Leia's heart thundered like a drum-line in her chest, reverberating against her ribs with the kind of intensity that made her fingertips tingle. Backstage, cloaked in the dim glow of vanity lights, she fussed with the hem of her sequinned top, a garment chosen by her stylist and Riven for its brilliance under the studio lights but now feeling like a suit of armour she wasn't sure she deserved to wear.

Her digital confession that had ricocheted across social media – the confirmation of her sexuality that had been speculated for weeks – was no longer just words behind a screen; it was about to be spoken, felt, and scrutinised in real time by the talk show host and his audience, before being broadcast to the entire world.

She could almost hear Riven's voice in her head, reminding her that truth was like sunlight, sometimes harsh but always necessary. She guessed he knew that from first hand experience. Drawing a deep breath that did little to steady her nerves, Leia poised herself at the edge of the curtain, the murmurs from the audience seeping through the fabric and wrapping around her like a call to step into the studio stage.

"Please welcome, the sensational Leia Hudson!" Jimmy Kimmel's voice sailed through the speakers, punctuated by the swell of applause that seemed to rise up like a wave ready to carry her forward.

At least no one was booing her off stage - yet.

Her pulse rocketed as she stepped out into the blinding glare of the stage lights, each step feeling a little easier than the last. The studio audience erupted into cheers, their enthusiasm spurring her forward with a grin across her face. She waved though the tremor in her hands, hoping that the crowd wouldn't notice the shiver that indicated her inner turmoil.

Jimmy Kimmel stood with open arms, his grin as wide as the desk between them. They shook hands, his grip both reassuring and grounding, a silent acknowledgment from one professional to another. Leia sank into the leather chair beside his desk, the cushion accepting her weight as if it were a throne. Her grin persisted, a mask carved from the expectation of poise she was still learning to uphold.

When Riven had suggested she do a talk show before making any further comments on her sudden announcements, she hadn't been entirely sure she wanted to do so. It had been Adrian that had persuaded her to go and speak to the man in New York, since he was doing a round of shows in the city instead of his normal LA residence. She'd leapt at the concept - especially since Taylor had told her that she was renting a place in New York now.

"Leia, how are you tonight?" Jimmy's question, simple and direct, carried the warmth of genuine interest.

She knew the man had been prepared by her team on what was a no go - despite her confronting the rumours of her sexuality, there was to be no mention of Dylan at all. In fact, Jimmy had already made a comment when she had met him backstage that he had been glad to see that was on the list, as his impression of the man wasn't particularly high anyway. Leia had made a mental note to ask about that another time.

"I'm doing well," she replied, her voice a melody of practiced ease that belied the storm beneath her calm exterior. In the brief pause that followed, Leia anchored herself in the present, steeling her resolve to speak her truth, to own her narrative.

"Leia," he began, the timbre of his voice resonating through the studio, "does it ever feel surreal to you? In just six months, you've gone from an unknown talent to someone whose name is on everybody's lips."

"It's been a whirlwind," Leia admitted with a gentle laugh, her fingers tracing the edge of the armrest and grounding her before she got too nervous. "I'm incredibly grateful for all of it... the love, the opportunities. But yeah, it's absolutely crazy."

Jimmy nodded, his expression softening with understanding.

"And with the spotlight comes the good and the bad, right?" he prompted, his tone gentle yet probing. "Big choices, moments of triumph, and maybe a few stumbles?"

"Definitely a mix of both," she confided, her gaze dropping for a fleeting second to acknowledge the missteps that shadowed her ascent.  "I've learned a lot—some of it the hard way."

A wistful smile curved on her lips as she found Jimmy's supportive gaze once more. The memory of each misguided decision flickered behind her eyes, a series of lessons etched into the fabric of her journey.

"Like navigating the treacherous waters of the music industry, I suppose?" Jimmy asked, tilting his head to one side, inviting her to share more of her story.

"Exactly," Leia affirmed, warmth blooming in her chest as she thought of those who had held her steady through the tempests. "But I've got an incredible support system. My family, my friends. They're my anchors."

"Nothing quite like having people to keep you grounded, huh?" Jimmy said, his own experience echoing in his words.

"Nothing at all," Leia agreed, her voice wavering slightly as she continued, her vulnerability seeping through the cracks of her practiced demeanour. "My little sister, Georgie, she's been my rock throughout all of this. She's seen me at my highest highs and lowest lows, and she's never stopped believing in me."

