Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Spring, 2000 

You and I have memories
Longer than the road that stretches out ahead
- The Beatles, Two of Us

She liked traveling with Ted. 

They’d gotten good at it. Learned each other’s patterns and rhythms. He knew that the first thing she had to do when they entered a hotel room was to unpack her toiletries and brush her teeth, and she knew he’d fling himself onto the bed for a long nap, not having slept at all or very little on the bus. 

It’s not that she hated being on the road without him. She enjoyed touring; visiting different cities and learning their eccentricities and charms. But it was tiring. For as much as she felt charged by the energy of a nightly audience, the daily grind and repetitiveness of each day left her feeling exhausted. 

Her debut album had done better than anyone had expected, and she’d spent nearly four months solo on the road. At first she’d opened for The Sunflowers, and then, after her set time stretched out as far as it possibly could without breaking the venue curfews, Roy had called in some favors and she’d set out on her own. 

It was hard, leaving the warm blanket of her chosen family. The label sent someone to manage the tour, someone well-meaning who had done a decent enough job, but who wasn’t Roy. She and Eric had gotten along fine, but they didn’t have the years of shared history and inside jokes she had with Roy. He’d stared at her blankly the one time she’d spoken French to him, and always insisted on going back to his hotel room immediately after the show, instead of sitting at the hotel bar to cool down and recount the night. 

She’d been lonely on that second half of the tour. Rebecca missed the camaraderie of the band. Missed getting ready with Michelle and laughing with Leslie. Missed the way Beard’s stiff upper lip completely disappeared when the nanny brought baby Abby backstage for good luck kisses and snuggles.

And she’d missed Ted. Good lord, had she missed him. Instant messenger and phone calls could only do so much to ease the ache she’d felt, sleeping alone, going through her daily rituals without him. Eric spent their travel days either reviewing paperwork or sleeping, and there was only so much Rebecca could do to entertain herself during those long journeys. She read, and noodled around teaching herself guitar, and wrote letters to her mum and dad and Sassy back in England, but after a while she’d just craved human connection. 

It was lonely, being a solo artist on the road. 

Which was why Rebecca had jumped at the chance when Roy had floated the idea of her and Ted doing a small tour together before recording their respective albums. Leslie was going back to England for the summer and Michelle and Beard desperately needed some family time with their little one. It wasn’t extravagant – just a handful of cities along the east coast for a month, but they’d be together, doing what they loved best. 

Ted was currently taking a nap (“He only sleeps like that when you’re around,” Michelle told her once), and Rebecca was curled up on his side, watching the dull landscape that made up I95 zipping by. 

They opened the tour tonight, at a modest-size club in Washington, DC. Roy had wanted to open at home in New York, but the dates hadn’t aligned, and the 9:30 Club had offered them a prime Friday night slot. Rebecca smiled at the irony of it: two ex-pats making their way to the nation’s capital, accompanied by a corn-fed Midwesterner so American he couldn’t fake it if he tried. 

“Oi, Welton.” Roy’s soft voice interrupted her thoughts as he reached across the aisle to pass her a sheet of paper. “Set list for tonight. I moved some things around.”

Reluctantly, Rebecca lifted her head from Ted’s shoulder and leaned across him to take the paper from Roy. “What was wrong with our version?”

“Nothing. This is just zippier.”

She snorted. Never in her life would she imagine that Roy Kent would use a phrase like “zippier.” He’d changed. Grown into the role of producer and manager.

She was proud of him.

“Okay, I’ll take a look,” she said, her voice at a whisper so as not to disturb Ted.

Too late. Ted stirred next to her, humming as he shook his head awake. He yawned, and smiled when his eyes found hers. Reaching his arm out, he pulled her into his side, kissing the top of her head. 

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey, yourself. Sleep well?”

“Mmm. Could have used some more.” Ted nuzzled his nose into her neck. “Wha’s that?” 

“New set list from Roy.”

“Oh yeah? Big bad Roy Kent thinks he can improve on what we drew up, huh?”

“He says it’s zippier.” 

Ted laughed, glancing at Roy. “Okay, boss. Let’s see what you got.”

Together they huddled over the list, quietly making comments to each other, noting when Roy had marked a duet versus a solo; an original song versus a cover. It wasn’t anything they hadn’t already planned on, and when they finished reviewing the list, Ted looked at her with one eyebrow raised in expectation. Rebecca rolled her eyes and nodded, and Ted turned to Roy. 

“Well, Roy-o, I don’t know how you did it, but somehow you improved upon perfection. This looks great.”

“Damn right it looks great.” 

“Thank you. We appreciate you,” Ted added. 

Roy growled in return, but Rebecca caught the way his lip turned up slightly, a sure sign that he was pleased with Ted’s praise. 

Ted kissed her cheek and stood, stretching his arms over his head before he popped the overhead compartment and took out his guitar case. Unclasping the cover, he handed Rebecca the instrument and put the case back up top. 

“Wanna work on the new song?” he asked. 

“Sure.”

They spent nearly an hour carving out more of the melody they were creating together, testing out lyrics. They both had new albums to return to at the end of the summer, and in theory should be working on their respective careers. But it was so fun writing with Ted, and she found she was never more inspired than when the two of them were huddled together over her keyboard or his guitar, throwing out ideas and seeing what stuck. 

She wanted to do an album together. He did as well. When they’d asked Roy about the possibility, he’d listened to their request seriously, and then, in the gentlest of terms, explained that The Sunflowers and Rebecca Welton were both under contracts to produce new albums, and before any collaborations happened, they had to fulfill their prior commitments. 

Ted had received the news better than Rebecca. New to the industry, and still traumatized from the last time she was under a contract, she’d thrown an uncharacteristic fit. Screamed and cried and worked herself into a tizzy, ending up in Ted’s arms as he cupped the back of her head and rocked her gently. 

“It’s okay, darlin’. Everything will be just fine. We’ll get our albums recorded and then Roy-o will pitch a collab to the label. Ain’t that right, Roy?”

She’d opened her eyes in time to see Roy nodding. 

“See? And in the meantime, there ain’t nothing that says we can’t work on creating some magic together.”

Rebecca had been embarrassed after, ashamed to look at Roy in the eye, but he simply shook his head and growled, “Fucking Rupert,” and she had known he understood. 

“What do you think about this chord change?” Ted asked, going from a C-minor to an A-minor. 

“I like it,” she said. “Goes with the maudlin theme.”

“Maudlin. Mmm, I love it when you get all ‘SAT word’ on me.”

She blushed and smiled, pushing a stray hair back behind her ear. “Okay, let’s hear it from the top.”

Ted complied, slowly strumming the melody, and Rebecca softly sung the lyrics she’d written ages ago, back when she was on tour and missing Ted. 

Going places I’ve never been
Seeing things I’ve never seen
But none of it matters without you here
And that might make me weak, but I need you near
What is life when you’re not by my side?
Something I simply cannot abide
I love you darling, that much is true
Months apart got me feeling so blue

“It’s a little cheesy,” she admitted when they were done. “Especially that last line. Could use a punch up.”

Ted regarded her with warm eyes. “It’s your truth,” he said. “That ain’t ever cheesy.”

She cupped his cheeks and gave him a small peck on the lips. “You’re cute when you lie. But you know it needs work.”

“Whatever you say, darlin’. How we feelin’ about the music?”

“I love it. You’re brilliant.”

Ted blushed. “It was a team effort.”

She took the notebook sitting between them that contained her lyrics, and called out Roy’s name, who was still sitting across the aisle engrossed in a book. 

“Will you take a look at these lyrics?” she asked. “The roots are there but it’s not quite right. Need to be…” she quirked her mouth into a grin. “Zippier.”

Roy glared at her but took the notebook. 

“True and blue? You’re better than that.”

Rebecca smirked as he took out a pen and started crossing out words and making notes. 

“Cowboy doesn’t have any ideas?”

“Roy-o, how many times have I told you I take offense at that nickname?”

“I wanted you to take the first pass,” she told him honestly. 

“Hmmph.” Roy frowned, and sighed, shaking his head. “True and blue.” 

Rebecca sat back in her seat and faced Ted, her eyes glinting. She kissed his cheek, then the side of his neck, whispering, “Do you think he’s preoccupied enough for us to make out a little?”

Ted snorted, turning to regard the man in question. “No headphones,” he determined, settling a hand heavily on her thigh. “Better luck next time, boss.”

“Bloody headphones,” Rebecca grumbled. “Remind me to get Kent a new discman.”

“You got it, baby.” 

He put his arm around her then, and she leaned into his side, closing her eyes. “How much longer?” she asked. 

“Couple hours,” Ted kissed the top of her head. “You need a little snooze?”

Rebecca yawned and nodded, snuggling in closer. 

She fell asleep to the sounds of the road whizzing by and Ted quietly plucking his guitar.

They were pulling into the parking lot when she felt a hand on her shoulder, a quiet “Rebecca. Sweetheart, we’re here,” breathed into her ear. She lifted her head and blearily blinked her eyes, looking out the window to the site of a tall brown building with a Marriott sign out front. 

“Fuck, did I sleep the whole rest of the way?” she yawned and stretched. 

“You did,” Ted confirmed. 

“Sorry, love. I promise to be a better travel companion tomorrow.”

“You will fall asleep on every stop and you know it,” he countered, but she knew he wasn’t upset. 

They had some time before they had to be at the venue – enough for Ted to collapse onto their hotel bed for a nap, per usual. After freshening up, Rebecca joined Roy at the hotel bar, where he gave her his notes on the song. 

“This could be one of yours, you know,” Roy told her seriously. “It’s a prime love song for a solo female album.”

Rebecca sucked her teeth, and shook her head. “Ted and I wrote it together,” she said seriously. “The lyrics might be mine… well…ours,” she gestured between the two of them, “but Ted and I wrote the music.”

Roy was quiet for a moment. “Do you want this?”

She furrowed her brow. “Want what?”

“This. Being Rebecca Welton.” 

“Who else would I be?” she asked jokingly. 

“Stop being cheeky, Welton. You know damn well what I mean. Do you know how many tapes I review every week? How many artists would kill to be where you are right now?”

Her face darkened. “I don’t know exactly, but I have an idea.”

“No,” Roy said simply. “You don’t. This business isn’t just about talent, you know. It’s about luck, and who you know. You got fucking lucky, Welton. You got lucky because I got lucky, knowing someone in America.”

She opened her mouth to protest and he held up his hand. “I’m not saying you don’t work your arse off and aren’t talented. You know how fucking talented you are. But you didn’t get here alone, and a lot of people are counting on you for this second album. So I’m going to ask again, do you want this?”

Rebecca drew in a deep breath, chastised. “Yes,” she said softly. 

“What was that? I couldn’t hear you.”

“Yes,” she said again, louder this time. “Yes, I want this.”

“Good. Because I want it for you, and I think you can go really far. But it’s going to take a lot of work. It means late night writing sessions and being on the road alone, without Ted or anyone else in the band.”

“I know,” she whispered, nodding. “I do.”

“And do you know what that first step is?” Roy asked. 

“Writing the next album,” she said with a hint of defeat. 

“Bingo.”

She sighed, taking a sip of her water. 

“Look,” Roy softened, “I’m not saying you have to do it immediately. I think this tour will be good for you, for both of you. And if I’m being truthful, one of the reasons I suggested it is because I thought it might offer some inspiration. I know how important working and writing with Ted is to you. I’ve already pitched the idea of a collab to the label, and they… well they didn’t laugh me out of the room, which is saying something. But first things first – you’ve got to get your arse in gear, yeah? At least start jotting down ideas for songs.”

“I know,” she said. “I do. And I do want this, it’s just different than I thought it would be. Harder, you know?”

“I do know,” Roy nodded. 

“It was…being gone for so long, not having you or Ted or Keeley around me. I felt…unmoored.”

“You didn’t go and do anything stupid, did you?” Roy’s gruff manner did nothing to hide his worry.

She held up her water. “The craziest I got was drinking a diet coke before going on stage in Chicago. Which was a huge mistake, by the way. Fucked up my voice. You never would have let me get away with that.”

Roy growled. “Fucking Eric. He should know better.”

Rebecca laughed. “Fucking, Eric indeed. Honestly, he was fine. But he wasn’t you.”

“You know I can’t always be there with you on tour,” Roy said gently. 

“I know.” She looked down at her shoes. “I missed you though.” She nudged his shoulder with her own, and Roy took the hint, wrapping his arm around her. 

“Missed you, too,” he said gruffly. 

“You puttin’ the moves on my lady, Roy?” Ted joined them at the bar, looking refreshed and well-rested. 

“Hardly,” Roy grunted, pushing her away. 

Ted laughed as he took Rebecca’s hand and laced their fingers together. 

“Roy was just laying down the law,” she informed him. 

“Oh yeah?”

“Apparently I need to get my arse in gear and start seriously thinking about the new album.”

“You and me both, baby,” he squeezed her hand and kissed her cheek. 

“Liar,” she retorted. “I know for a fact you have a whole treasure trove of songs waiting to be recorded. You’re constantly writing, Ted Lasso. You even mutter song lyrics in your sleep.”

Roy snorted. “Sounds about right.”

Ted blushed, and ducked his head in admission. “Having some songs ain’t the same as having the right songs.”

“And yet, it’s Welton here I’m worried about, not you,” Roy countered. 

“Aw, you don’t need to worry about Rebecca. She’ll come through.”

Rebecca sighed. “If I’m being honest, writing is my least favorite part of this job.”

“You want me to hire a songwriter?” Roy asked. 

That was the thing: She didn’t want that. For as painful as the songwriting process was, in the end she had something that was uniquely hers. 

At her hesitation, Roy nodded brusquely. “That’s what I thought.”

“I believe in you, baby.”

“Thank you. Now can we quit talking about this and go get ready? We’re due at the club in an hour.”

“Who’s the manager here, anyway?” Ted teased. 

“I’m warning you, Lasso.”

Rebecca finished her water and set the glass down on the bar. “Ready?”

“Let’s go, Cotton-Eyed Joe.”

Roy groaned. “You had to fucking mention that song, didn’t you? God damn earworm, now it’ll be stuck in my head all night.” 

Ted laughed. “Where did you come from, where did you go…”

I’m warning you, Lasso.”

“Gentleman, stop horsing around. We have a gig to get to.”

As much as she loved performing with Ted – and she loved it a lot – her favorite part of being on tour with him was when they finally made it back to their hotel room post-show.

Tonight was no exception. 

Riding high on adrenaline, they made out in the elevator before scurrying hand in hand down the hallway to their hotel room, Rebecca sucking on Ted’s neck and giggling at his failed attempts to get the key card in the door. 

“Jesus, woman, will you give me a break for just one sec?"

“Sorry love.” With a final kiss to his cheek, she stepped back in time for him to successfully insert the key card into the slot and open the door. 

As soon as they were inside, she was on him again, throwing her arms around his neck and licking at the seam of his lips. They stumbled around the room until they found the bed, Rebecca reaching it first and Ted crashing on top of her. His tongue tangled with hers, hands moving down to the hem of her shirt, warm on her skin as he began to unbutton it from the bottom up. She lifted off the bed slightly when he reached the top so he could slide it off of her shoulders, taking his face in her hands and sliding up into his hair. 

She loved his hair. He’d grown it out since they’d first met, now peeking down to meet his chin. It was long enough to pull back into a half ponytail, which she often did, taking pleasure in running her hands through his locks and securing it with one of her hair ties. (She’d told him more than once he should get some of his own, but he always declined, insisting he didn’t need them when she always had plenty lying around.) 

His longer hair, coupled with the bit of stubble he now sported, made it so Rebecca could hardly keep her hands off of him when they were in the same room together. She craved him constantly, and even when they were close like this, it was never enough. 

“Baby, you’re so beautiful,” Ted mumbled as he kissed his way down her chest. “I love you so dang much.”

“Love you, too.” Rebecca tightened her grip on his hair. He moaned at the sensation, continuing his journey down her body. He reached her belly button, nipping at the side and unbuttoning the top of her jeans.

“Shoes,” she gasped, lifting a leg to remind him of the Doc Martens she still wore. 

“Don’t care,” Ted pushed her pants down so they bunched above her boots, her underwear soon following. 

His lips kissed down the length of space between her belly button and her folds, tongue parting at the seam. Rebecca heaved at the sensation of his breath on her skin, closing her eyes as his mouth covered her. 

After two years together, one would think their sex life would begin to get stale or rote, but one would be wrong. Ted was still as enthusiastic as their first time together, almost as if he was still surprised that he was allowed to make love to her. Rebecca didn’t know why; she was the lucky one in their relationship. He’d quite literally saved her. 

(Ted would say she saved herself, and while that may be partially true, she also knew she wouldn’t have had the strength to get clean and out of Rupert’s clutches if it hadn’t been for meeting him when she did.) 

Rebecca’s arms drifted up over her head and she gripped the pillow behind her as Ted continued his ministrations, her breath coming in spurts now. She moaned when his tongue finally found her clit, grinding against him. His hand moved up her body to cover her breast, rubbing against her nipple in the way he knew would put her over the edge. She came hard and fast, crying out his name and hoping to god that the walls behind them were thick. 

Ted was panting when she came to, regarding her with his big brown eyes as if she were the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Pupils blown, he slowly stood from his perch on the floor, knees cracking when he reached her. She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips, and he grinned, showcasing his dimples. 

“God I love that sound.”

“Your cracking knees or me laughing?” she teased. 

He hovered over her, hands carding through her hair. “You makin’ fun of me, boss?”

“No. Never,” she said, her pursed lips giving way to her serious tone.

“‘Cause if you are, I can take my ball home and play by myself.”

She grabbed onto his shoulders. “You aren’t going anywhere, Ted Lasso.”

“I’m not, huh?”

“No. You and your balls are staying right here for the next 15 to 20 minutes.”

Ted lifted a brow. “Awfully ambitious of you, seein’ as it’s been a whole week.”

“I believe in you.” Rebecca cupped his cheeks. “Now get down here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Ted drew a bath for them after; another one of their post-show rituals. He filled the tub with the travel-sized eucalyptus and mint bubble bath that Rebecca had packed and then went into the bedroom to let her know it was ready. 

She was stretched out across the bed, loose-limbed and luxuriously shaky, a bath the perfect capper to their first night on tour. Ted held out his hands to pull her up, tapping her rear as they made their way into the bathroom. 

“Ladies first,” he gestured towards the tub. She carefully dipped one toe in the water to test the temperature. Finding it just right, Rebecca stepped in, settling back against the edge. Ted followed, sitting in front of her, and she wrapped her arms around his middle, kissing the back of his neck.

They lay there for a few minutes just soaking in the soothing bubbles and peaceful quiet after a raucous night on stage. Rebecca scooted forward so she could place her head on the pillowed towel that Ted had laid at the back of the tub, and Ted moved with her, his head on her chest. 

“Comfy,” he mumbled, eyes closed. Rebecca wrapped her legs around him and smoothed her hands over his arms. 

They both very nearly fell asleep, and probably would have if it hadn’t been for the sudden shouting in the hallway that startled them both. 

Ted sat up first, and Rebecca reluctantly untangled their legs.

“You want me to be the big spoon now?” he asked sweetly.

“For a minute,” she said.

Ted stood and offered her his hands. Pulling her up, he kissed her briefly before changing places with her, moving to the back of the tub.

Once resettled, Ted pulled her towards him, gently massaging her shoulders. 

“You’re tense,” he observed.

“Mmm.” Her eyes were closed and she lowered her chin.

“What’s causing all these knots, baby?”

She didn’t say anything at first. Ted remained as patient as ever, continuing to knead her neck and shoulders, waiting for her to break the silence.

Her voice was a whisper when it came. “What if I can’t do it?” 

“Do what?” Ted asked.

“Do this. Maybe I got lucky with the first album. Maybe there’s nothing left in me to write. I’ll have to go back to working three jobs, singing other people's songs in some shitty nightclub.”

“Rebecca Eleanor Welton. That’s the silliest thing to ever come out of your mouth. What do you mean, you can’t do this? Baby, you’re doing it. Right now, as we speak.”

“Yes, but…” she took a deep breath. “I’m coasting on my debut album. I had years to come up with those ideas. And you know how much Roy helped. What if I’m just not a songwriter? What if I only have one album in me?”

“Uh uh.” Ted’s voice grew serious. He stopped the massage, wrapping his arms around her instead. “That right there is stinking thinking. You are the most talented musician I know.”

She scoffed and he tightened his grip.

“I’m serious. You have the voice of an angel. You can’t teach that, can’t learn it, no matter how hard you try. It’s a god-given talent. Now, believe you me, I know all about second album jitters. I had that same fear with ours. As a matter of fact, I do believe we’ve had this exact conversation, you bein’ the one telling me I was being silly, remember?”

Rebecca nodded reluctantly.

“You’re right. We do get a whole lifetime to make that first album, write that first book. The second one comes with a lot of pressure. But if anyone is up for it, it’s you. I know you’ve got a ton of ideas just waitin’ to be let out in that notebook of yours. You wanna get out of here and take a look, see if anything pops?”

“Okay,” she said in a small voice.

“Okay.”

Once they were toweled off and in some state of dress, Rebecca dug through her purse and pulled out the notebook she carried around with her everywhere. Inside contained her random thoughts and bits of observation, as well as phrases and couplets here and there that might someday form a song.

“Well this one’s intriguing,” Ted said, pointing to the words Kansas sunset. “Will you tell me about it?”

She smiled, remembering the moment. “You may not realize it, Ted but a Kansas sunset is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. Maybe because it’s so flat, I don’t know. It’s certainly better than anything we see in New York or London. Or anywhere else, really,” she noted, remembering her months on the road. “When we went for Christmas, there was one evening when you and Dottie ran an errand and I was at the house by myself. I went out onto the back porch just as the sun was setting. It had snowed, and everything was glittering around me, and it was just…” she took an intake of breath, “magical. The colors were bright and magnificent and I felt so lucky to be standing where I was at that moment to witness it.”

“See that right there sounds like a song.”

“Yeah, maybe. When I figure out what rhymes with sunset.”

Ted chuckled. “You know as well as I do songs don’t have to rhyme, darlin’. If you write anything as beautiful as what you just described to me, that’s a hit. Now let’s see what else you got.”

They thumbed through the pages, ideas percolating in her brain when she came across some entries, less so for others. Ted laughed when they came across a scathing review of the New York subway that she’d written after a particularly frustrating day when she had to take three lines just to get from her flat to the studio. 

“What’s this?” Ted asked a few minutes later.

She looked down, recovery song scratched across the top of the page with nothing written underneath. 

“Oh, that.”

Ted put his arm around her. “You thinking about it?”

She shrugged. “Maybe. Not sure there’s anything there.”

“Oh I bet there’s a lot there,” he countered. “It might be good for you to try to write it, at least. Healthy.”

“You’ve been in therapy too long, Ted.” Rebecca tried to pitch her voice in a lighthearted tone. It didn’t work.

“It’s up to you. But I think that’s a song I’d really like to hear.” Rebecca could tell Ted knew not to push, and she loved him for it. She tipped her head in for a kiss to let him know she wasn’t upset, and turned back to her notebook.

Her recovery was something she barely talked about with anyone outside of Ted, Roy, and the handful of NA meetings she’d attended back in New York. She’d been clean just shy of two years (720 days, to be precise), and while she felt strong in her sobriety, she wasn’t sure she was ready to share her innermost thoughts about the process with the world. 

Still, Ted wasn’t wrong. She knew the best songs were the most honest. It was something to consider. Rebecca put the thought on the back burner of her mind.

“Ooh, now see, I know there’s a story here,” Ted laughed when she turned the page.

There was. So she told him.

The next month was heaven for Rebecca as they traveled up and down the East Coast. 

From Washington DC, they made their way to Virginia and then continued south. The last stop of their southern leg was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where an excited Ted showed Rebecca the exact spot where he first saw the Atlantic Ocean. While she preferred the quieter beaches of the UK, Rebecca loved it because he loved it, and was glad to be in a place that held such meaning for him.

Their days on the road were more of the same – huddling together on the tour bus, playing music, or reading their latest book club selection (All Creatures Great and Small – a favorite from Rebecca’s childhood). They spent time apart, too. At least once a day, Rebecca would make her way to the other side of the bus with her notebook and pen. True to her word, she hunkered down and started seriously considering the new album. It was helpful to have Roy and Ted there when she got stuck, but she found that more often than not, she didn’t need them. Turns out, all she really needed was a fire lit under her and a pep talk to get her creative juices flowing. 

If her days traveling were full, her nights were pure bliss. Still in awe of Ted’s talents as a musician, sharing the stage with him felt like an honor of which she was not worthy. She tried her best to live up to his talents, and most nights felt like she succeeded. 

Her favorite time on stage was when they sang together. Those were a combination of his songs and hers, with a few covers thrown in on occasion. 

Of course, there was also the point on stage when he sat down at the piano and played Van Gogh, the first song he ever wrote for her. It still affected Rebecca, even after witnessing him play it countless times. 

And just… watching Ted, seeing the ease at which he won over the crowd, how he could sway them one way or the other with a simple chord change or even just a smile at the exact right moment. It was more of an education in performing than she’d gotten in six years at Bones & Honey. 

So maybe she didn’t have a favorite part of performing with Ted. It was all her favorite. Every song, every moment, ever lesson gleaned. She wouldn’t trade this time with him for anything. 

Unfortunately, all things must pass, and tonight was their final stop, a homecoming of sorts at CBGB’s in New York.

Ted was elated to play there. It was one place The Sunflowers hadn’t gotten to on tour, and Ted was thrilled by the prospect of performing in such a legendary nightclub. 

He was practically vibrating on the ride back to New York. Rebecca was glad he didn’t have drumsticks on him because she was certain he’d be tapping them all over the bus. 

“I know ya’ll didn’t grow up here, so you might not realize it but CBGB’s is legendary. Just the crop of musicians who’ve played there. It’s hallowed ground. I mean, The Ramones? Patti Smith? Blondie, Joan Jett, The Beastie Boys? Can you believe we’re gonna be playing in the same room?”

“We get it, mate. You’re excited.” 

“Oh, I’m more than excited, Roy. And in case that didn’t impress you, I’ll throw in one more from your side of the pond: The Police. The freaking Police.” 

Rebecca smirked. She was never that into The Police. The topic had come up between them more than once.  

Ted turned to her, eyes glinting. “Green Day, baby. We’re gonna be on the same stage where Mr. Billie Joe Armstrong played.”

He looked so adorable in his excitement that she couldn’t help smiling back at him. 

Truthfully, while she was excited to perform at the “legendary nightclub,” Rebecca was even more excited to sleep in her own bed that night, and to see everyone again – Keeley, Michelle, Beard. They all would attend the show, of course, and then meet up after. Michelle had mentioned “some big news” in her most recent email to Rebecca, which intrigued her ever since. She privately wondered to Ted if Michelle was pregnant again.

“I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong, they love Abby to bits, but I don’t think they’re ready for a second one.”

Rebecca bit her lip at the impulse to remind Ted that Abby hadn’t exactly been planned. 

When they arrived at the venue, Ted all but jumped out of his seat, and was the first one off the bus. Rebecca glanced at Roy, bemused. 

“Fucker’s still got enthusiasm, which is a lot more than I can say for some other musicians who’ve been at it as long as he has,” Roy said, gesturing for her to go ahead. 

She met Ted outside the bus, where he immediately took her hand and headed for the entrance. “We can get the gear later,” he told her. “Let’s take a tour first.”

“Whatever you say, dear,” she laughed, following him inside. 

She’d follow him anywhere. 

“Here’s to a great end to a great tour,” Ted said, holding up his beer. 

“Hear hear!” Keeley exclaimed. Rebecca saw Roy smile in spite of himself at her enthusiasm. 

He’d missed Keeley, she knew. She had, too. As much as she adored being on the road with Ted, she’d missed her spitfire of a flatmate. 

Rebecca lifted her diet coke and glanced over at Michelle, who’d joined in on the celebration by raising her wine glass. Rebecca did a double take, gasping quietly at what she saw. 

Michelle glanced at her, following Rebecca zeroing in on her left hand, now adorned with a small and simple ring. She met Rebecca’s eyes and winked with a hint of a smile, pursing her lips in a shushing motion. 

“Not yet,” she mouthed. 

Rebecca’s eyes boggled as she nodded, agreeing to keep the secret until further notice. 

“You all right there, sweetheart?” Ted asked, laying a hand on her leg. 

“I’m fine,” she said, taking a sip of her drink to hide her surprise. “Glad to be here with all of our friends.”

“Amen to that,” Ted squeezed her knee and removed his hand, turning away from her to talk to Roy about CBGB’s acoustics. 

Rebecca immediately set her attention back on Michelle. “How long?” she whispered. 

“A couple of weeks.”

“A couple of weeks ?” her voice grew louder, and Michelle gave her a look. “Sorry. I’m sorry, I just…have you told anyone yet?”

“We told Abby, though I’m not sure an 18 month-old really grasps the notion.”

“What are you waiting for?”

‘We wanted to keep it to ourselves for a while,” Michelle explained. “You know, bask in the bubble a bit. And then we decided to wait until you guys came back from tour.”

“Well, we’re back now…”

Michelle laughed. “I know. We didn’t want to steal your thunder tonight, though.”

Rebecca shook her head. “Please. Steal away. We’ve had enough accolades this last month. Well, Ted has anyway, and I was just along for the ride. I guarantee you neither of us will mind. Plus I’m not sure how long you can hide that rock on your finger.”

“Well… if you’re sure.”

“Plenty sure. In fact…” she dinged on her glass to get the table’s attention. “Everyone, I believe Michelle and Beard have something they’d like to announce.”

Michelle regarded her gratefully and then turned to Beard, who nodded once. With a great smile, she held up her hand and said, simply, “We’re engaged.”

“Hot damn!” Ted immediately jumped out of his seat and went over to Beard and Michelle, hugging them both simultaneously. “You finally decided to make it official, hey?”

“We were already official,” Michelle corrected him. “This just makes it even more so.”

“Yup,” was all Beard offered, but Rebecca could tell how happy he was. 

“Oi, this calls for a fucking celebration,” Roy called. He raised his glass again. “To Michelle and Beard.”

“Michelle and Beard!” they all called, drinking to the happy couple. 

“You’ll be my maid of honor, right?” Michelle asked her quietly once everyone had resumed normal conversation.

Rebecca’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really? Me?”

“Yes, you. Who else?”

“I don’t know… Ted?”

Michelle burst out laughing. “I’m pretty sure Will has more claim on him than I do. Besides, Ted may be my oldest friend, but you’re my best friend.”

Rebecca felt tears well in her eyes at Michelle’s kind words. It was true, they’d grown close over the last couple of years, but she in no way expected this honor. “In that case, I accept.”

“Good.” Michelle smiled at her, eyes a little teary herself. She glanced at Beard, who was deep in conversation with Keeley about Rosewell, and all that the government was covering up about alien life force. Keeley, for her part, appeared intrigued, if a little scared. 

“I’m so excited to marry him,” Michelle whispered. 

“As you should be,” Rebecca replied. “He’s quite the catch.”

“Yeah,” Michelle said fondly. “I think I’ll keep him around.”

Later, lying in her bed with Ted, she told him about Michelle asking her to be her maid of honor, and how surprised she was at the request.

“You shouldn’t be,” Ted said, one hand grazing up and down her arm. “She loves you.”

“I love her, too,” Rebecca hummed. “I still feel so lucky to have found you all.”

“Nah, we’re the lucky ones.”

“Ted.” They’d had this back and forth before.

“Yeah, okay. We’re all lucky. Agreed?”

“Agreed.”

She let the silence fill the room for a moment, content to be in Ted’s arms, in her own bed, alone for the night with Keeley at Roy’s. She and Keeley would meet for breakfast in the morning, just the two of them, for a proper catch-up. She had so much to share with her tiny friend about her time on the road with Ted. 

There was an elephant in the room, too, between her and Ted and Keeley and Roy. She knew they all felt it. It had become even more apparent on this trip, how she loved getting up with Ted in the mornings and going to sleep with him by her side. How she hated saying goodbye to him on the nights they didn’t spend together, and the fact that she was tired of lugging a bag back and forth to his flat (despite him clearing out a drawer for her the first time she’d stayed over.) 

She hadn’t talked about it yet. Not with Keeley and not with Ted. But she knew it was coming, soon. Possibly even sooner than expected, spurned on by Michelle and Beard’s news. (Not that she was ready to take that leap… yet.)

She’d test the waters tomorrow. First with Keeley and then, eventually, with Ted.

But that was for the future. In her present was her sweet, talented, and devoted boyfriend, who’d fallen asleep during her reverie. She kissed his cheek and snuggled deeper into his arms, closing her eyes and feeling nothing but content.

Chapter Text

Summer–Fall, 2000

A love like ours
Could never die
As long as I have you near me 
- The Beatles, And I Love Her

“Wooo! Take it off! Take it all off!”

“Show us what you’re hiding under there!”

“Oh, honestly!”  Rebecca grabbed hold of an extremely-tipsy-if-not-outright-drunk Michelle, catching her hand just in time to pull it back before she grabbed the ass of an annoyed-looking stripper. 

“Oh c’mon, Rebecca. Have a little fun!” Keeley nudged her, a big smile underneath her glassy eyes. (There was no question as to Keeley’s current state: Her tiny friend was drunk.)

Rebecca was proud of the fact that she was sober. After years of being controlled by people and substances, she craved the feeling of stability that came with sobriety. And even though she’d never actually had a problem with alcohol, she’d given it up along with the pills.

Most of the time, it wasn’t a problem. Ted or Roy would be there to keep her grounded, or she could disappear into a big group and live in her own little world.

But at an intimate bachelorette party wherein she was the only functional person amongst their small party of three, well. Rebecca had seen better nights.

Still, it was all in good fun. Michelle was getting married next month, Rebecca was her maid of honor, and this was what maids of honor did. Truth be told, she probably wouldn’t have had anything to drink tonight even if she could. Living 3,000 miles from Sassy, Rebecca was too far away to have been her maid of honor when she married Darren. This was her first time standing up for someone, and she was taking her duties very seriously. 

“Sorry about her,” she said to the stripper. Gesturing towards Michelle’s bridal sash, she added simply, “She’s getting married.”

“I’m getting marrieddddd!” Michelle exclaimed, raising both arms in the air, and Rebecca wondered at what point should she cut her off. 

“Congratulations,” the stripper said. “Lap dance?”

“Ooh, yeah, do it babes!”

“Should I?” Michelle looked to Rebecca for confirmation.

Rebecca laughed, taking a sip of her seltzer water. “It’s your party. Do what you want.”

“I want,” Michelle grinned devilishly at the stripper, holding out a wad of singles. “One lap dance, please!”

He got down off the stage, dancing all the while, and slowly wagged his hips back and forth until he was fully sitting on Michelle. 

She looked at Rebecca with glee. “There’s a stripper on my lap,” she said in a loud whisper. 

“I know, love,” Rebecca answered. “Pay attention to him and not me, yeah?”

“I’m next! I’m next!” Keeley shouted. 

“So uh. What’s your name?” Michelle asked him awkwardly. 

“Dirk,” the man said, grinding into her.

Rebecca burst out laughing, covering her mouth when Dirk looked at her, annoyed. 

“Sorry,” she said. “I uh, knew a Dirk at school.”

She was silent for the rest of the song, biting her lip to keep from laughing again. 

Once he was finished with Michelle, Dirk moved on to Keeley, who looked like she’d won the lottery. Cackling nervously, she looked over at Rebeca, her face reading, Can you believe this?

“Thank you, Dirk,” Keeley said breathlessly when it was over, popping a fiver in his g-string. “That was outstanding.”

DIrk looked at Rebecca and raised an eyebrow. “Three for three?”

“No. Thank you, though,” she took another sip of her seltzer. “You’ve been lovely.”

“Suit yourself,” he shrugged, and climbed back on stage to resume his dancing. 

Keeley went to the bar and came back with another round of drinks for her and Michelle, along with two shots of tequila and some lime slices. 

“Let’s turn this party up!” Keeley tossed her shot back and sucked on the lime, and Michelle followed suit, throwing her hand up in triumph. 

“Woooo!”

Rebecca sighed inwardly and subtly glanced at her watch. It was going to be a long night. 

“Okay, come on. Just a few more steps.” Rebecca veered slightly to the left when Michelle took a step out of turn, stopping them to course correct. “We’re just straight ahead. Here we go.”

They arrived at the apartment door, Michelle leaning heavily against Rebecca. 

“Do you have your keys?” Rebecca asked. 

“Ummm…” Michelle clumsily removed her purse from her arm and all but tossed it to Rebecca. “Sorry,” she said when the strap caught Rebecca in the face. “S’in there.”

One hand around Michelle’s waist, Rebecca managed to find the keys in the side pocket, turning the lock and opening the door. 

“We’re home!” Michelle exclaimed. 

“Shhh,” Rebecca said. “Baby, remember?”

“Oh, shoot. Abby.”

Rebecca helped Michelle through the door, breathing a sigh of relief when she saw Beard quickly coming around the corner. Michelle’s whole demeanor changed, glowing brightly at the sight of her fiance.

“Will!” she said, somewhere between a shout and a whisper.

“She’s all yours,” Rebecca deposited Michelle into Beard’s arms and stretched hers out in relief. 

“Thanks,” he said. “Did you ladies have a good time?”

“Mmmhmm. I got a lap dance.”

“Sweet.”

Beard regarded Rebecca in question, eyebrows raised. 

Rebecca shrugged. “I did the best I could.”

Beard snorted. “Ted’s in the kitchen,” he told her, and then addressed Michelle. “Let’s get you to bed, huh?”

“S’long as you come with me,” Michelle said, wrapping her arms around him. “We’re getting married.”

“Yup.”

“I love you.”

“Love you, too. Come on. Let’s go.”

Rebecca weaved her way through the hallway and into the kitchen, where Ted was sitting at the table looking bemused. 

“There she is.”

“Hi.” She can’t help smiling at the sight of him, hair tied back and beer in hand. 

“Hey yourself. I take it you ladies had fun?”

Rebecca  rolled her eyes and set his beer on the table, straddling his legs to sit on his lap. She rested her chin on his shoulder and sighed. “They had a good time.”

“And you?” he asked, rubbing a hand up and down her back. 

“It was fine,” she said honestly. “There were snacks.”

Ted snorted. “And?”

She shrugged. “The views weren’t bad.”

“There it is.”

“I missed you, though.”

He gently moved backwards so they were eye to eye. Raising one eyebrow, he said with amusement, “You were in a room full of naked men dancing around and you honestly want me to believe that you missed me?” 

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him sweetly. “Yup.”

“Hmm,” he said, seeming pleased. 

“What did you two gents get up to?” she asked. 

“Oh, it was quite the wild night. We had pizza, put Abby to bed, and had a GoldenEye tournament.”

Rebecca smiled, quelling the desire to roll her eyes. Ted and Beard were constantly playing the game, letting Roy into the mix on occasion. Even while on tour, they had a TV and Nintendo 64 installed in the back of the bus, where they spent hours battling it out.

Rebecca didn’t get it. But, it made Ted happy, and there were worse things he could spend time doing. 

“Keeley get home okay?” he asked, then, interrupting her thoughts.

She snorted. “Roy showed up about an hour ago to bring her home.” Rebecca laughed at the memory of Roy Kent in his black leather jacket and jeans, arms crossed and scowling while he waited for Keeley to deposit her last single in a g-string’d stripper. “I think it’s safe to say he was not a fan of tonight’s festivities.”

“Just wait till it’s Beard’s night out,” Ted teased.

“Right,” she said, smoothing her hands over his hair. “I know you’ve got quite the evening planned.”

“Dang right I do. My best friend’s gettin’ married.”

“So… pizza, beer, and video games?”

“Yep,” Ted nodded. When she laughed, he insisted, “Hey, it’s what the gentleman requested.”

“No stripper showing up in the middle of the evening, then?”

He shook his head. “Honestly, Beardo doesn’t want one.”

She blinked in surprise. “Really?”

“Says he’s already got the most gorgeous woman on the planet.”

“That’s sweet,” she murmured. 

“Mmm. It is, even though I have to disagree with him.”

She leaned back. “You do?”

“I do, because as it turns out, I’ve got the most gorgeous woman on the planet sittin’ in my lap.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes, but flushed at the praise. “Oh, you.”

“Oh, me,” he agreed, leaning in to kiss her gently. She let him, feeling the pressure of the evening fade away under his embrace. 

“You ready to go?” he asked softly. 

“Yes. Just let me check on Michelle first.”

“‘Kay.”

She stood, pressing a kiss into his hair before leaving the kitchen. The door to the master bedroom was ajar, and she knocked softly. 

“Everything okay in here?”

Beard looked up from his perch on the bed. “Everything’s good,” he confirmed, gesturing towards the large glass of water by the bedside. “Got some Tylenol into her before she passed out. I’ll probably head to bed soon, too.”

“Okay. Goodnight, Willis.” 

“Night Rebecca. Thanks for taking care of her.”

“Of course. It’s my duty.”

Beard gave her a salute, which she returned and headed back into the kitchen. 

“She’s out. Beard’s on it.”

Ted finished the last of his beer and stood, reaching for her hand as he walked towards her. “Okay, then. Let’s hit it.”

They stayed at his place that night, assuming Roy and Keeley had gone back to hers. 

It wasn’t that they couldn’t all spend time together, but Rebecca wasn’t keen on being around a sloppy, drunk, and possibly sick Keeley, nor did she want to hear Roy grouse at her about Keeley being so far gone. 

So they went to his place, getting ready for bed in a practiced routine, neither of them feeling particularly verbose. Rebecca, for her part, was exhausted from the evening, and she knew Ted was purposely keeping his mouth shut, content to give her the silence she craved after a boisterous night. 

Everyone always considered Ted to be a chatterbox, and while it was true that he could chew the fat with anyone and everyone, he was different when it came to Rebecca. Didn’t feel the need to fill the silences, wasn’t afraid of what she might be thinking, and didn’t have a compulsion to fix every situation with his custom brand of humor. 

She knew it was rare; that the only other people Ted felt as comfortable with were Beard and Michelle, and she was honored to be amongst such company. 

Ted reached for her when they were in bed, pulling her into his side. She settled onto his chest, shivering when his hair tickled her cheek. 

“Sorry,” he mumbled, pushing it behind his ear. 

“S’okay. I’m used to it.”

“Mmm.” He pulled her in tighter. “I missed you too, by the way.”

She smiled at that, and leaned up to kiss him softly. “Go to sleep, Ted.”

“M’kay. I love you, baby.”

She wrapped her arm around his middle and snuggled in closer, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. 

“I love you, too.”

The next month was pure chaos, and Rebecca barely got a moment to herself, let alone with Ted. Between writing lyrics for her new album, working with Roy on the music, and her continued duties as maid of honor, Rebecca was well and truly spent.

The doorbell rang the day of the wedding just as she was attempting to zip up her dress, and she answered it haphazardly. 

“Zip me up?” she asked when Ted stood at the other side. 

“Hello to you, too.”

“Please?” she said, her voice slightly exasperated. 

“Turn around.”

Ted stepped inside the doorway and gently pulled the zipper closed, wrapping his arms around her and pressing a kiss into her hair when he was done. 

“Hi.”

She turned around to face him. “Hi.”

He stuck out his hand.  “I’m Ted Lasso, your boyfriend of two years.” 

“Ugh, I know. I’m sorry. I promise after today, you’ll see me more often.”

He smiled. Clean shaven for the event, his dimples made an appearance. He took her hand and squeezed, expression changing to something more soft as he took her in. “May I say, you are wearing the heck out of that dress, Miss Welton.”

“Am I?” she hadn’t been sure of it. 

The whole wedding had been rushed, for no other reason than once they decided to do it, Michelle and Beard didn’t want to wait any longer to get married. 

“We’ve waited plenty,” Michelle told her when she announced the two-month time frame over lunch, nearly giving Rebecca a heart attack. 

“And Roy’s okay with that?” she asked, knowing The Sunflowers were also working on an album that was taking up the majority of their time. 

“Roy will get over it,” Michelle said curtly, and Rebecca dropped the subject, asking Michelle her thoughts on flower arrangements instead.

As a result of the speedy timeline, Michelle hadn’t had a particular style or color in mind for the maid of honor or bridesmaid dresses, trusting Rebecca and Keeley to select their own. They’d settled on a light pink color, Rebecca’s a traditional flowing A-line that hugged her curves, while Keeley had chosen something with a little more flair, a babydoll dress with a tulle overlaying the bottom half. 

Ted smoothed his hands over her arms as he stepped back to fully take her in. “Michelle better watch out. Everyone’s gonna be lookin’ at you tonight instead of the bride.”

“You’re sweet.”

“Just speaking my truth. Are you ready to go?”

“Almost. I need to finish putting on my makeup.”

“You’re only building on perfection!” Ted called to her as she walked down the hallway and into the bathroom. 

Rebecca silently wondered what had gotten into him. Ted could be effusive, and he wasn’t shy on physical affection, but today felt a little over the top. She chalked it up to it being his best friends’ wedding, compounded by the fact that they’d barely seen each other over the last month.

Not that she was complaining. She’d missed him just as much as he’d missed her, and as fulfilling as the last month had been, she was ready for things to get back to normal. Well, as normal as their lives ever got. She knew that after Michelle and Beard went on their short honeymoon, it was back into the studio for The Sunflowers. 

Putting the finishing touch on her lips, Rebecca exited the bathroom to find Ted still standing in the doorway. Her breath stuttered a little, not having gotten the full effect of the tuxedo he was wearing earlier. 

“Ted Lasso, my god. You look…” she shook her head. “Delectable.”

“There you go with those SAT words again,” he teased, but she could tell he was pleased, a faint blush painted on his cheeks. 

She stepped into his arms and pulled him into a hug, not wanting to ruin her freshly applied lipstick. “I’m going to be thinking about you for the entire ceremony. About how much I want to rip this suit off and have a celebration of our own.”

Ted sighed contentedly. “Ditto, baby.”

“Shall we?” She lifted her head, eyes heavy-lidded.

“Let’s shall.”

Eschewing the traditional church locale, Beard and Michelle decided to get married in Riverside Park. Obtaining the special events permit had been one Ted’s duties as best man, and they’d chosen a tucked away spot close to the Hudson River. Rebecca had rented a small arch tastefully decorated with flowers, and there were a handful of chairs set up on either side to create an aisle. It was simple but elegant, and Rebecca couldn’t help the tears that pricked her eyes when the four of them and Abby arrived to see it all set up. 

They’d come from a nearby hotel where Beard, Michelle, and Abby had spent the previous evening, forgoing the tradition of spending the night before their nuptials apart. It wasn’t practical, with Abby, and they hadn’t particularly wanted to separate, deciding instead to rent a room at one of the more upscale hotels nearby. Ted and Rebecca met them there, where Rebecca had helped Michelle get into her gown and put the finishing touches on her makeup, and Ted had tied Beard’s bow tie. 

Michelle was gorgeous in a simple white gown with an empire waist that showed off her curves and made her eyes pop. For his part, Beard wore a traditional tuxedo with a lavender bow tie to give it a bit of panache. 

Rebecca and Ted marched down the aisle together at the top of the ceremony. She clutched his arm tightly and he gave her hand a squeeze before they separated. As Roy and Keeley made their way to the arch, Rebecca couldn’t help the way her gaze was drawn towards Ted. Every time she let herself sneak a peak, he was staring directly at her with hearts in his eyes, wearing a dopey expression on his face.

The ceremony was relatively quick, performed by one of Beard’s friends who had become ordained for the occasion. After, they took the obligatory wedding party photos and then it was off to the reception at a small venue nearby.

Beard had insisted on a DJ over a band. It was cheaper for one thing, and for another, having played a few weddings themselves when The Sunflowers were up and coming, he, “Wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy.” 

Rebecca knew Michelle would have preferred to hire a band, but considering this was the only part of the wedding about which Beard had been adamant, she decided to let it go. 

“The first compromise of our marriage,” she’d told Rebecca over one of their myriad planning sessions. 

So, Rebecca ate the catered food at the head table (fish for her, chicken for Ted), and mingled amongst the crowd, all the while waiting for the cue from Roy to sneak away for their musical surprise. 

It happened shortly after the first dance. Roy tapped her softly on the shoulder and nodded, and the trio made their escape out of the side door. 

They knew from an earlier scouting trip that the venue had a piano, which they rolled onstage and quickly set up two microphones, Michelle and Beard none the wiser. Rebecca knew Keeley had them cornered, talking in spades about one topic or another. Those had been her marching orders, and she was only too happy to oblige, glad to be a part of the surprise. 

