Leia had always hated the month of May. 

Growing up, it had felt like it was a filler month - not quite Spring but also not yet Summer. Georgie always took some offence to this, since May was the month she was born and therefore deemed the entire month her 'birthday month', but Leia paid that little attention.

This year, however, May held a different significance. As Leia stood in her spacious New York apartment, gazing out at the bustling city below, she felt a mix of excitement and trepidation.

It was the last month before she was set to embark on her first ever tour. 

It seemed the entire country was preparing for her tour. Everywhere she turned, she caught snippets of her own voice drifting from car windows and shop doorways, almost as if her own songs were becoming a part of the soundtrack of New York City.  

Georgie had been studying hard, knowing that if she failed her exams then she wouldn't be able to come with Leia on tour. She'd spent the entire month of May with her head in a book, her typical birthday demands absent for the first time in her life. Leia and her parents were surprised by the change in attitude but Leia knew that it would just mean Georgie would appreciate her surprise birthday party at the end of the month more than any other year.

"Mom, I'm telling you, Georgie has no idea," Leia whispered excitedly into the phone, her eyes darting to the door as if her sister might burst in at any moment. "She's been so focused on her studies, I don't think she even remembers her own birthday is coming up."

"And who all is coming to this shindig?" her father's voice chimed in, the familiar delighted lilt warming Leia's heart.

"Do people even call parties that anymore? God, you're so old... but Gigi is definitely coming, of course, since she's decided to plan most of it," Leia continued, her voice a mix of pride and nervousness. "And Camila - you know how close she and Georgie have gotten. A few others too - Shawn, Cara, Selena - are definitely coming."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful, sweetheart," her mother cooed, the excitement in her voice palpable even through the phone. "And what about Taylor? Is she coming too?"

Leia's breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening around the phone. The mention of Taylor's name sent a flutter through her chest, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

They hadn't been on... good terms. They barely had spoken since Leia's first public date with Zaria, and when they did, it spiralled into an argument about her or Joe or the press or the PR relationship. Leia almost preferred it when they were giving each other the silent treatment right now, because then they were at least not arguing. 

"I'm... not sure about Taylor," Leia said, her voice wavering slightly. She quickly changed the subject, her words tumbling out in a rush. "But hey, did I tell you about the new song I'm working on? It's got this amazing bridge that I think-"

Just then, the door to the apartment swung open, and Georgie sauntered in, her arms laden with textbooks and a look of exhaustion etched across her face. Her eyes, however, lit up at the sight of Leia on the phone.

"Who're you talking to?" Georgie asked, dropping her books on the nearby coffee table with a resounding thud.

Leia's eyes widened, and she mouthed 'Mom and Dad' to her sister. Before she could say anything else, her father's voice boomed through the speaker.

"Is that our Georgie? Leia, sweetheart, pass the phone over to your sister. We haven't had a proper chat with her in ages!"

Leia hesitated for a moment, her mind racing to find an excuse, but she knew it was futile. With a resigned sigh, she held out the phone to Georgie, who took it with a puzzled expression.

"Hey, Mom and Dad," Georgie said, her voice brightening as she spoke. She dropped her jacket on the ground, ignoring the annoyed look from Leia as she began to walk into her own room with Leia's phone still pressed to her ear. "What's up? How's Scotland treating you?"

As Georgie shut the door of her room, diving into animated conversation about her studies and life in New York, Leia retreated to the kitchen, her mind whirling with party plans and the lingering question of Taylor's attendance.

____

Leia laughed loudly as she collapsed dramatically on to the floor, chuckles and claps echoing around the room as she and her tour dancers finished another run through of the choreography that had been kicking their asses all week.

As Leia lay sprawled on the polished studio floor, catching her breath, her dance captain, Marcus, extended a hand to help her up.

"Not bad, Hudson," he said with a wink. "You're finally getting the hang of that tricky transition in the bridge."

Marcus was a kind soul. He'd actually found his way on to the tour by a recommendation from a friend - Riven. It had seemed very innocent until she'd found out that Riven only knew Marcus because he was mutual friends with his mystery man... that he still refused to tell Leia more about. He told her that he wanted to keep things to himself for a little longer, but knowing that Marcus knew... it was driving her crazy - in a good way.

