Archive of Our Own

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Betrayal in the Spotlight: Famous Actor Scott Back To His Old Ways?

Power Couple Callistus and Scott Back Together???

Is the Golden Boy's Throuple Over?

Angel Face But A Devil In Disguise: A Expose on Scott the Third

Caught Red Handed: The Shocking Photos Of Scott's Reignited Flame

Greedy For Love: Even Two Partners Is Not Enough For Scott Pavlos

Love, Lies, and Leaks: What do the 'Boyfriends' Think?

That last headline, in particular, made Scott's heart stop.

Because that was something he wanted to know too.

What did Nikos and Abolish think, seeing all these headlines? Even if his two boyfriends avoided social media – an unfortunate necessity when you were partners with Scott Antonis Mattheos Pagona Pavlos III, something Scott felt very guilty for even though both men said they didn't care – there was no way they would miss this.

It was on the news.

It was on the digital billboards that one passed on the freeway.

It was everything that everyone was talking about.

And when Nikos and Abolish heard these rumors...

When they saw these pictures that had been edited to look very recent...

It would be over.

"–Scott?" Shelby's voice came through his phone's speaker. He'd forgotten he was on a call with her. "Scott, listen to me. I can hear you spiraling again–"

Shelby's voice was crisp and grounded. A sharp contrast to the static screaming in the actor's own head. She had called almost immediately after the story had been released – continuing to call until he finally answered.

Scott tried to answer, but only a strangled noise came out. He felt hot. Was he sweating through his makeup? Probably. He needed to fix it. To freshen up. To at least look presentable when he faced the inevitable consequences of his past actions. But his hands wouldn't move. He could only stare at the news, constantly updating by the second. His head was spinning–

"You need to breathe, Scott," Shelby snapped, her strange mix of gentle and demanding forcing him to focus on her. He hadn't heard her this upset since the Game. "This has Callistus written all over it. Everyone knows he's a spiteful, bitter prick who can't stand that you publicly dumped him and that you're so much more famous and talented than a sell-out hack like him!"

"He has photos, Shelby," Scott whispered finally, staring blankly at the images of his sordid past being displayed for the world to see.

He was used to his personal life being displayed for everyone to judge, but this was the first time he had people he actually cared would see them.

"Some are photoshopped, but some are real." Scott scrolled through the various images, feeling sicker and sicker with each one. "They've been edited to look like they happened recently instead of when I was stupid enough to date Callistus in the past, but I, it's, they're still real–"

"They are not!" Shelby protested. "O-Or they're not real now!"

Scott let out a hysterical laugh. "Is there a difference!?"

The actor leaned against the wall of his changing room, curling up into a small ball like that would somehow hide him from the world – from the reality he had no one to blame upon but himself. He pressed his hands to his eyes, trying to force back the burn of tears. His body was trembling. He was glad he hadn't eaten anything but small snacks and coffee during filming today because he might have thrown up otherwise.  

Scott squeezed his eyes tight, but he knew that doing so wouldn't let him hide from the endlessly populating articles and re-posted photos that were everywhere online. He could close his eyes however he wanted, but this was reality.

This was the life he chose to live – both now and the past.

No amount of cowardly fear or hiding would change the number one trending topic.

"There is a difference!" Shelby insisted. "Because Callistus is taking those private photos out of context and making it look like they happened now!"

"And?" Scott laughed. "Callistus wouldn't have been able to, or at least not as effectively as this, if I hadn't given him the ammunition in the first place. Plus, maybe if I hadn't publicly rejected him... if I had just handled my 'relationship' with him better or at least more intelligently– I should know not to make even more enemies in this industry and yet I–"

He swallowed, leaning his head back against the wall. "It's all my fault. For being so stupid. For being so desperate and pathetic–"

"This is not your fault, Scott!" Shelby protested again. "Do not–"

"It is my fault," Scott whispered, swallowing back a new wave of tears. "Everyone knows it. The media knows it. The fans know it. Nikos and Abolish have to know it–"

The actor cut off with a watery laugh, biting his lip until it hurt. Maybe even bled. He could almost hear Nikos and Abolish's voices scolding him for the bad habit, but the memories couldn't drown out the other thoughts screaming in his head.

"You should've heard my manager, Shelby," Scott said dryly, trying to sound upbeat. "When he came to the set earlier, and told me. I didn't know– I didn't know what had happened, I was busy filming all day, but I could tell he was upset. Manager Pierce wouldn't have interrupted filming if it wasn't serious. Of course, the director had to stop filming because of all the reporters suddenly trying to invade the set for an 'interview', but then my manager took me to my trailer and he just... let me have it."

Scott tried to laugh, to reassure his friend that it wasn't a big deal, but the sound was pitiful even to him.

And you're supposed to be a world-class actor? a dark, familiar voice whispered in his head. How pathetic.

"I'm not sure if my manager believed me when I said the photos were fake or... from the past, but he absolutely thinks I slept with Callistus again." Scott swallowed. "He probably thinks that I've been sleeping with Callistus and every other handsome face I see – just like I used to. I can't blame him. I was like that for so many years and Manager Pierce has been with me since I was a teen, after all. He's seen what a mess I am and has had to deal with it and clean up after it all this time. He was so annoyed, asking why I couldn't go one week without a scandal or at least to 'warn' him that I was back to my 'old ways'–"

"Your manager is a complete asshole!" Shelby interrupted furiously. "It's been nearly a year since you started dating Nikos and Abolish, so Manager Pierce should know better than anyone how ridiculously in love you three are! Not only that, but from everything you've told me about this man, he praises you when things are good, but tears you apart when you need help the most!"

