#trent crimm come home Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[keykaedem]

Trent's expression here lives in my mind rent free

[meow-xine]

Enough for me. (Roy Kent x Fem!Reader)

pairing: (Coach) Roy Kent x Fem. reader

word count: 824 words.

warnings: roy being sad/doubting himself, roy x reader fluff, reader comforting roy, slight sexual themes suggested (near the end), roy hating on trent crimm

a/n: hi!! this is my first ever fic so... pls be gentle. this fic is based on season 3 episode 2 of ted lasso. thanks for clicking on my post out of the millions, i appreciate you :)

summary: roy comes home, frustrated and in need of some comfort after a confrontation with trent crimm about the column he wrote on roy's premier league debut.

It was a normal day- mundane if anything. You had not too long ago returned home from work, now lazily being slumped over the couch scrolling on social media. Your shared home with the newest coach of AFC Richmond was quiet, but not uncomfortable. Roy, you expected, would be home soon, probably coming through the door stringing curses together. Something of course happened at work, the only question was who exactly he would be pissed at this time.

Just as the scenario of an angry Roy played in your head, he walked through the door. You chirped up, happy to see him after a long day, when you noticed the down look of his face. It was less angry and more...disappointed? "Hey, Roy" You spoke, gently due to the unawareness of what was happening. As you stood up and walked toward him, his eyes planted on the ground, you noticed closer the expression splayed on his face. His brows were furrowed, and he seemed to be in a deep solemn thought. It was only when you lightly touched his harm that he seemed to snap out of his thoughts.

You offered him a comforting smile, "You alright? Talk to me." After you spoke, you moved behind him, beginning to take of his coat. "I don't know." He finally spoke, his tone being gentle. Silence filled the air for a brief moment until he spoke again, "Can I ask you something?" He was now meeting your gaze. "You know you can."

"Do you think I'm good? Like, good enough?" What? A puzzled look fell over your face, and he spoke again before you got the chance to. "I don't know- fuck. It's hard to explain." His gaze diverted once again, now focusing on his fingernails he softly picked at. "Roy, I'm not sure what's going on, but you can talk to me. What happened today?"

"Today was fucking fine. It was normal until that prick Crimm had to interfere." he paused, alternating his eyes from you and the floor, "It's bad enough he prances around the fucking place like he owns it, but today he just had to come talk to me and shit." He picked at his fingernails, a little rougher this time, and you could tell he was wallowing in a mixture of hate for both Crimm and what had gone down today.

You knew he wasn't very fond of Crimm, but not exactly why. You had always figured it was because he was a-in his words-pretentious dick. But this was deeper than that, you just had a feeling. You shot Roy a concerned look. He slowly reached for his wallet and drew out a slip of paper, placing it in your hand and urging you to read it.

What welcomed you was a small excerpt claiming "Newcomer Roy Kent is an overhyped, so-called prodigy whose unbridled rage and mediocre talent rendered his Premiere League debut a profound disappointment.” As soon as you read it, you shot Roy a sad glance. You were angry for him, not believing someone had the will to write such negativity.

"Crimm wrote that." He paused to take the small slip out of your hand. "I was 17, and I had just started playing. Seven fucking teen." He gritted his teeth, grimacing. You rubbed his arm, waiting for him to start again. "I have been living my life since then feeling like I was shit. Then today Crimm revealed he did it just to be 'edgy' and make a name for himself."

Not knowing exactly what to say, you continued to rub his arm. "Roy I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the dejection you’ve been feeling all these years.” He gave you a weird look, a mixture of solemn and happy.

“You know what I really can’t believe? I kind of want to forgive his ass.” You were shocked at what you could assume was Ted’s influence. “Really?” He nodded. “As much as I don’t want to fucking admit it, yeah. He was trying to do his job I guess. I just wish he would have picked on..some other prick, I don’t know.” He was now stifling chuckles, just as shocked from the situation.

“You know what Roy?” you spoke, not breaking eye contact. “Hm?” He tilted his head. “I’m proud of you for coming to that conclusion. You could have blown up, yeah? Been angry, upset. But you handled it all well.” Your graze moving up from his arm, now on his cheek. A good minute passed as you enjoyed holding his rough face.

He leaned down to kiss you. It was gentle and sweet, spreading a honeyed heat through your being. He continued placing small kisses on your face, your neck. Slowly turning into esurient nibbles.

“I fucking love you.” He spoke through kisses.

“I love you too.” You felt him smile against your skin. “And Roy?”

“Mhm?”

“You will always be enough for me. Always.”

[meganwritesfanfics]

Be the Man I Have to Be

Jamie Tartt x Reader

After reacting poorly to the news of the reader being pregnant Jamie seeks out advice from some unlikely sources.

Check out Part 1 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

__________________________________________________________

The whole practice Jamie couldn’t focus, he was missing passes, he was fumbling the ball, and tripping over his own feet. He didn’t feel like himself, he felt like he was a spectator watching his own life. He couldn’t believe this was happening. Being a dad was never something Jamie had even considered.

But the thing that really distracted him was the look on Y/N face, both the look of absolute terror when she told him she was pregnant and the look of betrayal when he just left her in the boot room. 

He loved Y/N more than he ever thought he was capable of, and he never meant to hurt her. Jamie knew that he reacted poorly, more than poorly, he fucked up. But he panicked, confident Jamie who always felt on top of the world panicked. And he could feel his world quickly crumbling around him. 

With all these thoughts running through his head he didn’t even notice Collin come up next to him and steal the ball from him. When Collin swept in Jamie tripped over his feet and landed on the ground with a thud. He lay their for a moment on his back looking up at the sky before he let out and angry scream. 

“Ok, um everyone let’s run laps, Jamie can you meet me in my office.”  Ted said giving everyone a worried look. 

Jamie sighed as he sat up and looking around, everyone was looking at him with such a worried expression. For how much he felt like the universe was shitting on him in that moment, he couldn’t help but feel grateful. Three years ago, no one in this stadium could give a shit about what he was feeling or how he was doing. And rightfully so, he had been an absolute prick. But now he finally felt like this team had become his family, his home. 

Collin stood above him reaching a hand down for him to help him up. “You ok mate?” 

Jamie nods as he grabbed his hand and stood up. “I will be. Hopefully.” 

As he made his way to the locker room, he felt the steely gaze of Roy barring down on him, and he knew. Of course Y/N had told Roy first, especially with how terrified she had looked to tell Jamie, Roy and Y/N were close. 

“Jamie what is going on man?” Ted asked as soon as they were in the safety of the office. 

“Coach, you have that group right where you guys all talk about, guy stuff and help each other out?” 

“The Diamond Dogs?” 

“That is the name of it.” Jamie cackled before he composed himself. “Uh, ya, I think this might need to be something I talk with all of you about and get your advice.” 

Ted’s eyes went wide and he immediately pulled out his phone texting something quickly before he looked back up at Jamie. 

“Just give them…” He started when suddenly Beard burst in and threw himself into his chair out of breath. 

“I…gave… the… team… the… rest… of … the… day… off…” Beard panted in between gulps of air. 

Trent Crimm and Roy were the next two to saunter their way in, Roy immediately glaring at Jamie. 

“Alright all we need is Higgins and…” And as if he were summoned, Higgins appeared also out of breath and with a giant stain down the front of his shirt. 

“Here.” He gasped. 

“Woah, Higgnomietry, what happened to you?” Ted asked. 

“I was about to take a sip of my tea when I got the text and I saw Jamie’s name and I got too excited and spilled it all over myself.” Higgins replied. 

“I have that effect on people.” Jamie smiled which earned a growl from Roy. 

“Alright Jamie, you have the Diamond Dogs gathered, what can we assist you with?” Ted asked. 

“Right, uh, ya, so me and Y/N have been seeing each other for a while now and I love her ya know…” This earned an aww from the group, minus Roy. “But she, she just found out that she…” 

“Tartt!” A voice echoed and the whole group watched as Rebecca stormed in followed by Keeley. “You are a right awful prick you know that!” Rebecca screamed. 

“Woah!” Ted said as quickly stood from his chair. 

“Yeah Jamie what the hell I thought you really liked Y/N.” Keeley said. 

“I do, I…” Jamie said and suddenly it felt like everything was closing around him. 

“Well what you did is not the way to treat someone you love. She was in my office a mess because of you.” Rebecca snapped. 

“What the fuck did you do?” Roy growled. 

All the voices started to blur around him and Jamie could feel his chest tightening up as the air became harder to breath. 

“Hey!” Ted screamed and everyone went silent. “Jamie came in here to talk, and it is only fair to hear him out before everyone starts yelling at him, understood.” 

Everyone nodded but the rage coming off of both Rebecca and Roy was palpable. 

“Alright then, now Rebecca and Keeley I guess you are now honorary members of the Diamond Dogs” When he said this, all the guys, minus Roy, howled and Trent gave a little yip. “Welcome. Jamie continue.” 

“So this morning, when Y/N came in, she came to tell me that she is pregnant.” 

“Oh.” Ted gasped. And after that the room went deadly silent. 

“And when she told me I acted like a complete prick. And there is no excuse and it hurts me to think that I hurt her, but I don’t know what to do.” And his voice cracked slightly at the end. 

