Beats of the Heart - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

Miles was standing at the window, watching Shawn drive away. He was overwhelmed with emotion. He didn't know if he should be frightened or excited. But the latter was starting to win out. After all this time, his feelings for Shawn had grown. It was a strange concept considering how he didn't know Shawn all that well.
"Miles? What the hell is happening?" Quake asked from behind him. "Phase is freaking out about something, Danny called a meeting, and you come back beat to hell."
"I'm more confused about fucking Shawn Pierce storming in," Phase said with a shake of his head.
"And where the hell is Requiem? Why doesn't he ever show up for these meetings? It's his label too." Quake grumbled.
Miles gave Danny a disconcerted look. Danny shrugged a little. "Everyone is worried, that's all."
Juse had poured drinks for everyone and ushered them to the table. "Sit down and let the boss-man explain."
While Juse was the one who typically remained stoic and silent, Trickshot was the one who hadn't said much the entire night. He was sitting at the table, fidgeting with his fingers as if unsure of what to do with himself.
They gathered around and watched Miles carefully. Miles tapped the glass lightly, unsure where to start.
"There's a lot of companies that want Dirge," he finally said quietly.
"You mean they want Requiem," Trickshot finally huffed, revealing a little more resentment than Quake did moments ago.
Miles licked his lips tentatively. "Yes and no. Some companies want everyone. I admit, their offers are tempting, but their practices are not."
"What do you mean?"
"They're chart-chasers. They will twist their music and genres to match whatever is popular. Yes, it may make you money but it will drown out your skills and individuality. I have declined all of these offers." Miles explained.
"What about you?" Flux asked.
"I would receive a payout that will keep me comfortable. But it wasn't enough for me to consider it."
"And the other companies?" Trickshot asked.
"Requiem," Miles said quietly. "They offered to take Requiem off my hands and will not touch Dirge."
"And does Requiem know this?" Flux asked.
"All offers were declined," Miles said and then sighed. "Eclipse started with just offers to Requiem years ago. However, after receiving Requiem's rejections, they started aiming at Dirge, believing I would be an easier target."
"Eclipse used to be reputable, but now, not so much," Juse said quietly. "I don't trust their practices.
"They're assholes," Phase chimed with an angry scoff.
Miles wore a wry smile. "Eclipse's offer is generous—more than almost every other agency. They offered to take all of you and help you finish your tours and albums."
"Hell no," Phase said as he crossed his arms. "I will never work those bastards. I know they will kick us to the curb once we finish our albums. They only want Requiem."
Miles looked downwards. "I also believe that is Eclipse's intention."
"Is that why they ambushed us at the studio?" Phase asked.
Miles nodded. "It was my fault in the end. I publicly rejected his offer in front of other CEOs, and I'm sure that was the final straw. He now owns our favorite studios."
"Studios? As in plural?" Flux paled and clenched her fists.
Miles nodded. "He wanted to discuss terms; however, our conversation turned... unproductive."
Trickshot clicked his tongue. "Perhaps Requiem should just go with them. He spells trouble. If he leaves, we don't have to worry about the threats of other companies."
Miles restrained a wince from that comment. He wanted to defend himself, but before he could, Phase spoke up. "That's bullshit, Tricks. If you saw that sleazeball today, you would know it's not about Requiem. Perhaps it started with Requiem, but Eclipse now has a hard-on for Dirge."
Miles' head dropped in his hands. "I'm sorry."
"This isn't something you should apologize for, Miles. You have worked insanely hard for all of us. We hate that you have been forced to face all this pressure." Flux said warmly.
Miles looked up at Danny, who gave him a reassuring smile. "I think it's time that you know the truth." He stood up. "Follow me."
They exchanged looks but quickly followed Miles down the stairs to the basement. When they opened the door, they were greeted but a large room filled with audio equipment and turntables. On the other side of the room was a small soundproofing room for recording. The walls were lined with vinyl records and music accolades and awards.
Flux and Phase when to the wall to count the platinum and gold records.
Phase finally asked, "Requiem records here?"
Juse laughed. "Requiem lives here." He held up one of the masks that Miles would wear when live-streaming.
