A/N: Thank you for your reviews & alerts: they've been such a great form of encouragement! I'm excited because this will probably be the first story I actually finish and it's thanks to you guys! Sorry for the late update: school is creeping on me again and it was my best friend's birthday celebrations. Hopefully this chapter will clarify why Sonny has been hot/cold with Chad lately :) Be prepared for fluff and strictly Sonny and Chad for the next few chapters :) Warning: there isn't a lot of dialogue in this chapter.

chapter fourteen:

Because You See the Real Me

Sonny Munroe sat in the LAX airport waiting for her flight to call boarding. She arrived at the airport extremely early to avoid unwanted misfortunes: it was her first time flying alone so she wanted everything to go smoothly. Sonny took out her list of things to do and things to bring and began checking items off: "Check-in luggage: check. Boarding pass: check. Be at the right boarding platform: check. Reading magazine: check it out!" Sonny giggled as she began 'checking out' everything like her 'Check It Out Girls' sketch.

After Sonny got bored from playing 'Check It Out Girls' she flipped her magazine open. To her dismay, her page was turned to an article about Chad Dylan Cooper. She sighed deeply: thinking of Chad made her head hurt. After their date Sonny thought she had nothing but hatred towards Chad: she wanted to see him crumble. However, after her encounter with him at the mall she had mixed feelings again.

Sonny hated to admit it, but she liked the real Chad: the one that wasn't big headed. When Chad's guard was let down, he was a genuinely charming person and Sonny loved being able to see that side of him. When Sonny saw Chad at the mall her anger melted away when she saw how genuinely he loved his little sister: it was adorable. Thanks to Nellie, Sonny was able to spend quality time with the real Chad and remember all the reasons why she liked him.

Suddenly Sonny heard a crazed girl scream, "Oh my gosh! You're Chad Dylan Cooper!" Sonny's eyes widened as she saw Chad signing an autograph for his fan. Sonny shook her head unable to comprehend the chances of Chad being in the airport at the same time she was. No matter how much she tried to avoid thinking about him she just couldn't! After he finished his fan encounter he noticed Sonny and walked over.

"Sonny! So you ready for this Wisconsin trip?" Chad greeted.

"As prepared as I can get." answered Sonny, "So, where are you going?"

Chad stared at Sonny dumbfounded, "Where do you think? I'm going with you! Remember – our promise?"

Sonny's jaw dropped, "You were serious?"

"Since when am I not?" Chad stated.

Sonny flushed, "How was I supposed to know you'd actually come? I thought we were just joking!"

"Wait – so does this mean you never wanted me to come?"

"Yes! I mean no! I mean –"

"Well now I have to come since you don't want me to."

"Chad, what am I supposed to tell my family? How am I supposed to go home for the first time in months with a boy?"

Chad shrugged, "Easy – just tell them!"

"They're going to think you're my boyfriend!" Sonny shrieked.

"I don't mind."

"What?"

"I mean – what's wrong with that?" Chad coughed, "You should feel privileged."

"I don't feel privileged! I feel like I'm on an episode of Punk'd!" Sonny slumped.

"Sonny, we both know how this is going to end. I'm going to come with you and you're going to like it." Chad smiled.

"Chad!" Sonny whined.

"I already have my ticket, Sonny. I'll end up in Wisconsin with you whether you like it or not. After that it'll be your fault I end up staying in Wisconsin all by myself without any idea of where to go and what to do." Chad warned in a dramatic tone, "I could see the tabloids now: Sonny Munroe – nice girl from Wisconsin ends up being not so nice when she ditches Hollywood sensation's Chad Dylan Cooper at the airport."

"Fine!" Sonny sighed.

"Great! Now let's change your seat!" Chad smiled dragging Sonny to the ticket counter.

"What's wrong with my seat? Why can't we change yours?"

"Because mine is first class Sonny: Chad Dylan Cooper can't be seen in coach!" Chad answered.

"What makes you think I'm in coach?" Sonny said angrily.

"Please Sonny: I know you – you wouldn't want to waste that extra cash."

"And I still don't." Sonny glared.

"Don't worry – I got you covered: the least I could do since you're letting me stay with you." Chad said while he exchanged Sonny's ticket.

"Against my will." Sonny said gazing reluctantly at her new ticket.

"Is it Sonny? Is it really?" Chad teased.

Sonny rolled her eyes, "Yes Chad, really."

