Summary: The aftermath of staying at Austin's apartment for the night.
Warnings: small mentions of uncomfortable topic of being followed at night.
Disclaimer: Some things I forgot to mention in part 1: Austin is not a professional actor, but a theatre actor at a local academy. 2. I forgot to say this beforehand, but I don't write smut, like not ever. I don't think I could be any good at it, so I don't write it. Sooooo unfortunately if you were expecting some spicy themes with this fic, or any of my writings...I don't have the confidence in myself and comfortability to the public to write it. Thank you for understanding.
Part 1: https://at.tumblr.com/soundslikediamonds/rescuer-part-1/w44pupakohnm
Taglist: @someonedateme @dre6ming @oh-austin @givemethemaknaes16 (let me know if you want to be tagged for future chapters!)
Thank you all so much for reading, it makes my heart really happy and in honest disbelief just how many of you enjoyed. It encourages me.
I had to take some time off of course as I'm sure you all did after what happened with Lisa Marie. My prayers are with beautiful Riley, the twins, Priscilla, Austin, and the Elvis family. It's so hard, there's so much pain in my core and seeing Austin yesterday at the Critic's Choice was tough. There was a lost look in his eyes. Yet, as the days go on, I pray that we all as we grieve, remain in strength, peace, and comfort during these dire times.
"Alright, here we are." Austin says, opening the door as you step inside. He flickers the light open and you take in everything. It's almost like a studio in itself, some colors and pallets displayed on the walls right next to paintings and vases that are made by pottery is in the shelves. Boxes are stacked next to the back of the living room and a clothing rack is full of costumes. It's safe to say that this place looks and seems a lot like the person Austin is, the man you're starting to know, who's colorful and bright in the midst of greys and blues.
"Manitiscold," Austin mutters in one word as he walks away from where you're standing frozen on the welcome mat. "I'll uh, I'll go turn on the heat." He says, with a small smile and you watch him walk over to the side of the room, next to the kitchen. He presses a few buttons, squinting his eyes in focus at the screen on the wall, before after a beep he turns away, smiling at you.
"Come on, I'll show you to your room." Austin gestures, and you nod.
You're not saying anything. You should say something, it's probably rude in someone's rulebook that you're not speaking, but you can't help it. Between having a man follow you, to a rescuer help you, and then that said rescuer now showing you to where you'll sleep the night, leaves you at a loss for words.
You can only look at Austin, who, even here in the comfort on his own home, looks nervous as he walks and you follow with hesitant steps. He fidgets with a silver large ring on his ring finger, rolling the mental mindlessly and your heart stops for a second as you do a double take. However, you calm down when realizing that the ring is on his right finger and not his left. It's not that you wouldn't wish for Austin to be married, but you couldn't have any more energy in you if there was a whole lady in this apartment, to which Austin would have to tell your story to. No, this is something you don't want repeating. This is what needs to be blown over by tomorrow when you leave the place anyways. You don't want to bombard him with your own troubles.
The room that you're staying in is petite and cute, and, just like Austin described, has a small desk by the window for office space. You initially had the thought of studying a little bit, since your backpack was with you and you have a morning class tomorrow, but you're so tired and not wanting to do anything else but sleep.
"Is there anything I can get you? Like tea, or coffee, or anything?" Austin's voice causes your droopy eyes to blink up and at him, who's managed to have his jacket unzipped, revealing a grey hoodie.
You shake your head at your rescuer's hospitality. "No thank you. I think I'll just go to sleep, actually." You answer.
Austin looks at you for more then a few seconds, a concerned look on his face, but before he can say anything you plaster what you hope is a 'I'm-okay-you-don't-have-to-worry' smile before you turn to the made bed.
"Thank you for everything. Seriously. I don't know how you repay you." You say.
Austin's eyebrows furrow. "Oh no," he says, shifting the weight from one of his sky scraper legs to the other. "You don't repay me for anything. I didn't do anything emphasized other than the norm of what anyone could do." He says.
You shrug. "Yeah, but...I don't think anyone could do what you did." You debate.
Austin looks down, folding his hands together as his jaw clenches. "Hmm." He hums. Then he looks at you, a light apparent in his eyes.
