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sokkigarden · 1 year ago

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dancing with our hands tied (part i)

jamie tartt x female reader // nsfw 18+ // enemies to lovers // fwb

masterlist // read on ao3

summary: wearing the jersey of your self-proclaimed enemy wasn't supposed to go like this.

word count: 2.8k

decided to post this fic to tumblr! not sure if i will be doing a taglist, but i will be tagging each part with jamie tartt x reader + jamie tartt smut so if you are following those tags religiously (like me) then you can find it lol. its also on ao3 and will likely get updated there first if you'd like to subscribe that way. big shoutout to @whimsical-roasting for drafting this in our dms in a haze one night LMAO i would not have been able to write this without her<3333

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“No no no, there is no way I’m wearing that.”

Opposite of you, your best friend, Laney, stood with two Richmond jerseys in her hands. One said ‘Tartt’ across the back, the other, ‘McAdoo,’ but you already knew which one she wanted to wear. She had a raging crush on Isaac, so that left only one option for you.

And there was no way you were wearing Jamie Tartt’s fucking jersey.

You would never hear the end of it. As part of the team’s physio team, you had a good rapport with most of the players. You complimented them when they had a good match and joked around while working with them through their physical therapy treatments.

You had a decent working relationship with everyone on the team.

Everyone except for Jamie Tartt.

There was no question that since his return to Richmond, he had become a changed man, but his past words had left a lingering resentment. You didn’t think you were in the wrong to simply avoid interacting with the man. He hadn’t often been seen in the treatment room, and when he had, you typically passed off his treatment to another member of the team, along with some flimsy excuse for why you couldn’t do it.

But recently, as he trained more with Coach Kent outside of the dog track, he’d needed additional treatment. And as the new lead of the physio team, you were in charge of his treatment plan.

In recent months, especially since working more closely with him, he’d started to notice the difference in behavior from you, leading to all sorts of jests and confrontations. Now, it seemed like he just got a kick out of teasing and inevitably pissing you off. You couldn’t help but fire some scathing shots back. What started out as a simple plan of avoidance had clearly backfired.

Now everytime he needed assistance with muscle cramps or pain medication, you got a conversation full of sarcasm and questions. It almost felt like sometimes he came in just to rile you up.

Just last week, Jamie came in to check on his ankle after a bad landing at training. You examined his leg and he made comments the entire time you had your hands on him.

“You know, I get waxed. Weekly. Everywhere.”

You had stumbled ever so slightly as you’d gone to grab an ice pack. You cringed inwardly, knowing this would only add more fuel to Jamie’s fire. You were tired of him getting the best of you, making you flustered. You wanted to fight back.

Turning back to him with the ice pack, you stared at him directly.

“Show me,” you challenged.

Jamie’s face held an incredulous expression.

“You mentioned it— you clearly want to,” you reasoned, shrugging your shoulders, “So show me.”

You hoped your confidence in calling his bluff worked in your favor, and his face showed that he was clearly surprised by this turn of events. You couldn’t tell what he would do next. He rolled his eyes with that smug smirk on his face before he raised his eyebrows and lifted his shirt up.

Sure enough, his chest was bare, showing off his sculpted muscles.

Jamie leisurely lounged across the treatment table, chest exposed, and you would be lying if you said your mouth didn’t water a little bit at the sight. Even after being around athletes on a daily basis, there was something about Jamie that just— hit different. His cockiness was surely annoying, but it was also incredibly arousing, as much as you hated to admit it. You felt a squeeze in your chest but you bit your tongue to keep yourself in line. There was no way that thought would ever bear fruit.

You shoved the ice pack into his lap, making sure some of it landed on the bare skin of his stomach, watching as he flinched a little bit at the abrupt action and cold temperature of the pack.

“Ice your ankle for twenty minutes, then stay off it the rest of the day,” you informed him, acting like the last few moments hadn’t happened. “You’ll be good to train tomorrow.”

Jamie scoffed at your indifference. He grasped the ice pack fully and let his shirt slide back down.

“Sure, love, I’ll do that.”

He knew you hated it when he called you by a pet name. That only made him use them more. You glanced back at him, staring into his eyes for a moment before you grabbed your bag.

The tension in the room was palpable before you’d headed out to check on the rest of the players at training. You hadn’t said anything else as you’d left.

So, yeah. There was no way Jamie Tartt would ever let you hear the end of it if you showed up in his jersey number.

“Oh, come on!” Laney pleaded. “I don’t want to wear a jersey alone.”

“Plenty of people do!”

“Yeah, but plenty of people don’t get to go behind the scenes and actually speak to the players,” she gushed. “I don’t want to meet them and look stupid all alone.”

“So instead, you want me to look stupid with you,” you gave her a flat look.

She smiled mischievously. “What? I thought it would be funny. You complain about him all the time.”

If only she fully comprehended the validity behind your complaints.

You knew there was no way you were ever going to win this fight, so you slipped on the jersey and braced for impact. You were happy to have Laney come along to a game, especially since you didn’t always attend matches and her being a big Richmond fan gave you an excuse to watch. You wanted today to be good, not just for you, but for her too. It was exciting to be able to take your best friend on a little ‘backstage’ tour during gameday.

You hoped today would be good, and that you wouldn’t have any run-ins with the man who made your blood boil.

Alas, not even twenty minutes later, as you walked into the back of the Nelson Road stadium through the employee entrance, you promptly ran into none other than Jamie Tartt.

“Well well well, I didn’t realize someone was such a big fan,” the familiar Mancunian accent taunted behind you.

You tried not to visibly cringe as you turned around to face Jamie. He was not yet in his kit, still wearing his street clothes: a monochrome denim set. It was frankly unfair how well the jeans fit him, but you refused to let your gaze linger for more than a few seconds.

“Oh my, it's the infamous Jamie Tartt,” Laney greeted him playfully. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Your jaw clenched at her words as she reached out to shake his hand. He eagerly accepted.

“Have you?” he asked with a mischievous look in your direction that made you roll your eyes.

Laney nodded emphatically. “She talks about you all the time.”

You nudged her shoulder to get her to stop talking but she just looked at you innocently. She knew exactly what she was doing, and it seemed like Jamie did too.

“Oh, does she?” Jamie questioned.

He was eating this up. His face was smug and you were sure this would haunt you for weeks to come.

“Laney, why don’t you go get some snacks? Shouldn’t be a line since we are here a bit early. I’ve got to talk to Jamie before the match,” you said. “I’ll meet you at our seats?”

You smiled sweetly at her, but underneath the nice layer, you knew your eyes held an anger that had her quickly waving goodbye and scurrying off. You were more than happy to have her accompany you to a match, but this entire interaction was reminding you of why you hadn’t invited her sooner.

For a moment, you just stared at him. It was hard to look him directly in the eye sometimes. Despite the headstrong front you kept up, you weren’t used to dealing with such interactions. You weren't stupid, you knew that this dance you two engaged in fell close to flirting (at least that’s what Laney said), and when you looked directly at him, you remembered just how fucking hot he was.

It wasn't just his physical attributes. Sure, he was in excellent physical shape, and his hair looked particularly perfect ever since he started going a bit blond, and his lips were always in a little pout, just begging to be kissed. But it was also a little more than that. Seeing him step up to lead as they began Total Football, working as a team player while also getting in extra workouts to be the best he could be. You weren't blind. You could see his internal changes on the outside, somehow. He didn't seem as cold. He didn't seem as distant and prickish. Jamie’s change in demeanor changed how everyone saw him including himself.

And he seemed to look even hotter than he used to.

Was it possible for someone to just keep getting more and more attractive?

It was part of the reason he drove you up the wall. How did he so perfectly remain just a little bit of a prick while also being a better person? And why did he have to look so pretty while doing it?

More and more people were making their way through the hallway as the dog track got ready for the match, and Jamie still stood in the middle, with an innocent, questioning look directed towards you.

You huffed before you grabbed his arm and shoved him into the treatment room. Even if he was acting oblivious to spectators, you didn’t want to put on a show when you once again ripped him a new one.

His face was still prickish as you turned to look at him. He was clearly enjoying this much more than you were.

“So you talk about me when I ain’t around, love?” he asked, raising his eyebrows.

“No, I don’t,” you said firmly. “And don’t call me ‘love.’”

He pursed his lips, “Seems like you do… love.”

He smiled cheekily at you and it took everything in you not to roll your eyes at him. Instead, you crossed your arms and put on what you hoped was your most serious face.

“I talk about everybody,” you defended, but he clearly wasn’t listening.

“Hmmm, and what do you say about me?” Jamie scratched his chin to mock being in deep concentration.

“Mostly, I tell people you’re a pain in my ass.”

The statement seemed to shock Jamie out of his act and he narrowed his eyes at you. You knew it wasn’t the best idea to have a sparring match with a footballer right before a game. They were pent up with nerves and adrenaline as they prepared.

After a moment of no response, you expected the conversation to be over and began to move toward the door, when he finally spoke up.

“Bend over, I’ll show you a pain in the ass.”

Now you’re the one who’s speechless. You let out a breathless laugh of shock, before rolling your eyes. You continued on your way to the door, moving to leave him in the room alone. Just as you go past him, he playfully smacks your ass. Before you have a chance to even choose your reaction, you let out what can only be described as a whimper mixed with a moan.

You whirl around to look at him, and you both seem to be shocked by the noise. You can tell your face is burning with embarrassment as you stare at each other in a momentary state of shock.

He recovers first, letting out a breath of a laugh. A smirk dances across his face.

“Liked that, did you?” he taunted.

You clearly didn’t recover as quickly, your reply coming out weaker than you’d like. “Shut up, Tartt.”

He stepped a little closer to you, and you stepped back instinctively, before you ran into the table set up next to the door.

“I liked hearin’ it,” he said, his voice coming out like a rough whisper.

It all happened so fast. One moment you were barely processing how close the two of you were. Making direct eye contact, breathing the same air. In the next moment, you had spun around, shoving your own pants down around your knees as you heard him unzipping his jeans. He gripped your waist as he spanked you again, and you didn’t even try to suppress the moan that left your lips.

He slid his dick in easily, and you were surprised at how wet you’d become from simply arguing with the man. He held you against his chest as he thrust into you, pressing a messy kiss to your neck, sucking slightly. Part of you was worried about him leaving a mark, but the thought was pushed to the back of your mind as he continued his journey along your neck. He raised your knee higher to rest against the table for a better position, and you groaned in unison as he thrust deeper inside you. You let your head fall back against his shoulder, leaning against him.

“You wanted this real bad, huh, angel?” he asked.

You nearly wept at the pet name. You made a noise of protest, but your voice came out near breathless from the intensity of it all. You felt like your knees would buckle from the sensation, so you gripped the table in an attempt to not fall.

“Fuck you— you wanted it more,” you defended, but just as you spoke, he hit deep inside you and left the end of your sentence turning to mush as you moaned.

The table wasn’t enough to grab onto, so you reached back and started to grip the strands of his hair. He groaned directly into your ear, and you felt your knees nearly give out entirely.

“Damn, you look so pretty with my name on your back and my dick inside you,” he mumbled as he ran his hand up to grip at your throat. The action wasn’t gentle, but the pressure was perfect.

You’d almost forgotten you were wearing his name across the back of your jersey. Of course he would think it was hot.

It surprised you when you realized you found it kind of hot too.

“Don’t get used to it,” you warned, “This isn’t happening again.”

Your harsh words felt like they had no meaning as you bucked against him. His own hips rose up to meet your own. Truth be told, you were getting your shit rocked and were already wondering when you could fuck him again. You felt your brain short circuiting. Your breaths were shallow as he moved his hand up to your mouth.

You bit his hand out of frustration, making him hiss and thrust his hips faster. He shoved his fingers into your mouth and you sucked instinctively, causing him to whine.

“Jamie,” you gasped around his fingers, “I-I’m close.”

“Me too, love,” he panted in reply. You didn’t have it in you to correct him over the pet name, overcome with the sensations coursing through your body.

He removed his fingers from your mouth and snaked his hand down your body to find your clit, adding extra pressure. He knows just the right way to move his fingers that has you falling apart in mere moments.

When you come, he turns your head to plant a wet, sloppy kiss on your lips as you both find your release. You find yourself kissing him back intensely, chasing his lips once he finally pulls away.

Your knees are weak at this point, fully leaning against him for support once he finally slips out of you and pulls his jeans back up. Before he has a chance to say anything between breaths, you reach for a towel off the shelves above you and clean yourself off.

You’re still out of breath as you finally look over at him. His face is shiny with sweat and you fear you look the same. You’ll have to stop by the restroom before you meet back up with Laney.

Laney.

The thought of your friend has you glancing at the clock on the wall, cursing yourself. Everything starts to come into clear view, and you wonder how you let things go this far. You just fucked Jamie Tartt. How the hell did that just happen?

You press your lips in a firm line. You try to keep your hands from visibly shaking.

“This is never happening again,” you tell him again, as you reach for the door handle to exit.

As you open the door, Jamie scoffs.

“Sure, love,” he says, sauntering through the door that you opened, “I’ll see you after the match.”

He leaves you with a wink before heading off to get ready for the match. If you thought he would be unbearable about the jersey, you had just made the entire situation so much worse.

You weren’t sure how long you stood in the treatment room before you finally left as well.

#jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt x y/n #jamie tartt x you #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt smut #jamie tartt imagine #jamie tartt enemies to lovers #ted lasso fic #ted lasso fanfiction #ted lasso imagine #my works #dwoht fic

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chukys-mouthguard · 4 months ago

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https://www.tumblr.com/chukys-mouthguard/759794706557304832/i-just-want-to-kiss-jamies-jawline-and-give-him?source=share

this is actually so cute I beg of u to write more jamie blurbs 🥺🥺

thank you anon, here is some more Jamie for you 🫶🏼

As you’d opened the door to your townhome, the smell of burning immediately caught you off guard. Your heart racing as you were terrified you’d left a candle burning and something had caught on fire. Tossing your bag by the door you followed the path of the smell which led you to the kitchen.

“Well shit.”

Jamie’s voice full of disappointment as he set a pan onto the stovetop. A sigh fell from his lips as he hadn’t even noticed you come inside.

“Jamie.”

He slightly jumped at the sound of your voice, a hand clutching to his chest as he looked at you, a slight smile on his lips as he’d hated the fact your coming home scared him nine times out of ten.

“Shit, when the hell am I going to not get scared by you coming home?”

“It’s been months babe, I would say the odds aren’t in your favor. Now, what’s burning and giving me a heart attack that the house is on fire?”

He awkwardly looked to the pan of food behind him, adjusting his stance to shield your eyes from seeing it. Scratching his head as he tried to ignore the fact he just obliterated a sheet pan meal that should have been easy for someone culinarily challenged. But clearly he was still very much a rookie in the kitchen.

“I um, I was trying to surprise you with dinner. And I looked up easy sheet pan recipes, clearly not easy enough. I burned it all.”

You could see the look of disappointment on his face as he moved for you to see the damage. A slight frown on your lips as you wrapped you walked over to him, wrapping your arms around him and peppering his lips with kisses.

“It’s okay, don’t be discouraged. You tried! And I so appreciate that! But, we definitely can’t eat this, it’s practically charcoal at this point. And unfortunately, I am starving.”

He nodded his head as he looked from you to the pan of blackened veggies.

“Well you know, I’ve never fucked up a to go order from that Thai restaurant down the street.”

#jamie drysdale imagine #jamie drysdale x reader #jamie drysdale blurb #jamie drysdale fic #jamie drysdale #Jamie Drysdale fluff #nhl imagine #nhl fics #hockey imagine #hockey fic #nhl fanfiction #nhl blurb

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heyidkyay · 1 year ago

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And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Eleven

Matty Healy x reader

Summary: She’s just trying to get by, really. What with being a single parent to her four year old son whilst simultaneously trying to kick start a successful career as a radio presenter. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted though, friends close by, a mum who’s merely a phone call away, and of course her baby boy. What else is there to wish for? But then, it’s not long before her relatively normal life gets upended and turned on its head, and she’s suddenly forced to deal with situations she’s never even thought to imagine.

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way?

Authors Note: Hiiiiii, it's been a while:) Sorry, had a lot going on tbh very hectic and stressy but I had most of this written out before life got all messy and so I just tried my best to finish it! Hope you all had a happy holidays, whether you celebrated anything or just had a lovely few days, also wishing you a very happy new year!! Here's hoping it'll be a good one x Alsooo, a big thank you to @procrastinatinglikeapro who's an utter angel and without this part wouldn't have been finished!<3

Onto part eleven I suppose!

Masterlist

It’d been too long a day, though it had only just gone eleven. So Matty had decided to take a well earned break that no one else seemed to be fully aware of. He’d left George and Adam to themselves, the pair caught up in a heated discussion about a particular opening to a new song they’d been working on, and Ross was off in the booth playing something or other just to escape the rest of them. He’d had a late one the night before and was feeling the effects of it, poor prat.

Matty reckoned that he probably had a good while before Jamie strolled in though, or before George started getting aggy about the current chord progression, so he’d taken to one of the far corners of the studio to slink into the small sofa there and pull out his phone.

Messages now Squeaks I’m meant to be prepping for recording!! Stop distracting me.

Matty grinned to himself at the most recent text he’d received. They’d been at it since six this morning, but he’d yet to grow tired and so was already typing one back.

Messages now Ditto babe So it would seem that you are the one now distracting me

He shook his head at the next reply that came through, but had to agree with her point; Adi seemed a whole lot scarier than the three twats he’d been burdened with. Even so, he couldn’t let her know that, could he? Or have the last word either. It was a matter of principle now.

See, it’d been a few weeks since that night at the club and the morning after in the quietness that was her flat- a place that still swarmed his thoughts during moments of the day when he felt his mind drift. He’d been so caught up in the moment back then, in her and in being allowed that close, that he hadn’t paid much mind to everything else. Too focused on watching, observing the way she behaved in a place so full of comfort. He only wished now that he had nosed around a bit more, her bedroom hadn’t given much away and neither had her kitchen, but those had been the only two places he’d been able to linger.

Still, afterwards he thought that the whole situation might’ve stirred things up for them, what with her dickhead of a mate and his waking up in her bed. Because most girls either fell arse over tit wanting to get into his trousers, or rather a chance in the spotlight, whilst others ran headfirst through the nearest fire exit door.

Mouse though, she was something else.

She kept him at arm's length, that was for sure. Made it clear she had boundaries, even if she was open to a bit of harmless flirting here and there. But he’d just put that down to her being more mature than most of the women he’d met. She was also dead set on them just being mates, and he could do that, really, he could. He had tons of female friends, ‘cause why not, right? So he knew he could hold back. He could.

Saying that though, Squeaks hadn’t just stuck around for a short time to live within the confines of his fame-covered umbrella and, honest to God, it was refreshing just how much she didn’t seem to mind the headlines nor the fans that came along with him. She loved his music, yeah, she’d made that part known- or at least their older stuff, bit mean- but that was it. She asked for nothing but his company.

And even then, that had been all down to him. He had sought her out. Not the other way around. So he was always wondering over it, over why and over her.

Usually, people like that were hard to come by these days, or were simply playing the long game. He’d seen it happen plenty times before, not just with himself, but with his parents too, and other people within the industry. It didn’t feel that way with her though. It was why he’d been so reluctant to share her anymore than he already had, ie. Jamie and now Danny too, he supposed. Although the latter hadn’t really asked much after her since their night out, on the low now that he feared Jamie was after his head. Matty couldn’t muster up any sympathy.

And during the last few weeks, he had practically forced his way into her life even further. Too scared that if he didn’t, if he relaxed, that she would just play it safe and walk away, and he wouldn’t have that. So, they’d gone from texting at all hours of the day to phoning most nights now that he had a set routine in London for a short while. And sometimes, if he was lucky, they would facetime and he’d feel his heartbeat pick up at the sight of her tired smile.

It was nice.

New.

Made him feel like a kid again, in truth. As though someone liked him just for being himself. His pushy, egotistical maybe, but simple self.

She’d probably rib him to bits if she could hear him now, all soppy like. But even so, he couldn’t find it in himself to take any of it back.

“Oi, loverboy! Gonna tell us what new model’s got you grinnin’ like that then?”

Matty’s head snapped up at the familiar lilt of George’s teasing voice, who was still seated in the cushy chair he’d long ago claimed but had since turned in to glance over at him.

“Nothing like that, dickhead.” And at George’s disbelieving hum, Matty rolled his eyes and tacked on, “Believe what you like, man. You finished sorting that section or not?”

George mimicked the action, though with less of his usual irritated flare, and cocked his head in the direction of his laptop. “Just about. Only gotta tune shit up now.” Then he glanced back at him, leaning in the chair with his hands linked across his front, “So are you going to finally tell us what’s had you so distracted lately? Feels like every time I see you you're glued to your phone. Not back on Twitter, are you?”

Matty glared at the mention of the app, because yes he was, but who the fuck was George to judge him for it? So he lied.

“No,” He scoffed just as his phone buzzed once more in his hand, it really was a great fucking struggle for him not to just go ahead and quickly check it. “Just scrolling. Why don’t you mind your business, egghead?”

It was a cheap shot, but all the questions had left him flustered. He was only fucking human, yeah?

“Ah, leave him be! It’s nice not to have him in my ear constantly.” Hann, the backstabbing twat, laughed and shot Matty an amused smile, as though that would lessen the blow. Matty rolled his eyes once more.

“Yeah, yeah. Can we get back to work now?”

George’s eyebrows rose a tad but he blew out a long breath and simply shrugged, “Whatever. Just let us know if it’s anything serious.”

Matty withheld the petulant urge to get all huffy with the lot of them and instead shoved his phone into his back pocket so that he could grab the neck of his guitar and not succumb to the overwhelming urge to have a peek.

Fucking overbearing glibs. Always wanting in on everything.

