#taylorandjoefanfiction

[beamingswift]

I’m the one he’s walking to

Joe was driving home. His fingers tapping on the steering wheel, to the beat of the music. A smile plastered on his face, that couldn’t be removed. He was excited to see her, Taylor. After being away for work for nearly two weeks, he couldn’t wait to see her in person again. He had flown first class, and could pick up his luggage straight away, without waiting. He had almost run to his car, to get away from Heathrow airport and get to her London condo. 

It was funny, how he was calling that home already. They hadn’t even officially moved in together. Still, London was the place they spent the most time in. Both of them liked the feeling of the city. How it was big yet really intimate. But, he must admit he would spend time anywhere, as long as it was with her. 

They had been together for almost a year. They had fallen in love slowly, starting out as friends before becoming lovers. But when they had both finally realised how they felt about the other, things had happened fast. They couldn’t stay away from each other, spending a huge amount of time together, but never growing sick of one another. When it had become really serious, they decided to run away together. To hide from the prying eyes of the media. They had the best time together.

Although it was a bit hard for them when one of them had to be away for a couple of days, like Joe with his movies or Taylor with album meetings, it was all worth it when they got to see each other again. So, as Joe drove home, he couldn’t help but think of her, and how much he had missed her. He was glad when he finally pulled into the parking garage of the building. He got out of the car quickly, taking his luggage with him, that he dropped inside the hall of Taylor’s apartment which door he had opened with the key he owned. 

The house was awfully quiet as he entered it. No music, no voice speaking to a cat, no sounds of the television. Nothing. 

As he walked into the living room he found his girlfriend sitting at the windowsill. The large window looked out over the city of London. She had some pillows in her back, a cup of hot tea on the side table. She didn’t look away from the window, maybe because she hadn’t heard him, maybe because she didn’t want to. As he walked a little closer he could see her face clearer. Her cheeks were slightly damp, eyes a little puffy and red.

“Babe?” He breathed out. Just loud enough for her to hear. She slowly turned her head around, meeting his eye. He could now see very clearly that she had been crying, her eyes still wet. His heart broke as he took in the sight. He didn’t want her to be sad, especially when he could not be there to comfort her.

“Babe, what’s wrong?” He asked, cautiously.  “The story is out.” She whispered, looking away from him again, watching the London landscape.  He frowned a bit, trying to figure out what she was talking about. But then it dawned on him. “I thought we were doing that next week?” “Yeah, that was the plan, but...,” she paused, and then finally looked him in the eye again, “there was spread another rumour yesterday. About Tom and me, this time. Tree said it was best to do it now. To tell the world we’re together, before people are starting to get to caught up in the rumours.” 

He walked a little closer to her, until he was right next to her. “Babe, why didn’t you call me at least? You shouldn’t go through all this stress alone.” His look was full of worry. “I... This is not your concern. This is my fault, so I’m going to fix it. You shouldn’t even have to go through this!” She looked completely broken, leaning her head back against the window frame behind her, her eyes shut. “I’m so sorry.” She then whispered softly. “Taylor, look at me.” He demanded. When she refused he softly grabbed her chin and turned her head to the side. She opened her eyes. Her watery blue irises now looking into his. “We’ve been down this road before. You telling me I deserve better, demanding me to leave. But I’m not. Just like I told you before. I’m not going to leave you. I’m so insanely happy with you, Taylor. There’s nothing anyone could do to change that. Not the paparazzi with their huge camera’s and invasive questions, not the media with their judgement and insane rumours, not the haters with their jealousy and rude comments.” He closed his eyes shut and sighed deeply before continuing. “I’m so in love with you, Taylor, why can’t you just see that?”

“It was so good living in secrecy, no one knowing about this, about us. But now, the weirdest stories are going to be made up, people calling you a gold digger, judging you for going out with me.” She exclaimed. It seemed like she hadn’t even listened to what he had just said. “It’s going to be a circus from now on. We’ll both be in the spotlight, but not for good reasons. Everything either of us does is going to be analysed and judged and your life is only going to get more and more crazier from now on, you know? You’re going to feel like you’re living in a fucking madhouse and you will wanna leave me someday. I just... Why won’t you leave me right now, when the pain isn’t so bad as later on?” Her last sentence was barely a whisper, it could only be heard when listening very closely and carefully, which was Joe’s case. He froze for a minute, staring at her speechless, before he came into action. He almost leaped forward, pulling her body up to his and embracing her frame tightly, as if the world was about to end. Rocking her back and forth, he felt her body start to shake again, sobs escaping from her mouth, tears making stains on his shirt. “I don’t care how many times you are trying to push me away, because I won’t leave, Taylor. I won’t. I will stay with you, no matter what you try to do to make me leave.” He rested his head on hers, comforting her with his body. 

