Miley's POV

It was midnight and still I couldn't go to sleep. The thrill of the concert had made me so excited and restless. The red light of the alarm clock flashed in my face making it harder to close my eyes and rest. Crawling out of bed I made my way over to the boy's room across the hall. Denise had given me a key just in case of an emergency but I felt so alone. That was an emergency right? I slid the magnetic key through the electric lock and waited for the green light to flash signaling my entrance. The door creaked slightly as I closed it behind me.

Tiptoeing across the room I finally reached Nick's bed. I sat on the edge trying not to add too much pressure and disturb his peaceful body with my sudden movement. "Nick?" I whispered his name softly by his ear but my effort was hopeless. I resulted to rubbing his arm but no reaction. What else could I do without waking up Joe who was sleeping in the other room? I tried once more shaking his arm as hard as I could but my efforts proved in vain once more. Just as I pulled away I felt my arm being pulled and suddenly my face was pressed against his chest and he was laughing directly in my ear.

"And you thought I was asleep."

"Oh my God, Nick you scared me!" I yelled, gasping for air I clutched my fist tight to my chest.

"Shhh…ok I'm sorry better?" He rubbed my back to calm my beating heart and just the touch of his skin made me feel alright and at peace. "Much." I sighed in relief and adjusted my position to face him.

"Couldn't sleep?"His words sounded as sweet as honey and his chocolate eyes pierced through me. This boy was just…intoxicating. I shook my head unable to speak because of his overwhelming presence.

"Me either." I watched as he bit his lip and tilted his head to the left obviously thinking. "Well, what do you want to do?" He asked bringing his knees to his chest and adjusted to a comfortable sitting position.

"I don't know… we could play cards." I picked up the deck sitting conveniently on the wooden nigh stand. "Okay what do want to play?" he took the deck out of my grasp and tossed it lightly into the air. It made a small thud as it hit his palm. "Maybe we should play in my room." The sound of Joe's obnoxious snore echoed through the walls enforcing my suggestion.

"Good idea."

We snuck out of the room as quietly as possible and shut the door cautiously. Then it hit me the reason we had to be so quiet was because for one we didn't want to wake Nick's family and second what we were doing was against the rules. "Wait, are you going to be in trouble for sneaking out of your room?" "Miles we're playing cards don't worry." His words were reassuring and so easily I was quick to go along. Taking in a deep breath I swiped the card and walked through the open door. The suite was modern and clean. The bed sheets were comfortable and the décor was up to date.

"So, war?" He asked taking a seat on the edge of the queen sized bed.

"Sure." I jumped onto the pillows of the bed, catching Nick off guard causing him to fall backwards. I giggled, hovering over his smiling face. Leaning closer I observed anxiousness and anticipation in his warm brown eyes. Our lips were only inches apart and I breathed moist air out on his face. I stopped his eyes from closing fully with my voice. "Split the deck!"

I launched myself back into the pillows in a fit of giggles. He on the other hand didn't look at all pleased. "Real nice, Miles." Playing it off innocently, I shrugged my shoulders and placed my hands on my lap. The cards were flexible and completely in his control as he bended the thick paper between his fingers, the array of colors a blur as they were shuffled skillfully back and forth. Once the cards were placed in two even stacks I grabbed one heap and held it close to my chest as he did the same.

"I declare war!" We both slammed our cards on the firm mattress and much to my dismay my mere four couldn't beat a ten. "Yes!" he exclaimed taking both cards and setting them aside. This made me become a bit heated and my competitive nature was revealed. "Don't be so cocky it's just luck!" Being the witty character he was he replied with a quick answer that satisfied me. "Whatever you say Miles."

For half an hour the game went on and just as I predicted he was winning by a large amount.

"Just give up Mi there's no point." He had been like this the whole game and it was starting to get on my nerves. "Not so fast." The whole point of this game is luck unless you cheat then it's just wrong. But I wasn't about to give in to his taunting. I didn't have faith in my cards but I had no choice but to be confident. I slapped my card down satisfied with its face. It was a queen. "Ha beat that!"

My pride was destroyed as I examined the face of the opposing card, a queen. Nick wore a devious smile and a challenge hidden behind his eyes. "I declare war!" We said in unison placing a card down with each word. A frown formed on my face and his eyes shined with glee, a two against a king.

"I win!" He shouted scooping the pile of clubs, hearts, diamonds and spades into his broad arms.

"You're a sore winner ya know." I crossed my arms over my chest and pouted my lips in disappointment. "And you're a sore loser." He packed the cards together and stuffed them back into the cardboard box. With a sigh he fell back on the pillows beside me. "What do you want to do now?" I was tired of playing cards I wanted to do something fun and active.

"How about we go for a swim?" His proposition was intriguing and I was eager to accept his offer. "Awesome I'll change and I'll meet you in the hallway in five." I sprung myself off the mattress and landed flat on my feet. "Cool, see you in a few." He made his way to the door and stopped still in his tracks at the entrance. "Oh and Miles…" Turning my head to the sound of his voice a low hum erupted from my throat. "This… this is breaking the rules." He grinned, mischief prevalent on his features. I was excited. Something about going against the grain pumped adrenaline through my veins but being caught was something to worry about. Once he exited the room I stripped off my pajamas and slipped on my black bikini. It wasn't too revealing but just comfortable enough to not feel insecure in its skin.

