A/N: HEYO! So, been doing a crap-ton of writing lately. Finally posted BatGirlHenderson's one-shot, Tender Love and Care, and started a new James story, Magnetic Miracle. I know, I know, starting a new story is a dumb idea since I barely even update this one, but I couldn't help it! I had to. Go check it out!
Short filler chapter leading up to a bit a drama and a ton of laughs(;
Disclaimer: I don't own anything you might recognize.
Ryan awoke at the sound of rustling fabric early the next morning. She opened her eyes but quickly regretted it when she was hit by the sunlight pouring in through the window. Her eyes shut tight, she heard a chuckle and the sound of curtains closing before a voice she recognized as Carlos's.
"I was just about to wake you, you slept through all three alarms." Her eyes fluttered open, and she sighed in relief at the darkness of the room. Carlos continued to speak as she sat up and groggily put her glasses on. "It's only 7:40, but we gotta leave for the shop by 8:30. You wouldn't happen to have clothes in your car would you? I don't think you have time to drive to your apartment."
"I think I have a shirt, and I can just wear these jeans again," she mumbled as she moved the sheets off of her and threw her legs over the side of the bed. She grabbed her keys from her bag and slid on her shoes as she walked to the door. "Be back in a second, bathroom better be open."
She shut the door behind her leaving Carlos to continue getting ready for the day. Having already gone through his morning bathroom routine, he proceeded to change into a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt with a vest. After deeming himself ready, he started to pack his suitcase back up. He had been awake and gathering his things since 5 o'clock that morning to prepare for his departure the next day. After packing away all of his unnecessary toiletries, he zipped up his suitcase and set it against the wall. Just then, Ryan knocked on the door. He unlocked it and allowed her in. She jsauntered in with a plaid button-down in her hands then snatched her bag off of the floor
"I'm gonna go get ready in the bathroom. Shouldn't take long." Carlos nodded in response, and Ryan shut the bathroom door behind her. Only ten minutes later, she walked out looking fresher than before. The black-framed glasses still rested on her nose, and her hair was pulled up into a ponytail.
"You ready to go? It's only 8:05, so we can stop and grab breakfast," Carlos suggested. Ryan nodded her head in approval and slung her messenger-bag across her body, stuffing her feet into her beat-up sneakers once more. Carlos picked up his wallet, phone, and keys, and the two left the hotel room.
The ride down the elevator and walk to the car were comfortably quiet, neither of the two wanting to break the peaceful silence. After five minutes of driving in Carlos's car, they arrived at the diner. They were greeted by the smell of breakfast food and coffee as well as Margaret's upbeat salutation. After a short chat with the little old lady, they two exited the shop with a to-go bag, drinks in hand.
"I don't know how you drink that stuff, it's so bitter," Carlos remarked as he sipped his hot chocolate, one hand on the steering wheel.
"I hate coffee, but Margaret's is oddly amazing," Ryan responded. "There's a bit of hazelnut in it, and a crap-ton of creamer. It's not anything like that Starbucks shit. Here, try it." She extended her hand, shoving the half-empty cup into the man's hand. He took a cautious sip before smacking his lips.
"Interesting," he said nodding considerately and handing the cup back to her. "Not bad, but the cocoa is so much better." He half-smirked at Ryan who shrugged and took a sip.
"To each his own." She unlatched her seatbelt as Carlos pulled into a parking spot directly in front of Hooked on Books. They climbed out just as Alex pulled up in his yellow Chevy pick-up truck. The three met at the door which Carlos had unlocked.
The ceremony would begin at ten, but no one other than Ryan, Alex, Carlos, James, Kendall, Logan, and the shop's previous owners were expected to attend. Margaret had promised to try, but wasn't sure if she could get away from the diner. Regardless of the small amount of expected guests, the three were in a slight panic. In the hour and a half they had before the ceremony, they prepared themselves. Shelves were dusted, books were straightened, and pep talks were given.
"This is it. This is what we've been working towards for a month!" Carlos sighed, rubbing his hands together thoughtfully. Alex chuckled at the shorter man's obvious nervousness and patted his shoulder light-heartedly.
"Calm your pants. Everything's gonna be fine. You've got the guys, and you've got us, what could go wrong?"
"A lot. Paparazzi, reporters, fan-attacks, swarms of people. A lot." When Carlos said this, the previously quiet and calm Ryan turned white as a sheet before taking off running to the bathroom in the staff room behind the counter.
"And there goes the only other stable person here." Alex sighed before leaving Carlos's side. "Just hang on a minute, the guys will be here soon," he shouted over his shoulder as he jogged around back to where he knew Ryan would be. He found her leaning over the sink, breathing slowly but heavily through her mouth. Her long and straight bangs hung like string in front of her face, her hands gripping roughly at the sink, knuckles going white. He walked up to her slowly but surely, placing a hand on her back.
"You alright?" he asked somewhat stupidly.
"Carlos is an idiot," she panted out between heavy breaths. Alex laughed loudly at that.
"I know, but you love him for it." When Ryan remained silent, he sighed and pulled her up by the shoulders. "C'mon, we have a ceremony to prep for."
The remaining three boys of Big Time Rush arrived no more than a half-hour later. Assisting in setting up, they ran around the store, terrified by Ryan's strict demeanor. She had long since recovered from her panic attack and began commanding the five other men in the shop. None of them had the mind to refuse her demands immediately after she barked them out.
Logan and Carlos stood in the music section of Hooked on Books, straightening the CDs and antique records stocked up on the shelves. They heard Ryan shout another request at Alex from across the store, and Logan chuckled.
"Chick is psycho," he mumbled.
"She's stressed out, man," Carlos defended. Logan raised an eyebrow, but decided not to oppose the Latino.
"Well, last night was interesting. Definitely fun. Where'd that game come from? We've never played it."
"The two of them came up with it when they first met. We played it the first time we hung out." Carlos remained focused on neat ending up the rack, his OCD showing through heavily.
"It was cool, definitely a tour bus game." Logan turned away from the shelf, leaning his back against it. He observed his friend for a moment before sighing. "I think we're done now, man." He grabbed Carlos by the arm, pulling him away from the CDs. "Come on, ceremony starts in half an hour."
A/N: Hehehe, different spin on a typical "morning after" situation. Anyways, the next chapter brings slight drama and intense hilarity. If you want it, follow/favorite/review!
Check out my new James story, Magnetic Miracle, and my Logan one-shot for BatGirlHenderson aka MY 50TH REVIEW!:D The one-shot is called Tender Love and Care. Love you guys. Thank you for all the love and support.
By the way, I'll probably be alternating between this story and the new one, so expect an update every other week for each one individually. I'm hoping to post a chapter for at least one story every week, but seriously, we all know I'm a horrible updated. I'M SORRY FORGIVE ME AND I'LL GIVE YOU ALL VIRTUAL HUGS JUST PLEASE OKAY BYE.