen right? Everyone's been saying it since we first started dating, I'm not like the other people you've dated. Hell, I even questioned why you wanted to date me when you asked me the very first time!"

Jamie scoots closer to you, hands gently cupping your face, "Listen to me, yeah. I. Love. You. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here with you until you don't want me no more. I don't care what people say, you're the one that makes me happy."

You look down at your lap in shame, "I'm sorry."

He shook his head and pulls you into his arms, "It's not your fault. It's everyone else's fault for not seeing that I'm perfectly happy with my lovey."

3 months later, Jamie posts a photo of you and he in Paris with you sporting a very shiny ring on your finger. The caption reading: Fuck all of you who doubted our relationship. We're stuck together forever now. #MeetTheTartts

[its-time-to-write]

Here is another prompt

Accidental stalker is kind of what I'm going for :)

Maybe Jaime and Reader accidentally bump into each other one day and both think the other is "fit" but just keep walking. They however keep noticing each other at there favorite places like the park, bakery and maybe a few others. Finally after seeing each other for like the eighth time Reader angrily approaches Jaime asking if he's is a creep who is stalking her. Jamie is shocked by this cause he thought she might be following him around (Like as a fan) they have a good laugh and realize they have a lot in common then maybe go on a date

I honestly just love funny fics where everyone is just confused

I thought this gif was a funny one to put with this story. Hope you like it!!

chasing shadows in a grocery line

You take a deep breath, then exhale. Finally. It’s the weekend, which means you have two whole days to yourself; no plans with friends, no work, no nothing. It’s like heaven. You woke up late, took your time making breakfast, and cleaned up around your flat. There’s a load of laundry in the washing machine, and now you’re dressed and ready to go grocery shopping.

It really is all about the little things in life.

You’re feeling productive, perusing the vegetable aisle, considering what you want to purchase for your meals this week. You’re in deep thought about a particularly large avocado when someone bumps your shoulder.

“Sorry,” says a voice, “weren’t looking where I was going.”

You turn and are met with the clearest blue eyes you’ve ever seen in your life.

“Don’t worry about it,” you say, then force yourself to turn back to the avocado before it gets weird.

—

You decide to get the avocado, among other things, and now you’re headed to your favorite bakery. It’s small, but wonderful. You want to pick up a loaf of bread to go with dinner and to chat with the store owners. They’re an old couple named Helen and Max who have been running the bakery for years, and they’re a little bit like Richmond’s grandparents.

However despite their popularity, everyone seems to have their own time of the day they go to the bakery. You never see anyone you know there, but it’s where everyone gets their baked goods. You suppose everyone must go at the same time every week, which is why you always see the same three people shopping.

You reach to pull open the door right as someone pushes it open from inside.

“Sorry!” you say, “I didn’t see you there.” Your voice trails off a little bit at the end, because you’re staring into those same blue eyes from the grocery store.

He gives you a small smile and says, “Guess we’re even, then,” before holding the door open to let you through. You breeze through like you’re not completely flustered, and dare to take a quick glance back. 

He’s looking back too, and you quickly look away. You’re surprised you haven’t seen him here before, and make a mental note to ask about him. You’re not going to lie, he’s very good looking, and if anyone knows if he’s single, it’s going to be Helen. She knows everything about everyone.

—

It’s not until you’re walking back to your flat that you realize you forgot to ask Helen. She had pulled out photos of her newest grandbaby as soon as she saw you, so it completely slipped your mind. You’re lost in thought as a jogger goes running by you, and it takes a moment for you to register that it’s the same man from before. 

That’s a little weird, seeing him three times in one day. You don’t dwell on it too long, though, because you have Plans for the day that do not involve a fit, blue-eyed stranger.

—

Sunday means you get to sit in the park with a nice large book and a basket lunch, soaking up the rare sun and sounds of Richmond. 

You pause mid-chapter to listen to the world around you, the kids laughing, people chattering. You hear a voice near you say, “Oi, Keeley!” and you note that whoever it is, they say Keeley the same way grocery boy says sorry.

(You’ve taken to calling the stranger “grocery boy” in your mind. You figure it suits because that’s where you first bumped into him).

You half turn and find grocery boy looking at you, mouth half-open in surprise. He’s with a tiny blonde, you assume this must be Keeley, and a tall, very hairy, very grumpy-looking man. You give him a small wave, then turn back to your book.

You find yourself rereading the same sentence over a few times, way too lost in thought. What the hell is grocery boy doing here? You swear in all your weekend routines, you’ve never seen him before. He looks vaguely familiar, but that could be your mind playing tricks on you. You decide to call it a day and pack up your blanket, book, and food. 

It’s still a lovely day, so you decide to sit outside your flat. You have a few neighbors outside as well, and it feels like the perfect summer day. You’re leaning on your next-door neighbor’s gate and laughing at one of his outrageous stories about growing up in the late sixties, when you catch a glimpse of blonde walking by into the flat two down from yours. She’s accompanied by the grumpy man and… grocery boy?

You didn’t know she lived on your street. Her car is usually there when you leave for work and gone when you come back, so you’ve never actually seen who lives there.

Grocery boy looks at you and wrinkles his nose a little bit in confusion. You wrinkle yours right back.

This is getting really, really weird. 

You turn back to Mr. Davies, ready to hear his next story, but he’s just raising his eyebrows at you and grinning. You roll your eyes and grin back. He’s been trying to get you a date for the better part of the year, and you can only imagine what fuel this brief, meaningless interaction will add to his fire.

—

God, it’s Monday already. You make it through the entire workday so as you get into your car you decide, forget it, I’m going for kebabs. You don’t feel like cooking and there’s a place just up the street from your flat, so you’ll get something to take home.

You’re waiting for your order when the door jingles, signifying another customer. You half turn just from instinct, and immediately whip back around. 

Your heart is beating a little faster. This cannot be a coincidence. I mean really, what are the odd of you two running into each other so much? 

You try to take a calming breath, but it’s just a stutter.

It’s fine, you tell yourself, there are people around, it’s fine. 

You have a friend from uni who had a stalker once. He showed up everywhere, her favorite coffee spot, her job, her yoga class. One time he showed up outside her room so she called the police. Got a restraining order and everything. Turns out he had seen her once at the school library and decided he was in love with her. Now he’s not allowed within 150 metres of her.

Your name is called and you grab your order, purposefully not looking at grocery boy and trying not to think about the fact that he now knows your name. You’re out the door and walking as fast as you can without running. You’ve made it a good way up the street when you hear someone call your name and shout, “Oi!”

You walk a little faster, but not fast enough. Grocery boy has caught up to you. You suppose he’s so fast because he’s insanely fit.

You turn to him, gripping your bag of food tightly as if it could protect you.

“Why are you stalking me?” you ask fiercely.

This takes him by surprise. Whatever he was planning on saying has died on his lips as he digests this.

“Why am I… stalking you?” he repeats slowly.

You nod, hands clenched into fists. You mentally count how many people are around right now, just in case things go sideways. Who would have thought that cute, sweet grocery boy is actually insane?

“I’m not stalking ya, you’re the one following me!” he says. “What d’you want? An autograph? Tickets to the next match? A fuckin’ signed photo?”

Now you’re confused. “Why would I want a photo? You’re cute, sure, but like… that’s just crossing the line.”

He runs a hand through his hair, bewildered. You have the unfortunate observation that he looks incredibly attractive like that. 

Pull yourself together, you scold, he’s crazy, why are you attracted to him?

Your therapist is going to love unpacking that one.

“You mean.. you don’t know who I am.” He says it as a statement not a question.

“No..?” you reply. “Should I?”

“I’m Jamie Tartt,” he says. He’s met with a blank stare. “The footballer?” he continues. You shrug. “I play for AFC Richmond and I’m their fucking best scorer?”

“I don’t watch football,” you say. “Not really a sports kind of person.”

Jamie blows out a breath. “So you don’t know who I am.”

You shake your head.

“And you weren’t stalking me.”

You shake your head again, thinking about his fucking hot accent. You’re starting to piece together that he is, in fact, not crazy, so can you let yourself think he’s cute again.

“I thought you were following me,” you say, “because hello, most stalkers are men? And I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m a pretty good-looking girl, so it makes way more sense that you’d be the one following me.”

You want to kick yourself before the words are even out of your mouth. Where did that come from? God, you’re embarrassing yourself in front of this cute, apparently famous footballer. You suppose any chance of getting his number (like you fantasized on Saturday) is gone.

