Lost in the Rhythm

Oh, How the Turns Table

"Okay, close your eyes. Keep them closed. I have to show you something."

The next thirty-six hours after the confrontation with Bump had passed quickly, somehow, despite concert days always being the slowest and most agonizing days ever. Now it was going on seven, and it was nearly the Banshee Big Band's call time. Amity felt alive with adrenaline. Annoyed as she was with her current situation, she couldn't deny her excitement. Opportunities for her to prove herself were rare. Coupled with the defiance of her parents, making even being at the school tonight feel scandalous, this was quickly shaping up to be the most... unique concert night yet.

"I hate this," she said. "I feel like you're going to take me somewhere and murder me." Nevertheless, she let her eyes slip shut, and she felt Luz loop their arms together, sending a shiver down her spine. The contact made her feel strange, but she didn't mind it... that much.

"Why would I murder you as a thank you?" Luz teased.

"So I can get out of your band."

"Oh, it's my band now? What a high honor. I can't believe it. You must really love me."

"That's not what I mean," Amity retorted. "Why are you thanking me, anyway? I don't have anything to thank you for."

"For saving my ass, that's what. You defended me, against all odds."

"That was completely out of character."

"I'll say."

"It'll never happen again. Hey, whatever happened to not talking to each other? The sooner that can start, the better."

"That'll begin tomorrow. Let's get through the concert first."

If her eyes hadn't been closed, Amity would have rolled them. Instead, she stayed pressed nerve-wrackingly close to Luz. The creak of a door sounded, and the musty scent of the barely-used uniform closet hit her. Luz's weight against her side disappeared. "Wait here," she instructed.

"I'm not taking orders from you, Noceda."

"Too bad." There was a faint clicking noise, then the ruffling of fabric. A couple seconds passed before Luz spoke again. "Okay, you can open 'em."

Amity blinked open her eyes.

Luz stood in front of her, wearing an ador- annoyingly goofy, lopsided grin. In each hand, she held matching black tuxes, the very ones Amity had yearned to wear since she'd been chosen for the advanced bands last year. The tags on the hangers read Noceda and Blight, respectively.

It took her  a moment to process exactly what Luz had done for her. "Holy shit," she whispered.

Luz bounced twice on her heels. "I know, right? It took me forever to convince Bump, considering the day we had. But I did it. And now we can maaaatch!" She sang the last word as if she was getting ready for a choir concert and not a band one.

Amity reached out and shoved her shoulder. "I would hate matching with you." Luz stuck out her tongue in response, so Amity took the opportunity and grabbed her hanger from Luz's hand.

Wow. These tuxes were even cooler than she'd imagined. Immaculately tailored, the creases were crisp and the fabric soft to the touch. And she'd get to wear it, too. Her heart fluttered at the thought. She'd look amazing up on stage, flute in hand. Maybe even Luz would think she looked amazing.

Wait. Why did she care about that?

She didn't.

She wanted to thank Luz. She wanted to put aside their differences for just a moment to thank her for what she'd done. Considering the state of their relationship, it was a very kind gesture indeed. She had the grateful sentiment all ready in her mind, but when she opened her mouth, what came out was "Go away. I have to change."