Author's Note: So you're still here. Let's begin...
Down the Aisle: The Song
"Austin!" his mom shouted from the bottom of the stair-well.
"What?" he yelled back. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, with a guitar in hand, practicing.
"Are you ready? We need to pick Ally up too!" Mimi Moon shouted in response.
It was the day of the wedding and they had made preparations to pick up Ally and since his parents had such a big heart, and being part of the groom's family, and Ally as a bridesmaid; they were arriving a few hours earlier than all the other guest to set up at the chapel.
"Um..." He looked at his tie on the bed next to him. He hadn't finished getting dressed yet. He was anticipating his performance, and that was taking up every last bit of his energy. So he had picked up his guitar to get in some last few minutes of practice even though he was supposed to be getting dressed. "I'm almost done!" he shouted back.
"Okay! Be finished in ten minutes! We're leaving then!" his mom hollered as she was fussed about every little detail of her husband's outfit.
Austin jumped up and gently placed his guitar back on its stand. Ten minutes. He ran to his bathroom and dribbled some water onto his hair giving it that look and quickly ran a comb through it so it looked like he'd taken the time to get ready. Nine minutes. He stripped of his sleeve-less tee and basketball shorts and grabbed a pair of black skinny jeans and pulled those on. Eight minutes. He grabbed a white button up that his mom had carefully pressed and buttoned it up except the last one. Seven minutes. Sock! Shoes! And then he began his hunt for them. Six minutes. Ah, ha! Found them! His remaining pair of socks were well hidden in his chest of drawers and his dress shoes were under his bed. Five minutes. He was hopping around his room trying to locate his wallet while putting on his socks and shoes. Four minutes. His guitar! And sheet music! He grabbed his guitar case used for traveling and gently placed his acoustic within it and some extra picks. Three minutes. Eh, he'll just fix his tie in the car. Plus he didn't really know how to properly arrange it. He picked up his guitar case when he remembered. Two minutes. He groped around his bedside table and pulled out two small boxes. He hoped he'd be able to give them to their rightful owners if everything went well. One minute. Austin picked up his guitar case and the two gifts and hurried down the stars. All ready!
"Aus-" his mom began when she noticed him charging down the stairs. "Oh, you're here. And fix your tie, dear."
He groaned. "I'll do it in the car. We have to go. And also pick up Ally."
"Well isn't someone eager?" his dad teased as they walked to the car.
"Yeah, yeah," he deadpanned. "BTW your tie's backwards." And Austin carefully placed the guitar case in the seat next to him with the gifts and clambered in.
"What?" Mike Moon looked down at his tie. "Oh."
...
"Why don't you go?" Mimi requested of her son.
They were at Ally's house, right out front, and honking the car seemed rude. So Mimi suggested that Austin go ring the door bell. "Fine," he agreed. He stepped out in the cool morning air in his suit and ran up to Ally's front door. He knocked a few times before he heard echoing footsteps. "Hey," he greeted as the door pulled open. But he was lost for words once he saw Ally's dress.
It was breath-taking. Even though he'd already seen her in the dress shop when they had gone to alter it, but he saw her in a different light today. She was beautiful. With minimal make-up and a small clutch purse in her hands.
"Hey, Austin. Looking sharp," she commented eyeing his buttoned shirt and dress shoes. "But skinny jeans? Did you parents notice? And seriously! Where's your tie?"
"Well... First of all, thank you. You look mighty fine today Miss Dawson," he said in his British accent as Ally giggled at the compliment. "But hey! It's not my wedding. Plus I hate dress pants. And I hope we'll be at the chapel before my parents notice its black skinny jeans." Once again Ally laughed. Austin liked her laugh. It was cute, dainty, and all Ally. "And I'll fix my tie when I get into the car."
"Really?" she raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyes at his laziness. "Did you bring you guitar?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
"Okay then. Let's get your cousin married!" she joked. Austin laughed along and followed her to the car.
"Hi Mrs. Moon and Mr. Moon," Ally greeted as she settled in next to Austin who was trying to fix his tie. Unsuccessfully, I might add.
"Hey!" Mimi Moon called. "There's our bridesmaid! And how many times, its Mimi."
Ally sheepishly smiled. "Sorry. But nice to see you too Mrs- oh, Mimi."
She smiled and nodded then looked over to her son. She groaned inwardly. "Austin. Seriously? Skinny jeans?! You count yourself lucky that we're already on the road."
Ally gave Austin a knowing look and he chuckled and pulled out his tie. "How do you put this on?"
