AN:

So I understand that some of you may want to murder me... I really meant for this to be up on the first, but it just kept getting longer and longer...

New Years in NYC was pretty cool, got ON TV WITH RYAN SECREST! Yeah. So... Yeah. It was pretty cool. LOTS of awesome stuff happened that I'm not gonna bore you guys with. Lol.

I saw b&b and ms&mf, and they were AWESOME! I love how the theme song is kinda before and after thing, you know like "three years later..."

By the way, right after I update this chapter, I think I'm goin to go back and make end of last chapter a little less choppy :)

Okay, on with the story.

Disclaimer: when I was, a young boy(girl), I only, owned the plotline of my fanfic... (black parade by my chemical romance. Awesome song)

recap:

He pulled the small wrapped box he had been holding earlier out of his pocket, handing it to me. I united the ribbon and paper, revealing the Tiffany box that I'd always wanted to find since I was seventeen. Carefully, I pulled off the lid, taking out the gorgeous silver bangle. My mouth formed a smile as it slid onto my wrist, and I leaned in to hug him.

"Thank-you, Austin." I breathed. "It's beautiful."

"You're welcome," he replied, his nose right by mine.

Leaning up, I pressed a quick kiss to his lips, watching as he pouted. "What?"

He tightened his arms on my waist. "That's all I get?"

Letting out a soft laugh, I leaned up and pressed my lips to his again, harder this time, letting him deepen the kiss as one of his hands slid up to tangle in my hair, my own arms sliding over his broad shoulders. A wolf whistle sounded from the above apartments, and he smirked against my lips.

Those people...

Chapter 9- We'll Make Some Memories

When everybody's singing

My heart starts jing-a-lingin'

There's something 'bout those December nights

(Christmas Soul- Ross Lynch)

It's official, Austies! Our favorite blonde breakout star has gotten himself a girlfriend!

Austin Moon is set to become Starr Record's newest recording artist in NYC, which means that he will be moving to the Big Apple. He has already begun work on his debut album, and is scheduled to play Times Square on New Year's Eve, after also being deemed this year's biggest breakout artist.

Meanwhile, our little Casanova has been seen warming up to a lovely young lady named Ally Dawson, a local student at MUNY who has been working to become a songwriter for Starr Records, being friends with Jimmy Starr's own daughter. The young couple have been constantly spotted all throughout the city with one another for the past month, weather they were attending parties, eating out, skating, going out for midnight strolls, or even visiting the local children's hospital together.

Sounds like anything two friends could do, so how are we sure that these two are in fact together? Simple.

After visiting the children's hospital for the second time with the pictures Moon had posted shown here, the pair were caught in a playful push-and-shove race that ended at their usual rendezvous, a nearby café. And so, as her prize for beating Austin to the finish line, Miss Dawson was seen being grabbed from behind and pulled into a spontaneous kiss by Moon himself, right under the mistletoe.

Although, it didn't end there. Get this: after the kiss, Ally Dawson reportedly dashed off on Mister Austin Moon. And so, after two days of Christmas Concert rehearsals at Rockefeller Plaza, Austin came out with another debut Christmas song; Wishlist, which spoke personally about wanting a kiss for Christmas. The next night- Christmas night- the two were heard outside, loudly arguing, but with a quick turn-around, things seemed to have been mended. Miss Dawson and Mister Moon seemed to have made up, which was confirmed with a second kiss.

Later that night, Moon released his third Christmas song at the sixty-fourth annual Christmas Night Concert in Bryant Park. He stayed for the duration of the concert, before heading back to Dawson's apartment complex with a group of friends, including Jace Hollson of the Varsity NYU Bobcats hockey team, Dez Wade, Moon's best friend/ DJ, and Kira Starr.

Moon, Wade, and Hollson were seen leaving the next morning.

Austin and Ally have been known to spend a few days together since, and we expect that they will be together during Austin's upcoming birthday.

We here at Cheetah Beat think that Austin&Ally has a nice ring to it, don't you?

Cassidy put down the magazine, an expectant look on her face. "So, you and Moonboy, huh?"

I blushed. "Um, yeah..."

She shook her head. "Don't be shy, Sugar. It's not your fault that you're probably the most envied girl in the seven continents right now."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "Thanks, Cass. Really making me feel appreciated."

Cassidy reached out a perfectly manicured hand and patted my cheek as she stood. "No problem, Doll. My break's up, I'll see you later, kay?"

I nodded. "Yeah. See you."

She smiled before returning to her station behind the counter, tying a blue apron around her waist.

I got up too, walking over to throw out my empty cup. I watched the paper material fall lifelessly down into the dark abyss of the trash, listening as it made landfall at the bottom.

I jumped as a pair of large hands fell to my waist, pulling me into a warm chest.

"Austin! Don't scare me like that," I chided, sliding out of his grasp.