But Jamie is just looking at you differently now, probably because he has to recategorize you from a creep to… well, you don’t know what, but anything’s better than a stalker. 

You’re pretty sure you can’t be any more surprised tonight, but apparently you can, because the next words out of Jamie’s mouth are, “You’re really fit.”

You swear you’re getting whiplash from this conversation, and it must show on your face because Jamie just laughs.

“Noticed ya looking at that avocado, and might have bumped into you on purpose. Everything after that was just fucking weird though. Thought about asking for your number at the park, but I was with Roy and Keeley. Keeley’s too fucking involved in my life and Roy don’t care, but then, I dunno, it started to get weird.”

“You want my number?” you ask incredulously.

Jamie shrugs. “Seems like we’ve got a lot in common. Except football. Who doesn’t fucking watch football?”

You laugh. “I don’t know, I just never got into it!”

Jamie laughs with you. “Tell you what, you watch me play, and then tell me it’s fucking boring.”

Your laughter is dying down now, and you realize the sun is starting to go down. “I’d better get going,” you say. “It was nice to officially meet you.”

“Let me walk you,” Jamie says, “Goin’ to Keeley’s anyway.”

You smile and take his offered hand.

You suppose there are weirder ways to meet someone, and you’re not complaining.

[onceuponaoneshotfanfic]

Playing Pretend (Part 8)

Roy is a bit distracted during the wedding ceremony.

Roy Kent x Reader

1.3k words

Warnings: Language, Roy pining, pining, pining

Series Masterlist

Roy had been hoping to see you just once more before the ceremony. Partly to give you reassurance that he’d be right there, eyes on you, but, more selfishly, he wanted a glimpse of you in your bridesmaid dress so he wouldn’t gawk at you as you walked down the aisle.

Unfortunately, your sister kept you busy, so there was no chance for that. Instead, he was only able to send you a quick text as he found his seat a couple rows behind your parents, reminding you that he’d be your anchor when you needed one and jokingly wishing you luck walking in a straight line after the night before.

His heart skipped a beat when you sent him a simple Thanks Roy. You’re the very best ❤️

He felt like a fucking teenager, the way he got so excited over a fucking heart emoji. But he couldn’t help it; it was you. Everything you did made him feel like a stupid, lovesick boy: the way you smiled at him, those moments when you were physically affectionate, your ability to make him laugh with stupid memes sent in the middle of the day just because it made you think of him, the fact that you always remembered little details like his metal allergy.

Roy wondered what it was like for you watching him date. He knew what it was like for him to watch you. He fucking hated it. For those three years you were with Jim, Roy felt so fucking tortured. Watching you smile at Jim, embrace Jim, kiss Jim, listening to you gush about Jim, confide in Roy and his sister that you were going to marry Jim. It had all been too much. For a brief while, Roy had considered taking a break from your friendship to force himself to get over you; he had lasted all of two days before sending you a text about the book he was reading because he knew you’d like it too.

As the garden filled with poshly dressed people, Roy thought back on those rare occasions he’d brought women around you. You were always quieter in those instances, not hugging Roy as tight, not engaging his date in any sort of conversation if you could help it. It wasn’t as if you were anti-social; whenever he brought around Jamie or another teammate, you were bubbly and friendly, leaving them with a lovely impression and questioning Roy about why he hadn’t asked you out. It was only his dates you were icy to. When one woman asked him about your coldness, Roy had shrugged it off, assuming you weren’t feeling well; that particular date had rolled her eyes and called Roy thick.

He knew. Somewhere in the back of his head he knew, because he’d seen it the night before when Jim’s cousin simply glanced at him. You were jealous. Jealous of the models and the influencers and the actresses. Even a little jealous of Keeley Jones, even though you’d met her on multiple occasions and liked her. Ever since you were thirteen and heard Roy talk about his first girlfriend, you were painfully, white-hot, devastatingly jealous of every single girl and woman who had Roy Kent’s attention.

No, Roy scolded himself, ignoring the sound of music starting. You couldn’t be jealous. Because being jealous meant…

Fuck.

The model whose name he’d forgotten now was right. He really was thick. When he was at the youth academy, you used to call and write him all the time, even more than his own family did. You always had a smile for him, always a hug that lasted just a moment too long, always found an excuse to pass him and press yourself close to him. At matches, it was your voice he could hear over the roar of the crowd, shrieking his name with excitement and pride. After he’d truly busted his knee, you were at his door with a bottle of whiskey and not a word of pity, knowing he’d be getting that from the rest of the world. Every glance across the room, every text sent for no reason other than to say hello, every movie night with your leg pressed against his, every moment of teasing from your family this weekend, all of it added up to one stupidly obvious truth:

You were probably just as in love with him as he was with you.

Roy didn’t get much time to sit with this newfound revelation before the procession began. He hadn’t even noticed Jim take his place beside the minister, nor did he care to look in that direction. Instead, his eyes anxiously awaited the sight of you.

He exchanged knowing glances with Paul as he and Jen marched down the aisle; it was as if your brother-in-law could see the clarity Roy finally felt. Then came that bridesmaid that couldn’t keep her eyes off Roy, but he didn’t pay her any mind. Not when he finally saw you coming down the aisle.

You were gorgeous. Of course you were. You were always gorgeous. Your gaze immediately found Roy and your smile widened. For someone about to watch her sister marry her ex, you looked relaxed, glowing even. And somehow, Roy knew it was because of him.

As everyone stood for Lauren’s entrance, Roy couldn’t resist glancing back at you. As he had hoped, you were already looking right at him.

~

The ceremony went off without a hitch, much to everyone’s relief. There was no telling what your sister would do if something had been amiss. Roy began to follow the crowd towards the reception, wondering if he could manage to find some secluded corner to have a drink while he waited for you to come back from taking bridal party photos; he was rarely interested in schmoozing and talking about his work with strangers, even more so now that he was reflecting on his painfully obvious realization.

“Roy.”

He didn’t even have to turn to know it was your hand on his arm.

You smiled up at him, radiant, almost goddess-like in your bridesmaid dress and flower crown. He had to admit, despite Lauren’s Lauren-ness, he definitely liked her choice in bridesmaid outfits.

“I was just heading to the reception,” he explained. “Figured you had pictures and shit.”

You nodded, wringing your hands. “Yeah. I just… wanted to say thank you.” You took a step closer to him. “For being there today. Lauren wasn’t too happy that she saw you making that face at me but…” You shrugged with a shy chuckle. “It helped.” Without another word, you threw your arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug. “You’re amazing,” you whispered before letting go. Your hands lingered on his arms as you looked up at him.

His hands froze on your waist as he looked down at you, every instinct in his head begging him to say something.

But not yet. Not now. Not right before you were supposed to be taking photos with your family. Because what if he was totally and completely wrong? The awkwardness on your face would be documented for all eternity.

Even worse, what if he was right? He’d finally admit his feelings, you’d admit yours, and then he’d have to let you go be all smiles next to fucking Jim. Fuck no. Once Roy told you how he felt, he didn’t want to spend even one second away from you.

“Roy?”

Your timid voice brought him out of his thoughts. “Go smile pretty for the camera,” he teased, kissing your forehead. “Just do your fucking best not to outshine the bride. Although-” His eyes trailed up and down your figure before returning to your face. “-that might be fucking impossible.”

The blush that appeared on your face made him feel almost proud. “I’ll do my best,” you laughed, giving his biceps a squeeze. “Photos shouldn’t take too long, so I should be back soon.”

“I’ll have a strong drink waiting for you,” Roy promised.

“And a dance?” You raised your eyebrows, knowing Roy was never much for dancing.

Roy shrugged and pressed another kiss to your forehead. “As many dances as you fucking want.”

[sanazyung]

royjamie the bachelor au walk with me… roy who is on the show bc his mates submitted him as a laugh and jamie who is Headlining as the first Bisexual Bachelor. jamie only has eyes for roy since day one meanwhile roy wants to die every time the camera is trained on him. every other contestant hates roy. jamie sends home anyone who tries to tell him that roy is a prick. roy is trying desperately not to fall in love with jamie so that no one on (inter)national television sees him be vulnerable. there’s a date in amsterdam. a date where they play football. a date where they go bowling an all the other contestants try to get jamie to “teach them how to bowl with his arms around them” while jamie only cares about fucking beating roy. its jazz. its motown. its the vibrator on the bedside table. its the fucking royjamie reality tv bachelor fanfic you never knew you needed…

THIS is the fic i am working on now. sneak peak below the cut🙈

***

Jamie suppressed a laugh as Roy frowned at the word mate. He used the little crease between Roy’s eyebrows as a distraction for the way his stomach twisted itself in knots at the thought of anyone else knowing what he had just told Roy. Maybe that meant that he had made his choice. Maybe he had always known.

