Chapter 9 - All Night
Riker sat in the garage playing 'One Last Dance' on his guitar. He couldn't believe that Ross would tell Maia those things and not him. It wasn't like he didn't listen. He offered to listen all the time. Ross just wouldn't talk to him.
Ross was about to walk int through the front door, but he heard strumming from the garage and went there instead. He saw his soulmate there. "Riker?"
"Oh, hey." Riker said, bitterly, "Thought you'd still be with your soulmate."
"What?" Ross asked, confused. "What are you talking about? You're my soulmate."
"Oh, really? Are you sure? Cause Maia seems to know a hell a lot more about you than I do." Riker said, angrily.
"Huh?" Ross asked. "Riker, what do you mean? And when did you even see her?"
"I kept getting twinges while I was practicing, and I figured it was because of Maia. I went to go pick you up, and found out that apparently you prefer to tell Maia everything instead of me. Like how she's been messaging you still, or how you didn't want me on Dancing with the Stars, or how...I don't know...your pregnant with our baby and you didn't tell me!" Riker said, by the end he was yelling, angry tears running down his face.
Ross felt hot tears stream down his own face. "Riker, it's not like that. I didn't tell her that."
"Then how did she know?" Riker asked, "And why didn't you talk to me? Don't I have a right to know about our own baby?"
"I don't know how she knows." Ross said. "And I was going to tell you. I just didn't yet."
"Why?" Riker asked, still crying. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I was planning to surprise you with the news on your second week of DWTS. That's why." Ross told him.
Riker's face softened, "Really?"
"Yes." Ross nodded. "I was. But apparently she ruined it. And you said you don't trust her. So why did you believe her when she said it?
Riker hung his head, "I don't know. It's just you never talk to me about anything, and you have to talk to someone. It just played on my insecurities. You already slipped up with the baby so much that I suspected anyway." he said, cracking a sad smile. His face grew serious again, "I have to ask...Ross, do you really wish I wasn't on Dancing with the Stars?"
Ross gaped. Maia told him that too? "It's not that I don't want you to be there. I don't even know how she knows that. I just... It takes so much of your time and I just miss you. I didn't tell anyone so I don't know how she knows."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Riker asked. "I could've talked to Allison and the producers about having less hours. You've got to talk to me Ross. I talk to you, you talk to me. That's how a relationship works."
"I thought it shouldn't be a big deal." Ross said. "I thought I only felt like that because of the hormones. I'm happy you're in the show, Riker. Really, I am. It just made me miss you so much cause that five hours you use to practice could've been spent with me instead, but I knew it was selfish of me if I told you that."
Riker shook his head, and moved so he was right in front of Ross. "It's not selfish that you need me too. The show is just that a show. You are my soulmate. And apparently your also the father of my child. You come first in everything. And one day you will get your stubborn little mind around that." he put his hands on Ross' shoulders, "I love you. And I would do anything for you."
Ross smiled and hugged him. "I love you too, Riker. I didn't mean to keep secrets from you. I just thought you'd be happier if I didn't tell you. I'm sorry. I promise I would never keep another secret from you."
"I love you too." Riker said, nuzzling his face in Ross' hair. He pulled back after a minute. "Now tell me all about our baby." he said excitedly looking like a child at Christmas.
Ross laughed. "It's three weeks now. I should be back at the doctor by next Tuesday. The gender's not determined yet. But it's still so small no one can notice."
"Do I get to come to your next appointment? What does the baby look like? Do you think it's a boy or a girl?" Riker asked everything at rapid fire pace
"Of course you get to come, I want you to come. It still looks like a small marble. And I don't know but I feel it's a girl. Not sure why." Ross answered his questions. "Now I can finally say this, I'm craving strawberry ice cream with marshmallows and pudding. So can we go get that?""Anything you want, baby." Riker said. He kissed Ross sweetly. "You are the best person in the world."
"No, because you are." Ross told him. "Because the best person in the world doesn't keep secrets from his soulmate."
"I don't agree. And I'm sure baby agrees with me too." Riker said, "What should we name the baby?" he got in the car.
