Different People

Rooney is an A-list actor. She had been nominated for two Oscars and won four Golden Globes. Not to mention everything else she's ever won in her entire life. At the young age of 24, she had it all. Girls everywhere wanted to be her. Boys everywhere wanted to be in her. She was America's sweetheart. In her twenty years in the business, not once had she ever done anything remotely illegal. Never got caught drunk or acting stupid. Never got involved in drugs or fights. She was the ideal role model for young girls everywhere. That's just how she wanted to be. Growing up, she always wanted to be that girl in the public eye who others could look to for guidance. She didn't want to be deemed one of those "child stars gone crazy".

Due to her popularity and squeaky clean record, people were always trying to bring her down. Destroy her good name and knock her off her pedestal. Everyday was a battle with the paparazzi and tabloids. They were evil and ruthless. Rooney never let it get to her though. She still went about her days like they didn't exist. Anytime they started a rumor about her, she took it with ease. Thankfully, nobody ever believed them.

It was April 24th, 2012. After a long day on set, she headed back to her Beverly Hills home and got changed for a "blind dinner date" her best friend, Courtney, set up. Normally she wouldn't do anything of the sort. There were so many crazy people out there. She couldn't just go out with somebody she didn't know. After listening to her gush about how amazing this guy was, Rooney had to see for herself. To make things more comfortable, Courtney was tagging along with her boyfriend, Adam.

"Could you believe I'm actually nervous?" Rooney commented as Courtney zipped up her black Stella McCartney dress.

"Well, you've never met him before. Totally understandable."

"There's lots of people I've never met before but when I did, I was never nervous. I'm never nervous. It's probably because I know absolutely nothing about this guy, not even his name."

"His name is Austin."

"Wow, that gave me a complete insight on who he is. Thank you." Courtney rolled her eyes at her friend.

"If I tell you anything else, you're going to Google it. I want you to get to know him personally. Not by what you read off the internet."

"Oh God, is he like some complete crazy, weirdo?"

Courtney couldn't help but burst out laughing once she saw Rooney's facial expression. "No, stupid. But you know how that can be. People talk and say shit. There's a lot on there about him that isn't true. I want you to hear about him from him."

"Okay, I can understand that. Can you at least tell me something about him? What's he look like?"

"Tall, dark, and handsome."

"Wow. I don't know why I bothered asking." Rooney shook her head and walked away. Courtney couldn't help but laugh more. "And I am so telling Adam that you called his friend handsome."

"Please, Adam is in love with him. All he would do is agree."

"I always knew Adam was gay. You've just been a cover up."

"Very funny, bitch. Let's go!" Courtney practically dragged Rooney out of her house. She tried backing out of it three times during that time and even bribed Courtney with a million dollars if she got her out of the blind date. There was no bribing Courtney. She was destined to make this happen. Which annoyed Rooney to no end.

They took Rooney's Bentley and were at the restaurant in less than twenty minutes. Only two photographers stood outside waiting for a glimpse at any celeb. At the sight of him, Rooney covered her face when they pulled up to valet. Courtney handed him the keys as they rushed inside, avoiding all questions thrown at the pair. It was only a matter of time that those two became twenty.

"I really don't wanna do this. I think I'm gonna be sick." Rooney whined as the hostess walked them all the way to the back, where Courtney reserved their table for the most privacy.

"You've been naked in bed with Brad Pitt. How could you possibly be so damn nervous about this?"

"But that was acting. This is real life."

"Look, they're not even here yet. Adam texted me at the house saying they were gonna be a few minutes behind because of traffic. Go into the bathroom, get your shit together and don't try to escape. I'll order you a drink to call your nerves."

Rooney inhaled deeply, and sighed, "okay. I'll be right back." She went straight for the bathroom, even though the thought of ditching her best friend did cross her mind twice during her walk there. After checking her make-up for the tenth time, she finally mustered up enough courage to walk back to the table. The restaurant wasn't that busy. It was after all a Tuesday night. Rooney avoided going out on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It was when most places were packed and when that happened, she was always hounded by paps and fans. Not that her fans bothered her. She just wanted to be left alone sometimes in a attempt to have a slightly normal life.

