Chapter Text
Last Christmas, she was celebrating with her family in Wales. But this year, she is alone in Milan.
It is the early grind of Tayce's career. She dreams of becoming a full-time high fashion model, but the hustle is real. She feels lucky to be cast in a lush Valentine's Day campaign for Prada, as it's the third major designer she has booked. She met so many cool people at this shoot and received good feedback from the photographer. That day has been the highlight of her career and Tayce cannot let the momentum stop. She is getting there, but the pay isn't reliable yet. This shoot pays well, but Tayce won't see much of it once the travel fees, hotel costs, and commission to her agency are deducted. Tayce can't survive working as a model until she makes it big. She knows the game is exposure, and that she needs to book as many shoots as possible so she can post on Instagram and build her following.
Tayce strives to become a household name. Dammit, she knows she will become a household name, just as long as she pushes through. She refuses to give up until her dreams come true.
But right now, she can't deny she's lonely.
Although Tayce is a self-proclaimed independent hound, she is homesick. Christmas in two days and she is sad she won't get to see her family, drink their spicy hot chocolates and play fighting games in front of the fireplace. The air is always rich with the scent of cinnamon from her mother's favourite candles and delicious roast dinners. Tayce's family were chill. They never argued and gatherings were fun.
Tayce wishes she could afford to travel home, but it's too expensive and she has more work from the 27th. Her agent told her these opportunities were too good to give up, but damn, it is a little rough. Especially as an extrovert who is currently sitting bored in her hotel room. Tayce won't let this mood her down, so she pulls on her coat and leaves to pass the time with some retail therapy. She treats herself to a bougie facemask and admires designer clothing that she is determined to be able to afford one day, chatting away with shop attendants who speak little English.
It starts snowing, and Tayce breathes in the cold air as she admires the streets around her. But after a few minutes, a snowstorm starts and Tayce rushes to the closest bar to warm up. She walks up the stairs of the older building, the interior looking cosy even though it is dully lit by stained glass lamps, fairy lights and candles on each table. The floors are deep oak wood and each of the large windows is surrounded by thick red curtains. Tayce sits at a table by a large window, staring at the beautiful view of the city, with glittering orange lights and a thin blanket of snow covering everything.
Tayce orders red wine and bread, chatting with the bartender before returning to her beautiful view. She starts getting bored, scrolling mindlessly on her phone and looking through photos to post on Instagram. She occasionally flicks her gaze to the bar when she hears people speaking and this time she notices a familiar voice and long blonde hair.
The girl in question sounds suspiciously like her Fashion Week hook-up from last year. She met her at an after-party and was captivated by her beauty as she stood alone sipping champagne. Tayce took the lead, and their flirting led to a frantic and pretty incredible shag in her hotel room. Tayce was eager for more but woke up alone, and still shuddered knowing that she didn't know her name was Aurora until checking Instagram the next day.
Tayce walks to the other end of the bar and looks at a menu when really, she wants to see if her suspicions are correct.
They were. Aurora is gorgeous, her platinum hair over her shoulder and dark brows furrowing as she read the menu. Her nose is pink from the cold and there is snow on the shoulders of her coat. God, she's cute. Tayce figures a mere hello wouldn't hurt. Since their hook-up, they spoke to each other on Instagram occasionally and met briefly backstage at a few shows. The banter with her is fun whenever they meet, her crude humour cracking up Tayce. Tayce wishes their encounters were more frequent, so she tells herself this is the perfect excuse.
Why couldn't two acquaintances who fucked once be friends? Whilst Tayce's thoughts linger on that night occasionally, she craves company and doesn't want to be alone if she can help it.
Potentially Aurora is in the same shoes, and Tayce figures they can be lonely together. So Tayce walks over to Aurora and leans her elbows against the counter, saying, "Well, hello, hello, hello. What are you doing here all on your own on such a pretty night?"
Aurora seems taken aback, but her brown doe eyes lighten up as they meet Tayce's, a small grin spreading on her face."Tayce? I... Fancy seeing you here. How are you?"
"Yeah, I'm good. Y'know just did a shoot for Prada with a mini village. Fittings tomorrow, a few days off, then more shoots. And how about you?"
"Well, I'm working an internship since I need to build my resume and network," Aurora rolls her eyes, leaning on the bar and resting a hand on her cheek. "Dull as shit, but as least it is pretty here."
"Sounds like it," Tayce snorts, grabbing Aurora's arm. "Are you at least working here with anyone?"
