Disclaimer: Based on real events, but some things are made up to help the story. Slight AU. Goes in a different direction.
Chapter 12 - February 9th, 2017
"Yeah, I am invincible. What was I running for? I was hiding from the world. I was so afraid, I felt so unsure. Now I am invincible." - Excerpt from Invincible, Kelly Clarkson
"You're a mess."
Nick stared at the mirror—as he had been doing for the past half hour—and spoke the words again. The words were now ringing in his head like a mantra—or like a song he hated but got twisted straight into his brain anyway. He made a noise that was a cross between a sigh and a hiccup before burying his face in his hands for a brief heartbeat. His heart ached with loneliness.
Nick's reflection hadn't changed in the thirty and counting minutes except for maybe a little added fatigue. Dark circles still hung under his eyes, indicating that he hadn't had a good night's rest, and even the morning sunshine couldn't rid the circles, which seemed like dark bruises now in the dim of the light. His face was pale and sickly, and his eyes were dark and full of pain.
Never had Nick wanted Miley's company more. She would probably smile in that quiet way of hers before teasing him about being so gloomy.
Miley. The thought of the former Disney star made Nick's heart break a little more.
Nick stared back at his reflection. His unruly curls were sticking all over the place, and his eyes were bloodshot. Nick did that sigh-hiccup thing again and stepped out of the bathroom. He was depressing to look at. He headed over to his room and slumped down on the bed. Tears pricked at Nick's eyes, but they didn't spill out. The tears and vomit just hung close to the surface, making sure Nick felt good and rotten.
Numbness coursed through him. His house didn't even feel familiar anymore. It felt like a place of death...
Actually, that might be accurate. Nick did feel like a part of him died.
Nick got up and walked numbly to his closet. He pulled out the old cardboard box. He opened it and fisted through hand written notes. One in particular caught his eye. The paper was slightly wrinkled, but the words were still there, as clear as if Miley had written them a day ago: Turn that frown upside down! You're too cute to be frowning! Besides, it's you and me. Together. Forever. - Smiley
Anguish ripped through his heart. "I thought your forever would last longer than that!" Nick yelled out.
He stared at a photo of him and Miley, back in the days when they were younger and happier. How had everything gotten so messed up? The memories blurred together. Nick shoved everything back into the box. Then, he chucked the box back into the closet and slammed the closet door shut. Anguish washed down his spine as he slunk against the wall.
"You're Nick Jonas," Nick told himself shakily, struggling with the words. "You survived without Miley for years. You can get back on your feet. You can be... invincible."
The word felt delicious on Nick's tongue... Invincible. So he couldn't be hurt. He got up.
It was time to hit the gym.
Still In Love Somehow
"Peanut butter and coke: the best combination ever."
Demi wrinkled her nose. "That's not weird at all."
Joe grinned at her. "Hey! Once you try this, you won't even think about what it's made of!" Demi grinned back at Joe's boyish enthusiasm. Yes, she was hanging out with Joe Jonas. They were firm friends, and Demi loved hanging out with him. She hadn't realized how much she missed him. He had an intriguing ability to make the lamest thing the coolest.
"Fine," Demi scoffed. "I'll tried your stupid concoction."
He extended the glass towards her, and Demi made a face. Then, she winked at him and raised the glass to him lips, feinting gagging. He chuckled, and Demi snorted. Then, she shoved it in his direction. "You drink it first—I don't want to be poisoned." He stared with a mix of incredulity and amusement. "Go on," Demi said, gesturing. "If you can drink it, I'll drink it."
Joe shrugged at her, a sly look in his eyes, and raised the thing to his lips. He swallowed about a third of it and sighed happily. "Mmm. Can't get good stuff like this just anywhere." He grinned a doggy grin at her and extended the glass towards her. Demi made a face as its distinct aroma drifted into the air. "Go on. You said you would after I drank it. And I did."
Demi stuck her tongue out at him before taking the glass. She took the smallest sip ever and winced at the intensity. It tasted weird on her tongue but wasn't unpleasant. She shuddered and pushed it back towards him. He flashed his dark eyes at her, a smirk set in place on his face. "So... what's the verdict?" he said, leaning his chin in his palm.
Demi shrugged. "It's... interesting." She took the glass back and drank a bit more of it. Warmth echoed through her stomach. "It's like nothing I've ever tasted before."
"See? I told you it was good!" Joe crowed.
Demi smirked. "I just said it was like nothing I've ever tasted before. I don't remember using the word 'good.'"
Joe stuck his tongue out at her. "Good enough for me."
Demi smiled. "Hey, have you seen Nick lately?"
Joe shook his head. "Trust me, I know my brother more than anyone in the entire world—he needs his space." Joe's gaze darkened. "He never told us what went on between him and Miley." Demi's gaze darkened at the thought, and she met Joe's eyes with the same concern. "Do you think something happened? Like... you know... in a life changing way?"
