the chapter you've all been waiting for :)

.

.

.

Georgie grinned at Leia as they all stood up, cheering for Gigi and the rest of the models as the show drew to a close. She was so glad that her sister had invited her, and seeing this side of her new life was certainly something that Georgie would never get used to - in a good way.

"Hey," Georgie said as she grasped Leia's elbow as they all began to head back to where their cars were all waiting. "Camila has invited everyone else back to where she's staying... can I go?"

Leia cast a glance over her shoulder at Taylor who was saying her goodbyes to someone else that she had run into as they were leaving the event, knowing that the blonde was not planning on going back to Camila's like the rest of them.

"Yeah, sure," Leia agreed, noticing the huge grins that spread across Camila and Georgie's face at the news. She reached into her purse, moving her hand around before pulling out a small card and passing it to Georgie with a serious look on her face. "If you need anything, and you can't get a hold of me, call Azul please."

"You're not coming?" Cara interrupted, her arm wrapped around Martha's shoulders as the two looked back at her in surprise. Leia shrugged, her eyes drifting back to where Taylor was beginning to walk back towards them.

"Nah, I think I'm going to make sure that Taylor gets home okay."

Cara snorted straight away, trying to hold from full on laughing at the way the girl was looking at their other friend - especially in front of so many others. She knew that her and Taylor had no chance of avoiding dating rumours if they both kept this up.

"Ah yes," Cara teased, the others all smiling as they followed her train of thought. "Big famous Superstar Taylor Swift, with her multi-million dollar private security team with military backgrounds, needs Leia Hudson to make sure she gets home safely..."

The group all burst into loud laughter as Leia flushed red, realising that they were making an excellent point. She rolled her eyes as Taylor rejoined them all, looking around in amusement as they all seemed to laugh at something that had caused Leia to blush.

"Shut the fuck up," Leia barked at Cara, before turning to Taylor with a soft smile on her face. "The others are going to go back to Camila's, but I thought I'd make sure you got back okay?"

"I'd appreciate that, thank you," she replied softly, her eyes betraying a hint of exhaustion beneath the glittering facade. As the group began to disperse towards their respective cars, Taylor linked her arm with Leia's, the simple gesture providing an unspoken sense of comfort and reassurance.

To the rest of the crowd, they looked like close friends. To those that knew more than the crowd, they knew different.

Leia guided Taylor through the throngs of people, shielding her from prying eyes and flashing cameras as they made their way to Taylor's waiting car. The night air was cool against their skin, a welcome contrast to the heated atmosphere of the fashion show they had just left behind.

Once they were safely inside the car, Taylor let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly as the weight of the night seemed to settle upon her. Leia watched her friend closely, her heart aching at the vulnerability she could see in Taylor's eyes.

"Are you okay?" Leia asked softly, reaching out to grasp Taylor's hand in hers. Taylor turned to look at her, her gaze searching Leia's face for a moment before she offered a small nod.

"I will be," Taylor replied with a weary smile. 

"Thank you for coming tonight. I know these events can be overwhelming."

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything, well... I almost did, but you know what I mean," Taylor gave her a genuine smile, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotions. "And having you with me made it all the more special."

They sat in a comfortable silence, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sigh from Taylor. Leia's mind was filled with questions she wanted to ask, words she longed to say, but she held back, sensing that Taylor needed this quiet moment to unwind.

The soft glow of streetlights painted their faces in muted hues as they sat in a comfortable silence, the tension of the night slowly fading away. The way the streetlights illuminated Taylor's features, casting soft shadows across her face, made Leia's heart flutter.

For a brief moment, Leia found herself lost in contemplation, her mind drifting to uncharted territories where she allowed herself to imagine a future where they didn't have to hide their true selves from the world. Where this wouldn't be some top secret drive back, but rather two girls just tired from a night of fun and going back to the apartment.

"What you thinking about over there?" Taylor murmured, gently squeezing Leia's hand in the back of the car. Leia flickered her eyes from the window to Taylor instead, her cheeks heating up a little as she realised that Taylor had realised she was getting lost in her own thoughts.

