If || rsl & r5 (SLOW UPDATES)

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Charlotte's POV

Ian threw his plush dog at me and I giggled, starting to attack his sides with tickles which made him squeal as he squirmed in my grip. I didn't even hear anyone come in until I felt a pair of hands around my waist and I stopped tickling Ian, finding myself looking up into a pair of hazel eyes as I fell back onto Ian's bed.

"Hey." I smiled as Ross pecked my nose and tucked my hair behind my ear. I couldn't help but laugh. He had ended up on top of me - I didn't know how- with Ian giggling. He continued to throw his toy at me, but since Ross was practically laying on top of me, he was the one who ended up getting hit.

"Bud, why are you trying to hit mommy?"

"She started tickling me!" Ian pouted and Ross ruffled his head, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

"Then we just tickle mommy back, buddy." I sent a playful glare his way as he smirked at me and winked, his fingers soon digging into my sides as he began his tickle assault.

"Stop!" I started whining playfully as I reached for the nearest pillow, smacking Ross around the head until he finally stopped.

Ross then moved off me, repositioning himself onto his side as he propped his head up on the palm of his hand.

"How does a trip to LA sound, guys?"

"Really, daddy?" Ian perked up excitedly, jumping up and down before falling down onto his daddy.

"Yep." Ross grinned happily, hugging our son as I smiled, pushing myself up off the bed to make some lunch.

I didn't even realize how much time passed before I felt arms around my waist from behind, Ross' breath fanning my neck as he nuzzled his nose against my jawline. "Baby?"

"What's up?" I turned around in his hold, placing my hands on his chest as his calloused fingers caressed my arms and slipped down to my waist.

"What do you think about my idea about the trip to LA? My family really wants to properly meet you and Ian."

"Ross, I-"

"Please say yes." He gave me a pleading look as I heaved a sigh, finding myself pressed against the counter.

"I don't know if it's a good idea. I don't want you to fight with Rocky since you cheated on me because of him." I stared at my feet as I heard his breath almost hitch in his throat because I had brought up that topic again.

Ross stared at me, his eyes suddenly emotionless as he inhaled a few deep breaths and closed his eyes tightly shut. "I'm so sorry, Ross." I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down so that he could rest his chin on my shoulder.

"I didn't mean to say that." I whispered against his hair, my fingers raking through his blonde hair as I felt a soft kiss on my shoulder and his eyes hazel orbs met mine.

"Its not your fault, love. It's all mine."

I rested my forehead against his, our noses brushing together as I kept my fingers in his hair, massaging his scalp, "I'd love to go with you to LA."

~*~

The ride was filled with silence and I couldn't help but look at Ross as he continued to stare at the road ahead. When he stopped at a red light, he shifted his gaze over towards me and grabbed my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. I felt my cheeks heat up as he caressed my knuckles and brought my hand up to his lips, sending a tingling sensation throughout my whole body. His lips were warm against my skin.

"You have no idea how happy I am that you've agreed to take Ian and come with me, darling."

"I kind of miss your family, if I'm honest. It's been so long since I've spoken to them."

"Oh, come on, the last time you saw them was after the concert." He rested his hand on my knee, rubbing my hand.

"I know, but those were different circumstances, Shor. Now, I'm voluntarily going to meet your family and most likely be in a very awkward situation with one of your older brothers." I reached my hand to brush his cheekbone, pushing his hair out of his face.

"If he tries anything, just tell me and I'll put him in his place, okay?"

"He won't try anything. He never has. But I know it's going to be awkward." I pursed my lips. "At least for me, it will."

Ross nodded, turning his attention back to the road again as we resumed our comfortable silence. I turned around in my seat to find Ian fast asleep. It was crazy how much my son slept and how he could fall asleep literally anywhere.

"Did you see anyone when we weren't together, Char?" Ross spoke up, his voice seeming to be a soft whisper.

"No. I didn't have time to. When we ended things, I threw myself into a spiral of studying at university and then....after Ian came around, I had to take care of him and focus all my attention on him. What about you?" My explanation came out quieter than I hoped as I anxiously bit my lip, fumbling with my hands as I stared out of the window.

"No, I could never move on from you even when you said you hated me and never wanted to see me again."

I nodded, staying quiet as everything was rushing through my mind - everything we said to each other, all those harsh and then loving words, all those simple gestures where he would touch me, kiss my cheek or hold my hand and my stomach would be on a rollercoaster ride.

And now my stomach was turning for another reason.

During the duration of our flight, my mind was only occupied on one thing. Well, actually, one person.

Rocky.

I knew there would be nothing but awkward tension between us once we arrived in LA, and now that we were here and one our way to see his family, I was even more worried. Rocky was one of my best friends, and after everything that happened between us...it felt like ancient history.

Ross then pulled up at his parents house, where everyone would be waiting for us to arrive. As if he could sense my nerves -though I was probably pretty obvious- he leaned across the console and kissed my cheek.

I sucked in a deep breath and mustered up the best smile I could. "Let's do this."