Though he supposed he couldn’t blame them, not really, seeing as he’d kept them on the outskirts of his life for so long now. Always keeping secrets, that it was practically now his trade. But well, a drug addiction would do that, and it wasn’t like he could go back and alter things.

This was a real change of pace for him, sure, but after all the crap that had come with the past year, Matty guessed that this couldn’t be easy for any of them either. It was definitely a shift.

He’d leave it. For now, at least. They could let him have this.

“Nah, nah, go and play that again.” Matty spoke up once he’d made his way back on over, listening to the loop Hann had just hit play on, “Who put that shit in? Sounds fucking awful!” And in turn, received a notebook to the head.

***

“... So yeah, Ads ended up putting the fire extinguisher to good use- our first go of it, too!” I felt the need to tack on, grinning at the very reminder of it as I filled up a pot to boil. “There was a crap ton of foam everywhere-”

“Language!” The woman admonished me from down the phone and I rolled my eyes around a faint chuckle.

“I’m twenty-three, mam! You can't scold me anymore and besides, I could have said a lot worse than crap, you know?”

She still tutted, displeased, “And what if Teddy were to hear? You wish for him to be spouting that the next time he’s at garderie?”

Shaking my head in amusement, I flicked on the hob and turned to pick the phone back up. “Nursery’s probably already heard it all.” I snorted, remembering the most recent mishap made by Teddy’s friend, Issie, when she had sworn in front of the entire school last assembly. “Anyway, he’s not even here! He’s been hypnotised by the tele.”

“I don’t think I will ever understand the charm behind that invention. It rots brains, ma mie!”

“Eh, so they claim.” I retorted with a meagre shrug whilst shuffling across the kitchen floor to find the pasta I'd left on the other counter, “But all it’s doing right now is keeping him out from under my feet whilst I make a start on tea.”

Even through the phone I could feel her exasperation.

“Et encore,” The woman stressed and I smiled mostly to myself as I propped my phone up against the wall again so that I could measure and still see her. She seemed to let the subject go though, because her next question was, “What are you making anyway?”

I told her and whilst I allowed her to direct me (and berate my cooking skills- even though I was her best student! As well as her only, I supposed) I prattled on about the rest of my day spent at the studio and then down at the shops after having picked up Teds from school. The little weirdo had tried to lure a pigeon in after us and failed helplessly.

So it wasn’t too long before she finally interrupted my ramblings, in fact I’d almost finished with the sauce I was mixing.

“You’ve been glowing lately.” I heard her say and I grinned around the finger I had popped in my mouth, having just tasted the creamy béchamel.

“I am?”

She hummed quietly whilst I chanced a glance over at her, “Hm, it’s new, nice.”

I snorted, unsure on how to take that. “Thanks?”

My mum merely rolled her eyes mirthfully, a small smile flickering at the corners of her mouth, “Have you thought about Noël much more?”

Pursing my lips, I leant forward to check on the still boiling pasta- not long now, I deemed. “I dunno if we can make it, mam. Last time we took the boat out Teds was ill for days after and I don’t want him spending Christmas like that, especially seeing as I have to be here up until the twenty-third, the second if I keep praying!”

“Okay.”

I paused instantly and rocked back on my heels to frown at her, having expected more of an argument. “Okay? What do you mean, okay? Do you not want me home or something?”

Mam just shook her head, chuckling quietly, and I felt the crease between my brows deepen. “Non! It just means that the plane ticket I bought won’t go to waste.”

Blinking, I spluttered out, “Hang on, plane ticket?? Since when do you fly!”

“Since I realised that nearly a whole year has passed since I last saw my family! Too long, mon cœur.” She shot straight back at me and I felt myself chuckle softly at her, feeling my heart swell enough to override the evident guilt that stirred.

“I’m sorry, maman. I didn’t mean for it to be so long, just…”

“Life, mon cher, life carries on and it keeps us busy. You most of all, with your show and the baby.” She consoled, her face so full of warmth.

“Hardly a baby now.” I felt the urge to mumble but she simply waved me off.

“As well as this new glow of yours!” She added, confusing me enough to laugh a little and question what she meant. “Don’t play me for a fool, chéri, I raised you! There is someone, isn’t there?”

“Someone?” I quipped right back, very much bewildered by this whole new conversation we were now having. “What are you getting at?”

She clucked her tongue at me, as though she thought I was just playing at being dense, and so I watched on as she lifted her eyes towards the ceiling. “Someone new! A mystery man, peut être?”

I gawped, spluttered, and then shook my head, “No, non! Far from! God, can’t a girl just glow? I’m just happy, maman!”

“Ah, so I am right! You’re blushing.”

“Am not!”

My mum merely laughed at my petulance in return. “You are, Souris! It’s nothing to be ashamed of, if you don’t want to tell me more then I will leave it, for now. It looks good on you though.”

“Maman.” I groaned, “You couldn’t be more wrong about this.”

“I know my own child, crois-moi.” Was all that she replied, shrugging simply whilst I stood frozen in my kitchen hundreds of miles away from her. I knew she wouldn’t budge though. “But I want to know more soon! Maybe when I visit.” She proposed.

My eyes widened and it took everything in me not to pester her any further on what the hell she’d meant by it all. Seeing someone? I mean, she was out of her mind. I hadn’t spared even a glance at anyone in that way since, well since Teddy! And she knew this.

“Now, you should probably do something about that pot, amour. It’s bubbling over.”

That was all I needed to force myself back into the present and I swore up a storm as I rushed over to save the pasta on the stove.

–

“Did you see it? Did you see it? Did you see it?”

I reeled back at the sudden presence of an overwhelming Adi, who had shot up to greet me at the studio door as I walked in, curls bouncing every which way. I laughed, more than a little surprised by the intrusion as I attempted to step around her and get further inside. It didn’t work as well as I hoped though, seeing how she scuttled after me like a baby duckling who’d just learned to walk.

“Christ, Ads! At least lemme put my shit down.” I told her, all but skidding around the settee to throw my bag onto it. “Only just about managed to escape a Teddy Tantrum on the way in.”

Even with the mention of the almost meltdown from the monster that was my toddler she still powered on, bouncing on the balls of her feet, phone clutched tightly in the hand she held close to her chest. “But did you see it!” She pestered me, the stress and excitement of the situation evident in the pitch of her voice.

Looking at her, I knew I just had to put her out of her misery. “Yes, I saw it.” I smiled slyly, shaking my head fondly whilst I moved over towards the kitchenette. “Brew?” I wondered aloud and she shot me the most scathing look.

“Forget tea! There’s no time for tea! Are we doing it, or not?!” Adi immediately fired back, eyes now as wide as dinner plates.

I tried so hard to keep my growing grin from view, messing with the cups atop the fridge, but she was nothing if not adamant.

“Mouse!”

Breaking, I laughed at her and glanced over to where she stood an arms length away, practically ready to explode. “Why wouldn’t we be?” I asked and her mouth dropped open at the insinuation of my words and the hope she’d been attempting to hide blossomed into pure elation.

“You’re serious? You’re not just messing with me? Because I will strangle you right here, right now!”

My eyebrows rose, but I was still grinning away. “I go down fighting, babe.”

“Don’t I know it- still have the scar from when we wrestled over who got to say the first hello to Bono!”

I grinned proudly but did remind her, “And I still have nightmares about your teeth buried in my left thigh.”

“Oi, that healed!”

I snorted, “And? The trauma didn’t.”

Adi rolled her eyes and then smiled over at me. “I can’t believe you’re actually agreeing to do this.” She breathed, watching me ever so closely now.

I shrugged, feeling a little sheepish but mostly just trying not to think about the circumstances of it all. “It’s for charity- and besides, they asked. I couldn’t say no, could I?”

A crease formed between her dark knitted brows, “You could. I know I’m excited and all but, if you’re not comfortable with it…” She trailed off and I hated seeing her all mopey and concerned, it rivalled Teddy’s best set of puppy-dog eyes. An art he’d mastered since before he’d been able to sit up on his own.

“I know.” I assured her kindly as I propped myself up against the counter, “I want to do it though, Ads. It’s for a good cause and whatnot. Plus, I’ll have you there with me and it’s not like we’ll be in front of any cameras.”

“Maybe not you, but I'm soaking it all up, babe!” Adi immediately retorted and she flicked her hair over her shoulder for dramatic effect, “A face like this was made to be seen.”

I smirked and continued with the task I’d set of refilling the kettle, “And who would I be if I denied the world that chance?”

“Exactly.” She said, then chuckled, moving across the floor to shoot two tea bags into the mugs I’d gathered. “Now, all we need to do is work out what to wear.”

“And what questions to ask! They said they’re still unsure on the lineup this year. What with it being all new and whatnot.” I mentioned, having been thinking on that specific issue since the ask had come through the previous afternoon.

It wasn’t a huge gala type event, nothing like the Met or the Brits, but it was going to be a big showcase in the leadup to Christmas. Something that was going to help provide a lot to those who were going without this year. From what I’d gathered, there would be variety acts, musical performances, comedians, dancers and the like, and it was meant to be broadcasted across the entire country. So, to say this was a big deal for us. A radio show I’d started in my bedroom! Was a massive understatement.

“I mean, an actual red carpet, Mouse!” Adi finally squealed, letting loose all the obvious excitement she’d been holding in. “Come on, even you’ve got to be looking forward to that!”

I nudged her hip slightly as I went for the milk, silently rebuking that comment, but she just laughed in turn. “I am, to be fair. It’s going to be a whole lot different from what we’re used to though.”

Adi merely flashed me a bright eyed grin, “Exactly why we need to dress to the nines, babe! Gotta show these haughty celebs that we can roll with the likes of them.”

I cackled when she did and then shook my head, extra careful not to go spilling any of the hot tea we’d brewed as we made our way back over towards the settee. This was definitely going to be one for the books.

***

“You got all that?”

The others all gave their own variation of a confirmation to their stressy manager whilst Matty’s attention deferred, eyes jumping ever so quickly from one thing to another.

“Matty mate, you hearing me?”

A barge shook him in his stance and he turned towards Jamie and the rest of the guys with raised brows before he huffed.

“Yeah, yeah- album, smiles, don’t be a fuckhead.” He listed off, already glancing away.

Ross snorted over Jamie’s head, who in turn rolled his eyes at Matty’s blatant tone. “Don’t fuck this one up, it’ll be good for your image, alright?”

“We won’t.” Hann promised him with that gentle smile of his just as George clapped the older man’s shoulder, “Try not to have a heart attack before we make it to the end, man.”

“I’ll be fucking lucky.” Matty heard Jamie mutter under his breath just before they were herded off towards the start of the carpet where a shit ton of fans and a horde of cameras waited.

“You doing alright though?”

Matty hummed at the quiet question, dipping his chin ever so slightly. He was alright. It just felt different, being at something like this stone cold sober. It had been too long, in truth. Actually, he’d begun to wonder if he’d ever not been on something since they’d first shot up to fame and been forced to attend shit like this. He lingered on that very thought even as he replied.

“Fine, just thinking over the opening.” He clasped his hands before him to keep himself from fidgeting any more than he had been. He was always fucking doing it, drove people crazy, or so he’d been told.

“You’ll ace it.” Ross whispered to him around a conspiratorial grin, squeezing Matty’s upper arm once before they were all called into the onslaught by an usher. “Show time, boys!” He added and with it, Matty forced out a breath.

Stepping onto a carpet always felt like entering a whole other reality, whether it was a black tie event or something sweet and easy. There was just nowhere that you could possibly hide to escape the cameras or the shouts and cries of people vying for your attention. It was easy to follow their directions though, ‘Over here!’ or ‘To your left!’, but it was much harder to tune out the other shit that got thrown their way.

“Matty! Matty! How was rehab?” One shouted, “Are you lot breaking up then?” Went another. “George, where’s Charli? And the after party, what about the after party?”

Matty bared his teeth and grinned through it, knowing he’d only be making things more difficult for himself if he gave them any inclination that he’d heard, let alone a real reaction.

By the time they made it off the first half though, away from all the blinding lights and constant flashing, Matty didn’t even get a chance to regroup before he felt himself already being steered towards the next horde of press.

He dragged a helpless hand down his face, bracing himself as best he could, before dozens, if not more, interviewers came into view, all eager to get their questions in, maybe find a way to have someone slip up and earn themselves a column in some crappy rag or paper.

Typically, he didn’t mind this part. Here he got to work his magic, charm and woo whoever it was standing behind the camera and then swiftly move on. It was everything he enjoyed in an interview; three, four questions max and then he was gone. Like smoke in the wind.

Matty smiled at the notion, then stepped up in between Hann and Ross to greet the first bloke who’d reached out for them.

Somehow he managed to persevere on through and make it nearer to the end. Normally it was there that they could evade most of the microphones stuck their way and make a swift exit into the awaiting building. But just as Matty opened his mouth to suggest it to the others, his eyes caught on something in the corner, or rather someone.

“Oh shit.”

“Yeah, it’s been a bit mental. But it’s over now though, mate.” Matty heard one of the others say in response to him as they clapped his shoulder heartily, but they obviously hadn’t realised that he hadn’t been moaning about the whole ordeal, not even moaning at all actually. No, he’d just been fucking shocked to the core and all but rooted to the red carpet in surprise and that was all the words that he could let escape.

Before he could think to correct them, or let them know, he somehow managed to unstick his feet and start hurrying in a whole other direction. They called out when they noticed but he paid them no mind, flicking at his blazer sleeves and then wiping his hands discreetly to get rid of that clammy sheen they always managed to create whenever he was on edge.

Because how could he not be? When Mouse was standing there at the very skirtings of the crowd, just behind a staged barrier. Her of all people. And Matty couldn’t quite manage to tear his gaze away. Sights set as he bulldozed on through people to get closer and closer.

She looked incredible. There was no denying that. Different to whatever he’d gone and made up in his head- something to do with a romantic dinner and them being all dressed up- but beautiful nonetheless. He found it difficult not to wonder over how no one else seemed to be lured towards her, how nobody else had gone over and asked why she was standing on that side of the barrier and not with the rest of this sorry lot on the carpet. Because-

Fuck, she was just stunning in that getup. Wasn't she? All red and pretty. Cheeks matching the sleek colour of her dress, smile unapologetic and wide. It was honestly so fucking hard to chance a blink let alone look away, worried she might not be there at all if he did.

She was talking with someone though, who had their back to him, eyes flickering up every now and again to check on the celebs heading their way. Actually, it was just as she did so once more that those eyes of hers spotted him through the small crowd near the edge, making her stutter in her stance and blink as though he was a mirage.

Matty grinned, unable to do much else, except manage a hurried jog the rest of the way, just needing to be near, to talk to her.

“The hell are you doing here?” Were the first words to spill from her painted lips, causing his grin to slip on into a full-on beam.

God, she sounded so startled, so sweet. He realised then that he’d actually missed her voice- and it’d only been a day since they’d last phoned. A short thing, before she had gone and fallen asleep to his senseless prattling, leaving him to watch her for a minute, or sixteen, before he’d finally hung up.

“Me! How about you?” Matty immediately countered, shaking his head at her cheek, “You never mentioned it.”

She smiled brightly, mouth moving but unable to form any real words, before she was swiftly interrupted, “You never mentioned it?!”

Her head snapped over towards the voice’s owner as did Matty’s, and he was rather bewildered to see Adi stood there, looking lovely in a white ensemble.

“She never mentioned it??”

He blinked at Adi’s almost screech, realising then that the girl had been speaking to him, and so he nodded hurriedly in answer, still grinning away at the eccentrics. “No, she fucking didn’t! So imagine my surprise, hey?”

“You cow!” Adi tutted, elbowing Mouse who looked a tad affronted by it all. “How could you not tell him?”

“I didn’t tell anyone!” She immediately countered, rubbing at her arm, “And anyway, I didn’t know he’d be here! Why are you here?” She looked at him then, eyes narrowed and nose wrinkled in angry confusion.

Matty couldn’t stop the soft snort that escaped him whilst she merely rolled her eyes in turn.

“Fine- stupid question. But you never mentioned it either!” Was her semi-sort-of-valid retort. He hadn’t mentioned it by name, he could admit that, just that he’d be busy tonight doing crappy promo shit.

“I did!” He argued anyway, because he couldn’t not with her.

“Did not!”

“Oh, and what have we wandered into here then?” Came George’s familiar lilt just as the rest of the band’s steady presence followed behind him, “Not starting catfights already, are you?”

Matty thinned his lips into an exaggerated smile when he turned to look up at him, “Hilarious. No, as it turns out I do have mates outside of you lot.”

George feigned a look of scandal then snapped his gaze over towards where Ross and Hann were standing, “You hear that? He’s gone and made friends all on his own!” Then, being the condescending prick that he was, he reached out to ruffle Matty’s previously styled hair.

Matty was quick to smack his arm away, huffing at the thought of what storm would now surely follow when their stylist finally caught a glimpse at the pictures of him looking a state. “She’ll kill me, you dick.”

Knowing just who he was referring to, George barked out an uncaring laugh. “Oh give over, you’ll survive.” Then he appeared to remember what had brought them over in the first place, looking away he asked, “And who might you be?”

Matty’s eyes instantly tracked Mouse, who got all flustered at having everyone’s attention suddenly on her. Her cheeks flushed further and her eyes skirted everywhere but them before they finally found his, he tried to flash her an apologetic smile. Thankfully, Adi was able to save her before Matty could think of a way out of this whole shitshow.

“Adeline Wells,” She was quick to introduce, heavy gaze flitting over George’s tall form before trailing back to the two stood behind them, “We’re from Mouse On A Mic.”

Hann appeared to blink in recognition, a flash of surprise donning his usually stoic features, but it was Ross that replied, “The radio show that rinsed Matty?”

“That was you?” George piped up, eyebrows reaching his hairline as he stared down at Adi.

“No actually, that would be me.” Mouse felt the need to clear up with a strained smile, lifting her hand as though her admission hadn’t captured all of their attention.

George’s face wrinkled further and so Matty was hasty in his move to slip in between them, closing the distance between him and Mouse so that now only the sodding barrier separated them.

“And isn’t she just lovely?” He intervened with a grin, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and settling there even though the harsh metal prodded into his hip unforgivingly.

George frowned in confusion whilst Hann smiled politely, dipping his head in a silent hello to both of the women. Ross on the other hand was a whole other story, he just started laughing.

“Oh shit!” He called out, hand falling to the top of his stomach whilst his mouth and eyes widened in amusement, “This is her, isn’t it?”

Matty’s own eyes grew as he shot Ross a warning look, feeling Mouse tense a tad beneath him.

Adi was having none of it though, eager to know more. “What about her?” She pivoted on a sleek heel to stare the pair of them down, eyes narrowed enough to instil a bit of fear into Matty himself.

Ross raised his hands up in a way that intended he’d meant no harm by the comment, “Nothing! Well, nothing bad at least.”

Adi raised a carved brow in retort whilst Mouse just turned to glance up at him, he humoured the thought of pretending not to notice it but couldn’t bring himself to even try.

“What’s he mean? I thought we moved past all that.” She murmured to him, looking so small under him now that he fought to wave all her worries away.

“No, no we did. Ross is just being a pillock, babe. In’t that right, Ross?” Matty’s words were pointed and direct enough that when the twat looked back over at him he saw the urgent look that headed a warning.

Ross, though, simply rolled his eyes. “Nah, I just meant, you must be the model.”

Matty swore he was slowly losing it, was he being serious?

Meanwhile it seemed that both girls had taken to just blanching at the massive muppet. “Sorry?”

George tutted, shaking his head as he finally righted himself, and put on a charming smile, “Ignore him, that one’s on me.” He admitted and was quick to continue further when his words showed no signs of reassurance, “I figured Matty had to have been speaking to someone, seeing as he’s nonstop on his phone.”

“Well, er- no, no model, just me.” Mouse replied almost sheepishly, then chuckled faintly, “Or maybe there is a model and he’s just not mentioned it.” She teased, earning a few laughs.

“As if.” Matty rolled his eyes, squeezing her arm as he somehow managed to tug her in even closer.

“And oi! You’re ten times fitter than any model Ned Flanders here could pull.” Adi said, putting her two cents in.

Mouse merely rolled her eyes, obviously used to her mate’s brashness, and Matty found himself agreeing with Adi before-

“Hang on, Ned Flanders? Bit harsh, ain’t it?”

It was either Ross or George that snorted, could’ve been Hann too actually, but Matty was too preoccupied in his bemusement to steal a glance away from a very obviously smirking Adi.

“Nah, she’s pretty spot on there, mate.”

“No one asked.” Matty sniped back before pointing over at the girl. But before he could get another word in edgeways, Mouse was there, patting his chest softly.

“Ah, it’s alright. Could’ve been worse actually.” She smiled at him, tittering ever so slightly that he didn’t feel too disheartened by it, “And besides, Flanders was fit! Had abs and everything hidden under that jumper of his.” Mouse tried to comfort him, though it was immediately spat on by Ross’s next sentence.

“Not gonna find that here, love.”

He was just shy enough to escape Matty’s swiping hand, jumping away with a gleeful grin to hide behind Adam. The coward.

Matty didn’t find much sincerity in the rest of them as he turned to glance them over, the guys all snickering to themselves, whilst Adi gave Ross an appraising look accompanied by a mirthful grin.

He was only soothed by the action Mouse had made, having hidden her face in his shoulder. He was so transfixed on it that he practically forgot that the rest of them were even still there, especially when she lifted her face up to flash him a happy smile.

“Abs are overrated anyway.” She whispered to him, her chin propped up on the jut of his collarbone.

His eyes danced between hers and he found himself smiling stupidly in return. It was then though, that they were interrupted, “So come on! Ask us a question then!”

Matty watched her blink and then look away, whilst he only wanted to rewind and stay there a moment longer. Instead, he found himself swallowing around the lump in his throat and following her move.

