𝙈.𝙅. 𝙄𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 (EDITING!!!)

*ੈ✩ - The Worst Night In Pop

He crouched down, ensuring his words were heard by your ears alone. "Oh my God," he whispered, "Was that terrible, or am I mistaken?" He wasn't sure how to feel about what had just happened. Despite knowing Huey's talent, Michael couldn't help but question the reality of what he had witnessed.

"Uhm... It wasn't that bad. You and him sing in different ranges, and maybe he's just tired" you explained, offering every excuse under the sun to defend Huey. Michael chuckled softly. Maybe he was just tired, but it still didn't justify the way he sounded.

"Time's up! Let's hurry this along" Quincy spoke into the microphone once more, causing everyone, including Michael, to return to their respective positions and put on their headphones. Quincy positioned himself strategically to a place he felt was best to orchestrate, snapping his fingers to command attention. "Alright, we're starting with Mike, from 'When you're down and out' got it?"

When they all said 'Yes' in unison, the instrumental to 'We Are The World' began to play. Your gaze fixed on Michael as he swayed to the rhythm of the music, singing with heavenly ease, filling you with pride. Next up was Huey, singing the same way he had 'practiced' with Michael, causing Michael to immediately stand still in his spot.

With his shades on, you couldn't see where his eyes were looking, yet you just knew he was side-eyeing Huey for the second time that night. Cindy Lauper was after Huey, singing in a... peculiar way. It was surprising, considering she was also a great singer.

You stifled your laughter behind your hand. If you hadn't seen Michael's reaction, you wouldn't be struggling to keep it in. However, his unbelievably still stance and blank expression only added to the challenge of containing your amusement.

Kim Carnes came in last, her notes unsupported and strained, making Cindy and Huey seem like the best singers in the room. "Alright y'all, that was good! I want you three to try again" Quincy directed his attention to the trio "I wanna see if that note can be held longer. Michael, we don't need you right now."

After being dismissed, Michael swiftly removed his headphones and rushed over to you. "Now, am I mistaken?" he questioned, eager for your agreement. You responded with a noncommittal 'No comment' knowing that expressing your true thoughts could have negative repercussions.

"And Q is out here lying to these folks... It's honestly so depressing" he said, shaking his head in disappointment. When he and Lionel chose each singer, they had visions in mind—expectations—and Michael was being let down by the people he vouched for.

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As time passed, the song neared completion, except it was missing one part: Bob Dylan's. He meticulously rehearsed the lines with Stevie Wonder, guiding him through the notes he would soon be singing. From a distance, you and Michael observed, taken aback by the sight of such an iconic figure, who had such immense influence in the music industry, was nervous.

"'There's a choice we're making—' Stevie, could you play that one more time?" Bob asked, a request Stevie happily fulfilled. With each note, he spoke words of praise and reassurance, his gentle encouragement aimed at calming Bob and coaxing out the iconic vocals the world knows and loves.

While the instrumental filled the studio once again, Bob began to sing. His voice trembled, and his actions—rubbing the sweat off his eyebrows and tapping his foot against the floor—revealed his overwhelming nerves. You couldn't help but feel sympathy for him, understanding the intimidating nature of trying something new. For Bob, it was particularly challenging as he dipped into a genre he had never explored before and sang in an octave he rarely used.

Michael, on the other hand, couldn't care less whether it was Bob's first time or not. With a heavy sigh, he gulped the rest of his beer, hoping it might restore some of his sanity he had lost throughout the night. If given the chance, he would have gladly left and return to the comfort of his home. Yet, a small part of him remained intrigued, curious to see if Bob would show any improvement.

Michael held onto a minuscule amount of hope for Bob, but it vanished quickly as Bob stumbled through the song for the fifteenth time. His voice cracked, and he paused repeatedly, muttering self-deprecating remarks and asking with Stevie to play the notes 'one last time'.

"This is unbelievable. Bob Dylan, the most influential singer-songwriter, can't sing one simple line? It's only a few words" he whispered angrily to you—an emotion he rarely felt.

"He's nervous, give him a chance"

"How many more chances is he gonna get? I should be in my bed right now, cuddling with you, and wrapped comfy cozy in my damn blanket"

You couldn't help but laugh at his words; his plan was backfiring against him. Michael regretted his choice, wishing he had sung the song with Lionel instead. His agreement to involve renowned figures was due to Lionel's charisma, he just couldn't say no.

Though he was upset and losing his patience, he thought about what would come of this night—the impact this specific song would have on the world: a timeless anthem of unity and compassion, inspiring change, and serving as a beacon of hope in troubled times.

Michael planned on continuing to make meaningful songs in the future, but with a different approach, preferably by himself. He knelt down to your eye level and uttered the words, 'Never again, I tell you. Never ever again.'