Mimi Moon sighed. "I'd help you, but I'm in the front. Ally, dear, can you please help him?"
"Sure." She twisted around in her seat to face Austin. She took the tie from him and looped the fabric below his already popped-up collars. She found the seam of the tie and crossed it. A few more loops and pulling the wide end through the knot she was... "Done." She straitened it and brought his collars down. She pleated it and looked up at Austin who was just inches away from her face. "Um..."
This feeling in her heart pulsed through her. But the beat passed as Mrs. Moon spoke.
"So Ally?" Mrs. Moon called.
"What? Huh?" Ally tore her eyes away from Austin to look at Mrs. Moon who was giggling. She cleared her throat. "Yes Mrs.- Mimi?"
"What are you two going to perform at the reception?"
"It's called 'Beautiful (As You)'," she replied.
Mrs. Moon smiled. "The song already sounds beautiful. And speaking of beautiful, my, aren't you dressed up pretty well today?" Ally blushed. "Don't you agree, Austin?"
He cleared his throat. "Um, yeah. Very pretty." And he turned away to look out the window, hoping his rosy cheeks wouldn't be seen.
He wanted to punch the living daylights out of that guy. "And here are our bridesmaids and groomsmen that are now walking down the aisle!" Everyone cheered, he did too, just discreetly and not as enthusiastic. There he was in his seat, while Ally walked down the church aisle with another guy who looked happy and proud to be Ally's partner. It hurt deep; it was a pain no man would ever dream of going through. But there he was going through it all.
"Here they are in succession. Jason Rawlins and Ally Dawson!" They were the first and Austin knew all the guys (except the groom and maybe all the old guys and married ones so basically the younger audience) would love to take Jason's place because Ally was stunningly beautiful. No one could compare. "Don't they look like an amazing couple?" the announcer said, which caused Austin to stare daggers at the guy. "I would be surprised if little lady over there," the guy said meaning Ally, "is still single!" Some of the audience chuckled as Ally blushed and Austin glared more intensely at the announcer.
As they came nearing the alter, Ally turned her head the slightest to make eye-contact with Austin and smiled. There Austin felt assured that Ally had no likes for the guy next to her.
"Next we have Grant Vallejo and Violette Mosley!" Everyone cheered. "Everyone here looks amazing and I wonder if anyone can out-shine these two!"
"Then are Patrick Hanson and Lynn Vasquez!" the announcer said. "Man, I hope Patrick learned some self-control manners." Most of the audience laughed, getting the joke.
"Our final groomsman and bridesmaid are Caleb Wendt and Drew Richards! Caleb, did I say that right? 'Wendt'? Seems a bit confusing."
It seemed that each pair was made up from one from each side of the family being combined today. He recognized his cousins Violette who was the nicest person one could meet, and Patrick who was one rowdy guy and Caleb. And the guy said the name right. The other must be from the other side, Austin thought, well except for Ally. Ah, his Ally. Keyword: his.
"And now our best man, older brother of the groom is Jonathan Moon! And next to him is the beautiful cousin of our bride, Skylar Delgado!" Everyone cheered once seeing the two.
"Now all of what you're been waiting for! Everyone rise!" And everyone followed suit, waiting for the entrance of the bride. The classic "Wedding March" was playing loud, as the doors opened. "Finally our bride, Theresa Delgado is here! Next to her, on her left is her father Manson Delgado." All the girls awed in amazement of Theresa's wedding dress. It was just stunningly beautiful.
It wasn't one of those big poufy dresses, but still within the range. It was a sweetheart neckline, and the dress fitted the bodice perfectly and then finally drawn out at the hip, but still showed her boastful figure. The train was only a few feet of lace, but gave a waterfall effect. Austin knew Ally would look just as beautiful if not more, on their wedding day. If only...
"We are all here today in the joining of this wonderful couple's hand in marriage..." the preacher started once Theresa had her moment and had gotten to the alter. But Austin had drifted off into one of his daydreams about him and Ally and the future. He sighed. But that idea had certain doubts as he stared off in the general direction where Ally was at the alter.
Little did he know what Ally was thinking herself. In her mind, she had a false hope that one day this would be her and Austin before all their friends and family. There was some hope that Austin would one day return the feelings that blazed within her, but her self-consciousness and insecurities took over. Who would want her? Who would love her?
...
He loved Ally. He really did.
The initial wedding was over and now was the transition from the church wedding to the reception. And the camera man clicking away, blinding flashes, one after the other. Everyone was in a hurry to get everyone prepared, as the guests lazily walked in and out, waiting for the program to begin. Others idly talked outside the venue. Austin and Ally were by the stage, helping the DJ fix his equipment.
