The sun dipped ever so slightly above the horizon, casting a warm glow across the calm fields. Taylor Swift stood on the patio, fingers wrapped around a steaming mug of tea, her blue eyes scanning the incoming daylight. The faint strains of country music drifted in from the kitchen, a faint laugh coming from within.

A gentle breeze tousled her blonde waves as she took a sip, her mind wandering to the events of the past few weeks. The soft ping of her phone drew her attention, before she could even allow her mind to travel too far. 

G's driving SUCKS

tell austin he is no longer the most dangerous sibling to be in a car with pls

Taylor chuckled at the screen, a warmth filling her chest as she pictured the Hudson siblings bickering as they drove around the Scottish countryside. 

Miss you, love. Nervous?

miss you more, tay.

naturally lol. it'll be okay. Riv's going to take my phone so i don't hyper fixate. 

Things had been relatively silent since they had attended the private concert back in October. Relatively being the key word.

Leaked photos of them getting into the SUV together at the end of the night had caused a small flurry of rumours to reappear in the press about the nature of their friendship. Riven and Tree had jumped right in and combined efforts to do damage control, and it wasn't like the photos were damning - it was easy to say they were just two friends leaning against each other due to the cold Autumnal air.

In the weeks that followed, Leia had flown with Georgie to visit their parents back in the United Kingdom, wanting to celebrate the release day of her album with her family. She'd had her wrap album party and had decided she didn't need a release one - everyone that mattered to her had already heard the album.

Taylor's thumbs hovered over the phone screen, a small smile playing on her lips as she composed her reply.

What's that thing that Georgie says? Breathe in, through, deep and out?

It'll be great, you're great. The whole world now gets to see what we all see on a regular basis.

ps. tell Georgie I'm expecting her to update me since you won't be able

hahaha will do, love

The sound of footsteps behind her broke her concentration from typing out a reply. Austin appeared at her side, hair still mussed from sleep, a steaming mug of coffee in his hand. 

"Morning, Tay," he mumbled, squinting against the early light. "Heard from Leia?"

Taylor nodded, showing him the text exchange. 

"They're on their way to the Radio 1 studio now. Georgie's apparently channeling her inner NASCAR driver."

Austin chuckled, shaking his head. 

"Those two, I swear. You planning on tuning in to the interview later? I think Dad is desperate to listen, even though he's already heard her album. I swear he's a bigger fan than we are..."

"Wouldn't miss it," Taylor replied, her voice soft but filled with pride as she laughed at the image of Scott Swift sitting with the radio station open on his laptop. "It's a big day for her."

As if on cue, her phone pinged again. This time, it was a message from Riven.

Just arrived at the studio. L's nervous but holding it together. 

Might be nerves, might be carsickness. 

Very true 🤣 Thanks for the pep talk earlier.

Her and Austin stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Taylor's mind drifted to Leia, picturing her preparing for the interview, Riven by her side.

"You know," Austin said, breaking the silence, "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd willingly wake up this early for someone else's radio appearance - especially on the other side of the world."

Taylor laughed, playfully swatting at her brother's arm. 

"What can I say? Some people are worth losing sleep over."

_____

"It's a glorious Thursday afternoon, November 10th, and we're here with our special guest - Leia Hudson!"

Leia beamed at Nick Grimshaw as she twisted a little in the office chair, Riven giving her a thumbs up from the other side of the room as she reached up to subconsciously touch the set of headphones over her ears. 

"Hey hi hello! So glad to be here, thank you for having me!"

"We're thrilled to have you, Leia!" He replied, a genuine smile on his face as he tried to hold back a smile at how nervous she looked. "Now, your debut album, aptly self-titled as 'Hudson' dropped at midnight, and I have to say, it's been on repeat in the studio all morning. How are you feeling about the release?"

Leia's eyes widened, a mix of excitement and nervousness dancing across her features.

"Oh my gosh, that's amazing to hear! I'm feeling... everything, really. Excited, nervous, grateful. It's surreal to think that something I've poured my heart into for so long is now out there for everyone to hear."

"Well, it's absolutely brilliant," Nick assured her, his voice warm. "I know it's not a new one, as it was a pre-album release single but I really do particularly love the track 'Lost In Your Light'. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind that one?"

