Chapter Text
"You're sayin' ya got the fundin'? And the necessary documents? Drew, that's... that's unbelievable."
"As psychologists, with official state diplomas, the two of us are also allowed to work for the institution. Once you officially graduate of course."
"So, we can help first hand?"
"That's right."
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'EX FOOTBALL STAR, BLAKE SHELTON AND NARCOTICS ANONYMUS ADMINISTRATOR, DREW BREES, OPEN "SAFER LIVING" CHARITY WITH SOBER HOUSES, REHAB FACILITIES AND PSYCHOLOGISTS DEPARTMENT IN CAROLINA.'
'EX FOOTBALL STAR, BLAKE SHELTON PROVIDES THE HELP HE NEVER RECEIVED.'
"I'm proud of you, Blakey."
"Thanks, Gwen. It means a lot coming from you."
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"Mr. Shelton, what does it mean to you, to be able to create such a safe space and opportunity to people in need?"
"Well, I have experienced it first hand. Going through an addiction, it makes ya feel weak and alone. Ya feel helpless and wish for somebody ta catch ya even if you pushed everybody away. I hope our institution and the sober houses we'll build all over the U.S. provide people with that. An ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, an arm to reach out to. Because we have a Motto, that was one day said to me during a bad time. "Nobody is helpless". That's what we wanna accomplish and stand for. For addicts, for people with depression. For everybody in need, no exceptions."
"That's very noble. Thank you for your time."
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During the NFL offseason Blake's program started and Adam and Behati get married. Blake is Adams best man and Gwen is Behati's Maid of honor. They prepared for the ceremony and bear the rings. Their friends said their vows and the party in the evening began.
"Ah, no, nothin' for me. I'll stick ta the water thanks."
"Hey Blake, I'm about to go on stage and sing them their song. Listen closely, okay."
"Oh, okay."
"Good evening, friends and family of the beloved couple. Behati and Adam asked me to perform some Songs to get this Party started. But before everybody gets drunk and dancy, rightly so, might I add, I want to do something else. I struggled to find a good gift that showed them just how much I love them and am thankful for them and that they are my friends. It was a tough thing to do and I am not good with speaches, soo ... I wrote you guys a song. One that's a Symbol for your love. I hope you enjoy it, it's called "we can reach the Stars." "
We always said we wish we'd met
Long before we finally did
But ever since that first kiss
Oh, it's felt like we were kids and
Who are we to question
God and his greater plan?
You and me are a blessin'
And all we gotta do is say amen, amen
And I know we can reach the stars
That's how far my love will go for you
I know we can reach the stars
You've already hung the moon
It isn't always sunny days
Now and then, the thunder rolls, but
A little time and a little rain
That's what makes the flowers grow and
Oh, I'll pick you daisies
And put 'em in a mason jar
You know you amaze my heart
You saved my heart
And I know we can reach the stars
That's how far my love will go for you
I know we can reach the stars
You've already hung the moon
You've already hung the moon
Yeah, that's what you do, oh
I wanna live in a me and you world
I know we can reach the stars
That's how far my love will go for you
I know we can reach the stars
You've already hung the moon
You've already hung the moon
While Adam and Behati had their first dance as husband and wife, Gwen sang her heart out. And there was one listener who couldn't keep his eyes off of her. Blake watched her sing and a few silent tears escaped his eyes. This is her most beautiful Performance he had ever seen and he was touched that one could see how much love and effort she put into this Song. So as told, he listened closely and while his friends already danced to the melody, he envisioned him and Gwen would be next.
"Thank you, Gwenny. That was the most beautiful thing you could have done for us. I love you, girl."
"Love you, too. Now go home and celebrate with your husband. Blake and I will take care of the rest in the morning."
"Thanks. And Gwenny... it's gonna work out. For the two of you. It's gonna work out. I've seen you look at him. Just give it some more time, he's coming around."
...
"Ya need a ride home?"
"Depends, how much did you have?"
"None. I'm back in the meetin's, remember. NA also means no booze."
"Then, yes. That would be nice."
...
"You want to come upstairs? Talk some more out on my terrace and have a virgin margherita?"
"I'd love ta."
...
"I listened."
"That's good."
"I wish it woulda been you an me dancin'. That Song was beautiful."
"I meant every Word."
"I could tell. ... May I ask the Lady for a dance now?"
He had opened Spotify and started what he knew was her favorite ballad.
She took his hand and the both of them started to dance slowly and tight. She rested her head against his chest and he held her close in his arms.
"This is like the prom we didn't get to spend together."
"Ya already had a date back then."
"I don't have one now though."
Blake caressed the side of her face a little, placed a strand of hair behind her ear and slowly started kissing her. The slow kiss became more needy and Gwen started to open his Tie and unbottoned his shirt. Meanwhile Blake opened the zipper of her dress and soon enough they made love. For the first time in 3 years.
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"Hey, Mike. I'm really happy for ya. Ya earned it. I've never had a better Coach or mentor than you are."
"Thank you, boy. ... why are you smiling like that."
"I don' know. Ya always used ta call me that. But I'm 27 now."
"Still my boy. You make me proud to say it, too. You've grown from a wonder boy into a wonderful boy helping others."
"Look, I need ta talk ta ya about the coaching job, tho."
"I figured. You're not a Coach, huh?"
"No. Not yet at least. I feel honored that you'd trust me with your college program but... I'm a Player. I actually have some trial trainin' sessions with a couple XFL Teams. It's not the NFL but it is still good."
"Go and show em. I am proud of you, Blake."
