September Q&A Part 2 of ?

[these questions are a little more lighthearted…lolol though part 3 is has some hard hitters again hahaha also if its not obvious i go in order of when comments were posted! but they'll all be answered :)]

@O how would you react to romantic texts? Nothing dirty (unless you're down ofc 😜) just Shakespeare-level wooing would you indulge or is MC getting blocked?

O doesn't even flinch. "That's inappropriate and I would not react at all." They reach in another slip and raise their brows, glancing at Cory. "It's for you."

@Cory, do you like your job? Do you wish you were doing something else?

Cory freezes, frowning. "That's a question for me?" Next to her, Peter nods enthusiastically. She makes an odd face, uncertain whether she wants to respond. Cory prefers being behind the camera, the faceless figure working the machine.

Does she like her job? It's entertaining. Sure pays well…but does she like it? She's not sure. She enjoys the drama and she'd be lying if she said it wasn't a good gig.

Still, it's tiring. And what with the rumors that are swirling about the show…

"It's a job," she answers neutrally. "And I'm good at it. Why would I want to do anything else?"

"That's pragmatic," O deadpans and Cory gives them a look. "But a good answer nonetheless." They smile, smug, and Cory does the same. For once, it feels like they understand each other.

O grabs another slip, their face falling when they unfurl it and read the question to themself. "Make sure to read it aloud," Cory instructs, gesturing to the camera.

@Ori: Would you ever want kids?… Asking for a friend-

O says nothing and they crumple the slip in their palm. "I don't think I have time for children," is their only answer.

"That's not answering the question," Cory retorts.

"It's the only answer you're going to get." O tosses the slip on the table.

Hey, @Avina... I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this and I'm also gonna try and say it as nicely as I can... But you do know that you don't have to constantly compare yourself to MC right? They had a very different and very unique relationship with Seven that was built over the course of literally half their lives. Of course things are going to be different with you and that's okay!! Seven still clearly cares about MC (and rightly so after 15 years of knowing them), and them being friends with you while still caring about them are two things that can and should co-exist. You dont need to validate yourself by trying to tell yourself that you're better than them! Hope this helps! :)

Silence spreads across the table. Soft Violence doesn't show any reaction, their heads down as they read and reread the slip. Even Cory grimaces, unusually uncomfortable by such honesty splayed out like that.

Seven breaks the silence. "I don't care about them. And we get along because Avina is nothing like MC."

Ouch. Cory wants to laugh. She stops herself when she spots Avina's expression, an odd mixture of hurt and confusion. Their face changes when they look at Seven, a grateful smile on their face when they put their hand on their arm.

"Our relationship is special," Avina says anyway. "No one matters outside of it. Which is why I'd never compare myself to someone else."

"Right," Seven adds, chewing on their inner-cheek thoughtfully. "Our friendship has nothing to do with MC."

"And that's that," Pope claps his hands together.

@7 When you and Avina first started sleeping together, did you ever mutter your ex's name while you were still half asleep?

Cory doesn't need to know Seven well to expect the outburst that happens immediately after Pope reads the question aloud.

"What's with these questions?" they snap, crumpling it. Next to them, Avina shifts uncomfortably.

Cory shrugs. "It's what people ask. We simply print them."

"I'm not answering that." They toss the slip aside, glancing at their band members. Their gaze lingers on Avina before their brows furrow, a thoughtful look flashing on their face before they turn back.

"You rarely do," Corys says, already tired.

"For good reason," Seven mutters back.

@Blake We started a group dedicated to furthering your goals of destroying the lousy cheater MC! We even have rotten tomatoes to throw at them at the next stop! We love you!! <3

Blake immediately laughs upon reading the slip before they wave it in the air, a smug look on their face. "Don't do that," they say. "I'll handle it. No need to throw tomatoes."

"And here I thought you'd like that," Cory says, hand on her hip as she gazes at them with her eyebrows raised.

"You don't know me at all," Blake muses.

@O If MC wanted to go solo, would you still be their manager?

