unfinished echoes - taylor swift

06

The bathroom was quieter than Daisy expected as she slipped away from the flashing lights and chattering crowds, her footsteps echoing softly against the tiles. She let out a long breath, adjusting the hem of her dress, feeling a momentary relief from the intensity of the VMAs. Leaning over the sink, she took a second to steady herself, to let the adrenaline of the night simmer down.

Just as she turned to leave, eyes down, she walked straight into someone's chest. "Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said, instinctively pulling back. But when she looked up, her words faltered.

Standing before her was Taylor, her expression a mix of surprise and something else Daisy couldn't quite place.

"Oh, hi. Sorry," Daisy said again, her voice softer this time, her heart suddenly racing. She felt caught off-guard, unsure of what to say or how to act, especially now with the memory of Taylor's win hanging between them.

"It's okay," Taylor replied, her voice equally low, a slight nervousness in her eyes. After a beat, Daisy cleared her throat, hoping to break the tension.

"Congrats, by the way. Video of the Year-huge deal," Daisy said, offering a small smile.

Taylor nodded, her gaze steady on Daisy. "Thank you."

A pause settled between them, thick with unsaid words, memories, and all the tension of what they'd once been. The echo of the applause from outside faded, leaving them in silence, the bright bathroom lights casting their reflections in sharp clarity. Neither seemed to know what to say next, but neither made a move to leave, as if held by unfinished echoes they had to fulfill.

The silence stretched on, and Taylor felt a tug of longing pull at her. Before she knew it, she found herself leaning closer, her eyes searching Daisy's for any sign of resistance. But Daisy just stood there, her expression unreadable, her breathing shallow. So Taylor closed the remaining distance, pressing her lips to Daisy's in a kiss that felt both tentative and desperate.

For a moment, Daisy didn't respond, and a pang of panic seized Taylor. She pulled back, her cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry," she stammered, taking a step back. "I shouldn't have done that. I-"

But before she could finish, Daisy's hand shot out, catching Taylor's. "Wait," she whispered, her voice soft but insistent, her grip warm and sure. "Kiss me."

Taylor's gaze flicked to Daisy's lips, and she didn't need to be told twice. She leaned back in, capturing Daisy's mouth in a kiss that quickly grew heated, years of tension and unresolved feelings spilling out. Daisy's hands found Taylor's shoulders, pulling her closer, and Taylor responded eagerly, her hands framing Daisy's face as if she couldn't get close enough.

Lost in the moment, Taylor moved Daisy back, her hand steadying her waist as she lifted her onto the edge of the sink. The porcelain was cold under Daisy, contrasting the warmth of Taylor's touch, and she gasped slightly as Taylor settled between her legs, deepening the kiss. Their breaths mingled, each kiss growing more urgent, more hungry, as if they were making up for lost time, for all the moments they'd spent apart.

Neither of them seemed to care about where they were, the world outside forgotten as Taylor's hand slid around Daisy's back, her thumb tracing gentle circles that sent sparks through her. Daisy's fingers tangled in Taylor's hair, pulling her closer, until it felt like nothing existed but them-just Taylor and Daisy, tangled in the heat of the moment, unable to resist what they'd both been holding back for so long.

Taylor's lips trailed down Daisy's neck, her kisses leaving a path of tingling warmth. She held back, careful not to leave any marks that might betray their passionate encounter. As she reached the base of Daisy's neck, Taylor's lips brushed against her collarbone, eliciting a soft gasp from Daisy.

Pulling back slightly, Taylor met Daisy's gaze, her eyes dark with desire. "Can I?" she asked, her voice a husky whisper, seeking permission for what she truly wanted.

Daisy bit her lip, her eyes darting to the door as if suddenly remembering where they were. "But we're in public," she breathed, her body tensing under Taylor's touch. "What if someone walks in?"

Taylor smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Then we'll have to stay quiet," she replied, her tone playful yet full of promise.

Daisy nodded, her resolve wavering under the intensity of Taylor's gaze. She wanted this, wanted Taylor, more than she could put into words.

-

Rising to her feet, Taylor quickly grabbed some paper towels from the dispenser, running them under the faucet. She turned back to Daisy, gently wiping away the evidence of their encounter, her touch tender and caring.

As she finished cleaning Daisy, Taylor reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind Daisy's ear. She leaned in, pressing a soft, chaste kiss to Daisy's swollen lips. Daisy's eyes fluttered open, meeting Taylor's gaze with a mix of satiation and lingering desire.

Taylor helped Daisy slide down from the sink, steadying her as her legs wobbled. Daisy stumbled slightly, her equilibrium thrown off by the intensity of their encounter. Taylor chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around Daisy's waist to support her.

From her pocket, Taylor produced a tube of lipstick, quickly applying a fresh coat to her own lips. She turned to Daisy, offering the lipstick with a raised eyebrow. "You might want to touch up," she said with a playful smirk.

Daisy took the lipstick, her fingers brushing against Taylor's as she accepted it. She applied the color with practiced ease, her reflection in the mirror showing a woman thoroughly satisfied and slightly disheveled.

As Daisy and Taylor left the bathroom, they exchanged a final glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They knew they couldn't afford to linger or draw any attention to themselves; they'd spent years dodging rumors, and now was not the time to spark new ones.

Taylor gave Daisy a quick nod, straightening her dress and smoothing her hair before stepping out first. She looked every bit the unbothered, confident pop icon as she walked back into the crowded venue. Daisy waited a beat, giving Taylor enough of a head start before slipping out herself, taking a calming breath as she adjusted her posture, hoping her flushed face and shaky legs wouldn't give anything away.

As she navigated back to her table, Daisy spotted her manager standing nearby, looking her over with a raised brow. "You okay?" her manager asked, eyeing Daisy's pink cheeks and the slight wobble in her steps. "You look... flustered."

Daisy forced a smile, fanning herself slightly. "It's just so hot in here," she said, laughing it off. "And these heels-I swear I might tip over by the end of the night."

Her manager gave her a curious look but seemed to accept her explanation, offering Daisy a glass of water. Daisy gratefully took it, letting the coolness soothe her as she tried to regain her composure. She could still feel the lingering warmth of Taylor's touch, but she forced herself to focus, blending back into the buzz of the night, playing the part of the unruffled actress.