Second Place Beach Bash: Part Three, an austin & ally fanfic

Second Place

Summer Beach Bash

(Part Three)

Disclaimer: Check out chapter one – Thanks!

Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker

Author's Note: "This Love" by Maroon 5; "So In Love With Two" by Mikaila; "Loud" by R5 (Loud EP); "L. A. Boyz" by Victoria Justice & Ariana Grande (Victorious Cast/soundtrack)

*Laura's & Rydel's outfits can be found on my profile – Check it out! (:

SP*SP*SP

When One Direction left the stage for the next performance, Neo found Laura to remind her about getting ready and warming up.

"Can I wait to see who's going up next first?" she asked, pouting her bottom lip out.

Neo strategically looked at a spot on her forehead, knowing he'd cave the moment she whipped out her puppy dog eyes. After being her manager/agent for so long, he had developed a couple of tricks to keep from being manipulated.

"Laura, we really need to get you into wardrobe and make-up," he said, trying to be as stern as possible. "You also have to start your vocal warm-ups."

The petite brunette was about to say something, but Darren's voice cut her off.

"Wasn't that a great way to open the show? Well, let's keep the energy high, shall we? Now, next up we have Maroon 5 performing This Love! Let's hear it for them!"

As the crowd exploded with screams and cheers, Neo knew he was doomed. Laura loved Maroon 5 – there was no way she would leave when they were performing. It would be like trying to remove a stubborn tree root from a person's front yard; it was going to happen, but not easily.

Just as he predicted, Laura's expression morphed from a pout into a wide, excited grin. When she (and the other young women) started bouncing and squealing, the sapphire eyed man sighed and rocked back on his heels.

Someone clasped his shoulder in a reassuring gesture, and Neo turned to see it was Riker. The blonde bassist smiled sheepishly.

"If you can't beat 'em, join 'em," Riker advised, already knowing there was no other choice.

This Love:

"I was so high I did not recognize
The fire burning in her eyes
The chaos that controlled my mind
Whispered goodbye and she got on a plane
Never to return again
But always in my heart"

Taking his own advice, Riker slid behind his girlfriend as she once more danced with Rydel, Raini, and Maia. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he brought her close and started swaying to the beat. Catching on quickly, Laura giggled and leaned against him as they continued to move to the relatively fast beat.

"This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice cause I won't say goodbye anymore

I tried my best to feed her appetite
Keep her coming every night
So hard to keep her satisfied
Kept playing love like it was just a game
Pretending to feel the same
Then turn around and leave again"

Maia laughed as Rocky came up behind her as well, and she leaned her head back against his shoulder to see his face. From this position, the taller brunette pressed his lips against her forehead in a tender gesture of affection. She grinned cutely in response.

"This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice cause I won't say goodbye anymore"

Seeing this as an opportunity, Ratliff gently encouraged Calum to dance with Rydel. With only a slight hesitation, the redhead approached the bubbly blonde before silently asking if she wanted to dance with a couple of hand gestures.

Ratliff counted that moment as a success when Rydel grinned and nodded happily. With that, the two started to dance, though it wasn't as intimate as the two couples'.

From his place on the sidelines, Ross raised an eyebrow at the drummer's actions. Was Ratliff playing matchmaker for Ross's only sister?

Well, he wouldn't let it bother him too much. Calum was a good guy, and Rydel deserved to find some happiness with someone, like how Ross found his happiness with Laura (despite the circumstances surrounding said happiness).

"I'll fix these broken things
Repair your broken wings
And make sure everything's alright
My pressure on your hips
Sinking my fingertips
Into every inch of you
Cause I know that's what you want me to do"

When Ratliff went to dance with Raini, Ross decided to get his own dance in, seeing as how Laura would be leaving soon anyway.

So, with that in mind, the blonde teen approached his oldest brother and the petite brunette. When he was close enough, he tapped Riker on the shoulder, gaining said blonde's immediate attention.

"May I cut in?" he asked, giving a mock-gentleman's bow.

Riker's eyes twinkled in amusement, and Laura giggled from his embrace. Playing along, he heavily sighed as he answered, "I suppose so. I just hope my date won't become jealous."

Ross's expression instantly dropped, horrified. "Seriously, bro?" he sputtered. "I don't wanna dance with you – I wanna dance with the pretty lady!"

"What? Are you saying I'm not pretty?" Riker popped back, smirking. By this point, Laura was trying to stop laughing by taking deep breaths, but the two weren't making it easy.

In response, Ross easily slipped his best friend (and secret girlfriend) out of Riker's arms and into his own. "I'm not even gonna dignify that with a response," was the last thing he said before sweeping Laura into a playful waltz away from Riker, who was laughing.

"This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice cause I won't say goodbye anymore"

As the two danced, Ross knew he couldn't do anything that would draw attention to himself or Laura, so touching her was strictly limited to friend-zone only. It killed him a little on the inside, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to make, especially if it meant he got to keep her the way he wanted.

Instead, he made small talk, like asking if she was nervous about her first performance since signing with Columbia Records as their newest artist. He also gave her some advice to help with being on stage and singing to hundreds – if not thousands – of people by herself. The more he talked, the more relaxed she seemed to be, so he was pleased that he could help her, if only slightly.

"This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And my heart is breaking in front of me
She said Goodbye too many times before"

Meanwhile, Ratliff kept a close eye on Rydel and Calum while also being an attentive dance partner to Raini. He wanted to make sure everything went smoothly, though he knew an instant romantic relationship wouldn't happen.

Sure, Rocky and Maia's relationship had pretty much happened that way, but Ratliff found it more romantic if things progressed the way Riker and Laura's relationship did. There was nothing wrong with being friends first; heck, he and Kelly started off that way and look where they were now.

"You're trying to set up Calum with Rydel, aren't you?" Raini asked slyly, catching the drummer's attention instantly. She smirked at his all-but-guilty expression. "I knew it. I could see it in your eyes – and you were staring at them quite a bit."

Ratliff laughed sheepishly. Mentally, he reprimanded himself. He needed to learn to be stealthy before he gave his intentions away to the wrong people. "You won't say anything, will you?"

"Why would I?" she asked back. Then, she shrugged. "Well, I would tell Rydel – or Laura, at least. She is my best friend, after all, and she knows how to keep a secret."

He nodded, knowing that was true. "But I don't want Rydel and Calum to know what I'm doing. I just want to see if they're attracted to each other first," he explained.

"Right, because otherwise it would be a waste of effort."

"Exactly."

Raini was silent for a few seconds before she smiled widely. "I can help you there, Ratliff. Since I'm going to Italy with the other girls, I'll drop some hints to Rydel about Calum. That should help judge what she thinks about him, don't you think?"

"This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
I have no choice cause I won't say goodbye anymore..."

The song came to an end, so Ratliff and Raini separated, but both were wearing mischievous grins.

"Yeah, that'll work out perfectly. I can't believe I didn't think of something like that."

The short Latina laughed. "Don't worry about it. I want Rydel to be happy, too, and Calum, of course. Besides," she shrugged, "I think they'd be cute together. I'll get answers, one way or another."

Ratliff smiled. "Awesome. Thanks, Raini. Do you think we should get Laura in on this? She is closer to Rydel, after all."

"It wouldn't hurt. I'll see what I can do."

With another sly grin, the two joined the rest of their friends as they guessed who would be performing next. Laura, however, was dragged away by Neo to get ready for her own turn on the stage. The group waved goodbye, wishing her good luck.

SP*SP*SP

Riker and the others made sure they got a front row seat of Laura's performance when her time slot came up. They cheered loudly when Darren made an appearance, thanking the leaving band for performing and keeping the audience's spirits high.

"Next up," the Emcee announced, grinning, "is a good friend of mine, and I'm sure everyone has seen her pictures before. Singing her first single, So In Love With Two please welcome to the stage: Laura Marano!"

The group of friends and family screamed at the top of their lungs as Laura walked out, waving and grinning with a microphone in her hand. The outfit she wore wasn't any different than the one she dressed in that morning, but her black hat was missing, and she was wearing midnight-blue leather leggings under her white, Wonderland Beach Tunic and Heidi Klein Navy Abaco Beach Bandeau. Her sunglasses had been placed on top of her head and her bag was most likely in her dressing room. Tying the whole outfit together, one slim wrist had a Venessa Arizaga bracelet, and on her feet were a pair of Boho 'Couldn't Be Better' sandals.

