I knew it, I know you

Labyrinth

Gracie POV

I paced backstage, my heart was racing with excitement and a hint of nerves. It was a huge honor to perform as a guest with Taylor at her Eras Tour, and I wanted everything to go perfectly. I checked my reflection one last time in the mirror, adjusting my hair and taking a deep breath.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, and Chris stormed into the room, his face contorted with anger.

-Gracie, what the hell are you doing here? - he demanded, his voice loud and harsh.

-Chris, I'm about to go on stage with Taylor. What's your problem? What are you doing here?

-My problem?" he scoffed, stepping closer. -My problem is you running off to sing without even telling me. You think you can just do whatever you want?

-This is my career, Chris. You don't get to control me.

-You're not going anywhere,- he snarled, grabbing my arm forcefully.

-Let go of me! - I shouted, trying to pull away, my heart pounding in my chest.

In a sudden, violent motion, Chris slapped me across the face. The sound echoed through the backstage area, and I stumbled back, clutching my cheek. Tears sprang to my eyes, bu I refused to let them fall.

-What's wrong with you?!- I screamed, my voice shaking with a mix of fear and anger.

Before I could react further, the door burst open again, and Albert appeared, his eyes blazing with fury.

-What the hell are you doing, Chris? -he yelled, striding forward with clenched fists.

Chris turned to face Albert, his anger momentarily giving way to surprise.

-Stay out of this, Albert. This is between me and Gracie.

-No, it is not.

Albert swung a punch, hitting Chris square in the jaw and sending him sprawling to the floor.

-You don't get to treat her like that- Albert growled, standing protectively in front of me.

Chris scrambled to his feet, his face twisted with rage and humiliation.

-You think you can just come in here and play the hero? - he spat, launching himself at Albert.

The two men collided, grappling with each other as they fell to the floor. I watched in horror as they exchanged blows, their fight growing.

-Help! – I screamed.

Security personnel finally rushed in, pulling Chris off Albert and restraining him.

-Get them out of here- one of the security guards ordered, his tone authoritative.

I rushed to the scene. Taylor was waiting for me.

She saw me and immediately knew that I was not again. Taylor hugged me and whispered.

-What happened? Did you see my surprise?

I nodded and walked to the piano. I sat and Taylor started playing on her guitar.

- Turn around, why are you talking so slowly? - Tay started singing. I joined her. My voice blends perfectly with hers. As we sang ,,Two People "" my eyes found Chris in the crowd, being led away by security. I poured all her pain and confusion into the lyrics, my voice trembling with emotion.

We could go yellow to black overnight
I take you for granted because you are mine

Don't know what to say
Two people can change
Don't think we're above
Might happen to us, mm

He managed to spot me and we exchanged glances. Behind Chris, the guard was taking Albert away.

When I saw him I wanted to scream and stop them. They were taking him away...

-It only hurts this much right now- Taylor started singing.

I turned my head to my surprised. My hands were on the fucking keys without touching them. I knew the song... I knew every word.

The audience started screaming. I turned to send one last look at Albert. He wasn't there. He wasn't in the hands of security. He was now running directly to the stage so he could hear the performance.

That was when I joined Taylor.

Uh oh, I'm falling in love

Oh no, I'm falling in love again

Oh, I'm falling in love

I thought the plane was going down

How'd you turn it right around

My smile grew, my gaze was stuck on him. Taylor laughed, but kept singing along with me.

It only feels this raw right now

Lost in the labyrinth of my mind

Break up, break free, break through, break down

You would break your back to make me break a smile

You know how much I hate that everybody just expects me to bounce back

Just like that

As the final notes faded away, the audience erupted in applause once again. Taylor and I hugged, both of us beaming with pride and relief. I glanced down at Albert, who gave me a thumbs-up and a proud smile.

I ran to the backstage. Albert was waiting for me with a big smile on his face. His eyes lever living mine.

-"Are you okay?" he asked me immediately.

The only thing I did was throw myself into his arms.

-'Gracie...

Tears were running down my shirt.

-'Thank you for everything,' I said in a light tone.

-You were amazing! Gracie, you deserve more. You don't deserve this. It will never change. - He took a breath. His tone softened -You're not alone. Remember that.

I leaned into his touch, feeling a sense of hope and possibility. "I won't," I whispered. "I promise."

Before I could say anything more, Albert's lips met mine in a tender, reassuring kiss. The world around us seemed to fade away as I melted into the kiss, feeling a sense of rightness and connection that I had never felt before.

Taylor ran past us getting ready for her next era.

-Finally

She said and ran back to the stage. I backed away from Albert. I knew what was coming next. I knew Chris and how much of a maniac he was.

But now I wanted to enjoy this moment. The moment I sang with my favorite person on stage, the moment I felt something other than pain.

*Hellooo! So that kiss was um... It was 4am and I just wanted that huh hihihi*