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freenewstoday · 4 years ago

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New Post has been published on https://freenews.today/2021/03/11/espn-predictions-on-who-will-win-the-players/

ESPN predictions on who will win the Players

A year ago, the Players got one round in before the world stopped. But now, the best field in golf is back at TPC Sawgrass, with players searching for both a prestigious win and a huge paycheck of $2.75 million.

Here’s who our experts think takes home the trophy and the cash:

Matt Barrie, ESPN Winner: Collin Morikawa Why he’ll win: When Morikawa won the PGA Championship last year, he gave notice to the golf world that the discussion about this brilliant ball striker from Cal was true. Then he backed it up with a WGC win this year, joining Tiger Woods as the only player to win a major and a WGC event before age 25. I really believe he will be a consistent force in 2021, with multiple wins. His distance is long enough, and his irons are perfect for Pete Dye’s Sawgrass challenges. You can add Players champion before age 25 to Morikawa’s resume. This is his week.

David Bearman, ESPN Sports Betting Winner: Adam Scott Why he’ll win: While others smartly pick favorites, I am going to roll with a 55-1 shot in Scott. The Aussie has flat out owned playing in Florida, tied for the most victories (3) in the Sunshine State since 2004. According to the PGA Tour, his 1.53 shots gained: tee-to-green is best among all players with 50 or more rounds in Florida over the past decade. He has four top 10s at Sawgrass, including a win in 2004.

Michael Collins, ESPN.com Winner: Jason Kokrak Why he’ll win: TPC Sawgrass is a perfect course for Kokrak. He can take advantage of his length when he needs to and still play conservative when necessary. Where Kokrak will thrive is on the greens. The putter has been his greatest source of confidence this year — and it will continue to be this week.

In this edition of America’s Caddie, join Michael Collins at the site of the 2021 PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass. Explore the course’s iconic features and meet the former Jacksonville Jaguar who has some serious golf chops. Stream now on ESPN+

Michael Eaves, ESPN Winner: Viktor Hovland Why he’ll win: Over his past five starts he has three top 5s — two of those were T-2s. His game is just begging to claim another trophy. Why not the Players?

Chris Fallica, ESPN Stats & Information Winner: Scottie Scheffler Why he’ll win: It’s too easy to settle on a top-10 name here, so let’s go a little further down the board. Scheffler is still searching for his first PGA Tour win, but he’s been very close in some very big events. He brings some good form into his first Players, and at some point it will all click. It could be this week for Scheffler, who is 13th in birdie average and top 25 in greens in regulation and driving accuracy.

Charlotte Gibson, ESPN.com Winner: Jon Rahm Why he’ll win: Two years ago at the Players, Rahm stumbled. And he stumbled hard, turning a 54-hole lead into a closing 76 and a tie for 12th. There’s no denying that. But, one big stumble can’t define a young player’s career. Rahm has been dominant and consistent over the past six months. It feels like it’s time for a big win — and a redemption — here for the Spaniard.

Bob Harig, ESPN.com Winner: Xander Schauffele Why he’ll win: He is a very quiet fifth-ranked player in the world who has not won in more than a year. But Schauffele is the perfect Sawgrass player who can go long or play precision. He’s been top 5 in six of his past 10 worldwide starts. He is due.

Doug Kezirian, ESPN Sports Betting Winner: Justin Thomas Why he’ll win: He has finished in the top 15 in eight of his past nine tournaments, which includes the U.S. Open and Masters. Plus, this event continues to churn out first-time champions (outside of Tiger Woods). J.T. has the highest birdie average in 2021 and now just needs to deliver.

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Peter Lawrence-Riddell, ESPN.com Winner: Viktor Hovland Why he’ll win: Yes, Hovland doesn’t have much of a track record at The Players, playing just one career round in 2020 before the event was called off. But he did fire a 67 in that one round, which should give the 23-year-old some extra confidence heading into the event this year. He’s currently third on Tour in money and FedEx Cup points and ranked 13th in the world. He stumbled in the last two rounds at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he finished T-49. Before that, he had three top 5s, so he heads to Sawgrass in good form. He’d be the second-youngest player to win the event behind Si Woo Kim, who won it at 21 in 2017.

Collin Morikawa comes in playing well, having won a WGC event last month. AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Anita Marks, ESPN Sports Betting Winner: Collin Morikawa Why he’ll win: Morikawa continues his hot Florida swing, fresh off a win at the WGC. He is dialed in with his short game and his new “saw” putting grip, courtesy of Mark O’Meara. It will keep him at the the top of the leaderboard on Sunday. He checks all the metric boxes needed to win at TPC Sawgrass — first in strokes gained on approach, fourth in greens in regulation, third in strokes gained tee to green, 14th in par-4 scoring birdie or better and 13th in driving accuracy this season.

Andy North, ESPN Winner: Viktor Hovland Why he’ll win: He’s been playing well. This young star is ready to win a Players or a major.

Nick Pietruszkiewicz, ESPN.com Winner: Jordan Spieth Why he’ll win: Yeah, this might be a bad idea, but he’s got to break through somewhere, right? He hasn’t won in more than three years, but after a long search, it seems he’s located his game. He’s posted four consecutive top 15s — three of which were top 5s. The problem, as it has been for a long time, is the weekend. In those four events, when he had a chance to win each time, he has not posted a number in the 60s in any of those final rounds. This week, that changes.

Mark Schlabach, ESPN.com Winner: Jon Rahm Why he’ll win: The Spaniard and former world No. 1 is more than ready to win his first major — or, in this case, golf’s unofficial fifth major at TPC Sawgrass. At the 2019 Players, he fired a third-round 64 (playing the final 10 holes in 7 under), one shot shy of tying the course record, to grab the solo 54-hole lead. He faded down the stretch on Sunday and finished tied for 12th. If his putter gets hot, he’ll finish the deal this week.

Marty Smith, ESPN Winner: Jordan Spieth Why he’ll win: As the great managerial philosopher Lou Brown so eloquently stated in Major League, moments after “Wild Thing” Vaughn got some Oakland A’s extra wearing No. 27 to pop up to Jake Taylor — “It’s startin’ to come together, Pepper! It’s startin’ to come together!” It’s starting to come together for Jordan Spieth. He’s been through it. His game left him, but he kept grinding. I admire the determination to walk through the mud to get to the tulips. (Tulips are a symbol of hope and trust in the future). His game is starting to blossom again. He’s gone from 92nd in the world — 92nd! — to being disappointed that he didn’t win the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That’s a long road, my friends. You can see the confidence in his gait. The man’s starting to feel it again.

Curtis Strange, ESPN Winner: Collin Morikawa Why he’ll win: Because position off of the tee to set up best angles to those tricky greens is the priority for the week. He is a smart, intelligent, and patient player who is playing extremely well.

Tom VanHaaren, ESPN.com Winner: Collin Morikawa Why he’ll win: Morikawa is going to ride the momentum from a win at WGC and win The Players. It seems like he’s gaining more confidence and he’s finished top-seven, including a win, in three of the last four tournaments played this calendar year.

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flauntpage · 5 years ago

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Your Wednesday Morning Roundup

It’s all about the bamboo baby. Or maybe the curveball machine. Or both.

Or could it also be Maikel Franco? The third baseman had another big night for the Phillies as he delivered what would be the eventual game-winning two-run home run as part of a five-run fifth inning to give the Phils a 7-5 win over the Mets.

Things didn’t start well for the home team, as they saw themselves down 4-1 after three innings and 5-2 entering the bottom of the sixth. Jake Arrieta went six innings and gave up all of New York’s five runs off nine hits with a pair of strikeouts.

But after starting pitcher Walker Lockett gave up a J.T. Realmuto double to put two runners in scoring position, Mickey Callaway pulled him in favor of Wilmer Font. And that’s where the fun began.

Despite Jay Bruce grounding out to shortstop Amed Rosario, he did drive in a run to cut the Met lead to 5-3. Cesar Hernandez drove in another run off a single to make it 5-4, before Franco’s bomb gave the Phillies the lead. Brad Miller pinch-hit for Arrieta and delivered a solo dinger right after for the 7-5 lead.

Scott Kingery was the next batter up and got drilled in the shoulder by a Font pitch. Gabe Kapler wasn’t too pleased that Font wasn’t ejected. Umpire Joe West then ejected Kapler after he took three steps out the dugout, after the jump:

Gabe Kapler had never been ejected as a manager until this week.

He has now been ejected twice. pic.twitter.com/zDS7AEZxOy

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) June 26, 2019

Phils won, Joe West sucks, that’s all you need to know from this game.

The two teams play each other again tonight at 7:05 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Nick Pivetta takes the mound against Jason Vargas, aka the guy who helped Mickey Callaway threaten a Newsday reporter on Sunday.

The Roundup:

Our friends at AmeriGas have a new propane tank service called Cynch. And you can give it a try for just $10 using the code “ItsLit5.”

The Flyers announced their 2019-2020 schedule yesterday, and there’s a ton of back-to-backs and games that the team has to play “tired” against a “rested” one.

Meanwhile, Gritty surprised a young fan who was getting a custom prosthetic leg.

While the Sixers would like to keep Jimmy Butler, the Houston Rockets have their eyes set on the pending free agent in a sign-and-trade.

David Heller is no longer part of the Sixers ownership group. But how it happen sounds different from a couple reporters:

David Heller's departure from HBSE and the #sixers has been in the works for months and was just recently finalized, per multiple sources, and is described as amicable and planned.

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) June 25, 2019

Keith Pompey:

Sources close to the Sixers front office said Heller was forced out. One source labeled his departure as “kicking” and “screaming.”

Last summer, head coach Brett Brown was named the interim general manager after Bryan Colangelo resigned as president of basketball operations/general manager. But sources said that Heller ran the show in Colangelo’s absence, and that he, more than Brown, was the acting GM at least through the draft process, if not the whole offseason. Sources said Harris listened intently to Heller.

So who knows.

What can Union fans expect from new striker Andrew Wooten? Speaking of the Union, they play tonight against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Match begins at 7 PM on PHL 17.

In other sports news, Vanderbilt defeated Michigan in Game 2 of the College World Series to force a winner-take-all Game 3 tonight.

Shocker: Magic GM John Hammond doesn’t know when Markelle Fultz will play.

A Kansas City radio host is getting dragged on Twitter and by Joe Banner about comments he made on comparing Tyreek Hill’s legal issues and his family problems.

In the news, Philadelphia Energy Solutions will permanently shutdown the oil refinery in South Philadelphia after the massive explosion last week.

Robert Mueller will testify before Congress in July.

The post Your Wednesday Morning Roundup appeared first on Crossing Broad.

Your Wednesday Morning Roundup published first on https://footballhighlightseurope.tumblr.com/

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henrytcasey · 8 years ago

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The Good, The Bad, and The Shindie

(An Indie Pro Wrestling Audience Member’s Notes)

This past weekend, because I’m a glutton for pro wrestling, I consumed three heaping portions of it on the indie scene. That was Five Borough Wrestling in Flatlands, Brooklyn on Friday the 17th, House of Glory in Jamaica, Queens on Saturday the 18th, and, well, Sunday the 19th featured Entrar En El Circulo Del Dragon, presented by Tier 1 and Lucha Libre Promotion NY. I’m going to try and keep this positive, so I’ll bury my grievances at the bottom of the notes I took away:

Five Borough Wrestling: Back 2 The Legion in Flatlands, Brooklyn - 2/17

For those unfamiliar with one or both of them, Fire Ant vs. “Croatian Sensation” Mario Bokara was much better than it sounds on paper. I’d seen Bokara before (in a gauntlet match at Battle Club Pro in The Bronx) but this was the first time he wowed me, as he benefitted from the 1-on-1 focus.

Dude was the angry, arrogant heel who couldn’t believe he wasn’t able to put Fire Ant down, and did work with the audience when we taunted him for being a failure.

Lucha Underground’s Matt Striker was a fun performer that night, acting as some sort of general manager and doing a lot of interaction with the kids in attendance. Then some verbal sparring with Tier 1 World Champion Darius Carter before actually going toe to toe with him. The match wasn’t a show stopper, but gave them both a chance to connect with the audience.

Carter, though, is solid, solid heel. I saw him at both FBW and the Lucha show, and I look forward to seeing more of him going forward. Not only is the guy a natural smug villain, but he also works that chicken-shit heel angle. I’d like to see more reason to take him seriously as a threat.

“Pro Wrestling Savior” J.T. Dunn vs. “The Rogue” Anthony Gangone was probably my favorite match of the weekend, and if you don’t know these guys already, you will soon. Dunn’s a protoge of Chris Hero and works an appropriate style, while Gangone (pronounced Gang•Own) feels like CM Punk with Serj Tankian’s hair.

House of Glory Wrestling: With Glory Comes Pride, in Jamaica, Queens - 2/18

Wrestling is silly nonsense, and when it’s done right, I love it. Take for instance the team of Super Savages, which pairs Caveman who doesn’t quite understand (but loves) shoes and Mantequilla, a knockoff version of Hurricane Helms. They faced EYFBO (Angel Ortiz & Mike Draztik) who I don’t really ‘get’ ... as I think I’ve just got to see their other stuff. They’re a part of the faction Team PAZUZU with the Chris Dickinson and Jaka, who I’ve come to enjoy in Evolve.

I’m not the biggest fan of mixed-tag matches, but Sonya Strong and Big Daddy Cruz vs. Violette and Sasha Jenkins was beset by a lack of anything. Sonya Strong was the only person in that match who seemed to deserve to be in it. The rest of them seemed like jokes and just gyah.

I’d heard the name Ken Broadway on Trina and Damien’s Indie Pop podcast, but damn his defense of the HOG Crown Jewel Championship in a Fatal Four Way Match proved why he’s carrying the title. Dude can GO and I love his look, which seems like something out of Smash TV.

Also in that match was Rudeboy Riley, who really needs to figure his gimmick out. He’s athletic and had some fun moves, but Hype Bro Zubaz-esque ring gear plus tons of tattoos and blonde tips doesn’t add up.

Anthony Gangone had another strong outing, carrying a segment where he attacked my buddy, HOG Management Representative, Rob Blatt. The segment featured Gangone creating his own House of Gangone stable, again, this guy’s got a lot of attention on him and earns it. His match with Matt Sydal (fka Evan Bourne) was fun, but the damn crowd almost ruined it by heckling Sydal with weed jokes (he was kicked out of NJPW for possession). The match ended with tons o’ shenanigans with the House of Gangone beating Sydal down. And to be honest, I can’t stand Sydal as an angry tweener, as he’s too much like my least favorite wrestler: Face!Ziggler.

Tier 1 Wrestling & Lucha Libre Promotion NY Present: Entrar En El Circulo Del Dragon - 2/19

Don’t go to a show just for the main event. As cool as it was to see Pentagón 0M and Rey Horus (Lucha Underground’s Pentagon Jr. and Dragon Azteca Jr.) and they were dope their match was too short by at least a third of its length. I had the same issue with Low-Ki vs. Alberto El Patron the night before at House of Glory. Feels like these promotions book those names to sell tickets for the short term, but don’t pay enough to ensure returning audiences.

While a plethora of injuries can sink a show, an announcer can make all the difference. I had lowered my expectations going in because Matt Cross and Drago weren’t on the card, but grating, ambivalent and unprepared-sounding announcer just completely tanked my interest. I need to see a different Lucha show soon, so that’s not the sole live experience I have tied to the industry.

Also, there was a laptop giveaway that preceded the intermission. I get doing both at the same time, but to spend that much time wasting time just killed me. I doubt I’ll see something else from this promotion again.

Well, also, some of the matches were just meh. The soccer-playing Team España bored me to death, and felt like a lazier stereotype than Los Matadores.

Sonny Kiss vs Sebastian Cruz was trying to be some edgy shit with Kiss’s drag-esque gimmick and Cruz not tolerating it, but … this isht made me yawn. Not sure why. It was just as botchy as any other match I saw.

#wrestlewords

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

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Could This Be | Chap. Eleven | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Summary: One minute, you're single and working for AFC Richmond as the team's medic. The next minute, you're in a fake relationship with the team's handsome striker who you know next to nothing about.

Word Count: 5.1k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: And that's a wrap! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you all enjoy!!! Also YES i changed Beard's wedding to fit my needs SUE ME

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

The only thing you could hear was Keeley’s sobs as she leaned on your shoulder.

“Keeley, please!” You whispered, trying hard not to laugh through your own tears. “You’re being so loud!”

“I just love weddin’s so much,” She choked out as she tried to wipe her face without smearing her makeup.

The backdrop of the wedding was stunning, in the beautiful garden of a Scottish castle with the sunset painting the world from behind. Standing between Jamie and Keeley, you found yourself choking up during their hand written vows. Although, the sentimentality of it wore off after the eighth page of Beard’s. And that was only the halfway mark.

With the ceremony over, and the bride and groom off to take a quick set of pictures, everyone was filing inside to get to the reception.

Hand in hand, you walked through the grass with Jamie, as Keeley was linked to Roy on the other side.

“Can we have a wedding here?” Keeley asked Roy, looking at him with a pout in her lip. His expression didn’t falter.

“No.”

Her lip poked out further.

“Why not?”

“Fuckin’ stupid to have a weddin�� outside in England. The risk of rain is too high,” He explained, in a logical way that made a lot of sense. Keeley considered this, although she still had the pout on her face.

“Where would you get married?” She asked, turning to you. You were taken aback by the question, the heat filling your cheeks and burning them from the inside out. Although you refused to look at him, you felt Jamie give your hand a squeeze.

“I don’t think I’d want a big wedding,” You admitted. “I’d be fine with the courthouse.”

“Really?” The shock in her voice was evident, her staring at you like you had said you’d like to get married in the mouth of a shark. She looked to Jamie. “What about you?”

His gaze fell to the grass, shaking his head before pointing at you with his free hand. “Whatever the lady says.”

It had been an awkward morning.

The hotel room that had been booked for you was the same hotel room that was booked for Jamie, as it was assumed that you two would’ve done that anyway. And, obviously, that meant that the room only had one bed. It was a regal room, decorated as if it were plucked out of Buckingham Palace and placed inside this castle for you to stay in. After a hearty debate on what to do. as there was no couch in the room that could properly accommodate a person, the two of you decided to just share the bed. Jamie on the left side, you on the right side. The two of you mumbled good night to each other before switching off the lights and turning to face the opposite walls. Which was fine and dandy.

Until you woke up pressed into Jamie’s bare chest, his arms wrapped around you. You had no recollection of moving, having definitely been on your own side when you went to bed the night prior. Was he shirtless when he went to bed? He must’ve been. It was like waking up from a dream to another one, your face against his skin and his chest rising and falling against yours. And for a long time, you allowed yourself to stay like that. It wasn’t scary. It wasn’t weird. It felt normal. Like you had been waking up this way for years and years.

It made you think of when you and him slept together. When he spent the night and left the following morning. He had woken up before you, and was out of bed by the time you awoke. Had this happened then, too?

Your eyes had snapped shut when he shifted, and for a brief moment, he seemed just as content as you. Then, suddenly, he was out of the bed so fast that you almost rolled off the mattress in stunned confusion. The exchange was brilliantly painful, as he apologised and rushed to the bathroom while you got yourself together and dressed before fleeing the room entirely.

The incident had completely shattered the groove the two of you had. Ever since, you had no idea how to act, and neither did he. All morning, you two stumbled around each other, as if you hadn’t been kissing and holding each other in public for about a month at this point. Maybe it was the fact that it was a moment in private, a thoughtless act in a place where there was no fear or rationale to fight through. Just two fake yet somehow real lovers, entwined.

