( "after you." "no, after you." "after me!" )

"Welcome to Capitol Records!" Luke pushed open the door to the recording studio. "After you."

"No, after you," Barrett countered lightly. "After me!" Ruby shoved past the both of them playfully so she could get out of the heat and into the air-conditioned building. "Holy shit, this place is amazing!"

"C'mon. I'll take you up to meet the guys." Luke guided them to the elevator and he pushed the "up" button. "Hope you won't mind hiding out here for the next couple of days."

"I think I'll be able to handle this. I excel where I do my best and my best is hiding in my room for several hours on end until Ruby comes in and drags me out," said Barrett when they shuffled into the elevator. "Hey," Ruby swatted his arm, "we gotta keep you in shape somehow, mister."

Barrett nonchalantly lifted his shirt, revealing nothing but hard muscle underneath. "I think I'm good."

"Yeah, he's good. You're good," Luke stuttered and they both looked at him as Barrett pulled his shirt back down. Luke rubbed the back of his neck. "Is it getting hot in here?"

"You might be sweating because you're wearing all black, Lucas. Black absorbs heat so you're kinda flat outta luck." Barrett took the last sip of his coffee as if to say "But that's none of my business."

"Okay look here, Mister — " But before Luke could make any sort of "threat," the three arrived at their designated floor. "I'm saving my threat for later."

"I'm gonna hold you to it." Barrett dumped his empty coffee cup into a nearby garbage can and followed Luke into the studio. "Hey, Luke!" Michael and Ashton walked up to him and gave him a hug. "You guys must be Barrett and Ruby. Congrats on the win!" Michael clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks," Barrett said gratefully. "Hey, why don't you show us what you can do on the bass?" asked Ashton, handing him a bass guitar.

     "Wait to put me on the spot, guys. What do I even play?"

     "Ooh, play that one Tame Impala song!" suggested Ruby. Barrett nodded and abruptly began to play The Less I Know the Better. His fingers moved swiftly up and down the frets like the bass was his second home. Suddenly, he didn't feel the pressure of a world-famous band listening to him. So, to bump it up a notch, he decided to ad lib a little bit. He was having a great time until he realized the song came to an end.

     "Where have you been hiding, Barrett?" Michael asked. "In his bedroom," Luke answered and Barrett laughed. It took Luke by surprise because of how pretty it sounded. Wondrous, even.

     What the fuck has he gotten himself into?