Our Invisible String (Complete Version)

12 (Travis Version)

I blinked and laughed; sure, they were kidding. They weren't.

I took a step back, bumping into Taylor as I did so. She grabbed my arm for balance, and then a gush of water from the barrel was crashing down on the both of us. Freezing, and most certainly not clean. Taylor squeaked, trying to duck out of the way, but she wasn't quick enough. Both of us stood there, soaked to the skin with dirty water, unamused as everyone burst out laughing and started clapping.

"Yeah, thanks for that." I sighed at the boys, but I couldn't be mad. Tradition was tradition.

"Lovely." Taylor muttered as they ran off, and I turned to see her pushing damp hair out of her face, shivering. "They couldn't have used warm water?" She asked.

"Apparently not." I sighed.

"I don't have any clothes to change into." She sighed. "This is fantastic."

"I do." I offered. "I have a few things in my office." Taylor peered at me, obviously unsure. "Do you really want to stay in those clothes? I'm pretty sure that water probably contains shit we don't want to know about." I pointed out. Taylor huffed out a sigh but reluctantly nodded, offering me a tiny grateful smile.

"God, it stinks!" She complained as we walked off the field. "I'm going to have to wash this off before I go home."

"Well why don't you go and do that and I'll meet you by the showers once I get the clothes."

"What so people can walk in on me? I don't think so." Taylor rolled her eyes. Reaching into my pocket, I took a key off the ring and handed it to her.

"One of two keys to the showers." I told her. "I have the other one. I'll knock, and I'll stay on the other side of the wall."

Taylor smiled gratefully and took the key, nodding once before going off in the direction of the showers. Moving quickly so that I didn't drip too much water on the carpet, I went to my office and dug through the few things I had lying around. I found a pair of shorts and a shirt for myself, and then some of my smaller sweatpants and a hoodie for Taylor.

Careful not to get the clothes wet, I grabbed some towels from a cupboard and walked around the building to the door to the showers. It was locked, so I took out my key and then locked the door behind me when I walked in. I could hear a shower running as I walked through, splitting the clothes up and putting the ones for Taylor on top of her towel.

"Travis?" I heard her voice call out from around the wall that separated the showers from the benches.

"Yeah it's just me!" I called back.

"Umm." Taylor sounded unsure. "This is going to sound weird...but...I'm kind of stuck and I need help." I frowned, pausing. "Please?" She said tentatively, like she was embarrassed she had to ask for help.

"You want me to come over?" I asked.

"Yes please." Taylor mumbled.

My cheeks going a little red, I hesitated for a moment before I shrugged out of my soggy jacket. I stepped out of my shoes and pulled my shirt over my head, knowing it would stick to my skin if it got any wetter. Then I moved towards the wall, deciding to keep my pants on for now even though I'd take them off to shower.

When I moved around the wall, I saw Taylor standing underneath one of the showers. My breath caught in my throat when I saw her, wearing nothing but a little white bra and matching panties. The rise of her underwear slipped high over the curve of her ass, exposing more skin than it covered. I swallowed, lifting my gaze just in time for Taylor to look over at me. But fuck, she turned her body when she looked at me and I could suddenly see the swell of her breasts peeking out of her bra.

"My hair's stuck." She whispered, her cheeks a flaming shade of red. "And I can't get it out." Turning her back to me, Taylor showed me where the end of her ponytail had tangled in the clasp of her bra. "I'm sorry." She mumbled. "This is such a ridiculous problem but I can't do it myself."

"No that's okay." I forced my voice out, walking up to her. "I'll try to be gentle."

"Okay." Taylor breathed, and I could see her twisting her hands together in front of her. Swallowing, I reached forwards and touched the clasp of her bra. Taylor shivered slightly and I tried to ignore that, taking the end of her ponytail and lifting it slightly to see where it was stuck.

"Huh." I coughed. "Okay, umm..."

"What?" Taylor looked over her shoulder at me.

"I have to undo the clasp to get it out."

"Oh." Taylor's cheeks flushed darker. "Sure, whatever works."

She lifted her hands, placing them over her breasts so that her bra wouldn't completely come off when I undid it. Both cursing and thanking the universe for putting me in this position, I unclasped the back of her bra and gently untangled her hair from the hooks. Once I had it out, I lifted her ponytail over the front of her shoulder and took both ends of her bra in my hands, clasping it back together. Taylor dropped her hands once I'd done it back up, slowly turning around.

"Thank you." She murmured, peeking up at me.

"Anytime." I breathed, gazing right back at her. I knew I should move away now, I knew I should, but Taylor looked at me and I was rooted to the spot. I just stared at her.

"Travis?"