Chloe's head had exploded in agony after being shoved harshly into the wall, she could practically feel the bruises forming on her shoulders, and her mind was reeling in turmoil from all the information Zack had given her. She felt as though she couldn't move, and she didn't know how long she had sat there against the wall. She didn't remember forcing herself to the bathroom, or getting into the scalding hot shower fully dressed. She wasn't aware of Norman banging repeatedly on the door, desperate for a response. When Norman had finally gotten into the bathroom, his breath caught in his throat.

"Chloe?" He was shocked at the sight he was seeing. Chloe sat on the floor of the tub seemingly unaware of the now icy water spraying over her. "Chloe!"

Norman immediately rushed to shut the water off, trying his hardest to assess the situation in front of him. With the water shut off, he had time to examine the girl in front of him. Chloe stayed in the same position he found her in, sat on the floor of the tub with her knees brought up to her chest. She hadn't even spared him a glance, nor had she uttered a word. The only sound coming from her was the occasional sniffle from her continued crying. The skin on Chloe's face had turned unnaturally pale, and it was cold to the touch. Norman had been extremely surprised Chloe hadn't yelled at him for touching her. Her wet hair clung to her face and back, still dripping heavily from the water. Her eyes were red, and her mascara and eyeliner had left streaky trails down her cheeks, though he didn't know if it was caused by the shower or her tears.

"Chloe?" He whispered, "Chloe, what's wrong?"

The only response he received was yet another sniffle. Norman was at a loss. He knew he couldn't leave her in the tub, he knew she couldn't stay in the wet clothing she was in, so with his heart thundering he made the decision to pull her out of the tub as gently as possible. As soon as she was in his arms, she immediately clung to him, sobs ripping through her tiny body as she buried her face into his neck. His worry only grew as he felt her violently shaking, though he wasn't sure if it was because of how utterly freezing she was, or because of how hard she was crying.

"I'm sorry Norman, I'm so sorry." She sobbed into his neck.

She didn't know what was going to happen to him now that Zack knew he had been the one to inform Norma about the Asian girl in his basement. She didn't know what was going to happen to Norma, who would most likely go to jail if Zack couldn't figure out what to do. She didn't know what would happen to her if Romero didn't get what he wanted. Norman was confused by her apology, not realizing all that had transpired in the time that he had been gone.

"Chloe, it's okay. Just tell me what's going on, you're really worrying me." Norman tried to soothe her by rubbing her back gently. She shook her head, not knowing what to say. She took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself down.

"I screwed up, Norman."

Once Chloe had managed to calm herself down, she realized how cold and wet she was.

"Norman?" She mumbled, clinging to him for the warmth he provided. He shifted his neck so he was able to view her face. Her lips were trembling, and her teeth chattering. "I think I need to get into some warm, dry clothes."

Norman nodded in agreement, slowly lowering her so she could stand on her own. His arms ached at the loss of her body as she stood and stepped back from him.

"I think you do too," She chewed on her bottom lip, examining his now soaked button down. "Sorry." She added guiltily.

"It's okay, Chloe. After we change, can you, uh-" Chloe cut him off.

"Yes, Norman. After I get out of these clothes, I'll explain everything." Chloe sighed, running a hand over her face.

Norman nodded, but didn't make any effort to move. He was worried that if he looked away for too long, she'd disappear into the shell of a person he had just seen a few minutes earlier. She still looked the same; eyes glassy and red rimmed, cold pale skin, with her makeup running down her cheeks. Who is to say she wasn't still feeling the same? He didn't want to lose her.

A ball of nerves developed in his stomach, and he couldn't control the array emotions he was feeling; the fear he felt when he received no response to his banging on the bathroom door, the alarm he felt when she wouldn't respond to his questions, the anxiety of her telling him she had screwed up. The heartbreak he was currently feeling at the thought of losing her. He didn't know what to expect, and it scared him.

Chloe had quickly stripped out of the soaking wet clothing, opting now for a pair of sweatpants and a large sweater of Dylan's that completely swallowed her frame. It was perfect to raise her body temperature, and for hiding the bruises that had started to develop. She hissed in pain as she ran her hands cautiously over the tender bruising skin of her shoulders. She wanted to keep them hidden from Norman, knowing she'd get the third degree from Dylan. She didn't want to deal with it from both boys.

