(delaney's outfit for this part of the chapter)

The next day Delaney had been at Sonic Boom with Ally while Ally worked there. Dez sat on a nearby chair with Carrie, who was working on her latest knitting project. Delaney leaned against the counter, fidgeting with the necklace she had gotten the day before. Ally had noticed and asked about it curiously, complimenting on it as well.

"Thanks, yeah, I got it yesterday." Delaney replied with a smile.

"When you were with Austin at the pier?" Ally asks teasingly. "Trish told me you guys went there together for most of the day."

Delaney groans, burying her face in her hands to hide the blush creeping up her neck. "Why does everyone insist on making a big deal out of this?" She grumbles. "We're best friends, best friends hang out."

"Yeah, but best friends don't look at each other like you guys do." Ally points out. She was tired of seeing them dance around their feelings. They needed a push in the right direction, and she was going to give it. "Look, Del, I know you're afraid of ruining your friendship, but don't you think it's worth a shot? The same thing happened with me and Finny, and now look at us! We celebrated our one month anniversary yesterday!" She beams, her eyes shining with joy. "And who knows, maybe the same thing will happen for you and Austin. I mean, you guys have known each other since we were kids. You're practically perfect for each other."

Delaney bit her lip, considering Ally's words. She could feel the truth in them, the undeniable chemistry that had been building between her and Austin for years. But the fear of risking their friendship loomed large in her mind. "But what if it doesn't work out? What if I ruin everything?"

Ally rolls her eyes playfully. "What if it does work out? You'd be missing out on something amazing just because you're scared. You can't let fear hold you back forever. Life is too short for what-ifs!"

Delaney sighs, her heart heavy with uncertainty. "I know you're right. I just wish it was easier. And besides, I don't think he feels the same way. I mean, he called me his best friend yesterday and Carrie tried setting him up with her sister. He wasn't interested, but it still makes me wonder if I'm just imagining things."

Ally shakes her head. "Del, do you really believe he doesn't feel the same way? Have you seen the way he looks at you? It's like you hung the stars. And I've heard him talk about you when you're not around. Trust me, he feels the same way. You just need to take that leap of faith and tell him. It's worth it, I promise."

Delaney hesitates, the doubt gnawing at her. She wanted so badly to believe in Ally, but her insecurities and fears held her back. "I don't know..."

"Come on, Del, you know I'm right. You guys are so cute together, and you make each other so happy. Why not take a chance on love?" Ally gently nudged her, smiling encouragingly.

Delaney sighs, the weight of her doubts still pressing down on her. She wished it could be that easy, but she couldn't seem to shake the fear of losing him. "I'll think about it, but can we drop it for now? I can't take all these questions and teasing." She pleaded, hoping to avoid further discussion.

"Alright, fine. But you better tell him soon. You know prom is coming up, it'd be perfect timing." Ally winked, before turning back to her tasks at Sonic Boom.

Delaney nodded absently, her mind still swirling with the conversation. Prom was just around the corner, and the thought of going with Austin made her heart race—both with excitement and fear. What if he didn't want to go with her? What if he chose someone else? The idea of seeing him with someone else made her stomach churn. She glanced up as Trish walked into the store and she shared a friendly greeting with Trish.

"Thank you for setting up that meeting." Ally says, smiling at Trish and gaining a confused look from Delaney. "Armand Bianchi's one of my favorite designers."

"Wait," Delaney looks at her with surprise. "No way, you have a meeting with the fashion designer Armand Bianchi?" She gasped.

Ally grins. "Yes, Trish just helped me set it up. I can't believe it either! I love his designs."

"Me too!" Trish agrees excitedly. "Remember that dress he made out of live snapping turtles?"

"Yeah, that was insane!" Delaney exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement. "I can't believe he actually did that! It's so outrageous, but it totally works for him."

"Yeah!" Ally laughs, then pauses as she grimaces. "I wonder if that model ever got her nose back." Both Delaney and Trish grimace and shrug in response.

"Greetings!" Austin calls out as he enters from the back entrance. "Everyone feeling splendid?" He grinned while jumping over the counter only to sit on it.

"Who are you and what have you done with Austin?" Delaney teased, not being able to help her shock at the fact he was using fancy vocabulary.

