(Requested by the one and only NezukoOtaku_ I couldn't be entirely serious with the one-shot title- also this is over 3000 words. Oops. I hope you all enjoy! <3)

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"Ah, so I heard you wanted to rap."

Those words alone sent a shiver to grip your spine. You wish news across the gossip community (also known as classic school girls) didn't travel around so fast, but alas, it did. It wouldn't be considered a massive deal if it weren't for the fact that you were trying to keep it a secret from a certain orange head.

"Well," you laugh uneasily and you turn around to meet Pico's gaze. The school has been dismissed for the day and he had to meet up with you in front of the line of busses. He was lucky enough to catch you. "It was a thought."

"A thought? I typically don't believe in what those girls have to say, but I thought I heard someone comment that you wanted to be serious with the topic," Pico said.

"You know how they are. They exaggerate topics often. I thought about it for the fun of it, not something serious. I don't even know if I have the confidence. Seeing you rap with Keith and the others is far more fun, anyway," you said before turning on your heels to face the direction of your bus.

Pico was quick to stop you in your tracks, even if you didn't manage to take a full first step. His hands are up to block you. "Even if you don't want to rap in front of others, I think it will be fun if it was just you and I. Also, I want to invite you to see a battle."

"Thanks for the offer, but I may have to decline. I have homework to do," you answer and pass around him. He stops you again but instead of hurriedly pacing in front of you, he grabs your shoulder without much force.

"We both know you don't do half of your homework. Can we try at least once? We only have one class together, and even then we don't sit next to each other since the teacher is mean. If you don't have fun, then we won't have to do it again," he said, the grip on your shoulder slightly tensing up.

Based on the small quiver of his tone, it seemed like he wanted to genuinely spend time with you instead of using that time to make an excuse to procrastinate on his homework. The thought only makes your heart melt like a river of lava and leaves a smile in the corner of your lips.

You look over your bookbag strap to send him a glance as you try to hide your eagerness. "Alright, fine. What time are you thinking?"

---

Friday classes felt like a mixture between an incredible drag and a racehorse. The classes were beginning to drive you into insanity due to the endless ticking from the clocks hanging above the whiteboards. But when the boring classes passed, the day whizzed past your eyes before you could comprehend it.

When the final bell rang, you were one of the first to leave with no hesitation and dart out the open door. None of your friends got the chance to talk to you when the rush of students took place in the halls since you were already embracing the outside air.

It wasn't long until your feet were hitting against the cement parking lot owned by the school. All your keychains and zippers on your bookbag vigorously bounced with you.

You cannot deny that you are excited to spend time with Pico and perhaps learn a few secrets from him or his talent in rap battles. Even without the rap, you were jumping to finally get a chance to hang out with him. Especially on a Friday night, where most of the rappers are ready to battle it out. You didn't get to see much battle action since you are constantly busy and running after your own head to please your parents.

"Y/n! My goodness!" Perhaps your excitement was showing too much since you were already at the passenger door of Pico's used car. Pico laughs and struggles to pull out his keys quickly. He approaches the driver's side. "Gosh, did you just sonic your way through everyone?"

"Nah, I just magically teleported," you snort. Honestly, with the wild people in the downtown area, such as a bomb head and pink demon lady in the town's church, it wouldn't be surprising.

He got his keys out and the two of you climbed into the seats. You immediately tossed your bookbag to the back seats along with Pico. The weight of the school week is finally released from your shoulders, literally and figuratively.

The drive is fun but fairly short. Pico told his plans and what's to be expected tonight. First, you two will chill at his house and warm up. Then, when night hits, you both will go downtown and see who can battle this week. Was this illegal? Partially not since it's a fun competition with no real prizes unless people bet.

Oh boy, the anticipation is real.

---

"Show me what you got," Pico said, moving his cheap microphone to you.

His main microphone is for the battle. This is where you tense up. You grab the microphone from his hand, tapping it a few times to confirm if it is on. The tap of your fingers rings through the only speaker that it is currently set up to.

"What do you want? Freestyle? Some lyrics from a song?" You quiz.

"Whatever comes to mind," he replies and sits on the speaker. Seeing as you have no rhythm or tempo, Pico was quick to grab drumsticks and started to tap the side of the speaker to give you a steady tempo. It was slow enough for you to get some ease.

"Let's see uh..." you think for a moment. You didn't realize how tight your fingers hugged the handle until you took a small breath, which echoed in the microphone. "Listen, man, this is very awkward. I feel like I'm going to sound like a shitty high school SoundCloud rapper."

This earned a laugh from Pico. "We all have to start somewhere," he said.

You hold out the microphone. "You show me first."

"I want to see you first."

"That's embarrassing," you said, a frown settling in between your eyebrows. "I just- maybe I can get some inspiration from you?"

"No can do," he said and leaned back in his seat more to get comfortable. A grin plays across his lips and you are ready to chuck the microphone into his smug face. Seeing as you were not going to win this debate, you try to think of a few verses from songs that you listen to.