For a moment they were both silent, the only thing that could be heard were the soft sobs coming from Taylor. Her body was hunched forward, she was leaning into Joe. He stood there, holding her, pressing kisses into her hair.

“I love you.” It was nothing more than a very soft murmur. Barely there. Only audible for the two of them. The words hung heavily in the air around the pair. Taylor’s voice had been hoarse and thick with emotion when she had spoken the short sentence. Joe only reacted by pulling her even closer to him. 

She seemed to slowly calm down within his arms. After a little while she pulled away from him a bit, looking into his eyes. “’m sorry.” She told him. “I didn’t mean to get like this.” “Hey, never apologise for breaking down or not feeling great.” He said sternly. “I just wish I were here when the news got released.” “I wish we could’ve waited for another week, like in the original plan.” She sighed in response. “I know, me too, but there’s nothing we can do about it now, can we? So, let’s just stop worrying for a moment, shall we?”

She nodded and pulled him into an embrace once again. When she let go, she closed her eyes and sighed deeply, before drying her cheeks and flashing him a slight smile. “Wanna watch some Netflix?” “I’d love nothing more.” He smiled back, happy she was at least a bit okay again. “You choose a movie, I’ll go get some hot chocolate and snacks.”

After all was done, they cuddled up under a large blanket. A romcom was playing on the big screen in front of them, two damping mugs and a tray of cookies on the side table. “I’m very happy your home.” She mumbled. He smiled at the use of that word, just like he had done earlier in the car. He loved she felt the same way he did. Loved her. “Me too.” 

[beamingswift]

Meant Just For You

A/N this story takes place in the kinda early stages of their relationship, about six or seven months into it. So like, when she’s still busy writing Reputation. I felt like that was important for you to know. Enjoy. Bye. 

Joe wakes to the cold air hitting his body. Her pulls the comforter a little tighter around his frame and rolls over to the other side of the bed to cuddle up to his girlfriend. He reaches out his hand to search the mattress for her warm body, only to find that she’s not there. He sleepily lifts his head from his pillow and slowly opens his eyes. He finds that on her side of the bed the comforter is pulled back and that only the profile of her body is printed into the mattress.

Joe flicks on the nightlight on his nightstand and squints his eyes because the bright light is shining into his narrowed pupils. He reads the time off of the alarm clock, 3:49 am. He groans softly, debating whether to go look for Taylor or to just try to go back to sleep again. He decides on the first, reasoning that he probably won’t be able to sleep without her warm body next to him.

He pushes the comforter off of him, exposing his body to the chill air. He shivers as he steps out of the bed, his feet hitting the cold wooden floor. Since he’s only wearing boxershorts, he heads over to the closet and shrugs on a plain sweater and some joggers to warm him up a bit.

All covered, he walks out of the bedroom, to the hall. Taking the stairs, he goes downstairs, stepping into the living room. All the lights are off and there is no sign that Taylor is, or has been, here. He wanders further to the kitchen, thinking that maybe she just wanted a late night snack. Unfortunately, he can’t find his girlfriend there either. He saunters through the house. They’re staying at her New York flat, which is pretty big. He mentally scowls Taylor a bit for suddenly disappearing, since all he wants to do at the moment is sleep.

After having had most of the rooms of the big mansion, he suddenly thinks of the one place he hasn’t been yet. Scolding at himself for not coming up with this earlier, he wanders to her little music studio. And indeed, when he comes closer he hears some soft piano music coming out of the little room. The door is slightly open and a ray of light shines through the small crack.

Joe pushes the door a little farther open and glances inside the room. Taylor is sitting behind the piano, her hands playing some abstract notes on the black and white keys. From time to time she hums something or mumbles some words, which she quickly writes down afterward.

