If || rsl & r5 (SLOW UPDATES)

• 14 •

Ross's POV

I woke up the next morning, smiling as soon as I noticed Charlie with her head nestled into the crook my neck and her hand on my chest. The other was in my hair, her fingers running through it every now and then. I brushed my hand over her cheek, unable to comprehend her beauty - even when she was asleep, she was still the most beautiful girl I knew and nothing would ever change that.

She mumbled my name when I tried to move her away and I chuckled. "Love, I need to go home to get my stuff if you want me to stay here longer."

"Ugh, fine! I won't miss you." She whined, turning over so she wasn't facing me anymore.

"Hey, when I get back we can go out somewhere. Just you and me, okay? How does that sound?" I moved her hair off her shoulder, kissing her cheek. She turned back around so she was now laying on her back.

"How about we spend some time with Ian? I don't want him to feel that you're just back for me."

"Of course." I pressed my lips to her forehead, smiling so widely I thought I was going to be stuck like that.

–––

I pulled up outside my apartment, feeling relieved that I was finally moving out of this place. I had rented it when I first moved out from my family house and now having to leave it made me feel somewhat sentimental. I unlocked the door and rolled my eyes when I saw Rocky and Ryland playing video games on my game console. "Hey guys!" I had asked them to check up on my apartment when I was gone, so now they were obviously checking if the gaming station was alright.

Note the sarcasm.

"Ross! You're back!" Ryland jumped up, running over to and practically knocking me off my feet as I laughed.

"Well not for long, dude. Just came to get my stuff, and I need a family meeting."

"On it!" He grabbed his phone, instantly sending a message to our group chat for everyone to come to my apartment.

"Sup?" Rocky stood up, walking over to me and giving me one of our brotherly handshakes. I didn't understand why every time I'd look at him after now spending a week with Charlie, I'd think about how paranoid and jealous I was when I saw them laughing together.

"Not bad. You?"

"Same, bro."

Soon, I heard a knock on the door and I opened it to reveal the rest of my family - Rydel with Ellington, Riker, Mom and Dad.

"Hey, guys." They all attacked me in hugs and I chuckled, leading them inside. "Can you guys sit down? There's something I need to talk to you guys about. Help yourself if you want anything to drink or eat. I'll be right back."

I jogged into my room and grabbed a duffle bag, tossing the most important necessities I needed for my stay with Charlie. I had no clue how long I was going to stay with her, but this would have to do for now.

I heard Riker shout from the living room, "How was the business you had to go to New York for?"

I poked my head out from my room. "Great. I got everything done pretty quickly."

I finished packing and went back into the living room, setting down the bag, which earned me confused looks from my family.

"Sweetie, what's with the bag?" My mom asked, her eyebrows pinched together.

"I'm moving out."

Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have been so blunt.

"Where to?" Rocky arched an eyebrow.

"New York."

"Why?" My dad spoke up, sounding more curious than he probably intended to.

I felt a smile appear on my face as soon as I thought why I was really moving to the other side of the country. "I met someone."

"Honey, you can't just move to the other side of the country because you met someone." My mom gave me a worried look and I quickly gave her a side hug to soothe her worries.

"It's someone special. It's someone you guys know."

"What do you mean?" Ellington gave me a questioning look and I heaved a sigh.

"Do you remember Charlotte?"

"Oh my God, yes!" Ryde squealed, almost jumping up and I chuckled at how excited she got at the mention of her old best friend.

"Yeah. I'm kinda moving in with her."

"You cheated on her, didn't you? Are you sure that she wants to live with you?" Rocky furrowed his eyebrows, and I heaved a sigh knowing that he was right.

"Oh, shut up. I'm sure they've fixed things. When we had the show in New York they seemed pretty close afterwards." Rydel spoke up, smacking the back of Rocky's head.

"If I was with her-"

"But you're not! We're sorting things out! And by the way, you're an uncle." I scoffed, glaring at him. I wanted nothing more than to leave already.

"Wait, what?"

"Rocky, Riker, Ry, Ell, you're uncles. Rydel, you're an auntie. Mom, Dad you're grandparents! Is that what you wanted to hear, Rocky?"

"I knew it! Ian is your son. She told me." Rydel jumped up, running over to me and pulling me into a tight hug.

"I know, Dels. We told him yesterday."

"How did he take it?" She pulled back, giving me a curious look.

"Surprisingly well. Look, I'm doing this for him. He didn't know his dad until yesterday and I want to make it up to him, I want to make it up to both of them."

"Just appearing now won't fix five bloody years, Ross. I'm outta here." Rocky got up, grabbing his jacket and storming out the front door, letting it slam shut behind him.

I stared at the door in confusion, having never seen Rocky like that before. Why was he acting like this?

"He loves Char, doesn't he?" I glanced at Rydel and she shrugged, giving me a tight smile.

"I really don't know, but by that reaction, the answer is probably yes."

"When can we meet Ian?" Mom grinned, clutching my hand as she hugged me.

"Soon. I don't know when. The truth is, I don't know if Char even wants me at her place. She lives with her best friend and Ian. I feel like I'll be the addition that's not needed."

"Oh, Ross, I'm sure she'll love to have you there and Ian will be over the moon. He's sooo cute, he reminds me of you!" Rydel chirped up, grinning from ear to ear at me then at her fiancé.

"It's just complicated. I wish it was simpler. I mean, I'm glad because he was happy when he found out that I'm his dad but it still feels a bit awkward because I can't tell whether Charlie wants to be back with me. She says she doesn't but then she gets so close to me and-"

"She definitely still loves you. There's no doubt about that. Alright, we're gonna get going so you can finish packing and be off to your queen and your little prince." My sister winked at me as she pulled Ellington up and they left along with my parents and Riker, giggling and laughing at something that the other had said. If only me and Charlie could be at that point too.

I've finished college today for a week break and I'm really happy!