Second Place
So In Love With Two
Disclaimer: Check out chapter 1 – Thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: "I Think About You" by Ross Lynch (Austin and Ally: Turn It Up! soundtrack)
*Laura's outfit for the final scene of Austin & Ally can be found on my profile – check it out!
SP*SP*SP
Riker felt his stomach tighten as he stared at the scene about to be shot. He'd already avoided watching the other kiss scenes, and he told himself he could do this. It wasn't like Ross and Laura were doing anything behind his back; this was work, they were being professional about everything. Sure, they appeared a little closer since filming started, but Riker was honest enough to know he would rather have the situation like that. If they started acting awkward, their friendship would've suffered, and that was the last thing Riker wanted.
"You okay, bro?" Rocky asked, coming up behind him. Riker didn't outwardly react, but his shoulders tensed in surprise. "You know you don't have to watch this, right? Everyone knows how you feel about Laura – how possessive you get."
He ruffled his blonde bangs, agitated and hating it. "But this is Ross, Rocky. I shouldn't feel this way about my own brother, especially when he's also one of Laura's best friends." He released a sigh. "I need to watch this. I need to get over these insecure feelings I have."
He and Laura had been dating for years. They had never gotten into a fight before, not even a small disagreement. Some people considered that unhealthy; too perfect. But it worked for them. He didn't want to fight with her, and he imagined the opposite was true. After all of that, he shouldn't feel insecure about their relationship; about being unable to watch her act with another guy.
But he was human. And a guy. That was basically two strikes against him, in general, so he figured he should try to correct his bad behavior before he did something stupid and lose the one thing that he treasured above all else.
Riker didn't want to end up exploding at Laura. Not over his insecurity that decided she made a convenient target. Not over petty emotions that would normally break other couples up. No, they were stronger than that, and he would manage his roiling feelings better. He had to.
Rocky gave Riker a considering look, but nodded in understanding. "Yeah, okay. I get it, Riker." He patted him on the shoulder. "I'll just grab a chair and watch with you. That cool?" Not waiting for an actual response, the tall brunette left to grab a fold-up chair.
It made Riker chuckle, his nerves relaxing. He knew what his brother was doing – he was making sure to keep Riker grounded while they watched the final scene being shot for the movie. Rocky, in his own way, was giving him moral support (though he shouldn't need it, but it was appreciated).
Shaking his head, the blonde turned his attention onto the set that had been specially made for this particular scene. He could see Ross, who wore a plain red T-shirt, with a grey jacket over it. His pants were equally dark, and his shoes were a red to perfectly match his shirt. Austin's trademark train-whistle necklace was around his neck, and he had an acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder. His hair was neatly made, but Riker saw the way Ross's fingers twitched. It made him smile. It was Ross's way of stopping himself from running his fingers through his hair, thus wrecking the hard work of the stylists.
Something from the corner of his eye had Riker turning to look. His breath caught in his throat. Laura was wearing a floral dress of crimson and navy with a matching belt around her middle that showed off her curves perfectly. The heels she wore were ridiculously dangerous-looking, in his opinion, but he couldn't deny how great they made her legs look. The black clutch she held off-set nicely with the red jeweled bracelet circling her tiny wrist, and the navy studs in her ears brought balance to the entire outfit. She looked stunning.
Riker's thought process was interrupted with Rocky's return, chair in hand. He turned to look at his brother. "She looks great, doesn't she?"
He didn't need to mention whom he was referring to. Rocky glanced in Laura's direction, and he smiled. "She does. You're a very lucky guy, Riker."
A tender smile curved his lips upward. "Yeah, I know," he quietly said. Then, he turned back to watch Ross and Laura film their final scene of the movie, his emotions settled and calm. "I'm really lucky."
SP*SP*SP
"Wow, you look awesome," Ross commented, smiling at Laura. Her cheeks flushed with pleased embarrassment, and he found it adorable. "Compared to me, I look like a slob."
Laura rolled her eyes, a smile in place. Using the hand not carrying her clutch, she straightened his lapel with a gentle tug. "Oh, please, you look like a rock star, which is exactly what you are," she replied.
Kevin Kopelow came up to the pair, smiling. "Okay, you two, are you ready to shoot this scene?" he asked.
"Yes," they answered at the same time.
"Good, good. We're pretty much gonna jump right into it, then. Go stand in your places, please."
Nodding, the two walked onto the elaborate set. For the finale, Austin was going to serenade Ally with a song she'd written after their break up. Having seen it – and realizing she'd never stopped loving him – Austin had taken it, and was now going to use it to win her back.