When they were ready, Roy popped through the curtains and gave the DJ a nod, who stopped the music and made an announcement. 

“Ladies and gentleman, please give your attention to the maid of honor and best man, who have a little surprise for our happy couple.”

Roy tugged on the ropes and opened the curtain to reveal Ted sitting behind the piano and Rebecca standing slightly off to the side. 

Ted hit the first chords and started singing.

She’s got a way about her.
I don’t know what it is,
But I know that I can’t live without her. 

From her perch behind the microphone, she saw Beard’s eyes grow wide, and then he blinked rapidly. Michelle caught Rebecca’s eye and smiled.

She’s got a smile that heals me
I don’t know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me

When it came to the end, the audience applauded loudly. Beard wiped away his tears and kissed Michelle sweetly, mouthing a quick “thank you” to both of them. 

“Hey y’all, my name is Ted Lasso and this here is Rebecca Welton, your best man and maid of honor at your service. I guess you could say this is our version of a wedding toast. 

“For those of you who don’t know, Beardo and I have been friends since we were knee high to a grasshopper, and Michelle joined our crew in high school. Back when the two’a them started gettin’ serious, Beardo played that song for me and said Mr. William Joel had captured exactly how he felt about Michelle. It’s been his song for her ever since.”

The crowd awwed. 

“We’ve got a couple more before we get outta your hair, if that’s alright with y’all.”

There was cheering, and Michelle put her face in her hands before looking up at the stage and shaking her head at them fondly. 

“Feel free to get up and dance at any point,” Ted added, and then started the next song. 

Rebecca cupped the sides of the microphone and began singing. 

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come, my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

When Ted joined in on the chorus, she caught his eye and smiled. They might have been playing for the happy couple, but Rebecca was only thinking of him when she sang Shania Twain’s words. 

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life

They played another song before ending, appropriately, on Michelle by The Beatles. Looking out into the crowd, she saw Beard and Michelle dancing, little Abby between them, and her heart ballooned inside of her chest. 

She and Ted danced together after, content to sway to the music in their own little world. Eventually they parted to make the rounds, fulfilling their social obligations as maid of honor and best man.

The newly married couple cornered them towards the end of the night before going back to their hotel. Beard gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, offering a simple “thank you,” while Michelle was effusive with her praise, insisting that Rebecca was the greatest maid of honor anyone could have, asking how on earth had she kept their set a surprise. Rebecca hugged her back, her cheeks wet with tears of happiness for her friends, and instructed them to have a great honeymoon. 

“Guess it’s just us now, hmm?” Ted asked once Beard and Michelle had departed, wrapping his arms around her from behind and kissing her neck. “How do you wanna spend the rest of the evening?”

Rebecca turned around and gave him a quick kiss. “I would like to dance my arse off for the next hour, and then go home and sleep for a week.”

“You’re forgetting about the clean-up,” Ted pointed out.

Rebecca pouted her lips. “Can’t someone else do it?”

“Sorry, darlin’. Wedding party duties. We’ve at least gotta make a show of helping the staff and Michelle and Beard’s mamas.”

She grumbled. “Can we dance first?” 

Ted winked and offered her his hand. “You got it, darlin’.”

The journey home was decidedly less glamorous than the car service Beard and Michelle had arranged for their arrival. Rebecca was sure they made quite a sight sitting on the subway in their formalwear, her shoes dangling in her hands and her legs slung over Ted’s lap. He rubbed at her feet absently.

“Good night?” he asked. 

“Best night,” she said, smiling at him lazily. 

“Have I told you yet how gorgeous you looked today?”

“Repeatedly,” she hummed. “And if I weren’t so fucking tired from the last two months of wedding planning, I’d show you my appreciation properly.”

“We got time for all that,” Ted said easily. “Where are we going tonight, your place or mine?”

“Yours,” she said with a sigh, closing her eyes. “I don’t want to have to be social with anyone until I’ve had a proper night’s sleep.”

“Not even Roy and Keels?”

“Not even them. Wake me when it’s our stop?”

“Will do, buckeroo. Get in a little cat nap, I’ll stand guard."

She dozed the rest of the journey home, feeling safe and secure with her head on Ted’s shoulder, his hands gently massaging her calves.

Rebecca was practically dead on her feet for the short walk from the subway to Ted’s apartment, leaning heavily into his side. 

She made quick work of her dress once they were inside, changing into one of Ted’s old t-shirts and a pair of his sleep shorts. He said nothing about her stealing his clothes when she entered the bathroom, just handed Rebecca her toothbrush and pressed a kiss into her shoulder on his way out. 

Once she brushed her teeth and removed her makeup, Rebecca shuffled into the bedroom. Ted had turned down her side of the bed, and she quickly got in and sidled up to him, throwing a leg over his. 

“I feel like I could sleep for a year.”

Ted hummed. “Go ahead, baby. I’ll be right here, waiting. I ain’t going anywhere.”

Something pricked in the back of her mind at his words, a reminder that they still hadn’t talked about their future. Ted seemed content enough with their current arrangement of sleeping at one apartment or another,  but she was still itching to move things forward. 

“Can we talk tomorrow?”

“We talk every day.”

Her attempt to swat at him was lost in her exhaustion, and she ended up skimming the surface of the comforter. 

“You know what I mean.”

“Something on your mind, buttercup?"

“Mmmhmm.” She closed her eyes.

“Okay, then. I’ll get us some breakfast tomorrow morning, and then we can talk.”

“You don’t hav’ta do that,” she mumbled.

Ted chuckled, kissing the top of her hair. “Goodnight, darlin’. Sweet dreams.”

True to his word, when Rebecca padded into the kitchen the next morning, there was an assortment of pastries on the table and a fresh pot of coffee brewing. 

“Good morning, sunshine.” Ted stood to kiss her from where he’d been sitting, writing in a notebook.

“Do you need to finish?” Rebecca gestured towards the notebook, knowing he’d likely been working on a song.

“Nah. It’ll keep. Danish?”

“Please.” Rebecca took two plates down from the cabinet and set them on the counter, along with some silverware. 

“Coffee should be ready.”

They spent the next couple of minutes preparing breakfast. Rebecca smiled inwardly at their practiced dance around the kitchen. She popped in the refrigerator to hand him his full-fat creamer while getting the nonfat he kept on hand for herself, and he plated her danish and poured their respective cups of coffee, handing Rebecca hers with a kiss and a “here you go, darlin.’”

They knew each other's rhythms so well. This fact made her a little less nervous for what she was about to propose, but only a little. It was still a huge change, after all.

“How’d you sleep?” Ted asked her once they were sitting at the table. 

“Good. I feel much better.”

“You were still pretty dead to the world when I got up,” he said as he popped a piece of cruller in his mouth.

“Have you been awake long?”

Ted shrugged and continued eating, and Rebecca knew that meant yes. He wasn’t prone to sleeping in, unlike herself. If left unchecked, Rebecca could sleep until noon.

“Thanks for waiting for me,” she said, nudging him affectionately. 

“Last night you said you wanted to talk. Seemed important.”

“Right, so,” Rebecca put down her fork and looked at him, waiting to catch his eye. When she did, she smiled softly, reaching for his hand and kissing his palm. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” he said. “What’s on your mind, baby?”

She took a deep breath. “Well, as you know, our friends just got married.”

He smacked his hand on his forehead playfully. “Is that what we did yesterday? I thought it was just a big party.”

“Don’t be cheeky,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “I’m trying to be serious, here.”

“Sorry.” He put down his cruller and schooled his face into an earnest expression. “Hit me.”

“As I was saying, our friends just got married. It was a big step. The ultimate step, really, and it’s got me thinking about us.”

Ted grew pale and he swallowed thickly. “Are you proposin’ to me, Rebecca? Because I love you, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for – ”

“No, love, I’m not proposing,” she assured him. “But it has made me think about our future, and I’ve been wondering, lately…” she bit her lip anxiously. 

“Wonderin’ what?” he asked.

“Roy’s lease is up,” she said abruptly. 

Ted raised an eyebrow. “Okay.”

“His lease is up, and his landlord is proposing a huge rent increase, which Roy can’t afford. Keeley asked me the other week how I’d feel about Roy moving in.”

“And how do you feel about that?”

“I feel like our apartment is cramped enough as it is with just the two of us, and a third person would make it nearly impossible to live in.”

He nodded. “Okay. So… you want me to help you look for a new place?”

She blew out a breath of air in frustration, her bangs fluttering on her forehead. “No. I’ve been thinking about… that is, I’ve been wondering if…if it was time for us to…you know. Move in. Together. The two of us.”

Ted sat back in his chair. “You want us to move in together?”

She nodded. “I do. I think we’re ready.”

He laughed weakly. “You could just about tip me over with a feather right now, Rebecca. Wow, darlin’, I was not expecting this.”

“We already spend almost every night together,” she pointed out. “Wouldn’t it make sense to consolidate? Plus, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of running back and forth all the time. I want…I want us settled. I want to wake up with you in the morning and come home to you every night.” Rebecca regarded Ted’s face, still in shock, and it was her turn to swallow thickly. “But, if you… if you’re not ready, or if you don’t want to, I’ll understand, I just thought…”

Ted nodded slowly. “No, what you’re saying makes a lot of sense. I just need a minute to catch up.”

“Okay,” she said, and then added softly, “You’ve really never thought about it?”

Ted ran his hand through his hair. “I wouldn’t say never, but not for a while. I thought – you seemed so settled, with Keeley, and I didn’t want to rock the boat. Not with everythin’ else going on, with the wedding and the tour and our albums. I just thought it would be easier for both of us if one thing stayed the same.”

Her face fell. “Oh.”

Ted scooted closer to her, and took her face in his hands. “Hey, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to do this. I love you, and I want to keep spending as much time together as possible. Okay?”

She nodded reluctantly and he kissed the tip of her nose. Sitting back, he tapped his thumb on the table. “So, where would we live, in this hypothetical situation?”

Rebecca allowed herself another bite of her danish, licking her lips as she chewed. “Depends. I could see us getting a new place, if that’s what you wanted, but…”

“But?”

She shrugged. “But I really like it here,” she admitted shyly, her cheeks flushing.

“Yeah?"

“Yeah. It’s… homey.”

Ted hummed. “You don’t think it’s too cramped?”

“Not at all,” she shook her head. “I think it’s cozy.”

“And what if you were to bring all the rest of your stuff over? You still think it’ll just be ‘cozy’?”

Rebecca’s heartbeat ticked up and she bit back a smile. “You know I don’t actually have all that much, right? The furniture over there is all Keeley’s. I wouldn’t need my bed. So it would really just be my keyboard, the rest of my clothes, and a few other knickknacks.” 

“Oh, I don’t know about that.”

“You don’t?”

“If you’re going to move in here, I think we’d need some stuff that’s just ours, like a new couch or some chairs. Plus you’ll probably want some type of vanity in the bedroom. Maybe we get a new table, too?” He knocked on it again. “This one’s kinda on its last legs.”

“Does that mean… are you saying yes?”

“Did you really think there was a world in which I would say no?” 

She blinked rapidly, tears forming at her waterline. “I honestly wasn’t sure. We’ve never talked about it.” 

“We are now.”

“Yes, we are. So…”

He stood, and held out his hands. Pulling her up, he placed them on her shoulders and looked her squarely in the eyes. “Rebecca Welton, would you do me the honor of moving in here with me?”

She nodded quickly, unable to stop the tears from running down her cheeks. “Yes, I will, Ted Lasso.”

He smiled, and tugged her in for a tight hug, running a hand down her back. “I’m sorry I made you doubt me, even if it was only for a moment. I love you so dang much, Rebecca, and I can’t wait for us to live together.”

“I love you, too. And hey,” she pulled back, “next time we need to have a serious conversation about our future, let’s do it in baby steps, yeah? I didn’t mean to bulldoze you.”

“You didn’t.”

She regarded him plainly. 

“Well, maybe a little,” he acquiesced. “But I don’t mind. I’m glad you were brave enough for the both of us.”

“So we’re really doing this, huh?”

“Did you want to go get your stuff now?” he offered seriously. 

She slapped him on the shoulder. “Silly man. There are things that need to be done first. Talking to Keeley, for one.”

“Right, right, sure. So… tomorrow?” he smiled hopefully.

“In a couple of weeks,” she promised. “Give me time to arrange things with Keeley, pack, and tell my parents.”

He paused at that. “Do you think they’ll have a problem with it?”

She snorted. “Ted. I haven’t lived at home since I was sixteen. Even if they did have a problem with it – which I don’t think they will – there’s really nothing they can do about it. I’m an adult who lives an entire ocean away. I just want to give them the courtesy of letting them know.” 

“Oh. Okay.”

“What about Dottie? Do you think she’ll have any concerns about her son living in sin?”

Ted laughed. “Oh she’ll have an opinion, all right. But as you said, we’re all adults. And she loves you, you know that.”

“So, it’s settled.”

“It is.” Ted brought her in closer, and began nibbling on her neck.

Rebecca shivered. “Ted.”

“Mmm?”

She floundered under his touch, gesturing towards their plates. “Breakfast.”

Ted began backing her out of the kitchen. “What about it?”

“We were, um. Eating. Pastries…cof..coffee.”

He continued his path towards the bedroom. “Later,” he whispered. “Right now I need to make love to my soon-to-be live-in girlfriend.”

“You do, huh?” she began tangling her fingers through his hair. 

“Very much so.” 

“And what if… what if your girlfriend doesn’t want to?”

He paused at that, lifting his head. “Does she not?”

Rebecca smirked and kissed him deeply. “She is not opposed so long as there is a shower involved either before or after because she feels disgusting after all that dancing last night.”

Ted buried his face in between her shoulder and neck, sucking on the skin there. “I think that can be arranged."

She flipped them around so she was the one walking forward, trailing her hands down his arms and tugging on his shirt. He let go of her for one moment so she could lift the shirt over his head and then resumed his activities. She moved them into his room and flopped down on the bed. Ted tumbled on top of her and began kissing her clavicle and down towards her breasts. 

Rebecca closed her eyes and let herself feel everything, all at once: lust at the current situation; love for this man she was lucky enough to call her own; and excitement at the prospect of moving in together. 

It was going to be an interesting few months, adapting to this change and seeing what the future held.

Rebecca couldn’t wait.  

Chapter Text

Fall, 2000

Somewhere in her smile, she knows
            -The Beatles, Something 

Roy’s voice filled the recording booth from his position on the other side of the glass. “Go ahead and take ten, then we need you back here for the next song.” 

“Roger that, kitty cat!” Ted said, lifting off his headphones. He saw but did not hear Roy snarl at the moniker.

Chuckling to himself, Ted exited the booth and headed towards the studio’s green room, where he picked up the phone and dialed the number he knew by heart. 

“Hi Ted,” Rebecca’s voice came through the other end of the line.

“Hey, sweetheart, how you doin’?”

“Sweaty. I’m trying to get the last of my things packed and clean up this room. Did you know that you’re supposed to move furniture around when you hoover?”

Ted laughed. “I think someone told me that once.”

“It's not that I’ve never done it. But this room is so tiny that I’m having to move everything into the hallway just to make room for the bloody thing. It turns out I might have more than just a keyboard and some clothes.”

“Is that so?” he teased. “You coulda fooled me.”

“Oh, stop. How’s the session going?”

“Not bad. I think we’re going to do one more and then call it a day. Do you want me to pick something up for dinner?” 

“Ooh, I’ve been craving the crab rangoon from Chen’s.”

“Got it. You want your usual entree order, too?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay. Listen, I gotta get back to it, but I’ll bring the food over around 6:30?”

“Sounds perfect.”

“I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Ted hung up the phone and removed a dollar from his wallet. Entering it into the room’s vending machine, he pressed the button for a bottle of water. He took a huge swig once it was dispensed and made the short walk back into the recording studio, bottle in hand. 

“Okay, Roy-o, what’s next?”

They had spent the day laying down vocals for a few of the songs on the new album. Michelle and Beard had come back from their short honeymoon to a sick Abby, and were taking turns caring for her. As a result, the only two people who had really been available that week were Ted and Roy. 

Ted knew that any other manager would have told his bandmates to suck it up and come into the studio anyway because time was money. He felt fortunate that Roy was not just any manager. Despite his gruff exterior, he would do anything for any member of The Sunflowers, including giving the drummer and bassist a few days off to take care of their sick child, no questions asked. 

It had been an interesting week, working solely with Roy on lead guitar and vocals. The Sunflowers usually worked as a group, even when laying down the tracks separately, feeding off each other's energy and offering up suggestions. A part of him wanted to be with Rebecca, helping her get ready for the big move, but he knew he had a responsibility to the label and the studio, and most importantly, to Roy. 

“Grains of Sand,” Roy said, answering his question. 

Grains of Sand. Another song highly inspired by Rebecca, the thesis being that love was the only constant in a rapidly changing world. 

The entire album wasn’t full of love songs, but there were a fair few. They said to write what you know, and lately, all Ted knew was his love for Rebecca.

Still, there were others that had nothing to do with her. A particular favorite of Ted’s was Orangina, written while watching the sun set over the Hudson. He was also proud of The Mighty Oak, which Beard had penned for Abby and would sing lead vocals on. Ted was excited to see how that one turned out. It very well could be their lead single, if rehearsals were any indication.

He knew they had a good selection of songs – some fast, some slow, a few in between. Ted was more confident in this album, their third, than he’d been in the first two. 

He just hoped the label felt the same. There was a lot of pressure that came with a third album. They did well enough as an “established” band – a handful of their songs had been played on the radio, and they did well enough on the last tour. Still, they hadn’t quite “hit the big time” yet. 

If it never happened, Ted was fine with where things stood now. He made a living solely as a musician, and The Sunflowers had a core audience who knew and liked their work. 

Did Ted own that penthouse that Dottie dreamed of him having? No. But he was okay with that.

He just hoped the label felt the same. There was a certain type of pressure Ted felt from this new album – like if they didn’t hit it, there would be trouble. 

Ted knew that Roy had his back, and also held a lot of influence with the label, but even still, he felt the pressure. A prickling on the back of his neck and numbness in his hands had permeated his evenings ever since they started working on the album. 

He also knew that if it didn’t do well, he could kiss the prospect of recording an album with Rebecca goodbye. That kept him on his toes more than anything else. He had loved going on tour with her over the summer, and the idea of getting to do it again, only this time playing music they made together, made his heart feel all gooey inside.

“Oi, wanker. You with us?” Roy asked from his side of the glass. 

Ted shook his head and pasted a smile on his face. “Sorry, Roy. I’m here.”

“Good. Let’s take it from the top.”

Ted used his key to open the door to the apartment Rebecca would call home for just a few more days. Takeout bag in hand, he called down the hallway for her. 

“Hello? Rebecca?”

“In here!” 

Ted walked into the kitchen and set their dinner down on the counter before making his way into her bedroom. 

“There she is,” he said as he reached the doorway. 

Well, there a part of her was. Knees on the floor, she was crouched underneath the bed, rooting around. Ted took a moment to enjoy the view of her ass in tight jeans, the rest of her disappeared. 

“Lose something?”

Rebecca mumbled something Ted couldn’t quite make out but knew was a show of frustration, and he bit his lip to keep from smiling, even though she couldn’t see him. 

Rebecca’s voice was muffled when she answered. “Yes. My fucking earring fell out when I was hoovering.” 

“Which one?”

“The bloody diamond ones you gave me. I can’t find it anywhere.”

Ted wasn’t sure why he had asked. He'd presented her with the earrings on their first anniversary and she’d scarcely worn anything else since. Simple but elegant, they had cost him an arm and a leg, but it had been worth it to see the look on her face when she’d opened the box. 

He knew Rebecca wasn’t much for fancy things, particularly with her wealthy upbringing. She eschewed most indicators of affluence, but he’d known the simple diamond studs belonged on Rebecca’s ears from the moment he’d laid eyes on them. 

“Any chance the vacuum may have gobbled it up?” he asked. 

She groaned. “God, I hope not. It was so stupid of me. I should have taken them out when I started cleaning, but I never have before and it’s been fine, but this time I – Oh! Found it!”

Grabbing the earring from its spot underneath the bed, she crawled out slowly, affixing the stud to her ear as she stood. “Thank goodness. I’m not sure what I would have done if it was lost to the cleaning gods.” Walking over to him, she kissed him lightly on the lips. “Hello, darling.”

“Hi. How was your day?”

She blew her bangs away from her face with a puff of air. “Good. Busy. I’m just about done here, as you can tell.” She indicated around the room, which was mostly packed up in boxes. “Should be ready by Saturday.”

“Excellent,” he couldn’t help the wide grin that appeared on his face. 

“How about you?” she asked, pressing a finger into his chest. “Have you made room for me?”

“Yes, ma’am. There’s a big piece of the closet with your name on it, not to mention a whole section of the bathroom, and two bookshelves in the living room.”

“Hmm. You know, between your collection and mine, we may need another bookcase.”

“Or we can consolidate. I know for a fact we have some overlap.”

“Oh sure. Do you want to be the one give up your childhood copy of Charlotte’s Web?” she asked. 

“Fair enough.” Ted took her hands in his and kissed her fingertips. “There’s crab rangoon in the kitchen as the lady requested. Are you ready to eat?”

“Yes. I’m starved.” 

Dinner was a quiet affair, each tired from their respective days. Ted braced himself for the human tornado that was Keeley Jones, but she was, he learned, at the Fashion Institute for the evening. 

“She’s working on some group project where they have to design and fabricate a day to night look,” Rebecca told him, munching on a wonton.

“How’s fashion school going for our Miss Jones?” 

“Really well. She loves it. I know she was worried about the age difference, but I think she likes being older than a lot of her classmates. Means more to her, you know? Especially since she’s paying for it.” 

Ted remembered her reservations at the beginning, but Keeley was now in her third semester at FIT and was, by all accounts, thriving. He was happy for her, knowing what it was like to carve out your own dream with no financial assistance.

They cleaned up what little dishes there were after, putting the leftovers back in their containers and into the fridge. 

“You want to walk over to the video store and rent something?” Ted asked. 

“Sure. Anything but Star Wars,” she teased, referring to the last few times they’d been to the video store.

Ted held up his hands. “Whatever you want, I promise.” 

They chose Notting Hill, which they’d seen together in the theater the previous year. Rebecca liked it because it reminded her of home, and Ted liked it because, in his mind, Rebecca wasn’t too far off from the Julia Roberts character. 

“That’s ridiculous,” Rebecca told him when he shared this opinion with her. “I’m not a famous movie star.”

“You’re not famous,” he corrected. “Yet. But baby, you’re a star. Get used to it.”

“Only in your eyes,” she muttered. 

“That is a matter of opinion. And I’ve got a whole group of folks that would back me up on this.” He kissed her then, bringing the discussion to an end. 

She scoffed, but he saw the rosy color rise in her cheeks, and she snuggled in closer to him, so he knew she was pleased by his words. He meant them, too. Rebecca had star power if he ever saw it, and he’d been around enough musicians to know. Rebecca stood out amongst her peers. It was only a matter of time. 

He let the movie wash over him, reveling in the fictional world of Hugh Grant’s group of friends, and feeling lucky for his own group of ragtag artists. When the movie was over, he was fulfilled in that way only a good story can make one feel, and looked over to find Rebecca fast asleep beside him. He smiled softly and kissed her hair, putting one hand on her shoulder to rouse her. 

“Rebecca. C’mon, baby, it’s time for bed.”

She stirred, grumbling slightly at being disturbed. 

“Sorry, honey. You fell asleep.”

“Did he ask her to stay?” she asked, her voice raspy. 

“He did,” he chuckled. 

“Can’t believe I missed it,” she pouted.

“We can watch it again tomorrow. Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

“Are you staying?”

“Of course I’m staying.”

“Good.” She rose from the couch and stretched, yawning. “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to spend the night.”

Ted laughed. “This boy accepts your offer.” 

He stood, taking her outstretched hand, and together they went into the bedroom that would be hers for just two more days.

“Fuck me. How many boxes are in here, anyway?” Roy stood in the entrance to Rebecca’s bedroom on moving day, his hands on his hips. 

“I think what you mean to say is ‘I’m happy to help in whatever way you need, Rebecca,’ right babe?” 

Roy growled at his girlfriend and reluctantly entered the room. “You should have hired bloody movers.”

“Movers are expensive,” Rebecca reminded him. 