She leaned forward slightly, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the arm of her chair as she gathered her thoughts. She obviously couldn't tell them it was about Taylor, but she figured a version of the truth wouldn't hurt anyway.

"Lost In Your Light is... well, it's quite...," she began, her voice warm with affection as she tried to find her words. "That song... it's really special to me. I wrote it during a time when I was feeling a bit lost, you know? The music industry can be so overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. There were moments when I felt like I was drowning in expectations and doubts."

She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting to the studio window where she could see various execs and other studio professionals listening in to the interview and watching her. Nick nodded encouragingly, and she continued.

"But then, I had this... this incredible experience with a friend of mine. It was pretty class - we spent an evening just like talking, sharing stories, and as soon as I got home I found myself writing like my life depended on it. It was like... suddenly, all that noise and pressure just faded away."

She took a deep breath, her eyes shining with emotion.

"You know, it's funny. When I was writing that song, I thought it was just about that one night, that one moment of clarity. But looking back now, I realise it's become a sort of anthem for my entire journey. Okay well, sorry to get all sappy on you on a Thursday afternoon!"

As Leia spoke, Riven watched from the corner, a proud smile playing on his lips. He could see the moment she fully relaxed into the interview, her natural charisma shining through. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and he discreetly checked it to see a message from Taylor.

She's absolutely crushing it 💖

Our girl's a natural.

Back in the interview, Nick was nodding enthusiastically.

"That's beautiful, Leia. Speaking of family, I understand you celebrated the album release with them back here the UK! I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that Georgie - that's Leia's little sister for all you listeners out there - has been posting some pretty relatable content on the run up!"

Leia laughed alongside Nick, her entire body visibly more comfortable now as they bantered back and forth about Georgie. The interview flowed smoothly, with Nick asking about her songwriting process, her musical influences, and her rapid rise to fame. Leia answered each question with a mix of humility and enthusiasm, her melodic voice painting vivid pictures of her journey.

"And of course, we can't ignore the elephant in the room," Nick said, leaning in conspiratorially. "You've been spotted hanging out with none other than Taylor Swift and her infamous squad. How has her mentorship influenced your music? Spend any time in the studio with her?"

"Well, you know, Taylor has been an incredible friend and mentor," Leia started, the pre-rehearsed lines that Tree and Riven had jointly worked on being engrained into her memory by now. "She's been doing this a lot longer than a lot of us, so her advice and support have been invaluable, not just in terms of music, but in navigating the industry as a whole. I guess what I'm trying to say is Tay has just taught me so much about storytelling through lyrics but also in staying true to myself as an artist and as a person."

Nick nodded, clearly intrigued. "And what about collaborations? Any chance we might hear you two on a track together someday?"

Leia paused for a moment, her eyes flickering to Riven, who gave her an encouraging nod. She took a deep breath and continued, her voice growing more confident.

"As for studio time, well, we've definitely jammed together and bounced ideas off each other. But I think what's been most valuable is the way she's encouraged me to trust my own voice and instincts. This album is very much my own creation, but having someone like Taylor in your corner, believing in you... it's pretty incredible."

Nick smiled, his eyes lighting up as he realised that she was speaking more on Taylor than any of them had expected. While it was great that she was open enough to talk about it, he also knew that the producers would be delighted as it would do numbers for ratings. Pushing his luck, he tried another Taylor related question in the hopes that she would continue sharing more about the blonde that was sparse in public eye.

"Now... dare I ask about those Halloween costumes?"

Leia threw her head back, laughing into the microphone as she knew instantly what he was referring to. They'd caused quite a stir on the internet when Taylor had posted one of the photos from her Halloween gathering, especially one that portrayed a few of them in their outfits.

"So it starts out pretty simple," Nick started, looking at the photo on his phone as he described it for the active radio listeners. "We've got Gigi Hadid as a Cub Scout, Kennedy Raye as a cat, Martha Hunt as an injured football player - or WAG? - and then Lily Donaldson is an astronaut... which are all pretty average costumes. Taylor Swift herself was in the actual Deadpool costume loaned out by Ryan Reynolds as per her instagram caption. Then... Camila Cabello is... what?"

