Hey hey hey!

I'm in the middle of my second exam week and not only does that deliver me tons of stress, but also some free time. I noticed my saved chapters began running out and started writing again. Yup, if I can keep this up and if I make sure I write a lot in the two week Christmas vacation, I'll be finishing writing soon.

Who else was disappointed Auslly didn't have a mistletoe kiss last week? Just me? Sorry, I'm salty. Great duet tho.

This is a pretty big chapter, but not a lot of Auslly, sorry guys. The thing is, I wanna show you different developments of characters and the relationships between them. Don't worry, the Auslly drama is coming.

The game wasn't important. Not to the scores in the competition, at least. It could almost be seen as a practice game for the really important games later in the season. And still, the fans could feel the tension in the air. It wasn't a secret that tonight's competitors of the Brown Bears, Harvard University, were the team's biggest threats. Not concerning the score, it went way further back. You could call the ongoing rivalry almost historic, everyone knew about it. A few years ago, the Bears had beat them for the first time in nearly a decade. What they hoped was a turning point turned out to be just a lucky hit, followed by years and years of ongoing lost battles. Anyone who would say it out loud wouldn't be forgiven, but everyone knew it.

As a new member of the team, Austin felt the pressure to try and change their faith, especially as the main quarterback of the team. If they lost, it wouldn't be because of a lack of supporters. The stands were packed, packed as in, there wasn't a single spot on the benches unoccupied, people were pressed against each other and even fans who didn't manage to find a seat, standing on the side. The four friends had come extra early to get hold of a few spots on the first row benches. Packed with flags, shirts and face paint in the school's colors, they yelled the loudest out of everyone to cheer on their two friends.

Ian and Austin hadn't exchanged a single word, not even a glance, ever since New Year's Eve. Austin hadn't forgiven him, nor tried to make up while Ian seemed to be ashamed and wanted to leave the subject alone before he found himself in another fight. Today, they were forced to work together, for the sake of their team and they accepted it. They exchanged only the necessary words about their tactic for the gameplay.

''They can't keep down, the orange and the brown!'' the group of cheerleaders, dressed in the same colors, whip up the audience as they dance synchronically

''This is so exciting, Austin is doing really great tonight,'' Ally loved the game, even though she didn't understand one bit, and thought the whole team was talented, in the end there was only one person she was eying the whole game through.

''I like watching it, but I couldn't even imagine myself playing,'' Dan shows his repulsion as he takes in all the broad players before looking at his own arms. Hannah giggles as she lays a hand on his upper arm while pressing a kiss on his cheek. Dan was tall, really tall, maybe even taller than Austin, but he didn't have half the muscle. He wasn't scrawny, but except for his rather broad shoulders, he wasn't exactly the gym rat. Everyone knew Dan preferred video games and TV series over football any day and, while some of them called him a nerd over it, many liked him for his dorky self.

More focusing on talking to each other than really watching the game for a minute, they miss a crucial turnover, causing Harvard to lose the ball. They copy the cheering around them after noticing and Ally quickly starts to look for Austin, checking where he is. She eventually finds him near the middle of the field, but not standing up. While everyone is still obliviously clapping for the touchdown, Ally stands up to get a better look at her boyfriend. She sees him not getting up quickly, but instead removing his helmet before holding his shoulder with a painful grimace noticeable even from the stands.

''Austin! He's hurt!'' Ally calls out while trying to push herself through the crowd before Lib stops her.

''You can't go to him now, Ally,'' she speaks sense into her as they watch the team's paramedic hurries to him. After a few minutes, they see him get up as the crowd cheers supportively. Moving his arm as little as possible, he walks to his team as they circle around the coach.

''Moon, I'm taking you out,'' he tells him before turning to the others to talk about the strategy they're using next. Austin narrows his eyes at him before interrupting rudely.

''No,'' Austin refuses, causing the coach to fall silent. ''I can play.''

''Austin,'' he never calls him by his first name, only when they're not on the field and even then, rarely. The rest looks at him silently, together with the coach as Austin nods his head determinedly.

''I can play and I will play,'' he continues. ''I have to keep playing.''