"New York," Leia hummed, a soft smile twitching the edges of her lips upwards as she looked at the blonde. "Georgie got offered a place at Columbia... and I think I might move here from LA to be closer to her."

"Wow," Taylor breathed, surprise prominent on her face at the news. She smiled widely back at Leia as she processed what she had said, trying to act like her delight was simply on Georgie's behalf. "That's amazing for Georgie! She must be so pleased!"

As Leia spoke about her sister's new opportunity, Taylor couldn't help but feel a knot tighten in her stomach at the thought of Leia moving across the country and into her city. Her smile remained fixed on her face, but inside, a whirlwind of emotions churned.

"That's incredible news for Georgie," Taylor replied, still smiling, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of personal hope that Leia almost caught. "I'm sure she'll love it here in New York."

In that moment, Leia felt a rush of courage swell within her, pushing her to take a leap she had been too afraid to consider before.

"I was actually thinking... what if I moved here not just for Georgie, but for... myself too?" Leia's voice trailed off, uncertainty creeping into her words as she laid bare the vulnerability she had kept hidden for so long. Taylor's expression shifted, a flicker of realization crossing her features before she composed herself.

"That would be amazing, Leia. New York is an incredible city, and having you closer would be... great," Taylor's words faltered slightly, a hint of nervousness betraying her usual composed demeanour. "Where would you go?"

"Where would you recommend?"

"I rent a place on Cornelia Street..." Taylor half-joked, half-flirted before she turned a little bit more serious and shrugged passively. "I'm only in Cornelia Street while we renovate the Franklin Street apartment - but the area really is great."

"I want to be closer to you, Taylor. I want to be able to see you more often without having to worry about schedules and distance," Leia confessed, her heart pounding in her chest as she laid bare her feelings for the first time. Taylor's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in surprise before a smile broke out on her face. "It's not just for you, obviously, but I don't want to waste time here Taylor and pretend I'm not all in."

"That... that would be incredible," Taylor whispered.

Leia sensed a shift in the atmosphere, a weight settling between them that hadn't been there before. The unspoken words lingered in the air, thick and heavy with meaning. She could feel Taylor's gaze on her, as if waiting for something more to be said.

As they neared Taylor's apartment building, Leia finally spoke, breaking the stillness that had settled between them. 

"I can come in... if you want," she offered quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. Taylor turned to look at her, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and exhaustion.

"Yeah, I think I'd like that."

_____

The sound of the door clicking shut behind them reverberated through the apartment, marking the entrance of Taylor and Leia. Leia was sure that she just managed to catch sight of one of the cats dashing into another room, but she just chuckled and moved on.

"Here, let me take your jacket," Taylor said, extending her arm towards Leia as she shrugged off her own coat.

"Thanks." Leia handed it over, balancing herself on one foot as she bent down to remove her heels. For a moment, Taylor admired the graceful curve of Leia's back, the way her dark hair cascaded in waves as she leaned forward.

"Your feet must be killing you," Taylor observed, empathy seeping into her voice. 

"Ugh, don't remind me," Leia groaned, wincing as she massaged her sore arches. "I didn't think a night of sitting down and watching other people walk in heels could be so exhausting."

"Tell me about it," Taylor commiserated with a knowing smile. "Why don't you relax while I hang up our jackets? There's some red wine decanting in the kitchen if you'd like a glass."

Leia raised an eyebrow at Taylor, a hint of amusement sparkling in her eyes.

"Almost like you were expecting company tonight, huh?"

"Maybe," Taylor admitted with a coy grin. It wasn't every day that she invited someone into her private sanctuary, but there was something about Leia that made her feel comfortable enough to do so. 

When she'd called Martha last minute and told her that she was going to come, Taylor had a gut feeling that Leia would somehow end up back here - although whether it was by herself or with the rest of their friends, Taylor hadn't been sure. 

As Taylor disappeared down the hallway to hang up their jackets, Leia couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest. This felt... different.

"Go ahead and pour us some wine," Taylor called from the hallway. "I'll be right back!"

