Kristen wasn't having a good day. For starters, she had gotten into a fight with Rob earlier on set about his lack of professionalism – he showed up for filming 2 hours late. Secondly, she had smoked her last cigarette hours ago and couldn't go get more until they had finished for the day. She supposed she could ask someone to get them for her, a lowly PA or something, but she hated doing that; it made her feel like a diva. She was anxious, frustrated, and desperately wanted a cigarette. She wouldn't dare ask Rob for one, not after the argument they had gotten into earlier. Plus, he didn't smoke the same ones as hers and that's all she wanted, a nice, smooth Parliament. It was all she could think about now and it took her four or five tries just to get her lines right in one scene. She rolled her eyes at herself, feeling her nerves vibrating as she tried to think of something, anything else. She looked across the set and saw Rob standing there, getting his make-up touched up. She scoffed under her breath, unable to even look at him. He made her so crazy sometimes, and that in and of itself made her frustrated. She wished he didn't have this affect on her.
Finally, the director told them to take five and she jogged off set, slipping out the back door and toward her trailer, hoping to catch one of the crew members with a cigarette. She did, and sighed in relief as she lit it, feeling the toxic smoke fill her lungs. Her heart raced instantly as the nicotine buzzed through her body, but she felt strangely relaxed. She held the smoke between her lips, reaching into her jacket and pulling out her phone. She had a text message and she opened it, a smile spreading across her face.
Dakota: Hey. I was just thinking about you and how much I miss you! It's weird not being on set with you all day, everyday anymore. Call me when you're free. Xx
Kristen immediately dialled her number.
"That was fast," Dakota said, answering.
"Hi," Kristen said softly. "You have no idea how good it is to talk to you."
Dakota laughed. "What's up?"
"Oh, nothing. I am just having a total shit day."
"Oh no! Why?" Dakota sounded genuinely concerned.
Kristen sighed. "A bunch of things. I miss…" she paused for a moment. "I miss filming with you and Joan and Floria and everyone."
"Me too," Dakota replied.
Kristen took a long drag on her cigarette, exhaling. "How are you?" she said.
"I'm okay. I'm flying out soon to film though!"
Kristen smiled. "Thank God. Things are weird without you."
Dakota smiled to herself. "I know. I feel the same way."
"Fuuuuuck," Kristen said. "I am so over guys, by the way."
Dakota giggled. "What happened now?"
"Oh, you know," Kristen said, exhaling. "Rob just thought he'd show up two hours late today. No big deal. Not like I've been here since seven in the morning or anything."
"What? Why was he so late?"
"Funny you should ask. I asked him the same thing and he just kind of looked at me and said he had things to do. Like what? Play with his hair?" she chuckled.
"Oh. That's weird."
"Yeah. He's a total fucking nutjob sometimes I swear. Things have been weird ever since we started filming again."
"Why?"
Kristen shrugged, taking a final drag and dropping her smoke on the ground, stepping on it. "Fuck, man. I don't know. But, it sucks. Plus, he's all jealous of Taylor or something, it's so bizarre."
Dakota was quiet.
"Anyway," Kristen said. "I should probably get back. But, shit, I miss you man."
"I miss you too," Dakota replied.
Kristen felt a fuzzy feeling in her stomach that she used to get all the time with Dakota. "But, I'll see you soon right?"
"Yeah. Like, next week."
"Good," Kristen replied. "I can't wait."
"Me too. Bye, Kristen."
"Dakota?" Kristen said softly.
"Mmm?" she replied.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you too," Dakota replied. They hung up.
Kristen walked back on set, taking a deep breath, feeling slightly better knowing her best friend would be there soon enough.
A week later
Dakota walked through the doors and on set and Kristen squealed like a schoolgirl, running at her. She threw her arms around Dakota's tiny frame, making her stumble backwards.
"Hello stranger," Dakota said, giggling.
Kristen looked at her, a smile beaming across her face. "Hi!" she said. They stared at each other for a moment, feeling like they were the only two people in the room.
"You feel taller," Kristen said.
Dakota smiled. "I'm not," she replied.
"You feel good though," Kristen said softly, pulling Dakota into another hug. "How much time before you have to go into make-up?" she asked.
"Oh, like 10 minutes?" Dakota looked at her watch.
"Perfect. Come with me," Kristen said, grabbing Dakota's arm and hauling her back out the door.
"Kristen, where are we going? I have to go say hi to everyone!" Dakota said, half laughing.
Kristen swung the door of her trailer open and pulled Dakota inside. She looked around quickly to make sure no one was in there and then put her hands on either side of Dakota's face, kissing her. She felt Dakota tense for a moment, and then relax as she put her hands on Kristen's waist. Kristen slid her hands down around Dakota's shoulders and pulled her closer, a moan escaping her throat.
She pulled away and smiled. "Sorry," she said. "You walked in and I just knew I couldn't go any longer without doing that."
Dakota blushed. "Uh," she said, shifting awkwardly.
