Second Place

An Unwanted Surprise

Disclaimer: Check out chapter one for this – Thanks!

Pairing: Ross/Laura/Riker

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait! The next chapter should be longer than this one :P

*Special Shout-Out to: Everyone who has stuck with this story and reviewed! (: You guys rock!

SP*SP*SP

Last Time:

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."

SP*SP*SP

Present Time:

"What?" the others exclaimed, incredulously stunned.

Riker then bit out, "Is she insane? What is she thinking?"

"I don't think she ever does, if you ask me," Ross fairly snarled, completely frustrated and angry with the situation. Rocky was his brother, and Maia was a close friend. Hannah was trying to ruin everything, like always. Why couldn't she leave Rocky alone?

Ryland muttered, "We don't even know if the baby is Rocky's. I don't trust anything she says. The baby could be anyone else's."

"Well, we're not letting her get her claws into Rocky," Ratliff declared, his expression set with determination. There was steel in his eyes. "We'll find a way around this. There has to be something we're missing."

"We just have to make sure the marriage doesn't go through until the DNA test can be taken and the results come back," Riker stated, mind whirling with ideas and possible solutions. "What else did you two discuss?" The question was directed at Rocky, who had remained quiet since dropping the verbal bomb.

Said tall brunette's shoulders slumped. "We mostly argued about if the baby was mine or not," he answered. "But she's a few months along, so she's starting to see a doctor about regular exams and what vitamins to take."

"And I'm guessing she wants you to start attending those visits with her?" Not to mention pay for them, too, but Riker didn't add that. There was no point in adding salt to the already festering wound.

"Yeah. She told me about the next doctor's appointment in a couple of days. I guess that's why she tracked me down now."

Ross muttered under his breath, "This is so fucked up. And we can't really do anything until the baby is born." Which meant Hannah would be monopolizing Rocky's time until her due date. This was going to devastate Maia like nothing else. "Have you talked to Maia yet, Rocky?"

Rocky rubbed a hand down his face, exhausted, both mentally and physically. "No. I don't want to tell her anything until I can talk to her face-to-face," he said. "This isn't exactly something you want to tell your girlfriend over the phone, let alone through text message."

Riker and Ratliff, as the only two in steady relationships, nodded in agreement. Ross silently agreed, though didn't voice it out loud for obvious reasons. Besides, this wasn't about him. This was about Rocky, Maia, and Hannah.

Suddenly, a thought struck Ryland, and he cursed. It caught everyone's attention as they turned and watched him scan through his phone.

"What's up, Ry?" Riker asked, concerned. They didn't need any more complications, but he'd accept them if he had to. It was just part of life; one couldn't stop it no matter how much one tried. Besides, he and his family could handle it. They were made of tougher stuff than this.

"A couple of days from now, when Rocky has to go to the doctor's appointment? We're supposed to start filming the music video for Loud."

SP*SP*SP

Late the next day, the girls were piled into the SUV Neo had used to take them to the airport. They were all exhausted from the long flight, but Rydel somehow found the energy to text her parents about her safe return, and to send a message to Calum. The latter sent a flutter of giddiness through her system, despite her tiredness.

When his response popped up, she had trouble stifling her smile. She didn't want the rest of the girls to notice her expression; it was enough that they knew about her feelings for the redhead.

Hey, Rydel! I'm glad you're home, safe (: How was the flight?

Quickly, her thumbs tapped out a reply on her pink iPhone. It's good to be home haha and the flight was okay – super long, though! Couldn't get off the plane fast enough.

I know the feeling, Calum's next text read, I always feel so cramped just coming and going to Canada :P I can only imagine what a trip to Italy was like.

It's only cramped for you because you're so tall :D

Calum took a minute before his next message came up. Hey, I thought girls liked tall guys!

Rydel silently giggled to herself. Biting her bottom lip, she typed in her reply before hitting the send button. Well, I don't know about other girls, but I know I do (:

Good to know ;) Anyway, I know this is last minute, but I was wondering if you were busy tomorrow?

Her brain froze as the words registered. Was he asking her out on a date? Like a real, actual date? A grin broke out across her face at the possibility, and her heart fluttered.