Well. One step at a time.

Jamie reached over the table to grab the rose where it had been carefully paid by the production team. He twirled it around in his fingers trying to find the right words to say. All of them felt too insignificant for what had just transpired between them.

“You–” Jamie coughed awkwardly, and started again. “Thank you for listening to me tonight. I’m glad I told you. And I would be honored to meet your sister and niece, yeah? If you’ll have me. I want that. I’m serious about you, and I want to get to know everyone who is important to you. Because you’re important to me.”

You mean the world to me, was stuck in his throat. I’m falling in love with you. I think I might be there already, and that terrifies me.

“Jamie,” Roy said. Nothing more, but Jamie supposed he had known him long enough now to know exactly what he meant, even in that one word. It was Roy saying yes, saying you too to whatever Jamie had left unsaid between them. Jamie’s hands were shaking as he lifted the rose between them.

“Please take it,” Jamie whispered. “I don’t know what I would do if you didn’t.”

Roy grunted, and it meant of course I will you fucking prick. Jamie beamed, and leaned over to pin the rose to Roy’s lapel. It looked fucking mint on him—it always did.

“Kiss me,” Jamie breathed, his hand still lingering on Roy’s chest. “Roy—”

Roy didn’t hesitate. He pulled Jamie up in one fluid motion, depositing him down onto Roy’s lap while Jamie let out a breathless squeak. It quickly divulged into a moan Jamie probably should be worried about being heard on camera, but Roy was kissing him too thoroughly for him to care about anything other than Roy’s beard scratching against his skin. His hand came up to cup Jamie’s face, thumb brushing tenderly across his cheeks where Jamie was fairly certain there were still tears. The action made him pull away, emotion in his chest threatening to make it burst.

“Roy,” the word was punched out of him, like he didn’t have a choice, like all that mattered in the world was that one syllable. Like there weren’t four other contestants still waiting for him back at the resort, like there was nothing between them but–

“Alright, you two,” Keeley’s voice cut him off, as she stepped out from behind the camera. “We have more than enough footage for this date, and it really is getting late. Roy needs to head back to the hotel and you, Jamie, have a decision to make before tomorrow.”

[buckychristwrites]

About You | Day 9 | j.t.

Summary: Your job? Pop culture journalist for The Independent. Your assignment? To write a profile on the cocky footballer that you're publicly feuding with.

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Cussing. Enemies to lovers

A/N: A bit of a filler, but the next one will more than make up for it :)

Masterlist | About You Masterlist | Main Blog

The anxiety coursing through you was sending you in quite the downward spiral. 

“Keeley, I’m afraid to touch it.” 

“You’re gonna have to touch it to wear it, babes.”

You stood frozen in your bedroom, air pods in your ears and eyes plastered to the dress bag that was hanging off your closet door. It was almost as if you were afraid that if you moved, it would disappear into thin air.

“I still can’t believe Rebecca did this for me,” You said, shaking your head while continuing to stare. When the dress was delivered early this morning, you were so overwhelmed that you phoned Keeley in an effort to calm down. She was, as you predicted, all too willing to lend a listening ear and some calming words.

“Isn’t she wonderful?” She exclaimed. “I’m so glad that the two of you are becoming friendly.” 

“She still scares the shit out of me, but I’m coming around I think,” You told her. Which was true. You had to hype yourself up for almost ten minutes just to send her a thank you note, and you were relieved when she texted back a simple Of course darling. Keeley’s laugh echoed from the other side of the phone. Glancing at the time, you let out an exasperated sigh. 

“Shit, I’m gonna be late.” 

“Is Jamie walking with you today?” She asked as you quickly pulled your pyjama shorts down. You paused.

“He told you about that?”

This time, it was her who was quiet for a minute. 

“Yeah, he did.” Slowly, you started getting dressed again. You weren’t sure how to feel about Jamie talking about you to others. The urge to ask her what else he had said about you was so strong that you had to tell yourself not to do it. No, you would just let that thought eat at you for the rest of the day.

“Sorry, I gotta run,” Was what you opted to say instead. “If I don’t see you later today, I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

“Absolutely!” Keeley said excitedly. “Bye!” 

You hung up and rushed to get ready. By the time you were running out the door, you were a few minutes behind. The stairs down to the lobby of your building seemed to increase only when you were rushing. When you ran out, you ran face first into Jamie. 

“Woah, Speed Racer,” He exclaimed with a hint of a chuckle in his voice. His hands were on your shoulders as you gathered yourself. “Now who’s the menace to pedestrians?” You scoffed, shaking your head as you pulled the wrinkles out of your shirt.

“Still you, Tartt.” 

“Yet, you assaulted me today, and I was the pedestrian before you were, wasn’t I?” He picked up a carrier with two cups from the little plant ledge next to the front door. He must’ve been waiting and decided to set them down. You were thankful. The feeling of knocking those drinks all over the ground, or worse, all over Jamie, would’ve made you feel just awful. He handed you a cup before turning and starting the walk. Sighing in relief, you took a sip and followed him.

“How’s your face doin’?” He asked you casually. You shrugged.

“I bought bruise cream and I’ve been using it, but I’m not sure if it’s helping or not.” You thought for a second before scrunching your nose. “It’s only pretty painful to rub in.” He looked closely at you, bringing his face only centimetres from yours.

“You still got the makeup on, so can’t tell,” He remarked. You rolled your eyes at him.

“That’s the point, silly.”

The two of you walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes. You watched the cars drive by and lost yourself in thought. You’d never been to a gala before. What did one entail? Obviously drinking, and dancing. Did the press have a designated area? Or were you allowed to mingle with the guests? You hadn’t thought to ask these questions when you were given the pass, too excited to even think straight. 

“Have you ever been to a gala?” You asked Jamie as you stepped into the street to cross. He let out a deep, exasperated sigh as his gaze dropped to the pavement.

“Too many of them,” He said, shaking his head. “If this wasn’t for me own club, I probably wouldn’t go.” A minute passed, and a thought seemed to cross his mind, because he quickly added, “Actually, I’m only goin’ because Keeley would kill me if I didn’t.” 

“Do the press get to roam around?” You asked. “Or is there a designated area we have to stay in?” He hummed in thought.

“I’ve seen it both ways,” He explained. “Sometimes the press stays outside, but Keeley mentioned that they want a lot of publicity, so the journalists are allowed inside.” You nodded enthusiastically.

“I didn’t think to ask questions when I got the pass.” A beat passed, and you sighed. “I don’t know why but I’m so nervous,” You admitted. 

He shook his head before saying, “No need to be nervous. Not like you’ll be treated like any other journalist. Not with us all bein’ mates and all that.” You did take some comfort in that. Taking another sip of his coffee, he hummed again, this time in a way that suggested he had just remembered something important. “Did ya try on your dress yet?” You feverishly shook your head.

“I’m terrified to do it.” Jamie’s eyebrows knitted together.

“Why?”

“What if it doesn’t fit? Or what if I look horrendous in it?” At this, he actually laughed.

“You won’t look horrendous in it,” He assured you. You eyed him.

“Why’s that?”

His cheeks turned bright pink.  

“The team picked that dress as a group,” He reminded you. “We wouldn’t have picked a dress that would make you look bad, would we?” 

He was only half right. The team did help pick, but when it came down to it, there was only one opinion you really took into consideration. Of course, he didn't know that his thoughts held more weight than the others. Not because you had voiced it out loud, at least.

“What are you wearing?” You asked him.

He shrugged before saying, “Just a suit, nothin’ fancy.” 

You imagined him in a suit, holding his tie at mid abdomen with both hands as he posed for the paparazzi. For some reason, he was wearing sunglasses in this daydream. You prayed that he wouldn’t do that, but who was to say?

“Hopefully the weather will be nice for the walk,” You remarked casually. Jamie’s head snapped in your direction.

“Walk?” He asked. “You can’t fuckin’ walk to the Gala.” Your face scrunched up.

“Why not?” You were so caught up in the conversation that you almost stepped out into traffic, but Jamie grabbed your shirt and stopped you before your foot could even hit the street.

“You’ll be all sweaty, then no one will wanna talk to ya,” He said. “Besides, walkin’ around in that dress?” He scoffed, shaking his head. “You’ll get snatched up.” You laughed as the signal changed to cross.