Leia grinned, wiping sweat from her brow as she grasped on to his hand, only for the dancer to let go and walk away with a chuckle as she fell back on to the ground. She'd stood on his foot in their last try - so she knew fine well that's what that was for.

The polished wood felt soothing against her flushed skin, and she closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the brief respite. The room buzzed with the chatter and laughter of the other dancers, their voices blending with the faint hum of the air conditioning.

Suddenly, a new sound cut through the familiar cacophony – the sharp, rhythmic click of heels approaching. Leia's eyes fluttered back open, her curiosity piqued as she tried to remember who was strutting around their studio in high heels. The clicking grew louder, more insistent, until a pair of impeccably polished Louboutins came into view beside her head.

Leia's gaze traveled upward, taking in the tailored pantsuit, the perfectly coiffed ginger hair, and finally, the stern expression of Tree Paine looming over her. Leia's breath caught in her throat, not from exertion this time, but from surprise.

Well, shit.

Tree had no reason to be in New York, as far as Leia was aware. Taylor was still in Nashville and had been for a while now. Tree barely ventured to New York unless she absolutely needed to, and Leia hoped this was just a big coincidence and she had happened to be in the neighbourhood. The alternative... Leia wasn't sure she was ready to hear it.

"Tree?" Leia croaked, pushing herself up onto her elbows. "What are you doing here?"

Tree's lips quirked into a wry smile. "Comfortable down there, Hudson?"

Leia scrambled to her feet, suddenly acutely aware of her sweat-drenched appearance and disheveled hair. She tugged at her cropped top self-consciously as she avoided the woman's stern gaze, her mind racing. Why was Tree here? Had something happened? The last time she'd seen Tree was on that stupid video call...

Tree glanced around the studio, where the other dancers were still milling about, some shooting curious looks their way. She knew fine well that not a single soul in this room was on their finely combed list of people who knew about Leia and Taylor's relationship, and she really wanted to keep it that way.

"Is there somewhere we can talk privately?" Tree asked, her tone leaving no room for argument. Leia knew she'd have been laughed at if she even thought Tree was really asking - she was telling Leia. 

Leia nodded, her throat suddenly dry. She turned to the group of dancers, who were now openly staring at the unexpected visitor. She'd be stupid to think that none of them knew who this woman was - she was aware one or two of her group were pretty big Taylor Swift fans. Something they'd found out after they'd all been hired.

"Alright, everyone, let's take five," she called out, forcing a smile onto her face. "Grab some water, stretch those muscles. We'll pick up where we left off in a bit."

The dancers dispersed, some heading for their water bottles, others that had been sprawling out on the floor standing up and heading out the studio towards the craft services corridor. Leia led Tree towards the makeshift stage that had been set up for rehearsals, its edges adorned with twinkling fairy lights that cast a soft glow in the dimly lit studio.

They perched on the edge of the stage, their legs dangling over the side. Leia's bare feet swung nervously, while Tree's Louboutins remained perfectly still, the red soles a pop of color against the black stage. The juxtaposition between them was stark - Leia in her sweat-soaked dance attire, hair falling out of its messy bun, and Tree looking as if she'd just stepped out of a board meeting.

Leia's fingers drummed nervously against the edge of the stage, leaving damp imprints on the black paint.

"So," Leia finally broke the silence, her voice sounding unnaturally loud in the quiet studio. "What brings you to our humble rehearsal space? I thought you were in Nashville with..."

"I was," Tree mused. "Until I'd had enough of this shared moping that's going on between you both. And don't try to deny it - Riven and Adrian are also reaching their bandwidth of tantrums from you too. You're both just as bad as each other and it needs to stop."

Leia's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, her words failing her as Tree's piercing gaze bore into her. The publicist's perfectly manicured nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the stage, the sound echoing in the cavernous studio.

"I... we're not..." Leia stammered, but Tree cut her off with a sharp wave of her hand.

"Save it, Hudson. I've known Taylor long enough to recognize her 'I'm fine' face, and let me tell you, she's been wearing it non-stop for weeks now. And from what Riven tells me, you're not doing much better. Georgie called me last week. Do you know how shit things must be for her to willingly call someone? For someone that never lets go of her phone, I think I've seen her use it for it's entire life purpose maybe once."

Tree's voice softened slightly, a hint of maternal concern creeping into her tone.

