Beats of the Heart - Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Miles nervously adjusted his collar, grateful he didn't have to wear a tie. Although he was in another room, he could still hear the murmurings and chatter of the crowd waiting for him and his DJs.
Juse and Phase were sitting next to each other. Phase's knee bounced with nervousness, but Juse placed a hand on his thigh, distracting him from his anxiety. Phase smiled fondly and leaned against Juse.
Flux was pacing back and forth in a black dress, her heels clicking along the tiled floor, while Quake had his eyes closed and his headphones blaring. They were all feeling the same discomfort Miles was.
Rumors were spreading that Dirge was merging with Aura, but this was the day they would officially announce it.
Miles cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. Flux tapped Quake's shoulder, and he took off his headphones. When all eyes were on him, he gave them a reassuring smile.
"Interviews fucking suck," he started, drawing a laugh from his people. "But I guess it's customary when you're as talented as we are, so we better get used to it."
Phase snorted. "You're not wrong."
"Humbleness at its finest," Flux playfully chided.
Miles was relieved to see them relax a little. "You're not obligated to answer all of their questions. You can rely on me or Shawn if you're uncomfortable."
"They're probably going to ask more questions about you and Shawn anyway," Quake said.
"Thank fuck for that," Phase groaned. "Please keep all of the attention on you."
Miles laughed. "I'll try my best."
There was a knock on the door, and Shawn walked in, his eyes immediately finding Miles. He quickly brought him into his arms and kissed his temple. "How are you feeling?"
Miles shrugged. "Somehow, I'm better than the first interview."
"It gets easier over time. Soon, you'll be a pro." Shawn encouraged and then looked at the others. "And you four?"
"Do I have to say anything?" Phase asked. "I mean, I may say something stupid or say 'fuck'. Fuck! I'm going to say 'fuck' on live television."
He groaned and slumped against Juse.
"You'll be fine," Miles said. "We're going to get through this and drink heavily afterward."
Jules entered the room and gave them a cheerful greeting. "They're ready for all of you!"
They all paled at the announcement. Miles took a deep breath. "Well, that's our cue. Let's get this shit done and over with."
Shawn placed a hand on Miles' lower back, and they led the others out of the room to a large stage. Unlike most press conferences, this stage was set up to make Miles and his group comfortable. The lights were bright enough for filming but not blinding. Instead of rigid chairs, couches were set up around the stage with microphones in front of them.
The reporters were hand-selected by Shawn and respectfully waited in the seats below the stage. Shawn and Miles sat on the couch at the forefront while the others sat behind them.
Miles flashed a wink towards his DJs before smiling at the reporters.
The cameras flashed, but Miles worked hard to maintain his composure. Shawn squeezed his hand quickly before speaking toward the audience.
"Thank you all for coming. I'm sure you all know why we're all here. Aura Entertainment is excited to announce that Dirge Records has merged with us. This is a monumental move and something we have desired for a long time." Shawn's voice was steady and cordial, drawing all the attention to him.
He turned back to the DJs, and they stood up. "I would like to introduce our newest artists, Phase, Juse, Flux, and Quake."
After the applause died down, a couple of reporters shouted questions, but all were related to Requiem and his whereabouts.
Shawn chuckled. "I am pleased to say that Requiem is a part of Aura as well. Although he wished to be here today, he had other obligations. However, he did agree to have a separate interview, which we will announce at a later point in time."
Shawn turned to Miles, and his eyes softened. "I'm also glad that Miles Mendez will join the Aura family. I have always felt that Aura had thrived raising artists; however, I believe our DJs deserved more. Miles will be able to assist in this matter. We will lean heavily on him to learn how to develop our DJs and bring an even higher level of music to our audience."
There was another round of questions being shouted but directed toward Miles. Thankfully, they were more about his role in Aura.
Miles held up a hand, causing the commotion to die down. "I personally believe that Shawn is overstating my role. I am just a consultant and will stay on for as long as needed. I trust Aura's abundant resources and artists' potential, so this position will be temporary."