Sonny refused to talk to Chad until they were called for boarding. She was furious because she didn't know how to explain Chad's presence to her family: where was he going to stay? Sonny couldn't believe Chad's persistence and wished he would just go home to his own family. However, Sonny was also mad because deep inside she really did want to spend the holidays with Chad. As she sat in her seat she sighed knowing that her entire vacation would be full of her conflicting emotions towards Chad Dylan Cooper.

~*~

Sonny didn't remember falling asleep, but she awoke peacefully on Chad's shoulder. She gazed out the window noting that they were still in the air, but the sky was a lot darker than when she left. She diverted her eyes to Chad who was sleeping soundly in his chair: he looked really cute. Sonny subconsciously smiled and put a blanket over Chad's body.

"I love you, Sonny." Chad mumbled in his sleep, "Why won't you believe me?"

Sonny's eyes widened as she stared at Chad wondering if he was awake. A blush crept on her cheeks as he let out a quiet snore: he was dreaming about her. Sonny's memories of their date flooded back to her. She remembered all the sweet things Chad said and being the one who wouldn't listen to his explanation when the truth leaked out. Maybe that was why Sonny couldn't forget Chad – her heart knew that there was more to that night than what she knew. She glanced at Chad and decided to let go of all her stubbornness: she was determined to find out Chad's true feelings.

~*~

Sonny didn't speak to Chad for the remaining duration of the flight: every time she was about to speak she felt her cheeks burn up. Instead of being stubborn, she found herself becoming incredibly shy. Her face turned scarlet as Chad, thinking she wasn't feeling well, put his hand on her forehead to check her temperature

"Sonny, you're burning up: are you okay?" Chad asked with concern as they exited the plane.

Sonny nodded and quickly said, "My parents are at baggage claim: let's just head straight there."

Sonny led the way towards baggage claim with a worried Chad trailing behind her. Soon she saw her parents smiling at her with Lucy by their side. She screamed happily as she ran to hug her family and best friend. After calming down, Lucy squealed, "Is that Chad Dylan Cooper? In Wisconsin?" Sonny sighed and walked towards Chad who surprisingly smiled shyly.

"Mom, Dad – this is my friend from Hollywood: Chad Dylan Cooper." Sonny smiled sheepishly.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Munroe." Chad greeted, "Hey… Lucy?"

"Hey." Lucy smiled happily looking between Chad and Sonny.

"Nice to you see you, Chad." Greeted Mrs. Munroe, "I think I remember seeing you at the studio once…"

"Hello, Chad." Sonny's father glared gripping Chad's hand tightly as he shook it.

Chad winced from the pain as he mumbled, "Nice to meet you."

"Daddy, you're hurting him!" Sonny glared at her father, "Chad is just a friend – he wanted to see what Wisconsin was like."

"And when were you planning to tell us you were bringing him, Sonny?" Connie Munroe questioned before adding to Chad, "Don't worry, honey, you are more than welcomed to stay with us."

"It – it was just a spur of the moment thing!" Sonny exclaimed, "I didn't have time to tell you: you know – can't use your cell on the plane! Haha…"

Sonny's dad sighed, "Fine he can stay. Come on there's a welcome home party at the house."

The car ride home bustled with Sonny and Lucy's excited chatter about what has been going on in their lives. Chad didn't want to ruin Sonny and Lucy's best friend moment and decided to fall asleep until they arrived at Sonny's house. When he awoke he was in front of a big house that reminded him of The Notebook. Sonny eyed Chad as he gaped at her house wondering if he was scrutinizing it.

Sonny frowned, "Sorry it's not much, but –"

"No – it's perfect. Really cute: like you." Chad smiled as he followed Sonny's dad into the house.

Sonny blushed and hurried her way towards the door. When she passed through it she was immediately greeted by her relatives and friends. Chad stood in a corner next to Sonny's dad and observed the bubbly brunette reconnect with the loved ones she left for Hollywood.

"You know, Chad, Sonny's very popular here." Sonny's dad stated.

"That's not surprising – Sonny's popular in Hollywood too: everyone likes her." Chad replied.

"Do you like her?"

Chad felt his cheeks grow warm, "Of course. As a friend – that is."

Sonny's dad grunted, "Just remember: if you ever hurt my baby girl you'd have a lot of people on your back – and that's not including me."

Chad laughed nervously, "I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Munroe."

Sonny made her way towards Chad and gave her father a quizzical look. Sonny's father drew a halo in the air above his head and walked towards his wife. Sonny sighed and gave Chad a sympathetic look.

"This is why I didn't want to bring you home. My dad – he's very overprotective." Sonny smiled weakly.

"Yeah. I can see that." Chad blushed and was secretly happy Sonny's dad thought of him as a threat to take Sonny away, "So, I take it you're a daddy's girl?"

