You reach out to adjust them.

Trying to keep busy. Trying to distract yourself. 

“Babe,” Jamie calls out. 

But you’re far too deep in the zone to notice. 

You don't hear him.

You move on to the cushions.

“Love.”

Nothing.

You pick up a throw blanket and fold it.

Jamie appears from the kitchen, drying his hands on a tea towel, his brows drawing together.

Everything is ready.

Dinner was almost ready. 

The house looked perfect, neat and tidy. 

And you–

You look stunning. 

Which, admittedly, isn't particularly useful information considering Jamie thinks you look stunning when you've just woken up with your hair sticking out in seventeen different directions.

He watches you fuss with the blanket.

Then the cushions.

Then the flowers.

Then–

“Y/N,” his hands came to rest on your waist, stopping your actions short. 

You jump, “Jesus!–Jamie.”

“Got yeh,” he grins. 

“You scared me,” you clutch your chest trying to calm your racing heart.

“I've been tryin' to get your attention for about five minutes.”

“I was busy.”

“Yeah. I can see that,” He looks around. His eyes sweep over the pristine living room. Then back to you, “Are yeh plannin' on cleanin' the skirting boards next?”

You stare at him, biting your lip nervously, “Maybe.”

He smiles, his thumbs gently stroke over your hips, “Stop worrying.”

“I'm not worrying,” the pitch of your voice raises, a tell tale sign that you were lying.

“You're reorganising cushions that haven't moved.”

“They looked uneven,” you try to justify. 

“They looked exactly the same as they did ten minutes ago.”

You narrow your eyes, “Whose side are you on?”

He presses a chaste kiss to your temple, “Yours.”

“Good,” you nod, while your mind drifts elsewhere. 

“Always,” His voice softens.

And that somehow makes the nerves worse.

Because tonight isn't just any night.

Tonight you're meeting his Mum.

His Mum.

The woman who had known Jamie before the football.

Before the fame.

Before Manchester United.

Before Richmond.

Before all of it.

The woman who'd known him when he was just a little boy kicking a ball around and dreaming about becoming someone.

The woman who had stayed beside him through the good and the bad.

The woman whose opinion mattered.

A lot.

“But–”

“Stop worrying–My Mum’s going to love you–” He says, thumbs gently caressing your hips. 

“Yes but–”

“You know why she’s going to love you?” Jamie cuts you off, with a look in his eyes, one of complete calm. 

“Why?” you ask softly. Nerves still coursing through you. 

“Because I love you,” he smiles, his hands loop around your waist, and tugs you closer, leaning down to steal a kiss from your lips. 

Your lips widen into a grin, laughing softly, as his lips pepper across your cheeks, “Yes–But I think you’re bias”

“Then me’ Mum’s going to be biased too–Cause she loves me and so she’ll have to love you,” Jamie remarks. 

“I don’t think that’s how it works,” You say, the nerves creeping back in to settle in your mind. 

He simply shakes his head, voice dropping ever so slightly, sending shivers down your spine, “You shouldn’t worry about me’ Mum not liking you, because there’s no way she won’t already love you”

Your hands shift to cup his face, gently caressing the arch of his brow. You gaze into his deep brown eyes, as its softness helps soothe your racing nerves. 

“Ok, I’ll trust you–”

“Yeah?” you feel the way his brows raise, as a smile creeps onto his lips. 

“But only because I love you,” you sigh with a soft smile. 

His entire face lights up.

That stupidly bright, boyish grin.

The one that still makes your heart flip no matter how many times you see it.

“Love yeh too,” He leans down.

You meet him halfway.

His lips brush yours once.

Twice.

Then he's peppering kisses across your cheeks.

“Jamie–”

“Mwah.”

“Stop,” you giggle between, failing to stop his shower of kisses, “You're making me–”

His nose nuzzles into the crook of your neck, the feeling of his breath against your sensitive skin makes you laugh, while trying to push at his shoulders.

“Jamie!”

He finally pulls away, grinning, “See?”

“What?” your brows dip in question. 

“With a laugh like that. Me mum's gonna love yeh.”

You shake your head, “You're impossible.”

“And yet,” He leans down again, stealing one final kiss, “I’m yours.”

Your smile softens, before teasing him lightly, “Unfortunately.”

“Oi,” he scolds softly, with a furrow of his brows. 

You laugh.

And for a few minutes–

You forget to be nervous.

Until the door bell rings. 

Your heart clenched as your nerves began to crawl back into your mind. Breathing in and out, trying to calm yourself. 

Just as Jamie opens the door, in a split second he is enveloped in a tight hug, as who you assume to be his Mum comes racing toward him. 

Georgie throws her arms around him.

Jamie barely has enough time to react before he's engulfed.

You're stunned slightly, taken aback. 

And then your heart melts.

Because for all the confidence Jamie carries around Richmond, all the swagger and cockiness that he carries with him as Jamie Tartt. 

Right now he's just someone's son.

His arms immediately wrap around her.

“Oh! Jamie,” she smiles brightly, squeezing him in a hug. 

While Jamie hugs her just as tightly, “Hi Mum,” His face pressed briefly against her shoulder.

“Oh, look at you!”

“Mum.”

“You've lost weight,” she pinches his cheek lightly. 

“I haven't.”

“You have.”

“I'm literally the same size.”

“Have you been eating properly?”

“Mum.”

You bite your lip.

You can’t help but smile at the sweetness of it all–from what Jamie had told you, Georgie had been his biggest supporter, his source of comfort when things were rough. 

Unlike his Dad. 

His Mum had championed everything Jamie had ever achieved, from small town little Football games in his youth, all the way to the moment he was accepted into Man United. 

Her pride for him was immeasurable. 

But she never made him feel like that was all he was worth. 

They had been together through thick and thin. Through things you can only imagine…

It made your heart warm at the idea of one day being part of the family…

You shake your thoughts away as you turn to the other man standing at the door. 

Whose awkward smile only grows once he turns his gaze to meet yours, offering quietly, “I promise, you get used to it after a while”

You laugh softly with a nod of your head, “You must be Simon, it’s lovely to meet you”

“Thank you for inviting us, Y/N, correct?” 

You nod, while he smiles a little brighter, before gesturing to the plate in his hand, “I’d hug you, but I’ve got my hands full–hope it’s ok that I brought dessert”

“You didn’t have to”

“It was a nice excuse to try out a new recipe,” he insisted politely, while you gestured for him to come inside, he began walking towards the kitchen, “I’ll go pop this down”

Your eyes flickered back over to Jamie, while his hold slips from around Georgie, “Mummy, I’d like you to meet–”

Georgie turns.

And the moment her eyes land on you–

Her entire expression brightens.

Before you can properly react, she's crossing the space between you.

“Y/N!” She smiles brightly, “I’ve heard so much about you!” she gestures towards Jamie. 

“It’s really nice meeting you Georgie–”

She waves a hand, shaking her head, “Just call me Mum,” she interjects, “Every time I speak to him, you come up. Y/N this. Y/N that.”

“Mum.”

“And you should have seen him when–”

“Mum.”

You catch a glimpse of Jamie in the corner of your eye, his cheeks flushed from his Mum’s doting. 

Georgie pulls back, keeping her hands on your shoulders, “You're even prettier than he said.”

Your eyebrows shoot up, “Jamie.”

“Don't look at me,” his eyes widened. 

“I'm beginning to think I need to hear everything you've been saying about me.”

Georgie beams, “Oh, I could tell you.”

“Mum!” He exclaims whilst you stifle a laugh, before he sighs, “I’m pretty sure it’s nothing I don’t already tell you”

And something in Jamie's face softens.

Because this–

This is what he'd wanted.

You here.

His mum here.

The two most important women in his life standing in his living room and laughing together.

And for once...

Nothing feels complicated.

Nothing feels frightening.

It just feels right.

Dinner is, by all accounts, a success.

Simon compliments the food three times. Which, apparently, is practically a standing ovation.

Georgie asks you approximately a thousand questions.

Not invasive ones.

The kind that make you realise she's genuinely interested.

How you met Jamie.

What Richmond is like.

Whether you enjoy working with the team.

What you studied.

What you do when you're not working.

And every time you answer, she listens.

Really listens.

Jamie spends most of dinner watching you.

Which you eventually notice, softly murmuring to him, “Stop staring.”

He blinks, “I'm not.”

“You are.”

“Can't help it,” he shrugs. His hand shifted to clasp yours. 

You smile warmly up at him, before turning back to talk with Georgie. While Simon serves plates of the cake he had made. 

And as you sat. 

You noticed the little thoughtful gestures he made for Georgie, the way he anticipated what she needed before she even had to ask. 

How he would refill her glass without being asked. 

How he’d give her extra strawberry slices. 

It made you think of all the ways Jamie was thoughtful. The way he cared. 

It was heartwarming to see. 

It was like a glimpse into your future…

And as the night drags on. Yawns escape more and more frequently. Soon you’re all headed to sleep. 

As both Simon and Georgie stay the night. 

With the promise that Georgie would spend the next morning with you. 

Which means the following morning, after reluctantly nudging Jamie out of bed when his alarm sounds off nearing 4 am. 

You’re tempted to cling to him, to keep him in your arms and savour his warmth. 

But Jamie, unfortunately, has training.

And Roy has apparently decided that rest days are a moral failing.

Soon he's standing beside the bed, bending down to kiss you, “See yeh later, love.”

You catch his shirt, in your sleepy state, “Wait.”

He pauses, he raises a brow, “What?”

You glance toward the bedroom door. Then back at him. That niggling feeling of nerves comes back to settle within you, “Your mum.”

He smiles, “She'll be alright.”

He notices the dip in your brow–the sense of worry creeping in. 

Crouching down, he takes your hands within his, softly caressing them before he soothes your fears, “I promise it’ll be fine–if last night’s anything to go by, then I can tell yeh’ right now, that she loves you”

You offer the slightest nod, acknowledging his words, hoping that you’d grow to believe them. 

He presses a kiss to your hand, while you murmur softly, “Thanks Jamie–Love you”

“Love you too sweetheart,” he smiles, before stepping away. 

And a few hours later, the smell of fresh coffee floods your senses, the buttery scent of pancakes fresh from the pan fills the air–the faint sizzle reaches your ears. 

As you come downstairs you’re greeted by the sight of Simon with one of your aprons tied around his waist as he cooks up a stack of pancakes. 

A bright cheery smile plastered across his face as his voice rings out, “Good Morning!”

“Morning,” you say softly. 

“I hope you don’t mind–but I’ve made some pancakes, help yourself,” he says. 

While you nod gratefully, “Thank you,” your eyes flicker over to Georgie whilst she sips on a mug of tea, patting the chair beside her, ushering you over. 

“So for today–I was hoping we could spend it together, you could show me around Richmond, or we could stay here–” she begins to ramble. 

Your heart warms at her sweetness, her consideration, “It’s a lovely day, we should head out.”

She smiles, “I agree,” before adding, “Now you really need to try some of these pancakes, honestly Simon is a whiz in the kitchen”

You laugh softly, before letting a comfortable ease settle in. 

The conversation flows, naturally and not forced. As both Simon and Georgie behave as though you were always a part of the picture. As though you were always a part of the family. 

…

The morning slips into afternoon. 

You leave the house alongside Georgie, who always has a story for everything. You notice all the little ways she resembles Jamie. 

From the way their noses scrunch up whilst laughing. 

To the way she’d bite her lip as she grinned, much like Jamie would when he tried to stifle a smile. 

And somewhere between coffee and wandering through a little market together, you realise something.

You aren't trying anymore.

You aren't performing.

Aren't worrying about whether you're saying the right thing.

You're simply...

Being you.

And Georgie seems to like that.

She asks you to come with her while she browses. She tells you stories about Jamie as a child.

Some embarrassing.

Some sweet.

Some that make you picture the grown man you know now and wonder how the hell he'd ever been that small.

“He always loved football,” she tells you.

You smile.

“I know.”

“Always had a ball,” she adds before pausing, her smile softens, “He was such a good kid.”

You look at her.

There's something in her expression.

Something deeper.

As her gaze settles into the distance, not quite focussed on anything, simply gazing out. 

“You don't have to tell me anything you don't want to,” you interrupt her train of thought, eyes softening, a small dip in your expression. 

She looks surprised.

Then touched, “Oh, sweetheart.”

You squeeze her arm, “I'm just saying.”

She nods, “I know.”

A moment passes.

Then she speaks again.

“It was tough.”

You don't need to ask what she means, recognising that familiar look, a look that had crossed Jamie’s features a handful of times since you’d been with him. 

“His dad?”

She nods.

Her gaze drops toward the pavement, “He could be very hard on Jamie.”

Your chest tightens.

You already know enough.

Had seen it first hand how tough he could be on Jamie…

But hearing it from his mum...

That's different.

“He wanted Jamie to be the best,” She says before adding with a hollow laugh, “Which sounds lovely, doesn't it?”

Her laugh is quiet.

“But sometimes being the best wasn't enough.”

You swallow.

Georgie’s gaze remained locked ahead, “And Jamie started thinking that if he wasn't perfect at something, he wasn't worth much at all.”

Something twists painfully in your chest.

You understand that feeling.

Perhaps that's part of why you recognise the change in Jamie so clearly.

“He was always a good boy,” she continues, “Always,” her eyes flick over to settle onto you, “He just got a little lost.”

Not an excuse. 

Just a thought. An opinion. 

Your voice is soft, “He found his way.”

Georgie smiles, “He's a different lad now.”

“He's still Jamie.”

“Oh, definitely,” She laughs.

“Still an absolute pain in the arse. Especially when it comes to styling his hair,” you joke lightly with a small laugh. 

“Very much so,” she grins, “But...There's something different about him. Ever since you came into his life–he’s changed for the better”

You shake your head, “Jamie did that himself.”

“I know,” she hums in agreement. 

“He worked incredibly hard,” you add. 

“I know that too.”

“He's the one who decided to change.”

Georgie reaches over. Taking your hand before gently squeezing it, “Let me finish, sweetheart.”

You immediately fall quiet. Lips pulled taut. 

“He told me how you had both met, technically, and–” Her voice softens, “He said that message made him think.”

You look away.

Georgie's fingers tighten around yours, “So perhaps he did it himself. And I agree with you. He did,” she nods slightly. 

You glance at her.

“But sometimes..." She gives you a knowing look, “People need someone to hold up a mirror.”

Your throat tightens, “I don't think I did anything special.”

“But you definitely helped. And that’s special to me,” she remarks. 

Silence.

You look down.

Your fingers fiddle with hers.

“I just...” You hesitate, “Jamie was always capable of being better.”

Your eyes flicker up to meet her gaze once more.

She squeezes your hand, “And I'm grateful he had someone around him who believed he could.”

Your eyes sting, “Georgie...”

She shakes her head, “What did I tell you? Call me Mum”

Her eyes are glistening now too, “And you don't need to be modest about everything.”

You laugh weakly, “I'm not.”

“You are.”

“I'm really not.”

“You are.”

You smile.

She smiles.

And then her expression grows serious again, “He's always been a good person,” She says it with absolute conviction, “Even when he wasn't behaving like one.”

You listen.

“That's the difference. He wasn't bad. He was hurt and angry, and confused. And I’m only sorry I wasn’t more able to help during that time–” She sighs, “But now?”

Her eyes brighten.

“Now he's becoming the man he was always meant to be.”

You swallow.

“He's still got work to do,” she adds with a small jest, lacing her words, “But he's got good people around him now.”

You know she's talking about more than just you.

Richmond.

Ted.

Beard.

Roy, despite all the threats.

Sam. 

Rebecca.

Keeley.

Higgins.

The people who had given Jamie space to grow without demanding he become someone else.

“People who support him. People who challenge him. People who let him be himself,” She pauses, “And people who grow alongside him.”

Her hand brushes yours, “You're one of those people.”

Your eyes sting.

You quickly blink it away, “Thank you.”

Georgie smiles, before pulling you into her side as you walk, “And for what it's worth...”

You glance at her.

“He's bloody mad about you.”

You raise a brow, “Yeah?”

“Oh, sweetheart,” She rolls her eyes affectionately, “You should hear him talk about you.”

Your cheeks warm. The idea of Jamie doting over you never failed to make your heart race, your mind go into a flurry. 

You know the way Jamie looks at you.

The way his hand instinctively searches for yours.

The way he checks if you've eaten.

The way he wants you beside him even when he's doing something as mundane as watching television.

The way he says love you like it's the simplest truth in the world.

Georgie gives your hand another squeeze, “And I'm very glad he's found you.”

You look at her, eyes gleaming as they match her warmth and sentiment, “And I'm very glad I found him.”

She smiles with a satisfied nod, “Good.”

Then, after a moment–

“Now.”

You narrow your eyes, “What?”

“Do you want to see the baby photographs?”

You stare at her, “You didn’t”

She grins, “I might have definitely brought a few baby books with me” 

You try to maintain your composure.

You fail. 

“What are we still doing here?–We need to get back home now, so I can see these baby photos,” you replied. 

She loops her arm through yours, “Excellent.”

Her smile becomes positively wicked.

And as you walk beside Jamie's mum, listening to her already beginning to recount the story of a seven-year-old Jamie falling face-first into a muddy football pitch...

You realise something.

Maybe this is what family feels like.

Not perfect.

Not polished.

Not something you have to earn.

Just people who love each other.

People who know the worst parts and stay anyway.

People who remember who you were...

And still choose to love who you've become.

And somewhere across Richmond, probably being yelled at by Roy Kent for the crime of stretching incorrectly– 

Jamie is completely unaware that his mum is currently preparing to destroy his dignity.

You couldn’t wait to tell him.

…and on another note. You thought, that just maybe, just perhaps. 

One day. 

You wouldn’t mind calling Georgie and Simon your family…

You could only hope that one day Jamie wouldn’t mind that idea either. 

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 12! And the exploration between you and Jamie’s Mum, Georgie, and the little heart to heart (trust that Jamie has talked her ear off about you, she feels like your family already) - also I can’t help but picture Simon to be someone who shows his love through food, hence all the baking and cooking. Also really enjoyed including the little worries and fears (that I’m sure a lot of us feel when it comes to meeting the important people of our partner’s/friend’s lives) ♥️ also…may or may not be threading in some ideas of wedding bells, just to have them thinking about it… 👀 Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be added to the taglist✨

Read Part 13: here!

Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Jamie Tartt Masterlist here

Not in the way all the others were. 

So he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t just a little bit happy to see him leave the team…

And that was something you noticed immediately. 

Like Ted said. 

The only people that mattered to the team were the players that truly wanted to be here. That truly wanted to be a part of Richmond and what they were striving for. 

Those were the players that made the Richmond Greyhounds what they were. 

They just had to believe it. 

…

Sadly that didn’t quell the public’s complete disappointment when the team played a friendly in Amsterdam. 

The loss of Zava caused a clear outrage amongst the crowd. 

It was fair to say. 

That it was brutal. 

Especially as the team failed to score a single goal the entire match. 

And when Ted announced that the curfew was lifted for the night to try and alleviate the team’s spirits, your eyes lit up, loving the idea of spending the night exploring Amsterdam with Jamie–

Jamie's face lit up immediately, "Brilliant," he said, giving your hand a squeeze. "Come on, babe. Let's go explore–”

Your own smile begins to form at the idea. 

Unfortunately for you–

Roy had other ideas, “Not for you, Tartt!” He stands by the door of the bus. 

“Eh?” Jamie’s brows shoot up in confusion, his hand still intertwined with yours. 

“Let's go,” Roy insists once more. 

“You serious?” Jamie questions. While you can’t help but laugh from the expression forming on his face. 

“You're not on fucking holiday from training,” Roy states once more, before jutting his head, starting to walk off, “Let's go!”

Jamie looked at you in complete disbelief, "He's kidnappin' me."

You bit your lip, trying–and failing–not to laugh.

Jamie mutters with annoyance, before he swoops down placing a kiss upon your lips, sighing whilst he stands,

“Great. Sick. Have fun,” Jamie sighed dramatically before leaning down to steal one last kiss, "I'm gonna go see the sights..."

Trudging past everyone in defeat, “Training. In Amsterdam,” letting out an unenthused, he threw both hands into the air, “Woo.”

All Jamie had wanted to do was wander the streets alongside you. 

Not with Roy. 

And certainly not whilst training…

He had simply wanted to spend his day, showing you the sights, exploring the city and seeing all it had to offer. 

But he supposed if he wanted to be the best…

In Roy’s opinion, there was no time to waste. 

You send Jamie a sympathetic smile, waving at him through the window, watching him run alongside Roy. 

Slumping into your seat, lips pursed in thought…

Now what were you going to do–

Higgins turns around in his seat, head poking around the corner to see you, a smile on his lips, “If you’d like, you’re welcome to join Will and I, on our journey through the red light district?” 

Catching sight of Will’s expression, he has this slight confused look in his eye, a small raise of his shoulders. Even he was unaware of what Higgins’ plans were. 

Your brows furrow in vague concern. 

You had heard Higgins mention it a few times already. And well–whilst it didn’t suit the image you had of him from what you knew. 

You were just a tad bit concerned as to what he had planned. 

