Work Text:
Together with their families
REBECCA WELTON
&
MATTHIJS VAN DER GRIJN
joyfully invite you
to witness their wedding celebration
“Met veel liefde”
Trent was elated to have a brief reprieve of less than an hour to himself prior to the wedding proceedings, having recently grappled with his five-year-old daughter in order to don a frilly, gossamer frock for her role as one of Rebecca's flower girls. Olivia was practically brimming with excitement, and was grateful for Keeley's graciousness in relieving him of his paternal duties for a moment, having presented him with a glass of champagne. Trent had not expended much effort in his appearance as he avoided the mirror, instead he luxuriated in the plushness of the velvet couch in the waiting room adjacent to the church entrance.
Trent could undoubtedly classify this as a sojourn, the twosome electing to host their opulent ceremony in a church located in the South of France, the charming city of Montpellier. He was depleted from a lavish wedding extravaganza of watercraft excursions, feasting on the finest vintages, and frolicking in the most affluent of nightclubs; surprisingly, he was not in the least bit overwrought. Despite being tethered to Keeley's side for the majority of the festivities, Trent discovered himself surreptitiously absconding to relish the picturesque scenery in sentimental tranquility. The vista of the city was awe-inspiring, and it was indeed a rarity for Trent to behold such a spectacle.
Somewhere in the recesses of his psyche, the effervescence of the city engendered in him a yearning to revel in it with someone...someone whom Trent's heart was pining for acutely.
He espied indicators intermittently, a quilted jacket, tousled chestnut locks, tan slacks...a meticulously groomed mustache. They were all vivid and not entirely lucid in Trent's mind, perhaps because he was unwilling to reminisce on the recollections. Ted Lasso had enraptured his entire heart from the moment Trent heard his asinine Western accent, and had taken all of Trent's affection with him when he was an ocean away. Despite two years having elapsed without a word from Ted, Trent was still in a state of mourning for someone who was not truly absent, and not only him, but everyone.
Trent reminisces about the apprehension etched on Rebecca's visage when they were reviewing the guest list in her office. "Should I?" was the unspoken question conveyed by her countenance as she oscillated her gaze between Keeley and Trent while the pen hovered over Ted's name.
To assume that Trent's immediate response was an affirmative would be erroneous. Although he was practically clawing and bellowing in his psyche to have Ted in close proximity, a part of him dreaded to discover what Ted had been up to since departing Richmond. So much had transpired in Richmond already; Rebecca was getting married, Jamie and Roy were now engaged and scheduled to wed the following autumn, Trent's sister was anticipating her second child, Keeley had successfully established a women's team in Richmond, and Beard and Jane had already separated. If all of this had occurred in the span of two years, certainly Ted's existence had undergone a transformation.
Ultimately, Rebecca had arrived at a verdict, uncertain whether Ted would even appear. It was arduous, as no one was privy to Trent's quandary regarding his vexing, unrequited emotions for Ted. Nevertheless, he kept it concealed within himself.
Trent's cogitations were disrupted by the sound of voices at the entrance.
"Enter," he called out, and a moment later, Colin strode in.
"Colin," Trent exhaled, "my goodness, I feel as if eons have passed since I last saw you."
"Trent-boy," Colin saluted as he slumped onto the ottoman opposite Trent, "I would have gone to seek you out, but you've been sneaking out yourself, haven't you?"
Trent snorted, lifting the champagne flute to his mouth once more. "I wouldn't describe it as sneaking out, but rather taking a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere is considerably more invigorating here than it is back home."
Colin hummed in assent before casting Trent an inquisitive gaze, "You're not, by any chance, involved with someone, are you?" His words were almost inaudible, vanishing into the ether.
Trent sat up straighter and furrowed his brow at Colin, taken aback by his remark. "Colin, I'm far too…ancient to be engaging in such activities."
"Hey, ancient does not equate to unattractive," Colin interjected.
"I have a daughter," Trent chuckled drily, "and she's enough to keep my life interesting, thank you very much."
Trent had deluded himself several times with this exchange. Yes, Olivia was technically the joy of his life, and he couldn't have asked for much more, but he yearned desperately to be cherished. Olivia's love was the sort that was unconditional, limitless, and purely innocent. It was the love that any devoted father has for his offspring. However, Trent hankered for someone to dote on him, to embrace him, and...
Colin hummed and scrutinized Trent's expression, peering between his champagne glass and hands with a gentle expression. "I believe there is someone. Maybe not here, but..."