“I can’t see you settlin’ for a courthouse,” Roy said, eyes narrowed at Jamie. “Jamie Tartt’s weddin’? In a fuckin’ courthouse?”

Jamie shrugged before saying, “I don’t think anything I do with her is settling.”

The butterflies in your stomach made you nauseous.

The interior of the castle was decorated so beautifully for the wedding. Fresh flowers were everywhere, filling the room with a lovely scent. Candles were everywhere, a stunning flicker against the setting sun that was shining through the windows. Against the wall were rows and rows of tables, filled to the brim with food. Your mouth began to water. The morning had been so hectic that you had forgotten to eat.

“I will die if I don’t get food soon,” You mumbled to Jamie as the two of you followed Keely and Roy to the assigned table.

“I think we have to wait,” Jamie responded, looking around. No one else even approached the buffet tables. It made your heart want to cry.

Jamie pulled out the chair for you at the table, allowing you to sit before taking the seat to your right. In the middle of the table were appetisers, a feature you weren’t expecting. Both Jamie and yourself immediately reached forward to grab a random assortment.

“Do you think we’re supposed to eat yet?” Keeley asked, looking around nervously to see if others were eating off the plates on their tables.

“I don’t fucking care,” You said before shoving a mini sandwich into your mouth.

“Oh fine,” She said, reaching for the plate of what looked like stuffed mushrooms. Jamie, at the same time, also reached for one.

“It’s got a weird smell to it,” Keeley remarked as she examined it.

“You could still like it,” You pointed out to her. “Maybe plug your nose before you eat it.” She stared at the stuffed mushroom sceptically before popping the whole thing in her mouth. Instantly, she shut her eyes.

“Oh, it’s fucking wonderful,” She exhaled. “You have to try one.”

Your fingers were on the cusp of grabbing one when Jamie grabbed your hand.

“Oi. Those have lobster in them.”

“Does it?” Keeley asked loudly before grabbing another one to examine it. Slowly lowering your arm back down to the table, Jamie still had a soft grasp on your wrist.

“Oh my god, it does!” She exclaimed, leaning forward. “I almost killed ya. I’m so sorry.”

Jamie rose from his seat, leaning towards you before saying, “I’m running to the toilet.” As he walked away, you watched him until he disappeared down a hallway.

“I’m so glad you two found each other,” Keeley said, and it was then that you noticed she had moved into his seat when you weren’t paying attention. As you turned your head towards her, your gaze lingered on the hallway he disappeared down for another moment before jumping back to her.

“I spent months during our relationship wishing he would look at me the way he looks at you.”

You smiled down at your lap.

“It’s not real,” You said without thinking. “None of it is real.” Keeley looked surprised at your sentiment briefly. She leaned forward, placing her hand over yours.

“Of course it’s real, babe,” She said softly. “Anyone can see how much he loves you, and how much you love him. And you should hear how he talks about ya when you’re not around.”

This made you look up. Opening your mouth to speak, you were interrupted by the music getting louder. It was time for the bride and groom to make their entrance. Just before they made their entrance, Jamie rushed in with his head down. Keeley spotted him just in time to switch back to her own seat.

You leaned towards Roy. “Aren’t you supposed to be up there too?”

“Fuck no. I hate this shit, and told Beard I wouldn’t do it.”

The room erupted in applause as Coach Beard and Jane made their entrance, dancing down the pathway in the middle of the room towards the table set just for them. It took you a second to realise that everyone around you had stood up, and you quickly shot out of your seat to join them. You heard a laugh from behind you, and you had to resist the urge to shoot Jamie a dirty look.

An announcement was made that the buffet was now open, and before you knew it, you were rushing over to join the line.

The options felt endless and chaotic, which, in fairness, really encapsulated Beard and Jane’s entire relationship quite nicely. There was pizza, pasta, chicken tenders, burgers, fries, a salad bar. If you thought of any sort of American cuisine, it was probably somewhere on that table.

“What’re ya grabbin’?” Jamie asked, leaning over your shoulder as you used a pair of tongs to pick up some fries.

“Probably everything,” You admitted, your stomach picking that exact moment to let out a loud rumble. As you set a few chicken tenders on the plate, Jamie reached over and grabbed a fry off your dish, plopping it in his mouth as yours fell agape.

“That was mine!” You whined. “Get your own!”

“Why would I do that when you’re doin’ it for me?” He asked, grabbing a tender from your dish and taking a bite. It was hard to feel genuinely offended when he was smiling at you the way he was.

“I’m gonna starve to death because of you,” You said, feigning the offence as best as you could. “Then you’ll feel really bad, won’t you?”

His laugh could be heard over the music, a symphony filling your ears that drowned out every other sound.

“Fine,” He said, putting some fries on his own plate. “I won’t deprive ya anymore, darlin’.”

“Thank fuck,” Roy said from behind him. “If I had to keep watchin’ this, I’d have to throw up on the bride.” A crinkle formed between your eyebrows.

“I don’t think you’d have to throw up right on the bride,” You pointed out. He shook his head.

“I would,” He declared. “You two would force me to.”

“Plenty of other places to vomit, I think,” Jamie added.

“And yet, it would be right on the bride. And after, I’d tell her it was because of the both of you.”

Once back at the table, you dug into your food without much conversation. You mainly spent the time looking around. For the most part, the wedding was smaller than you had imagined it to be. It was just the team, Jane’s family, and then a random assortment of people who they both knew.

The maid of honour rose from her seat, clearing her throat before bringing her mouth to the microphone.

“Here we go,” Jamie muttered, continuing to eat.

“Is it bad that I hate these speeches?” You whispered to him. “Like I’m here for the bride and groom… why do I care about what some other random person has to say about it?”

“It’s like, I don’t need their full story of how they know the couple, ‘cos I don’t care ‘bout them at all. They ain’t who I’m here for,” He mumbled in agreement.

“And then they’re trying so hard to say something thought provoking and profound…”

“Okay, sweetheart, you’re not the next Hemingway or some shit.”

“Exactly! I won’t be using your speech in my instagram captions anytime soon.”

Roy grunted from across the table and the both of you stopped talking. You continued to eat your food and didn’t listen to the speech that was given. The applause of the small crowd alerted you to the end, and you kindly set down your plate and joined in.

“Your turn?” Jamie asked, gesturing his fork towards Roy. To the surprise of both of you, Roy shook his head.

“No speech from me,” He said simply. Jamie and you exchanged a look before turning back to him.

“Not entering with everyone else is one thing,” You said, face scrunched in annoyance and confusion towards your friend. “But not doing the best man's speech? Roy, please.” But he simply shook his head, in lieu of words, before nodding behind you as the sound of the doors clicking open echoed through the hall. Everyone in the room turned in their seats, curious by the new entrance being made.

“Sorry I’m late.” The familiarity of the voice made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Your head snapped in Roy’s direction, who, in rare form, was smiling.

You turned back towards the door in time to see the former AFC Richmond Coach, Ted Lasso himself enter the room.

“Airport lost my luggage. Had to find a store that could get me a tux faster than lickity split.”

Coach Beard shrieked.

Half of the room was flying out of their seats, Jamie and Keeley included.

The entire AFC Richmond team surrounded Ted, loud cheers and shouts coming from their direction. He was laughing, giving each member a hand shake or- most commonly- a big hug. The excitement was contagious, the smile never waning from your face. Though you knew Ted as well, you stayed in your seat and watched the purifying scene in front of you. There would be chances to say hello later.

“You big fucking softie,” You said to Roy, turning back to face him. “You arranged this for them, didn’t you?”

“I would arrange anything to get out of givin’ a speech.” Despite what he said, the smile tugging at his lips gave the answer you were looking for.

Jamie was the last to hug Ted before the team all excitedly went back to their seats. As Jamie sat down, you noted him wiping tears from his eyes. Coach Beard was standing, but he never left the spot next to his new bride. Ted cleared his throat before turning back to his friend.

“Wrote a little somethin’ on the plane,” He continued, taking out a couple of pieces of paper out of his jacket pocket and unfolding them. “There are many perfect pairs in our world’s history. Peanut butter and jelly. McCartney and Lennon. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. And, at least in my world, these two have joined those ranks.” he looked around at the crowd wistfully. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear what he was going to say. “What a powerful love we’ve all gotten to witness, and now see come together.” He smiled, shaking his head. “It’s the kind of love we all wish we had.”

Subconsciously, you looked over at Jamie, only to find he was already looking at you.

“When I met our friend Coach Beard here, he was a lost vessel of a man, tryin’ to find his place in a broken society. Watchin’ his transformation into the loving, quiet, passionate man he is today is a privilege, and so is calling him my best friend.” Tears were streaming down Coach Beard’s face in bucketfuls. Ted gave another small head shake. If you looked close enough, you could see the tears forming in his eyes, as well. “He found Jane exactly when he was meant to, when he was ready to.”

Jamie took your hand in his, giving it a tight squeeze.

“I know that these two will be making each other happy for the rest of their lives. Playing chess without a board. Being silly and loud and weird in a way only they understand. And I hope we can all agree when I say I can’t wait to be there to see it.”

Your heart in your chest was thumping a million times a minute as you looked at Jamie, electricity shooting down your spine. His attention was back on Ted, eyes and cheeks wet.

“To end this out, I have a quote from one of the best romantic dramas to grace this Earth.” Ted took a deep breath before continuing. “‘I don't want to sound foolish, but remember love is what brought you here. And if you've trusted love this far, don't panic now. Trust it all the way.’” Ted gave a smile. “Congratulations to my friends, Beard and Jane.” A waiter walked up with a glass of champagne, handing it to him. “Thanks, bud.” He raised the glass in the air. “To a lifetime of being weird together.”

Everyone began cheering and applauding as they raised their glasses to Beard and Jane. Beard basically jumped over the table and ran into the arms of his friend. Seeing them together again made tears spring into your eyes.

“Fuck you, Roy,” You said as you dabbed at your eyes with a napkin.

“The fuck did I do?”

“If you had given the speech, I wouldn’t be crying right now.” He grunted.

“Actually, you should’ve heard what he had prepared before asking Ted,” Keeley said, shaking her head. “‘Bout bawled my eyes out.”

“Yeah,” Roy added. “You should be thankin’ me.”

“I’ll stick with telling you to fuck yourself.”

Ted returned the microphone to the DJ before making his way over. Roy stood and gave him a hug, the both of them giving the other a loving clap on the back. He leaned down and hugged Keeley, mumbling a greeting into her ear that you couldn’t hear over the start of the first dance.

“And here’s my favourite medic,” Ted said excitedly as he leaned down to hug you.

“My favourite former AFC Richmond coach,” You said as you hugged him back. He kissed your cheek before letting you go, a glowing smile on his face.

“I heard you’re finally making my man here settle down,” He said, clapping a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. A warmth filled your cheeks as you glanced at Jamie, the realisation hitting you that his hand was still holding yours.

“I think it’s him settling me down, honestly,” You told him. Ted chuckled.

“That doesn’t sound like something I’d hear about the old Jamie,” He said, shaking his head before turning towards the footballer. “I’m still so proud of the man you’ve become.”

Jamie’s eyes were welling up again as he looked up at his former coach.

“Couldn’t have gotten here without ya, Coach.” Ted shook his head.

“You were always destined for better. Can’t give me all the credit,” He said simply, giving Jamie’s shoulder one last squeeze and wandering off. When Jamie turned to face the table again, his hand was against his chest, and it stayed there for a long time before dropping down to his lap once more.

Once the first dance ended, the music switched to another slow song, the dance floor filling up with couples sharing a dance.

“Wanna dance with me?” Jamie asked, raising his eyebrows at you as he stood from his seat. You smiled, not speaking as you stood up with him.

Finding an empty corner on the dance floor, Jamie turned and took a step closer to you. Your lungs forced a deep exhale before you draped your arms over his shoulders, his hands on your hips as you and him began to sway to the music.

“Sorry ‘bout this mornin’,” He said sheepishly as he took a look around. “Just caught me off guard, is all.”

“It’s fine. Caught me off guard too,” You admitted. Nodding his head, he turned back to face you. The light was hitting his eyes in just the right way, adding a twinkle as he stared directly into yours.

“Dunno why it felt so weird,” He said, a furrow forming in his eyebrow. “Like, we’ve actually slept together, and yet wakin’ up like that tossed us, d’ya know what I mean?” You nodded, not saying anything for a while. You knew exactly why it felt weird. The dynamic was largely different before that night spent together. Feelings hadn’t been put on the table yet. There was one thing he was wrong about though.

“It rocked me,” You said in a distant tone as you stared off into the dancing crowd. “Us sleeping together.” A beat passed. “In more ways than one, I should say.” He laughed at your joke, despite continuing to look confused.

“How?”

Your eyes trailed back to look into his.

“It made this real,” You said, biting your cheek tersely before going on. “And it made me afraid… so afraid. That’s why… That’s why I said what I said before the last match.”

You were very aware in this moment of his hands on your hips, and his eyes searching your face.

“What are ya afraid of?” He asked, as if the question had been lingering in his mind for too long. You swallowed down the lump in your throat.

“That you’ll see right through me,” You said quietly. “And that’ll cause you to leave, eventually.” He leaned in slightly closer.

“Do ya wanna hear a secret?”

Confused, you nodded.

“I already see right through you,” He said so quietly that no one could overhear. “And that’s what’s been makin’ me stay.”

It felt like your brain was short circuiting. All you could do was stare at him, trying and failing to process what he said. The music stopped and the bride was getting ready to throw the bouquet, not that you noticed. Keeley ran over to grab your hand and drag you away from Jamie, who was smiling softly as you were pulled away. The two of you joined the group of women already lined up to fight for the bundle of flowers, and their supposed chance at marriage.

“Get ready!” Keeley said in a voice that suggested that she would spill blood in order to catch this bouquet. Taking a slight step away from her, you turned to the front just as the bride threw the bouquet. Without moving a muscle, in true romantic comedy fashion, the bouquet landed easily into your hands. If it hadn’t been so easy, maybe you wouldn’t have been so surprised. But Keeley still yelled out in excitement for you.

“YES BABE!” She shrieked, throwing your hand up in the air and spinning around towards Jamie. “Tartt! You’re next!”

Jamie’s face was beet red as he was being congratulated by the members of the team, who had all gathered to watch the bouquet toss. They grabbed him and shook his shoulders, or smacked his back playfully. His eyes landed on you, his smile wide, as your brain went right back to stalling out.

You stared at the flowers in your hand. It felt like something had just changed in your head. Something clicked. You took a look around, trying to see if anyone else was also feeling this way. But no. Why would they? It was just you. When your eyes found the flowers once more, you let out a staggered breath. A drip of sweat was running down your spine. When did it get so hot in here?

As the men gathered to do whatever Coach’s equivalent to the garter toss was, as Jane insisted that there would be no taking pieces of clothing off her body and throwing it into a crowd of men, you snuck out of the dance hall and made your way outside. Your lungs felt like you were stuck in a building on fire, desperate for oxygen.

The back garden felt like a maze as you walked along the pathways, surrounded by shrubbery and flowers. A set of steps lead down to more of the same. The whole area was well lit with lanterns, which you were grateful for.

A second set of steps lead to a field of grass, which ended with a large lake. In the middle was an island that had a giant tree, almost like a fairytale. Slipping out of your shoes and leaving them on the steps, you walked through the grass and towards the water. The grass felt amazing against your feet paired with the cool breeze kissing your skin. The flowers were still in your hands, held against your chest as if you were walking down the aisle yourself.

Overwhelmed was an understatement.

He found Jane exactly when he was meant to, when he was ready to.

‘I don't want to sound foolish, but remember love is what brought you here. And if you've trusted love this far, don't panic now. Trust it all the way.’

Was that why it happened the way it did? Was that why that one summer evening, at a house party in Keeley’s backyard, you were catapulted into the whirlwind fake romance that you didn’t ask for? Because you were ready to move on from the arsehole who broke you in more ways than one? You certainly didn’t feel ready at that time.

But you were now.

It hit you like a tsunami making contact with land.

It couldn’t wait another minute. There was no sense. A perfectly good man, who was kind, loving, and not a hurtful bone in his body was right there, waiting for you to decide that you were willing to put aside your hurt and pain to be with him. It felt so senseless. There was never going to be a perfect time. A time where you were perfectly mentally healthy and over your trauma. He knew of the ghosts of your past and the damage you had been dealt, and still loved you anyway.

Maybe you didn’t have to be completely over the mountain in order to let him in. Maybe that was the point. He wasn’t waiting for you at the peak. He wanted to help you get there.

“Oi! You alright?”

When you turned, Jamie was making his way through the grass towards you. Tangling from his hands were the shoes you had just taken off. “Not goin’ for a swim, are ya?”

You shook your head, breathing out a shaky laugh.

“Too cold for swimming, I think,” You replied. He stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

You swallowed hard.

“I’m ready.”

The moon shined off his face, so you could just make out the confusion filling his expression.

“To leave?” He asked. “We just got here-”

“No, Jamie,” You said firmly, taking a small step forward. His arms seemed to fall closer to his sides as he waited. You took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

Realisation fell over him, his eyebrows raising to his hairline as his mouth formed into an O shape. He took a step forward, appearing as if it was involuntary.

“What changed?” He set your shoes down onto the grass.

You glanced down at the flowers before looking back at him.

“Nothing.” Pause. “Everything.”

Carefully, he began to walk towards you, as if your mind would be changed by his speed. With every step, your heart beat faster, almost taking off out of your chest by the time he stopped directly in front of you.

“You better mean it, if you say it,” He said in a low voice, slightly quaking. “Don’t do me any favours-”

“I mean it,” You interrupted, shaking your head. “It wasn’t the wedding. Or me feeling lonely or some other dumb shit. It was me being tired of wasting time pretending like this isn’t real. Like I’m not stupid in love with you.” A tear fell down your cheek in a way that was annoying, but you kept going anyway. “I’m sorry for taking so long. I’m so sorry.”

His lips were crashing into yours before you had the chance to realise he was even leaning in. The bouquet fell to the ground. His left hand was holding your face tightly, as if he feared you would pull away, his right arm tight around your waist. While you had one hand tangled in his hair, the other had the collar of his shirt wrapped in a fist.

“I love ya,” He mumbled against your lips as he continued to kiss you.

“Say it again.”

He pulled away from you, giving you a look before bringing a kiss to your forehead.

“I love ya.”

A kiss to your temple.

“I love ya.”

A kiss to your other temple.

“I love ya.”

A kiss to your cheek.

“I love ya.”

A kiss to your other cheek.

“I love ya.”

A kiss to your nose.

He leaned in close to your face, his breath hot against your cheeks

“I love ya.”

Then he was kissing you again. The wind blew passed, but you already had a shiver shooting up your spine, making it hard to feel the cold in the air. He ran his hands up and down your arms, from the tops of your shoulders to the ends of your fingertips.

“Fuckin’ hell.”

He shrugged off his jacket, and was throwing it over your shoulders before the kiss had even ended.

“Fuckin’ freezin’, you are. Why didn’t you say somethin’?” He asked before pulling away. Laughing as he adjusted the jacket on you, he leaned back to admire how it looked. You shrugged, looking brightly at him.

“I didn’t notice,” You admitted. Because you hadn’t noticed. You were too wrapped up in his warmth.