''Change of strategy,'' after a short silence he sighs, giving up the battle as he knows Austin would not budge easily. In a matter of seconds, he draws the new game plan in his notebook. Nodding to one of the bench players, he starts explaining. ''Edwards is going in as extra quarterback. We're changing to pistol offence.''

Making the quarterback, Austin, lining up closer to the center, Ian, and letting an extra quarterback as well as a running back stand close enough, the quarterback gets enough time to pass the ball forward and run past the defense quickly enough. It's a method with a lot of risk, but when played well, can result in a rapid touchdown.

''Morgan passes the ball to Moon and prevents the opposite center to get to him. You'll do anything, alright? Moon is falling apart as we speak,'' he tells Ian strictly before looking around to check if everyone understands. Ian and Austin exchange a single look before they nod shortly, deciding they really need to step up to get each other's backs in order to win. ''Clark, you stay wide receiver, goes deep and creates the illusion of getting the ball from Moon. That gives Edwards the space to receive the ball instead. Moon runs ahead while Morgan holds back the center defense. Make sure you run deep and run fast. Hands in.''

They had practiced this technique only a few times and this was the first time they would ever get to try it out in a real game. Needless to say, everyone was nervous, especially the few that were most included in the strategy. Without exchanging a word, afraid the opponent would get any clue of what they were about to play, they take their place. Discreetly, Austin inches more toward Ian than usual before, seconds later, he gets the ball and passes it as planned. The other team's confusion is obvious as it takes a few seconds to progress.

His shoulder stings with every move he makes, but, ignoring the pain, he runs as fast as he can. Luckily, it was his left shoulder that he fell on and not his right arm, the one he throws with. Catching the ball would be a whole different story, though. He knew he would be in a lot of pain when he would be forced to move his arm in order to get the ball over the goal line. He wants to look behind him to see how Ian is doing, but makes himself focus on his running and the person with the ball. Noticing everything went according to plan, Edwards is running his legs off, chased by at least five players of the other team.

Right before they can tackle him, he sends the ball Austin's way in a perfect arch. Edwards was known for his throwing abilities and was often used as secret weapon. Taking Austin's speed in account, the ball dips perfectly in his track, in which he doesn't even have to change his speed. As he feels the other players getting closer, he takes a leap a few feet before the line. He knows he takes a huge risk, but he wouldn't make it if he would just keep running. Doing a quick prayer, he hopes he lands on his good arm and he does. With only five seconds left, Austin plants the ball on the grass before standing up triumphantly as he gets tackled by his proud team mates. They all hit him playfully, cautiously avoiding his shoulder, while laughing ecstatically. Noticing the missing figure in the group, Austin looks around to see people crowding around one player in the same brown outfit.

''Ian!'' he detaches himself from the group to run towards his fallen friend as fast as he can. Once he arrives, he loses his helmet in order to look him straight in the eye. The other team lets him through at the same time as paramedics come running, carrying a stretcher. Ian holds his helmet covered head with one hand as he squeezes his eyes shut. ''Ian, what happened? Are you alright?''

''Dude, you did it,'' Ian manages to open his eyes far enough to recognize his friend, the one who wouldn't even look at him the past days, but whose eyes were now filled with care and worry. He finds the strength to show him a small smile as he ignores both his questions before letting his eyes close again. Before Austin can respond, Ian is being carried away. Running after him, he gets told Ian is not majorly injured, but enough to cause a concussion. Austin can't follow him as he's taken to the Health Service in the university and is left by himself on the side of the field. The four others appear by his side as they shoot him a sincere smile. Ally grabs his hand before giving it an encouraging squeeze as they watch their friend disappear in the building, only being able to wait until they hear more.

''It's just a mild concussion, but you were out for a few hours, mate,'' Dan comments as he looks down at his friend at the foot of the single bed in the Health Service room. They were told they could finally visit Ian after waiting for three hours. It was now midnight and their friend looked in a pretty good shape, apart from the huge bandage wrapped around his head. ''How are you feeling now?''

