A/N: It has been a while since I've written something. School has just taken up a lot of my time and I haven't been watching HM. So here's my take on "Judge Me Tender." I was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Tim McGraw" with the whole letter left on your doorstep line.


Oliver looked at the letter on his doorstep. By the looks of it, it was worn out and kept for a while. A whole year passed and his career took off due to "America's Top Talent." He had a platinum first album and was already working on a sophomore album, millions of fans, popularity with celebrities – he had it all. Except one thing.

"Lilly left," Hannah said.

He meant to talk to her that night but he got caught up with his fans. Time passed and that same excuse came up again and again. Soon, Oliver's relationship with Lilly just faded. Senior Prom came up, they were supposed to go together but he had a premiere to attend and she promised to go with Todd. The trio graduated and went their separate ways. Oliver took the year off to focus on his career, Miley was a part-time student in Cal State Fullerton just exploring her options, while Lilly went to UCSD to study English and Theatre. It turns out she had a knack for acting while on an HM movie set.

It was summer vacation for the two girls so they were back in Malibu. Oliver had yet to see Lilly, unlike Miley, but he was determined. He missed her and still really cared for her. He knew they both needed to explain to each other what had happened a year ago.

Oliver got up that morning, set on talking to Lilly. He ate breakfast, showered, got dressed, and walked out the door. But before he could step outside, there was a letter taped onto the doorstep. He picked it up and began to read.

Olliepop,

First off, I want to congratulate you on all of your success. You worked so hard to get to where you are now and I couldn't be any more proud of you.

You probably weren't expecting that after how we ended, but I never wished for

anything bad to happen to you despite the hurt I felt. Time healed the wounds and I was able to move on. Even though I didn't keep in touch with you personally, I still knew how you were doing thanks to Miley and those teen magazines. It's crazy to think all of this happened in the course of one year. However, we are both pursuing something that we love – you with music, me with English and Theatre. I'm sure you probably knew that because we know how much Miley loves to chat.

Anyway, like I said, time healed the wounds. But I guess it didn't heal all the wounds or else I would have done this in person. Maybe one day I will be able to, but for now, this is the best I can do.

I will never forget all our memories together – the way my head fit against your neck, our first dance, our first kiss, your warm hugs that kept me company during my parents' divorce, and so much more. We had our ups and downs like any couple, but I wouldn't change a thing. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy. I'm sure you have achieved that.

I love you, Oliver. I always will.

Lillypop

Once he finished the letter, Oliver ran. He wasn't sure where he was running to… yet. The letter had an impact on him and he knew he had to see Lilly. Subconsciously, he knew where to go – he passed Lilly's house, Miley's house, the park, and the ice cream parlor. Then he finally stopped. Oliver found himself at the beach, out of breath and searching for the one girl who ever truly understood him.

He looked around for a familiar patch of blond hair. After searching for what felt like hours, he stopped and sat on the sand. Lilly was nowhere to be found. He buried his face in his hands and started to punish himself – how could he be so blind and let her slip away? Best friends since pre-school. All of it was gone within a blink of an eye. Maybe this was fate's cruel way of teasing him into thinking he'd get a chance to talk to her.

Oliver sighed, got up, and headed back home. He was going to make a quick stop at Miley's to explain the letter. He walked slowly, paying more attention to the ground than eye level. He reached Miley's house and knocked on the door. Miley answered it.

"Oliver, what's up?" she said.

He handed the note to her, "I found this on my doorstep earlier."

Miley read it over and looked at Oliver, "That was actually a really sweet letter."

"How could I have been so stupid?!" he said loudly, "She was everything I wanted in a girl. She was my best friend, my buddy, my…"

"Uh Oliver…" Miley said.

"Don't get me wrong, you're my best friend too Miley," Oliver rushed in, "it's just that Lilly was more. She knew me inside and out. We could have serious conversations or talk about the silliest things. Did you know most of my songs are about her…"

Miley interrupted, "Hellooo, Oliverrrr…"

"I know, I know, I screwed up. But I love her and I want to fix things," he continued, "I'd rather have her in my life as a friend than not have her in my life at all…"

"Oliver! Stop. Talking." Miley started flailing her hands. She grabbed him by the shoulders and turned him around.

Oliver quickly shut up when he saw who was in front of him.

"Uh, heyyy," Lilly said.

He didn't know what to say. The three of them just stood there awkwardly.

Miley spoke first, "Well would you look at that. I have to go uh, feed myyy… uhh… pet fish. Yeah, that's it."

She slammed the door behind Oliver, leaving the former couple on the porch. Neither of them said a word. Oliver stood there, one hand in his pocket, the other rubbing the back of his neck. Lilly swayed back and forth, both hands in her pocket.

"How much did you hear?" he asked.

She took a minute to answer, "A good amount of it."

They looked at each other.

"I'm sorry."

"I know. Me too."

"I was such an idiot," Oliver started, "I don't know why you even bothered to contact me. I don't think I could have done that. I ignored you and got so caught up in the fame."

Lilly shook her head, "Your music means a lot to you. You may be a donut, but when you're serious about pursuing something, you really go for it."

They looked at each other again. A small smile made its way to their lips.

He couldn't take it.

Oliver pulled Lilly close and hugged her, holding her as close as possible, "I missed you."

She returned the hug, "You have no idea."

"You want to go get some ice cream and talk?" he whispered into her ear.

He could feel her smile, "I'd like that."

The two spent hours talking about what happened from the moment Oliver made it into the semi-finals of "America's Top Talent" up to the present. It led to arguments, laughter, and sorrow. They needed to get out what was on their chest – no holding back. Even after months of not seeing each other, they were still able to carry on a conversation as if they were separated for a day.

"I missed you," Oliver said.

"You've said that about fifty times within the past 2 hours," Lilly rolled her eyes and laughed.

"I know, but it's true," he replied.

"I've missed you too, Oliver," Lilly said softly, "So much. It's great to see you're doing well."

Oliver responded, "I guess I'm not doing all that well. I could be better if I had you around."

"Wow, that was corny," Lilly answered, "Sweet. But corny."

They laughed and continued the conversation.

Oliver hesitated, "Soo… do you think there could be any chance between… uh… us… again?"

"Honestly, Oliver," Lilly looked down, "I'm not sure."

He also looked down and played with his fingers. He was expecting that answer, but he didn't expect it to sting. Oliver really wanted Lilly back in his life and he thought they were getting to that path. They took two steps forward then one step back.

"But," Lilly continued, "we can start off as friends and see where it goes from there."

Oliver's eyes lit up, "Yeah, that would be great!"

She looked down at her watch. "We better get going. Miley wanted to get together after we were done catching up."

"How did Miley know we were catching up?" he seemed confused.

"She texted me from her window," Lilly aired her phone, "I guess she saw us walking away. Now come on."

The pair got up and made their way to Miley's house. Just as they exited the door, Lilly pushed Oliver and made a run for it. Oliver smiled – yeah, he could settle for a friendship.


A/N: Wow, I had a lot of trouble ending this. I might make a 2 part? I don't know. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed!