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

Chapter 14 - May 24th, 2017

"Wasn't it easier in your lunchbox days? Always a bigger bed to crawl into. Wasn't it beautiful when you believed in everything? And everybody believed in you?" - Excerpt from Innocent, Taylor Swift

Nick had never felt so scared in his life.

Watching Miley while she was unconscious, and he had no idea how to make things better was hard.

The doctor's words crashed back to Nick: "I'm sure you all are aware of Miley's heart condition. It's called tachycardia, and it makes her heart beat faster than normally. I don't quite understand the whole function of it, but I guess there are a lot of reasons that caused her collapse. Stress, worries, etc. But stress is a bigger factor. She doesn't do drugs or anything like that anymore, but I don't know if she really permanently damaged her body. We're still getting the tests back."

That first part had been extremely painful to stomach. How could something so horrible happen to Miley? But second part was even worse.

"Now, we have no idea when she might wake up. Her body may be shutting down for a bit, though the process is not a coma. Similar, perhaps, but she just needs the rest first. We'll figure everything else afterwards. We'll keep you informed on her continuously at any changes, but don't worry. She is in the best hands, and we won't let anything happen to her," the doctor had said.

The second part has been so much worse, knowing that the doctors didn't know when Miley would wake. Nick had always known about Miley's heart condition, but it was still hard. He had almost forgotten about it because it never seemed to bother Miley. Well, of course, when she was first diagnosed with it, things changed, of course, but Miley had adapted to it all, so much that he rarely thought of it.

It scared Nick, too, because he loved her and didn't know how to fix this.

He remembered asking the doctors about Miley's upcoming concerts, and they had replied that if she got better before, she would be fine. It really depended on the test results, which still weren't done with. He knew that Miley was in good hands—after all, she was Miley Cyrus and would have the best medical treatment—but couldn't help but worry.

As of now, Nick was in his house, feeling incredibly lonely even with his dog's company, with his phone in his hand. He was going to deliver the news to Miley's family. He had almost forgotten about them after the very disturbing day yesterday, but now, after the shock—sort of—died down, he remembered. So Nick dialed Billy Ray's number, which Miley had given him.

Miley, Nick knew, had told her family about getting together with him after she had gotten home that very day, before Liam or the public knew, and Nick knew that Billy Ray liked him well enough. Of course, there was also the part of Billy Ray that sort of didn't really trust Nick because of how he had broken Miley's heart once, but after one phone call with the country star, Billy Ray was convinced that Nick wouldn't desert Miley.

"Yes?" came Billy Ray's voice, laced with a Southern accent. "Nick?"

Nick cleared his throat. "Hey. I wish I could just be on a social thing, but...something's occurred." Nick heard a sharp intake of breath, but Billy Ray didn't speak. Nick took a deep breath, feeling a sense of deep loneliness pierce the heart of his world. He took a moment to compose himself. He inhaled deeply before speaking again. "It's about Miley... She...she's in the hospital..."

Billy Ray's voice was shaky as he spoke again. "My little girl? In the hospital? What?"

"It's about her, um, heart condition," Nick elaborated. "The doctors are still getting results back, and—" Nick got all choked up.

Billy Ray's voice was desperate but sympathetic, too. "Thank you for telling me, Nick... I'll be headed over there. Smiley needs me. She needs you, too." There was a pause, and Nick closed his eyes tightly. He could picture Billy Ray's concerned face. "Those doctors," Billy muttered, "they'd better take good care of Miles. I don't need some second-rate doctor treating my little girl!"

Nick nodded. "I'm sure she'll...be fine... But...the doctors don't know when she's going to wake up."

Billy Ray's voice stiffened. "Excuse me, Nick. I have to go..."

Nick thanked him and hung up, feeling rather emotional himself. Oh, Miley, please get better soon, he thought sadly. You have no idea how much I need you.

Love Will Find A Way

"Tomorrow we're going to New York...obviously, we can't do that."

"You don't know that."

"I doubt the doctors will let her leave—she'll still miss that concert," Demi snapped.

Joe watched Demi from his comfortable seat on her couch. Demi herself was pacing across the room, a perpetual look of worry plastered across her gorgeous face. Every so often, Demi would pause and mutter something to herself. Then, she would begin pacing once more. Joe knew how much Demi was looking forward to going to New York with Miley—but Demi, and himself, would just settle for Miley getting better.

This was supposed to be Miley's big comeback. Why on earth would her heart condition (Joe still didn't memorize the name of the t-whatever condition) start acting up now out of all times? It didn't seem fair. The public didn't know about this yet, but Joe knew that they were sure to find out if—a very questionable if at that—Miley didn't show up at her own concert.

And then, they would be forced to confess, but until then, it was a very tightly-guarded secret.

Well, one more person was about to find out.

Joe turned to Demi. "I think we should tell Liam," he blurted out.

She stared at him. Then, she waited. Then, she said incredulously, "Are you NUTS?!"