Fuck, what's Dylan going to say? What's he going to do? Chloe bit her lip at the thought. After all that she had told him, after their pinkie promise, could she really lie or keep information from him?

Norman was waiting for her in the hallway, seemingly reserved. His hair seemed mussed up, and he was wringing his hands together. Chloe exhaled before nodding for him to follow her. Though the clothing had warmed her up, she longed for a cup of coffee or hot chocolate to really kick the chill that had been brought on by the shower.

"Sorry, I just really need something warm." Chloe explained as they stepped into the kitchen. She immediately went to work on making hot chocolate, pulling out different ingredients she liked to add to the cocoa mixture.

The silence that surrounded the pair was strained and uncomfortable. Norman wasn't sure how to address the scene in the bathroom, or bring up what had gotten her to that point. His body was still tense, waiting for Chloe to relapse into the silent unresponsive being that she had been on the floor of the tub. Chloe was embarrassed about her meltdown, and unhappy that Norman had witnessed it.

When she finished making her hot chocolate, she placed a glass in front of Norman before sitting across from him, both hands firmly on her cup. For a moment, the pair just stared at each other, neither wanting to start the conversation. Chloe blew gently on her drink, willing it to cool down enough so that she could take a sip. Norman's drink sat in front of him, ignored. Chloe quickly realized she'd be the one starting this conversation.

"Thanks for, uh, you know…" She trailed off, not really wanting to address the break down, but still wanting to acknowledge that she was thankful for him being there and helping.

"What was that, Chloe?' His voice sounding thick, and she didn't know what to say. She wanted to drop that part of the conversation entirely, so she changed the subject.

"Zack was here. He came a few minutes after you left with Emma." Norman tensed, not liking that the man who was manipulating his mother had visited Chloe. He knew that they were siblings, but he didn't trust the man not to do anything to Chloe if he needed something. He quickly put two and two together to realize Chloe's breakdown was most likely cause by Zack, and he could feel the anger in his veins.

"What happened?" Norman demanded. Chloe chewed on her lip for a moment, trying to figure out what to say, what to leave out, and how to explain.

"He told me that Norma would go to jail because of the carpet fiber, and that he had to do something to make sure that didn't happen. I think he meant it, too. Cause I'm pretty sure he actually likes your mom." While Chloe was finally starting to see her brother for the true monster he was, and she hated him for that, she was happy that he was treating Norma right. There was nothing she could do to end the relationship, considering Norma didn't believe anything Norman said about the Asian girl being in Zack's basement. Selfishly enough, she wouldn't want the relationship to end now either. Zack was a head case who would probably try to get them all sent to prison if the slightest thing pissed him off. That, or worse. Chloe didn't want to think of the "worse" option though. He's not that sick in the head, is he?

"So he's going to help my mom? What's he going to make her do for that? Or is he making you do something for him? Is that why he was here?" Norman was seething. He was happy that his mom had someone on her side, but was pissed that it was Zack, the man who took advantage of an awful situation.

"No, Norman. I think he genuinely wants to help." Chloe explained, "He isn't going to make either of us doing something in return." Norman relaxed a bit, but not much.

"He also told me that Romero had been looking into my file. Zack doesn't think he is anymore, since he arrested your mom." Chloe took a deep breath, "I'm scared Norman. This sounds so selfish of me, but what if your mom gets off and Romero tries to pin it on one of us next?"

"We'll figure it out if it comes to that, Chloe. Just like we're figuring things out as we go right now." Norman's voice was gentle and soothing, helping to relieve some of her fear.. He reached his arm across the table and gently caressed the back of her hand. Chloe flipped her hand up and grabbed his, holding it tightly.

"Norman, there's something else Zack said, and I did something and you have to promise not to be upset." Chloe spoke in a rush, trying to get it all out at once. He looked at her, concerned, but nodded in encouragement to continue. She gave his hand a squeeze, trying to reassure him.

"Zack knew it was me, Norman. He knew I broke into his house and he knew what I saw. He was coming at me and accusing me of telling Norma. I was so afraid Norman, I told him I didn't and he didn't believe me. I told him it was you, Norman. He knows you were there and what you saw." Chloe's voice broke, and she was once again close to tears. She felt so guilty for breaking, for telling Zack that Norman had been with her.

Norman was angry that Zack had come to her, knowing she was alone. Angry that he caused Chloe all of this fear and anxiety. Now he was furious that Zack had struck fear so deeply in her. He released her hand and pulled away, quickly standing. Chloe watched as he walked around the table, coming to a stop right in front of her. He crouched down, making sure that he was able to gaze into her green eyes. He cautiously reached out, cupping the side of her face lightly. Chloe stared at him, eyes watery.

"I promise Chloe, I won't let him hurt you. Ever." There was a note of finality in his words. She shivered, hearing the implication in his voice. She was suddenly glad that she hadn't told him the whole truth of the situation. What will he do if he ever finds out about the way Zack treats me?

Chloe nodded, trusting that he'd help and protect her anyway that he could, but she wasn't even sure that's what she wanted. She didn't want anyone else to feel Zack's wrath.

"Thank you, Norman. I appreciate it." She whispered, pulling back a little bit so that he no longer held her face. This didn't break his line of sight, and he continued to watch her face, as if hoping to see something he missed before. He was reading her face as if it were a book. She swallowed thickly at the thought, remembering what Dylan had once said about her being an open book and how it was one of the things he liked best about her.

"Nor-" She was cut off by the sound of a text message. Norman's eyes stayed focused on her face for a few more seconds before he pulled out his phone, reading the text message that was displayed.

"My mother's bail has been posted. She's being released tomorrow."

Their conversation had dwindled off after that. Chloe finished off her hot chocolate and Normans after he explained he no longer wanted it. She was relieved Norman hadn't gotten upset with her for telling Zack that he'd been with her during when they saw the woman in his basement, and she was shaken by Normans promise and the seriousness of it. She ended up retreating to her room to think of all that had transpired over the course of the morning and afternoon. She hated her brother, she was confused by Norman's actions and words, and she just really wanted Dylan.

Oh no. Dylan. Do I tell him what happened? The breakdown, the shower, Norman? She'd never had someone care about her in the way Dylan did. Would he even want to know, would he think she was crazy? Would he be supportive? She figured he'd be understanding and supportive as he had been when she'd told him all about her past, and when Norman had explained what had happened with Keith Summers. I'll tell him- if it gets brought up anyway… She cleared the thought from her mind, now just wanting to talk to her boyfriend.

"I miss you." Her finger hovered over the send button. Did she sound needy? She'd just seen him a few hours earlier. She hit send anyway, falling back on to her bed. Her phone chimed a few minutes later. It was a perk that Gil's workers who guarded the fields could do basically whatever they pleased, it meant Dylan could always respond to her.

"I miss you too." The response made her heart swell.

"Come home." She knew he couldn't, but God she wished he could.

"I wish."

"Is it gonna be a late night?"
"Yeah. I'll be home around midnight." She groaned. She knew it was going to be a long shift for him, but didn't realize he'd be getting in that late.

":("

"It's only a few more hours, babe. I'll be back before you know it."

"Okay." She left it at that, deciding that in the meantime she could get a few extra hours of sleep. The day had been incredibly stressful for her, physically and emotionally, and she could tell she needed a little TLC. Her shoulders were still painful to move around, and she could feel the bump that had formed on the back of her head. She once again cursed her asshole brother.

Chloe sighed, standing up to pull back the covers on her bed. She kept on the pair of sweats she had been wearing but decided on a new top as the sweater was starting to get too warm. She decided on a t-shirt that still covered her shoulders completely, not wanting to face Dylan tonight about the issues her brother had brought to her front and center. After changing, she climbed into bed, immediately closing her eyes and willing herself to fall asleep. As her breathing evened out, she fell into the first deep sleep she'd had in days.

Norman hadn't heard any noise coming from Chloe's room in over three hours and he was worried, especially after the whole shower situation that had happened that afternoon. He knocked on the door and waited a few moments for a reply. His heart rate picked up after receiving no response. He tried the door, which was unlocked.

"Chloe?" He called, still not entering the room. When he still heard no response, he peeked his head into the dark room. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her sleeping. He stepped further in the room, watching as she tossed and turned in the large bed. He glanced out in the hallway, almost expecting to see Dylan. When he didn't, he quietly shut the door.

