Second Place
Counting Stars
Disclaimer: Check out chapter one – Thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic (cover by R5)
Dedicated to: YouBrokeMyCrayon – Thank you for giving me the idea to use this song! ;)
SP*SP*SP
When Laura and Riker came home from Canada, she expected things to be awkward between herself and Ross. Their relationship hadn't been anywhere near conventional, but it had still meant a lot to both of them, despite the circumstances. But it hadn't. Ross acted like everything was normal, and Laura couldn't even tell if he was still upset or not.
She found it a little weird how well he was taking things, but it wasn't like anyone else was looking for differences in his behavior. Just her. And she couldn't tell what he was feeling, except genuine happiness that they (she) were home. He, like everyone else, asked about the trip; what they had seen; what they had done; what had the food been like (Rocky), and asking if they took any pictures (Rydel).
When he hugged her, she'd been honestly surprised. Laura didn't think he would want to touch her after she had broken things off with him, but it appeared not. He'd hugged her the way he'd always hugged her when they were around others, and he acted normal.
Quite frankly, the petite brunette was confused. Shouldn't Ross be a little distressed, at least? Or shouldn't she be able to pick up on it? Or was he possibly just that good of an actor? Laura didn't know, and that's what ultimately worried her the most.
SP*SP*SP
A couple of days after returning from their vacation, Riker was back to work with Hollywood Records with his band mates, while Laura was at a meeting with Neo. He felt closer to the petite brunette since taking the trip, and he couldn't be happier. He'd known vacationing together would be the perfect next step for them, as a couple. Riker could see more trips like that being planned in their future, and he couldn't wait.
Currently, the blonde bassist was sitting at one of the computers he and the band were allowed to use in the studio. Their personal recording booth stood empty in front of him, behind a glass window that allowed anyone to see through to the expensive equipment and instruments inside. At the moment, everyone seemed to be doing their own thing, and Riker was bored.
Glancing around the room to make sure no one was watching him, he pulled out his blue iPhone and texted Laura under the desk. He felt like a high school student sending secret messages without the teacher catching him, and the thought almost made him chuckle in amusement. Really, why was he hiding the fact that he was texting his girlfriend? No one would care (except Rydel, but she'd just steal his phone to talk to her best friend despite having her own cellular device). And maybe Ross, but Riker wasn't worried.
Hey, babe. I'm bored :P How's your meeting with Neo going?
Riker tapped his thumbs against the screen while he waited for a response. Then, knowing that would drive him crazy, he brought up a game of Solitaire on his computer and began playing.
Phone buzzing, he glanced down. Smiling, he swiped his thumb across the screen to unlock the message. It's going fine (: Neo thinks he can snag me some studio time tomorrow. YAY!
That's awesome, Laura! Is it gonna be at Hollywood Records? He couldn't wait to tell his siblings and Ratliff the good news. If she managed to record at the same studio as them, the executives might consider signing her to their label too. Wouldn't that be cool? Riker would get to work with Laura practically every day.
No, unfortunately :P It's gonna be at Columbia Records. Neo said they offered a really good contract, too, if they like me.
Riker bit his lip, disappointed, but he understood. Oh, I see. That's too bad :P but this may be for the best, otherwise we'd just end up distracting each other. And, really, babe – What's not to like? :) they'll love you!
You're sweet, her next text read, But, seriously, get back to work! :D I know you're playing Solitaire, too, you naughty boy ;) Get some work done, okay?
Guiltily, he glanced at his incomplete game before going back to his phone to reply. Okay, okay. Guilty as charged. I'll get some work done… But I won't stop being a naughty boy. Besides, you're way naughtier than me, Miss Marano ;)
Of course you'd throw that back at me haha I'll see you when I get home (: Have fun at work!
Love you, babe :3
Love you, too, Riker, so much XOXO
Smiling, Riker replaced his phone within his pocket. Looking up, he startled in his seat when he noticed that Ross was standing behind the computer's monitor, a smirk on his face that proved he'd been there for some time.