"That's his job, Shelby," Scott said absently, focusing on a bit of unwanted lint on the ground of the changing room. "To... identify and deal with the risks. It's not like I'm easy to take care of, after all. I... you didn't see me back before we met and became friends–"

"Don't you dare say something like that Scott Antonis Mattheos Pagona Pavlos III," Shelby said warningly. "Even the wildest stories you've told me about aren't really that big of a deal. And even if they were, your manager's job is to take care of you. To trust you! Like you said, he's been with you since you were ten, right? He's literally seen you grown up! He should know that you have never and would never cheat! If he even cares about such a thing. After all, you said that Manager Pierce even encouraged you to 'keep your options open' and 'not have a permanent relationship' because 'your fans like you better single' and other stupid nonsense–"

"He's... not wrong, technically," Scott said weakly, thinking about all the angry fans and derisive media articles that had popped up after he'd announced he was in a relationship. Especially in a throuple. He'd tried to keep his partners hidden, but reporters had found out, and Nikos, especially, hadn't been willing to hide. "It's just... how the industry is. He's just trying to help build my fan base–"

"You're one of the most famous actors in the world right now!" Shelby protested, seeming to hit something on the other side of the line. Scott winced. "And it's not because you're in a relationship or sleeping around no-strings-attached, it's because you're you! A talented and hardworking actor who has earned every bit of his fame! A real fan cares about your work and not your personal life! Or at least, cares about your wellbeing above all! Like, you know, decent people should do even if they're strangers!"

Scott swallowed, glancing away even though she wasn't here. And even if Shelby was here, the fact that she naturally couldn't see him also meant that turning away like this wouldn't let him hide. Not from her advanced senses and in-depth knowledge of him that had only grown this past year since they had all met.

But, as always, Scott did a lot of useless things.

(Why was he always so worthless?)

"To... to be fair to my manager and fans, my sudden change was... unusual," Scott muttered. "One day I'm sleeping around with any handsome face I see, and the very next day I'm publicly rejecting Callistus and declaring that I'm in a relationship. To them... to the world, it was too drastic of a change. They don't have all the... details, so of course they're going to have... doubts."

Scott could almost see the way Shelby was about to protest before wilting. Because even if she didn't want to admit it, she knew it was the truth.

It had been a year, but even now, the members of their group sometimes wondered if The Death Game had all been a dream.

(A horrible bloody nightmare.)

If it weren't for their shared trauma, the late nights spent crying on the phone with each other after waking up screaming from memories, saying unique references that only the only "Champions" understood, and the pain from scars and wounds that no longer existed... Scott would have thought it had been a delusion too.

In fact, Scott had wondered if it was all a dream – a side effect of the coma he'd fallen into after the... Stage Accident.

It would have made sense for the Game to have all been fake, in a pathetic kind of way. After all, even for all the horrible things that had happened in the Death Game, there had also been... so much good.

Friendships, love, and genuine connections that Scott could have never imagined happening in reality.

(Not for someone as fake as him.)

But even though Scott had been terrified it was all a hallucination, he'd pushed himself to try and track down the others using what little info he had. The only person whose full name he had learned was Nikos Legundo, but Scott was very good at throwing money at vague situations until he got the results he wanted.

And, somehow, Scott had actually found them.

Not only were the other Champions real – and not just a product of Scott's lonely, miserable, and perhaps delusional mind – but they had also all been willing to meet up again despite the fact that their shared connection was being forced to fight to the death in some strange realm that their souls had been kidnapped to.

Scott had been terrified that the others would be dead – especially Nikos, who had been the first one out of the game and had reportedly died alone in a forest where no one could find him – but it seemed all their souls had successfully returned to their bodies.

Alive too, which was not supposed to have happened... but fortunately, Abolish's cleverly worded Wish as the final winner had allowed for all of them to return home alive.

However, while each of them had changed so much... to the modern world, no time had passed at all. It had been a blink of an eye for the family, coworkers, or other associates who knew them.  

But in the Death Game known as Pantheon?

It had been months.

Months of fighting and betraying and backstabbing and lying... but also somehow bonding and getting to know each other better than they knew anyone else in their everyday lives.  

To Scott, and the other Champions who had also gone through the horrors of the Death Game, their entire lives had changed.

How they acted, what they believed, who they cared about and trusted the most... almost all of it was different now.

But to the outside world?

It was like each of them had all abruptly changed.

For most of the Champions, this wasn't a big deal. Most of them didn't have any remaining family, friends, or people who cared enough to notice anyway.

But for someone like Scott? Someone who was constantly in the spotlight and had people write essay-long rants about how his haircuts reflected his psychological state? Or reporters who would camp out the coffee shops or malls that Scott liked just for the chance of getting a picture or interview with him?

Yeah, Scott's 'sudden' change was very noticeable.

Especially when Scott had 'dumped' Callistus – they weren't even together really, just another toxic on-again, off-again relationship that Scott continued just to feel a bit less lonely and because it was supposedly good publicity since they were both top stars, which made a jerk like Callistus thinking he was 'entitled' to Scott's attention or whatever – and then later when Scott revealed that he was in a permanent, official relationship with Nikos Legundo and Abolish Regret.

Suffice to say... the media outlets and his fans had exploded for months.

They had stalked Scott more than ever before, harassing his new partners, and interrogating his strange new 'friends' – all of whom should have had no reason or chance to have met each other, but were suddenly meeting up quite frequently – and constantly asking why the top actor had suddenly turned a new leaf.

But when Scott and the others wouldn't budge or just gave vague excuses of being 'meeting online', everyone seemed to think that it was just a 'matter of time' before Scott returned to his former promiscuous ways.

(After all, someone like Scott could never be in a real and committed relationship for long, right?)

However, it had already nearly been a year of Scott remaining faithful to Nikos and Abolish. No matter how many attractive actors tried to publicly proposition Scott or invite him out for 'just coffee' or a 'private business meeting', he would always politely refuse and loudly remind everyone that he was in a relationship.

As a result, things had finally started to die down a bit.

But now... just as Scott was letting his guard down...

There was this.

"It still doesn't mean they get to treat you like this," Shelby said finally. "You're an actor, but it doesn't mean that anyone is entitled to know about your personal life or details, or get to pry when you 'change'. Or to judge you for things you definitely didn't do!"

"That's just how the game is played, Shelby," Scott said, though both flinched at the use of the word game. It was a bad choice of wording, though very accurate. "Unfortunately, I'd be nothing without my fans or supporters, good and bad, so this kind of thing is... just apt to happen."

Shelby made a frustrated, displeased noise. Then she went quiet. The kind of quiet that told Scott exactly what she was going to ask next.

"Have... have you talked to Nikos and Abolish yet?"

