Time had flown like crazy.

One minute Leia had been preparing to sing with Taylor, Charli and Camila for the first time, and the next she was watching on a grainy video call from Scott as Taylor did her final bows for the closing night of the reputation tour in Tokyo.

She had wanted to try and attend the final show, but Riven had already booked her into SNL before the final leg of the tour had been confirmed. As much as Leia was ready to cancel SNL to be there, even Taylor had told her that she shouldn't do that. Leia had already shown up so much for Taylor since the tour started, and it was time Leia did something for herself.

She'd last seen Taylor in person the night after the US closing leg show in Arlington. Camila had also said her goodbyes to the tour at that stage, leaving just Charli to continue with Taylor. Georgie, however, had begged to go with the touring production for the remaining.

While Leia had told her no to the entire month as her college classes had started back up in NYC, she did allow Georgie to fly out with Austin from Manhattan for the final two shows in Tokyo. Besides, Taylor had sent her private plane and Georgie was an adult - Leia couldn't really stop her if she'd wanted to.

By the time the tour was over, November was here and Leia hadn't seen Taylor in almost two months. Despite that, things between them were great. They'd had their rocky patch in July, but that had been it. The rest of the tour they had just gotten closer than ever and Leia had felt they'd grown in a way that she couldn't really explain.

The tour had been great for them both. Leia's album was back in the charts again, and Taylor had truly came back to life. The tour had broken records and Leia was glad that Taylor was finally able to see that there was a lot of love for her above the noise of the negative media in the wake of the Kanye disaster.

This weekend at SNL might have been all about Leia, but tonight was all about Taylor. They'd flown back in the evening prior, as Leia swore that Tate had thought Georgie was off to war with the way he greeted her when she stepped back into their apartment. Taylor had gone straight back to her apartment, jet lag taking over her as soon as they touched down.

Tonight, however, was the official family and friends wrap party for the tour. It was a night for Taylor to celebrate her 10000th record breaking show (an exaggeration but Leia would have said she deserved it even if it had been).

Leia's heart raced as she stepped out of the car, the crisp November air nipping at her cheeks. The venue, a sleek rooftop bar with panoramic views of the glittering cityscape, pulsed with energy. She smiled politely and waved at the paparazzi that were camped outside of the building, knowing that she wasn't the first nor would she be the last that they'd be taking photos of tonight.

As she made her way through the crowd of industry elites and close friends inside, Leia's eyes darted around, searching for that familiar blonde hair and megawatt smile. The reputation tour wrap party was in full swing, with music pulsing through the air and laughter echoing across the space.

And then, like a scene from a movie, the sea of people parted, and there she was. Taylor, radiant in a shimmering black and gold dress that caught the light with every movement, her blonde hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders.

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world around them faded away. Taylor's heart swelled with an overwhelming mix of emotions – joy, relief, and a fierce protectiveness she'd come to associate with Leia.

"Taylor!" Leia's voice carried over the din of the party as she rushed forward, enveloping Taylor in a tight embrace. The familiar scent of Leia's vanilla perfume washed over Taylor, and she felt herself truly relax for the first time in weeks.

"God, I've missed you," Taylor murmured, pulling back to take in every detail of Leia's face. "How was SNL? I want to hear everything!"

Leia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she launched into a animated recount of her SNL experience, her hands moving expressively as she spoke. Taylor listened intently, basking in the warmth of Leia's presence and the infectious energy that seemed to radiate from her.

To the rest of the party that knew them as close friends and co-workers, they looked like they were having a nice catch-up. To those that knew them better, they knew that it would be unlikely to see them apart from each other for the rest of the evening now that they'd gravitated to each others' sides.

As Leia regaled Taylor with tales from SNL, the two women found themselves drifting towards a quieter corner of the rooftop. The city lights twinkled behind them, casting a soft glow on their faces as they leaned in close, their voices low and intimate.

"I still can't believe I actually did it," Leia said, shaking her head in disbelief. "One minute I was shaking like a leaf backstage, and the next thing I knew, I was out there, singing my heart out."

Taylor's eyes crinkled with pride. "I knew you'd be amazing. You always are."

A comfortable silence fell between them, filled with unspoken understanding. Taylor's fingers absently traced patterns on the stem of her champagne flute, her mind racing with everything she wanted to say.

