Chapter Text
It was a very busy day. Everyone had to prepare the costumes and the props for the show and the four ladies only got 2 hours of sleep. They had to work 22 hours a day because of the rehearsals and the endless retake of every mistake in scenes. The director encouraged them to memorize their lines a bunch of times to decrease retakes, but it sure was a challenging thing to do. They’ve been exhausted, but the spirit of the show is one of the things that motivated them. To be fair, working for this production is equally fun and challenging, mostly fun. But of course, it could be exhausting. Today, the girls were busy reading the scripts and trying to memorize their lines, while the other crew prepared the props. The studio was crowded, everyone had their own thing to do and they were surely trying their best to make the most out of it. The girls were settled on their seats, scripts in their hands. Except one person was missing out of the piece. Rue. The other girls had already fixed themselves up for the day but Rue wasn’t in the place. Nobody really noticed as they were extremely occupied with work.
——————
Rue finally arrived at the studio from her trailer, feeling extremely fuzzy and tired she could barely open her eyes and communicate with the staff. She tried reading the scripts but was easily distracted by the chaos emerging in the studio, losing the energy to do her thing. She looked for the girls, and Bea came first in her sight. She decided to sit with her to find comfort, but not a word escaped from her mouth, afraid to bother Bea’s business. Bea instantly felt her sitting right next to her, smiling briefly at Rue who was pretending to read the scripts. She turned back to her paper but then quickly returned her gaze to Rue.
Something looks oddly different about her...
“Rue, you look pale,” said Bea, her tone visibly concerned.
Rue turned to her, meeting her eyes.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night, I was too anxious and had a hard time sleeping,” she sighed, her gaze shot at the paper.
“Anxious of what?” Bea asked, trying to understand Rue’s situation.
“All this…” she said firmly, not meeting Bea’s eyes this time.
“Oh, Rue,” Bea patted her hand. “What are you talking about? You’ve been working here for years! There is nothing you should be anxious about… I mean it could be exhausting at times but the fun part is that we’re always working together and having fun,” Bea assured her, now caressing the back of her hand.
Rue frowned, placing the papers on the front table.
“It’s not that… it’s just- I’ve heard many people criticize my performance from the show and how they make fun of my body… my looks… I just-“ she sighed heavily. “I just wish there was any way that I can make myself look decent for everybody… You know criticism drains me.”
Bea’s mouth hangs open.
“Rue!” her brows furrowed. “Screw the bastards! You already look so vigorous! Except right now,” she joked. “But these people just don’t have a life, it’s better to ignore them and karma will get them back. Now, honey, you’ve got to take care of yourself! Not for everybody but for your own good.”
Bea took her hands, caressing them until they were warm. Rue shot her a sweet vulnerable smile and embraced her.
“Thank you, Bea. I really needed that,” she said, feeling her eyes sting from the tears that were about to come out.
“Now come on, honey, I’ll fix you a nice hot drink to loosen up,” she smiled. “Coffee or tea?” she asked.
“Coffee would be nice,” Rue assured, pulling away from Bea as she sniffled.
Bea smiled and nodded, getting up to get a drink. Rue decided to follow her to the break room, picking up their scripts and finally embracing the warm sunny breeze of the sunlight outside.
As they got inside, Rue sat at the table while Bea went to brew her a nice hot coffee by the counter.
“So…” Rue started. “You get a good sleep?”
“No…” Bea muttered. “I couldn’t sleep either, I was too busy memorizing my lines and I was afraid to make too many mistakes on set,” she chuckled nervously.
She turned to Bea and pursed her lips, searching for Bea’s weary eyes.
“You could’ve gone to my trailer, I was up all night and felt the need for someone’s company,” Rue sighed.
“I thought you were asleep, hence I didn’t wanna bother anyone.”
Bea placed the mug on the table in front of Rue as she sat with her, looking over the scripts.
“Umm, what episode are we doing?” Rue asked, flipping over the pages.
“Season 2 Episode 7 titled 'Family Affair',” Bea affirmed. “We have a scene together, would you like to rehearse it together right now?”
Rue didn’t answer until she had read a few lines from their scene, a grin spreading on her lips.
“Blanche really can’t take a hold of herself, can’t she?” Rue chuckled. “Alright let’s do this.”
Bea tried to hide her smile as they both got into their positions, Rue fixing her white blouse and clearing her throat.
“Ready?” Bea asked.
“Ready.”