Trent's grin dwindled somewhat as he tentatively glanced back at Colin. Maybe Colin was the only one who could perceive through his façade, that Trent had been yearning for a certain individual who wasn't even within a country's reach. He knew he could confide in Colin with everything, but he wasn't certain if he trusted himself sufficiently to articulate it out loud because he knew it would hurt. It was Rebecca's nuptials, for heaven's sake, it was supposed to be a jubilant and an illuminating occasion, not a pretext to take advantage of the open bar because he was pondering someone who wasn't even faintly cognizant of his infatuation.
With that, Trent could only smile. "Perhaps. I'll investigate that notion another day."
Trent stood up abruptly, urging Colin to follow him. Colin rose to his feet, and Trent proceeded to straighten the younger man's tie, patting his collar once the tie was neatly arranged. "But, for the time being, I believe we have a wedding to attend."
Trent extends his arm, and Colin interlocks their arms together. "Right," Colin replies.
"And I do believe Isaac is present without company, solely for your peace of mind," Trent jests as they proceed to the foyer.
"Hey, you stop that now,"
Trent ushers Colin to join his fellow Richmond players, and he follows to sit behind them, nearest to the aisle, in the event that Olivia requires any encouragement for her simple task of tossing flowers. Trent sighs deeply, scrutinizing the exquisitely painted murals above him and how each one paid attention to every detail within them. There was some irony in the sense of it all, but Trent couldn't quite put his finger on it. For now, he resolves to think less, just relishing the moment.
The nuptial ceremony transpires splendidly, without any complications, and Trent gazes at Olivia affectionately, who, alongside Phoebe, effortlessly captures the hearts of the audience as they prance down the aisle. Rebecca and Matthijis, or Matt, as everyone referred to him, were exuding love, and there wasn't a dry eye in the church. Trent was overjoyed for her; she deserved someone who would cherish her for the empowering and beautiful woman she was. Trent could only fantasize about the possibility of being cherished, loved.
Keeley restrains Trent once again during the reception. The food is exceptionally delectable, and scarcely could you spot a guest who wasn't standing on their feet. Trent finds himself frequently entwined with Colin or having Olivia dance on his toes. It's all euphoric, and Trent notices Jamie grabbing Roy by the arm and evidently planning their wedding through his eyes; when Roy comes to sit next to Trent for a brief moment, he hands him a glass of whiskey, which Roy gratefully accepts.
"Now," Roy mournfully murmurs, "He's thinkin’ on tying the knot in Spain,” and Trent can only chuckle.
Trent eventually approaches Rebecca and Matt, extending his warmest felicitations with hearty embraces. Rebecca tells Trent that Olivia was the most delightful flower girl, and expresses her gratitude for all his assistance in making her day as flawless as possible. He bids her farewell with a peck on the cheek and heads to the bar.
"I'll have a scotch, neat," Trent orders the bartender, and he promptly returns with his beverage.
Amidst the dance floor, Olivia and Phoebe, accompanied by a few other flower girls and children, are clumsily prancing in circles around the throngs of people. Keeley is managing them all with a beaming smile, as they are effortlessly captivated by her charm. Trent grins at the sight, resting against the bar countertop before returning to the activities. He is immensely grateful for finding his forever family at Richmond, and though certain thoughts may plague him and his loneliness, he is never truly alone. Perhaps he does not need a partner or spouse to make that happen overall. He has Olivia, and he keeps telling himself that repeatedly, but he might just be starting to believe himself now. That girl was his whole world.
Unbeknownst to Trent, a woman has found her way next to him, observing the scene before her. Trent is slightly startled when he turns and sees that she has been standing there for an indefinite amount of time.
"Hello there," she kindly greets Trent, and he simply acknowledges her with a nod and fervently hopes in the back of his mind that this is not going where he thinks it is.
"Hello," Trent greets. He can discern that she is a member of Matt's family, not only because he has never seen her before in his life, but also due to her thick Dutch accent and practically a mirror image of the typical Northern European appearance: dirty blonde hair, olive tanned skin, and bright blue eyes.
"I’m Heidi," she introduces herself, extending her hand towards Trent with firmness, "Matt's younger sister."
"Trent," he responds, reciprocating the gesture with another rigid smile, "friend of the bride."
Heidi shifts her gaze back to the dance floor, where she can see Trent smiling affectionately at the group of children dancing in the center. "Are any of them yours?" she inquires.
"Yes," he responds, gesturing towards the little one with auburn hair that was neatly done and in the flower girl dress. Olivia is frantically jumping up and down with glee, “That one right there.”
Heidi chuckles, "She's darling."
"May I ask if any of them are yours?" Trent inquires.