The ending was going to take place in a club-like room, where Ally was attending a party in Austin's honor. After Dez and Trish had accepted the blonde's apology for basically abandoning them, they had convinced the brunette to see Austin, although she did it reluctantly. This was the moment they get back together and the movie ends. It was critical that everything be perfect.
"Alright," Kevin called out with a megaphone, "We're shooting the final scene. Quiet on set!"
Heath Seifert, the other producer, added, "Ross and Laura – Are you ready?"
In response, they held up a thumbs-up gesture as they got into position. Ross hopped up onto the stage that had been set up for his 'performance', and Laura stood next to Raini and Calum, who both looked amazing in their party clothes.
Kevin once more called out, "Alright, we're filming in three… two… Action!"
Austin smiled nervously as everyone clapped for him. His acoustic guitar was in front of him, his fingers plucking at the strings but making sure they didn't make any noise. "Hey, everyone," he said, speaking into his headset microphone. "I'm Austin Moon, and I'm supposed to be performing a couple of songs for you, but…" His voice trailed off as his chocolate eyes connected with Ally.
Uncomfortable, Ally shifted on her feet and looked away from her ex. Her heart, however, couldn't help but thump erratically in her chest. That shouldn't be happening – She was over Austin, and she didn't want to forgive him for abandoning her and their friends. It didn't matter if Dez and Trish forgave him either; she wasn't ready to.
Austin continued speaking, though his eyes didn't move away from the gorgeous brunette in front of him. "I want to sing this song for this special girl I happen to really love." Ally's head snapped up to look at him, and he smiled boyishly – the smile she'd loved from the moment she'd seen it. "Her name is Ally Dawson. Ally, this is for you."
With that, he began strumming his guitar. His smile grew bigger as her mouth dropped slightly open in shock.
I Think About You:
"Last summer we met.
We started as friends.
I can't tell you how it all happened.
Then autumn it came.
We were never the same.
Those nights, everything felt like magic."
Slowly, he stepped down from the stage, his eyes still locked with hers. Unknown to Ally, Dez and Trish backed away from the couple. Their happy grins also went unnoticed, and the two just wanted their friends to be together.
Austin stood in front of Ally, his eyes imploring her to see his true feelings.
"And I wonder if you miss me too.
If you don't it's the one thing that I wish you knew:
I think about you every morning when I open my eyes.
I think about you every evening when I turn out the lights.
I think about you every moment, every day of my life.
You're on my mind all the time. It's true."
A smile started making its way across her features, and Austin felt his heart skip a beat at the pure adoration he could see warming her doe-like eyes. God, he didn't think he'd ever see such a flicker of emotion within her gaze ever again. It was frightening to think about.
"I think about you, you you, you you
I think about you, you you, you you
Would you know what to say
If I saw you today?
Would you let it all crumble to pieces?
'Cause I know that I should
Forget you if I could.
I can't yet for so many reasons."
Her heart was beating so rapidly she was surprised it hadn't popped out of her chest cavity by now. He appeared so sincere. So earnest. She wanted more than anything to jump into his arms, have him hold her forever.
"I think about you every morning when I open my eyes
I think about you every evening when I turn out the lights
I think about you every moment, every day of my life
You're on my mind all the time. It's true
I think about you, you you, you you.
I think about you, you you, you you."
Carefully, almost hesitantly, he began to circle Ally as he continued to sing and play the guitar. He felt encouraged when she followed his lead, her steps matching his, as she turned to keep their eyes locked.
As they turned full-circle, her smile grew that much bigger until she was grinning cutely in that way he loved. It made his heart soar with love and pure happiness.
He was doing it. He was getting the girl of his dreams back.
And he wasn't letting her go ever again.
"How long 'til I stop pretending
What we have is never ending.
Oh, oh, oh.
If all we are is just a moment,
Don't forget me cause I won't and
I can't help myself.
I think about you. Ooh, ooh.
I think about you. Ooh."
He stopped circling her, standing once more in front of her. His smile was steadily growing as hope blossomed in his gaze. Ally responded with her own adoring expression.
Okay, maybe she was ready to forgive him, after all.
"I think about you every morning when I open my eyes.
I think about you every evening when I turn out the lights.
I think about you every moment, every day of my life.
You're on my mind all the time. It's true."
Austin softened his voice as he sang the last couple of lines, along with his eyes. Throughout the entire song, they had stayed connected, and he wasn't about to break the spell that had been cast over them now.
"I think about you, you, you, you, you.
I think about you, you, you, you, you."
