Author's Note: This is an active roleplay between my friend (penname Mazuka) and myself. Which means everything is written from a his/her point-of-view (I'm writing for Karen, and he's writing for Michael). Enjoy and comments are greatly appreciated!

7:00AM|

Michael woke up early like he'd done every other morning. Nothing new. Just another day in the life. Or at least, nothing worth changing his habits over. Except Julia of course. She'd been making him lose sleep for awhile. Despite the tossing and turning at night though, he still couldn't manage to bring himself to stay in bed late. Even on a day off.

But unlike every other day, that morning he found his hotel room to be extra confining. Almost suffocating. He just wanted out. So he showered, got ready, and left as quickly as he could.

8:00AM |

After walking around awhile, exploring Boston some, he found himself at a small corner diner where he decided to stop and have breakfast. When he'd finished eating, he stayed to read the paper while finishing his coffee. He'd need more though to get through the day and function like normal. At the moment though, he wasn't in any rush to finish up and leave. He had plenty of time still before he'd have to go meet Karen at the theater.

Sure it would have been nice to have an entire day to himself. But if he did, he wouldn't even know what to do to fill up all that free time on his own. He'd much rather interact and do things with other people - members of the cast and/or production team - than spend too much time alone.

Besides, too much time alone for him now was dangerous. Time alone to think. Time alone with his guilt. Time alone with his regret. Time alone to tear himself down…

He needed the company of others.

9:20AM |

Michael arrived early to the theater, another to-go cup of coffee in hand. He had even brought along a second one for Karen just in case. And if she didn't want it, he'd gladly keep it for himself too. He did hope she'd take it though, he didn't actually need all that extra caffeine so soon. Not only that, but he also brought it as a thank you for her distracting him for however long their meeting lasted.

At least the time spent discussing whatever it was she had on her mind about the show, would be time away from his own thoughts.

But she wouldn't know he was actually grateful for the morning meet-up. He wouldn't tell her of his appreciation for it. He'd never admit anything was wrong. She'll likely think that she's taking up precious time of his and try to keep it brief or move quickly through things to get out of his hair.

So he could then have the rest of the day to himself. Free time to battle all the thoughts and feelings stirring in the back of his mind. How could he possibly prolong this little meeting of theirs without letting on to anything?

He sat pondering the possibilities.

Karen's phone went off rather loudly at 5 o'clock in the morning. Fortunately, it didn't wake Karen, as she'd been laying in bed awake since about 3:30. Sleep didn't come easily, even when she wore herself out with rehearsal and extra rehearsing even after actual rehearsal let out.

Part of her thought that her performance had been a fluke and that the next one would be awful if she didn't work her ass off to make it better. She was beginning to run herself ragged though. Too much work and not enough sleep. I'll sleep when I'm dead. She thought to herself as she rolled out of bed, searching for clothes to throw on to go running. It helped her clear her head and wake herself up for the day.

The cast had the day off from rehearsal, but Karen was excited that Michael had agreed to meet with her and go over some things. It made her feel a bit better. It would be easier to rehearse with someone there with her. She just hoped that she wasn't imposing on his time. She needed to stop thinking about Dev and wallowing in self pity. Her strange dinner with Derek two nights prior had done nothing to help her confusion or her sadness about the situation.

Karen ran for about an hour and a half before returning to the hotel to shower and change. She pulled on a pair of leggings and a long sweater, pulling her wet hair into a bun at the back of her head. It was much too early to be heading to the theater, she wasn't supposed to be meeting Michael until 9:30, but she figured that she could at least get some other things rehearsed before he got there.

She had stepped off stage to grab her bottle of water when Michael entered, and when she walked back out on the stage, she saw him sitting in the front row. Karen only had enough knowledge of the workings of the stage to know how to turn the work lights on, just several fluorescent lights above the stage. "Oh, hey Michael." Karen called out to him with a soft smile, quickly walking down the stairs of the stage, water bottle in hand, toward him. "You're early, aren't you? Or did I just lose track of time?" She asked, taking a long sip of water and sighing, her shoulder hunched a bit out of exhaustion. And it was only 9:30. Perfect. Karen thought, maybe I'll be tired enough to actually sleep tonight.

