A Julie/Matt/Tim triangle fic. With some obvious supporting characters Tyra/Landry and the Taylor clan. Heavy on the Tulie side.

Takes place after Episode 2.13 Humble Pie

Chapter One: Getting over IT

"And I just wish he could have said something you know? A quick heads up. 'Hey Julie I'm sleeping with my Grandmother's nurse. Who's like six years older than us, I Hope that's not weird or anything?' Not that I actually deserve an explanation, I broke up with him; I'm the one who messed it up in the first place right?"

Lois wasn't listening to Julie, but keeping track of the boys sitting across the cafeteria.

"So how did you end it with Tim anyways?"

Julie shakes her head, looking over at the football player's table. Tim nods her way, before throwing peanuts at Landry.

"End it? We didn't end anything! Tim Riggins was staying at my house and he went back to live with his brother Billy. Finito, end of story; there was nothing odd or weird."

Lois rolls her eyes, shrugging as she picks up her tray from the table.

"Well, in my opinion, Matt's turned out to be the very guy you loathe."

She grins satisfied, leaving Julie there to think about her words. Thinking to herself calmly, Julie realizes she's more than halfway through the lunch period. She frowns, realizing she has been sitting alone, staring into space for five minutes. Shaking her head, she gets up from the table, to throw away her lunch. Unbeknownst to her, Matt decided to empty his tray at the same time.

"Hey Julie…"

He smiles widely, half way in-between embarrassment and awkwardness. She jumps a little trying to smile.

"Matt, hey how's it going?"

She rolls her eyes before he can answer, searching the room for some help. Locking eyes with Tim, she looks up as Matt stutters his way through his reply.

"A-good, you know your Dad's working us pretty hard. Only three more games till playoffs, but I think we have a chance."

Julie nods as Tim comes up behind Matt, to the rescue.

"Hey Jules, long time no see."

He gives his flirtatious smile, grinning at Matt who stands there awkwardly crossing his arms.

"You know what I'm good; I was just heading out. Standing over the garbage can for the last few minutes, has pretty much put a damper on my appetite."

Tim smirks laughing, as she waves goodbye-taking refuge into the hallway.

"That was just sad Saracen; I hope not to see such a depressing display again, out of you."

He laughs, patting Matt on the back before sitting at another table, stealing food off a giggling girl's tray.

--

Julie sits in her Mother's office, playing a computer game while waiting for her to show up.

"Hey Julie baby, how long have you been in here for?"

Julie shrugs, she had last period free. Between being the Coach's daughter and her Mom being a guidance counselor, he face alone was a hall pass.

"Twenty-five minutes maybe." She clicks the mouse, closing the window before turning to her Mom, who's busy searching through papers.

"So, am I waiting for Dad to get out of practice, or you?"

Tami looks at her daughter, clueless.

"Oh sweetie, I was hoping you could help me. After school maybe, with the girls?"

She smiles hopeful, as Julie stands up, looking for another way out of a weird situation.

"Mom, I'm not much of an organized sports girl. You know, if you let me drive your car I could pick up Gracie; so she wouldn't be at daycare so late."

Her mother frowns, guilt rising, flushing her cheeks.

"Now come on Julie. I told you after this summer and everything that happened; you're just lucky I let you go take that test."

Julie nods smiling, trying to swallow her pride.

"You're right, Mom."

Tami nods. "Damn right, I'm right. Don't make me feel guilty, about all of this. I'm trying sweetheart. Now, did you see Tyra today? How's she looking? I told her to ice that knee."

Julie shrugs, as she swings her book bag over her shoulder.

"I haven't run into her today Mom, but I'm sure she's fine."

--

Julie, putting up with Lois all day had avoided Tyra. She knew that if she didn't talk to her soon, the senior would consider it, the beginning of the end of their friendship.

"Is everyone avoiding me today, or am I completely paranoid?"

Tyra asks smiling, as she walks to the parking lot with Julie.

"No, just you being paranoid. But, if it makes you feel any better, I've been stuck with Lois all day."

