A/N: Sorry for the end of the last chapter, but I think you'll like the end of this one much better. Like I said, in a New York minute, everything can change-you should tell me how you feel about it.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, not the show, not the characters, not the songs. I am not affiliated with nor have I ever met anyone depicted in this fictional story. Song credits to Pink, Scissor Sisters, Ross Lynch, and the Lumineers.

Rating: T for language and content

Everlong

14: we're not broken, just bent

Laura, can't you give me some time,
I got to give myself one more chance.
To be the man that I know I am,
To be the man that I know I am.

-Laura, Scissor Sisters

She woke up feeling shitty.

She was surprised she even got any rest at all, but at some point she must have drifted off into a fitful sleep, because she did awaken, sweaty with her sheets all tangled beneath her. Her head ached, her heart throbbed, and her hair was a mess. She was so glad she got to go take professional pictures for the next few hours. The worst part was that she had to spend the time mugging for the camera with him.

She didn't know how she was going to react to seeing him. She hadn't decided how best to confront him about what he said last night. She wasn't the confrontational type, but he really disappointed her. She knew he had to know that.

He apparently was still able to enjoy himself despite that fact. She heard him slip in around 4 AM. Whomever thought it would be a good idea to put them in adjoining rooms deserved to be kicked in the balls. She'd heard the hushed voices and giggles from the other side of the wall and a fresh wave of nausea and sadness washed over her.

The worst was that it was so easy for him to be callous and cold towards her. In the blink of an eye, he could turn on her, switching from best friend to heartless stranger. He made her feel like she didn't matter at all to him, which saddened her to no end.

People didn't spend as much time as they did together without having some deeper feelings for each other, whether it be love, admiration, or respect. She felt none of that last night. It was as if he wanted her to disappear, as if she was some annoying hindrance on his fun.

She hadn't realized that Austin & Ally was a burden to him. She knew he wanted to focus on music and that he was stretched thin, but she assumed that he was happy working on the show. She felt like the show gave her everything. Raini was her best friend, Calum was the big brother she never had, and Ross…well she had almost convinced herself that Ross was something more than just a great friend. These people were her second family, and she would be so sad when it was all over. It sounded like Ross couldn't wait for the day he was done with the show, and done with her.

She couldn't believe she actually thought he liked her. It was yet another silly fantasy of hers. She'd always been told she had an overactive imagination. Whatever. He made it pretty clear that he was interested in anything with two legs. At that point, she hadn't cared what he wanted to do or whom he wanted to do it with.

Although, she did feel empowered by calling him a dick. Everyone always thought she was some sort of mild-mannered wet blanket, but hey, she had worked with Sarah Silverman and the Superbad guys. She could give it back, when she wanted to. She just wished she didn't have to, especially not to someone she cared so much about.

She sat in the leather seat, Pink on full blast. Pink had a ton of angry songs, songs to which Laura could relate because right now she was pissed. He was late. This annoyed her even more. Now he wasn't just wasting his time, but hers as well.

As if on cue, he climbed into the awaiting car. "Morning."

She remained silent. It was childish, but she didn't feel like speaking to him.

"So…last night was pretty awesome."

She did not make eye contact with him, instead sinking down into the leather seat more. She turned up the music so loud she felt her eardrums reverberate.

"Earth to Laura, come in Laura." He waved his hand in her face back and forth. She looked up at him, anger flickering in her eyes.

"What?" she snapped.

Are you fucking kidding me? She wanted to shout at him! He had been drunk, but there's no way he didn't remember what he had said. That would just be too damn convenient.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of her bed this morning," he commented, idly flipping through his phone.

She wanted to scream, but she wouldn't. The silent treatment was much more effective.

"You should've stayed, it was sick. The DJ played some kickass music and everyone was dancing." He lowered his voice, "I was seriously shitfaced though. Could you tell?"

