Apologies for not writing in ages, I was made manager at my work so have been incredibly busy. Haven't gotten to see one of my best friends in ages which i hate, if she reads this she will know who she is 3

the two songs in this chapter are - Absolutely everybody by Vanessa Amarosi, where I live every year they have an event called christmas in the park and they perform this song and it always gets everybody up dancing and singing

and I lived by one republic

...

It was a brisk evening, with a layer of snow covering the grass. Christmas Eve had arrived and with it the big show, Ally stood with, Steph, Dez and Tina in the VIP section by the stage with the band close by having a quick pep talk before their set.

The park was filled with hundreds of people, dancing and singing along to the performers. Food trucks and carnival rides sat in the distance, dotted along the park edges. A huge ferris wheel with sparkling lights that went up looking over the city stood at the centre, Ally made a note to go on it later, she'd always loved ferris wheels and seeing one brought back happy childhood memories with her Miami friends and family. The trees were decorated with twinkling fairy lights that cast a rainbow glow over the snowy white grounds.

Beside the stage stood a massive Christmas tree, it was covered in lights with a star right at the top and once the show was over the star would be lit by Santa Claus who would arrive in a reindeer drawn sleigh through the crowd and a show of fireworks, Ally couldn't hide her excitement, Christmas always made her feel giddy with emotion.

Austin came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her petite frame and nestled his chin upon her shoulder. Ally tilted her head so she could look up at him. He gave her his crooked smile that always gave her a little rush of butterflies in her belly. The things this blonde goofball did to her.

She was feeling much better to her relief, Ally had been worried that she was going to have to miss the performance or worse make one of the boys sick and completely jeopardise their chance at making the dream of being big musicians a reality. She was still a little sniffly and had an annoying cough that didn't want to budge but otherwise she was okay.

"This is pretty exciting," Dez beamed as he looked over at the two of them and waggled his brows, "I'm gonna record it to show the cats at the shelter." He held up a small hand held camera every so often holding it up in the air and scanning around the area.

Rocky not far from the trio wandered over to Steph and pulled her into his side. He was practically bouncing on the spot with excitement.

"Oh man I am so freaking pumped you guys," He exclaimed the group around them nodded in agreement.

"I'm so stoked that we're here, this is what we've been waiting for brother." Karl squeezed the tall brunettes shoulder. Rocky grinned back at him before looking down at his fiance.

"You gonna cheer for me babe?" Steph looked up at him proudly.

"Louder than anyone." Rocky wrinkled his nose before giving her a kiss.

Behind him the twins made gagging expressions, and as though sensing their playful antics Rocky pulled the finger behind his back at the two of them.

Tina, who'd agreed to come support the band despite a brief refusal because 'it was way too cold to go out', stood beside Ally wrapped in an extra thick coat, scarf and gloves, a woollen beanie pulled low on her head, as much as she'd rather be rugged up inside with a cup of coffee and a fashion magazine she decided to support her friend. Although the freezing air that made her breath come out in white, steamy puffs had her some-what regretting her decision. Although she kept quiet about it. On the plus side there was one thing that wasn't so bad to be around and she every so often would peak over in his direction. Ally didn't miss it though, and saw the brief glances Tina cast at Karl, she couldn't see what was so great about the guy but it seemed Tina was a little bit into him. Ally found him to be creepy and odd but for some odd reason Tina found him attractive and endearing, so she kept her opinion to herself. She guessed there must be something likeable about him somewhere and maybe she just had yet to see that side of the drummer.

On the stage a group of school kids were performing their version of jingle bell rock, decked out in red outfits, santa hats and tap shoes. They were out of key and their dance moves were uncoordinated and most the kids had to look at eachother for guidance but it was one of the sweetest things Ally had ever seen and she happily gave them a well deserved applause for effort as they bowed at the end of the performance and ran from the stage with wide grins, it was more than she could do especially in front of so many people, they were all amazing in her eyes.

"One more performance and we're up," Owen said with a suddenly nervous expression. Almost in unison the boys gave a deep breath as the weight of what was about to happen dawned on them, this was a huge opportunity, a make it or break it chance at stardom. Tonight could possibly be the beginning of a huge new future for all of them. Pete placed a hand on his brother's shoulder giving a supportive squeeze.

"This is crazy," Steph said quietly, "Feels like just yesterday I met you knuckleheads in my new boyfriends garage...you sounded like shit." She joked and everyone chuckled.

"Now here we are," Karl said with a loud sigh, "Bloody hell, crazy is the right word for it."

"No matter what happens tonight, I just want you all to know I love you guys," Rocky looked around every one of them one by one."Even you new guy. If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have even gotten this shot, we wouldn't have made that gig at the band contest if you hadn't had stepped up and thrown us a lifeline, you're a lifelong friend now, Austin."

