AN: I honestly didn't think anyone would read this story. This story was a chance and I am glad you all seem to like it.

Chapter 12

Riker could hear Laura's sobs through the door. The pain in his chest was becoming too much. He desperately wanted to go in there, collect her in his arms and tell her that he loved her. But he is still so angry. He knows she means will, but when will she learn that people can't keep hurting her and getting away with it. She didn't even ask him on wither Ross can stay. He thought that they would decide on that together.

But she decided on her own to let him stay. And Riker was pissed. That was why he was going to stay at a hotel tonight. He wanted space to let go his frustrations so he wouldn't take it out on Laura.

He doesn't like for Laura to see him angry.

Not being able to take it anymore, and afraid of giving in, Riker walked out the front door. He made his way to his car when he noticed Nic.

"Nic, everything okay?"

"Not Really."

"What is going on?"" Riker asked concerned.

"I got kicked out of my place. My roommate decided to have her boyfriend move in. Told me it wasn't personal. Can you believe that? I moved back here just so I could live there! I don't know what to do." Nic sobbed.

Riker was quiet. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her as she was obviously in pain. But at the same time he didn't want to give her mixed signals. He belonged to another, even if he is going to be sleeping alone tonight. Rolling his eyes after realizing how silly he was busy. He is allowed to have friends that were girls, and even exes of his. Nic and him been threw a lot together. They were each other's first loves. They even lost their virginity to one another. Not that it was that great. They were both sixteen and they didn't know what they were doing. It was over before anything. Riker couldn't really turn his back on her, they have a history together and most important they were friends now.

"Well I do, you are going to come with me and we will go grab some food and head to a hotel and we will discuss your options."

Nic's face looked priceless. Riker just laughed. "Separate rooms of course, My Girlfriend would have a problem with anything otherwise."

"Why are you going to a hotel? You and Laura got into a fight? Was it about what Ross did?"

"Yes, I don't want to talk about it except to say I don't want to be angry around Laura so I am taking a night away, that's it. So come on we don't have all day." Riker said as he got into the car. Nic just shrugged her shoulders, and got into the passenger seat.

Neither one of them saw Rocky staring at them with a shocked expression. What the hell was Riker going with his ex-girlfriend? Rocky didn't know but he was going to find out. He put his surfboard away and headed inside the apartment. It was early quiet. You know the feeling you get when there was a bad storm and everything seems so fragile? That is exactly what it feels like.

Something big must have happened. He looked and her heard sobbing coming from Laura and Rikers room. A part of him wanted to leave Laura in peace; it was obvious that she wanted to be alone. Did Riker and Laura have a fight? Was it about Nic? And why on earth was Nic here didn't she move to North Carolina? See what happens when he are gone all day Rocky? He rolls his eyes at himself.

Deciding the risk was worth it, Rocky knocked on the door.

"Go away Ross!"

"It's not Ross, It's Rocky."

Rocky could hear her mumbling and then heard her make her way to the door. Laura opened the door, and the sight nearly broke his heart. Laura was the last person that ever deserved to cry.

"Hey Rocky."

'Hey Laura, what happened? Did you and Riker get in a fight? Is that why I saw him take off with Nic?"

Laura whimpered. "He took off with her?" She felt a brand new wave of tears coming. Rocky muttered how he was a stupid ass and pulled Laura into a hug.

"I'm sorry Laura, I am sure it is perfectly innocent. He loves you. I haven't seen Riker love anyone like he loves you."

Laura smiled.

"So tell me what happened please."

And so she did, Laura told Rocky all in glory detail what took place since they got home. The anger in Rocky was intensifying. Ross was going to get a beat down like sooner rather than later. He couldn't believe he would pull something like that. And for Riker, he understood that he didn't want to be in the same place right now as Ross, but he still shouldn't have left for a hotel.

And especially if his ex-girlfriend went too.

Rocky really hoped his older brother knew what he was doing. But he knew Riker wouldn't do anything to jeopardize what he had with Laura.