“Yeah, go on!” He heard himself say and was almost regretful when Mouse stepped away to switch their camera on, feeling the wind more forcefully now that she wasn’t shielding his side. But then she was grinning again, eyes twinkling as she peered over at him, quirking her head to direct him further into the frame.

“Alright rockstar, this had best be better than our last interview.”

And Matty could only grin as he shouldered in closer to the rest of the lads, his eyes never once leaving hers.

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f4iry-bell · 4 months ago

Text

BIRTHDAY CHALLENGE

pairing: jameson hawthorne x avery grambs

type: blurb

warning: mention of fake death

tagging: @clarissaweasley-10 @whatsamongus @sheisntyou @emelia07 @elysianwayy77

a/n: happy birthday to my pookie wookie patootie bear 🙈💞(this is kinda sucky but wtv)

masterlist

“Do I wanna know why you dressed me up as a caveman? I mean, you could have just asked if you wanted to see me shirtless.” Jameson asked Avery with a teasing smirk.

Avery rolled her eyes. “You’re not completely shirtless.” it's true.

“I still feel very exposed. But you're matching my outfit, so no complaints.” he added. “But I must add, Heiress. Are we really going to my birthday party like this? I know we don't have a lot of friends and the ones we have are equally as bad as we are but you know?” he asked.

“Just go to Great Room, okay? You'll understand the whole theme later.” She said,

Avery did not accompany him to Great Room. Once he entered the room, it was dark and he could see people's faces from the fake fire that was burning at the end of a stake they were holding. He saw 9 lights exactly, he expected a 10 feet tall cake but this is intriguing.

Jameson approached Xander and asked. “What is this?”

Xander spoke in utter gibberish.

“Xan, what?”

Gibberish again. He turned to Grayson. “I suppose you too will speak this unknown language?” He asked.

“I should but I'm your translator.” Grayson replied.

“So?”

“He said, ‘Welcome to the Grand Cave of Mysterious deaths.’” Grayson said.

Jameson looked around and saw that the Great Room is somewhat designed to look like a cave and he was only standing in the front of the room, he saw the wall—or what he thought was a wall was close, which is impossible given the size of the Great Room.

“Mysterious death, huh? And who is dying? Let me guess, me?” He joked.

“We don't know. It's a mystery, Jamie.”

Jameson was about to speak suddenly everyone's fake fire burnt out and it was pitch dark. He could see nothing, he let his ears hear anything to observe. But suddenly everything came to light, the first thing he noticed was that Great Room was now a cave with a lot of ways. And the next was nobody was standing, everyone was laying down, and he also saw the love of his life laying down.

Slowly everyone started getting up except Avery, he frowned.

“What is this?”

“A mysterious death.” Nash replied. “One of us killed Avery or something in this cave killed her, you have to figure out who. If you win then you get to your next stage of celebration, if you fail…well Avery didn't think of it because she was sure you'll figure this out.”

“Oh, this is fun. A murder mystery to solve on my birthday, I love my girlfriend.”

#the inheritance games #jameson hawthorne #jameson x avery #averyjameson #jameson hawthorne x reader #jameson hawthorne x you #grayson hawthorne #the brothers hawthorne #the hawthorne brothers #xander hawthorne #avery kylie grambs #avery grambs #nash hawthorne #the grandest game

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hopefulromances · 1 year ago

Text

Long Time Coming I Chapter 13 I The Man

Summary: Being hired as the first female assistant coach in the league was a challenge of it itself. Being a football prodigy and University Football Legend was easy enough. Coaching Jamie Tartt was a challenge all on its own.

Chapter Summary: Reader is given an award. Jamie is supportive

Word Count: 5.2K

Warning: Some sexism hehehe

A/N: Plot plot plot! But there's some of my favorite jamie x reader moments in this one. Next is Amsterdam!!!!

Prologue One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve

I woke up alone. Now this was something I was used to at this point. Ever since Jamie had started doing his early morning runs with Roy, we hadn’t been spending as many nights together. Not that I liked it, but it was something I was getting used to.

My alarm went off at 6:00, as per usual. I did some yoga, showered, then was brushing my teeth when I got an unexpected text from Rebecca. It read:

Please come to my office when you get in today.

Hm. That was an unusual text to get from your boss at 7:30 in the morning. I racked my brain trying to think of something I’d done to get a talking to. Yeah, it hadn’t been a great month for us, but it wasn’t anything I’d particularly done.

I finished up with my skin care and decided to head into work early to get whatever this was over with. I arrived at the club not much later, waving at the caretaker as I walked in. The walk up the stairs to Rebecca’s office felt excruciating.

But when I arrived there, it wasn’t just her. I opened the door and there was Higgins, Keeley, and Ted sitting in front of her desk.

“Good morning, guys,” I entered approaching the group. “I didn’t know it was a party.”

“(Y/N)!” They all greeted in unison.

“Ah, that wasn’t creepy at all!” I laughed, trying not to show my nerves.

Rebecca motioned to a third seat. “Please, take a seat.”

I took off my backpack as I sat, holding it in front of me. “I’m not getting fired, am I? Oh my god, you’re firing me?”

“What? Oh heavens, no!” Rebecca dismissed, shaking her hands. “Why on earth would you think that.”

“Well, its all of you here, and I just walked in and thought it, I don’t know!” I shook my head. “If you’re not firing me, what are you doing?”

They all exchanged looks excitement filling their eyes.

“Oooo go on! Tell her!” Keeley insisted, clapping her hands.

“Tell me what?”

“The anticipation is killing me!” Higgins chimed in.

“What anticipation?”

“She doesn’t even know what’s about to hit her!” Ted added.

“Please just tell me what’s going on before I kill someone!” I was practically shaking at his point.

“Oh, alright,” Rebecca addressed me finally. “(Y/N), the league is honoring you with Coach of the Month!”

The group all cheered as I took in the information.

“We have a press conference this afternoon,” Keeley told me. “We’ll brief you on everything you’ll need to do but we are just so excited for you!”

“Couldn’t be happier for you,” Ted smiled. “You’re part of what makes this team great!”

“Of course, she is! I hired her!” Rebecca hummed proudly. “I always knew you’d be great.”

I frowned. This wasn’t right. None of this was right. They kept talking at me about what was going to happen. An interview, a photoshoot, a magazine cover but all it sounded like I was underwater. I had to get out of this room.

I stood up, grabbing my bag and leaving without so much as a word. I hurried down the stairs and outside into the car park. Why was I so upset? Why couldn’t part of me just be happy about this? I heard the door open behind me and I knew one of them had followed me.

“Look, now I know emotions are a subjective thing, but I don’t know usually there’s at least a smile when you get a cool award.” Ah Ted. Just the person I didn’t want to see right now.

I shook my head. “Please, Ted. I don’t want to do this right now.”

“Now, I’m confused. What exactly aren’t we doing?” Ted asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“This!” I shouted, pointing between him and me. “You giving me some anecdote about how I’m good enough and how I earned this because you and I both know that isn’t true.”

Ted furrowed his eyebrows. “What are you talking about?”

“I know why Rebecca hired you.” The statement hung in the air. The truth behind the whole operation at Richmond. The secret I’d overheard in the coach’s office at the end of Ted’s first season with us. “And it’s the same reason she hired me.” Ted paused, nodding his head. I couldn’t help but let out an ironic laugh at the situation. “We both know that I was hired because she thought it would make us lose.”

Rebecca, so overcome with her hatred of Rupert, hired Ted and Beard and I because she thought it would make the worst coaching team. We would drive the team into the ground ruining Rupert’s favorite team. This was something I tried to ignore but since finding out it seem to legitimize some of people shouted at me on the internet and what Max had said to me before I left. I wasn’t meant to be here. I wasn’t saving the league. I was just a girl pretending to know what I was doing.

“Now, (Y/N), I don’t know what you think you heard but-“

“Please cut the bullshit, Ted,” I snapped, cutting him off. “I’ve worked really hard to get past it, but I don’t deserve an award when I’ve done nothing to earn it.”

Ted’s mustache twitched. “You’re right. Rebecca hired both of us to make some point to Rupert. That is true. But something else that’s true is that you’ve consistently proved her wrong at every turn.” I opened my mouth to say something, but Ted held up his hand. “Now, you might not see it, but Beard and I and even Roy, we all depend on you to keep this whole thing afloat.”

I let out a breath and wipe at my lips as I stare at him. I certainly hadn’t been feeling like that recently. Since the West Ham match, we’d been on a losing streak, and I’d been so in my head about all of it that I couldn’t do my job.

“I just…” I swallowed hard. “I don’t know what I’m doing here anymore Ted. And this Coach of the Month is just another bullshit excuse for me to know that I’m not meant to be here.”

All I could hear in my head was the sound of my failed dreams and Max’s taunts and the paper missing the bin over and over and over again.

“Hey (Y/N),” Ted’s voice appeared much closer than I thought he would be. “Do you remember that puzzle metaphor I told you about?” I scrunched my face up, nodding my head. “Well, that metaphor has a lot of different meanings. Maybe you should try to put it together again.”

I let out a frustrated sigh. “Can’t you just tell me what you mean for once, Ted?”

“I mean,” He chuckled at my frustration. “You’re stuck in a rut, yeah? So, instead of trying to put the puzzle back together the same way over and over again… maybe you were putting it together the wrong way. Maybe you need to… try something new. And maybe…” He nudged me, forcing me to look over at him. “Maybe you should let someone help you put that puzzle together.”

I still didn’t get it. Well not fully. But I think I understood the gist of it. The funny thing was as we were staring at each other, Roy and Jamie came running up. Jamie smiled at Ted and I coming to run in circles around us.

“Mornin’ Coaches,” He smiled, starting to run in place.

“Tartt! You’re not done yet! Get to the training room and start lifting.” Roy followed up; a bit slower.

Jamie groaned loudly. “I ain’t even stopped or nuthin’. I were just sayin’ hi.”

“Go!” Roy barked, pointing towards the door.

Jamie rolled his eyes dramatically before shooting Ted and I a wink. Roy shook his head as Jamie made his way inside, seemingly off to the training room.

“Mornin’ Roy, good training with Jamie?” Ted asked Roy.

“As good as it can be,” Roy grunted. “What are you two doin’ out here?”

Ted looked over at me, motioning for me to tell him. I shook my head at him, grunting that I wouldn’t. Ted hummed back that I absolutely would and that we wouldn’t leave until I said it. I let out a huff.

“The leagues giving me some bullshit title of Coach of the Month that doesn’t actually mean anything but they’re making a big deal out of it,” I informed Roy finally.

He grunted is a way that sounded vaguely positive. “Good for you.”

“Fuck off.”

“Alright.”

The day was filled with Keeley throwing me through the PR wringer. What to expect, what to say, what not to say. I wasn’t super excited about it, but Ted’s words were rolling around in my head. I hated puzzles. I’d never liked them. I thought I’d figured out Jamie’s puzzle but now there was another puzzle. When would it end.

“Okay, the most important bit is the press brief we have this afternoon. They’ll bring in you and some of the lads to talk about you as a coach,” Keeley told me, writing down some notes.

“What will they be asking?” I questioned, trying to look over her shoulder.

“Oi don’t be looking over my shoulder,” she reprimanded, shouldering me away. I pouted, crossing my arms over my chest. “They’ll ask you probably your normal annoying questions about being a woman, but also about the team and such.”

I grumbled. “I didn’t hear them asking Pep what it was like being bald why do I have to talk about being a woman.”

“That’s because no one cares what it’s like being bald,” Keeley pointed out, giggling. “Being a woman is actually interesting.”

“Is it really?” I rolled my eyes. “So, uh… what guys will be coming to talk about me?”

Keeley hummed as she flipped her notebook shut. “I dunno, I was gonna ask to see who wanted to later. Do you have anyone in mind?”

Yeah. Yeah, I did. “No, I don’t want to force anyone to do it.”

“Sure. And Ted is gonna introduce you, of course.”

“And this is all happening tomorrow?” I pushed out of my chair. I’d already waisted the whole day, I at least wanted to get to the end of training.

“Yup!” Keeley smiled at me. “Don’t stress, you’re gonna be great.”

I shot her a sarcastic smile. “Oh yeah, I’m gonna love it. It’s gonna be amazing.”

…

Later that night, I was resting in Jamie’s lap. I felt goosebumps spreading over my body as Jamie’s hand stroked my stomach lazily. On the TV, an episode of New Girl that I’d seen hundreds of times played but I wasn’t really paying attention.

“Jamie…” He hummed, letting me know he was listening. “Did they tell you about this… Coach of the Month thing?”

His face broke out into a smile as he looked down at me. “Yeah, it’s great, innit? So, fucking proud of you.” He tightened his grip around my waist, shaking me proudly.

I found myself blushing at his praise. Even though I thought it was kind of stupid, Jamie being proud of me was affecting my happiness a little too much.

“Yeah… I guess… I don’t know what I think about it,” I admitted, rolling so I was looking up at him. He cocked his head, motioning me to continue. “I guess, I just don’t know if it’s because I’m a good coach or if it’s because I’m a woman or whatever.”

Jamie scrunched up his face pursing his lips in confusion. “What… why would they do that?

“I don’t know to make themselves look better?” I sighed, lifting myself off his lap and leaning forward. I ran a hand through my hair. “I just… I’m not sure I’m ready to go out in front of all those people and talk about myself.”

Jamie leaned forward so his shoulder was touching mine, stretching his neck so he could try and rest it on my shoulder.

“What are you doing?” I asked, looking over at him.

“’m trying to comfort you, you daft idiot,” he explained, rubbing his cheek on your shoulder.

“You’re acting like a cat,” I crowed, trying to push him off of me. But he wrapped his arm around mine arm pulling me into him, rubbing his cheek all over my shoulder and neck. “Stop!”

He grabbed my legs and pulled them up into his lap, pulling me so I was sitting on him.

“Look, whatever happens tomorrow, just know that me,” he pressed his cheek into mine. “And the rest of the lads know how amazing you are. Not just as a coach but as a person. But especially as a coach.”

I giggled, pressing back into him. “What about you Jamie? How are you feeling about playing Man City this week?’

He shrugged. “My stats level up against Man City. They’ve played well this year but we’ve got the ability to win.”

“No, Jamie… I mean,” I turned around, so I was facing him, my legs now straddling his waist. “How do you feel, like you.”

He frowned, his nose scrunching up in a way that was far too cute for one man. “I feel… uh… I feel fine.”

I reached up and rubbed the space between his eyes. “I don’t think you do babes, you’re gonna give yourself wrinkles.”

He rolled his eyes, leaning his neck back. His neck was so exposed, it was so tempting to just… lean forward and kiss his Adam’s apple. I looked up and decided to play a little bit. I leaned forward and kissed him, right on the bottom of his neck where the skin sunk in a little bit. He hummed, the vibrations tickling my mouth.

“Jamie, baby,” I murmured, kissing up his neck, finally finding his Adam’s apple. He groaned in response. “C’mon, I want you to talk to me.”

“Can’t talk when you’re kissing me like that,” he croaked, his voice deep and gravely. So, I stopped, pulling away from him completely. “Hey! Wait!”

I started to slide off of him, but he wrapped his hands around my waist and yanked me closer to him. He buried his head in my neck kissing me furiously. I shrieked grabbing onto his hair to tug him back.

“Jamie, if you talk to me I’ll give you the best blow job of your life,” you waggled your eyebrows at him.

He whined, cracking his neck back and forth before slouching back. “I feel… fine. I guess. Haven’t heard from me dad in a while. It’s not like… I’m afraid he’s gonna be there but not knowing is worse.” I nodded at him, rubbing his collarbones. “But fuckin’ Zava’s probably gonna take the attention anyways.”

I gave him a sympathetic smile. “Well, it’s okay to be worried about your dad but… we’re at home. We’re on your turf. He doesn’t even need to be allowed in if you don’t want.”

“I’m not gonna ban me dad,” Jamie grumbled. “I just… want to know.”

I nodded again. I gave him a satisfied smile before pulling him down into me to make good on my promise.

He wanted to stay over that night, but I insisted that I wanted to maintain my regular routine for the next day. But laying in my bed that night, staring up at the fan, I wished he was there with me.

I arrived at the club early. Like 6:30am early. The groundskeeper had barely arrived by the time I got there. But I was nervous. I’d been able to avoid press conferences, manage photo events and stay in my lane for the most part but today it was all on me. And why was I wasting a day doing this when we had out Man City game this weekend, I’ll never know.

“Oh, my god, how long have you been here?” Keeley asked, handing me a coffee as she walked into the press room.

“Since 6:30, I couldn’t sleep,” I told her accepting the drink gratefully.

Keeley clicked her tongue at me soothingly. “It’s gonna be alright, you’ve got this. I just want you to be yourself up there, yeah? We’re starting with the photo shoot first today, the press conference will be this afternoon, when the boys are free.”

And that came faster than I expected. After a long day of cameras and poking and prodding I was left staring at the door of the press room. I could practically hear it, the flashing of the cameras, I could feel it, the stares of the journalists waiting for me to slip up, waiting for their next scoop. Ted was in there right now, talking me up. I picked at my thumbs, trying to steady my breath but I was struggling to find it. I felt like my head was buzzing, and that my heart was moving at a thousand beats per second. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to drown out the now blinding florescent lights.

Suddenly arms were wrapping around me, holding me so tight. “Hey, it’s okay, I got you.”

Jamie. I immediately latched onto him. I didn’t care if we were in public, I didn’t care if someone from the press room got a peak at this, all I cared about was Jamie’s steady heartbeat helping me regain my control.

“There you go,” He murmured, lips brushing against my temple. “Just breath, love.” I did as he instructed, finally finding the control of my breathing. I let myself blink my eyes open and look up at Jamie. He smiled at me, brushing some of the hair out of my face. “There she is.”

“Hi, Jamie,” I squeaked at him, resting my chin on his chest.

“You know it’s kinda nice seeing you be the needy one for once,” he said to you.

I gaped at him, scoffing. “Don’t say that, I’m having a panic attack and you’re gloating?”

“I gotta take it where I can find it,” He chuckled. Then he leaned down and kissed my temple, his lips lingering there. “You’re gonna be amazing in there.”

“What if I’m not… what they want?” I croaked. “What if I mess up or do something stupid.”

“It would be right funny if you did that!” You gasped and hit his chest. “Hey! That hurt. I’m just sayin that you could become a meme.”

“Jamie!”

“Alright, alright, jus’ there’s no way they won’t want you cause… I mean you’re everything there is to want,” Jamie noted, as if it was easy, as if it was simple.

I felt that breathless feeling again but this time it wasn’t because of panic, it was because of Jamie. I smiled with my lips tucked, looking between his eyes before reaching up and kissing him. He kissed me tenderly, softly. In a way that made me hum in contentment. I probably would have stayed like that if it weren’t for the next intrusion.

“Oi!” Roy’s voice made us jump apart. “If the two of you want to keep this a secret, then you better stop kissing in the fucking hallway.” He growled as he marched towards us. “Tartt, go get changed you’re gotta be in there in 5 minutes.”

I looked over at Jamie surprised. “You’re coming to talk about me?”

“Obviously?” He stated, rolling his eyes. “Even if we weren’t dating, you’d still be my best friend.” I just about melted at that one.

“Uuuuuugggggghhhhhhhhh,” Roy groaned loudly, grabbing Jamie by the arm and starting to drag him down the hallway. “Good luck, (Y/N).”

I laughed, covering my face as I watched them go. Then the door to the press room opened and Keeley poke her head out.

“You ready, babes?”

I watched Jamie disappear into the locker room and I felt that tell-tale flutter in my chest. I felt okay. I was going to be okay.

“Yeah, let’s do it.”

She pulled me into the room as Ted was finishing up his speech.

“(Y/N) (L/N) has overcome incredible odds. And she has done it with a smile. So, without further ado, it is my honor to present you with (Y/N) (L/N)!”

I walked up on the stage to scattered applause. I waved hesitantly sitting down in front of the microphone. As I did, they all flooded the stage putting up their own recording devices. My eyes darted around the room at the different reporters until they landed on the back of the room where Rebecca, Higgins, Trent, and Keeley stood. I nodded at them, glad to have some friendly faces in the room.

“Uh… hi! I’m (Y/N) (L/N)…” I started, looking around to focus on someone. How did Ted do this? “I’m happy to be chosen as the Premier League’s Coach of the Month. Uh… does anyone have any questions?’ Immediately the room exploded as all their hands raised up. “Um okay you, in the front row.”

“Hi Ms. (Y/N)-“

“It’s Coach (L/N).”

“As a woman, what do you think the league can do to work on intersectionality across the teams?”

I furrowed my eyes brows. “That question doesn’t even make sense.”

Again, the hands raised, everyone calling out my name. I pointed to someone in the back.

“Coach, do you think being a woman has enhanced your ability to coach men or made it more difficult to understand the difficulties of being men in sports?”

“That’s like two questions shoved into one and the answer is no.”

“Coach (L/N), when you applied for the job here at Richmond did you do it to prove a point?”

“What? That’s not-“

“Where do you think the feature of the league is in terms of gender equality?”

This was going about as well as I thought it was going to be. I let out a frustrated sigh as they continued to shout questions at me. In the back of the room a door opened and in walked Colin, Sam, and Jamie. Colin waved at me, crossing his arms at his space in the back. I looked across the back of the room, at Ted and Keeley, Colin and Sam, and Jamie. The people in my life that made this possible. That made me possible.

“Okay, okay, everyone listen up,” I announced, hitting my hand on the table. The room went quiet. I shot Keeley an apologetic glance before taking a deep breath. “Listen, I didn’t take this job because I wanted to make some big statement about feminism or gender inequality or intersectionality. I took the job because I wanted to play football for money, just like any of the lads on the team.”

“And if you really cared about gender equality, you’d be talking to the many female coaches that coach the women’s league. Or the many female players? Why don’t we talk about the wage inequality when the women win more games? That’s what you should be asking me about!”