Demi paused, composing her answer. "I'm not sure... Do... do you want to visit Miles?"
Joe nodded. "Let's do it."
They both got up at the same time, and Demi was sure there couldn't be more than two inches between them. "Oh!" she said with a sudden gasp at their new proximity. He was so close, and his eyes were so clear and dark and wonderful. Demi felt a blush creep upon her lips and hoped he wouldn't notice. The heated moment burned in her memory, and Demi stepped back, still blushing. "Sorry," she mumbled.
She was so killing her bad-ass reputation.
"Sorry," he echoed, his cheeks burning. Demi mentally hit herself. If she could see him reddening, he had definitely noticed her blushing earlier.
"Let's go," she said, trying to ease the tension. He nodded, and they walked to his car. She sat shotgun, and he turned on the radio. Demi didn't pay attention to the radio much and instead looked out the window instead of making snazzy jokes and quirky remarks like she would've. She remained uncharacteristically silent as she tried to ignore the tension.
And though he was driving, she thought that she felt his gaze burning on her for the entire ride.
Still In Love Somehow
"You've been unusually silent."
Miley looked up at Liam as she stroked Emu, her precious dog. Miley shrugged. "Just thinking."
"Oh?" Liam inched closer to her to stroke Emu, too. "What about?"
Though his eyes were trained on the dog, Miley could tell he was paying attention to her. Miley shrugged again, and he looked up, eyes filled with kindness. She felt a smile tug at her lips, and Liam smiled, too, looking relieved. "I don't know... Just my music, I guess," Miley said, glancing down at Emu. "I don't know. I might get back into the studio sooner or later."
Liam smiled. "That would be nice. Music always makes you happy."
Miley opened her mouth to speak when a loud knock sounded on the door, followed by a low hiss that indecipherable. Miley turned to Liam questioningly as she stood up to get the door. "Are you expecting anyone?" He shook his head, and Miley stepped over Emu to get to the door. The dog bounded after Miley, trotting at her heels, and Miley opened the door to see—
"Demi! Joe!"
"Miles!" Demi squealed.
Miley embraced Demi, feeling a smile spread across her lips. Then, she hugged Joe, her smile growing so big her mouth hurt. A perpetual grin was on Joe's face, and Miley closed the door after they entered. The wind billowed through their hair, and Demi tucked a strand of raven locks behind an ear. "You guys didn't tell me you were coming," Miley accused playfully, crossing her arms in mock-betrayal, but she couldn't stop her smile.
"It's nice to see you smile like that again," came a low voice.
Miley turned to see Liam. He was smiling, but Miley could see the worry lines on his forehead. He looked slightly upset, and guilt surged through Miley. Joe cleared his throat, winked at Miley and Demi, and turned to Liam. "Is there a game on?" Joe asked conversationally. Liam nodded, and a broad smile broke on Joe's face. "That I gotta see, man! Let's make a bet on who will win!" he added slyly.
Liam smirked. "You're on."
The two disappeared into the living room, and Miley almost tripped over her own feet as Demi dragged her over to the kitchen. Miley shifted uncomfortably as she watched excitement dance in Demi's dark, dark eyes, which reflected the kitchen lights. "So..." Demi said, pushing down her excitement. Demi nudged Miley in the ribs. "What's with you and Nick?" she said conversationally.
Miley froze. "W-w-what? What're you talking about?"
Demi rolled her eyes. "You can't keep stuff like that from me, Miles. Tell me all the juicy details that happened yesterday."
"How do you know?"
Demi smirked. "A little birdy told me," Demi chirped. Miley quirked in eyebrow disbelievingly. "Fine. I was at Nick's house with Joe when he said he was going to see you."
Miley instantly felt her cheeks heat up. Hey, she couldn't exactly help what her face did!
Demi squealed, and Miley clapped a hand over Demi's mouth. Demi removed Miley's hand and shot her a deathly glare. "Do that again, and you'll lose more than just that hand."
Miley flinched away, grinning. "Yeah, okay."
Demi perked up once more. "Tell me! Come on. You're blushing!"
Miley reddened more at Demi's words. "He just... came in, and it was raining." Miley turned away, trying to ignore Demi's expectant gaze. It was far too intent. "And Liam wasn't around. I told Nick that the storm reminded him of... us..." Miley stared at nothing as the memories evaded her mind. She could still see the hopeful sparks in Nick's eyes. He remembered when he had pressed his lips against her cheek...
"Look at your face! You like him!"
Miley blushed furiously at that. "Don't say that! Not so loud, Dem!"
Demi's smile grew. "Did you guys kiss? You did, didn't you?"
Miley stared, slightly creeped out. "What? Can you read my mind now?" Joy blazed on Demi's face. "No, we didn't." The joy transformed into confusion, and Demi waited expectantly. Miley sighed and touched her own cheek softly. "He kissed me on the cheek," Miley said a little uncomfortably as she drew her hand down again. She was sure she was doing an anatomically accurate version of a human traffic cone.
