Chapter Text
The buzz from the talent show had barely begun to settle when Tommy received an unexpected message. One day after school, as he was packing up his guitar in the music room, Mr. Awesam approached him with a serious, yet excited expression.
"Tommy," Sam began, "I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something important."
Tommy looked up, curious. "What is it, Sam?"
Sam handed him a flyer. Tommy’s eyes widened as he read the bold letters at the top: “Battle of the Bands: High School Edition.”
"This is one of the biggest events in the region for young musicians," Sam explained. "Bands from all over the area compete, and it’s a great opportunity to get noticed. I think you should consider entering."
Tommy’s heart skipped a beat. The Battle of the Bands was legendary at their school, with past winners going on to secure record deals or viral online success. But Tommy wasn’t part of a band. He was a solo artist, and his music was deeply personal, something he wasn’t sure he was ready to share on such a grand stage.
"I don’t know, Sam," Tommy said hesitantly. "I mean, I’m not in a band, and my music... it’s just me."
Sam smiled reassuringly. "You don’t have to be in a band to participate. They have a solo artist category too. And from what I’ve seen, you’re more than ready for this."
Tommy felt a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling in his chest. This was a huge opportunity, but it also came with risks. Competing meant more exposure, more eyes on him—and possibly, his family finding out about his secret life as a musician.
"I’ll think about it," Tommy finally said, tucking the flyer into his bag.
As the days passed, Tommy found himself consumed by the decision. On one hand, the Battle of the Bands was a chance to take his music to the next level, to possibly even secure his future as an artist. On the other hand, the fear of being discovered by his family weighed heavily on his mind. The stakes had never been higher.
His close friends, Tubbo and Ranboo, were ecstatic about the idea. They encouraged him to go for it, even offering to help in any way they could, whether it was practicing with him, offering moral support, or helping him manage his online presence.
But the thought of performing in front of such a large crowd, with the possibility of his family finding out, made Tommy hesitant. He knew his father wouldn’t approve, and the thought of disappointing his family was something he struggled with daily.
During a late-night conversation with Tubbo and Ranboo, Tommy finally voiced his concerns.
"I don’t know if I’m ready for this," Tommy admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "What if my dad finds out? What if I mess up? This could ruin everything."
Tubbo was quick to reassure him. "Tommy, you’ve already done something amazing with the talent show. This is just the next step. And as for your dad... well, he doesn’t have to know."
Ranboo nodded in agreement. "You’ve got to do what makes you happy, Tommy. If this is what you want, you can’t let anyone stand in your way."
Tommy knew they were right. But knowing it and acting on it were two different things. The decision weighed heavily on him, pulling him in different directions.
A few days before the registration deadline, Tommy sought out Mr. Awesam. He found him in the music room, tinkering with an old piano. Sam looked up as Tommy entered, immediately sensing the turmoil in the young musician’s eyes.
"Still thinking about the competition?" Sam asked gently.
Tommy nodded, dropping his bag by the door. "I want to do it, but I’m scared. What if it’s too much? What if everything falls apart?"
Sam leaned against the piano, his expression thoughtful. "Tommy, every great artist faces challenges like this. The question isn’t whether or not you’ll face obstacles—it’s how you’ll handle them when they come. Do you believe in your music?"
Tommy hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I do."
"Then that’s what matters," Sam said firmly. "This is your dream, Tommy. And sometimes, following your dream means taking risks. It’s scary, I know. But you’ve got the talent, and you’ve got the heart. Don’t let fear hold you back."
Tommy felt a sense of calm wash over him. Sam’s words resonated deeply, easing the anxiety that had been gnawing at him. For the first time in days, he felt a flicker of clarity.
"I think I want to do it," Tommy said, more to himself than to Sam. "I just need to figure out how."
That night, Tommy stayed up late, his mind racing with possibilities. He thought about the songs he could perform, the way he could present himself, and how he could keep his participation a secret from his family.
He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but something inside him had shifted. He couldn’t let this opportunity pass by. He had to take the chance, to prove to himself that he could do it.
In the end, Tommy made his decision. He would enter the Battle of the Bands as a solo artist. He would write a new song, something that would capture the essence of who he was and what he wanted to say to the world. And he would do it on his terms, no matter what.
With his decision made, Tommy threw himself into preparation. He spent every free moment in the music room, crafting a new song that he hoped would leave a lasting impact. He worked closely with Sam, who offered guidance and feedback, helping him refine the melody and lyrics.
Tubbo and Ranboo were there every step of the way, offering encouragement and keeping Tommy’s spirits high. They even helped him brainstorm ideas for his performance, suggesting ways to make it stand out.
As the day of the competition drew closer, Tommy’s excitement grew, tempered by a nervous energy that kept him on edge. He knew this was his chance to show the world—and himself—what he was truly capable of.
But as the competition loomed, so did the fear of discovery. The closer he got to the big day, the more he worried about what would happen if his family found out. Would they be angry? Disappointed? Would they try to stop him?
Despite the uncertainty, Tommy pushed forward, determined to see it through. This was his dream, and he wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—stand in his way.