T A Y L O R
You're bouncing your leg up and down as you try to take deep breaths and run through the set again in your head. It's going to be fine, you know that, but you can't help but worry. It's your second year performing at Playlist, and you've been working so hard to make sure that your performance is going to be even better.
During the past year your songwriting has improved immensely. Being single allowed you to just write for yourself without worrying that every little thing would be analyzed. You've been unchained from his grip, and your creativity has been able to flow as a result.
You're checking your makeup again in your phone camera when Karlie comes backstage. “Tessa’s doing amazing out there,” she says enthusiastically.
You agree quietly, and hope that she can tell you're not trying to be rude. You're just nervous.
“Tay don't worry. You're going to be perfect.” Karlie places a gentle hand on your shoulder, and it's somehow just what you need.
“Thank you.”
“Did you know I can balance a spoon on my nose?” It's completely random, but Karlie manages to steer the conversation towards topics of strange talents. Her distraction proves successful, when you hear Tessa’s last song start and you find you've become more excited than nervous.
Karlie gives you a high five, wishes you good luck, and goes back to her spot in the crowd. You sing along to the final chorus of Tessa’s song and cheer when she finishes. Then, you hear them announce your name.
You take a deep breath, count to five in your head, and walk out onto the stage. Adrenaline kicks in at the sheer number of people cheering for you. You pick out Karlie's beaming face in the crowd, as you plug your guitar into the amp and adjust the mic for your height.
“Hi everyone!” Your voice is slightly raspy so you clear your throat. “Well, I thought I'd try to keep this energy up and start with one of my more upbeat songs.” The words come naturally to you now. There's nowhere you feel more like yourself then onstage playing a show. Controlling a crowd has always been second nature to you.
“Now, before I start, I want all of you to take your worries about the little, stupid things, and put them away. We're all here in this incredible safe space of people who are so kind, and so accepting of anyone and everyone. So, I just want you all to dance unapologetically now, and all of those insignificant problems...shake them off.”
People start to cheer as you start strumming the opening chords to the song. And when you start singing, they're singing every single word back to you. It's magical and wonderful, and you can help but think that maybe you've made it because this is all you've ever dreamed of.
Your youtube career has really taken off in the past year. You started off the year with barely 30k subscribers, and now you're miraculously almost at 300k. It's mind-blowing that people are actually listening to songs you write at 2 am on your bedroom floor.
~*~
“Alright everyone, for my last song I thought I would do a cover. This song is pretty popular, but I thought I'd switch it around, and see what it would sound like if a girl sang it. Also, if you know the words, I'd really love it if you sang along. You've been amazing today, and I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me.” Your eyes gloss over with happy tears as you gaze across the sea of people.
As you transition back to the piano, your eyes meet Karlie's, and your smile grows more than you thought possible as she waves enthusiastically. The funny thing is, she doesn't leave your mind. And when you start to sing, you're singing about her. And there's nothing you can do.
There's a stinging at your chest because this feels right but also so wrong and--why do you feel this way when you've only known each other for less than 24 hours? Your negative thoughts drown out the crowd, so you decide to push them away, just for now. You can worry about the guilt later.
You look into the crowd, and of course you meet Karlie's eye. So, when you sing the bridge, all you can think of is how she looks like Michelle Pfeiffer, and now you have this stupid smile on your face that just won't go away. But right now, there's nothing you can do. So you just let yourself feel.
When the song finishes, you stand up from the piano, say goodbye, and walk off stage. Before you leave, you take one last look at the audience, and try to remember this moment as best as you can. You wish you could feel this way forever.
You're zipping up your guitar case when you're tackled into a hug by Karlie. “I told you it would be fine!” she beams, “You were amazing.”
You're still buzzing from the performance. “Thank you; oh my god the crowd was insane!”
“I know!” she shakes her head incredulously, “But you deserved it. I can't believe I haven't seen you live before.”
You're beaming and blushing. You're actually happy.
A/N:
You thought I'd abandon this, didn't you? Honestly so did I. But here we are. I've got the whole thing planned out and it's gonna be awesome, hopefully.
Anyways, I'm currently at a hella sketchy hotel for a swim meet. It smells like pot and some people ok my team may have overheard a drug deal. Pray for us.
On a slightly more serious note, my girlfriend rainbowleaf13 has been having a bit of a rough time mental health-wise lately. She's going to be fine, but please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I'm not sure how much she's willing for me to share, but she doesn't have access to the Internet rn. However, I'm sure she would love it if you left her some messages and love for when she gets back. Also she started a kaylor middle school au and kaylor one shots so you should check those out while you're at it.
Love you all to pieces,
☆
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{HIATUS} Rewind | Kaylor
Fanfiction{A Kaylor Youtuber AU} The internet is known for bringing people together. Taylor has made most of her best friends through the internet, and Karlie is no exception. Except, maybe she is. Because maybe she's more than a friend. Or maybe Taylor...
