Disclaimer: Based on real events, but some things are made up to help the story. Slight AU. Goes in a different direction.
Chapter 3 - May 13th, 2017
"Nothing lasts forever, but wouldn't it be nice to stay together for the night?" - Excerpt from Stay Together, Noah Cyrus
"Are you excited?"
"Actually, I'm really nervous."
"Yeah, it's written all over you face."
Miley crossed her arms. "I'm nervous about the balloons. They have to be perfect."
Noah laughed. "Wow. Sold-out concerts, guys, twerking, no problem. Balloons malfunctioning? Crisis."
"Shut up," Miley said, nudging her sister affectionately. Noah nudged back, a sly grin lighting up her face. Miley pulled her sister into a brief yet comforting hug. Despite the seven-year-gap between them, they were quite close. And Miley, despite being twenty-four, sometimes still felt like a vibrant teenager. Her boundless energy sort of enforced the image. "It's also Mom's birthday," Miley added slyly.
Noah's smirk, if possible, widened. "I know, right? We're ambushing her with a cake!"
"I know how she's going to react," Miley told her. "'Oh my gawd! My daughters are just the best!'" Miley mimicked her mother's tone teasingly.
Noah laughed. "Wow, you do Mom really good. Like insanely good."
"Yeah, well, when you grow up in a farm with your crazy parents, you kind of pick up a few things," Miley teased. Noah burst out laughing, and Miley's grin widened. "God, my little sister, I'm going to savor these precious moments I have with you because one of these days, probably sooner rather than later, you're going to become too big, and I'll need to reserve a wait list to see you!"
Noah grinned. "You'll always have clearance despite how larger-than-life I become, Miles! Besides, you're, like, the biggest celebrity ever."
"No, I'm not," Miley countered. She changed the subject. "You don't mind if I record you singing, do you? I wanna flaunt you off on Instagram."
Noah beamed. "That would be really cool."
"Ugh, I can't wait for your album. 2017 will definitely be your year," Miley declared dramatically, so dramatically, in fact, that Noah tossed her head back laughing. "NC-17—I can totally see it now!" She shook her head absentmindedly. "I can remember when I released my first album—actually, it doesn't seem that long ago. Well, sort of. You know what I mean."
Noah chuckled. "Yeah, Hannah Montana. I heard Disney wants you to do, like, a spinoff."
Miley groaned. "Yeah... I think I'm done with that chapter of my life. But..." Miley smiled softly, remembering the memories of Hannah Montana. There were some good ones in there somewhere, and Miley did appreciate it all. "It would be nice to work with Emily and Mitchel and everyone else again, you know? Dad, too... Except..." Miley looked up and met Noah's eyes. The second they did so, the girls burst out laughing. Miley grinned. "But you'd totally have to cameo in there or something. I don't know how I'll survive with just Dad!"
Miley didn't really mean that... Okay, maybe a little.
"That would be seriously awesome," Noah said, very serious. Then, Noah smiled. "By the way, I'm totally Team Nick all the way."
Miley blushed. Hey! She couldn't exactly help what her face did! Noah noticed. Curse her perceptiveness. Miley took a deep breath, schooling her face into a slightly confused, slightly curious, totally innocent expression. She had that expression down perfectly. After all, she had been doing it for years in front of the cameras during her 'Hannah Montana' era. But Miley was sure Noah could tell. Sisterly instinct.
Noah caught her gaze, searching for any signs of dishonesty. Miley knew the tricks for feigning innocence. Keep a sort of fragile eye contact, like you were scared or something instead of a bold one. Miley did exactly that, and Noah huffed a little, unable to call Miley out on anything. But there was a sly look in Noah's blue eyes that Miley could not trust. "Noah," Miley said slowly, slightly alarmed, "what did you do?"
Noah's smirk widened. "What're you talking about?"
Miley didn't see it first. And then, she did.
There, nearly out of sight, was Joe and Demi, hand in hold and side by side. They caught her gaze. Demi winked at her, putting up a thumbs up, and Joe waved, shades over his eyes. Demi was wearing a navy material that suited her slim frame perfectly, and Joe was wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans. His hair was styled to messy perfection. Miley frowned a little. Did this mean Nick was here?
But she turned back to Noah, a smile spreading across her face. "You did this?"
"Sure did. It took a lot of—oomph!"
That was the sound of Miley tackling Noah into a hug. Miley was glad Joe and Demi were here. Their friendship was an important part of Miley's life, and she couldn't imagine life without them now. Noah caught her gaze almost nervously. "There's also someone else..." Noah told her, glancing away. "You might be mad... you might be nervous or flustered..." Noah smiled weakly. "You might just..."
