Second Place

It Won't Be Long

Disclaimer: Check out chapter one, please – Thank you!

Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker

Author's Note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I was really happy to see so many (: I hope you enjoy the chapter!

SP*SP*SP

After giving Laura more assurances about her situation with Riker, Ross walked the brunette back to her hotel room (where Riker was most likely sleeping) and retired to his own room. He hadn't wanted to worry her but, at the same time, he needed to make sure she understood how to balance dating Riker and secretly dating Ross.

Before, she had an easy time because she'd been reluctant. Now, she openly admitted to being in love with both guys, so that meant her feelings were being pulled into two different directions. If her affections started leaning away from Riker, the older blonde might start suspecting something or, even worse, think she was going to break up with him. All in all, Ross would need to step in to make sure Laura was balancing her affection – and attention – between them. It was the only way to make sure everything stayed the way it was now.

And, on that note… Ross dug his iPhone out of his pocket. There is something I need to take care of before it gets out of hand again. Scrolling through his contact list, he found the number he was looking for and hit the 'call' button.

"Hello?" a familiar, accented voice answered on the third ring. "Ross? Is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me. Been a while, hasn't it?"

A laugh escaped the person on the other side. "A while? I suppose so. What can I do for you? How's Laura?"

Ross glanced out the window, not really seeing the total blackness of the late hour. "She's fine. We just finished this movie project together, so she's happy." Pausing for a second, he then added, "Anyway, the reason I called this late…"

"Yes?"

"I was wondering," he said again, "Are you dating anyone, Maia?"

There was a stunned silence on the Australian actress's side. "Uh, no," she answered, sounding unsure about where the conversation was going. "No, I'm not dating anyone, Ross. Why?"

The last came out as more cautious than anything. Ross smirked in amusement. If anyone could have figured out how he felt about Laura, Maia would be the one – which she had, from the first moment she'd laid witness to his interaction with Laura. The Australian actress was very perceptive, though she tended to stay out of sticky situations. It wasn't her style to butt heads with anyone, let alone close friends.

"Since the movie is done being filmed, and Laura will be away with Riker for a while, I was hoping you could hang out?" The smirk on his face grew devious. "I have this idea, and I think you're going to like it…"

SP*SP*SP

The trip to Canada was, for the most part, uneventful, and Riker and Laura only had to deal with a few mobs of fans before they exited the airport to their rented car. It could have been worse, so the couple took it as a blessing that they weren't still stuck inside.

"We haven't been gone from Canada for a while, but it feels like forever," Laura commented, smiling at Riker.

The blonde bassist placed their suitcases in the trunk. "Yeah, but we're going to Victoria this time," he said. "And it's just us two. It'll be a completely different experience."

"But no less fun."

He grinned. "But no less fun," he agreed. Slamming the trunk lid closed, he leaned against it as he brought the brunette closer to stand between his legs. He used one hand to brush her bangs out of her gorgeous doe eyes. "I'm glad we're doing this – going on vacation together."

"Me too," she softly said, beaming. "Now, come on, I want to get started."

Riker chuckled, but nodded. "Right. Let's go." Grabbing her hand, he led her to the passenger's side door. Opening it, he mock-grandly bowed to her. "Mi'lady."

"Kind sir," Laura played along, curtsying at the waist like she was wearing a seventeenth century gown, and slid inside. When Riker closed the door, she pulled out her cell phone from her purse to send a quick text to Ross. Hey – made it to Canada. What's the weather like in California?

Riker slid inside and started the car. "We should make it to Victoria in a couple of hours. Do you want something to eat along the way?" he inquired.

"That might be a good idea. We should stop at a gas station for some drinks, too." Laura's phone buzzed, signaling she got a new text. Opening it, she smiled. Sunny, but did you expect anything else? Glad to hear your flight was okay (:

Tapping out a response, she hit send. You mean it's not snowing? During summer? Bummer! Lol

"Texting Ross?" Riker asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Yes. He wanted to make sure our flight landed okay when we arrived."

"Cool. How's the weather in California?"

Laura giggled under her breath. "Ross says it's sunny," she answered.

"You mean it's not snowing? During summer?" Riker gasped in mock-surprise. "I am genuinely shocked!"

The brunette burst out laughing. "That's what I said!" Then, her phone buzzed again with a new text message.

Haha, funny, Laura. Really funny :P I hope you can feel my sarcasm through the phone. By the way, in case you were wondering, I miss you already.

Her expression softened as she reread the last part. Tapping out her reply, she hit send again before storing the device into her purse.

