Second Place
A Soundtrack Is Born
(Part One)
Disclaimer: I do not own anything recognizable but you knew that from chapter 1 – Thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: "Better Together" and "Can't Do It Without You" by Ross Lynch (Austin & Ally soundtrack); "Don't Look Down" by Ross Lynch & Laura Marano
SP*SP*SP
Since the night Rocky caught Ross and Laura staring at each other lovingly, he'd become suspicious of the two's actual involvement. So, to cement the evidence, the tall brunette decided that a little investigation was in order. A little role playing of a spy, if you will, and he thought he'd done a great job.
But things just weren't adding up.
Of course, he should be thrilled about that. It meant Ross and Laura weren't going behind Riker's back, and that everything was okay and perfectly fine. However, his mind wouldn't listen to what his eyes and other senses clearly showed him.
Ross and Laura were friends; best friends, in fact. When they went out for lunch, Rocky had discreetly followed them and spied. Maybe it wasn't ethical, but no one could blame him for being paranoid. Nothing was out of the ordinary and no one gave them a second glance (unless they were Raura shippers, which made sense). They treated each other like they always did at the house.
He watched what they did, which was have a comfortable lunch at a favorite restaurant and then do a little shopping. Birthdays and other celebrations were coming up, and obviously neither wanted to ruin the surprise for whoever they were buying things for (namely Rydel, seeing as how her birthday was in August), so it, again, made sense to Rocky (and also reminded him that he needed to do a little shopping himself).
Then, when they headed home, it was the same thing. They didn't give any indication that they felt romantic tendencies towards the other. For Rocky, it was a bit frustrating but also relieving. He figured he couldn't just rely on Ross's word anymore – he needed to see these things himself. He needed solid proof.
Rocky rubbed his forehead, silently standing in the shadows as he watched Ross and Laura rehearse for their upcoming movie in the backyard. He was supposed to be telling them dinner was ready, but he couldn't help but spy to see if they would slip up and reveal anything incriminating. He didn't want that to be the case, but he also didn't want things to be kept from Riker. Not something this important.
The tall brunette watched as Laura laughed at something Ross said. Her facial expressions had always been like an open book; the way her smile radiated warmth; how her eyes sparkled when she was happy. Rocky was used to seeing those kinds of expressions when she was surrounded by people she cared about, and something in his chest eased.
Was he a complete idiot for thinking she would cheat on Riker? He was positive he was. The way she looked at Riker had always been different than the emotions she displayed around Ross or anyone else for that matter. Rocky couldn't exactly explain it; it was just more. More warmth. More happiness. More love.
Laura lightly pushed Ross in the shoulder. "Oh gosh, we're gonna need to rehearse this a lot before I can take you seriously as Austin," she commented, on the verge of laughing again. "That was just cheesy – even for you!"
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Ross popped back, pouting at the petite brunette. "Besides, I'm not the one who wrote these lines. You can't hold me accountable for them."
"If you got the part, it means you fit the role." She stuck her tongue out. "The shoe fits, my friend. The shoe fits."
Ross rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Whatever." Then, catching sight of his brother, he smiled. "Hey, Rocky, what's up?"
His voice didn't have any inflection. His eyes were steady and free of any type of guilt. His smile was genuine and as charming as always.
And Rocky felt like an idiot for thinking those two could be deceitful to the people they cared about. That they could go behind Riker's back and lie about having romantic feelings for each other. It was obvious they were only friends. That they had nothing to hide.
It must have been the trick of the light, Rocky silently concluded, feeling the last weight on his shoulders disappear as relief crashed over him. I was tired last night, too. That would explain everything.
Smiling out of outward relief more than anything, the tall brunette gestured with his hand for them to come inside. "I didn't want to disturb your guys' rehearsal. Dinner's ready," he said.
"Thanks, Rocky," Laura said, smiling kindly. Flipping her script closed, she quickly made her way passed the two boys to enter the house. "I'm gonna look for Riker. Hurry up, you two!" With that, she disappeared to look for her beloved boyfriend.