"I think this is where I'll agree to disagree." He chuckles, now walking to the doorway. "I'll let you settle in, let me know if you need any-"
"Wait, Austin," You start.
With one hand holding the doorknob, Austin freezes in his spot and looks over at you with raised eyebrows. "Yes?" His low voice draws out in slight confusion.
You heave a sigh. He's been everything nice to you since he helped you at the gas station. You know he doesn't want you to repay him with everything, but there's so much guilt in pretending like there is a home or someplace for you to go to after this night. You figure that you owe it to Austin to tell him the truth.
Avoiding his questioning eyes, you start to speak. "You've done so much for me in helping me out, and extending your place to stay the night is just..." Your voice trails off as you shake your head. "I really can't begin to thank you, but I really do thank you for everything, and...well...there may not be something you want me to repay you with, but I owe it to you to tell you that I haven't been very honest with you."
Austin blinks his eyes in confusion, but doesn't say anything, allowing you to continue.
"You were right about me not wanting to go home." You sigh, playing with your hands as a nervous fidget toy. "I don't really have a home. I mean...since last week when my dad kicked me out. I've been having some family complications but I always knew I would leave, but then before I could really plan it things got intense and sure enough I'm arguing with my dad and then he kicks me out and says that he never wants to see me again. Which, is fine, because our relationship hasn't been the best these past few years. But um...I've been okay, I've been staying at an Inn, and one time even at a friend's house, but...it would only be for a place to sleep because I'd be out all day either at class or studying, so then at night when my dad would be at work I'd go back home to get more things, which is what I was doing tonight before that guy followed me. And I'm not even sure why I'm telling you all this but you were so kind to help me and I haven't been honest with you and like, I'm leaving tomorrow morning anyway so there isn't really much point in telling you all this, but I'd just feel so guilty since you're so nice and you have this look in your eyes where you just wanna help me, and-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, hey, it's okay. Breathe." Austin holds his hands up and walks toward you. You take a deep breath, your face sort of flushed by your never ending rant.
"Hey," Austin looks at you. "I'm sorry about you losing your home. That's...I mean, I can't even fathom it." He says.
You're silent. You don't want him to pity you. You're not even sure why you exactly gave him all the details in the first place. You didn't want Austin to feel so bad over something that wasn't even worth it. It's going to be okay. You'll sleep here for the night and then go back to another inn or some cheap motel. You're confident that you can take care of yourself.
Austin's fingers rest on his chin as he now looks at you with a thoughtful expression. It makes you slightly nervous because you don't know what your rescuer is thinking right now and the silence isn't helping.
Finally Austin speaks up. "You know, you can just stay here." He suggests.
"Wait...what?" You blurt out. That's nothing that you're expecting.
"It'll be perfect. I've been wanting a roommate." Austin grins cheekily as he elbows your arm.
I know you can't be taking it that simple.
"Yes I can." Austin chuckles, which makes you look at him.
"Shoot, did I say that out loud?"
Austin laughs in reply before he shrugs. "Seriously, it's no big deal. I'm away all the time for work anyway if it's my presence that you feel would bother you," he smirks and you feel like he's teasing you right now.
"But...you don't even know me." You say softly. "You can't be that accepting of strangers just..."
"Just...moving in." You say, looking up at his tall figure. "I'd be living with you."
A smile draws on Austin's face as his eyebrows furrow together in a questioning gaze. "Would that be so bad?"
You shrug. "Maybe. I don't know. Surely you see something crazy about all this. You're inviting a stranger in your apartment." You try to argue.
"C'mon, I'd say you're at least an acquaintance."
You shoot Austin a warning look, and then he looks at you with a more of a serious look in his eyes.
"Listen, I'm living lonely. But, it's like I said, if you're really worried about being a disturbance, I leave for work in the morning and come back here at night. I wouldn't even see you." Austin says, shoving his hands in the pocket of his hoodie.
Austin is definitely one of the weirdest people you have ever met. He's simple, like an old soul. There's nothing to this whole exchange that he suspects. He doesn't see anything wrong with the idea that someone who he just met at the gas station will crash at his apartment and live with him. There is a part of you that knows that agreeing to this is so absurd. What would your friends think if they got word of what was going on? What would your family even think? You didn't even know this man's last name.