"Hey, what are you getting all smiley about?" Laura teased, grinning tiredly at her best blonde (female) friend. "Let me guess – You're talking to Calum, aren't you?"

Rydel hummed, but her smile never left her face. "Maybe," she sing-songed. Going back to her text messages, she replied, Let me talk to Ryland first. He said he was going to set up some stuff for R5's first music video. We'll go from there, okay? ;)

"Aw, come on, Delly," the petite brunette playfully protested. "I thought we were friends."

"We are," she agreed, "but that doesn't mean I have to tell you everything about me. It's not like I ask you intimate questions about you and Riker."

Laura gave her a dull look. "Yeah, because it would be awkward as hell if you did."

"That's beside the point."

"It's the entire point, actually. Riker is your brother."

Rydel sniffed, like a high-bred lady of olden times. It made Laura giggle. "Well, that's your fault. As my best friend, you didn't have to date him."

"But he's so irresistible," the other girl playfully purred. And, in the end, so was Ross. But it wasn't like she could say that out loud, now, could she?

The blonde's nose wrinkled. "That is so wrong, on so many levels," she said. Her phone buzzed once more with a new text message, and she glanced down.

Sounds like a plan! Let me know ASAP (: I'll be awaiting your response.

Smiling once more, like her conversation with Laura hadn't happened, Rydel relocked her phone. When she looked up, however, she noticed that Raini and Maia were now invested in her and Laura's conversation. She swallowed thickly at the positively predatory gleam in their eyes.

"What?" she squeaked out.

Raini and Maia grinned – albeit creepily, in the keyboardist's opinion. "Is that Calum you're talking to?" they asked simultaneously.

"Geez, it's like you two practice doing that."

Maia hummed playfully. "Ooh, it sounds like someone is deflecting the question."

Rydel's cheeks heated with a blush. "I'm not deflecting anything," she protested, but there was a distinct pout in her tone. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Aw, come on," Raini said, grinning, "I thought we were friends."

Laura piped up, "That's what I said!"

From there, the girls dissolved into giggles and laughter, while also poking at Rydel for details about her conversation with Calum. The blonde playfully continued to deflect their inquiries, but it had more to do with being mysterious and holding a certain amount of power over her friends.

Was that cruel? Not really, especially when the other girls knew she was having fun, that she may have an actual relationship with a guy that extended past friendship. It was long overdue, if asked. Besides, Laura and the others didn't mind. They had their own secrets, all more serious than a small conversation between two possible love interests.

Meanwhile, Neo concentrated on the road, his facial features tired but tender as he continued to listen to the girls' banter. He was happy as long as Laura was happy, and he was glad her plan went off without a hitch.

Now, he just had to make sure the next step in her life went off the same way.

SP*SP*SP

Before the girls (and Neo) had left, Stormie made sure everyone knew that they would be having an early dinner upon their return. Ratliff and Calum were invited, of course, and the two young men were part of the welcoming party that gathered at the Lynch residence.

When the dark SUV appeared up the driveway, Calum felt his heart skip a tiny beat. After two weeks of not seeing her, Rydel was finally home. He couldn't wait to physically see her, but knowing she was there was enough for now. The Canadian actor hadn't realized how much he'd missed her until that moment.

Riker and Ross were in a similar state, though the latter kept it hidden. Ross made sure that his eagerness to see Laura was tamped down so that no one would question his actions, especially the oldest Lynch sibling. On the other hand, Riker was practically bouncing where he stood, happy that his girlfriend made it back to the states safely. Italy was so far away; what would he do if something happened to her and he couldn't get to her fast enough? Chill bumps broke out across his skin at the thought.

However, there was one young man who dreaded seeing his girl. Rocky didn't know how he was going to explain things to Maia. It was already bad that he hadn't talked or texted her the other day, and now he was about to see her again face-to-face. How do you tell your significant other that – months ago – you made a mistake that resulted in a baby?

And said baby's mother is also coming to dinner, the tall brunette mentally grumbled. He honestly had no idea what Stormie was thinking, but asking Hannah to have dinner with them? That was just insane. Rocky could count the many ways that things could go wrong. And they would. Because it was Hannah Pierce. This is such a mess.

