Author's Notes: Well everyone, this is it. The big one. Pretty much the grand finale, even though technically I've still got the Epilogue. I'll save my big thank yous until then. Lol

LJ Bard: I love Taylor Swift. Lol. She's pretty awesome :) And I love Shakespeare too. Which I think is kinda obvious. Lmao. Thanks for the review :D

The Maltese Knight: The concert did rock. Lol. Best day of my life, no lie. Haha. And I saved most of the depressing stuff for this chapter. Hope I made it sad enough :) And I promise to read the rest of Truscott tomorrow. Promise :)

The happiest emo on earth: lol. Read and find out :)

IkarusCazadores: Yes, she can be. I made her purposefully dense. More realistic. To me, anyway, because the people I tend to gravatite to are always oblivious. Lmao.

Anti-Gravity111: Thank you so much for reading! I love getting new readers :D The main thing I was trying to get down in this fic is the realistic ness. Lol. I'm glad to hear that I got it right :)

JN426: XD Well, don't we all? Lol And thank you :)

Greyiron-93: lmao. Yea, I did that on purpose. XD Just to piss poor Lilly off.

Thanks to everyone reading and reviewing!

Now what are you waiting for? Get reading :D

Disclaimer still stands. I also don't own any lyrics, songs, or quotes used in the chapter.

Shakespeare Wrote

Week Three

Miley

She was the one to hold me
The night
The sky fell down
And what was I thinking when
The world didn't end
Why didn't I know what I know now

I shook my head at the lyrics softly coming out of my speakers. They might as well have said 'Miley, you're a dense idiot.'

A light knock on my bedroom door announced my brother's arrival. I looked up from my mirror to smile at him. Jackson grinned back, excited for me. "Hey Miley. When are you leaving?"

I shrugged, playing off my own excitement, aiming for nonchalance. "She'll be in here in a few."

Jackson took in my appearance, nodding his approval. "I like those jeans."

I sniggered.

He laughed at himself, and sat down on my bed. "Any plans on making today the big day? Gonna proclaim yourself?"

I frowned at my reflection. "No. Not yet. I kinda like the whole flirting thing we've been doing."

Jackson rolled his eyes. "You are aware that time is of the essence here?"

I nodded serenely, applying some more lip-gloss.

"And don't you think instead of playing hard to get, you should just tell her?"

"I will, ok?" I paused, eyeing him warily, then muttered, "I kinda still haven't decided on what I want to do yet though." I cringed, waiting for the anger that would come.

And I was met with it full force. "WHAT?!" My brother jumped to his feet, waving his arms around wildly. "What the hell do you mean by that, huh?! I thought you had figured everything out!"

I put up my hands defensively. "Listen, will you?! I know I'm going to tell her and everything. It's just…" I frowned at him. "I just don't know if I want to risk a relationship."

He raised an eyebrow, incredulous.

I exhaled. "Just because I've accepted it, doesn't mean circumstances have changed. The Bible is still there… Dad would still never speak to me."

Jackson shook his head sadly. "So… what? You're gonna tell her you love her, but can't be with her? That's not love, Miles. If you did love her, you'd risk everything."

White hot anger coursed through me. "Don't you dare say that!" I narrowed my eyes at him. "I do love her."

His eyes widened briefly, then returned to normal size. "But is it enough?"

---

Lilly

Whistling happily, I entered the Stewart residence. Robbie Ray wasn't around tonight, off at the recording studio. I knew Jackson was supposed to be around, but I didn't see him downstairs, so I figured he was in his room or something.

Eyeing the stairs lazily, I hollered up them, "Miley! Let's go!"

I chuckled as I heard the results of her bolting out of her bedroom, and smiled blissfully as she appeared at the top of the stairs. I was getting major déjà vu, remembering the first time I ever came over to her house, and seeing her walk down the stairs. I could still tell you exactly what she was wearing…

"Hello? Earth to Lilly?" Miley giggled, waving a hand across my face.

I blinked. This must have been the hundredth time she's caught me staring this week. After last Saturday, I hardly bothered to hide the fact that I was staring anymore. I liked seeing her reaction, watching as she either blushed or commented with a flirty remark.

"Like what you see, Truscott?"

Ah. So it's gonna be one of those days. I grinned. "You have no idea."

She shook her head, smiling. "Yea, yea, alright. Let's just get going."

Laughing, I shrugged and made for the door, Miley right behind me.

This past week, I had enjoyed myself immensely. Flirting had never been this much fun before. But it was getting to the point where I knew one of us was going to have to say something soon. I went all pale and shaky whenever I thought about it though. I still had one more week to sort through the way I wanted to tell her. That is of course, unless she said something first.