"Sorry," he apologized, the blue beanie on his head moving as he tilted it to the side innocently.

I subconsciously released a small giggle at his puppy dog eyes, and he smiled, interlacing our fingers as he lead us out the doors.

"What are we doing today?" He inquired, lightly swinging our hands.

I shrugged. "Whatever you want to do. It's your birthday."

He thought for a moment, the wheels visibly turning in his head. "Hmm. How about skating... And FAO Schwartz?"

Giggling, I bumped his arm with my shoulder. "You're such a little kid."

Austin smiled, the smile I could only ever see when it was just the two of us. "But you like it."

"Maybe just a little."

Our lips parted, the soft sound of heavy breathing filling the space between us as he placed his forehead on mine, slightly less out of breath than me.

Singer's lungs.

Right.

"Hey, Lovebirds," Dez called from above, his voice bouncing off the brick wall of the building. "I hate to ruin the moment here, but Austin has a performance in one hour."

Austin sighed, his hot breath brushing my face with peppermint. "He's right. I need to get ready."

I smiled, moving my hands down from his shoulders and back onto his forearms as I tilted my head back, bumping my nose against his. "Go rock it." Leaning up, I gave his lips one last peck before stepping away and letting go of him so he could call one of the Starr company drivers.

•

Austin brought Dez and Jace in their car, while the girls and I decided to split an Uber.

Chelsea slung an arm around my waist as we exited the car. "You and Austin, huh?"

I shrugged a little. "I guess. I mean, it's not really official or anything..."

She stopped walking. "Al, are you kidding me? You two were practically making out in the street."

My jaw went slack. "Wha- but, he- you... He hasn't even asked me yet!"

Chelsea quirked an eyebrow. "Does he really need to?" She began walking again, my mouth opening and closing like a guppy.

"Yes!"

"Then tell me this; do you like him? Not for his looks, or his career, or his body. Do you like him?"

"Well, yeah," I admitted.

"And do you think he feels the same way?"

"I mean, I'm pretty sure... Dez says he was pretty heartbroken."

"Is he a good kisser?"

"Yeah."

Wait.

My eyes widened. "Wait! I wasn't supposed to say that!"

Chelsea laughed, squeezing my side. "Then what's the need to ask? It's so cliché."

"We're cliché people."

We reached the crowd around the floored ice rink that served as a stage, and she released me. "You're so cheesy."

I put a hand to my chest dramatically. "I try."

Beside me, Trish snorted as Kira broke out into a fit of giggles.

The lights on the makeshift stage switched colors, and the first performer stepped up to the black wood that would become worn and scuffed over the next few hours.

Austin was one of the last to go on, his leather/hoodie combo missing the beanie compartment, his hair swept back by his hand, all a vast contrast to the sweat-sleek stage, the black paint chipped from the microphone stand being dragged back and forth so many times.

For once, he wasn't clutching a guitar, but a microphone had been attached to his head, a small simple bud that suspended beside his mouth, looping over his ear and twisting into a spring like a phone chord down his collar.

"Hello, everybody!" He exclaimed happily, as the backup dancers set up behind him in candy cane Santa themed costumes. "Are you enjoying you Christmas so far?"

The responding uproar nearly shook the stage.

"Alright," he continued, adjusting the microphone closer to his lips. "Well I have one last song in this Christmas themed season, just for you guys, and inspired by something that's grown on me this past month. Honestly, I wasn't a big fan of Christmas when the season started, but with a little help, I've learned to like it. A lot. So I hope you guys have as much fun hearing this as I had writing it."

Austin took a step back, readying his stance like his dancers.

1,2,3,4!
Uh-huh!
Wooo!
I always love this time of year
White snow and reindeer
Heh, yeah
There's something special in the air
Friends and family everywhere
Ooooh

He was dancing, sliding back and forth, his arms extending and retracting in fluid motions. A smile graced his lips as he began the next line and he moved out of step, his hand thumping his chest.

When everybody's singing
My heart starts jing-a-lingin'
There's something 'bout those December nights

His eyes found mine as he sang the last line of the pre-chorus, sending a quick wink before he jumped back into the steps of his dancers with the chorus, white powder drifting onto the stage, resembling something much like snow.

Today's the day
Let's celebrate
With that Christmas soul
Feel that Christmas soul
We got that reindeer
Kinda cheer
Santa's flying over here
All the way from the North Pole!
'Cause we got Christmas soul
Yeah, we got Christmas Soul

Uh, yeah!
What (What)

When it get's real cold outside
I'mma take you on a sleigh ride
Woo!
We'll come and gather 'round the tree
And we'll make some memories
Oh, oh, yeah

When everybody's singing
My heart starts jing-a-lingin'
There's something 'bout those December nights

Today's the day
Let's celebrate with that Christmas Soul
Feel that Christmas Soul
We'll have a ball
Let's deck the halls with that Christmas Soul
Feel that Christmas Soul
We got that reindeer
Kinda cheer
Santa's flying over here
All the way from the North Pole!
'Cause we got Christmas Soul

His feet took a sudden turn and he was left facing the crowd, legs spread with his heel bouncing off the floor to the beat. His arms raised and he began to clap.

