Chapter Text
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I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, looking down at my silver heels on the floor of the limousine. The gentle hum of the engine matched my beating heart, the sound serving as a backdrop to my racing thoughts. I watched the diamonds on my shoes shifting in the dim light, the scent of the polished leather interior mingled with the subtle fragrance of my favorite vanilla-pear perfume. The familiar scent helped me to somewhat calm down.
My assistant, Hazel, delicately worked on the final touches of my hair, her skilled fingers weaving through the old-fashioned waves she had meticulously styled. Even though I had been to countless events, these pre-performance jitters still fluttered in my stomach. This wasn’t a stage performance, not in the traditional sense, but the expectations and eyes waiting for me demanded that I put on my best face.
As Hazel secured the last pearl pin, finally satisfied with the state of my hair, I opened my eyes, looking out the window at the venue entrance. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of screaming fans crowded either side of the red carpet outside, frantically searching for the next celebrity to enter.
A low rumble from the announcer marked the beginning of my entrance, his voice resonating above the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome…Y/N!”
My driver opened the door for me, and I stepped out, balancing on my silvery heels. The cheers and screams from the crowd crescendoed as I did, everyone screaming my name, begging for my attention. I smiled and waved, acknowledging everyone I could see, occasionally blowing kisses at the most excited of the bunch.
The red carpet was buzzing with the air of anticipation and energy. Flashing lights and the constant shouts and adoration from paparazzi and fans filled my senses as I navigated through the crowd. As a seasoned popstar, I was used to this. The glamor, the attention - and especially the pressure.
Tonight’s event marked yet another milestone in my career: the Lifer Award, celebrating a lifetime of achievements. After years of hard work and countless hits, I was finally getting the most prestigious award Mount Rageous had to offer.
I mean, I don’t know for sure if I’m getting the award. But, I mean, come on? How could I not? I’m the most famous popstar in Mount Rageous
I trailed down the red carpet, signing autographs and taking pictures as I went. I did my best to make a connection with all of my fans, at least everyone I could reach. I did this almost everywhere I went, mostly because it’s the least I can do. My fans are the reason I have what I have. Plus, the personal experiences keeps them happy and coming back for more.
As I signed an overzealous fan’s vinyl cover, I heard gasps and whispers coming from the entrance. I swiveled my head to see where the attention was going, only to feel my jaw slightly drop.
Them.
Velvet and Veneer entered the venue, their latest single playing loudly in the background. They were in matching fabrics, the shimmery gold silk draped across their bodies in a fantasy-like manor. The theme for tonight was simply “wealth”, so it made sense that they were dressed in their signature gold.
Velvet, with her stunning green hair falling down her shoulders like a cascade of emeralds, was a captivating sight. The golden fabric she was wearing seamlessly complemented the rich green, creating a visual masterpiece. Veneer, standing tall beside her, sported a similarly extravagant ensemble. His own green hair was styled in his signature mullet.
Together, they waltzed onto the carpet, striking choreographed poses before greeting their fans.
My fans.
Of course I knew of the twins, Velvet and Veneer. I had been watching their rising fame and rapid ascent into stardom throughout the past year. I was still number one in the charts, but they were catching up very quickly. Their latest hit, “Watch Me Work”, had taken the second place spot.
Many people had questioned our competition. It was clear that Velvet and Veneer were coming after my spot, so it was reasonable to ask if I felt threatened. I never let on my fears, choosing to remain amicable and friendly. Velvet and Veneer, however, were very open about becoming number one when asked, and took every chance to mention our “rivalry”. Still, I hadn’t expected them to act so brazen at a public event, stealing my spotlight like this.
Honestly, the twins and I haven’t really spoken beyond the casual greeting at events, so I’m not sure why they think we have some sort of grand rivalry. The rumors were perpetuated more by our fans than any genuine animosity.The whispers and comments from our dedicated followers painted a picture of a fierce competition that I, for the life of me, couldn't entirely comprehend. I would love it if Velvet, Veneer, and I were at least friendly, if not friends. It would be fun to have some people that really understood what it was like to be at the top in this industry.
Still, despite everything, something about the twins slightly got on my nerves.