"Well – I am the only girl. Oh! You should meet my brothers!" Sonny squealed grabbing Chad's hand, "I warn you: Trevor is kind of like dad, but Austin is really friendly!"

Soon Chad was facing Sonny's older brother, Trevor. To Chad's amazement, Trevor's style was nothing like Sonny's. Trevor had a punk look and a couple of piercings and tattoos. Chad gulped as he shook hands with Trevor and introduced himself.

"Chad Dylan Cooper." Chad smiled nervously.

"Trevor: Sonny's big brother." Trevor greeted intensely, "Just remember punk – you mess with Sonny, you mess with me."

Trevor walked away pointing at Chad whispering, "I got my eye on you." After meeting two of the males in Sonny's family, Chad finally solved the mystery of why Sonny was so tough. In the next moment a small boy with black hair and Sonny's brown eyes pulled on Chad's shirt.

"My name is Austin. Do you want to play video games with me?" Austin smiled.

"Sure." Chad replied looking at Sonny for approval.

"I'll catch up with you later: I'm going to say hi to my grandma." Sonny smiled as Austin dragged Chad to the living room.

Sonny walked past her family members occasionally explaining that Chad wasn't her boyfriend. She glanced at Lucy and her other school friends who were in a heated discussion about school gossip: Sonny decided to join them later. Finally, she found her way to her grandma and greeted her with a big smile.

"Grandma! It's so nice to see you!" Sonny smiled.

"Oh, Sonny! How I missed you! How's Hollywood?" Sonny's grandma smiled.

"Amazing, Grandma! Although some people are mean – I've met some of the greatest people and have had some of the best experiences of my life!"

"That's wonderful, Sunshine. It's truly amazing to watch my grandchild living her dream!"

"It's more than I could ever hope for." Sonny agreed.

"Now, Sonny. Was that young lad you brought home one of the amazing people you met?"

"Chad?" Sonny squealed, "He's not amazing."

"Oh, dear! My granddaughter is in love!"

"Love? I am not in love, Grandma! Chad and I are just friends – enemies – frenemies!"

"You may think that Sunshine, but I see that sparkle in your eye when you look at him." Sonny's grandma winked, "And if you want to know: he has that same sparkle when he looks at you."

~*~

The welcome home party was a success and everyone went home in good spirits. However, Sonny lay on her bed perplexed about her grandma's words. Sonny longed to confront Chad about everything that was going on, but found herself becoming oddly shy around him. To avoid the awkward tension, Sonny often left Chad with Austin who was more than happy to have someone to play with. An hour passed by and Sonny decided she needed a late night snack. She walked downstairs into her kitchen and shrieked as she saw a dark figure in the shadows.

"Shh. Relax, it's me." Chad said coming into view.

"What are you doing down here?" shrilled Sonny.

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?"

"I asked you first!"

"If you want to know so badly – I was getting some water." Chad said holding up a glass of water.

"Oh, well I was hungry." Sonny said as she walked over to her refrigerator and opened it.

"Isn't a little too past midnight for a midnight snack?"

"I can eat when I want to, Chad."

Chad shrugged, "Don't be surprised if you gain some extra pounds."

Sonny glared at Chad as she heated some leftovers. They stood in awkward silence as Chad finished drinking his water glass.

"Shouldn't you leave?" Sonny snarled.

"I was already going." Chad said slowly walking towards the stairs.

"Good."

"Good."

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Shut up!" a voice yelled from upstairs.

Sonny and Chad blushed from embarrassment as the microwave alerted Sonny her food was heated. As Sonny grabbed her plate, Chad proceeded to walk away but Sonny called out his name. Chad turned around and stared at her intently. "Don't go" Sonny whispered, "I don't want to eat all by myself." Chad smiled softly and took a seat next to Sonny in the breakfast table.

"Thanks." Sonny smiled as she ate some of her food.

"No problem." Chad replied.

"So, how do you like Wisconsin so far?"

"I can honestly say; I have never seen so much blood relatives in one place without a wedding going on."

Sonny laughed, "Yeah, my family likes to stay close. It's really fun – you'll love Christmas! We do a scavenger hunt for our presents!"

"It must be nice being close to your family."

"Yeah. I was a bit devastated when I got to Hollywood because of the lack of family support, but they always sent me encouraging letters and messages" Sonny smiled, "Dad even sent me a few sketch ideas – he's where I get my humor from."

"Really?" Chad asked, "So was he joking when he threatened me?"

Sonny nervously laughed, "No, he was totally serious."