The crowd clapped at that, Leia smiling out at them with appreciation in her eyes.

"Can I just say," Jimmy started, leaning forward in his chair a little. "It truly brought me and my wife to tears when we read your statement earlier this week. For those of you that aren't aware, Leia recently made the decision to come out as bisexual on social media and in the press this week. It's a big step. Congratulations, really."

The small claps of the crowd turned into thunderous applause, tears almost prickling in her eyes as she realised how genuinely happy for her the entire crowd seemed. Leia's heart swelled with gratitude and relief as the applause washed over her, carrying with it a sense of acceptance and validation. The weight of her truth, once a heavy burden on her shoulders, now seemed to dissipate into the air, replaced by a newfound lightness. She took a deep breath to steady herself, blinking back the tears threatening to spill over.

"Thank you," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, but it resonated through the studio like a resounding echo. Feeling emboldened by the overwhelming show of support, she continued, her words gaining strength with each passing moment. "To all those who have stood by me and embraced me for who I am, I am eternally grateful."

"As someone who's been in this industry for years, I know that this definitely wasn't an easy decision to make. I have to ask... what made you decide to be so public about something you'd previously expressed a desire to keep private?" he inquired gently, his eyes full of empathy.

"You know, Jimmy," she began, her voice steady and filled with conviction, "I think it's important for artists like myself to use our platforms for more than just entertainment. We have a responsibility to be authentic, to create spaces where people feel seen and heard. I didn't care about people speculating about who I was or what I was, as I knew I was just me, but I know others don't get the chance to see themselves represented often in this industry."

"Well said Leia," he said tenderly, "and your journey towards self-discovery has undoubtedly resonated with countless fans around the world, the same way I know it has done for many of us here today. What advice do you have for those who are struggling to find their own voice?"

Leia paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking, not wanting to say something wrong.

To anyone out there who feels lost or unsure of who they are or what they want," she began earnestly, "my advice would be this: embrace yourself unapologetically. Your truth is beautiful, it is valid, and it deserves to be celebrated - and not just tolerated."

A flicker of understanding crossed Jimmy's face as he leaned forward, entranced by Leia's vulnerability. It was as if they were sharing an unspoken connection... an understanding that transcended words.

"You see, Jimmy, being in the spotlight comes with its own set of challenges. People want to label you, define you, put you into neat little boxes." She paused, searching for the right words to convey the complexity of her emotions. "But no one should have that power over me. I am who I am, and I refuse to hide any longer. By sharing my truth with the world, I've shown others that it's okay to embrace who they are without fear or shame. That alone makes it all worth it."

Jimmy's eyes glimmered with admiration as he reached across the table and gently took Leia's hand. His touch was warm, grounding her in the present moment.

"That's incredible," he murmured, his voice tinged with awe. "To have the courage to be your true self and inspire others along the way."

A smile tugged at the corners of Leia's lips as she basked in the warmth of her decision. 

"You mentioned taking control, which is so powerful. How have your friends and family been through all this?"

"Without them," Leia began, her voice steady now, "I'd be like a ship without a rudder." She offered a laugh that danced with gratitude. "They've been my compass, my North Star, guiding me through every stormy night. Sorry - too much sailing references?"

"Never," Jimmy replied as the audience laughed, glad to see she was seeming to take all of this in her stride. "Speaking of stars, I hear you're pretty tight with the Swift Squad. That's a pretty stellar support system."

A ripple of recognition passed through the crowd, murmurs of intrigue and admiration weaving together into a tapestry of anticipation. Leia's lips curved into a smile, sincere and unguarded.

"Yeah, I love them," she confessed, her gaze flickering with the light of cherished memories. "Despite the spotlight they live under, they're some of the most grounded people I know."

"Grounded? With all that fame?" Jimmy quipped, drawing laughter from the rows of onlookers.

"Surprisingly, yes!" Leia chuckled along. "I'm beyond lucky to have met them. The love and admiration I have for each one..." Her words trailed off for a moment, caught in a tide of emotion. Then, with a renewed vigor, she added, "Especially Taylor and Selena. They and the others... they've been through similar battles, you know? They've had their stories twisted and turned against them."

"Ah," Jimmy nodded, understanding dawning in his expression, "they're no strangers to reclaiming their narratives."