Michael took a sip of his coffee, completely lost in thought. It hadn't even occurred to him that the work lights had already been turned on over the stage. He should've taken notice the moment he entered the theater. So many times he'd walked into an empty dark theater and had to fumble around for the work lights himself when he wanted to rehearse early in the morning or late at night, or just get away to think.

The theater truly was his escape, in every sense of the word. There, he wasn't just Michael Swift. He wasn't just a man hopelessly in love with a woman just out of his reach. He wasn't just a husband or a father - now to a woman and child that weren't even there. In the theater he was someone else. He was a role, a part, a character. He was the very definition of escape. It was his sanctuary.

It finally dawned on him that he wasn't alone. He could have saved himself the deer-in-the-headlights look had he actually noticed the lights before hearing Karen's voice greeting him as she walked downstage. He blinked a few times, her question almost lost on him.

He got up, almost springing out of his seat to quickly recover from being caught off-guard. "Oh, yeah. I am a little early." He smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head a moment. "Morning, Karen."

Michael wasted no time taking off his jacket and grabbing the other to-go cup to offer to her. "I brought some coffee just in case." He held it out toward her, his usual smile returning effortlessly to his face. He decided to just cut to the chase in order to avoid any awkward conversation or silence. "So what did you want to go over?" He took another sip of his coffee as he stepped up to the stage and turned halfway around to her. "Is there any specific scenes or numbers? Or would you like to run through all of ours?" He set the cup down at the very front of the stage, near the edge so it would be out of the way.

Karen was a little bit worried about meeting with Michael. Sure, they had done well together for the preview, but she still wasn't sure exactly where she stood with the man. The two hadn't really interacted much when she was still just a member of the ensemble and then what with him being thrown into the show only days before she was, there wasn't much time for getting to know him. Or how he felt about her being chosen over Ivy.

Almost wincing, Karen was about to apologize for scaring him when he spoke to her again. She closed her mouth and smiled softly. "Morning, Michael." She replied, biting her lip and grinning.

"Oh, thanks so much. I haven't had any today and I'm totally exhausted." Karen commented lightly, taking the coffee from him gratefully. Karen moved and sat on the prop bench that was left near the corner of the stage. She looked Michael over, noting that he looked tired and a bit downtrodden. Then again, everyone from the show was exhausted, Karen included but she was also stuck in a rut of self pity.

Karen was so busy studying Michael that she barely heard his question. It took her several moments for her brain to adequately process what he had asked her. When she finally did, she spoke quickly to try and recover. "Oh um, I mean whatever you have time for. I don't want to be a bother, I'm just really nervous about the next few previews. I kind of feel like I got lucky the other night." Karen looked down, shrugging a bit.

Karen's perceptive gaze hadn't been lost on Michael. He had felt her eyes on him the whole time, whether he was actively focusing on her or not. He really didn't know much about her outside of the ensemble chatter. And he knew better than to take it all at face value. He didn't spend time with her outside of rehearsal. Didn't take the time to try and get to know her. It honestly made him feel bad now because she definitely seemed like one of the good ones. Talented and genuine. He'd been so wrapped up in his own problems, he hadn't given her the time of day before.

Shows come and go. Casts come and go. That was all part of the business. Michael had learned long ago not to take sides and let it get to him. Karen managed to learn an entire show and get through a preview in a single day. But somehow he had a feeling that she'd be great. Sure, Ivy was more experienced and a pleasure to work with. But so far, working with Karen had been just as enjoyable and he could see she had so much potential.

"No problem." He'd previously replied with a small, lop-sided grin and a nod before he had headed up to the stage. He too had been consumed by exhaustion more often than not. Coffee had become more necessity than want. But that was often the case during the production of any show. That much was true for him anyway.

