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DOUBLE UPDATE: chapter six will be out in a little while
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   Days continued to go by, and Bakugou and Midoriya finally managed to complete the program for Midoriya's concert, with the order of the pieces and how he will play them. All that's left is practice, but that'll be after they find a venue to play in, or a couple if he wants to play in a few places.

   As the days went by, Bakugou was also invited to a few more practise sessions. Unable to deny his want, he agreed to go to them. The first few were just like the first one, and he struggled a bit to fit in, especially with Kaminari not liking him, but after, things smoothened a bit, and Kaminari started to not mind him.

   His patience seemed to have paid off, especially during one practice session, his latest one.

   "You're always here early," said Jirou, passing him a drink as he entered the studio, having received a spare key.

   "Hah? I'm always on time," he frowned, looking over the place, seeing no one but him and Jirou. "Everyone is just fucking late. If anyone is early, it's fucking you," he said.

   "True, I suppose," she nodded. "Anyway, we've got a few covers we want to practice today, and we all know the songs, including you I hope," she chuckled. "Kirishima told me you knew them, but here's the list just in case. We haven't tried them out yet, so it's just to figure some things out. We usually learn them by ear, and sometimes we slow down the song to identify some of the music's notes," she said. 

   He looked over the list. He knew most of the songs, but there were a few that he hadn't listened to for months. 

   "I gave everyone the homework to listen to the songs, but because we haven't added you to our groupchat yet, I suppose you didn't do that," she said. "Kaminari and Kirishima missed their train, so you have all the time in the world to listen to them," she sighed, unimpressed, but seemingly relieved. Maybe she thinks that they'll just be a burden to Bakugou while he's trying to remind himself of those songs.

   She gave him a plate of biscuits, giving him the freedom to take one whenever he wants, while she goes in the kitchen to do whatever else she wants to do. 

   He thanked her, and then used her amazing headphones to listen to the songs, instead of using his cheap earplugs. 

   Closing his eyes, he revelled in the fact that those songs really are some of the ones that got him into punk music. He loved each one of them, and the drums for them sound really fun, almost complicated, but he can deal with that. Complicated is fun when you know what you are doing.

   After he finished listening to two songs, Tokoyami entered the studio, giving Bakugou and Jirou a nod as a silent greeting. He made sure the keyboard was in a good condition, making sure all the keys worked, and that the speakers of it work well too.

   After the third song he was listening to, Tokoyami joined him, and he pulled out something Bakugou had never really seen before. He plugged it in the phone when Bakugou allowed him, and then Bakugou plugged the headphones he was borrowing in one of the headphones plugs, and Tokoyami plugged his own in the other. After, they were able to listen to the same thing at the same time, and Bakugou couldn't help but find it cool. 

   When the fourth song finished, Tokoyami paused the queue, and then told Bakugou a few key points on the song, focusing on the chords, the rhythm, and the signatures. Bakugou corrected him a few times, helping him figure some things out, and they analysed the song, and Bakugou realised that it will definitely make playing the song much easier. 

   At some point, Jirou joined them, and when Sero and Satou joined, with Kirishima and Kaminari later, they were analysing the song all together, and when finally started practising, things went more smoothly than anyone thought. Of course, it wasn't that amazing, but Jirou complimented them all, saying that it is much better than what they all expected the first try to be. She commented on how in synch Bakugou and Tokoyami were, even with all their own mistakes, and Bakugou couldn't help but think that maybe it is because they were discussing the songs together before. He likes Tokoyami too, so he doubts they would be so out of rhythm with each other.

   What was surprising, was that he and Kaminari weren't on such bad terms anymore.

   "You changed the rhythm of the song a bit, right?" he asked, looking at the paler blond on the drums.

   "Hah? Got a problem with it?"

   "Eh? No? It's just, it sounds really cool with Kirishima's guitar. It surprised me a bit how much we made that song our own, kinda," he chuckled. "Like it isn't our song, but it sounds like ours, you know? That kinda thing," he said.

   "What the fuck are you saying."

   "How hard is it to understand?!" he exclaimed, pouting.

   "You ramble a lot," said Sero, unconstructively, sitting on the floor in front of them.

   "I do not," he frowned. "But like... what I want to say it that-"

   "We interpreted it, and it's not like anyone else's, right?" asked Kirishima, joining in.

   "Huh. It still sounds like the original-"

   "Yes, but doesn't completely, does it?"

   "I guess..."

   "See?! We made it our own," grinned Jirou. "It's a cover, so of course it'll be a bit like the original," she sighed. "Bakugou. Your performances are like covers, right?" she asked.

   "Hah? Of course not!"

   "No, but, if you think about it in that sense, they really are," gasped Kirishima. "That's excluding your own pieces. Like... you can't cover your own, since it is your own."

   "Self cover."

   "That's an entire different concept."

   "Pretending that it is while it isn't," sighed Jirou, going back towards the mic. "Let's practice another song, yeah? We want a few before any concert opportunity show up," she smiled. 

