Second Place
West Coast Tour
(Part One)
Disclaimer: Check out chapter one – thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: "Cali Girls" by R5
SP*SP*SP
Laura sighed, clicking on her key ring to lock her car. She was exhausted, especially after her long flight from New York, but she couldn't help the smile that crossed her features in the next second. She loved being home after being away for an entire week.
The only problem: it was the middle of the night, so everyone would be asleep. Including Riker, the one she missed the most (not that she would tell Rydel that, of course).
At the thought of her boyfriend and best friend bickering for Laura's attention, the brunette could feel her lips stretch into a grin, albeit a tired one. Ah, how she loved those two; they were an endless source of entertainment.
Dragging her small suitcase by the handle, Laura quietly entered the house and carefully closed the front door behind her. The click! was so audible to her ears, she winced. It was almost like a gunshot in the silence of the house.
"Laura?" a sudden voice whispered, and said brunette jumped in fright. Her heart hammering in her chest, she turned in the direction the voice came from, the kitchen. "Is that you?"
Seconds ticked by, then a familiar blonde head came into view, along with the six-foot frame that went with it. Ross.
"Ross, you scared me," Laura lightly reprimanded. Laying a slim hand over her pounding heart, she breathed deeply in to calm her nerves. "What are you doing down here? It's after one in the morning."
Ross smirked in amusement, holding up a glass of water as a way of explanation. "I was thirsty, so I came down to get something to drink. I didn't know that was a crime now."
She rolled her chocolate, doe-like orbs, mock-exasperated. "Oh, shut up," she said, beginning to grin again. "You know what I meant."
He chuckled. Casually sipping his drink, he raised a brow as a thought struck him. "Hey, I thought you weren't coming back until tomorrow afternoon?" Thoughtfully, he frowned. "Or, at least, that's what Riker kept going on about. I swear, he goes crazy every time you guys aren't sleeping under the same roof or something."
"There was an opening for an earlier flight," she answered, smiling at the thought of her boyfriend missing her. Trust her, the feeling was more than mutual. "The modeling job ended ahead of schedule, so I took it and here I am."
Ross smiled, though his thoughts darkened with desire as he continued to stare at his best friend. She didn't seem to realize it, but he was also pleased with her early return, though for obviously different reasons. It didn't matter now, however. He was patient when things concerned her, so he didn't plan on taking Laura to his room.
Not that night, anyway. He could wait a couple of days before making his move again.
"Well, Riker will be happy."
Laura positively beamed. "Yeah, that's what I was hoping. I missed him, too, you know, and everyone else, of course."
"Of course," he easily agreed, smiling a little wider. Using his free hand, he grabbed her suitcase from her. When she opened her mouth to protest, he shook his head to stall her words. "You've had a long flight, it's the middle of the night, and I'm betting you're exhausted. The least I can do is carry your bag to your room, Laura."
She paused, considering. "Are you sure?" she hesitantly asked. Despite her tired brain, she couldn't help but feel a bit apprehensive about being alone with Ross, let alone them being in her bedroom together. Sure, their 'sessions' always took place in his room, but still… She discreetly swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, her nerves starting to bristle once more.
"Yeah, of course I'm sure. Come on, the faster we get upstairs, the faster you can get some sleep." With that being said, the blonde teen pushed the bag's handle down and picked up the small suitcase like it weighed nothing. He jerked his head towards the staircase. "Ladies first."
Laura smiled unsurely, but nonetheless took the lead. If there was one thing she could trust Ross with it was him keeping his word. If he said she was going to sleep, then she was going to sleep and not being taken advantage of by him.
At least not tonight, her mind couldn't help but point out. The brunette almost stumbled at the top of the stairs, but not enough to catch Ross's attention. She bit her lip and continued walking down the hallway. How could I forget so easily what he does to me? My week away in New York, and not once did I think about how Ross touches me…
A shudder shivered down her spine, but she was horrified when she couldn't decide if it was from the humiliation she normally felt… or actual pleasure at the thought of her blonde friend's caresses against her body.
No! It's horror, it's horror, it's horror, Laura determinedly chanted, almost desperate to believe it. There's no way I would feel real pleasure from my best friend, let alone my boyfriend's younger brother! No way. None!