"I think she might be one of the funniest people alive," Leia joked, a wide grin on her face. "She was an old lady who was looking for her missing cat, which she had coincidentally sat on - and nicknamed Meredith."

"Sorry... what?" Nick laughed, confused at how the others had relatively normal outfits and Camila had turned up with that. "That's incredible but let's not skip over you... want to explain for all of the listeners at home?"

"Yeah, um," Leia chuckled. "I wish I had a better explanation, but I really don't. I basically panicked and went as a Starbucks cup. It's a bit embarrassing really, and I think me and Camila kind of missed the sexy memo... It was meant to be in refernece to everyone thinking Taylor sang 'long list of starbucks lovers', but I really just looked like I was joining a Pumpkin Spice cult. Not my finest moment."

As the interview continued, Riven's phone buzzed again. Another message from Taylor:

She's handling those friendship questions like a pro. Tree would be proud.

Our girl's a quick study. Though I'm sure she'd rather be talking about the music.

No offence!

None taken, don't worry 😉

"Well, Leia, it's been an absolute pleasure having you here. Before we let you go, any final words for your fans who are listening?"

"Oh, I didn't actually think about that hahah... I guess, this album is my heart on my sleeve, and I'm just so grateful to be able to share it with you all."

As the interview wrapped up and they went to a commercial break, Leia let out a long breath, her shoulders relaxing. Riven approached, giving her a high five.

"You absolutely smashed it, Lee," he said, his voice filled with pride. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I could fly," she laughed, her voice slightly breathless. "Is it always going to feel like this? Like I'm on the edge of something incredible and terrifying at the same time?"

Before Riven could respond, Nick Grimshaw approached them, a warm smile on his face. He'd taken his own headset off and passed it over to his coworker, reaching out and lightly hugging the girl before pulling back and smiling at the duo.

"Leia, that was brilliant! You're a natural, truly. We'd love to have you back anytime."

Leia thanked him profusely, her earlier nervousness all but forgotten as she chatted easily with the radio host. As they said their goodbyes and made their way out of the studio, Leia's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Taylor's name on the screen.

Absolutely crushed it, love. So proud of you. 

Can't wait to celebrate properly when you're back.

Love you, T 💛

____

A week later, and Leia Hudson was truly living in a state of euphoria.

Her album had been hugely well received worldwide, and it seemed like the positive reviews weren't stopping. She'd been written about by Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Variety... it felt like an honest fever dream.

Riven and Adrian had been fending off and proposing invites and offers to perform and interview all over the world - mostly in the USA, Canada and the UK. Leia had never felt she had spoken so much in her life by the time she finally had a moment to breathe.

The music label executives were blown away too - having thought it would be an alright commercial success but never expecting this level of popularity. If they had believed in her a bit more, Adrian had complained, then they'd have been able to do a proper press tour and the numbers might have been even higher.

Leia didn't care about the numbers being higher, as she truly couldn't imagine the numbers they were doing right now. She was number three in the Billboard charts and she was sure that nothing would ever feel this incredible ever again.

Her eyes widened as she scrolled through her phone, taking in the latest batch of glowing reviews before lying back on the couch in the room with a pleased sigh as she closed her eyes for a moment - basking in this moment of happiness.

It felt a bit like her body was finally giving in to the exhaustion that had been building over the past week. The room was quiet, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of activity she'd been swept up in since her album release. She closed her eyes, letting the silence wash over her, broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioning.

A gentle knock at the door roused her from her near-slumber. 

"Lee? You decent?" Riven's voice called out.

"Yeah, come in," she shouted back, not bothering to move from her sprawled position on the couch.

Riven entered, his usual polished appearance slightly rumpled after a long day of interviews and meetings. He carried a tablet in one hand and a steaming chai latte for Leia in the other. Adrian wasn't far behind him, the man in his workout gear as he planned on making the most of the hotel gym before they checked out that morning.

"Thought you might need this," he said, placing the tea on the nightstand.

Leia sat up, reaching gratefully for the cup. "You're a lifesaver, Riv."

He settled into an armchair, his fingers tapping away at the tablet. Adrian leaned against the sideboard, a grin across his face as he looked at the enthusiasm that rested on Leia's face too.

"So, I've got some updates," Riven replied, his hand scrolling through the tablet in front of him as he updated the woman. "Your album has officially landed in the top ten in twelve countries. No number one spots yet, but that's nothing to be disheartened by, of course."

Leia nearly choked on her tea. "Twelve? Are you serious?"

"Dead serious," Riven confirmed, the smile evident in his voice. "You did it, kid. You're officially a chart-topping artist."

A mix of emotions washed over Leia's face - excitement, disbelief, and a hint of anxiety.

"This is... it's all happening so fast," she murmured. "I barely can believe it."

"Believe it, Hudson. You've earned every bit of praise," Adrian said, his voice warm with pride. "Though I have to say, I'm not surprised. I knew from the moment I heard your first demo that you were going to be something special."

Leia blushed, still not quite used to such high praise. Leia took another sip of her chai latte, savouring the warmth and spice as she processed the news. Her mind was whirling with possibilities and questions.

"So what happens next?" she asked, looking between Riven and Adrian. "I mean, this is incredible, but I feel like I'm in a bit of a daze. What should I be focusing on now?"

Riven and Adrian exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them.

"Well," Riven began, setting his tablet aside, "we've got a few options to consider. The label is keen on capitalizing on this momentum. They're talking about a potential small tour, maybe some festival appearances next summer."

Adrian nodded, adding, "And there's been interest from several late-night shows for performances. Plus, we've got offers for collaborations coming in from some pretty big names."

Leia's eyes widened.

"Let's just say you've caught the attention of some industry heavyweights," Adrian said with a wink. "But we don't need to make any decisions right this second. Right now, I think it's important for you to take a moment and breathe. Enjoy this success. You've earned it."

"Adrian's right," Riven leaned forward, his expression softening. "We've got time to plan our next moves. But there is one thing we should discuss sooner rather than later."

Leia raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Oh? What's that?"

"The Grammys," Riven said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Your album's eligible for next year's awards, and based on these numbers and reviews, I'd say you're a strong contender for Best New Artist at the very least."

"The Grammys," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian pushed himself off the sideboard.

"Alright, we'll let you finish packing. Big day tomorrow - the reunion that we've all been waiting for."

Leia raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear Adrian talk like that about her reuniting with Taylor. He usually tried to stay away from mentioning their relationship and sticking to being as professional as possible.

"You know... Tate? Your dog that Azul's been babysitting in New York City?"

Oh.

Leia smiled, rolling her eyes as she thought about her bodyguard looking after the dog instead of joining them in the United Kingdom. He had originally wanted to come, but complications with transporting Tate had left Leia at a standstill and after looking into potential other security options, he had offered to stay and keep the dog company. 

As Riven and Adrian left the room, Leia sank back into the couch, her mind swirling with thoughts of Grammy nominations and reunions. She reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over Taylor's name in her contacts. After a moment's hesitation, she pressed call.

Taylor answered on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar.

"Hey, superstar. How's it feel to be taking over the world?"

Leia laughed, the sound a mix of excitement and disbelief. 

"It's... surreal. Absolutely surreal. I just got the news about the charts, and Riv mentioned the Grammys, and I just... I needed to hear your voice."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Leia could almost picture Taylor's soft smile.

"I'm so proud of you, Lee. You deserve every bit of this success."

"Thanks, Tay," Leia replied, her voice thick with emotion. "I wish you were here."

"Soon," Taylor promised. "Just one more day. Have you packed yet? Said goodbye to your parents?"

Leia glanced guiltily at her open suitcase, clothes strewn haphazardly around it. 

"Um... I'm working on it?"

Taylor's laugh echoed through the phone. "Some things never change. Don't forget to pack your warm clothes. New York's getting chilly."

As they chatted, Leia felt the whirlwind of emotions from the past week start to settle. Taylor's voice grounded her, reminding her of late-night songwriting sessions and quiet moments amidst the chaos.

"Oh, before I forget," Taylor said, a hint of mischief in her tone. "Tate's been having the time of his life with Azul. I think your bodyguard might have some competition for your affections when you get back."

Leia grinned, picturing her usually stoic bodyguard playing fetch with her energetic pup.

"As long as Tate hasn't replaced me in Azul's heart, I think we'll be okay."

They'd all be okay.

_____

"If I was to ever write a song about you," Taylor started, her arm wrapped around Leia as they lay snuggled up on Leia's sofa with Tate at their feet. "Would you hate me if I released it?" 

Leia had flown back in that morning, and had been greeted with three familiar faces at her apartment - Azul, Tate and the surprise guest of Taylor. Azul had excused himself after greeting her, advising that he was away to go and finalise plans for picking Georgie up at the airport later that evening. Her sister had flown back on a different flight, having stayed with their parents for the last week of their visit.

"I don't think I ever could hate anything you wrote," Leia mused, no humour in her voice. It was clear that this was something she'd thought about before and Taylor wasn't entirely sure how to feel about that.

Taylor's fingers traced lazy patterns on Leia's arm as she absorbed her words. The room was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the hardwood floors. Tate's gentle snoring provided a soothing background rhythm to their conversation.

"I'm... I'm really glad you feel that way," Taylor said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Because, well, I did write a song about you. And it's being released next month."

Leia's body tensed slightly under Taylor's arm. She shifted, turning to face the blonde, her blue eyes wide with surprise and curiosity.

"You did? When? I mean, when did you write it?"

Taylor's gaze dropped to her hands, now fidgeting in her lap. The weight of the memory pressed down on her, and she could feel the familiar ache in her chest as she recalled that difficult time.

"It was... it was during that period when I refused to see you," Taylor admitted, her voice thick with emotion. "You know, back when all that drama with Kim and Kanye was at its peak."

Leia's breath caught in her throat. She remembered that time all too well - the endless phone calls that went straight to voicemail, the unanswered texts, the worry that gnawed at her constantly.

"Oh, Tay," Leia murmured, reaching out to take Taylor's hand in hers. The gesture was both a comfort and an anchor, grounding them both in the present moment.

"I was in such a dark place then. I felt like the whole world was against me, like I couldn't trust anyone. But even in my self-imposed isolation, I couldn't stop thinking about you..." Taylor said, sitting up a little and turning to look at Leia. "Just this overwhelming feeling that I was sure if I was saving myself a lot of hurt... or losing the love of my life."

She paused, her gaze drifting to the window where the sky was painted in vibrant hues of orange and pink.

"I'd see your name pop up on my phone, and every time, I wanted so badly to answer. But I was scared. Scared of dragging you into my mess, scared of being hurt again."

Leia listened intently, her heart aching for the pain her friend had endured. The room seemed to shrink around them, the outside world fading away as Taylor continued her story. 

"One night, after ignoring yet another call from you, I just... broke down. I sat at my piano and all these emotions I'd been bottling up just poured out..." Taylor trailed off, fiddling with the sleeves of her cardigan. "It was weird timing, actually. Zayn had been messaging me about a collaboration for the next Fifty Shades movie - which also was a request from Dakota, in case you were wondering how I knew her before we went to that concert - and it just kind of... fell into place with that."

As Taylor spoke, Leia could almost hear the melody in her mind, imagining the raw emotion poured into every note. The air in the room felt charged, heavy with the weight of Taylor's confession.

"Tay," Leia said softly, her voice filled with a mix of awe and curiosity. "Could I... would it be okay if I heard it?"

Taylor's eyes widened slightly, a mix of nervousness and anticipation flickering across her face. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a habit Leia had come to recognize as a sign of Taylor gathering her thoughts.

"I don't have the finished version with me," Taylor said softly. Her gaze drifted to the piano in the corner of the room, its polished surface reflecting the fading daylight. "But I could play it for you on the piano if you'd like. It won't be quite the same without Zayn's parts, of course, but..."

Leia's face lit up, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I'd love that, Tay. More than anything."

Taylor nodded, taking a deep breath as she rose from the couch. She made her way to the piano, her fingers trailing along the smooth wood as she settled onto the bench. Leia followed, perching on the edge of the couch to watch.

As Taylor's fingers found their place on the keys, the room seemed to hold its breath. The first notes rang out, clear and haunting in the quiet apartment.

"Been sitting eyes wide open behind these four walls, hoping you'd call.." 

