31 REVIEWS?! SERIOUSLY? You guys are AWESOME. I can't thank you enough. Your comments and such made me smile so much, and if it wasn't a busy work week, I would have updated much quicker. Sorry about that. I work at a florist. This week isn't exactly a fun one for me. Anyway, it's time for an update. This chapter is actually pretty fun, and I think you'll like it. And it ends sort of... interesting. As for the stuff about what you want to happen, I do have the story pretty planned out.

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Austin almost dropped the phone. He knew he liked her, but never would he have thought to hear the words she just spoke come out of her mouth. He twisted the old fashioned phone in his hands, trying to piece together a sentence, instead feeling his mouth dry. He couldn't lie; he wanted her. He wanted her badly. He dreamed of lying with her, cuddling together somewhere warm and sharing a blanket. He just wanted to see her smile in person, he'd give anything to be in Miami right now.

"Austin?" she asked nervously.

He cursed in his head and swallowed the lump in his throat. "Sorry, I'm here." He tried again to think of the right words to say. "I feel the same way," he finally said lamely. "I really, really do."

A timid giggle floated through the line. He glanced around him, glad he didn't have an audience. He felt completely and utterly exposed from where he stood right now. It was ridiculous. He'd dated plenty of girls before he joined the army, but no one had ever made him feel this way. "I'm sorry if it ever came off that I didn't. You have to understand, I've never experienced anything like this before."

He smiled to himself. "Neither have I. Wanna learn together?"

They chatted together for a few more minutes before Austin asked to hang up, so he could call her again soon. He had an hour long phone card and they had used about fifteen minutes of it. If he kept working on it, he could hear her voice weekly until he returned home and could see her in person. Maybe if he asked really nicely too, she'd send him another.

He was still holding the receiver long after he'd hung up, clinging to it like at any second, her voice would come through once more. When reality set in, he gently placed it back on it's hanger and walked as if he were on air back into his room. All eyes were on him when he flopped onto his bed and sighed amiably.

"So?" Rocky edged.

Austin just grinned. "She likes me too."

"You go man," his friends cheered.

He fell asleep that night with her smile on his mind.

Letters from Home

One Month Later

"I should be getting a letter today," Ally said cheerily as she wiped down a table from another crazy morning. It was in between rushes, the odd time between breakfast and lunch, and they were chatting about the usual: what to do after work, Austin, how much people sucked at tipping, Austin, why syrup got EVERYWHERE, Austin… did she mention Austin?

Ever since she'd admitted to liking him, her obsession had only gotten a thousand times more prominent. She talked constantly about what he said to her, whether it be in letters or over the phone, even the more personal emails they sent, because if she was honest, there was the least amount of chance that someone would find those, compared to a letter, or another person overhearing their conversations on the phone.

"Have you heard from him in the last couple days?"

"He emailed me last night. Said he had a mission to go on in a few days, but he was going to try to call me this afternoon before he went to bed."

"Have you talked about what you're going to do when he comes home?"

"Not really," she admitted. "I mean, I'm enjoying this. I've still got about nine months before I even see him again. I'm going to enjoy the flirting, the compliments, and the getting to know him while I can. Whatever happens after, will happen. You know?"

"You're so laid back," Cass admitted. "I would want to know every detail of what would happen between me and him, if it were me."

"You're impatient," Ally explained. Cass threw a towel at her and she dodged it. "But seriously. I'm in no rush. There is absolutely no reason for me to push for something like that, when it's a slow build." She blushed, looking at her friend. "I kind of like the old fashion aspect to how we're getting to know each other, you know? I mean, yeah, we're emailing but it's sort of like being in a online relationship. You can't see the quirks of their everyday movements, see what moves them on a daily basis… but you learn little facts other ways. Did you know that his middle name is Monica?"

Cassidy burst into laughter. "No, but please tell me there is a story behind that."

"Nothing he's told me as of yet," Ally smiled.

"You need to find out… for my own sanity."

Ally just laughed. "See what I mean though? I can't see what he does when he's nervous, but he tells me the hopes and dreams he has for his future. I can't feel his chest and his heartbeat beating when he's excited, but I can tell through his writing that he is. It's just different."

"You're so in love," Cassidy muttered.

Ally didn't answer. "Well, I've got to go right home after work today, anyway. If he's going to call, I don't want to miss it."

"Want company?"

"Don't hate me, but no. I'd like to talk to him alone."