However, at the same time, there is a soft spot that you're starting to have in your heart for Austin. He mentions that he's lonely a lot, and with the sweetness of who he is, you would never wish any amount of loneliness on him. He seems to enjoy your company, and he likes being there for you. Of course, you're mindful of the fact that he did save you from what could have been a terrible disaster but, at the same time, he doesn't have to do everything that he does and yet he seems to want to. He's a wonderful host, making sure that all your needs are met.
Should you do this? Do you actually want to stay with him? Is it safe? Will he be okay? What about your living habits? You've never lived with a man before. What if he finds extra hair in the shower or what if he catches you talking loudly to yourself?
But what if you made a friend in the process? And like, an actual friend who's there for you and wanting to hear you out on things that stress you? Someone who has time for you, and someone you can be there for just as much? You can tell that even with sitting in his car, something sort of clicked with you two. There seemed to be a friendship, someone who you can be yourself with. Someone friendly. Someone considerate. A gentleman. And although you have your fair share of friends, you'd be the first to admit that they're not as much of what would define good friends.
You look at Austin, now thinking about what he said. He'd be working all day and coming back at night. That pushes you to wonder.
"Where do you work?" You ask, looking at him.
"Oh." Austin smiles. "I'm an actor, actually. I work at the theatre academy."
Your eyes widen. You are not expecting that. Austin's shy and nervous yet at the same time, it does explain the reason as to why he was able to hold you and pretend he was your boyfriend at the gas station. He didn't even have to think and boom, he was in character.
A smile draws on your face. "That's so cool! So you work full-time, then, right?" You ask.
Austin nods, smiling as he looks down at the ground. "Full time, yeah. We do a couple of shows every week." He says. "So going back to the moving in thing, I'm in the theatre every other day, so you really don't need to worry about constantly being in my space or something. You can just be here and uh..." Austin's voice trails off as he now points at you.
"Did you say something about you being a student?"
You nod. "Yeah, I'm at the college." You say, then shrug. "So the days I have classes I wouldn't necessarily be here either."
Austin smiles. "Impressive. So looks like no one will be in this place." He laughs, causing you to join in.
"We'll work everything out as we go, with schedules and everything. But is that a yes? To staying here?" Austin's eyes are big and hopeful, like a deer's as he looks at you awaiting your answer.
You can say no, and continue to go to Inns until your money runs out. Or, you could just say yes, at least for right now and see what life has to give the both of you.
You let out a breath before you extend your hand. "You found yourself a roommate." You say, dramatically and Austin laughs shaking your hand.
"Hooray!" He says, smiling brightly.
Austin was technically gone before you woke up the next morning, but you had heard him when the sky was dark at around 5am. Every once in a while, a zipper would zip, hangers would glide against the rack, and footsteps would sound right outside your door. You opened your eyes lazily and let out a low groan, hating to be woken up before your alarm would officially go off. However, you couldn't complain. You were in Austin's apartment. The last thing you would do is tell him that he woke you up as he was getting ready for the day, since this is his apartment and he can do whatever he wants.
You don't get the chance to see him or wish him a good day, and a part of you wants to, but you're exhausted. So you let your eyes close as within seconds there you are drifting back to sleep.
After what seemed to feel like 2 minutes later, your alarm sets off and you actually feel like crying. You don't want to go to class. You just want to stay in bed all day and sleep. You haven't had a good night's rest in a long time. You didn't trust the beds at the inns, but this bed was comfy and as creepy as you may sound, the room smells like Austin as well. In a way it makes sense to say, considering the fact that across from your bed was a closet that was filled with his clothes. He actually offered you to sleep with some of his but in panic you refused and told him you had some clothes in your backpack. You just don't want him to constantly bombard you with such kindness up to the point where you feel like owing him back with everything, which you wouldn't know where to start.
You slowly peel yourself out of bed, telling your mind to allow your body to let you get off the bed. It's a whole process when waking up. If you don't tell yourself to get up, you'll actually never leave. As much as you'd like that, you have class, and you can't afford to be skip out, though tempting, it costs your grades.