---

Miley

We went to watch one of those mindless horror movies. It was either that or the current romantic comedies, which really wouldn't help my state of mind.

That and I got to hold her hand during the scary parts.

We went to get coffee after at the nearby Starbucks. There was some guy playing the guitar when we got there, and it was really nice, just listening to him, and enjoying my time with Lilly.

As I listened, I reflected on what my brother had said to me before leaving. Was just loving her enough? I wasn't sure.

I glanced over at Lilly, marveling at how beautiful she was. There wasn't one moment that I was with her that I didn't think about holding her, or kissing her, or… well, yea.

Looking away, I frowned at my coffee cup. Being in a relationship with her would mean… what? Living a lie? Hiding who I was from my father, who meant everything to me? Blood before blondes…Or something like that. I grimaced.

And what else would it mean? Eternal damnation? I wasn't such a hopeless romantic to think that as long as I was where she was in the afterlife, it wouldn't matter if I ended up in hell. I wasn't raised that way…

'The course of true love never did run smooth.' Hm. Shakespeare. Lilly's obsession with him was starting to rub off on me…

"You alright, Miles?" I looked up to see Lilly eyeing me curiously.

I smiled lightly. "Yea, I'm fine."

She shrugged, then nodded her head toward the guy playing the guitar. "He's pretty good, huh?"

I nodded.

"He's taking requests." Her brow furrowed in concentration; probably thinking of a good song for him to sing. Then Lilly's face lit up. "Got one." She winked at me before walking over to the guitar player, and I wondered what she had in mind.

I watched as Lilly asked the guy to play whatever it was, and saw him nod his head. She thanked him, took out a few dollar bills and put them in the open guitar case in front of him. He nodded at her happily, and Lilly returned to sit next to me.

"What song?" I asked her curiously.

She just smirked.

I rolled my eyes.

Then I heard the opening notes to one of my favorite songs. I turned to look at Lilly, who was gazing at me cheerfully. It was funny, because she didn't know it was one of my favorite songs. The only reason I liked it so much was for the memories behind it.

But of course, she would like it for the same reason.

Love, what a kind word
a word so full of life
It often brings tears of joy
to those who try and fly by
those who never seem
to embrace the joy
that one word can bring
yet, should every day feel like spring?

I shook my head, chuckling. "You're amazing, you know that Lilly?"

She shrugged modestly. "I try."

---

Lilly

I drove her home, very pleased with how the outing went. Everything was going perfect… Almost too good to be true. I frowned at the thought. I guess after hurting for so long, the paranoia hasn't left yet. Sighing, I wished I could just wish away the difficult things in life.

We pulled up in front of her house, and I got out with her, intent on walking her to her door. I noticed her dad's car wasn't in the driveway. "Your dad's out late."

Miley lifted a corner of her mouth in a half smile. "He's recording. Goes kinda crazy with the hours he works when he's inspired."

I nodded, then realized we were standing outside her front door. Déjà vu again. It was two years ago, the first time I ever called her Miles. As if I had known her for so much longer than only two days.

We looked at each other for a while, neither of us wanting to leave the other just yet. I could tell from the way she was staring at me. I imagine my own expression matched hers.

"'When you depart from me," I started quoting softly, "sorrow abides, and happiness takes his leave.'"

She smiled at me. "Ditto."

We laughed softly.

I shook my head at her silliness. "Good night, Miles."

"Night Lilly."

She put her hand on the doorknob, giving me one last adoring look before closing the door.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

I could get used to this.

Week Four


Miley

"So… this is it, huh?" Jackson and I were sitting out on my back porch, watching the ocean. It was 6:40pm. I had my over night bag packed and ready to go next to me. In an hour's time, I would be spilling my guts out to Lilly Truscott. The notion gave me no pleasure; I was dreading it… But it had to be done.

"Yea. This is it."

We were silent for a few minutes before he said, "And… you're sure you're making the right choice?"

I rubbed my temples slowly. "No. But… it's the only choice I have."

He nodded.

"Jackson…" I muttered.

"Yes?"

"Kind of off topic but… remember when just after mom left? And you told me you never loved her?"

"Yea."

"Did you really mean that?"

Jackson looked over at me. "Why do you ask?"

"I need something to distract me… and it's something I've been wondering about for a while."

"Alright… Well. No, I didn't mean it…"

"Oh."

We were quiet for a long time after that, lost in our own thoughts. I tried to think why Jackson would lie to me… and realized he was probably just hurt, just like I had been. I had never really thought about how things affected my brother. We were never super close until a year or so ago.

"Jackson?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks for everything."

"Anytime kido… Anything."

---

Lilly

My eyebrow lifted at the sight of Oliver in a tuxedo. "Man, Sarah must really want to go to prom. I don't think I've ever seen you in a tux before."