Her eyes rolled upwards to look at him. His hair was perfectly disheveled, his skin flawless. Fuck him, how could he party all night and sleep less than her and still look like he stepped off the pages of Tiger Beat?

When she still didn't respond, he snickered with a smirk, "You're so mad."

She wasn't sure if it was the flippant nature in which he posed that statement, or if she was just about done, but she exploded, "Are you serious right now? Do you not remember our conversation from last night?" Now she was furious. He could not play the dumb card with her. There's no way he didn't remember their argument. That would be way too painful, and show that she cared way more about their friendship/relationship/whatever than he did. And she was not willing to admit that to herself.

Oh Ross remembered every painful moment of the previous night. The elevator door slamming in his face was sobering. He should have chased after her, they could've had that New York moment, where the guy runs after the girl, grabbing her for a passionate kiss in the middle of the street. He had to stop thinking in cheesy romantic clichés; he wasn't the hero in this picture. It would be more likely that he would've looked like even more of an asshole, and she probably would've hit him. And what would he have said to her anyway?

I'm sorry probably would've been a good start.

He had acted like a huge, selfish prick. He had jumped to conclusions, as he was prone to doing, and that anger had blinded his judgment and caused him to push the person he cared about most away. He mocked her for her purity and goodness. He blamed her and their show for his actions and emotions. That was low, even for him.

She was the only person who could really truly understand what he was going through, at least with A&A and Raura. All of the fans wanted so badly for them to be together, heightening the fact that he wanted so badly for them to be together—and when it didn't happen, he just felt so disappointed. Disappointment led him to do stupid shit apparently.

The events of last night only made it more evident that she was better at dealing with life than he was. She was pretty much better at everything compared to him. That obviously included apologizing. He was really shit at that. He was really good at acting as if nothing had happened, hoping that things would just blow over. He knew Laura, he knew how good she was, and he knew that if he persisted enough, she would forgive him. She was that kind of person.

Even though he'd spent the rest of the night drowning himself in other distractions, his mind was full of thoughts of her. He obsessed over every word, sigh and look and it wrenched his heart. He wondered if she even caught the fact that he had thinly veiled a confession of his feelings for her.

It didn't matter, the look on her face said it all. She could never be with a guy like him. And who could blame her, she deserved someone so much better. All of this was his fault anyway. He couldn't be fucking normal. He had to develop feelings for his co-star, someone who hadn't wanted anything to do with him romantically. If he had just kept his feelings to himself, if he had just gone along with life and ignored the fact that he liked her, none of this would have happened. Things would be uncomplicated and they could be friends. But because he was an idiot, now things were different and they'd probably never be the same again.

Before he could answer her, she had already closed her eyes again, turning away from him. He should have left her alone, to let the anger simmer down to a slow boil. But he couldn't, because he was Ross and because he was an idiot.

He kicked her foot, drawing a glare from her. "I'm sorry I was a douche last night. I was drunk, I didn't know what I was saying. I know I kind of ignored you, and that was really shitty of me, but I'll make it up to you, let's go to the Empire State Building tonight?"

"It's just a job Ross, we don't have to be attached at the hip. Go by yourself," she tossed his harsh words back at him. She felt it insulting that he could just go back to trying to be friends. "Or better yet, why don't you just find someone else to hang out with, seems there were lots of willing victims."

"What's that supposed to mean?" It sounded like she was jealous, which was his intent. In all honesty, he'd only hung out with those girls because he was pissed about their whole situation going nowhere. He wasn't interested in any of them, although they were hot and she was right, they were certainly willing. It was kind of a bonehead idea on all accounts because if his publicist or his parents had found out his afterhours pursuits—he'd be dead.

"Nothing," she muttered.

"I said I'm sorry. I was a mess last night, even more so than usual, so I am sorry if I offended you. I've been going through some shit lately, and it just kind of all came out. You don't deserve that. You're like the closest person to me that isn't my family, I mean you are like family because you get me. I'm sorry if I laid all my shit on you, and there was probably a better way to do it, but it happened, so can we move on?" he asked with a loud sigh.

