Pitch Perfect Harmony

Back At It

The next few days, Taylor was occupied by tour life again. Most days were packed with practices or meetings before the second American leg of the tour was going to start. Travis was at football practice most of the time as well. And his team had to re-schedule a few things so that he didn't get to meet her again. "I'm sorry, baby. I wanted to wish you all the best for the first show and all that", he told her via FaceTime. She couldn't hide her disappointment but still: "It's okay. You don't have a choice I guess." Travis sighed hurt by her eyes. Hurting with her. It was just a few days more than they had planned for but it still didn't feel right. "I... I was still kinda hoping you could be there for the first show", she admitted. "Which is ridiculous because that game has been scheduled since probably a year ago. Of course, they wouldn't change that now", she added rolling her eyes at herself. "It's never too late to hope", he smiled softly at her. "I want to be there, Tay. Trust me, I do. It's just... not in the cards this time. But I promise, as soon as I can, I'm on a plane. And I'll watch live streams and wait for your call after the show and all of that", he assured her. Taylor smiled back at him a little.

"Are you still worried? Like... after Europe? After Vienna?", she asked because she wasn't sure if she should be scared of going on stage again. Realistically, the USA were more dangerous than Europe if it came to gun violence. Someone could get a weapon inside the venue. Someone could pull through with the plan that another one couldn't finish in Vienna. Travis took a long breath trying to find the right words. He wanted to be honest with her but he also didn't want to scare her more. "I'm always worried. But... yeah. I am. But I also know that you have the best security and they would do everything to get you home safely. I trust them. And I trust you. I know that you would act on any sign of anything being off", he told her. Taylor nodded. "I love you, Trav", she said. "And you have to be careful out there too, okay? Don't let those guys run you over too harshly", she added. He chuckled a little and nodded. "I'll come home whole as well", he joked. "Good. Cause I need every single part of you", she smirked making him laugh again. "Oh, baby", he just shook his head. "What? I miss you", she chuckled as well. "I miss you too", he answered honestly.

They told each other that and similar things every time they talked until it was time. Time to take the stage again. The body suit clung to her body like a second skin, the nerves were kicking in, the applause echoing through the still-closed doors caused excited goosebumps, and the voices around her sounded muffled. Then there was a countdown in her ear and as if it was second nature to her, Taylor took the stage with a bright smile. There was not a single thought still hanging back on fear or even worry. And Travis was glued to his phone every possible minute. Not because he was worried though. He just didn't want to miss anything. The crowd was going wild as usual and the night flew by. Era after era, song after song.

It was straining for Taylor too after a break like that but the adrenaline carried her without a doubt and it was still there when she called Travis as soon as she was backstage. Of course, he picked up. There wasn't even a hello. Taylor just started rambling on about how happy she was that the show went so well and how she loved to be back and all of that. Travis listened with a bright smile but he also stayed. He stayed on the phone with her on the way back to the hotel. Watching her as the adrenaline wore off and talking to her until she was in bed. Her tired eyes still looked happy though. He knew it could be hard to come back to an empty room and go to sleep, so he made sure she didn't feel alone. It was by far not the first time they handled it like this but Taylor felt some kind of relief that it was still like that even after a time when they were able to be together so much more often and so much longer. "I love you, Trav", she mumbled tiredly. "I love you too, Allie", he answered matching her tone a little and then noticing her smile grow at the nickname. "Sleep well, hm? I'll stay on the phone", he told her. "Good night", she answered while already closing her eyes.