It's The Words That Kill You

Ted was in Rebecca's office not even 10 minutes ago when she expressed her need to talk to him about something seemingly important. She was overly frazzled and ultimately decided to postpone their conversation after she blabbed on about the word 'procrastinating'. Ted didn't question her, (he never would) so he gladly rescheduled their talk for another time.

Refraining from asking her again if she was okay, he headed back down to his office.

~𝚿~

In preparation for the impending match, Ted decided to draw up a new play while he waited for the start of training. Being creative and making up new plays is something he has come to enjoy quite a lot.

It provides him with a level of control he didn't know he needed.

Not much time later he had his thoughts organized and was ready to head out to the pitch. However, as he was about to leave his office he realized he didn't have his whistle. He looked all around his desk and the hook behind the door but couldn't find it anywhere. He started to suspect that he may have left it in Rebecca's office.

Taking one last look around he finally committed to going back upstairs to Rebecca's office to check.

Taking two steps at a time, Ted athletically reached the top of the staircase before he heard a slight commotion coming from her office.

It didn't take long to realize Rebecca was having a heated discussion with someone and unfortunately, the closer Ted got to her office, the quicker he realized that she was talking to Rupert.

Ted could only see the backside of Rebecca but knew instantly that she was incredibly tense. He hates how much of an effect Rupert has on her.

Like at the gala, Rebecca carried herself the best she could around Rupert but it was clear that she wanted nothing more than to crawl out of her skin. If it weren't for the fact that Ted believes (and knows) Rebecca does not need anyone to defend or protect her, he would've done so wholeheartedly. But, the last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her or make her feel uncomfortable.

It was like deja vu standing outside Rebecca's office. Ted again wanted so badly to step in and provide any support he could.

But it all happened so fast. Ted knew he shouldn't have continued to eavesdrop but before he finally comprehended what he was hearing it was too late. The cruel words had unsurprisingly already left Rupert's mouth.

Rupert pretended he was saving face by adjusting how he told Rebecca that he "didn't want children back then", but it was obvious. Rupert wanted nothing more than to hurt and play with Rebecca's feelings.

Ted was torn. It was too late to turn around, walk away, and pretend he didn't hear the ending of their conversation. However, he didn't want to walk away. He didn't want to abandon her, not now, not ever. But he feels guilty that he heard a private and deeply personal conversation. Even if it was more like an attack.

Ted could feel his heart rate rise at the disrespect directed toward Rebecca. His fists were now clenched tight and were beginning to shake. Which is why he shoved his hands deep into his pockets as Rupert began to walk past Rebecca and towards the door.

Ted wanted to meet Rupert halfway and punch him square in the face but he knows his ma would be disappointed if he resorted to violence.

Regardless, he was prepared to pay the price. He didn't need to know what their whole conversation was about to know that Rupert was again being vile and manipulative.

As Rupert approached the door, the ringing in Ted's ears grew louder. It was about as loud as the hurtful words replaying in his head. Ted wanted nothing more than to tell Rupert that she is so much better off without him and that he missed out on a strong, powerful, beautiful woman, though he knew he shouldn't say the latter, especially in the workplace. But he believed it nonetheless.