Before this gets confusing: anything in plain text represents actual conversation. Bold text sections are Nick's e-mails/texts to Miley. Italic sections are Miley's e-mails/texts to Nick.


Los Angeles, CA/Denver, CO

"Can you see me?"

Nick laughs as Miley leans in, pushing and pulling on the screen. "I can pretty much see down your shirt with you sitting that close."

"Such a gentleman."

"I told you so that you could fix yourself," he elaborates. "Do you think that I would've said anything if I wanted to look?"

"Oh, so you're not interested."

"I didn't mean it like that."

Miley laughs. "Wait, that reminds me. I got you a gift."

"You did?"

"Yeah, I made it myself."

He watches as she stretches across her hotel bed, drifting partially out of the frame. "So what exactly did I say to remind you of this gift?"

"You'll understand in a second." Miley suddenly pops back in front of the screen, holding a piece of paper in front of her. "Ta-da!"

Nick shifts closer, trying to read what's written on it. "What is that? A certificate of...achievement?"

"Mhm. It says," she pauses for a moment to clear her throat, "this certificate is awarded to Nick Jonas for officially reaching second base."

"Oh my God." And he's suddenly not sure whether he's going to flush from embarrassment or burst into laughter. "Where did you get that?"

"I printed it out online. It was just a template. I had to put in all the good stuff."

"You are insane."

"Wouldn't be the first time someone's told me that." Miley takes another look at the certificate and grins. "I'm gonna mail it out to you tomorrow morning. You can hang it in your room."

Nick chuckles. "My mom would freak out. Then, she'd probably interrogate me for an hour."

"Do you think she knows what second base is?"

"I think she knows it's not a good thing."

"It depends who you ask," she says. "I think it's a good thing."

"You made that more than evident the night before I left. With all those noises you were making..."

Miley's jaw drops. "Are you gloating, Nick Jonas?"

"Maybe." He moves his arms behind him, using them to brace his weight. "Would you be surprised if I was?"

"Not really. Besides, I taught you everything."

"You did not. I definitely threw in a few of my own moves."

"Your own moves?"

"You know, ones that I've learned along the way."

She crosses her legs beneath her. "I think you're a lot more experienced than you let on."

"You can find out if you want."

She starts laughing again, covering her mouth as she gets a little too loud. "You're only being this cocky because you can hide behind a computer screen. When you're back here with me, you're going to be all shy and quiet."

"Who said I was coming back?"

"You did. You said you were only going to be away long enough to throw away any suspicion."

"Is it working?"

Miley nods. "Joe invited me out with him and a bunch of other people. We went to a karaoke bar."

"Oh, he mentioned that," Nick murmurs. "How was it?"

"Fun. I didn't go up. I was having too much of a good time laughing at everyone else. Joe covered that Rick Astley song, 'Never Gonna Give You Up.'"

"I'm sure it was great."

"You would've sung it better."

Nick lowers his eyes, taking a new interest in the blue blanket beneath him. "I probably wouldn't have even gone up there."

"Well, I said that it was a karaoke bar. Maybe with a few drinks in you first, it'd be different."

"Miley," he groans, "how long is it going to be before you let that go?"

"However long it takes before you do something equally as entertaining."

"That wasn't entertaining. That was humiliating."

"You don't even remember what happened."

"Good thing I didn't. Otherwise, I never would've asked you and found out about you wanting to kiss me."

She laughs. "Apparently, you wanted to kiss me, too."

"Yeah, I wanted to, and I actually did it."

Miley throws her head back. "Can we stop talking about kissing? It's only making me miss you more."

"You miss me?"

"Duh. It's so boring here without you."

He glances away. Honestly, he's all too pleased that she's miserable. But it's starting to make him wonder if maybe—possibly—this thing between him will be different than it was with everyone else.

"I'm sure you're busy."

"It's not the same. I mean, I actually have to work the merch table now. At least when you were here, there was always the possibility that you'd show up and we'd sneak off for a little."

"We only did that, like, twice. You said you didn't want that girl to get suspicious."

