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

Chapter 33 - March 2nd, 2017

"Started questioning us, are we really in love?" - Excerpt from Maybe You're Right, Miley Cyrus

"You wanna go for a run?"

"I promised Demi I'd listen to some music she's working on. How about later?"

"Sure. Okay."

Miley leaned forward and pressed a kiss on Liam's cheek before darting off, bag slung over a shoulder. Liam watched her and sighed a little. The door closed roughly, and Liam ran a hand through his hair frustratedly. He pounded his fists angrily on the table counter top. He wasn't sure what he believed anymore. Miley seemed more... AWOL lately. He pretended not to notice—inasmuch as he could.

Her smile was always distracted... Liam wasn't proud of it, but he had followed her a few times, to see if she was lying about where she was going.

He knew he should trust her—he wanted to—but again, he wasn't sure what to believe in anymore.

Liam poured himself a glass of water and took a careful sip, making sure not to crush the glass in his fingers. The glass trembled, but thankfully, it did not break—or Liam would have to deal with (maybe) some bloody fingers and a mess of glass. He swallowed another gulp of the water before placing the glass down. He drummed his fingers against the table, contemplating.

Miley, Miley, Miley. You couldn't live with her, you couldn't live without her.

He pulled his phone out and stared at it. Then, he put it face down on the counter top. He scratched the back of his neck and turned on the radio. A song played distantly on the radio—Stay, by Zedd and Alessia Cara. How ironic. Liam didn't particularly like this kind of music, but he didn't mind it, either. But hey, every other song sounded pretty much the same nowadays, so what's one more?

Liam was sure Miley could tell something was up with them. He was also sure she was trying to ignore it.

"Ugh. I'm totally going to regret this," Liam muttered as he walked out of the house, locking it behind him. He headed into his car and began to drive. He kept driving until he reached the appointed driveway. He began going around in circles, still contemplating his decision, still questioning every move he was making, still feeling hopelessly despaired, as if the entire world was against him, against him and Miley.

He parked on the side and called Miley, just to hear her voice. It went straight to voicemail: Hey, it's Miley! I'm currently preoccupied, but feel free to call me later!
Liam grimaced but knew better than to complain. He put his phone down and started to go around in a circle again. The radio played distantly in the background, and there was the sound of a dog barking somewhere.

Liam could no longer procrastinate—but he called Miley again, and again, it went straight to voicemail.

Liam parked his car and walked the steps to the house. He knocked on it and heard steps rushing towards the door. The door opened.

"Hey, Nick, it's me..."

Still In Love Somehow

"You procrastinate, the world, it's gonna pass you by."

"If I'm not allowed to quote from my songs, how come you're allowed to?"

"I'm special."

"You can't use that for everything."

Demi smirked. "But I can use it for this."

"Fine," Miley grumbled. "You win." It was much easier to let Demi win than to argue with her. Demi was relentless and wouldn't admit that she was wrong even if she was wrong. Demi would fight until you just gave up—so Miley gave up before the fight. They were at Demi's house, and after countless 'shows' from Demi, Demi finally took a break to rest her throat and vocal chords. Miley passed Demi a bottle of water. "Don't dehydrate."

Demi smiled gratefully and twisted the cap off. She gulped down more than half the water. "Ah, that's better."

Miley's eyes widened. "Wow, you just drank and drank. What do you have for a throat?"

Demi smirked playfully. "Oh, wouldn't you like to know?"

"Yes, actually."

Demi swallowed some more water and put up a finger as a sort of 'pause' sign. Miley leaned back in her chair, waiting patiently. Demi cleared her throat. She pointed at her neck—or, actually, her throat. "This baby's got power, honey. Power to belt out those impossible-to-reach notes—though"—Demi tilted her head thoughtfully—"if I reached them, I suppose they weren't so impossible after all."

Miley shook her head, grinning. "Yeah, you're perfect."

"Don't I know it?"

Miley rolled her eyes. "Self-conceited."

"Jealous."

"Arrogant."

"Envious."

"Sadistic."

"Scandalous."

Miley shut up. "You win, okay? You win, Demsicle."

Demi made a face. "Don't call me that."

"Why not? Nick did."

"He's a nutcase—all guys are," Demi said conversationally. "And you're not going to get that nickname to stick, Cyrus."

Miley shrugged but kept silent. She got her own bottle of water and took a sip. The water glided nicely down her throat. Miley pulled out her phone and turned it on (she had it off because apparently, Demi said that 'texts' or 'phone calls' would disrupt her 'musical aura'). Miley raised a brow. "Wow, a few missed calls..." Miley paused, feeling a bit awkward. "From Liam."

"'From Liam,'" Demi repeated.

Miley nudged Demi in the ribs, chuckling lightly. "Yeah, my fiance. Ring a bell?"

"Nope, I don't think so." Demi clapped her hands together

Miley rolled her eyes. "I'm going to call him," she said, scrolling through her contacts. She hesitated to meet Demi's eyes. Demi was staring right back at her, and Demi called Liam. He didn't pick up on the first ring. He didn't pick up on the second, either. Miley waited patiently. For all she knew, he could be at the bathroom. Then, he did. "Liam?" Miley called softly, listening carefully.

