( i regret everything )

phone call

incoming call from
lucas ☺️

ANSWER     DECLINE

["lucas ☺️" has changed to "lucas🖕"]

"Morning, sunshine!"

"Luke, it is eight in the morning.
What are you doing up at this hour?"

"We've got studio plans today, Bear!"

"May I remind you that I am from Jersey. And right now, it is eleven in the morning over there and I don't get out of bed until noon. My body clock is still on Jersey time so if you could call back later when I'm not a zombie from The Walking Dead, that'd be splendid, thanks."

"I brought you coffee."

". . .You're a pain. Just. . .let me get ready without trying to wake Ruby and I'll meet you there."

"Trust me, you're not gonna regret this."

"I regret everything."

call ended!

▷

When Luke met Barrett in the lobby, he couldn't help but have a small smile forming on his face when he saw a sleepy Barrett stumbling out of the elevator. "Hi," he said, holding a cup of coffee out to Barrett. Barrett took it slowly — his brain not having woken up yet — his hand lingering Luke's for just a few moments before bringing the coffee to his mouth and taking a sip.

     "What's the plan for today?" asked Barrett. "How do you feel about breakfast?" Luke asked and just as he did, Barrett's stomach made a rumbling sound. He laughed the same, wondrous laugh Luke heard at the studio. "Guess that answers your question."

     "C'mon. I know a place."

▷

"Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles?" Barrett eyed the sign as they stood outside the building.

     "It's really good, just — "

     "I trust you."

     Luke smiled at that and they both entered the restaurant. "Table for two, please," he said to the lady at the front. They followed her to a booth and they both sat down as they were each handed a menu. Barrett skimmed the menu and said, "Maybe I'll just go with the classic chicken and waffles. Never been here so I might as well play it safe."

     "I'll do the same," Luke agreed. The waitress came by and they both placed their orders. "So, how are you liking Los Angeles so far?"

     Barrett shrugged. "It's fine. If only my friend would let me sleep in a little longer then it would be great." He eyed Luke sarcastically and Luke felt the heat creeping up the back of his neck again. "Why am I up again?" Barrett asked. "I told you. We have studio plans today," Luke repeated. And I would like to spend a little more time with you before doing so.

     "Not until noon, we don't."

     "Hey, don't be like that." Luke reached and cupped a hand to Barrett's cheek. "Think of it as not being cooped up in a hotel room for three hours or even spending time with me while you're still here."

     "I'll take the second option for two hundred, Alex." Barrett swatted Luke's hand away playfully. Luke chuckled but all of a sudden stopped when he realized what he had done. But before the thought could eat his insides, their food came and they began to eat quietly.

The check came and they both reached for their wallets. "Like hell you're paying for breakfast," Luke said. "I got this."

"I'll get it next time." Barrett put his wallet away in defeat.

"Are you implying that we're gonna do this again?" Luke paused from getting his card out momentarily.

"It's the least I can do for you since you've been so nice to me."