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

Chapter 20 - February 17th, 2017

"Well, we got something special. That should be enough. Nothing is predictable when it comes to love." - Excerpt from Two More Lonely People, Miley Cyrus

Joe Jonas didn't freeze up much—so it was fair to say this was not one of those moments.

Lemme give you a hint: there was a girl... and her name was Demi.

Actually, that wasn't even a hint—that was the whole answer. But if you knew Demi Lovato, you wouldn't be surprised—and if you knew Joe Jonas, you would totally expect something like this to happen daily. But that wasn't relevant—Joe was freaking out. He had asked Demi out on another date—and he wanted to make sure he knew what they were on this one—but was freaking out.

Joe was just staring and staring and staring and staring (yes, that was four starings). Demi had walked into the dimly lit restaurant, and it was safe to say that Joe's mind was blown. She was wearing a gorgeous midnight-black dress and matching high heels. She wore some mascara that wasn't heavily overdone. Instead, her makeup made her eyes look bigger and brighter.

She was gorgeous—no, she was more than gorgeous. She was perfect.

"D-D-Demi," Joe stuttered, tripping over his own words.

"J-J-Joe," she replied with a smirk.

He blushed at her mimicking but instead reached over to his back pocket and produced a single white rose. He handed it to Demi, whose gaze softened at the sight of it. "This is for you," he murmured unnecessarily and could feel his face heat up again. He presented to her with both hands dramatically, and Demi rolled her eyes. She took it, twirling the stem between her delicate fingers.

"Thank you," Demi said softly, and he knew that she meant it.

"Shall we eat?" he offered gallantly.

Her grin widened. "We shall."

They ended up ordering something really fancy—Joe wasn't even sure what—but it all tasted good... Or... well, maybe it did. Joe wasn't really paying attention to his food—no, his attention was directed to the goddess sitting in front of him. She would catch him looking at her, and Joe would blush because hey, what else could a guy do if his love life looked at him with that?

Demi certainly wasn't making it easy—and she wasn't even doing anything. She was just sitting. God, Joe was so lost.

He got up abruptly. "I need to use the bathroom," he said.

Demi smiled. "Go ahead."

"Yeah, okay," Joe muttered before getting up and almost knocking his glass of orange juice over. Demi caught it easily and steadily and shot him a reassuring smile that said, easy there... there's no need for a rush. Joe flashed her a smile that he hoped conveyed, thanks for catching my mistakes. She winked and saluted him before returning to her meal.

Joe hurried over to the bathroom, relieved that it was utterly devoid of anyone else.

He splashed some water on his face. "Get it together, Joe. Get it together. Demi's in that other room, and she's looking gorgeous... Just tell her. Make it subtle, make it right—make her see that you need her." Joe sighed and stared at himself. He looked fine... but just 'fine' wouldn't cut it. This was Demi Lovato. She wasn't just the confident philanthropist... she was Demi.

Joe pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Hello?" came a slightly distorted voice.

"Miley!" Joe exclaimed, and he began pacing. He heard her laugh slightly in the background, and his face flushed a little more. "I just... I'm on a date with Demi, and I just don't know what to do! I want to... I just want her to know that... I just—ugh!" Joe groaned. If he couldn't talk to Miley—and he was on the phone with her, not face to face—how was he to talk to Demi?

"Be yourself," Miley said simply, voice thoughtful. "That's all Demi will ever want. Trust me."

"It's not you I don't trust," Joe muttered. "It's me. I'm making a fool out of myself—and believe me, she knows that."

"You're always making a fool out of yourself."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"Sorry. But just tell her. Finish the date, start a conversation, make it romantic... Hold her hand or something... Don't you know what girls like?"

"Ah, but Demi isn't your average girl."

Miley laughed. "No, she isn't. But you should get back on your date. We girls have ways of reading your movements."

"Crap," Joe swore. "I'll catch you later, Miles. I have a date to get back to."

Joe quickly fixed his clothes and shoved his phone in his pocket. He shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered out the bathroom. He headed back to the table Demi was sitting at. He winked at her, and she grinned. Joe sat opposite to her and took a sip of orange juice. "Did I take too long?" he joked, easing a perpetual smirk on his face.

Demi stuck her tongue out. "I'd like to stay twenty-four before this date ends, please."

Joe winked. "Then come on. And we'll enjoy the stars."

She laughed. "The sun is still setting."

"We can still enjoy the stars."

"That doesn't make any sense."

"Well, neither do I, but you love me anyway."

She grinned. "Alright then. We'll enjoy the stars, and I'll have a quirky comeback just waiting for you." She shot him a warning look as she got up. "But don't you dare use that cheesy old line about how I fell from the stars or something like that—too many guys have used that on me already. I'm not just a prize—I have feelings." She grinned, and a smile relaxed on Joe's face.