On her walk back, she saw two bodies at joined her table. Unfortunately, they were facing away from her. She was hoping to sneak a glance at the man Courtney had set her up with. She still had an opportunity to escape. Her body just wouldn't function right. It dragged her all the way back to the table, away from the door. In her heart, she knew she couldn't just ditch her best friend. Courtney went through so much effort to put this together and was really looking forward to it. So, Rooney was going to make the best of the night by eating some good food, having a few drinks, and getting to know someone new.

"Finally." Courtney groaned as she saw Rooney just a few feet from the table. "I thought you died or something."

"Sorry, I was talking with someone in the hallway." By the look on Courtney's face, she knew she didn't by her lie, but didn't press it. It was nerves that kept her locked away in the bathroom for nine minutes, not some person in the hallway. Austin stood up from his seat, then turned to face her. He mouthed 'what the fuck', looked back at Adam in shock, then back at Rooney. A look of confusion spread across her face, then she looked at Courtney.

"Is something wrong?" She asked Austin.

"No, shit, I didn't me...shit, sorry for swearing. Shit, I did it again. Damni...-" Austin sighed in frustration. He felt himself digging into a deeper hole. Rooney busted out laughing at Austin. She placed a hand on Austin's forearm to steady herself from laughing so hard. It was refreshing knowing that she wasn't the only one nervous. It was clear that Austin had absolutely no idea who his date was either. That was written all over his face. He couldn't help but smile at her.

"It's okay." Her hand slide down from his arm, then she held it out in front of him. "I'm Rooney, and I am the worst when it comes to swearing. You can say anything to me."

Hesitantly, he placed his hand in hers, "Austin."

Rooney pulled away and sat on the opposite side of him. She made a mental note to thank Courtney later for sitting beside her. At first, things were weird. It took a little to get Austin out of the shell he placed himself in. He couldn't help it due to the fact he was sitting across from a woman he only dreamed of meeting. Austin always saw Rooney as his "dream girl". Although he never met her, he knew enough about her and followed her work. It also helped that she had a killer body and personality to go along with it.

"I love your tattoos." Rooney commented, gesturing towards Austin's arms.

"Oh uhh...thank you." He blushed.

"I have a few myself, but nothing compared to yours."

"Yeah, I kno-...I mean, really?" She caught him right there and smirked. For most of the night he had been pretending that he had no clue who she was. Not in a rude way, but a nice way. If that makes sense.

"So, you know who I am?"

"Everyone knows who you are, Rooney. Shut up." Courtney said, as she pulled herself out of the conversation she and Adam were having. Just then her phone rang. It took everything in Courtney not to laugh as she answered. It was all apart of their plan. "Hello? Oh....really....yeah, I can....okay, be right there....yeah, bye."

"Who was that?" Rooney asked once she hung up.

"Uh, just a friend. He needs help, so we have to go."

"Okay, l will get the check." She made a move to stand but Courtney shoved her back in her seat.

"No need. By "we", I meant Adam and I, not you. So you guys just stay here, and enjoy. Adam is driving me, so here is the valet ticket. Okay, bye!" And just like that, Adam and Courtney rushed off, leaving Austin and Rooney speechless.

"They totally fucking did that on purpose."

"Totally." Rooney agreed.

"I heard the voice on the phone and it was one of my band mates. I'll kick his ass later."

"You're in a band? What's your name?"

"Of Mice & Men."

"I like the name, love the book. I'm pretty sure I heard Courtney mention you guys, but I don't know. I don't listen to her talk half the time. She rambles a lot. How long have you known Courtney?"

"About three months, maybe."

"That probably explains why I don't know you. I've been super busy these past four months. I'm taking a much needed break though. Which was how I was able to come here tonight. I'm sorry about all this. It must be totally weird for you."

"It's weird but not in a bad way."

"Why is that?"

Austin didn't wanna lie to her but he also didn't wanna tell her. He was having a mental battle when he decided to just go for it. "The night I met Courtney, I was in the back of my tour bus....watching one of your movies."