Ross, however, stayed where he was, gazing at his older brother in concern. "You okay, bro?" he asked. "You almost look like you want to jump up and down, screaming in relief about something." He paused. "Unless it's just to thank God that you get to eat, which would explain everything?"
"Shut up," the other teen retorted without actual heat. "And nothing's wrong. Everything just became clear to me, that's all." He flipped his bangs out of his face. "In fact, I think I'm going to sleep early tonight. Lack of sleep messes with the mind, you know?"
His face screwed up, Ross stared at Rocky weirdly, like he'd never seen him before. "Yeah, okay," he slowly said, "Whatever you say. Anyway, I'm starving, so let's head inside."
As Rocky turned around to do just that, he didn't see the way his brother's expression shifted into a mischievous one. And he didn't see the way Ross's chocolate eyes flashed with a knowing look.
You didn't really think I would be dumb enough to get caught, now, did you, Rocky? I knew you were watching us the moment you started following us earlier.
Well, it didn't matter anymore. Rocky didn't suspect anything, neither did anyone else, and that's exactly how Ross liked it.
SP*SP*SP
"Alright, let's take it from the top," Will, the music producer, said, using his microphone attached to the soundboard to talk to Ross, who stood in the recording booth. Beside Will, patiently waiting and watching, Laura was fascinated as she got to witness how music was made behind-the-scenes. "This will be the last recording before we take a break. Sound cool?"
Ross gave a thumbs-up signal. "Sounds cool," he replied, smiling. "I'm ready when you are, Will."
As the music started to fill his ears, his body rocked back and forth to the rhythm. Taking a small step closer to the microphone that would catch his voice, he started to sing.
Better Together:
"Uh-huh oh oh, Uh-huh oh oh oh
Sometimes, I get in my own way
I need someone to say
"Hey, what are you thinking?"
Your words, they're always just in time
Just like a perfect rhyme
Like, you're not even trying
Like pieces of a puzzle
Without each other,
We're in trouble, trouble"
Despite hearing this song multiple times, from her seat, Laura couldn't help but bop her head to the beat and Ross's voice. The song was one the writers of Disney had written for the movie, but that didn't stop her from recognizing how awesome it was. By her blonde companion's expression as he sang, she could tell he felt the same way.
What Laura wouldn't give to be able to co-write a song with someone from Disney – She was sure it would sound amazing.
"Hey, I will always stay
By your side forever
'Cause we're better together
Hey, there's no other way
We'll make it through whatever
'Cause we're better together"
Ross waved at the brunette, grinning when she waved back with a beaming look on her beautiful features. He loved seeing her smile, especially if it was aimed at him. There was just something wonderful about seeing that happy sparkle in her eyes as she gazed at him. He never wanted her to stop looking at him that way, ever.
Rocking his body side-to-side as the music thrummed through his body, he couldn't help but think about the song he was recording. It could go two ways, in his opinion; it was a good song to highlight the importance of friendship (like it was intended for), but it could also be considered an almost romantic song. He liked it.
"Like the waves need the sand to crash on
Like the sun needs a world to shine on
You're the bright side of every day
Me without you just isn't the same"
The lyrics spoke to him in ways he couldn't explain. It was the basic truth about how he felt about the petite young woman looking at him with stars in her eyes. He didn't know where he would be if she wasn't in his life, like he was sure Riker felt. Laura was always encouraging them to chase their dreams; was always supportive of what they did, and wanted nothing but the best for them.
Hell, she helped them get R5's name out into the world in various ways. She always talked about the band when interviewed and to anyone who would listen. And she promoted their name during the charity fashion show, when she needed them to perform live for her.
Ross honestly didn't think there would be a 'him' without 'her'. It just wouldn't be the same.
"Hey, I will always stay (stay)
By your side forever (ever)
'Cause we're better together
Hey, there's no other way
We'll make it through whatever
We're better together
Uh-huh oh oh, Uh-huh oh oh oh"
As the song came to an end, their eyes were locked meaningfully. Neither heard how Will praised Ross for his singing, but their moment was broken when the door to the studio opened. Ross took off the headphones as the rest of R5 walked in, Ryland and Mark bringing up the rear.
