So High School - Tayvis One Shots

12: In Sickness and in love

The holidays had passed, but Taylor and Travis's home was still filled with the laughter and warmth of family. Both families had extended their stay, enjoying the rare downtime to relax, swap stories, and spend time together. The Chiefs had secured another win, and the festive energy was still alive, but something about the day had started to feel off for Taylor.

She sat on the couch in the living room, her legs curled up under her, resting her head against Travis's shoulder. The chatter of the families filled the room—Scott and Ed were deep in conversation about football, Austin and Jason were joking with Wyatt and Ellie on the floor, while Donna and Andrea prepared some tea in the kitchen. Everything felt peaceful, but a dull headache throbbed behind Taylor's eyes, her energy waning more with each passing minute.

Travis, always in tune with her, had sensed it before anyone else. He'd noticed the way she was quieter than usual, how she leaned into him a little more, her body radiating an unusual warmth.

"Hey, babe," Travis whispered, concern creeping into his voice. "You feeling okay?"

Taylor managed a weak smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm just a little tired. Probably just need to lie down for a bit."

But before she could even make a move to get up, a sudden wave of nausea hit her hard. Her stomach churned, her skin going clammy. She took a sharp breath, pressing a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the rising sickness.

Travis didn't miss a beat. His arm tightened around her waist, his tone urgent yet calm. "Tay, you're burning up," he said softly, his hand instinctively going to her forehead, confirming what he already feared. "I think you're coming down with something."

The moment he spoke, the room fell silent. Andrea and Donna both turned from the kitchen, concern written across their faces. Scott and Ed looked up from their conversation, and Austin and Jason stopped mid-joke, watching Taylor closely.

"Do you need anything, sweetie?" Andrea asked, stepping toward her daughter with a worried expression. "You look a little pale."

But Taylor barely had time to respond. Her body lurched, and with no other warning, the nausea hit full force. She bolted up from the couch, her hand still covering her mouth as she hurried toward the nearest bathroom.

"I've got her," Travis called out, already on his feet and guiding her quickly but gently toward the bathroom. "Don't worry, I'll take care of her."

Donna stood up, looking anxious. "Should we help? Is she okay?"

"She'll be fine," Travis reassured the families, his voice steady as he walked beside Taylor, keeping her upright. "I'll let you know if we need anything. Just give us a minute."

Once inside the bathroom, Taylor barely made it to the toilet before her body gave in to the sickness. She collapsed to her knees, her stomach heaving violently. The sound of her retching echoed in the small room, and she could feel the tears sting her eyes, a mix of nausea and embarrassment washing over her.

Travis was right beside her, kneeling on the cool tile floor, his strong hand holding back her hair while his other rested on her back, offering slow, reassuring circles. "Shhh, it's okay, babe," he whispered softly, his voice calm and soothing. "I'm right here. Just let it out."

The sickness seemed endless, each wave leaving her more drained and shaky than before. Taylor felt her body tremble, her face flushed and damp with sweat. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this weak, this helpless.

"I'm so sorry," she mumbled between breaths, her voice weak and filled with exhaustion. "I didn't mean to ruin the night..."

"Don't even think like that," Travis said firmly, brushing her hair away from her face as she slumped against him, her body spent. "You didn't ruin anything. You're sick, Taylor. That's all."