"Really? She beamed, not expecting him to say that.

"Yes, and when Alan introduced us, he told Courtney I was in love with you, which I am not, just to clear that up."

"Aw, I was hoping you were." She faked pouted and Austin chuckled. "Do you wanna get out of here? And I don't mean that in a sexual way."

"Aw, I was hoping you were." Austin copied her. He insisted on paying, which made Rooney feel nice. Normally, anytime she went anywhere with anyone, she was to pay. Everyone knew how much she made thanks to people at Forbes, so they just expected it from her. Austin didn't.

"This is gonna sound super weird, but can you drive?" She asked, as she handed the hostess inside the valet ticket to give to the guys outside. There had to be about forty men standing outside with cameras, waiting for her to leave. "I just can't drive when I know there's people outside waiting for me."

"Of course. I don't mind." The hostess came back in telling, telling them the car was waiting out front. Rooney handed her and the valet guys a hefty tip before she and Austin ventured outside to the flashing lights. They were blinding so they had to look down as they walked. Rooney grabbed onto his arm and he led the way, pushing past all the people. Like a gentleman, he opened the car door for her and waited until she was completely inside before he closed it. He ignored all the questions shot at him about Rooney. The main one asked was, were they dating? Not a word came from Austin though. "Holy fuck, how much does this car cost?" He asked as he got in the drivers seat and shut the door.

Rooney couldn't help but laugh at him. Out of all the things to say in that moment, that was what he choose. She was expecting him to complain about the men and madness outside and decide to never speak to her again because he couldn't handle it. Austin never mentioned it though. He didn't care.

"About $340,000."

"Wow...like I wasn't nervous already." He sighed, but drove away perfectly.

"I wanna hear your bands music."

"Really?" He was shocked.

"Yes, duh." They came to a stop light and Austin reached into his pants pocket and pulled out this phone. The light changed to green and he quickly handed it to her. He couldn't multitask in this car. He was too scared of crashing. "I don't know your password."

"It's 9-0-4-0."

"Now I get to read all your text messages and look through your pictures." She joked as she unlocked it. "Jesus, who is this beautiful woman on your main screen?"

"That's my mom." Austin smiled at Rooney's reaction.

"Well damn, good looks run in your family." She spoke without realizing what she had said. Austin heard loud and clear as butterflies built up in his stomach. Paying no attention to him, she plugged his phone in with the AUX cord and found his band in his music. O.G. Loko began to play and Rooney found herself actually enjoying it. "I can't believe I've never heard your band before. This is incredible."

"You really think so?" Austin didn't know why he kept doubting ever compliment she paid him that night. It just seemed like this was all a dream and Rooney wasn't really there saying these things to him.

"I do." She turned in her seat and looked at him while his eyes focused on the road, but his attention was elsewhere. "When is the next time you play a show? I wanna go."

"Seriously?!"

"Yes, seriously." She replied, not taking her eyes off him.

"We played in L.A two nights ago. Courtney was there in fact. Our next stop is in Las Vegas the day after tomorrow."

"So, you're on tour right now?"

"Yeah, but it's almost over."

"Can I come to your Vegas show?"

"Of course. I'll put you on the guest list. Is Courtney gonna come?"

"As much as I don't want her to since she's been keeping you a secret from me for three months, I'll bring her along too."

Austin laughed, "I honestly did not ever think she was going to try and hook us up, let alone introduce us."

"It's a good thing she did. I'm glad I met you, Austin."

Austin stayed the night at Rooney's house that night. They didn't have sex. They didn't make out, or do anything or the sort. The thought never even crossed their mind. They were too busy getting to really know each other. She loved listening to him talk about his music and dreams. Rooney was utterly captivated by him. It helped that he was really good looking too.

While they slept in the movie theater, Courtney came over and stormed the house, looking for Rooney. News broke not even an hour after they left the restaurant that they were now a couple. It was amazing how just one picture and one time hanging out could lead to such a bogus story. Rumors were flying.