He leans against the doorpost, intrigued by her actions. Now and then he’s able to catch some words, but the phrases she occasionally mutters to the melody she’s playing on the piano are pretty much inaudible. He’s never seen her songwriting like this before. Sure, he’s been in her studio while she was working on some tracks, but that was usually just the music, with the lyrics already done. He has never witnessed her writing the lyrics to the song. She’s always felt that to be a little too personal. 

Then he suddenly feels something move against her leg. He gasps a little, being startled by the sudden touch. Taylor abruptly stops playing and turns around. Joe looks down and notices Olivia nuzzling against his leg.

“For how long have you been standing there?” Taylor questions. She looks a little alarmed. “Just got here,” Joe smiles lightly, “What are you working on?” “Oh, nothing, just some rough drafts.” She quickly closes the notebook she was scribbling in just a few moments ago. “I got some inspiration while laying in bed. I just had to get some things out of my head.”

He walks towards her, lifts her up from the piano bench, sits down himself and places her on his lap. He wraps his arms around her body and hugs her tightly, while she nestles her face in his neck. 

“What got you inspired?” Joe wonders out loud and Taylor lifts her head up to look at him. He smiles at her and places a light kiss on her forehead. “You,” She simply states, “as always.” He frowns a little, “I didn’t know that I was so inspirational when I’m sleeping.” She chuckles softly. “Babe, no matter what you do, there’s always something about you that inspires me.”

Taylor buries her face in his chest again. She inhales the scent of his shirt, that smells like a mix of cologne, his own body odor and a little bit of her own perfume. In the meantime, Joe powders her head with light kisses, each one landing on a different place of her scalp. Her mouth curls into a shy smile. Then he just places his chin on the top of her head. She closes her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his body against her own.

They sit like that in silence for a while, until Joe decides to speak up. “Do you want to go back to bed, baby?” Taylor hums softly in agreement. She had almost fallen asleep within the comfort of his arms. “Do you think you can walk or should I lift you up myself?” He questions after she doesn’t show any intention of moving. “I can walk, I just don’t want to get up yet.” She mumbles into his shirt. He laughs softly, his chest rumbling. She lifts her face to look at him. Her face creeps into a smile when her gaze is met with his.

Then he gently grabs her chin and lifts it up. He tenderly places his lips against hers. Taylor lets out a peaceful sigh and parts her lips slightly. She gladly reciprocates the kiss almost immediately. Their lips move perfectly together in sync. He moves his hand from her chin to her cheeks and cups it lovingly with his palm. As she slowly breaks away from the kiss, she rests her forehead against his. He uses his free hand to put a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

“I love you.” He murmurs softly yet sincerely. “I love you too.” She beams at him before climbing off his lap and standing onto her own feet. She grabs his hand to imply that he has to get up as well. As he does her grabs his phone that was lying on top of the piano. Then he turns around and hurries towards Taylor, who already started walking towards the stairs. When he reaches her, he grabs her by her waist and knees and picks her up with ease. She shrieks as her feet leave the ground. He carries her upstairs bridal style. She rolls her eyes at the smirk appearing on his face but gives him a quick peck on the lips anyway.

When they reach the bedroom, Joe lays her down onto the soft mattress. Taylor pulls off one of Joe’s oversized hoodies that she had used to keep her warm when going downstairs and kicks the fluffy slippers off her feet. After that she grabs one of his shirts to wear to bed. Meanwhile, Joe strips down of the clothes he had previously put on when he went to look for her. Left in only his boxers he climbs into bed next to her. Taylor pulls the comforter over their bodies and cuddles up to his warm body. He wraps his arms tightly around her small frame and she places her head on his chest.

Delicately stroking her hair with his fingers, he watches her drift off to sleep. Then he kisses her head one more time before falling asleep himself.

[beamingswift]

Halcyon

(adj.) Happy; Carefree; Joyful 

“Let’s go outside!” Joe exclaimed joyfully. The couple had just finished a late dinner and were looking for something to do. Taylor had suggested they play scrabble before he came with this idea. She looked at him as if he were crazy. It was pouring out, she had never seen so much rain in her life. “Hey, I’m not the one writing about this in my songs.” Joe went on. “Come on, we can dance!” Taylor laughed and shook her head as he spoke. “I’m not doing this, Joe! We’ll get sick!” “So what if we do? We’ll just lie in bed together all day, what’s your point?” He smirked at her. “No! We can just cuddle up in bed now.” She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Grab some blankets, put on a movie.” 