"Did I seriously just hear Austin say 'splendid'?" Finn's confused voice is heard when he walked inside, having just got out of his lacrosse practice so he was still had his lacrosse stick and gear with him. "Did I step into an alternate universe or something? I mean, what's next—Austin quoting Shakespeare?"

Austin rolls his eyes, but the smile never left his face. "I'm going on a date with this amazing girl. So I looked up a bunch of new words to make her think I'm smart. You all look quite adolescent."

Finn snorts, shaking his head. "Austin, you sound ridiculous! But hey, if it helps impress your mystery girl, go for it. But might wanna learn the meanings to the words you use, dude." He walked around the counter, dropping his stuff to wrap his arm around Ally as he leaned down to kiss the side of her head. She smiled warmly at him, her face flushed as she leaned into his side and wrapped an arm around him.

"Wait, you're going on a date?" Delaney couldn't hide her surprise, trying to ignore the jealousy and disappointment that filled her. "With who?"

"Oh, I met her at the beach this morning. She's amazing." Austin gushes, his eyes sparkling. "You guys are really gonna like my date. She's beautiful, she's funny, she surfs."

"Well, does she floss?" Dez chimes in. "'Cause you can tell a lot about a girl by her gums." He turns to Trish to try to check her gums, but she swatted him away. "Yeah, this one's feisty."

Austin's face lit up when he noticed his date walk in. "Here she is now!"

Delaney turns to the entrance, frowning deeper at seeing the beautiful blonde enter. She looked like a model, and the way Austin looked at her made Delaney's stomach twist into knots. Ally grimaced at seeing her expression, feeling bad for having trying to encourage her to confess her feelings when Austin just came in to reveal he had a date. She sent Delaney an apologetic glance, rubbing her back comfortingly. Delaney quickly plastered on a polite smile, trying to mask the ache in her chest.

"Guys," Austin walks over to the blonde-haired girl, smiling as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Meet my date."

Carrie looks at her with surprise. "Piper?"

Piper smiles at her. "Hey, Carrie."

"You guys know each other?" Austin asked in confusion.

Carrie nods. "Yeah, she's my sister."

Austin's eyes widen. "What?"

"No way!" Trish gasps. "Piper's the kooky girl Dez wanted to set you up with in the first place?"

Even though it hurt to see Austin with someone else, Delaney knew Trish probably shouldn't have said that. She sends a scolding look to Trish along with Ally and Trish sheepishly smiles at them. "Wait..." Piper furrows her eyebrows, glancing over at a nervous Austin. "What are you talking about?"

"Yeah, I wanted to set you two up...But when I showed Austin your picture, he was all like, 'blech! ugh! yeesh!'" Dez replied, mimicking how Austin was but more dramatic and despite Austin silently gesturing to him to stay quiet about it.

"Really?" Piper crosses her arms, turning to look at Austin. "So I wasn't good enough for you?"

"No, I-I can explain. Dez showed me this picture and your face was all...Not like it is now." Austin tried explain, his voice slightly shaky as he stumbles on his words.

Dez pulls up the picture he showed Austin and shows it to Piper. Piper sighs. "That was from 'nerd day' at school."

"Well, I'm glad we cleared that up." Austin replies with a nervous smile. "Come on, let's go on our date now."

"It bothers me that all you care about are looks." Piper admits, pulling away from Austin when he started to guide her towards the door. Delaney wanted to argue, knowing the truth of how Austin really was, but she bit her tongue and stayed silent. "What if that wasn't a costume? It could have been real. Haven't you ever gone through an awkward phase?"

Ally chuckles nervously. "I think we're all feeling a little awkward right now."

"Actually, I'm enjoying myself." Trish smiled, leaning her chin on her hand and elbow on the counter. Ally nudged her, sending her a disapproving look along with Delaney.

"You can forget about that date, Austin. I don't want to go out with a guy who's this shallow." Piper told Austin.

"I'm not shallow." Austin argues. "I just like pretty girls."

Delaney grimaces at that and face palms, knowing that didn't sound right. And Austin realizes that too late. "Wait, that sounded bad!" He panicked, turning to Piper, who was already walking out the door.