It won't be long, my darling.

SP*SP*SP

Ross smiled as he read Laura's text. She was so cute, and her messages always made his day, especially now that they had a relationship that wasn't so forced (and revolved around blackmail).

However, he also knew that her vacation with Riker could go one of two ways.

One, things would stay the same. Ross would continue to see Laura under the cover of night, and she would continue to accept his advances.

Or, two, she could realize that she didn't want to cheat on Riker anymore (again), thus breaking things off with Ross (again). She would start rejecting his touch, his love for her, and they would be back at square one.

He was prepared for either outcome but hoped for the former scenario. As far as they had come, he'd hate for a step back now. Laura's feelings for him were nearly where he needed them to be. He didn't want anything – or anyone – messing with that.

"Is that Laura?" Rydel asked, coming into the living room where Ross was sitting and staring at his phone. She plopped down next to him. "Did she and Riker make it to Canada okay?"

Ross smiled, hiding his inner musings. It wasn't like it was difficult – he wasn't worrying overly much. "Yeah," he answered, "They just landed, so they're leaving the airport now. They have to drive a few hours to get to Victoria."

His sister nodded. Then, beaming, she clapped excitedly. "Oh, I'm so happy for them," she squealed. "They're just the cutest couple ever! I'm so glad they decided to take this trip together. Don't you agree, Ross?"

"Yeah, those two deserve some time alone. We've all been working pretty nonstop since we got back from tour, especially Laura." Checking through his text messages, the younger blonde smiled apologetically at Rydel. "Sorry, Del. Gonna meet up with Calum. I'll be home for dinner."

Rydel nodded in understanding, her happy grin not faltering the slightest bit. "I'll tell mom. I'm going out, too. Raini and I are going shopping soon."

"Later, then." With a small wave, Ross stood to leave the house. When he stepped outside, he scrolled through his contacts to text Maia.

Dinner tonight?

SP*SP*SP

Riker watched fondly as Laura slowly walked around the small cottage he'd booked for their stay. It was perfect for two people, and it overlooked one of Victoria's gardens, so he knew it would be the ideal spot for them. The cottage's location was in a secluded section, too, so it would grant them a level of privacy they wouldn't normally have, and they had the rental car to use at their leisure.

Of course, if he had it his way, they wouldn't be leaving the cottage very often…

"Oh, Riker, this place is perfect," Laura breathed out, beaming at her blonde companion. "Do we really get to stay here for our entire vacation?"

Riker chuckled. "Yes, Laura, we get to stay here. I knew you would like it."

"Like it? I love it! It's so amazing, I wanna live here."

"You wanna live everywhere we've been to."

The way she pursed her lips together showed she wanted to protest his statement but couldn't. It was true, after all, and she never liked lying, even for her own sake. Instead, she went back to admiring the cottage they would be staying in for the next ten days, like nothing had been said between them. Riker chuckled, shaking his head at her actions.

"Hey, babe, I'm gonna put our stuff in our room, okay?" He liked the sound of that, he liked it a lot. It was like they were living together (with no mother to glare and scold him for having a sleepover with his girlfriend and no siblings who could be total cockblocks at the worst times) and they had just returned from a trip and were settling in.

It made the blonde bassist daydream about what it would be like to come home every day to Laura, just the two of them, in their own home. It would be warm and lived-in, with all of their stuff decorating every surface. The furniture would be picked out by them, in colors that suited their combined tastes, and everything would be strategically messy, because Riker liked having things within easy reach while Laura liked being organized.

Their first home would be small, of course. It would start off with just them, no one else. They liked the beach, so they definitely had to have easy access to surf and sand, and he could paint their home whatever color they wanted.

And, then… When they were ready, they could take their relationship to the next level. They could get married and start their own family; the next generation of Lynch's. The latter wouldn't be for some time, but it was nice to think about, to plan for. Riker wanted a big family, and he wanted that more than anything with Laura.

For now, however, they would work hard at their careers and see where the road took them. They were young and living out their dreams. They had their whole lives ahead of them. Why rush it?

Riker's smile turned devious as he set down their suitcases, no longer thinking about taking them to the bedroom. Not yet, at least. He had the right idea: Why rush it? Why rush anything, especially this vacation? This was supposed to be a time for them to reconnect as a couple. Right? Riker fully intended on taking advantage of that. Right now.

Laura gasped in surprise when her boyfriend suddenly swept her off her feet, her stomach connecting with his board shoulder gently but firmly. Her dainty hands grasped his belt, holding on, as her feet dangled and her eyes stared at the moving floor and the backs of Riker's legs.