Laura turned around, smiling like their moment hadn't happened. "Hey, guys," she greeted cheerfully. "You just missed Ross's performance. It was great!"
"That's okay," Riker replied, kissing his girlfriend on the forehead. "We'll be here with you two for the rest of the day." He threw an inquiring glance at Will, who also turned to look at them. "If that's okay with you, Will?" Earlier, everyone had gotten the chance to become better acquainted with the music producer but still didn't want to impose.
Will smiled. "No problem," he assured. "Besides, at the rate everything is going, you guys will be out of here in no time."
Ross joined the others. "How many more songs are we scheduled to record today?" he asked.
"By the sounds of things, we won't have to mess with Better Together too much. Before that, we recorded Double Take, the song Austin is supposed to perform to become an overnight Internet sensation. And, of course, there was Heart Beat, so we should be a little ahead actually."
"Awesome." Ross smiled.
The music producer took out an MP3 player from one of his pockets. He handed it to the blonde singer. "Here, this has the next couple of songs we're planning to record. Listen to them so you know how it's supposed to sound, then we'll record when you come back."
He flipped the little device in his hand, nodding. "Cool. If they're anything like the other songs, they're gonna be awesome."
"Well, I heard that there might be a duet on there," Will hinted, smiling secretively. "If you're interested, that is…"
"Dude, don't play games with me," Ross said in a mock-serious tone. "Do Laura and I get to sing a duet or not?" From the corner of his eye, he could see said brunette leaning closer in anticipation.
The older man chuckled, but nodded. "Yes, you guys get to sing a duet."
Rydel squealed the loudest out of everyone's exclamations of joy. "This is so amazing," the bubbly blonde said, jumping up and down lightly. "I'm so glad we get to stick around to hear it here, first!"
"This is gonna rock," Riker commented, grinning.
Rocky nodded. "Totally epic!"
As voices buzzed around them, Ross and Laura exchanged happy glances. From past experience, they knew their voices blended perfectly, but this would be the first time they would be singing an original duet, not a cover of a different artist. They couldn't wait to see how it sounded.
SP*SP*SP
After taking an hour-long lunch break, Ross and Laura, as well as the rest of R5, Ryland, and Mark, were back in the studio with Will. As instructed, Ross had listened to the songs on the MP3 player, and he was excited about getting started once more. He'd also found the duet he would be singing with Laura, so had shared a set of earphones with her so she could hear it, too.
"Okay," Will said, absently setting the controls on his soundboard as he talked, "We'll start with the theme song for the movie. We'll record it a few times to make sure everything sounds good, then move on to the duet. After that, I'll stop torturing your vocal chords." He sent a teasing grin at Ross in particular. "Sound good?"
Ross nodded, rubbing his hands eagerly. "Sounds awesome," he replied. Walking into the sound booth, he placed his headphones half-on, half-off over his ears. "I'm ready when you are, Will."
As music filled his ears, the blonde lightly bopped his head to memorize the rhythm. Leaning forward, he opened his mouth to sing when his cue came up.
Can't Do It Without You:
"When the crowd wants more
I bring on the thunder
'Cause you got my back
And I'm not going under
You're my point
You're my guard
You're the perfect chord
And I see our names together on every billboard"
From the other side of the glass, Laura tapped her fingers against her thigh in time with the beat. A smile worked its way across her face, and she couldn't help how her body lightly swayed where she sat next to Riker.
"We're headed for the top
We got 'em on lock
We'll make 'em say "Hey!"
'Cause there's no stopping us
When we hit the same but different
We're never gonna quit
And we'll keep rocking!
There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you
It's no fun when you're doing it solo
With you it's like whoa
Yeah and I know
I, own this dream
Cause I've got you with me
There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you"
Ross closed his eyes as he continued to feel the music through his body, his soul. He'd known the movie would be awesome; the music alone was going to be a big draw. But what he really anticipated was recording the duet.