Leia listened, transfixed, as Taylor poured her heart into every word and note. The melody swelled and ebbed, mirroring the tumultuous emotions of that difficult time. As Taylor sang, Leia could almost feel the weight of the isolation, the fear of reaching out, the ache of separation.

"...I just wanna keep calling your name until you come back home."

The final notes faded away, leaving a profound silence in their wake. Taylor's hands rested on the keys, her eyes closed as she let the last echoes of the song wash over her. Leia found herself blinking back tears, overwhelmed by the raw emotion of the performance.

"Taylor," Leia whispered, her voice barely audible. "That was... incredible."

Taylor turned on the bench, her blue eyes meeting Leia's. A small, vulnerable smile played at the corners of her mouth.

"Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope and uncertainty. "And you're not angry I didn't ask you first?"

"You NEVER need to ask me," Leia told her, no hesitation in her voice. "Please, don't ever worry about that."

She took Taylor's hands in her own, her touch gentle and reassuring.

"Tay, that song... it's beautiful. And hearing you sing it, knowing the story behind it... I'm honoured that you would share something so personal with me."

Taylor's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she squeezed Leia's hands. "I was so afraid of losing you during that time. And then, when I finally let you back in, I was terrified that you'd be angry with me for pushing you away."

Leia shook her head, a soft smile on her face.

"I could never be angry with you for protecting yourself. I just... I wish I could have been there for you. To hold you, to tell you that everything would be okay."

"You were there," Taylor said softly. "Even when I wasn't answering, knowing you were still trying to reach me... it meant everything. It gave me hope when I felt like I had none left."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Leia leaned her head on Taylor's shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of her perfume.

"And even now, sometimes I worry that all of this - the fame, the scrutiny - will be too much. That one day you'll decide it's not worth it."

"Never," she said firmly. "You're worth everything to me, Tay. The good and the bad. I'm here for all of it."

A single tear escaped, trailing down Taylor's cheek. Leia reached up, gently brushing it away with her thumb. Taylor cut her action off with a soft kiss, pouring all the words she couldn't say into the gesture. When they parted, both women were slightly breathless.

"I love you," Taylor murmured, her forehead resting against Leia's. "Through everything, always."

"I love you too," Leia replied, her voice filled with certainty.

____

November finished, and December came and went. Before they knew it, New Years was here. 

They'd been doing this dance for numerous months now - the back and forth sneaking between NYC apartments, shared moments in the isolated spaces that only they visited. Taylor had become more reclusive, no longer going to public recording studios and refusing to schedule new public appearances.

She had one appearance planned for 2017 so far, and she was adamant that she wanted no more. She just wanted a break - to be physically unseen by the public for the first time in her life.

Meanwhile, things hadn't slowed down for Leia. She was flying across the country almost every few days in December, visiting various radio stations, TV shows and performing at Jingle Bell Balls and similar events across the country. Her album had charted at number one for only one week in late November, but it was like she was constantly riding that high.

'I Don't Wanna Live Forever' had debuted at number one on the iTunes chart, pushing Leia off. She didn't mind at all. If it had to be anything, she was glad it was Taylor. After the year she was having, she was just glad to see the burst of energy that it gave her girlfriend - that people still wanted to hear Taylor's music... to hear her.

Leia knew there was a lot on her mind. She had been writing small pieces of music but she was pretty defensive about it, not wanting to show anything to Leia until she was sure it was 'perfect'. Leia wasn't sure what that would look like, but she didn't want to pressure her. It was hard enough to make sure that Taylor was looking after herself and eating well - she didn't want to make her feel like she was her caretaker. 

There was also the court case against that DJ. Taylor wouldn't talk about it, other than the occasional small comment, but Leia knew that it was on her mind too. They'd find out at some point in 2017 if the judge would rule that a jury would decide and Taylor was concerned that her reputation would taint the jury. Leia had reassured her that they'd deal with that if it came to it, but she knew Taylor was still wary.

Hours before the end of 2016, Leia stood in front of her full-length mirror, adjusting the sparkling silver dress that hugged her curves. The apartment buzzed with energy as the final preparations for her New Year's Eve party were underway. The scent of freshly baked hors d'oeuvres wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the crisp pine aroma of the Christmas tree she'd insisted on keeping up until after the new year.