O doesn't answer for a long time. Something like discomfort crosses their face before they shake their head. "I don't find it professional answering a question like that."

"You are so boring," Cory responds. "What is the point of coming here if not to answer questions?"

"Last I checked," O deadpans, "I didn't want to be here."

@[Band]: With y'all having a new member, your fans obviously need to know the important questions. Does August give good hugs??? 🥰 Please elaborate.

"I wouldn't know since August doesn't hug us," Iris says, giving them a playfully annoyed look. "You do look like you give good hugs though."

"I want to hug you," Rowan tells August, leaning over. August moves away from his attempt, making him frown. "You're so mean."

"If I let you, then it'd become a thing," August says though there's an amused smile on their face. "And we should focus on the questions."

"General consensus? I think August does," Devyn answers.

"Thank you," August says, appearing smug.

@Blake/G/Seven: As a lead singer, how do you feel about casual karaoke nights? Do you still find it enjoyable, or is it just not the same after singing on stage?

"I think they're fun," G says. "Sometimes you just want to sing without the pressure of impressing a million people." They think about it. "Even though I always impress but you know." They grin widely.

"It feels like work," Blake says. "After hours of singing do you really think I want to go home and sing some more?" They shift in their seat. "No thanks."

"Depends on the song," Seven answers. "I find it enjoyable. I guess…being able to sing other people's songs is a good break. Sometimes your own work is too vulnerable. There's not as much pressure. So yeah, it's definitely different."

@(Romanced!)GReign: There's been a lot of discussion regarding favoritism between you and MC in BotB. Do you regret helping them on the show now with the rumors that the MC and your wife are having an affair after being seen at a coffeeshop?

"We're not having an affair," Victoria says strongly. "Let's get that out of the way."

"Exactly," G has an odd look on their face, "and I don't regret it. I'm just trying to be the best mentor I can be. I don't think I'm playing favorites." Cory can see the lie in their eyes, it's as clear as day. "People's perceptions are not my problem." G shrugs, leaning back in their chair.

 @ValReign: With the way y'all pay for coffee, I gotta ask... what does one banana cost?

Victoria and G share a glance. "I don't know," G says. "Wait. I do know. I wasn't born rich, okay?" G leans back. "It's like thirteen dollars for a pack right? Or a dollar a banana?"

"You think a singular banana is a dollar?" Cory guffaws.

"It goes by weight, doesn't it?" Victoria looks at Cory for confirmation who simply shrugs. "We have to account for inflation."

"Do you know what inflation is?" Cory asks, earning her a glare from Victoria.

"I'm not an idiot," Victoria says but she shifts uncomfortably. "I just…haven't done groceries myself in a long time."

"You two are lost," Cory says, awed. "And incredibly out of touch."

"Oh, please." G waves a dismissive hand.

@Ori what do you think about MC and G's chemistry? As a manager and as not-manager

O lets out a long breath as they think. "I feel like MC has an uncanny ability to have chemistry with everyone. It is a skill that is very beneficial for the stage and for their career." They give Cory a look. "That's my manager answer."

"Oh, I'd love to hear this—"

"My not-manager on the record answer, I think MC should focus on the show and whatever chemistry people see is not relevant."

Cory rolls her eyes. "And off the record?"

"Oh, I think they should just stay away from each other," O admits, all pretenses gone.

@7DidNothingWrong: @sevenlawless so how did it feel to see your ex is having an affair with Victoria Valentine 😬 anything you'd wanna say to Vic abt that 👀

For once, Seven actually thinks about it. Cory can see the initial annoyance on their face but she's relieved not to hear Seven's complaints. "I don't think they're having an affair," Seven answers.

"Because you know MC better than that?" Cory prods, mostly teasing.

Seven frowns, brows furrowing, before they shrug and nod. "Yeah, actually. I think so."

"Oh," Cory blurts, pinching her lips. "Okay. So you say. And what would you say to VIctoria if she were sitting here now?"

"Um." Seven shrugs. "Welcome to the club?"

To Cory's surprise, she laughs. To her even bigger surprise, Seven does too.