Just clap your hands
We can dance tonight (Come on!)
If you got Christmas spirit
Let it shine bright (Uh-huh)
I said
Just clap your hands
We can dance tonight (Oh!)
If you got Christmas spirit
Let it shine bright

Yeah, yeah

His arms fell back to his sides, and his feet began their intricate round of stepping and sliding once again.

Today's the day
Let's celebrate with that Christmas Soul
Feel that Christmas Soul
We'll have a ball
Let's deck the halls with that Christmas Soul
Feel that Christmas Soul

We got that reindeer
Kinda cheer
Santa's flying over here
All the way from the North Pole!
'Cause we got Christmas Soul

Just feel that, just feel that
Just feel that Christmas Soul (Christmas Soul!)
Just feel that, just feel that
Just feel that Christmas Soul (Yeah, we'll feel that Christmas Soul!)
Just feel that, just feel that
Just feel that Christmas Soul
Oooh

His chest heaved as he finished, a huge smile plastered on his face.

"Thank-you New York!" He yelled breathlessly, turning to one of the cameras broadcasting the show. "Merry Christmas to everyone here, back at home, or those who aren't home. Love you guys, see you all on New Year's!"

"Alls, keep up!" Austin laughed as I struggled to regain my balance after nearly crashing into the wall, while he skated in front of me, backwards, his eyes taunting.

"Sorry," I squeaked, extending my arms as I wobbled, "but not all of us can be D1 hockey players, figure skaters- whatever."

"Ally, bend your knees," he instructed.

I looked down at my legs. "They are bent."

"Bend them more. And stop walking. Start sliding one foot at a time."

Doing as he said, I gained significantly more control. "Like this?"

He nodded approvingly. "Just like that."

"Why couldn't you tell me this the first time we went skating?"

"Because seeing you fall on your butt was so funny."

Sliding my right foot forward, I huffed. "Well thanks."

Austin smiled cheekily. "Don't worry, it was cute."

My fingers were freezing, but my cheeks were roasting like chestnuts. "What about me falling on my butt is cute?"

He pondered the idea. "I don't know. It just was. But look at yourself now!"

I perked up, picking up pace a little as Austin slowed so that he could move backward beside me. "You're right! I think I'm getting the hang of thi- eep!"

My hands latched onto his arm to balance myself after my left skate caught on the back of my right one. I pouted as he fell into hysterics.

"Don't jinx yourself, Alls."

Biting back a smile, I did my best to glare at him. "If today wasn't your birthday..."

Austin chuckled, spinning around and taking my hand as he pulled us along. He pressed his lips to my temple. "You're adorable, you know that?"

My cheeks roasting, on an open fire... Jack Frost nipping at my nose...

"C'mon, Alls! Hurry up, I wanna see the piano!"

Austin dragged me through the throng of people, nearly yanking off my arm with excitement.

"Austin, slow down! My feet are still gliding, not walking," I informed him, tripping over said feet.

He came to a sudden halt, and I found myself crashing into his hard back.

Oof.

I rubbed my nose, but the blonde boy (despite turning twenty that very day) barely seemed to notice, if at all. His attention had currently been all but snatched up by the big building directly behind the big glass cube that made up the top level of the Apple store.

Two men stood at the front by the doors of the off-white building, adorned in outfits that made them look as though they belonged in the Royal Guard. Austin marveled at them, completely taken before he had even stepped inside of the giant toy store named "FAO Schwartz".

"Well," I began. "Are we going to sit out here, or are we going to play with the giant piano?"

Austin's eyes brightened more than they already were, and he giddily started back up toward the tinted glass doors, pulling me along with him.

We swung through the doors easily, gaping at how immense one toy store could possibly be. Austin dragged me up onto the escalator, watching in awe as we passed the life-sized stuffed animals that decorated the escalator's surrounding area. We wandered around for a while, simply checking out different toys and gadgets.

We stopped to play with a few items, like the giant bouncy bubble that one of the workers blew up almost tow weeks previous, and a new type of complicated Rubiks Cube.

The piano had been set aside to its own corner, and we ran up to it as though it would dash away.

Austin jumped on first, his feet immediately going to play those three distinct notes in a row. And then it was like he was doing karaoke steps when he descended, his feet crossing one another before he jumped back up to a higher note.

One of the managers stopped and chuckled when he saw what we were doing, seeing our complete reenactment of one of the scenes from Big, an old movie with Tom Hanks and FAO Schwartz.

