WHAT UP!

So, to cheer up your Monday blues, how about a new chapter?

Now, what happened with Austin and Ally last time does not mean they will immediately get together. After all, they are both completely stubborn and that can get in the way. However, we do get to see why Austin is so determined to keep Ally from leaving.

So, I hope you enjoy this new chapter and remember reviews make me happy!

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

Chapter 21

Unwilling to Give, Unwilling to Trust

Previously:

"Why don't you ask her yourself?" I turned around and came face to face with Ally, who stood in the doorway with her hands clasped together. "I'll leave you two alone." Dez said as he exited the room and closed the door behind him. The room filled with a tension filled silence as we just stared at each other before Ally spoke up.

"Hi." She said.

"Hi." I said back.

"We need to talk." She said as she sat on the long sofa in the corner.

"Yes," I said, sitting next to her on the couch. "We really do."

Now, even though they both said they wanted to talk, they both didn't really know where to start.

Ally sat with her knees together, letting out small breaths as she looked around the room. She wanted to say something, anything to break the unnerving tension in the room. However, she kind of wanted Austin to make the first move and ask her about their current situation. Looking between them now, she didn't exactly see that happening.

Shifting a little on the leather couch, she finally decided this stiff silence had gone on long enough.

"So," She said. "About what happened back at the oasis, I want to you know that-"

"That what?" Austin asked, interrupting her. "That…maybe you've finally admitted to yourself that you love me?" Ally's face twitched a little when he said 'love' as she knew that, that was going just a little too far. She turned to face him as she tried to keep her hand from slapping him across the face.

"Look, Austin, I wouldn't exactly say, 'in love'," She began to explain. "I would say it's more of a trust in a friend or becoming acquaintances, but nowhere near being in love."

"Ally," Austin said as he twisted his body sideways and laid his arm on the back of the couch. "I've kissed a lot of girls in my life and let me tell you, none of them have felt like that. There was a spark and I know you felt it." He looked her directly in her eyes and she knew there was no going around it. She couldn't lie and say that she hadn't felt something because she had felt a lot of things in that kiss.

"I will admit," Ally said as she released an exasperated sigh. "That I did feel something, but what that something is, I'm still not sure about. I've never been in a situation like this and frankly, it really scares me."

"I know it scares you," Austin said, placing his hand on top of hers. "But, hopefully this new feeling will develop and it'll make things easier for you to settle down here." Austin hoped that what she would say back would be her agreeing with him, but he was very disappointed.

"Austin." Ally said, removing her hands from his. "Even if I do have feelings for you, it hasn't changed the fact that I still wish to return home."

"What do you mean?" Austin said, his face a cross between confusion and anger as he stood. He couldn't understand how, after seeing his world and the freedom she could have, she would still hold to going back to hers. "Why would you want to go back? Haven't I done enough for you?!" Now, Ally was the one with her face filled with anger.

"Done enough?! Please, explain to me exactly what you have done for me besides kidnap me, force me to become engaged to you, have people either scrutinize me or try to kill me and let's not forget, your wondering hands groping my body!" Ally began to huff and puff as she tried to catch her breath before continuing. She got up off the couch and stood in front of Austin. She tried to be menacing, but it's very hard to do so when you only come up to someone's chest. "Ever since I got here, it's been one crap storm after another. I need some solitude in my life and I can't find it here."

"Ally, I've assured your safety by having you harness your magic, placing extra guards around you and fostering peace between us and the head families. What more would you possibly ask of me?" Austin's voice became very nervous as he watched Ally's face for her reaction.

"Freedom," She said. "Austin, the freedom to be able to see my parents, my friends without worrying about how you will react, which I'm certain you are not willing to give." She then turned around and walked to the large bay window in the right hand corner, where she stared out at the village below.

She knew that telling Austin this could result in a harsh punishment that he was allowed, due to the bondage contract on her chest, but it felt amazing to finally tell him off. She had been holding all of that in since she was brought here, but her fear of Austin's wrath kept her from voicing her thoughts. However, her training has helped her to develop a sense of strength in, not only her magic, but in herself and thanks to what Austin had just said; the words just came right out. All she could hope for was that Austin was forgiving.

Austin watched in stunned silence as Ally spoke and then walk to the bay window in front of them. He couldn't believe what she had just said to him! How dare she act all high and mighty in front of him and say that he provided nothing for her! Has he not given her shelter, food, clothes and lessons to harness her growing magic? And let's not mention a wonderful future husband that can give her the world. What more could she possibly even think of want-

And that's when it hit him like a charging bronco in heat.

Ally was telling the truth when she said he was unwilling to give her access to her family and friends. But, he had a good reason not to; it wasn't like he was doing it to purposely make her hate him. He just didn't want to her to leave him.