"Roo?! You gotta hear this." She giggled, as she looked for her friend. "Rooney, are you home? Hello?" Courtney pulled out her phone and decided to call her. It rang and of course when she found Rooney's phone, it was placed in her room, in her purse, with her no where in sight. Never was Rooney more than five feet away from her phone. After clearing the upstairs, she checked the main floor, than went down into the bottom floor. When she stepped into the movie theater, her heart burst into relief and happiness. Austin and Rooney sat cuddled up together on one of the larger couches in the room, with two of her cats sleeping peacefully on top of them.

She was going to sneak out and leave them alone, but she ended up tripping over her own feet on the way out, waking them up. "Courtney?" Rooney called out softly, voice still sleepy.

"I didn't mean to wake up guys up. Sorry." She apologized.

"It's fine." Austin spoke, stretching as Rooney sat up.

"What's up? I thought you were coming over at noon."

"It's after one."

"Oh...oops."

"Anyways, I gotta read this article to you guys. It's so funny. I nearly pissed myself on the way over here from laughing so hard." Courtney had in fact laughed so hard before that she peed her pants. It was hilarious and one of the many reasons why Rooney loved her. She was unlike everyone else. They remained quiet waiting for Courtney to read the article while she pulled it up on her phone. "Okay, it says: NEW COUPLE ALERT" She giggled and controlled herself before continuing, "Rooney Alexander, 24, was spotted leaving Wilshire in Santa Monica with her new tatted up, bad boy, boyfriend, Austin Carlile, 25, Tuesday night. Insider says, the pair were very close while they ate, exchanging sweet words and creases. "They couldn't keep their hands off each other", says one bystander. Rooney has reportedly been seeing the rocker for months. Could it be love, or an act for attention from Rooney? More to come." When she finished, the three of them burst out in laughter. The entire story was ridiculous from start to finish.

"I don't know which was worse, the fact that they said tatted up or called you a rocker." Rooney felt tears form in her eyes from laughing so hard.

"My stomach hurts!" Courtney shouted, before calming herself.

"All that just from us eating and hanging out once."

"I'm sorry about that by the way. I hope you don't mind. If you're friends with me, especially if you're a guy, this happens constantly."

"I don't mind."

"Let's go get some food, I'm starving."

"I can't. I got a meeting at four, and I still have to shower and get ready."

"Ugh, Austin wanna go get food?" Courtney asked, more like begged him.

"We can go some place that has take out, and bring it back, if you want. That way you'll be able to get ready and still have time to eat."

"Okay." She smiled at him for being so thoughtful. Courtney was just about to abandon her, and there Austin was, coming up with the perfect solution. "I'll just..just go get in the..shower. Court knows what I like." Rooney tore her eyes from Austin's then slipped out of the theater and up two flights of stairs, to her bedroom.

"You are so in love with her." Courtney smirked, looking at Austin's face.

"Am not."

"Are too. My plan worked."

"I'll deny everything."

"You mean you'll lie!" The two of them playfully argued all the way there and back. She couldn't help but tease Austin about Rooney. The look on his face every time he looked at her, gave his true feelings away. Rooney had him in the palm of her hands and she had no clue. "Rooney?! We're back!" Courtney shouted. Over an hour had gone by since they were gone. They had stopped by Austin's place so he could change and have a quick shower while Courtney ordered the food, then they picked it up.

"I'll be right down." She replied, coming out of her room and leaning over the balcony that over looked one of the living rooms. Austin was busy helping Courtney take out all the food from their bags and boxes until Rooney entered the room. His breath caught in his throat once he set eyes on her. Her golden blonde hair was pinned up and back, while her bright green eyes gleamed in the natural light coming into the kitchen. Her make-up was minimal as always. The only time she wore heavy make-up, like eyeliner, shadow, or lipstick was for red carpets events, photo shoots, interviews, or special occasions. Her pajamas were exchanged for a elegant Gucci dress, that rested just above the knee and clung tightly to her figure.

Once she stood beside Austin and helped with the food, he built up the courage to speak, "You look beautiful."

