Second Place
West Coast Tour
(Part Three)
Disclaimer: Check out chapter one, it tells you everything you need to know ;) – Thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: "Ready Set Rock" by R5
SP*SP*SP
"R5 was just offered a West Coast Tour!"
Everyone seemed to freeze at the announcement for several minutes, but Rocky broke the stunned silence by jumping up and shouting at the top of his lungs. With that one exclamation, the rest of the occupants also shot to their feet with their own cries of happiness and excitement.
"This is exactly what we've been waiting for," Ratliff said, grinning ear-to-ear. "This is what we've been hoping for – a chance to get R5's name out to the world!"
"And now we have it," Rydel exclaimed, hopping from one foot to the other. "What perfect timing, too. With new covers to sing, dance moves being choreographed, this tour is gonna rock!" With another squeal, she threw her arms around her closet brother – Ryland. "You're the best manager-brother ever, Ry!"
As said Lynch sibling tried to pry his affectionate sister off, Laura beamed at Riker and threw her own arms around him. The only difference was that he hugged her tightly back, grinning.
"This is great, Riker," she bubbled happily. "You guys are going to be awesome, and more people are going to love the band. Your guys' name is going to spread all over!"
"We," he said meaningfully. "We are going to be awesome."
"What do you mean?"
Chuckling, he pulled her closer. "You're coming with us, Laura. Don't think we're just going to leave you at home – heck no! I could barely handle being away from you for a week – How do you expect me to last a few months without you?"
She couldn't help the way her lips curved up at his words. "Really? You want me to come with you guys?" she asked.
"Of course," Rydel cut into their conversation, grinning. "I can't stay with these guys without you as a buffer. And think of all the shopping we could do, Laura! The shopping!" Her chocolate eyes twinkled with adoration at the mere thought.
"Yeah," Rocky added, sending a playful smile at his sister. "We don't wanna be dragged all over the place – we wanna play video games and other manly stuff."
"Being on tour doesn't mean we can slack off," Riker pointed out, becoming the authority-figure of the band. "We'll have to hold rehearsals, practice new songs, write new songs, too. There's a lot of stuff we have to do while on the road."
Ratliff mock-saluted, straightening his posture. "Yes, Captain. Right away, Captain."
Everyone laughed, including Riker, who playfully pushed him in the shoulder. "Don't get smart with me, subordinate," he said, deepening his voice mockingly as he played along. Everyone burst out laughing again.
Calming down, the group retook their seats at the table to discuss what needed to be done and when the tour would take place. Mark and Stormie put in their two-cents, trusting the group to be responsible on their own without adult supervision, but they still set some ground rules for them to follow: Be careful. Don't wander off on their own. Call to check-in every day. Don't eat just junk food (which was pointedly said to Ross and Rocky). Work hard. Make them proud.
The group easily agreed to everything, then started talking about making arrangements for which cities they were going to perform in, which led to hotel reservations (which Ryland said he'd handle) and the possibility of renting an actual tour bus for when they hit the other states.
Don't get them wrong – they had nothing against planes, but renting a tour bus would save on money and travel expenses, especially when they had to perform in a neighboring state. Why take a plane when you can be driven there? Besides, none of them wanted to be weighed down with jet-lag.
When most of the details were worked out, Ryland leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms over his head. "I think we've covered just about everything," he said. "The rest can be handled later tonight, or even tomorrow. You guys aren't leaving for another couple of days – and you still need to pack."
"Aren't you coming with us, Ry?" Ross asked, confused.
He shook his head. "Nah, but I'll fly in when I can. I can schedule things easier from home, and I'll only be a phone call away if you need anything." He smiled. "Maybe I'll come on your guys' next tour."
"You better," Rocky said, lightly punching Ryland in the shoulder. In response, the younger boy chuckled.
Ratliff stood, catching everyone's attention. "I better head home and pack, like Ry said. I have to tell mom about this, not to mention Kelly." He grinned. "I can't wait to see their reactions – they're gonna be so excited!"
"See you later," everyone replied, smiling and waving as the drummer left.
As soon as the front door closed, Rydel latched onto Laura. "Come on, we can help each other pack for the tour," she said, already dragging the shorter girl with her upstairs. The remaining members of R5 could barely make out the brunette's response, but it wasn't like their sister would let her go now.
