One More Time [A Larry Stylinson FanFic]

Chapter 19: Interlude

One by one the weeks went by. The themes changed, the songs changed, but the stress and anxiety in Marley's stomach stayed the same.

Harry was the same – except when he grumbled and scowled at this phone, and then he wasn't.

Aretha was the next to be cut, during the Inspirational Songs week, and was revealed to be Jennifer Hudson. No big deal, just a critically acclaimed Broadway star and an OG from the third season of American Idol.

And then there were four.

The next week – Break-up Songs – resulted in an even more shocking twist when CountryGirl was cut, and was confirmed to be Dixie Chick Natalie Maines. Marley was surprised to see her go; she thought Nat was the one person who might be able to challenge Harry for the crown. Marley was both comforted that a main competitor was eliminated, and frazzled by the randomness at which America seemed to be voting.

And then there were three.

Now, the only contestants left were Marley, Harry, and FlyGuy. Contestants' Row seemed so empty with all the vacant, darkened boxes. It was weird for Harry and Marley to not have to peek around CountryGirl when they were trying to check on each other. Marley felt like she needed to do a lot of checking on Harry on Show Night, even though his nerves always seemed to magically disappear whenever he walked on stage. Week 16 was a double-theme night: contestants performed a song from the 2000s, and a Fleetwood Mac song, since Stevie Nicks was guest judging. Marley had spent a good portion of the previous week comforting Harry, who was freaking out because he and Stevie were acquaintances. He had been the guest speaker when she had been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time, and Stevie had hung out at his house in London once. Marley had shaken her head a bit when she heard that story because: this life was flipping crazy and surreal. But she suspected what Harry was really worried about wasn't being unveiled prematurely; it was the possibility of Marley being sent home so close to making it to the end.

They both kept waiting for the bubble to burst. Marley was only supposed to last a week or two – remember when she was supposed to be the trainwreck that served as clickbait? And now to possibly come in third place during a season filled with such worthy performers... She had no idea how in the world she was still on the show! The support she was receiving from viewers and all the love she was being given online – she was gobsmacked and grateful, and she would never understand this world she was living in.

Sam, FlyGuy, and Marley now all stood in front of the judges. Oscar was getting ready to read the results. He kept asking Marley if she was okay – the running gag had been Marley's hilarious case of nerves. Marley strongly suspected that her ability to laugh at herself, while still taking the experience ultra-seriously, was one of the things that made the audience relate to her. Well, that or the possibility that America was voting for the "worst" singer to make it through. Whatever – Marley didn't even care at this point. She knew Harry was going to win; she just wanted to standing by his side when he did.

Besides, that phenomenon was just an urban myth. Right??

Oscar checked in on Marley again after she shook out her hands for the second time. "Well, let us know who's moving on and I'll calm down!" she joked right back.

Oscar and the judges laughed. Marley had made Stevie Nicks laugh – she would never forget that night! Then Oscar obliged her. "America has voted and..."

"Sam: You are safe!"

Good! At least one of them was moving on to the Finals in two weeks.

Oscar spoke up again. "Congratulations, Sam! We're going to move right along and see who your competition will be. FlyGuy, Girlfriend – it's been an epic run. One of you will be leaving tonight, and one will be preparing to face off with Sam in two weeks."