Atlas had closed his to fully enjoy and take in the song as a complete whole. It was wonderful, he hoped all 50 of his fans agreed. He also hoped this album would bring in more of them. He got lost in the song, his imagination acting up, inspiring him to make a music video for this song as well as another song that was already planned out. Feeling Nikolas rest his chin in his shoulder caused him to smile more than he already was.
Nikolas opened his mouth to ask Atlas which name, then as he glanced over to the side he closed it and smiled. He looked so happy and lost in the music, even with his eyes closed Nikolas could see that he loved it. So he stayed quiet and let Atlas listen without being disturbed, even as he opted for studying the other man while he listened to the song. Atlas was beyond adorable, especially with his dyed hair, and he even found his impulsiveness kind of adorable—it meant he knew what he was thinking at the moment.
The song came to a close, silence filled the space. Atlas let out a breath and opened his eyes. "Wow… that's amazing, it's perfect. I've made the executive decision to make a music video for this and, Nikolas, if you are comfortable with it would like to be in it?" He asked, turning his head a little to look at him. The producer smiled and saved the song. "So, have you decided what you want to go by? This is all great and stuff, but, Fox, you know there's a bit left to do today and we need to get that done."
"Alexis or Draco, you pick," Nikolas murmured in Atlas' ear, glancing over at him before standing up straight and running his hand through his hair. It was starting to get into his eyes a bit, but not enough to make him want to get a haircut yet. "Uh, I can be in it. I don't exactly have a tight schedule as of right now, so I'm free whenever until further notice." Funny, he was anxious when singing, but when it came to being on camera, he wasn't nervous.
Atlas smiled and thought for a bit. "Well… they're both great names, I can't decide! Alexis is really pretty and I like that name. But Draco is really cool and it's the name of a cool constellation." He said, looking up at Nikolas. He, when choosing a name for himself, decided to change his last name a little and use Foxie. His hair was orange when he debuted so it fit his image.
Nikolas rolled his eyes, even if he was smiling at what Atlas had said about his birth name. "I'll just go with Draco. I'm sure my old 'bandmates' will be thrilled to see it." Tessa was one of them, so he knew she'd flip out seeing him singing. He hasn't seen Kit since forever ago since when she—he—got removed from the system, and he hasn't seen Ryker since Nikolas' eighteenth birthday.
Atlas smiled and so did the producer. The producer nodded and turned back to the computer "That'll be a cool name to go by. Um, did you used to be in a band or something?" Atlas asked, intrigued by what Nikolas meant by 'his old bandmates'. "Also, since you're going to be in the MV do you have any ideas or things you wanna add before I plan it out?"
Nikolas shrugged and slid his hands into his front pockets, though his eyes shone with memories as he explained. "When I was a kid…or teen, I guess, 17ish, there was a group of four of us. We were board almost all the time, and we all liked music, so we jokingly made a group and played for fun. Haven't seen two of them in years, but I know Tess still sings." He tilted his head to the side and thought about the second question, then shook his head and offered an apologetic smile. "Your song, your video," was all he said to that question.
"Oh that's fun! None of my friends liked music the way I did, they all rathered to just listen. I was stuck being too shy to sing for anything, even at home. But here I am." Atlas explained. "But it's okay, I already have ideas, I just wanted to make sure that you got everything, if anything, you wanted in it as well." He stood up and went over to the table that had the songs that he still needed to record. "So, do you wanna stay while I record the rest of this or do you have stuff to do?" He asked, hoping he could stay.
Nikolas listened to Atlas with a smile, then tracked him with his eyes as the other man went over to the table. He eventually came over as well, sitting down—well, more like sliding down. He had a passing thought that said he needed some coffee, but he'll be fine. "I'm a busy man," he drawled, clearly sarcastic, then shot Atlas a playful smirk. "But I suppose I can move some stuff around for ya. I'll stay until you're done."
"Ah, thanks, love." Atlas said, smiling. He glanced at Nikolas then went over to the producer. He looked through the songs and asked the man which songs they could definitely record. Some were still being finished up. He then looked over one of the songs before heading into the recording booth. He waved to Nikolas then closed the door and slid on his headphones again. It was a slower more emotional song, that Atlas absolutely adored. He smiled a little to himself before giving the producer another thumbs up.
Nikolas propped his head up with his chin on his hand, a soft and idle smile on his lips as he watched Atlas get ready. He really did have to go and find a job sooner rather than later, but he still had quite a bit of cash put away from his last… job that he had recently quit frequenting. He still showed up, of course, for some quick cash, but he'd need something else to keep himself afloat and entertained. He couldn't sit idle for long. It was unfortunate, as it didn't allow him to be too lazy most of the time.
The music started, Atlas softly closed his eyes and started singing. Just like every other recording session, everything left his mind except for the song. Singing always put his mind at ease. Especially extra emotional songs since he could pour out his heart and all the emotions he didn't express.