And despite any trepidation. Curiosity won out regardless.

"You know what?" you nodded, "Sure."

It’s not like you were going to go running after Jamie and Roy. You might as well see what Higgins had planned for the night. 

Or at the very least make sure that Will was ok. 

And it was probably the best choice you had made, walking past the team whilst they argued in the lobby, none of them able to agree on a single thing. 

You followed Higgins' lead. 

Wandering through the city streets of Amsterdam beneath the sunset sky. Seeing the city bustle and move fluidly around you. Admiring the architecture and beauty that surrounds you. 

You and Will were vaguely concerned over Higgins’ mental state when he had mentioned the red light district. 

Will went even as far as to question the state of his home life–

But as it turns out. 

Higgins’ idea of a night in the red light district. 

Meant exploring the rich history of Jazz. 

And as soon as the story about Chet Baker leaves his lips. Your worries fade, a smile taking place. Seeing the spark of interest in his eyes whilst he shared his fascination of Jazz music. 

Finally letting yourself enjoy the moment. 

The night included dimly lit bars, swirling glasses of amber liquid as the air around you fills with the sound of Jazz. 

Music that enters your ears and settles into your bones. 

Lively and electric, that makes your mind buzz. 

Higgins smiled, as he set down your drinks upon the table. 

“Thank you for doing this, you two,” he said whilst settling into his seat, “One pilgrim alone is merely a zealot,  but three pilgrims together, that's a pilgrimage.” He gently elbowed Will. 

Smiling at the two. You raise your glass to cheers. 

“Thanks for the invite–who’d have thought? Leslie Higgins is a bit of a dark horse,” you joke lightly. 

“I don’t know about dark horse,” he replies, a slight nervous energy returning to his features. 

“Well it's certainly been a pleasant surprise,” you continue. 

Letting yourselves be overcome by the music as it flowed all around you filling the air with a liveliness you had never quite experienced before. 

But then a faint buzz vibrates from your pocket. 

And curiosity got the better of you. 

Slipping your phone from your pocket you see a notification pop up from Jamie. 

Jamie 💙: [ About to teach Roy how to ride a bike ] Jamie 💙: [ Want to join? x ] Jamie 💙: [ Promise there’s no running ]

A grin spreads across your lips, you take the last sips of your drink, before leaning into Higgins’ side, not wanting to disturb Will who truly seems so enthralled by the atmosphere…

And just perhaps maybe. 

A little enthralled by the lead singer. 

“I’m going to leave you both to it–”

“You sure you’ll be ok?” Higgins asked just checking to see–a habit from being a father and an overall nice person. 

Nodding, you smiled, “I had a great time, I’m just off to go see Jamie”

He smiles widely, pushing you gently away, “Go on–go and be lovers in this beautiful city”

Squeezing his shoulder one last time, you duck out of the Jazz bar. 

Before long you’re renting your own bike, going through the city streets, until you hear a loud shout breaking the peaceful night air. 

“Fucking hell!” the gruff voice echoing out. 

A wide grin spreads across your lips from the familiar voice. 

It seems you had managed to find them. 

A loud crash rings out, rounding the corner you come across to find Roy angrily pulling himself up from the ground, fumbling to move the bike. 

While Jamie jogged over to help. 

Jamie, to his credit, was trying very hard to be supportive. He was also trying very hard not to laugh.

“I have a feeling that ya’ don’t know how to stop,” he extended a hand to Roy to help pull him up. 

“You think?” you ask dryly, alerting them both of your appearance. 

Jamie’s eyes visibly brighten at the sight of you. Hand releasing Roy immediately in favour of going over to meet you. 

You hop off your bike, whilst his arms wrap around you, pecking a sweet kiss to your cheek, “Hey Babe–Glad you could make it” 

Smiling up at him, you reach up to hug him, “And miss seeing Roy learn how to ride a bike–not a chance”

A huff sounds out from behind. 

“Haha–laugh it up,” Roy says, finally standing up, whilst he holds onto the bike. A scowl permanently etched onto his face. 

You and Jamie both shift to face him, whilst Jamie’s arm stays snaked around your waist, keeping you close to his side. 

Having missed your warmth and presence. 

“Okay you big grump–let’s teach you how to ride a bike,” You grin. As Roy merely rolled his eyes, a single thought popped into his mind…This was going to be a long night. 

And that was how you and Jamie spent the evening trying to teach Roy how to ride a bike. 

“All right, mate. It's good,” Jamie encourages. 

Whilst Roy growls, feet peddling, a little shaky upon the bike, “I'm gonna kill you.”

But as you watch him from your place on a bench, you watch as Roy eventually gets the hang of it. 

Not without threatening violence throughout each attempt. Your bellyaches whilst you stifle the laughter watching the two of them. 

Jamie trodding after him, following after Roy giving him a thumbs up, wide grin spreading across his face, “You're doing it. You're doing it!”

“I'm doing it,” With a scowl still in place it fades slightly, and is instead replaced by sheer willpower as Roy cries out, feet peddling, “Let's go find a fucking windmill!”

Jamie laughs, fist bumping the air, “For Granddad!”

Roy’s figure begins to retreat into the distance, you and Jamie both hurry to get onto your own bikes and follow after him. 

“All right, wait for us,” Jamie yells. 

Trees and sparse housing take the place of the city as they begin to fade, the further and further you three bike away. 

“Coach. I know that you have my best interests at heart, or...or the club's anyway,” Jamie begins to say. 

The sounds of the gears turning, the faint scratching of the roads underneath your wheels. The soft sounds of the leaves rustling with the gentle breeze. 

The sound of your breathing fills the quiet air. As Jamie continues.  

Even though you're clearly upset about something else  and you're taking it out on me,” Jamie sighs, doing his best to get to his point, “What I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry for being a dick earlier. I've been to Amsterdam twice.”

Your eyes flicker over to Jamie, listening to him. 

“When I was 14, me dad was trying to get back with me mum, and he was acting like some kind of fucking super dad or some shit,” Jamie explained. 

A small frown settling upon your lips at the mention of said man…from what you knew of him…and from the last time you had crossed paths with him…

He wasn’t someone you’d willingly be around.

“–and he brought me out here for some father-son bonding time. Anyway, he said it was to watch a football match,” Jamie added. 

A feeling of discomfort brewing in the pit of your stomach. 

Roy’s brows furrowed whilst Jamie talks.  

“After the game, he took me to the red-light district for my real present. He, uh…” Jamie cleared his throat, “He took me to lose my virginity to those ladies behind the windows–”

Roy’s eyes widened as he muttered, “Jesus. Must have been traumatizing.”

“Jamie–” -Your own shock seeping into your features. Lips pulled thin. Roy had said the very thing that had popped into your mind. 

Jamie’s brows furrowed in confusion, with a small shake of his head, “No. She loved it–” Before blinking when he saw the look on both yours and Roy’s face, “Oh, for me–Sorry, me, you mean.”

His mouth twists in thought, while he shrugs lightly, “Uh, no. I-I don't know. I don't remember.” 

Your chest tightens from his words. A pang of sympathy seeping in. 

Jamie shakes his head before continuing, voice lightening whilst he shifts the conversation away, “Anyway, a couple of years later, me mum brought me back here. And we went to museums and did all the tours,  and it's the first time I had stroopwafel. Never forget that time,” A true smile slipping onto his lips at the memory. 

Before it drops once more, “Even though my dad weren't here, he was s-still kinda there with us. You know?...” His words taper off. 

“I was a dick today too. I'm sorry,” Roy huffs softly, before grumbling out, “I think Keeley's got a girlfriend…”

You had a feeling that was why Roy had been so off…

Had a feeling that was why he was on edge. 

You don’t confirm his suspicions. 

You simply hum in acknowledgement alongside Jamie. 

Jamie offers a small nod, before clearing the air, “Let's go find us some windmills, eh?” 

The brightness you admired in Jamie coming back to settle into his eyes. His eyes flicker to meet yours, lips widening as they catch your smile. 

You steer to be a little closer to his side. 

You mutter softly, “For what it’s worth–your Dad’s a dickhead”

He lets out a dry laugh, a small nod, “That’s one way to put it”

While your lips softens into a smile, “But your Mum sounds like an amazing woman”

“I’d like you to meet her,” he replies softly. Sweetly. And ever so sincerely. 

“Really?” your eyes widen, doing your best to stifle your growing excitement at the prospect. Not wanting to seem too eager. 

“Really, really. I’d like you to meet my Mum”

“I’d like that too Jamie,” you say with a smile. 

He nods, a smile upon his lips. 

Nothing smug. 

Nothing fake. 

Simply sincere. 

Simply Jamie. 

Your Jamie. 

You continue to peddle on. Letting the evening air bring you all a sense of calm along your journey to find a windmill. 

Crickets chirping. 

The stars and moon up above. 

It felt truly serene…

And it would’ve made for a lovely date with Jamie, had it not been for–

“Fucking hell,” Roy growled swerving slightly as he rolled over a rock. 

“Balance! Roy. Balance! Remember the dribble,” Jamie called after him. 

Like you said…It could’ve been a lovely date. 

You laughed with a small shake of your head. And yet despite it all, despite the slight angry huffs, and muttered curses. This was soon becoming one of your favourite nights. 

And a wonderful first time in Amsterdam. 

Made even better when you all eventually come to a stop before a windmill. Taking a moment to admire it. 

Your eyes gleam as you catch sight of a few certain blooming flowers by the side of the path. 

Hopping off of your bike, you lean it into Jamie’s hands, calling back to them as you wander ahead, “I’ll just be a second”

Jamie's eyes follow after you. Simply admiring the way you light up. 

Something that didn’t escape Roy’s attention. 

And unbeknownst to you. 

Whilst you were admiring the tulips, crouched by the flower beds. 

Just mere feet behind you, Roy had leaned into Jamie, “You know–You’re the prickiest prick of them all”

Jamie taken aback from the words, brows creased as he looked at the man, “Gee Roy, after everything I said back then–”

“–Let me finish,” Roy huffed, while Jamie nodded, letting him continue, “But, I also know. That somewhere beneath all that hair gel and that fog of lynx. You are truly something,” Roy poked a finger against Jamie’s chest to drive the point home. 

“Something?” Jamie’s brows shoot up, taken aback by compliment. Something so rare for Roy to offer up. 

Roy only gruffly replies, "Don't make me fucking repeat myself."

“…Thanks? I guess”

“Just don’t fucking mess up with her otherwise I’ll fucking mess you up. We clear?” Roy jabs a finger over to your direction. 

Jamie nods solemnly, “Clear as fucking day.”

Roy purses his lips, glaring at him for a few moments more, before stepping back with a satisfied nod. 

Just in time as you wander up to them, a tulip in hand. 

"Love, you know I would have gotten you flowers if you wanted them," Jamie says noticing the two tulips in your hand.

Smiling softly at him you nod, "That's sweet of you-but its not for me"

He arches a brow in question, "Then who's it for?"

"Dani"

His mouth forms an oh, as he nods in understanding, "Makes sense-he was talking about those on the trip over"

"And I have a feeling he hasn't gotten to see one yet," you add, mind drifting back to when you passed the boys in the hotel lobby, “Should we start heading back? I want to grab one of those Appelflappens before we get to the bus–” You suggest. 

“Appelflappens?” Roy questions. 

“You know, one of those apple pastries or whatever–Surely you’re both starving, we could even get some of those stroopwafels," you suggest. 

Jamie looks at you, “I don’t know Babe, I’d have to ask my coach if I can eat one of those,” before glancing at Roy with a pleading look. 

Your own gaze shifting to Roy, hands pressed together with a puppy dog look in your eyes.

His eyes flicker between you both. 

Until he breaks. 

A reluctant sigh leaves him, before he hops back onto his bike, “Fine,” he answers gruffly before pointing at Jamie, “But only one”

Jamie grins widely, leaning into your side, with a delicate kiss to your cheek, whispering, “I think I can get him to let me have two”

You let out a soft giggle, while his lips shift to capture yours, you can feel his lips pull into a smile as they meld against yours. 

Just as you’re about to peddle onwards, your bike makes an unsettling noise, a clatter and clank as a few screws fall to the ground. 

You wince whilst glancing down.

It seems your bike had had enough of this trip. 

“C’mon Babe–You ok?” Jamie asked. 

Biting your lip with a defeated sigh you look at him, “I don’t think my bike is going to make it back to Amsterdam”

He makes a gesture of his head, beckoning you over, with a small wink, “Good thing there’s room enough for two on mine”

The dorky smile that settles onto his face, makes your chest warm. 

He helps you to hop on, making sure you were comfortably settled, your arms curling around his waist, leaning your head upon his back. Feeling the beating of his racing heart. 

Sure. 

The team might not have won the match today. 

Sure. 

Amsterdam might have brought up some long forgotten feelings for Jamie. 

But it had also brought with it a set of new memories. 

Ones that would be remembered fondly alongside the memory of visiting with his mum. 

One that would be cherished just as highly. 

Because, with you by his side. 

He never failed to feel settled. Never failed to feel calm. Never failed to feel loved and seen for who he was. 

Truly. 

…

As you and Jamie settle onto the bus, you remember something. 

“Oi–Dani,” you call out. 

He twists to peer over his seat, meeting your eyes, “Yes?” 

You grin, as you hand over the tulip you had picked last night, “You were talking about seeing tulips, so when I saw it I thought of you”

His eyes twinkle at the sight. Taking it into his hands with a gentle revere, “Oh thank you so much”

Smiling with pride you nod, waving it off, “Glad you like it”

“I will treasure this forever,” he nods. 

Before Jan adds, “Or until it wilts or its taken away when we reenter England, whichever comes first” 

Everyone groans at his words, whilst Dani’ s smile dips from his words. 

Jan shrugs, “I’m just being truthful” 

You roll your eyes with a soft laugh, before leaning back into your seat, a small yawn escapes you. 

Jamie shifts, while you settle your head onto his shoulder. 

He places a soft kiss upon your head, mumbling softly, for your ears only, “I had a great time last night, thank you”

You smile softly, eyes fluttering close. 

“Love you,” he adds. 

“Love you too,” you murmured, letting sleep envelop you, feeling Jamie’s head settle atop of yours, whilst his arm curls around you…

“Let’s go–”

“Shh,” he murmured out, hushing his teammates, not wanting to disturb you. Whilst the entire bus falls into a hush, zipping their lips, and lowering their voices. 

Jamie looked down at you.

Really looked.

At the crease between your brows that disappeared when you slept.

At the way your hair had escaped behind your ear.

At the extra tulip stem still poking from the top of your bag because you'd thought of Dani and simply had to bring him a tulip.

That was you.

You always thought of people.

Always found something beautiful to bring home.

Always made room for everyone else.

He simply loved you. And everything that came with loving you. 

His thumb brushed absent-mindedly across your knuckles. His chest warms at the sight. 

He wondered–not for the first time, but with more certainty than ever before–what it would be like if this never stopped.

If every away trip ended like this.

If every bus ride home meant you asleep against his shoulder.

If every ordinary day was spent loving you.

Perhaps it was a bit preemptive. 

Perhaps it was an impulsive thought. 

But Jamie had never once felt so sure of anything before. 

Had never once felt so certain. 

Forever suddenly didn't feel like a frighteningly long time.

It instead felt...

Not long enough.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 11! Keeping it fairly light. Not too much exploration into Jamie's complex feelings about his dad, but the beginnings of the idea of you meeting his Mum, and the possibility of a future together 👀 (I just loved the idea of you spending part of the evening with Higgins and Will, they really seemed like they had a great night out, and who wouldn't want to get Dani a tulip! literally such a precious lil bean) Also just know that in the moment you're watching Jamie teach Roy - you are totally imagining Jamie to be a good dad ☺️ Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨

Read, Part 12: here!

Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Jamie Tartt Masterlist here

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And it was clear. 

From the brief fleeting glances you had sent Jamie’s way–that he wasn’t pleased by the addition either. 

Zava had become a walking reminder of the arrogant prick that Jamie once was–a walking reminder of the selfish asshole he once was. 

It felt like bringing Zava onto the team…

Was a step back in the wrong direction. He had become a fracture in the team. Even if the Greyhounds were now performing better than ever. 

And Jamie hated to admit it…

So when he had passed by your office just after training…he had immediately froze. Eyes stuck on the figure of you. 

Now Jamie rationally knew that this was your job. 

Knew that your job was to make sure everyone was at their best physically…

Knew that your job as a physiotherapist meant you helped ease the muscle tensions, strains and sprains of his team mates…

And normally Jamie was fine with all of that–

Normally it didn’t bother Jamie–

But for some reason. 

Seeing you working carefully to release tension from between Zava’s shoulders with a practised ease, Jamie was sure you could do it with your eyes closed. 

Zava’s eyes closed, sitting perfectly still.

Looking almost…

Peaceful. 

Calm. 

Jamie bit his lip, swallowing the thick lump forming in his throat. He couldn’t explain it–couldn’t explain why. 

But seeing you and him, not intimate, but so close. 

It made Jamie physically recoil, stumbling back. Turning sharply away when he shook from his thoughts. 

Not noticing the raise of your brows. 

Not noticing the way you saw him leave. 

Not noticing the small falter in your smile as you watched Jamie walk away. 

Normally he’d swing by–stop and say hello, steal a kiss even if you pushed him away and scold him for being unprofessional. 

So this. 

Him leaving–

That had struck you as odd. 

And that feeling carried with you long after the game, long after you had gone home to get changed. 

Sending photos to Keeley trying to figure out what you should wear. Fretting over your hair, a swipe of lipstick across your lips and a glimmer of sparkly eyeshadow on your eyelids. 

Checking yourself out in the mirror whilst Keeley sends you words of encouragement, words like bombshell, drop dead, and fucking gorgeous, all somehow making their way into her messages. 

Bringing a bright smile to your face. 

Before tapping to open up Jamie’s contact, before you could even message to ask him if he wanted to meet at Ola’s, a message popped up. 

Jamie 💙: [ I’m just outside xx ]

Smiling softly at the words, you reach for your bag, pulling on your shoes before walking out to find Jamie standing at your door. 

Seeming a little more like himself.

“Hey babe,” you smile. 

His arm wraps around your waist, pressing a kiss to your cheek, “Hi love–Can I just say that yeh look fucking stunning,” you feel his lips widen into a smile as they press against your cheek. 

The low rasp of his voice, warm and sweet like honey as it trickles into your ear. 

Feeling a heat rise up to your cheeks as they burn from his touch. 

“And you’re,” you turn to press your palms to his chest slightly fiddling to adjust his shirt, while your other hand raises to card through his hair, “Very handsome–are you sure you’ve got the right house? The last time I saw my boyfriend he had a very pouty look on his face,” you teased.  

And instead of retaliating. 

Instead of giving you a teasing remark. 

Jamie simply pressed a fleeting kiss to your lips–almost bristled by your comment. 

You were none the wiser to the reason why–unaware that your comment had brought back the memory of you in the physio room with Zava…unaware that Jamie was unnerved by Richmond’s newest player. 

His hand slips into yours, gently pulling you to the car. 

Your brows dip in slight confusion. 

But there’s no time to question it any further. Because just as soon as you get into his car, you’re arriving at Sam’s restaurant for the team celebration, and opening night preview. 

“Sam! This place looks amazing,” you cheerfully compliment, catching said man into a hug. 

“Thank you Y/N, it is truly great to see you, and Jamie, of course,” he smiles nodding towards Jamie.

Jamie grins, “Wouldn’t miss it,” clapping him on the back. 

“Ok, now you two, enjoy. The bar’s over there–and please tell me what you think of the food, unless it’s not good, then in that case don’t tell me,” Sam jokes. 

You laugh lightly, stepping back, catching a glimpse of Rebecca and Keeley who wave you over, before glancing back at Sam, “I’m sure everything here is delicious”

You lean into Jamie’s side for a moment, pressing a kiss to his cheek before telling him you’re headed over to Rebecca and Keeley. 

Both of whom look absolutely stunning. Which comes as no surprise to you. 

Whilst Jamie…

Well–

He slinks away the moment he catches word that Zava might make an appearance. 

And for the most part you’re distracted by Rebecca while she talks about her strange coincidences that align with what her mother’s psychic had said. 

The night was made even brighter when Sassy appeared. 

Her brows dip when she pulls away from a hug with you, “And you–wanna tell me why it looks like your boyfriend is sulking in the corner?” she juts her head over to Jamie who sits in the corner, glaring at the drink in his hand like it had just insulted him. 

Your lips shift from a smile into a frown, twisting into one of confusion, “He’s been a little off today–so I honestly don’t know,” you offer weakly. 

Noticing the mournful look upon your features, Sassy nods, before squeezing your shoulder, sharing a look with the others. 

“Well, then I propose we have a couple of champagnes to wipe that frown from your face,” she suggests. 

Rebecca turns to the bar, “Can we get another champagne?” 

The long stemmed glass appears and is placed in your hand, whilst they chatter away, but even their funniest stories can’t seem to occupy your attention. 

As your mind can’t help but drift back to Jamie who sits alone in the corner. 

Who only seems to sink further into his seat when Zava enters the restaurant. Swarmed by the team, while Dani seemingly becomes attached to his side. 