He grumbled. "Don't get used to it."

I shrugged.

"I still don't understand why you pick prom night to have a sleep over with Miley. I wish you two would be coming with." Oliver plucked at his sleeve uncomfortably.

"The timing is just too perfect. My mom's staying over Jack's place, so we have the house all to ourselves. The whole world will be over at prom, so there won't be any interruptions. Plus, my one month's up." I took a deep breath. "I'm ready."

Oliver smiled at me. "Seriously Lils, good luck. I hope everything works out for you."

"Thanks Oliver…" I hugged him, uncharacteristically. Me and Ollie were never very touchy feely. But he hugged me back anyway.

"You know Oliver," I said as I pulled away, "Sometimes I can't believe the way you turned out, after what happened with Jake Ryan. Most people that go through that are never the same again."

He shrugged. "I had great friends to help me through it."

I smiled at him, then glanced over at the clock. "I'd better be going. She's due at my house in a little bit less than an hour. Have fun at prom, tell Sarah I said hi."

He nodded. "Thanks. Good luck, again."

Smiling, I thanked him and walked out the door.

---

Miley

I was shaking from head to foot as I knocked on Lilly's front door. I was so out of it, I didn't even think to just let myself in.

Lilly answered the door, a look of confusion plain on her face. "Miley? Why didn't you just come in?"

I laughed nervously, shrugged, and waved.

She raised an eyebrow. "Um, hi." She stepped aside so I could come in.

Cursing myself, I entered.

---

Lilly

"So, I've rented a few movies.'Elektra,' 'A Walk to Remember,' 'The Illusionist,' and 'Beaches.' Any preferences?" I held up the movies in front of Miley.

She gave them the once over, then pointed at 'Beaches.'

I looked at her skeptically. "Do you want to make me cry?"

Her eyes widened and she shook her head vigorously.

I laughed slightly. "Chill, I was just kidding. 'Beaches' it is. Go make yourself comfortable. I'll get the food."

I watched as Miley walked over to the couch in a daze. Her behavior as of late was very… well, actually, it demonstrated perfectly the way I was feeling. Very jittery.

Trying not to think about it, I went to retrieve the junk food.

---

Miley

The movie wasn't doing a very good job of keeping my mind off my nerves. Lilly and I were sitting close together on the sofa, our eyes trained on the television. I was determined not to look at her yet. I would probably have a heart attack.

---

Lilly

'Beaches' passed by in a blur. I loved this movie. But today, I don't think I paid it an ounce of attention. I was way too preoccupied with the… timing.

The credits rolled, and I chanced a glance over at Miley. She was staring at her knees, biting her lip furiously. It looked like it hurt. I reached over and touched my thumb to her lip, tapping it gently. "What's up? If you're hungry, you don't have to eat your lip. I've got food."

We were sitting so close together, I felt it as she shuddered. My heart thudded erratically against my chest. She looked up at me, relaxing her mouth.

I realized with horror that I was out of time. It was now or never.

Uncertainly, I traced her lips with my thumb, feeling her shudder again, hardly daring to believe this was happening. "Miley…"

All the will power, all the self control, thrown out the window. Every moment of loving her had finally caught up with me. I couldn't take it anymore.

I slid my hand down her cheek to rest on her neck. Her eyes never left mine. I leaned down to brush my lips against her cheek, her eyelids, he nose, her forehead. She was shaking, and I probably was too, as I finally stopped an inch from her lips.

"Lilly," she breathed faintly, "I'm in love with you."

Something broke inside me as I ceased to think anymore, as I brought my lips hungrily to hers, kissing her- finally- with everything that I was. All I ever felt for her, I expressed now. I kissed her with every ounce of passion I possessed. And she was kissing me back, likewise. I felt it emit from her, the same thing I was trying to convey- I love you.

If air wasn't a problem, I wouldn't have stopped, but I was only human. We broke apart, and I rested my forehead against hers, breathing heavily.

I didn't have time to revel in this. She was crying before I knew what was happening.

Miley wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, burying her face in my shoulder. Bewildered, I held her close, running my hand up and down her back. "Miley, what's wrong? Miles?"

She wouldn't answer and for the longest time, we stayed this way, her sobbing uncontrollably into my shoulder. After ten whole minuets of this, I was starting to panic. "Miley, please, tell me what's wrong!"

Her hands slid down my arms as she pulled away from me, trying to calm herself. I brushed my hand across the tears running down her beautiful face. I couldn't help but notice her eyes burned blue with the force of her crying. "Miley, please."

She took a shuddering breath, placing her hand on top of one of mine, the one cupping her cheek. "Lilly, I love you so much."