Jumping off the keyboard, Austin grabbed my hand and dragged me closer to the keys. "C'mon, Alls! Do a duet with me!" His eyes shone with the excitement of a child, and he pulled me up.

"What song?" I giggled.

"What else? Heart and Soul, obviously."

I laughed. I could remember seeing Big for the first time when I was younger. I always wanted to come to New York after that. And I did.

The small crowd that we'd attracted whipped out their phones, and we both knew fully that this duet was bound to go viral.

Austin began stepping on the simple base notes, and I smiled. Just like the movie.

After a few measures, he gestured for me to jump in, and I followed with the treble clef. I nearly tripped and fell onto the wrong key, and someone in the crowd sing.

"Heart and soul, the way a fool would do,
Madly...
Because you held me tight,
And stole a kiss in the night..."

I giggled and joined in.

"Heart and soul, I begged to be adored,

Lost control, and tumbled overboard,
Gladly...
That magic night we kissed,
There in the moon mist."

Austin jumped into the vocals.

"Oh! but your lips were thrilling, much too thrilling,

Never before were mine so strangely willing.

But now I see, what one embrace can do,
Look at me, it's got me loving you,
Madly...
That little kiss you stole,
Held all my heart and soul."

We stopped, our heads snapping toward each other simultaneously.

"Chopsticks!"

And then we were bouncing on the balls of our feet, picking up the pace each time until we were real close to breaking the piano.

Just as amazing as the movie.

"Surprise!"

The whole house shouted it as Austin stepped through the door, Dez right beside him.

For a moment, I seriously thought he was about to jump into instinct and impulsively punch his own cousin in surprise, but his muscles instantly relaxed when he saw the smiling faces of all his party guests.

There were even more people than at the Christmas Bash, and the air was a few degrees more claustrophobic. The music began blasting through the speakers as soon as a smile appeared on Austin's face, and a cheer went into the air. People began squirming past one another, around the different rooms, effectively blocking my view of Austin.

Deciding to follow the current, I flowed with the stream of people, pushing my way into the kitchen. I had originally been supposed to Trish, but lost her and Jace crowd. There was no use looking for them either, so I took to the granite tabletop of the island for drinks.

Cassidy was there, busy pouring grenadine onto a cup of 7UP.

Figures.

"Hey, Cass."

She looked up, accidentally pouring way too much of the sticky red liquid into her soda. "Hey, Boston Cream! You greet your boyfriend yet?"

I reached over and tipped the bottle in her hand to stop the flow of syrup. "Like a million times today. I'll let him be with his other friends and family for a while, though."

She nodded, grabbing a cherry and stirring the Sherley Temple with it. "That's sweet. You two seemed to be excited to get somewhere when you left the shop earlier. Where'd you go?"

"The skating rink," I told her, grabbing myself a paper cup. "And then FAO."

Cassidy's freshly curled ringlets bobbed as she twisted a little in her seat. "You play the big piano?"

I nodded. "With all my heart and soul."

She laughed in that sweet accent of hers. "That sounds great. Now I'm gonna go, 'cause I see a brown-haired city in Texas over there calling my name."

My hand patted hers. "Good luck."

Walking away, Cassidy shouted over her shoulder, "Don't need it, Pearl!"

I shook my head. That girl.

•

The door behind me creaked slightly, and footsteps softly thumped the wooden structure beneath my feet. The crisp breeze that had been blowing my cheeks a rosy color became blocked by a sudden encasing of warmth as two arms wrapped around my waist and one addicting scent wrapped up my senses.

I turned my face to the blonde as he bent over, lightly pressing his lips to the spot where my jaw began beneath my ear.

"What are you doing out here?" I mused, putting down my cup of hot Apple cider as he rested his chin on top of my head.

"Could ask you the same thing," he teased.

"Aus..."

"Alls..."

Moving my head to the side, I tilted it back to look up at him.

He looked straight back down at me. "If I do recall correctly, you called yourself quite the party animal last time we were here. I wanted to see if my girlfriend could prove herself gfworthy of such a grand title."

His thumbs swept back and forth on the sides of my stomach, and I leaned my head on his chest, humming softly. "Mmm. That depends if I feel up to it."

One of his hands unfurled from my waist, two fingers lifting my chin and tilting my head back. Austin leaned down, his forehead on mine, and our noses bumping. "Of course you feel up to it."

"And why is that?"

He pressed his lips to mine, mumbling through the kiss. "Because you love me?"

The tall boy pulled back (or up?), and I tapped my nose thoughtfully. "Hmm. I don't know, let me think about that one."

Austin rolled his eyes, pressing his lips to mine again. Unable to hold back a giggle, I smiled against his lips.

He pulled away again after a moment, a devilish grin on his face. "I'll take that as a yes?"

I turned around in his hold, his hand that was on my waist now going to the small of my back. "Only because you're missing your party."