She was startled out of her thoughts when she suddenly came face-to-face with the door to her room. Ross was also saying something, but she'd missed the entire thing due to her disturbing thoughts. He had also placed her bag down, looking at her curiously, as if waiting for some sort of response.
Her cheeks heated, embarrassed. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"
"You must be more tired than I first thought," he commented in amusement. "I said that we're having another band practice this afternoon, if you're interested in watching. I'm sure everyone would like to hang out with you, especially Ratliff since he doesn't actually live here. Although," he added, chuckling, "that's not saying much, seeing as how half his stuff is all over the house."
Laura had to giggle at how true that statement was. Ratliff slept over more nights than not, especially when R5's practice went passed dinner time. She was surprised his mother didn't demand he return home sometimes.
"Yeah, that sounds fun. I'd love to watch you guys."
Her breath caught when Ross suddenly leaned down, his face inches away from her own. She was so startled, her back softly thumped against her door, her chocolate eyes widening in surprise and slight apprehension.
With some self-disgust, she also realized a part of her wanted him to close the gap between their lips and kiss her. What the heck is wrong with me?
Ross smirked sexily at the short brunette, eyes darkening with his held-back desire. "Don't look so scared," he whispered heatedly. "I'm not gonna do anything tonight. I'll let you know when I want to start up our sessions once more. I just thought I should remind you."
Before Laura could form a response, the blonde backed away from her and quietly walked down the hallway. Her eyes followed his tall frame, and she didn't catch a full breath again until his bedroom door softly closed, thus cutting off her view of him.
With shaky limbs, the brunette fumbled with her doorknob and suitcase. Finally, she stumbled into her room and hastily locked her door behind her.
However, once safely inside, she couldn't decide if the lock was meant to make sure Ross didn't sneak in… Or to make sure she didn't sneak out.
SP*SP*SP
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Laura quietly moaned into her pillow, wishing her escape from reality hadn't ended so abruptly or so easily. After tossing and turning for a few hours, she'd finally managed to drop into an exhausted sleep, one where she didn't have to worry about Ross or his nefarious intentions with her body (and mind, for that matter).
Now, all that seemed impossible as the knocking continued. In fact, she mentally grumbled, it was becoming more and more persistent. Who could it be?
"Laura?"
Riker.
Jumping up from her tangle of blankets, the brunette was suddenly wide awake and grinning widely at the thought of seeing her boyfriend. Not caring about her state of appearance, she practically broke her doorknob in her haste to unlock it, throwing open the wooden barrier.
"Riker!" she cried out, throwing herself at the tall blonde. Fortunately, she was so small compared to him, he only gave a soft grunt at the sudden impart. His arms, however, instantly wrapped around her and brought her close, like he'd never let her go again.
Which is exactly how Laura wanted it.
Riker chuckled, holding the brunette as close as possible without suffocating her against his leanly muscled frame. "Hey babe," he greeted warmly. Burying his face into her sweet-smelling hair, he breathed in the scent he'd been denied for an entire week. "I saw your car parked in front, so I knew you were back. Why didn't you tell me?"
She pulled back only far enough to see his face, beaming happily. "I wanted to surprise you and everyone else," she answered. Then, she pouted. "But Ross caught me as soon as I got through the door, that sneaky blonde ninja." She knew she would have to bring up their impromptu reunion, despite not wanting to think about the younger teen, so that it wouldn't look suspicious later on, if it got brought up.
Her boyfriend laughed. "Yes, because I'm sure it was intentional," he sarcastically teased. With one hand, he cupped her cheek in his palm as he stared deeply into her doe-like orbs. "I really missed you."
"I missed you, too," she whispered, eyes melting adoringly. "Promise me when I go on another trip you'll come with me? Being away from you for a week was too long."
"Promise." To seal his vow, Riker leaned down and claimed her lips with his own. Slowly, with some careful maneuvering, he backed them into her bedroom, gently kicking her door closed with a foot. Breaking the kiss, he grinned when she whimpered at the loss. "Come on, we have about forty-five minutes before anyone expects us downstairs for breakfast. We need to catch up on all of our missed 'quality time' together."
In response, Laura giggled as she was lightly tossed onto her bed. The tall blonde quickly followed, their lips connecting hungrily once more.