"So, where you guys going on your date?" Carrie asked curiously. Delaney sighed at her cluelessness and obliviousness. She looked at Austin, biting her lower lip. She felt bad for Austin, but on the other hand, she was kind of glad he wasn't going out with anyone right now. She knew how selfish that sounded, but she couldn't help the small sense of relief that settled in her chest. It wasn't that she wanted Austin to be miserable, but the thought of him being with someone else had been too much to bear.

Still, Delaney hated seeing the dejected look on his face. His shoulders slumped, and his usually confident demeanor seemed to shrink. She frowned, her heart aching. Before she could think about it, she was walking over to him and pulling him into a hug. He froze for a moment before wrapping his arms around her and holding her tightly, burying his face in her neck. Her heart raced, the warmth of his body enveloping her. For a moment, the rest of the world melted away, and all she could feel was his arms around her and his breath against her skin. She found herself wishing she could stay in this moment forever, even though she knew it wouldn't last.

After a few moments, they reluctantly pulled apart, their eyes locking as they gazed at each other. A soft smile tugs at the corner of her lips, and she reached out to push his hair out of his face. "You're not shallow. You just...Sometimes say things without thinking them through."

"Almost all the time." Finn adds, grimacing when Ally elbowed him in the ribs. "What? I'm just being honest." He defended himself.

Delaney rolls her eyes, smiling at him. "Ignore him. I'm just saying, don't beat yourself up about this. You're a great guy, and someday you'll find someone who sees that."

Austin's gaze softened as he looked at her, a warmth spreading through him at her words. He had no doubt that Delaney believed every word she was saying, and that alone made his heart swell. Her faith in him was one of the many things he loved about her, and even though he wasn't ready to let Piper go yet, her words gave him a little hope. "Thanks, Laney."

*****

Later that day, Austin still couldn't get over the fact Piper called him shallow. "How can Piper think I'm shallow?" He knew he should probably drop it, but it bothered him. "Would a shallow guy spend three hours making his hair look like this?" He questioned, pointing at his perfectly styled blonde hair.

Trish nods. "Yes, he would." Austin grimaced as he realized it.

"I spent three hours putting on this outfit Carrie gave me." Dez admits. Delaney was still there with Finn as well, the two leaning against the counter by Ally. Dez wore a knitted outfit that looked like a dress and held another knitted part of the outfit in his hand. "I don't know why she gave me two."

Trish cringes. "I think those are socks."

"Ohh," Dez says in realization. "That's why it took me three hours to pu on."

"How can I show Piper that I'm deep?" Austin asked as he stood.

"Austie, just be yourself." Delaney chimes in, giving him a small smile. "She'll see the real you, eventually."

"No, forget that." Dez cut in and Delaney rolls her eyes at him. "Read her your journal. I love May 10th when you cried after seeing that double rainbow."

Austin's eyes widen, suddenly nervous and embarassed. "I-I fell off my skateboard." He stammers. "There just happened to be a double rainbow at the same time."

"Forget the rainbows." Trish sighs. "Just do something thoughtful for her. Find out what she likes to eat and cook for her."

"Yeah!" Dez agrees. "Girls love it when you care about stuff they like. Why else would I be wearing a sock dress all day?"

"'Cause you're not the sharpest tool in the shed." Finn retorted with a shrug, but Dez looked confused and shook his head.

"Alright, then I'm gonna be into whatever Piper's into." Austin decides with a smile. "What do you think she likes to eat?"

"Carrie said she's a vegan." Dez shrugged.

"And I'm a Capricorn." Austin says in confusion, not understanding what he said. Delaney sighs heavily and face palms. "But what does she like to eat?"

****

(delaney's outfit for this part of the chapter)

Delaney was thrilled for Ally for getting the chance to be a model. That was a once in a life time opportunity. But she also knew how clumsy the girl could be so she hoped it would go okay. She currently sat in the practice room with Trish and Finn the next day, watching as she showed them the model walks she had come up with. And let's just say, all of them weren't good. One was called 'The Fish Out of Water', which they all voted to throw back in. Another was 'The Lost Tourist' to which they agreed was another no-go. The latest one was 'The Prancing Pony', that was a definite neigh.

Delaney excused herself from the group and went down stairs to the store. She noticed Dez sitting in the sitting area, reading a magazine. He wore another knitted outfit from Carrie. He must really love her because the outfits Carrie knits aren't the best. She found it sweet though. She approached him. "Hey, Dez, another outfit from Carrie?" She asked.