They all at quickly, and departed. Rooney went to her meeting, while Courtney went over to Austin's and hung out with everyone who was already over there, including Adam. Before they went inside, Courtney took the opportunity to talk to Austin. "I know we're friends, but Rooney is my best friend. I've known her for like ten years and she's been through some crazy shit. Shit not even the tabloids know about. She's been hurt a lot by people she thought loved her but were really just using her. I introduced you two because I know how sweet and loving you are, but please don't ever turn into one of those people. Rooney needs someone like you in her life. She'll never admit it but I know she's really lonely sometimes. She just needs someone to love her and be there for her."

"I would never hurt or use her."

"Don't let your words become some stupid cliche."

After their talk they went inside. Rooney's meeting went smoothly, but she found herself distracted more than once. Her mind kept drifting to Austin. His smile, his soft eyes, the sound of his voice. She liked everything about him. Then she remembered. Courtney said not to Google him because of the things people said, but that only made Rooney wonder. There had to be a catch with this guy.

Her business phone had been ringing off the hook since this morning. She knew what all the phone calls, messages, and emails were about, so she ignored them all and turned the phone off. Even if she were really dating Austin, it was nobody's concern. It was her life.

Another one of her close friends, Aly, called and asked Rooney is she wanted to go to Katsuya later that night. Rooney obliged, changed her clothes into something more casual, then set off to the restaurant. About twelve other people where there with Aly when she arrived. It was very like her to arrive fashionably late when going places. The only time she was ever on time was when Courtney tagged along. Rooney just hated arriving early and being alone. Better late than never.

Mid way through dinner, Aly started grilling her about Austin. "So who is this new guy? I can't believe you never told me about him."

"I never told you because I just met him last night. Everything everyone is say is total lies. I haven't been 'seeing him in secret' or sharing intimate dinners with him. We seriously met last night. He's a friend of Courtney's boyfriend, Adam."

"Oh, that's interesting. It was like a set up then?"

"Yes."

"And what did you think? How did it go? Did you guys hook up afterwards? I saw the pictures of you two leaving together." Aly raised her eyebrows up and down in a suggestive form.

"No, nothing like that happened. We're friends. He's a really sweet guy. I'm going to see his band play tomorrow in Vegas."

"Oooh, don't go running off with him and getting married."

"Yeah." Rooney scuffed, "that would never happen." She actually had no intentions of ever marrying. She wanted kids, but no marriage. It was just a curse on a piece of paper.

"You should invite him over here now." Aly suggested.

"No, I couldn't. He's with his friends and if he was here, he'd be bored to tears with all these girls." Rooney replied, glancing at everyone else at the table. Only a few she knew. They were all friends of Aly's. She was always seen with a large posse. Aly was just one of those rare friends of Rooney's. The two of them had completely different social lives. Rooney hung out and befriend everyone who was in the film and music industry, mostly A-list celebs, with the exception of Courtney and the few friends of hers that she knew. Aly on the other hand was a bottom feeder. She befriended those who Hollywood spat out and those desperate for fame. Rooney was the only exception. The story of how the two of them met and became friends was long forgotten. Neither could remember.

"Aw, boo. I was looking forward to meeting him."

"Well, he's just a friend. It's not that important." Once the words left her mouth, her phone began to ring. Thankfully her Chanel clutch was placed on her lap because she never would of known any other way. When she glanced at the caller I.D, she couldn't help but smile. It was a good thing no one was paying attention to her at that point. "I'll be right back." She told Aly.

"Ooooh, is it him?" She asked, with a wink.

"No. It's Courtney." Rooney lied.

"Oh." Aly instantly frowned. They never got along.

Once everywhere was out of ear shot, she quickly answered. "Hello?" She said, holding back a smile.

"Hello beautiful. What are you doing?"

"I'm at Katsuya with a couple of friends."

"Damn, I was just about to ask you if you wanted to join us at Lure later tonight." Austin replied.

