Chapter Text
When Henry first told Ted that he doesn’t want to practice baseball or basketball like most of his friends from school did, and instead he picked soccer, Ted didn’t think much of it.
Less and less kids were doing any kind of sports and Ted was happy that his son wanted to be active at all. He didn’t care what sport it was. He didn’t have a pressure, like he learned some other dad’s did, for his son to became the next Tom Brady, Michael Jordan or Patrick Mahomes. He just wanted him to have fun.
After a few practices Ted learned from Henry’s coach that his boy’s naturally talented. Ted was a coach himself but didn’t know the first thing about soccer. He did saw that his son moved more freely with the ball and made less mistakes than other kids did though. He also scored more.
It wasn’t until 4 years later that Henry got really into the sport and decided he wanted to be the best player in the history. After a few rough months (Ted’s wife Michelle told him she wasn’t happy in the relationship anymore, a failed marriage therapy, a divorce and then, some time after, her getting engaged to their ex marriage therapist.) Ted decided to take Henry for a long vacation to the UK to catch his breath and try to start fresh after.
When they were in England he couldn’t avoid taking Henry to a soccer game of course. They stayed in Richmond for some time, so Ted decided to take Henry to the local team game. AFC Richmond played against Manchester City that day (which Ted later learned was big ). The teams have been tying through most of the game until a young fella, Jamie Tartt, scored in the last few minutes of it. The stadium erupted and Henry fell in love.
That day, the young boy, decided he’s gonna be good enough to one day play for, his now favourite, club alongside Jamie Tartt. Ted didn’t have it in himself to tell Henry that it’s very unlikely to happen. Not that he didn’t believe in him, because he did believe in him very much. It’s just that the chances of Jamie still playing for Richmond when Henry was old enough to play there were slim. Also Jamie, from the very vague knowledge Ted had about soccer, played as a striker. That’s the same position Henry was trained to play at and it’s usually one man’s job.
Henry really worked hard, he played for Sporting Kansas Youth team for a bit where he was scouted from to play for LA Galaxy youth. Ted moved with him and hated living in LA but he was happy he could be close to his boy, observe his success from this close and watch him grow. He wouldn’t change it for the world.
When Henry got his first national team call-up, at barely 17, being one of the youngest national players ever, Ted cried happy tears. He couldn’t be prouder.
•••••
The game was a friendly against England. Played there, but Ted couldn’t imagine not going. Henry playing in that match wasn’t even a given, he would probably start it on the bench and maybe go on the field for the last few minutes, but Ted needed to go. He wouldn’t forgive himself if Henry played for the U.S. for the first time and he wouldn’t be there to see it.
Watching the matches from the private boxes was still relatively new to him but he had to admit he enjoyed how comfortable it was. He also liked that he could meet the loved ones of other players. He talked for a bit with one of the guys he recognised and then went to sit and wait for the match to start.
Just before the first whistle he saw someone sit beside him and turned to see who it was.
Ted Lasso wasn’t a man who paid attention to other people’s looks very much. He didn’t want to objectify anyone. But the woman who just sat next to him was certainly the most breathtaking person he ever saw.
After a certainly too long moment, Ted realised that just starting at her isn’t the most polite thing to do. His brain finally kicked in and he decided to introduce himself.
“Hey, how you doin’?” He smiled at her and waved quickly. Which he decided was probably a bit silly with how close to each other they were sitting. “My name’s Ted Lasso.”
Something like flicker of recognition appeared on her face, but she quickly schooled it into a polite smile. “Hello, I’m Rebecca Welton.”
“It’s very nice to meet you Ms. Welton.”
“Please, call me Rebecca. Ms. Welton’s my father.”
Ted cocked his head curiously to the side and a grin appeared on his face. “If that’s a joke, I love it. If not, I cannot wait to unpack that with you.”
Rebecca huffed and a small (Ted thought a proud one?) smile reminded on her face.
He sensed that Rebecca wasn’t really eager to talk and although he was dying to talk to her, he loved meeting new people, he decided to respect that.
He watched her every now and then and loved how excited about the game she appeared to be. She clapped, yelled at the referee and was standing any time the ball came close to the goal. Ted couldn’t control the smile that appeared on his face when he observed it.
When the U.S. scored towards the end of the first half and Ted jumped up screaming a ‘yeah, baby!’, she turned sharply in his direction and threw what could be actual daggers at him with her look.