Excusing yourself from your friends, you walk over to Jamie. 

Tilting your head, you ask despite already pulling out a chair, “Mind if I take a seat?” 

“Course, yeah,” He nods, a distant look in his eyes, barely lifting from his glass. 

Leaning your arms upon the table, you perch your head upon your hand, simply observing him, trying to notice why he was so off tonight. 

He seemed fine earlier. 

This morning was great. 

When he picked you up he seemed okay…

But now?

He seemed like his mind was in another world. With an expression that didn’t suit a player who was on a team with a winning streak. 

“What’s got you so upset?” you questioned softly. 

His shoulders freeze up, he shifts uncomfortably, and the words that spill from his mouth comes out far more defensive than he wanted them to, “I’m not upset”

Nodding with disbelief, “Sure you’re not,” you glance over to the others, as a round of laughter rings out, you jut your head, “Since you’re not upset, why don’t you come over and sit with me and the others.” 

What he says next catches you off guard. 

An edge, a sharp bitterness seeped into his words. 

“No it’s fine, yeh go over and fawn over how amazing Zava is…just like everyone else,” he muttered. Hands clench around the drink in his grasp. 

Your brows furrow in confusion. Leaning in, dropping your voice, with a small shake of your head, “Jamie–what?–”

He pushes away from the table, leaning back against the wall, averting his gaze, “Go on,” arms folding over his chest, “I’m sure he’s got plenty of stories”

Your frown settles deeper upon your features. 

Brow creasing. 

You lean away, the loud drag of your chair doesn’t even make him lift his gaze. 

“Fine. But don’t think I’m going over there because of the stories. I’m going over because you’re being an arse right now,” you state, before walking away. 

Sitting upright he looks up at your retreating figure, “Wait no ugh–” he sighs, dropping his head into his hands. 

Way to fucking go. 

It’s only when Roy confronts him. That he’s able to truly recognise why he had been so–off.

Why he had reacted– 

Behaved that way. 

And in that moment. Jamie realises…He has a lot of making up to do to you. For giving you such a cold shoulder, for brushing you off for things you had no idea he was feeling. 

But in the midst of that conversation. 

Jamie always signed himself up to be trained under Roy’s guidance…

Not realising it was going to be the training regiment from hell. 

While the crowd thins, others begin to leave, Jamie falls into step beside you. No smile graces your features. Lips pulled taut into a thin line. 

Whilst you walk out into the cold evening air. 

Your arms shift to hug yourself, brushing up and down your arms trying to warm up. Feeling a chill run up your spine. 

You hear him sigh from beside you. 

Your steps falter when you realise he’s no longer walking beside you. 

Turning back you’re met with the sight of Jamie staring down at the ground. His hands stuffed into his pockets. 

A somewhat shameful look adorns his face. 

He bites his lip, before taking in a deep breath. 

Lifting his gaze. 

The air is almost knocked out of your lungs from the clarity in his eyes. 

“I’m sorry,” he says. Those words fill the air. Fill the space between you both, he scratches the back of his neck, embarrassment shifting to take place of the shame, “I’ve been an asshole–and I took it out on yeh–when it had nothing to do with yeh” 

You take a step forward, offering a small nod, “Go on.” 

“I just–with Zava joining the team, it’s brought up a lot of uh–complicated feelings…” he states. 

You arch a brow, “If this is your way of telling me you have a crush on Zava, then I hope you know that Dani’s already called dibs,” you state with a small tease. 

Breaking the sterile air that hangs between you. 

He chuckles lightly with a shake of his head, while you laugh softly. 

“No, it’s not–it’s not that,” he replies, “When I saw yeh earlier today with him–it just made me, uhm, what’s the word, uh–”

“Jealous?” you offered, a slight twitch of your lips, a little sliver of amusement slinking into your words. 

“What?” he blinks, caught off guard by the word. 

Jealous…it wasn’t a feeling Jamie was accustomed to. It wasn’t a word that came to mind often…

But with this. 

“No–maybe,” he says. 

You burst into laughter. Actually laughed, the sound was bright enough that Jamie immediately relaxed.

"Oh my God,” you managed to say between laughs, wiping away at the tears forming in the corners of your eyes.

Stepping closer to him, until you're right in front of him. 

Your hands slip into his, holding them, your laughter fades but the smile remains. 

“So this whole time–you’ve been jealous? Of Zava?” you question with a raise of your brows. 

He sighed, “Not my finest moment,” he leaned his forehead against yours, eyes drifting close, feeling a weight lifted from his chest. 

What he had been feeling now was finally out in the open. 

Your expression softened completely, gazing up at him, "You don't need to worry."

He looked down, "Don't I?"

"No,” You squeezed his fingers, with a tiny shake of your head, "I love you."

“You sure about that?” 

You stared, letting out a soft laugh, "Yes, you idiot."

"I love you,” The grin that spread across his face could've powered half of London. Before he leans down to catch your lips into a kiss, his hands slip from yours to trail up and cradle your face, deepening the kiss as he tilts your head. 

You sigh, melting in his grasp. 

Pulling back slightly to catch your breath, you both simply stand there. Relishing in each other’s company. 

“Somehow I think I’ve agreed to have Roy train me,” Jamie states. 

You snort, dropping your head onto his shoulder, he feels your body quake with laughter, “How?-”

He shrugs with a small chuckle, “I don’t know–he must have a soft spot for me,” Jamie jokes. Before adding, “He said I had to be up at 4?”

“AM?” you question pulling back slightly to see if he was serious. 

“I think he was joking,” Jamie shrugs, both of you starting to walk back to the car. 

You arch a brow, with a slight shake of your head, “Roy doesn’t joke”

Jamie waves you off, “Surely the old man won’t be up at 4”

…

The old man was up at 4. 

You groan softly shifting beneath the sheets, annoyance seeping into your features, when you hear the banging at the door. 

You crack an eye open. 

Not a single sign that dawn was on its way. 

The night sky still blankets the city. 

Jamie snores softly from beside you, face smooshed into the pillow. Completely unaware of the incessant knocking on the door downstairs. 

You sigh, glancing at your phone. Checking the time, you drop your head back down onto the pillow. 

4:02AM

Closing your eyes. 

You let out a long sigh. 

“Jamie,” you call out, sleep still lacing your voice, thick and a little crackled. “Jamie!” you whisper a little more harshly. 

But he doesn’t seem to wake. 

So out of annoyance. 

Out of an inability to think so early in the morning–if you could even call it that. 

You kick him. 

A little sharply into his side. 

With a little more force than necessary. 

He startles awake. 

Shooting up in surprise. 

So much so that he falls out of bed, the mess of sheets tangling him up. A simple thud sounds out when he hits the floor. A groan slips from his mouth. 

“You okay?” you call out, shutting your eyes once more. 

He hums in slight acknowledgement. 

“Who the fuck is that at the door?” he asks from his spot on the floor. Rubbing at his eyes that cling to his exhaustion. 

“I think that that,” the sound of knocks sound out once more, you joke already feeling sleep try to seep back in, “Is your 4AM wake up call” 

The sound of steady breathing fills the air once more. 

“Jamie?” you call out. 

No response. 

“Jamie!”

“Huh!?” he startles awake once more, now standing and shifting to fix the sheets to cover the bed once more, “I’m up”

“You know he’s not going to stop unless you go down,” you reply. 

Jamie lets out a huff. 

Muttering beneath his breath, “Hasn’t the old man ever heard of sleep–it’s fucking pitch black out there…”

You peek an eye open, catching sight of Jamie shuffling out of the room, your lips curve into a small amused smile, letting out a soft laugh from the sight. 

Jamie always did run a little hot on the bottom…

… 

Finding his rhythm as part of Roy’s new regiment for him took a little time. 

Took a few kicks from you in the morning to get him out of bed. 

But overtime. 

He begins to find his footing. 

Begins to get used to the early mornings. 

Get used to Roy’s grumbled antics and brusque nature. 

And whilst you might not be waking up to being in Jamie’s arms in the morning, missing the warmth of his arms curled around you. Feeling his lips pepper your skin while he gently wakes you up. 

Instead what you do wake up to find–

Are little sticky notes, little notes scrawled out in Jamie’s handwriting. Stuck around the house, in the bathroom, the kitchen, the nightstand. 

Anywhere he thinks you’d find. 

Anywhere he thinks you’d look. 

Each note reminding you of his love for you. 

That you’re on his mind, in his thoughts. 

Most are sweet. 

Most are loving. 

A few–a little more than a few are on the cheekier side of things. 

It makes your heart warm to find them, collecting them each and every day. Tucking them away inside a little box you cherish with keepsakes, which fill up more and more with each passing day. 

And with every passing day. 

More and more of them are spent at his. More and more nights are spent staying over at his home. 

A drawer soon becomes yours. 

A shelf now holds most of your things. 

Your favourite mug had even made its way into his cupboard. 

Soon, you’re spending more time at Jamie’s than you are at your own home. Even your neighbour Sandy had noticed, with an arched brow sent your way when she does see you. 

A little grin spread across her lips with a knowing look. 

And then one day. 

One afternoon, after having come home from Nelson road. 

You're curled into Jamie’s side upon the couch, watching some show. 

When he speaks up, “So I noticed a lot of your things are around now,” nothing accusing behind the words, nothing rude. 

Just a plain fact. 

“Sorry–If you want I can move some of my stuff–”

“No, no, no, that’s not–I didn’t mean anything by it, I just–” he stumbles out quickly, “It’s nice. I like it”

You smile from his words. 

“I was just going to say, that you’re welcome to move more of your things in, if you want to,” he continues. 

Tilting your head up to meet his eyes, which soften as they gaze upon you. 

“Are you asking me to move in with you?”

“And if I am?” he replies a little tentatively. 

You smile, pecking a quick kiss to his lips. 

“I’d love to” 

Jamie pulls you even closer to him, holding you warmly, peppering your cheeks with kisses. 

Burying his nose into the crook of your neck, inhaling your presence. 

You feel his lips curved into a smile, so wide, so brilliant. 

“Then I’d love you to move in with me,” he murmurs between soft delicate kisses.

Whilst you sigh with a smile. 

Things were going just great between you both.

Even if Jamie has to slip away from you at 4 in the morning...

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 9! I really enjoyed exploring a little jealousy from Jamie's side, and it felt like Zava was the perfect character to make that happen. And Jamie is totally taking notes from all the rom-coms you and he watch together now, trying to find the best ways to express how much he loves and appreciates you! also you're moving in together ♥️ (you're going to miss your neighbour Sandy, but just maybe, you'll have to join her yoga group and tease Roy whilst you're at it haha) Next chapter I'm planning on exploring Amsterdam and just maybe thread through a few little ideas of marriage and proposals??... 👀 Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨

Read, Part 11: To Stop And Smell The Flowers here!

Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Jamie Tartt Masterlist here

Taglist: @the-sassy-one @enchantedreader  @paulithis @ghostgirl2010 @laceriseweiss @ilocuras24  @esw1012 @sihtricswife @nfr-girly @lilyyanaaaa @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @laurenjbb @qardasngan @jada-lockwood @dream-alittlebiggerdarling

The best moments, your favourite moments, were the quiet ones.

Late nights.

The television playing softly.

Tea growing cold on the coffee table.

One particularly exhausting evening found you curled against Jamie's side. Tension settled heavily in your shoulders. 

Tension that he noticed immediately, "You alright?"

"Fine,” you said, mind elsewhere. 

Since your admission a few weeks ago–admitting that the world had pulled you beneath the waves of their insults and opinions. 

Jamie had done his best to pick up on the moments you weren’t quite yourself. 

Pick up on when your mind led you elsewhere. 

"You say that like Ted says 'no pressure.'"

You laughed tiredly, "Long week."

Without another word, Jamie shifted, "Come here."

"What?" You asked with a raised brow. 

"Turn around,” he simply stated. 

Confused, you obeyed.

Gentle hands settled against your shoulders.

Careful pressure.

Massaging sore muscles.

You immediately melted, "...Jamie."

"You spend all your time looking after everyone else,” His voice softened, "Let me look after you, love." He ducked down to press a kiss to the top of your head. 

Emotion caught unexpectedly in your throat.

Because people didn't often think to take care of the caretaker.

But Jamie always noticed.

His fingers worked patiently.

Slowly easing tension away.

"You don't have to–” you try to say. 

"I know,” His lips pressed gently against your temple, "But I want to."

Your eyes stung slightly.

Stupidly.

You leaned back against him.

Relaxing completely, "I love you,” you sigh, with a wide smile upon your lips. Eyes drifting close. 

With them shut you weren’t able to see the way Jamie’s were so filled with hope.

Wonder.

Love.

Completely written all over his face.

His smile appeared. And the emotion you felt was reciprocated tenfold, "I love you too."

Hands still moving to delicately ease the tension from your shoulders, before you felt him shake lightly, a rumble escaping him whilst he started to laugh lightly. 

Warm and disbelieving, "You know."

"What?" your lips curled into an amused smile. 

"This all happened because you accidentally told me to get my shit together," he chuckled.

You laughed leaning back into his arms, whilst they slipped down to encircle your waist. Your head against his shoulder, tilted to look up at him, you cheekily remarked, "I stand by it."

Jamie grinned, "Yeah."

Arms tightening around you.

Forehead resting against yours, "Best thing anyone's ever told me, actually."

It came as no surprise. That everyone at the club was completely thrilled to see you both back together. 

No longer burdened or strained beneath the opinions of others–of strangers. 

But no one was happier than Keeley and Rebecca–well, maybe– 

Ted would argue that he was the happiest to see you two kids work it out. Bringing joy back into the club. 

A little reminder that love was always just around the corner. 

And perhaps just always a little too much in the forefront of everyone’s attention. Something you didn’t particularly enjoy all the time. 

Thankfully, when it came to being part of the Richmond Greyhounds–there was always something happening to occupy the spotlight. 

And this time it came in the form of Richmond gaining another outsider.

Or perhaps more accurately–

Another victim of Roy Kent's terrifying death stare, "No one talks to him."

You blinked up from the makeshift treatment table outside, for just in case there were any injuries during practice, "Sorry?"

Roy folded his arms, "I'm serious."

You looked over his shoulder.

Across the training ground, where Trent Crimm–no longer from The Independent, now independent– stood awkwardly with a notebook tucked beneath one arm.

Rebecca and Ted had both given him permission to shadow the club for the year, to spend the season around the club, documenting Richmond from the inside. 

The players treated him like he'd wandered in carrying the plague.

Will actually turned around and walked the other direction.

Colin suddenly became fascinated with a traffic cone.

Even Higgins had developed somewhere incredibly important to be.

"...Roy,” you said with a light scolding. 

He only grunted in response. 

"That's incredibly mean,” you added, folding your arms over your chest. 

"He writes."

"He writes,” you say aloud. With slight disbelief that this was all Roy was annoyed about. 

"He asks questions."

"That's generally what journalists and writers do."

Roy grunted, "Exactly."

You shook your head, waving him off, "I'll go say hello."

Roy's eyes narrowed, "You betray us..."

You smiled sweetly, "And if you do anything about it, I'll make your rehab exercises harder."

"That's blackmail."

"It's physiotherapy,” you say, poking out your tongue with a grin. 

Trent looked pleasantly surprised when you approached.  

"I was beginning to think I'd accidentally become invisible,” he said, whilst his eyes remained trained on the team, noting the way they operated, the way Ted operated…

You laughed, "No. You've just become...Roy-proof."

His lips curled into a small smile, "I've noticed."

You held out your hand, "I'm not sure we've officially met–Y/N L/N, team physiotherapist and the one keeping the people on the team from breaking"

He shook it warmly with a small chuckle, "Trent Crimm, and if I recall correctly, we’ve met once before”

You think for a moment before clicking your tongue in realisation. 

“Right–How could I forget the journalist that didn’t have anything better to ask me than what I thought about Jamie Tartt’s return to Richmond,” you replied with a slight tease. 

He put his arms up in mock defense, “I was just trying to find out what I could–”

You laughed, with a small nod, “I’m pretty sure my answer was ‘yet to be decided’,” you added. 

“And what would be your answer now?” he asked with a knowing look in his eye. 

“One of the best things he’s ever done,” you said with pride, glancing over to find Jamie already looking at you, his smile widening when your eyes meet his. 

Turning back to Trent, you snort, “If I remember correctly you called me pithy back then”

Both of you simply laugh lightly from the memory. 

Eventually walking back over to your treatment table. Conversation came surprisingly easily. 

Far easier than you'd expected.

He wasn't trying to pry.

Wasn't fishing for gossip.

He simply...

Asked thoughtful questions.

About recovery.

About psychology.

About how athletes coped with pressure.

Eventually...

The conversation drifted, "I hope you don't mind me saying this."

You looked up from reorganising ankle braces. "Go on."

"I imagine the last few weeks haven't been especially kind

Your hands paused.

He wasn't being nosy.

Just...

Observant.

You sighed, "Is it that obvious?"

"You look happier. But–" He tilted his head slightly, searching for the right words, the correct sentiment, "Still cautious."

You smiled faintly, "I suppose."

Silence settled comfortably between you.

Then–

A question pops into your mind. 

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course,” he nods. It’s not like anyone else on the team was talking to him. 

"Why,” You hesitated, "Why do they do it?"

He already knew who they were.

"The press, the tabloids, the comments,” You swallowed, "Why do people say things like that?"

Trent considered the question carefully.

Long enough that you knew he wasn't reaching for an easy answer.

"Attention."

You frowned, "Attention?"

"They're not paid to be accurate,” He leaned back against the counter, "They're paid to be noticed. I was paid to make headlines."

His thoughts drift to a particular article he wrote about Ted. The happy go lucky coach, battling anxiety…

The very article that pushed Trent out of The Independent. 

He offered a sympathetic smile, "And outrage gets noticed."

You were quiet.

"So...They manufacture narratives, they simplify people, they create heroes,” He lifted one finger, "And villains."

Another finger.

"And relationships."

Another.

"And scandals."

"They're selling emotion. Not the truth,” he states. A knowledge stemmed from his own experiences. 

You looked down, "So it isn't personal?"

"It rarely is,” His answer came immediately, "You simply happened to become visible."

That...

Helped.

More than you'd expected.

“And from what I’ve seen, and from what Ted has told me,” Trent smiles sincerely, whilst he compliments you a little indirectly, “Those articles out there and opinions are unfounded.” 

You glanced toward the training pitch.

The players were still giving Trent a wide berth.

You smiled knowingly, "Don't worry."

"Hm?"

"They'll come around."

"You sound confident."

"I am."

He raised an eyebrow, "You've worked out why they're avoiding me?"

You grinned, "Oh. They're not avoiding you. They’re just avoiding the wrath of Roy."

He nods slowly, before asking, “You don’t happen to have a timeline on when the freeze out will end, do you?” 

You click your tongue with a small shrug, "Whenever Roy comes around–If I were you, I’d ask him” 

“If only it were that easy,” he said. 

Whilst you laughed in response with a nod of your head in agreement. 

And just as you said. 

Roy did eventually come around…

The team eventually opened up around Trent. No longer holding their breath whilst they walked past him. 

All the while you and Jamie were happier than ever. 

Most evenings...

Jamie simply appeared at your front door.

Sometimes with takeaway.

Sometimes carrying ingredients because he'd suddenly decided the two of you were making pasta from scratch.

Once...

He'd proudly announced he'd learnt how to make pancakes.

The smoke alarm had disagreed.

Jamie was a pretty open book.

A very pretty open book…

But as of late there had been times where he’d share something new. 

Whether it be a small or big fact. A little tidbit of information. 

A moment of vulnerability. 

Peeling back the layers of his facade, little by little. 

A side to him only you bore witness to. 

In your arms he wasn’t famed footballer, Jamie Tartt, doo doo doo doo doo doo….

No. 

When Jamie was in your arms. 

He was just Jamie. 

And he loved that. 

Loved that he was able to be himself with you. 

No pretence. 

No need to be anyone else. 

But yours. 

And so… 

He had begun letting you into those small little details often kept concealed behind a facade. 

At one point you had fretted about this being a mistake to Keeley…

Those doubts clouding your judgement once more. 

And Keeley was having none of it. 

As she had quickly snapped you out of your panic. 

Not the Jamie Tartt that the press painted him out to be. 

Reassuring you that this was not the same Jamie Tartt that she knew when they dated. 

And he was certainly not the Jamie Tartt who was on Lust Conquers All…

That comment had made you laugh, breaking you from your little pity party.

In fact. 

She pointed out, that who Jamie was now. 

Was far more considerate. 

More thoughtful. 

More sincere. 

Loving.

And not at all the selfish prick she once dated.

You almost blurted out an apology right then and there until she had quickly told you that she was so happy for you. 

That she was so happy for you both. 

Truly. 

Deeply. 

Happy. 

Smiling brightly whilst she hugged you. 

And so those fears and worries quelled once more. 

In a bizarre twist of fate. 

When your text was sent to the wrong person. 

Was sent to the person who now held your heart. 

Who made you laugh. 

Made you smile. 

Made you feel loved and cherished. 

The person who had become your closest confidante whilst only sharing messages. 