"Does Liam know?"
Miley shifted uncomfortably. "No."
"Why not?" Demi demanded.
"I-I don't k-know," Miley stuttered. "I don't want him to worry..."
Demi met her gaze steadily. "I know it's a cliched saying, but you need to listen to your heart, Miley..." Demi shook her head. "And I think that your heart is telling you that you're not with Liam. Why else didn't you say no to Nick in the first place? There's still a spark there, Miley, and you know that, too. Nick cares about you so much, and I know you care about him..."
"I love Liam, Demi," Miley protested. "I fell for him the first time I laid eyes on him. He opened the door for me. No guy has done that before..."
"You were barely more than a kid when you met Nick," Demi retorted. "If it had been the other way around... if you had met and fallen for Liam as a young girl and then met Nick on the auditions for The Last Song, things would be so different." Miley stiffened, but Demi powered on. "I'm not telling you to choose Nick, but I just don't think you're in love with Liam."
Miley gaped. "I love him, Demi," Miley reminded her. "When he proposed, it was the happiest day of my life. It still is the happiest."
Demi stared. "Are you trying to convince me...or are you trying to convince yourself?"
Miley turned away, shaking. "I'm not trying to convince anyone..."
Demi squeezed her shoulder. "I'm not trying to upset you, and I'm sorry. It's just..." A wry smile slid onto Demi's face. "I just thought we would all end up together. Me and Joe, and you and Nick..." Demi shook her head. "But those were the wishes of a lonely girl who was scared of this life. And you're right: you are in love with Liam. And he loves you, too. You two make each other happy, and he's a good guy." Demi shrugged. "I guess it just feels weird. I don't know him..."
Miley smiled now. "I dreamed of that once, too." Miley smirked. "And how about you and Joe, huh?"
Demi blushed. "Dreams of a lonely girl, remember? Besides, we're talking about you and Nick!"
Miley smiled ruefully. "Sometimes, I wish I could take a break from being a celebrity."
"Me, too," Demi added ruefully. "I'm really sorry about the whole Liam thing..."
"Not your fault," Miley reassured her. "I love him, and he's been really great through all of this."
A smile broke on Demi's lips. "I'm glad."
But the seeds of doubt had been planted.
Still In Love Somehow
"Almost, almost..."
Nick grunted as he sprinted the last few strides on the treadmill. He had worn himself out training in the gym, working on everything. His muscles were sore, but he felt proud and strong, stronger than he had felt in a long time. He turned the treadmill off and grabbed a bottle of water. He tipped the bottle, letting its contents flow freely down his parched throat. Mmm. The water tasted good.
Nick settled the almost empty bottle down when he was done quenching his thirst. He sighed a little and rubbed his sore muscles, wincing. He knew he would feel worse tomorrow, but it was all part of the game plan, right? Being invincible? Nick glanced down at his muscles arms once before shoving his water bottle into his pack. He changed into fresh clothes and dumped his sweaty ones in his pack.
Nick went to his car and drove home. He was weary and enervated after a few good hours of non stop training, and he was pretty much brain-dead by now. Nick shuffled into his house and closed the door, struggling to keep his eyes open. Nick dumped his bag on the ground and headed over to his bed, never mind his gross, sweaty state. He snuggled against the covers, yawning.
His phone rang, and Nick groaned before picking it up. "Joe, I'm going to kill you. I'm exhausted and need to sleep."
"Sheesh, dude, fine. Then I won't tell you."
"About what?" Nick mumbled.
"What else?" Joe snorted, and Nick could practically feel his brother rolling his eyes. "Miley, of course. But since you're too tired, I think—"
"Miley?" Nick echoed. It sank in a moment later. "Oh..."
"Oh?" Joe repeated. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Other than cranky 'cause I was about to sleep before you called, yes, I'm quite fine, thanks for asking."
There was a pause. "Well... I'll tell you later, then. Get some rest, bro..."
And Nick fell asleep before he hit the pillow. There would be hell to pay tomorrow...
QotD: What's your favorite color?
#Cyan #Orange
A/N: Hey, it's Darky! Now, this chapter was probably iffy... yeah, I'm not really pleased with it. But I like the part with Demi pressuring (if you could call it that) Miley on the whole Nick/Miley/Liam situation. For the record, I don't think Liam's a bad guy... I mean, I did ship Miam once... but I shipped Niley at the same time. And after Before the Storm, bam: #TeamNiley
Do me a favor and check out 'For What It's Worth' by mywordsareyours! That story is Niley, Niley, and more Niley! One of my fave Niley stories!
If you're a fan of Loliver, check out 'How to Save a Friend.' #theausllydoctor (It's my story, so I can shamelessly advertise! xDDD)
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