WHAT UP!

I'am so sorry for the delay in updates! I know I promised before Christmas, but unfortunately I ended up in the hospital. I had this infection on my leg that I normally get, but it was bad this time. I had to keep going back and forth to monitor it, keep it from spreading up my leg and thankfully, it has finally receded. Now I can focus on my stories.

And may I say, it means so much to me when I see how much people actually enjoy what I write even though I'm not the best at updating. I love all of you very much!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Austin & Ally

Chapter 16

Kira Starr, A Little too Friendly?

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

Never was there a more annoying sound to wake up to then the beeping of an alarm clock.

Especially when that alarm clock is set for 5:30 in the morning, an annoyed Austin thought as he begrudgingly began to open his eyes. He lifted his hand from where it dangled over his side of the bed, threw it around the bedside table for a while until he finally slammed on the snooze button. The dark room was then filled with quiet silence.

His reason for getting up at the ungodly hour: a meeting with Jimmy to actually finalize his album release, interviews with the Helen Show and then finally, an appearance on a radio talk show. All of this to promote his album just seemed too real, yet like a dream at the same time. While he would rather sleep in, work is work and he needed to provide for his growing family.

Sighing, Austin turned to lie on his back and stretched his arm out to the other side. He was hoping to cuddle with Ally, but was met with disappointment when he felt her empty space on the bed. He squinted his eyes opened and noticed that she wasn't there and by the cool to the touch feel of the sheets, she hadn't been for a while.

"Aria must be bothering her again." He said as he reached over to turn the lamp on. His eyes burned a little from the bright shine, but eventually he was able to open his eyes.

Aria had been causing Ally a little discomfort since Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago. Seems Aria liked to play soccer when her mother filled up on good food. Ally blamed Austin for giving that to their daughter.

Lifting the covers from his body, he sat up, stretched and then proceeded to the bathroom for a shower. When he got out, he stopped at the door of his and Ally's bedroom due to an enticing aroma that floated in. Putting on a pair of sweats, he left the bedroom for the kitchen, where a now all too familiar sight greeted him.

Ally was dressed in one of his plaid button down shirts, her five month pregnant belly poking through, with her hair tied in a messy bun, standing over the stove with at least three different pans at once. Her bare feet made little noise as she moved from one pan to the next and he could hear her humming a soft tune as she cooked.

"So this is where you went off to." Austin said, causing Ally to turn around to look at him. She had that deer in headlights look as she stared at him with a piece of bacon dangling from her mouth. She bit down on the bacon strip before answering,

"Aria decided to play soccer at around 4, so I decided to come out here and watch TV." She explained as she flipped a pancake in the nearest pan. "But, when I heard you moving around, I decided to make breakfast. You're gonna need your strength for the big day you have ahead of you."

"Yeah," Austin said as he moved to stand behind her. "I'll be ready to just crash at home when I get done. Who knew it took this much work to get an album out?" Ally gave him that 'duh' look when he said that.

"It takes more than just writing songs and recording them, you know." She said as she put a fresh plate of scrambled eggs together for them.

"I know," He said back as he began to fill his own plate. "I just wish I didn't have to go today of all days."

The only problem Austin had with doing all this press stuff was that it meant missing another ultrasound appointment. He had missed the last two between press conferences, choosing songs, going to various events etc. and he felt like he was missing out. He loved to hear about Aria's progress, hear her heartbeat and how Ally's holding up as well. The last time he had been there, Ally had unintentionally broken into tears when someone had made a comment about how big she had gotten. That was one hell of an appointment.

Ally gave a soft smile as she walked over to Austin, grabbed his free hand and placed it on her stomach. He smiled when he felt the 'butterflies', what they tended to call Aria's kicking, against his palms. Ally knew that if he was ever down about something, feeling his overly vivacious daughter was usually what got him to smile.

"Remember, I talked to Jimmy and he said that you can take a break and video chat me while I'm in my appointment." Ally explained as she leaned sideways onto his chest. "He knows how important being there for this is to you and if he could've, he would have rescheduled."

"I know, this was the only day Helen could take me and I need to get this last push before my album release." He said. "It still feels like yesterday that I was told I had gotten the record deal."

"Well, it'll finally set in when your album is released, like when we first heard Aria's heartbeat." That was true for the both of them. The thought that Ally was pregnant never really sunk in until their first appointment and they heard the thump-thump of their daughter's heart. It truly is a magical thing to hear the heartbeat of your child.

They shared a kiss before they both grabbed their breakfast and sat down to eat it.

After eating, Austin went back to their room to change into clothes more suited to interviews and meetings while Ally cleaned up and prepared for her own day. Austin came out dressed in a black t-shirt with a black blazer, dark blue jeans and black leather dress shoes. Around his neck was his train whistle and a white guitar pick necklace engraved with 'A&A' on the front. It was an early Christmas/birthday from Ally and he hasn't taken it off since.

"So, you've got school today right?" Austin asked as he reached for his satchel bag and threw it across his broad shoulders.

"Yeah, I've got English in an hour, then advanced calculus followed by European History." She said as she walked over to her laptop on the couch.

