Sunlight slanted through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Leia's face. Her eyelids fluttered open, the late morning light rousing her gently. As her vision focused, she became aware of the warm body pressed against her side.

Taylor lay beside her, still sleeping peacefully, her blonde hair fanned out in golden waves across the pillow. Leia's heart swelled with affection at the sight. Careful not to disturb her, Leia turned on her side to admire Taylor's sleeping form, taking in the soft curves of her face and the rise and fall of her chest.

As if sensing Leia's gaze, Taylor began to stir. Her blue eyes opened, blinking away the remnants of sleep before finding Leia's. A slow, lazy smile stretched across her lips.

"Good morning, beautiful," Taylor murmured, her voice raspy from sleep.

Leia returned the smile, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from Taylor's face. "Morning, sleepyhead."

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Taylor suddenly rolled over, swinging a leg across Leia to straddle her hips. Leia's hands instinctively went to Taylor's waist, her fingers skimming over the delicate lace of her navy lingerie.

Leia let out a surprised laugh. "Someone's feeling frisky this morning." 

Taylor leaned down, her face hovering just inches from Leia's. "Can you blame me? Waking up next to the most gorgeous girl in the world..."

Her words trailed off as she closed the distance, capturing Leia's lips in a deep, languid kiss. Leia melted into it, savoring the softness of Taylor's mouth moving against hers. Her hands slid up Taylor's sides, relishing the feeling of warm skin and lace.

After a long moment, Taylor pulled back, gazing down at Leia with an adoring smile. Then she rolled off, nestling into Leia's side and draping a leg over hers. Leia wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

They lay like that, their limbs intertwined, basking in the simple pleasure of being together. No photographers, no flashbulbs, no prying eyes - just the two of them, cocooned in a bubble of pure contentment.

Leia wished they could stay like this forever, shutting out the rest of the world and its expectations. In these stolen moments, she could almost believe they were just two ordinary girls in love, with no fame or tabloids to complicate things.

But she knew it was only a temporary reprieve. Soon enough, they would have to untangle themselves and face the day - Taylor to her rehearsals, Leia to the mundane tasks that filled her life outside of these precious moments.

Leia lazily reached for her phone on the nightstand, her other arm still wrapped around Taylor. She smiled as she saw a notification from Riven. "Looks like the photos from last night are ready," she murmured, tapping the screen.

Taylor propped herself up on one elbow, peering over Leia's shoulder as she scrolled through the album.

"Oh my god, look at Georgie's face in that one!" she giggled, pointing at a shot of the younger Hudson sandwiched between their drunk parents, looking like she'd rather be anywhere else. 

Leia snorted with laughter. "Poor kid. I owe her big time for putting up with them."

She swiped to the next photo, which showed Tree lunging through the background to snatch a phone out of someone's hands.

"Whoa, Tree means business when it comes to the no-phone rule, huh?"

"You have no idea," Taylor said wryly. "I'm pretty sure she's got a sixth sense for unauthorised photos."

They kept scrolling, chuckling at the candid shots of their friends letting loose. There was a great one of Leia with Camila, Gigi, and Selena, their arms around each other and huge grins on their faces. Looking at it, Leia felt a rush of gratitude for the amazing women in her life.

But then they landed on a photo that made them both pause. It was from when Leia's parents had corralled Taylor into a group shot. The photographer had captured a moment when Leia and Taylor were looking directly at each other, the rest of the group fading into the background. 

They were clearly mid-laugh, their eyes sparkling with mirth and affection. It was such an intimate, unguarded moment - one that spoke volumes about their connection.

Leia felt her breath catch as she stared at the image. It was perfect. It was them. 

She glanced over at Taylor and saw the same emotion reflected in those blue eyes she adored. For a long moment, they just gazed at each other, the photo forgotten.

Leia's heart swelled with love and longing. She wanted nothing more than to freeze this moment, to live in it forever. No more stolen glances, no more hiding. Just the two of them, open and unashamed in their love. Someday, she promised herself. Someday the world would know.

Taylor's phone buzzed, shattering the spell. She glanced at the screen and sighed.

"Duty calls. I have rehearsals for the Grand Prix performance in less than an hour."

Leia groaned, burying her face in Taylor's neck.

"Do you have to go?" She knew she sounded petulant, but she couldn't help it. These moments with Taylor were so precious, so fleeting. She hated to see them end.

