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Language:
English
Series:
Part 4 of Battle of the Bands - Life Series band AU
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Published:
2026-05-23
Updated:
2026-09-22
Words:
34,354
Chapters:
10/?
Comments:
148
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69
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748

Little Soldiers

Summary:

Ren's got a band to lead, a stage to own, and a reputation for being the guy who always knows what to say at exactly the right time. So when Martyn starts showing up in every corner of his life -backstage, after shows, in the quiet moments between chaos- Ren treats it like it’s normal. Harmless. Even when it isn’t. Because Martyn laughs like he means it, looks at Ren like he’s already halfway gone, and somehow makes “just friends” feel like a lie neither of them is willing to say out loud.

Martyn, the lead singer of a two person band is loud, confident, and always a step ahead. (at least on stage.) Offstage is different. Offstage is Ren leaning into him like it’s the most natural thing in the world, Ren calling him pet names like it means something more than a joke, Ren making it harder and harder to pretend this is all just coincidence. Martyn tells himself it’s nothing. That he and Ren are just friends who happen to fit too well together. But the truth keeps slipping through the cracks anyway.

or

two good friends who are super dense... will they realize their feelings are mutual before it's too late?

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION/BANDS

Notes:

welcome all to the next fic of the Battle of the Bands Past Life AU!!! With how much Treebark crumbs I put in the last fic, I was very excited to get this one started! They have my whole heart...

For those who have not read the previous fics in this series; 'All The Small Things', 'Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've'), and 'we can't be friends (wait for your love)', you DO NOT have to read those in order to read this one, as it will not ruin any plot points. Although, it may get confusing at some points but do feel free to ask questions!

Enjoy and get ready for some maximum yearning in this one!!!

Chapter Text


 

SONG

 

' Like little soldiers in the trenches

It was a march we made towards ruin and despair

But we held hands all the while

I swear that I loved you '

 

- Little Soldiers, The Crane Wives

 


 

SNEAK PEEK AT A FUTURE CHAPTER

 

“You ever think about it?” Ren asks eventually, swirling his drink.

 

Martyn frowns slightly. “Think about what?”

 

Ren shrugs. “How easy it’d be to just…stop pretending.”
He swings his legs slightly off the table, landing on the floor with a drunken stumble.
Now they’re at the same level.
“You know what I think?” He says softly.

 

Martyn hesitates. “What.”

 

Ren tilts his head.
“I think,” he says.
“You’ve been looking at me like I’m something you’re trying not to reach for.”

 

Martyn lets out a short laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”

 

Ren steps forward anyway.
Not enough to touch him, just enough that Martyn has to decide where to put his hands.

 

“If I step closer,” Ren continues quietly, “are you going to step back?”

 

...what?

 

 


 

BANDS

 

The Secret Society: previously The Villies, but they disbanded due to complications with one of their band members, who then left the band.

They found a new person; Etho. Who is part of another band.

Members:

Grian - drums

Gem - lead vocals & guitar

Etho - guitar

Pearl (left band) - backing vocals & guitar

 

 

Cabin Crew: a group of guys who all went to a summer camp together back in their earlier days.

They decided to form a band, and have become extremely popular since.

Members:

Scott - lead vocals

Bdubs - backing vocals & guitar

Scar - drums

Etho - guitar

 

 

The Lost Generation: a duo band that quickly rose in the ranks for how well they play for just two people.

They use a soundpad for their drums

Members:

Martyn - lead vocals

Cleo - backing vocals & guitar

 

 

The Rejects: one of the most popular boy bands...namely for their stage antics and the way their songs can make anyone swoon.

'Half American Rejects'

Members:

Jimmy - lead vocals

Big B - keyboard & guitar

Joel - drums

Skizz - guitar

 

 

The Gluten Guys: a three man band who work simple jobs on the side -as they don't play on stage as much- they are known to be very

interactive with their crowd.

Members:

Ren - lead vocals & guitar

Impulse - drums

Tango - guitar

 


 

PLAYLIST

 

Little Soldiers - The Crane Wives

 

Who Knows - Daniel Caesar

 

No.1 Party Anthem - Arctic Monkeys

 

Are You Bored Yet? - Wallows (feat. Clario)