He contemplated her response, trying to figure out the best way to answer without sounding too eager and raising questions. Then again, perhaps that could be a good thing. Rehearse and get to know one another. Why not? It'd certainly take up a great deal of time, thus leaving him with less time by himself. He was more or less satisfied with the thought process.

He cleared his throat, "It's not a bother at all. I could use the extra rehearsing myself actually. So we can take as much time as you need. You did do great the other night, by the way. But I know what you mean. I think we all got lucky with it." He smiled again, hoping to ease some of the tension and uncertainty in the air. Lighten the mood and make her feel more comfortable.

He moved to center stage, "Alright, front and center." He gestured to the stage directly in front of him. "What do you feel most unsure about?"

The last week had taken its toll on Karen. Made all the more evident by the breakdown she had alone in the hallway of the hotel after her dinner with Derek. It wasn't like Karen to just compartmentalize and continue on with life. She drew strength from her emotions; she didn't hide from them. But Karen no longer had anyone to talk to. Dev had always been her go to person to talk about people in the show and rant and rave and just let go. But he was gone now and so Karen was left mostly alone with her thoughts.

Sure, she had friends in the cast, but it was clear where everyone's loyalties lied. With Ivy, mostly. Plus, if it weren't enough that they all liked Ivy more than they did her, Karen's problems paled in comparison to the nightmare Ivy had created for herself. Karen recognized that Ivy's problems were more weighty, but it didn't keep Karen from wishing that for once people would notice that she needed someone.

Maybe she would talk to Michael.. Depending on how this whole day went rehearsing with him. He seemed to be a lot like her in that he didn't really interact with the ensemble and everyone on a personal level. Maybe they both needed someone to talk to.

There was something reassuring about Michael's words and the gentle smile he gave her. Karen smiled back and laughed softly as he moved to center. She quickly took a long sip of coffee before setting it on the desk on stage and standing up. Karen moved over to where Michael was standing, but kept a fair amount of distance between them.

"Um, Jessica mentioned something about History is Made at Night seeming awkward. I know it's probably just that we hadn't rehearsed it a lot and we're both kind of strangers.. But I think we should probably start there?" Karen said, a soft questioning tone to her voice, her eyes locked with Michael's.

Generally, Michael did get rather close with whatever cast he was working with. Mostly because throughout the duration of a production, they end up being the people you interact with the most. You see them every day. They become extended family. The longer the production, the closer you end up being. Sometimes it's the same with a workshop, other times it isn't. He knew better than to get too attached in a workshop, because they didn't always succeed. He'd gone down in sinking ships before.

But the distance did put Michael in a tough spot. He had no one to talk to. He used to talk to his wife occasionally, but he tried not to bring all the drama home with him. This time around, he couldn't even talk to her because everything revolved around Julia. He couldn't talk to Julia because of the circumstances and her keeping him at arm's length and pushing him away. He wouldn't talk to Tom because Tom was always on Julia's side.

He kept everything in for months. He tried to talk to Julia more than once. Each time though it left him feeling more hurt than the last. Ultimately, his attempts got him fired. She couldn't handle it. He'd assured Julia that it really was for the best…but he only said it for her benefit. He didn't really want to leave the show, or her. And after Frank had found out about them, it killed Michael to see Julia so upset. But at the same time, he saw a glimmer, a chance for him to fit into her future. And that wasn't something he was willing to let go of. Not again.

He told his wife about the affair shortly thereafter. And about the five years prior. She left, took their son Artie with her. Went to Seattle to stay with her parents. Michael was left with an empty apartment, and a huge hole in his life. He'd give Julia what she wanted though, time and space. Meanwhile, he'd suffer.

But when he got the call to return to the show, he didn't hesitate. No way Julia would have allowed them to hire him back unless she wanted him there. Turned out that she was resistant and they were in a tight spot and called him back anyway. Turned out that Julia was trying to fix things with Frank and thus avoid him altogether and push him away. Turned out Michael was right about how she felt about him. Whether she admitted it or not, he knew.