"Sounds like a plan," Leia replied, already making her way towards the kitchen. 

Considering she'd only been in the apartment that morning, Leia was surprised to see that Taylor had seemingly done a deep re-arranging of the kitchen appliances. She could see pots in different places, and the wine decanter on the kitchen island was certainly new.

Leia poured herself and Taylor a glass of the rich red wine, the scent filling her senses as she swirled it gently in the glass. As Taylor walked back into the kitchen, Leia noticed that she had taken off her heels, now barefoot and looking even more at home in her own space.

"By the way," Leia said with a flirty smile, "I hadn't had the chance to tell you how amazing you looked this evening."

Taylor rolled her eyes playfully but thanked her, moving so that they were standing hip to hip against the kitchen island. She was touched by the compliment, but also slightly embarrassed by the attention.

"Is the wine to your liking?" she asked, trying to divert the conversation.

Leia just laughed, taking a small sip of the wine before answering.

"It's delicious, thank you. But honestly, I find it funny that we always seem to end up having small talk in the kitchen, no matter where we are."

"What's funny about that?" Taylor asked, genuinely curious.

"I don't know," Leia admitted, taking another sip of her wine. "Maybe it's just... like becoming our  thing."

Taylor couldn't help but smile at the thought of them having their "thing". Sharing something that was uniquely theirs, a safe haven from the rest of the world. And for the first time in a long while, Taylor allowed herself to entertain the idea that maybe, just maybe, she could have the kind of meaningful relationship she had always secretly yearned for.

"Alright," Taylor said, breaking the silence between them. "If you're tired of small talk, then what would you rather discuss?" She raised an eyebrow, challenging Leia to dive deeper into their conversation.

Leia hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Taylor's lips before finally making a decision.

"Actually," she said softly, setting her wine glass down on the counter with a quiet clink, "I'd rather not talk at all right now."

As the words left her mouth, Leia closed the distance between them with a few measured steps, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out, gently cupping Taylor's face in her hands, feeling the heat of the other woman's skin beneath her fingertips. Her breath hitched as she awaited Taylor's reaction, praying that she hadn't misread the situation.

Taylor's eyes widened in surprise, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she held Leia's gaze as if searching for a hidden truth. And when she found it - when she saw the raw honesty, the vulnerability that Leia laid bare before her - she allowed herself to be pulled into the moment, giving in to the magnetic force that drew them together.

Their lips met in a tender, exploratory kiss, full of unspoken emotions and shared longing.

Moonlight filtered through the kitchen window, casting a silvery glow on the countertops as Taylor hummed softly against Leia's lips. Their kiss deepened, a dance of passion and tenderness that set their hearts racing in tandem.

With a smooth motion, Taylor placed her wine glass on the counter, her free hand instinctively finding its way into Leia's hair, fingers gently combing through the soft strands.

"Stay close," Taylor breathed into Leia's ear, her voice low and enticing. She felt Leia press closer, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle finally finding their match. Leia's hips pinned Taylor against the kitchen island.

"Always," Leia murmured in response, her eyes locked onto Taylor's. Their lips met again, the kiss a delicate balance between passion and love, a testament to the growing bond between them.

 "Taylor," Leia whispered, sensing a shift in Taylor. "Talk to me. What are you thinking?"

"Nothing," Taylor replied, her voice barely audible. "It's just...this feels special, somehow."

"Because it is," Leia said, her gaze never wavering from Taylor's face.

"Is it enough, though?" Taylor asked, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "Can we really make this work?"

"I don't know," Leia admitted, her own fear and uncertainty mirrored in her eyes. "But I do know that I'm willing to try, for us. And I think you are too."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Taylor's eyes as she pulled away, her cheeks flushed and lips swollen from their passionate exchange. Leia could see the myriad emotions swirling within her gaze – desire, vulnerability, and something deeper that made her heart race with anticipation.

"Leia," Taylor whispered, the warmth of her breath ghosting across Leia's lips. Her eyes were wide and searching, as if seeking permission to continue down this path they'd started upon.

"Taylor," Leia murmured back, a silent affirmation that she was right there with her.

