Title: The Drive home
Pairing: Lily/Jackson – and if you like it maybe Miley/Oliver later?
A/N: I own nothing except my idea's – Although I love Disney for making such versatile characters lol.
Note: Italics denotes thoughts.
Story Note: I'm note sure whether to make this a one off story or the beginning to a multi chaptered one (I do have a few idea's of how I would like a multi chapter to go) I have never written a Hannah Montana story before usually write 'Buffy the vampire slayer' or 'High school musical', so if I make the characters too out of character I apologise now and promise never to try Hannah Montana fan fiction again lol. So if you want more of this story just review and let me know, also if you have any idea's of what you would like to see happen please add those too and I will see what I can do! Happy reading! Love myrealitygirl xx
"He could be the one – he could be the one – he could be the onnneeee!" Lily sang tunelessly as Jackson gripped the steering wheel of the truck tightly – his knuckles stretching white as she hit an impossibly high not that he knew only dogs could hear.
"LILY" he shouted, smiling as he saw her jump and pull the earphones from her ears.
"Was I singing loudly again?" she asked, having the good manners to look slightly embarrassed.
"Um let me think...DUH YEAH!" Jackson told her – then laughed at her pained expression.
"Why don't you hook up your I-pod to the truck stereo, at least then Hannah Montana can drown you out" he told her.
Lily smiled in thanks and set up her I-pod to the trucks stereo. A few moments later music flooded the cab.
Lily turned and looked at the scenery as it rushed by the window – she had never been to the Stewart Ranch before and couldn't wait to get there.
"Thanks for picking me up at the airport Jackson" she told him quietly – they had never spent so much time together, alone that is. There had always seemed to be someone else around and for some odd reason Lily felt suddenly shy of her best friends brother.
Jackson shrugged carelessly as he told her
"No worries, Miley really wanted to come but she had a phone interview to do – you know she even got all dressed up as Hannah just so she could take the call?" he laughed at the absurdity of his sister's double life.
Lily smiled as she told him "She always says she has to be in Hannah made to be able to 'be' Hannah" - suddenly feeling more comfortable now that they were talking about Miley.
Looking at her wrist she blew out a breath and asked Jackson "How long do you think it will take to get to your daddy's Ranch?"
"At least another 3 hours – sorry but things are kind of spread out in Tennessee"
Lily turned and looked at him – she had got quite the shock when he was the one waiting for her at the airport – she was even more surprised by his state of dress. No long surfer shorts and Rico's t-shirt, he was now wearing black boots that were dusty with age and wear, faded blue jeans with a crisp white t-shirt and very very faded denim jacket, and even though he stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the tourists and business people he seemed more in his element in Tennessee more than he ever did in Malibu.
"What?" he laughed as he caught her looking at him.
Lily smiled "I was just thinking all that's missing is your Stetson and you would have the cowboy thing down cold"
Jackson stretched out his arm behind the seat, his eyes never leaving the road ahead, and pulled out a dusty cowboy hat that he put on his head as she laughed in delight.
"Better now Ma'am?" he drawled, making his accent even more pronounced.
Lily clapped a hand over her mouth as she laughed, telling him between giggles.
"Lily likey"
Jackson nodded slowly – putting his index finger on the brim of the hat he pushed it further back on his head as he told her "All the ladies do"
"I missed you...guys" Lily finished in a rush – shocked and a little surprised to realise she had missed Jackson's foolishness.
"I...I mean we missed you too – took you long enough to come and visit with us" he told her accusingly.
"It's only been a month since I last saw you...all. I had to finish school – unlike you guys I couldn't a private tutor - any-who I'm here now for the whole summer. If you can put up with me that long" she explained.
"Well Oken will be here next week to balance out the testosterone – so I guess the three musketeers will be together again then huh?"
"Well we'll be the fantastic four then won't we" Lily told him – Jackson smiled over at her – liking the fact that she had included him in her group of friends.
Miley had been blessed when they had moved to Malibu and she had met Oliver and Lily – sure they were nuts sometimes, what with Oken thinking he was god's gift to the female species, everyone knew that was Jackson – and Lily was a mean surfer and skateboarder who had perfected her 'Lily in 10' entrance on only the second attempt.