''I've felt worse,'' Ian shrugged as he sits up straighter in the bed, his back supported by the fluffy pillow. ''I guess it was all worth it. If that guy hadn't decided to step on my head after I held him back, who knows what he would've done with Austin. I think I deserve the shared title of 'Man Of The Match', don't I?''

''Absolutely, man. I couldn't have done it without you,'' after seeing Ian being carried away, Austin decided to bury the hatchet for an unknown time. The cold look in his eyes was replaced by genuine happiness and relieve his friend was okay. With a simple handshake followed by a fist bump, the contract of forgiveness seemed sealed.

''Luckily it's your head that got injured, you don't use it that often anyway,'' Lib sits on the matrass next to him and taps on his bandage playfully, careful not to put too much pressure.

''You're lucky I'm wounded or I would've made you regret those words,'' he tells her threatening as he tries to hide the smile appearing on his lips.

''Oh, boohoo, big baby giving me threats,'' she rolls her eyes before Ian's hands find her sides to shut her up with merciless tickles, almost making her roll off the bed. The surrounding friends laugh with them as a knock on the door appears on the background, only heard by Austin. Without the rest noticing, he stands up to answer it, not knowing who to expect to visit Ian. But this person was the last one he thought he'd see.

''Sarah?'' the exclamation of her name makes the rest look up to notice her presence just outside the room. She tries to look past Austin, her eyes wide in panic. ''What the hell are you doing here?''

''Is he here? Is he awake?" before he can react, she's pushed herself past him. As soon as she has Ian in vision, she hurries to him to take place on the bed. Quickly noticing the situation, Lib stands up from her spot, awkwardly coughing as she looks away from the two on the bed. Only Ally catches the hurt in her eyes as she studies Lib curiously. ''Are you okay, babe?''

''Babe?'' Austin mutters to himself as he tries to connect all the puzzle pieces. Making his way over the Ian, he pushes Sarah back. ''You lied! You told me nothing happened!''

''What are you doing? You're hurting him!'' Sarah pushes him away just before he can do anything to Ian, blinded by his anger.

''What has he done to you, has he forced you to do anything?'' he leaves Ian to focus his attention to the girl, eying her carefully.

''Why would he do that, he's my boyfriend!'' she yells at him angry, not understanding his assumptions. Austin gapes at Sarah as she sits back on the bed, holding Ian's hand tightly between hers. Before caressing his cheek, she presses a light kiss on his lips. ''I was so worried about you.''

''You... You two are dating?'' Austin stutters, looking back and forth between the two as he's still trying to process what just happened. The thing that most surprises him is the honest loving look obviously seen in Ian's eyes as he looks at his supposed girlfriend. ''Why didn't you tell me?''

''I'm really sorry, Austin. I didn't think you would agree,'' he takes a break from looking at Sarah to send an apologetic, sad smile Austin's way. When he notices he answers it with a death stare, he lowers his eyes mournfully. ''And I guess I was right.''

''No, I should be apologizing,'' he surprises everyone in the room as he drops the bitter stare and softens with a merciful sigh. ''I just wanted to protect Sarah, but I pushed it. I'm sorry to both of you.''

''I'm serious about Sarah,'' Ian tells him honestly in which Austin nods understanding. Sarah, too, smiles at him thankfully.

''I'm happy for you two, I really am,'' he tells the two after looking at them for a few seconds. An arm wraps around his waist and he looks down to see Ally staring at the couple before looking up.

''I'm proud of you. I know how hard this was for you,'' she whispers to him as he lays his arm over her shoulder. It was hard for him, but the sight of the two friends who meant a lot to him happily in love, made it all worth it.

''They're happy together, that's all that matters.''

After a long afternoon of going into at least twenty shops, the three girls drop themselves on the brown leather sofa in a corner of the Starbucks.

''God, I should've known better than to wear my new boots today,'' Hannah curses herself as she sticks her brown suede boots with high heels covered feet in the air to admire them some more. ''I slay, though.''

''Damn right, you do,'' Lib drops her shopping bags in front of the couch and takes a look at the menu. ''I'll get the drinks, you paid last time.''

''For me the usual,'' Ally tells her before Lib stands up.

