Chick Habit

Swiftgron: What if

A/N: Set during the 2014 AMAs, timeline is messed up, gonna cite creative freedom again

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Taylor and Karlie have just taken their seats when a familiar voice causes Taylor to look up.

"Hi! I didn't expect to see you tonight!" She doesn't even have to look to know who the speaker is, but of course she does anyway.

There she is, right in front of Taylor.

Dianna is standing what feels like inches from Taylor's face in a stunning gown and with a smile that doesn't look the least bit forced on her lips.

"Hi, you must be Dianna? It's so nice to meet you." Karlie is the first one to speak and as she offers Dianna her hand Taylor notes that she (understandably) does not look as happy as she claims to be. She is smiling, but not genuinely and Dianna looks as uncomfortable as is fit for the situation, Taylor catches herself feeling sorry for both of them.

Before she knows it she's standing up and they're hugging. It is brief and Karlie does a bad job at hiding her glaring at Di the entire time.

Taylor's ex lets go as if she's burned herself and then the awkward moment is over and Dianna gone.

At least until later when Taylor is sitting alone in the bar at the after-party.

"Can I buy you a drink?" She spins around immediately and Dianna is standing there, smirking as if it is her job and looking stunning as ever.

Taylor swallows, slowly remembers how to speak.

"You sure your husband would like that?" There are tonal quotes around the word 'husband' that she's sure Dianna can hear. It isn't meant to sound bitter and she regrets it as soon as it's left her mouth, but the actress just grins broader.

"He isn't here...And neither is Karlie." She adds.

"She's just in the bathroom," Taylor responds, because the question is implied. Dianna twirls the ring on her finger and this time her smile does look forced.

"She seems nice."

"Di, you don't have to do that."

"No," Donna interrupts Taylor softly, shaking her head, "But I'm going to, because I mean it, you deserve the happiness she gives you, Taylor! God knows you deserve better than me..."

Before the singer can quite register what is being said Dianna speaks again, quickly as if she's rehearsed this little speech on her way over.

"She gives you something I couldn't and it makes me happy to know you're happy!"

"Thank you," Taylor says, her voice coming out all kinds of choked up, "I hope you're happy too!"

"Oh," Dianna smiles, a noncommittal sort of smile, half sad, half happy, "I'm getting there."

"How about that drink?" She asks again, speaking too quickly.

"I don't think that's a good idea." Taylor hears herself say and a wave of relief washes over her once it becomes clear to her that she is strong enough to stand her ground.

"Come on, it's just a drink, for old times' sake. I'll get Karlie one when she gets back too!" It's so convincing that it almost sounds innocent, but Taylor shakes her head.

"I don't think it's a good idea," she repeats stubbornly, "but thank you" the formal tone seemes to take Dianna aback and she nods slowly.

"You look good, by the way." She says simply and the smirk is back.

The one I used to kiss away...

"So do you," Taylor admits reluctantly and Dianna chuckles.

"Go find your beard." Taylor says before the other woman can speak, a little harsher than intended and ignoring the urge to change her mind about that drink. Di is gone before she can anyway and it's just as well.

Thirteen months sober is no time for a relapse.