It took me hours last night to come up with what to do with this chapter. Not the chapter itself, but where it was going. I know the end is a cliff hanger, but I've been very nice with this story and haven't left you that many, so it seems like it's okay to give you a cliff hanger now. Sorry! ;) But I think you'll enjoy this one, well some of you. You were asking about it! Not much to say about the chapter. I have some favorite moments now planned with this and I'm excited.

Thank you for the reviews. You're all awesome.

ONTO THE BAND NAME CONTEST. I've decided that I'll pick my top names and let you all decide. With that said, all those who made my top list will get a mention of their name in the story. If I list your penname, please send me a name you'd like to use, or your real name. Either is fine. Here are the finalists! And my reasons for picking them.
1. randomsmileyperson and the suggestion of LOUD.
If you also suggested this, please don't get mad. Some of you did as well, but I used the first one that reviewed. I think this is a great idea because it's as close as you can get to R5 without it being that name.
2. R5ismysoul and the suggestion AT NERVES END.
And this one I love because it fits the band perfectly. While Loud is awesome and makes sense, I think this name fits the band I've created a lot more. They are always on edge.
3. lilirocks247 and INDIRECT OBJECTS.
Similar reason to above. It seems to fit the band as a group of people who are considered to be a 'fuck up' type of group.
4. Just another hedgehog (sorry your name is easier to type that way) and DAY BY DAY.
Now, her actual entry was in another language, but you can't really have that because none of the band would have a reason to know that, but I like the way it sounds anyway. It fits them working toward being happy day by day.

AND THERE ARE MY FAVORITES. If you would like to vote, you can do so in reviews, or message me and let me know. Whoever gets the most votes and wins their band name, will get a one shot from me on here and you can either have any Austin and Ally story you'd like, or any R5 story you'd like. I'll let the voting go for the NEXT TWO CHAPTERS. The winner will be told by me when they have won. SO VOTE SO WE HAVE A BAND NAME!

Please let me know what you think. Enjoy!


Ally arrived the next day at the shelter to find the entire band in the rec room, going over what they could sing at the concert. She watched for a while, marveling on how simple it really was it get them to work together. A love of music, and some pure determination was working wonders. She didn't dare interrupt… especially considering she knew the moment Riker saw her, he would run. And the band working together was much more important than anything else she could add in right then.

She slipped toward the office, nearly colliding with Jackson in the process. He grumbled a reply, giving her a look. Ally nearly screamed and pulled him back toward her, tired of his games. She pushed her finger into his chest, shaking her head. "I thought we were over this childish shit, Jackson. Stop acting like I'm your enemy. Your brother's relationship with me has nothing to do with our relationship, and definitely has nothing to do with our job. I'm not a child, nor are you. I'd like to work together without having to argue all the time. You're good at your job, and I'd much rather have you on my side. Can we just let this slide?"

He didn't answer, but kept walking past her, eyes focused on the ground.

"Immature!" she called after him, shaking her head. "You're being ridiculous!"

"I think something is wrong with him, Ally."

Ally turned to see Ryland watching her, shaking his head at the other man. "What?"

"I've noticed the last few days… he's been exceptionally unfocused and rude to even those he never is to. Something seems wrong. I can't figure out what it may be."

Her eyes softened for a moment, wondering what could have happened. "Well, he doesn't have to take it out on us. He's supposed to do his job."

"I don't disagree," Ryland stated. "I'm simply suggesting an opinion."

Ally thought about this after the other man left, leaving her in what was now Austin's room. She was seated on the other bed, staring at the window, trying to piece together everything about everyone and all the problems each had. When it got her no where, she decided to do what she did best: write some music. If no one else had come into the room, she would have written for hours. It had been such a long time since she really wrote something for herself, to put her mind on paper and her thoughts at ease.

"Oh, shit."

Ally looked up at the sound of another voice. "Oh. Hey, Austin. Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I was just looking for a place to relax."

"I forgot you were the original owner of this room," he chuckled, setting down his guitar on his bed. "Sorry I took it over."

"Not a problem," she said simply, closing her book. She couldn't write with anyone else watching her. "How was the practice?"

"You saw that?"

She smiled.

He laughed at the look on her face and sat down next to her. "Not bad. Rocky and Riker worked on some lyrics and I worked with Ratliff on some beats we could do. Rydel keeps looking off to the wall with this look on her face. I swear she's in love or something."

"Or something," Ally laughed. "Don't worry about her. She'll be fine. Do you think you guys can do this?"

"I say so." He paused, looking a bit sheepish. "I feel like Riker won't even look at me though. I mean, he wasn't all that thrilled about having to talk to Rocky either, but he won't even give me a chance to help." He paused again, and laughed. "Well, not that I'm much help with lyrics. I'm a terrible song writer. Always have been."