"Ally," Austin said as he walked over to the bay window. "I'm willing to give you that freedom you desire." Ally's interest peaked when she heard him say that. Did he really listen to what she had to say? Was he seeing things her way and agreeing with what she believed?

She turned around to face him, her heart beating slightly faster as she listened to what he had to say.

"I understand that seeing your family and friends are important to you," She could feel a smile begin to creep at the edges of her lips. "However," And just as quick as it came, her smile faded away. "I cannot say that I have faith in you returning."

"What do you mean?" Ally asked. "I promise I won't run away if that's what you're thinking."

"It's not you I'm worried about." Austin said. "It's your family and friends that worry me."

"Again, what do you mean by that? All I have to do is show them that I'm perfectly fine and that they shouldn't worry about me. As long as they can receive updates, there shouldn't be any problem." However, that did nothing to sway Austin's mind.

"Surely, even you know that wouldn't be enough. Once you got back there, your parents would do everything in their power to keep you from returning. Their fear of my world would drive them to do so." She wanted to say something back, but then quickly realized that he was right.

Her parents had always had a fear of the magical world and having the king of said world kidnap their only child probably wasn't the best way to earn points with them. Her parents were both stubborn in their beliefs and it had always been hard to change their minds. Ally remembered when she had tried to convince her father to give the servants a raise in pay for the harvest festival; that took about a month to convincing.

"Maybe that's true," Ally said. "But, regardless of the situation, I still deserve to see them. They're my parents; they should at least know I'm alive."

He hated to admit it, but she did have a point.

"Alright," He said. "If it will make you feel better, I shall allow you a test visit." Once again, the smile began to pull at her lips and she knew she had finally broken through to him. "However, there will be some ground rules." Austin then moved to sit on the cushioned seat of the bay window as he crossed his arms over his chest and his right leg over his left.

"Of course," Ally said as she sat on the seat next to him. "As long as they're reasonable, I'll agree to whatever you set forth."

"First, Dez will accompany you and make sure you come back, second, I will give you a week to spend with them, no more, no less and finally, be mindful of who you talk to. I don't need that stupid Dallas coming out of nowhere and taking you from me." Austin explained his voice a little harsher when he spoke of Dallas. He remembered the little punk from the party and how he spoke of his and Ally's 'future,' as if Ally would settle for second best when she could have the prime choice.

Ally could see the look of displeasure on Austin's face. She felt the need to ask him what that look was for, but at this point, she didn't want to push her limits.

"Alright, I agree to your demands." Ally said, her smiling face warming Austin's heart as he looked at her. "So, when can I leave?"

"This coming Monday, I shall have you and Dez venture out. Tomorrow, we have a lunch meeting with the Morgenstern family." Austin said and Ally realized that she had forgotten about the other families. She wasn't as nervous for this one as the Morgenstern family was very loyal to Austin's family, so she didn't have to worry about snap judgements or someone poisoning her food or drink.

"Alright, then we have a deal?" Ally asked as she extended her hand for Austin to shake. He gave a little smile and then thrust his hand to shake hers.

"We have a deal."

"Well then," Ally said as she let go of Austin's hand and got up from the window seat. "I shall retire to our room. I feel the need for a nap calling me before dinner, so I shall see you then."

"Yes, of course." Austin said as he remained seated. "I have some work to finish up, so I shall see you tonight." And with that, Ally left his office to retire to their bedroom.

After she had left, Dez had come back in the room, having stood outside for the whole conversation, and knew Austin would need someone to confide in. There was something that Austin had forgotten to bring up.

"So," He said, taking a seat on the window seat. "Are you going to tell her or not?" Austin turned towards his best friend as he thought about what Dez had asked. There was something that he had to tell Ally if he were to ever truly earn her trust, but he had forgotten to tell her when they had broken into the other conversation.

"Yes," He replied. "I plan to tell her tonight at dinner."

"Are you sure about this?" Dez asked. "I know you want to create a better relationship, but to tell her about this is definitely a big step." Austin knew that what he had to tell Ally would either break or strengthen their bond. It wasn't something he discussed with just anyone and only a handful of people actually knew this secret and there was a reason why.

"If it can bring us closer than I'm willing to risk it." Austin said as he looked out the window at the village. "Besides, a wife deserves to know where her husband came from."

I'll leave you with that for now.

So, Austin and Ally might not be together just yet, but they are starting to see eye to eye. The reason for Austin's clinginess will also be revealed next chapter as we learn more about our Witch-King. Hopefully, you guys will look forward to it!

Much love to everyone who has stuck with me through this story and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Also, there are only TWO EPISODES OF A&A LEFT! I'M NOT EMOTIONALLY READY FOR THIS!

Thanks and remember, STAY ROSSOME!