"Geezus, dude, you really are like a blonde ninja," he said, placing a hand over his frantically beating heart. "How long have you been standing there?"
Ross continued to smirk in amusement. "Long enough," he replied. "Talking to Laura?"
"Who else would I be talking to?"
"Touché. How is her meeting with Neo?" The younger blonde leaned gently against the monitor, like he had all day to discuss anything and everything.
"It's fine. She says he can get her some studio time at Columbia Records. If they like her, they'll also sign her to their label."
Ross hummed in understanding, but furrowed his brows. "Isn't Columbia, like, Hollywood's biggest rival?"
Riker nodded slowly, hesitant to admit it out loud. "I guess so, but she's really excited, and I didn't want to say anything. Besides, I trust Neo to know what he's doing. He's never steered her wrong before," he said.
"That's true," the younger boy replied. "Besides, a little competition never hurt anyone, right?" Smiling, he changed the subject. "I finished this song I was working on, by the way. I wanted your opinion on it."
He took the paper Ross offered, happy to finally be doing some actual work. He could worry about Laura working at a rival recording label later; right now, he had other things to keep him occupied. Besides, Ross was right – a little competition never hurt anyone, and it might be good for Riker and Laura. Individually, they were pretty competitive, so this may end up being fun.
Chocolate eyes scanned the lyrics and music scrawled onto the paper, intrigued and impressed. A grin worked its way across his features, and he said, "This is amazing, Ross! I like the concept of where you were going with the theme, too. Did you show this to Rocky?"
For his part, Ross was just happy that Riker liked the song so much. Normally, it was his older brothers who were the real songwriters, while Ross sometimes dabbled in it, like I Want U Bad. This particular song, however, had a special meaning for him.
And he couldn't wait until Laura heard it. She would get what he was saying immediately.
"Thanks, Riker. And no, I haven't shown Rocky yet. I wanted to see what you said first."
Riker grinned proudly at Ross. "Well, this is a great song. It may even be better than the other one you wrote. Great job, little brother!" Slapping him on the shoulder, he got up to show the papers to Rocky, who was mindlessly strumming his guitar.
Ross watched with a smile as the two talked. Soon, Rydel and Ratliff were a part of the conversation, and everyone was taking turns reading the song. Good. If he had it his way, Laura would be back in his arms in no time.
Well, Ross hoped so, anyway. This 'break-up' was different than the other times. But he also knew the song he wrote would help in the long run. It expressed everything he felt for her; how much he actually cared and loved her.
How doing the wrong thing felt so right.
SP*SP*SP
"Okay, so I'll double-check on the studio time for tomorrow," Neo said, wrapping up his meeting with Laura. "I'll call you tonight about the details. But I'm sure everything is going to go smoothly. Columbia Records has been asking about you for a while now, Laura. This is a huge opportunity for you."
A bright smile on her face, the petite brunette nodded. "I know, Neo. You've been telling me so for just as long," she said. Her smile dimmed, however, in the next second. "I'm just worried about the rivalry between Columbia and Hollywood. Riker didn't say anything, but he must know about it, right?"
"He does. But if he's not worried, you shouldn't be either. Nothing is going to change in your relationship – You both will just have recording contracts with different companies. It's not like one or the other can say 'break up or else'."
Feeling relieved that her manager/agent would say that, the weight on her shoulders eased. "You're right, as always," she said, once more beaming. "Thanks, Neo. I guess I just needed to hear that."
Neo patted her silky head with a warm smile. "Anytime," he replied. "Now, since our meeting ended early, I have time to get back to the office for some paperwork. So, thanks for making sure I don't have extra 'homework' to take home tonight." With a wink, the sapphire-eyed man walked out of the small café they used for their casual meetings.
Taking a last sip of her tea with honey, Laura quickly stood to also leave. If she was lucky, she could catch a cab down to Hollywood Records to see Riker and the others at work. At the very least, she could surprise them, especially her boyfriend.
Slinging her bag over a shoulder as she exited the café's door, she bumped into someone on the street.