“Having a child is a terrifying thing, and you are still young so I can imagine this is quite a shock.” Higgins replied. 

“My age isn’t what the issue is, I just. I don’t think I can be a dad.” 

And suddenly in that instant the whole room understood what Jamie was thinking.

“Oh Jamie.” Keeley said sadly. 

“I mean come on you all met him, I can’t… I can’t fuck up a kid like he did to me. And I know that Y/N is just going to be an amazing mom, I can’t mess her life up as well. I saw what that did to my mom.” 

“Now Jamie just because you dad is… we’ll he’s…” Ted started 

“The biggest bag of pricks to ever walk the earth.” Roy responded. 

“I was going to say difficult, but yes I think your sentiment works too.” Ted replied. “But just because he is that way doesn’t mean you will turn out the same. In fact I know you won’t.” 

“How can you know that coach?” 

“I know because I have seen how far you have come Jamie. When we first met you were a very different person than you are now. The growth you have had in just a few years has been amazing. And being a father is going to change you as well. Trust me I know your fears, hell when I found out Michelle was pregnant with Henry I was absolutely terrified. I was so scared of letting that little boy down. But being a parent means accepting the fact that sometimes you are going to fail.” 

“And luckily it seems you have a very large support system around you.” Trent chimed in. 

Jamie took a moment and looked around at all the people in the room and he couldn’t help but feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude because Trent was right, everyone in this room did care about him in some capacity. 

“I…” He cleared his throat quickly wiping his eyes before any tears could fall. “Thank you.” 

“Now go talk to Y/N before I fucking kick your ass.” Roy said as he patted Jamie on the back, harder than necessary, and sent him on his way. 

As soon as he left the room looked around at each other for a moment. 

“I hope that kid turns out more like Y/N cause I don’t know if we could handle two Jamie’s around him.” Beard said. 

“Oh fuck no.” Roy snapped. 

“Alright well, Diamond Dogs adjourned I guess.” Ted said and Ted, Beard, Higgins, and Trent all howled. 

“Oh good Lord.” Rebecca laughed.

[thisismysecondrodeo]

G ---------------------------------------------

Ted Lasso x Reader Love is a gamble we play and you've got much safer odds [3-part series] (on ao3) - Angst/Romance Between your friendship with Beard and your relationship with Ted, you've got a good thing going in Richmond. Doesn't mean you're not still nervous when Henry comes to town. And it definitely doesn't mean you can hold in your jealousy when it turns out Michelle comes along too.

Ted Lasso x Reader Bad Dreams [2-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Fluff Tumblr request: would love to read your take on what happens when the boys are on an away game and you're home with the little lasso but then you wake up from a nightmare? i feel like the kid being like his father would make you fall even harder for your little family + sequel: Ted is present for a nightmare

Ted Lasso & Jaime Tartt Jamie's Sick Day (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Fluff Tumblr request: If you’re accepting Ted Lasso requests, can I humbly BEG for some Ted taking care of a sick Jamie??

Ted Lasso x Reader Wedding Day [2-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Fluff Tumblr request: Ted and reader's wedding day. Ted standing on one side of the door frame, holding her hand while she works through her nerves not about marrying him (she's never been more sure she wants to marry him) but more about accidentally tripping, or that her dress isn't nice enough, what is the press going to say + sequel: what about the angst of the roles being reversed?

Ted Lasso x Reader Missing/Wanted (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Angst/Romance Tumblr request: Can I request a Ted × Reader angsty fic where Ted and reader both have had an awful few days and they misdirect their anger towards each other, they both say a few things to each other which they really don't mean and one of them just storms out and then the other sort of spends the whole night finding them unsuccessfully....

Ted Lasso x Reader Baby it's Cold Outside (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Fluff Tumblr request: It has been super cold outside, so naturally I’ve been thinking about Ted warming Y/N up after they come in from outside (absolutely freezing). He seems like the kind of guy to have a lot of body warmth 🔥

Coach Beard x Trent Crimm Men of Mystery (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance Based on a Tumblr Drawing: Trent Crimm locks his keys in his car. Beard knows what to do about that.

Ted Lasso x Reader Home for the Holidays (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance Tumblr request: i know ted says he and michelle have been together since high school but can we please see "My family invited an old friend for the holidays and they're my first love"?

Ted Lasso x Reader Loved and Cherished (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Fluff Tumblr Request: I'm having post episode feels. What about just finding ways to cheer Ted up and telling him how much you love and cherish him

T-----------------------------------------------

Ted Lasso x Reader Fightin' Words (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance Tumblr request: Sleeping with Other People inspired—ted punching someone to defend his love??? we need your take on that pretty please??? and they being the only one that gets him to take a step back??? so beard is like....wait...you're down bad, my friend.

Ted Lasso x Reader Medication (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Hurt/Comfort Tumblr request: I was hoping you might write a blurb about Ted finding out that his partner is medicated when she stays with him the first time and just not wanting her to feel bad about having to take medication for her mental health

Ted Lasso x Reader The Breakup (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Angst/Romance Tumblr request: i'm in desperate need of you writing a blurb where the reader panics over the fact they are sure ted is about to break up with them (he is not) and he calms them down and its sweet and loving and he stays. name your price, my friend.

Ted Lasso x Reader Sick Fic (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Light Hurt Comfort Tumblr request: Ted helping his partner feel better when they're sick.

Ted Lasso x Reader Too Needy (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Angst/Romance Tumblr request: Ted's partner is worried about being too needy for him, which is a feeling Ted understands all too well

Ted Lasso x Reader Tickle-Me-Ted (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Fluff Tumblr request: thinking about ted holding something out of y/n’s reach to tease her, so she tickles him and he starts giggling and blushing

Ted Lasso x Reader Faint of Heart (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Hurt/Comfort Tumblr request: I had a fainting spell at work today and it was scary because people helped but then I was alone...I was wondering if you could write for Ted or Jason when the reader fainted at work in front of him?

Ted Lasso x Reader Striptease (Tumblr Only) - Romance/Fluff Tumblr Request: ted doing a striptease to pony by ginuwine

Ted Lasso x Reader Camping Codependency (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Fluff Tumblr request: just imagined ted and reader taking the Richmond team on a team-building adventure (camping). Ted and reader share a tent, but obviously have to be suuuuuuuuper quiet while they get down to it…

Ted Lasso x Reader High for Hallmark (Tumblr Only because its so short) - Romance Tumblr Request: Just finished episode 2 & I just know that Jason loves hallmark movies just like Theodore is it too much to smoke a bit and chill on the couch watching cheesy Christmas rom coms nowhere near Christmas with him?

M----------------------------------------------

Ted Lasso x Rebecca The Oh Moment [2-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Based on this tumblr post: the "oh. oh." moment in fan fic but instead of a character realizing they're in love it's them discovering they have a specific kink at the worst possible moment. Part 1 has Rebecca taking part in a team tradition, and Part 2 Ted experiences a dinner gone wrong...or right?

Ted Lasso x Reader Crushin' (on) You (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: Thinking about ted tying me up 😶 or ted laying on top of me. His slutty forearms and his strong thighs. Sigh. horny ted thoughts

Ted Lasso x Reader Touch Tank (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: would you consider writing a ted/reader fic where an extremely touch-starved reader is fascinated with ted's hands and playfully baits him into tickling them? those hands teasing and kneading in search of the best ticklish spots

Ted Lasso x Reader Crushin' (on) You (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: Thinking about ted tying me up 😶 or ted laying on top of me. His slutty forearms and his strong thighs. Sigh. horny ted thoughts

Ted Lasso x Reader Touch Tank (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: would you consider writing a ted/reader fic where an extremely touch-starved reader is fascinated with ted's hands and playfully baits him into tickling them? those hands teasing and kneading in search of the best ticklish spots

Ted Lasso x Reader Aftercare (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Referenced Smut Tumblr Request: sub Ted needs reader (any gender) to provide lots of fluffy aftercare

Ted Lasso x Reader Vacation Bae (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: obsessed with thinking about how ted would react to seeing y/n in more revealing clothes for the first time; short shorts, a crop top, a bikini, maybe some lingerie that y/n picked out just for him

E----------------------------------------------

Ted Lasso x Reader Getting Ready [4-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Smut Tumblr request: Imagine how sweet and spicy getting ready for an event with Ted could be! + sequel: Dom Jason × Sub reader smut would be so hot if you're comfortable with that and then Jason being so adorably cute and caring during the aftercare + triology: D/S dynamics outside of the bedroom + Bonus chapter 4 I forgot about lol

Ted Lasso x Reader Operation Seduce Ted (on ao3) - Smut You've been dating Ted for a while and things seem like they're going well...so why haven't you slept together? Enter Operation Seduce Ted.

Ted Lasso x Reader Healing Hands (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Smut Tumblr request: ted giving y/n a massage?

Ted Lasso x Reader Hot Chocolate (Tumblr Only) - Smut Tumblr request: Y/N and ted are having a nice cup of hot chocolate on his sofa when he spills his cup all over himself 🤭 not to worry though, because he takes his shirt off to deal with the stain… which heats things up,,, mmmh shirtless ted

Ted Lasso x Reader School Daze [5-part series] (consolidated on ao3) - Fluff/Smut/Angst Tumblr request: what if reader went to college w ted (before he met michelle) just someone he casually knew from class and had a crush but never did anything and they run into each other all those years later in richmond and they talk about how they both liked each other but never said anything

Ted Lasso x Reader A Little Tied Up (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Smut Tumblr request: Cannot I humbly ask for Ted being tied down on the bed for reader to use as she wishes for the night?

