Friction

Compliments

Avery Duncan was still a bit of a new comer in acting. She had 5 other films under her belt but with her natural good looks and her years of acting school pushed her head first into the world of fame quickly. What she didn't expect was to be cast opposite Kate Winslet and grow close to her in a short amount of time. Kate was full of knowledge and experience and wisdom and she was there for Avery and the others every step of the way. Then again Kate also carried an air of mystery around her. Avery would often see her off to herself, quiet, leaned against a wall vaping. She never bothered her until one day she noticed it looked as though she had been crying. So Avery decided what could it hurt?

"Hey, you okay?" Avery sat down next to Kate as the blonde wiped her eyes and let out a small laugh.

"Just had a moment. Stressed, tired, miss my kids. My ex husband has informed me that he can't get my kids back to me for another month. We share custody." Kate shook her head. "To beat it all he is also with the tramp he cheated on me with."

"He cheated on you?" Avery couldn't believe what she had heard.

Kate's eyebrows shot up. "Why do you seem so surprised?"

"I am. Anyone would be so lucky to be with you, what an idiot! I hope he knows how badly he fucked up. There is no way in hell I would even fathom cheating if I had been your spouse." The words came out and only then did Avery realize she spoke without thinking. She felt the embarrassment heat up her entire face.

"Really? I thought so too but after he cheated I was questioning if I had been a good enough spouse or parent." Kate sucked her bottom lip into her mouth and then let it go. "I don't even love him anymore and yet I still can't let go of the things he has said to me."

"Kate, you're beautiful and strong and smart. I can tell by the way you treat people that the problem was never you. You are amazing." Avery leaned over and kissed Kate's cheek. "Whoever gets your heart is one lucky son of a bitch." Avery grinned and Kate pulled her into a hug. Kate sniffled and Avery realized she was crying so she pulled her closer and just held her.

"These last few days have been a bit hard on us with the arguing scenes, should we just skip to the part where you seduce me while your controlling husband is away?" Avery cracked a smile as she heard Kate giggle through her tears.

"I was pretty harsh on you yesterday even if it was in character." Kate pulled back and wiped her tears. "I think I used my frustrations as material."

"Don't worry, I have too. When I act, sometimes I'm using real emotion. It's how I was discovered in a theater production. You've had way more experience than I have Kate, so I trust whatever process you use." Avery toyed with her necklace wanting to help Kate dry her tears but unsure if it was appropriate.

"You know, you really know how to make a girl feel better. The best hug I've ever had and compliments. Maybe I should cry more often." Kate laughed softly and stood up reaching her hand out to Avery.

Avery took Kate's hand and stood and this feeling of warmth and safety came over Kate as she realized how lovely it felt with Avery so close, their hands joined, she leaned up and kissed Avery's cheek. The feeling of Kates lips against her cheek left her entire body tingling. "Thank you Avery for coming to my rescue."

"Anytime Kate seriously. Don't start drowning. If you need someone I've got you okay? If you don't want to finish the harsh shit today we can talk to Brian and Lacey you know they would do anything for you."

"Do you know what Brian said to me? He made me watch the stuff you and I filmed on the first week. He said You gotta see what I'm seeing. And I did, you and I have great chemistry when there's tension. But if I'm being honest, I haven't felt as calm as I did when you hugged me in months. I almost even backed out of the project but I found out you were cast and there was no way I was passing up on working with you."

"Really? Me?" Avery bit her lip to hide her grin.

"What?" Kate's face contorted into adorable confusion. "Why do you seem so damn shocked? I have watched Red Wolves like ten times you were so phenomenal Avery you sold the role of a psychotic serial killer so well while at even making us have sympathy for you for being brought up by wolves. The entire film is just a masterpiece but you were the best part. I had to experience you." Kate was looking up at Avery with such sincerity and admiration in her deep blue eyes. Avery felt her own eyes well up with tears.

"I've just always thought I was a decent actress but to hear you say that just...I've been a fan of you for years and I've looked up to you it means the world to me." Avery hadn't felt as if anyone had ever been proud of her until this moment. She squeezed Kate's hand and smiled.

"I mean every word. Come on, let's go see if we can just skip this scene for now. I'm tired of the yelling for today." Kate didn't let go of Avery's hand as they walked back to set.