the alchemy | Taylor Swift x OC

9

Bailee's mind was still spinning from the kiss. She couldn't believe it actually had happened. Every time she would close her eyes, she felt the softness of Taylor's lips all over again, the warmth of the moment wrapping around her like a blanket. But when she opened them, there was still Taylor, sitting so close, looking at her with that same vulnerability, that same gentle smile.

Neither of them rushed to speak. It was as if they were both absorbing this new reality, letting it settle into the cracks of what had been a safe, uncomplicated friendship—until now.

Bailee took a slow deep breath, feeling the weight of it on her chest. She wasn't sure how to navigate what had just happened, but she wasn't afraid either. She had been waiting for this moment since the moment she heard Taylor's first song. It felt like something that had been inevitable, simmering just below the surface for far too long.

"So.." Bailee finally said, her voice almost teasing, "I guess that changes things."

Taylor tilted her head, but her smile growing a little, but there was still that same softness in her eyes. "Yeah, I guess it does."

Bailee's fingers were still intertwined with Taylor's, their hands resting between them, like a tether to this new uncertain space. Her heart was racing, but it wasn't because she was nervous, it was because she was excited. Maybe a little bit of fear, but only because this was Taylor—International Popstar who runs the music industry.

But now? Now, It was something more.

Taylor looked down at their hands, her thumb brushing against Bailee's. "I don't want to make things weird between us," Bailee said, her voice low. "I mean, I know it's a lot to process, and I don't want you to feel like—"

"Bailee," Taylor interrupted softly, squeezing her hand. "It's not weird. I don't feel weird."

Bailee's eyes met hers again, and Taylor could see the relief wash over her. Taylor smiled that big, wide smile that Bailee had always loved. "I just.. don't want to mess this up. I don't want to lose what we have."

Taylor shook her head, "You won't. We won't. This.. Whatever this is," she gestured between them, "it doesn't erase anything, if anything, it just adds to it. Right?"

"You're right, Tay. Thank you." Bailee's eyes met Taylor's. Taylor gave her a slight smile and looked down. "Can I say something B?" Taylor asked.

Bailee looked at her and nodded her head. "I think... I've been scared of this for a long time, but now that's it's out there, I don't want to take it back."

Bailee smiled, a warmth spreading through her, "Good. Because I don't either."

The quiet between them was comfortable, a far cry that had charged atmosphere that had filled the room moments ago. Bailee felt the tension melt away,replaced by something gentler, something that felt natural—like this was how things were always supposed to be.

Taylor leaned back against the couch, pulling Bailee's hand with her. "I didn't expect tonight to turn into this," she admitted with a soft laugh. "But I'm glad it did."

Bailee shifted so she could lean against the couch too, their shoulders brushing. Taylor leaned her head onto Bailee's. Bailee could feel Taylor's breath beside her, and for a moment, she allowed herself to bask in the simplicity of it. No flashing cameras, no headlines, no chaos. Just them.

"I guess we should talk about what happens next," Bailee said after a while, her voice gentle but curious.

Taylor's gaze shifted towards her, and Bailee could see the wheels turning in her head. "Yeah," Taylor agreed. "But not tonight, B."
Bailee smiled, leaning her head against Taylor's.