Lies and Lullabies (Rodrick Heffley x Black Fem MC!!)

Chapter 8

       The bands have been practicing nonstop for two weeks. Payne spent all their time in their studio, and it was going smoothly for them. They wanted to incorporate different elements into their set for Battle of the Bands, such as mixing older sampled songs with their own, and building stamina. Being the last act means having to perform a bit longer.

      On the other hand, Deja traveled to meet up with L&L at the studio that their label let them use. Taylor and Ryan were always ecstatic for rehearsals, but Ace... it would have been nice if he showed up to any. She assumed he was avoiding her, but he never missed a chance to show off a new woman and make public appearances. Knowing his flaky attitude, Deja focused her energy on working hard for their album and practicing for Battle of the bands by brainstorming ideal songs and the categories they best fit in. Luna sat through a couple of songwriting and album producing sessions but all she did was sit on her phone. She did approve the song Deja and Ryan worked on, "Summer of '99", to be their second single. It's an upbeat pop/rock song, and Pink Floyd inspired as Ryan requested while Taylor loved how they could use their keyboard in new ways.

      It's Thursday, and tomorrow kicks off the start of the competition with a carnival during the day and eight smaller bands competing in the evening. L&L only has two more hours left of their session. Since today is the last day to get in a real rehearsal, they spend it fixing timing issues and adding back up songs. The venue host, James, is known for changing the rules and categories each year to keep everyone on their toes. Soon the door flings open, and everyone stops.

     "Well look who decided to show. I missed your face, Ace," Ryan grins at his friend.

     Ace rolls his eyes then fixes them on Deja, giving her a soft smile before he took a seat.

     "He has been busy with promo. Someone's gotta talk about the album to the media and generate hype," Luna answers Ryan, causing him to nod.

     "What have you guys worked on?" Ace asks as he sits up.

     Deja starts by handing him a list of songs they rehearsed, "Well, since we do not know the categories, we practiced something from all genres just in case, as well as our own." Leadership looks good on her, and it's times like these that she often swoops in to handle everything purely for future connections and respect from everyone else while fighting to reclaim her dignity that Ace so often tries to steal from under her.

     "Deja, most of these songs are older," Ace complains while looking over the paper.

     "Nothing out nowadays caught our eye to add, unless you want to sing Sexxy Red," she comments, making Ryan and Taylor laugh.

     "That might not be a bad idea," Taylor chokes out between laughs.

     "That is not the point, we need to impress the judges. If we want to win, we need to pull out all the stops cause I'm tired of being second. So, I will make modifications tonight and we will practice tomorrow," Ace responds in a burst of anger before shoving the list in the trash.

      "That is not going to work, we need to make an appearance tomorrow. We have not been seen as a band in a while," Ryan points out.

      Ace rolls his eyes, "Like Deja isn't spending all her time with Payne? How can we, especially when none of you want to do PR."

      Taylor holds onto Deja's shoulder in a quick defensive position before cutting Ace off and hissing out, "Being a member of a band isn't just playing PR, we have to perform well enough that people want to listen in the first place."