While getting ready you obviously can't help but think about what life has brought you from last week up until this point. It's only been a week and everything has changed. You went from an only child living with your angry dad and quiet mom who never did anything to defend you, then became homeless for a week, but your current status as of right now, consists of you eating this amazing breakfast that was kindly left for you by your 'roommate' Austin, a man you just met yesterday.
The sun shines over your breakfast and you scowl. Okay, of course you love the sun, but between the sun blinding you and the birds chirping it makes you just want to crawl back to bed. You're an early bird because you have to be, not really because you want to be. You wonder if Austin likes mornings where he's up early before the sunrise.
After you eat you shower and then change into a light blue baggy crewneck over white wash jeans. You tie your hair in a low ponytail, leaving some strands out in front of your face. As you stayed alone in the kitchen for breakfast earlier this morning, you took the time to look up the bus route from here to the college You're incredibly lucky, because Austin lives right in front of a bus stop. It doesn't take long for the bus to come and soon you're on your way to campus.
Throughout the day while sitting in class, your mind can't help but think. You're trying to pay attention but those dang blue eyes and soft smile enter your vision, so much so that his name is like a replaying lyric to a song that never leaves your head.
Austin. Austin. Austin. Austin.
It never ends in your mind. You're just thinking about him. You're wondering how he's doing right now, where is he in this exact second and what he's doing at this very moment. Is he onstage? Backstage? Alone? With coworkers? Eating? Drinking?
You tap your pen to your paper in rhythmic motion while your mind flashes back to being in his car just last night. What are the odds, that Austin decided to go to the more expensive gas station and he just so happens to be there when you're in trouble and in needing rescue. Then, he extends his apartment to you to live with him as well as you're trying to figure your life out.
Suddenly, as though a literal light bulb flashes in your head, your eyes widen.
What if you got something for Austin as a thank you gift?
It'd be challenging, for sure. You only met this man less than 24 hours ago and you have no clue about his preferences. But you want to try. He's done so much for you and looked after you already. You'd feel bad if you're unable to give at least a card. Yet at the same time, you don't want to go with just a card.
So what should you give? Flowers, perhaps? Make dinner for when he gets back?
Your elbow rests under your chin as you try to think about just what it is that you'll do. You're settled for getting him something, but what?
Maybe you could bus back to the apartment and go through his things, and see what he likes most?
Yeeeeah, no. That's invasion of privacy.
Fortunately enough for you, you're done your last class at 3:15pm and you can head to the mall which is nearby. You do so, first going to the food court and getting a bite to eat. When that's all finished, you get up, push in your chair, and sweep the contents on the table before placing them in their right disposals. Now the search is on, you have to find something Austin-y.
If only it's as easy as it sounds.
Getting gifts for guys in general is always a challenge. But having to know what a person likes just by the brief interactions you've had over a saving scenario? That's a whole other level up.
You make sure your eyes scan every store that's in this mall. Usually when you did come here, you'd barely pay attention because you always came with intent. Now, you're led to this mall with the mission of spending a few hours and then leaving with something that looks just like Austin, and that alone would require intricate searching.
You stop by the entrance of a sports store, but you aren't even sure what Austin likes. He's got the height of a basketball player, yet the build of a volleyball player. Although there's something about him that can also be drawn to golf. Or maybe he's more of a water guy, like surfing.
"Can I help you with anything?" A male employee suddenly asks and you snap out of your thinking, looking at the worker.
The man smiles and nods before walking away. You know that no doubt he has to constantly ask people if they need assistance because his job requires it, but he makes sure to leave you and not push you into receiving his help. You're thankful for that, as you don't have the energy for piling pressures.
You stay by the door only a few seconds more as you look at baseball caps, gear, and jerseys. It's all great stuff, but you're just stumped because you actually have no idea what Austin would want, and you don't want to guess things. You want a perfect gift.
You spin on your heel and walk away, now looking for something else. It has to be something that he'd appreciate, something that's his right from the bat. Something that has his name written all over it. You're finally just debating on whether or not you'll cook up a scrumptious meal and just have him eat that when he comes back, but what if he gets hungry on the drive back and orders In-n-out?
You shake your head, now starting to feel frustrated as you go down the escalator yet again. It's hard to try to find what you don't know you're looking for.