You begin singing some rap verses you remember, cringing while doing so. You couldn't even tell if it was singing or it was plainly saying words that rhythmed. By the end of the short nightmare, Pico was on the floor, in tears. Your face is more vibrant than a heap of cherries, so you quickly cover your face in embarrassment.

"Oh- that was-!" Pico bursts out into laughter again while holding his stomach. "Y/n! What even was that?!" He manages the question in between laughter. You groan dramatically and shove the microphone in his direction. Heat is coming off your cheeks and you tried your hardest to cool down.

Maybe having a rap career in high school is the last thing you will consider for fun.

It took a while, but Pico was able to control his laughter, and even then, he would randomly laugh in between pauses. You were lucky that, whatever it is you did, was over with. You got to listen to Pico do his turn. It was odd without music but you still found his rapping to be incredible, especially since he makes his own garage music.

What you love a lot about Pico is how fast he can make lyrics on the spot. He has a quick tongue and he is talented in freestyling. He is passionate about rapping since he dedicates so much time to battle and practice. Having that commitment must be hard to keep motivation for, but that's all the more why you like him. It seems, even if he lacks inspiration, he will continue to rap.

Most of the practice consisted of him showing you his recent music that he is excited to show for tonight. He asked several times for your opinion and you gave your honesty: most of the time, his music is already good. You are just thankful he doesn't scream a string of cuss words.

The sun was starting to set, the amber rays casting against the horizon and shifting to various warm colors. The two of you begin to pack items, such as a large speaker that has to go to the trunk, microphone, jackets, and snacks.

Pico also handed you a pocket knife. He said it can get crazy during certain battles. Some guy might hit on you or the police can show up. Either way, the look on Pico's face assured you that he seems to care about your safety.

You both climb into his car and head off to the downtown region of your urban hometown. It wasn't a massive city but it's still dense and certain buildings are higher than regular office buildings. Being a Friday night, there were many people already out.

"And... we are here. But we are going to have to walk a little bit," he said while finding a suitable parking spot on the side of a smaller road. You both grab your items, luckily the speaker has wheels, and was already walking off to the site.

By the time you reach the area, a dark blue cast is over the sky and the warm fixture of city lights begins to drift in the evening air. You were surely exhilarated and, admittingly, a little worried. Perhaps your worried expression was showing for Pico grabbed your attention.

"Loosen up, I'm not making you rap," he said, giving you an adorable smile that reflects one of a baby's. "If anything, you can sit or stand next to Gabby so I can see you. She usually sits on the speakers. I sometimes wonder if it's because it vibrates..."

You punched his shoulder playfully. "Don't think like that, weirdo." Pico lifts his available hand in defense, his other hand occupied by dragging the speaker.

"Hey! I'm just saying!" He says quickly. The conversation was mainly cut short when you approach the scene. It was an open gap between two buildings, small enough to be considered an alleyway but still big enough to hold a decent-sized crowd. You immediately gasp at the sight of a certain blue head.

"Keith!" You almost drop your belongings. At the mention of his name, he smiles widely and runs up to you to give a massive embrace. Some of the items in your hands slip from your hold but you weren't angry as you hug Keith back.

"Y/n! Oh, I'm so happy you showed up! I know you don't go to these battles often so I promise to make this one good for you!" Keith pulls away, smiling wide. Then, his eyes glimpse at Pico, and his smile falters strikingly. Since Pico is positioned behind you, you didn't see the wide, envious hold on Pico's expression. A drop of sweat appears on Keith's forehead and he pats your shoulder. "I should get going, haha." And he was quick to turn back to what he was previously working on.

"Huh, that was odd," you said, more to yourself, and duck down to grab the snacks and jacket you dropped upon Keith's hug. "Anyways," you turn to Pico with a bright smile. "Where should I go?"

"Anywhere you would like. I'm not even rapping in the first round," Pico's blunt response made you frown but you didn't question it. The battle seemed like it was going to commence soon so you went around, trying to find a spot. More people were joining to see the battle, even strangers that are happening to walk by.

Just like Pico suggested before, you got a seat on one of the smaller speakers next to Gabby. You just hope that your brains won't get blasted out or you will get knocked off by accident. Gabby seems to be fine, even if she is on the biggest one, so you wonder what her secrets are.

The first battle was between a robot named Hex and Keith. As the battle went forward, you looked around and noticed the ratio of girls to guys. There seemed to be plenty more girls than guys, and you wonder why. You also realized that many of them were schoolgirls but they were out of their usual uniform.

Keith was victorious and next on the list was Skid and Pump versus Pico. Skid and Pump are more popular than Pico, but when the final notes hit, Pico was the winner based on the crowd cheers.

The question you asked earlier about the schoolgirls was answered when the third round approached. The most popular male in your school stepped in. Takeda, you believe his name is, but many of the girls shouted Senpai. It made you cringe so hard, you felt like your face was becoming a raisin. These girls are annoying. You don't hold respect for the guy so you call him what the others call him.