"Nope," Aurora shrugs, "as if anyone else would want to do this."
"Well well. The plot thickens. Would you join me for a drink then? We can be lonely together… I have a table with a lovey-dovey view and bread to spare?" Tayce winks, twinkling her fingers towards her table.
"Sounds good. I am starving, and it has been a long day. Want to share a pizza as well?"
So they share a pizza, buy a bottle of red wine and watch the snowfall. Though this is the first time they have more than a few minutes together, the conversations come easily, chatting like old friends. They discuss upcoming fashion trends, annoying things about the industry and gossip. Aurora shows Tayce the pieces she is working on, bitching about one particularly beautiful coat with thousands of studs, and Tayce makes Aurora ugly laugh with her stories about working at her bar between modelling gigs. As time passes, they order another bottle of wine, move their seats closer together, and share their insecurities. It is comforting talking to someone who understands the difficulties that come with working in such a cold and cutthroat industry., Tayce found herself squeezing Aurora's hand and leaning her head on her shoulder.
Once they finish their second bottle, they decide to part ways and promise they will keep in touch. But Tayce doesn't know if that'll be enough as they hug out front of the bar, squeezing Aurora and enjoying the contact of a friend. "Look. Aurora. Would you like to come to my hotel for Christmas? I have a fireplace, a lush view and a tiny tree."
Tayce realises she might sound too eager, Aurora's gaze is hard to read, biting her inner lip as she contemplates her options.
"Look, I know what happened… happened. I just really miss my family and don't want to be alone for Christmas, y'know. I promise I won't be an absolute hound. We can be lonely together, drinking some red and cooking something nowhere near as good as me Nan makes."
Aurora has a warm smile, her eyes bright as she replies, "y'know what, that would be nice. I am really homesick too. Maybe we can buy each other a little somethin' somethin'. So we can open a gift from someone else on Christmas?"
Tayce's smile is huge, patting her shoulder, "You got a good head on you, Aurora. This will be lush! I am working tomorrow, but I'll send the details for my hotel, and you can come by."
***
Tayce's day was tiring from meetings with her agent, fittings and shopping for Aurora's gift and dinner. She wants to nap and sighs loudly as she observes the mess, knowing she must clean.
Aurora will be here tomorrow, and Tayce managed to make a total mess in her room in four days. She knows she should be tidier, but really cannot be arsed when she is working every day. Tayce walks through to observe the damage. The room is long, with an overly yellow cream tone, aged by the cream baseboard and crown moulding. It has dark wooden furniture and red and grey accents throughout.
The entrance has a built-in wardrobe with wooden sliding doors, and a huge mirror inside. Tayce needs to step over the shoes thrown in the entryway. A small kitchen lines part of the wall next to the wardrobe, covered with dirty dishes, which she places gently into the sink so she can put the grocery bags there. Next to the kitchen, there is a wall-mounted TV opposite the queen bed with two side tables and old red lamps. The white bedsheets are crumpled over half the bed and floor with clothing and grey pillows thrown about.
Tayce walks to the end of the room, picking up a glass of water from the small coffee table which is next to more dirty dishes, a lamp and her laptop. Tayce flops herself onto the red couch, placing Aurora's presents on the floor and groans when she looks at the presents strewn across the floor that she needs to wrap.
It could be worse. Tayce hangs her coat, throws her shoes in the wardrobe and jams the rest of her clean clothes into a now overflowing suitcase she shoves into the wardrobe. She makes a pile of her dirty clothes at the top of the cupboard and throws the hotel towels and sheets near the front door, calling reception to request a fresh double set of towels and bedsheets.
She washes the dishes, gives the counters a quick wipe and even does a quick clean of the dark green tiled bathroom. She wipes down the surfaces to remove makeup stains and neatly organises her toiletries to one corner of the vanity. She decorates with cinnamon candles her mum gave her for the trip, her smile growing with the smell of Christmas. Tayce starts decorating the room with blue and white ornaments, and as she tapes tinsel to the edge of the wooden table, hotel staff deliver the clean towels and make the bed beautifully. Tayce is grateful, giving a tip and saying "Grazie" over and over.
Tayce turns on Real Housewives and sits near the balcony deal, leaving it slightly ajar so she can smoke cigarettes. Tayce was unsure what to get Aurora, so settled on a sketch pad and charcoals since Aurora mentioned she forgot to pack them for this trip.
Tayce is excited now. She won't be with her family, but she will be spending time with a new friend.
