Title: Near To You
Disclaimer: I do not own the Hannah Montana characters. All legal copyright and whatever mumbo-jumbo... All Disney's. Any original characters, however, belong to me.
Pairings
: Miley/Lilly (naturally, but there will be mention of Lilly/several different characters)
Ratings: PG for the most part, some swearing. There will be sex, but not for awhile I think. I'm still trying to get comfortable with the idea of writing it, before I actually write it. Does that make sense?
So in terms, for the most part, it'll be a T, but on the safe side, let's make it an M, yes?

Author's Note: (I was going to make this a short AN but *sigh* I apparently can't shut my freakin' gob, lol)

The title comes from the song 'Near To You' by A Fine Frenzy. Give it a listen before/during/after reading the story. You'll see it's relevance in this story, I promise. Plus, it's a beautiful song anyway.
This story is based somewhat on my friends' beautiful love story together. I'm sure that you will love their story as much as I do. Whether you'll love my take on it is a completely different story, lol.
So... disregard everything you know of the canon 'verse, apart from the people.

This used to be a Spashley story but it's been so long since I've seen the show, that I just lost steam. So I thought I'd use my newest favourite pairing to tell this story instead: Liley.
Plus, it's the only thing that's keeping my mind off the current coupling in the show. You know who I'm talking about.

This is my first real try at writing something that isn't a poem. So I guess you can call this an experiment to see if I can actually do this.
I sincerely apologize if you find my writing awful. English is not my first language, so please let me know about grammar/spelling mistakes. Heck, give me some advice because I want to learn as I go along. I appreciate constructive criticism. But I do promise to do my best with proof-reading each chapter before posting them.
Oh and I went to school in the UK so most of the places mentioned in the story will be UK-based. As will most of the spelling, just FYI.

I do not tolerate flaming/insults against me or the characters in my story. If you don't like something, say why (bullet points and a presentation if you like), and we can work through that.
While I won't take any action against people saying derogatory things because I do believe in people having the right to say whatever they want, saying derogatory things is just ugly, pointless and a waste of both of our time.

If you have a serious issue with two girls being together and in love, before you do 'X' it out of here, I have to say first that you should at least give the story a chance. This story isn't about being gay, lesbian, straight or bisexual. There might be some mentions of the aforementioned labels, yes, but it isn't the main plot. Or even a sub-plot. This is a story about love and faith. About a girl learning about love. About loving herself and loving another after losing really painfully before. And about how taking it all on faith plays a big role in love.

If you still have an issue with that and don't want to give it a shot, then it's okay. Click the 'X'. But if you do want to give it a shot, then cool. Welcome, :-).

And if you haven't been put off by this note, let's get to that story before I ramble properly.

I hope you'll enjoy reading.

With all that I am, I wish you love,
Az


Chapter Summary: One question forces somebody to look back.

Prologue

Sunday, 11th October 2008, 12.30 P.M.

"Are you ready?"

A gentle voice penetrates the opaque fog in my mind, as I keep staring into those eyes, staring right back into mine.

Staring at that far-away look in those eyes. Those soft eyes lost in a daydream of what the future could hold for them.

Am I ready?

Am I ready to make this giant leap into the unknown?

Am I ready to take a huge risk that could potentially end in failure?

I look down, avoiding those wide, questioning eyes. Ashamed that I'm even having these thoughts. Ashamed that my mind betrayed me.

I have lost any sense of certainty my heart could give me.

I look back up into those eyes, and I see them, hurt and shining with tears. For a brief moment, I feel my heart constrict painfully, and I can't breathe.

I look away again, unable to return the stare.

Unable to take it.

This time I look into the eyes of the one that asked me that awful question. And I feel a flash of anger at them for making me lose my footing and I feel like I'm falling into this black hole and I can't get a grip on anything.

I hate this black hole.

I only hope my face can convey the message when I say, "Thanks,".

"It's okay."

How can it be okay?

"Just, look back and remember why."

My eyes close as I release a heavy sigh, but I do as the voice tells me. I look back and open my eyes.

I look back into them, and my mind is struck by memories.

Memories of why I should feel ready.

Memories of how I got here.

Memories of when it all began.

Memories of who was on this journey with me.

Memories of her.

"Are you ready?"

-- End of Prologue --

Author's Note #2: I know, it's a very short start, but that's just a small taste of what's coming. And it's good. I hope, lol.

Next on Near To You:
Book I - The First Date