"Hi Chloe." Norman whispered, reaching out to run his fingers through her silky hair. He felt as though his heart skipped a beat when she seemingly stopped all tossing and turning and leaned into the affectionate gesture. He pulled away slightly, only to notice her restless manner returned. He frowned.

She needs you...Wants you….Help. Her... The voice in his head persuaded him.

Norman agreed. With Dylan not here and in the way, he could finally take his rightful place next to Chloe in her bed. He left her side of the bed, going to the side that should be his. He cautiously climbed into the bed, holding his breath as he waited for Chloe to react. Almost immediately, as if she could sense someone had gotten into bed with her, her body relaxed. Her face looked peaceful and she had stopped tossing and turning. Norman attempted to scooch closer to her, which set off a chain reaction of Chloe curling herself against him with an arm around his waist to keep him beside her, and her face pressed into his chest.

Norman gently pulled the hand that was rested on his hip up to his lips. He pressed soft kisses to each of her delicate finger tips before placing her small hand over his thundering heart.

"Do you feel that, Chloe? That's what you do to me." He whispered, running his free hand through her hair once again. He couldn't believe how much of an effect she had on him, but he wouldn't change it for the world. He knew then and there that he would do anything in his power to protect what they had. He didn't care what he had to do, as long as he had her.

"I'll keep you safe, Chloe. From Zack and Dylan, even from Mother." Norman mumbled, pressing a light kiss to the top of her hair. He took a moment to inhale the warm scent of her shampoo. If possible, it seemed as though Chloe pressed even closer to him. He finally felt at peace for the first time since moving here. Before he knew it, he started to doze off.

The front door slamming shut woke Norman out of his doze. Chloe was still curled against him, her hand still placed over his heart. His arm was still underneath her, keeping her close. He took a moment to admire the beauty of her sleeping, peaceful face before he realized the severity of the situation. Norman cursed, quickly pulling himself away from her and rushed to hide, not wanting to ruin Chloe's progress she had made with Dylan so far.

"Don't go." She pleaded, her voice thick with sleep. It seemed as though she was reaching for him, and he longed to once again fill her arms. He grudgingly didn't return to her, knowing Dylan would come through the door any minute.

Dylan arrived home a few hours later to a quiet house. Norman was nowhere to be found, and Chloe's door was firmly shut. He slowly opened the door, trying to be as quiet as possible as he navigated around in the almost pitch black room. He made his way to Chloe's side of the bed, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

"I'm back, babe." He whispered, brushing the hair out of her face. She smiled slightly, stirring from her sleep. He quickly shed his T-shirt and jeans before climbing into bed with her. She rolled over to fit herself next to him, her response to him almost immediate. He chuckled a bit, adjusting her so that he could be a bit more comfortable.

"Goodnight, Chlo." He mumbled, pressing another kiss to her forehead before closing his eyes and sighing in content.

"Mm, night Dylan." Chloe murmured, snuggling closer to the man beside her.

Norman stood there glowering, hidden by the darkness and the large dresser that was pressed up against the wall. He was absolutely seething as he watched their exchange. The jealous rage he felt inside grew with each affectionate gesture. He wanted to rip Dylan out of the bed, to beat the bloody hell out of him for daring to touch what was his. But, he held back, waiting until he knew he could safely exit the room without detection. He knew why Chloe was doing this, but it didn't dull the rage or pain he felt watching them lay there together.

Norman was up early, he could barely sleep. He still felt the jealous heat running through his veins at the thought of Chloe sleeping with Dylan again. He knew that it was all a part of the plan to keep Dylan on their side, but it killed him to know that she was with him, kissing him, touching him, having sex with him. He's treating her like Zack Shelby treats Mother… Using her as a sex toy. The voice seethed inside his head. He balled his fist tightly, causing the knuckles to turn white.

Chloe woke up with her head on Dylan's chest, clinging to him tightly. She was wrapped up completely in the blankets and sheets, leaving Dylan without. She laughed to herself as she climbed out of bed, throwing the blankets over him. She left him be, deciding to find herself a caffeine fix. She stopped briefly in the entryway to fix a few flyaway hairs in the large mirror and was shocked to see a light on in the kitchen with as early as it was. "Morning, Norman!" She called cheerfully. When she received no response, she curiously ducked around the corner to see Norman at the table, clenching and unclenching his fists.