"You got the skills
And I'm bringing the fire,
You're the fuel to my rocket
And it's taking us higer
Yeah we got my flow
And we're blowin' it UP
All our fans are gonna scream!
'Cause they can't get enough
We're headed for the top
We got 'em on lock
We'll make 'em say "Hey!"
'Cause there's no stopping us
When we hit the same but different
Were never gonna quit
And we'll keep rockin', oh!"
Riker grinned as he listened to his little brother sing. He was so proud of him in that moment – words would never be able to justify what he felt. He also felt guilty about doubting Ross's feelings, as well as Laura's. Riker honestly didn't know why, for a second, he didn't trust them to film this movie together.
Obviously the two were nothing but professional. Besides, they would never hurt Riker by going behind his back. He was ashamed that he worried, even for a second. The blonde bassist could clearly see that Ross and Laura were interested in work, not falling for each other, now that he was seeing them in action.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Riker went back to just enjoying watching his younger brother and girlfriend do what they love: make music.
"There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you
It's no fun when you're doing it solo
With you it's like whoa
Yeah and I know
I, own this dream
'Cause I've got you with me
There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you"
Laura grabbed Riker's hand, entwining their fingers. She smiled at him when he glanced in her direction. She could read him like a book, especially in moments like these. That night he found her by the pool, she'd known he was jealous and worried about her working so closely with Ross. He just hadn't wanted to say anything. In fact, he was able to resolve his inner issues without uttering a word.
But that didn't mean she couldn't comfort him in small ways, like now. She loved him – had always loved him. She would do anything to convince him of that, no matter what.
"(Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!)
I keep on rockin' with you
(Oh! Oh! Oh!)
And there's no stoppin us
(Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!)
I keep on rockin' with you
Ke-keep on rockin'
I, will keep on rockin!
There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you
It's no fun when you're doing it solo
With you it's like whoa
Yeah and I know
I, own this dream
'Cause I've got you with me
There's no way I can make it without you
Do it without you
Be here without you!"
Ross saw the way Laura and Riker stared at each other lovingly. It made him smile. Yes, he was doing something despicable by stealing his brother's girl (no matter the circumstances), but it wasn't like he could fully let Laura go. Not after everything they'd been through – Not after everything had finally started to fall into place.
No, this relationship wasn't normal. It was the furthest thing from the definition. But he didn't want to stop. Ross was willing to do whatever it took to keep things the way they were.
"Waaoh
Be here without you
Waaoohoh
Be here without you - out you - out you
Be here without you - out you - out you!"
The song came to an end, and Ross's mind whirled with his thoughts. His gaze drifted until they landed on Rocky.
The tall brunette may have given up his suspicions about Ross and Laura, but that didn't mean anything to the blonde teenager. Hell no. If it happened once before, Ross was sure Rocky would grow suspicious again. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not for a few years; a decade. It didn't change anything.
Ross was going to have to do something about Rocky. Thankfully, a plan was already forming.
SP*SP*SP
After Ross recorded the Austin & Ally theme song a couple more times, he took a short break before he and Laura entered the sound booth. By the time they could leave, it would be around dinner time, so everyone was a little jumpy about leaving, but for different reasons.
Mark had promised Stormie that he wouldn't let the kids overwork themselves, but he also needed to get Ryland and Rydel home in time to help his wife with dinner preparations. The last thing the Lynch patriarch wanted to deal with was a displeased wife – no one won when that happened.
Riker and Rocky wanted to work on the songs for Austin & Ally they were contracted in to writing and, maybe, performing. After watching Ross record music, they felt inspired about what type of song they were slowly but surely creating. Of course, the two would need input from Ross (and, most likely, Laura), and Ratliff liked helping when he could.
"Okay, you two ready?" Will asked, using the microphone attached to the soundboard.
Laura had the headphones completely covering her ears, and she grinned adorably. She had to share a microphone with Ross, but neither seemed to care so no one said anything.
