AN: Since Lucy's already had so many one-shots, I figured it was Bronwyn's turn. This idea occurred to me awhile ago…just getting around to writing it. The story takes place between what will be the end of The Guard and the beginning of The Line Up.

Yeah, I know this kind of changes a few minor things in The Line Up timeline…so maybe we'll just consider this a prologue.

I do own the characters.

A Hint of Things to Come

or

Bittersweet Seventeen

I've been misunderstood for all of my life
But what they're saying girl it cuts like a knife
"The boy's no good"
Well I've finally found what I'm a looking for
But if they get their chance they'll end it for sure
Surely would
Baby I've done all I could
Now it's up to you...

Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Please, come take my hand
Girl, you'll be a woman soon,
Soon, you'll need a man."

- Urge Overkill, You'll Be a Woman Soon

Days away from her seventeenth birthday, Brookwood HS junior Bronwyn Flueger was worried. She wasn't concerned about the party her parents had planned, who was going to come, or turning the weird age between when you could drive and when you vote, actually, quite honestly she was worried about the results from the All State audition she'd had a few days ago. Through some glitch in the system, percussionists around the state didn't know their scores, and everyone was waiting to see how they placed. Bronwyn had felt very good about her audition – sight reading included – but needed to officially know before she went insane.

"You'll do fine," Drew said supportively on the other end of the line, "And anyway, shouldn't you be concentrating on your birthday? You know, that happy event that happens once a year?"

"I know," Bronwyn sighed on the other end of the phone. Her boyfriend of over a year was usually right. Which made sense since he was almost two years older than she was. The former Brookwood Drum Major had a good head on his broad shoulders, and was often Bronwyn's solid anchor whenever she got worked up or worried about something. Hating to whine or sound like she was a complainer, the redhead changed the subject, "So, what did you get me?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Drew asked flirtatiously.

"I would!"

"Well, then it wouldn't be much of a surprise, would it?"

Bronwyn was utterly stumped as to what Drew was going to get her. She wasn't a traditional "girl" and so wasn't necessarily the easiest person to buy for. Drew had given her many token "girlfriend" gifts during their relationship – she had a very cute collection of stuffed animals and sweet smelling dried flowers and had reciprocated with cologne and novelty boxer shorts like any good girlfriend would do. She had saved all the romantic cards, notes, and e-mails which helped since Drew was in college over an hour away. They had almost been apart as long as they had been together in their relationship that had started at the end of Bronwyn's sophomore season.

"Is it bigger than a breadbox?" she guessed.

"I can't tell you," there was a smile in his voice.

Looking at the clock she said, "Well, I guess I'll have to see on Saturday. I have to go teach."

"Call me before you go to bed?"

"Of course."

"Love you."

"Love you, too."

Bronwyn hung up the phone, smiling. Seventeen was already looking pretty good.

At school the next day, Bronwyn nervously waited in Mr. Izzo's office. The band director was on the phone with the governing body for high school musicians in the state. Tony was seated next to her and tapping away on his knee. Bronwyn's mouth was dry and she was having trouble swallowing. Given all the drummers in the state, the redhead figured that this was finally her year to be the best. All the exceptional drummers from other years had graduated, and now it was her time. Also, it mattered more than anything this year because in a matter of months, Spence, the Brookwood Drum Line Instructor, was going to be choosing next year's Captain. Bronwyn had no intentions of sitting around her senior year. Being first in state would help her cause in convincing Spence to make her the first female Captain of the talented Line. Glancing briefly at her friend, she realized that Tony probably felt the same way.

"Okay, thanks, Neil."

Mr. Izzo hung up the phone and looked at the two juniors. He held up one finger and pointed at Bronwyn, then held up three fingers and pointed at Tony, "You're both in the Honor Band. Some kid named Jackson placed second."

Bronwyn barely heard the director, she was elated – it was like an early birthday present! At that moment, the bells chimed for the class change.

"Congratulations, you two – great job. I'm very proud of you both," Mr. Izzo said and continued, addressing Bronwyn, "Now Miss Flueger, I just got back from a band educators conference and I'd like to submit your name for a DCI Intern program taking place over the summer, is that okay?"

"Sounds great!" Bronwyn said enthusiastically over her shoulder and both students exited his office. Bronwyn tried to control her joy as she and Tony walked to their next classes. Punching her friend in the shoulder she said, "Yay! Now we get to all go together to State."

"Yeah," Tony said glumly.

Bronwyn nudged him, "C'mon Clarke, I'm better at mallets and stronger on snare and you know it. I'm sure that's why my score was top."

"But I'm better at timpani—"

"Allegedly better."

"Whatever."

"You're still going to come to my party on Saturday, right?" Although their friendship had grown over the past season, it seemed that dark and moody Tony could always be hiding under the surface.