Was Jamie Tartt. 

Someone who you had once deemed an asshole. 

All because of a few nasty articles, and from what you had heard. 

Now you realised. 

That whilst that might have once been true. 

People were always a little more nuanced than that. 

Just like you were. 

So nuanced that no single article could ever portray an accurate depiction. 

And if the press had gotten it so wrong once before. 

Then just perhaps. 

They were wrong again this time, when they spoke of how you were unfit, not pretty enough to be Jamie’s girlfriend. 

Besides. 

They had no say in deciding who was wrong or right for him. 

The only opinion that mattered when it came to this. 

Was Jamie’s and yours. 

Later that evening...

Curled together on the sofa. Jamie frowned thoughtfully, "I've been thinkin'."

"Oh no,” you said with a teasing smile. 

His lips curled into feign offence, "Oi."

"I'm kidding,” you giggled. 

He looked genuinely serious, "...You're not my number one."

You blinked, practically stuttering, eyes wide, “–What?"

His eyes widened immediately, shaking his head frantically, "No."

"No?" you looked at him expectantly, pulling back just slightly. 

"No–” He sat upright, panicked, "That's not–”

"Jamie…" You lift your brows. 

"I've messed this up” 

You snort, "You think?"

He rubbed both hands over his face, "What I meant was…”He pointed helplessly at you, "...You're not my number one."

"I'm really feeling the love right now,” you huffed, 

“Ah–why doesn’t it, I just want to say this sounds a lot better in my head,” 

“I bet,” you remarked dryly. 

Shifting he leans over to grasp your hands gently, "Cause–You're my only one."

Biting your lip, trying to stop the wolfish grin from forming upon your lips. Whilst you watched him physically cringe.

"I feel like a right prick," he groaned. Dropping his head onto your shoulder, while you wrap your arms around him, hands carding through his hair. 

You smiled, "Yeah. But that's okay."

He looked up. Those beautiful big brown eyes peering up at you. Making you fall in love all over again. 

"Because you're my prick,” you said sweetly while a laugh bubbles from within you. 

He laughed. Relief washing over his face, "I love you."

"I love you too."

He leans up to press sweet kisses all over your face, leaning back into the couch, while he pulls you with him. 

Holding you so sweetly. 

Tenderly. 

The press could go fuck off. 

Jamie loved you. And only you. 

Proven by all the ways he shows you how.

By all the little gestures, the little actions and all the kisses he peppers across your cheeks. 

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 9! Nothing too much happening, just a bit of fluff and a little comfort for these two lovebirds. I loved the idea of you literally ignoring Roy's piercing gaze and just talking with Trent (new friend collected! hah) Possibly thinking to explore Zava joining the team, perhaps a little of Jamie's own insecurities seeping through. And eventually I will be exploring Mom City!! (Jamie's Mum is going to adore you that is for sure) Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨ Read, Part 10: To Be A Little Less Jealous here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

Because while you'd spent the last fortnight convinced you weren't enough for him…

He'd spent the last few days terrified you'd realised he wasn't enough for you.

…

It had started so small.

A missed good morning text.

You'd always been first. With even a simple. 

Morning, sleepyhead :)

Or a photo of your coffee with, Need this before I deal with Isaac today.

Or simply– ❤️

Nothing extravagant.

Just...you.

Then one morning there'd been nothing.

Jamie hadn't thought much of it.

You were busy. 

He could be patient.

Except then your replies became shorter.

Then hours apart.

Then entire days.

He found himself checking his phone during training sessions.

Checking it in the changing rooms.

Checking it walking to his car.

Nothing.

He'd typed messages.

Deleted them.

Typed new ones.

Jamie 💙: [ Hope your day's alright x ]

Seen.

A small bubble would appear with three dots but then vanish just as quickly. 

No reply.

Later...

Jamie 💙: [ Miss u ]

Nothing.

Another day.

Jamie 💙: [ Fancy dinner tomorrow? ] You: [ Sorry. Can't. Busy ]

No explanation.

No little heart.

No smiley face.

Nothing that sounded like you.

And then…When he would see you whilst at work.

You became impossible to catch.

Whenever he wandered towards your office– 

You'd suddenly remember you had to see another player.

Whenever training finished–

You disappeared before he'd even unlaced one boot.

He'd catch glimpses of you.

Across the pitch.

Laughing politely with Will.

Talking to Higgins.

Helping Dani stretch.

But the moment your eyes found his...

Something changed.

You smiled.

Small.

Sad.

Then looked away.

Like looking at him hurt.

And on top of all that, the press had become relentless lately, shoving cameras in Jamie’s face…but all he could focus on…was you.

"You alright?" Isaac had asked one afternoon.

Jamie blinked, "Hm?"

"You've been staring at medical for about ten minutes,” Colin added. 

Had he?

He hadn't even realised.

He rubbed the back of his neck, swallowing the thick lump that had formed in his throat "...Yeah."

Neither were convinced, as they shared a glince before arching a brow towards him. 

"You two have a row?" Isaac questioned. 

Jamie immediately shook his head, "No."

Colin tilted his head, "You sure?"

Was he sure?..

Were you mad at him?

Was that what this was about?

Had he done something? Were you finally–

"I don’t think so…” Jamie’s words trailed off. Mind trying to place the moment your relationship had shifted, had changed. 

"Think?" Colin probed. 

Isaac patted Jamie’s shoulder, “You should talk to her”

Easy for him to say.

Harder when every unanswered text felt like another piece of your relationship slipping away.

Sucking in a harsh breath, Jamie left. Unable–Unwilling to talk about it anymore…

...What if she's realised she deserves someone better?

When Ted had dragged the team away from Nelson Road. Away from the pitch. Only to pull them down into the sewers…

Jamie had sent one message to you. 

Clawing onto some semblance of hope. Not wanting to admit that what he had with you could so easily fizzle out…

Jamie 💙: [ Are we okay? ]

Breathing in deeply, before choking on the stench whilst he shoved his phone back into his pocket. 

It was safe to say that everyone was confused. 

More confused than usual when it came to Ted’s antics. 

But then he spoke. 

Spoke about how they as a team needed to not let the negative things said about them on the internet or by rival fans stick to their minds…

That the sewer is full of other people's excrement, but the city keeps running smoothly because it knows how to move that filth through the system. 

Encouraging them to build a mental "sewer system" to acknowledge that the negative stuff is there, but let it pass right through them without letting it build up and weigh them down…

“It’s just poopeh, let it flow,” the words fell from Jamie’s mouth. 

In that moment, all he wanted to do was see you. Was finally talk with you. Find out what was happening…

Even if it hurt. 

He had to know the truth. 

He simply had no idea just how much it would break his heart. 

The way he heard you cry, the sheer vulnerability and ache that bled into your words, had him gasping for air. 

None of you had noticed how he stood just out of sight, but had heard you. 

Having heard enough to understand everything.

Jamie stood frozen. 

Heart breaking.

Because while you'd spent weeks believing you weren't enough for him–

All he'd been thinking was how he wasn't enough for you.

And now.

Now he just wanted to remind you how much he loves you.

Taking in a deep breath. Only to cough as he catches a whiff of his clothes. The sudden noise catches your attention.

Lifting your head you lock eyes with Jamie. 

Who stands there a little stunned. 

Fucking shit–I should’ve changed my shirt. Or put on some lynx–

“Can I–” he clears his throat, “Can I come in?” 

Keeley and Rebeeca share a look. A knowing glint in their eyes. 

Before you can speak, before you can cling onto the two women by your side, they pull away. 

Not before Keeley squeezes your arm, whispering softly in your ear, “Talk to him”

Whilst they pass Jamie on the way out, their noses scrunch, whilst Keeley pinches her nose catching a whiff of Jamie. 

A stench she couldn’t quite place. 

And honestly–

Didn’t want to. 

Leaving you both alone… 

A silence fills the air. 

Jamie’s hands twist and fumble, nerves kicking back in. Normally so confident and yet now, before you…He stands so nervous. 

“I didn’t know that’s how you were feeling,” he finally broke the silence. 

Your breathing is shaky. 

Unsteady. 

Seated whilst your arms wrap around yourself. Your eyes dropped, murmured so quietly, "I didn't want you to."

Stepping just a little closer. 

Just a little. 

Not wanting to crowd you.

Not wanting to assume.

Not enough to encroach on your space. 

But enough to let you know he was there for you. 

Then–

"I thought..." He rubbed at the back of his neck, "I thought maybe you'd realised I weren't good enough."

Your head snapped up, "What?"

He laughed quietly, no humour just vague awkwardness, "Yeah."

"No," you said stunned by his admission. 

"I did,” He bit his lip, shrugging helplessly, "When yeh stopped answerin'...I thought...maybe this was it."

Your heart cracked, "Jamie..."

"I thought maybe yeh'd finally seen what everyone else used to,” He laughed under his breath, "Bit stupid now, innit?"

Tears welled in your eyes again, "You thought I was leaving because you weren't enough?"

He nodded once, "So hearing you–Hearing that's why you've been hurting...I wish you'd told me."

His expression broke.

Mirroring the sadness and heart ache that was plastered across your features. 

"I'm sorry,” you couldn’t help but say. 

"No,” He shook his head immediately, firmly repeating it, taking a tentative step closer, "No apologising."

His hands found yours.

Carefully.

Gently. 

So that you could slip from his grasp if you wanted to. 

Waiting until you squeezed back before fully holding them, "I'm here.” 

The words bury themselves deep in your heart. Hitting you like an arrow to the chest. So simple and yet so profound…

His thumbs brushed gently across your knuckles, "And all that stuff–It's just noise."

You nodded ever so slightly. Not trusting your words. Not able to speak. 

As the words become lodged in the back of your  throat. 

He smiled sheepishly, "I learnt something today. In the sewers."

You blinked, tilting your head, brows furrowing "...Sewers?"

He hummed in acknowledgement, "Ted took us down there."

"You went...into the sewers?"

"'Course we did,” he said as though it wasn’t the most bizarre thing he had said. 

Bringing just a small smile to your face, one he had missed, a small laugh bubbling from within you. Despite the tears, "What?"

"I know,” He chuckled, before shrugging, "It's Ted."

That earned another watery laugh from you.

"So..." He cleared his throat, "I realised...It's just poopeh."

Snorting slightly, you stared, "...It's what?"

"Poopeh,” he said more assuredly. 

You couldn't help it.

You burst into laughter.

"What?"

"Poo."

"I know what poo is."

He laughed too, "Ted made us stand down there,” he gestured vaguely, "And it smelled awful."

"Obviously,” you laughed, vaguely catching a whiff of the sewers from his jersey. 

Waiting for your laughter to subside, so patient, looking at you with so much care, and devotion…

It was a wonder you ever thought he had stopped loving you…

He looked directly into your eyes,  "People say horrible things. They're unfair,” brows furrowing as he searches for the right thing to say, “They don't know yeh. They don't know us."

He squeezed your hands, "And they get to shout it really loud. But…” Then his smile returned, so brilliantly, so sincerely, "It's still just poopeh."

You laughed again, tears still clinging to your lashes.

"It stinks. It gets everywhere,” He brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, "You don't pick it up and carry it home with yeh."

And that hits you hard. 

Makes your vision blur, biting your lip trying your best to stifle the sobs threatening to break through. 

"I understand why you're overwhelmed,” His voice softened, "They shouldn't get to say those things."

His forehead rested lightly against yours, eyes searching for yours, "...No matter what they say–It doesn't change how I feel about you. You could read me a thousand comments. My answer'd still be the same,” eyes peering into yours, grounding you in this moment, "I love yeh."

Your breath caught.

"So much. I don't want someone ‘prettier’. I don't want someone famous. I don't want anyone else. All I want–All I’ll ever want–" He smiled, "is you."

Your eyes closed as another tear slipped free, "I love you too."

You feel his lips curl into a smile whilst he kisses your forehead.

"And next time your brain starts tellin' yeh all that rubbish..." He tapped gently against your temple, "You come tell me–We'll deal with it together. Okay?"

You nodded.

He pulled back lightly to look you in the eye, “I need to hear you say it, love.”

You smile, eyes opening to look into his, "...Okay."

His words help to quell the noise in your mind. The worries that had flooded you lately…

Muffled by the assuredness in Jamie’s words. 

Simply being dragged away by the current of the sewers. 

But then the moment is broken. 

When you finally get a proper sniff of his jersey. Noise scrunching up in disgust, trying your hardest to stop yourself from coughing. 

You push him back, "Unfortunately cause of all that ‘poopeh’, your jersey doesn’t smell so great–Go and get showered”

“Only if you promise we’re on for dinner tonight?” he says, still within arms reach of you. 

Smiling softly you nod, “I’d love that”

And across his face spreads the widest grin you had seen all day. 

So bright. 

Pure joy flooding his features. 

“Chinese and cheesy films?” you ask. 

He winks, “Sounds perfect, babes.”

He shifts to duck down to steal a kiss only for you to push him away once more, pinching your nose, “You really need to go shower”

“Can I kiss you later?” he questions. 

Causing your lips to curl up into a smile, nodding. 

He lets out a little exclaimed yes. 

Before walking away, blowing you one final kiss. Your tears now dried up, small little giggles escaping your lips. 

Heart warmed. 

And for the first time in weeks. 

Your mind was at ease…

A small message pops up on your phone. 

Jamie 💙: [ Love you xx ]

Smiling softly down at your screen, you type back. 

You : [ Love you too xx ]

Completely unaware of how your response had made Jamie’s heart race. Had made him feel settled for the first time in weeks. 

…

And later that night…

One of his arms wrapped securely around your waist.

The other lazily traced shapes across your forearm.

Just like always.

The knot inside your chest hadn't disappeared completely.

Healing didn't work like that.

Every now and then one of those comments still tried to creep back in.

Still whispered.

Still lingered.

But now...

There was another voice.

Jamie's.

It's just noise.

It's just poopeh.

You smiled into his shirt.

Sure the conversation earlier today didn’t fix everything completely. Sure the things people said would still stick with you in one way or another…

But for now. 

With Jamie’s support and love. 

You were able to take a step back from the noise. Able to recognise how the things they said made you feel. 

Finally taking a step towards being able to separate what the public say from what was really real. 

And what’s real. 

Is that Jamie loves you…

For you. 

Sighing in his arms, “It’s shit that people get to say whatever shitty things they want with no consequence–like I can’t even get Roy to go hunt them down”

You feel his chest vibrate, whilst he chuckles from your words. 

Then your eyes widen in realisation, scrambling up slightly to look him in the eye, “How do you deal with it?” 

“Hm?”

“You must’ve heard everything by now”

He only shrugs lightly, a small twitch of his shoulders, “Well–I’m just learning that everyone else’s opinion doesn’t mean much. It’s more important the way I feel about meself. Besides–” 

He snorts lightly, “The public is pretty certain I’m a prick” 

You laughed softly before leaning up to kiss him. The second your lips met...

He sighed.

A deep, contented sound.

Like something inside him had finally settled. So content to be so close to you once more. 

He had missed this. Had missed the feeling of you so close in his arms. Had missed you. 

When you pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, "I'll always be on your side."

You smiled, “Thanks”

His grin slowly turned mischievous, "...Or on top of yeh."

Your eyes widened, "Jamie–"

"...Or under yeh,” he teasingly spoke. 

You let out an undignified squeal as he shifted, effortlessly rolling you onto his chest, one arm circling your waist before you could escape.

"You're impossible,” you rolled your eyes. 

"So I've been told,” His laughter vibrated beneath your cheek as he pressed soft kisses along your jaw.

Then your cheek.

Then just below your ear.

Each kiss slow.

Unhurried.

Affectionate.

Nothing more than quiet reassurance.

"I'm not lettin' yeh hide from me again," he murmured.

"I won't."

"No more carryin' everyone else's poopeh,” he stated. 

You burst into helpless laughter against his neck, "That phrase is never going to leave your vocabulary now, is it?"

"Absolutely not,” he said firmly. 

"Oh God,” you huffed with a laugh. Burying your face into his chest. 

He chuckled, smiling widely, "It worked, didn't it?"

"...Unfortunately."

His eyes softened, letting his smile shift into something gentle, nuzzling his nose into your hair, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Wrapped safely in his arms, the world beyond the walls feeling just a little farther away, you let yourself believe it.

Not the tabloids.

Not the strangers.

Not the noise.

Just the man holding you as though there was nowhere else he'd rather be.

And with his heartbeat steady beneath your ear, sleep finally found you both.

Letting the noise simply fade away.

Fuck the press and the comments.

They could say whatever they wanted. Could claim you weren't enough. Weren't suited to Jamie-

Because they were wrong.

He loves you.

And that's the only opinion that mattered when it came to how he felt about you.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 8! Just ughhh, making my heart melt writing Jamie being so supportive (and I really wanted to include the poopeh quote, thought it suited this moment perfectly) loved getting these two back into a good place. (next chapter I'm thinking of exploring when Zava joins the team, and what that does to Jamie's headspace a lil more) Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨ Read, Part 9: To Simply Be Happy here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

When’d it happen?

How’d it happen?

–I knew it’d happen. Was what Isaac had said when you were checking out his knee during one session. 

Are you sure–really…Jamie? Was the question Sam had asked before saying he was joking. 

But soon. 

Overtime. 

You dating Jamie simply became part of everyday life. 

Just like most days, you could be guaranteed that Ted would most definitely quote or reference a film, in some rousing speech. 

It could be guaranteed that you and Jamie would walk in, his hand intertwined with yours. 

There wasn't some huge shift between you both.

No dramatic change.

Just comfort.

Familiarity.

Belonging.

You were already friends beforehand. Only now did it deepen. Only now did you realise just how well you truly knew each other. 

And over the course of your relationship, you learnt that there was still so much more to discover. 

And you loved learning all that you could. 

You discovered Jamie loved having someone around. 

Never liked being alone. Even if it meant you sitting on the counter working, completely enthralled by creating recovery plans or new exercise regiments. 

Even if he wasn’t the centre of your focus. He simply loved knowing that someone was around. Loved having you around. 

That he wasn’t by himself…

Another thing you had discovered was that he was absurdly competitive over board games.

"You cheated," he said, staring down at the board. He lost…How the fuck did that happen? 

Shaking your head you denied it, "I did not."

Biting his lip he looked up at you, "You definitely cheated,” 

“Are you really accusing your girlfriend of cheating?” you asked with a lifted brow. 

His expression pinches together, before pleading, “I want a rematch."

Snorting you shake your head, standing, “And I want to go to bed–better luck next time Tartt,” a wide grin spread across your lips. 

He sighed, before standing to trail after you, following you to bed. 

You discovered he liked tracing shapes against your palm when watching films.

That he always checked whether you'd eaten. 

That he'd unconsciously seek you out after matches.

That when he was nervous, on edge. When his hands would fidget. When you simply took it in your hand, when you simply held him. His nerves would melt. They would ease. 

Bringing his mind to rest. 

And one of the favourite things you had discovered…

One of the things you knew made Jamie’s mind dizzy and heart racing. 

You discovered he loved seeing you in his Richmond gear.

One rainy Saturday evening, he stopped dead in the doorway, “Hey, babe. What do you want for dinner? I was think maybe–” 

Mouth dropping. 

Stunned into silence. 

Stopping his sentence short. 

Jamie found you beautiful, entrancing every time he saw you, every time he held you he worshipped you. Because there you made him feel things that were inexplicable. 

Made him lose his breath each time you smiled. 

Each time you laughed. 

Each time you rambled about whatever new fixation you had, as a light filtered into your eyes. 

But this was a new kind of breathlessness. 

A new kind of loss for words. 

You were standing in his kitchen, simply making a cup of tea. Something so ordinary. Normal. The usual. 

What was unusual however. 

Was seeing you. 

Wearing one of his Richmond jerseys. Even if it snagged in one place, or was baggy in another. The sleeves bunched up 

In Jamie’s eyes. 

It was perfect on you. 

You blinked, "What?"

He swallowed thickly, trying to focus his mind "...That's mine."

You looked down, "Oh,” then back up, with a small apologetic twinge in your voice, "Do you want it back?"

He immediately shook his head, "No." The word falling out of his mouth faster than he could realise. 

His ears turned pink.

Cheeks burning. How is it that you managed to make him lose his cool, almost each and every time…He might never know and yet. He loved how it made him feel. 

How you made him feel.

"You can keep it," he said, striding up to you, hands encircling your waist. Pulling you closer to him. 

Smiling softly as you looked up at him. Noticing the depth of his gaze. The depth of his admiration. 

His expression softened.

"You look nice," he murmured, leaning in to press a kiss to your temple. Lips trailing down the side of your face. Before tilting your head up while his lips brush over the soft skin of your neck. 

Giggles threatening to escape you from the way his lips graze over your skin, before inching closer to your lips. 

You sigh, "So do you."

His lips meet yours finally, and your heart bursts. The way he cherished you. The way he appreciated you. Was nothing like you’d ever known. Nothing like you’d ever experienced. 

But this little bubble of yours. 

Sooner or later. 

Was going to burst. 

You and Jamie had been careful. 

Extremely careful. 

Careful when it came to dating. When it came to going out together. When it came to going for dinner. 

