Second Place
Dirty Little Secret
Disclaimer: check out chapter one, please – Thanks!
Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker
Author's Note: Rydel's and Rocky's arcs will be merged, it seems :P
Song(s) used:
SP*SP*SP
Last Time:
Snapping out of his thoughts, Riker shook his head to clear it. Now wasn't the time to psycho-analyze another's relationship. He should be answering the door. It could be a lost tourist in desperate need of directions.
"I'm coming," he called out. He opened the front door a second later. "How can I–?" His expression darkened like a thundercloud as he got a good look at the person on the other side. Suddenly, that desperate tourist didn't sound so bad. "What the fuck do you want?"
SP*SP*SP
Present Time:
Hannah Pierce smiled, an edge of poison curving her lips. It proved venomous as she sneered, "Is that really any way of greeting a lady, Riker?"
He made a point to look in every direction surrounding them. "Funny, I don't see anyone matching that description," he said, pure loathing dripping from his own voice. His eyes connected with hers as he pointedly added, "All I see is a bitch who needs to get lost. Now."
When he moved to slam the door in her face, Hannah held out a hand to stop it. "I don't have time to play games with you," she snapped, annoyed. "Where's Rocky? I need to talk to him."
"He doesn't live here anymore, let alone this state. Get the hint – He's never gonna take you back, and I'm going to make damned sure of it." If there was one person on Earth whom Riker hated above all else, it was Hannah Pierce. What right did she have showing up at their house, let alone demanding to see Rocky? Easy, she had none. Not anymore.
"Don't give me that bullshit," she said, forcing the door open even more. While Riker would love more than anything to force the door closed, he was still gentleman enough not to. "I know he's here. I demand to talk to him!"
Riker growled, "Well, too damned bad." Letting the door remain open, he crossed his arms over his chest as he glared at the young woman, effectively refusing her entrance. "What the hell do you have to say to him that's so important, anyway? Wait – Let me guess. You need him to buy you another 'emergency' purse? Or, wait, how about letting him catch you cheating on him again? Come on, Hannah, which is it?"
"I'm pregnant, you jackass!"
SP*SP*SP
In Italy, Maia paused her texting as a sudden wave of dread washed over her, like a tsunami. Glancing around the studio where Laura was getting her pictures taken, the Australian actress didn't see anything amiss.
But the feeling didn't go away. Something told her that things were changing, and not for the better. For her, that is.
"Hey, everything okay with you, Maia?" Raini asked, concern leaking into her voice. The other three young women had arrived at the photo shoot about an hour into the session, thanks to Neo picking them up, while Laura worked with Jean-Paul. Maia had been fine up until that moment, and the Latina was worried.
Rydel looked up from her pink iPhone to stare at her two friends, brows furrowed. "What's up, guys?"
Maia waved off the concern, laughing sheepishly. "Nothing, nothing," she assured, trying to convince herself more than them. "I'm just being silly. There's nothing wrong – We're in Italy and this is our last day here. We should be having fun!"
"Are you sure?" the blonde asked.
"Completely. Like I said, we should be having a blast, and congratulating Laura on doing such an amazing job. Don't worry about it."
Raini acquiesced, not wanting to start an argument. Maia would talk when she was ready. "Well, okay then. When Laura's done, where should we eat lunch? I was thinking the restaurant we went to on our first night here..."
As Raini and Rydel debated on where to have their final lunch in Italy, Maia's lips curved into a small smile as she let their voices soothe her. She was being silly, like she told them. There was nothing she should be worrying about, except where to eat, before returning home to LA after being gone for two weeks. Back into Rocky's arms.
However, her dark chocolate gaze wandered down to the silent iPhone in her hand. Why wasn't Rocky returning any of her text messages?
SP*SP*SP
After Hannah had exploded her news to anyone within hearing distance, Stormie had arrived due to the commotion. While the two talked – Hannah taking on the image of an innocent teen who was scared about the pregnancy – Riker left in disgust. How low could Hannah get? Like Rocky would be dumb enough to get a girl pregnant, let alone have that girl be Hannah Pierce.