Ross rolled his eyes playfully and looked down at his stomach. "Don't agree with daddy Riker. Agree with me." Then he looked at his soulmate. "I don't know. I was thinking if it's a girl, I wanna name it's middle name and you name it's first name, but if it's a boy then the other way around."
"I love it." Riker said. "I think for a girl's first name we should use Becca, if it's okay with you? And for a middle name for a boy Ellington? And you should totally agree with daddy Riker. Daddy Ross is just being crazy." Riker said, pulling into the parking lot at the store.
"I'm okay with any names for them." Ross shrugged. "And daddy Riker is the crazy one so don't listen to him." He grinned.
"Why am I the crazy one? I'm telling you daddy Ross is the crazy one." he said to Ross' stomach. "Now you said strawberry ice cream and what?"
Ross stuck his tongue out at Riker. "My stomach's still flat...And marshmallows and chocolate pudding."
"I don't care. The baby's still there. And marshmallows..." he grabbed them, "and chocolate pudding." He grabbed the pudding. "Alright let's go."
"Okay." Ross smiled and followed him to the cashier.
"Will this be all for you today, sir?" the cashier asked.
"Yeah, thanks." Riker said, smiling. The girl blushed, and started ringing up the items.
Ross made a face at the girl. Didn't she realize he and Riker were soulmates? He took his soulmate's arm and wrapped it around himself so the girl would see it when she was done.
Riker smiled at his soulmate, and kissed the top of her head. The girl giggled, having seen them. "Pregnancy craving?" she asked.
Ross flushed in embarrassment. He got jealous over the girl? That was quite embarrassing. "Yes." He answered.
"You two are so cute." the girl said, "My soulmate and I saw you on TV the other day...Riker and Ross right?"
"Yeah." Ross said, smiling at his soulmate. "Um, but we haven't planned on telling the world about pregnancy yet so maybe don't tell anyone?" He forgot that fact when he answered the girl's previous question, and now he just realized it.
"It's fine. I wouldn't dream of selling you guys out like that. My daughter's your biggest fan." the cashier said, smiling. "She's five."
"Thank you." Ross said. "She must be really cute."
"She is." the woman said smiling. "She'll never believe it when I tell her I saw you guys. I've got to pick her up from the sitter.
"Why's she at the sitter and not with your soulmate?" Ross asked, curious.
"My soulmate died." the woman said, smiling sadly. "He was in the line of duty."
"Oh, I'm sorry." Ross said. "He must be a really great person."
"He was the best." she said, smiling, "Treasure this one while you have him. You never know when he'll be gone. That'll be $15.36"
"Thank-you." Riker said.
"Welcome." she said.
"I'll always treasure him." Ross smiled. "He's been the best and I've never been happier to have him."
"Good." the woman said. Riker smiled at Ross, and kissed his cheek. "Let's go baby, before the ice cream melts."
"Okay." Ross smiled. "Bye." He said to the woman.
They walked back out to Six. "Well, tonight has certainly been interesting." Riker commented.
"Yeah, it has." Ross agreed. "Now I wanna quickly get home and eat these." He grinned.
"Alright, let's go." Riker said, shifting the car into drive.
"Do you think it's normal my cravings are weird?" Ross asked randomly. "Cause you know, ketchup covered pizza, Oreos and chocolate milk, and now strawberry ice cream with marshmallows and chocolate pudding?"
"It's not that weird." Riker said, with a shrug.
'What if I crave attention from you?' Ross thought but decided not to say it.
"I've heard that cravings aren't always for food though." Riker said, after a minute. "Like you can crave people, or places, or like movies and stuff like that. Have you had any of those cravings?"
No secrets, Ross reminded himself. "I think you and I both know I have. Like when I'm clingy, that's maybe because I crave your attention. Sounds stupid, I know."
"It's not stupid." Riker said, "I find it very flattering. A bit annoying when you get too clingy, but it's sweet. I love spending time with you."
Ross grinned. "You really think it's flattering? Then will you stay in bed with me tonight and tomorrow before you leave for practice and then again after you come back?"
Riker chuckled, "Sure baby. Anything you want."
"I was kidding." Ross laughed. "But really, I want you to stay with me tonight.
