Coming Out and Introductions Part 1:
When the alarm rings, Astrid and Jay wake up from their cuddled sleep. Yawning while waking up, Jay notices the time is 7:30 am.
"Morning, babe" Jay said with a smile to Astrid.
"You ok? You didn't seem to be sleeping peacefully," Astrid said, noticing Jay's yawn and tiredness.
"My bad. It's just these changes and all are sort of overwhelming. You know, with Schrute and Halpert coming into the team," Jay said.
"I understand. I'm coming with you to practice today. I think it's time people know," Astrid said.
"Come again?" Jay asked, confused at Astrid's statement.
"I'm saying that we can't keep our marriage a secret from everyone forever. Sooner or later, people will find out about us," Astrid said.
"True, but can't we wait until our kid is born?" Jay said.
"You have a point, but people will notice my pregnancy. Sooner or later, they will hound me with questions on who's the father of my child," Astrid said.
"Fair enough, but I don't want our names to be drawn into gossip news. Like, gossiping is what idiots do. Idiots like to get into people's personal lives and discuss their problems. I mean, don't they have problems too? It's like meeting Indian aunties who have opinions about your life and shortcomings," Jay stated.
"When it comes to making our relationship public, you always are persistent in keeping it a secret," Astrid gently argued.
"I'm keeping it a secret because I hate people having opinions about our personal lives," Jay calmly argued.
"What do you think would happen if people found out about us?" Astrid seriously questioned.
"It's been 2 years since we got married in secret. No one knows about our marriage except for our families, Jason, and Cecelia. You know I can't keep pretending that I'm single."
"I can't help pretending that I'm single too. But the reason I insist our relationship be in secrecy because I can't trust telling people about our personal lives. You know that of course. So why have you been making an issue out of it?" Jay harshly argued.
Astrid felt like she was silenced. Feeling hurt from his words, she started crying. Noticing Astrid's tears, Jay felt something was wrong.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken that way. I get where you're going with it, but it's too early to go public," Jay apologized.
"It's not that. I'm just worried when people realize I'm pregnant with our child, the first thing they'll be asking me is who's the father. I know you don't want your name dragged into the news when they find out, Jay. But at some point, isn't it like, enough is enough?" Astrid said.
Taking into account of Astrid's words, Jay felt that it's time to come clean, but break the news into small pieces. Knowing that he can't keep secrets forever, Jay thinks about the risk involved with revealing his marriage to Astrid Levinson. When it comes to the risk, many players, Hollywood names, and their fans will feel briefly jealous. However, if Jay slowly reveals pieces of the truth, then their conscience would be clear and people will not make a big deal about it.
"You're right. I'll admit enough is enough. We won't tell them about the pregnancy yet. We'll tell them about our marriage and that's been going on for 2 years for now. When people notice the pregnancy, we'll tell them. Ok?" Jay said. "Happy?"
Astrid, relieved her husband has become open about the issue, smiled and hugged him.
"You know, I was wondering if I'm keeping my maiden name or taking up the Sharma name. Which one should it be?" Astrid said.
"Keep your maiden name. Even when we got married, you built a career for yourself which made me see you're just more than my wife, one true love, eternal soulmate, and lover. You're an inspiration. To all young women out there. You're more of a feminist icon than Emily Scott. You've redefined a female actor in Hollywood acting. Even more than Meryl Streep or Julia Roberts," Jay said.
"Thank you for that compliment. And just to let you know, you're more than just an elite athlete. You inspired Indian-American athletes to join the professional sports leagues. I mean, you positively broke the Indian stereotype people perceived by many Americans. And I was surprised to see you as the only Indian-American football player in history when I first met you," Astrid said.
"Fact check: Brandon Pillar and Sanjay Beach are the first NFL players of Indian descent. The reason there aren't any Indian football payers back then was because many Indian parents pushed their children into the field of information technology, which is good, but can be easily misused at times," Jay clarified.
"No wonder the Indian stereotype is often used," Astrid said.
"Yeah. Anyhow, let's get ready. We got a whole day of confessions coming up," Jay said, getting up from bed and going to brush his teeth.