"Oh no," Heidi laughs, as if taken aback by the question, bringing her glass to her lips and taking a swift drink, "My wife and I decided not to have any children. The one in the emerald dress is my beloved niece, the daughter of mine and Matt’s other brother."
With that, Trent exhales and feels himself relax now that he knows this isn't going where he initially thought. Heidi seems to notice his change in demeanor and laughs, which seems to connect them and therefore her. "I bet you're relieved to know this isn't going where you thought it was," she remarks amusingly.
Trent bashfully shakes his head, "Apologies, it has happened many times before. It's just...I'm gay. So it's quite difficult having to elucidate to many unsober and even sober women what the situation is. Usually, they end up telling me they can change my mind."
Heidi groans, "It's unfortunate that many people just think it's something that can be changed. When I first met my wife, Yvette, we'd go out on dates and I can't describe the numerous men who thought we were just some playthings that they could fulfill their weird perverted fantasies with. Atrocious."
Trent eyes her sympathetically, "That's terrible. I'm so sorry."
"Thank you." Heidi responds softly, "Do you have a husband or partner accompanying you tonight?"
Trent ruminated on the question and his thoughts from earlier. He didn't necessarily mind explaining the whole situation with his ex-wife and his multiple attempts at keeping a relationship with a man, but he really just didn't want to dwell on it. Moreover, he wasn't exactly the most sober anymore, and they were at a wedding, quite literally the worst time to reminisce about someone you missed. However, he gave her the simple answer with no further depth to it.
"No, it's just me and Olivia." Trent replied simply and was grateful that Heidi didn't indulge any further. But then he starts thinking aloud, "But I am missing someone."
Heidi raises her brows, looking back at Trent with a curious glance, "Alive?"
Trent nods, "It was just a bit of pining, but I feel like maybe I withheld myself too much."
"Why's that?"
"I've," Trent sighs to find his words, "always been one to shield myself from ever getting hurt, especially if it means suffering in silence. There was this gentleman, he showed up for what seemed like a brief moment in my life, but he changed my world from the moment I first saw him. Then there was this yearning, this desire to unravel him and get him to his most vulnerable part because I was exasperated why he was making me feel that way. Then I realized he was so intolerable because I didn't want to truly accept the fact I was in love with him. I was in love, but knew truly I'd never have him."
"May I assume that you never told any of this to him?" Heidi inquires.
"No. I am convinced that he perceived me solely as a companion. Moreover, I was not afforded much opportunity to be alone with him," Trent confesses, albeit somewhat disingenuously, as he had spent ample time with Ted in private, but nothing transpired between them. "He returned to his country a few years ago, so it has been a considerable amount of time. However, I would be lying if I claimed that I no longer contemplate him. I just..."
Trent's voice trails off as he feels a lump form in his throat, and Heidi places a supportive hand on his shoulder. "I just decided that I was not destined to be loved in that way. My daughter's affection is more than adequate, but I yearn for that distinct form of love."
Heidi sits in silence while Trent regains his composure. "Trent, I assure you that you are not unlovable. You are an outstanding individual, and anyone who fails to recognize that is clueless. I wager that the man in question detected these qualities within you as well. I opine that, when it comes to love, there is no safety net. It is a hazardous emotion, and one cannot rely on their own judgment, as it is a capricious feeling."
Trent maintains his intense gaze as she expounds, "It may seem hackneyed, but love is rife with risks and entails taking leaps of faith, even if the outcome is uncertain. It is the very nature of the game. Nevertheless, you must comprehend that being unloved by others does not render you unlovable. Perhaps, you need to embark on a journey of self-discovery, with the cognizance that you may get hurt, but it is a risk worth taking. The people here will not do anything to remind you of your worth, as it is already inherent within you."
To his surprise, Trent does not weep, but he is undoubtedly engulfed by a wave of emotional epiphany that is almost too overwhelming. However, he cannot thank Heidi enough. Throughout his life, Trent has molded and shaped himself to conform to the expectations of others: his father, his boss and colleagues, his ex-wife. He did so merely to be loved for who they wished him to be, as they could never truly appreciate him for who he was. Ted cherished Trent, and Trent believes that Ted was the only one who saw through his facade from the very beginning and loved him for it. Especially when Ted had first inquired about Trent's passions. Ted had meticulously deconstructed Trent, moment by moment, until Trent was able to breathe again.
Trent Crimm had fallen in love with Ted Lasso. He never confessed his love, but perhaps it was for the best. Maybe Ted was brought into Trent's life to heal his wounds and allow him to be vulnerable once more.
With eyes glistening with moisture, he turns to Heidi and utters, "Thank you, Heidi, truly," in a hushed tone.