Overall they kept her grounded through all the 'Montana madness' as Jackson liked to think of it. He was proud of his sister , but he had seen how burned out she had been when they got to the ranch – she had slept for two days straight. Their dad had decided then and there that there would be no 'Hannah' for the entire summer. There was already a movie in post production, a single and video about to be released – so Miley would only have to do a few interviews with magazines and radio shows, all of which she could do on the phone – they all realised she needed to rest and recharge and her real home was the best place to do it.
Robbie Ray promised he would keep writing songs for her in the meantime but she wasn't recording anything until summer was over. Jackson was glad – even though he and Miley fought hourly it seemed some days – he loved his little sister and was worried for her. She had seemed so tired lately. Hopefully being home for a few months would help.
"Earth to Jackson?" Lily joked, snapping him out of his memories.
"Mmm?" he asked, looking over at the young blonde next to him – he couldn't call her a girl any more. Somehow while he hadn't been looking she had grown from an awkward kid in to a beautiful and funny woman.
Whoa Jackson! Where did that come from? he thought, startled by his own realisation.
"I asked if there was anywhere we could stop for a pit stop?" Lily asked him.
"There's a gas station about ten miles up the road pruuuty lady" Jackson motioned up the road and gave her his best over exaggerated southern drawl – he smiled as she laughed at him.
Lily settled back in the seat and began scrolling through her I-pod.
"Any requests Mr Stewart?" she asked cheekily, Jackson laughed as she wanted him to – she had missed his laugh she realised quickly.
"Mr Stewart huh? I could used to that – it's better than what I normally get called around here." he laughed, then continued as Lily raised an eyebrow in question.
"All I normally hear is 'BOY' or 'JACKSON ROD STEWART" he explained – Lily laughed again at the perfect imitation of his dad's and sister's voices.
"I don't mind what you play – just not too much Hannah though please, I hear enough of that at home"
Lily nodded in understanding – and smiling she settled on 'Best of you' by the Foo Fighters. She knew she had made the right choice choice when she saw Jackson start to drum along to the song on the steering wheel.
"Good choice" he told her.
As the song played Lily nodded along to the music and stretched her arm out of the window – loving the feel of the warm air playing around her fingers – her hair had started to come loose of it's ponytail and she pushed a few errant strands absent mindedly from her face.
Jackson found himself stealing glances across at her – her hair playing across her soft features, he wondered what she was thinking about – when he realised suddenly that the gas station was coming on to view.
Pulling off the road, Jackson pulled up to one of the pumps and jumped out of the truck.
"Fancy something to eat? I think this place should run to sandwiches" he asked.
"Yes please I'm starving and air-plane food is hardly edible let alone filling" she told him as she hopped from the truck and grabbed her small carry-on bag, smiling she headed off in the direction of the bathroom.
Jackson began filling the gas tank and tried not to watch her denim clad hips as they walked away from him. Shaking his head he gave himself a stern mental talking to.
No! No more looking at Lily! - she's Miley's best friend for freaks sake – dad's surrogate daughter and I've known her since she was 13. She is going to be spending all summer with you – so just stop it. I shouldn't even be noticing her hips or her eyes or her... that's enough! SWEET NIBBLETS THE TRUCK IS NEARLY OVERFLOWING! .
Pulling the nozzle from the tank he went inside to pay and buy supplies for the remainder of the journey home – he sure as heck didn't want to have to make any more stops – he needed to get home fast and then everything would be back to normal.
Jackson was beginning to worry, lily had been in the bathroom for over fifteen minuets and still no sign of her, he hoped she wasn't sick or anything – as he climbed out of the truck to go see if she was okay he spotted her walking towards him – he nearly went face first out the door, after righting himself his jaw almost hit the ground at the sudden change in her appearance.
Gone was the jeans,sneakers and green t-shirt she had been wearing and in it's place were white shorts, a pink vest top and flip flops, she had plaited her hair and it was now poking through the back of a white baseball cap perched on her head.
"Jackson?" she queried, watching him as he started at her.
"Wha...who..Lily?2 he fumbled.
Lily laughed and threw her bag at him.
"What? I was hot" she explained as she walked around the truck to the
passenger side.
"Was?" Jackson coughed as he caught the bag and put it in the truck – watching as she hopped into the truck – only to jump out of it almost immediately.