Then after rehearsal just before the last preview, there was a moment with her that left him with some hope. At least a glimmer of it in that moment. It was gone the next though. Not having someone to talk to was really starting to get to him.

He took a breath. "Alright. Now, I'm no prop guy so we'll just have to use our imagination with the staging," he smirked somewhat as he got into position to begin.

There was definitely a certain innocence to Karen. It wasn't as though she was inexperienced or a prude, but she was brought up in such a way that the glamor and sexuality associated with the theater made her blush. That was why this number in particular had been hard for her. History is Made at Night was a sentimental number, yes, but it also had a distinct air of lust and passion to it, requiring both parties to be willing and comfortable. Karen was anything but.

Karen moved to stand beside Michael, leaving an awkward amount of distance between them. The beginning of the number started out with a lazy, close slow dance. It was supposed to be relaxed and casual and yet Karen couldn't seem to breathe properly. She was exhausted and very near a massive breakdown. She took a deep breath though and stepped closer to Michael. "I think just the blocking, yeah?" Karen whispered, her voice breathy.

It wasn't that Michael made her uncomfortable. Karen just didn't know how to interact with someone in that way so casually. That night in Derek's apartment had been nerve wracking. Karen could do sex, that much was clear, but she always ended up thinking about it too much. Sexy, when over thought, tended to look awkward. And Karen's overworked brain was processing things at an alarming rate and insisting on over-analysis.

The tension returned fully the moment he got into position and she had hesitated, leaving a rather awkward distance between them for a lingering moment. And if that wasn't any indication, the uncertainty in her hushed tone was crystal clear. Nerves. No matter how many shows Michael did, he still always got nervous at one point or another. But for him the nerves were a sign that he was still on the right path, still doing what he so loved to do. Because without nerves there would be no thrill, no enjoyment or satisfaction in the end. And without any of that, what would be the point?

Karen was talented. She had an amazing voice. She was hard-working and learned quickly. She was very pretty. She didn't get caught up in the allure of the theater or let her ego run away with her. She had preserved an innocence about her. Even amidst all the drama and chaos and bad, she didn't lose herself. That kind of strength and will were things that Michael actually admired and respected about her.

Upon taking notice of the distress Karen was experiencing, Michael immediately changed gears. He was no idiot. Now it wasn't about the number anymore. He stepped closer to her, "I don't bite, I promise," he smiled. "Look, this isn't going to work if you're not comfortable with it. We've got to be in this together a hundred percent up here in front of those audiences or they won't believe it. So what do you need from me to make that happen?"

He touched her arm gently, a gesture meant to reassure her which he hoped came across as such. "As a co-star working opposite of you, I'm here to help, Karen. I'm not here to make it even more difficult for you. Because if you're off your game, then so am I. It doesn't play out well for either of us that way. And I think Derek's got that plenty covered already anyway."

Michael paused, retracting his hand. "Sorry. That's not really any of my business."

Karen knew that she had nothing to be afraid of or nervous about with Michael. He was a nice guy and an amazing actor. Even when they were both scrambling to put the show together, he had been kind and patient with her. That wasn't what made her nervous though. Karen knew that if she slowed down or stopped that everything would come crashing down on top of her. She would ruin the show, and end up breaking down because of it. If she stopped rehearsing, stopped running herself ragged, the emotional trauma of the last week would drown her.

Drawing in a deep breath, Karen relaxed as Michael stepped closer to her and placed his hand gently on her arm. Karen's tense muscles melted a bit as she relaxed. She gave Michael a soft smile and a nod. It was comforting to know that Michael was on her side and willing to help her through all of this. The learning aspect of it.

Karen waved off Michael's apology. She bit her lip as she thought for a moment, swallowing hard. "I don't know what I need." She said softly, looking up at him. "I know it's stupid and I'm "too green" but I've never had to do this before." Karen confessed, gesturing between them. "Do you have any ideas?" She asked, her eyes pleading.

