Hopefully you don't hate me for this one. Um, Liz Gillies, Avan Jogia and Ariana Grande make an appearance in this, but Ariana is more mentioned than anything else, I'd say. Bella Thorne is also mentioned.

Also, everyone is extremely out of character in this, just so you know.

I own nothing.

Ross sighed, running his fingers through his hair as he stood in front of the mic, his fingers on the guitar as he started to play the opening chords for Ain't No Way We're Going Home. Rocky started to sing and when it was Ross' turn to sing, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and abruptly stopped the song.

"What the hell bro?" Riker demanded as Ratliff threw his hands in the air in disbelief.

"S-sorry." Ross managed to say as he felt for his phone. He checked his phone to see he had a message from Laura.

Hey, I'm doing okay. Just wanted to let you know. Vanessa's with me and we're just silently laying on my bed together. It's really not as exciting as you'd think.

He sighed, relieved that someone was with her.

About two hours after they'd fallen asleep on Laura's birthday, her phone started to ring, she answered it and Ellen had told her to rush to the hospital, immediately. Ross had pulled her out of bed, both still dressed in what they had worn before and once they got to the hospital, Vanessa immediately ran to Laura, her face sad and tears on her cheeks.

"What happened?" Laura asked.

"Your father…" Vanessa shook her head, "I'm so sorry, but he didn't make it." She then hugged Laura who just emotionlessly stared ahead at Ross who just looked down at his feet.

She hadn't said a word about it and as far as he knew, hadn't cried about it. Kevin and Heath had decided to take a spontaneous break from filming to give Laura her space as she really did need it. Ross, however, kept working because even he knew that she sometimes needed a break from him.

"It's Laura, sorry. Uh, I'll just text her back later."

"No, no it's fine." Rocky exchanged a look with Riker. "Go call her if you have to."

Ross nodded. He was happy his brothers understood that he needed to be there for Laura, if she needed him. It didn't seem like she did, but he knew she was going to at some point. He stepped away from the mic and dialed her number.

She answered on the second ring, "Ross!" She sounded happy to hear from him and he didn't question it.

"Hey, Laura, just took a break from rehearsal. Wanted to call you."

"I'm glad you did." Laura admitted.

"You are?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be glad to hear from my boyfriend?"

She had a point, he realized.

"Right, well, I was wondering if you wanted me to stop by later or something. It's been a while since we last saw each other."

"Yeah, it has. I…I would love for you to come over, so do it. After rehearsal."

He smiled, "yeah, will do. See you then." It was silent for a few moments, before Ross spoke again. "Hey, Laura?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

She giggled, "I love you too."

They hung up then and he went back to his band. After a couple of hours, rehearsals were over and he was just packing up his guitar when he looked up to see Rydel and Ratliff were standing very closely together by the keyboard. He turned his head away and picked up the guitar, walking out of the studio he put it inside his car.

"Hey!"

Ross turned to see Riker was running after him.

"Sup?"

"Where you off to?"

"Laura's."

Riker nodded, "okay, well, mom wanted me to tell everyone there's going to be a family dinner tonight. Be home at seven?"

Ross nodded. "Sure."

"Alright, awesome." Riker waved at him and Ross waved back, getting inside his car, he started it and then backed out of the spot.

Rydel giggled as Ratliff took her hand, she followed him to his car, where immediately after getting in, she put her hands in hair and pulled him closer, pressing her lips against his as he gently kissed her back.

"So," Ratliff said, pulling away slightly. He looked at her, his thumb rubbing her cheek, which she smiled at. "We've been doing this for a few weeks now and I want to ask you something."

"Yeah?" Rydel asked and he nodded.

"Will you—" He began nervously, but a knocking on his window interrupted him and he sighed, turning around to see Rocky was standing there. He rolled down the window and looked at his friend.

"Yeah, hey, what's up, Rydel? Uh, question. Ross was sort of my ride home and he just disappeared, Riker said something about him going to Laura's, so, could you give me ride and I'll make Ross owe you one later?"

Ratliff looked at Rydel who just nodded her head. He sighed and Rydel laughed at him. "Sure thing, buddy. Get in." He unlocked the car and Rocky excitedly jumped into the backseat.

"So, what was it you wanted to ask me?" Rydel asked him as he started the car and put it in reverse.

He looked at her a moment before answering. "I'll tell you later, when it's more private."

She smiled, "okay."

"Hey!" Rocky cried from the backseat, "turn up the radio, this song's my jam!"

"Seriously, how am I related to you?" Rydel laughed as Ratliff reached over to turn the radio up.

"Funny, Ross asks me that at least twice a day," Rocky commented and Ratliff laughed, shaking his head.

"Gotta say, bro. I don't blame them for wondering." Ratliff answered, his hand on the gearshift as he backed out of his spot. A few minutes passed and he felt a soft, warm hand on top of his. Looking down for a moment he saw blue nail polish and knew it was Rydel. Smiling to himself, he could see in the corner of his eye, that she was smiling as well.