Tyra laughs, taking a sip of her water. Her hair was still wet from the shower, she smiles feeling relieved.

"This isn't weird for you, right? The whole volleyball thing, your Mom being the coach?'

Julie shrugs, watching her parents walk out, hand in hand from the front of the building.

"No, I, I'm good it's just, different."

Tyra laughs nodding, as she sees the football players make their way out of the locker room doors. Spying Landry first from the crowd, she narrows her eyes before biting her lip.

"Yeah I hear that. The only reason I even joined this team, is because your Mom helped me out last year. Plus, I thought we could hang out more."

As she said the last part, she looks up watching Landry and Matt lean on a car; joking around with the other guys.

"And I'm sure staying after school, to keep tabs on Landry, had nothing to do with it."

Julie smiles, she could not be mad at Tyra for long. She was her friend, trying to do a favor for her Mom. Her Mother on the other hand, she could always be angry with.

"What are you talking about?"

She smiles playfully, knowing that Julie was right.

"You should just tell him you like him too and get it over with. You know you're Tyra Collette, this school doesn't tell you who you date. They certainly don't care if he's a pretty boy, as long as he's on the football team."

Tyra smirks to herself, nodding as Julie's parents wave her over.

"Easy for you to say Taylor, you made your dating debut with Matty Saracen."

Julie waves to Tyra, as she walks towards her parents.

"Baby girl, you're coming with me, we gotta pick up Gracie. We're gonna grab dinner, while Dad takes Riggins home."

Tim smirks at Julie as she walks over to her parents, who kiss before parting ways.

"Hey little Taylor."

Julie grins back to him before rolling her eyes as her Mom starts up the car.

--

"So, everything okay, with you and Tyra?"

Julie shrugs, as she turns to look at Gracie who's playing with her stuffed rattle. She smiles at the little alien figure.

"Yeah Mom, we're fine. Wait, we're stopping here?"

Julie makes a face, as her Mom checks Gracie, before shrugging.

"Is that okay? I can go get the food, if you want?"

Tami was tired; Julie knew it would be even more embarrassing having her Mom pick up the food. The last thing she wanted was Matt thinking she was avoiding him.

"No Mom, I got it."

She smiles.

"Thanks sweetheart. Now your Dad was supposed to call in the order, so hopefully he remembered to do that… hey Gracie…"

Julie nods, taking the money from her Mother's hands as she coo's and checks her little sister. When she enters the restaurant, Matt notices her right away. His ears redden, as he looks to the back, to see if her order is ready to go.

"Uh, hey you're order is just about ready that'll be twenty fifty."

Julie hands him the twenty-dollar bill, fishing the change from her pocket. Their fingers touch as she blushes. They both realize in that moment, how long it has been since they touched last. It had been months, the sensation makes their hearts skip a beat.

"S-so are you guys having, company over, or?"

Julie shrugs, as she looks to her Mother quickly, her back is still turned busy with Gracie.

"I have no idea, why?"

Matt scratches his ear, a sure sign that he's nervous.

"Oh, no I mean, it's just your Dad ordered four burgers, fries and an order of onion rings. I just thought maybe…it sounded like Riggins was over there, when he called it in."

Julie frowns, shrugging.

"Maybe, ever since Riggins stayed with us for a few weeks, my Dad and him have clicked."

Matt nods, before looking to the kitchen. He sees that Julie's order, is one onion ring away from completion. The pit of his stomach drops, as he remembers spending time with the Taylors. He missed that feeling, biting his lip, he takes a deep breath.

"Well, I know you guys were spending a lot of time together and if you're uh…"

The bell rings, as Matt jumps to pick up the order, handing it to her.

"I guess what I'm saying is if you guys, I mean if something were going on between you and Riggins; that it'd be okay with me cause I uh…"

Julie rolls her eyes laughing at the situation.

"Wow, well not all of us sleep with our house-guests Matt. But thanks for the permission I'll keep that in mind."

She grabs the bag, leaving Matt speechless as she rushes out of the restaurant. Tami watches her daughter, completely unaware of the conversation.

--

"You okay baby?"

