I Know Places... (Taylor Swift Imagines) (GxG)

Rio Heat Wave

Taylor was performing in Rio tonight, but the area she was playing in was currently going through an intense heatwave. Despite you voicing your concerns about her doing a three-hour set in the middle of the blistering heat, she assured you she'd be okay.

However, as you sat in the box, you noticed that throughout the show, in between songs, she desperately tried to catch her breath. Her costume changes also lasted a bit longer, and you knew she was giving it her all even in the severe heat, but you wished she'd take it down even just a bit so it isn't so hard on her body.

You noticed her breathing heavily before high notes, before wordier songs, before difficult choreography.

Right before Mastermind, you saw her nearly hyperventilating as she stood there, getting ready for her cue. She looked like she was about to faint or have a panic attack, and you contemplated attempting to stop the show. You were going to leave the box when she caught your eye.

"You okay?" you mouthed, worried.

Heavily panting with beads of sweat dripping down her forehead, she smiled. "I'm good."

That was all the reassurance you needed not to try and stop the show, but you still headed backstage to be able to greet her with a cold bottle of water and a kiss the minute she gets offstage.

As Karma began and Taylor slid the jacket on, you caught her gaze once more.

"Are you okay?"

She gave you a bright grin and a thumbs up.

"I love you," you mouthed.

"I love you, too."

And with that, she turned and began to sing, an even brighter beam on her lips as she finished the show.

As the song ended, she didn't do what she normally did and waited for the stage to go down. Instead, she ran into your arms backstage and simply collapsed. She panted and buried her face in the crook of your neck, her arms around your waist.

You felt the rise and fall of her chest against yours, and even when she was sweaty and "all gross" (in her words), you wrapped your arms around her and stroked her back. Two minutes later, her breathing quickened suddenly, and you felt tears on your shoulder.

You pulled away to look her in the eyes, and as soon as you saw her face and eyes, only one thought came to mind; panic attack. The panic attack which you were so worried would happen was finally happening.

You ushered her into the tour bus quickly, while "you're okay"s and reassurances left your lips.

In the safety of the tour bus, you sat her down on the couch. You opened the bottle of water you had in your hand.

"Baby, can you drink water?" you asked gently, cupping her cheek while tears fell onto your fingers.

She shook her head frantically. Her sobs intensified.

"No, baby, no, no, no, baby, listen to me, shh, no, no, it's okay," you said quickly, putting the water bottle down.

"I-I can't breathe," she managed.

"You can, Tay, you can," you assured her, masking your own panic.

She shook her head again. You cradled her face in your hands, looking into her teary eyes. "It's okay. You can do this, baby. Slow, steady breaths. In and out, babe," you reassured, trying to help her regain control. "I'm right here with you, you're safe, you're safe, baby girl."

As tears ran down her face and her chest rose and fell quickly, you took her in your arms and stroked her back. "It's okay, it's okay, baby, shh, you're okay," you muttered.

Ten minutes of this passed, and finally, her breathing slowed and the tears stopped.

"Hey. Hey, you're okay, it's okay. You good?" you asked, running your thumb over her knuckles.

"I-I'm okay," she said shakily.

You held her close, concern still etched on your face, "You sure you're okay?"

"Yeah. J-just shaken up."

"Take your time," you mumbled, wiping away lingering tears, "I'm here, Tay, you're okay."

She nodded, and you brushed a sweaty strand of hair away from her forehead.

"Thank you, Y/N... I love you."

"I love you, too. No need to thank me. It's why I'm here-to take care of you."

She sniffled, slowly trying to remove her jacket. You helped her out, revealing her drenched bodysuit. You handed her a fresh towel, gently wiping away the remaining sweat.

"Seriously, Tay, you pushed yourself so hard out there. Are you sure you're okay?" you asked, concern evident in your eyes.

She nodded, offering a tired but sincere smile. "I just got caught up in the moment. I didn't realise how much it took a toll until the end."

You sighed, pulling her into a comforting hug. "Next time, please don't hesitate to take a breather if you need it. Your health is more important than any show."

Taylor rested her head on your shoulder, appreciating your support. "I promise. And thanks for being there for me, for stopping me from pushing too far."

"That's what I'm here for," you replied, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Now, let's get you out of these wet clothes and into something more comfortable."

As you helped her change, you couldn't help but marvel at her strength and dedication. Yet, in the quiet moments, you also reminded her of the importance of self-care.

The tour bus became a sanctuary, where Taylor could let her guard down. You stayed close, knowing that even the strongest performers needed a moment of vulnerability.

"I'm proud of you, you know," you whispered as she settled on the couch in comfy clothes.

She looked up at you, gratitude in her eyes. "I couldn't do it without you. Your support means everything."

"Always, Tay. I've got your back," you assured, intertwining your fingers with hers.

As the tour bus rolled on to the hotel, you both shared a quiet moment, savouring the connection that went beyond the stage lights and applause.