Disclaimer: Based on real events, but some things are made up to help the story. Slight AU. Goes in a different direction.

Chapter 11 - May 21st, 2017

"Blowing all our money like we own the world. Partners in crime, yeah she's my girl. Say yes, say yes, baby wear that dress. Say yes, say yes, let's get married in Vegas." - Excerpt from Married in Vegas, Metro Station

Nervous was an understatement to how Joe Jonas was feeling.

He sucked in a deep breath as he walked into the beautiful meadow. It was, he knew, the perfect place to propose. All he had to worry about was not tripping and making a fool out of himself when doing so—though Demi would probably be very amused. He'd probably be so embarrassed by the incident that he would reschedule the whole thing and crush Demi's hopes. So don't trip. Psh, not a problem, right? Most people would be able to do it.

Unfortunately for him, Joe Jonas wasn't like 'most people.'

Joe had taken much longer to walk and been tripping all over the place. He had gotten better at it, yes, and was able to successfully walk down a red carpet but still... He couldn't afford to mess it up. Joe had the ring tucked firmly in his pocket, and he had decided to wear a simple white dress-shirt, black pants, black vest, and blood-red tie plus a matching crimson handkerchief sticking out of the right pocket of his pockets. And ruby cuff-likes. If he was going to do it right, he was going to do it right all the way.

He had to match Demi, and if his outfit didn't say so, he didn't know what would. He wasn't wearing it now, of course, but it was all safety tucked in his closet. He couldn't wait to capture the beautiful moment, but he knew that he didn't need a stupid camera to record this moment. It would burn in his memory forever because how often did one get to propose to the love of their life?

Joe glanced around, searching for the camera. If he couldn't find it—when he was actually searching for it—Demi shouldn't be able to. And Demi wouldn't be looking for it—she wouldn't even know it was there. Joe searched solidly for half an hour before texting his brother that he could not find the camera. Nick replied that he would be over soon with Miley.

The two were inseparable—Joe had no idea why they couldn't just get together.

"Joe!"

Joe turned to see his brother, Miley by his side. Nick was wearing a simple grey, white, and black checkered shirt and blue jeans, paired with his favorite worn-out Converse. Miley was wearing a loose white sweater and worn-out blue shorts with short brown boots. Her hair was in a neat braid by her side. Nick gave Joe a simple wave, beaming with pride. Miley all but tackled Joe into an embrace that he gladly accepted.

"So where is it?" Joe asked.

Miley turned to Nick. "Should we tell him? I mean, he might accidentally give away where it is..."

Nick's gaze turned thoughtful. "I didn't think about that..."

"Yes, talk about the guy like he's not there," Joe said dryly.

"I think we should take the risk," Miley said with a shrug. Then, she pushed past some long vines of green to reveal the camera, nicely tucked away. It took Joe a moment to actually see it even when Miley revealed it. "It took a while to find the perfect spot," Miley said, a mischievous smile on her face. "So you should propose to her right around here, okay?"

Joe grinned. "Thanks, you two."

Nick nodded. "Do we get to watch?" he added slyly. "We'll stay quiet."

One glance at their hopeful faces, and Joe knew that he couldn't say no. "Fine," he reluctantly surrendered, and Miley squealed, jumping into Nick's arms in the midst of her delight. Joe couldn't stop a smile from spreading across his lips as he saw his brother's face light up as he held the 'Malibu' singer. "Ahem," Joe coughed, "let's leave the bedroom festivities for later."

They had to know that the joke was coming, but they still flushed.

Miley's face flamed. "Ugh, Joe," she complained.

Nick's face burned. "Yeah, Joe," he muttered.

Joe couldn't stop himself from cracking. "It was all worth it. Anyway, let's finish setting this place up."

The three worked to make the place 'date-worthy.' Miley and Nick laid out a bunch of candles, and a large blanket was spread out over the ground. Joe had a bunch of different dishes and had made—with Miley and Nick's help, of course—peppermint cupcakes. There were many various desserts, of course, from a rainbow of fruits stacked up tall to resemble a pyramid to an red-velvet cake to bowls of ice cream—which would be refrigerated in the meantime—as well as the other deserts and various foods.

Before Joe knew it, he had an hour before six.

Joe dressed himself in his chosen attire. He glanced at his ruby cuff-links, which glittered in the light, casting a crimson glow across the skin around his wrists. Joe glanced at his hair, styled to perfection, not a hair out of place. He took a deep breath. The whole process of changing and not messing up anything had taken him forty-five minutes, and he had an additional fifteen minutes left.

He got a text from Nick: MC's with DL. MC'll join me soon. And breathe, Joe. Breathe.

Joe smiled, slightly reassured by the text. He texted back his thanks to his brother and stared himself in the mirror. He tucked the ring into its box (he had checked the ring one last time) before tucking the box into his pocket. He got in his car and drove to Demi's house. He stared at the the clock on his phone when he arrived. He had five minutes. Joe walked up to the door, cleared his throat, and knocked.

The door opened, and Miley stepped out, flashing a reassuring look behind her. Miley winked at Joe, and Joe smiled at her, giving her a slight hug. Miley was wearing a beautiful blue dress that complemented her eyes and short white cowboy boots. Excitement glittered in Miley's gaze. As Miley brushed past Joe, she murmured, "Demi's gorgeous! See you later."

Joe smiled. "Thanks," he murmured, and that was all the time they had for exchanges.

Joe entered the room and—

Holy shit.

Demi looked absolutely stunning in a white dress with a red sash tied around her waist. The only jewelry Demi wore was the necklace around her neck, the one Joe had given her, and Demi's hair was curled to perfection. The dark tresses cascaded down her back like some sort of otherworldly veil, but it was the smile that completed her. Demi's smile, though slightly shy, was big and innocent, and oh my God Joe felt like melting.

Joe stared, speechless, as Demi stood up and gave up him a fierce embrace. Joe closed his eyes as he held her, his heart racing furiously in his chest. He was careful not to crush her petite figure but hardly dared to breathe else she might disappear, just a figure of his imagination—but no, she was here, and she wasn't leaving. Unless it was to leave with him.

When he finally, rather reluctantly, let go of her, it was to place a sweet kiss on her lips. "Demi," he breathed, "oh my God..."

Demi beamed. "Hey, Joseph," she teased, her tone telling him that she was feeling particularly affectionate about him.

"You look amazing," he murmured, grinning as a blush rose on her cheeks. Even Demi Lovato was immune to these kind of things, especially from him. She had a soft spot for him and vice versa. He took her hand and led her outside proudly. "I washed the car," he declared proudly, watching her crack up. "With my own bare hands," he added dramatically. "That'll teach Nick a thing or two about manual labor!"

Demi smirked. "Wow, Joe."

He turned on the car radio, and a blues song, really breezy and flowing perfectly, came on. Joe drove at a decent pace, not enough to make Demi scream in alarm but enough to get the adrenaline pumping a little. Soon, they arrived at the little meadow with all those perfect little waterfalls and such a lovely scenery. He helped her out of the car, and she shook her head absentmindedly at his gentlemanliness.

They settled themselves down on the blanket, and Joe presented the arrays of delicious foods to her. Demi's eyes widened in a way that clearly said jackpot before they both indulged in the delicious foods. Joe couldn't even see the camera, but he knew that Nick and Miley were right by it, observing the perfect scene. Joe couldn't wait to see Demi's face when he actually proposed...

But if she said no...

The tangle of dark thoughts stirred in the back of Joe's mind. Of course Demi had every right to decline and rebuff him...but she wouldn't, right? They had been through so much together, and they loved each other so very much. As Joe ate a slice of cake—the perfect desert, really, after added with ice cream—he found himself gazing at Demi because she looked so amazingly gorgeous.

"What're you looking at?" she murmured as she took a bite of pineapple.

"You," he answered honestly.

She poked at a piece of apple. "This is the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for me," Demi confessed.

Joe grinned teasingly. "Careful," he teased. "If Nick hears that, you're as good as dead, and if Miley hears that..." Joe chuckled, and Demi rolled her eyes, an affectionate sparkle lighting up her dark eyes. "And if Miley hears that, you're a lot worse than dead," Joe continued before taking a swift bite of strawberry ice cream. Then, he took a bite of mint ice cream.

"No kidding," Demi snorted. She took a sip of coke mixed with peanut butter, AKA their drink AKA the drink Joe had been stupid enough to craft up but hey, at least Demi liked it. Plus, it had sentimental value now. She stirred the drink a little, her smile small but growing. She looked at Joe, and Joe could catch some nervous anticipation in her eyes, as if she had been expecting something.

Joe glanced at the sky, smiling as he saw a brilliant sunset. Demi followed his gaze, and gold from the sky threaded her dark eyes. Pinks and violets mingled close together in the sky as a burst of crimson flashed across the sky. Molten-lava mixed in with the vivid oranges and salmons, and a chilly breeze billowed through the air, exhilaratingly so. Joe got lost in Demi's eyes.

Joe turned on the radio he had set there, and a romantic song that Joe vaguely recalled playing back when he was a kid, and all his parents ever played were stuff from the 70s or something, was on. He grinned goofily at Demi, stood up, and extended a hand towards her, proudly puffing out his chest. "Would you give me the honor of a dance?" he asked dramatically.

Demi grinned and accepted his hand. "But if you fall on me or trip over your feet, you have another thing coming your way, buddy," Demi warned.

She was joking... He was pretty sure.

As the dance wrapped up, Joe found his heart beating faster and faster. The music blurred in the background, and all he could focus on was Demi. She met his gaze affectionately, and he leaned forward and kissed her softly. The kiss was sweet and magical, and it burned into his entire being. When he pulled back for air, he was breathing heavily. He met her gaze steadily.

Joe reached into his pocket, still shielding the box away from her, and Demi watched him, amused. Then, he slowly dropped down on one knee and presented the box to her, opening it with just a gentle gesture. Demi's amusement transformed into complete and utter shock. Her eyes widened to the size of the plates used to hold the desserts, and her mouth fell open.

Demi clapped her hands over her mouth, eyes growing wider, if that was even possible.

"Demetria Devonne Lovato," Joe breathed, "will you make me the happiest man alive...and become my wife?"

Tears blurred Joe's vision as he saw a smile—both dazed and ecstatic—grow on Demi's face. He saw tears fill her eyes—happy tears, because why else would she be smiling?—and her hands were shaking as she whispered, "Yes." A tear streaked down her face. "Yes," she repeated. "A million times yes!" she said in a louder, more lucid voice. She presented her right hand to him, and she slid the ring onto her finger.

Then, Joe stood up and kissed her passionately. It was so much more than just a brushing of their lips. Joe felt his soul collide with such a ethereal sense of complete bliss. He felt like his entire being was being set on fire. Kissing her was like coming home, coming home to something he didn't even know he needed. Because she was Demi, and he was Joe, and he had never been more in love with her in his life than this moment.

Joe pulled back to breathe three simple words that conveyed everything he felt for her and so much more: "I love you."

Love Will Find A Way

Miley felt her eyes fill with tears at the beautiful moment.

She felt Nick's strong arms encircle her as she watched Joe hold Demi tightly in his arms, tears streaking down his face. Miley's own tears were blurring her vision, but she didn't care. Her entire world focused on two of her best friends. Then, Joe kissed Demi again after wiping tears from her face. They looked so perfect, matching in white and red, and they looked so in love.

They belonged together.

Miley turned to look at Nick, unable to stop herself from smiling. "They look so...perfect." There was no other word to describe it.