"Look, I get it. This whole charade isn't easy. PR relationships, hiding your true feelings, it's all a mess and I know you felt blindsided by the suggestion... But you two? You're taking it to a whole new level of ridiculous."

Leia felt her cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and indignation rising within her. 

"It's not that simple, Tree. You know that. We can't just-"

"Can't what?" Tree interrupted, her eyebrow arching dangerously high. "Can't pick up the phone? Can't send a text? Last time I checked, neither of you had your thumbs amputated."

The blunt statement startled a laugh out of Leia, which she quickly stifled under Tree's withering glare.

"Do you know what Riven and I did today?" Tree continued, not waiting for an answer. "We traded places. That's right. Right now, Riven is probably sitting in Taylor's living room in Nashville, having this exact same conversation. Because frankly, we're both tired of watching you two wallow in misery when the solution is so simple it's almost painful."

Leia blinked.

"Do you have any idea how ridiculous this is? You're both successful, grown women, and yet here you are, pining away like teenagers in a bad rom-com." Tree's hands gesticulated wildly, her bracelets jingling with each emphatic movement. "You're in PR relationships to hide your love, for crying out loud! It's like watching a Shakespearean tragedy, except instead of star-crossed lovers, we've got two stubborn pop stars who can't get out of their own way."

The studio seemed to shrink around them, the fairy lights twinkling mockingly as Tree's words echoed off the mirrored walls. Leia's gaze darted around, grateful that the other dancers were still out of earshot.

Leia blinked, surprise momentarily overriding her embarrassment. 

"Riven's in Nashville? With Taylor?"

"Yes, and trust me, he's not there for the hot chicken," Tree quipped, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration for a moment as she took a deep breath and looked back at Leia. 

"But... but why?" Leia stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought... I thought this was what we were supposed to do. Keep things under wraps, maintain the image..."

Tree's expression softened further, a look of almost maternal concern crossing her features. She reached out, placing a gentle hand on Leia's shoulder.

"Leia... maintaining an image doesn't mean sacrificing your happiness. Yes, we need to be careful, but this... this isn't living. It's existing in a state of perpetual limbo, and it's affecting both of you more than you realise."

Tree's words hung in the air, heavy with truth. Leia felt a lump forming in her throat, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. The publicist's hand on her shoulder was a comforting weight, grounding her as the reality of the situation settled in.

"My point is," Tree continued, giving Leia's shoulder a gentle squeeze, "you're about to spend months apart. Months of stolen phone calls in the middle of the night, hurried FaceTime sessions between soundchecks and studio time. You'll be in different time zones, different cities, different worlds."

Leia's heart clenched at the thought. The idea of not seeing Taylor for months, of missing her smile, her laugh, the way she'd scrunch up her nose when she was concentrating...

"So tell me, Leia Hudson," Tree's voice cut through her reverie, sharp and clear. "Is there really any point in wasting the time you could be spending together right now?"

_____

She sprinted up the path to the front door, her sneakers squelching with each step. The porch light flickered on, sensing her movement, casting a warm glow over the entrance. Leia's hand hovered over the doorbell for a moment before she steeled herself and pressed it.

The wait seemed interminable. Leia's heart thundered in her chest, drowning out even the sound of the rain. She shifted from foot to foot, suddenly aware of how ridiculous she must look - drenched, makeup smeared, showing up unannounced in the early hours of the evening. The sun had long gone down now.

The door opened.

There stood Taylor, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the sight before her. She was dressed casually in a loose sweater and leggings, her hair tucked behind her ears. The surprise on her face quickly melted into concern as she registered Leia's bedraggled state.

"Leia?" Taylor whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain. "What are you-"

"I'm sorry," Leia blurted out, cutting Taylor off. Her words tumbled out in a rush, as if a dam had broken inside her. "I'm so sorry, Taylor. I've been an idiot. We've both been idiots. I couldn't... I couldn't stand another day without talking to you, without seeing you."

Taylor stood frozen in the doorway, her expression a mix of disbelief and hope. Leia pressed on, her voice cracking with emotion.

"I've been miserable without you," Leia continued, her words tumbling out between ragged breaths. The rain pelted her relentlessly, each droplet a cold reminder of the distance she'd traveled, both physically and emotionally, to reach this moment. "Every song I've written, every melody I've hummed, they've all been about you. About us."

