A/N: Soooo this originally was planned as a story for another category but I figured Auslly would fit. This is probably replacing 'Warning Sign' because I've been so stuck and unhappy with the direction I started going in and kept changing the next chapter every single time but alas it was not meant to be. It's kind of similar in some ways but at the same time it's not. I hope it's not too terrible so please review and let me know what you think!

… Nothing's been proofread (lol like always oops) and I swear the chapters will get longer eventually. I'm probably going to get someone to beta (hi, Frida are you up for it again ily) but for now, here it is, yo.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Fic Title inspiration is a lyric from Against the Current's Something You Need. I've been so indecisive over the title name that it probably took longer to think it up than it was to write this chapter lol.

Chapter 1: Home

It had been so long since he had been there. Getting out of the car, he zipped up his hoodie and looked at the house down the pathway, the porch light flickering slightly. It had been so long since he had stepped foot in his childhood home, so long since he had tasted his mother's cooking, or climbed down the tree right outside his window whenever he wanted to sneak out. It had been three years.

Three long years with only a few calls to his family to see how they were doing, three years of Skype messages and visits to him, never the other way around.

He hadn't stepped foot in Miami in three years.

It wasn't his fault, however. His life in California had been so time-consuming in three years. After making the decision of putting his singing career on halt halfway through the semester of his first year at USC, he had gotten the opportunity to intern at a fairly new record label company Ramone Records, before Ronnie Ramone hired him to work as a record producer during the summer, inspiring and aiding young artists who wanted to make it into the industry.

Like himself, many years prior.

Long ago, he had become an overnight Internet singing sensation, got signed to Starr Records by the age of fourteen, before deciding to part with the company five years later. Jimmy Starr had found a lot of potential in the young blonde the very first moment they met and in over the course of five years, helped the teen grow through his music and helped achieve his dream.

He toured, performed, the thrill of it all running through his veins and he had his best friends by his side. During his senior year he had taken a small break, focusing on his studies, applying to colleges, and experiencing his last year of high school with his classmates and friends.

College was never an easy subject for him to discuss but he knew that he wanted to continue his education and he wanted a degree in his back pocket. Florida State and USC were two schools that he knew he wanted to get into for music and after much thinking, he had accepted USC's offer, deciding to major in Music Industry and Production with a minor in Business Management and he didn't look back.

However, getting back into performing straight after high school and then going to college in September had deemed difficult. Missing classes and failing courses was not part of his plan. Half way throughout the semester he had five academic warnings under his belt, so with much consideration, he had decided to ask Jimmy to relieve him from his contract so he could pursue school.

Jimmy was saddened, although he had granted the superstar his wish, promising him that if he did ever want to come back, he could and he was very grateful. And so Austin Moon: The Superstar became Austin Moon: College Student.

Which was perfectly okay with him.

It was nice to be on the other side for once, the behind the scenes of the music industry. It was different; it was where the magic, technically speaking, happened. The music, the lyrics, the recording had absolutely enticed him the moment he attended his classes and didn't have the stress of when his next hit song would be released over the radio.

Sure he loved performing, sure he loved going on tour and he was certain he would never not love it, but learning everything that made all of that possible ignited a new light into the former superstar.

The internship with Ramone Records had been amazing. Jimmy and his daughter who happened to be one of his good friends, Kira, had spoken to Ronnie Ramone; letting the new record label head that Austin had been interested in learning the production side of music after his first year. Ronnie was a really cool guy, pretty laid back and always liked to get right to the point. His label had grown a lot in two years and Austin knew it was only going to get bigger.

And considering he was in Miami to scout the new location of Ramone Records in his hometown as well as potential artists, said a lot. Back in California demos piled up to the ceiling and many calls were made. Ronnie's company was booming effortlessly and Austin was proud to say he was a part of it all.

But for now, he was home and he would worry about his meetings this week sometime tomorrow. He really couldn't wait to just lie down in his childhood bedroom and fight off the jet lag that seemed to hit him like a ton of bricks the moment he stepped out of the rental car.

Slugging his bag over his shoulder, he walked up the stone steps and rang the doorbell nervously. His parents knew he was coming home soon, they just didn't know when.

The door opened and he smiled when he saw her, her blonde, slightly graying hair flowing down her back as she looked up and her eyes widened in surprise.

"Hey, mom," he grinned and the older woman shrieked, throwing her arms around him excitedly. His arms encased her smaller figure, holding her tight, and the feel of his mother's arms wrapped around him making him feel like a child once more.

"You're here!" she exclaimed and he nodded, chuckling slightly, "Surprise."

"Oh sweetie, I didn't think you were coming home until later this week!" Mimi Moon cooed, looking up at her son as she placed her hands on his cheeks and reached up to kiss his forehead. "Your father's at the store, he's going to be so surprised when he sees you."

"I've missed you, mom," Austin grinned. She pinched his cheek, "I missed you too, my little prince. I was just about to make dinner with-"

"Mimi? Who's at the door?" a voice called out softly. A soft angelic voice that he hadn't heard in ages. His eyes moved from his mother to the figure behind her who emerged from the kitchen and into the hallway.

He knew that figure anywhere.

His eyes widened a bit and removed his arms from around his mother and just stared at the familiar, brunette, slightly tiny, doe-eyed female before him.

"Ally," he said softly as her eyes widened when she saw him standing in the foyer with his mom.

Ally Ally Ally.

Ally Dawson.

His ex-girlfriend.

His best friend.

His favourite person in the world.

"Austin Monica Moon," she stated a smile on her face and he couldn't help but laugh. She smiled gently at the sound before she rushed over to him and he dropped his bag, wrapping is arms around her waist tightly. His head buried into the crook of her neck as he felt a wave of contentment rush over him. It had been too long since he had felt her hugs and he missed her.

"I've missed you," the brunette whispered softly, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt. He could feel his throat clog with emotion, nodding his head at her words, "I've missed you too, Alls."

Pulling away, she looked at him, tears welling in her eyes, "Welcome home."

He looked down at her, a smile gracing his face as he squeezed her a little bit more tightly, "It's good to be home," he replied back and pulled her into another hug, catching his mother's eye as she smiled at the two before leaving them alone.

"It's good to be home."