"Exactly. If it weren't for their courage, I might not have found mine." Leia's voice carried a new weight, a resonance that spoke of battles fought and kinship forged in the fires of the public eye. "They've shown me that our voices are our own, and we can't let anyone else dictate our story for their own heinous purposes."

The air in the studio seemed to still, the audience hanging on her every word—a collective breath held in solidarity. No one had really gone on the record in that way to defend Taylor since Kim and Kanye had made it their mission to trash her name and reputation. She knew Riven would be irked that she'd made a dig at them, but she didn't care.

Leia's defiance lingered in the air as the audience erupted into applause, their admiration for her growing with every word she spoke. Jimmy, too, found himself captivated by her strength and authenticity. As the applause subsided, Jimmy gave Leia a knowing look – a silent acknowledgement of the power she had just unleashed upon the world. It was clear that Leia was no longer just an up-and-coming pop-star; she was cementing her place in pop culture history.

"And what about your own story?" he asked, curiosity lacing his words. "When can we expect to finally hear the album?"

"Soon," she replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I'm pouring my heart and soul into this album, and I can't wait for the world to hear it. It's a journey of self-discovery, of embracing every part of who I am, and I hope it resonates with people. And if I may add," Leia continued, her voice tinged with mischief, "there might just be a surprise collaboration or two." "

She winked playfully at Jimmy, leaving him and the audience buzzing with curiosity. It was clear that Leia's album was not only going to be a collection of catchy tunes but also a testament to her growth as an artist and a woman.

As the cameras started to fade out and the interview was finished, Leia turned to Jimmy with a glint of gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you for this opportunity," she said sincerely as Jimmy's tech team removed both of their mics from their fronts, her voice tinged with emotion. "You've given me space to share my truth, and I'm forever grateful."

Jimmy smiled warmly at her and squeezed her hand gently, their connection lingering even after the lights dimmed.

"You're an inspiration," he replied softly. "You've seized your voice and used it to empower others. I can't wait to see where your journey takes you next. Besides, any friend of Taylor is a friend of mine. She's done a lot for me over the years and if she likes you, I know you're a good egg."

As they walked off the stage together, Leia felt a newfound sense of purpose pulsing through her veins. With every step she took closer to Riven and Adrian, it felt like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders. Riven was there first, his upbeat presence immediately enveloping Leia in an embrace that felt like homecoming. Adrian stood beside her, his steady eyes reflecting pride and relief as he too pulled Leia into a congratulatory hug.

"You did great out there, kid," Adrian assured her, his words more than just managerial praise - they were the affirmation of a friend.

"Thanks," Leia replied, her chest expanding with a breath she hadn't realised she'd been holding. Adrian's gaze turned thoughtful, protective instincts honed from years in the industry.

 "Do you have plans for the rest of the night?" he asked, already reaching for his phone. "I can get an Uber to take you back to the hotel if you want to call it a day."

Leia shook her head gently, curls dancing around her shoulders. Her eyes shone with the afterglow of the interview, but also with the anticipation of what was to come.

"I think I might go visit a friend," she said, the words laced with understated excitement. He didn't need to ask who; they both knew the unspoken destination that awaited her. 

"Alright," Adrian conceded with a knowing smile, pocketing his phone. "Just be safe, okay?"

"Always am," Leia assured him, her grin the embodiment of newfound freedom. With a final exchange of supportive glances, Leia slipped away, leaving behind the echoes of her triumph and the promise of the night ahead.

After stopping by wardrobe to change back into her normal clothes, Leia's shoes beat against the cold, polished concrete as she navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the studio. The sound resonated, a steady beat that mirrored the quieting pulse of her heart. Bright lights gave way to the dim glow of exit signs, guiding her away from the stage and into the quiet solace of the night.

The heavy door swung shut behind her with a soft thud, cutting off the lingering buzz of backstage activity. She stood alone for a moment in the cool air, the clamor of the city whispering beyond the walls.

She tilted her head back, allowing the sparse light from the street lamps to wash over her face. The tension that had knotted between her shoulders unraveled thread by thread, dissipating into the vast expanse of the night sky. A gentle breeze whispered past, toying with loose strands of her hair, and she closed her eyes to savor the caress.

"Freedom," she murmured to herself, the word tasting sweet on her lips, as she tugged her hoodie strings a little as she reached out and hailed a classic yellow cab. She slipped in as it pulled up, realising she didn't know the address.

She fished out her phone, the screen illuminating a message from Taylor - simple words of encouragement that felt like an anchor. Her reply was swift, fingers tapping with eager anticipation before she read the street name out-loud to the driver.