I leaned back in my chair and looked around the room. The reporters were all silent until one, Marcus Adebayo, raised his hand.

“Yeah, Marcus,” I called on him.

“Coach (L/N), how do you feel about Richmond’s chances against Man City on this weekend?” He asked, pen at the ready.

I paused for a second, let out a huff. “Thank you, you know Man City has kept us down for a long time, but I think our chances look good.”

…

Our chances were not good. The game was bad play after bad play, the boys were just not at their best. You wanted to blame it on Zava, the bastard decided to retire without telling anyone and didn’t even show up to the game. It was depressing and everyone felt it.

“Yeah… it was tough out there today,” I said to the reporter after the game.

“You are Premiere League’s Coach of the Month; do you feel like there was something more you could have done to secure this win?” The reporter asked bluntly.

“That’s somewhat of a redundant question. I’m an assistant coach. I do the best I can, but the boys are the ones who need to win, and they just didn’t have it today.” I replied, shrugging. “That’s all I have time for, sorry.”

I left the reporters with a small smile and started towards the locker room running a hand through my hair. This had been tough, and Keeley hadn’t been able to show up. Something about Shandy and a baby lamb and a lot of poop. I’m sure I’d hear about it more later. But for now, I walked into the depressing atmosphere that was the locker room.

I looked around the room, the boys sat silently in their despair. Jamie sat on the floor in front of his cubby like he did when he was upset. I glanced over at Bead and Roy who gave me a pair of sad smiles back. I looked over at Zava’s empty cubbies and frowned. I hated Zava. To come here and bring these boys hope then abandon them without a word I’d never be able to forgive him for that.

“Gentlemen, Hey,” Ted Emerged from the office. “That was a tought on tonight. Okay? Man City has still got our number. That… that’s all right.” The boys murmured a sad response. “We’re gonna get another crack at them later in the season. Uh-huh. Coach,” He addressed Beard. “No practice tomorrow yeah?”

“That’s right”

“Okay, well, I’ll see y’all on Monday,” Ted finished starting to turn around.

“Hey, hey. Hey Coach!” Sam spoke up. “What about Zava? He quit the team.”

I looked back over at Ted, wondering the same question myself. Ted sputtered a moment before answering. “Technically he retired from the whole sport, which does make it feel a little less personal, yeah? You know, like if, uh, your girlfriend runs off with some dude and it turns out they were soul mates.”

Again the boys grumbled a response, something about Gina Gershon was in the mix but it was mostly positive. I thought Ted might end it there, but he didn’t.

“Look. I hear you, okay? Zava is gone. And You what? I think it’s a good thing.” I perked up, interested to see where he was going with this. “Well, I do! Okay, look. Do I wanna win? Heck yeah? But I also wanna do it with folks that wanna be here.” I nodded, agreeing with his sentiment. “It’s not like we could handcuff him to his locker and make him love us.”

“We could have tried,” Dani cried from his spot. I could help but let out a chuckle, knowing that he really meant it.

“Hey, guys, look,” Ted regained their attention. “We got a good thing going here. Alright? We didn’t need Zava. Yeah?” Ted looked over at Jamie who nodded. I felt my heart warm knowing Ted was using Jamie’s words to encourage the team. “All we need to win are the fellas in this room right now. And all you fellas need to do is believe it.”

Just as he spoke the believe sign behind him fell, the torn pieces revealing themselves. The boys all starting clamoring shouting in fear.

“It’s a sign!” Bumbercatch shouted.

“That’s it. We’re doomed,” Colin agreed.

In the moment it was hard to disagree with them. Things hadn’t been great recently. And this just felt like the final nail in the coffin.

“Hey, knock it off, okay? We’re not doomed. No one is doomed,” Ted putting his hands up to calm everyone. “But, Bumbercatch, yes, you’re right. It is a sign. I agree.” He took down the two pieces and ripped them in half. I felt myself reaching out to stop him, not even knowing I was doing it, but surprisingly, Jamie’s hand on my leg stopped me. I looked down at him and he nodded towards Ted. “Belief doesn’t just happen cause you hang something up on a wall. Alright? It comes from in here.” He pointed at his chest. “And up here,” at his head, “ and down here.” At his stomach.

“Only problem is, we all got so much junk floating through us, a lot of time we end up getting in our own way. You crap like envy, or fear, or shame.” I swallowed hard, biting my lip. I knew he was right, I’d been letting my fear and shame of who I was get in the way of my happiness. Of my abilities as a coach. “I don’t wanna mess around with that shit anymore. Do you?”

We all shook our heads, some of the lads responding with a ‘no’, or a ‘no, coach’

“No, me neither. Hell no. Well, you know what I wanna mess around with? The belief that I matter, you know? Regardless of what I do or don’t achieve. Or the belief that we all deserbe to be loved. Whether we’ve been hurt or maybe we’ve hurt somebody else.”

“Or what about the belief of hope? Yeah? That’s what I wanna mess with. Believing that things can get better. That I can get better. That we will get better. Oh, man. To believe in yourself. To believe in one another. Man, that’s… that’s fundamental to being alive. And look. If you can do that, if each of you can truly do that…” He ripped the sign in half again. “Can’t nobody rip that apart.”

With that he walked over to the middle divider and slapped the ripped-up sign down on top of it.

“See y’all, Monday?”

The whole team responded with a ‘Yes, Coach’ before turning back to their cubbies to get ready to leave. But I stayed there. Staring at the broken sign. I wanted to believe. I needed to believe. And this team, these people, they helped me believe. Come what may, this whole room had my back.

…

I was still thinking about it as I arrived home that night. I didn’t expect Jamie to come over, it’d been a long day and he was waking up early still to do extra training. So, when he knocked on my door, I was surprised.

“Jamie? What are you doing here.” I asked him, pulling him inside.

“I wanna tell people about us,” He answered quickly. My eyes widened. “I know why you’ve been wanting to keep it a secret and I get that; I do. But… what Ted said today I just… I believe in us. I believe in you making me a better person and I don’t… I don’t want to hide that anymore.”

I stared at him, unsure of how to respond. I didn’t know if I was ready yet for the whole world to know. For ours to become theirs. I loved Jamie, I really did but what if it changed too much. Or worse, what if people tore us apart. Luckily Jamie continued speaking before I could answer.

“You don’t have to decide right now. I just wanted to put it out there.” He nodded at me before leaning down and kissing my cheek. “Alright, I’m gonna go now.”

And he was out the door.

Fuck.

Tag List: Taglist:@heletsmelovehim @higherthanheroes @ajax-petropolus-wife @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo @optimisticsandwichgladiator @kno-way-home @sleepy-time @wigglegiggle @skewedcherries @respondingtoshowerthoughts-blog @snubug @rana030 @ems-alexandra @jaymum @sokkigarden

#jamie tartt #ted lasso #jamie tartt x reader #ted lasso show #jamie tartt x y/n #jamie tartt imagine #jamie tartt fanfiction #long time coming

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peppermintquartz · 3 months ago

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The newcomers here at Harbor generally are decent people who want to work with aircraft, and Tommy gets along with most of them.

Today, however, brings a challenge in the shape of two broad-shouldered kids - 28 years old Zed Ryder and Jamie Hughes, the two of them cousins, recently transferred in from 124 to replace Starr and Kelley, who've moved to Wisconsin to be with Kelley's family.

Tommy's been tasked to walk the cousins through maintenance procedures and then take them up in the chopper for a round. The lesson was going alright until around eleven, when a familiar Jeep pulls into Harbor and Evan hops out.

"Tommy!" Evan calls out. "You forgot lunch."

Tommy's always happy to see Evan, and happier to grab the dish of chilli Evan made for Tommy's colleagues. When he gets to Evan, he can't resist planting a kiss on his boyfriend for being thoughtful and sweet.

"See you at home," Evan says, beaming.

Tommy hands the chilli to Mavis, and jogs back to Zed and Jamie, whose expressions have shifted slightly to something other than attentiveness.

"That your boyfriend?" Jamie asks bluntly.

Tommy nods. "Yeah. Come on, I still have to go over the storage on the air ambulance before we can eat."

Jamie and Zed glance at each other. They say nothing, but trail after Tommy. Tommy can't shake the feeling that he isn't seen the way he was before Evan arrived, but that's alright. He's not here to change everyone's attitudes. He's here to make sure these newcomers know what to do and how to get it done properly.

It's only at lunch that everything blows up, and it really isn't Tommy's fault.

Tommy's having his lunch with Melton and Lucy, and Captain Davids joined them. They start to talk about rosters for the wildfire season and Tommy is dreading leaving Evan for weeks; Lucy notices and teases him about it.

Jamie and Zed are in the corner with the other younger firefighters, and then there's a shouted challenge. Next thing the senior firefighters know, the newbies are about to get in a brawl with McCartney.

"What the hell is going on?" Captain Davids roars, her diminutive frame hiding a powerful set of lungs. "Syahid, what happened?"

Syahid, all six-foot-three of him standing to attention, glances at Tommy and says, "Um."

"Details!"

"Ryder said... He said something rude about Kinard."

Tommy is surprised. "Me? What?"

Syahid flushes.

In an instant Tommy understands. "Mac. What did he say? It's okay, tell us."

"That motherfucker - sorry cap - that asshole was saying he wouldn't have transferred if he knew he had to learn to fly from a fag," McCartney spits out, his eyes glaring daggers at Zed Ryder. "He doesn't know how fucking lucky - sorry captain - how bloody lucky he is to get one of the best in the state to teach him!"

"The hell?" Lucy almost starts forward, but Tommy holds her elbow and shakes his head. She subsides but it's clear her fury is barely being checked.

Davids looks at Tommy, and then at Zed and Jamie. "Firefighter Hughes. You agree with Firefighter Ryder?"

Jamie stands to attention. His eyes look around, taking in the various expressions. He shakes his head.

"Pissant," Zed snarls at his cousin.

"Shut up," Jamie hisses at him.

"Better to be a great homosexual pilot than a bigoted failure of a man," says Captain Davids. "Your transfer will be rejected."

"You can't do that!"

"I can reject your transfer and you go back to your old house, or I can fire you for insubordination. Your choice." Captain Davids steps in front of Tommy to stare Zed down. "It's 2024. Grow past that hateful bullshit already. Pack up and go home. Melton, escort him off the station."

"Yes captain." Melton salutes. He's not too friendly when he goes to Zed and jerks his head. "Go on, you heard Captain Davids."

As Zed stalks away, the captain says, "Alright, finish up lunch. You're the man back for this shift, Mac, and boots. Fighting is not condoned."

"Yes, captain. Sorry captain." McCartney doesn't look apologetic though. He grins at Tommy and winks.

Davids goes back to her seat. "Kinard, Donato. Come on, we were talking about rosters."

Tommy has to swallow down a lump in his throat. His house isn't a family like the 118, but they had his back. He smiles at McCartney and Syahid, then sits back down. He'll help McCartney with the boots later after taking Jamie up in the air.

#tommy kinard #tw slur #harbor station #ah man my tenses are everywhere. ignore grammar errors plz

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animationnut · 2 months ago

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Halloween Fanfic

Happy Halloween! Here’s a list of my Halloween-themed fics on Ao3, if you want to check them out between booping and candy snacking.

My White Knight (Star vs the Forces of Evil)

It's Star's first Halloween, and thanks to Marco she knows that humans only dress as monsters on Earth's spookiest day of the year. But sometimes there are humans who look average, but are monstrous on the inside. Thankfully she has her White Knight to save her from all kinds of monsters, human or otherwise.

Scare Tactics (Gravity Falls)

Ford and Stan take every opportunity to scare the twins in the week leading up to Summerween. Dipper and Mabel, the Kings of Halloween, will not be defeated. They concoct a plan to truly frighten their great-uncles, with some outside help. It's all in the spirit of Summerween.

Three Spiderlings in a Haunted House (Into the Spider-verse)

The only way to spend October 30th is to go to a haunted house, but Miles, Gwen and Peni really should have told the Spiders where they were going. It's a night of frights for everybody, and a near heart attack for some.

Among the Corn(maze) (Phineas and Ferb)

It's October thirtieth, and Phineas and the gang are spending the night before Halloween at a corn maze. It's only a matter of time before they get split up, and Buford can't resist the opportunity to pull a small prank. Tis the spooky season, after all.

Spookin’ Lancer (Danny Phantom)

A little Halloween tale where Danny, Tucker and Sam try to scare Lancer the day before Halloween. But Lancer isn't easily frightened by juvenile pranks, and in their efforts to scare him out of his wits, lines are crossed.

All Hallows Eve (Sofia the First)

Unable to disregard the village tradition of trick or treating on All Hallow's Eve, Sofia chooses to miss the royal costume ball in favour of her childhood traditions. With no one in her family able to take her Sofia happily drags Cedric along for a night of Hallow's Eve fun.

Runt of the Pack — Chapter 10 (X-Men Evolution)

Jamie’s trick or treating takes a bit of a sour turn when some delinquents set a nearby property on fire. Logan did tell him to stay in the car, but what kind of X-Man is he if he doesn’t help?

Devil’s Night (Lilo and Stitch)

Lilo's preparations for a wicked Halloween are interrupted by a run-in with Mertle and her girls. Deeming themselves too old for trick-or-treating, the group of thirteen-year-olds arm themselves with eggs, shaving cream and toilet paper. Mertle issues a challenge to Lilo--join them for Devil's Night, unless she's scared.

Forever Family, Forever Vongola — Chapter 24, Chapter 42, Chapter 43, Chapter 55 (Katekyo Hitman Reborn)

Halloween plus the Vongola family equals chaos.

#Halloween #gravity falls #phineas and ferb #danny phantom #star vs the forces of evil #x men evolution #sofia the first #katekyo hitman reborn #into the spider verse #lilo and stitch #fanfiction #ao3

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tomjamesavery · 10 months ago

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Christmas preparations at the Potter's Written for the Ginnyversary Bingo Challenge with the prompt: #N35 — I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I’m not there. Read on: AO3

“Gin! They’ll be here any minute now!” Ginny heard Harry’s voice from downstairs as she was finishing packing up the last present. It was Christmas and soon the entire extended Weasley clan would show up at their doorstep. Ginny and Harry had been extremely busy over the last week, with both work and preparation for a hungry mob of red-haired family members, but they had decided to celebrate together this year, and Ginny was happy to see her family come together again.

She bound the last knot and quickly scribbled “Merry Christmas! Love, Ginny and Harry.” Onto the note that was attached to it, before she quickly put it where the rest of the presents were already lying, ready to be given out. With a spring in her step, she made her way downstairs into the kitchen where Harry was busy cooking up a storm. She stopped in the doorway observing her sweating Husband who was way too concentrated on his current task to notice her staring. “And, how is dinner coming along?” Ginny called out, a bit louder than necessary, as she watched in amusement how Harry almost dropped the pan he was handling. “Goodness Gin!-” he quickly put down the cooking equipment and leaned his back against the kitchen top. “-You almost gave me a heart attack.” He used the back of his right hand to brush the sweat off his forehand. Ginny only chuckled as she closed the distance and chastely pecked him on the lips. “I am sorry, I forgot how concentrated you get when you’re in the kitchen.” She brushed a loose strand of messy black hair out of his eyes as his hands came up her waist pulling her towards him. She was about to lean in for another deeper kiss when they were interrupted by a high-pitched voice coming from the living room.

“Mommy, Daddy! Jamie said Aunt Muriel would be coming too, is that true?”

Ginny sighed rolling her eyes as she watched her husband’s grin forming. She spun around and faced her second oldest son, who was looking at them with annoyance on his face.

“Al, I told you, Aunt Muriel will be there, it is just one evening, she’ll be gone by tomorrow!” Ginny tried but her son didn’t seem to care much how long Aunt Muriel would stay with them, the fact alone that she showed up, was enough for him.

“I don’t want her to come, she is not nice. I don’t like her. If she comes, I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending I am not there.” He crossed his little arms in front of his chest and before Ginny or Harry could say anything else he stormed out of the room. Ginny meant to go after him, but Harry quickly took her hand. “Let me talk to him Gin, you already had to convince Jamie earlier that we couldn’t set the Christmas tree on fire to grill marshmallows on it after dinner, and that discussion alone must’ve been enough for a week.” Ginny only shot him a thankful smile before he quickly followed after Albus. She ogled his bum until he disappeared through the doorway, just as a knock sounded on the front door. It seemed like the evening had officially started.

#harry x ginny #harry potter #hinny #ginny weasley #harry potter fanfiction #fluff #christmas #married hinny #ginny potter #i stan ginny #ginny lovers

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aces-to-apples · 1 year ago

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Wait nope second try: hi! Hello! Can i ask for tedependent or royjamie with either: ❛ if you called just to get off on my voice, i’m hanging up. ❜ or “Touch me there. Right there.” :3c

He isn't serious when he answers Jamie's call with, "If you called just to get off on my voice, I'm hanging up."

This dumb thing between them is new and weird but also old news and completely normal and Roy won't explain it any better than that. Can't, because he has no fucking clue how to.

Season's over; Ted's fucked off back to America; Keeley won't take either of them back because they're so fucking annoying. And the worst part of all of that was thinking that the obnoxious prick he spent years hating is both his best fucking friend and his, fucking, bisexual awakening or whatever won't want to be either of those things anymore after their fight over Keeley. Except he did, he does, and now they're doing whatever it is they're doing, fucking about, and that's how Roy answers the fucking phone at one in the morning. Like a prick.

Predictably, Jamie whines. "I didn't even say nothing! You didn't even say hi!"

"Hi," Roy deadpans as the final minutes of Bake-Off continue to play quietly on his TV. "If you called just to—"

"You're such an arsehole, I don't know why I even called you," Jamie grouses, and there's a bang like a heavy door swinging shut underneath his words.

"Don't know why you called me either," Roy says. "Thought you went out with the lads. Gave you permission to drink for it and everything."

Jamie sighs. "Yeah, dead nice of you, that," he says. "I dunno. I just—missed you. You should come out with us, next time."

Clicking through to the next episode, Roy rolls his eyes. "I'm not going out drinking with you menaces for a whole night. I have things to do," he lies.

"Liar," Jamie says immediately. "Phoebe's with her mum and I'm not there, am I? So you ain't got shit to do."

"Well then maybe you should have stayed in with me so I'd have something to do," Roy fires back.

There's an odd silence after that that makes Roy wince. He opens his mouth to apologize.

"Yeah, no, that's," Jamie says, cutting him off. "That sounds way better. Let's do that next time. S'way more fun. Hey, can we have sex yet, please?"

"How much have you had to drink?"

Jamie hums. "Mmmmthree...? Maybe four. I don't know."

"Well then we're definitely not having sex tonight, are we?" Roy scoffs and, miracle of miracles, Jamie makes an agreeable noise. Neither of them are interested in discussing why they haven't had sex yet, it seems, which is nice. "Maybe next time."

"Yeah!" Jamie cheers, loud enough that Roy has to pull his phone away from his ear. Then, "Oi, my ride's here, I gotta go. See you tomorrow?"

"Fine," Roy sighs, as if he's not looking forward to it. "Not at 4 a.m."

"Pshh, obviously! Right, 'night, love!"

Roy misses the entire signature challenge of the new episode thinking about that.

#fic bits #answered asks #by apples #roymie #ted lasso #roy kent #jamie tartt #dead-cowboy #tl fic

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autobot2001 · 6 months ago

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The Same Conversation

Author: Autobot2001 Genre: Fanfiction Fandom: Transformers Rating: T Warning: Talk of poor mental health Pairing: Drift X Jamie (OC) Description: During a camping trip, Sideswipe starts the conversation about Jamie's mental struggle that the friends hate having since they can never figure out solutions to help her.

@juneofdoom day 17; struggle

On a camping trip on the beach, the five Autobot friends’ holoforms sit around the fire. It’s midnight and their two human friends, Jamie and Lily are asleep in separate tents. The five know the same conversation they have about Jamie ends with nothing but feeling anger, but they all want to talk about Jamie’s mental struggle. “Guys, I know the conversation is always the same, but I worry about Jamie,” Sideswipe says. “I know,” Lightning sighs, “she’s getting worse and there’s nothing we can do.” “At least without going too far causing Jamie to feel like a prisoner,” Drift sighs. He has more to say but understands it’s futile. The others know what Drift means. With Jamie’s desire to be dead, they shouldn’t leave her alone. It’s a challenge to get Jamie to eat and the friends hope to avoid having a G-tube put in. They worry about what would happen if the Decepticons attack. They all know depression can have periods of decline, but it’s been a year watching Jamie continue to get worse. The twins, Lily and Lightning, also know that Crosshairs and Drift have been struggling more mentally over the past year. Crosshairs and Drift, tired of talking, join Jamie in the tent for sleep. The tents are ten feet away from the fire. The remaining three friends continue the conversation. “They really need to let us help them,” Sunstreaker says. “We’ve been trying to help, but they tell us no,” Sideswipe reminds his brother, “Lily is struggling to accept she needs to train more, that she’s not a soldier yet, and didn’t take getting injured well, but I feel like it’s not as much of an issue compared to what Jamie struggles with.” "While Lily is doing well mentally, Jamie has been struggling for a year. Jamie’s mental health has never been this concerning, according to Crosshairs and Drift. Let me handle the problem for Jamie’s benefit.” “You were told no. It’s not only because that’s murder and illegal,” Lightning points out. “That’s it then,” Sideswipe sighs, “we watch our three friends struggle with no idea how to help Jamie, which would help Crosshairs and Drift. Despite knowing how the conversation would unfold, it was important to have it. I’m going to bed.” Lightning and Sunstreaker watch Sideswipe go into the tent Lily is in. They’re not ready for bed, but the conversation stops.