But it was during the off season. 

During Jamie’s break. 

When he was spending a little more time at yours. A little more time convincing you to go away with him. A little more time convincing you of a little trip together. 

Some time for just you and him. 

Relaxing in some private villa on the coast of Italy, or Portugal, or Greece, or Spain, or wherever you wanted to go. So long as you were together that was fine with Jamie…

And considering that your job was tied with their football season. 

With only a few clients outside of the Greyhound team. 

Well, you decided you could afford to take a little time off. 

Besides. 

You were reaching for any excuse to see Jamie without his shirt off. 

Especially if that meant lounging by the pool under the warming sun. With sunset walks along the beach. Hand in hand. With evenings spent under the stars, his hands tracing and mapping out every inch of you.

Delicate.

 Soft. 

Sweet. 

Having him all by yourself. 

With no hounding crowds. 

No nosy coworkers. 

No training schedules. 

No matches. 

No cameras. 

No Richmond. 

Just lazy mornings tangled in bedsheets while sunlight spilled through open windows.

Long lunches that stretched into afternoons.

Swimming until your skin pruned.

Falling asleep against Jamie's shoulder while a film played neither of you were actually watching.

It was perfect.

Not because it was glamorous.

But because it was normal.

Where Jamie wasn’t Jamie Tartt. 

Where he was just Jamie.

Your Jamie.

The same Jamie that told you he loved you. 

It was such a simple moment, such a mundane moment. Not over some grand dinner. Not when you were dressed up to go out. 

No.

The way the words, I love you, trickled out of him like the sweetest honey, his arms encircled around you. Holding you close in the early hours of the morning. 

Had made your heart sing. Had made you smile so brightly, whispering it back to him immediately. 

For two blissful weeks. 

The world felt wonderfully small. Wonderfully at peace. 

It was just you and Jamie. 

Unfortunately…

You had grown just a little too comfortable. A little too relaxed with each other. 

What was meant to be a private trip. 

A private moment between you both. 

Had leaked to the press. 

At first it was just a few photos.

Paparazzi shots.

A blurry image of you both holding hands.

Another walking along the beach.

One of Jamie carrying your sandals while you laughed at something he'd said.

Then more appeared.

And more.

And more.

Until soon you were plastered across every tabloid the moment you returned home. Your image uploaded and shared without your say. 

Articles.

Videos.

Comments.

Opinions.

Thousands of opinions.

From people who had never met you. People who knew nothing about you.

Yet somehow. For some reason. They felt entitled to dissect every inch of your life. Every fucking inch.

Some were sweet.

Some were supportive.

Some talked about how happy Jamie looked.

How healthy the relationship seemed.

But those weren't the ones that stuck. Those weren’t the words that buried deep in your brain. That seeped into your thoughts every waking moment of the day. 

If only the positives outweighed the weight of the negativity…

But it never worked that way.

Instead your brain latched onto the cruel ones.

The comments calling you plain.

Average.

Forgettable.

The accusations that you were only with him for fame.

The comparisons to models.

To actresses.

To women who looked nothing like you.

Women who seemed impossibly beautiful.

Impossibly polished.

Impossibly perfect.

The kind of perfection that made you feel small.

You hated that it got to you.

You knew better.

You fucking knew better than to believe all of that. Then to let it get to you. 

You genuinely did.

You knew your worth wasn't determined by strangers online.

You knew those people didn't know you.

You knew Jamie loved you.

You had endless threads of messages from him to prove it. To remind you of his love for you. 

But knowing something and believing it weren't always the same thing.

They were the images and articles with captions that made you want to curl up and cry and gut wrenching comments that made you want to hurl your mug at the wall. 

And these feelings. Anger. Confusion. Frustration. Doubt. 

The mess of swirling thoughts in your mind. 

Manifested in a way to protect yourself. To shield yourself from the onslaught of their words. 

Whether it was rational or not. 

You had begun to distance yourself. 

…Distance yourself from Jamie…

Even as it chipped away at your heart. You began to keep him at arm’s length. 

A text left unanswered.

A call missed.

Lunch breaks suddenly scheduled elsewhere. 

Excuses.

Tiny ones.

Harmless ones.

At first.

Then they became bigger.

You stopped dropping by his house. 

Stopped lingering after treatments.

Stopped finding reasons to be near Jamie.

Started rescheduling dates with him. Calling sick on dates. 

Because every time you looked at him–

You heard those voices.

Not his.

Theirs.

Telling you he deserved better.

Someone prettier.

Someone more glamorous.

Someone who belonged beside someone like Jamie Tartt.

The worst part?

Jamie had absolutely no idea what was happening.

Only that one day everything felt fine.

And the next–

You were slipping through his fingers.

And that pained him to see. To witness. As he’d watch you flinch ever so slightly, recoil from his touch. Pace quickening as you left him behind. 

And amidst this. 

Amidst all of this confusion. 

The season was starting up again. 

And the team had certainly seen better days when it came to morale. Feeling defeated by the public opinion about them. 

About the predictions. 

So Ted. 

Had decided to pull the team away on an impromptu field trip. 

Away from Nelson Road…

Giving you time to go through your stock, to reorganise your room. 

And allowing you a moment of reprieve from Jamie’s presence. A break from his lovelorn glances. 

A break from him. And the thoughts that had become associated from seeing him. 

The thoughts that reminded you that you weren’t good enough—

That you weren’t good enough for him.

For the first time in days you felt like you could breathe.

But then you glanced at your phone.

A lone message on your home screen. One from Jamie...

Jamie 💙: [ Are we okay? ]

A with that message. The weight of it all crash down upon you. A tightness twisting in your chest. 

As you realised…

You couldn’t avoid Jamie forever…

You couldn’t simply shut him out and expect him to still be yours…

That wasn’t fair.

None of this was fair.

The idea.

The word break up. Filters into your mind. It shatters your heart. 

But—you think—it would be easier for Jamie. 

It would be best for Jamie. 

It—

Your thoughts are cut short. Your spiralling is halted as Keeley appears in your doorway. 

Followed closely by Rebecca.

And immediately you knew you were in trouble, “Uh oh,” you murmured under your breath. 

Noticing this look in Keeley’s eye. 

A look of determination. 

Ducking your head, you begin to try and make yourself look busy, “Sorry–I’m a little busy–”

Keeley shakes her head, wagging her finger, "That response alone means we're having a conversation."

You sighed heavily. Following Keeley as she pushes you to sit on your examination bench. While Keeley pulled up a chair before you. 

Rebecca simply sat beside you.

Neither woman pushed immediately.

Both of them are patient.

Waiting.

This look in their eyes. A look of understanding. A look that said, I know you’re struggling.

They simply waited.

Until you were ready. 

And eventually–

You cracked, "I don't know what's wrong with me,” The words spilled out before you could stop them. 

Your eyes immediately stung.

A sob wracking out from your body, hands clinging around yourself. Shoulders shaking. 

Squeezing your eyes tight. 

Embarrassing.

You hated crying.

Especially over something that felt so stupid.

That felt so simple. And yet it was tearing you from the inside out. Keeping you up at night. 

Rebecca’s arm wraps around you, pulling you into her side. As it rubs up and down. Doing her best to soothe you. 

Keeley's expression softened immediately. She leans closer, her hands grasping yours, "Oh sweetheart."

"I know they're strangers,” Your voice shook.

"I know they're idiots,” you emphasised. 

Rebecca nodded, "Fucking twats, the lot of them."

A watery laugh escaped you.

Then more words followed.

Faster.

Harder.

"I–I know I'm good,” You rubbed your eyes angrily, "I know I'm smart. I know I'm kind. And I know–” You suck in a harsh breath, “And I know Jamie loves me."

Your voice broke. Tears rolling down your cheeks. 

"But it's hard believing that when thousands of people are saying otherwise," you admit. Those thoughts that you had buried so deep inside. 

Finally now said aloud. 

Finally now out in the open. 

It weighs heavily in the room. As a thick blanket of silence envelopes you all. 

The painful kind of silence. 

The one that made you shift. 

Made you uncomfortable. 

"I feel ridiculous," you groan, dropping your head. Here you were crying your heart out. 

"You aren't ridiculous," Rebecca said immediately.

The words are quiet, broken, rooted from the deepest insecurities that the tabloids had managed to uncover, "They make me feel like I should be someone else. Like I'm not enough." 

Shoulders slumped, you feel deflated. 

Keeley traces little patterns into your hand. An action that should be comforting. Should be soothing. 

And yet all it does is make you think of Jamie. 

Makes you think of how much you miss him–

But then it makes you think of all the ways you’re not enough for him. 

And then suddenly you couldn't stop.

"They call me plain,” You laughed bitterly, "Which sounds so pathetic saying it out loud."

"It doesn't,” Rebecca counters. 

Only for you to shake your head.

"It does,” The tears continue to fall, continuing to trickle down. You sniffle, taking the tissue she offers you, "They act like I'm some mistake."

Rebecca's face hardened.

Not at you.

Never at you. 

But at the people who had made you feel this way, at the people who had made your spark dim, had made you doubt yourself, "Oh darling."

You swallowed.

Trying to compose yourself.

Trying and failing.

"I just–" 

Your voice cracked, "I don't know how to make it stop."

They nod in understanding. Both of them had experienced this feeling in one form or another. Both of them had been under the scrutiny of the media before. 

If anyone knew what you were going through.

It was Rebecca and Keeley. 

"You know Rupert used to read those things to me."

You blinked, trying to clear your blurry vision, before you remark, “Glad you left that piece of shit”

She let out a soft laugh. Nodding at your words before settling.

Her quietness catches your attention as you glance up at her. 

Her calm expression. 

Steady.

Resolute. 

"He'd point out every criticism. Every flaw. Every cruel remark,” Her smile was sad, "As if strangers somehow knew me better than I knew myself."

Something in your chest loosened slightly. 

Because Rebecca understood.

Not exactly. But it was enough to make your pain lessen just a little. 

Keeley nodded, softly she spoke up, "I used to get it all the time."

You looked at her, brows furrowing, "But you’re Keeley."

She snorted, "What does that even mean?"

"You know what I mean,” you say unable to find the words.

"No."

"You're gorgeous," you explain, before looking at Rebecca head on, “So are you–Both of you are just gorgeous.” 

You take their hands in yours, trying to drive the point home.

How was it that these two women. 

The most inspiring and beautiful women you had ever known.

How was it that they had experienced doubt. Had experienced this feeling of worthlessness…

In your eyes.

They were the epitome of confidence. 

But here they were…telling you that these feelings were normal. That they were shared. 

That–

That they shouldn’t keep you from being who you are. 

Keeley rolled her eyes dramatically, "First of all, thank you."

Despite yourself, you laughed, asking, "Second of all?"

Her expression softened, "I've been called every horrible thing under the sun."

You blinked, "But—“ 

"No,” Keeley squeezed your hand, "Don't do that."

"What?" Your brows knit together.

"Don't decide my insecurities count less than yours."

And that weighs heavily with you. 

Stays with you and settles in your heart like a stone.

Biting your lip, you murmur, "Sorry."

She smiled, shaking her head. Before her expression grew serious, “Back to why we’re here.”

You looked at her. Lifting a brow in question.

"I hope you realise that the way Jamie talks about you. The way he looks at you?"

Keeley smiled softly, sincerity rolling off of her in waves, "It's completely different."

You froze.

"He used to like attention,” The words were gentle.

Careful.

Knowing.

"He used to like being admired— I mean he still does."

Your throat tightened.

"But now?” Keeley's eyes glistened, "Now his drive is solely focused on you. He adores you."

"He respects you,” Rebecca adds, "He trusts you."

Keeley smiled, nodding in agreement before saying. Ensuring you were looking at her, ensuring you were listening completely, "And honestly? The way he talks about you is disgusting."

A startled laugh escaped you, bubbling through your sadness, "What?"

"It's revolting," Keeley jokes, in mock seriousness.

Rebecca actually laughed, "It truly is."

Keeley continued, her hand still intertwined with yours, "I've known Jamie a long time."

The silent acknowledgement that she had known him during a time before you. 

Back before you had told him to get his shit together. 

Back before he became who he was today. 

Before he was trying to be better. 

“I mean the way Jamie talks about you, it makes me think of those rom-coms Ted’s always talking about. It is worlds apart from the way he used to be with me,” She snorts lightly as she laughs from the memory, “And back then I could tell you, he was a major prick–” 

You bite back the laugh threatening to escape. 

Rebecca shoots Keeley a look, silently telling her to get to the point. 

"Right–sorry. Not the time,” Keeley nods, refocusing, “But babes–I have never seen him love someone the way he loves you–And no one–Not a single person in the press is allowed to make you feel like you’re not.”

Your eyes filled again.

This time for a different reason. 

You’re heart softening. 

Your need to build a defense around yourself melts away, bit by bit. The words that had burned in your brain slowly being combated by the words of your friends. 

Of the words from people that actually knew you…

And not the faceless strangers online.

"And you're good for him,” Rebecca added softly, "So very good for him."

"And he's good for you," Keeley finished. 

The words settled somewhere deep.

Past the fear.

Past the doubt.

Past the voices.

Past the ugly comments.

And for the first time in weeks–

You allowed yourself to believe them.

Just a little.

You let yourself break into their arms, let yourself cry, as they soothe you. As they tell you it’s ok. As they tell you that what you were feeling was ok. 

Doing their best to make sure you knew. 

That you were supported. 

That you were not alone. 

But that you didn’t need to listen to the voices screaming at you that you weren’t enough. 

Because you would always be enough. 

Enough for them. 

Enough for Jamie. 

Enough for you. 

None of them noticed the familiar figure standing just outside the doorway. Having returned early from Ted's sewer adventure. 

None of them had noticed how he stood just out of sight, but had heard you. 

Having heard enough to understand everything.

Jamie stood frozen. 

Heart breaking.

Because while you'd spent weeks believing you weren't enough for him–

All he'd been thinking was how he wasn't enough for you.

And now.

Now he just wanted to remind you how much he loves you.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 7! Jamie said I love you and yes he whisked you away on a romantic getaway! but the press said its fake that the relationship is fake and then they go and attack you (along with the many Tartt fans), so I'm sorry for the angst, and the bumpy patch in their relationship. I'll explore a little of Jamie's perspective in the next part (as well as the poopeh-talk). Can always count on Rebecca and Keeley to tell it to you straight. (Also sorry for the delay on this—not going to lie this series is my palate refresher/back burner wip so it’s a lil infrequent) Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨ Read, Part 8: To Let It Flow here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

Someone who recognised he had done wrong, and was now striving to be good.

Dating Jamie was certainly a new experience for you.

But it wasn’t effortless.

Jamie was still Jamie.

There were insecurities buried beneath years of bravado. 

Moments where he'd ask, "Are we alright?" after the smallest disagreement. 

Days where he'd retreat into himself.

Days where he simply didn’t know where to go from here.

Dating you was all sorts of new to him.

After years of dating superficially.

Of putting his own needs first.

He had to learn to be a good partner. Especially because it was you.

Especially because the last thing he wanted to do was hurt you…

There were times he’d see couples walking hand in hand in the park or simply sitting side by side in some cafe.

And all he longed for was for that to be you both…

Sometimes he believed you deserved someone better.

Someone who wasn’t known as a prick across the country…

Sometimes he believed he wasn’t good enough. 

But then God.

The way you’d smile at him.

The way you’d look at him fleeting and so full of softness… 

The way you’d laugh at even the cheesiest of his jokes.

He couldn’t help but selfishly want you all to himself.

Despite his worries that he might not be enough for you.

And you?

You'd spent so long taking care of other people that allowing someone to take care of you in return felt unnatural.

There were days you’d see some article speculating the idea of Jamie dating some high fashion supermodel.

Days where you couldn’t help but feel…not worthy…

Days where you couldn’t help but compare yourself. 

Thinking perhaps you and Jamie wouldn’t work simply because you were so different. 

Each time you saw Keeley you couldn’t help but worry that, just maybe Jamie would eventually grow bored of you. 

That he would realise he could have absolutely anyone he wanted…anyone else but you.

Only for those worries to melt away as soon as he flashed a smile your way. 

Or with the ping of a message from him.

Your worries would subside for the moment. 

Dating Jamie wasn’t always easy. 

But it was easy in the ways that mattered. 

Because somewhere between accidental texts and late-night tea and bruised knuckles wrapped in bandages, you'd become each other's safe place.

Despite all the worrying thoughts you’d both fester inside.

No matter what.

You both gravitated back to each other.

Back into each other’s arms.

And honestly?

You wanted to keep that to yourselves for a little while.

You weren’t sure if it was yours or Jamie’s idea. 

But it had been agreed that for now. 

Just for now.

While you take it slow. 

While you figure out what you both were. What this was. What you wanted it to be. 

That your new shift in relationship would be kept secret. 

Private. 

Even from your colleagues at Richmond.

Which was easier said than done.

Considering Jamie had become particularly affectionate with you.

Reaching for you in even the smallest of moments. 

From the brush of his fingers across yours. To the swift peck on your lips after tugging you behind a closed door.

There was no doubt in your mind that Jamie liked you. 

And the rush of warmth blooming in your chest from each moment with him only cemented the fact that your feelings were simply growing.

More and more deeper for him.

Dating Jamie was new and exciting. 

There was a thrill associated with it. If not followed by a pitt of anxiety in your stomach…

But for the most part it was quite sweet. 

It wasn’t like anything you had expected. 

In fact. 

It was something you still couldn’t believe.

From the moment you opened the door to let him in for your first official date, he had shown up on time. 

Had put thought into what he had worn. 

And had even held a beautiful bouquet of flowers for you. 

Not a bundle of red roses. 

Or something simply generic, bought without a second thought.

Instead he had taken the time to explain– stumbling over his words just a little from the nerves–to explain the meaning behind the flowers. 

How the storeholder took the time to curate something perfect for this moment. 

A blend of bright bluebells symbolising gratitude and humility. 

The florist had threaded it within soft butter yellow flowers that popped beautifully against the white roses and tulips, both meant to convey a sense of new beginnings. Signifying respect. 

It was sweet. 

It made your heart race whilst you placed them gently into a vase. 

What had followed was an evening spent talking each other’s ears off. 

Whilst he listened to you, laughed at your jokes and asked you questions. 

He truly wanted to get to know you. 

Learn all he could about you. 

Dating Jamie wasn’t at all what you expected.

It was even better than you’d have hoped.

Conversations came easily for you both as though you’d always known each other.

And in some strange way you had. 

With the beginning of a simple message that was intended for a different stubborn footballer.

It created a bridge between you and Jamie.

Before you had even known who the other was. 

And that was something you held dear to your heart. 

In the past, when you’d gone on a few dates after Keeley’s insistence. As soon as they’d learn of where you’d work, your ear would be talked off asking anything and everything about your team mates. 

To the point where you stopped becoming the main interest…

It was safe to say that those dates didn’t last. 

In previous dates. 

All Jamie ever was seen as, was a footballer by the women he went out with. All the intricacies of who he was faded away. Seen as simply a famous footballer. 

And not seen for the man that he was. 

So when you had begun to date each other. 

It was refreshing to be seen for more than what your jobs were. As though it had lifted a weight off of your shoulders. 

In your efforts to keep this secret. To the extent that you had both sworn Keeley and Roy to absolute secrecy. 

The one thing neither of you accounted for however…

Was the fact that a certain kit man would be standing in the boot room, tucked into the corner.

Whilst the team celebrated out in the locker room. 

As Jamie had pulled you discreetly into the room. His pinkie intertwined with yours.

In a split second not even waiting for the door to completely shut.

His hands grasped at you, pulling you close.

The way he looked at you now still made your stomach flutter.

No performance.

No arrogance.

Just Jamie.

Your hands reach up to clasp around the back of his neck.

Twirling with the ends of his hair that stuck to the nape of his neck from sweat. 

“I know we said no kissing at work but–” he begins to say, as his breath fans across your cheek. "Can I kiss you though?"

You laughed quietly, "We're literally at work."

"That's not a no,” He counteracts. 

"You are unbelievable."

"But is it a no?"

You tried very hard to maintain eye contact.

You failed spectacularly.

"...No."

His grin widened immediately.

Leaning in close, his lips brush against yours before you soon simply tug him closer.

The only thought in his mind since the win was to run up to you and lift you into the air. 

To pull you close and relish this moment with you.

It had taken every ounce of restraint within him to hold back and wait until he could pull you somewhere private. 

Without prying eyes.

Though in your eagerness.

Neither of you had noticed Will standing in the corner of the room.

His mouth left agape in shock.

Unable to say anything. 

As though his voice was stuck in his throat.

It was only as Jamie pulled away to press soft kisses along the curve of your face.

Whilst you giggled softly as it tickled.

Only when your eyes cracked open did you catch a glimpse of Will.

You practically jump from Jamie’s arms.

He goes to whine from the loss of contact until you slap his arm jutting a hand towards Will.

“Uhh—“ 

Standing there in a statement.

None of you, sure of what to do.

Will’s face now completely flushed from embarrassment as bright as a traffic light.

As your own face begins to feel hot. The air feels far warmer than it did just a moment ago.