   They chose another song from their list at random, and Kaminari was super happy with what they chose, since it is the one he even tried practising on. He even claimed that he'll play it better than everyone, but Tokoyami had a better grasp on the chords than he did in the end. He almost let it dishearten him, until Tokoyami confessed he also had practiced that song. Bakugou destroyed Kaminari's happiness though since he was just a natural at everything.

   Eventually, they earned themselves a break, and while Jirou talked to Sero and Satou about deadlines they set themselves and more things concerning the band, Bakugou decided to go outside, Kirishima and Tokoyami following him.

   They all leaned against the wall of the building, taking in the cold air of the evening, and relaxing at the quiet, with the occasional car passing by.

   "Is she planning a concert?" asked Bakugou, remembering small parts of Jirou's conversation with the two who sat on the floor the entire time.

   "I think so?" shrugged Kirishima. "We're definitely learning more stuff for a concert, who knows when, but I also think she wants us to play other songs so that we have more inspiration for new songs. We don't want to start lacking on new songs, especially since our following do like our original songs," he chuckled. "Covers are great, but original songs are even cooler," he grinned.

   "I must agree," nodded Tokoyami. "We mustn't fall victim to demotivation," he added.

   "If you are passionate enough, you shouldn't have such a block," shrugged Bakugou. 

   "A lot of cool artists have art block though, or even writer's block," said Kirishima. "They still are passionate," he defended.

   "Demotivation is because of your mental health," said Bakugou. "If you are sad, then you get demotivated. If you don't doubt yourself much, then you'd probably never have a block since you are so sure you can do it, and if you are motivated, then you can do it."

   "What about sad songs?"

   "Stop making me regret everything I'm saying," growled Bakugou. 

   "Darkness is a never-ending spiral that can lead to your doom if you are used to light. We must shine light around us to get out of it," said Tokoyami.

   "That sounds super cool, but I don't understand what it means."

   "One day, or perhaps never, you will."

   Bakugou clicked his tongue. "Fucking anyway," he sighed. "New songs, huh? She has a theme?" he asked.

   "Not yet, I think," said Kirishima. "She might in a week or two. You want to help out?" he asked.

   "Hah? No. I'm not an official member yet-"

   "You can join us whenever you want, you know that, right?!" he asked, grinning. "Like... I know you are our support drummer and all, but join us if you ever want part in all the cool stuff, like composing, organisation, and... you could even have an official band photo with us," he smiled, looking ready to explode our of laughter, or happiness.

   Bakugou blinked, unsure how to react. "Uh-"

   "We should head back," said Tokoyami. "Let's have a glass of water, and then we can continue our practise," he said, being the first to leave, also saving Bakugou from answering the so-energetic Kirishima.

   They all headed back inside, and their practise session resumed.

   They went over the songs they just practised, and even practised some of their own original songs so that they don't even get the chance to unintentionally forget. Everything was great, and Bakugou even felt like he and Kaminari were in synch, and when they glanced at each other, their gazes were empty of hate, and instead more full of respect, finally not disliking each other as much as before. It's a relief to everyone, and Bakugou is glad he isn't unwanted anymore. Not that Kaminari can control what he will and won't do.

   It was fun, and they had a few more breaks before Jirou finally announced the end of their practice session. Everything put their own things away, except the equipment that was to stay in the studio, like the drum kit, the microphone, and the big amps.

   Once everything was put away, and ready to go, they started leaving, but Bakugou stayed back when Jirou made a sign for him to stay.

   "Thanks for not running away," she chuckled, passing him a drink when everyone left. "Just wanted to ask you a big question, and you really don't have to answer it now," she said.

   He sat down on one of the stools around, while she leaned against the kitchen counter.

   "What is it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

   "Do you want to be our official drummer?" she asked. "It won't really change much from now since I'm sure you probably already think you are our support drummer. The only change would be that you won't be support, and you'll be in for the big decisions, like composing, and things like that," she shrugged. "You'll also have an official photo on our social medias, but you don't really have to if you don't want that," she chuckled.

   "You wouldn't kick me out from my current position if I refuse, right?" he asked, raising an eyebrow as he stared at her.

   She shook her head. "Nah. That would just be counter-productive for us," she said. "You are welcomed to stay with us as a support member until you want to leave."

   "I'll fucking join," he grinned.

   Jirou was about to grin and say something, until he cut her off.

   "On one condition."

   "Huh? What is it?" she asked, tilting her head to the side, slightly confused about what he may ask.

   "Joining is what I want to do the most, but let me figure out some of my own shit before I decide to do this. Next week I'll have an official answer for you and the rest," he declared.

   "Oh. Yeah, that's fine," she nodded, smiling. 

   They shook hands to forge the deal, and then they left the studio together.

   The way back to his apartment was cool, and nice. He won't deny it, but this practice session must have been the best of all of them for now. If he can organise himself well, which he can and will, then he'll be able to official be in a band, and take part in all of band activities. He doesn't know too much about band technicalities, but he's sure being a part of a band will mean he'll take part in photoshoots, as she said, also composing, as she also said, and even interviews. He has experience with interviews, so it isn't like it is foreign and he'll crack under pressure. Being a classical pianist is plenty stressful, and he's sure being in a band cannot be as stressful, since he'll have support from the other band members too.