Around the time Jay and Astrid start to get ready for the day, Jason and Cecelia were talking to each other on the phone.
"You sure your brother is cool with our relationship? Or is he trying to prank me like you did when you learned I gave your brother a concussion?" Jason asked under concern.
"He hasn't screamed or gave any sign of evil behavior. He's his usual self. Calm, a little short-tempered, and joyful," Cecelia said, looking at Phillip eat his chocolate chip pancakes he made himself.
"Ok. Isn't it weird that your dad worked under my dad and us getting together? Given the connection and all?" Jason pointed out.
"Well, I haven't watched the documentary, but I think I need to watch it. I hope it'll give me the answers on how my parents met," Cecelia said.
"Yeah. Ok. So I'll see you around at practice, I presume? It's Bring your Sweetheart to Practice Day for the 49ers. I mean, our coach started these weird days to create morale and team bonding. I get he's trying to bring my teammates together as a family, but isn't that a bit much? He reminds me of my dad's eccentric attitude, but more well-planned with safety measures and enthusiasm," Jason said.
"Sounds like your dad is more eccentric than mine," Cecelia said.
"Yeah, probably. Oh, don't tell Phillip my sister's coming too. He's gonna love the surprise," Jay said.
"Aight, see you around," Cecelia said.
"Bye."
When the phone call ended, Cecelia walked toward Phillip Halpert.
"Hey, bro. You know you have your first team meeting with the 49ers today at 9, right?" Cecelia said.
"Yeah. I'm just finishing these pancakes. It's surprising mom and dad had to go to work so early. Like, they woke up around 6 and left the apartment at 7," Phillip said.
"Have you written out your apology?" Cecelia asked.
"Yes. I have to make this apology in front of the entire 49ers team. Only then will Jason forgive me," Phillip Halpert said.
"Let's hear it. I'm also part of the 49ers too," Cecelia said.
"I know you are and so is Emily. Besides, she'll be here today because it's Bring Your Sweetheart to Practice Day. I don't get why Coach Larson has days like these," Phillip Halpert said.
"You knew, huh?" Cecelia said.
"Yeah, Coach Larson told me about it. Besides, today will be a team meeting and moderate-intensity scrimmage between the offense and defense," Phillip Halpert said.
"I'm sorry? A scrimmage?" Cecelia said.
"Yeah. On every day like this, we have a scrimmage. It's just for finding out who's stepping up in practice. And I studied the playbook for defense. Gotta tell you, Coach Larson is professionally competent while making practice more fun in innovative ways," Phillip Halpert said.
While Phillip Halpert finished his breakfast and got his football gear, practice jerseys, and helmet, Cecelia was concerned about if this game is more like revenge.
While Phillip Schrute was packing his bags for his first meeting with the 49ers, Dwight caught up to him.
"Where you going, kid?" Dwight asked in a halting, intense manner.
"I got a meeting with the team," Phillip Schrute simply answered.
"Have you written your apology?" Dwight asked.
"Yes," Phillip Schrute said.
"I know you didn't mean to call him with a derogatory term, but you should've chosen your words carefully," Dwight said with a reprimanding tone.
"Dad, just chill out. Ok. I learned my lesson. Never call anyone with a racially derogatory nickname and you will suffer harsh, long-lasting consequences, which can pretty much screw up one's life," Phillip Schrute said.
"Oh, I forgot to mention, your girlfriend, Addison Michaels, is coming over to dinner. You should bring one of your friends from the team too," Dwight said.
"You serious? I barely even know anyone," Phillip Schrute complained.
"When you meet someone who you're familiar with, it'll be easy for you," Dwight said.
Understanding what his father meant, Phillip Schrute took his gear and departed to the 49ers facility after picking up Addison.
When Phillip Schrute arrived at the facility, he was met with his rival, Phillip Halpert.
"Hey Halpert," Phillip Schrute called out.
"Hey Schrute," Phillip Halpert coldly said.
"So, who's Mrs. Legally Blonde here?" Phillip Schrute said, referring to a blonde woman who sitting in Phillip Schrute's car.
