Author's Notes: [insert standard disclaimer] Anyways, this is really short for me, but I like it the way it is. Just a little moment of what could be.
They leaned over the railing of her second story balcony, quietly gazing up at the stars. It was almost midnight - late, but not really late. Not like when they stayed up til 2am watching movies, or 4am still talking, or 6am cramming to finish a song he would be performing later that day.
The thought that there wouldn't be any more of those kinds of nights for a long time left them silent.
Starr Records was officially putting the up-and-coming Austin Moon on tour. The three month gig opening for one of the company's more seasoned bands was still a huge milestone for Team Austin. Yet among all the excitement, there were still downsides to the plan, like being away from home for so long…
Like them just being apart for so long.
Between the light breeze and the rustling leaves around them, Austin almost didn't hear the words spoken right next to him.
"If we were dating," Ally whispered, praying for the courage to continue her confession, "I think... I'd ask you not to leave. I'd ask you to stay here. With me."
Surprised, Austin gave her a sideways glance. The next few seconds were excruciating for Ally, who nearly wished she'd kept quiet, before he shook his head decidedly. "Nah," he answered shamelessly. "If we were dating, you'd never ask me that. You actually wouldn't have even thought those words period."
Stunned, Ally turned to him, hurt. "What do you mean? You don't think I'd say that? That I'm not going to miss you? That- that you're not my best friend in the world and it's killing me that I won't see you or sing with you or hug you for three months?"
She was working herself into a frenzy, so Austin turned to her and gently grabbed her shoulders and said, "Ally, stop."
She paused, so he looked into her eyes and explained. "I mean that you believe in me more than anyone else in this world, even more than I believe in myself." Pausing for breath himself, he continued, "If we were dating, if you were my girlfriend, you wouldn't let yourself even think of saying anything to me that might tempt me not to follow my dreams. Especially because if I were your boyfriend, you know that I would never leave your side if you asked me to stay. I care about you more than anything else in the world."
He let the words hang in the air, watching emotions flicker across her face. Shock, pride, guilt. And one truth that transcended their current friendship.
Ally could feel herself tearing up, so she buried her head against Austin's chest. His arms pulled her closer still, hugging her tightly as if she'd disappear the moment he let go.
Shyly, she lifted her head to look at him again. Austin brushed away a small tendril of hair from her face.
"If we were dating," Ally smiled coyly, "a different kind of goodbye would be more appropriate..."
Smirking, Austin's hand slid behind her head to bring her lips to his. Unlike their first, this kiss was yearning and passionate. When they finally pulled away, her face was flushed and his was grinning. His forehead rested against hers.
"I come back in three months. I will kiss you like that the minute I get home and every day after" – he kissed her again – "when we are dating."
She nuzzled his neck in agreement. "All right. Three months." She pressed a feather-light kiss to his jaw. "But for now, don't let go just yet."
Reminded of another time just like this, he smiled. "I wasn't going to."