"Hey, everyone," Laura perkily greeted, earning more cheers and applause. "I'm so excited to be performing at the Summer Beach Bash for you guys. I hope you like the song!" With that, the music started and she started to lightly bounce to the beat.

So In Love With Two:

"My number one: There could never be no one like you
How come I feel this way about
My number two: Never tried to tell me what to say or do
I'm so in love with two
I don't want to push it
I don't want to fight
But this feeling keeps me up all night"

The crowd went wild as her voice echoed through the speaker system, and Laura fought back a bubble of laughter. Performing had always been fun, but this was an entirely new experience. It was one thing to sing a duet with another person, but completely different when it was just you and the audience. It was absolutely thrilling.

"If I only could decide
But I can't make up my mind
I'm breakin' all my rules because of you
You can tell me it's not right
And it tears me up inside
But the problem is I'm so in love with two

Hey, hey, hey
I don't know what to do
Hey, hey, hey
I choose the both of you"

Riker whistled loudly as his girlfriend continued to rock the stage, like he knew she would. Everybody loved her, and this performance would put her even more over-the-top than she already was. He could envision all of the media attention she would be receiving as a musician now, instead of just a model and sometimes-actress. The event was definitely a great opportunity for Laura.

"My number one: You give me everything I need

But some things still are better with

My number two: He's the one that really makes me feel so good
I'm so in love with two
I don't want to push it
I don't want to fight
But this feeling keeps me up all night

If I only could decide
But I can't make up my mind
I'm breakin' all my rules because of you
You can tell me it's not right
And it tears me up inside
But the problem is I'm so in love with two"

Ross grinned widely as he continued to listen to Laura sing her heart out. He especially liked watching the way her petite but curvy figure moved on stage, matching the beat with every hip pop and flirty wink at the audience. Honestly, he couldn't be prouder of her than in that moment; Laura had worked hard and long to get where she is now. And he knew Riker must have been thinking the same thing.

"But the problem is I'm so in love with two

Hey, hey, hey
I don't know what to do
Hey, hey, hey
I choose the both of you"

Laura moved across the stage, grinning as she held her hand out and lightly shook random people's hands. She made sure she was a safe distance away, however, not wanting to accidentally fall into the sea of bodies all clamoring for her attention. She had seen that happen on the Internet one too many times to think it would be fun.

Instead, she semi-quickly walked along both sides of the stage, eventually walking along the make-shift catwalk as the crowd roared with approval.

"Don't want to fight another night
Just want to make it right
C'mon
Ooh, my number one, oh, my number two
Somebody tell me what I'm supposed to do
My number one, my number two
Somebody tell me
I'm so in love with two

Discreetly, the petite brunette glanced in the direction she knew her two guys would be. Keeping the grin on her face, she slowly moved back to center stage, absently shaking more hands, as she kept most of her focus on Riker and Ross.

God, she hadn't noticed before, but the song was more literal than she had first thought. She was just glad Riker wasn't suspicious or he wouldn't look so proud of her and hyped up (and the same could be said about Ross, but it was technically his idea to write this song, so he couldn't exactly complain).

Mentally shaking her head, Laura knew the song's ending was coming up, so she put everything she had into the last lines. She could worry about things later (like if Riker brought up the meaning behind the song, but that was if that happened).

"If I only could decide
But I can't make up my mind
I'm breakin' all my rules because of you
You can tell me it's not right
And it tears me up inside
But the problem is I'm so in love with two

Hey, hey, hey
I choose the both of you."

Letting her voice trail off, Laura grinned widely, panting slightly, as the audience exploded with cheers and whistles. She laughed lightly. "Thank you! Thank you, guys, so much!"

Darren came back onto the stage, clapping and smiling at the smaller brunette. "That was Laura Marano, everyone! Let's give this lovely lady another round of applause," he called out. Waiting several moments for the crowd to calm down afterwards, he continued, "After a short intersession, we'll have our next band performance. Once again, let's give it up for Laura Marano!"

While the crowd showed their appreciation, said young woman smiled brightly as she waved and walked off of the stage.