SP*SP*SP
After being smothered in affection by everyone who hadn't seen Laura yet, the brunette along with R5 found themselves in the basement to hold a practice session for an upcoming concert. While the band set up, Laura checked her email to see if her manager had any more jobs lined up, despite just finishing a big one the other day. She liked keeping busy, as long as it didn't intersect with R5's performances – like she said, she was their biggest fan.
"Hey, Laura, what are you looking at?" Rocky curiously asked, thumping down next to the smaller brunette. He flipped his bangs out of his face as if the action was an afterthought. "Not another out-of-state job, right? You just got back!"
She lightly laughed, logging out of her account to focus on him. She smiled. "Nah, of course not," she reassured. "New York was fun, don't get me wrong, but I missed you guys too much. Besides," she added, playfully nudging Rocky, "I want to be here when you guys perform this weekend. A modeling job can wait a couple of days."
"Aw," Ratliff cooed, suddenly sitting on the armrest on Laura's other side. "Aren't you the sweetest girl on Earth?"
Rocky snickered, "Oh no, it's not that she'll miss us, per say," he stated. He cast a teasing glance in the direction Riker was in, setting up his bass guitar. "It's more like she'll miss a certain someone who shall remain nameless… But who also happens to go stir-crazy when she isn't around."
Without looking up from what he was doing, the eldest Lynch sibling said, "Damn straight." Then, with a boyish grin, he winked at his girlfriend before going back to work.
Rydel, standing behind her keyboard, pouted with a mock-sad expression on her pretty features. "You know something? I feel teary-eyed when I think about all the shopping you did without me," she said, pretending to sniffle.
"But I didn't go shopping while I was gone," Laura replied, a dry note entering her tone. "I told you that, Delly, like ten times already."
"Oh, the horror!" the blonde girl exclaimed, waving her hands wildly as if in distress. "All those pretty, shiny, wonderful things to buy – Denied! Denied by one young woman, who couldn't even stop to consider their feelings about having to stay in a shop's window, day-in and day-out. Those poor babies! I would've bought you!" Towards the end of her speech, Rydel began to fake sob into her hands.
Ross paused, multiple cords in one hand as he hooked them up to the amps. He gave his older sister a look before turning to the three sitting on the couch. "So… Do any of you know who this crazy blonde chick is?" he asked, with a mock-serious look on his face. His chocolate eyes, however, twinkled with a wicked gleam that showed his amusement.
Laura, Ratliff, and Rocky laughed, while shaking their heads negatively. Riker chuckled under his breath as he tried to hide the fact that he was laughing at his sister. He was, after all, the closest target if she decided to retaliate.
Said 'blonde chick' stopped her theatrics to send a playful glare at Ross, but she couldn't quite hide the way her lips twitched at the edges as she fought a grin. "Oh, shut up, Ross," she said, losing the battle to contain her smile. "You're just as crazy as me, if not more so."
"That's true enough," the seventeen year old agreed, nodding.
"Alright, alright, guys," Riker announced, stepping into the role of leader of R5. "Let's get practice started. The sooner we get this done, the faster we get to go out for lunch – My treat!"
As if by magic, Rocky and Ratliff were no longer on the couch. Instead, the two boys were in position to start, as were the other three members.
Meanwhile, Laura sat back and watched them run through their song set-list, making some adjustments to the sound or discussing lyric changes, all the while smiling and having a good time.
However, she couldn't help the way her eyes would drift away from Riker… And onto Ross.
SP*SP*SP
On the night of the concert, Laura was honestly a little on edge. It had nothing to do with worry about R5's performance – she knew they would rock this concert like all the others – but, rather, the way her and Ross's 'relationship' was shaping these past few days, ever since she came home from New York.
He had promised that their 'sessions' would start up again when he felt he was ready for her to be in his bed once more.
That had yet to happen. This was the longest she'd gone without his touch, and she couldn't decide how she felt about that.
She should be happy, right? Maybe her week away had shown Ross that he didn't have romantic feelings for her, like she'd first tried to convince him of. Maybe he had finally seen the light, and he would now leave her alone and pursue a girl who actually liked him.
Yet, she couldn't help the small pang of disappointment that thought gave her. Why? She was dating the most amazing guy on Earth – in this universe – but she couldn't stop thinking about his younger brother, who practically molested her nightly? How messed up did that make her?
