Chapter Text
Sometimes Dip regrets ever meeting the literal love of their life, however that regret only appeared after the deal they made and the secrecy that came with it.
The two of them met one night while Dip was performing.
They talked an insignificantly small amount before, mostly because he didn’t see Battat that often. If anything, he saw Motormouth around more. However, it was usually a simple “Hi.” or an “excuse me” when bumping into each other. Even when Battat wasn’t in costume, that was all they ever did.
However, one night would set in motion the beginning of a love they both never expected.
Dippins was still about a month into their time in TV World. There was another late night party going on as usual and they performed as per usual as well.
These parties were a way for employees to blow off steam and relax.
Battat wasn’t coming as his Motormouth Mike persona, but as himself. Which was something he didn’t do often. Not for any particular reason, he just came to the party that was going on that night. Also because some other Pippins dragged him along.
Before Dip got any bigger they’d perform at these late night parties for anyone still up gambling or doing other things. They still captivated people with a voice that added a flirtatious elegance to any atmosphere every time they performed. More people were watching him if anything. The party was packed as usual, and Battat went with those aforementioned Pippins who convinced him to take a break because he wasn’t one to do so. He payed attention to them before when watching as his persona, but wasn’t truly enamored yet.
This immediately changed that night.
***
He was busy casually drinking and talking a little with some other Pippins as usual until he noticed their heads perk up at the beginning of a song. As soon as it started they left to watch Dip perform. The song Dip was singing must’ve been especially good that night for some reason because everyone started piling into the audience for it. It must've been a popular song Battat never heard before. He was one to be a tad bit behind on trends anyways, so it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Dip noticed the growth of the audience and decided to give a bit more energy towards their performance, seeing as everyone apparently loved it and knew it.
For some reason, Battat noticed this change and decided to change himself.
Finally, he gave Dip his full attention. Even with a bit of alcohol in his body. He watched Dip and the alcohol must’ve kicked in(or at least that’s what he told himself) because Battat’s body was starting to burn each second he watched Dip perform. As they watched Dip they were starting to regret every time they didn’t give Dip their full attention. Not only was he an extraordinary vocalist, he also looked incredibly attractive.
They were wearing a long creamy gold dress for this performance that sparkled with every movement under the stage lights. This caused the corners of Battat’s vision to feel fuzzy like a dream.
The makeup they wore was simple, but this simplicity made them look refined. And that voice he had was icing on the cake, it was as if Dip was calling to him specifically. He felt himself leaning in a bit subconsciously while he was engrossed in this performance.
Dip was captivating, that was a fact. They had him and the audience under their little spell. Maybe they were using a spell, Darkners have magic anyways so it wouldn’t be surprising. Battat tried to deny their new feelings as he watched, but that required him to acknowledge them. He only burned more, even without a smile his dopamine rush felt strong enough to start radiating off of him like smoke.
Then there was this moment, the one Battat remembers that injected his love for Dip into his being. And one Dip remembers as one of their most successful performances that truly set in motion them pursuing performing all together. It was magical for them both…
When the song was going into its refrain before the chorus, both of them were extremely focused. One on building emotion, and the other making sure he didn’t miss a word.
Later in the song with the buildup of the band backing him the chorus bursted in with a stellar sweetness that made the room roar with applause that quickly subsided. The audience needed every word just as much as Battat. Dip sang his heart out and their hand reached out to the audience once that money note hit.
Battat’s body wasn’t just burning at that, it was filled with awestruck flames that had him shaking slightly. Also in that moment Battat’s hand reached out a little, subconsciously. This was not a full stretch, but as if his body wanted to touch Dip’s magical sound. With both of them doing it together unknowingly it was as if they were reaching for each other.
During the last bit of the song it took to a whole new tempo, transitioning into being swing for a bit. This part wrapped up Battat’s feelings in a bow and they were there for good. The audience even started clapping to the beat here. Battat couldn’t, they were still transfixed of the impact Dip had on them.
Finally, the performance ended with one more money note that forever cemented this moment into Battat’s head as an ethereal memory.
Evidently, the roaring applause reprised and Dip noticed the crowd showering them in praises they’d never heard before. Bigger, louder praises with whistles and flowers flooding the stage.
Battat was jumping, clapping, doing everything to make sure that Dip knew his affect on him. Someone even threw POINTs. That wasn’t common, Tenna was the only other person who got those thrown at him after a performance. And he ran the place!
They sure were special. At least Dip felt like it after that.
