The sunlight filtering through the windows had bathed Taylor's apartment in a warm glow as Leia navigated past plush pillows and framed gold records on the walls. Her fingers rested lightly on one of the Grammy trophies that adored the fireplace, a soft smile on her face as she heard Taylor cluttering about in the kitchen.

Meredith mewed from the sofa as Leia turned to look at the cat, her lips twitching in amusement as she walked towards the animal and lightly scratched behind her ears. She nuzzled against her hand for a moment, purring gently, before Leia sat down and reached down to untie her shoelaces.

A soft huff from behind her informed her that Taylor had finished up in the kitchen, and a quick glance over her shoulder confirmed that as the blonde moved into the living space. In her hands, she balanced two steaming cups, the scent of chocolate and espresso mingling in the air. She extended one to Leia, whose face brightened at the gesture, a smile breaking like dawn over her features.

"Here, for that sweet tooth I know you've got," Taylor said, her voice the melody of practiced charm as she handed over the hot chocolate.

"Thanks," Leia replied, wrapping her fingers around the warmth of the mug, chuckling to herself as she noticed the overload of sprinkles that Taylor had dazzled into the whipped cream mountain that rested atop the drink.

Taylor settled at the other end of the sofa, the cushions embracing her slender frame. With a grace born of countless choreographed performances, she placed her own latte on the coffee table while reaching out with her opposite hand and plucking Meredith from the cushions to rest against her chest. Meredith mewed contentedly, allowing Taylor's fingers to find the softness of her fur with a comfort worn into the grooves of her palms.

"Speaking of sweetness," Taylor began, her gaze still tenderly fixed on Meredith before drifting up to meet Leia's eyes, "how did your outfit fitting go with Gigi?"

Leia's laughter tinkled through the room, the sound light and airy, but carrying an undertone of nerves.

"I swear, she treated me like her personal Barbie doll. But, I guess if that's what it takes not to stick out like a sore thumb at her fashion show, I'm all in."

"Better Gigi's doll than the media's puppet," Taylor quipped, a knowing glint in her eye. Leia couldn't agree more - she knew that if she'd turned up to the show looking awful then she was just offering herself up to the media and humiliation. 

"True," Leia conceded, a playful roll of her eyes accompanying her words. "And honestly, if it means looking half as stunning as everyone else on that runway, I'll gladly play dress-up."

"That's good," Taylor said with a gentle nod, her lips tilting into an understanding smile. The room settled into a comfortable silence, the kind that drapes over you like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. It was broken only by the soft crackle of the fireplace and the contented purrs of Meredith nestled in Taylor's arms.

Suddenly, Olivia leapt gracefully onto the sofa, inserting herself between the two women with the air of royalty gracing mere commoners with her presence. She rubbed her silky coat against Leia's legs, marking her territory with an affectionate nudge.

"Hey there, Olivia," Leia cooed, reaching down to scoop up the unpredictable ball of fur.

Olivia squirmed in Leia's arms, a playful twinkle in her eyes as she purred loudly, clearly revelling in the attention. A chuckle escaped Leia as she cradled Olivia, reveling in the fluffy warmth and delicate weight of the cat in her arms.

But with her constantly changing opinions of the girl, Olivia decided human contact was no longer welcome. In a flash, she lashed out, her claws raking across Leia's arm, leaving thin red welts in their wake.

"Fuck, Olivia!" Leia hissed under her breath, more out of surprise than pain. She retracted her hand quickly, inspecting the minor scratches with a wry twist of her lips.

"Olivia!" Taylor chided, her voice carrying a stern edge as she glared at the retreating cat. Olivia sauntered off, tail held high, unfazed by the rebuke, claiming her dominion elsewhere. Leia couldn't help but chuckle despite it - a soft, bubbly sound that spilled from her lips and acted against the sting on her skin.

"It's like she knows exactly when to act out," Leia joked, shaking her head in amusement, the laughter easing the air of tension that Olivia's antics had brought.

Taylor chuckled softly.

"I think she just likes to keep you on your toes. Like a true queen holding court."

Leia rolled her eyes in mock exasperation, but there was a lightness in her expression that hadn't been there before. 