“Alright, goofy, let’s go back inside.”

He wrapped an arm around your shoulder, pulling you close as he lead you back towards the garden.

“Only if you dance with me again,” You told him, bumping your hip into yours.

He looked over at you, smile full and eyes wide, before saying, “For you, love, we can do whatever you want.”

And for the first time in your life, you knew without a doubt that as long as he was by your side, you would never have a want or beg for anything again.

TAGS

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#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. One | j.t.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: Back again with my favorite idiot boi. I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

Oh, if only.

If only you knew what was about to happen.

The music from inside the house made the ground vibrate as you walked up the front path. It was a toasty summer evening, the sun not quite out of the sky just yet. The perfect night for a party, in anyone’s opinion. Certainly in yours. The front porch was filled with people, standing around with drinks in their hands and smiles on their faces. You pushed passed and let yourself inside.

From where you stood, it seemed the whole house was filled with people. Not an inch of standing room to be seen. No familiar faces either. None that you could see, anyway The room was humid, but it wasn’t from the air outside. You squeezed through the crowd, making your way to the kitchen. Thankfully, there was more space in there. You grabbed a soda from the fridge, popping the top open and taking a large gulp. Somehow, the drink in your hand made you less anxious, taking another sip as you looked around the room. The back door was cracked open, calling your name. As you approached, you heard the sound of a familiar voice from the other side.

“Oh Keeley!” You called, holding out the last note of her name. Her head whipped in your direction, her hair flailing along with her. It was clear she was already a few drinks in, her hands flying above her head as she stumbled towards you.

“Hey, babe!” She shrieked. When she got close enough, she threw her arms around you. You instantly melted into her hug, as you always did. There was just something about Keeley Jones that made everyone around her feel better.

Behind her was Dani Rojas and Sam Obisanya, who excitedly waved at you.

“The medic is here!” Sam announced happily. “Now we may resume all dangerous activities.” Dani giggled. As Keeley released you, you shook your head at him.

“It’s my night off, Obisanya,” You said, a slight warning in your tone. “If you hurt yourselves, I’ll be sending you to hospital in an ambulance where you can queue like everyone else.” It wasn’t true. You knew you’d still help them. And he knew it too, by the look he gave you.

“You are too nice of a person to leave us without care,” Dani added, pointing at you with a smile so wide that his eyes turned into crescent moons. You bit the inside of your cheek to hold back a smile of your own.

“She can’t help anyone once she gets a real drink in her and not just some soda,” Keeley declared before pushing you back towards the door. “Go on. It’s your night off. We’re having fun tonight.”

“What if I wasn’t planning to get drunk tonight?” You asked her while fighting every urge to smile. It broke out anyway when she gave you a look of surprise.

“You can’t come to my party and just expect to not get shit faced!” She exclaimed. “Damn near blasphemy, that is!” Shaking your head, while still laughing, you made your way back inside the house. She called after you again, “Either come back with a proper drink or don’t come back!” Isaac, Richard, and Bumbercatch passed by you when you entered, all greeting you excitedly before disappearing out the door.

Surprisingly, the kitchen had pretty much been vacated by the time you had entered. Also surprising was the only presence left in the room.

“Jamie,” You said, sounding more taken aback than you had intended. He had been standing in the corner with his lower back leaning against the cabinet, staring at his phone while sipping on a beer. When you spoke, he jumped at the sound. It would’ve made you feel bad if it wasn’t so hilarious, but you tried to hide your amusement. Seeing that it was you, he calmed.

“You alright?” You asked. He shrugged.

“Just hidin’ is all,” He said. You approached the kitchen island, placing your hands on top of the marble. His candor shocked you. While you had never taken specific issue with Jamie, it would be a fat lie to say the two of you were friends. More like acquaintances. Or, probably more accurately, just coworkers.

“Hiding from what?” You decided to ask. Curiosity was a fickle bitch, and you also knew it must’ve been really bothering him if he was talking to you over literally anyone else. He peaked over your shoulder at the back door, then over at the doorway that led to the living room, before turning back to you and sighing.

“Keeley.”

Leaning your elbow on the counter, you set your chin in your palm and stared at him. It had been impossible to stop your eyes from widening.

“You’re hiding from Keeley, in her kitchen, at her house, at her party?”

He sighed again, exasperated, as he pushed himself away from the cupboard and approached the island. He was now directly across from you, his palms pressed against the countertop.

“She woulda been upset if I didn’t show up, which I didn’t want.” Raising his beer to his mouth, he took another quick swig before lowering it back down. “But I’ve been tryin’ to keep me distance.” He set the bottle on top of the counter and began to twirl it. You watched him do this for a moment before speaking again.

“And why are you avoiding her?”

“I’m just…” He scratched his head. You could see the wheels turning in his mind as he tried to think of the best way to explain. “She keeps tryna set me up with new girls. Tellin’ me I need to find a girlfriend. I think she feels bad because she’s with Roy and thinks I’m just a lonely loser.” You scoffed.

“Yes, Jamie. I’m sure everyone is sitting around thinking about how much of a loser you are, purely because you don’t have a girlfriend.” I let out a long drawn out breath as he gave you a blank stare, his lips pressed tightly together to hide a smile. “It’s so hard, being you, isn’t it?” He pointed at you.

“Don’t be smart,” He warned, sounding playful. Rolling your eyes, you stood up straight.

“I think she’s just doing that because she loves you and wants you to be happy,” You explained, all seriousness now. He looked at the countertop as he considered this. “I think you should be flattered, honestly. She thinks so highly of you that she’s willing to let her friends date you? That’s a fucking compliment in my book.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“It’s just weird, going on dates with her friends,” He said, sheepish. “The ones I’ve met are all so… superficial. They all just want to say they’re datin’ a footballer.” The bottle he was messing with fell to its side, the sound making the both of you jump. Once he had it upright again, you looked back up at him.

“You could just do what I do when she tries to set me up with her friends,” You said. His eyes snapped in your direction.

“She does it to you too?” He asked in a stunned voice. You nodded, slightly offended by his shock, but not commenting on it. He leaned further across the island. “What do you do?”

You shrugged.

“I lie.”

He looked completely flabbergasted at this, mouth agape.

“Ain’t she one of your best mates?” He asked, his voice a whisper. The look on his face was priceless, with his wide eyes, and you wish you could’ve taken a photo. “And you just lie to her? Just like that?” You leaned forward and grabbed a cup from the pile before grabbing one of the bottles of alcohol.

“Not anything crazy,” You said casually as you poured. “I just tell her that I’m already seeing someone, and that I’m not interested in dating more than one person at a time.” Sliding the vodka back to the middle of the island, you grabbed a mixer. “I just have to change it up at times so that she doesn’t ask why she hasn’t met the person. Nothing crazy.” He watched you with an intense stare as you finished pouring your drink and took a sip.

“And you don’t feel bad about it at all?” He asked.

“Sometimes,” You admit, staring at the ring of the cup so you didn’t have to look at him. “I just don’t want to go on any more blind dates. And she’s so hard to say no to, as you are aware.” He nodded, jabbing his finger in your direction.

“You get me.”

The back door burst open at that moment, and in walked Keeley. Her cheeks were bright pink, much like the top she was wearing, and when she spotted Jamie, her eyes widened.

“I’ve been looking for you!” She exclaimed happily, making her way towards him. Jamie stood up straighter, his face tense. She looked over at you, a sway in her body when she turned. “Babes, would it be okay if I talked to Jamie alone?” From over her shoulder, Jamie shook his head violently, giving you any and every gesture that would suggest he did not want you to leave. You smiled sweetly at her.

“Of course, toots.”

When she turned to face Jamie, her back now to you, his eyes sent a glare in your direction, complete betrayal riddled on his face. As you backed up towards the door, you sent him a sweet smile before turning and rushing out.

Sitting in one of the chairs was Roy Kent with a beer in one hand. He sat as stiff as ever. Walking over with your drink, you sat down in the seat next to him.

“Hiya, ugly.”

He grunted in response as you took a sip from your drink. Sam, Isaac, Colin, Dani, Bumbercatch, and Richard were kicking the football around the giant backyard just beyond the patio where you and Roy were sat. You watched them, your eyes following the ball. They weren’t doing anything serious, just showing off some advanced moves that were hard to work into a game.

“Did you see Jamie while inside?” Roy asked, glancing at you. “Saw the prick once since gettin’ here, then he disappeared.” You didn’t take your eyes off the football talent show going on in front of you when you responded.

“He’s talking to Keeley in the kitchen,” You told him. He grunted again, nodding.

“Talkin’ about what?”

You shrugged. “I didn’t stay to listen, although he did mention that she’s been trying to play matchmaker for him. So maybe about that.” Richard tripped Colin intentionally, the players all letting out an ensemble of laughter. Even Colin, from his place in the grass, was laughing along with them. You couldn’t hide your smile, even with Roy staring at the side of your head.

“Since when do you talk to Tartt?” He asked. The drink in your hand had been at your lips, but the sip was never taken. You looked over at him.

“We were in the kitchen together while I made a drink,” You explained, casually. “Got to talking. Not about anything serious though.”

“About what then?”

“You’re fucking nosey today, aren’t you?” You looked at him, finally breaking away from the game, with a scrunched up face. “I thought you liked Jamie now. What’s your deal?” He raised his hands defensively.

“You’ve never talked to him before.” He let his hands drop again. The football was kicked in your direction, but you ignored it, giving your attention to Roy. “Except when he’s hurt on the pitch. Just weird, innit?”

It was weird, now that he was pointing it out to you. You had been the primary paramedic for AFC Richmond for a few years at this point, having proceeded even Jamie’s time on the team. During your tenure, you had become close to Roy Kent. He was still just a player when you came around, meaning you saw him often for his many knee issues and injuries, and he had become a sort of big brother figure to you.

When Jamie joined the team initially, he was easy to avoid due to the fact that he was a huge prick. And while you acknowledged his turn around when he rejoined after the Lust Conquers All stint, the opportunity simply never arose for the two of you to become closer. It wasn’t hate though. When he got injured and needed your help, he was always kind, the two of you occasionally even joking around when you wrapped his foot or iced his knee. But never more. It was simply a mutual respect for what the other did.

“Oi!” Isaac yelling brought you back to reality. You looked over to see him pointing in your direction. “Throw us the ball!”

Following his finger, you saw him pointing towards the football, which was now conveniently parked next to the seat you inhabited.

“Wouldn’t it have been faster for you to get it instead of waiting for us to stop talkin’?” Roy asked. The players all muttered amongst themselves, unsure of what to say.

“This ball?” You asked innocently, pointing at the black and red coloured ball. They all nodded. You stood, slowly approaching the ball and dribbling it towards the field. They all watched you closely. “You’ll have to get it from me first!”

Suddenly, you took off, kicking the ball around the yard as they began to chase you. You squealed as you ran, the alcohol making you feel lighter. Your football moves were nothing compared to theirs, but you were giving it your best go. A pair of arms wrapped around you, yanking you away from the runaway ball. The sound of joyful laughter gave away your kidnapper immediately.

“Looks like I got you!” Dani Rojas yelled proudly as he hoisted you over his shoulder and marched you around the yard. You laughed loudly, hitting your hands lightly against the small of his back.

Life was lovely. You loved your job, and your coworkers, with all of your heart. Moments like these happened all too often. Blissful.

“ARE YOU FUCKING JOKIN’?”

Everything froze. Dani came to a halt, dropping you to your feet. All eyes were staring at the back door, where the voice had just easily yelled over the music and voices from the other side. It felt like everything had gone quiet. Instinct made you start moving, almost reaching the door when it opened rather quickly, and Jamie came out. His eyes were wide as he stared at you. If the good mood hadn’t already been ruined, the look on his face finished the job.

“What-” He approached so fast that your words evaporated off your tongue.

“I panicked,” He whispered so no one else could hear. This made your heart jump into your throat. He shook his head. “I’m sorry. I fucked up.”

Before you had the time to even open your mouth, your name was being yelled from inside and then, Keeley Jones came storming out of the house. The jovial attitude she held before was gone, and was replaced with intense anger and confusion. In turn, you were filled with immense confusion as well. When she spoke, it could all be heard in her voice.

“You and Jamie are together and you didn’t fuckin’ tell me?”

#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

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Could This Be | Chap. Four | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 3.0k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy :)

“Hi babe!”

You looked up from your laptop to find Keeley walking towards you, coffee in one hand and a donut in the other. Her hair was in a high ponytail, and she sported a leather jacket over a white crop top and black pants. The heels she wore were loud against the cement flooring. Sliding the e-pen back into its slot in the computer, you smiled at her.

“I thought I’d find you out here,” She said as she sat down with a relieved sigh, taking a quick bite of her donut. “Went to your usual spot and it was empty.”

“Yeah, I have some charting to do and it was getting stuffy inside,” You explained. She looked over your shoulder in an effort to read your typing. If there was one person in the world who was intrigued by your job, it was always Keeley Jones.

“Anything good?” You shrugged.

“Isaac twisted his knee pretty good during practice, he needed some ice and a pain killer. Pretty standard,” You told her, a smile sneaking on your face. “Not as good as Will bloodying his nose with a shoe yesterday.” She let out a loud laugh before immediately covering her mouth.

“You must have the most interesting job here,” She said, shaking her head as she took another sip of her coffee. “Just gettin’ to see the boys do the dumbest shit all day.” You hummed in response.

“It’s more fun when it's not a match,” You admitted to her. “When it’s a match, there’s more pressure to get them back up and on the field. Like that one against Man City when Jamie was hurt. And Ted was snapping at us to get him fixed so they didn’t have to sub him out. It’s just stressful sometimes.” She nodded in understanding, turning her head to watch as the players practised.

“Speaking of Jamie,” She said innocently, and you could hear the smile in her voice even though neither of you were looking at each other. “Are you busy tonight?” You thought for a second, humming out loud as you did so.

“I don’t think so,” You told her, although you began to regret your honesty. “Why?” She turned towards you again, the excitement filling her face.

“Jamie and you should join Roy and I for dinner tonight!” She exclaimed happily. “It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to go on a double date with you. Too long, really. Please say yes.” She put on her best pouty face, as if to say she already knew you wanted to say no. Which, as life would have it, you did, indeed want to say no. Anxiety rippled through you, but you knew that you couldn’t get out of it.

“Of course!” You told her, feigning enthusiasm as best as you could. “We’d love to! I’ll let Jamie know after practice, I’m sure he’ll be just as excited.”

“I can’t believe you agreed to that,” Jamie said exasperatedly when you told him in the boot room a few hours later. He was fresh out of the showers, in his normal clothing. His hair was still slightly damp. You crossed your arms over your chest with your own look of exasperation.

“Have you fucking met Keeley? You know how impossible it is to say no to her,” You hissed. “Besides, if we said no today, she would’ve just kept asking until we agreed.” Jamie nodded, demeanour changing.

“I know, I know.” He began to pace around the room as you watched from your seat on the bench.

“We just have to get things in order before tonight,” You told him, putting your hands out with your palms down. “Get our story straight. They’re going to ask us a lot of questions, and we need to be ready with answers.” He paused, turning to face you with his finger pointed towards the ceiling.

“Roy is definitely onto us,” He told you, scratching the back of his head.

“Roy would be onto us even if this wasn’t fake,” You said, shaking your head. In your mind, you were imagining sitting across from Roy, hand in hand with Jamie and trying to explain how all of this came to be. In this daydream, his face was the most annoyed you’ve ever seen it. It was definitely an amusing thought. “I’m not as concerned with him as I am about Keeley.”

Van Damme, Dani and Richard peaked in through the window, looking between you and Jamie. You waved to them before shooing them away. They smiled like children who had just gotten caught sneaking candy before running off.

“Alright, so how did we meet?” Jamie asked you, not having noticed the insolence of his teammates. The shock hit you immediately, your mouth falling open in frustration.

“Jamie, once again, we fucking work together. You met me here!” He groaned, covering his face with his hands.

“Fuck. Sorry.” You shook your head, incensed.

“If you forget that we work together one more time, I’m punching you.” The look on your face was stern. Serious. “And I’ll make sure to make it as hard as I can.” Jamie stared at you, mouth agape and eyes scandalised.

“Oi! That’s not very nice!”

“It’s not very nice that you literally forget that we work together, is it?”

He took a moment to consider this, before saying, “We just didn’t talk much before... “ He spun his finger in the air, drawing a circle. “All this. But you’ve always just been… around. I feel like I’ve always known ya.” You scratched your head furiously.

“And yet, I never forgot I worked with you.”

“Your job is all about takin’ care of us!” He exclaimed, the frustration in him growing as well. “Mine is to get the ball in the net. I come into your care once every few weeks, and that’s in a bad month. Cut me some slack, yeah?”

He had a point. More often, you were seeing Jamie in social settings than work settings. When you did see him for an injury, it was usually severe, and he was more focused on not thinking about the pain, or whatever the coaches were saying to him, than he was on who was giving him care. And he was right in the fact that your entire job, besides supplying and helping out the physiotherapists, was to care for the team.

It also had to do with the fact that there was a certain period of time when you weren’t yourself when at work. A presence at the stadium forced you to keep your distance from the players. And even now, the ghost of them still haunts you.

“The slack I’m cutting you is that I’m not hitting you right now,” You told him, not wanting to admit that you saw his point. Not that you ever would hit him, but did he know that? No. And it was going to stay that way.

He opened his mouth to argue, but you waved your hands. “We’re getting off topic here. We need to focus.” His expression changed from argumentative to neutral.

“Alright,” He agreed, taking a seat on the bench next to you. “So we met here. Then what?”

You brought your hand to your chin, tapping your index finger against your face as you thought through several scenarios.

“We can’t say it’s because you’ve been spending more time injured, because you haven’t,” You said, thinking out loud. “We also can’t say that someone set us up, because then Keeley would have an absolute fit.” It felt like it should’ve been easier to come up with a story than it was. While the wheels in your mind kept turning, Jamie’s did the same, but for completely different reasons.

“D’ya know why Keeley never tried to set us up?” You looked at him in time to see him gesturing between you and him. “Me and you?”

“Yes, I told her no footballers,” You said simply before looking away from him. This appeared to surprise him.

“Why not?”

“Jamie, please.” It was so hard to not get frustrated. Not only because he had the attention span of a 3 day old peanut butter sandwich, but also because he was venturing into territory that you really didn’t want to get into. “We only have an hour to get this sorted out.”

“I feel like hidin’ things from me will only make this harder,” He said. “What happened to our rule? Being honest with each other?”

“I’m not… not being honest with you, Jamie,” You said, defensively. “There’s just some things I don’t feel the need to explain to you. At least, not right at this moment.” He shook his head, looking down at the floor with his eyebrows high on his forehead.

“Keepin’ things from a friend,” He said, feigning disappointment. “How can I fake love ya if I know you’re hidin’ things from me?” A hint of a smile appeared on his cheeks. Shaking your head, you tried and failed to fight back your own.

Why are you smiling right now? You asked yourself. Why is this working?

“Fine,” You said, folding your hands in your lap. He looked up in surprise, turning his body so he could give you his full attention. It took you a second to mentally ready yourself to say what you were about to say. A sigh forced its way out of your chest.

“A few years ago, I want to say around the time you went back to Man City, I started dating a… pretty famous footballer.” Out of the corner of your eye, you caught Jamie opening his mouth to speak. “No, I won’t tell you who it is.” Jamie closed his mouth once more. “He was incredible at first. Whole lot of compliments, gifts, extravagant dates, expensive trips. He tried to buy me a car, but I turned it down.” You shook your head. “I was living in a dream… until one day I seemed to just… wake up.” It wasn’t immediately obvious to you that you were smiling until it faded away.