"Miley?"

"You called? My phone was on silent." A wry smile crossed Miley's lips. "Someone said that my phone—even on silent—would disturb her artistic vision."

Liam chuckled. "Let me guess: Demi?"

Miley mimed the release of a trigger. "Bingo."

Miley felt that Liam was smiling, but she wasn't sure—she couldn't be sure of anything nowadays. "You're still at Demi's, I'm sure," Liam said, voice distorted through the phone. He sounded faintly amused though. "And I..." There was a pause, as if Liam was hesitating. "I wanted to hear your voice." He sounded so honest, and his voice was so raw. Miley had no doubt that he meant what he said.

"That's sweet," Miley said, a smile playing on her lips.

"When are you going to be home?"

"I don't know."

"I have to run. I love you."

Miley closed her eyes and murmured seriously, "I love you, too." And the line went dead.

Demi grinned thoughtfully and said, "You know what I thought?"

"Amuse me."

"Well, since you didn't even reject Jonas, Nick—"

"'Jonas, Nick?"

"Quit interrupting me—anyway, since you didn't reject Mr. Jonas at his first attempt to woo you with a few special songs, it's clear to be—and everyone else, really—that the only possible reason is because you have feelings for him." Demi placed her hand on Miley's arm supportively. "So, is it true that you're engaged to the 'Jealous' singer, Ms. Cyrus?"

Miley laughed. "You sound like an interviewer."

"Answer the question."

"That is false, Mrs. Interviewer-Person."

"Don't call me 'Mrs.'," Demi said. "It makes me feel old."

"You are old."

"Then you must be old, too."

Miley sighed. Demi always had a way to counter her witty remarks. It was refreshing and infuriating but also mildly amusing. Demi grinned and drank another gulp of water thirstily. Miley grinned at her friend, and Demi rolled her eyes. Miley rested her chin in the palm of her hand and watched Demi carefully. Demi stopped mid-gulp and shot Miley a look that said what? Miley shrugged aimlessly. "Wow, Demi, you really love that water."

Demi tilted her head like a puppy. "It's not really a choice of 'like.' We can't live without it." Miley yawned. "Tired already, MC?"

Miley shot her a wry smile. "I didn't get much sleep last night..."

Demi grinned. "You can sleep here if you want. I won't disturb you or anything."

Miley smiled gratefully. "Really?"

"Yeah, go to the guest room! I'll take you there."

As soon as Miley hit the pillow, her eyelids fell close. She heard Demi chuckle before hearing the door close. Thoughts buzzed distantly in Miley's mind, keeping her somewhat conscious. Another yawn escaped Miley's lips as she sank further into the comfort of the pillow. Dark shapes flitted in and out of her vision before it all became black as she sank into the familiar buzz of sleep.

Still In Love Somehow

"Liam?"

To say Nick was shocked was an understatement.

Liam waited. "Nick. Can I come in?"

Nick searched and realized that Liam was alone. He nodded and muttered, "I guess. I won't pretend I'm not surprised to see you, though." Liam nodded cordially at this, and Nick stepped to the side to let Liam in. He closed the door after the Australian and took a seat on the couch opposite to Liam. "So, what brings you to my humble abode?" Nick said politely, deciding to get this over with.

A smile crinkled the corners of Liam's mouth. "Where'd you learn a word like 'abode'?"

Nick shrugged simply. "Miley."

"Ah, yes," Liam murmured, his smile disappearing now. His eyes were a distant wintry gray-blue now, and Nick found himself wondering if his eyes changed to his mood—which, he knew, was impossible but still. Nick knew that Miley's eyes changed. When she was happy, her eyes would glow a little brighter. When she was sad, her eyes would fill with angst—and Nick would want to do anything and everything to get rid of that angst.

Nick took a deep breath. "So, what's up?"

Liam sighed. "It's about... Miley."

"I thought so."

"I don't think she understands..." Liam shook his head, evidently frustrated. "Or maybe she does—maybe she's just choosing to ignore it all. Nothing I've never done before, so I can't count her against that... but..." Liam looked up. His expression changed, but Nick couldn't find the right words to word it. "Tell me about Miley," Liam said, gaze flickering across the room.

Nick was shocked into silence. "W-w-what?"

"Never pegged you as one to stutter," Liam said, gaze careful. "Tell me about her."

Nick took a moment to collect his thoughts. "She's... full of spirit. Her eyes light up when she's happy, and she always taps to the beat of a song—whether she knows it or not. She's stubborn but intelligent. She's honest and kind and charismatic, and she's... She always tries to protect everyone, even if it means hurting herself. She knows how to fake a smile—Disney taught us all that."

Liam nodded, waiting for him to continue. "Yes, I know that."