After the incident with Cassidy and her cronies, Ally and her mom had searched through thousands of online schools. Ally had originally thought that the only courses available would be ones to just get her GED, but she had found one that allowed her to get her full high school diploma, which includes the credits she had already earned at Marino. This meant that if she wanted to go to college after her baby was born, she would still be able to take the courses she wanted. She had started taking them around late October and was well on her way to graduating on time.

"Great, remember to start working on those midterm papers. The teacher only gave you an extension because you were with me at interviews last week." Austin said as he reached for his keys. Ally had actually gone with Austin to a couple of interviews and shows in the last couple of weeks and while she managed to stay on top of most of week, she forgot about a history and English paper that was worth most of her grade.

"Yes mom, I'll get right on it." She said sarcastically as Austin gave a cheeky smile then kissed her on the forehead. "Don't forget you've got to pick up your cap and gown for your graduation next weekend." He nodded his head in acknowledgement and with a final kiss and a goodbye; he was out the door and on his way to Starr Records.

Austin's POV:

After the 1 hour drive to Starr Records, I found my reserved parking space, parked my car and then grabbed my satchel out of the back seat. I love my satchel very much and I greatly appreciated that Ally didn't make any 'man purse' jokes when I walked out the door. Aw well, there's always tomorrow.

Using my personal I.D. card, I walked into the building, said hi to Janice the receptionist, and then got in the elevator, bound for the 12th floor. When I got there, I was directly by Jimmy's assistant to the meeting room, where Jimmy, Trish and Dez were already waiting for me. However, there was one person who I did not expect to see: Jimmy's daughter, Kira.

"Ah Austin," Jimmy said when he saw me. "Great to see you, now let's get this meeting underway."

"Actually Jimmy, if you don't mind me asking, why is Kira here?" I asked, motioning to her. I didn't have a problem with Kira, as long as she kept her hands to herself.

Ever since I began working at Starr Records, Kira had been more than friendly. She would show up when I would be in the recording studio, bring me pancakes out of thin air, work out next to me when I would use the gym in the building, she was practically everywhere! I had once brought Ally to the gym so that we could try out something our Lamaze teacher had suggested for pain and guess who was there? Kira and she watched us like a hawk.

"Kira has been very eager to talk about possibly doing a duet with you or some sort of collaboration in the near future." Jimmy said. "Plus, she'll someday be running this business, so I need her to know every part of this business. Now, if you will take your seat, we can begin this meeting." He turned his back to us as he set up his presentation on the giant TV/computer. I looked around the room and froze where I stood.

The only open seat was next to Kira and I could see the lustful hunger in her brown eyes. She leaned back in her chair to pull her blouse down a little, trying to emphasize her cleavage, and I could feel my head begin to sag. I took my seat as Jimmy dimmed the lights and began the meeting.

"So, as you can see, your single, 'Double Take', has grossed to the top of…" Jimmy began saying, though frankly my mind had jumped to something else.

I suddenly felt a hand rest on my left thigh, jumping slightly when I feel it. I turned my head slightly to look at Kira and I gently pushed her hand off. However, that did little to deter her. She placed that same hand back on my thigh and then began to move it up.

"…With your official release now set at the 20th of December, we should see a very profitable…"

"You know, there's a closet just down the hallway." Kira whispered in my ear. "Make an excuse and meet me there in 5." She then got up from her seat, telling her father that she had another date, and then walked out the room.

"And with that, I officially adjourn this meeting." The lights then flickered back on and I could finally see and hear straight. Dez, Trish and I both stood up from our seats and began to put our stuff away.

"Hey Austin, aren't you supposed to call Ally now?" Trish asked me. "Her appointment is supposed to be now right?"

"Oh right, thanks for reminding me, Trish." I said as I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and walked down the hallway to the small dining area. Once seated, I pressed Ally's number. We had agreed to face time so that I would be able to hear and see her ultrasound even if I couldn't be there.

"Hey." I heard her voice say as her picture appeared on the screen.

"Hey," I say back. "Did you have your appointment yet?"

"Nope, you're just in time. Dr. Hawthorne just stepped out to get my charts. So far everything is right on track." She told me.

"That's great, so we're out of the red zone right?" I asked, referring to the higher chances of a miscarriage or something going wrong. We didn't want a repeat of what happened before.

"Yep, after the first three months, the chance of something going wrong does go down. So, she should be fine." I heard a voice say as the door to Ally's exam room opened. Dr. Hawthorne soon appeared in the frame and I greeted her.

After the doctor had sat down, Ally handed her phone to the nurse and proceeded to roll her plaid shirt up to reveal her round belly. Dr. Hawthorne took the tube of cold gel and squeezed some onto Ally's stomach. Even after doing this multiple times, Ally still jumps when the gel is squeezed onto the skin of her stomach. The nurse with the phone turned off the lights as the doctor began moving the wand across Ally's stomach.

Thwump-Thwump-Thwump

That sound was music to mine and Ally's ears.