To his surprise, Laura was waiting for him in front of her house. Though, as soon as he pulled up, she didn't run to his car like she usually did, instead she just sat there, an emotionless look on her face as he stopped the car. He got out and then slowly walked up the path to where she was sitting. He sat down beside her and she looked up at him.

"Hi."

"Hi." He answered back. "Sorry it took a while longer than I thought."

Laura shook her head, "don't worry, it's fine. The band is important, I understand that."

"Yeah, but so are you," He answered back. "You're my girlfriend and I don't want to put you second to anything else."

Laura looked down at her ring and lifted it up, "I don't think that at all, because this is proof that you'd put me first in a split second if I really needed you." He nodded and then she reached her hand up, putting it on the back of his neck, she pulled him closer and gently pressed her lips against his. He put his hand on top of hers and then deepened the kiss, only for it to break apart a few moments later, to the sound of someone clearing their throat.

Laura looked up and then immediately looked down. "Hi, Charlie."

Ross looked confused, before remembering that Charlie was Laura's brother. "Hey." Ross said and gave him a wave.

"So, this is your boyfriend." Charlie nodded his head. "Wow, he's attractive I guess, but not my type."

Ross fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"Yeah, wasn't the obvious by the fact we were making out?" Laura rudely asked him. Ross turned his head so fast, shocked that she'd spoken to him that way. She let out an annoyed sigh, "what do you want?"

"I came here to visit you."

"Why? I don't want to see you. Haven't I made that clear already? Or was I not clear enough?"

"Come on, Laura. Stop. You're the only sibling I have and you're acting like such a—"

"Bitch?" Laura filled in. "Excuse me, for not wanting to know the son of a man I hardly knew who abandoned me when I was a child and then passed away before I could get to know him." Her tone was cold. She stood up then and tried to walk inside, but Charlie stopped her.

"I can't make excuses for dad, okay? I'm sorry he was more my father than yours, but you can't shut me out. I'm your fucking brother, Laura."

"Halfbrother," She corrected him, narrowing her eyes.

Charlie didn't say anything and neither did Laura. They just stared each other down, before she opened the door and then went inside, closing it soon afterwards. Ross then watched as Charlie stared hard at the door, before biting his lip and turning around.

"Hey, wait." Ross called after him, making a quick decision, he jumped up and stood a few feet away from him. "Look, don't take all of this so personally, she's just… grieving I guess. Give her a while to process everything and then I'm sure she'll wanted to get to know you."

"I doubt it, she's blaming me for everything, pretty much."

"It wasn't your fault," Ross assured him. "You didn't make your father die, and neither did she. She's just displacing her anger and right now she's confused, angry and hurt. Give her time okay? I'm sure she'll come around eventually."

"Nah, man. I don't think so."

"She's gonna have to at some point."

"And why's that?"

"Because," Ross shrugged, his hand in his pockets. "You're her brother. That has to count for something, doesn't it?"

Ross walked into the house, only to find Laura staring at the TV in front of her, a blank expression on her face. He sat down beside her and put an arm around her, laying her head on his shoulder, he gently rubbed her back. After a while, she responded, nuzzling her nose into his neck, she grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer.

"Thanks for coming over," She whispered. He looked down at her.

"Of course," He said quietly. "What uh, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know, watch a movie or something, I guess."

He thought for a moment, before he leaned back, pulling her on top of him, so that her head was resting on his chest. He silently ran his fingers through her hair for a few moments while she just closed her eyes and rested on top of him.

"Ross?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm hungry."

He let out a quiet laugh. "What would you like to eat?"

"Go-gurt," She mumbled against his chest.

"Really? How about something more… I don't know, filling?" He got an idea, "why don't we make something, like a cake?"

"There's nothing to celebrate." She said quietly as she traced little circles and shapes on his chest with her finger.

"Sure there is, it's… our between… birthday." He had no idea where that came from, but he kinda liked it.

She raised an eyebrow, "our 'Between Birthday'?" He nodded. "What the hell is that?"

"Your birthday was a couple weeks ago and my birthday is in a couple of weeks, so let's celebrate… us."

"Us," She repeated and he nodded.

"Yeah, us." He said quietly.

A smile spread across her face. "I like that idea."

She got off of him then and pulled him up, then, still holding his hand, she led him to the kitchen, where she got out everything they'd need to make a cake.

A few minutes later, they were pouring the flour into the bowl, when Ross got an idea and scooped up some of it in his hand. He then snuck up behind her and gently slapped her cheek with it.

She gasped and he laughed. She turned to him, getting some flour on her hands as well and then stepped closer to him.

"You wouldn't," He challenged her.

She smirked, "Guess you don't know me as well as you think you do," with that, she put both her hands in his hair, getting the strands all flour-y. His mouth dropped open and she giggled, getting more she put a streak of it on his cheek and then laughed as he flicked some of the flour at her.

"I think," Laura giggled after a few more minutes, "we got more of it on us, then we do in the actual bowl."

Ross looked inside of it, "yeah, I agree. There's barely anything in there."

"Yeah, guess we should start making it, right?" She asked as she attempted to be sneaky and grab the can of whipped cream behind her.