"It's not stupid." Michael considered her dilemma for a moment, eyes wandering as he tried to put himself into her shoes and figure out what would be needed. He shoved his hands into his pockets and smiled slightly to himself before returning his gaze to her. "My first onstage kiss, real kiss, I was a nervous wreck. It was in my younger, inexperienced days as an actor. When it came to that particular moment in rehearsal the first time around, I froze. Lost my words, staging, everything. It was super embarrassing. The wonderful young actress I was playing opposite off took me aside and told me that it was okay to be nervous and it happened to the best of us at one point or another. She then told me about an embarrassing moment for her."

He paused, searching her eyes for an indication of recognition as to what he was getting at. She was a bright young girl, so he had no doubt about her catching on. But just in case, to avoid confusion or further stress and also for his own benefit, he took the opportunity to continue down this particular path. "Maybe if we knew more about each other and our experiences, it might help you become more comfortable up here with me. I know it can't be easy for you to pretend to be so into someone you don't know much about and have spent very little time with."

He began for the desk onstage, waving her along with him and pulling out a chair for her as well as himself. "Like I said, I have all day to make you comfortable so you can do your absolute best in this. If anything comes to mind that you'd like from me in order to help you, please let me know. I mean it. So come on, talk to me. Or ask me something. I'm at your disposal, Miss Cartwright. Have a seat." He smiled lightly. Thankfully, the coffee had begun to kick in so he was a bit more upbeat and focused.

There was something relaxing about Michael's demeanor. He seemed easy going enough and he was incredibly nice. It was true that Karen didn't know much about him, he was right about that, but it didn't have anything to do with her not thinking good things of him. They just hadn't had a real reason to interact before they were both thrust into leading roles, one of them for the second time and the other for the first.

Karen laughed softly at his memory of his first stage kiss. She bit her lip as she started to understand what he was getting at and she followed him hesitantly over to the desk, sitting in the chair he pulled out for her. There was a gentle smile on her face when he reiterated that he had all day to help her. No one had ever been that invested in helping her out, even if bettering her performance helped him in the long run as well.

Karen cleared her throat before speaking. "It isn't that it's hard to be attracted to you. Not at all. It's the raw passion. The lust…" Karen paused for a second, wanting to hit herself for blushing. "The uh sex." She said, avoiding Michael's eyes. Her mind racing with the fact that he probably saw her as some silly little inexperienced girl. "It's hard to be able to act that, you know?" Karen shrugged, standing up again and pacing the length of one of the shadow boxes, running her hand over the frame.

Michael looked down and smiled somewhat before returning his gaze to her, fully understanding her issue now. Though he wasn't sure exactly how to resolve it. For him, yes his first onstage kiss posed a minor hiccup in rehearsal, but he managed to overcome his nerves and reservations quickly. After that he never had much problem portraying sex. Perhaps it was his lax nature. His upbringing and the fact that he was a guy likely also played into it quite a bit.

"You're over-thinking things, Karen. You have it in you to be an amazing actress, but you're getting hung up on what should be just another scene to play." He approached her at the shadow box she'd gone to. "I mean, you have this innocence about you but you're not a saint, are you? So you know how to play it. All you have to do is let go and don't worry about the little details. They're trivial. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't let the audience, or Derek, or yourself, or anyone hold you back. You can do this."

He held his hand out to her, "So show them you can. Show them you are the right choice. Because once you overcome this - and believe me, you can and you will - there won't be a thing in the world to keep you from the spotlight." He had changed gears entirely now, no longer treading so lightly and proceeding with as much caution because he saw an opportunity to create a spark and he was now bound and determined to help her get over her obstacle. One he was confident he could at least drive her in the right direction to conquering.

It hadn't even occurred to him yet that he might not be thrusting himself into the matter for all the right reasons at that moment. His intentions were nothing but good. Although, he did need something to focus on in order to avoid his own problems, when instead, he should be facing them. Still, he did genuinely want to help her. She was a kind and talented young woman and she deserved her shot. She was good already, but he knew if she could just get past this, that she'd be great.