"Yep." He grins at her. "This one is definitely not socks."

She chuckles and nods. "Though it does seem like the shirt is too small for you." She pointed out, noticing it looked more like a crop top than a shirt.

He glances down, shrugging. "Eh, I like it."

Delaney wasn't surprised. He did have his own style after all. "So, have you heard from Austin at all?" She asked curiously.

"Not today, but it seems like things might be going well with him and Piper." Dez replied with a smile.

Delaney forces a smile, her stomach twisting into knots. "Yeah, that's...That's great." She tried not to sound too disappointed, but she could tell Dez picked up on it.

Dez gasps. "Do you still have a crush on Austin?"

She blushes, glancing around the room and was relieved to see no one else was in ear shot. "W-What? No. No, I-I'm over that. I'm just, I'm worried about him."

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow. "Because you sound jealous."

She scoffs, shaking her head. "You're crazy. I'm not jealous. I'm happy for him and Piper." She mutters, crossing her arms. Dez sends her a look that read he didn't believe her. "Really. I'm over it." Delaney tried to sound convincing, but even she could hear the uncertainty in her voice. Dez leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he squinted at her.

"You know, for someone who's totally over Austin, you sure light up like a Christmas tree whenever he's around," Dez pointed out with a knowing grin.

Delaney groans, covering her face with her hands. "Okay, fine! I still have romantic feelings for him." She admits in a hushed voice, peeking through her fingers. "But it doesn't matter. He's into Piper, and she seems nice. I'm not going to get in the way of that."

Dez frowns, patting her shoulder. "Don't give up, Delaney. If you like him, you should tell him. He deserves to know."

"It doesn't matter, Dez." Delaney sighs. "Even if I did tell him, it wouldn't change anything. He doesn't see me that way."

Dez wanted so badly to argue and say the truth about how Austin really felt about her, but he knew it wasn't his place. Austin had to be the one to tell her, so he had to keep quiet. "You never know, Delaney." He said simply. "Sometimes you have to take chances. Life is too short not to."

"I'll keep that in mind." She replies with a weak smile. She and Dez had been too bust talking to realize Austin was walking in. It wasn't until Dez's sudden scream did she realize Austin was in the store. She gasps, startled by the sudden sight of Austin. She rubbed her eyes, trying to make sure she wasn't imagining things. "What the..."

"Oh, sorry, caveman guy." Dez apologized for freaking out, not realizing he was Austin.

"Dez, it's me." Austin pointed out.

Dez puts the magazine away and stands. "Oh." He nodded and smiled. But then he screamed, looking terrified.

"Blondie, what the heck happened?" Delaney questioned, staring at her best friend in shock. Austin stood there wearing a potatoe shack. He looked like a mess, like he hadn't showered. She thought things were going well with Piper. That's what Austin had been telling her when she would check in. Though she hadn't been spending much time with him lately since he and Piper have been dating. She wasn't sure why though, it's just Austin always made up an excuse for being busy. It almost made her think Piper didn't want him to hang out with her anymore.

"Piper made me give up clothes, soap, toothpaste..." Austin frowns. "Even my hair products." He licked his hand and ran it through his messy hair.

"But your hair was so perfect before." Dez pouts. He leans forward, grabbing his arm. "It's all you had!"

Austin furrows his eyebrows. "What about my singing and dancing?"

Dez inhales sharply. "Ooh, a lot of people sing and dance, buddy."

Delaney stares at him with surprise and disbelief, feeling a surge of anger towards Piper. This was going too far. "That's crazy! Where is she? Just wanna have a little chat with her." She grumbled and turned to leave the store. She was going to give Piper a piece of her mind. How dare that blonde jerk mess with her best friend.

"Laney, wait." Austin grabbed her arm, making her stop and turn to look at him.

"Why?" She huffs, crossing her arms. "Why should I stop? She's messing with you and that's not okay!" She argued.

Austin smiles warmly, his heart fluttering at the sight of her protectiveness over him. "Look, I appreciate you wanting to stick up for me, but I'll be fine."

"So is Piper gonna go out with you now?" Dez asked curiously.