“Snatched up by who?”

“Whackos who’ll sell ya body for sex or somethin’.” He continued to think. “An ax murderer, maybe. Or just a fuckin’ weirdo who see’s a pretty lady on the street and decides to have a go. London ain’t known for its saints, let me tell ya.” You stared at him in shock.

“Don’t manifest that energy on me!” Laughing, he shook his head before lifting his hands with palms down, as if he was about to tell you a brilliant idea.

“Let me pick you up.”

Your eyebrows flew upward. That was the last thing you expected him to say. You figured he would bully you into getting an Uber. If you were nervous before, you couldn’t describe what it was you felt now.

“You don’t have to do that-”

“We’ve been over this,” He told you. “I don’t have to do anythin’. I offered ‘cos I want to.”

You considered this. It certainly would be nice to not have to walk, and driving was never something you had even thought about. The traffic would be so horrific, you knew that it would be better to either get a ride or walk. 

But riding in with Jamie. Of course, every fibre of your being was screaming to say yes. But how would it look to everyone else if you were seen getting out of his car? The rumour mill would start rolling long before you were able to stop it. Not to mention the paparazzi that would snap pictures of the two of you. If anyone at your work caught wind of it, or worse, your boss, you would be done for, career wise. 

However.

Oh how nice it sounded, to be picked up by Jamie. To have him hold a hand out for you to help you out of the car. To lead you inside with his hand on the small of your back. For everyone to watch as the two of you walked by, arm in arm. To walk over to the-

No!

It was just a daydream. It wouldn’t be like that at all. It would be like Jamie allowing you to ride with him to the Gala, where you would arrive together, then part ways for you to do the journalist thing and he’d go to do the world renowned footballer thing. You would be talking to people because it’s your job to get interviews. He would be talking to people because the people would be dying to talk to him. Things would be the same as always except everyone in the world would be asking who the hell is the rather ordinary girl arriving with the rather extraordinary Jamie Tartt. The fact that you were even allowing yourself to consider it going any other way left you slightly embarrassed. 

“I won’t walk,” You told him in a small voice. “But I think I’ll just drive myself, I think.” The disappointment that you felt at saying that was overwhelming.

For a brief moment, he allowed himself to look downstriken, which almost as quickly turned into satisfaction. 

“As long as you’re not walkin’.”

The arrival to the changing room was uneventful. When you went to your usual spot against the wall, you pulled out your phone instead of the notepad. Things were far enough along that you didn’t feel the need to take notes as often, so you started using this time to sift through what you had and to work on the profile itself. 

“Is everyone decent?” A familiar voice called out, and in walked Keeley Jones. When she removed her hand from over her eyes, she sighed. “A girl can’t get lucky just one time?” They all laughed at her joke as she approached Roy and plopped a kiss to his cheek.

“Just here to give you all a quick reminder of the Gala tomorrow that you are required to attend, thank you,” She announced, shooting a glare at everyone. “It’s black tie with the red carpet starting at 5, and the whole thing going until about 11 or midnight.” She gave a sweet smile. “Everyone is expected to be on their best behaviour and to get as much money as we can for homeless youth, yeah?” 

Everyone cheered, pumping fists into the air and whistling. With Roy’s arm around her shoulders, Keeley followed the coaches into their office.

“Man, I hate talkin’ to people. Especially the media,” Jamie muttered as he tied his shoes.

“Really?” You asked him. “You always do so well with interviews.” He shook his head.

“Everythin’ ya say gets all twisted up, just rather avoid it,” He said. A beat passed before he looked back at you. “Not you, of course. You’re the only journalist I like.”

You replied with your widest smile.

The day went as expected. You took pictures of the players as they practised, trying to get as many as possible so you had a lot to choose from. With the fact that you’re not a professional photographer in mind, it was hard to discern what shot would be good and what would not, but all things considered, you thought you had been doing a pretty decent job.

Jamie walked you home, as normal, and the two of you talked about minute things along the way. You continued your game of asking him very simple questions, and he enthusiastically answered them before asking for your responses as well. 

“What’s your favourite colour?”

“Would you go back to college, if given the chance? Or are you normal and enjoy being an adult?”

“What is the most awkward situation you’ve ever found yourself in?”

By the time the building where you lived was in front of you, it felt like the time had gone too quickly, and you wished you had some sort of excuse to invite Jamie inside. He lingered as well, looking around at the trees. 

“I guess I’ll see you at the Gala, then,” He said finally. You nodded, folding your hands in front of you.

“See you then,” You said, giving him a smile and a wave before heading inside. When you happened to turn once more before going up the stairs, you noticed he was still there. Was he closer to the door than you had left him? It seemed like he had taken a few steps forward, but maybe you were imagining things. 

He gave you a wave before turning and disappearing out of sight. You stared out the window at the empty sidewalk for a moment too long before making your way up the stairs towards your flat. 

Upon entry, you mindlessly found your way to the bedroom and resumed your activity of the morning, which was to stare at the dress bag in continued fear and surprise. 

You won’t look horrendous in it.

Jamie’s words echoed through your mind over and over as you stared. You knew you needed to try it on before getting ready the next day. It was the only way you’d wear it. If you waited, you knew yourself well enough to know that you would chicken out of wearing it all together.

Before you could really process what you were doing, you pulled out your phone and went to Jamie’s name. Your thumb hit down on his number to phone him. He answered on the first ring, greeting you by saying your name in a confused voice. From the sound of the wind and a car horn in the background, it was clear he wasn’t even close to being home yet.

“I need you to tell me that I won’t look bad.”

“What?” 

You walked over to the dress bag, slowly unzipping it and staring at the beautiful black fabric that hung off the hanger.

“I just…” You sighed. “I’m going to try it on. I need you to tell me I won’t look terrible in it.”

There wasn’t any hesitation.

“You won’t look bad in it.” His voice was so tender. You put him on speaker before setting the phone on your bed and stripping off your clothes from the day. You pulled at your fingers anxiously.

“What if I do look awful?” You asked him in a whisper. You were fighting every urge in the world to cry, but you were desperately trying to hide that fact from him. “What if I put it on and I look absolutely awful?”

You thought you heard him snort, and you could imagine him shaking his head with the phone to his ear. With nervous hands, you reached for the dress and pulled it down off the door.

“You…” He paused briefly, spiking your anxiety all the higher. “You could never look awful. In anythin’ you wear. Ever.” You froze, staring at the phone on your bed as his words spun around your mind at a million miles a second. The temptation to question the intent behind what he had said killed you, but you said nothing. He was just telling you exactly what you asked to hear, anyway. 

You slipped the dress over your head carefully and pulled it down over your head. When you looked over at the phone, the call was still on, with Jamie patiently waiting on the other side of the line. From what you could tell, it fit rather nicely. You pulled the dress down to rid yourself of all wrinkles and took a deep breath before turning to the mirror to have a look.

A gasp left your mouth.

“That good, yeah?” Jamie’s voice came from behind you.

It fit you just perfectly, hugging your body in all of the right ways. The slit in the skirt made it look classy and scandalous all at the same time. For a few seconds, you kept popping your knee in and out of it with a goofy grin on your face. You couldn’t stop staring at your reflection, turning around to see yourself at every angle, and posing in a few different ways.

You couldn’t remember the last time you felt this beautiful. This comfortable in your body, in a piece of clothing. It made you feel so much bigger than you were. So alive. You wanted to wake in the morning and fall asleep every night and spend every moment in between in this dress and this dress only.

“It’s stunning, Jamie,” You said, quiet while still loud enough that your phone could catch your words. “I look stunning.” It felt so wrong to say, but it was the truth.

“See, I told ya,” He said. “You gonna send a photo?” You shook your head almost immediately.

“Nope. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow like everyone else.” He sighed sharply.

“Fine,” He said in playful defeat. You pulled the dress off from over your head again before carefully placing it back on the hanger and hanging it back over the closet door. Sitting back on your bed, you took the phone off speaker and brought it to your ear again. Your heart was overflowing, with love for yourself and love in general. A long time passed before you spoke, but Jamie was still there, waiting patiently. From the sound of the quiet on his end, you assumed he had arrived home.

“Thank you, Jamie.”

His voice was soft. “Anytime, love.”