"Of course I will." Riker said, "Not like I had anything else to do."
Ross smiled. "I love you. And I meant what I said to that woman earlier. I will always treasure you Riker."
"I will always treasure you too." Riker said. He pulled in at the house, and opened his door. "Don't move." he told Ross.
"Why?" Ross asked.
Riker ran around to the other side of the car, and opened Ross' door, and held out his hand. "I don't want you to get hurt."
Ross smiled and took his hand. "You're really sweet. But I wouldn't get hurt, I mean, getting out of a car isn't risky you know."
"You could trip and fall." Riker said, helping Ross out of the car, then he reached in and picked up the grocery bag before Ross could grab it. "Now let's get inside."
"Riker," Ross chuckled, "even if I trip and fall, it won't make much damage since it's still three weeks. Don't worry too much. And I can carry the grocery bag with no problem I mean, I've seen pregnant ladies with baby bumps carry them."
"I don't care I won't chance you and the baby getting hurt." Riker said, crossing his arms.
Ross rolled his eyes. "It's technically still a fetus. And I appreciate you not wanting us to get hurt, but only one of us is a baby cause I'm not." He smiled to show he wasn't annoyed or anything. Well, he was a bit, but it was probably his hormones.
"Alright, I'll tone it down a little, but if you get hurt or the doctor says anything when we go I am going back to the way I am now." He got out a bowl, and the ice cream. "How much of this do you want?"
Ross shook his head and took the spoon. "I'll take it myself." He took a lot of the ice cream from the tub and put it in the bowl before grabbing the pudding. "Oh do you want some? I can put in more if you want "
"I'm good. If I want to try it, I'll just have some of yours." Riker said, hoping Ross didn't get offended or upset.
"No." Ross pouted. "Mine is mine. But I guess you can have some since I wouldn't be having this craving if it wasn't because of you." He giggled.
Riker rolled his eyes. "Thanks, baby."
Ross pecked his lips. "I wanna eat this in bed. Come with me?"
"Sure." Riker said, following Ross toward the stairs.
Ross started eating the ice cream while walking upstairs. "This is really good." He said looking back at his soulmate, still walking up.
"Eyes in front of you." Riker said, "You can look at me when we get to the room."
Ross rolled his eyes, but turned back in front. "So um, if I actually surprised you at Dancing With The Stars, what would your reaction be?" He looked back again and nearly lost his footing, but held on, smiling sheepishly.
"Eyes up front." Riker said, pointedly. "And I would've been very shocked."
Ross laughed. "Really? What would you do then and there?" He looked back again and leaned on the wall.
"I'd probably just stand there trying to process what you just told me." Riker said.
"And once you did, what would you do?" Ross asked. "Would you be happy? Or would you be upset that you're not the first to know-" Ross closed his mouth immediately. He forgot his soulmate didn't know he told Becca.
"I'm not the first to know?" Riker asked. "I'd be over the moon happy. Just like I am right now."
"Well um, I'm glad you're happy. You know, this is the best chocolate pudding I've ever tasted." Not really. Ross just said that to stop talking about the topic.
"No secrets..." Riker prompted, not letting it go.
"What secrets?" Ross chuckled nervously. "I mean, well, you know, um, you're not the first to know cause um, well you found out from Maia, so...not that I told her. I already said I didn't tell her and-" he sighed. "Can we just forget it?" It's not that he didn't want Riker to know, but he didn't want him to be mad at Becca - the first person who knew - for not telling him.
"Ross, who knew." Riker asked.
"The doctor, duh." Well that wasn't true. Ross knew Becca already knew before they saw the doctor. Of course that answer wasn't logical. He bit his lip. "You won't be mad at that person though, right?"
"Of course not." Riker said. He climbed on to the bed.
"Well, it's... But you're not gonna say anything about it to her right?" Ross asked to make sure.
"If I know why can't I talk to her about the baby? It's Becca right?" Riker said.
Ross nodded. "Yeah. But I didn't mean the baby. I meant about you knowing who the first person to know is."
"Why would it matter?" Riker asked.
"I thought you'd be mad if you knew you're not the first person to know." Ross said. "But if that doesn't matter, then why does it matter for you to know who the first person to know is?"