This caused the DJs to freeze and give Miles a bewildered look.
"But you live here." Phase said quietly.
"Are you a fucking dumbass?" Flux elbowed Phase. "He's Requiem!"
Miles coughed. "So... that's kind of the big secret."
Phase started to laugh. "Oh my god! Do you know what that means? Quake and Tricks have been talking shit nonstop about the boss!"
Trickshot sputtered and tried to slink to the back of the group.
Quake paled. "Shut the fuck up!" He turned to Miles. "I'm so sorry! Please don't fire me!"
Miles laughed. "No one is getting fired. I'm telling you for several reasons. First, I'm not comfortable with lying to you. Second, I need us to be a team to face the future together. And finally, you need to understand why it's complicated. I started Dirge to make music as Requiem; however, shit's hit the fan."
"Eclipse," Danny spat out. "Brian is going to block us, isn't he."
Miles nodded. "The studios are the first step. Tours and performances are going to be next. Any chance of media exposure will be drowned out. He will make us fade into obscurity."
This news sobered them, and the atmosphere shifted. They piled up in the studio's small sitting area.
Flux bit her nail with a worried look. "So what's next?"
"Surprisingly, we have a few options," Miles said. "We can record here and try our luck on our own. It's not optimistic, but we can go down fighting."
"Not optimistic at all," Phase grumbled. "But we'll be able to do things our way."
Miles nodded. "Another option is that I release you from your contracts. I can help you find another agency or label—"
This option was greeted with plenty of curses and denials.
"Alright, I appreciate your sentiment," Miles held up a hand to stop their exclamations.
"What else?" Flux asked.
"I have a... friend," Miles started, feeling strange to call Shawn a friend. He thought maybe it was the previously perceived improbability of establishing anything with the man... or it was strange to place such a neutral term on something that set him ablaze.
Miles realized he had trailed off and coughed with a slight flush. "I have a friend who can set up time in studios for our albums. I can guarantee their quality and know we will be protected."
"What's the catch?" Juse asked.
"It won't solve our problem in the long run," Miles said. He could record albums in Shawn's studios but what then? Brian could still obstruct the sales, ruin their image, and bring them down. He could wait until Shawn completed his takedown, but who could guarantee that another person like Brian won't come out of the woodwork?
Juse shook his head. "That's not what I meant. What price would you have to pay to use the studios?"
Miles chuckled, remembering Shawn's reaction. "Nothing big. A non-business impacting and perfectly legal favor."
"Are you sure you can trust that?" Flux asked.
Miles nodded. "He's trustworthy."
"Are you sure you're not saying that because he is an insanely attractive older man?" Flux grinned.
"Shawn's looks have nothing to do with it," Miles said hastily and then flushed when he realized no one had said Shawn's name. Flux was baiting him. Miles hid his head in his hands. How was it possible to keep Requiem a secret for years but somehow slip so easily in these situations?
"Fuck," Miles groaned. Shawn was doing this to him.
"He's hot, Miles. And the way he looked at you..." She fanned herself to emphasize her point. "That man wants to devour you. You should totally let him, too. I bet he's all growly and assertive in bed."
"Flux!" Miles and Danny yelled at the same time.
Flux practically giggled. "Fine. At least tell us about how he kisses."
Miles turned red and buried his head in his hands.
"You've kissed?!" Danny had jumped to his feet.
"I just told you all that I'm Requiem, and you all are more concerned about my love life," Miles complained.
"You having a love life is more surprising than Requiem," Phase said with a shit-eating grin.
Flux patted his arm. "You dating someone is long overdue."
The others all murmured their agreement, which made Miles groan. "We aren't dating."
"Yet," Phase snickered. "But we'll set that aside for now. We'll drag all the dirty details from you later."
"Can't wait," Miles said while rolling his eyes.
Phase laughed. "Alright, so Daddy Shawn—"
"Phase!"
"What? He has daddy vibes! I don't judge," Phase protested with a wink. The others laughed and murmured their agreement.
Miles immediately recalled his first interaction with Shawn and groaned. "We're setting this discussion aside, remember?"
