Tayvis One-Shots

remember our promise

Travis's POV

The tension in the air between us had been building all day, and I could feel it simmering, thick and undeniable. Taylor was upset, and no matter how many times I tried to get through to her, the words felt like they just weren't enough. 

I knew I had messed up, I could feel the weight of it in every silence between us, in every glance she cast my way that held more hurt than anything I'd ever seen in her eyes.

I had tried to fix it, tried to apologize, but it seemed like no matter what I said, she was still holding onto something, still upset with me. The last thing I remembered was her telling me she was going to bed, but I didn't expect her to go to the guest room.

It hit me then, the promise we had made. Never sleep apart. No matter how mad we were, we had agreed that we'd always sleep in the same bed, always find a way back to each other. 

But now... now, she was in the guest room, and that simple promise felt like it was slipping through our fingers. I hated that we were here, but I knew I couldn't just let it go.

I stood at the doorway of the guest room, hesitant at first. I could hear the soft sound of her breathing from within, but there was no sound of her usual laughter or the comforting rustle of sheets like there always was when we were together. There was an emptiness, and I hated it.

I took a step inside, quietly closing the door behind me. She was curled up on the bed, her back to me, her face hidden in the pillow. I could tell she was trying to get some sleep, but it was clear she was restless, still too caught up in whatever had happened earlier.

I approached the bed slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. "Tay," I whispered softly, sitting at the edge of the mattress. 

"I know you're mad at me, and I get it. I messed up. But you know we promised... we promised we'd never go to sleep without each other."

I could see her shoulders tense at my words, but she didn't turn around, didn't say anything.

I swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. "I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have done what I did, and I wish I could take it all back. But I need you. I can't sleep without you. And I don't want to sleep without you. Not when you're hurting. Not when I've hurt you."

There was a long pause, the kind that stretched forever between us, before she finally rolled over, her eyes glistening in the dim light. 

Her expression was soft, a mixture of frustration and exhaustion. "I know I promised, Travis," she said quietly. "But right now, I just need some space."

I nodded, feeling the ache in my chest as I watched her, wishing I could make it better just by being there. 

"I get it, Tay. But please, let me make it right. We don't have to talk about it now, but please... just come back to bed with me. I'll sleep on the edge. I'll give you space if that's what you need. But I need you close."

She looked at me for a moment, her eyes searching mine, like she was trying to decide whether or not to give in. And then, without another word, she sat up, her face softening. Slowly, she got out of the guest bed and walked over to where I was sitting.

I opened my arms without hesitation, and she slipped into them, her head resting against my chest. I didn't need her to say anything else. The weight of everything was still there, but it was easier to bear when she was in my arms, when I could feel her warmth next to me.

"I'm sorry," she whispered again, her voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to push you away."

"I know," I murmured, holding her tighter. "I know. And I'm here, always. We'll work through it, okay? Together."

Together. That was the promise. Always.

I felt the soft weight of Taylor's body as she settled deeper into the bed beside me, her head resting against the pillow. 

The warmth of her skin, the steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, all of it was so familiar, so comforting. It felt like home, like everything was exactly as it should be, despite the distance we'd put between us earlier.

I reached over, gently pulling the blanket higher around us, and she shifted a little, her back to me. I could tell she was still thinking, still working through whatever was on her mind. 

I knew she wanted to be close, but there was a vulnerability in the way she held herself, like she wasn't quite ready to let go.

I hesitated, giving her the space she needed, but then the silence became too heavy, and I couldn't stand it any longer. Slowly, I moved closer, just enough to feel the warmth of her back against my chest. I let my hand slide carefully over hers, intertwining our fingers as I pressed a soft kiss against her shoulder.

"I'm sorry for earlier," I whispered, my voice low and full of sincerity. "I never want to hurt you, Tay. You mean everything to me. I should've been more patient, I—"

Her soft breath interrupted me, and before I could continue, she turned slightly in my arms, her face coming into view. Her eyes were soft, the familiar sadness still there, but she didn't look angry. Just tired.

"I'm sorry too," she murmured, her voice trembling just a little. "I shouldn't have pulled away. I didn't mean to shut you out."

I pulled her closer, needing to feel the warmth of her body against mine. "We've got this," I said, my voice firm yet gentle. "We always do, no matter what."

She let out a soft sigh, her face softening in my arms. She didn't pull away this time. She let me pull her in closer, and as she melted into my embrace, I felt a small shudder run through her. I kissed the top of her head, feeling the light flutter of her breath against my lips.

"Stay close tonight," I whispered, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I don't ever want to sleep without you again."

She didn't answer with words, but she didn't have to. The way she nestled into me, her body fully relaxing against mine, said everything. Her soft sigh against my chest told me she was letting go of everything else, choosing to just be here with me.

"I love you," I murmured, brushing my lips against her temple.

She responded with a soft, sleepy whisper, "I love you too."

I pressed a final kiss to her forehead, holding her close as she drifted into a peaceful sleep. My arm was wrapped securely around her, her body warm against mine, and for the first time all night, I felt like everything was right again.

I stayed awake a little longer, listening to the soft rhythm of her breathing as she slept. My heart was full, knowing we'd work through anything together. Whatever came next, we'd face it side by side. And for now, that was all that mattered.

I kissed her one last time, softly, tenderly, before finally letting sleep take me, knowing she was safe in my arms.