Nova [Tayvis Fanfiction]

BARYCENTER

Six Weeks Before Due Date
Taylor Swift's Point of View
It feels just like it used to. We picked up right where we left off, like all the distance and time apart just melted away. The awkwardness that used to creep in between us, those strange pauses and hesitations, have faded into something comfortable, something solid. There's a new rhythm now—a natural flow that just fits. It feels like Travis again, only with a deeper layer of understanding, and a new sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing.

It's been a couple months since Travis woke up, and every day he's gotten a little stronger, a little closer to the person he used to be. Now, he's almost fully able to take care of himself. But with that independence comes a big reality check—his contract in Kansas City doesn't end until 2027. We talked it over, weighing all the options, and decided it would be for the best if we stayed together through it all. So here I am, surrounded by boxes and tape, packing up the life I built here. I guess Kansas City is calling my name now, and I'm ready to answer.

Travis leans back, crossing his arms with a mock-stern look. "So, you're really going to take over my place, huh?"

I grin, already picturing the possibilities. "Oh, totally redecorating. Don't think I don't know it's probably a glorified man cave. The first thing to go is probably the giant TV, followed by whatever ridiculous sports memorabilia you have in the living room."

He gasps in fake horror. "Excuse me, my place is very classy. We're talking leather couches, marble countertops, and mood lighting."

I raise an eyebrow. "And about sixteen footballs in glass cases, right? All respectfully displayed as though they're museum artifacts?"

He laughs, looking away. "Okay, maybe a few footballs."

I smirk. "Well, consider this my nesting phase. I'll be channeling all that energy into turning your 'classy' space into something fit for babies, toddlers, and sleep-deprived parents."

He cringes, clearly imagining it. "Oh man, that place is never going to be the same. We're actually going to need to baby-proof a six-million-dollar mansion, aren't we?"

I nod, amused. "Yep. Not to mention my other eight properties. I'll need to baby-proof all of them, just in case we need a quick getaway."

He blinks. "Wait, eight properties?"

I shrug casually. "Look, options are essential. But don't worry, I'll just hire someone else to baby-proof them. I mean, can you imagine us doing it ourselves? We'd end up spending two days arguing over which outlet covers are 'classier.'"

Travis shakes his head, chuckling. "You've got this all figured out, huh?"

"Absolutely," I say with a mischievous glint. "Kansas City isn't ready for the transformation coming its way."

He raises an eyebrow at the boxes I've labeled with careful cursive script: 'Antique Vase Collection,' 'Vintage Mirrors,' 'Hand-Carved Tables.' "And you seriously have to bring everything?"

I put my hands on my hips, giving him a playful glare. "It's mostly antiques! One-of-a-kind pieces! When we get there, we can decide what stays and what goes if it'll make you feel better."

He grins, his teasing tone unmistakable. "How about we draw a line down the middle of the house? You decorate your side, I'll decorate mine. I'll even throw in a few footballs to spice it up."

I roll my eyes, laughing. "You're impossible."

He tapes up another box, then glances over at me with a smirk. "Also, how does the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee feel about dogs?"

I pause, looking at him in surprise. "Wait, you're bringing Rambo and Chauncey?"

"Of course I am! They're my dogs!" he says, sounding as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.