@shippers_r_us: @sevenlawless @blake_winter enemies to lovers arc when ?? the people want to know

"Seven Lawless can't handle me," Blake says sweetly. "And they're not my type."

"Thank God," Seven says.

@ValenReign do you ever regret getting married so young?

Neither G or Victoria answer immediately. Victoria toys with her nails as G looks around the studio, absently running a hand through their hair. Cory admits she's curious. ValenReign have always been a watertight brand. Even with G's scandals, they've made sure that ValenReign was its own thing. Something unscathed and unmarred. Even she doesn't know the entire truth. Not really. You can only be privy to so much when you're not part of the most efficient team in the industry.

"I mean," Victoria starts, "my tastes completely changed so I do regret having such a tacky wedding." She lets out nervous, strained laughter that makes G look at her, face inscrutable. Her laughter dies when she looks back at them, holding their gaze. Then G blinks and turns back to Cory, shrugging.

"I don't regret anything in my life," they say, both voice and face dull.

Cory cocks her head, a brow quirked. "You sure about that?"

G hesitates but ultimately says: "Yes."

@o @blake @g if you weren’t involved in the industry could you see yourself developing a celebrity crush on mc?

"Who says I don't have one now?" Blake teases, their smile all teeth. What an insufferable person, Cory thinks.

Meanwhile, G slowly looks at Victoria. She stares ahead, not reacting to the question. So unmoving that Cory thinks she's imagining her.

"Next question I'm assuming?" Cory asks, smiling.

@triple when you were at risk did you fear more for yourself or for the band? or did you have no fear at all?

Triple tosses the ball of crumpled back and leans back in his chair, blowing a raspberry. Putting his hands behind his head, he stares up at the ceiling in visible contemplation. "My band," he says, "plus I kept thinking about how embarrassing it'd be to get sent home considering I made my entire family watch live." His expression turns sheepish. "Imagine your entire family cooking a huge dinner and throwing a party just to watch you lose." He lets out a laugh. "I have even more fear than I did before. That proved to me our spot isn't safe."

@Triple A how are you feeling after that close call this week? how nervous were you during that face off and do you feel motivated to work harder for next performance?

"Right now?" Triple thinks about it. "I want to get drunk."

"Pfft," Cory sputters.

"I was too arrogant, man." He shakes his head. "I learned my lesson. And yes, I am motivated next week. I need to keep my head up and focused on the music."

"You just said you want to get drunk," Cory points out.

"Did I?" Triple grins. "Anyway, as long as the Challenger isn't…fucked up or something." He looks at Cory warily. "It's going to be fucked up, isn't it?"

Cory smiles. "My lips are sealed."

also did you know that MC was worried for you?

"They were?" Triple thinks about it before smiling. "That's sweet. I like MC, they're cool."

"You don't think they cheated?" Cory asks.

"Nah," Triple says with a careless shrug. "And if they did I don't care. They're here now, nothing any of us can do about it."

@Maya: How did you become such a big fan of the band? Did you start listening to their music out of the blue, like playing it on autoplay while doing homework? Also, what if one of the weekly live sessions consisted of just the MC repeating "I got it" over and over on the stage, would you still enjoy it? Maybe calling it Avant-garde? 

Maya perks up at the mention of the band. "Well, I was struggling with some personal family stuff you know," she explains, "and I started listening to them on Youtube after discovering them. It felt like MC was singing right to me. Like they understood exactly what I was going through. It was like fate!" She claps her hands together. "I think I'd enjoy anything MC puts out because they're a musical genius."

Cory scoffs. Give me a break.

@Seb: What's your favorite game? If you play FPS/action games, can you give me advice on how to avoid getting motion sick? 

"It has to be a cross between Skyrim or League of Legends right now," Sebastian answers. "I play some Call of Duty with the boys sometimes." He tries to look cool, leaning back and giving Cory a knowing smile but Cory simply stares at him oddly. Sebastian's smile drops and he clears his throat. "Just…take a lot of breaks I guess. And make sure to lower your controller sensitivity." He shifts awkwardly. "Hope that helps."