"Norman?" She asked, gently touching him on the shoulder. That caught his attention, and his jumped into action. Chloe laughed at his defensive look. "Relax, it's just me. I think you might need a few more hours of sleep, Norman. You're on edge."

Norman didn't respond. He gritted his teeth to keep from lashing out at her. She watched his face fill with different emotions, none of them seemingly positive. Shouldn't he be happy? His mother is being released today.

"Are you alright, Norman?" The concern was thick in her voice, and it took some of his anger away. Of course she's concerned. She likes you, not him. She's only using Dylan. The though seemingly appeased the voice inside his mind.

"I'm okay, Chloe." Norman responded shortly. Chloe nodded, acknowledging what he said, though not believing it.

"So, what time is your mom being released?"

"Nine." He snapped. She glanced at the clock on the wall that read 7:45.

"Are you worried about her coming home?" Chloe questioned, really not sure where this short behavior was coming from. She tried thinking over the day before, and couldn't think of anything she had done that would have upset him enough to be this way with her.

"No, I'm happy she'll be coming home. The sooner the better." Norman answered tightly. Chloe huffed and let the conversation drop. She'd had enough of his attitude. I swear it's like dealing with a toddler sometimes.

Norman, reading her verbal signs, could tell he had done something wrong. He hated when she wasn't smiling, and he had come to love the sound of her voice, even if she was just prattling on about nothing. He had become so attuned to her body language the past few weeks that he could tell he had upset her greatly.

"I'm sorry, Chloe. I just have a lot on my mind right now." Mother being in jail, you being used by Dylan, Zack Shelby using Mother…

"Hey, I get that. You saw me yesterday. It hasn't really been easy on any of us lately. Everyone deals with their stress and anxieties in different ways."

"I guess." Norman shrugged, acknowledging her words.

"I'm sure when your mom gets home, you'll feel a little better." Chloe said, trying to make him feel better. Norman didn't know if having his mother around would help, she had been so angry with all three of them when they had visited yesterday.

"Do you want me to make you a quick breakfast?" Chloe asked, trying to switch the subject after Norman didn't respond. He shook his head, quickly hopping to his feet.

"No, but thank you for the offer. I really should get going so I can make sure I'm on time to get Mother." Chloe nodded in agreement. She turned toward the coffee pot to pour herself a cup when Norman spoke again. "Would you like to come with me? To pick up my mother." He added quickly, thinking it might make a difference. Chloe bit her lip, coming up with a lie on the spot.

"Sorry, Norman. Dylan and I have plans this morning. Plus, I'm almost positive I am one of her least favorite people right now, and I doubt she wants to see me." She explained. She really didn't want to deal with a pissed off Norma, and she knew Norma would be gunning for herself and Dylan after Dylan flaunted his newfound information yesterday.

"Yeah, I understand." Norman sighed dejectedly. "I'm gonna head out. Have a good time with Dylan." Not too good of a time…

"I'm sure it'll be a nice time. See you later, Norman!" She called. She heard the door shut loudly right as she finished saying his name. She sighed, wishing she could have gotten him to talk more about what was bothering him.

She had planned to make breakfast for herself and Dylan, but after telling Norman she and Dylan had plans, her heart was suddenly set on going to her favorite diner for breakfast. She quickly finished her coffee and decided to wash the dishes that were lingering in the sink while she waited for her boyfriend to wake up.

Dylan had walked into the kitchen only a few minutes after Norman had left, smiling as he saw his girlfriend's form hovering over the sink. She was humming a tune he didn't recognize and bouncing on the balls of her feet as she finished washing the few dishes that had been left sitting in the sink. He snuck up behind her, slipping an arm around her waist and planting a kiss on her neck.

"Morning." He mumbled, face still in the crook of her neck. He began to kiss his way up to her jaw, but she laughed and pushed him away, swatting him with a dish towel.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?" She asked knowingly with a smirk.

"Well, there was this beautiful girl there that I thought would make the night great, but funny enough she was an asshole who just kept stealing the sheets." He remarked, skirting around her to pour himself a cup of coffee.