"Riker?" she squeaked out, still shocked. "What are you doing? Where are we going?"

"We're just going to the bedroom." One hand patted her rump, making his intentions crystal-clear to the brunette. "By the time I'm done with you, you won't be able to walk. It's been too long since I've had you, Laura, and I don't plan on waiting another second."

"B-But," she sputtered, "What-What about our bags? I thought you were going to put them away."

In response, the blonde tossed her onto the king-sized mattress. She bounced a couple of times before settling. Wide, doe-like orbs stared up at Riker as he loosened the tie around his neck, with eyes nearly black with desire and lust. It caused a shiver to race up and down her spine, her panties starting to moisten in preparation. God, but she loved that expression on his face.

"I think we have other things to worry about besides bags," he casually commented. Dropping his tie onto the floor, he began working on his shirt's buttons as Laura continued to sit and stare. He smirked. "For example, your pants. Remove them."

When she hesitated, the blonde shook his head mock-sadly. Then, before she could react, Riker had her flat on her back as he jerked her pants down her legs. The vague sound of her shoes thudding against the hardwood floor was also heard, but the brunette just gaped at the ceiling, stunned. In and out of the bedroom, Riker was a lot of things, but she hadn't known he could be so aggressive. Sure, he manhandled her a few times (and, sometimes, their sex got down-right dirty), but this was a new side of him she hadn't known existed.

And it was absolutely thrilling. Laura could practically feel her blood singing beneath her skin as her body hummed in pleasure and approval.

Riker watched in satisfaction as his little lover's eyes darkened. Her body began to soften, easing further into the mattress, her legs pliant and waiting to wrap around his waist when they finally became one. Not many knew that Laura was flexible, very flexible, and that she liked it rough. That she liked trying new things behind closed doors.

It was moments like these he was eternally grateful to all of that, and then some. Because he seriously wasn't allowing either of them out of bed until he'd had his fill of her. They wouldn't be able to move, let alone walk, by the time they were done.

He'd make damned sure of it.

SP*SP*SP

As promised, Ross returned from hanging out with Calum in time for dinner. He'd also informed his mother that they were expecting a guest at their table, and Stormie was excited. She thought it was a girl Ross was interested in, but no. It wasn't like that. Far from it, actually.

"Are you sure I look okay?" Maia nervously asked. Her slim fingers played with the hem of her dress, and her shoulder-length chocolate hair was pushed behind her ears as her eyes inspected her outfit. She'd gone for casual and elegant. This was the first time she would be meeting her friend's family (well, most of them), after all, and she didn't want to appear grungy or anything. First impressions were everything.

Purposefully, Ross had chosen to pick the Australian actress up instead of giving her directions to his house. This was all part of his plan, and he needed it to work. And this way she couldn't run away if things didn't go as planned – not that Ross thought it would. No, he was actually very confident things would go perfectly tonight.

"You look fine. Just chill, would you?" His keys out, the blonde unlocked the front door and escorted the brunette inside with a hand to the small of her back. "I'm home!" he called out. "Come meet Maia, everyone!"

Maia flushed in embarrassment, but swallowed her nerves. It was one thing to meet a friend's family but another when said family comes walking in to see who she was. Why couldn't Ross have introduced her a little more subtlety? Too late now…

The first to come into view was Rydel. The bubbly blonde was cheerful and friendly, and the brunette's shoulders eased. Ross had told her that she'd like his sister; that they would get along fine.

Next, Ryland came down the stairs to greet the new guest. As the manager of R5, he was personable and kind, with a dry wit Maia enjoyed. For someone so young, she was surprised by how wise he could be, how calm. She liked that about him.

By then, Mark and Stormie had made their appearance. They greeted Maia like she was a long-time friend, not someone they were just meeting. She liked how Stormie hugged her, tight and motherly. It made her miss her own mom, but in a good way.

"Hey, where's Rocky?" Ross inquired curiously. Leading Maia into the living room, he let her and Rydel have some girl-time before he set his plan into full motion. There wasn't any real rush. Laura wouldn't be coming back with Riker for ten days. A lot could be done in ten days, let alone one night.

Stormie shrugged as she started to head back into the kitchen to finish dinner. Mark followed behind her, knowing better than to run off when his wife needed help. "I think he was listening to music in the basement. Why don't you get him so that he can meet Maia?" the former suggested.

"Yeah, okay." Ryland had joined the girls, striking up a conversation, so Ross felt okay to leave his friend with his siblings while he tracked down the other.