Instead, they exchanged wary glances. "How much do you wanna bet Rydel is gonna bring her entire closet?" Rocky wagered, smirking in amusement.
"I don't know, Rocky," Ross replied. "If Laura is helping her, there's a chance only a decent amount is going to be taken."
"And I'm sure she'll be convinced to buy more clothes while on the road, if she needs to," Riker added. "I mean, Laura can be pretty persuasive when she wants to be…"
Rocky snickered. "Yeah, because I'm sure Laura needs to 'persuade' you into doing certain things," he teased, a sly smile on his face, and a wriggle of his eyebrows to add emphasis.
With a smirk, the oldest Lynch sibling retorted, "You're just jealous," before following after the girls to start his own packing. They would be gone for a few months, after all. That was a lot of clothes, not to mention essentials that needed to be gathered.
He sighed as he mentally listed everything he would require, along with the things he would need to remind his brothers to pack. Knowing Rocky and Ross, one or both would forget something important, like a cell phone charger or extra underwear. Sure, those could be easily picked up along the way, but that wasn't the point. They shouldn't waste money on something they already had.
Entering his room, he glanced around, wondering where to start. He sighed again.
Rydel had a good idea – he would need to 'borrow' Laura later to help him pack. He didn't know where to begin!
SP*SP*SP
For the next couple of days, everything was a blur for Laura. After helping Rydel pick new outfits to wear during concerts, she had been dragged into helping Riker pack and make a list of supplies they would need while on the road. Thankfully, her boyfriend was considerate enough to help with her own packing afterwards, and Laura was relieved when the day of departure arrived. Everyone had been going stir-crazy with excitement and nerves, including her (and she wasn't even performing!).
But she supposed it had to deal with her Ross situation, too. The blonde seventeen year old had promised that their 'sessions' would start up again, but she had yet to see him deliver on said promise. It was a bit unnerving that he seemed to enjoy making her wait, and trepidation was beginning to gnaw at her insides.
It's not like I want him to grope me, the brunette thought, while double-checking her luggage. I just hate this suspense – it's like a horror movie, where the main female lead can't find the killer in the house and is tip-toeing around.
However, Laura wasn't sure if there was a desperate tone to her mental ramblings. Almost as if she were trying to convince herself that that was how she felt.
Maybe it would just be easier if Ross made a move, thus putting me out of my misery. As soon as the thought completely registered, she shot straight up, her face twisting with a riot of emotions she didn't dare put a name to. I did not just think that!
Thankfully, her thoughts were cut off by a light knocking on her door. In an almost too-gleeful voice filled with relief, she called for the knocker to come in. Her smile dropped when the object of her mental breakdown entered, closing the door behind him.
Ross.
"Hey," he greeted, with the charming smile he was known for. "I was just checking on you. We're about ready to leave for the airport."
Discreetly, Laura glanced at her alarm clock. Ten-fifteen. They were leaving for Canada, their first stop on their West Coast Tour, at ten-thirty, seeing as how their flight didn't take off till after midnight. She swallowed. A lot can happen in fifteen minutes.
"Um, thanks, Ross," she said, hoping her voice was normal. "That was sweet of you to check on me, but I'm almost done. I just have these two suitcases to bring down, but Riker said he'd help." By mentioning his oldest brother, she hoped that would discourage Ross from doing anything. She doubted it, but beggars can't be choosers, and all that.
The blonde smirked, his stance relaxed and loose. He knew what she was trying to do, but he could also see the anxiety in her eyes. His little almost-lover didn't know what to make of his presence, and she clearly was waiting for him to make a move on her.
He'd never gone this long without touching her, at least once, and she was practically sitting on the edge, wondering what he was doing and what his plan was. He had always been curious if she would miss his touch, if he were to suddenly stop their sessions, after almost nightly visits for over a year. By now her body would be used to the stimulation, which could also explain her increased sexuality with Riker, as proven the other night when they had sex in the dining room (and don't get him started on last night, when he caught them going at it in the bathroom).
Well, Ross supposed he got his answer: her emotions were conflicted, like she couldn't decide if she wanted to be in his arms again or if she should be relieved that he didn't appear interested anymore.
Of course, the latter was far from the truth, but that wasn't the real point right now. He wanted to see what would happen during their tour; how she'd cope with him being in close quarters all the time for the next few months.
