Hey, guys! Happy February! Sorry it took so long, but we're back with a new chapter for you! *Cue cheers*

Who saw the promo for Princesses & Prices? I'm so excited for this episode. Then again, I'm always excited for new Austin & Ally episodes :P

Oh! And did you guys know? If you have iTunes, just so you know that Timeless, You Can Come to Me, The Me That You Don't See, and I Got That Rock n' Roll are coming out on the 11th! I was so happy when I saw that! Oh, and the Austin & Ally mash-up from Glee Clubs & Glory is also out! I bought it :P

I wrote this chapter (R5AAFan).

Thanks for all the reviews, guys! You're all awesome :)

Disclaimer: We do not own Austin & Ally, or anything else you might recognize in this story.

Enjoy! :)


"So, he just left?" Trish asks me as I tell her the whole story, the next morning.

I nod. "Yup."

"Do you think he's starting to have feelings for you? I mean, it would explain a bit. Not all of it, but still." Dez says. Dez still doesn't know about Austin's past, but he knows Austin doesn't believe in love. One thing I'm glad for is that he didn't ask any questions when he learned. That was such a relief for me.

"No, Austin doesn't believe in love. Of course he doesn't have any feelings for me." I protest.

"You don't know that for sure." Trish points out. "Maybe he told you the truth and he doesn't believe in love. But you don't need to believe in love to love someone. Sometimes, you just can't help how you feel."

"And when Austin's the main subject, you just can't figure anything out." I finish.

"I wasn't going to say it that way, but... Yeah, pretty much." She nods.

I sigh. "What should I do?"

"I think the best thing to do is take things slow. Don't rush anything, but don't let him shut you out." Trish tells me.

"You could also bring him some pancakes." Dez points out. (Shoutout to Lilyfanficlover for the idea)

"I'm not going to bring pancakes at school." I tell him slowly.

He shrugs. "Your call."

I roll my eyes and turn back to Trish. "How do I take things slow but don't let him shut me out? It's impossible."

"No, it's not! Just be his friend again. He'll open up to you at some point."

I let out a sigh. "Fine. I guess I don't have another choice."


At lunch, I notice Austin isn't sitting at his usual table. Confused, I back out of the cafeteria and start looking for him.

After looking through the whole school, I decide to text him.

To: Austin
Where are you?

I keep walking around until my phone buzzes.

From: Austin
Somewhere... Nowhere

To: Austin
Wow, thanks Austin, that's really helping

From: Austin
Why do you want to know where I am?

To: Austin
To talk to you. Are you avoiding me?

From: Austin
Why would I avoid you?

To: Austin
I don't know! You rushed out of my house Sunday, and you didn't talk to me at all today! What am supposed to think?

From: Austin
Sorry... I just had a lot on my mind

To: Austin
I'll forgive you... If you tell me where you are

From: Austin
I have no idea why your forgiveness is so important to me

To: Austin
Because I'm your friend. And whether you like it or not, you love me ;)

From: Austin
Ally...

To: Austin
Chill, I'm kidding! Now, tell me where you are

From: Austin
Fine, I'm at the park

To: Austin
Stay where you are, I'm coming

From: Austin
Yes, Master

I roll my eyes and am about to put my phone back in my pocket when it buzzes again.

From: Austin
That was sarcasm, by the way

I roll my eyes, but text back anyway.

To: Austin
I know, Austin. I know.

I put my phone back in my pocket and run all the way to the park. Good thing it's not really far. Once I get there, I sit down next to him on the bench where I find him. I stay silent. I know better than forcing him to speak. It's better if he does it on his own. And he does.

"Why?" He asks, breaking the silence.

I frown, looking over at him. He's not looking at me. He's staring ahead, showing no signs of emotion. "Why what?"

"Why did you stick by me, even though I pushed you away so many times? Why are you always coming back?" His tone isn't harsh. Just... full of wonder.

"You need to learn not to always push people away, Austin. I stuck by you because I knew you needed a friend. And you still do. Maybe you don't want one, but you need one. Everybody does. I always come back because I need you. Just like you need me. You might not believe me, but we need each other."

"Why? Why do you need me? I'm no use. I'm just... me. The guy who outcasted himself and shut everyone out. The guy whose mom died. The guy whose father put in an orphanage. The guy whose grandmother took him in because no one else would. The freak."

I stare at him, trying to understand what's going on in that head of his. I try to find any kind of sadness, but find nothing but anger. I can tell he's upset too.

I shake my head and sigh. "I need you because you're you. That's why. Because I found myself... unexplicably attached to you in some way. Because you're one of the rare people who understand how I feel about music. And for the record, you're not a freak. You just have a rough past, and I can't blame you for that."

He nods, silently telling me he understands. Understands what? No idea. Maybe my point. "Thanks, Ally. I-I know I may be difficult sometimes, but I'm glad you stayed by me. I'll never thank you enough for that."

"It's not like I had to. I wanted to. And Austin?" He looks at me. "Forget the others. They're just missing out on the great person you are."

"Thanks." He surprises me by hugging me. One thing I never thought Austin would do. But he's not the same person I met that first day of school. He's different. Good different. After getting over my shock, I hug him back tightly, wondering if we'll ever be in this position again.

"So, does that mean you believe in love, now?" I ask him as we pull away.

He chuckles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "No way."

I roll my eyes, a small smile forming on my lips. "Worth a try."

He may claim not to believe in love, but I know he's lying. No one can not believe in love. And whether he likes it or not, I'll do whatever it takes to make him believe. Whether it's in friendship, love, or anything else, I won't give up.

Austin Moon, I'll make you believe. I don't know in what, but I'll make you believe. Be ready.

I'm coming.


The end... of this chapter.

Again, thanks for all the reviews, guys! Keep it up! It means a lot to the both of us.

See ya next time,

R5AAFan & Storygurl16 ;)