A/N: Wow, I'm so smart, I wrote Chapter 12 for Chapter 13 *sarcasm*

Any-who, Disclaimer: I sadly do not own Coraline.

Chapter 14

Austin landed on the cold ground of the mirror realm with a loud thud. The floor lit up an eerie light blue when he hit the ground, illuminating the grief on his face, when it faded his spirits sank lower into the darkness. Austin scrambled into the corner, breathing heavily. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice said, "Austin? Is that you?"

Austin trembled, but hastily answered, "Y-yes."

The voice chortled and said, "I knew it, I can recognize your fire engine head anywhere."

Coraline.

Soon Austin was enveloped into a tight hug, Coraline was so relieved to know he was alright. Austin fought back tears as she pulled away, examining him, "Are you okay? Did she hurt you?"

Austin nodded, "I'm fine, my back hurts, but I'm fine."

Coraline looked concerned but didn't say anything. They both scooted in front of where the mirror should have been, leaning against it.

Austin couldn't believe she was here, in the Other World. What Cat had said really was true, and he was glad to have someone he could trust by his side again. On my side, Austin repeated in his head. He sighed, Yeah, I can trust her. She's my sister after all.

"I can't believe it," Coraline said after Austin had told her everything, "She really has recovered from the last time..." Her voice trailed off as if remembering something painful.

"From the dinner to the theater, everything was perfect, but what really made me stay was..." Now his voice trailed off, not wanting to say it.

"It was because of Other Daylie, huh?" Coraline said with a small dry laugh, "She got me too with...Other Wybie." She said "Other" very carefully, tenderly even.

"I guess she knew," Austin said.

"Knew what?" Coraline asked.

Austin looked at her with his big blue eyes and gave a small smile, "That we'd be so alike, that's why she didn't have to change anything."

Coraline smiled too, "I guess you're right."

"So, were you as scared as I was, when you were here the last time?" Austin asked quietly. The cold stone of the wall was almost soothing to the ache in his back, he relaxed somewhat.

"No," Coraline answered, then said, "I was terrified. The ghost children expected so much out of me, and even though I seemed fearless I was shaking the entire time. I hated feeling so useless, so I acted like I was this fearless explorer, when in reality I was a scared little girl from Pontiac."

"I doubt that."

After a long silence Austin felt tears rolling down his face, Coraline let him bury his face into her sleeve without hesitation. "We're gonna be okay, Austin," she reassured, stroking his hair. "You're going to be okay, I promise."

"I hope you really mean that," Austin said quietly, not looking at her, "Coraline."

That's the first time he's called me by my name, Coraline thought to herself. Austin had changed. He'd accepted her as his sister and she accepted him.

Coraline nodded.

A/N: Wow, that was short! D: I'm sorry! Please Review!