"Sounds tempting, but I'll have to pass tonight. I'm not really feeling well. I really just want a quiet night in. Especially since we'll be in Vegas tomorrow. Courtney goes wild there so I'll more than likely be spending all night trying to keep up with her club hoping."

He laughed at her words, "When are you leaving Katsuya?"

"Probably in the next ten minutes."

"Call me when you get home."

"Okay, bye Austin."

"Bye beautiful." Rooney placed her phone back in her clutch and went back to the table.

"Hey, I'm going to get going." She told Aly.

"Aw, why? I was hoping we'd go to Bootsy Bellows tonight." Anytime Aly hung out with Rooney, she only wanted to go to Bootsy Bellows. It was near impossible to get in, but Rooney was granted access every time, anytime she wanted. Along with everyone in her group.

"I'm not really in the club mood tonight. Austin wanted me to meet him at Lure, and I'm just not up for it. I'm really tired."

"Well, alright." Aly rolled her eyes and went back to talking to her friend Mackenzie that was sitting on the other side. Rooney hunted down their waitress, and took care of the check. It was very routine when she hung out with Aly. She was beginning to wonder why she ever did in the first place. It wasn't like she was some good friend. "Call me when you're back from Vegas, bitch!"

"Okay." Was all Rooney could say as she stood up from the table and left. Aly watched Rooney faded into the distance and once she was out of sight, she turned back to Mackenzie and the gossip began. Back at her house, she called back Austin, putting him on speaker, as she changed her clothes

"You home safely?"

"Yes. When are you guys going out?"

"I'm already out."

"Oh, I didn't interrupt you, did I?"

"No, of course not." They carried on their conversation, while Rooney put on Netflix, then got into her California King, doing her best not to move the two sleeping cats at the edge of the bed. Once she felt settled, the door bell rang.

"Shit."

"What's wrong?" Austin asked with a small chuckle.

"Someone is at my door."

"Well stay on the phone with me in case it's a creep."

"Okay." Rooney giggled. The motion lights were turned on outside and she could clearly see a tall figure through the stained glass window on the double doors. Pulling back the door, her face broke out into a large grin when she saw who was on the other side. "Yep, there's definitely a creep at my door."

"Aw, that's not nice." Austin laughed, as Rooney held open the door for him to come inside.

"What happened to Lure?" She asked, as they made their way up the stairs to her room.

"I decided to skip it. I found a better place to be." No response on the matter came from Rooney. She was too busy blushing. As Rooney raided her closet for some clothes for him to change into, since he didn't want to wear jeans in the bed, Austin walked around the walk-in in awe. "You have so many clothes. It's like an entire store in here."

"I know. What's terrible is I don't even wear 80% of it. Most of it is given to me and I just keep it because I'll feel bad if I don't. Here..these will fit you." She handed him a pair of lounge pants.

Rooney went back into her room to see her bed was now being raided by four cats. So one by one, she took them off her bed and over to their room that was connected to her to hers. All that separated it was a set of French doors. Yes, her cats had their own room. It was full of specially built cat houses and tunnels. She did after live in a home with six bedrooms alone. What other use would the room be for?

Crawling back into bed, she got comfortable quickly. Austin came out of the bathroom, shirtless, and Rooney instantly found herself gazing at his perfect body. It was completely scattered with tattoos.

"What are we watching?"

"Uh..." Rooney looked at the television mounted on the wall in front of her bed only to find the main menu for Netflix still up. "What do you want you watch?"

"Anything is fine."

She put on the first thing that was on her queue as Austin got into her bed beside her. Never before had she been so nervous to be in bed with a guy. Neither focused on the movie in front of them. All they could think about was one another. Thirty minutes into the movie, Rooney had calmed her nerves and passed out from exhaustion. Austin was no longer paying attention to the movie at that point. His full focus was on the beautiful woman sleeping beside her. In a million years, he never thought he would be laying next to Rooney, seeing her in her must vulnerable state.