"Ow! Hot seat" she whimpered.
Jackson laughed and threw a blanket over the seat for her to sit on.
"Now you know why I'm wearing jeans instead of short shorts" he told her as they started back on the road again.
Lily frowned across at him and tugged the hem of her jeans down.
"They're not that short – are they?" she worried.
Jackson looked over at her legs and wished he hadn't – pulling his gaze back to the road ahead he told her in a hoarse whisper.
"No – not too short – I was joking – you know me Jackson the joker ha ha – um could you open a bottle of water for me" he croaked.
Lily rummaged in the brown bag of goodies Jackson had bought.
"Help yourself" he told her taking the open bottle from her hand, careful not to brush his fingers with hers – he took a long swallow to ease his suddenly parched throat.
Lily dug around until she found a sandwich for them both and a bottle of water for herself.
"Wouldn't you prefer to stop for a little while and eat this – you have been driving for hours"she asked – lifting her feet and resting them on the dash board.
Jackson looked over at her, and shook his head – telling her in a voice a little to loud and a little too forceful.
"No – I just want to get back to the ranch"
Lily nodded a little sadly and looked out the window, putting her food back in the bag – her hunger suddenly gone, she moved her feet to the floor again and watched the world speed past as she said in a small voice that Jackson hardly recognised as her own.
"Oh – I see – It mustn't be the best way to spend your summer vacation huh?"
Jackson glanced her way and frowned – completely confused now.
"what do you mean Lil's?"
"I mean having to drive miles just to collect one of Miley's friends from the airport – I should have realised and made other arrangements. I'm sorry" she mumbled, looking out of the window intensely.
By now Jackson was completely confused as to what was happening – then suddenly he realised how he must have sounded and could have kicked himself.
"Dang nabbit" he cursed and seeing a pretty lookout ahead he pulled the truck over and jumped out of the truck.
Lily sat up and watched as he strode around to her side – almost flinching as he yanked open the door and with one word ordered her out of the truck.
"Out" he barked – almost laughing at her startled expression.
An 'eep' escaped from her lips as she hopped out of the truck and silently prayed he wasn't going to leave her on the side of the road.
I missed that eep – dang this is not going as I thought it was going to - a simple trip to the airport I thought, pick up an old friend I thought – I always knew I should never think to much doesn't do a man any good at all
Grabbing the blanket and the bag of food Jackson walked over to a nearby tree and laid the blanket out under it – walking back to Lily he kept his eyes on hers as he neared her, she was looking as confused as had felt a short while ago – taking her by the hand to all but pulled her over to where his impromptu picnic was laid out – sitting down on the blanket he tugged her down beside him.
"Jackson? What are you doing?" Lily asked softly.
"Spending my vacation how I want to" he told her, handing her a bottle of water and her sandwich.
Lily frowned and slowly took a sip of her water.
"And how do you want to spend your vacation Jackson" she almost whispered – completely confused now.
"Having a picnic, on a beautiful day, with a pretty girl seems a good way to spend some of it huh?" he joked.
"But I thought..." Lily started.
"Yeah I know what you thought and I'm sorry if I upset you – you know I'm not the easiest guy to understand right? Anyway I volunteered to come and get you from the airport and I thought maybe you wanted to rush back to the ranch to see Miley" he explained between bites of his sandwich.
Lily smiled at him and slapped him on the arm sharply.
"Idiot – I thought you was sick of me already and wanted me out of your hair – talking of hair I like the new 'do' – it looks better shorter"
Jackson ran a hand self-consciously over the back of his neck "Thanks – dad made me do it – told me I was beginning to look just like Aunt Pearl"
Lily laughed again and looked across the view before them – she sighed at the lush green fields , reaching as far as the eye could see.
"Pretty huh?" she asked Jackson softly.
"Very" he told her – his eyes never leaving her face. Lily turned and caught him looking at her, she blushed slightly, as he ducked his head.
"So what kind of things can I expect to do at ranch Stewart" Lily asked, settling back on the blanket and letting the sun warm her legs.
Jackson's eyes followed the line of her legs and coughed again – taking a mouthful of water he forced himself to look at her face – but almost wished he hadn't when he realised she was watching him – he flushed and decided to ignore his wandering eyes, maybe if he did she would too.