But he had no one to blame but himself.

The SUV pulled up and parked, and everyone watched as the girls and Neo climbed out of the vehicle. Smiling widely, the four best friends charged into the fray of people, all happy and excited to be home. Neo followed behind, a tired but satisfied grin on his handsome features. His sapphire eyes sparkled, showing he was just as happy but knew how to conceal it.

Laura bolted straight into Riker's awaiting arms, gigging as he picked her up and swung her around once, twice, before setting her down. His arms remained around her waist, and she snuggled into his chest as much as she could. From the corner of her eye, the petite brunette saw the way Rydel practically tackled Calum in an enthusiastic embrace. It made her grin even more, if possible.

"I missed you, babe," Riker whispered into her ear. It sent shivers down her spine, and he softly chuckled. He pressed a kiss underneath her lobe before pulling back enough to see her face. "How was the flight?"

"Long," she answered, "but it wasn't so bad. Me and the girls just talked, mostly, and slept the rest of the way. Neo was also throwing out some dates to work on my music." Smiling brightly, she added, "But I bet I missed you more."

"Not possible." Grinning, he leaned down to teasingly kiss her on the nose. He found it absolutely adorable when she wrinkled it in response. "What? Something wrong?"

Laura pouted. "Don't be cute. Kiss me properly, Riker."

"I thought you liked that I was cute?"

She lightly punched him in the chest. "Kiss. Me. Properly."

"I do as my lady commands." He smothered her snort of disbelief with his lips, kissing her properly, thoroughly, like she requested. However, he didn't want to put on a free show for his family and their friends, so ended it before either of them were ready. "Better?"

"Much better," the petite brunette dreamily replied. "Anyway, what's been going on? Maia has been worried about Rocky. Would you happen to know why?"

Riker released an uncomfortable chuckle. How was he supposed to answer that?

SP*SP*SP

Ross released Raini, grinning at the Latina. "So, how was Italy?" he asked. From his peripheral vision, he could see Laura conversing with Riker. He would get his turn to greet her, soon. The younger blonde just couldn't wait to have her in his arms once more. He felt confident that she felt the same way; she loved him, after all.

"It was gorgeous," Raini answered, and Ross focused his complete attention onto his friend. The way her face lit up told him that she really enjoyed the foreign country. "Everything was so different, yet the same. You know what I mean? And the food was so delicious, especially when Jean-Paul – you know, Laura's photographer – suggested these places that serves all locally grown dishes. It was amazing, Ross!"

He chuckled at her enthusiasm. "That's great, Raini," he replied. Then he lowered his voice. "I'm guessing that things with Rydel went well?"

The Latina smiled slyly, her dimples deepening. "Oh yes, very well, actually," she answered. "If you couldn't tell by the way she greeted Calum."

"Trust me. I saw."

"And I'm guessing that you kept Ratliff in the loop?"

Ross nodded. He shoved his hands into his pants pockets, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. "Yup. He knows everything I do."

"Good."

Mentioned drummer suddenly appeared, smiling widely at Raini. "Welcome back to the states, Raini," he greeted, giving her a tight hug before releasing her. Giving his two friends a look of pure mischief, he said, "So, anyone else see the hug Rydel and Calum shared? I know I got an eyeful."

Raini giggled. "I'm sure everyone did. But it just means our plan worked."

"So far, anyway," Ross commented with a small smile on his face. "They still have to get through the first date." And he needed to take Laura out on one, himself. The one to Venice Beach didn't count. He was mostly saving her relationship with Riker.

"Where do you think they'll go?" Ratliff asked, curious. "My first date with Kelly was at a diner. We spent the whole time just talking and having a good time." A smile formed on his face as he thought about that day.

Raini smiled in a motherly way, but it was one everyone grew accustomed to while filming Austin & Ally. "That sounds like a great first date, Ratliff," she said. "But I think Rydel is gonna go with the classic: Dinner and a movie."

Both young men hummed in approval.

"Simple, but effective," Ross acknowledged, nodding once.

"Exactly," she said. Her expression suddenly changed, becoming concerned as her dark eyes glanced in Maia and Rocky's direction. "By the way, what's going on with Rocky? Maia was really worried about him. Did something happen?"