"She's looking great in there." Dr. Hawthorne said. "A nice, healthy heartbeat, just what we want to hear." I could feel a smile begin to spread across my face as I watched the moving figure on the screen. I couldn't really make it out, but I could see the outline of her arms, legs and her head… I still can't believe that Ally's gonna push that out of her body.

The doctor then switched the lights back on as the nurse proceeded to help Ally clean up. They both left when she told us that she was going to print out more pictures.

"Well, looks like you got to be there after all." Ally said as she pulled her shirt back down.

"Yeah, thankfully the meeting was short and Trish reminded me, so that helped. I've still got the Helen Show to do and then I should be done. I'll see you at home?"

"No, I've got a family dinner tonight at Elliot's, but I'll be heading back home to set up some Christmas decorations." She said.

"Alright, just remember to not lift anything heavy." I told her. "We'll be looking for the tree tomorrow, so try to find some good ornaments."

"Alright will do, anything else?" I gave her a look and then she gave me one back. "I'm not doing it."

"Aw, come on, please?" I begged. "I'm not there to do it in person."

"Alright," She said. "But, keep it short." And then she lowered the phone to her stomach.

"I love you, baby girl, try to not give your mama too much grief because then she takes it out on daddy. Keep growing in there and can't wait to see you in four months." I said in a baby voice and then pretended to place kisses on her stomach. I could hear Ally giggle as I did and then she brought the phone back to her face.

"I'll see you later, Austin." She said as she continued to giggle. "I love you."

"I love you too." I say as we share one last virtual kiss and then hang up. I still sometimes wonder how I ended up so lucky.

"How sweet," I jumped out of my seat when I heard that and turned around to come face to face with Kira. "It was so sweet that I think I'm getting cavities."

"What do you want, Kira?" I asked, trying to keep my distain for her on the down low. She silently stacked towards me as she swayed her hips.

"You didn't come meet me in the closet, so I wanted to make sure you were okay." She said as she began to move her hands up my arms.

"Look, Kira, I happen to be in a happy relationship, so if you don't mind keeping your hands to yourself." I said as I raised my arms to get her hands off me.

"Oh come on Austin," She said with a little laugh. "You don't honestly think this relationship will last do you? Ally is 18 and pregnant, she needy, small, naive, and is gonna end up a fat cow. You need a woman to match you." She raised her arms to wrap around my neck and I could feel my anger begin to bubble over.

"And what, pray tell, do you mean by that?" She looked into my eyes as she spoke.

"If you and I got together, we would be the hottest young power couple in the business. We're both talented, hot and we'll have the world eating out of our hands. Isn't that what you want?"

"Kira, I will admit that you are very attractive and I would have definitely asked you out." She began to smile and then lean in to kiss me, my head following suit. "But, I already have the best woman in the world," I pushed her arms from me and she gave me a look of surprise. "And I wouldn't trade that for anything else in the world." I grabbed my phone, my satchel and began to walk out the door.

"It's because she's pregnant, isn't it?!" I heard Kira yell.

"Trust me, Kira, it's more than that." I said and then walked back to the elevator to head for the Helen Show.

*Around 8pm*

After a day of interviews, meetings and going across town to pick up my cap and gown, I finally managed to make it back home. Using my key, I unlocked the door, walked inside and then closed it behind me. I pulled my satchel off when I saw a familiar form on the couch. Ally was curled up under a blanket, her book on top of her, as she slept. I smiled as I saw her fast asleep, though really I was just happy she was sleeping.

With Aria being so active these last few nights, Ally hadn't really gotten that much sleep. So, seeing her fast asleep on the couch was a very welcomed sight.

Placing my satchel on the other couch, I walked to her and kneeled down to be level with her face. I pushed some hair from her face and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. I then caught sight of her baby bump and something popped into my head. I carefully moved the blanket from her stomach and then placed my face on her bump.

"Hey there, baby girl, it's daddy." I say. "I just wanted to let you know that you and your mama mean so much to me. I'll never stray and I'll never abandon either one of you, I'll be there for every milestone, every birthday, for the good and the bad times and everything in between. I love you so much, never forget that." I was rewarded with a small kick to my palm and I knew that she had heard me.

No matter what anyone says, I know where my place is and who is important to me. This is my family and I'm not leaving them for anyone.

I then heard moaning and movement as I saw Ally's eyes begin to flutter open. She stretched her arms above her head as she opened them completely.

"Hey." She said as she rubbed her eyes.

"Hey," I said back. "I thought you had dinner with your family tonight?" I moved to the couch as she moved to lie on my chest, her right ear over my heart.

"I did, but then Elliot called to say he was sick, so we had to cancel." She said as she settled into my chest.

"So I guess it's another quiet night at home for us?" I asked.

"You know I wouldn't have it any other way." She said back.

And I agree wholeheartedly.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I'll try my very best to catch up to my slack because frankly you guys deserve it! I love you guys so much!

By the way, who else cried their eyes out when they watched the 'Austin & Ally' finale? I couldn't take all the feels! Auslly's kids are just beyond adorable! Also, Laura finally announced her single! I can't wait for it!

As always remember to review, like and follow my stories.

Much love and thanks!