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Kaiti gave up on pleasantries and rushed over to Atlas, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. Nikolas watched closely, still vigilant over her due to her cancer which had made her bruise easily, but was otherwise all smiles and happy to see his sister and boyfriend meet—two of the most important people in his life. "It's so nice to meet you too, Atlas!" she said sweetly, "I like you already," she added with a giggle.
Atlas instantly threw his arms around Kaiti, a very large and very bright smile on his lips. He tightened his grip around her a little and glanced at Nikolas. His eyes were shining. Meeting his boyfriend's sister was amazing, especially if he was also seeing her for the first time in a while, like a big family reunion. "I like you already as well!"
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Tess slipped away to talk to the twins about transferring Atlas to their studio and everything, parting with a grin and a hand ruffling Kaiti's hair. The girl squeaked at the unannounced touch, but giggled and didn't pull away from Atlas until a few seconds after. "I'm glad I earned your approval. It'd be a shame if my brother's boyfriend," she twisted around and stared directly at Nikolas, earning a half-smile in response, "didn't like me." Nikolas crossed his arms over his chest and angled his head. "Still don't recall telling you that he was my boyfriend." Kaiti didn't waste a second before rebutting with, "Still not an idiot."
Atlas giggled, watching the siblings. When Kaiti pulled away from the hug, he did as well, letting his hands go in his pockets. "You think you're glad? If my boyfriend's sister didn't approve of me I'd actually be screwed. So I appreciate your approval as well." He smiled at Kaiti then Nikolas. Today had already been wonderful, with meeting Nikolas' friends and his sister.
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((just a quick fyi, Kaiti's name is pronounced "kah-tee"))
Kaiti grinned and bounced on the soles of her feet. Atlas wasn't the only one incredibly happy with how today turned out. Seeing her brother again was a dream come true, and she had so many others to meet along with him. It made her happy to know that he had made a family of his own, instead of shutting himself into isolation like she had thought he'd done. Seeing him so happy, smiling back at his boyfriend with unguarded joy, filled her heart with a much-missed warmth. However, things never stayed all fuzzy and warm for the people in this house for long. Tessa came back into the kitchen and leaned against Kit, an arm hooked around his neck for balance. He didn't seem fazed at all, just looked over at her and waited for what she had to say. "Good news bad news," she said, fixing her gaze on Atlas. "The twins have agreed to take up your career alongside us." She vaguely gestured to the rest of the people in the room, indicating the four starting the band. "But, Cin'll have to get in contact with everyone already attached to said career and work things through with them. It won't be face-to-face, but I'm pretty sure she wants you to be present so you know what's going on."
((That is much needed actually, thanks :))
Atlas was, of course, ecstatic. He was very happy to now be part of a good group that wouldn't care if he's a second late for something. It was much-needed news, and finally, he wouldn't have to worry about pleasing his manager. But his spirits dropped slightly at the second half of the news. He nodded, looking at Tess. "So, by that you mean she'll have to, like, call my manager and producer and discuss it with them?" He didn't want to deal with them ever again, his producer wasn't a bad person he mostly feels that way about the manager. No matter how excited he was about leaving his previous manager and label, he felt like he was betraying them. They gave him an opportunity to start his musical career and now he was just up and leaving them.
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((no problem! I figured that'd need clearing up since she's greek and it looks like it'd be pronounced differently))
Tess nodded, then held out her hands and moved them like she was balancing scales. She could see some of what Atlas was thinking on his face—she was good at reading faces like that—and wanted to reassure him. "The music industry is complicated. Artists jump between producers when they're not getting what they need anymore. It's nice to get a start, but sometimes you need something else to go in the direction you'd like to take your career. Sometimes you have to have a little bite to get through what life gives you." She glanced to the side and poked Kit's cheek, who scoffed and rolled his eyes, moving his head out of the way. "Kit would know. He replaced a guitarist of one start-up band because he up and left right after they debuted. Once he got some recognition and reached a point where it wasn't what he wanted, he left and came here."