Ross and Ratliff exchanged uncomfortable glances. How were they supposed to answer that?

SP*SP*SP

Maia cautiously approached her boyfriend, feeling foolish that she had reason to. But she felt weird about the whole thing. Two weeks apart may not seem like a lot to some couples, but it felt like a lifetime for her, since she and Rocky had barely spent time away from the other.

And with the way Rocky had been acting the other day, she felt even more concerned about their relationship. What was he hiding? What had he been doing that was so important that he couldn't tell her about it, or even mention that he would be busy? It seriously worried her.

"Hey, stranger," she tried to joke, but it came out strained. She internally winced.

Rocky gave his girlfriend a small smile. Last night, he had struggled with how to tell Maia everything, but came up empty. He just had to hope for the best when it all came out. Hell, he wouldn't hold it against her if she dumped him and never spoke to him again. But he hoped that didn't happen. Rocky wanted to be with Maia for the long-haul.

"Hey, yourself. How was your flight?"

Seemingly gaining confidence, the Australian actress walked into his arms, her own wrapping around his waist. Resting her chin on his chest, she smiled more genuinely. "It was long, but it was fine since the others were there, too. How were your two weeks?"

Inwardly, he grimaced. How was he supposed to answer that? It had been great, but then my ex showed up because she's possibly pregnant with my baby, and now she wants me to take responsibility by marrying her. Yeah, he didn't see that going well. At all.

Instead, he hedged his response. "It was, you know, fine. Nothing too exciting happened." And the lies begin…

"Oh, then what happened the other day? I thought something was wrong since you didn't text me or replied to any of mine."

Rocky rubbed the nape of his neck, but kept her close. Her warmth – outward and inward – was soothing. "Well…" he paused. "It's an interesting story, actually. You'll laugh by the end of it." He hoped. God, he hoped.

Maia furrowed her brow, her smile turning quizzical but engaging. "Let's hear it, then," she encouraged. "I'm up for an interesting story."

The tall brunette floundered. Panic started pumping through his veins as he tried to organize what and how to say what he needed to. "You see, Maia," he started, chuckling nervously, "this happened months – months, now; keep that in mind – ago. Way before I met you, and–" Before he could finish, a familiar, unwanted voice broke in.

"Hey, bitch, what the hell do you think you're doing? Get your hands off my fiancé!"

Rocky mentally groaned, Fuck my life.

SP*SP*SP

Maia frowned deeply at the rude words and the equally rude young woman in front of her. Stepping away from Rocky, she asked, "What are you talking about? And who are you?" She took in the other girl's appearance and didn't like what she saw. The pale blonde was practically beauty personified, but her personality left something to be desired.

But what really twisted her the wrong way was her reference to Rocky being her fiancé. Where the hell did she get that idea? He was Maia's, period.

Navy orbs narrowed, obviously annoyed at having to explain herself to someone she thought of as lesser. "My name is Hannah Pierce, and I suggest you never forget it," she snidely said. "As for what I'm talking about – You're the one who's acting like a freaking cat in heat with someone else's man."

"Hannah," Rocky said in a warning tone. His eyes were narrowed angrily as he stared at his ex.

Maia turned at the sound of his voice. Her gaze held confusion, with a heavy dose of her own ticked off emotions. "What is she talking about, Rocky?" she demanded to know, keeping her voice as level and calm as possible. But it was hard. She took another step away from him.

Rocky flinched at her physical rejection of him, but he said, "Look, Maia, I swear I can explain all of this. It's not what you think–"

"–Uh, hello," Hannah once more cut in, "It's exactly what it looks like." With a smug, vicious smile, she tugged her coat open to reveal her slight baby bump. "Rocky got me pregnant and now he's gonna take responsibility by marrying me."

"What?" four voices exclaimed simultaneously. Stunned. Outraged. All female.

Again, Rocky mentally groaned, Fuck my life. I'm a dead man.