"Oh, my gosh, I'm so – Harry?" She paused in surprise as she caught sight of the One Direction singer, whom she hadn't seen since the Charity Fashion Show.
Having steadied her to make sure she didn't fall to the hard ground, Harry's hands were placed on her hips. But he didn't remove them as he smiled charmingly at the smaller brunette.
"Ah, Laura. What a nice coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you – Literally."
She chuckled. "Yeah, totally. It's been a while, hasn't it? What are you doing here?" Quickly, knowing how that sounded, she added, "Not that I'm unhappy to see you – I just – It's been so long – You were the last person I expected to see – And… You know what? I'll stop now." At the end, she released another chuckle, a sheepishly embarrassed one. If she concentrated hard enough, too, she could feel her cheeks heating.
Harry thought her rambling was adorable, but knew better than to poach on another guy's girl. While Laura was beautiful and fun to be around, he didn't feel comfortable pursuing someone who was already in a happy relationship. Besides, there were no rules about wooing her when she and her current boyfriend broke up, now, was there?
Finally releasing her, he shoved his hands into his pockets as they mindlessly started walking down the sidewalk. "I was just getting a bit of fresh air," he said, answering her earlier question. "The boys and I are planning to film a music video somewhere around this area, so I thought it would be a splendid idea to check it out. You know, get my bearings?"
"Oh, yeah, I totally understand," Laura said, nodding. She sent a sideways smile at the British singer. "Since I almost knocked you over, do you want some company? I'm pretty familiar with this part of LA, too, so I can show you all kinds of amazing places."
Harry grinned appreciatively. "That would be great. Thank you, Laura."
"Sure. No problem, Harry. It'll be my pleasure."
Hidden behind a tall plant across the street, however, a camera clicked rapidly as the photographer took snapshots of the unsuspecting duo. A large smile broke across their face as they thought about all of the money they would be making from this new story.
Can you say 'tomorrow's front page news'?
SP*SP*SP
By the time Harry was kind enough to drive her home, it was dinner time. Laura didn't know how to explain what she'd been doing all afternoon, but it wasn't like she'd done anything wrong. She had just been hanging out with a friend – There was nothing wrong with that. No one was allowed to get mad at her – or freak out – for that. Right?
And, yet, I feel like I shouldn't say anything about it. She knew how Riker (and Ross) felt about Harry, whether she reassured him (them) or not. Of course, she had broken things off with Ross for a reason, so all she had to worry about was Riker's reaction. He should be fine with her spending time with a friend. Right?
Here come the lies again…
Entering the house, the brunette quietly closed the door behind her as she slipped her bag off and onto the table near the doorway. It was where Mark and Stormie kept their car keys, so she made sure she didn't knock them off or unintentionally hide them from view.
"I'm back!" she called out, leaning down to slip off her wedges. Normally, they were comfortable but, after walking around for hours, her heels were screaming bloody murder, not to mention her toes felt a little pinched. All for the price of beauty, of course.
"Hey, welcome back," a familiar voice greeted her. Laura immediately snapped her attention up, wedges and sore feet forgotten, onto Ross. The blonde seemed like his normal, nonchalant self, and she still didn't know how to take that. It was starting to drive her crazy. "Your meeting with Neo went longer than any of us expected. Everything cool?"
"Uh, um," she stuttered, not sure how to answer. Not sure how to admit that her meeting had finished early. Not sure how to explain that she'd bumped into a friend – a good-looking male friend – and spent the entire afternoon with him. "It… It was fine! Totally fine." She released a strained chuckle at the end but it couldn't be helped. "Neo is gonna call me later about tomorrow."
Ross rocked back and forth on his feet, inwardly debating with himself. He could read her like a book – a lot of people actually could; she was that expressive – but he chose not to ask about why she was acting so strange. He figured it was because of their whole 'break up'.
Instead, he lowered his voice and said, "Listen, Laura. Me and the rest of R5 are recording this song tomorrow… and I want you to be there to hear it. Do you think you could?"
