Diamond in the Rough
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot and ocs. Enjoy and feel free to let me know what you think.
Chapter 1: Rocks
Austin grinned when he caught sight of his current girlfriend, Cassidy Daniels. He slid from his seat in the booth, wrapping his toned arms around her thin waist and pulling her to his chest for a hug. She offered him a forced smile, something he didn't notice. He lowered his mouth towards her, greeting her with the usual kiss. However unlike usual, Cassidy turned her head to the side, forcing Austin's lips to graze her cheek.
" Is everything okay Cass?" he questioned as she pulled away from him. He finally noticed the differences in her. Cassidy was usually grinning, her eyes dancing with mischief. However she wore a solemn expression, chewing on her plump bottom lip.
" Yeah, yeah. Everything's fine, Austin. But, I think we need to talk," he knew what was going to happen. He's had this conversation many times before. His mind went on to auto pilot as he took a step back, sliding into his seat once more as Cassidy took the bench opposite of him. She ran her fingers through her strawberry long strands, allowing the locks to cascade down her back to end at her waist.
" You're a great guy Austin. I want you to know that now. You're carefree, you love to have fun, and that's important, especially in the music industry. That's the thing though. You… I need a real relationship. You aren't the type of guy I see myself with three months from now. You're fun to be around, but that's not what I need. I hope you can understand," Austin simply nodded, forcing a wide grin to his lips before he slid from his seat.
" Yeah, no problem," he waved her off before turning on his heel and leaving.
Austin sat on the white sandy beach, ignorant to the January weather as he vacantly watched the waves crash against the shoreline. He was so tired of hearing that speech. He was exhausted of his image. He didn't want to be known as the 'playboy' to help get a girl's mind off her idiotic ex-boyfriend. He had the potential to be a great boyfriend if they would let him. The thing was, they wouldn't. When he found them, they wanted a guy to make them feel wanted, to heal their broken hearts and than be on their way. He was tired of it all. Lazily he ran his fingers through his perfectly tousled platinum strands, brushing the shaggy locks from his eyes as his thoughts continued to consume him. He had honestly thought Cassidy would be different. She was his longest relationship, yet she had decided to give him the 'you're a great guy' speech.
" I thought I'd find you here," a familiar, husky voice reached his ears, bringing a faint smile to his lips.
" Were you really looking for me?" he teased, not looking from the ocean. Allyson Dawson collapsed beside him, drawing her knees to her chest as she wrapped her arms around her legs.
" Dez was worried, but he didn't know where to look for you. Plus your mom called my phone. Dez covered and said you were sleeping over at his house," he nodded as her words registered in his mind.
" So you decided to look for me, because?" he didn't mean to sound rude, and he was thankful Ally understood his moods, better than him sometimes.
" You weren't answering your phone. No matter what, you always answer your phone. When Dez told me he couldn't find you, I decided you need a friend," she shrugged her shoulders lightly, turning her attention to the dark ocean. Austin released a sigh before leaning his head on her slender shoulder.
" What do I do wrong?" she knew what he was talking about, but she couldn't honestly tell him.
" I… They don't know what they're missing out on. You're more than just a good time, Austin. They don't get to see these sides of you, because they don't want the attachment. Hopefully, the right girl will come along and see what they can't," Ally attempted to soothe her best friend, chewing on her plump bottom lip as they sat in the cool January air. He watched his best friend from the corner of his eye, noticing she looked… different for once.
" Are you wearing make up?" he finally noticed. She released a soft chuckle, rolling her eyes.
" I always wear make up, Aus," she chided, shaking her head before answering his silent question.
" I was on a date when a frantic Trish and Dez called. Of course my date didn't understand my commitment to the Team and he made a big scene. I… Well I kind of left after I punched his jaw," she sounded sheepish. This of course made Austin laugh.
" You seriously punched a guy?" he couldn't help the small sense of pride that welled in his chest at the thought that his little Ally could actually throw a punch. She shrugged her shoulders, brushing it off.
" He shouldn't have been rude," was all she muttered, turning her head away so he wouldn't see the blush tinting her cheeks.
" What? What did he say?" she shook her head, refusing to answer his question.
" It doesn't matter Austin. It's in the past, and I dealt with it myself," he pouted slightly, before sighing.
" Alright. Do you mind if I crash at your place. Dez already said I was staying the night at his, but he lives across town. I really don't feel like walking all the way to the other side of town only to want to punch him," Austin spoke, watching as she rolled her eyes skyward.
" Sure. Dad's at a convention in Louisiana for the next two weeks anyway. I hate being home alone," she agreed, pushing to her feet.
Austin followed her lead, falling into step beside her as they made their way her apartment, which was only two blocks from the beach. Silence reigned over them most of the walk, until Austin couldn't stand it.
" How was the date before you were interrupted from it?" he didn't understand why that question upset him, however it did. He shook it off, watching his five foot six, slender best friend from the corner of his eye. She shrugged her fragile shoulders lightly, running her fingers through her wild, uneven curls that fell to her lower back.
" It was horrible. He was this conceited, self centered, egotistical jerk who thought he was God's gift to women. I was so happy when Dez called. But than he had to be worse and ask why I was leaving so soon, he thought we were getting along great. I only said three words to him," Ally spoke, shaking her head.
" Wow, that sounds like a terrible date. I'm sorry," Austin attempted to soothe as they made their way up the five flights of stairs.
" It isn't your fault. I just misjudged him. I thought he would be sweet, but he wasn't. It's no big deal," Ally waved it off with a practiced ease only she possessed. Austin nodded, watching as she slid her key into the deadbolt, unlocking her front door before slipping into the quiet apartment she shared with her father.