"Unfortunately, yes. But hey, this is the perfect time for you to go costume shopping. Halloween's just around the corner and I know you haven't picked anything out yet."

"What are you going as?" she asked, hoping to get some inspiration.

Taylor grinned mischievously. "Nice try, but I'm not telling. It's a surprise." She untangled herself from Leia's embrace and slid out of bed. "But I promise, it'll be worth the wait."

Leia pouted but let her go, admiring the view as Taylor sashayed towards the bathroom. Her mind was already spinning with costume ideas. Maybe she could do a couple's costume with Taylor, something subtle that only they would understand...

No, she chastised herself. That was too risky. They had to be careful, always so careful. Even something as innocent as matching costumes could spark rumours, could draw unwanted attention.

Sometimes, the weight of their secret felt like it would crush her. She wanted to shout her love from the rooftops, wanted everyone to know that this amazing woman had chosen her. But she knew Taylor wasn't ready for that, might never be ready. And Leia loved her too much to ever force her hand.

With a sigh, Leia hauled herself out of bed. Taylor was right, she needed a costume.

"So, who else is coming to the Kings of Leon concert tomorrow night?" Leia asked, trying to distract herself from her melancholy thoughts.

Taylor paused in the doorway of the bathroom, her face lighting up.

"Oh, it's going to be amazing! I talked to the others, and we're all wearing black. It'll be like our own little rock star squad."

Leia grinned at her enthusiasm. "Sounds perfect. Remind me again who's all going?"

"Let's see..." Taylor tapped a finger against her chin. "There's Dakota - yes, Johnson - Cara, Ella, Zoë, Suki, Lily... Donaldson but also Aldridge, of course, and Martha Hunt. Oh, and you and me."

Leia's heart lifted at the mention of Cara. She loved all of Taylor's friends, but Cara was always so easy to talk to. She had a way of making Leia feel included, even when she felt like she was on the fringes of their glamorous world.

"I'm so glad Cara's coming," Leia said, unable to keep the relief from her voice. "I mean, I love Martha, but..."

"But it's easier with Cara," Taylor finished for her, understanding in her eyes. "I know, babe. That's why I made sure she could make it."

Leia's heart swelled with love for this woman who knew her so well, who always seemed to anticipate her needs. "You're the best, you know that?"

Taylor winked at her. "I do try."

She disappeared into the bathroom, leaving Leia to her thoughts. She pictured the group of them, all in black, moving through the crowd like a pack of sleek predators. She imagined the photos that would inevitably surface, the speculation that would follow.

Would people notice how she gravitated towards Taylor? Would they see the longing in her eyes, the way her body leaned into Taylor's as if pulled by a magnet? Would it be so bad if they did?

She shook her head, dispelling the worries. She couldn't think like that. Tomorrow night was about the music, about spending time with friends. She refused to let her fears taint that.

"You're not planning on stealing my spotlight tomorrow night, are you?" Taylor teased, sauntering over to where Leia sat on the bed.

Leia laughed, the sound bright and carefree. "Wouldn't dream of it, superstar. I know my place."

"Oh, I don't know about that," Taylor murmured, leaning down to brush her lips against Leia's ear. "I have a feeling you're going to be turning quite a few heads at the concert. Maybe even mine."

"What are you up to, Swift?" she asked, her voice low and playful. Leia shivered, her skin prickling with anticipation.

Taylor straightened, a secretive smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You'll see. Just be ready for a night you won't forget."

With that cryptic promise, she turned to gather her things, leaving Leia's mind reeling with possibilities. What did Taylor have planned? A private moment stolen away from prying eyes? A public display of affection, consequences be damned? 

Leia shook the thought out of her head. She knew their relationship had to be a secret - so why were her thoughts so caught up in ruining it all?

As Taylor prepared to leave, Leia rose to join her, drawn to her side as if by an invisible thread. They stood together for a moment, foreheads touching, simply breathing each other in.

"I wish we could stay like this forever," Leia whispered, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

"I know, baby."

And then, all too soon, it was over.

Taylor stepped back, her hand lingering on Leia's cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow, Lee."

With a final wink, she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her. Leia stood rooted to the spot, her fingers pressed to her tingling lips. She was sure it would be a night to remember, for both of them. The world might not know about their love, but that didn't make it any less real, any less powerful.

She would hold onto that truth, even as she stepped into the glare of the spotlight. She was Taylor's, and Taylor was hers. 