SP*SP*SP

After the startling revelation, the girls formed a protective barrier around Maia, who remained silent and eerily calm, as Rocky sat them down in the living room to explain what had happened since Riker had found Hannah at the Lynch's front door. He told them everything – absolutely everything. There was no point in lying, anyway. The girls would still kill him and hide his body.

But what utterly destroyed his soul was the way Maia wouldn't look at him afterwards.

Understandably, the other three young women were giving Rocky the evil eye, but their main concern was comforting Maia. Raini had an arm wrapped around the Australian's waist, while Rydel laid a hand on her shoulder from her position standing behind the couch. Laura was gently patting Maia's knee, silently communicating that everything would be okay.

Rocky was just thankful that Stormie was distracting Hannah while he made his confession. He didn't need her snooty comments being interjected or her mere presence during such a delicate conversation. She would have made it all about her, like always.

"Maia?" the tall brunette cautiously questioned, keeping his voice low. "Please say something, Maia."

Her dark chocolate eyes closed, shielding her emotions. Her lips pursed so tightly together, they paled the whitest he'd ever seen. But she didn't speak, seemingly unable to. The clenched fists in her lap were unbearably tight, like she wanted to lash out but controlled the action by the slightest thread.

"Maia, please…"

Finally, a whisper of sound escaped her lips, coming out like a croak, "Why?"

Rocky moved until he was situated on the coffee table, his long legs bracketing her smaller figure. Gently, he laid a hand over her clenched ones. "It happened before I ever met you," he softly said. "It was stupid and reckless – I knew that, but I did it anyway. Now I have to pay the consequences, but I would never wish to drag you into this, Maia. I swear."

Liquid dark eyes gazed up at him, wanting to believe his words. It broke his heart to see such pain, such sadness. He never wanted to hurt Maia like this. Never like this.

"I believe you," she whispered after another minute. She smiled wobbly. "But I… I need some time to think about this… about everything, Rocky. I hope you understand that."

Rocky took his hand off of her, nodding quickly. His throat was tight, but he expected this. Hell, he expected a hell of a lot more.

"I understand. Take all the time you need. I'll wait for whatever you decide."

Maia slowly stood. Leaning down, she pressed a heartfelt kiss to Rocky's cheek. "Thank you." Then, a tear rolling down her cheek, she walked away to hide in either Rydel's or Laura's bedroom. She wouldn't be able to drive home in her current emotional state, and she wasn't going to ask for a ride. She needed to be alone, just for a couple of hours to compose herself.

Meanwhile, Rocky watched the most important girl in his life walk away without a single backwards glance.

Was this the end for them?

SP*SP*SP

Rydel closed her bedroom door after making sure Maia would be okay. Her heart absolutely broke every time she looked into the Australian's eyes, seeing the deep sadness within them. This situation with Rocky (and Hannah) was tearing Maia apart, and Rydel wished she could do more for her friend.

"How is she?" Calum softly asked, hands shoved into his pockets. He was leaning against the opposite wall from the room, effectively giving the two young women as much privacy as possible.

The pretty blonde shook her head. "She's mostly shocked and hurt. It's not easy to hear that Rocky will be having a baby with someone else." Her voice lowered as she added, "She knows it's not his fault, but she still feels a little betrayed. She doesn't know what's going to happen to their relationship, especially since Hannah will be around more often, not to mention the baby."

He nodded, his expression pensive. "That's understandable," he said. "I just can't believe this is happening to them." He'd seen the way Rocky and Maia stared at each other on more than one occasion. What they felt was deep, possibly everlasting. Some couples didn't have those types of feelings this early in the relationship.

"I know what you mean. Besides Laura and Riker, I was so sure that Rocky and Maia would make it." Rydel sighed. "I can't imagine what they're going through. Something like this could make or break a couple."

"Let's hope that it's the former and not the latter."

"Yeah."

Wanting to lighten the mood between them, Calum offered his hand to Rydel. "Come on," he said, with a small smile, "we should head downstairs. Everyone must be waiting for us, and I bet you're hungry after the long flight."

Her beautiful, dark eyes began to sparkle with their familiar happiness. Taking his hand, her fingers squeezed his in gratitude. "I could use something to eat," she agreed. Then, softly, she whispered, "Thanks, Calum."

