Joining a band was never something Vance considered for himself. So when a friend from college, Kael, reached out asking if he knew anyone with singing talent who may be interested in joining one, Vance hadn’t thought much of it beyond finding a vocalist. His first thought was you. You were his closest friend and also had a love for music, just with more ambition for a career in it than him.

You, of course, didn’t need to hear much more beyond the invite. But you didn’t understand why Vance wasn’t joining. You both knew the same amount of information and the band was in need of a bassist too. Vance had performed casually before, so he already had experience. There was no harm in at least trying it out. At least, that was your main argument when discussing it with him.

Eventually, Vance agreed to join with you. More so you would join for your own passion, but you didn’t need to know that. He stuck it out for the first half a year with no problems. It was fun practicing when everyone was free, playing music while also doing work. Vance liked it. But then Equinox signed a contract, and suddenly it was all real. Professional production, interviews, tours, practice.

It had been worth it. The hours of practice and exhaustion, all for the applause from the crowd. At least, that’s what Vance kept telling himself. But now, with the three week long tour behind him, sitting here in his room with you, he felt something different. He felt content. He missed this, missed it more than he realized; he’d been missing it for months.

Vance paused, his fingers stilling on the strings of his bass as he looked over at you, sitting at the foot of his bed. He hesitated before speaking. “How do you feel about where the bands at now?” he asked, trying to keep his tone light. “You think you’re in it for the full contract?”