Disclaimer: You know the drill, people. I don't own DH. Or Austin. Or Julie. Or Carolyn. Or the supermarket. Or Edie. Or the bottle of whiskey...although I could use it about now.

I wrote this chapter three different ways, (while I had the flu, I might add), before I decided this was the best approach. This is set during Bang, so it may get a little boring, it's mostly just a written account of what happened during Bang, with Julie's thoughts. But I needed it for background. The next chapter should be Post-Bang. Then on to Children and Art. :)

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

Jenna: I'm with you, I'm all for more J/A fics! And I was sorely disappointed with Children and Art. At least give us a kiss, people!

Renee: Glad you liked it. ;)

Stand In Girl: I've enjoyed your fic, too. I can totally relate, the first time I saw DH, I could have sworn that Julie was me. lol And I'd jump at the chance to get my own hot bad boy. :)

Part One

Before he was merely annoying. Now, Julie Mayers was furious with Austin Britt.

Who was he to use her to steal his whiskey? The guy obvious had some experience; he could have done it himself. What was the point, did he just want to get her in trouble? Did he enjoy this endless torture? Well, it just wasn't funny any more. Especially with Susan's reaction.

Disappointed. When was the last time she had heard those words coming from her mother's mouth? She couldn't even remember. She tried so hard to be the perfect child, the one that was always held up to the other kids as the example. There was no reason for her mother to doubt her-but still, it did look bad. It really wasn't Mom's fault for not trusting her; it was Austin's. He got her into this.

"And pretty soon, she'll be listening to that rock and roll music everyone's talking about." Edie flicked Austin on the head. Julie glared at him, wishing Edie would have inflicted a little more damage. Or better yet, allowed her to do so.

He obviously wasn't a bit sorry, either. He was as cool and slick as ever, treating this no different than a minor annoyance in his everyday life. Actually, he appeared to be enjoying this.

She was relieved when she could follow his aunt and him out of the office. It was getting a little to awkward in there. Edie had been sending her curious looks--she apparently didn't buy the fact that Julie overnight turned into the bad girl. Austin, well, his reaction, or lack of one, was just purely obnoxious. As for the store owner, Julie didn't like his scrutiny. Who could blame her?

It wasn't until she realized that the bang she heard was a gun shot, and the piercing scream was coming from Edie herself did she jump. Instinctively she took a couple steps back toward Austin--only because he was the closest human being to her. And for once, he was the least of her problems.

It took a few minutes to realize that what she saw was actually a woman--Carolyn Bigsby--with a gun. Shooting that gun.

As soon as Carolyn reached the door, she turned around, waving the gun wildly. Julie felt someone--and then realized that it was Austin--take her hand, and pull her back behind him, shielding her protectively. That was the one moment that changed everything--but she didn't know it. She only allowed him to push her down, hand on her knee reassuringly, but eyes intent on the insane woman. He was so focused; crouched, looking almost half tempted to pounce on Carolyn. But he remained where he was, watching, waiting for a chance for her to slip up. Julie realized he was in his element--this was the kind of think he lived for. He had been telling the truth when he said he majored in not getting stabbed in juvvie.

BANG.

The second shot she heard fired. This was different than the first. It hit someone.

Now her nerves were shot; the mere sound of the cell phone of the captor ringing made her jump. She was relived when Carolyn walked back, and she turned to look at Austin.

She couldn't believe him. He had the exact same look on his face as he had when they were in Harvey's office. A look of calmness, cool and slick.

"How can you be so calm? Aren't you scared?" She dared to whisper.

He shook his head flippantly. "No, because I'm not going to die today." He said almost arrogantly. Then he turned his head to meet her eyes, the shallow look replaced by real concern. "And neither are you."

He paused for a second, and then moved her closer to him, letting his arm fall dangerously near her hip. Julie didn't mind--now she realized what she didn't before. This guy, somewhere, had a heart. And he actually may just be showing her a little of it now.

BANG.

Julie Mayers knew it was going to happen--the moment Carolyn found out the truth about Nora, she just knew. Something was going to happen--something bad.

She saw the bullet enter Nora. She barely even felt Austin's grip tighten on her as she gazed at the dying woman. It was then that she let go, and buried her face into his shoulder. His hand was on her head, and it was comforting. Somehow, right now of all places, she felt safest. There was nobody she'd rather have here with her.

They both watched wide eyed as Lynette stood up. There was a wild look in her eye, and she let loose. On Carolyn.

"Well, maybe you deserved to be cheated on!" Lynette yelled. Austin's hand on her froze; he knew that was a bad move, whether it was true or not. Carolyn was raising the gun, and Julie automatically flinched, knowing she would see someone else die today. And it might not be the last.

BANG.

Julie saw Lynette go down. She was so focused on her friend that she didn't realize that Austin had even left her side till she saw him rolling on the floor with Carolyn. That scared her more than anything--how could he? Didn't he know he could get himself killed?

BANG.

She shut her eyes, not wanting to look. The bullet could have easily hit Austin-the way they were rolling around, even if the person was aiming for Carolyn. If she opened her eyes, that could be Austin, along with Lynette and Nora.

But she managed to do it, and within a second, Austin was right by her, putting his hand on her leg. She breathed a sigh of relief, and caught a glimpse of Carolyn. She was clearly dead.

It wasn't until she was outside in her mother's arms did she realize how scared she had been.

Julie pulled away, and caught Austin's eye. He looked like he wanted to say something, but before he had a chance, she ran up to him. Not caring what anyone said, she threw her arms around his neck. He was startled for a minute, but hugged her back, and closed his eyes.

She could feel the relief shiver through both their bodies.