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Chapter Text

For what felt like the longest time ever, Dom has been plastered all over the circles of the Inpherno. Along with his brother, Valk, the duo had proved to be quite skillful on terms of producing music. A rare talent in demons. After all, it's rarity is one of the reasons they still remain the most popular music producers in the Inpherno!

In the eyes of the fans, Valk and Dom was perfect. From what the public knows, they are rich, talented, AND blood-related to a SFOTH of all things?! So, what could go wrong? The duo would just have to keep the momentum up for the rest of their lives and continue being succes-

Oh, Dom is absolutely dogshit at public speeches. Like, last time, when he somehow in someway managed to butcher a congratulating speech to Sword for being the MVP in the Phight! Safe to say, he is no longer trusted by their manager to deliver words to the public.

There's also that growing rumor that Dom secretly hates Valk for stealing all the attention. Despite trying so hard to disprove of this theory, Dom still hasn't gotten a break from all the negativity. Because it was all true. Valk was the popular, not mutilated  attractive, and the "better" singer between the both of them. Maybe Dom really was jealous of his brother. But, despise? Never! Dom loves his dear brother, really. But all this drama is leading him closer to insanity.

With a tired sigh, Dom quickly made his exit after the latest phight, moving as fast as possible. He is really done with everything. Done with the rumors, done with the stupid speeches. Followed after him, was Valk, trying to make up with Dom's fast walking.

"Megs, wait up! I swear, you're doing this on purpose just to spite me! You know that I can't walk this fast!"

Dom just gave a passive-agressive eyeroll at Valk's remark. Growing used to his very kind words ever since he grew not even an inch taller than him.

"I just wanna go home faster, is that so wrong?"

Valk grabbed Dom's hand in order to stop him from running away- walking away? Whatever, walking away from his problems this time!

"No, seriously! You've been acting like this for months now! I just.. you know, wanted to know what's up? Since, you aren't speaking to me as much as you used to. It is honestly very concerning..."

Dom looked around the area, as if on instinct. He has grown used to the feeling of being watched constantly, it feels like second nature to look around for potential eavesdropper when talking about something important.

"I'll talk about it, at home." Dom continued to nonchalantly walk towards their ride back home, not giving Valk a second to catch up.

When the brothers finally arrived at their place, Valk ran at the front of the door, using his small body to block Dom from entering the house.

"You said that you would talk when we arrive. Well? We're here, so.. spill! And, don't you dare say that you're fine or that you're okay because I can clearly see that you're not!"

Dom groaned, "When I said 'when we arrive,' I meant inside our house! You know, where we have privacy? You're acting like this is the end of the universe. I just need a break from the gig, I guess..."

Valk was left speechless for a moment and said: "Wait, that's it? I seriously thought that you've heard about the- nevermind."

A new rumor? Well, that wasn't surprising, Valk keeps on reading fan letters, even if Dom finds it a "total waste of time." But, whatever, it gets to a point where learning a new rumor feels like being stuck in a traffic jam in rush hour which is pretty much everyday.

"Grand reveal! It is totally nothing! Yay! Can I go inside now? You're still blocking the entrance." Dom bites, with noticeably no venom, just empty banter to make the words feel alive.

"You could have told me, you know. I would have, I don't know, help you? Like, giving you inspiration or some sh- stuff." After all these years they have grown up together, Valk still refuses to swear in front of Dom, even though he has long outlasted his innocence.

Dom gave another eyeroll, "I was hinting at a possible vacation. We're long overdue for a break.. I just wanna lay down and relax without having to worry about making music."

Valk frowns at the jab at making music, fearing that his brother is losing his passion. "Hey! I thought you said you love making music!"

"Well, it has it's novelty, I suppose. But, it gets boring after the first... thirty times? We literally released seven songs just this year alone and I want a vacation! C'mon, it'll be fun!"

"Okay, fine, fine! Vacation it is, but I'm deciding on where we go! And that place is... Playground!"

Oh, that is new, usually Dom hated city vacations, but he will literally do anything for a break from work at this point. "Sure, fine, Playground it is. When?"

