The Trombone and The Trumpet

Chapter One

No POV

Ethan couldn't wait until band camp. He was approaching his senior year in high school. This would be his last shot to be a leader, to get a solo, to help the rookies. He was counting down the days until the first day of band camp, three currently. Sure it was long tedious hours, but he couldn't wait to make more friends! Or see his older friends, like Josh. It was no secret that Ethan was gay, I mean he's in marching band, of course he's gay, but nobody but Lucas knew about Ethan's crush. Lucas was a senior as well, he also played trumpet. 

Ethan was head over heels for his best friend. He knew Josh was gay too; he's also in marching band, plus they had talked about it once when Josh had been feeling insecure about it. Ethan wanted so badly to kiss him and cuddle with him, but he just couldn't allow himself to bring it up. His anxiety had always been limiting. Lucas and Cooper, another trumpet senior, keep encouraging him to come out of his shell. He wanted to, it's just hard. So he stayed in his shell, deep in his safe, comfy shell.

~~~

Josh was dreading band camp. All of the long hours of hard work, and he had to do all the leadership things as well, because he knew as the only senior trombone he would become the leader. He guesses he is happy to see his friends, such as Caleb, Lucas, Cooper, and Ethan.

Josh loved Ethan, he loved everything about the shorter boy. He was so caring and handsome, and smart too. Though Josh was terrified to tell him. So much could go wrong, he could lose his very best friend.

~~~

Its finally day one of band camp. Ethan woke up at 7 so he could be at camp at 8:45.

He packed up his stuff and got ready. His dad couldn't afford to buy him a car, though he could drive, so Josh always picked him up when his dad needed the car, like today.

"Morning!" Josh shouted from the driveway as he rolled down his window. Ethan waved sleepily, climbing into the passenger seat after tossing his trumpet and bookbag into the back.

"Morning Josh, what's up?" Ethan said with a yawn.

"Someones sleepy," Josh mumbled, amused, "I'm doing good, are you excited?" He answered.

"Yeah, can't wait to see everyone and help out the rookies, we find out leaders when we get there, don't we?" Ethan answered, looking at the trees zooming by through the window.

"Yep, I think you'll get it, I know Lucas will, and you will probably be the other," Josh encouraged with a soft smile, glancing over at the boy beside him.

"I hope so, this year is my last chance," Ethan said, looking at his lap sadly. Josh rested a hand on his arm, both boys began to blush.

"There's nothing to worry about, besides, you can still help rookies without the leader title," Josh soothed, pulling into the parking lot.

"Yeah, you're right, let's head inside before Smithy goes mad," Ethan agreed, unbuckling himself.

~~~

"Trombones, your section leader this year is Josh Fenton!" Director Smith announced, loud cheers were heard from the trombone section.

"Trumpets, your section leaders are Lucas Smith and Cooper Diez!" Shouts were heard from the trumpets. Ethan congratulated his friends, though he was totally bummed out.

There was no 'maybe next year' this time.

~~~

Day two crashed and burned for Ethan. He felt sick, but had to push through. But by lunch he had a splitting headache. He locked himself in the bathroom as soon as lunch started.

Josh was looking for him, they were planning on going to Cane's for lunch. He checked the cafeteria, the trumpet sectional room, so next he went to the bathroom.

"Ethan? You in here?" Josh called out. Ethan groaned in response.

"Whats wrong? Are you okay?" Josh's brows furrowed with concern.

"Shhhh." Ethan whispered, covering his ears and squeezing his eyes shut. He quickly reached up and unlocked the stall before resuming his position.

"Ethan? Is it another headache?" Josh whispered, sitting down next to him. He knew Ethan got bad migraines fairly often. Ethan nodded, whimpering quietly, a few tears finding their way to his cheeks.

"I have ibeprofen in my bag, or did you want me to take you home?" Josh offered. Ethan just uncovered one of his ears and held up two fingers, for the second option.

"Okay, we can do that, you sit right here, ill put our stuff in the car and get your earplugs and sunglasses. Ill also let Smith know were leaving," Josh explained quietly, standing up.

Josh came back ten minutes later with a pair of earplugs and sunglasses offering them both to Ethan, who put on both items, before opening his eyes ever so slightly, before slamming them shut again.

"Do you need help up?" Josh offered. Ethan nodded, letting Josh grab his middle and hold him close. He leaned most of his weight on the taller, in too much pain to hold himself upright.

"Your place or mine? Mines empty right now." Josh asked. Ethan just pointed to Josh's chest.

"Okay, keep your eyes closed really tight, were outside now and its really sunny," Josh advised quietly. Ethan squeezed his eyes tighter.

After they made it back to Josh's house, Josh set Ethan up on the couch, closing all the curtains and turning off the lights. He emerged from the kitchen with a bottle of ibeprofen and a cold wet rag. Ethan took the meds and put the rag on his forehead, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Josh?" Ethan said, barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, Ethan?" Josh looked up from the book he was reading.

"Thanks," Ethan said, before falling asleep.

"Anything for you," Josh whispered, leaning over and brushing the hair from Ethan's peaceful face.