Kate hands the glitter to Lucy as she applies the finishing touches to the bold, blue thirteen on the back of the blonde’s hand. This isn’t Lucy’s first rodeo, a proud swiftie from day one, she has worn the thirteen to every Taylor concert she’s attended. Kate however hasn’t had the luxury of seeing Taylor perform live as of yet so tonight’s Eras Tour date is extra special for her.
“How’s that?” Lucy asks as she looks up to Kate, whose face is practically beaming with joy. “I love it, thank you!”. The blonde leans in and places her lips gently against Lucy’s. The opening notes of Lover hum in the background as the pair finish getting ready. “You look gor-geous”. Kate grins as she says it, accentuating the word just as Taylor does. “Oh we’re going there are we?” Lucy teases, fully falling for the blonde’s cheesy lyrical reference. “Well Kate Whistler” she steps forward, raising her brow, as she tilts her head. “Are you ready for it?”. Kate can’t help but laugh, then land another kiss on Lucy’s lips, this time with more fervour than before.
As they pull apart Lucy rolls onto her tippy toes to whisper into Kate’s ear. “I only bought this dress so you could take it off”. The blonde’s mouth falls open, her eyes flutter in shock as her excitement builds in more than one way. “We have a concert to get through first, but-”, the blonde lifts Lucy’s hands and places them on her hips. Inviting Lucy to wrap around her middle. “I promise afterwards, the altar is my hips”. Lucy mouths “Fuck” and bites her bottom lip, as Kate presses herself into the brunette.
The two just about manage to hold back from each other. Kate glances at the clock and realises their taunting has left them slightly behind schedule. She grabs her bag off the kitchen counter. “Ok, one more time”. Lucy rolls her eyes teasingly as Kate searches through her bag once again, triple checking she has everything. “Tickets check, phone check, purse check”. The blonde stops herself before checking off the last item. This one is for her alone to know, ring…check.
———
The car ride to the stadium is filled with laughter and singing as the couple put everything else to back of their minds for one night. ‘Work can wait’ is not a sentence either woman utters much in life, but today it is their motto. Pulling up to the stadium the crowd is already starting to flow through the car park and towards the entrance.
Kate finds a space and switches the ignition off. Humming the lyrics of the song that fades into thin air as the radio turns off. She reaches over and squeezes Lucy’s bare knee. “I was enchanted to meet you”. She sings with a soft tone to her voice, as her dark eyes fall into Lucy’s. Lucy scrunches her nose and reaches her arms up to cup Kate’s face between her hands. “I’m liking this pun thing we have going on”. She plants a kiss to Kate’s smiling lips. “Yeah, well”. Kate rolls her eyes. “Look what Taylor made me do”. Lucy giggles as she leans back against the passenger seat.
The couple hop out of the car and join the stream of people. Walking hand in hand towards the stadium makes Kate’s heart pound in her chest. The blonde is trying her best to conceal her anxiety. She’s secretly praying Lucy mistakes her sweaty hands as excitement, instead of nerves.
“Wow, look at her outfit!” Lucy gasps, pointing at a girl in her custom black Rep Tour outfit. Lucy has been glued to her Pinterest feed since this tour was first announced. Looking back through her past concert looks, as well as some of Taylor’s most iconic outfits, trying to seek out inspiration. Ultimately, she decided the pair should dress as their favourite eras, and as much as Kate pretends she’s slightly embarrassed to wear her outfit in public she couldn’t resist her short, brunette girlfriend’s request. Or more likely she couldn’t resist the dark brown puppy eyes, which know how to get their way.
Lucy has gone for a classic debut look. A white frill dress, which flows in the wind as they walk. She pairs the dress with brown suede cowboy boots, which as a texan are a necessity in her wardrobe anyway. Her hair is loose, the long dark curls flowing over her shoulders. A glittery silver cowboy hat completes the look. Kate didn’t have such an easy time choosing her look. The red era defined Taylor Swift for Kate but Lucy warned her that a striped t-shirt and red scarf were not adventurous enough for a concert.
Secretly Kate knew Lucy wanted to see her in the brunette’s favourite Red Tour outfit. Lucy has mentioned to Kate on numerous occasions the gay panic she experienced as a teenager seeing Taylor Swift in a ringmaster inspired ensemble. The sparkling top hat crowning the look. It has taken Kate a little over a month to put the outfit together, but she’s very pleased with how it’s turned out. The blonde’s long legs are exposed in black shorts, paired with black docs. Her red bejewelled suit with a gold outline at the front is enough to make Lucy’s heart race. She wears her hair down, with her top hat finishing the look as accurately as possible.
“I love your outfits!”. “Thank you, I love y’all as well!”. Lucy talks to everyone in line as Kate stands in awe of the woman in front of her. She’s known since she secured the tickets months ago that tonight would be the night she would pop the question. She picked out the ring a few weeks ago. The decision taking longer than she had originally planned. The only person she’s confided in is Jane. The NCIS SAC is like a mother to Lucy, and Kate felt it only right to bring her along for moral support when choosing the ring. Kate has prayed everyday since that Lucy wouldn’t find it in her bedside table. In the end she went for something delicate, understated but beautiful.
