This is just a one shot I thought of really late at night. I was going to add this onto From Across The Field, but I thought that was great as a stand alone. This really has nothing to do with that story, anyway. I'm not sure how long it's going to be, if it's going to be a one shot or evolve into a few chapters, but this idea just unfolds as it goes. I know I have a lot of marching fics, but I really like to write marching fics! Don't worry, everyone, I always finish what I start! It might take me a while, but I like stories and I like when people read them! Here we go...

It was her first marching show and Laura was so excited that she was practically jumping out of her seat. The bleachers were warm in the midsummer heat, the sun going down over the hill behind the stadium with all the intensity of a fire, a bright globe that was falling slowly, to crash and extinguish the natural light, cuing the stadium lights to flicker on and light the field.

With her best friend next to her, Laura watched the bands take the field, each one better than the other. Night fell swiftly and soon she became cold, but the fire in her heart was just growing, becoming stronger than that summer sun that had just disappeared from view. This was love, this was life, this was music.

Finally, a band took the field, the band Laura had heard about from her director. Their uniforms were so sharp and their faces were hidden by the brims of their hats, feathers rippling in a slight breeze that make Laura shiver. This power, this raw beauty: this was what she wanted to never stop, even though they were simply marching onto the field. A professional drum and brass band, a band that traveled the country and had such high standards that even the most seasoned brass player or top percussionist couldn't gain an easy admission.

The majors took the field and started the show, Laura's eyes never blinking as she gasped and awed over the band. The first movement was powerful, stunning, mind blowing. It was like nothing she had ever heard. The precision was amazing, every movement snappy and perfect, everything exceeding perfection, even. It was something untouchable, for fear of getting cut. Laura gasped as the members practically glided across the field, their strength overwhelming the entire audience, not just Laura.

Then, just as Laura doubted she could take one more minute of the intense emotion, the movement changed into something floating, something beautiful, something so beautiful Laura was moved to tears. Her friend elbowed her in the ribs, but Laura ignored her. The tears in her eyes prevented her from seeing the show as she had before, but Laura did her best to wipe them away. The music was so touching and heartfelt, Laura felt like sobbing into her hands in front of everyone.

As the last note faded away into the summer night, Laura watched the drum majors march to the front of the field and salute. She looked at them closely, eager to see who the masters of this amazing band were, and, as she peered at them, one looked back. Laura found she couldn't breathe as he glanced at her; it was just a second, hardly that, but Laura was changed forever.

This was her calling. This was what she had to do. She wanted to march. She wanted to meet the major who had glanced back at her, breaking the rules to look at her, just one person in the whole world, even though she had been as quiet as the breeze itself. Laura sighed and took in a shaky breath.

What was this all about?