Page 25 of Rhythm and Rapture

But tonight, I finally understand what we're really signing up for. Not just a collaboration. Not just an experience.

A responsibility. A privilege. A chance to be part of someone's transformation.

And maybe, just maybe, our own.

Chapter Ten

The clinic waitingroom at 8 AM is a study in forced normalcy. Beige walls, uncomfortable chairs, and the three of us trying not to make eye contact with anyone else here for STD testing. Roman's leg bounces with nervous energy while Ash drums a complicated rhythm on his thighs—both of them broadcasting anxiety in their own ways.

"Would you both stop?" I mutter, filling out the paperwork with precise handwriting. "It's just blood work."

"Easy for you to say," Ash whispers. "You're not the one who hooked up with that questionable drummer in Atlanta."

"That was eight months ago," Roman points out. "And you've been tested since then."

"Yeah, but what if?—"

"Gentlemen?" A nurse calls from the doorway. "We're ready for you."

The actual testing is clinical, efficient. Three separate rooms, three separate nurses, three vials of blood each plus the usual samples. The rapid testing means we'll have results by the end of day—just in time to book flights for tomorrow.

By the time we're back at the apartment, the surreal nature of what we're doing hits full force. We're getting tested to fly to California to collaborate on adult content with a woman we've never met in person.

"This is insane," I say, but I'm already pulling up flight options on my laptop.

"Good insane," Ash corrects, hovering over my shoulder. "Book the early flight. If we're doing this, I want maximum time there."

Roman's phone buzzes. He glances at it, then does a double-take. "Holy shit."

"Test results already?" Ash panics.

"No, you idiot. It's..." He turns the phone toward us. "Artisan Records wants to meet."

I snatch the phone, reading the email twice to make sure I'm not hallucinating.

Subject: Partnership Opportunity - Fractured Theory

Gentlemen,

Artisan Records has been following your trajectory with great interest. Your streaming numbers, combined with your authentic sound and dedicated fanbase, align perfectly with our vision for rock's future.

We'd like to discuss bringing Fractured Theory into the Artisan family. Our A&R team believes you're ready for the global platform we can provide.

Are you available for a meeting this week? We're prepared to present a comprehensive offer that includes creative control,tour support, and marketing resources that maintain your artistic integrity while expanding your reach.

We understand you value your independence. We're not looking to change Fractured Theory—we want to amplify what you've already built.

Con Amor y Rhythmo, Janix

Head of A&R, Artisan Records

"Artisan," Ash breathes. "That's... that's the majors. That's Bad Bunny and Arctic Monkeys, Grimoire and —"

"And us, apparently," Roman finishes, still staring at the screen.

I set the phone down carefully, my mind already calculating. Artisan Records doesn't send casual emails. They're one of the last labels that still invests in artist development, that lets their acts maintain creative control. The security they could provide, the resources, the global reach...

"When and where do they want to meet?" Ash asks.

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