"He cares about Miley," Joe said defensively, trying to remain calm for both their sakes. "He deserves to know the truth. And you know that I'm right. Come on, Dems." He eased himself off the seat and strode over to Demi's side, giving her a reassuring hug. Demi felt stiff in his arms, but her body relaxed. She sighed, biting her lip. It seemed like a new thing she was doing, biting her lip.

"I suppose you're right," Demi admitted reluctantly. "I just..." She sighed again, not speaking.

Joe squeezed her hand. Somehow, he had never expected to be the one to comfort Demi. Usually, she was the calm one in these kind of situations, and he was the one always freaking out. Somehow, things had changed, and he had taken that role. Of course, Demi wasn't exactly freaking out (though she would definitely freak if she heard her name and the word 'freak' in the same sentence)...but she wasn't exactly calm, either.

Joe also didn't want to leave her side while she was panicking.

He took a deep breath. "Demi?"

She let a gust of air escape her slightly parted lips. "You can go, Joe. I'll be fine. I'll...read a book or something."

The thought seemed so outlandish and unexpected to Joe that he actually laughed. He felt bad for laughing, but then, Demi, ever one for the shock value, smiled a soft smile that Joe felt that he hadn't seen in a while, and he knew it was all worth it. His lips brushed against Demi's cheek, and he smiled at her comfortingly before striding towards the door.

"If you need me," he started, but she interrupted him.

"I know," she said quietly. "Thank you."

Joe left the room, a mix of thoughts in his head. He headed over to his car and drove slowly—for him, because he always seemed to be rushing everywhere, hence tripping over his feet a lot—to Liam's house. When he arrived, he parked his car, not sure if he wanted Liam to not be home or not. Nevertheless, he knocked on the door and waited patiently.

The door opened, and Joe wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Joe took a good look at Liam, noting that the Australian looked quite tired. Nevertheless, Liam smiled a friendly, amiable smile and cordially said, "Hey, Joe. Welcome to my humble abode." Joe had no doubt that that was where Miley had gotten the phrase—she was the one who had used it, right? Eh, whatever. "Come in," Liam said.

Joe entered. "Nice place," he commented.

Liam grinned. "Yeah, it's nice."

"I wish I could be here for social business, but I'm afraid that's not the case," Joe said, and Liam glanced up, interest obviously piqued. "It's simple—sort of—but..." Joe sighed. "It's about Miley." Liam froze but did good on his part to keep his emotions off his face, though it was obviously a struggle. Of course, not that Joe would expect any less because Liam was an actor.

"What about her?" Liam finally said after a lengthy pause.

"She's in the hospital..."

Wild emotions racked Liam's face, but his tone remained composed. "What? How?"

"You know about her heart condition, right?" Joe inquired.

"Tachycardia," Liam said automatically.

Joe made a face. "How does everyone memorize a word like thatchet gardenia anyway?" he complained.

"Tachycardia," Liam corrected.

"Whatever. Tacket-whats-its. So, something happened with that, and she's unconscious now," Joe explained, his joking mood fading. Liam's eyes widened, and Joe felt sickened at the thought of having to elaborate—as best he could. "The doctors...they're doing tests and all...but..." Liam's expression was lucidly pained right now, and Joe hesitated.

"But?" Liam said weakly, as if he didn't think things could get any worse.

You know the expression here goes nothing? Well, that happened. Joe opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Liam's gaze caught Joe's intently. "Joe? I need to know. Please."

The plaintive word finally broke Joe. "They don't know when she's going to wake up."

Liam didn't really react. He just sort of gasped a little, stiffening, but the utter pain was visible in his eyes. He had loved Miley for a long time, and if there was something that was going to endanger her? That was unacceptable in his world. Liam glanced at Joe desperately. "But..." His gaze crumbled, as if he was trying to find a crumb of hope but failing.

Joe's worried frown deepened. "I know," he murmured sadly. "I can't believe this happened—especially to someone like her."

Liam looked down. "I need to see her," he said abruptly.

Joe frowned. "You'll have to check with the doctors, but—"

"—just tell me what hospital she's at. I need to see her." The look in Liam's eyes was fierce. "Please."

Love Will Find A Way

"Not like this."

Liam stared at the hospital looming in front of him, heart racing. He had wished, in a brief moment of anger, that Miley would pay for all the pain she inflicted on him, but this was not at all what he wanted. Liam couldn't help but feel responsible. He loved Miley and didn't want anything bad to happen to her... Liam wondered, for an excruciating moment, if it was just fate that right after Miley got together with Nick, this happened. She might give him another chance...

Liam promptly dismissed the thought. Even if Nick wasn't in the picture, looking back at their time, he knew that she was long over him. She didn't need to be tied down. Still, the prospect was so enticing that he couldn't help but wish it was true. He remembered when Miley had visited him that other day. She was all smiles, and he remembered feeling his heart leap because of how happy she was. It was a truly remarkable sight.