When she left her seat, after the half ended, he thought she may not be coming back for the second one.
But he was pleasantly surprised.
He was even more surprised when the announcer said that Henry Lasso will change the current U.S. striker at the beginning of the second half.
Henry threw a look from the field in his direction and Ted felt a tear fall down his face. He quickly wiped it off with his hand and hoped that no one saw it.
No such luck though.
“Are you alright, Ted?” The melodic British voice asked from beside him.
“Yeah,” he cleared his throat. “It’s just, that’s my boy down there on the field.”
“Pitch.” Rebecca corrected quickly, not trying to disturb him.
“It’s his first game and am just so darn proud.” He grinned wetly at her and she sent him a sympathetic smile back. “I remember drivin’ him to his first practice,”
“Training.” She murmured.
“Like if it was yesterday. And now he is playin’ for the national team, I struggle to understand how that happened so quickly.”
“Congratulations, Ted.” She squeezed his arm softly and Ted felt a lot of funny things at their contact. “I can only imagine how proud you must feel. Cherish that moment.”
She took her hand away and turned to watch the game again. After a few minutes of silence again, Ted decided to be brave.
“What about you R’becca, are you here for a family member too? One of the fellas’ your fella?”
She burst out laughing. “No, definitely not. Although you can say it’s a bit of my ex- husband’s fault that I am here.”
“Okay, alright.” Ted nodded with his eyebrows high. “I see that that’s another story to tell. I promise I won’t dig though.”
Rebecca smiled at him appreciatively and was silent for a longer moment watching the game. Then she turned to him again with a tight lipped but honest smile. “Non of the boys down there are my family by blood, but I know almost all of them. Some of them, during the years have become my chosen family. I am here to support them.” Rebecca nodded like if to confirm what she just said and turned to look at the field again when the stadium’s roar got louder.
“I’ve also heard a lot about one of the younger boys. I didn’t have the chance to see him play live yet and figured it would be a perfect opportunity.” She smiled at him softly.
They continued to watch the game. Small talking every now and then. Ted’s stomach felt funny any time he managed to make Rebecca laugh at one of his silly jokes. He didn’t know if he was imagining things but he thought she looked at him with a soft expression any time Henry managed to successfully go through the defenders or made a great decision with the ball. He probably did imagine things, kind and beautiful women like Rebecca didn’t look softly at guys they just met. Especially not at silly guys like Ted.
•••••
Jamie Tartt, left the field in the middle of the second half after scoring a goal. The stadium sang the Jamie Tartt chant. And Ted joined in, jumping up and down to the rhythm happily. Rebecca turned to him with a confused grin and cocked an eyebrow asking a silent question.
“The first time I heard that chant was the day Henry decided he’s gonna become a professional soccer player.”
“Football.” Rebecca corrected softly with a smile.
Ted continued unbothered. “We were on vacation in England and I took him to AFC Richmond game, you know them right?”
Rebecca nodded bemused.
“They won against Manchester City that day. Jamie scored last minute. Later on I learned that it was his breakthrough.” He looked at Rebecca and she nodded to confirm.
“I was sick of that chant, Henry was singing it daily for weeks.” Ted grinned at her. “He told me that evening that he’s gonna play for Richmond with Mr. Tartt himself one day. I suspected Jamie wouldn’t be still playing for Richmond when Henry was old enough to even try to sign with them but didn’t want to break his heart.”
Rebecca looked at him clearly considering something, then leaned in and whispered. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this…”
“Oooh, I don’t like gossip but my butt don’t mind a little scuttle.” Ted lifted his eyebrows and leaned closer to listen to what she has to say.
Rebecca snorted but then continued. “If everything goes right, Jamie will return to Richmond next season after his little affair with La Liga.” Ted leaned back with his eyes big, his lips forming a perfect ‘o’.
She nodded her head at him and added. “So, I guess young Mr Lasso still has a chance to play with Jamie in Richmond one day.”
Ted grinned at her. “Always told this lil’ guy that if he believed in somethin’ hard enough it would happen. So I hope it does. I wouldn’t mind being in England more often.” He smiled at Rebecca.
She smiled back and Ted thought he saw a bit of pink color her cheeks but he was probably just imagining things again.
They went back to watching the game and exchanging their thoughts from time to time. Ted loved the company and he believed that the company didn’t mind him either after all.
•••••
The game looked like it was going to end with a draw with the one goal for each team.
