[h1][b][i][color=CC99FF][center]Dorian Gray[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019b2486-98b4-748f-a003-e6c807ce5a9c.webp[/img][/center][center][/center][hr][center][color=CC99FF][b]Location[/b][/color]: 
[color=CC99FF][b]Skills[/b][/color]: [url=https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/392257844256440322/1220897088322277436/Screenshot_20240322_204856_Instagram.jpg?ex=66109c05&is=65fe2705&hm=639d58a538e21bf7ab4251ae2cd57815ec479bf241a93e68c915e7f911234b1e&]Work Out Fit[/url][/center]
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Dorian was blithefully unaware at the fact that his phone was currently blowing up back at the locker rooms, that his socials had doubled in size and a new wave of onlookers would be peering into his gaming streams coming forward. For now he was more focused on what was happening around him. He gladly grabbed one side of the trophy so that Andy and April would be able to hold it as well as he posed for the photo op with a massive and genuine smile. This was everything he had worked for, everything that he’d been wanting. A chance to not only win in the Contest of Champions, but to defeat the reigning champions while keeping it a fair and honest fight. He’d forgotten all about the prize money, having never had such need for it, and was already ready to aid in the creation of his gaming skins and emotes to make sure they got every detail right. Some skins didn’t translate well, but he’d make sure his wasn’t one of them. 

More photo’s were taken, this time with the whole team. The instant Dorian laid eyes on Danni, he flew towards him and wrapped himself around him screaming “We Did It! We Did It!” Dorian tried out every pose he had settled on for his promotional shots, late nights spent with Danni to try and find the best angles and expressions for each and every type of lighting situation. Though as the victory lap continued, more and more people began to file in. He was grateful that his parents were there, armed with extradimensional bags to aid in gathering the PR supplies being pelted towards them at whirlwind speeds. It felt like the scene in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, where he’d being fed fudge and pudding from every which angle and there seemed to be no end in sight. Business cards were handed towards him, some he knew, some he cared for, and some he disliked for their views or treatment of other heroes. Those he let fall to the ground or handed them back with a “No thank you” before moving on to the others. 

Before long they were sat at a table with a fake backdrop for the contest. It felt a bit wrong but his immediate first thought was that his father could have done better. Even so, he was able to snag a quick [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/019b2438-59c8-7319-926d-06aad38fe78b.webp]wardrobe change[/url] before all of this had began. Magic helped to always be prepared for photo ops and press tours. As they all sat down, each began to get bombarded with questions “the public” was dying to get answers to. He sat up straight, hands folded before him, and a smile on his face as he tried his best at his first live Q&A. This certainly wasn’t like streaming, and every word he said reflected not only on his team, his brand, and his parents, but on all mutantkind too on top of the Margaret Carter Institute. No pressure.

“Dorian! How did streaming prepare you for the contest?”

[color=CC99FF]”In terms of fightin’, it allowed me to always stay vigilante as bot’ readin’ a chat and answerin’ t’em while tryin’ to game requires attention to multiple targets at one time. In terms of post victory preparation it allows me to be able to speak to and answer questions wit’ a bit more confidence t’an I would ad I not interacted and chatted with my lovely followers. Love you my Boo-Crew!”[/color] Dorian answered as he punctuated the final comment with a finger heart.

“Dorian! Dorian over here!” [color=CC99FF]”Yes, you.”[/color] “Dorian, Are you disappointed in your fellow competitors for giving up?”

[color=CC99FF]”Not at all. ‘eroism take’s many forms, and every ‘ero ‘as a reason to rise or stand aside. I know t’at my team did what t’ey believed was best even when it was a difficult choice. T’at’s what makes t’em all ‘eroes, t’at’s why t’ey're all champions. Everybody loves a ‘ero. People line up for t’em…cheer t’em…scream t’eir names. And years later, t’ey’ll tell ‘ow t’ey stood in t’e rain for ‘ours just to get a glimpse of t’e one who taught t’em to ‘old on a second longer. I believe t’ere’s a ‘ero in all of us…t’at keeps us ‘onest…gives us strength…and makes us noble. Next question.”[/color]

“Dorian! Why did your previous teams fall apart?”

[color=CC99FF]”For various reasons I won’t get into mon ami.”[/color]

“Dorian! What do you say to the rumors circulating that you paid Wiccan off to throw the match?”

[color=CC99FF]”I say t’at t’ose rumors are unfounded and undermine t’e victory and ‘ardship my and t’eir team went t’rough. I didn’t pay anyone off, I wanted to win fair and square and simply appealed to ‘is better nature to take stock in ‘is own team and ‘imself.”[/color]

“Dorian which teammate is the weakest link?”

[color=CC99FF]”None of t’em.”[/color] Dorian turned to look at all of his teammates, smiling as he saw their faces, each answering their own questions and handling them with various degrees of grace and success. [color=CC99FF]”Every ‘ero ‘as t’eir limits. Every ‘ero tries to push beyond t’em when t’ey can. But true strength lies in teamwork. We make up for our allies short comings, I can’t brawl like Luna or Jotunn, nor can I dismantle ot’ers like Amnesia or snipe like Hot Shot, My own boyfriend ‘as more maneuverability t’an i do and ‘e showcased it well in both rescue attempts, avoidin’ danger, and even ‘elpin’ a competitor out of a disaster situation. Each one of us brin’s out t’e best of t’e ot’ers. T’ere are no weak links in Excelsior, only a singular blade forged in t’e fires of ‘ardship’s and tempered by t’e bonds we create.”[/color]

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Max was helping the locale get their decorations ready and set. Applying the finishing touches as students began to file in for the celebration. Between how the children had reacted to their newfound fame, watching Sabine try a dance for the paparazzi, and seeing an old friend smile so brightly for the first time, all Max could think of to himself was that he’d made it. This, all of this, was what their little spot of home was about. Seeing kids so open and free, no fear in their eyes, no care in the world, just mutant kids being kids. This was what wealth looked like, this was what being fulfilled was all about and it was the best gift he could ask for this holiday season. 

Dorian came in right behind Danni. He wanted him to have his entrance, he deserved it. He waved awkwardly towards Billy and Teddy, wanting to catch up to them but it seemed like they may want a bit of alone time first. That was fine, he could find them later once more people showed up he guessed. Andy, Leah, and Sabine were all gathered around America’s table alongside Gideon. They seemed to be locked in an arm wrestling contest while Danni was attempting to snag some food from Tommy, an idea Dorian had already had. This just made it easier. While Danni was locked within a speedster chokehold, Dorian used his Telekinesis to grab ¼ of the food off the plate and shoved it onto his own empty one, sitting beside Cassie as he ate his spoils. [color=CC99FF]”Too slow Sheppard, my food now.”[/color] He offered another finger heart before continuing forward with his meal. [color=CC99FF]”Great fight you guys! Was a little sad i couldn’t test out using your portals t’ough America, but Cassie you’re a real tough fight to go against and Bishop’s shots were a little too good, sorry we ‘ad to remove you early but we couldn’t allow t’at to stand.”[/color]