"You know," Taylor began, her voice barely above a whisper, "there were nights on tour towards the end when I'd look out at the crowd and wish you were there. Not just performing, but... just there. With me. Which is crazy as you were there for almost the whole time..."

Leia's breath caught in her throat. She reached out, her fingers brushing Taylor's arm.

"I love you, so much," Taylor breathed, leaning forward and pushing a strand of her hair behind Leia's ear.

Leia's heart skipped a beat at Taylor's touch, her skin tingling where Taylor's fingers had brushed her ear. She opened her mouth to respond, her eyes locked with Taylor's, when a polite cough interrupted the moment.

Joe Alwyn stood a few feet away, his expression carefully neutral. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, but his demeanour seemed slightly out of place among the celebratory atmosphere. Almost like it was too manufactured for the event.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Joe said, his voice carrying a hint of his British accent. "Taylor, Tree asked me to let you know that there's someone she'd like you to meet. A potential collaborator for your next project, I believe."

Taylor's face flickered with a mix of emotions – disappointment at the interruption, a flash of annoyance, and then a practiced smile as she slipped back into her public persona. She turned to Leia, apology written in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, I have to..." she began, but Leia waved her off with an understanding smile.

"Go, do your thing. We'll catch up more later," Leia assured her, though her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment.

Taylor squeezed Leia's hand briefly before passing past Joe and back into the crowd, her golden dress shimmering as she weaved through the party-goers. Leia watched her go, feeling the loss of her presence like a physical ache.

Left alone on the terrace, Leia turned to face the glittering cityscape. The November air had grown colder, and she wrapped her arms around herself, her breath forming small clouds in the night air. The sounds of the party seemed muffled now, as if she were in a bubble of her own thoughts.

Joe, to her surprise, hadn't left. He stood a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, looking out at the city with an unreadable expression.

The silence stretched between them, filled only by the muffled sounds of laughter and music from inside and the distant hum of traffic below. Leia's mind raced, replaying Taylor's words, the warmth of her touch. She wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly feeling the chill of the November night.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" Joe finally said, his voice startling Leia out of her reverie.

Joe took a sip from his drink, the ice clinking against the glass.

"You know," he said, his tone casual but his words weighted, "Taylor talks about you all the time. Even when you're not on tour together."

Leia's heart raced, unsure of where this conversation was heading. She turned to look at Joe, trying to read his expression in the dim light of the terrace. His face remained impassive, but there was something in his eyes – a knowing look that made Leia feel on edge.

"You were great on SNL. We watched it together on the flight back - she was so proud of you."

"Thank you," she finally murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means a lot to hear that."

Joe nodded, taking another sip of his drink. He seemed to be choosing his next words carefully, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Look, Leia," he began, his voice low and measured. "I want you to know that I'm not here to cause any problems. Between you and Taylor, I mean."

Leia's head snapped towards him, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and apprehension. There was something about the way he started his words that sent an uncomfortable shiver down her spine.

"I'm very fond of Taylor," he continued, his gaze softening as he spoke. "We've known each other for a while now, and I care about her happiness. That's why I'm here, really. To make sure she's happy."

The implication in his words was clear, and Leia felt a chill that had nothing to do with the November air. She wrapped her arms tighter around herself, her mind racing. What did Joe know? What was he trying to say?

"I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at," Leia said, her voice steadier than she felt.

Joe turned to face her fully, his eyes searching her face. The distant sound of laughter from the party seemed to fade away, leaving them in a bubble of tense silence.

"Leia," he said softly, his voice tinged with something that might have been compassion. "Are you truly in love with her?"

The question hit Leia like a physical blow. She almost stumbled back a step, her hand gripping the railing of the terrace for support.

Joe's expression remained neutral, but there was a glint in his eye that made Leia feel like she was being tested. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something negative lurking beneath his seemingly innocent question.

"Because if you are," Joe continued, his voice low and intense, "you need to be sure. Tay's been through a lot, and she deserves someone who's all in. Someone who can handle the pressure, the scrutiny, the constant attention."

Tay? Since when was he on a nickname basis with her?

Leia felt her defences rising, a surge of protectiveness for Taylor washing over her.

"Of course I can handle it," she said, her voice stronger now. "I've been there for her through thick and thin. I love her more than anything."

Leia felt her cheeks flush with anger, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

"I've been in this industry for years now, Joe," she retorted, her voice low and intense. "I've seen the ups and downs, the pressure, the criticism. I've stood by Taylor's side through it all, and I don't intend to stop now."