[thetarttfuldickhead]

If When Jamie is named England’s captain a few years from now and he’s asked about inspirational figures and captain role models, he will not stop singing Isaac’s praises. Just, the way Isaac runs a tight ship and won’t tolerate any nonsense but always has their backs and makes sure there’s a lot of fun, too, silly stuff that keeps the team close and happy and mutually supportive; keeps them feeling like family, almost. It’s Ted’s heritage, the seeds Ted planted, but Isaac’s nurtured and sustained them, tended to the garden and kept it in bloom, and added some vibrant saplings of his own.

Jamie probably names a couple of other people too, whoever was in charge when he played for Man City, someone from his academy days or England’s under-21s, people like that.

He doesn’t mention Roy. And no one asks about it, and no one thinks anything of it—

—except for Roy, who watches the interview with Keeley curled up against his side on their couch and who notices the omission with a wild jumble of hurt and wounded pride and shame and jealousy (all mixed up with the shocking, burning pride he feels for Jamie, England’s captain, fucking hell).

Because Roy knows he wasn’t a great captain for Richmond, yeah, and was a horrible captain for Jamie (though to be fair, Jamie was a horrible person to captain, and Isaac isn’t likely to have been able to handle him at full-on prick either, only Roy’s not fantastic at being fair to himself, so), but he’s still Roy fucking Kent, the best on any team he’s ever been on and Jamie’s fucking childhood idol and his fucking everything now, so to have the little prick not even mention him…

He sulks. He tries not to, because he knows it’s silly and it’s Jamie’s big day, isn’t it, and Roy’s not going to ruin it by having A Feeling, but the feeling(s) persist and he walks through the afternoon with his scowl several shades darker than normally.

“What’s the matter, babe?” Keeley asks, and Roy’s long since given up trying to bullshit her so he spills. Keeley nods and listens and gives him a hug and a kiss and tells him that yeah, you’re gonna need to let that go or actually talk to Jamie about it, because she has long since taken a stand on not sorting their shit out for them.

And she has a thing with Rebecca that afternoon (only it’s the first Roy’s ever heard of it, so he can’t help but wonder if she had a thing with Rebecca prior to Roy’s confession), so when Jamie gets home, bouncing through the door like a puppy on speed, it’s just Roy there to greet him and tell him how amazing he is and yes, of course Roy watched the announcement, your hair looked fucking fine, yes, Keeley saw it too, no, don’t worry, she’s just out for coffee, she’ll be back for dinner and let you know how very impressed she is, and it’d be easy to just let it lie, put the lingering regret away and bask in Jamie’s joy, but they’d said they’d try not do that anymore, not cover stuff up when there’s the chance they might fester, so when Jamie furrows his brow and cocks his head to the side and asks if he’s okay, Roy takes a deep breath:

“It fucking hurt my feeling when you didn’t mention me, when they asked about captains that have inspired you,” he says, and then adds before Jamie can reply, “I know why you didn’t and that’s… that’s fucking fair, innit, but. It also made me wish that I’d been. Better. A better captain. For you.”

“Yeah,” Jamie says after a long, silent moment. He’s wearing that slightly blank look he adopts whenever someone’s caught him by surprise and he’s trying to figure out how to react. “Um. Sometimes I wish I’d been less of a prick, too, you know.”

Roy nods. He knows. And it’s not absolution, and it neither erases or rewrites any of their past mistakes, but it eases the ache in Roy’s chest all the same.

“We’re better now,” he offers, to Jamie, to himself.

“Yeah,” Jamie agrees with a small sigh. He grabs hold of Roy’s hand, tugging him along as he sits down on the couch, and then he curls up against Roy’s side, same as Keeley did just hours ago. “You’re a great fucking coach, though” he tells Roy seriously. “Me favourite, swear down.”

Roy snorts a laugh as he puts an arm around Jamie. “Better fucking be, considering how many blowjobs I’ve given you this week alone.”

“Mm, fucking mint, those,” Jamie agrees thoughtfully, then jabs a finger in Roy’s side. “Oi, this is the part where you tell me I’m your favourite player.”

And oh. That’s perfect, innit. “You’re not my favourite player,” Roy says, carefully not looking at Jamie.

The noise Jamie makes are equal parts disbelieving and outraged. “Um, excuse me, mate?”

“You’re not,” Roy insists, feeling a smile tug at his lips as he innocently adds, “It’s probably Isaac.”

And Jamie huffs a laugh against his neck. And Jamie says you’re an arsehole. And Jamie says you’re me favourite arsehole, though.

You’re me favourite everything, man.

And Roy holds him tight and breathes him in and, for the moment, believes him.

[youwillfindilluminating]

Roy x Jamie x Keeley & Roy x Jamie fic recs - Part 2

Part 1 is here

Part 3 is here

These recs cover the fics I’ve read from about 4/22/23 - 6/17/23, but some of them were written earlier.

-

Roy x Jamie x Keeley:

be your teenage dream tonight - liesmyth - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Probably my favorite 3x11 OT3 fic!  6k. It’s just the right amount of hot and sweet. Mainly set in the hotel room after they were at Jamie’s old house. Includes lots of poster talk, which is my fav. Includes Keeley suggesting Roy come on Jamie’s face. 👌👌👌

“Reality living up to the wet dreams?”

“You can take the piss all you want, it won’t work,” says Jamie, who has no fucking shame. He sounds so immensely proud of himself that Roy doesn’t know if he wants to suck his dick or smother him with a pillow.

.

because your right foot was kissed by god - jedusaur - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Another amazing 3x11 fic! 3k.

Their first time starts with some light D/s (Roy smacking Jamie’s ass and telling him to get Keeley another drink), and flows into body worship of Roy, which Roy is uncomfortable with and has to work through his feelings in his head about it. Includes the following fantastic lines:

"Roy is extremely tempted to grab him by the fucking walnut mist and fuck his throat, but he resists the urge."

-

"You know, I almost got away from men entirely," she says wistfully. "Now somehow I've ended up with two of you dipsticks on my hands."

-

"You and Keeley are more than anything to me. Why are you not listening?"

.

Tongue Tie - MoreThanSlightly (cadignan) - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Another fantastic 3x11 fic. 3k. It makes sense that the thing that would ease them into an OT3 is a competition (over who eats out better).

Champagne in the physio room is a good idea until the first bottle’s nearly empty and Jamie leans forward and says, “Tell the truth now, Keeley. Does he eat you out as good as I did?”

.

soft things - inlovewithnight - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

Just as the title says - SOFT and precious. They’re moving Jamie into his new house that’s connected to Roy and Keeley’s via the garden, and they find his old teddy bear in the closet. 1k.

An uncertain look flickers across Jamie’s face. “I can bring him to the new house, right?”

“Of course you can. It’s your fucking house.”

“And if I wanted to bring him round to Keeley’s… the main house?” Figuring out what to call what is a complete fucking mess, and if Roy had his way they would’ve just bought an entirely new house and started from scratch, but it’s important to hold up the illusion of things until either Jamie retires or the world suddenly gets very cool about polyamory.

.

our love keeps the things it finds - Chapter 1 - shampoobaby - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

This is gorgeous. I sometimes skip feminization stuff, but this was just the right amount for me. Roy calls Jamie “princess” and it’s sort of the catalyst for the OT3 (but mainly Roy and Jamie) working through some gender-light stuff. (I’m doing a bad job of describing it). Ends on a lovely Greek vacation for all of them.  I loved the bit with always-cold Jamie and him not wanting Roy to “baby” him at practice by asking him to wear a coat. 20k.

 .

if you could redirect my day - lady_ragnell - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

This is SO GOOD. 11k. I’m assuming this is one of the OG OT3 fics out there. Written for Yuletide in 2021. Keeley kind of sends Jamie to Marbella to keep Roy company. The author really nails the characterizations, it’s incredible. Two of my favorite quotes that I pulled:

The first thing Roy thinks about is the way Keeley always smiles a little when Jamie says her name the way he does.

-

“That man has wanted you to tell him he’s good or that he’s a brat or both in a really dirty kind of way since before he even met you. He just doesn’t handle things well.”

.

en déshabillé - inlovewithnight - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

13k. A fluffy OT3 fic where Jamie gets into lingerie (with Keeley). They all take a trip to Paris and it’s all very lovely! There’s a good bit in the middle where Roy asks Jamie if it’s a gender thing and Jamie tells Keeley he just likes pretty things. The ending scene is based off Carey Price using his wife’s underwear as a pocket square. 👀

.

wishing, wanting, yours for the taking - inlovewithnight - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

Listen, if there’s some well-written Consensual Non-Consent out there, I’m gonna find it and rec it. This one is particularly delightful because the nature of it is kind of theatrical and jokey, as they’re playing parts in a sort of historical scene (the only way Roy was comfortable doing it).  Jamie gets what he wants, they all have fun, there are plenty of check-ins and lots of aftercare and everyone is happy. 4k.