Especially Velvet. At least Veneer would say some nice things. Velvet never let up. She always had to one-up everyone, always had to have the nicest clothes, always had to prove that she was better. It wasn't just about the rivalry – it was about Velvet's persistent need to prove her superiority. The constant need to outshine, whether through fashion choices or public statements, became a quiet source of irritation in my life.
Again, I always chose to ignore this publicly, but inside I was annoyed.
As Velvet and Veneer continued sauntering down the red carpet, interacting with fans and taking photos, the atmosphere shifted. Fans who were initially focused on me redirected their attention to the twins. Cameras flickered, capturing their every move. The crowd erupted in cheers and screams, echoing their adoration for the rising stars. I felt a little jealous, but not enough to actually do anything about it.
I watched with a neutral expression, acknowledging the presence of my fellow artists. Despite my internal annoyance, I kept a composed attitude, focusing on the event's purpose: celebrating achievements in the music industry.
Veneer seemed to be having an animated conversation with an interviewer, so Velvet left him behind to continue getting photos taken and sign autographs. I was still interacting with a large group of girls, so Velvet and I ended up at around the same place on the carpet.
Just as Velvet passed me, the fans' excitement reached a fever pitch. The fans on Velvet’s side began to chant, "Velvet! Velvet! Velvet!" At the same time, the fans closest to me started chanting “Y/N! Y/N! Y/N!”
It seemed the crowd wanted a spectacle. Either they wanted us to fight, or join hands. In the midst of the frenzy, I decided to take the high road. This could quickly get out of hand, and I didn’t want to be seen as a jealous rival. I approached Velvet with a friendly smile, extending my hand.
"Velvet, congratulations on your success. It's always inspiring to see fellow artists climbing the charts," I said, my words genuine.
She glanced at my extended hand but chose to ignore the gesture. Instead, she looked me up and down with a raised eyebrow, as if assessing the contrast between us. I was dressed in a pearl-colored gown with silver accents, a slit going up my leg almost to my hip. My stylist had chosen this look to go especially with the theme, modeling after past actresses. The whole outfit was a little old-fashioned, but in a glamorous “old movie” way. My cool, silver tones were definitely opposite from the warm gold she wore, but in a way we sort of matched.
"Well, well, Y/N. Still hanging onto that old-school glamor, I see," Velvet retorted with a smirk, brushing past me.
I maintained my composure, unwilling to be baited into a public feud. The fans, however, seemed dissatisfied with the lack of drama…or friendship? It was honestly kind of hard to tell at this point. They began chanting again, louder this time, calling for Velvet and me to take pictures together.
Sighing internally, I decided to play along. "Hey, Velvet, how about we give them what they want? A picture for the fans?"
She turned back to look at me, her arms crossing over her chest. Velvet's response was laced with a tone of disdain. "Oh, please. Don't act like we're friends. But…fine, for the fans."
The cameras clicked incessantly as we posed together, contrasting styles and energies colliding for the perfect snapshot. I had my arm wrapped leisurely around her waist, letting my hand rest on her hip. She tensed, but eventually wrapped her arm around my waist too. She was a bit taller than me, especially in the ridiculously tall heels she was wearing, so we fit together very well.
Of course, the fans ate it up, screaming our names out and taking millions of photos. But, beneath the surface, the tension between Velvet and me was palpable. After we had gotten several angles and poses over with, Velvet pulled away. She wore a broad smile, but it didn’t feel like a smile for me.
Veneer caught up to Velvet, and they linked arms, heading inside. After a moment, I followed, waving gracefully to everyone as I passed. Inside the venue, the atmosphere was just as charged. The grand hall was covered from top to bottom with decorations that matched the “wealth” theme. I was bombarded with the scent of mingling perfumes and the smell of food, letting my eyes wander over the room and the people in it. This was the largest event of the year – all of the biggest names in the industry were here.
As I made my way through the venue, an even employee approached me to hel me find my seat. It was located towards the front, and already occupied by the time I arrived.
Oh no.
There sat Velvet and Veneer, already engaged in conversation with some producers, their laughter filling the air. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the evening ahead.
I took my seat next to Veneer, exchanging polite nods with Velvet and Veneer. Velvet's eyes briefly met mine, a slight glare in them, before she looked away. The minimal friendliness she showed me out on the red carpet was all gone now, apparently. I unfolded my napkin across my lap, preparing to dig into the bread basket, but felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see a songwriter I worked with once before, and we started talking.
