Author's note is at the end! Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Just Haven't Met You Yet
Nico could hear the wind rustling through the trees as he ran through the forest. The cold breeze was hitting him directly in the face, causing his eyes to tear up, yet he simply shut his eyes and continued running forward. Suddenly, Nico felt a shift in the wind. He opened his eyes and his sprint turned into a jog, which turned into a slow walk. Nico had run into a grassy meadow that was illuminated by the full moon and what seemed like thousands of stars, all twinkling at him. He let out a small gasp of air as he felt the sheer beauty of it all.
Darling I know you're a million footsteps away
But maybe someday
I can take all those footsteps and pray that I can run to you
Run to you anyway
"CUT!" Nico jumped at the sudden outburst, but quickly recomposed himself as a big man ran up to him from behind a white curtain. "Nico, that was perfect. You ready to move on to the next location?"
"Sure," Nico replied, "but are we done shooting here? This music video has a lot of cutting back and forth. Do you have enough footage?"
"Nico, baby," the director said, smiling, "let me handle the footage. You worry about getting the choreography right, the lyrics mouthed, and the smiling." Nico tried smiling, but it came out as kind of a grimace. "Especially the last part. Smile! It's Christmas!" the director added with a grin. As he turned away to bark orders to the other crew members, Travis and Connor ran up to him.
"Dude, that was a perfect take," Connor declared, clapping Nico on the back. Nico flinched, which brought a laugh from Travis.
"Honestly Nico. That was an amazing run. But now that we're done with the shots from this location, we finally can explore the area!" Travis grinned. Nico smirked at the two brothers before heading off to his trailer. The costume he was wearing was uncomfortable, and if the Stolls were planning on dragging him through town, he might as well be comfortable.
A half hour later, Nico, the Stolls, Lou-Ellen, and Cecil were driving through the country side toward town. The moon was rising and the roof of Cecil's convertible was down; tonight was a great night for a drive. Cecil was driving, and Travis and Lou-Ellen were arguing about something, but Nico couldn't care less. As soon as they had started up the car, Nico had hopped in the back seat.
"Nico what are yo…"
"No talking. Just put the roof down and let's cruise."
Soon, the small town was visible in the distance, and the topic quickly changed to thoughts of shopping and exploring.
"There's a really nice clothing outlet," Lou Ellen said excitedly, "I hope they're open this late. We should go Cecil!"
"Sure thing," Cecil replied, grinning.
"Wait! I know that look. We're going to shop, not steal things."
"Dang it!"
Nico and Travis laughed. Cecil was once a shop-lifter, but even though he had "given up his ways", things still had the tendency to disappear and show up in Cecil's room. They had been assigned Cecil when they had requested a musician that was more familiar with piano and strings. The result had been an unexperienced, cocky, expensive kid who had just barely been released from a short term in juvie hall.
"So, Nico, what's the first thing we should do as a band?" Travis asked, collapsing into the couch. They had just gotten back from their first meeting with their talent agent, Hazel. Hazel immediately made Nico smile. She reminded him of his dad, but not the boring, business part of him. She reminded him of all of the times where his dad had smiled at Nico with pride, all the times where Nico was happy around his father. She had excitedly told the three of them how she couldn't wait to start working with them, and her assistant, Frank, gently reminded her that she was already working with them, which had reduced her to a grinning, flustered mess. Frank had been the one to hand them the paper work. Nico had a sense that this was how it was most of the time.
"We need to get a person who can play the piano and stringed instruments," Nico replied, glancing at Connor. "If we want to start making good songs, we need something to balance out the electric guitar."
"Good idea, Nico!" Hazel approved. She scribbled something in her notes and pulled out her phone.
"Also, we should get a pizza," Nico stated before leaning back in his chair. Connor laughed and Travis grinned. Frank smirked before pulling out his phone as well.
Thirty minutes later, there was a hot pizza and a bunch of pictures of different people on the table in front of the boys.
"Who are these people, Hazel?" Connor asked, munching on his pizza.
"Don't talk with your mouth full," Hazel scolded, but there was a hint of humor in her voice. "These are potential pianists. Most of them also are talented in strings." She reached out and slid a picture of a younger guy, who had a haughty smirk plastered on his face. "This is Octavian. He's a prodigy. Extremely talented on the piano and strings. He has won awards and been nominated for a Grammy."
"No." Everyone looked up. Nico was scowling at the picture.
"Why not Nico?" Frank asked gently.
