You were good at acting. Really good at acting.

And Damian totally could be, too, if he wanted to — but he didn't want to give Todd the satisfaction, so he settled for tech on the latest school play. He wasn't going to let his brother hold something as stupid as getting him into a school play over his head.

In fact, he hated having to watch Jason and the other lead stage kiss every other night while glaring dumbly at each other; he hated seeing Tim lean impossibly closer to the kid in front of him during all the songs, trying to listen and get the notes right without regard for the others' red face; and he hated listening to Richard and the senior stage manager make out in the dressing room between scenes — he was losing experience.

If there was one benefit that came out of it, being stage manager and directing most everything tech-related was it. And getting to watch your phenomenal acting— but mostly tech.

That also meant that, him being the junior stage manager, the drama teacher put him in charge of ensuring everyone's safety — physical and mental — behind the scenes. With your scene probably being one of the most intense in the whole show, you became his responsibility because Richard kept on stealing the other manager.

As soon as lights went out, Damian switched your mic off and went to the stage left entrance. The first thing you felt in the dark was his hand clamping over your mouth — business as usual — as the other unclipped the mic from your collar and waist.

He wrapped the wire up and placed it in his pocket for the moment. "Deep breaths," you heard him whisper as he guided you to the back. You had until bows recover from the intensity.

He ducked you into the dressing room, settling you into a chair and tossing you a bottle of water, ready to go — not before seeing the blood on you.

He tutted. "The stage knife nicked you," he told you, already grabbing first aid and kneeling below you. "I'll check props after the show." Since the other manager was eating Richard's face out.