Jaylor One Shots

The Funeral

Taylor gently knocks on the doorframe, not wanting to startle Joe. He looks up at her as he's tying his shoelace. 

"Hey, you ready to go?" She asks softly, offering him a small smile. She knows he's a little fragile today - the loss of his great uncle had hit him a bit harder than either of them had realised it would. 

"Yeah." He stands up, moving towards her. "You look nice." He compliments, carefully grabbing her hand. She squeezes his, smiling at his sweet words.

"You do too." She leans up to gently press a kiss to his lips. "You're still sure you want me to come?" She asks carefully. They've had a few conversations about this. About whether it was right for Taylor to attend or not, especially given the fact that this funeral is going to be broadcasted to the world. She knows her presence could disrupt the reverence of the event, and despite having known and liked the man who died - she also knows that it would be unfair to ruin such a sacred event for her own selfish reasons. She'd left the decision up to Joe and his mother, ultimately Joe had decided he wanted her there, that he needed her support for this. 

"I am." He presses a soft kiss to her forehead. "I need you with me today." He wraps his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder, to which she quickly pulls him close. 

"I'll be right by your side, anything you need today, just tell me." Taylor runs her fingers through his hair, knows that tends to comfort him.

"Thank you." He lifts his head up, grabbing her hand again. "Let's get going, don't really want to be late." He murmurs. She quickly kisses his cheek before they hop into Joe's car. Taylor's driving, they're on the way to pick up his mum and brother so they can all arrive together. The five of them are going to have a meal together afterwards to commemorate their Uncle's legacy alone. Taylor had - once again - offered to leave them to it and wait for Joe at home, but he'd insisted she come along. She appreciates how inclusive the Alwyn's have all been to her with this. She's glad Joe's been letting her help him, years ago he would have just shut down, but they've come a long way since then. His hand is in hers as she drives, neither saying anything. There isn't really much to say, but it's not uncomfortable. She can feel how tight his grip is on her hand, but she doesn't mind. She knows he needs support today and she'll do whatever she can to give it to him. 

They pull up to the front of the Alwyn family home, Joe sends his mother a text that they've arrived and soon enough both Elizabeth and Tom are in the back of the car. They exchange greetings, Elizabeth happily chatting with the both of them. Taylor's hand doesn't leave Joe's, but the mood in the car significantly lightens with Liz and Tom chatting happily. She's always found Liz inspiring in that way, she's really good at assessing a situation and knowing how to make everyone somewhat happier. 

When they arrive at the church, Taylor hands the car keys to the valet as they all climb out of the car. She places her hand on Joe's back as they walk into the church. Patrick greets them at the entrance, he's got some special role in the funeral so won't be sitting with them and had to arrive much earlier. Taylor gives him a hug, happy to see how smiley he is. Joe leans down and whispers in her ear

"I've got to sort something out with Patrick, go with mum and find our seats - I'll be there soon." He murmurs, leaving her with a kiss on the cheek. She nods and the three of them quickly move into their pew. Joe's granny is already there waiting for them, giving Taylor a gentle smile as they find their seats. Liz sits next to her mum, Taylor next to Liz, leaving a space for Joe between her and Tom. She makes polite conversation with Joe's grandmother, she's met her a fair few times - her and Joe are close, but to be honest she doesn't think the older woman likes her very much. Joe says it's just because she can't be bothered getting to know new people anymore, which Taylor does find funny - but as the years went on she became slightly more confused as to why his granny wouldn't be interested in getting to know Joe's life partner. But she shrugs it off, reminding herself that not everyone needs to like her.