*Alex Pov*

We returned to the auditorium right as we were being released for outdoor sectionals. Outdoor sectionals can only mean one thing: going over basics. Oh, the joy. We went out to the field and got into groups on the yard lines. Tay was the first to give direction.

"Okay, we're going to begin with going over basic commands: attention, parade rest, left hace, right hace, about hace, marking time, and marching" she explained.

Jack called us to attention. I automatically snapped into position and quietly responded with the usual "and one". I suddenly got the overwhelming feeling that I was being stared at. In my peripheral vision I could see my section leaders, as well as some other veterans in my section, staring at me. Then it hit me. They didn't know that I had previously marched two years at my old school. To them I was just another noob. Way to not draw attention to yourself, Gaskarth. Tay broke her stare to show the freshman the attention position.

"Alex, what grade are you in?" Jack question, moving to stand in front of me.

"Eleventh" I responded, trying not to meet his gaze.

"Did you march at your old school?". I nodded, not trusting myself not to stutter. "That explains.".

After that, the rest of the morning was relatively uneventful. However, I did trip in a hole while we were doing basic drills. That earned a few snickers from some people in my section that I didn't know. One of them even called me a 'newbie noob'. What does that even mean? He didn't seem too bright, so that was probably the best he could come up with. I didn't mind though, I was still smiling. And It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Jack hit him with his chart folder after he called me that. Ok, maybe that had a little to do with it.

*Jack Pov*

On the last water break before lunch, I made my way to my usual spot on the bench by the fence in the shade. Matt, Rian, Cassadee, and Tay had already beat me there.

"Hey, when you guys get to the table, can you save two seats?" I asked, standing semi-awkward next to them.

"Sure, who's tagging along?" Matt questioned. I didn't even get the chance to answer before Tay cut in.

"Probably Alexander. He's new this year. He's a junior.". I could feel my face heat up slightly at the mention of his name.

"Oh, does Jack have a crush on said new guy?" Rian asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Rian, just because I'm bi doesn't mean that I like every guy that I talk to." I stated.

"No, but you're blushing like crazy, and I saw you staring at him from the scaffolding." Cassadee commented with a giant grin on her face.

"I was simply observing his marching. Excuse me for doing my job as a section leader." I defended.

They all rolled their eyes and changed the topic. I decided to go back and get another cup of water. After getting my water, I noticed Alex sitting on the ground by the other bench. I began walking over to sit with him when i noticed the familiar brown hair of a rather annoying color guard turning to sit beside him. I wasn't going to but in, but Alex looked really uncomfortable. It didn't help she kept not so subtly touching him. I walked over to them.

"Lisa, your coach said she wanted to talk to the color guard during break.".

"Oh, really? I didn't hear that." she stated, confusion creeping on to her face.

"Yeah, she said it a couple minutes ago.". She quickly removed herself from the spot next to Alex and ran over to her friends.

"Th-thanks." Alex said, looking down into his lap. I decided to sit down in the now vacant spot.

"No problem. She's normally all over the new guys.". Alex smirked, not removing his gaze from his jeans. "Hey, Alex, why don't you have any water?" I asked, noticing that his hands were empty.

"There w-were a lot of p-people over there" he stuttered. I stood up, and he looked at me with a hint of shame on his face. I walked to the water station, retrieved a cup, and then returned to my spot. He must not have seen sit back down, because he jumped a little when I held the cup out to him.

"Thanks. You d-didn't have to do that.".

"It's no problem." I stated shrugging. "Oh, and Matt is saving us seats at lunch, in case we don't get there first.".

"Matt?" He asked, finally looking up at me.

"Drum major, Matt. He's one of my best friends. Rian, Cassadee, and Tay sit with us too. Oh, and Zack. Zack can't march because he's on the football team, but he usually brings us pizza." I explained, being sure not to exclude anyone from our usual lunch table. He opened his mouth to say something, but he was cut off by the whistle that signaled the end of break.

After water break, we just continued reviewing basics. I just wanted it to be lunch already. I woke up late, so I didn't get to eat breakfast. I didn't even really have time to do my hair, which is why I was wearing a beanie. Needless to say, I was starving. Yeah, starving. That's why I wanted it to be lunch. Not because it was a chance to hang out with Alex. Not at all.

Notes

Comments and rates are highly appreciated! I hope you're enjoying the story! I promise it gets better the further along it gets, haha.

- Em