Riker knew how poisonous someone like Rocky's ex could be. She was manipulative and always wanted what she couldn't have; in this case, Rocky and his wallet, thanks to R5's growing success. Riker had seen Hannah use his brother time and time again, without remorse and without care.
And poor Rocky had been her willing victim. He'd been blinded by her beauty and seemingly sweet nature. He hadn't seen the rot that Riker and the others had witnessed when he wasn't looking.
But Rocky had broken free of Hannah's hold. It had taken a long time, but he did it. He got the courage to stand up to her, tell her no. And when he finally broke things off with her, Riker had never been more proud of him. Dating Maia had also helped, with her generous nature and bright personality. Riker could see their relationship last for the long-haul.
Arriving at the dining room, where Rocky and Ross were strumming their guitars, Riker stopped and stared intensely at the brunette. More than anything, he wanted to believe his brother hadn't done what Hannah seemed positive about.
I mean, why the hell else would she be here? And after all this time?
The blonde's stomach cramped the more he thought about it.
As if feeling his gaze, Rocky glanced up. The smile he wore on his face was equal parts questioning and worried. "Hey, bro," he greeted. "What was all that noise at the door? Mom went to see what was up."
"Hannah's here."
Ross's expression darkened at the same time Rocky's smile fell. "Why the hell is she here?" the former demanded to know.
The oldest Lynch sibling breathed deeply, eyes still locked on Rocky's equally dark gaze. Taking the plunge – and hoping for the best – he blurted out, "She says she's pregnant and that she wants to talk to you, Rocky."
Mentioned brunette's face turned as pale as milk.
SP*SP*SP
While the girls were wrapping up lunch, with Neo not too far away making last-minute phone calls, Maia stared down at her phone in trepidation. At first, she'd thought Rocky's silence was because of the time difference or because he was working on the song he planned on giving to Rydel for her birthday. But now she wasn't so sure. By now, he would have sent a handful of texts. But nothing? That wasn't like her boyfriend, especially since they hadn't been this far away from each other before. What was going on?
Laura's voice snapped the Australian actress out of her stupor. "Is everything okay, Maia? You've been staring at your phone for the last few minutes."
"Um," she hesitated. "I think everything's fine. I just haven't heard from Rocky, that's all."
"I'm sure lover boy is just sleeping or something," Raini tried to soothe. "I'm sure you'll hear from him before you know it."
"Yeah," Rydel quickly agreed, "This is my brother we're talking about. If he's not sleeping, he's stuffing his face." Giggles burst from the group, even Maia managed a chuckle. It was true, after all. Rocky loved his food.
Sitting back in her seat, the Australian decided to worry about Rocky later. If something was wrong, she felt confident that he would tell her. Why wouldn't he?
It wasn't like a life-alternating event was taking place, right that second. Right?
SP*SP*SP
Riker closed his eyes, dread pooling in his stomach. "Please tell me there is no way she's right," he said. "Tell me she's full of horse shit, and the baby she's supposedly carrying is, in no way, yours."
From his peripheral vision, Rocky could see Ross giving him a pointed look as if saying, go on, tell him. But he couldn't. His throat was frozen. Hell, he could barely breathe. How could this happen? Especially now, when things were going so great between him and Maia.
"I..." he paused. Swallowed heavily. "I... I can't."
Ross breathed out, horrified, "Oh God. What did you do, Rocky?"
Guitar forgotten, the tall brunette leaned back. Releasing a deep sigh, he started, "It was back when we were in Vegas during the West Coast Tour..."
SP*SP*SP
Flashback:
Rocky flipped onto his back, staring at the ceiling. His body felt tired, especially after all of the traveling he and the others had been doing, but sleep eluded him. He could call Ross and see what he was doing, but he didn't want to disturb his younger brother. Being the lead vocals meant Ross had to work extra hard.
Ratliff would be another option, but Rocky had seen the bags that were starting to form under the drummer's eyes. Obviously, he wasn't used to the constant movement of traveling, but who could blame him?
