A/N: Chapter ten! We've hit double digits!
I know I'm a horrible person for not updating so long. I'm just really busy during Summer. Take my apology!
(I feel like Natalie Tran from CommunityChannel. Anyone know where she disappeared off to?)
Disclaimer: I do own Austin and Ally
Mimi Moon raises a glass to her lips as she curiously eyes the two teens who recently decided to join the table again. They took their seats a bit hurriedly and hastily began picking at their barely touched food; trying to rejoin the conversations as quickly as possible.
It was almost as if they were trying to avoid questions directed at them, which in turn, only made Mimi even more curious. Their faces were a little flushed; she noted, as they readjusted to the temperature inside the crowded restaurant.
They hadn't missed much really; Edna and Joseph had been trying to convince her and her husband to come visit them in New York sometime after the cruise. She herself felt quite exhausted from packing and unpacking so much and had been trying to convince the newlywed couple that since they were already here, they may as well spend a few extra days in Miami at their place instead.
Ally quickly agreed with her, encouraging the two to take a tour of Miami. She went on and on about all the tourist attractions and interesting stores; even offering herself as a tour guide. Being easily excited was one of Ally's most notably qualities.
Austin, during this time, had smartly kept himself occupied by stuffing his face with chicken breast.
Mimi can tell immediately that the two have reconciled from their little episode a while ago. In fact it was rather obvious.
Austin and Ally were back once again to shooting friendly smiles every two seconds and holding private conversations through eye contact.
Not to mention Austin's navy blue jacket was currently hanging off of Ally's petite frame.
She finds herself enjoying her finely roasted steak a little more than a minute ago, happy that simple obstacles did not waver her son's romance.
And it wasn't that Austin hadn't had girlfriends before. As a mother she's seen Austin go on plenty of dates, with plenty of girls.
There was just something about having a long term relationship with a someone who he feels a connection with, someone who his feelings had blossomed for overtime that made her feel a spark of maturity in her son. That was part of the reason why the older woman was so keen on setting her son up with a girl.
Naturally, she was more than happy to have learned that her son already had a girlfriend, one who he self proclaimed was very important to him.
Ally was different. That was much was clear. The two had chemistry, they had something to talk about, they shared a common passion. Ally wasn't one of those one time girls who were only looking for a fling. And she didn't act like one either.
She was dedicated, down to earth and everything about her, down to the gleam in her eyes screamed innocence.
Taking another look at the two, she catches Austin dumping his vegetables onto Ally's plate. Ally doesn't so much as look up, as she continues her meal. The poor girl must be used to this kind of behaviour.
Mimi briefly wonders to herself how these two young teenagers have managed to build such a close knit relationship that can so easily be expressed with or without communication.
Sneaking a side glance to her husband, she thinks to herself how wonderful it was that they shared certain elements of the bond and trust that it took years of her and her husband's marriage to build.
They were an interesting duo indeed.
"How about some family time?" Mimi suggests as they turn a corner in the hallway.
They left the entertainment unit just when the show was at its full swing.
"No thanks, I'm bushed." Austin announces as he attempts to pull Ally to the direction of their room. Ally on the other hand, more familiar with terms such as manners and respect firmly tugs Austin's arm back.
"Sounds great." She complies with a dazzling smile, ignoring the groan Austin emits from beside her.
"We could play Ping Pong again." Edna says, looping her arm with Joseph as they begin making their way to the game room.
Joseph grins down at her, cocking his head to the side. "Well, I wouldn't mind beating everybody again." He jokes.
Mimi laughs while Mike scoffs in good humour.
"I'm sorry. I believe our game ended in a tie."
"Yeah, think again." He inquires.
The two older men continued to bicker as they arrive in the game room.
Taking a look around the room, they quickly realize the place was flooded. All four Ping Pong tables present were occupied. The place just seemed to be bursting with people. The Foosball table was occupied, so was the air hockey table and even the pool table which was usually deserted was occupied with at least six different people.
"Busy hour…" Mimi trails off, looking around for a vacant station. "Maybe we should pick a board game."
"There's Monopoly!" Ally exclaims happily, eyeing a box stacked upon many others in the distance. She turns to the group, her eyes enlarging at an alarming rate whilst pleading, "Can we play? Can we play? Can we please play?"
She was practically hopping up and down her spot in enthusiasm.
"Don't let her." Austin warned, turning his head to the group of adults. He lowers his voice an octave in hopes his brunette songwriter wouldn't take notice. "She gets seriously competitive."
Edna chuckles, as if Austin just told a really funny joke.
"Ally? The girl weighs like ninety pounds. She's harmless." She says waving a hand dismissively.
"No, I mean really." Austin says seriously. "This scar," he gestures to a spot on his forehead, "Is from scrabble."
He pauses a moment for dramatic effect.
"I'll be good this time!" Ally calls from the stack of board games. She had apparently made her way there a while ago. Her fingers were already reaching for the cardboard box marked with colourful letters.
"Come on, Austin!" Joseph shakes his head. "Look at her!" Ally momentarily lets go of the game to cup her hands together in a pleading motion.
