AN: This chapter is Rated M, if that kind of stuff bothers you. Feel free to skip till the middle of the chapter. The beginning is M. Also there is a hookup in this chapter, doesn't go into detail until the end, so feel free to skip if that makes you uncomfortable.

Chapter 26

Both Riker and Laura were quiet as Riker finished eating the pizza that Laura had saved from dinner a few nights ago. It was funny how one moment something so comfortable could be so strange the next. Riker was scarfing the pizza down. Guess he was hungrier then he originally thought. Laura couldn't help but feel sad at the thought.

" Riker."

Riker looked up from the food. A blush coming across his cheeks. He must have looked like a real pig. But he was hungry! He hasn't really been eating that much.

" Sorry Laura, I am just more hungry then I thought." Riker said embarrassed.

Laura just reached across the table and squeezed his hand. Riker blushed more.

" No need to be embarrassed Riker. I just want you to take care of yourself. I hate to see that you haven't been eating."

It touched Riker that she still cared. His heart couldn't help but tug at the thought.

" I know my mom has been after me to eat and all, but I just wasn't in the mood." Riker said.

" Well you need to take care of yourself. Riker you have a child on the way that is going to need you."

Then the awkward silence was back. Was it always going to be like this? There was a time were they could say anything to each other and not be afraid. Now it was like walking on a minefield.

Riker nodded. " Thanks for the food Laura, but I better go." He got up from the table and threw his paper plate away. He really didn't want to leave, but felt that it was for the best.

Laura nodded. She didn't know what to say. One part of her was fine with him leaving just so the awkwardness could end. But the bigger part?

Was crying out for him to stay.

Riker walked to the door and glanced back at Laura. " Thanks again for the food Laura and the chat. It was nice getting to spend time with you without the yelling."

Laura smiled. " We got that out earlier remember?"

Riker smiled. He nodded and opened the door and was walking out. The sight of Riker walking out the door frightened Laura. She didn't now what came over her but she grabbed Riker by the arm and pulled him back in, then shutting the door.

" Laura.." Riker was caught off guard.

Laura didn't know what to say, she only did what she knew she wanted to do. She pulled him to her and kissed him. Riker was taken back for a second but he couldn't help himself it had been too long. He kissed her back. Both their mouths were fighting for control. Laura was taken aback when Riker lifted her up, grabbing her legs and wrapping them around him. She moaned into his mouth as soon as her section touched the bulge that was in his pants.

He wanted her. She wanted her. Laura's hands were exploring all over Riker, it had been so long that they were like this. Her hands were in his hair pulling him closer. Riker moaned into her mouth. He pulled back and broke the kiss.

" Laura what are we doing?" he asked breathing heavily. Laura placed her forehead on his and just sighed.

" Something that should have happened a few weeks back. I am so sorry I let my anger blind me for so long Riker. I was hurt and I let that blind me to the fact that you would never hurt me on purpose. I should have believed you sooner about Maia. I know you wouldn't sleep with her by any free choice. And I am so sorry." Laura whispered softly.

Riker felt like crying. Was this really happening?

" Laura you have no idea how much that means to me."

" I know we have a lot to talk about more, and you do have a baby on the way with her. But you are mine and I want you. I want you to make love to me Riker and I want you back here in our home."

Riker really didn't know what to say. So he nodded and closed the space between them by grabbing her lips with his with a searing kiss and the two made their way back to the bedroom. As they were making their way to the bedroom, they were leaving trails of their clothes on the floor, by the time they reached their destination both were completely naked. Taking in the sight that they were denied for so long, made their yearning into something bright. Laura moved her lips from his and was placing sweet kisses against his neck. Her hands roaming over his broad chest. Lightly twisting his nipples as soon as she got to them. Riker threw his head back and moaned. He loved it when her hands explored his body. His body was only for her and her hands. He wanted more. He lightly pushed her back on the bed and climbed up her placing kisses on her body. Laura threw her head back this time.

She didn't realize how much she missed this. As Riker made his way up and took each of her breast into his mouth giving them a little tug with his teeth his mouth finally reached hers, and their tongues were playing once again.

Riker not wanting too broke the kiss. A thought came to him.

" Baby, as much as I love for this to continue, I don't have any protection on me."