Joe's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something unreadable passing across his face.

"It's funny," he started, raising his glass to his lips. "It just seems like you're only really in love with Taylor when there's something you're getting out of it. From where I stand, there's a repeating pattern; Taylor does something you don't like, you lash out, you apologise and suddenly you get rewarded - whether that's a spot on her tour, a promotion to performing on stage with her, an all-round expensive paid trip for you sister..."

"I've been by Taylor's side through some of her darkest moments," Leia said, her voice low and intense. "Don't you dare try to question that."

Joe took a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.

"You think because you sang a few songs with her on tour, you're gonna be there for her forever?" He laughed in her face. "You're living in a fantasy, Leia. Taylor's world isn't just about music and friendship. It's about strategy, about protecting her image, her career. Do you really think you're fit to be a part of that? Do you really think she'd risk everything she's spent her whole life trying to achieve to be with... you?"

She took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding.

"You know what, Joe? If this is about Taylor, then whatever. But I can see right through you," Leia said, her voice low and controlled. "This isn't about protecting Taylor or her career. This is about you and your pathetic crush on my girlfriend."

Joe's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he quickly composed himself. Leia pressed on, her words sharp and precise.

"You think I don't see the way you look at her? The way you try to insert yourself into every conversation, every moment?" Leia continued, her voice gaining strength. "You're using this PR relationship to get closer to her, to try and make it real. But it's not going to work, Joe."

Joe's jaw clenched, his carefully constructed facade beginning to crack. He opened his mouth to retort, but Leia cut him off.

"And let me make one thing crystal clear," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with conviction. "I am not going anywhere. I love Taylor with every fiber of my being, and I will stand by her side for as long as she'll have me. So you can take your thinly veiled threats and your misguided attempt at playing protector and shove them where the sun doesn't fucking shine."

"You don't know what you're talking about," he hissed, taking a step closer to Leia. "I'm trying to protect her. You're a liability, a risk she can't afford to take."

"A risk?" Leia laughed bitterly. "I've been there for her through every up and down. I've held her when she cried, celebrated her victories, and stood by her side when the whole world seemed to turn against her. What have you done, Joe? Posed for a few carefully orchestrated paparazzi shots?"

They stood toe to toe, neither willing to back down, their heated argument threatening to boil over into something more volatile.

"Hey guys, everything okay out here?"

The sliding glass door to the terrace had opened with a soft whoosh, and Shawn - Mendes - stepped out, his curly hair slightly disheveled and a concerned look on his face. He paused, taking in the scene before him – Leia and Joe standing uncomfortably close, their faces flushed with anger.

"Everything's fine, Shawn," Joe said, forcing a smile. "Leia and I were just having a... discussion about the industry."

Shawn's eyes darted between Leia and Joe, clearly not buying the explanation. He stepped closer, his presence seeming to diffuse some of the tension in the air.

"Right," Shawn said slowly, his tone skeptical. "Well, someone inside is looking for you, Joe. I think it's your manager maybe?"

Leia felt a wave of relief wash over her at the chance to escape this confrontation. She shot Joe one last withering glance as he walked back inside without saying anything else, before turning to Shawn with a grateful smile.

"Thanks," she muttered, taking a deep breath and sighing as the door closed behind Joe. Shawn's forced smile instantly stopped, a frown falling on to his lips as he looked at her and took in the tension that was present in her.

Shawn moved to stand beside her, his presence a comforting buffer against the lingering tension.

"So," Shawn began, his voice gentle, "want to tell me what that was really about?"

Leia sighed, running a hand through her hair. The soft strands caught the light, shimmering like copper in the dim glow of the terrace. She turned to face Shawn, taking in his concerned expression and kind eyes.

"It's nothing, Shawn. Just a little... disagreement." She forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I think Joe might have a crush on my girlfriend, that's all."

Shawn's eyebrows shot up, but he didn't press further. Instead, he turned to face the glittering cityscape, the cool November breeze ruffling his curls. The distant honking of taxis and the muffled bass from the party inside created a strange urban lullaby.

The November air had grown crisper, and Leia shivered slightly, pulling her jacket tighter around her shoulders.

Shawn cleared his throat, his fingers drumming an absent rhythm on the railing.

"Leia, I'm in love with her."

"Excuse me?" Leia said, turning to face him. "With my girlfriend?"