#transformers #transformers fanfiction #transformers autobots #transformers crosshairs #bayverse crosshairs #transformers drift #bayverse drift #Jamie (OC)#transformers terror twins #transformers sideswipe #transformers sunstreaker #Lightning (OC)#Lily Jones (OC)#juneofdppm #june of doom #june of doom 2024 #day 17 #struggle #mental struggle

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raitrolling · 7 months ago

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Stop and Go

[Easy reading version on Toyhou.se]

(This drabble is the fourth episode of the Drive to Survive series, and takes place after @cloudbattrolls' Infernal Devices plot)

Sharle did not see the text for at least an hour, given that he had spent the first half of the evening training with Ropikk.

Fresh off a handy fourth place win at Villeneuve Circuit, Sharle had been challenged by the jadeblood to a game of padel alongside Tira and his personal trainer, after the team returned to Revoire City. While Aeon Racing’s drivers have no need for team building sessions when their synergy is among the best on the grid, it was always a good idea to keep them engaged and make sure they were both receiving adequate physical training.

The two drivers won quite handily, in part because they were much better at working together compared to their personal trainers and in part thanks to Sharle’s unstoppable competitiveness. Once the blueblood is fired up, his energy is difficult to extinguish.

That is, until he was able to check his phone at the end of the match, after his teammate had already left for lunch. His eyebrows raised curiously at the sight of the notification.

Velour doesn’t normally message him out of the blue, and he definitely did not have any upcoming modeling gigs that would warrant the cuspblood’s attention.

Sharle swiped at the notification and unlocked his phone, then nearly dropped it when he read the message.

VV: Something’s happened to Jamie. Can you come over?

“Hey, Ropikk-”

Sharle paused, not expecting his voice to waver as much as it did. And neither did Ropikk, evidently, as she immediately shot him a concerned look.

“Huh, what’s wrong?” The jadeblood asked, striding up to him in fear that he might be about to announce an injury acquired during the session.

“It’s, er-” Sharle’s head was pounding, and he found himself somewhat short of breath. This can’t be just because of the padel game, a sport of that intensity does not leave him this filled with adrenaline. Anxiety? Something like that. “I got this text, and, er- I think I need to go. Now.”

But he didn’t move. He wasn’t sure if he was allowed.

Ropikk had never seen Sharle this nervous before in her life. Not before any race, not in the lead-up to any major interview, even that time she saw his major crash live on television four sweeps ago he had appeared courageous in the face of what could have ended his career for good. The multiple broken ribs had seemed like nothing, and yet something as simple as a text message was causing the falcon troll to unravel before her eyes.

She had a good feeling she knew what the text was about, but- Selfishly, she didn’t want to believe it.

“Sharle… Tell me what happened. I’ll let you go and tell Mansel that we needed to cut the training short, but I need to give him an explanation, especially after the last stint at Revoire,” She spoke carefully yet still with a firm edge to it, as she knew that she still had to be his manager and not his peer. Trying to get too close would just make the truth hurt even more.

Sharle swallowed his nerves to the best of his ability. He knew Ropikk wasn’t going to like hearing the news, and he knew Jamie likely wouldn’t either. They’d agreed to keep their relationship a secret to only their closest friends, as the kookaburra troll was not interested in the spotlight of dating another celebrity. He wanted to honour his matesprit’s wishes and had tried his best to hide it when he needed to ask for time off for Quadrants’ Day a couple perigees ago, but this time Tira wasn’t around to back him up with another flimsy excuse.

Not that anyone would believe him if he came up with another excuse to dance around the question. Sharle was never a good liar, and his intentions were always clear as day. It was one of the reasons why Jamie had fallen for him in the first place.

“It’s…” Another breath, and Sharle gripped his phone a little tighter. “Velour. Well, er, Velour texted me, about Jamie. It seems like- It’s an emergency, I think.”

“What sort of emergency?”

“He didn’t say, so, er, that means it’s bad, yeah? Like, a proper emergency?”

Ropikk softened slightly, biting her lip as she averted her eyes. She could hear the fear in his voice and knew it was genuine. How much he cared for someone she wished he didn’t, for reasons she felt guilty for feeling. It was pure jealousy, that someone who rightfully called her out for indulging in silly little fantasies about her co-worker would be someone the troll she had a stupid crush on adored the most. And she knew it was more than just a close friendship, she’d seen the way Sharle looked whenever he talked about Jamie, and how Tira would needle him about things that implied he knew they were something more.

“You like him a lot, don’t you?” She finally asked, a little hesitant.

Sharle paused, surprised by the question. He also looked away, suddenly a bit shy. He knew he’d been caught.

“Er, yeah,” The blueblood scratched at the back of his neck, and Ropikk could picture the soft smile on his face, had she asked him the question at a much more appropriate time. “He’s… Pretty important, yeah. Which is why, er…”

Ropikk shook her head, and finally managed a smile. Strangely, instead of feeling hurt, she felt like a weight had lifted off her shoulders.

“No, you go. I’ll tell Mansel it's for a personal reason. He might not be happy you’re running off again, but I’ll make sure he understands. It sounds like whatever it is, you need to be there right now, right?”

Sharle looked back up, the expression on his face clearly caught off-guard. She was taking it much better than he thought - Although he was unaware of her feelings towards him, he just knew she never seemed to like whenever he brought up Jamie. Then he nodded back.

“Yeah, thanks. The text was from an hour ago, so, er- I should get a move on.”

With his manager’s approval, he quickly gathered up the rest of his things and shoved them into his sports bag. Ordinarily, he would prefer to take a shower after a training session, but he didn’t have any time to spare. If it’s been over an hour, who knows what else could have happened in that time-

His rushing around was stopped by Ropikk gasping and then grabbing his arm. He turned to look back at her, and there was that trademark serious glare she always had whenever he had just committed a social faux pas.

“Wait, an hour ago? Sharle! Seriously? You better show up with a gift for him to apologise for being late, alright? There’s a florist downtown, and you know him better than I ever want to, give him something he’ll really appreciate!”

Sharle blinked, and stared for a long moment… Only to crack up, feeling the tension and the anxiety start to ease. Ropikk relaxed slightly as well, once again feeling that wave of relief.

“Yeah, I will. Er, thanks for the reminder.”

#drabble #sharle casini #ropikk alaysi #tiraol rikelo #velour #series: D2S #finally... a drabble ive had drafted up since february. ready to Post #and there'll be a part 2! eventually. when i finish it lmao

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traumadumpwriter · 1 year ago

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Heavy trigger warning! This story includes heavy themes of ab*se, r*pe, self h*rm, mental illness and violence.

Check out every part by going on the tag Freedom on my page cx

Freedom: A John Shelby mini fic

Chapter four: 3924 words

The next morning, both John and Alice had woken up in a good mood despite their slight hangovers. Alice had awoken earlier than John so, unable to ignore her headache and go back to sleep, she decided to get a head start making breakfast for everyone.

Polly was the first to come downstairs, then Finn and then Arthur. The four of them sat in comfortable conversation as they ate, Arthur poking fun at Finn whilst complimenting Alice's cooking. When Tommy came down, he only grabbed a slice of toast before going straight into his office, earning an eye roll from Polly.

It was about five minutes later that John finally stumbled in, yawning and doing a big stretch. Instantly, his eyes caught Alice's and he sent her a quick wink before anyone else would turn and see him. The girl nearly felt her face go pink, watching the outline of his toned body through the white vest as he stepped over to the table.

"Smells bloody delicious." He smiled. "You're a real good cook you know?"

"Yeah. I know." Alice replied back with a smirk, earning a chuckle from the brothers.

"I see you're still humble." Polly scoffed, trying to poke light fun but the comment irritated Alice, seeing Polly was the person who suggested sending her away in the first place. To the younger woman, it almost suggested that the matriarch didn't feel enough guilt for her role in the suffering she'd endured and she felt an annoyed pit festering in her stomach.

Nonetheless, knowing not to challenge her authority, Alice let out an awkward laugh and forced the feeling to go away - as she'd unfortunately had to learn to do so. John's lingering gaze caught her attention anyway and her brain was soon again a flurry of excitement and affection.

As they all ate, John and Alice kept exchanging glances and smiles across the table - something that Polly noticed but kept quiet about. A part of her still saw Alice as the untameable teenage menace she once knew, a glint of trouble appearing in the girl's eyes every now and then.

She remembered how Clara would cry into her lap, not knowing how to stop her daughter from the constant self destruction she engaged in. She remembered Andrew, Jamie or even Arthur and Tommy having to physically restrain her on many occasions from either attacking someone, smashing something or hurting herself. She remembered the times that Alice would spit and scream and shout with rage before grabbing the nearest object and somehow harming herself with it, no matter how much anyone tried to calm her down.

Overall, Polly wasn't keen on the thought of one of her nephews - who were already engaged in so many problems - getting soft for a girl like Alice. A girl who had been nothing but chaos from the day she was born, a raging fire now seemingly dampened by an awful event. Polly was sure that her flame would be relit again though, it was just a matter of when, how and the size of the flame.

—————

Two weeks later, Alice found herself busy at The Garrison, as she had been since her first shift - only taking one day off to spend with Ada and Karl.

Following Harry's instructions, she'd quickly learnt the routine of pouring drinks, cleaning tables and chatting to the drunkards. It kept her mind comfortably busy and made her feel good, being treated with respect by most customers since being associated with the Shelby's. Some of the patrons had even known the woman back in her disastrous younger days and were almost shocked into sobriety upon realising who was serving them.

"Perhaps it takes them some time to realise because these long sleeves cover my arms." She thought to herself, remembering the simultaneous horror and fascination most of the neighbourhood had with her self inflicted scars. "Or maybe they're just blinder and stupider than I remember."

However, when her mind did have time to wander it would generally drift to either thoughts of Jones or John depending on her mood. On the bad days, she'd be snappy and rude to any customer that was even slightly annoying, her mind racing with cruel memories that put her on edge and made her angry. On the good days, she'd be full of laughter and energy, a general delight to anyone around her as she filled her spare moments with daydreaming about the Shelby brother.

They'd not spent another full night together since that one dancing in The Garrison, John and Arthur being busy in London with important business. When they were around, they had engaged in casual conversation but never being alone, the words meant little. Alice knew not to ask what exactly the business they were conducting actually consisted of, but she had a pretty good idea and had prayed for their safe return.

She didn't really believe in God, nor did she have doubt in John's own survival skills. But having seen the worst of men, she couldn't stop the worry from creeping in occasionally.

Every evening, she secretly hoped to hear Arthur's loud voice followed by John's laughter as they slammed open the Garrison doors. Instead she would end up listening to the ramblings of old drunks for hours and then stay up late, crying and cutting herself when got home; still struggling to deal with her immense trauma.

The exposure to drunken men had been both good and bad for her recovery; partially healing her fear, partially triggering it.

Today was a slow day; only a few regulars popping their heads in for a pint and a chat. One of the younger ones called David had taken a particular liking to Alice, sitting at the bar and making conversation with her for hours whilst she did her duties. He would occasionally make flirtatious remarks but the woman always laughed him off, enjoying the flattery but having no real interest.

It had now hit ten o clock and Alice had been chatting in the pub with David for a few hours since Harry asked her to close up by herself. There were three other men sat in the corner of The Garrison drinking and chatting to each other and although they payed the pair no mind, Alice was glad that they were there - slightly scared to be left completely alone with a man she hardly knew.

He'd gone to the toilet, finally giving her a moment of peace as she could stand in silence whilst she scrubbed the taps, letting her thoughts wander back to John and how badly she missed his touch. It was a confusing feeling for the traumatised woman: partially being terrified of intimacy and sex, ashamed by the way her body had been painfully ravaged. But there was also comfort in it; the girly crush made her feel like a teenager again, giving her back those years of innocence that she'd lost.

Those thoughts were cut off shortly though, as David returned from the toilet, drunkenly swaggering back over to the bar with a grin on his face.

"You know Alice, I look at you and think you ought to be a bloody movie star." He announced, slurring his words. "Another drink please m'lady!"

Alice scoffed as she poured his drink and took his money.

"What makes you think that? It's not like I can act." She smiled, sliding the drink across the bar before continuing to clean the taps, scrubbing them harder than they'd ever seemingly been before.

"Ladies don't need to be good at acting! They just need to be good to look at! And you Miss Alice are very good to look at!" His words made her cringe a bit and she awkwardly laughed, brushing it off as drunken idiocy.

Moments later, the three men in the corner stood up and left, leaving Alice with a sudden intense stroke of anxiety. The air went thick and silent.

She walked over to their table to take the empty glasses, her heart beating heavy as she had her back turned to David and felt extremely vulnerable.

His eyes were drilling holes into her, his gaze so intense that she physically felt it on her body, suddenly giving her gut an extremely uneasy feeling. She heard the sound of the stool scraping and his feet stepping towards her.

"He's going to attack me in any minute now. He might even know Jones and he's come here to get me." Her thoughts sprung with paranoia as she slowly turned around to face him again. "Do I run or do I fight?"

But before she got to decide if her thinking was rational, let alone make the decision, the front door swung open and in strutted Arthur and John, both bloody and bruised but seemingly in good spirits, halting David in his tracks.

"Where's Alice? I need a bloody pint!" Arthur immediately announced, looking to the bar and not seeing her in the dark corner on the other side of the room.

John did notice though, picking up on her uncomfortable posture as some mystery man eyed her up like a piece of meat. The man didn't even turn to face the boys as they walked in - meaning he must've not been from around there as he had no clue of the trouble he was getting himself in. That or he was a rival, purposely showing disrespect to get under the Blinder's skin.

Either way, John instantly paced over to him, Alice's eyes lighting up and posture relaxing upon seeing her knight.

"She's over here with this stranger watching her." John replied loudly, causing Arthur to spin his bar stool around and eye up the scene.

The younger brother put his arm around David's shoulders, a menacing grin lacing his lips.

"You look like you're really enjoying the company of our fair bar maiden here." John scoffed, looking David up and down in the most intimidating way possible, but the shorter man kept a brave face.

"So what if I am? She's a lovely young lass.. You don't mind me, do ya Alice?" David grinned back before settling his eyes on the girl again. "I can see you'd rather be left alone though. So I'll be going."

He pushed John's arm from his shoulder, sending Alice a wink before picking up his coat. Arthur and John's eyes stuck to him, sending harsh glares to the seemingly unbothered man.

"Lovely place you got here. I'm new in town, been trying out all the pubs and I have to say, I think The Garrison's the one for me..." He said casually to the boys before turning to Alice with a smile. "I'll see you soon, doll!"

Once the door was swung shut and he was finally gone, the boys gazes immediately averted to Alice. Internally, she was recovering from her moment of panic before the boys had arrived, trying to collect her thoughts and convince herself that the man meant no harm. A flurry of bad memories had hit her like a a tonne but she had to push them away. She couldn't break down in front of the brothers about her fear of men, especially Arthur, as surely that would cost her her new job. Her new job that she needed in order to stop being scared of men.

Perhaps the distress was visible on her face as John quickly rushed over and pulled her into a hug. In the time that he'd been away, he had been completely obsessing over the girl; dreaming of her every night and then spending his spare moments in the day thinking of her.

"She is bloody beautiful." Arthur had agreed whilst they were in London, being able to read his brothers anxious mind when it wandered to such things. "Always was the prettiest the girl in the lanes, even with all those stupid bloody scars."

Now that John had her in his arms again, the anxiety was fading and instead he was concerned, seeing true fear in her eyes when he'd first stepped into The Garrison.

"You alright? He didn't bother you or anything did he?" He asked as they pulled away from the hug.

Her eyes were back to their usual emptiness now as his voice had snapped her into reality and she was determined not to be weak.

"I'm fine, he was no bother." She smiled, brushing off her dress and heading quickly to the bar. "Now Arthur I'll get you that pint, sorry for the wait."

Her sudden mood change sent John's head into a spin, not knowing wether she needed protecting or fearing. Possibly both.

"No need to apologise to me dear. Pour John and yourself one too!" Arthur chuckled, oblivious to the jealous anger coursing through his brother that had just sat down beside him.

"What does she mean he was no bother? She looked like a terrified lamb when I walked in. Has he been here all day? Did she actually like his attention?" He found his thoughts going wild as they had been all too often lately.

Alice slid them their pints before grabbing the keys from behind the bar and heading to the door to lock up.

"I'll count the cash and then join you for that pint." She smiled, earning an impressed chuckle from Arthur.

"I see you're a hard worker, already learnt the routine. I'm sure the customers love you too, matey just then certainly did." He beamed at her. "Don't be afraid to tell them off though, you know you got that Peaky Blinder authority."

"I don't need no Peaky Blinder authority to tell a drunk bastard off." Alice teasingly scoffed with a smile as she opened the till. "Trust me, there's been a few."

Her sass made the men smile, snapping John from his negative thought spiral and back into his doting one.

"Oh yeah. Like who?" John chuckled.

"Some stupid git had the gall to offer me three pounds for a blowjob. I told him to fuck right off and he fucking left straight away!" Alice said with a grin, earning more laughter from the brothers.

"Well I'm sure he'll be back, as will every other cretin, anytime soon! So be prepared, on the big days the blokes can get real drunk, real confident, and they'll offer you a lot more than three pounds I'll tell you that!" Arthur snickered with a slur, unknowing of the uncomfortable effect his words were having on both Alice and John.

She chose not to respond, not knowing what to say and instead changing the subject, perhaps riskily.

"Anyway, you both look like you've stabbed a couple people. None of that blood is yours, right?" She nodded towards their shirts before starting to count the money, quietly muttering numbers whilst she intently listened to their responses.

"Well I don't think none of this is mine but who knows I did bump me noggin a bit." Arthur chuckled. "Wasn't anything too bad now was it John boy? Just some rough and tumble with the Turks, nothing you need to worry your pretty little head about."

Arthur's answer was exactly what she expected from him, it was the younger brother that she was truly curious about.

"And you John? You're being awfully quiet. You sure you're not slowly bleeding out on us?" Alice raised an eyebrow at him before focusing back on the money.

He almost crumbled under her momentary gaze before clearing his throat and sending her an equally confident stare.

"Yeah I've got some cuts, nothing major. Like Arthur said, just some rough and tumble."

Alice didn't reply for a minute, finishing up her counting and proclaiming the final number before closing the till and turning back to John.

"Well I'm glad to hear that." She smiled, finally pouring herself a drink with a relieved sigh. "It's been a long day, wouldn't want an injured Shelby to top off the list."

"Why's the day been so long? You already sick of pouring pints?" John teased as Alice took a gulp from her beer.

"No, nothing like that. In fact I prefer it when it's been heaving, keeps me busy... Today I had almost no one to talk to except for David-"

"What the guy that I just kicked out?" John interrupted her, his jealous irritation finally slipping out and causing a sudden tension in the air that even Arthur picked up on.

Alice was initially confused as to why he cared so much until it too struck her that he was jealous in some way for whatever reason, which made her secretly excited.

"Yep, that's the guy." She answered nonchalantly, taking another sip. "Said I ought to be a movie star cos women don't need to act, we just need to look good. I thought how ridiculous. It's a shame really, alright looking fellow but a huge ego. Started trying to impress me with war achievements and such."

Arthur seemed to sense where things were going and slid his empty glass across the bar whilst his brother silently watched the woman, every word she spoke feeding his testosterone fuelled jealousy.

"I'm gonna leave you two to it. G'night to the pair of ya!" Arthur interrupted Alice with a chuckle, before heading out the door.

"See you in the morning!" Alice called but John didn't even acknowledge his brother's exit, feeling embarrassed by their emotional duel being so visible to him.

"That was rude John. Not even a goodnight to your brother?" She teased, leaning across the bar and resting her head in her hands. "You sure you're okay?"

He eyed her up and down, his lips remaining puckered in the irritated fashion they had been for the the last five minutes, although there was now a smirk developing in the corners.

"You still play mind games, just like you always did." He said, surprising Alice.

"What makes you say that?" She looked up at him with seductive eyes and a cheeky grin.

There were so many things he wanted to say; to rant about David, his creepy gaze and how Alice felt the need to compliment the man purposefully just to make John jealous. To the other creeps that hit on her daily when she could have picked literally any other job. But he chose to stay quiet, downing his drink before standing up from his seat, instantly towering over the girl.

"You like the attention of men like that? Whatever happened to you, has your worth really been stripped down that low?"

Now he was playing her game, trying to regain his upper hand. He was a Shelby after all, nothing was off limits to him.

"Wow, what a nasty thing to say." Alice scoffed, actually slightly offended by that jab although she played it off. "Guess you really are jealous."

"Jealous of what?" He stepped towards her, now also slightly offended. "I'm a fucking Shelby, I've got everything I could ever want!"

The vicious edge to his tongue reminded Alice of just how much he'd changed, just how much she wasn't a kid anymore, like her. Maybe if it was someone else, a different man, she would've been scared, but Alice wasn't afraid of him or his attempt at intimidation, moving so that they were only inches apart.

"You don't have me though, do you?" She grinned, running her eyes up and down his body for a second, earning a frustrated growl before he suddenly gripped her waist and pressed her lips to his.

She was shocked for a second, but quickly warmed into the kiss as she'd been dreaming about doing so since last time. This one was a lot more intense than the one they'd shared before though, both pushing against each other in a game of domination.

John ran one hand through Alice's curly hair and placed the other on her ass, gently groping her as she ran her hands along his chest.

"Mmm bloody hell Alice, your body is fucking amazing." He quietly moaned. "But you already know that don't you?"

In truth, although Alice had always acted as if she were the top dog; bigger and better than anyone else, that defence mechanism had sprung from a true self hatred, harboured deep inside since she were a little girl. His complimentary words actually meant the world to her and she wanted to giggle and go "you really think so?" somehow still retaining some girlhood innocence in amongst her ravaged brain.

Instead of revealing that though, she chose to remain cool, shoving John backwards into the bar and shooting him a glare.