"I would say the same, but your broad's has black hair," Phillip Halpert said. "Besides, you're just a pretty blonde with no skill like Trevor Lawrence."
"We'll see about that once we get on the field and show you what I'm made of," Phillip Schrute said.
"Alright. We have a scrimmage today. Show me what you got and get ready," Phillip Halpert said.
"I'll see your lonely dumbass lying on the field," Phillip Schrute said.
While Phillip Halpert and Phillip Schrute exchanged heated words, Jay and Jason arrived at the scene with their respective lovers.
"Hey, Jason," Jay said.
"Hey, man. Looks like our rivals are arguing with each other," Jason said, looking at their rivals.
"What's more ironic, both of them trying to hurt us or both of them arguing with each other?" Jay said.
"Both of them arguing with each other. So, what brings you and Astrid here? Aren't you guys keen on keeping this relationship private?" Jason asked.
"Astrid and I had a huge talk this morning. We knew sooner or later, our relationship needs to come out. So, as of today, I'm being open with my marriage to Astrid Levinsion," Jay stated.
"Wow. That's a huge step. Especially when your wedding was in secret," Cecelia commented.
"Man, shut up. It's not like you guys are coming in the open with your relationship," Jay quipped.
"Hey. You told us this. Never go public until a relationship is permanent. It's not like we're engaged," Jason said.
"My bad. Sorry. Anyhow, should we let them argue or tell them to break it up?" Jay said, mentioning that both their rivals are still arguing.
"Let's break it up," Jason said.
As both Jason and Jay rush toward their arguing rivals, they proceed to break-up the argument.
"Hey! Break it up!" Jason said.
"Who the fuc-?" Phillip Halpert said, realizing who confronted them in his argument with Schrute. "Man, I'm sorry. He just couldn't stop talking shit!"
"We don't tolerate back talk. Not in this club or on facility grounds. Do you understand me?" Jason said.
"Yeah. My bad," Phillip Halpert said.
"Good. Let's take a walk," Jason instructed Phillip Halpert.
When Phillip Halpert and Jason Scott were walking together with their lovers, Jay and Phillip Schrute were left standing.
"Man, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you a N-word 4 years ago. I'm extremely sorry. It was the frustration that I had," Phillip Schrute apologized.
"Man, it's all good. Besides, you're our new QB now. Let's take a walk and introduce you to the offensive side of the ball," Jay politely said.
When Jay and Phillip Schrute were walking together with their respective lovers, they discussed about the team.
"So, what's the culture of this team? I know it hosts a winning culture, but are you guys somewhat innovative in practice or just using old-fashioned methods?," Phillip Schrute asked.
"We host a winning culture. You're right. We use a blend of innovation and old-fashioned methods," Jay said.
"So, who are the offensive skill players at my disposal?" Phillip Schrute said.
"We have the most talented, well-trained, versatile, elite rookie and veteran skill players. First off, our running backs. They're like a fusion of every tough running back in NFL History like Raheem Mostert, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Ronald Jones, and Leonard Forunette. They're #31 Hidetoshi Hamada, #26 Kevin Bernouli, #34 Emmanuel Howard, and #45 William Lopez. Very friendly people. Side note: Don't rub them the other way when it comes to their race. You'll get an ass-whooping," Jay said.
"Yeah. Learned that lesson when you beat my Crimson ass on the field," Phillip Schrute quipped.
"Our fullback #44 Nathan Sun is the toughest fullback in NFL history. He's a fusion of Kyle Juszczyk, Alec Ingold, and Danny Vitale. Also very nice man. And he likes movies. So, if you're a movie fan, he's your guy."
"Our wide receivers are extremely agile, strong, and extremely underrated. And one of the most elite receivers ever coached. They're like Michael Thomas, Julio Jones, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, OBJ, CeeDee Lamb, Marquise Goodwin, Travis Fulgham, Antonio Brown, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, DeAndre Hopkins, and Davante Adams. They're #11 Jason Scott, #15 Nigel Ward, #14 Jacob Seville, #19 Henry Reyes, #84 Sean Kim, #13 Liam Sherman, and #80 David Lee. Really fast and really skilled hands. Also students from prestigious universities, so we'll have something to talk about," Jay said.
