#bandmate

[PT: Band / Band Mate]

Band Mate, a system member who prefers Band/Band Mate instead of alter/headmate(s); a term for when you use Band/Band Mate instead of alter/headmate(s).

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[Tags] @system-term-archive, @pluralitywords, @pluralterms, @radiomogai, @plurchive, @mates-friends-and-loves , @madarchive

“Okay, one more concert and then we have a bit of break but you all are doing amazing today.” Harry smiled. You looked around. Everyone was buying into it. Unbelievable. The week had been a complete and utter disaster. Everything that could've gone wrong had actually gone wrong. Harry, Mr. Optimism over here was acting like it was sunshine and rainbows when there were serious problems that needed discussing. Like why the hell no one can actually figure out the correct placement of instruments. Or why the lighting people cant properly do their jobs. You rolled your eyes and broke away from the group earning an exasperating sigh from Harry. You ignored him and walked into the dressing room for a break. Clearing your head was exactly what you needed. You picked up your phone and smiled at the cute text from AJ. You had met him a few weeks ago while performing in Cali and he seemed like a great guy. You were about to call him and tell him about the shit show of a week when Harry walked in, his hands tearing through his hair, not a great sign this was going to be a fun conversation.

“Why did you leave the meeting early?”

“Why are you acting like everything is fine when its not?”

“(y/n)....”

“Harry you can’t seriously be okay with this. I mean things are a disaster and you're over here like telling people great job. The show is in a few days and no one is ready.”

“You can’t just walk out of a team meeting.”

“I needed to clear my head.”

“Of what?”

“Of your bull shit.” You crossed your arms and looked at him. He was mad, you could tell.

“Why do you always have to argue with me and make things difficult?”

“Why do you always have to treat people like everything they do deserves a trophy?”

“It’s called being kind. You should try it sometime.”

“It doesn't get anything done. Clearly.”

Harry stood up and gave you a look to which you returned with a glare. “I can’t deal with you right now?” 

“Never asked you to in the first place.”

Harry laughed frustrated and looked at you. “If you have a problem with the way things are run you can always leave.”

You stared at him and shook your head. “Maybe I will.”

“It would sure make my life a hell of a lot easier if you left.”

Ouch, that one hurt. Harry walked away without saying anything else and you texted AJ. You desperately needed a distraction. AJ said he would pick you up in an hour so you wiped the tear from your eye and got ready. 

“I just don’t get why he can’t listen to my opinion, or take my advice on how to help things move along. He just doesn’t respect me or my thoughts like he does with other people in the band.’

“He shouldn’t be that way, it just doesn't seem very professional. I mean is it because your younger? Because that shouldn't matter, youre a part of the band thats the only thing that should matter.” 

Aj had taken you out to dinner and you were ranting about the argument you had with him. “He told me to leave. He told me life would be easier without me.”

“What the fuck? Who says that to someone in their band?”

“I don't know...” you mumbled taking another bite.

“You should do it.” Aj said through a mouthful of pasta.

“Do what?”

“Leave. Come be the drummer in my band.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, Mark broke his wrist and we've been looking for a replacement. I mean obviously its not as big as Harry’s venue but its something. It’s at least a job where you would be respected.” You bit your lip. On one hand, it would be so nice to leave and just start over with another band. One more closely related to your band like Aj’s was. On the other hand, Harry was family and leaving would hurt him in the end.

“I don't know...”

“Look, you have a few days before your concert. Why don't you come to our rehearsal tonight and just see how you mesh with everyone.”

You sighed and nodded. “Youre right. There’s no harm and testing it out...” 

AJ smiled and finished his food with a smirk. “Can’t wait.”

You met AJ at their rehearsal location and he introduced you to the two other guitar players, all boys around your age or a little older. They all seemed super nice and rehearsal went by quickly and without any problems. Everyone did their part and they did it correctly. There was no arguing, no stress, just success. It felt good.

AJ drove you back to the hotel where you were greeted with a frown from Harry who was waiting at the hotel doors. “Where have you been all night? You missed stage rehearsal.” You kissed AJ goodbye and waved as he drove away, ignoring Harry the way he had earlier and just walking past him inside. “(y/n). What the fuck are you doing? I’m trying to talk to you. Where were you?”

“At rehearsal.”