"Well you can go horse back riding, swimming in the creek, maybe...make me cookies?" he joked, pouting slightly as she laughed as he hoped she would.
"I haven't been on a horse since I was five, I didn't think to bring a bathing suit and we'll see about the cookies" she told him.
"I'll teach you how to ride if you want..or um dad could or Miley of course, your gonna be spending all your time with her anyway and why would you want me to..." he was cut off of his ramble by Lily telling him.
"I'd like you to teach me – I think your dad or Miley might be a bit too bossy" she watched as he nodded and turned to look at the view before them.
She hadn't missed his checking her out earlier – and she was pleasantly surprised that she liked it.
Since when did Jackson get sweet and thoughtful and cute! Lily mused as looked over at his soft hair and sparkling eyes.
"You about finished there Lil's?" he asked – throwing their trash in to the brown bag.
Lily nodded, liking his nickname for her and suddenly feeling very tired all of a sudden – standing up she stretched and tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.
Jackson laughed as he gathered up the blanket and began walking back to the truck.
"Sleepy huh?" he asked as they both got in, not before he laid the blanket back on her seat for her - "planes always do that to me too" he told her.
"Yeah I am am, sorry" she told him honestly.
"Just close your eyes for a few minuets and your sure to feel better" he told her, knowing full well if she laid back she would be asleep in seconds.
"We both know I will fall asleep if I do that – and well that would be rude" she told him as he started the truck and pulled back on to the road.
"Since when did you worry about being rude to me?" Jackson laughed – then stopped as he looked over at her and caught her watching him.
"I'm not sure – I'm not sure what's changed – your different somehow" Lily tried to explain, then paused sharply – she wanted to bite the words back as she watched him digest what he said.
Jackson watched the road – silence hung thick between them as Lily lay her head back on the back of the seat – her eyes closing of their own volition. She thought she heard him say softly.
"Maybe dad's right – absence does make the heart grow fonder"
Jackson looked over at Lily as she slept, trying to figure out just what had changed between them.
Maybe he was noticing how different she was now because there was nothing and no-one else to distract him, or maybe he had always noticed how pretty she was but seeing her everyday had made it easier for him to 'not see her'.
He knew he had missed her, but he put that down to the fact that she had always been there – the whole 'Lily in 10' phone calls in the morning, the sleepovers, seeing her at Rico's while he was working – or just seeing her walk past him in the halls at school - a nod and a smile. Or when he would escort Hannah and crazy coloured haired Lola to one of Hannah's shows or signings. Lily had just always been there and he had missed her in the last month, he thought it was like how you missed the pebble in your shoe after you had taken it out.
Lily had always been a calming effect on Miley, she had never been annoying – or hair brained like his sister was. He smiled when he thought of how Miley crashed through her problems – normally with ludicrous costume and a less than willing Lily/Lola in tow.
Reaching for the I-pod he kept one eye on the deserted road and flipped through her song collection – some Hannah Montana, some High School Musical – Jackson laughed as he saw a few of his father's hits scroll by – then he raised an eyebrow at the country songs she had on there.
"Who'd have thunk it – Lily likey her country" Jackson chuckled softly to himself.
Settling on a Tim McGraw song he hummed along as the miles between Malibu and home grew further apart. As the songs played Jackson kept stealing glances at the sleeping Lily.
She was a fidget as she slept – her body was closing the distance between them rapidly.
About half an hour from home Jackson almost jumped out of his skin as Lily moved close enough to lay her head on his shoulder – she sighed peacefully and snuggled even closer.
Jackson gripped the steering wheel and fought the urge to pull her closer still – he soon realised he was close to home and pulling off the road there was something he wanted her to see before they got there.
Pulling the truck over he tried to nudge her gently awake – but she just continued to sleep.
"Lily? Wake up – we're almost home" he told her, shaking her arm gently.
"Ten more minuets mum honest" she mumbled – Jackson laughed outright and Lily raised her head at the sudden sound.
Blinking she realised she was almost nose to nose with Jackson, his blue eyes turned suddenly serious, his gaze flicking from her lips then quickly back to her puzzled eyes.
"I fell asleep" she told him shyly, moving back away from him slowly.