"Yes, Flueger," Tony replied in a tone Bronwyn couldn't read.

"Just checking. No hard feelings?"

"As long as you go ahead and accept that I'm going to be Captain."

"Fat chance."

"Later."

"Bye."

As promised, Drew arrived early on Saturday, Bronwyn's actual birthday, to spend the day with his girlfriend before her big party that night. Bronwyn was glad to have the uninterrupted time with her boyfriend. She loved that they were currently beating the odds by continuing to see each other and date in a long distance relationship. There were still times when Bronwyn had to pinch herself and remind her that she was dating Drew.

"Let's stop here a minute," Drew's strong hand pulled Bronwyn next to him on a bench. They had been walking in a local park after a lunch at one of the redhead's favorite local restaurants.

"Sounds good," Bronwyn leaned her head on Drew's shoulder and sighed happily. It seemed that everything was lining up for a perfect year.

Drew rooted around in his pocket for a moment before producing a distinctly blue box, "Happy Birthday, Bronwyn."

Bronwyn's eyes grew big and wary – she definitely recognized the color and writing on the box – Tiffany and Co.!

"I hope you didn't spend too much on me," she said eyeing the box.

"You're worth it, Baby B," Drew said as he kissed the top of her head, "Go ahead and open it!"

"Okay."

Bronwyn cautiously opened the package – unsure what was going to be inside. She couldn't think of anything that was even sold at the store, let alone anything she needed or had asked for. Inside the blue box, was a similarly colored cloth bag. She opened that and found a delicate chain with a script "B" pendant inside.

"I don't know what to say," Bronwyn said honestly, instantly smiling because Drew looked at her so expectantly.

"Do you like it?"

"It's um, gorgeous! Will you put it on for me?" she gushed, hoping it would cover for her lack of initial response.

"Of course."

Drew attached the chain behind her neck. Bronwyn's hand immediately went up to feel it. She didn't usually wear jewelry, it just wasn't her style, but maybe it would be cool to wear this incredibly romantic gesture.

After all, everyone calls you B…

Everyone except Tony.

Well, I don't think Drew calling you Flueger would be all that romantic.

It's different when Tony says it.

Why are you thinking about Tony?

Drew looked at her and said, "Just perfect."

Chasing away her awkward non-Drew thoughts, Bronwyn placed a shy kiss on his lips, "Thanks for my present, Drew, but really you didn't have to."

"Of course I did!"

Bronwyn pulled on his hand, "Come on, I have to get home and get ready for the party. I have to make sure I wear something that totally shows this off!"

While Drew hung out downstairs with her parents, Bronwyn changed into her party dress. Meredith and Megan's real gift (in addition to the large number of inside joke gifts they had been gifting on her all week) was a beautiful strapless black dress – something she would've never bought for herself. She had solemnly promised both of them that she would actually wear it tonight. Looking in the mirror, the necklace looked perfect and Bronwyn went downstairs to greet her guests that were already arriving.

Between greeting everyone, opening presents, and genuinely trying to be a decent hostess, Bronwyn was surprised when she realized Tony hadn't made an appearance yet. While her mom passed out some of the yummy cookie cake and cupcakes that Bronwyn had all but demanded, the drummer's attention was distracted.

"Psst! Flueger!"

Looking behind her, Bronwyn saw Tony hovering in the doorway near the garage. He motioned her over. Bronwyn looked around and decided that really, she wouldn't be missed for a few minutes while her guests enjoyed their treats. Familiar with the Flueger floor plan, Tony walked out through the door to the outside. Curiously, Bronwyn followed Tony outside. He'd been acting weird ever since they had found out of the State placements. At least, that's what she thought was the reason behind his weirdness. He didn't have any girl troubles, as far as she knew and quite honestly, he hadn't had any female concerns since the time she had started officially dating Drew.

Which has been kind of nice…

Since the end of their sophomore marching season, there had been an unspoken truce of sorts between the two former enemies. The past season had been a lot of fun, and it seemed that the entire section, or, the snare line at least, had responded to the alignment. Bronwyn had enjoyed the constant, but harmless flirting. Tony brought out a side of her that she didn't know she had. With Drew away at school, it was fun to have a kind of pseudo boyfriend around and as long as Tony remained unattached, it could remain that way.

"What's this all about, Clarke?"

"Well, Flueger," Tony started, then double checked to make sure no one was looking, "Maybe I didn't want to give you something with everyone around."

This statement really got Bronwyn's attention. Tony just wasn't the type for big gestures. For her sixteenth birthday he had brought his friend her favorite breakfast – crème filled donuts from Krispy Kreme and a mocha latte from Starbucks. Considering this was the guy who had repeatedly "misplaced" her drum sticks almost every day during 8th grade, donuts were saying a lot. She couldn't imagine what he had come up with for this birthday.