SP*SP*SP

The moment Laura walked into her temporary dressing room, the door closed behind her, and arms wrapped securely around her waist from behind. Instinctively, she tensed as she waited to see what would happen next, but she relaxed when a familiar cologne scent entered her nostrils.

"Geezus, Ross, you scared me," she breathed out, sighing as her body molded to his. "How did you even get in here? I thought you were with the others."

Ross nuzzled his nose into her hair, smiling. "After your performance, I told them I was going to the bathroom and that I would find you while I was gone," he explained. "It wasn't like it was a lie – I did find you, didn't I?"

Laura released a light laugh. "Yes, I suppose you did." Turning around within the circle of his arms, she ran her slim fingers through his soft, blonde hair. "Did you like my performance?" she asked, a touch of uncertainty entering her doe eyes.

He leaned forward until his forehead touched hers. "Liked it? Baby, I loved it," he sincerely answered, "You were born to be on stage – I always knew you were."

"Thank you." Grinning cheekily, she rose onto her tip toes to press her lips against his. Pulling back, she slyly inquired, "You wanna help me change?"

Ross's hands cupped her hips, his thumbs absently rubbing either side of her pelvic bone. He raised an eyebrow, curious. "Why? What's wrong with what you're wearing now?"

"You wanna wear dark leather during summer in LA?"

His nose crinkled as he thought about that. "Hell no. Let's get you out of that," he replied, stepping back to do just that. A smirk suddenly appeared on his face. "Oh, now I see what you mean about me 'helping' you."

Laura giggled, but bit her bottom lip enticingly as she waited for the blonde teen to make his move. "I'm waiting," she teased, eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, yeah," he popped back, smirk still in place. His eyes darkening with lust, his hands slowly slipped along the outsides of her thighs, tracing the leather texture that kept him from touching her bare skin. He wanted to savor this moment before they met up with the others. It wasn't like he could freely touch her with witnesses around.

Well, he could… But there was no way he'd chance having to explain himself to anyone, especially Riker. The last thing Ross wanted to do was alienate his own brother.

Soon, his hands slipped under the cotton tunic, fingertips brushing a toned, flat stomach. Laura softly moaned at the feather-light contact, her eyes fluttering closed in pleasure. Ross bent forward, his lips connecting with the silky skin of her throat as he lightly nipped the skin there.

Slowly, he gripped the band of the leggings, peeling the material down Laura's creamy legs, his mouth and body following the movement. His lips traced a path from her neck to her collarbones, between her breasts, playfully tugging at the ties to her swim top with his teeth until the knot came undone, then continuing down. He pressed a firm kiss on her cotton-covered stomach, causing Laura to giggle quietly.

When the leggings were around her ankles, Ross stood up from his crouched position to lift the petite brunette into his arms. Easily, he carried her to the vanity table and sat her down on it.

"Ross…?" Laura questioned, curious about what he had planned next. It wasn't like they could stay in the room for the rest of the Summer Beach Bash; another performer would need the room to get ready soon, once the intersession was over.

Ross smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing." With that, he got down on one knee and proceeded to completely remove the dark blue leggings for her. It took some maneuvering, considering she still wore her sandals, but he got them off faster than she expected.

With the garment gone, he now had a perfect view of her legs, as well as whatever she had hidden beneath her tunic. He licked his lips in anticipation.

"You know, Laura, ever since I saw what you chose to wear today, I've been wondering something…"

Laura's cheeks were flushed, eyes semi-glossy as she watched him from her vantage point. "What?" If she sounded more breathless than normal, neither said anything about it.

He smirked deviously. "I was wondering if you were wearing underwear or swimsuit bottoms," he answered. After the last word left his mouth, his hand reached out to jerk the hem of the tunic up. He hummed in pleasure. "It looks like panties won. Sheer, too. Very nice, Laura."

"I changed because wearing swimsuit bottoms would have felt funny with leather leggings over them," she admitted, slightly embarrassed.

Ross's smirk widened. "Even better." Standing, he dropped the tunic's hem. "Hop down and face the vanity's mirror. Place your hands on the table." His hand came up, gently cupping her chin between his pointer finger and thumb. "And I want your ass sticking out, Laura. Do you understand?" When she nodded, he released her and stepped back.