Despite expecting it, Scott couldn't help but flinch. His throat tightened, the panic threatening to creep in and consume him again. If it wasn't for Shelby calling him so insistently, he'd probably still be in the middle of a panic attack from before.

(He'd seen missed calls from Nikos and Abolish as well, but he... he couldn't answer. Couldn't open the texts and see however they had reacted to this.)

"They... they've called and texted, but I... I didn't..." Scott swallowed. "I'm scared. I, I don't want to see... they're going to believe it–"

"No, they will not!" Shelby protested immediately. "They know the stupid scandals the media makes up about you! They'll absolutely know this is a lie too–"

"But it's not all lies!" Scott shouted, finally losing his cool. He sat up from his seat, pacing around his trailer. "I told you, some of those pictures are real! They really happened! I really was an incorrigible flirt who constantly played the scene! An utter fool willing to sleep with any pretty face that gave me attention! I did so many stupid things – including regularly sleeping and getting publicly wasted with a jerk like Callistus! Just because it was convenient since we're both top actors and it made for good publicity, I let Callistus push me around and willingly participated in his toxic messes–"

"But that's not who you are now!" Shelby argued back. "And you can't be so hard on yourself, you were miserable!"

"What right do I– did I have to be miserable?" Scott asked blankly, staring at himself in the mirror. He still had his stage makeup on – a flawless, painted-on perfection that hid the hollow exhaustion and empty soul underneath. "I had it all. Wealth. Fame. Millions of adoring fans and people desperate for my attention–"

"That doesn't replace love," Shelby said firmly. "It doesn't replace genuine friendship or family that actually sticks around. Plus, you became an actor as a child. You were completely reliant on those around you to protect and guide you, but they just took advantage of you! Your parents were – are – some of the worst parents in existence–"

Have you forgotten Nikos or Abolish? Scott thought dryly. Or your own parents? Or the others of our group? Really, my parents being a big negligent doesn't remotely compare to literally being abandoned on the streets like Abolish was or having his life ruined and put into a death game like Zeus did with Nikos–

"–and people like your manager told you to be with Callistus even though he's the sleeziest sleezebag to sleeze!" Shelby continued, fortunately not sensing Scott's thoughts (it'd probably start off a whole new, familiar argument).

Scott couldn't help but snort at her words, but it was a sad sound.

"But I still chose to be with Callistus," Scott whispered. "I still chose to live that kind of lifestyle, and now... I'm paying for it." He swallowed, wilting. "Maybe... maybe Nikos and Abolish would believe me, but... I wouldn't blame them if they didn't. They know how I used to be. I told them point-blank. I warned them if we got into an actual relationship that I'd bring them nothing but trouble. It was one thing to sleep together during the Pantheon Game, but here? In the outside world again? Yeah, not smart of them at all."

"Scott–"

"But they... still insisted," Scott whispered, sitting back down. He felt so cold. Like he wouldn't ever be warm again until he had two very particular sets of warm arms wrapping around him. "They still asked me out. They still... kept pushing even when I tried to keep them from getting too close and even rudely avoided them and made things so difficult and, and–"

Scott gave a bitter laugh, tears once again falling down his face. His mask utterly broken for the world to see.

"And this is how I repay them," Scott spat bitterly. "Reporters insult them. My fans stalk them. Abolish gets harassed by paparazzi at his own shop. Nikos literally got arrested last month after punching out a creep who was saying some... things about me. They endure so much bullshit to just be with me. And now this? A public cheating scandal with so many pictures?"

Scott huffed, closing his eyes.

He felt exhausted.

Drained.

(Hollow with nothing left inside.)

(Just a broken little doll no one wanted to play with anymore.)

"It... it would be one thing if they got tired of me naturally," Scott whispered. "A part of me always expected it would happen. That Abolish and Nikos would finally see what's behind all the masks and just... realize that they never wanted me in the first place. It'd be fine, of course. I, I know we'd still be friends, at least. We went through too much for them to get rid of me completely... probably–"

"Scott–"

"They have each other, after all," Scott hurried to continued, needing to get this out, "what do they need me forcing myself into their arms for? But to lose them over a lie... it'll kill me, Shelby. It'll kill me worse than any of times I died in the Game. Or... or during the Stage Accident."

For a few moments, it was completely silent between them.

And yet, Scott could still hear the ringing of clapping and applause and cheers in his head.

Only good when entertaining.

Only good when dead.

Only good until the fun stops for everyone.

No longer good no longer good no longer good–

A grim, resigned determination welled up inside of Scott.

"...I'm going to quit," Scott said softly, saying the words even though they twisted his insides. "I'm going to quit acting. It's worth it if I can have a chance to keep them."

Because, maybe, if Scott quit acting, they would forgive him.

Maybe they'd see that, even if he was a mistake, he was willing to try to be better – to be someone worth keeping around–

(He just wants someone to stay.)

(Why won't they stay?)

(Better to give up acting, which had only earned him empty applause and transactional care, than risk losing the first real relationships in his life.)

"But you love acting, Scott!" Shelby objected, finally speaking again. "I know you said you started it because your parents were horribly negligent and jerks, but I can tell how much you love acting as a craft and passion. All of us can – even Apo! Don't let soulless jerks like Callistus or the media or entitled fans take that from you!"

"I don't care!" Scott cried out, his voice completely breaking as rubbed violently at his eyes. But the tears wouldn't stop. They wouldn't stop making him so ugly. "I don't want to go home and find an empty house again! I don't want Nikos and Abolish to look at me with, with disgust and the knowledge they should've just left sooner–"

He faltered, wavering.

"Maybe... maybe it's already too late," Scott whispered, looking back over the news article titles. They just kept popping up more and more. "Maybe... I should just call Nikos and Abolish now. Break it off. Spare them the... mess. Let them pack up while I... stay at a hotel or something–"

"Don't you dare do something like that, Scott Antonis Mattheos Pagona Pavlos III," Shelby commanded, her voice becoming fierce and unyielding. "And you know that wouldn't work anyway. You know it. Do you really think Nikos, or Abolish, would really just let you run off without a proper conversation? Especially after all the secrets that nearly tore us all apart during the Game?"

Scott winced, remembering all the various... dramas that had occurred during the Death Game. One of them involving Nikos secretly organizing Shelby's First Death in a rather cruel way through Pearl.