''You mean literally 'the only not caffeinated, not hot, not related to Starbucks whatsoever drink Starbucks sells'?'' Lib asks her the obvious and very cynical question with a raise of one eyebrow.

''Yes, the exotic fruit smoothie. Thank you for clarifying,'' Hannah giggles as Ally keeps a straight face while sarcastically thanking her. As Lib stands in the queue to order their drinks, Ally turns to Hannah. ''Hey, did you notice anything strange about Lib lately?''

''Like what?'' Hannah responds absentmindedly while looking through her purse to find her lipstick before using a pocket mirror to apply it neatly.

''I don't know, she seems... Different. Especially around Ian,'' Ally keeps her eyes on Lib as she grabs the three cups from the barista. Keeping her eyes on the paper tray in her hands, she makes her way over to the other girls. At that exact moment, Hannah's phone goes off, startling the other girls and making Lib almost drop the tray.

''Sorry! Let me just get this really quickly,'' she apologizes with a giggle before picking up the phone and talking back with a soft voice, not wanting to disturb the rest. ''Hey, baby! … No, I'm at the mall with the girls. … Sure, no problem. ... Oh, stop it! ... Alright, I should hang up. I'll see you in a bit. … You too!''

As Lib hands the two their drinks, the happy glow she had just seconds ago had disappeared. With tired eyes, she takes place in between the two girls as Hannah ends her phone call with Dan and takes a sip from her coffee.

''Do you love Dan?'' Lib's sudden question catches the others by surprise as Hannah chokes on the hot liquid and has to cover her mouth to not spit everything out over the coffee table.

''I-I do, yes,'' the girl answers with an awkward smile followed by a wild blush.

''When did you find out Austin was the one for you?'' before Hannah can ask for an explanation, Lib turns her head to look at Ally, who stares at the redhead in confusion.

''I don't know, really,'' she stutters before seeing the desperation in Lib's eyes and sighs. ''I guess, the way he asked me out. It was like everything finally made sense.''

''What's going on, Lib?'' Hannah asks after a moment of silence in which Lib just stared at the coffee cup in her hands. The two friends place their drinks on the table in order to focus on the girl in the middle, seriously worried. She just shrugs silently, keeping her head down.

''Now that everyone has someone, I just can't help but wondering...'' she finally starts talking in a voice both her friends don't know. The always confident Lib, with a strong opinion, a loud voice and doubtless comments, was now mumbling, words filled with sadness.

''Are you lonely?'' Ally asks her while brushing a ginger lock behind her ear.

''I'm not lonely, I'm perfectly able to survive on my own,'' she quickly tells them, staying the strong independent girl she is. Carefully, she looks Ally in the eyes. ''Is there something wrong with me?''

''Lib, you are the most special girl I've ever met,'' Ally answers without hesitating in which Hannah nods in agreement.

''No, I'm not,'' she laughs at her statement before turning serious again. ''Even the guy that humps everything as long as it's human, female and legal has someone who loves him.''

''Are you jealous?'' Hannah asks her cautiously, not trying to upset her. ''You don't like him, do you?''

''Of course I don't like that ball of STD's,'' she shakes her head with a mocking laugh, but doesn't manage to totally convince her friends. ''I just, I don't know, envy him in a way.''

''Are you sure you don't feel anything?'' Ally tries to pry an honest confession out of her. ''I've been noticing some tension between the two of you.''

''I don't know, alright?'' Lib suddenly snaps, clearly not wanting to get into the subject any further in fear she might admit something she might regret later. ''I'm just confused about everything. About myself.''

''There's no need to label yourself, don't feel any rush to put yourself in a box,'' Hannah tells her comforting, rubbing her back.

''Exactly, you'll find someone just perfect for you sooner or later. Whether it's a girl, a dude or a really good cheeseburger for all I care,'' Ally makes the other two giggle with a light joke as Lib's eyes finally light up. ''They'll show up eventually. And you'll know.''

''Pals before gals. Or something like that,'' Hannah giggles as the three hug.

''More like uteruses before duderises,'' Lib smirks as it takes a few seconds for the girls to progress before they burst out into laughter.