"Cheers man," Austin nodded at him.

"I feel like I should have brought some wine," Tina laughed, "Everyone making toasts, here's to Ally, my pain in the ass flatmate who somehow managed to get a guy even though she's the biggest dork on the planet," Ally smiled and rolled her eyes."the guy who went on to save a band who are now about to do a gig in the freezing cold that i have been forced to come to, and leave the comfort of my warm comfortable bed, cheers to Ally" She held an invisible glass in the air and winked at Ally in a teasing manner.

Ally grinned over at her, knowing she was being a smart ass. "You know if you're cold maybe you could snuggle up with Karl," She suggested and poked her tongue at her. Tina suddenly went red and wide eyed. Karl looked over at her, before quickly looking away and grinning awkwardly when she caught his eye. Tina shoved Ally's shoulder playfully, before shaking her head and smiling.

"You're trouble you are," Austin whispered in her ear. Ally giggled and kissed the blondes cheek before turning back to watch a woman with black hair that had just started singing. Her performance was loud and energetic the crowd was getting up on their feet, dancing and singing along to the music that was booming from the huge speakers on either side of the brightly lit stage.

"Everybody needs a little loving

Everybody needs somebody thinking of them

Everybody needs a little respect

And whatever it takes, I'm gonna get it

Everybody needs a hand to hold

Someone to cling to when the nights are getting cold

I'm no different, I am just the same

A player in the game

Absolutely everybody, everybody, everybody

Absolutely everybody in the whole wide world

Absolutely everybody

Every boy and every girl

Absolutely everybody, yeah (everybody)"

Austin grabbed Ally's waist and started to sway her in the beat to the music, she giggled when he took her hand and spun her in a circle before dipping her and kissing her.

"Everybody needs a human touch

I can't live without it, it means too much to me

Everybody needs one true friend

Someone who'll be there until the very end

And absolutely everybody breathes

And everybody, everybody bleeds

We're no different, we're all the same

Players in the game

Absolutely everybody, everybody, everybody

Absolutely everybody in the whole wide world

Everybody breathes

And everybody needs

Absolutely everybody, yeah

Absolutely everybody (everybody)

Absolutely everybody, yeah (woah)

Absolutely everybody, everybody, everybody (players in the)

Absolutely everybody, yeah (game)

Every boy and girl

Every woman and child

Every father and son

I said now everyone

Yes, now everyone

Everybody needs a human touch

Everybody, everybody needs love

I'm no different, I am just the same

A player in the game

Absolutely everybody, everybody, everybody

Absolutely everybody in the whole wide world

Everybody breathes

And everybody needs

Absolutely everybody, yeah

Absolutely everybody, everybody, everybody

Absolutely everybody in the whole wide world

Everybody breathes

And everybody needs

Absolutely everybody, yeah

Absolutely everybody"

As the song ended the group stood together in a huddle, waiting for the moment they would be called to stand out on the stage.

"I'm so nervous I'm gonna mess this up," Rocky gulped.

"You won't mess up babe, you're too good," Steph squeezed his hand. "You're such a goofy dickhead you had to have something goin for ya"

Rocky rolled his eyes but grinned at her. "Gee, you're so good at making me feel better."

"I know," she smiled up at him," It's why you love me remember"

Rocky sighed, "I guess," Steph gasped and swatted his chest pretending to turn and leave in offence when he grabbed her arm and pulled her back , tugging her into his embrace and kissing her. She smiled into the kiss and he chuckled. Ally smiled at the pair before looking up at Austin.

"So you ready for this superstar?"

"Oh I'm completely terrified," He laughed nervously, "But so stoked to be here, thank you" He kissed her gently before saying against her lips, "I couldn't make it without you."

Ally hummed happily, "Aww little ol' me"

"You are pretty little," Austin teased patting her on the head. Ally pouted and poked him in the side where she knew he was ticklish, he gave a high pitched squeal and bounced away, turning to look back he narrowed his eyes at her. She stuck her tongue out at him cheekily.

A man with headphones and a large clipboard approached them, "Hey guys, it's time for you head back stage you're gigs up next."

Ally smiled up at Austin, whispering a final good luck before he was pulled away with the other guys, he gave a quick wink behind him before turning and running to catch up. The stood together at the front stage, holding tightly to eachother feeling a bundle of nerves for their boys, Dez standing beside them with the camera at the ready.

Just then the presenter of the show came on the stage they all fell into silence as he came up to the microphone. He asked everyone how their night was going and made a few jokes, as the stage volunteers set up the instruments behind him, Ally was practically bouncing with anticipation and wished he would speed it up.