That had been... difficult to find out about. For all of them.

And yet... they'd still found a way to communicate, apologize, and get through to each other in the end.

...but that had been in and about the Death Game.

This was an entirely different situation.

And yet... Scott still wanted to believe they'd find a way to reconciliate.

To find their way together yet again.

"Go home, Scott," Shelby said, voice becoming gentle once more. "Talk to them. Not just because you owe them that much, but because they love you..."

Scott swallowed, squeezing his eyes as her words echoed in his head.

"...including the sides that you try to hide."

o0o0o0o

Leaving the set and driving back to his house was a blur.

Scott drove pass the gate of his home, ignoring all the reporters camped outside and being held back by security guards. He parked in the garage, his hands shaking so badly he could barely pull the key out of the ignition. Every step to the front door felt like marching towards a firing squad.

(Or marching towards the Arena while wondering which of them would be forced to fight to the death this time.)

When Scott pushed the door open, the house was quiet... but it wasn't empty.

He could tell from the distant sound of voices and movement inside. And while it could be one of the other Champions, who all had keys to Scott's mansion and often slept over because his home was the only one big enough and private enough to host them all at once, a part of him felt hope surge inside of him again.

Scott slowly made his way inside, feeling as meek as a mouse as he took off his coat and hesitantly walked to the kitchen. He could smell something cooking, something with spices, which wasn't strange since Nikos was a very talented chef. The rugged man brewed horrible wine – though Nikos argued that was because of the bad ingredients, and then for nostalgia's sake – but his food was absolutely divine.

Which was even worse since Nikos seemed determined to feed both Scott and Abolish to the brim.

Scott, of course, had to watch his weight and maintain his image as both a model and actor, but even he would admit that he would sometimes forget to eat properly in-between filming, interviews, fittings, events, and so on. It would drive Nikos crazy – to the point that he would often make lunches and watch to make sure Scott actually finished his meals before allowing them to do anything more fun.

(Though, sometimes, this resulted in Nikos feeding Scott by hand, which was often very enjoyable – especially when Nikos would punish Scott for nipping at his fingers like a 'little minx'.)

Meanwhile, Abolish was very used to surviving on little to nothing – a very unfortunate by-product of his parents abandoning him to the streets and being thrown into an illegal underground fight club as a child. But even after leaving the underground pits, Abolish would often get lost in his various projects and forging – easily forgetting the time and missing multiple meals if they let him.

(Often, this resulted in Nikos going to Abolish's workshop, throwing the blacksmith over his shoulder, and carrying him to the dinner table himself. Much to the exasperation of Abolish and giggling amusement of Scott.)

And yet, despite all the good memories associated with food between the three of them, Scott didn't feel like eating. His stomach felt too tight, too twisted to even think of trying to swallow down food.

I should've bought some wine before this, Scott thought sadly. But since they're in the kitchen, it's doubtful I'd be able to get the wine cabinet before they catch me.

Scott slowly stepped through the doorway, his heart hammering a frantic, agonizing rhythm against his ribs. He couldn't even pretend to be his usual confident, flirty, and collected self, his hands trembling at his side. Even though he had always been aware of how much taller and larger the other two men were – a size difference Scott usually enjoyed very, very, very much – Scott had never felt as small as he did at this moment.

Abolish was sitting at the table, his slender calloused hands fiddling with some sort of device. But it seemed less like he was working on it and more like he was fidgeting with it as a distraction. He was still wearing his work shirt, which meant he'd come straight here from his forge and hadn't bothered to change.

Nikos was standing by the stove, his muscled frame casting a long shadow. The usual feast of food was already laid out on the countertops, but instead of being proud of his culinary creations as usual, there was a dark, serious expression carved into the man's face.

Between them, in the center of the kitchen, the television was on – displaying an image of Scott making out with Callistus.

I knew I shouldn't have gotten a television for the kitchen, Scott thought weakly, stomach flipping violently again. It was an unnecessary expense, which Apo loves to remind of whenever she visits, and now it leads to situations like this where I can't even go to the wine cabinet without my sordid past being displayed for everyone eating to view.

Scott didn't make any noise when he peered in, but both Nikos and Abolish near-instantly looked at him mere seconds later. Their senses honed from both their dangerous life experiences and the events of the Death Game.

Of course, every former member of the former Pantheon Game was also quite paranoid and alert as well, even after over a year. Even Scott couldn't help but flinch and barely resist grabbing the nearest sharpest item whenever someone managed to sneak up on him (which had made for some very difficult times and conversations on set and during interviews).

Scott swallowed, glancing from the gossip news report to the two men he loved more than life itself. Abolish reached out for the remote, turning off the television with a click – never looking away from the actor with those steady, intense orange eyes.

"I... I can explain," Scott choked out, his mask completely shattering.

He clutched at the doorway, needing to hold on so he didn't run. Shelby was right. He owed them an explanation, but he couldn't even force a smile.

"It's not real," Scott blurted out before wincing. "O-Or, some of those photos were real, but that was in the past! Callistus photoshopped the images to make them look more recent! I-I know that I've been really busy with work lately, that I've been on set a lot for this latest film and interviews a-and leaving at strange hours– b-but I haven't slept or kissed anyone besides you two! I swear! I love you two so so much I would never cheat please please believe me–"

The actor was cut off as Nikos crossed the room in three long strides.

Scott braced himself, preparing himself for the worse and to take it because he deserved however angry they would be–

But instead... a pair of massive, muscled arms wrapped around him, pulling him flush against a warm solid chest. A large, scarred hand came up to cradle Scott's head, gently brushing the messy wispy white hair.

"We know all of that already, Windy One," Nikos murmured, his deep voice vibrating against the top of Scott's head as he squeezed the actor tight. "Be calm. We're here. We love you. Such lies will never change that."

Scott took in a rasping breath, instinctively flinching when he felt another hot presence at his back. He peeked out, eyes widening at the way Abolish was already there – a heavy, comforting weight grounding Scott from behind. He rubbed circles into Scott's back and shoulders, slowly easing the tension and tight muscles he felt there.

"We know it's fake, Scott," Abolish said, his voice its usual calm and steady tone. "We know you'd never do something like that."