“It’s not like you can’t afford it,” he countered. “You forget, I know how much you both get paid.”

“You know what, fellas? My dad always said the surefire way to incite an argument was to bring up money or politics,” Ted said. “So let’s switch topics. Roy, thank you for coming over to help out, and for asking the studio to lend you their truck.”

“A moving van would have been better,” Roy groused.

“You know as well as I do there’s no way we were getting a moving van through this neighborhood,” Ted reminded him. 

“All this for four fucking blocks,” he muttered, but entered the room and grabbed a box.

“Thank you, Roy,” Rebecca said sweetly, offering him a kiss on the cheek. 

“Whatever.”

“You know we've got your back, Jack. Whenever you move in, we’ll be here to help.”

“No, you won’t,” Roy countered, turning around at the doorway. “Because it’s next week and I’ve hired fucking movers like a fucking adult.”

“There will be pizza later,” Rebecca told him.

His response was to leave the room, box in hand.

“Who put a bee in his bonnet?” Ted asked. ”I’m not wrong, am I? That was a lot, even for Roy?”

“He’s getting shit from the studio,” Keeley explained quietly.

“Why?” Ted nervously ran a hand through his hair.

“They don’t like that he let Beard and Michelle stay home this week.”

“Really? Even with all the work we did?”

Keeley shook her head. “They’re convinced you could have gotten more done as a group.”

“Well, that’s probably true,” Ted admitted. “But it’s not like we were standin’ around twiddling our thumbs, either.”

“I know that, and you know that, but Roy’s having a hard time convincing the studio otherwise. Time is money and all that jazz.”

“Huh.” Ted felt a wave of guilt and responsibility wash over him, even though he had absolutely nothing to do with Michelle and Beard’s absence.

“Fucking hell! Am I the only one who’s going to fucking do this fucking shit?” Roy’s voice bellowed into the bedroom from the hallway.

“Coming!” Rebecca called, picking up a box and lugging it out of the room, Ted and Keeley following suit. 

Twenty minutes later, the truck was loaded up for its first trip. He was right, Ted thought to himself as he slowly made the drive to his place. Even four blocks away, it would have been near impossible to get a moving van through this part of the city. 

Not to mention the cost of said van. Yes, they could afford it, but they were trying to be prudent about their spending, as they were saving up for a trip back to London early next year to visit Rebecca’s parents and see some friends. Tickets weren’t that expensive, but add in the cost of a hotel, plus the expense of just hanging out in London for a week, and it had turned into a whole savings goal. Rebecca’s parents had offered to pay, of course, but Rebecca, ever independent, refused their offer.

The rest of the day was spent carting boxes, bags, and music equipment to Ted and Rebecca’s place. For someone who said she didn’t have a lot of stuff… Rebecca had a lot of stuff. Ted didn’t mind; they had waited long enough to take this step and he was more than willing to put in a hard day’s work to make it happen. 

Eventually they devised a system wherein Roy and Ted did the moving to and fro, while Rebecca and Keeley stayed behind to get the next load ready. 

By the end of the day, everyone was exhausted, sweaty, and starving.

“Oi, Welton, time to pay up with that pizza,” Roy said once the last box had been deposited into the living room. 

“Aye, aye, Roy,” she saluted. “What does everyone want?”

They ended up ordering two pizzas, one veggie supreme and one sausage and pepperoni. 

“So where’s the first room you’re going to shag in?” Keeley asked casually once they were settled at the kitchen table, chewing on a slice of veggie pizza.

“Keeley!” Rebecca admonished, while Ted felt himself turn eighteen shades of red. 

“What?” she asked innocently. “I know that’s what you’re doing after we leave, so what’s the harm in asking?”

“Honestly, Keels, the only thing I’m gonna do once you guys are gone is go to sleep,” Ted told her. “I can’t speak for Rebecca here, but I am dog-tired.”

“Don’t worry, she'll tell me all about it anyway,” Keeley said smugly. “Won’t you, Rebecca?”

“Can we fucking change the subject?” Roy interjected. “Some of us are trying to eat,”

“Amen,” Ted said, lifting his slice towards Roy in a toasting motion. He still felt the heat burning on his cheeks. 

“Fine by me. Roy, is everything okay at the studio? Keeley said…” Rebecca stopped speaking when Roy turned to glare at his girlfriend.

“I’m handling it,” he said, voice in a near growl. “So don’t worry.”

“You want me to say something to them?” Ted asked. “Turn on the old Midwestern charm?”

“No.”

“That’s it? Just an outright no?”

“I told you, I’m handling it,” Roy drew out the words as if speaking to a child. 

“Well, I’m out of conversational topics,” Ted said with a shrug. “Keels, how are they treatin’ you over at the Fashion Institute? Rebecca mentioned you were workin’ a group project?”

Keeley’s eyes lit up. “It’s fucking great! You won’t believe what we put together.”

Keeley talked their ear off for the remainder of dinner, discussing all manner of things that Ted didn’t understand in the world of fashion. One thing came through, though, and that was her love for the subject matter. Ted was happy for her; not everyone got to do what they loved and it was a special thing when it happened, particularly when it was a non-traditional career path. Besides, he figured they owed her for how often she was witness to their in-depth debates and discussions about music. 

After the last slice of pizza was eaten and the conversation had petered out, Ted saw Rebecca suppress a yawn. He couldn't blame her; he was exhausted as well. It was a good exhaustion, though, one that came from an honest day's work.

Roy stood. “Right. We’ll be getting out of your hair now.”

“So soon?” Rebecca couldn’t get the words out without another yawn. 

Roy snorted. “Like we haven’t overstayed our welcome already. Come on Keeley. Let’s let Welton and the wanker settle in.”

“He means let you two shag,” Keeley said in a stage whisper.

“Bloody hell, I do not!” 

Keeley giggled. “You’re such an easy target, babe.”

He growled at her, but there was a passion and love in his eyes that Ted only saw when Keeley was around.

“Alright, get your purse, Miss Mind in the Gutter. We’re leaving.”

Keeley stood, and Ted and Rebecca followed suit.

“We can’t thank you enough for your help today, truly,” Rebecca said as all four entered the hallway.

“No problem, babe! Nowhere else we’d rather be. Right Roy?

Roy wiggled his head back and forth before sighing, giving in. “Fine.”

“Oh, Kent, you old softie,” Rebecca linked her arm through his affectionately.

“I know you said you were hiring movers, but we owe you, Roy,” Ted said. “You say the word and we’ll be there.”

“Thank you. He will take you up on that,” Keeley replied pointedly. 

“Whatever.”

“Have a good night, you two,” Rebecca said, opening the door to their apartment. “Get some rest.”

“You, too.” Keeley replied with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

“Give it up, Keeley,” Rebecca laughed, opening her arms for a hug.

“I want details,” the small woman whispered.

Ted stuck out his hand. “Roy.”

“Lasso,” Roy accepted the handshake. 

“See you next week at the studio?”

“You better fucking be there. And Welton, don’t think I’ve forgotten about you. I want to see that new song by Tuesday. No excuses.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Kent,” she kissed him on the cheek. “Goodnight.”

“Night.”

They closed the door and Ted looked at Rebecca expectantly. “What now, roomie?”

Rebecca chuckled. “I feel like I’m letting Keeley down, but all I really want to do is take a hot bath, unpack my pajamas, and go to bed.”

“Sounds good to me, Bobby McGee. I am familiar with this bathtub of yours, and I think there might be room for two.”

“There might be,” Rebecca hedged, “so long as you promise me a scalp massage while you wash my hair. My head is killing me.”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, mi’lady.”

“And no funny business. Not that I don’t love you and worship your body, but…”

“Naw, I get it. It’s been a long day.”

“Exactly.”

“Well, come on now, roomie. The shower ain’t gonna start itself.”

Chapter Text

Winter, 2001

It’s been a long time
Now I’m coming back home  
    -The Beatles, Wait

Ted knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep from the moment they departed JFK. 

He’d gotten better about sleeping while on the road, mostly thanks to Rebecca. Her calming nature helped him to relax enough to drift off to sleep most times they traveled together.

But not always. And this was one of those times. On this transatlantic flight, Ted found he was just too anxious. About the newly-recorded album, and how it would fare once out in the world. About Roy’s continual battle with the studio over said album. And about their impending week with Rebecca’s parents.

If he was being honest with himself, it was mostly the latter. While he’d met Deborah and Paul Welton before, and talked to them on the phone on numerous occasions, they’d never spent an entire week together. This would be a big test, and one he wasn’t sure he would pass. After all, he was one of the reasons why Rebecca left England. He knew he wasn’t the only reason, but he was a big one. 

In all honesty, he wasn’t sure Deborah and Paul would ever forgive him for that, no matter how well it had worked out for their daughter. 

Unfortunately for him, they were taking an overnight flight, so not even a book could keep him company. Well, it could, but then he’d be the lone jerk with his overhead light on. He sighed, and adjusted in his seat, willing himself to relax. 

“You okay?” Rebecca asked softly. 

“Yeah,” he lied, flexing the hands tucked between his legs. 

His attempt at hiding didn’t work. Rebecca knew him too well. Silently, she removed one hand, and lifted it to her lips, kissing it gently. “What’s wrong, my darling? 

Ted sighed again and shook his head. “Nothing, I just… what if they hate me?”

“Who?” 

“Who? The royal family,” he said sarcastically. Off her look, he amended his answer. “Your parents.”

Rebecca wrinkled her nose. “Why on earth do you think they would hate you?”

“Well, let’s see, you left England to be with me. You haven’t been back for an extended period of time since, but we’ve seen my mama plenty. Oh, and we currently live in sin.” Ted ticked the reasons off on his free hand. “Take your pick.”

“First of all, I left England to pursue my music career. You were just a nice bonus,” she corrected him. “I haven’t been back much because of said career, as I’ve either been touring or recording. As for living in sin,” she shrugged. “Who bloody cares?”

“My mama cares.”

“Oh god, don’t remind me,” Rebecca groaned. “How many more hints could she have given about wanting us to get engaged at Christmas? Beard and Michelle getting married sure didn’t help. I love your mum, but honestly. It’s our lives, our relationship. Not hers.”

“And she’s just one set of parents,” Ted reminded her. 

“May I remind you that I’ve been on my own since I was 17? My parents gave up the right to voice an opinion about my life ages ago. They are free to have them, but they know better than to say anything. It’s all very proper British repression. I promise you, it'll be fine. They’re going to love you.” She kissed his hand again and squeezed it gently. 

Ted took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“Honestly, Ted. I mean it. You’re going to charm them to bits the moment they lay eyes on you, same as you did to me."

“Yeah?” He raised an eyebrow.

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, maybe not the exact same, but I swear everything will be okay. They already like you.”

He nodded and gave her a clipped smile. 

“But since you obviously don’t believe me, here.” She reached into her bag and pulled out her Discman and headphones. 

“What’s this?” 

“I made you a mix for the flight.”

“Oh yeah?” His eyes lit up and he eagerly reached for the Discman, unpopping the top. “Where’s the track listing?” he asked, referring to the lack of writing on the CD beyond Ted’s Sleep Mix in her neat scrawl.

“That is a surprise. You’ll just have to listen and find out. But I must warn you, you might not make it through. My goal in making it was to help you relax and put you to sleep.”

Ted laughed. “That’s very fair. Thank you, darlin’. I know I’ll love it.”

“Good.” Rebecca reached for her overhead light, turning it off. “Do you mind if I?”

“‘Course not. You get some sleep. I’ve got a date with a mystery CD.”

Rebecca leaned over to kiss him quickly, and then settled into her seat and closed her eyes. Ted studied her for a few moments, feeling his love for her swirling inside of him. Then he put the headphones on and pressed play. 

He chuckled at the first song on the mix: The Beatles, Good Night. She wasn’t playing around. He sat back and closed his eyes, content to listen to the music and remember how lucky he was to be loved by Rebecca Welton. 

When he opened his eyes again, the cabin lights had turned back on and they were making their descent into Heathrow. 

“That’s us,” Rebecca said, pointing to a man dressed in a suit and wearing a cap, holding a sign that said “R. Welton.”

“Well, how do you like that?” Ted said as they made their way towards the waiting man. “I ain’t never had anyone greet me at the airport with a sign before.”

“It’s my parents’ driver, Oliver,” Rebecca explained. “Of course they couldn’t be arsed to meet us themselves.” She forced a smile as she greeted the man. “Hello, Oliver. Nice to see you again.”

“Miss Welton,” the man bowed his head. “I assume you have baggage?”

“Oh, between the two of us, we’ve got a ton,” Ted joked. “But only a couple of suitcases.”

He was met with a stoic, unblinking face. “So. Baggage claim?” Oliver asked. 

“Yes,” Rebecca confirmed, squeezing Ted’s elbow to let him know she appreciated his humor. 

Ted was met with his second surprise when they exited the airport and Oliver led them to a waiting limousine. 

“Is this our ride?” he whispered nervously to Rebecca. “For just the two of us?”

“My parents must be using the Rolls Royce,” she explained with a roll of her eyes. “Sorry. I... Sorry.”

“No need to apologize. I do believe I’m being swept off my feet, here.”

“We’re just lucky my parents didn’t insist on us taking their private jet.” 

“Their private jet? Holy moly, Rebecca. I knew your family was rich, but –”  

“Please, stop,” she interrupted in a low voice. “It’s embarrassing enough that they sent Oliver.”

Ted grabbed her hand as they settled into the limo. “Hey. I love all of you, remember?”

She pursed her lips to hide a smile. This was their private reminder to themselves. “All of you.”

The drive to her parents’ house was quiet. Despite Rebecca’s earlier assurances, Ted felt the anxiety churning inside of him. From the way she was sitting up ramrod straight and rubbing her thumbs over her cuticles, he knew Rebecca was feeling anxious, too.  

“Hey,” he elbowed her side

She turned her head to face him.

“Why did the lion spit out the clown?”

Rebecca furrowed her brow. “What?”

“Why did the lion spit out the clown?” he repeated.

“I have no earthly idea. Why?”

“Because he tasted funny.”

Rebecca rolled her eyes and snorted. “Ridiculous man.”

“Hey, it got a laugh out of you, didn’t it?”

“It did.” She rested her head against his shoulder. 

“What’s got you so nervous, hmm?” he asked her, tucking her hands into his and rubbing his thumbs over her skin. 

“It’s been a long time,” she said quietly. “We’re on good terms, but what if…I mean they sent Oliver to pick us up, for god’s sake. Why didn’t they come themselves? What if this is a harbinger of how the week is going to go?”

“Let me ask you something, baby. In all the time you’ve known them, have your parents ever picked anyone up at the airport themselves?”

“Well… no.  But I’m not just anyone.”

Ted tipped his head to the side in acknowledgement. “Okay, fair. But old habits die hard, you know? My gut says everything is fine. I bet they even have a feast waitin’ for us.”

“From your lips to God's ears. I’m starving.”

Ted kissed her temple. “And look, even if things aren’t ideal, or go sideways, it’s okay. You’ve got me to lean on. You’ll always have me.” 

“I know,” she murmured. “Thank you.”

“Any time,” he said. “So, what’s the thing you’re most looking forward to about being back home?”

“Shepherd’s pie with cheesy top,” she said immediately. 

“Oh yeah?” he leaned his head back. “Mine’s not good enough for you, huh?”

“Yours is delicious,” she told him. “But it’s not my mum’s.”

“Ah yes. Nothin’ like a mother’s cooking.”

“In most cases, I’d say I don’t relate to that statement, as my mum is usually useless in the kitchen,” Rebecca said. “But she can whip up a good Shepherd’s pie.”

“How much you wanna bet that’s waitin’ for us in her kitchen right now?” Ted asked. 

Rebecca laughed. “I don’t know. Five pounds?”

“You’ve got yourself a deal, little lady. Five bucks it is. And it looks like we won’t have to wait long,” he said as they turned into the enormous driveway that housed Rebecca’s childhood home. He shook his head. “I ain’t ever gonna get used to this.”

“Join the club. And I grew up here.”

Oliver stopped the car and rolled down the partition. “We’re here, Miss Welton.”

“Yes, thank you, Oliver.” 

She unbuckled her seatbelt and moved to open the door, only to be beaten by Oliver. With a quiet sigh that only Ted could hear, she got out of the car. He followed, making sure to thank Oliver on his way out. 

“Oh, that’s not necessary – ” Rebecca began when he unloaded their suitcases and started to take them up to the house. “Really, Oliver, we can manage our own bags.”

“Not to worry, miss,” he told her. “It’s my pleasure.”

“For fucks sake,” Rebecca muttered underneath her breath.

“Hey – it’s okay.” He took her hand. “Let the man do his job.”

“It’s so embarrassing.” 

Ted’s response was interrupted by the door opening and Deborah Welton greeting them. “Sausage! Ted! Welcome!”

“Hello, mum,” Rebecca walked up the driveway and into Deborah’s embrace. 

“My girl,” Deborah said softly, taking her into her arms. “Oh, my girl. We’ve missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” Rebecca said into her warm embrace. 

Deborah held her tighter. Ted didn’t miss the small sniffle coming from Rebecca, or the wetness behind her eyes. 

“Welcome home,” Deborah released her with a teary smile. 

“Thank you.”

“And Ted! It’s always good to see you. My, my, aren’t you handsome? I like the longer hair.”

“Mum!” Rebecca hissed. Ted felt his cheeks turning crimson. 

“What? It’s no secret your beau is a looker is it? Isn’t that what all of his groupies say?”

“For fuck’s sake, he does not have groupies,” Rebecca told her, but Ted could hear the laughter in her voice.

Ted forced a smile, and stuck out his hand. “Deborah. Always good to see you.”

“Oh, no, dear boy, put that hand away and come give me a hug.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Oliver slipped past them to place their bags inside, then asked Deborah if she needed anything else. 

“No, that will be all, Oliver. Thank you. Go ahead and take the rest of the day off.” 

“Take care, Oliver,” Ted said as the man walked past him and down the driveway. 

“Enjoy your stay, Mr. Lasso.”

They made their way inside, where an aroma permeated the house. 

“Gosh that smells delicious, Deborah. What is it?”

“Only Rebecca’s favorite,” Deborah said. “Shepherd’s pie with a cheesy top.”

“Is that so?” He leaned behind Deborah to meet Rebecca’s eye in an I told you so manner. “Well, I can’t wait to have some. Rebecca was just saying she was hungry from the flight, weren’t you sweetheart?”

She glared at him. 

“Well! If that’s the case, let’s get your bags sorted and I’ll dish us up some pie.”

Ten minutes later they were seated at the dining room table. Ted couldn’t help looking around at the grandeur of the room, and comparing it to the cozy space at his mom’s house. He’d been here a couple of times before, but like he told Rebecca, there was no getting used to it. It even outshined Beard’s house growing up. 

“This is delicious, Deb,” he said between mouthfuls. “I thought I’d honed my skills pretty well back home, but I’ll need to get some pointers from you while we’re here.”

“Aren’t you sweet? I’d be happy to share my recipe. Though I’m afraid you wouldn’t be able to make use of my secret ingredient.”

“Oh no?”

“Is it not the cheesy top?” Rebecca asked.

“No darling. It’s a mother’s love.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I suppose a boyfriend’s love will just have to do from little old me,” he said with a wink to Rebecca. 

“Where’s dad?” she asked.

“He should be home soon. He had to go into the office today but said he’d be back by early afternoon. So tell me, darlings, how was the flight? Not too bumpy, I hope?”

“I think the two of us were far too asleep to notice,” Ted answered, shooting Rebecca a grateful glance. 

“You certainly appear to be well-rested. I just can’t get over the fact that you’ll be here for a whole week! Your father and I have been so excited, Sausage.”

Rebecca smiled, and Ted could see the relief in her eyes. “Thanks, mum. We’ve really been looking forward to it.”

Content to just listen, he let mother and daughter catch up while he finished his lunch, scraping up the very last bit of the pie onto his fork. 

“And you’ll never believe what Tish told me,” Deborah started, when they heard the door open and a voice boomed in from the foyer. 

“Have they arrived?”

“In here!” Rebecca said excitedly, standing to greet her father. 

“Ella!” Paul said when he reached the entryway, opening his arms.

“Dad!” 

Ted frowned. “Ella?” he asked Deborah in a low voice. 

“Short for Eleanor, her middle name. It was his childhood nickname for her.”

“Ah,” Ted nodded and stood, sticking out his hand. “Sir, it’s good to see you again.”

“None of this ‘sir’ business. You know you can call me Paul.”

“We’ve been having a peach of a time over lunch, Paul, but I know Rebecca’s really glad you’ve arrived.”

“Catch me up, Ella. What have I missed?”

As Paul joined them at the table and Deborah cut him a slice of pie, Ted sat back down, basking in the rare opportunity of seeing Rebecca with both of her parents. 

She might resemble Deborah in terms of facial structure, but the rest of her was all Paul, from her height and infectious laugh, to the sparkle behind her eyes. And it was as clear as day that the two adored each other. Rebecca had told him what happened all those years ago – catching Paul with one of the neighbors – and that the incident had been the catalyst for everything that followed. Observing the two of them together now, you’d never know of their ugly past. Ted was glad Rebecca found a way to forgive her father. (Something he had never fully been able to do with his own.)

“Shall we have a song, then?” Paul asked. “I want to hear what you’ve been working on over in America.”

“Daaad. Now?”

“Why not? Now’s as good a time as any. Shall we head over to the piano?”

Ted’s eyes lit up. He loved watching Rebecca play. “Yes, let’s.”

Rebecca glared at him. “Et tu?”

“Oui, mon amour,” he replied in a poor attempt at a French accent.

With a slow shake of her head, she stood. “Come on, then.”

She led the way into the living room, the rest trailing after her like chicks following their mother hen. Opening up the piano top, Rebecca ran her hands over the keys, finding the middle C. 

“This is a new one I’ve been working on. It’s not quite ready yet, but Roy says it could be my first single when we release the new album.”

The three of them stood around the piano as Rebecca began to play. Ted smiled. He recognized the song, and Roy was right. 

Ted knew deep in his bones it was going to be a smash hit, and that this song was Rebecca’s ticket to stardom. 

He couldn’t wait to see it happen.

They went to visit Sassy the next day. Recently graduated and a full-fledged therapist, her goal was to eventually set up her own practice. In the meantime, she was working for a smaller one in central London, where she was one of three psychologists. Ted and Rebecca met up with her on her lunch hour, where Rebecca proceeded to ask Sassy all about married life and settling into her new home with Darren. 

“Honestly, it’s not much different from us living together,” Sassy said. “It just feels a little bit…more.”

He nodded politely, slightly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was headed. 

“You should try it,” Sassy smirked, causing Ted to choke on his water. 

“You know we’ve only just moved in together,” Rebecca reminded her, rubbing Ted’s back. “Stand down, love.”

It’s not that he didn’t ever think about marrying Rebecca. He knew that’s where their relationship was headed. 

Eventually. 

For now, he was content with the status quo, happy to have taken the next step in co-habitation, but not quite ready to make everything legal and official. He knew Rebecca felt the same way; they’d talked about it not too long after she’d moved in. She’d told him that she wanted to feel more established in her career before taking any more big life swings. He understood, and appreciated the freedom they each had at the moment. Especially being best friends with Michelle and Beard. Ted knew they were very happy with their lives, and did not regret getting married, or having Abby so young. But there was a certain responsibility to it all that he just wasn’t ready for yet. 

“...absolutely beautiful, wasn’t it, Ted?” 

Ted shook his head and realized his mind had wandered. “Sorry, what?”

“Michelle and Beard’s wedding.”

“Oh, yeah, it was quite the affair. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house at the end of their vows.”

Rebecca continued, describing the venue, and telling Sassy about their surprise performance. Eventually the conversation steered towards their respective careers. He updated Sassy on the status of The Sunflowers’ current album (in the post-production stage, set to be released in early March), and Rebecca regaled her with tales of Roy in the studio. 

“He can be an absolute mad man, but he gets good results,” she said. 

“Yeah, he’ll drive you bonkers, but you can’t argue with the outcome,” Ted agreed. “Man’s an engineering genius.”

Pretty soon, their hour was up, and Sassy had to go tend to her next patient. They left the restaurant with plenty of hugs and a promise to get together for dinner at Sassy’s new home before the week was out.

“Where to next, captain?” Ted asked after they’d seen Sassy off in a cab. 

“The Uptown?” Rebecca asked, referring to the record store where she used to work. “We could surprise Trevor?”