The song ended, and Ally took a step forward. She wanted more than anything to jump into his arms. "Austin…"
The blonde put a finger on her lips, silencing anything she could say. He smiled. "I have something I want to say first," he said. When she nodded in understanding, he continued. "I'm sorry about what happened. I shouldn't have let fame get to my head. I was a jerk, and I don't deserve you, but, Ally, I'm asking for a second chance to be with you. I swear, I won't mess this – us – up ever again."
When he dropped his hand, he moved his guitar out of the way. The brunette couldn't wait anymore, so she dropped her clutch and threw her arms around him. Austin instantly caught her, his arms securely holding her, as he lifted and twirled her around. They laughed breathlessly.
"I forgive you," she said, beaming happily down at the blonde. "Oh, Austin, I forgive you."
He set her down but both kept their arms around the other. The smile that appeared on his face was equal parts relieved and happy. "You have no idea how much I've missed you," he quietly said.
"I have an idea of how much."
"So, we're a couple again? We're official and everything?" he asked, unsure but hopeful.
Ally nodded, tears starting to enter her eyes. "I guess it does," she replied, beaming.
"Awesome. I've been waiting too long for this." Before she could comment, he leaned down and kissed her soundly on the lips. All around the couple, cheers and applause broke out, and smiles appeared on Austin's and Ally's faces. Austin leaned down again to peck Ally on the lips.
In the background, Dez gushed overdramatically as he wiped a few tears from his eyes with a large handkerchief. "This is just like a real romance movie," he sobbed out, blowing his nose obnoxiously loud.
From beside the ginger haired teen, Trish rolled her eyes as she continued clapping for her two friends' reunion.
Then, "And CUT! That was perfect – We got it all in one shot!" Kevin called out, once more using his megaphone. "Great work, everyone!"
SP*SP*SP
Rocky had watched Riker throughout the scene, watching and waiting to see how the older boy would react. As far as he could tell, however, the blonde bassist was cool and levelheaded. A good sign.
"That was a great ending," Riker commented, catching Rocky's full attention. He smiled at the brunette, and Rocky's shoulders relaxed completely at the expression. "This movie is gonna be awesome."
"Yeah," Rocky agreed, "But it's Ross and Laura and Disney. They also have an amazing crew and their cast chemistry is perfect." A grin worked its way across his face. "Was there any doubt?"
Riker chuckled. "No, I guess not."
"Good. Now, go see your girl before they decide to film something else."
He didn't need any more coaxing. He stood from his seat and swiftly made his way onto the set while the producers and director went over the scene they'd just filmed. Laura was picking up her dropped clutch, and Ross was speaking to his two co-stars, Calum and Raini. From the conversation, Riker could tell that Ross was inviting the two to hang out at the Lynch house when they got back to LA.
"Hey, you," Laura greeted, smiling warmly at her boyfriend. "Did you watch the scene?"
"Yeah, it was great," Riker answered, smiling. "This movie is going to be amazing. Do you know when it's going to come out?"
She stepped closer to wrap her arms around his waist, and he breathed in the light perfume that wafted up from her creamy skin. His own arms embraced her and held her close.
"The producers said that if things go as planned, it'll come out next summer," she said, happily smiling. "Of course, they're going to start promoting it a few months in advance, but it's exciting, isn't it?"
"Yeah, babe. Very exciting." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "So, about our trip to Canada…"
Laura pulled back far enough to look him straight in the eye. "You're not cancelling, are you?" she asked, giving him the you-better-not-be stare.
"No, no, nothing like that." He chuckled. "I was just thinking that we should head to Victoria from here, instead of going home only to leave again."
Her head cocked to the side, curious. "What about our passports?"
The smirk that appeared was both sneaky and mischievous. "I packed our passports," he said. Then added, "And I may have already booked the flight, too."
"What about clothes? I suppose you have an answer for that, too," she playfully mocked. Her chocolate eyes were sparkling with amusement and excitement, however.
"I do, in fact," he replied, "I'll buy anything you need."
"Riker…"
He held up a hand to stop her protest. "This is our vacation, Laura. And, on our vacation, I want to buy you everything you want or need. Okay? Let me do that."
By her expression alone, he could tell she was struggling with her inner demons. Laura had always been independent, and she didn't like when people bought her things, especially when she had her own money. But she also knew Riker wouldn't give in and would, in fact, confiscate her wallet and credit cards to get his way.
Finally, after what felt like infinite minutes, Laura nodded, though reluctantly. "Alright," she acquiesced. "Alright. I'll let you buy stuff for me."
"Good." Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips. "Our flight leaves in a couple of days, so everything for the movie should be good to go, right?"
"Right."