Atlas had shifted his gaze to the ground as he thought about it all, but he lifted it back to Tess. He smiled again, comforted by her words. He wondered how she knew that's what he was worried about but that wasn't a big deal. "Thank you, thank you so so much. This means so much. Not sure what I would do if you guys weren't so nice… well, either I'd postpone my album release for a while or I'd record it on my phone or something."
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Tess snorted and let go of Kit to ruffle Atlas' hair in a sisterly way. "Never been called nice before."
"That's because you're not." Cin appeared behind Kit, causing him to jump and inch away from her. Ryker snickered at Kit's reaction, getting the bird in response. Cinthia ignored them both in favor of waving her phone and looking to Atlas. "Want to just rip off the bandaid now and nurse the wound later?" she asked, not really caring what he chose to do as long as it got done that day.
Atlas giggled. "Well, I guess I don't know any better then." He added, before Cinthia arrived. Although once she did, his smile faded. "Yeah, I guess so. Let's get this over with…" He really didn't want to have to talk to his manager that day, or any day really. But it was something that definitely couldn't be ignored. He looked back at Nikolas before focusing attention back on Cinthia.
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Cinthia sent a meaningful look towards Nikolas, and he didn't hesitate to push away from the counter and come up behind Atlas, wrapping his arm around his boyfriend's waist. Cinthia angled her head in approval, then turned around and flicked her fingers in a 'come hither' gesture. Using his grip around his waist, Nikolas nudged Atlas towards the woman as she walked back towards the living room. At least in there, they'd be a little more comfortable while this went down.
Atlas leaned into Nikolas' side his head resting on his should. Very glad that he was coming along with him, a soft, but short smile grew on his lips. A second later he started walking, staying at Nikolas' side. Following Cinthia, the room became familiar since it had been where he met her. He sat down on one of the couches, relaxing back. "So, do you need my manager's number, or are we gonna use my phone?"
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Cinthia sat down on the coffee table in front of Atlas and Nikolas—who had sat next to his boyfriend and may or may not've held Atlas close enough to be practically on Nikolas' lap—and folded her legs beneath her. "His number would be helpful. I'd rather to keep you uninvolved in the conversation as possible to make it easier for everyone." Once she was sure that the two men were settled, she held out her phone to Atlas, which was ready to have the number dialed. After a moment of thought, she snapped her fingers at Nikolas and pointed towards the small end table next to him. He blinked, then looked over and grabbed the notebook and pen sitting on top of it. "Anything you'd like for me to bring up, just write it down."
Atlas cuddled up to Nikolas, more than glad he was there with him. He was also really glad that Cinthia wasn't having him talk to his manager, he was honestly afraid to. He took the phone and after a moment of hesitation–definitely not because he was worried, more because he had to remember the number–he typed in his manager's number. Handing back Cinthia's phone, he took the notebook and pen from Nikolas. "What kind of things are you gonna talk about, I don't know what all you're already planning saying so I don't know what to write down."
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"She never has a plan," Nikolas said with a snort, the accusation neither denied nor confirmed by Cinthia. She simply took her phone back and studied the number like that would give her the answers she needed.
"I'm going to introduce myself," she said, not looking up from her phone, "then state that you're transferring to my and my brother's label and studio to further your career and finish your album. I'll need any and all recordings you have done, released or not. From there, it's up to whoever I'm dealing with."
"The queen of improvising, ladies and gentlemen," Nikolas drawled, but he looked confident in Cinthia's ability to control the conversation. She was notorious for flooring men in political debates over dinner. This should be a breeze.
Atlas nodded, listening to what she was saying. "Well, that's about all I need said. But if I think of something in a bit, then I'll write it down." He leaned his head back against Nikolas. He was really nervous, of course he was. It was the first time straying away from that manager and label since the very beginning. He still felt strange doing so, but now he knew it was definitely for the best if he wanted to become even a little bit successful.
