Austin's P.O.V.

"So I guess we'll just have to-"

"Sorry I'm late," Austin cut off Ronny as he burst through the office doors, hair slightly disheveled and clothes rumpled. After Thalia had woken him he had gone to his apartment and showered... only to fall asleep on his couch quickly after that. Had Dez not called him fifteen minutes before, warning him that his wife would strangle Austin if he didn't show up on time, Austin undoubtedly would've slept through this meeting as well.

"Austin," Ronny Ramon gave him a tight smile. "Nice of you to finally show up. I must say, I thought Trish was bluffing when she said you were planning on coming today."

Austin had the decency to look shameful. He had finally managed to sleep off most of his hangover, and was completely alert to everything. So he didn't miss the death glare the Latina sitting next to empty chair was giving him. He meekly took his spot next to her.

"Now that we've got that interuption out of the way," Ronny remarked snidely, "Back to business. Specifically, the business of Ramon Records."

While his boss talked, Austin took a moment to glance around the room. Other than Trish, Ronny, and himself, he recognized three others from the board, which was strange. Ususally just him and his manager were present for these kind of meetings.

"...Austin? Earth to Austin?"

Trish hit him in the arm. Hard.

"Damn it Trish!" He cursed, his eyes finally focusing on his scowling friend. Sometimes he swore that if he wasn't her husband's best friend, she would've killed him long ago. "What?"

But instead of anwering him, she simply turned to Ronny. "He'll do it."

"Wait," Austin's eyes went wide. "Do what?"

"Well, Mr. Moon, if you had been listening," It was Ronny's turn to scowl, "The board and I have agreed that as of late, your music sucks, to put it in easy to understand terms."

Austin's ears perked up in disbelief. "Excuse me?"

"Simply put, Austin," He reiterated, "You need a new style."

"Why?" He was quick to be on the defensive. "Amnesia is a hit. My fan base hasn't shrunk at all, so what the hell are you complaining about?"

"Your fan base might not have shrunk, Austin, but it hasn't grown in the last eight years either. The sad depressing stuff was fine for a little bit. But that is long overdue. We've decided that you need a new sound, preferably the old one that I hired you for."

At the mention of that, Austin's mood darkened terribly. His fingers itched for another drink as his voice dropped deadly low. "Let's keep the past in the past, shall we?"

It was a challenge, and not once did Austin's eyes waver from Ronny's. Finally, his boss sighed, shoulders dropping slightly, but face still as determined as ever. "Then you're going to have to give me something equally as impressive, Mr. Moon. I've gone to great lengths to keep you with this company. I really hope we don't have to throw it all away."

"He will," Trish's voice cut his retort off with a warning, as Austin opted for leaning back in his chair and sulking. "And he'll start by doing this collaboration."

"Collaboration?" The word caught Austin's interest. "With who? Why?"

"Had you been listening earlier," One of the board members barely held his distaste for the blonde man, "To boost our stocks, Ramon records has agreed to collaborate with Starr records. We've been meeting with them this entrie week, setting out parameters for a contract. We want it to be more than just two singers, it will be several, releasing a whole album. Yourself and Sienna have been chosen to represent us. They will also be providing a singer and a writer."

Sienna was a younger woman, in her early twenties. But Austin found he got along well with her, and she had even helped him on a couple songs, even though Austin wrote almost all of his own music. She was a brilliant writer, and understood Austin's moods enough to help his music.

Austin frowned. "Just because I let Sienna help with a couple of my songs, doesn't mean that I'm okay with writing wnother album with people I don't know."

"Mr. Moon," An old man who Austin could've sowrn was over a hundred, crossed his arms and stared at him. "Perhaps you don't understand the terms of our agreement. You will take part of this collaboration. And you will promote the album, and you will sing with their singers. You will sing what they write and you will not complain about it. Have you come to an understanding?"

Austin ground his teeth and clenched his fists. He wanted to throttel someone, preferably Trish for getting him in this situation, but he simply nodded. Ronny smiled.

"Excellent. The first meeting will be tomorrow at noon. I'll send the details to your manager once their sorted. And you will be expected to be on time, Austin."

Thankfully for Austin, the meeting didn't last much longer after that. The more he thought about it, the more he hated Ronny for including him in this deal. So what if his music was slightly depressing? It didn't mean that he needed to collaborate with people to change it. Ugh, he really hated that word.