"Yeah, I know." Miley leans back, glances over her shoulder. "Speaking of people getting suspicious, I should probably go. I told Joe that I'd call him after I got changed into my sweats."

"Oh."

"It doesn't mean anything, Nick."

"Then just stay here with me. You've been with him all day, and this is the only way I get to see you."

"It was your choice to leave."

"I did it for you."

She huffs. "C'mon, Nick. Can we please not fight over this?"

"Fine," he says. "We won't fight. Just go call Joe."

"I'll e-mail you tomorrow, all right? It's going to be okay. We'll be okay."

"Mhm."

Miley lifts her fingers to her lips, blows him a kiss. "I'll see you soon."

The screen goes dark. Nick sits there, wondering if it was such a good idea to leave after all.


San Francisco, CA

From: smileymiley1123

To: nickj4prez

Hey N.J.,

I can't believe I actually got to see your handsome face yesterday. It's only the start of Day Three, but it feels more like Day Three Hundred. I can't believe I just wrote that. You'll probably hold that over me until you get back to touring with us.

I'm sure you talked to Joe by now. Just to clarify (because I don't know what he told you), nothing happened. We watched a movie. He tried to put his arm around me, but I got out of that one. No worries! I'm still kind of confused over this whole thing though. I thought your dad didn't want me near him? Maybe he thinks being a rebel will impress me or something. It won't. Ugh. Things would be so much easier if I could tell him that I have the hots for his younger brother.

We get to L.A. tomorrow morning. There are rumors swirling that the whole Jonas clan will be at the concert to support Joe. Fingers crossed that it's true.


Los Angeles, CA

From: nickj4prez

To: smileymiley1123

Miley,

I wish that I could've talked to you tonight at the show. You looked so beautiful. I just wanted to grab my mom's hand and bring her over so that I could introduce you to her. I think you'd really like her. I know she'd really like you.

I figured it'd be best to lay low though. Frankie caught me staring at you once or twice. I knew if I actually walked over to you, he'd tell someone (or everyone).

It's always nice to read that you miss me. But you really thought that it felt like Day Three Hundred? I didn't realize I was that awesome :)

And you're right. I got a phone call from Joe before I got around to reading your e-mail. He's still really into you. The more I try to talk him out of it, the more he seems to want to go after you. I'm pretty sure that this plan of ours is working a little too well. I kind of wish that I jumped back on the tour bus with you instead of going home after the show.


Pomona, CA

From: smileymiley1123

To: nickj4prez

N.J.!

Way to get me all depressed. You should've come back with me on my bus. There's plenty of room for you in my bunk ;)

You looked pretty good at the show, too, mister. I didn't know that going to a concert called for a button-up and slacks, but you looked so damn good in them that I'm not complaining. I'm flattered that you wanted to introduce me to your mom. It wouldn't be the best idea though. Besides, I don't think she'd like me if I told her all of the things that I wanted to do with her most prized possession, aka you.

We just finished up our last show in California. We have the next two days off, and then Joe has a show in Arizona. I'm sitting here and thinking about what we could've done if you were here with me. But I'm sure that Joe would want to spend his time off with you, so I'm trying to convince myself that I wouldn't have seen you at all anyway.

Okay, let's be real. I definitely would've managed to steal you away for a little while. We could've spent a few hours together. And then, maybe, at some point, we'd leave the hotel and actually check out Arizona.

Sorry. I'll get my mind out of the gutter now. You're probably all red and embarrassed.

Come back soon.


Los Angeles, CA

From: nickj4prez

To: smileymiley1123

Miley,

You are so lucky that no one knows the password to my e-mail account. Honestly, could you make it any more obvious that you want me?

Kidding.

I'm not all red either. Just so you know.

So you're in Arizona now. That's where Joe was born. He told me that he's already planning to give everyone a tour of his 'home state.' Don't go. I'm not saying that because I don't want you around him. I'm just warning you because Joe has no sense of direction, and you'll probably end up in the middle of nowhere.