He watched in satisfaction as the petite brunette followed his orders exactly, no hint of hesitation in her movements or positioning. It pleased him greatly, and Ross knew he was one step closer to having Laura completely.

"Like this?" Laura's soft, sweet voice asked as she stuck her buttocks out modestly.

Ross hummed in pleasure. "A little more – and I want you to spread your legs wider apart… Yeah, like that, Laura. Perfect," he seductively purred.

With her in place, his eyes connected with hers through the mirror's reflection as he neared her body once more. Using one hand, he slipped it between her thighs, cupping her core intimately. When Laura sucked in a startled breath but didn't otherwise react, Ross continued with his little 'activity'. Sure, it wasn't planned but it was no less enjoyable.

His fingers brushed against the sheer fabric, silently noting that she was moist. But not quite wet enough, he thought, smirking, But that can be changed.

Laura's eyes closed as Ross began to rub her through her panties, paying special attention to her clit. What was he thinking, doing something like this here? Was he insane?

Then again, I'm the one allowing him to do this… That probably meant she was insane, too, but she wasn't going to stop him. No, the way he was touching her felt too good to stop. He could play her body like an instrument.

And Laura loved every second of it.

A sharp gasp left her lips, eyes flying open, as Ross pinched her clit just hard enough to send her into orgasmic bliss unexpectedly. She hadn't even realized she had been so close to the edge until that moment.

Liquid pooled into her underwear, and the blonde teen smiled in triumph as he felt the evidence of her pleasure; the pleasure he gave her. Not able to resist, he dipped a couple of fingers inside before bringing them back to his mouth for a quick taste. He groaned as the petite brunette's unique, sweet flavor burst on his tongue. God, how had he gone so long without it?

Meanwhile, said brunette was panting as she tried to calm her heart rate after such an explosion to her senses. She knew if she looked at her reflection now, she'd see flushed cheeks, dazed eyes, and a near-limp posture. It was all normal after a mind-blowing orgasm like she had just experienced.

The sound of a zipper caught her attention, and Laura turned to glance over her shoulder at her secret boyfriend. She gulped quietly as she saw his fully hardened cock spring out of his pants, like it couldn't wait to come out. Considering how tight Ross's pants must have gotten, she wouldn't be surprised if it had started to hurt him.

"Ross…?"

In response, he gripped her hips tightly before thrusting his cock between her legs, against her soaked panties. He groaned in pleasure, muttering curses under his breath as he continued to rock back and forth against her.

Laura gasped, "Oh God, Ross!"

"That's it," he gritted between his teeth, thrusting against her more firmly, roughly. "Say my name, Laura. Say it!"

One hand pressed against the cool glass, hoping for some leverage. "Ross," she whimpered, her mind going blank with white-hot pleasure. The head of his cock was rubbing perfectly against her clit, and she could already feel another orgasm creeping up on her. "God, Ross… That feels so good…"

Ross pressed his lips against her ear, his hot breath adding another layer of sensation to her overheated body. "Are you gonna cum again, baby?" he breathed out. He smirked darkly when her breath hitched in her throat. "God, Laura, you already feel so good like this… Can you imagine what it would be like if I were inside you? All I would have to do is rip your underwear off and I'd be inside you in an instant. Wouldn't you like that?"

Just imagining the scenario had Laura moaning as she reached her second orgasm of the day. Her body shook with the residual pleasure, and Ross's continued thrusting extended the sensation. The hand on the mirror noisily slipped off as she collapsed to her elbows on the vanity table, panting.

The blonde slowed his movements but didn't stop. "Come on, baby," he crooned, gently brushing her hair away from her face, "We're not done yet."

She released a small, mewling whimper but braced herself once more on shaky arms. Thrusting backwards, she threw her head back as she lost herself to the pleasure Ross was giving her.

"That's it, baby," he said in approval, meeting her thrusts with his own. "That's it."

SP*SP*SP

After their session in the dressing room and (finally) getting changed, Laura and Ross made their way through the crowd of people as they looked for their group of family and friends. To anyone looking in their direction, they wouldn't think the two had been doing such intimate acts not too long ago, which was exactly what the secret couple wanted everyone to believe – that they were just best friends.