Her Mother asks as she backs out of the parking lot.

"Yeah, just, I think Tim Riggins is eating dinner with us tonight, Mom."

Tami looks in the rear-view mirror at Matt, who is trying to wait on another customer. He looks completely riled up.

"Uh, huh is that what Matt Saracen had to say to you?"

Julie shrugs, as Tami continues to drive home.

--

"You know speaking of Tim Riggins sweetie; his grades have dropped since he went to move back in with Billy and I just thought..."

Julie smiles, laughing at her Mother.

"What are you going to do Mom, adopt him?"

Tami smiles at her daughter, shaking her head.

"No, but I remember you two were always doing your homework together and studying. Maybe you could help him out, make it a thing?"

She turns to Tami, aghast, as they pull into the driveway.

"A thing? What like study partners? Oh great Mom like he doesn't see me as a dork already."

Tami smiles at her daughter's anger. She takes off her seatbelt, climbing in back to grab Gracie from the car seat. She picks up the food and diaper bag, walking behind Julie who is carrying the baby.

"Just think about it Julie, honey."

Julie shakes her head, as she opens the front door, cradling Gracie

"Dad, we're home, a little help!"

Eric and Tim were sitting on the couch, watching a game. He jumps up at the sound of his daughter's voice. Tim follows suit, rubbing his hands on his jeans, before helping Tami with the bags. Eric takes little Gracie, giving her kisses in between kissing Tami and Julie. Tim smirks, watching Julie squirm as he sets the table.

"Jules honey, help Riggins would you? We'll be right there."

Julie rolls her eyes, as she grabs the paper plates and pulls out a couple of cans of soda. Tim grins as he puts the ketchup on the table, laughing at the situation.

--

"So Tim, a couple of your teachers have come to me, just weeks after congratulating you on bringing up your grades. They're a bit confused, since they've already started to go down."

"Ah come on Tami. Can we just sit down and enjoy our burgers and not talk about school stuff, for a few minutes?"

Tami looks at Eric, who closes his mouth before exchanging a look with Julie.

"You should probably listen to Mrs. Taylor here, Riggins."

Tami wrinkles her nose at Eric, before turning to Julie.

"Right, so Tim if you want help or something we could meet. Like, a couple of days after school and work on homework together. Ya know, like, we used to?"

Tim grins wiping his mouth with a napkin. It was his usual flirtatious grin, which both annoyed and excited Julie. She bit her lip waiting for his answer.

"That'd be great Jules, thanks."

--

Julie missed dance team, the girls couldn't agree on much of anything this year. So, she spent most afternoons either watching football, or volleyball practice. Fortunately for her, she had to study with Tim Riggins after-school today. Therefore, she had some time to herself.

All alone in the auditorium, Julie steps on stage with her stereo in hand. She had the room for twenty minutes, before studying with Tim. All she wanted to do, was dance. As she plays her CD, the music begins to beat through her. Taking a deep breath she goes through dance steps that she had come up with for this year; steps that no-one would see.

With no football practice, Matt was heading straight home to make dinner for his Grandma. Without a nurse there, things were intense. He hears music coming from the auditorium and like de-ja vous, sees Julie dancing alone. He smiles, watching her as she sways to and fro, making him miss her even more than he imagined. Something in the corner of the room catches his attention, as he sees Tim leaning on the doorframe in the corner watching Julie. Heat rises from his neck to his cheeks, as he backs away from the door. Within seconds, Julie notices her visitor before turning the music off. Shielding her eyes to the spot light, she sees Tim walking towards the stage. He was clapping and smiling from ear to ear.

"That was great Jules, something you're working on?"

Julie was thoroughly, embarrassed.

"What are you doing here? I have another ten minutes left!"

Tim laughs, hopping onto the stage swinging his legs back and forth; catching glimpses of Julie's exposed legs from her dance outfit.

"Your Mom told me where you'd be, thought we should get an early start."

Julie nods, taking a towel and trying to cool down. She puts on her sweats, as Tim tries to feign looking away. Outside Matt turns away frustrated, he slams his locker before heading to the parking lot.