***
Conversation flows easily while they eat their surprisingly decent roast dinner and they are already tipsy by the time they finish dinner. Aurora leaves Tayce in hysterics from the vulgar humour, like comparing herself to the gaping chicken carcass and Aurora exacerbates the laughter by teasing Tayce's "ugly" cackle. The bloody cheek. Tayce makes her family's hot chocolate recipe, insisting they must keep up her traditions of drinking hot chocolate when opening presents. At first, Aurora was sceptical since it uses chilli flakes and spicy dark chocolate, but Aurora's smile grew after a sip, "oh, that is bloody good."
"Told you," Tayce just winks, grabbing Aurora's hand and dragging her to sit on the couch next to her.
Tayce turns off the overhead hotel lights to let the room glow from the lamps, 'fireplace' on the TV and candles. Most gifts are from themselves, but Tayce feels giddy about her gift from Aurora surprises. Aurora audibly squeaks when she opens the sketch pad and charcoals, "Yes! I bloody missed these! Thank you, Tayce!"
Tayce opens her gift, a gorgeous pair of silver snake earrings with black etching, and tiny emeralds for the eyes.
"Holy shit Rory, I'm obsessed! I love these. Thank you so much!" Tayce jumps up out of excitement and quickly runs to a mirror, pulling out her long silver spikes to put on her new earrings. "Wait, how did you know I like snakes anyway? Wait, and my birthstone?"
Aurora grins a little, "Instagram. You posted on your 24th birthday and made an appreciation post for your old pet snakes a few months back. It's pretty unforgettable watching you coddling three snakes at once."
Tayce can't hide her big grin. That's too sweet. Tayce doesn't even know Aurora's birthstone but is pretty sure Aurora turned 22 in September, judging from her Instagram feed. They open their other presents and laugh when they realise they bought each other the same gift from Lush. Full of face masks, hand cream and bath bombs.
"Great minds think alike… thank you again!" Aurora's smile is adorable. She leans in to hug Tayce, but her hand misses the couch edge and she falls onto Tayce, face pressed between Tayce's non-existent tits.
Tayce cackles and Aurora joins, lifting herself to look down at Tayce, her platinum hair like curtains around her face. She looks beautiful as she laughs, her eyes are tightly shut with a huge smile.
Aurora is really cute, and Tayce gulps, needing to cut these thoughts out whilst she is tipsy.
"Well, I guess we know what we're doing tonight, Missy," Aurora says, winking at Tayce and running her fingers along her jaw.
"Oi missy, stop trying to get me naked and get ya mind out of the gutter." Aurora giggles, forehead pressing into Tayce's.
"Hey missy, I did mean doing face masks. You're the perv." Aurora gives a challenging stare, slightly brushing her nose against Tayce's. "As if I'm the pervert now?"
Fuck. Tayce doesn't know if Aurora is just drunk, messing with her, or if the flirting is genuine. Still, she needs to deescalate this quickly before she kisses that face-off, so Tayce wraps her legs around the small of her back, then rocks them to the side in a hug, making them fall off the couch.
"Ouch!" Aurora whimpers with a big pout, acting annoyed before she cackles. Tayce stares down at Aurora, laughing herself whilst staring at the beauty, feigning innocence. "Oops, I slipped. We better drink more wine so we can do those face masks, then."
***
Tayce is unsure how it happens. But as their conversations become more profound. Discussing not needing a woman, the struggle of a perfect social media feed and missing home, the girls end up drinking two more bottles of red wine. They snuggle together on the couch under a fluffy red blanket, and Tayce feels the world spin.
They're incredibly drunk.
Tayce feels hot, her mind slightly airy, and Tayce becomes acutely aware of how desperately she needs water and sleep ASAP.
"Well… I should probably go," Aurora goes to stand up but instantly falls back down on the couch laughing, clearly as drunk as Tayce. There is no way Aurora can return to her hotel like this.
"Look… sleep on the couch," Tayce is struggling to form words, but there is no way she can let this drunk onto the streets.
"But I have a bed waiting… and I don't have my shit" Aurora pouts, struggling to sit back up.
"Rora, you're gonna die out there," Tayce tries to sound assertive as she pokes her nose, but the words just slur.
Aurora just pouts and groans, falling into Tayce's chest, "But I can't sleep without a sleep mask."
"Such a princess," Tayce snorts, deciding to crawl off the couch since standing is too much. "Stay here."