"First thing tomorrow! Better get to packing, Megs! Because we'll be staying there for a week!"

"Only a week? You're really stingy with our vacation days, but fine, whatever. I'll survive." If Dom is given the option he'd stay there for a month but what can he do?

And who knows, maybe he might enjoy something for the first time in forever? Perhaps meet some new demons to befriend? One thing is for sure, Dom will make the most of this vacation.

Chapter Text

So, this is it. Dom can finally get his well-deserved break! For once in his life, he no longer has to worry about work! The moment he woke up this day, Dom hurried downstairs getting his luggage like he just now experienced freedom for the first time! It's not everyday demons see Dom so happy, maybe it's because he is hard to please? Or maybe it's because he dislikes showing emotions? Lots of rumors, yet so little answers.

Yet, when he finally finished carrying all five of his briefcases, Dom realized something, Valk was still nowhere to be found! Oh, the horror! So, Dom quickly rushed to his room upstairs, practically kicking open his door and began to frantically shake his older brother.

"Microphone! We are late, pack your bags!- Here, breath mint! No time to brush your teeth, we're gonna miss our flight!"

Valk, now wide awake, starts panicking, "What?! What time is it?! I still haven't finished packing yet!"

"It's five AM! It's over, I might have to ditch you. I NEED this vacation, Mic!" 

Of course, Dom wouldn't actually leave his dear brother behind, he's dramatic, sure, but he still loves him nonetheless. Both of them have been through thick and thin yet they remain as close if not, closer than ever before!

"Wait, our flight doesn't leave until three PM. Hold on, it's a PRIVATE PLANE! It's not like they will fly off without us! You're so.. Ugh!-" Valk is pissed that he was woken up, and sent into a panic this early in the morning! After all, who wouldn't be? All Valk can think of right now was how dramatic Dom is being right now!

"Oh, right. But, still, I wanna go early! So, you better hurry up or else I might drag you all the way to the airport. And you'd be wise to not test me on that theory."

Valk got caught off-guard by the threat, but quickly composed himself. "Thank you for the kind words, Megaphone, you really are the best brother in existence."

Dom just laughed at Valk, and went downstairs to continue preparing for the day ahead of them. Which just consisted of looking at cat videos and websites of supposedly "Best places in Playground for vacation!" While Valk, just went back to sleep, not really caring about Dom's request to get ready.

The ride to Playground wasn't eventful. Dom watched the rows of buildings, trees, and the inphernals they passed by. All of them just kinda blurred into one another. But, that wasn't what he was currently focused on. Instead, he is imagining different scenarios on what he can do once they arrive to their destination. The possibilities are quite endless! Although, he is probably gonna end up sleeping for the rest of the day.

The moment they arrived to Playground, it was already eight PM. The entire trip only took five hours! Not bad, usually it takes the entire day, maybe it is his lucky day after all! They finally arrived and he can finally see Playground in person!

And what was Dom's first impressions of the faction before him? It was underwhelming, in his standards, at least. The residents in this area are either really poor or really bad in architecture. Seriously, who decided that storage containers would be a nice home to live in? Dom shudders at thinking of the living conditions in this place, hopefully Valk booked a nice hotel that was not a shipping containers.

But as the pair continued moving, Dom realizes that the poor living conditions here are because of poverty, not because of style! On the way to his hotel, he witnessed a rat dive in floodwater to traverse the street, a random inphernal stealing a lollipop and various obscene drawings targetted towards someone named "Rocket." Well, whatever got him away from work works, Dom thinks.

Another car ride later and the brothers finally arrived to their hotel, which was on the better side of the faction. The streets less polluted, and more beautiful, Dom admitted. Dom didn't know that half of Playground is currently floating above ground but apparently, that can happen if Windforce is bored. It's absurd just thinking about it. But, that's the reality Dom has to deal with.

Now looking back at the hotel they are currently staying at, it was good, not the best, (according to Dom) but it'll do.