"So Austin," Ally asked, lingering on his features a few seconds longer than necessary, "are you nervous? I mean, this is different from all your other gigs."
He shrugged in response. "I don't know. Maybe? But I just want it perfect."
Ally nodded. He just looked perfect. In a suit and tie, it really suited him to dress up once in a while. "Hey Austin, I was wondering if..." she trailed off, not daring to get those words out of her mouth.
Fortunately, he was looking down at the sheet music. "Huh? Did you say something?"
Ally shook her head and twiddled with her fingers as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. "No, nothing. Never mind."
But the DJ caught that exchange of words. It was minimal, but he got all the information he needed. He had been the announcer that morning, and when he made the joke about Ally being single (which technically she isn't) he saw Austin's reaction. And his suspicions continued when he noticed them flirting subtly, making sure no one, not even the other person would notice. But he did and he knew he wanted to do something about it.
"So? Ally, Austin, what song have you two prepared?" he asked, to get them talking. He lightly smirked, seeing Austin's eyes narrow once he had recognized him. But Ally was oblivious.
"Um, it's a newly written song and I think everyone will love it," she replied. "It's called Beautiful (as You)."
And just by the title the DJ knew it had other underlying lyrics, not just for the newlywed couple, but this future couple. "Nice, nice," he commented. "Sound beautiful already. So how do you want the lighting when you perform?"
Austin jumped in the conversation. "Um, just dim the lights and have one or two spotlights on stage. Yeah, that's pretty much it."
"So what are we expected to get? How's the performance going to go down?" the DJ pressed further.
"Well, um... It's a duet... and it's going to be sung acoustic... that's pretty much I guess," Ally said, wrapping a cord and attaching it to the mic stand.
But all the DJ needed to hear was the word 'duet;. "Sounds great! I can't wait." And until then... he had some Austin and Ally or Auslly shipping.
Ally smiled and waved good-bye as Austin led her back to his parents to join all the talk before it all began. The DJ smiled at the couple, knowing how lucky Austin was to be able to have a girl like Ally. What was not to like? He smiled at a fond memory of him and his once former fiancée. And sighed, not everything ended as a fairytale ending, but he hoped the two would.
All the guests had finally arrived and only the court was milling outside for their entrance. The bride and groom had already entered and were already at their seats. "Time to introduce the court!" he boomed into the mic. "Here is the little cutie, Bailey Moon as our flower girl and her little friend, our ring bearer, Riley Kawehi. It's Hawaiian, fyi. Long 'e', ladies, pronounced as KA-VE-HE. Don't ask me about Hawaiian pronunciation, it's just on the card."
The DJ looked down at the next couple. Time for a move. "Next is Jason Rawlins and Ally Dawson." He looked at the audience in a serious manner and said, "Sorry dudes. She's not single, my mistake. I was talking to her and her boyfriend about their performance coming up later." He smirked triumphantly seeing Austin and Ally's hanging mouths and to all the guys who looked like they've just been rejected, which they technically had been.
The hour continued with the DJ making endless hints at Auslly but making sure to tease others just in case someone would suspect him. When it was time for the court's dance, he made sure to warn Jason to lay off Ally because of her jealous boyfriend out there in the audience. He got plenty of laughs for that.
And he had another suspicion that Austin's mother was on to him. But she seemed to love that he was shipping them. And it was proved when she came up to him for a song request. "Do you mind playing 'We Are Love' by Il Volo?"
He nodded. "Sure. No problem."
But she didn't take her leave, instead she sparked up a conversation. "So... I see that you've been making not so subtle and numerous hints about my son and his best friend."
"Um... yeah. I meant, yes, ma'am. I was talking to them earlier and I've noticed how they act toward and around each other. I know, I just know it that they have some feelings underneath. But if you want me to stop because it bothers you, I'll immediately take that into action." He had no idea how she'd take it, so he made sure to be polite and pile it into a speech sandwich.
Mimi Moon laughed. "Please, it's Mimi. No need to be so professional. But if that bothers you, then it's Mrs. Moon. But I just wanted to thank you."
"Why?" He'd met many people, but this lot had certainly been one of the most... unique.
"Because!" she exclaimed as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I've been wanting to get those two together! Finally someone other than me noticed that attraction between them. I just wanted to thank you for shipping them."
"Wanna help me?" the DJ asked.
Mimi Moon thought about it, the nodded. "Sure. What can I do to help?"