"No, she still thinks I'm some shallow guy." Austin muttered.

"Yeah, this has definitely gone too far." Delaney grumbles, pulling away from Austin and stomping outside, determined to find Piper and give her a piece of her mind. Yes, it hurt to see Austin with someone else, but when that someone else was actively tearing him down, Delaney couldn't stand by and do nothing. Austin might not realize it, but he deserved so much better.

"Wait, Delaney!" Austin called out worriedly

"Where are you going?" Dez added.

"To give Piper a piece of my mind!" Delaney shouted over her shoulder as she walked out the door.

Austin and Dez exchanged worried looks. The boys knew all too well that when Delaney was determined, there was no stopping her.

****

Delaney was fuming as she stormed out of the store, her mind racing with thoughts of what she had just witnessed. How could Piper treat Austin like that? Sure, the boy could be a little clueless and sometimes self centered, but his heart was always in the right place. She wasn't going to stand by and let Piper take advantage of that.

As she marched across the beach, her eyes landed on a familiar blonde girl. Perfect, there was the jerk herself. Without hesitation, Delaney made a beeline for the girl, her face twisted into a scowl. When she was a few feet away, she called out, "Hey, Piper!"

The blonde girl turns, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw the brunette approaching, noticing the anger and determination etched on her face. She hadn't realized how intimidating the shorter girl could be. "Delaney, hey." She smiles, trying to hide her nervousness. "What's up? You here for some surfing?" She asked as she put the surf board she held down.

"I'm not here for the waves." Delaney snaps. "I'm here for you."

Piper frowns. "Um, okay. What's this about?"

"I know you've been messing with Austin." Delaney says, getting straight to the point. Piper grimaces, her eyes darting away. Delaney huffs, folding her arms across her chest. "Look, I don't know what your problem is with him, but he doesn't deserve the way you've been treating him. Okay, yes, he can be a bit much, but he's a good person. He cares deeply about those close to him, and he would do anything for his friends."

"Look, I get that you're upset, but-" Piper started, but Delaneys' glare stopped her.

"I'm not done yet." Delaney interrupts. "If you really like him, you wouldn't try to change him into someone he's not. You wouldn't make him feel like he has to give up everything just to be with you." Her voice was low but fierce, her anger giving way to genuine concern.

Piper's face flushes, and she shifted her weight uneasily. "I'm not trying to change him," She mutters, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "I just...I'm sorry, I just wanted to test him. To see if he really liked me for me, not just my looks, and isn't just some shallow guy. Turns out he really is a great guy." She sighed.

"Yeah, clearly!" Delaney scoffs. "You manipulated him into thinking he had to change in order to prove that he liked you? Do you realize how messed up that is?"

"I know, and I'm sorry," Piper says, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "You're right, I shouldn't have treated him like that. But you're right, I didn't have to treat him the way I did."

Delaney frowns, her features softening as she watched Piper. The blonde seemed genuinely remorseful, and while part of her was still upset, she knew deep down Piper was a good person. "You should apologize to him." She finally says. "And make it a good one. Because if you hurt him again, I swear I'll-"

"I'll make it right." Piper quickly promises, not wanting to know the end of that sentence. "I'll talk to him and make things right." She pauses before adding, "You know, he talked a lot about you." She adds, gaining a surprised look from Delaney. "He talks very highly of you, and it's obvious how much he cares about you. It's actually kind of sweet."

Delaney feels her cheeks grow warm, her heart pounding in her chest. A fluttering sensation fills her stomach as she realizes what Piper's implying. Could Austin really care about her the way she hoped he did? "Thanks..." She replied, trying not to get her hopes up.

"Listen, I know this may not be my place, but Austin really does care about you, and I can tell you care about him. I'm not into him like that anymore, honestly. And I know it's not really my place to say, but I think you two are clearly more perfect for each other than him and I are. So maybe you should consider telling him how you feel. I have a feeling he might feel the same way." Piper suggested, giving her a small, encouraging smile.

"Thanks, I'll...I'll think about it." Delaney stammered, her head spinning with everything she just heard. Her thoughts were all jumbled as she tried to process what Piper said, and whether or not she should take her advice. Was she really brave enough to confess her feelings to Austin? Could she really risk losing their friendship if he didn't feel the same way? Or would the risk be worth it if it meant a chance at something more?