"Alright, alright, I know I'm not the reason you're all here so I'll stop pretending I'm funny and get onto the next the performance." The spectators through out the park laughed. "This next performance is a new group that have started out right here in our beautiful New York city,"

A few whoops and cheers were heard.

"They've been so kind as to come along tonight and share with us their talents so ladies and gentleman, and boys and girls, please give a warm, christmasy welcome to the stoney giants!"

The girls screamed the loudest of all as Austin, Rocky, Karl, Owen and Pete ran onto the stage and took their places. Dez quickly hit record and made a comment about how the cats were going to love this.

Austin came to the front centre of the stage, pulling his guitar strap over his shoulder and adjusted the height of the microphone. He looked over at Ally and grinned excitedly. The lights dimmed to black and the crowd fell silent.

Rocky began to strum his guitar as Austin stepped towards the microphone, pulling the strings of his own.

"Hope when you take that jump, you don't fear the fall

Hope when the water rises, you built a wall

Hope when the crowd screams out, they're screaming your name

Hope if everybody runs, you choose to stay

Hope that you fall in love, and it hurts so bad

The only way you can know is give it all you have

And I hope that you don't suffer but take the pain

Hope when the moment comes, you'll say

I, I did it all

I, I did it all

I owned every second that this world could give

I saw so many places, the things that I did

With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up

And when that sun goes down, hope you raise your cup

Oh, I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain

But until my moment comes, I'll say

I, I did it all

I, I did it all

I owned every second that this world could give

I saw so many places, the things that I did

With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Oh, oh, oh, oh

With every broken bone, I swear I lived

With every broken bone, I swear I

I, I did it all

I, I did it all

I owned every second that this world could give

I saw so many places, the things that I did

With every broken bone, I swear I lived

Oh, oh, oh, oh

I swear I lived, ohhh

I swear I lived, ohhh"

As they played their last notes and fell into silence, their was a mass of applause and screams. The looks on the boys faces said it all and Ally and never felt more proud as she looked at them all. They were born to be stars, she was sure of it.

...

"It's beautiful up here,"

Austin and Ally were sat atop the ferris wheel looking over the sparkling city lights and snow covered ground.

"It is," He agreed snuggling into Ally's side with his arm draped around her shoulders.

"You were amazing up there on the stage." She said with a tone of awe, "Well...down there."

Austin snorted at her bad joke and she giggled.

"I love performing," He sighed happily looking over the crowd of people around the stage, "It gives you this feeling of adreniline and energy that you can't get anywhere else."

Ally watched him, she loved listening to Austin when he talked about his passion, seeing the happiness it gave him, the childlike expression of excitement and wonder.

"It's a shame that you don't sing anymore," He said looking down at her, "Never getting to experience that feeling. One day though, I'll get you to sing again." Ally gave Austin a small smile, ignoring the painful clench of her stomach as a wave of nerves washed over her just thinking about performing.

The pair looked down when the audience started to cheer and a choir on stage started to sing santa claus is coming in town. A pathway in the middle of the crowd lit up in reds and greens and a sleigh pulled by a row of reindeer wearing pretend red noses began to make it's way through, with a jolly round man dressed in a red coat and hat with a white beard sitting atop waving at everyone and throwing sweets. He made his way to the stage, stepping out of the sleigh and walked to the centre of the stage where a small girl stood holding a device with a large green button. She grinned up at Santa Clause in joy when he whispered something in her ear and handed her a candy cane. He waved out at everyone and called out.

"Ho ho ho. merry christmas!" He smiled happily before he turned and pressed down on the button. The star on top of the tree lit up gold, it was beautiful.

And then with a loud set of bangs and shrieks echoed through the park as trails of sparkles and light filled the sky before the fireworks exploded in a spectular display of colours and booms. It was mezmerizing, Ally watched with wide grin and Austin sat silently watching her, it was true they hadn't been dating long, but this girl was really something, her quirky personality, her sweet nature, her beautiful smile and eyes, everything about her made him feel drawn to her. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve her, but whatever it was he was sure happy he did. And looking at her right now, it hit him hard that he didn't want to ever lose her, he wanted her to be there with him through every hurdle in life he faced... he loved her, he was in love with her, and he had never been this sure of anything before.

Ally turned to look at him realizing he was watching her, she gave him a confused expression. "What is it?"

Austin swallowed hard and took a deep breath, "Ally, I - I wanna tell you something."

She tilted her head and stayed quiet, motioning for him to continue.

"Ally, I...I think I- "

Austin was cut off when his phone rung in his pocket. He sighed, making a long groaning sound before pulling out his phone and glancing down at the screem, "It's Rocky," he held up a finger telling her to wait a moment as he answered. "Hey man, what's up... oh okay, two secs." Austin pulled the phone away from his ear and pressed it onto speaker. "Alright man you're on speaker, go ahead"

"Hey Ally, how ya doing, nice and cosey up there I hope?" Rocky's voice came through the phone speaker, and the muffled sound of Steph's laughter followed.