Heidi merely beams and responds, "No, the pleasure is mine. It is not often that people lay bare their souls, but I am grateful that you did. You are a remarkable individual, Trent."
"I am flattered, but on a serious note, do you happen to be a therapist by chance? Because that was just incredible," Trent inquires with a small laugh and radiant smile.
"No, actually, I work as a social worker for children and families. However, I did pursue psychology initially because that was my aspiration. What do you do?" Heidi replies.
"I was a reporter and journalist. Now, I am an accomplished writer, which I assure you is much more desirable," Trent replies.
Heidi chuckles and exclaims, "I'll drink to that."
As they clink their glasses together, Trent prepares to utter another sentence. Suddenly, a chorus of cheers erupts from the dance floor, enveloping them. The crowd congregates in the center, chattering with palpable excitement. Trent is puzzled as it cannot be Rebecca, who appears equally thrilled. He wonders what could have caused such an outburst, as there was no one dancing in the center of it all. Heidi, too, is fascinated, given that most of the guests on Rebecca's side are causing the commotion.
"My word, did they witness God himself?" Heidi quips, and Trent finds himself eager to get a closer look.
"I’m not sure," Trent remarks, trying to squint without getting too close. Heidi follows him, and he continues, "But I-"
Subsequently, Trent's eyes widen as he comprehends the reason for the sudden surge in the room's energy. In all his glory and overt Americanism, Ted Lasso stands before him. It is as if Trent had summoned him with his constant thoughts of the man, repeating his name in his head like a mantra. Trent's heart skips a beat, overcome with the realization that Ted is right there, within walking distance, and he could embrace him. Like all the times he wished he could have when Ted was in the room next to him before departing on his flight, with tears streaming down his face. Trent is uncertain and glances at Heidi with wide eyes. Given all the sorcery she had previously spouted, Trent wouldn't be surprised if she were a mind reader herself.
"That's him, isn't it?" Heidi inquires simply.
Trent nods before looking back. The boys are practically tackling Ted in hugs, and Rebecca is screaming as she clutches Ted by the lapels of his suit and practically weeping tears of joy. Ted appears to be fond of it all, basking in the warm welcome as if he had never left. Trent finds himself smiling at the sight of it all because Ted is so beloved, and he wants to share some of that love himself. Trent wants to love Ted himself.
"I’m going to return to my seat, best of luck to you," Heidi whispers behind Trent, and he gives her one last glance, potentially the final time he will ever lay eyes on her. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant encounter that was worth experiencing once in a lifetime.
"Thank you, Heidi, for being a friend to a stranger," Trent responds.
"Dutch people are generally perceived as more amiable," she jests, and Trent chuckles before smiling at her with appreciation. "But, of course, I am delighted to be a friend to you. Tot ziens, Trent," she says, which he is certain is a farewell in her mother tongue, and he watches her fade away into the crowd.
After a while, when Trent glances back, he discovers Ted's gaze fixed on him, and his heart races, fearful that it may burst out of his chest. Trent's eyes widen, and Ted just smiles at him with tranquility. Trent desires to break away, but he cannot. His heart will not let him.
It is as if the planet halts for him, akin to a scene in an insipid romantic comedy where the protagonist has tunnel vision for the attractive gentleman across the bar. Trent hopes he is not dreaming or, worse, that Ted is not even looking at him. His mind races at a breakneck pace as Ted approaches him with measured strides, and Trent is unsure if he is even cognizant of Ted's presence until he hears Ted's western drawl for the first time in years.
"Howdy, Trent Crimm," Ted greets him with a wide smile, and he appears absolutely resplendent.
The Kansas look suits him so well. He has grown a beard, nothing too ostentatious or domineering, but it is present. His skin is tanned and golden, his brown hair swept neatly, and Trent swears he can discern a few grey hairs beginning to appear. There are slight creases forming from his smile lines, and small freckles are dotted across his cheeks. He appears more robust but still gentle, as Trent can see through the navy blue suit he wears in contrast to Trent's crimson red one. Despite all the slight alterations, Trent cannot believe Ted is here, his Ted.
"Hello, Ted Lasso from America," Trent responds softly, and he feels himself becoming more enraptured by Ted the more he scrutinizes him, and his knees are becoming weaker.
Ted chuckles softly at Trent, observing him in the same way he did when Trent first entered the pitch to witness Ted's foolish tactics, which Trent found offensive. Now, it's something Trent laughs about when he reflects on the memory. Although he's thrilled to see Ted, there's still the fact that he was enamored with Ted, and that emotion is now more ignited than ever. Trent is still questioning whether this is simply a product of his imagination or if Ted is really speaking to him.
