IF WE EVER MEET AGAIN

Author's Note: This takes place during the episode "Austin & Jessie & Ally" but with a few twists and turns. I hated how Jessie was in that episode so she's a bit of an antagonist here. AU.

EDIT: Due to someone pointing out the plot holes I decided to go back and edit it.

Ally had walked away to continue cleaning the store after watching the "Face 2 Face" music video. She quickly gave an affectionate glance to Austin but turned back before he noticed. She couldn't stop thinking about the helicopter. When he looked into her eyes, she really thought he was going to kiss her right then and there. Then she realized she wanted him to.

It was crazy. Austin was one of her best friends. For God's sake she initially thought of him as a brother type. When she told him that she didn't have a crush on him, she meant it. But what had changed along the way?

"I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't sing the songs you write for me."

"You're awesome."

"From now on it's Austin and Ally time."

"Me and you? T-that'd be weird."

"Hold my hand we'll jump together."

"Snuck out. Couldn't let you down."

Oh.

He even caused her to momentarily forget her stage fright. The old Ally would've hung back and waited until Austin got of the stage but this Ally just ran up and hugged him right then and there, not even giving a single damn of how petty teenagers were shooting her death glares. Just thinking about the way he hugged her tightly made her grin.

She would tell him how she felt. Soon. Really soon. And she knew the right way to do it.

"Austin and Jessie world tour!" Jessie exclaimed, smiling at the very thought of it.

Austin paused. Austin and Jessie? That could work! Ally would write their songs and both of them would sing it as a duet! And it was an excuse to spend more time with Jessie whom he harbored a little school boy crush on, "Do you really think we could make that happen?" he asked giddily.

Jessie bounced on the seat, "Yes! Oh my god. The Ross' have serious connections. And with you on board they'll totally give us the okay!"

"I'm already signed to Starr Records." He pointed out.

Jessie waved her hand, "That's good but the Ross' know Rockin' Records. I mean they could get you to perform another New Year's Concert like that," she snapped her fingers, "There the number one record company in America and Asia. Think about it...Austin San and Jessie San in Japan."

"That's awesome! I'll go tell Ally. She'd love to be our song-writer." He turned towards the brunette before Jessie took ahold of his shirt and yanked him backwards.

"Wait. Ally?" Jessie crossed her arms over her chest, "Austin, we're going to have to hire a professional, you know that, right?"

"What? Why? Ally's better than those people. Starr Records hired her."

Jessie could sense his reluctance and decided to up the ante. She sidled over to him and grabbed his hand. She watched his cheeks flush and smirked, "Austin. Sweetie," she simpered, "I don't think serious, serious record labels lets little girls like her write songs that'll be published all over the world. Trust me. It's for the best."

"Bu-"

"Look Austin!" she snapped, "Ally's talented. She'll be fine on her own. Right now it's time for Austin and Jessie."

Austin glanced at Ally who was deeply focused on her infamous song book. He knew Ally was talented. The moment he walked up the stairs of Sonic Boom and heard her beautiful voice with a great song. But she needed him as much as he needed her. He taught her how to have fun and let loose at not be so pessimistic about everything. But was that it? Was that the basis of their relationship? Yeah, he thought of her as a best friend. When he got his big break, she'd step down or find something else. That was the plan, right?

But they could still be friends even if she wasn't his song-writer.

And she'll get over her stage fright he told himself She'll be fine. In fact, she would want this for me.

As if reading his mind Jessie fluttered her eyelashes, "If Ally was really your best friend, she's want this for you."

Austin sighed, releasing the breath he didn't realize he was holding, "Okay." He agreed.

Jessie dropped his hand, and whipped out her phone. "Fabulous!" she squealed, "Let's go talk to the Ross'!" She skipped outside of the store, pleased that her plan worked out.

Meanwhile, Austin hung back thinking about his decision. He watched as Ally rang up the total for a male customer who was eying her out. Ally giggled nervously and bashfully looked down, awkwardly jerking her arms. Was she flirting? Austin got ready to interfere before...

"AUSTIN!"

He hastily spun around scampering after Jessie.

"Wait, say that again." Trish demanded, from the couches of Sonic Boom.

Jessie held back the urge to roll her eyes, "Me and Austin-"

"Austin and I." Ally corrected, earning a chuckle from Austin.

Jessie glared, "Austin and I," she mimicked in a higher octave, "We haven't told Starr Records yet but we got connections are we're meeting with Rockin' Records to discuss a record deal!"

"Oh my god guys!" Ally launched herself in Austin's arms, "That's great Austin! You finally got your big break! When's the meeting? What do I pack? I'll get started on writing right away!"

Jessie gave an annoyed glance at Austin who shrugged helplessly, "Actually, we have some other news. We're gonna have to let you go. Sorry, nothing personal. But your songs just aren't gonna sell."

"WHAT?" Dez, Ally and Trish cried out in unison.

"You can't do that." Dez replied, "It's like eating mushrooms without chocolate icing. It doesn't work."

"Yeah! Exactly. Well except the second part." Trish turned to Dez, "What is wrong with you?" She reverted her focus back on Jessie, "Austin and Ally are a package deal! What do you have to say about this, Austin?"

"Austin already agreed." Jessie shot back, tossing her hair over her shoulder.

"WHAT?"

"Austin, how could you do this?" Trish cried.

Austin refused to meet her eyes, "I'm sorry but it was the right decision for my career. Ally and I will still hang out. Trish, you can still be my manager! And Dez, you can totally help with the music videos and stuff."

"Wait, so Ally's the only one who loses?" Dez asked, fiddling with his rainbow-striped suspenders, "Dude, that's pretty harsh. Even more harsh then when my Dad told me that Butterflies aren't made from butter. Man, that was a tough day."

Finally, amidst all of the commotion, Ally spoke up, "Austin," she said quietly, seemingly shrinking even smaller than her 5'3 frame, "Is this what you want?"

There was a pause. Austin felt his heart beat rapidly in his chest. Every single person seemed to be staring at him. Well Trish was glaring and Dez was crossed-eyed (huh?) but it still broke his heart for what he was about to say.

"Yes."

Ally nodded in hurt understanding, "Then okay," she replied, her voice cracking, "Good luck. I'm happy for you." And before anyone could say anything else, she bolted up the stairs and slammed the music room shut.

"You know what Austin?" Trish near-yelled, "I thought being your manager was a privilege. But God, you are so stupid! If Ally's not on board, neither am I! Trish is out!" She swiveled on her heel and followed Ally.

"Yeah. She's right." Dez agreed, "It used to be about us. The Fantastic Foursome. The Questionable Quartet. If something bad happened, we were all there together. If something good happened with all benefited. Ally's right. We should let you fly," he did his well-known bird gesture, "But it's not gonna be with me either." He strutted up the stairs, leaving behind Austin and his choice.

Jessie placed a comforting hand on his back, watching his eyes trail after his ex-friends.

She leaned her head on his shoulder, "It's for the best," she said softly.

He hoped she was right.

Author's Note.

Okay I get that it seems a little OOC for Austin but this will be further explained so stay tuned c: