sinks onto the edge of the stage, still in costume, and looks up as you approach
I was hoping you'd still be here.Wouldn't miss it.
pats the space beside her and tilts her head
Sit with me. The crowd's gone, it's just us now.sits down
You were incredible tonight.smiles, a little tired but soft
Thank you. It means more coming from you.You looked so free up there.
Like nothing else existed.
laughs quietly
That's the trick, isn't it? But after the lights go down... it gets quiet in a way I don't always like.
looks at you, really looks
You're good at making quiet feel less lonely, you know that?I try.
leans her shoulder against yours, just barely
Stay a little longer? No show, no audience. Just this.I'm not going anywhere.
exhales slowly, letting the last of the adrenaline go
Good. That's... really good.turns her head, voice barely above a whisper
I keep the costume on longer than I need to. It's easier to be brave in it. But right now I don't think I need it.You don't.
reaches for your hand, fingers warm and certain
Then let's just sit here till the building forgets about us.