"Noah," Miley said, putting her hands on her hips. She felt ready to chew Noah out.
"Miley."
Miley's gaze swiveled around, not sure what to expect. After all, Noah hadn't exactly been very lucid about her mysterious 'plans.' Her eyes widened considerably as her gaze landed on the figure in a casual yet classy turtleneck sweater and jeans. His sun-kissed skin glowed, and a dazzling smile glowed on his face. His eyes met hers, and a flurry of emotions flashed through his.
"Liam! You're here!"
Love Will Find A Way
"Miley looks so gorgeous!"
Joe chuckled at his girlfriend. "She does." Joe glanced back at Demi. "But you—you're a sight to behold."
"You're biased," Demi accused. "Besides, you're my boyfriend—you're supposed to say stuff like that. So your opinion doesn't really count for anything." Joe pouted at that, and Demi smiled sweetly at him. "Don't worry—I'll let it slide. After all, you do have good intentions at heart." Joe shook his head in a mixture of disbelief and amazement. Demi's wit never failed to amaze him.
"Do I? Do I really?"
Demi whacked him on the head. "Yes, and you're going to continue to have good intentions."
"Sheesh, if I knew you were this bossy, I never would've asked you out," Joe complained. "Are you going to be like this when we get married and have kids?" It was a joke, but Joe felt pleased at the prospect. He did see himself with Demi with the years to come, but she was taking this good-humoredly, so good-humoredly, in fact, that he wondered if she wanted to settle down at all.
"Yeah, well, you should've learned the first time," Demi scoffed mockingly.
Joe rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but you were this shy thing with a big voice and a huge heart years ago. You can't expect someone to stay the same forever."
"Yeah, well, you should've known I always had it in me!"
"What kind of twisted logic is that?"
"It isn't," Demi declared. "It doesn't have to make sense at all. I'm sure a lot of people wouldn't agree with me there, though." Demi laughed. She turned back to Miley and Noah, nodding at their direction. "Look at her face, she's so happy. And do you know who's missing in that crowd of people?" Demi shook her head. "None other than the person who allegedly proclaimed his love for her."
Joe laughed. "Allegedly?"
"Yeah, well, it could've been some Nick doppelganger," Demi said mysteriously.
Joe smiled wryly. "Nick would've loved to be here."
"Uh huh. Instead, he's busy decorating a cake." Demi scoffed. "You'd think he would've done that yesterday."
Joe grinned. "Yeah, well, it's in the Jonas genes. We all got the incredibly good looks and the need to delay important things."
"I can't wait to see Miley's face, though," Demi said, smirking. Joe saw Demi glance over at the Malibu singer. A bright smile was on Miley's face as she joked with her sister and... Liam. Joe hadn't seen the Australian come. Demi followed his gaze, and she smiled a little. "Will you look at that," she said cheerfully. "Looks like they're getting along. Maybe they can find peace in their relationship and stop bringing their misery to others!" Demi teased.
"They're not miserable," Joe countered. "But you would be, too, if you just got your heart ripped out."
Demi scoffed. "Who would be stupid enough to do that? I'd totally rip them apart."
Joe coughed uncomfortably. "On that disturbing note, I'll really sleep well tonight."
Demi smirked. "I didn't realize you were the sarcasm king."
"King?" Joe nearly choked on his spit. "Did you just demote yourself?"
"Yes, but the queen is the most powerful piece in chess."
"Yes, but without the king, the queen is nothing."
Love Will Find A Way
Liam grinned. "Did you think I'd miss your great comeback?"
Miley gaped and shut her mouth. "I—I don't know." She smiled and stepped forward, hugging him. His strong arms wrapped around her, and wistfulness crept through Miley, wistfulness for what might've been. Liam seemed to understand that, too. Miley looked up at him, a smile shining on her face. "I can't believe you're actually here, though!" Miley exclaimed excitedly. "At Wango Tango!"
A wry smile, one Miley had grown to love, lit up his face. "I surprised myself, too," he answered breezily. "But I was a little curious."
Miley turned back to Noah, relieved. "You did this?" She crossed her arms. "Don't you think I could've used a warning?"
Noah rolled her eyes. "Nope." She popped her 'p.'
Liam laughed at that, and more wistfulness flooded Miley. His familiarity was an important part of her world. He had gotten so well with her family. Billy Ray and Tish adored him, and everyone else thought he was cool. Miley noticed the small relieved smile crawling up the corners of Noah's lips. Miley grinned and joked, "For a minute there, I thought you got me a pet viper snake or something." Both Noah and Liam laughed openly at the joke.