She pressed a kiss to his lips and felt his hands grab her by the waist as he kissed her back. After a moment she broke away from him and moved her mouth to his ear. “Or we can forget all that and just go to the bedroom and see what happens. Underneath this dress I’m wearing that crimson red set you like so much.” She whispered and blew some hot breath into his ear. Then she moved back a bit to see his reaction. He seemed to be thinking about it, Taylor could clearly see the dilemma in his eyes. She smirked, knowing she had won, and was about to lead him upstairs when he caught her by surprise. He lifted her body off the ground and threw her over his shoulder, before taking off. “Joe! What are you doing? Put me down!” Taylor yelled as he raced through the house. After a moment, it dawned on her where he was leading her and she started yelling even harder. “Joe, no!” She tried to wiggle herself free, squirming in his arms, but he was too strong. She heard him laugh as he continued his route. 

Before she knew it they were out in the open air, and he placed her back on her feet again. They were now standing on the roof of her apartment in London. He pulled her away from the shed that was shielding her from the rain. Immediately she felt the cold drops hit her body and she shivered a bit. Joe instantly pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her. “Slow dancing in the rain; I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.” He smiled. “You seem to mention it a lot in your songs.” “I prefer doing it when the temperatures are a little bit higher, though.” She shot back at him. 

She was wearing a dark blue dress that usually fit loosely around her body from the waist down, but now clung to her frame. The rain had completely soaked her already. But she wasn’t the only victim of the weather here, Joe’s dress shirt was so wet it had become see-through. He engulfed her in his arms, trying to shield her a bit. They swayed back and forth. “You know, this would be more romantic if we had some music playing in the background.” Taylor remarked. “That can be arranged.” Joe broke away from her. “Wait here.” He left her on the roof, while sprinting down the stairs to get his phone. 

Taylor spun around, laughing to herself at how crazy and reckless this was. She loved it, though. Despite the possible consequences, she loved it. She didn’t care about the cold, about the rain soaking her, about the chance of being sick tomorrow. She didn’t mind as long as she was with him. 

She turned around when she heard his footsteps approaching her. He had put his phone down underneath the small shed and made his way over to her. She could hear the soft tones of something acoustic coming from the speakers of his iPhone. He wrapped his arms around his waist again as she wrapped hers around his neck and rested her head against his chest.

For a moment, no words were being spoken. The only sounds that could be heard were the rain clattering onto the roof, the music playing in the background and their synchronized breathing. Taylor reminisced about their time together. About the good days, the bad days, how he was always there for her, no matter what. They had started out as friends, and even though that was great, she knew from the beginning she wanted something more. She was glad to learn he did too. He had believed in her even when she was wrapped up in the worst lies. He had wanted to be with her even when she was so far from who she really was. He stayed when she had completely lost herself and helped her pick up all the pieces. But most of all, he had loved her when she had believed she was completely broken and unlovable.

“You know, I’m starting to see what this is all about.” He broke her stream of thoughts. She smiled and looked up at him, finding the same warm smile on his face. On an impulse, she stood on the tip of her toes and pressed her lips against his. Not caring about the rain that was streaming down their faces, they moved their lips together in a slow, gentle pace. When they broke apart, they rested their foreheads together. “What was that for?” He breathed out, moving his gaze towards her eyes, only to find that they were closed. “I just really love you, you know that?” She replied, opening her eyes. Her ocean blue orbs now looking into his azure ones. “I love you, too.” He grinned at her and then all of a sudden lifted her up and spun her around. She let out a yelp of surprise, but started laughing like a little kid shortly after, throwing her head back.

They danced some more for a while before heading inside. “I hope you don’t hate me for making you do that.” Joe said as they walked down the stairs, heading straight for the bathroom to take a hot shower. Taylor turned her head around to look at him and smiled. “Never.”