"Taylor," Leia said, earnestness threading her words together as she changed the topic, "Gigi mentioned during the fitting that she really wants you at the show."

A huff escaped Taylor's lips, and Leia could instantly tell that this was a conversation that the pop-star had no intention of having.

"I appreciate the invitation, but you know how I feel about those events right now," Taylor replied with a tight smile, her gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to Leia's earnest eyes.

"I get that... but it would be good for you to get out, you know? To support Gigi." The industry newcomer's voice trailed off, not in uncertainty but in an invitation for agreement, one that hung delicately in the balance. "It's just one night, though."

"I'm not going," Taylor stated, the finality in her tone attempting to sever the conversation like a clean break. "I know she's persistent, but I can't just drop everything to attend every fashion show."

"Oh come on," Leia scoffed, rolling her eyes as she placed her own mug down and gave Taylor a scowl. "We both know this isn't about you having a 'busy schedule', Tay. It's not just Gigi who wants you there. Georgie and I... we want you there too"

Taylor's gaze softened, a flicker of vulnerability passing through her eyes before her defenses swiftly rose once more. She tilted her head, a mixture of resignation and defiance melding in her expression as she met Leia's unwavering stare.

"I'm not ready for all that scrutiny, Leia," Taylor confessed in a voice laced with raw honesty, the words hanging heavy in the air between them like an invisible barrier. "Every move I make is dissected and analyzed. I can't even imagine the headlines if I were to step foot near that runway."

Leia's heart ached at the vulnerability in Taylor's eyes, her own resolve softening like putty in the fire. She reached out, laying a gentle hand on Taylor's arm that was quickly shrugged off by the pent-up blonde in front of her. 

"Leia," Taylor began, the words emerging steady and resolute, "drop it. I won't turn Gigi's moment into...into some kind of spectacle."

Leia huffed, feeling a surge of frustration bubbling within her. She had seen this side of Taylor before, the ironclad walls she built to shield herself from the prying eyes of the world. Taylor's jaw clenched, her gaze hardening as she braced herself for Leia's continued persistence.

"You just don't get it, do you?" Taylor's voice rose, a crescendo of pent-up frustration. "The press—they're vultures, Leia. Every move, every mistake..."

"What, because you're the only person in the world that has paparazzi hunting them down on the regular? Did you literally forget earlier when I was telling you about Cara and I? About my need to have a fucking bodyguard now too?"

"That's not what I meant."

"You're not protecting Gigi by staying away. You're denying her the support and love of a friend when she needs it the most."

"If I show up, it's not just me walking through those doors—it's my reputation too. And that—" Her voice cracked like thin ice beneath heavy steps. "That could cast a storm cloud over her entire event."

"Gigi doesn't see it that way, Tay. None of us do. We don't care what the press says about you," Leia snapped back, her voice earnest, weaving a lifeline out of words. "Friendship isn't dictated by gossip columns. Don't let it be."

Taylor's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected shift in Leia's tone, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she schooled her expression back into a mask of composure. Leia could see the wariness in Taylor's eyes.

Silence hung heavy in the air between them, the tension palpable as they sat facing each other.

"Leia, I appreciate your passion and I understand where you're coming from. But sometimes, protecting those we care about means making tough decisions. And this," she gestured between them, indicating their heated conversation, "this is one of those times."

Leia felt a surge of frustration and helplessness rise within her. She wanted to make Taylor see that loyalty and friendship should not be swayed by the fear of public opinion.

"I'm sorry, Leia. But I can't go. That's final." The finality in her tone left no room for argument as she stood up front the sofa and walked away, leaving Leia sitting there, a mix of frustration and understanding swirling in her chest.

Just when Leia thought they were taking two steps forward, Taylor continued to take three steps backwards. Leia had no idea how far she could travel before Taylor got too far out of her reach.

_____

Leia's gaze lingered on the city's skyline, a tapestry of glass and steel that seemed to pulse with an electric heartbeat. No wonder Taylor had almost written an entire album about New York City. The more time she spent there, the less appealing anywhere else truly seemed. The thought of weaving herself into its fabric, becoming another thread in its ever-expanding story, was both exhilarating and daunting.