“That works for me. Just let me put my music trivia hat on.” He mimed pulling a hat out of his back pocket and placing it on his head. “Okay, darling. Let’s go.”

The rest of their day was spent catching up with Trevor (who did, indeed, have plenty of music trivia stored away for Ted), and wandering around London with no agenda in mind. They stopped in at Mae’s for a late afternoon snack and game of darts, where the woman proceeded to clobber Rebecca with kisses, and then took a walk along the Green. It felt very much like the first day they ever spent together, when Rebecca showed him around London after they attended Career Day at Roy’s niece’s school. 

Later that evening, Ted checked in with Rebecca while they were snug in her bed. 

“How does it feel to be back?”

“Weird,” she said immediately.

“Good weird or bad weird?”

“Not bad weird. Maybe surreal is a better term? I’m thrilled to see everyone, while also being acutely aware that this is very much not my life anymore. I don’t live here, I don’t work here. It’ll always be my home, but it’s not… home, if that makes sense.”

“It makes perfect sense. Sounds like how I feel when I go back to Kansas. I love it, but it’s not home.”

“And where is home?” Rebecca asked. 

“Honestly? Wherever you are.” He leaned in to kiss her. 

“You’re sweet,” she said, rubbing her hands over his stubble. 

“It’s the truth.”

“I feel the same way,” she said softly, kissing him again. “I love you. And I’m very glad you’re here with me.”

“I love you, too. Ain’t no place I’d rather be.”

He kissed her again, this time more intently. Ted slipped his tongue between her lips. His hands began to wander over her body, and he wondered, for a moment, if they were going to make love in her childhood bedroom.

“Ted,” she pulled away briefly.

“Mmm?” He leaned in again and began placing open-mouthed kisses down her neck.

“Ted, darling. I can’t do this here.”

“Do what?” he mumbled, a hand running down her arm.

“You know what,” she giggled, and he sighed into her collarbone. 

“Darn. It’s always been a dream of mine to have sex under a pink canopy.”

She laughed then, pushing her off of him. “Fuck off.”

His eyes glinted. “Well, as it happens –”

“Ted! No. Not with my parents just down the hall. It’s too weird.”

“Are you telling me you’ve never…”

She blushed. “No. Not here. Not ever. I didn’t… there weren’t that many boyfriends when I was growing up, and my mum was always home after school and on the weekends. It’s not that I never… I mean, I did. But it was always at their house. And once in Sassy’s room, at a party.”

“Huh. And the pattern continues,” he said, referring to their tryst at Dottie’s house over Christmas. 

“Indeed.” 

“What do you say to a good old fashioned makeout session where nothing goes beyond second base?” he asked. 

“I’d say I know you too well to think we could keep our pants on,” she laughed. 

“Okay, then.”

“Yeah?”

He kissed her on the forehead. “Not if you aren’t comfortable, darlin’. If both of us aren’t having a good time, none of us are.”

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it just would be too weird.”

“I understand.” He yawned. “It’s gettin’ late anyway.”

She lay her head back on her pillow and pulled him to her, carding her hands through his hair.  

“Mmm,” he sighed contentedly. “You’re gonna put me right to sleep.”

“That is rather the idea,” she said drolly. 

“Love you.”

“Love you, too. Now relax and go to sleep.”

A routine broke out for the rest of the week. They always ate breakfast with Deborah and Paul. Then they would either go out on their own, or, depending on Paul’s schedule, the four of them would do something together. 

On the days it was just the two of them, they retraced their old haunts: taking the train to Brighton Beach (where it was absolutely freezing, but still gorgeous), and going to the National Gallery to look at Sunflowers. He teased Rebecca that the painting now hung twice in their home – in their bedroom where he originally put the framed poster that she had given him, and in the spare bedroom-turned-studio, where hers was proudly displayed on the wall next to her keyboard, as it had been in her old apartment with Keeley. 

Most nights they ended up at the Earl Greyhound Pub and Stage, visiting Nate and Will and Leslie, and everyone else from Rebecca’s former life. Nate had hired a booker in their time away, and the bands that came through were quite impressive. Ted found that he enjoyed those evenings immensely. He spent so much time in his own world of music; it was nice to be around other musicians and listen to offerings that were not his own. It occurred to him, the first or second night there, that he didn’t know the last time he’d been to a show where he wasn’t the one playing. 

On this night, Deborah and Paul were at the club, because Nate had arranged for Ted and Rebecca to play in a special surprise appearance; the marquee outside reading simply, “Secret Show.” Ted wasn’t sure how much of an impression they would make. The crowd might remember Rebecca, but The Sunflowers hadn’t made much of a dent overseas beyond their first single that she had insisted be played all over radio London two years ago. Still, he’d take any chance he could to play with Rebecca, even if it was in a foreign country with equipment that was not his own. 

“How are you?” he asked while they were in the dressing room, waiting to be called on stage. “I mean, talk about surreal, right?”

“You know what, I’m actually okay,” Rebecca told him. “It is a bit peculiar being back here, in this specific room, again, but it doesn’t feel bad. It feels more like I’m reclaiming something, you know?”

He smiled. Rebecca was a force, and he was so proud of her. “That’s great, darlin’. I’m really glad to hear it.”

“It helps that we’re playing together,” she added. “I’m not sure I could do this without you.”

“Hey, happy to help in whatever way I can. And you know how much I love playing with you. I’m getting just as much out of this as you are.”

She raised an eyebrow and he conceded. “Okay, probably not as much. But not nothing.”

There was a knock on the door, then, and Will appeared.

“Five minutes.”

“Thanks, Will,” Rebecca said, turning towards the mirror for last looks. 

“You ready?” he asked her. 

She turned back to him and reached out a hand. “Let’s do this.” 

As it turned out, Ted needn’t have worried about recognition. The audience went wild when they were announced, and immediately started chanting Rebecca’s name. She looked at him with wide eyes.

“What the fuck?”

Ted just laughed. “One of these days you’re gonna believe me when I tell you that you’re a star. Now go out there and greet your adoring fans.”

He let her go on stage first, which she did with a smile and modest wave to the crowd. He followed a moment after, and stepped up to the second of two microphones set up, looking at Rebecca expectantly. 

“Go on,” he said, covering the mic so only she could hear. 

Rebecca cleared her throat and began speaking. “Hello everyone,” she began, and the audience cheered more loudly. She laughed and shook her head. “You have to quiet down or we won’t be able to do the show.” 

There was a ripple of laughter throughout the room. 

“Wow, that was quite the homecoming, thank you so much. My name is Rebecca Welton, and next to me is Ted Lasso, lead singer of a great band called The Sunflowers. We’re here on holiday and Nathan graciously agreed to let us sing for you a bit tonight. Thank you, Nathan.

“We’re going to play a mix of my originals and Ted’s, plus some songs you’ll actually know,” she quipped. “We were lucky enough to do a tour together last summer in America, and are so happy to bring the show here.”

She looked at him then, raising her eyebrows as if to say, “Enough?” Ted smiled and headed to the piano. 

“Right. So this first song is one of mine, from my debut album. It’s called Daydreams.”

Just like the previous summer, they spent the evening trading songs back and forth, each providing whatever was needed for the other person when it was their “turn.” The audience ate it up, and Ted was pleasantly surprised to see them singing along to more than a few songs by The Sunflowers. Did they have an audience here, after all? He made a mental note to report this finding back to Roy. 

They finished their set to a thunderous applause, and then headed backstage where Will, Nate, and Leslie were waiting for them. 

“S’wonderful!” Nate said in greeting. “S’marvelous! You two are welcome any time you want to come back.”

“Rebecca, I’m so proud of you,” Leslie told her. “Just look at how far you’ve come.”

Ted placed a hand on her back. “I keep telling her she’s a star, and she refuses to believe me.”

Rebecca blushed. “You gents flatter me.”

Ted gave the men a look. “See what I mean?”

“Don’t knock it, Ted,” Leslie said. “Humility is a rare trait in this industry.”

“Says the most humble man alive,” Rebecca countered. 

Leslie laughed. “It’s so good to see you, Rebecca.”

“Ted, Sausage! That was wonderful.” Deborah and Paul appeared out of nowhere, having gotten access backstage. 

“Well done,” Paul stuck out his hand for Ted to shake. “And Ella, you were breathtaking, as always.”

“Wasn’t she?” Ted agreed. “I feel lucky just to be able to share a stage with her.”

She nudged him. “Stop it. You are the most talented person I know, Ted Lasso.”

“She flatters me,” he grinned. “I’m so glad y’all could make the show.”

“Oh, we wouldn’t have missed it,” Deborah said. “Paul here is Rebecca Welton’s number one fan, isn’t that right, Paul?

“She is magnificent.”

“Daaad,” Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Can we please change the subject?”

Over the two years they had been together, Ted had learned that Rebecca was not good with compliments. As someone whose love language was a combination of acts of service and words of affirmation, this had been a tricky road to navigate. She was so ridiculously talented and he was so ridiculously in love with her, he often couldn’t help the words of praise that spilled out of his mouth. Fortunately, she had adjusted – somewhat – when the compliments came from Ted, but he knew she still struggled when they came from others. 

“Shall we have a drink to celebrate?” Ted asked in an attempt to steer the conversation in a different direction. 

“Yes, let's,” Rebecca said. “Come on mum and dad, I’ll introduce you to the bartender.”

As the group exited the dressing room, Rebecca grabbed Ted’s hand and laced their fingers together. “Thank you” she whispered. 

He squeezed back. “You can repay me by speaking that fancy French of yours to Richard.”

“Deal,” she laughed. 

Before Ted knew it, their week in England was up and they were saying goodbye to Deborah and Paul, Oliver waiting patiently by the Rolls Royce to take them back to Heathrow. 

He hugged Deborah and offered his hand to Paul, who refused it. “Bring it in,” Paul said, and the two embraced. 

“You’re really good for her, you know,” Paul told him quietly. “You continue to take care of my little girl. I’ve never seen her so happy.”

“Will do, sir,” Ted promised. 

He stepped away then, giving Rebecca some privacy to say goodbye to her parents. When Rebecca joined him by the car, her cheeks were wet and there were tears in her eyes. 

“Ready?” he asked sweetly, placing a hand on her back. 

She nodded and sniffed. Oliver opened the door for them and Ted let Rebecca go in first, turning back to wave at her parents. 

“Safe travels!” Deborah called. 

“Thanks, Deb.” 

He got into the car and immediately tended to Rebecca, who was a wreck. As they drove down the long driveway, Ted pulled Rebecca to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder and stroking her hair. 

“Just let it out, darling. It’s okay. All this crying is the sign of a good visit, yeah?”

She nodded and let the tears flow. 

“We can come back whenever you want. Or you can come back solo, though personally I’ve always wondered what it’s like to fly on a private plane.” 

Her watery laugh lit something inside of him, and he kissed her temple. They were silent for the rest of the ride, save for Rebecca’s occasional sniffle. 

When they arrived at the airport, Oliver retrieved their bags from the trunk as he had upon their arrival. 

“You take care, Oliver,” Ted said as he took his bag from the chauffeur. “Thanks for everything. We appreciate you.”

“Mr. Lasso, Miss Welton. It’s been a pleasure.”

As they headed into the airport, Ted took Rebecca’s hand. “Ready to go home?”

She nodded. “I am. It’s been…it’s been amazing. But I’m ready to get back home to our routine.”

“There she is,” he squeezed her hand. “Hey, thanks for letting me tag along, and getting a glimpse of your life here.”

“Of course. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

“I love you, you know.”

“I do know. I love you, too.” 

“Alright, baby,” he sighed. “Let’s go home."

Chapter Text

Summer, 2001

All you need is love, love
Love is all you need
   -All You Need is Love, The Beatles 

The ringing of Ted’s cell phone woke Rebecca. She groaned and glanced at the clock. 7:26 AM.

“What the heck?” Ted grumbled.  He let the call go to voicemail. “S’way too early.”

Not thirty seconds later, Rebecca’s cell phone rang. She groaned again, and picked up her phone to look at the caller ID. 

“It’s Roy.”

“Remind that meathead we didn’t get home from tour until 2:30 this mornin’.”

Rebecca inhaled deeply and shook her head, willing herself to wake up. “Hello?” she answered, her voice rough with sleep. 

“Tell that wanker to answer his fucking phone!”

She tapped Ted on the shoulder and handed him the phone. “It’s for you.”

With a sigh, Ted took it from her. “I swear Roy, this better be an emergency. You know we just got in last night, and I… uh huh. Oh right, I’d forgotten, okay. …What? Are you serious? …How many?”

Rebecca nudged him. “Everything alright?” . 

Ted nodded. “Wow. That’s… wow. Um. Thank you for calling. Yeah, I’m sure they’re awake. Appreciate you, Roy-o.”

With that, he hung up the phone and handed it back to Rebecca, a dazed expression on his face. 

“What is it?” Rebecca asked.

“We’ve been nominated for a Grammy.”

Rebecca screamed, leaping across the bed to tackle him.

“Are you serious?” 

“Grammy’s, actually. Multiple.”

Ted lay completely still while Rebecca peppered his face with kisses. She leaned back to look Ted in the eyes, finding his expression blank. 

“Are you alright, love? This is good news, yeah?”

He nodded slowly. “It’s great news. I just… I think I’m in shock.”

His phone rang again. Ted checked the caller ID. “It’s Beard.”

“Well, go on, answer it!” she said, her arms still hanging around his shoulders and practically sitting in his lap.

“Hello?” Finally a smile appeared on his face. “Hey buddy. Can you believe it? …Me either.”

“Put it on speaker,” Rebecca demanded in between kissing his cheeks. 

“Hold on, Rebecca wants me to put you on speaker.”

He held the phone out and pressed the speaker button. “You still there?” 

Michelle’s screams came through loud and clear. “Aaaahhhh!” 

“Aaaaahhhhh!” Rebecca screamed back, causing Ted to jump, putting his free hand up to his ear. 

“Geez, warn a guy before you’re going to do that, ladies.”

Both women laughed. 

“This is so fucking amazing!” Rebecca continued. 

“Right?” said Michelle. “I can’t believe it! Four nominations!”

“Four?” She glared at Ted. “You’ve been holding out on me, Lasso!”

“Baby, this literally just happened,” he laughed. “I haven’t had the chance to go into detail." 

“Well, don’t keep me in suspense any longer! What are you nominated for?”

“Best new artist, album of the year, record of the year, and song of the year,” Beard listed. Even in the midst of the greatest highlight of his career, he managed to sound completely calm. 

“Holy shit. Holy shit. I’m so proud of you. All of you. What’s the song and record?”

“Orangina,” Ted said shyly. 

Rebecca beamed at him. She knew how quietly proud Ted was of that song, which had been the first single released on the album. 

“Obviously we need to go celebrate,” she said. 

“Now?” Ted and Beard asked at the same time. 

Rebecca laughed. They really were two peas in a pod. “Not now. I know you both need your beauty rest on your day off. How about tonight? Can you swing a sitter and we can go out? The six of us? My treat.”

“I think you mean Roy’s treat,” Ted joked. “By which I mean, the label’s.”

“We can get a sitter,” Michelle confirmed. “It’s a date. Call us later with the details?”

“Will do,” Rebecca said. “Goodbye, I love you, and I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“Love you, too,” Michelle and Beard chorused. 

Ted hung up the phone, a bemused expression on his face.

“What?” she asked. 

He shook his head. “Nothing. I like this proud girlfriend side of you. You’re very take-charge. It’s sexy.”

“I just found out my rock star boyfriend was nominated for four fucking Grammy’s and you’re calling me sexy?”  She resumed her seat in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Au contraire, mon amour. Tu es très sexy.”

“Mmm. You know I’m powerless when you speak French.” Ted mumbled, pulling her in for a hug and kissing the nape of her neck. 

“Je suis impuissant face à toi, Theodore Lasso.”

“Shoot,” he breathed. “I don’t know what you just said but it was darn hot.”

She giggled. “I said, I am powerless over you, Theodore Lasso.” Rebecca kissed him thoroughly then, slipping her tongue in between his lips. 

“Am I about to get proud girlfriend sex?” he asked. 

“You bet your sweet, Grammy-nominated  arse you are,” she said, pushing him down on the bed.

She kissed him again, hands working their way down his body to the hem of his t-shirt. “Up,” she commanded, and he lifted slightly so she could remove it. 

Rebecca sighed at the site of his naked chest, running her fingers over his skin. She began kissing his neck, his chest, his belly, making her way downward. Pulling on the elastic of his boxer briefs, she swirled her tongue around his hip-bone. Ted moaned, lifting his hips slightly. Rebecca acquiesced to his silent request, stripping him of his underwear, kissing every inch of his left leg as she did so. By the time his underpants were off, Ted was more than ready for her, and she took him deep in her mouth. Hands tightly cupping his hips, she slowly moved up and down the length of his shaft. 

“Fuck,” he panted. “Fuck Rebecca.”

His words only drove her on more, taking him as deep as she could go and picking up speed.

“R’becca… baby, I can’t.. I’m gonna…”

With a loud popping sound, she released him and kissed her way back up his body, landing at his mouth. Ted grabbed the back of her head and pulled her into him, kissing her fiercely. She straddled him, one hand on his dick as she lined them up. 

He entered her quickly, eagerly, but then slowed down to give her time to catch up. With a shaking sigh, she began to move, letting him fill her. Hands on his shoulders, she looked into his eyes. 

“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered. “You’ve been working towards this for so long, and here it is, at last.”

“Thank you, baby,” he murmured. “I couldn’t have done it without you. Your support, your inspiration. You’re everything to me, you know that?”

She hissed as he hit a particularly sensitive spot, and closed her eyes momentarily. “Fuck.”

Ted kissed her neck, then moved up to nibble on her earlobe. 

“I love you so much,” she continued. 

“I love you, too.”

They were quiet, then, letting their bodies do the talking. 

After, Rebecca lay with her head pillowed on Ted’s chest, listening to the steady thumping of his heartbeat while he dozed next to her. Poor guy – he really had gotten in late last night. The band hit the road after their show in Philadelphia, opting for a full day off at home before playing in New York the following night. 

She closed her eyes, trying her best to drift back to sleep, but finding she was too keyed up, from both the morning sex and the Grammy news. 

She was so proud of him. So proud. Rebecca knew how much he’d struggled making this third album, or more accurately, how much crap the label had given The Sunflowers and Roy about it. While Ted and Roy had had confidence in the album as a whole from the beginning, the label hadn’t felt the same. Ted told her he thought the band’s future was doomed after playing the first few tracks for the label.  He might know it was something special, but without the backing of the label, it was all moot. No backing meant no promotion, which meant no radio play, no album sales, and no tour. 

That all changed with Orangina. The label loved it. Tossed around words like “inspired” and “unique,” and asked what other treasures Ted had been hiding. Ted dove into his personal archives and pulled out a couple of songs he’d written years ago that had previously only been played in front of the band and Rebecca. They were deeply personal, and sharing them with the label was a risk. At least one song –  Always Missing You –  dealt directly with his father’s suicide; something Ted had never sung about publicly before. 

While the label was thrilled with these new discoveries, Beard and Michelle were a different story. It had taken a lot of band discussions, disagreements, and heart-to-hearts before they all agreed on which songs to continue with, and which to put away for now. Rebecca knew the toll this had taken on her sweet, conflict-averse boyfriend, and she was proud of him for sticking to his convictions. 

And look where it had gotten him. The album had debuted to the top ten on the charts; their tour was near sold-out, and now this – four Grammy nominations. 

So, yes. While she was proud of The Sunflowers as a whole, she was particularly proud of Ted. 

Carefully slinking out of bed so as to not disturb her sleeping boyfriend, Rebecca quietly padded into the kitchen and put on the kettle. She looked in the refrigerator while waiting for it to boil, pulling out eggs, cheese, and a package of sausage. While she was preparing the meal, the landline rang. 

“Shit,” she muttered, running to answer it. 

“Hello?” she said quietly. 

“Sausage! We just saw the news and had to call. Is Ted there?”

“He’s asleep.”

“Don’t tell me he slept through it?” Paul deadpanned. 

She laughed. “No, Roy called about an hour ago,” she explained. “Ted just got in from tour last night and is knackered, so after we… uh, I mean, after Roy delivered the news, he went back to sleep.”

“Well you tell Sleeping Beauty that we are very proud of him,” Deborah said. 

“I will," Rebecca said, walking back into the kitchen. “We’re planning to – oh shit!” she dashed over to the stove, where the eggs were burning. Turning off the burner, she continued. “Sorry, minor culinary emergency. I’m attempting to make breakfast.”

“Don’t burn the house down, Ella,” Paul joked. 

“I’m trying not to. I better go, though,” she said. “I’ll give Ted your congratulations.”

“Of course,” Deborah said. “Talk tomorrow?” she asked, referring to their standard Sunday phone call. 

“Shoot, I can’t. The Sunflowers are playing here tomorrow. Monday?”

“Monday it is. Bye Sausage. We love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Rebecca hung up the phone and attempted to salvage the eggs. Realizing they were a lost cause, she emptied the contents into the trash and started over. 

Just as she was plating the eggs and sausage, Ted emerged from the bedroom, bleary eyed and hair sticking up. 

“Hey,” she said, smiling at his disheveled appearance. “I wasn’t expecting you just yet.”

“Too excited to sleep,” he shrugged. Noting the haphazard state of the kitchen, he smirked. “You cook breakfast?”

“Shut up,” she said, taking her plate and mug of tea to the island and sitting on a stool. “There’s enough for two, if you’ll deign to eat my cooking.”

“Thank you, darlin’.” Ted placed a hand on her shoulder and kissed her hair on his way to the stove. “And thanks for making coffee.”

“Of course. I’ve got to keep my rock-star boyfriend happy.”

“He’s plenty happy, though he rejects the term.”

“Oh please,” she scoffed. 

He chuckled, helping himself to the last of the eggs and sausage and joining her at the island. 

“My parents called,” she said in between bites. “They say congratulations.”

“That’s sweet. The news traveled all the way to England, huh?”

“Apparently so.”

Rebecca decided not to address the elephant in the room just yet: No word from Ted’s mum. She figured it was only a matter of time; Dottie could be slow to get the news. Of course, Ted could have called her, but Rebecca knew he wouldn’t on his own. It would feel too much like bragging, even to his own mother. 

“What’s on the docket for today?” Ted asked. 

“I have to pop over to the studio for a few hours,” she said apologetically. “But other than that, I’m all yours.”

He nodded, chewing on a piece of sausage. “Do you mind if I don't go with you?” he asked. 

“Of course not,” she said. “But may I ask why?” 

This was outside of the norm of their schedule when one of them was on tour. Usually, when they were together, they were together, taking advantage of the time. 

He shrugged. “Not sure I’m up for… you know…everything.”

Rebecca smiled fondly. Her sweet, humble Ted. Of course he wouldn’t want everyone at the studio fawning over him, giving their congratulations. 

“I understand. We’re just trying to lay down the vocals for one song, and then I’ll be free as a bird. We could meet in the park after?”

“Sounds perfect. You want me to pack lunch?”

“Ugh, please. You know I can’t stand the studio food.”

“You got it.”

There was a silence as they finished eating. Rebecca took a deep breath, going against every instinct she had. 

“Ted?”

“Yeah, baby?” he said, bringing his mug to his lips. 

“Call your mum.”

He nearly choked on his coffee. “Rebecca –”

“Ted, I’m serious. She deserves to talk to her son on the day his life changes.”

“Phones are a two-way street, you know.”

“Theodore…”

“Rebecca…”

She bit her lip in frustration. “For me, okay? Because I know you won’t feel right until you’ve talked to her.”

He rubbed his eyes, stalling. Then, finally, “Yeah, okay.” 

“Good,” she smiled, standing to take her dishes to the sink.

“Hey,” he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to him. “I love you.” 

He always told her this after they’d disagreed, even if it was barely a blip, as this had been. 

“I love you, too. Now go call your mother.”

Ted laughed. “Okay, okay. I know when I’m beat. When will you be done at the studio?”

“One?”

“‘Kay. Meet up at 2?”

“Sounds good.”

“Tell Roy-o I said congratulations on his nomination.”

“Will do.” She leaned in for a kiss. I’ll see you later.”

“See ya.”

“A toast!” Keeley raised her voice to be heard over the din. “To The Sunflowers, and the best damn manager slash producer anyone could ask for!”

“Hear hear!” Rebecca lifted her water glass. 