The rest was just details.

Right?

_____

Leia drifted back to her phone, the device feeling heavier than usual in her hand. The urge to scroll through the party photos again was irresistible, a magnetic pull she couldn't fight.

Her thumb hovered over the screen, hesitating for a heartbeat before swiping across the glossy surface. The images flashed by, snapshots of laughter, of joy, of carefree abandon. But it was the candid shot of her and Taylor that made her breath catch, that sent a bittersweet pang through her chest.

They looked so happy, so lost in each other. Taylor's eyes were crinkled at the corners, her smile wide and uninhibited. And Leia... Leia was gazing at her like she held the secrets of the universe, like nothing else mattered but the woman in front of her.

It was a moment frozen in time, a stolen glimpse of what could be, if only...

Leia's finger trembled as she traced the outline of Taylor's face, wishing she could set the image as her background, display their love for all to see. She sighed, a shuddering exhale that seemed to come from the depths of her soul. Being with Taylor was exhilarating, intoxicating, but it also came with a constant ache... a longing for more time.

The buzz of her phone jolted her from her reverie. Riven's name flashed across the screen, along with a string of emojis that made her lips twitch despite herself. He needed to stop that.

Hey, rockstar! How's the hangover treating you? 😎🍾🎉 

Ready for round two tomorrow? 😉🎸

you text like my dad. and no, that's not a good thing.

Hungover then, I take it?

send me an IV drip and i'll ignore the emojis.

Dream on, Hudson.

Leia couldn't help but chuckle at his exuberance, even as a wave of fatigue washed over her. She hit send, then flopped back onto the bed, her arm flung across her eyes. The memory of Taylor's parting words echoed in her mind, a tantalising promise of things to come.

Leia allowed herself one more long, lingering look at the photo, committing every detail to memory. Then, with a resolute tap, she locked her phone and pushed herself upright.

The apartment door slammed shut, startling Leia from her reverie.

"Honey, I'm home!" Georgie's voice rang out, dripping with sarcasm.

Leia chuckled, setting her phone aside as her sister flopped onto the couch beside her.

"How was the first day of class, college girl?"

"Oh, you know, the usual. Pretentious professors, overpriced textbooks, and a never-ending stream of assignments." Georgie sighed dramatically, kicking off her shoes. "But enough about my riveting academic life.  How was your night?"

Leia threw a pillow at her sister's head, which Georgie dodged with practiced ease.

"You're impossible," Leia grumbled, but there was no real heat behind her words.

Georgie's expression softened. "Hey, you know I'm just teasing. I'm glad you had fun. You deserve it, after everything."

"Thanks, G," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Probably crash and burn," Georgie quipped, but she reached out to squeeze Leia's hand. "So, what's on the agenda for today? Please tell me it involves food. I'm starving."

"You can order something on my card," Leia told her, passing her the card from the back of her phone case. "But ask Azul if he wants anything - I assume he let you up?"

Georgie nodded, her eyes on firing a quick message to the security guard that was posted downstairs.

"I need to pick out an outfit for the concert tomorrow."

Her little sister's eyes snapped away from her phone, instead boring into Leia's with a newfound interest in her life as her brain suddenly remembered that Leia was supposed to attend a private concert with some of Taylor's friends before.

"Tell me about this concert!"

Leia's stomach fluttered at the mention of the concert. "I don't know, Georgie. I mean, I'm excited, but also kind of nervous. What if I make a fool of myself in front of Taylor's friends?"

Georgie snorted.

"Please. You're Leia freaking Hudson. You've got this." She leaned in conspiratorially. "Plus, I have it on good authority that a certain blonde superstar is planning something special for you tomorrow night."

Leia's eyes widened. "What? How do you know that?"

"I have my sources." Georgie winked. "Now, let's talk outfits. You've got to look hot as hell for the show."

As they rummaged through Leia's closet, trading quips and fashion advice, Leia felt her nerves begin to settle. Georgie was right. She could do this.

She pulled out a sleek black dress, holding it up for inspection. It was daring, with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit. Perfect for a night out with Taylor.

"Damn, Lee." Georgie whistled appreciatively. "If you wear that, Taylor might just forget about the concert altogether."

Leia grinned, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "That's the plan."