Keeley can't believe she's the only one willing to commit to the concept here. After all the negotiating and discussing and research and Roy's PowerPoint presentation, the two men she is, for some reason, in love with can't be bothered to dress for the theme?

.

Follow the Hearts and You Can't Go Wrong - inlovewithnight - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

3k. An OT3 future fic that centers around Jamie’s retirement. Roy and Keeley go up to Scotland for one of his matches. I love future fics and they are hard to come across sometimes.

 -

Roy x Jamie:

Once More, with Feeling - liesmyth - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

8k. An Amsterdam anniversary fic. Roy’s the new manager, the team is doing amazing and Jamie scores 3 goals and takes Roy out after. They go cycling and Jamie stops him and asks what Roy would do if he kissed him. There’s also a part where he’s telling Roy random facts and he tells him one about Roy as a young player, and it’s precious. I love Jamie’s characterization here, he’s such a happy sunshine boy!

“Yes, yes, you were fucking gorgeous out there, but I meant now. The post-match.”

Jamie’s bike falters, a bit, the front wheel swerving in the mud. He gets it back under control and raises his eyebrows in Roy’s direction. “Fucking gorgeous, am I?”

“What, you angling for compliments?”

“From you? Yeah.”

[…]

“When we do something together, that’s always the best part of my day, you know that? I wake up in the morning and I’m fucking excited to do sprint intervals just ‘cos we’ll get to talk about it later. When I get good news I can’t wait to tell you. It’s just, I’m proper fucking gone on you.”

.

The Secret Language of Bum-Smacks - jedusaur - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

3k. Another amazing kinky fic by jedusaur! Butt pats turn into something more. Praise kink, spanking, etc.

"Just realised the gaffer don't pat me bum, like, ever. Pep did it all the time."

Roy shrugs. "Americans. They think it's fucking sexual harassment or some shit."

Jamie makes a face like what the fuck. "It's nice, though," he says. "Like a little 'good lad' without having to speak, y'know? I like it." He takes a swig of water and bounces on the balls of his feet, awaiting further instructions.

.

nobody's ever crashed this hard before - silverhelme - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

5k. A very sweet, well written Amsterdam fic!  They talk about their feelings at a café. Very in-character and the dialog is so good. Jamie bats his eyes at Roy and there’s a callback to the “ugly boy” scene.

.

Chip Shot - baffledbear - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

13k. This is phenomenal! This basically covers from the beginning of the show, from Roy’s perspective. Keeley mentions how fun it always was that Jamie liked being told what to do. Roy and Jamie start training together. It rains – they go back to Jamie’s. Things happen! The smut is SO well written in this. Roy is very in character, but he’s also sweet. Lots of mentions of how he’s falling for Jamie, etc.

.

i know how you learn best, tartt - leaveanote - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

“Jamie’s never sucked dick before.” AKA BJs with feelings. It’s pretty rare to see fics where Roy is Jamie’s first time with a guy, and this one does a nice job with it.

.

the pull of you - soofyahn - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

8k. Uncle’s Day get-together. The second half is very sweet and fluffy (and hot).

.

take my hand (take my whole life too) - LikeAMovieIOnceSaw - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]  

2.5k. Jamie gifts Roy his dirty jersey from the England game and asks if he can suck his dick. D/s elements, a bit of praise kink, subspace, Jamie coming in his pants. All things that are good!

.

heaven-sent is the way you say you're proud of me (i'm unconditionally loved) - holographiccs - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

2k. Roy helps Jamie understand that being soft is a good thing. I am such a sucker for emotional h/c around Jamie’s daddy issues.

“You soft thing, you,” Roy chokes out around the lump in his throat. Doesn’t even think about the word until he clocks the way Jamie freezes. The way every muscle in his back seems to tense up at once.”

.

Something's Gotta Give - pepperlandgirl4 - Ted Lasso (TV) [Archive of Our Own]

3k. Season 1 AU where they’re assigned to be road roomies for a night. Roy hates him and Jamie loves teasing him. This is sexy! I want more S1 AUs where they have a ton of sexual tension and Jamie is basically openly horned up for Roy. There are two sequels as well that are worth a read!

“I knew you could be nice,” Jamie murmured.

“I’m not fucking nice.”

“Knew you liked me.”

“I fucking hate you.”

“Hmm, and you think I have a pretty face.”

[blue-bujo]

Bowled Over (Roy Kent x Reader): Chapter Five

You work at a bowling alley and a young girl named Phoebe has a birthday party there. You catch her uncle's eye.

Roy Kent x female reader

Will try to update roughly every two weeks

Chapter Five: First Date

(2k words)

Warnings: Roy Kent-level language (you know what you're in for), discussion of sexual expectation

Summary: The long-awaited date night arrives, and you and Roy both consider the self-doubt that comes from having been alone and the hope of being alone no more.

Roy had waited four very long days for his date with Splits. He had restrained himself from texting too much with her, although he was still texting a few times a day, just to ask a few introductory-type questions, and to set the actual plan for the actual date. He hadn’t called, or shown up again at the fucking bowling alley, despite how much he’d wanted to, because he didn’t want to scare her off. And he didn’t think he’d let on how excited he was for the date in their short texted conversations. He had established himself as a proper dweeb by saying he’d meet her after work – like some idiot who worked in an office park or some shit – but Roy felt that was his only mistake so far.

He was so nervous to do things right. He’d thought he had with Keeley – fuck, he’d thought she was the one – but he obviously hadn’t. Or worse, he had managed it, but he still hadn’t been enough. He wanted to be enough for someone, so fucking badly. He got to the restaurant almost an hour early and sat in his car listening to an old pump-up playlist; he was that intent on doing things right.

When it was fifteen minutes until the agreed-upon date time, Roy summoned his nerve, got out of the car, and stood by the door of the restaurant to wait for Splits. People looked at him as they walked past, double-taking at seeing the manager just standing there. At five minutes until date time, he started getting nervous. He should have offered to pick her up, but he hadn’t wanted to creep her out by asking for an address. Why hadn’t he offered? Why was he such an idiot??

But then, at three minutes until date time, she was there, walking around the corner. She had taken “casual” literally, thank fuck, and opted for a green jumper and plain tan pants with black boots, but she was a vision. No extravagant hair or makeup, no dress that he wouldn’t be able to touch without breaking. She was the first non-celebrity he’d ever asked out, but she looked better than any of them. She looked like a real person.

Roy knew, right then and there. He was in trouble.

Splits smiled and waved when she saw him, and Roy smiled back. She seemed genuinely happy to see him, he noted with satisfaction.

“Hi, Roy,” she greeted shyly as she walked closer.

He nodded, smiling nervously. How was a man supposed to act on a first date with a normal girl he actually liked? Why hadn’t he thought to look it up beforehand? Why did he even care? He just had to be natural. What thoughts were coming naturally?

“You look really fucking nice,” he said. His body was moving of its own accord; he only realized a split second before it happened that he was going in for a hug. She leaned into it, thankfully.

“Thank you. I didn’t know where we were going, so I didn’t want to overdress. Which restaurant are we going to?”

“It’s perfect. I really like it,” said Roy in reference to the sweater. Then he took a few steps, grabbed a door, and opened it for her. “I’m bringing you to my favorite fucking place. Do you like kebabs?”

“I love kebabs.”

“Good. Hus makes the best kebabs.”

Allowing her to go in first before following, Roy grinned a brief grin to himself. He then got his face back under control and led Splits to his usual booth and sat down. She took a moment removing her purse and then sat across, which confused him a little bit, until he realized she had done it to give him her full, uninterrupted eye contact.

She had fucking warm, kind eyes. Roy felt himself getting lost in those eyes through the course of the date, and was vaguely aware of how much he was smiling, even laughing.

Yep. He was very much in trouble.

Fuck.

Roy Kent wasn’t what you’d expected.

He went for the hug, for instance. You found yourself enveloped in the smell of his cologne and the embarrassed warmth of his embrace. He was nothing but respectful, and gave you his full attention as you got to know each other. You kept catching him blinking intensely, like he was forgetting to take his eyes away from you.

