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A/N : I’m taking a slightly AU journey on my fic because I love Rupert (I know … I’m terrible) but that Darth Vader strut was too much. In this story, Rupert did cheat on Rebecca but he hasn’t had a romance since and he isn’t tied up in any scandals. It might end with some light smut because I love Anthony Head.
PS: Don’t hate me for this overdramatic, self-indulgent work.
Fallon was walking away from the locker room when she ran straight into Rupert Mannion.
“I’m so sorry,” she began until she saw his face. His blue eyes were locked onto hers as well as his smug expression. “How did you get in here?” she asked.
Fallon didn’t know Rebecca as well as she’d like but she knew enough to know who this man was.
His lips curved into a smirk, “I suppose that I don’t need to introduce myself, but may I ask, who are you? You’re quite lovely,” he added, taking her hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles.
“It’s not really your business,” she replied, pulling her hand away, “I’m Fallon James and I work in marketing. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
She started to walk away but chose to turn back at the last minute causing her to notice him moving with a visible limp.
Against her better judgement, Fallon called out to him, “Mr. Mannion?” Once he stopped, she made her way back to him. “This really shouldn’t be a concern for me, but are you alright? I’ve seen you at the games and you’ve never had a limp before.”
“Nothing serious, if you were worried it might slow the two of us down when I, inevitably, take you out. I’ve just been having some trouble with my back,” he answered.
She shook her head, “You won’t be taking me out because I respect Rebecca far too much to go out with her ex. I hope you feel better,” she added before she turned to leave, for real this time.
“You’ll see that I’m right, eventually,” he shouted back as she moved further and further away.
A few days later, Fallon was sitting in Rebecca’s office when the topic of Rupert came about.
“Fallon, someone was in here asking about you the other day. He’s not the same man he was three years ago,” she added before taking a sip of her tea.
“Even if I liked him, I would never go on a date with your ex-husband,” Fallon replied, “I can’t break girl code, especially rule number one. Plus, I don’t know how much he’s really changed. He was extremely arrogant during our little interaction.”
Fallon’s response made Rebecca laugh before she spoke again, “That’s just how he is, unfortunately. But, I don’t think of it as a bad thing like I used to. It’s his way of protecting himself if he gets rejected,” she explained as Keeley joined them, taking a seat next to Fallon.
“Are you talking about how Rupert asked your permission to ask Fallon out?” Keeley inquired, holding back a squeal.
Fallon was beside herself, “He asked for your permission? I really don’t think I could, though. It feels too much like a betrayal. Did he ask you that when he was here?”
Rebecca shook her head, “No, he asked after I told all of those old men off after the Akufo meeting. I think I reminded him of who he used to be and that made him want to give love, or at least like, another chance. I won’t be upset if you go out with him because I’ve moved past him and I’d hate to be the reason two people don’t find each other,” she shared, her tone sobering the room.
Fallon shrugged, “I’m not sure this is as serious as what you just said, but I am willing to keep an open mind. If I see him again and he asks … maybe, I’ll say yes.”
“He’s a little old for you, Fal,” Keeley commented, “Not to add a damper on the mood, just pointing it out.”
Fallon laughed, “He’s a little old for Rebecca and a lot old for me, but I would be lying if I said that mattered. Anyway, let’s just see how things go.” She changed the subject, “Are we all still on for drinks and karaoke tonight?”
“Yes!” Keeley and Rebecca answered in unison.
Fallon arrived at the stadium for what could be the last match of the season. Before she made her way to the box where Rebecca, Keeley, and Higgins would be waiting, she stopped in the locker room to wish the team and the coaches good luck.
Once she reached their box, the match was just about to start. Fallon noticed Rupert sitting on the West Ham side but she managed to avoid his gaze as she took her seat.
“He’s going to ask you,” Rebecca whispered as the game began.
“I’m sure he won’t be thinking about a date after we win this game,” Fallon challenged, trying to distract herself. She wanted him to ask and she was afraid to get her hopes up.
Keeley shook her head at Fallon’s comment, “If he loses today, he’ll be more likely to ask you out because that’s a win in his book.”
Fallon nodded as she shushed them so she could pretend to focus on the match while ignoring the urge to turn back and sneak a glance in Rupert’s direction.
After half-time, Richmond began making a comeback to Fallon’s delight. As she celebrated another goal, she noticed Rupert standing to leave his seat.
She couldn’t help herself as she stood to move in his direction as she watched him grasp the wall for support. Her concern for him was alarming for how little she knew about him.
Fallon grasped his elbow subtly, supporting some of his weight, as she walked with him back into the suite.
“Whatever you’re thinking of doing,” she warned, “I think you should resist. You’ve grown a lot over the past three years. So much so that Rebecca almost respects you.”
Rupert shook off her grasp and began strutting through the stadium, his limp more evident than it had ever been, previously
Fallon shook her head as she took a seat on one of the sofas in the suite and opened a beer. She knew she was right to avoid going out with that man.
She didn’t know what she was expecting, but whatever scenario she’d dreamt up, never happened.
Rupert reappeared, trying to hide his wince as he took a seat beside her. “You’re right. I have to let go of my anger. I’m sorry you had to see me like that. I’m sure it ruined my chances of taking you out for dinner after the match,” he conceded, taking her beer from her hand and throwing it back.
Fallon cocked her head to the side with a little sound, “I don’t know. There’s still hope but only if you can answer one question, honestly…”
“What’s that?” he inquired, tentatively placing his hand on her knee as they sat together.
She took a breath, “I’m confused about your reaction to Richmond tying the game. Don’t you win either way? You love both of these teams.”
Rupert thought over her words for a moment before he responded, “I should be happy either way, but I’ve been so blinded by my anger that I couldn’t even see it. You, Fallon James, might be what I’ve been missing for all of these years. Being around you gives me a balance that I’ve been missing and we’ve barely just begun to get to know each other.” He changed the subject as he moved in closer, putting his arm around her shoulder, “How about that date? I would very much like to take you out,” he confessed, feeling lighter than he had in a very long time.
“I would like that very much, however, what if we have dessert first?” she whispered as she turned into him until her body was almost on top of his.
Rupert leaned in until his lips were upon hers, pulling her onto his lap until she was straddling him. He pulled back, “Are you sure you want to jump straight in? I am trying to turn over a new leaf,” he gasped, gathering his breath after their first kiss.
Fallon rolled her hips into his erection before she replied, “I am sure, but not here. Let’s go to my office. I’m not hurting you am I?” she asked before resuming the kiss, pulling his bottom lip between her teeth, enjoying the way he moaned against her mouth.
Rupert shook his head before he whispered, “Lead the way.”
The End