The Secret Of Us (wlw)

Honesty?

It was their third day back at Taylor's house and Taylor and Evie lounged on the couch, watching "Friends" and commenting on every little detail. It was just a simple activity, but it filled Evie with a lot of joy. The last two days had been full of shared laughter, late-night talks, baking and a lot of intimacy.

She smiled to herself as she glanced around the room. Her things—clothes, a toothbrush, a book she had started reading—were scattered across the house. It didn't feel like she was just a guest anymore. It felt... shared.

Evie let out a soft chuckle, breaking the quiet. "I bet my neighbors think I've completely abandoned my apartment," she said, her eyes not leaving the TV. "They probably miss me and wonder if I'm still alive or if I'm off somewhere with a new identity." Taylor laughed, her voice light but a little teasing. "I hope they'll get over it. I don't want to share." Evie smiled, glancing at her. "You don't have to," she said playfully, but as she spoke, a part of her realized just how normal it felt to be there.

The playful exchange faded when their eyes met, and a soft quiet fell between them. Taylor leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Evie's lips. When they pulled away, Taylor didn't let go of her hand, her thumb tracing small circles on the back of Evie's hand.

"I'd like to hang out at your place more," Taylor said, her voice quieter now, more thoughtful. "But I... well, you know, paparazzi and all that."

Evie nodded, not at all surprised by the comment. Taylor's world was a lot more complicated than hers, with all the attention and pressure that came with it. "Yeah, I get that. It's easier here anyway. I don't mind staying."

Taylor gave her a small, almost wistful smile, her gaze dropping to their hands. "Actually... I told Sarah about us," Evie suddenly said and she could hear the hesitation underneath them. It wasn't that she didn't trust Sarah, but when she had told her she hadn't realized Taylor was ready for that yet. She felt a flicker of unease. What if Taylor wasn't okay with this? What if she had been pushing too hard, rushing things?

"I told her before you told me that you needed time. It actually slipped out. I hope that's okay?", Evie added and waited for Taylor's response.

Taylor reached for Evie's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Uhm, alright." She shrugged a little, her tone casual, but there was a slight edge of something unspoken in her voice. Evie sighed. "I didn't exactly mean for it to slip out, but... I trust Sarah. She's my friend.". She hadn't meant to share anything before Taylor was comfortable.

Taylor met her eyes then, her expression softening. "Evie, I know you didn't mean to overstep when it slipped out.". "And you're okay with it? With Sarah knowing?"

Taylor paused, her fingers idly brushing against Evie's. There was something thoughtful in her eyes, a flicker of something she hadn't yet voiced. "Uhm...Yeah. I just... don't know if I'm ready for everyone else to know. I don't want people to think it's just a phase, you know? I don't want to have to explain myself when they don't take it seriously."

Evie nodded slowly, her heart going out to Taylor. Her feelings were totally valid. But Evie wondered if her friends would actually react like that, considering how nice they were. But Taylor obviously knew them better, she had her reasons for her worries. "And you're not scared to tell them because...you're not fine with your sexuality?", Evie asked Taylor, something in her urging her to ask.

"No...no really. I'm totally fine. I just drag the conversations right now but I will tell people once this leg on the tour is done. I just... want to enjoy this now."

Evie felt a little relieved as she looked into Taylor's smiling face. "Alright."

There was a long pause as they both sat there, the air between them thick with unspoken understanding. Then, after a moment, Evie hesitated before speaking again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... I don't want you to feel bad about us. About liking me." Even though Taylor had just reassured her, she needed to bring her worry up one more time.

Taylor's face softened immediately, her thumb brushing along the back of Evie's hand in a gentle rhythm. "I don't feel bad," she said firmly, her voice tender. "I don't feel bad about this."