Taylor's hand tightened on the doorframe, her knuckles turning white as she listened, her eyes never leaving Leia's face. Lightning flashed, illuminating the vulnerability in Leia's eyes. She pushed her soaked hair out of her face, her makeup running in rivulets down her cheeks, indistinguishable from her tears.

"I realized something tonight," Leia said, her voice growing stronger despite the trembling of her body. "No amount of PR relationships, no carefully crafted public image, will ever change how I feel about you. How much I love you."

Leia took a step closer, rainwater cascading off her clothes and pooling at her feet on Taylor's porch.

"I love you, Taylor Alison Swift," Leia repeated, her voice ringing clear and true above the storm. "I love your brilliant mind, your kind heart, your dorky jokes that make me laugh even on my worst days. I love how you see the world in lyrics and melodies, how you can turn the most mundane moment into pure magic."

She reached out, her trembling hand hovering just inches from Taylor's.

"I love you more than I've ever loved anyone or anything in this world. And no amount of PR relationships, no number of fake dates or staged photos will ever change that. If I have to hold hands with someone else in public, I'll do it. If I have to smile for the cameras with another person by my side, I'll manage. Because I know that in our quiet moments, in the stolen glances and secret touches, it's you. It's always been you."

Leia stood there, vulnerable and exposed, her heart laid bare as the rain continued to fall around her. She waited, breath held, for Taylor's response.

For a moment, Taylor stood motionless, her blue eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears. The air between them crackled with tension, thick with unspoken emotions and the pitter-patter of raindrops. Then, without a word, Taylor stepped forward into the rain, her bare feet splashing in the puddles forming on the porch.

In one fluid motion, she reached out and pulled Leia against her, their bodies colliding with a soft thud. Taylor's arms encircled Leia's waist, drawing her impossibly close, as if trying to erase every inch of space that had ever existed between them. The rain soaked through Taylor's sweater, the fabric clinging to her skin, but she paid it no mind.

Instead, Taylor's hand found its way to the nape of Leia's neck, fingers tangling in her wet hair. With a gentle tug, she tilted Leia's face upward and captured her lips in a searing kiss.

Their lips moved together in perfect synchronicity, as if they'd never been separated. Leia's hands clutched at Taylor's sweater, pulling her closer still, as if afraid she might disappear if she let go. The taste of rain mingled with the salt of their tears, creating a bittersweet symphony on their tongues.

The rain continued to pour down, soaking them both to the bone, but neither of them cared. In that moment, the rain felt like a cleansing force, washing away the pain and misunderstandings of the past weeks.

Taylor's hand trailed down Leia's spine, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake despite the warmth of her touch. She pulled back slightly, breaking the kiss to rest her forehead against Leia's. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, coming in short, ragged gasps.

"I love you too," Taylor whispered, her voice barely audible over the storm, but to Leia, it rang out clear as a bell. "I love you so much it scares me sometimes."

Leia's heart soared, a warmth spreading through her chest despite the chill of her wet clothes. She brought a hand up to cup Taylor's cheek, her thumb brushing away a mixture of raindrops and tears.

"I'm sorry," Leia whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry for letting fear and doubt come between us. I should have..."

Taylor silenced her with another kiss, softer this time, but no less passionate. When she pulled back, her blue eyes were bright with determination.

"No more apologies," Taylor said firmly, brushing a wet strand of hair from Leia's face. "We're here now. That's what matters."

A gust of wind blew across the porch, causing them both to shiver. Taylor glanced back at the open door, then at Leia's drenched form.

"I've written like a hundred songs about you this week," Taylor continued, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Each one more desperate than the last. I think Riven was ready to throw my guitar out the window tonight if he heard one more love-sick melody."

Taylor grinned, taking Leia's hand and gently tugging her towards the open door. 

"Come on, let's get you dried off and warmed up."

____

Riven had long left them alone, saying that his work here was done (despite Taylor and Leia both pointing out that Tree had clearly been much more effective in their plan since it was Leia who had got on a plane first).

Leia glanced up from her phone as she lounged on Taylor's bed, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes landed on Taylor. The blonde stood in the doorway, her tall, slender frame accentuated by a delicate pastel lingerie set that clung to her curves like a second skin. The soft fabric shimmered in the warm lamplight, casting an ethereal glow around Taylor's figure.