Scott had managed to stop crying on the way home, but the tears returned with furious force. They poured down his cheeks, the actor choking down a sob.

"B-But I was like that!" Scott cried out, clutching them both as they soothed him. "I was a flirt! I chased after any guy who so much as looked my way–"

"But now you have us," Nikos interrupted, sounding completely matter of fact. "Why chase after such low quality trash when you have something like this waiting for you at home?"

Nikos flexed his very defined muscles. Usually, that would be enough to thoroughly distract Scott, but he was actually too miserable to properly appreciate his partner's very defined physique.

"And our Pretty One, of course," Nikos added, grinning at the way Abolish rolled his eyes. "We are three very lucky men."

"True. And even if Nikos wasn't very confident in his looks," Abolish added, smirking at the way Nikos pouted, "we both know that you are not the type to cheat on someone, Scott. To willingly hurt someone like that. Plus, the one 'reporting' the cheating is the asshole who is always harassing you and dragging you name through the mud whenever he can online or on the news. Do you really think we would believe a scumbag like that over you? After everything we've been through?"

In some ways, Scott would think that everything they'd been through – specifically, the Death Game – would just remind Nikos and Abolish that there were sides of Scott that, even as he tried not to reveal to the surface, were still there.

Sides that were... a lot less pleasant to be around than his usual flirty mask.

(Side that even Scott had later been horrified to learn were there... especially after Nikos's death. And even more so when he realized that Nikos, and everyone else who died first, could still view the game as ghosts, even if they could no longer interact with those left alive.)

"You're, you're correct, but..." Scott swallowed, his throat dry. "It's got to be... exhausting, right? To be with... someone like me."

"You mean someone as amazing as you?" Nikos asked, smiling proudly. "Beautiful and incredible in both body and soul?"

I don't feel very beautiful, Scott though, looking away in shame. Especially right now. My makeup is a mess. My hair isn't brushed. I'm tired and upset and throwing a hissy fit and this is just even more reason not to put up with me–

As if sensing his thoughts, Nikos sighed.

A warm, large hand gently grabbed Scott's chin, making the actor look back up at them both.  

Nikos's brown eyes were so soft.

So... gentle.

So loving.

Beside him, Abolish's steady orange eyes were the same – looking at his lover without any sign of doubt or regret.

"There are very annoying bugs, yes, but you are worth it," Nikos said firmly. "Bugs may buzz and fly around, but they're just pests at the end of the day. Nothing to worry about."

"Says the man who punched out a bug last month," Scott murmured.

Nikos laughed brightly. "Was absolutely worth it! Would do it more often if you let me!"

"Please don't," Abolish said dryly. "We talked about this, Nikos, remember?"

"Oh, yes." Nikos cringed, looking slightly ashamed. "I know. Our Little Cloud doesn't need more undeserved scandals to his name." His eyes darkened. "I would fight them all, but to know that they would use my love and care as a weapon against you? I... I know I need to learn to stay my hand. And temper."

"But you shouldn't have to," Scott whispered, tears renewing again. "You shouldn't have to worry about watching your words or complete strangers judging you online or following you to work or using everything you do against you! You should be able to live your lives the way you want! Especially after everything we all did in order to escape the Game."

"Yeah, well, reality isn't so fair," Abolish said, also blunt. "We knew that even before getting into the Game." His voice and eyes softened, his hand reaching up to cup Scott's cheek. "Just like how Nikos and I knew what we were getting into when we decided to get into a relationship with you, Scott."

"That we did," Nikos agreed. "And we are never taking it back. Why would we? We have such a wonderful partner, a lover who gives us a home, who gives us his love, who gives us everything we could ever ask for."

"And more," Abolish agreed, smiling the way he only did when it was just the three of them.  

"But I don't," Scott whispered, his voice cracking with the truth. "I keep you out. I put up my masks. I pretend and pretend even when you're honest to me about your pasts and feelings and it comes time for me to do the same and I just... don't. I change the subject. I, I distract you."

"That you do, Pretty Cloud," Nikos said carefully. "But we understand. Not so easy to open up."

"But I should," Scott insisted, swallowing hard. "I, I have no reason to be upset–"

"Ah ah," Abolish objected, rubbed Scott's skin gently. The way he did whenever Scott was spiraling and especially needed physical touch to ground him. "We've talked about this, remember? Suffering isn't a competition."

"Nor is opening up," Nikos agreed. "Just like you patiently waited for us, and dealt with our many, many, many difficulties and unfairness’s to you... we can wait for you."

"As long as it takes," Abolish said firmly. "Or for some things... never, if it hurts you more to bring up again."

"No need to re-open some wounds," Nikos agreed. "But some, you must re-open to let them heal. To let them be cared for properly."

"Which is what we want," Abolish agreed gently, cupping Scott's face. "To help you. To make you feel as loved and cared for as you've always made us, even at the very start of that damn Game. And then you continued to support us when we... weren't the most reciprocal, or betrayed your trust."

At that, Scott saw Nikos wince from the corner of his eye. The actor really didn't know why. All of them knew and agreed, even Apo, that the circumstances during the Death Game were not true reflections of who they were as people.

(Insight into each of them, yes, but not who they had to be now that they'd returned to reality.)

"But it's not because we're entitled to your secrets," Abolish finished, his voice stern yet gentle as he continued stroking Scott's face, "or anything like that."

"But you do deserve it," Scott insisted, swallowing painfully when they sighed in response. He was being too much of a problem again, wasn't he? "You deserve everything I can give you. I'm just... scared."

Scott swallowed, struggling past the broken pieces of his masks. It hurt, every jagged piece cutting into his skin and soul, but he forced himself forward.

He felt both better, and worse, when their eyes widened – at the realization that, maybe, Scott was finally opening up without needing a nightmare or panic attack to force the words from his throat.

(That Scott was trusting them with the broken pieces.)

"I'm, I'm terrified that, if I complain, or if I show you how badly I'm struggling sometimes... you'll realize that I'm just an empty, insecure mess," Scott whispered. "You'll realize that you have each other and... and you don't need me. A... a broken doll who just brings problems and stress to your door. I, I know you appreciated being my ally during the Death Game, even though I mostly held our group back, but... here in reality? What... what reason do you have to stay, really?"