[beamingswift]

Ensconce

(verb) Establish or settle in a comfortable, safe place

Joe poured the hot chocolate he had just made into two mugs. Damp coming out of the hot liquid. He sprinkled some mini-marshmallows on top and placed the drinks on a tray, which already had a plate full of chocolate chip cookies on it. They were homemade ones, Joe and Taylor had made them just this afternoon. The baking session, which was supposed to last no more than an hour, took almost four hours and involved a flour fight and a whole failed batch. The latter because Joe had added too many eggs, with his mind somewhere else. He had watched Taylor dancing carelessly to a country song and not minded what he was doing. Before he knew it, there were six eggs in the batter instead of four. They had had to throw it out and start over. Joe hadn’t minded, though. Baking with his girlfriend was one of his favourite things to do. He loved watching her, being carefree and completely in her element. She loved anything involving cooking or baking. 

He lifted the tray and walked into the living room, where Taylor was situated on the large couch, lying under a cozy blanket, her back resting against a pile of big, fluffy pillows. A few meters away from her the fireplace was burning. The hot flames were heating up the room. As he walked over to the couch, tray in his hands, Taylor looked up at him and smiled. It was a warm, genuine smile that warmed his heart and he couldn't help but smile back at her. It was amazing how she could light up his entire day, by just existing, breathing. He loved spending time with her and was glad when he had a few weeks off. No filming, no meetings, nothing. Nothing that could distract his attention from her. Of course, she had to go into rehearsals for her upcoming tour soon, and they both knew things could get a bit tough sometimes, regarding their busy schedules and all. However, they also knew they could get through it, they were strong enough. The mutual love and respect they had for each other was incredible. Never had he met a woman before whom he admired and cared about this much. 

He placed the tray on the coffee table and sat back down on the couch. She immediately lifted up the blanket so he could get under. When he did, she instantly snuggled up to him. He wrapped his arms around her warm body and placed a kiss on top of her head, the smell of her vanilla scented shampoo filling his nostrils. He let out a deep breath and felt himself relax completely. They sat in a comfortable silence for a while. Both of them not caring to say anything, just the presence of one another was enough. As they quietly sipped their hot drinks, Taylor decided it was time to speak up.

“I could stay like this forever.” She sighed contently. “Me too.” He smiled. He had never felt more content and peaceful than he did at this very moment.  “You know, I never thought I could fall in love with a city other than New York. I always thought that that would forever be my favourite, but I have found myself growing very fond of this city as well.” She said, referring to London, where they were currently staying. Not long ago she had decided to rent a condo in the city so she could be closer to Joe and his life. Plus, it was way easier to hide in London than it was in any big American city. She loved how it felt like a village, though it was very large. She also loved the normalcy she got to feel when she played a role in Joe’s life. She loved dinners with his family or getting drinks with his friends. She got to experience a feeling she never thought she would have again. She felt normal, unknown, unprejudiced. 

“I’ve said it from the beginning,” he chuckled and grinned cockily, “I always knew you would love this city.” “Hm, I think it’s mainly because you’re here, though.” She lifted up her head so she could press a kiss onto his lips. “Anywhere you are feels like home to me.” “I could say the exact same about you.” He whispered, before kissing her again. “Though I must say I agree with you on the fact that London is a great city.” “It’s perfect. If it weren't so far away from my family and friends and work I think I would just permanently move here.” “You could always just fly everyone over.” “Oh, yeah, like, ‘Hey, wanna have dinner at my place tonight? You do have to fly for about eight hours to get here, but I suspect traffic won’t be very heavy, haha’” She mocked sarcastically and they both bursted out in laughter. “Well, plan B is to just wait until all the continents have formed one big continent again and everything is united. I think that’d happen in only a couple million years. Think you can outlive that?” “Doesn’t sound too hard. Plan B it is then.”

She snuggled even closer to him and rested her head on his chest. For a moment it was silent again. The only things that could be heard were their breaths.

“I could just fall asleep right now.” She groaned and let out a big yawn immediately after. “We got to keep talking to keep me awake.” “You can sleep if you want, I know you need it.” “Shouldn’t we go upstairs then? To the bedroom?” She said, but didn't make any move to get up. “Why? I’m comfortable here.” He stated, pulling the blanket a bit farther over their bodies. He was answered by nothing more than a peaceful sigh. She was already drifting off. As her breathing evened out he couldn’t help but wonder what he ever did to deserve this person on his side.