How she would respond when he finally touched her again, after making her wait even longer than right now.
"It's okay, I can carry the other one," he said, shrugging. "Besides, we've got time…"
Laura fiddled with a button on her blouse. "T-Time for what?"
Instead of answering verbally, Ross crooked a finger at her in a come here gesture. She was disgusted in herself when her feet moved automatically, but she defended her actions, The sooner I get this over with, the better off I'll be.
Really, who was she trying to convince? She honestly couldn't answer, because she wasn't sure anymore, at this precise moment.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist, drawing her near, and Laura breathed in the scent of Ross's cologne. It was a slightly musky aroma with a hint of citrus – manly, but young in the sense that he was a virile teenager. The scent swirled around her, like a cloud of mist, and effectively drowned all her other senses. She felt almost drugged.
A smirk of triumph spread on his face as he watched the brunette's reaction to him. She was pliant enough he was sure he could do whatever he wanted to her. This was the first time she had relaxed so quickly in his embrace, too, and he couldn't wait to see what the upcoming months would promise after tonight.
He checked the time. Ten-nineteen. Still plenty of time before they had to leave for the airport, and Riker wouldn't be coming up yet.
"Wrap your arms around my neck," he instructed. When she readily complied, he felt a certain level of smug satisfaction. "Good." With that, he leaned down and hungrily claimed her lips with his.
Eagerly, almost desperately, she responded, pressing her body closer to his taller frame. Her arms tightened, like she was afraid he would change his mind and stop what they were doing. Again, Ross felt a certain level of satisfaction.
With one hand, he slowly trailed it up her body until he could cup her delicate chin and jaw. He loved the way she shivered, knowing what he had planned next. Using his thumb and pointer finger, he put enough pressure on her jaw to force her mouth open but not enough to actually hurt her or leave a mark. In an instant, his tongue swept in to coax hers into playing, her sweet taste exploding along his senses. He'd never get tired of that; of her.
For the next few minutes, the quiet of the bedroom was only interrupted with the sounds of wet sucking and muffled feminine mewls of pleasure as the occupants continued to kiss. At one point, Ross had turned Laura around to leave a light hickey on the nape of her neck; a mark of his ownership, almost. Then, they were back to devouring each other's mouths.
Laura, in a startling moment of clarity, jerked back and out of Ross's arms. Panting, cheeks lightly flushed pink, she took several steps away from the blonde to create not just physical distance but also mental. She couldn't seem to stop the way her body shook, but she refused to study the emotion behind it.
"We-We should head down now," she shakily said, not meeting the chocolate eyes she knew were staring at her. "Everyone must be wondering what's taking so long."
As if to prove her words, someone knocked on her door. It made the brunette jump with a small squeak, but Ross acted as though the kiss had never happened, despite Laura's strawberry lip gloss smeared on his mouth.
"Laura? Ross?" Riker's voice called through the wooden barrier. "We're leaving soon, and we still need Laura's suitcases. Are you guys ready?"
Licking his lips to clean the evidence of what they'd been doing, Ross let his brother into the room with a happy smile that spoke of nothing but innocence. "Hey, Riker," he greeted. "Laura is just about done. I'll help you carry her things down."
"Thanks, man," the older boy replied, grinning. Turning to look at his girlfriend, he gave her a curious look. "Babe? You ready to go?"
While Laura did her best to answer while still a little flustered, Ross leaned down to grab one of her suitcases. It was surprisingly light (compared to Rydel's, anyway), but he supposed that made sense. No doubt the brunette would want to buy things, like souvenirs, during the tour and she would need a place to store them if she couldn't ship it.
Exiting the room without another word, he let a smirk appear on his handsome features. If what just happened in her bedroom was any indication, he was confident that Laura wouldn't deny him anything by the time he decided to have another session with her.
And there would be another one – There was no way he would stop. The West Coast Tour may make things a little more challenging, but not impossible.
If anything, Ross thought, it just added to the excitement, and he couldn't wait to see how his relationship with Laura would progress from here.
SP*SP*SP
With one plane ride and several hours behind them, Laura and Riker carried their luggage off the trolley to return to the bellhop who assisted them. Giving him a tip and sending him on his way, the blonde closed the door but not before placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the handle. R5 wouldn't be performing until that night, so he planned on taking a nap to work off the jet-lag.