“A bit much,” Roy muttered, but there was a small smile peaking out behind his normally sullen expression. 

“It is not, you fuckwit. Now take your flowers. To Roy!” Keeley’s voice boomed out across the restaurant. 

“To Roy!” Everyone else followed, causing Roy’s ears to turn a dark shade of crimson. 

This was at least the seventh toast of the evening. They’d gone through several bottles of wine, and everyone (save Rebecca) was feeling loose-limbed and fancy free. As Ted had predicted, the evening’s celebrations were courtesy of the label. 

“So,” Keely sat back down and leaned into Rebecca. “How did you spend your early morning?”

“What do you mean?”

Keeley gave her a look. “Oh, come on. Don’t spare me the details. We lived together, and you’re not exactly quiet.”

Rebecca giggled. “It was very nice.”

“Nice, huh? Ted, you can do better than that!” Keeley leaned across the table to address the man sitting next to Rebecca.

“Beg your pardon, Keels?”

“Rebecca says you showed her a nice time this morning,” she went on. “But I know from the experience of living with her that you are capable of much more than nice.”

The color drained from Ted’s face. “Uh…”

“Keeley! Behave!” Rebecca laughed.  “Ted, love, you have nothing to worry about.” 

“I, uh…I’m just gonna…” he pointed next to him, “Hey, Beardo, what’s new? How’s Abby?”

“A terror ever since she started walking,” Beard replied, and the two men engaged in conversation, Ted leaning in a little too intently.

Rebecca giggled. “You are a menace, Keeley Jones.”

“I’m just trying to make sure everyone has a good…or should I say nice…time.” 

“Oh, stop,” she chuckled.

“Tonight has been lovely, though. I think they feel celebrated, don’t you?”

Rebecca looked around the table. Roy was nursing his glass of wine, his face slightly flushed from the alcohol, content in his quietness. Beard, Michelle, and Ted were chattering eagerly about what the next couple of months would bring, and whether or not they’d receive any extra tickets to the ceremony. If they did, the consensus was to fly their mothers out from Kansas. 

Speaking of the next month, Rebecca heard from Roy earlier that day that The Sunflowers had been invited to play on Letterman, which included Ted being interviewed as a guest. Ted, who grew up watching late night with his father, hadn’t been able to stop talking about it during lunch in the park.

She also knew that this next little bit would bring a lot of chaos — Letterman, radio interviews, a spread in The New York Times (that had just come up before dinner), and, Rebecca was sure, much more.

She couldn’t wait for the world to see what she’d known for so long: Ted Lasso was special. The Sunflowers were special. They deserved all of this and more. 

Rebecca smiled at Keeley. “Yes, I think they feel proper celebrated.”

She suppressed a yawn, or attempted to, but Ted caught the motion out of the corner of his eye. He turned back to her. “You okay, baby? Ready to call it quits?”

She was, if she was being honest, but this wasn’t her night, and she’d be damned if they left before he was good and ready.

“No, love, I’m fine,” she reassured him, just as the waiter brought over a gigantic square cake with at least two dozen candles surrounding the perimeter.

“Courtesy of tonight’s benefactor,” he said as he set the cake down in the center of the table. It appeared to be chocolate with vanilla frosting, and in the middle it read, “Congratulations Grammy Nominees!”

“Which of you have been nominated?” the waiter asked.

“They have!” Keeley exclaimed, gesturing to the band and Roy. “Do you know The Sunflowers?”

“I’ve heard some of their stuff on the radio. They have that song Orangina, right? Good video,” the waiter said. “That’s you?” he addressed the band, recognizing them for the first time all evening.

Ted bent his head down in acknowledgement. “Guilty.  I’m Ted. This is Beard and Michelle,” he pointed to them. “And over there attempting to hide behind his glass is our manager and producer, Roy.”

“Excuse me?” Keely interjected, holding up a disposable camera. “Would you mind taking their picture in front of the cake? And maybe one of all of us?”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake…” Roy groaned.

“Shut it, Roy!” Keeley commanded. “This is a special night and you’re going to want to remember it.”

“It’d be my pleasure,” the waiter took the camera from Keeley. “Ok, Sunflowers, gather round.”

Rebecca stood off to the side with Keeley, and then the pair joined the band for a group photo. 

“Get one of them blowing out the candles,” she suggested, and then came the logistics of getting four heads and the cake into frame, but they managed in the end.

The cake itself was delicious, and they had more than enough left over, which Ted insisted they split three ways. 

“We’ve all earned this,” he said. 

Eventually, they left the restaurant, and Rebecca snuggled up to Ted on the cab ride home. 

“I missed you,” she said, leaning against his shoulder, one hand over his stomach.

“I missed you, too,” he pressed a kiss into her hair. “The hardest thing about touring is being away from you.”

“Same,” she said, idly drawing circles on his shirt. “But then some days, like today, it’s all worth it. Right?”

The response she was waiting for didn’t immediately come. Rebecca leaned back, finding Ted looking contemplative. 

“Right?” she asked again.

“I suppose so,” he said quietly.

She smiled and kissed him gently, pillowing her head against his chest again.

“It’s worth it,” she said quietly. “You know I’ll always be waiting for you.”

“Sounds like a good title for a song,” Ted mused, and Rebecca chuckled. 

“How do you know I haven’t already used it?” she teased.

“Because I know every one of your songs, Rebecca Eleanor Welton. But maybe that’s one we could save for our album.”

“Yeah?” she asked, and what she was really asking was: You still want to do an album together?

“Heck yeah.” He squeezed her arm. “I see it as a duet between the two of us. In fact,” he dug into his back pocket and pulled out the tiny notebook he always carried, along with a pen. “I’m gonna jot this down.”

She hummed and snuggled in closer. “Any ideas for lyrics?”

“Let’s spitball and see what we can come up with.” He tapped the notebook with his pen.

They spent the rest of the cab ride quietly trading ideas, and Rebecca felt more relaxed than she had since he’d left for tour.

She only had another couple of days before he was back out on the road and she was back in the studio, and she intended to make the most of them. 

“Holy fucking shit,” Michelle whispered from her perch in the dressing room at the Ed Sullivan Theater. “I still can’t believe we’re here.”

“Stay still, dearie,” the hairdresser told her. “I’m almost done.”

“Sorry.”

Rebecca looked around the room. Ted was seated next to Michelle, twisting in his chair and taking deep, steadying breaths. On the other side of him sat Beard, stoic as always, tapping rhythmically on the arm of his chair. Rebecca recognized the beat, from the song they were set to play on the show. Abby was toddling to and fro, Roy chasing after her, and Rebecca stood behind Ted. 

She caught his gaze in the mirror and smiled. “Alright?” 

He smiled back and nodded, whirling around in the chair so he faced her. “Just a little nerves. It’s kind of a big deal.”

“It’s not kind of a big deal. It’s a huge fucking deal.”

Not being American, Rebecca hadn’t grown up with David Letterman, but she’d become a fan of sorts since moving across the pond. And she knew the impact of a late night show, having watched plenty as a teenager and young adult. 

Ted was the second guest in the line up tonight, followed by a performance from The Sunflowers. While he’d given plenty of print interviews, this was the first time he’d be interviewed on television. Even though the whole thing had been pre-planned and it was a performance of sorts, it was still Ted as himself on television, representing his beloved band. 

It was, as Rebecca had said, a huge fucking deal.

“What can I do?” she asked.

“You’re doing it,” Ted said. “Just by being here.”

Rebecca rolled her lips between her teeth and nodded. No need to get emotional now; there was enough chaotic energy zipping through the room as it was. 

“Mr. Lasso?” a woman wearing a headset stuck her head in the doorway. “We’re ready for you.”

Ted’s mouth formed a small “o” as he let out a puff of air. “Okay, let’s do this,” he said as he stood, wiping his palms on his knees.

“You’re going to be brilliant.” Rebecca cupped his cheeks and gave him a kiss. “Break a leg.”

“Thanks, darlin’,”  Ted said softly. “I’ll see you after?”

“I’ll be right here.”

“Good luck, Ted!” Michelle called from her chair.

“Represent,” Beard said, raising a fist. 

“Okay, Stephanie,” Ted said to the woman in the headset. “Lead the way.”

Rebecca sat in his seat after he left, staring at the monitors in the room. Dave had just finished up with his first guest and began introducing Ted.

“My next guest is the lead singer of an up and coming band called The Sunflowers.” Dave paused as the audience cheered. “They’ve just been nominated for four Grammy awards, including Best New Artist. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Ted Lasso.”

Rebecca couldn’t help hooting and hollering as Ted made his way across the stage and sat down next to Dave. 

“Welcome to the show.”

“Thank you. Thanks for having me,” Ted replied.

“That’s quite an accent you’ve got. May I ask where you’re from?”

“I was born and raised in the great state of Kansas.”

There were a few cheers and Ted looked out into the audience, “Now I know y’all ain’t from Kansas. But thanks for the support.”

Dave chuckled. “It's a very supportive audience.”

“Very,” Ted agreed.

“So tell me about yourself. What was it like growing up in Kansas?”

They launched into the pre-planned stories. Ted told an anecdote from his childhood, and then they moved into the band’s history, talking about how Ted and Beard met in kindergarten and had an instant rapport. 

“I understand that your drummer and bassist got married last year, is that right?”

“Yes, sir. Right here in New York City. I was their best man.”

“Congratulations to them. Is that weird for you? Do you ever feel like the third wheel in your own band?”

“Oh, no. We’ve been playing together for so long, we have our own language, you know? And they've always kept their relationship separate from the band.”

“They’ve been together since you all were teenagers, is that correct?”

“Yeah, that’s right. High school sweethearts.”

There was a pause as the audience “awwed.”

“And what about you? You’re a young, good looking guy, the lead singer in a band. I imagine you get a lot of attention from women.”

Ted blushed and Rebecca cocked an eyebrow. This, she knew, was not part of the pre-planned conversation.

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Uh oh, I think you’re holding out on me,” Dave said with a smirk. “Is there anyone special in your life?”

“Um. Well,” Ted hesitated and Rebeca held her breath. They hadn’t discussed this. Their relationship certainly wasn’t a secret, but was it up for public consumption?

“Yeah. Yes, there’s someone special.”

Ted laughed nervously when the audience “awwed” again, this time in disappointment. 

“Tell us about her,” Dave encouraged. 

“Um. Well. She’s a musician, too.”

“Oh? Anyone we may have heard of?”

Ted’s blush was extremely apparent, even through the television screen. He shook his head. “You may not have heard of her yet, but you will. She’s extremely talented.”

“I have a feeling we won’t be getting a name from you,” Dave teased. 

“No, sir. I’m keeping that information to myself for now.”

“Fair enough. You’re going to stick around and play a song for us, right?”

The audience cheered again and Ted nodded. “Yes, sir.” 

It was at that point the woman with the headset – Stephanie – poked her head in the door again and told Beard and Michelle it was their cue. 

“Good luck!” Rebecca told them.

“Kill it,” Roy said in his rough voice, Abby sitting in his lap.

The Sunflowers did, indeed, kill it. They played Orangina, much to the audience’s delight. After, the band returned to the dressing room and Rebecca nearly attacked Ted, jumping into his arms and covering him with kisses, not caring that they were in a room full of people. 

“That was bloody fantastic,” she told him in between kisses. “I’m so fucking proud of you.”

“The interview went okay?” Ted asked nervously. “I wasn’t sure…when he started askin’ about my personal life, I got a little tongue tied.”

“You did very well,” she said confidently, kissing him on the lips. “And thank you for protecting our privacy.”

“Oi, Lasso,” Roy barked from across the room. Rebecca released Ted. “Good job.”

“Oooh, Roy Kent said ‘good job!’” Ted put his hand to his heart dramatically. “That must have gone better than I thought.”

“Everyone did…very well,” Roy spoke slowly, as if it pained him to say the words. “Now let’s get the fuck out of here.”

They all laughed, and went about packing up their belongings.

It happened outside the stage door, where they were waiting for the car to pull around. There were a handful of teenage girls who Rebecca suspected were waiting for the first guest to leave. Two of the girls started whispering and looking at them. Rebecca could see Roy’s hackles go up, as always happened when The Sunflowers were about to get recognized.

“It is not,” Rebecca heard one girl say.

“Yes it is,” said the other. 

Out of the corner of her eye, Rebecca saw the two girls approaching. She nudged Ted, who had been staring across the street, unaware of the gaggle of fans. 

“Um, excuse me?” Girl Number One asked. 

“Hi there,” Ted said kindly. “How you doin’?”

“Good,” said Girl Number Two. 

“Um, we had a question,” Girl Number One started. 

“Shoot.”

Much to Rebecca’s surprise, Girl Number One turned to her and asked, “Are you Rebecca Welton?”

Ted’s eyes lit up and his grin could nearly split his face. 

“Oh! Um. Yes, yes I am.”

“Oh my gosh! Miss Welton, we are huge fans.”

“Huge,” Girl Number Two added. “Would it be possible… do you think… um. Could we possibly get your autograph?”

“Um. Yes. Sure.  Of course,” Rebecca stumbled. “Do you have something to write with?”

The girl dug in her purse and began pulling out various items in search of a pen. 

“Hey, I can do you one better,” Ted said, taking the disposable camera Girl Number Two had unearthed. “How about I take y’alls picture?”

“Ohmygod, are you serious?” Girl Number Two gushed. “I mean…would that be alright?”

Ted looked at Rebecca with a glint in his eye, challenging her to say no. 

“Let’s do it,” Rebecca said, gesturing for them to come closer. She stood in the middle, while the girls flanked her. 

“Thank you so much,” Girl Number Two said when Ted finished, taking the camera back from him. 

“No problemo. I’m a massive fan of Rebecca Welton, too,” Ted winked. 

Girl Number One looked between them, a realization dawning over her face. “Wait. Are you the musician girlfriend he was talking about?”

Rebecca hesitated, and then nodded, putting her finger to her lips. 

“Oh, we won’t say anything,” Girl Number Two promised. “We’re just…your album was… it meant…it means a lot to me. To us.”

“Thank you,” Rebecca said, unused to compliments from strangers.

“We saw you on tour,” Girl Number One added. “You’re amazing.”

“She is, isn’t she?” Ted intervened, putting his arm around her. “My favorite musician, right here.”

“Mine, too,” Girl Number One breathed. 

“Thank you so much, er…”

“Jessica,” said Girl Number One. “And this is Melony.”

“Well, it was very nice to meet you, Jessica and Melony. I’m Rebecca.”

“We know,” Melony giggled. 

“Of course,” Rebecca colored slightly at her faux pas. 

“You all have a good day now,” Ted said as the car pulled up to the curb. 

“You too!” said Jessica, pulling Melony away, the pair giggling as they ran to rejoin their friends. 

Rebecca turned to Ted, a look of surprise on her face. “What in the bloody hell was that?” she whispered.

“That, my darling,” Ted said as he opened the door for her, “was a taste of the future.”

The night of the Grammy’s  was both a blur and one Rebecca would never forget. 

For the first time in her life, she sat in a limousine that had not been rented out by her parents. She was wearing a dress that was so expensive, she still had the tags in, not convinced she wouldn’t return it after tonight. There was champagne in the limousine, but Ted refused it, quietly telling Rebecca he was nervous enough and didn’t want to cloud his head any further. So they abstained while Beard, Michelle, Roy, and Keeley all partook of the offering. 

When the limo pulled up outside the Staples Center, Rebecca took a deep breath. This was it. This was their public debut as a couple. Her nerves grew as the limousine driver came around to the side and opened the door. Rebecca could hear the chatter from the red carpet and see the cameras flashing.

Rebecca wasn’t naive. She knew being in the entertainment industry meant going to events such as this, and baring a little bit of yourself to the public. It’s just, beyond singing on stage and the occasional article in some obscure music publication, this was the first time she would be out in the world. Vulnerable to public judgement. Open to tabloid fodder. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind.

“Hey,” Ted laced their hands together. “Y’okay?”

“Yeah. Yes. It’s all just a little overwhelming.”

“You’re tellin’ me. How ‘bout this, let’s make a pact not to leave each other's sides tonight.” 

Rebecca nodded vociferously. “Yes, please.”

And so it went. They walked the red carpet together, hand in hand. Ted posed for the camera, his arm around Rebecca, and included her in all of his interviews. 

“This is my girlfriend, Rebecca Welton,” he’d say proudly. “She’s the real star here. Just you wait, this time next year y'all will be clamoring to talk to her.”

Rebecca blushed furiously at his words, and found herself stumbling the first few times she was asked questions about her next album, or whether or not she was a fan of The Sunflowers. 

“Of course I am,” she snapped at the first reporter. Ted tightened his grip on her and smiled, smoothing out the situation. 

“She’s always been our biggest supporter,” he said. “But you should really ask about her own music. This lady here is a genius performer.”

Once inside the auditorium, Rebecca let out a sigh of relief. “Sodding press,” she mumbled.

Ted laughed, and squeezed her hand. “You did great,” he assured her. “The hard part’s over.”

“Hardly!” Rebecca said. “I’m going to be on pins and needles until your categories are announced.”

Ted snorted, and licked his lips. “That part is a little daunting,” he admitted. “But on the other hand, we’ve got a free pass to the best concert of the year. Come on, let’s go find our seats.”

“Holy shit,” Rebecca said as an usher led them to the very front row. “Are you serious?”

The usher checked her notes. “Yes, Miss Welton, this is you.”

“Well how do you like that?” 

Rebecca could tell Ted was a bit flustered by the all-star treatment, and it was also at that moment Rebecca knew The Sunflowers were going to have a big night. She tucked that knowledge away, pulling him down into their seats. The others joined soon after, each a bit unmoored to discover they were right up front. (Except for Keeley, who was delighted.)

“I don’t know about this,” Ted whispered to her after expressing his disbelief to his fellow bandmates. “It’s a lot of pressure, being up here. We’re going to end up on camera a lot.” 

For the first time that night, Rebecca was the one to comfort Ted. She took his hand and kissed him on the cheek, careful to wipe away her lipstick. “I’m right here, yeah? All you need to do is focus on me. Okay?”

“Okay,” he nodded quickly, then leaned in for another kiss. “Yeah, okay.”

The ceremony started soon after, and as Ted predicted, they were on camera frequently. Rebecca felt as if she had a permanent smile affixed to her face, but for the most part it was genuine. Ted was right — they had a literal front-row seat to the best concert of the year.

It was a long night – Rebecca wouldn’t deny that – but exciting all the same. The first category they were up for was Album of the Year. Ted sat stock still when The Sunflowers’ name was announced, his face slack with disbelief. While all the others stood and began making their way up to the stage, Ted was frozen in his seat. 

“Ted! Darling, you did it!”

“We did?”

“You did!” she laughed. “Now go up there and claim your trophy!”

Realization began to dawn and his eyes widened. “Holy smokes,” he whispered. 

At this point, the rest of the band and Roy were nearly onstage and noticed that Ted was missing. 

“Go on, you silly goose!” Keeley cried.

Slowly he stood, kissed Rebecca, and made his way to the stage.

As the lead singer of the band, it had been decided that Ted would take the lead on any speeches. Rebecca could tell he was still in shock as he stepped up to the microphone to thunderous applause. 

“Good golly,” he shook his head, his accent thicker than usual. “This is…this is real nice of y’all. I uh, don’t really know what to say, but I know we didn’t do this alone.”

He went on to thank the label, their producers (with a special shout out to Roy), and all three sets of parents “watching back in Kansas.” 

“Lastly, I’d like to thank a very special person in my life, who’s there every day with her support and guidance. I love you, baby, and couldn’t have done this without you.”

Rebecca felt tears prick her eyes as she cheered them off stage. 

This moment happened three more times, as they won for Record of the Year, Best New Artist, and Song of the Year. Each time, Ted sat frozen in disbelief, and Rebecca and Keeley had to encourage him to stand up and get on stage. 

“Well, I imagine y’all are gettin’ pretty sick of me,” Ted joked as took the stage solo to accept the award for Song of the Year for Orangina. “I don’t know what to say that hasn’t been said before, except…” Ted cleared his throat. “Except I’d like to thank my father, for teaching me how to play guitar when I was five years old by sitting in his lap and letting me pound on the strings. Come to think of it, I probably destroyed that guitar,” Ted paused as the audience laughed. “He played music for me every night when I was a kid, and really gave me the foundation to be a musician. So thank you, Dad,” Ted craned his head up towards the ceiling. “I love you, I miss you, and I’ll always be grateful.”

Rebecca was a blubbering mess when he finished his speech, and dug into her purse for a tissue. Looking around, she saw her seatmates were in the same boat; even Roy surreptitiously wiped a tear from his cheek. 

Later, once the ceremony was over, awards collected, press finished, and parties attended, Ted and Rebecca took the limousine back to their hotel. Ted’s head was pillowed on Rebecca’s shoulder, and she ran her fingers through his hair. 

“Big night,” she mused. 

He chuckled deeply. “Yeah.”

“How do you feel about it?”

“I feel…I don’t know. A mixture of things. Most of all tired. It’s been a long summer.”

She agreed by placing a kiss to the top of his head. 

“I feel proud of the band. No way did we think anything like this would happen when we started playing together in my basement all those years ago. It wasn’t even a thought that crossed my mind. I just wanted to play music. Still do. All I really want in life is to play music with my friends and love you. Everything else is just gravy.”

“You’re sweet,” she whispered, amazed by his humble nature after such a big night.

He shrugged and placed an arm around her side, pulling her closer to him. “It’s the truth.”

“What do you want to do when we get back to the hotel?” she asked suggestively. 

“Honestly?” Ted lifted his head and looked at her. “I just want to take a long, hot shower and go to sleep.”

She laughed at his unexpected answer. “And here I was, ready to rally.”

Ted kissed her softly. “Can I take a raincheck on your kind offer until tomorrow morning?”

“Of course you can, love. Whatever you want.” 

“Thank you.” He resumed his position on her shoulder, and she continued her scalp massage. “Mmmm. You’re so good at that.”

“It helps that you have a really fabulous head of hair.”

“I grow it m’self,” Ted closed his eyes, and Rebecca knew he was about to drift off. 

She kissed his forehead and let him doze for the remainder of the car ride, content to just be with him. 

When the limo pulled up to their hotel, she whispered his name and kissed his cheek. “Ted, darling. Wake up.”

He opened his eyes slowly. “We’re here?”

“We’re here,” she confirmed, and unbuckled her seatbelt. “Come on, love. Let’s get you and your gaggle of Grammy’s up to bed.”

He giggled at that, and pulled her in for a kiss. “I love you so much, Rebecca Welton. Never change.”

“I won’t if you won’t.”

He saluted her. “Scouts honor. And I was actually a Boy Scout, so it means something.”

“Good. Now come on, let’s go. I’m dying to take this dress off.”

“Mmm. Don’t tempt me, woman.”

“Hey, you’ve already had your offer for tonight.”

“Can’t a fella change his mind?” he batted his eyelashes at her as he attempted to gather his awards. 

Rebecca held out her hands and he handed her two. 

“Come on, Mr. Big Shot. Let’s get inside first before we make any decisions.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ted hopped out of the car and followed her to the door. 

Rebecca held the awards to her chest with one arm as her free hand swiped her keycard and unlocked the door. Once inside, she made for the elevator, taking them up to the seventh floor. Walking down the hallway, Rebecca let Ted go ahead as he dug into his pocket for his card and opened the door to their hotel room. They both set his awards down on the table in the foyer and Rebecca looped her arms around Ted and kissed him thoroughly. 

“Now,” she breathed. “About taking this dress off.”

Chapter Text

Spring, 2002

Little darlin'
I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darlin'
It seems like years since it's been clear
         Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles

Rebecca held the compact disc in her hand, sighing in satisfaction. It was finally here, nearly two years after its conception, and she could not have been more proud.

Warm hands wrapped around her middle and soft lips kissed the top of her head.

“Congratulations, baby.”

“Congratulations to you.” She held out the circular object and it shone under the lights of the studio. “It’s beautiful.”

Ted chuckled. “It’s just a CD.”

“It is not just a CD,” she countered. “This is proof of concept. Years of our work, finally recorded and ready for the world to hear.”

“Look out, world,” Ted joked. 

“Ted, will you please take this seriously?”

“Sorry.” He tightened his hold on her and his lips pressed against her neck. “I’m so proud of this, of us. It’s my favorite thing I’ve ever created and I still can’t believe I got to make an album with you. How’s that? Better?”