“Oh, Dorothy,” Rue spoke in her southern drawl. “Do you realize it has been four days since I had enjoyed the company of a man?” she said in a breathy tone.
Bea, in her Dorothy persona, nods impetuously. “I know, Blanche. I’ve been marking the days off my Big Ships of the Navy calendar.”
Rue tries to hold her laugh from Bea’s line.
“I don't think I can stand it much longer. My body feels like a Corvette up on blocks with its engine running and with wheels just spinning and spinning with nowhere to go. I feel like I'm gonna explode! Dorothy, you have to help me. You have to do something.”
Rue places her warm hand on Bea’s as an expression. Bea glares at her as if disgusted, still in her Dorothy persona.
“Honey, there’s nothing I can do. So get that look out of your eye and let go of my hand,” Bea said, her eyes moving away from Rue as Rue let go of her hand, frowning.
And the scene ends right there.
The both of them break character, bursting out laughing and clapping at each other, giving themselves a raise.
“Hey, that was great!” Bea excitedly said. “See, we’re not bad after all, especially you! You did wonderful with the expressions,” she praised.
Rue grinned.
“So did you!” she gently patted Bea’s arm. “Now I feel more comfortable performing. Thank you, Bea,” she shot her a sweet smile.
Bea smiled back and held her hand, stroking the back of it with her thumb.
“Of course, honey.”
The two of them spent their time rehearsing their scenes together until one of the producers announced to them that they would be starting to shoot soon. The two of them left the break room and got ready for the set.
——————
As they were starting, Rue started to have a panic attack. She couldn’t breathe properly nor act properly. She wanted to leave the set but felt confined when the spotlight captured her, longing for her starting line. She just stood there like a statue, feeling mortified. As the silence grew longer, the director finally yelled cut. When one of the staff approached her, she immediately ran backstage, followed by Bea who was visibly concerned. The two other girls had the urge to run after them but thought Bea would fix it.
With Bea’s long legs, it didn't take her an eternity to catch up to Rue. She immediately reached for her hand and grabbed it, pulling her and pushing her against the wall, her hands gripping hers tightly as she shuddered her. Their faces are just inches away.
“Rue! What the hell are you doing?! Pull yourself together! You can't just run off like that!” Bea shouted, her voice more piercing and her face appeared frustrated.
Rue seemed intimidated and tears finally fell down her cheeks and Bea suddenly felt sympathetic, her hands loosening the grip on Rue’s as she noticed them getting red.
“I-I-I’m sorry-” Bea stepped back, regretting her previous actions.
Rue sobbed hard and briefly gazed at her, then walked away from her.
Bea’s eyes followed her until she was no longer in sight anymore, her chest feeling heavy as she fell to the ground, full of guilt.
——————
Time flew by as the director had no choice but to merely shoot the three girls’ scenes together, leaving out Rue’s scenes to save for later. If she ever showed up again.
The night unfolded and everyone got into their trailers to get some rest and prepare for tomorrow. All were already asleep except Bea. She lay still on her bed as thoughts consumed her. Guilt still lingers inside her and it only dominates her more if she doesn’t apologize to Rue. She knew she needed to, and she couldn't handle hurting one of her dearest friends without even an apology. That’s a big no-no for her. When she saw Rue cry in front of her, she knew she hurt her right in the gut. What was I thinking? That poor woman must’ve gone through something difficult and I didn’t even bother to ask and instantly got angry at her for it. What is wrong with me? I’ve got to apologize.
Furious of herself, she finally stood and exited her trailer, walking towards Rue’s. She knocked gently on the door.
“Rue? Are you awake? Please let me in. I want to apologize for earlier. Listen, I-I-I didn’t know what I was thinking- i-it just hit me right there and I didn’t even care to ask why you ran off… I hate myself for it and I’ll never forgive myself for doing such a thing to my best friend… Rue please- please open the door. Rue?”
Bea begged for an answer, but nobody came to the door. Silence held its guard. She finally gave up, walking away slowly until she heard the door creak open. There was Rue, in her Blanche nightgown standing at the door, gazing at Bea with a weak smile.
“Come in,” she sighed.
Bea released a sigh of relief as she entered Rue’s trailer, sitting on the edge of the bed.
Rue closed the door and sat beside Bea, avoiding her eyes.
“Listen, I-” Bea started.
Rue cuts her off. “Don’t worry, I heard.”