"If he joins our group, then he'll try to make it all about him, not the music. I can already tell that he and I will not get along," Nico said, crossing his arms. Travis and Connor glanced at each other and Hazel just sighed.
"Can we please just put him as a maybe?" Hazel requested. Everyone turned to look at Nico, who just shrugged and went back to writing lyrics. That seemed to satisfy Hazel because she turned back to the table smiling.
After a while of studying all of the pictures and their descriptions, Frank spoke up.
"Nico, why don't you come over and pick out your top ten people? We'll audition them and if you like what you see, then we'll talk."
They arrived in town. Much to Lou Ellen's excitement, the street was bright with Christmas lights and the shop windows were lit. Lots of people were bustling about, chattering about last minute Christmas shopping.
"Come on!" Lou Ellen cried out. She and Connor hopped out of the car, both grinning with anticipation.
"Text us when you're done!" Cecil said before starting up the car again. Lou Ellen waved and Connor gave them a thumbs up as Cecil, Travis, and Nico drove off.
"What do you want to do now?" Travis said, looking at Nico. Nico just shrugged before turning to look out the window. Cecil glanced at Travis, sharing a look before turning back to the roads. "Are you alright?" Travis asked, turning to look back at Nico.
"I'm fine," Nico said. He wasn't really in the mood to talk. Ever since they had started they're journey down the path to stardom, Nico had felt lonelier than he had before. He was glad he had his friends to hang out with and talk to, but they were his friends. Nico wanted something more. "Can we go get some coffee? I'm kinda tired."
"Sure," Cecil replied, "Hazel told me about this cute little café/bar thing in the southern part of town."
"Sounds good," Travis said. He turned to look at Nico. Nico nodded in agreement.
"You're buying Cecil," Nico said. Travis burst out laughing and Cecil just sighed.
"These are the ones I want," Nico said. Hazel looked up from her paperwork. Nico was holding a bunch of folders.
"Awesome! Just place them on the table there. I'll set up the audition. When do you want to do this?" Hazel asked.
"Three days? In the studio?" Nico suggested. Hazel nodded her approval and turned back to her work.
Thanks to Hazel, the auditions were held three days later in their studio. Nico, Travis, and Connor sat through nine semi-decent piano auditions, but Nico wasn't impressed.
"Nico, what was wrong with the last guy? He played it perfectly and he seemed really nice!" Hazel cried out, exasperated. Travis and Connor looked tired too. They had long since kicked their shoes off and were reclining on the sofa nearby.
"He just didn't seem right," Nico huffed, drawing his hoodie closer to him like he always did when he was frustrated. "There's one more. Can we just get this one over with?"
"Sure, Nico," Hazel said, tiredly. She motioned to Frank, who poked his head outside the door and called for the final contestant.
"What's your name, how old are you, and why do you want this job?" Travis asked politely after the contestant sat down.
"My name's Cecil. I'm eighteen, and I want this job because I love making music," Cecil replied. Nico studied him intently. There was something charming about his demeanor, something that stood out to Nico that hadn't stood out among the previous auditions…
"Well, do you have a piano piece for us to listen to?" Connor asked, grabbing his pen from the table.
"Actually, I was wondering if you could test out the music directly," Cecil replied with a smirk. "If I get the job, I need to be able to sync my music with you, so I wrote up some accompaniments to some of your songs."
"Interesting," Travis said. Connor glanced at Hazel, who shrugged. "Sure, why not?" Cecil grinned, sitting down at the piano. Nico and Connor took their places behind the mics with their guitars, Nico still staring at Cecil. The way Cecil carried himself was intriguing. He didn't show any nervousness or fear, just passion for the music. Just like Nico.
"What song, Cecil?" Travis asked.
"Your pick. I composed to the key in the song as heard on the EP's."
Nico's eyes flashed as he stood up, grabbing the mic. "Let's play Marvin Gaye."
Travis and Connor grinned with anticipation, but Cecil's face narrowed as he focused on the music in front of him.
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on!
Travis and Connor immediately got into the groove, beating the drums and strumming away with as much enthusiasm as Nico's singing.
You got healin' that I want
Just like they sayin in the song, until the dawn
Let's Marvin Gaye and get it on!
Cecil came in strong, backing up the guitars with a smooth background melody. Hazel and Frank both raised their eye-brows in happy surprise.
"I think we found our new pianist," Frank said, smiling as he jotted down something on a clipboard.