So many times had the whole room, start clinking their silverware against their glass. And so many times had the newlywed kissed in response to the clanking of glass. After the toast, glasses were being lightly hit and the couple shared a light peck.
The DJ of course had to shout out, "Oh come on! Show us something from tonight!" The couple laughed as well as everyone else and the glasses were once again tapped on lightly. Theresa was laughing and shaking her head, but James found the solution. He held up a napkin and they hid behind it for several long seconds as the crowd hooted.
Why couldn't that have been me and Ally? Austin furiously thought. That would have been how they'd react to that type of request ten years from now, but at the least they were sealing their future together and would be able to show their affections for each other in public. He sighed and looked at the girl next to him.
"Okay! Now that everyone's had their fill, it's time for the slideshow!" the DJ called out. "Every please be seated-" as people were going around and talking "-and the video presentation will begin momentarily. Please enjoy."
Once everyone was seated again, the lights were dimmed and Taylor Swift's "The Best Day" started to seep out of the speakers and baby pictures of Theresa were soon being displayed on the large pull-down screen. The audience watched her grow up in pictures, and then the story began again but this time retelling James' story. Finally it told one last story, as Bruno Mars' "Marry You" sound tracked the main portion: James and Theresa's journey together and there were even pictures of the wedding this morning. As the last note played, one last photo of the couple was flashed before it faded to black and the audience clapped.
"Okay! Let's get on with the couple's first dance as husband and wife!"
This was it. It was time for their performance. Austin and Ally shared a look and quietly slipped out of their seats and approached the stage. Austin grabbed his guitar and looped the strap around him. Theresa and James walked down from the elevated platform and walked out to the dance floor, as Austin and Ally took the stage.
"And here performing a new song, Austin Moon!" A spotlight turned on above head, illuminating Austin sitting down on a stool with a guitar in hand and Ally standing next to him. "Yep ladies and dudes," the DJ continued. "the Austin Moon is Ally's boyfriend. And me saying it for him, back off his girl."
The audience laughed. But Ally took it up as her responsibility and announced, "He's such a tease. But no, I am single and Austin is just my best friend." She had a second half to that, but was debating whether to say it out loud. She did anyway. "And no, I'll still reject any guys in the audience because I have one in mind. So... sorry."
Austin sharply looked at Ally. What did she just say?! She had a guy in mind?! But she said "guys in the audience" and that excluded him. But he wouldn't let his hopes up. Instead he just put himself down and rearranged his guitar waiting for their performance to be done and over with.
Silence. But the DJ covered it all up with one swoop, "Okay! Take it away for us! Austin and Ally!"
"Okay. Hello everybody and thanks to Mr. DJ you obviously know who were are. But we should introduce ourselves nevertheless. So I'm Ally Dawson."
"And I'm Austin Moon," her best friend said.
That took her by surprise. Did she say something? Usually he was bubbly and full of words. "Okay... well this is a new song we dedicate to the newlywed couple. Congrats James and Theresa. And it's called 'Beautiful (as You)'. We hope you love it." She turned to Austin who sat up from his stiff position and pulled his guitar closer to him.
The lights dimmed and Austin started on the first few chords.
From the moment I saw you
From the moment I looked into your eyes
There was something about you I knew, I knew
That you were once in a lifetime
A treasure near impossible to find
And I know how lucky I am to have you
'Cause I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away
The beauty of the setting sun, on any given day
And when it comes to shooting stars I have seen a few
But I've never seen anything as beautiful as you
I can't believe that I have you
I can't believe that you're here in my arms
I've been waiting a life time for you, for you
And I've dreamed about you
Pictured in my mind who I would see
But I never imagined just how beautiful you'd be
'Cause I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away (Take your breath away)
The beauty of the setting sun, on any given day (Any given day)
And when it comes to shooting stars I have seen a few
But I've never seen anything as beautiful as you
I've seen rainbows that could take your breath away (Take your breath away)
The beauty of the setting sun, on any given day
And when it comes to shooting stars I have seen a few
But I've never seen anything as beautiful
But I've never seen anything as beautiful as you
From the moment I saw you
From the moment I looked into your eyes
He ended with one final strum staring and almost serenading to Ally. His grumpiness and sullen mood had quickly evaporated and all he needed to say was in the song. Ally finished the last note taking a glance at Austin. They held it for a few seconds before the audience was cheering them on with standing ovation. They suddenly broke out of their trance and Austin stood up and stood next to Ally.