“I can’t say exactly why things changed, but by the time you returned to Richmond, everything for me was different. So different.” Just the memory of it was sending chills up your spine. “There was really no good time that didn’t leave me in complete fear of going home. If he won a game? I was worthless and he was king of the world. If he lost?” You trailed off, letting the words hang above your head for a moment, as the meaning sunk in for Jamie. “There came a point where I wasn’t allowed to talk to any of the players anymore. We had kept our relationship pretty much under wraps from the start, so I really couldn’t tell anyone anyway. Maybe he did that on purpose. But my friendships with most of the players dissolved. Roy ended up finding out because he caught me changing some wrappings on my arm. He told Keeley. They’re the only two who know. Besides you, now.” You zoned out for a second, suddenly feeling out of body, before snapping back and turning to Jamie. “Eventually, the opportunity arose for me to leave. So I did.” You nodded. “Then when Keeley started approaching the subject of dating again, I told her no footballers whatsoever.”

Jamie said nothing, instead just staring at you for a long time. You stared at the floor, waiting for him to give any sort of response. This was the worst part of telling someone, the reaction. But why did his feel like it held so much weight?

“Thank you for tellin’ me,” He finally said. His gaze fell to the grey floor. “You deserve so much better than that.”

“I like to think so,” You said quietly, trying to bring humour to the bleak conversation. He shifted so he was facing you.

“How did he know if you were talkin’ to the other players?” He asked, making you look up again. “Like, how was he able to keep an eye on that if he wasn’t here?”

You froze. The two of you stared at each other for a moment, before Jamie began again, “Unless-”

“Okay, we have to go,” You said, looking at your watch as you swiftly stood off the bench. He jumped at your sudden urgency, clearly wanting to slow you down, but you didn’t allow for it. “I have to get home and get ready. Meet you at the restaurant?” The whiplash seemed to confuse him, as he looked around before looking back at you.

“Uh… Actually, wouldn’t it make more sense if I picked ya up? And we arrived together?”

Fuck. He was just filled with good points today.

“I guess that makes sense,” You said, pulling anxiously on your sleeves, before grabbing for your phone. “Let me text you my address.”

“Do you need my number for that?” He asked, unclear if he was joking or not, just as you sent the address to his phone. Rolling your eyes, you walked out of the room, deciding not to give him any further response.

It wasn’t until you were pulling your vehicle out of the car park that you realised that you and Jamie still hadn’t decided on a proper cover story. You cursed the whole drive home.

Getting home and getting ready turned into being more of an event than you had wanted. What were you supposed to wear on a real double date with your fake boyfriend? Apparently, according to you, there was nothing in your closet that screamed Yes I Am Dating And In Love With This Man. In the end, you settled for a simple dress. It took you longer to do your makeup than you had planned, and when you looked at the time, you practically flew out the door.

Greeting you was Jamie, in a simple white singlet with a tan blazer and black trousers. His hair was slicked back just perfectly. It was the first time, you realised, you had seen him all dressed up. Behind him was a fancy black car that you couldn’t afford to know the name of.

“Look at you! Dressed all smart,” You exclaimed, smiling at him as you walked down the path towards the road. It took you a moment too long to notice the bundle of roses he held in his hands. As you approached him, he held them out to you. “Y- Jamie, you didn’t-”

“Of course I had to,” He said, leaning in with a goofy smile. “It’s our first fake date, innit?”

Your stomach did a somersault as you took them from him. Before you allowed yourself to overthink it, you kissed his cheek.

“You look lovely, by the way,” He added, looking you up and down. Being under his gaze made the heat in your cheeks rise up, and you turned away before he had time to notice.

“I’m gonna put these inside in some water, and then we can go, okay?”

It was until you got to the door that you noticed he was following you inside, like an excited little puppy, but you didn’t comment. As you wandered into the kitchen for a vase, he looked around the sitting room.

“Nice little place you got here,” Jamie called to you just as you pulled a simple, plain vase from the cupboard.

“Oh, thank you!”

As you set the flowers in the water, you thought about how weird it was that of all people, Jamie Tartt was in your house, wandering around your sitting room. As you exited the kitchen, you found him admiring the photos framed on the mantle. You noticed as you set the roses on your coffee table that he was stuck staring at one picture. He turned to you, pointing at the frame.

“When was this from?”

Somehow, you already knew what picture he was referring to. When you approached, putting your hands on your hips as the both of you stared at the photo.

“That’s from the last Man City match,” You told him, glancing at him briefly before looking back at the photo. “It was in the papers, so I clipped it out.”

It was of you and him, Jamie laying in the grass with his legs spread out as you wrapped his injured foot. The both of you were laughing over something, either over something you had said to calm the mood or some self deprecating joke from him. If the photo had been cropped differently, one wouldn’t have even known that he was injured. It just would’ve been two friends, having a laugh.

Jamie slowly reached up and grabbed the frame, bringing it down so he could look at it properly.

“I remember this,” He said quietly. “Coach Lasso had just walked off, after asking you to get me fixed up, and you looked at me and said,” He cleared his throat before continuing, “‘Does he think I’m the fuckin’ Fairy Godmother? Just wave me wand and you won't have a sprained foot?’”

You laughed, partly at how he tried to impersonate your voice with his thick accent, but also at the fact that now you did remember that moment. When you looked over at Jamie, you found he was already looking at you.

“I remember how shit I felt over my dad, and being back at Man City, and you made me feel a lil better.”

Whatever was bubbling in your belly was overwhelming you. You playfully bumped your hip against his.

“You finally remember working with me, yeah?”

He let out a loud laugh, which, in turn, made you laugh as well.

“Piss off,” He said, setting the photo carefully back onto the mantle. “Are you ready to go or are we just goin’ to stand here so you can bully me all night?” You scrunched up your face in thought.

“Bullying you is quite fun…”

Shaking his head, he turned and went straight towards your front door. He threw it open before turning and facing you.

“You comin’ or what?”

You skipped after him, surprisingly excited now for the coming night.

“Coming!”

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#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. 3 | j.t.

Word Count: 3.1k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

Sanctuary.

That’s how you viewed the medical room at the Nelson Road Stadium.

It was supply order day, which meant it was a day with your headphones in, going through inventory for yourself and for the physical therapists before placing the order, and resorting the stock if need be. It normally took all day, and you were only interrupted if someone got hurt or sick on the pitch, which wasn’t often on non-match days. So you could expect to spend the entire day by yourself.

You were sitting on the floor of the supply room, tapping your feet against the grey tile as you wrote down how many leg splints were on the shelf. Quietly, you were singing along to the song playing. At least, you thought it was quietly, but it was hard to tell over the music. It wasn’t something you bothered about though. No one would hear it even if you sang at the top of your lungs. Resting on the floor next to you was the two way radio, turned up loud so you’d be able to hear it, in case of emergency.

Over the two days that had passed since Keeley’s party, you had tried very hard not to think about Jamie or the conundrum he had put you in. It proved to be especially helpful to your mental health if you didn’t. The solution was a simple one. Everyone would just be informed of the breakup, stating that you weren’t ready for a relationship or things just didn’t work out or whatever, and then everything would go back to normal. And normal was something you yearned incredibly hard for.

Movement out of the corner of your eye alerted you that you were not alone. Slowly, you turned, finding Jamie Tartt leaning against the door of the supply closet.

A loud shriek left your mouth while you scrambled to your feet. As you ripped your headphones from your ears, he raised his hands apologetically.

“Sorry, sorry,” He said in a quiet tone. The expression on his face read a mix of guilt and amusement. “I didn’t want to interrupt ya, but I need to talk to ya.”

You didn’t say anything, instead stuffing your headphones in your pocket and waiting. He also had his hands in his pockets, looking almost as uncomfortable as you did. After a moment, he sighed as he pulled his phone out.

“Do you have Twitter?”

Your eyes narrowed. That was the last thing you expected him to say.

“I- uhm… I got rid of my social media,” You admitted, pulling your hand from your pocket to run it up and down your opposite forearm. “Last year.” He nodded without looking up, and you were surprised when he didn’t push the issue. Most people would question you to no end about how you could live without social media. It was refreshing, to say the least.

Jamie intently searched his phone before, hesitantly, handing it over to you. For a moment, you just stared at it. Whatever it was that he was trying to share, you knew you just by the look on his face that you weren’t going to like it. Maybe it would be best if you just didn’t know. He urged you to take it, as if he read your mind.

“You need to know, too.”

At that, your eyes met his. They were sad. Almost regretful. Without breaking eye contact, you slowly took the phone before looking down at it.

What you found were pages and pages of tweets about you and Jamie, pictures of you and him laying together and also some with his arm around you from the party, attached to almost each one. You were named directly in all of them. It was so tempting to read each one, especially the ones where they picked you apart by your appearance and called you names. They still caught your eye, as hard as you tried, and each one felt like a bullet in the chest.

“Who leaked these?” You asked him as you finally forced yourself to look away. All he could do was shrug.

“Keeley said she would try to find out, but the source was anonymous,” He said. “It could’ve been anyone at that party.” Your phone suddenly felt very heavy in your pocket.

He’s going to see it.

You wanted to scream as you handed Jamie back his phone.

“I’m sorry,” He said, sincerely. “I never meant for any of this to happen. You were so upset that night, I felt ‘orrible.” You shook your head.

“It’s fine, Jamie,” You said. “I’m not mad at you. I mean…” You smiled slightly. “I definitely was mad at you. The whole thing just had me more… overwhelmed than anything else.” You scratched your head. “Even more so now.”

He nodded, rocking back and forth from the tips of his toes to the heels of his feet. It was clear that the conversation wasn’t ending here. You watched him carefully.

“What is it?” You finally asked. He ran a hand down his face.

“I think…” He said, tilting his head. “I think we should keep this goin’, just for a little bit.” You stared at him in confusion.

“And why would we do that?” You asked in an unusually high voice, walking passed him out of the supply closet and back into the medical room. He turned to follow. The shaking in your hands started again as you sat down at your desk. If Jamie noticed your brand new demeanour, he didn’t comment on it

“‘Cos how stupid would it be if we told everyone we broke up right after we told them we’re together?” He asked. “Also, it still saves us from the blind date business we talked about. Can’t question ya if they know who you’re datin’, can they?”

It infuriated you that he was making sense.

You turned in your chair as you contemplated all of this. There were so many factors to consider. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing, necessarily. It certainly would get everyone off your back about dating someone new. But then there was the fear. It would be one thing if Jamie were a regular guy, but he was a public figure. Meaning, your picture would get put out there more than it already had. You wouldn’t be under the radar like you had been, which is something you felt you needed for safety and sanity reasons. But maybe that could be a positive in itself. Jamie could offer a sort of security at the matches that you didn’t have before. Maybe being on his radar was exactly what you needed.

“How long would it go on?” You asked him. Running his fingers through his long hair, he shrugged.

“At least a month,” He replied. “Give things time to smooth over.” You nodded as you continued to think.

“We’d probably need some rules then.”

He perked up at this, as if he hadn’t considered it.

“Alright,” He said, sitting down on the edge of your desk. Which you hated. “Rule number one, you have to go to all of the matches.”

You stared at him with a blank expression for a long time, wondering if he was joking. When he didn’t respond, you knew he wasn’t.

“Jamie,” You said slowly. “I already go to every single match. I have to because of my job.” He looked absolutely embarrassed, and you felt it too. Had he really noticed you so little that he couldn’t even remember you being at the matches? Who was the person who had helped him every time he got hurt at a match? Maybe it would be easier if you didn’t think about it too much.

“Fine, sorry,” He mumbled. “Real first rule then. You have to go to public events with me.” Nodding, he looked pleased with this one. “Movie premieres. Charity parties. Weddin’s. All that shit. You’re going too.” You scrunched up your face.

“Does that include Coach Beard’s wedding in a few weeks?” You asked him. He slammed his hands down on the desk, clearly grateful that you reminded him. It made you regret bringing it up entirely.

“Abso-fuckin’-lutely it does!” He sounded so pleased about it, as if he was happy to know that he wouldn’t have to find a date for anything for the foreseeable future. As much as you wanted to be upset by this, your original plan for Beard’s wedding was to third wheel with Keeley and Roy, and while that would’ve been the safe route to go, now you’d have an actual date, and wouldn’t have to worry about Keeley, after a few drinks entered her system, asking every man who was alone to ask you to dance. Like she had at the last wedding the two of you attended.

“Rule number two I think is an obvious one,” He continued. “Just be honest with each other.” You nodded, liking this one a lot.

“I think that for this to work, we have to become friends on some sort of level,” You said, adding onto what he said. “I feel like I know nothing about you.” This seemed to surprise me.

“Do ya know what, I think you’re the first person to say that to me in a long time.”

“So, we have to be honest with each other,” You repeated back to him. “That’s rule number two, but rule number three is that we’re going to leave this as amicable friends.” Your head tilted towards your shoulder. You wanted to add a comment about no longer being invisible to him, but decided not to.

“Then, of course,” He said, a cheeky tone filling his voice. “There’s rule number four; Don’t fall in love with me.”

You rolled your eyes so hard that you could feel them strain. Immediately, you changed your expression, giving him the best heart eyed look you could muster.

“Can you believe it, I already have!” You exclaimed, throwing a dramatic hand to your forehead. “Whatever shall we do?” He was fighting a smile as he watched you.

“I know, I’m just too irresistible,” He said, playing as if he knew this would happen.

“Oh Jamie Tartt, the most real while also the most fake love of my life, how will I ever find anyone else?”

“Alright, fuck off,” He said through a laugh. Dropping your hand to your lap, you found that you were laughing as well. He was looking at you, as if for the first time. “I always forget how funny ya are. Ya always seem to keep to yourself.”

Yeah, you thought to yourself. There’s a reason for that.

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat. There was no good way to respond.

“Last rule,” You said, more reservation in your voice this time. “I…erm.” Your eyes dropped to the table, but you could still feel him staring. “I need…” You inhaled sharply. “I need you to… to ask before you touch me.” The words hung in the air for a moment, and you wished so desperately to suddenly gain the ability to turn invisible so you could escape his gaze. “Or, at the very least, let me know before you touch me. Please.”

He stared at you for a long moment, waiting for what you could only assume was an explanation. But you didn’t intend to give one, instead just continuing to stare at the table awkwardly while trying to remain cool and not panicked.

“Alright,” He said slowly. Another beat passed before he continued, “Can I ask-”

“No,” You interrupted him quickly, feeling stupid by how desperate you sounded. “No, you can not.” His face softened, head tilting to the side slightly.

“What I was going to ask… if it upset you when I touched ya the other day.”

The heat rose in your cheeks.

“Oh, erm… It did,” You admitted, trying not to replay the absolute panic attack, along with washing your skin raw and sitting in the burning water for an hour, in your head. When the guilt filled his face, you shook your head. “Please don’t feel bad. There’s no way you could’ve known.” He shook his own head, waving you off.

“I should’ve asked. I’m sorry.”

You were dumbfounded by this response. This conversation usually went very, very differently. Never had it been this easy to set a boundary and not only not have them question you on the why, but also have them apologise for unknowingly breaking them in the past. The anxiety that had initially filled your chest completely evaporated, and you found it replaced with ease.

You opened your mouth to speak when you were interrupted by the door flying open. The both of you jumped up, turning to see Roy Kent at the door with Will the kit man next to him. Will’s nose was gushing with blood. Alarm bells began to ring in your head at the sight of him.

“Did you throw your radio into the fuckin’ ocean or somethin’?” Roy shouted as he grabbed Will by the sleeve and dragged him over to the bed. “Or are you too busy making puppy eyes at your new fuckin’ boyfriend?” Ignoring Roy, you ran to the supply closet and grabbed your radio, feeling nauseous over missing the call. You set it down on your desk when you reentered the room before turning your attention to Will.

“What happened?” You asked as you put some gloves on.

“The boys said I couldn’t juggle shoes,” Will explained. With his eyes on the ceiling, he couldn’t tell that you were giving him a look. “I had to prove I can.”

“It’s not broken, just busted up,” You said, your eyes scanning the area. “Did you prove it? That you can juggle shoes?”

“Yes!” Will exclaimed at the same time that Roy said, while shaking his head, “No.”

“I would’ve been fine had Isaac not thrown a 5th one into the mix.”

“I think you would’ve gotten clobbered with one of them either way, if I’m honest,” Roy remarked, taking a seat in the chair that you had previously been sitting in. He looked over at Jamie, who hadn’t said a word since they had arrived. “Don’t you have practice? Fuck off, Tartt.” Completely unfazed by Roy’s aggression, Jamie nodded while taking a step towards you.

“See you later, yeah?” He said gently. You looked at him as you packed Will’s nose with gauze, giving him a smile and a nod. He leaned in, before tapping his finger against his cheek. You stared at him, the corners of your lips flicking upwards into a small smile. It was clear by his eyes that this was a question, not a demand. He was giving you the power. You planted a kiss onto the side of his face, and he gave you a wide smile before sauntering out the door.

“I fuckin’ hate this,” Roy grumbled as the door clicked closed.

“I heard about you and Jamie,” Will said quickly, his voice all mucked up from the tissues in his nose. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Will,” You said as you grabbed a wipe to clean the dried blood from his cheeks, now that the bleeding had stopped. “If only everyone were as nice and supportive as you.” You made sure to say that last part a little louder, so that Roy was sure to hear it.

“Fuck you.”

“If you’re just here to pout and be an arse, you can fucking leave,” You told him with a friendly tone. Giving Will one last look, you ripped off your gloves. “Alright, Will. You’re clear to return to work.” Tossing the bundle into the rubbish bin, it dropped in easily. You gave Will a look of warning. “Maybe hold off on the shoe juggling for now, yeah?” He nodded understandingly before hopping off the bed and making his way out the door.

Roy, however, stuck around.

“Who said I don’t support you?” He demanded. Sitting down on the bed, you stared at him.

“Your entire behaviour has said it.” You cocked your head to the side. “You literally just said, and I quote.” You did your best Roy Kent impression, having perfected it over the years, “‘I fuckin’ hate this.’” If he was impressed by your Roy Kent voice, he did not voice it, to your complete dismay.

“I do,” He admitted, casually. “That don’t mean I don’t support you.” You crossed your arms over your chest, saying nothing. Roy leaned forward in the chair, pressing his hands together as he looked at you.

“Do you remember my last match as captain of Richmond?” He asked. “When I fucked up my knee-”

“-Sliding into Jamie,” You finished. Because of course you remembered. He got up and took himself out of the game, and you found him with Keeley in the locker room. Staying out in the hall where they couldn’t see you, you waited until she left, and then you gave him care. “I remember.”

“Do you remember the first thing you said to me?”

You nodded. “‘Should’ve kicked him harder, you would’ve broken his ankle.’”

Roy smiled fondly as if he was replaying it in his head. “Yeah.” Another moment passed before he spoke again. “And then do you remember the second thing you said to me?” You nodded, this one being much clearer.

“‘You’re more than this, you know. You’re so much bigger than this game. When you’re old and can’t remember how to wipe your own arse, they’ll still remember you as one of the greats, even if you don’t feel that great at this moment. It’s okay to rest now. You’ve done it.’”

