Work Text:
The bustling atmosphere at AFC Richmond was a stark contrast to the tranquility that young Henry Lasso was accustomed to. Henry, Ted Lasso's son, had tagged along with his father to work, curious to see what exactly his dad did at the football club. He had never been to London before and finally got the chance to stay with his dad over the summer holidays. As the players warmed up on the pitch, Henry's eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the vibrant scene. He saw some of his favorite players. There, in the back was Jamie Tatt! And Sam!
Curiosity piqued, Henry decided to explore the club facilities a bit more. He wandered through the hallways until he found himself outside Rebecca Welton's office. The owner of the club, the boss - at least that’s what his dad always called her. With a small grin, he knocked on the door. He knew exactly what he wanted to do and he couldn’t wait to see her reaction.
Rebecca looked up from her desk, surprised to see a young boy, Henry Lasso, according to the many pictures she has been shown by Ted, standing at her office door. "Well, hello there. How can I help you?"
Henry smiled shyly, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "Hi, I'm Henry. I'm Ted's son. I was just wondering if I could talk to you for a moment."
Rebecca's eyebrows raised in mild surprise. "Of course, Henry. Come on in."
Henry entered the office. It was bigger than he imagined and the view from the windows was the best thing ever! He could watch the entire field!
He took a seat across from Rebecca and fidgeted with his fingers for a moment before gathering his thoughts. Just like his dad, Rebecca thought. "So, my dad talks about you a lot."
Rebecca's lips twitched into a small smile. "Oh…” She felt her blood rising to her cheeks turning them a light red. “…does he?"
Henry nodded, his gaze focused on the floor. "Yeah, he says you're really smart and strong. And he thinks you're funny."
Rebecca chuckled softly. "Well, your dad is pretty funny himself and smart…and strong."
Henry finally looked up, his blue eyes meeting Rebecca's. "You know, I've been watching you and my dad. Mom and I always watch the games together on TV, you know. And I kind of think you might like each other...a lot."
Rebecca's surprise was evident, and she chuckled. "I-…Is that so?"
Henry nodded earnestly. "Yeah, and I just wanted to ask you... do you like my dad?"
Rebecca's heart skipped a beat at the innocence and directness of Henry's question. She leaned back in her chair, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Henry, your dad is a wonderful person. He's the most caring and kind person I’ve ever met, and he's brought a lot of positivity to AFC Richmond."
Henry's eyes sparkled with curiosity. She did like him. He knew it. "But do you like him, like, more than just a…friend?"
Rebecca's gaze softened as she met Henry's gaze. "Your dad and I are good friends, Henry. We support each other and work well together. He’s a good coach, the best this club has ever had."
Henry's eyes narrowed, clearly unconvinced. "But that's not what I asked and I think you know that."
Rebecca sighed, a fond smile tugging at her lips. He really was like his father. He just couldn’t let go. "Alright, Henry. Yes, I do care about your dad a lot. He's become an important part of my life…being the coach of the club I own."
Henry's face lit up with a triumphant grin. "Ha! I knew it! You totally like each other!"
Rebecca chuckled, her heart warmed by Henry's enthusiasm. Those Lassos were a force to be reckoned with. She just couldn’t deny them anything, even though she tried to come up with the right words to throw Henry out of her office the second he asked his first question. "You're quite the detective, aren't you?"
Henry shrugged, his smile infectious. "I just want my dad to be happy. And I think you make him happy. Very happy, actually…and I think he might make you very happy too.”
Rebecca's gaze softened as she reached out and ruffled Henry's hair affectionately. "Well, Henry, your dad makes a lot of people very happy."
Henry's eyes twinkled with satisfaction, but his expression turned more serious. "My mom hurt my dad a lot when she left. He was really sad. I don't want him to get hurt again. Promise me you won’t do that."
Rebecca's heart went out to Henry, and she leaned forward, her eyes full of compassion. "I understand, Henry. Your dad means a lot to me, and I would never want to hurt him."
Henry's voice was soft, but resolute. "So, now that that’s settled…what are your intentions, then?"
Rebecca paused, impressed by the depth of Henry's questions. She considered her words carefully before responding. "Henry, I care about your dad a great deal. I value our friendship, and I think he's a wonderful person. As for the future, I can't predict what will happen, but I can promise you that I will always treat him with kindness and respect."
Henry nodded thoughtfully. "Okay…that’s an answer I guess."
Henry seemed lost in thought for a moment before asking, "Do you think you'll become more than just friends?…Soon?"
Rebecca's mind went blank for a second due to the straight-forward question. She took a deep breath, her gaze meeting Henry's unwavering stare. He had hit her right where it hurts the most. "Henry, I can't predict the future, and sometimes feelings change over time. What I can tell you is that your dad is very special to me, and whatever happens, I'll always be there for him."
Henry's expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I think you're good for my dad. You have my blessing. You are now officially allowed to date him…or whatever."
Rebecca's heart swelled with warmth. "Thank you, Henry. I'll do my best to be good for him…as a friend."
Henry's eyes shone with determination as he continued, "And if you ever hurt him, I'll be watching."
Rebecca chuckled, her admiration for Henry growing by the second. "I wouldn't expect anything less." She watched as he walked to the door and whispered:
“ You're a wonderful person, never forget that, Henry. You are just like your dad in so many ways. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are too much, ever. There will be a person one day that likes you for who you are.”