“Hey Will…” You say with an awkward wave.

Will ducks his head down walking towards the door.

As you and Jamie step aside.

He slips out of the door, murmuring out, “I didn’t see anything–” before he ducks his head back in for a second, “But you seem really cute together!” 

He closes the door finally. 

Your eyes shoot up to meet Jamie’s.

Who only bites his lip nervously as his beautiful blue eyes dart down to meet yours.

“How long do ya think it’ll take for the rest of the team to know?”

You groan, dropping your head to his shoulder.

Feeling his body rumble from laughing. 

You slap his arm, “This isn’t funny! We promised we’d keep this quiet for now”

He shakes his head swooping down to press a kiss to the top of your head.

“I just couldn’t help it. Does that make me a shitty boyfriend if all I wanted to do was kiss my girl?” 

You pull your lips into a thin line turning slightly to look up at him.

Sighing softly as your lips melt into a small smile.

Softening as you see the adoration in his eyes.

“I guess not,” you mumble out, “I suppose it was going to come out sooner than later”

He grins widely. 

“Look at it this way— if everybody knows it just means you can kiss me whenever you want babes,” he says cheekily. 

With that sparkle in his eyes that you had grown accustomed to.

You snort laughing as you push away from him. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s you who wants to kiss me whenever”

He shrugs lightly, “To-may-toe, to-mah-toe” 

But the grin fades for a moment. A look of trepidation crosses his features.

His hands twist and fold with the edges of his jersey.

Eyes averting from yours.

“Unless ya don’t want anyone to know about us—me and you—because if so I’ll go out there and make sure Will keeps his mouth shut…I don’t want to push ya with any of this,” he says quickly. Not able to meet your eyes.

An unusual sight.

The usually self assured man. Who didn’t overthink anyone else’s opinions…now fretting over yours.

It was sweet.

You smile softly, grasping at his hands with a gentle squeeze.

“Jamie”

“Hm?”

You duck your head slightly to meet his gaze.

“You don’t need to hunt down Will—“

“I will if ya really don’t want—“

“Jamie,” you call out once more, “I’m ok if this isn’t a secret anymore”

“Really?” 

You nod with such certainty.

He can’t help but kiss you once more. Whilst you feel his grin widen against your lips. 

A laugh bubbles out from you as your hands clasp at his cheeks. Just to try and stop you from stumbling over.

Pulling back to rest your foreheads together you whisper, “We should probably get back out there—you’ve got a team to celebrate with”

He scrunches his nose, “Do you mind if we just stay in tonight? We can watch that show ya love” 

You raise a brow, “Are you sure? You know I don’t mind if you go out”

He sighs nuzzling his nose into the side of your neck, inhaling and exhaling the scent of you, so heavenly intoxicating. 

Giving him the same high as scoring a goal. 

“I just want to spend the night with my girl”

Your lips curl up, “You know I love it when you call me that”

“My girl?” 

You hum in acknowledgement. 

Unaware of how your words had completely set Jamie’s heart racing. 

Pulling away from him you wander to the door, “Ok, let’s get back in there”

“Sounds good, love,” he nods. 

Slipping back into the locker room. 

The room, still loud with cheers from their recent win. 

Followed by Jamie a few minutes after. 

By the time you entered the locker room, you had almost convinced yourselves that maybe–

Just maybe–

Will could keep a secret.

The team looked normal.

Ted smiled. Whilst Beard nodded occasionally to his words. 

Isaac argued with Colin.

Everything seemed fine.

You relaxed.

Jamie relaxed.

Then Jan Maas looked up from untying his boots, "Congratulations." His eyes meeting yours and Jamie’s. 

No room to mistake his words for the recent win. 

The room fell silent.

You froze.

Jamie froze.

"...What?" You had uttered a little sheepishly. Despite having said you were ok with the secret being out. The reality of it all felt entirely different. 

Jan looked confused, before continuing, "On your relationship."

"Oh for fuck's sake," Jamie groaned quietly. He was hoping for at least one more day before the entire team knew. Hoping to at least be the one to break the news. 

Colin slapped a hand over his face, "JAN!"

"What?" Jan frowned, shrugging, "They are dating."

"You weren't supposed to say it!"

"I thought we all knew."

"We did know!" Isaac pointed accusingly, "You've broken the social contract!"

Jan blinked, "I do not understand."

Jamie buried his face in his hands.

You wanted the ground to swallow you whole.

Then Dani gasped, "YOU ARE TOGETHER?!" before brightly bounding over to you both to wrap his arms around both your shoulders. His smile stretched widely across his face. 

Suddenly everyone was talking.

All of them coming up to you both. Words of congratulations spilling from them. 

Sam looked thrilled, "That's wonderful!"

"Honestly, about time," Colin grinned.

Isaac shook his head, “I knew it”

Jamie pushed his arm in jest, “Sure you did”

“Yeah, I totally did, man. You know what I said. Kinesics. Total chemistry,” he explained. 

Ted looked between you both. Before his smile gleamed. Eyes twinkling in delight. 

“Do you hear that Beard?” 

“Hm?”

“I hear a couple of love birds tweeting in the air, and they’re going tweet tweet tweet, as sweet as mildew on a morning flower,” he grins, whilst Beard nods. 

“Congratulations you two. When did this happen?” He asked. 

Your eyes flick over to meet Jamie’s, before meeting Ted’s once more, “For a little while now, a few weeks. Um–”

“Turns out, you were right,” Jamie started. 

“I was?” Ted raised a brow, “About what?”

“It was a bit of a You’ve Got Mail situation.”

“You watched the film?” 

Jamie nods. 

As Ted blinks in realisation. 

“You mean to tell me that the woman you liked and the woman you were messaging were one in the same?” 

As you and Jamie nodded at his words. 

“Well I am simply so happy for you both! You’ve got the whole team supporting every bit of this just know that, right guys?” 

“Right,” the team all agreed. 

Ted nudges Beard’s arm, “And they say romance is dead–I think this is even better than a rom-com” 

“Even better than Sandra Bullock’s The Proposal?” Beard asked with an arched brow. 

Ted pulls his lips tight, hands placed on his hips, “You know what Beard, I think it just might be” 

You laugh from their words, feeling Jamie’s hand intertwine with yours. The slight caress of his finger helps soothe your racing heart. 

Roy wandered in halfway through, "What the fuck is going on?" His eyes narrow as he watches the team crowd around you and Jamie. 

You sighed, "They know."

Roy blinked once.

Then looked at Jamie.

Then you.

"...About fucking time."

“You’re telling us that Roy already knew!?” 

You grin a little awkwardly, scratching the back of your neck, “Uhh–and Keeley…”

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner?!” 

Keeley had walked in alongside Rebecca and Leslie. 

As soon as she caught wind of why the team was in higher spirits than usual, she had essentially squeezed the life out of you in absolute excitement. 

“So happy for you babes!” She squealed, before pulling back, “And if he hurts you just know you’ve got the whole team covering your back” 

Jamie lets out a small, “hey,” in complaint. 

Whilst Keeley and Rebecca only raise a brow at him. Causing him to shrink beneath the weight of their stares. 

He salutes, “Understood…” 

Whilst you laugh at their antics. 

In this moment now, you felt extremely lucky. 

Not only did you have great colleagues. But you had found good friends, true friends amongst this team. People who would stand by you, who would always lend a helping hand or an open ear. 

And it was in this team. 

You had found someone very dear to you. 

Someone you could see yourself falling in love with. 

And in that moment. When Jamie’s eyes met yours from across the room. 

It felt as though you could see an endless amount of beautiful possibilities, simply waiting for you both to enjoy. 

Both of you excited to see where this might lead.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 6! (I'll be exploring a little more of them as a couple in the next chapter) but for now I wanted to explore the feelings they have about this new adventure. And I was super excited to explore the team finding out! Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨ Read, Part 7: To Be Good Enough here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

Whilst the silence stretched out for far too long. Too long for Jamie’s comfort. 

He continued to fidget with the edge of his shirt. Nerves begin to build within him. 

Jamie was by no means a self conscious person. 

But with you. 

There was something about you that made him want to be better. 

Made him want to make you smile, make you laugh, make you happy.

He coughs slightly, “Who am I kidding, you’re probably busy, I’ll uh leave–”

Your hand reaches out upon instinct. 

Fingers curling around his wrist before he can walk away. “Wait–”

His brows dip and furrow together, flicking between your grasp and your eyes. A question settling onto his features. 

“I have time,” you smiled. Before letting him enter your home once more. 

… 

In the space of time that had occurred, from the moment Jamie left your home this morning. To the moment that led him back to your doorstep, mere hours after he had left. 

Jamie’s mind had been a mess. 

Thoughts chaotic. 

Cluttered. 

Confused.

Unable to tell the difference between up and down. 

It wasn’t Jamie’s strong suit confronting his own emotions. It felt foreign to him. Strange and unusual. 

He knew he liked you. 

He knew he had some inkling of feelings that were more than what one would feel for a friend. That was something he had already confronted. 

What he didn’t know however. 

Was whether or not it could be something more? Or whether it was even something real to begin with?

Fuck. 

He also thought he liked the mystery woman over the phone…

The one who had been privy to his deepest worries and thoughts as of late. Who knew him so intimately and yet had no idea of who he was. 

But that one night with you, so soft and comforting. The way you felt entangled in his arms. 

You looked at him as just Jamie.

You didn’t pry for anything, you didn’t dig, didn’t make assumptions. You simply listened and understood. 

He didn’t know what to think…

So he did the only thing he could think of. 

He went to Keeley. 

If anyone could decipher his thoughts and feelings it would be her. 

And that meant seeing Roy. As soon as he knocked on her door, the grumpy coach opened the door. 

Brows knitted, mouth pulled in a thin line. Eyes assessing Jamie. 

Narrowing slightly at the sight of him. 

“Tartt”

“Coach,” he nodded, before asking, “Can I come in?” 

Roy only growled, prepared to shut the door, before Keeley’s voice sounded out. 

“Oi Roy, is that Jamie?!” 

Jamie watches as Roy’s face twists into dissatisfaction, before calling back, “Yes.” 

“What’s he want!”

Roy’s gaze shifts back to Jamie, “What do you want?” 

Jamie's brows furrow, “Sheesh, no need to be so hostile–Just was wanting to talk to Keeley is all–”

“About?” 

“Hi Jamie,” Keeley appears by Roy’s side, tilting her head as she looks at Jamie. 

“Hey Keeley, do ya have a sec?” 

“Sure,” she nods, pinching Roy’s side before he can protest. “Come in,” she steps aside while Jamie enters, nodding as he passes by. 

Leading to now. 

Where Jamie sits across from Keeley and Roy at the dining table. 

His hands twist and fidget. Unable to sit still. 

The faint tapping on his fingers upon the table. 

Not quite able to speak now that he was here. 

Keeley glances at Roy before looking back at Jamie. They’d never seen him so, so–speechless before. 

“Tartt,” Roy’s stern voice breaks him from his thoughts. 

“Right, well er–” he stammers on. 

Roy and Keeley share a look, confusion colouring their features. 

“Jamie, what’s wrong? You know we’re here for you with whatever you need–if it’s about yesterday–”

“No! Well yes but no. It’s not about that–It’s about, well it is about yesterday–” he sucks in a deep breath before going on, “I spent the night at Y/N’s”

They raise their brows at his statement. 

Keeley blinks in surprise. 

“Good for you, Jamie–”

“What–” His brows knit together from her words. 

“I knew you would be good together–”

“No, Keeley,” He interrupts once more, “Last night wasn’t like that–it was just. Well, I can’t describe it. It felt nice. Um, like warm in me chest,” he rubs against his heart, “But we didn’t do anything but talk and just sit together”

She smiles fondly as she looks at him, her hand lacing with Roy’s fingers. 

“Sounds like you like her Jamie,” she says with a knowing look. 

Roy tuts, “We told you that ages ago,” his mind wandering back to the boot room where even Will and Issac knew this for a fact. 

“Yeah well, I didn’t really realise that until now did I? Had a lot on me mind,” Jamie said defensively. Arms crossing over his chest as he leans back. 

Keeley squeezes Roy’s hand with a pointed look. 

Before softening as she looks at Jamie once more. 

“Jamie”

He glances up to meet her eye. 

“You just need to tell her, go back to her place and say it. If she likes you it’ll all work out, and well–if she doesn’t. Then at least you’ll know,” she said kindly. 

His shoulders sag, sighing, “Thanks Keeley.” 

He moves to stand, beginning to leave, “Well, wish me luck,” he says at the door, where they stand to say goodbye. 

“I promise you won’t need it Jamie,” Keeley replies. 

While Roy nods, an action so small, that it almost went amiss. The door closes as they see Jamie off. 

Keeley grins while looking up at Roy, “You can’t tell me you don’t gossip about this with your yoga group”

He only gruffly huffs in response. 

While a cheeky smile slips onto her face, arms wrapping around him, “Come here you big softy” 

He melts into her arms, softening just for her. 

…

Running on the fumes of Roy and Keeley’s encouragement. 

Jamie sat in your drive. 

Trying to give himself a pep talk. 

When his phone buzzed. 

Messages from the mystery woman filtered through, popping up onto his screen. A welcomed distraction. Or simply another added layer of confusion to his day–he still couldn’t decide which it was. 

The messages carried a warmth. 

A familiarity with them. 

Even if it was just as mundane as asking how you were…

But then the message came through. 

The one asking to meet. 

And he froze in his place. 

And in that moment he knew. What he should’ve realised all along, as his eyes lifted to glance at your home. 

His response came easily to him. 

No longer tempted by the mystery of someone. 

He simply wanted to be with you. 

His hands knocked against the door. Enraptured by you, whilst you open it. The slight furrow of your brows when you saw him. The confusion flashing across your features. 

It took everything within him to not blurt it out right then and there. To not simply say what he was thinking–

“Do ya mind if we talk? Only if you’re not busy?”

Your lips softened into a smile, nodding whilst you stepped aside to let him in. 

“Sure” 

Trailing after him you lead him to the kitchen, “Do you want a cup of tea or anything?” 

You begin to move around the kitchen, needing to keep yourself busy. A nervous energy festering in the room. 

He nods, “Uh, yeah only if you’re making one–I can help–”

You hold up a hand, “Just take a seat, it’s ok”

Biting the inside of his cheek, he listens to you while he sits at the counter. Letting the quiet brew between you both. 

Not awkward. 

Just simply there. 

The faint clinking of mugs, the gentle boil of the kettle before it dings. 

Sliding a steaming mug over to him, “Milk or sugar?” 

“Uh–this is fine,” he says, unable to think about the tea. 

“So what did you want to talk about?” you asked, sliding into the seat beside him. Hands folded in your lap, just waiting. 

He takes a deep breath in.  

“Right, well erm–” He coughs, meeting your eyes, groaning out, “Why’s this so hard,” he muttered. 

A small frown slips onto your face, as your hands take a hold of his, delicate and gentle. Being mindful of the light bruising of his knuckle. 

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it's fine,” you said softly. 

Jamie looked down at where your hands held his.

Careful.

Gentle.

Warm.

His bruised knuckles sat between your palms as though they weren't attached to the same idiot who'd spent the last twenty minutes trying to work up the courage to say three very simple words.

The problem was–

They suddenly felt impossible.

His stomach was in knots. His heart was beating far too fast.

And this was ridiculous.

He was being ridiculous. 

He'd played in front of masses of crowds,  thousands of people. Had interviews broadcast across the country. Faced down defenders twice his size.

Yet somehow sitting in your kitchen was the most terrified he'd ever felt.

"Jamie?" Your voice pulled him back.

He realised he'd been staring at the countertop for several seconds. He "Right."

Clearing his throat, then immediately coming to regret it, fear flooding into his mind, about what would happen if you didn’t share the feelings he held for you… 

"Right."

Mind racing with doubts. 

He didn’t know whether he deserved this. Such softness. Gentleness. He was such a fucking prick–what right did he have to deserve you–

A nervous laugh escaped you, "You're making me nervous."

"Sorry."

"No, now I'm definitely nervous."

That actually made him smile.

A small one.

But enough.

He inhaled deeply.

Eyes drifting from the countertop, from the steaming cup of tea, before glancing up to meet your eyes.  

Those eyes that quelled his anxieties after tough games. 

That seemed to look beyond his exterior. 

Knowing and so clear. 

And with just one look in your eyes, he decided to stop overthinking.

He just had to try. 

"I like you."

The words landed between you.

Simple.

Honest.

Terrifying.

Your breath caught.

Jamie's heart nearly stopped. Whilst the words lingered in the air. 

“I–” you began to say, eyes flicking down to where your hands met. How sweetly his hands felt intertwined with yours. 

Cut off as he rambled on, “I really like ya actually.”

You feel a warmth bloom in your chest, the rapid racing of your heart. A lump forged in the back of your throat. 

"And I know that's probably not ideal because I used to be a massive prick and I've definitely got loads of issues and honestly this sounded much better in my head–" 

A laugh burst from you unexpectedly.

Not mocking.

Just surprised.

Relief flooding your features. 

Jamie’s brows dip into a frown, concern morphing upon his face. Ready to face the rejection, hands starting to pull away. 

But then your hands squeeze his. 

A smile curling at your lips. 

Eyes softening as you look at him. 

Realising that perhaps your feelings for your mysterious friend through your phone had simply been displaced. 

That in fact. 

They were simply the feelings you harboured for Jamie. 

Leaning in, as you murmur as though it were a secret meant for his ears only,, “I really like you too” 

Silence.

Jamie stared.

You stared back. 

Simply relishing in the shared comfort of finally having said it aloud. 

"Wait,” His eyebrows shot up, "Really?"

You laughed again, with a fondness seeping into your tone, "Yes, Jamie."

A grin broke across his face. The biggest one you'd ever seen. 

Boyish and so very charming.

So unlike the persona he portrayed on the field. 

So unlike the person he was, mere months ago. 

“Really?" He questions once more. 

Absolutely stunned. 

That the girl he liked. 

You. 

Had felt the same towards him. 

"You're asking twice now,” with a small amused smile slipping onto your face. 

"Just checking."

You shook your head. 

Smiling helplessly.

God. He looked so happy.

For a moment neither of you spoke.

Simply sitting there, grinning like idiots.

Then Jamie abruptly sat up straighter, determined, "Right."

"What?" a small laugh bubbled out, hands still gently held within his. 

Tea now long forgotten. The steam no longer curled into the air. 

"We should go on a date,” he said, declared more like it. Hand slipping from yours, as they gesture in the air. 

"A date?"

He nodded, "A proper one."

His confidence seemed to be returning now.

Words coming faster, "I know this really great restaurant."

"Oh?"

"Well," He scratched the back of his neck. As he thought more about the idea, it was a place he remembered Sam mentioning, "I've actually never been."

You snorted, while you watched him pause before adding, "But I hear it's good."

Jamie truly hadn’t gone out much as of late, in fact since returning to Richmond, since meeting you. Jamie hadn’t desired it. Not since he met you…

"Jamie."

"I'll call and make a reservation," he begins to slip out his phone. 

"Jamie."

"It'll be nice."

"Jamie,” you say once more, unable to get through to him. 

"I can wear a suit–"

You reached over and took his hand.

Immediately silencing him.

His eyes dropped to your intertwined fingers.

Then back to your face, "Yeah?"

The softness in his voice made your heart ache. How tentative it was. So new to him. So unlike what he had experienced before. 

You squeezed gently, with a small shake of your head, "I don't need anywhere fancy."

His expression softened. 

"I just want to spend time with you."

For a moment he simply looked at you. Like he couldn't quite believe you'd said it.

Like he couldn’t believe the sincerity of it all. 

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

You smiled, before answering,"Yes."

A slow smile spread across his face.

Fuck.

You liked making him smile.

You loved seeing him smile. How the little dimples formed upon his cheeks, how his features instantly softened as he gazed at you. 

You said softly, reassuringly, "Okay."

"Okay," he echoed, nodding thoughtfully. 

Then after a moment. 

After a split second, he asked, "Is tonight too soon?" Excitement flooding his features, the little twinkle in his eyes. 

The smallest of laughs slipped from your lips at his eagerness, heart clenching at the thought that Jamie truly meant what he said, "Tonight sounds good."

The smile he gave was so brilliant and bright. It was almost alarming the way it made your stomach flip.

Then suddenly he froze.

"Huh"

"What?" you asked, a worried thought popping up into your mind. 

A look of confusion crossed his face, "You know what I just realised?"

You shook your head, with a small furrow of your brow. 

Jamie blinked.

"I don't have your number."

"Oh," you stifled back a laugh, "That might help."

"Probably," he nodded, as he chuckled. 

Still smiling, you reached for your phone, pulling it from your pocket. Unlocking it before passing it to him, "Here, just type it in."

He nodded, still grinning. Still slightly dazed.

Opening your contacts.

Adding a new entry.

His thumbs moved quickly.

Name.

Number.

Save.

Easy.

Then he paused.

His smile faded. Blinking as he simply stared at your phone. 

"What’s wrong?" you questioned. 

Jamie's brows furrowed.

He stared at the screen.

Then back at you.

Then back at the screen.