The dinner mostly went like this, with me turning to eat my food only to be interrupted by producers, managers, fellow artists, and even some fans. I was used to this, so I didn’t mind, but it was a bit embarrassing that all of this was mostly happening to just me.
Velvet and Veneer grew increasingly annoyed across the table, Velvet much more so. Every time someone approached me, Velvet would scoff and subtly roll her eyes. I ignored her reaction, chalking it up to jealousy.
At one point, Rollie Roy came over to our table. Velvet met his eyes, about to get up and greet him, but he walked right past her to me, pulling me up from the table into a hug. As we engaged in a lively discussion about our creative processes, I could feel Velvet's eyes drilling into the back of my head. She was unable to hide her annoyance at this point.
As dessert was being served, there was finally a lull in visitors at the table. I turned to Veneer, who was scarfing down the chocolate cake. If I couldn’t make headway with Velvet, I could at least try on Veneer. He definitely seemed like the friendlier of the two, just based on interviews and performances I had watched.
“Hey, Veneer. I just wanted to say congratulations on your success. Your sister and you have been turning out some great music lately. “Sweet Dreams” has been on repeat in my playlist for a while now,” I said, trying to strike up conversation.
Veneer looked up with genuine surprise, a bit of chocolate on his lower lip. He quickly wiped it off before replying. “Oh…thanks Y/N! That, uh, means a lot coming from you.”
I smiled appreciatively, happy to know that Veneer proved to be more amiable than his sister, and for a moment, the tension in the air lifted.
We talked some about the awards ceremony, and the crazy fans on the carpet. Velvet didn’t join in, choosing instead to keep her eyes glued to the stage. As Veneer and I were laughing about the tacky sequin suits that a new boy band group were wearing, the lights dimmed.
Velvet grabbed Veneer’s sleeve and pulled him away from me, effectively diverting his attention to the stage. Out came the hosts for the night, and then the awards began. They went through the minor awards, of which I won some. Velvet and Veneer won quite a few awards, actually ending up with more trophies than me towards the end. Every time their names were called, Velvet would give me a smug look as she stood up. Seriously, why was everything so competitive with her?
After a long, boring comedy bit from a C-list actor, the award ceremony finally reached its climax, with the announcement of the Lifer Award. I held my breath, shaking my leg underneath the table. This is the award that I have been working towards for years, and it was finally time to receive it.
The waiting was almost unbearable at this point. Then –
The cheers and applause were deafening as my name was called. I let out a breath and put on a wide smile as I walked up to the stage, graciously accepting the award and acknowledging the applause.
In that moment, under the spotlight, I felt a sense of validation. The journey, the struggles, and the unwavering commitment to my career had led me to this. As I held the award in my hands, I glanced towards Velvet and Veneer.
Veneer had a small smile on his face, seemingly alright with how things worked out, but Velvet was fuming. I swore I could almost see the steam coming off of her head as she watched me. A small part of me felt a little bad for her, but the larger part was satisfied that she didn’t get what she wanted. I accepted the award, posing for the cameras, before I began my speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this incredible honor. Tonight is not just about me; it's about all of us who pour our souls into our craft, who work tirelessly to create music that resonates with people,” I began, making sure to keep a somber face.
“This Lifer Award is not just a recognition of my achievements; it's a testament to the power of music, the universal language that connects us all. I remember the days when I was just starting, facing challenges and doubting whether I could make it. But every note, every lyric, and every performance was a step forward. It was a journey filled with highs and lows, but it shaped me into the artist standing before you today.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible fans who have stood by me through thick and thin. Your unwavering support has been my driving force. To the collaborators, producers, and fellow artists who have inspired and challenged me, thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure. We've created something special together.
“In the music industry, connections are everything. I've been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most talented minds, and each collaboration has been a learning experience. It's about building bridges, connecting with people , and creating a community that fosters creativity and growth.
“Thank you, Mount Rageous, for this incredible honor. Here's to the music, the art, and the magic that binds us all together. Cheers to a lifetime of melodies, beats, and stories yet to be told.”
And with that, I stepped away from the podium, holding the Lifer Award close to my heart. The applause and cheers filled the room, and I couldn't help but glance towards Velvet. At first, her face was a storm of frustration, but as I continued my speech, a subtle change occurred.