Trent looks up at him and murmurs, "You've returned," because it's all he can say at the moment. It's all he can manage.
"I have," Ted responds, as if it were not glaringly obvious, "I couldn't miss this. Boss made it seem like it wasn't optional with her invitation."
Trent recalls that Rebecca seemed to include a few additional words on Ted's invitation but didn't bother to inquire, "She's still your boss?" He retorts.
"Yeah, back home, I'm my own boss," Ted remarks with his hands in his trousers pockets, "I oversee fieldwork throughout the town, along with a group of other men. It pays well, not as well as the manager here at Richmond, but..."
"It's an occupation," Trent abruptly halts his sentence, "at your home,"
Trent doesn't intend for it to sound resentful, but the reality that Ted left is starting to catch up to him in an unfavorable way. Ted appears to notice Trent's tone and raises his eyebrows. Trent then realizes that he has revealed himself a little too much through his words and swiftly attempts to rectify the situation.
"It's good, Ted. Happiness suits you," Trent tells him, raising his almost empty glass towards him, “you’ve always said a man should follow his bliss.”
Ted then glances to the side with a dubious expression, and Trent almost misses it. "What?"
Ted ponders for a moment, and then he's gazing back at Trent, "To be completely honest, Trent, I'm not exactly happy. I haven't been since I left."
"Neither have we," Trent responds, giving Ted a knowing look, "We miss you, Ted." I miss you, Trent means to say.
Trent is speaking directly to the point, and he believes that the words are emerging involuntarily; he's not even contemplating anymore. No preamble, no feeling of revelation about how much he's missed Ted. Trent is not entirely sure where the emotions of being hurt and betrayed originated, but they must have been buried deep inside somewhere compared to his earlier statement. He was so fixated on conveying the general problem of his love life and his dread of expressing his love openly to Heidi that he never delved deeper than the fact that he was in love and angry at Ted for leaving so abruptly. Nothing about Ted's departure was sentimental or fulfilling. It merely occurred. Although it was a foregone conclusion, nothing could have prepared Trent for the actual moment.
But now Ted appears to be catching Trent's drift, but he doesn't seem to care to comment on it at the moment, "I know. I missed them too, missed them like crazy. Rebecca was kind enough to pay for my flight as well."
"How splendid," Trent is no longer attempting to conceal it, "It's just a perfect little reunion for you, isn't it?"
"How's Olivia?" Ted is still not yielding to Trent’s dismay, "How have ya been, Trent?"
"I've been splendid, actually. I have acquired a property of my own. Olivia has started primary school, and I'm still employed in public relations at Richmond, as you can evidently see. I'm almost identical to how I was before you departed," Trent articulates.
"That's great," Ted replies.
"It is."
"You look good," Ted blurts out, and Trent seals his lips in a stern expression, "It’s almost as if you’re agin’ in reverse.”
"Mm," Trent murmurs from the back of his throat with a thickness that he can't seem to swallow.
No, Ted isn't getting off the hook so quickly. His ridiculous charm won't work on Trent yet. "You appear to be fine yourself. I see you have a little bit of silver in your hair...and a beard to go with it."
Ted moves closer to Trent, and Trent is faintly aware of the slight disparity in size. The fieldwork has clearly added muscle to Ted, and Trent's eyes are wandering once more, and his face is growing hotter because Ted's smile hasn't faded. Trent isn't sure if he can probe any further without completely abandoning the act; because the way Ted is gazing at him right now is making him contemplate the alternative.
"A beard on Ted Lasso," Trent scoffs.
"I am thinkin’ about shaving it-"
"Shut up," Trent retorts sharply, glaring at Ted with his intense brown eyes.
"Alright, I won-"
"No, shut up, Ted," Trent interrupts again, with more fervor in his voice. It's as if something within him has exploded, and it's all spilling out like vomit because he's too overwhelmed to keep it together, "I mean, do not think for a second that you can simply re-enter our life- no- my life and assume that everything is copacetic.”
Trent places a rough hand against Ted's chest and slams his empty glass down on the table beside them. He's fortunate that they're in a secluded area, "Because everything is not okay, Ted! You left, you left without hardly saying anything. The only thing you left me was a fucking note on my book to change the title because 'it was never about you,' well, to me it was!"
Ted is not saying anything, simply stunned by the sudden transformation from Trent's welcoming smile to this. But, there's a glint in his eyes that appears to be sympathetic towards Trent.