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Cinthia nodded, then dialed the number and put it on speakerphone. Unlike Atlas, she was the picture of ease as she sat on the coffee table and listened to it ring. Her last name might put some sway in her favor, an advantage that she pulled when she needed to. Her family owned a pretty well-known and influential company, raking in thousands of dollars at a rapid rate and spreading that across the city through donations, investments, you name it. Cinthia was actually the heir to the family business, her two older brothers having stepped down, which lent to the reason she was able to even hold a label and studio in her name—and her twin's, as they rarely did anything without the other.
After a couple more rings, the manager picked up. "Hello? If this isn't urgent, would you please leave a message? I'm dealing with a crisis with my client and I don't have time for anything trivial." He barked over the phone, obviously referring to Atlas and obviously in a very bad mood. Atlas winced, hearing the man's voice. He took Nikolas' hand, lacing their fingers, as he watched Cinthia.
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Nikolas pulled Atlas into him in a cuddle, lifting their clasped hands to press a kiss to the back of the man's hand. Cinthia rolled her eyes but put on a pleasant but also business-like voice as she spoke. "This is Cinthia Griffin calling about Atlas Fox," not letting the manager get a word in, she continued, "and his transfer to my studio and label. In doing so, you'd be relinquished from working for him, and I'd like to see any and all recordings he has done up to today transferred to me as soon as possible." She set her phone onto her knee and picked at her nails lazily. "This is short notice, I'm aware, but I'm sure this will alleviate any headache you claim over Mr. Fox." Nikolas couldn't help but smirk at the slightly mocking tone she took on at that last statement.
"Excuse me? What gives you the authority to take Fox from me? Hm? I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. He is my client and he can't just 'be transferred over' to your little so-called label. We have an album that needs to be released very soon and we're having some.. technical issues. So if you have anything substantial to say, tell me before I hang up." Already, the manager was beyond angry. He was somewhat possessive over Atlas.
Atlas cuddled closer to Nikolas, if it was possible. He grew increasingly nervous just hearing the manager's voice and he grew worried that the manager would delete the music before he'd let Cinthia have it. He was also wondering how he'd even lasted this long with this manager and label. It obviously was a bad relationship. The good thing had been that the manager was barely around, at least when Atlas recorded.
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Cinthia sighed like she was dealing with a child throwing a tantrum—and to her, she was. "My 'so called' label is the one that houses Theresa Hunt, but apparently insults take precedence over fact-checking. Allow me to provide some more fact-checking for you. I'm not 'taking' Fox from you, the transfer is by his request, and even then, he does not belong to you—you work for him. It is an artist's right to switch labels whenever they please, and I am more than capable of picking up where he left off on his album." Nikolas flicked his fingers to get her attention, and he mouthed something to her when she lifted her gaze to him. "We can make this quick and simple, or quick and ugly. My family's influence stretches beyond the borders of this city, and I have no qualms with making sure that no artist hires you as their manager after this—it's actually quite simple." She frowned and chewed on her thumbnail, attempting to get a pesky chip off of it. "Or, if you decide to quit acting like a petulant child that just got their toy taken away, your career will remain untouched. Your choice." Cinthia held out her hand and studied her nails, a vague frown on her lips. "I shall reiterate my request to have any and all recordings Fox has done in the past up to this date. No deleting from you, or refer back to the playing ugly choice."
Atlas had a small smirk on his lips, loving hearing his manager be chewed out by someone. It made him feel a lot better hearing how well Cinthia handled it. He never doubted her skills, it was just cool to witness it.
A scoff came from the other side of the line, followed by a few seconds of silence. Finally, the manager spoke up. "Well, I see… But why would Fox ever want to leave the company? You see, (insert 2 relatively successful artists here, but they're not super successful) came from this company and see where they are now. Fox could be better than them, and only because the label is what it is. Hmm, I wonder, is Fox here with you right now? Could I talk to him?" At the mention of him in that way, Atlas' eyes widened, glancing between Cinthia and the phone.