SP*SP*SP
Later that night, Laura sat with Ross in one of their hotel's lounge rooms. This one was specially catered to people underage, and offered a wide variety of coffee drinks and tea specials, along with little treats like yummy cookies or croissant sandwiches. Basically, an understated Star Bucks, but the two liked it and it became a hang out spot for them with Raini and Calum.
Currently, however, it was close to midnight and everyone, except the night shift server, was asleep, so the two secret lovers felt safe from prying eyes. Of course, this didn't mean they let their guard down, but they could talk freely about their relationship.
"Can you believe it's over?" Laura softly asked, sipping her tea infused with honey. She never did care for coffee, unlike Calum who drank it like water, but she also didn't want to be bouncing off the walls at this time of night, so tea was a safe option. "It feels like we only started filming yesterday."
Ross was leaning back in his seat lazily but comfortably. He reached one hand out to gently clasp it over one of her hand's slim fingers. They were cold from the AC system, but he didn't seem to care or notice. "It does," he agreed just as quietly. "These last few weeks went by so quickly." A smile spread on his face. "But it means you and Riker get to go on vacation, right?"
A happy glow entered her cheeks and eyes, and the blonde felt his heart melt at the sight. His brother made her so happy, and he knew the feelings were mutual. Nothing and no one could possibly break their bond. Ross would never allow it.
"Yes, it does. Victoria is going to be beautiful this time of year, I just know it."
Ross nodded in agreement. Laura had been so excited about her upcoming trip she'd showed him pictures of Victoria and talked about how wonderful it was going to be. He couldn't blame her; that part of Canada was gorgeous, and it looked like a lot of fun for a couple in love. Perfect for her and Riker.
"So, are you and Riker doing okay?" he asked, curious. It wasn't exactly hard to miss the older blonde's jealousy, so he was curious and a bit cautious. The last thing he needed was someone else suspecting Ross and Laura's relationship, especially Riker. Things would go downhill fast. He was harder to trick than Rocky.
Laura cocked her head to the side, like a puppy. "Of course we're doing okay, Ross," she answered. "Why wouldn't we be?"
"When was the last time you two had sex?" he instead asked. He watched intently as the brunette blushed, but he wasn't trying to embarrass her. It was the opposite, in fact. He needed to know. "Laura, when was the last time you guys were together?"
She took another sip of tea, eyes to the side and far away from him. "Why does it matter?"
"Because, you're his girlfriend and you're sleeping with him – and me." Technically speaking, of course. Ross wasn't ready for that step yet, but it wasn't because he wanted it to be that way.
"Again, why does it matter?"
"Honey, if you're getting satisfied, that means one of us isn't…" he hinted meaningfully. "And, last time I checked, I haven't touched you since that time in the basement." For good reason, too.
Laura finally snapped her gaze up to look at him. Her eyes were wide, and her face paled. "Oh God," she whispered in horror. "We… I – Riker and I…" She swallowed thickly. "Oh God…"
"Laura?"
Quietly, she said, "We haven't been intimate since the day I got my contract signed for the Disney soundtrack…" Of course, there was that other time, before Darren Criss interrupted them, but that didn't count. Nothing actually happened.
Ross flinched. His hand that had remained on hers, however, squeezed gently. "Ah, shit," he muttered. "That's not good."
"Why?" She panicked but kept her voice low. It was a struggle, but she managed. "Do you think he suspects, Ross? Do you think he knows?" The hand holding her tea cup trembled violently. Ross gently pried it away from her and set it down, out of the way.
"No, I don't think so. He would have confronted us."
"Right. You're right…"
"If anything, he probably thinks that things have been a bit hectic lately – which it has been. You've been working practically nonstop since we got back from tour, and this movie added to that load. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, Laura."
Laura breathed a sigh of relief, trying to calm her nerves. Her eyes lost their panicked shine and her hands stopped shaking. "Right. You're right," she repeated, taking another deep breath. "Gosh, I hate being so in love with two…"
Ross smirked boyishly at what she said. "You should make a song out of it," he half-jokingly suggested. "I'm sure it would be awesome."
In response, she squinted her eyes at him, not sure if she wanted to glare or not.
Until*Next*Time
Thank you for reading! Please leave a review at the bottom – it would be much appreciated ;)
The next chapter will include Riker and Laura's vacation together! Who else is excited? (:
~babydoll92
PS: Sorry that I seem to be updating only once a month now XP I don't mean to, but things are still a bit crazy at home, and school is totally kicking my butt. Please be patient, and special thanks to everyone who are still invested in the story~! (: You don't know how much that means to me!