As their lips met once more, the urgency between them only grew stronger. Taylor's hands slipped from Leia's neck, her fingers trailing fire along Leia's skin as they traveled down her body, pulling her closer until there was no space left between them. The sensation sent shivers rippling through Leia, her heart pounding in time with Taylor's own frantic rhythm.

"Leia," Taylor gasped out, unable to contain the moan that escaped her as Leia's hand slid under her sweater-style top. Her fingertips danced along Taylor's ribcage, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

"Taylor," Leia whispered, this time her voice laced with determination. "I want this – I want you."

"Leia," Taylor breathed, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Are you sure? Because once we cross this line, there's no going back."

Leia didn't hesitate. "I've never been more certain about anything in my life."

Their lips parted, a shimmering thread of desire connecting them for a brief moment before it vanished into the charged air between them. Leia's eyes fluttered shut as she rested her forehead against Taylor's, savoring the warmth of her skin and the intimacy of their closeness.

"Leia," Taylor whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You should go."

Wait, what? Leia thought, her eyes snapping open as she leaned back to look at Taylor. The words were like a cold splash of water, extinguishing the fire that had been building within Leia.

"Go? But why?" Leia's voice cracked, revealing the hurt that lay just beneath the surface.

"Because... I can't do this." Taylor's eyes were glassy, filled with a sadness Leia couldn't comprehend. "I'm sorry, I just... I can't."

"Taylor, what happened?" Leia tried to keep her voice steady, fighting the urge to reach out and hold her tight. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Taylor said quickly, shaking her head. "No, you didn't do anything wrong. It's me. I'm the one who's messed up."

"Then let me help you." Leia's heart ached for the woman standing before her, so close and yet somehow still out of reach.

Taylor's gaze held Leia's for a long moment, an unspoken battle being waged within the depths of her blue eyes. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, it was over.

"Please, just go," Taylor repeated, her voice barely more than a whisper. 

Leia hesitated, torn between her desire to stay and her fear of pushing Taylor further away. The sound of their breathing filled the small kitchen, each exhale heavy with a mixture of desire and uncertainty. Leia watched as Taylor's eyes darted around the room, avoiding her own gaze as if it held the power to break her.

"Taylor, talk to me," Leia implored softly, one hand reaching out to touch Taylor's arm. "What's going on?"

"Leia, I told you, I don't want to talk about it." Taylor's voice was tense, her body rigid beneath Leia's touch. "You should leave."

The clink of wine glasses punctuated the tense atmosphere in Taylor's apartment as she tried, unsuccessfully, to ignore Leia's questions by picking up the wine glasses and moving towards the sink. She busied herself with cleaning up, her hands shaking ever so slightly. 

"Taylor," she said, her voice soft yet insistent, "just talk to me. I can't help if I don't know what's wrong."

"Leia," Taylor snapped, finally losing her patience. She spun around, anger flickering in her eyes like a storm cloud on the horizon. "You don't know what you're signing yourself up for! You need to leave before you're trapped!"

"Trapped?" Leia scoffed, her eyes widening with disbelief. She took a step closer to Taylor, her resolve hardening. "I don't feel trapped at all, Taylor. In fact, I've never been more sure about my own choices."

"Trust me," Taylor warned, her voice tight, "the feeling will pass. And when it does, you'll realize that being in my life is only going to ruin yours."

Leia could see the fear behind Taylor's words, the vulnerability cloaked beneath layers of self-doubt and apprehension.

"Taylor," Leia said quietly, her gaze never leaving the international pop star's troubled eyes, "do you really believe that?"

"Look at everything I've been through," Taylor replied, her voice cracking under the weight of unspoken memories. "All the heartbreaks and scandals, the constant scrutiny... I don't want you to get caught in the crossfire."

Leia laughed, but there was nothing funny between them.

"Haven't we already been through this today, Tay? I don't care!"

"You're being stubborn and naïve, Leia. I don't deserve you, and we both know it."

"Stop it," Leia shot back, exasperated by Taylor's self-deprecation. She refused to allow Taylor to discredit their connection. Closing the distance between them, Leia took Taylor's hands in hers, feeling the warmth of their intertwined fingers. "I don't understand why you're suddenly pulling away from me like this."

