Get Over It is hanging out in the garage. Triplet is tapping her foot on the floor quickly like she's nervous about something. She steels herself and starts walking to Fortes overhang as Forte starts climbing down.
Forte: Hey sis! You ready to go?
Fortissimo: Sure. We can head out now.
Triplet: Hey, um... where are you going?
Forte: Oh, sibling bonding time at the Arcade. You know how it is.
Triplet seems upset about this but is nonetheless content and resigned to the answer, seemingly understanding that this is something that happens often. She ends up picking up her notebook and starts humming a tune.
The next day, Triplet is hanging out with Get Over It at the Garage again. She seems committed to talk to Forte, and walks over, almost stomping.
Forte: Piano, you ready?
Piano: Yep, all packed!
Triplet: Where are you going this time? You sure are busy after practice these days.
Forte: Oh no, me and Piano had this scheduled for ages, we just hadn't had the time to do it until now with all the shows! We decided it'd be a good idea if I take Piano to some abandoned venues - have her get more comfortable with performing in new places and maybe playing at the front as well. It's also a good idea for us to get some alone time since we decided Piano was singing some of the more acoustic songs that just some practice with her voice and a guitar would be good. Don't worry we wont come home all dusty, that's what we packed the change of clothes for. We'll see you in a bit y'all!
As the rest of the band waves goodbye, Triplet seems frustrated.
The next day after a show, Tempo, Bass and Diminuendo show up to the Garage.
Forte: Yo Crotchet, they're here!
Crotchet: Yep, just grabbing a hoodie for the walk back!
Triplet: What is it this time, JEEZ?
Tempo: GUYS NIGHT!
Crotchet: GUYS NIGHT!
Forte: GUYS NIGHT!
Bass: GUYS NIGHT!
Diminuendo: more muted GUYS NIGHT!
Tempo: We're playing some poker and we've got some drinks - were vibing at Diminuendos.
Bass: Absolute killer river we ended on last week, I'm going to have to get you back for that.
Diminuendo: You can try, but it was basically a coin flip at that point.
Piano: looking at Diminuendo Hey, can I come along?
Crotchet: Umm... uh...
Forte: THE GIRLS ARE TRYING TO INFILTRATE GUYS NIGHT, EVERYONE RUN!
The boys leg it out of the door, leaving the girls behind.
The next day, Get Over It are hanging out at the beach. Triplet seems insistent on getting to talk to Forte. As she walks over, she puts her hands locked behind her back, she seems to also be swaying slightly and humming a song.
Triplet: Hey, Forte... Cut off
Forte: Oh hey Triplet! Sorry, no time to chat. Promised Viola I'd teach her how to ride a wave today. Better get going!
Forte runs off to where Viola is waiting in the water.
Triplet: Hey, no... wait!
Forte seemingly doesn't hear her. She huffs, sits down on a beach towel and takes her notebook out of her bag pack close by. She's humming a tune and writing down some lyrics.
Get Over It get back from the beach. As everyone's drying off at the Garage, Crescendo shows up.
Crescendo: Forte, you ready?
Forte: Just cleaning up, Ill be right there!
Triplet: And where are you taking him?
Crescendo: Oh, he's my hot date tonight.
Triplet: WHAT?
Crescendo: Okay okay, I'm just kidding, no need to get protective of him like last time. I've got this work get together and I'm allowed a plus one. I'm inviting the closest celebrity I know.
Piano: What about me?
Crescendo: Nods. Closest age appropriate celebrity that I know. She winks at Piano.
Fortissimo: And what about me?
Crescendo: You know I love you Fortissimo but I know your brother better and not to be mean, but he can handle his drinks. I don't want to be babysitting you all night.
Fortissimo: Still mean, but fair. She shrugs.
Forte: Right, we better be going. Lets not be late.
Crescendo: Right! See you all later, I promise Ill bring him back in one piece.
Viola: You better! We need our guitarist for a show tomorrow!
Crescendo: Gotcha, see ya then!