Perhaps Michael was right. Maybe Karen was over-thinking the situation. It shouldn't matter what the thought process to get to that comfortable level with Michael was. Regardless of how she was going to get there, she needed to do just that. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken so confidently and kindly about her talents and encouraged her. Michael's words caused a rush of pride and thankfulness to course through her, making her feel infinitely better than she had when she had arrived at the theater.

Karen offered Michael a shy, small smile and placed her hand into his, squeezing lightly in thanks. After taking a deep breath, Karen stepped toward Michael. "So we'll run the number?" She said, a note of self-assurance in her voice this time, as well as a light flirtatious tone that the number in question would require. "And then lunch, I think. Maybe get to know each other."

Karen was exceedingly glad that Michael didn't see her as some silly, innocent little girl. He recognized that innocence within her, but also the darker, more scandalous side of the usually sweet, naive seeming girl. Few had been able to pin her the way that Michael had, and they didn't even really know each other that well.

Michael's casual demeanor shifted with that of a wide smile, pleased that he had managed to give her the push she needed and ready to run through the number full stride. He had instantly recognized the change in Karen's attitude with the tone of her voice and squeezed her hand lightly in acknowledgement. It was precisely the confidence and flare she needed to harness with him for this - with anyone in any show that had anything remotely racy in it actually.

Overcoming it now meant not having to worry when someone less eager to help and be patient came along. Overcoming it now could be the difference between landing and not getting roles in the future. Karen was lucky she had Derek backing her so strongly, as well as himself. Without the support of the Derek and leading man, things could have gone very differently.

He nodded, "We'll run the number. And lunch sounds great."

With that, Michael got into position with her and started. The lead shifted throughout but he relinquished a lot of the control in order to keep pushing. He'd take the reigns and nudge her along if he felt her nerves getting the better of her. But he didn't think it'd be necessary though. She had this now. It was all her.

And somehow, this seemed more natural to him. Not that he didn't like Ivy or enjoy working with her because he certainly did. She was very good and bold which did make it easier on him. But the innocence that Karen possessed, along with that flirtatious side she had trouble with, just screamed Marilyn coming into her own. Norma Jean was on her way out. It's what Derek had been so sure of the whole time, Michael got it now.

It was remarkable how in the course of fifteen minutes, how much better Karen felt. She had come into the theater exhausted and downtrodden and now as the pair moved into position to start to intimate number, Karen felt a renewed sense of confidence in herself and in her ability to play this part with Michael.

Karen could tell that Michael was stepping back in order for her to have to step forward and take control of the situation. She didn't mind so much, and wholeheartedly engaged herself in the mutual seduction between Joe and Marilyn. The situation was oddly reminiscent of Karen's "performance" in Derek's apartment the night she found out about her call back. Karen harnessed the temptress attitude, but left the nervousness behind; Michael caused her to be far less nervous than Derek did.

The number ran smoothly, Karen's thighs straddling Michael's in the final position of the song, leaning forward as her lips brushed his lightly, teasingly, her teeth playfully nipping at his lower lip before the final beat of the song hit and Karen gave Michael an embarrassed smile, sliding off his lap to the side of the couch. It wasn't hard to get into a number like that with Michael and Karen found that even though she was a little bit hesitant at the end, she didn't stop to think about her action during the number, which played well. "Better, I think." Karen stated with a small smile. "Thank you, Michael."

Michael ran through the number with ease, having gone through it plenty of times before. It was nice to not have Derek breathing down anyone's neck during it too. This time though, he was pleasantly surprised with how Karen handled herself. The nerves had almost entirely disappeared and she brought out a bit of fire with the darker side she often kept hidden away. But he knew she had it in her to pull this off. He just didn't expect her to take him at his word so quickly and overcome.

He too had underestimated her a bit. But this was just a testament to her abilities as an actress and her determination. It also meant that she had more trust in him than he had guessed. Which was good because if you don't have trust in your leading partner, how can you expect to put on a good show?

