theodorelasso: (Default)
Ted Lasso ([personal profile] theodorelasso) wrote in [community profile] trashchildren2021-06-24 07:33 pm

For Joan

Continued from here.

(warnings: sexytimes. also, panic attacks, brutal violence, attempted murder, discussion of suicide and actual murder... )
formersurgeon: (investigation)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-15 06:10 am (UTC)(link)
"That must be challenging," she says softly. She hasn't really thought about the world outside this apartment and the Richmond team, so this reminds her that she and Ted are part of a much bigger story.

"What has the coverage been like? What narrative is the media pushing?"
formersurgeon: (i believe)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-15 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Joan isn't surprised by how the reporting is shaking out. She figured there was plenty of juicy stuff to keep the tabloids hopping. The fact that Ted is dating a detective was bound to get some attention in light of Ted's ordeal and Rupert's arrest. And reporters saw her being taken out of the hall on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance, so she imagines that's been in the reporting too, although she's curious what they say about why she was rushed to the hospital.

She figures that Ted being cast as a martyr is actually probably a good thing. It would definitely get public opinion on his side rather than on the side of Rupert, who had already been forgiven for any number of sins by the press in the wake of his divorce.

It's definitely a good thing that the reputable papers are investigating Rupert. Including Trent Crimm, who Joan knows has a good rapport with Ted.

She looks to him. "Did you tell them anything about the things we think Rupert has done?" she asks softly.
formersurgeon: (investigation)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-15 05:38 pm (UTC)(link)
She agrees it was right to tell the team about Rupert trying to kill Ted and coming close to killing Joan. (And almost killing Ted, for that matter, considering the condition Joan found him in when he was kidnapped.) It sounds like more things are coming out now, though, and she wonders if they should reveal the things they know.

Before she can make that decision, Sherlock returns with their food.
formersurgeon: (amused)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-15 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
The food is really good. Joan is being careful not to eat too much, since this is the most solid food she's had in a while, and the last thing she wants to do is make herself sick. But so far her stomach is handling the food well.

Sherlock is watching the room as he eats, taking in their guests, making deductions based on their clothes, their body language, the way they eat, etc. His eyes connect with Roy's. Roy has noticed Sherlock's surveillance, and he glares at the detective with a soft, almost subsonic growl. Sherlock doesn't back down, and after a moment of mutual staring, they both look away.
formersurgeon: (Default)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-15 10:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Joan looks up at the nudge and sees the two misanthropes glaring at each other, and has to stifle a chuckle. She glances at Ted with a smile and an amused quirk of her eyebrow.

"Gotta say," Joan says, making conversation. "The ethnic food in London is incredible."

"That's imperialism for you," Sherlock remarks dryly.
formersurgeon: (smile)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
"I think that's a great idea!" Keeley says.

Joan smiles playfully at Ted. "So...what would you bring and why is it barbecue?" she teases.
formersurgeon: (smile)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
When Keeley mentions her girlfriend, Sherlock glances at Ted and sees him looking down, pointedly avoiding his gaze, but glancing at Joan. Sherlock looks to Watson as well. Joan reacts with very mild surprise, a slight raise of the eyebrows. But really, it makes sense. Joan has seen Keeley lightly flirt with other women, most notably Rebecca. And Joan goes back to smiling and nodding at the story. It doesn't bother her at all.
formersurgeon: (looking away)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
Joan glances at Ted, smiling, but her smile fades a little when she sees his expression. She can tell something is bugging him, but has no idea what. It'll do no good to talk about it now, but she files it away for later as she turns back to Keeley, her full smile returning.
formersurgeon: (smiling up)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 05:01 am (UTC)(link)
It definitely feels great to be socializing. Just spending time with friends and not focusing on the difficulties of their situation. It's normal, and normal feels good.

Joan takes the invitation and leans against Ted, settling one hand on his knee.
formersurgeon: (smile)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 01:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Joan notes how observant Ted is, how dedicated to taking care of her and Sherlock. It's really a wonderful thing, and she feels very lucky.

Joan enthusiastically hugs Keeley back, promising on request to let her know if she needs anything. Then Sherlock shows Keeley and Roy to the door.

When they're gone Joan sighs and leans her head back, closing her eyes but still smiling faintly. It was draining, but still so good.
formersurgeon: (side smile)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 04:26 pm (UTC)(link)
The hand stroking her hair feels wonderful, and she sighs, weary but happy. "Yeah," she says softly, still smiling and eyes still closed. "That would be good. Maybe we can watch another movie."
formersurgeon: (looking at Sherlock)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-16 10:43 pm (UTC)(link)
They're definitely getting good at this, and despite how tired she is, Joan is still noticeably stronger and steadier than she was just yesterday. She's looking forward to not needing Ted's help, but she likes a lot of the simple things they do together, like brushing their teeth. She'd like to keep doing those sorts of things with him, even when she doesn't need help.

When they get in bed, Joan nestles up against Ted, her head against his shoulder.

Sherlock follows them into the bedroom to see if he is needed. He nods at Ted's offer, then again at the thanks. "Your friends are interesting enough," he says, not unkindly.
formersurgeon: (Default)

[personal profile] formersurgeon 2021-09-17 12:16 am (UTC)(link)
A smile flickers on Sherlock's lips. "Not just. And not the whole time." He nods, backing toward the door. "I shall be on the couch if you need me." With that he takes his leave.

Joan relaxes against Ted and watches as he flips through the channels. She hadn't really watched a lot of British television before they started dating, but now it's become such a comforting thing to do together, even before their lives were turned upside down by Ted's kidnapping.

The Great British Baking Show comes on the screen and Joan hums in approval.