Rydel was definitely out. The tall brunette didn't want to be dragged all over the place, shopping and holding her bags full of new stuff. Riker and Laura weren't options either. The former would probably shack up with his girlfriend, and the latter looked as exhausted as Ratliff.
Which meant Rocky was on his own.
Not that he minded. Growing up with so many siblings (and Laura) gave him a healthy respect for being able to do things on his own, be his own person. He knew how to drive, how to be independent. Sometimes he even preferred being by himself, like when he was working on a personal song he didn't want others to see.
But that didn't mean he liked being alone all the time. Having a deep, meaningful conversation with someone not his relative was nice. Laura was a good example. She was a great listener and she gave sound advice. She never judged a person, and always had a nice word to say to everyone. Her overall personality was attractive and bright, like sunshine breaking through the clouds. Hell, Rocky couldn't remember the last time she got angry.
I can understand why Riker would want to stay with a girl like Laura, Rocky thought, arms behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. Besides being one of the hottest girls to walk the planet, she has an amazing personality and she's successful, not to mention smart and musically talented. She's the whole package. It was just too bad she wasn't single.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, the tall brunette sighed and sat up. "This is useless," he grumbled as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. "There's no way I can fall asleep. I'll just grab something from one of the hotel's restaurants."
Slipping his shoes back on, he made sure to double-check for his room key, wallet, and cell phone before leaving. As he made sure his door closed and locked, a slight movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention.
Glancing up, Rocky frowned in confusion. Isn't that Ross's room? He could have sworn he saw the doorknob move or something, like someone had just closed the door behind them. But that can't be right. Ross should be sleeping by now. Who would be entering his room? As the one assigned to the room next to Ross, Rocky would be the first to know if something was up. But he hadn't heard anything suspicious.
"I must be more tired than I thought," he muttered to himself. Shrugging, he continued down the hallway to the elevators that would take him to the lobby.
A few minutes later, the tall brunette was scanning the menu. He wasn't hungry, exactly, but he wouldn't mind eating something small. Maybe some fries? A bowl of chili? Vegas knew how to treat their customers; it was like they had everything a teen could want to fill his stomach with. However, before he could place an order, a familiar voice stopped him. Cold.
"Well, well, well," the voice purred, dripping honey, "look what the cat dragged in. I didn't expect to see you here of all places, Rocky."
Rocky slowly turned around, knowing who he would find. And he wasn't disappointed. It wasn't like he could forget her voice. Heck, sometimes he could still hear her in his dreams. Or nightmares might be more accurate.
"Hannah," was all he said.
Hannah Pierce was as beautiful as he remembered, unfortunately. Her pale blonde hair was naturally wavy and soft as silk, ending halfway down her back. Her skin was gently sun-kissed, a product of tanning beds, he knew, while her frame was as slim as ever. The only thing that stopped her from appearing boyish were the curves she took great pains to show off. But the attribute people got caught in were her navy colored eyes. They shone with an inner light that was considered either sensually provocative or venomously potent.
Rocky wished he had seen the latter sooner, instead of falling into the trap of the former.
Placing her hands on her tight jean-clad hips, Hannah said, "Is that all you have to say to me? It's been how long since we've seen each other? Over a year?"
"The last time we saw each other," he retorted, letting the old anger consume him, "you were under some guy, getting fucked six ways to Sunday. How can you be surprised that I have nothing more to say to you?"
She waved off his words, like it meant nothing to her. He wasn't surprised – When had she ever cared about what he said?
"Are you still upset about that?" she scoffed. "It's ancient history, Rocky. Geez, learn to let go of the past already." Her full lips suddenly curved into a sly smile, one he knew meant she wanted something. When she took a step closer and laid her hand on his chest, he got his answer. "Besides, you're still the best lover I ever had." Her voice dropped into a throaty purr, and Rocky was disgusted when his body instinctively reacted. "How about we go up to your room and relive the good ol'times?"