My heart swelled to bursting. "I love you too, Miley. More than anything." Maybe she needed to hear it to calm down.

But it didn't seem to work. She shook her head. "I'm so, so sorry, Lilly. For everything I put you through. I was so stupid, I didn't want to see it. The first few months that we were friends, I think I knew it then. I just… didn't want to see it."

"It's ok. We're here now." I lifted her face to look up at me, and I smiled. But she still looked devastated. I frowned. "Is there… something else?"

She bit her lip. "I can't… I can't be with you, Lilly."

My frown stayed in place. "What?"

Her face crumpled, and she radiated complete agony. "We can't be together."

I still didn't comprehend. "But… why?"

She closed her eyes. "My father… my religion. They're both such a huge part of me. I can't… give it all up. It's too heavy a price." Her mouth twisted into a painful grimace. "I hate them both for this, please believe that… But I just can't do it. I'm too afraid."

I shook my head, denying it. "No. No, Miley, please. We can work it out." I was begging, my hands caressing her face, her neck, her arms, her waist. Tears were slowly starting to form and spill over. "Miley, please don't do this to me." The tears were blinding me, and I couldn't see anything anymore, but I felt her lips at my neck, her hands at my waist.

"Lilly, I love you." Her voice was reassuring and powerful, thick with emotion. And even though she was breaking me, I knew she meant it. Because she was just as broken. "Lilly, I will always love you," She pressed her lips to my neck again, kissing me all the way down to my collarbone. "If there's one thing that you can count on, it's this." She whispered the words against my skin, and by now, my tears had stopped. My heart was still breaking, I was still being ripped apart, but right now, I was starting to concentrate on her body pressed firmly against mine, her hands under my shirt, caressing my stomach. "I will always be yours."

No more words were exchanged, as we gave ourselves over to desire. We memorized each others bodies, knowing this would be the only time we would get to experience them. I gave myself to her completely, and her to me. And we tried not to think of what would happen, come morning.

---

Miley

I will never go against Your word again, Father. I swear it to you… But please, forgive me this once. I am giving up everything I could ever want, for You…

My arms tightened around the sleeping blonde next to me. I didn't open my eyes yet, not wanting to face the morning. A small, humorless smile graced my lips, as I thought of Shakespeare again:

"Come, gentle night, — come, loving black brow'd night,
Give me my Romeo; and when he shall die,
Take him and cut him out in little stars,
And he will make the face of Heaven so fine
That all the world will be in love with night,
And pay no worship to the garish sun."

What I wouldn't give to bring back the hours of last night and freeze time there. I drew myself as close to Lilly as I could, running my hands across her bare skin gently.

She stirred, and even though I wanted to see her, to open my eyes to a sight I would never see again, I didn't want to be faced with the harsh light of the sun.

"Miley," She whispered groggily. I felt her fingertips brush my cheek.

I mumbled something incoherent.

"Open your eyes, love."

"No." I muttered stubbornly.

She probably smiled, as she continued caressing my face. "Please?"

How could I deny her anything? I slowly opened one eye, then the other. Light was streaming through the window behind her. I groaned.

She smiled sadly. I hid my face in the crook of her neck. "I don't want to get up."

Lilly buried her face in my hair, holding me close. "I know. But it's already noon…"

I shook my head. "I don't believe you."

She chuckled. I wonder how she could have it in her to laugh at all. I doubted I would ever be able to laugh again.

We stayed together in her bedroom until we heard sounds from the kitchen, signaling to us the arrival of her mother. Sighing, she sat up and covered her face with both her hands, wearily. Broken.

I sat up next to her, an arm around her waist, and kissed her shoulder.

She looked up at me wordlessly.

"Girls! Lunch time!"

Ms. Truscott's cheerful voice made it final. It was time to get up.

We dressed in silence, then later ate in silence, listening to Ms. Truscott's account of her date. She seemed oblivious to us and our moroseness.

I couldn't bear to stay any longer. After eating, I grabbed my stuff, and Lilly walked me to the door. Her mom had gone upstairs to shower, and left us to our goodbyes.

I told myself I wouldn't cry again. We both did too much of it last night, and would probably do way more later.

I hugged her, and she hugged me back, kissing the top of my head. We let go relatively quick.

"I love you, Miley." Lilly smiled halfheartedly.

"I love you too. I really hope you can believe that." I needed her to know that. Otherwise, the rest of my life seemed emptier than it was already forced to be.

She nodded. "I promise, I won't ever doubt it."

And she leaned in to kiss me one last time.

I seriously hope I did all the emotions justice. I know half of you prolly want to kill me XD But I promise that the next fic I write, which I have already started ('Oblivious') will be a lot happier.

I've still got one more chapter, which I should have up relatively soon.

Please review.