"What a bitch." Chloe snickered, turning back to the few dishes that still littered the sink. Dylan hummed in a mock agreement as he took a seat at the table, making sure he had a good view to watch Chloe move fluidly around the kitchen.

"So where'd you go last night?" Chloe questioned, her back still to him. Dylan glanced at her in confusion.

"I was at work, remember?" Chloe nodded.

"Yeah, but it was after you got home. You were being all sweet, playing with my hair, kissing my fingertips, whispering sweet nothings. All of that cute stuff. Then you just disappeared, and came back a while later and told me you were back." Chloe explained, finally facing him. Dylan looked at her strangely before laughing her off.

"It must've been a dream, babe." He shrugged, not knowing what else to tell her. Chloe hummed in agreement and let the subject drop, but she knew in her gut that it had been real. Was Dylan just really tired last night? Did he forget?

"So what's the plan for today? Is Norma being released?" Dylan asked curiously, effectively changing the subject.

"Yeah, she's coming home today. Norman actually just left before you came down to go and get her. I told Norman we had plans, I really don't think she wants to be around any of us right now." Chloe explained, placing the last of the clean dishes in the drying rack. "I think her and Norman are going to talk to a lawyer later today as well."

"A step in the right direction." Dylan commented. Chloe turned around to face him and nodded. "So what are our plans?

"Wanna go to the diner for breakfast?" Dylan rolled his eyes at the predictability of his girlfriend. He downed the rest of his coffee before standing and stretching.

"Let's do it." He yawned. Chloe beamed, rushing to get ready. Dylan followed along sluggishly, laughing at her enthusiasm.

"I thought you said you'd get something different the next time we came here?" Dylan teased as Chloe ordered her usual, a short stack of pancakes.
"Maybe this time I'll try the blueberry syrup instead of the maple." Chloe shrugged, "Probably not, but maybe."

"I doubt you'd ever even switch that up." Dylan acknowledged, "Regardless of if you did, that wouldn't even count."

"Yeah it would," Chloe argued, "It's technically a difference of what I normally consume when here!"

Dylan waved her off with a smile, seeing the waitress approaching with a fresh pot of coffee. He pushed their cups closer to the edge of the table where the waitress had better access to them. Chloe thanked the woman as she poured coffee into their cups. Dylan watched in amusement as Chloe poured her usual amount of cream and sugar into her coffee, rolling his eyes when she glanced at him for a reaction.
"No smartass comments today?" She asked with a smirk.

"Nothing to say that hasn't already been said about that sugar water abomination." Dylan taunted. She flipped him off, laughing gingerly as an old man who was sat behind Dylan gave her a disapproving glare. They fell into silence, Chloe scrolling through social media on her phone, making a note in her mind that she and Dylan needed a photo together to make as her new profile picture. She smiled at the thought.

She glanced at Dylan every once in a while, though he seemed to be intently picking at his nails. Chloe let this go on for a few minutes or so before breaking the silence.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" She asked, slipping her phone into her purse. She hadn't seen him exhibiting this kind of behavior before. It was almost as if he were nervous. Chloe reached out and caressed the back of his hand, halting his actions immediately. Dylan let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding.

"I have an idea." He explained, "I just don't know how you would react to it." Nerves stirred inside of Chloe, and she didn't know what to expect. She looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue, but he just bit his lip as he stared at their hands. He laced his fingers through hers before looking back up at her.

"I'm getting my own place."

"Oh." She felt a lump in her throat. Tears started to spring into her eyes and she attempted to blink them away. He's leaving me. He's leaving me behind to deal with the Keith Summers incident with Norma and Norman. I knew all that information was too much to lay on him all at once. I'm losing him and I'll have to deal with everything on my-

"And I want you to come with me." He said slowly, snapping her out of her sorrowful thoughts. She stared at him in disbelief, blinking a few more times to clear the wetness that remained in her eyes. Her mouth popped open in the shape of an 'o', and she didn't know what to say. Dylan smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand.

"You know, Chlo, this is where you say "Hell yes, Dylan! Take me away from your deranged family! Let's finally have some privacy so we can try out all those kinks we've been talking"-" Chloe bolted up from her seat and captured his lips in a kiss from across the table. When she pulled back, she let out a loud laugh.

