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

Chapter 25 - February 22nd, 2017

"I didn't know how good you were for me. Now it's clear I'm seeing all that we could be. And I know that it's my fault, but I'm gonna treat you better 'cause If I had one wish you'd be with me forever." - Excerpt from Make It Right, Jonas Brothers

"How's your chicken sandwich?"

Nick looked up. "Good." He remembered his manners. "Want some?"

Miley shook her head ruefully and pointed at herself. "Vegan."

Nick paused as he stared guiltily at his chicken sandwich. "Right. Sorry." Miley only smiled teasingly, and Nick felt better instantly. He didn't understand how she did it—didn't understand how she could make someone feel better just like that. Nick took another ginormous bite of his sandwich, warm washing down his spine. He chewed thoroughly, watching Miley through a thoughtful gaze.

Miley smiled delicately. She had eaten the most bizarre meal Nick had ever seen. He wasn't sure what it was, but it was green.

Very green.

Miley seemed to always be with Nick—not that he was complaining. He loved her company, and he didn't even remember what he did to deserve this. But god, he knew he was lucky. He watched her chatter in that familiar way of hers. A smile was in her eyes, and she reminded him so much of Smiley Miley. She was still Smiley Miley, but it was rare for him to see her completely relaxed to him.

Nick finished his meal. "You done?" Miley murmured.

He nodded, paid, and they left the restaurant. He felt like he was somewhat flaunting her off. He could feel the stares burning into their backs and whispers drifting through the air, but he couldn't care less. He smiled at Miley goofily, and she smirked. "Want to go for ice cream?" he inquired, pointing at an ice cream shop nearby. She smiled, nodding, but remained silent.

"You know, you're going to ruin your appetite," Miley teased.

Nick laughed. "I don't care."

"And we're probably going to end up on a magazine," Miley added ruefully.

"What's one more magazine when we've been blowing up the stock for a while now?" he laughed. Miley laughed and shoved him in the arm lightly. They arrived right at the ice cream shop, and Miley paused. She smiled at him shyly, tucking a few stray locks behind an ear, and gently wrapped him in an embrace. He felt his heart race. She smiled, and he opened the door, bowing his head exaggeratedly. "After you, ma'am."

Miley rolled her eyes but entered. "Come on," she urged.

He entered after her and reddened immediately as all eyes turned to them. The chatter in the shop seemed to die down, and Nick's face flamed. Miley laughed at him and grabbed his hand, propelling him towards the line of people waiting for ice cream. Everyone was still staring at them, and Nick chuckled awkwardly. "This is so awkward," he mumbled to Miley.

She grinned. "I thought you got used to 'awkward' two months ago. We're way past that stage."

The chatter resumed in the shop, and when they got to the front of the line, Nick licked his lips. "What kind do you want?" he asked Miley.

She laughed lightly. "Hmm..." She made a face. "Cotton candy ice cream." Nick stared. "What?" she said defensively.

He laughed. "Nothing. It's just so Miley of you." A soft smile tugged at her lips, and she turned back to order. He ordered a vanilla/chocolate/mint ice cream, and they took a seat. Miley delicately licked her spoon and closed her eyes contentedly as the ice cream melted in her mouth. Nick chuckled to himself and took a bite of his ice cream. His tongue made valleys on the ice cream.

Miley grinned. "I can't believe you topped your ice cream with all that."

Nick glanced down at his ice cream, blushing. He had topped it with sprinkles, gummy bears, chocolate kisses, and every other candy. He laughed. "Yeah? And what about you? All plain, no fun," he teased, gesturing at her ice cream. She didn't add a single topping and had instead opted for the ice cream by itself. Then, Nick stuck his spoon in her bowl of ice cream. He licked his spoon. "Yum."

"Nick!" Miley groaned. "That's my ice cream! If you wanted it, you could've gotten your own!"

Nick smirked. "Looks like you'll just have to live with it. Such a tragedy."

Miley rolled her eyes and pushed her ice cream at him. "Thanks for ruining my appetite."

"You're very welcome," he teased warmly. She rolled her eyes again and lazily rested her chin in her palm. "Ugh." Nick put his ice cream down. "This is great ice cream, but yes, you're right—it's ruining my appetite." Miley laughed and applauded as she let out a whistle. Nick laughed at her. "Okay, quit showing off now. Let's get out of here." He got up.

Miley grinned. "You're insane."

Nick smiled. "Then what does that make you? Queen of Insanity?"

Then, a slight frown crossed Miley's face. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. She shot Nick a sympathetic, apologetic smile. "Sorry. I have to go." He pouted slightly, and delight swept across Miley's face. She leaned forward and hugged him tightly. He breathed in her sweet, sweet scent. "See you later, NJ," she teased, ruffling his curls before leaving.

A smile burst out on Nick's face. He loved the warm feeling she gave him.

