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Sassy telling him he was a mess was just the kick in the pants Ted needed to start getting himself together. He knew there had been a few ups and downs recently and he had handled them the best he could, but he was actually starting to feel better. His talks with Sharon helping immensely and he felt grateful that he had made that leap.
It’s not easy to sit and evaluate your life and what you want from it. He’d always thought he would be married to Michelle forever, it had hurt when that had all fallen apart but now with a little time and space, he was starting to think about the things he really wanted again. There were parts of himself that he had left behind when he had married Michelle and now Ted was finding himself wanting to explore those parts again. Mainly the fact that he was bisexual and he was very interested in starting to date men again.
He wasn’t sure how to tell people that though. He knows he won’t have to say anything to Beard, the man will just know. Had known Ted when he’d first been bringing guys around back in college, it was just everyone else he was worried about. Not that he thought anyone would be negative towards him, not at all. It was just an awkward conversation to have, one that he didn’t feel like facing at the moment. After that article had come out about his panic attacks, he had felt exposed and vulnerable, he just wasn’t quite up to putting himself out there again just yet. He would talk to the team when he felt ready and Sharon had helped him see that was a perfectly normal thing to do.
With that thought in mind he started opening himself up to more opportunities that came his way.
He’d had drinks with a nice Irish chap that he’d met at the coffee shop down his street. Unfortunately, the man had thought that working in anything sports related was beneath him and while Ted had enjoyed talking with someone who had never heard of him and didn’t care about Richmond’s chances, he didn’t see it progressing any further.
Once the ice was broken though his confidence grew and he felt more comfortable dating men. He found that he had a type, he liked them a bit rough around the edges, protective of him, took care of him. It made him feel safe. He was always the one taking care of everyone else and he loved it but there was something to be said for letting someone take care of you every once in a while, as well.
That’s how he found himself in the predicament he was in now. Having dinner with David, their second date and they were digging into some delicious Italian, all in all it was going great.
“I’m serious” Ted laughed, “I did three summersaults before I finally landed, fractured my collar bone.” He pulled the collar of his shirt down as if to demonstrate the seriousness of his story.
David laughed, a deep raspy sound that had a shiver running up Ted’s spine. Even more so when David reached out and ran a finger along Ted’s collarbone as if testing to make sure it was really healed.
Ted swallowed thickly, eyes flicking up to meet Davids as the other man was leaning into his space. Heart pounding in his chest he moved forward too, eyes moving between dark eyes and plush lips.
“Oi Coach! What are you doing here?” a loud voice called out, and Ted jolted around to find Jamie, Sam, Dany, Isaac and Colin walking towards him.
His heart began pounding in his chest and not in a good way, but he took a few deep breaths like he’d been working on and stood up to greet his players each of which pulled him into a hug and clapped him on the back like they hadn’t seen him in months when they’d literally only left training together a few hours before.
“I’m here on a date” Ted said with a nervous smile, reaching out a hand to David who immediately grasped it as he stood, pulling Ted into his side.
“Ah, David, this is Sam, Colin, Isaac, Jamie and Dany.”
Everyone stood frozen in shock for a moment before Colin broke the ice, reaching out to shake David’s hand, the others following suit.
“Hey, nice to meet you” David chorused back.
“You say you’re on a date, Coach?” Isaac asked and Ted hesitated for just a moment before nodding.
“I sure did. Second date in fact” Ted said, smiling a little when David tightened his arm around him and Ted just leaned into the support.
“How wonderful” Dany said with a large infectious smile, the others nodding along with various looks of befuddlement on their faces.
“Alrighty, well I’ll see you all at training tomorrow” Ted said with a smile, heart starting to slow a little in his chest. He gave a little wave as they started to leave, a few of them glancing back as they walked away.
“Oh boy” Ted said, after they were gone. Plonking back in his seat and running his hand through his hair. “That’s going to be a conversation for tomorrow.”
“You’re not out to them?” David asked.
“Was sorta just trying to get to know this part of myself again without outside interference. They are all great, wonderful even and they mean well but…”
“Nosy?” David asked.
“So nosy” Ted agreed with a little laugh.
“Well, since tomorrow is going to be so trying for you how about I take you out again tomorrow night. Give you something to look forward to.”
Ted looked at him in surprise, “asking me out on a third date, this second date must be going well.”
“It is” David said warmly, reaching out to grip Ted’s hand beneath the table.
“Alrighty then, I’d love to.”