The third round is Senpai versus Pico. You noticed, however, that Pico is pacing beside you.

You stand up from your speaker and pull Pico aside from the commotion.

"What's the matter?" You ask.

"I really don't want to lose, but I fear that I may not have another round after this. I want to play the song that I'm eager to show but... it's going to be useless if he wins," Pico explained. "His popularity is going to beat me." You seemingly understand. If many people are rooting for Senpai already, then Pico feels like he is going to instantly lose no matter the effort.

"I think you will do great. Even if you don't win, I will find your song amazing," you reassure. You examine his features and realize his face is turning more noticeably pink. An awkward cough comes out of your throat. "Ahem, anyway, I don't know how to give advice. Just know that I'm here to support you." You drop your voice to a whisper and giggle. "Team Pico!"

This seemed like enough to convince Pico.

Time was draining until the next battle. You go back to your spot back on the speaker. Pico remained hesitant.

"Three! Two! One! Let the third battle begin!" Gabby shouts, earning a cheer from the crowd.

The two start relatively, but Pico seemed to be trembling. Senpai is going to use this as an advantage and bash Pico. Outside of the rapping world, Senpai has no remorse or sympathy. You know this from the countless girls who he has played with and made them cry, even if it was an innocent girl or someone new to the school.

Your hands, which grip the edge of the speaker, grow tighter every minute. The anger radiating from you is intense. You are annoyed that such a person, who feeds off of pride, has little respect for the people around him. You cannot begin to express your hatred towards the one they call Senpai. That only fueled more when Pico looked ready to be done.

Then, you realize, you can express your hatred. You reacted fast. Your hand snatches the microphone from Pico faster than he can protest and you hold your ground. The music cuts abruptly. Then, a lingering silence hangs above everyone.

"Oh? Look who we have here," Senpai begins. Whispers stir in the crowd. "Listen, I will save you the embarrassment and go easy on you, alright?" Senpai generates a dastardly grin that you want to tear off completely from his punchable face.

"Deal," you growl as the heavy metal singers do. This earned a few surprised expressions in the crowd, and you swore you heard an "ooooh" from a group of teenage boys who quickly laughed afterwards. If boys seriously doubt that girls can rap, then they have an entire storm impending.

"Y/n, what in the-" you place your hand over Pico's mouth and push him aside. Now that plans have altered, the man behind the music has to change it. He gave you a tempo with heavier bass and basic clicks. You tap your foot a few times. The adrenaline in your system stopped you from backing down.

And so, the battle begins.

"Consequences heavy, are you bitches ready?" You point at Senpai, grinning like a shark. "Step into my Chevy, aiming very steady." You start to go off on each verse and produce lyrics on the spot. You make several roasts on Senpai's appearance. The two of you go back and forth, insulting one another. You used this as an advantage since you have plenty of garbage on Senpai, but he hardly knows you.

The entire time, Pico seemed completely memorized. Keith and Gabby were surely surprised, too. Their faces gave you confidence which helped you through until the end.

You finished off the battle and dropped the microphone. Of course, the school girls screamed for Senpai, but you earned the majority of the guys and strangers on your side. "In your face!" You laugh.

Senpai's cheeks are red with anger and pure embarrassment. The blush casting on his cheeks manages to sprawl out to his ears. He turns on his heels and stomps away, girls following him like dogs. You step off the makeshift stage with victory.

Something suddenly tackles you and gives you a dozen kisses on your face. You squeal when you instantly realize it was Pico.

"That was incredible! Oh my gosh!" Pico gushed. You get lifted off your feet and into his arms. Your heart decides to skip an entire beat as your bright smile remains. "Y/n- that- oh wow!" Words sputtered out of him before he got his bearings. "Let me just say, that was epic!"

"It was all for you," you said. You give his nose a simple tap while saying a little "Boop". That gave him a goofy smile and another pink veil formed on his cheeks.

"I can't get over it! That was amazing! You proved me and everyone wrong, it's like a secret talent you have. Gosh, I just want to kiss you," he says with a full chest. As soon as you heard the last part, you thought that it wasn't meant to come out.

"Alright, then why haven't you kissed me yet?" Instead of panicking, your first response was trying to be cool and collective. The blush on Pico's cheeks deepened as he finally realized what he said. He set you down and looked at the contestants for the next battle, avoiding your gaze.

"O-Oh, well, I thou-mph!" You didn't want to hear the excuse so you closed your eyes, pulled him down to your level, and connected his lips to yours. The kiss lasted longer than it first started and you took a guilty peek at him when you came back for air. You didn't feel shy in the moment. The warm feeling of his breath was inviting so you gave him another one, this one quicker than the first but still held the passion.

Neither of you spoke when you pulled away. The attention, by far, is off of you two and moving forward to the next battle.

"So, do you think you can get used to this?" Pico asks. He tried to maintain his smile but it was nearly impossible. One of his hands sheepishly rubs the back of his head. After short consideration, a cheeky smile sneaks its way up to your lips.

Yeah, you can definitely get used to this.