The man was funny, too. You kept finding yourself laughing as he talked. He was so blunt. And that laugh! You didn’t know if it was because he was trying not to laugh, or if it was just naturally like that, but he laughed like the Ernie character on Sesame Street. You told him so without meaning to, and got a smile out of him for it.

“That’s a great compliment,” he announced. “I fucking love the Muppets.”

You giggled. “That surprises me!”

“Why? The Muppets are the peak of humor. Nothing is as funny for kids and adults at the same time. Do you know how many shit children’s programs I had to watch when Phoebe was younger? Sesame Street and the Muppets were the only ones that didn’t make me want to claw my fucking eyes out.”

“I’ll have to remember that,” you teased. The shop owner came to the table with the bill before you could say more, and you automatically reached for your bag. It was a move made out of habit, but Roy saw it and held out a hand for the check while shooting you a glare.

“The fuck are you doing? What kind of man would I be if I let you pay for your food? You’re my fucking date, and I’m paying for you.”

“Sorry,” you mumbled. “I didn’t mean anything by it. I’ve just been on my own for a while.”

When you looked up at Roy, his jaw was clenched.

“Don’t apologize. That was a prick move, and I’m sorry. I just… I’m enjoying myself tonight, and I hope you are, too. I don’t want you to feel like I’m expecting anything out of you.”

That was more encouraging than anything else he could have possibly said. You hadn’t gone out with someone in a long time, partly because of how much modern men seemed to expect out of women on first dates. Your last first date, nearly two years ago, had expected you to carry the conversation and allow all of his advances. He’d said he hadn’t wanted anything from you, but his conduct had said otherwise. When he’d tried to worm his way into your apartment for a hookup at the end of the night, you’d seen your way behind your locked door and blocked his number. Roy’s behavior up to now was backing up his claim that he didn’t expect anything out of you, and you felt very safe around him.

He was signing the check and putting his credit card away, looking anywhere but at you, and you realized you hadn’t responded to his incredibly sweet statement. You could see the muscles in his jaw working, his eyebrows creeping together.

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

His eyes snapped up to meet yours. “For?” It seemed he’d been stuck in his head, too.

Shrugging, you replied, “For dinner, and not expecting anything, and for being so kind. I’d sort of given up on dates because a lot of men aren’t. Kind, I mean.”

Roy grunted. “A lot of men are pricks. I should know, I coach a bunch of them. Shit, I used to be one. It’s taken me a long fucking time to start to change, and it’s sucked most of the way.”

“Well, thank you for doing that work on yourself,” you murmured. “I’ve had a great night.”

“Yeah, me too,” he said, treating you to another small, close-lipped smile. Then he slid out of the booth and motioned for you to follow him. “But we’re not done yet, if you’re okay with that?”

You could hide your excitement at you jumped out to follow him out of the restaurant through the door he held for you. “What did you have in mind?”

“Nothing fancy. A walk in the park, maybe?”

“That sounds great. Is there a park nearby?”

“No, we’ll have to drive. Are there any by you?”

There was, about two blocks from your flat. You told Roy as he opened the passenger door of his G Wagon for you, and was familiar with the area. You laughed as he cursed out the poppy music that blasted out of the stereo when he turned the key, teasing him for creating a pump-up mix and listening to it before a date. He surprisingly didn’t rebut you and admitted it was dorky.

You were very quickly at the park, and did a few slow laps of it together. Roy kept a respectful distance from you and kept his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket, although you did notice that he kept putting himself between you and anybody else in the park. He asked questions with the intention of listening and learning more about you, and made you feel like the center of attention. When you tried to do the same to hm, he somehow steered it back to you with minimal effort.

When it started getting dark, you navigated toward the park exit, back to his car. He was quiet once more, obviously thinking. You hoped it wasn’t about how bad the date had gone compared to one with, say, a supermodel. You were happy with how things had gone, but your benchmark was pretty low.

“It’s getting dark, Roy. We should probably think about wrapping up.”

He nodded with a grunt. “I suppose. You said you lived close?”

Pointing at an older block of flats in the distance, you replied, “That’s me over there.”

“Hmm. That’s fucking close. Walk you home?”

Your heart soared as he fell into step next to you. He wanted to walk you home! It was a quiet walk, but it was a nice one with this handsome man at your side. You reached your building all too soon.

“This is me,” you said, unsure of what to say further. “This was fun.”

“It was,” agreed Roy.

Smiling, you quickly went to fish your keys out of your purse. As you did, you had a brief argument with yourself. You like Roy. You really liked Roy. But you didn’t know how ready you were for him. The polite thing to do would be to invite him in, but was that too much too soon? You weren’t that kind of girl. But it would be rude not to. How would he react, either way?

Only one way to find out.

“Would you like to come up?”

To his very great credit, Roy looked surprised. Then he thought about it, bouncing his head back and forth for a second before shaking it.

“No,” he answered. “I’m fucking flattered, but I want to do this right.”

A small part of you was relieved. “Okay, then. Well, thank you for a lovely evening. I had a really, really nice time with you.”

Roy nodded. “I did, too.”

You went to unlock entrance to your building, when Roy Kent closed the distance between you. He had the softest expression on his face, his hands still in his pockets.

“Can I kiss you?” he breathed.

Breathless yourself, and unable to speak due to how heavily your heart was beating in your neck, you could only nod. Roy leaned down and tilted his head to place a chaste kiss on, surprisingly, your cheek. Then he straightened and took two steps backwards. He looked up at the sky, and you could see him flashing that dazzling smile once again, just for a second, before he looked back at you.

“Good night,” he said.

“Good night,” you echoed.

With one last grin, he turned around and started the walk back to his car. You went upstairs to your humble little flat feeling as though you were flying.

Tag list: @preciousbabypeter @harry-bowie-mercury @amieinghigh

[abubblingcandle]

Words: brace, tired, hotel and/or kitchen

Thank you love!!! These asks have been amazing in keeping me motivated and keeping my queue full :)

Brace - from Ch17 of The Richmond Job

“How you doing there Sully?” Ted’s voice took over from Beard as Jamie was in the zone. This was, god Jamie had never felt so alive. He had a bedsheet as a projector background, his laptop running a flight simulator through the Jet2 plane systems and a PS5 controller in hand … and he was flying a plane. He was going to land a fucking plane using computers. Well landing might be a strong word for it but it was going to end up on the ground in one piece. And he did that. Jamie fucking Tartt was going to save this flight and his team. No one would ever know but he would know. He would always know. Never make anything of himself, that was what his dad always said. “You’re made for this kid. Nothing more than a blunt instrument for others to use.” Well fuck that. Jamie Tartt was a fucking pilot. “You might want to brace for impact Ted. You’re coming in hot,” Jamie warned, glad that no one else could see the manic grin on his face.

Tired - Augusnippets Day 18 (It Worked Too Well)

“Jamie? What’s going on?” Keeley was immediately there, squatting down at Jamie’s bedside with a comforting hand on his hip rubbing little circles. Which was exactly what he knew was going to happen, and exactly what he didn’t want to happen. “Just tired,” Jamie groaned, throwing one hand over his eyes so he didn’t have to look at Keeley’s disappointed expression. “Can I go home?” “We need to wait for the doctors. So we can have this conversation now. Why the fuck were none of us called?” Roy growled. “Roy,” Keeley scolded, but Jamie could tell her heart wasn’t in it and she wanted to know as well. “I’m fine it’s just some bruising,” Jamie muttered. No one listened. He knew no one would listen.

Hotel - from Ch6 of A Treatment Room Doors Moment

“I should try and get a hotel,” Roy sighed when the plinky plonky end credits music started to play in the season finale. It was the middle of the night and Jamie had training the next morning. “Fuck that,” Jamie huffed, stretching like a cat in a sunbeam as he untangled himself from the blanket and pillow pile. “It’s late, we’re both pissed. I’ve got like three spare rooms. Just stay here,” Jamie rolled his eyes. “I shouldn’t,” Roy shook his head, rolling to his feet and groaning as his knee spasmed. “Why? Why shouldn’t you? Do you like murder people in your sleep or something because if that is the case lad then I think you should talk to someone about that,” Jamie scoffed crinkling his nose. “Shut up,” Roy growled, “I shouldn’t put you out.” He hadn’t warned Jamie. He hadn’t thought about anything apart from making sure the lad wasn’t going to do anything stupid. It felt wrong to stay. “I have cleaners,” Jamie shrugged. “Come on Roy. I’ll even let you buy me breakfast?”