"And then," Trent exhales unsteadily, his gaze averted from Ted, "And then, it’s never ending with the thought of you. You've transformed my world since you came into you. Your asinine, American accent, mannerisms, and phrases have managed to capture me wholly. You broke me down, Ted; you were kinder to me than my father ever was to me or anyone for that matter. I could not bear it."
"Trent-"
"Shut up, I am not finished," Trent interjects, "You made me fall in love with you. Yes, I am saying it aloud, I love you. I am not accusing you for being a fault because of it, that is not what I am implying. I am just so fucking angry that you left. You abandoned all of this for your son. I understand, and that sounds dreadful because, God, I have a daughter and should understand how-"
"Papa?" A small voice emanates from behind Ted, causing Trent to snap out of his current breakdown.
He peers over Ted's shoulder with tear-filled eyes and observes Olivia standing there with her arms crossed behind her back. Trent sniffles and endeavors to wipe away his desolate expression for his daughter's sake, "Yes, my darling?"
Olivia approaches him, and she turns to gaze up at Ted, causing her eyes to instantly light up, "Teddy!"
"Hey, Livy girl!" Ted chuckles as he receives a brief embrace from the girl at his legs, "I missed you, kiddo."
Trent's jaw tightens, and his eyes narrow with intensity. He is grateful that Olivia is present, for otherwise, he would have uttered something even more acrimonious at Ted.
"I missed you too, Teddy. Are you staying-"
"Olivia, sweetness, is there something you need?" Trent stoops down to her level, adjusting the small bow atop her disheveled hair from all the running and jumping. He's trying to maintain her attention focused on him instead of Ted. Trent's resentment towards someone as kind as Ted is so intense that it's quite pitiful.
"I'm tired," she mumbles, rubbing her tired eyes with her small fists. "I want to go to bed."
Trent rubs her cheek and coos at her, "Oh, baby,”
"Trent! There you are! Goodness, she's already exhausted," Keeley rounds the corner and proceeds towards them. Trent is bewildered by her abrupt appearance and a little ashamed of the predicament in which he finds himself. Meanwhile, Ted stands there, swaying on his heels with a small smile.
"I can take her or the time being, love. I'm letting Pheebs nap near me at our table. Just so you can enjoy the rest of the evening," Keeley speaks sweetly, and Trent shakes his head, reaching to caress Olivia's hair.
"Are you certain? I want you to enjoy this wedding as well. After all, she is my child."
Keeley shakes her head and coos Olivia into her arms, where she immediately goes limp and rests over her shoulder. "I'm certain. I think I need a nap myself. Besides, they'll be starting the slower music soon, and it's an ideal time to catch our breath."
Trent grins and kisses the top of Olivia's head, whose eyelids are quickly drooping. "I'm incredibly grateful to you, Keels. Thank you, my dear."
Keeley gives him a fond smile and she glances back at Ted and grins up at him, “Good to have you back, Ted.”
Ted nods resolutely as Keeley departs with Olivia, and he turns back to Trent's piercing glare. Once she’s out of sight, Trent seizes him by the arm and pulls him out of the foyer and into a hallway that is dimly illuminated by candles hanging in glass bottles at every column. Once they're out of sight, Ted only regards him with an entertained expression.
“Continue.”
Trent reacts as though Ted had blasphemed his family lineage when his mouth falls agape before gritting out, "Go fuck yourself."
"You are in love with me," Ted responds matter-of-factly, but his eyes convey a different message.
"I was in love with you."
"You still are."
Trent seizes Ted by the lapels and pulls him closer, peering up at Ted with a fire in his eyes that is consuming him. "You know what, I am. And it is driving me absolutely fucking insane you have the power to do that to people. You’re infuriating and you knew what you were doing to me that day you sat me down in that restaurant and so forth. Even before then. Then you just leave me, leave me alone and lingering over every fucking interaction and touch and- fuck,”
Trent's head descends into Ted's waistcoat, still clutching tightly with pale knuckles. He senses Ted's hand ascend to gently caress Trent's hair, almost as an act of contrition. Trent is not necessarily inebriated, he has been in worse states. It is simply Ted. Trent feels himself unwind at the tranquility of Ted's respiration, and he is endeavoring to catch his own from the absolute chaos of words he unleashed all at once for Ted to even comprehend. Trent contemplates whether Ted even apprehended anything he was expressing.
"Can I speak now?" Ted asks, almost apprehensive that Trent may lash out at him.
Trent extricates himself from Ted's torso and gazes up at him with slightly puffy eyes and a reddened countenance, "Yes. I apologize, I am unsure of what came over me. You didn’t deserve that."
"I did," Ted responds.