"Don't worry about Riker either. That's just how he is." Ally sighed inwardly hearing what Austin had to say. It wasn't fair to him, or anyone else that he was taking out their problems on rest of the group. She made a note to talk to him later, somehow convince him to stop acting the way he was. She knew it would probably be in vain though, considering you couldn't just talk someone out of love. Something had to be done though. He had to understand that this couldn't happen.

"Well, I'm going to hang out with Rocky some more, and see if we can maybe pull a real song out of the beats and the lyrics. I'll see you later." He grabbed something off the desk next to the bed and took off, without his guitar. She was going to call to him and remind him he'd probably need that, but shrugged. Maybe they would use Rocky's.

It only took seconds for another voice to break the comfortable silence. "Ally, help! I'm having a fashion crisis!"

Rydel looked a mess. She was near tears as she stared at all the clothes on her bed, most of them new. She had tons of make up and all her other accessories she found important to use scattered around the clothes. Her eyes were in desperation as she pleaded with the older girl. "Help me. I don't know what to wear, or what to do! He's going to be here in an hour."

Ally went to laugh, but stopped herself. Everyone did this for their first date, so it was nothing new. It was a relief that it wasn't her this time, though. Just as she was about to say something, another soft voice said, "I could help, if you'd like."

Kelly was peeking into the doorway, her eyes timid but also friendly.

Ally smiled at her. "That would be great. The more girls to help, the better. I'm sure we've all been there and could offer some help, right?"

The first date freak out would be handled. "Wait…" Rydel stopped them. "Do you think if Trish isn't busy, she could help too?" The girl smiled softly. "She used to help me dress up when we were younger. I want her here."

And so began the next hour of chaos. Ally worked on the outfit for her, while Kelly did the fidgeting girl's make up. Tossed aside were the many dresses that she had bought, and brought forward were some of the many nice clothes she already had.

"No need to have to dress up on the first date. It's not like you're going to a fancy dinner." Ally smiled at the sad looking girl. "You're going to a movie. You're going to want to be comfortable." She picked up a shirt that the girl had worn so many times that just screamed comfortable. It was one of her favorite shirts and it seemed to click with the first dater almost instantly.

"You're happy in it," she explained. "Confidence isn't in a new dress. Confidence is knowing the shirt looks good on you in advance and giving it a new twist to really wow someone."

Trish was about in as much hair product as her height, but had made her friend's hair look amazing. It looked simple yet flirty and most importantly, it looked like Rydel. "And your hair doesn't really matter all that much. You're not looking to stand out to anyone else but him. He's probably got a favorite hairstyle you've worn and he isn't looking for someone else. You keep it simple and it's going to be so much better on you."

"I've said it already but you know Ry, he isn't looking for a different girl. He's looking for the one he met the very first day you talked."

Kelly had did her make up in a very similar fashion; almost nude in sorts. It was just enough to highlight her best features.

If Taylor didn't fall in love instantly, it would be a crime.

Trish had tears in her eyes as they snapped a few pictures of each of them together. "I'm so proud of you, Ry. I have watched you grow into such a beautiful girl and I'm proud to say I knew you back then and even more proud to say I know you now."

Rydel started to cry, but was quickly scolded by their new friend. "Don't you dare ruin my makeup!"

"I can't help it." She nearly collapsed into the bed, and looked to each of them. "When the fire happened, I thought I would never be beautiful again. I look in the mirror each morning and force a smile, hoping it'll hide what the fire took from me. And now I'm looking at myself and for the first time in such a long time, I do feel beautiful and I'm surrounded by everyone who makes me feel that way."

"Oh, Ry!" Ally hugged the girl. "You're the most beautiful girl I know. Don't you ever think you're not. Remember what I told you yesterday? Believe it, and you'll be fine."

Rydel grinned at her friend and hugged her back. "I love you all so much."

"I'm going to go," Trish said, looking a bit sad. "I have tons of paperwork to file for the next few weeks."

She left the room, and Ally looked to the clock. "Well, you've got about five minutes. Anything else you want to do before he gets here?"

"Yes." She stood up and began to jump up and down on the bed. "I've wanted to do this since I was little!" She was laughing so hard once Kelly joined her, and the girls bounced up and down, laughing like no one else could see them if they wished. Ally was about to tell them to get down and then shrugged her shoulders.

"Why not?" she laughed and joined them.

A knock on the door froze all in mid air. "Oh my God."

"Calm down, Ry," she immediately said, getting off of the bed and looking down the hallway. Trish was standing near the door, eyes sparkling as she peeked to see who was on the other side. She nodded her approval and then darted back into her office. Ally had to nearly drag the girl toward the door and force her to open it.

"I have a question before I open the door, Ally."

"Okay."

"If you thought my clothes were fine why did you agree to take me shopping?"

"Because retail therapy is the best around, and everyone deserves the chance to feel like they're on top of the world. When you're shopping you feel that way."

As the other two hung back, she finally opened it and smiled widely at the boy on the other side.