"Are you reluctant to relinquish your role as the head of Dirge?" Someone asked.
"Not at all," Miles said with a content sigh. "Music is always evolving, and we must evolve with it."
A few more questions were directed toward his role in Aura, which he and Shawn answered patiently.  However, one question made Miles falter. "Did your relationship with Mr. Pierce have any sway over Dirge's merger with Aura?"
Shawn, however, was unfazed. He laughed at the question and shook his head. "It was quite the opposite."
Miles blushed and looked away. The reporters quickly picked up the clues that there was a bigger story.
Shawn drew Miles' attention back to him. "May I?" He asked.
Miles knew he wanted to reveal some of their history. He didn't mind, so he nodded.
"Miles and I have been dancing around each other for a long time. We originally met many years ago when Aura was still growing. All I knew was his name then, but he was unforgettable." Shawn laughed to himself. "I had hoped he felt the same and gave him my card, but he never called."
"With Aura's success and Shawn's rise in fame, I'm sure everyone could understand why I was hesitant to call," Miles murmured, his face flushing a deeper shade of red.
"He didn't think I would remember him," Shawn continued with a fond look in his eyes. "A foolish notion."
Miles nudged him lightly. "It was a rational thought."
"What made the situation worse was how we kept passing by each other—whether that was family, friends, or business. My VP, Scott, had been trying to negotiate with Miles for years, but I had no part in the discussions. I often wonder what would have happened if I had been."
"I probably would have ghosted your calls," Miles said, causing the audience to chuckle.
Shawn let out an exasperated breath. "You probably would have. You worked tirelessly to avoid me."
"Well, Scott's perseverance was winning out in the end. I had started seriously considering his offer before we reconnected," Miles said. "But it wasn't just my decision. My DJs also had a say in the matter. This was a collective decision that we carefully thought through."
Shawn picked up Miles' hand and kissed it gently. He turned back to the reporter who asked the question initially. "So, the short answer to your question is no. Our relationship didn't have sway over this merger."
This seemed to have calmed their questions and suspicions. Instead, they were curious about the history of their relationship, but Shawn had promised they would save the details for another interview.
As they were wrapping up, a reporter finally asked, "Requiem has been a well-known name amongst music lovers; however, he has not released anything recently. Will we see anything from him soon?"
Miles grinned. "Requiem is currently finalizing his newest album. We will announce the release date soon."
The excitement was palpable, and Miles swelled with emotion. To see so many people anticipating his music was exhilarating.
"What will be the name of his album?" The same reporter called out.
Miles glanced at Shawn, his smile growing. "Beats of the Heart."
Miles and his DJs exchanged cheers and exclamations as they entered the back room after the press conference.
"I talk all the fucking time, but why couldn't I function with a few questions?" Flux groaned as she collapsed on a couch.
"How can you handle them?" Phase asked Miles.
"I can't," Miles huffed. "I just let Shawn set the tone and hope I can keep up."
"You were all great," Shawn said. "It was last minute, but next time, we can work on some prep materials to help you ease into it."
"Next time?" Phase blanched.
"You're making names for yourselves. So yes, there will be a next time." Shawn seemed to enjoy Phase's look of horror.
Flux didn't seem to hear Shawn's words. Instead, she was observing Miles and Shawn with a curious look. "So, how long have you two known each other?" She asked. "You said that you met a long time ago. We thought you all met earlier this year, at least."
This caused everyone else to go quiet and turn toward the two of them. Before they could answer, Jules entered the room and whispered something to Shawn. His brow creased, and his jaw tightened, but he immediately masked it. It was a flash of emotion that many wouldn't have noticed except for Miles.
"Sorry," he said as he kissed Miles. "Last minute meeting I can't miss. Can you take everyone home first, and I'll call you when I'm done?"
Miles felt something was off but didn't want to call attention to it. "Do you think it will take long? We can go somewhere to eat nearby and have you meet us."