He hated to admit it, but their times in bed had been the only highlight throughout the entire relationship. It was the one area where they were considered equals, and they never argued. Hannah may not be his first but she was, without question, his best (so far).
But did he really want to jump into bed with this viper again? Honestly?
Rocky grit his teeth, but remained in his spot. "How about we don't, and we go about our own business? Just walk away, Hannah."
"I can't do that." She paused for a second before continuing. "Tell me, how long has it been for you? I bet it's been long enough, especially when you're traveling all over the place with your band." Her fingers started drawing circles on his T-shirt covered chest. "Come on, Rocky, you know I give as good as I get..."
After that, everything was a blur for the guitar player. He didn't remember grabbing Hannah and dragging her to the elevators. He didn't remember jabbing the button for his room's floor, and he damned sure didn't remember who initiated the first kiss.
All he could recall next was slamming Hannah against the door as soon as it closed behind them. Their mouths were fused hotly, angrily, their hands tangling as they ripped the clothes from the other. Then he was lifting, thrusting, and all he could think was:
What the fuck did I just do?
SP*SP*SP
Flashback Ends:
"... And that's what happened," Rocky concluded, weary, and leaning against the table with his head in his hands. "That's it. I swear, Riker. That's my dirty little secret."
Ross blew out a heavy breath, hands digging into his hair. "Damn..."
For his part, the oldest Lynch sibling had listened to the story with a calm detachment. Mentally, however, he was cursing the situation. But he didn't blame Rocky for what happened. No, Riker blamed Hannah for being there and getting to Rocky when he was in a seemingly vulnerable state. The viper had struck, sinking her fangs deep, and releasing a flood of poison.
"What was she even doing in Vegas?" he wondered, shaking his head.
His tone self-mocking, Rocky answered, "We weren't exactly talking while we were together, if you catch my drift."
Ignoring his comment, Ross asked, "What are you gonna do about Maia, Rocky?"
The tall brunette groaned. "I don't know." Glancing at his green iPhone, he winced. "I haven't even texted her once today. How am I supposed to talk to her now, let alone face her when she comes home?"
Riker wished he could help his brother, but this was uncharted territory. How was he supposed to give advice for something like this when he, himself, didn't know what to do? The only girl he'd ever been interested in was Laura, and she was the only girl he'd been intimate with. In contrast, Rocky had to deal with a pregnant Hannah and a girlfriend who was currently in another country.
"DNA test," he finally said, catching the younger Lynchs' attention. He sighed. "When the baby is born, get a DNA test done. It'll prove if the baby is yours or not."
"And what about Maia?"
His expression turned into a look of resignation and regret. "You tell her what she needs to know, Rocky. The truth."
SP*SP*SP
A couple of hours later, Ross sighed as he dug out his cell phone. Rocky was currently talking to Hannah – which was never a good sign, but their mother insisted – so that left Ross and Riker to do their own thing. Riker decided that breakfast was too much of a hassle, so locked himself in the basement to finish Rydel's song, and Ross figured now would be a good time to text Laura for an update. He could tell her what was going on, but he didn't want to think about everything Rocky was going through. Besides, it wasn't Ross's place to explain what happened. Rocky would when he was ready.
Hey, Laura, he texted, hope I'm not interrupting anything. How are things in Italy? Any word from Rydel about Calum?
While he waited for a reply, he grabbed his guitar and started strumming. He always found comfort when he had an instrument in his hands; it helped him think too.
Almost half an hour passed before his iPhone beeped with a new message. He set the guitar down to answer it.
Hey, Ross! (: Everything is going fine, just kind of bummed that the trip is over so soon. And Rydel finally admitted to having deeper feelings than friendship for Calum (: WOOHOO!
He chuckled. Of course Laura would be excited about Rydel and Calum. His sister never had a boyfriend before, but it hadn't been from lack of trying. Guys just didn't work out for her, for various reasons.
At least between you and me, one of us is happy that you're coming home. And Riker, too. But I've been talking to Calum – I think he's going to ask Rydel out on a date when you come back (:
Ross didn't have to wait as long for the next text.