I do hope you're starting to get close to the characters now, in a way of relating to them or something. And apart from Auslly, you have any ships? I don't even have ship names, you can make em up for me ;)

Hope you all got the football terms, you have no idea how much time I've spent on trying to understand the game even the slightest

I'm really liking finding all these people with similar interests, if you like twenty one pilots, TELL ME. Halsey, dan and phil and twenty one pilots is about everything my life revolves around

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE YOU WOULD REALLY MAKE SO HAPPY :)

missmia10 chapter 6

This was really cute but man does Mike make me angry. I kinda wish that the whole part with Ian didn't happen because I don't really like when Austin gets mad but I like the end so it's all good. By the way, don't worry girl, I voted for you a long time ago! - Same, girl, same. Luckily, I don't plan on letting him return anytime soon. One angry Austin at the time. Thank you girlie, knew I could count on you!

Lookin' For Treble chapter 6

OMG GIRL DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HER SONGS HOLY CRAP. my fav changes like every two hours honestly... I'm not sure which ones are on Badlands (I just kinda saved most of her stuff on Spotify) but right now I love Young God, Strange Love, Control, I walk the Line, Ghost, and Trouble, but everything else is amazing too.

Lol I wish I had lacrosse skorts, but I don't :( my team's uniform looks like a freaking bsketball uniform since they changed the head of the program. All they do for my legs is make them look shorter than they are :((.

IT WAS MIKE DO I HAVE YOUR BLESSING TO MURDER HIM?! LIKE LITERALLY I WANT TO SHOVE THAT FREAKING CIG DOWN HIS THROAT.

Ahhh, OK. Better now. But damn, Austin's got legit mood swings right there don't he? Haha, I kinda like it tho O.o girl how do you do it? - SAAAMEEE OMFG SHE'S GREAT. Honestly, I love Control and Gasoline just cause it's so dark and relatable, I love songs like that.

Aww poor girl, I can imagine the tanning line you get from playing in summer isn't great either.

HE'S SUCH AN ASSHOLE. He can just die tbh

True mate, he's quite the protective guy. What a sensitive dude. Yay, thanks girl. I dunno how I do anything, I don't even know if I would like this story if I didn't write it

sicklscaler chapter 6

Gus whole Sarak Austin is getting weird. If I was Ally I would really start to wonder. Glad Austin came to rescue Ally when he did. Mike is a sucker! Glad to see the story is coming along. - I totally get what you're coming from, but don't worry, as Austin explained earlier, they're like bro and sis. Besides, she's a lot younger than he is and he's already got the perfect relationship. Ian, though, still has trouble loving. He's new to the whole thing, but, character development right?

Fishelle chapter 6

Hooray! This was cute except for the awks bits where Austin was all rage-y and stuff. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that Sarah has a Dramatic Backstory to do with Dark Subjects and Austin is really hyperaware of it? Also honestly yes Dan is just so wonderful AND HIS VOICE IS SO NICE. I brotp phan but I love Phil so much like he's pure sunSHINE. - That was a different side of him, wasn't it? Hmm, that's an interesting idea, but honestly, I didn't plan on it hahaha. But that's no reason not to let your own imagination go wild. Ugh Dan is literal bf goals, HIS VOICE IS MY AESTETIC. And yesss Phil is a literal cinnamon bun that needs to be protected at all costs. I never thought I would ship phan, but it honestly sucked me in and I have no idea how I ended up here. It's not super crazy tho, honestly I just want them to date SOMEONE. I mean, they're 29 and 23 (I think?), they deserve someone, whether it's a girlfriend or a boyfriend JUST DATE SOMEONE *end rant* I could honestly talk about them all day oh help

ROTBTDreader chapter 5

Um what, you have written a beautiful story that has me hooked and right when its suspenseful, there's no chapters after it?! How rude, but honestly this is so good I don't know how you don't have a trillion readers by now this is an awesome story please update soon :)))))) - I was planning on answering this last chapter bc it's so cute, but for some reason I didn't? Sorry! Thank you for the sweeeeeet compliments, you know how to make someone feel special :*