Laura pursed her lips, a denial waiting on the tip of her tongue. "Ross…" she started.
"I know you broke things off between us – and for good reason. Don't worry. I understand why you did it." He stared deeply into her eyes, imploring her. Pleading with her. "But I wrote this song with you in mind. If you don't like it – fine. I'll never bother you again."
"And if I do like it…?" she whispered, knowing there was more. There was always more when it came to this particular blonde teen in front of her.
Without breaking eye contact, not even to blink, he replied, "You go on a date with me."
SP*SP*SP
"So, I heard you were going to be at our recording tomorrow," Riker's voice commented, catching Laura's attention. Looking up from her songbook, she smiled at her blonde boyfriend, and he took a seat next to her on the chaise lounge. "What about your own, with Columbia Records?"
She casually flipped her book closed. Like her character Ally Dawson, Laura had things she wanted to stay private within the pages of her journal/songbook. Not even Riker was allowed to invade her written escape from reality. And he respected that.
"I spoke to Neo not too long ago," she answered, "He said that Columbia scheduled my recording to take place in the afternoon. My morning is totally open for you guys."
He grinned boyishly, the expression she loved the most. "Great. This works out perfectly." Shifting in his seat slightly, he gave her a considering look. "So… About you possibly working for Columbia…"
Laura held a hand up, knowing where this conversation was headed. "Don't start, Riker. I know about the whole 'rivalry' thing. Honestly, there's nothing for you worry about – I don't buy into it."
"Oh, good." Riker breathed easier, and his expression once more relaxed. "I know I should have mentioned something when you told me, but I didn't want to ruin your good mood. You sounded so happy about signing with them – and this is a great opportunity for you."
Leaning closer, she pecked him on the lips with a smile. "I love you," she whispered. "Nothing and no one will ever change that, let alone us working for rivaling record labels. Okay?"
"Good." With a grin, he leaned forward to kiss her again. His lips lingered as he added, "I love you, too, Laura, so much. Forever and always."
"I'll hold you to that," she cheekily beamed.
When they pulled apart, he asked, "So, how did the rest of your meeting with Neo go? You guys must've talked about a lot of stuff, considering you came home pretty late."
Laura froze. Then, with a more strained smile, she answered, "Oh, it went as expected. You know Neo – He's always so detailed and worries about everything…" Technically, I haven't lied. I haven't!
Maybe if she repeats that enough, she'll start to believe it.
SP*SP*SP
The next morning found Laura holding hands with Riker while he and the others gave her a tour of their recording studio and work space. She also got to meet some of the employees of Hollywood Records; the ones who helped create the music that R5 produced. Laura even met the company's CEO, whom was nice and offered her a free pass to come and go as she pleased. She only hoped her potential boss was so friendly and warm too.
"So," Rocky asked out loud, catching everyone's attention, "Are we ready to show Laura our new song?" He glanced in said brunette's direction, winking. "We're gonna rock it, by the way, like always."
"We'll see," she teased good-naturedly. "But I'm totally ready to hear it. Ross told me he wrote it, too."
Ratliff slapped a hand onto Ross's shoulder, beaming like a proud parent. "Yep, he sure did."
"I think it's gonna be a bigger hit than I Want U Bad," Rydel commented, beaming excitedly. "The CEO was already talking about making it a single! Isn't that so amazing?"
"It is," Laura answered, beaming along with her bubbly, blonde best friend.
"So, let's stop talking about it and do it," Riker exclaimed, grinning. Everyone agreed (loudly), and led Laura to the recording booth they would be using.
Since the band was playing live, the room was spacious to fit them and their instruments perfectly. Laura took a seat behind the glass window that allowed her to see them, next to the music producer who would be recording the song. From earlier introductions, Laura knew his name was Deacon, and he reminded her of Will, from the Disney Studios, so it was easy to befriend and talk to him.
Once it looked like R5 was ready to perform, Deacon pushed the button that would allow them to hear him speak. "Are you guys ready to do your first official recording of Counting Stars?"