"Nice lunch date?"

Nick jumped. "Demi!" He groaned. "You don't do that to a person."

She rolled her eyes. "Then how come you scared Miley yesterday?" Before he could answer, she interrupted him. "Just answer the question."

"It wasn't a date. We just grabbed lunch," Nick corrected. "And you're insane."

A teasing smile lit up Demi's face. "Then what does that make you? Princess of Insanity?"

Nick face-palmed. "You were listening?"

"How could I not?" Demi argued. "You guys were being so loud!"

"Us? Loud?" Nick echoed. "Look who's talking!"

"Still you."

Nick groaned but couldn't help but smile. Demi sure was one of a kind.

Still In Love Somehow

"I'll pretend I'm not hurt you didn't bring me back some ice cream."

Miley burst out laughing as she entered her house. Liam was waiting, arms crossed, but a smile was on his face. "Ugh! Is that on the news?"

Liam laughed. "You could say that."

He showed her the current news. There were dozens of pictures of the whole outing. Miley groaned. She didn't remember seeing any paparazzi. It was too good to be true. She sighed, shaking her head, and gave Liam a quick hug. His arms made her feel safe and protected, even if it was just for a heartbeat. Miley shook her head. "I just want to crawl in a hole and never come out," she moaned.

"Then who would entertain Demi?" Liam teased. "She watches all of this like it's a sitcom."

"I know," Miley groaned. "So, what's the 'emergency'?"

Liam laughed awkwardly. "Yeah... about that... It wasn't really an emergency."

Miley hit him on the arm. "Then why am I here?"

"Because... um, this is your house?"

Miley laughed at him, and Liam smiled coyly. "Seriously. What are you up to?"

"I'm offended that you think that Liam would be smart enough to come up with something."

Miley spun around, and happiness exploded in her chest. She raced towards the figure in a ragged white t-shirt and jeans and threw her arms around her. "Noah!" Miley exclaimed happily as she embraced her little sister. "Noah, Noah, Noah!" Miley repeated and stared at her sister to make sure she wasn't imagining this. "How are you here?!"

Noah grinned. "I thought I'd put a smile on her face." Noah sounded pleased. "Labrinth and I—we're performing around here. We're going to do a concert or two, so here I am!" Miley hugged her sister again, and Noah squeezed back. "And I was hoping you would open up for us, Miles," Noah added. She looked so eager. "So, will you do it?"

"Of course!" Miley said unhesitatingly. She turned to Liam, a grin erupting on her face. "You planned this, didn't you?" she accused.

Liam grinned. "Good surprise or bad?"

"Good! Definitely good!" Miley couldn't contain her excitement. "I have to tell Demi! I—" Miley stopped short. The dogs were barking like crazy, and Miley grinned. Miley turned back at her sister, grinning. Miley wasn't the least bit embarrassed at being so thrilled that Noah was here. "We must have a day all to ourselves. How long are you going to be around?"

Noah grinned. "Ha ha, you can't get rid of me that easily. A few days."

"Noah Cyrus, all the over the world," Miley murmured. "I'd totally get a front row ticket to that."

Noah beamed. "You're the best sister ever!"

"Your career is blossoming beautifully," Miley said sincerely as she waltzed out of the room. 'You'll do great,' Miley mouthed, which was accompanied by a wink.

A steady smile spread across Noah's lips, and Noah's lips formed two words.

Thank you.

Still In Love Somehow

Liam watched Miley leave the room.

"Your sister is great," Liam murmured in a low voice.

"She certainly is," Noah said with a wistful sort of awe. Liam smiled. Noah looked so much like Miley but so much like herself. Noah's eyes were the piercing image of Miley's, and that was a rather disconcerting trait. Noah caught him watching her, and a smile tugged at her lips. "Let me guess what you're thinking: I look so much like Miley?"

Liam chuckled. "Something like that."

Noah shrugged. "Miley's great. She's beautiful and successful, and she's got this huge dog full of dogs and animals and yoga mats." Liam cracked a smile at that. "I wonder if I'll ever live up to everything. She thinks that I can be amazing, but... I don't know." Noah looked down slightly. "Miley's so encouraging, and I don't want to let her down..."

"You'll never let her down," Liam said softly. "Miley would be proud of you no matter what."

Noah laughed lightly. "Yeah. I guess that's definitely how she would react."

Liam grinned. "She was listening to your song all day after it came out. She was dancing and singing along, and she was so happy..." He did remember that day. It was, he thought, one of the happier days of Miam. Liam had rejoiced with Miley, and he remembered seeing the proud smile on Miley's face. Miley would say 'she's my sister, she's my sister, I'm so proud of her' again and again and again.

It was nice to see Miley so affectionate and protective over her younger sister.