+++++++++++++++++++++
Ted walked into work the next day feeling nervous but alright. He had spoken with Sharon that morning and he was feeling good, prepared. He got in early and sat in his office, calling a meeting of the Diamond Dogs once Beard and Roy had arrived. Leslie came running and they shut the doors, blocking out any noise of the players arriving. Even Trent stuck his head in, having become an honorary Diamond Dog. Roy put up a token protest but didn’t leave the room.
“So” Ted said, rubbing his hands together in a nervous gesture. “I’m about to go and have a chat with the fellas but I wanted you guys to be the first to know.” Beard gave him a knowing look and Ted felt a little more reassured.
“I’m bisexual.”
Silence followed the statement.
Ted ploughed on, “I’ve always been bisexual and now that Michelle and I are through I’m exploring that side of myself again. I just wanted y’all to know.”
“Congratulations Coach” Beard said with a finger gun salute that seemed to wake everybody up.
“That’s wonderful, thank you for telling us” Higgins said with a smile, while Roy just grunted, though Ted noticed he was watching him closely.
Trent was watching him intently as well and Ted started to squirm a little under the scrutiny. There was nothing like being the focus of Trent Crimm’s attention.
“Is there a reason you’re telling us this now?” Trent asked, cutting to the heart of the matter like he always did.
“Well, I was out on a date last night and ran into a few of the fellas. Thought it would be best to address the elephant in the room straight up. I don’t want anyone to think I’m ashamed or that this is something that needs to be kept a secret. I had just been spending some time getting used to the idea and what it means for me before telling everyone.”
“Perfectly understandable” agreed Trent.
“Anyway, I’m going to go chat to the team now. You’re welcome to join me or not…”
“Gotcha back, coach” Beard said, hauling himself out of his seat.
“Let’s go then” Roy said gruffly, Higgins stood as well.
“Alrighty then” Ted said, feeling unbelievably moved, he smiled before rubbing his hands together.
He walked out, the others trailing behind him. Heads immediately turned to him, and he knew they had been talking about him. His stomach sunk but he kept his face open.
“Alright, listen up!” Roy shouted and everyone focused their attention on the group.
“Thanks Roy” he said quietly, the other nodding in acknowledgment.
“Now I just wanted to clear the air around here. By now some of you have probably heard that I was on a date with a man last night. It’s true.”
A round of murmuring broke out in the room, and Ted ran his hand down his face, eyes glancing around the room.
“I am bisexual and not embarrassed or ashamed of that fact. I’ve only just begun dating again after the divorce from Michelle and I am open to what the universe might send my way.”
Someone chuckled and the tension in the room eased.
“I’ve been on a few dates, nothing serious.”
“I don’t know, things looked pretty serious last night” Isaac called out and Ted felt himself blush.
“Ah well, David is a mighty fine man.”
Several cat calls rang out around the room.
“So, we all good?” Ted asked to resounding yes’ and a large cuddle pile that made him lose feeling in his legs. When Sam finally helped him to his feet with a clap on his back and a wide grin that had Ted grinning back. He looked towards the coaches and Trent and found them all smiling, even Roy didn’t look quite so serious, his face softened.
“So, who’s the new man?” Higgins asked as the team traipsed out of the locker room and on to the field to start warming up.
“A gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell” Ted said with a grin, smiling more when Trent snorted.
“Oi” Roy barked out, “how much kissing has been going on exactly?”
Everyone laughed but Roy looked serious.
“Quite a culture of acceptance you’ve cultivated here” Trent said warmly.
“Everyone deserves a place where they feel safe, accepted” Ted said quietly and Roy and Beard grunted in agreement at the same time, causing both Trent and Ted to grin.
“Come on” Roy growled stomping out of the locker room, Ted followed him, a smile still on his face.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Ted felt lighter now that everything was out in the open. Things fizzled out with David pretty quickly, but he wasn’t worried he wasn’t looking to jump back into anything serious straight away anyway. He had already been on several other dates in the last few weeks and was having a good time getting to know some new people. In fact, at this very moment, he sat at his desk mesmerised by the huge bouquet of flowers that had been delivered that morning. They were gorgeous, every colour of the rainbow and then some. He’s not sure he’s ever been sent flowers before and it inexplicably made his chest feel tight, unfortunately there was no note attached so he wasn’t sure who he should thank of the gift.
“Hey Coach, mind if I have a word?” Colin asked, standing in the doorway to his office looking nervous.
“Of course not, come in, come in” Ted said happily waving his hands to gesture for Colin to come in. Which he did, closing the door and looking tense.
“Nice flowers” Colin said, with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“They sure are, but I have a feeling you didn’t come in here to compliment my flowers. Is there something I can help you with, today?”
Colin rubbed his hands together, looked at Ted before looking away. Ted just waited him out, gave him time to gather his courage and work out what exactly he wanted to say.