"Don't say anything. I just…I just wanted to do that."
They stood there for a moment, both feeling heat in their cheeks and a tickle in the back of their throats.
"Kristen?" Dakota said softly, looking up at her.
Kristen raised her eyebrows in response.
"Can you do that again?" Dakota asked, smiling coyly.
Kristen laughed, leaning forward and pressing her lips against Dakota's one more time. She held her there, her hands around her waist, her tongue tracing along her bottom lip. Dakota's heart fluttered and she pressed closer against Kristen's familiar body. Kristen's hands slid down Dakota's lower back, and she tucked them onto Dakota's back pocket, their bodies pressed tightly against one another.
Dakota put her hands on Kristen's arms, pushing her away.
"Shit," she whispered.
"What?" Kristen asked.
"We have to stop."
Kristen pulled away completely. "Sorry," she mumbled.
"No, not because I want to. But because if we don't…well, let's just say I will be very, very late for hair and make-up," she smirked.
Kristen took a deep breath, biting her lips and running her hand through her hair. "Yeah. Exactly."
They looked at each other for a moment, before glancing away bashfully.
"I guess we should…" Kristen said.
"Yeah. Are you hanging around set? I don't think we have a scene together today."
"Yeah, I'll stick around," Kristen said.
Dakota nodded and they both walked toward the door of the trailer. Dakota stopped before opening it, turning around slightly.
"You know," she said, her blue eyes piercing as Kristen looked down at her. "You look really, really good."
Kristen smiled. "Thanks. So do you."
Dakota grinned, turning back around and opening the door, feeling slightly giddy.
"Oh, come on," Rob crooned in Kristen's ear. "You don't need to be here. Let's just go back to my place, open a bottle of wine…"
Kristen bit her lip as she looked at his familiar face, his hazel eyes piercing right through her.
"I told Dakota I would wait for her to finish," she explained.
"So?" he said. "She's not going to be mad if you leave. She'll understand." He put his hand on her waist and leaned closer, his cologne smacking her in the face. She took a deep breath, feeling very attracted to him.
"But…" she started, interrupted by the feeling of his whisper against her ear.
"I know you want this too," he said coyly.
Kristen fought everything inside her not to jump him right then and there. And yet, there was a strange feeling of guilt rising in her stomach.
"Rob, I just…I feel bad if I just leave. She'll only be a little while longer."
Rob looked down at her, disappointed. "Alright. Do you want me to stay too?"
Kristen shrugged. "You can go if you'd like. I'll call you when I get home."
Rob stared at her for a moment. "Okay," he said softly. He leaned in a kissed her on the cheek. "Goodnight, Kristen."
She smiled. "Goodnight, Robert."
He chuckled and sauntered off across the lot.
Kristen took a deep breath, half upset with herself for not going with him. He really was very good looking, and very charming. Things had been weird between them at first but now everything seemed normal again and she tried not to dwell on the fact that they had the most intense sexual chemistry between them, which they had acted on more than once before.
She lit a cigarette and stood there, leaning against the wall, listening to her iPod. She looked at her watch and hoped Dakota wouldn't be much longer. Just as she took her last drag, the door swung open and a tired looking Dakota walked through.
"Hey," Kristen said in her familiar, raspy voice.
Dakota smiled. "You waited," she said, slightly surprised.
Kristen nodded. "Of course. Want a ride home?"
Dakota nodded slowly and they walked toward Kristen's car.
"How was it?" Kristen asked as she started the engine.
"Long. I was a total idiot all day on set too. I couldn't get my damn lines rights."
Kirsten laughed slightly. "That sucks man."
"Yeah. I was very…distracted," Dakota replied slowly, looking over at Kristen.
"Oh yeah?" Kristen asked. "By what?"
Dakota blushed and looked away. "You know exactly what."
Kristen bit her lip. "We're making a pit stop," she said and she turned right instead of left.
"Where?" Dakota asked curiously.
Kristen just glanced over at her and smiled. After a few minutes, Dakota realized where they were. "Are you taking me to your house?" she asked.
Kristen nodded. "Yep."
"Why?" Dakota giggled.
"I want to, uh, show you something," Kristen mumbled, swinging the car into her driveway. They both got out and walked slowly toward the door. Kristen bumped Dakota with her shoulder and smiled playfully.
"What exactly do you have to show me?" Dakota asked, playing along.
Kristen opened the door and stepped inside. She closed it slowly behind Dakota and locked it.
They stared at each other for a moment, a smile creeping across both their faces.
"C'mere," Kristen said, grabbing Dakota's hand. She took a step toward her and her heart skipped a beat. Kristen took a deep breath, licking her bottom lip before leaning in and kissing Dakota. Kristen's body surged and she pulled her closer, the kiss quickly becoming urgent, aggressive. Dakota felt her hands shaking slightly and she stepped in sync with Kristen, pushing her against the wall behind them.