"So that is how I am a mess. Rocky what if Riker doesn't come back? What if it is over? I don't want to lose him, I love him." Laura said. Her voice trying so hard to stay strong but you could still hear the tears.

Rocky pulled her into his arms. Ignoring the electricity that he felt by his body touching hers. This wasn't the time for his crazy feelings to get in the way. Plus like she just said, she love Riker. And as much as he fantasied about being with Laura he knew she only saw him as a friend and roommate.

"Riker will come back Laura, he loves you. Riker just needed some air to think. He will be back in the morning and everything will be okay with you two, because you guys are Riker and Laura. The definition of disgusting love."

Laura laughed. She looked at Rocky and smiled. He really was an amazing guy. Some girl would be so lucky to have him as a boyfriend.

"You really are amazing. Rocky I really hope whatever girl is lucky to land your heart knows what amazingly lucky she is." Laura said. She placed a friendly kiss on his cheek and went to get something to drink.

Rocky just sat there and smiled.

"If you only knew Laura. If you only knew."

Riker was kicking his own ass. How could he be so stupid and leave Laura like that. She was just trying to keep the peace in his family and what does he do to repay her? He says he needs space.

And he checks into a hotel with his ex.

Nice huh?

Even though he and Nic are just friends and nothing is going to happen. It still is weird. And with them having to share a room, with everything being booked. Makes it even worse.

He was just so angry at Ross, that he let his anger take over and do the one thing he promised himself that he wouldn't do. And that was to hurt Laura. Riker was still cussing himself out when Nic returned from picking up the food. Noticing Riker she just rolled her eyes.

"Okay that is it. Riker get your ass back in that car and go home now."

Riker just looked at her. "Hello to you too."

Nic just rolled her eyes again. " You know you want to go home. You don't belong here. You belong with Laura at home. I know it is where you want to be."

Riker rolled his eyes. "I told you already why I am not."

"Yeah you did, and are you really going to let your pride get in the way of your relationship?"

"Nic…"

"Fine, don't go home. But if you are going to stay here. Then you will have to do something for me."

"What's that?"

"We are going to have Sex."

Riker sat straight up on the bed. "Are you nuts? I told you I love Laura."

"Well you either go home to your girlfriend, or you will get in bed with me. Your choices, I am done trying to wait for you to choose. I still love you Riker and I want you back. So if you don't want Laura, then be with me."

Riker was silenced. He definitely gave new definition to the term stupidity.

"That's what I thought. Now go, Laura I am sure is worried and upset. Make it up to her."

Riker got up and walked up to Nic. "I am sorry Nic; I didn't want to lead you on."

"I know you didn't. Just do one thing for me to make it up. Go be with Laura I know you love her. Don't let what happened to cause you to lose the best thing to happen to you."

Riker hugged Nic. "I want the best for you too. So I take this is goodbye?"

Nic smiled. "Yeah I decided I am going back to North Carolina, its home. It was really great seeing you again Riker. And it is great to see you so happy. Now don't blow it."

Riker smiled. Giving a brief thought, Riker placed a quick brief kiss on Nic's cheek.

"I want you to be happy too."

"I will be. Now go."

Riker nodded. "The Room's pay for, I can extend it for however long you will be here till you leave."

"One nights fine, I am about to get on the phone with the airlines and book a flight tomorrow."

Riker nodded. "Okay. Take care of yourself."

"I will, Goodbye Riker."

"Goodbye Nic."

Riker turned around and walked out. It was time for him to go home.

Ross hasn't left his room, since Riker stormed off. He felt horrible. Here he pulled some heinous crap and Laura still stuck by him, and what happens for his effort? Riker and Laura got in a fight and he left.

He achieved the goal that he at first wanted.

Now he isn't too sure.

Ross just continues to stare at the ceiling contemplating how what he should do next. He does know he wants to make amends to both Laura and Riker. But where does he get started. He is pretty sure that neither of them wants to talk to him at the moment. Laura may eventually warm up to him and forgive him.

