I Promise (Clean Version)

A/N: Trigger warning for child abuse, PTSD. Do not proceed if you get triggered easily. Comment on this line and/or let me know over a message and I'll catch you up.

Everyone was taking their final bows before heading backstage. My conversation with Darren was forgotten for the time being in between the costume changes and just the show in general. Everyone finally changed back and we went onstage, hearing the booms of the fireworks. It was American Independence Day, after all. Robert and I also weren't used to this, so we kept a strong hold on each other's hand. To keep up pretenses, we all sat in different places. If Brian wasn't lying, after he gave his notes, my brother and his entire family would most likely barge in with the Lang brothers and Joey.

"So, overall, a great opening night. I don't know if we can ever top this. Great job everyone," Brian said, stuffing his phone into his back pocket after reading the few pointers he had. I heard the door open as I lay on Robert's shoulder. It was a long night.

"I couldn't agree more. And neither could my company," someone said with an aura of power.

"Matt," Robert whispered to me. We hadn't met the Lang brothers yet, hence why I couldn't recognize their voices easily as I could with everyone I knew.

"Okay," I responded sleepily.

"Stay awake! We still are getting food and you're not nodding off before that," Robert said, moving his shoulder.

"Now that's just rude," I responded, slightly more awake than earlier.

"So, intros," Brian said, springing up a lot more energetically than the rest of us. "This is Robert, Mini-Criss/Luna, Alex, and you guys all know Rachael."

"Hi, I'm Matt," Matt Lang said.

"Hi and I'm Nick," Nick said. We all mumbled a 'hello' back.

"Don't fall asleep, the party has arrived!" Joey exclaimed.

"Joey!" Lauren squealed, ramming straight into him.

"Lo, sense of self," Joey reminded, hugging her and softly kissing her head.

"Shut up, beanstalk," Lauren mumbled into his chest.

"Beanstalk, that's a new one," Julia laughed softly.

"Juls!" Lauren exclaimed, running into Julia, careful to avoid Sophia.

"That's me, Lo," Julia said.

"I've missed you!" Lauren exclaimed while all the girls got into a group hug. All the girls except for me, Rachael, and Alex. I knew Darren was in here and, frankly, I wasn't in the mood to even try and communicate.

"Disappointment?" Robert asked, using all the squealing to cover up our conversation.

"Yeah," I said.

"I'm sorry," he said, squeezing me tightly.

"Thanks," I responded, my voice hoarse.

"Do you want me there tonight? With the fireworks and everything?"

"Yes please," I said. Darren's disappointment brought back unnecessary memories and the fireworks reminded me of broken bones and gunshots from my very fuzzy early memories.

But those could always be dreams...right?

Rachael and Alex were collecting phone numbers while Darren and Joey messed around with Lauren, who was getting all of her energy out. Chuck and AJ were talking about music (most likely). Julia was talking with all the girls while the Langs brainstormed with Brian along with the cast's input.