“No you weren't. Everyone but you was at rehearsal actually.”

“No. Actually, I was at rehearsal with my new band, with AJ’s band.”

“Why?”

“Because you told me to leave and youre right. So I tested out another option tonight.”

“You have to be kidding.”

“I’m not.”

“That’s not funny.”

“I’m not trying to be funny.”

“(y/n).”

“Harry.”

“Is he pressuring you? Giving you something so that you will have to be in his band?”

You laughed. “No. I willingly tried out his band today. There was nothing else by myself that made me do that.”

“You can’t just leave.”

“Oh yeah? Because an hour ago you were yelling at me saying that your life would be easier without me and so I found another option. People who actually appreciate me and value what I say.”

“(y/n).”

“Look, I’m tired. I’m going to bed, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”

You wandered back to your room, texting AJ about how Harry had been upset. AJ told you he would get over it but you weren't sure. 

You woke up early the next morning and made your way to AJ’s second rehearsal. When you arrived, you were surprised to find Harry. “Harry? What are you doing here?”

“I came to see your new band.”

“Why?”

“Just because.”

“Okay?” 

You went to your drum set and played while AJ started singing, “All my friends are falling in love, All my friends are locking it up, But I can't seem to settle down, 'Cause I'm waiting on you to come around, While all my friends are falling in love.”

You made it through the whole set but suggested to the band and AJ that the song order should be rotated and that the lighting should dim for certain songs. Everyone nodded in agreement and wrote out a new setlist and directions for the lighting team. You made you off stage and smiled. It was nice to have that support and openness to new ideas. Harry was waiting backstage, his arms crossed. “Great job.”

“Thanks.”

“I noticed something about your rehearsal.”

“Whats that?”

“You didn't even snap at anyone. I mean no mean comments. Are you sure you're actually (y/n)?” he laughed.

“Maybe when people actually give me the time of day...”

“I give you the time of day.”

“NO YOU DON’T!” you were getting upset. “You never listen. No one does. You all think I’m a stupid teenager who cant carry her weight.”

‘Thats not true.”

“It is!” You dropped the drum sticks to the floor. “You all think my ideas are stupid. No one ever even fully listens to what I’m trying to say. At least here people listen and discuss the ideas.”

“So are you saying youre done with your job? Youre not going to tour with us any more?”

“Isn't that what you wanted in the first place? Now you can just replace me with some old person who doesn't care what the hell goes on on stage.”

“I didnt want you to leave.”

“You said you did.”

“I was mad!” Harry sighed. “(y/n) youre like my little sister. I value youre opinions. I do.”

“But you don’t.”

“I do.”

“You don't. Do you even know what the last thing I suggested was?”

“Well-”

“Exactly...”

“Look-” Harry sat down and patted the seat next to him. You sat and crossed your arms. “I’m sorry. I haven't been as open to new things lately and thats something we can work on. I don't think you leaving is the answer to anything, but if its what you want and its what makes you happy-”

“Being your drummer makes me happy. But not when you all tell me to shut up and act like I’m not a member of the band just because I’m younger.”

Harry sighed again. “If being in AJ’s band makes you happy you should do it. I want you to pick what's best for you. Don't think about my feelings or AJ’s. Think about what you want. And when you figure that out, I’ll be in the hotel.”

You groaned and thought about it. Being with AJ would be great, you loved the band. Being with Harry and touring the world would also be great, but no one treated you like you belonged there. You knew you couldnt leave Harry. You knew that no matter how frustrating everyone was, you committed and weren't going to leave him without a drummer. You may have wanted to be in AJ’s but Harry was going to get you farther in your career.

You wandered into the hotel and sat in the chair across from Harry’s. “I made my decision.”

“And?”

“I’m not going to leave you empty handed on tour without a drummer.”

Harry looked up surprised. “What?”

“I want to stay in your band....if you'll have me...”

Harry walked over and pulled you into a hug. “Of course I’ll take you. You're the best drummer we could ask for. And I do promise to try and include you more often.” You nodded and grinned as everyone came over to see what was happening. “Well actually,” Harry started. “(y/n) has some ideas for tour...I think we should listen to them all...”

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Jeff Beck (left) and Sir Rod Stewart - Hollywood Bowl; Hollywood, CA (9-27-19).  @rodstewart @jeffbeckmusic