*****

After her conversation with Piper, Delaney's mind was racing as she headed back to Sonic Boom. Part of her was still angry at Piper for what she'd done, but she also felt a sense of relief knowing that the blonde was sorry and would make things right with Austin. More importantly, Piper didn't like Austin romantically anymore and thought he and Delaney would be perfect together. Her heart raced at the thought. Could Piper be right?

On her way back, Delaney pulled her phone out of her pocket when she saw a few missed texts from Dez that were frantic. She furrowed her eyebrows and opened the notification, eyes widening at seeing it before she started running in the other direction. Austin had planned on pouring paint on the models at the fashion show going on. And it was the one that Ally was in too. Dez had added that he and the others were heading to the place the fashion show is being held at to stop Austin. And she assured him she was on her way. She hoped they could get there in time to stop Austin.

When she got there, she found the gang with Austin behind the curtain, trying to stop him from going through with this plan. But she noticed they were panicking over the timer that she saw was almost running out. "Guys, have you figured out how to stop the timer yet?" She asked, panting from her run.

"No, I-I can't stop it!" Austin nervously stammered, setting down the timer after trying to stop it but having no luck. Delaney stood by her friends worriedly as they all peaked through the curtain to find Ally. Ally was currently on the runaway and Delaney had to admit she was doing great. She was impressed Ally hadn't fallen down yet or anything.

"We have to get her attention!" Dez frets, his face full of worry. "Ally! Ally!"

They all wave at Ally, trying to get her attention. And they do, but Ally just smiles and waves back at them. Delaney sighs, face palming. "She's not getting the message, guys."

"She thinks we're cheering her on." Trish muttered and the gang looked over at Carrie when they heard her chanting Ally's name. Carrie was smiling widely as she started the chant and even some of the audience joined her. She stopped after she noticed the looks her friends gave her.

"We have five seconds." Piper worriedly says. "Do something."

Delaney didn't know what to expect, but she definitely didn't expect Austin running out, shouting 'look out ,Ally' and pushing her out of the way. He pushes her out of the way just in time as yellow paint splashed everywhere, covering some of the audience. Gasps and screams filled the air as most of the audience left. Finn had quickly rushed over to help his girlfriend up, checking on her and making sure she wasn't hurt. Delaney stared at Austin in shock along with the others, eyes wide and mouth open in surprise.

"Saved it." Austin weakly spoke.

"Oh! Oh my- my precious angel! Are you okay?" Armand Bianchi questioned in a worried tone when he rushed over to Ally and Finn.

"Hold on, she's my precious angel." Finn argued stubbornly, returning the loving look Ally gave him. Her face was tinted pink and her heart fluttered at his words. Finn held her hand and had a gentle hand on her back, helping her up.

"I was talking about my coat!" Armand snaps, glaring at Finn and looking annoyed. He pulls the feather coat off Ally, worried and frantic. "Is it-Is it ruined?"

"You care more about that stupid coat than Ally?" Finn snapped, his eyebrows furrowing. He couldn't believe was angry, and he could feel his body heat up with anger. He couldn't believe Armand was more concerned about a coat than Ally's well-being.

"Austin, what's going on?" Ally asked in concern and confusion as she looked at the boy covered in paint on stage.

"I'll tell you what's going on." Armand angrily replies, turning to Austin. "This monster tried to ruin the most important piece of clothing I have ever created." He angrily ranted, stepping up on the stage and backing Austin off it.

"Hate to interrupt, you might wanna yell at me a bit further away." Austin warned.

"Huh?" Armand looks confused and then looks up, eyes widening as he realized more paint was about to fall. "Oh...Fly my jub-jub, fly!" He tosses the coat at a safe distance and braces himself as the rest of the yellow paint falls down. Finn had covered Ally with his body, protecting her from the paint despite the fact they were far enough away from it. "Is she safe?" Armond nervously asked, wiping paint from his face.

****

Delaney stood off to the side as Austin and Piper talked, both sitting on the stage. It looked like the conversation was going well. And she overheard Piper apologizing, which was good since she was hoping the girl would. The blonde didn't seem too bad, despite what she'd done. It seemed like Austin was forgiving her, which made Delaney feel a little better. Though a part of her was still upset about everything that happened. She didn't like the thought of anyone using Austin, especially for their own selfish gain. But Piper had apologized and seemed genuinely remorseful, so Delaney supposed she could forgive her. 