Maybe he could handle this.

Joe paid for the meal, and they walked out of the restaurant together. Joe felt his palms heat up. He saw Demi's hand in reach, and he felt himself redden. Then, he reached downward and brushed his fingers against hers. He thought he saw surprise flicker on her face for a second, but before he could pull his hand away to save himself the embarrassment, she took his hand, interlacing their fingers.

He looked up shyly at her and smiled. She smiled back. A sweet, soft smile—and so, so Demi.

"Demi?" He hardly dared to breathe.

She smiled. "Yes?"

Her eyes were eager, but Joe found himself hesitating. Instead of speaking for fear of making a fool out of himself—more of a fool than he had already—he leaned forward and lightly pressed his lips against hers. She froze against his lips. Then, much to his surprise and delight, she started kissing him back. Joe felt himself smile against her lips. She pulled back from the kiss but kept her face close to his. "Joe—"

"Are you scared?" he whispered. "Of what we might become after this?"

She nodded—just a brief movement of her head. "A little," she admitted. "I'm not invincible—or perfect."

Joe had never seen Demi so vulnerable... The word seemed odd to describe her. "You're allowed to have moments of weakness."

"Yes, but sometimes... it gets tough. You know people depend on you to be the strong one... and what if you're not? What're the people going to think?" Demi sighed. Very little people thought of Demi as vulnerable, but Joe was privileged to know better. But Demi could act so confident that you believed her, believed her when she said something. That was part of Demi's charisma, too. Demi's confidence and power drew people to her. It was unique.

"They're going to understand, and they're going to love you and be there for you," Joe whispered.

"You don't know that."

"It's how I see it."

Demi stared. "Why?"

Joe felt trapped. Demi gazed at him desperately, and Joe wanted to lean forward and pull away at the same time. His voice felt trapped in his throat. "Because..." He took a deep breath, forcing himself to breathe despite the blood roaring in his ears. "Because you're Demi Lovato. You're beautiful, confident... but that's not it. It's you. You're exactly yourself—that's why I l-lo—" Joe stumbled over the word.

"Joe," Demi whispered.

He looked up. "Yes?"

"You know I joke a lot to not show a lot of emotions, right?" she started off, her voice growing slightly softer with each word. He nodded and met her eyes, waiting for her to continue. Demi sighed and took a deep breath. A weary expression crossed her beautiful face, and Joe felt heat blast his face. "Joe, I think... I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy for thinking this, but—"

"You're not crazy," he said firmly. "You're smart and beautiful, and I wish..." That you would be mine forever. But Joe didn't say that. How could he? "I wish you knew that... How special you are," he finally settled with. "It's incredible, and I'm so glad I got to know you—again, I mean." He had said the words without taking a breath, and he was still holding his breath.

Then, he leaned forward and captured her lips against his. She responded eagerly.

He pulled back to look in her eyes. "What're we, Demi?" he whispered, feeling like chickening out.

"What?" She sounded confused.

He watched her desperately. "I need to know what we are. Are we... boyfriend and girlfriend? Or is this just... a meaningless date?" He choked on his last words.

"You think this is a meaningless date?" Joe had never heard Demi sound so flabbergasted. "Joe—"

"No, of course not," he whispered, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I was so scared you'd reject me for being such a loser about this."

She smiled. "You're a loser." A smile twisted on her lips. "But you're my loser."

"Demi, I've wasted so much time, and God, I'm an idiot... but I want to make things right. I want to be your boyfriend. And I want you to want me, too."

Demi was shaking. "I'm scared."

"Me, too," he admitted, his voice barely more than a rasping whisper. He took her hand. "Demi?"

"I want you," Demi whispered. "And I want this. I want to be your girlfriend, Joe."

Delight swept through him. He leaned forward to kiss her. He chuckled. "It's a good thing I've always had a thing for dark-eyed beauties."

He knew where he stood with her.

Still In Love Somehow

"Miley..."

"Quit your whining! It's only for a few days!"

Nick watched Miley with an exasperated face. He shook his head as he stared at the dog in front of him. "Miles, I've got a dog already. And that dog is sleeping in just the other room," he reminded her. The singer crossed her arms stubbornly. God, whenever she made up her mind, no one could push her, right? Well good thing she always had a soft spot for Nick. "Miley," he said, trying to reason with her, "I don't think Elvis will be too happy."

Miley rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Elvis adores everyone!"

Nick sighed. Scratch what he said about Miley having a soft spot for him. "Revenge will come," he warned.