Shawn's eyes grew wide as he stumbled over his words, realising that what he just said in the context of the conversation had painted a false picture.

"No - oh my god - Camila!"

The words hung in the air, unexpected and weighty. Leia turned to him again, her eyes wide with surprise. The revelation momentarily pushed thoughts of Joe and Taylor from her mind.

"What?" she breathed, searching Shawn's face. His cheeks were flushed, whether from the cold or his confession, she couldn't tell.

"I know, I know. It's crazy, right? We've been friends for so long, and now..." He trailed off, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

"No, I'm not really surprised, actually," Leia muttered, the momentary shock at his confession wearing off. "I think that's the least surprising thing I've actually heard this year."

"You knew?"

"I think we all knew, Shawn," Leia laughed, patting his arm lightly. "Except maybe Camila."

Shawn chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Am I that obvious?"

"Let's just say subtlety isn't your strong suit," Leia teased, nudging him gently with her elbow.

The tension from her confrontation with Joe began to dissipate, replaced by a warm camaraderie with Shawn.

"Every single song I write is about her."

"Shawn, I think you need to calm down for just a moment," Leia laughed, smiling at him as he continued to pour his heart out. "I'm not the one that you should really be confessing this to - as entertaining as I am finding this."

Shawn sighed, running a hand through his curls. "I don't know. I mean, we've been friends for so long. What if I mess everything up? What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

Leia's expression softened, recognizing the vulnerability in Shawn's voice. She thought back to her own journey with Taylor, the fear and uncertainty that had preceded their relationship.

"Look, Shawn," she said gently, "I can't tell you what to do. But I can tell you that sometimes, the risk is worth it. You and Camila... there's something special there. Anyone can see it."

"It's just... complicated, you know? With our careers, the public scrutiny..."

"Trust me, I know all about complicated," Leia said with a wry smile. "But if it's real, if it's worth fighting for, then you find a way to make it work."

They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the sounds of the party drifting out to them. Leia's mind wandered back to Taylor, wondering where she was, what she was doing.

"I'm going to go find Taylor... but don't think to hard about it," Leia said lightly. "Camila likes you too - I can tell."

"Hey," Shawn said suddenly, just as her hand rested on the door handle. "Thanks for listening. And for the advice. I really appreciate it... and for what it's worth - I feel Joe is like some sort of corny Bond villain."

She chuckled, wishing him a good night.

Leia stepped back into the party, the sudden warmth and noise enveloping her like a thick blanket. The rooftop bar was alive with laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft hum of conversation. The DJ was spinning a remix of one of Taylor's songs, the familiar beat pulsing through the room.

As she rounded a corner, she caught sight of Taylor's shimmering gold dress. Her heart leapt, but then sank as she realized Taylor wasn't alone. Joe and Tree were standing with her, their heads bent close in conversation. Joe's hand rested lightly on Taylor's lower back, a gesture that made Leia's stomach churn after their conversation just moments ago.

As Leia approached, Joe looked up, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment. Something unreadable flickered across his face before he leaned in to whisper something to Taylor. Taylor nodded, her expression unreadable.

"I should go mingle," Joe said smoothly, his voice carrying just enough for Leia to hear. "We'll talk more later, Taylor."

He squeezed Taylor's arm gently before slipping away into the crowd, leaving Taylor and Tree standing together.

Leia took a deep breath, steeling herself as she closed the distance between them. Taylor's face lit up as she saw her, a genuine smile breaking through the carefully composed expression she'd been wearing.

"Leia!" Taylor exclaimed, reaching out to grasp her hand. "Where did you disappear to? I was looking for you."

Before Leia could respond, Tree cleared her throat, her piercing gaze flicking between the two women.

"Actually, Leia, I'm glad you're here. There's something we need to discuss."

The publicist's tone was all business, and Leia felt a chill run down her spine. She nodded, trying to keep her expression neutral as Tree led them to a quieter corner of the bar. Tree took a sip of her champagne, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against the glass.

"As you know, maintaining Taylor's public image is crucial, especially as we gear up for the next album cycle."

Leia nodded, her throat suddenly dry. She could feel Taylor tense beside her, their shoulders barely touching.

"We've been discussing strategies," Tree continued, her voice low and measured. "And we believe it would be beneficial for Taylor and Joe to have a... somewhat public moment at New Year's."

