Adopted by Ash Costello (1)

The Answer

The Answer -

"Of course I'll take that risk, you idiot" Chloe grinned and Ricky grinned back feeling relieved and over the moon.

"You sure?" Ricky asked, not quite believing his ears.

"Yeah I'm sure" Chloe nodded, a little nervous about love and all that shit that came naturally to others; such as Ash and Chris. She was beyond happy but a little apprehensive about being vulnerable and open to new hurt. She had got through everything with Ricky and what would happen if they were to break up? Everyone says they're going to remain friends still but there was a very slim chance of that happening. Thinking this, Chloe smiled anyway while Ricky blissfully basked in the response.

"So are we boyfriend and girlfriend?" He wondered, feeling juvenile but needing to clear it up.

"I don't know. I didn't get explicitly asked" Chloe teased.

"Why has everything got to be explicit with you?" Ricky shook his head and Chloe laughed and told him to shut up before he added "Will you be my girlfriend?" in a serious voice.

"Yes" Chloe smiled despite her reservations. She had a huge crush on Ricky and now he was saying everything she wanted him to say, she was stunned and nervous. Perhaps, on some level, she didn't want herself to be happy and her uneasiness when it came to love was a direct consequence from that. She dismissed her overthinking; she wanted to be happy and it was Ricky who was making her happy. This meant that it was smart to get with him, right? Ricky wrapped his arms around Chloe as they looked up at the stars together and all of Chloe's worries melted away.

"I could lay here forever with you" Ricky commented before kissing Chloe on the forehead, sending a flurry of emotions through her.

"Please do" Chloe answered, thinking of nothing better than this moment. Where she lay, in that exact spot and at that exact time, was the happiest she had ever been in her whole life. She had a family who cared about her and could say that she was dating her best friend. She was hopeful. It felt odd.

"I hope Ash doesn't think it's weird" Ricky spoke

"What's weird?" Chloe turned to face him

"Us because we call each other family and that" Ricky shrugged and Chloe suddenly felt self-conscious.

"Truth be told, I never really did see you as my brother the way I do with the others" Chloe explained "I'vekindahadacrushonyousincedayone" She rushed

"What?"

"I have to repeat it? Fuck. I've had a crush on you since day one" Chloe spoke quickly but this time around Ricky could understand it and he grinned.

"So you do have a heart" Ricky teased

"Shut up"

"For real though, I've had a massive crush on you from the time I first saw you"

"Shut up! No you haven't" Chloe giggled, playfully nudging Ricky expecting this to be one of his jokes.

"Yes I have" He answered straight-faced "I'd have to be an idiot to not notice the stunningly beautiful girl that's moved in and has amazing music taste, can always recommend the best horror movies and loves to take the piss" Chloe laughed, looking down in embarrassment and still not entirely convinced that this was not a dream.

"Do you think it's weird then? Us being together?" Chloe asked, focusing on the lingering and pestering thought of doubt that Ricky inadvertently planted in her brain. She hadn't thought it weird at all but Ricky must have...