While Georgie had been at school that morning, their parents had decided to make the most of their time in NYC and had decided to do an entire date day. It was a cute concept, and while Georgie had gagged at the thought, Leia was glad they were taking time for themselves.

Leia smiled softly, picturing her parents out on the town, still as in love as ever. It gave her hope, seeing the strength of their bond after so many years together. She wanted that with Taylor, that unshakable connection, that unwavering devotion.

"Hey, Leia?" Georgie's voice broke through the quiet, a hint of concern coloring her tone. "Are you nervous about tomorrow? I mean, going to the concert with all those big names and the paparazzi that comes with them?"

Leia paused, setting down her brush and meeting her sister's gaze in the mirror. She shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

"A little, I guess. It's just... sometimes I feel like I don't fit in, you know? Everyone else is so open about their lives and friendships, and I'm just here, hiding in the shadows with Taylor. Every single moment... I just feel so on edge in public with her sometimes."

Georgie's expression softened, and she rose from the couch, making her way over to Leia. She placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. 

Leia sighed, leaning into her sister's touch. "I know, I know. It's just... I wish the whole world could know, you know? I want to shout it from the rooftops, tell everyone how happy she makes me."

"Well, maybe one day you can. Besides, I have a feeling Taylor's going to be blown away when she sees you in that dress."

Leia laughed, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You think so?"

No matter what challenges she faced with the industry, Leia knew she would always have her little Hudson by her side.

____

"It works, you know?"

Leia mused her lips as she looked at Cara in confusion, the two women standing outside as Cara took a drag of her cigarette. Leia didn't smoke but she hated the idea of Cara standing in the small garden of Taylor's Cornelia Street rental by herself while everyone else continued to pre-game.

"Navy and black?"

"Very funny," Cara replied, rolling her eyes as Leia deflected what she was trying to say. "You and Taylor, you idiot. She seems a lot more like herself when she's around you - it's nice."

Leia's heart skipped a beat at Cara's words. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at her lips.

"You think so?" she asked softly, glancing back towards the house where she could see Taylor through the window, laughing with their friends.

Cara nodded, taking another drag of her cigarette. "I've known Taylor for years, Lee. I've seen her go through a lot. But with you..." She paused, searching for the right words. "She's lighter somehow. More relaxed. I don't know what would happen if you hadn't been here, and helped support her through all this. There's only so much that she'll allow the rest of us to see."

Leia felt a warmth bloom in her chest, a mix of pride and love and longing. "I'm glad," she murmured. "She deserves that."

"So do you," Cara said, nudging Leia's shoulder with her own. "You both do."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the muffled sounds of laughter and music drifting out from the house. Leia took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp autumn air.

"Can I ask you something?" she said hesitantly.

Cara raised an eyebrow. "Sure."

"Do you ever think..." Leia paused, biting her lip. "Do you think it would be so bad if people knew? About us, I mean."

Cara's face shifted, her brows furrowing as she crushed her cigarette under her boot. She hesitated before responding, making Leia wonder if she should be worried. She held her breath, waiting for Cara's answer with bated anticipation. Leia couldn't tell if this was a hopeful or ominous sign, but Cara's guarded expression made her heart race with uncertainty.

"Honestly? I think the world would be lucky to see how much you two love each other."

Oh.

Leia nodded slowly, letting Cara's words sink in. She opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by the sound of the back door opening.

"Ms Hudson, Ms Delevingne, the others are ready to leave now," Mark said, Azul standing by his side and quirking an eyebrow at Leia he noticed the anxious expression on her face. She simply nodded twice, their signal that she was okay.

Cara gave Leia a knowing wink before heading inside. Leia lingered for a moment, watching as Azul's eyes followed her, a slightly overprotective look on his face. To him, it had looked like Leia had been spooked by something the model had said, and that made him uncomfortable. He knew he'd get the full story later.

Leia made a note to let him know once they were alone that she wasn't upset by her conversation with Cara - just a little surprised at how she had basically shown support for them going public. She had just assumed all of their friends would think it was a bad idea, like Taylor did. Maybe Cara was right. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if the world knew.

She followed after Cara, Azul close on her tail as they headed down towards the garage where she knew the rest of their friends were likely waiting. 

She felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach as the excited chatter of Taylor's friends grew louder, but took a deep breath to steady herself. This was supposed to be fun, she reminded herself. A night out with friends (friends that had no idea that their friend was secretly in love and dating their newer friend), and enjoying great music. Nothing to be anxious about.

