TAYVIS ONE SHOTS

Post Game Glow

Taylor's POV

The energy in the stadium was still pulsing as I made my way down to the players' area, my heart racing like it was me who'd been running up and down that field for hours. The crowd's roar was still echoing in my ears, and I knew Travis had to be feeling it too. They'd won by a solid margin, and he'd been incredible out there. Every time he made a big play, the fans went wild—and, honestly, so did I.

Just as I was rounding the corner to the locker room, Travis appeared, grinning ear to ear, his hair messy and eyes bright. He looked like he was walking on air, or maybe it was just the fact that he saw me.

"There she is!" he called, coming toward me, still in his gear, grass stains and all.

I felt a huge smile spread across my face as I went to meet him. "There you are! You were amazing out there!"

Before I could say another word, he scooped me up in a bear hug, spinning me around, and I couldn't stop laughing. When he finally set me down, he pulled me in close, his arm draped around my shoulders as we made our way down the hall.

"Guess I had to put on a good show, knowing you were watching," he said, still smiling, though his voice was softer now.

"Oh, so it's me who makes you play better?" I teased.

He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "What can I say? I'm motivated by beautiful things."

Travis' POV

Seeing Taylor there after a game made all the sweat, bruises, and sore muscles feel like nothing. I knew she had a crazy busy schedule, and the fact that she'd come out to watch meant everything. I'd tried to play it cool, but seeing her reaction after that first big play felt like a highlight in itself.

I grabbed my bag and her hand, leading her out of the locker room and onto the quieter stretch of the stadium. It was mostly empty now, just a few staff members milling about, and the night air was crisp, a welcome break after hours under the stadium lights.

"So, what'd you think?" I asked, nudging her.

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, you know. Just a bunch of guys running around. Nothing I haven't seen before."

I gasped, feigning hurt. "Wow, tough crowd! You didn't even notice my touchdown?"

She laughed, squeezing my hand. "Fine, I might've noticed that. You were incredible, Trav."

That was all I needed to hear. The game was great, but this was better. Just us, walking together under the stadium lights.

Taylor's POV

I looked up at him, taking in the way his face was still a little flushed, his expression a mix of exhilaration and contentment. He looked so... at home. Like he was doing exactly what he was meant to do, and I felt a warm surge of pride.

"So, what's the post-game ritual?" I asked, grinning.

"Oh, the usual," he said, playfully serious. "Shower, ice, maybe a protein shake. But tonight... tonight, I'm thinking a celebratory milkshake. Extra large."

"A milkshake?" I laughed. "Travis, that's very high school of you."

"What can I say? Sometimes I've got a sweet tooth," he said with a wink. "And besides, I've got a superstar here to celebrate with, so I say we live a little."

Travis' POV

I knew she was teasing, but when she agreed to the milkshake, I felt a little burst of excitement. It wasn't the fancy dinner or the celebrity nightlife stuff—it was something simple, something that felt like it was just for us.

So we made our way to a little diner not far from the stadium. It was mostly empty, the neon lights casting a soft glow, and we slid into a booth near the window. The server brought us a massive chocolate milkshake, and we went full cliché, two straws and all.

"I have to admit," she said between sips, "this might actually be the best way to celebrate."

"Oh, don't get used to it," I joked. "Next week, I'm going to insist on a five-course meal with caviar."

She laughed, her eyes crinkling at the edges. "I think I'd rather stick with milkshakes."

We stayed there, talking and laughing about everything and nothing, her foot nudging mine under the table, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. Eventually, she leaned against me, resting her head on my shoulder, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of complete contentment.

Taylor's POV

As we finally made our way back to the car, I felt a comfortable tiredness settling over me, the kind that only comes after you've had a perfect night.

"Think you're going to be sore tomorrow?" I asked, giving him a sidelong glance as he rubbed his shoulder with a wince.

"Oh, definitely. But worth it," he said, giving me that smile that made my heart flutter. "Besides, I've got the world's best cheerleader here with me, so I think I'll be okay."

I rolled my eyes, but I felt a warmth in my chest. "You're the world's best player. But I'll happily be your cheerleader anytime."

The drive home was quiet, the kind of peaceful quiet that only comes after a night well-spent. I reached over, lacing my fingers through his, and he gave my hand a squeeze, his thumb gently rubbing over my knuckles. And I knew—no matter how loud the stadium got or how many miles separated us during the season—moments like these would always be what mattered most.