Pitch Perfect Harmony

Support vs. Safety

Taylor kept it calm for the next few days. She had some training sessions but otherwise tried to really take a break. When, after a few days, she started baking, writing, and sewing, Travis knew she was doing better. Coming home and finding her always engaged in some hobby-like activity made him happy. He had practice most days and put in his best because he wanted her to witness another win by the end of the week. But first, something or rather someone had to destroy the calm, domestic vibe that they had had going on for that week. "I would like you to keep it low today. And tell that Travis too", Tree explained on the phone. "What does that even mean? I won't go out unless there's a reason to", Taylor said annoyed. She let her mood out on her publicist there a little. "What do I know? You two have been out a lot lately. I'm not blaming you, I just wanted to say that you should stay put for at least today", Tree repeated. "I don't leave the house before I tell you. What else do you want?! Besides, there's a game tomorrow, and you know I want to be there", Taylor continued. Tree had had a little bit of hope that Taylor wouldn't want to go to the game tomorrow after this today but apparently, she had been wrong.

"Your security won't like that", Tree said trying to calm Taylor down with her tone. She failed. "I don't care! I'm not gonna let him lock me into my own home!", Taylor yelled. Travis overheard her while entering the kitchen. He just got up and had no idea what was going on. "Oh, c'mon he's not locking you into anything. I just think it would be safer. In the end, it's your decision of course", Tree said with a sigh. "I already told you, I'm gonna go!", Taylor repeated before noticing Travis. She mumbled a quick goodbye and ended the call.

Travis carefully came up to her and let his hands slide around her waist. Taylor had been facing the counter of his kitchen aisle. Now she leaned into him and took a deep breath. "I'll destroy your day if I tell you", she mumbled. "Having you look this stressed already concerns me, so...", he just said kissing her head. Taylor closed her eyes. "Trump tweeted that he hates me", she quickly brought out. It took a second but then she felt his arms tighten around her. "Fucking idiot", Travis mumbled. "So you talked to Tree?", he assumed correctly. "Yeah, she told me to keep it low or whatever. Doesn't want me at your game tomorrow because of the security", she told him rolling her eyes. "His... supporters are pretty unpredictable", Travis said. "I will not let him force me to stay home!", Taylor repeated what she had already told Tree.

She got pretty frustrated and tried to get out of his arms. But Travis held her against his chest until she gave up pushing him away. "I know this is annoying but please let's think about this rationally", he said making her sigh in defeat. "I wanna be there tomorrow. It would feel so stupid to stay here when you're playing a home game", she told him the obvious while turning around in his arms to finally face him. "Yeah", he agreed taking her hands. "But if it's not safe, I don't want you to be out there", he added honestly. "You're out there either way", she argued. "We both know that it's not the same to be on the field as me and to be in a booth as you", he said. She didn't have any more arguments but not being able to support him at the stadium because a certain idiot had insulted her online wasn't what she wanted.

"Let's talk to your security and think about it for a bit longer", Travis suggested, so they did just that. Security wasn't too happy with the development of the situation but in communication with the local security of the stadium, they decided that Taylor could go. It would be less safe than usual because there was a heated, not-too-rational debate going on online but her team was okay with it. Tree wasn't happy and Travis was a bit hesitant too. Taylor started doubting if she should go and it became a pretty hard decision to make. "Can we decide tomorrow morning?", Taylor finally asked. "By nine am, I need a decision", her bodyguard said. So they agreed on that for now and Taylor mulled over it for the rest of the day. Travis wasn't sure what to tell her either. He was always scared for her safety but he could understand that she wanted to be there and didn't want to back down because of something like this. It really was hard.

Even when they went to bed, it hung there like a dark cloud and Travis knew she wouldn't sleep much. "You know, I won't be disappointed if you choose to stay here, do you?", he asked pulling her into his chest. Taylor sighed and nodded. "I just don't want to hide because of him", she said. "I understand that. I think, I really do understand both sides of this. Which is why I'm not the biggest help either. But you need some sleep, okay? We can decide tomorrow", he told her. "You need sleep more than I do. You have to be on the field and I don't want this to bother you", she answered. "I'll be okay. The team's gonna have my back and when I enter a field, I don't think about much else than the game, you know? That's why I love it so much", he assured her. "Now we both sleep, hm?", he suggested again. Taylor nodded once more, so they closed their eyes.