Laura organized their suitcases to deal with later. "I'm beat," she said, sighing. "Our flight felt longer than necessary."
Her boyfriend nodded in agreement. Walking over to the window, he pulled the curtains aside to let the sunshine in. He smiled. "Well, at least the view of Toronto is nice. Ryland picked a great hotel, and the place we'll be performing in is a short car ride over."
"Mm, beautiful," she agreed, smiling at the outside scenery. "Hey, if we get up in time, we should walk around. I've never been anywhere in Canada before."
Riker pressed a kiss to her forehead, a fond expression on his face. "Yeah, okay, let's do that. We'll see what everyone else is doing, too. I'm sure Rydel wants to check out the shops." At the last, he playfully rolled his eyes.
"Cool," she beamed. "In the meantime, let's catch up on some sleep. I want a lot of energy for tonight's concert." Her doe-like orbs began to sparkle at the mere thought. "I still can't believe how far R5 has come in such a short amount of time – I'm so pumped!"
"I know. Me too," he chuckled. He was still a little stunned that they were on their first tour, but happy all the same. He also knew the rest of the band felt the same way; their expressions said everything. "Now, come on, before we both collapse on the floor and sleep there."
Laura snickered. "Well, the carpet does look pretty comfortable," she teased. "But the king-sized bed looks even better."
"At this point," he replied, "it looks like a cloud in heaven." Grasping her hand in his, he led them over to said 'cloud' and let his body fall across the soft surface of the mattress and silk-like covers, dragging his petite girl down with him.
Both erupted in quiet laughter, but soon cuddled and fell asleep. It didn't matter if they were fully clothed, shoes included, or that they were lying in bed wrong. What mattered was that they were here, in Toronto, to have their first R5 concert on their first tour.
What mattered the most was that they were together.
SP*SP*SP
They managed to get everyone involved when they walked around Toronto, and Rydel – being her typical energetic and bubbly self – dragged Laura into a couple of stores to buy something in the window that caught the former's eye. The brunette didn't mind – she got a cute skirt and dress out of the impromptu shopping spree, so she was content.
Now, the group was at the place that would be holding their first official concert of the West Coast Tour. The crowd was rumbling with excitement, and the band members were jumpy with nerves and anticipation. Laura couldn't say she blamed them – she'd be a total basket-case if she were in their shoes.
However, her thoughts weren't solely on R5. No, they were on the back-burner, so to speak.
She couldn't stop thinking about the kiss she had shared with Ross, back in LA.
All day she expected him to do something to acknowledge what he did, like a brush of his hand here, maybe a light, innocent touch there. But, there was nothing. He acted as though everything was normal, all smiles and boyish charm that came to him naturally.
Laura supposed she shouldn't be surprised. Ross had never done anything during daylight hours to expose what he does to her at night, but this was getting ridiculous. Before her trip to New York, he was all over her, like an eager puppy wanting their master's attention. Now…
Now, she barely got anything! It was frustrating, she concluded, not being able to read what mood he was in; what he was scheming under that blonde mop of hair. She just didn't know if she should avoid being alone with him any time of the day, or just avoid him in general.
Okay, so maybe I can't figure out what game he's playing, but that doesn't mean I have to sit here and take it, she semi-angrily thought, lips pursed. It's almost like he's… Waiting for something? But waiting for what?
She supposed that that was the million dollar question. That, and: What the heck was up with my reaction to the kiss earlier? That wasn't like me, at all.
Movement out of the corner of her eye stopped her mental ramblings, and Laura smiled when she saw Riker. He was dressed in his green concert outfit, which meant Rocky got to choose that night's color scheme.
"Hey, you," she softly greeted, banishing her thoughts about Ross to the back of her mind. Sadly, she knew they would crop up again, probably as soon as Riker walked away. "Are you ready for your guys' first International show?"
He smiled, albeit nervously. "As ready as I'll ever be," he answered. "I don't know why I'm nervous, though. I mean, I play a character on Glee, so this should be just another performance for me."
Reassuringly, she wrapped her slim arms around his waist. "I'm pretty sure it just means R5 means more to you, which is understandable. You guys have worked so hard for this opportunity to get your name out there." She grinned. "And, by the sounds of the audience, you guys did a heck of a job, too. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks, babe." Bringing her closer, he hugged her tightly. "I don't know what I would do without you, you know," he mumbled next to her ear, which caused her to giggle quietly.