"Yes, I couldn't agree more." Ross leaned his hand on the counter behind her and smiled down at her. She was wondering why he wasn't saying anything about the whipped cream she was reaching for, when she realized he had his hand behind his back.

"Okay, but first…" She kept her eyes on his arm and reached up, holding the can of whipped cream in front of her, she pressed down on the spray part of it and it shot out getting him in the face. He reacted quick and sprayed her as well, getting it in her hair and all over her clothes.

She gasped and he did it some more. She grabbed the bottle of chocolate syrup and poured it on top of him, laughing when he wrapped his arms around her and quickly spun her around. He then put her down and she put the chocolate syrup down. Staring up at him, she leaned in and kissed him, his hands going to her waist and hers going into his hair.

"Mmm, best sundae I've ever had," Ross joked and she playfully rolled her eyes.

"Just shut up and kiss me, you dork." With that, he pulled her closer and kissed her deeper, biting down on her lower lip as he pulled away slightly only to lean in and kiss her again.

Laura smiled into it, kissing him back just as intensely. He managed to flip them so that her back was against the counter, and leaned forward, which in turn, caused her to lean back, her head hitting the counter top. "Ow," She whispered.

Ross pulled away, only slightly, "shit, I'm sorry. Are you okay?"

She smiled, "I'm fine, just come here," she pulled him in for another breathtaking kiss, her hands going to his zipper, she unbuttoned it and then unzipped his jeans, her hands going back up underneath his shirt, she held him against her as he grinded his body against hers.

"Ahem," They both heard and quickly broke apart to see Ellen standing in the doorway, a disapproving look on her face. "What the hell are you two doing?"

"Making… out? Wasn't that kind of obvious?" Laura asked, motioning in between herself and Ross with her finger.

"I got that, thank you, but why is the kitchen a total mess?"

"Because we were making a cake and we got sidetracked," Laura answered.

"Okay, clean this up and then clean up yourselves. Laura, we have someplace to be tonight at eight."

Ross' eyes widened, "shit, I have dinner at seven."

"It's only four in the afternoon, you have time, don't worry." Ellen told him and then motioned with her finger to clean. "You two can make a cake another day."

"Or…" Laura turned to Ross, "we can just make one now, only we won't get sidetracked this time."

He shrugged, "I could do that, I guess."

"Whatever you want," Ellen excused herself a moment later, and Laura looked up at Ross through her eyelashes.

"If you want, after we're done cleaning up in here, we can have a little fun in my shower." She winked at him and suddenly Ross was grateful she had unzipped his jeans.

"Yeah," He breathed, "sounds good to me."

Not getting sidetracked while baking a "Between Birthday" cake was a lot harder than Ross thought. Laura had kept her promise to him afterwards, and now he was rushing home for the family dinner Riker had told him about.

Red faced, maybe a little sweaty, his hair wet and a mess, he burst through the front door. Rocky had been walking by and saw him. Shaking his head and trying not to laugh he just walked into the dining room, while Ross gave his back a look and shut the door, following after his brother.

"Good, Ross, you're here," Stormie smiled at her son as he gave Rocky another look and sat down beside him.

"Yeah, I'm here…for this family dinner." He furrowed his eyebrows together, realizing something. "Why are we having a family dinner exactly?"

"Because we never do," Stormie stated, simply as she sat down. Ross didn't answer in anyway, instead he just looked around the table, noticing there were eight place setting and last he checked there were only six people in his family now, plus Ratliff and/or Laura.

Ratliff and Rydel walked in taking their seats, while his remaining siblings did the same. After everyone was seated, the eight person walked in.

Ross had been talking to Ratliff, Ryland and Rocky about his afternoon with Laura, when he looked up and noticed the eight person, his blood boiling and judging by the look on Rydel's face, she was feeling the exactly same way.

"Dad?" Well, even Ryland was surprised to see him, so they both weren't too alone in that.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Rocky demanded.

Ratliff seemed to sense both Ross and Rydel tensing so he put an arm around Rydel and then put his other hand on Ross' shoulder.

"Guys, calm," He whispered to them.

They nodded and didn't say anything.

"Look, I know you aren't happy about this, but he's still your father and he'd like to apologize to you about—"

"What?" Ross shook his head. "No, there is nothing he can say to me that will make me forgive him for any fucking thing he's done to this family."

"Ross, language," Mark said.

"Fuck you." Ross snapped and stood up, throwing the napkin that had been on his lap on the table, he moved his chair back and stood up. "You don't get to tell me what to do anymore." He stared hard at his father a moment, before turning to his mother. "I don't believe you. I can't believe you'd actually allow him back here after everything he's done." He turned at that moment to leave, but his mother's voice stopped him.

"Ross!"

He stood still for a few moments.

"Don't go," She said, quietly. He turned around.

"It's either I go, or he does. I'm not going to be in the same vicinity as him. I don't care if it's two feet or two million feet, I don't want to be around him."

He then noticed there were bags in the front entrance by the door.

"I can't believe this!"

"What?" Rydel asked him.

He didn't answer, instead he shook his head. "You're letting him move back in here." He answered, not looking at any one in the room.