"Oh my god, Dylan." Her cheeks were flushed, giddy from what she was hearing. "First of all, let's not talk about our bedroom chats in a diner full of people." Dylan responded with a shit eating grin. "Second of all, I would love to move in with you."

Dylan sighed in relief, happy that his girl wanted to come with him. If she hadn't, he wouldn't have went. There was no way in hell he'd leave her alone in the same house as Norma and Norman. Norma had no loyalty to her, and would sooner throw her under the bus than risk herself or Norman getting in trouble, and Norman still had his creepy little obsession with Chloe, though Dylan could acknowledge that Norman seemed to be reining it in a little bit more, at least while he was around.

"So, tell me about this place. An apartment, house? In the village or on the outskirts? I need details." Chloe pushed, wanting to know what she was getting herself into when it came to moving in with Dylan where his mother couldn't interfere.

"It's a rental house down on the beach. Ocean view and everything." Chloe lit up. She'd always loved the ocean, and if the location was where she was thinking, it was near enough to everything that she didn't really have to worry too much about transportation. Dylan watched, happy to see Chloe light up in excitement.

"Will Norman be moving in with us?" The question was on her mind as soon as Dylan asked if she wanted to move in with him. Only a few nights ago they had been discussing the possibility of moving in together, and what that scenario would entail, and now it was becoming a reality.

"If Norma goes to jail, yes, for sure. If she doesn't, I'd still like for him to move in. He needs to escape from her, she's ruining him. Pretty soon he's gonna reach the point of no return." Dylan explained, sighing.

Chloe was truly happy that Norman would be invited to move in. It seemed as though the talk the brothers had had mended their relationship substantially. The invitation showed that the brothers were finally getting along.

"Yeah. Maybe once he gets away from Norma, he can have a bit of a normal life for once." Chloe agreed. Dylan hummed in acknowledgement.

He almost couldn't believe how well his life was going, for the most part. He had his girl, he'd get her away from the fucked up situation Norma had created, he had a well-paying job that would let him support them both, and soon they'd have their own place. A lot of things were finally coming together. Chloe face brightened once again, though this time it was because of the short stack of pancakes being set in front of her. Chloe didn't even wait for the waitress to set Dylan's food down before she dug into hers, but not before putting a generous pour of maple syrup on first. Dylan had been hesitant to try something new as he was a fan of their classic breakfast special, but the large bacon and cheese omelette the waitress set in front of him made him rethink his hesitancy. As Dylan was about to take his first bite, Chloe interrupted his thoughts.

"So," She started, chewing thoughtfully on a bite of syrup covered pancake, "With this new place, could we, per say, get a dog?" She cocked her head, beaming at him. Dylan rolled his eyes, laughed, and started devouring his food.

(5/19/19)

Hi guys! So, I rewrote this chapter into something I like a whole heck of a lot better! I've been struggling the last year and a half or so with trying to get another chapter out. Now that could be attributed to my writers block, being in school, etc. But I really think it was because of how rushed and OOC this chapter felt before being rewritten. I really feel as though Chloe was OOC, which, how odd! My own OC being OOC? Wack.

Anyway, for those of you who remember it, I hope y'all liked this more than the original one! It's practically a brand new chapter that followed some of the same situations as the original, but changed some parts and expanded on others. Some stuff was taken out entirely, and some new stuff was added in. Fun Fact: This is actually the longest chapter written to date for Like an Addict! So that leads me to 1. Was everyone in character? 2. For those of you that remember the original, did y'all like this chapter rewrite better than the original? 3. I have officially taken down Chloe's outfit link. I don't believe many people were actually looking at it, and I'm pretty sure the access link on my profile no longer worked. 4. One major addition to this chapter was a lot more Chloe/Dylan scenes that were greatly expanded on than they were in the original chapter, so I hope y'all enjoyed that! (I know I sure did). 5. Once again, thank you to everybody who Reviews, Favorites, and Follows even when I am not posting regularly. A review I just got about two weeks ago, mixed with the fact that I am now officially graduated from college gave me the inspiration and time to finally sit down and evaluate this fic and what I could do to move forward. I believe editing this chapter was the first step, and am hoping to post the next chapter soon!

Until next time, y'all! Xx