Ted Lasso x Reader Hit the Showers (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Smut Tumblr Request: i am DYING to read some facesitting with ted. i’m thinking the reader is super hesitant at first when ted suggests it, but he soon wins her around, especially with the feel of that amazing moustache

Ted Lasso x Reader Hush Your Butt [2-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Light Smut Tumblr Request: thinking about ted worshipping y/n’s body

Ted Lasso x Reader This Seat Taken? [2-part series] (Tumblr Drabbles Series on ao3) - Romance/Smut Tumblr Request: sitting on Ted’s lap in public (maybe at a party) and moving around to tease him 😈

Ted Lasso x Reader Full Stop (Tumblr Drabble Series on ao3) - Romance/Smut Tumblr Request: Do you think you would be up for writing some super soft period sex with Ted Lasso? 👉🏻👈🏻

All Multi-Chapter Fics ->

Back to the Masterlist ->

[jamiesfootball]

How about 74. “I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it.” ?

Oooh, I'm not sure if you remember sending me this prompt, but congratulations- it's the prompt that got away from me. It's also super long so I will be posting it to AO3 shortly.

A/N: contains horror elements

Part 1 of 3

“Well c’mon in and have a seat. Ooh—watch the microphone! There we go. And what did you say your name was again?” Ted asked as he led Trent into the booth. The friendly man moved a box of papers out of the way; he waved his hand at the newly opened seat.

Trent hesitantly sat down.

“Trent. Trent Crimm. I’m with The Independent.”

Ted's simple, brandless jumper paired well with his easy smile.

“I’m not sure we get that publication all the way out here, but hey! From one journalist to another, I’m always welcome to talk. You said you were interested in Richmond. What would you like to know about our little home sweet home?”

“Well—“

“Oh, actually hold on a sec—Beard!" Ted turned around, yelling in the direction of the opaque glass window embedded in the wall. "Could we get a beverage for our guest? Would you like a coffee, Mr. Crimm?”

“No, I'm fine. Thank you. And just Trent is fine.”

“You got it, Trent! Love the name. And the glasses. And the hair. What can I do for you?”

Trent took a trembling breath.

"Why am I here?"

Ted paused in sliding a headset over his hair. "I'm sorry?"

Trent swallowed past the rock in his throat.

"Why- how did I get here? I don't remember- anything, past going to sleep last night in my hotel. This morning I woke up on a bus outside your radio station. My phone won't work. Is this a prank? Is this a fucking joke? Because I do not--"

"Can't use that language."

Trent startled, an icy shiver running down his chest.

Ted grinned apologetically. "That'd be Beard in the control booth. Sorry to interrupt, but we're about to start broadcasting and he is correct--aside from a few special exceptions, that sort of language is prohibited on air. Against the code. Now, you're welcome to strap on your own headset or if you'd like you can sit there and watch. Whatever you decide, once that On-Air light flicks on, there's no leaving the room. Got it?"

Trent picked up the headset. It fit perfectly. For a moment the bulk of the earmuffs swamped all ambient noise under a high pitched ringing, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up, sure he’d find eyes if he just looked over his shoulder—

Then a click, and the world whirred back into focus.

The On-Air light illuminated in Mercury-blue.

"Hello, howdy, hi, and good morning, Richmond! It is shaping up to be a beautiful day outside, but let's not count our chickens before they hatch. We'll have a weather update coming up for you shortly, along with sports, a couple of civic updates, and the morning recap. But first!--" Ted's mustache quirked as he turned towards Trent, "A little personal news from yours truly. On my way in, I had the pleasure of running into a fellow fan of the written word. Now me and him are still just getting to know each other, but I've invited him to join me on the show today. If you wouldn't mind introducing yourself to the listeners at home...?"

Ted gestured towards a second microphone on the table that he hadn't noticed before. 

He could call for help, Trent thought frantically, but as he leaned forward the urgency bled from his chest, a preternatural calm suffusing his nerves and leaving his voice smooth and confident:

"Trent Crimm, The Independent."

The other half of Ted's moustache raised to join the rest. "And we are pleased for you to join us, Trent. Now! Let's start off with an easy one: where you from?"

His brain slipped. For a moment, the word escaped him, but he seized it before it could wriggle out of his grasp.

"London," he answered confidently. He shook his head. "I'm from London. West." 

"Any relation to Kanye West?"

The zag of the remark caught Trent off-guard. A joke, clearly, and if he had his faculties about him, he'd question the wisdom of the timing.

Trent studied Ted, who continued filling the airwaves, undeterred by Trent's lack of participation.

"You know, I've never been to London. I know I meant to visit at one time, but I suppose I never got around to it. If you wouldn't mind enlightening me, Trent; what makes the different sections of London so different, anyways? I know there's a West London and a South London, but there's also Chelseas and Surreys. Would you say it's more of a Hollywood or New York situation?"

“The different areas are divided into boroughs—,” I’m not telling you where I live, “—Wait. Are you saying I’m not in London anymore?”

“It sounds like you’re saying it, Trent,” Ted joked. “Though might I add, I’ve always felt like Richmond was a mighty fine alternative. The weather, the pubs, the accents; it all has a certain verisimilitude to the real thing, you know—oh would you look at that. Our first caller of the day."

Ted fiddled with the control panel. He flicked a switch, and a soft, pink light illuminated with a pleasant glow.

Trent's mind conjured the spectre of an iron gate wrought with blooming ivy. The scent of lilies filled the studio, rising like a fog to blend with the smells of old paper and coffee.

"What’s the word, early bird?”

A woman's voice clipped through the line, "Ted."

Ted beamed. "Rebecca! Did you get my biscuits?" He hit a button on the microphone and leaned towards Trent, whispering, "I may sound American, but when I say biscuits I do mean your folk's biscuits."

Rebecca huffed. "Good morning, Ted. Yes I did, they were delicious, now would you please stop screwing around and get to the civics update? I need my polling numbers."

"Ooh," Ted shuffled some papers around. "Sorry to say, boss, but it doesn't look like I have any news on that front."

"Yes, you do," the woman—Rebecca—argued. "You said it. You said, 'I have a few civics updates.'"

"Oh that," Ted's eyes focused into the middle distance. "The Higgenses are looking to adopt another son. Sorry, boss; that's all I got for you."

The woman let out a strangled noise, shouting, "Higgins!" before the line cut off.

"Let's cut to a quick commercial," said Ted. He flipped a switch and removed his headset. 

Trent followed suit. Once freed, his ears started ringing. Mentally, he replayed the short conversation, but his thoughts refused to be corralled into order.

When he didn't say anything, Ted filled the silence.

“She’s just got the jitters. See, we got an election coming up and this new guy in town, Zava, his platform is doing really well with the voters.”

“What’s his platform?”

“'Vote for me. I’m Zava.'”

“It’s a compelling platform.”

"She worries. Doesn’t matter how many times you assure her it's illegal for the other guy to win. Now Trent—where were we?"

Ted appeared calm and genial, leaning forward with his hands steepled under his chin and a non-expectant smile on his face. But his eyes, they were intent. He stared directly at Trent, as if beseeching him to—

—play along.

Ted drew upon all his experience as a reporter asking unpleasant questions, stuffed down his discomfort, and called upon his professionalism like a shield of armour.

"You were telling me how lovely Richmond is," Trent said. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs like he was settling in for an interview. "Tell me Ted, have you lived here long?"

Ted's unassuming demeanour briefly gave way to approval. "Oh, I've been around for a while. Long enough to know how things work around here."

"Such as local election law."

"Yes, sir."

"You seem very confident that your friend's opponent won't succeed. Against the law, even. Would care to expand upon that opinion?"

Ted told him. The answer was so absurd the world turned to white noise.

"I beg your pardon?" Trent blinked. He did not hear that right. "Metaphorically?"

"No, ma'am. I wouldn't joke about that." Ted scooted his chair closer. Whispered in sotto voce, "And don't tell her I said so, but honestly? I've considered voting for him too. Magnetic presence, like listening to Michael Keaton while looking at Prince while Tilda Swinton drinks cocktails in the corner. If you see it, you'll believe it."

"Fascinating," he said faintly. He looked around the darkened studio, looking for another topic that'd be safely within the bounds of discussion. When no photos or tchotchkes presented themselves, Trent settled for the natural follow up to 'have you been here long.'

"If you don't mind me asking—," If it's safe to ask, "—What, er, how did you come to be in Richmond in the first place?"

"Same way most of us do, I suppose. Like I said, I meant to visit London. Happened to end up here instead."

"Did you take the bus?" Like I did.

"Don't reckon a bus would've made it across the Atlantic. No, I flew over in a plane. Third class, little cups, snacks a little worse than your low expectations were expecting. Nothing special about it at all--your standard great big metal bird in the sky."

Despite his nerves, Trent's lip twitched into a teasing smile. "Metaphorically?"

Ted beamed. "Yes, sir; that one's a metaphor."

"Commercial break is ending."