"Thanks. But before the both of us leave. Let's win the Bowl first. Leave a legacy, right!?"
"Sounds like a Plan, boy"
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"Come on, guys, this is the last week of preparation before we play a team that everybody in America thinks will beat the crap out of us. We don't want that to happen, do we!? I want all of you all in. Felix sadly had an emergency within his family, so Jonathan will be our starting QB. This isn't a step back boys, we all know what every single one of you is capable of... let's show that to others on Sunday! Team on three. One, two, three."
"TEAM"
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"You guys, what!?"
"Adam and I want to spend the money we would've used on a honeymoon for your institution."
"Wow, Bee, that's... are ya sure!?"
"100% man, we talked about it and we couldn't think of a better purpose. We don't have to fly away for 3 weeks to manifest the love we already have for each other anyway. So we want you to take it and do good with it."
"This means a great deal ta me, I want ya ta know that, guys. You're the best friends someone could think of."
"And this envelope is from Gwenny. She asked me to give it to you. She had to leave for her Concert in L.A. but wanted to make sure you got it together with ours."
"Ya guys are too much."
"No, we just believe in you. And your project. We know how important it is. Not just to you but for people who struggled like you did. And we know that your history is going to make these places feel like a real home to those in need."
"Yeah, I really hope so. Ya know, it's the first time I ever felt like I'm actually doin' somethin' good an important with ma life. Feel real good."
"We can see that, buddy."
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"Coach, I need to talk to you."
"Jonathan, you should be out on the field with Blake already."
"Yeah, about that. ... I'm a freshman and I have only played two games yet, Coach. I don't feel prepared for this. I don't think I can lead our team to victory. I will have another chance to lead this team out on the field but Blake... He could pull this off. And I can't be the only one seeing his looks and itches. He wants to play again. And you know we would definitely win if he played. So, I wanna sit this one out and give him his moment. He's been through a lot and I think he needs this to get all of his confidence back. He's a great QB Coach but an even better Player."
"Wow, Jonny. That's ... a very honorable thing you want to do there. Are you sure that you don't want to use this opportunity?"
"Positive, Coach. But you'll have to tell Blake that I got hurt. If he finds out we did this, he won't play."
"Alright, young man. I'll tell him."
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"This is absurd, Mike. Am I even 'fficially cleared ta play?"
"You're a registered alumni of our college, you're not under an professional contract, there are no age restrictions. So, yes, boy, you are. I don't have to tell you to go out there and kick ass, do I?"
"What if we Lose? And I play bad? This would look so stupid."
"Blake, calm down. Just play your game. You're a super bowl winning QB against some asshole wannabes from another citiy's college football team. You do this. Besides, it's about time I get to see you play again, last time I was unavailable so to say."
"Hoooo, okay, let's fuckin' do this."
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"Welcome, everybody, to this years' College Rose Bowl between Fordham University from New York and Ohio State University. This is the last chance for many players on this field to show their abilities before NFL Draft begins two months from now. We'll see some old faces tonight and some very familiar faces even. Blake Shelton, yess football Fans out there, you heard correctly, is going to take the field as Fordhams Quaterback, since Felix Monroe is out due to family issues and Jonathan Rhodes injured his calf during warm ups. What a crazy Story this is going to be. The former New England Patriot played three games this season with a record of 3-0 and a TD/Interception ratio of 11!/1 for 827 passing yards and 49 rushing yards. With those games and his constant coaching stint in this years season he helped this team become a playoff contender after many Fans and even experts already wrote them off after the first 2 games of the season. His opponent tonight, Sophomore Joe Burrow also covering for their first QB option. However, we think this game is still going to be great and hold many surprises. Furthermore for Fordhams Mike Shackleford this is going to be his last game as head Coach of the college program since he's joining the Arizona Cardinals at the head coach position this offseason. So, many changes surrounding this game. Jerry, what do you think and say about Sheltons return to the stage?"
"I'm very excited to see this man's development. Honestly, yes, I think this game is going to be great but since it's official he's jumping in as QB, to me, there is no question who's going to win the trophy tonight. Let the games begin!"
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"Sesame street, 24 roundabout fill in Omaha, Tango on 2!... Hike"
"There Shelton goes, taking off himself and sliding down at the 22 yard line. We've seen this situation often enough tonight to know a touchdown pass is coming next, haven't we?"
"That's right, 34 to 14 after the third quater and Shelton is on his way to his fifth touchdown through the air. It's just not fair the way he's, still, able to move with his hight and the arm strength that didn't leave him for one bit. Even his footwork somehow seems improved after not playing for 2 years. It's quite phenomenal if you ask me."
"It's just a joy and pleasure to watch him command that entire field tonight. However, him playing like this didn't seem to be such a suprise for Mike. When we asked him at halftime he told us that Shelton has been training together with the Quaterbacks for almost a year again. So he's been in his training and had been a QB Coach as a Side Quest so to speak. Really an incredible story."
...
"And now it's official, Blake Shelton and Fordham University won their second title in the schools history. They should really built him some kind of Statue over there in New York! 44 : 17 the end result in tonights bowl. With that we say goodbye college Football and hello NFL Football Season."
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'We need to talk.'
' 'Bout what?'
'Not over the phone.'
'Ok... I'm free now, exams are done. Where's ya next concert, I'll pay ya a visit.'
'San Fran, in two days. I'll send you my hotel data.'
'... ta stay with ya?'
'To talk.'
'I know what that meant last time.'
'Yeah, but none of that until we talked.'
'After?'
'Blake. I'm serious.'
'Ok. I'll be there. Count ta a million.'