Crescendo and Forte leave. Triplet looks like she might blow a fuse. She's breathing deeply and is walking around in circles muttering to herself. She eventually grabs her notebook off her drum set, and starts whispering some lyrics.
Triplet: Hate me or love me tomorrow
I don't really know
Where the hell to go
Chase me or leave me alone
Just so I know
Where the hell to go
The rest of Get Over It seem to note the lyrics but aren't paying too much attention, likely trying to ignore Triplet in the hope she cools off.
The next day in the evening.
Crotchet: Okay, who is coming to the store with me? We need to stock up on food and snacks. Be aware I forget everyone's favourites, so if you want your stuff you better come with!
Viola: Yep, I'm there!
Fortissimo: Coming!
Piano: On the way. Small smile.
Triplet: Think I'm going to skip this one guys, super tired.
Forte: I'm probably going to nap, got something to do later too. Don't want to burn out early!
Crotchet: Right then, see you two later!
Everyone who intended to leave does so. Forte sets an alarm and conks out on a sofa. Triplet walks over to him and seems to be staring while he sleeps.
Triplet: To herself, whispering. So what are you ignoring me for hmm? I've been trying to talk to you all this time.
After a while Fortes alarm goes off and he gets up with a purpose, he starts packing a bag pack.
Forte: Almost missed it. Guess I better get going.
Triplet looks like she's going to boil over.
Triplet: No.
Triplet pushes Forte against a wall, pinning him there. Despite the size difference, she seems to be overpowering him.
Triplet: Angry. Nope, not this time. You aren't going anywhere until you tell me why you've been ignoring me.
Forte: Triplet, I really have to go... I really better get moving.
Triplet: NO. Why have you been ignoring me? Am I not part of this band too?
Forte: Triplet, it's not on purpose, I promise. We've finally had a little bit of a break from shows and I'm using it to catch up on stuff I promised people Id do with them. All of this was scheduled ages ago.
Triplet: That cant be true. You always seem to be doing SOMETHING whenever I walk over to talk to you. Did I do something?
Forte: NO! No, no no. You didn't do anything. I promise its all just stuff that was planned earlier. You have done something now though. The fact you don't believe me. You really think I'm that mean of a person that Id ignore you intentionally?
Triplet: I... I didn't mean it that way. But don't try and flip this back onto me, like I'm a bad person or interpreting things the wrong way.
Forte: Look if you wanted to hang out with me, you could've just asked. I've never said no to you.
Triplet: ASKED? When, with you running away from me all the time?
Forte: And as I said, I had plans with other people. You aren't the only person in my life Triplet and this band isn't the only thing I have. There's a lot of other things I enjoy doing and you're welcome to join me anytime on them, as soon as I finish plans I've previously made with other people. Its just a busy week Triplet. Everything got all stacked up and I'm sorry if that made you feel like I was ignoring you. I had stuff scheduled and I'm not someone that goes back on my word. I know I'm normally the spontaneous type but with all the shows recently and I had to put stuff into plans as the free time we have is kinda limited with practice and everything. I promise Ill make more time to hang out with you and we can even put something in the books as soon as I come back from this. Sound good?
Triplet huffs, dissatisfied, but lets Forte go. Forte grabs his bag pack and leaves without a word.
Triplet: To herself. URRRRGH, he's so annoying! I mean he said the perfect thing and was super nice about it but I kinda wish he got mad at me. And then he was super nice just now but despite that he still left and is still ignoring me. Blugh... singing
Hate me or love me tomorrow
I don't really know
Where the hell to go
Chase me or leave me alone
Just so I know
Where the hell to go
Forte meets up with Tempo outside, they're walking together to a vending machine near the beachfront.
Forte: I don't understand what her deal is man. She confuses me at the best of times and now she's doing all this.
Tempo: Hey, hey. Slow down now brother. Whose deal?
Forte: Triplet. She's getting mad at me just because I've been hanging out with other people and doing stuff I've scheduled or had planned. Like I cant be everywhere at once ya know? I get you want to hang but I have stuff I promised other people Id do, and as soon as that's done, I'm straight back to hanging with you. Like what the big deal? Cant Triplet like wait a bit? I don't mean to say like wait your turn in line or whatever but some patience for my other plans would be appreciated ya know?