"Cornelia Street, please."

_____

Leia smiled at Mark, one of Taylor's newer security team, as she hopped out of the cab. The man's posture straightened from where he had been leaning against the side of the building, his hand moving behind his back in the flash of an eye.

"Evening, Mark," Leia said softly, her smile gentle as she looked at him. "That'll kill you, you know."

He huffed a little, dropping the cigarette and stomping it out with his boot. He mumbled under his breath as he crouched down to pick it up once he was sure it was fully out, flicking it into the trashcan beside the entrance to the apartment.

"Yeah, yeah," he mused, taking out his phone to send a text to Taylor to let her know that he was sending Leia up to her. "You sound like Miss Swift."

Leia chuckled, the sound light and airy. 

"Well, she is my idol," she admitted, glancing up at the towering apartment building before her. "And it looks like you're picking up some of her habits too."

"Don't tell her that. She'll never let me live it down," Mark replied, rolling his eyes playfully with a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, Taylor's been talking about you. About how talented you are and how much potential you have. She thinks you're going places. I've yet to decide on that."

Leia grinned, feeling a sense of warmth wash over her. The camaraderie and playful banter between her and Taylor's security team had grown over the past few weeks, and she felt grateful for their support and acceptance. As Mark led her through the sleek lobby towards the elevator, Leia's heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement.

"Have a good evening, Miss Hudson," Mark replied, pressing the buzzer on the door before moving back the way that they had came. Leia stepped into the elevator, hitting the button and humming to herself as she waited on it reaching Taylor.

The doors opened to reveal the familiar warmth and elegance of Taylor's penthouse apartment. Soft music drifted through the air, caressing Leia's ears like a gentle whisper. Leia made her way through the living room, glimpsing framed photographs of Taylor with loved ones scattered on every surface. She smiled at the sight, knowing that Taylor cherished her relationships with family and friends above all else.

'Is it cool that I said all that? Is it chill that you're in my head?'

Her footsteps led her to a secluded corner where Taylor sat at a grand piano, her fingers dancing effortlessly over the keys and murmuring song lyrics under her breath. Leia paused, enraptured by the raw emotion that emanated from every note. Taylor's voice, like honey mixed with vulnerability, filled the air as she poured her heart into each lyric.

"What you working on?"

As the final chord reverberated through the room at the sound of Leia's voice, Taylor turned to face her with a brilliant smile spreading across her face. The mutual affection between them was palpable, radiating like a beacon of light in the dimly lit room.

"Leia," Taylor greeted warmly, rising from the piano bench and enveloping Leia in an embrace. "I'm so proud of you. That interview was incredible."

"You watched it?"

Taylor chuckled, pulling away slightly to look Leia in the eyes. Her gaze was tender and full of admiration. 

"Of course I watched it," Taylor replied, her voice a soft melody. Leia blushed, feeling a mixture of pride and bashfulness at Taylor's praise.

Leia's heart fluttered as she soaked in Taylor's gaze, the warmth of their connection enveloping her. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the world fading away as they stood locked in each other's eyes. Taylor slowly closed the distance between them, her hand reaching up to gently brush a strand of Leia's hair behind her ear. Her touch sent shivers down Leia's spine, and she could feel the pull of an electric current between them.

There was a raw intensity between them, an unspoken connection that both thrilled and terrified her. In that moment, Leia felt as though she could see every hidden part of Taylor, all the vulnerability and strength that lay beneath her public persona.

Leaning in, Taylor's lips met Leia's in a soft, tender kiss.

But just as their lips met, a sharp pain shot through Taylor's leg. She pulled away with a gasp, grabbing at her calf where Meredith, who was mewing like she was completely innocent, had dug her claws into the soft flesh.

"Meredith!" Taylor exclaimed, pulling away from Leia with a groan. "Why now? Can't you see we were having a moment?" She scolded the cat gently, her voice laced with both annoyance and affection as she reached down and stared at her cat.

Leia couldn't help but giggle at the sight of Taylor playfully berating her furry companion. It was such a Taylor thing to do - always genuine, always finding humour even in the most unexpected moments. Taylor winced as she inspected the scratch on her leg, but couldn't help but chuckle along with Leia.

"Guess it wasn't meant to be," Leia teased lightly, her voice tinged with disappointment. Taylor's eyes softened as she looked at Leia, a small smile playing on her lips.