Without the element of surprise, Trent could register that the voice in the recording booth also had an American accent, like Ted's. The voice scratched across the room like velcro, all abrasive friction; Trent got the feeling he was being judged.

Ted fiddled with his headset. "Oh shoot. Lost track of time."

"I spliced in one of the pre-recorded announcements," Beard said dryly. "You're welcome."

"Please and thank you," Ted returned. He nodded at Trent. "Headphones."

This time when he slid them on, he was prepared for the sharp ringing. The sharp sensation of eyes crawling along his skin was harder to endure.

"Welcome back, listeners. I apologize for the punctuated morning. Let's get on with some of our usually scheduled programming, shall we? In sports news--what a hell of a game our local football team played last night! I'm sure I don't need to tell you folks, it felt like the entire town was in attendance, but the script says I have to, so here we go."

He shuffled some papers until he found the one he was looking for, at which point he audibly sighed into the microphone. Mustering up what appeared to be a pained effort, he began, "The Greyhounds kicked off the night with a 5-4-1 formation--please, Trent, if you got something to add, you can just jump right in. We gave you that microphone for a reason."

"4-5-1. I presume we're discussing football?" Ted nodded. "Then it's '4-5-1.'" Ted looked confused. "Four defenders, five midfielders, and a striker. It's a great defensive formation, so long as the opposing team isn't playing a high line."

Ted turned into a human eye-gleam. "Well, take me to church, Hozier. You know your football."

"I'm a sports journalist."

A comical look of horror crossed Ted's face. Or a real one. His voice quavered as he asked, "You are?"

"Yes. For The Independent." He knew he'd said that more than once, but his mind insisted he mention it again. Perhaps it was a compulsion, a way humanising himself while dealing with the situation--

--which had already begun to slip Trent's mind. His heart jolted. How had that--he loved football, but surely not enough that he would forget that he was--what? Kidnapped? Some sort of hostage? He knew he was in danger; he was equally certain that no amount of true crime podcasts could advise him as to what kind of danger this was.

He was stuck.

Ted blanketed the airwaves with patter about what sounded like a competitive, if standard, match. Trent once again took in his surroundings. He'd...yes, he'd looked at them when he walked in, he must have. When he walked in the--

He could not remember entering the building. He remembered a bus, grey and blue--

It took all of his focus to command himself to study the room.

The blue on-air light was the main source of illumination, although Trent didn't remember the room being dark when he entered and he couldn't recall any lights being turned off when they started broadcasting. There was no light switch on the wall. There was a corkboard, which housed a flurry of flyers advertising local businesses as well as two campaign posters.

The 'Welton for Wellness' poster promised calm and cosy with just a hint of teeth. The combative 'Vote for Zava' poster was--alluring. Strange. Beckoning.

Trent had to force himself to drag his eyes away from it.

Along one wall--the entire length of one wall--was the opaque window that hid the control booth. The man, Beard, presuming he was a man, must be the producer or else some sort of switchboard operator. He'd not objected at all to Trent being given a headset or microphone, despite the fact that this couldn't possibly be what passed for normal programming.

Embedded in the wall with a full view of the studio, the mirror revealed nothing and reflected everything, and what it reflected was, was--

Trent thought he'd reached an inner calm, but his face reflected terror.

"...Now of course the most surprising figure of last night's match was the newest addition to the Greyhound team. Since he showed up during the last snow storm, he’s been giving the other players on both sides a run for their money. Our latest informants say they're pretty sure he's from Man City, but the tags on that collar he won't let anyone near are pretty sparse on information. They just say 'JT.'"

Like a switch being flipped, Trent's awareness pointed up at the new topic. "Man City--do you mean Manchester?"

Ted hopped over his interruption like a true professional. "No, ma'am. I don't know what that is."

"It's--it's Manchester." Trent could feel his heartbeat pulsing in his ears. "It's a city, it--they have two football teams. Famous teams. How can you be anywhere in Britain and not know what Manchester is? How can you provide football coverage and not know what Manchester is?!"

"Roy Kent's on the line," Beard interrupted, his voice joining theirs on air in the playback of the headphones. "Perhaps he can help clear this up."

"That's a great idea. Let's patch him through." Ted was back to watching Trent with that expression that was so guardlessly effacing. He explained, "Roy's in charge of the Greyhounds. If there's anyone here who can help answer your questions--"

"Would you get on with the fucking weather report!"

Trent jumped out of his chair, throwing his headset across the room. Every instinct he had told him to run. This wasn't the velcro-man or the iron-lady; this voice boomed. It reverberated through the cells of his skin. It filled the room with an anger like a stoked charcoal pit, and it encompassed everything in a smoke as thick as a London fog.

Ted's eyes crinkled in true delight. "Hey, Roy. How are things down at the Dog Track?"

Despite not wearing headphones, Trent could hear every syllable of the booming man's voice as if he were shouting in the room.

"How do you think it's going," the man did not ask. Behind his ferocity, he was--exasperated. "I've got everyone yipping at my heels wanting to know if they can go outside, and you're having a chat about geography with some journo you found wandering the streets."

Ted was full of reproach as he said, "You know it's not that simple--"

"It was raining," Trent heard himself offer. The room around him seemed to shrink as Ted and the voice turned to look at him. "When I got off the bus, it was raining."

The room went silent. Trent realised too late that without the microphone, whoever this Roy was couldn't hear him--

"Ta' for that," Roy said. "You heard him, lads. Go! Now! Sprints from box to box. Oi, you, I don't want to hear any excuses about the mud. Hustle."

"I'm hustling, I'm hustling. Keep your sweater on, old man," said another voice, barely audible above the background susurrous. A familiar voice, with a familiar Mancunian accent. Played football for Man City, with the initials 'JT'--

His mind put it together quicker than his growing horror could keep up with.

Ted watched him; his openly growing concern spoke volumes in regards to whatever was happening on Trent's face.

Hoarsely, needing to know despite the way it made his stomach swoop, he asked into the crackling air of the room, "Is that Jamie Tartt?"

A plastic clatter.

Before him stood a man where a man had not stood before.

He wore a scowl and a leather jacket. If there was anything else to know from his appearance, it slipped through Trent's grasp like sand from a broken hourglass under the weight of the sheer presence of the man.

The voice was every bit as imposing and deep when it was in the room. "Explain."

"It is, isn't it?" He felt compelled to stick his foot in deeper. If he was right, he couldn't- he couldn't not say it. "That's Jamie Tartt. The player that went missing from Manchester."

The studio fell quiet. The man in the leather jacket--Roy, was it?--Trent couldn't make out his expression. No matter how hard he tried, all he got was the impression of a scowl, depthless eyes and an unhappy brow, but the second he looked away the image faded from his memory.

In contrast, Ted's face was an open book, but that book was a horror story.

From Trent's fallen headset, a small noise fizzled.

Ted visibly pulled himself together. "Hold on a second there."

He nodded at Roy. The man in the leather jacket knelt down to pick up the headset. His knee cracked unpleasantly as he stood up. With an unexpected level of gentleness, he held the headset out to Trent.

The air popped as Trent slid them on.

"Go ahead, J--Jamie," Ted said, stumbling over the name.

"Uhm. Hello." A harsh Mancunian voice brushed against his ears like barbed wire through a pillow. Behind it fell the patter of cold rain. "Who is this again?"

Oh. The phone hadn't disconnected when Roy appeared; he'd just dropped it.

A feeling like hysteria bubbled up inside him.

"This is Trent Crimm, The Independent."

"And you said I'm Jamie Tartt?"

The man in the leather jacket glared daggers into Trent's back, a silent warning to tread lightly. Not even a warning--a threat.

"I believe so, yes," said Trent. "It's been a while. We've spoken a handful of times. Nothing as formal as a full interview, but you've always been more than generous when it comes to sharing your post-match opinions with others."

Roy barked out a laugh; the mirror on the wall rattled.

"Oh. That's...," the Mancunian sounded small. Upset. Something metal rattled. "That's okay, I guess. Don't know that I like that name, though."

Under the gentle tapping of rain, a women's voice--gentle and pink--cooed through the chainlink fence.

Most of Trent's coverage with the Premier League stuck to the greater London area. He'd interview members of a visiting team, sure, but he wasn't exactly a familiar entity in their lives, and nor was he to theirs. But he was sure in all the times he'd spoken to Jamie Tartt in the past, he hadn't sounded so lost. The small admission cut through the terror as something like heartbreak bloomed in Trent's chest, and, unbidden, he thought of his own daughter at home.

His faculties felt clearer now, thoughts attaching from one to the other like roads free of traffic.

"Have you been safe here?" he asked. The answer felt important. "Are you treated well? Are you being taken care of?" Are you in any danger, sat on his tongue. A needless question. Weren't they all?

"What's that got to do with anything?" he sniffed. "Who cares if I'm safe? I'm still [beep]-ing stuck here, aren't I?"

"Language." Ted.

"Language." Beard.

"Language." Roy.

"For [beep] sake," Tartt complained. "The [beep] can't I say [beep]. Roy gets to swear."

'Special exceptions?' Trent mouthed at Ted.

Ted gave him a stifled smile and a thumbs up.

"You can swear when you fucking earn it," the man in the leather jacket answered. For the first time since appearing, his burning gaze left Trent. He asked Ted, "You got this here then?"