It was his turn to squeeze her fingers gently. "Anytime, Rydel. Anytime."

SP*SP*SP

Despite the tense atmosphere, and Maia's absence from the table, Stormie had everyone seated and served. Unfortunately, Hannah possessively took the seat next to Rocky while the other girls did their best to sit on the opposite end. Neo also joined the festivities, hoping that his presence might help with the awkward situation, especially with Maia refusing to join them. This was supposed to be a happy reunion, but it was anything but that.

"So, Hannah dear," Stormie questioned, "how are you and the baby feeling today?" She wished things weren't so complicated – especially for her son and his girlfriend – but she couldn't change reality. It took two people to make a baby, and it was going to take those same two to raise him or her.

However, that didn't mean the Lynch matriarch was ready to be a grandmother. Sure, she wanted Riker and Laura to settle down soon, but she understood that they were young and that their careers were just taking off. Stormie could wait for grandbabies; she just wished her first batch hadn't come from Rocky, who was still eighteen. He still had so much to look forward to in life. A child would change all of that.

Hannah gave Stormie a sweet smile. "We're feeling very good today, Mrs. Lynch," she answered, patting her slightly rounded belly. "Despite the slight upset we had earlier."

From her side, Rocky clenched his fork tightly but didn't say anything. He wasn't rude enough to snap at anyone – even Hannah – while in his mother's presence. She raised him better than that. No, the tall brunette would save his words for later, when Hannah couldn't hide behind his parents.

Stormie smiled in a slightly strained manner. She liked Maia, and the cute Australian deserved to react any way she pleased considering the situation she came home to. "That's good," she said, instead. "Are you ready for your doctor's appointment tomorrow?"

The pale blonde beauty laid a hand on Rocky's arm, her smile etched in place. "Oh, yes. I'm so happy that Rocky will be able to take me. I was so scared about going by myself."

"Tomorrow?" Mark raised his brows as he considered Rocky, who sat opposite him. "Tomorrow is the day you and the band start filming the Loud music video."

Rocky pushed his food around the plate. "I know," he muttered. "I talked it over with Ryland. He said he'll talk to the director about filming the scenes I won't be in first. They'll wait until I arrive to film the rest."

"It's still going to be a three-day project, at least. Will you be alright?"

Hannah cut into their conversation. "Don't worry, Mr. Lynch," she assured, "I'll make sure any future appointments won't interfere with Rocky's band schedule."

Mark's gaze moved slowly between the two, as if judging the weight of her words. Rocky, on the other hand, didn't believe anything that came out of her mouth. "Well… All right, then," the Lynch patriarch mumbled before returning to his meal.

Internally sighing, Rocky went back to focusing on his food too. He'd have to thank Ryland later for speaking to the director on Rocky's behalf. Not only had the youngest Lynch bought the tall brunette some time, he had done it without giving away any personal details. Rocky could just imagine what the media would do if they found out he was going to be a father.

Although he didn't believe the director would sell him out. It was the usual leaks of information that surrounded any sort of agency that was more prominent when it involved someone who was constantly seen on TV or a well-known figure in society. Those were the types of people that Rocky needed to watch out for, especially if he was with Hannah. The paparazzi would speculate, create false (or worse, real) rumors, and then badger Maia with questions about their relationship.

That was the absolute last thing Rocky wanted to happen. He cared deeply about Maia; he didn't want to see her more hurt than she already was.

SP*SP*SP

Further down the table, a different conversation was taking place between the occupants, and Neo, who mostly remained silent but listened attentively.

"What are we going to do about this?" Laura fairly bristled in her seat, her doe-like eyes narrowed as she glared in Hannah's direction. "I don't like this, not at all. We need to fix this."

"How do you suggest we do that?" Raini asked, rubbing her temples with her fingertips. "Man, this is so messed up. Coming home was supposed to be a happy moment but, instead, we're trying to figure out how to save our friends' relationship."

Rydel gave Riker, Ross, and Ratliff disapproving looks. "Well, we wouldn't have walked into this blindly if some people, who shall remain nameless, had told us what to expect."