Riker probably still wants to kill him. In all the years that Ross grew up with Riker, he never saw him so angry and full of rage. Riker was usually the carefree one, he would never let anything get him down or upset. And what is really upsetting to Ross was that he was willing to sacrifice his relationship with his big brother over a girl. Ross and Riker were always close even growing up.

The guilt is slowly eating him alive. He is still amazed that he did what he did. There was no reason to bring in Nic; she was another victim of Ross and his jealousy. He really does need to get his act together.

In the short 24 hours here, he already fell in love with living on the beach, the apartment was amazing and he definitely wants to stay. Living on his own made him feel like an adult and he liked that feeling. Even though he really wasn't acting like one.

Yep. There is that Guilt thing.

Ross doesn't care how long it takes; he plans on making this right for everyone. Riker and Laura. And Maia too. After all she is carrying his child. He really wasn't planning on being a father this young, but he thought he was old enough for sex, so he needs to step up and be responsible. It wasn't like he told her that he wasn't interested in being a father, or even try and hide from it. He just didn't go and offer his support.

Yeah he had this whole jerk thing down pat. But he was going to stop doing that and he was going to do the right thing. It was what he was raised to do.

Rocky and Laura were just chilling in front of the TV watching a cheesy 80's love story movie. Laura appreciated the fact that Rocky went out of his way to cheer her up. Rocky had decided on a pizza and movie night to try and cheer her up after her fight with Riker. They were just waiting on the pizza to come. Ross had been in his room all day not coming out at all. And as upset as she was with Ross, She didn't want the boy to starve. So she walked to his room and knocked on the door. Ross called out

"Yes?"

"Hey Ross we ordered pizza, it should be here any minute. Sorry we didn't ask you about what kind of toppings you wanted. Did you want to come out and eat?"

The door opened and Ross smiled.

"If you're sure you want me too."

Laura rolled her eyes. "I don't want you to starve now."

Without thinking Ross threw his arms around Laura and pulled her into a hug. He whispered his apologies over and over again. The pain and sorrow in his voice was too much and Laura knew that he was truly sorry.

"It's okay Ross. Just remember what I said earlier."

"Don't worry Laura jerky Ross is gone. I promise. And I will do everything in my power to make it up to Riker; I will make sure he comes home."

Laura smiled. The doorbell rang, the pizza must be here. "Come, let's eat." Ross and Laura walked into the living room were Rocky was just setting the pizza down. He looked at Ross and Laura

"Everything okay?"

"Yes it is. Now let's eat." Laura said.

Rocky gave one look to Ross and Ross knew what that meant. Ross just nodded his head. Ross went to go grab the drinks and plates from the kitchen. He came back and handed the drinks to Laura and Rocky, Rocky and Laura took the couch and Ross took the recliner.

"So what are we watching?" Ross asked.

"We are watching some cheesy 80's movies." Rocky answered.

"Cool."

The three of them just watched movies for the rest of the night. It was the end of Pretty in Pink when Ross was passed out asleep in the chair; Rocky and Laura were almost asleep too. It was a long and tiresome day. Laura couldn't help but think of Riker and was wondering what he was doing? She couldn't help but wonder what he and Nic were doing. They didn't officially break up and Riker assured her that he loved her. But Laura couldn't help but worry. And she couldn't help but feel a little upset.

Who would go somewhere with their ex after having walked out on their girlfriend after a disagreement?

She heard Rocky starting to snore. She couldn't help but smiled, Rocky truly has become one of her best friends. She didn't know what she would have done without him today. Laura got up and brought a blanket for both Rocky and Ross and covered them up. She turned off the TV and was about to turn off the light when she realized that she wasn't as tired anymore.

It is funny when that second wind comes.

So Laura walks outside on the porch and sits on the swing. It was really beautiful at the beach at night. The smell of the ocean at night was something special.

As she was lost in thoughts she didn't hear the footsteps coming on the porch.

