Chapter Text
Starting her post-doc position at the Richmond Scientific Research Centre was just the beginning of her bright future. Now, almost 10 years later , Rebecca Welton was the primary investigator in her own immunology lab at the institute of chemistry and biochemistry.
She had her everyday routine: lab, sleep, repeat. Keeley Jones, another post-doc in her lab and her best friend, tried to help her loosen up and go out more often. But Rebecca wasn’t in her university years anymore; she had a goal, a special goal, to apply for a huge and competitive grant. The “Earl Grant” would allow her lab to be able to hire more people and progress more in its research experiments.
Little did she know that in a few days she would come across one of their competitors.
–
Ted Lasso was a real joy to work with at his laboratory. He came from America with his best friend Beard, a couple of years ago and got both a position as a researcher and the opportunity to build his own lab in the Institute of Physics and Technology.
He had a happy life in Richmond. He loved the morning walks to the Research Centre; the fresh air and the green he crossed each day made the start of his days beautiful. Beard moved with him just because he got a spot as a teacher and his own lab at the local university. He always told Ted when a teaching job opening was available at the university, because he knew his friend was meant to teach and inspire young people.
Instead of Beard, Ted got to work every day with Roy Kent, a research associate at his lab who came highly recommended from the University of Chelsea the moment he finished his post-doc position there. They were both working hard the last few months because they had to submit their proposal to get one of the most prestigious grants in the UK, the “Earl Grant”.
Little did he know that in a few days he would come across one of their competitors.
–
Rebecca didn’t really want to go eat at the Centre’s canteen with everyone else. She preferred to get her food delivered directly to her lab; she avoided the whole hustle and bustle of the canteen and her colleagues at the Centre who just wanted to gossip during lunch. She didn’t have time to gossip; she had to submit the best proposition for the grant in a few weeks.
But Keeley had other plans. She just took her hand and forced her to come eat with her and her other so-called friend from another institute. How they met Rebecca didn’t know – she barely had friends inside her workplace except Keeley.
“Rebecca, we needed to be there ten minutes ago to meet Roy and his PI,” she said, her little body walking so quickly in front of hers, their hands laced together.
“How did you even meet this Roy?”
“You would have known if you weren’t hiding in the lab.”
“Keeley, the proposal has to be submitted in a few days. I need to focus; I don’t have time for chit-chat.”
“I know, babe, but live a little. Maybe you’ll meet someone handsome as well.”
“Ugh, I don’t… ”
“Have time for that, we know. Now shut up, they’re waiting”
Ted and Roy had their backs to them and they didn’t see them approach.
“Hello,gentlemen,” Keeley sang.
They both turned around. Roy almost made it through to form a smile but, as always, failed. His PI, however, was smiling brightly at the both of them.
Rebecca was in awe. He looked like sunshine in human form. His face was so smiley and friendly, so not her. His moustache was a little weird, but it suited him perfectly. She had to admit that he was handsome.
“So, Roy… this is…”
“Rebecca Welton,” she gave her hand to Roy. Then after they broke off their handshake, she slowly turned to the other PI.
Their handshake was electrifying. Rebecca was hoping she wasn’t the only one feeling it because it would be stupid really stupid. She has a proposal to get to, the last thing she wants is to feel emotions for someone.
“Nice to meet ya, Ms. Welton. I’m Ted Lasso,” he smiled at her.
“Oh, call me Rebecca, Ms. Welton is my father.”
Ted’s smile never flattered from his face. God, that woman wasn’t just stunning, she had a similar sense of humour as him. She was the sun, her blonde hair and bright green eyes could become his whole world if she would let him. For now, though, he had to find his voice and answer her.
“If that’s a joke I love it, if not, I can’t wait to unpack that with ya,” Ted made an inner winner’s dance, the moment she tried to contain her giggle. He made Rebecca Welton giggle!
Keeley was a little bit amazed watching their interaction. She saw their looks the moment they shook hands and damn, there was something there, she was sure of it. But now she was starving, so it was time to eat.
“Okaayyy, time to eat, science people,” Keeley said and just proceeded to get inside, Roy in tow. Ted showed Rebecca the way with his hand so she could pass first. She blushed a bit and followed the others inside the canteen.
During lunch time, Roy and Keeley mumbled things to each other but the ones who didn’t shut up were Rebecca and Ted.
“I loved astrophysics when I was at school but not enough to follow through, chemistry is my passion.”
“Well, I was good at chemistry but astrophysics is beautiful. All the stars and planets you get to observe makes you realise how small you are and how rare it is to come across something bright, beautiful and complex like them. It makes you appreciate those things more.”
The last part he said while looking her in the eyes. Rebecca’s breath hitched. Is this man trying to seduce her with science talk? If that was true, it was working.
He made her feel like the most important star of his universe and they have just met. Their staring game was ruined by Keeley who coughed to get their attention. They both turned their heads towards Roy and Keeley, the looks on their faces saying that they didn’t even know they were still there.
“Rebecca, we need to go.”
“Yes… yes,” she hesitated and looked over at Ted.
“It was so nice meeting you both,” she smiled and got up the moment Keeley did as well.
“See you soon, gentlemen. Roy, Ted. Bye,” Keeley said and turned around with Rebecca, walking to the exit.
The moment they exited the canteen Keeley couldn’t contain her enthusiasm.
“REBECCA, WHAT WAS THAT?”
“Shhhhhhhhh, keep it down.”
“Rebecca, what was that?” she whispered this time.
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?”
“Can we talk when we go back to the lab? Even though there’s nothing to talk about. It was a nice lunch with colleagues.”
“Colleagues my ass, you were so compatible Rebecca, you didn’t stop talking until I interrupted you. You shared science thoughts so easily like they were simple gossip.” Rebecca blushed.
“Let’s go back to the lab,” she took Keeley by the elbow and dragged her to the lab.
Meanwhile, in the canteen, Ted still kept looking at the exit both Rebecca and Keeley left from. Roy grunted to get Ted back into focus.
“I’m here.”
“No, you're not . You’re still thinking about blondie”
“No, I’m not,” Ted sobered up at the mention of Rebecca, immediately.
“She’s a nice fucking lady, American, and you saw it. From her face maybe you have a chance. Now, let’s go,” he said and got up.
“I hope so,” Ted whispered.