--

Julie sits across from Tim who taps his pencil, as he tries to read the chapter on the Korean War. He keeps reading the first two sentences, before loosing concentration. Julie meanwhile, is busy with her math homework, cursing at her TI-86; while Tim steals glances.

"We're supposed to be doing our homework Tim."

Julie doesn't even look up, as Tim sighs trying to concentrate on the chapter.

"Saracen gets them puppy dog eyes, when he looks at you, again."

Julie smirks, shaking her head.

"Matt made it pretty clear this summer, that we're done."

She looks up, shaking her head at Tim, who has completely given up on reading the chapter.

"I'm starved, let's get a bite?"

She shakes her head, looking back down to her homework.

"You have that chapter to read and then you're done. I still have about, a half more of calculus to finish before I'm even close to starting my essay."

He winces, pushing his hair aside as he tries to concentrate on the book in front of him.

--

"You know, I don't think this was a good idea."

Eric was pacing back and forth in front of the living room windows, waiting to catch a glimpse of Tim's truck.

Tami was trying to feed Gracie, she smiles eyeing her husband as she coos and kisses her baby-girl.

"You know honey, this was a good idea Cause our daughter can be trusted. She called, to let us know they were picking up something to eat. And heck, Tim Riggins was living under this roof only a few weeks ago."

Eric nods, turning from the window. Letting the blinds go, he stops pacing. He sits down on the other side of the high chair, watching Gracie eat.

"So, what are we eating tonight then?"

Tami holds up a baby food jar, pretending to spoon feed Eric. He rolls his eyes standing up, before rifling through the kitchen.

"How about some chicken, maybe a barbeque?"

"No coals honey… oh there you go Gracie Bell…"

Eric turns to stare at his wife, annoyed.

--

"Thanks Tim, if I ate another Turkey burger, I think I would of hurled."

Tim smirks, as he takes the last onion ring, nodding.

"No problem."

Julie looks at her watch; she had called her parents over an hour ago. She was surprised her dad hadn't called back, wondering where they were.

"So there's this party tomorrow night, Lois keeps going on and on about it."

Tim licks his bottom lip and grunts, as he finishes his soda. Julie tries to avoid his gaze, sweeping her eyes across the restaurant instead.

"I guess, what else is there to do after a football game here in Dillon, huh? Get drunk and act stupid."

Tim nods wiping his mouth, while pouting his lips.

--

"So, about that party?"

Tim was idling outside of Julie's house. He had just put the truck in park, after twenty minutes of silence from the Restaurant to the Taylor's. She was the only girl he knew, who could pick up the same conversation twenty minutes later. He smiles to himself, she knew when he didn't want to talk. Some girls ate into his silence, letting their self esteem plummet as they slowly lost all their senses. It was a tactic, which clearly, got him laid whenever he wanted to. Nevertheless, Julie Taylor wasn't like any of these girls. She was only one of three in this town, which never fell victim to his silence; Tyra and Lyla were the other two.

"I guess the only reason why I'm even mentioning it; is because, last time I was at a party, I sorta blew it and you were there so…"

"Are you planning on me, being you DD tomorrow night Taylor?"

She blushes, shaking her head.

"No, if I even take a sip of alcohol before my wedding day; my Dad's promised to lock me up somewhere. I was just thinking that Matt might be there and…"

"Look, if Saracen's there just ignore him…"

She laughs, shaking her head as her hand reaches for the door handle. She panics when the door doesn't budge, as Tim sighs shaking his head.

"It gets stuck sometimes, stupid Ferret Jack Ass…"

He leans over her, reaching for the lock pulling it hard. It budges, letting the door swing open. Julie gets a whiff of Tim's cologne and shampoo; she smiles to herself as her heart threatens to jump out of her chest. She feels like a silly freshman, affected by Tim Riggins. Shaking the reverie, she slides out of his truck smiling at him, before closing the door. As usual, he has a shit eating grin on his face. One, that she is sure was reserved for just after getting laid, or right before.

"I'll be there Jules, don't worry."