Calum gently laid a hand over Rydel's. "To be fair, it wasn't their place to say anything. But I can understand why Rocky didn't either." He shrugged. "Telling your girlfriend you got another girl pregnant isn't something you wanna read through text or hear over the phone."

"That's exactly what Rocky said," Ross said. "But I agree with Laura. We need to do something about this whole baby-situation."

Ratliff nodded. "And the whole marriage-thing. But the question is: How?"

Riker suggested, "I think we should try to stop the marriage from taking place first, then worry about the baby. Hannah made it clear that she wanted to be married before the baby arrived, so we have a few months to plan."

"How do we do that, though?" Laura inquired. "Once the baby is born, it'll be easy enough to prove if he or she is Rocky's or not, but marriage? How do we stop that?"

Neo suddenly piped up, "You could postpone it."

"Postpone it?"

The agent/manager shrugged, like it was no big deal. "Why not? Just pretend Rocky has a lot to do. If Hannah is smart, she won't argue about his schedule. From what I understand, she wants his money, right? If he doesn't work, he won't get paid. Simple."

The younger adults glanced at each other, surprised that such an easy solution would make the most sense. But it wasn't like Neo was wrong – Hannah had always been greedy and wanted only the best in life, which included expensive name brands and foreign goods that one couldn't buy anywhere else. If keeping Rocky busy kept him out of an unwanted marriage, so be it.

"Is it really something as simple as keeping him occupied?" Calum questioned, half incredulous and half amazed by such a prospect.

Riker said, "Neo's right. If we keep Rocky's schedule completely packed, he won't have time for Hannah and her manipulative plans. Hell, he'll barely have time for anything!"

Quietly, Ross asked, "And what about Maia?"

No one seemed to want to say anything for several minutes, but Rydel finally spoke up.

"I'm sure she'll come around." Her voice was full of compassion as she thought about her Australian friend. "She just needs time right now, to think and process how her life is going to change, as well as Rocky's."

Laura nodded in agreement, her eyes soft with caring. "This was a huge shock for her. She's handling it better than most people would. I think we just need to be patient, and help her whenever she needs it."

"We could also plan some time for her and Rocky," Raini suggested, a smile beginning to form on her lips. "It'll be a good way to clear the air between them, don't you think? Those two need to work things out – and soon. I can't stand the thought of them being separated."

Ryland, who had remained silent throughout the conversation, finally said, "I'll make sure his schedule is taken care of, and I'll put in some time for him and Maia to talk." He gave the three young women a conspiratorial look. "I just need to know when, so you guys need to let me know when she's ready."

"Thanks, Ry," the girls chirped as one, grinning, "You're the best!"

The youngest Lynch sibling scoffed, "Be sure to tell that to Rocky. Trust me – he won't be thanking me for what I'm about to do to him…"

SP*SP*SP

"Man, today was more stressful than I thought it would be," Laura tiredly stated as she stretched her arms over her head. She released pleased moans when her joints popped and cracked, loosening her body to her liking. Dropping her arms to her sides, she gazed adoringly around Riker's bedroom. "I never knew I could miss a room so much until now."

Said blonde bassist gave his girlfriend a dry look. "Gee, thanks," he muttered. "It's not like I, your hopelessly devoted boyfriend, missed you, too, or anything." Mock-grumbling some more, he lifted his T-shirt over his head as he continued getting ready for bed.

The petite brunette laughed. Already dressed in sleepwear, she climbed onto the soft-as-a-cloud bed. She happily hummed as she curled possessively around the comforter.

"Oh, don't be like that, Riker. You know I missed you. It's just… Right now, I missed your bed more. That's all."

"Right now," he mocks, "That's all, she says. Why don't you just stick a sword through my heart, Laura? That would hurt less."

"I left mine in my room," she smartly popped back, amused by his pouty tone. Then, she snuggled into the comforter until she was practically buried under all of the blankets and pillows. "Besides, you have the best bed. It's so soft and comfortable. Seriously, how do you do that?"

"Now you understand why I don't like being woken up." Dressed in only his boxers, he climbed in beside Laura. After some pulling and tugging, he found her and smiled at how beautiful she looked. He especially loved the way she gazed at him, love in her eyes. He never had to question her feelings. "Hey, you," he softly murmured, voice warm and tender.