Tayce blows out the candles as she crawls to the wardrobe slowly, listening to Aurora as she moans about wanting her oed. Tayce digs through her suitcase and throws pyjamas, a sleep mask and socks onto the bed.
"I won't allow it. You get into these pyjamas now, missy!" Tayce curls into a ball on the floor and closes her eyes, the spinning taking over.
"God, everything hurts," Aurora sooks.
"You can share the bed if you quit your moaning," Tayce covers her eyes with her hands, trying to stop the spinning
Tayce hears a thud, sounding like a body flopping to the ground, and slowly crawls towards the bed, unable to see Aurora. The drunken warmth starts to tingle across her body, and her head feels heavy. She needs to sleep. Tayce crawls to the bed, picking up the bin from the kitchen on the way and finally manages to climb into the bed after what feels like an eternity. She observes the time is 23:52 as she wiggles under the duvet. Her eyes are heavy as she curls into a ball for a deep slumber. Well, that's what she hoped for.
Tayce suddenly awakes, her head is swirling, feeling like she might vomit. Tayce quickly sits on the edge of the bed, breathing slowly as she looks at the floor, her forehead resting in her hands. her nausa passes and she is still drunk as she drinks from her water bottle. She shivers, missing the duvet and lays back down, snuggling under the sheets. It's warm, but the heat emanating from the other side of the bed is so inviting, noticing Aurora's figure. Tayce snuggles into the warmth, hearing a content sigh as she wraps her arm around Aurora's waist. The room swirls less as she breathes in the floral scent of Aurora's hair, feeling a hand holding hers as she drifts back to sleep.
***
When Tayce wakes up, she feels fragile. She has a booming headache, and the bright room assaulting her senses. The taste in her mouth is hot and awful and she reaches for her bottle when she hears a quiet voice.
"Well, good morning sunshine," Tayce turns and sees Aurora snuggling under a blanket on the couch, water bottle and phone in hand.
"How the bloody hell are you in makeup at this hour?" Tayce asks incredulously.
"Uh, it's 10:14 am my dear. I needed a shower and decided to chill once I saw this weather. It's rough." Aurora raises her brow, flicking out her wrist for dramatic effect, highlighting the view.
Indeed, the weather is wild with what looks like a blizzard howling outside, barely able to see the building across the road.
"Well, this simply won't do. You can't go home in that," Tayce says.
Aurora looks down, seeming a bit awkward, "Yeah… but look, I can…"
Tayce cuts her off, "Well, you better grab some of my trackies and get snug, chookie! Get in 'ere"
"If you're sure. I don't want to intrude," Aurora's brow furrows for a moment.
"What are you talking about? Of Course, you are staying! I fancy a lie-in, so get in."
It is a lazy Christmas day, Tayce only gets out of bed to shower and then cook beans on toast. Throughout the day, the girls just snuggle. At different times, they call their families. Tayce pulls Aurora into her video call, hyper as she tells her mum they randomly met at a bar after being friends online, and now she's her new bestie. Her mum surprisingly approves once Aurora compliments her hot chocolate recipe. Aurora is calmer when chatting with her family, but she looks happy while snuggling on the corner of the couch. Tayce is glad it sounds like she has a loving family too. Aurora quickly introduces Tayce over a video call and Tayce tells Aurora's mum about the Prada shoot since Aurora's mum is a lover of fashion too. They drink a plethora of tea, eat leftovers and play The Sims on Tayce's laptop, making crazy characters that break up marriages and skip work to party.
Tayce is amazed that there has been no awkwardness. They have natural chemistry. She's almost like the yin to her yang.
As they finish up with dinner and clean the dishes, Tayce decides to see if she can extend Aurora's stay with her as they start chatting about their party plans for New Year Year's
"When does your trip end?" Tayce asks casually.
"29th. Then back to Worsop for a bit," Aurora says.
"Me too! Why don't you just stay with me?" Tayce smiles back, hoping she'll consider.
Aurora bites her lips, thinking for a moment, "I gotta go check out tomorrow and work for a bit. I booked another hotel, but I'll see if I can get my deposit back and stay with you."
"Oh yes yes yes yes yes! Staying with you is so fun!" Tayce jumps up and down on the spot, eager for more time together.
***
Tayce ends up spending three more days with Aurora, learning each detail of her life. Both girls continue working and meet up after work to buy groceries, buy wine, then and cook dinner, before settling on the couch to watch movies. They always snuggle beneath the fluffy blanket and eventually bed, switching between drinking tea, spicy hot chocolates or wine.
