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Ted was currently sitting in his office, listening to the other coaches discuss their gameplay and strategy for their next match. They were discussing how to beat Newcastle at their match on Saturday.
The past seven months had consisted of Ted coming back to Richmond after figuring out the future with Michelle and Henry. They both wanted Ted to be happy, and they needed a fresh start. They were moving to London at the end of the academic year and they couldn't be more excited.
But as of right now, during a meeting that he should be paying attention to, all he could think about was Rebecca. The moment he landed in London he went to her house to patch things up with her. He had heard from the others how much his departure had affected her, and after realising he wasn't happy in Kansas, he made plans with Michelle and Henry to come back home to Richmond.
What Ted didn't expect when he went to Rebecca's house was a welcoming hug and a mutual expression of love. He never thought he would be in a position to openly think about Rebecca in that way. He had loved her for months but he tried with all of his power to bury his feelings, even more so when he left to go to Kansas.
He couldn’t believe the turn of events that the past year had taken, and he couldn’t be more content. His biggest fear was not being there for his son, but as he (along with Henry and Michelle), soon figured out he couldn’t do that in Kansas. But he is back home in Richmond, he has been going to therapy, his son will be down the street and he is in a relationship with the woman of his dreams.
Thankfully, they expressed their feelings and have been dating for over half a year and the pair have never been happier.
As he was vaguely aware of the other coaches filling the room with chatter about their next match, all he could think about was her. How lucky he was to have the forgiveness of the woman he had adored for years. She was everything to him. Her gorgeous green eyes, her kindness, the way she smiles, the way she laughs at his stupid jokes. He loved every single thing about her.
The woman who will stand up for him when he feels he can't say something himself, the woman who treats him with complete respect and loyalty, the woman who helps him breathe, the woman who loves him and the woman he loves.
Ted's thoughts about his adoration for Rebecca were interrupted by the four other men in the room looking at him, as though they were waiting for some kind of response from him.
“Sorry fellas, was just thinking”, Ted says, with an apologetic look upon his face.
“It’s alright gaffer, we’ve got the game play covered, just do your heartfelt shit and we’ll be ready for the next match”, Roy said, a knowing glint in his eyes.
Ted slightly blushes and nods his head.
☆☆☆
Rebecca was sitting, having lunch in her office with her legs stretched out on the sofa. Her heels had been dropped by the coffee table and she was taking a moment of comfort while she ate her bowl of ramen for lunch.
After a morning full of meetings, she was grateful for a moment of peace to sit, eat her lunch and relax. She still had one biscuit from her morning 'biscuits with the boss' that Ted still does, despite the fact that they live together and could do it at any time.
She smiled as she began to think of Ted, the man who means absolutely everything to her. The man who never shames her, endlessly supports her and loves her completely.
By the time she had finished her lunch, she began to feel sleepy. She was all consumed with thoughts of her man, who was now on the pitch with the boys. She rested her head on the back of the sofa so that she could just see the man she was thinking of stood by the side of the pitch, watching her Richmond boys practice plays for the game they all lived and breathed.
Though it had always been in her life, whether through her Father or her ex-husband, she had never cared for football the way she had when Ted was at AFC Richmond. The passion that everyone around her has for the game had rubbed off on her, and loved the family she has found here.
As she was thinking of her memories and thoughts of Ted, she started to doze off.
☆☆☆
Rebecca woke up in the early evening, just as it was getting dark. She was still on the sofa in her office, as she fell asleep. But now, she had a blanket draped over her body.
When her eyes adjusted, she saw Ted on the other end of the sofa, playing a game called Retro Bowl on his phone, similar to one he played when he was a teenager.
He noticed her movement and as soon as he realised she was awake he put his phone back in his pocket and moved closer to Rebecca.
“Mornin’ darlin’”, Ted said, taking in Rebecca’s sleepy face, smiling at her post-nap confusion.
She quickly sat up, only to have a rush of dizziness wash over her. She then softly put herself in Ted’s arms. Though it had only been about seven hours (most of which she was asleep for), she missed him. Before Ted, she never understood how people missed their partners so much, and she couldn’t be more grateful that she had a love that made the romcoms make sense.
“Hi, love. What time is it?” Rebecca asked, her words slightly muffled due to her face being buried against Ted’s chest.
“It’s just gone five, I thought I’d let you rest a little while longer before waking you up”, Ted whispered softly, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
“Shall we get out of here, Becca”, Ted said.
“Sounds good dear, I love you.” Rebecca says.
“I love you too darlin’, Ted says, while helping Rebecca put her coat on.
“Wait, I need to put my shoes on- “ Rebecca stated.
As soon as she had stood up from putting her heels on her feet, she was lifted from the ground by Ted carrying her bridal style. Though she was confused for a second, she continued to be so full of love for this man. They were going home.
Their home.