You know I miss you, Ross. A lot. And Riker knows I miss him, too. But that's great news! I'm sure Rydel will be so happy (: Did he say anything about his plans for a first date?
First date? He tapped his thumbs against the phone's screen while he thought about that. He and Laura hadn't had a real first date; the one they did have was more like Ross trying to fix Laura and Riker's relationship. Maybe he should take her out one night? The thought had merit, at least.
Don't know, he didn't say. But I'm sure things will be fine :P You didn't tell me about Italy, though.
Italy is great, if you couldn't tell haha Jean-Paul has been amazing to work with – I don't think I've ever looked better :D
There was that name again. Jean-Paul. Laura's photographer. It had to say something if two out of four girls mentioned him, right? That's what Ross figured, anyway. But should he ask her about him? He wasn't used to feeling insecure but, after everything that had happened recently, who could blame him?
Before the blonde teen could reply, Laura sent another text message.
Jean-Paul is super nice, too (: He gave us the best suggestions on where to eat, including where we should celebrate Rydel's birthday. We had such a blast! The food and drinks were awesome, and singing karaoke was especially fun!
Karaoke? He replied, We haven't done that in a long time. We should one day, soon (:
Laura's response was, Sounds like fun! I can't wait (:
Ross chuckled. He could practically see the petite brunette wiggling with excitement. No doubt she'd invite everyone they knew, like Raini and Calum. It would turn from a family event into a full-blown party.
So, back to this Jean-Paul guy...
Her next message took a little longer than the last few, but he figured it was because she was hanging out with the others or packing. Their flight was that night, and they'd be back in the states within a day or so. He couldn't wait to see her again, hold her in his arms. The Italian photographer wouldn't be a problem then.
Don't tell me you're jealous, Ross XP he's just a friend, but on a more professional level. Okay? You don't have anything to worry about (: you know how I feel about you. I love you.
His next text said, I'll never get tired of hearing you say that, Laura. I love you, too.
I know ;) So, has anything interesting happened in LA?
Ross swallowed. How did he answer that? He didn't have to tell her about Rocky, but he didn't want to lie either. She'd know soon enough when she and the other girls came back. Should he warn her about the shit storm they were about to land in?
In the end, he replied, You could say things have been 'interesting' here...
SP*SP*SP
Riker threw the pencil across the room, frustrated that he couldn't come up with any more lyrics for the song. He needed Rocky, but his brother was still discussing – or more like arguing – with Hannah about the baby. He could ask Ross for help, but it was useless. Nothing was working for the blonde bassist. He couldn't hear the music that normally danced in his head when he composed. The situation with Rocky was screwing with his mind.
Why Hannah? That's what it all came down to. Why Hannah? Why her? Rocky could have slept with any girl that night – and it had to be Hannah Pierce. Why?
Sighing, Riker leaned further back into the couch's cushion. He was worried. Worried about what would happen between Rocky and Maia. Worried about what Hannah planned on doing. Knowing her, however, she'd probably take up as much time as she could with Rocky, especially when she knew it would hurt the Australian actress. The navy-eyed young woman never did like competition.
The blonde bassist could remember the days when Hannah would visit the Lynch house. She never liked when Rocky was hanging out with Laura, talking and laughing. It didn't matter that she was dating Riker; who Hannah didn't like, she tormented. He could remember a few times when he physically had to hold Laura back. Now, he would give an arm and a leg to take back those times.
Stupid. He should have known that something was wrong that night in Vegas. It just hadn't been Ross that he should have checked on...
Checking his phone for the time, the blonde bassist knew he wasn't early, so… Where was his girlfriend? She knew he was coming over, but…
Suddenly, a noise from behind had Riker turning to investigate. He rose a brow when it looked like it was nothing, but he could have sworn the sound came from the door opposite Laura's.
And didn't he see Ross enter that room earlier? Was something wrong with one of his younger brothers? Was Ross sick but didn't want to tell anybody?
