Chapter Text
"Do you want the job Tomlinson, or not? Because if you don't want to take it, I have three other people who deserve this as much as you!" urged the agent, Stan, a friend of a friend who knows his way around in the music industry.
Louis had asked him to keep an eye open for any gigs as a writer/producer, he could take on. And now, finally, he had an offer for Louis. They were sitting at the shitty dining table tucked in the corner of the kitchen in his and Liam’s shoe box flat, located in the cheaper parts of London. When Louis got the call, if he could swing by to discuss a possible job opportunity, his heart had nearly leaped out of his chest. He had nervously cleaned up the mess in their flat that, admittedly, was mostly made by Louis in the first place. Next, he boiled some water almost perfectly timed for the arrival for his Stan. That’s how they ended up sipping tea, talking about what probably was Louis entire future.
If you had asked Louis yesterday what kind of offer he would decline, he'd have said none. He was desperate at this point for any kind of gig. Fresh out of university with his master degree in music production/sound engineering and a minor in writing and still there was not one job offer that could potentially lead anywhere. It wasn't like Louis had expected for people to endlessly line up to get to work with him once he entered the job market. He knew how hard it was to make a name for himself in the industry. But he didn't anticipate the complete disinterest in his person. Hence, he really cannot afford to be picky right now. But God, he wishes he could be! Because the job entailed not one but two major problems. Working with Harry fucking Styles, who is THE name right now in the industry, the most requested songwriter of the decade really.
If you asked Louis, he was a privileged nepo baby whose parents knew enough important people to make it happen, plus he was one of those pretentious hipsters with his flamboyant printed shirt and his obnoxiously long hair. The other reason why he absolutely didn't want to take the job is because they were supposed to write a goddamn Christmas Song. And if Louis hated one thing more than anything else it's that. Christmas. All those families pretending everything is fucking perfect while stuffing their faces with their most festive meals and getting their bratty children one too many presents. Or couples giving each other expensive gifts in hopes to one up each other even though they originally promised they wouldn't do Christmas gifts this year. Just thinking about it made his mood drop icily low.
But he didn't have time to dwell on it for too long, he had to weigh his chances. He could decline if he wanted to, no questions asked but then he would let go the only job offer he had right now. But how realistic was it that he'd find anything else? And something that is paying so well? His agent hadn't dropped the numbers yet but if a household name like Harry Styles is involved it's gonna be big. And he wasn't even told who would get the finished track, when that is also a big name in the industry, this gig could be a one-off chance to get his foot in the door and get him future gigs that are more to his liking.
“Tomlinson, I need an answer. This is all very short notice, I know that, but to be on schedule, you’d need to be in the studio by early August the latest.” Louis was violently ripped out of his thoughts. “Early August?” But that’s in two weeks already, how will they handle paperwork that fast?” If Louis was taught one thing, it was that the industry was built on contracts and tedious details, carefully crafted to fuck one over if you didn’t look out for yourself. It had bored Louis to death but he knew that if he wanted to survive in business, this was a key detail!
“Well actually, I have the contract here with me. They were adamant, that we move swiftly to get things started as soon as possible. The song is set to release for this year’s Christmas season, so to get a decent time to actually make the thing, everything was moved on speed trial. If you want you can keep it and read it over yourself. But I’ve had a lawyer, an old friend who knows his way around with these, look it over. He said it looked legit, more open than most of the stuff you see these days. There are the usual clauses in it, an NDA for starters but also things like that you are obligated to work on the song till all involving parties are satisfied, they could make you part of their promotional campaign, you will give them the rights to the song and production in exchange for payment. You will also get public credit for it, this is not a ghostwriter situation.” He calmly explained to Louis, looking serous. “So, if you asked me, I would definitely take it. It’s a good opportunity to get your name involved and the conditions are very fair.” Louis could feel the nervousness set in fully. This, talking out the details, made it feel overwhelming. Louis was about to answer when his agent added “But if you wish to have your own lawyer look it over feel free. But I really need to know today if you are genuinely interested, or if I can pass the offer over to someone else.” He looked apologetic at Louis, who was still taking in the new information.
It took a moment to get his thoughts back in line. No matter how Louis turned and twisted the situation in his head, it would be stupid in every scenario to turn this down. He just needed to get his act together for a few months write that damn song and survive pretentious Harry Styles. Easy, right?
“No, it’s fine, I understand that you need an answer, I will take it. I want to read it over though, if that’s okay?” he finally said.
“Yeah, sure. Call me if you made your final decision. Longest I can give you to decide is Friday.” With that he pulled out the contract from his briefcase and placed it carefully in the middle of the old table. The stark white paper contrasted widely against the stained table; Louis felt the importance of it immediately. That stack of paper would make or break his future or so it seemed. Their gaze lingered on it for a moment.
Stan suddenly grabbed his cup of tea and gulped down what must have been half filled cup at least. When he set it down again, he scrambled up awkwardly from his chair and motioned towards the door. “I better get going then, I’m supposed to be home soon. Let me know as soon as you’ve decided mate, yeah?” He walked up to Louis and gave him a friendly clap on his back. Louis nodded before he spoke up “Will do, I’ll see you soon!” Louis turned around to watch Stan walk towards the door. He was already pulling on the handle to open it, when Louis yelled smile evident in his voice “And thank you! Really, I appreciate you doing this, you’re the best!”