“Much.” She put the CD back in its case and laced their hands together, swinging them a little. “It’s our baby.”

Ted hummed and rested his head on her shoulder. “What a gorgeous baby we made.”

There was a clearing of a throat behind them and then Roy’s growly tones. “Oi. If you all are done canoodling, the label is here.”

“What do you think, baby, are we done canoodling?”

“I suppose,” she turned around to face Ted. “Shall we go hear our fate, then?”

“After you.”

As she followed Roy into the studio’s conference room, Rebecca thought about the last several months, and everything it had taken to get here. 

It began last fall. Specifically, last September. Rebecca still remembered that fateful day, and imagined she always would; it was permanently seared into her brain whether she liked it or not. 

She was nearly out the door and on her way to the studio when the news broke that a plane had hit the twin towers. 

Her first call was to Roy, who thankfully was still at home, and ordered her to stay put. 

Her second call was to her parents, to let them know she was safe and not planning on going anywhere. 

Immediately after she hung up the phone, she received a panicked call from Ted on her cell phone. He was back on tour, calling from Chicago. When she answered the phone, he was crying. 

“Rebecca! Where are you? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay. I promise. I’m here at home. I was just about to leave when the news hit.”

“Oh thank god,” Ted took a deep breath, and then another, and Rebecca could tell he was trying to stave off a panic attack. 

“Ted. Listen to me. I’m alright, really. I’m safe at home and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Okay,” his voice shook and he sniffed. “Fuck, I was so scared. I was just out of the shower and had the TV on. One minute they were talkin’ about the end of baseball season, and the next they’re interruptin’ the sports segment and showing all this smoke and fire right downtown and I just…I know the studio and our apartment aren’t near there but…”

“I know, Ted. I know.”

“What’s happening to our city?” his voice cracked.

“I don’t know.” Tears formed at the back of her eyes and she blinked rapidly to curb them. There would be time for that later. Right now, she needed to reassure her panic-ridden boyfriend. 

“Listen, I’m gonna call Roy and see if we can cut the tour short. We only had a few more weeks anyway. Maybe we can postpone the rest.”

“Ted, that’s not –”

“Yes, it is, Rebecca. It is necessary, when I don’t know what’s going to happen in this country next. Heck, I don’t even think I’d feel safe playin’ a show right now. All I really want to be is home with you.”

The tears that had threatened spilled over. She wanted him home, too. “Alright, darling, alright.”

“I’ll call you back as soon as I talk to Roy.”

He didn’t call back; or if he did, it didn’t go through. She lost all phone reception. 

Two days later, he arrived home, and Rebecca had never been more happy to see anyone in her entire life. They clung to each other and cried, and then, after all their tears had been shed, tenderly made love in their bedroom. 

They started seriously working on the album a few weeks later. At first, just in their apartment in the second bedroom that doubled as their home studio, and then, once the smoke had dissipated and the subway started running again, they moved to the studio downtown. 

As Ted predicted, the remainder of The Sunflowers’ tour was postponed. Many other tours had also been postponed or canceled out of an abundance of caution. The Sunflowers hated to lose their post-Grammy momentum, but there were bigger issues at play, and Rebecca knew that Beard and Michelle wanted to be at home with Abby as much as Ted wanted to be at home with her. 

Not that recording a joint album didn’t come without its complications. For a brief period, she was recording two albums at the same time – finishing up her second while working on their first. Fortunately, the overlap did not last too long, and she could concentrate on their work together while her solo album got mastered and ready for release. 

It was a busy time, and Rebecca had been grateful for the distraction in a post-September 11th world.  

And now, months later, they were sitting down with the label for their first full listen. The reps had heard snippets here and there, and were generally favorable towards it, much to Ted and Rebecca’s relief. 

They sat next to each other in the conference room, holding hands underneath the table. Rebecca couldn’t help noticing Ted’s palms were sweaty. After everything he'd accomplished – three solid albums, the last of which was nothing short of a resounding success – and he was still anxious for the label. 

“It’s different,” he’d told her when she asked about his nerves earlier in the day. “This album means more to me.” 

She’d smiled at his words and pulled him in for a loving kiss. 

Now, seated in front of a throng of suited executives, they awaited their fate. If the reps liked what they heard, she and Ted were golden. If not, well. Rebecca had been through the process before, with her first album. Typically it meant rewrites, which took a lot of time and energy that she frankly did not have at this point. 

As it turned out, all of their worrying was for naught. As the final song faded, Roy cleared his throat, signaling the listening session had concluded. 

“Well?” he asked gruffly. 

The executive at the head of the table spoke first. “I can’t speak for my colleagues, but I think we’ve got a winner on our hands.”

“I agree,” said a second executive.

“So do I,” added a third.

Rebecca squeezed Ted’s hand and chanced a glance at him. He was looking around the room, beaming from ear to ear. 

“Well, we’re mighty glad to hear it,” Ted said. “Rebecca and I worked really hard on this album, and poured a lot of heart, sweat and tears into it.”

“It shows,” said the first executive. “Now, for the first single…”

For the next half hour, the executives and Roy lobbied back and forth over release dates and singles and the general business side of things. Ted and Rebecca were mostly silent, chiming in here and there with an idea, but letting the business folks do their job.

After the executives left, the three stood in the conference room alone. Ted still had a dopey grin on his face, and Rebecca couldn’t help matching his expression. 

“Congratulations,” Roy said roughly. 

“Thanks, Roy-o.” 

“We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Roy scoffed. “This record had nothing to do with me. I was just present.”

“How long do you think Roy will remain this modest?” Ted asked Rebecca.

“It’s in his DNA,” she replied. “Trust me, I’ve known him for years.”

“Take your win and sod off,” the man grumbled, grabbing his jacket. “I’ve gotta go meet Keeley.”

“Tell her we said hi,” Rebecca said, then turned to Ted. “So, how do you propose we celebrate?”

“Hmm…” he grinned devilishly. “I’ve got a few ideas.”

“Wait till I leave the room, yeah?” 

“Goodbye, Roy,” she said pointedly, wrapping her arms around Ted’s neck. 

She waited until Roy closed the door to kiss Ted. It was a bit more passionate than what would normally be considered appropriate for the workplace, but she couldn’t help herself. Rebecca was so proud of what they’d accomplished in these last several months, and she poured all of that pride into the kiss.

Ted was panting when they parted. 

“So…home?” 

“Home.”

In addition to getting ready for their joint album to be released, the next few weeks entailed Rebecca preparing to tour in support of her second solo record. Ted was doing the same, as The Sunflowers were making up the cities they missed last fall. 

While she was looking forward to getting back on the road and sharing her music with the world, Rebecca was not as keen on being away from Ted. The last several months of them being together and working together nearly nonstop had been wonderful, despite the circumstances that led up to it.

On the eve of her tour, they lay in bed together, each breathing a little heavy after their recent activities. 

Ted stroked her back lightly with one hand, the other wrapped solidly around her shoulders as she pillowed her head against his chest. “Are you excited?” 

“Mmm. I am. I’m going to miss you, though,” she told him honestly.

“I’ll miss you, too. But hey, we’ve been through this before. We know the drill.”

“This time feels different,” Rebecca said softly.

“I know,” he gathered her closer and kissed her forehead. “I feel the same way.”

Rebecca hadn’t thought it possible, but they’d grown even closer. Whether it was surviving a terrorist attack together or creating an album from scratch (or, more likely, both), Rebecca had never felt more attached to someone in her entire life. Leaving him to go on tour felt like losing a limb, in the sense that a part of her would be missing. 

Her eyes welled up, and she bit her lip to keep any cries at bay. 

Too late – Ted noticed. “Hey, now. We’ll be alright.”

“I know. I promise, I know that, but right now, I just…” she sniffed and the tears began to fall. “I’m just going to miss you so much.”

“I know, baby. I know. Being away from you is gonna stink to high heaven. But hey, the band’s only got a few weeks of shows left, and then I can meet up with you on the road here and there.”

“You can?” 

“‘Course I can. We were plannin’ on taking some time off after the end of the tour anyway.”

She’d known this, but also knew that Roy and the label were keen to keep The Sunflowers in the public eye, whether that meant myriad press appearances, shooting another music video, or adding a new leg to the tour

“What about your momentum?” she asked with a hiccup.

“My momentum don’t mean diddly-squat without my girl.” 

This only made Rebecca cry harder, and Ted took her fully into his arms and let her sob on his shoulder, knowing she needed to let it out. 

“You know what I think this is?” he said when she had mostly calmed down. “I think you have some pre-show jitters.”

Rebecca scoffed but let him continue. 

“This second album means more. It has a lot more of you in it. I think you’re a little scared to share yourself with the world, but baby, I promise that you don’t need to be scared. They’re going to love you. Your new album…” Ted drew a breath. “It’s magnificent. And I say that not as your partner, but as a genuine fan. It’s beautiful and poignant and tugs at your heartstrings. I love every single song. No skips.”

“Really?” she wiped her eyes and adjusted herself so she was looking at him. 

“Really.”

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him on the lips. “I think I needed to hear that.”

“I’m here any time you need a pep talk,” Ted said. “Your own personal cheerleader, remember?”

“I remember. I love you.”

“I love you, too. So dang much.”

This tour was different from her first. 

For one thing, the venues were larger. Her first time out had been in small, intimate spaces, whereas she’d now “graduated” to mid-sized venues. It felt more on par with the tour she and Ted did two summers ago, only this time she was solo. 

Well, she wasn’t completely alone. She had a backing band. She also had a supporting act, which was another change from her first tour. 

The crowds were different, too. More engaged. The majority of her audiences were already singing along, which surprised Rebecca considering the album had only recently been released. When did people have the time to learn the lyrics?

The last difference was Rebecca herself. Despite her worries prior to leaving, she felt much more confident than she had with her first tour. Ted had been right – her second album was more personal, and she was proud of it in a way she hadn’t been with her first. Rebecca couldn’t quite put her finger on why; it just felt more… more. She was evolving as an artist, and this record was proof of that evolution. It made her excited to see what would come of her third. 

But she didn’t need to get ahead of herself. Rebeca was enjoying the here and now, which currently meant eating a late lunch backstage in between soundchecks with her bassist, Frank. 

They were debating the merits of compact discs versus vinyl when there was a knock on the dressing room door. 

“Come in!” Rebecca called in between bites of her salad.

She had been expecting the stage manager to tell them how much time they had left for lunch. What she was not expecting was a 6’1” bearded man with brown eyes, chin-length hair, and dimples that made her insides melt.

“Excuse me, I’m Rebecca Welton’s biggest fan. Y’all know where I can find her?” 

“Ted!”  Rebecca leapt to her feet so fast she nearly spilled her salad. “What on earth are you doing here?”

“I’ve come to visit my favorite artist,” he said. “If she’ll have me.”

“Come over here you silly sod!” 

Frank was all but forgotten as she reunited with her boyfriend after nearly a month apart. She folded herself into Ted’s embrace, closing her eyes and breathing him in. 

“Holy shit, I missed you,” she murmured as they swayed together in her dressing room. 

“I missed you, too.” 

Rebecca wasn’t sure how long they stood like that, holding each other, but it didn’t feel nearly long enough. Eventually, Ted eased his hold on her and spoke to the other person in the room. 

“Hey, how you doing? I’m Rebecca’s boyfriend, Ted.”

“I know who you are,” Frank said somewhat nervously. “It’s an honor, Mr. Lasso. I’m a huge fan of The Sunflowers.”

“Please, call me Ted.”

“Okay. Ted. Huge fan.”

“Thank you,” Ted’s eyes twinkled as he reluctantly released Rebecca with a brief peck on the lips. “You’re Frank, right? Rebecca’s bassist? She told me y’all eat lunch together sometimes.”

“Y-yes, si– er… Ted.”

“So tell me, Frank, do you play four string or five?”

“Four,” Frank said. “I can play the five, but I prefer the four.”

“Mmmm,” Ted nodded. “What kind of bass you got?”

“A Spector.”

“That’s a good brand. I have one of those, along with a Fender. Play them pretty interchangeably."

“You play bass?” Frank asked. 

Rebecca laughed. “He plays everything.”

She wrapped her arms around his side and kissed his cheek, resting her head on his shoulder. Ted put a hand on her back.

“She’s exaggerating,” Ted said with a wink.

“No, he’s just very modest. Go on, name an instrument, and I guarantee you he can play it.”

Ted blushed. “I guess you could say I dabble.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to play in front of Ted Lasso,” Frank shook his head. “You will stay for the show, right?”

“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away, Frank.”

Frank cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll just go see where we are with the sound check.”

“Nice meetin’ you.”

“You too.”

“So that’s Frank,” Ted said once the excited man closed the door.

“That’s him.”

“Seems like a nice guy.”

“He’s very sweet, and I think you just made his year.”

Ted laughed. “I do what I can.”

“Now,” Rebecca stepped in front of him and kissed him firmly on the lips. “What exactly are you doing here? Not that I’m not thrilled to see you.”

“Baby, you must not be keepin’ track of your days anymore. The tour’s over. We finished last night, and the only thing I wanted to do was come see you.”

“In the middle of Tennessee?” she asked. 

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You didn’t even want to go home first?”

“I am home,” Ted leaned down and kissed her again. “I’m here with you.”

And if that didn’t make her heart soar. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes. “Welcome home,” she whispered.

“Thank you.”

She hugged him again, needing to feel the strength of his arms around her. They parted only when there was another knock on the door. This time, it was the stage manager.

“Ten minutes.”

“Thank you,” Rebecca said, and sighed as the door closed. “Time to get back to work.”

“Oooh, can I watch?” Ted asked, his eyes gleaming. 

“I don’t see that you have a choice unless you leave. But do you really want to hear our set twice?”

“Pshh, who are you talkin’ to?”

That night, Rebecca shared a stage with Ted again. It happened towards the end of the show, when she insisted on bringing him out as her special guest. He had been hesitant when she first asked him, saying he didn’t want to steal her spotlight. 

Ted might be humble, but he also knew his current place in the world of popular culture, and that was right smack dab in the middle. 

“I don’t want to draw any attention away from you,” Ted said honestly when she floated the idea. “You’ve worked so hard to get here, and you deserve all the praise. Not this turkey.”

“Nonsense,” Rebecca dismissed him with a wave of her hand. “They’ll eat it up, and you know as well as I do that the first rule of show business is to give the people what they want.”

“Is that so?” Ted laughed. “I thought it was that the public doesn’t know what they want.”

“Exactly. They don’t know that they want this.”

He furrowed his brow, trying to follow her logic, and finally gave up with a shrug and a smile. “Whatever you say, dear.”

So that was how they ended up on stage together, singing a song from their yet-to-be-released album. As Rebecca had predicted, the audience went crazy when she introduced Ted, and he came on stage to loud applause from the crowd and deafening screams from the women and girls. She caught his eye and lifted her eyebrows in an expression that said, “See?” 

“Ted and I have a secret,” she told the audience in a hushed tone. “And if we tell you, you have to promise it won’t leave this room.”  Rebecca waited until the audience grew quiet. 

“Do you think that’s a yes?” she asked Ted.

“I think they can be trusted.” 

“Alright, then. Our secret is, we’ve recorded an album together – ” Rebecca could barely get the words out before the audience erupted into cheers and hollers. 

She paused and grinned at Ted, soaking in the praise. “I think they’re excited.”

“Quick, someone tell the label,” Ted joked.

“Well, if it’s alright with you,” Rebecca continued once the din softened, “we’d like to play a couple of songs from our upcoming record. This is a special treat, because you’ve been such a wonderful audience.”

With that, Ted strummed the guitar he had borrowed from backstage, quietly tuning it. The audience was silent, waiting. Once Ted finished, he looked up at Rebecca in question. She nodded her head, and he began to play the melody from what they’d been told would be their first single, Moonlight. 

I told you I loved you under the moonlight
I told you I loved you in June
I told you I loved you under the stars
Every word of it was true 

It was a slower song, built on harmonies. Rebecca felt elated to be sharing it with the world, and the feeling only grew as the song continued. 

I knew it the moment I saw you
That you were made for me

The song ended quietly, and for a moment you could hear a pin drop. Then, suddenly, applause. So much applauding and cheering. Rebecca soaked it all in.

“Do you think they want another?” she asked.

“I think they just might.”

So they sang another, this song more upbeat with a catchy tune. Rebecca couldn’t help the dopey grin on her face as she looked Ted in the eye while they sang. This was her favorite place to be in the whole world: On stage doing what she loved with the man she loved. 

They ended their final song to more raucous applause and cheering, and Rebecca had to shout into the microphone in order to be heard. 

“That’s it from us, have a great night!” 

The applause continued as Rebecca and Ted took their bows. At one point, Rebecca pulled him to her by the shirt sleeve and kissed him, which only made the audience cheer even louder. She laughed as she let go, wiping off the trace of lipstick left on his lips. 

“What was that for, boss?” he asked breathlessly. 

She merely gestured out into the audience. “This. My life. It’s all because of you.”

He shook his head. “Nah. This is all you, baby.”

At last, they exited the stage hand in hand, the band following. Once they were back in her dressing room, Rebecca threw herself on him, hugging him tightly. 

“That was fucking brilliant.”

“You’re brilliant.”

She regarded him with a twinkle in her eye. “Take the compliment, darling.”

“Okay, okay,” he lifted his hands up in the air. “It was my pleasure, really.” 

“What now?” she asked as she kissed him again, carding her hands through his hair. “I’m fucking pumped.”

“You wanna go get a drink somewhere?”

Rebecca considered his proposal. “Sure. So long as you don’t mind me inviting the band. Tonight was as much of their win as ours.”

“I don’t mind at all.”

So that was how they all ended up at a dive bar in Tennessee at 1 AM, still high on adrenaline from the show. Rebecca sipped on her seltzer and observed the group dynamic. 

Ted and Frank were deep in conversation, Frank looking like he won the lottery just for the chance of talking to the lead singer of The Sunflowers. Rebecca hadn’t a clue he was such a big fan, or else she would have found a way to introduce them sooner. Her drummer and guitarist were dancing together to the music coming from the jukebox, each holding a drink in their hand. If Rebecca didn't know any better, she’d think a romance might be blooming between the pair. 

Without breaking conversation, Ted reached out and put his arm around her waist, pulling her into him. She kissed him on the cheek and rested her head on his shoulder, content to just listen. As Ted and Frank debated  Fender versus Spector, Rebecca closed her eyes, feeling completely content. In this moment, she had everything she needed.

As promised, Ted joined her on the road for a couple of weeks following his tour. Rebecca was thrilled, and grateful that no one seemed to mind – not her bandmates, not the label, not even Roy. 

Each night, Rebecca would call him out on stage at the end of the show and they’d sing a couple of songs from their new album, typically a combination of Moonlight and one of their more upbeat tracks. Word spread quickly that Ted Lasso had joined Rebecca Welton on tour, and those who didn’t already know of their relationship began to suspect something between the two musicians. Ted and Rebecca laughed at the headlines that hinted their relationship was more than professional. 

“Haven’t they been payin’ attention?” Ted asked the first time someone showed them an article in a local newspaper. “It’s not like we’ve ever been a secret.”

And indeed, they’d never hidden their relationship, but they also had never been in the public eye before this past year. Fortunately, the core of their relationship had not changed, even if their anonymity was quickly slipping away. 

Unfortunately, all good things must pass, and tonight was Ted’s last show with her for the time being. Neither of them wanted to be separated, but duty called back in New York, where The Sunflowers were going to film a new music video and be interviewed for a slew of publications – including being on the cover of Rolling Stone. It was a big deal, and Ted was understandably excited. 

Rebecca was excited for him, though she wished it didn’t mean they had to say goodbye to each other. It was getting harder and harder to do so, and when Rebecca looked into the future, she could not imagine a time where this was not their life. 

You’d think it’d get easier, not harder, she mused. 

Tonight, they were in Chicago. It was not lost on Rebecca that Chicago was where Ted was on September 11th. She’d been watching out for a panic attack all day. And while Ted had seemed somewhat off and on edge, Rebecca didn’t feel like a panic attack was waiting in the wings. Instead, she chalked it up to him being sad and maybe a little bit annoyed that he had to go back to New York. 

They’d opted to go back to the hotel after the show, instead of out with the band as had become tradition. If Frank and company were disappointed, they did a good job of hiding it, telling the pair to enjoy their last night together, and saying their goodbye’s to Ted. 

They had just finished a joint bath in the slightly-too-small tub, and were settled together in bed, Rebecca’s head pillowed on Ted’s chest. 

“You ready for St. Louis?” Ted asked. 

“Yes. Frank and Lydia are excited to see the arch,” Rebecca said, referring to her bassist and guitarist. 

Ted chuckled and Rebecca felt the deep vibrations in his chest. “It’s worth being a tourist for.”

“I know. We’ve been, remember?”

“I do.”

“Hey,” he kissed her head and sat up. “I have somethin’ for you.”

“You do?” 

This was a surprise, considering they’d been together every day for the last three weeks. 

“Yup. Stay right there. Or, actually, come to the end of the bed.”

She arched an eyebrow. “All right.” Rebecca scooted down to the edge of the bed as requested, letting her feet rest on the floor. She was casual in one of Ted’s oversized t-shirts, her hair still wet from their bath. 

Ted rummaged around in his backpack until he pulled out something small Rebecca couldn’t see, as he quickly palmed it. With a deep breath, he turned back around to Rebecca, his face the epitome of nerves. 

Rebecca frowned. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

Ted shook his head. “No,” he said, his voice shaking. “No, everything is very, very right.”

He walked over to the bed, and promptly got down on one knee. 

Rebecca’s hands flew to her mouth and she gasped. “Oh my god.”

“Rebecca Eleanor Welton, I have adored you ever since I saw you up on stage, singin’ Pictures of You by The Cure. These last four years have been the best of my life, and not because of the awards or success, but because of you. To be honest, none of that means anything to me compared to you. I love you more than I can say. No song I write will ever do my feelings justice. You… you make everythin’ better, just by being you. I am in constant awe of your talent, but even more, I’m in awe of you, of who you are, what you’ve been through to get where you are today. You astound me, Rebecca. And if you’ll let me, I will spend the rest of my life tryin’ to be the man you deserve. Will you marry me?”

Tears were pouring down Rebecca’s cheeks by the end of his speech, and she found she could not speak. So, she nodded, and held out her hand, watching as he slipped the ring onto her finger. He stood, pulling her up with him, and kissed her thoroughly. She took the opportunity to pour all of her love back into the kiss, hoping it would make up for her lack of words. 

She shouldn’t have been surprised. They’d been dating for several years, lived together, and neither had any plans to go anywhere. And yet, his proposal had completely knocked her for six. She found she couldn’t stop crying. 

“Hey, hey,” he broke their kiss and cradled her face in his hands, wiping away the tears. “These are happy tears, I hope?”

Rebecca took a breath, and tried to speak. “Very happy. I’m just… I can’t…” She gave up and resumed her crying, looping her arms around Ted’s neck and burrowing her head into his shoulder. 

“Aw, sweetheart,” he rocked them back and forth. “Did I take you by surprise?”

She nodded, and held him closer. 

“Hold that thought,” he said, with a quick kiss to her temple as he released her. 

Once again, Ted rummaged around in his bag until he pulled out a CD, two candles, and a lighter. He set the candles down on the bedside table and lit them, then took the CD out of its case and inserted it into the hotel’s CD player. Turning out the lights so the room was only lit by candlelight, he pressed play, and Robert Smith’s voice came out. 

I’ve been looking so long at these pictures of you, I almost believe that they’re real.

Rebecca tipped her head to the side and bit her lip to keep any more tears from falling. Ted held out his hands. 

“Dance with me?”

She went to him instantly, and they slowly swayed around the room to the music. 

“I never thought – ” she started, stopping to clear her throat. “Growing up, I never thought anything like this was possible. I didn’t think I was worth much to anyone. But you’ve shown me the value in myself, Ted Lasso, and more importantly, you’ve taught me the value and power of relationships. I love you so much. I can’t tell you – ” Her voice caught in her throat and she shook her head with a rueful smile, unable to finish. 

Ted smiled back at her, and kissed her on the forehead. “I know, sweetheart. I know.”

They were silent after that, letting the music finish and another song come on. Ted had made an entire engagement mix CD, because of course he had. Rebecca shouldn’t have expected anything less. 

“When did you plan all this?” she asked as they swayed to Rainbow Connection, the first song they ever sang together. “Was it always going to be tonight?”