He shrugged. "I don't mind." His hand moved higher, and I shivered at the feel of his cool hand where the backline of my dress dipped. "I like your dress, by the way."

"Thanks. Made sure there weren't any Christmas colors whatsoever."

I let him play with the yellow material where the tighter upper torso loosened caat the hips.

"One of your favorite colors, too," I added, remembering just how he had explained it to Heidi when we first met her.

Austin nodded, his head dipping to level with mine. "So how many times did the girls ridicule you for wearing this shade of yellow in the middle of winter?"

I tilted my head. "I do think I counted twenty-seven. Give or take a few more."

He shook his head. "C'mon, Dork. Let's get back and see those killer moves of yours."

My eyes brightened, and I looked back at the balcony railing, knowing just what to say.

"What about my apple cider?"

The blonde grinned, entwining my fingers with his. "We'll get another one."

"Hey. Hey, Ally. Alls. Babe, you awake?"

I groaned, throwing my head into the pillow. "Nooo."

The bed shifted under a newfound weight, the covers pried from my hands as a body crawls under with me, the blankets becoming warmer with his radiating body heat.

Austin's arms sneak around my waist, pulling me into his chest. "C'mon, Alls. Time to get up."

I buried my face in his chest. "No. It's cuggle time."

"Cuggle?"

I nodded against his shoulder. "Cuddle and snuggle."

He chuckled, tilting my head up to look at him. "I'll make you pancakes."

My head went back to his chest. "That only works on you."

"Alllllyyyyyy."

"Austiiiiinnn."

"Alls, c'mon seriously. You can't sleep the last day of the year away." His grip tightened on me. "I'll drag you," he threatened.

"Watch me."

And then he was dragging my upper body out of bed, sweeping up my legs bridal style.

I squealed, pouting from the loss of warmth from the confines of my blanket. My only clothing had been a tank top and black boyshorts, and it was cold, goshdarnit.

Ignoring my many objections, Austin jogged out to the living room, promptly dropping me on the couch. He tuned back into my room, returning a moment later with a pair of dark jeggings and a black spaghetti strap top with three white polka-dotted frills as the bodice, probably from the bottom of my wardrobe. "Here, put these on," he instructed, tossing them at me. "I'm making breakfast."

I flinched as the jean material landed on my head. "Pancakes?" I asked, pulling them off.

"You know it."

My hands adjusted the pants and I hopped into them, doing a little shimmy before slipping the top over my tank top.

Walking into the kitchen, I was greeted by a powdery Austin, and a tattered, brown leather book thruster into my hands.

"Much better," he commented nonchalantly, even pecking me on the temple. "Just that bedhead..."

I ignored him, drowning out everything that wasn't the book. It's covers were scratched and torn, the leather strip bookmark handing on by a thread. The pages, worn around the edges, were embossed with the markings of so many nights pressing the tip of a pencil a little too hard.

"Where'd you get this?" It fell from my mouth as a whisper, unbelieving.

Austin immediately stopped mixing, his powdery hands going to my upper arms. "It came in the mail yesterday. Your parents sent it to Chelsea to give to you on Christmas, but shipping got backed up. Chelsea told me that I should be the one to give it to you, so here it is."

I looked up at him. "Why?"

His thumbs stroked the creases on the inside of my elbows. "There's two blank pages left in the back. Give this book some closure."

My fingers ran over the A entwined with a treble clef sign on the cover. "What do I put?"

He leaned closer. "Something happy. Something fulfilling. Something that you'll be content with. Ally, put something that will finish this story, and begin our next one together."

And with that, he pulled another book from his back, the leather the same style as the first, save for the buckle that would ensure that it'd stay shut and the red cover, a saying embedded in curvy white text.

Dream

as if you

will live

Forever.

Live

as if

you will

Die

Tomorrow.

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Thank-you."

There were sixteen minutes until midnight.

The throng of people surged with an energy that emanated into the streets, illuminating the whole city brighter than it's ever been at any other time of the year, despite the endless amount of screens with kiss-cams, countdowns, and Jett Dealys.

No sane Manhattan native stood anywhere in a thirty-block radius, yet here I stood, amidst the different faces and accents, a few of which consisted of Cassidy's slight southern drawl, Jace's skater slang, Trish's lightly rolled r's, Chelsea's silky hum, and Kira's smooth squeal.

•

Plopping myself down beside Austin, I folded my legs beneath me, leaning on his shoulder. He pulled his left hand away from the frets of his guitar, letting his arm drape over my shoulders.

"Hey," he mumbled into my hair.

"Hi."

"Watcha doin'?"

"Looking at what my parents left me."

"How do you know if they left anything?"

"Because last time I wrote in here, there were three and a half pages left. Now there's only two, according to you."

He nodded, his chin going to my shoulder. "Good point."

•

Beside me, Cassidy's elbow bumped my side. Her mouth bobbed open and closed, and all I could hear was the roar of the crowd.