Riker stood there just watching her. She was so beautiful all he wanted was to go up to her and pull her into his arms. But at this point he didn't know how she would react? Would she welcome him? Or would she push him away.

No that was not an option. So he did the only thing he knew how to do. He walked closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. Laura was shook out of her thoughts as she felt Riker's hand. She turned and looked up.

Nothing was said, Laura just got up and she and Riker embraced. They stood that way for a few minutes.

"I am so sorry Laura."

Laura didn't care who was right and who was wrong. All she cared was that Riker came home.

"Me too."

For the first time in many hours, it felt right again in their world. Riker just held onto Laura afraid if he would let go she would disappear. Laura was the same way, she held onto Riker like if her life depended on it. Yes it was only been a half of day but being without Riker was painful.

"You have no reason to be sorry Laura; you were only doing what was right. I hope you know I only left because I didn't want you around my anger."

Laura smiled. "I know, I just don't like fighting with you. I didn't mean to disrespect you; all I was trying to do was to keep the peace. And if it makes you feel better, Ross feels really horrible about what he did."

As much as he wanted not to, Riker rolled his eyes. Laura noticed.

"What the hell was that for?" Laura asked getting pissed. All she was doing was trying to do was explain her actions and Riker rolls his eyes?"

"Look Laura I came back because I missed you and I love you. But I am still plenty pissed off at Ross. And just hearing you say his name just got to me."

Now it was Laura's turn to roll her eyes. "Well you better get used to it. He is our roommate after all; I just can't go around not talking to him, not to mention that he is my costar and your brother."

"Don't remind me."

Laura stepped back a few steps away from Riker. "Did you really come back just to start another fight? Because if you did you can just go back to wherever you came from."

That took Riker back. He really didn't mean to make her mad. "Laura…"

"And by the way thank you so much for taking your ex-girlfriend with you. I hope you two got plenty cozy."

Riker rolled his eyes. "Nothing happened. I took her to a hotel because she had nowhere to go thanks to your best friend Ross! And all we did was talk! Yes she admitted that she still had feelings for me, but you know what else she said? She said she knew I loved you! She was the one who told me to come back and be with you!"

"Oh so you weren't going to come back? What were you just going to sleep with her then?" Laura screamed. The whole situation was getting to her. Before she could control it all her fears and jealousy was coming out knowing that Riker took Nic to a hotel. Even knowing that nothing happened, the fact that she was hurt and lonely was making this whole fight with Riker get out of control.

Riker felt like he was just slapped. Did she really think that he would step out on her? His chest was getting tight, and his breath was getting short. Didn't she trust him?

"So after all this, you think I am the kind of guy that would cheat on you? So every time I said I love you, what you just didn't believe me?"

Laura could feel the tears coming. How did everything get so out of control? "I know you love me Riker, but did you really have to take her to a hotel that I am assuming you were going to be staying at too?"

Riker just laughed. "You just can't let that go. Yes I was going to stay at the same hotel as Nic; in fact we were going to share a room, because it was all they had."

The feeling in Laura's stomach was getting worse. She felt like she was going to be sick.

Riker looked at Laura, the hurt knowing that she believed that he was capable of cheating on her was becoming too much.

"There were two beds; we were going to be sleeping in two separate beds. I would never cheat on someone that I love, and I can't believe that you would think I would."

Laura just looked at Riker. "I know you wouldn't cheat on me, I honestly don't know why I said that. Nic just made me insecure for some reason. I know you love me Riker. I am sorry I said that." She said her voice giving away the fact that she felt completely broken.

When Riker went to hug her, Laura stepped back.

"Come on its late, let's go in and got to sleep we can talk in the morning." Laura said. Riker nodded his head. Both of them went back in the apartment. Locking the door Riker went to follow Laura into their room. Laura stopped.

"You can sleep on the couch tonight." Laura said as she closed the bedroom door on Riker.

At that moment Riker never felt as alone as he did. Was it too late to fix things he wondered as he made his way to the couch.