Tayvis one-shots (3)

Protective Instincts

Hi! Sorry for the late update, school's really busy and I'm trying to get better. So I'm taking a break. But don't worry, I'll still update but probably once a month or every 10 to 15 days.
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The flashing lights of the paparazzi cameras were blinding, even through the tinted windows of the car. Taylor had grown accustomed to the attention over the years, but lately, it had become overwhelming. Her every move was scrutinized, every smile dissected, every frown turned into a headline. And tonight was no different. She glanced over at Travis, who was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched in frustration as he maneuvered the car through the crowded street.

"I'm sorry, babe," she murmured, feeling guilty. "I didn't expect them to be this crazy tonight."

Travis glanced at her, his expression softening immediately. "It's not your fault, Tay. You can't help it that the world's obsessed with you," he said, offering her a small smile. "But I don't like how they swarm you like this. It's not right."

She sighed, leaning back in her seat. "It's part of the deal, I guess. Comes with the territory."

"Yeah, well, I don't care about the territory. I care about you."

His protective tone made her smile, but she could see how tense he was. The paparazzi had been relentless recently, especially with rumors swirling about their relationship. Travis had been doing his best to shield her from it, but there were moments—like now—where it was clear how much it affected him.

As they pulled up to their apartment, the flashing cameras followed them, the photographers shouting questions and comments. The noise was deafening, the flashes almost disorienting. Travis parked the car and turned to her, his hand resting gently on her knee.

"Stay close to me," he said, his voice low but firm. "We'll get inside as quickly as possible."

She nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. No matter how many times she went through this, it never got easier. The invasion of privacy, the feeling of being watched constantly—it was suffocating.

They stepped out of the car, and immediately, the crowd of paparazzi surged toward them, cameras clicking and voices shouting over one another.

"Taylor! Are the rumors true? Are you pregnant?"

"Travis! How do you feel about your relationship being in the headlines?"

"Taylor, is it true you're quitting music?"

The questions were endless, some of them more ridiculous than others, but all of them invasive. Travis moved quickly, placing his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close as they made their way to the door. But the crowd was aggressive tonight, pushing closer than usual.

Suddenly, one of the paparazzi stepped too close, shoving a camera in Taylor's face. Before she could react, Travis moved faster than she had ever seen him. He pushed the man back, his hand firmly on the guy's chest.

"Back off!" Travis growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You don't get to treat her like that."

The photographer stumbled backward, his camera hanging loosely around his neck, clearly shocked by the football player's reaction. The other paparazzi backed up slightly, sensing the shift in energy. But the damage was done—Taylor's heart was racing, and she felt shaken by how quickly things had escalated.

"Let's go, babe," Travis muttered, keeping his arm firmly around her as they made it through the front door of their apartment building. Once they were safely inside, the noise of the paparazzi faded, and she let out a shaky breath, her body trembling slightly.

Travis turned to her immediately, his hands gently cupping her face as he looked at her with concern. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

"I'm fine," she whispered, though her voice wavered. "Just... I hate when it gets like that."

His eyes softened, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "I hate it too. I hate that they think they can treat you like that. It's not fair."

She buried her face in his chest, letting the steady beat of his heart calm her. "I'm used to it, but... it's been getting worse lately."

"I know, and I don't like it," he said, his voice still tense with frustration. "I just want to keep you safe."

"You do," she assured him, looking up at him. "I always feel safe with you."

He kissed her forehead, his arms still wrapped protectively around her. "I won't let them get close to you like that again. I promise."

They stood there for a few moments, just holding each other, letting the tension of the evening slowly melt away. Eventually, Taylor pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a small smile.

"You're always my protector, huh?"

"Always," he replied softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "And I'll never stop."

Later that evening, as they sat on the couch, the warmth of the fireplace glowing softly in the room, Taylor leaned against Travis, feeling the weight of the day slowly lift off her shoulders. His protective nature, the way he had shielded her from the chaos outside, made her feel safer than she had in a long time.

"I don't deserve you," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she traced patterns on his arm with her fingers.

He looked down at her, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What are you talking about? Of course, you deserve me."

She shook her head slightly. "I just... with everything that comes with being with me—the media, the scrutiny—I wouldn't blame you if it was too much."

Travis sat up slightly, turning her so she was looking at him directly. "Taylor, I knew what I was signing up for. Yeah, it's tough sometimes, but I love you. I love every part of you, and I wouldn't change a thing."

Her eyes welled up with tears at his words, and she bit her lip to keep them from falling. "I love you too. More than you know."

He smiled softly, pulling her back into his arms. "Good. Now, let's not think about them anymore. It's just us tonight, okay?"

She nodded, snuggling into his chest, feeling the warmth and security of his embrace. The world outside might be chaotic and relentless, but here, with him, she felt safe. And that was all she needed.

As they drifted off to sleep later that night, Taylor whispered softly, "Thank you for always protecting me."

And with a kiss to her forehead, Travis murmured back, "Always, babe. Always."