A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the sound of Scott's shaky breathing.

With the way Nikos was holding him in his arms and Abolish was at his back, Scott couldn't run even if he tried – something that both men clearly realized as they moved in even closer, blocking off his escape.

(Not that he wanted to escape. He did, but he also really didn't.)

(Not as long as they were willing to keep holding on.)

Abolish shifted, moving his hand on Scott's face until the actor was forced to look him in the eyes.

"Do you really think we want some perfect little doll?" Abolish asked, speaking seriously. "Do you really think that, just because we have each other, it means we will abandon you at any time? Because we don't, and we won't."

"We chose you, Windy One," Nikos said in agreement, his voice rumbling as his large hand continued to caress Scott's soft hair. "Just like you chose us. The messy parts, the quiet parts, the parts you try to hide behind the masks... it is all a part of the man we chose."

"Besides, do you think someone 'perfect' – which, there is no such thing, mind you – would be able to put up with our many, many, many issues?" Abolish asked dryly. Then he snorted. "Or half the nonsense that goes on in this household on an everyday basis? Like how Nikos still finds a way to get me stuck in walls–"

"We were remodeling!" Nikos protested. "Not my fault the beam below you was too flimsy! It was the Child's fault for not telling me the right area to use hammer! The Blind One also knew and did not stop me either! And that time in the restaurant was the Bird's fault and you know it, Fiery One–"

Abolish ignored him, though he was smirking at the corner of his lip.

"–or how I can craft you a sword or subpar jewelry, but I'll burn the toast... and a few other things–"

Scott snorted, unable to help himself.

"Almost burned down my house with that one," Scott teasingly. "You really were trying to earn that title of Fiery One, weren't you?"

"Pretty One once again forgets that we, unlike him, are not fireproof," Nikos said with a solemn nod.

Abolish huffed, but he seemed pleased to have Scott somewhat smiling again – even if it was at his own expense.

"So, yeah, we all have our flaws," Abolish said, tone calming once more. "It's part of being human. It's part of being alive. We all have things we regret about our pasts, but it doesn't mean we need to keep letting those things hold us back."

"We learn from it," Nikos said nodding. "We grow. We move on. We do not let the demons in our heads or mistakes of our past be used as reason to hurt ourselves."

Scott winced at that. That was... pointed. Justifiably so, admittedly. He could remember more than a... few times they'd found him in the midst of various broken-down meltdowns (especially with a bottle of wine in hand).

"More than that..." Abolish's eyes were intense. "You can't force feelings to happen. Believe me, Scott, I'd know. After how... empty I've been my entire life. How meaningless everything was after my parents abandoned me and I grew up in the pits? The feelings I developed for you and Nikos... there's no mistaking it." He paused, huffing. "Even if I did try to deny it for... a while."

Scott couldn't help but giggle a bit at that. It was true that Abolish had been... very resistant to emotional connections while in the Death Game. Abolish gave him an amused smile, though he rolled his eyes at the way Nikos gave a booming laugh.

"Really made us work for it, Fiery One!" Nikos agreed.

Abolish huffed, smiling at them both fondly.

"You two are the only ones that have ever made me feel such a way," Abolish continued. "As a result, I know that I'll keep these feelings for as long as I live – and even in death, as we've seen. And I'll keep holding onto these feelings even if you someday didn't feel the same way, Scott."

Scott wanted to protest, to immediately object that would never happen, but the knowing look Abolish and Nikos gave him made the actor flush.

Oh, Scott thought, something seeming to dawn upon him. They... they feel the same way, don't they?

"And even if you were to try and avoid us again," Abolish said pointedly. "Even if you were to make 'problems'... it would not stop us loving you."

"Our hearts are with you for all time, Flighty One," Nikos agreed solemnly. "No matter what you do or do not do, that will not change. If you cannot trust yourself... please trust our words."

Scott swallowed, hesitant and scared, but found himself melting into their embrace further.

They smelled like fire, smoke, and electricity. A combination that should have felt dangerous... but felt more like home than anything.

(Home: a word that had just meant a house before Scott had met them.)

"Now... on to more important matter," Nikos said, voice rumbling. "Let's get some food in you, Pretty One. I can see you dragging. You did not eat all your meals today, no?"

Scott grimaced, a very different but still familiar guilt welling up inside of him. He looked up at Nikos innocently, batting his wet eyes in a way that he hoped would get the rugged man to relent.

Instead, Scott wasn't surprised – or displeased – as Nikos picked Scott up in his arms, carrying him over to the table – which was only a few feet away, but Scott wasn't going to complain – with a very amused Abolish following.

o0o0o0o

Unsurprisingly, the peace couldn't last forever.

Scott had been trying to distract Nikos from serving him even more delicious food – with Abolish absolutely being no help at all, the traitor – when the sharp, demanding ringtone of Scott's phone shattered their conversation.

They all looked towards Scott's pocket where his phone laid forgotten until now. Scott had a custom tone for everyone he regularly spoke with, so they instantly knew that it was Manager Pierce calling.

Before Scott could even twitch, Nikos's hand shot out, snatching the device from Scott's pocket and taking it into hand.

"Hey!" Scott whined weakly, reaching a hand out but lacking the energy to actually fight for the device. Especially not after such a large and delicious meal with his far too forgiving and accepting boyfriends. "Give it back, Nik. I have to answer. My manager has... a lot of clean-up to do."

"You are not answering to that worm tonight," Nikos said, his tone casual but unyielding as he passed the buzzing phone directly to Abolish. "You are off the clock, Little Cloud."

"I'm never off the clock," Scott muttered, pouting up at them. He puffed his cheeks out like an irritated kitten, but the two just smirked down at him. "It's my job, Nikos–"

"Your job is to get some actual rest," Abolish said pointedly, leaving no room for argument. "You've already been working too hard this past month. He can survive without you for a night, Sweetheart."

"Or a week," Nikos said thoughtfully. "Or month. I am not picky."

You absolutely are, Scott thought with a huff of laughter. Good thing I'm picky too.

The phone stopped ringing.

...but then began to ring again.

Scott winced. He could only imagine how upset his manager was at being ignored.

However, it was clear that neither man was willing to let Scott answered – a fact that only became more pronounced as Abolish turned to Nikos with a look.