"You make a lot of assumptions John." She scoffed. "I can't tell if you think I'm an injured sheep or the hungry wolf."

"I made two assumptions." He scoffed back, starting to enjoy the game that she was playing. "Both of which I think are fair to make."

Alice finished her drink and then immediately started to pour another one as she spoke.

"They were two completely contradictory statements. Do I have such low self esteem that I enjoy the attention of drunkards? Or do I already believe myself to be 'amazing' as you so put it?"

John took a moment to respond, unsure of his answer. There were so many answers he wanted to give but they were mostly just consisting of more questions. He lit a cigarette while he thought, a comfortable fifteen seconds of silence passing before he finally answered.

"I think that somehow, you're the injured sheep and the hungry wolf... You play these games and act mean to feel powerful and most people fall for it... but deep down you're terrified."

His answer left Alice in shock, never having been outright read so well before. She knew that John was smart, but she didn't know that he was that perceptive.

"You know, I knew you were going to come looking for that letter opener, because even though you're so fucking strange and usually I have no idea what the fuck you're gonna say or do next.. for some things you've always been predictable." He continued, a smug gleam in his eyes.

Alice took a big swig from her drink and then answered with an equally smug gleam.

"You talk like you know me so well. A lot has changed since we were kids. Why don't you take me out and actually get to know me?"

John liked that answer a lot, chuckling and instantly formulated a plan. He pulled his wallet out of his pocket and handed her a note.

"Take the day off tomorrow, go shopping for a nice dress with Ada, here-" he pulled out another note "- tell her to treat herself n all, God knows Freddie ain't doing it. I'll pick you up from hers at seven."

Alice edged her hand over to the money on the counter, slightly surprised by the amount peaking out of John's wallet.

"And take me where?" She questioned.

He chuckled, her defiance - no matter how slight

- always lit a spark in his belly. Every woman he'd ever courted would've say yes with no questions, desperate to please the Shelby. It always bored him and in the end, the woman would wind up heartbroken whilst John would feel nothing.

This girl was completely different, filling him with too many emotions at times and as she said - he hardly even knew her yet.

"I mean we could go anywhere you want. I was thinking some place nice to eat, we can even dance if you'd like."

That brought a grin to her face and she put the notes in her pocket.

"Sounds perfect."

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starshine-hockey-girl · 2 years ago

Text

The Serpent Strikes- Magical Mystery Ride Chapter Twenty Seven

Summary- This a continuation of the last chapter- The Dove and The Serpent. We go back in time a little bit and see things from Chaz's perspective. I confess that I went FULL ON drama and it gets dark.

Warnings- verbal/physical violence, voyeurism, domestic violence

@pattiemac1 @penstxgal1968 @juuuuuse @hockeykittee @sugakookie9 @cellythefloshie @laurenairay

Previous Chapter- https://www.tumblr.com/starshine-hockey-girl/703003404083068928/the-dove-and-the-serpent-magical-mystery-ride?source=share&_branch_match_id=link-1154860346251412887

Tuesday- January 8th-Chaz’s office-Downtown Philadelphia

Chaz opened Instagram as he sat down to eat his lunch. He checked out his usual people before logging in under his burner account. He loved to keep tabs on his Dovey. It had been almost five years since he had been in her physical presence. He had gladly taken the pile of cash her father had offered in reward for leaving her in peace. She had worn out her usefulness to him and he had grown bored that she no longer posed a challenge. She had not even fought back the last time. She had laid there like a limp ragdoll. Even the sight of the emerging bruises and bloody cuts no longer thrilled him.

Still he could not control the urge to follow her movements. It had been a troubling development when she had revealed her relationship with Seguin on Instagram in the fall. He had been forced to follow the NHL star to see the complete picture of their relationship. Two things were abundantly clear-she was happy and in love and Seguin was completely whipped.

His eyes widened when he saw her latest post. He couldn't believe it at first. His Dovey was coming to Philadelphia. He had procured tickets to the game already with the purpose of sizing the new man in Dovey's life. He was curious however about the choice of games on her part. January in Pennsylvania seemed to be an odd choice. He looked at the date of the game again, January 10, 2019. He smiled to himself- five years to the date. "How perfect Dovey- come to me, my little. Dovey," he thought to himself. He couldn't be completely shocked that she was coming to Philadelphia in time for Seguin's game given that date fell on their “anniversary”. As much as she pretended that he no longer existed, Chaz knew that she was still controlled by the fear of him.

He scowled and picked up the phone and dialed Chelsea, his new girlfriend. The fact that she was part of the Philadelphia Flyers social media team was about to come in very handy. When she picked up, his voice became warm and cozy- warm enough to melt butter.

Chaz: Hello Chels

Chelsea: Hey babe

Chaz: I need a favor. I used to hang out with Tyler Seguin back when I lived in Dallas. I would love to surprise him at his hotel to say hello. Do you know where they stay?

Chelsea: You hung out with Seggy?

Chaz: Yeah, back in my wilder days

Chelsea: I am glad those days are over. Seggy is a manwhore. I will find out and let you know..

Chaz: Thanks, Chels

He picked up the phone and called his buddy, Chandler. They worked together briefly at Chaz’s first job in Philly but stayed in touch after Chaz was fired for taking a swing at a female co-worker who challenged him during a meeting.

Chaz: Yo Chandler-What’s up?

Chandler: Nothing much. Just watching Harper in her bounce swing.

Chaz: Do you still have that Teddy Bear with the nanny cam?

Chandler: Yeah, we don’t use it anymore. What’s up?

Chaz: Long story- but I need to catch someone being naughty. Can I borrow it?

Chandler: Sure, want to meet up for a couple of beers tonight?

Chaz: Nah, I’ll swing by and get it

He hung up the phone and saw the text notification from Chelsea and texted her back

Late Wednesday morning- Westin Hotel- Philadelphia

“Excuse me?” Chaz said impatiently as stood behind the tall brunette having a conversation at the concierge desk, “Are you going to be done soon?”

Jamie Benn turned around slowly and raised an eyebrow, “You got a problem?”

Chaz backed down immediately when confronted, “No, no problem. I just need to get this bear delivered and be on my way.”

The concierge cleared his throat, “Sir, I do have that reservation made for you for this evening at Club Risque for the VIP table. Is there anything else you need?”

“Nah, I am good,” he said as he went to walk away to where the guys stood. “All set for tonight. Now let’s get breakfast. I am starving”

Chaz stepped up to the counter, “Hey, I need to deliver this to Flynn Rider.”

“Certainly Sir,” the concierge checked the room listing, “I see him here in a room. I will get it delivered right away.”

ONE HOUR LATER- hall leading to Tyler’s hotel room

“Come on Seggy,” Benn pleaded as they walked back from breakfast, “If you go, then everyone else will.”

Tyler slid his key over the door lock and laughed, “No.”

They walked into his room and Benn continued to plead his case, “Come on Seggy. It will be fun.”

Tyler shook his head, “Teddy will be here in a few hours. The last thing I am going to do is to leave her alone in a hotel so I can go to a strip club. Why would I do that?”

Benn made his final plea, “It will be a team bonding thing.”

“You bond with the team. I will bond with Teddy’s boobs instead,” Tyler joked.

Out of the corner of his eye, Tyler noticed the bear sitting on the bed. “What the fuck?”, he muttered and walked over. He picked up the card and read it to himself. He didn’t notice the camera located in the eye of the bear.

In Chaz’s office, the nanny cam notification alerted Chaz and he picked up the phone to observe.

“The bear is for you?” Benn scoffed, “I saw it dropped earlier. Delivery guy was totally sketch. Who had a bear delivered to you?” Tyler handed him the card to read. “Aww, it’s from Teddy?” Benn read, “Why is she coming up again?”

Tyler took the card back from Benn, “Tomorrow is the anniversary of something bad happening to her. I invited her to come so she wouldn’t be alone.”

“Something bad happened?” Benn questioned, “To Teddy?”

Tyler hesitated. Although there had been a thaw in Teddy and Benn’s feud, Tyler didn’t want to divulge too much.

“She had a creepy boyfriend, Chaz,” Tyler finally spoke, “That’s all I can really say.”

“And he hurt her?” Benn said quietly, trying to read between the lines.

“Yeah,” Tyler replied, “Pretty bad.”

“You should stick with her tonight. Maybe take her to some fancy place for dinner? Girls like that shit,” Benn tried to suggest in order to get out of the conversation.

“Reservation has already been made,” Tyler smiled, “Now I gotta go get Teddy from the airport.” Tyler looked over at the large bear and had an idea. He picked it up and started out of the room with Benn following behind him. They waited at the elevator and when it dinged Tyler said, “See ya later. Don’t let Hitch catch you and the boys at a strip club tonight.”

“You underestimate my sneakiness, Seggy,” he laughed as Tyler entered the elevator. He turned to walk to his room but turned back before the elevator door closed. “I am sorry to hear about Teddy. You have to be a really twisted fuck to hurt someone as sweet as her.”

Chaz stared at the video on his phone, “Oh you have not idea how twisted I can be, you dumb fuck.”

He sat the phone down and listened for more notifications. He was pulled into a meeting and put the phone in his pocket. He felt the vibrations of the notifications that buzzed in his pocket. After the meeting, he raced back to his office and shut the door.

On the camera feed, Teddy stood across the room with her arms wrapped around Tyler’s waist. Chaz leaned forward and zoomed the camera in to examine her face. She smiled easily and her voice sounded different in some way. He zoomed out again and watched as Tyler walked them over to the bed. Chaz felt the anger rise in him as they embraced and Tyler spoke tenderly to Teddy. When Tyler pulled her down onto the bed and she straddled his waist, Chaz tilted his head. There was a confidence in her that he had never seen before. When Tyler pulled up her skirt to reveal she had no panties on, Chaz’s mouth dropped.

This wasn’t his Dovey. This wasn’t the Dovey who flinched every time he touched her. His Dovey didn’t like sex, not that it mattered much to him anyway. He used her body for his own pleasure with no thought to what she wanted. His eyes were transfixed on Teddy’s body as she took the lead. “She’s enjoying it,” he thought to himself in disbelief, “fucking slut.”

His breath catched when Tyler approached the bear and turned it around. His view was now of the wall, but he could still hear every moan and sigh. Chaz closed his eyes and listened. His mind raced with undeniable arousal at the sound of her voice to white hot rage at the realization that she had denied him this. Sex with Teddy was quiet and only done on Teddy’s part out of obligation and fear. “This- this” he thought to himself, “I deserved this.” His body responded to the sounds and his arousal became too much to ignore. He stroked himself and imagined how she would feel as a willing and active participant. The moans got louder and the cries more intense. “Yes, yes, yes” she urged Tyler, "fuck Tyler- I'm almost there." Chaz imagined it was him and it fueled the intensity of his strokes. He climaxed just before Teddy. The sounds of her orgasm hung in the air.

When she sighed, “Oh Tyler, you fuck me so good”, Chaz’s fists balled up.

“You fucking slut,” he seethed, “You goddamn whore.”

“I love you Sweet One,” she breathed happily, “You are the best thing to ever happen to me.”

Chaz screamed and punched the desk. The rage took control. “So you can be a slut, just not for me,” he hissed as swept the contents of his desk on the floor. “You denied me, Dovey,” he grunted as he picked up a stapler and threw it across the room, “I got the cold fish and he gets this?” His mind raced. His initial plan to simply spy on her and plant seeds of doubt in her head changed. “Oh no, Dovey” he said to himself as he trashed his office. “Oh no,” he exclaimed, “You owe me and I am going to take it whether you like it or not. You will be mine again.”

He disconnected the nanny cam app and looked around his office. “Let housekeeping clean the mess,” as he gathered his things. “Dovey,” he said to himself, “I’m coming for ya.”

TWO HOURS LATER- WESTIN HOTEL

Chaz had no immediate plans as he walked toward the hotel entrance. The rage had dissipated and turned into cold calculation. She was somewhere in this hotel and he was going to find her. His head was down to escape the cold, bitter wind as he approached the door. The collision with the taller brunette didn't faze him as he continued his walk. However it was the voice that drew his attention back. Tyler called out, “Hey, watch where you are going,” and Chaz froze. He turned slowly to see Tyler staring at him.

His eyes scanned the area. He saw her red curls as she faced away from him. It was clear that they were going out. In a nano-second, he assessed the situation. “Sorry Seggy,” he called out before turning back to enter the hotel. Teddy’s head turned at the sound of Chaz’s voice. Her eyes searched the area but saw no sign of the voice. She shook her head and turned around.

Inside the hotel, Chaz stood by the window and stared as they entered. His eyes narrowed as Teddy leaned over to Tyler to kiss him softly. “Think Chaz-think,” his brain willed him to think. They were dressed up so probably going to a nice dinner. “What a waste of money,” he continued to think to himself. Nice dinners at expensive restaurants were not a regular occurrence when he was with Teddy. He preferred to keep her at home. Besides, Teddy could always stand to lose a few pounds. “Where would Seggy take her?” he thought to himself. His mind replayed the memory of Jamie Benn from this morning getting reservations from the concierge. “Of course,” he smiled and started toward the concierge desk.

The concierge looked up with a tired expression. It was the end of a long shift and the only thing on his mind was a nice glass of wine at home. Chaz approached him with a smile, “Excuse me, I am supposed to meet my friend, Flynn Rider, for dinner. I got tied up in a meeting. Can you tell me where the reservation is set?”

The concierge looked at Chaz in exhaustion. He seemed vaguely familiar. Perhaps he had seen him with Mr. Rider/Seguin earlier in the day. He looked down at his notes. “The reservation is for seven pm at Alpen Rose. He selected the private dining room. Would you like me to arrange transportation?”

“No, no thank you” Chaz smiled, “I’ve got it.” He walked away and the concierge put up the closed sign at the desk. Chaz selected a seat in the lobby with a view of the front door. As he waited, his mind ran through multiple scenarios to achieve his goal. He had to get her alone-, that much he knew, but how. When would be a time she would be separated from the pretty boy? He thought for a moment. “During the game,” he smiled and concocted a plan to get Teddy to him. The plan started to take shape. “I’ll need Chelsea’s help,” he thought to himself, “She will do it if she knows what’s good for her.”

He was almost lost in his thoughts when he saw Tyler enter the hotel with Teddy following behind. Chaz stood up and followed them from a distance. He couldn’t resist the urge to toy with her one more time. He called out to her as they waited by the elevator, “Dovey, Lovey Dovey- come here Lovey Dovey.” She turned to search for the voice. The fear was evident all over her face. He smiled and said, “Not yet, Dovey, not yet.” Her knees buckled and Pretty Boy raced to her. He couldn’t hear what was being said so he edged closer. Teddy kissed Tyler’s cheek as the elevator doors opened. Chaz took another step closer. “Let her get a good look,” he smiled to himself, “Let her know that I am coming to get her.”

The elevator door opened up and they stepped inside. Pretty Boy walked backwards to lean against the elevator wall. Teddy stepped towards him and he pulled her in tight. "Are you sure I can't convince you not to sleep right away?" he whispered when Chaz came into his view. Tyler looked into his eyes as he lifted his foot to hit the door close button. "Sorry, man- I am going to do unmentionable things to her in this elevator," Tyler smiled as Teddy's hand reached down and palmed his crotch. The bearded man with dark eyes and curly hair blinked and took a step toward the door before it closed.

Chaz stood and stared at the elevator doors. She was going to give him another taste of it tonight, he thought to himself. Frigid bitch never offered it up to him period, much less more than once in a day. He started to fume when his phone rang.

Chelsea: Hey where are you?”

Chaz: I got caught up with something. Why?

Chelsea: I made these cookies that you wanted me to make. Are you sure that this recipe is right? It seems like too much salt to me.

Chaz: Oh, it’s just right. Seggy will love them. I’m on my way to your place. Be ready

Chelsea: I didn’t realize you wanted to do that. You know since we…… last night.

Chaz: What? A guy can’t want to fuck his girl two nights in a row? Do you want to deny me?

Chelsea blinked at the subtle change in Chaz’s tone.

Chelsea: No, no….

She said quickly to keep the peace

Chaz: I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Be ready.

Chelsea: Yes, Chaz

Chelsea's bedroom

The headboard knocked against the wall. Chelsea's face was buried into the pillow to muffle the sounds. Chaz's hands gripped her hips as he thrust deep into her. His head was thrown back and his eyes remained closed. In his mind, it was Teddy taking it from him. Her sounds from earlier replayed in his mind.

Chelsea whimpered as he took his aggression out on her body. "That's it. Take it like the little slut you've become," he urged. Chaz's hand reached down to grab Chelsea's hair and pull her to his chest. "I don't want you quiet," he hissed, "I want to moan for me like you did for Pretty Boy. Call me Sweet One. Say it."

Chelsea's eyes grew wide at his words. "Chaz, you are scaring me. Who is Pretty Boy? Who is Sweet One?”,Chelsea pleaded with him. All of it made no sense to her- his words, the sudden aggression and the new intensity. He fucked like a man posessed. He pulled her hair tighter, "Don't argue with me. Just fucking do it." He pushed her back down and continued.

Chelsea spoke tentatively at first, unsure what to say. "Yes, Sweet One,yes," she started, "fuck me hard." She gulped, 'Fuck your little slut, Sweet One. Give it to me Chaz. It's all yours. All of it belongs to you."

"Louder, say it louder," he instructed as he bent down, turned her head and kissed her. The angle changed just enough to hit her magic spot- a first.

"That's it, Chaz," she moaned, "it's so good." It was a new type of sex and Chelsea wasn't sure how she felt about it. Previously, he had not produced anything that felt this good. Nothing that approached this level of pleasure. She hoped that she was about to experience her first orgasm. She let go of the questions in her mind and enjoyed the ride. Pretty soon, the physiology of it took over and her body responded. Then her voice joined, becoming louder with each thrust until she exploded with screams of pleasure.

Chaz followed with impassioned pleas. "Yes- Yes, my Dovey, that's how it should be. That's how it should have always been."

Chelsea stiffened slightly at the name, Dovey. He had never called her that before. "And what was this insistence that she call him Sweet One?" she thought to herself. All of it swirled in her mind as he kissed her neck tenderly. She sighed softly and enjoyed the moment. It was a nice departure from his usual “wham bam, no thank you ma’am” style and if the new names were part of the game, she was willing to play along with it.

He pulled her to him and spoke softly, "Hey, I have another favor to ask."

"What's that?" She yawned as her body basked in the post orgasm glow. Finally all of the hype about sex made sense to her. This might actually make all the other shit tolerable.

"Can you take the cookies into the arena tomorrow and get them to Seggy? To the locker room?" He asked expectantly. He focused on keeping his voice calm and neutral.

"Why didn't you give it to him tonight?" she asked innocently, “That’s where you right? At the hotel?”

“He wasn’t there,” he said as he began to spin his lie, “I got there and waited there. I finally checked with the concierge who told me that the team went to Club Risque.”

“Wait, the entire team went to Club Risque tonight?”, she said in surprise.

“Yeah, you know those hockey guys. Nothing but trouble, right?”, he smiled.

Chelsea flinched. Chaz’s distaste for the Flyers players had been a great source of tension between them. The memory of his first backhand slap entered her mind. Chaz had thought Claude Giroux, of all people, flirted with her. Since then she had been careful to limit any interaction to purely professional circumstances. “Yeah,” she finally said, “nothing but trouble.”

“So will you do it, my Birdie?”, he questioned.

“Sure, Chaz, anything for you,” she smiled.

Wells Fargo Center- near the visiting team locker room

Chelsea looked around nervously. The pass around her neck provided her all access to the arena as part of her social media job with the Flyers. However, there was no real reason for her to be near the visitor locker room, especially not to deliver a tin of cookies.

She had scoffed earlier that morning when Chaz put the tin of cookies in her hand. “Really?” she asked, “I can’t believe you actually want me to deliver a tin of cookies to him? I don’t get it.”

He pulled her into a hug, “It’s an inside joke. Don’t overthink it, Chels.” He flashed her a smile and felt the urge to question him dissipate.

“Hey, can I help you?”,the Stars equipment manager called from inside the room as he readied the team’s equipment before the morning skate.

She mustered up her courage, “Yeah, can you put this in Seguin’s locker?”

He looked up and stared at the tin. A smile of recognition spread across his face. He recognized the tin from the multiple times that Teddy had sent Tyler into practice and/or a road trip armed with her infamous cookies. “Sure,” he walked over and grabbed them. “Did Teddy send them through you? I heard she came in yesterday.” he mentioned casually.

Chelsea blinked and questioned how to answer. “Umm, sure,” she finally. She hoped that it would allow her to extricate herself from the situation as soon as possible. She turned to leave and was halfway down the hall when a loud voice called out to her, “Hey Teddy- what are you doing here?” Chelsea turned around to see Jamie Benn walking toward her with a smile on his face.

“Oh, you aren’t Teddy,” he said quickly, “Sorry about that.”

“It’s okay. It’s the second time I’ve heard the name Teddy in the last three minutes,” she smiled as he approached her, “Who is this infamous Teddy?”

“It’s Seggy’s girlfriend,” he said as he got closer. He picked up her access badge and read it. “Chelsea, you look a lot like her. Sorry for the confusion. What are doing down in this area? Did they send you in to spy on us?” He laughed softly.

“Yep, it’s all part of the Flyers plan on beating you guys,” she responded with a touch more flirtation than intended.

“Oh, that plan is brilliant,” he took a step towards her.

Alarms bells began to ring loudly in her mind. “Danger, danger, danger,” she thought to herself. “Well, it was lovely to meet you….,” she paused for an answer, “Mr. Benn. I have to get back to the winner’s side of the arena now.”

Benn started to give a smart ass answer but Chelsea took off in a practical sprint back to her office. She closed the door and rested against the door. So many thoughts swirled in her mind. “Who was this Teddy? More importantly, what did it have to do with Chaz?” she thought. She sat down to start doing some investigation. First she pulled up Tyler’s instagram. There were at least a dozen posts featuring Teddy. She blinked at the uncanny resemblance.