Tempo: Oh... OH! Eyes wide. Bro, she's jealous. Are you blind? It's not that she doesn't want you hanging out with other people but she just wants ya to herself more.
Forte: What are you talking about? I'm not that popular man. And certainly not to Triplet it seems like. She just got mega mad.
Tempo: I told you before to keep an eye on it! I hate to say I told you so... but...
Forte: You love saying I told you so. The smile on your face man jeez. But I told you before, in the same conversation actually, me and Triplet are just friends. She doesn't like me like that.
They reach the machine, get some drinks and sit down on a nearby bench.
Tempo: What if she did though?
Forte: I'm pretty sure we'd both agree that all of the in band stuff is complex and we'd want to keep it simple and just ignore or move past it, if it hypothetically was like that, WHICH IT ISNT.
Tempo: Who said it had to to be complex? Isn't it just two people liking each other?
Forte: Not really? I mean this is our livelihood man. Imagine if that did happen and something went wrong, it would probably lead to band fallout. And neither me or Triplet want that. We love the band too much.
Tempo: Sounds to me like it is that way for Triplet. She's fighting some emotions that she's trying to figure out right now and like, one side is agreeing with you and stifling what she wants to say and the other side is trying to get out what she wants to actually happen. That's why she's wanting YOU to say something. She probably wanted you to get mad at her back just now, just so she could have some attention.
Forte: Triplet isn't like that. She doesn't care about stuff like that. She just gets on with it, ya know. She moves past stuff quickly and the band is always her top priority. I'm sure she wouldn't do anything to put that in danger.
Tempo: You say that, but you know the relationship between you and Triplet isn't so hot right now anyway. It isn't so different from the hypothetical where the breakup in romantic relationship could lead to band fallout. Right now, breakup in the friendship relationship leads to band fallout. I would do something about that at the very least.
Forte: Yeah, you're right on that one.
Tempo: Look, it sounds to me that you guys want different things. You want to keep it simple and smooth, moving it along and Triplet wants to make it complex and try and progress this relationship into something more than what it is. Why don't you just tell her that? Best way is communicating what you want.
Forte: Is that not mean though? Sounds like I'm just pushing her feelings aside to push what I want forward.
Tempo: Sometimes you have to mean to be nice. Either way you're not denying her feelings about it, you're facing them head on by giving an honest answer about your analysis of the situation.
Forte: Yeah I suppose so. Triplet always prefers it whenever we tell her stuff straight anyways.
Tempo: Promise me you'll do something about it and not put it off?
Forte: I gotcha man. Thanks for the talk.
Tempo: Anytime.
They fist bump and Forte starts walking back to the garage.
While Forte is walking back, the rest of Get Over It have come back from the shop to hear Triplet still singing the same lyrics from her notebook.
Triplet: Singing Hate me or love me tomorrow
I don't really know
Where the hell to go
Chase me or leave me alone
Just so I know
Where the hell to go
Fortissimo: Huh, so that's what you were singing.
Viola: Id been wondering too.
Triplet: Surprised Oh, hey guys. Just working on something.
Piano: Your voice sounds good for it!
Triplet: Thanks Piano, but obviously its meant for you and Fortissimo.
Fortissimo: No, I actually agree with Piano here. Your voice sounds really good for this. Could be an acoustic track.
Triplet: Guys... I'm the drummer. The drummer doesn't become the main singer. That's just... not the norm.
Viola: I mean this band isn't the norm either, I think that suits us perfectly.
Triplet: Guys, I was kicked out of bands before HARM where I tried to be the singer. This is not a good idea.
Fortissimo: Well your old band members were stupid to waste a good voice. I don't care what they think. We think it sounds good and you should sing this track if we make it.
Triplet: Umm... okay. Ill, think about it.
Fortissimo: You better.
Crotchet: Anyways, Triplet, can I have a minute outside?
Triplet: Yeah, sure.