"Hey Will, can you check the sound system one more time?" Percy called out from behind the bar.
"Sure," Will responded. He crawled onto the stage, checking microphones and double checking the speakers. Percy had set up an open stage music thing, in celebration of the Christmas spirit. How that tied together, Will had no idea, but people were interested. There was already a small crowd gathered in the café/bar. A nice drum set was set up on stage, next to a mini-grand piano. Guitars of different colors and sizes littered backstage, each prepped and ready to play. Percy put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree that occupied the other end of the bar, straightening and replacing different lights and decorations. Percy loved Christmas. It was just such a happy holiday (according to Percy), and thus every year Nectar Falls went all out. Percy broke out the eggnog and cookies, which were always popular in the winter season. Will thought it a little ridiculous, but nevertheless, he always loved this season too.
Will finished his impromptu inspection of the stage and equipment and headed to the back room to change into his waiter uniform. He nodded hi to Chef Clarisse, who was an amazing cook with a temper to match the heat of the oven she worked with, and quickly re-emerged dressed and ready for the inevitable action.
As Will stepped outside, he saw three younger guys walk in and sit down. He walked up to them, opening with the standard "Welcome to Nectar Falls, what can I get you?"
"We'll have a mocha latte," one of the three said, motioning across the table to one of the other guys.
"I'll have coffee. Black," the third one said. Will raised his eyebrows but nodded, jotting down the request. None of the three looked quite interested in Will, but were rather looking around the room, taking in all the crazy things hanging from the walls and ceiling. The one who ordered black coffee was just staring at his hands, obviously in deep thought. He had long black hair, and wore black fingerless gloves. His dark t-shirt and torn jeans gave him a rough edge that Will found surprisingly attractive. Will shook his head; he didn't have time to be thinking about such things. He had a job to do.
The order was quickly completed, and the three guys were sipping contentedly on their drinks when Percy stepped up to the mic. The restaurant had filled up fast, and some let out a cheer when Percy smiled from onstage.
"Hello and welcome to Nectar Falls!" Percy said, grinning from ear to ear. "This is open mic night! Feel free to come up and use any of the instruments on stage! Backstage you'll find guitars and extra microphones!" This was met with scattered applause and small cheering, but once Percy stepped down, no one got up to get on stage. Percy looked around, and quickly pulled Will aside.
"Will, go up there and break the ice! Go sing something!" Percy asked, looking at Will with those puppy eyes that Will could never resist.
"Ugh, fine. But you owe me," Will said. Percy smiled again once more as Will grabbed a guitar and walked onstage. As he looked out at the crowd, he noticed the three guys were arguing amongst each other, the two mocha latte guys trying to persuade the black coffee guy to do something. Whatever.
"Uh, hi everyone," Will said. He didn't expect much of a response, so he focused on thinking of a song he could sing. He looked around the room again, trying to find something to draw inspiration from. Wait. It was Christmas. Duh. Will strummed the guitar, closing his eyes as he got into the music.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the one's I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
And children listen
To hear sleigh-bells in the snow…
Most people had stopped talking, even the three guys had stopped arguing, but Will didn't notice. This wasn't about them. This was about the music.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white!
It was a shorter song, but it did what Percy wanted. After Will finished, everyone stood up and cheered.
"See Nico! It's not that bad! Could we please sing? It would be fun!" Cecil and Travis pleaded with Nico. Nico didn't hear them, however. He was too busy staring at the wonder that had been presented on stage. Who was that golden haired boy with the voice of an angel? Nico hadn't felt this sensation of hot butterflies in his stomach in a very long time, but it wasn't a bad feeling. It was a feeling that made him feel giddy with longing and nervousness.
"Uh…sure. Let's go sing," Nico said, suddenly eager to make his presence known to the mysterious singer. He was oblivious to Travis and Cecil's mini celebration, and barely noticed when they pulled him toward the stage. He did however notice the cute singer look up from his station to glance at Nico. Nico blushed a little, and quickly grabbed a mic and guitar and stepped forward.
"Haven't met you yet?" Travis whispered from behind the drums. Cecil, seated at the piano, and Nico both nodded. Cecil grinned and started playing the upbeat tempo of the song, followed soon by Travis's beat.