She'd been renting another apartment for this visit, a chic little loft with exposed brick walls and a mix of modernist furniture, for the past few weeks. It was temporary, yes, but every time she settled into a new space in the city, it felt like a trial run for something more permanent.

Her contemplation was cut short.

"We're here, Miss Hudson."

"Thanks, Azul," Leia murmured, tucking a loose strand of chestnut hair behind her ear.

That was a new change that she'd mentioned to Taylor that morning. Her conversation with her team and her father had managed to convince her that she did need to consider security, especially now that Georgie was so keen to come out and visit more often. She didn't care too much about it for herself, but her little sister was a different story.

Azul had been the prime pick of the group that Adrian had vetted for her, and so far she was glad with her choice. He was nothing short of professional, and was actually already acquainted with a number of Taylor's security, who had nothing but good things to say about the man when she enquired with them before hiring him.

She stepped out of the black SUV, heels clicking assertively against the pavement, and scanned the bustling crowd. Despite the chaos inherent to any major airport, her attention immediately found Georgie. 

Georgie's eyes met Leia's, and the singer was sure that their parents back in Scotland would have been able to hear the squeal that left her sister's mouth as she sprinted with her bags in hand towards their car.

"Leia!" Georgie's voice rang with pure delight, her arms thrown wide open in anticipation.

"Georgie!" Leia called out as she closed the gap with a few eager strides, her heart swelling with the sight of her younger sibling.

"Look at you, taking the Big Apple by storm," Georgie teased, pulling back just enough to take in Leia's ensemble - a harmonious blend of street-style and comfy clothing. Leia rolled her eyes, shoving her shoulder as she went to reach for Georgie's bags on the ground.

Leia's gaze followed Georgie as she turned, her eyes catching on the towering figure emerging from the driver's side. Azul moved with a quiet efficiency that belied his size, his hands reaching for Georgie's luggage before Leia could step forward to assist.

"Who's this?" Georgie's brow furrowed inquisitively, her head tilting like an intrigued sparrow.

"This is Azul, my new security guard," Leia introduced, watching as the faintest ripple of surprise crossed Georgie's features. The world of fame was still fresh and unnerving, more so for Georgie who only saw snippets when she visited her sister.

"Does his name mean 'Blue'...?" Georgie ventured, the corners of her lips twitching upwards, teasing out the lightness amidst the surreal.

"Exactly right," Azul chuckled, the sound rich and easy, diffusing any lingering tension. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes, though - a clear sign of his ever-present vigilance. He swept over their heads with his eyes before nodding and closing the car trunk. Without another word, he slid back behind the wheel, leaving Leia and Georgie to their reunion.

"Not a big talker?"

"He'll grow on you," Leia murmured before a loud bark broke through the reunion. Tate was perched on the back seat, his tail wagging a frenetic rhythm against the leather upholstery as he pressed his snout against the window on the car door.

"Tate!" Georgie squealed, the sound mingling with the dog's excited yips. She scrambled into the SUV, a wide grin on her lips as she abandoned her sister. Tate's joyous leaps welcomed her, paws dancing across her lap as she enveloped him in an embrace that spoke volumes of missed walks and whispered secrets.

Leia climbed in behind Georgie, laughing as she shut the door and nodded to Azul to show that they were good to go.

"Of course, I brought him," Leia said, her voice a melody of shared affection as she watched them. "He's part of the family, after all."

"Does he like the travelling?" 

"He's... indifferent," Leia admitted, although she didn't want to tell Georgie that they'd been flying private when travelling with Tate as Leia didn't have the heart to put him in cargo as he was too large for most airlines.

Georgie's laughter bubbled up, harmonising with Tate's contented whines.

Leia settled into the contours of her seat, feeling the thrum of the engine beneath her like a promise of the night to come. The energy of New York City was infectious, even from miles away.

"Are you stoked for Gigi's show tonight?" Georgie's voice cut through Leia's reverie.

"Absolutely," Leia replied, turning to offer her sister a matching grin. "Gigi insisted on picking out my outfit for it, too."

Tate, somehow sensing the shift in conversation, settled down with his chin resting on Georgie's knee, his brown eyes watching the sisters with a contented gaze.

"Hey," Georgie began again, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper, as though she were about to divulge a secret. "Do you think... will I get to meet Taylor this trip?"