Triplet follows Crotchet outside.
Triplet: Crotchet, what's up?
Crotchet: Look Ill be honest, the girls put me up to this.
Triplet: Hmm?
Crotchet: They've been worried that you and Forte have had a falling out or something and since I'm the only guy in the band that isn't Forte, they said I should talk to you to "offer a mans insight". So here I am. I will say I'm not good at these sort of conversations though, so sorry if I get something wrong here. Anyway, this is about you. What's been happening?
Triplet: Sighs. I don't know. I just feel like Forte has been ignoring me when I really want to hang out with him.
Crotchet: I think I remember him saying he was busy this week. I don't think he was ignoring you, he probably genuinely had stuff planned.
Triplet: Yeah, he told me as much.
Crotchet: I'll bet he did, Forte always plays it straight with you.
Triplet: Yeah, he does. But it just had been a while, and it always seemed to be some excuse every time I wanted to talk to him. It felt so... targeted. I dunno. He told me and for some reason, despite everything I know he is, I didn't believe him or trust him for whatever reason and I got pretty mad. Then he apologised to me with a perfect response and a good explanation and all I kinda wanted was for him to be mad at me for being angry at him. And then I got even more frustrated when he left because what I wanted didn't happen. Not like he didn't fight for me or whatever, just that it felt like he was putting other people above or ahead of me. And I don't want this argument to screw up the band or anything and I feel like I've messed it all up or I'm all messed up.
Triplet puts her head in her hands.
Crotchet: Well first of all this didn't mess up that band. That's the first thing. We're here to clear things up between the two of you to get back to doing the thing we love most well. Look, I don't mean to be mean here Triplet but have you thought about literally anything except this band for the past however long its been since you started it?
Triplet shakes her head, head still in her hands.
Crotchet: I think that may be the problem. Look Forte keeps moving forward. He has hobbies, friends, stuff he enjoys doing apart from all this. You're you know, still in the same place. Here. Forte is figuring out who he is finally. Its nice to see. But you Triplet? Ill be honest I feel like I barely know who you are sometimes. Not like. Wait, let me word this correctly. I of course know who YOU are. You're awesome, talented, hard working, skilled, sometimes a little abrasive Triplet. I know you. But if I'm asked about you, like "what does Triplet do with her free time?" I doubt Id be able to think of more of an answer than just "Band Stuff" or "She's just really committed to the band". And that's not a bad thing of course, that's just your choice. But who you are, apart from all this... I don't think you've figured that out yet and maybe you're scared to try. Fortes doing something good for himself. Don't stifle him. Imagine if it was swapped. You're just doing your thing you want to do and Forte is dragging you back into a single one thing mindset in one spot when you're trying to forge a straight path forward for yourself. Doing new things, meeting new people. It wouldn't be fair to you right?
Triplet nods, head still in her hands.
Crotchet: Look maybe you reaching out to Forte was your first attempt into discovering who you are outside this. Wanting to hang with Forte, just you and him, outside of band stuff. It's a good thing. But I just think you were scared and worried about a new thing because you haven't done anything outside of the band before. Your whole past however long has just been this. It's out of the comfort zone for you. You still learning how to discover yourself and that's okay. And because your first attempt at trying to do something out of the comfort zone didn't go well, you brain became illogical and started seeing things in a way you shouldn't have been seeing them. You went to the worst immediately. Like if I say it straight you went from real life - Forte is having a busy week with scheduled things he wants to do, to the worst "FORTE IS IGNORING ME, SPECIFICALLY". That sounds about right, right?
Triplet nods, head still in her hands, but she's slowly lowering them.
Triplet: Yeah, and that's not fair to Forte. To see him as an awful person when he was just doing his thing. My brain was just being stupid about, ya know, doing something outside of this for once.
Crotchet: And that's completely okay. If you want to hang out with Forte outside of this, you still can. Just try asking again. Without the illogical, nervy parts this time.
Triplet: Even after everything I said to him?
Crotchet: For sure. I think he'd actually appreciate it more that you're still trying despite everything.
