Summer vacation had just ended, and it's time for school to begin. Tinge walks into the school cafeteria not knowing what to expect. He looks for his friends from the previous school year. Ashley and Nigel are waiting for him in the booth near an entrance to the lobby.
"Tinge!!!", shouts Ashley as she realizes the identity of the giant that stands before her.
"Hey Guys! It's been a while! What's new?!"
"My Dogs died" adds Nigel. "Jk, I GOT SOME SHOES" He proclaims as he proceeds to put his foot on the seat.
Ashley and Tinge both give a synchronized "OOOO"
"Oh Yeah, Tinge!" Exclaims Ashley
"What's up?"
"Are you gonna get into Marching Band? I'm sure you can still get in!"
"OH! That'd be great! I'll talk to the Director after class today. I have him for.....3rd!" Announces Tinge.
"Great!" encourages Ashely.
The day goes on and Tinge sees a cute face around the school. That face belongs to a girl in his Band Class. "There's something different about her. That green hair reminds me of Olives" he thinks. He's a little nervous, with it being a new school. "I'll get her name later" he thinks.
"Mr. Hawk!" Yelled Tinge, trying to grab what little time the Director has.
"Yes, Tinge. What do you want?"
"I know it's really late, but I was dumb at auditions. Football isn't something I really wanted to do. Music is something I really want to do. Is there anyway I can be apart of this year's marching season?" Asked Tinge.
"I'll talk to Miguel and see what we can do. I'm glad to have you back kiddo" embraced Mr. Hawk.
Weeks pass as the school continues along with the Marching Show. This year's theme was an Incan Dance called the Cusco. It was a really interesting Arrangement! Tinge dreamt of playing the Tenors, it was his dream for High school! Everyday he practices warms-ups, played rudiments, played old pieces, and worked to get better. This Friday, the band was headed into an Atlanta sub-division. It's a fairly long bus ride from the small, military town they call home; but Tinge is still thrilled. "Now would be the perfect time to talk to the green haired girl.
"Hi! I'm Tinge! Is this seat taken?"
"Me? Oh! No. I'm Ottis!"
"Is she a he? It'd make sense. that would explain some things. He's still really cute though" thought Tinge. "I've actually wanted to talk to you for a while, but I've never been able to build up the confidence."
"Why not?! I've seen the way you act around your friends and towards the Upperclassmen. That's pretty bold!"
Tinge and Ottis hit it off talking about music. With that being a mutual interest, it was effortless to continue. They talk for roughly 10 minutes, while the bus is on the road, about different artist. "Hey Ottis, do you have headphones we can share? I was dumb and left mine at home."
"Yeah! I've got a few songs i wanna show you anyway, don't sweat it!"
"Thanks Otty, you're a life saver!"
As Otty Handed the earbud to Tinge, there was a bus hit a pot-hole, throwing Ottis's light body in the air. He Landed on Tinges lap, Facing each other. The bus jolted, sending Tinge's face toward Otti's. Tinge tried hard to not hurt Ottis, but he still couldn't avoid contact. Shortly after the bus's sudden jolt, Tinge and Ottis shared a brief, gentle kiss. Ottis's face turns brighter than strawberry ice-cream.
"Oh My God! I'm so sorry!" exclaimed Ottis in an effort to calm down and hide his embarrassment
"Oh no, don't be! It couldn't be helped, but maybe the next one can ;)" whispered Tinge. "That was great! Nobody got hurt, and i got to kiss him! his lips are soft" he thought.
"Oh. OH! I thought you were straight. i didn't know..."
"That's because nobody does. I dont have the slightest clue how people would respond if they knew anything." Tinge told Ottis. "Look. Frankly, you're really cute, I've thought so since i saw you in Symphonic Band. You're hair reminds me of Olives. You're really cool, and i liked our kiss. it was great, given the conditions. We'll have to get a real one soon" confessed Tinge.
"Oh. that sounds... nice. That was my second kiss. the first time i wanted to throw up. this time.. i feel... good. i dont wanna throw up." admitted Ottis."
"That's Good! It makes me feel better, honestly. Im glad i didn't make you wanna puke, that be bad lol" chuckled Tinge.
"Here's the earbud back, it fell out" Ottis handed Tinge the music device.
"Thanks. I'm kinda tired Though. i think I'll take a nap until we get to the game." Yawned Tinge.
"Now that you mention it, im sleepy too." agreed Ottis.
"In that case, here, now we can both sleep comfortably. I'll lean against the side of the bus, and you can use me as a pillow. Its one of the few advantages of being big" offered Tinge.
"pft, ohtay! i want your arms though. i know it sounds weird, but it'll help me sleep" demanded Ottis.
"Whatever you need Ba- Otty" Tinge caught himself before he could finish the word baby.
"I heard that, but we'll talk about it during the game. Goodnight" teased Ottis
"Goodnight"