"Thanks everyone!" he said. "I'm glad you loved it. And I'm glad I was granted the honor of playing James and Theresa's first dance song. This truly has been amazing. Thank you. And congrats bro! You too, Theresa," he concluded.
Ally smiled. That was more like Austin. She took the mic and said, "Yes, I'd also like to add in another congrats and I hope you'll live a wonderful life together."
Then suddenly amidst all of the applause a single sound stood out. It was a light but sharp as crystal sound of a dessert spoon lightly being clanged against a wine glass. Suddenly the sound grew strong, more in unison as people joined it.
"Oh ho!" the DJ called out, laughing. "Looks like we also have another demand! Is this for the newlywed couple or Austin and Ally?" he asked.
But everyone knew the answer. It wasn't for Theresa and James since they too had joined in with the demand for a kiss. Ally's eyes widened in fear as she stood stock still on stage. Austin silently stood next to her and slipped his hand into hers for comfort. He knew Ally found some comfort in that when she had squeezed his hand. He held hers tightly in response.
"Oh come on Austin! Just plant one on Ally!" the DJ called out. "Come on! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" And pretty soon the entire venue was chanting along to the DJ's magnified voice. "KISS! KISS! KISS!"
Ally took in a deep breath and spoke into the mic. "I'm sorry, but we can't grant you that request. That's traditionally for the newlywed so that counts us out."
"No it's not!" a guy yelled in the back and clanked his spoon even louder.
"Look," Ally continued. "But I, I..." she turned to Austin for back-up.
Now or never. Austin took a deep breath and as Ally turned toward him, he leaned forward and crashed his lips to hers. Ally was first stiff from the surprise kiss, but she soon relaxed and melted into Austin's arms. It was only a short kiss, and Austin pulled away a few seconds after Ally fell for him. The short kiss disappointed Ally; she wanted more.
The crowd erupted when Austin leaned in. It was going crazy. Ally smiled on stage and pulled Austin with her, down the stage and outside to the waiting hall. They needed to talk. Immediately.
"Oh! They're up for more!" the DJ hooted. "Mr. and Mrs. Moon, I think you'd want to keep an eye out for them!" Everyone couldn't help but laugh, even Austin chuckled a little, but Ally was no a different note.
Once they reach out of the venue Ally furiously let go of Austin's hand and spun on her heels toward him. "What was that all about?!"
Austin's goofy grin was immediately wiped out. "What... what do you mean? Didn't you like it?"
"That's not the question!" Ally refuted.
"I just gave them what they want!" Austin replied hastily, hoping not to get into that much trouble with Ally. "They were begging for it. So I complied." He gave Ally a snarky grin. "But didn't you like it? You didn't reject me... at the end you didn't."
"Not the point!" Ally exclaimed. She turned around and started to head back into the room.
"Wait." Austin grabbed her hand and pulled her back. "You're avoiding the question."
Ally stood defiant. "No, no I'm not."
"Yes, yes you are," Austin mimicked her tone. "Did you hate it?" he meekly asked, with hopeful eyes.
Ally sighed. Was she really going to do it? Was she going to really confess? "Then tell me, why'd you do it? Why'd you actually kiss me?"
It was now Austin's time to sigh... and panic. He closed his eyes; if he had the will to kiss her on stage, why couldn't he have the courage to confess his feelings? He opened his eyes to meet Ally's beautiful ones. "It's because... I like you Ally." There he had said it. He actually cringed when the words had came out, in fear of how Ally would reply.
She smiled. "I... I like you too Austin. I... I don't know why it took me this long and how..."
But Austin had stopped her again. He leaned in captured his lips with hers. It was longer and more passionate than the one just a few minutes ago. Ally melted again into the kiss and wrapped her arms around Austin's neck. Was their every kiss going to be as magical as this?
He hoped so. He hoped life would be like this forever. He hoped that he would be at the alter to see his beautiful Ally walking down the aisle with her father guiding her toward him, ready to become her protector from there on out. Now he had all the hopes in the world that his dreams might actually come true. But that'd take several more years. In the meantime...
Wait. With all the constant hinting... did the DJ have something to do with their pair up?
A/N: Well... Happy Singles' Awareness Day! (that's what one of my best friends calls it ;P) but in other words, Happy Valentines! For all the couples out there, hope your day was magical or at least special. And for all you singles, I'm with ya! ;P Don't worry I'm not going to be going off into a rant about my love life, I'm just going to say that I'm waiting for my Austin Moon.
Anyway hoped you loved the end. :)
Review! Follow! Favorite!