“I’m gay” Colin blurted out after another few moments of hesitation.
Ted stared at him flummoxed for a moment.
“Well, righteo, that’s great news Colin.”
Ted watched the younger man, who was now ringing his hands nervously.
“I’ve never actually told anyone before” Colin admitted and Ted felt incredibly touched.
“I’m honoured that I am the first.”
There was another pause.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Colin swallowed thickly, “it’s just been hard, you know, keeping it from all the lads. From everyone, having a whole part of myself that I need to hide.”
Ted stood from his seat, walking forward and pulling the younger man into his arms. Colin tensed for a moment before melting into the embrace. Ted just held him through it.
“You are not alone” Ted murmured. “I am here for you, whatever you need and when you decide to tell the team… if you decide to tell the team, I will be right with you then as well.”
Colin sniffed wetly.
“I’m always here if you want to talk.”
“Thanks Coach” Colin said quietly. “It feels so good that someone knows.”
Ted just held him tighter.
Colin went on his way and Ted felt his heart lift a little, being honest with his team had given Colin the confidence to be honest as well. Someone that Colin could turn to; it made him happy that he could be there for Colin. It’s not easy being gay in professional sports.
He spotted Trent Crimm walking past and an idea came to him.
“Hey Trent, you got a moment” Ted called out and Trent came back, eyebrow lifted in curiosity. “I have a favour to ask.”
+++++++++++++++++++
The article came out a few days later, Trent had recommended a friend of his from the Independent, Scott Long, to write it. They had arranged for Ted to be photographed out on a date with someone who was aware of the situation and happy to be included. Once Ted had been ‘caught’ out on a date, he gave an interview and Scott wrote an article, all about the out and proud coach of AFC Richmond.
The article was a huge hit, there was a storm of attention and controversy, but the reception was outstandingly positive with many people coming forward in support of Ted. He had been incredibly touched, and he hoped that the article had made any other gay athletes who might be struggling, feel less alone. The article even included Sharon’s details so that anyone who needed help and support could get it, anonymously if they wished. Rebecca very kindly offered to foot the bill for any therapy sessions that came from the article. Ted felt very grateful to have such great people around him.
“Oi, you alright?” Isaac asked the day after the article came out, several of the other players gathered around in support. “That’s shit what the press did to you, should respect your privacy.” Everyone made grumbling noises of agreement.
“Well, thank you for your concern, fellas but it’s all good. I arranged the whole thing, wanted to have it out there so that any other athletes who might be feeling that way perhaps wouldn’t feel so alone.”
They all stared at him before Sam broke out in a big smile.
“That’s mighty fine of you Coach” he said with a pat on the back.
“Yes” Dany cried out, “some people are not so lucky to have people they can talk to in their lives.”
“Exactly” Ted said passionately.
“So, you wanted to be outed?” Jamie asked still a little confused.
“I sure did.”
“But won’t that make things harder for you?”
“Maybe, in some respects. But some things are too important not to do even if it’s not always easy.”
Silence followed that statement.
“Right o Gaffer” Isaac said with a shrug.
“As long as you are alright” Dany said and Jamie patted him on the back as he walked away.
“A mighty fine bunch of fellas we’ve got here” Ted said as Beard approached, Roy behind him.
“They love you” Roy barked and then looked like he regretted speaking at all as Ted and Beard both turned to look at him in surprise.
“What?” Roy growled.
“Nothing, nothing” Ted said while Beard put his hands up placatingly.
What Ted had not foreseen was the certain type of positive attention that the article would gather him. Men, many men had decided that they wanted to ask Ted out. It was overwhelming to say the least.
“Mr Lasso” A voice called out behind him causing both himself and Roy to spin and find Rebecca and a gentleman walking towards them.
“Ted” Rebecca said with a strained smile.
“This is Andrew McNamara” Rebecca introduced. “He owns a large tech company that is looking to become a sponsor of the club.”
“Well, howdy” Ted said genially reaching out his hand to shake Andrews. The man gave him a warm smile and held his hand just a fraction too long.
“It’s very nice to meet you Ted” Andrew smiled, causing Ted to lean back a little confused about exactly what was happening here. “I was hoping we might be able to go out to dinner” he said glancing at Rebecca and Roy, “to discuss my future investment in the club.”
“Of course we can” Roy spoke up, “I love Italian.”
Ted shot him a grateful smile.
“Ooh I very much enjoy Italian as well” Rebecca said and Ted nodded along.
“Italian sounds mighty fine.”
“Great, I’ll organise it for this evening” Rebecca said with a smile, starting to lead Andrew away.