"Move on? Ross! I can't just un-hear what you said to me. I don't believe that you don't remember what you said last night."

"I couldn't remember my name last night."

"That's so convenient. Well let me fill you in. You're tired, caged in, burdened by the show, and you can't wait until it's over. You resent the fact that I'm some quote unquote perfect person while you can't do what you want."

"I didn't mean it. I say a lot of shit that's stupid. You know that, please don't make this a big deal."

That was infuriating. "Whatever, Ross. I'm just not in the mood. I'm tired, you were super loud last night when you got in, and it totally interrupted my sleep cycle."

"Are you sure you're not on another cycle right now?" he snapped, without thinking. He was a dumbass.

She rolled her eyes, giving him a mental fuck off. "Clearly you didn't think at all about being a disruption. You didn't think at all."

The car stopped and they both bolted to their respective hair and makeup areas for the shoot. It was cold as shit and drizzling a bit, but her anger warmed her. Laura plastered a smile on her face even when it was the last thing she wanted to do. The magazine was filming the photoshoot to use for their website, and so they both had to act all cheerful and energetic.

Best. Acting. Ever.

She couldn't even enjoy being put in the poufy dresses because she wanted to stab him. Ross walked out, wearing a gray tuxedo jacket and black slacks with no tie and the collar of his crisp white shirt loosened. Damn him for looking so good.

"Hey gorgeous," he said softly. He whipped out a single red rose from behind his back and offered it to her timidly, giving her the full on puppy dog eyes. The photographers swarmed around the two, taking test shots.

"You know that doesn't work on me," she sulked. "And I know you stole that from the prop cart."

He gave her a sheepish look. "Will a sincere apology work? I hate having you mad at me, Laura. I'm an asshole, I'm a dick, I know that. You didn't deserve any of that yesterday, and it was completely my fault. You're right, I lost my shit and I took it out on you. As far as all of the other stuff, I've just felt so burnt out lately, and I don't blame you or the show or anyone else, but I lashed out, and I guess I said those things because I do know you can relate to what I'm feeling and I trust you. I know you understand where I'm coming from. So, maybe if we can call a truce, we can hang out later tonight and just talk about stuff?"

She sighed. She hated being mad at him, too, but nonetheless it felt good to get things off her chest, too. And she did know how he felt. It was hard to adhere to the strict rules all the time, trying to hide their true lives and personalities. Especially for him, he was pulled in multiple directions at all times. She only had A&A and school, and sometimes she felt like she confined. All wasn't forgiven, but she guessed she could how he could struggle.

"You look great," she offered a begrudging peace offer, unable to stop herself from complimenting him.

His mouth broke out into a huge grin, knowing full well that she would forgive him. He hugged her close as she reluctantly returned the hug, her resolve slowly breaking. Laura could not resist a good hug.

The photographer's assistants pushed the two together for their first shot, placing Laura's arms around Ross's neck and his around her tiny waist. He looked down at her petite form, ruffling the top of her head.

"Ross!" she shrieked, the familiar sound of her laugh making him smile.

Their height difference was comical to him sometimes. The hair guy gave him a look of death as he sheepishly looked away. Whoopsies. They'd put in her a sexy one-shouldered pink gown and played up her big, dark eyes with some smoky eye makeup. Her hair was super long and wavy, and looked so impossibly soft. How could he not touch it?

"You look amazing, I like this," he let his finger filter through her hair.

She hated him for looking so handsome, but she made a mental note to suggest to their writers that they should put Austin in more suits. Ally would totally be into that. "It's fake."

"Yeah, I know," he laughed. She cracked a small smile. "Hey, Laura, what did the male chemist say to the female chemist?"

"What?"

