Shinigami Marching Band (Black Butler)

Chapter Two ~ Warm up

These chapters are labeled differently than how i have them on AO3 and Fanfiction.net but oh well ... same story different chapter names, who cares. ENJOY!

Grell went back to checking on the girls and getting them performance ready. Then the drum major called everyone to attention and told them to go to the warm-up area and form an arc with the colorguard behind them. Their warm-ups went well for how nervous everyone was. The guard went over basics while the band did basic scales and then they did a run through of the full show, or what they had of it, standing still. After that they were allowed a few minutes to review on their own and go through any mental preparation before they had to line up and head to the field. Grell was busy running around getting the girls ready and going over counts. That's when William decided to walk up to him and talk to him about their duet.

"Hey, um Grell?" He said a bit shyly. The guard girls stopped working and giggled, some of them whispered things to each other about how cute the two males would be together if they weren't so stubborn. Grell's eyes widened and he grinned at the girls before turning around to face William. Will looked like a prince of some sort in his uniform and Grell was mentally fanning himself. Prince charming was definitely the right metaphor.

"Yes William?" He inquired using his most professional tone of voice and trying not to be too casual. He was supposed to be focusing on preparing for the show.

"About your toss, uh, how did it go in that run through?" He asked. William was conflicted on his hopes for a result. If it went well they would, in essence, have a better show, but if it didn't there would be slightly less dance work for him and more for Grell.

"Well, ....." He sighed." ... it was a five and a half, so it was almost there, but not quite. So I'll do my best but there's no sure guarantee." He said feeling a slight pang of disappointment in himself. He wanted to get the toss right and he wanted to turn and see Will leap towards him. But if he didn't get it, then he would have to turn towards William instead.

"Alright, well just let me know on the field ...." He said awkwardly. Seeing all the rest of the guard gawking over him and Grell made him a bit more nervous as though something was being expected of him. "So uh, do you want to rehearse the revised dance work then? Just in case?" He couldn't look Grell in the eyes, but he didn't know why. He felt guilty for something he wasn't sure of and he also felt nervous.

"Oh, uh yeah, of course." He blushed lightly. "Emily, c'mere, we're running the feature from my toss." He called to a blonde who was busy chit-chatting with her boyfriend in band.

"Oh, okay, I'll be right there." She said. Emily was the one who held William's violin during the dance part of the feature. She finished up her conversation and quickly ran over to the two awkward boys.

"Do you want to count it off or should I?" Grell asked, turning to William.

Without much of a response, William began to count them off. He just wanted this done with so they could go perform. "Five, six, five, six, seven, eight." And they began the duet. William held his note and Grell purposely tossed only a five so they could do this run. When the note cut off William turned to Emily and quickly handed her the violin. When he turned back around he was nearly captivated by the graceful sight of Grell spinning towards him. William kept a hand out and Grell took it and spun into him. Grell kept his head to the side, as though he were trying to turn and see Will's face. They took a few steps with Grell in William's arms and then the redhead spun out to the other side. Grell did a half turn and placed a hand on William's shoulder as William placed a hand on Grell's waist and they waltzed for the next 60 counts, closing proximity as they got caught up in the dance. When it came time for them to turn away, they simply stopped, staring at each other, neither of them leaving the other's embrace.

A crowd of cheering and applause erupted from the band and colorguard who had all stopped to watch. Most of them assumed the two were that into and dedicated to their performance. Those who knew the two boys better saw the sparks that were flying between them throughout the dance. Some of the guard girls were yelling things like "just kiss already!" and the oh so eloquent saxophone player Ronald Knox yelled "Get a room!" Ronald was now going to be hatching even more plans with the colorguard to get the two together.

William peered over Grell's shoulder at their newly discovered audience and blushed lightly at the comments being yelled. In his mind he was telling the girls he was about to kiss Grell and telling Knox to fuck off but he knew it would only feed the rumors and he didn't need the stress. In reality he was speechless and he simply stepped back, standing at attention with his fists closed at his sides. Grell's fingers trailed lightly over William's arm as he stepped away. He was lost in thought and blushing like a madman, the color rivaling his hair and uniform. 'Did that just happen?' he thought to himself.

Suddenly the drum major, a silver haired boy named Adrian Crevian, called them all to attention."Band Ten Hut!" He waited a beat for the response. "One." and then he continued. "Ehehehehe ... Alright everyone, line up!" They did as told and got ready. Well except for Grell who was still in a daze. Claire and Sarah walked up to their captain trying to break him out of his trance. Emily returned William's violin to him and walked over to the trio. She picked up Grell's rifle and deliberately tossed and dropped it. Grell's head snapped up and he shrieked in horror.

"My baby!" He screamed as he ran over to pick up his fallen rifle. "I'm so sorry she dropped you." He whispered to the equipment. He quickly pushed the dramatics aside though and went about lining up the guard in their separate line next to the band.

The drum cadence started up and they marched in time and over to the football field in complete silence and with the utmost professionalism. They arrived just in time to watch the dance team finish their performance for their portion of the half time show. They took the field immediately after as the game announcer introduced them. Everyone's nerves pitched infinitely up as they took their starting positions.

"And for the final portion of our half time show, I am proud to introduce the Shinigami High School Marching Band. Under the direction of ... the Undertaker?" The crown erupted in giggles as Adrian turned around and gave his salute. "You may now take the field in performance." The announcer finished, feeling rather dumb for having to read the stage name.

Short chapter but I hope you enjoyed it. ^~^