She sits across from me on the couch, legs curled up, head resting on the cushion so she's facing me. Her eyes are closed.

I look down at my hands; there's something I have been wanting to ask her for a long time; now might be my only chance. "Um...Lilly?"

She yawns, eyes still closed. "Yeah?"

"Can I...can I kiss you?"

"Sure Miley."

I lean in, not really sure what I'm doing. I've only ever kissed guys before. But Lilly? This is different. This is my best friend. Maybe more. I sigh softly, gently touching my lips to hers. No fireworks, no sparks, no loud music. Only a soft, lingering tingle that fills my body with warmth.

She smiles. "That was nice. But..." she opens one eye. "Why did you wait so long to ask me?"

My jaw drops. "I-wait...you knew I wanted to kiss you?"

The other eye opens. Both look at me with a tenderness I've never seen before. Her voice is quiet; I can't tell if it's from sleepiness or not wanting to ruin the moment. "I didn't know for certain, but there have been times when you've looked at me a certain way." She chuckles. "The only time I've seen that look in your eyes is when you've liked a guy."

"But that doesn't mean anything."

"It does when you'd get that look and then say "Mmm...I'd like to know what he tastes like!" My face colors. How embarrassing. She continues. "I know the look Miley. It's the I-like-someone-and-want-to-kiss-them look."

"Am I that obvious?"

She merely shrugs, closing her eyes. "I've known you since sixth grade Miley. Of course you're predictable."

"Oh." A silence settles between us. I'm about to head upstairs to my own bed when she speaks again.

"Miley?"

"Yeah Lills?"

"Can you...can you kiss me again? I...kind of liked it."

I sit back down, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her close, placing gentle kisses on her forehead, temples, cheeks, nose, chin, and then finally her lips. The tingle returns.

"Mmmm...this is nice." She murmurs against me, burying her head in my shoulder.

"Yes it is." I stroke her hair, kissing the top of her head before my eyes slowly close. The last thing I hear before I drift off is the sound of her steady breathing.

She's fast asleep.