Nick's smile was soft and affectionate. "They are," he murmured, planting a soft yet affectionate kiss to Miley's forehead. It was as if he, too, was overcome by emotion. It took him several moments before he spoke again. "They belong together, Mi," he murmured, voice softer, if possible, than before. His brown eyes were filled with churning emotions that danced in those infinite pools of brown.

Miley threw her arms around Nick's neck, and he wrapped his arms around her, hands resting fleetingly on her waist. Miley closed her eyes, sinking into the embrace. I love him. The thought came so quickly to her mind that Miley barely had any time to process it. But as soon as the words echoed in her mind, she knew they were true. And she knew that she loved Nick all along already.

"Want to be the first to congratulate them?" Nick murmured.

Miley nodded and reluctantly released Nick. Miley slipped her hand into Nick's for comfort and familiarity as the two pushed through the green vines that separated them from the newly engaged couple. Demi's eyes widened to the size of saucers. Then, Demi shrieked a little before dashing straight into Miley's awaiting arms. Happiness poured through Miley's heart.

"You were in on this!" Demi breathed. "Oh, Miley, oh..."

"And now you're engaged!" Miley said excitedly. "Oh my God, congratulations!"

"Congratulations," Nick echoed by her side. Then, he, too, gave Demi a congratulating hug. Nick headed over to Joe to congratulate him and hug him, too. "Nice to see you didn't mess this up," Nick laughed. "I thought for a second you'd trip over your own feet and fall straight into the platter of pie when you were going down on one knee, but you didn't." Nick beamed. "You guys deserve this! I'm so happy for you!"

Tears ran down Miley's face. "Oh my God, that was the sweetest thing ever!"

Demi pulled Miley aside and gave her another hug. "Oh my God..." Demi breathed. She inhaled sharply, a silly smile gracing her lips. "I'm engaged, Miley. I'm really engaged. Wow, this feels incredible." She beamed, smile widening—which was something Miley didn't even know was possible. "I'm so glad I didn't figure it out at the last minute—though really I should've."

Miley beamed. "I'm glad you didn't. Joe had us record it all. There's a camera there." Miley gestured vaguely at the greenery behind her.

Demi's smile exploded. "That's just"—Demi sniffled, obviously overcome by emotion—"the sweetest thing!"

The two embraced again. Happy tears streaked down Miley's face as she looked at Demi. There was a new light in Demi's eyes, a light only Joe could bring out. After everything they had been through, Joe and Demi had reunited. Miley truly believed they could make it work this time. They were older and wiser, and seriously—they just belonged together.

After more congratulations and tears, the foursome sat down and decided to finish off the desserts that Joe and Demi hadn't finished. The newly engaged couple sat side by side, exchanging secret glances and smiles. Nick draped an arm around Miley. Then, he used the same hand to lace their fingers together. They were Nick and Miley, and he was holding her hand.

And it felt wonderful.

Miley peered at him and mused, "I feel like anything's possible now."

"Anything is possible," Nick remarked, amused.

Demi beamed. "This all seems so surreal to me," Demi murmured, smiling at Miley. She winked at Joe before continuing to speak. "God, you guys are such terrible liars, but I guess fate decided to play a role here and just let me just not see it." Demi's smile brightened, and her eyes smiled along with her smile. "So, thank you, all of you. I love you all!" Demi declared.

Joe kissed her cheek. "We love you, too, Demi."

"And especially you, Miley," Demi added, smiling affectionate and warm. Warmth bubbled in Miley's chest. "I know this hasn't been easy for you, keeping this secret from me. And well, thank you for bringing for bringing hope for us—we all know it was always your destiny." Miley smiled wryly at the mention of her old name but let it slide. After all, it was such a lovely occasion.

"You're very welcome," Miley murmured, blushing.

