Chapter Text
The hallway smelled faintly of varnished wood and cold air, the kind that makes every breath feel sharper. Gawin's fingers, still warm from practicing chords, curled tightly around the neck of my guitar case. Each step toward the audition room echoed louder than the last, like the building was reminding him this was exactly where he wanted to be.
Gawin wiped his palms on the jeans, inhaled deeply and pushed open the door
The boy noticed a row of judges sat behind a long table, clipboards ready, eyes curious. A spotlight beamed down from above, warming the stage waiting in front of him. It felt like stepping into another world, one where everything suddenly slowed down and sharpened
At the front of the hall, beneath a banner that read “Rhythm Forge Studio – Guitarist Auditions 2025”, stood a tall man with silver-edged glasses and a warm but commanding presence. Gawin clutched the case a little tight and walked further, joining others who waited for the man to speak.
The man tapped the microphone gently, and the entire room fell into a hush, like a sudden pause before the first strum of a song “Good morning, everyone" he began, his voice rich and steady “My name is Keith Forbes, the head of Rhythm Forge Studio. Thank you all for being here today"
Keith looked around at the faces, some determined, some trembling, some shining with reckless hope before continuing "I know many of you have travelled from far places. I know you’ve practiced until your fingers burned and your strings snapped. And I want you all to know, today is not just about perfection. It’s about passion"
A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd.
“We’re not looking for someone who can play fast or flawlessly. We’re looking for someone who feels the music in their bones… someone who can make a room fall silent with a single note"
Keith smiled, eyes pausing on Gawin. Something flicked, something changed in his expression for a second before he masked it with a smile “So breathe. Remember why you started. When you step on that stage, don’t play to impress us, play because you love it. Show us the fire that kept you holding a guitar all these years"
Keith then spread his arms wide, welcoming them in “Welcome to Rhythm Forge. I wish each one of you the very best. Let’s create something unforgettable today"
Applause thundered through the hall, and every heart beat a little faster—ready to begin
“Why don't we start with you" suddenly Keith said looking directly at Gawin with a grin "Your good name?”
Gawin thought his heart was going to explode. He mustered up a brave smile and replied, steadying his voice "Gawin Way-R Caskey"
Keith nodded and gestured for Gawin to begin.
Gawin walked towards the stage, set guitar on the lap, fingers brushing the strings like greeting an old friend. For a second, there was silence, heavy, electric, and full of possibility.
One… two… three… play.
The first note sliced through the quiet. The room vibrated with sound as the melody unfolded, confidence replacing nerves with every chord. Gawin played the song like it was inked to his heart.By the time the final note faded, the silence returned and Gawin dared to look up at the audience as well as the judges
One of the judges leaned forward, smiling “Thank you Gawin” he said. “That was… powerful.”
Gawin exhaled, realizing he'd been holding his breath. His hands trembled, not from fear but from the thrill of doing the one thing he knew he was born to do "Thank you"
LATER
Every now and then Joss glanced toward the door, imagining that it would soon open to reveal the face of the boy who now has become his life. He had come home early, wanting to know how the audition went. The man took a sip from his coffee and the mug nearly slipped when the door slowly pushed open
The clock struck late evening when Gawin finally walked through the door. His shoulders sagged, his steps were heavy, and the fatigue in his eyes spoke louder than any words ever could. Joss stood up as soon as he saw him, crossing the room to greet him "Hi"
Without saying anything, Gawin leaned into his husband, resting his forehead against his, breathing in the comfort he always found in his presence "Hi"
“You look exhausted" Joss whispered, brushing his thumb across Gawin's cheek
Gawin nodded softly “Today was… too much"
"Did you...?"
"I'm selected for the head guitarist. They want me to sign the contract as soon as possible"
Joss pulled back to kiss Gawin hard "I knew it! I'm happy for you G"
"Thank you, couldn't have done it without your support"
"It was all you"
Gawin fell back in Joss's shoulder, whined slipping away "I'm tired. We kept practicing whole day and had to shift between two studios"
Joss chuckled softly before taking Gawin's hand “Come. Let me help you unwind" he wrapped an arm around Gawin's waist who looked around "Where's Mom and Dad?"
"They have gone to a gathering" Joss walked towards their bedroom "Take a bath first and then eat"
In the bathroom Joss turned on the warm shower, the sound of falling water filling the silence like a soothing melody. He slowly helped Gawin out of his shirt, fingers lingering slightly against his skin, feeling the tension beneath "Relax"
When the water touched Gawin's body, he let out a quiet breath, eyes closing. Joss took the showerhead, letting the warm stream flow over Gawin's back and shoulders, watching the stress release itself little by little. He then massaged the scalp gently, his fingers moving slowly through his hair
Gawin relaxed completely, leaning into his husband's touch “You always know how to heal me,” he murmured
Joss smiled, voice soft “Because every part of you matters to me"
Joss washed Gawin's back slowly, tracing the lines of his muscles with care, feeling the way he sighed under his touch. He washed the hands next, holding them like something fragile, kissing the knuckles softly
Gawin opened his eyes, filled with warmth and love “You’re the best part of my day" he whispered
"I could say the same for you" Joss leaned to kiss Gawin's forehead
After the warm shower, Joss wrapped a towel around Gawin, pulling him close, letting his damp forehead rest against his collarbone. Gawin wrapped his arms around Joss's waist, taking in the warmth “Don’t ever let go" he whispered
“Never" Joss breathed back
Joss gently dried Gawin's hair with another towel, smiling at the peaceful expression that finally replaced the stress in his eyes. But as he stepped back, Gawin's body wavered slightly, the boy hadn’t realized how drained he was
Joss noticed instantly “Hey… are you okay?” he asked softly, brushing a wet strand of hair from his face
Gawin tried to smile “I’m fine. Just a little drained"
Without another word, Joss slipped an arm around his waist and the other behind the knees. In one smooth motion, he lifted Gawin into his arms who gasped softly, hands instinctively looping around his neck
Gawin's head rested against Joss's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat “I can walk" he murmured, voice barely a whisper, even though he was enjoying every bit of Joss's concern
"I know G but let me do this for you" Joss walked slowly towards their bedroom, holding Gawin as if he were the most delicate thing in the world. When they reached the bed, he laid him down carefully, brushing his thumb across the cheek. Then he leaned close, placing a soft kiss on Gawin's forehead “Rest” he whispered. “I’m right here"
Gawin reached for his hand, pulling him beside. Joss laid down next to him, wrapping his arms around and pulling him close. Gawin nestled into his warmth, feeling safe, loved, understood
In the quiet stillness of the night, they held each other, two tired hearts finally allowed to rest
And before sleep claimed them, Gawin whispered, “Thank you for being my home"
Joss smiled against Gawin's hair "Always”
OTHER SIDE
"I met him today. Must say, Gawin is quite beautiful"
The man narrowed his brows "You're not hired to appreciate his beauty. Don't forget your job"
Keith rolled his eyes "Of course I know my job. Be patient and you'll get what you want"
"Good" the man's eyes turned dark "I'm going to destroy you Gawin. Just wait and watch"