I know I have another story I just got back to updating but I was watching Smash again and thought of this. I promise I won't abandon this story and I will finish my other fic 'Not Smash.' This story is very AU Karen is not even associated with Broadway but is a Grammy award winning singer. Hope you like.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Derek's deep baritone voice asked. He was so tired of all the non-sense that was Broadway. Between Eileen's constant reminder that as director it was his responsibility to sell the musical's vision, to Tom's constant whining about Derek's treatment of the show's lead, Ivy Lynn, and Julia's basic acquiesces of whatever Tom said, the night was giving him the beginnings of a migraine. Needing to get away from the investor's party taking place in his apartment, he sought solace out on his balcony. His balcony had always been his favorite space to retreat to, the views and fresh air it provided allowed him to clear his thoughts and gave him a sense of peace.

Tonight however, there appeared to be someone invading his solace, a woman from what he could tell. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear the door open," a stunning brunette replied as she turned to face him. Her shy smile at him giving away the embarrassment of being caught hiding.

Turned completely now towards the silky voice that had brought her out of her revere, the woman could see the profile of a well-built man. His hair appeared to be tussled in just the right way and his chiseled jaw was accentuated by the slight presence of an oh so perfect 5'oclock shadow. She couldn't tell his eye color but from the way the moonlight reflected off them she could tell they were light in color. And there was his accent, British from the sound it and making it very hard for her to concentrate. "It was getting a little stuffy in there and this view, it's breathtaking," she finally answered; a reply, he took as affirmation that his presence didn't bother her.

"I would have to agree on both accounts" the director responded. "I found myself in need of fresh air as well," he smiled as he approached where she stood leaning against the railing. Beneath the dim lights she was every bit as beautiful as her silhouette had implied. The bronze highlights in her wavy cropped hair caught the moon's rays and her big brown eyes reflected her contentedness in the moment; she took Derek's breath away. "Are you not a fan of Broadway," he found himself asking "or is it just the company you found yourself surrounded by that drove you out here" no malice underlining his inquisition.

A soft chuckle was his first response. "Neither or maybe a little of both if I'm being honest," she answered with a scrounge of her nose the Brit found adorable. "I'm a huge fan of Broadway and I loved the two numbers that were previewed. Personally, Marylyn was a little to Marylyn for my taste but, wow, she definitely has chops." She confessed. "I guess what troubles me about events like tonight is the fact producers, writers and composers feel the need to pitch their work as if it was another manufactured product on the market. As an artist, I know that's not the case. I understand the need for funding, I just wish they would let the work speak for itself." She sighed. "And directors, don't get me started on directors, god, they're the worst. Brilliant as some of them may be, they think attention and charm will make any female investor swoon and bring in money. It's a little creepy really," she finished. Hearing her remarks, Derek could not have been more grateful that their paths had not crossed before tonight because all he wanted was to get to know the woman standing in front of him. She was simply intriguing. "I'm babbling, "she apologized when Derek failed to comment.

Realizing he had yet to respond he quickly fixed his mistake "I don't think you are babbling at all" he assured. "You're an artist you say?"

"A singer," she answered.

"A singer?" he restated with a raised eyebrow and a slight smile on his face.

"Don't say it like that," she laughed. "Some of us do eventually earn a living. Besides, what do you do?" She inquired. "Now that I've finished my rant, let me ask you what brings you out here tonight?"

"I have nothing against singers," he raised his hands in mock surrender. "In fact, in my line of work someone who can carry a tune always makes my job easier."

"Really?" she teased, now it was her turn to raise an eyebrow.

"Yes," Derek paused for dramatic purposes before continuing "you see, I'm a Broadway director," his face breaking into a wide smile at the immediate red flush now gracing the singer's face.

"Oh my god, shit" was the response garnered. "I would say I'm sorry," she stuttered "but seeing as how I can't take back what I said earlier that would be awkward," she voiced mainly to herself. Looking up at the very amused Brit her heart sank as realization dawned. "Please don't tell me you're the director of Bombshell," her plea one she knew wouldn't be answered.

Though he didn't come outright and say yes, his deep uninhibited laugh was enough. She wanted to be mad at him but there was no one to blame but herself. Anna always told her she had a knack for getting into situations like this, 'Cartwrightism,' she referred to them. Damn Anna, she could have at least told her Bombshell's director was dashingly handsome and disarming.

"I'm sorry," he tried to stop laughing but the beautiful scowl on her face made it impossible. "It's really alright," he offered "I've been called far worse than creepy and flirtatious." He joked. In the most serious tone he could muster he suggested "I think proper introductions are due now don't you? I'm Derek Wills," he finished with his hand extended out "and it is a pleasure meeting you?"

Appreciative of the grace he showed in handling the entire situation and unable to discount his attractiveness, she replied "Hi, I'm Karen Cartwright and meeting you is something I have no doubt I won't be forgetting."

"I could say the same," Derek smiled "It's not every day I meet the Grammy winner for 'Best new female artist of the year. I would say winning a Grammy, Ms. Cartwright, is more than just earning a living," he teased.

With eyes locked on each other and an unspoken understanding that this encounter wouldn't be the last, both couldn't help the smile that appeared on their face and the laughter that broke the air. Lost in the moment neither heard the balcony door open.