"What?" Rydel looked at her mother in disbelief.

"If he's moving back in here…" Ross backed out of the room, his hands up as if he was surrendering. "I'm out of here."

"You can't leave," Mark told him, "you're seventeen."

"I'll be eighteen in two weeks." Ross snapped back, "I have enough money to move the hell out of here get my own place and don't for a second think I won't."

"He just made a mistake—" Stormie began and that was what set Ross off.

"A mistake? Just one mom?" He walked closer, "no, that asshole made a few of them. He hit Rydel, a woman, and then he hit me. Oh and let's not forget he's been cheating on you for two fucking years! You let him back in, I won't come back and you'll never see me again." He stared hard at his mother, his mouth set, his jaw clenching. He waited a few moments and then looked at his father. "So, how's that dad? Think I can't handle being on my own?"

Without another word he stormed out of the room. The front door slammed a moment later and Rydel shook her head. She didn't say anything either and stood up, leaving the room. Ratliff followed her, Rocky doing them same as Riker and Ryland stayed in their seats.

"You two don't have a problem with this, do you?" Mark asked.

"No, we do." Ryland answered after exchanging a look with his oldest sibling. "Ross is a hundred, thousand percent right and so is Rydel for leaving. Rocky too."

"We just stayed because we felt… sorry for you?" Riker asked Ryland and Ryland nodded. But he stood up, motioning for Riker to do the same.

"But then we both realized that we shouldn't feel sorry for you. You did this to yourself." Ryland shrugged. "Peace out, dad." With that he and Riker left, leaving behind their very distraught mother and very pissed off father.

"Well, that didn't go as planned."

Stormie just shook her head and walked out, leaving Mark all by himself. Pissed off and alone.

Ross didn't really have a destination in mind. He just jumped into his car and drove off. He ignored his phone constantly ringing, knowing it was going to be one of his siblings to try and talk him out of whatever he had planned on doing. The only person he wanted to see was Laura, but she was busy and since her father had just passed away, he didn't want to burden her with his problems.

He'd never felt so alone in his life.

But then, remembering something Calum had introduced him to around the time they'd met, he decided that giving his pal, Calum a visit wouldn't probably be such a bad idea and turned his car around, driving straight to his house.

"Oh my god, I can't believe my mother would do something, so…" Rydel's eyes moved around the room as Ratliff quietly sat on the edge of her bed. "Something so stupid! It's so unlike her!"

"I know, it is." Ratliff answered, he stood up, putting both his hands on Rydel's wrists. "But you need to calm down." He told her, leaning his forehead against hers, his hands went up her arm to her shoulders. "Freaking out about it isn't going to help anything."

"Ross was right though," She said, visibly calming down. "And he has a point. If he's leaving this house… then so am I. I'll get my own place or live with him or—" She sighed, looking down. She then looked up, taking one of Ratliff's hands in hers. "I can't leave my mother here with him. I'm scared he'll hurt her."

"Hurt her?"

"He's already physically hurt Ross and I, how do we know he won't do the same to my mother? Or worse, say he'll be completely faithful to her, but instead will still be seeing that slut when mom gets to boring for him or something?"

Ratliff didn't answer, he just stared at her for a few moments and then leaned in and kissed her. She closed her eyes, kissing him back for a few moments, before he broke it.

"Sorry, you just… looked really beautiful in this light and I really couldn't help but kiss you." Rydel giggled and he smiled at her. "Look, this issue is with your parents and them only. You and your brothers might not agree or be happy with this, but at the end of the day it's their decision. I understand where you're coming from completely, don't get me wrong, but your mother is an adult. She can make her own decisions, right or wrong."

Rydel nodded, closing her eyes and taking his words in, before she opened them.

"Okay," She whispered and it was silent in between them.

"Remember when earlier I wanted to ask you something?" Ratliff asked and Rydel nodded. "Well, how about we get out of here and… do it?"

Her eyes widened and he laughed.

"Not that, Rydel. Get your mind out of the gutter," He teased and she rolled her eyes. "I mean, I want to take you out, on our first official date."

"Oh, well that, I can most definitely do." Rydel smiled and leaned into kiss him, taking his hand in hers, she led him out of her room and down the stairs. Opening the front door, she let him out first and looked behind her, then taking a deep breath, she closed it, letting whatever was inside stay there. She wasn't going to let her family's problems ruin her night and instead she was going to have fun with her new—but not yet official—boyfriend.

Calum rubbed his eyes as he sleepily walked to the front door of his apartment. He opened the door, surprised to see Ross was on the other side of it.

"Whoa, hey dude, what's up?"

"Busy?" He asked, walking passed him, not allowing him to answer. "Sorry, I just… I didn't know where else to go. Laura's busy and I don't want to complain about my problems anymore when she—" He stopped talking, "can I just hang out here for a bit?"

"Yeah, of course, man. Whatever you want." Calum led him to the living room. "Take a seat, I'll get us something to drink."

Ross sat down on the couch and Calum came back a few moments later with some sodas and chips.

"Want to talk?"

Ross shook his head, "not really." He stared straight ahead a moment, "but I was wondering if you had… the stuff, that shit you introduced to me a couple years ago."