After all, she'd learned the hard way what happens when you hold a grudge. She then realized how awkward she probably looked just standing off to the side, trying not to listen in on their conversation and moved to check in on Ally and make sure she's okay. If only she stayed, she would've heard Piper encourage Austin to confess his feelings for her.

"Promise me you'll Piper said, her tone firm yet encouraging. She gave Austin a knowing smile, nudging his shoulder.

Austin hesitated, his face flushed. "I don't know if she feels the same way, Piper. What if it ruins everything?"

Piper sighed, placing a hand on his arm. "Look, Austin, I messed up, but one thing I know for sure is that Delaney cares about you—a lot. If you don't tell her how you feel, you'll never know. You might regret it for the rest of your life. And honestly, I'm rooting for the two of you. You'd be so good together. She really does love you."

Austin's eyes widened, his heart pounding in his chest. Did Piper really mean that? "She does?"

"I could tell by the way she defended you, the way she talked about you. And I know you feel the same way. So please, just promise me you'll tell her." Piper implores, giving him a pleading look. "It's obvious to everyone but you two dummies that you're meant for each other."

Austin took a deep breath, his heart racing. Maybe Piper was right. Maybe it was time to tell Delaney how he felt. "Okay, I'll tell her." He glances over at the dark-skinned girl talking to Ally, his heart skipping a beat. He couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her, noticing the way the light caught in her eyes, making them sparkle even brighter. She looked radiant, even amidst the chaos of the event. Austin felt his stomach flip with nerves and anticipation. "Maybe later." He decided, his nerves getting the best of him.

"No, no, no." Piper argues, getting off the stage and grabbing his wrist to pull him off. "Go, now. Tell her now. Don't waste another second."

"But I look like this," Austin dramatically gestures to himself and then gestures to Delaney. "And she's so-"

"Go!" Piper urged, giving him a light shove in her direction.

Austin sighed, giving in. He walked over to where Delaney was, his heart racing with every step. This was it. This was the moment he'd been waiting for. But why did he feel terrified? He could see the smile on Delaney's face, the way her eyes lit up when she saw him. And somehow, that made him even more nervous. There was no way she felt he same way. She's way out of his league. He's lucky just to have her in his life. And he didn't want to ruin that by telling her how he really felt.

"Hey, are you alright?" Delaney questioned, a hint of worry laced in her voice as she watched him.

"Y-Yep, totally fine." Austin lies, grimacing when his voice rose an octave higher. He clears his throat. "I'm fine, yeah." He repeated, trying to sound calmer.

"You sure?" Delaney asks, raising an eyebrow. "You look a little pale." She moves closer, reaching a hand out, concern now in her eyes. "Are you sick or something?" Just as her gentle hand brushed his forehead, he steps back suddenly, causing her to jump slightly. "Sorry." She apologized, pulling her hand back.

"No, no, it's fine." Austin quickly says, feeling terrible for startling her. "I just-um, I just wanted to say thanks. You know, for standing up for me. You didn't have to do that."

"Well, I wasn't going to stand by and let someone treat you like that. Piper's lucky all I did was threaten her a little." Delaney huffs, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "You deserve better than that, Aust."

Austin felt his face heat up, his heart pounding in his chest. His gaze never left her, butterflies going wild in his stomach. She always stood up for him, even when she didn't have to. She was the one person who truly understood him, and cared about him for who he was. She was always there for him, no matter what. "Thank you, Laney. That means a lot to me. But I also owe you an apology. I'm sorry for not telling you about Piper, and for keeping you out of the loop. Part of that was because I gave up my phone when Piper told me she was against technology." He confesses, earning a surprised look from Delaney. "But Delaney tilted her head, trying to process his words. "Wait, she made you give up your phone? Austin, that's...a little extreme, don't you think?"

Austin rubs the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Yeah, looking back, it was pretty ridiculous. But at the time, I just wanted to make things work with her. I didn't want to upset anyone."

Delaney sighs, her expression softening. "You don't have to apologize to me for that. I get it—you're the kind of guy who doesn't want to hurt people, even when they don't deserve it. That's one of the things I...Really admire about you."