"I just don't like that you didn't want to tell me because you thought I might be mad. I thought you knew me better than that." Riker said, hurt.
"I didn't mean it like that, I just..." He sighed. "I've had enough of us fighting and I didn't want to create more fights or make any of us upset. But apparently it's the same both ways."
"Ross, I just...I'm not trying to fight with you baby." Riker sighed, "I just wish you would realize I haven't changed. I'm still me. You act like I've changed since I became your soulmate. I haven't. I'm right here. And I'm still me."
"I'm sorry for acting that way." Ross said. "I guess I'm so afraid that we'll lose each other because of small things and I don't want that to happen but I'm the one making that happen. I'm really sorry, I should've told you. I love you."
"You'll never lose me." Riker said, "I'm staying right here."
"I know." Ross said and moved the bowl away. "Can I have a hug?"
"Of course, baby." Riker said, wrapping his arms around Ross.
Ross buried his face in Riker's chest. "I love you." He mumbled.
"I love you too." Riker said, nuzzling into Ross' hair. He loved Ross' hair so much.
Ross let out a small giggle. "You love my hair that much huh?"
"Yes." Riker said, face still in Ross' hair. "It's fluffy and soft and smells like strawberries."
"Hm..I think I'm gonna cut it short." Ross teased.
"No!" Riker said, nuzzling into his hair tighter. "I won't let you!"
Ross laughed. "Ah, yes, I'm gonna cut it short."
"No!" Riker said, tears filling the corners of his eyes. "Please don't!"
"Riker?" Ross asked and looked up to meet his eyes. "Oh my gosh, you're gonna cry over this? Riker, I didn't mean it, I was just teasing."
"Don't do that!" Riker sniffled.
Ross frowned. "I was just joking, Riker. I won't. But why are you so upset about it?"
"I don't know." Riker said. "I just am."
"I won't cut it, Riker." Ross told him. "Don't worry, I won't." He kissed his cheek and grabbed the bowl back. "Ice cream to make you feel better?" He offered.
"Okay." Riker said, sadly. He took a bite. "You know this isn't that bad."
"It is, isn't it?" Ross grinned and pushed the spoon onto his soulmate's nose, leaving some ice there.
"Ross!" Riker whined pouting. "Now you have to kiss it off."
"Mmm nope." Ross grinned. "I don't wanna kiss it off."
"Then no cuddles." Riker said, letting go of Ross.
"No!" Ross whined opening his arms. "I want cuddles!" He kissed Riker's nose, getting the ice cream away. "Now cuddles!"
"No! Your being mean!" Riker said.
"No I'm not!" Ross protested. "I already got it off!"
"You didn't want to kiss me." Riker said, his eyes filling up with tears again.
Ross frowned. "Yes I did, but I wanted you to wipe it off yourself. I want to kiss you, I swear." He felt tears well up in his own eyes. Stupid hormones. "But now you don't even want to hold me because of it?"
"Of course I do. I just...I don't know what's wrong with me!" Riker started sobbing.
"I think my hormones are affecting you too." Ross said since he didn't know what was wrong. "Please don't cry, I'll kiss you all you want."
"Okay." Riker said. He pulled Ross back to him. "Kisses."
Ross smiled and kissed him softly on the lips. Riker smiled into the kiss, and pulled Ross closer to his chest. Ross smiled as well and wrapped his arms around Riker's neck. Riker swiped his tongue on Ross' bottom lip. Ross opened his mouth, giving him entrance whole running his hand through his soulmate's hair. Riker tangled his tongue with Ross'. Ross moaned and gave a gentle tug on Riker's hair. Riker moaned his hands moved farther south. Ross moved his hands to the front of Riker's body, going under his shirt, tracing his moaned, "More." Ross smiled and tugged his soulmate's shirt up. Riker helped him take his shirt off, and connected his lips back to Ross'. Ross ran his hands up Riker's stomach to his chest, and then ran it down his back. Riker shivered, and moaned, as Ross' trailed his hand down his spine. Ross' hands went even lower and reached Riker's pants. He looked up at him for a response. Riker nodded his head, and but his lip to keep from moaning to loudly. Ross took off his pants before taking off his own clothes and started kissing down. Riker moaned as Ross kissed down his stomach. Ross stopped at his stomach and took Riker's size. Riker shifted wanting Ross to do something, anything. Ross went down and put his soulmate's size into his mouth. Riker whimpered when he felt Ross' hot mouth enveloping his length. Ross swirled his tongue around Riker's size, while gently tracing it up and down with his hand. Riker moaned, and his head lolled back, his eyes fluttering shut. "Ross..."