The messages so very familiar. Messages that always seemed to say what he needed to hear. 

Messages he had sent to his mysterious friend…

Before his eyes snap back up to look at you, he was at a loss for words. He couldn’t believe it

You tilt your head as you watch him, simply waiting for him to speak. All he can do is turn the phone around, all the messages appearing on screen. 

The contact name now updated to say Jamie 💙

The messages you recognised immediately. 

It was a number you had messaged hundreds of times.

A number you had vented to.

Laughed with.

Asked advice from.

Shock simply distilled in the air between you. 

Neither of you moved.

For several long seconds.

Stretching out as your minds filtered through what this all meant. 

"No fucking way,” You snatched the phone.

Looking down.

Heart pounding.

Your own eyes widening.

Fingers scrolling through all the messages. Through everything you had sent, exchanged. All the conversations, big and small. 

“You’re–”

You bite your lip. Licking your lips. 

Jamie’s number…was the exact same number from the accidental text.

The one you'd sent months ago.

The one that started everything.

Your mouth opened.

Closed.

Opened again.

Like a fish out of water, you had no idea what to do. Stunned by the realisation. 

Jamie was already pulling out his own phone.

Frantically opening your message thread.

And then. 

Ping

Your eyes glanced down at your phone. A new message appeared in the chat. 

???: [ I’m glad it’s you ]

You suck in a deep breath, a shiver runs down your spine. You feel a prickling form at the edges of your eyes. 

Feeling choked up. 

Your fingers move quickly, before the faint ping sounds out from Jamie’s phone. 

You: [ me too ]

Placing the phone down, you barely give him a moment to read it, before your arms are wrapped around him. 

Holding him closely. 

Smiling so widely. 

It felt like a scene from a movie. Despite all the odds. It had turned out the friend you had fallen for and the confidante you had made via messages.

Were one in the same person…

His arms instantly tightened around you, burying his head into the crook of your neck. 

Cherishing this feeling of holding you in his arms. 

As it turned out. 

It was like the movie Ted had mentioned all those weeks ago…A classic ‘You’ve Got Mail’ situation…

Neither of you could believe it.

You were the person who'd spent months giving Jamie advice.

The person who'd told him to get his shit together.

The person he'd texted after every bad day.

Every panic.

Every setback.

Every triumph.

Was you.

And suddenly dozens of conversations crashed together in your head.

"Oh my God," you murmured, feeling a heat creeping up to flush your cheeks.

He murmured so softly, “I’m so glad it’s you” 

Whilst you smiled. 

"You told me to get my shit together!"

Your softness cracked, as you shook from the laughter wracking your body. Pulling back as you nudged his arm.

"You needed to!"

He chuckled with a small nod of his head, agreeing, “I did,” before softly repeating it once more, “I did” 

Eyes simply gazing at you. 

The tension shattered instantly.

Months of mystery dissolving in seconds.

"This is insane," you said.

"It really is"

The two of you sat there.

Phones forgotten on the counter.

Staring at each other.

Months of conversations suddenly wearing a new face.

A familiar face.

One that made your hearts skip a beat. A warmth blooming in your chests. Fondness brewing between you both. 

And slowly.

The laughter faded.

Leaving something softer behind.

Because now Jamie understood why from the moment he met you it felt as though talking to you had always felt easy.

Why it had felt familiar. 

Why everything blurred when it came to you and the mysterious stranger. 

Unable to separate the feelings he held for you both. 

It was because.

It had always been you.

Every single time.

And judging by the look in your eyes–

You were realising the exact same thing.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 5! They finally did it!! they confessed! and they realised who the mystery number was!! hope you enjoyed the reveal! super sweet and tender, and funny. Next I'll be exploring them being together, how this impacts the team (how the team finds out) - likely Ted being ecstatic and so bringing up the classic Rom-Com trope of it all haha. Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged ✨ Read, Part 6: To Live In a Rom-Com here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

...

The game.

The first game Jamie had played against Man City since he had been let go. 

And in the stands. 

His father sat. 

It was an exhilarating game. Even if it had ended in the defeat of the greyhounds. Richmond had given it their all. 

Whilst you were in the locker room, checking up on everyone. Attention drawn elsewhere. 

When the door had opened. Jamie’s attention signalled by security. 

Everyone froze. 

He sighs. Jaw tense. Eyes murky.

“Are you decent?” a gravelly voice laden thick with the slur of booze, “I told ya. Dick.”

The heckling laugh. The snide comments. 

How he was dressed in Manchester City colours. A clear antagoniser. 

Drunk.

Smug.

The sort of man who seemed to enjoy taking up space.

And immediately your stomach sank. Because you didn't need to know the details. It was clear to you who this was. From the moment he had locked eyes onto Jamie. 

From the way Jamie’s shoulders straightened. Taut with anxiety. 

The words not quite reaching your ears. But the tone was sharp. Biting. Cruel. 

Looking up from where you were checking Van Damme’s shoulder. Your brows furrow from his words. How heartless he was. 

Jamie’s mumbled words of discontent. 

“–just 'cause you got your arse served to you on a plate, are ya?” 

Jamie countered, eyes downcast, “Don't speak to me like that.” 

“Huh?”

“Don't speak to me like that.” Jamie repeated.  

His father approached him step by step, closing the distance, “Huh?”

Lips pulled into a frown, a determined look budding in his eyes, “Don't speak to me like that.”

Whatever happens next, happens fast. 

As Jamie turns, his father practically growls, “Don't turn your back on me, you pussy.”

In a flash. Jamie punches his father, who grunts from the impact. 

And just as quick, Beard is tugging and pulling him out of the room forcefully. 

Jamie froze in a moment of fear. 

Eyes wide. 

Hands still drawn up. Anticipating the next hit. Even though it never comes. 

Roy pulls him into a hug, Jamie’s hands curling against the fabric of his shirt. Tears falling. 

Within the pit of your stomach a sense of dread brewed. Heavy like a stone. Warped and sickening.  

The worst of it all. Was that the words didn’t sound like anything new. Didn’t sound fresh. 

It had sounded practiced. 

As though spoken a hundred times before. Had been pointedly spat in Jamie’s face a thousand times. 

Roy had pulled Jamie aside, walking him to a more private room. Away from the eyes of his team mates. Away from the pitying glances, the uneasy tension in the air. 

And only once everyone was checked on. 

Only once you were sure there was nothing else for you to do, did you follow where they left. 

Finding Jamia and Roy alone in a room. Silent. 

Jamie clenching and unclenching his fists. Body rigid. Mouth set firm. 

Opening the door gently, quietly, you send Roy a nod. As he takes his leave. You settle before Jamie, your hands taking his lifting it to inspect. 

Noticing the reddening of his knuckles. 

You gently swipe across them. 

“You ok?”

“Phsyically or emotionally?” he counters. 

Shrugging, you respond, hands moving to treat his knuckles, thankfully no breaks in the skin, just simple bruising. Nothing, a little ice and time won’t heal. 

The second your fingers touched his skin he winced. "Sorry."

He mumbled, "It's alright."

You turned his hand carefully. Dark purple spreading across his knuckles.

Angry and ugly.

"You punch walls often?" you asked, trying to lighten the mood. 

A humourless laugh escaped him.

"First time actually."

"Good,” Your fingers pressed lightly against the bones. Checking for fractures. "Because it's stupid."

"Yeah."

"Very stupid."

"I know." He sighs, a little more tense. 

You glanced up. While Jamie was staring at the floor, averting your gaze. Shoulders slumped. Like every ounce of fight had left him.

Softening your voice dips slightly, "A very understandable kind of stupid."

Your words had earned you the faintest smile.

You worked quietly, diligently. Letting the silence consume you both. 

Comfort brewed between you both. 

As your hands were soft. 

Jamie sucked in a deep breath, “He never liked me much–what I mean is, he liked football. But me. I only became important when I could kick a ball”

“Sorry-”

“No, don’t,” he pauses for a moment before continuing, “I don’t need ya to be sorry” 

“He should’ve,” you added. 

“Yeah.” Words tinged with bitterness. 

You clasp his hands holding them, eyes sincere as you say it once more. “He should have” 

He nodded. 

“He always wanted more. Nothing was ever enough,” he confessed. Soft spoken, something you had never seen from Jamie before. 

Your mouth curled into a frown, “I get that”

His eyes darted to yours, concern etching into his brows. 

“Not from my dad. But an old boss of mine, he would find something wrong with everything I did,” you began to explain, “he would start comparing me to someone else’s work” 

Sighing, “So believe me when I say, I can understand. That there comes a point where you start hearing their voice even when they're not there."

His expression shifted from your words. How you didn’t pity him. But extend an arm in understanding. Sympathy. 

"I left that job years ago,” You shrugged, "But every now and then I still hear him."

The admission hung in the air.

Honest.

Vulnerable.

And somehow that seemed to help.

Because now, Jamie suddenly didn't feel quite so alone.

The evening dragged on. 

Both left to wander the night, side by side, not yet ready to leave each other. 

Until soon you had picked up some take out, before ending up at your home. Legs strewn across the couch, a sit com playing in the background as you ate from the containers. 

Comfortable. 

Relaxed. 

Settled. 

And without even realising it, you had both fallen asleep. Limbs entangled, there was an ease when it came to being in each other’s arms.

As though you were pieces of a puzzle fitting together seamlessly. 

The morning was quiet. Tentative as you pulled away from his grasp, eyes widening as you woke to the surprise. 

His hand gripping yours before relaxing and letting you slip away. 

Busying yourself in the kitchen. 

The gentle clinking of your spoon against your cup as you stir your tea. Eyes flickering up as you meet Jamie. 

Hair tussled, whilst he rubs the sleep from his eyes. A dopey look upon his face. 

“We didn’t uh–we didn’t do–”

Shaking your head, “Nothing happened”

He nods with a small, “oh,” sniffling, “Right–well, of course, I should uh, I should get going.” 

You offer him a small smile, “Of course”

“Right.” He nods. Not moving an inch. 

You look at him expectantly. 

Before he turns to leave, his brows furrow slightly, “I just wanted to thank ya. For last night.”

Standing there looking at you, he realised something.

The best part of last night wasn't forgetting what happened. It wasn’t forgetting who his father was, or what he’d done. Or how he made Jamie feel. 

No. It was that for a few hours...

He didn't have to carry it alone.

You were there with him. Simply there. Not expecting anything. Not judging him. Just accepting. 

“Anytime, Jamie. I’ll see you at work”

He nods once more, before leaving you alone in your home. 

It barely takes more than a few minutes before a sudden tapping at your door sounds out. 

Walking over you begin to ask expecting to see Jamie, “Did you forget something?”

“Were you expecting someone else, love? Perhaps the cute man I just saw leave your home,” your neighbour Sandy says with a raised brow. 

“Oh, uh. Morning Sandy”

“Morning to you too,” she smiles. 

“Please come in–”

She shakes her head, “This won’t take a second,” she stands a little taller, “It’s come to my attention that you might be in need of a little talking to”

“And who says that?” 

A cheery smile on her face, disarming you, “We’ve been talking–”

“Who’s we?”

She sends you a knowing glance, “You know who, the girls from yoga, they all send their best by the way–anywho. We’ve been talking and we think that you, the fabulous young woman that you are, should be getting out there, you know meeting someone–unless you’re with that young stud I saw”

“Sandy!” you lightly tap her arm, “I’m perfectly happy the way I am”

“No one’s saying you’re not happy – just that it might be nice for you to have someone to share that happiness with” 

“Is that all you came by to say?” you asked. 

She nods satisfied, seeing the gears begin to turn in your mind. 

“I’m just saying that Roy may have implied there could be someone in your life–don’t shut down opportunities just because you don’t think you’re worth it” 

She reaches over to grasp your hand, “Because I tell you, love. That anyone and I mean anyone would be lucky to have you.”

“Thank you Sandy, I’ll think about it”

“That’s all I ask,” She waves you good bye once more, before you close the door. 

Sighing as you lean against it.  

You move around the house. Keeping yourself busy, doing loads of washing, anything to keep your mind occupied. 

But then your phone buzzes. 

Hand reaching for it out of instinct. The mystery number had appeared on your screen. 

???: [ How’s your day been? ]  

How had your day been?

Overall it was fine. But ultimately you were confused. Confused by what everything meant. 

Confused by what it meant to have Jamie over last night. 

Confused by the way this stranger made you feel.

Confused about how Jamie made you feel. 

Confused by what Sandy inferred. 

By what Roy Fucking Kent inferred by talking about you at his yoga session.

Confused.

That was how you felt. 

But that was not what you wrote. 

And so you lied. 

You: [ A-Ok ]  

Even if you weren’t feeling A-Ok. only people who aren’t A-Ok, say they’re A-Ok. 

???: [ sounds convincing]   You: [ Just been given some tough truths ]  ???: [ harsh ]  

You: [ tell me about it … 

Finger hovering over the send button, instead deleting it all and sending instead

You: [ how was your day? ]   You: [ did you catch the game? ]   ???: [don’t tell me you go for Man city? ]   You: [ fuck no ] You: [ I’m a Greyhound girl through and through ]     ???: [ fucking hope so ]  

A smile stretched across your lips, before it dipped. 

Fucking hell. You were in deep shit. 

First Jamie Tartt had been rolling around in your mind like a football. 

And now this. 

You had no idea what to think. 

No idea what to do. 

Take a chance on a stranger. 

Or on a person who you thought was a verified asshole mere weeks ago…

So you jumped right in. On a chance. On a fleeting idea. 

You: [ we should meet ]

The bubbles appear and disappear. 

Your hopes heightening and dipping with each set of bubbles that appeared only for them to dissipate. 

Until. 

They were shattered. 

???: [ I don’t think that’d be a good idea… ] ???: [ sorry ]  

Heart clenching. Left at a loss for words. 

You stare at the messages, unable to process them. 

Unable to understand. 

Had it all been a lie. 

Had you made it up in your head. 

What just happened?

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard. 

Stunned. 

You: [ you’re right. sorry ] You: [ forget I said anything ]

And so you stared blankly at your phone. 

Feeling heartbroken over something that was never even yours to begin with. You don’t even know where to begin. 

Don’t even know where to start. 

So much for opening yourself to new opportunities…

A knock at your door. 

Once. 

Twice. 

You place your phone down, doing your best to forget what had happened. 

To shake it off. 

You open the door. 

Blinking in surprise. 

There stands Jamie, hands fidgeting, as they brush through his hair. No longer in the clothes he wore last night. Now looking slightly refreshed. 

But there was this look in his eye. 

One of trepidation. 

Something you had never quite seen in his eye. 

It felt off. 

Unusual. Out of place within his eyes. 

“Jamie?” you tilt your head. 

“Uh, hey Y/N”

“Did you forget something?” and for the second time today you had asked that same question. 

“Do ya mind if we talk? Only if you’re not busy” 

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 4! I promise something good is coming in the next part 👀 perhaps a lil confession!!! but how are you going to take it after being rejected without even knowing it was by the very same person standing at your front door ♥️ also Jamie's dad was such a dick. Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged. Read, Part 5: To Try here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

It was nice having Roy around again. 

If only just so you could tease him and poke fun at him. 

Also definitely made scheduling appointments for him and his knee, a hell of a lot easier since he wasn’t avoiding the precinct any more. 

Giving you the perfect opportunity to nag him throughout the day to do his exercises and stretches. 

…The one downfall. 

Unbeknownst to you. 

Was that it had somehow stirred an unsettled jealousy within a certain player. 

A certain player who was beginning to brew a soft spot for you. 

By midseason, Jamie had developed a problem.

Several, actually.

First–

Richmond still drew too fucking much.

Second–

Roy Kent was somehow an even scarier coach than he’d been a captain.

And third–

You.

You were becoming a genuine issue.

Because Jamie couldn’t stop thinking about you.

It started small.

From your little sessions together. 

To the way you’d remember the things he’d say. Or notice when he wasn’t quite himself. 

And the way your smile would spark something within him. 

How he craved to see you smile. 

To hear you laugh…

The issue was. 

Watching you be so relaxed around Roy. 

Laughing freely. 

As you’d make Roy crack a smile. 

How the fuck you managed to do that. No one could quite understand.

It had made something twist in the pitt of Jamie’s stomach. 

Not jealous over the idea that you might like Roy. 

It was clear you had no intention of ever crossing a line like that with him. 

No. Jamie wasn’t jealous over that. 

He was annoyed by the fact that it seemed so easy for you and Roy to get along. So effortless. 

Whenever you and Jamie spoke, it felt like a pressure weighed on his shoulders. 

An invisible weight he laid upon himself to make sure it went smoothly. Overthinking as he tried to find ways to make you laugh or smile. 

Only to be left unsatisfied as he watches you from afar, bright laughter spilling from you. 

You could be talking with Keeley, or Roy, or Ted, or literally anyone else on the team, even with Will! 

And it felt so easy for everyone else. 

For everyone except for Jamie. 

He hadn’t struggled this much with trying to impress a girl since... 

No. 

Not impress. 

He didn’t want to impress you. 

He simply…

Fuck…

A flash of realisation entered Jamie’s mind. 

He didn’t want to impress you. He simply wanted to make you smile. Wanted to be there for you. 

He wanted to be yours. 

What a fucking way to come to that realisation. 

But a conflict twisted inside him. 

While he found himself longing for you. 

He was also festering within him complicated feelings towards a mysterious stranger, one who he had only exchanged messages with. 

Not even knowing who they really were…simply knowing that their messages brought a smile to his face. A warmth to his chest.  

“C’mon babes, spill. You got some sort of secret lover or whatever?-Did you finally get onto bantr!?” Keeley squealed in excitement, as Roy winced slightly. 

“No I still haven’t joined that–I just–”

It was at that point Jamie didn’t want to hear anymore, walking away out of earshot, as he stepped outside. 

Breathing in the fresh air. 

Hand reaching for his phone. Instinctual as he pulls up the mystery person’s contact. 

A new notification popped up. 

Just a few minutes ago. 

???: [ Still kicking? ] 

And the faintest of smiles curled at his lip. A small chuckle from the unrealised pun. If only they knew…

He wondered how they would react if they knew who he was. 

Would it change their opinion of him?

Would it make them view him differently?

He shakes those thoughts from his mind as he types back. 

Jamie: [ Barely ]  Jamie: [ Ever realise something you should’ve known sooner? ]  Jamie: [ … ]  Jamie: [ Sorry that was a weird question ]  Jamie: [ How’s your day ] 

And without even realising it. 

His messages had pinged elsewhere in the precinct. 

Phone vibrating against your chest as you hold it closely, doing your best to conceal the growing smile on your face. 

A coy glint in your eye as you tuck the phone into your pocket. 

“And who was that?” 

“None of your business,” you say. 

“Oh come onnn,” she drags on, with big puppy eyes. You send a look towards Roy, pleading for his help. 

Only for him to shrug, lips pulled taut, as he leaves the room. 

“Coward!” you call out. 

Keeley looks at you expectantly. Catching Rebecca’s eye as she passes the door, “Oi, Rebecca, get in here”

“Keeley, no–”

Rebecca walks in, trailed by Leslie, as they look at her in question. 

Keeley jabs a finger towards you, “Don’t you think Y/N’s been a little different lately–sort of you know, glowy?” 

They tilt their head as they observe you. While you feel a heat rise to your cheeks, flushed from the attention. 

Stretching your hands out, “There’s nothing out of the ordinary, trust me”

Rebecca and Keeley share a look. 

While Leslie simply sighs, “I know that look. Now that, is the look of a woman in love. You know, my wife had that same look when we first started going out, well–”

“What Leslie is trying to say, is that you have love plastered all over your face”

Your eyes widen from their words. 

Mouth agape. 

Stunned. 

Brows furrowing. 

Shaking your head, “I have no idea what you mean.” 

“Sure”

They look at you before turning to whisper amongst each other, looking up briefly to glance at you. 

Sighing, you cross your arms over your chest. “Should I leave my office to give you all a bit of privacy? Or?” you tease. 

“Just know, that we’re onto you” 

They file out. 

Leaving you to wonder…

Just what did they mean, glancing at the mirror. You tilt in question, observing your own features, trying to grasp onto what they said. 

Were you in…love?

Shaking your head with a small scoff. 

It seemed so farfetched. 

So unknown. 

So?...

Your hands grab your phone once more as you feel it vibrate. A soft smile popping up onto your face as you read the messages. 

You: [ Been a decent day so far ]  You: [ And as for your question]  You: [ Those moments are such little shits]  You: [ Esp when they pop out of nowhere ]  You: [ Hope it wasn’t a bad realisation :) ] 

Simply waiting with a smile for their response. 

And then you fucking realise…Maybe Keeley did have a point. 

Fuck…

Watching as the bubbles appear and disappear until finally. 

???: [ wouldn’t call it a bad one ] 

You laughed softly as you read the next message. 

???: [ definitely a little shit tho ] 

…

Meanwhile, just down the hall. 

Tucked away in the bootroom. 

Jamie grins at his phone. 

The mysterious stranger on his phone, the perfect distraction. 

The perfect way to calm his thoughts. 

He almost drops his phone as the door opens, “Oi, Tartt” the gruff voice of Roy fills the room. 