Taylor swallowed hard, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape route. But there was no escaping the truth, the raw emotion that threatened to consume her.

"You can't just cut me off because-"

"Damn it, Leia!" Taylor yelled, startling them both with the force of her words. "I think I'm fucking falling in love with you, okay!"

The world seemed to freeze in that moment, the air between them charged with revelation. Taylor's anger radiated off her like heat from a fire, but Leia stood rooted in place, her heart pounding in her chest as shock washed over her.

Leia's mind raced, struggling to process the magnitude of Taylor's declaration. She'd felt the sparks between them, the magnetic pull that drew them closer despite the risks, but to hear Taylor say those three little words – it changed everything.

The tension in the room was palpable, like a physical wall between them. Taylor's knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the countertop, trying to steady herself. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to confront the truth that hung in the air between them.

"I love you, Leia," Taylor repeated, her voice barely more than a whisper before breaking into a humourless laugh, tears spilling over her eyes. "Isn't that just the worst thing you've ever heard?"

"No, Taylor," Leia murmured, her voice thick with emotion as Taylor turned to look at her. "It might just be the best thing I've ever heard."

With determination etched on her face, Leia stepped around the kitchen island, closing the distance between them. The clink of glass on the counter punctuated her movements as she set down her wine glass and reached for Taylor. Their hands met, fingers intertwining with a sense of familiarity and newfound purpose.

"Leia," Taylor breathed, her voice thick with emotion.

"Taylor," Leia whispered back, their gazes locked.

And then, in a sudden burst of passion, they were kissing again – harder this time, more desperate, as if trying to pour all the love and longing that had been pent up inside them into each other. Their hands roamed over one another, fingers grasping at clothing and skin, seeking to bridge the gap between them.

"God, I need you," Leia panted against Taylor's lips, her hands slipping beneath the hem of Taylor's sweater. Taylor shivered at the touch, her heart pounding in her chest as she allowed Leia to lift the fabric up and over her head.

"Leia," she moaned as Leia's lips trailed hot, fierce kisses down her neck. Taylor's head fell back, exposing the pale column of her throat to Leia's eager mouth. The sensation sent a shiver down Taylor's spine, making her feel more alive than she ever had before.

"Look at me," Taylor gasped, her fingers curling around Leia's chin to guide her gaze upward. Their eyes met once more, fiery with passion and love. "I need to know you're sure about this."

"Taylor," Leia murmured, her breath warm against Taylor's cheek. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

With their passion escalating, Taylor's fingers found the hem of Leia's tennis dress, deftly tugging at it. Leia responded by raising her arms, allowing Taylor to slip the garment over her head. It fell to the floor, leaving Leia standing in just her underwear in the dimly lit kitchen.

"God, you're beautiful," Taylor whispered against Leia's lips, her hands roaming across the smooth planes of Leia's exposed skin.

"Taylor," Leia breathed, her voice husky with desire as she pressed herself closer. "I want this. I want you."

"Wait," Taylor suddenly said, pulling back from Leia's embrace. Her eyes were wide and conflicted, filled with a mix of fear and longing. "We can't do this."

Leia's heart clenched, fearing that Taylor was pushing her away once more. She nodded, respecting the boundary that had been set – but her chest tightened with disappointment.

"Let me clarify," Taylor continued quickly, sensing Leia's confusion. A small smile graced her lips, the tension dissipating slightly. "I don't mean we can't... I just mean... our first time together shouldn't be in my kitchen, of all places. You deserve better than that."

Leia felt relief wash over her, her heart swelling with love for the woman before her.

Taking Leia's hand in hers, Taylor led her through the apartment, their bare feet padding silently on the cool hardwood floor as they navigated the darkened space. As they approached the bedroom, Taylor hesitated, her grip on Leia's hand tightening.

"Tay?" Leia breathed, just as they reached the room. Taylor looked back at her, the dim light casting a glow on her face.

"Yeah?"

"I love you, too."