Trish had a few choice words for him before they left, most of it which just went over Austin's head as it usually did. Right on cue she got fed up with him, simply shook her head, and said she'd see him later before storming off.

He merely wandered around a bit after that. He got a coffee at Starbucks, a grande chai tea latte with a pump of rasberry. He hated the drink with a passion, but ended up drinking it anyways. A couple people stopped him for autographs and pictures, but he no longer found the same thrill from the adoration as he used to. He smiled for each picture, but in his eyes they could tell he wasn't there. Some offered their condolences, probably figuring what had him saddened. He sometimes forgot that the world knew most of his secrets.

Most of them. Not all. Never all.

His phone went off, alerting him that she had just posted something on Tweeter again. He opened his phone quickly, cursing his fingers even as he did. It was a simple, Big project in the works for all my fans! Hope you like the new tunes! But it still made Austin's heart ache. He quickly typed back a response and sent it, even though he knew he wouldn't get a reply.

She didn't even follow him.

He sighed and put his phone away.

Around three o'clock he wandered towards Down Town High, arriving just as the bell went off. He had put some shades on so as not to be too conspicuous, but his hair made it kind of difficult anyways. He watched kids swarm out of the building, some a little too eager to be freed from their first day back, others lingering, talking with friends. He spotted Thomas right away.

At seventeen his brown hair had darkened and was cut in a shaggy ceaser - his bangs spiked up slightly, mostly from running his hands constantly through it. He had dark blue eyes that tended to catch the girls' attention, must to Austin's dismay, and a charismatic attitude to complete it. It did help that he was on the football team as well.

Austin started walking towards him, but before he could call Thomas's name, someone else beat him to it.

"Tommy wait up!" A femal voice echoed from inside the doors. Austin watched in amusement. Thomas never let anyone call him Tommy. But instead of reprimanding, a smile stretched across his face as a flying leap of blonde tackled him.

Austin nearly laughed outloud as his sister almost took down the quarterback.

"Well aren't you two adorable?" Austin declared his presence with a smirk and crossed arms. His sister merely rolled her eyes, but Thomas's blush didn't escape his notice. "How was school?"

"Amazing!" Annabeth exclaimed, bouncing up and down excitedly while she hugged her big brother. "I'm in Calculus, AP English, Law, Physics, Comp Civ, History, and French!"

Austin couldn't help but laugh. She had certainly taken after her name. When Austin was Thomas's age, he had an infinity for Percy Jackson. So when his youngest sister was born, he pestered his parents day in and day out until they named her Annabeth. She had bouncing blonde ringlets similar to the character, but her eyes were the same warm brown as Austin's.

"That sounds like hard work," Austin smiled at his sister before turning to his adoptive son. "How about you? Please tell me you at least took common maths?"

Thomas didn't meet Austin's eye. "Well, I'm in Law, Comp Civ, History, and AP English," Thomas tried. Austin rolled his eyes, but didn't miss how he had several classes with Annabeth. "And the rest is P.E. classes."

"What am I going to do with you?" Austin sighed with a smile. "Anyways, ready for Elise's showcase?"

Thomas looked up flustered. "Oh man, is that today?"

Austin laughed. "Good to know I'm not the only one who forgot," He joked, slapping Thomas on the back before turning to his sister. "Is mom and dad planning on coming?"

Annabeth nodded. "Annalei's been with Elise all day apparently, keeping her nerves down. Apparently this morning she decided that one of her flowers should've been blue instead of red, and nearly had a mental breakdown because of it."

"Sounds like Elise," Austin agreed. "Do you need cash to get home?"

Annabeth shook her head, holding up a bus pass. "Mom and Dad finally thought to buy me one of these this year," She joked. Last year, she had to walk home nearly every single day. Thomas of course insisted on walking with her.

"Alright," Austin hugged his sister one more time, before ruffling her hair affectionately. "See ya later Pancake."

"Back at ya," Annabeth giggled before turning to Thomas. "Text me later?"

"Will do," Thomas smiled, somewhat shyly. Annabeth waved at him one last time, before turning and heading towards the bus stop - her blonde mass of curls disappearing into the crowd. Austin turned to Thomas with a raised brow.

"So," He started slowly. "Have you asked her out yet?"

Austin couldn't help the smile of satisfaction as Thomas's cheeks flamed red again.