"So, what do you think? This is the best hotel in Playground according to this website I found!" Valk remarked, seemingly proud of himself for finding this place when it only took him a five-minute search online.

"It's alright, I guess." Dom stated, he figured that he couldn't raise his standards too high in Playground after witnessing the economic state of the faction earlier.

 "Alright? Just ALRIGHT?! This is the place to go to when you're rich in Playground, Meg! The most luxurious place that you will lay your eyes upon in Playground! Not that Valk knows, he just read the reviews on Yelp.

"Yeah, sure, I'm gonna go to sleep. Have fun with your.. whatever you do. Goodnight!" With a hum, Dom walked past Valk going to a random room that he now claims as his own.

Chapter Text

Golden sunlight shone on Dom's face. A subtle reminder that it's time to wake up. He was just about to get ready before realizing, "Hey, wait, I don't have any plans for today."

A thump could be heard when he slammed his head back into the softest pillow he has ever touched. And he was just about to doze off again, before being jumpscared by the loudest slam from his door as Valk casually invaded his room.

"Mic, what the phreak!? I'm trying to sleep here!" Dom threw a pillow at Valk, then quickly regretted throwing away the pillow that seemed to be made up of clouds from the heavens above. Groaning, he finally got up as he unintentionally screwed himself over.

"How rude of you, Megaphone! I thought you had some manners left in you, but I thought wrong. I just came here to tell you that you need to get ready, it's a big day after all!" Valk smiled at Dom who was still just waking up.

"What big day? I thought that we had no plans for today. Where are we going?" Dom raised an eyebrow at Valk, suspicious that he might be planning something.

"Oh, you'll love it, I know you will! We're going to be attending the local convention for musicians! Isn't that awesome?!" Valk beamed when he shared the information to Dom.

Dom, on the other hand, visibly dimmed the moment Valk said the word "convention." His previous drowsiness gone in an instant as he looked at Valk in horror and betrayal, "Mic, Mic, Oh, Mic, tell me it ain't so!" 

Dom could hardly believe on what he was hearing right now! "This is supposed to be a vacation, Mic! You know, the thing we are supposed to be taking a break from?!"

Valk looks back at Dom, confused as to why he was having an existential meltdown on a simple gathering, "Okay, you're over exaggerating! One can't just take a break from the art of music, Megs! It's just a simple gathering, musician to musician. But, I wanna do something special this time." Valk wags his eyebrows, implying that his idea might be a little bit silly.

"No, nope, nuh-uh! I refuse, and I'm not backing down without a fight! I'm not attending any convention, nope!" Dom asserted.

"Okay, now you're being ridiculous. You are going to this convention, Megaphone. And, you are going to enjoy this fun event because I will literally drag you all the way there if you won't!" Of course, Valk wouldn't. Not because he loves his brother this might be the reason, but Valk wouldn't admit that, but because he physically can't. Try dragging a behemoth twice your size for five miles, yeah.

Dom just deflated even further, but found himself grudgingly accepting defeat. Picking a fight with his older brother doesn't sound like a good idea, especially on their vacation. So, he has to be the one to compromise. He's definitely gonna make him pay after all this is over, though. "Ugh, fine, fine! I'll go to the stupid convention! You suck at relaxing, you know that?!"

Valk just smirked as he won yet another sibling squabble, "Yeah, that's what I thought! As I was saying, we are going to the convention in... disguises! Woo!"

Dom just looked at Valk, seemingly uninterested at the idea. "Why? Like, what's the point? And isn't it more trouble than it's worth? You do know that we suck at disguises, right? Especially that our makeup artist is still in Crossroads right now!"

"Spare me the details! You're selling yourself short, Meg! I know that you're great at makeup yourself, why don't you do it, hmm?" Valk just continued giving Dom that dumb smirk he always wears.

"Fine, let's say that I do all the makeup, what about our wings, huh?" Dom just wanted to hear what Valk's wonderful plan was, to criticize him, of course so that he wouldn't embarrass Valk and himself from potential competitors.

