Hey guys, hope you enjoy this! There will be other character appearances further on in the story :)

"I guess this is it, Austin."

Austin Moon took a deep breath as he leaned in to give his best friend Ally a hug. He buried his face in her hair as she tucked her head under his chin, their two bodies fitting together in a familiar position they'd shared for years.

"I don't want to say goodbye yet," he murmured into her hair. He felt her shake with laughter, but when he pulled back there were tears spilling from her brown eyes.

"Hey," he said, wiping her tears with his thumbs. "I should be crying. I'm the one who has to go on tour." She gave him a weak smile.

"I still can't believe you're going to be away for an entire year," she said, her smile wavering. "What am I going to do without you?"

He smiled softly. "Trish and Dez will still be here. Trust me, this year will fly by, and then I'll be back and we can celebrate your eighteenth birthday together, I swear. I'll even write a song for you."

This got a genuine smile from her, and Austin felt his heart glow. There was nothing more that made him feel good inside than one of her smiles.

He hated having to say goodbye to Ally. If it were up to him, she would be joining him on his first tour, but her life was here. He couldn't ask her to drop everything just so he wouldn't have to suffer from missing her. Besides, she really wanted to do well this year so she could get good grades for college. She was planning ahead, which was both good and bad. Good, because she was well on her way to getting into a good school, and bad because he wouldn't see her every day like he was used to.

Just the thought of not seeing her made him want to cry, but he wouldn't – not in front of her. He needed to be strong, show her that it wouldn't be so bad.

"I'll call you every day," she whispered, grabbing his hands in hers.

He squeezed them tight. "I'll be expecting a call. Don't forget, okay? Promise?"

"Promise," she agreed, and they embraced one more time.

"I'll see you in a bit," he whispered into her. He felt her nod, and then reluctantly pulled away from her when he heard Jimmy calling.

"Austin, you said your goodbyes? Time to go!"

He sighed, trying to keep a smile on his face. "Well, this is it. You leaving now?"

Ally shook her head. "I'll wait a little longer."

"I'll see you in a year." Austin squeezed her hand one more time before turning around to leave. As he walked away, he hesitated for a second and turned back.

"Are you okay-" Ally started, but was interrupted when Austin kissed her. His lips were soft on hers as she started kissing him back, her hair was soft in his hands as he stroked it, and it took all his strength to pull away. He rested his forehead against hers, their eyes closed.

"Don't forget, okay?" he whispered. Before Ally could respond, Austin had walked away and gotten on his new tour bus.

As they drove off, Austin could make Ally out behind them, her eyes glistening.

Despite her effort, Ally couldn't keep her promise.

Despite his sincerity, Austin didn't keep his either.

Hope you enjoyed! Suggestions and constructive criticism are always welcome, so let me know what you thought! Thanks!