Towards the end of my heartfelt words, I noticed a shift in Velvet's expression. The intense frown softened, replaced by a thoughtful contemplation. Perhaps, in that moment, she saw beyond the competition. Maybe this moment would inspire her to work even harder and make connections.
As I sat down, placing the trophy in front of me, I made eye contact with Velvet. Instead of frowning, she actually smiled at me. It was a small one, but a real, genuine smile.
Is it finally time to become friendly, if not friends? Perhaps my speech made her realize that we could put all of the fake rivalry behind us.
As the hosts gave their closing speeches and everyone gave another round of applause, I decided it was time to go.
Hazel, my ever-efficient assistant, was already outside to greet me. I had tried to get her to come in with me, but she claimed that these events were not something she enjoyed. She trailed behind me, ensuring all of my awards made it out with me.
The grandeur of the venue faded as we approached the limousine waiting outside, ready to transport us away from the glamorous chaos. The night had, thankfully, been a success.
The limousine door opened, and I gracefully stepped in, the scent of leather enveloping me once more. As the door closed behind me, shutting out the external clamor, I let out a sigh of relief.
As the vehicle glided through the city streets, I glanced out of the tinted windows, watching the city lights blur into streaks of color. The Lifer Award nestled securely in my hands, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the accolade finding a special place among my cherished achievements.
I debriefed Hazel, telling her everything that had happened. She listened as I explained what happened on the red carpet, how beautiful Velvet’s outfit was, and the tension during dinner. When I told Hazel how Velvet had smiled at me at the end, Hazel actually clapped her hands together with delight. She knew how heavy the whole “rivalry” situation was weighing on me, so this breakthrough was big.
As the neon city lights flew by beyond the window, I imagined everything that could happen after tonight. My career was sure to reach even larger heights after this award. Maybe I could get my manager to introduce a small collaboration with Velvet and Veneer? Oh! Maybe Velvet and I could do a photoshoot together! I can already see how the backdrop would be, maybe I could get the photographers to match her hair color to my clothes and vice versa, and –
“Y/N. You’re zoning out again. Let’s talk about the interviews tomorrow.” Hazel’s voice brought me back to reality, and I turned to face her again. As much as I loved her, she was always very responsible and enjoyed pulling me out of my daydreams.
Hazel and I started running over possible questions, but my thoughts still wandered to the twins I had made headway with today.
Back at their penthouse, Velvet and Veneer got ready for bed. Their own assistant, Crimp, helped them take down their hair before they hit the shower. The golden outfits were replaced with comfortable loungewear as they laid in the luxurious living room overlooking the city, damp hair laying over the back of their chosen seats.
Veneer, flipping through a magazine, broke the contemplative silence. "You seemed surprisingly friendly towards Y/N back there. What was that about?"
Velvet, reclining on a plush sofa, smirked before speaking. "Oh, Veneer, it's all part of the game. Y/N thinks she can outshine us, but little does she know she's about to become our ticket to being number one.”
Veneer raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "And…how do you plan on doing that?"
Velvet sat up, eyes glinting with ambition. "Simple. We befriend her. Make her believe we're genuine, that we want camaraderie in the industry. The fans love a good friendship narrative. Once she trusts us, we collaborate on a song or project, or something silly like that. The media will eat it up, and we’ll get on the same level as her. During all of that, we’ll get some dirt on her and expose her. I mean, nobody that famous is clean. "
Veneer studied Velvet for a moment, contemplating the audacious plan. "Using Y/N for fame? Isn't that a bit too cutthroat, even for us? I mean, Y/N seems kind of sweet."
Velvet chuckled, running her hands through her damp hair. "Veneer, this industry is cutthroat. We play the game or get left behind.”
Veneer leaned back, a mixture of admiration and concern in his eyes. "And what happens when she discovers our true intentions?"
Velvet flashed a confident smile. "By then, it won't matter. The headlines will be written, the fans invested, and Y/N will be just another fallen chapter in our glorious rise to the top. Trust me, Veneer, this is how you win in the music industry."
As Crimp entered the room with towels, nervously interrupting the conversation, the twins exchanged a look. By the time they were done with Y/N, they were going to be superstars.