Miley smirked. "Whatever you say. I know you love animals just as much as I do, if not more." A soft smile twisted on her lips. "Joe called me earlier, before I came here," she said, clarifying. "He was freaking out about what to do about Demi." A rueful look crossed Miley's delicate features, and she reached over to stroke the fluffy golden retriever dog that was curled up on Nick's floor. Miley giggled. "I think they'll turn out okay."

"They don't have to deal with a four-handed pound blood hound," Nick grumbled.

"She's not four hundred pounds, and she's not a blood hound, Nick," Miley said in that familiar exasperated way of hers.

Nick shrugged. "Whatever you say. But I think we both know the truth."

She rolled her eyes. "And here I thought the 'idiot' gene skipped you."

Nick placed his hand over his heart. "Really feeling the love here."

"Huh!" Miley put her hands on her hips. "I could easily just go home," she offered with a large smile. "I mean, if you think my company is just the worst thing in the world, maybe I will! Oh wait!" Miley pretended to make a great effort in looking around in an exaggerated way. Nick chuckled. How completely Miley of her. "I almost forgot! You're the one who drove me to this dump!" Miley finished sarcastically, throwing her hands up in the air in mock-exasperation.

"Dump? Dump?! DUMP?!" Nick practically screamed. "This is my house, thank you very much!"

Miley chuckled. "You love me?" she said nervously.

A smile broke out on his lips. "Apologize," he ordered.

She rolled her eyes. "Uh uh. No way. I'm not apologizing to this dump!"

Nick shot her a wounded look. "Apologize," he demanded.

"Let me think about it..." She tilted her head thoughtfully like she was thinking. "Yeah, not going to happen."

Nick sighed. Then, he stared at her. "Follow me." He got up.

"Where are we going?" she inquired.

"My bedroom."

She froze, alarmed. "Woah. Slow down, cowboy..." She stared. "Come again?"

He chuckled. "Get your mind out of the gutter. It's not what you think... and want." Miley blushed tomato-red at his words but followed him without another word. "Ah, home sweet home," he murmured and opened the door. He led her inside and watched her take in the surroundings. A terse smile flickered on her delicate features. Nick watched Miley walk around the room and occasionally touch a few things, a thoughtful look on her face. "Pretty neat, right?" Nick boasted proudly.

Miley grinned. "It's very nice, Nick." She sat down on the bed. "So why are we here?"

He chuckled. "You'll see," he said in a sly voice. Then, he waltzed over to his closet and opened it. Miley quirked an eyebrow at his actions, but Nick reached down and gingerly pulled out an old cardboard box. "Here we are," he announced, gliding over to her. He placed the box between them, and Miley shot him a confused look. He laughed at her girlishness. "Open it, silly," he murmured in a slightly teasing voice.

"This better not be a prank," she warned.

She opened it, and her eyes widened. "Nick, you kept all of this stuff after all this time?" She didn't bother hiding her astonishment, and it was Nick's turn to blush now. He nodded a little, and a smile graced Miley's lips. She sorted through the box, smiles appearing on her face as she passed through a familiar hand written note or an old clearly cherished teddy bear. She looked up at him. "Nick, this is incredible," she breathed, beaming.

He smiled shyly. "It helped along. It was kind of like you were near, even when you weren't."

Miley smiled again, this time softer. She wavered for a brief moment. He tensed at her hesitation. Then, she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. He felt himself blush, and he saw her blushing as well, and Nick didn't realize that one person could have so much hope and exhilaration all at once. He felt a smile curl onto his lips, and he noticed that her smile was shy and soft and so completely Miley.

He brought his fingers to his cheek. "Miley," he started.

"Nick." She looked at him with such a tender look in her eyes. There was barely any space between them now, and Nick hardly dared to breathe. He stared at her with a mix of emotions. He was sure he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. She was so close to him. Then, all of a sudden, she pulled back, looking so unsure of herself. She shook her head. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I feel like I'm leading you on..."

"Miley..." Nick sighed. "No, I'm the one who should be apologizing..." He frowned. "Why are you so tense?"

"I'm scared," she whispered. "I'm scared of..."

"Miley?"

Miley's lips twisted into a vulnerable way. "I'm scared of falling for you."

QotD: What's your hidden talent?

#I don't think I have one. Does lying with a straight face count?

A/N: Hey, it's Darky! Well there you have it! Jemi is official! This makes me so happy! After all the drama with Nick and Miley and Liam, I wanted SOMETHING good and fluffy to happen. I think it worked out alright. I'm sort of pleased with this chapter. Demi and Joe are both awesome and easy characters to write about. I can just put something sarcastic up and boom.

I was going to make this an all-Jemi chappie, but I couldn't resist the Niley. Hey, it was the 20th chapter. I HAD to do something special. I wasn't planning on doing all that Niley, but... I couldn't erase the words.

I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, which is awesome! Quite frankly I'm sick of writing fights and depressing crap. X-)

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