"Take him to bed," Abolish said calmly, still holding onto the phone. "I'll be up in a second."

Nikos gave a cheeky grin. "Right away, Pretty One!"

Scott didn't even have time to reply before Nikos was reaching over, picking up the actor into his arms with a practiced ease. His insane strength and ability to maneuver Scott however they liked was one of Scott's favorite features of the rugged man, but it also was quite unfair at times like this. Even more so because Scott was laying directly against Nikos's shirtless body, his cheek pressing against the spiral tattoo on the man's chest.

He's so warm, Scott thought, letting out a soft, defeated sigh as he snuggled in closer. He smells amazing. Like ozone, spices, and sweat. I've already died in his arms before, but I absolutely could again.

Before they could leave the room, Abolish leaned down, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss on Scott's forehead. The phone was ringing yet again in his hand, but the blacksmith paid it no mind – his orange eyes only having Scott in his focus.

"We'll take care of it, Sweetheart," Abolish said, speaking gently. "And if I don't like what your manager says, I'm going to call up the others to help too."

That broke some of Scott's satisfied, post-meal stupor. He grimaced, shifting in new guilt.

"You don't have to do that," Scott protested weakly. "They have their own lives, Abolish. Especially Apo. This is just going to give her more reasons to hate us – me in particular."

"The Bird will be fine," Nikos said with a huff. "And she does not hate you, Pretty Cloud. She just..."

"...hates everything you represent?" Abolish joked, making Scott huffed. "Relax, Scott. Apo might like to complain, but you know that she is always itching for an excuse to destroy some rich jerk's life. Plus, do you really think the others don't already know about this?"

Scott winced. That was... probably true. If Shelby hadn't already told the others, then Drift absolutely would.

As his self-proclaimed Number #1, Drift was very aware of the media storm that constantly surrounded Scott. In fact, she'd probably learned about what happened before he had. She had probably been blowing up the Champions Group Chat this entire time, if the dozens of unread messages there were any indication.

Scott huffed, leaning into Nikos's chest like it would let him hide from the world. He knew Nikos would absolutely try to hide him, if Scott asked.

"Tell them I'm sorry," Scott said weakly. "I'll... I'll apologize to them myself later, but now..."

"Now you rest," Nikos reminded, tightening his grip on the actor. "Off to sleep we go, Little Cloud."

The large man turned, carrying their lover up the stairs.

Abolish watched them go. He waited until the bedroom door clicked shut upstairs before he finally answered the phone, bringing the device up to his ear.

"It's about time, Scott!" the manager's voice erupted through the speaker, high-pitched and frantic. "Gods, where have you been!? We need a statement. Both on your social media profiles and in a proper interview. I'm sending a car to pick you up now–"

"Yeah, that's not going to happen," Abolish said plainly, interrupting without a care. His voice wasn't loud, but it had the weight of an anvil dropping through a floorboard. "Scott's staying home tonight. Probably for the next week too."

There was silence on the utter end.

Then, a frustrated noise.

"Right, this is... Abolish Regret, correct?" the manager asked cautiously. "Look, I know this must be upsetting for you and Mr. Legundo as well, but even without the news blowing up on us, we have a multi-million-dollar press tour next month, plus the upcoming film trailer release. If Scott's domestic situation looks like this, it's going to be a disaster for everyone involved–"

"I really don't care," Abolish said bluntly.

He leaned back against the table, orange eyes cold as he looked at the dark television screen. He'd almost broken his hammer when he'd first saw the way the world was, yet again, trying to hurt his lover. Nikos had broken things, though they had been careful to clean it up and hide the pieces in the garage before Scott got home. They'd deal with it later.

"What I do care about is my partner's wellbeing," Abolish continued. "And the fact that you apparently chewed him out, called him a cheating liar, and more? You didn't even bother listening to his side of the story, or ask how Scott was doing once he found out. You're his manager. You're supposed to be protecting him, not blaming him for some known asshole trying to ruin his life!"  

There was a pause on the other line.

"Mr. Regret..." the manager said carefully, but with more than a hint of nervousness. "Scott's position is not one that allows for mistakes. It's for his wellbeing that I... guide him and proactively address problems like this."

"Then deal with that asshole, Callistus," Abolish snapped, barely resisting the urge to crush the phone in his grip. "He is the one who released those photos. He is the one who faked them to look current and started dragging Scott's name through the mud because he's a jealous hack who's not even worthy to speak Scott's name. Neither are you."

"Mr. Regret–"

Abolish's tone dropped, becoming truly dangerous.

A tone he generally hadn't used since the Game.

There was the reason he had been the last one standing.

(And not just because Scott's sacrifices had ensured to make it so.)

"If you call Scott's phone again tonight," Abolish warned in a low tone, "if you release a single sentence to the presses that implies that Scott has to 'explain' anything or gods forbid apologize... you will not like the end result."

"Are you... threatening me, Mr. Regret?"

The tone on the other side of the line was cautious, fearful, and bewildered.

As if Manager Pierce – someone who had basically raised Scott since he entered the acting industry at ten – truly couldn't understand why Abolish was getting so upset over this.

It only made Abolish despise him more.

How, a part of Abolish truly wondered. How did Scott turn out so... good with such horrible people in his life? At least my parents got rid of me, so I didn't have to deal with them anymore, but Scott? He had every bad influence... every reason to turn out as a terrible person... and yet, he didn't.

He became Scott somehow.

It doesn't make sense... but I don't need it to.

Not to know how lucky I am to be able to know Scott, even if it took a damn Death Game to meet.

I'd endure an eternity more of them if it meant being together with Nikos and Scott.

"I'm just giving you a warning," Abolish said coolly. "Maybe you could control Scott like your little puppet before, taking advantage of his naivety and lack of decent parents to build him into your little obedient shiny trophy... but that's over now. You've only seen a glimpse of it, but Scott has people in his corner now. People who would be very upset if you... made things even more difficult for Scott at this time. Who are upset as we speak."

There was no response.

Which was fine because Abolish was done with the conversation, hanging up promptly and tucking the phone into his pocket – after putting it on silent, of course.

Then, Abolish pulled out his own phone, pulling up the Champions Group Chat that had been going steadily ever since the news about Scott's 'scandal' had first broken out.