Still, what did this have to do with Chaz? His strange, albeit pleasant, behavior last night was odd. The more she thought about it, the more questions she had. “If Chaz really hung out with Seguin in Dallas, why didn’t he have his phone number? Why did he need me to get the info for him?” she thought to herself. She searched Tyler’s followers. Chaz was not listed. She searched Chaz’s page to see who he followed. He did not follow Tyler. She went back to Tyler’s page and looked at the posts about Teddy. She paused at the post from Tyler in November. In Teddy’s reply, she used the hashtag #mysweetone. “Sweet One,” she thought to herself, “That’s the name Chaz wanted me to call him.”

She kept scrolling through Tyler’s feed. Then she clicked on Teddy’s profile. It was set to private. She went back to Chaz’s profile and checked. He did not follow Teddy. The investigation was creating more questions than answering them. One there was clear- Chaz had a fascination with Tyler Seguin and his girlfriend, Teddy. The only question that remained unanswered was why.

FOUR HOURS LATER- CHELSEA’S OFFICE- WELL FARGO ARENA

Chaz knocked softly on Chelsea’s door. Chelsea stared at her screen and tried to put the pieces together. Something wasn’t right and she couldn't put her finger on it. When Chaz didn’t get an answer, he cursed silently and knocked louder. Chelsea looked up, “Come in.”

Chaz walked in carrying takeout from his favorite sushi place. He smiled and held it out as a treat for Chelsea. She looked up and then back to the screen without acknowledging it. She wasn’t a fan of sushi and he knew it. Chaz walked over to the desk and sat on the edge. His hand went to her face and turned it to him. “Birdie…..” he said in a tone that contained the slightest of edges. “What’s so fascinating that you can’t acknowledge me?” he asked. She quickly switched tabs to the Flyers instagram page.

She turned to him and examined his face. He raised an eyebrow in question.

“Who is Teddy?” she asked firmly.

“Who is who?” Chaz replied.

“Who is Teddy?” she repeated just as firmly.

“I don’t know what you are talking about Birdie and I really don’t like your tone,” he replied neutrally. Inwardly, his heart raced. He needed Chelsea. He needed Chelsea in order to get to Teddy.

“Fine, ignore the question,” she spit out, “Do you really know Tyler Seguin?”

“Of course, I do,” Chaz scoffed, “We go way back to when he was traded to Dallas.”

“Why did you need me to get you the hotel information, Chaz?�� she quizzed, “Why not ask him yourself?”

“Because it was supposed to be a fucking surprise,” he hissed.

“So you are such good friends with Seguin that you don’t follow him on instagram and he doesn’t follow you?” she continued. Chaz blinked. He knew that he couldn’t take the chance to follow Seguin under his main account so he used his burner account, but he couldn’t explain that to Chelsea without explaining Teddy. “You know I looked at Seguin’s Instagram today. Did you know that he has a girlfriend named Teddy? She looks a lot like me too,” she prodded. “You know what else?” she asked, “Apparently her nickname for Tyler is Sweet One. Now where have I heard that before? Huh Chaz?”

Chaz froze. She stood and walked to the other side of the desk, instinctively putting a distance between her and her boyfriend who was prone to lose his temper when challenged. “Tell me who Teddy is to you and why you seem to be obsessed with her.”

Chaz smiled, “I am not obsessed with her Birdie. That’s all you need to know.”

“Fuck that, Chaz,” she answered defiantly.

His hand flew up in a swinging motion but he caught it. Chelsea saw it and took a step backwards.

“Tell me the truth, Chaz,” she ordered, “Tell me the truth or get out!”

“Okay, okay,” Chaz spoke urgently, “Teddy is my ex. Teddy is my ex-girlfriend.”

“Was all of this a ruse? A ruse to get to Teddy?” she gasped, “Why do you want to get to Teddy so badly?”

“I need to…. I need to make amends,” Chaz lied as he walked around the desk, “I need to see her so I can apologize to her.”

“Why?” she stepped back, “Why do you need to apologize to her?”

“You know me, sometimes I can lose my temper,” he stepped towards, “I want her to know that I’ve changed. I have a good woman and have changed.”

“So you are totally over her? Why did you want me to cosplay her last night?” she held out her hand, “You weren’t fucking me last night. You were fucking her.” The reality sank in and she screamed, “Get out! Get the fuck out!” She turned to open the door and Chaz slammed it shut.

“Birdie,I am not going anywhere,” he whispered in her ear, “I am not going anywhere until you bring me Teddy.”

“Why the fuck would I do that, Chaz? Why would I bring her to you? What do you want?” she said half-defiantly and half-fearfully.

“It doesn’t matter what I want, Birdie,” he said menacingly, “Bring her to me or pay the consequences.” Her eyes flashed up at him. “That’s right. You remember what happens when you don’t obey me.” The implied threat sank into her soul.

“Please Chaz,” she begged, “Please don’t make me do this.”

“Don’t make me ask again.” he placed his hands on her arms and squeezed tight. He pulled her forward and slammed her back against the door. “Don’t make me ask again, Birdie. I’ll have to clip your wings.”

“No, please don’t hurt me, Chaz. I’ll do it,” she said as her eyes filled with tears, “What do you need me to do?”

“Just get her to the concourse. I will take it from there,” he answered as it was the easiest thing in the world to do.

“And you will leave me alone after that?” she asked quietly.

Chaz opened the door, “It will be my pleasure. You were beginning to bore me anyway.”

Outside in the hallway, Flyers captain Claude Giroux stood and watched as Chaz walked away. He heard the tears and sniffles coming from Chelsea’s office. He knocked softly. “Go away, Chaz,” she cried, “I’ll do it. You don’t have to browbeat me anymore.”

“It’s not Chaz,” the captain answered, “Can I come in?”

Chelsea opened the door and stepped aside. Her head was down and she stared at the floor. “How can I help you?” she asked quietly.

Claude looked at her tear stained face and frowned. His eyes did a quick scan of her body. They stopped at the red handprints on her arms. “I heard crying and wanted to check on you. You know, see if you needed anything,” he said gently.

“It’s just a silly fight with my boyfriend,” she said quickly. The thought of Claude or anyone else on the team knowing the reality of her situation filled her with shame.

Claude nodded to her arms, “Did he do that?”

Chelsea took in a ragged breath, “It’s no big deal. I’ll be fine.”

“Look at me,” Claude said firmly. He quickly added in a softer tone, “Please.”

She raised her eyes to his and waited. She waited for the admonishment. She waited for him to blame her for being involved with someone who treated her so badly. Instead his eyes were soft and she wasn’t sure if his pity was better or worse.

“I want you to know that the team cares about you. I care about you. If you need anything else, just say the word,” he explained. She nodded her head. “You don’t deserve to be treated that way, Chelsea. Don’t let him make you think otherwise.”

“Thank you,” she said before her voice cracked, “That- that means a lot.”

“I have to go get ready for the game. I’ll see you before we hit the ice, eh?”

Chelsea forced a smile, “yeah, I’ll be over there soon.”

“Keep your chin up,” he smiled back, “You got the Broadstreet Bullies at your back. You’re one of us. If he messes with you, then he messes with us.”

Wells Fargo Arena- Concourse

Inside the arena, Teddy and Trish made their way down to the rink for warm-ups. With the spotty service, both were oblivious to their phones blowing up. Trish glanced around the lower bowl of seats for any sign of Chaz. There were none. "Incoming," Trish whispered as a red-head approached Teddy. “Excuse me, aren’t you Teddy Baxter?” she said brightly.

“That’s me,” Teddy answered warily.

The red head flashed her badge to Teddy and Trish. “I’m Chelsea with the Flyers social media team. Can you come with me to do a quick bit for Instagram?” she asked.

Teddy tilted her head in confusion, “Why would the Flyers want to do a bit with me? My boyfriend is the star of the opposing team.”

"We try to get an Instagram influencer to participate when they are at games. It can be a great way to build your following," she said cheerfully. Chelsea glanced up at the concourse, “Come on, it will be fun. We can get the Stars in on it too,”

"Oh, I would have to run it by my brand team first," Teddy shook her head no, “I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Chelsea pleaded, “Please? I really need you to do this for me.”

Teddy turned and focused her attention onto Tyler who smiled and took a running leap into the boards right in front of her. Then he turned with a dramatic flair, placed his hands on his heart and blew her a hiss. Teddy smiled and giggled.

Chelsea slowly walked up the stairs with a sense of dread filling her. At the top of the stairs, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. “I thought I was clear in my instructions, Birdie,” Chaz hissed, “You were supposed to get the bitch up to me.”

Chelsea turned to him and cried, “Chaz, I tried. I really tried but she wouldn’t come. Please don’t hurt me.”

FIRST PERIOD

Teddy tried to focus on the game, but her mind wouldn't let her. She knew that there were enough eyes focused on her and not the game for there not to be a chance of Chaz suddenly appearing. Besides, it wasn't his style to do things publicly. No, he would want to get her alone.

Then her mind drifted back to her conversation with Chelsea. It had been so odd and confusing. She pulled out her phone to search Instagram for her. There was no signal. Teddy shook her head, got up and started up the stairs. Trish followed her, "Teddy, what's up? You have to give me some warning."

"Don't you think that whole thing with the Flyers media girl was odd?" She answered and continued up the stairs. They had both barely reached the top of the stairs when Teddy felt a hand grab her arm tightly and start to pull her. She instinctively pulled against it until she looked up to see her father. From a secluded spot, Chaz watched and plotted. Getting close to his Dovey was getting infinitely more difficult.

Suddenly, the arena erupted as the Flyers scored their second goal of the period. In the pandemonium, Chaz lost sight of the trio as Robert guided Teddy to the supply closet the Baxter security team had commandeered for the night. Once the door was shut, Teddy looked around the room. "What happened?" she said quickly as she observed the team's faces.

Steve stepped forward. "Remember the tin Tyler carried back from morning practice,? Turns out they were sent by Chaz as a message."

"A message? What sort of message?" she asked quickly when the more important question hit her, "How did he get it there?"

"You're getting good at this, Teddy," Steve answered, "Chaz is in a relationship with someone in the Flyers organization. She delivered the cookies to the locker room."

"She?" Teddy asked. Her mind went back to Chelsea. There was something about her desperation to get her to film something. Her desperation to get Teddy alone. It was only now that she recognized the terror in her eyes. Instantly she knew the source of the terror. "Chelsea, it's her. Isn't it?" Steve looked back in confusion. "She tried to get me to go with her to film an Instagram thing for the Flyers. It didn't make sense to me so I told her no. She practically begged me to help her. Oh God, I told her no."

"Exactly what you should have done," Robert interjected, "Good instincts."

"There's more," Steved added. "There was a flower delivery to the conference room with a message. Chaz knows we are here."

"How would he know that?" Teddy questioned.

"The bear," Steve answered.

"The Teddy bear?" She answered, confused, "I don't understand. How could the bear tell him anything?"

"It is a nanny cam. When we brought it to the conference room and he saw everything," Steve explained, "We are leaving now."

"Now?" Teddy questioned, "What about Tyler? He will be worried if he doesn't see me in my seat."

"Then let him fucking worry," Robert yelled.

Teddy turned to him, "Don't yell at me."

"I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he yelled back.

Teddy steeled her spine, "You know what doesn't make sense to me, Daddio? How did nobody know that Chaz was in Philly? He has been here long enough to have a damn relationship. Why didn't anyone know about that? You told me that I didn't have to worry about Chaz, Daddio. I trusted you and yet here we are."

He stepped back with a wounded look on his face. "Daddio, I am sorry. I take it back."

Steve interjected, "Teddy, I will get word to Tyler. He will understand. Your safety is the most important thing to us."

"Give me a damn second," Teddy walked to the corner of the room. She closed her eyes and tried to process the information- the nearness of Chaz, the Teddy bear, the cookies as some sort of message, the flowers with a definite message, and finally Chelsea."

She paced and remembered the look in her eyes. Chaz had involved her in whatever plan he had. There would be consequences for her failure. Teddy closed her eyes and imagined just how violent Chaz could and would get. She shook her head.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something obvious. "Tell me about the cookies," she asked.

Robert sighed and punched the wall. Teddy glanced then focused her attention on Steve. "The cookies were bad-full of salt, inedible," he explained.

"He tried to hurt Tyler," she said plainly.

"And the flowers. Tell me about the flowers," she continued.

Steve described the large bouquet of white gladiolus and carnations and the contents of the card. "Funeral flowers," Teddy stepped back, "that was his message to me." Everyone turned with a question in their eyes. "I hate those flowers because you only see them at funerals. He knows I would think of that. He wants to kill me."

"Which is exactly why we need to get you out of here!" Robert screamed again.

"Then what?" Teddy questioned, "do you think that he will just say 'oh well' after all this? If he doesn't get me, then what?" She stared at the group, "then what? He already went after Tyler, in this arena. You think he can't get to him again?"

Steve and the team exchanged looks. "And what about Chelsea? Do you think he is just going to do nothing? He tried to use her to get to me, with the clear goal of death. You think she won't be a price for that?"

"What are you saying?" Steve asked.

"I am not going anywhere until we come up with a plan to protect her. I had no one to protect me back then. I am not going to allow the same thing to happen to her. Now let's think." Teddy said with authority.

"You heard Teddy. We have twenty minutes to come up with a plan," Steve barked out, "Someone get me the head of arena security."

Outside on the concourse, Chaz searched the crowd. "Where did that bitch and Dovey sneak off to?" he thought to himself. Shortly before the end of the first intermission, he saw Trish and Teddy leave a concession stand with popcorn and sodas. They laughed and joked as they walked back to their seats. When warm-ups started, Tyler skated to where Teddy stood by the glass. His hand went to glass and he called out, "where did you go?"

She smiled, "a chat with Steve and team."

"Everything okay?" he asked.

"Don't worry about me," she smiled, "I am in capable hands. Focus on scoring."

"Okay, bossy butt," he laughed and skated away. He turned around and blew her a kiss.

On the concourse, Chaz seethed. When Chelsea put her hand on his arm, he jumped. "It's just me," she said quickly, "good news. She wants me to come talk to her during the third. We have another shot."

Chaz looked at her with a question. "What had changed? he thought so himself, "You know what? I don't fucking care." He forced a smile, "Good for you, Birdie. Good for you."

His eyes were focused on Chelsea as she went to Teddy's seat. Chelsea had received a simple DM on Instagram during the first intermission that read "Come see me about your idea during the third. Maybe we can work something out."

When Chelsea arrived at the seat, Trish got up and walked up the stairs, per the plan. Chelsea sat next to her and looked nervously. "So, when is the first time he hit you?" Teddy said without making eye contact. Chelsea gasped. "What? He told you that had never happened before, right? That it was whatever you did made him do it," Teddy continued, "It's all your fault."

"It was after the first time we…." Chelsea started.

"At least he is consistent," Teddy laughed, "So what does he want?"

"He wants to apologize," she whispered.

"You believe that?" Teddy asked.

"No," she answered.

"Good, at least you are not totally blind," Teddy said, "So we have a plan. I am going to need you to trust me." Chelsea looked back nervously. "Don't do that," Teddy urged, "He will get suspicious."

"We?" Chelsea asked.

"Security team. I will explain it one day," Teddy, "Tell him that it has to be right before the end of the game otherwise Tyler will get suspicious. Got it?"

"Okay," Chelsea answered got up to head towards the stairs.

Teddy turned as she started up, "He won't hurt us. He won't hurt us again. Just follow my lead."

Trish returned to the seats and slipped a tracker into Teddy's hand, "They will be able to track you and hear you, but you won't hear them. Test it out."

Teddy smiled, "Steve, how it's going out there? So much for that plan on beer and cheesesteaks? When we get out of here in one piece we'll grab one of the way to the airport, okay?"

Trish pressed on the ear piece, "Stick to the plan and we'll be fine."

END OF THE THIRD

Teddy used Benn's goal in the third period to escape to the concourse. As she ascended the stairs, she spoke "Heads up boys. The show is about to begin." Chelsea waited for her on the concourse. They stared at each other momentarily, then nodded in solidarity.

Teddy saw the fear in Chelsea's eyes. Chelsea looked around as she started to lead them to the stairs that led down to the bowels of the arena. Chelsea said quietly, "Why are you doing this? You could have just escaped."

"And what? Let you pay the consequences of his hate for me? No, we are not going to let that fucker win." She leaned forward and grabbed her face, "You can do this. I can do this. We will do this together."

Chelsea whimpered and Teddy felt Chaz's presence before he grabbed her arm. She turned and gasped, "Chaz!"

"Quit the act, Dovey," Chaz hissed.

Her eyes filled with tears, "Suspecting that you are watching me, knowing that you are and you grabbing me are very different things. The last time you surprised me, I ended up in the hospital. It's not an act."

"I know that you have eyes on you-at least for now." He insisted, "Don't worry, we will lose them soon.

"You don't have to do this, you know," Teddy replied, "Just let us go. No harm, no foul."

Chaz twisted Teddy's arm behind her back, "Now where would the fun be in that, huh?" He glanced back at Trish who was told to keep a respectful distance in the planning session. Her gut was telling her otherwise. Chaz glanced at the clock. They had about thirty seconds before the arena would erupt in celebration of the Flyers 2-1 victory over the Stars.

On the bench, Tyler's eyes searched Teddy's section for a sign of her and saw nothing. Benn leaned over and asked, "What's wrong?"

Tyler turned "I think that Teddy's intuition that Chaz was following her was right. She isn't where she is supposed to be."

They both looked at the section again with no sign. Benn tried to encourage Tyler, "She probably headed down early to beat the crowd. You know how these Flyer fans get."

The horn sounded and throngs of people swarmed the concourse. Chaz yelled, "Birdie, get us to our final destination or pay the consequences." Chelsea grabbed Teddy's free hand and pulled her through the throng of people. Chaz followed behind with her arm twisted behind her back. With each step the pain increased and Teddy whimpered.

"Where are we going?" Teddy cried. She knew that her team would lose visual contact in the crowd and hoped to provide any clues that she could. The confidence that she had in abundance while they planned began to fade. It was one thing to put herself in the line of Chaz's wrath but it was entirely another thing to include Chelsea.

When they began their descent into the bowels of the arena, she narrated their travels. "Why are we going down here, Chaz? Where are you taking me? Have you thought about how you are going to leave this arena alive?"

"Shut up Teddy. Shut your fucking whore mouth," Chaz hissed. He grabbed her hair and snapped her head back, "Does your Daddio know what a whore you've turned into? You were so innocent with me." He pushed both of the women as they traveled along the dark hallway. "Maybe it's time to show Pretty Boy how it's done."

In the makeshift war room, Steve barked out orders. "Get the lower exits sealed. Do it now!" He yelled.

The head of arena scanned the possible routes. He picked up the radio, "Secure the locker rooms. Shut them down."

Inside both team locker rooms, players looked up in surprise as the doors leading out to the arena with sudden force. A chorus of "What the fuck?" echoed in each room. Tyler looked at the door and got up from the bench, half-dressed. "What's going on?" he asked urgently. In his gut, he knew. Something was wrong and Teddy was in danger.

The security guard refused to answer. Tyler asked again, his voice rising an octave. Benn got up and stood next to him. "Do you think it's Teddy?"

On the radio, updates flowed. "Chaz has two hostages downstairs. They are heading to main hallway. Keep distance. Teddy seems to be in physical distress. Chelsea seems fine."

In the Flyers locker room, Giroux had take a spot next to the guard in order to relay information. "Chelsea…. Boys, he has Chelsea."

"Our Chelsea?" TK Konecy asked. "What's happening?" Claude explained what he had overheard earlier. The entire team gathered to listen. "That punk ass bitch has been hitting her?" TK questioned, "You know what he have to do, G."

Meanwhile, a similar conversation took place in the Stars locker room. Tyler raced to get dressed. Benn went to him, "Where do you think you are going?"

"Chaz has Teddy who is under "some physical distress". Where the fuck do you think I am going?" Tyler hissed.

"Hold on," Benn said, "I will create a distraction." Benn walked over and got in the guards face. "When are you letting us out of here? Look, I don't have time for lockdown practice. You are standing between me and a plane to take me home to my extremely hot woman."

The guard tried to respond and Tyler slipped out the door. Once in the hallway, Tyler listened to get a clue which way to head.

"Pretty Boy? Who is Pretty Boy? Is it Tyler?" Teddy's voice became clear. "Chelsea, is that where you are taking us? To Tyler?" Chelsea nodded her head. "Fuck," Teddy thought to herself. She could only hope that Steve would have planned for that scenario. "Chaz, you won't be able to get into a locker room. Even with Chelsea's credentials, they won't let you in there. Come on, you are not thinking clearly."

Chelsea tried to think. Chaz relied on her to guide him to the locker room. He wouldn't notice if she directed toward the security office. She made the turn as Chaz dragged Teddy behind him. Steven and Robert Baxter stood in the hallway. Chaz screamed, "You stupid bitch. You stupid, stupid bitch" He let go of Teddy's arm and and reached for Chelsea.

"Nooo," Teddy screamed and placed her body in front of Chelsea, "Run, Chelsea, run. You can make it. They will get out safely. RUN NOW"

She took a step toward Chaz, "I am the one you want. She is just doing what I told her to do. Blame me- blame me!"

Chaz took his hand, swung it hard and slapped Teddy with his backhand. He grabbed her by the hair and forced her to face Robert. Her father's face contorted in anguish. Her face stung from the blow. "I'm okay Daddio. I am okay." Teddy tried to soothe.

"Not for long, Dovey, not for long," he hissed in her ear, "I am done with you by a long shot."

Teddy examined her surroundings. From what she could gather, there were four outlets on the main hall. Chaz would have to guess between the other three options. "Walk, Dovey- turn around and walk," he ordered.