It wasn't long before Laura and Ross were reunited with the group, all eager to congratulate the former on her performance. The girls squealed as they animatedly talked about the song, hugging Laura with everything they had, while the guys lifted her off of her feet and lightly swung her around. Riker was last and, when he lifted his giggling girlfriend, he grinned and pulled her close to kiss her properly. The other three young women cooed at how cute they were, and the other guys playfully catcalled.

Rocky called out, "Why don't you two get a room?"

"Don't give them ideas, dude," Ratliff chimed in, chuckling.

Ross smirked as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Yeah, they can do that later. I wanna watch the rest of the performers before it's our turn."

Riker broke the kiss to face his brothers and close friend. He smirked, wrapping an arm around Laura's trim waist. "Shut up – You're just jealous," he said.

In response, Rocky wrapped his own arm around Maia, who playfully rolled her eyes at the gesture. "I've got nothing to be jealous of," he replied, smirking. "I've got an awesome girl of my own, thank you very much."

Maia poked him in the side. "And don't you forget it."

Everyone laughed when the taller brunette was quick to agree with the Australian actress. Obviously, Rocky was more than a little smitten and he wasn't ashamed to show it. She had him wrapped around her little finger.

"Hey, we should check out some of the other booths they have set up," Riker suggested, catching everyone's attention. "Ross has the right idea – We should do everything we can before we go on stage."

"And Laura and I have a performance, too," Rydel added, smiling widely at the thought. "I can't wait to sing our duet!"

The bubbly blonde's excitement was contagious. Soon, everyone was hyped and ready to party and have fun while they waited for R5's turn to perform at the Summer Beach Bash. The group left as one, all eager to get as much done as possible before they had to split up again.

SP*SP*SP

"And now," the charming Emcee announced, grinning, "Let's make some noise for R5!"

Loud, excited exclamations instantly filled the event area as everyone started cheering at the top of their lungs for the band. Shouts of 'I love you, Ross' and 'It's Rydel, it's Rydel', among other screams, could be heard from the audience as they watched.

Rocky grabbed his stand to bring the attached microphone closer to his mouth. "What's up, LA? Are you ready to rock?" he exclaimed, a huge grin on his face. In response, the tall brunette was rewarded with even louder screams and cheers.

"I think the better question, Rocky," Riker said, smiling boyishly, "is…"

Ross finished, "Are you guys ready to get LOUD?"

Loud:

"Looking for the one tonight
But I can't see you
Cause I'm blinded by all the lights, ooh
And I can never get it right
I need a breakthrough
Why are you so hard to find? ooh

I've been searching every city
Never giving up
'Til I find my angel
Diamond in the rough
Looking for a signal
Baby turn it up tonight"

From backstage, Laura cheered just as loudly, if not more so, than the audience, who went crazy for the song. The only other time R5 had really performed Loud was when they used the music to accompany her down the walkway for the Fashion Charity Show. Laura was happy they were given the opportunity to play it again at such a big event. It was a great song, and this was great exposure for them.

"Come on get loud loud let it out
Shout it out from the rooftops
Come on get loud 'til they shut us down.
Come on get loud loud let it out
Show me everything that you've got
Come on get loud loud I need you now
Baby let me hear it loud

Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa

Looking for the light to shine
To start a fire
Girl I'll be the first in line ooh
And baby when our stars align
We can't get no higher
You just give me a sign"

Neo appeared at Laura's side, smiling as he watched the band rock out on stage. "I'm a little surprised they chose to sing this song," he casually commented, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "I was sure they would have gone with Cali Girls, considering the venue and all."

"Come on get loud loud let it out
Shout it out from the rooftops
Come on get loud 'til they shut us down
Come on get loud loud let it out
Show me everything that you've got
Come on get loud loud I need you now
Baby let me hear it loud"

The petite brunette smiled. "Well, it was a no-brainer once they heard about a certain deal from Hollywood Records."

Her manager/agent raised an eyebrow as he eyed his client. "Oh?" he questioned, curious. "What sort of deal are we talking about? Another tour?" Though, that seemed a little unrealistic. R5 had signed with the company not too long ago, not to mention they already had a tour earlier that same year.

"Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa

(Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Looking for the one tonight
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
I've been looking for the one tonight)"

"No, not a tour," she replied, keeping her eyes locked on two particular blondes. She softly laughed as Ross threw her a discreet wink as he continued to sing his heart out. "Ryland has been talking to some of the executives – with Mark, of course, to make sure everything is legal and arranged properly. They were talking about making a music video for R5."

The sapphire-eyed man grinned. "That's great news," he said. "I'm assuming the first video they want to shoot is for Loud, then?"

"Yep. I'm so excited for them, Neo. This is such an amazing opportunity for them."

Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa"

Neo then asked, "When will they start filming? You'll be going to Italy with Rydel and the other girls soon."

Laura nodded. Finally, she turned her attention onto her manager/agent to answer him. "I know. And we'll be gone for basically two weeks. But I've been talking to Ryland and Mark about it. They said everything needs to be set up and people need to be cast for the video, so that will take some time. I'm hoping we'll be back before everything is set up."

He smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll stay in contact with them, and let you know of any changes. While you're in Italy, I want you to focus on only three things: Rydel, having fun, and the photo shoot. Okay?"

"Baby let me hear it loud

Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa"

Laura released a cute, happy squeal as she threw her arms around the dirty blonde male. "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Neo," she said, "You are the best manager ever!"

In response, Neo chuckled as he gently returned her embrace. "You're very welcome, Laura. You know I would anything for you," he playfully replied.

After that, the two broke apart to watch the rest of R5's performance before Laura would join Rydel to sing their duet. The petite brunette was practically bouncing where she stood. She couldn't seem to control herself, and a wide grin stretched across her lips.

"Baby let me hear it loud

Na Na Na Na Na Naa
Na Na Na Na Na Naa

I've been looking for the one tonight."

As Ross's voice trailed off at the end of the song, the crowd burst into loud screams and exclamations of joy. He chuckled as he watched the audience go wild, his chocolate eyes roaming the sea of people. He loved performing live. There was just something absolutely thrilling and magical being able to see others enjoying what he (and the rest of the band) loved to do.

Darren Criss returned to the stage, grinning widely. "That was a great performance by R5," he called out into his microphone. "But!" The audience fell quiet as they waited to see what would happen next. "They're not done yet, folks. You've seen these two on the Internet – heck, you may have even caught their number at the ending of R5's West Coast Tour. Let's welcome back to the stage: Laura Marano!"

Laura appeared in the next moment, the audience going crazy for Columbia Records' newest artist. Smiling widely, she waved with the hand not holding her microphone. She was also dressed the same way she'd been earlier for her performance.

"Hey, everyone," she greeted warmly. "Like my friend Darren said: R5 isn't done yet." Chuckling lightly, she gestured towards the band. "Let's bring down Miss Rydel Lynch!"

The crowd once more exploded with noise as Darren quickly made his way backstage once more so that the two best friends could perform. Really, he didn't need to say what they were planning. Everyone loved their duets during the West Coast Tour.

Rydel made her way to the front, grinning excitedly. It also gave the audience a chance to see what the bubbly blonde was wearing. Paired with her grey and black August Salt Palm Tank, she wore a red-orange, La Leela beach sarong that was knotted on one side, with a pair of ModCloth's Camp Hardly Wait sandals on her feet. For accessories, Rydel had slipped on her LOUD rubber wristband and her vintage, yellow Peacock dangling earrings to complete her casual but cute beach look.

"Are you guys ready to rock?" she called out from her microphone. The crowd responded by screaming at the top of their lungs. The keyboardist laughed. "We're gonna change up the song a little, so get ready, boys…"

"LA Boyz, to be precise," Laura laughed out. "Hit it!" With that, the boys of R5 started the upbeat music as everyone else started cheering for the duo.

L. A. Boyz:

Rydel:

"Drivin' down Sunset on a Saturday night
It's gettin' kinda crazy under the lights
But we don't care we're passing our time
Watchin' those L.A. Boyz roll by"

Laura:

"In their droptops, Harleys, Escalades too
A hundred different flavors to vary your view
There's one for me, and there's one for you
Watchin' them L.A. Boyz roll through"

Riker watched with a wide grin on his handsome face as his sister and girlfriend rocked out on the stage, their high energy seemingly transferring to the audience. He was especially happy that the former got to perform, seeing as how Rydel didn't get to very often. He and Rocky were discussing song ideas for their sister for that reason.