"Hey, yourself," she softly replied. "Kiss me properly, Riker."

He chuckled, but did as she demanded. Her lips were like silk and tasted just as heavenly. When his tongue slipped inside her moist cavern and she moaned softly in pleasure, he wondered how he could have gone this long without her. There was no way he could let her go on another trip without him; he wouldn't survive the separation. Wouldn't survive missing her like this, under him, and so completely in love he thought his heart would explode.

Laura wrapped her arms around his neck, molding their bodies as closely together as she could. Her hands trailed down his chest, fingertips light and teasing, and she was rewarded when the blonde groaned.

His positive reaction made her bolder (not that she needed an excuse), and she allowed one hand to slip under his boxer's waistband. When she palmed and squeezed his growing erection, Riker broke their kiss to trail heated kisses down her neck.

Then, before Laura could react, his teeth sank into the skin where shoulder met neck. She gasped sharply, back bowing, and toes curling in pleasure.

"Riker!"

He chuckled as he licked the abused area. "What? You like that?"

She pouted. "You're such a tease…"

"Be patient. If you keep touching me like that, I'll finish before we even get started."

Laura's pout swiftly turned into a grin, cheeky and naughty. Exactly how Riker liked it. "We wouldn't want that, now, would we?" she murmured seductively. Her lips trailed over his jawline and down to his neck, nipping and sucking in certain places she knew drove him crazy.

Riker softly groaned, his eyes darkening with lust. "No," he replied, "we wouldn't want that." With that, he captured her lips again, his hands eagerly tugging her clothes off.

If he had a choice about how Laura's homecoming was going to go, this would be it.

SP*SP*SP

After their lovemaking session, Riker and Laura lay curled up together. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist, while the other acted as her make-shift pillow. For her part, Laura had one arm draped over his torso, dainty fingers lazily drawing circles and random patterns on his chest.

Riker decided now would be a good time to bring up the touchy subject from earlier that day. "How is Maia doing?"

Laura released a near-silent sigh, eyes clouding with sadness. "After me and the other girls forced her to eat something, she was finally able to drive home. It was so sad, Riker. She could barely look at Rocky as she left…"

He knew what she was talking about. He'd watched Rocky's reaction as the Australian actress left the Lynch residence. His younger brother's face had said it all. There was a deep sadness there, as well as heartbreak and regret. Riker couldn't imagine what he was going through, but his heart bled for Rocky.

Hannah had only made it worse by insisting that Rocky drive her home, right as Maia was getting into her car. The pale blonde had driven the knife deeper when Rocky didn't put up a fight, his emotions numb and fragile at the time. Riker and the others had to silently watch as tears welled in Maia's eyes before she quickly made her escape.

Worst of all, however, was when Rocky came home. He didn't look at anyone and didn't say anything. As soon as he walked through the front door, he quietly went to his room and had locked himself inside. His silence spoke volumes, his pain evident. No one had ever seen his heart so shredded before. It definitely said something about his feelings for Maia.

Riker reassuringly squeezed his troubled girlfriend. "I'm sure things will work out for them," he soothed. "If I know Rocky, he won't let things end like this. He obviously cares for Maia, and I'm betting she feels the same way about him. They'll get through this."

"I hope so." Her voice softened as she admitted, "She was so certain that they would last forever. You should have seen how happy she was. Now she has to deal with Hannah and the possibility that Rocky will be a dad."

"One thing at a time, babe. We'll start by keeping Rocky busy and away from Hannah. After that…" He paused, then continued. "We'll help him and Maia put their relationship back together. I promise."

Laura nodded, knowing he was right. Leaning up, she placed a kiss on his chin before snuggling back into his warm embrace. His arms surrounding her had always given her a sense of peace and love. Home. Riker was her home, plain and simple. She wouldn't trade this sensation for anything.

"I just hope there's a relationship to put back together…" she whispered, closing her doe-like eyes.

Until*Next*Time

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

How is the relationship blooming between Rydel and Calum? What do you guys think will happen between Rocky and Maia? How do you think Hannah will play out throughout the story? Lastly, do you think the baby is Rocky's? Post your comments below!