Calum took a moment, but then he realized what he was talking about. "You mean… bro, I can't let you, that's illegal."

"I'm eighteen soon and I just don't want to be treated like I'm a damn child anymore. I can make my own decisions and this is one of them. You do it, why can't I? We even did it once before together, remember?"

"Yeah." Calum nodded, "I remember."

"Okay, then… please, dude. I'm begging you, I need an escape and that shit works."

Calum stared at him for a moment before finally giving in, going against his better judgement. He could see Ross really need the escape.

"Okay," He said quietly. "Just give me a sec, I'll be right back."

Ross nodded, "thanks."

And with that Ross was left alone to really think about what he was about to do and if it was really the right decision. Deciding he didn't give a damn anymore, he just went with it and took the escape, especially since it was available.

Laura was so bored.

Her mother had dragged her to a family gathering, one she really wished she hadn't dragged her too. Vanessa had luckily gotten out of it, since she had to film that night.

She was playing with the salt and pepper shakers on the table in her aunt's kitchen, sitting alone, when her phone vibrated in her pocket.

She pulled it out to see she had a message from a friend of hers, Liz.

Hey girl, what are you up to?

Laura sighed and sent her a message back.

At a boring family event. Save me, please?

It didn't take long for her to respond.

Where's your boyfriend? Shouldn't you be getting dirty with him?

Laura blushed, thinking about earlier that afternoon in the shower. She felt a tingle go down her spine and then responded back.

He's at a family dinner. Are you busy?

She laughed at Liz's text back to her.

Sure he is. Well, Ari and I were going to go to a party at her record label. You should join us.

Fuck yeah, she was down.

When and what time? I'm free for the night.

She had to wait about three minutes for the message back.

Tonight, obviously and it starts at nine.

Laura looked up at the clock. It was seven thirty. She then looked at her casual dress deciding it was good enough.

I'll see you then, text me the address.

With that she stood up, getting out of her seat she went into the living room where her family was. She knew her mother wouldn't let her ditch the family gathering for a party, so she came up with a good enough excuse.

"Mom, Ross just texted me saying he wasn't feeling well, um, would it be okay if I went to go check on him, see if he's okay?"

Ellen smiled warmly at her and Laura started to feel guilty. "Of course that's fine. If you end up spending the night, let me know."

Her aunt gave Ellen a look, "you allow her to stay over at a boy's house?" She seemed appalled by this and all Laura wanted to do at the moment was punch something.

"Ross isn't just some boy. He's a part of the family and he and Laura have known each other for years. I trust them." Ellen responded and Laura did a little cheer over her mother defending her.

"Even with the article that came out?" Her cousin, Erica asked. Laura and Erica never got along, so she wasn't so surprised by what she'd said.

"That's not any of your business," Laura snapped at her.

"Look, I just think it's not right is all. Not unless you're married." Her aunt said, rather snootily.

"Okay, I don't need to take this, mom? I'll see you later, if not, I'll let you know about tonight." She leaned in and kissed her mother on the cheek. "Love you."

"Love you too, sweetie."

And with that, Laura left her aunt's house.

It didn't take long for her to find Liz at the party. Looking around, she was surprised there was alcohol being served and immediately felt like a completely different person.

"Laura! There you are!" Liz immediately ran to her and hugged her close. She pulled away from the hug and then reached over to the bar, handing her the martini she had in her hand. "This is for you, think of it as a belated birthday gift." She winked at her and Laura smiled.

"Thanks." Laura sipped it, trying not to make a face at how strong it was. "Where's Ariana?"

Liz shrugged, "she's around, probably with Bella. I'm really not sure."

Laura laughed.

"So, how are you?" Liz asked her.

"I'm… doing okay, I guess." Laura blinked her eyes, shrugging her shoulders. "I mean, I've got my super amazing boyfriend and I—" She cut herself for a moment, before deciding on the perfect thing to say. "I'm happy."

No one outside of work, her family and Ross' family knew about her father. She wasn't about to tell anyone, even if Liz was one of her close friends. She was a bit wild and a total party girl, but still Laura felt like she was a good friend to her regardless. They were on two different networks, but had met at Bella's last birthday party. Bella was more of a friend to Ross, as they had worked on a commercial together, but he'd dragged her along with him to the party anyway. Ariana was a friend of Bella's and how they knew each other, Laura wasn't really certain about. Liz was a long time friend of Ariana's and since Ross was off talking to Bella about something and Ariana was there, Liz had approached an awkward Laura and they began talking. They got to know each other a bit (Liz asking if she and Ross were together, which she denied at the time since it was way before they began any type of relationship) and had gotten along surprisingly well. That had been over a year ago.

Liz smiled and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. "Well, come on. Let's get to dancing."

Laura laughed, shaking her head, "I'm a terrible dancer."

"I was on Broadway and a television show about students going to a performing arts school. I can teach you a few things, you know." She winked at her and Laura rolled her eyes playfully.

"You're not gonna let me leave here until I dance are you?"

"Nope!" Liz smiled, and Laura followed her, laughing.

