Chapter Text
ONE
Things were always a little hectic while waiting backstage and getting ready to perform on The X Factor, in front of a full audience, the four judges, and the millions of people watching at home, on live television, knowing that anything could go wrong. There always seemed to be a lot of drama going on behind the scenes too. After enduring a nerve-wracking audition process, the absolute horror of choreography at Bootcamp, the gut-wrenching disappointment of being told ‘no’ and then the elation of being offered a second chance to continue the competition as a boyband, life had certainly changed for five boys named Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Harry Styles.
It was certainly a gamble to group five boys together when they had so little time to get to know each other, work out how their voices would complement one another and learn how to make use of a stage as a five-piece boyband who went against the norm and opted not to wear matching outfits and perform elaborate dance routines. Yet, somehow, the big risk seemed to be paying off.
Over the course of five weeks’ worth of live shows, One Direction had garnered a mass of fans and earned the intrigue of pretty much every gossip magazines or online blog going. Initially, most critics had dismissed them as a group of rejects from the boys category who were given a life-line simply to try and disguise the fact there weren’t many impressive groups to have auditioned that year. The expectation was that they would be voted off in week two or three and quickly forgotten about.
In all honesty, the boys themselves were uncertain how things would play out. But something magical happened when they sang together. Somehow, they made it work, and could barely walk down the street without cameras flashing in their faces and screaming fans, mostly teenage girls, begging for hugs, pictures and autographs as they sobbed about how much they loved them.
Waiting backstage, the five young lads were psyching themselves up, trying to embrace the nerves in a positive way as they prepared to appeal for the public vote in what would be their week six performance. The weeks theme was Elton John, their chosen song, ‘something about the way you look tonight’, the lyrics guaranteed to make their fans swoon and cast them their vote.
“Simon, please,” Dermot said gesturing to the boys’ mentor. “Introduce your act.”
“Get ready to scream girls and boys,” Simon said with a knowing smirk. “Here’s five talented young Doms who can’t wait to sing all the subs out there a love song. It’s One Direction,” a smug grin filled his face as the deafening screams and applause filled the studio.
As far as the audience was concerned, five Doms stepped out onto the stage to perform an Elton John classic. But the truth was there were only four Doms on stage and even they didn’t know a sub was singing along with them.
“Boys, boys,” Cheryl sighed in awe as she adjusted her dress to sit back down. “That was just beautiful. A really romantic and mature performance. I loved it, the audience here loved it,” they screamed their agreement. “I just know so many teenage girls are going crazy for you at home right now as well. You get better with every performance you do. It’s nice to see some of you coming out of your shell a bit more, getting more confident. It’s nice to be hearing more of your individual voices as well. And you’re such lovely boys too. Honestly, you’re such role models for all the young Doms out there.”
One of the boys glanced over at Simon, the judge shooting a stern gaze back, causing the boy to bow his head slightly, eyes on the floor before looking back up to hear the feedback from Danni and Louis (Walsh).
“It’s simple really,” Simon claimed. “Finding stars like you is what this shows all about. Putting you five boys together is the best idea I’ve ever had. You’re gonna go far in this competition. I see really big things for you. And I agree with Cheryl, you are setting such a good example for other Doms your age. All five of you. Good job, boys.”
“Some pretty great feedback there,” Dermot acknowledged. “You’ve gotta be happy with that, right?” he held the microphone towards Zayn who made an indistinct noise of agreement before Liam stepped in to offer a proper verbal response.
“We haven’t been a band for very long,” Liam pointed out. “We know we have a lot to prove. We’ve been working so hard and it’s been such an amazing journey so far. We’re all just really grateful for this opportunity and so excited to be sharing this experience together.”
“Good stuff, Liam, that’s what we like to hear,” Dermot grinned. “The number to vote for One Direction is showing on the screen right now. But remember, don’t vote until the phone lines open at the end of the show because your vote won’t be counted but you may still be charged. Ladies and gentlemen, one more time, give it up for One Direction!”
XXX
Third place. It seemed so disappointing at first. For a short while, they believed that was it. The end of One Direction. That they would go home, back to their families, back to school, back to their normal lives, back to obscurity, back to being a sub. Then, miraculously, they were offered a record deal. It was everything they dreamed of. All they ever wanted, all they had worked for over the past few months. Of course they signed it. They would have been crazy not to.
So, in less than a year, One Direction were truly on the rise, unintentionally outshining the winner of their series. It in fact ended up being his name that people were forgetting and he who faded back into obscurity. Meanwhile, the boys had released their debut album to tremendous success, the likes of which they could only dare to dream about. They were even preparing to go on tour and doing countless interviews and meet and greets to promote themselves.
The schedule was hectic, being away from their families was difficult, but at least they had each other every step of the way. Who cared if one of them had to pretend to be a Dom? The other four didn’t even know. It wouldn’t be too hard to deny your innate submissive nature. Right?
XXX
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