"Are you close baby?" Ross asked, taking the size out of his mouth but still running his hand up and down.
"Mhm, yes." Riker managed to choke out.
"I want you cum inside me baby." Ross said, adjusting himself.
"Ross, no." Riker said, shaking his head. "You can't not with the baby." Ross frowned but kept pumping his soulmate to get it over with. Riker felt himself slip over the edge, and his vision flashed white. When he came back down from his high, he cleaned himself off, and turned to Ross. "You know, it's not like I didn't want to."
"If you wanted to then why didn't you do it?" Ross asked, starting to put his clothes back on.
"Because I didn't want to hurt the baby." Riker said.
"It's still a fetus!" Ross said. "It won't get hurt that bad."
"Baby, you could miscarry the baby if we did anything now." Riker said.
"So what? The baby's making us unable to do anything much! I hate being pregnant!" As soon as Ross said that, he regretted it.
"Ross, you don't mean that." Riker said, soothingly.
"I'm sorry. You're right, I didn't mean that." Ross sighed. "I'm just not so used to it yet cause I'm not able to do what I usually can. I love this baby."
"We'll figure it out, baby." Riker said, "Maybe I can bottom a little bit later on in your pregnancy."
Ross smiled. "You are amazing. I love you."
"I love you too. And your the amazing one." Riker said.
"No I'm not." Ross said. "You are and that's period." He gave a playful stern look.
"Nope." Riker said.
Ross stuck his tongue out. "Whatever Riker. Do you wanna do something before we sleep?"
"Like?" Riker asked.
"I don't know." Ross shrugged. "I'm bored and I not tired yet."
"You want to watch Romeo and Juliet?" Riker asked playing with Ross' hair.
"Yes." Ross said. "And I want caramel popcorn while watching it. And cuddles!"
"Alright, let me get the caramel popcorn." Riker said. "Then I'll give you cuddles. Can you put the movie in while I get the popcorn?"
"Ask someone else to get the popcorn. I want you to stay with me." Ross whined. "I'm craving you."
Riker sighed, "I'll text Ellington. I know he's home."
"Okay." Ross smiled, clinging onto his soulmate. "You're okay with this right?"
"Yeah, baby. I'm okay." Riker said. His phone went off, "Ell says he'll bring up the popcorn."
"Yay!" Ross grinned. Just then Ellington reached the door. "Hey um are you two alright or naked cause I don't wanna walk in on you doing...stuff." He said from outside the door.
"Give us a minute Ell." Riker said, climbing under the covers and helping Ross do the same. "Your good." He called to Ell.
Ellington walked in and put the bowl of popcorn on the bed. "So, anything new?" He looked at Ross, "Can I tell him?" he asked bouncing slightly.
Ross nodded. "Of course. I mean it won't be much of a surprise anyway."
"Ooh what is it?" Ellington asked.
"Ross is pregnant!" Riker practically squealed. Instead of jumping with excitement, Ratliff furrowed his eyebrows and looked at Ross. "I thought you were going to tell him on Monday?"
Ross gaped. He didn't know Ellington knew about it.
"How did you know?" Riker asked, he turned to Ross, "I thought only Becca knew?"
"She was the only one who knew." Ross said. "Riker, I swear, I didn't tell anyone else."
Ellington stood there awkwardly. He wanted to tell him that Becca told him, but he didn't want them to be mad at her. So he slowly walked to the door.
"Oh, well. It doesn't matter." Riker said, grabbing the caramel popcorn, and pulling Ross to his chest. "Now let's watch the movie."