"Okay, okay, I'll dance with you. Or attempt to."

Liz grinned, "sounds perfect."

"This party is insane!" Maia yelled at Vanessa over the music. "What record company throws a party like this?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, but apparently this label does."

A waiter walked by then and offered them both some champagne. Vanessa looked at Maia who just smiled at her. "It's fine, go ahead. You're legal, you know."

Vanessa nodded and grabbed one off the tray.

The waiter then left and Maia walked further inside the party with her friend. "How did you even get invited to this?" Vanessa asked her.

"I know someone on this label and he invited me." Maia answered. "It's his fellow label mate's party."

"Oh, alright, good thing filming ended for both of us at the same time or I'd never know about this." Maia laughed, playfully hitting her. Her eyes lit up, "look there's Avan, let's go say hi!"

Vanessa followed her gaze and soon found their friend, who was shaking his head and laughing at someone else who was standing a few feet away from him. The girls approached him and he smiled, giving them both hugs.

"What's up guys?" He asked them, "how are you?"

"Fine," Vanessa smiled, sipping her champagne. "What's up with you? Who are you laughing at?"

"Oh, just my friend, Liz. She's a bit drunk and she's trying to get me to dance with her." His eyes searched around for her, "I don't know where she went, but I'll find her later."

Maia gave him a look, "shouldn't you go look for her?"

"Trust me, she's fine. She's a party girl, she can handle herself." He then realized something, "though, she's with your sister, Vanessa. They just ran off somewhere."

"Wait, did you just say my sister was here?" Vanessa's eyes widened.

"Yeah, right? She's kind of short, brown hair with blonde ends, whatever it is you girls call it these days, and looks and sounds exactly like you."

Maia gave him a look.

"Shit, why would she be here? She's supposed to be with my mom, or actually with her boyfriend since she texted me saying that's where she was going to be, oh god." Vanessa put one hand through her hair, nervously looking around.

"What's wrong?" Avan was understandably confused and concerned. "Is she okay?"

"Yeah, no." Vanessa answered, realizing not everyone knew about Laura's father, or that they both had different ones. "She's just been through a hard time lately and… she's kind of known to act out lately and I'm just worried about her," She bit her bottom lip. "Was she drinking, do you know?"

"Uh yeah." Avan answered, "she was acting kind of crazy, laughing, falling all over the place."

"Oh no," Maia said, looking down at her feet. She then grabbed Vanessa's wrist, "We have to go find her."

"Here, I'll help you." Avan offered and followed them through the crowd. "Maybe if I call Liz, we can find her easier."

Vanessa nodded, "good idea."

Laura was laughing as she stumbled out into the alley way. Liz was laughing with her as she leaned against the brick wall, looking up at the starry night sky.

"The stars are so damn beautiful tonight," Liz sighed, dreamily. She threw her head back and finished her fourth martini while Laura finished her third. They were both pretty drunk and pretty out of it, but Laura was surprised to find she was actually having fun.

"Yeah…" Laura smiled softly to herself, wondering if her father was up there, looking down on her, most likely disappointed. But, for some reason, she just didn't care. "It is beautiful." She closed her eyes.

"So," Liz turned to her, throwing the martini glass to the ground, both of them ignoring the sound of breaking glass. She reached into her bag and pulled out a lighter. Laura stared at it and all Liz did was play with it.

"Do you have an obsession with fire or something?" Laura asked her.

"Kinda, not really. I just think it's cool."

"That made no sense whatsoever and I honestly don't even care." Laura started to laugh and fell against the wall. "Tonight's the most fun I've had in a while." She said out loud, "well, unless you count the fun nights I've had with my boyfriend."

Liz grinned, "Ross, right?" Laura nodded. "You have to tell me, he's like, the sexiest young rockstar I've seen in a while, so… is he good you know… in bed?"

Laura's mouth dropped open, "like I would tell you that!" She laughed, she put her finger in front of her and waved it in Liz's face. "That, my friend… is private." She booped Liz's nose and they both laughed some more.

She felt her phone vibrating in her bag and pulled it out to see Ross had texted her. Liz's eyes lit up and she leaned over to read the message.

Love ya, babe.

"Oh my god! You guys love eachother!" Liz yelled into the cold night air, throwing her arms around Laura. "I fucking knew it!"

"Don't get too excited, we've been saying I love you to each other for weeks now." She was in the middle of texting Ross back when her phone rang and Vanessa's name popped up. She ignored the call and waited for a few moments before finishing her message and sending it to Ross.

This afternoon was so fun ;) we should do it again.

Liz was reading over her shoulder, "I'm curious to know what you two did this afternoon." She smirked, "was it something sexual?"

"Oh my god," Laura put her hands over her face, spilling some of her martini in her hair, but she hadn't noticed. "I'm not telling you."

"So it totally was sex!" Liz laughed, shaking her head.

Laura nodded, blushing harder and knowing it was the alcohol. "Such great, hot, amazing sex." She giggled and Liz grabbed her face suddenly.

"My little Laura is all grown up," She faked cried and let her go. Laura burst into giggles.