"F.M.L" Chad mumbled, "How do I get your dad to like me?"

"Why do you want my dad to like you?" Sonny cocked an eyebrow.

"Chad Dylan Cooper must always make a good impression, Sonny." Chad winked as he walked upstairs to the guest room leaving a blushing Sonny behind.

~*~

A few days passed and Christmas Eve was one day away. Sonny's family was bubbling with excitement making arrangements for the big Christmas party. In their spare time, Sonny showed Chad many of the things she loved about Wisconsin: eat at local restaurants, play with the farm animals – just hang out. Chad got along well with Sonny's friends and family: he was even growing on her dad.

"Is there anyone you can't charm?" Sonny joked as they stared into the night sky.

"If that person exists, they must defy the laws of nature." Chad smirked.

Sonny laughed at Chad's joke until they found themselves sitting in a peaceful silence. They were lying by the lake nearby Sonny's house: it was Sonny's special spot. Suddenly a shooting star zoomed through the sky.

"Did you see that, Chad?" Sonny squealed.

"Yeah – that's actually the first time I've seen one." Chad said amazed.

"Really? Well – don't forget to make a wish!" Sonny said closing her eyes to make a wish.

"Done!" Chad stated, "What did you wish for?"

"You can't say what you wish for! It won't come true!" Sonny laughed.

"Aww, come on" Chad urged, "Is little Sonny Munroe embarrassed?"

"No!" Sonny scoffed.

"Come on Sonny, it's not like these myths are actually true."

"Yeah, you're right" Sonny sighed, "I don't believe this stuff anyway."

Chad grinned, "So, are you going to tell me what you wished for?"

"Don't laugh" Sonny blushed, "I – I wished that I could live a fairy tale."

Chad chuckled, "Like 'once upon a time' and 'happily ever after'?"

"You said you wouldn't laugh" Sonny frowned, "But yeah – it's corny but it's always been a wish of mine…"

"Wow – you're as bad as Portlyn when it comes to being a hopeless romantic." Chad snickered.

"I can have my dreams" Sonny stated, "So, Portlyn is a romanticist? Interesting."

"Yeah, it's pretty annoying sometimes." Chad said referring to how Portlyn teases him about Sonny.

Sonny's face fell, "Don't tell me – you two are going out? Is that how you know all this?"

"No!" Chad exclaimed, "No, I just know because she's one of my best friends. She's been like a sister to me – I could never go with her. Ew."

"Oh, okay" Sonny said with relief.

Chad smirked and was about to press on Sonny's jealousy but decided against it. Something about being in Wisconsin made him nicer and less power-hungry: he felt like his old self. Being with Sonny helped him reconnect with his old personality: the charming boy who wasn't a jerk. He still argued with Sonny occasionally, but that was just an odd part of their relationship that Sonny's friends and family found amusing.

Chad also enjoyed getting to know Sonny more and more with each passing day. With every person Sonny introduced him to he learned more about Sonny and her habits. He was able to observe how each person influenced the Sonny he knew and secretly loved. He could only hope that Sonny was enjoying learning about him as much as he loved learning about her.

"Thanks for letting me come with you, Sonny." Chad said breaking their silence, "You don't know how much I needed this."

"No problem." Sonny smiled, "It's been fun – you know hanging out and seeing you."

Chad blushed lightly, "It's really nice to be out of the Hollywood scene. Nobody flashing pictures in my face, not having to watch my every move, not having to hold up a front – it's just really great to have a break."

"Well, just so you know – you don't have to put a front around me anymore" Sonny blushed, "I actually prefer this Chad Dylan Cooper than the one in Hollywood."

Chad blushed as he took her hand in his, "Me too."

A/N: Woot! Finally finished this chapter! It took pretty long to write because I would update the story in between doing things so having short amounts of time verses long amounts of time threw off my thinking haha. Sorry it took so long, but it's a really long chapter :) It was kind of hard to write because I kept switching the scenes which I don't do much in previous chapters. BUT it was fun to write because I got to give Sonny's family some character haha. Yay for fluff! Just to clarify – they're NOT together yet. Next chapter=Christmas :) Can't guarantee when I'll update it because this week is pretty packed to :(

THANK YOU: thanks for all the "Ask Chad" questions and ideas! They were all really good and helped out a lot :) if you still want to submit a question, feel free to do so: that segment won't be out for a couple chapters anyway ;] thank you all for being so responsive: you guys rock!

ADVERTISE: Don'tforget to watch the Mackenzie Falls shorts online :)

Anyway, as usual remember to REVIEW please! (constructive criticism welcomed: flames aren't) ;]