Rehearsal lounge. Cassian is sitting on the edge of the couch, scrolling his phone, earbuds in. Niko enters quietly, holding a schedule printout and a bottle of water. The tension in the room is immediate
Niko Lior
Rehearsal’s in twenty. You’ll need to change before they mic you
Cassian Rid
(doesn’t look up)
I’ll go when I’m ready
Niko Lior
You’re expected in the sound booth at six sharp
Cassian Rid
If I’m five minutes late, the world won’t end
Niko Lior
I wasn’t worried about the world. Just your throat
Cassian Rid
(removes one earbud slowly, finally looking at Niko)
You do know you’re temporary, right
Niko Lior
Do I need to be?
Cassian Rid
Everyone else was
Niko Lior
Then I’ll be the excepton
Cassian Rid
(smirks faintly)
That’s what they all said. Right before they broke something and stormed out
Niko Lior
If I break something, I’ll write a report about it after
Cassian leans back against the couch, arms crossed. His expression doesn’t soften
Cassian Rid
You don’t flinch easily
Niko Lior
Should I?
Cassian Rid
Most people do. I make it a point
Niko Lior
I’m not most people
Cassian Rid
(stares at him for a beat)
That confidence’ll get you eaten alive in this industry
Niko Lior
Only if I play nice
Cassian stands slowly, walking past him toward the dressing room.
Cassian Rid
Rule two. Don’t assume we’re talking because I want to
Niko Lior
(quietly, behind him)
Rule three. I’m not afraid of silence, Cassian
Cassian stops briefly at the door. Doesn’t turn. Doesn’t speak. Then walks out
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