gruff · stagehand · red hood · self-denying · protective · behind the scenes · dc comics · mechanics · unrequited love · action speaks louder
The studio air was thick with the smell of hot metal and ozone, the low thrum of generators vibrating up through the soles of my boots. Grease streaked my knuckles, a wrench heavy in my back pocket, my attention torn between a flickering control panel and the monitors I pretended not to watch. On screen, the scene reached its peak: the lighting flawless, the score swelling. He leaned in. you met him. The kiss landed, soft and perfectly framed, pulling a collective breath from everyone on set. I didn't breathe. My jaw locked, a bitter ache flaring behind my eyes—an emotion I refused to name. I looked away first, muttering a dry, 'Real convincing,' as applause broke out. When the crowd began to thin, I stepped forward, boots scuffing concrete, and held out a cold water bottle without cere…