“Uh–yeah?” Jamie tucks his phone into his pocket, trying to look unassuming. “What’s up?” 

Roy simply narrows his eyes. 

Simply staring. 

Mouth set in a thin line. 

As Jamie shifts. 

Muttering louder, “I said. What’s up, grandad? I forget yer hearings not great” 

Roy growls. 

“Sheesh”

“What is up with you?” Roy asks pointedly. 

“Nothin,” Jamie mumbled. 

Roy stares at him once more. Not believing him for one second. 

“It's a girl, isn’t it?” 

“Wha–No,” Jamie shook his head incredulously. 

The unwavering look in Roy’s eye, the unshaken demeanour. 

The absolute silence that stretches for far too long. 

Simply breaks Jamie’s resolve.

“Maybe–I don’t – I don’t know,” he admits with a groan. 

Roy grunts in response. “Well it’s fucking with you. Sort. It. Out” 

“Okay, ya fuckin’ robot-what? You got no heart in there or somethin’?” Jamie retorts. “I’ve just been textin’ someone…but.”

His mind drifts. Mind a mess. Mere moments he was certain he liked you. But then he also felt a connection with the mysterious stranger on his phone…

What a fucking mess…

It’s not like he could tell Roy he liked Y/N – he was sure the man would kill him if he looked at his friend wrong…

Jamie huffs, shaking out his arms trying to build up his courage. “But what if me and the babe’s only got textual chemistry?” 

“I thought you liked Y/N?” 

Roy and Jamie’s head snap around, almost giving themselves whiplash as they lock eyes with Will, who becomes startled from their attention.

“Uh–it’s not my business, just ignore me–” he rambles on averting eye contact. 

“No, what did you mean?” Jamie probes further, eyes furrowed in confusion. 

Will takes a deep breath, before continuing, “I thought it was obvious that you liked Y/N–”

The door opens as Isaac enters, hands holding his boots, before glancing up, “Am I interrupting somethin’ bruv?” 

“Jamie likes Y/N,” Roy answers curtly. 

Isaac nods, as though it were obvious, “Oh yeah, for sure.”

“How’d you figure that?” Jamie questions. 

“Kinesics and all that shit,” Isaac replies. “Everyone knows you’re down bad for that girl” 

“I am not–I–ughh,” Jamie knocks his head against the wall. “Is it really that obvious?” 

Roy pats his shoulder. “Pretty sure she hasn’t noticed”

“So what do I do?” 

They all share a look, before glancing back at Jamie. All in disbelief at the question that fell from his mouth.

“Is Jamie Tartt seriously asking for help with a girl?” 

“Yes!” Jamie sighs, “Just forget it–”

“No, no, bruv. It’s all good. Means you care and shit,” Isaac states. “But we ain’t the ones to ask, Roy’s barely lucked out with Keeley–”

“Oi”

“It’s true,” Isaac shrugs. 

Will and Jamie nod, murmuring small words of agreement. 

And that was how Jamie was forced to stand before Ted, Beard, Leslie and Nate, pushed into the room by Roy who quickly left as soon as the first woof sounded out. 

“So, Jamie, how can we help?” Ted asked. 

“Uh-how do ya tell a girl ya like her, or rather how do you know if a girl likes ya or not?”

They all share a look. 

“Well I’ll be damned, never thought I’d see the day where Jamie Tartt would be looking for a little love advice just like- just like, shoot,” Ted snaps his fingers, “I promise it’ll get back to me in a few, just go on Jamie.” 

He glances around before admitting what he had tried to hide. 

“I’ve been talking to this girl for a bit, but I’ve also been texting this other girl and I just– I think I like ‘em both, but I don’t know who I like more or what–”

Ted snaps his fingers in realisation, “A classic ‘You’ve Got Mail’ situation”

“Great film,” Beard comments. 

While Leslie nods, “Who doesn’t love Meg Ryan. But see this could easily be a ‘When Harry Met Sally’ sort of situation,” 

Ted nods thoughtfully, “That is a good point”

“Huh?” Jamie airs his confusion. 

“Back to my point. It sounds like deep down you want these two to be the same person, but cause we’re in real life it’d be real unlikely-though amazing if it were true. Jamie I think you got a real dilemma on your hands”

“Yeah, no shit. That’s why I came to you guys.” 

“Jamie–” Leslie looks up to Ted in question, “May I?”

“Of course, take it away Higgins”

“Just trust in your heart Jamie, it’s normally right when it comes to these things.” Before adding, “You’ll never be able to escape from your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say.”

“Now that is very profound.” 

“Thank you,” Leslie smiles. 

While Jamie nods, taking in the words. 

Ted looks back at Jamie, “Just trust that whatever you choose, it’ll be the right decision.”

“Right,” Jamie offers a small smile, as he walks out, “Thanks for that.” 

Leaving everyone to fall into silence waiting to be sure if he was gone or not. 

“We all hope he gets with Y/N, right?” Leslie asks aloud. 

“Oh most definitely,” Ted nods. 

Beard agrees, “I have money riding on that” 

“Really? Am I the only one who doesn’t see it?” Nate pipes up, having been quiet the whole time. 

Everyone looks at him with raised brows. 

He throws his hands up, mumbling out, “No, my mistake. Must not have noticed…”

Beard continues, “I have them pegged to get together by the end of the season.” 

“I hope it's sooner,” Ted comments. 

“Nothing like the beginnings of a new love,” Leslie sighs. 

And outside. 

Jamie and you both. 

Had a lot to think about…

Torn between what was real, what was tangible. And the idea of someone behind a phone.

It wasn't a question of how.

...It was just a matter of when.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 3! Both have now finally realised their own feelings towards each other - unfortunately it's a lil messy as you're both torn between two 'different' people 😉 Just a bit of meddling and probing from friends, all of which know that you two should get together. Now it's just a matter of when!! Also Leslie's little quote is from The Alchemist! ♥️ Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged. Read Part 4: To Move Forward here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

As Ted welcomed him back into the fold. That wide grin on his face that made Jamie feel unsettled. Unnerved by its sincerity. 

Then there was the team. 

The team he had left behind. 

Who he had left in the lurch. Who he had treated horribly. Had said terrible things about. 

They were forced to tolerate his return. 

Not overly rude. 

But at each turn there was a cold shoulder. 

He was brushed aside. 

Left at arm’s reach. 

As soon as he walked into a room it felt like the air itself was sucked out from within. 

Discomfort wracked his body with each and every interaction, as though he was trying to fit into clothes that no longer fit him. 

As though he had to earn his place back on the team. 

Which was fair enough…

But that didn’t make it any less fucking exhausting. 

At some point it had made him reach for his phone. 

Jamie: [ Could really use one of your peptalks atm ] 

A message sent to the person that had kicked him off his backside before. It was a longshot. 

But it was the only hope he had of getting through this. 

Even if it was just words from a stranger. 

???: [ ??? ] ???: [ Anything specific? ]

At reading your words. A response he had gained far quicker than he anticipated.

He was left to think about what specifically was unsettling him. 

Was making his nerves set alight.

Jamie: [ Just having a rough time getting into the swing of things again ] 

And for whatever reason. Your reply instilled within him a sense of confidence. 

???: [ You can fucking do this ] Jamie: [ Bossy ]  ???: [ Correct ] Jamie: [ Thanks ]  ???: [ 👍 ]

After that it sort of became a ritual. 

Not intentionally. 

It just happened. 

He would send a message to touch base. Never knowing more than the bare minimum. 

Never anything specific. 

Just enough. 

Passing vague messages of support between the both of you. 

You. 

A perfect stranger. 

Behind a digital wall. 

You who had no idea who he was. 

Your words were what pulled him through. 

Even as he found his footing amongst a team he no longer knew how to be a part of. 

The only one who treated him relatively normally was Ted. 

And incidentally the only other person was. 

You.

The new physio and medic on the team.

Well not new, exactly. 

But new to him. 

You weren’t overly doting or warm. 

No heart eyes. 

No squealing. 

No awestruck gazes. 

Not even a second glance his way. 

You didn’t fawn over him or the others. 

It was honestly refreshing. To be treated as a person. And not just a famous footballer…

You were polite. 

Professional.

And oddly. 

That was something he was beginning to gravitate towards. 

Even if he didn’t always realise it. 

You had a calm nature about you. 

Steady. 

Perhaps it was not the smoothest of starts. 

“So I heard you were a bit of a prick before”

That was one of the very first things you had said to him. 

As you were tending to his ankle, propped up before you as he sat on the treatment table. 

Flinching slightly at your words. 

You sent him a raised brow in question. 

“Unfortunately accurate,” he said lowly. A tinge of shame seeping in. 

Clicking your tongue, as you reply, “Well I hope that’s worn off by now.”

“Trying to, anyways”

You nod at his words. Continuing to work. 

“So how’s the ankle?” 

He shrugged, “Fine” 

“Yeah, fine. Ok. And on a scale of one to ten?” you asked. 

“...Three” he sucked in a harsh breath as you applied pressure along his ankle. 

Observing him you simply state, “Now I know that’s a lie”

“Four?” he answers, though you remain unconvinced. 

“Jamie”

“Alright, six” 

Sighing from his response, and without even meaning to you smiled just a little. 

“See? Was honesty really that difficult?” 

It was at that point that Jamie discovered. 

He liked seeing you smile. 

In fact.

He liked making you smile. 

Which was dangerous.

Because Jamie Tartt had spent most of his life mistaking attention for affection.

And he wasn’t about to do that shit again.

Still—

He found himself lingering in the physio room longer than necessary.

With an endless list of concerns. 

Most unfounded. Or barely more than a scratch. 

Jamie found himself at your door. 

With any excuse he could come up with. 

From sore hamstrings, to tight shoulders. 

To even something as simple as. 

“I think my knee feels funny”

“You literally got hit by a ball five minutes ago” 

“Yeah, exactly” 

Rolling your eyes with a light laugh, “You’re impossible” 

No matter how brief it was. 

Jamie enjoyed those moments. 

He always knew what to expect when he was around you. 

And you didn’t hold back. As he started to spend more and more time around you. 

Your witty words and dry remarks made him understand why everyone had taken a liking towards you. 

Often finding himself lingering near your doorway for just a glimpse. 

As a laugh bubbled out. 

Warm. 

Easy. 

Peeking in he saw you standing beside a treatment table, with your sleeves rolled up. Whilst you were wrapping tape around Colin’s wrist, with Isaac standing by, only to heckle him. 

As Colin winced slightly from even the smallest amounts of pressure.

Rolling your eyes you stated, “You’re being dramatic”

“It hurts!” he exclaimed. 

“You got hit by a football, not a bus,” you dryly retorted. 

“A very fast football” 

Snorting as you replied, “You’ll survive” 

Causing your own laughter to echo out once more, as Isaac snickered. 

He couldn’t place his finger on it. 

But that sound. 

Your laughter. 

As it filtered into his ears. 

It felt as though his stomach was doing flips. 

Not because you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen…

Although fucking hell, you were stunning.

But because of your words.

Your easy going nature. 

The way you put them all at ease without even trying. 

Your dry wit and humour, strangely familiar. As though he had heard it before. But couldn’t quite place it. 

And between it all. 

Between his fleeting moments with you. 

He would message the mystery person every now and again. 

Not ever once realising it was you who was replying. 

A small smile forming on your face when the mysterious stranger would reply or message you. 

Eyes flickering down at your phone at each little ping. 

Biting your lip when the contact with a question mark would pop up. 

It did not go amiss by Keeley when you would go out with her. 

“So,” she would say with raised brows, “Go out with anyone cute lately?”

She had practically made you spit out your coffee from her question. 

“Keeley!” 

“What? Aren’t I allowed to be interested in your love life?” 

She leans in, “Besides, you’ve been checking your phone ever since you got here. Don’t think I didn’t notice”

“It’s really nothing,” you wave her off, “I’ve just been texting a friend lately, they’ve been having a rough time”

“Sure?”

“I’d tell you if I was interested in anyone, promise”

“Well from what I hear you’ve been getting kinda cosy with a certain player on the team”

Your eyes squint at her words. 

“I don’t who you’re talking about”

And without meaning to. 

A certain face flashed in your mind. 

One you couldn’t help but picture at this moment. 

A sculpted face softened by brown tufts of hair, tousled from his fingers carding through them…

She only hums in mild belief, “Maybe you don’t realise it just yet.” 

Confusion crossing your features, sighing before you change the subject. Thinking better than to argue against her logic.

“And how’s Roy? Still sulking?” 

“He’s really taken to coaching Phoebe’s soccer team– Don’t tell me he’s still avoiding you?” 

“If he knows what’s good for him he’ll break sooner than later” You retort,  “Especially with that knee of his” 

You pinch your fingers together, “I reckon I’m this close to breaking through. Would’ve been sooner if my phone didn’t act up” 

“Well since your phone is fixed now, have you managed to get onto Bantr yet?” she probes further. 

“You know the whole online dating thing isn’t for me – especially with the anonymity of it all” 

Fucking ironic…

She tuts at your words. “So if online dating isn’t your thing then what is? Hoping they just fall into your lap”

“I’m really not looking for anything right now Keels,” you sigh. 

She scrunches her nose from your words. 

Poking your side, “You are a fucking babe, babe! Anyone would be lucky to have you and your midas touch” 

Your face flushes from her encouragement. 

“Just promise me you won’t close yourself off from anything”

“I can’t—”

“Promise me” she says firmly with a pointed look. 

Relenting with a sigh you agree, “Ok, I promise,” muttering under your breath, “I can see that Roy’s rubbing off on you”

“I’d like to think I’m rubbing off on him,” she winks. 

Your lunch carries on. Giggling and laughing. Talking about whatever comes to mind. 

And just maybe. 

After your little get together with her. 

You messaged your anonymous friend. 

You: [ Any advice for when your friends fucking grill you? ]

You don’t even know why you sent it. But it was done. 

The message was out there. 

???: [ Anything specific? ]

The words are a witty remark, quoting your own question from a few days ago. 

Biting your lip in thought before typing. 

You: [ Just about stuff ]

You weren’t quite ready to admit that it was dating issues. 

???: [ Ok. ] ???: [ Stuff ]  ???: [ That’s very fucking specific ]

You chuckled at the words. Rolling your eyes. 

You: [ Fine ] You: [ It was about dating stuff ]

And on the other side. Jamie couldn’t quite explain it. 

Couldn’t explain why. 

But a twist settled into his stomach. 

It had been a few days ago where he had discovered that on the other side of his phone was a woman. 

It had come up when you told him to woman up in a message. 

Quoting that it took a lot more strength to be a woman, especially when fighting through the pain of an unwelcome cramp whilst at work. 

You were particularly short with your words that day…

???: [ From my experience ] ???: [ They’re usually right to grill ya ]

Shaking your head as you reply quickly. 

You: [ Whose side you on? ]

Only to snort at his response. 

???: [ Their’s ]  ???: [ Obvs ]  You: [ After all we’ve been through?? ] 

And that was how your conversations went. 

A light lingering of banter, a few choice words that somehow made the other’s day better. Even without you realising it. 

Not even knowing that while you were grinning at your screen. 

More often than not. 

Jamie would be sitting in the locker room, biting back a grin as he typed upon his phone. 

Neither aware that you were talking to each other.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed part 2! Just another step towards these two getting to know each other, as feelings begin to bubble under the surface 😉 Let me know what you think about it, and if you'd like to be tagged. Read Part 3: To Learn Something New here! Comments, Reblogs and Likes are welcomed and appreciated 💕 Feel free to check out my overall Masterlist here

His manager waffling on and on about how he could stop playing football, and just start doing sponsored shit or whatever bullshit he could pull out of his ass…without ever truly living out his full potential on the field.

He just didn’t know where to go. 

Now he sits in a club, late on a Thursday night. 

People all around him in a sea of movement, lights flashing low and moody, casting a glow of anonymity on everyone around him as the music throbs in his ears. 

He has never felt so alone. 

Weirdly his mind can’t stop thinking about his time in Richmond…all the possibilities he could’ve had. 

That brief moment as they bonded as a team in the most unusual of ways as they warded off bad luck.

He had felt seen and accepted for a moment…in a way he’d rarely felt before. 

A sickening weight laid heavy in his gut as his thoughts drifted to all the ways he was a fucking prick even when he didn’t need to be… 

Honestly he didn't know what he was doing. 

A buzz vibrates in his pocket, bringing him out of his numbed state

He pulls his phone out of his pocket to discover a message from an unknown number

???: [ Get your fucking shit together and act like an adult ] 

A shiver ran up his spine as his eyes read the text on his screen

He had no fucking idea if it was the vanilla vodka messing with his vision or if someone deity from above got his phone number

Jamie had never thought himself to be superstitious but this seemed like a fucking sign if he had ever seen one. 

Without realising his fingers twitched and started typing a reply

Jamie: [ Think you have the wrong number but you're right ] 

He downed the last of his drink, before standing to leave the club. 

A rush of the cool evening air hits him as he exits, 

???: [ Shit ]   ???: [ I’m so sorry! That was meant for my friend ] ???: [ … ]  ???: [ but, good luck getting your shit together then? ]  ???: [ :) ] 

Jamie let out a laugh as he read the response. A genuine laugh. Something he hadn’t done in a while, it felt almost foreign. 

Jamie: [ thanks ] Jamie: [ hope your friend gets their shit together too ] 

For once, Jamie felt like things might turn out ok. 

???: [ 👍 ]  

But first he had to get his shit together

Time to visit Richmond.

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It was a just one of those nights 

A Thursday night to be exact.

Your work day had ended hours ago, wrapped up and clocked out by 5 pm 

Now you're seated at home, stretched lazily among couch cushions, just allowing your body to decompress. 

The faint scent of tiger balm emanates from where it was gently rubbed into your skin to ease your muscle’s tensions. Intertwined with the soothing smells of the candles that were burning. 

Lights dimmed as a lamp casts a warmth light. 

A film plays on tv, something comforting, a film you had watched a hundred times and would likely watch a hundred times more.

A picture of comfort and ease. 

…but your attention is elsewhere. 

It had been a long season… 

Richmond were stuck in a rut. Not winning but not losing. 

It simply felt like the Greyhounds were chasing their own tail. 

The consolation prize? 

A tie. 

7 times in a row…

Whilst you weren't part of the immediate team, you felt just as drained. 

You had been a part of the Greyhound family for well over a year now, serving as their physio and field medic. 

Sprains, bruises, scrapes or worse, you were there and ready to work. 

What could’ve easily been just an isolating job, quickly turned into a heavy social investment. 

All because of one person. 

Ted. 

It was honestly a really a bright moment in your job. 

He had made you feel a part of the team, and a very necessary one at that. 

Ensuring the team environment he was cultivating, included being respectful and appreciative of your work both on and off the field. 

It was great to witness his efforts begin to shape the player’s behaviours on and off field – seeping into their performance on the pitch. 

You’d like to believe that you knew the players pretty well by now. 

From their typical needs and likely injuries, to the exercises you should recommend them. Ted’s insistence that the team be more open and friendly to you and the other members in your staff, had simply made your job even easier, and more enjoyable. 

One of the most unlikely friendships you had fostered, was with Mr ‘he’s here! He’s there! He’s every fucking where!’ 

Roy Kent, himself. 

His stubborn character was not an easy feat to overcome. 

Your strange friendship was actually the reason you had had the opportunity for the new job with the Greyhounds. 

All through a connection from a yoga class.

Your neighbour, Sandy, a lovely – if not a little gossipy – woman in her mid 50s. Who you often enjoyed chatting with now and again, would get you in touch with many of her friends to give her a little extra work. 

In Sandy’s words “Y/N simply worked magic. Any aches and she’d help relieve it just like that” 

And just like that, Sandy got you in touch with Roy, Sandy’s classmate from their weekly yoga & rosé session. 

The humour wasn’t lost on you when you had first met, as you were not expecting this gruff and fit man. 

The first few sessions he’d had with you treating his knee, all communication was simply a culmination of grunts and clipped words. 

But with a few choice suggestions and comments, the lack of regard for who he was and you just making jokes despite it sometimes feeling like you were talking to a brick wall. 

You had slowly made your way into being his friend. 

Conversation flowed easily 

To the point where your rantings about your current job and the strains it was having on you – made Roy think. 

The following session he suggested you work for the Richmond Football Club. 

It had certainly caught you off guard, 

He just listed all the reasons it could be better; better hours, better pay, closer to home, limited clients you’d actually get to know…

…A week later, you were settling into your new workspace adjoining the locker room of the Richmond Football club. 

It was great, you loved the new routine. 

Treating the players from any recovering injuries, being present during the games and training as an onsite medic, it was a great change of pace. 

The past year had been interesting to say the least. 

Now what was once your best buddy at work.

Was now no longer at work. 

Roy had left at the end of the last season. 

Leaving you all alone in the club he insisted you work for. 

Not that you didn’t foster or grow friendships with the other players or other staff on site. 

…It simply felt off.

It was strange being at the club and not hearing his gruff responses. 

You did your best to reach out to him, and well at the start it was fine – you would see him often enough to help out with his knee recovery, also hang out with him and Phoebe.