'They Say That Good Things Take Time' – Chapter 18
Lilly Truscott shivered slightly as she completed the last few steps of her short walk across the blocks to her favourite household in Malibu. The cool, evening air was stroking the parts of her skin which she had not covered by her shawl and her cheeks had been made pink by the last December night. Muffled music was emanating from the building that she was stood in front of, next to a brown haired boy who was shuffling beside her impatiently.
"Come on Lilly, you've stared at the house for long enough, can we just go in?"
Lilly bit her lip and continued to gaze in front of her, nerves coursing throughout her body and she wished that she had not eaten even her small portion for dinner, as she felt like she was going to throw it all back up again. Her sweating hands soon found their way to stroke the fabric of her dress into place, as she had been doing all evening, before moving upwards to fiddle with her hair. Lilly turned around to concentrate on Oliver as he grunted once again in an attempt to gain her attention.
"Sorry Ollie, I can't help that I'm just so nervous." She addressed him with wide, pleading eyes, causing Oliver to sigh.
"Come on Lils, it's just Miley. It'll all be fine, I'm here, you're here and I think all our old friends from school are here, so let's just make the most of the evening, okay?"
Lilly gulped and nodded her head slowly, "Okay. I guess we could do that." She replied before awarding him a weak smile.
"That's the Lilly Truscott I kinda know." Oliver responded with a quirk of his eyebrow as he put his hands on her shoulders gently and met her scared blue eyes with his reassuring brown irises. "We don't really have to do this if you don't want to." He promised her gently.
"I know. But I want to really." Lilly answered, her voice sounding stronger this time as she resumed her focus on the house before her. The front of the building was still covered with creeping flowers and the windows were glowing with fairy-lights, warmly enticing the pair inside. Lilly quickly turned back to Oliver for a final query, "Do I look alright?"
Oliver looked his best friend up and down with a smile. Lilly was looking sophisticatedly attractive in a navy blue dress which was drawn in to hug her waist with a scarlet belt. Her hair had been let loose and was cascading down her back in its natural straightness, "Lilly, you look hot." Oliver replied with a friendly wink.
Lilly felt her cheeks flush slightly in response to his answer, "Thanks Ollie. Now we can go in."
Oliver extended his arm to her and she gladly took it as they made the few steps up to Miley's front door. A simple knock, which Oliver implemented on the entrance to the Stuart residence, was enough to send trills down Lilly's spine in anticipation of the brunette waiting for them on the other side. The door, however, was not opened by Miley, but by their old school friend "Saint" Sarah.
"Hey Sarah," Oliver greeted in a friendly manner, "how are you doing?"
Sarah smiled shyly back as she took in Oliver's growing good-looks before replying, "I'm just fine Oliver. How are you?"
Lilly failed to listen to her male friend's answer as her eyes immediately began to scan the room in search of her favourite person. Her heart was beating and she was sure she could feel it calling out for Miley Stuart in a way that Lilly had become accustomed to over the past few months. As her eyes swept across the stairs, Lilly's breath caught in her throat as she found her desired object. Miley was delicately descending in heeled, silver shoes. Lilly's eyes slowly travelled up Miley's bare legs, gently caressing her curved thighs, without the need for touch, and working their way further upward to where the hem of her dress fell to just above her knees. The colour of the dress was a complementary aqua-marine, and it was styled as a flattering halter-neck. Lilly was unaware that her mouth had fallen open slightly as she carefully traversed the steady wave of Miley's hips. They were tantalisingly kept hidden within the teasing flow of her dress from side to side with each downward step the brunette took. Lilly forced her eyes away from Miley's cleavage, before sighing from lust as she brushed over Miley's graceful neck and turned her attention to the luscious, pouting lips, the perfect nose and then the beautiful eyes. Lilly had to blink or she knew she would drown in the oceanic depths of Miley's irises, yet this was only to admire the flow of the soft, brown curls which fell graciously framing her face. Miley was radiating beauty and warmth, making Lilly certain that it was going to take all of her self-control to prevent herself from rushing towards her best friend and engulfing her entirely.
If Miley could feel the hot stare from Lilly's eyes burning into every part of her being, she did not show it, but eventually granted her friend the greatest of pleasures with her attention, which soon focused in on her. "Lilly, Oliver…" Miley called out to her best friends as she stepped off the last stair and walked toward them. She opened her arms to draw Oliver into the first embrace, leaving Lilly to twist her fingers nervously together in front of herself and fix her gaze to the floor.
The touch of Miley's hands on Lilly's arms made the blonde want to jump as the feeling was electrifying. She looked up into Miley's brilliant eyes, simultaneously feeling her blood pump faster and more hotly around her body. As Miley drew her into her arms, Lilly felt herself fighting the desire to shake or melt, or complete any further actions which would embarrass her. The sensation of Miley's mouth close to her ear and the "Hello Lilly" which she breathed was enough to make her temperature sky-rocket, yet her mind remained clear in her reply.
"Hey Miles. Nice party." Lilly managed and even performed a collected smile. Inside she applauded herself for not drooling on the floor and she had to restrain herself from performing a happy dance.
"Thanks Lils." Miley glanced around the room, "Yup, even I can say I've done myself proud tonight."
"Woah." Oliver joined in from Lilly's side, "You did all of this yourself?"
Miley giggled and Lilly found herself grinning broadly from the sound, "Yes you doughnut. Who else would have done this?"
"Err, I dunno, people?" Oliver replied lamely and this time, both girls had to laugh at him.