"You never know with Noah," Liam joked.
Noah pouted. "Wow, really feeling the love right now," she said sarcastically.
Miley grinned. "Then we're doing our job." She winked at Liam, who smiled shaggily back.
Wango Tango turned out to be a blast. Miley performed Malibu, Jolene, and We Can't Stop. Noah even debuted a song she hadn't even released yet: I'm Stuck. Miley loved it all. She was having just a lovely time. The crowd had screamed so loudly her ears still rung. And singing Happy Birthday to her mom really put the icing on the cake. It was incredible, and Miley found herself just getting lost in the music.
"Miley!"
Miley turned to see Demi, and she strode over, waving. A radiant smile was on Demi's face. Miley quickly gave Demi a fierce embrace. Then, she gave an embrace to Joe, who was right beside Demi. Joe grinned at her as they pulled back from the embrace. "Man, that was some performance, Mi," he exclaimed cheerfully, letting out a sharp whistle that stung Miley's still ringing ears.
Demi whacked Joe on the arm. "Ow, my ears. Have some consideration!"
Joe sniffed. "Once you deserve it."
Miley shook her head. How her friends survived such a relationship was beyond her. "You know, I'm starting to doubt you guys will ever behave," Miley murmured.
"I second that."
Miley froze. She barely had time to register her surprise as strong arms lifted her in the air. "Ahh, let me go!" Miley shrieked, laughing. She heard loud laughter pouring from the lips of Nick. She squirmed, trying to free herself from his grip, but to no avail. The most she could do was twist her head to meet his eyes. Amusement was bubbling in his gaze. "Nickyyyy," she whined.
"Since you asked nicely." There was something in that sly smirk she couldn't trust.
"No, wait, you—"
He dropped her, and Miley would've fallen if Demi hadn't steadied her. She shot an accusing look at Nick. She whacked him. "I hate you."
He only looked amused. "That's too bad. I made a cake for you." He then presented her with a tall cake with at least six tiers. It was set on a small table with wheels. The cake had Malibu written in curly chocolate, and Miley's name was written in frosting. Miley's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Nick's brown eyes glowed, and he grinned. "I probably should've not... outdone your mother's cake."
"You think?" Miley said, cracking up.
Demi glanced longingly at the cake. "That looks... good."
"No kidding," Miley declared.
Nick looked amused. "I wish I could've seen you perform, Mi, but I wanted to finish the cake."
"But...um, you suck at cooking."
Nick scoffed, offended. "No. I mean, I didn't make it. I frosted it. And I think I did a pretty decent job." He glanced at the cake and then back at Miley, as if he was daring her to contradict him or offend him. When she did neither, a smile broke out on his face. "Wanna try it? Now that you know that I didn't make it? It's delicious. Vanilla, I think. Sweeter than, um..."
Miley grinned. "Then let's get Noah and Liam here and make a party."
Nick frowned. "Liam's here?"
Miley's smile slipped, but Nick's frown faded. He smiled cheerfully at her, and Miley tilted her head, confused but not sure whether to call him out on that or not. After all, Nick really didn't do anything wrong. Nick smiled at her reassuringly, eyes glowing, and Miley brushed it off, letting a goofy smile light up her face. She beckoned her sister and ex-fiance over. They headed over.
"Mom's cake is delicious," Noah announced, a proud smile on her face.
Liam didn't quite smirk, but the joy shone out of his eyes. "Mmm, I definitely want the recipe."
"Hey, Noah," Nick said teasingly. He nodded towards Liam's direction. "Liam, hey."
Liam nodded cordially. "Nick," he greeted.
Miley glanced between the two, wondering if she was the only one who had imagined this exchange. But not. Demi and Joe looked equally puzzled. Miley brushed off the awkward feeling in her and instead settled back into a carefree mood. There seemed to be no more exchanges between Nick and Liam. Miley saw her mom stroking Emu, and Miley quickly darted towards her dog. "Hello, my prince," Miley cooed, rubbing her hands over the dog's fur.
Tish laughed. "Emu is just so amazingly adorable!"
Miley rolled her eyes as she stroked the sheltie. "You think every dog is 'amazingly adorable.'"
"True," Tish conceded, "but that's just the truth."
"I think your dog missed me."
Miley twisted around to see Nick, an amused look in his eyes. "No," Miley said stubbornly. "Emu only misses me."
Nick grinned and stroked the dog. "Yeah, I don't think so."