"Already got that handled! See?" Valk pulled the most hideous-looking hoodies Dom has ever seen with his one and only eye. But, at the same time, it's kind of endearing that he thought this far ahead, so A for effort, Dom thinks.

"Okay, then.. disguises it is. I'm kinda impressed that you thought this far ahead. You usually just let me do all the thinking." Dom admitted, Valk isn't really the brightest of the bunch, so it was a breath of fresh air when he finally thought of something original for once.

"Wow, it's very like you to give me backhanded compliments while literally presenting you with the best idea I made BY MYSELF, mind you." Valk huffs, slightly irritated that Dom was insinuating that he didn't use his brains much.

"Sorry, but you did force me to attend a convention on vacation. So, not sorry, anyway, I wanna shower now, so shoo." Dom pushed his brother out the door, without another word and began preparing for the day ahead of him.

Around noon, Dom and Valk started preparing for the disguises they were going to wear. Valk's meticulous planning did come in handy, after all! Who knew that Valk could be smart? Anyway, here they were, painting each other's horns like they were newly spawned. Giggling and messing up in the process. It was fun, and childish, their specialty.

Dom also did both of their makeups as Valk claimed that "he isn't that good of a makeup artist." Which was fine, nothing he couldn't handle. He did the work just fine by himself, of course, not as good as the professionals, but it was decent enough. Then, came the clothes, Dom thinks that this hoodie was too hideous to be saved. But, it did its job well in hiding his ginormous wing! So, that's a win in his book. Not long after, the duo finally finished prepping and looked at themselves in the mirror. Looking very different from how they usually look. It almost impressed Dom that he pulled it off. Valk did help too, but who cares? So, now all that was left was to walk five miles towards the convention.

"This could either go good or bad, but at least I am still by your side." Dom said to himself when Valk walked outside, unbeknownst to him that his dear brother was listening in from the other side of the door.

Chapter Text

Dom still thinks that this is a bad idea. He's not in his best state or mood right now. Lately, he no longer has the same passion he once took pride on. It doesn't help that all his releases this year have underperforming compared to his releases from when they first made their debut. Well, maybe because the songs he released this year just aren't that good. He finds himself admitting, was he even trying anymore?

Dom pushes the thought away lest ruining this supposedly fun night. Focusing on the night ahead and the task at hand. Right, the dreaded convention. Dom saw Valk happily skipping ahead of him, blissfully unaware that he is on the verge of having a meltdown.

"Happy thoughts, happy thoughts." Dom repeated in his head multiple times. He is no stranger to panic attacks, only this time, he's not gonna break. He can't break, he will enjoy this night. He won't make his brother disappointed. He won't scare him again and he definitely shouldn't let Valk find out that he's having these thoughts again.

He's supposed to be recovering. He's supposed to be happy. Yet, why does it feel like the world is out to get him the moment he thinks that he is finally happy? He looks back at Valk, still happily skipping along the sidewalk, still excited as ever. Dom finds himself letting out a soft smile, as he places his focus on his dear brother.

He lets out a sigh, mentally berating himself for almost ruining this night from his random thoughts. He was fine just a moment ago when it was just the two of them, why now? He stopped himself from thinking more about it and starts picking up the pace to catch up to an energetic Valk. Maybe he will be fine, after all.

The brothers got in relatively quick, the convention seeming like it had started a long while ago. Loud disco music blasting their ear drums from all directions. All sorts of demons can be seen, varying from all sorts of colors, sizes, and clothing. Most of them already deep in conversations, some just listening to the music currently playing, and some just stealing food from the buffet.

It felt good to not be swarmed out in public for once. Dom admits, at least he no longer has to worry about paparazzis, or autographs for once. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. M aybe he would meet new friends, or just hang out with his brother-

Wait, where was Valk? Dom looked around the large room, it didn't help that it was packed with all sorts of demons. And- oh, he was just right there. Talking with someone wearing green clothes, that looks eerily similar to one of the Phighter he always see while streaming the phight.