Shawn sighed. "I can't say for sure."
Miles could see the tension in Shawn's eyes. He remembered how unpredictable things could be while running Dirge, but he couldn't imagine the responsibilities associated with a large enterprise like Aura. Instead of pushing the issue, he smiled. "That's fine. Call me when you're done, and take me out on a date."
Shawn pulled Miles closer and rested his forehead on his. "Sounds like a good plan."
"I think you're purposely avoiding Flux's question and throwing me to the wolves," Miles joked.
Shawn chuckled and cupped Miles' cheeks. "I leave the wolves in your capable hands."
"Ass," Miles chided.
Shawn waved at the rest of them and left after Jules. As the door closed, Miles' smile fell. He didn't mind Shawn had to go to a meeting, but he didn't like those flashes of negative emotions.
He tried not to let it bother him; however, something ominous scratched at the back of his mind. While he followed his DJs out to the lobby of Aura, his steps slowed.
No one seemed to notice his unease. His DJs were joking with each other ahead of him, and the staff of Aura worked as usual. As he passed a couple of security guards, he faltered to a stop.
"I'm not sure why he thought he would accomplish anything by coming here in person," one of the guards said in a hushed tone.
"Right. Considering they just announced a warrant for his arrest, it would be best if he just turned himself in," another said.
"Still, I wonder why Mr. Pierce agreed to meet with him. That Brian Smith seemed to be in a worrisome mood."
The guards all nodded in agreement. "At least we alerted the police."
Miles felt his blood run cold. Brian was becoming more unhinged, and he was with Shawn now. He rushed to the guards, grabbing the arm of the one who was closest. "Where's Shawn?"
Some guards were about to fight him, but a couple recognized him. The one who Miles grabbed sighed. "Mr. Mendez, I apologize that you overheard us. I'm sure it's fine."
"Perhaps it is, but I still need to know," Miles said. "I'd rather not storm into every meeting room and broom closet to find him, so I'd appreciate it if you told me his location."
The guard relented. "Other security guards are watching him, but I would feel better if someone was with Mr. Pierce as well. He should be in his office. You have a keycard for the elevator, right?"
Miles nodded and fumbled for the card tucked away in his wallet. "You mentioned the police?"
"Their ETA is about 15 minutes."
Miles smiled gratefully. "Thank you," he said and rushed to the elevator. He didn't bother with telling his DJs where he was heading. They tried to follow and ask questions, but the doors closed too quickly.
The elevator was usually a short ride to Shawn's office, but it seemed to crawl in this moment. He couldn't stay still and paced around the small space until he finally heard the chime and the doors opened.
He entered the floor he had become familiar with, except this time, it was filled with people and tension. Shawn had frosted the glass of his office, obscuring everyone's view of the inside, and shut the door. The loud, muffled voices were the only indication that someone was in the room.
Miles quickly looked around the floor's lobby and found a pale Jules staring intently at Shawn's office. Scott was next to her with clenched fists. Several security guards in the room were ready to rush to Shawn's aid. Miles even noticed several celebrities he recognized, including a producer he had wanted to work with. The man was agitated and pacing, murmuring threats of beating Brian until he was unrecognizable. Miles was half tempted to open the door for him.
Miles placed a hand on Jules' shoulder, making her jump. "Miles? Why are you here?"
"Why is no one with him?" He asked darkly.
Jules bit her lip nervously. "He said he would handle it."
Miles clicked his tongue in annoyance and started to roll his sleeves.
"What are you planning," Scott hesitantly asked.
"I'm going to say hi," Miles said and started toward the office, but Scott pulled him back.
"He said he would be fine," Scott urged.
Miles shrugged him off. "He may be, but I'm not."
A loud crash sounded from the office, and Miles rushed to the door, ignoring the people calling after him.