"What?"

I yelled it the loudest possible way to do so, yet she continued on as though I could hear her perfectly.

I heard nothing.

•

The pages creaked and bended as I pulled them apart, as though they'd been put away for over a decade.

If sure felt like one.

Mocha-stained papers fluttered and flicked as I hastily flipped the pages, taking in the faded scent of perfume that Essie had insisted on spraying in when I was fourteen. She said that one day, it'd bring back memories.

It did.

A smushed petal drifted into my lap as I flipped through the pages, and I stopped on the one where it had come from. I remembered this page, memorized it word for word the first time I wrote it.

I never read it again after that.

I never planned to do so. Ever.

•

I looked to the semi-cloudy sky.

Fifteen minutes.

Austin would be up soon.

Trish and Kira would be going crazy.

Chelsea, Cassidy, and I would laugh.

Mom and Dad would be at peace for once, watching for early fireworks while the countdown in New York would hover on the television behind the new young, blonde singer on the stage.

Essie would want to get out pots and pans, and jump with money in her pockets, and bring out those awful party confetti poppers with an even more awful smell.

She always did.

I smiled, just thinking about her. For the first time.

Maybe I should call them.

•

The page felt as though it could crumble and disintegrate in my hands, hardened and a bit wrinkled with countless splashes of dried tears.

My fingers fumbled to grasp the page and rip it out. I didn't want too remember remember writing it. I didn't want to remember the flower. I didn't want to remember how the rest of it made it to her casket before I could. I didn't want to imagine an old pink and white rose tucked in her hands, flat and dark around the edges, but still beautiful, even missing one petal.

Austin's hand stopped me before I could begin to tear, however, one of his hands encasing mine as the other gently placed the petal back and turned the page.

I would never be able to thank him more for that.

•

The restaurant was somewhat empty as I stepped in, ordering myself a simple bubble tea before taking a seat at a booth and pulling out my phone.

My fingers trembled as I navigated through my contacts, selecting one.

I took a deep breath as the ringtone began.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

"Ally?"

Exhale.

"Mom?"

•

His hand moved away from the pages, and I resumed flipping them. It was at page 196, fourth from the last that I stopped again.

So Mom and Dad had left something.

I leaned further into Austin's chest, and began to read my mother's loopy penmanship.

Dear Ally,

Merry Christmas, baby girl.

We're sorry that you couldn't get home this year, so we decided to send a little bit of home to you. We hope it made it to you on time.

Ally, we miss you so much. Communication hasn't really been our thing, but we really want to see you soon. We don't want to disturb you, so FaceTime us when you can, okay?

You were on the television the other day. With that boy, what's his name? Houston? You two were at the children's hospital. We were so proud to see you, and that blonde boy- whoever he is. He's a keeper.

This December feels like an improvement. You may not be with us, nor Essie, but your father and I have been getting along a little better. We've gotten through another December, and Ally, I think things are going to be okay.

The first year without either of our little girls was unbearably painful, but I think things are getting better. The town still does the candlelit mass on the ninth, and there are still tears every time, and there are fresh pink and white roses at her grave every year, but we couldn't possibly ask for anything more.

We have a roof over our heads, a daughter who's chasing her dreams in her dream city, and another baby girl who is surely with God and all the Arch Angels.

I believe things are looking up.

-Merry Christmas,

Mom & Dad

Austin rubbed my arm as I tried my best to hold back tears.

"Maybe you should call them," he offered.

I shook my head.

"Not yet."

•

My mother's face appeared on the screen of my phone, and I could barely recognize her. She was different, but it's definitely her.

There were bags under her eyes and a few more wrinkles on her face, but she was beaming nonetheless.

"Ally! Did you get the book?"

I nodded. "I did. It was part of another present."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? Well it's good to know you received it."

"Mmhm. Is Dad there?"

Mom's dark brown eyes lit up. "Oh, right! Lester! Come talk to your daughter!"

A muffled reply ensued, and she smiled as she turned back to the camera. "So, how have you been?"

I smiled back at her. "I've been great. Music is doing well. I-um... I wrote a song with my boyfriend earlier."

Her grin grew. "Boyfriend? Is it that Houston boy in the tabloids?"

"Woah, Woah, Woah. What's this I'm hearing about a boyfriend?" Dad popped into the image on my screen, his face seeming to have aged just as much as Mom's.

I tilted my head, brushing my hair behind an ear. "Yes, Dad. I have a boyfriend. And it's Austin, Mom. Not Houston."

Mom leaned toward the screen. "Why don't you tell us about this 'Austin'?"

My face came closer, too, resting on the base of my palm. "He's great. He plays a million different instruments, and he sings. He also played hockey in high school, so he showed me how to skate. And he loves kids, he even offered to help babysit my neighbor twice and we've visited the children's hospital twice, just because we wanted to see the kids again."