"Okay." Ross breathed a sigh of relief and leaned onto his soulmate as Ellington left. Riker picked up a piece of popcorn, and held it up for Ross to eat. Ross smiled and took the popcorn using his teeth. "Bite it." He said although it was hard with food in his mouth. Riker rolled his eyes, but leaned down and bit the popcorn. Ross giggled and pecked his lips when he bit the popcorn. Riker gave him another peck, and winked at him. Ross giggled again. He took a piece of popcorn and put it between his teeth again, motioning his soulmate to bite it again. Riker shook his head smiling at Ross, and bit the popcorn giving Ross another peck. "Are we going to do this all night?"
Ross grinned. "If you want." He took a piece of popcorn but decided to just eat it. Then he took another and threw it at his soulmate. "Oops. I was aiming for your mouth."
Riker chuckled, "Well, that didn't happen." He picked up the piece of popcorn off the blanket, and stuck it in his mouth.
Ross giggled. "You are so...ugh you're so amazing! I love you so so much!" He hugged his soulmate tight before letting go leaning on him again. Wow, he sure was craving him.
"Man, if your craving for me gets any stronger I think I might suffocate." Riker teased.
Ross stuck his tongue out. "I wanna be with you forever! You know this isn't only because of my craving." He winked and then smashed his lips into Riker's.
Riker responded to the kiss, but pulled away after a minute. "Ross, are you okay?"
"I'm perfect!" Ross grinned. "I wanna kiss you again!" He leaned in and kissed his soulmate again. Riker just went with it. It was the hormones. He kissed Ross back moving his lips in sync with Ross. Ross smiled into the kiss and climbed onto his soulmate, kissing like he never did before. Riker moaned into the kiss and his arms snaked around Ross' neck. Ross pulled himself closer to Riker and put his arms under his soulmate's shirt, tracing his body. Riker moaned, and pulled Ross even closer.
Ross smiled and started practically sucking on Riker's lips. "I..love..you." He said in between kisses.
"Love you too." Riker muffled out between kisses.
The kiss heated up and Ross started to kiss down his soulmate, leaving hickeys and love bites. He had only reached his chest, and was still going down.
"Ross..." Riker moaned, every place Ross kissed felt like it was on fire.
Ross kept kissing down and once he reached his soulmate's stomach, he started going back up.
"Ross more." Riker moaned out.
"Mhm." Ross mumbled and kissed each spot on Riker's body, leaving lot of love bites on them, each one bigger than the other. Riker whimpered, as Ross made a particularly dark mark. Ross kept going and then reached up near his neck. He pressed himself against his soulmate and started leaving hickeys on his collarbone. Riker tilted his head back, allowing Ross more access to his neck.
Ross left the hickeys thicker than the previous one and kept kissing up, until he reached his soulmate's lips again.
"Mhm, love you so much." Riker mumbled against Ross' lips.
"I love you more." Ross mumbled. He pressed himself closer to his soulmate if that was even possible. Riker whimpered, and shifted as Ross was now sitting directly on his aching hard-on. Ross frowned. "Am I hurting you?" He asked, worried.
Riker bit his lip, and bucked his hips, tying to let Ross know, that it wasn't exactly pain it was more like...pleasure. Ross understood what Riker was trying to tell him, but he shook his head. "I don't wanna hurt you." He said, getting off his soulmate.
Riker growled, "Ross Shor Lynch, get back on me right now! Or so help me I will sleep on the couch!"
Ross flinched. "I got off you so I won't hurt you." Tears brimmed his eyes. Again, stupid hormones. "Why would you do that if I don't get back on you?"
"Because it felt good!" Riker said.
"How would it feel good if it hurts?" Ross asked. "And you'd really sleep on the couch if I don't do it?" A few drops of tears fell.
"Because it does. I can't explain it." Riker said, "And of course I wouldn't actually sleep on the couch. I just don't want you to stop. I love it when you do stuff like this." he gestured to his chest and neck.
Ross bit his lip looking at the lovebites. He wanted to continue but his mood had changed already. So he did nothing but stare at them.
Riker sighed, and got up, "I'm going to take a shower. Just go ahead and go to bed."
"No, Riker." Ross called. "Please don't be mad."