Concerned, he took one step in the other direction, but paused when Laura's door opened and said brunette poked her head out to smile sheepishly at him.
Sighing, Riker closed his eyes. It was neither here nor there. What was done was just that – Done. Rocky would now have to decide what to do, but he wouldn't do it alone. No, he'd have the entire Lynch family behind him, and Laura, Ratliff, and all of their other friends.
The real question, however, still remained.
What was Rocky going to do about Maia?
SP*SP*SP
Later that night, after having their last dinner at a restaurant Jean-Paul had recommended, the girls and Neo were seated on the plane that would take them back to Los Angeles. Maia, however, kept glancing in concern at her cell phone. It hadn't rung once that entire day, and she was more than worried. What could Rocky possibly be doing?
"Have you heard at all from Rocky?" Raini asked, seated next to the Australian actress. Laura and Rydel were located in the seats in front of them, and they turned around at the question. Both of their gazes held concern.
"He really hasn't tried to contact you yet?" Laura inquired softly.
Maia released a sigh, shoulders slumping. "No, not even a quick text to explain why he couldn't talk to me. What do you think he's doing?"
Rydel suggested, "I'm sure it must be really important if he hasn't said anything." She glanced in the petite brunette's direction. "Have you heard from Riker? Maybe he knows what's going on."
"I only got a chance to video-chat with him earlier in the morning," she answered. "I was texting Ross for a little while, but…" Her teeth nibbled on her bottom lip, Ross's cryptic message popping into her mind. Did Rocky's silence have anything to do with the 'interesting' things he mentioned? "I don't know. He didn't say much, if anything."
Raini blew out a breath. "Well, whatever it is, we'll be finding out soon."
Dread pooled low in Maia's stomach, her lips forming a thin line. "Yeah. Soon." She just hoped that everything was okay, especially with Rocky. The only comfort she got was from the fact that no one else seemed to know what was going on. If something serious had happened, she was confident Riker, Ross, and the others would have said so by now. "Very soon."
SP*SP*SP
Hannah had caught a cab to the Lynch house, so Rocky had no choice but to drive her home after they finished their conversation. It had been grueling, to say the least, and Rocky was surprised he wasn't bleeding from the wounds she verbally inflicted. Really, a girl like Hannah knew how to push buttons – His especially. He wished she didn't affect him as much as she did, but there it was. She got under his skin in the worst way.
And when she asked if he wanted to come inside? Rocky couldn't get away fast enough. He had all but bolted from her house, angry and disgusted. He'd made it clear that he had a girlfriend – one he cared about very much – but of course she wouldn't take that into consideration. Hannah was as self-centered as they came.
Knowing better than to slam the front door, the tall brunette took out his frustration by throwing his keys onto the hardwood floor. Almost stomping into the living room, his black mood turned a shade lighter when he found his brothers and Ratliff there, waiting for him.
Ryland decided to state the obvious. "You look like shit."
Despite the situation, Rocky felt his mouth twitch in amusement. "Thanks a lot, little brother," he dryly replied. Then he sighed. "I feel like shit, too, but don't let mom hear you talk like that. She'll blame me for being a bad influence."
"You are a bad influence." The youngest Lynch bared his teeth, pointing. "Do you know how many times I've had to visit the dentist? All because you kept giving me junk food that you raved I had to try?"
"Yeah, but now your teeth are all straight and sparkly. I did you a favor!"
Riker held up a hand before more playful bickering could continue. His expression serious, he asked Rocky, "So, how did things go with you and… her?" There was no way he could say her name, not yet. "What did you decide to do?"
A heavy breath was released from his lungs. His hands dug into his hair, messing up the near-shoulder length strands. "She said the baby is mine. She seems very positive about that. She said…" He paused, closing his eyes. "She said… she wants me to take responsibility."
Ratliff shifted uncomfortably where he sat. "Okay, but what does she mean by that?" he cautiously questioned, dreading the answer.
"With her," Ross muttered darkly, "it could mean anything."
Rocky braced himself for the reaction he knew he would receive. "She wants me to… marry her."