Her mouth went dry as her gaze traveled slowly up Taylor's body, taking in every intricate detail. The high-cut bottoms elongated Taylor's already endless legs, while the lacy bralette hugged her chest in a tantalizing embrace. Tiny bows adorned the straps, adding a touch of whimsy to the sensual ensemble.

Taylor's golden hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, framing her face like a halo. Her blue eyes sparkled with a mixture of desire and vulnerability, a slight blush coloring her cheeks under Leia's intense scrutiny.

Taylor's lips curved into a shy smile as she took a tentative step into the room. The movement caused the lingerie to shift slightly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of skin that made Leia's heart race.

"I definitely made the right choice coming to see you," Leia continued, her voice growing stronger as she sat up on the bed. Her eyes never left Taylor's form, drinking in every detail as if committing it to memory.

"I've been saving this," Taylor said softly, her fingers toying with the lace at her hip. "I bought it weeks ago, thinking... hoping... we'd have a moment like this."

As Taylor reached the edge of the bed, Leia reached out, her fingers ghosting over the lace at Taylor's hip. The touch sent a shiver through both of them, the air between them charged with electricity.

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, hands roaming over soft curves and silky skin. Taylor's fingers deftly unbuttoned Leia's borrowed shirt, pushing it off her shoulders to reveal her bare skin underneath.

Their kisses grew more heated as Taylor straddled Leia's hips, her golden hair cascading around them like a curtain. Taylor's lips traveled along Leia's jawline and down her neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Leia gasped as Taylor found a particularly sensitive spot, her back arching off the bed.

Taylor's hands and mouth explored every inch of Leia's body with reverence, as if rediscovering a long-lost treasure. She traced the constellations of freckles across Leia's shoulders, placed feather-light kisses along the curve of her breasts. Leia's skin tingled everywhere Taylor touched her.

"You're so beautiful," Taylor murmured, her eyes roaming over Leia's form.

Leia writhed beneath Taylor's ministrations, soft sighs and breathy moans filling the air. Her hands clutched at Taylor's shoulders, fingertips pressing into soft skin as waves of pleasure washed over her.

Taylor hooked her fingers in the waistband of Leia's borrowed shorts, looking up to meet her gaze. At Leia's nod, she slowly slid them down her legs, her touch igniting sparks everywhere it landed. Now fully bare beneath Taylor's heated gaze, Leia felt a flush creep across her skin. Taylor's eyes roamed her body hungrily before she leaned in to capture Leia's lips once more.

Taylor straddled Leia's thigh, the lace of her lingerie creating delicious friction. She rolled her hips, drawing a moan from both of them. Leia's hands found Taylor's waist, fingers digging into soft flesh as Taylor began a torturously slow grind against her leg.

Leia's hands slid up Taylor's sides, relishing the feeling of smooth skin and delicate lace beneath her fingers. She unhooked Taylor's bra with practiced ease, letting it fall away to reveal Taylor's perfect breasts. Leia cupped them gently, brushing her thumbs across Taylor's nipples and eliciting a soft gasp.

Their lips met again in a searing kiss as Leia flipped their positions, pressing Taylor into the mattress. She trailed kisses down Taylor's neck and chest, lavishing attention on each breast before continuing lower. Taylor squirmed beneath her, fingers tangling in Leia's hair as she kissed a path down her stomach.

"I've missed you so much," Taylor whispered against Leia's neck, her voice husky with desire. Her teeth grazed Leia's pulse point, drawing a low moan from the auburn-haired woman.

Their movements became more urgent, breaths coming in short gasps as they rocked against each other. Taylor's hand slid between Leia's thighs, eliciting a sharp gasp. Leia arched into the touch, her own fingers finding Taylor's center.

Their bodies moved in perfect synchronicity, breathy moans and whispered endearments filling the air. The tension built between them, a crescendo of sensation and emotion.

When release finally came, it washed over them in waves. They clung to each other, trembling and breathless, as aftershocks rippled through their bodies. Taylor collapsed onto Leia, their limbs tangled together, hearts beating in tandem.

As their breathing slowly returned to normal, Taylor lifted her head to meet Leia's gaze. Her blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a soft smile playing on her lips.

"I love you," she whispered, pressing a tender kiss to Leia's lips. "Promise me we'll never let anything come between us again."

Leia's arms tightened around Taylor, holding her close. "I promise," she murmured against Taylor's hair. "You and me, always."