Their tongues slid across each other and Kristen's hands found their way to Dakota's slender hips and she grabbed at them. She pulled away slightly, her mouth carefully sliding down Dakota's neck, nipping at her soft skin.
"D-don't" Dakota said, her whole body buzzing in excitement.
Kristen smiled against her skin, kissing her neck softly. She looked at her, her eyes scanning her face for an indication of what to do next.
"Let's go upstairs," she suggested, flicking her eyebrows in a way that made Dakota's stomach flutter.
Dakota swallow hard. "Why?" she asked, playing dumb.
Kristen leaned closer. "You know why," she whispered in her ear, sending chills down Dakota's spine.
Dakota nodded slowly, unable to speak, and Kristen took her hand and led her upstairs.
Once inside her bedroom, Kristen sat down on the edge of her bed. Dakota stared at her, her heart racing.
Kristen smiled and flicked her eyebrows again in that way that Dakota loved, and nodded for her to come over.
Dakota sat down beside her, her hands in her lap and she looked down at them, feeling the heat in her cheeks.
"Don't be nervous," Kristen whispered, putting her hand on her leg.
"You make me nervous sometimes," Dakota said softly.
Kristen smiled. She put her hand on Dakota's face and kissed her softly. Dakota felt her whole body relax, much as it did anytime Kristen touched her, and she moved into the kiss. Before they knew it, they were lying down, legs tangled, their breathing heavy. Kristen shifted in her jeans, wanting to take this to the next level.
She pulled away, slightly out of breath. "Fuck," she said. "I really want you right now."
Dakota smirked and nodded. Kristen swallowed hard and she dragged her hand across Dakota's stomach, gingerly touching the button on her jeans. Their eyes were locked, and Dakota felt a rush flow through her body and she could swear Kristen could hear how loud her heart was beating.
Kristen's fingers tightened their grip around the button and she leaned down and kissed Dakota again, pulling it open as she did so. Dakota gasped slightly, now fully aware of what was about to happen.
"W-wait," she said, not really sure why.
Kristen looked down at her, retreating her hand and resting it on her stomach.
"We don't have to," Kristen said quickly.
Dakota took a deep breath. "I just…I don't know if I'm…"
Kristen nodded. "No, totally. It's okay. We can stop…"
Dakota put her hands over her face. "This is like a bad after school special."
Kristen laughed. "I don't know any after school specials with two girls hooking up, but maybe I'm watching the wrong channels."
Dakota looked over at Kristen, admiring her glowing green eyes, slender nose and the freckles that danced across her cheeks. "How did we get here?" she asked softly.
Kristen shrugged. "I don't know. But I like it."
"Me too," Dakota said softly. "You're a really good kisser."
Kristen smirked, pulling at Dakota's shirt. "So are you," she replied.
"It's not that I don't want to, you know, do this, but I don't think I am ready yet." Dakota said after a moment.
Kristen nodded. "I know. It's okay. You don't need to explain it. I just…got all hot and bothered."
Dakota blushed. "Me too."
Kristen put her arm around Dakota and pulled her close. Dakota pressed her face against Kristen's warm skin, taking a deep breath. She loved the way Kristen smelled, kind of smoky but fresh, like she had been outside all day. She curled her fingers around Kristen's sweatshirt and they just lied there for a moment. Kristen twirled Dakota's long, blonde hair around her fingers and she smiled to herself. She loved the peacefulness of moments like this. These were the types of moments that you always remember.
"Have you told anyone?' Dakota asked suddenly.
"About what?" Kristen asked.
"Us. This."
Kristen shook her head. "No. Have you?"
"No," Dakota replied. "It's our little secret."
Kristen smiled, but it quickly faded as the though of Rob finding out filtered through her mind. She suddenly felt guilty, realizing she went home with Dakota instead of him. She didn't know why she felt that way, it was strictly casual between them, but she could only imagine how he would react to something like this. She sighed and shook her head, pulling back to look at Dakota.
"I should take you home, huh?" she said, suddenly dying for a cigarette.
Dakota scrunched her face. "Yeah, I guess so."
She kissed Dakota's forehead and rolled over, sitting up.
Dakota buttoned up her pants and walked over toward Kristen awkwardly.
"So, are you on set tomorrow?" she asked.
Kristen smiled. "Don't do that," she said.
"What?" Dakota asked.
"Don't make small talk. Come here," she pulled Dakota's arm gently and wrapped her arms around her. "You know I like you, Dakota," she said. "We don't have to pretend we're strangers."
"I wasn't," Dakota replied softly.
Kristen laughed. "Yes, I will be on set tomorrow. Maybe we can steal a few minutes in the trailer," she said.
Dakota smiled bashfully. "Okay," she said. She looked at Kristen and licked her lips.
Kristen leaned in and kissed her again, softly.
"C'mon," she said, taking her hand. "Let's go before your parents think I kidnapped you."
"I wouldn't mind that," Dakota mused.
Kristen chuckled, pulling out her cigarettes and locking the door behind them.