"I'm not mad, Ross." Riker said, "I just wish I hadn't ruined anything."
"No, you hadn't!" Ross said and got off the bed. "You hadn't!"
Riker poked his head out of the bathroom, "Ross, calm down, baby."
"No, I won't calm down if you're blaming yourself for thi-" he didn't notice the blanket was half sprawled on the floor, so he stepped on it and slipped, falling on his side. He sat up immediately, clutching his stomach. It hurt, but it felt like a typical stomachache.
"Ross!" Riker said, instantly rushing to his side, "Baby, are you okay? This is all my fault! If I hadn't made you upset..."
"I'm okay." Ross said, leaning on the wall. The pain on his stomach was still there, but it was fading. "It's not your fault."
Riker bit his lip, "Are you sure your okay?"
"Okay no I'm not." Ross said although the pain disappeared. "But I will be if you assure me you're not upset at anything at all."
"I'm not upset, baby." Riker said, "I promise." he kissed Ross' nose. "Nothing to worry about."
Ross hugged him and buried his face in his chest. "Then don't leave me."
"I won't. I'm right here." Riker said, rubbing his back. "Right here."
"I love you." Ross mumbled yawning. He closed his eyes.
"Love you too." Riker said. He kissed Ross' forehead, then picked him up and put him gently in bed.
Ross was still asleep when the ringing of his soulmate's phone was heard. It was a call from Alison. Riker stayed sleeping. Ross groaned waking up. He recognized the ringtone was Riker's so he started to shake his soulmate awake. "Riker, you got a call."
Riker groaned, and picked up his phone, "Hello?" he asked sleepily.
"Riker, it's Allison." Allison said through the phone. "I need you to come to the studio in an hour to discuss the dance for next week."
"But we haven't even finished this week's." Riker said, "The show is tonight."
Allison sighed on the other side of the phone. "Sorry, I'm still tired. What I meant was the dance for tonight. Salsa, and there's going to be slight changes."
"What? I thought it was perfect?" Riker asked frowning.
"Just come to the studio." Allison told him. "The dance moves aren't the things being changed."
"Okay." Riker frowned. He hung up, and groaned.
"What's wrong?" Ross asked, still having his eyes closed and his face covered by the blanket.
"Allison wants to make a change to our routine...today! On show day!" Riker said, freaking out.
Ross moved the blanket away. "Is she crazy or something? Why would she want to change the dance routine on show day?"
"Well, she said it wasn't the dance moves. It's some other part of our routine." Riker said. "I don't know why she wants to change it."
"When do you need to leave?" Ross asked. "I get to come again right?"
"You can come." Riker said, "I need to leave in like ten minutes."
"Go get ready then!" Ross practically jumped out of bed and took his clothes to change.
Riker changed in record time, and hopped in Six with Ross. "We've got twenty minutes to get there."
"Twenty minutes?" Ross asked. "Do you think we can go tho a drive thru or is it not enough time?"
"Craving?" Riker asked smiling.
"No." Ross shook his head. "Hungry."
"Okay. Where am I stopping?" Riker asked.
"Any drive thru- Oh there's Subway there." Ross said seeing the sign.
"Alright, let's make it quick though." Riker said. He pulled into the drive-thru.
"Alright." Ross said and told Riker that he wanted the chicken cheese subway.
Riker ordered, and ordered for himself, then they drove to the studio. "Only two minutes late."
"You're not gonna get in trouble for that right?" Ross asked. "I mean, just two minutes isn't much."
"Nah. It'll be fine." Riker said. "You know where to go, since you were here last week?"
"I've only been to a few rooms." Ross shrugged. "But I can discover others. Do you want me to go to some other room first or with you?"
"Come with me to talk to Allison." Riker said, holding Ross hand.
"Okay." Ross said and followed him.
"I'm here!" Riker said, walking in to he and Allison's practice area.
"Hey." Allison said. "You're two- no, three minutes late. But that's okay cause it's still early." She saw Ross. "Oh you must be Ross. My daughter loves your show."
"Thanks." Ross said. He felt a bit awkward since he didn't know who Allison was and how she was like.
"So what did you want to change?" Riker asked, biting his bottom lip.