Austin sighs and takes a few steps towards his pretend girlfriend so that they were face to face.
"Ally…" He begins cautiously. "Do you remember the last time you, me, Trish and Dez played Monopoly in the practice room?"
Ally looks down at her hands, momentarily ashamed.
"I threw the figurine at Dez when he won." She mutters.
Austin makes a circling motion with his hand, gesturing for her to continue.
"And?"
She rolls her eyes childishly.
"I tried to glue you and Trish to the board." She admits bashfully.
Austin nods in affirmation, looking back at his family with an 'I told you so' face.
Ally, however bounces back with full force.
"I'll be really good this time! I promise."
She shoves Austin aside, speaking directly to Austin's family, knowing that is was no use trying to convince the singer to allow her to play. From behind her, Austin shakes his head, eyes wide with impending doom.
His family however, doesn't seem to get the hint.
"Eh, let her play." Mike shrugs nonchalantly.
Halfway through the game, Joseph was the only one who went broke. He didn't seem to mind though, as he sat on one of the previously unoccupied bar stool, watching the game of Monopoly with divided interest while sipping a martini.
Ally had been surprisingly good so far, only pausing briefly to take deep breaths when she loses a turn or glare effectively at Austin when he snickers.
"Who owns Mediterranean Avenue?" Austin asks, sighing as he grabs his pile of cash from beside him.
Out of all the players playing Austin was no doubt the poorest. This was odd, as in real life he was one of the luckiest people to walk the earth (according to Ally at least). Finding large bills on the ground, overnight sensation due to viral video, and dashing good looks, if you ever were to ask him.
Ally beams in his direction, signalling it was her property. Yet again he might note. He was pretty sure most of the money he started out with had ended up in her hands.
"I should've known." He mutters; holding out a few pieces of wrinkled paper money to her.
Ally leans over and gratefully accepts the money, carefully counting the bills he hands her.
"It's a dollar short, but I'll let that slide." She says cheekily.
He fights the urge to roll his eyes.
"Gee, how considerate of you. What did I do to deserve such kindness?" Austin responds, boredly leaning his head on his palm as the bitterness escapes his tone.
Mimi shakes her head in amusement, causing her blonde fringes to fall over her eyes while she chuckles in disbelief.
"Oh, you guys."
OoOoOoO
"Are you sure you want the bed tonight Austin?" Ally asks from her position in the comfy white sheets on the sea view bed.
He whips his head in her direction, only to fight his drooping eyelids.
To say Austin was exhausted at this point, would be an understatement. Three hours spent staring very intently at a board and some metal figurines was not how he intended the night to go. Not to mention he was in last place for nearly two thirds of the game.
The game itself had ended with surprising results.
Edna came first (as she lucked out near the end of the game and the board naturally curved in her favour), Ally in second place (which no matter how hard she tries to hide, he knows she condemned at failure), Austin's dad in third, Austin himself in fourth and Mimi who had fallen behind near game point came last.
Ally had taken her defeat surprisingly well, seeing as she offered to shake the winner's hand. Which is something she's never done before and offer the phrase, 'good game' to all participants of their little family game night.
He had not missed the haughty gleam in her eyes when she faced him though. It was clear that she was seeking praise for her better than usual behaviour when it came to board games.
So he simply smiled and patted her head approvingly on a job well done.
Austin walks over to Ally, who was busy burying her face in a pillow and presses his knee against the board of the bed.
"You really sure you want the bed tonight?" Ally repeats, looking up at him and blinking affectionately.
"I'm sure." He answers with a stern but playful glare.
"But it's got Ally germs all over it!" She exclaims, spreading her arms and legs even wider apart. She smiles innocently at him from her position as she attempts to make sheet angels.
Austin smirks a little, "Nice try. Move."
She doesn't budge. Instead she moves a hand to cover her throat.
"No really, I think I'm coming down with a flu."
He doesn't cave. He holds her gaze with intensity and a bit of mischief.
"Yeah, it's called liaritis."
She contemplates throwing a pillow at his head for his lame joke, when an idea hits her. Her eyes light up in the process of her newly acquired solution.
"I know! I'll play you for it!" She suggests. She doesn't bother hiding the excitement etching its way in her voice or succeed in catching his building annoyance. "We can get the Monopoly board from the ping pong room!"
A tired smile crosses his lips, despite his best efforts. He shakes his head, fighting a grin.
"Not in a million years."
After what she's put him through tonight, he doesn't even feel a little bad for shooting down her option.
Ally pouts and moves to a sitting position, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed.
"So that's just it. You get the bed for day two." She admits begrudgingly, unwilling to face defeat.
He laughs with a nod of his head.
"And I'm gonna get the bed for the next three nights too."
She makes an insulted huff, but doesn't speak on account of the fact that she hasn't thought of a good enough comeback.
He doesn't tease her for it though. He simply stares at her for a moment with his eyes deep in thought, as if he was surveying her. She props her knees up to her chest, staring back at him.