"I kind of noticed that - come on there's something I want you to see" he told her climbing out of the truck.
Lily rubbed her eyes and followed him as he stood in front of the truck.
"What am I looking at?" Lily asked – wrapping her arms around herself to keep warm – the day was closing in and the temperature was dropping quickly.
"Here" Jackson slipped off his denim jacket and wrapped it around her – helping her put her arms in the sleeves.
"You'll be cold" Lily told him, trying to give it back.
"I'm used to it" he told her – shaking his head as she tried to take it off again.
Lily thanked him and snuggled into the borrowed warmth he had given her – his smell was all around her and surprisingly it was much nicer than when he was in Malibu.
Lily breathed in the clean air – a mixture of grass, sunshine and the faint smell of horses mixed with the unmistakable smell of Jackson.
"What do you think?" he asked her – lily frowned then realised what he was gesturing to.
The most amazing sunset was painting the sky orange red and gold.
"Oh wow – Jackson it's beautiful" Lily whispered.
The scene before her was like a painting – the green lush fields seemed to stretch on forever as the sun began to sink into the horizon.
"I thought you might like to see it" Jackson told her as he stood next to her – watching her face as the world dipped in to night. - Turning to him Lily gave him one of her megawatt smiles and told him honestly.
"I'm glad you woke me to show me this"
Jackson impulsively took her smaller hand in his own – Lily looked down and frowned.
"Ready to see Miley" he asked her – cursing himself for touching her like that – then he smiled as he felt her fingers interlock with his own.
"I'm... um... Jackson? Are... I...we...." she stammered shyly.
"i am right there with you on this – I have no idea either" he told her with complete honesty.
"What's going on with us" Lily asked – she had never felt this confused in her life.
"I have no idea to tell you the truth – maybe I just missed seeing a pretty face" he joked – then stopped when he realised what he had said.
Lily laughed and put her hand on her hip in a mock sassy fashion.
"Oh so Jackson thinks I'm pretty huh?" she laughed lightly.
"and you think I'm...?" Jackson asked hopefully.
"You've always been cute Jackson – when your not being gross or anything" she replied and was astounded to see him blush furiously.
"Well.. on that note I think it is time to get you home" he told her – tugging her back to the truck.
Lily followed – amazed that he had been embarrassed by what she had said, but then she realised quickly that maybe he hadn't heard it said that often.
Lily knew he had had a fair few girlfriends – but they had never lasted that long. Maybe he wasn't as confident around girls as he made out to be.
Lily stopped and in doing so Jackson stopped short, almost falling ion the process.
Gathering up her courage she slipped out of his jacket and held it up for him to put on – Jackson gave her a side glance as he did so , Lily knew he was getting wary of what she was up to.
Watching as he tugged his jacket back on she made a show of fixing the collar for him – when taking a deep breath she closed her small hands on either side of the jacket and tugged him forward – closing the gap between them. Jackson opened his mouth to say something but Lily cut him off by kissing him softly on the lips – she felt him stiffen in surprise and could have kicked herself at her mistake.
When suddenly she felt his hands on her waist drawing her closer still, deepening the kiss until her hands were around his neck, her fingers stroking the soft hair at the base of his skull.
Drawing apart slowly they both blinked at each other in surprise.
"Well I wasn't expecting that" Lily told him quietly as she moved to get back in the truck.
Catching her hand Jackson stopped her "Should I apologise?" he asked – worry lining his face.
Lily shook her head "I'm just surprised is happened is all" she told him.
Jackson nodded in agreement – letting her get in to the cab – he walked around and climbed in beside her. The silence was deafening until Lily slid across the seat next to him and covered his hand with her own.
Jackson looked at her almost shyly – she could see he didn't know what on earth was going on – Looking into his face she felt her heart melt at the uncertainty she saw in his eyes. Leaning forward she kissed him again – this time he responded immediately - tugging her on to his lap and laughing as she gave a startled "Eep".
"What does this mean Jackson" she asked quietly – her head on his shoulder, she felt him shrug as he told her "I have no idea – but we have all summer to figure it out."
The end? Or Tbc? - you decide lol.
Note: If you like please review – this is my first ever time of writing Lackson – hope you enjoyed it.