Triplet: Thanks Crotchet. You're good at this.
Crotchet: I'm here for you. We all are. And look I wouldn't say I'm good at this. But that's your opinion. And uh... just between you and me, the girls think you have a crush on Forte and wanted me to scout on that too. They thought you were jealous that he was spending so much time with other people.
Triplet: Oh. OH! Umm... We're just friends. Close friends. Maybe if I hang out with him more outside of the band, there will be something substantial there. And maybe I do have a little something now, but its just ya know, a puppy crush if that's even a thing?
Crotchet: What? Laughing.
Triplet: So like puppy love is a thing right? Where its like you find something cute but it isn't like a substantial thing. You can get over it or go into something more substantial after you spend more time with it? So, I have a puppy crush. I'm crushing but minorly. He's cute and I see all his good points as a friend and I see how he would make a good partner, but I don't actually know if that's something substantial, if that's something I actually want yet or if I'm just looking at it from rose tinted glasses or whatever. So for now, we're friends. Good friends.
Crotchet: That's what I thought, but the girls didn't believe me when I just said you two were close. I'll try and dispel it, but you know Viola and Fortissimo love the drama and Piano plays along with whatever's exciting.
Triplet: Laughing. Well, I appreciate you trying anyways! Thank you for the talk Crotchet. It really helped. I feel more like myself again.
Crotchet: That's the confident Triplet I know. Anytime. Now you talk to Forte when he gets back in yeah?
Triplet salutes Crotchet as they both walk back into the garage. Soon after Forte joins them.
The vibe seems very casual. The band have split off into pairs and are all chatting away having their own conversations. After a bit, Forte walks up to Triplet and Viola.
Forte: Hey Viola, sorry to interrupt, mind if I steal Triplet from you for a bit?
Viola: Oh no, you go right ahead. Smiling.
Forte signals Triplet outside and they both walk out.
Forte: So... I was going to ask you something.
Triplet: Blushing. Mmmhmmm. I think I was going to ask you the same thing.
Forte: Okay, same time. Smiling.
Triplet: One, Two, Three... Do you want to...
Triplet and Forte: Hang out?
Both laugh.
Forte: Okay, lets go!
Triplet: Right now? Forte it's midnight!
Forte: Yeah, but I'm not busy anymore, and I promised Id hang as soon as I wasn't busy.
Triplet: You did say you keep your word. Smiling.
They start walking down to the beachfront.
Forte: I did! Glad you remembered. Oh I've been meaning to ask. What's that song you've been humming all week? I've been listening but not LISTENING if you get me.
Triplet: Oh you noticed it was the same tune? Want to see?
Forte: Definitely!
Triplet takes out her notebook and starts singing.
Triplet: Hate me or love me tomorrow
I don't really know
Where the hell to go
Chase me or leave me alone
Just so I know
Where the hell to go
Forte stares at Triplet. Triplet catches him after finishing the song and blushes, turning her head away from him.
Forte: Hey, that sounds really good!
Triplet: You think so?
Triplet turns her head back towards Forte.
Forte: Yeah, I can hear it as an acoustic track!
Triplet: Piano and Fortissimo said I should sing it but I don't... Cut off.
Forte: Oh you totally should! Your voice sounds perfect for it and it's your lyrics and you relate to them the most. You can hear the emotion when you sing it. I don't think Piano or Fortissimo could relate to it that much.
Triplet: But I'm the drummer. The drummer is never the main singer. And I was kicked out of previous bands for trying to be the singer. They didn't think I was any good.
Forte: So what? We can try new things. And we all think you're good clearly, so we should absolutely do it.
Triplet: Well, thanks for the vote of confidence. It's appreciated.
The two sit down on a nearby bench.
Forte: Anytime! It's what we're here for.
Triplet breathes deeply.
Forte: Hey.
Triplet: Hmm?
Forte: You want to practice this tomorrow? Just me and you? I think it's a your voice and my acoustic guitar thing.
Triplet: Yeah, that sounds perfect! Smiling.
The two stay on the bench moving between silence and conversation for a while before heading back to the garage.