My sanity must be gone, Laura decided, That's the only thing that makes sense, in this situation. During my trip in New York, I somehow misplaced my sanity, and now I'm thinking about Ross – my best friend – in ways that used to repulse me. What happened?
Had he finally succeed? Had Ross finally succeed in breaking her mental stability? It sure seemed like it, if her thoughts were any indication.
The brunette clenched her fists at her sides, blinking hard to mask the frustrated tears that wanted to fall. No. No, it's not like that. He hasn't completely broken me yet – This is just a minor set-back! I'll be back to resisting him completely in a couple of days. The fact that he isn't showing any interest in me is a good thing, darn it! A. Good. Thing.
She was snapped out of her thoughts when movement from the corner of her peripheral vision caught her attention. Turning, she saw that R5 was making their way to the stage, all bouncing with excitement about performing. That night's color scheme was her favorite – blue – but it was mostly because Riker looked amazing in his favorite color.
Yes, keep your thoughts on your actual boyfriend, Marano, she determinedly thought. Smiling at the five, she took careful precautions not to look directly at Ross. "Good luck, you guys, although you don't need it. You're gonna rock!"
"Thanks, babe," Riker said, grinning. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her temple as one arm wrapped around her small waist.
"You're gonna stay and watch us, right?" Rocky inquired, adjusting his guitar strap along his back and shoulder. He grinned charmingly at the petite brunette. "We'll make this show extra special for you, Laura."
Ratliff chimed in, also grinning, "Yeah, especially since you missed our last two concerts."
Laura laughed. "Don't worry, I'm staying. Now, get out there – Your fans are waiting!"
The five bands members created a circle, with Riker still holding his girlfriend close to his side, and stuck their hands into the middle to do their pre-show tradition.
"Ready, set, ROCK!"
With that, they charged excitedly onto the stage, but Riker paused before joining them and the roaring crowd. Instead, he turned to face a confused Laura, and he grinned.
"Kiss for luck?"
She returned his grin. "You don't need it, rock star."
He winked, then left to greet the R5 Family and start the concert they had all been waiting for. He really did love Laura; he couldn't imagine a day when she wasn't in his life, and he couldn't remember a time when he wasn't in love with her. She was his biggest supporter and always encouraged him to do his best. Seriously, how did he get so lucky?
And, one day soon, she'll be by my side forever, he fondly thought, smiling at the bright future ahead of them. He couldn't wait for that day to come, but he would be patient. Laura was worth it.
"Are you guys ready to rock?!" Ross shouted to the audience, grinning ear-to-ear, and catching Riker's attention. The older blonde mentally shook his head – He needed to get his head in the here-and-now, at least for the next hour. "I can't hear you, R5 Family! Are you ready to rock?!"
The answering roar from the crowd got everyone pumped and ready to start their set-list for the evening.
"That's what I'm talking about," Ross praised, chuckling. "Let's do this!"
Cali Girls:
"Drop top, sitting next to Cee-Lo
Pacific coast highway
This happens every day
And our song keeps playing on the radio
Like 20 times a day
Man this is so cray-zay
I see you pretty ladies walking round in high heels in LA
What can I say?
Sexy shades, two piece, the girls are lookin fine today
It's getting hot you see"
From backstage, Laura cheered as she listened to one of her favorite songs. It was upbeat and cheery – exactly what made R5 so popular and likeable. Besides, it always got the home concert-goers (who were mainly female) cheering the loudest, seeing as how the song was practically dedicated to all of them.
"I like them Cali girls
Like the way they move
Love the things they do
Keep me up at night
I like them Cali girls
When they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need
(Cali girls)
Cali girls when they take you out
Make you scream and shout
Keep you up at night"
Discreetly, Ross snuck a glance to where he knew Laura would be standing and watching. He knew she must be questioning his motives by now, but he liked teasing her. Perhaps he wanted her to approach him for once, when it came to their late-night sessions, but he couldn't say for sure. All he knew was that he was going to make her wait before he got her back into his bed.
"I like them Cali girls
Cali girls when they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need
Model girls just hanging out at Venice Beach
The ones in magazines
They're hanging out with me (hanging out with me)
And you know she wasn't lying when she told you (uh-huh)
You know them Cali girls, they really rock my world oh
Short skirts, So hot, lookin right in every way
What can I say?