"Tay?" she called out, fumbling with the clasp of her necklace. "Can you give me a hand with this?"

Taylor appeared in the doorway, a vision in a deep emerald green dress that made her blue eyes pop. She crossed the room, her fingers deftly securing the delicate chain around Leia's neck.

"Sorry, I was just finishing Georgie's hair," Taylor murmured, her breath warm against Leia's ear. "There. Perfect."

Leia turned, taking in the sight of her girlfriend. Even after all this time, Taylor's beauty still took her breath away.

"You look stunning," she said softly, leaning in for a quick kiss.

"Stunning and I also come bearing reinforcements," Taylor announced with a grin, holding up two bags she had brought into the room with her. "Extra champagne, because you can never have too much on New Year's Eve, and those little pastry things from that bakery you love."

"You're a lifesaver," she said, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on Taylor's cheek. "I was just starting to worry we might not have enough."

As they unpacked the bags in the kitchen, Georgie walked in from her room and took in the decorated apartment.

"Lee, this place looks amazing," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "You've outdone yourself."

The space had been transformed - twinkling fairy lights draped across the ceiling, creating a soft, magical glow. Silver and gold balloons bobbed gently in corners, while a "Happy New Year" banner stretched across one wall.

"You can thank Azul," Leia replied. "He insisted on doing it - something about avoiding end of year paperwork."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, the weight of the past year and the promise of the new one hanging between them all. Leia was the first to break it, her voice quiet but filled with emotion.

"I can't believe how much has changed in a year," she mused, leaning against the kitchen counter. "This time last year, I was still working on my album, dreaming of what might be. And now..."

"And now you're a chart-topping artist, preparing to host a New Year's Eve party for some of the biggest names in music," Taylor finished, a proud smile playing on her lips.

"Yeah, like you'd ever let us forget that now," Georgie teased, Leia rolling her eyes but smiling at her sister regardless. "When is everyone arriving?"

"Any minute now," Leia replied, pressing her lips against Taylor's again. Everyone who was coming tonight knew about their relationship, and were bound with tight NDAs. Even still, Leia wasn't entirely sure that Taylor would feel comfortable with the public displays of affection.

Almost like the Universe heard her, the doorbell to the apartment rang. 

Azul, ever-present and vigilant, opened the door to reveal a grinning Cara Delevigne and Camila Cabello, both laden with bags of what looked suspiciously like more alcohol. Georgie broke into a grin and Leia shot her a side look, knowing that the under 21 year old should be avoiding that.

"Let the party begin!" Georgie announced, sweeping into the room and pulling them both into a tight hug as everyone chuckled at the younger Hudson's antics.

As more guests arrived - Ed Sheeran looking slightly sheepish as he handed over a bottle of wine, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik making a fashionably late entrance, Selena arriving with Martha close behind - the apartment filled with laughter and chatter. Tate, adorned with a glittery New Year's bowtie, weaved through the crowd, soaking up attention and sneaking treats when he thought no one was looking - although Leia was keeping a very close eye.

The night unfolded in a blur of champagne toasts, impromptu karaoke sessions, and heartfelt conversations. Ed commandeered the piano at one point, leading everyone in a rousing rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" that had even the most reserved guests joining in. Cara and Camila engaged in an intense dance-off, their laughter infectious as they attempted increasingly ridiculous moves.

As midnight approached, the energy in the room shifted. Couples gravitated towards each other, while friends linked arms and raised their glasses in anticipation. Leia found herself drawn to Taylor, their fingers intertwining. Their lips met as fireworks exploded across the sky outside, painting the room in a kaleidoscope of colours. 

"Happy New Year!" The room erupted in cheers and embraces, but for a moment, Taylor and Leia remained in their own bubble, foreheads pressed together.

"Happy New Year, love," Taylor whispered, her voice barely audible above the celebration.

"Happy New Year," Leia replied, her smile radiant. "Here's to us."

_____

Leia finally kicked her heels off as she collapsed on the couch, finishing the last of the bottle of water that she held clutched in her hand. She tried to close her eyes and fall asleep, but unlike her friends it just wasn't happening.