"It's funny though," Laura looked down, playing with the glass in her hand. "He's still seventeen, at least for the next two weeks and I'm eighteen. He told me he thinks it's way hotter knowing it's somewhat illegal."

"It's true, babe. It's a hundred percent true. Not that I have experience anything, but since I'm already twenty, I can't speak for anyone. Just the thought of it though, is so exciting."

"You of all people have never had sex while underage with anyone?"

"Nope."

"Liar."

Liz's face broke out into a smile, "okay, maybe like once or twice…"

"I knew it!" Laura rolled her eyes. "I didn't believe you for a second, was it maybe with… I don't know, Avan?"

"He's a year older than me, sweetie."

"You two played boyfriend and girlfriend on a show for like four years or whatever. Come on, I know you two did something behind the scenes." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively and Liz playfully pushed her.

"Yes, fine it was with Avan, but seriously have you seen him? He's so hot."

"And you're not dating why?"

"We're better off as friends," Liz shrugged, "plus he's dating Zoey, but I'm not gonna lie to you, I do sometimes wish we were together."

Laura looked down at her glass of martini, "I guess I'm lucky that I have Ross."

"Yeah, you two are perfect for each other."

She smiled, "yeah, we are."

"Come on, finish that drink." Liz urged her, playing with the lighter again. "You're gonna need it."

"Why?"

"Because you, my dear are going to dance with me some more," She winked at her and Laura rolled her eyes. Quickly finishing the entire glass, she handed it to Liz, her head suddenly feeling fuzzy and almost like she was going to fall over.

"Shit, I don't think that was a good idea," She admitted. But still, she felt numb. She liked numb.

"It's fun, is what it is," Liz answered, carelessly throwing the glass to the ground, it broke and Laura just sighed, trying to remain focused.

"Let's go inside then," Laura said, feeling a bit better and they both walked in, only to be stopped a few moments later by an angry Vanessa, a concerned Maia and a surprised Avan.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Vanessa asked her and Laura looked up. Her eyes landing on Liz's lighter. "Okay, I already know you're drunk, but were you smoking too? Laura what has gotten into you? This… this isn't you." She looked at her with such a pained expression, all Laura could do was stand there, quietly.

Maia noticed that she looked as though she was about to pass out or throw up, she wasn't quite sure which.

"Let's just get you home, okay?" Maia said gently. She turned to Avan, "thank you so much for helping us find her."

"Yeah, no problem," He said and looked at Liz. "You're coming with me." He grabbed her wrist and pulled her with him.

"Why? It's not like we can have sex or anything, won't your girlfriend be jealous?" Liz asked him and he just shook his head at her.

"Let's go," He said firmly and pulled her away.

"Vanessa—you can't, you can't take me home," Laura told her, stumbling a bit as she tried to find Vanessa's shoulder, but her hand slipped. "Mom doesn't know I'm here."

"I'm gonna just go ahead and assume Ross doesn't know either?" Maia asked and Laura blinked her eyes. Maia was blurry, but she could still see her.

"No," Laura made a face, "but I don't know what he's doing. He said he was with…with his family."

"Okay, we need to get you home, now, Laura, enough with these games."

Vanessa grabbed her wrist, but Laura pulled herself away from her abruptly, stumbling back a bit. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"No!" Laura yelled at her, "You can't make me leave! I'm not a kid anymore, I'm eighteen, an adult. I can decide what I can or cannot do!"

"You're acting like a damn kid, right now," Vanessa snapped at her.

"Fuck off, Vanessa. I don't need you to baby me anymore. I don't need you and I don't need mom."

"Stop it," Vanessa sighed, "You're drunk, you don't mean anything you're saying and—"

"Just let me go!" Laura yelled at her. "Okay? It's not that hard, my own father fucking did it, twice and now he's not coming back, so why don't you just do exactly what he did and leave me alone?"

"I'm your sister," Vanessa yelled back. "I grew up with you and I care about you! And look at you, you need help, Laura! Even if you don't want it, you need it!"

"I don't need any help!" Laura yelled back, "And besides you're my halfsister, remember? Just like Charlie is my halfbrother. I… I don't need him in my life and I don't need you either." She stared hard at her and Vanessa stepped back, a look of hurt on her face.

Vanessa stared at her for a few moments, and then sadly shook her head, "look at you, Laura. You're so broken, I don't even know who you are anymore. And I don't think you do either." She paused, "But fine," She finally said, her tone surprisingly steady. "You don't want any of my help, then I wont give it to you." She turned to Maia, "please make sure she gets home or to wherever she wants to go, but just make sure it's safe. I'll see you tomorrow. I'm going home."

"Yeah, of course," Maia answered and with that, Vanessa walked away.

Maia turned to Laura who was just staring after Vanessa. She didn't look sorry at all, which really worried her. She put her hand on Laura's shoulder, "come on, let's get you home."

Laura turned to her and took a step forward, stumbling, but luckily Maia caught her.

"I don't want to go home, that's where Vanessa will be and my mother doesn't know I'm here."

"Then where should I take you?" Maia asked her.