"Okay, I'm pretty sure we're alone," Bronwyn finally answered. A fact which occurred to her as being a little weird. Although most everyone had accepted the former enemies as friends issue, Drew was still a little less than thrilled at the close friendship that had blossomed between the percussionists. Bronwyn laughed off Drew's concerns, telling her boyfriend on numerous occasions, "I don't know what you're worried about. Tony and I's relationship is, well, I'm pretty sure that he thinks of me as his annoying younger sister."

"It's that 'pretty sure' part that I'm worried about."

Bronwyn had shaken her head, "Come on Drew, you're the only guy for me."

Now, standing outside her garage, Bronwyn shook her head and looked up at Tony. The tall dark haired junior was wearing what Bronwyn had long ago deemed his "sexy outfit." She had said it as a joke when, at one practice during the fall, it seemed that the Auxiliary girls tongues had practically fallen out of their heads when Tony had shown up. It wasn't much, a pair of dark jeans and a fitted black shirt, but with Tony's rugged looks and yellow brown eyes, well, Bronwyn could understand why they would look. It was completely opposite to Drew's khakis and button down royal blue shirt.

What am I thinking? Why am I even comparing the two?

"Here," Tony shoved a small box in her hands. It wasn't too dissimilar from the box that Drew had given her earlier in the day.

"Thanks," Bronwyn said softly, "Do you want me to—"

"You can go ahead and open it now," Tony said gruffly.

Bronwyn tucked the small card into her pocket and tore off the newspaper around the package. It appeared to be a jewelry box. Her blue grey eyes gazed up inquisitively at his hooded yellow brown ones.

"I saw it awhile back and thought of you."

Bronwyn opened the lid and in side saw a very delicate, small pair of crossed silver drum sticks – a pendant on a simple black string. Her eyes widened – it was perfect.

"Th-thanks, Tony."

"You're welcome, Bronwyn."

For no good reason, Bronwyn's heart sped up. Licking her lips nervously, she said, "Umm, Drew gave me a necklace earlier tonight."

Flushing, she gently touched the Tiffany "B" pendent Drew had given her earlier. Her cheeks pinked even more when she realized she had pretty much given Tony free reign to look at her chest. While the "B" was beautiful, there was a part of the percussionist that really wanted to see what Tony's necklace looked like.

"Oh."

"But, um, could you help me take it off? You know, so I can try yours on."

"You don't have to do that. I mean—"

"Well, Drew's is kind of for special occasions, I mean, it's from Tiffany's and all."

"Oh, mine's from some random store, and really, you don't have to."

"I want to!"

Tony looked at his friend. Bronwyn responded by grabbing his hands, and putting them near her neck, "Please?"

"Fine."

Tony moved behind Bronwyn, who swept her long mane of curled red hair aside – releasing a cloud of sweet smells that Tony couldn't help but breathe in and smile. In the past year, he had come to associate the scent of honeysuckle and Pantene conditioner with Bronwyn. Awkwardly, he began fiddling with the clasp. Bronwyn was glad that she wasn't facing her friend, because not only was she blushing, there was also an extreme case of goosebumps running down her arms and back as Tony's callused fingers made contact with the delicate skin around her neck.

What is going on with me??!!

"Here," Tony unceremoniously dumped Drew's necklace into Bronwyn's outstretched hand.

"Thanks."

After a few moments, Tony had secured his own necklace around Bronwyn's neck.

"There."

Bronwyn felt herself being spun around. Unable to really make eye contact with Tony, who was still very close, she asked, "How does it look?"

"Perfect."

Bronwyn risked making eye contact and was rewarded when Tony's eyes sparkled down at her.

Wait a minute…Drew looked like that when he was about to…

"Bronwyn?"

The redhead instantly backed away from Tony, and her hand flew to the pendant, "Yes?"

Meredith looked strangely at the pair, "There's a few more gifts for you to open. Almost done out here?"

Bronwyn shook her head, "What? Yes, of course, I'll be right there."

Meredith shut the door behind her, leaving the two alone again.

Bronwyn said awkwardly, "Thank you again, Tony, I love it."

"Cool. Well, I think I'm going to take off."

That would probably be best…

"Okay, see you on Monday."

Bronwyn was unprepared as Tony's arms closed around her – as they usually did, for a hug goodbye. This hug was a little differently, however. It was a little tighter and a little longer than necessary. The air around them seemed charged with a different kind of energy.

Or I could be imaging things…

"Bye, Bronwyn. Happy Birthday."

Tony's long legs strode out into the night, leaving a very confused Bronwyn alone with some very unexplained and unexpected emotions.

AN: Squee! Written in one sitting above the Western US en route to Orlando. Review please!