On the first day, Aurora arrives in the afternoon with her stuff. Tayce only arrived from fittings an hour earlier, and both girls were tired from a day of work and keen to relax.
The weather is calm today, so they hang out on the balcony, snuggling beneath a blanket. Tayce rests against one end, reading some work emails, and playing The Sims. Aurora is at the other end, sketching, wine in hand. They watch the city from their couch, admiring the beautiful architecture of Milan.
"So what are you sketching?" Tayce enquires, watching Aurora chew her lip and those doe eyes deeply concentrating.
"Just a summer collection that's been on my mind," Aurora replies simply.
"Can I have a peek?" Tayce asks.
Aurora seems shy, "Nah… it's not that good yet. It's okay, but nothing is finalised."
"I call bullshit. Come on, show me," Tayce shuts her laptop.
"It's not good," Aurora shuts her sketch pad.
Tayce scoots next to Aurora, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"I'm sure it's gorg, and I got you the tools of the trade, mamma." Tayce turns Aurora's chin with her finger, raising her brow. "Please?"
Aurora's gaze locks with Tayce and rolls her eyes. "Fine."
Aurora opens the sketch pad and Tayce admires the charcoal sketches. Her drawing skills are remarkable. There are beautiful one-piece swimmers, two pieces with intricate designs that are sometimes drawn onto models. Tayce likes how Aurora draws different body shapes, some looking gender-neutral, but they all have bitchy looks on their faces, hair up and standing on their toes.
"Aurora, these are proper amazing! I love them. What's the inspiration?"
Aurora has a shy smile, flicking through pages of her notes, "for the colour story, I was thinking of these colours being worn in Santorini. There are dark blues and ambers against the white concrete and blue doors."
She flicks to another page, with some notes and sketches of different body shapes, "But the main inspiration is to make inclusive swimwear for my trans friends."
"If you look here," Aurora points at a sketch with a deep v-neck and little sleeve, "I think there is a way to angle Lycra to tug against a chest and help flatten a figure. For someone who binds."
Tayce's eyes follow her finger intently, and Aurora explains, "And with these pants, I want to figure out a design to make it comfortable for someone to tuck."
Aurora looks up to watch the city, her brown eyes glowing amber in the sunset, the green flecks shining brightly, "Although my collection works for everyone. Cis or trans. I just wish fashion was more inclusive, and I want to change that."
Tayce squeezes Aurora's shoulder, "These are brilliant! You're fucking incredible. You should try to create prototypes for these. My friend Bimini would be amazing for this."
Aurora looks thoughtfully at her sketches, with a shy smile, "I'll get there one day. I need to build my brand first. And learn more sewing techniques. And have a shitload of money for material."
***
The next day, Tayce wakes up earlier than normal, groaning when she notices the time is 07:12, and notices Aurora exercising.
She is wearing matching pink leggings and a sports bra, with cordless earphones in, doing intense crunching movements on the floor. Aurora is in her own world, Tayce watching the sweat dripping down her back. When Aurora stands back up, she turns to face the kitchen doing lunges. Tayce notices a circular tattoo peeks on her ribs, and her collarbones glistening in sweat. Her firm stomach has a distinct curve running down the centre, and the sweat dripping down it looks so tasty.
God, she's fit. Tayce turns away and sighs, pretending to still be sleeping as she takes a few minutes to clear her pervy thoughts. Tayce 'wakes up,' sitting up in the bed and dramatically stretching.
Aurora pulls out her earphones, panting as she says, "Fancy seeing you up so early."
"Yes. And fancy seeing you, like this, in front of me," Tayce raises her brow, concentrating to maintain eye contact.
"I want to maintain my shape, y'know. I soften out pretty quickly if I don't," Aurora stretches her arms behind her head, sweat visibly dripping between her breasts. "I definitely need a bath after this workout. If that's alright?"
"Course, you do you, missy. I'll quickly shower now then so you can relax."
Tayce proceeds to have her earliest voluntary shower in months. She is never up this early, but Aurora deserves a bath after working that hard. Those exercises look exhausting, and interning for a fashion house sounds tiring. As soon as Tayce leaves the bathroom, Aurora walks in, a face mask and bath bomb in hand.
They both have the day off and plan to go shopping and walk around the touristy spots, so Tayce starts to get ready as she makes breakfast. But soon, she receives a call from her agent asking to meet a few designers today. Fuck. Tayce devours her beans, and rummages through her suitcase to put on her 'uniform' - a black singlet, jeans, and black heeled boots since it is too cold for high heels. She walks to the bathroom door and remembers Aurora is still in the bath.