After a couple minutes, he finished the song. But he had been unhappy with how he sang so rotated his finger, signaling the producer to rerecord it.
Nikolas was captivated when Atlas sang, now no longer distracted by his own part to play. He sang so smoothly and full of emotion, and Nikolas couldn't help but get caught up in it all. He was far from envious of the other's voice and control. He had his own skills, his own expertise. Nikolas knew it was a waste of time to be jealous of another's talent when he had some of his own.
His phone buzzed and he briefly checked it when he saw Atlas wanted to go again. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. It was one of his old friends—and an ex. Ryker. He wanted to meet up and already had Kit with him on a road trip. Knowing them both, they had already contacted Tess and were on their way over with or without his approval. Nikolas quickly texted that he was busy at the moment but would talk to him as soon as possible, then put his phone on do not disturb and set it off to the side.
Atlas looked over at Nikolas right before the music, smiling once again. He faced the microphone once he heard the music again. This time, he sang a little softer, then toward the end, he released his full singing capability. He thought it fit the feel of the song better. The last note faded off at the end, a soft smile growing on Atlas' lips. It was perfect. He took of his headphones and happily walked out of the recording booth. "Hey, Nikolas, what did you think of the song?"
Nikolas grinned when Atlas came out of the booth, looking up at him from where he was partially lying his front half on the table with his head on his arms. "I loved it. The second time-round definitely sounded better, though I still love your voice either way." He lifted his head some and tilted it like that of what an excited puppy might do, his bright silver eyes swirling with awe.
"Thank you! That is also one of my absolute favorite songs from the album." Atlas said before turning to the producer. They discussed a bit about the song and before you know it, Atlas was looking over another song. He was a bit nervous about the next song, it was a very vulnerable song that he almost just kept for himself to never publish. Eventually, he did of course, decide to put it on the album. He went back into the recording booth and sighed before putting on the headphones. Every time he sang along to the song he either cried or came close to it. He put up a weary thumbs up and the producer started the music.
Nikolas noticed the change of attitude in Atlas as he started the next song. He frowned and sat up attentively, curious and slightly worried for some reason. Perhaps this wasn't one Atlas wanted to do? He didn't know, and it wasn't his place to intervene. So he sat quiet and just listened as the music started.
Three quarters through the song, sure enough, Atlas could feel a knot in his stomach. He knew this was inevitable, so why not just let it happen. He soon felt tears welling up, and by the end, he was crying. He took his headphones off and sat down on the floor inside the recording booth, letting himself work through anything that worked its way out.
Nikolas knew something was wrong almost as soon as Atlas did. He was already standing when he saw the tears, and he walked into the recording booth without much thought about it. There was Atlas, sitting on the floor with tears streaming down his face, and Nikolas was quick to sit next to him. However, though he was quick to be present for the other man, he offered only his presence for now instead of words or physical contact. That much was up to Atlas.
Atlas looked up when he heard the door open, strangely relieved when he saw it was Nikolas. The second Nikolas sat down, Atlas leaned his head on the man's shoulder and relaxed a bit into his side. The silence was comforting, and so was the fact the Nikolas was there. Atlas had never been one to be shy about sharing his emotions. If he cried, he didn't try to hide it, if he was overjoyed, he happily let everyone know. He did, however, hide anger, discomfort, and unhappiness. He was a people pleaser, never wanting anyone he's around to know about his hardships.
Nikolas stayed silent when Atlas leaned into him, but he wrapped his arm around him and held him close while he gently rested his head on top of the other's head. It was clear the song triggered Atlas somehow, and he wouldn't blame the man if he decided against releasing it to the public. He heard about artists unable to perform certain songs because of the meaning behind them. The good thing about being a drummer was that he could pour himself out onto the instrument without breaking down—that is, if he didn't sink too far into his head. At that point, the chances were debatable.
By the time Atlas calmed down, it had been maybe 15 minutes. He honestly didn't want to leave Nikolas' arms, he didn't have to quite yet so he wouldn't worry about it. "Thanks… that song's just very personal and it brings up a lot of stuff." He said softly, his voice a little weak from crying.
Nikolas reached over with his other hand, the one not around Atlas' waist, to lightly brush some strands of lilac hair out of the man's face. He was still quiet as he studied Atlas' face until he finally whispered, "It's okay." He didn't know what else to say, so he just pressed his lips to the other man's forehead and held him slightly tighter.
Atlas smiled a little and closed his eyes. The atmosphere in the room was calm and almost bittersweet. He heard the door open again, it was the producer this time. "Hey, I'm going out, it's lunch break. Just so you know." The producer said before leaving and closing the door behind him. Atlas opened his eyes and lifted his head to look at Nikolas.