"Fine," Phase gave an exaggerated eye roll. "Shawn offered his studios in return for a favor."
Miles rubbed his cheeks, hoping to remove the blush. He wanted to regain his footing from this conversation. "Right, but we will still face the crux of the problem."
"It's better than splitting us up," Phase said with a shrug. "I choose that option, as long as the favor isn't too crazy."
Miles was quiet for a moment. He would have to devote more time to protect them if Dirge continued down this road. He would have to be like Shawn and create contingencies and defenses. He would work on the business side, which meant that Requiem would be put on the wayside.
While the others discussed this possibility and how it may be best for them, Phase watched Miles. He saw how his shoulders slumped, and his eyes became distant. He had been working with Miles the longest and could read his body language.
"Miles, when was the last time you released an album?" Phase asked.
Miles looked up and gave a half-shrug. "A couple of years."
"When have you gone on tour?"
Miles shook his head. "I haven't." His voice was quiet.
"You stream rarely and don't perform as often as you used to," Phase said. "Are you in a musical slump or what?"
Miles shook his head solemnly. "No. It's not like that."
"You're a musician, so why aren't you making music?"
Miles stood up and walked toward his turntables, his back toward the group. "I make music when I can. If I were under your contract, I would still meet the contractual obligations."
He gently placed his hands on the platters of his turntable, finding comfort in the wax under his fingers.
"But it's not as much as you want, right? And that's because you have been working to take care of us," Phase said with a heavy sigh. "You fought off the headhunters and snipers without us knowing. You made me leave the studio today, so I wouldn't have to see what they did to you. And you work hard behind the scenes, neglecting your music so that you can give us opportunities."
"So, if we decide to fight it out, endure as simply Dirge, what do you give up?" Flux asked quietly, already aware of the answer.
"Until I can raise Dirge to the point where we can protect ourselves, Requiem will take a hiatus," Miles said quietly. It was a decision he already knew was coming. He took these DJs under his wing and would not abandon them.
"No," Juse rumbled.
Flux had covered her mouth with her hands while shaking her head, disagreeing with Miles' train of thought.
"There is no way we will stop you from making music," Quake added.
"We need another option." Phase said in a tight voice, and the others voiced their opinions. They were all musicians, and they shuddered at the thought of being unable to make music.
Miles sighed. "There's another option... We join Aura."
The room became still. No one dared to breathe too loudly. Aura was a company no one had dreamt they could be a part of. Despite their gruffness and teasing, meeting Shawn was an unbelievable experience. Shawn was a celebrity, a person that they respected, and they never thought he would step into their small circle.
"What do you mean?" Phase finally asked.
"I've had several offers from Aura before but had trouble trusting it. I figured that I could continue to support you without assistance. It was plausible before, but in the last couple of years, I have seriously considered Aura's offer."
"You never told us this before," Flux said quietly. "Ultimately, this is your company, and we trust you will make the right decision for all of us. But you never told us you were struggling. We could have helped." Flux stood up and hugged him. "Stop bottling all this shit up."
Miles gave a low laugh. "It's a bad habit." When they parted, he finally looked up at all of them, staring expectantly.
"Shawn brought up his proposal again today. He's offering a place for all of us. It's not a payout or a temporary deal. It's resources and unprecedented potential for growth... but it's a risk. It's always a risk when we step into unknown territory."
"How do you feel about it?" Danny asked.
Miles rubbed the bridge of his nose. "It's the most secure idea I have for all of us."
"If Aura is backing us, and Shawn isn't an asshole, you can just be Requiem. You can make music instead of stressing over us." Quake voiced what everyone was thinking.
Miles nodded slowly. "I will have to tell him I'm Requiem."
The group started to consider this possibility seriously, and Danny brought out one of the old offers from Aura in the archived emails. Aura was their best bet, and they all knew it.
The night dragged on, and his artists finally gave in to their need to sleep. Miles had sent Danny to bed hours ago. Flux and Quake took the spare room upstairs shortly after Danny. However, Phase and Juse stayed with Miles until they fell asleep on the couch. Juse had pulled Phase on top of his chest and wrapped his arms around his waist to keep him in place.