Laura smiled. " There is still a box in your night stand. Open it." Riker opened the drawer and she was right. It was the box he bought before everything. He turned and smiled.

" You know what this means right?"

Laura nodded.

" We have all night." Riker opened up a package and slid the condom over his hard dick. He placed the tip above her wet heat. Riker had to bight his tongue from crying out to loud.

It really was too long.

Laura's patience was worn out, so she moved her hands to his lower region and pushed his dick into her. He felted complete for the first time in weeks. He thrusted into her even deeper. Laura moaned and moved her hands to his bare ass giving it a light tap and squeezing it.

Riker closed his eyes and moaned.

They spent the night making love and catching each other up with what they been missing. The only noises were the slapping of their bodies coming together and their moans that came with each pleasurable thrust. Riker picked Laura up and sat on his knees. So she rode him for a while and he came like no other filling up the condom with his hot semen.

They took each other over and over again. Laura giving him head and him Cuming in her mouth and Riker then returned the favor and ate her out. Both then collapsing into each other's arms. Both of their bodies were drenched with sweat.

But they didn't care. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

Laura woke up with a smile on her face. Did last night really happen? And to her delight it was. She and Riker ended up making love last night. And she had no regrets.

The only thing was did he?

They really didn't define this, were they back together or was it a hookup that came out of loneliness. Laura turned and realized that Riker was gone. Laura put on her robe and walked out the bedroom. He wasn't down the hall, and not in the living room, or kitchen.

Well guess it answers that question. As Laura went to go get some coffee started she heard the door open.

Riker.

" Hey what are you doing out of bed already? I was hoping to catch you before you get up." He pouted.

Laura smiled. " Oh and why is that?"

Riker shrugged. " You just deserve something nice."

Laura wrapped her arms around his waist, and placed a kiss on his lips. Which Riker was eager to return. The kiss started off nice and slow but started to get heated. Riker's hands moved down to the front of her robe. Laura pulled away.

" Nun-Huh stud, I need food first."

Riker pouted. " I guess."

Laura laughed. " So what were you getting this early?"

Riker pulled out a bag of groceries. " I am going to cook you breakfast, I was going to make breakfast in bed, but how about you help me?"

" I love too."

Riker and Laura spent the rest of the morning laughing and having a good time. You couldn't tell that they were broken up at all. Sharing laughs and just talking. It was nice and not awkward at all. But of course they were ignoring the elephant in the room.

His baby with Maia.

The thought was on both of their minds of course. How could it not be? But neither one of them wanted to break this very fragile beginning for them. After breakfast, Riker and Laura got ready for the day, Riker still had some clothes still here and they decided to go for a walk on the beach. Riker grabbed Laura's hand and they walked near the water.

Laura sighed.

It was now or never.

" You know we are going to have to talk about our situation sooner or later." Laura asked softly.

Riker sighed.

" Yeah I know. I just wasn't ready for this to end just yet."

" I know me either, but Riker we have too."

" I know." Riker said squeezing her hand a little. He was really scared. Would the past few hours be erased when talking about his child that he is having with Maia. He wasn't really sure where he stood with Laura; they made love and were having a fun and glorious morning. But they really haven't decided if they were getting back together.

Laura looked at Riker, and she could see the fear in his eyes. Her eyes nearly teared up at the look of utmost fear in his eyes. He looked like a little boy at the moment that was afraid he was going to lose his favorite toy. Laura squeezed his hand and pulled him forward. She kissed him.

" Come on, I think we can do this. I don't want anything hanging over us."

" I know but I don't know where to start."

" Just start from your heart. That is all that I ask. And that you are honest."

Riker sighed.

" Okay. First it absolutely kills me to be having a child with her. It was something I never wanted to happen at all. I mean it isn't natural to hate the mother of your child and I do. You know me Laura, you know I don't hate anything or anybody. But for her I make an exception. I can't forgive her for what she has done to us, and my brothers. I mean what did we do to her to deserve her rage and contempt. All Ross did was working on a movie with her. He made the mistake of sleeping with her and she fakes a pregnancy? And when Rocky busts her, she tries and frame him for a miscarriage? And as for me? She knew the only way I would touch her is if I was completely out of my mind and drugged. Because anyone who could see, knew that you are it for me. I don't want anybody else. But she dirtied that up for her own purposes. I never wanted to sleep with her, I still wake up in the middle of the night afraid of that night. I felt so dirty and used like I was trash. She took something from me that night, I wasn't a virgin by any means, you know that. But I still felt she took something precious. The only woman that I want to give my body too is you, and she forced herself on that. I will never forgive myself for hurting you."