After the performance the energy in the room returned with a newfound sense of hope and life. Battat got rid of his drink out of fear of forgetting everything. He wouldn’t deny his feelings anymore, that was a fact. That was the best he’d felt in a long time and he wouldn’t let that go. It’s a good thing he was still significantly sober anyways.
Meanwhile, Dip went into the crowd near the end of the party and went to mingle before leaving with all their gifts in hand. They talked so humbly as they were surrounded by the remaining few people who were singing already known, but appreciated praises for their performance.
Upon hearing their voice as they went out, Battat tried to speak to them. It didn’t work out though because the crowd was leaving and swooped up Dip with it.
He vowed to try again another time, he had to.
***
Dip went home that night crying from the joy and euphoria they felt from the praise the got from their performance. They were also satisfied with themselves, being new still and getting such a positive reaction for the first time gave them confidence they never knew they needed. They also wondered who gave them POINTs for that matter, they’ve only ever seen Tenna get thrown literal money.
Although Dip never wanted to be as big as Tenna, they still wanted to be a performer, and this only gave them more hope.
On the other hand, Battat’s brain was taken over by thoughts of Dip and the show from earlier. They couldn’t think of anything else for the majority of their night. Even when doing his usual Mike theorizing and spending time with his two partners, Dip and everything about that dreamy performance was all he could think about.
***
The next day, Battat was helping out with “TV Time” doing his usual job being a stage manager. During the day he kept hearing other staff talking amongst themselves about some event. Then he remembered that that night there was going to be another party. But there’s almost always a party. Then Battat remembered that this time Tenna and everyone from the cast would be attending, as well as people from both Card Kingdom and Cyber City. So it would be a huge one.
A party…that meant there’d probably be someone performing. Dip would probably be performing, then he’d hopefully get to talk to them! He could finally say how he felt and that their performance was life changing…but the entire cast would be going. They needed Mike, so Battat sadly couldn’t go as himself and tell Dip their dreamlike performance was absolutely amazing. However, he’d still get to talk to them…maybe he’d return the favor for Dip leaving him like that.
But he didn’t know if Dippins was actually performing, just that he could, and in Battat’s opinion should.
Thanks to an anonymous letter, they would.
***
When Dippins found out they’d be performing at such a huge event so early into their career, they were shocked(day of too). Only a month in and they were already going to be performing for three nations worth of people! But how?
Well, when they went out to the crowd to leave last night’s party and they were showered with praises, a red Pippins with sunglasses on asked them if they “loved doing what they did back there”. Obviously they said yes, they also asked if it was his dream. Another yes. They finally asked if they’d like to do it for a bigger audience.
Dip knew he had something special, but being offered something like this so soon? A little skepticism entered his mind. He said yes anyways. Of course he would, he loved having an audience. Afterwards they told Dip that they should keep it up because they had a remarkable talent that would get them somewhere.
Flattered and encouraged, he left that conversation to be carried away like a raft on harsh rapids by the crowd.
Dip thought that conversation meant that after more time he’d get offered to perform in front of more people. Not in front of thousands of people from across three nations. But a letter at their door with a mic check time, and a signature from Mr. (Ant) Tenna himself on it had them getting ready for one of the biggest performances of their life.
***
When it was time to head to the aforementioned party Battat had done something he never did before and actually practiced what he would probably say. Usually as his Motormouth Mike persona he’d have unwavering confidence, especially when talking to people. Yet Dip was a type of person they had never met before, someone with actual potential. From one performer to another, he could sense that they had something nobody else did. They also wanted Dip to know that; they wanted to make a good first impression. Battat had seen him perform a tad before as Mike, but never formally introduced himself. So, he needed Dip to feel like they were talking to someone important.
***
When he arrived at the party alongside the rest of the cast, including Tenna, he immediately started looking everywhere for even a glimpse of Dip. Sadly, he wasn’t onstage. Well, maybe he’d be in the crowd? It was early into the party anyway so maybe he’d pile in later along with the other thousands of people that were already there. Upon arrival there was a pamphlet given out with event details on it. Battat was bored and awaiting his crush so he decided to read through it.
He’d been to Queen’s mansion(the place where the party was being held)before plenty, so he was not going to read about it. He mainly was looking for something to look forward to later in the night. Further into the pamphlet he saw that three people would be performing. All three of them stars on the rise and people who had potential coming from Card Kingdom, Cyber City, and TV World. Up and comers from each place hand picked by its leaders for the occasion-
Dippins was the second performer...