Miles chuckled at the two men, who were opposites in every way possible. Juse was silent, never having to say more than he needed to. He also had the build of a bodyguard, and Miles knew that he had some military background. However, Phase was a feisty smartass who was half Juse's size. Yet, the two were nearly inseparable.
He looked around the parlor, aware that he hadn't seen Trickshot for a while.
He had checked every room on the upper levels. He frowned as he went downstairs but still couldn't find him on his floor. He was about to call him when he noticed a dim light coming from his studio in the basement.
Considering he just showed them the basement, he didn't find it odd that someone went down there. However, he bristled a little at the thought of someone around his equipment. He figured the churning in his gut was because he was used to keeping that part of him hidden.
"Tricks?" He called out as he descended.
He heard some shuffling, and then Trickshot appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He was flushed and looked embarrassed.
"Sorry, Miles. I know I shouldn't be in here," he said quietly.
Miles wanted to agree immediately. A DJ's equipment is something personal—even sacred. As a kid, he would get into fights with someone who touched his turntables without his permission.
Instead of lashing out, Miles sighed and reached Trickshot. "Why are you down here? There's another couch upstairs if you need to get some sleep."
Trickshot bit his lip. "I... um... I was just letting it sink in. You know. You being Requiem."
Trickshot was young compared to the others. The main reason why Miles took him under his wing was because he was impressed with his cuts and possible potential. His style closely resembled his own, so he figured he could take him under his wing. He helped hone his mixing and cuts while encouraging him to become more acquainted with the nuances of hip-hop to build his repertoire.
Trickshot was excited about the opportunity and was a hard worker. However, a year ago, he started slipping. He stopped producing, and Miles had been as patient as possible with him.
"Tricks, are you doing alright?"
Trickshot stiffened but then nodded. "I'm fine. I think I'll take catch up on some sleep real quick."
Miles didn't push too far. "Alright. Take the couch upstairs." He grabbed Trickshot's arm before he left. "But if you need to talk about anything, I'm here. Not just as your boss, but as a friend."
Trickshot was tense and grumbled thanks before he rushed upstairs.
Miles rubbed his eyes. He had been awake for far too long, and his headache was not receding. He ached everywhere and just wanted to soak in the tub for hours. However, something wasn't sitting right. He hated being suspicious of his artists but didn't know why Trickshot was in this room.
He moved around his room, checking everything from the vinyl lining the wall to the turntables. Nothing seemed to have been moved during his initial check, but he froze in front of his laptop by his needleless turntable. He usually shut everything down and closed his laptop, but now, it was slightly opened.
He opened it and clicked the mouse. It lit up immediately, proving that the computer wasn't turned off. It would have been easy to dig through his files because he never bothered with a password on his laptop. He was the only one in his studio until today. He felt sick, realizing that he would have to add more security.
He opened the minimized applications, and the sickening feeling deepened when his new setlist popped up. He had always mapped out his songs and how he would mix them for a show so he could practice them religiously. He just finalized this list a week ago.
He looked back at the stairs where Trickshot had disappeared. He rushed upstairs and cursed when he saw the empty couch. He raced to the parlor, but the only people were Phase and Juse.
Juse had woken but didn't let go of Phase. His eyes were a little tired, and he stifled a yawn.
"Tricks came this way?" Miles asked quietly, hoping not to wake Phase.
"Said he needed to go," he whispered. Phase shifted a little, and Juse turned his attention on him, ensuring he wouldn't wake up. When he confirmed Phase was fine, he turned back to Miles. "Everything okay?"
Miles pursed his lips. "Maybe. I'll let you know."
He grabbed one of his throw blankets and covered the two, earning a rare smile from Juse.
He went back downstairs and sat at the end of his bed. He knew sleep wasn't going to come easy for him tonight. He groaned and rubbed his tired eyes.
He didn't know if he needed to be pissed about Brian or suspicious of Trickshot. Something was brewing, and it unsettled him.
"Fuck it," Miles murmured as he flipped on his slow blues playlist and sunk into the music.
At least the entire day wasn't a shitshow. Miles touched his lips and smiled. He had finally kissed Shawn again.