"Oh, stop it," she modestly replied, "You would have done all this, even without me. You're that amazing, Riker – don't ever doubt yourself."
He chuckled. He loved that Laura was always complimenting people – it was refreshing, especially when you needed a little pick-me-up. "Either way, I'm glad you're my girlfriend. I love you."
"I love you, too."
They shared a kiss before Riker had to join the rest of R5 for their pre-show tradition. Then, they all ran out on stage to greet a roaring crowd, waving and grinning ear-to-ear; their earlier nerves seemingly vanishing into thin air.
SP*SP*SP
"What's up, Toronto!" Rocky exclaimed in his microphone, grinning when the crowd went wild. "Are you guys ready to rock?"
Ross chuckled as the audience all shouted their response. He grabbed his own microphone, bringing it closer to his mouth. "I don't know, Rocky. They don't sound quite ready yet," he teased.
"Should we come back in a few minutes?" Ratliff chimed in, grinning from behind his drum set.
In response, the crowd positively exploded with noise. It made the three boys laugh, Rocky and Ross playfully backing up a couple of steps to cover their ears.
"Yeah, that will show'em for doubting you guys," Riker laughed with the audience, adjusting his bass guitar across his shoulder. "Right, Rydel?"
The pretty blonde nodded, laughing at her other brothers and friend. "Oh, definitely," she agreed. "Now, let's get this concert rockin'!"
With another laugh, the three band members got into position and started their first song of the night.
Ready Set Rock:
"R5
Fog lights out of sight
High tops lace it up converse chucks tight
Spikes up
Gloves cut strapped up
Sharp stuff don't touch so hot we're burning up
Spotlight
This is our time
Gonna shine so bright I'm gonna live my life
So tough
This rocks so rough can't be crushed cuz I stay focused
Ready ready or not [3x]"
From backstage, Laura clapped and jumped lightly where she stood, watching her favorite band (though she might be a little biased, considering) perform their first concert on their very first tour. She couldn't help but think that tonight's show was a little more special because of that, but she knew the others thought the same thing.
She had meant what she said earlier: she was proud of Riker, and the rest of R5. They really had come a long way; struggled to be different from other bands, worked hard to create their own sound, and look where that got them: A West Coast Tour.
Laura knew she couldn't be any more proud of them than in that moment.
"Ready set rock
Show em what we got
Taking it all the way to the top
Ready set rock
Just can't stop
Going into earthquake aftershock
Ready set rock
Don't stop till you rock the spotlight up
The sky high can you take the limelight?
Strobe lights slow-mo vibe in overdrive
Sure the crowd tide scream-o ride on amplify"
Riker grinned as he continued to play and sing, his eyes traveling to where he knew his girlfriend stood every so often, knowing she was cheering the loudest and singing along with them. He wished she would come out on stage with them, but knew she wouldn't – not without a lot of coaxing, anyway.
Laura had always been modest and kind. Although she wanted to be more involved with the acting community and possibly a singer/song writer, she settled for modeling jobs, because she was good at them and it helped get her image out there. However, modeling meant she was in the spotlight (literally and figuratively) all the time, and didn't want that getting in the way of their concerts.
Earlier that day had been a good example, the blonde supposed. Her pictures from the New York photo shoot had been plastered all over Toronto, especially in the clothing stores. She'd been recognized and asked to sign a few autographs, but no one seemed to really know who R5 were.
Despite that, Riker was determined to get her out here with them, eventually. The other members wanted the same thing, even if it meant only one song, but convincing the brunette was the real battle.
It was okay, though. He liked a challenge, and he would get his way before the tour was over.
"Tongue tied when you look in my eyes
Don't blink if you think that I might bite bite
So sweet metal beat the speaker cries
Rock won't get caught cuz we never hide
Ready ready or not [3x]
Ready set rock
Show em what we got
Taking it all the way to the top
Ready set rock
Just can't stop
Going into earthquake aftershock
Ready set rock"
As the last note rang through the air, the crowd erupted into loud cheers and happy squeals. R5 laughed at their reactions, but carried right into the next song, wanting to keep the energy levels high.
This was, after all, their first concert on their first tour – it had to be awesome and something memorable.
Because they knew they would always remember tonight.
Until*Next*Time
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Thank you for reading!
~babydoll92