At the end of the number, Michael remained in his position on the couch, a bit taken back by just how much Karen had thrust herself into it. It was exactly what needed to happen though. He just hadn't anticipated her overcoming the nerves so much so quickly. She was definitely a surprising and uniquely talented girl. Different, refreshing even.

He looked over to her after a brief moment, "I'd have to agree, Miss Cartwright," he grinned. "You are most welcome. You feel better about it now? Do you want to run it again or have anything else you're struggling with? Or shall we go eat?"

Most people saw Karen as a naive and innocent girl. That she was pure and not at all suited to play the sex the that Marilyn needed to. Those people were wrong though, as Derek and now Michael knew. There was a fiery side to Karen, a seductive side. She was more than capable of making men melt when she needed to, it was just her at times painful insecurity that kept her from using such wiles all the time like Ivy sometimes did.

It was better to be seen as nice and sweet, people trusted her more. Most people didn't trust Ivy off the bat because they could tell that what she was projecting was only skin deep. Karen had always been more genuine than that.

There was a brief moment of anxiety as Karen stared at Michael who seemed to be slightly dazed. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Karen licked her lips, taking a few deep breaths to lower her heart rate as Michael turned to her and spoke. The smile on his lips caused Karen to calm down considerably. "Sorry if I went a bit too far toward the end." Karen said, a small grin on her face.

Shifting on the couch and tucking her legs underneath her, she shook her head. "I think I'm okay now. Lunch sounds great." She said, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. "Would it be at all possible to, on some other off day, go over some other numbers and things? Just to get used to it all?" Karen asked, glancing at Michael again and fiddling with the edge of her tank top. The stark contrast between the confidant persona of Marilyn and the real Karen Cartwright was blatant in the small uncertain actions.

Michael chuckled and shook his head slightly, "No, not at all. Don't be. That's exactly the kind of behavior we were aiming for, right? So mission accomplished. You have nothing to apologize for, you should be proud. That was great, really." His hand found her knee for a moment to reassure her, not wanting that confidence to fall victim to uncertainty.

After hearing her question, he retracted his hand, not wanting any awkwardness to suddenly linger. He didn't even need to mull it over, there was no alternative to even consider. He'd be happy to help. And now that this little session had gone so smoothly and successfully, he felt a sense of kinship with Karen and helping her. He also looked forward to getting to know her. He could use a friend.

"Absolutely. It's definitely tougher to get comfortable in rehearsal since the pressure is on and everyone is there watching and participating. One false move and you're being forcibly stopped and called out. Then you either continue or run it again or move on. It's chaotic having to concentrate on every little detail under scrutiny, especially when it's not just you effecting the outcome. It'll benefit both of us to get comfortable with everything for at least the two of us together. We can take our time. Then later on we just have to worry about everyone else falling in line. That will be the easy part though because we'll have our parts down and all you'll have to focus on if the nerves come back is me."

Michael was honestly not even thinking about himself in the equation anymore. He had come into it somewhat selfishly, looking to the benefit for him in getting Karen comfortable since as his partner, her performance reflected back into his own. Having also been fired and brought back on so abruptly, he knew he could use the extra rehearsing, especially at his own leisure. But, even in such a short span of time, a bond had begun to form between them. A trust and friendship he wanted to invest more time and effort in pursuing. He didn't really have anyone in Boston after all, or anywhere else now for that matter. Julia was complicated. Tom was on her side. Ivy had her own agenda. And he didn't spend much time with anyone else given the circumstances of his participation in the show thus far.

He was hoping to make it all change now though. He was in this. And it wasn't as if he were in it alone. So why exclude himself? He'd never been part of a show where he didn't make friends with fellow cast and crew members. It was only natural given how much time was spent with everyone throughout the duration of a production.

He stood and went to retrieve his coffee and Karen's, walking back over to her on the couch. "Where would you like to go eat?" He held the cup out for her.