“To be honest, I’ve been carrying that ring around with me for a good six months,” he said, and Rebecca’s mouth opened in shock. He gently closed it with a tilt of her chin, and continued. “I was waitin’ and waitin’ for the right moment, and then I realized, the right moment doesn’t exist. It was all about the feelin’. And bein’ here with you on tour, I’ve been feelin’ it, every day. So this mornin’ I decided today was the day. I didn’t want to leave here without putting that ring on your finger.”

“Excellent decision,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him softly. “It was perfect.”

“You’re perfect,” he said, and she scoffed. 

“We both know that’s not true.”

“You are to me,” he told her sincerely, and because it was a special night, she let it go, and trusted him enough to believe his words. 

“Do you really have to leave tomorrow?” she pouted into his neck.

“I really do,” he sighed. “Wish I didn’t.”

“I wish you didn’t either. It’s been so nice, having you here. Frank will be devastated.”

“He will, huh?”

“Yes. He very much does not want you to go.”

“Well you tell Frank I’m gonna miss him and I’ll be back on tour with him just as soon as I can.”

“He appreciates that.”

Ted gathered her close and whispered in her ear, “I hate being away from you, Rebecca. But I’m so, so proud of you. It’s been an honor, singing with you these last few weeks.”

Rebecca blushed at his praise, and whispered back, “The honor is all mine, Theodore.”

“Hey,” he said, tilting her chin up to meet his eyes. He smiled wide. “We’re getting married.”

Her stomach floated up into her chest at his words, and she once again held back tears. “When did we become so grown up?”

Ted let out a bark of laughter. “I don’t know. Weird, ain’t it?”

The song changed, and Grow Old With Me by John Lennon came on. “I do know there ain’t no one else I’d rather grow old with than you,” he said softly. 

“I feel exactly the same,” she murmured, leaning up to kiss him again. 

Together they swayed to the music, as song after song played, sometimes talking, sometimes not, both content to be in the moment with each other.  

Rebecca had never felt happier.

Chapter Text

Whenever you want me at all
I’ll be here, yes I will
Whenever you call
You just gotta call on me 
         -The Beatles, All I’ve Gotta Do

Fall, 2002

“And that was the Moonlight, the first single from Two is Better Than One, the debut album from Ted Lasso and Rebecca Welton. Two is Better Than One is out in stores today, and we have a very special treat for you listeners. Ted and Rebecca are in the studio with us right now. Welcome, you two.”

“Thank you for having us.”

“It’s mighty nice to be here.”

“So tell me about the album. I’m most curious when you had time to write and record it. You both have been quite busy with other projects.”

Ted looked at Rebecca. “You wanna take this one?”

“Sure. I would say it started… a couple of years ago? Is that right? Our mutual manager arranged for us to do a tour together, and that’s when we really honed our sound. But we’d written together before then.”

Ted nodded. “That’s right. I think we started writin’ together not too long after we met. Even though our styles are different, something about them just clicked. We found a synchronicity right away.”

“And this album came about…”

“We had most of the songs written and started seriously workin’ on it about a year ago. My tour with The Sunflowers was on hold after September 11th, so I came home and we got to work. Rebecca here is the real star though, because she was workin’ on her solo album at the same time we were recording this puppy. She has the strongest work ethic of anyone I know.”

“Oh, stop.”

“It’s true!” 

“And should we expect a tour?”

“Eventually,” Rebecca said. “I have a few more months of my own tour left, and then we have some personal matters to attend to, but after that, yes, definitely.”

“And might these personal matters have anything to do with the rumors of wedding bells for you two?”

Rebecca glanced at Ted and they had a silent exchange with their eyes. 

“They just might, Jim,” Ted said. 

“Is that an exclusive?”

Ted laughed. “It’s not a secret, but we try to keep our private life just that: Private.”

“So I guess I can’t wrangle a date out of you.”

“No, sir. First and foremost because we don’t have one yet.”

“But we wouldn’t tell you if we did,” Rebecca added quickly.

“Well, it was worth a shot. So listen, we’ve gotta play some tunes. Would you mind sticking around for a bit?”

“No, not at all.”

“It would be our pleasure, Jim.”

Two hours later, they exited the radio station hand in hand. A car was waiting outside to take them back home. 

“That went well,” Ted remarked. 

“It was fun.” Rebecca smirked. “I can’t believe you got him to play What’s New Pussycat.”

“I did it for you! You love ol’ TJ.”

“I do,” she admitted. “You can’t have grown up where and when I did and not come away with some affinity for Tom Jones.”

They spent the rest of the car ride in silence, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. For his part, Ted was thinking about their schedule for the rest of the week. They had a slew of radio station appearances to promote the new album (some live in studio, some call-in), as well as a spot on MTV’s Total Request Live. He wondered if their personal life would remain fodder for the interviewers, and figured it would. 

Ted decided to enjoy whatever the week brought, because at the end of it, Rebecca would leave to finish her tour, and this time, Ted couldn’t go with her, having his own commitments over the next few months. They included a much-overdue visit to Kansas to see his mother, and then hunkering down with Beard and Michelle to start working on their fourth studio album. The Sunflowers also had some one-off performances during that time – an appearance on The Tonight Show, a couple of benefit concerts, as well as a few make-up shows in a handful of cities across the country. 

He was going to miss Rebecca. They’d managed to stay together since the engagement; Ted following Rebecca on tour, his own commitments be damned. This was their honeymoon period. Ted tried not to think about it, and just be in the moment. After all, it was a natural and necessary part of their relationship, with both of them so dedicated to their careers. Every working couple experienced something similar; theirs just happened to be at the extreme end of things. 

Rebecca rested her head on his shoulder with a sigh, and Ted knew she was also thinking about their impending separation. He wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. 

“What are we thinkin’ for dinner?”

“Mmm. Sushi? I don’t feel like cooking.”

“Do you ever?”

She pinched his side and he yelped. “Sushi sounds just fine, dear.”

The car pulled up to their building, and Ted exited first, holding out his hands for Rebecca. She took them with a grateful smile and Ted quickly thanked their driver before heading towards the door. Once they were inside their apartment, Ted phoned the local sushi restaurant and placed their usual order, opting to walk over to pick it up rather than have it delivered. 

“I’m going to take a quick shower,” Rebecca said when he informed her of his plans. 

“Okay.” 

The walk to the restaurant was refreshing – the fall air nice and crisp after what had been a sweltering summer. He managed to get to the restaurant without being recognized – a 50/50 shot these days – and chatted with the hostess while waiting for his order. He and Rebecca were regulars, and their faces were familiar, though Ted didn’t know if the hostess knew who they were outside of the restaurant. If she did, she never let on, for which Ted was grateful. 

To say his fame had skyrocketed over the last year and a half would be an understatement. He was frequently recognized, and just as frequently asked for an autograph or to take a picture. Ninety percent of the time he didn’t mind acquiescing, understanding that was one of the prices to pay for his success. What he didn’t appreciate – and still had not gotten used to – were the stares and whispers when he entered a room. Especially if he was just trying to live his life, grocery shopping or going out to dinner. Sometimes, he caught people taking pictures of him eating or picking out fruit, either with their cell phones or disposable cameras. It was in these moments that he wished for more anonymity. It was also when he understood why some people had assistants, but he wasn’t quite there yet. He liked picking out fruit and shopping for clothes. If he now had to wear a hat and sunglasses to do so, then so be it. 

Ted walked back to the apartment with his head down, avoiding eye contact with his fellow pedestrians. He was in a hurry to get back to his fiancé, and wanted to avoid running into any fans. By the time he got home, Rebecca was out of the shower, hair wet and cheeks slightly rosy from the hot water. She greeted him with a kiss and a smile, taking the bag from him and bringing it into the kitchen. 

As they settled in for the evening, Ted couldn’t help but feel completely content. This was what made a life – not the fame, not months on the road – but the little, mundane moments with the person you loved. A quiet dinner at home, conversation flowing easy. Cuddling together on the couch, watching the latest episode of your favorite show. Brushing your teeth side by side, and then tumbling into bed together. 

They only had a few more days of mundanity until life got busy again. Ted intended to make the most of it. 

“Teddy, are you sure you’ve got that?”

Ted peaked his head over the top of the giant moving box he was currently carrying. “I’ve got it, Mama. Just give me a sec.” He shifted the box from one arm to the other, and then continued his way down the stairs, setting it down in the middle of the living room, which was sprinkled with a dozen other boxes, all of which he’d carried from upstairs.

After years of insisting she would never leave, Dottie Lasso had finally decided to sell her house and move into a smaller condo. 

Ted was of two minds about it. On the one hand, it was his childhood home. The place where he’d taken his first steps, where he’d learned how to play guitar under his father’s tutelage. It was where he’d become a musician. 

On the other hand, it was also full of bad memories following his father’s suicide. Of stupid, drunken teenage nights that only served to worry his mother. Of the wedge driven between them that had lasted well into adulthood. For as many positive memories of his childhood that were hidden in the walls, there were also the negative ones: His father, sitting in his recliner, Jack Daniels in one hand, TV remote in the other, staring into oblivion. Yelling at Ted for no reason, only to drunkenly beg for forgiveness later on. And, of course, that fateful afternoon when he arrived home to the sound of a gunshot. 

Ted was genuinely happy for his mother, that she’d gotten to a place where she could say goodbye to a home that held as many mixed memories for her as it did for him. He’d offered to buy her a new home; certainly he could afford to, especially in the middle of the country, but she’d refused. 

“I don’t need much space,” she’d told him when the subject came up. “Just enough for me, and any grandkids that may come my way.”

Ted had rolled his eyes at the not-so-subtle hint; he and Rebecca had only just become engaged when Dottie decided to take the plunge. 

Dottie had also refused his help looking for condos, telling him his time on the road with Rebecca was much more important, and she would be just fine on her own, thank you very much. In the end, she’d purchased a quaint two-bedroom condo on the East side of town, just a few neighborhoods away. It was close enough that she wouldn’t have to switch grocery stores or dry cleaners, and small enough to suit her current needs. 

While she’d refused his help on numerous occasions, Ted had insisted on being present for the move itself. In addition to wanting to be there for his mother, it was also Ted’s opportunity to say goodbye to his childhood home, and – he hoped – get some form of closure. (That last bit had been his therapist’s suggestion, but Ted had agreed all the same.)

“I still don’t see why these boxes can’t stay upstairs,” Ted grumbled, sweat beading on his forehead. 

“Because I don’t trust the movers like I trust you. There are valuables in these boxes and I don’t want anyone trippin’ on the stairs and breaking something.”

Ted rolled his eyes and grunted, making his way back up the stairs for the next box. “You do realize one of us is likely to trip over something, the way the living room is packed?”

“No we won’t Teddy!” she called up to him.

A half hour later, the last box had been carried down the stairs, and Ted sat in the kitchen with his mother, nursing a glass of ice cold water.  

“So,” Dottie’s eyes sparkled as she addressed her son. “How’s that darling fiancé of yours? Have you set a date yet?”

Ted chuckled at his mother’s persistence. “Rebecca is doing fine. She isn’t the biggest fan of bein’ on the road, but she loves performing. And we’re working on figuring out a date.”

“And how are you doing with her being on tour? This is your first time apart since the engagement, right?”

Ted sighed, and wiped his hand across his face. “Yeah. It’s hard, I’m not gonna lie. I miss her somethin’ awful. But we’re both committed to our careers, and…” he shrugged. “What else can we do? I’m so proud of her, of this latest album.”

“It’s something special.”

“It is. And it’s about time she got her flowers, which this tour is giving her.”

Dottie patted him on the knee. “You two will get through it, and come out stronger on the other side.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

Later that evening, he logged onto his MSN account on his iBook for his pre-appointed chat with Rebecca. 

October 2, 2002
6:15 PM CT

SunflowerTed: You there, sweetheart?

RebeccaWelton74: Just barely. Rehearsal went long. 

SunflowerTed: Everything ok?

RebeccaWelton74: Everything is fine. We had a late start waiting for one of the sound techs to arrive. 

SunflowerTed: Gotcha. 

RebeccaWelton74: How’s Wichita? And Dottie?

SunflowerTed: Both are the same as ever. Not a lot changes around here. 

RebeccaWelton74: I wouldn’t say that. Your mum is moving. 

SunflowerTed: Touché. Ok, besides that, not much changes.

RebeccaWelton74: That’s a pretty cynical take for you. Are you all right?

SunflowerTed: Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just weird to be back here. Especially weird to be back here helping my mom move out of my childhood home. 

SunflowerTed: Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad she’s moving. But it’s kind of surreal, you know?

RebeccaWelton74: I’d be surprised if it wasn’t weird and surreal. I can’t imagine my parents leaving their home. 

SunflowerTed: No chance of that happening. Paul and Deborah are permanently affixed to good old Welton Manor.

RebeccaWelton74: For better or worse, it’s true. 

SunflowerTed: How’s Albuquerque?

RebeccaWelton74: Haven’t seen much of it outside of the tour bus.

RebeccaWelton74: Desert-y?

SunflowerTed: :) Sounds about right. Are you excited for tonight?

RebeccaWelton74: Not sure excited is the right word, but I’m glad to be playing somewhere new. Roy did a good job expanding this tour into places we haven’t been to before.

RebeccaWelton74: A little bit nervous people won’t know me here.

SunflowerTed: Not possible. Roy told me the venue was sold out. And don’t forget, you have a hit song on the charts!

RebeccaWelton74: Last I heard, it was number 24. That’s not exactly impressive, Mr. Five Singles That Made the Top 10.

SunflowerTed: Do I need to put on my cheerleading uniform? Because you know I will.

RebeccaWelton74: No, I’m sorry. I guess I’m just feeling a little down today. 

SunflowerTed: :( Why? Talk to me. 

RebeccaWelton74: Honestly, I’d rather be with you in Kansas.

SunflowerTed: Nah, you’re exactly where you need to be, entertaining the good people of New Mexico. 

RebeccaWelton74: I guess so

SunflowerTed: I know so. 

SunflowerTed: That’s not to say I don’t miss you. 

RebeccaWelton74: I miss you too. I wish

SunflowerTed: You wish?

RebeccaWelton74: Shoot, Frank just came in. We have a very small window of time to get dinner before the show. I’m sorry to cut this short. 

SunflowerTed: No worries. I understand. 

SunflowerTed: Tell Frank and the others I said howdy.

RebeccaWelton74: I will. I love you.

SunflowerTed: <3 Love you more. Talk tomorrow?

RebeccaWelton74: Absolutely. Good luck with the movers.

SunflowerTed: Thanks, baby. Break a leg!

RebeccaWelton74 has exited the chat 

To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
October 3, 2002
Subject: Moving Day

Hi sweetheart,

If my calculations are correct, you’re currently on the bus headed to Santa Fe and if I know my gal, you’re dozing on the brink of hardcore napping. I didn’t want to disturb you with a phone call, so thought I’d send an email instead.

My mom has officially moved into her new condo. It went well. There was only one casualty: A porcelain rabbit she bought years ago at a garage sale. It sat on the fireplace mantle all through my childhood, but to be honest, I never gave it any mind. Mom said if something had to break, better that than her wedding china. 

She seems to be in pretty good spirits. I think there’s some residual sadness, now that the move has actually taken place, but that was to be expected. I’m a little sad too, if I’m being honest. Closing the front door to the house for the final time was bittersweet, and we both shed a few tears. This might sound kind of woo-woo, and I guess it is, but last night before I went to sleep, I sat in my old childhood bedroom and thanked the house for being there my entire life, and for providing me with a home and shelter all those years. It was my therapist’s idea, and when she suggested it, I thought she sounded a little nuts, but you know what? It worked. I really do feel some closure on that chapter of my life. 

How did Albuquerque treat you? Well, I hope. Call me when you wake up and read this, okay? I want to hear your voice. 

I love you. 

Ted

Winter, 2003

Ted couldn’t concentrate. He was supposed to be playing a melody on piano for one of their new songs, but the tune had disappeared from his head completely. 

“Sorry, can we take that again?” he asked, not for the first time. 

Beard and Michelle had been endlessly patient with him. 

Roy, not so much. 

“Oi, wanker. Get your head out of your arse.”

“Sorry, Roy,” he said, again not for the first time. 

It wasn’t his fault. Not really. Rebecca was coming home from tour today, and Ted was on cloud nine anticipating her return. 

“One, two, three…” Beard counted them in. 

This time, Ted managed to keep the rhythm, and fortunately they were just working on the music and he did not have to sing. He didn’t think he could remember the lyrics now for all the money in the world. 

Rebecca. Rebecca was coming home. Beautiful, sweet, brilliant, Rebecca, whom he had not seen in four months.

It was a miracle he was at the studio and even slightly functioning. 

Oh, sure, they talked practically every day in some form, whether it be on the phone or chat or via email. And she’d written him long, romantic letters she sent from the road that made him shiver and melted his insides. But it wasn’t the same as having her here, in the flesh. (His hand twitched slightly at the thought of flesh, and he hit the wrong note. Michelle threw him a knowing glance, while Roy shot him daggers.) Face flushed, he gave a slightly embarrassed shrug and kept going.

Somehow, he managed to get through the rehearsal with most of his dignity intact. Ted rushed home, ran into the kitchen, and hastily got out the ingredients for Rebecca’s biscuits. He wasn’t sure how much time he had before she got home. Her last estimation was anywhere from late afternoon to early evening, and Ted didn’t want to take any chances that they may not be ready upon her return. 

He was just finishing slicing the biscuits into rectangles when he heard a rustling in the hallway outside. Ted stood up straight and wiped his hands on a tea towel, running towards the sound of a key in the door. He arrived just in time for the door to open, and there she was: His Rebecca. 

Ted’s eyes softened at the sight of her. They stared at each other for a few moments, neither one able to move. Finally, Ted let out a breathy, “Rebecca,” and they became unglued from their spots, rushing towards one another.

Ted took her in his arms and breathed her in – the concoction of honeysuckle and lavender and something else that was just unmistakably Rebecca. He relished the feel of her soft hair on his cheek and held her tighter. 

“Let me look at you,” he said after a moment, taking her head in his hands. A smile spread over her face, her teeth showing, and he sighed in contentment. “There you are.”

“Here I am,” she said softly, and then stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. 

It was a shock to the system after four months, and his stomach swirled pleasantly at the sensation. Ted deepened the kiss, opening his mouth slightly, and Rebecca eagerly complied, pressing her tongue against his. His hands slipped from her cheeks to her arms, and he pulled her in closer, clasping their hands together, then moving up to her neck, her shoulders, down her sides, trying to feel every inch of her. He slipped one hand underneath her shirt, and her breath hitched. He leaned back breathlessly. “Okay?”

Rebecca nodded. “Don’t stop.”

Ted complied, kissing her nose, her forehead, her cheeks, before returning to her lips, all the while his hands inching further up her body. Rebecca lifted her arms and he slipped off her shirt, melting at the sight of her bare skin against a black lace bra. 

“Fuck, Rebecca.”

Hands tracing the outline of her bra, his head dipped into the spot between her neck and shoulders. Rebecca’s breathing labored, and her hands tugged furiously on his t-shirt.

“You’re too dressed,” she grumbled. 

Ted laughed and stood up long enough to remove his shirt. Tossing it aside, he resumed his position, pressing his skin against hers. Rebecca made quick work of his belt and unbuttoned his jeans, tugging them below his knees. 

Ted followed her lead, and his eyes darkened when he saw the black lace thong that matched her bra. 

“Good gravy,” he muttered, fingering the lace. “You tryin’ to kill me, baby?”

“I wore it just for you,” she smirked, and leaned down to kiss his chest, stopping when she reached his nipple, licking her tongue around it a few times. 

Ted groaned and cupped her ass before pulling the thong down, finally free to explore her center. Two fingers slid into her folds like butter and oh how he savored the warm and welcoming feeling of being inside her in any capacity. 

It didn’t take long before she was writhing around him, eyes closed and face scrunched up adorably. Ted didn’t take his eyes off her as he worked her through her orgasm; he’d missed the sight of his Rebecca all worked up. 

Rebecca sloped against him when she was finished, breathing heavily. “God, have I missed you,” she panted. 

He kissed the top of her head and pulled him into her, nails delicately scratching against her skin. Rebecca shivered at the sensation and pulled back with a mischievous expression on her face. One eyebrow quirked, she pushed him back against the wall. “Your turn, darling.”

Ted’s knees nearly buckled at the sight of Rebecca on her knees below him, taking him in her mouth. His eyes rolled into the back of his head at the sensation of Rebecca’s lips wrapped around him, and he groaned when her tongue swirled up one side, then the other. 

He let her take him fully once, twice, before cupping the side of her head and pulling her back to the brink. “It’s been four months, darlin’,” he breathed. “That’s about all I have in me unless you want me to go right now.”

Rebecca smirked and stood, letting him turn her around so she was the one up against the wall. With a passionate kiss, he took his shaft in his hands and lined them up, tears spring to his eyes when he entered her for how good it felt. 

He stopped when he bottomed out, enjoying the sensation of being inside her once again after all these months, content to stay there forever, but then she started wiggling her hips and he knew he had work to do. 

Taking her hips in his hands, he rocked them back and forth, slowly at first, happy to be reacquainted with her body, but it wasn’t long before they were writhing against each other, both breathing heavily and muttering nonsense words. 

“Fuck, Ted, I’m close. I’m close.”

“You can do it. Come for me, baby."

And she did, screaming out his name so loud Ted was certain the neighbors heard, but he didn’t care. He followed right after, filing her up before falling into the crook of her neck, knees shaky. 

“Well, that was quite the homecoming,” Rebecca said after a minute or two, and Ted chuckled, extracting himself from her and kissing her gently on the lips. 

“Welcome home, sweetheart.”

“Thank you. You sure do know how to make a girl feel welcomed.”

“We aim to please here,” he said with a throaty chortle. 

Ted pulled up his pants and set his hands on Rebecca’s shoulders. “Wait here.”

He quickly made his way to the bathroom where he wet a washcloth and came back into the foyer, Rebecca stayed standing with a dreamy expression on her face. Ted handed her the warm washcloth. “Good golly, are you beautiful.”

“Right now? Standing in the hallway after being thoroughly plowed?”

“You’ve never looked sexier in your life.”

She snorted and cleaned herself up, readjusting her panties and jeans and putting her shirt back on. “Do I smell biscuits?”

Ted’s eyes lit up. “You sure do, m’lady.” He held an arm out which she took, and led her into the kitchen. 

Rebecca breathed in deep, and closed her eyes. “Fuck me.”

“I believe I just did,” Ted said with a laugh. “But if you give me 30 minutes, we can go again.”

She swatted at his arm before taking a biscuit from the tray and popping a third of it in her mouth. 

“Mmm. Don’t take this the wrong way,” she said with her mouth full, “but your dick is now the second best thing I’ve had in my mouth today.”

Ted burst out laughing. “I take both things as a compliment.”

He pulled her down into his lap as he sat at the table, and wrapped his arms around her. 

“How was the rest of tour?” he asked. 

She swallowed a bite of biscuit. “It was good. We didn’t sell out every show, but we did pretty well. Roy seems pleased.”

“Yeah, he mentioned you were doing good.” Ted rested his head on her shoulder. “How are Frank and the others? Did the two lovebirds surrender to their feelings?”

Rebecca laughed. “Liza and John kept it professional. But I’m pretty sure now that the tour is over, they’re going to do what we just did.”

“Good for them,” he murmured, kissing her neck. “Gosh, I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” Rebecca grabbed another biscuit. “And I missed these. Thank you for making them.”

“Of course.”

He let her eat, content to just hold her, and when she’d finished the second biscuit, he asked, “What was your favorite city?”

“To visit or to play for?”

“Both? I wanna hear it all.”

“Mmm… I really enjoyed visiting the Midwest, since I hadn’t spent that much time there outside of Kansas. But you can’t beat the Nashville audiences.”

“No you cannot,” Ted agreed. 

“They expect the real deal, and let you know it.”

“That they do. Boy, I bet they ate you up.”

Rebecca giggled. “We were very well received.”

“I’d expect no less,” he nuzzled his nose into her neck. “Glad you’re home.”

“Me too,” she whispered. 

“You wanna unpack and then grab some dinner?” he asked, reluctantly letting go of her.

“In a minute,”  she said, placing his hands back on her hips. “Will you hold me a little longer?”

“I’ll hold you forever.”