The doors open and the queue starts to snake around the barriers and into the foyer. Kate being the organised individual she is, has already purchased Lucy a few surprise items from the online store, so they don’t have to wait in any queues for merchandise. They make their way into the stadium, hands linked in harmony. Upon catching a first glimpse of the stage, Lucy bounces along next to the blonde. Kate’s smile widens as Lucy squeezes her hand, pulling the blonde along hurriedly to their seats.
They are in the third row by the end of the diamond stage, so close Lucy believes she could reach out and touch it. Kate loves the short brunette’s enthusiasm. Despite having not stopped talking since leaving the car, for the first time Lucy is now rendered speechless. She turns and kisses Kate. More passionately that Kate usually appreciates in public, but tonight she isn’t complaining.
“We should get a photo!”. Lucy flips out her phone and the couple shuffle closer together to capture the perfect selfie. “This is going to the Ohana!”. Lucy says excitedly, as she opens the group chat and sends the image. Kate’s phone pings as she receives it. It doesn’t take long for the others to start responding. Ernie teasing Lucy for being that much shorter than Kate, Jesse confused by the outfits and Jane simply saying they both look beautiful. Kai on the other hand is probably far too busy surfing to check his phone.
Kate hopes her nerves aren’t showing. She’s trying her best not to act different despite the fact her hands are secretly shaking, and she keeps checking her bag to feel for the box. Kate has chosen to propose to Lucy during ‘Love Story’. It’s one of their favourite songs to sing in the car, and was actually the first Taylor Swift song the blonde fell in love with. Now all these years later she’s about to ask the person she loves most in this world to marry her to it.
———
The lights go down as a countdown appears on the insanely huge screen onstage. Kate squeezes Lucy from behind. She may not be the type to bounce up and down on the spot like her girlfriend, but this moment means a lot to the blonde, and sharing it with Lucy makes her the happiest woman alive. Kate has never heard Lucy scream so loud, or anything so loud in fact. The entire stadium erupts as Taylor appears on the centre of the stage.
The Lover era has the two screaming the lyrics, slow dancing and reminiscing on the memories the album holds for them. At the first FBI ball the pair attended, the pianist played Lover as they held each other under the dimly lit chandeliers. Lucy places one hand into Kate’s and the other on the blonde’s back as their tear filled eyes sparkle under the bright stadium lights, remaking that special moment. “You’re my, my, my, my, lover”. They mouth, inching closer to each under the pink and orange hue of the lights, before kissing as the song closes.
As the Lover era draws to a close, Kate knows her time is fast approaching. Of course she has the entire set list memorised, counting down the songs to go until ‘Love Story’. Taylor appears back on stage in her golden Fearless era dress, with her guitar in hand. Kate takes a deep breath. She can do this. She looks around to Lucy, who has her hands in the air making the shape of a heart. The blonde’s heart beats a little faster at the sight alone. It’s time to be fearless.
———
Two songs later and the opening chords of ‘Love Story’ begin. Kate swallows hard. She can hardly feel her legs at this point, let alone know if she’ll survive getting down on one knee. Those opening chords alone tug on the blonde’s heartstrings, taking her mind back to her childhood. To a time when she didn’t believe that this song could ever come true for her. However the message of facing hardship, and still having a happy ending, was a powerful reminder for the blonde to never give up on love. And so she didn’t. She has loved Lucy from the very first night she met her in a bar in Waikiki. Despite their hardships, they never gave up on each other, and now they never will.
Lucy bounces up and down on the spot as the lights go down and the song begins. She turns to Kate with the widest grin on her face. “It’s our song Kate!”. Kate’s heart melts, spreading a warm comforting sensation across her entire body. In this moment she knows she made the right song choice. She reaches into her bag and grasps the box in her hand. She can feel her hand trembling despite her heart knowing this is the easiest decision she’s ever made.
“I close my eyes and flashback starts”.
As Taylor begins to sing, Kate’s mind fills with memories of Lucy.
“On a balcony in summer air”.
Kate can almost smell the salty ocean air as her mind is filled with the image of her and Lucy cuddled up on the hotel balcony after that first night together. The feeling of Lucy running her hands through Kate’s hair, as they lie on the sofa together drinking coffee. The silence between them already so comfortable.
“See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns”.
Kate feels her eyes fill with tears as she remembers the pride she felt taking Lucy to the annual FBI ball for the first time. The brunette looked stunning in her black suit, paired with possibly the highest heels Kate’s ever seen her wear. Kate remembers Lucy holding her hand that little bit tighter that night. The brunette has such a way of knowing when Kate needs comforting, and Kate can’t imagine for one second ever losing out on that.