"Wait, hold on a second!" the gentle, pink voice jumped in, sounding decidedly less gentle and decidedly more pink--his daughter had a small stuffed lion in the same shade. "Did you say he was missing?"

This damnable place, it made it so difficult to hold a thought.

"That's right," Trent affirmed. "For nearly a year. Disappeared after the Manchester derby. It's been in all the papers."

"A year?" Tartt asked in disbelief.

"But who's missing him?" the pink cloud wanted to know.

For the first time since arriving, the answer came to Trent quick and sharp. It tasted wrong, like blood on his tongue.

He didn't answer.

The man in the leather jacket took a step towards Trent. "I don't know what you're here for, but if it's to pull his fucking chain--"

Ted interrupted, "Now wait a minute. Maybe Trent's here to help."

Roy hesitated. He looked from Trent, who stood frozen to the ground, to Ted, who lifted his eyebrows pointedly. Some silent communication passed between the two.

Roy stood down. He sighed, "Maybe he's here to save us from your sports coverage."

He disappeared.

"Well, that was exciting," Ted said, radio professionalism flooding back into the studio. Distantly, Trent noted that they'd been on-air this whole time. "Call me Miss Gale, because I've just been taken for a whirlwind. Keeley, you got eyes on our grumpy stormcloud?"

"Yep! I'm waving to him now. If he doesn't hurry up, I'm going to start chucking food over the fence. That'll light a fire under him."

Ted chuckled. "Well I'll leave him to your capable hands." He paused for a moment. In a tone as kind as a steadying hand on a shoulder, he said, "Jamie?"

The fence rattled. There was an electronic clicking, then, "Yeah?"

Ted hesitated. "We can talk about it later."

A derisive snort that screeched like barbed wire. "Whatever."

The line clicked off.

Trent let out a breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. He buried his face in his hands, pushing his glasses onto his head as he did.

He had to get out of here.

"Folks, I'm sure you can all appreciate what a tense situation this morning has been. That's just what it's like around the Dog Track--high emotions all around. But you know what they say about footballers—no footballer is perfect. They become perfect when you learn to love them for who they are. Trent?”

They said danger sharpened the senses, but somehow Trent had failed to notice it before.

There was no door.

No door to the room. No door to the soundbooth behind the mirrored window.

No windows at all.

Ted sighed. "Boy, I wish it didn't always come to this. Beard, cut to traffic. Trent, have a seat."

Again, Ted moved a box to let Trent have a seat. It was the same box as before; no one had put it back.

This time when Trent sat down, Ted pulled up his own chair and sat down next to him.

"I just want to know what's going on," Trent said in a defeated voice that couldn't possibly be his own. "I understand if you can't tell me everything, but if you could tell me something, anything. What happened to me? Why am I here?"

Ted averted his gaze. Down to his mug, to the blank mirrored window, to the box on the ground. He said, “I have an idea, but you’re not going to like it.”

"'Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.'"

"Socrates?"

"Plato."

Ted snapped. "Darn, I always get the two confused."

Trent didn't respond. He waited, until sure enough after a long stretch of silence, Ted cracked.

"How's your life been lately, Trent?" he asked. He sounded gentle, nearly as soft as the tone he'd used with Jamie.

Something about having that same care turned towards him made Trent's eyes burn. He swallowed around the shame of self-pity in his throat. "Poorly."

Ted nodded like he understood. "Anything big happen lately?"

He shook his head; this couldn't possibly be to do with--, "I got divorced."

Ted's face fluttered in sympathy. He sighed. "Me too. Right before I ended up here."

"Are we dead?" he had to ask. "Are we both dead? Am I in purgatory? Did I drink too much and do something stupid--"

"No," Ted cut him off. He braced his hand on Trent's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. "No. That's not likely, no. Things around here are just a little-," he waved his other hand in the air. "Strange."

"Like Zava?" Trent asked, trying to give the man an easier line of questioning. The hand upon his shoulder trembled noticeably.

"Yes," Ted answered. He pulled away, wiping his hands on his trousers. "Like Zava."

"And is everyone else...?"

"It varies," explained Ted. He leaned back in his seat. "Everyone comes in a little different. Take me for instance. When you first got here, you may have noticed how holding onto a train of thought was a bit like dancing a waltz in the dark? Maybe you could fumble your way through it for a while, but sooner or later you'd miss a step, and then it's almost impossible to get back into rhythm. Me on the other hand, you may as well call me Fred Astaire. It may not be useful, the stuff I've held onto, but it's a fair bit more than anyone else around here gets. The next closest is Beard, and thank the deity of your choosing for that, because I definitely would've lost it by now if all my jokes went over everybody's heads."

"The jokes I found rather grounding," Trent confessed. "I did feel myself slipping quite a number of times, but having those small reminders braced me. They allowed me to focus."

"Huh." Ted appeared to be taken aback by the notion. "Good to know."

"What about Roy?" Trent asked. The man in the leather jacket was by far the most...off-putting, of the individuals he'd met. "What's his deal?"

"Ooh, now that's a tricky one," Ted grinned, "Our Roy is...well, the only word that comes to mind is 'omnipresent.' There's a lot of places in this town that are off-limits to folks, but it doesn't slow him down. He's here, he's there, he's everywhere. Anywhere he wants to be. Hell, he lives at the Dog Track. People aren't even allowed in the Dog Track--that's why Keeley's got to throw all the food over the fence to feed the footballers."

Something about his phrasing rang a bell in Trent's head.

"What did Beard say his name was?"

"Oh, I'm going to have to stop you, Trent. Beard doesn't share his name with just anybody."

"No, not- what did he say Roy's name was."

"Kent," Beard answered from the booth. "Roy Kent."

"I know that name." His mind whirred. "I don't know from where or how, but I know that name."

Ted watched him in guarded interest.

"How about we make a deal? I'll do my best to ply you with all the best trivia a guy from Kansas has to offer. In return, you report back on anything that shakes out. Whatever you remember. No kernel too small, no detail left unturned. If you've got a book in you, I want to read it."

"Heh!" Trent laughed, the sound startling to his own ears. At Ted's visible confusion, he explained, "Last night. I remember thinking to myself--'now that I'm divorced, maybe I'll finally get a chance to write that book.'"

The smile Ted had to offer may have been dimmer, but it was more sincere. Something like wonder filled in the gaps.

"Well that's a start," Ted concluded. "In the meantime, you know, maybe Roy's got a point. Because I've got this entire--," he lifted a stack of papers on his desk, "--sport's update, and I am still a novice when it comes to your people's football."

Trent hummed consideringly. "Maybe you made it to London, after all."

"Maybe I did." The smile got a little broader. "Beard, how we looking for time?"

"Forecast is next and queued."

"After you, Mr. The Independent."

They sat at the desk, headsets in place, and Ted flicked the switch on the control panel. 

"Welcome back everyone. There's been a change in plans with regards to our visiting journalist. Big news, Richmond! Big news.

“But for now--let’s go to the weather!”

A loud electronic noise filled the air, followed by the smash of a keyboard and a high pierced wail.

The weather sounded like Janis Joplin.

[tenderhooked]

🌻 🍎 and then perhaps 🌈 a trent crimm quote for the lad??? :D

🌻 favorite funny quote from a published work

"You don't put the baby in a village, you twat," says Colin. "You put a village around the baby." "We are not a village," Jan Maas says. "At best we are a hostel on the side of the road that is barely being held together and is days away from falling into economic crisis. None of us should be around a baby." "Shut the fuck up, Jan Maas." Dani's almost got tears in his eyes. "I am sure a baby could thrive in our economically unstable hostel."

from It's the Great Father's Day, Ted Lasso! these silly silly boys.

🍎 favorite angst quote from a wip

i got. quite a few apples so this isn't my most favorite but it is one of them!

“Where the fuck did you come from,” Roy says, willing his heart to leave his throat. He hadn’t been expecting her to appear, and for an instant his brain had been convinced it was someone else, someone who he’d watched disappear in the car’s rearview mirror days ago.

from the upcoming chapter 3 of hey, I'll be goin' today (but I'll be back home around the way), aka the football kiddos au!

🌈 asker’s choice of wip: request a quote from a wip (a certain wip? a certain character? a certain emotion or trope if it’s there? up to you!)

trent!!! TRENT!!!! my most beloved. here you are!

“Ah,” says Trent. “I take it you’d be rooting for me, then.” Ted tugs an imaginary zipper across his lips and pretends to toss the key, shoulders raising with the motion to indicate he will say no more. Trent observes this silently for a moment, a quiet expression on his face that Ted’s not entirely certain what to make of. It’s almost open, except for that when Ted gives it a closer examination, it’s entirely closed. Like Trent’s only allowing Ted to be privy to the surface, and not whatever’s lurking below. “I’d be careful,” Trent says, at length. “It’s not recommended to bet on losing horses.”

from the upcoming chapter 3 of hey, I'll be goin' today (but I'll be back home around the way), aka the football kiddos au!

thank youuuu for the asks!! <3 <3

[time-is-restored]

WIP GAME

(aka my wips are eating me out of house and home for the love of god someone Help Me-)

tagged by @/trentcrimminallybeautiful! if ur seeing this and you'd like to join in, then consider this me tagging you, too!