Cass grinned. "Don't be sexting through the phone, now!"

"CASSIDY!"

Letters from Home

Ally only had to sit on her bed and wait a minute before her phone rang once she was home. He wasn't often good with timing, whether it be the army, or his own lack of inner clock, but she didn't mind.

"Hello," she said happily.

"Hey, Ally," Austin replied. "Hope you still aren't at work. I tried to wait until I knew you were off, but I might be a bit … off."

She giggled. "You're fine. How are you?"

He chuckled. "Good, good. A bit tired, but that's just the job. You excited to start college in a few days?"

"I'd almost forgotten about it until you said it," she admitted. "Not really. It's a local college, but even with that, I'm still a bit nervous. Work and doing homework? I hope I can handle it."

"You're smart, you can," he declared.

Ally smiled a bit, turning onto her back so she could look at the pictures he'd sent her a few days ago. They were on her wall, and one was on her dresser, framed. "Well, thanks for the boost. I'm not so sure of myself, but at least you always are."

"You're too hard on yourself," he added. "You're smart and nice and you're going to rock it."

Ally decided it was enough about her. Compliments, while nice, were often really hard to take after a while. She loved that he seemed to adore her, but she didn't feel as comfortable with her flaws as he did. Sometimes, she just liked to remain that way. "Well, anyway… did the latest package get there yet? I included some candy we made. I don't know how it came out, fair warning in advance."

He laughed as he shuffled on the other line. "Nothing as of yet, but I did get your card, with the calling card in it."

"Wanted to make sure you didn't run out," she explained. "I'm sure you'd like to call your family sometime, too. It wouldn't be nice of me to take up all your time."

He seemed to be distracted suddenly. "Yeah, maybe."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Ally. Just tired. I'm glad we got to talk though before I left. It won't be long this time, just a couple days. I wish you were able to keep Rocky preoccupied out there when it's slow. He never shuts up. I feel bad for Taylor and even Dez sometimes."

"He seems like fun," she promised him. "One day, we'll all have to meet. Cassidy wants to meet Taylor."

"She probably thinks he's hot," he laughed.

"Oh, she does."

They both giggled. "Well…"

"Yeah…"

"Ally, sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I didn't meet you."

"Why would you do that?"

"I don't know. I guess I like to ruin a perfectly good moment and pretend my life sucks."

She gently replied, "Austin, you're a million miles away from home, living in a desert where people make it their daily mission to try and hurt you. You're allowed to have one good thing in your life. And… if by some reason, you seem to think that I'm that, don't try to change it. I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere. You can call, email, or write me anytime."

"Thank you," he said softly. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful."

"You're not," she smiled back. "You're just… well, you're human."

"I thought I was your superhero," he teased, referring to a conversation they'd had over email a few weeks back. "I'm hurt."

"You're a tease," she laughed. "You sound exhausted. I'll let you go, okay? Email me when you get a chance. And stay safe, I want to hear that sweet laugh of yours again soon, Mr. Moon."

"Always coming back to you, Ms. Dawson," he answered.

And with that, the call was over.

Ally never strayed far from her thoughts about the boy. Even on her first day of classes, she sat in the crowded room, thinking about him and how proud he'd be of her. Her first class was English 101, and she found herself bored as the teacher talked about what to expect that semester. With nothing really to pay attention to, she pulled out her notebook which she wrote his letters in, and began to write.

Dear Austin,

So far, this place is making me think of you more than learning. Well, I think about you a lot to begin with. But it's not helping my thoughts, at all. It's a decent campus. Lots of places to look and explore between classes. I've got three today, only a hour and a half each. I've seen a lot of people in military camo here, too. Most of them seem pretty busy, but one I stopped and thanked. He blushed and called me ma'am. I thought that was funny. He had on one of those… things you were on your uniform. The badges. It said something about Afghanistan, so I knew he wasn't someone working in the reserves while he went to school. Either way, he seemed pretty happy that I stopped him.

Every uniform I see I think of you. Do you plan on going to classes when you're done with the army? Or do you see yourself making a career out of that?

I'm so bored. Maybe I'll write a song for you as this classes drains on.

What should I write?

*insert I Think About You lyrics here*

What do you think? It's not finished, but it's definitely based off this really handsome soldier I met one day, at the diner. He once had blond dyed hair and these beautiful dark eyes… with a smile that he shouldn't be so shy about. Ever met someone like him? He's quite a wonderful guy and I think I fell for him hard.