Tayce knocks on the door quickly, "Shit, sorry Rory, I just got a call from my agent, and they want me to do some go-sees ASAP. I need to come in if that's alright?"
Aurora sounds calm, "Yeah, all good, I'll hide my tits."
Tayce enters and perches herself on the counter, pulling her hair into a ponytail and starting her 10-minute 'fresh' makeup routine. She turns to look at Aurora for a moment, and she looks peaceful in the green bathtub, her hair in a high bun, a blue face mask on and a few candles lit on the vanity. The water is a light blue and the air smells of artificial berries.
She is enjoying a day off. Tayce sighs, annoyed now that she has to cancel their plans. But these designers could be a crucial part of her career, so she sucks it up.
"Since you're working, want me to make dinner or do you want to go out?" Aurora asks.
"Mmm, I will probably want to chill after this, so can we eat in tonight? Make pasta or something?" Tayce applies her bronzer after some tinted moisturiser.
"Done. I will probably sketch in a coffee shop and walk for a bit, so I'll buy something on my way back," Aurora replies.
"You're a saint, honestly, Rora," Tayce fills in her eyebrows.
Aurora sighs a bit, "I'm just sorry you gotta work."
Tayce wonders if she is disappointed too, simply replying, "It's not ideal, but my agent mentioned Fendi, so it'll be good."
As Tayce applies mascara, she hears the bath water splashing and can't help but watch in the reflection of the mirror. For a moment, she sees Aurora's perfect dripping teardrop breasts as she sits up and stretches her arms. She has her right nipple pierced now, and that circular tattoo is a sun...
"Tayce, can you grab me that face towel?" Tayce gulps, wetting the towel a bit before turning to give it to Aurora and absolutely not staring at Aurora's dripping body and perfect breasts as she reaches forward and says thank you. Looking up and saying, "Thank you," before washing her face.
Tayce bites her inner cheek, turns to pop on her lip gloss and does a final check before leaving. "Well, I'm off, hwyl fawr, bitch."
Tayce walks out, determined not to look at Aurora again. She pushes back the image of walking to that bathtub's edge to admire that perfect body under the glittering blue water. Kneeling to stroke that pretty neck, and biting her ear while whispering instructions on how to touch herself. She pushes away the image of squeezing those pretty breasts, listening to the water splash as her sexy legs and a quiet whimper as Tayce licks her neck. Imagining her breath as it gets heavier when she bites...
Absolutely bloody not, you hound!
***
It's their last night and they decide to go out and treat themselves to a bougie night out, dressing up in their fanciest attire and spending way too much money. They drink wine and dance to electro-pop music as they get ready. Aurora is shy when it comes to dancing, so Tayce grabs her hands and swings them around helping her to relax. Tayce applies her go-to neutral bronze look. She uses her bronzer as an eyeshadow for a smokey look, adds a little bit of black eyeshadow to the crease, smudges her winged liner and applies a shitload of golden highlighter to her cheekbones, eyelids and chest. Aurora goes for a similar look, using natural colours, but adds a pop of baby blue eyeshadow on her lid with a defined winged liner.
They get dressed separately. Tayce wears her tailored white pants with a matching blazer and white heeled boots. She loves wearing monochromatic sets, feeling effortlessly cool. She pulls her hair into a ponytail, flicking her sleek black hair over one shoulder. Her chest is bare, so she decorates it with her signature rosary beads, spiked dog collar and the new necklace she bought yesterday that matches the snake earrings Aurora bought her.
When Aurora leaves the bathroom, Tayce clenches her jaw so it doesn't comically fall open.
Her platinum hair is in a neat high bun, and she wears large golden hoop earrings. Her dress is a sparkling pale blue fabric with long sleeves that cling to her curves beautifully. Her body shimmers from her favourite body glitter, which highlights her collarbones and perky breasts perfectly in the low-cut dress. Her gorgeous legs are shown off with a high slit.
Fuck... she looks incredible.
Aurora always dresses to perfectly accentuate the curves of her body she works hard to maintain. Whether she is wearing a tiny dress or high-waisted jeans with a tight turtleneck.
"Well, look at you and me, us like this. You're stunning," Tayce scans Aurora from head to toe.
Aurora gives a coy smile, admiring Tayce, "Made it myself. Thank you. You're not bad yourself."