He opened the door and cursed inwardly. The office was in shambles. Pictures and books were thrown around the room. Broken glass crunched beneath his shoes. Brian was standing in front of Shawn's desk in a disheveled suit. He was red-eyed with messy hair and a crazed look. He held one of Shawn's awards, poised to toss it across the room.
Shawn was sitting calmly on the other side of the desk. However, his arm was bleeding from blocking whatever Brian had thrown at him earlier.
"You did this to me! I know you did!" Brian yelled, unaware of Miles' presence.
Shawn's locked on Miles and gave him a resigned look. "Quite frankly, you did this to yourself."
"No! I know this is retaliation."
Shawn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "We've done this song and dance countless times. Just stop, Brian. Own up to your mistakes."
Brian sneered. "It's because you're fucking that little Dirge mutt."
The relaxed demeanor was instantly shed, and Shawn's look darkened. "Watch your words."
"Fuck that!" Brian pulled back his arm to throw the award at Shawn. A wave of fury rushed through Miles, and he ran toward Brian, tackling him to the ground.
Brian let out a strangled cry, but Miles didn't hesitate as he slammed his fist into Brian's face.
Brian whimpered pleas to have Miles stop, but he was greeted with another punch and then another.
A warm hand lightly grabbed his shoulder, and Miles stilled. He looked back and was captured by Shawn's tender eyes.
"You'll damage your hand if careless," Shawn said gently.
Miles looked down at his bloodied knuckles but then turned his attention to Shawn's wounds. "He hurt you."
"A scratch. Nothing more," Shawn reassured him and held out a hand to help him off the floor. Miles took it and stood, letting the security guards rush in and restrain Brian.
Shawn was fussing over Miles' hand, but Miles huffed with dissatisfaction. "Don't think you're off the hook. I'm pissed at you for pulling this bullshit."
"Bullshit?" Shawn tried to look offended to hide his guilt.
"You're a business genius—running countless corporations and considered the epitome of success—but you dared to pull such a stupid move?" Miles said as he pulled his hand from Shawn's grasp. "Meeting Brian by yourself? Come on, Shawn. You've warned me not to meet him alone, but you threw yourself head first in this scenario. You're smarter than that."
Shawn sighed. "I figured it was a minor problem I could handle until the police arrived."
Miles shook his head. "Everyone thinks that an armed gangster is dangerous, but there is nothing more unsettling than a desperate bastard who's lost everything. You put yourself at risk, and I will not allow you to do that again."
"I had it under—"
Miles covered his lips with his hands. "No excuses. He would be dead now if he had done more than scratch you. I would cripple my hands to ensure he never breathed the same air as you again. Do you understand?"
Shawn grabbed his hand and placed a kiss on his palm. "I promise it'll never happen again. I'm sorry for worrying you."
Miles sighed and let his head fall against Shawn's chest. He felt comfort being in Shawn's arms after that fright. However, their moment was interrupted by a laugh from the doorway.
Miles turned back to see the producer from the lobby. His dark green eyes were sparkling with amusement. "Well, damn, Shawn. I like him. You better keep him around."
Shawn sighed. "What are you doing here, Hugh?"
"I was planning on giving you shit for hiding the fact we signed Requiem, but then I heard that there may be a fight, and I wanted in."
"Aren't you getting a little too old for fights?"
Hugh clasped his chest with an exaggerated gasp. "How dare you?"
Miles chuckled from the exchange and stepped toward Hugh with an extended hand. "Miles Mendez," he said.
Hugh grinned and took his hand. "Hugh King-Richards."
Miles was about to pull his hand away, but Hugh held on to examine his tattoos. "Well, this is an interesting development," Hugh said, leaning close to Miles. "I look forward to working with you soon, Requiem."
Miles jolted. "How?"
"Some of us are more observant than others," Hugh said with a shrug. "I'm going home to my husband. Call me later, Shawn."
When he walked away, Shawn let out an exasperated sigh. "Hugh is one of the many interesting personalities here.  Welcome to Aura, I suppose."