I'm not surprised, not everything lasts
I've broken my heart so many times I've stopped keepin' track
Talked myself in
I've talked myself out
I get all worked up then I let myself down
The three were an instant hit. The crowd went nuts, cheering and gathering around the stage. Nico glanced at the blonde beauty, who was staring at him with a look of interest. This was going in the right direction…
And I know someday that'll all turn out
You make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid that I'll get so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet
The restaurant had turned into a mini concert. Those from the outside had started to notice the commotion, and more people were starting to enter. Nico didn't care though. He and the blond guy had made eye contact several times, and Nico was starting to blush more.
And I know that we could be so amazin'
And being in your life is gonna change me
And now I can see every single possibility
It was just Nico and the waiter. The cheering of the crowd didn't get to Nico: he was focused on the reaction of one specific person.
Oh you know it'll all turn out
And you make me work so we can work to work it out
And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
I just haven't met you yet!
As Nico wrapped up the song, he closed his eyes and grinned, feeling the rush of the music. He looked up, his chest and his face filling with glee as he saw the blonde waiter cheering and smiling at him. He had such a beautiful smile...
"Dude that was awesome!" Travis yelled, practically tackling Nico, forcing him to stumble forward and out of his thoughts. He laughed with Travis and Cecil, and headed back to their table.
"This place would be perfect for a shot in the music video," Cecil hummed, sipping his drink. Travis looked around, his eyes sparkling.
Cecil and Travis pulled Nico into a fast discussion and calls to Hazel about music video locations, but all throughout the flurry of calls, Nico kept glancing back at the waiter, who seemed oblivious to his stares now.
"Will!"
Will looked up. Leo Valdez stood looking at him, grinning.
"I saw your performance. Again, that was amazing. You have a talent for this," Leo gushed. Will smiled gratefully, but he knew the real reason for Leo's visit wasn't for coffee and cookies.
"How can I help you, Mr. Leo?" Will asked, wiping off a now empty table.
"I'm here for your answer," Leo replied, opening his briefcase. "9 Muses is very eager for your response."Will stared at the briefcase. There was so much that would change…
Will sighed as he walked down the corridor toward the break room. The day had been a long day. Not only was work difficult, but he had also been offered a record deal! There wasn't much he wanted to do other than get a good night's rest, but time didn't offer that. He thought about what he should do. If he accepted the record deal, he would have to quit his job at Nectar Falls, and he kinda liked it here. But if he declined, he would be missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. This was a life altering decision. He decided that he needed help with this, and he could think of no other person to ask than Percy. Percy had been close to his brother, right? He trusted Percy, and Percy had always seemed to care for him. He walked toward Percy's office and stopped at the doorway. Percy was seated at his desk, looking over paperwork, but he looked occupied with something else.
"Hey Percy?" Will called out. Percy jumped, startled. Will clutched the business card and informal contract Leo had given him in his hands. "I, uh, have something I want to talk to you about." Will said, shakily. Percy nodded, and Will sat down in the chair in front of Percy's desk.
"What is it, Will? Something troubling you?" Percy asked kindly.
"I… I was offered a contract…. by 9 Muses…" Will stammered. He handed Percy the paperwork, his hands shaking. He was beyond nervous for some reason. He didn't know why he was shaking so much. "I wanted to know your opinion on the matter."
"Well," Percy said, looking over the contract, "I think you would be extremely foolish to turn down an offer as good as this." Will nodded, folding his hands in his lap. "But if you leave, I will be very sad to see you go," Percy added with a sad smile.
"Should I stay or should I go?" Will asked. Percy just leaned back in his chair and sighed.
"That isn't a decision I can and should make. This is up to you," Percy replied, looking into Will's eyes, "But you should do what your heart tells you."
"So, what is your decision?" Leo asked. Will looked at Leo and smiled.
"Yes."
Hey everyone! I'm sorry it took such a long time for this to get out, but I'm actually proud that I got it finished before Christmas.
After the New Year starts and school starts back up again, I'll slow down a little, but not that much. I just went through a school change that took a while to get used to, but once the second semester starts I should be able to find more time.
The many songs used in this chapter are "Darling" by MAX (I'll use this song more in the future, just fyi), "White Christmas", and "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Bublé. I do not own these songs.
Please leave a review below! This story lives off of y'all's imput. Y'all don't know how much I love seeing reviews and comments from y'all, and I take everything that you say into consideration when I'm writing the story.
Next chapter, we'll see Nico and crew negotiating with Percy on letting them use his café/bar for a music video location, and we'll see the details of Will's acceptance. I honestly have no idea when it'll come out, but thank you so much for sticking with this story! Happy Holidays! Until next time!