He had been so hurt, so devastated, when it became clear he couldn’t keep playing. His knee just wasn’t doing the job anymore. You had known him for a few years at this point, as you wrapped and iced his knee. A few years of watching him dominate matches. All you had done in that moment was be honest with him.

“You’ve done it, now,” He said tenderly. “You’ve always been more than that arsehole who you won’t let me kill. And you let it hold you back for longer than you should’ve. You deserve someone kind. Now you’ve got that. Of course I support you.” He sat up straight, face hardening once more. “I’m still going to complain about it, though.” You rolled your eyes, as the softness of the moment had reached its end.

“I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

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#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. Six | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: Just a lil chapter. I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

“Can you just fucking stop?”

The radio, however, kept going with the signal it had been dropping every hour since you had arrived at the stadium that morning. First, Higgins fell down the stairs and needed a once over. Then, Will the kit man once again had a bloody nose that somehow revolved around shoes (but not juggling them, he insisted, though you weren’t sure if you believed him). After that, one of the cleaning men was having a “cardiac event” that turned out to be a rather severe case of heartburn. He was still sent to hospital at his insistence, which meant even more paperwork for you. Finally, Coach Beard threw himself through the (open) window between the coaches office and the changing room, and despite repeated questioning, no one in the room would tell you why, which led you to assume that it was either a complete accident, or they were threatened into secrecy.

And now this, another mystery to unpack, as rarely were you given any proper details through the radio besides the location of the emergency. This time, it was on the pitch itself.

Grabbing your jump bag, you made your way out the door. Though you walked briskly through the halls, it was rare that you ran. Whatever was happening, getting there a few seconds faster wasn’t going to be the difference between a miracle and hospitalisation.

The sun was warm today, your skin instantly heating up as you walked out of the tunnel and onto the field. In the middle of the pitch was the team standing around in a circle. As you got closer, Roy turned and noticed you coming.

“Alright, everyone fuckin’ back up,” He called to the players. They all turned, looking at you as they stepped away.

“Please!” You added as you began to sift through them. You were met by them with subdued greetings. When you finally saw the sight in the middle of all the fuss, you sighed.

Jamie Tartt sat on the ground, cradling the left side of his head in his hands. From where you stood, there was no sign of obvious injuries. When he caught sight of you, he smiled sheepishly, eyes wincing from the sunlight.

“What happened?” You asked as you approached him.

“Went to the toilets for five minutes,” Roy said. “Came back and they were trying to kick footballs off each others’ heads. Was back just in time to see this idiot get clocked.” You had already started rummaging through your bag when you stopped, pausing to stare blankly at Jamie, and subsequently the rest of the team. They all refused to look at you, some of them even walking quickly away with their heads down.

“Did we all collectively forget what I always say is the best way to prevent injury?” You demanded as you pulled your vitals kit from your bag. There was a bit of a pause before the answer came.

“Don’t be fucking stupid,” Multiple players said at the same time in various volumes. You grumbled curses under your breath as you began to work again.

“It hurts a lot,” Jamie said in a strained voice while you slipped the automatic blood pressure cuff over his arm.

“I can’t imagine how else a kick to the head would feel, especially in the boots.” He laughed, vibrating his body. You put your hand on his quickly. “You gotta sit still!”

He froze instantly before mumbling, “Sorry.” You felt the eyes of the other players watching, making you slowly pull your hand away again.

Grabbing a torch from the front pocket of the bag, you shined it into his right eye, pulling it away and then bringing it back again, before doing the same to the other eye. You then had him follow your finger with just his eyes. The machine beeped, and when you looked down, you sighed.

“Well, so far, everything is normal,” You said, eyebrows still furrowed in concentration. “You’re not showing any signs of a concussion, but I do think you should at least sit out for the rest of practice.” He nodded as he went back to holding his head.

“Can I lay down somewhere?”

This time, you nodded. “You can come lay down in the med room while I chart.”

A chorus of “Ooooooooooooooo” filled the air. You whipped your head to give each player an individual, customised glare.

“Don’t be fucking cheeky!” You exclaimed, though you were having a hard time completely hiding the smile from your face.

With the help of Bumbercatch and Roy, Jamie ascended back to his feet. When they released him, you took Roy’s place on the left side, wrapping your arm around the middle of Jamie’s torso as he propped his arm around your shoulders. It was different when you were working, being close like this. And yet, in that moment, with everyone’s eyes on the two of you, it was hard not to let the embarrassment and insecurity take over.

“How lucky Jamie is, in love with a miracle worker,” You heard Dani say to someone as you and Jamie began to head towards the tunnel.

“Do you think this is just an excuse for them to go… you know…?” Richard asked.

“Of course not,” Sam defended. “She is more professional than that.”

The fact that it had even been in question made you feel even more embarrassed, so much that you began to will Jamie into walking faster. All things considered, he was walking pretty well, and he was able to go the speed you desired without much of an issue.

Once back in the sanctuary of the med room, you released Jamie, who walked slowly towards the bed before sinking down onto the mattress. A sigh left his mouth as he laid down into the pillow. You flicked the lights off before heading to your desk.

“Don’t ya have work to do?” He asked through his hands that covered his face.

“Yeah, but my laptop has just enough light for me.” He hummed in response.

For a while, it was quiet, the only sound being your fingers tapping against the keys on the keyboard. As you worked, it was hard to stay focused now that you had company. The typing started to get too loud, and you knew you needed a distraction.

“How bad does your head hurt?” You asked him. “On a scale of 1 to 10?”

“Probably a 7,” He told you. Though you couldn’t see it, the sound of the mattress ruffling let you know he was shifting in the bed.

“Do you want something for the pain?”

“Nah,” was all he replied. An answer you were all too familiar with when it came down to these footballers and pain medicines.

“You know, just dealing with the pain isn’t the masculine thing that everyone makes it out to be,” You told him. “It’s okay to take the pain meds.”

“It’s not that I am worried about my masculinity, you fuckin’ twat.” Through the insult, he was laughing. “I don’t wanna be all drugged up while talkin’ to ya.” You narrowed your eyes.

“Why's that?” You asked him.

“You’re my fake girlfriend yeah?” He said firmly. “What if I say something stupid?”

“You’ve never had an issue with saying stupid things around me before.”

“Well, now I want ya to respect me.”

“I still respect you when you say stupid things.” A beat passed. “Mmmmm… sometimes.”

He raised his head quickly as he shouted, “See?!”

“Lay back down, you fucking goon.” He obeyed, and even in the dark, you could see the squint in his eyes from the sudden movement. “What if I give you some paracetamol or something? That’s not an opiate, so no weird side effects, like increased idiocracy”

“You can paracetamol my ass.”

You stared at him.

“Was that really the best you could come up with?” You asked him.

“I’m in me death bed, leave me alone.” He even rolled over to escape your stare, causing you to swallow a laugh..

“Even par-ass-etamol would’ve been better.”

“The dent in me head prevents me from being clever.” His voice was slightly muffled now.

“You mean the dent that you caused by being stupid as fuck?”

“The very same.”

“What was your excuse for not being clever before?”

“Do you treat all of your fake boyfriends like this?”

“Nope, you’re just special.”

Your charting was forgotten as you went back and forth with Jamie. Standing up, you went to the drug locker. As you put the combination into the lock, you could hear him rolling back over in the bed.

“You’re gonna take the medication. It won’t make you loopy.” As you got the pills out and put them in a little cup, you could feel Jamie’s eyes on you despite the lack of lighting.

When you turned back to him, you could make out his twinkling eyes. He came into focus better when you approached, with his hair hanging down his forehead and his cheek squished into his hand, which laid between his head and the pillow. His other arm was reaching for the cup before you had even started extending your own.

“Let me get you water.” In an instant, you were back with a plastic cup of water. Jamie flinched as he stood, spilling the tablets into his mouth before following them up with the water. He handed you both receptacles before lying back down. Tossing the cups in the trash, you returned to the chair at your desk.

“What’s your favourite thing to do on your day off?” He asked. Your eyebrows knitted together in confusion at how random the question felt, but you played along anyway.

“I love to read,” You told him. “That’s usually what I’m doing when I’m not working, or if I have free time while here.” You hesitated before adding, “What about you?”

“I’ve been trying to watch more telly,” He said. “Goin’ out every night got old after a while. Needa learn how to spend time by meself.” You were slightly surprised by this answer.

“That’s… normal,” You remarked. The mattress shifted again.

“Tryna be,” He said. “Life hasn’t been normal for me in a long time, d’ya know what I mean?”

You did, somehow. It was hard for one to be normal when they’re known around the world.

You tried to go back to your charting, having to turn the screensaver off from how long it had been idle. The work wasn’t coming as naturally as it had been before, though.

“What was your best relationship like?”

This stopped you in your tracks, the embarrassment creeping up your spine.

“Honestly…?” You said, refusing to make eye contact. “This one.”

“What one?”

You gestured between yourself and him. “This. You and me. Us.”

There was a long period of silence between the two of you. Finally, slowly, Jamie sat up. You allowed yourself to meet his eye in the darkness.

“Are ya ever gonna tell me who hurt ya?” He asked in a low tone. Your chest felt like it had been electrocuted, shooting through your heart and down your spine. The idea of telling Jamie who it was made you feel a type of way.

“I’m sure I’ll have to, at some point,” You admitted. “But I’m going to put it off for as long as I can.”

“Why?”

You shrugged.

“Because if I also could go without knowing,” You said slowly. “I would.”

You felt like you were in a movie scene, as you stared at Jamie in this moment. It felt like the part where he would stand and approach you, moving hair from your face or cradling your cheek in his palm. The intimacy of the moment made your breath hitch in your chest. Jamie clearly felt it too, shown by the way he cleared his throat.

“I think I’m good to drive home,” He said, standing from the cot. You watched him as he went towards the door, feeling slightly disappointed that he was leaving. He paused as he hit the doorway, hitting the frame before turning back towards you.

“There’s a movie premiere next week,” He informed you before turning back around. “You’ll be comin’ with me, yeah?” You stared at him blankly for a second before nodding.

“Oh,” You said. “Yes. Of course! Rule number one. I didn’t forget.”

He beamed at you, pumping his fist before turning and walking out of the room. Turning back to your laptop, you smiled slightly, before trying, and failing, to get back to your charting so you, too, could leave for the day.

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@daffieapple, @my-left-sock, @buckybarnex, @jelleeyfish, @ricciardhoe3, @picked-off-by-barzall, @lilweirdgal, @hotdoglamp, @loveslide, @rosea-h, @13-7-19-67-71. @wickedheartz, @xxenia14, @zazima, @alainabooks143, @geek-and-proud, @imagines-reblogged, @fuckifuckedup, @booklovingduck, @loveforaugust, @f1maverick, @jamieroyjamieroy, @meisterdani, @hanybunch, @batsy-bats1, @brianandthemays, @heletsmelovehim, @breepboopbap, @jellycolors

#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

320 notes · View notes

buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. Five | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 3.4k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

“Should we go in, then?”

“Probably.”

Despite this, the both of you continued to sit in Jamie’s idling car. A slow trickle of rain fell on the windshield. From what you could tell, Keeley and Roy had not arrived yet.

“Unless you want to wait for them?” You asked him. All he did was shrug. It was clear that he was anxious too. He kept pulling at the end of his jacket, you noticed, and tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. Raising your hand slowly, hesitantly, you reached over and placed it on his forearm lightly. He jumped at the contact before whirling his head to face you.

“It’s gonna be okay,” You said softly. He looked between you and your hand, taking a deep breath before nodding. Just as he was about to speak, you looked over his shoulder to find Roy and Keeley on the other side of the street, approaching the door to the restaurant. You nodded in their direction. “They’re here. You ready?” He nodded before turning the car off and climbing out. You did the same, walking to the other side of the car where he stood. He held his hand out for you, raising his eyebrows in question. Your heart rate picked up from the anxiety the gesture brought, but even still, you reached out and pressed your palm into his. He adjusted his hand to entwine your fingers into his own before leading you across the road.

Your breath caught in your throat.

It was so simple. Yet, you had forgotten what it was like to have your hand held so delicately. His hand was warm against yours, but in a comforting way. His fingers were wrapped tightly around your hand, but not too tight to where you felt like you were in trouble, yet not so loose that you felt like he was doing it out of obligation. Both of those feelings, you were all too familiar with. There was something about the way his fingertips felt against the top of your hand that was so… consoling.

It made you want to cry on the spot. But, this time, not from sadness, or fear.

You wanted to cry out of euphoria.

Keeley caught sight of the two of you first, her face instantly breaking out into a wide smile.

“I can’t fuckin’ stand how cute the two of you are,” She said, shaking her head as she opened her arms for a hug. You walked into them, Jamie hugging Roy at the same time. When Keeley pulled away so she could hug Jamie, you turned to Roy.

“How’s my favourite grumpy old troll?” You asked him as he kissed your cheek and hugged you.

“I feel like I see enough of you pricks without having to spend a whole dinner with you,” He grumbled, although you could just make out the playful tone in his voice. You rolled your eyes at him. Jamie opened the door to the restaurant and allowed Roy, Keeley and then yourself to enter before following behind. His hand brushed against yours as the group approached the hostess, and, instinctively, you slipped your hand in his, entwining your fingers for him this time.

The fact that the feeling of your hand being held left you with butterflies in your stomach made you feel so stupid. It shouldn’t be this groundbreaking to your stupid brain that you were holding someone’s hand without being afraid. But you continued with it anyway.

The hostess led the four of you to your table right away, allowing you to sit at the window table. Jamie pulled your chair out for you, a deep heat filling your cheeks as you sat down under the suspicious stare of Roy Kent, who had already sat down. When Jamie’s hand left yours, your skin was left with a cold void. The waitress was already swooping over with glasses of water before your chair was even scooted in.

“Jamie, when did you become such a gentleman?” Keeley asked, her hand over her chest. He looked between the three of you as he took his own seat. Clearly, he hadn’t done something he felt was worth commenting on.

“Oh erm…”

“Isn’t he such a gentleman though?” You interjected, saving him from answering. “He even brought me flowers when he picked me up. Beautiful bouquet of roses.” You put a hand on his upper arm and gave it a squeeze. “Part of the reason I like him so much, I think.” Roy, who had been taking a drink of his water, snorted, blowing bubbles into his glass and subsequently getting water all over himself. Everyone else at the table wordlessly decided to collectively ignore this.

“So,” Keeley said, resting her chin over the tops of her hands. “Tell me everything.”

You and Jamie exchanged a look. It was too much to expect the subject to not be brought up so early in the dinner. Though, you were hoping to at least have some bread before it was mentioned.

“Well, obviously, we met at work,” Jamie said, throwing his napkin on his lap. You had to resist the urge to run your hands down your face.

Sweet fucking Jesus.

“Well, I’ve been enlightened,” Roy said, having just finished cleaning the water off his black button up shirt.

“It wasn’t because of work that we started talking though,” You explained, smiling sweetly at Keeley, who was still eagerly listening to the two of you.

“Oh yeah, we ran into each other outside of work one day,” Jamie added. You looked at him before looking back at them. Now he was giving you something to work with.

“Oh? Where did you run into each other?” Keeley asked. You glanced at Jamie again right as he was shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

“The Zoo.” It slipped out so fast that you weren’t sure who had said it until everyone turned to stare at you. You nodded, standing by your answer. “The London Zoo. We ran into each other there.” Roy turned to Jamie.

“Why the fuck were you at the Zoo?” He asked. Jamie looked positively offended by the question.

“I love animals.”

“Enough to go to the Zoo by yourself?”

“Who said I was by meself?”

“Who were you with then?”

Jamie stammered for a moment too long before finally saying, “...Meself.”

“I personally love going to the zoo by myself,” You chimed in casually just as the waitress came by with a basket of bread and to take drink orders.

“We all are aware of your passion about zoos and animals,” Roy said as he ignored the new presence looming over the table. “I’m talkin’ about ‘im.”

“I’d love some wine,” Keeley said happily to the waitress, entirely unfazed by whatever it was that was happening at this table.

“Just keep the whiskeys comin’, love,” Jamie added, giving the waitress a tense smile.

“Same for me,” Roy said, glaring at Jamie.

“I’ll just stick with water,” You whispered before taking a long sip. This was clearly going to be the longest night of your life, and while you would rather be drunk for it, someone needed to be sober. And you weren’t sure that someone was going to be Jamie, who had also been your ride.

“What were you doing at the zoo, Jamie?” Keeley asked. He raised his shoulders in a shrug.

“Just felt like walkin’ amongst the animals.” He took a long drink from his water glass, and you did the same.

“And you two just ran into each other?” She followed up. You looked over at him, imagining this fake meeting in your mind.

“Yeah,” You said quietly. “We got to talking, and then the next thing we knew, hours had passed and we had just been walking around in circles!” Keeley smiled as if she was watching a romantic comedy in real time. You felt like you were an actor in one. Playing out the scenes but none of them actually being your own.

“What’s your favourite animal at the zoo then, Tartt?” Roy asked as he took another drink from his water glass.

“Pandas. Easy,” Jamie said confidently, folding his arms in front of him. It took everything in you to not slide out from your chair and under the table. You reached over and put a hand over his.

“...Would be your favourite if they had pandas, like we talked about when we ran into each other!” You said through your teeth. Jamie smiled.

“Right. Fuckin’ love pandas. They should be at every zoo.”

“You had mentioned the African wild dogs were really good, if I’m remembering correctly,” You said as you scratched your forehead. Jamie snapped his fingers before pointing at you.

“That’s what I meant. African wild dogs.”

“Yeah, because African wild dogs are so similar to fuckin’ pandas,” Roy retorted. You grabbed a piece of bread and stressfully took a very large bite.

“It’s the fur pa’ern,” Jamie tried to defend himself, gesturing around his eyes. “They got the dark fur around their eyes, yeah? Similar to pandas.”

“Isn’t the bread here just amazin’!?” Keeley asked as she took a piece for herself. It was unclear if she was trying to alleviate the tension or if she just really thought the bread was good, but you were thankful for her input regardless. Both Roy and Jamie took that opportunity to take a piece of bread for themselves. The waitress came back with the drinks, setting them down and pulling out her pad for orders.

“We need a minute,” Roy told her before she could even get a word out. She nodded before wandering off again. You took the menu and opened it for the first time. Jamie, instead of reading his own, was looking over your shoulder.

“I recommend the fettuccine,” He said quietly, pointing to where it was on the menu. “Although their shrimp is pretty good too.” You glanced over the menu to see if Keeley and Roy were paying attention before turning your head slightly towards Jamie.

“I’m allergic to shellfish,” You whispered, desperate for the other two not to hear.

“You’re allergic to shellfish?” He whispered back in a shock filled voice. You nodded.

“My throat will close right up.” You closed your fist quickly to demonstrate, causing Jamie’s eyes to widen. Roy dropped his menu loudly onto the table, making the both of you jump.

“You didn’t know she’s allergic to shellfish?” He demanded, sounding displeased, almost disgusted. You set the menu down lightly.

“It just hasn’t come up, Roy,” You said, trying and failing to not sound tired. “We’ve only just started dating. We’re still getting to know each other.” Keeley turned to Roy, putting her hand on his thigh.

“Babe,” She said gently. “You need to calm down.” His eyes rolled upward, staring at the ceiling as she chastised him. “They’re our friends, yeah? There’s no need to quiz them, or interrogate them! They’re happy, and we’re happy.” His eyes fell on Jamie once again.

“Yeah,” He grumbled. “Happy.”

