Serious Goals

"You sound really good, Fen!" Ana says excitedly as they are listening to one of his tracks that was going to be on his album.

"I mean the emotion; you have put into this song." Ana touches his arm. "I don't know what has gotten into you lately, but you are really coming into your own as an artist." She gives him a knowing look. "It must be that extra time you have been spending with Xavier." She speculates. She then gives him a sly look. "I know you have been going to him quite a bit for advice." She confirms to him.

Fen gives her a sheepish look. "You do?"

Ana nods. "Yeah, I have seen you guys huddled up together here at Hamilton-Winters, and I'm not going lie, I asked what you and Xavier were up to." Ana looks at Fen and she smiles brightly. "And he told me." She states to him in a matter of fact manner.

A slightly nervous feelings comes over Fen. "He did?" He asks.

Ana nods. "He did. I am so glad you went to him for advice about how to better yourself as an artist." She rubs on his arm. "I think that's wonderful. Xavier is one of the best people, you can learn from at our label. He's good people, Fen." She tells him happily.

He nods at her and smiles. Ana turns back and listens to one of his songs some more. "This really sounds like a hit Fen." She crosses her arms and looks at him knowingly. "I think you are going to have multiple hits on this album." She dances excitedly. "This album could be big time for you Fen." She predicts.

As Fen watches her dance to his song, his eyes dance. "I hope so." He says wistfully.

"If so I can finally afford to buy some of the things that I want to buy on my own." He gives her a serious look. "Like my own place."

Ana stops dancing for a moment. "You are looking for your own place?" She asks curiously.

He nods. "I am. I love my parents, and I appreciate them letting me live with them, while I am trying to build my career."

"But nothing beats having your own place." Ana says nodding at him knowingly. "I hear that."

"Yeah, I can get my own place…. And plan for my future." He says looking at her thoughtfully.

"I want to build something that I can… hopefully someday share with someone. And leave to someone." He says.

She looks at him and smiles, and then a look comes over her face. "You're really thinking about your future?" She asks.

He steps closer. "I am Ana. I'm trying to come into my own as an artist. And as a man." He says giving her a serious look. "I want to be taken seriously, when it comes to everything." He pauses thinking for a moment. "When it comes to everything my career, my family, everything… You included." He says.

Ana gives him a surprised look. "Me?" She asks curiously. "I take you seriously Fen."

"You are starting to now. But at times you haven't." He states.

Ana gives him a look. "Well, Fen there were sometimes in the past…" She begins.

"When I messed up and didn't take things for myself as seriously as I should have." He finishes. He nods. "I know, But Ana…" His voice trails off. "But I've changed Ana for the better. And I just want to prove that to everyone especially you." He gives her a wistful look. "I need you to believe that."

Ana looks at him. "I do. And you are proving that to me."

He nods. "Good."

Just then, Devon comes inside the studio. "How is everything going back, here?" He asks smiling at them.

"Great." Ana says excitedly. "We were just listening to one of Fen's tracks. And it sounds so good, Devon." She looks at Fen and beams. "He sounds great." She brags. She moves to Fen's side and faces Devon.

"He's really been working hard and it's showing in his delivery and preparation. I'm proud of him." Ana tells Devon.

Fen smiles and looks down at Ana. "Of course, I couldn't have done it without my awesome producer and songwriter, Ana." He says. He lightly puts his hand on her back and rubs it. Ana smiles, and looks up at him continuing to beam.

Devon looks at both of them, nodding and smiling. "Good. You two make a good team. I am glad that things are going well. I know we have a few more things we need to finish up with your album. And then…" Devon claps his hand together. "We can talk about some things we will do leading up to the release date. Some ideas I want to go over with the both of you."

"Sounds great." Ana says and Fen nods in agreement.

"We're probably going to have at least one joint event with Xavier, considering that his and Fen's albums are going to be released only one week apart." Devon informs them.

Fen and Ana nod, taking in this information.

"It should be an exciting time for all of us." Devon talks some more with Fen and Ana about his upcoming plans for Fen's album release. And then he leaves, and Fen and Ana continue to listen to tracks, enjoying each other's company, excited for the release of his album.