"There you are!" Taylor called, weaving through the crowd to reach her. "I was starting to think you'd ditched us."

Leia lingered for a moment, drinking in the sight of Taylor. She looked stunning in a tight-fitting black top and black skirt, her blonde hair tied up with a few strands flying lose already. She looked absolutely insanely gorgeous - but what was new there?

"And miss out on all this? Never."

As Taylor leaned away for a moment to pass her jacket to Mark, Leia caught Cara's knowing smirk from across the room. She felt her cheeks warm slightly, remembering their conversation from moments ago.

"Alright, ladies!" Dakota's voice rang out over the chatter. "Let's get this show on the road!"

Leia felt Taylor's hand brush against hers, a fleeting touch that sent sparks racing up her arm. She glanced over, catching the mischievous glint in Taylor's eye.

"Ready for a night you won't forget?" Taylor murmured, echoing her earlier promise.

Leia's pulse quickened. "Bring it on, Swift."

There was a flurry of movement as everyone headed for the cars. Leia found herself being gently guided towards one of the sleek black SUVs by Taylor's hand on the small of her back. The touch was subtle, easily dismissed as friendly to anyone watching, but it sent sparks racing along Leia's skin.

As they settled into the backseat, Leia couldn't help but notice how close Taylor sat, their thighs just barely brushing. The car pulled out of the garage, joining the small convoy headed for the concert venue.

"You look stunning, by the way," Taylor murmured, her voice low enough that only Leia could hear. Her eyes raked appreciatively over Leia's form-fitting black dress. "I might have a hard time keeping my eyes on the stage tonight."

Leia felt a thrill of excitement at the compliment, coupled with a twinge of frustration that they couldn't be more open with their affection. She leaned in slightly, keeping her voice equally quiet.

"That was kind of the idea."

Taylor's eyes darkened with desire, and for a moment, Leia thought she might throw caution to the wind and kiss her right there in the backseat. But then Lily turned around from the front, launching into an animated discussion about the setlist, and the moment passed.

Leia's smile dropped ever so slightly, noticing how Taylor shuffled ever-so-slightly away from her as her eyes met Lily's. The moment had certainly passed.

But in the back of Leia's mind, the little voice bugged her once more: would they forever be living in fleeting moments when they were sure no one was watching? Was this all they were destined for?

She wasn't sure.

_____

There was a lot of things Leia had expected to see that night. Most notably, Kings of Leon, since it was their private concert that they were attending. She'd maybe hoped to see one or two more of her industry friends, and even wondered if they'd see some top-secret relationships play out before them.

The last thing Leia expected to see? Her ex, at an afterparty for an event he wasn't even invited to.

It had been Lily's request - the band and a few of the other guests had been invited to an afterparty at the Bowery Hotel. She'd never been there but it was pleasant and a lot different to any of the afterparties that she'd attended when she had briefly dated Dylan. 

Which is why it had been even more bone-chilling when she'd seen him across the room with a drink in hand and laughing at something some Z-list actor was saying. He hadn't noticed her yet, and she instinctively moved closer to Cara, seeking comfort in her presence.

Her eyes drifted to where Taylor was standing, almost seeking comfort before noticing how engaged in the conversation she was having was with two actors that Leia had never heard of. Leia hadn't met the two before, but Taylor seemed to like them - and who was Leia to judge that? 

She couldn't quite catch the name of the ginger actress, but she had been able to catch that the blonde actor was someone Taylor had met at the Met Gala on the night her and Leia had met too.

Leia didn't recognise the name nor had she seen anything he was in, but he seemed alright. She made a note to look him up later, relatively surprised that an unknown British actor had been invited to the Met Gala and not as a plus one, like she had been. John... no - Joe Alwyn. That was the name.

Cara noticed her sudden movement, tilting her head subtly as she noticed how pale Leia suddenly looked.

"You okay?" Cara murmured, her hand ghosting over Leia's lower back as she kept her eyes trained on their group of friends, not wanting to draw attention to how her friend suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable after being very relaxed all night and throughout the concert.

Leia nodded, not trusting her voice. 

"Lee?" Cara's voice was laced with a bit more concern now, clearly not accepting her nod as an answer. She followed Leia's gaze, her expression hardening as she spotted Dylan. "Want to get out of here?"

"I'm fine," Leia said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just surprised to see him here."