Keeley turned around to face forward again, giving you another bright smile. You were so thankful for her at this moment. Though you knew that Roy meant well, you weren’t sure he always realised how incredibly intimidating he is. Or maybe he did, and he just didn’t care. The waitress returned to take orders, and you did take Jamie’s suggestion to get the chicken fettuccine alfredo (no shrimp for you though). When she walked off again, you saw that Roy and Jamie both started and finished their whiskeys in the same gulp at the same time.

“What sort of things do you do together?” Keeley asked, sipping on her wine.

“Ride bikes!” Jamie was quick to answer on his own. This time, Roy turned to you.

“You fuckin’ hate cycling.”

You shrugged, trying to remain casual. “I’m getting into it.” You tilted your head, trying to look thoughtful. “Jamie’s helped me… see the fun in it. Like he did with you!” He looked so homicidal that you had to look away while drinking your water to avoid laughing.

“Sometimes we just run errands together, just so we don’t have to do them alone,” You added. “But also, obviously, to spend more time together.” Keeley looked lovestruck.

“Awww, you always talk about how much you hate doing errands alone!”

Which you did. It always felt so… sad to go to the grocery store or to the bank alone. Something about the fact that this was a lie made your chest hurt.

The waitress swept in again, this time to deliver the plates of food. The serving size was smaller than you had thought it would be, especially due to the amount it was going to cost. You weren’t used to fancy restaurants, mostly going to the local takeout spots near your house that gave you enough food to last a few days. Picking up your fork, you dug into your plate, as everyone else already had.

You looked over at Jamie, who you just now noticed had gotten the fettuccine as well. When he noticed your gaze on him, he raised his eyebrows in question.

“No shrimp?” You asked curiously. He shook his head, looking at you with knitted eyebrows.

“Didn’t want to risk it.”

“Risk what?” You asked. He pointed to you.

“You.” He looked confused. “Being near it makes your throat go-” He closed his fist tightly, just as you had done before. “-yeah?” You shook your head, biting back a smile.

“It’s only if I ingest it, or if it touches my food,” You explained.

He let out a quiet, “Oh,” looking down at his plate before his eyes were on you once more.

“Oh well.”

It was touching how he considered you when ordering his own food. There were specific memories in your head of parties (yes, multiple) thrown by your ex significant other where you couldn’t eat any of the food provided due to shellfish being involved. The sadness you had felt during those times was so vivid in your mind.

“Do you even know where the zoo is?” Roy asked, reeling the conversation back. You wanted to throw your fork at him.

“Camden,” Jamie answered without a second thought. You were surprised at the speed, but tried not to let that show in your expression. Roy didn’t say anything in response, just growling, as he always does, before turning back to his plate.

Soon enough, your plate was empty. The food wasn’t anything to phone home about, and certainly not worth the price tag, but it was decent enough. Jamie hummed, making you look at him in time to see him gesturing towards his mouth.

“You got somethin’…” He said. You went to grab your napkin, but he was already reaching over with his own. “May I?” You caught his eye before nodding. It was delicate, the way he wiped the alfredo sauce from your mouth. It was also incredibly intimate, and you could feel the embarrassment filling your chest. He didn’t appear to notice as he pulled away. “There ya go, love.”

The nickname caught you off guard. Of course, you had heard him refer to the waitress earlier in the same way, but you weren’t expecting the same treatment. Though, maybe that was on you for not. You tried to continue as normal, and not allow yourself to feel whatever it was that was boiling up in your chest. Was it anxiety? Was it delight? It was hard to say.

The waitress came back with the check, which Jamie snatched as Roy began to reach for it.

“I got it,” Roy said with his hand held out. Jamie shook his head, raising his hand so his palm was facing Roy.

“Please.”

“Give me the fuckin’ check, Tartt.”

Jamie didn’t say another word, instead just taking his credit card out of his wallet. When the waitress came by again, he all but threw them at her without breaking eye contact with Roy.

The way Jamie and Roy naturally butt heads on their own without your intervention had always been funny, but it being worse now that you were involved made it all the more hilarious.

Before long, the four of you were standing to leave. Just as you turn to walk away from the table, you find Jamie standing there waiting with his hand extended out towards you. It was hard to pretend you weren’t excited to have your hand back in his. When your fingers curled through his again, it felt like cuddling up under a blanket after a long day at work. Like your hand was just meant to be held by his. In a fake romantic sort of way, of course.

The rain was still softly falling. Your eyes drifted upwards towards the sky once you crossed the threshold into the cool night air. As you and Jamie walked, your intertwined hands naturally swung back and forth. Roy and Keeley turned before getting too far.

“Thank you for the lovely evening,” Keeley said, giving you a hug. Despite yourself, your hug back was only one armed, as you still had a grip on Jamie’s hand. He didn’t make any moves to break it either, as he said his goodbyes. When you turned to Roy, you gave him a small smile.

“Are you gonna start being nice now?” You asked him. He rolled his eyes.

“I’ll be the nicest fuckin’ angel on the planet.”

You gave him your most radiant smile.

“Thank you.”

When you hugged him, he didn’t say another word, but he gave you a tight squeeze. And that was enough. You knew exactly what he meant.

One more set of waves were exchanged as Jamie and you turned to head towards his car. He opened the door to the passengers side for you, and when you flopped in, your hand fell from his, leaving the void once again. He ended up only having one drink, the other one abandoned on the table once the food arrived. You were grateful, as you didn’t want to drive his car.

Jamie climbed into the driver’s side and shut the door. Staring at the steering wheel, a moment passed before he spoke. “I think that went alright.”

You wrinkled your nose in thought.

“I think it went as well as one could expect it to.”

As he pulled the car from the curb, you curled into your seat, the anxiety melting away now that it was just you and him.

“Glad I didn’t get the shrimp,” He mumbled. “Coulda killed ya.”

“It would’ve gotten us out of the dinner though,” You pointed out. “Wouldn’t have had to listen to you say there’s pandas at the London zoo.” He let out a loud laugh.

“I didn’t know!” He was laughing as he said this.

“That’s obvious,” You said, shaking your head. He shot you a pouty look, and you shook your head even more.

“We hadn’t even ordered at that point,” He pointed out. “So I woulda said it either way. Just couldn’t escape it.” You stared out the windshield, fighting the urge to laugh anymore.

“A shame.”

You watched the buildings go by as the car drove down the surprisingly sparse road. It was slightly dark, the only light being from the headlights and the post lamps.

“D’you know what though, I think we convinced Roy,” Jamie said happily. You rolled your head across the headrest to look at him.

“Maybe,” You said. “But he’ll probably still be mean to you.” He shrugged.

“I’m not worried.” He made a nonchalant face. “He’s already mean to me.” You fought a smile.

“That’s true,” You said. “Although, you deserve it sometimes.”

“Oi, when the fuck do I deserve it?” He demanded, staring at you as if you had betrayed him.

“When you’re being a fucking prick?” You shouted back at him in a questioning tone. He fell back in his seat.

“Yeah, alright.” A beat passed. “But most of the time, I don’t deserve it, right?”

You stared down at your hand, curling and straightening your fingers over and over to try and fight the tingling feeling creeping through them. It didn’t work, but you already knew why. If you imagined hard enough, you could pretend like a warm hand was still fit inside it. Maybe that was all you could do to fill the void. Just pretend.

“No, Jamie,” You said. “Most of the time, you don’t.”

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@daffieapple, @my-left-sock, @buckybarnex, @jelleeyfish, @ricciardhoe3, @picked-off-by-barzal, @lilweirdgal, @hotdoglamp, @loveslide, @rosea-h, @13-7-19-67-71. @wickedheartz, @xxenia14, @zazima, @alainabooks143. @geek-and-proud, @imagines-reblogged, @fuckifuckedup, @booklovingduck, @loveforaugust, @f1maverick, @jamieroyjamieroy, @meisterdani, @hanybunch, @batsy-bats1, @brianandthemays, @heletsmelovehim. @breepboopbap, @jellycolors

#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. Seven | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 3.9k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: Just a lil chapter. I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

The last week had been a lot, to say the least.

Work had been average, but it was outside of work that had been hectic. With the bomb Jamie had dropped about the movie premiere, you found yourself in a rush to get a proper outfit. From the details you got from Keeley, it was necessary to dress up, but not necessarily in a completely formal fashion. It took the better part of the week, but you eventually found a dress that you deemed appropriate. It took up a majority of your free time, stressing over this stupid event that you didn’t even really want to go to.

Which brought you to this moment, in the car next to Jamie, on the way to the premiere of a movie that you didn’t even know the title of. All you knew about it was that it centred around European football, which meant many big name players were invited, including all of the AFC Richmond players.

It wasn’t until Jamie gently pulled at your hands that you noticed you were picking at your fingernails.

“Ya alright?”

The sudden contact was only jarring for a brief second, but you were becoming accustomed to the touches from Jamie. From cheek kisses to hand holding, they were all becoming part of the routine when around people, but the consequence of that was that the behaviour bled into the moments alone. So much so, in fact, that you weren’t being as strict with making him follow the rule of letting you know before he touched you. For the most part, though, he still did.

“Just anxious.”

You knew that he knew better. He saw it in the way you flinched when he had told you that many Premier League players, current and former, would be at this movie premiere. He saw it in the panic you had shown all week in regards to the topic. And he could see it now, as you sat tense in the seat. You hadn’t outright said anything about it, but the closer the two of you got to the theatre, the more fear and unease filled your chest.

Your fingers were still tenderly held in his. With your tongue pressed hard into your cheek, you were having a hard time looking at him, opting instead to continue staring out the window.

“Hey.”

Letting out a sigh, you finally looked over at him. Underneath his deep blue blazer was a white button up shirt, the top few buttons undone and the collar looking sloppy. But he looked striking in

It. You knew the whole night would be filled with everyone struggling for his attention.

But in this moment, it was all on you, as he leaned his head forward to make sure you were looking right into his eyes before saying, “It’s me and ya. I won’t let anythin’ happen to ya.” When you didn’t immediately respond, he raised his eyebrows.

You didn’t need him to say it. You already knew that much.

The theatre arrived faster than you were prepared for, and before you knew it, the car came to a complete stop. Through the tinted windows, you could see the crowd of people filling the red carpet with a swarm of cameras, photo and video alike, trying to capture every moment. As the driver climbed out of the car, you felt your heart in your throat. Jamie gave you one last look.

“Ready?” It was a whisper. You nodded.

“I am.”

The door opened, and you were suddenly blinded by the flashing of cameras that flooded the world around you. Once Jamie climbed out of the car, you were then deafened by the screams coming from fans, who were barricaded along the sidelines.

Jamie turned, giving you a loving smile and an outstretched hand. Only for a few seconds did you hesitate before you placed your hand in his and climbed out of the car. A moment was needed for your eyes to adjust, but once you could see again, you allowed yourself to have a proper look around.

Over the years, you had watched many movie premieres on the telly, or online. But being on the red carpet yourself was another experience in itself. The feeling was incredibly surreal. Celebrities that you had watched on the big screen surrounded you. Paparazzi were taking pictures of Jamie, but with you pressed into his side, they were also taking pictures of you. Jamie turned his head so his lips were just millimetres from your ear.

“You gotta smile.”

Without intending to, the words made you laugh. When you turned to look at Jamie, he was laughing as well. The flashes from the cameras were so bright that for a period of time, the only thing you could see was Jamie’s laughing face, eyes like crescent moons.

He led you down the carpet as you tried not to look at any of the video cameras that were following his every move. You kept close to him, the smell of his cologne overpowering everything else. In the near distance, photographers were shouting Jamie’s name, demanding his attention. He continued to walk though, with his hand pressed to the small of your back. An area was set up specifically for posing for photos, and Jamie approached the area to wait.

“Do you want me to wait elsewhere?” You asked him, pointing to the other side. He looked at you like you had grown three heads.

“Why would ya do that?” He asked. You put your hands together.

“So you can get your picture taken…” He waved a hand.

“Oh no,” He said, wrapping his arm around you and pulling you close. “You’re taking pictures with me.” The surprise filled your face.

“Why?”

He leaned in close to your ear again before whispering, “Gotta include me girlfriend, yeah?”

Your cheeks grew very hot, and stayed that way up until Jamie and yourself made your way in front of the photo backdrop of the movie logo and other sponsor names. The yelling began immediately, begging Jamie to make specific poses or to turn in their direction. You plastered the best, most natural smile onto your face.

“Jamie! Jamie, over here!”

“Give us a smoulder, Tartt!”

“Can we get one by yourself? Step aside, love!”

“Nope!” Jamie called, that being the only comment he responded to. “She’s not goin’ anywhere. So fuck off.”

He turned to face you, his smile wide. It was hard not to return it. Though you weren’t in love with your photo being taken, it wasn’t as bad in this moment, with him by your side.

You couldn’t help but stare into his eyes, as they twinkled in the light. God, is he fucking handsome.

“I can go, if you want,” You said quietly. He shook his head.

“I want ya here.”

The warmth in your cheeks deepened. The photographers were long forgotten about, as the two of you opted to continue to look at each other. Jamie’s smile faltered slightly, his eyes dropping down your face.

“Give us a kiss!” A photographer shouted. The other photographers chimed in with the same sentiments.

It must’ve been the adrenaline, or maybe it was the fact that you were already looking at him, and he was already looking at you, with his eyes bouncing between your eyes and your mouth. But whatever it was, without hesitation, you leaned forward and planted your lips against his. You expected him to recoil, to even pull away, but instead, he brought his hand up to your head, his fingers curling into your hair as his thumb pressed against your cheek.

A chorus of “Oooooooooooo”s came from behind. Jamie smiled against your lips before slowly pulling away. A laugh broke through your mouth as the two of you were swarmed by the other members of AFC Richmond. Sam and Dani grabbed Jamie’s shoulders, excitedly shaking him as Colin, Richard, Isaac, Bumbercatch, Jan Maas, Coach Beard, Roy, and Nate Shelley all surrounded the two of you. It was hard to be upset over the ruined moment when you were surrounded by so much excitement and love, but then it dawned on you: the moment you just experienced? It wasn’t real. There was nothing to be upset about.

So why were you so upset about it anyway?

The cameras were really going off now, the yelling even more intense now that there was a whole crowd of people in the shot and not just two. It was hard not to feel slightly overwhelmed by the whole thing, but you smiled anyway.

“First red carpet, yeah?” Isaac asked you, pulling your attention from the cameras. You nodded. His smile only grew wider.

“It’s weird, innit?” Colin asked. It was clear by his expression that he was sensing your discomfort. You let out a laugh at his question.

“Weird is a bit of an understatement.” You felt like you were living someone else’s life. In their shoes, in their dress, on the arm of their man. But you couldn’t very well tell them that, could you?

As the team began to disperse again, a voice called out from behind you.

“Richmond. My friends.”

Your blood ran cold, feet frozen to the ground below them.

Jamie turned when he realised you weren’t with him, a smile still on his face. When he looked at your expression, it instantly vanished.

“What’s wrong?”

“I- I have to-” You stammered, your eyes wild as they searched for an exit. When they found a bathroom, you pointed in its direction. “I’ll be-” You couldn’t even finish your sentence, the air trapped in your throat as you rushed away. The world around you began to spin, your ears feeling like they were filling with water. You thought you heard someone call your name, but you continued towards the bathroom.

When you entered, you shut the door behind you before throwing the lock. You didn’t even realise how nauseous you were until you were falling in front of the toilet, dry heaving without anything coming up. The pounding in your chest was like a drum. On the other side of the door, you could hear someone knocking loudly, but the panic stopped you from moving.

He’s here.

He’s fucking here.

You knew there was a chance, a high one, that you would see him. But now the moment had arrived, and your mind and body weren’t anywhere near ready.

You’re safe.

You’re fucking safe.

Jamie won’t let anything happen to you.

Slowly straightening, you turned to face yourself in the mirror. The tears were streaming down your face, and you were thankful for waterproof mascara and setting spray at this moment. Carefully, you took a paper towel and dabbed at your cheeks until the dampness was gone. The pounding on the door continued, and you could hear Jamie calling your name. Sighing at your reflection, you gave yourself a nod before heading to the door. Shaky fingers unlocked the door before pushing it open.

“What’s happened?” Jamie asked, rounding on you the second you walked through the door. You opened your mouth to speak as his hands reached for you, holding your head on either side as he searched your eyes.

“Jamie-”

“Jamie Tartt.”

You closed your eyes.

Pulling away from you, Jamie turned towards the source of the voice.

“Zava,” He said.

Opening your eyes, you were greeted by the face that had haunted you for over a year. His long hair was pulled back, as it always was, and he was dressed in a cream coloured suit with a white undershirt. His eyes were trained on Jamie, as if he didn’t yet notice the presence next to him. You cowered behind Jamie, trying to remain unseen.

“How are you, my tiny friend?” Zava asked, holding his hand out for Jamie, who stared at it for a moment before taking it in his.

“Don’t recall us bein’ friends, exactly.”

You pressed your lips together at the bluntness of the statement. Everyone in AFC Richmond knew how much Jamie hated Zava, and it was never appreciated by you more than it was at this moment.

“Nice to see ya, mate,” Jamie said, in a clear closing of the conversation, before turning back to you. You watched Zava intently, waiting for him to leave. He turned to walk away, but at the last possible second, his eyes met yours, causing him to pause.

Your name rolled off his tongue, and your entire world felt like it was going up in flames.

Jamie’s expression changed from annoyance to dumbfounded as he turned back to look at Zava. He was forgotten by Zava now, however, as his attention was completely on you.

“You look lovely tonight,” He said quietly, taking a step towards you. Instinct had you taking a step away, your eyes jumping back to Jamie.

“What-” He said quietly, tilting his head further to understand. Lips pressed together in an effort not to cry, you reached forward and took Jamie’s hand in yours, giving it a squeeze. He stared at the contact, subconsciously entwining the fingers as everything came together in his mind.

The transition from confusion to realisation was a painful one to see cross over his face.

Jamie turned to Zava quickly, placing himself directly in front of you, like a shield. His hand, however, was still holding yours.

“Alright, mate,” He said firmly. To anyone who didn’t know Jamie, they wouldn’t hear the anger in his quiet voice. But you did. Part of you was thankful for the public backdrop, or else you wouldn’t know what he would do with it. He began to lead you away, careful to keep himself between you and Zava.

“I’d love to get together sometime,” He called after the two of you, and when you turned, you found his eyes exclusively on you. “For tea. Or dinner, perhaps. To… catch up.” You began to shake your head, but Jamie was faster with the response.

“I don’t think so.”

There wasn’t time for another word to be said, for Jamie turned and walked so quickly down the carpet that you were almost running to keep up with him, mostly in fear of being dragged. He led you inside the building, where people were slowly starting to file in for the start of the movie. Glancing down an empty hall, he pulled you a great distance down and waited a second before turning back to you.

“I’ll kill him.” He sniffed. “Say the word and I’ll kill him.”

There wasn’t an ounce of humour in his voice.

You watched as he ran a hand down his face, before pointing in the direction of the door. His eyes were filled with a fire you had never seen before.

“If that prick eva comes near ya again, I’ll murder him with me bare hands.” He was damn near shouting now, his hands trembling in anger.

You were overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with fear, overwhelmed with anxiety, but in this moment, overwhelmed with something else, too.

Placing your hands on his shoulders, you brought him back to reality. Back to you. He froze, turning to face you once more. You held eye contact for a second before closing the space between yourself and him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders and laying your head on his shoulder. A few moments passed before his arms snaked around your torso, burying his face into your shoulder. All you could smell was his cologne, and it was keeping you centred.