"Hey…." My words slurred as I witnesses his built frame, his toned arms and tight abs. I was drooling at the sight of him and that beautiful smile and those eyes. I was completely infatuated with Nick. Knowing him for a week may not seem like enough time to fall for someone but I felt as if I've known him for years. Things were just comfortable and easy around him. Being with him was completely effortless.

The hallways were narrow and long which made the walk to the ground floor painfully endless. Anxiety stretched from the tips of my fingers to the end of my toes. Every inch of my skin tingled with excitement. A couple minutes passed and we finally reached the pool area. The crystal blue water reflected in the glass windows creating a sense of mystery. I was eager to explore the unknown.

"After you" Nick obliged while tugging on the metal door handle. I appreciated his chivalry. Barely any boy his age was so courteous and respectful. It was one of the traits I admired most about him. I replied curtly while blush rose to my cheeks "Thank you."

Nick's POV

The water was still as if no one had touched it for hours. Approaching it slowly I dipped my toe into the surprisingly mild pool water. "Come on" I waved my hand motioning her to come closer to the edge. She timidly placed her delicate hand in mine and I lead her deeper down the stairs and into the clear blue. Her body trembled in fear the closer to the center we went. Naturally I attempted to calm her. "You okay Miles?"

"Yea it's just I can't swim."

This shocked me a bit. She was one of the best swimmers I knew, lapped me several times on tour last year. As a competitive person that stung a little. "Sure you can."

She shook her head while gripping my hands tightly. "I don't remember how."

Right… I guess the amnesia had affected more than her memory of faces and relationships but also experiences and skills. "Then I guess I'll have to teach you." I smiled down at her reassuring her that everything was going to b alright. Skepticism showed behind her glowing blue eyes that reflected the light of the water. "I don't know Nick." I wanted her to take a leap of faith and trust me enough to take this step. Learning how to swim was a rite of passage and I wanted to be there for her. Someone she could always depend on. "Please?" I coaxed her showing that there was no need to be afraid.

She looked down at our reflections in the water and with a shaky sigh courage took over. "Okay."

"Alright, what you need to do first is relax.' Don't fight the water, just relax."

As I instructed she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Okay now what?" She asked her eyelids still glued shut. I laughed at this. It was just like Miley to be impatient but always eager to learn. "Lay on your back." I instructed following my previous request. Her eyes shot wide open. "What!' I'll fall right through!"

"No you won't you'll be fine I promise, here." I extended my arms to her enforcing my statement. "Just lay down, I won't let you fall." She surrendered to my pleas and leaned back dipping her hair in the water. I stepped closer to support her weight while scooping her legs up and holding her back up right. "Now take deep breaths and don't tense up."

"What's the point of this anyway?" She questioned while adjusting her position in my arms.

"Well in order to swim you need to learn how to float." She nodded her head slowly and closed her eyes, embracing the method of relaxation. Soon her body was hovering over my arms without my help. "There you got it Miles." She immediately noticed the absence of my touch and panicked. "You let go.' You let go!" she exclaimed flailing her arms in every direction and clung to my shoulder in fear. I felt water drip onto my skin which I assumed was from the water around us. "You promised!" She beat her fist on my chest frantically. Her actions caused me no pain but her words did. It reminded me of the times in the past when I had let her down, memories rushed to my mind of specific moments but I shook the thoughts out of my head, dealing with the task at hand.

"I'm sorry but you were doing so well." I held her close to me trying to avoid making her feel uncomfortable seeing how we were both half naked. I gently pulled her head back to look at her frightened face. Tears were streaming from her eyes making me realize that's what had trickled onto my shoulder before. "I don't want to learn how to swim today.' I'm too tired."

I stroked her hair gently getting lost in her teary eyes once again. "We can get out of the pool if you want."

This whole experience must have frightened her. This amnesia had caused emotional scars as well. She shook her head in disagreement. "No, I want to stay." I felt as if I were holding a frail child in my arms. That's how she must feel, so many things inexperienced and so many opportunities forgotten. It was as if she were starting over, a blank slate. "Okay we can stay, what do want to do?" She rested her head on my shoulder and murmured into my shoulder. "Carry me?" I smiled at her request. I missed being this close to her. It was as if we were the only two people on this earth in the still of the water. I began spinning slowly in a clockwise direction, never diverting my eyes away from the angel in my arms.

The feel of the water was like silk caressing my skin and small man made waves surround us.

Her sweet voice broke the quiet air. "Now I feel safe, thank you."

I smiled down at her and pride filled my soul. I had made her feel that way. I couldn't help but be happy, that's what she did to me. "You're welcome Mi." I couldn't tear my eyes away from hers. It seemed an impossible task I didn't fight. She tightened her grip around my neck, edging herself closer to my face. My breath caught in my throat. This is the moment I had waited for. A year I had gone without the touch and taste of her lips. I could feel her sweet breath lightly panting on mine.

Gravity took over my lids and they dropped closed. We were only centimeters apart and the anticipation had my heart beating wildly in my chest. In an instant our lips had met, surging electricity through my entire body, weakening my knees. Memories never did our kisses justice. I was in complete ecstasy. This was all I ever wanted and I could tell she wanted this too.

Author's note

I can relate to Miley i this chapter. I feared learning how to swim and didn't conquer my fear til last year and yes I'm 15 don't judge.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I enjoyed writing it. What did you think of the build up of the kiss. Was it too soon or long over due?

Please let me know what you think and REVIEW!!!

Also let me know what your favorite part of the story is and what you liked most about this chapter.

Thanks for reading xoxo~ L0veisLiKeaS0ng