From Dusk Until Dawn

Chapter 11: Testing The Waters

Rue looked down at her darkened reflection. Her thoughts were all over the place, changing to quickly to be remembered coherently. She sighed heavily, pushing her cup of tea away from her and pressing her forehead against the table. She squeezed her eyes shut but she almost instantly saw Lady Dimitrescu. Her eyes snapped wide open.

Frustrated, she placed her head in her hands, trying to desperately to think of something else. It was just a silly crush. At least, that's what she had been saying to convince herself. Ever since the day in the gallery and learning about Daria and Bela's break-up with Sora, she had been pushing her feelings away and trying to get rid of them. First, she tried ignoring it. And now, she had started going out of her way to avoid Lady Dimitrescu but the longing she felt for her was making it unbearable.

''What's up with you? Not strong enough and used a cucumber as a dildo?'' Rue looked up with an angry expression, a fierce blush dusting across her cheeks.

''What the hell is up with you and cucumber dildos?'' she asked Sofia, who was leaning against the doorframe of the servants quarters, which was currently empty.

''I just know it bothers you. Anyway, what's up?'' Sofia asked, taking a seat across from the girl.

''It's nothing.'' Rue lied, reaching for her cup of tea and taking a sip, cringing to herself when she realized it was already cold.

''Well, that's a lie. Seriously, what's going on?'' Sofia said, scooting close to the girl.

''You're not going to let this go, are you?'' the maid just smiled and shook her head. Rue scoffed, rolling her eyes before sighing. ''I think I have feelings for someone.''

''It's Lady Dimitrescu isn't it?'' Sofia asked, not sounding surprised, reaching for the woman's cup and taking a sip of the cold tea.

''How did you know?''

''Come on, I see the way you look at her. And I sense she's fond of you. She actually asked me to fetch you and bring you to the Opera Hall. She wanted you to join her for tea.'' 

Rue looked down at her lap. Briefly, she considered lying and say she other busy to attend to but she had already finished her chores for the day. The thought of being alone with Lady Dimitrescu again was both exciting and terrifying. Terrifying because of her feelings towards the Countess and exciting because it was Lady Dimitrescu. She was the most beautiful woman she had even seen before. Her hair was also curled to perfection and looked so soft. Her golden eyes made her heart flutter whenever she looked at her. How her heart swelled with happiness whenever she asked if she was alright and who caring she was.

''Test out the waters, no one is stopping you. Plus, you won't be interrupted. Daniela and Cassandra are in the cellar and Bela is at Lady Beneviento's estate.'' Sofia stated.

''Test the waters? What if she doesn't reciprocate? I'm not making a fool of myself in front of Lady Dimitrescu.'' Rue said, pressing her forehead against the table in defeat.

''Oh come on, you've given up before you've even tried.'' the blonde groaned, leaning back in her seat. ''Take a chance. If you don't you'll miss your chance and beat yourself up over it. And she if doesn't like you than she doesn't like you. You'll be able to move on easier.''

The woman looked at her, drifting off into her thoughts. She had never been afraid of rejection before and had experienced rejection before so why was she so scared now? She couldn't be... she couldn't be in love, could she? Her eyes widened at the thought and her heart started hammering against her chest. 

''I think I can try.'' Rue muttered.

''Great! So, get your ass moving, Lady Dimitrescu isn't the most patient woman in the world.'' Sofia said and laughed a little when Rue got up and quickly left the room.