"No, it definitely was," she whispered, reaching out to take Leia's hand in hers. She squeezed her hand gently before moving towards the kitchen, Leia following behind as Meredith slunked off deeper into the apartment - most likely looking for Olivia. Leia was yet to catch a glimpse of the other cat but she knew that she would be around here somewhere.

Leia's jaw dropped ever so slight in amazement as she took in the kitchen of the apartment. Considering that Taylor had only moved in a few days prior, she was surprised at how quickly she'd managed to make the place feel so... homely.

As Leia took in the enchantment of the kitchen, her eyes were drawn to a small corkboard hanging on the wall. Pinned among concert tickets and handwritten notes were faded photographs capturing candid moments of laughter and joy. Family portraits, snapshots of Taylor's childhood, and memories frozen in time painted a vivid tapestry of love and belonging.

Taylor noticed Leia's curious gaze and smiled softly.

"No matter where I go or how far I wander, I always bring a piece of home with me," she explained, motioning to a photo of her and Austin with their arms wrapped around each other, large trees surrounding them. Leia smiled as she looked closer at the photo, seeing little toddler Taylor grinning at the camera with a toothless smile.

The walls of the kitchen space were adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork, ranging from vibrant paintings to delicate sketches that Leia was sure Taylor must have had brought over from various other places. Taylor had always possessed a keen eye for aesthetics, and it showed in every corner of the room. The scent of fresh flowers wafted through the air, their vibrant colours adding a touch of life to the space. 

"So," Leia began, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "How did you manage to make this place feel so... homey already?"

Taylor's eyes sparkled as she turned to face Leia, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. 

"I've moved countless times throughout my career, always staying in different hotels and temporary homes," the superstar explained before she turned back to one of the kitchen cabinets, rummaging and pulling out a small medical kit. Leia's eyes trailed down her bare legs, noticing that the scratch that Meredith left was bleeding ever so slightly. "You get used to adapting to new places easier than most."

Leia felt a swell of emotion in her chest, realizing that they both shared a deep appreciation for family and the sense of belonging it brought. She understood now why Taylor had been so welcoming, why she had opened her heart and home to Leia without hesitation. She knew what it was like to move away from your home and family to pursue this life... she probably knew it better than anyone.

"Here, let me do that," Leia murmured as Taylor tried to balance with one hand on the counter as she tried to wipe the small scratch on her leg. The blonde paused for a moment, not used to someone wanting to take care of her like that, before slowly nodding and placing her leg back on the ground.

Leia moved forward, so they were standing almost chest to chest before she took the wipe from Taylor and slowly lowered to her knees on the tile floor. Her breath fanned lightly against Taylor's knee as she smoothed the antibacterial wipe across her slightly reddened skin, noticing that the bleeding had almost stopped.

She looked up at Taylor with a hint of concern in her eyes. 

"You should definitely put a band-aid on this," she murmured softly.

Taylor's mind snapped back to reality, and she quickly reached for the first aid kit on the nearby shelf. Fumbling slightly, her fingers brushed against various items before retrieving a small band-aid. She held it out to Leia, their fingers brushing in the exchange, sending an electric shock through both of them.

"Thank you," Taylor managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Their gazes locked, time momentarily suspended as Leia peeled back the protective layer of the band-aid and gingerly pressed it against Taylor's scratch. Taylor's breath hitched as Leia's fingers lingered just below her knee for a second, her heart pounding in her chest as her senses heightened to an almost unbearable level. She had always prided herself on being in control, but in that moment, she felt completely undone by Leia's gentle touch.

Leia, too engrossed in her task, remained oblivious to the effect she was having on Taylor. As she smoothed down the edges of the band-aid with delicate precision, Taylor swallowed another lump in her throat as she tried to get her mind out of the gutter.

Finally, when Leia finished securing the band-aid in place, she slowly drew back and stood up, breaking their intimate proximity. It took everything within Taylor to gather herself, to put on a facade of indifference.

"Thank you," Taylor murmured for the second time, her voice tight with restraint. She offered a small smile, masking the torrent of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. "You have a knack for putting band-aids on."

Leia smiled back, unaware of the storm she had stirred within Taylor's heart. 

"Thanks. It's a talent I never knew I had," Leia joked as she turned around at the sound of soft thuds, seeing that Olivia had now entered the room. She leaned a little, stretching behind the cats ears for a second as Taylor composed herself on the other side of the kitchen. 