Suddenly, just when you're about to give up, a small Gift Shop catches your eye. You walk in, immediately noticing the decor of customized items, which now gives you an idea. Austin's a well-known name. You can have something with his name on it, but what? You walk around the shop, noticing small sets of jewelry with either names or initials. You then see near the back of the store there's houseware items like mugs, chinas, glasses, and ceramics. Next to those sections there are aisles for creativity such as sketchbooks, journals, and frames.
A mug, though as beautiful and useful it would be seems like much. A necklace with his name seems like an intimate gift, something that could have so many meanings and confuse the man. You don't even know if he has a partner so you're not going to risk that. A sketchbook would be gorgeous but there's only the problem of not knowing whether or not he can draw.
Your eyes land on the journals and for some strange reason, your brain clicks. There's something about writing, something about it that doesn't have to be select but general. You can see Austin being the type to write things down, and even if he's not one to write his thoughts down, it can be of use for organizing or planning. You look through the sections of names and then find easily in the 'A' section, a medium Taupe shade journal that has the name 'Austin' in cursive lettering. It's beautifully hard cover with full pages and a soft grey ribbon over as a bookmark.
Your hands grab it immediately and you find yourself smiling. It's small, but thoughtful nonetheless. As you buy the journal and leave the store, you see a candle store that's near as well, and you suddenly remember Austin saying something about candles that make him fall asleep. You experiment and buy a Cocoa-Bean flavored candle that you've always liked. You're content with your thank you gift and you start to head to the apartment.
You like studying with music on. Whether in the library with your headphones in, or blasted from your phone, like right now at Austin's apartment. You're sitting on the couch in the living room, in front of a large coffee table, where your textbooks and notes are spread out on top of each other. The reason why you're here and not in your room is that you want to make sure to see Austin's reaction to the gift that awaits him just by the door, so as soon as he gets inside he's greeted with a gift.
You're listening to the chorus of one of your favorite songs, humming along so much so that you don't even notice that the doorknob jangles and Austin is now inside. That it, until you look up from your work and glance to the door and you see a tall familiar figure closing the door behind him and locking it. You smile, lowering the volume down. When you check the time on your phone, it's 11:02pm.
"Hi!" You call out and then Austin turns. He's wearing a black crewneck over blue jeans, and his jacket as well as what looks like a coffee mug is held in his hand. He smiles at you.
"I thought you were a burglar for a second." He says, blowing out a sigh.
You smile. "Yes, of course. I'm the burglar who'd break in houses and study." I say sarcastically and Austin laughs heartily which makes you smile.
"How was the day?" You ask, noticing that as Austin puts up his coat, there's no sight of him noticing the gift bag right at his feet just in front of him.
He rubs his eyes. "Long, but it was great. How was yours?" He asks.
I nod. "Good." You answer.
Austin starts to take off his shoes. "I'm just gonna take a shower and then-" he pauses, his eyes now averting to the gift that's in front of him and you now smile, sitting on the edge of your seat.
Austin looks up at you in confusion. "What's that?" He asks slowly.
You look at the bag and then back at Austin. "A way of saying thank you when there's no other ways to say it." You reply simply.
Much to Austin's surprise he blinks again, reaching down to grab the gift bag. He shakes his head. "You really shouldn't have." He says as he slips into his slippers.
"It's not much," You warn. "I don't know anything of you yet, but hopefully you like it." You say.
Austin gives a small smile. "I'm positive, whatever it is, I'm gonna like it." He reassures you as he walks over to where you are in the living room.
You watch as Austin sits across from you on the other couch, now noticing just how long his legs are.
"What could it be..." He mutters to himself as he now looks down, his tired eyes glistening with a hint of curiousity and excitement.
"Don't expect much." You warn, calling out. Your stomach twists as you anticipate and lean forward in your seat. Somehow all of the happiness from buying your small items is starting to leave you and be replaced with doubt. What if Austin doesn't like it? What if the Cocoa bean smell makes him sick or what if he doesn't like the journal at all? You try to tell yourself that if anything, it's the thought that counts, and you're sure Austin will see it that way too, but you don't know for certain.
What if he actually hates it?