Austin blinks, his heart skipping a beat. Did she just say admire? He swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus. "Still, I should've been honest with you. You're my best friend, Laney. You've always been there for me, and I—I just didn't want to mess that up."

Delaney smiles, her expression warm. "You could never mess that up, Austin. You mean too much to me for that."

The words hung in the air, and Austin felt a surge of hope. Was this his chance? His palms were sweaty, his pulse racing. He took a deep breath, trying to summon the courage Piper had encouraged in him.

"Laney, I—" He started, but the words died on his lips. The moment felt too perfect, too fragile. Like if he spoke, it would shatter into a million pieces.

"What is it?" Delaney asked softly, tilting her head to the side, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Austin swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. "I..." He trailed off, the words stuck in his throat. He could feel the tension building, and he knew he had to say something. But what could he say that would sum up everything he felt? How could he tell her how much she meant to him, how she was the one who made his heart skip a beat, and filled him with so much joy? How could he tell her that he loves her, more than he ever thought possible?

"I...really appreciate you being here for me, and always having my back." He finally manages to get out, the words feeling flat and inadequate. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

"Me too." Delaney smiles, and Austin can see the hint of sadness in her eyes, even as she tries to hide it. She must have been expecting something more, and he cursed himself for not being able to tell her the truth. He's such a chicken. "So, I'm guessing you and Piper are officially dating?" She questioned, her voice casual, but he can sense the uncertainty behind it.

"No, actually, we're not. We both decided it's for the best." He confesses, giving her a small smile. "But, um, we're still friends. Besides, I've had these feelings for someone else this whole time...Just figured I had no chance with her and tried to move on. Guess it didn't work though, heh."

Delaney frowns, her eyebrows furrowing. "What do you mean you had no chance with her? You're Austin Monica Moon."

"Could've left my middle name out." He muttered.

She giggles, her expression softening. "That doesn't matter though. You're Austin, and I think anyone would be lucky to date you. You're funny, and sweet, and a really great person. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

Austin can't help but smile at her words. Maybe there's still hope. Maybe Piper was right. "Same goes to you, Laney." Before he could muster the courage to say anything, his nerves and fear stopping him, he notices Ally nearby and stammered out he wanted to go apologize to her for ruining her modeling debut.

"Oh, uh, yeah, sure. I'll catch up with you later." Delaney promised, giving him a warm smile. Austin returned the smile, and then reluctantly headed towards Ally, leaving Delaney behind.

Austin mentally scolded himself as he walked away. What are you doing? That was your chance! He clenched his fists at his sides, frustration bubbling up inside him. He had been so close to telling Delaney how he felt, but he let his nerves get the best of him again.

From across the room, Delaney watched Austin go, her heart feeling oddly heavy. His words had been sweet, but something about the way he hesitated made her wonder. Feelings for someone else? The thought stuck in her mind like a thorn. She shook her head, trying to push it away. Maybe it wasn't her place to question it. If he wanted to tell her more, he would. Right? As Austin reached Ally, he tried to focus on apologizing for his earlier blunder. Ally smiled, brushing it off like it was nothing, but Austin's mind wasn't really on the conversation. It kept drifting back to Delaney—her laugh, her smile, the way she looked at him.

Meanwhile, Piper sidles up to Delaney, giving her a curious look. "So, how'd it go?"

Delaney blinks, snapping out of her thoughts. "What do you mean?"

Piper raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Come on, Delaney. It's so obvious you and Austin have this whole will-they-won't-they thing going on. Did he finally confess his feelings, or do I need to give him another push?"

Delaney flushes, her heart skipping a beat. "What? No! He didn't—He doesn't feel that way about me. We're just friends."

Piper rolls her eyes. "Sure, keep telling yourself that. But trust me, Delaney, Austin's head over heels for you. He's just...Terrible at expressing it."

Delaney's heart raced as she tried to process Piper's words. Was it possible? Could Austin really have feelings for her? She glanced across the room at him, noticing how his eyes kept darting back in her direction, even while he was talking to Ally. Maybe there was more to his hesitation than she realized. Maybe she wasn't the only one afraid of ruining what they had.  

A/N so close to the confession moment yay !!