the alchemy | Taylor Swift x OC

13

4 Weeks Later

It was a Tuesday afternoon. Taylor, after a grueling weekend of performing The Eras Tour while keeping their relationship a secret, was visiting Bailee.

Bailee had managed to sneak into The Eras Tour unnoticed , wearing sunglasses, a wig, and a baseball cap. Taylor adored performing, and knowing that her girlfriend was in the crowd, or even possibly there, fueled her passion.

After every performance, security escorted Bailee backstage during Mastermind, their cherished ritual.

Here's their routine:

1. They would make out in the hotel room before rehearsals.
2. Bailee would despise watching Taylor leave.
3. Taylor would arrive at rehearsals.
4. Bailee would patiently wait in the hotel until it was time to leave.
5. After rehearsals, Taylor would call Bailee.
6. Bailee would start getting ready.
7. Taylor would also begin getting ready.
8. Bailee would call an Uber to the stadium.
9. Taylor would take the stage and perform.
10. Bailee would watch in awe.
11. She would head backstage during Mastermind.
12. Taylor would rush to her backstage, away from public view.
13. They would leave and have dinner.

It was a simple routine that had been going on for a month.

But after a month of this, Bailee decided she was tired of hiding.

"Tay, would you mind coming to my volleyball game? It's a big game for us, and I'd really appreciate it if you could be there," Bailee asked.

"I don't know, Bailee. I don't think it's good for my public image yet," Taylor pleaded.

"Please, Tay," Bailee begged.

"I guess I could ask Tree..."

-

The roar of the crowd was deafening as the final point hit the ground. Bailee dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the surge of adrenaline, disbelief, and triumph. UT Austin had done it— they were Big 12 Champions. Her teammates rushed to her, wrapping her in a celebratory embrace, but Bailee's eyes darted to the stands. She knew exactly who she wanted to see.

Taylor.

Before the trophy ceremony could even begin, Bailee broke away from the group, her heart pounding for a different reason now. She sprinted across the court, her shoes skidding on the polished floor. Her chest felt tight, not from exhaustion but from urgency. She spotted Taylor near the tunnel, standing slightly apart from the crowd, her hands clasped nervously against each other. The second their eyes met, Bailee's worth narrowed to just the two of them.

"Taylor!" She called, her voice cutting through the noise.

Taylor's face lit up, her eyes wide with emotion as Bailee closed the distance between them. Without hesitation, Bailee threw her arms around her, pulling her close. Taylor hugged her back fiercely, her breath warm against Bailee's neck.

"You did it," Taylor whispered, her voice breaking. "I'm so proud of you."

Bailee leaned back, her hands resting on Taylor's shoulders as she looked into her eyes. "I couldn't stop thinking about you. Knowing you were here just to watch me was all I could ask for. Win or lose."

Taylor smiled, her cheeks flushed. "You know I'll always make an effort to watch you baby, you're incredible."

Bailee shook her head, "That's not true. You being here means everything. It reminds me that I'm not alone, and you're everything I've ever wanted. I know this was a big risk coming but I'm so glad you took it. Thank you."

Taylor's lips parted as if she was going to say something, but she hesitated, her eyes flickering with something deeper. "There's something I've been working on," she finally said, her voice quiet enough that Bailee had to lean in to hear. "It's not finished yet, and no one knows about it.. but tonight, watching you, I couldn't stop thinking about it."

Bailee frowned in curiosity. "What is it?"

Taylor took a deep breath, her hands gripping Bailee's tightly. "A song. It's about finding the thing— or the person— that turns everything in your life into something golden. Even the hard stuff. Even the parts of you that you don't think could be fixed." Her voice softened, her cheeks flushing. "I call it 'The Alchemy.' And Bailee... you're my alchemy."

Bailee's breath caught the weight of Taylor's words sinking in. She searched Taylor's face, her heart swelling with something she knew she couldn't quite name but knew she never felt before. Slowly she smiled. "Taylor.. you're mine too."

For a moment, the noise of the arena faded into the background. Bailee lifted her hand to Taylor's face, brushing a stand of hair from her cheek. "I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I'm not letting you go."

Taylor laughed softly, tears in her eyes swelling. "You didn't need to do anything, Bailee. Just being you is enough."

The sound of the announcers voice echoed through the gym, pulling Bailees attention momentarily. Her team was calling for her, the trophy ceremony about to begin. She glanced back at Taylor, reluctant to let the moment end.

""Come with me," Bailee said, taking Taylor's hand.

Taylor hesitated. "Are you certain? This is your moment, and I'm still not out yet."

Bailee squeezed her hand, a playful glint in her eyes. "You're the world's biggest pop star right now. No one will discriminate against you for dating a woman. Everyone adores you, Tay! So, come on, you're now a part of my moment."

Taylor smiled, allowing Bailee to lead her back to the court.

As they entered the gym, chaos erupted. Taylor waved at her fans, and they reminded her in that moment that their love for her would never waver, just like Bailee had said.

As the team gathered around the trophy, Bailee didn't let go of Taylor's hand, even as the cameras flashed and the crowd cheered. For the first time, everything felt exactly as it should— her victory, her future, and Taylor by her side.

And somewhere in the back of her mind, Bailee couldn't wait to hear the finished version of "The Alchemy," knowing it was written for the moment they were building together.

-

A/N: Hey everyone! This is unfortunately the last chapter of this story. I know the ending may have seemed rushed but I genuinely don't have any time to write anymore so I'm sorry. I just didn't want yall to to waiting forever and possible not get a chapter every again. I hope this was a good enough ending for yall, and if not, maybe the next book would be better? Don't get yalls hopes up yet, that concept is still undecided haha

Have a happy holidays!!