It's pretty quiet back at home. I went out to lunch with my mom and Frankie. I played with my dog for a little while. Then, I messed around with my guitar. It's fun, but it's not the same. I'm already trying to figure out when I can fly out to you guys.

Or maybe you could fly out to me? Spend your last free day with me in L.A.. I'll even pick you up at the airport.


Scottsdale, AZ

From: smileymiley1123

To: nickj4prez

N.J.,

Why couldn't you have had that brilliant idea before I left? I totally could've gotten a room at a hotel in L.A.. Then we could've hung out all the time, just like it used to be. But, no, Boy Wonder. You had to wait to use your genius brain until I was gone.

I took your advice and didn't go with Joe on his tour. They didn't get lost, but they did lose track of time. Your dad almost flipped out because he couldn't find Joe. So I guess it was good that I didn't go. I don't need to get any further on your dad's bad side than I already am. Instead, I chilled in my hotel room, ordered room service, and watched crappy reality T.V. shows. Bet you're jealous.

I miss your face.


From: Nick

To: Miley

Google me :)

From: Miley

To: N.J.

Oh so we're texting now?

From: Nick

To: Miley

You just sounded desperate to see me. It was a friendly reminder that there are thousands of pictures of my face on the internet.

From: Miley

To: N.J.

There aren't thousands of pictures of me on the internet.

From: Nick

To: Miley

That's why I'm starting to forget what you look like :)

From: Miley

To: N.J.

Maybe I could remind you and send a pic in my next e-mail.

From: Nick

To: Miley

YES!


Houston, Texas

From: smileymiley1123

To: nickj4prez

N.J.,

You are such a boy sometimes. Could you have sounded any more eager in your text?

But I have attached one photo of myself for your enjoyment. If you haven't looked at it yet (though it's probably the first thing you clicked on), don't get too excited. It's only from the waist up, and I'm wearing my clothes. I didn't want to overwhelm your virgin eyes.

We're in Texas! Apparently, that's your home state. I think that's a perfect excuse for you to fly out to we can hangout, and I don't have to party with Joe all the time.


From: Miley

To: N.J.

Need to talk to you about tonight. Are you up?

From: Nick

To: Miley

I'm up. What's going on?

From: Miley

To: N.J.

Have you talked to Joe?

From: Nick

To: Miley

Not tonight. Why? What happened?

His phone goes off after he sends the text. Sure enough, Miley's name is flashing across the screen. "Hello?" he murmurs.

"Nick? Did I wake you before?"

"Yeah, but it's okay. What—what happened with Joe?"

"A mistake."

He squeezes his eyes shut. He knew. He knew it was something bad. Now, he's preparing himself for the worst.

"What kind of mistake?"

Nick can hear her hesitate, suck in a deep breath. "I kissed him."

"You kissed him, or he kissed you?"

"I kissed him. It was all me."

"Uh huh." He was hoping that she misspoke. That she messed up the details. She didn't. "Where?"

"At the bar we went out to."

"No, where did you kiss him? On—on the mouth?"

"Yes."

"And did he kiss you back?"

"Obviously."

"Yeah," he mumbles, "yeah, that was a stupid question."

"Nick, it wasn't stupid," she says. "It's just that you know he likes me. It's not that he wouldn't do anything."

"Right."

Miley swallows. "He keeps hitting on me. I can't act as if I'm not interested. That'd totally ruin everything that we're working for."

"It doesn't mean that you have to kiss him either, Miley. You can flirt with him, but you don't have to take it any further."

"I do, actually."

"Will you stop with that?" he hisses, fighting to keep his voice low. "You keep saying you have to do certain things or act a certain way. But you don't. I think you're just using it as an excuse."

"An excuse for what?"

"For getting with me and Joe."

"Get over yourself, Nick," she snaps. "Stop acting like you know everything about me."

"I know a lot more than you realize."

"Well, I knew that you would freak out. I wanted to tell you before you heard from Joe because I figured it'd be better that way."

"Why wouldn't I freak out? Did you expect that I'd give you a round of applause for making out with my brother?"

"I didn't make out with him. It was one stupid kiss."

"Stupid?"