Upon further inspection, it definitely was him! Boombox, of course. Dom didn't know him personally, but he knew enough about him. Like his background, his birthdate, his address, his age and occupation, the basics.

Dom never really hung out with Boombox, or any phighters in general, actually. He liked treating all of them equally, without bias. But, a part of Dom admired Boombox for defying his gear's purpose. Usually, demons with "non-lethal" gears are deemed as weak for phights, not that there were a lot of demons with music-related gears anyway, but somehow in someway, Boombox managed.

Dom walks toward the two demons who are already deep in a conversation. Valk notices him and perks up even more, "Hey, sorry I lost ya. I just got a little carried away when I noticed Boom, here!"

"I can see that," Dom glanced at Valk, he's still as lively and energetic as before, he observed. And then, he looked at Boombox, who matched Valk's enthusiasm and energy. "So, uh.. I see that you noticed my brother." Dom awkwardly states.

"This is your brother?! Wooooah, I almost mistaked you for his dad, haha!" Boombox's laugh is boisterous and loud, somehow even louder than the music that was blasting on full volume.

"Yeah, I know, I kinda have that fatherly vibe, huh?" Valk smirks at Dom, unaware that Boombox meant it the other way around.

"I don't think that he was talking about- nevermind, forget that. So, what were you guys talking about?" Dom is a little bit curious on their conversation earlier. And, also because he prefers listening rather than talking most of the time.

"Oh, we didn't talk about anything important! This guy right here is a little ball of sunshine!" Boombox pointed a finger at Valk, who feigned annoyance. "You're lucky to have a little bro, dude!"

"First of all, I'm the older bro! And second of all, I'm not a 'little ball of sunshine!'" Valk spoke every word like he absolutely meant it, yet nobody in the group really cared. Dom didn't because he was already used to the dramatics he brings and Boombox because he didn't take him seriously.

"You're the older brother? Woah.. he's like half your size.. wait, I never caught your names! C'mon, you already know who I am!" Boombox cheered on the siblings, encouraging them to tell them their names, and maybe even showcase some of their musics.

The brothers just looks at each other, thinking of fake names, and how all of this can go wrong. Naturally, Valk spoke up first, "I'm Microphone and this is Megaphone, pleasure meeting ya!"

Dom looks at Valk, in both confusion and panic, wondering on why the fuck Valk would choose their real names, instead of coming up with fake ones?! Seriously, how hard is it to come up with fake names?! But, then he realized, not everybody knee them as Megaphone and Microphone, maybe there was still hope that maybe he didn't know their real names!

"Really? Megaphone and Microphone?" Boombox raised an eyebrow, but goes along with it. He figured out that they probably transitioned gears because they hated their old ones. "That's so gnarly! You both share the same gears with the Flipside bros!"

Oh, he knows. HE KNOWS!

Dom's eye widened. He turns to Valk who was doing a better job of being inconspicuos. Dom tapped Valk's shoulder, signalling that he wanted to leave before things get too awkward.

"Oh, would you look at the time! It's almost midnight! I wouldn't want to miss my beauty sleep, so I think it's time to go! Don't you think, Megaphone?" Valk nudges Dom to get him to speak.

"Uh, yeah! You know, this guy has a bedtime too! Haha.. ha! Okay, nice talk!" Dom grabs Valk's arm as he proceeds to drag him back towards their hotel. He just knew that there was no going back now, and he definitely made it more awkward with that clumsy excuse of a joke!

Safe to say, Dom wouldn't be attending any more conventions in the future.

Chapter Text

Of all the things that could have possibly happened, Dom never expected the night to end up like this. The brothers had to walk in defeat back to their hotel. "This was definitely Mic's fault." It was his screw-up that led to this; in fact, this whole thing was his idea! It was stupid, he was stupid, and maybe going out was a mistake. No, it definitely was a mistake to even agree with him in the first place.

Dom groaned when it rained, the cold water taking the color off the horns that he worked hard to paint! Not that it mattered, who was left to fool with the disguise back at the hotel? Nobody. But it's fine; it will be fine. He reassured himself when the rain started pouring harder. Best case scenario, he gets wet. Worst case scenario, he or Microphone would get sick. "Hopefully our immune system can prevail."

When they arrived in their room, Dom didn't bother to even look at his brother. A silent battle was happening between the two, one they couldn't face head-on. Dom made a beeline straight towards the washroom. He is long overdue for a nice, warm bath. Something relaxing for a change, finally.

Dom could feel the usual sunlight flashing his eyes as he woke up. But today, he feels off. He feels more fragile, more sluggish, weaker. Dom never really liked telling other demons that he needs help. Even his brother's help, he sometimes refuses. Doing so would mean accepting that he's frail, delicate, easy to break. Never again. With his faltering strength, Dom slowly stood up to get ready. The day moves on, after all. And he can't afford to miss one day of work lest he wants to hear Valk's scoldings.

Oh right, this is still a vacation. And he is comfy as hell right now. Waking up can wait, right? The world can wait, his brother can wait. Everything else can wait. He can already feels his eyes fluttering shut, and soon enough, he fell into a state of slumber.

Which didn't last long, as Dom was woken back up by the alarm he set up on his phone a few weeks ago. Screw his sense of responsibility! Dom pressed the snooze button, already preparing to go back to sleep. Only to be woken up again by Valk, who was already much too energetic for a morning like this.

"Good morning sleepyhead!~ Rise and shine; the morning birds are chirping, and so should you!" Valk's timing couldn't be more inconvenient for Dom, it almost felt comedic. Or tragic for his case.

"Five more minutes, I'm trying to catch some sleep I missed yesterday." Dom can't bring himself to care about Microphone right now, much less the day ahead of him. Dom grabbed a pillow, blocking the sunlight from hitting his face. "Cut me some slack once in a while, considering this is supposed to be relaxing, and I'm anything but relaxed right now."

"You won't be saying that once you get a taste of the waffles I made you!" Valk chirped as he opened a window, only to be greeted with the smell of pollution, he immediately closed the window. And this was supposed to be the better side of Playground.

"Since when do you cook? Wait, since when did you even do anything remotely responsible?" Never would Dom have expected his dear brother to be thoughtful, the thought of him cooking seems like a foreign concept. It's endearing, yes, but it is strange nonetheless.

"Details, details! I'll just have you know that I can be responsible too! Now, how about some waffles?" Valk looked at his younger brother expectantly, like he was already expecting an agreement.

If something were to get Dom out of bed, it would either have to be a disaster or food. Still doesn't change the fact that his headache is prevalent and his fever that feels like it's getting worse. "Give me five." He lets out a sigh as he slowly prepared to get ready, but at least Valk is the one cooking for a change.

Dom slouched as he walked past his brother, not really bothering to fix his posture. "Jeez, rough night? We didn't even got to do anything except talk last night!"

"We literally had to cross a flooded street in the middle of a storm. I don't get how you're not sick right now." Valk's immune system must be working overtime, he thought.

"Maybe I'm just built different!" Valk flexed his non-existent muscles as he looked at his brother. Huh, was Megaphone always this red? "Hey, uh, Meg, are you alright? You don't look too hot right now."

"What are you talking about? I'm fine." Ever since he was still a child, he hasn't asked for help, nor has he accepted any form of help. Sometimes, he outright refused it! Was it pride? Humiliation? Even Dom, himself doesn't know. Lately, he doesn't know much of anything anymore. "I'm just peachy."

Valk instinctively reached for Dom's forehead. Usually, he would have to stand on his tippy-toes to reach the top of his brother's head. But, this time, he didn't need to because of the horrendous posture of his body.

"You're really burning up, Mega... maybe you should rest up back in bed, yeah? Don't worry about the waffles, I'll just bring them over, breakfast-in-bed style! Valk declared much too happily.

"Oh, I suppose that would be... ideal." So, Valk can be thoughtful, Dom notes down in his mind. "Thank you."