"Shut-up," Thomas murmered, although a smile was on his face as he shoved Austin. "She's my bestfriend."

"And technically your Aunt, no less," Austin needled. "But your crush is obvious. Don't deny it."

"I'm not talking to you anymore," Thomas rolled his eyes. Austin smiled, but followed.

They caught a cab home, while Thomas told Austin about his day. Although Austin was a tad dissapointed that Thomas didn't take math, he was proud that he was keeping up with his English. And even just the fact that he was still in school and hadn't dropped out like Peter had in eleventh grade.

Speaking of which, said boy was crashed on Austin's couch when he opened the door.

Somedays, Austin couldn't even recognize Peter anymore. His red hair had faded with age until it was now a dirty blonde which was often unkempt and everywhere. The innoncence had turned into a dark blackness in his brown eyes, and he had sprouted to six feet, resulting in a lanky frame. He dressed the part of a high school drop out as well. Baggy hoodies and low cargo pants, muich to Austin's displeasure. Today he was also sporting a black eye.

"Peter!" Thomas's face lit up. They had always been the closest out of the kids. "I was worried."

"Nothing to be worried about," Peter smirked in a slightly disarming way, opening his eyes slowly but not shifting from his position on the couch.

"What happened to your eye?" Austin pressed, not exactly as impressed. Peter rubbed his eye in confusion, and then winced.

"Bloody hell if I know," The boy yawned. "Probably got in a fight with someone on the way here."

Austin pursed his lips but said nothing. Instead he brought up another equally as sore topic. "Thalia came by this morning."

Peter merely quirked a brow. "Fishing you out of another drunken stupor?"

Austin ground his teeth, but ignored the cold truth to the boy's words. "Mind telling me why you vandalized a book store, Peter?"

The boy shot Austin a cold glare. "The same reason you try to drink yourself to death every so often," His response was cold and calculated. Thomas steppd between the two of them before either of them did something stupid.

"Hey, that's enough," The youngest boy chided. "C'mon. Elise's thing is in an hour and she'll be pissed if we're not there because youguys got into a petty squabble. Peter, I have one of your spare suits in my closet. You know where the shower is. Austin, why don't you call the boys and ask if they need a ride?"

Keenan and Kainoah didn't need a ride - Thomas knew that. Much to their sister's dismay, they tended to blow all their spare cash on the latest set of wheels. Of course, it didn't help that since their adoptive dad was an Internationally renowned singer, they had quite a bit of spare cash.

Austin watched as Peter grumbled something to Thomas, before turning on his heel and stalking off towards his old bedroom - the room Thomas now insisted on occupying. Austin walked to the kitchen, needing as much space from Peter as possible.

He loved Peter more than anything. Nothing could change that. Peter could turn into a serial killer for all Austin cared, and he would still be there for him, picking up the boy's broken pieces and putting them back together. To Austin, he would always be the little boy who insisted on a chapter of Percy Jackson every night before bed.

Of course, that all stopped the day Ally left. But details were details.

He popped himself an aspirin while he was in the kitchen, figuring he'd probably get a headache later on anyways. He meandered to his room and pulled out one of his sharp tuxes - a dark blue one that gave the slightest impression of a sailor. By the time he was changed, Thomas was pounding on his door.

"Dad let's go!"

Austin couldn't help the smile that stretched across his face.

He had known Thomas since the boy was two, and officially adopted him when he was five. As a result, he sort of was always like the boy's actual father to him. While the other children remembered their previous families, Thomas was the only one who truly knew no other family than Austin. Resulting in him occasionally calling him dad.

"I'm coming," Austin amusedly shouted in return, before heading out to his living room. Both of his youngest boy were already there, Thomas in a black tux, and Peter wearing a dark green one. Thomas smiled up at Austin, while Peter's eyes didn't move from his phone.

"Can we take the Benz?" Thomas asked excitedly, bouncing up and down on his heels. Austin laughed.

"Sure thing," He smiled, grabbing a specific set of keys from his key drawer. The trio walked downstairs to the basement of Austin's complex, Thomas chattering the whole way, telling Peter everything that had happened at school. Peter smiled at Thomas's enthusiasm - a rare sight now a days.

"You can take shot-gun," Peter smiled at Thomas when they reached the deep blue vehichle. Thomas gaped at his older brother.

"You serious man?" His excitement was pouring out of him. Peter laughed before ruffling his hair.