"Seriously, it's not a lot. Like, at all." You repeat. Whether those words are for him or to doubt yourself, you don't know.
Austin ignores you, ruffling through the wrapping paper. He dives in, eyes squinted as his hand goes to the bag and then takes out the cocoa bean waxlight candle. He smiles dropping the bag in his lap and holds it with both hands.
"Oh boy!" Austin smiles from ear-to-ear. He looks at you, his eyes bright and vibrant.
"This is incredible." He brings it to his nose and inhales, closing his eyes for a second before re-opening them. "This smells amazing, thank you so much." He says.
You tilt your head, giving a skeptical look. "Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I like it. I'm gonna light it in my room before I go to sleep tonight." Austin declares, placing the candle next to him on the couch.
"Thank you." He appreciates and then goes back to the bag. You can only watch in silence, choosing not to make a comment. Either Austin really likes the gifts, or he's a really great actor.
Austin goes back to the gift back and this time looks down and doesn't pick anything up blindly. He looks at the journal, a smile on his face before he picks it up and out of the bag.
"No way!" He says, looking at it. His fingers trace the cursive lettering of his name and I smile just seeing how much of a kid he looks like.
"I don't know if you journal or write but I just thought-" You start.
"This is the best gift in the world. I do journal, and I haven't had the chance to get a new one and I finished my previous one a week ago. How'd you even know I needed a knew one?" Austin asks in disbelief, shaking his head with a smile.
You pause. "I...didn't know." You say.
"Well, it was the perfect timing. Thank you so much, you really shouldn't have. Really." Austin says, putting the items back in the bag. He gets up from his seat and lets out a short laugh.
"Man, I can't believe it." He says, before looking at you.
"Is there any chance I can hug you, or something?" Austin asks.
You blink in confusion. You knew that maybe it was possible that Austin would've liked your gifts, but you weren't sure how much until right now, where his face resembles a little boy's getting his favorite toy at Christmastime. You nod, starting to stand as a smile breaks out on your own face.
"Yes, of course." You say, walking around the coffee table and standing to face him.
Austin shoots you a grin and then stretches his arms just as you do, and you hold on to him, just like you did that last night at the gas station. Austin squeezes you, as his long arms wrap around your back and you rest your chin against his shoulder, feeling a slight tickle of his stubble against your neck. You're not that shorter than him, you're above average height by a little, and somehow you find it nicer because your breathing patterns match his and his face is near your face. If you're to look up, you'd be looking right into his eyes, but for now you just enjoy being enveloped like you are in his embrace.
"Thank you so much." Austin says and you start to feel his grip loosen. You depart just at the same time he does, but he stays facing you, his large hands imprinted on your shoulders causing a type of weight but security nonetheless.
"It's not much." You say, and Austin shoots a smile.
"Keep saying that and maybe one day I'll believe you." He says. "But really, I'm so appreciative of this." He says.
You smile at him, looking into his intense eyes. "I'm glad you like them." You say.
You both stay there for a few awkward seconds of not saying anything, just staring at each other. You're not sure what it is, hie height, his smile, his hair, his eyes, how he looks at you, perhaps? You feel your face starting to heat up and your heart is beating a little bit faster than it should be.
You flicker your eyes down, trying to not let Austin catch you so flushed. "Um..." You start, though the words that's supposed to come out betray you and you're left saying nothing.
Austin somehow gets the memo as he finally let's go of your shoulders and takes a step back, flashing a smile. He doesn't seem to notice your red face or heavy breathing.
"I'm gonna go, shower." He excuses himself. You nod, quickly, going back to sit down.
"Did you already eat?" Austin asks, retrieving the gift bag that he left on the couch. He takes the handle and stands with it in his hand.
"Mm. Okay." Austin mutters before he holds the gift up and looks at you. "Thanks again." He says and you smile at him, watching him leave to his room.
The feeling you now are sitting with makes you confused. You're not sure of how you haven't noticed it the first time you left, maybe because you were panicking about who was following you, but Austin is a very attractive man. If you can manage your feelings and just leave it as so, then living with him will be harmless.
If not, however, which you have a strange feeling your feelings can't be managed, you can only pray for help in the days to come.
