Roses at Midnight 11
"So...um...what's your name?" Carlos inquired shyly to his new date that night as they strolled down the park. It was late, and the clouds were filling the skies, making the slightly damp sidewalk shine out against the streetlights.
"Claire," she replied warmly, "you're Carlos Garcia, right?"
"That's right," his heart was racing as she slipped off her light green jacket, tying it around her waist, revealing a long-sleeved maroon shirt that fit nicely to her arms.
"So, I'm actually an old friend of Nikki. I came out here to make it big," she looked to the sky with a smile, "I'm really excited to see her again."
"How long's it been?" he inquired, suddenly curious as to hold long Nikki'd been in L.A.
"About a year and half. I've really missed her," she smiled wider now, "but soon, I'll get to see her again. She's going to be so surprised."
"I know where she'll be tomorrow," he offered with a small smile of his own, his cheek becoming a light pink, "I can take you to her then."
"That would be amazing," she stopped walking long enough to give him a hug, "thank you, Cartilos."
*Time shift*
"Oh, oh, o-oh, oh..."
Griffen first command was the rerecord the boys' first song, with Nikki included. Now all five of them were piled in the recording both, her waiting for the part where she'd come in with her vocals. She was resisted the urge to begin dancing, considering the cramped space, as Kendall began the beginning verse.
What you want,
What you feel.
Never quit and make it real,
When you go 'Big Time!'
She sang in a powerful, C-minor ranged voice. Kendall began grinning, which encouraged her to sing louder and more confidently.
This is my dream...she thought happily as they played on, and now I'll never wake up.
"Hey," James could only grin as Lucy came up to him with a smile on her face as soon as he stepped out of the recording booth, kissing her lips gently and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Hey, you," he smiled in return, and she nuzzled up to his side a bit.
"So, are we still on for tonight?" she inquired with a warm smile, and his smile faded.
"Um...actually, the guys and I were going to celabrate Nikki making the cut. Please...join us?" he was actually sputtering, and she could only sigh and try and smile as she accepted.
"Nikki!"
The girl turned at the familiar voice calling her name, a bit surprised and shrugging off Kendall's arms, "Oh my gosh...Claire?!"
"Nikki," the younger wrapped her arms around her older sister's neck, tears off joy springing into her eyes as the two embraced tightly, "I missed you!"
"I missed you too, Claire-Bear," Nikki buried her own face in the other's smaller shoulder, "how did you get here?"
"The plane," the brown-redhead giggled lightly, "I came to try for a solo. Like you!"
"That's awesome for you, but..." the older looked to her new boyfriend with a smile that was so warm, so loving, Claire had to giggle again.
"Woo-hoo!" Prim had never had so much fun in her life.
She was zipping around the skating rink, pushing down on the end of the skateboard, flipping it and landing almost accurately on her feet. Wobbing a little, she grinned to Katie with joy and amazement at this new sport her adopted mother never let her try.
"You're real good," Katie smirked lightly, patting the younger's helmet, "you're a natural."
"Really?" the child's eyes shown with hopefulness, and when the brunette nodded, she squealed a little, "yay! I'm a natural!"
"What else haven't you tried?" and Katie's eyes shown with mischief...
"Ah..." Logan smiled as he kissed his own girlfriend, looking up to Nikki and Kendall smiling at each other, "love is in the air."
"Who's the new girl?" Camille inquired, and the smart boy squinted a little, racking his brain for memory.
"No idea," he replied, kissing her again and locking his arms around her gently, "are you ready for our party tonight, Cami?"
"I'll wear something pretty," she teased lightly, "come on, let's go meet Nikki's friend."
"Hi...oh my gosh, you're Logan," she couldn't help but smile as she saw him.
This was a dream come true for her. She was actually meeting BTR, and she was actually seeing her older sister figure again. Wow, she could barely catch her breathe...
"Yes, I am," he smiled to her, shaking her hand and making her heart pump a little faster, "this is my girlfriend, Camille."
"Camille!" she gasped, shaking her outstretched hand eagerly, "you're an amazing actress! I really admire you."
"Really?" the older girl smiled, "why thank you. You're...very pretty."
She couldn't help but blush at the compliment, turning to shake hands with Kendall before looking to Nikki was shining, excited eyes, "This is amazing! You're really a part of Big Time Rush...I have to say I'm jealous."
"Are you sure this is really okay?" now that her adrenaline was wearing off, Prim was obviously feeling guilty about what she was doing.
"Yes, I'm sure," Katie rolled her eyes, used to this kind of stuff for her benefit and others, "now, try on this dress. We both need to look awesome for the party tonight."
Carlos liked Claire.
Oh, Carlos liked Claire a lot.
That was completely and totally obvious to the pack leader of BTR. And with James and Lucy going out and Camille and Logan being on their "on again" stage, there was just too much happiness and love flying everywhere for them to all just be together at one big table and not up kissing.
"Baby sister," he smiled slyly when she entered, carrying mall bags with young Prim, "how fast can you get reservations for the ultimate date-party night ever?"