Nobody To Blame

Chapter 8

**Ava's POV**

I watched the credits roll up the TV screen through half closed eyes and mentally sighed.

I was comfy and I didn't want Rocky to go home and leave me alone in my big empty house.

He yawned and stretched, "I better get going home it's getting late."

I nodded and stood up walking him to the door, he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.

"Be safe, and don't hesitate to call if you need anything.." He said before turning and walking down the road.

I wanted to yell at him to come back, tell him I didn't want to be alone, ask him if he would stay for just one more hour, but instead I just gave him a small smile and waved.

I sat back down on the couch and played another movie, hoping I'd fall asleep quickly and not stay up all night thinking.

But luck was not on my side and I layed there wide awake.

I grabbed my phone and groaned when I seen it was already 3am, I was going to be so tired tomorrow.

I texted Rocky, not expecting a response until morning.

Ava: I can't sleep, I wish you didn't go /:

I hit send and waited, 10 minutes passed before I stopped checking my phone, he was probably fast asleep by now, it was past 3am for crying out loud!

I sighed and pushed myself up off the couch, ready to curl up in bed and wish the night away, when my phone buzzed next to me.

A smile appeared on my face as I read the text,

Rocky: want to go for a walk?

**Rocky's POV**

I jolted awake to a loud buzzing noise, and realized it was my phone vibrating on my dresser.

I grabbed it and cursed out whoever it was out for waking me up, before squinting at the bright screen, my mood instantly changed when I seen who it was from.

Ava: I can't sleep, I wish you didn't go /:

I rubbed my eyes and sighed.

Rocky: want to go for a walk?

Ava: If your up for it...

Rocky: I'll be there soon

I quickly got dressed and put my shoes on before opening my window and climbing out, careful not to wake my siblings up.

I was fully awake by the time I made it to Ava's house, I texted her to let her I was waiting outside.

A few minutes later she came outside in pajama pants and a hoodie, I couldn't help but smile at how cute she looked.

**Ava's POV**

We walked a little ways before I layed down and looked up at the stars before glancing at Rocky who was staring at me with a small smile on his face.

"What?"

"Nothing." He replied, laying down next to me.

I sat up and looked down at him, I had to say something, it's been bugging me for awhile.

"Rocky...do you like me?" I asked bluntly.

He looked at me in surprise before  looking back at the sky and blushing, "I'm going to kill Rydel." He mumbled.

"Is that a yes?" I laughed.

"yeah" he smiled shyly, still not looking at me.

I layed back down and looked up at the sky before intertwining our fingers. "I like you too." I whispered.

I started to get sleepy, "what time is it?" I asked and yawned.

"4:43"

"I should probably go home and go to sleep.." I mumbled closing my eyes.

**Rocky's POV**

"Me too." I replied, but neither one of us got up.

We sat in silence for a while, and I thought she fell asleep but when I looked over at her, she was chewing her lip, thinking hard.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

She looked at me and sighed, "we like each other, but we can't date.."

I smiled, then frowned, "why not?"

"I'm not exactly buddy buddy with your brother, it would be hell."

"We could make it work... Riker's old enough that he'll be moving out soon anyway."  I replied

She looked at me uneasy and I hesitated before speaking again, "I really like you Ava, and unlike my shitty brother I actually care about your feelings and would be honored to be your boyfriend."

She sat up and I copied her, "You honestly mean that?"

"Of course I do." I replied, looking into her eyes.

"Let's give it a shot then." She smiled,

I smiled back and my heart started beating faster as I pulled her close and kissed her.

She pulled away and I pointed to the sun that was coming up over the mountain, "wow it's breathtaking" she breathed out.

"Like you." I mumbled,

"That was cute, but seriously cheesy" she grinned,

I laughed and stood up, pulling her up with me, "I'm exhausted, I'm gonna go home and shower, then we can watch movies at your house?"

"Sounds perfect to me."

I swung our hands back and forth as we walked, and pecked her on the lips before watching her disappear into her house.

I walked home with a smile on my face, I checked the time and cursed, my siblings were probably awake, wondering where I was.

I walked inside and tried to sneak into the bathroom to shower, but everyone in the kitchen went silent when I shut the door.

"Where were you?" Ross asked curiously.

"Ratliffs." I replied and cursed when Ratliff walked into the kitchen at the worst possible timing.

Ross raised an eyebrow at me and I turned to Ratliff, "I hate you." I mumbled.

"Hey next time let me know ahead of time when I need to cover for you!" He laughed.

I laughed and punched his shoulder.

"I was with my girlfriend." I smirked.

"No way, who is it?" Ross asked,

"Awe do I know her?" Rydel asked coming into the kitchen,

"It's Ava." I said and locked eyes with Riker.

"Your lying." Riker said, not breaking eye contact.

"I can happily say I'm not." I smiled.

"I'm happy for you, and I know you'll treat her right." Rydel said giving Riker a look.

"Whatever." Riker rolled his eyes and left the kitchen, slamming his bedroom door.

"But seriously Rocky, you better not hurt her." Rydel gave me a stern look.

"I won't, I promise." I smiled and grabbed a towel so I could shower and leave.