Rules: in a new post w/ rules attached, post up to five (5) filenames of your WIP’s; not titles, file names.

Post a snippet from one of them. Snippet must be words you wrote in the last 7 days. We’re posting progress here. If you haven’t made any, go make some and come back to post!

After you’ve posted, people can send you an ask with one of your file names. You must then write three sentences in that file. If the file name is one you can’t share (for example, an event fic), write three sentences on it anyway, and then write three more on another to share.

That’s it! You can invite others to join, or just post.

so, five most recent file names:

TRENT: KILL (Ted Lasso)

BEARD AND [redacted] GET RUSSIAN DOLL-ED (Ted Lasso)

Trent Crimm Analysis Shit (Ted Lasso)

Stage play Dream Sacrifice (Ted Lasso)

fucked up and evil persona bad end (Persona 5 Royal)

would love to say this is the totality of my TL wips but actually the fourth file has like. a good ten or so snippets from other concepts + scenes also floating around in there so unfortunately i just Live Like This. trent crimm becoming a regular did something irreversible to my brain </3

and here's the snippet, from the second WIP!

Ted gasps again. Beard ignores him. So, apparently, does Roy. “Alright. What the fuck’s code blue, then? ‘S’at for Man City or something?”

Several undignified seconds pass where Beard cannot fathom why Roy would possibly think he was talking to him about football. 

“...What? No. Code Blue- Coach,” he looks behind him, throws some appropriately befuddled eyebrow movements in his direction, “how does he not know about Code Blue?” 

Ted tilts his head to the side. He’s smiling, and doesn’t look the least bit thrown. Fucking improv practice. “Probably because it’s a code you and I came up with on our lonesomes, and we’ve yet to pen any manifestos espousing its utility to the masses?” 

Beard takes a moment to process that. “Yeah, okay.” Swings back round to Roy. Lowers his hand, which is still tired from the rowing, and folds his arms across his chest. “Code Blue’s our ‘no questions asked’ code.” 

“For when you’ve just witnessed the start of a zombie apocalypse, or an alien invasion- anything that’d have your buddy looking for hidden cameras, otherwise.” Ted chimes in, diligently steering Roy’s attention back to him. Beard passingly wonders what his plans are for unscrewing Beard’s professional reputation. Knowing him, it almost certainly involves too much whisking. Fucking Lasso. “Cuts out any time wasted with the whole ‘aw, honey, I’m sure it was just a trick of the light’ routine - which is patronising as all get out as far as counter-arguments go, so I’d like to think our attempts at debunks would be little more nuanced either way- but that’s besides the point.”

“There’s a point?” Roy says, eyebrows creeping even higher. 

“Sure!” Ted says, cheerily. “The point in question: if someone calls Code Blue, you don’t argue. It’s sacred.” There’s a pause. “Hey, wait a minute, that first bit rhymed!” 

“No questions asked,” Beard cuts in before Ted can start work-shopping a couplet, nodding once, firmly.

“No! Questions! Asked!” Ted echoes, punctuating each word with an enthusiastic rap on his desk. 

[ao3feed-tedlasso]

Are the Skies Clear in Kansas?

https://ift.tt/urPtLRi by PolysDoItForSCIENCE Rebecca knows something is wrong with Ted, she’s just not sure what. When Roy drags Jamie is to tell her Ted has stopped using his nickname for Jamie, they realize that he’s worse off then they thought and that he needs to come back to Richmond. Rebecca flies to Kansas to talk to Michelle and then convince Ted to come home. My version of how to get Ted back to Richmond where he belongs. Prequel to Richmond Till We Die. Words: 3724, Chapters: 1/3, Language: English Series: Part 2 of Richmond Till We Die Fandoms: Ted Lasso (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi Characters: Rebecca Welton, Roy Kent, Keeley Jones, Jamie Tartt, Leslie Higgins, Trent Crimm, Michelle Lasso, Ted Lasso Relationships: Matthijs | Dutch Boat Man/Rebecca Welton, Keeley Jones/Roy Kent/Jamie Tartt, Trent Crimm/Ted Lasso, Ted Lasso & Jamie Tartt Additional Tags: Ted Lasso Needs a Hug, Canon Compliant, Soulmates Ted Lasso and Rebecca Welton, Platonic Soulmates, Pre-Relationship Keeley Jones/Roy Kent/Jamie Tartt, POV Rebecca Welton, Ted Lasso Comes Back to London source https://archiveofourown.org/works/61449322 December 19, 2024 at 08:58AM

[roykent6]

the Trent/Ted hive really stays winning huh!!!!

[momentinparadise]

Ted Lasso / Julie Andrews

I have so much to say about the episode #3 of Ted Lasso, but I really want to focus on the scene where they discuss their favorite Julie Andrews characters because Julie Andrews is my FIRST LOVE and it all seemed so significant.

So please, come along on this crazy ride with me:

Roy / Maria (Sound of Music): Something that is very symbolic to me is that both Roy and Maria had to take on responsibility and independence at a very young age. Roy playing football away from home and Maria at the convent - both had to grow up quickly, which gave them a strong sense of duty and responsibility. Additionally, both characters have a strong desire for family and connection.

Despite Roy's attempts to appear stoic, he has an extremely loving side to him, and I think he identifies a lot with Captain von Trapp too. Like Roy, Captain von Trapp is also initially depicted as a stern and unyielding character. However, as the story unfolds, we see his softer side emerge as he connects with Maria and his children in new and meaningful ways. This mirrors Roy's journey throughout the show, where we see him gradually open up and become more vulnerable with those around him.

Coach Beard / Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady): A character that is clearly rooted in the lower-class, marginalised portion of British society speaks volumes about Coach Beard's own underground personality. Eliza is a character who defies the expectations placed upon her by society, using her wit and resourcefulness to transcend her lower-class origins and gain acceptance in high society. This resilience and determination are qualities that Coach Beard likely admires, as he himself is known for his unconventional and creative approach to coaching. Additionally, Eliza's story highlights the importance of education and personal growth, as she transforms from a rough and unpolished street vendor to a refined and sophisticated lady. This is something we see every episode with Beard: he is always engrossed in a book, always improving his knowledge.

Trent Crimm / Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Princess Diaries): Fits him so well! The character's level of sophistication and elegance aligns well with Trent's own refined ways. And both Queen Clarisse and Trent show a willingness to make sacrifices for their beliefs: Queen Clarisse is willing to renounce her position as queen if it means allowing her granddaughter to marry for love, while Trent is willing to sacrifice his job and reputation to stand up for what he believes in. When he is fired from The Independent for revealing his source (Trent admits that he was the one who ratted himself out) it reflects the same values of breaking with tradition and challenging the status quo that are embodied by the Queen.

Ted / Higgins / Mary Poppins: For Higgins the character of Mary Poppins may represent a loving, nurturing figure who helps guide and care for the children in her charge. This may reflect Higgins' own values as a family man, and the ability to provide a sense of warmth and security to those around him.

But for Ted, the choice of Mary Poppins may have a more personal and emotional significance.

As a coach, Ted is often in a position of leadership and guidance, and he may see himself as a paternal figure to his team. The character of Mary Poppins may represent a sort of idealized father figure to Ted, one who is wise, compassionate, and always there to provide guidance and support.

BUT

I tell you, my friends, there is not the case.

Because Mary Poppins is not about the nanny.

IS ABOUT THE FATHER.

When Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks family's home, she finds a gap between the children and their father. He is always at work and worries too much, while the children crave attention, love, and a sense of family. Although the mother is present and is loving towards the children, she is often silenced by the father, despite being a suffragist 😂 .

So, the real transformation really occurs with George Banks. His character serves as a commentary on the pressures of societal expectations. However, through the magical intervention of Mary Poppins, he is able to find a new balance between his work and his family, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

I wonder if this is not something Ted wishes had happened with him, in some level.

And let's not forget that P. L. Travers wrote Mary Poppins based on her own father. In the 2013 biographical film "Saving Mr. Banks", several scenes depict Travers' difficult childhood. Travers idolized her loving and imaginative father, Travers Robert Goff, but his chronic alcoholism resulted in his repeated dismissals, strained her parents' marriage, and caused her distressed mother to attempt suicide. Travers' father died of tuberculosis when she was seven years old.

I mean.

[ghostvibesonly]

So Ted Lasso is my current hyperfixation and I need to talk about this or I will explode (sorry it’s the tism/Trent Crimm kinnie in me).

This entire final season we’re being led to believe Ted will be returning back to America at the end of the series.

But why would he do that? Ted has found a family in Richmond. He’s found a place where he finally belongs and where he can make a difference. Going back to Kansas would only be worse for his mental health.

This entire season he’s mentioned multiple times how he feels like he doesn’t belong. That he doesn’t know why he’s still in England. But I believe with Total Football will come a realization as to why he’s there. And I think Trent’s ramblings at the end of the most recent episode (and possibly Trent himself) will help Ted greatly.

This show is all about subverting expectations. Why do we think Ted will go back home? Because that’s the expected ending. What else is there in Kansas waiting for him besides loneliness and isolation?

Henry, his son.

Ted loves his son with all his being. He also misses him incredibly. We expect that he’ll return to America to be with Henry.