Why had Leia Hudson being on her knees in front of Taylor when she was just putting a band-aid on her leg turned her on so much?

Taylor's mind raced, desperately trying to find something to say that would distract her from the electric tension hanging in the air. She needed to change the topic, and fast. Thankfully, Leia did it before she could think of anything else.

"So, Tay," Leia began tentatively, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, "I've always wondered... did your parents play a big role in your music career from the start? I mean, I know they're so involved now, but was it always like that?"

"Yes, they did," Taylor said, a whimsical smile on her face as she thought about them. "They were my biggest supporters from day one. My mom used to drive me to literally every record label and try to convince them to take my demos, and my dad would show videos of me to anyone who would listen... they've been so involved from the very start, and even when they weren't particularly getting along with each other, they put me first."

A nostalgic smile tugged at Taylor's lips as she recalled countless late-night conversations with her parents about navigating the treacherous waters of fame.

"And what about you?" Taylor asked gently, shifting the focus back to Leia. "Have your parents been involved in your music career? I know they're back in Scotland with Georgie, and you've never really spoke much about them, so I didn't want to really ask..."

Leia hesitated for a moment, uncertainty clouding her features. 

"They... they don't really understand it all," Leia admitted with a hint of sadness. "Music has always been my passion, and they've always been proud of me and supported me... but the whole fame and glamour and press... that's the part they aren't really interested in. The less people know about them, in their eyes, the better - which is so valid. I just wish I was able to share it a little bit more with them, you know?"

Taylor's heart went out to Leia, understanding the pain of having loved ones who didn't comprehend the depth of her dreams. She reached out and gently squeezed Leia's hand, a silent gesture of empathy.

"They're great, though," Leia replied, a smile now on her lips. "My dad was the same. He showed everyone videos of me singing all the time, even emailed our local radio station tons of times to convince them to have me on and sing a cover - I hadn't even released any of my own stuff and he was so sure I'd make it. He did the same too when they moved back to Scotland. Apparently would call up radio stations there too, according to Georgie."

"They sound great," Taylor said, a smile on her lips as she felt Leia get more personal with her than she had ever done before.

"They are," Leia mused, a comfortable silence overtaking them. Taylor took a moment to soak in the peacefulness of the moment, feeling their genuine connection strengthening between them.

Leia's gaze shifted towards Taylor's face, curiosity filling her eyes. 

"Can I ask you something personal?"

"Of course," Taylor answered softly, with no hesitation and her voice laced with anticipation.

"How do you deal with it... like the balancing of your personal life and being so far in the public eye?"

Taylor paused for a moment, allowing her response to form like pieces of a puzzle coming together.

"It hasn't always been easy, Leia," Taylor began, her voice carrying a mixture of strength and vulnerability. "But I realized that authenticity is the key. Embracing my truth and sharing it with the world has allowed me to connect with so many incredible people."

Leia listened intently, her eyes locked onto Taylor's every word.

"And remember," Taylor continued, "you don't owe anyone an explanation for who you are. Besides, sometimes explanations don't really matter anyway, not when people can be so over-fixated on your reputation."

"Do you ever wish you could just escape from it all?" Leia asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "To be able to live a normal life without the constant scrutiny?"

Taylor let out a contemplative sigh. The weight of the other singer's question hung heavy in the air. 

"Sometimes," she confessed. "It's overwhelming, you know? The expectations, the pressure... It's like you're constantly living in a bubble that's on the verge of bursting. Like right now, it seems like the whole world is just waiting for me to lose my mind at the back and forth with Kanye, Kim, Calvin... it's just so fucking tiring sometimes. I do dream of it sometimes... to walk down the street without being recognised, to have a conversation without feeling like every word is being dissected. But I don't know if I'd be willing to sacrifice the good things this life brings me for that level of peace."

"I'd honestly love to beat Kanye up."

"LEIA!"

"No, like I really would," Leia admitted as Taylor stifled a laugh, so surprised at the comment from the smaller girl. Leia smiled back, knowing that she was actually being fully serious about it. "He's such an ass."

In that moment, in the dim kitchen light of the New York apartment, Leia couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for this moment and every other that she got to spend in Taylor's presence. When the streetlights shone through the window for a brief second and Taylor threw her head back in laughter, Leia's stomach churned a little and she knew exactly what it was.

She was going head over heels for Taylor Alison Swift.