Sexy shades, two piece, the girls are looking fine to say
It's like this everyday"
As he continued playing bass, Riker let his thoughts wander just the slightest bit. It wasn't enough for the audience to notice, but it was enough to satisfy his craving for imagining a life with just him and Laura. A house to call their own. Maybe a pet or two – the petite brunette did love animals, especially dogs, and he would do anything to make her smile.
Children were a real possibility, too, he thought.
Flushing at that last part, the eldest Lynch sibling tried to keep his emotions hidden from any prying eyes. As it were, he almost strummed the wrong note, so he figured that was reason enough to stop daydreaming, no matter how wonderful it all seemed.
Besides, he and Laura were still young. They had plenty of time to plan out their future.
In the meantime, Riker will just enjoy 'practicing' baby-making with her.
"When you got Cali girls
Like the way they move
Love the things they do
Keep me up at night
I like them Cali girls
When they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need
(Cali girls)
Cali girls let me take you out
Make you scream and shout
Keep you up at night"
Laura felt like jumping up and down as the song continued. She really did love how the catchy lyrics could make a person get up and dance. Music like this always inspired her to write her own songs, but so far she hadn't recorded anything and most were left incomplete, waiting for her to eventually add more lines.
It was okay, though. She wasn't in a rush when it came to her musical career. Right now, she was mostly focused on R5's success, acting, and modeling (sometimes in that order).
Unknown to the brunette, she was distracted from her thoughts when it came to one Ross Lynch. Later on down the road, that would prove to be a slight miscalculation on her part.
But, for now, she could care less about that.
"I like them Cali girls
Cali girls when they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need
I can't get those Cali girls out of my head
I can't get those Cali girls out of my head
I like them Cali Girls
Cali girls
Like the way they move
Love the things they do
Keep me up at night
I like them Cali girls"
As he continued singing and playing his guitar, Ross wondered if Laura knew she was the inspiration behind this song. Technically, she was always Riker's (and secretly Ross's) inspiration when it came to song-writing, but this specific song was practically dedicated to her.
Sure, she wasn't born and raised in California, but neither were the Lynch siblings. However, since they moved to the sunny state, how could they not write something about Laura? At least, that's the way Ross saw it.
I mean, really, what other girl would be stuck in his head? What other girl moved the way Laura did, all enticing with swaying hips? What other girl kept him up at night? And, the biggest hint, what other model would he want to sing about?
The answer: Only Laura Marano.
Now, all Ross had to do was come up with a plan to get the brunette to finally agree to what he wanted. After this past year, he was ready to convince Laura that they belonged together, no matter how that actually came to be.
"Cali girls
When they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need
(Cali girls)
Cali girls let me take you out
Make you scream and shout
Keep you up at night
I like them Cali girls
Cali girls
When they look at me
Not too hard to see
That a Cali girl is what I need"
As the last note rang out through the amps, the crowd went wild, and Riker grinned at them in appreciation. He really did love their fans – they were the best! Glancing around at his band mates, he laughed with them, adrenaline pumping through their veins as the thrill of performing on-stage sang through their bodies.
"Let's keep this party going!" Rocky shouted enthusiastically, which the audience responded positively, if their eager screams and cries were any judge.
Ross rhetorically asked, "Are you guys ready for an awesome night?"
As the crowd went wild again, Riker locked eyes with Laura, who was cheering just as loudly as everyone else, if not more so. He was sure his grin was the widest it had ever been in a while, and he knew his cheeks would be sore later, but he couldn't bring himself to care.
Everyone was having a good time. People loved their songs; loved their performance. His band mates were having a blast, all hyped up and looking ready to rock all night. Riker felt free, like he could conquer any challenge set before him; he never wanted that feeling to end.
But, best of all, his girl was looking at him with such pride in her eyes. She had always known they would be popular; that they would make it as a band, unlike so many others who were just as talented.
He never wanted her to lose that expression she had on, not ever.
Until*Next*Time
Hmm, I wonder what's going on with Laura? ;) All will be revealed in due time!
Remember: No flames! Don't ruin this story for others by saying mean, unnecessary things. Don't like, don't read or review.
~babydoll92