They walk to the rooftop restaurant they booked, as it's only a short distance. They withdraw a lot of Euros on the way since they need to monitor their spending. They both withdraw a bit from their savings, and Tayce needs to ensure she has money in her account for rent and bills. They are eager to spoil themselves and Tayce is fine knowing she will have to ask for extra shifts as soon as she is home.
They walk into a gorgeous old marble lobby and get into a red elevator, both girls feeling giddy and trying not to get too excited. This place is real bougie. Tayce has never been anywhere this posh before.
As they exit the elevator, there is a small entryway with light wooden walls, gold accents and black marble countertops and floors, with large plants spread everywhere. A host welcomes them and walks them to their table.
The restaurant walls are full-length glass windows with sunset shining through. Most of the outer walls are lined by dark blue couches with low tables and luxurious-looking light blue and gold cushions. There are several customers already, lining up at the black marble bar with blue shelving and blue LED lighting. The rest of the black tables are spread apart, so there isn't any crowding. There are pale blue French provincial chairs around the tables, which look very plush. The host seats them at a table in the back corner, giving them golden and black leather-bound menus. As Tayce relaxes back into the chair, she thinks it's the most comfortable chair she has ever sat in. The table has a lit golden candle and a single red rose in a slim gold vase.
The view is incredible. There is a perfect view of the Milan city skyline and Duomo di Milano in the sunset. Tayce looks at Aurora, and they give each other a knowing gaze, both smiling and not believing they are allowed in a place so beautiful.
Tayce scans the menu, and thankfully it is in English. Aurora asks, "What are you going to order?"
"Oh, I always have to get oysters, and maybe I'll do seafood spaghetti as well."
"Easy. Do you want to share a bottle of prosecco?" Aurora points to the cheapest bottle on the menu
"Why not, sounds lush!" Tayce's eyes shift from the menu to admire Aurora for a moment. Her skin glitters in the sunset.
Aurora waves her hand for a waiter to order. The waiter starts to speak broken English, asking for their order. Aurora smiles and Tayce can only stare in awe as Aurora orders speaking what sounds like perfect Italian, "possiamo ordinare l'insalata, gli spaghetti alla marinara e una mezza dozzina di ostriche? E una bottiglia di prosecco."
Tayce's jaw drops listening, her accent sounding authentic with Tayce not understanding a single word being spoken.
"Grazie," Aurora smiles nonchalantly and turns her attention back to Tayce.
"Wait, excuse me, missy, since when the bloody hell do you speak Italian?" Tayce is still in shock.
"What? I can speak the basics and read off a menu. But I'm not that good," Aurora's smile is a little modest. "Working with designers, it just pays off if they see foreign interns being able to understand and speak a bit of the language."
They chat away about their plans for next year. Aurora mentioning she and her friend want to move together, and she plans to do more freelance design work. Tayce mentions a lull in modelling work, so she will do more gogo dancing. A waiter delivers a bottle of mineral water and pours two glasses.
Soon after, the sommelier places an expensive-looking golden champagne bucket on the opposite side of the table. They present the bottle, asking if it is correct before popping the cork delicately and pouring a small amount into a spare glass. Both Tayce and Aurora raise their brow and take a sniff before Aurora says, "perfetta", and the sommelier pours them a glass each before leaving.
Tayce isn't sure if that's what you're meant to do, but she remembers hearing one time you don't drink the sample. She has never been anywhere so fancy. It's both fun and a bit intimidating.
"You're meant to sniff it, right?" Tayce asks Aurora, feeling her head tilt in confusion.
Aurora also tilts her head a little in response, "I have no clue. I have never been anywhere this fancy before. Maybe we should have Googled it."
The girls giggle at how unrefined they are and decide it would be a perfect time for an impromptu photoshoot. Aurora takes photos of Tayce first, as she strikes fierce poses by the windows in the golden sunset, and Aurora says she wants photos of her custom-made dress for Instagram.
"If you need to move in March, you and Ellie should put in an application for my place," Tayce looks at Aurora hopeful, as she takes photos of her sipping her prosecco.
"I guess that could work. Are you in East London?" Aurora asks, leaning back in the chair, staring out the window with prosecco in hand as she poses.
"Yeah. One of my roomies is moving out to live with their two girlfriends in the country to get creative. Which just means shagging, and doing drugs outdoors. They were proper fun to live with," Tayce giggles, thinking how much she'll miss that lemon.
Aurora just laughs in response, standing to pose against the window, sucking in her already flat stomach and arching her back, "Well, that sounds like a bloody good time. I think I'll go with them."