However, the first shot of every season is a direct parallel to its final shot. For example, season 2 starts with a closeup shot of Nate that pans back to show him with the rest of the coaches happily cheering for Richmond. The end of season closes with Nate now manager at WestHam, walking towards the camera with a smug look.

The creators of the show know what they’re doing. Everything placed, every choice made, every character behavior or interaction is purposeful. There is intent behind everything.

At the beginning of season 3, Henry left Ted and England behind to go back to America. Who’s to say the show doesn’t end with him coming back to live with Ted? (Especially with the hints that he isn’t doing too well in America either, what with the bullying incident)

Maybe I’m putting my tinfoil hat on and hoping Ted doesn’t leave Richmond (god knows I already have my clown makeup on for Tedependent). Maybe it’s the hope that ends up killing me. But Ted Lasso is a show that will do things no one expects. The hope might kill me, but god it’s fun to clown until the end

[itsclydebitches]

Okay, I’ve been trying to pinpoint why Trent comes across as so damn soft in the S2E12 parking lost scene, beyond the obvious acting choices (heart eyes) and dialogue (“I love our chats”).

What I’ve realized is that - for me anyway - Trent is a character who initially comes across as so put together, so self-assured, that any change to how he presents himself feels like a pretty significant departure from where we started. More-so than, say, the already emotionally approachable Ted dressing down in sweats at home. Take a look at Trent Crimm, The Independent when he’s on the job:

Despite the cool “vibe” he’s got going on, he’s clearly leaning towards presenting as a professional. There’s almost always something paired with his blazer to up its formality just a bit: a collared shirt (image 2), a collared shirt alongside the less formal t-shirt (image 1), or a tie (image 3). Even when he’s not wearing a tie (image 1) the lanyards the press have provide the same basic shape and, of course, they are a mark of his function in this space: he’s a journalist. He’s a professional.

Alongside his clothes, in most of the press scenes Trent’s hair looks deliberately styled. He’s gotten rid of his natural part down the middle, his hair overall has a lot more volume, said volume has helped to spread the white out, and there are sections (particularly in image 3) that look like they’ve been dried and then had the wave put back into them. It’s a look that, as someone with curly hair that has never once listened to reason, makes me seethe. (Insert obvious reminder that actors have a whole team of stylists and we can’t compare ourselves to them here.)

Finally, Trent is a character who is constantly moving. If he’s not writing something down in his little notebook, he’s removing, fiddling with, or pointing with his glasses. This is a guy who just naturally uses whatever is in his hands to help make his point, while also being a man who ensures he always does have something in his hands, which makes any moment of stillness really stand out.

So now compare all that to this:

First, he’s only got a novelty t-shirt under the blazer, rather than the collar and/or tie/lanyard combo. It’s not the first time we’ve seen one of his tees, but notably the scenes before this also carry with them an air of informality: his potential date at the pub and his awkward little gesture/smile in the press room when Ted tells him to, “bring it on, baby!”

The blazer he’s in isn’t the mustard one we saw three-ish times at the beginning of season one (and it’s interesting how overall Trent’s style loosens up after he’s converted - for lack of a better word - by Ted in S1E3). His hair looks a lot flatter here. Which isn’t to say it looks bad (is that even possible?), just that it doesn’t appear to be styled in the same way as when he’s on the job. Less volume, less curl, a visible part, streak all in one section, hair tucked behind his ears... it feels like a low-maintenance weekend look, which is arguably more intimate. “This is what I look like after just a quick brush” vs. “This is what I look like after taking time to look my best.” Though it’s not visible for most of the scene, those cheetah print shoes are absolutely a choice - far more daring and individualized than the white sneakers he’s worn before. And, most interestingly, Trent does away with all of his usual tools. He doesn’t have his notebook out for obvious reasons. He starts out with his phone in hand, but chooses to put that away once Ted comes out. He also puts his glasses away, despite them being his go-to prop for most conversations. Here, Trent is completely relaxed and completely focused on Ted.

A lot of these subtle changes can obviously be chalked up to the fact that he isn’t a journalist anymore. There’s no need to do your hair and put on tie when you’re not going into work. But the fact that this conversation takes place while Trent is comparatively relaxed helps sell the feeling of them not just having any old chat, but one that’s a lot more personal and, perhaps, is the start of a closer relationship moving forward. As said at the start, the “Oh damn, this guy is besotted” feeling stems primarily from the really big stuff: flirty dialogue about his “vibe,” changing what he loves from “writing” to “our chats,” the fond smile, just straight up admitting that he blew up his career for Ted. But alongside that, I think Trent’s comparatively dressed-down getup and his unnaturally still (for him) approach to the conversation reinforces the idea that this is a man who is both comfortable in front of Ted and utterly enthralled with him. I think the depth of “I love our chats” isn’t just Trent enjoying the literal dialogue, but also the ease with which he can be himself in front of Ted. Trent doesn’t need the barrier of clothes and glasses fiddling to wheedle out a story because he’s not a journalist anymore, but he’s not a journalist in large part because Ted taught him to cherish something “deeper.” We saw this work all the way back in S1E3 when, in the face of Ted’s good nature, Trent found himself ditching his jacket, loosening his tie, and - with the help of some spice - giving in to a less than perfect presentation of himself.

That was a Trent who stumbled over his words, got caught with his mouth full, came to realize how badly he’d misjudged Ted... but Ted still loved spending time with him (“You really mean that, don’t you?”). Now, this is likewise a Trent who is kinda awkward in his speech, admits to stuff he can’t do, blows his own offer by locking his keys in his car. Trent Crimm: Independent is a far more humanized character than Trent Crimm, The Independent was, and that change is explicitly tied to his relationship with Ted. Embracing that part of himself speaks as much to Trent’s love for Ted (in whatever form that might look like) as straight up saying, “I love our chats” does. To me, those subtle changes basically say, “You helped make this version of me, Ted. Here he is! Hope you like what you’ve made.”

(and then Trent continues listening to Ted by taking the “follow your bliss” advice and literally following him out of the parking lot, thanks for coming to my TED talk.)

[triflesandparsnips]

So I'm too tired at the moment to storm the Bastille and write a proper full-on fic, but--

New episode of Ted Lasso season 3 is gonna drop in a few hours and I'd like to take a moment to just manifest myself a little Concept, if you will--

Because considering where we left off in the previous episode, I do wonder if, say, certain coaches who shall remain Ted are feeling a tad betrayed about some stuff, relationship-wise, and maybe feel a little salty about some things-- that is to say, he hadn't been holding out hope for some kinda reunion or anything, he knew that ship had sailed and he'd been a big part of its going-away party, but to not even be given a, a heads up about it, a friendly warning, maybe some white smoke from the Sistine Chapel to say "guess what, Ted, the home you thought you'd live the rest of your life in has some other fella's boots by the front door--"

Which may all account for why he's in a bar that is most definitely not the Crown & Anchor, nursing a beer and waiting to see where the evening takes him.

What becomes apparent over the course of the next hour is that the short answer to 'where will the evening take him' is 'not very far, Ringo Starr' -- he's not at his local but he sure as hell is getting recognized, and it's putting a whole damper on his plan to pick someone up -- or get picked up, either'd be fine by him -- and sort of, well, defiantly prove to the invisible Michelle in his head that she ain't the only one who can move on and not say jack about it--

Another fan comes up and hovers at his elbow, slurring something about offside rule and asking for a selfie with the wanker. The seconds it takes to paste on a smile, put a big thumbs up in the shared selfie, and send them tottering off again with half a joke about nonsense rules is, Ted realizes, enough time to get his ducks back in a row whether he wanted them in marching order or not.

Because he's not being fair, and he knows it-- it's not like he'd told Michelle about Sassy. The first or second time. And it woulda been wrong if he had -- it wasn't any of their business what the other got up to anymore, which meant she was free to do what she wanted and he was free to do what he wanted and that was--

That was fine.

What wasn't fine, he supposed, was that all this moody introspection wasn't particularly attractive on him, since he was pretty sure it made him look like a mustachioed Droopy Dog, so best thing for it was to hang up his hat-- or drink up his beer, anyway-- and mosey on home so he could have a sad little date by himself and his hand before conking out and starting over again tomorrow with a better mindset.

So Ted takes a deep breath, lets it out, downs the last sip of his now very warm beer, and slides off his stool--

And promptly runs into Trent Crimm's face.

.......something something and then they end up getting a booth together and talking about how it's actually Ted being upset about Michelle introducing the new guy to Henry, and they think they're both trauma-bonding over being single parents and the dating scene but ACTUALLY they are both unaware that they are totally picking each other up. (Until at least one of them-- probably Trent, to be honest-- finally gets a fucking clue.)

[laiqualaurelote]

Tagged by @leupagus, @auntieclimactic and @kiraziwrites to post the last lines of my current WIPs (thank you all three of you, I’m very excited about YOUR WIPs). I decided to take “last line” to mean “last line written” rather than “last line in the fic”, for the pure and simple reason that the last line of all the men and women merely players is the epilogue, which I wrote even before I was sure how the fic would end, and I do not wish to give up spoilers for that.

