Trouble

Chapter 12

Ally moved sluggishly through Sonic Boom, straightening crooked instruments. Only a few customers loitered in the store, closing time only a few minutes away. Lester wanted her to lock up, which she had agreed to do. Devon was spending the day with Austin, and there have been these lyrics running through her mind that she wanted to write down. Trish came by to check on her every thirty minutes, worried her stitches were aggravating her. Ally couldn't help but roll her eyes at her friend. Trish was nothing if not protective. And she was always protective when it came to Ally. She slid the dead bolt into place before making her way up the stair case to her practice room. She inhaled a deep breath as she twisted the knob, watching as it slid open with ease. The lights were off, which was normal. However what caught her attention was the fact that music was playing. She furrowed her brows in confusion, believing she might have left the radio or the recordings on.

I like the bass when it boomsYou like the high-end treble

Her breath caught in her throat as a familiar voice drifted to her ears, her hand frozen over the light switch. What was he doing?I'm like the ninety-ninth floorAnd you're cool on street level

She flicked the switch to see him, sitting on the window sill with her favorite guitar, the one he had autographed for her. Her mouth dropped open as she took in the sight of him. He was at ease, relaxed as he strummed the chords with a practiced hand. I like the crowd rock, rock, rock, rocking it loudYou like the sound of hush, hush

What was he playing at? Why was he singing in her practice room? Where was Devon? Hey! Keep it downHigh tops, flip flops, retro, dance, pop

He finally glanced up to see her, a small smile playing on his lips as he continued the song. He held her gaze, refusing to look away even as he saw the millions of questions running through her mind. We rock different waysBeach bum, city fun, touchdown, home runWhat can I say - aay - aay He pushed to his feet, continuing to sing as he strode across the carpet of the practice room, his fingers stroking the strings gently as he moved closer to her. It's me, (it's me)It's you (it's you)I know we're not the same, but we do what we do!It's you (it's you) and it's me (and it's me)And who says that we have to agree? He was two feet from her now, her hands remained limp by her side as she listened to the song, an unfamiliar song she had never heard him sing before. Cause I likeWhat I likeAnd sometimes we collideBut it's me (but it's me) and it's you (and it's you)I know we're not the same, but we do what we do. " I know we're not the same, but we do what we do," he repeated, softer as he pushed her guitar on to his back. Her brows were furrowed in confusion, something he could easily see. He inhaled a deep breath, taking two large steps towards her and eating the space that separated them easily. He cradled both sides of her face in his large hands as he held eye contact, struggling to find the right words, to organize his thoughts. He refused to ruin this moment.

" Do you remember the first time we met?" his voice was low, barely above a whisper as he rested his forehead against her own. Slowly she nodded her head in answer to his question, chewing her bottom lip between her teeth. He blew out a huff of air before continuing to talk.

" I thought you were just this geeky, annoying, bossy girl. I didn't think we would ever get along. We were just to different. I liked to be the center of attention, to be the main event. You preferred staying in the background, putting others before yourself.

" I was loud, you were shy. I was wild, you were careful. I never for a second thought we could make our partnership work. But we did, because you were just to stubborn to honestly give up. You made the partnership work, than I thought there was no way the two of us, two complete opposites could be friends. But guess what? I was wrong again, not only were we friends, but we became the best of friends. Somewhere along the way I discovered, I need you in my life. These last five years with out you, they've been hell Ally. And I'm not just saying this because of Devon. I'm not just saying this because of the songs you write. I'm being completely honest with you. I've missed you so much. We worked best together because of our differences. And it's because of these differences that I would like to make a proposal," he watched as her petal pink lips parted to protest before he shook his head, stopping her.

" No, I want you to listen to me. Don't protest, don't argue. Let me say this, I need to say this," he informed her, watching as she closed her lips, waiting for him to continue. He inhaled a deep breath, pulling away from her as he began to pace the length of the practice room. He ran his fingers through his hair before he stopped, facing her.

" You and I are complete opposites. We're too different for most to see how well we work together. But it's because of our differences that we work so well together. For the last five years you have raised our son in a way that fit your personality. Whenever he is with people he is comfortable with, he's loud, he's fun, he's crazy. When he meets a stranger, he's quiet, reserved, stays in the background. He's the perfect mix of both of us, and I think it's only fair that I get my chance to raise him as well. Now before you protest, I'm not asking for custody of him… Well I am, but not the way you think. And I'm rambling. God, I didn't think this would be so hard," his eyes were trained on his feet before he felt her cool hand touch his warm cheek. She smiled softly at his features, confusion coloring her eyes. Before she had a chance to say anything I bent his head to press his lips against her own.

" Allyson Marie Dawson, I love you. I have been madly in love with you since I first met when I was fifteen. I was just to blind and ignorant to know what it was I was feeling. I can't imagine spending my life with out you in it. I can't picture moving back to L.A. and being away from you. I need you in my life, Ally. I need you like the waves need the shore. I can't do this without. Having you nearly ripped from me scared the hell out of me. I couldn't think straight. Trish and Dez both saw the mask I played for them and Devon. But they let me do it. They know how much I need you. Please, don't shoot me down. Just think about this," he pleaded as he dropped onto one knee, pulling his mother's engagement ring from the pocket of his jeans. He pulled off the lid of the box, holding it on display for her. Her eyes widened as her hand moved to cover her opened mouth.

" Austin… I…" she couldn't finish her sentence as silent tears escaped her eyes. He began to panic, moving to stand and wrapping his arms around her waist.

" Shit, Ally, I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought I would try to propose and…" he was cut off when she pressed her lips to his own, throwing her arms around his neck.

" Yes, Austin. Yes," she whispered, her breath tickling his lips. He couldn't help the wide grin that stretched across his lips as he lifted her by her waist, spinning her around. They pressed their foreheads together, matching smiles on their lips before they heard a voice.

" Does this mean I get a little brother?" both parents couldn't help but laugh at their son before nodding their head.

" Yeah Little Man, you get a little brother," Austin agreed after he set Ally on her feet, wrapping his arm around her waist. Ally couldn't help but roll her eyes.

" What if I wanted a daughter?" Ally whispered so only Austin could hear her. He looked down at her face before grinning.

" I'm sure we can arrange for that so both of you are happy," she smacked his chest lightly at the wolfish grin he gave her.

" You Austin Monica Moon, are more trouble than you are worth," she informed him.

" Admit it, you wouldn't have me any other way," he countered, catching her lips again.

End

A/N: That's the end of Trouble. However I do have another Austin and Ally story on my mind that I plan on writing so no worries.