"It's perfect here," Miles said softly. He grabbed Shawn's hand, led him to the en suite, and had him sit on the counter. He took out the first aid kit and cleaned Shawn's cut.
"Are you still upset?" Shawn asked with some trepidation in his voice.
Miles kept his gaze downcast to hide his smile. "Perhaps."
Shawn placed his fingers beneath Miles' chin and forced him to look up. He leaned in, brushing his lips against Miles'. "How do I make it up to you?"
"I'm sure I can think of something," Miles murmured.
Shawn grinned and kissed him, only parting when there was a knock on the door.
Shawn turned his attention to the police officer in the doorway. "Mr. Pierce, we're taking Mr. Smith into custody. Thank you for the tip regarding his whereabouts."
"Believe me. It was my pleasure," Shawn said.
"Are you going to press charges?" The officer asked.
Shawn hesitated momentarily. "I suppose so."
The police had forced Brian to his feet and started to move him out of the office. Shawn and Miles followed them to the ground floor and were met with the press conference reporters. Miles didn't know if it was leaked that there was a debacle or if they stayed with hopes of a story because of the police's arrival.
The lobby was filled with the bright lights of the cameras and the flashing of the police lights. Brian's bloodied face contorted when he saw everyone and struggled against his restraints. He tried to protest and claim his innocence, but it didn't deter anyone from asking about the charges filed against him.
Brian turned a fierce glare toward Miles and Shawn. His panic had twisted into rage. He started to scream curses and claim he would return and ruin them. However, he was mere background noise to them.
"So, what now?" Miles asked while holding Shawn's hand.
Shawn feigned contemplation. "I was thinking of taking you to dinner. I had promised you a date."
Miles laughed. "You know that's not what I meant."
Shawn pulled Miles into his embrace and kissed his forehead, unbothered by the cameras turning toward them. "I swallow everything Brian built and expand. You create music to your heart's content... And we live happily."
"I like the sound of that," Miles said with a smile.
•••••• 1 Year Later ••••••
There is magic in this world.
Miles felt it pulse through the air as he transitioned to the next song, adding perfectly timed bass. The crowd danced according to his will, oblivious to the cold. It was a beautiful thing.
"Requiem!" They chanted as if his name was a spell to breathe life into the fabric of being.
The past year was a whirlwind of change for Dirge and Aura. While Miles Mendez's name was renowned for nurturing turntablists, Requiem stood at the precipice of the DJ world's evolution.
And now, Requiem played at Times Square for New Year's Eve.
A smile was etched on his face beneath his mask. He had delayed his reveal for a while, wanting to find the perfect time to let everyone know the name behind the persona. And the timing was never better than this night—with thousands dancing to his music, cameras on him, and Shawn standing offstage watching him.
He added a couple of scratches to the beat he was playing and then started to echo out the song, anticipating the countdown to the new year.
Ten.
Nine.
Miles felt his blood course through his body in anticipation. Would his fans hate the truth? Would he lose his appeal because he no longer had the anonymity?
Eight.
Seven.
His anticipation fluctuated to dread. Perhaps this wasn't a good idea. It would change everything.
Six.
Five.
Shawn had walked on stage with even steps, approaching Miles with a smile. Miles' anxious feelings dissipated as he focused on the man he loved.
Four.
Three.
Shawn reached him and wrapped an arm around his waist, and Miles no longer felt any qualms about revealing his truth. This would free him and his music.
Two.
One.
Miles lifted the mask from his face and let it fall to the floor. He leaned in and captured Shawn's lips. This was his home.
The two of them were bathed in light from the cameras, and the crowd's screams drowned out the music.
"I love you," Shawn whispered.
Miles smiled. "I love you, too."
Shawn's hands caressed Miles' cheeks. "Show the world how magnificent you are."
Miles leaned in for one last kiss, and Shawn indulged him before stepping off the stage.
Miles faced the crowd, no mask to shield him, and he felt light as if he could fly. He took the mic in hand.