"Yeah, yeah, 'I'm the best brother in the whole world.' Do you want me to tuck you in too?" Valk was just teasing, but he would do it if his brother allowed him to, of course.

"I'll pass..." Not in a million years, Dom made a snide remark inside his head, he would say it out loud, but since Microphone was being nice, maybe he can afford to show a little respect. "I'm going to go back to bed. Thank you again."

"Really, it's no problem! Now, get your butt back to bed, or else I'll tuck you in myself!"

"Okay, yup, going now." Dom was wise to not test Valk's threat.

Dom collapsed on the bed, the comfort immediately setting in. But, still he can't help but wonder if he truly deserved this. Everyone was supposed to have a purpose from the moment they spawned. But, Dom Megaphone? A mistake; nothing but a stupid mistake. And it stayed with him, it now haunts the back of his mind as this self-hatred continue to fester and grow. Consuming him from inside out.

Chapter Text

Dom remembered it too well.

It was a cold summer night. The blanket offered no warmth for him. The sounds of yelling from his parents outside of his room, the faint rainfall that was barely audible, and the sounds of objects being thrown around. His dear brother wasn't around this time to comfort or distract him from his worries. The mansion felt empty, cold, and unloving. Darkness enveloped his room. He couldn't sleep, nor could he bring himself to wake up.

All he could do was listen and listen to their parents hurtful words being thrown carelessly around, both directed to themselves and to their children. He could feel tears prickling out from the corners of his eyes. A part of him was glad that his brother wasn't around to listen, another part couldn't help but long for his comfort and warmth that everybody else failed to provide.

But what could young Megaphone do in this situation? Nothing he does even gets noticed. All his attempts prove to be futile. His parents did not love each other, and most of all, they didn't love him. And he can't help but feel stupid for even trying. continuing to try. He still has the scars on his wrists that he hides behind his jacket, one that was not bought out of love but out of pity. A costly apology that lacked meaning and thoughtfulness.

He flinched when he heard the sound of a glass shatter, and a grating yell followed soon after. Was this his life now? 

Pretending to be perfect while they are anything but. All eyes are on the family. The world revolves around them. Waiting, waiting for the time until one of them finally breaks and shatters like the glass. They had many enemies, waiting patiently to strike. To give the world a reason to shun them for the "fake" gods that they are. Reasons not fully understood by Megaphone back then. One too many for him to care.

As the yelling subsided, Megaphone finally heard it, "He wasn't even supposed to be spawned."

Megaphone woke up, drenched in sweat. He felt sick to the bone. He wanted to scream, to cry, to break something. But the door to his room opened before he could do any of those three. Microphone walked in, Meg Dom could only watch as his facial expression immediately turned from joy to one of concern.

Valk placed his breakfast on the bedside table, focusing on Dom. Valk placed his hands on his brother's head, getting a feel of his temperature. "Hey, hey, calm down. I'm here now."

Valk patted Dom's back as the latter continued to compose himself. Valk occasionally drew little circles with his claws to get him more relaxed. "You wanna talk about it...?"

Dom wiped the tears with his sleeve before they could even fall. He didn't say a word; no words can properly describe what he's feeling right now. And, maybe—just maybe—silence would be okay this time.

"I should have been there for you. Maybe— maybe things could have go very differently. Please— wake up, I need you here with me."

"..."

The beeping of the heart monitor was the only response to his pleas. The silence growing too unbearable, his fleeting warmth, and the sight of his poor mangled body was too much, even for Microphone. He lets out an anguished sob as he hugged his dear brother's unconscious form.

"You're worthy, Megaphone... don't let anybody else tell you otherwise."

Chapter Text

The next few days were awkward, the brothers talked, but the atmosphere felt heavier, colder. Like a barrier was placed between them, preventing them from truly connecting with each other.

Dom refused to talk about it, every time Valk tried to bring it up, he goes silent. Even going as far as to avoid eye contact, much to Valk's frustration. This has been going on for three days now, and Valk wasn't having it. Things needed to change. And if talking with his stubborn brother won't work, he'll just have to find another way to cheer him up.