“Fuck that shit” Roy mumbled under his breath, putting his hand on Ted’s back and starting to lead him away. Ted had to agree with the sentiment.
+++++++++++++++++++++
A few days later a fan ran on to the pitch during training, but he didn’t make for any of the players but instead he ran at Ted, tackling him to the ground and trying to kiss him. Ted laid there in shock, too surprised to even try to get the man off him before the man was bodily removed and thrown several metres across the pitch. Roy loomed over him, scooping Ted up into his arms and running his hands down his back in comfort. Ted just leaned into it, shaking as the shock and panic hit him.
“GET HIM THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!” Roy roared, Ted found the anger not aimed at him very reassuring. Ted closed his eyes and buried his face in Roy’s neck.
“He alright?” a voice asked several others calling out their concern as steps sounded closer.
“He’s fine, fuck off” Roy said.
Ted tried to pull his head away, but a large hand ran through his hair holding him close. He stayed like that for a few more minutes until he felt calm enough to finally move away.
He found Roy looking at him in concern, his large hands coming up to grip his face.
“You, ok?”
Ted nodded, “y- yeah I’m ok” he turned to look at the whole team gathered around him, Roy’s hands dropping from his face.
“I’m alright” he said with a wave of his hand. “Just gave me a scare.”
“Security dragged him out; he’s got a lifetime ban” Beard said seriously.
“Oh, no, that’s not necessary” Ted tried to argue.
“Yes, it is” Beard said.
“Trainings over for today!” Roy shouted, hand guiding Ted back through to his office, Ted just followed Roy’s lead.
++++++++++++++++++
Everyone got a bit overprotective after that, Roy walked or drove him home every day, Beard made sure to meet him every morning, Rebecca even hired a security guard for training and game days and trainings became closed again. Ted tried to argue against it but no one would listen to him, determined to protect him from himself apparently. Thankfully there were no more breaches of security. Word had got out about the incident and for a week after every second person on the street was stopping him to check in and have a rant. It was very touching.
With everything that had been happening he decided not to bring a date to the AFC Richmond annual charity gala. Keely had convinced him to auction off a date with him and that just didn’t feel right to do if he had brought a date with him.
He dressed up and arrived at the gala feeling pretty nervous. He should not have agreed to Keely’s request, what if no one bid on him? He mingled around the room greeting players and contributors in turn. Beard and Jane had already left to do… whatever Jane and Beard do. Jan, Jamie and Isaac were currently doing shots at the bar and Ted made a mental note to make sure they made it home safely.
A drink waved in front of his face and Ted focused to find Roy waving a beer in front of him. He took the beer and nodded gratefully at Roy.
“This thing gets worse every year” Roy grumbled and Ted let out a low chuckle.
“At least you aren’t up for auction this year, unlike me.”
Roy went still for a moment before he took a large swig of his beer.
Ted opened his mouth to say something else but at that moment Rebecca’s voice called out through the hall calling everyone who was to be auctioned to the stage.
Ted shot Roy a panicked look before sculling his beer and walking up.
Ted felt himself sweating as the lights shone down, they had a few of them lined up on the stage, Keely said it was to build anticipation. Ted felt vomit building in his throat. Eventually it was his turn and Jamie who was standing next to him gave him a little shove when he failed to move.
“Our wonderful, awe-inspiring Coach Lasso” Rebecca cried out and Ted gave a little wave, blinking as the lights shone in his eyes. He blinked again in bemusement as bids started straight away, both men and women. His eyes widened as the bidding reached over $6,000, he was honestly surprised anyone would be interested in spending that much to go on a date with him. As the bidding reached close to $7,000 a new voice sounded out. A voice very familiar to him. He squinted through the lights and saw Roy standing there looking unusually grave as he outbid an older gentleman in a distinguished looking suit.
“Our very own Roy Kent is the winner!” Rebecca said, “obviously they don’t get enough of each other every day at work.” The crowd erupted with laughter and Ted felt himself blush. He looked down as he was ushered off the stage to find Roy waiting for him. Roy wrapped a hand around his arm and gently pulled him through the crowd. People watched them go by with interest. They stopped in a darkened corner at the back of the room and for once in his life he wasn’t sure what to say. Roy didn’t say anything either. They just stood standing, staring at each other and Ted could feel his heart picking up, tension building between them as Ted’s eyes ran over the other man and he felt Roy’s stare boring into him. He opened his mouth to say something, anything when Roy beat him to it.
“Oh, fuck it” Roy grunted and before Ted could respond he found himself pulled into Roy’s arms and his mouth taken in a tender kiss. All the noise running through his brain quietened down to nothing as he leaned into the kiss, arms moving up to wrap around Roy’s neck. Surprised at the lack of hesitation in the movement.