Huh…he’d have his chance after all.
Battat then closed the pamphlet and tossed it aside once called by Tenna to go help with talking to fans. Of Tenna, obviously.
At some point the first performer was called up and everyone was asked to watch their first two performances before they would be mere background performers. This would be the deal for the rest of the night so the people chosen could show their talent and just why they were worthy of such a privilege to perform at Queen's Mansion. Now Battat (or Mike, in this case) watched as the first person began singing. They were great, but not Dippins, who wouldn’t be out for a while. But they sounded good enough, they were the perfect voice to ease the thousands of denizens from across dark worlds into the night and what it could entail. Once they finished their two performances everyone was required to watch, everyone went back to their usual party activities and the first performer began to sing in the background. Their voice perfectly eased everyone into the party as the chance, purpose, and opportunity of their voice fell into the night.
***
Dip had already endured a rocky mic check so they spent most of their time at the party in the dressing room getting ready and picking between the same two dresses and a suit. They all fit, they all looked good on him when he tried them on (five times each), but which one was perfect?
The reason the mic check went horribly was because they got there late, and their voice cracked. Minuscule things, really, but this was huge! They say during mic checks to “do it like you’re doing the real thing”. If a few voice cracks and lack of punctuality are how you do with a mic check, who’s to say your performance won’t be the same? And it had to be perfect…this had to be perfect. Dip was a good performer, an exceptional one at that. But for the crew’s first time seeing them to be in their nervous wreck state, they were probably regretting letting Dip perform. Especially Tenna, he signed the paper to let him take the gig. And for someone with no eyes, showed a slight bit of skepticism when their voice cracked. Seeing Tenna was so intimidating too. Meeting him even more so. He was professional, classy, passionate, everyting Dip needed to be, but wasn't in that moment in time.
Maybe the signature was forged and this was how they’d get outed as a fraud. Maybe they were being naive when they believed they could actually get into show business with a few yes’s and a random letter at their door…
No.
This had to prove them wrong, that Dip deserved to be here. That he was perfect.
So he didn't go out and mingle, but decided to overthink in their dressing room, wanting to be extra prepared
***
It felt like ages for Battat as he gambled and mingled throughout the night, eagerly waiting for that name to be announced and that voice to begin slinking its way through the room and entrancing Battat once again like it did the night prior. However for Dip, the whole wait felt like it was choking them. The possibility of making it big like they always wanted, of losing everything they got so quickly. It was nerve wracking.
It’s not like they couldn’t get back on their feet though! They were still so new, and it wasn’t like they’d lose their singing voice…Dip was overthinking this…
But they didn’t have time to overthink now.
Or at all.
Because before they could gather themselves their name was loudly and enthusiastically called as applause followed. Dip should’ve too, followed the sound of their name being called to the stage that is. Yet they were so preoccupied that they had to run on panicking.
With the dress they chose and confidence they had to muster up, Dippins swiftly speed walked onto the stage.
Battat was in the crowd chuckling a bit as slightly Dip stumbled onstage. If the heels they chose were any higher they would’ve fallen over. But that wasn’t important. What was important, however, was that Dip would be performing in front of thousands of people, including royalty…
This was the moment that would change their entire life for better, or worse. They had to prove that they deserved to be here, that the mic check wasn’t all they were, that they were perfect.
Dip then began to sing and all their nerves went away. He immediately relaxed and serenaded the audience with his magical voice, it filling the room with life once more. But this was a new life, filled with opportunity and chance, risk and reward. They were definitely the right choice to perform second. It was the middle of the night when everyone had their highest amounts of energy. Everyone got used to the environment, and now it was time to thrive in it. With Dip’s experience from all those times performing for parties and a surprisingly fitting setlist, his voice truly fit the mood, and set a new one. They felt like this was what they were meant to do, more than they already had before. Their rediscovered confidence combined with the thrill of every applause and cheer made their first two performances, and the night feel all the more special and successful.
They continued singing in the background throughout their time on the stage. Since not many people were watching them anymore they let loose a bit more, mostly having fun at that point. Dip had a voice that provided an air of fun and a hint of risk that couldn’t be more fitting for this time in the night. At the end of their time to perform Dip’s name was called one last time and they got a seismic applause before leaving the stage. The other two performers congratulated Dip on having such an amazing presence as they went to the dressing room to reflect…
When they got in, they spent the next few minutes squealing and taking in the rush from performing for such a crowd.
They did it, they performed for their biggest audience yet and nailed it. They were perfect. And their night was just starting too!