Leia hesitated, her lips parting slightly as she considered her response.

"Taylor's not coming to the fashion show," she said at last, her tone tinged with a note of apology as she tried to bite back annoyance at their argument that morning. "She isn't... feeling that great."

"But," Leia continued, capturing her sister's momentarily crestfallen expression with a gentle reassurance, "there might be another time while we're here. You know how it is—schedules are crazy."

"Totally get it," Georgie nodded, her disappointment ebbing away as understanding took its place. "Just being here with you is cool enough."

Leia reached over, squeezing Georgie's hand.

"Let's just soak up every moment, okay?" Leia suggested, her thoughts already turning to the night ahead. "Watching our first fashion show together... how cool is that?"

"So fucking cool." Georgie's affirmative was underscored by the warmth in her eyes.

"Language," Leia joked, but Georgie just flipped her finger at her in return. Leia smiled, noticing how Azul's lips even twitched from the front seat. He was warming up to her, and despite her telling him that he was okay to laugh and join in with conversation, she knew it would take a while for him to ever cross that boundary.

Leia leaned back in her seat, her gaze flitting from the buildings to Georgie's profile.

"Georgie," Leia said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "Before we get swept up in all the madness, we need to talk about Taylor."

Georgie turned, her eyebrows arched in interest. "Yeah?"

"There are some rules, okay? For if - when, you meet her." The words felt odd on Leia's tongue, but necessary.

"Rules?" Georgie's tone was playful, but she nodded, signaling for Leia to go on.

"Firstly, no screaming. She's just a person, like you and me." Leia kept her voice gentle yet firm.

"Got it. No fangirling." Georgie made a zipping motion over her lips. "Besides, I didn't scream last time so..."

"Second, don't bring up any drama or press stuff. You know how invasive they can be, and we don't want to stress her out more than she already is."

"Understood," Georgie replied, her expression growing serious as she realised that Leia wasn't actually joking about there being rules.

"Third, absolutely no insensitive questions, or badgering her for inside scoops of anything," Leia's brow creased slightly, knowing how curious Georgie could be. "Don't ask about former boyfriends, don't ask about new music and don't ask about me and her."

"Promise, I'll be cool," Georgie assured her, adding a solemn nod.

"On that note, number four - what happens between us, stays with us. No mentioning of Taylor and me being together outside of the apartment walls, especially if there's anyone else around." Leia's voice was a whisper now, a delicate thread of vulnerability weaving through the words. 

She knew that Azul knew that her and Taylor were... closer... that normal friends, but she still felt like she needed to be gentle with the information.

"And lastly," Leia continued, locking eyes with Georgie, "no photos or videos at any time. Taylor's privacy is paramount, you know?"

"Leia, I get it," Georgie said, her voice tinged with warmth. "No pictures. No videos. Your secret's safe with me."

"Thank you, Georgie," Leia breathed out, the tension in her shoulders easing.

Leia's gaze flitted between the reflection of her sister's eager face in the window and the towering buildings that heralded their approach to New York City.

"Imagine Gigi strutting down the runway," Georgie mused, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "She's going to own it, isn't she?"

"Absolutely," Leia replied, her lips curving into a proud smile. The thought of her friend conquering the catwalk brought a surge of excitement. "Cara and Martha will be there too. Honestly, I have no idea who else might show up."

"Doesn't matter. Just being on the guest list feels like winning the lottery." Georgie's grin widened, mirroring the infectious enthusiasm that seemed to radiate from the very streets they were driving towards.

Leia chuckled, caught up in the whirlwind of her sister's delight. Yet, as the vehicle wove through traffic, inching ever closer to the heart of the city, a contemplative silence began to settle over her.

"Hey," Georgie said suddenly, peering at her sister with curious eyes, "have you ever thought about making this permanent? Like, actually renting a place in New York instead of going back and forth from LA?"

"Oddly enough, I was contemplating that very thing before I picked you up," Leia admitted, the words tumbling out almost in sync with the patter of her heart. "There's something about this city..."

"Well," Georgie began, twisting a strand of her hair around her finger, a nervous habit from childhood, "I've been offered a place at Columbia."