“No, you’ve been nothing but kind and I-“
"It is now my turn, Trent. Remember?" Ted cuts him off, arching his eyebrows at Trent while running a thumb over a tear-streaked cheek. Trent falls silent and merely listens.
“You’ve got every right to be angry, in fact, I was kinda expecting for everyone to act the way you just did when I stepped into the party. I was at the ceremony, but mostly lingered in the back. Didn’t wanna cause a scene too early. But everyone was so gosh darn happy to see me, not one of them grabbed me by the neck and asked me why I didn’t come back. After all these years, you would’ve thought I stopped in to say hello for a sec,”
Trent is simply gazing at him with a mournful expression, since Ted is expounding on the matter so much more eloquently than Trent did.
“I was surprised when you started it off pretty strong, but what else should I have expected from you? You did have every right to feel that way, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am for just upping leaving. Especially you I- I liked you, Trent. I like you, I came off pretty strong and told you I liked your glasses from the get go. You caught my attention the first time I saw you in the press room, over all those hands I chose you. You sure as hell were intimidatin’, but I liked it.”
Trent chuckles softly, and Ted positions his hands on the sides of Trent's arms, “I don’t just like you, Trent. I do love you, I love you. I’m kinda just jumping straight to the point but I’ve always just thought you were better off loving someone better than me. Someone as poise, as intelligent and fine as you,”
"Ted, absolutely no one surpasses you," Trent declares vehemently, placing his arms firmly on Ted's chest.
"Trent..." Ted purses his lips before proceeding, "I wanna love you with all my might. And I know you’ve got your doubts about putting yourself out there-“
“Ted, that’s not-“
"Trent," Ted interjects curtly, "Let. Me. Finish"
Trent's brows furrow, and he nearly pouts, but he remains quiet as Ted carries on.
“But I’m the same way. I’m afraid that people sometimes will never know how much I love them and that’ll be too late when it comes a time in their life they feel like they’ve got none left. No matter how much I prove it to them, whether it be with words or actions, I’m scared it’ll never be enough. And Trent, I wanna love you with everything I’ve got. But thoughts always plague my mind that I’m not enough, that one day I’ll stop loving and that’s the last thing I wanna do to you, Trent. Break your heart and I did it anyways, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I hurt ya, but I don’t know if I can fix it.”
“Oh Ted, please for once be fucking selfish,” Trent grits out, disregarding whether or not Ted has finished, "I ask that you please consider what you desire, for once. Stop thinking of others, even for a brief moment."
Ted's brows furrow, and he appears somewhat taken aback by Trent's remark, “Trent, I can’t be fucking selfish. That’s how it’s been my whole goddamn life!” He growls.
“What do you want, Ted? Don’t be a fucking coward, take what you want. Take i-“
Then Ted's hands grasp roughly at Trent's face, pulling him into a harsh and bruising kiss. Trent gasps in surprise but eagerly reciprocates, his hands frantically seeking out Ted's. It is not what Trent had envisioned when he imagined kissing Ted for the first time, but he is not complaining. This is precisely what he requires: to be touched, grasped, and kissed foolishly, and Ted is an excellent kisser. No doubt without practice, but Trent doesn’t want to think of that now because he’s the one kissing Ted Lasso, who admitted that he’s in love with Trent. This is all too good to be true.
Ted backs Trent up against the wall, cradling his head again, fingers trailing tightly into the raven and silver locks. Trent feels himself growing hotter and slightly whines into the kiss. He is not even bothered by the scratching of Ted's beard and mustache, as he had anticipated. They kiss as though they have no intention of stopping anytime soon, at least Ted does, and Trent could not care less if anyone catches them. He has Ted exactly where he has wanted him for years, and he is not letting go. However, he does need to breathe, and he would like to discuss this topic more thoroughly than they have been attempting to do.
"Ted," Trent gasps with an open mouth, patting his shoulder, and Ted makes a strangled noise from the back of his throat, as if it is his only purpose to snog Trent.
Trent tries again, both hands coming up to palm at Ted's lips, "Ted."
"Breather?" Ted asks breathlessly, his lips red and bruised.
Trent shakes his head, his brows furrowed. "No, I want to make sure that I’m interpreting this correctly."
“You did tell me to be selfish, and I sure was selfish right there, sweetheart,” Ted chuckles.
Trent brings their foreheads together, and he glances back up at Ted with uncertainty, but also a hint of excitement that he hasn't experienced in a long time, maybe even his entire life. Just now, Ted kissed him fiercely and selfishly, and Trent isn't sure if it's the worst thing ever or not. His mind and heart are racing, attempting to decide on one feeling and one thought. He can't, so he decides to ask.