“No problem. Just remember, you owe me, I’ll come back to collect my price once you mingle with the rich and famous.” Stan said jokingly and let the door fall shut behind him. His loud cackles from the hall echo through the flat. Louis chuckled to himself; he was lucky to have someone like him to help him get a grip in this whole new world he wants so desperately to be a part of.
Louis made another cup of tea, grabbed the contract, and then settled down on the sofa in the living room. He meant to read it, but instead he texted Liam to bring dinner with him. Then, his mind wandered off to a future that didn’t seem so far away anymore. He imagined his name being on the biggest hits of the year. Maybe at some point he would be invited to attend the Grammy’s and eventually, he would be part of making an award-winning record himself. Louis wasn’t completely delusional; he knew it required a lot of hard work. But if he signed this contract and made that ridiculous Christmas song, he made the first step into the right direction. And its’s not like Louis did it for the fame alone. Ever since he finished his degree, he had lost access to the studios on university ground. He missed the feeling of letting go, while just working on beats and riffs. Eventually he would carefully construct a song out of all the bits and pieces. What would have never worked on its own suddenly harmonized and made you feel. And then when you had the base, there comes the play with words. Forming lyrics fitting to his production, to paint an image, a scene or just an emotion. That was the best moment for Louis, when everything just worked. He let out a deep sigh. The past few months he hadn’t even realized just how much he missed the studio. His mind still clinging to the idea, it took some time till he finally picked up the contract and began reading it.
Louis was just reading through the section regarding confidentiality and discretion when he heard the keys turn in the lock of the front door. He had no idea how much time had passed, too lost in the words that could potentially hold so much power over him. He knew that if he now missed some key details that he wouldn’t want to have in there, he would be stuck with that afterwards. He heard the horror stories about artists bound to invasive contracts. Although it was more common for actual artists, not some behind the scenes songwriters and producers, he knew one could never be careful enough these days.
Seconds later Liam walked in, takeout in one hand and his bag in the other.
“Hi Lou!” he shouted in his direction while putting his shoes away. “I brought Chinese, if that’s okay?” he could hear a sliver of uncertainty in Liam’s voice. Louis rarely texted Liam to bring take out-dinner in the middle of the week. Usually it was one of three cases: He had a stressing exam he was losing sleep over, his love life was in shambles, or his stepdad had called him again to convince him to be reasonable and do something proper with his life. Which to be honest, all three options were awful so bless Liam for being such a good friend.
“That’s perfect, thanks mate” he smiled widely at his friend to assure him. Liam gave him another suspicious glance, before he turned away and fixed them something to drink.
Louis placed the contact on the side of the coffee table as Liam came back balancing their dinner and beer in both hands. “What’s this then? Doesn’t look like a light evening read?” Liam asked nodding to the paper as he set it down.
“Oh, that? That’s nothing. Just the contract for a job. Pretty big one too.” Louis tried his best to reign in a smile. It took Liam a moment register what Louis meant. Then his eyes went wide and he threw himself into Louis to give him the biggest hug. “Louis!” he squawked. “That’s amazing, congratulations!”
Louis couldn’t it hold back anymore and dissolved into excited giggles. “I know, thank you! Stan came by earlier with it, even got a lawyer to pre-check the contract for me. It’s a big opportunity.”
“I’m so proud of you Louis! I knew you could do it! What kind of job is it?”
Louis smile froze the tiniest bit on his face. For a moment, it had been easy to forget the reality, what the contract actually entailed. That he had to actually do it, to eventually reach his dreams. Louis knew Liam had picked up on the change of atmosphere, but he didn’t say anything about it and just waited for Louis to elaborate.
“Well,” Louis squirmed a bit, “First of all, I will need to work with Harry Styles on the song.” Louis looked up at Liam, he could see the recognition in his eyes. He remembered Louis’ many rants about his displeasure for the guy, good. “And secondly, we are supposed to make a fucking Christmas song!”
“Oh” was all Liam responded. Louis could see him thinking, before he spoke up more softly than before, “And you still agreed?” Louis huffed out his last breath.
“What else am I supposed to do? What if this is the only chance I get? What if I don’t take this and I will never make it in the industry and I will look back every day of my life and think of what could have been.”
“I get it, I do! But if you really don’t want to do it, don’t force yourself. Nothing is worth it being that miserable over!”
“I won’t be miserable. I would just strongly dislike the experience.” He knew that Liam was not convinced.
“Louis, you’re basically moping from the moment you hear ‘Last Christmas’ for the first time of the season and it gets worse with everyday closer to Christmas.”
“Sorry.” Louis was aware that he’s a piece of work when the holidays were coming closer. “Still, I feel like I need to do this, even if it turns out to be shit.” He didn’t have better arguments other than being afraid that the universe would laugh in his face if he passed this up. Liam must have seen it, as he stopped pressing and opened the beer cans instead. “Then let’s toast to the breakthrough job and your future!” he smiled as he passed Louis one of the opened cans. Louis accepted it and they clinked their cans together.
They ate together and then spend the rest of the evening to go through the contract together. Louis initially tried to stop Liam, but he insisted that it wasn’t boring and he wanted to know for himself if Louis was about to sign away his soul to the devil. They fell asleep curled next to each other on the worn couch that night.