Laura looked at her, and Maia instantly knew, in that moment, where Laura wanted to go.

Ross felt a lot better. He wasn't in the mood to talk and Calum sensed that, so he just gave him a sort of 'Bros Night' as he called it. They just played video games, watched movies and talked about random stuff.

Calum had given him what he wanted, and he felt like it had faded away enough that he could drive home safely. Home was the last place he wanted to be, but he knew he had to go back at some point.

So that's where he was now, staring up at the ceiling and texting back and forth with Laura, lying on his bed and shutting out the rest of the world.

Until he got another text and to his surprise, it was from Maia.

"Tonight was perfect," Rydel sighed happily. "I feel like a princess or something."

"Would it be cheesy of me to say you are?" Ratliff joked and Rydel rolled her eyes. "There's just one more thing, before I take you home," He said quietly.

"This night was already perfect," Rydel repeated, "the mini golf, the trip to the record store, which by the way, I'm sure Ross told you was one of his date ideas, because he lives in that place and wants to take Laura there someday," Ratliff laughed at her, "the dinner at a café down by the beach…" She reached up to put her hand against Ratliff's cheek, "you're amazing."

He smiled, "yeah, I guess, but there's just one more thing," He told her, and Rydel stared at him. He leaned in and gently kissed her, pressing his lips against hers a bit more, he managed to deepen it, before pulling away a big smile on his face. "Now it was even more perfect."

"So, does that mean we're official?" Rydel asked him and Ratliff kissed her again.

"What do you think?" He shot back and she smiled before pressing her lips against his again, kissing him underneath the moonlight with the ocean breeze blowing in her hair, she couldn't have asked for a better night, even with all the shit that had happened at dinner a few hours before. She was happy and she didn't want anything to ruin that.

"Don't…don't be mad at—at me," Laura leaned her head against the headrest of Maia's car.

"I'm not mad at you, I'm just concerned and worried." Maia told her as she stopped at a stoplight and turned to her. "What's gotten into you?"

Laura didn't answer for a few moments. "Everyone's always telling me who I'm supposed to be, like why aren't you more upset, why haven't you cried, why aren't you grieving?"

"Grieving?" Maia sounded surprised.

She looked at her, "you don't know, do you?" Maia shook her head. "My father passed away a couple weeks ago," She looked at the road ahead of her, "on my birthday."

"Oh, Laura, I'm so sorry." Maia's heart broke a bit after hearing that.

Laura, to her surprise, just shrugged, "it's okay…I guess. I didn't know him and he didn't know me. All—all I knew was the guy who abandoned me when I was a child and then treated me like I was his celebrity endorsement or something seventeen and a half years later, not that guy who wanted to know about his daughter. He didn't even care, he just… left."

It was silent for a few moments.

"Look, Laura, I know it's hard, losing someone, whether you were close with them or not, but you have to understand that people grieve over losses in many different ways. Whether it's crying, acting out, lashing out, whatever. You may feel alone, but you aren't."

Laura shook her head, suddenly feeling a bit more sober, "no. I'm not going to cry over someone who didn't know me and I didn't know back. He made a choice, it was his choice to leave, not mine."

"But was it his choice to die?" Maia asked her, knowing she was being a bit harsh.

"I don't—I don't know." Laura admitted. "I don't think he—he wanted it, I just think that he—you know what, it doesn't even matter anymore." She shook her head. "He lied to me, he didn't say he was sick or didn't tell me I had a halfbrother or anything. He doesn't deserve my tears or my sadness or anything."

"It's not a bad thing if you're not crying," Maia assured her, answering a question she had indirectly asked her before. "But you do have to understand something. At the end of the day, he's still your father and I'm sure you've already heard this, but deep down inside, you loved him, maybe not a whole lot, but you still did. And I know that deep down inside, you wanted to get to know him and though it was his fault not being as involved in your life as you would've liked, you wished he was more of a father to you then he was." Maia paused, pulling up to the curb, she looked down at the wheel for a moment. "Ross doesn't deserve that. You know as well as I do, that he wouldnt go anywhere and that he loves you more than anything." She paused again. "And just so you know, Laura, you cant replace your father, no matter how hard you try."

And then suddenly, Laura realized she couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Yeah, I um, I have to… thanks for the ride." Laura said, unbuckling her seatbelt. "I should probably go to bed or something."

Maia nodded, "I'll walk you to the front door." She picked up her phone, sending a message and then helped Laura out of the car. Laura stumbled a bit, but managed to make it to the front door without completely eating it. "And it's none of my business, but you do owe your sister an apology."

Laura bit her lip, "I know," She said quietly. "And thanks again."

Maia nodded, "of course." And with that, she walked back to her car. "Oh, and Laura?" Laura looked up at her. "I know this isn't you, the girl I saw tonight. But I also know, that who you truly are is there somewhere and I really do miss her. Maybe you need some help finding her, but I know she'll come back, someday."

Laura didn't know what to say and just nodded as Maia got into her car and drove off. She waited a few more moments, before she turned to the door and knocked on it, waiting for the person on the other end to open it.

Next chapter is um... yeah. Update will be soon.

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