Joe closed his eyes and spoke. "You guys, I can't begin to even express how grateful I am. I couldn't have pulled this off without you... It's everything I ever dreamed it would be and so much more." Joe's voice broke, and Miley felt the waterworks come on again. Feeling very emotional, Miley wiped some tears away. Joe took a deep breath and opened his tear-glistened eyes. "I..."

"You don't have to say anything, Joe," Nick murmured comfortingly.

Miley nodded. "Nick's right. Besides, seeing you guys so happy...it's more than enough..."

Demi choked on a sob. "You guys are the best."

Miley closed her eyes, but the happy tears kept flowing down her cheeks. She felt Nick wipe them away, and when she caught his gaze, she hoped hers conveyed how much she cared about him and how grateful she was for him being there for her. Nick's smile softened, and he caught hold of her hand for a brief moment. Miley felt her heart beating furiously in her chest. Nick was so close to her.

"You know what would make this night even more amazing?" Demi remarked suddenly, snapping Miley out of her dream-hazed illusions.

Miley looked up. "What?"

"If you two got back together," Demi said, voice soft and sincere.

Miley balked silently. Then, she turned back to Nick, heart racing. His gaze was steady, unwavering, like a steady mast. Miley's lips parted as she stared at him. A soft, warm breeze flitted through her hair, but Nick's gaze burned onto hers, brown against azure. A storm raced in Miley's chest, furious and full of longing and passion and everything else in between. Just his gaze on hers was such a simple act, yet it was so powerful that Miley felt a hurricane rip inside her veins.

Nick spoke first. "You know I've always loved you, Miley," he told her softly. "But if you're not ready, I'm not going to push you." He reached forward and tucked some stray strands of her hair behind an ear. The gentle butterfly-soft touch made her shiver. "I'd never force you to do something you didn't want to do," he said, gaze earnest and full of concern and caring.

Miley took a deep breath, recalling the romantic words he had told her months past. "Because I'm still in love with you," he had told her. "Because you're still in love with me. Because we're meant to be together. Because we found our way back to each other before. And after the storm passes, I know we'll find our way back to each other. We always do."

The storm.

Miley didn't think there had been one, only her own doubts and worries. Doubts and worries about herself, whether she was good enough. Doubts and worries about Liam, because she still cared about him so much. And everyone else judging... It was hard. A good relationship could easily be destroyed in the lifestyle they lived in. But didn't the people say that the only relationships worth fighting for were the hard ones?

She turned back to Nick and saw nothing but endless depths of love in his eyes, burning and dancing in his eyes. "I love you," Miley murmured, her heart taking a mighty gallop as she spoke the words. She saw the anticipation—if somewhat nervous anticipation—in Nick's eyes transform into hope and light and love and fierce happiness. He looked like his entire world had been rocked.

Miley leaned forward and kissed him softly. It felt exactly like a Disney movie.

Only a million times better.

QotD: What's your favorite instrumental song?

#River Flows In You - Yiruma

A/N: Hey, it's Darky! Oh my God, I just loved writing this chapter! First, it was Joe's POV (though I sort of still wanted it to be Demi's POV) on the whole proposing action... Yay, they're finally fiances! So happy! Wish real life could replicate that... And then, we have Nick and Miley getting together in the end, too! Finally! After all those chapters! ;)

This was just such a lovely chapter to write. I'm a really cheesy romantic, and Niley and Jemi, oh God, I just love those ships. I actually wrote this chapter today. Wow, not Sunday, not Monday, not Tuesday, but on Wednesday. I tried to make it longer because this was a special chapter with Jemi getting engaged and Niley getting together. I just felt that this was needed. Now, I know I could've done better on the ending, but it's, like, 11 PM, and I have school tomorrow (not that I'll get a wink of sleep!), but hey! ;))) Still need my 6-7 hours, thank you very much.

I think I should sleep more. In the summer I will. ;)

Now, I know there isn't a lot of action... We're getting there, don't worry. ;) Since I've gotten past the proposal, we're DEFINITELY getting there.

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