Giving a thumbs-up gesture, she chirped, "Yup, we're ready!"
Don't Look Down:
Ross:
"Yeah, whoa
I'm walking on a thin line
And my hands are tied
Got nowhere to hide
I'm standing at a crossroads
Don't know where to go
Feeling so exposed"
Laura smiled as she took a small step forward. Her shoulder lightly brushed against Ross, but the blonde didn't move away from the contact. It made her smile widen a little.
Laura:
"Yeah I'm caught
In between
Where I'm going and where I've been
But no,
There's no turning back
Yeah!"
Both:
"It's like I'm balanced on the edge,
It's like I'm hanging by a thread,
But I'm still gonna push ahead
So I tell myself
Yeah, I tell myself
Don't look down, down, down, down
Don't look down, down, down, down
Don't look down, down, down, down
Don't look down, down, down, down"
Rydel shook Riker's shoulder excitedly, seeing as how he was the closest to her. She silently squealed as she listened to Ross and Laura sing in harmony. If she wasn't careful, she'll end up jumping up and down on the couch she was seated on.
"They sound great together," she whispered to her older brother, lightly shaking his shoulder again to add emphasis. "Don't you think so, Riker?"
Riker nodded, stunned by how well their voices actually meshed. They sounded incredible. He wished he'd known sooner. "This actually gives me an idea…" he muttered under his breath, not even realizing he'd spoken out loud.
His sister just ignored him and went back to silently squealing over the song.
Ross:
"It'd be so easy
Just to run
It'd be so easy
To just give up"
Laura:
"But I'm not that girl who gonna turn my back
There's no turning back"
Both:
"No turning back"
Riker nudged Rocky with his elbow to get his attention. The brunette tore his eyes away from Ross and Laura to give his brother a curious look.
The blonde grinned. "I have an idea for a song to write for the movie," was all he quietly said. His chocolate eyes sparkled with an almost mischievous light.
In response, Rocky grinned back.
Meanwhile, Laura softened her voice as she sang her next line. It sent shivers of pleasure down Ross's spine, but he didn't let it affect him outwardly, not with everyone's eyes on them.
Laura:
"It's like I'm balanced on the edge"
Ross:
"It's like I'm hanging by a thread"
Laura:
"But I'm still gonna push ahead
So I tell myself
Yeah I tell myself"
Preparing the big finish for the song, Will adjusted some of the settings on the soundboard to make sure nothing screwed up the two's voices as it was caught by the microphone. The duo was seriously talented. He wanted to do everything right the first time. There was no way he was screwing up their recordings, especially not this one.
Both:
"Don't look down, down, down, down
([Laura:] Doooowwwn!)
Don't look down, down, down, down
Don't look down, down, down, down
([Ross:] Don't look down! Don't look down!)
Don't look down, down, down, down!"
Ross and Laura exchanged grins as they removed their headphones. Out of sheer happiness, they hugged each other excitedly over doing an amazing job.
"Oh man, that was so awesome," Ross exclaimed, pulling back to stare down at Laura. The biggest grin she'd ever seen was plastered on his face, but she was sure her expression wasn't any better.
Will's voice was suddenly heard throughout the sound booth, catching their attention. "That was great, guys," he praised, grinning. "Now, let's run through it a couple more times, and call it a day."
"Okay" the two replied, waving to show they understood. Practically bouncing where they stood, they placed their headphones back on as they waited for the music to start once more. They could already tell that this would be one of their favorite songs on the soundtrack, and they weren't even done recording the album.
No, things were just getting started for them.
Until*Next*Time
Please review at the bottom, and let me know what you thought! Thank you for reading ;)
~babydoll92
*Sequel Information: I got a lot of great feedback about whether or not to make one, so when this story ends expect a sequel! (: Yay, I'm so excited haha Thank you to everyone who requested one! You rock! (:
Also: a reviewer pointed out that some song lyrics were wrong in the previous chapter - Thanks for that! I honestly forgot to fix them before posting it :P