Cute, Laura thought. She liked the name, which wasn't a good sign. She remembered the deal she'd made with Ross – If she liked the song, she would go on a date with him. I shouldn't have agreed so readily. Oh well, it was too late now.
Ross locked eyes with Laura, without Deacon noticing. "Yeah, we're ready when you are, Deacon," he answered.
"Excellent. Hitting the record button in three… two…" He flicked his wrist, signaling for them to start.
Right on cue, the band began to play the notes they hadn't really rehearsed but memorized. Having worked so closely with each other for years, they harmonized without a hitch, and Laura smiled as she watched. When Riker opened his mouth to sing, she straightened, not wanting to miss a single thing.
Counting Stars:
"I see this life
Like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
In my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told"
Riker winked at Laura, and the brunette had to suppress the urge to giggle like a schoolgirl. God, she loved his voice. Had she ever mentioned that? Well, she did.
Her focus, however, shifted as Ross stepped up to sing next. Her eyes immediately connected with his, and her breath stilled within her lungs at the intense look she could see within his gaze. She'd never seen that particular emotion before, not from him. Not in that way.
"I feel something so right
By doing the wrong thing
And I feel something so wrong
By doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive"
Had he based this song on his feelings for her? She wondered. Laura wouldn't be surprised. Ross had always expressed his feelings better through music and songwriting.
Mesmerized, she continued to watch as he (and the band) performed.
"Lately I been, I been losing sleep (hey!)
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard (hey!)
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep (hey!)
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard (hey!)
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars"
From his point-of-view, Ross hoped she was getting his message, loud and clear. Laura knew how he felt about her; that he loved her. And he would do anything to make sure nothing happened between herself and Riker that could – or would – jeopardize their relationship; Ross had promised. But he also understood why she broke things off. He'd always understood.
That didn't mean he couldn't fight for her. Fight for their relationship, no matter how unorthodox. His heart may have cracked initially, but he was better now. Stronger. He wasn't giving up on them so soon.
Laura just had to realize that.
"I feel the love
And I feel it burn
Down this river every turn
Hope is a four letter word
Make that money
Watch it burn
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
And I feel something so wrong
By doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that downs me makes me wanna fly"
Laura tried to keep her breathing calm and collected. It wouldn't be good if Deacon – or Riker, especially – caught how this song affected her so intricately. God, she could hate Ross in that moment, if said emotion were possible for her.
But it wasn't, and she knew she was quickly losing the deal she'd made with the blonde teen.
"Lately I been, I been losing sleep (hey!)
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep (hey!)
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard (hey!)
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I learned
[X4]"
As the music slowed for a second or two, her heart skipped a beat. There was no explaining it, but she had a feeling it mostly had to deal with Riker and Ross. How could she consider cheating on the former again, when she'd just ended things? Her life was starting to get back on-track.
So, why? Why couldn't she lie and say she didn't like the song? Ross had promised to leave her alone for good if she did. Yet, she hesitated. She knew she would. He would see right through her lie, like always.
"Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately I been, I been losing sleep (hey!)
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard (hey!)
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I been, I been prayin' hard
Said no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars"
Laura knew the answer, of course. It was obvious – and had been, for some time. She had thought she was doing the right thing; was giving him the opportunity to fall in love with a girl he didn't have to sneak around to see.
But this song… His song… It spoke to her. It said that everything would be okay; that he would make sure of it. It said that he loved her, no matter what; that he didn't want any other girl. Just her.
"Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons I learned [X4]"
God, why did she have to fall in love with Ross Shor Lynch? If she hadn't, resisting him would have been so much easier. But no, that wasn't the case.
And, now, she had a date to anticipate in her near-future.
Because, yes, she liked the song. Loved it, in fact.
Laura had a feeling Ross had known that's how she would feel. The jerk.
But she loved him, anyway. God help her, she loved him, anyway.
SP*SP*SP
After watching R5 for another two hours, Laura knew it was time to leave if she wanted to make her own meeting with Columbia Records on time. Neo would be meeting her there, so she also didn't want to keep him waiting. Knowing her manager/agent, he'd only worry.