"I didn't mean for it to happen. I didn't go out with the intention to kiss him. I just...I know there's no excuse for it. I only wanted to tell you and apologize. That's all. I didn't mean for it to get like this."

"I know," he says. "I was just waiting for something to happen, and I knew when you texted me that that was it. I guess I kind of lost my temper for a minute."

"You had every right to."

"Well, I'm sorry, anyway."

"Apology accepted."

"Yours, too."

Miley laughs. "I bet we'd have a pretty kick-ass make-up, make-out session right about now if we were together."

Just like that, he's laughing along with her. "Is that all you think about?"

"It's hard not to when you're so good looking."

"I'm flattered."

"I thought you'd be."

He grins. "I want to fly out to Texas."

"Seriously?" she gasps. "You have to. Now that you've mentioned it, you have to."

"I will. I'll talk to my mom in the morning, and we'll start looking up flights."

"Good. Oh, yay. I'm excited now."

He didn't need her to tell him. He can hear it in her voice.

"Me too. I miss you."

"I miss you, too. When do you think you'll get here?"

"I don't know, Miley. Let me find a flight first. I'll e-mail you as soon as I figure it out."

"Send me a picture, too. You owe me."

"I don't think mine could compare to yours."

"Oh. You liked it that much, did you?"

"Good night."

"Don't try to get out of this, N.J.. Tell me how much you liked it."

"What was that?" he teases. "I can't hear you. I think the connection is breaking up."

"Nick!"


Los Angeles, CA

From: nickj4prez

To: smileymiley1123

Mileyyy!

I'm flying into Dallas. I'll get to see you in three days. Then we'll get to hang out until the tour stops in New York.

Hope things are going well. I hope you're not mad at me either for hanging up last night. I might have attached a picture of myself just to ease the tension.


Austin, TX

From: smileymiley1123

To: nickj4prez

N.J.

Tension = eased. I'm officially no longer mad at you for hanging up on me. But if I get mad at you again, can you send me another shirtless picture? I'd like to add to my collection.

Can't believe you're going to be here soon! Good news: I don't have to work merch anymore. Shocker, I know. So we can actually be backstage together without people being suspicious. And your dad told me that I'll probably have to keep an eye on you once you arrive. I told him that it was no problem. I might even have my hands and mouth on you, too.

I can't pick you up from the airport though. Your brother has a meeting in the morning, and I'm supposed to go and assist. They'll send someone to get you, and then I'll track you down once we get back to the hotel :)


Los Angeles, CA

From: nickj4prez

To: smileymiley1123

Miley,

I'm officially all packed. My mom thinks I'm crazy because I've got my suitcase ready to go, but she knows that I'm glad to get out on the road. I'm glad to get to you, too.

My flight lands in the early afternoon. We're only going to be in Texas for the day, so I was thinking that maybe I could take you out to eat? I know the place that makes the best ribs in all of Dallas. So...lunch date? Maybe? Hopefully?

I'll be there soon. Try to hold out for me and don't go around kissing my brother, okay? Kidding. But seriously, don't kiss him :)


Los Angeles, CA

From: nickj4prez

To: smileymiley1123

Miley,

I really was joking about the whole kissing Joe thing. I know that it was a mistake, and that we're both over it. Hope you're not mad at me. I just haven't heard from you.


From: Nick

To: Miley

Hey. Is there something wrong with your e-mail?

From: Nick

To: Miley

If you're ignoring me to freak me out, it's working. This better not be a ploy to get more shirtless photos.

From: Nick

To: Miley

So I talked to Joe and he said he saw you today. I know you're alive. I don't want to sound like some obsessive stalker but I'm starting to worry about you. Did I do something?

From: Nick

To: Miley

Can you please let me know that we're okay? That you're okay?

From: Nick

To: Miley

Miley?


Hey guys! I hope you all got through this chapter okay. I just wanted to post something as a kind of interlude while Nick and Miley are apart. But they'll be together for the next one. I wrote the chapter a couple of weeks ago, and I have to admit that it's one of my favorites so I'll probably be posting it soon!