"Course," The blonde teenager chuckled, before hoping in the back. Austin didn't miss how he pulled out his phone as soon as Thomas shut his door for him.

"Awesome," Thomas smiled, before climbing into the chrome-leather upholstry. He was following in the footsteps of his older brothers Keenan and Kainoah in that matter. He had quite the infinity for cars.

The trio drove in silence. It was a thick, uncomfortable tension, and yet Thomas was oblivious to it as he always was. They arrrived with only a few minutes to spare, and Austin tossed the keys to the valet.

Elise's showcase was being held at the Grande - a luxurious hotel which had sponsered Elise's projects throughout the years. As soon as the three of them walked through the door, the reporters went crazy.

Peter, as usual, just scowled and pushed through them - rather rudely of course. He made a beeline for his sister, muttered a congratulations, dodged a hug, and made his way to the bar. He was underaged, but Austin didn't miss the wad of bills Peter pressed into the bar man's hand.

Thomas was slightly more civil. He smiled politely and waved, but declined all questions before heading towards Elise. He didn't quite make it though, as he found himself intercepted by Annabeth.

Austin wasn't quite so lucky. He spent a good five minutes talking to the reporters, most of them pushing onto topics he didn't want to discuss. He did tell them that he was working on a collaboration with Starr records just to make Ronny happy, though he said it with a tight smile. It was only when Elise stepped in front of the crowd and started her introduction speech, could Austin escape the press.

Although the lights dimmed slightly, there was still more than enough light to see her marvellous paintings. While the majority of the crowd hung onto Elise's every word, a few wondered around and looked at her artwork. Austin found himself a part of that crowd.

"Most definitely her best one yet, eh?" Austin recognized the voice behind him, even before they wrapped their arms around his waist. Austin turned with a small smile.

"Most definitely," Austin agreed with Kalei. "How've you been? I haven't seen you in a couple weeks."

Kalei smiled, but it was a sad smile which didn't escape Austin's notice. "Been busy with mid-terms," She admitted. "Plus Elise has been a little high strung these past few weeks, so Anna and I have been helping her along."

The eldest of Austin's younger sisters, Annalei was the same age as Elise - twenty three. The two had been inseperable since middle school. Kalei, being only two years younger, was easily added to their group. They all shared an apartment a few blocks from Austin's, as Kalei did not want to share a dorm with her brothers at university. It was an easy way for Austin to keep tabs on the girls as well.

"I can imagine," Austin murmered, before pulling Kalei into another hug. But this one was different. He held her close, the same way he used to when she had a nightmare, or scraped a knee. "I love you, Kalei. And I hope you know that. Even when I appeared preoccupied with other things. I love all of you so much."

Austin could feel Kalei nod. "We know, Austin," She pulled away with a teary smile. "And we get why it can be hard sometimes. But even Peter cares about you. He just doesn't want you to know it."

Austin chuckled slightly at that. "I don't know what to do with that boy sometimes."

"Send him to Neverland?" Kalei joked. When Peter had been younger, he had claimed himself to be Peter Pan, running around in Ally's green tights. Green tights which he burned when he was nine.

"Somehow," Austin muttered, "I think he's already stuck there."

"I can hear you, y'know," a grumpy voice cut through their conversation. Austin turned to see said boy scowling at them. Austin stared awkwardly at his second youngest, but Kalei merely rolled her eyes before reaching up and ruffling Peter's hair. It was funny, because he was nearly a good head taller than her.

"We love you too," Kalei grinned at her brother sarcastically, even though her eyes stayed seriously. Peter murmered something under his breath, but simply crossed his arms and scowled at his older sister.

"Where's your brothers?" Peter finally asked.

"Flirting with the reporters as always," Kalei laughed. "Have you seen Thalia? She has one of my notepads which I left in her car, and I need to get it back."

"I saw her with her boyfriend," Peter called over his shoulder, as he began to walk away. Austin's eyes almost bulged out of his head.

"Boyfriend?!" He exclaimed, the word foreign on his tongue. But Elise only smiled at him innocently, before caling over her shoulder as she scampered away.

"Can't talk gotta go Austin!" She shouted, before disappearing into the crowd, leaving Austin flabbergasted, and unsure whether Peter was joking or not. He walked up to Elise, who was speaking to a fancy looking couple. Austin interjected a quick apology, before pulling Elise away while she protested.