Dip realized they hadn’t taken any time to actually enjoy themselves and mingle, but now it was time. Usually they just performed and went home, but they wanted to celebrate their first big performance going so well. So, they picked a long, casual, but still classy, shiny cream colored dress before heading out to the floor to party.
When they got out there they noticed people walking quickly towards them and then gawking over their talent and congratulating them, asking for tips and such even. And these weren’t just a few TV world people, but ones from Card Kingdom and Cyber World too! Their voice united people and everyone wanted to know how they did it along with giving them compliments.
Dip's face was flooded with blush as they nervously and humbly answered people. They were never good with advice, but they were grateful and polite to each new person that talked with them.
Meanwhile Battat was hyping himself up to got talk to Dip. He couldn’t stand idly by any longer and not talk to them. Their performance the night before and their performance not too long ago gave them chills, that burning feeling in his stomach, he needed to give them the appreciation they deserved after what they did to him.
Dippins looked amazing too, like a star that fell from the sky bringing a classy, blinding starlet to the earth, and to Battat…no, Mike. He was Mike in that moment, Motormouth Mike, and he would be for the rest of the party. Sadly, Dip wouldn’t get to meet Battat, but Mike. Mike was a great starting point, though, he could lead with confidence and act like the boss he sort of technically was.
With that, he gave himself a little jump to boost him forward, allowing him to saunter over to Dippins when the crowd around him started dispersing. Dip’s eyes were everywhere and their mouth was slightly agape as they were seemingly breathing to process everything.
When Battat got over to Dip he introduced himself. All that practicing finally payed off. And being as his Mike persona made things even better. He had the air that a boss carried with being in control and was even being a bit flirty, which he didn’t rehearse but felt would make things better.
When he introduced himself Dip noticed his demeanor and how he spoke. He spoke loudly and had an ever so slightly raspy voice that screamed "confident boss". This made them a bit nervous, especially because they felt like it could be louder and less refined if this “Mike” guy wanted it to be. This made Dip feel special, like this boss was taking it easy on them and valued them.
The name and face wasn’t that unfamiliar to Dip either, as they’d seen him around TV World quite a bit since Tenna needed him for a ton of things. He probably was an audience member once. But now he’s here. Talking to them like he could lose them and an opportunity.
***
When Battat was greeting them he kissed the back of their gloved hand that was the same sparkling cream as their dress. He also didn’t know how they identified but somewhat assumed they were female and referred to them as such.
Dip had dealt with that plenty before (due to being a very effeminate man) and was tempted to rudely correct this microphone-headed stranger since this happened quite a bit. It was a tad bit frustrating, and that information is important. However, he knew this was all well meaning since they never properly met until tonight. Mike seemed so confident too. With that fast, slick mouth of his. Dip didn’t mind the pet names he was using either like “doll” or “starlet”, they loved being called that stuff. Hell, hearing them had Dip blushing enough to where it was getting hard to hide. The kiss on the hand from before didn’t help either. The actual issue was them directly being referred to as a woman and him not knowing they preferred to be referred to in a masculine and neutral way. And of course, identified as male. So they had to tell him.
In order to do so Dip cleared his throat and told Mike with a small nervous chuckle, bluntly, that they were in fact a man. An effeminate man, but still male.
When Battat heard this he froze and a bit of his real voice slipped through when he let out a small “what”. It wasn’t noticed since Dip never met him but it made him chuckle with how shocked Mike was. But he explained what he went by and that he didn’t mind being treated like a woman, but was in fact not one himself.
Battat was ready to profusely apologize before this was explained, but was relieved when Dip let him know and that Dip also wasn’t offended at all. He told them that he even preferred to be referred to in the same manner as them, which caused them to bond another way. Where not “Mike”, but Battat and Dip bonded.
This continued with them chuckling awkwardly and looking away for a moment.
There was a pause.
Both were thinking of their next move.
Dip was enjoying themselves, catching a hair of feelings, and thinking Mike was definitely someone they’d like to befriend. They wanted to keep this up and see where things got them.
Battat didn’t want to ruin this moment at all because things had gone surprisingly well. He wanted to tell them that he loved the performance he saw the night prior at the smaller party he went to, that he was amazing, but he then remembered that he didn’t go as Mike. He went as Battat, and Dip didn’t know who “Battat” even was. They probably didn’t want to…he could just still say he was there and such but he also still wanted to seem cool even though they both weren’t showing that at all.