Valk started thinking—really thinking for once in his life of ways to cheer his brother up. That was when he got the bright idea to watch a movie with him! Last time Valk was sick, Dom organized a movie night with him in his bedroom. It was fun and it definitely cured his sour mood that night. So, he figured, why not return the favor? He was sure this would brighten up his week!

Marching towards his room to give him his breakfast, which was just oatmeal, and to inform him that they'll be watching a movie. He knocked on his door once—then twice for good measure before actually stepping inside. "Hey, Megs, just bringing you breakfast!"

"Thanks... you're feeding me a whole lot of oatmeals lately." Dom wasn't particularly fond of his breakfast. But his brother is putting in effort for once, and he was hungry. Presented with no other choice, Dom took a spoonful... Just as bland as he remembered, just as horrible as before.

"So, do you wanna watch a movie sometime later tonight? You could choose the movie this time since I chose last time." Valk plopping on the bed-bench, making himself comfortable.

"Well, if I'm the one choosing, sure." Dom isn't sure if he can handle another comedy marathon from last time. Sure, jokes sometimes earned a good laugh from him, but it got old very fast. He always preferred something more grounded, relatable and realistic. By realistic, he means melancholic melodrama filled with more sob stories than necessary.

"I knew you'd say yes! I'll go buy some supplies for tonight! Be right back!" Valk stood up, looking and feeling victorious. Before, quickly running off to buy said "supplies."

"It's just a movie, Mic— and there he goes." Dom wonders why his older brother gets so easily excited. Even something as simple as watching a movie with him. But, even he had to admit, it was endearing to see him so happy.

"Short and sweet, heh." Dom muttered, chuckling at his own joke. He made a mental note to tease Valk when he arrives later.

"Okay, we need snacks... a whole lot of snacks. Sodas too, obviously... and uhh..." Valk never went grocery shopping before, and it shows. Grabbing everything that caught his eye without even a glance at the price tags.

"Ooh, I'll take that!" He grabbed an overpriced, spinach-flavored chip into his cart. He doesn't even like spinach—neither does his brother, but hey, at least the packaging looked cool! He also grabbed one of those comically large lollipops. Just because.

And soon enough his shopping cart was overflowing with random assortment of food that a only a five year old would love. With a pleased grin, Valk marched towards the check-out counter. And luckily for him, there was no line! He placed the items he collected into the counter as the cashier started scanning the items.

...

...

...

And five minutes later, he's still scanning. What are they feeding these demons here? This cashier can be considered as a literal sloth if he goes any slower! Valk impatiently tapped his foot, waiting. Before giving in to say, "Can you go a little faster? I'm kinda in a rush here."

The cashier glared at Valk. "Um... uh, nevermind, sorry." He immediately stood down from his demands from earlier. That stare alone was enough to make him regret ever speaking.

He was now silently watching the cashier scanning his snacks. It feels like she was moving slower. Valk feels that this demon is doing this on purpose just to spite him! He made a mental note to leave a 1 star review of this mall later. On the meantime, he'll just have to survive this blasted place.

Valk's right eye twitched with every. Single. Beep. from the checkout machine. Meanwhile, the cashier was still staring daggers at him. Valk peeked at his watch, 9:02 AM. Suddenly, the beeping stopped.

"Your total is 258 bux and 95 cents."

Finally! Wait— "258 bux?!- nevermind." He was about to complain before realizing that this was the same cashier who has been giving him the look of death since they met. Valk fished around his wallet for money. He ended up ten bux short. "Well, this is awkward, hahaha, I'll just hold back on this." He removed a candy bag from his cart, dropping the total by 12 bux.

"Your new total is—"

"Yeah, yeah! I get it!" Valk slammed the bux on the counter, then he quickly left in shame.

"Wait, my change!" Valk looks back at the mall, then back at the street. Whatever, that cashier can keep the rest. He'd rather walk than talk with someone like her again.

Valk made a reminder to himself to thank his younger sibling for doing the groceries. 'Cause he definitely wasn't gonna do it himself!