"Austin!" The blonde woman scowled as he nearly man handled her to a secluded area near a smaller of her paintings. "They were a sponser couple!"

"Does Thalia have a boyfriend?" he words came tumbling out in a slightly hysterical mess. Elise smirked, before rolling her green eyes.

"Well hello to you too. I'm so glad you're enjoying my showcase, I put a lot of effort into it," She retorted sarcastically, not dissimilar to Kalei. Austin rolled his eyes, before giving her a quick hug.

"Hello, it's a great showcase, I hope you've been doing well, blah, blah, blah, does Thalia have a boyfriend?" He repeated. Elise merely shook her head in exhasperation at Austin.

"If you must know, then technically the answer is no," Elise finally conceded, hands on her hips. "But there is a guy."

Austin's eyes narrowed. "Who?"

"Why don't you go ask her yourself!" Elise threw her hands up in the air, before gesturing to the refreshment table. "Or a better thought, why don't you just leave her be."

"Are you kidding me?" Austin growled, his eyes locking onto the black haired girl who was standing way too near to the dark haired man for Austin's liking. "Look at him. He's riff raff."

Elise rolled her eyes before kissing Austin's cheek. "If you say so."

The blonde started to move off, no doubt to mingle with a few more guests. But Austin's hand shot out of it's own accord and grabbed her wrist. "Ellie?" He grabbed the woman's attention. "I do mean it though. This is an amazing showcase."

Elise smiled up at Austin. "Thanks dad," She said gently, using the title she rarely gave him although it was the truest title she could give him. Austin smiled, before frowning again.

"And that dress is way too short on you by the way."

Elise laughed good naturedly, before shrugging off Austin's hand and returning to the crowd. While Austin smiled for a moment, confusion creased his brow. He hadn't been joking. Her dress was a good two inches above her knee.

He put his hands in his pockets, before turning his sights onto where he had last seen Thalia at the food table. But his eyes narrowed when he couldn't find either her, or the boy she was talking to. He scanned the room quickly, but other than Peter aiming a spitball at Annabeth and Thomas while they chatted in the corner, and Keenan and Kainoah by the bar flirting true to form with a couple of reporters, he found nothing of interest. They were gone. His scowl deepened on his face.

Thalia was so dead next time he saw her.

Hey everyone! Good to be back :) Have to say, I was NOT expecting such a positive review on this fic! I'm glad you all are enjoying it so far. Just to clarify a few things to those who haven't read any of my stories before, Thalia, Elise, Kalei, Keenan, Kainoah, Peter, and Thomas are all children who have been adopted and raised by Austin. If you want to find out more about who they are, I have posted a CHARACTER BIO for all of my OC's in my profile. Hope that clears up any confusion.

Here's a couple questions you all had ;)

Q. IS ALLY DEAD?

A. Haha, no. I can see how so many of you would come to that conclusion after I reread what I posted, but no. Ally is very much living. She will be introduced in either the next chapter, or the one following. Depends how much I write for the next chapter.

Q. Are the kids all grown up?

A. YES. This story is taking place approximately 16 YEARS after The Adventure of a Lifetime. Austin (And Ally once I introduce her) are 32, Thalia is 26, Elise and Annalei are 23, the Triplets are 21, Peter is 19 almost 20, and Thomas and Annabeth are 17.

Q. PETER BURNED THE PJO BOOKS?!

A. Yes, yes he did. As I will explain farther along in the story, Peter has been affected the most by something that has happened in the past... something to do with Ally... I'm not saying anything more.

Q. Are you still doing Oh Yeah Totally Hormonal?

A. Absolutely! What I meant by my last author's note, was that this fic is the last Austin and Ally fic I'll PUBLISH. But not certainly the last one I'll update. No, OYTH is still in the works, don't worry. I'm going to update that one pretty soon. And for those of you who weren't aware, that's the sequel for Oh Yeah Totally Normal.

Q. Will you still read Austin and Ally fanfic?

A. Of course! I've read most of them already, but doesn anyone have any suggestions?

Wow. Anyways, hope that clears everything up. I'm really looking forward to this fic. As I've said, this will be QUITE different from my previous ones, as it will tell a more mature story. But I hope everyone likes it all the same. Make sure you check out that Character Bio, and let me know if you want me to add anything.

Thanks again for all your reviews and support!

AAG1D over and out ;)