Throughout his life, he’d listened to a wide variety of styles, from classical, jazz, and rock to, of course, metal, but this was the first time he’d stepped out of his comfort zone. He was not only trying to compose, but to create something more symphonic, like a film soundtrack. Something that made your skin tingle and your heart thump when you listened to it.
“In this part, I’d like to introduce a female’s voice. Ethereal and ‘ancient’ sounding that grows alongside the melody, getting somewhat operatic... here,” he said when the bass drum hit for the first time. “I was thinking about Astrid. She has an insane range, and I think her timbre with mine would blend beautifully.”
Zach said nothing, just continued moving his foot in time with the rhythm, eyes closed as he listened attentively.
Noah didn’t know how to take his silence. Zach had been studying music since he was five. He was ridiculously talented at several instruments—cello, piano, guitar—and songwriting. Guess that being God’s favorite and having two musicians as parents helped. So, this definitely made him feel nervous as fuck.
Noah was supposed to turn in twenty minutes of original music as a portfolio for his college application. He loved singing and didn’t plan on letting that go any time soon, but he’d wanted to try something that could expand his possibilities of getting a job in the industry, so he was going for composition and production.
He’d been working on the structure of his suite for weeks, sketching and writing everything for the six movements—the whole orchestration, where the peaks, breaks, bridge, and interludes should go, where the rhythm or tempo changes should happen. It was taking him longer than he would have liked as he had only recorded the atmospheric background sound, the drums, and the piano melody. He still had a long way to go and people to ask for help. While technology was wild nowadays, and DAWs had crazy orchestral libraries that would allow him to do everything on his laptop, he aspired to record each instrument in the studio.
Maybe he was trying to do too much. He didn’t have experience composing—his silly acoustic guitar ramblings didn’t count—and this production thing was new to him. But for the first time in his life, he felt like he could really let his imagination fly, and he wasn’t going to let his insecurities stop him.
As the recording ended, dead silence settled in the room.
“That was sick!” Zach said as he sat up, startling him.
“You think?”
“Yeah. I mean, you’ve barely been doing it for what, two days?”
“Well, I’ve been playing guitar since I was eleven and piano for a little over a year now?”
“That’s what I’m saying. Most people needyearsof classical training and composition before they do anything as good as that. You’re a natural, Noah.”
He chuckled. “I think you’re exaggerating, but I’ll take the praise.”
“Do it. Because this is just the bones and it already sounds incredible.” He nodded, clapping. “Now, tell me I’m not crazy. Did I hear some Hans Zimmer inspiration in there?”
Mostly Hiroyuki Sawano, Noah thought to himself, not wanting his geekiest side to come out here. He had been obsessed with what that man did since he’d watchedShingeki no Kyojin. And while he was aware he still had so much to learn before he could even dream of doing something the slightest bit similar, he was so moved by that OST he couldn’t help himself.
“You’re not crazy.”
“I knew it! But I love your personal twist to it.”
“What else are you planning for this?” Zach asked, motioning to Noah’s laptop.
“I was actually hoping you’d help me with the cello?”
“Fuck, yes! Haven’t played in a while, but count me in. Though, I’d want you to do me a favor in return.” Zach wiggled his brows.
“I’m not gonna fuck you.”
This guy had no filter when drunk, and he liked to drinka lot, but Noah had figured Zach’s innuendos, playfulness, and constant eye-fucking were just part of his flirty nature that unleashed when alcohol was involved. After the fourth time, though, he’d talked to him. Not because he felt uncomfortable with the hints thrown his way, but because he wanted to make things clear.
The conversation had been a little awkward. Zach confessed that although he was a scoundrel, he was really into him, which had sent an electric shock up Noah’s spine. It was so flattering. He was really handsome, and Noah liked his laid-back attitude. He was fun, generous, honest, and his smile illuminated every room he entered. He was so easy and comfortable to be around.
It could be the way he made him laugh, their shared passion for music, or how soothing he found Zach’s presence, but therewas definitely a connection that sparked his interest. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt like this with another man.
Except he did, and it fucking hurt.
But he was ready to move on with his life. However, he had never fucked or been fucked. Wasn’t sure whether he’d rather bottom or top. The simple thought of going down that road unnerved him for some reason.
“Why not?” He pouted. “You said it yourself. I’m hot. If you’re scared because it’s the first time, I can teach you. Or are you considering letting me fuck you?”
“Thank you for the offer, but you’ll have to find someone else.”
“It’s not like I’m celibate.” He chuckled with a shrug. “I just want your dick up my ass while you moan in my ear.”