If anything, besides the trip to Italy, Rydel would be getting a couple of songs for her birthday that her brothers had written for her to sing. Riker was confident that she would love it.

Both:

"Lookin' so hot down in Hollywood
You know they got, got the goods

So let's give it up for those L.A. Boyz
Ridin' the waves up in Malibu
They really get, get to you
So let's give it up for those L.A. Boyz

Give it up, give it up
You don't have no choice
Give it up, give it up
For the L.A. Boyz"

The blonde bassist's attention shifted to Laura, who was happily singing and shaking fans' hands as she passed them along the stage. He loved watching her with them. Laura always treated the fans with compassion and caring, and the way she spoke to them was courteous and as though they had been friends for a long time. Even the people who didn't like her, as was the case for every celebrity, had to admit that Laura was always friendly and did a lot of charity work to help various causes.

Really, Riker had to admit that his girlfriend was possibly an angel in disguise.

Laura:

"West side, East side, everywhere between
Rockstars jammin' the promenade for free
Flippin' their skateboards on Venice beach
L.A. Boyz come play with me
Turn it up
Turn it up
And come play with me"

Both:

"Lookin' so hot down in Hollywood
You know they got, got the goods
So let's give it up for those L.A. Boyz
Ridin' the waves up in Malibu
They really get, get to you
So let's give it up for those L.A. Boyz

Rydel:

"Put your number in my phone, oh, maybe I'll call you, maybe not
What you doin' all alone?
Come show me what you got, boy
Show me what you got, got boy
What you got boy show me what you... GOT!"

The two friends continued to perform, wide grins still in place, as they walked back to stand center-stage. The song may have been almost over, but that didn't change the adrenaline-high they were feeling. If anything, it was more pronounced towards the end, putting more power into their individual voices as they sang.

From his spot, Ross grinned widely as he watched Laura put everything she had in her petite frame into those last moments of the performance. He knew Riker was also staring, but who could blame them? Laura was stunningly beautiful on a regular basis, but on stage? It was like watching an angel sing.

(And so what if they were a little biased?)

Both:

Rydel's and Laura's voices trailed off at the end, each a little breathless, but grinning and happy. The crowd's applause was absolutely explosive, and both girls laughed out loud at the praise. A few wolf whistles were also thrown into the cheers, and they playfully giggled at eliciting such a response.

From behind, the rest of the band approached and hugged them, all smiling and laughing at having put on a great performance.

Ross lingered when it was his turn to give Laura a congratulatory hug, which she warmly returned with a discreet snuggle under his chin, before handing her off to Riker.

"You two did an awesome job," Riker complimented, speaking up for the other guys too. "That was seriously amazing – like always."

Rydel laughed as she was released from her hug with Ratliff. "Thanks," she said, beaming.

"Yeah, thank you so much," Laura chirped in, also beaming, "That was totally fun!"

Darren made his appearance once more, grinning happily at the six. "Can we get another round of applause for this talented group, please?" he requested, clapping his own hands as the audience eagerly joined in. When it died down reasonably, he continued speaking. "After a short intersession, we'll have our next performer – Be sure to stick around!"

Until*Next*Time

So, who is ready to dive deeper into Rydel's Birthday arc? I know I am! Be sure to keep an eye out for Rocky's arc, too – I think it's going to be pretty exciting ;)

Also: I know people want more Raura (maybe even Riaura) moments, but I want to take this story into different directions, so some things will be taking a backseat for now, but will resume before you know it ;) I want other characters to have a deeper plot than just being considered 'sidekicks.'

Thank you for reading, and please review at the bottom! It would be much appreciated (:

~babydoll92

*Guest: If the last two chapters have been too boring for you, please refrain from leaving your negative comments and simply stop reading my story. Constructive criticism is welcome, however. Please use a name so that I may properly address you next time. Thank you.

Important: In case everyone hasn't seen it, check out my profile for update information.