In the Stars locker room, the team had chattered away, assessing the situation. The consensus was that they were not going to allow an attack on Teddy unchallenged. It didn't take much effort to intimidate the security guard away from his post. When word came out that Teddy had been separated from Chelsea, the team stormed past into the hallway. They arrived at the same time as Chaz and Teddy.

"Where is he? Where in the fuck is Pretty Boy?" Chaz shouted as he scanned the team, "See Dovey, you need a real man. You need a real man to keep safe. Where in the fuck is he? " He whipped her body around and dragged her down the hall to the third outlet. The Flyers blocked it.

Tyler had mistakenly taken a right turn and landed on the hall of the fourth outlet. Chaz's words echoed through the hall. Teddy’s cries pierced his heart. He ran and stood at the fourth and final outlet. He screamed, "Hey Chaz, are you looking for me?"

Chaz pushed Teddy forward to Tyler. She fell on her knees, looked up and saw his face. He never looked stronger. He took a step towards her and saw the mark on her face. "Pretty One," he said softly, "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

Chaz grabbed her by the hair again, pulling her to her feet again. "Oh Pretty Boy, don't worry about Dovey. She is used to a little discipline in her life. None of that Pretty One bullshit," Chaz taunted, "She needs it rough."

Tyler took a lunge at Chaz, who danced out of his grasp. "Let her go or I will fucking kill you,"

Chaz, "Oh Pretty Boy, you will stand there and watch. You can watch how a real man does it."

Something in Teddy snapped at Chaz's words. "Real man? She thought to herself, "No, her father was a real man- a man devoted to his family for almost thirty five years. Lex was a real man- a best friend who saw the good in her even when she couldn't. Finally, Tyler was a real man- a sweet soul who loved her without conditions or restraint."

Teddy twisted her body around. Behind her she saw her father and Steve, poised to pounce. She turned to her side and saw the Flyers team standing together. The look in Claude's eyes was defiant, as if to dare Chaz to make a move. Her head swiveled to the Stars who waited patiently for a signal. Finally she turned to Tyler who watched with a pained expression on his face. She gave him a smile and felt her strength rise up within her.

She thought about Chelsea. Teddy had been compelled to help Chelsea who did not have anyone else. Turns out that she was wrong. Chelsea did have an entire NHL team ready to go to blows for her.

Then she turned her attention to Chaz. She saw him through a new set of eyes. He was so sure that he could control her and bend her to his will. She laughed as she thought to herself, "Fucker could not find a clit with a compass and a map. How the fuck is he going to hurt me?"

The laughter became louder and Chaz pulled at her hair, "What the fuck are you laughing at Dovey?"

Teddy turned him and smiled, "You fell for it. You actually thought I was fucking scared of you. Oh Chaz, no one is actually afraid of you. You think you are real man because you hit me a couple thousand times? You are a little momma's boy trapped in a man's body. You only pick on people smaller than you- the ones that you think you can scare into submission. "

Teddy looked over at Tyler, "Say the words, Sweet One."

Tyler's eyes widened and he stared for a moment. She nodded in encouragement. "Who do I want, Pretty One?" Tyler said softly. He was confused by the request.

Teddy smiled, "Me and only me." She felt her soul rising up.

Chaz grabbed her face and pulled it to face him. "Shut the fuck up, Dovey," he seethed. He grasped at straws to keep some sort of control over her.

"Keep going," she pleaded with Tyler.

"Why do I want you?" He continued.

Teddy wretched her face from Chaz's grasp and turned to Tyler, "Because you love me and will never hurt me."

"Never, ever Pretty One," Tyler asked loudly, "Who is my lady?"

Teddy smiled triumphantly, "Me and only fucking bad ass me."

She turned to Chaz and spit in his face. "You just made a big mistake-huge."

She picked her foot and stomped down onto with her stiletto heel. He doubled over in pain and shock. "I'm sorry- did that hurt?" She scoffed, "I wear real heels now that I don't have to make myself small for my man."

She threw her favorite boxing combination of a jab, cross, hook, uppercut followed by another cross. The blows each landed with enough force to know Chaz back. She took a breath and repeated the combination as Chaz fell to his knees. "Oh, did you not know I take private boxing lessons three times a week? I probably should have told you. Oooops!"

Chaz covered his head with his arms as the blows rained down upon his body. "Wait," she laughed in his ear, "I thought you said you were going to show me how a real man does it. What happened- you pathetic piece of shit."

"Stop," Chaz's voice said weakly, "Please stop."

"Say it again," she screamed, "Say it again, you fucking.coward."

"Please stop. I am begging you," he pleaded for mercy.

Teddy grabbed his hair and pulled his face up to look at her, "Look at me. Look at my face and know that I am not afraid of you. I will never be afraid of you again." Chaz's eyes welled up with tears. "You know where you fucked up, Chaz? When you tried to hurt Tyler- that's…. that is when I decided to kick your ass. I would die before I allowed you to hurt him,” she declared.

"If you come for Chelsea again, I will beat your ass. If you come for him again, I will beat your ass. If you come for me again, I will put your ass in the damn morgue," she shouted as she stood up and walked away. She abruptly stopped and turned around, "Don't believe me? Just look at all the back up I have. Fuck around and find out."

In the span of time it took Teddy to make it five yards to Tyler, a team descended upon Chaz and restrained him. Teddy didn't look back and ran to Tyler. He swooped her into his arms and squeezed for dear life. "Pretty One," he whispered into her ear, "I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything," she cried, "don't say anything. Just hold me and don't let me go."

"Okay," he swayed back and forth. In the chaos that surrounded them, they clung to each other. Both were lost in their own thoughts.

Teddy rested her ear against Tyler's chest and listened to his heartbeat. "Your heart is racing," Teddy said quietly.

"I was scared to death. I was afraid to try to take him down. I should have… I should have saved you," he sighed.

"You did save me. Maybe not tonight, but you saved me with your love. It was your love that brought my strength to the surface. It was your love that reminds me every day that I can do the hard things. I can do them because I am not alone anymore," she encouraged.

"You give me too much credit, Pretty One," he kissed the top of her head.

"You don't give yourself enough credit," she kissed his chest, "Do you need the words?" he whispered yes.

"Who do I want?",she asked.

"Me and only me," he answered

"Why do I want you?", she repeated their pattern.

"Because you love me more than anyone else in the world and you know I will never, ever hurt you,” he answered earnestly.

"Who is my REAL man?", she smiled up at him.

"Lucky me," he smiled back.

"I love you Sweet One," she whispered, "I have a feeling it's about to get crazy around here." She turned to look at the crowd around them. She looked back into his eyes with tears.

"It's a good thing I am certified in handling crazy," he wiped her tears, "I love you and you can do the hard things." He paused and corrected himself, "No, we can do the hard things together."

#magical mystery ride #tyler seguin fiction #tyler seguin fic #nhl fiction #nhl fic #hockey romance #hockey rpf

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devotioncrater · 2 years ago

Note

idk how that WIP fmk ask game works but i’d be curious to hear ur thoughts on any ted lasso wips you have !

HELL yes tysm!! i LOVE talking abt WIPs

fuck - the story you just want to read instead of having to write it yourself

i have the outline done for a tedtrent western film AU inspired by a convo with @stevecarrington @tomlinfonda and @larkin21 !!

the fic is set in the 60s, right as the western genre is going out of style. rebecca owns a film studio (richmond studios) in hollywood, and wants to blow up its reputation to get back at rupert. so she has higgins cast ted, a high school drama teacher from kansas, to star in an upcoming western film. she then personally hires trent, an established director well-known for being a cold-hearted bitch to work with, to direct the movie. the film itself is risky, as it subverts cornerstones of the western genre. this is the film's synopsis:

Mason "Badlands" Morris (Theodore Lasso) is a lone cowboy rider hired for a job he don't normally do: escort a Miss Josephine Fairfax (Keeley Jones) from Kansas all the way to California so she can reunite with her beau Jack (Jamie Tartt). To ensure no untowardness, her uncle Ezra (Roy Kent) accompanies them, himself desperate for a change. Over the course of 14 days during the spring of 1856, the trio face unexpected challenges and uncover secrets which would best be left buried.

the fic spans from the first initial table read all the way to release day. shenanigans and unlikely romances ensue. i have everything for this SO clearly mapped in my head and on paper, but i know it's going to be a massive undertaking putting it into words. so if i could just...read it instead that'd be amazin LMAO

marry - the story you're obsessed with writing and never want to stop working on or thinking about

break me, shake me, devastate me (come here baby) is one i cannot stop writing/thinking about. the second and final chapter for it is going to be at minimum 7k words long because i keep adding more details in or reworking scenes. especially since the james lance interview dropped and we got more trent lore. the flipside to this is that i'm chewing my nails, sweating over the fact i haven't updated in 12 days. i deadass tried to update this past sunday but!! no!! it didn't feel complete yet. so hopefully this weekend it'll happen

grief and longing are my favorite themes to write about, which this fic explores. i have a playlist titled "grieving" that i made purely to listen to while writing this fic.

kill - the story you're most frustrated with and would rather just put it in the trash (or a high shelf somewhere to forget about for a long time)

i've kind of already done this, but there's a royjamie fic i'm bashing my head against the wall about. i got inspired by AURORA's songs "forgotten love" and "soft universe", specifically the lyrics:

You are the reason I can dance Within a fire of goodbyes, of goodbyes I can lie in a dark room without the feeling that I'm lonely

and

My body falls off the side of her bed And now I know what love feels like Don't let me turn into pain All of this is loveliness Chaos came, we laid our head Down on the feather cotton bed You find a heart and catch your breath Let the universe go red Speak to me, speak to me With love in your words Make for me, make for me A soft universe

basically the fic is about different times roy and jamie sleep together in the same bed. it explores their unspoken codependency and the soft intimacy they share underneath their weird dynamic. the reason i'm frustrated is that i cannot seem to find a good enough explanation for why they start sharing a bed LMAO

currently i have something inspired by the fonda/redford film Our Souls At Night, where jamie shows up at roy's door one night and is like "i can't sleep, mate. i miss having a person next to me."

we'll see though. maybe i'll find motivation for the fic again

#thank you for the ask!!!!!

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hopefulromances · 2 years ago

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Long Time Coming I Chapter Two I Tell Me About You

Summary: Being hired as the first female assistant coach in the league was a challenge of it itself. Being a football protigy and University Football Legend was easy enough. Coaching Jamie Tartt was a challenge all on its own.

Word Count: 2481

Warning: I have literally no clue how football works. Enemies to lovers. First Person. Minimal Y/N.

A/N: LMAO I LOVE THIS GIF One of my favorite chapters! Hope y'all are enjoying!

Prologue One

Nearing a year later, I was outside the club, again, in the early morning. After being regulated at the end of last season, I had blamed myself. Ted assured me that it wasn’t my fault, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Just bad luck. But I took it as a chance to do better. To be better.

But recently I’ve been having a mental blockage. I couldn’t picture myself playing the game anymore. I was struggling to coach and to train on my own. I know they hadn’t said anything, but I could tell the other coaches had noticed. With Nate being promoted I was worried that I was going to be let go or replaced. It didn’t go unnoticed to me that I was having the same insecurity that Jamie had been feeling before he left.

But still, here I was looking down the field trying to shove all those feelings of fear and insecurity aside so I could just train. I took a breath and closed my eyes, slowing my heart so I could focus on the game. With a deep intake of crisp morning air, I pulled back my foot and-

“’Morning (Y/N)!”

I whiffed my foot right over the ball and stumbled a few feet before whipping around to see who caused the distraction.

“Oh, good morning, Ted,” I sighed. There was no way I could be cross with him. I kicked the ball up into my hands.

“Sorry, I didn’t interrupt you, did I?” Ted apologized as he approached.

“No, no. I was just finishing up,” I conceded. I spun the ball in my hands wishing I could feel the same magnetism to it I had when I started the job.

Ted took a long look at me before speaking again. “Ya know… when I was little, I had this puzzle. I loved this puzzle more than anything. I would take it apart and put it together over and over, excited to see the same photo every time I put it together. But one day, when I put it together, it felt off. Different. I tried everything to get that feeling back. The excitement to see that photo again. But eventually, I realized I had outgrown that puzzle. That it was time to move on.”

My stomach dropped. This was it, this was the moment he was going to tell me I was being let go.

“Are you firing me, Ted?” I asked, my voice shaky with fear.

“What? Oh, good heavens no!” he exclaimed, throwing his hands up.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. “Oh my god. You scared me. I thought that was what you were saying. With the whole puzzle metaphor.”

“Yeah, I can see how you would think that, but most certainly not.” He chuckled and made a dramatic sweat wiping motion with his hand.

After our laughter died down a moment, I twisted the ball in my hands again before looking at him to continue. “What were you trying to say then?

“I’m just saying that sometimes it time to try a new challenge,” he paused. “I wanted to get your thoughts on bringing Jamie back.”

My eyes widened in surprise. As far as I knew, Jamie wasn’t even an option. He had quite a fall from grace after he left Man City and had his brief stint on ‘Lust Conquers All’. Sam and Isaac had hosted quite a few watch parties to watch his floundering attempt at finding love on the dating show. As expected, he was kicked off early in the game after double crossing one of the girls on the show. It was fun to watch, especially after what he had said about me in the press.

Yesterday, Sam had come to me, showing me a photo of Ted and Jamie together. He was nervous about Jamie coming back, scared of how he might ruin the good vibes that the team had now with Ted in charge. But Ted had assured us both that Jamie was not coming back. He had told Jamie no. I couldn’t lie and say that brining back Jamie wouldn’t have its pluses. The boy was talented and that’s a fact. But was that talent enough to outweigh the team dynamic.

“Jamie?” I echoed. “I thought you said that you had told him no.”

Ted shrugged sliding, his hands in his pockets. “I did. But it’s been nagging me anyways. He’s going through a tough spot right now.”

“Oh, really, he’s going through a ‘tough spot’?” I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I know, I know, but there is something different about him, I swear.” Ted continued. “It takes a lot for a guy like that to come asking for help. And I’m thinking he might deserve another chance.”

I skewed my lips to the side in thought. “Jamie is… talented. But you saw Sam. He wasn’t just angry he was scared. Scared of how Jamie would treat him when he came back. It’s not about talent. It’s about… personality.”

“So, you think it’s a bad idea,” he clarified.

Is that what I was saying? The truth was bringing Jamie back could be just what we need to push forward in the league. Get out of the tie streak and start getting back to promotion. That, or we could be stuck in the Championship League forever. And I would be known as the coach that ruined AFC Richmond. But how could I know that if we didn’t try. Something had to change. I couldn’t just keep putting together the same puzzle, hoping it would excite me every time.

“No, I don’t,” I decided, looking at Ted. “I think we just need to be careful.”

Ted sent me a dazzling smile. “Good, cause I’m putting you on Jamie duty.”

“Jamie duty?”

“Yeah, cause he’s coming back today!”

“Today- TED!”

That’s how I got stuck waiting for Jamie in the locker room. Ted thought it would be a good idea to start him slow. Get the team used to him being back, make him earn his spot. I leaned against the doorframe, waiting for him to finish changing. Out he came, bouncing from foot to foot, punching the air occasionally.

“’Morning! Ready for a great day of trainin’” He exclaimed, seemingly unable to stop bouncing.

I didn’t react, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. “Alright then, let’s go.”

I pushed myself off the wall and headed towards the pitch. But as I walked past him, he grabbed my arm and turned me around to face him.

“Wait, before we go, I just wanted to tell you that I’m different now, yeah? I’m not a prick, like I was,” he told me sincerely.

I glanced between him and where his hand touched my arm. For some stupid, idiotic, unbelievable reason, it made my heart skip a beat. His eyes looked so desperate for me to hear him. I pursed my lips and gave him a sympathetic, albeit somewhat sarcastic smile.

“Sure, Jamie, whatever you say.” I gave him a pat on his hand, signaling for him to let go. He withdrew his hand, looking for something more from me. A sign that I had forgiven him for everything. I rolled my eyes at him. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Practice was a mess to say the least. All the lads seemed determined to bring Jamie down as far as they could. Ted told me it was my job to make sure Jamie felt comfortable coming back to practice, but it was really hard when watching Colin and Sam take their revenge was just a little too sweet.

“Hey (Y/N), why don’t you stick around a bit after practice, give Jamie some one-on-one training to get him back into the sense of what we’re doing around here,” Ted suggested after watching Jamie flub yet another pass.

“You want me to what?!” I blurted out before I had a chance to think.

“Yeah! Just give him the run around. Ya’ know, literally!” He smiled at me, like it was the most amazing idea in the world. “Give you a chance to catch up on that personal training you missed this morning.”

Ted was about to be ded. As in dead. This whole Jamie thing was HIS idea and yet here he was shoving it on me! He’s a shover.

“Ooooh she’s looking at you with her angry eyes,” Beard cautioned, lowering his sunglasses.

“That’s actually quite scary,” Nate chimed in.

“Ted, I swear to god, I better not be your new puzzle,” I sneered at him.

“New puzzle?” Nate questioned, turning to Beard.

“Oh, the puzzle metaphor…” Beard whistled lowly. “He’s really trying something out.”

“You know the puzzle metaphor?” I accused, narrowing my eyes at him.

“Oh, yeah I know the puzzle metaphor.”

“Woo, I love the puzzle metaphor, let’s get these kids in the showers!” Ted finally joined in. With that he walked forward, blowing his whistle to signify the end of training.

Then it was Jamie and me. I kicked the ball onto the field. Jamie, somehow, was still bouncing with energy.

“Did you see how they was treating me, (Y/N)?” he said, kicking the grass. “I’m trying me best here.”

I passed him the ball. “Score a goal.”

He backed up and readied himself. “I mean, I said I was sorry.”

With that he moved forward and kicked the ball, sending it flying on a beautiful arc to swish into the goal. I rolled him another ball.

“Yes, you did,” I agreed, rolling him another ball. “Take 5 steps back and score again.”

He did as I instructed, stepping back to score again. “I just don’t know what else they want from meh.”

He moved forward and scored again. This time, however, the ball moved further to the left. Still in the goal, but drifting. I eyed where the ball landed. I rolled him another ball.

“Another 5 steps,” I instructed. “Are you being serious right now?”

He took another five steps back before jogging forward and hitting another swish of a goal. This time it was even further to the left. “Yeah, I’m being serious. I’m still new at this whole nice thing.”

“Go get the balls,” I told him. “So, you really just thought you would come back and say you’re sorry and everything would go back to the way it was?”

He jogged back with the balls. He kicked one towards me. “I mean… yeah?”

I studied the ball on the ground. Then I took three steps back, dragging my feet back as I did. Then I jaunted forward and kicked the ball, it flew through the air and swished into the center of the goal. Jamie starred at the ball.

“You’re trying too hard, Jamie,” I explained to him. “Things aren’t going to go back to the way they were. And it shouldn’t.” I kicked a ball towards him. “You were a prick.”

He stops the ball. “What do you mean.”

“Score a goal from there,” I told him. “I mean… do you actually know what you’re apologizing for?”

Jamie took a breath before sending the ball flying. “I mean, yeah. I was a dick. I said shitty things. I did shitty things.”

“Do you know why I’m mad at you?” I asked him. I placed the ball on the ground and took a few steps back, dragging my feet again. The ball flew through the air and landed in the middle of the net again. Jamie looked between the ball and me.

“How many times do I have to say that I was a prick,” he whined.

“Go get the balls,” I shooed. “And always, you always have to say you were a prick.” He began jogging towards the goal. “And, you were a prick, but do you know why you should be sorry.”

The kicked the balls back in my direction. He furrowed his brows, thinking hard about it. I rolled my eyes at him while kicking the ball back, at nearly the halfway point of the field it was a long goal. I took a deep breath, taking three dragging steps backwards, then one step to the side.

“You aren’t actually going to- “

I didn’t listen. I could see it. I visualized the ball and the opponents. I could see the clock ticking down as I set my feet in motion. Like slow motion, I kicked the ball and watched as it went soaring until it landed in the goal with a satisfying noise. I smirked.

“Holy shit,” Jamie gapped. “That was like… really impressive.”

“Jamie, I know. I’m fucking good at this. And I am the first female coach in the league. And every day I woke up with a million reasons why I shouldn’t have my job or come to work. I convinced myself every day that it would be worth it. And every day I you came up with another 20 reasons why I shouldn’t be here.” I kicked a ball up into my hands. “And you made sure to let me know that you thought you were better than me. Think about that.” I pressed the ball into his hands. “Score a goal.”

He took the ball from my hands and dropped it on the ground. He took a step backwards before kicking the ball. He missed, but just barely.

“You need to plan where you hit the ball. The further back you go the further harder it is to get it in the goal,” I explained. He scoffed at me. “It becomes more important to really know where your boot hits the ball.” I placed the last ball on the ground and motioned for him to come stand next to me. “If you drag your feet, it gives your legs muscle memory. You’re more likely to get the ball where you want it to go.” He looked at me skeptically. I moved my hand in a swooping motion, presenting the ball to him. “Well, I’m not going to wait all day.”

He looked at the ball, then down to the goal. He mimicked my movement, backing up three steps with his feet dragging on the grass then one step over. Then he moved forward and kicked the ball. Swish. The middle of the goal.

“Damn,” he sighed. I came up next to Jamie and stared at where the ball sat in the goal.

“You made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be here. And that’s what I can’t forgive you for,” I stated, not looking at him. I could feel him turn to look at me, but I shook my head, feeling tears spring into my eyes. “Pick up the balls and go get showered.” With that I spun on my heel and walked inside, Jamie’s eyes burning on the back of my head.

#jamie tartt #enemies to lovers #eventual fluff #jamie tartt fanfiction #jamie tartt imagine #jamie tartt x reader #jamie tartt x y/n #ted lasso #ted lasso show #angst

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