"Are you giving me a brief introduction because you're obligated to or because you want me to have better chemistry with the offense?" Phillip Schrute asked.
"The thing between you and former receivers was that you didn't have chemistry with them. That's why you got picked often. I know this coming from a guy who focused on keen socio-dynamics and studied psychology. With mingling with the offense, you can be a better QB than you ever were. You got everything in terms of prototypical physiology, speed, strength, pocket awareness, intelligence, sixth-sense instincts, well-equipped in handling pressure, and the ways your throw the ball. You're like Mahomes, Jackson, Brady, Fitzpatrick, Rodgers, Lawrence, Montana, Young, Vick, and Foles combined. It's just your chemistry with players you got to work on," Jay pointed out.
"What about the tight ends? I mean, you are the best tight-end in the league, right?" Phillip Schrute said.
"He is. He just won't admit it," Astrid said.
"Is it just me or am I seeing Astrid Levinson?" Addison asked
"Coming back to your question, Phillip, our tight ends are like George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Tony Gonzales, Rob Gronkowski, Austin Hooper, Jared Cook, OJ Howard, Mark Andrews, TJ Hockensen, and Jacob Hollister. I'm #87 Jay Sharma, #85's Lawrence Hudson, #82 is Jordan Malone, #89 is Charlie Jensen. We're an extremely smart group. We're involved in trick plays, so follow our leads on this," Jay said.
"Hmm. What about the O-lineman?" Phillip Schrute said.
"Our O-line is the best when it comes to protecting the QB. They stay on their blocks and I suppose you do the same too. Our QB #7 Alex Richardson's one of the best blocking QBs in 49er history, aside from pornstar Jimmy G," Jay said, referencing the late Stephen A Smith's nickname for Hall of Famer Jimmy Garoppolo.
"Who are they?" Phillip Schrute asked.
"Our O-lineman centers as #73 Winston Demarius and #66 Joseph Balshton. Our guards are #72 Aaron Quill, #77 Steven Hawthorne, #69 Elijah Stalin, #74 Justin Elrodi, and #71 Trent Sanders. Our tackles are #75 Jim Bernard, #79 Dwayne McLean, #76 Princeton Jacobs, and #70 Geoff Jones. They're like iron-walls against the defensive bull-rush, pash rush, QB scramble, run play, or pass protection. They're like gentle giants in practice and aggressive bears in a game," Jay said.
"You mind giving me an insight into the defensive side of the 49ers?" Phillip Schrute asked.
"Just to let you know, I play both sides of the ball. I play defensive tackle. Among my defensive line entourage are #98 Percival Brewer, #97 Henry Bosa, #96 Kevin Donald, #99 Jared Lerman, #91 Winston Davies, #55 Issac Martinez. Very aggressive and suspectively a lethal defensive-line," Jay said.
"Also, our linebackers will give you a very hard time when you pass the ball in scrimmage. Among them is the son of Fred Warner, # 53 Logan Warner, an outstanding linebacker. Our other linebackers are #57 Jalen Marcus, #51 Henry Hodgkins, #53 Niko Gustafson, #58 Justin Pavlik and #52 Adam Charles. They're more of a male posse. But, they're extremely masculine and romantically gentle in behavior," Jay said.
"Why would you use the word posse? Doesn't that apply to females?" Phillip Schrute questioned.
"I just couldn't figure out a better word for clique," Jay said.
"What about the defensive backs?" Phillip Schrute asked.
"Extremely physical. More physical than our linebackers and d-lineman. And they perform any type of coverage? We're primarily a West Coast offense, but we often use Vertical, Spread, and Smashmouth plays to mix it up. #25 Jayden Sherman, Richard Sherman's son. #28 Alex Masli, #48 Jakob Njoku, #36 Peter Stark, #33 Alec Cullen, #21 Michael Krischer, #24 Sid Aryan, #30 Logan Howard, #23 William Jensen, #29 Diego Walker, #26 Uriel Brewer," Jay said.