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Cinthia took one look at Atlas' face and chose her answer quickly, but didn't make it sound like she was covering anything up, even if she was. "No, he's not with me at the moment. Even artists have lives, you know," she drawled, rolling her eyes. "So no, you can't talk to him. I can, however, pass along a message, if you'd so like to, but I'd rather get this over with quickly as possible." She sighed again, clearly not pleased with the behavior of the manager. It truly was like dealing with a child throwing a tantrum. "Your whining is getting us nowhere, sir, now stop acting like a toddler and listen to me." She sat up straight, a stormy look flickering over her face and her voice hardening. She wasn't playing around anymore. "This is Atlas' choice, not yours. He has every legal and human right to change labels if he wants to, and you don't have the authority to stop him or forcefully change his mind. If he wants to fire you and change labels, then so be it. That's his choice, his right, not yours. If it jeopardized his career, so be it. It was his mistake to make. It's everyone's right to choose the paths they wish to take for their life and career, not be blinded and held back like fools such as yourself."
Hearing Cinthia's words, Atlas started rethinking it all. Was this really a bad decision that would forever destroy his career? It worried him more than it should, but at that point it was too late to look back. He snuggled a little closer to Nikolas, resting his head on his boyfriend's chest. While All that was happening, the manager had put Cinthia on hold and went to talk to the rest of the team that worked for Atlas. He had a management team of 4 people, the producer and manager included. "It would be unfair to do anything of that significance without talking to the rest of the team" the manager had said to justify himself. A little over five minutes went by when the manager came back. "Are there any papers or anything that you need? The producer will get Fox's music sent to you by 3:00 today. I hope to never have to do business with you again." He had an almost defeated sound in his voice at first.
(Don't worry about replying to this right away, I just don't want this getting lost in the abyss lol :)
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((ack, I had meant to respond to this but apparently got distracted as per usual))
Nikolas glanced down at Atlas and combed a hand through the man's hair, murmuring softly, "Ignore Cin's less-than-encouraging words. It's her way of providing both sides of the coin, instead of painting reality as something better than it is." He kissed the top of Atlas' head. "You'll do great here. Good support does wonders."
Cinthia said idly when she was on hold, then smirked faintly to herself when she heard the man's voice again. "Only the usual papers of resignation and the release of your hold on his music. Everything else sounds perfect." She waved her hand lazily, looking a little bored now that she didn't have to argue anymore. "And," she added, a tiny grin growing on her lips, "I hope to never do business with you again, as well."
((lol, it's all good))
Atlas relaxed once again and let out a small breath. "Thanks for clearing that up… I was seriously rethinking all of my life decisions." He whispered with a quiet giggle to not disrupt the conversation on the phone.
"I see we have a mutual feeling… Anyway, where can I send the papers? Would you prefer over email or by mail?" Asked the manager. He was one hundred percent done with this conversation and he knew this would be the end of his career for a while. One of the only reasons he was Atlas' manager was because there were no more managers. Not many people liked the manager.
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Nikolas laughed softly and hugged Altas close, nuzzling into his hair with a smile. "You're fine, Atlas. No existential crisis on my watch," he declared, playfully poking the man's side with a grin.
"Email would be fine," Cinthia said, propping her head up on her fist and staring blankly at the phone. She gave the manager her official email address. She could hear how he was fed up with the conversation, and it sparked a small flame of triumph in her soul. Yet another victory under her belt. Cinthia was so used to navigating and undermining men of politics, business, and stubbornness that she's become the number one member of this make-shift family she's established to deal with situations such as this one. She didn't mind—all the more reason to knock arrogant men like the manager down a few pegs.
(I know I haven't replied for a couple days, but I also won't reply for the next week, possibly two. I've been having trouble replying to things and I've been out of it for a few days. So yeah, I'll be inactive for a week, possibly. Sorry about that.)
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((It's totally fine! I get it. I've kinda been like that for a while, so take you're time))
