Tayvis one-shots (2)

Career Conflict

Taylor and Travis sat across from each other at their kitchen table, the soft glow of the pendant lights above them casting a warm hue over their faces. The tension in the air was palpable, a stark contrast to the usual lighthearted atmosphere that filled their home.

"I just don't know how we're going to make this work, Travis," Taylor said, her voice tinged with frustration. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, a gesture that betrayed her anxiety.

Travis leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed. "I get that, Tay, but this is a huge opportunity for me. The Chiefs are counting on me, and I can't just back out."

Taylor sighed, looking down at her hands. "I know that. And I support you, I really do. But with my tour dates coming up and your training camp starting, we're barely going to see each other. How are we supposed to keep this relationship strong if we're always apart?"

Travis reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "We'll find a way. We always do."

Taylor squeezed his hand, but her expression remained troubled. "It's not just about us, Travis. It's about our schedules, our commitments. I don't want to resent your career, and I don't want you to resent mine."

Travis nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words. "Maybe we need to sit down and really plan this out. Look at our schedules and see where we can make time for each other."

"Okay," Taylor agreed, her voice softening. "Let's do that. But we need to be realistic. We can't keep putting this off."

The next morning, armed with their calendars and a strong pot of coffee, Taylor and Travis sat down to tackle their schedules. The mood was somber, but there was a sense of determination in the air.

"Alright," Taylor began, flipping through her tour schedule. "I'll be on the road from March through June, with a few breaks in between. What about you?"

Travis scrolled through his phone, checking his team's training and game schedule. "I'll be in training camp starting in April, and the season runs through the end of December. There are some gaps where we could potentially see each other, but it's going to be tight."

Taylor frowned, tapping her pen against the table. "What if we planned our breaks around each other's schedules? Like, I could fly out to see you during your bye weeks, and you could come to a few of my shows when you have time off."

"That could work," Travis said, nodding thoughtfully. "But we also need to make sure we're not burning ourselves out. We both need downtime, too."

"I know," Taylor agreed. "It's just so hard to find a balance."

As they continued to hash out their schedules, the reality of their conflicting careers became increasingly clear. The moments of potential togetherness were few and far between, and the sacrifices required seemed daunting.

"Maybe we need to talk about this with a professional," Taylor suggested after a particularly frustrating stretch of planning. "Someone who can help us navigate these conflicts."

Travis considered her suggestion. "A relationship counselor?"

"Yeah," Taylor said. "It might help to get an outside perspective. We're both so focused on our careers, and it's hard to see past that sometimes."

"Alright," Travis agreed. "Let's do it. If it helps us figure this out, it's worth a shot."

A few weeks later, they found themselves in a cozy office, sitting across from Dr. Caldwell, a renowned relationship counselor. Taylor and Travis shared their concerns and struggles, opening up about the challenges they faced.

"It sounds like you both have incredibly demanding careers," Dr. Caldwell said, nodding understandingly. "And it's clear that you both love and support each other deeply. The key here is finding ways to maintain that connection despite the physical distance."

"How do we do that?" Taylor asked, her voice tinged with desperation. "It feels like we're constantly pulled in different directions."

Dr. Caldwell smiled gently. "It's all about communication and prioritizing your relationship. You need to make a conscious effort to stay connected, even when you're apart. That means regular check-ins, making time for video calls, and planning visits whenever possible."

Travis nodded. "We talked about that, but it's just so hard with our schedules."

"I understand," Dr. Caldwell said. "But it's important to remember that this is a temporary situation. Your careers will evolve, and there will be times when you can be together more. In the meantime, you need to support each other and make the most of the time you do have."

Over the next few months, Taylor and Travis worked hard to implement Dr. Caldwell's advice. They scheduled regular video calls, even if it meant staying up late or waking up early. They sent each other thoughtful messages and small gifts to remind each other of their love and support.

One evening, after a long day of rehearsals, Taylor received a surprise delivery at her hotel room. It was a bouquet of her favorite flowers, along with a handwritten note from Travis.

"Thinking of you always. Can't wait to see you soon. Love, T."

Taylor smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest. She immediately picked up her phone and called Travis.

"Hey, you," Travis answered, his voice full of affection.

"Thank you for the flowers," Taylor said, her voice soft. "They're beautiful."

"I'm glad you like them," Travis replied. "Just wanted to remind you that I'm always here, even when I'm not physically with you."

Taylor felt tears prick her eyes. "I love you, Travis. And I miss you so much."

"I love you too, Tay," Travis said. "We're going to get through this. I promise."

As the months went by, Taylor and Travis continued to navigate the challenges of their busy lives. There were still moments of frustration and loneliness, but they also found ways to strengthen their bond. Their commitment to each other never wavered, and they learned to cherish the time they had together, no matter how fleeting.

One weekend, they finally managed to align their schedules and planned a much-needed getaway to a secluded cabin in the mountains. It was a chance to reconnect and recharge, away from the pressures of their careers.

As they sat by the fireplace, wrapped in each other's arms, Taylor looked up at Travis and smiled. "This is exactly what we needed."

Travis kissed her forehead. "Yeah, it is. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," Taylor said, snuggling closer. "But this time apart has also made me appreciate our relationship even more. We're stronger because of it."

Travis nodded. "Absolutely. We can handle anything as long as we're together."

In that moment, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, their love for each other would always be their anchor. They had faced the trials of their careers head-on and come out stronger on the other side.

As they gazed at the flickering flames, they made a silent promise to each other: to always fight for their love, no matter the obstacles. Because in the end, it was their love that gave them the strength to overcome anything life threw their way.