"Wow. I'm impressed. You gave an elite introduction to the team before I introduced myself," Phillip Schrute said.
"One more thing. Our special teams kicker, punter, and long snapper keep to themselves. They're #1 Shreyas Danturthi, #3 Madhav Vishwakumar, #2 Sean Hyung. They like to friendly socialize, unless you rub them the wrong way," Jay said.
"So, when's the scrimmage gonna start?" Phillip Schrute asked.
"Around 3:00. We will be playing for 2 hours. 4 15-minute quarters. And unlimited overtimes and they will end when someone score a field goal, safety, any type of touchdown," Jay said. "So, you studied the playbook, right?"
"Yeah. I got time to study the playbook before coming to practice," Phillip Schrute said.
"Oh, that's cool. Anyway, this is my wife, Astrid," Jay said, introducing her to Astrid.
"I thought I recognized her. Astrid Levinson. Oscar-award winning actress, feminist icon, and Hollywood's genuine sex symbol," Phillip Schrute said. "I was surprised when I saw you recently with Jay. Now, I know that you're his spouse, the best tight end and defensive tackle in the league."
"Yeah. The reason I didn't tell anyone about our marriage is because we didn't want to stir up some Hollywood gossip. You know like Tom Brady and Bridget Moynahan," Astrid said.
"I know what you mean," Phillip Schrute said. "But I assume you haven't met my girlfriend, Addison Michaels?"
"Yeah, I know Addison. I was acquainted with her when we were living in NYU one summer for an internship," Astrid said.
"Wait, you know her?" Jay asked.
"Yeah, she was also my roommate for an internship back in NYU when I was in high school," Astrid said.
"Looks like the world is so small, given everything," Jay gently quipped.
With Jay's quip, they all chuckled. Walking together, they discussed things about their career and their relationships.
"Let me get this straight: you guys mutually feel in love at first sight, hooked up around that time, kept a committed relationship before graduating from college, and got married before your careers rose to fame?" Addison clarified.
"You got the main idea. It's hard to commit to a relationship with a football player. They usually go for down-to-earth women, models, and beauty pageant winners," Astrid said, while commenting on a football player's choice of women. "So when it comes to you and Phillip, you guys met at a frat party, kissed at a truth or dare game, kept dating, found out Phillip's dad and your mom dated in the past, and are in a committed relationship?"
"Correct. And it's kind of a weird coincidence that your husband and my boo have met in the past, but on a rocky situation," Addison said.
"That's true. I think I was too much into the game. And I embarrassed Harvard with a shutout," Jay said.
"I should say the same too. I never got shut-out before. And thanks to you, I've been more self-controlled over my language and words. I didn't mean to call you the N-word. It just got to me. I was increasingly frustrated when your team shut my team out and I forgot who I should blame," Phillip Schrute admitted.
"Well, what happened 4 years ago was just a bad first impression, which was pretty life-changing for the both of us. And now that we've gotten to know each other better, I would say all's forgiven. But, do not call me or anyone on the team any racial slurs," Jay said.
"Ok. Done deal. I was going to give out this apology speech to the team, which was one of the conditions of me joining the team," Phillip Schrute said.
"Cool. Can't wait," Jay said, patting Phillip's right shoulder with a smile. "Anyhow, get ready. It's time you step up on the field. If you nearly outscored the 49ers, you can do it again. But, this time, don't hold back."
When Phillip Schrute, Jay and their respective partners were walking to the team meeting room, Phillip Halpert and Jason were talking to each other.
"So, you basically hate Schrute for his overbearing attitude?" Jason asked.
"You got that right buddy. I mean, who knew that the guy who nearly blew my head off is dating my sister?" Phillip Halpert said.
While Jason and Phillip Halpert talked, their animosity died down and started to become more like genuine friends.
"So how do you know Jay? You guys seem very close," Phillip Halpert said.
"Well, Jay was roommate back in Stanford and I was his best man at his wedding," Jason revealed.
"Wait, Jay Sharma's married?! To whom?!" Phillip Halpert asked, astonished at the revelation.