A dangerous gleam sparkled in Miley's eyes as she watched Nick, half-amused, half-exasperated. Instead of speaking verbally, she instead opted for brute force, so to speak. She raised a hand and shoved his arm. Nick stumbled but caught himself before tumbling. Miley smirked. "And the great Nick Jonas crashes down!" Miley announced cheerfully, letting out a sharp whistle. Emu's eyes pricked at the sound, his neck fur ruffling.
"He does not," Nick retorted, cheeks flushing.
Tish chuckled. "No, I think Miley has you beat on this one."
Nick sniffed. "That's as much as you know."
"It's as much as we all know," Miley pointed out, a smug grin glowing on her face. "And that's good enough for me."
Nick shook his head, perhaps in disbelief, and Emu rubbed his head affectionately against Miley, who immediately felt her heart strings tug for the adorable sheltie. Tish stood up and shook her head absentmindedly. "Well, I'll leave you two to... talk," Tish said in such an obvious way that Miley felt like whacking her mother—except that would be in bad form because one, Miley loved her mother, and two, it was her mother's birthday.
Nick laughed awkwardly. "Your whole family is nuts."
Miley made a face at him. "Hey, I didn't choose it!"
"I was so sure you'd whack me again," Nick told her, and Miley smirked mischievously in a lucid way that said, that can be arranged. Nick hastily backed up a little but still stayed at a close distance. "I saw all the video clips of you singing," he told her, a very bright smile on his face. Miley watched him, feeling amused. "They're all amazing. I love the new song though I distinctly remember you saying that 2017 would be Noah's year." He narrowed his eyes at her. "Liar."
Miley crossed her arms now. "So you're saying that it can only be one person's year?"
Nick flushed. "That's not what I—"
Miley smirked. "God, you're such a slow thinker. You're so oblivious you wouldn't be able to tell the most obvious things if they hit you in the face," Miley teased.
"You are," Nick said, clasping his hands together, "impossible."
"I've been told that," Miley said cheerfully. Careful to maintain a cool facade, Miley said conversationally, "So... you and Liam seem on... not ripping each other's throats out terms."
"You noticed," Nick joked. "Yeah, well..." Nick seemed a little awkward. "Not exactly friends, not exactly enemies..."
Miley watched him carefully before shrugging. "Well, that's better for all of us," she finally said. She stroked her sheltie. "Isn't that right, Emu?" she murmured affectionately, rubbing Emu's face. A doggy grin burst out on Emu's face, and Miley wrapped her arms around the dog, embracing him. "But here I am, next to you. The sky is more blue in Malibu. Next to you," she sang softly.
Nick smiled. "Frolicking through the fields with Emu must've been fun," he mused.
Miley smiled slyly. "You have no idea. He's my lucky charm."
"You know," Nick said thoughtfully as he ran a hand through Emu's fur, "I think that you should give me a sneak peek of your new album." Miley gasped, as if the mere thought of Nick suggesting that was giving her nightmares. She shoved him, and Emu pawed at the 'Jealous' singer, as if he knew exactly what Miley wanted. Nick grunted. "Your dog is very..." Miley shot him a sharp look. "Brutal," Nick finished.
"No sneak peeks for you...but if you're interested in my music, you can always go rewatch Malibu."
Nick chuckled. "It's the only thing I ever watch."
"Creep," Miley accused. "No-lifer."
"Eh, I can live with that."
Miley shook her head absentmindedly. There was certainly no one else like Nick...but Miley wasn't sure if she'd want there to be.
QotD: Which song is better: Cake (Flo Rida & 99 Percent) or Cake By the Ocean (DNCE)?
#I honestly don't know. They're both ridiculously catchy.
A/N: Hey, it's Darky! Ah, Thursday! After I pass Wednesday in a week, I know I'm going to survive. Sort of. This chapter was... well, it was pretty easy to write... that is, when I was writing it. I was constantly distracted. I'm actually working on a new story now (didn't post it here, though) and was working on a cover for it. It's called No Promises, after Demi's new song, which I adore right now. I did a little something special with the title, so go check it out on my profile!
Now, I could almost say that this chapter was a filler, but it was necessary. At least, a part of it was. I liked doing the whole Noah/Miley conversation, and writing about Joe and Demi is always so fun! I thought it was so ADORABLE at Wango Tango when Miley, Noah, and Labyrinth sang Happy Birthday to Mommy Tish! And let's get Miley's Malibu video to 100,000,000+ views! Let's put it on replay! I know I have!
Review your answer to the QotD! Tell me your thoughts? I appreciate it though you don't need to. But who doesn't love reviews? ;)
- Darky