"I am Requiem," his voice resounded throughout Times Square, then dropped a beat.
After closing out his last song, he and Shawn escaped the paparazzi. They snuck back to their hotel room that looked over Manhattan.
Miles stood on the balcony with a glass of whiskey in hand, still in awe of the night. Shawn hugged him from behind and kissed his neck.
"How do you feel?" Shawn asked.
Miles laughed. "Liberated."
"It seemed like you were hesitating."
"I was," Miles said softly. "Change is always frightening."
"The news is already raving about you, but the PR team is on standby just in case."
"Do you think it will go sideways?"
Shawn chuckled. "Not a chance. The world has fallen in love with you this past year. This is just another thing they can admire you for."
"Doubtful."
Shawn turned him around and pulled him back inside. Their TV was on and broadcasting the news. A picture of him and Shawn kissing on stage was plastered on the screen, and the field reporter was interviewing people at Times Square. They all seemed to be excited that he was Requiem. They commended his music and complimented his deeds throughout the year.
Shawn cupped Miles' cheeks. "Everyone has finally gotten a glimpse of how beautiful and kind-hearted you are. Now they know your musical talent. You deserve praise."
"I didn't seek praise."
"Which makes you even more deserving," Shawn said with a breathy laugh. "You're a man who fights to avoid the spotlight, but you're radiant."
"Maybe to you, but that's because you love me."
Shawn kissed him. "With everything I am."
The news seemed to shift on TV and caught Miles' attention. He turned back to see a replay of Brian sitting in a courtroom, and the news anchor reiterated his current predicament:
[The long trial against Brian Smith had concluded just a couple of weeks ago. Brian Smith was convicted on several counts of embezzlement, including dual contracts and omitted revenue. Additionally, he was found guilty of grossly misrepresenting the financial status of Eclipse Entertainment and securities fraud. He is currently serving a minimum of 15 years in prison.]
"15 years," Miles said with a light sigh. "I still can't believe he is behind bars."
"He tried to petition to go to one of those cushy prisons. He would have succeeded if this was five years ago, but he is completely bankrupt now and cannot afford that luxury." Shawn said wryly.
[Brian Smith will need to stand trial for other charges being raised against him, including assault, duress, and coercion. Due to the severity behind these charges, he could spend the rest of his life in prison if found guilty.]
The Andersons had moved out of the state because they couldn't handle the cost of living or the shame. Miles hadn't heard a word from them since the night at The Apple, but he preferred it that way. And now, Brian was locked away.
"Looks like everything is over now," Miles said quietly, his eyes still on the TV.
"Over?" Shawn questioned. "I believe this is our beginning."
"Is that so?" Miles chuckled and turned to Shawn but froze. Shawn was on a knee with a ring box in hand.
"Yes, Miles Mendez. Our beginning," Shawn said warmly.
A broken breath escaped Miles' lips. He sat on the couch, unable to trust his legs to keep him standing. "Really?"
Shawn grabbed Miles' hand and placed it on his chest. Miles could feel the thundering of his heartbeat, and he closed his eyes to capture the rhythm.
"I'm not a man of pretty words or lyrics, so I don't have some speech laid out. But know that there is no life for me that doesn't have you in it. Allow me to call you mine. Let me call you husband." Shawn whispered, his heart thrumming wildly. "Please marry me, Miles."
Tears slipped down Miles' cheeks. "Yes," he breathed and opened his eyes. "There's nothing I want more."
Shawn took out the sleek black ring with shaking hands and carefully placed it on Miles' finger. He admired it for a moment as if it was a dream. He brought his gaze back up and brushed the tears from Miles' cheeks.
"My husband," Shawn murmured euphorically.
Shawn's words were more beautiful than any song. His Shawn. His husband. His future. This man was magic personified. His kindness saved his life so many years ago. Now, Shawn's heartbeat sustained him, and his love nourished him.
Miles smiled softly. "My forever."