"I've got my ion you." She tried to hold it in, but she burst out laughing. They way she responded to his cheesy jokes made his heart flutter, he had to do whatever it took to make her not be mad.

He gave her a high five, at least they were back to some semblance of normal.

"Are you still mad?"

"I wasn't mad," she retorted.

"Oh, okay, yeah," he replied, the sarcasm dripping from his voice. "Well, just so you know, nothing happened with those girls last night. Trust me, I wouldn't have done anything with those girls without inviting you in to join the fun," he winked.

"Gross, Ross," she shook her head.

They did some serious shots, then some fun ones, with the two laughing at their own private jokes. He twirled her around, their laughter echoing throughout the set. The photographer called for the next shots and Laura started to walk back to the dressing room when Ross grabbed her arm.

"Laura, I'm really sorry for last night."

"I forgive you, I guess," she stated begrudgingly, the fresh hint of bitterness still present.

"Friends?"

"Maybe, depends on what other jokes you have up your sleeve."

"How did the rockstar keep cool?"

"How?" she asked wryly.

"By sitting next to his biggest fan."

She grinned. "Okay, friends...and partners, forever," she teased, using her Ally voice.

He rolled his eyes. "Well, there's no way I can make it without you. Do it without you, be here without you. It's no fun when you're doing it solo, with you it's like whoa…"

"We are better together."

"Sometimes, I get in my own way. I need someone to say, "Hey, what are you thinking?" Like pieces of a puzzle, without each other, we're in trouble. Trouble."

"Hey, you missed a few lines," she objected.

"Correct me if I'm wrong."

"This is not a love song," she said with the slightest hint of sadness.

"Last shot, guys!" The two made their way outside, Laura wearing a dramatic black gown that felt more like an Oscar dress than a prom dress, but she wasn't complaining. Her hair fell loosely down her back and she felt sexy. They were shuttled towards the foot of the Manhattan bridge. The morning was still hazy, a light mist blanketing the bridge.

The pictures were captured with the two holding onto each other, Laura pulling Ross's shirt towards her, with the bridge serving as a dramatic backdrop. God, it was romantic.

"Hey, look, we're standing on Canal and Bowery." He pointed at the intersecting street signs.

"Like the Lumineers song we did."

He closed his eyes, remembering the way she looked that day, dancing with him on set. "Took a bus to Chinatown, we'll be standing on Canal and Bowery. She'll be standing next to me…"

Ross took out his iPhone and snapped a selfie of Laura and him, capturing the moment forever. They both sat down with the reporter, as a camera crew filmed a short interview.

"You two really looked like naturals for the shoot."

"Aww, thanks. You all did such a great job with the outfits and the sets, it was amazing, so super excited to see the pictures. So awesome. Thank you so much!" He was glad to see peppy Laura reappear.

"Well you looked great, so the pictures will look incredible. Let's get down to some questions," the writer directed. "So, Laura, we hear your prom at your high school is coming up…"

"Yes, my senior prom, I'm really excited about it!"

"Date or group of friends?"

"For me, definitely group of friends. I think that's the most fun way to spend prom, it's one of your last hurrahs together. Super excited."

"What about you Ross, did you go to your prom?" she asked.

"It's funny that you ask that because we are going to be shooting a prom episode coming up that I'm pretty excited for our fans to see."

"Oh, it's going to be so good," Laura chimed in.

"Yeah, I never went to a real school, I was homeschooled, so never been to any school dances. This is kind of my prom I guess, so thanks for making it happen."

"Are Austin and Ally going to end up together at the prom? Your characters are no longer together, so will we be seeing some rekindling of their romance?"

"Ooh, good question. You know, people are going to have to tune in to see what happens, but if you're following along, there's a new love interest who has just been introduced, so there's a bit of a love triangle thing going on. Super dra-ma," Laura answered.

"Okay," the reporter laughed. "Dream prom date?"