1.  In the house in Richmond, the staff had gone home for the night. Rupert wouldn’t be back for hours, and when he did, it’d probably be with that cow Bex. Rebecca went through the unlit corridors, unclipping her earrings, unzipping the top of her dress so she could breathe. In stockinged feet, she padded to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of Malbec, savouring it in the silence. Tomorrow she would do it, she told herself. She’d call the lawyers, call Sassy, call her mother. She was going to begin the long journey back to being Rebecca Welton once more. Starting tomorrow, everything would be different. Satisfied, she left the glass in the sink to soak and went upstairs to bed, where she slept soundly through the end of the world.

2. “Please don’t ask me,” says Trent. “I’m trying to run a business here, not play a supporting character in a romcom.”

3. Dear Henry,

Ted got me a cat for my birthday! He is a tortoiseshell. Daddy is mad about it because he specifically said I could not have a cat, and has been saying so since I was four, and Ted did not consult him first. We have named the cat Fred, and even though we are Crimms he is a Lasso, because Fred Lasso is a great name for a cat. When we told Daddy so he shouted: “Oh for the love of God” and stormed upstairs. Ted went after him. Now they’ve been up there for ages. You know how they are. It’s okay, I don’t care. I have Fred now. I enclose a blurry photo of Fred as it is very hard to keep him still. Please say you’ll come over for Christmas and then you can pet him in person. He is so very dear. 

Love, Cressida

4. The assassin hoisted the window sash and slipped onto the sill. The desert wind ruffled the tips of his hair under the hat, which in the moonlight I saw was cut like a bob, with the fringe worn long. “Call me Ping,” he said. “And I’m no gentleman. I’ll be seeing you, sister.” Then he was gone.

5. “Fear your editor more than you fear your newsmaker,” says Sasha. “That’s what Gertrude used to say. And I’ve had some bloody terrifying newsmakers, let me tell you, but I never had any problems with that rule when she was in charge.”

6. “Oh, she’ll take him back sooner or later,” says Ariadne. “In the meantime, he has us. We’re his sassy gay friend. Well, you’re gay, and I’m sassy.”

7. Arthur puts down his teacup. “It’s okay. I’m going to level this fucking teahouse first.”

8. “A bold ask,” said the old woman. She looked down; the light fell upon her face, and the years from it. Now she was a young woman, young as Rey. Her robes were palest cream and the braided crown of her dark hair glittered with gems. “But I give it to you freely, who have walked my son’s halls and lived. I am Leia of the evening star. These are my hours. I am the daughter of the shining day and the gathering dark, sister of the dawn. I loved a mortal man and bore him a terrible son.”

I tag @justplainsalty, @nandalorian, @glamorouspixels, @swallowtailed and @aberfaeth, and anyone else who would like to reveal the last lines of their WIPs!

[kalinara]

So I’ve been thinking of the character I most want to see next season, and I’m still going with Ted’s mother.

She intrigues me because for all that Ted basically clams up when it comes to his father (dart game and breakdowns aside), he says even less about his mother.  I can count on one hand the amount of times that he mentions her.

1.  There’s the time he was left at the Allen-Bradley clocktower in Milwaukee (on purpose or by accident?  How old?  Like all of Ted’s anecdotes, this one feels like it’s worth a second examination.)  - (Trent Crimm: the Independent)

2.  He makes a joke about wanting the team to be like his mother’s bathing suit - one piece.  (For the Children).

3.  When talking with Roy about benching him, he mentions that when his mom wants to talk to him about something tough, she’ll say something “weird, and overly nice”. (All Apologies)

4.  He mentions his mother in the context of his father’s suicide.  Twice.  Both times when discussing his own pain, he always adds “and my mom.”  He called her from work, saying she had to come home.  (Man City, No Weddings and a Funeral).

Honorable Mention: His line about mothers being an instruction manual about why they’re nuts.

-

The mention in “All Apologies” is actually the most interesting to me, because I think it probably gives us the most real information out of any of these references.

The obvious bit of information is that she appears to be still alive.  That’s always good to know.  Though it raises the interesting question of where she is?  Why have we never seen Ted talk to her?  We haven’t seen him or Michelle talk about her?  Not even a line about Henry having a visit with his grandmother.  There’s no indicator of a voicemail or text when Ted’s mental health gets plastered on every tabloid around.

The other interesting thing about this mention is that it actually sounds kind of critical.  Maybe even judgmental.  And we know that’s generally not Ted’s bag.  In fact, if anything, Ted’s comment about his mother (starting with something overly nice) sounds like it would fit Ted himself.

Though maybe it doesn’t.  Because Ted starts off that conversation with a cat video, and even Roy, who’s pretty used to Ted’s quirks by now, seems a bit nonplussed.  And it occurred to me that, for all that Ted tends toward verbal tangents and flippancy to lighten the mood, when it comes time for a serious conversation, he does, usually, try to get to the point.

(Though when he and Roy are at the apartment, the conversation does drift through peanut butter, tea, general hospitality, ice cream, the Fresh Prince, and the Carlton, before they move on.  But then, he’s not exactly sober, and this is a continued conversation versus a new one.)

I get the impression, from Ted, that his mother’s approach may be different.  “Weird” stands out to me.  Because even the silly tangents with Roy later in the episode make some sense: he’s trying to be hospitable, and is drunk enough to meander a bit.  When he has to give criticism to Jamie, he starts positively, but with RELEVANT positivity (Jamie’s skill).  

“Weird” and “Overly” implies dishonesty.  Or at least deflection.  Both of which Ted is more than capable of, himself, but generally not something he applies unless he’s talking about himself.

I’m interested also in what this might mean in the context of Ted’s father’s death.  Because, as mentioned, he’s always quick to include his mother in that conversation.  “That happened to me and my mom.”  “He took a lot away from you” “And my mom.”

He includes his mother as a fellow victim of what happened (which is true, of course), but he hasn’t talked about receiving comfort or support from her.  Ted’s recollection of events, and his general coping mechanisms, at least seem like he’s had to deal with it all alone.  Or as her support, rather than the reverse.

If moms are instruction manuals as to how people are nuts, then Ted’s own may provide a lot of interesting insight, should we ever get to meet her...

[erosia-rhodes]

My (probably very wrong) Ted Lasso Season 3 predictions

Even though I failed spectacularly at predicting what was going to happen on Wandavision and Loki, I'm going to post my speculations about Ted Lasso Season 3 because I just can't get enough of being wrong :) These aren’t spoilers because I don’t know what will happen, but I put them behind the jump anyway, just to be safe.

Ted promises to shave off his mustache if Richmond wins the trophy. The team refuses the offer, claiming the mustache is the source of his powers.

Richmond will defeat Nate and Rupert’s team in the semifinals, not the final match, because we need another episode or two after that to complete Nate’s redemption arc. Richmond will defeat Manchester City in the finale to win their club's first trophy. Manchester City relegated Richmond in season 1 and humiliated them at Wembley Stadium in season 2, so that makes them the final boss fight, the hardest opponent to beat tactically, even though defeating Nate’s team will be the hardest emotionally.

After his defeat, Nate will scream at his team and physically assault someone (maybe throw a chair Bobby Knight style?); a video of that will go viral. Twitter will label him "Nate the Ingrate" or "Nate the Not-So-Great." Rupert will fire him. Nate will be abandoned and alone. Ted will reach out with kindness. He'll suggest Nate see Dr. Sharon. Nate will initially reject the help, but eventually come around and be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. He won't be hired back at Richmond. He'll end up in a lower-ranking gig somewhere else with fresh new humility.

Roy will become a Diamond Dog. He just will. It's inevitable.

Trent Crimm will spend the season embedded with the team and write a best-selling book called "Believe: The Lasso Way." In the movie adaptation, Ted will be played by Ed Helms.

Roy and Keely will be ok, though they have a rough patch as she's torn between work and home. Keely gets pregnant and Roy becomes a stay-at-home dad so Keely can continue to grow her business. The yoga moms already love Roy, so the stay-at-home moms group will too. Keely and Roy don’t get married but are committed partners.

Trent will be Hamilton-level great at the rhyming game Ted and Beard play.

It will be strongly implied that Trent has a crush on Ted, but Ted will not reciprocate because 1) Apple TV isn't going to make the lead character of their flagship show bisexual, and 2) If they did, morons online would say, "See! When men talk about their feelings it makes them gay!" and 3) LGBTQ characters don’t exist in Richmond.

Jamie Tartt and Roy will hug without headbutting first.

Ted will go back to Kansas to be with his son. After winning the trophy, his mission is accomplished and he can go home without being a "quitter." The only way this will not happen is if Michelle dies in a car wreck and Henry moves to London to live with his dad.

This is also why any Ted/Rebecca pairing is doomed. I've seen some strong arguments that they're endgame, but I don't see Rebecca moving to Kansas and I don't see how Ted would stay away from his son any longer than he has to. Sorry Ted/Rebecca shippers! Transcontinental relationships don't work.

The team will plan some sort of epic, cheesy good-bye gesture for Ted. Maybe they all give him toy soldiers to protect him before he leaves? They do a really amazing *NSYNC dance performance? The entire town spells out the word BELIEVE together? Whatever it is, it will make us cry.

Someone will call Ted a wanker, but in a nice way.

--

And that's all my crystal ball is showing me right now. I guess we'll see how wrong I was in 2022! 

Feel free to speculate more in the comments, particularly about characters I didn’t mention since I’m not sure where everyone will end up.