They were up the next morning, bright and early. Austin helped Rooney pack a bag for Vegas, then they set off to his house where everyone was meeting. She never had to worry about her cats when she went on trips because a house keeper came by everyday. It helped since she was rarely home most of the time. After constantly insisting from Austin, Rooney was joining them on their bus, along with Courtney. They were going to take a private jet back the day they left. Everything was perfectly in place.

Since it was only 5:30 in the morning when they boarded the bus and set off to Vegas, mostly every went straight for their bunks. Austin attempted to make Rooney take his bunk all for himself, but there was plenty of room for two. It wasn't like they hadn't shared a bed before. Twice now they had woken up in each others arms. This time would be no different. No matter how much space they attempted to keep. They were just drawn to each other.

Around 10 o'clock, they arrived. Of Mice & Men and their opening bands were staying two nights there. They couldn't resist taking another little break to hang out in Vegas. Plus their next show was in Arizona, so it wasn't too far away to travel.

Austin and Rooney were the last to step off the bus. As a treat from Rooney, she booked everyone the best suites at Caesars Palace. It was the hotel she always stayed at when she was in Vegas. Everyone headed inside, while they slowly followed back. Austin built enough nerve and took Rooney's hand in his as they walked. She didn't object or pull away. The front sliding doors opened, and a cool air conditioned breeze hit them.

"Shit." Rooney whispered at the sight inside the lobby. Cameras began to flash in every direction. Some how word got passed around that she was coming to Vegas. Only two people knew about it, Courtney and Aly. It only took one seconds to figure out who spilled the story.

Taking his hand from Rooney's, he wrapped it around her shoulder instead and used his hand to shield her face from the photos being taken. Courtney, Aaron, and few others came back to aid them.

"Get the fuck out of the way, you low life asshole!" Courtney shouted. It was well known in the press about her short temper when it came to these kinds of things. Rooney was internally grateful to have Courtney in her life. She was her savior. There would never be a good enough way to repay her for all the things she had done for her. Security was called and within a few minutes, all photographers were forced to leave.

Everyone was checked in and received keys. Most dumped off their bags and headed to the casino for some pre-show gambling. Rooney and Austin stayed behind for some alone time and privacy after the long bus ride and the paparazzi raid on the way in.

"I am really sorry about that. I feel absolutely terrible." Rooney took her hands and placed them over her eyes in defeat. Nothing about her life was never going to be normal with people like that around. Sure, it was expected due to the life styles and career she choose, but it didn't give people a right to go as far as they did sometimes.

"No, no, no." Austin walked over to where she stood and took her hands from her face, and replaced them with his own. "Don't ever apologize for those people, and especially don't ever feel bad because of them. Let them take their pictures and write their stupid stories. They mean nothing." She sighed in response, took his hands off her and walked to the balcony that over looked the strip. "What's wrong?" He asked, leaning up against the door frame.

"I don't want to drag you into this."

"You're not dragging me into everything."

"You don't understand, Austin." She shook her head, then turned and faced him. "Every move I make, there's always someone there to follow me and take pictures. People have broken into my home. I have multiple restraining orders against fans, photographers, and just crazy people stalking me. There's always going to be someone judging me and making negative comments about every aspect of my life. I can't even go the supermarket without there be a story about it. I don't want them to say nasty things or hurt you. I don't want them to destroy you like they've destroyed me."

With her words, her true feelings for Austin came out. This wasn't something you would tell to someone you just wanted to be friends with. Rooney had tons of friends, but never had she given any of them that little speech. Austin knew what her words meant. All he could do was smile and give a soft chuckle.

"What's funny?" Her voice almost sounded hurt by his laughter. Was her taking her for a joke?

"What's funny is, even after you just said, all I can think about is how badly I want to be with you." He took a few slow steps towards her as he talked, and stopped once they were face to face. Her breathing became hitched at their close proximity. Nervousness took over her entire body, as she averted her eyes from his stare.

"R..really?"

"Yes. Really." He smiled, placing one of his rough hands back on her porcelain face to turn her head back to him. They made eye contact once more. The nerves from her body washed away and turned into something wild and different. Very boldly, she reached up to his height, which wasn't must considering how tall she was for a woman, and placed her lips right on his own.