Leia turned towards her sister, shock and pride reflecting on her gaze as she let out a delighted laugh.

"That's incredible, Georgie!"

Chewing on her bottom lip, Georgie nodded. "But... I'm not sure I can swing both tuition and rent. It's a lot, you know? Mum and Dad can only help so much..."

"Don't be stupid," Leia said softly, yet firmly, her words wrapped in the warmth of sisterly love. "I'll help with tuition. You know I've got money coming in with the music and brand deals, and there's no way I'm going to let money stand in the way of your dreams."

Georgie's eyes widened, shimmering with unshed tears and gratitude. "Leia, I can't ask you to do that—"

"Too late, I'm offering," Leia cut her off, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "Family supports family, always. And besides," she added, her gaze turning back to the window, where the city beckoned with its siren call, "having you here would just be the anchor I need if I decide to stay. I'll rent a place, and you can stay with me - or you can obviously stay in the dorms if you'd rather."

Georgie leaned in, wrapping her arms around Leia in a tight embrace that spoke volumes of the bond they shared, one forged in childhood and strengthened by each challenge they faced together.

"With you potentially moving here for college, it might make sense for me to rent a place in NYC rather than going back to LA all the time."

"Plus," Georgie added with a playful nudge, "you'll get to see more of that dazzling city life you sing about."

With each block they crossed, the question wove itself deeper into the fabric of Leia's mind.

"Whatever you decide," Georgie said, squeezing her hand, "I'm just glad we're doing this together."

"Me too, Georgie. Me too."

And as the car turned a corner, casting their gazes onto the bright patchwork of billboards and neon signs, Leia couldn't help but feel that perhaps the city wasn't just calling out to her—it was welcoming her home.

____

"Hey, for your eyes," Leia murmured as she leaned around Cara and Camila, passing Georgie a pair of sunglasses from her purse. Georgie looked at her in confusion, but the rest of the women in the car just smiled at her. "We're used to the paparazzi, but it can be a bit much at first. Believe me, it'll help."

Georgie nodded, slipping them on to her eyes as she squeezed Leia's hand and leaned back on the leather seats. She had been quite glad when Camila had text Leia let her know that she was also attending tonight, and Leia had invited her round to the rental without a second thought.

Not that Georgie wanted to admit it to Leia, but it was nice that Camila was the same age as her. She loved being around her older sister and her friends but it was hard sometimes to relate to them - not only were they miles apart in lifestyles but they had life experiences that she was nowhere near ever reaching. Camila, however, was much more like herself.

Leia was also glad when Camila had said she was coming, as she knew that Leia enjoyed her company. She liked seeing her sister have a friendship that felt normal - despite the fame and fortune that dangled between them all.

"Is Martha here yet?" Leia asked, her fingers lightly brushing over the braids in her hair that Cara had done for her that afternoon. Leia was sporting matching ones - and since Gigi had paired them in similar outfits, Leia knew the that press would have a great day making 'twin' comments despite their age difference.

"Almost," Cara replied, typing away on her phone. Her eyes widened for a second before she locked it, trying to avoid Leia from seeing the message that Martha had sent.

"What was that?"

"What?"

"You just reacted weirdly to that text," Leia continued, her voice low so that it didn't interrupt Camila and Georgie's conversation. "I'm not stupid."

"Don't worry about it," Cara brushed her off, looking around and pointing outside the window of the SUV. "Oh look, we're here!"

The car slowed to a stop in front of the promenade, the glowing marquee of the circus themed catwalk glistening with colourful lights in the distance, and the sounds of muffled excitement seeping through the tinted windows.

Leia felt her heart race with anticipation, her hand instinctively reaching for her sister's as they prepared to step out into the sea of flashing cameras and eager fans.

The moment they emerged from the car, the energy of the crowd washed over them like a wave. Flashbulbs popped relentlessly, illuminating their faces in quick bursts of light.

"I get the sunglasses now," Georgie yelled out, but Leia barely heard her over the excitement of the press. 

Leia couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline as she stepped onto the make-shift red carpet with her friends by her side. The swirling chaos of photographers jostling for the best shot, fans cheering their names, and the pulsating energy of the event was both thrilling and overwhelming.