Ally giggled, "I'm good thanks Rocky." She smiled over at Austin and shook her head.

"So I just had a phone call from our friend at Jenk's records."

Austin went wide eyed and stared down at the phone, Ally held her breath and reached over to squeeze Austin's spare hand.

Rocky stayed silent, for longer than the two could really bare, causing her to almost run out of oxygen.

"Well what did he say?!" Ally burst out.

"He said he would like to offer the Stoney Giants a record deal!" Rocky yelled.

Ally squealed as Austin threw his hands into the air looking over at her with an expression of disbelief.

"Are you for real?" Austin ran his hand through his hair in shock.

"I have never been more serious in my life," His voice was full of emotions.

"I can't believe it," Austin barely whispered. "This is really happening"

"I know," Rocky breathed "This is the start of the rest if our lives man, this is it."

...

Austin and Ally sat on the floor after the show, celebrating with a late night's dinner of takeaway pizza and soda beside the small christmas set up in his living room.

Ally threw the last of her crust in the nearly empty box and rested her hand on her full, bloated stomach. "I'm never eating, ever again" She groaned.

Austin chuckled and nodded, while scratching Joe's ears who was curled up asleep on his lap. He rested his head back against the wall and yawned. Ally picked up her phone and saw it was not far off midnight.

"It's almost Christmas," she realized out loud. "It's so late."

"Pretty cool that we get to roll over into our first christmas together though" Austin pointed out.

"Yeah it is," She smiled over at him from where she sat against the kitchen counter, her legs resting on top of his.

"You know it's pretty late," Austin said, "Why don't you stay the night, I can always sleep on the sofa."

Ally yawned, "Mmm okay." She agreed, it was late and she wasn't sure she'd stay awake long enough to make it home and it wouldn't be fair for him to have to carry her up flights of stairs. Austin lifted an unimpressed Joe off of his lap and stood moving over to lift Ally up in his arms. She giggled.

"What are you doing?"

"Carrying you to bed." He replied matter of factly, he looked down at her and grinned.

"Oh my hero."

Austin walked through to his room and lay her down on the bed. Ally quickly pulled up the blankets and shuffled under wrapping them around her in her favourite burrito way. Austin chuckled. "You comfy in there."

"Mmhmm," She replied happily.

Austin smiled and bent down to give her a quick but sweet kiss good night. "I love you," He sighed.

He suddenly froze realizing what he said out loud. Pulling back slowly he watched her nervously waiting for a reaction. She sat there silently watching him for a moment, her eyes looking back and fourth in his.

"Kinda freaking out here," He laughed awkwardly

Her face broke into a small smile, "You love me?" She questioned almost as if not quite believing the situation they were in. It felt surreal.

Austin sat down beside her on the bed and looked down at his hands that were clasped in his lap. He took a deep breath. "I know we haven't been together long so it probably seems like I'm totally crazy, but...yeah Ally, I am in love with you." He took another uneasy breath and his clammy hands were beginning to shake. Ally could see he was scared, but the handsome blonde really had no reason to be.

Austin couldn't bring himself to look up at her fearing rejection when he suddenly felt her fingers grasp his chin and he found himself looking straight at her smiling face.

"You're an idiot," She giggled before leaning over and pressing her lips to his. Austin happily kissed back, cupping her cheek with his palm. "I love you too," she whispered resting her forehead against his. She bit her lip as the butterflies exploded in her stomach.

Austin kissed her once more gently before pulling away, "I should probably let you get some sleep." He went to stand up but Ally grabbed his hand and pulled him back towards her. He looked down confused.

"Stay with me," She gave him a small smile. Austin made a little 'o' with his mouth. He stood back up and moved around to the other side of the bed, he pulled his shirt off over his head and blushed a little at the sight of his bare chest and defined stomach. She was a lucky girl and she knew it.

He slipped in the covers beside her and rolled onto his side to chuck his phone on the side table. Ally got a sneaky idea and quickly lifted her cold feet up and pressed them against the skin on his back. Austin squealed and bounced over almost falling out of the bed. He quickly looked over at her with a shocked expression, "You evil little woman!"

Ally laughed before falling silent and looking over at him with a small smile. "I love you coffee shop boy."

Austin shuffled over and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to lay against his warm chest, he stroked her back and she listened to the steady beat of his heart. "I love you too coffee shop girl."

Joe jumped up onto the bed and with a small meow he made his way up between them and curled into a happy ball on Austin stomach. Ally looked over at the clock on Austin's wall just as it ticked over to midnight.

"Merry Christmas," She whispered. Austin kissed her.

"Merry Christmas, baby"