don't look back

nine|| it's official

A/N: I can't write songs for shit so all of Sage's 'originals' will be taken from an artist. I will most likely tweak a few of the lyrics but I'll always put the artist and song for proper credit. The one used in this chapter is 'Crowded Places' by Banks. If you do listen to it, just imagine a ukulele cover of it.

Sage.

September 4, 2018.

Opening up the same glass door I did five days ago, I felt more nervous than the first time. This time I was booked for a studio session. In my head, I have to prove to Andrew that I'm good enough, but truthfully I didn't know if i wanted to prove myself to anyone. I also don't think I'm good enough to accept the offer he is giving me.

Walking out of the elevator onto the third floor there was one door to the left, on to the right and one in front of me with numbers on them. I was told to use studio #3 and begin. Andrew had a meeting to finish before meeting me up here.

Opening up the only door that didn't have the red light on, meaning that recording was in session, my eyes lit up at the equipment. I don't know how to use half of the stuff on one side but behind the glass sat a ukulele, guitar, and piano. A shiny silver microphone hung from the ceiling and I was excited to hear the quality of it. I shut the door and turned on the red light indicating that this studio was in use. I eventually figured out how to hit record before opening up the door to the booth. I pulled out my phone, going to the note that had my favourite song I had written. Putting on the headphones, I smiled to myself. Even having the opportunity to sing in a studio with this level of technology is beyond exciting. I hummed the melody into the microphone, checking my pitch before singing.

"I wanna get you in my spaces
I wanna take you different places
I know the touring is romantic
I know you see me as a frantic girl
But I can give you what you want
I know you like the way I held my temper
When I gave you to the world, gave you to the world
I can be your heart to let go"

"'Cause I've been scared of crowded places
Come with me, please take me home
'Cause I've been scared of crowded places
Come with me, please take me home"

I realized my eyes had been shut as I sang the chorus and when I opened them, I was startled to see the set of blue eyes that made my heart skip a few too many beats. The smirk on her face caused my cheeks to glow a deep red. I quickly removed my headphones before walking out of the booth.

"Hey, sorry. I walked into the wrong studio but when I heard your voice I had to stay and listen," she explained why she was standing there.

"Oh," I nodded, turning off the recording.

"Finnes wanted to work in a studio today," she rolled her eyes, "I don't know why. We work better at home but whatever."

"Finneas?" I questioned, now facing her as my back was to the booth.

"Oh sorry, my brother. I make all my music with him," she told me as she made herself at home, sitting on one of the two office chairs. A couch was placed on the back wall while the two swivel chairs sat directly in front of the booth.

"That's cool," I smiled, sitting on the couch across from her. I don't understand why I'm not shaking from head to toe while speaking to a complete stranger, but the change is nice.

"I saw your cover of 8. Damn, you didn't tell me you had the voice of an actual goddess," she smiled, moving her chair slightly closer to the couch as her back faced the booth.

"Shut up, its nothing compared to you," I blushed, nervous at the fact that not only did she see me sing her song; but I also broke out in tears.

"Nah, you sang it better than I ever could. I should just retire now," she said seriously, her eyes making raw contact with mine.

My leg bounced up and down as her eyes drew me in, just like the first time I saw them. There was something I wanted to ask her but my brain didn't seem to connect to my vocal chords in this moment.

"You look like you want to say something," she raised a brow with suspicion, reading my damn mind.

"Yeah, I do," I cleared my throat, suddenly overly aware of her features. Her button nose fit perfectly on her pail face. Small freckles perfectly placed on her cheeks and nose, her blue hair up in a messy bun. The way her iris' tended to sit and the top of her eyes. How full and perfect her lips were; a perfect contrast to her stark blue eyes. She's hot....like really hot.

"Tell me, whats on your mind," she tilted her head slightly, causing a small strand of hair to fall out of her bun and perfectly frame her face.

"W-who hurt you that bad? You know...in 8?" I stuttered nervously, fidgeting with the bottom of my shirt. Am I even allowed to ask her this question? Is it too personal?

I heard her exhale a deep breath before she spoke, "It's actually from the perspective of someone I hurt. All the lyrics are how I imagine that person feels towards me."

"Wow."

"I know, it sounds bad," she lowered her head.

"No no no," I shook my head, "That's not what I meant. I mean the way that you can write from someone else's perspective, it's amazing!"

"Thanks," she brushed off the compliment, "I didn't hear much of your song but from what I did hear, it was beautiful. I haven't heard a voice like yours, ever."

"Thanks," I practically whisper out.

"Do you write a lot?"

"I try too. I feel like I keep writing about the same shit though," I admit shyly.

"I'd love to hear it," she smiled.

"I would-" I was cut off as we both turned our heads, seeing Andrew walking into the room.

"Hey Sage, I see you've met Billie," he exaggerates.

"Yeah," I nod.

"I should get back to Finneas but can I give you my number so you can send me some of your music?" She stood up but her eyes didn't leave mine.

I nodded my head, my brain foggy at the thought of Billie Eilish wanting me to have her number. I handed her my phone and waited anxiously before she handed me my phone back. "See you around," she winked before walking out of the door. Winked... Did she just? Am I hallucinating?

I took a moment to shake off the butterflies she caused to erupt into my stomach. "So, have you started recording anything?" Andrew asks.

"Just a little bit and then Billie crashed my party," I chuckled. He sat down on the chair that was previously occupied by Billie. He hit a button and all of a sudden my voice was playing through speakers, making me cringe slightly. Everything could be heard so clearly it was intimidating.

Once the recording stopped he spun his chair around and smiled at me, "Sage, you're going to be a star! Why don't we record the instrumental for the song?"

"Okay," I nodded, slightly shaken up at his comment.

"I'm no audio engineer or producer but I have plenty of producers I can refer you too. You'll obviously be needing one," he explained as I stood from my chair.

-

After a few hours of recording all the instrumentals and vocals for the song, we were back down in Andrew's office. I was able to open up during recording and I found out that he was actually pretty funny. Though, things in his office seemed so official and professional. I watched him pull out the contract and place it on his desk.

"So Sage, how do you feel? You ready to sign the contract?" He asked with a more serious tone.

"Yes," I nodded. He held out a pen for me and since I had already read through the whole thing, I gripped the pen in my hand before gliding it over the signature line.

"Perfect!" He smiled excitedly, clasping his hands together causing a clapping sound. "I'll be in touch with you and I think I have the perfect producer for you!"