Leia's heart sank, her mind immediately conjuring images of Taylor and Joe sharing a midnight kiss as their peers watched. But she forced herself to remain composed, acutely aware of the crowd around them - the last thing she needed was for an article to go out now about her kicking off at the end of tour celebrations.

She glanced at Taylor, trying to gauge her reaction, but Taylor's face was a carefully composed mask.

"Of course," Tree continued, her tone softening slightly, "we understand this might be... difficult. But it's just for show, Leia. You know that."

Leia nodded again, not trusting herself to speak. 

She could feel Taylor's eyes on her, searching her face.

"We don't have to talk about this right now," Taylor finally spoke, her voice low and strained. "Can we discuss this later, Tree? It's supposed to be a celebration tonight."

Tree hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Sure, Tay. We'll talk more tomorrow."

With a final pointed look at both of them, she turned and disappeared into the crowd. As soon as Tree was out of earshot, Taylor turned to Leia, her eyes wide with concern.

"Leia, I'm so sorry. I didn't know she was going to bring that up tonight."

Leia looked into Taylor's eyes, seeing the conflict and worry swirling in their depths. She wanted to tell Taylor that it wasn't okay, that the thought of her kissing Joe - even for show - made her feel sick. But she knew this wasn't the time or place.

"You said it yourself - we don't have to talk about this right now," Leia muttered, Taylor's eyes softening slightly as she noticed the tone in her words and the lack of comfort that Leia was providing. She'd disappointed her again. "I'd actually really rather we didn't talk about Joe."

If Taylor noticed the edge in the way she said his name, she didn't comment on it.

"Have you seen Georgie?"

"Leia - you know it's not real," Taylor replied, disregarding that Leia was clearly no longer wanting to talk to Taylor right now. "It's just-"

"Just for show," Leia snapped, forcing a fake smile on to her face as she grabbed a glass of champagne from one of the cocktail waiters that walked past them. "Yeah, I fucking get it, Taylor."

Taylor recoiled a little at the casual way she swore at her, her eyebrows furrowing at the slight disrespect in the way Leia had just spoken to her. Sure, she knew that the ideal of Joe and her's PR relationship rubbed Leia the wrong way but that was a little unnecessary. 

She reached out to touch Leia's arm, but Leia subtly shifted away.

"Leia, please," Taylor said softly, her voice barely audible over the party noise. "Can we go somewhere quieter to talk about this?"

Leia took a long sip of champagne, buying herself a moment to compose her thoughts. The bubbly liquid did little to soothe the knot of anxiety in her stomach.

"I don't think that's a good idea right now," Leia replied, her voice tight. "I need to go find Georgie. Excuse me."

Before Taylor could protest, Leia turned and made her way through the crowd, leaving a stunned Taylor in her wake. She weaved between partygoers, muttering quick apologies as she brushed past, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere.

She found herself back on the terrace, gripping the railing as she took deep, gulping breaths of the crisp night air. The city lights blurred before her eyes as tears threatened to spill over and she was glad that it seemed Shawn was no where in sight now.

"Leia? Are you okay?"

She turned to see Georgie approaching, concern etched on her face. Leia tried to force a smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

"I'm fine, Georgie. Just needed some fresh air."

Georgie wasn't fooled. She came to stand beside her sister, their shoulders touching in a gesture of silent support.

"You've been out here a few times tonight... What happened?" Georgie asked gently. "Did you and Taylor have a fight?"

Leia sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Not exactly. It's just... complicated."

Georgie nodded, not pushing for more information. They stood in companionable silence for a moment, watching the city below.

"You know," Georgie said finally, "whatever it is, you two will work it out. I've never seen two people more meant for each other."

Leia laughed softly, feeling some of the tension leave her body. She wrapped an arm around Georgie's shoulders, pulling her close. Georgie smiled back, leaning her head on Leia's shoulders and allowing them to just breathe in sync for a moment.

Everything was okay as long as she had Georgie with her.

____

Despite having not spoken a single word to each other since their small argument, Leia found herself opening the door to her apartment with a silent Taylor standing behind her. Not only was the blonde sober, but it was clear that she was absolutely livid at Leia having almost left her tour closing party without even saying so much as a goodbye.

Leia tossed her jacket on the entry table with a thud. She couldn't get the image out of her mind - Joe with his arm draped possessively around Taylor's waist all evening, whispering in her ear, making her laugh that fake, forced laugh as she watched Tree mingle with other PR agents and a few industry reporters. It made Leia's blood boil.