"Oh, George Clooney, hands down, done. Love him. Can't even talk about it. Obsessed." She put her hands up and ducked her head down, flustered at just the thought of her celebrity crush.

"I hope you meet him one day, and I hope I'm there to record it and then watch it over and over again," Ross teased with a straight face.

"Ross, what about you? Dream prom date."

"Oh, Laura Marano, of course." Her cheeks flushed bright pink as she hit him on the arm.

"Oh my gosh, stop it! Don't even," she chuckled, pushing him away.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Probably Nina Dobrev. She would be a really fun date. "

"Yeah, and she's gorgeous, so pretty. Good pick, I approve."

"Oh, I'm glad you approve, thanks Laura," he replied sarcastically.

"Your photo shoot was based on some great Hollywood love stories, what are your favorites?"

"Romeo & Juliet. The 1968 version. Most romantic movie ever."

"Ross loves romantic movies, and he is obsessed with that one. My favorite is basically anything with Hugh Grant or Colin Firth in it, so like Bridget Jones's Diary or Love Actually. Love them."

"Those are both so romantic."

"We've got the whole spectrum covered. You have to still see Love Actually, by the way," she pointed out to him.

"You haven't seen it?" the girl asked, surprised.

"Everytime I sit down to watch that movie, some interruption comes up. I swear, I've tried to watch it like five times, I'm destined not to watch it."

"No, I'm making you, it's so good. Love the Kiera Knightley part. A-ma-zing."

"Oh, she's in it? I'm gonna watch it tonight, then." She laughed.

"So what else is up coming on Austin & Ally?"

"They're not together anymore, but there's still a lot of drama coming for the two of them. They like each other, but it's complicated because they are working together and going on tour, so that makes things a little more difficult. And there's a lot of cool music happening, so that's kinda awesome."

"Don't ruin it for them, Laura, everybody has to watch. There are a lot of fun surprises coming up, and a lot of great new songs from both Austin and Ally. It's really fun," he said.

"Well thank you guys so much for being here. It's going to look amazing, guys, thanks again."

They both said their goodbyes and made their way back to their awaiting car. Ross's eyes were glued to his phone. He helped her into the SUV and sat beside her.

"We should go to the Empire State Building tonight," she suggested

His eyes flickered to hers. "Are you sure? Only if you feel up to it, we've had a long couple of days."

"No, I'm down. Just let me take a little nap and then I'll be ready, probably around 6 or so? Just knock."

She tousled her hair and wrapped her jacket around her body when she received a text from Ross.

Come down to the lobby.

She typed back, Ok, what is happening?

Just come down to the lobby, don't ask questions

The elevator opened and she walked out, looking for the familiar mop of blond hair. Instead, she saw a man dressed in a black suit with a sign that looked just like the Austin & Ally theme credits with her name: Laura Marano.

She hesitantly walked up to him, "Hi?"

"I'm your driver, I'll be taking you to meet Mr. Lynch. Right this way."

She stalled, she wasn't getting in a car with some weird guy with a sign with her name on it. What if he was a kidnapper or something? Her phone beeped with a text from Ross.

Get in the car, it's legit.

Okay, maybe they were becoming psychic. She followed dutifully behind, wondering what this was all about. They drove slowly though Times Square, heading east, and the anticipation was killing her. They winded down Lexington, the early evening crowd rushing about. They stopped right in front of a building and he pulled the door open. She stepped out and looked up.

"Welcome to the Empire State Building, miss. Have a good night."

"Thanks."

She rode the 118 stories up, her stomach in knots. Why was he being so cryptic? The doors opened and she stepped out into the breezy night. There were a few people milling about and she followed some of them out onto the observation deck. She walked around, looking out at the sun setting over the Manhattan skyline, the wind whipping her hair about. She felt a tap on her back and startled, she turned to see Ross.

A smile spread widely across his lips as he saw her shocked face. He held up a sign that said, "Will You Go To the Prom With Me?"

A/N: You're welcome.