He finally relents and lets a genuine smile form on his face.
"Well what do you think? We're almost halfway through pretending to be a couple."
A blush rises to her cheeks at the word 'couple', but she chooses to ignore it and she offers him a tiny smile.
"I mean, not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think we are pretty convincing." He adds suavely.
Austin smirks jokingly before settling next to her on the bed. She smiles back up at him; her eyes squinted in a slightly sarcastic tint.
Their conversation soon engulfs in silence. Both of them were trying to predict what the next few days will bring. There would no doubt be more awkward dinner conversations, more hand holding (the thought alone sent a rather unexpected chill down her spine) and probably another trip to the loud diner with the flirty waiter according to Mimi Moon.
There probably wouldn't be another family game night though. Not if Austin can help it. And he will definitely find a way to ensure he never be put through that kind of torture again.
Although he will admit, it was pretty fun watching Ally get worked up whenever she landed on his property. Or when she gets a good card and her whole face lights up in happiness.
He lets out a coarse cough as he clumsily crosses his legs to a more comfortable position. He turns his head to meet her gaze, apprehensiveness suddenly getting the better of him.
"It's not that bad pretending to be my girlfriend right?" He asks abruptly. His tone is joking, yet she is sure she hears a bit of uneasiness peak itself into his voice.
She surveys him for a brief moment, his eyes squinted and biting down on his lip in nervousness.
Was it weird that she was finding his sudden insecurity cute?
Ally fights the smile spreading across her face and shakes her head. Relief floods his features immediately.
"No." She answers honestly. "I really like your family." She admits. He raises an eyebrow at that.
"Even my dad?" He asks incredulously. He knew how detached and cynical his father could be. Not to mention, he wouldn't say he's made the best of impressions on this trip. Ally however, just shrugs.
"He's just not a very expressive man."
"He's not a very nice man either." He mutters, uncrossing his legs. She's just about to defend the older man when he continues. "And what about my mom, when she makes all those high chirpy noises whenever we hold hands."
He visibly shudders.
Ally tilts her head.
"I think it's sweet."
"It's creepy." He deadpans. The last thing he needed was his best friend and his mother being all being flimsy and girly girly with each other.
"Almost as creepy as you getting jealous over some waiter named Gary?" She asks chastely, her fingers trailing circles on the clean bedspread.
Austin crosses his arms defensively, his mouth dropping open. He was surprised she would go as low as to bring up the creep from dinner.
He just didn't like the way that guy was looking at her. That was all.
There he was trying to have a nice family dinner with his fake girlfriend and this nosy waiter comes poke his messy hair in his evening, with these lame attempts at flirting. Some annoyance on his behalf was perfectly to be expected. In fact, he could honestly say he was just looking out for her. It certainly didn't mean he was jealous. Or so he tries to tell himself.
"I was not jealous." He states crisply. Ally rolls her eyes.
"Uh-huh. Sure." She mutters sardonically.
"I was not." He adds again for good measure.
"Okay, you weren't jealous." She concedes, deciding to let him win the argument just so they could move on from this much unnecessary conversation.
"I mean, I just thought he had the most terrible timing." He relents, clearly not willing to put the subject to bed. Ally holds back a sigh at his immaturity as she leans back, preparing herself for the incessant bash session that was sure to come.
"And his hair? Who does he think he is? Pfff- Dallas?" He narrows his eyes laughingly. She bites her lips in annoyance, not even bothering to address his insult. He doesn't bother to apologize either. Instead he holds a hand up defensively, stopping her from making any comments on how dreamy that hair style was on him. He frowns. "Not that there's anything wrong with Dallas and his Justin Bieber-like hair."
"Austin-"
"And what was that about me being your older brother?"
He shakes his head in disgust as he lies down on the bed. She fights the urge to roll her eyes yet again. "Hellooo, hair colour!" he exclaims over-dramatically, pointing to his mess of blond hair. "He can't possibly be that stupid."
Ally tugs on a lock of her own dark locks, wondering why she's even trying to talk sense into Austin when he was in one of his 'moods.'
"Austin, your mother is blonde and your dad is brunette, it's actually highly likely that if we were related our hair colours would be dif-"
"I mean it can not be that hard to see we were together." He snaps in annoyance, not realizing the significance of the words that left his mouth.
She stops speaking then and stares at him in question.
Austin doesn't miss a beat. His hand flies up to his neck defensively in an instant. "I don't mean together, like together." He explains.
She raises an eyebrow.
"…I just mean together, like you know together…" He trails off helplessly.
She sighs. A stammering Austin was never a good thing.
Ally concludes that all this erratic behaviour must have been caused by his exhaustion.
Putting the hopeless boy out of his sweet misery, she picks up a pillow that had been crushed underneath the blond singer's weight and gently swats his head with it.
"Go take your shower."
A/N: I know, I made you guys wait for over a month and there's barely any Auslly.
Next chapter will be fluffier! I promise. It'll even include a phone call from Trish and Dez! And maybe…MAYBE a kiss.
We'll see how it pans out.
Until next time!