Dad pulled Mom back so that he was back in the shot. "So where is he? When do we get to meet this Austin?"

"He's getting ready to go on stage," I explained. "He's performing in Times Square in a few minutes."

They nodded with soft 'ohhh's.

•

I flipped the page, to the very first blank one.

"How about we write a song?"

"About what?"

I shrugged, pulling the blue beanie off Austin's hair and onto mine.

"I don't know... Us."

"Why us?"

"Who knows? Because we're crazy, messed up people who like to talk, except when we don't."

He shook his head. "I called my parents again today."

I moved my head to look at him properly. "What'd they say?"

His lips spread a little. "They said they'll be watching me tonight."

•

"So, how are you guys?" I asked, poking my thick straw through the lid of the bubble tea as I whipped out a sticky note from my pocket, making sure it was still intact and the digits on it were legible.

"We're good," Mom replied, nodding her head as if she were finally at peace.

Maybe she was.

"We're doing a puzzle," Dad tosses in. "Five-hundred pieces, all to pass the time until the ball drops, while exercising our brains."

I giggled a little, putting the paper back in my pocket. Essie and I used to do puzzles all the time. I hated them, was awful at them. She had a knack for them.

"That sounds great."

Mom shook her head good-naturedly.

"Hey, Sweety, what time does Texas go on? It's twelve minutes until midnight," Dad called in the background.

"Austin, Dad." I called back. "He's right, I gotta run. I'll call you back later, okay?"

The woman on my screen smiles softly. "Sure, Baby. Go get your New Year's Kiss."

•

"Let's write a song about us," Austin announced, fixing his guitar back on his lap, the neck slightly positioned over mine.

"What about us should it center on?" I pondered, putting my chin on his shoulder.

"What we're about," he answered cleverly, kissing my forehead.

I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Very funny."

•

"Yo, how's everyone doing tonight?" The blonde boy shouted through the microphone in his hand.

The response was inevitable. Like always.

"Alright, pumped for twenty-fifteen I see! So, this song was mostly written by my girlfriend, Ally Dawson, so if you guys don't like it, blame it on her." He stopped and laughed for a moment. "Kidding, Babe. Thanks for letting me perform this one... Let's go!"

Kira nudged me, and I smiled up at her nervously.

I had no idea how, but Austin and Dez had somehow managed to record the song and get it ready for the show in one afternoon, which included a rigorous choreography session with his backup dancers to get it perfect.

I'm gonna be first to the finish line
Never givin' up 'til we're out of time
And I'm gonna make it there no doubt
Thats what I'm about, I'm about

Not gonna break 'til the music stops
Keep on climbing 'til we hit the top
If you got a dream, gotta let it out
Show 'em what you're all about, all about

Na na na na na
I got a feeling that tonight's the night, yeah
Na na na na na
I got a feeling that it's our time

Let's take this out to the streets
Everyone's following me
We'll throw our hands to the sky
We're celebrating our life

Come on let's give it a shot
This may be all that we've got
Right here, the moment is now
Let's show 'em what we're about

Oh woah
Let's show 'em what we're about
Oh woah

If you don't try then you'll never know
Just how far that you're gonna go
We can take off, fly the world around
See what it's all about, all about

I can hear music in the air
And I see people everywhere
I can feel the magic in the crowd
'Cause that's what we're all about, all about

Na na na na na
I got a feeling that tonight's the night, yeah
Na na na na na
I got a feeling that it's our time

Let's take this out to the streets
Everyone's following me
We'll throw our hands to the sky
We'll celebrate it all night

Come on let's give it a shot
This may be all that we've got
Right here, the moment is now
Let's show 'em what we're about

Oh woah
Let's show 'em what we're about
Oh woah

We're gonna be first to the finish line
Never givin' up 'til we're out of time
And we're gonna make it there, no doubt
That's what I'm about, I'm about

Not gonna break 'til the music stops
Keep on climbing 'til we hit the top
If you got a dream, gotta let it out
Show 'em what you're all about, all about

Let's take this out to the streets
Everyone's following me
We'll throw our hands to the sky
We're celebrating our life

Come on let's give it a shot
This may be all that we've got
Right here, the moment is now
Let's show 'em what we're about

Let's take this out to the streets
Everyone's following me
We'll throw our hands to the sky
We're celebrating our life

Come on let's give it a shot
This may be all that we've got
Right here, the moment is now
Let's show 'em what we're about

Oh woah
Let's show 'em what we're about
Oh woah
Let's show 'em what we're about
Na na na na na, yeah
Let's show 'em what we're about
Na na na na na, yeah

•

Austin put down the pencil, having finished writing down the last chord to the song. I smiled ruefully at the book.

It was finished.

One part of my life was over, and I could now close it up and store it away on a bookshelf, a whole story to go back and read one day.

But not any time soon.