As they posed together for photos, Leia's mind couldn't shake off the strange way Cara had reacted to the text message Martha had sent her. She couldn't decipher what was up but chose to push it aside for the time being, focusing on the spectacle before her. The vibrant lights of the catwalk illuminated the night sky, casting a surreal glow over everything and everyone.

Camila and Georgie were not far off, also basking in the attention of the media. Their smiles were wide, their laughter contagious as they struck playful poses for the cameras. Leia couldn't help but smile at their antics, grateful for their friendship in such a chaotic world.

After what seemed like an eternity of flashing lights and hurried conversations with reporters, they finally made their way to their seats at the side of the outside catwalk. 

Leia was impressed - they'd basically transformed the entire South Street Seaport into what she had been told by Riven was being dubbed "Tommy Pier". He'd sent her a voice note earlier that day explaining the entire vibes incase someone asked her about it, and had even warned her there was a pop-up tattoo parlour and to make sure that Georgie stayed clear of that.

She stole a glance at Cara, who seemed preoccupied with something on her phone. Before she could inquire further, Cara swiftly pocketed her phone and turned to Leia with a bright smile plastered on her face.

"Isn't this amazing?" Cara exclaimed, gesturing towards the bustling crowd and the dazzling set-up before them as the four of them took their seats. "I can't wait to see Gigi!"

"What was that?" Leia's voice was filled with curiosity as she motioned to how Cara had once again been staring at her phone with a strange look. "That's twice now."

"Oh, just Martha checking in. Nothing important. She'll be here any minute now."

Leia bit her tongue as she held herself back from noting that Cara was never this nervous to see Martha usually. Something wasn't quite right, but she didn't want to press further. They were minutes away from the show actually beginning, and Leia was surprised that Martha was running this late. 

Usually, the blonde model was always on time - especially to things like fashion shows. She knew the importance of being seated before it started more than most of them.

Before her thoughts could get too wrapped up on the 'what ifs', Leia felt a light tap on her shoulder. 

"Is this seat taken?"

Taylor Swift gracefully slid into the space between Leia and Cara, a warm smile adorning her face as Cara scooted up to make room for her. Leia couldn't contain her surprise, as she stared wide-eyed at the woman who had sworn to her that morning that there was no chance she would be attending. The dim lights of the arena cast a glow on Taylor's features, highlighting her sparkling eyes and radiant presence.

Martha smiled as she slipped into the space beside Cara, greeting the girl and instantly launching into a conversation. Leia was still blinking at Taylor, her mouth open as she was genuinely floored at her presence.

"Tay," she breathed, taking a second to compose herself before she realised others around them would catch on to the way she was looking at her friend. "You came."

"I think I just needed reminding that some things are too important to miss," Taylor mused as she squeezed Leia's hand for a second, turning her head to look at the others. 

Taylor's presence sent a ripple of excitement through the surrounding crowd, whispers and gasps filling the air as people stole glances at the superstar in their midst. Leia watched in amazement as Taylor's aura seemed to light up the space around them, her mere presence commanding attention.

She felt a surge of protectiveness towards Taylor, knowing how overwhelming such scrutiny could be even for someone as seasoned as her friend. Leia leaned in closer to Taylor, her voice barely above a whisper amidst the mounting anticipation.

"Don't pay them any mind. Just focus on being here with me, okay?"

"Well, I guess my reputation precedes me. Can't really blame them for being a little star-struck." Taylor chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners in amusement.

The crowd's chatter slowly faded into the background as Leia and Taylor shared a moment of solidarity, their eyes staring deeply into each others before Cara leaned forward from beside Taylor and inserted herself into the conversation.

"You're looking into each other's eyes for too long, so pretend I've just said something funny," she murmured behind her hand, reminding them both of where they were. Taylor and Leia snapped out of it, laughing nervously and both thanking her for interrupting any pending rumours.

As the surrounding lights dimmed and the music started, Leia couldn't help but find that her eyes were focused on Taylor more than the models that were walking past them. She really only broke her side glances at the blonde for Gigi's walk, the model grinning widely as she noticed the blonde popstar that was standing beside Leia.

Taylor knew from Gigi's look that Leia had been right - being here, supporting her friend... it was worth whatever the press had to say tomorrow.