Nick let out a gust of air. "She has this air to her—this aura—that just... draws your attention. She's easy to hang out with, but a lot of people are blinded by her... sometimes provocative actions that they don't see her. Miley's smart and funny and jokes about a lot of things—sometimes to hide her emotions, sometimes just because that's her personality. That's part of her—and I wouldn't want her to change for anyone.

"Maybe before she would've changed for others... but not now, I think." Nick tilted his head thoughtfully. "Miley isn't afraid to be herself. She knows who she is as a person, and she isn't going to let her insecurities stop her from living her life the way she wants to. Disney prevented her from doing that, and that wasn't fair to her—but now, she's free, and she can do what she wants. Sure, there can be some people to tell her 'no,' but Miley fights back. Again, her stubbornness kicks in."

"She is stubborn," Liam agreed quietly.

"She notices the little things," Nick said softly. "She would always notice when I was upset, and she would always look so worried. She would try anything and everything to cheer me up, and she did. The worst times were when we broke up. I heard how upset she was—and I knew I still cared, still loved her, because I hurt so much, too much for my feelings to just be friendship."

Nick closed his eyes, letting memories wash through him. "Sometimes, Miley would fake a smile, and no one would notice, but it was her music that let out all the anguish she was always holding back. She..." Nick closed his eyes tightly. "I hated it when she cried... I would always feel responsible... And to see her so upset... it would be the worst feeling in the world. And to know that I caused the hurt... that was even worse."

"You know her," Liam observed.

Nick shrugged. "She let me in."

Liam closed his eyes, and when he opened them, his gaze was pained. "I think... I feel like she's... in love... with you." Nick couldn't believe his ears. "She... You know, we were great. In the beginning, before any of this, we were great... And... I think, even before you came into the picture..." Liam shook his head. "She was so gone for you already... I just... I really..." Liam sighed, frustrated.

Nick stared, jaw slightly hanging open. "She loves you."

Pain shrouded Liam's eyes. "But I don't think she sees herself with me in her version of her perfect future. Or maybe in her version—I'd be different. Less like me."

"You were there when she needed you to be," Nick reminded him. "You were there, and she let you in. She doesn't let a lot of people see the real her. They don't know her like they think they do. Her family only knows her because they grew up with her... and everyone else... she let them in, and that's why they know her. She didn't trust Disney, hence the song 'Robot.'"

Liam nodded. "She was given a lot of flack for that, but I don't think people ever took the time to put themselves in her shoes—to see how hard it was for her not to be herself."

"That's why she's so strong..." Nick murmured. "She's amazing."

"You love her," Liam said softly.

"More than anything," Nick said unwaveringly. "It wasn't our time back then... I accept that now, but..." Nick trailed off. "Not that there's anything I can do about it—just keep loving her, I guess. And try to move on. But I've been trying. I can't, and I don't think I ever will. But she was my best friend first... She's more precious to me than the air I breathe. Learning to let go..." Nick shook his head. "I think you've got it wrong."

Liam raised a brow. "What?"

"Demi told me. You shouldn't be waiting for Miley to break up with you. You have to do it yourself—to prove that you're ready. That you'll be okay... It'll hurt—it'll never get easier—but that's just the way life is." Nick shrugged, the movement of his shoulders barely noticeable. "Sometimes, you try to delay them, and the weight on your shoulders just grow heavier..."

Liam's jaw worked. "Maybe you're right," he muttered.

"Wait until you're ready," Nick said softly. "It's going to hurt her because she loves you. But if you think that she's going to break up with you, you don't think you're going to end up with her..." Nick breathed in sharply, wondering if he had crossed the line. Liam only watched him with a careful expression. Nick was all too used to that kind of carefully composed expression.

Liam's gaze seared into his. "Thank you... You're... not as bad as I thought you would be."

Nick shrugged. "Thanks."

"You're also a lot smarter than I thought you were."

"Not all break ups have to be bitter. I realized that too late. Maybe... maybe you don't have to make the same mistake I did. Maybe you'll still need Miley in your life."

QotD: What book do you think shows a lot about how grown-ups work?

#The Little Prince

A/N: Hey, it's Darky! You know, I was originally going to have Miley dream, but that storyline was written out. The talk with Liam and Nick... well, that was bound to happen. Liam's not going to figure out everything on his own, and I didn't think Miley or Joe would be able to really get him, hence the reason why it was Nick. I think this chapter worked out okay, actually...

I feel like this book is coming to a close. I think once I hit 100,000 words, I'm going to end it. Or maybe I'll continue a little more. But I have a bunch of Niley story ideas that I want to write, and I have actually started on a story... The first chapter is, like, 10,000 words right now. Yeah... Maybe I'll try to do that. But maybe I'll take a Niley fanfiction posting hiatus (which means I will be continuing to be writing Niley fanfiction; just won't be posting it) to finish up some of the stories I have on here and just get that out of the way.

This story has been fun to write. I might write out a sequel, you never know. Would you be looking forward to a sequel?

And yes, I uploaded this on Thursday. It's Spring Break, so... I didn't realize. ;)) So no update on Friday. But there will be one on Monday! Or maybe sooner!

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