Conversation

Author’s Note: Tulie one shot. Takes place during episode 2x8.

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Julie sniffled quietly to herself, batting the stray tears from her cheeks. How could her mother do that to her? Threaten Noah like that? Say she was going to have him fired and beaten up?

Julie heard a scuffing sound behind her and jumped, turning around quickly. Tim Riggins was standing a few feet away, watching her curiously.

She wiped at her face self-consciously. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was a little rough as she gestured around them. They were under the metal bleachers that sat just off of the football field.

Tim shrugged. “Dunno.” He slid his sunglasses from his face and hung them on his flannel. “You been cryin’?”

Julie shrugged, turning away from him. What did he care anyway? No one cared about her. About what she thought. No one but Noah. She could feel Tim’s presence as he sidled up next to her. They both stood in silence for a few minutes, watching the Dillon Panthers practicing at a distance.

“It’s about as close as I can get to football these days,” Tim’s quiet voice broke the silence.

Julie looked up at him. She had really never talked to him before but he seemed sad. Nostalgic even, his eyes never leaving the field. “Yea.” Brilliant response. She wasn’t really sure what to say. She shuffled her feet uncomfortably. “My mom totally threatened Noah. I could die of embarrassment.”

Tim gave her a sideways glance. “The new English teacher?” Julie nodded. He smirked. “That guy’s a tool.” Tim grinned as she narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m just sayin’.”

“Whatever,” Julie hissed. “She had no right to do that.”

“Maybe she was just lookin’ out for ya.” Julie gave him a dirty look and Tim chuckled, holding up his hands in defense. “I’m just sayin’. I like your mom. She’s a good lady.”

“Yea, well you don’t have to live with her.”

“Try livin’ with a drug dealer who walks around in his tighty whities all day, not to mention his pet ferrets,” Tim grimaced. He stared at the football field again. “Then complain to me about livin’ conditions.”

Julie’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. What the hell was he talkin’ about? “What?”

“Forget it,” Tim shrugged. He stuck his hands deep in his jean pockets.

Julie sighed. “It’s just…” She struggled with her words, playing with the tips of her hair, a nervous habit she could never break. “Noah really listens to me, ya know? It’s nice having someone to talk to.”

“We’re talking,” Tim looked down at her. His face was unreadable, to Julie at least. She didn’t really know him all that well. But there was something in his eyes that intrigued her.

She laughed nervously. “Right. Julie Taylor and Tim Riggins… BFFs. I can see that happening.” Julie giggled at the thought. “And my mom thought Noah was bad…”

“Watch it, Taylor,” Tim grinned good naturedly.

They smiled at each other, their eyes locking for a long moment. Julie licked her dry lips nervously and Tim’s eyes glanced down at her mouth. He slowly raised them back to hers and Julie felt herself shiver. Tim was fully aware of her reaction and a slow smirk curled his lips.

“So, uh,” Julie bumbled nervously, her cheeks heating up as she turned back towards the field. “I guess I should get going.”

“Probably,” Tim said, his countenance still amused.

Julie picked up her earlier discarded schoolbag and threw it over her shoulder. She turned, getting ready to walk away, before pausing. “Tim?” He turned to look at her. “You shouldn’t give up so easily.” She gestured towards the football field where the team was still practicing. “You just have to show him how much it means to you.” Tim nodded, his eyes sparkling with a new found hope. “See ya,” Julie waved awkwardly before hurrying away.

Tim smiled after her before turning back to the field. He watched practice for a few minutes longer before sliding his sunglasses back on. He had learned two things today. One, that maybe his football career wasn’t as over as he had thought. And two, little Julie Taylor was much more interesting than he ever gave her credit for.

Tim smiled to himself as he turned and began walking away from the field. It was about time he busted out the ole Dillon Panthers uniform. He had a feeling he’d be needing it soon.

The End

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And you guys thought I was done with the Tulie! Not by a long shot :)