Austin collapsed onto the low leather sofa, stretching his legs in front of him as he watched Ally move down the hall way.
" Let me change and find you something to sleep in," Ally called over her shoulder, not waiting for a reply as she closed her bed room door behind her. Austin took his time, glancing around the apartment, the apartment he spent most of his time in since Lester was away most of the time and Ally didn't like be home alone. He inhaled a deep breath, trying to relax and shutting his eyes.
" Want to tell me what happened?" he opened one eye to see Ally standing in the entry way of the kitchen, only wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a thin white tank. She had more clothes fisted in her hands as she waited for a reply, knowing Austin took a few moments to register what she said.
" I just… Why can't I find a girl who doesn't want to just use me as a distraction? I find them and boost their confidence, mend their broken hearts, and than they move on to the next guy, the guy they see themselves with in the next three months. Why do they need to leave?" he was frustrated, something Ally noticed as he pushed to his feet and began to pace the length of her living room. She inhaled a breath, knowing he needed to vent. She allowed her eyes to travel up his form, taking note of all the changes that had happened over the three years she's known him.
His platinum strands kissed his forehead in their perfect disarray. His sun kissed skin was stretched taut over toned, well defined muscles. He towered over her five feet six inch frame, standing at six three. His black button down was open, showing the matching black tank he wore underneath. His dark wash denim jeans were slung low on his narrow hips, and his yellow high tops completed the look. He'd come a long way from the lanky boy she met in her father's music store three years ago. He was a Super Star now, no longer just an internet sensation. He had made a name for himself.
" Austin, they don't see you because you won't let them. How many people know you have an obsession with pancakes? How many know you love the color yellow? How many know your favorite time of day is night? These little things make you, you. But you only let these girls see one side of you. They see the careless, fun loving, rebel of a play boy. They see a good time, an easy distraction. I'm not trying to be mean. You know you're my best friend. One day you'll meet a girl who sees past the pop star façade, the girl who understands every mood you have and accepts it. You just need to be patient. You'll find your diamond. Right now, she's just a little rough around the edges," Ally finally explained, tossing the shirt and boxers Austin left at her apartment at his chest. He caught it, a look of surprise written on his face.
He looked sheepish for ranting to Ally, when she hadn't done anything.
" Thanks Als," he whispered before moving down the hall to the vacant bathroom. Ally shook her head, releasing a sigh as she collapsed on the sofa. She was just like Austin. However she only fixed one heart. When all these girls left cracks, she was the one who picked up the pieces. When no one else saw past his mask, she was the one who hugged him as he tried to not let anything bother him. She was just waiting for him to see her. She sighed once more, pushing to her feet and grabbing her cell phone. She made her way to the kitchen, dialing a familiar number and listening as the phone rang.
" Hello?" Trish's groggy voice answered. Ally sighed, relieved she didn't have to call Dez.
" I found Austin. He's staying the night with me," Ally informed her best friend as she leaned her back against the granite counter. Her back was to the living room as she held the phone to her ear.
" That's good. What was wrong?" Trish may not show it often, but she was a caring friend. She worried over each member of Team Austin.
" Cassidy. She ended things with him," Ally answered on a sigh, shaking her head even though her petite Latina friend couldn't see it.
" So you're helping mend his broken heart?" Trish teased lightly, practically sensing her best friend rolling her eyes at her.
" Yeah. We're having a movie night. Are you still going to be able to help me at the store tomorrow?" Ally questioned, ignoring her friend's teasing voice.
" Of course. I have a question for you Ally," her tone was serious which caused Ally to worry slightly. She wasn't used to her best friend being serious.
" Alright, what is your question oh wise one," she needed to lighten the mood, the only way she could.
" Why don't you just tell Austin how you feel. It's obvious that you like him. Everyone can see it. I mean, you know him better than he knows himself. It's scary how in sync you are with him. Why don't you just tell him?" Trish was honestly curious. She saw the way her best friend looked at the blonde rock star. She noticed the linger glances she cast his way. The only other time she did any of that was when she was crushing on Dallas.
" We've been over this one Trish. I can't risk ruining what we have. I would rather have his friendship rather than nothing at all. Hell, I'd rather be just his song writer than nothing. I care about him, deeply. But I don't want to risk anything just because I'm in love with him," Ally was exasperated. She was tired of this conversation, the very same conversation they've been having for two years. Trish meant well, honest she did. But sometimes, she didn't understand.
" Ally, I'm saying this as your best friend, your oldest friend. You need to tell him. If it wasn't for you, these other girls wouldn't know how sweet and sensitive Austin could be. If it wasn't for you, they wouldn't know how understanding he is. You taught him all of this. You were the one who shaped him into the perfect boyfriend. Yet he still gets tossed aside like yesterday's news. It obvious why it doesn't work with any girl out there," Trish was pleading with her friend to understand.
" Austin deserves a diamond, Trish. Not some lump of coal. Look I'll talk to you tomorrow. I need to make sure we still have ice cream," Ally said good bye before Trish could protest. She loved her best friend, but sometimes she could be to pushy. She shook her head as she set her cell on the counter, turning her attention to the fridge in the corner. Austin was on the other side of the counter, his jaw dropped in surprise at what he had just over heard. Did Ally honestly feel that way? He shook his head, refusing to go down that rode. He couldn't let on that he knew anything. He couldn't show her just how much this… little seed affected him.
A/N: That's it for chapter one. Feel free to let me know what you think. I like the idea I have for this story, hopefully the plot line isn't to over used. Until next time, enjoy.