Connection -- A Ross Lynch Story

The Beginning

The very last show for the tour was in LA, and everyone was so excited about it. Family and friends whom had never gotten to see us live were coming to enjoy our music in one of the largest outdoor venues in the city. Legends played this stage, and there we were, basking in the glory. For Neon Lightning, the moment was bittersweet. It was the last time we'd perform with each other on stage for God only knows how long. It was the end, and we were going out with a bang.

The crowd didn't disappoint. The energy levels were off the charts and for the first time in almost a month, I felt like the old me. Memories of the first night of tour flashed before my eyes, the same familiar feeling in my chest and the adrenaline pumping through my veins. We all felt it. We talked and joked on stage, played the songs perfectly and had a great time. I forgot about my sorrows, my exhaustion, and all my problems. I lived in the moment, until the moment was over.

As I did the first night of tour, I watched R5's set from the crowd with their family, far enough back to not get recognized but close enough to feel the vibes roll off the stage, over the audience, and crash into me like waves. Ross dedicated a song to me. "Wherever you are right now," he said, pointing to the audience and trying his hardest to pick me out, "this one is for you, Katrina." Like slowly turned to love right in that moment.

Ross's parents helped me make a speedy escape as the crowd filed out of the venue after the show, leading me around to the backstage area without me being noticed even once. It was already crowded back there with all of our family and friends greeting and congratulating everyone. Bright flashes from cameras blurred my vision.

"Hey," Carson said, tapping me on the shoulder and bringing me out of my stupor. "We're all heading out and--"

"Didn't wanna go without saying a proper goodbye," Piper cut in, pulling Asher along behind her.

We snuck away to a space where there were very little people. Only the crew worked around us, taking everything apart and packing it up neatly as they did after every show. We stood in a circle, taking each other in. So this was it. "We'll still see each other, obviously," I said as we closed the space between us. We hugged each other tightly, never wanting to let go.

"Obviously," they all laughed.

Piper and Asher walked as one, their bodies clinging to each other like they were glued together. I watched as their bodies got smaller and smaller until they disappeared, and Carson eventually followed. It was just me, alone as the chaos died down.

Ross was across the parking lot, messing with Rocky and Riker like he always did. They were standing by a van, the doors open and a few people piling inside already. "Ross!" I called, trying to get his attention. He excused himself and jogged over to meet me, pulling me into his chest. I could feel his heart racing. "I'm about to do something I never do," I told him.

"And what is that?"

"Will you come home with me?" It was a long shot, but I stood in front of him, hoping desperately that he'd say yes. When he didn't respond immediately, I tried to sweeten the deal. "I have a queen bed. It's very comfortable. Plus I'll make you breakfast in the morning."

"How could I say no to that?" Ross texted his brother quickly and then followed me to my car, which was parked in the back of the lot. As we headed away from the venue, the speedometer creeping higher and higher as we coasted along the highway, I couldn't help but think that endings were just beginnings in disguise.

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I tried my hardest not to wake him, but I couldn't resist the acoustic guitar across the room that was beckoning me. The smooth wood and shining strings called my name. My tank top laid on the floor, along with the rest of my clothes and Ross's. I grinned, remembering the night we had together as I pulled my tank top over my bare chest and slid some clean underwear on. I picked up the guitar and sat cross-legged on the floor, resting it on my thigh.

From pure memory, I plucked some notes and hummed a song I had floating through my mind -- an original tune without words. It was just a feeling then, not quite fine tuned. But it was all mine. I closed my eyes and smiled as I let the music flow through my fingertips.

"That sounds beautiful," Ross said with a raspy morning voice. He had the blanket wrapped around his nude body and he rolled out of bed to sit next to me on the floor. "What was that?"

"Nothing but some notes and a feeling," I told him with a little kiss on his cheek. "I'm not ready to give up on this just yet." I ran my fingers over a perfect chord and sighed. "It's just too perfect."

"Just like you." He ran his fingers through his messy hair, thinking through his next actions before following through. "May I?" he asked, reaching out for my guitar. It slid over my lap and onto his blanket-covered leg, and his fingers found their way around the strings until he was satisfied with their positioning. Without hesitation, he played back the same tune I had played just seconds earlier, but with different notes and a different feeling. It was almost like a response to my call.

We were writing a love letter with those strings.