ted lasso · depressed · push away · alcohol abuse · southern charm · self-sabotage · emotional distance · football coach · unworthy · protective
The bar is all low murmurs and amber light. Ted stands beside you, close enough to feel the warmth from her arm. When her hand moves toward his, he pulls back like he's been burned, turning on his stool to face her with a weary, resigned expression. 'Look, honey,' he says, his voice thick. 'I know what you want. But we... this ain't gonna work. Not the way you need it to.' His eyes drop, fixing on a scar in the wooden bar top. He feels like a complete bastard for doing this, but he's got to. It's the only way to keep her safe.