They broke apart for air for just a moment before they were both leaning back in, the next kiss was deeper, fiercer. Roy pushed his tongue into his mouth, and he sucked on it eagerly mesmerised by the taste a small groan slipping out.
“Fuck” Roy groaned pushing his forehead into Ted’s and he found the motion grounding, allowing him to savour the feel of Roy against him.
Roy’s voice sounded rougher and deeper than Ted had ever heard it, “you wanna get out of here?”
“Yeah, Ted breathed and Roy leant in for another quick kiss before starting to head towards the door, his arm was wrapped around Ted, keeping him pressed to his side and oh it felt so good he could hardly think straight.
“Have a good night, Coach!” A voice called out and Ted turned dazedly to find half the team watching them from a nearby table all wearing shit eating grins on their faces. Wolf whistles sounding around them had Ted grinning and blushing again.
“Fuck off you wankers” Roy growled giving them the finger and causing the fellas to start laughing.
“Go get him Roy” Jamie smirked and Roy just growled pulling Ted along and out the door. Ted leaned into the hold, letting Roy get him in a cab where they headed straight for Roy’s place.
++++++++++++++++++++++
When the door finally shut behind them, Ted had only a moment to look around before Roy was pulling him back in and kissing him deeply, sweetly. A large hand came up to his cheek and Ted just leaned into it, into Roy.
“Fuck” Roy groaned. “Look at you.”
Ted blinked at him bemusedly, very much enjoying his own view thank you very much.
A thumb ran across his cheek bone causing him to refocus, he guesses he was still trying to catch up to what was happening.
“Would you like to stay the night?” Roy asked and Ted couldn’t help but smile at the little blush that had formed on Roy’s cheeks.
“I’d love to” Ted said so sincerely that Roy smiled himself.
“Come on then” Roy said pulling Ted, through his apartment to his bedroom.
Ted took in the rather sparse layout noticing the few personal touches throughout before he found himself pressed against a closed bedroom door and Roy’s lips pressing insistently against his.
“There was no way I was going to let anyone else win a date with you” Roy gasped out as he pulled away. Ted made a noise of agreement, though in all honestly there was no way that he had thought Roy would even want a date with him let alone spend so much to get one.
“You know you could’ve just asked me out” Ted groaned as Roy moved to pressing biting kisses down his throat.
“Mmm, and when was I supposed to do that, you’ve seemed awfully busy as of late.”
Ted took a moment to mourn the fact they could have been doing this for months.
“I thought you were still into Keely” Ted said quietly and Roy pulled back to look at him. Eyes staring intently.
“I ended things with her because I knew I had feelings for you. She encouraged me to pursue something with you. But… before I stopped being a fucking coward and could make a move you were already… taken.”
“I was never taken” Ted said earnestly.
“It sure felt that way” Roy said as he glanced away and now it was Ted’s turn to take his head in his hands and turn it back, so they were looking at each other again.
“Look Roy, I don’t know exactly where this is going, and honestly, I’m okay with that. What I do know is that when I’m with you, things feel lighter. I’m more myself. Or maybe a braver, better version I didn’t even realise was waiting. I feel safe. We don’t have to rush anything, but I’d like to keep learning you—one conversation, one laugh, one moment at a time. Because you are worth it, Roy.”
Ted stopped talking, wondering if he had gone to far, as was his penchant to do.
“Yeah, alright” Roy said, his voice hoarse and Ted couldn’t help the smile that broke out on his face.
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
This time Ted pulled Roy in, kissing him deeply as they moved towards the bed.
Roy had him naked before he could even blink, and Ted swallowed thickly at the look of lust in Roys eyes as he was pushed back on the bed and Roy quickly stripped. Ted ached as he watched all that skin be revealed.
“You are fucking beautiful” Roy groaned out as he climbed over him, skin meeting skin as they came together for another kiss.
++++++++++++++++++++
“Alright there, Gaffer?” Jamie called out as Ted walked in the following morning, he felt his cheeks heat even as he smiled warmly.
“Was worried Roy might not let you out of his bed for the next week!”
Good natured laughter broke out around the room, not stopping even as Roy walked in and smacked Jamie up the back of his head.
“Oi shut it and stop even thinking about my sex life.”
More laughter broke out around the room at that.
“Well, considering I’m about as happy as I can be, then yeah, I’d say everything is alright” Ted said jovially, happy at the team’s easy acceptance. Roy smiled at him, his eyes turning soft.
“He’s fucking smiling!” Isaac cried out, the whole locker room breaking into cheers as Roy stomped his way into his office and slammed the door shut.