   Entering his apartment, he found Midoriya watching action films on television, also eating some takeout. He sneered, almost proud at himself when he saw Midoriya begin to tremble when he realised Bakugou was back.

   "I didn't think you would be back so soon!" he said. "I bought some for you too," he said behind a smile, motioning the table.

   "For fuck's sake- Can you not even make yourself a healthy meal for one night?" he asked, sighing. He was too happy to be angry and make a fuss, so he just took the takeout box for him, and joined Midoriya on the couch. "What are you watching?"

   "I don't know. A superhero movie. It's a bit lame, but we have high standards so it really isn't too bad," he shrugged. "I took the spiciest option on the menu for you, since I know anything more bland would have you so much more angry," he chuckled, motioning the box in front of Bakugou with one of his chopsticks.

   He clicked his tongue. "Whatever. I don't care. You paid."

   "I did," he sighed. "It was expensive too, but I knew it would be better than cup noodles."

   "You got that fucking right," he growled, digging in to his meal.

   They were at the end of the movie, looking at the credits, when Bakugou's phone suddenly rang. He looked at the caller ID, and then sighed loudly.

   "It's the hag," he said, standing up and heading to his room.

   "Okay!" nodded Midoriya, giving him a thumb up. "I'll just be here."

   "Whatever."

   He entered his bedroom, and then closed the door behind him. Sitting down on his bed, he finally answered.

   "Sure took your time, huh, Katsuki?"

   "I was going somewhere quieter," he said, a snarl on his lips.

   "Sure. Anyway, I just wanted to call for news, since you never try to call us. It is always Izuku who tells his mother news, who then relays it all to me," she sighed. "It'd be nice to get the news directly from you one day," she said, disappointed.

   "I've been busy."

   "Really? What have you been doing?" she asked.

   He debated what to answer, and decided to just go with something she'd approved for now.

   "I've been helping Izuku figure out the program for his concert."

   "Oh? How's that going?" she asked.

   "Well. We finished it, and he's looking at venues to perform in now, and hopefully we'll have a date for the concert soon," he sighed. "The nerd doesn't practice until he has a deadline, and even I can't convince him to practice sooner."

   "Have you been practising though?"

   "Of fucking course, and I still have all of my own stuff to do," he sighed. "He's a mess."

   "Don't let him make you a mess too then," she chuckled. "Apart from work like that, what else has been going on with you?" she asked.

   Bakugou hesitated. He can always tell her that he's going to join a band, but he can also keep it a secret. What's keeping it a secret going to do for him though? He'll just be avoiding the problem.

   "I've been a support drummer for a band," he stated. "I might become an official member too."

   His mother was silent on the other side, probably fuming. 

   He didn't dare say another word.

   "Have you?" she asked, slowly. Her voice dropped a tone.

   He swallowed the spit in his mouth, and covered the mic to exhale a shaky sigh. "Yeah. I've been practising with them. It's fun."

   "Really? What kind of band are they?" she asked.

   "Metalcore. Punk and metal," he said. There's no point lying. She probably already knew what kind of band he'd be willing to join anyway.

   "Has it been affecting your proper work?" she asked.

   "No. The practice sessions are only once a week, occasionally twice but they are shorter then," he said. "I've just been practising my own stuff during the weekend as compensation," he said, lying slightly. 

   He has been practising during the weekend more, but just on Sunday.

   "You are wasting your time."

   He blinked, the words, though expected, hurting more than he could have imagined they would. He knew his mother would disapprove, but he never realised how much more it hurts than before. 

   "Don't even bother trying to join them and become an official member. You'll waste your time more. Quit being a support member too. That band isn't worth it. You have an entire fanbase already, and fame, you don't need more."

   "I- It's not about fame and fans," he growled. "It's about doing what I like to do," he spat.

   "And you don't like classical music?"

   "I-... I do."

   "I know. So continue to pursue that. Forget that silly band. It's rebellious music, and can destroy your current career. I don't care if you get along with the band members. Just quit."

   Bakugou knows she is just trying to support him, but it is also deteriorating. He hung up before she could even try. 

   Letting out a shaky exhale, he growled. 'Fuck her.'

   He went back into the living room, and Midoriya didn't ask questions when he changed the channel to a better film. One with explosions, a good story, and great characters. They already saw the movie, but they couldn't care at all.

   It was comforting, and Bakugou couldn't ask for more. He just wanted something to dull the pain in his heart, and this calm atmosphere was it for him. 

   His phone lit up.

Kirishima: Today was great! Wanna play together, just the two of us, this weekend?

   Bakugou couldn't help but smile. His mother was forgotten, and he can't care about what his parents think. He'll do what he wants to do.

   'I'll join that fucking band, and no one can stop me. Not even me.'

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I'm sorry I didn't update last week. I did say I was going to be busy, but then I ended up not having internet the entire weekend, and so I didn't get to update (since my phone's mobile data wasn't working either *sigh*)

So this week I bring to you a double update! The next chapter will be up in a little while, so do stay alert for it because it'll be here in a short while.

Thank you all for reading this chapter! Do enjoy the next one!

Until next time~!! ;DD

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