So High School | T. Swift x OC

seventeen

TW: Matthew mention.

Taylor had initially seen Eliot as a distraction, a way to get over the confusing mess that was Matty. Matty had been her rebound after Joe. She hadn't intended to get attached, but somewhere along the line, she had. And when that ended, she needed something—someone—to help her forget. Eliot had seemed perfect for that role.

Their first date had been at The Black Dog in New York. Taylor had dressed up, determined to put on a good front and bury her emotions under layers of charm and flirtation. But when she walked in and saw Eliot's face light up with genuine happiness, she felt a pang of guilt. He was so sweet, so earnest, and he looked at her as if she were the most important person in the world.

Taylor hadn't planned on feeling anything beyond a fleeting attraction, but Eliot's enthusiasm and kindness chipped away at her defences. That night, as they talked and laughed over drinks, she found herself genuinely enjoying his company. He was different from Matty, from Joe—different from anyone she had ever dated. There was a sincerity about him that was disarming, and by the end of the evening, she was already second-guessing her intentions.

As weeks turned into months, what was meant to be a fling turned into something more. Taylor was surprised at how quickly she began to rely on Eliot. His texts and calls became the highlight of her day. Every morning, she woke up with a smile on her face, eagerly anticipating his messages. Every night, she fell asleep with the sound of his voice in her mind.

There were moments when she would catch herself thinking about him in the most unexpected times—during rehearsals, in meetings, while writing songs. The realisation that she was falling for him hit her like a wave, overwhelming and unstoppable. She tried to resist it at first, telling herself that she didn't need anyone, that she could be fine on her own. But the more she fought it, the more she realised how much she needed him. How much she wanted him.

Eliot's presence in her life became a source of comfort and stability. He was always there, cheering her on, supporting her dreams, and making her laugh. He had a way of making her feel seen and understood, something she hadn't felt in a long time. His kindness and patience helped her heal from past wounds, and his unwavering love made her believe in the possibility of a future together.

Taylor often found herself lost in thoughts about their future. She imagined a life with Eliot—simple, happy, and full of love. The idea of growing old with him, of facing life's challenges together, filled her with a sense of peace and contentment. She couldn't imagine her life without him anymore. He had become an integral part of her world, and the thought of losing him was unbearable.

She knew that her initial intentions had been selfish, that she had used Eliot as a way to get over Matty. But now, it was so much more than that. What had started as a way to fill a void had blossomed into a deep, abiding love. Taylor lived for the moments they shared, for the simple joys of being together. His texts and calls were a lifeline, connecting her to a world of happiness and love.

Taylor couldn't help but smile. Every word, every emoji, every little heart sent her way was a testament to the love they shared. She realised that she had found something rare and beautiful in Eliot. He was her anchor, her confidant, her partner in every sense of the word.

The journey from using Eliot as a distraction to falling deeply in love with him had been unexpected, but Taylor wouldn't have it any other way. She knew that life with Eliot would be full of surprises and challenges, but she was ready to face them all, as long as they were together.

Taylor was lost in her thoughts, a warm smile spreading across her face as she reflected on the journey her relationship with Eliot had taken. The memory of their first date, the gradual evolution of her feelings, and the realisation of how deeply she had fallen for him filled her with a sense of contentment she hadn't felt in a long time.