“Let’s go watch the movie,” You mumbled. He pulled away, still close as he leaned down and placed his forehead against yours.

“We can leave,” He mumbled. You closed your eyes as he grabbed your fingers and ran his own across them. “If you want. I could take you home.” You shook your head lightly against his.

“Let’s stay.”

He nodded, taking your hand and leading you back down the hallway. You felt lighter in this moment, lighter than you had in a long time. For even with a person who you viewed as a threat being so near, you knew you were safe.

The auditorium was filled by the time the two of you had made your way in. So much so that the only seats were in the back. The two of you sat down, looking around anxiously. A few rows ahead, you could make out the Zava’s outline, making you recoil slightly in your seat.

“Can’t believe you fuckin’ dated him,” Jamie mumbled, as if reading your mind. “Ain’t he married?”

“Divorced now,” You told him. “After she found out about me, of course.” Though you refused to look at him, you could still feel his stare. Your eyes began to well up again as you wondered how Jamie would react to this news. The idea of him view lesser of you was unbearable.

Instead, he took your hand in his again, filling the space between your fingers with his own. It didn’t feel like an act this time (although, it never really did with him). He brought the topside of your hand up to his mouth and gave it a kiss. A flash from the side let you know that someone caught a photo of the moment, but you didn’t turn to confirm it, and neither did he. The lights went out at that moment, the beginning credits starting on the screen. As everyone else applauded in excitement, you turned to face forward, scooting back in your seat and hoping it wasn’t a long one.

It was a long one, unfortunately, for when the credits began to roll and the audience began to applaud, you were being shaken awake by Jamie, your head laying on his shoulder. Disgruntled, you sat up, blindly joining the rest of the crowd as you clapped and hoped that your makeup hadn’t smudged during your accidental nap.

“After party?” Jamie asked as he rose from his seat. Although by his tone, it was clear he already knew your answer. A snort left your mouth as you shook your head.

“If by that you mean me ordering pizza and laying on my couch in my knickers, then yes.”

He pressed his lips together before saying, “Sounds like the kind of after party I’d want to be invited to.”

You didn’t get the chance to respond as you and him got sucked into the crowd exiting the building. He was looking around as if searching for something, finally pulling you in the direction of the bathrooms.

“Be right back,” He said just outside the door, kissing your cheek before disappearing through the bathroom door. You leaned against the wall and watched the people walk by. Celebrities of all statuses passed by without a single glance in your direction. The weirdness of the day fell over you again.

Somewhere amongst the crowd, you heard someone call your name, and when you turned, you saw Dani, Richard, Isaac and Bumbercatch heading towards you. Behind them was Zava, his intense stare making you shrink inside yourself.

“We are going out for drinks and karaoke!” Dani exclaimed excitedly. “Zava’s treat.” You allowed yourself a glance at the retired footballer, before looking back at Dani.

“That sounds fun!” You said, trying not to sound too strained.

“Are you and Tartt comin’?” Richard asked. You inhaled deeply, looking at the bathroom briefly before turning back to him.

“You guys go ahead, I’ll find Jamie.”

They nodded in agreement before wandering off, but it wasn’t lost on you that one of them stayed behind. Zava approached you, making you press your entire body into the wall.

“Please come,” He said in a low voice, his hand reaching up to your cheek. You jerked away, but he still forced his touch against your skin. It began to burn at the contact, and you felt your breathing rate increase. “I am divorced now. We can discuss… us.” You rolled your eyes.

“I’m taken,” You said simply, crossing your arms over your chest. “It’s over.” He let out a loud laugh.

“You can’t possibly think that Tartt is any sort of upgrade.”

“Compared to you? A soggy lunch sack would be an upgrade.”

The both of you turned to see Roy Kent, standing with fists at his sides. Relief overflowed you. Zava swallowed hard.

“This does not involve you, Kent.” Roy shrugged.

“The problem is, I don’t give a fuck,” He said in his most sarcastic voice. You bit back a smile, so grateful for Roy at this moment. The hand dropped from your face, and you felt like you could breathe again. Zava began rounding on Roy, who tipped his chin up towards him.

“What’s going on?”

You turned to see Jamie, who’s eyes were on Zava. Suddenly, he was once again between the two of you.

“Zava here was just leaving,” Roy said, tilting his head towards the doorway as he narrowed his eyes at Zava. Zava looked back at Jamie, who also had fists at the ready by his sides. Though he didn’t have the height that Zava possessed, you knew who would win in a fight, and with Roy by his side? Zava didn’t stand a chance.

Without another glance in your direction, Zava whipped around and stalked out the door. Roy and Jamie stared in that direction until they were sure he wasn’t coming back.

“Thanks, mate,” Jamie said to Roy, who grunted.

“Wasn’t for you.”

You smiled softly.

“Thank you, Roy.”

He nodded, not saying another word before walking off. Jamie sighed sharply before turning back to you.

“Home?” He asked gently. You took his hand in yours. Part of you considered telling him about the afterparty with the team, but, selfishly, you decided not to.

“Please.”

Before you knew it, you were safe in the backseat of the car. A sigh forced it’s way out of your mouth as you laid back in the seat. All of the evening’s anxieties filled your head as your brain finally forced you to feel them all at once. Tears quietly streamed down your face, your eyes trained on the soft roof of the car.

Seeing him… The way he looked at you…

It was too much.

“Hey,” Jamie whispered when he looked at you, turning to face you. Sniffling, you tried to turn your head away from him, but he hooked a finger under your chin and forced you to look at him. Hand on either side of your head, he wiped your tears away. “You’re alright, love.”

Was it him? Was it you? It was hard to say. But somewhere among the tender moment, you found yourself kissing him. The privacy of the back of the car allowed for more passion, more intensity behind the kiss this time. He pulled you out of the lap belt until you were straddling him in his seat. While your hands were still on his face, his found your legs, pushing your dress up your thighs until his fingers were curling around the fabric of the thin thong you wore underneath. Against your thigh, you could feel him grow hard.

The car came to a stop in front of your house, but you barely registered it as your fingers tangled in his hair. He whispered your name against your lips, seeming to pull away, but you desperately leaned forward and caught his mouth against yours once more.

“Stay,” You mumbled between kisses. “Please. Stay."

TAGS

#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource #ted lasso fanfiction

359 notes · View notes

buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. Eight | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 3.6k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: This chapter was brought to you by Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paloma Faith & Fine Line by Harry Styles. Take that as you will! :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

“Are you avoidin’ me?”

You screamed, the voice from behind startling you so much that you dropped the jump bag you had been trying to load into your car. When you turned, you found Jamie, who’s face let you know that he didn’t mean to scare you, though that didn’t stop him from finding it incredibly amusing.

“Can you please stop doing that?” You said through uneven breaths. He shook his head as he took a step forward to pick up the bag you had just dropped.

“Sorry.” Though, he didn’t sound very apologetic.

As he set the bag in the backseat of your car, you kept your eyes trained on the ground. Because the answer was yes, you absolutely had been avoiding him. Ever since the night of the premiere, you had been making yourself scarce around the club as much as possible. It had been pure luck that all injuries had remained at the bare minimum, but you also had been doing your charting away from the med room as well as away from the pitch. This was, truly, the first time you had spoken to Jamie in days.

“Are you not comin’ to the match?” He asked, glancing over at his teammates, who were all piling into the coach while laughing and hyping each other up. It took you a second to register what he meant.

“Of course I am,” You told him, finally looking up. “I always take my own car.” He glanced at the car, then over at the coach again before looking back at you.

“Why?”

You shrugged. “I like the quiet. Helps me get my mind ready.”

He seemed to consider this before suddenly he was taking off towards the bus. You watched him pop his head in through the door. Though you couldn’t hear what he was saying, you could hear the team cheering and whooping very loudly before he came running back towards you. His smile was shit eating.

“Guess I’m ridin’ with ya.”

A weird mix of anxiety and amusement rose in your chest.

“I don’t recall inviting you to ride with me.” His eyes rolled upwards.

“I don’t recall carin’.”

Before you could come up with a proper response, he was climbing into the passenger seat of your car. The door slammed and your mouth fell open. The audacity of Jamie was loud as he looked out at you, still grinning. The team made no effort to hide that they were watching you and him. You gave them a quick wave before turning your back on them, a heavy sigh tumbling out.

This was the worst case scenario for you. You had wanted this time to yourself, but not to prepare for the game.

Slipping into the driver’s seat, you slid the belt over your torso and turned the car on. Jamie kicked his feet onto the dashboard in clear triumph. If it had been anyone else, this would’ve annoyed you to no end. But, unfortunately, it was Jamie, so you let it go.

As you pulled out of the car park, following behind the coach with the rest of the team, your heart was beating a hundred kilometres a minute. The quiet music from the radio was not enough to distract you from the huge elephant sitting between the two of you, taking up all the air and making it hard to breathe.

“So,” Jamie said, bringing his feet back to the floor while sitting upright. The sound of his voice caused a sharp pain to ripple through your chest. “Askin’ again. Are you-”

“I need to talk to you,” You blurted out without an ounce of thought behind it. He stared at you for a moment before nodding. As he turned his body so you had his full attention, you felt like you were going to throw up.

“What’s wrong?” It’s like you were a book written in a language only he could understand. Peaking over at him, his face was filled with concern. Your brain was rejecting the words you wanted to say next, causing you to fight for your life to get them out of your mouth.

“I think…” You said slowly, taking a deep breath. Deciding to start over, you glanced at him again. “I think that, after Beard’s wedding…” Your eyes forced themselves back on the road in resignation. “... that we should stop this.”

The words were in the air, and there was nothing you could do to put them back in your head, as much as you wanted to. The silence that filled the car was deafening. Though you weren’t looking at him, the chill that shot up your spine let you know that he turned away from you.

“Oh, yeah. That makes sense,” Was all he said after a lifetime of not saying a word. When you allowed yourself to look at him, you found his eyes were cast downwards, his eyebrows tightly furrowed together. Carefully folding his hands in his lap, he looked up, but only to stare out of the windscreen. The tension in his jaw was remarkably obvious.

“Jamie…”

“Did say about a month, we did,” He said as if you hadn’t spoken, nodding stiffly.

“I didn’t want to do this right now,” You told him, knuckles tight against the steering wheel. “I’m sorry.”

“Ya didn’t want to do this just before the match against Tottenham?” He snapped, his eyes on you once again. Beyond the anger they exhibited, you could see the hurt, too. “Then why did ya?”

“I wasn’t planning on it. You got in my car!” You exclaimed, the tears starting to well in your eyes but you blinked them away.

“Because I wanted to hang out with ya!” He shouted back. “I fuckin’... I fuckin’ missed ya.” He shook his head angrily. “We fuck one time and now I’m fuckin’ nothin’ to you?”

You huffed, frustrated. The fact that he could say something like that to you, about what you and him had shared together, was devastating in more ways than you could ever understand. “Of course not, Jamie…” He ran both of his hands over his head, his fingers tearing through his hair. You wanted to rewind time, to start this whole conversation over. Why did your chest hurt so badly? Why did it feel like a real breakup?

Because to you, it was. Your feelings for Jamie had gotten too intense. He was the only thing you thought about before you went to sleep at night, and the first thing you thought of when you woke up in the morning. After the night of the premiere, he had left your house that morning, leaving you with a kiss to the side of your head as you pretended to still be asleep. You had spent the rest of that morning crying nonstop, the realisation that this was no longer fake for you being too much to bear.

The fact of the matter was, either way, you were losing. If Jamie didn’t feel the same, then it made sense to you, because why would he? But if he did, then it was only a matter of time that he would see you for what you really are: A broken girl, with more baggage than an entire airline hanger, who didn’t know how to allow someone to love her without the fear consuming her.

“It don’t matter,” He said, his voice strangely distant. You looked over at him. “This ain’t real, right? It was always meant to end.”

Each word felt like a knife.

The rest of the drive went by without another word. By the time you pulled into Tottenham Spur’s Stadium, you were a thread away from a total breakdown. As soon as you put the car in park, Jamie was out and storming down the car park, meeting back up with the team. You held back to give yourself a moment to breathe. The tears spilled over as you set your forehead against the steering wheel.

“You’re fine,” You whispered in a pathetic attempt to stop the crying. “It’s all going to be fine. This is how it was always going to happen.”

Taking a deep breath and wiping off your face, you climbed out of the car, grabbing your jump bag and making your way to the player entrance. Most of the team had already gone inside, but Coach Beard was leaning against the coach, yelling into his phone, assumedly to his bride-to-be. As you let yourself inside, you tried to internalise that. Maybe that’s what all love is: yelling, and pain, and hurting each other over and over and over again. It was all you had ever known from past experiences. Why allow yourself to feel all that again? This was all for the best. It had to be.

The cheering and yelling from the changing room echoed down the hallway as you walked by, but you decided to skip the pre-game rituals this time. Instead, you made your way to the stadium med room, which was thankfully empty, and sifted through the materials to make it look like you were stocking. You just wanted to pass the time so the game would start sooner, meaning it would end sooner, and then you could go home.

The staging area for the medics on the pitch was a small box area, as it was just you and the paramedic for the other team. The Team Doctor was somewhere in the stadium, as well as physiotherapists, but you were the first in the line of care when it came down to injuries. Placing your jump bag on the grass, you sat cross legged and waited patiently. That’s all it was at this point. A lot of waiting.

As you bided your time until the players made their entrance, you thought about Jamie, and you thought about his pain. The last thing you had ever wanted was to hurt him. Maybe he had grown used to the routine of pretending to date you as much as you had with him. If only you were capable of separating your feelings from the whole thing like he could.

Someone has to leave first. This is a very old story. There is no other version of the story.

You repeated the quote over and over in your head. It had to be you. For the sake of yourself, it had to be you.

Because you knew you wouldn’t be able to handle it if you allowed this to go on, and then it would inevitably be him.

The crowd went crazy when the players began to file out of the tunnel, each team in its own single file line. Though you applauded along with them, your eyes were trained on the bright green grass.

A tap on your shoulder made you jump. When you turned, the Tottenham medic was holding his phone out to you.

“S’this you?”

Hesitantly, you took a look. Twitter was open, and when you took the phone from him, you were looking at a picture of Jamie and yourself. Neither of you were looking at the camera, instead your eyes were fixed on each other, both of you smiling. The look in Jamie’s eyes was the type of look that a woman would die to have thrown their way. You wondered how it was so easy for him to look at you like that. To convince everyone else it was real for him.

“It is,” You said weakly, handing him back the phone.

“Thought so.” He shoved the phone back into his pocket. “What’s it like, dating The Jamie Tartt?”

You watched him from across the field. He was staring straight in front of him, his hands behind his back. The tension was so severe that he looked like someone pointed a remote at him and hit the pause button. You found yourself wishing that he was closer, that you could hold his hand and apologise. For the harm you caused. For breaking the rule of not falling for him. For allowing this to happen at all. For everything.

“It’s definitely something else.”

The conversation stopped there with the start of the game, thankfully. Getting the best seat in the house for the matches would be a lot better in any other moment, but right now, the only place you wanted to be was anywhere else.

The longer the game went on, the harder it was to focus. Jamie was playing incredibly well, clearly fueled by the argument prior. He was being more selfish with the ball than he had been in a while, and scored two goals within the first fifteen minutes of the match starting. Despite being sat right on the edge of the field, he never once looked in your direction.

“Seems we’re getting some of the old Jamie Tartt today,” The Tottenham medic remarked. If you were a ruder person, you would’ve told him exactly where he could stick his commentary, but you weren’t a ruder person, so you kept your comments to yourself. Instead, you internally hoped that he wouldn’t talk to you like this the entire match.

“Maybe with Lasso gone, he remembered his old ways,” He continued. Your eyes rolled upwards to the sky.

This day really couldn’t possibly get any worse.

The ball was soaring through the air, clearing the heads of numerous players who attempted to reach it. Jamie jumped up to bounce it off his head. It felt like time was going in slow motion. The ball hit Jamie’s head at the same time as a Tottenham player, who clearly didn’t see him coming, jumped to kick it, and instead kicked him, hard, in the back of the head.

As Jamie collapsed to the ground, you rose to your feet.

“He’ll get up,” You said out loud, mostly to yourself. Sam, Isaac, and Dani raced to Jamie’s side as you waited with a pounding heart. They all stared down at him, Sam kneeling down and placing his hands on either shoulder.. You tried to stay optimistic. He would get up, and you wouldn’t be needed. It would be okay. It would be-

Sam turned to look at you, eyes wide in horror.

Grabbing the jump bag, you took off down the field as fast as your unathletic legs would take you. The rest of the team started to gather around as you pushed your way through. Jamie was completely unconscious when you dropped to your knees next to him.

“Jamie?” You shouted, putting your hands to his face and giving him a slight shake. He didn’t say anything, his eyes still shut and slightly fluttering. With one hand to his carotid artery, you put the knuckles of your other to his sternum and dug deep into his chest before running them up and down his skin. No response. His pulse was rapid. It was then that you realised he wasn’t breathing.

Fuck.

“I need a gurney right now!” You shouted at no one in particular as you grabbed a BVM mask from the bag and attached it to the oxygen tank. In the back of your head, you thought of the head injury he’d just had not that long ago. The one you had released him back to training from. Your mind was being completely irrational as it spiralled downward. Was he not ready? Should you have given him more time to heal? He had seemed fine, showing no symptoms of concussion or any major brain injury. Was this your fault? How could you have stopped this?

Throwing the blood pressure cuff on him and hitting start, you threw your hair out of your face.

“Can I get another fucking set of hands here?” You shouted, furious by the lack of help from the Tottenham medic.

“What do you need me to do?” Sam asked with a shaky voice. A hard sigh forced its way out of your mouth. It wasn’t exactly what you had meant, but it was all you had. You thrusted the BVM bag at him.

“Put this over his mouth like this,” You instructed, guiding his hands so his thumb and index fingers were around the mask and the rest were on Jamie’s jawline. Teaching him was the only distraction you had. The only thing keeping you level headed. “Push these fingers upwards so that his jaw stays open.” You looked up. “Isaac!” Your voice was sharp, causing the team captain to immediately scramble to your side. “I need you to hold this and count to five. Every time you say five, give it a light squeeze. Okay? Show me.”

“One… two… three… four… five.” At the number five, he lightly squeezed the bag, causing Jamie’s chest to rise. Turning to the oxygen tank, you spun the dial to the 25 mark, the sound of the oxygen whooshing through the tubing and out of the mask filling your ears. You felt like you were on autopilot as you pulled a cervical collar from the bag and slid it under Jamie’s neck. Maybe this was all just a crazy dream, and you would wake up in your bed, the morning of the match, and none of this would’ve happened at all.

As you continued to work, you could still hear Isaac counting out loud. One, two, three, four, breath. One, two, three, four, breath.

It was the only sound. The stadium had gone entirely silent.

“Fuck you, Jamie, wake the fuck up.” A drop of water fell onto his bare chest as you placed the pads of the AED. Is it raining? No. You’re crying. The machine went through the prompts as you finally looked up. A gurney was making its way down the field, two medics pushing it through the grass with an ambulance waiting behind them. You wanted to scream at them for not being any faster.

The last thing he said to you was in anger. The last conversation you had with him was filled with miscommunication and hurt.

No shock advised, the AED told you. Fingers to his neck again, you confirmed Jamie still had a pulse.