He should know how much I miss him, and how happy I'll be to see him again soon.

Truly,

Lois Lane (every superhero needs one)

Dear Lois Lane,

You're bright and lovely and beautiful and I know you can push through those boring classes. If it makes you feel any better, most of my days are boring and spent telling Rocky to shut up. As for the soldier you thanked, it sounds like he needed it. I get it… sometimes, we feel overlooked. Just pawns in a game played by the government. A lot of people say we're not here for a reason. There are days all of us feel that way. It's haunting to see nothing changing over here after days of trying to do the opposite… but then something good happens. And when someone, someone back home recognizes what we do and allows us a moment of peace and thanks for it… it just means a lot. So, never stop thanking anyone.

I don't know what I want to do when I leave the army. I don't see a career in it, but maybe more than one service tour. I've got four years to begin with and then maybe four more. It all depends. I'm more of a day by day guy; don't like to plan too far into the future. I didn't even decide on the army until a few days before I signed the papers.

Jeez, that soldier is one lucky dude. I think it's a wonderful song and it's making that soldier probably feel really good right now. I mean, I can only guess. I bet he's really hot and had really bad braces as a teenager. He's sort of embarrassed to smile. But he also thinks the girl who wrote the song… oh forget it. Your song is amazing and I love it. You're such a delight; I just want to hug you. No lies, no veiled attempts at hiding my affection, Ally. I really just want you. Every piece of you. Your daily life is so interesting to me and I mean that in every word I say. I want to be your superman.

Austin

Dear Austin,

I'm sorry for the long rant I went on in the email last night. I don't know if you've read it or not yet, but I'm sure by the time you get this, you would have replied. Right now, I am calm and able to collect my thoughts, and the tears have since stopped. The professor just got me so upset. He saw the dog tags you sent me and asked me if you were a murderer. I was so… floored. Cassidy wanted to find him and hit him. I just… you didn't need to hear it like that, and you're not that. I hope you know I don't believe that. You're a hero. You're a wonderful guy giving his all to a country without anything asked in return. He's an idiot who needs to be put on the frontlines, not you. I'm so sorry. I miss you so much. The video chat the other day was really nice, your giggle I wish I could record so I could hear it on repeat at night when the news is especially brutal over there. You are everything.

Truly,

Ally

Ally,

No, please don't be upset. He won't be the first, and he won't be the last. You don't need to explain anything, like I told you the other day. Again, he's a jerk. We all know it. We don't believe it. We believe you, the smiling, lovely people who sit back home and write and give so much to us. We feel quite admired. You're beautiful. Talk to you soon, love.

Austin

Ally smiled as she read the latest letter from Austin, short but completely warming. She placed it on her bed, and got dressed, ready to go shopping with Cassidy for her new apartment she'd bought with the money she'd been saving for the last few months. She was so eager to buy a mattress and bed frame from one of the local stores having a sale.

She could care less about it, but if her friend was excited to move in and by a bed, how could she not be supportive? After all, she listened to her rants and cries, and happiness over the last three months.

She grabbed a light jacket to wear in the October weather and waited for her friend at the door.

"I don't know why we couldn't just go to a big name store," Ally whined as they drove nearly five minutes an hour in traffic in downtown Miami. "It's the opposite direction and no traffic!"

"Mimi's Mattresses are the cheapest there are," Cassidy defended.

Ally just sighed and looked out the window. "Ridiculous."

They pulled up there a few minutes later and Ally got out of the car and walked toward the building, eyeing the place that seemingly was gold. Cassidy grinned, holding her credit card and pulled her inside. Immediately, she felt an odd sense of pulling on her heart. She began to walk around regardless, letting her friend do the shopping while she just watched, when she noticed a pair of eyes on her.

A blonde woman with strikingly familiar features stared back at her. She smiled and turned around, pretending the woman was watching her. It wasn't like she could steal a mattress and run out the door, why was she looking at her like that?

Ally tugged on her necklace which Austin gave her, the dog tags, and walked toward where Cassidy was, when she felt someone's hands on her shoulder. "Excuse me," a woman said.

Her voice was warm, but her eyes were icy when she turned to face her.

"Can I see your necklace please?" the woman asked, the same one who was looking at her.

Ally swallowed. "Why?" she asked worriedly.