Like his mother had said, Rocky was listening to music while he wrote lyrics for a new song. No doubt it would be great, like all the others. Ross tapped him on the shoulder, not wanting to startle him too badly.

Rocky paused his music to look up. "Oh, hey, Ross," he greeted. "I didn't know you came home. What's up?"

Ross jerked a thumb in the vague direction of upstairs. "I thought it would be cool to have a friend over for dinner. Her name's Maia and I want you to meet her."

"Cool. She your girlfriend?" Standing, the tall brunette stretched, cracking his spine in a couple of places. He breathed a sigh of relief as his joints loosened, shoulders relaxing lazily. It also helped his brain cells. The name was vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place the face it belonged to.

"Are you kidding? I think of her as another sister."

He chuckled. "Whatever. Let's head up."

As the two walked, Ross smirked. His plan was going perfectly, and all he needed to do now was sit back and let nature take its course.

Maia had a small crush on Rocky since seeing a video of him at one of R5's concerts. Coincidently, she and Ross had met a couple of weeks later to shoot a small scene in one of Disney's many television series. They didn't actually have any lines together, but she'd recognized him and introduced herself. From there, they'd become friends, and Ross had introduced her to Laura (and, somewhat, Riker).

However, at the time, the Australian actress had been dating someone, so it wasn't like she could act on her feelings. She honestly loved her boyfriend, so Rocky was more like a 'celebrity crush' for her, and she'd thought her feelings wouldn't last. But then time had passed, Ross called, she wasn't dating anyone, and now she was in the Lynch house to meet Ross's family and, ultimately, Rocky.

Let's see him get suspicious of me and Laura again, Ross smugly thought before masking his features into his boyish good-looks as the two brothers walked into the living room. With Maia around, Rocky will be too busy to suspect anything, and then Laura and I can continue our relationship with one less worry.

Maia turned at the sound of their approach, a bright smile on her pretty features and eyes sparkling. "Hello," she greeted in her cute, Australian accent, "I'm Maia Mitchell."

Rocky's jaw dropped comically. His chocolate eyes wide, he stared at the young woman with a star struck expression.

Ross's smirk turned into a full-blown grin. Hook, line, and sinker.

SP*SP*SP

Riker sighed contentedly as he held Laura to his chest. Their bodies were slicked with sweat but neither seemed to care as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. They'd been at it for hours, and it was now passed dinnertime. A new record for them. Their bodies would be pleasantly achy in the morning but, again, neither seemed to care.

"That was amazing," Laura commented, voice lazy but giddy from adrenaline and multiple orgasms.

He ran his fingers through her hair, untangling the mess they had caused from constantly rolling around trying to dominate the other. It was one of their more... aggressive rounds but no less enjoyable.

Especially when he had her pinned on her stomach, begging him to her let her come.

"Yes, it was," he agreed, smirking in remembrance. "We should go on vacation together more often."

"I'd like that. Maybe when I go to Italy for my photo shoot?"

"You got yourself a deal, babe."

Laura rolled until she was on top of him. Her legs straddled his waist, her hands bracing herself against his chest, and her brunette hair created a curtain around their faces, like their own personal privacy screen.

"I love you," she whispered, laying her forehead against his.

His arms came up and around her petite frame, bringing their bodies flush together. He kissed the tip of her nose affectionately. "I love you, too, babe."

Then, slowly, he rolled them until he was on top once more. From there, they made love like they hadn't all afternoon. It wasn't hurried, like a frenzy, but slow and sensual. It worked all of their senses; their hands and lips never leaving the other's flesh.

Their eyes connected and stayed that way as his hips surged forward, joining them in a dance as old as time. Fingers intertwined above their heads, a connection, a bond that could never be broken as their bodies moved as one, giving and taking.

Breathes mingled, hitching and catching as the tempo picked up speed. The depth of his thrusts was deep and strong, hitting all of her sensitive spots that had her eyes fluttering in pleasure. But she made sure their eyes stayed glued together. It was an intimacy most couples didn't partake in, which was a shame. Their pleasure always seemed to double when they could see, first-hand, the love and desire their partner felt when joined so intricately.

Endless moments later, when they climaxed, it was as one. And it was perfect. It was everything the couple needed to reconnect. Everything.

SP*SP*SP

Ross found Rocky's reaction to Maia beyond humorous. His older brother hadn't taken his eyes off of the Australian actress since meeting her, and Ross could tell that his friend was flattered and was eating the attention up like a starved woman. And Rocky was thrilled that his initial attraction was being answered so approvingly.

