Downfall Of Amplification -Phan-

hues of your eyes

I wake up in a pile of sheets and the first thing I notice is that the mattress is hard, or not a mattress at all.  Opening my eyes I find that I fell asleep on the studio floor.  Dan must have grabbed sheets from the building somewhere.  He was hunched over the control panel, with headphones on.  Sitting up I stretched, watching Dan intently click away at the buttons.  He was so concentrated on the work that I thought it was best to not disturb him.  

Quietly I slip out of the door and make my way down to the main floor.  Last night Dan and I had stayed up late talking about music.  He asked about my drafts and I explained to him what I had.  He was more than excited to start work and told me to take off today from the office and work in the studio with him.  I had planned on going home and getting a good nights rest but it looks like that didn't happen.  

I don't even remember how I fell asleep.  One moment I was sharing quiet whispers with Dan and the next my eyes were closed.  I wonder if he got much sleep.  He needs a better schedule.  Hell, he didn't even know what time of the day it was last night.  

The coffee table is set up by the reception desk.  A woman sits there, her hair pulled into a tight bun, glasses balanced on her nose delicately, "Did you go home last night, Phil?"  Aubrey asks with a bit of concern and mockery in her voice.

"Un, no."  I finish Dan's cup and start on my own, "I had to get a lot of stuff done for Dan for today."  I don't know how much she may know and I don't want Dan to not trust me. 

She nods, "Oh, that makes sense.  Is he doing better? Last I heard he was freaking out over some Rolling Stones article." 

I clench my jaw, trying not to feel too angry at the jab to Dan, "He's under a lot of pressure."  I defend picking up the coffees, "Mike has him on a tight leash when it comes to work."

Aubry makes an 'O' with her lips and I say a quick goodbye.  The coffee is warm in my hands as I make my way to the elevator.  This building is so beautiful, covered in artist merchandise and framed albums.  The floors are wooden and each hallway is framed with a large glass window at the end of it.  From my experience of working here, there are many employees.  I have tried to get to know as many people as I can but it's hard because everyone is so busy.  It doesn't matter how many times I may see a famous person, every moment they are in my presence I'm starstruck.  Of course, I don't act that way, Dan would have my head if I did.  

Opening the door with my elbow I find Dan still on the computer.  Tapping his shoulder he jumps, pushing his headphones back, "Jesus fucking Christ, Phil." 

"Sorry, I just got us some coffee."  I hold my hand out and he takes the cup gladly, "How's it going?" 

"I'm really liking it.  I really do think that your vocals are going to add a whole nother dimension.  Your voice just carries so much depth."  He looks genuine, eyes trained right on mine.  Mouth stretched straight. 

I awkwardly shift my weight from foot to foot trying to keep his gaze, "Uh, thanks."  Because what else are you to say to that?  Dan smiles and takes a sip of his coffee.  His dimple shows for a moment.  

"I suppose I can take a break."  He points to the other chair, "Take a seat, you're fine." I do as he says and for a moment I'm scared that silence will overcome us, "I've been really thinking."  Dan nods, his eyes looking at something I cannot see.

"About what?"  I ask, taking a drink of my coffee.  It's warmth spreading throughout me like lava down a volcano.  Slow, but steady and very very warm.  

Dan looks back at me and with a straight face says, "I want to release an album and go on tour."  

"Really?"  I smile and he returns the expression.  

"Yep."  Dan pulls his feet up to the chair, "And I want you to perform with me, I want you to be in my new band."  I open my mouth to speak but dumbfounded, I can't say anything, "You don't have to say yes now."  Dan reminds me, "But I think you're talented enough and I enjoy your company.  Your stage presence is undoubtedly charismatic and you can play well." 

"Of course I will."  I stand up setting my coffee on the side table.  Dan stands up, mimicking my actions and I embrace him in a hug.  His hands are placed on the middle of my back, his fingers drawing circles on my spine. 

"Your vocals sounded amazing layered with mine and I know Mike will be happy."  Dan laughs as I lose my actual shit in his recording studio.  Pulling away I push my hands through my hair, dragging them down my face, laughing. 

"This has been my dream."  I gush, "Since I was a kid.  And for you to ask me to do this with you."  I shake my head, "I am forever in your gratitude, Dan.  You're one of the most talented people I have ever met.  I thought I was lucky for you to even talk to me, let alone this." 

"I'm glad I can help."  Dan chuckles, "You are more than qualified for it." 

"Have you thought of a band name or anything?" I inquire, sitting back down.  

Dan follows suit and shakes his head, "Not yet.  I haven't even told Mike about this.  You and I are the only ones who know."

I still can't believe this is happening.  Dan is having a comeback album with me on it.  We are going to tour the world and sing songs, write songs together.  He can mentor me through the lifestyle, I'm just blown away, "Okay."

"I'm excited."  Dan looks like it was hard to admit that, "I haven't been happy in a long time.  I haven't even been able to write music in a long time.  So now that I am, this seems like the right time.  I think that if we stay on a schedule, we can release Golden Love soon and then drop the album in a few months.  By next year the tour should be starting." 

"Oh wow." Looking at it like that feels like everything is going to be so long.  There's still so much to do.   There's so much I need to learn, "Mike is going to go crazy." 

"I expect that."  Dan flashes his teeth and my heart races even faster if that's possible.  There's just something about being in the presence of a celebrity that gets to you.  Everything Dan does is somehow perfect.  His eyes are the most beautiful shade of brown, his moles dotting his neck and face are like constellations.  His long hair that waves for the most part but finds its way to a curl at the end, "What are you thinking?"  He asks.

"Why?"

"You just seem so lost in thought.  You look spacey." 

"It's just crazy." I remark, "I still can't wrap my head around it." 

"Well, you better try."  Dan smirks, "I think I have a good chorus for a song, maybe you can help me with the lyrics for the other bits?"  Dan suggests. 

"Okay."  I roll my chair closer so that we are looking over a notebook scribbled in with messy handwriting. 

"And if you don't do well, you're fired."  Dan teases and I playfully push my shoulder against his. 

Rolling my eyes I begin to read what's in the book. 

AN: it's 12:30 so I'm like 30 min late but shHHhshhSHhsh it's basically a daily upload because I haven't slept yet