Drift wasn't usually one for cursing, but she'd been steadily filling up the chat with curses so creative that even Nikos had been impressed. Abolish reminded himself to thank her later for giving them an immediate heads-up of the scandal so they could leave work and prepare for Scott's return.

The Champions

Abolish: Sausage, I need whatever blackmail you can dig up on Callistus and Scott's manager

Sausage: Waaaaay ahead of you, man 😉

Pyro: I think you will be very pleased with the results

Apo: Is the faker finally ready to make those scum pay?

Owen: Apo...

Apo: If Scott had LET me handle them before, this wouldn't be an issue!

Nobody: But I'm assuming the fact that Abolish is asking basically means we're getting permission, right?

Pearl: Better be

Pearl: Or Scott and I will be having WORDS next spar

Shelby: Whoooo! We get to finally tear those jerks apart!!!!

Cleo: Abolish we've got this handled

Drift: Yeah! You and Nikos just take care of Scott for us, okay?

Shelby: At least until tomorrow

Shelby: I'm declaring another Champion Sleepover!

Apo: Ugh, fine

Apo: But AFTER revenge

Shelby: Of course 😇

Abolish smiled, a strange but slowly getting familiar warmth flickering inside of him.

It felt so... odd to have a team.

To have people he could trust. To rely upon.

For the ones he loved to be able to rely upon them as well.

Maybe it had taken a Death Game to meet and bring them together... but frankly, it was well worth it.

Abolish: We'll take of Scott

Abolish: Thanks guys

o0o0o0o

Upstairs, the master bedroom was cool and dark, the only light coming from amber streetlamps filtering through the curtains.

Nikos set Scott down on the edge of the mattress, gently peeling off the stiff, wardrobe shirt the actor had driven home in – the Wardrobe Supervisor was going to be displeased about Scott unintentionally stealing it – and tossing it onto a nearby chair.

Scott was too tired to protest the mishandling of the clothing. His eyes were half closed, then fully closed as Nikos began to use one of the makeup wipes from the bedside table to wipe away the ruined staged paint and dried tears.

It was slow, gentle, and patient... almost lulling Scott to sleep right then and there.

"There we go, Pretty One," Nikos murmured as he tossed away the cloth. "Here. Arms up."

Without thinking, Scott tiredly lifted his arms. He was rewarded by the feeling of a very large, soft shirt flowing over his head and down his arms.

Scott opened his eyes, unsurprised to find that it was one of Nikos's old training shirts. It was stretched out, with a few holes here and there, and fit Scott more like a dress than a shirt, but it was for all those reasons that Scott loved it. He also loved to wear Abolish's shirts – especially the ones that still smelled of the forge even after a few washes.

It was just... comforting.

A way to feel like they were embracing him even when they weren't physically there.

Plus... Scott smirked at the way Nikos's gaze, as usual, became heated at the sight of Scott drowning in his clothing. It's always so fun to see their reactions when I wear their shirts to bed or come down to a meal with one on. Especially when I'm wearing nothing underneath.

"Don't look at me like that, little minx," Nikos said with a warning chuckle, helping Scott out of his pants. He pushed back the covers, tucking Scott beneath the comfortable, weighted blanket. "You're off the clock. No teasing tonight."

"M'not teasing," Scott mumbled, but his protest was lost to the sea of blanket as he laid his head into the pillow. He resisted the urge to sleep, blinking sleepily up at Nikos. "Hold me?"

Nikos let out a soft laugh.

"How could I ever resist, my Pretty One?"

o0o0o0o

By the time Abolish walked into the room, Scott was already gone to the world. Their actor's head rested squarely on Nikos's chest, his fingers upon the tattooed spiral he'd likely been tracing before falling asleep. It was one of Scott's favorite activities, tracing Nikos's tattoos and Abolish's scars, learning the stories of both.

Abolish quickly changed out of his work clothing, replacing it with comfortable sweatpants and a tanktop. He climbed into the other side of Scott, sliding an arm around the petite actor's waist until Scott was completely enclosed between them. Safe and protected from the world that believed itself far too entitled to his time and pain.

"How'd it go?" Nikos whispered, his large man moving in slow, rhythmic circles against the Scott's waist.

"His manager is a spineless manipulative dick, but that's nothing new," Abolish said, his voice a low rumble in the dark. He brushed a strand of fluffy, white hair from Scott's face. "Sausage, Apo, and the others are handling the rest."

Nikos let out a satisfied hum. "With Bouncy One's skills in hacking and the Bird's eternal rage, the world will have the truth and more before our Little Cloud awakes. Good."

"I'm honestly a bit worried it won't end there," Abolish admitted, though he probably didn't sound too upset given the way he was smirking. "Shelby and Drift were talking about going to burn down Callistus's house, Pearl volunteered to drive them, Pyro offered to use his connections to redirect the police and firefighters, Nobody and Cleo said they knew some good spots in the forest where no one would ever look again, and even Owen suggested that getting rid of Scott's manager could help prevent any future occurrences like this..."

Abolish paused. "They also said they'd be coming over tomorrow for a sleepover to help cheer up Scott, and give him an alibi, so I guess we're hosting a full house again."

"Good!" Nikos stifled a booming laugh. "I look forward to seeing what show they prepare for us. We should ask if possible of us to have a bit of fun as well." He glanced down at Scott, brown eyes softening. "But after we let our Pretty Cloud rest. Look at him. He's completely out."

"Yeah," Abolish whispered, careful not to disturb the rare deep, heavy sleep that Scott had finally found. "Shelby warned us that he was in a bad head space, but he... he really thought we'd just give him up. Just like that."

"Just like that," Nikos agreed, his expression dark and somber. He exhaled, pressing another soft, protective kiss into Scott's hair. "Silly little Flighty One. A cloud who thinks we'll just let him drift away and be lost in the cruel, unforgiving winds. He doesn't know how much we love him. Even when we tell him, he doesn’t hear it properly."

"Which is fine, because we'll just keep saying it until it sticks," Abolish agreed, pulling up the blanket over Scott's shoulder, sealing them away from the world outside. "Every single day."

Nikos nodded, reaching out to squeeze Abolish's hand.

"Every single day."