"You're good for Miley, you know?" Noah said, tilting her head to the side in a thoughtful way. "You make her so happy. She tells me about you whenever we have a conversation." That brought a smile to Liam's lips. "And I heard about all the Nick drama," Noah added, sounding a bit nervous. "They go way back. She was so, so happy with him, and he always made her smile. All you had to do was mention the name 'Nick,' and even if you weren't talking about Nick Jonas, a happy smile would burst on her face."

Liam nodded somberly. "He does make her happy," he mumbled.

Noah looked mortified. "Sorry. I made things worse, didn't I?"

"Nah," Liam said, offering her a small smile. "It's just..." Liam scratched the back of his neck. "You're right. They do go way back..."

"You're not... doubting Miley's feelings for you, are you?" There was a challenge in Noah's voice.

"No, of course not," Liam said quickly. "I'm sure of her feelings towards me. It's just..." He shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know how she feels for him, and it's hard... She's been spending so much time with him lately, but I can't just say 'I'm not letting you hang out with Nick anymore' because I trust her. But I'm afraid that she'll be more in love with him..."

Noah sighed. "But you'd let her go?"

"I... I told Nick that he should kiss Miley..."

"WHAT?!"

Liam glanced up, slightly alarmed at the shock on Noah's face. "I just... I need to see if Miley does have feelings. And... so I just told Nick..."

Noah face-palmed. "Seriously?"

Liam watched her, pained. "I love Miley, but I want her to be happy. And if she's happy without me..." He sighed. "I'm not just going to wait around forever, Noah. Miley thinks that it's okay for her to be friends with Nick and for me being her fiance... What she doesn't understand is how much this hurts both me and Nick. For me... well, that's obvious. But do you think Nick's just going to hang around the love of his life once she gets married?"

Noah shook her head. "That would be too hard for Nick..."

"Exactly. She would be happy with both of us in her life, but..." Liam shook his head. "It's so..." He grimaced. "Complicated."

"Knowing Miley, she will delay this as long as she can," Noah said with a rueful smile. "But you're a good guy, Liam. Of course Miley would like you."

Liam smiled sadly and let out a hefty sigh. "Thanks..."

"Did you even tell Miley that you told Nick that he should kiss her?"

Liam shook his head. "It wouldn't... I don't think it would." Liam sighed, frustrated. "Maybe I should. I haven't yet."

Noah took a deep breath. "You don't mind if I crash here tonight, right?"

Liam grinned. "Knock yourself out."

"Thanks," Noah said, her smile reminding Liam of Miley. Then, Noah left the room, a bag slung over a shoulder and bags firmly gripped in her vise-like fingers. Noah disappeared in sight, and Liam sighed. He felt slightly worse somehow, now that he was alone with his thoughts. He took a seat on the couch and stared at his fingers as if they had become his new obsession.

"Hey..."

Liam looked behind him to see Miley. A slight smile broke out on his face. "Miley," he murmured quietly. She snuggled up to his side. He closed his eyes as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He fingered her waist, and she smiled in a laughing sort of way. "Miley..?" She looked up at him, frowning slightly at his serious face. "I'm going to tell you something... and you can't freak out."

Miley looked worried now. "What?"

Liam steadily met her eyes. "I told Nick that he should kiss you."

"WHAT?!"

Liam chuckled. "You Cyrus girls and your abilities to scream."

Miley's shock transformed into confusion. "Wait..." Her frown deepened. "Noah... Noah knows?"

"Noah knows..." Liam repeated. "I just dropped a bomb on you, and the first thing you say is 'Noah knows'?"

Miley blushed. "That was kind of the thing that stuck out to me..." She shook her head slowly, as if she was trying to comprehend this. "You gave Nick permission to be able to... kiss me?" she muttered in disbelief. "That's..." She paused, looking up. "Liam, that's... wow." She met her eyes with a sort of steadiness that was both reassuring and unsettling.

"I want you to be happy," he mumbled, feeling incredibly stupid all of a sudden.

But a slow smile spread across Miley's lips. She looked as if a great burden had been lifted off of her. She leaned forward and kissed him. His heart raced, and his blood tingled. She fisted in his hair, and he locked his firm hands on her slim waist. She pulled back from the kiss but kept her face right by his. Her eyes were bright. "I love you," she murmured, voice raw.

"I love you more," he whispered.

He wished he didn't think that that would be the last time she would say that to him.

QotD: Who loves Noah Cyrus's song 'Make Me (Cry)'?

#ME

A/N: Hey, it's Darky! I'm just listening to 'Girls Freak Me Out' by The Summer Set while writing this. I highly recommend that song. I just added Noah... I don't know. Noah's going to be one of those 'too-wise-for-their-age' people. Like... sometimes, I put Demi as this wise sage that gives out amazing advice. I don't know. Noah's still... her part is to be determined.

Well, at least Miley knows she can kiss Nick without feeling guilty! ;) Not much, but we can deal with, right?

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