“What we got?” One of the medics asked as they placed a backboard next to Jamie.

“27 year old male, unresponsive after a head injury.” Stop fucking shaking. Stop fucking sounding like you care so much. “GCS of 3. Hypertensive at 162/108. Pulse present and rapid at 124. P-Patient was not breathing, he’s now on 25 litres of oxygen at 12 breaths a minute. C-spine secured.”

Isaac was still counting. One, two, three, four, breath.

As the other medics began to switch Jamie to their equipment, you took the opportunity to wipe your cheeks on your sleeves. Almost immediately after, you scrambled to sit near his head, where Sam and Isaac still took up a lot of space. It seemed that the medics were going to ask you to move, but then wordlessly decided to allow you to help. Which was good for them, considering you weren’t planning on letting either of them guide his head. Placing a hand on either side of the cervical collar, the other medics counted before rolling him in order to place the board underneath him. Once he was laid back down, and they were strapping him down, you still had your hands on either side of his head, running your thumbs up and down his cheeks.

He looked unreal, with the mask on his face and his chest rising and falling so mechanically. You had gone through scenarios like this one dozens and dozens of times before, yet somehow, at this moment, you felt like this was the first time in your whole life that you had ever encountered it.

“You’ll be fine,” You whispered to him, leaning down and planting a kiss on his forehead.

Jamie was hoisted into the air before being moved to the gurney, where he was secured with even more straps, It was weird to watch, but only because it was him. Trying to be helpful, while also not ready to part from him yet, you grabbed the heart monitor and walked alongside, the weight making you waddle slightly to keep up. Sam and Isaac were still following at the head and doing the jobs you had assigned them, as the two medics pushed the gurney towards the ambulance. The cot was secured to the loader before Jamie was lifted in the air seamlessly at the press of a button. One of the medics took over for Sam and Isaac, the two of the stepping to the side while anxiously continuing to watch. The other medic took the heart monitor from you and set it inside the back of the ambulance before shutting the doors.

Go.

Go with them.

But you can’t.

Because one hurt player doesn’t absolve your responsibility to the rest.

As the ambulance pulled out of the garage off the side of the pitch, lights immediately turned on, a hand gripped your shoulder and gave a light squeeze. Even as the doors closed, you could still hear the scream of the sirens echoing off the walls as the ambulance pulled out of the stadium and carried him away.

“Alright,” Roy said, to you as well as to Sam and Isaac. “Let’s go.”

You looked back a few times as Roy led you back down the pitch. Somewhere in your heart, you believed that maybe it was a mistake, and the doors would open and Jamie would run out with a big smile, laughing as he explained it was all one big joke.

No such thing happened though, as you resumed your place at the staging area, a bowling ball in your stomach, and stabbing pain in your chest.

TAGS

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. 10 | j.t.

Pairing: Jamie Tartt x F!Reader

Word Count: 1k

Warnings: Discussions of Previous Emotional & Physical Domestic Violence. Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: This is such a baby update, i didn't think it would be fair to give it it's own day soooo double post!

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

“And what is my number one rule for not getting injured?”

“Don’t be fuckin’ stupid.”

“There we go,” You praised the team, who were sitting in the conference room as you gave your annual presentation about concussions. Usually, you gave it towards the end of the season, when people tended to get sloppy. However, Coach Beard and Roy had approached you to ask if you’d give it early, due to the incident at the Tottenham match.

“Alright..any-“

The door creaked open, everyone turning to see Jamie attempting to sneak in. He froze the second he realised that all eyes were on him. Cheering, your presentation was completely forgotten about by everyone, including yourself, as the players all jumped from their seats and went to greet him. You felt like a deer in headlights just at the sight of him. The joy in his face radiated, even to you from across the room. As everyone settled down, his eyes met yours, softening.

Raising a hand up, he took a seat as he said, “Sorry, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt ya.”

You blinked as if you just came out of a trance.

“No worries,” You said simply. Throwing a glance back at your powerpoint, you remembered where you were and what you had been doing. “Okay. Any questions?”

Isaac raised a hand. “What if we aren’t being stupid and we get a concussion anyway?” You considered this.

“That would suggest you weren’t not being stupid enough.”

He nodded his head in understanding, as if you had just given him a real explanation and not just a sarcastic remark.

“How do you suggest we not be stupid?” Colin asked. You shrugged.

“That part is up to you!” You said as nicely as you could. It was hard doing these presentations when you knew damn well that no one paid attention during them. “But you can start by following literally all of the things I said in the powerpoint presentation.”

“What if we missed the powerpoint?” Jamie asked, hand in the air. It took everything in you to not laugh, although a few people in the room did so for you.

“You should request a private session then, since you of all people need to see it.”

“Oooooooo, a private session!” Dani called out, followed by his teammates all shouting and laughing.

“What could that entail?” Colin followed up.

“Don’t be fucking cheeky!” You scolded them, shaking your head with a smile on your face. Jamie was looking down at the ground, scratching the back of his neck as he laughed. “Presentation over. Get the hell outta here.” It sounded like a high school classroom, as everyone began talking excitedly as they rose from their seats and filed out of the room. Turning with a sigh, you began to unplug your laptop from the projector. It wasn’t until you were slipping it back in its case when you realised you weren’t alone.

“I was just joking, you know,” You said without looking up. “I won’t make you watch the presentation.”

“Wouldn’t be doin’ much watchin’ anyway,” He admitted from his spot towards the back. “I’d just be listenin’ to ya.”

Trying and failing to not smile, you turned to look at him, hands folded in front of you. He had a devilish grin on his face, as if he knew what he had just said would make you blush, which it did.

“So you’re back,” You said. He nodded, looking around the conference room.

“In a sense,” He said before his eyes found you again. “I’m working with physio. They have to clear me before I can practise again.”

“You didn’t tell me you were coming back today.”

He shrugged. “I wanted to surprise ya.” A beat passed. “Maybe I was givin’ ya space too.” Something about this made you anxious, your fingers instinctively going to pick at your cuticles.

“You don’t need to do that,” You said softly. He stood up, slowly making his way down the steps towards you. You took him in. It had been days since you had seen him, and you didn’t realise how much you missed him until this moment. A magnetic force fell over your body as your legs yearned to pull you closer, but you resisted, staying in the same spot.

Something had changed. You could see it in his body language. The way his arms were crossed over his chest like a protective jacket. Or the way he kept his distance. Whatever it was, the feeling made your chest hurt.

“I’m tryin’ not to… pressure ya, is all,” He explained.

You tried not to scoff. “Do you think you’re pressuring me anytime you talk to me?”

But there was pressure anytime you talked to him, although it certainly was not from him. It was from yourself. Your heart screaming to just let him in.

Why is it so hard?

“No,” He said simply. “I just… worry, I guess.”

You shifted from one foot to the other.

“I just don’t want things between us to change,” You said, trying not to sound like your throat was closing up.

He stared at you, before looking at the floor, shaking his head.

“But they already have, haven’t they?”

He was right. They absolutely had. And you took that sentiment to heart, it not leaving your mind for the duration of the day.

And the night.

And the next day.

And the next.

Until this moment, as you sat on the train on your way to Scotland, your suitcase and dress bag resting on the bench across from you. The phone in your lap vibrated, pulling you from your thoughts.

KJ: U on ur way? x

You: Train just took off, got about 5 hrs to go. xx

KJ: R and I just got here can’t wait for the wedding 2morrow!!!

Dropping the phone back onto your thigh, you turned to stare out the window. The city disappeared, and you were surrounded by trees and greenery. Headphones in, you shuffled your music, allowing yourself to get lost in the melodies and sceneries.

And for the whole duration of that train ride, the only thing you thought of was Jamie.

TAGS

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buckychristwrites · 1 year ago

Text

Could This Be | Chap. Two | j.t.

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: Cussing. Fake Dating

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy :)

Masterlist | Could This Be Masterlist | Main Blog

All eyes were on you, although they would occasionally jump to Jamie as well.

You opened your mouth and immediately closed it again. Your brain felt like it was stroking out, unable to process the information you had just been given.

You? And Jamie? Jamie Tartt? The Jamie Tartt? The footballer Jamie Tartt? Striker for AFC Richmond Jamie Tartt? Former Lust Conquers All competitor Jamie Tartt? The idiot standing next to you Jamie Tartt? Jamie Tartt, whom you didn’t even know the birthday of, or really anything else about him? That Jamie Tartt?

The room began to spin slightly, but it wasn’t from any alcohol. Your mind was painfully overwhelmed as it ran a million miles a minute. Everyone was silently waiting for you to speak, Keeley’s eyes like daggers as she stared at you. You glanced over at Jamie, who was the only person in the room who couldn’t seem to look at you.

Your mouth opened, locked and loaded with denial at the ready…

“I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”

What?

Why are you going along with this? You asked yourself. It was unclear.

The collective gasp that filled the back yard felt rehearsed. Everyone began looking at each other in complete surprise. When you looked at Jamie, he was also staring at you, stunned, as if he expected you to deny it just as much as you expected yourself to. Realising what you had just said, you scooted closer to him, as if to stand in solidarity. Swallowing hard, you tried to come off as more confident than you felt.

“It’s true,” You declared. “Jamie is my boyfriend.” Jamie said nothing, instead wrapping a hesitant arm around your shoulders and pulling you close to him. You wondered if you looked as stiff as you felt. It seemed that everyone began to talk at the same time.

“We are so happy for you too! Why did you not tell us?”

“Two of my favourite people, together and in love. What a beautiful world we live in.”

“Since when is Tartt a good liar? How did you hide this from us?”

“I think the better question is why?” Keeley interjected, her arms crossed over her chest. It was clear that she wasn’t handling the news as kindly as the others.

“I don’t know,” You said, feeling like it was the only thing you could say that wasn’t a lie. “I was afraid. And I didn’t want things to change, with you or with anyone. I hated the thought of being another footballer's girlfriend.”

Been there, done that, assumed you would never do it again.

That’s what you get for assuming, apparently.

Keeley picked at her chin as she thought about this, before rushing forward and grabbing your hand. Jamie’s arm slipped away from you as she pulled you inside without a word. The crowd within the house had thinned momentously, and you wondered if it had to do with the kitchen drama that was now ensuing in the yard. She led you up the stairs and into the bathroom, where she closed and locked the door. A long time passed with her just staring at the closed door. It made you want to throw up. Her eyebrows were knitted together when she finally turned to face you.

“Can you please explain this to me?” She asked you in a quiet voice.

“Keeley…” You said, desperate to tell her the truth but knowing you had dug your own grave. “I’m so sorry.” You began to pull at the hem of your shirt. “It just… it just happened. I didn’t know how to tell you.” Part of you wondered if you should be concerned about how easy it was to feed her this lie.

“I guess I’m just sad you didn’t tell me sooner, but I am over the moon for you,” She admitted with a softening face. “Jamie is wonderful. He’ll treat you better than he ever treated me when we were together.” You shifted as you tried not to look uncomfortable.

“He’s changed because of you though,” You reminded her. She rolled her eyes.

“Well, at least one of us gets to reap the benefits of my work, then.” The both of you laugh, her placing a hand on your forearm. When you settled, she looked at you with her big, caring eyes. “I just have another question to ask.”

Having a feeling where this was going, you nodded. She took a deep breath.

“Are you sure you’re ready for something like this?” Her voice was soft, tender, and you could tell this was her biggest concern. She glanced at the sink counter before looking back at you. “It just wasn’t that long ago that… you know who happened. And you had said you wouldn’t date another footballer. I just-”

“Oh no,” You said, waving your hand to stop her from talking. If she said anything more, it would become clear that you absolutely were not ready for anything like this, which was why you hadn’t wanted anything like this. But you shoved those feelings down and plastered an all too reassuring smile on your face. “It’s… it’s different this time, I think.” Your hands shook anyway, and you had to shove them in your pockets to hide them.

“Obviously,” Keeley said with a chuckle. “Jamie would never.” She didn’t elaborate, but she didn’t need to. You already knew what she meant, and you already knew she was right.

“Are we okay?” You asked her, the pain in your chest from this whole encounter seeming to worsen. The idea of risking your friendship with Keeley over a lie for Jamie was absolutely ridiculous.

“Of course we are, babe,” She assured you, grabbing your hand and giving it a firm squeeze. “I just want you to be happy.” The tension released, your muscles happy to finally relax. You squeezed her hand in return, giving her a wide smile that she returned before pulling you into a hug. “But you still owe me an explanation on how this all happened!” You forced a slight laugh.

“Maybe another day?” Maybe in a few weeks when you actually had an explanation to give. For now, you were so stressed over everything that had transpired over the last half hour that you felt the need for another drink. She released you, and you gave her another smile.

“It better be another day soon,” She said with a hint of warning in her voice. “I want every last detail. You nodded with feign enthusiasm.

“Let’s go back to the party, yeah?” She nodded, turning and leading you out of the bathroom, your wrist in her hand.

Before going back outside, where it was dark now, you found Roy and Sam in the kitchen. Sam was pouring another drink for himself while Roy was taking a sip of another beer. They both looked up at you and Keeley as you entered. Even though Keeley joined her boyfriend, his arm wrapped around her and a kiss planted on her forehead, you could feel Roy’s eyes following you. It was hard to ignore, but you pretended not to notice as you poured yourself another, much stronger drink.

“So,” Roy said, making you flinch at the break in the quiet. “You and Tartt.”

If there was anyone on the planet that you didn’t want to talk to about this subject, it was Roy Kent. The wish that the floor would swallow you whole intensified. Biting your lip, you continued to make your drink.

“Me and Jamie,” You replied, failing to hide the strain. He responded with a noise that was a mix between a grunt and hum. Keeley hit his chest lightly.

“Don’t push her, Roy,” She chastised. “It was probably very stressful for them to finally tell us. We’re happy for them, right?” Roy nodded. You allowed yourself a glance at his face, and when you saw the scepticism, you immediately wished you hadn’t.

“It just seems very random,” He continued, leading Keeley so the two of them were moving closer to you. Sam was looking between you and Roy, his face thoughtful.

“Love does seem very random, does it not?” He asked, his head tilted as he made eye contact with Roy. “It seemed random to the rest of us when you and Keeley got together.” At that moment, you wanted to kiss Sam all over his lovely face. You didn’t have any answers for Roy’s questions. It was all just as random to you as it was to him.

You went to flee to the back yard, when a random thought crossed your mind. You turned back and went to the fridge, assessing the assortment of beets before grabbing one and letting it close. As you passed, you exchanged a look with Roy. He was glaring at you suspiciously, while you were trying to match that energy in your own stare. In the end, you were glad when you were back outside in the cool, evening air. Throwing your drink back, you took a few hefty drink.

You wandered over to Jamie, who was sitting in the same lounge chair you had claimed not that long ago. Handing him the fresh cold beer, he gave you a surprised look before taking it from you.

“Thanks,” He said, all smiley as he looked at the bottle. “Even got me favourite.” You looked around at the other Richmond players, who, despite building a fire in the pit in the middle of the yard, were still all throwing glances yours and Jamie’s way.

“I guessed,” You mumbled before making your way to the chair at the opposite side. Without warning, Jamie grabbed you, gently pulling you down into the same chair he sat in and pulling your back against his chest.

“Gotta sell it,” He mumbled in your ear, breath hot against your skin.

The tension had returned to your body in full force, your chest rising and falling heavily. How did this happen? Why did you agree to it? Why were you suddenly so afraid?

“We’re gonna have to talk about this at some point, you know,” You mumbled to him. He wrapped an arm around your upper chest, his palm pressed flat against your clavicle. Your skin was on fire at the feeling. “This situation you got us into.”

“I know,” He mumbled. You wondered if he was enjoying this. There weren’t any signs that he was hating it. “I’m sorry. She started talkin’ about another blind date, and I told her I was seein’ someone. She asked who and… I dunno. Your name slipped out.” Your face didn’t change as you listened, eyes still on the fire that the others started, which had now grown pretty large.

“When I said to lie, I didn’t mean about me, goofball,” You joked, trying to create some ease, more in yourself than anything. You felt the laughter shake in his chest despite that it was silent.

“I just panicked. It was stupid.”

The door creaked open and Keeley walked out, followed by Roy. You averted Roy’s eyes as he walked over to the chair next to you and Jamie, the same chair he had occupied before, and took a seat once more.

“This is weird,” Roy remarked to the two of you. The rest of the team were talking amongst each other.

“Is it weird enough that you need to make comments like that?” Jamie asked, tapping his fingers against your chest. “Or could you try acceptin’ the happiness of your friends?”

Roy didn’t respond, deciding to let out a low growl instead while refraining from looking at either Jamie or you. You continued to say nothing, instead focusing on keeping your breathing normal. Which was incredibly hard, due to the fact that the panic had already risen to critical levels. The only thing running through your mind was leaving. Though you hadn’t been at the party for as long as everyone else, the evening took a turn that was more draining than you were prepared for.

You grabbed your drink and finished it with a single gulp.

“I think I’m gonna head home.”

Everyone watched you as you stood up, brushing your hands on your trousers before looking around at the faces. With a wave, you smiled before saying, “Sorry about the announcement earlier. I’ll see you guys later.”

Keeley stood, walking over and giving you a kiss on the cheek and a tight hug.

“I’m so happy for you, babe,” She assured you. You sighed, probably coming off as relieved to her, but you knew it was the exact opposite. Pulling away, you gave her one last smile before walking a little too fast through the backdoor and through the house. It was empty now. It was probably safe to assume that Keeley and Roy had asked the rest of the party to leave prior to returning outside.

It wasn’t until you got to the door to the front yard that you noticed that Jamie had gotten up and followed you inside. Pulling your hand away from the doorknob, you turned to look at him. His hands were behind his back, and he looked down at the floor, seeming to become bashful underneath your hard stare.

“Sorry, I-” He swallowed. “I thought it would look weird if I just let you leave.” You glanced around the room for a moment, gathering your thoughts.

“Roy is right,” You told him. “This is so weird. We go from never speaking to suddenly, we’re together? A couple?” Your shoulders flew up in an intense shrug before falling down once more. “It doesn’t make sense, Jamie. We have to-” You sighed as you stared at his crestfallen face. “We have to tell them the truth. Or say we ended it. This is insane. Expecting me to go along with this is insane.”

You turned to leave, ignoring him when he called after you.

The tears began the second you were in your car. The drive wasn’t long, but it sure felt like it was when you were crying the whole way there. Every light seemed to turn red, which upset you even further. By the time you pulled into your driveway, you placed your head on the steering wheel and let it all out. The hyperventilating was intense, so intense that you were having a hard time getting it under control.

You hadn’t been touched like that since…

No.

You wouldn’t do Jamie the disrespect of comparing him to that.

Still, the feeling of it was so disarming. Your hand went to your neck, rubbing at the skin in an attempt to get the burning to subside.

Fucking worthless, ain’t you?

You rushed inside, fumbling with your keys through your shaky hands. Before you knew it, you were running to the bathroom, throwing the shower on and tossing your clothes on the floor. Your hands went right for the soap and the cloth, immediately lathering yourself up to try and wash away the memory of the hands on your skin.

Not Jamie’s, anyway.

Just the memories his touch brought back.

You must’ve scrubbed three or four times before your skin stopped burning. Even still, you stayed under the hot water, pressing your forehead against the shower tile.

It was clear now that this game with Jamie had to end.

If this was how you reacted to a fake relationship, how could you ever again handle a real one?

TAGS

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#jamie tartt #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #tedlassosource

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