She nods, as the door closes and he smiles again, laughing to himself. He watches her go to the front door, entering her house, before he pulls away.

--

As Julie closes the door, she notices her parents are sitting at the dinning room table. Eric and Tami were at ease, flirting while they sip wine and make eyes at each other. They smile lovingly at their daughter, who is taken aback by the relaxed atmosphere.

"I thought Dad would be pacing the floor and you'd have left me five messages already?"

Eric's eyebrows perk up, as he exchanges a knowing look with his wife.

"Now why would you think that? Sweetheart, we trust you."

He smiles, as Julie walks over kissing them both, before placing her book-bag next to the couch.

"Gracie asleep already?"

Tami nods as she wrinkles her nose at Eric, standing up to start the dishes.

"So, I can sleep over Tyra's house tomorrow, after the game right?"

Eric hands Tami his dish, as he narrows his gaze on his daughter.

"Now what's wrong with sleeping at home?"

Julie tries to stay calm, smiling, trying to play the little girl card with her father.

"Because there's this party, after the game and Tyra wanted to go."

Eric bit his lip, nodding, obviously annoyed.

"Is there going to be drinking, at this party?"

Julie looks to her Mother, who shrugs turning back to the dishes.

"If there is, I'm not going to be participating and neither is Tyra. She has a game Saturday morning. I thought we could just hang out and I would go with her to the game."

She smiles, trying to win over her Dad.

"Look, I was going to paint my face tomorrow and everything. I'm geared up for Panther Football."

She tries to smile wide; Eric can't help but laugh at his daughter's attempts in softening him up. She hadn't been let out of the house, except to go to school and the movies a few times; since she was grounded a month back.

Eric lifts his finger, waving it in the air before he replies.

"I'm going to give you another chance…"

Julie jumps up excited. But, is calmed down in an instant, by her father's still waving finger.

"But, if I find out you were in the same room, with someone who was drinking. Or, even talking with someone, who was drinking…"

Julie hugs Eric, kissing him on the cheek before squealing down the hallway.

"You're the best Daddy…"

Tami turns around insulted, as Eric crosses his arms satisfied with himself.

"Did you hear that Hun, she called me Daddy…"

Tami laughs, shaking her head.

"Uh huh and it reminded me of the time you went and bought her that Barbie Dream house; after I told you we would wait till Christmas."

Eric smiles, as he hears Julie talking quietly to Gracie. He wraps his arms around his wife.

"Let me play the good guy, just this once…"

Tami smirks, as she hands him a dish towel.

"Alright good guy, why don't you try drying these dishes for me then?"

End of Chapter One

--

Preview of Chapter Two

"So your parents are making you tutor Tim Riggins?"

Tyra asks, as Julie gets ready in her bathroom.

"They're not making me, they sorta guilted me into it."

Julie peaks out of the bathroom, watching Tyra make faces at Gracie.

"Same difference, if you ask me…"

Julie closes the light off in the bathroom. She has a nice blouse on; one she hoped her Father would let her out of the house wearing. She also has on a dark pair of jeans, that make her look like she has a butt. Tyra was sitting on Julie's bed holding Gracie, as she smiles nodding with approval.

"Looking good Taylor, doesn't your sister look good Gracie?"

A knock on the door let in Tami, as she smiles at Julie's outfit, before putting her arms out for Gracie.

"There's my baby girl, thanks Tyra for holding me…"

Julie rolls her eyes, as she makes sure everything is in place in the mirror.

"Now, are you sure I don't have to wait for Dad to come back, before I can go out?"

Julie asks, she was nervous. She hadn't gone to a party, in over a month and didn't want this to be the first and last time for a while.

"I'm sure Julie-baby, you girls have fun. I'll see you at the game tomorrow, just give me a call on my cell, let me know when you get to Tyra's."

Tyra smirks, as she follows Julie out the front door.

"See you tomorrow morning Mrs. T."

Tami nods, as she closes the door on the two girls, before smiling at the empty house.

"It's just you and me Gracie darling!"

The baby giggles as Tami takes her to the nursery.