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"You can totally do this," Ruby encouraged, her voice a balm to Kylie's nerves. "You're going to kill it, I promise."
Kylie nodded, trying to believe her friend's words as she sat in the makeup chair. The lights were hot on her face, the brushes dancing across her skin in a blur of motion and color. She had always felt safe in the cocoon of their friendship, the two of them inseparable since they were teenagers. But today, she had to face something alone: her first big interview.
Her heart thudded in her chest as the makeup artist stepped back, declaring her ready. "Remember to breathe," Ruby said, giving Kylie's hand a squeeze before leaving the room. The door clicked shut, and Kylie felt a sudden surge of panic. She had never done anything like this without Ruby by her side.
Malia walked in, looking every inch the celebrity with her confident stride and dazzling smile. "Ready to charm the socks off 'em?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kylie managed a weak smile, trying to hide the storm brewing inside her. The cameras started rolling, and the interviewer began asking questions about their upcoming movie, Descendants The Rise of Red. Her voice was soothing, but the questions felt like knives slicing through Kylie's nerves. She stumbled over her words, her palms sweaty against the armrests of the chair. The room seemed to shrink around her, the air thick with the weight of her anxiety.
Her vision began to blur, and the sound of her own heartbeat pounded in her ears like a drumline. "I... I need a minute," she stammered, her breaths growing shorter. Malia's eyes widened, and she looked over at the director who was watching from the sidelines, equally concerned. Before anyone could say a word, Kylie bolted from the chair and rushed out of the room, her legs shaking. She didn't know where she was going, only that she needed to get away from the suffocating pressure.
Back in her dressing room, she leaned against the cool wall, trying to slow her breathing. The panic attack washed over her in waves, each one threatening to drown her. She felt like she couldn't get enough air, as if the walls were closing in. It was like every time she took a step away from Ruby, she was stepping into a void that threatened to swallow her whole. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out, expecting to see Ruby's name. Instead, it was a text from Malia. "Are you okay? What happened?"
Ruby was the first to burst into the room, her face etched with concern. "Ky, what's going on?" she asked, rushing over. She had felt the tremor of Kylie's panic through their bond like a physical force. Kylie's eyes filled with tears as she tried to explain, the words catching in her throat. "It's just... I can't do this without you," she whispered, her voice shaking. Ruby pulled her into a tight embrace, the familiar scent of her shampoo bringing a sense of comfort. "You don't have to," Ruby said soothingly. "We can do it together."
The director, Jennifer Phang, knocked gently on the door, her voice tentative. "Kylie, are you okay? Can we talk?"
Kylie took a deep breath and nodded, her grip on Ruby tightening for a moment before letting go. "Come in," she called out, her voice still shaky.
Jennifer peeked in, her expression a mix of worry and understanding. "Is there anything I can do?" she asked gently.
Ruby looked up, her eyes pleading. "Can I sit with her during the interview?"
Jennifer hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I don't see why not. It's unconventional, but if it helps, we'll make it work."
They rearranged the setup, placing an extra chair next to Kylie's. Ruby sat down, her presence like a beacon of calm in the chaos of Kylie's mind. The interviewer, a seasoned pro named Elena, gave them a warm smile. "Let's take it from the top, shall we?" she said, her eyes kind.
The questions began again, but this time, Ruby's hand rested gently on Kylie's knee. Each question felt less like an interrogation and more like a conversation between friends. Kylie took a deep breath and let Ruby's energy flow into her. "So, Kylie, tell us about your character," Elena prompted.
"Her name is Red and she's..." Kylie started, her voice wavering only slightly. Ruby squeezed her knee reassuringly, and she felt a renewed strength. "She's a bit of a rebel, but with a heart of gold." The words flowed more easily now, the panic slowly receding.
Malia joined them, her own nerves seemingly forgotten in the face of Kylie's distress. The three of them sat in a row, a united front, and Kylie felt the tension in the room ease. They talked about the plot of Descendants The Rise Of Red, the challenges of filming, and their hopes for the movie's reception. Each question was met with a collaborative response, the three of them bouncing off each other's energy. The camaraderie between them was palpable, and even the interviewer seemed to relax, smiling more often as she jotted down notes.
The interview went on for another half hour, and with each passing minute, Kylie felt more and more at ease. Malia shared memories from on set, Ruby chimed in with insights into their characters' backstories, and Kylie spoke more confidently about her role. They laughed together, the sound echoing in the small room, and Kylie realized that she wasn't alone anymore.
As the final question was asked, Kylie glanced at Ruby, who gave her a nod of encouragement. "What do you hope the audience will take away from your portrayal of Red?" Elena asked, her pen poised over her notepad.
Kylie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "I hope they see that even in the darkest places, there's always a spark of light," she replied, her voice steady. "And that it's okay to be different, to stand up for what you believe in, even if it's against the tide." Ruby's eyes shone with pride, and Malia nodded in agreement.
The interview wrapped up with a round of applause from the small crew outside the room. Kylie felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. It hadn't been perfect, but she had done it, with her friends beside her. As they stood to leave, Elena leaned in. "That was beautiful, Kylie," she whispered. "Your vulnerability is your strength."
The three of them exchanged a look, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they had formed. Malia put an arm around Kylie's shoulders. "You were amazing," she said, her voice genuine. "I knew you had it in you."
Kylie managed a smile, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Thanks," she murmured, still feeling the echoes of the panic attack.
"Seriously," Malia added, her grip on Kylie's shoulder firm. "You've got this, Red."
The nickname made Kylie laugh, a real laugh that felt good after the rollercoaster of the last hour. "Thanks, guys," she said, her voice stronger now. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Ruby squeezed her hand. "You've got this, Ky. You're going to be great in this movie. Just remember that."
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Descendants The Rise of Red cast one shots
FanfictionOne shots of Descendants The Rise Of Red.