"Oh, and my bestie from uni, Cheryl, is moving to Paris with her girlfriend Blu to work at the Moulin Rouge. So that means two rooms," Tayce wiggles her brows, and Aurora raises a brow in response as she straightens up, crossing her legs for a straight-on shot. Tayce takes more photos and says, "Come on, It would be lush! All the housemates work in fashion."
They stop taking photos when the waiter places their order of a half dozen oysters and some complimentary bread with butter, salt and olive oil on the table. Tayce swallows an oyster quickly and then butters a slice of bread.
Aurora tries an oyster but scrunches up her face. "That is actually disgusting."
"What no! They're so good," Tayce feigns offence, "but I guess that means more for me! Hehe!"
"Anyway, I'll chat to Els about it. She'll probably be keen, and it would be more affordable than just the two of us. And better than living with randoms," Aurora's gaze is enigmatic.
Aurora slowly eats a bit of bread and continues chatting. They discuss getting to the airport tomorrow since they coincidentally have the same flight back to London. Wait…
"Why did you book two hotels anyway?" Tayce asks.
Aurora's eyes quickly dart out to the view. "The other one was a bougie with a gorg view. Just wanted to blow the budget to be fancy. But I could get my deposit back… and you would have missed me terribly. So I can blow my budget here. And I'll pay you back for sharing a hotel with me one day."
Tayce doesn't question further and appreciates her time with Aurora. Some things are lucky coincidences. This dinner is like a celebration of becoming best friends.
"Well baby,. How about a toast to us and our friendship?" Tayce smiles, refilling their glasses.
"Salute," They ting their glasses, and Aurora winks, having a sip and squeezing Tayce's hand.
Their dinner finally arrives. Aurora has a salad with grilled fish, and Tayce has seafood spaghetti.
"Wait, you got a salad?" Tayce asks incredulously. She couldn't ever imagine ordering a salad as a main. Especially in Italy, with all the incredible food.
"Oi, I gotta keep my figure," Aurora rolls her eyes, stabbing and eating an olive with some greens.
"Missy, you're bloody gorgeous and fit and being ridiculous. But you do you, boo," Tayce realises she is probably being judgemental, but she just loves food so much. Tayce doesn't get the health thing.
Aurora blushes a little, pressing her lips together and her pretty doe eyes crinkle, "Thanks, Tayce."
The girls chat away into the night, pulling their chairs side by side to admire the view once they finish eating. Milan has a yellow glow, and the sky is clear. Some stars are barely visible with a crescent moon. They monitor their pile of Euros, counting out the notes to make sure they can afford another bottle of Prosecco.
Tayce doesn't know why, but she has the urge to grab Aurora's hand and press a kiss into it, so she does. Tayce is feeling sentimental. She has a new best friend, and their Christmas together was so much fun.
"I'm happy I bumped into you again, Aurora," Tayce feels the warmth coming from Aurora's radiant smile, and that happy doe gaze pierces her.
Aurora flips their hands and kisses Tayce's hand back, "I'm glad you found me too, bestie."
___________
Aurora pulls off her sleep mask and sees the time is 06:46. It looks like she has instinctively moved to cuddle Tayce in her sleep again, her arms around Tayce's slender waist and head resting on her bony chest. She feels Tayce's arm around her head and admires her beautiful features as she sleeps, her other hand flung over half her face.
When she woke up with that excruciating hangover on Christmas, Tayce's arms were clinging around her stomach and chest, her face pressing against her shoulder. The first night Aurora woke up cuddling Tayce, she apologised to Tayce over and over again, but Tayce said she didn't mind. The instinct to cuddle seems mutual. Aurora guesses it's just natural to gravitate towards the warmth of another body in the cool of winter.
Although it cost a hundred pounds to change her flight and she lied about the second hotel, it was probably the best decision she made. The fact she met Tayce at a random bar and spent Christmas at her hotel after she thought she would be alone. Then Tayce asked her to stay longer when she was having such a lovely time. There was no other option.
Aurora longed for more when they met at the bar, wondering if she should have been more confident in making a move on her Christmas Eve. But genuinely getting to know Tayce, learning her humour, understanding her passions and realising the amount they had in common was worth so much more. Realising they are so compatible as friends, and the number of laughs they have. How their banter feels so natural. She will happily ignore her crush to have Tayce as a friend.
The friendship of Tayce is the best Christmas gift she's ever received. Someone to navigate the fashion world with, hand in hand.
This trip will be truly unforgettable.