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"I can't do this!" Robin moaned, "they've been trying to get me for years and I should have never agreed to it."
"You'll be fine, Aleksi assured him, "it's not a big deal whether you win or lose-"
"Coming from somebody who won UMK." Robin grumbled, "and went on to be in the top ten at Eurovision.
Aleksi gave him a patient look, even Rilla, who had deemed it necessary to sit between them on the couch, seemed to be waiting.
"Robin," Aleksi took his hand, "what is it you're hoping to achieve?"
Robin took a breath, "I'm hoping that I win UMK and go on to Eurovision. That it will help bring more awareness to my music outside of Finland."
"And what's the worst that can happen?" Aleksi asked.
"I get dead last with no points and everyone hates my song." Robin said bluntly, "and it ruins my reputation and Johnny's and no one comes to my shows and-"
"Ok hold on!" Aleksi sighed, "even if you get dead last with no points that doesn't mean you're going to suddenly lose all your fans. It would be an ego blow, I'll grant you, but you can rebound from it. And you're not going to get last I'm sure."
"How can you be so sure?" Robin asked.
Aleksi smiled, "because you're an amazing artist. And I trust in you and Johnny to write a great song."
Robin gave a small laugh and nodded, "what do you say Rilla?" He asked the little dachshund, "should I accept my place and start rehearsing?"
She gave a happy little noise and climbed into his lap, pressing her head into his hand to demand ear scratches.
"I'll be right there with you." Aleksi said softly.
Robin smiled, "I know you will."
With a deep breath he hit send on the email he had drafted, acknowledging he had been chosen and would compete.
Win or lose, he at least had Aleksi and Rilla.