Because right then, we decided to begin our next book. Together.

And we're each other's everything.

•

Ohhhhhhhh

Your eyes light up the sky,
I know you won't fade away

•

Four minutes.

There were four minutes until midnight, and no Austin in sight. Where he could've been, I had no idea.

He should've been here by now, he should've been standing right in front of me, his whiskey eyes bright and excited.

•

I know this couldn't fade.
See, I gotta tell you girl,
There's nothing quite like you,
I love the things you do.
I think I'm falling head over heels.

•

Three minutes.

My brows scrunched together. He had to be here.

Somewhere.

But I wanted him here. I needed him here.

It was a type of reckless freefalling I'd never experienced before, just being with him, and I kind of liked it.

But without him, it felt like plunging into an abyss.

•

Cause you're all I want,
All I need and I,
Wanna be your everything.
You're all I want,
All I need and I,
Wanna be your everything.
Ohhhhhhhh
Wanna be your everything.

•

Two minutes.

He could be anything, really. Either a weapon, or a drug, he could be my source of joy, or my ultimate demise, but whatever he would become, he was what I wanted.

Kryptonite or courage, he'd be enough for me.

•

When I'm staring, face to face,
Against those perfect lips,
I love the way you taste.
And every time we touch,
I drift away, I'm not the same.
I think I'm falling head over heels.

•

Ten.

Where is he?

Nine.

He should be here.

Eight.

He promised to be here.

Seven.

He wouldn't break a promise.

Six.

He may have gotten stuck.

Five.

Come on, Austin...

Four.

Where are you?

Three.

Please find me.

Two.

Quickly!

One.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And lips. Austin's lips.

His arms snaked round my waist, pulling me flush against him. His head dipped, our lips moving slowly, even as the crowd thrummed around us, and cheap party horns were blown in our ears, and confetti blew into our hair.

I stood up on tiptoe to reach him, my arms hooking around his neck as he dipped me slightly, my back arching and his right hand entangling in my hair while he deepened the kiss.

He tasted like cocoa, and peppermint, and Austin, and he smelled like that intoxicating vanilla mixed with a fresh summer breeze, and his lips were just so soft.

•

You're all I'm dreaming of,
(All that I'm dreaming of)
You're all I'm thinking of,
(All that I'm thinking of)
You're everything, everything.
I'll be all that I can be,
I'll be your everything.

Yeah! Everything.

•

12:01 A.M. January 1, 2015

Slowly, tantalizingly so, he pulled away, and we were a windblown mess of rosy cheeks and mussed up hair and red lips, and nothing could be better.

Not if he weren't a lonely boy who had simply been looking for attention, not if I wasn't some sisterless MUNY student, not if the cold, frigid air would blow away into warmth.

Because it's not what I'd ever dreamed of, or ever wanted before, but now it was all I dreamed of, and all I could want.

•

Cause you're all I want,
All I need and I,
Wanna be your everything.
You're all I want,
All I need and I,
Wanna be your everything.
You're all I want,
All I need and I,
Wanna be your everything.
Ohhhhhhhh.
Wanna be your everything.
Ohhhhhhhh.

Wanna be your everything

•

Austin leaned down, his forehead resting on mine.

I smiled to myself, unraveling my arms from his neck.

There was still one last task of 2014 to finish.

Reaching into my pocket, I felt the small sticky note and pulled it out, making sure to lock eyes with him as I slipped it into his hand.

The blonde boy stared back at me in confusion, the gray beanie on his head sliding a little.

"What is it?"

I wrapped my arms around his torso, smiling up at him innocently.

"My number."

I can't believe it. It's over. I think.

I've gotten a few requests for a sequel, but I'm not quite sure. If I did do one, I think it'd either be a one-shot, or I'd do it next year.

So, if you really want one, tell me in a review and I'll see what happens.

I really, really love you all and thank you for all your care and support for this story! I mean, you guys got me to 83 reviews, 37 favs, and 54 follows in 8 chapters!

I can't even begin to thank you all enough! Yay! Ahh!

shout outs: GodLover321, rauraluver(guest), Mary Louise(guest), amyli888, Auslly Finchel 123, sarahtheresa13, blueiscool(guest), Love Shipper, Molly(guest), Love This D(guest), AusllyRauraShipper, Rachel711, sweetlovegirl101, XxMydreamsxX, AusllyR5RauraFluff, violadg, Ausllyrauraluv, Hey it is me Sarah, Esperanza1111, axswiftxa13, Therossylover188, Awesomeausllyraurashipper1123, tysmileyface, uhlanib, Salena(guest), lalalife003, Mary(guest), guest, Vintage Red Car, and xxqxeeenxx

Again, guys, I love you all! Look out for that sequel, it might just happen! If not, I have a lot of one-shots in the lineup and another multi-chap that I'm working on. ;)

Keep Kool!

Bie!

-K8ie