Taylor shut the door behind them with deliberate slowness, trying to keep her composure. 

"Leia, you're being ridiculous about this," she said, breaking the stony quiet. 

Leia didn't respond, just marched into the kitchen, her heels clacking loudly on the hardwood. She couldn't look at Taylor right now without wanting to scream. Or cry. Or both.

Georgie had asked if she could stay at a friend's that night, and Leia had agreed without much thought about it. She was glad that Georgie was making friends in the city, since she hadn't really made many friends during her first year of college - something Leia suspected was kind of her own fault. Being around fame had made Georgie suspicious of anyone who approached her.

Taylor huffed out a frustrated sigh and followed Leia. 

"Hey. I'm talking to you."

She reached out and grabbed Leia's wrist, spinning her around so they were face to face, barely inches apart. 

Leia glared up at Taylor, the blonde's blue eyes flashing with anger and hurt. She could smell Taylor's perfume, feel the heat radiating off her skin. It took everything in Leia not to melt into her arms right then.

"You're overreacting," Taylor said softly, her gaze searching Leia's face. "You know none of that with Joe is real. So why are you getting so pissed off at me for this?"

"Am I? Because tonight it sure didn't feel that way," Leia shot back, her voice wavering. "I had to watch him paw at you like he owned you. Do you have any idea how that made me feel? How humiliated I feel inside knowing that you just don't want to be seen with me?"

Leia jerked away from Taylor's touch, tears pricking her eyes. She hated this - hated hiding, hated lying, hated watching the woman she loved pretend with someone else. It tore her up inside every single time.

"No, that's not it at all," Taylor protested, pain etched into her features. "I love you, Leia. You're my world. But there's so much at stake here. My career, my family's legacy... I can't just throw it all away for a momentary lapse in judgment."

"Ah," Leia snapped, and Taylor could smell the champagne on her breath that she'd been sipping on all night. "That's what I am? A 'momentary lapse in judgement'?"

"Don't twist my words-"

"That's literally exactly what you just said?"

"You know that's what not I meant-"

"Sure as hell sounded like it-"

"Fucking hell Leia, why can't you just fucking believe I want you! Not Joe!"

"Then prove it!" Leia yelled, her emotions spilling over. 

Taylor's jaw clenched, her eyes darkening. Then, in one fluid motion, she stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Her lips crashed down on Leia's in a heated, desperate kiss.

Leia moaned into the kiss, her anger evaporating as quickly as it had appeared. She wrapped her arms around Taylor's neck , bringing their bodies even closer together. 

Taylor's hands roamed urgently over Leia's body as they kissed, her fingers tracing familiar curves with newfound desperation. Leia gasped as Taylor backed her up against the kitchen table, the cool wood pressing into her thighs. Their lips moved together hungrily, tongues tangling as months of pent-up frustration and desire poured out.

With trembling fingers, Taylor grasped the bottom hem of Leia's dress and tugged it upwards. Leia raised her arms, allowing Taylor to pull the garment off in one fluid motion. The cool night air kissed Leia's bare skin, causing goosebumps to erupt across her flesh. Taylor's eyes darkened as she took in the sight before her.

"God, you're beautiful," Taylor breathed, her voice husky with want.

Leia didn't respond with words. Instead, she grabbed Taylor by the straps of her own dress and pulled her in for another searing kiss. Taylor's hands found Leia's waist, her thumbs tracing small circles on the soft skin there. Leia arched into the touch, a low moan escaping her lips.

Without breaking eye contact, Taylor slowly leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Leia's neck. Leia tilted her head back, giving Taylor better access as she trailed kisses down her throat. 

Taylor took her time, savoring the taste of Leia's skin as she made her way lower. She paused to nip gently at Leia's collarbone, eliciting a sharp intake of breath. Her lips ghosted over the swell of Leia's breasts before capturing a nipple in her warm mouth.

Leia let out a breathy moan as Taylor swirled her tongue, sending sparks of pleasure through her body. She threaded her fingers through Taylor's hair, holding her close.

Taylor's hands slid down Leia's sides, gripping her hips and pulling her closer. Her lips trailed lower, kissing a path down Leia's stomach. Leia gasped as Taylor dropped to her knees, looking up at her with darkened eyes.

"I love you," Taylor murmured against Leia's inner thigh. "Only you."

___