Kitchen - from Ch2 of God Forbid You Leave Me

“How can I help?” Jamie was lingering nervously in the doorway to the kitchen. Sir Arthur was weaving in and out of Jamie’s legs only pausing whenever Jamie’s hand crept down and scratched at his ruff. Guess it wasn’t only the adult Higgins’ who had adopted their new lodger. “Oh there’s no need Jamie. I’ve got it all under control here,” Higgins smiled, tapping the wooden spoon on the side of the pan where the mince was cooking. “Oh,” Jamie muttered, his shoulders slumping and hand migrating back to patting the dog. Higgins stopped and turned to properly take Jamie in. He was tired, clearly. His hair was mess where it had been vaguely patted down after his sleep and he was still curled in on himself. He must want to just rest yet he was stood in the doorway offering. Higgins wanted to make it clear that Jamie didn’t need to be useful to stay here. But maybe today Jamie just needed to be useful. “But more hands are always better. Or instead you could help entertain the boys instead, it would be a great help to keep them out from underfoot?” Higgins suggested.

[sunwarmed-ash]

Angst Prompts: Roy/Jamie

Prompt by @novelbear *Their full list here*

when you want to introduce them to someone but you have that slight hesitation before saying "they're a friend."

"you called me your friend." "was i not supposed to say that?" "you really think i'm just your friend? after these last few weeks?"

A/N: usually I write flirty, sexy, happy RoyJamie but I feel like shit so you're getting sad prompts today. (Ficlet under cut)

“This is Jamie, my …friend.”

Friend, friend. It feels like a slap in the face, because it is. Because Jamie is not going back in the closet for anyone. 

Not for Man City. Not for Love Island. Not for his fucking father. And sure as hell not for Roy fucking Kent who Jamie had been considering, exclusively for weeks now, as his boyfriend. 

“Yeah. Hey, how you doing mate,” Jamie says diplomatically, through clenched fucking teeth as he shakes the hand of some old fuck Jamie could care less about. 

*

He’s fully trapped in his head by the time they reach the restaurant. 

“You’ve been quiet.” Roy says, and Jamie struggles to make eye contact. 

“Have I?”

“Eerily. Usually can't get you to shut the fuck up.”

Any other day, in any other mood, the comment would have rolled off Jamie’s back. Roy and Jamie teased each other constantly. But right now, after the ‘friend’ comment. After so much time listening to the hateful insecurities whispering venom in his ears, it just feels like a kick to the gut after he’s already down. 

“Fuck you Roy,” he says, louder than is polite for a half full restaurant, but it at least the message gets through. Because Roy’s eyebrows shoot to his receding hairline and his mouth drops open in shock. 

“Whoa, hey. The fuck’s going on?”

Jamie scoffs, pushing his hair back for something to do that's not destruct. 

“The fucks goin on? You called me your ‘friend’ Roy. To someone important to you. Is that all this is? All we are? It’s been months Roy!”

Roy is stunned, embarrassed, and angry. Jamie’s spent enough time looking at this assholes face to understand the nuances in his expressions. 

“I don't want to talk about this here,” Roy says, probably thinking he's compromising but it just sets Jamie off. He stands and leaves the restaurant without another word. 

*

Roy stares at the empty place across from him for another second before tossing cash on the table for the drinks and getting the fuck out of here. He can already hear all of the chatter in the restaurant escalate as more seconds pass. 

He needed to talk to someone. Jamie, ideally, but maybe after he’s cooled down a bit. 

He wished Keeley wasn’t the first person that jumped to his mind. Only because it wasn't fair to burden her with news of a second failed relationship after he was the one who ended theirs. 

“Fuuuuuuuuuuuucccck.” 

*

Jamie goes home. And he drinks. He hates himself for it, but, well, he’s already at the bottom of the well, can’t get any lower than this right? 

*

He loses track of time, and how much he’s drank. Of how many pictures he's taken of his body and dick as revenge postings to maybe piss Roy off more. They don't go any further than his camera roll though, because the liquor makes his eyes heavy and he’s asleep less than 5 minutes later. 

*

Waking up alone is one of the worst feelings in the world in Jamie’s opinion. Especially once he's in a relationship. And now, after 5 months and 16 days, he’s grown accustomed to waking up against Roy’s frame. To falling asleep with his light snoring in his ear. 

Waking up alone, hungover, because your actions may have ended yet another fantastic relationship? Take the worst feeling in the world and compound it by 100. 

Jamie isn't getting out of bed today. Maybe not even this week. Maybe he’ll quit the team all together. It would save him the embarrassing feeling of seeing Roy everyday. Of explaining to everyone how they went from best friends to enemies again over night.

He thinks about calling his mom. But then he remembered she and Simon were out on holiday till the 19th. 

The last of his hope for a good day is dashed.

[embeanwrites]

Car Karaoke (Jamie Tartt x GN!Reader)

A short little piece I wrote after singing very poorly in my car. The reader is gender-neutral!

Jamie had gotten used to driving around with them in the passenger seat. 

It started as him trying to be nice while returning to Richmond. The lads seemed to enjoy their company, they were someone Keeley had brought in to be her “eyes and ears” on the ground at Richmond to work on different PR projects, and the boys had essentially adopted them as almost like a younger sibling figure.

At first, it annoyed the crap out of Jamie. Now there was someone new around that only had bad opinions of him, someone else he would have to convince and fix his self-image with. But almost instantly he realized that wasn’t the case. He was positive that the team had at the very least warned them about him and his actions, but he never had a moment where he felt like they were judging him or already knew more about him than he had shared. 

It was nice. It was like a fresh start one that he didn’t feel like he necessarily deserved until he saw them walking home in the rain. 

“Oi!” he shouted, his voice fighting the sound of the rain. The look on their face was almost priceless if they weren’t soaking wet and shivering like one of those tiny rat dogs. 

“Oh! Hi Jamie!” They said with their normal cheery voice, once again stunning him stupid. 

“Get in my car before you get sick and die on us!” 

Since that day they had soaked his seats and raved about how he needed a car with heated seats, even though it was dead summer, he had been driving them home. And for about 15 to 20 minutes a day, the two of you would be in his car. 

He has ranked his favorite types of times in the car in his head. 

The last of which, is ones in silence, which had only really happened the first week. 

Next would be the ones where he spends the whole ride talking, normally ranting about something Roy had said to him at training. He did appreciate how they’d silently listen.

The runner-up would be the days when the two of you are just chatting. He found himself enjoying their stories and the random questions they had for him. However, some of their strange hypotheticals threw him off. 

Oh, but his most favorite. His favorite of them all is when they would sing along to his music. 

The only issue, which he didn’t view it as one, is they weren’t the best singers. Jamie wouldn’t even call them good, but for some reason it made him feel so trusted. Their off-key notes, singing unbridled with fear from him ridiculing them. Never had the others heard them sing, they had always bowed out during karaoke night with the team, and as far as he could that was the only opportunity anyone else would have had to hear them sing. 

So their bad out-of-tune singing was reserved just for him. Or maybe that was his wishful thinking. That you and him were closer than anyone else and that you trusted him more than anyone else and it took about three months of him driving them for you to stay anything about it.  

“Listen, if I ever bother you with my singing you can always tell me to stop.” Jamie took a moment to glance over at them. They were looking down at their feet, their cheeks an adorable shade of pink, and he couldn’t help but wonder whatever gave them the idea that he would want them to stop. 

“Why? I think you’re a great singer.” 

“Great is definitely wrong, but I appreciate it, Tartt.” They said, sarcastically. 

“No, I mean.” Jamie took a deep breath. “Okay, yeah, you’re singing…it’s rough, but! But! I like it. I like that you are comfortable enough to do that around me…it’s nice.” He finds himself cringing at his honesty as he pulls up in front of their flat. He takes a moment to look at them. They’re blushing, but they’re also staring at him like he’s hung the stars in the sky. For a split second, he wonders if it’s less about his words and more about the fact he’s the one who said them. 

He finds himself really hoping it’s the latter. 

“Oh well…that’s kind of you Jamie. I really do enjoy our car rides.” They said with a goofy smile on their face. “Maybe…maybe sometime we can hang out outside of just you taking me home? Only if you want to though! We absolutely don’t have to if you don’t want to! I just-”

“I’d love to.” He interrupts before they can spiral anymore. “I’d really love to.” He watches their face become even more red as they nod. “Maybe we could go karaokeing.” He teases, wanting to see just how red their face could become. 

“Oh fuck off, Tartt. Besides that’s like…5th date material.” They tease. 

“Well, I’ll be holding you to that then.”