“Cryin’ on the staircase. Beggin’ you, please don’t go”.
Kate’s heart aches at this lyric. It always does. But now the pain is different, it’s in the past. A reminder of the hardships the pair have managed to overcome. Never again will Kate have to know that feeling, or see the image of Lucy turning her back on her. Now they walk up those same staircases, hand in hand when they can. Sometimes even sneaking a kiss when nobody’s around. The fears of the past washed away by promises of the future.
As the song continues, Kate’s nerves only build. Everything in her life has lead to this moment. To asking the love of her life to spend the rest of her life with her. Lucy sings every word, her hands making an air guitar, as she plays it just as passionately as the actual guitarist. The butterflies in Kate’s stomach flutter harder now as Taylor begins singing the bridge. She looks at Lucy, for what will hopefully be last time she looks at her as her girlfriend. The tears building in her eyes almost break loose at the thought of calling Lucy her fiancée.
“Knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring…”
Kate taps her short girlfriend on the shoulder, the touch surprises Lucy who turns to an even greater surprise. Kate Whistler is making her way onto one knee. Opening a tiny white box as she does so. The brunette’s eye’s race over the image before her, she can feel her heart clench in her chest. “Lucy Tara, will you marry me?”. Kate shouts over everything. Lucy’s hands instinctively cover her mouth. She can see Kate’s watery eyes glistening in the glow of the orange lights above.
Without even a seconds hesitation she screams “Yes!”. Before realising her own tears are flowing down her face. She doesn’t think she’s ever smiled so hard in her life, as she reaches her now slightly unsteady left hand out for Kate to carefully place the ring on her finger.
“I love you and that’s all I really know”
Lucy leaps into her fiancées strong arms. Kate feels Lucy bury herself into her hair, while wrapping her arms around the blondes neck. As Lucy leans back she looks lovingly into eyes that she knows will be the best view for the rest of her life. She closes the distance between her and Kate. Not holding back her passion, despite many around them now engaging in cheers and filming the moment for the couple to look back on.
Lucy never wants the kiss to end. She’s so in love with the woman holding her that she’s forgotten they’re in a stadium with 70,000 others. The world around them seems secondary, the music fades to background noise and their peripheries blur. Reluctantly separating their lips eventually Lucy still can’t bring herself to pull her eyes away from the blondes. “I love you”. She says as she holds Kate’s face between her hands. “I love you too Lucy”. Kate’s tears rolling down her cheeks and past the dimples by her smile.
“Congrats!”, “So happy for you!”. The well wishes flood in from absolute strangers who happen to surround them. The couple quickly thank them before returning to focusing fully on one another. “I’m surprised this wasn’t a paper ring to really bring your pun’s to life”. Lucy jokes as she looks at the ring on her finger for the first time in more detail. “Well- at least I don’t have any champagne problems”. “Oof- Kate, Taylor is right there!”. Lucy points back towards the stage. The pair laugh, still unable to draw themselves back into reality.
Kate reaches her arms around Lucy once again. Lucy finds Kate’s hands at her front and holds them in her own. Kate leans down and places a soft kiss on the brunette’s cheek. “Enjoy the rest of the show, my love”. They stay that way throughout the Evermore set that follows. Despite her height, Kate is sure Lucy is jumping higher than everyone else around during the Reputation songs. It only makes the blonde fall harder in love with the woman she’s going to spend the rest of her life with.
When it comes to the surprise songs, Lucy can’t believe her luck when Taylor pulls out the guitar and begins strumming “Our Song”. Lucy turns to Kate with tears filling up her eyes. “We have one very special song now thanks to you”. Her voice breaks as she thanks Kate. She is still very much in shock, and hasn’t let go of Kate’s hand the entire time since. “I have a very special person to thank for that”. Kate’s lips quiver, the corners flexing slightly downwards as she tries to hold back another waterfall of tears.
———
The show comes to an end and Lucy finds herself on the floor gathering pieces of confetti. “How many pieces does one girl need?”. Kate asks as the brunette is gathering more into her hand. “I’m bringing a piece for everyone, so they too can have a piece of our happiness”. Kate’s eyes light up. She leans down and helps Lucy gather enough for everyone, plus a few spares for themselves.
“Should we tell them?”. Kate suggests somewhat unsure of how Lucy wants to share the news. “Yes! Time for another selfie!”. Lucy grabs her phone and Kate hunches down slightly this time to be at the same level as the brunette. The pair flash bright smiles as Lucy also flashes the ring on her finger. Half of their costumes are long gone. The hats were the first items to go, and Kate’s suit has lost a few jewels, but that’s now the least of their worries.
As the camera continues to click the two reach in for a kiss, Lucy still managing to tap the button onscreen with her eyes shut. “Wow, I love them, and you!”. Lucy teasingly taps Kate on the nose with her finger as they choose a couple photos to send to the Ohana group chat.
The couple simply caption it, Love Story.