After thinking for a while, Battat got an idea.
Battat then asked if Dip would want to take their ethereal sound to a bigger stage. This one was already huge! Dip wondered what could possibly be any bigger than performing in a mansion for thousands, he even asked this question in a flustered and sarcastic way. His voice shook while his face was stinging with excitement and his mind was reeling when speaking about it. He wanted this but didn’t think he was ready for so much so early, Dip already took on this gig day of and it’s already been insane, now a BIGGER audience?
Dip said yes anyways and followed “Mike” to meet someone. When he followed them a huge crowd was coming into view. Who was this person Mike needed them to see?
It didn’t take them long to realize who they’d be talking to because he was taller than everyone in the crowd.
An imposing figure, yet his laugh was genuine as he mingled. When Dip noticed his TV head his jaw dropped. It was Mr Ant Tenna himself, right there. His suit, pants, shoes, and pin saying “TV” shined like rays of light from the heavens promising a bright future.
They couldn’t mess this up, their entire career was riding on this conversation. Was Dip gonna be on TV? Maybe, if this went well.
Even though he already saw and somewhat spoke with Tenna before at that horrible mic check, they never got to see him in his element other than performing. He looked different in the best way.
Mike introduced Tenna to Dip and told him what an amazing performer Dip was, even outside of what he’d already seen, and that Dip would love to do more with another fellow performer like Tenna. Dip agreed with everything literally, and because his career depended on this. Tenna, surprisingly enough, was excited and enthusiastic to see them again.
He mentioned and clarified for Mike/Battat that he had seen them prior to the party during the mic check Dipsy wished he never saw. Tenna also confirmed that he signed them off to perform tonight so he was fully aware of his potential, but was recommended by someone else to do the signing off on him for this specific event.
Dip was reminded of that one Pippins that asked him if he wanted to keep doing this from the night prior…so it wasn’t for nothing after all.
Tenna was still excited about this new star that graced TV World and now the other Dark Worlds. He complimented their stage presence and obviously gorgeous voice, saying Dip had potential that had the rawness of a horror movie that if nurtured, could let Dip do anything. He also denounced the mic check from earlier jokingly saying that he knew they were way better than that and was proven right.
Dip couldn’t help but be starstruck and flattered by everything Tenna said. Someone so big thinking so highly of someone so small had them encouraged further.
Dip never talked this thoroughly with him before, and about themselves of all people? It was all so surreal.
However, Tenna said that he hadn’t seen enough of him yet, so he made a deal. Tenna would let Dip perform twice on “TV Time” with Mike and see what Dip could do. Then, if Dip did well enough, him and Tenna would probably perform together on the show.
When Tenna mentioned Mike he gestured to a cat person with microphones on their hands and feet with pink and yellow eyes, accompanied by the same red bow tie the guy standing beside Dip was wearing. But they thought the guy standing beside them was Mike. Although the other guy was cute, this confused Dip. Was that Mike and the other one was fake? Were there two Mikes?
Before he could press at all Tenna asked if the deal was okay.
Dip hesitated for a short time before they returned to their normal train of thought before saying yes and profusely thanking Tenna, vowing not to let him down. Tenna also cheekily said “Hope you can tap!” before walking back into the crowd. Dip was left stunned.
He made it.
Sort of, he was still going to be on TV! And he wasn’t worried about tapping because he could already tap himself. He was going to be a star...
Dip was then given the sound of a throat clearing before hearing the Mike beside him talk again.
“You're welcome.”
Dip got out of their daze after that to ecstatically and frantically thank him for this opportunity. Saying that he wouldn’t regret his decision.
Before speed walking away Mike stopped them.
“You’re leavin’ already?”
Dip blinked before nodding
“Mhm, gotta get ready for rehearsal tomorrow right?”
Battat chuckled. “You’ll have plenty of time, plus, shouldn’t ya celebrate?”
Dip brushes him off, flattered by the offer.
“No really! I’m a bit tired after all that singing. And plus, everything’s been so, much tonight. If you know what I mean. ” They softly yawned. Dip’s mouth parting in a way that prompted Battat to glance away for a moment before getting certain thoughts about their mouth.
Dip then sighed before speaking once more.
“But thanks! Maybe another day. See ya tomorrow!”
Dip started to head off before looking back one last time with a soft, tired, yet determined smile. “By the way, thank you, for everything. I won’t let you down.”
After thanking him one last time they walked away for real, leaving Battat alone and a bit disappointed, but overall excited for the next day. And hopefully more.