Bea raised her brows. “Everything?” she asked surprisingly.
“Mhm,” Rue nodded. “Actually, I was listening by the door the whole time,” she declared, meeting Bea’s eyes this time.
Bea let out a brief chuckle and shook her head, reaching for Rue’s soft hand.
“Oh honey, I’m so sorry,” Bea apologized, her voice softening like she’s about to weep.
“I know,” Rue said. “Not another word.”
Rue spread her arms and they both reached out for a hug. The hug surprisingly lasted longer than expected, until they finally pulled away with teary smiles on their faces.
“I’m sorry too,” Rue mumbled. “I could’ve not run off like that… I was too much of a coward to address what I was feeling… Insecurity consumed me once again and I had a little panic attack, I couldn't breathe either. I felt like I was about to collapse. This has never happened to me before.”
Bea’s expression appeared worried.
“My God, honey! You could’ve told us! You can’t keep your problems to yourself, especially when it's about your health. You've got to tell us right away!”
Bea pulled Rue for another hug, pulling her close like she didn’t ever want to let her go. She needed Rue in her life, and Rue needed her too, but she was too much of a jerk to show her that earlier.
“It’s okay it’s okay. I’m feeling quite alright now. Got a little bit of rest throughout the day,” she assured Bea.
Bea sighed. “Don’t ever do that again,” she looked at Rue with a firm voice.
Rue smiled at her sweetly. Somehow, the light capturing her face seemed to fit perfectly with her smile. Her blue eyes lit up more from the light hitting right through it. She gazed at Rue for what seemed to be an eternity. It was awfully hypnotizing. How the hell are those bastards criticizing this vibrant woman? Hell if I were a man, I would definitely date h- Okay what the hell am I saying now?
Bea shook her head and broke the little staring contest she pulled. Apparently, Rue was staring at her just like how she was staring at Rue seconds ago. She wasn’t smiling, but there was an expression on her face like she wanted to… oh what the hell. She can feel Rue staring back and forth at her lips in the corner of her eyes. Rue’s nightgown top was open freely, exposing a glimpse of her cleavage. Bea gulped. Her scent also seemed to seduce her. It was hard to ignore it.
Starting to feel uncomfortable, Bea excused herself as she got up from the bed, telling Rue that it was getting late and the two of them probably ought to get some rest. Rue stopped her in her tracks and grasped her wrist. Bea turned around.
“Will you stay? Just for the night. I feel the need for someone’s company,” Rue pleaded, looking up at her, her voice sounding so soothing that it sent shivers to Bea.
The hand on her wrist was enough, but the voice did do something.
Rue’s glowing eyes and her irresistible face were enough for Bea to say yes, although she was nervous about the fact of sleeping with Rue on the same bed.
What on earth did I put myself into?
Rue smiled happily and made room on the bed for Bea. They settled together on the bed and told their goodnight, facing away from each other. The night grew deep and all they could hear was the silence captured in the room, alongside their breathing. They knew that both of them still couldn't sleep and the discomfort of trying not to move was unbearable. They did the unthinkable.
They both turned around at the same time, facing each other. The two of them laughed for a minute and later on loosened up. Rue reached for Bea’s hand that was placed just underneath her cheek and intertwined her fingers with it, giving it a sweet kiss. Bea looked at her and smiled affectionately, her thumb stroking Rue’s thumb. She shifted her head and gave Rue a soft kiss on the forehead, then caressed her soft brunette locks.
The two of them spent most of their time stealing glances at each other until Rue was finally the first one to fall asleep. Or so did Bea thought.
Bea watched her and just couldn't take her eyes off her. Was she actually falling for her best friend?
Bea has had these four words on her tongue that seemed to be battling with her whether she should say it out loud or not. Rue’s asleep anyways.
She took a deep breath and whispered, “I love you, Rue.”
She shut her eyes tightly and forced herself to fall asleep before Rue might say something.
“I love you too, Bea,” murmured Rue.
Bea’s heart skipped a beat. She immediately looked at Rue and surprisingly, she was still asleep. Her eyes were still closed. Could she be possibly dreaming? Or fake asleep?
But whatever it was, Bea sure felt like a thrilled teenager who just got asked to go to prom. This feeling sure wasn’t just a zilch. It was something.
Bea quickly turned around to face the other way, avoiding Rue’s side. She hoped for the best for tomorrow and trusted the process of whatever was going on between her and Rue.
Does Rue feel the same way?