Beyond The Limelight ★ Markiplier X Reader

.*★ 25 ★*.

The first day went by so quickly, and before you knew it, you were sitting there on a table in front of the camera as a guest judge, watching Mark, Ethan and Tyler do a live episode of Markiplier Makes, a series on Marks channel where the three of them make various things and see who does it the best. Their challenge was to make a 3 tier cake and decorate it in two hours. Difficult indeed but that only made it more entertaining.

You sat at a white table next to Rosanna Pansino, a YouTuber who had a very popular cooking channel and known best for making weird and wonderful treats. Next to her sat Fizz, appearing as another judge. It was Marks idea to have two people that weren't already celebrities and then one star judge and he thought you and Fizz would be a perfect match because of your chemistry and humour. You knew deep down though that Mark only chose you two to judge because he thought you would give him a better score.

You felt a little nervous sitting next to Rosanna, something about her seemed a little intimidating. Maybe it was her confidence in front of the camera, her tall, perfect posture, or the way her and Mark were already really good friends, making you feel a little inferior. It took a lot to try not to be jealous of her and Marks already established connection, but you managed to not let it show, only showing her kindness and being friendly.

Mark began mixing his cake batter vigorously, falling behind since Ethan and Tyler had already put theirs in the oven. You watched, transfixed as he grunted, his bicep flexing, sweat shimmering in his forehead. He had taken off his brown suit jacket and was now wearing his white button up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, and an apron that said "kiss the cook". He was mesmerising and it took a moment to remember you were being recorded, shaking yourself out of the transe. You decided to say something to bring yourself back to reality.

"Mark, I think the batter is supposed to stay in the bowl not all over your apron." You said as Mark spilled a large amount of it down himself, the bowl slipping from his grip.

"No this is a new technique." He said, pointing his whisk at you, dripping more of the batter everywhere.

"Interesting." Rosanna commented, laughing.

Time flew by surprisingly fast as the three of them baked and decorated their cakes chaotically. You, Fizz, and Rosanna gave commentary and joked throughout the whole process and it was actually a lot of fun. Eventually, before you knew it, it was time to judge and taste the cakes.

First up: Ethan.

"So this is my cake. It's inspired by nature and... the natural world." Ethan's cake was covered in sloppy green icing which had melted and come off in some parts revealing the chocolate cake underneath. There were badly modelled marzipan trees on it and some sheep drawn on the sides with icing.

"It's certainly... green." Fizz said, looking at it with a hint of disgust.

"I see you didn't let your cake cool before you put the icing on so it's melted in some parts but I really like the idea." Rosanna said with a smile.

The three of you tried it. It was somehow salty?

Next up: Tyler

Tyler's cake had white icing and strawberries placed on neatly with frosting details lining around it. It wasn't perfect but it looked surprisingly good. "Mine is just a strawberry sponge inspired by the British." Tyler said. "Like I wanted to make a cake you'd have in Buckingham palace with a spot of tea."

"I love it! I'm really impressed!" Rosanna said. The three of you tried it. It was quite tasty but a little dry.

Finally it was time to judge Marks cake.

He bought it over, the sides of the cake were pink. As he placed it on the table, the three of you judges burst out into laughter as you saw what was drawn in icing on the top.

"So I wanted to do something a little different. My cake is inspired by Y/N, and as you can see I've done a portrait of her."

It was a really crudely done, sloppy drawing but it had your hair and eye colour and looked very funny.

"I don't think sucking up to the judges is allowed actually Mark." Fizz said. "I'm gonna have to deduct points for trying to kiss ass."

"I'm not sucking up to anyone she's just my muse!" Mark said defensively.

The three of you tasted the cake. While it was by far the worst looking one with the sloppy icing and badly drawn portrait, it was perfectly baked. Not too dry, good flavour, it was delicious!

"Okay time to announce the winners." Rosanna said after the three of you deliberated.

"For the best performance: Ethan! Since his cake was finished first and has the most detail." Ethan bowed and everyone clapped for him. "For the best presentation: Tyler! We were all so impressed you managed that. Well done!" Again, everyone applauded. "And finally, for the best tasting cake: Mark! And his suck up portrait!" Everyone cheered, laughed and clapped as Mark bowed.

"Thank you. Thank you." He said, waving at everyone.

You smiled and clapped, watching him. He looked frazzled and overworked, sweat shining on his forehead, cake batter on his hands and all over his apron, his hair a mess, but he looked really hot. You couldn't tear your eyes away. He looked at you and gave you a subtle wink as Ethan began talking.

After this, it was scheduled for Rosanna to do a segment by herself, doing a Markiplier themed baking tutorial, which allowed Mark to have a break, take a shower, and generally reset.

This made you really excited. Finally, you'd be able to talk to him without cameras, without people everywhere, and have some alone time.