Cara's eyes narrowed as she glanced back at Dylan, clearly unconvinced by Leia's assurance. 

"Are you sure? We can make up an excuse and leave if you want."

Leia took a deep breath, steeling herself. "No, it's okay. I'm not going to let him ruin our night. This is the first time Taylor's been able to just... relax in so long. I don't want to let him ruin that for us - or for her. He's not worth it."

Just then, Taylor appeared at Leia's side, a concerned look on her face. She'd noticed the two both pull away from their group of friends, their tone dropping to whisperings that seemed almost pleading on Leia's side. Taylor had instantly felt a slight panic rise in her at the look on their faces, her constant paranoia and anxiety raising its bold head. 

"Everything alright over here?" she asked, her eyes flicking between Leia and Cara.

Cara opened her mouth, but Leia cut her off. 

"Everything's fine," she said quickly, forcing another smile. "Just catching my breath after all that dancing."

Taylor's brow furrowed slightly, clearly not entirely convinced. Her gaze swept the room, landing on Dylan. Leia saw the moment of recognition in her eyes, followed by a flash of something darker. Anger? Frustration?

"I see," Taylor said, her voice carefully neutral. She turned back to Leia, her expression softening. "Want to get some air? I did just tell the others I was thinking about stepping on to the balcony to see the city lit up."

Leia nodded gratefully, relief washing over her. "That sounds perfect. Cara?"

"Nah, all good," the Brit said, waving them off and turning to rejoin the rest of their friends, not without one long hard look across the bar to keep an eye on Dylan.

The cool night air was a welcome respite from the stuffy heat of the party. Leia leaned against the railing, taking deep breaths to calm her racing heart. Taylor stood beside her, close enough that their arms brushed, but not so close as to draw attention.

"Want to talk about it?" Taylor asked softly after a moment.

"I just... I wasn't expecting to see him here. It threw me off balance."

They stood in silence for a moment, the muffled sounds of the party drifting out to them. Leia felt some of the tension leaving her body, soothed by Taylor's presence and the quiet of the night.

"You're stronger than he is, Lee. Always have been."

Leia turned to look at her, touched by the sincerity in Taylor's voice.

"I mean it," Taylor continued. "The Leia I first met would have run at the first sight of him. But look at you now - standing your ground, refusing to let him dictate your actions. I'm so proud of you."

Warmth bloomed in Leia's chest at Taylor's words. She leaned in closer, their shoulders touching.

"I couldn't have done it without you," she murmured.

Taylor's eyes softened, and for a moment, Leia thought she might kiss her right there on the balcony, consequences be damned. 

The moment was shattered by the sound of the balcony door opening. They sprang apart, putting a respectable distance between them as Dakota stuck her head out.

"There you two are! Come on, we're about to do shots!"

Leia plastered on a smile, hoping the darkness hid the flush in her cheeks. "We'll be right there."

They re-entered the party, seamlessly rejoining their group of friends. Leia caught Cara's questioning look and gave her a subtle nod. She was okay. She could handle this.

As the night wore on, Leia found herself relaxing more and more. The alcohol helped, of course, but it was more than that.

It was the way Taylor kept finding excuses to be near her, to brush against her or whisper some witty comment in her ear. It was the protective glances from Cara, the easy laughter of their friends.

She almost forgot Dylan was there. Almost. 

After a few songs, Leia excused herself to get another drink. As she waited at the bar, she felt someone sidle up next to her.

"Little Leia Hudson," he drawled, his eyes raking over her form. "Fancy seeing you here."

Her entire body tightened up, suddenly too aware of how close the man was standing to her. His shoulder was pressed against hers as he leaned forward on the bar, flagging down the nearest bartender and ordering not only himself a second round, but Leia. The girl gritted her teeth, knowing that he was just doing this to press her buttons.

"I didn't expect you'd make the guest list."

"Last-minute invite. You know how these things go." He shrugged, his smile never wavering.  

Leia's skin crawled at Dylan's proximity. She forced herself to remain still, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of seeing her discomfort.

"What do you want, Dylan?" she asked, her voice low and controlled. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear.

"Can't a guy catch up with an old friend? We had some good times, Lee. Or have you forgotten?"

"Those times weren't as good as you remember," she said coldly. "Now if you'll excuse me-"

Dylan's hand shot out, gripping her wrist tightly.