"You love me?" Trent whispers, attempting to digest the phrase himself.
"Yes, I love you. I love you, and I will repeat it over and over again, even if you’re hearing it," Ted murmurs while softly kissing the tip of Trent's nose. He then pulls Trent into another passionate kiss, except this time, it's sweet and gentle.
“I came back for you. There’s no Trent Crimm anywhere else, baby.” Ted says again when they pull apart, and Trent lets out a teary laugh.
“There’s no Ted Lasso anywhere else either, I’m afriad,” Trent smiled at him, “and you came back because this is your home. We all love you, though I may love you the most.”
Ted embraces Trent tightly, holding him in the dim light of amber and gold as if he were the last thing on Earth. Trent only allows himself to absorb the scent, feel, and warmth of the man who engulfs him in his love. A love Trent has yearned for all his life, and one that feels so natural and genuine. A love that Trent would make sure Ted knew he had, and vice versa. It was far from a typical romantic encounter he had seen in movies or read in books, but it was his.
"Now, I didn't travel all this distance not to dance," Ted remarks when he pulls away, wrapping an arm around Trent's waist and leading him back towards the ballroom that Trent had almost forgotten about.
Trent eyes him with a playful twinkle in his eyes, "Are you asking me for this dance?"
As the dulcet notes of a slow, gentle violin followed by a piano tune waft through the air, Ted stands before Trent and gracefully bows, extending his hand as though Trent were some personage of higher rank. Trent can only chuckle at Ted's gesture but allows him to indulge in his whims.
“We can leave the Christmas lights up ‘til January,”
Trent smiles adoringly at the sight and is slightly disconcerted because now everyone will witness their affection. Everyone will see. However, Trent is no longer concerned because he feels entitled to this and wants everyone to know that he is in love with Ted and that their love is real.
“This is our place, we make the rules,”
“May I have this first dance, darlin’?” Ted asks, offering his hand towards Trent.
“And there’s a dazzling haze, a mysterious ways about you, dear,”
Without any other thoughts but the man standing before him, Trent entwines their fingers and smiles proudly at Ted, "You can have them all."
“Have I known you 20 seconds, or 20 years?”
Ted envelops Trent with one arm around his waist while the other clasps their hands together. Trent instinctively leans into Ted, burying his face in the crook of Ted's neck and draping one arm behind his shoulder, grinning broadly as they discover their cadence. Although they are not the only couple on the floor, with other pairs, including the newlyweds, having joined them, it seems as if it is only Trent and Ted in that moment.
“Can I go where you go? Can we always be this close?”
Ted spins Trent around a few times, and Trent has never felt more attuned and in harmony with his partner than he does now. As his head tilts back over Ted's shoulder, he catches a glimpse of Rebecca's face over Matt's, radiating with joy as if she had won the jackpot (ironic, considering she never would), but Trent can only smile bashfully like a child who has just won a prize.
He then perceives the boys looking at them with encouragement, Colin's smile being the most brilliant of them all, and Trent responds with a roll of his eyes and a wide smile. Colin gives him a thumbs up, and that's all Trent can concentrate on. Ted is blissfully ignorant of the interaction and whispers tenderly into Trent's ear.
"So, does Keeley have Liv for the rest of the night?" Ted asks.
“Forever and ever?”
Trent leans back a bit to gaze up at Ted with raised eyebrows and a faint smile. "I'm not certain... is there a particular reason you are inquiring?"
“And ah, take me out, and take me home,”
"Do you wanna find out?" Ted asks him with a sly tone, and Trent throws his head back and chuckles before it drops back onto Ted's shoulder. Perhaps he'll send Keeley a brief text and tip later on, just for this one night before they return home at the end of the weekend.
"Perhaps," Trent playfully teases, "maybe take me out to dinner first?"
"I'm certain there are plenty of restaurants open late at night, these people never sleep," Ted replies.
Trent kisses him once more and says, "You're a ludicrous man. I'll shoot a message Keeley’s way then."
“You’re my, my, my, my,”
Trent and Ted arrange to slip away after a few more songs when Keeley consents to watch Olivia for the remainder of the night (not without giving Trent a hard time about Ted), desiring to avoid the horde of inquiries that would ensue if they lingered any longer. Ted whispers a few more things to Trent that are meant for his ears only, that he would only want to hear from Ted. Trent takes one last glimpse at the couples surrounding him and he glimpses Heidi and her spouse, Yvette, swaying affectionately in each other's embrace, and Heidi grins broadly at him. It's almost as if she were Cupid herself.
“Lover.”