So High School - Tayvis One Shots

17: A Christmas Escape

The chill of winter had settled over the city, but Taylor and Travis were far from it. After months of hectic schedules and life in the public eye, they had both agreed on a much-needed escape—a getaway to the Italian countryside for Christmas. Lake Como, with its picturesque views and serene atmosphere, was the perfect refuge. It was where they could step away from the cameras, the crowds, and the chaos, and simply be together.

The journey had been long, but when their car finally wound its way through the narrow streets, the view of the lake stretching out before them was more than worth it. The villa they had rented sat nestled in the hills, overlooking the shimmering water, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. It was like a scene from a postcard.

As they arrived, the sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of gold and pink. The air was crisp, the faint scent of pine mingling with the cool breeze. Taylor stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath as she looked around.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, her voice almost lost in the stillness of the evening.

Travis came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "Not as beautiful as you," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

She smiled, leaning back against his chest. "You're so cheesy."

"Only for you, babe," he said with a grin, resting his chin on her shoulder.

The villa itself was a marvel—stone walls, large windows that offered an uninterrupted view of the lake, and a cozy interior that was both luxurious and inviting. The Christmas decorations had already been set up by the villa staff—twinkling lights wrapped around the banisters, a grand tree in the living room adorned with delicate ornaments, and the scent of cinnamon and pine wafting through the house.

Taylor was immediately drawn to the fireplace, where a fire had already been lit. She stood in front of it, warming her hands as Travis came up behind her again, this time pulling her into a tighter embrace.

"I've been dreaming about this," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He rested his head on hers, their bodies swaying gently to the crackling of the fire. "Me too," he replied. "Just you and me, away from everything."

They stood like that for a while, content in the silence and the warmth of each other's presence. It was the kind of peace they hadn't had in a long time, and neither of them wanted to let go of it.

But as much as they craved the quiet, there was still an undercurrent of excitement between them. After all, it was Christmas Eve, and there was something magical about the holiday, especially when shared with someone you love.

"Come on," Travis said after a few minutes, breaking the comfortable silence. "I've got something planned for tonight."

Taylor turned in his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Should I be worried?"

He grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just trust me."

He led her outside to the terrace that overlooked the lake. The night had fallen completely now, and the sky was a blanket of stars. The lake shimmered under the moonlight, calm and still, reflecting the twinkling lights that adorned the villa. A small table had been set up with two chairs, draped with blankets and candles flickering in the soft breeze.

Taylor's breath caught as she took in the scene. "This is perfect."

"I know it's not some fancy restaurant," Travis said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I figured we've had enough of that lately. Just wanted something simple."

"It's more than perfect," she assured him, standing on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his lips.

They sat down, their legs tangled under the table as they sipped wine and shared stories. The conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and affectionate glances. It felt intimate, like the rest of the world had disappeared, and all that was left was the two of them.

After dinner, they moved back inside, curling up on the couch in front of the fire. Travis pulled a blanket over them, wrapping his arm around Taylor as she rested her head on his chest. They watched the flames dance in the hearth, the only sound the crackling of the wood and the occasional pop of the fire.

Taylor's eyes fluttered closed, lulled by the warmth and the steady rhythm of Travis's heartbeat beneath her ear. She felt safe, content, like nothing in the world could touch them here.

"I love you," she murmured, her voice soft and sleepy.

Travis tightened his grip around her, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I love you too," he whispered back.

The next morning, they woke to a soft dusting of snow outside. It was Christmas morning, and the world outside was peaceful, quiet in a way that felt almost sacred. They spent the day wrapped up in each other, exchanging gifts by the fire, laughing and kissing under the mistletoe. It was everything they had dreamed of and more—a Christmas away from the chaos, filled with love and happiness.

Later that night, as they lay in bed, the sounds of the lake lapping gently against the shore, Taylor turned to Travis, a sleepy smile on her face. "This was the best Christmas," she whispered.

He leaned down, brushing his lips against hers. "Every Christmas with you will be the best."

And as they fell asleep in each other's arms, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them and the love they had built together.