While she was certainly sober, she was the only one that hadn't seemingly passed out the second they arrived back at the apartment. She had hoped that maybe Georgie would have stayed awake, but the girl was so exhausted she had passed out too. Even Tate was fast asleep on his bed in the living room, inches away from where Cara was wrapped in one of the sleeping bags.

Moving to the kitchen, Leia grabbed a black trash bag as she decided the least she could do was pick up some of the bottles that were around the room and on the ground while she waited for the sleep to hopefully hit her. Brightening up slightly, she noticed a set of small footsteps from behind her as she placed the bin bag on the ground. Turning around, she smiled softly as Taylor in her cat pyjamas smiled back at her.

"Couldn't sleep?" She checked, causing the blonde to nod in agreement as they both moved back inside the kitchen. Reaching into her fridge, Leia pulled out two bottles of water and passed one to Taylor.

They sat in silence as Leia jumped on to the counter top so that Taylor could stay across from her in the tight kitchen space. Leia felt her back brush against something hard, reaching behind her and grinning as she pulled out Taylor's old Polaroid camera that she tended to take places with her. She held it up, her head tilted as she silently asked the girl for a photo. Taylor laughed lightly, sitting her bottle down as she moved forward and stood with her back against Leia's front as she took the camera and held it in front of her to take a snap of them both.

Shaking the Polaroid print, she turned around to look at the girl. Taylor and Leia had both forgotten how close they were standing for the photo until that moment. The air changed around them, almost becoming more humid as they stared at each other. Leia licked her lips slightly as her eyes flickered down to Taylor's lips.

"Polaroid's," Taylor breathed, trying to diffuse this situation, "are good for keeping memories."

Leia nodded, her water bottle lid screwed back on as she leaned forward slightly, her eyes not leaving Taylor's. "I tend to find that memories have a way of holding on to you."

Her water bottle crashed to the floor as Taylor's hands wove into her hair, their lips pressed against each other softly at first. Leia's position on the counter allowed for her to move her knees closer into Taylor's side and pull the girl closer until their bodies were fully touching.

Taylor deepened the kiss, her arms now looping around the girl's waist as Leia found herself able to faintly taste the liquor that Taylor had been drinking throughout the night. Her hands rested on the blonde's waist, none of her thoughts being able to be comprehended at that moment in time.

As their lips moved together, the world around them seemed to fade away. The soft glow of the kitchen's night light cast a warm halo around them, turning Taylor's blonde hair to spun gold. Leia's fingers trailed up Taylor's sides, feeling the silky fabric of her pyjamas and the warmth of her skin beneath.

Taylor broke the kiss, her breath coming in soft pants as she rested her forehead against Leia's. Her blue eyes were dark with desire, but there was a tenderness there too that made Leia's heart ache.

Finally, Taylor pulled back slightly, her hands coming up to tangle in Leia's hair. "I love you," she murmured, her voice filled with a quiet certainty. "More than I've ever loved anyone."

Leia's heart soared at the words. She leaned in, capturing Taylor's lips in another kiss, this one slow and deep and full of promise. When they parted, both were quiet.

"I love you too," Leia whispered against Taylor's lips. "Always."

"What did I ever do to deserve you?" she asked, wonder evident in her voice.

Leia grinned, leaning in to place a soft kiss on the tip of Taylor's nose. "You were you. That's more than enough."

Taylor laughed softly, the sound like music to Leia's ears. She took Leia's hand, intertwining their fingers and squeezing three times.

"Come on," she said, tugging gently. "Let's go watch the sunrise. Start the new year right."

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hi hi! bit of a longer chapter, but wanted to wrap up 2016. There's going to be a bit of a time jump in the chapter, showing a few moments throughout the year but it's mostly just going to be  a filler to reach the start of the reputation era. They're very loved up right now, and I've got an interesting dynamic prepared for them hehe.

As a side note - this story is fiction! While some events are intended to resemble real life, everything in this story is fictionalised. That being said, if you think some dates don't line up, or I've missed out things that happened in real life, it's mostly being done for story-telling purposes. 

Please don't be a silent reader! Let me know if you're enjoying it so far.

Question of the chapter: What's your favourite song off reputation? I think mine is probably dancing with our hands tied hehe.

Also:

I do have a TikTok edit account for my stories, just the same username as this. I don't post there toooo often, but planning on starting to do more regular posts.