Laura's heart broke at how much self-loathing was in his voice. This was not her Riker; Her Riker was always an upbeat person. She wrapped her arm around his waist and drew closer to him. Trying to give him support anyway she could. Riker smiled and put his arm around her.

" But the thing is babe, I don't say this to hurt you please know that. But that baby is mine, and I don't just want to walk away from him or her. They are the innocent in all this mess."

" You are starting to love the baby aren't you."

Riker was silent.

" Riker it is okay for you to start caring for your child. I mean it is only natural for a parent to love their child. I want you to be able to talk to me about this, your child with me."

Riker couldn't really control it anymore. He started crying. For him and Laura for having the lost chance to have a child for the first time together. For his baby, who he was starting to love, for the child getting Maia as a mother.

Laura tried to comfort him the best as she could. Riker pulled her to him and hugged her tight as he sobbed into her shoulder. She was rubbing his back trying to give him any kind of solace. After what seemed a while Riker pulled away. He smiled.

" Thanks Laura, I know it isn't easy for you to hear, but thank you for listening."

Laura smiled. " Sure I am not going to lie, it does hurt knowing that I lost out on being the mother to your first born, but you didn't plan on it being Maia, so how can I blame you or that child. I am not saying that it will be easy and everything, but I want you to get to know your child. And I want to be by your side as you do."

Riker said " Does that mean?"

Laura nodded. " I love you Riker, I never stopped and I will continue to do so. Maia took something away from us. She is not going to take you from me. I won't let her. I am sorry that it took me so long to figure that out."

Riker kissed her. Kissed her like his life depended on it. How did he get so lucky to have Laura in his life.

" God I love you, I love you so much." Riker said as he pulled away. He then lifted her up and twirled around. Laura laughing, He was laughing.

" How did I get so lucky to have you?" Riker asked.

" We are both pretty lucky I think. Now let's go home." Laura said.

Riker just smiled.

Ross finished putting his shirt on. This was crazy, he honestly didn't know when this all started and how. They were friends for so long and now this?

Could they even put a label on it? Was it something more or was it just a casual hook up between two people who were lonely.

One thing was for sure he never imagined that he would just finish having sex with his best friend.

A Male best friend.

God did he and Ratliff just make a huge mistake?

Maia was just laughing. Everything was going as planned. Riker and Laura were splits ville and she was having his baby. She had a permanent tie to Riker and all that R5 money. Now don't get her wrong, she knows Riker hates her guts. But all she could do was shrug. She really didn't care as long as it got her what she wanted.

But she wouldn't mind experiencing Riker in bed again, the sex was phenomenal.

Oh well.

Maia was walking down the street, she was trying to get a hold of Riker, to try and guilt trip him into spending time with his baby. But she wasn't able to get a hold of him.

Kissing your best friend was wrong. Having Sex was even worse. But damn it felt so good. Ratliff was always close to Ross, don't get him wrong he loved the whole Lynch bunch, but Ross was just something special. All this time he thought it was just friendship.

Ratliff sighed.

Ross just left his bed about an hour ago, and Ratliff could still smell him on his sheets. The thought brought a smile to his face.

What was this?

Was he Gay now? But He is still attracted to females. So does that make him Bi?

Guess it does. Ratliff thought.

He really never thought of being with a man until now, there was just something special about Ross that Ratliff couldn't help. He could still remember how this all started. It was right after Ross had moved in with Laura, Riker and Rocky. Riker had still been pissed with Ross about him bringing Nic into town, so Ross would lay low and Ratliff offered his couch for a bit.

They just hanged out like they usually did.

Then he got dumped by his girlfriend over the phone.

And there was a bottle of tequila. Next thing he knew it, He was taking Ross against the wall and his bed. Then Ross had his way with Ratliff too. There was a time in the shower too if he could exactly recall.

Ratliff sighed.

You know sex really was a deal breaker. Sure he and Ross continued to hook up but was it just that?

And when would feelings eventually get hurt? That was the thing he wasn't looking forward too.