He stood nearly a foot taller than Ally, about a half of foot taller than Rydel. His deep dimples shouted their hello as his smile widened at the sight of his date. His hair was just a bit messy, looking like a typical beach boy from Florida. And also demanding attention were a pair of bright green, nearly lime eyes. Ally watched as he did a double take of her entire body, in a polite way, not a typical boy undressing you with his eyes way. Then he looked back at her face and grinned again. "Hello," he drawled.

"Hi," she managed before looking to Ally.

She nodded her approval. He was gorgeous and from the way she spoke of him, his personality was great as well.

"Are you ready?"

She nodded and mouthed a see you later to Ally before darting out the door and slamming it behind her. "Well," Ally laughed, looking to her new friend. "That was fast. I would've thought she would have at least introduced us."

The other girl laughed. "I'm pretty sure that I would have done the same thing if it were me. Did you see his eyes?"

"I know!" She giggled. "And those dimples!"

"Enough," Trish laughed, shaking her head at the two as she returned to the group. "We all know he's gorgeous. We just need to see how he treats her now. I don't care how pretty his face is, if he hurts my Ry, I'm going to break it into a million pieces. With that said, Ratliff is looking for you, Kelly. He said you were supposed to be here an hour ago."

Her face lit up in embarrassment. "Oops! I got so involved I forgot I was supposed to meet him for a movie here! Sorry, guys. See you later!"

Once alone, the younger of the two asked, "Do you think he'll hurt her?"

Trish shrugged, and sighed. "I hope not. I could see she was so excited about today. I didn't want to say anything to make her think it wouldn't be the best day ever, but we should be prepared to pick up the pieces if it doesn't go her way. I'm hoping it does."

"Me too."

"So, how is the band coming?"

"Sounds good so far. They were working together earlier by themselves. I figured it was better of me not to interrupt." Ally didn't want to admit that she still hadn't talked to Riker.

"Well, that sounds great. I went and confirmed it with my boss. She is excited and hopes they are too. I told her they had a great friend helping put it together."

Ally blushed and bit back a smile. "Well, I don't know about that, but I'm going to try my best. If you excuse me actually, I'm going to find Austin and Rocky. They were supposed to be working on some music alone."

"No… they're not." Trish shook her head. "Oh. He hasn't told you, has he?"

"What?" Ally noticed her boss immediately regretted what she just said. She sighed and motioned Ally to follow her to the office, where she shut the door and shook her head.

"Austin has been going with Ryland for the last few days to a group focused on abuse survivors. Rocky was also asked to go, but refused to even give it a try. I thought he would have told you. I don't really know how it's going… Ryland and him seem to have it very under wraps. I thought maybe that might be why he has reacted so positively the last few days." Ally didn't mention what he said to her in the hospital. "I guess it's helping him. Ryland won't say what's been said on the rides back here, and well, it seems Austin isn't ready to share that he's going there."

"I don't understand," she admitted. "I guess he wants this to himself. I don't blame him… your privacy here is little to nothing. If he's managed to keep it under wraps, I don't mind pretending I don't know. He deserves that much."

"Well, I'm sure he'll tell you soon." Trish looked at her desk and sighed. "So much paperwork. If you don't mind, Ally, I really need to get this finished. I think we'll order some pizza for dinner tonight and keep it simple."

"Sounds good to me." She left her boss in the office and went down the hallway, the light from the room at the end of the hall almost screaming for her to 'talk to Riker'. But what could she say that wasn't already said? It didn't matter what she told him; nothing was going to change how he felt and she didn't want to make it worse. It was like she was ruining what they had each time she stepped into the same room as him; and she hated it.

"You can't avoid him forever."

"I'm not avoiding him," she said automatically, not bothering to look up at the voice standing next to her.

Rocky smirked from the right.

"He's avoiding me."

"And you're staring at his room with a sad look in your eyes."

"Rocky, please don't make this any worse on either of us." Ally glared at him.

"I thought it would help him. I really didn't think this would happen."

"Well, what he wants and what I can give him are two different things, Rocky." Ally glanced up at him. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, but it took a lot last time to get him to even talk to me. Now, he knows me and he feels his trust has been compromised."

"You've got a way of making people listen, Ally. You got me to listen and from what I've been told, I'm a pretty big asshole. But that's just what I've heard around."

Ally had to laugh. "Go away, would you? You're a bad influence."

"Now you're sounding like Oliver."

This time, she pushed him with a slight laugh. "Stop it. Go back to your room."

"You're pretty awesome, Ally. Stay that way."

He turned and entered his own room, leaving her alone. "And you don't even realize how far you've come."

Ally only got about two feet when yet another face stopped her. "Ally… I'm sorry to bother you, but there is someone at the door and they're asking for you."

Ryland was standing awkwardly behind her, looking a bit surprised. "Oh."

"He looks familiar to me, but I can't place why."

"I'll be right there."

As she sighed and walked away from the lit up room, the person standing in the doorway nearly made her fall to the ground. "Dez?" she whispered. "What are you doing here?"