"I'll give you three guesses as of who's she's with," Jason said.
"Lauren Khinvasara, the Bengali-American volleyball athlete from the Olympic team?" Phillip Halpert guessed.
"Nope. She's in the film industry and is a bankable actress," Jason hinted.
"Not Shelly Viswambhara, the Indian-American actress with the beauty and brains. She has an insane crush on Jay. I'm pretty sure that's her," Emily guessed.
"Not even close. She's white, man," Jason finally hinted.
"You're kidding me? He's married to Astrid Levinson?! Holy shit! Looks like another Braynahan in the making!" Phillip Halpert said. "I thought I recognized her. She's the one holding Jay's arm, walking alongside Schrute and his broad."
"Do you have a problem with Schrute? Or is he just a bad person?" Jason asked, concerned over Phillip Halpert's hatred over Phillip Schrute.
"Yeah, I have a problem with Schrute. His attitude. He's annoying to an extent, but I've seen people way worse than him. And I also have respect for him. I've respect for his play. He can read defenses quite easily, so you're gonna have to do some motions if you want high-number stats and game wins," Phillip Halpert said.
"So you have a mutual love-hate friendship with him?" Jason clarified.
"Yeah, man. Though he can be annoying with his ways at times, he also demonstrates good leadership. I often didn't think of myself as a leader. When I was announced team captain over Schrute, that's when we butted heads. Though we were on both sides of the ball, we argued and argued and it was just a them where everyone's for themselves," Phillip Halpert admitted.
"So, basically, you were scared that you would mess up being team captain?" Jason said.
"Yeah. That's why," Phillip Halpert said.
"Were you given the role of captain when Coach Larson met you yesterday?" Jason asked.
"Nah. He told me you, Jay, Jayden Sherman, Issac Martinez, and Nathan Sun are the captains," Phillip Halpert said.
"Yeah. That was a good move he made. He knows what's up," Jason said.
"Hey, listen. After what happened 4 years ago, I'm sorry about it. I just love this game man. If I want to play the game that I love, I want to make sure I'm 100% functional. That's why I was angry at you. I thought I was given a career-ending concussion when you delivered that hit," Phillip Halpert said.
"Yeah, I want to say sorry too. Though we seemed to have patched up with good talks and us dating each other's sister, I'm actually glad that we got a chance to learn why we did what we did," Jason said.
"Apology accepted. Now, you mind telling me how the best football player and the hottest desirable actress came together?" Phillip Halpert asked.
As Jason and Cecelia told Phillip and Emily about Jay's and Astrid's first meeting and the events that followed afterward, they were enamored by the love story.
"So, they're married for two years?" Emily said.
"Yeah. Though they plan on having kids, I don't think they will for another year," Jason said. "Just promise me that you won't tell anyone. Jay and Astrid had to put a lot of thought into coming out together in public. The reason Jay and Astrid never appeared together was because they didn't want a lot of gossip and publicity."
"We promise. But anyhow, are we gonna discuss about how our parents met your parents?" Phillip Halpert said.
"It's the weirdest story that you'll ever know. You guys should watch this documentary called The Office: A Workplace. It has all the answers," Jason said.
"So, where can we watch it?" Phillip Halpert asked.
"On my phone. All nine seasons of it part of it," Jason said, pulling up the first season of the documentary.
As the 3rd episode of the Office is being watched by the 4 people, they were enjoying it minutes before the meeting started.
"Number one: inverted penis," said a beady-eyed, glass-wearing salesman.
"Could you mean vagina?" said a red-haired woman, who raised her hand slowly.
"I thought your vagina was removed after your hysterectomy," said the beady-eyed, glass-wearing salesman.
"The uterus is different from a vagina. I still have a vagina," said the red-haired woman, leaving the salesman dumbfounded.
With that reaction, they were all laughing wildly.
"Oh my god! I can't believe the look on his face," Phillip Halpert said while laughing.
"Does he even have an idea about the different between a uterus and vagina? They're two different things," Jason said laughing. "Anyhow, let's get to practice, we got a long day ahead.