As dinner wore on, Stormie came to the conclusion that Ross had played matchmaker. Although disappointed, she accepted it. Besides, she thought Rocky and Maia were cute together, especially when the two brunettes would whisper to each other and laugh at the other's jokes. They reminded her of how Riker and Laura were before they started dating. It was adorable, and she couldn't complain.

When it came time for Maia to head home, Ross 'helpfully' offered up the information that he'd driven her over. He got the predicted response:

Rocky jumped up from his seat, almost dropping his guitar in the process. "I can drive her home!" he practically exclaimed. Replaying what he'd done, he cleared his throat sheepishly and ran a hand through his hair. "I mean, I can take her home, Ross. You've had a long day, so I'll do it."

"Really? Are you sure, man?" Ross teased, widening his eyes innocently. From beside him, Maia discreetly pinched his arm, and he flinched. "Right, okay. Got it. I'll just chill here."

"Awesome." Rocky grabbed his keys, and Maia released Ross. The blonde rubbed the abused area but kept his distance from the shorter brunette. "I'll be home afterwards. Bye!" With that, Ross watched as Rocky and Maia left the house without a single glance back.

Shaking his head, he walked back into the living room, where Rydel and Ryland were watching mindless TV. Digging out his phone, he texted a quick message to Laura.

It won't be long, my darling.

SP*SP*SP

From the bedside table, Laura's iPhone lit up and softly vibrated with a new message. She carefully rolled away from Riker, who was napping before they went out to find food, and unlocked her phone.

I wonder what Ross means by that, she questioned herself. It was the same message she'd written to him earlier, but she had a feeling his version had a different meaning behind it. She just wasn't sure what. But she almost dreaded the response.

Quickly, she typed a message back before hitting send. What are you planning, Ross?

His response came within a couple of minutes, and she read through it. You'll see what I mean when you and Riker come back. Trust me. It's a good thing, I promise.

Laura's eyes softened as she glanced at her boyfriend. The entire afternoon and most of the evening had been spent in bed, making love, and reestablishing their relationship and love. She should be just as tired as him, but she felt invigorated and cherished. She always felt that way with Riker, no matter what they were doing.

Ross would never do anything to jeopardize my relationship, she concluded, continuing to stare at Riker. He wouldn't allow anyone to expose what we're doing, and he'd never allow anyone to hurt me. If he says it's a good thing, I shouldn't worry about it affecting Riker and I's relationship.

Her normally soft, doe-like orbs suddenly narrowed as she thought through things; what Ross could have noticed but she hadn't. Had someone come close to exposing her secret relationship with the blonde teen? Did someone get suspicious?

Despite the blackmailing… I don't think he would have given Riker the evidence he had. It was a startling idea, but the petite brunette knew she was on the right track. And, if that's true, he wouldn't allow anyone else to ruin what I have. He'd do something about it. But what?

It was all starting to make sense to Laura, yet it also opened new doors to new questions. New possibilities.

But she didn't have time to think about that right now. She was on vacation with her boyfriend; they were supposed to have a good time, and she shouldn't be worrying about anything, especially something that Ross was obviously taking care of. She'd have time to worry about everything when she got back to LA, not here, in beautiful Victoria, Canada.

With that thought in mind, she typed out another message to Ross before hitting send. Setting the phone onto the bedside table, she curled up against Riker's warmth and sighed contentedly. His arms automatically wrapped around her, holding her close, and she smiled before closing her eyes. She was now ready for that trip into the dream world, with him.

SP*SP*SP

I trust you. Take care of whatever you need to.

Reading the text, Ross smirked before pocketing his iPhone. Leaning back against the couch cushion, he pretended to be enraptured with what was on the television screen as he let his thoughts wander.

Contacting Maia had been a little risky, but he was glad he had. It wasn't like he had admitted to partly using his friend for this scheme, but he had known she and Rocky would hit it off wonderfully. She was sweet, had a sense of humor that was attractive, and she was musically gifted. Heck, the girl loved to surf too! If she wasn't the perfect girl for Rocky, Ross would eat his own shoe (and Ross loved his shoes).

Besides, as far as Ross knew, both had been single for a while. Now was the perfect time to play a little matchmaker, especially after Rocky's last girlfriend, Hannah-something. Ross mentally shuddered. That chick had been a piece of work. He was glad his brother had finally seen the light and dumped her.

But it only reinforced why Maia was so perfect for Rocky. Ross just needed the two to spend enough time together for his brother to realize that, too.

Until*Next*Time

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Thank you for reading!

~babydoll92