Now, standing in front of the hospital, Liam felt a little fear shrivel up his heart. But still, he stepped towards the hospital, counting his steps. One, two, three, four. Each step brought him closer, and before he knew it, he was at the door. A man next to him muttered, "Are you going to go through the door or not?" The man seemed in an awful lot of hurry, but Liam shook his head a little and stepped to the side to let the man through.

Liam stared after the stranger that was disappearing inside. Then, he took a deep breath and stepped inside, too. He remembered the room number that Joe had given him and opted for the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe he just wanted to stall for time. This wasn't easy, he knew, but Liam was many things. A coward he was not... At least, he hoped not.

Liam knocked gingerly on the door, and no one answered. He then glanced around. No one was in this hall. Then, he twisted the doorknob, relieved that it wasn't locked. He could pick a lock, of course, but he had some morals. That would be his last resort—after all, how would he know if a doctor or nurse would kick him out for visiting a celebrity such of Miley's status? He couldn't take that risk.

As Liam's gaze traveled to the bed, his breath got caught. His blue eyes landed on the gorgeous figure laying down on the bed, her breathing deep as sleep had obviously overcome her. He walked towards her, steps feeling heavy, and he scolded himself for thinking that she would be awake and waiting for him. After all, it was Nick she should be waiting for.

Nevertheless, the hopes and thoughts kept Liam sane. Sort of.

He squeezed her hand and breathed out her name: "Miley."

Maybe it was a trick of the light, but he thought he saw her figure shift a little. Did her lips part a little, too? Maybe he could think that. Liam pressed a kiss to her forehead, and she stirred a little, in sleep, and he smiled softly, wondering if she recognized his lips on her. After all, they had kissed many times before, among other things, and perhaps she could still recognize him.

"I don't know if you can hear me or not," Liam murmured, "but I've been missing you." He traced her palm, sighing. "You're so amazing, you know? Beautiful and gorgeous and wonderfully talented... You've got that smile and that spark. God, Miley, you need to wake up... Nick needs you, Demi needs you..." Liam felt his throat constrict. "I need you," he murmured sadly.

Her eyes remained closed, her body remained limp.

"Sir, you're not supposed to be here."

Liam nearly gasped in shock. He turned to see a nurse, perhaps in her mid twenties. She had dark unruly locks tied back into a utilitarian ponytail, and she was wearing a white nurse uniform. She was holding a clipboard, and judging by her stance, Liam assumed that she had been there for quite a while. Did she hear what he had said to Miley? Judging by the slightly embarrassed, slightly mollified expression, yes, she had.

"I know," Liam said quietly. "I just needed to see her."

The nurse squinted at him. "You are...that actor. From Hunger Games." A spark lit up her eyes, reminding Liam of Miley. "Liam, was it?"

Liam smiled cordially, though his face didn't really want to. "Yes, and you are..?"

"Jane," the nurse said quickly. She glanced over at Miley. "You two were engaged," Jane stated in a soft murmur, almost to herself. Liam let out a gusty sigh, and Jane looked mortified. "I mean... I just..." Jane changed the subject, once again reminding Liam of Miley. Miley would do that, too, sometimes without even realizing it. "Did you guys get back together, and I just didn't know?"

Liam shook his head sadly. "No. I hope she gets better soon..." He squeezed Miley's hand. "How is she? Do you know?"

Jane smiled. "She's doing just fine. Her heart's fine, too, in the, um, literal sense. She is expected to make a full recovery and should be discharged soon enough, though. It all depends on, erm, when she regains consciousness." Jane shifted to get a better look at Miley. She sighed. "But...the doctors think that...a part of Miley doesn't want to wake up."

"What?" Liam said, alarmed.

"It's not like she's saying, I'd rather be unconscious, but on some sort, yes, there's..." Jane trailed off.

"But you can help her, right?" Liam pleaded.

Jane smiled. "Of course."

Liam sighed. "I'm grateful." He stood up. "Well, I should be going—do you think you could keep me posted on her?" Jane nodded, and Liam nodded cordially at her. "Thanks." He cast another wistful look at Miley, who, really, seemed like such an angel. Liam sighed and stepped out of the room, grateful that it was that nice nurse Jane who had caught him and not some cranky, all-business-no-play doctor.

Liam glanced at his phone. Looked like he had a call to make.

"Hello?" a slightly distorted voice said.

"Hey, Nick, listen..."

QotD: Do you like traveling?

#Heck yeah!

A/N: Hey, it's Darky! So, Miley's still not awake, which sucks since she's got a concert. Also, we got a bit of Liam's POV. I don't know. I just wasn't sure what to do. But I kind of liked the way I ended the chapter...for once. Anyway, school's almost over! Woo! Tomorrow's the last day for me! Gonna be awesome! Let's hope I don't accidentally update on Thursday (I did that once, actually) instead of Friday. xD

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