Untucked, but Not Unfucked

The first impression Plane leaves on Mirage is that she’s rude. She doesn’t attack anyone first, but when provoked, she responds with all the passion of her Russian soul. She seems untouchable, keeping even Mirage at a distance, who settles for a slight nod of greeting. However, there’s one person with whom Plane isn’t rude — Nymphia knows how to charm. Plane flirts with her in her own way while still trying to assert her superiority. The following days of filming turn out to be much harder than the first. Back then, Mirage didn’t have to overthink how to succeed in a challenge. She just did her job. Now there’s hardly any energy left for talking with Nymphia. Unlike Mirage, Nymphia manages to combine work with subtle advances toward Plane. And not just work — she creates a stunning outfit out of ties. I wish I could do that… Mirage sighs. Where’s my assistant? At the hotel, she does run into her assistant, who winks at her. But there’s no time for courtesies. And then she gets an important role as the sketch host. Well, so what… she thinks, shrugging, and scans the competitors, who are making notes in their notebooks. I should probably learn the song for the lipsync, just in case it comes in handy. She doesn’t fully memorize it, relying instead on her charisma and confidence that she won’t hit the bottom. But, as luck would have it, she does. And it wouldn’t be so bad — her lipsync opponent isn’t exactly a superstar. But unlike Mirage, she either has low self-esteem or is simply realistic. And she actually bothered to learn the words. Maybe RuPaul’s eyesight will fail — age and all — so really, the focus should be on the whole performance, not the mouth. But no. She gets sent home… But what kind of home is this? She’s going to be stuck in the hotel for a whole month. Damn it, she didn’t make it past the second episode with her part! Who knew that laziness would betray her? Well, everyone knew. Her sisters are constantly lecturing her: study, study, study. Now there’s no way she won’t! The only consolation — tomorrow is a day off. And she can spend it with Nymphia. And with the ever-grumpy Plane. Maybe tomorrow Plane will finally relax and stop acting so high and mighty? Then the poor bottle will have been worth bringing. The next day, Mirage hopes to run into Andreas, that sweet boy. But today isn’t her day. Well, it’s her day, but not on the love front. Nymphia isn’t bored alone. Plane is here too, sitting and chewing a burger like a little ground squirrel. Perfect — she knew Mirage wouldn’t show up empty-handed. Without much ceremony, Mirage pulls out the coveted bottle and pours it into cups. Everyone’s more than fine with it. No surprises — Mirage knows how to pick her company. After a few sips, she remembers how harshly the judges treated her, and tears start streaming down her face. What the…? Just a sip, and the emotions hit. Unexpectedly, she finds some sympathy from Plane. Could it be she’s not really the bitchy persona she tries to project? We’ll see, Mirage thinks. Now she’s definitely not going to leave this group. Nymphia and Mirage share stories about their families while Plane listens. She’s clearly not ready to open up to people she barely knows, instead showing off about future wins and her place in the finale. But why not? She’s more than capable of being there, and Nymphia isn’t slacking either. “I really wish you two would make it to the finale,” Mirage says, realizing she needs to stop. She’s barely drunk anything, but already tipsy. Nymphia keeps exchanging glances with Plane, making clear hints of attraction. Plane doesn’t hold back either. And that’s when it hits Mirage — her little drinking episode probably ruined the whole fun for them. All evening they’ve been flirting with each other, and she’s stuck on the sidelines. She tries to apologize for her untimely arrival, which embarrasses the pair. Don’t they see how drawn they are to each other? Her eyes are closing, her legs feel like jelly, and the floor is lava. Help, kind people! I can’t make it to my room on my own. She sees Plane reluctantly tear her gaze away from Nymphia, with the noble goal of getting Mirage safely to her room. The whole way there, they’re silent. Mirage has run out of words, and Plane isn’t ready to talk. On the doorstep, Mirage finally pulls herself together and fixes her eyes on Plane. “Nymphia is a good girl. Don’t hurt her. She’s the only one who really cares about you.” Plane raises her eyebrows in surprise. “If you behave badly, she won’t spare you and will send you packing.” Mirage spins around sharply and slams the door in front of a stunned Plane.