@Victoria I'm so excited about your upcoming movie! Could you give me a little tease about what the movie is about? Just sharing some tiny bits would be great! 

"Well," Victoria says, excited, "it's a little raunchy and satirical. It's a commentary on so many important problems in our world." She pauses. "But that's if I take it. I have to talk to G first…" She thinks. "Which is something I have yet to do."

"You've been delaying the conversation?" Cory asks.

Victoria frowns. "Yeah. Mostly because I'm afraid they'll say no...even after I tell them how important it is to me. It's one thing for G to say no even before but—G saying no even after? It'll suck." She sighs, then her eyes widen. "You're not going to air this, right?"

@Amy: If a Romanced!RO were to lose all memory of BotB's tour after it was over, who'd still be able/willing to get to know the MC and try to fall in love again? Who'd see the relationship w/MC during BotB as a mistake and reject it? Who'd be haunted by it?

I think they'd all be willing to try again. They're all surprisingly hopeful people they just don't show it because the circumstances don't allow them to hope for something like that. I actually think without the tour hanging over their heads it'd be much easier for them.

@ShiftyStan: to [ex!]Seven, I heard that you're a staunch defender of [band] and the cheating allegations - I don't care about that rumor - however, there's another rumor that's upsetting and that's that Victoria Valentine and [MC] are caught in another cheating scandal, given your history with [MC], would they ever be a shitty homewrecker? #ValenReign

"No," Seven answers. "I think they'd be really good at it."

"Oh," Cory sputters, "you want to make jokes now?"

Seven shrugs. "I'm just saying." At Cory's look, they roll their eyes. "No, I don't think they'd…do that. I don't know." Seven frowns. "We don't talk anymore. I have no idea the kind of person they are now. Can you pick other questions for me?" Seven appears like they're beginning to panic or get frustrated or…something Cory isn't exactly sure of.

"You get the questions people ask," Cory explains for the umpteenth time. "That's it."

@August: Would you consider being in this band your dream job? What would you do if you had complete freedom in your life? (except joining a band or being a politician)

August leans back and thinks about it. Luckily, without the band present, they can speak freely…or Cory hopes. She doesn't know what to make of the band's new drummer. She doesn't like people who make it difficult for her. And August definitely makes it difficult.

"I think drumming would be my dream job," they say. "If I had complete freedom, I'd…" August wrinkles their nose. "I haven't thought about it. I don't see the point of thinking about things that aren't going to happen."

"That's an interesting outlook," Cory says warily.

August shrugs. "I think I'd retire on a farm somewhere." They smile a little. "Yeah. That's what I'd do."

@G: if you could turn back time to the time where you weren't famous- would you? Would you let go of everything if it meant less of...all this? All the grief, all the burdens, all the sorrow and guilt?

G looks uncomfortable as they think about it. "I didn't come here to get an existential crisis," they joke weakly, their laughter strained. Then they straighten and say, "I don't know. I don't think so. I don't like the unknown. What if the non-famous version of me is worse off? And they probably are so." They shrug. "I wouldn't. Not knowing is the scariest part."

"But you didn't know what you'd become when you signed that contract," Cory says.

"Yeah, but I did know that whatever life it would be was much better than the life I was living then," they respond.

@Blake : Ambition is a fine thing. Is there a line you wouldn’t cross to get what you want?

"No," Blake says, smling a little. "I have my own morals and I won't cross them but other than that…no." They smile at the camera. Cory feels a slight shiver down her spine.

@Devyn: Juggling being the sole sub-vocalist and bassist in the band seems hard. Does anyone in the band take on your sub-vocalist role if you're unavailable for certain reasons, like having a sore throat?

"Rowan and Iris can usually handle it together in an emergency but I wouldn't want to do that," Devyn says, "they're not singers so I make sure not to get sick." She laughs. "I work really hard to be in top shape for the band. This band is my life after all."

"Hm," Cory says. "You've sacrificed a lot for this band. All of you have."

"That's what friends in a band do," Devyn answers, endlessly confident. "We sacrifice."