Deacon needed to speak with Riker, so he couldn't walk her out. Laura understood and told him not to worry, that she knew her way around thanks to him and the others.
"Are you sure?" the blonde bassist asked, frowning in concern. "I don't want you getting lost or late for your meeting…"
Laura playfully rolled her eyes. "Come on, Riker. I'm not that bad with directions," she said. "Besides, I have my cell phone. As soon as I can't find my way, I'll call you."
Ross appeared behind his older brother, clapping a hand to his shoulder. He smiled. "How about I walk her out? Deacon wants to discuss the song, and some other stuff I can't talk about." At the last, he sent a playful wink at Laura, who had a feeling the 'other stuff' had to deal with her. Was Riker planning something with her in mind?
Only one way to find out… She batted her lashes prettily at her boyfriend, who looked anywhere but in her direction. "Oh, what's this? Are you planning something for me, Riker?" she cooed.
Riker refused to look at either his brother or girlfriend. Instead, he seemingly scowled at the nearest wall. "Man, I hate when you two gang-up on me like this," he stated, not willing to give in. He normally would, for Laura, but not this time. Not. This. Time. "Don't you have a meeting to get to?"
Laura and Ross shared a laugh at his expense, but the former stopped pushing for information and left with the latter. Of course, not before she gave Riker a final peck on the lips, then she was gone.
As soon as the door closed behind them and they started walking, Ross had to ask the one question that had been buzzing inside his head since he'd first performed Counting Stars:
"Did you like the song?"
The petite brunette was silent for a moment, and he waited. His heart was thumping wildly in his chest, but he waited. He would wait forever if he had to. He just wanted an answer.
"… No, I didn't like it," she finally whispered, keeping her gaze straight ahead.
Ross pursed his lips, jaw pulsing, not knowing what to say but knowing he had to resign himself to–
"I loved it."
An unexpected, gusty breath exploded from his lungs. His relief was so profound at hearing her words he didn't know what to do with himself. Should he jump up and down in happiness? Would too many people notice if he shouted out loud in joy? Could he afford to attract so much attention, considering the situation?
While he debated on how to express his emotions calmly but effectively, Laura silently led the way to the parking lot where her car was parked. The blonde didn't notice his surroundings until he literally bumped his foot against her tire, and then his attention snapped onto the petite brunette.
Laura was leaning against the driver's door, although her keys weren't in sight. Her beautiful, doe-like orbs watched him carefully, like she couldn't decide on what to say or was waiting for some type of reaction from him. Ross would bet it was the latter that held her quiet. It was the only thing that made sense, considering their deal.
"Really?" he finally managed to croak out. His throat was constricted from keeping everything he wanted to say inward. More than anything, he didn't want to ruin his chances with Laura by exposing their secret relationship to anyone who could be passing by, not to mention the cameras that were, no doubt, stationed all over the parking lot for security reasons. "You loved it?"
The way her smile crept across her lovely features was warm and tender, and Ross could feel his hope rising. Although she'd broken things off between them, Laura was slowly but surely coming back to accepting their relationship; her feelings for him. And that was the main thing. It was progress.
"Yeah," she answered, "So, I guess this means I owe you a date. Right?"
Cautiously, he took her hand to hold within his own. He loved how her slim fingers felt against his slightly calloused ones, it was soothing and warm. He felt giddy when she squeezed his fingers, too, his heart thumping wildly in his chest.
Ross would be lying if he said he hadn't been scared that Laura wouldn't like the song. It was his only ticket back into her heart, and now he had a date with her to further prove his love for her. He wouldn't object either if she rediscovered how much she needed him, too.
Staring into her eyes, he said the only thing he could think of:
"Right. I can't wait."
Until*Next*Time
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Thank you for reading!
~babydoll92
Also: How will Ross and Laura's date go? What are your thoughts about it? Put it in a review (: Can't wait to hear what everyone thinks!