But then, at the very end of the additional time something special happened. Henry took the ball from one of England’s players in the middle of the pitch. He dribbled like a man inspired, tricking a bunch of his opponents, successfully passed the ball, run into the penalty area where he was in perfect position to score, which he did after his teammate passed him the ball back.
The stadium roared. Ted couldn’t believe at first but then started jumping and laughing happily. He turned to Rebecca who was also standing and clapping with a grin on her face.
Ted didn’t think what he was doing, he just grabbed her by the waist and crushed into a hug, lifting her from the ground a little.
Rebecca giggled into his ear and pushed at his shoulders a little. „Ted, you are gonna hurt your back.”
„I don’t mind! My son just scored a winning goal in his debut, Rebecca.” Ted put her down and not thinking leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The kiss landed closer to the corner of her mouth though and that was when Ted realized what he did. „Sorry Rebecca, I didn’t mean to. Gosh, am so sorry. I was just so excited and didn’t think… which is a very lousy excuse…”
Rebecca matched his shocked expression, additionally lifting her palm to the place Ted just kissed. „It’s fine Ted, nothing to worry about.”
They started at each other for a bit longer until the referee whistled and the stadium roared louder, breaking their bubble. Rebecca hastily took her bag and turned to him. “It was very nice to meet you, Ted. Congratulations on your win and for rising such a wonderful young man.” She nodded to him and left the box, Ted didn’t even had a chance to reply.
“God dang it, Lasso. Well played.” He murmured to himself while closing his eyes in resignation and sitting down.
He took a few steading breaths and stood up a few minutes later deciding to go down to the corridors next to the locker rooms and try to find Henry to congratulate him.
While he was waiting there, one of the doors next to him opened, a restroom he thought, and no one else than Rebecca marched out basically right onto him. “Oh, I’m sorry.” She said and looked up at him blushing.
Ted smiled softly at her taking back his hands that he pulled out to steady her. “It’s fine.” They both took a step back and watched each other for a moment. Then he decided he needed to apologise again. “Look, R’becca… once more I’m sor…”
“Dad!” They both turned in the direction of the young voice and soon another body was crushing into Ted. He squeezed him and felt tears welling up in his eyes.
“I’m so proud of you, Hen. Well done.” He whispered in his ear and clapped him on the back pulling away from him.
He ruffled his hair and Henry whined. “Daaad.” But there was no hard feelings behind it as he broke into a grin right after.
Someone softly cleaned their throat behind them and Ted remembered he wasn’t alone before Henry came running. “Oh, pardon my manners. Rebecca, this is my son Henry. Henry this is Rebecca Welton.” Ted watched as his son’s eyes grew bigger.
“Ms. Welton! It’s an honor to meet you. I am a huge fan of your club and the work you’ve done for it.” Henry squeezed her hand and smiled excitedly.
“Please call me Rebecca,”
“Her dad’s Ms. Welton.” Ted added on the spot.
Rebecca rolled her eyes fondly and continued. “Your dad told me all about it, thank you for your support Henry.” She looked at both of the Lasso men and added. “Congratulations on your win and well, considering it all I hope to see you around a bit more soon.” She waved at them and walked away.
Henry turned around and looked at his father with a shocked expression. “Dad!!! You didn’t mention you know Rebecca frickin’ Welton!” He whisper-screamed at Ted.
“Well, I didn’t have a chance given I just met her durin’ the game. Is she someone important?” Ted scratched the back of his head his eyes flickered to Rebecca’s retreating form.
“Oh, I don’t know? Just the owner of the best football club in the entire world?”
“Oh, Wichita State Shockers? You don’t say.” Ted wiggled his eyebrows.
Henry rolled his eyes at him. “Real football, dad.”
“Uh, oh, real football dad .” Ted joked mockingly.
“She owns Richmond dad, so I hope you didn’t embarrass me too much.” Henry searched Ted’s face with his worried eyes.
“Rebecca, owns Richmond?”
“Yeah.”
“AFC Richmond?” Ted couldn’t believe.
“Dad, yes. Why are you so shocked. She is like the best owner in the history of the club.”
“Oh, I can see that. We just talked about football and Richmond was mentioned a few times too and she never told me who she was. I just feel silly I didn’t realize it or well, asked her, I guess. I hope she didn’t find it annoyin’.”
“She told us she hopes to see us around more, so your company couldn’t be that bad, right? I mean dad you are you, everyone likes you.”
“Oh, I hope so son. I hope so.”