"Um, that's a contestant-only discussion so..." Allison said knowing both Riker and Ross knew what she meant.
"I'll be over there." Ross said motioning to a part of the room where there were chairs.
"What is it?" Riker asked once Ross left. He was a bit ticked that Ross couldn't stay. I mean he was his soulmate for cryingout loud. It's not like he'd alert the media, and today was the day of the show anyway.
"So you know how last week a few people danced with their shirts ripped off," Allison started, "and same goes for tonight. So I was thinking of the idea that you should show all that," she motioned towards his body, "tonight. It's going to show boldness and I'm sure that will impress the judges."
"What?!" Riker shrieked loudly. Everyone turned and looked at him, and Riker blushed, seeing that everyone including Ross was looking at shot him a questioning look and mouthed, 'what's wrong?' Allison laughed. "I figured that's how you'll react. But that can get you extra scores. So I suggest you take my advice. Besides, the costume's already designed to be ripped off." Even if Riker didn't agree, she would rip it off. She would do anything to get them on top.
Riker sent Ross a panicked look. He turned back to Allison. "I really don't think that's a good idea."
Allison shrugged. "Alright." So what if he didn't agree? It was for his, and hers too, own good.
Ross furrowed his eyebrows and mouthed again, 'what's wrong?'
"I've got to go for a minute, and then we can get to work." Riker said.
"Sure." Allison said. "Just be back here in half an hour." She left. Riker walked quickly to Ross.
"Riker, what's wrong?" Ross asked. "Why were you panicked? What did she say?"
"She wanted to rip my shirt open for the end of our dance tonight." Riker mumbled blushing.
"And that's a problem because..?" Ross asked, not knowing the lovebites were still there. "You got great abs baby, what's the problem?"
"The love bites you gave me last night are all still there." Riker said.
"Oh." Ross said. "That's...wow. I thought lovebites are only there for a small period?"
"Well, apparently you made them a bit more permanent than you thought you did." Riker said, still blushing.
Ross shook his head at himself. "I love-bit you too hard." He chuckled. "But if they weren't there, would you agree to the whole ripped off shirt thing?"
"Maybe. I mean I'm not nearly as ripped as the other guys here." Riker said, biting his bottom lip.
"You're right." Ross said. "You're not as ripped as the other guys here, because you are more ripped than them. You got an amazing body, and that deserves to be seen. Maybe you can do it next time when the love bites are gone."
"Thanks, baby." Riker said, giving him a kiss. "Love you. I've gotta go."
RLRLRLRLRLRLRL
"They're doing really good Dels." Ellington told his soulmate. "But it's about to end-" Well it ended sooner than he thought, but with gasps from the audience.
"Oh my gosh." Ross stared in horror.
Allison looked at Riker's body and gasped. "What..?"
Riker flushed bright red, and immediately pulled his shirt closed, but the damage was already done. Everyone had already seen his many lovebites.
"Riker, Allison." Carrie Ann, one of the judges called. "Mind explaining? I'd like to listen to what you have to say for yourself, Riker."
"Um, I didn't want to have my shirt ripped open." Riker said, breathing heavily from dancing. "The, ah, the lovebites are because I, um, I found out that I'm going to be a dad. And my soulmate is rather hormonal."
Ross gaped. Why did he tell them? And in that way? Ross didn't want the public to find out that way and now it's out. He didn't care if it was his hormones making him feel that way, but he was not happy. That was why he shook his head, eyes filled with tears, got up from his seat and ran.
Allison looked up at Riker. "I'm sorry, you could've just told me so I won't rip it off. But you shouldn't have told Carrie Ann that in that way."
Ellington turned to Becca. "Bec, this is messed up."
"I know. I ramble when I'm nervous...Ross is gonna kill me. I've gotta go." he said, and ran off.
"I think it's better if we go too." Ellington said to the others. "Don't you think so?"
"Yeah. We've got to help find Ross." Becca said, worriedly. Rocky left to bring the car around. Becca was walking with Ell and Delly. Suddenly she stopped in her tracks.
"Bec, what's wrong?" Ellington asked.
"My water broke." she whispered in shock.