"Come on, don't be like that. One drink for old time's sake? Or... there's a little bag in my pocket that I know can be calling your name if you just say the words..."

Leia's heart raced, panic rising in her throat. She opened her mouth to tell him off, but before she could speak, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Is there a problem here?"

Taylor appeared at Leia's side, her expression neutral but her eyes blazing with barely contained fury. Dylan's grip on Leia's wrist loosened in surprise. Dakota was at Taylor's side, her eyes boring holes in Dylan's as she uncrossed her arm and threw one 'casually' over Leia's bare shoulders. 

Dakota might not have known Leia very well, and she sure as hell didn't have any idea who this guy was, but she had been in the industry long enough to spot a man making a woman uncomfortable - and that was not something she took lightly.

"No problem at all," he said smoothly, recovering quickly. "Just catching up with an old friend. Taylor Swift, right? Big fan. And you... you're in that Fifty Shades film, right?"

"That's nice," Taylor replied coolly, ignoring his comment towards Dakota too. Her arm snaked around Leia's waist, the gesture both protective and possessive as Dakota leaned on Leia's other side. "Lee, the girls are waiting for us. Shall we?"

Leia nodded gratefully, allowing Taylor to guide her away from the bar. She could feel Dylan's eyes boring into her back as they retreated. She had a gut feeling that wasn't the last she'd be hearing of him.

As they rejoined their friends, Leia tried to shake off the lingering unease from her encounter with Dylan. Taylor's arm remained firmly around her waist, a comforting presence anchoring her to the present.

"You okay?" Taylor murmured, her lips close to Leia's ear.

Leia nodded, forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Just... caught off guard."

Taylor's eyes searched her face, concern evident in her gaze. "We can leave if you want. I can make up an excuse..."

"No," Leia said firmly. "I'm not letting him ruin our night. I'm here with you and our friends. That's all that matters."

A soft smile played at Taylor's lips. "That's my girl," she whispered, giving Leia's waist a gentle squeeze before reluctantly dropping her arm as they reached their group.

Cara shot them a questioning look, her eyes flicking between Leia and the direction of the bar where Dylan still stood. Leia gave her a subtle nod, silently communicating that she was okay.

As the night wore on, Leia found herself relaxing more and more. The music pulsed through the room, the beat thrumming in her veins. She danced with abandon, letting the rhythm wash away her worries. Taylor was never far from her side, their bodies moving in sync, always close but never quite touching.

It was during a particularly upbeat song that Leia felt it - that electric current that seemed to spark between them whenever they were near. She turned, finding Taylor's eyes already on her. The look in those blue depths made her breath catch, a heady mixture of desire and something deeper, something that made Leia's heart race.

For a moment, the world around them faded away. It was just the two of them, lost in the music and each other. Leia wanted nothing more than to close the distance between them, to feel Taylor's lips on hers, consequences be damned once again.

As if reading her thoughts, Taylor took a step closer. Her hand brushed against Leia's, a fleeting touch that sent shivers down her spine. Leia's eyes fluttered closed, her body swaying towards Taylor's like a magnet drawn to its other half.

But then reality came crashing back as someone bumped into Leia from behind, breaking the spell. Taylor blinked, taking a step back as if suddenly remembering where they were. Leia saw a flash of frustration cross her face before it was quickly masked.

As the night wore on, Leia found herself relaxing more and more, buoyed by the presence of Taylor and their friends. She caught glimpses of Dylan throughout the evening, but he kept his distance, clearly wary of incurring Taylor and Dakota's wrath again.

It was well past midnight when they finally decided to call it a night. As they waited for their cars, Leia found herself pressed close to Taylor, the cool night air a sharp contrast to the warmth of Taylor's body.

"Stay with me tonight," Taylor murmured, her breath hot against Leia's ear.

Leia's pulse quickened at the invitation. "Are you sure? The others will begin to think..."

Taylor nodded, her eyes dark with desire. "More than sure. Let them think."

Leia's heart raced as she considered Taylor's words. The invitation was tempting - more than tempting. She wanted nothing more than to fall into bed with Taylor, to lose herself in the warmth of her embrace and forget about everything else.

"Taylor..." she began hesitantly.

But before she could continue, their car pulled up. Taylor gave her hand a gentle squeeze before climbing in, leaving the choice up to Leia. With only a moment's hesitation, Leia followed her into the backseat.

Completely unaware of the cameras that filmed their every move.