"Oh Ollie, you never change." Miley sighed and her eyes looked reminiscent. "Anyway, that's the dance-floor." She stated and pointed to the bare section of the room, "And over there is the drinks table. I used one of Jackson's old recipes for the punch. I've already had a cup and it's pretty lethal stuff so I'd watch out if I were you." She turned back to smile at them warmly. "You guys better go and mingle with some people and… I'll get the door!" She finished brightly as they all heard a knock. Miley turned and took a step away, but stopped shortly and turned around to face Lilly once more who surreptitiously swallowed in anticipation. Miley put her hand up to Lilly's arm, before trailing it lightly down her bare skin, in an act which she obviously deemed as merely affection, yet it made Lilly tremor. "Cute dress Lils." Miley stated with a wink and then promptly marched over to greet her guests.
"Th-Thanks." Lilly managed to stutter, and then realised that Oliver was watching her with a look of amusement playing across his face, "Alright smart-ass." She playfully hit him on the arm as she regained her composure, "Let's go get a drink."
A couple of hours later and Lilly found that her mind was gratefully fuddled by the alcohol which pulsed through her system. Her body was moving in time to the music as she swept across the dance floor with her old high school acquaintances. She soon became aware that Miley had returned and was only a few people away, shaking her body and making Lilly's mouth almost water with desire. Lilly pushed her hair out of her face as she danced her way over to the brunette who gladly turned to face her. Soon the girls were moving together as they always used to at school dances. Miley had smiled affectionately when she first caught sight of Lilly and at once transferred all of her attention onto the other girl. Lilly was consciously closing the distance between them, yet Miley was doing nothing to pull away. The only sign that Miley made to show that she was aware of their proximity was to make more frequent eye-contact with the blonde, but her expression was unreadable.
As Lilly reached out to lightly put her hands on Miley's waist to adopt her rhythm, she knew that she was doing wrong, although her drunken mind was driving her onwards. Miley bit her lip slightly and she cocked her head to one side as she analysed Lilly's actions. Finally she let out a giggle and put her hands on Lilly's shoulders.
"Lilly, what are we doing?" She asked, laughing brightly.
Lilly began to laugh as she responded, "Erm, Miley, we're dancing together. Duh."
Miley tried to form a serious expression, yet her desire to laugh was more powerful and her face kept twitching until she accidentally snorted and then had to clap her hands over her face.
"Oh my god Miley, you are such a freak!" Lilly taunted as she watched Miley double-over from embarrassment. She quickly put her arms around the other girl and helped her to stand up properly.
Miley was grinning as she lowered her hands and turned to look into Lilly's eyes, "Sorry Lils. I forgot that you're the Pig Girl. Not me."
"Hey! Let the nickname die already!" Lilly retorted, but she was smiling, particularly as she was still holding onto her beloved brunette.
"Never!" Miley declared loudly and swung her own arms up to wrap them around Lilly. She chortled slyly as she quietly noticed how close they were to one another, and remembered back to her old diary entries that she had perused only earlier that day.
"What?" Lilly asked her, in a lower voice this time, "What's so funny?"
Miley cleared her throat as she drew slowly away from Lilly's familiar embrace, "Oh nothing. I was just thinking."
"About what?" Lilly asked with a quirk of her eyebrow. The brunette merely shrugged in response causing Lilly to take a step closer and move her hands to Miley's shoulders. "Miley, what are you thinking about?"
"N-nothing." Miley stuttered, "I'm not thinking about anything in particular. I am, however, feeling very thirsty." She stated, "Come and get a drink with me?"
"Sure." Lilly replied.
Miley quickly took one of Lilly's hands and was shocked by the heat of her touch. The sensation alone sent tingles up Miley's forearm and she tried to ignore them as they struck her chest, yet failed to die. Miley led Lilly up to the drinks table and quickly poured them both cupfuls of Jackson's strange concoction. She brought the red liquid up to her lips and drank deeply, feeling the strength of the alcohol warm her chest and she turned her eyes back to the blonde. To Miley's surprise, Lilly's eyes were already fixed on her face, but they darted away when she noticed Miley's sudden attention. Miley lowered her cup and licked her lips to soak up the last of the drink which resided there. Lilly coveted the action lustfully as her concentration was drawn to Miley's full lips. They had been turned darker by the colouring in the punch and, never losing their seductive pout, were making it hard for the blonde to think of anything else. Miley regarded her friend curiously, quickly becoming aware of where Lilly's focus lay. She could not take her attention away from the heated look in Lilly's eyes, something that she had never seen before, but she was finding it greatly intriguing.
"Hey Lilly, do you wanna go and sit down with Oliver and talk?" Miley asked quietly.
Lilly reluctantly turned her gaze away from Miley's lips only to be faced with piercing blue eyes that sent a shiver right through her body, "Sure." She replied and took hold of Miley's hand, which she had offered once more, to take the few short steps to the couch where Oliver and Sarah were sat in close conversation.
"Hey Ollie." Miley greeted as she sat disruptively at his side. Lilly flopped down next to Miley, before rapidly becoming aware that four people on one couch were a tight squeeze. Her thigh was closely pressed up against Miley's and their arms were rubbing together due to lack of space. Miley glanced around as she noticed this discomfort, looked into Lilly's eyes with a bright smile, and then threw her arm up and over the blonde's shoulders to come to rest on her waist.
Oliver raised an eyebrow as he noticed the movement, but that was the only expression he let go unmasked. "Hey girls, are you having a good night?" He asked casually, although Lilly was certain that his voice itched with a slight tone of irritation.
"Oh yeah Ollie, we're having fun. Aren't we Lils?" Miley asked, temporarily turning to face the blonde and squeezing her waist. Lilly had to breathe in deeply as uncompromising feeling swelled up within her from Miley's action and she could only nod in response.
"Cool." Oliver answered back and then looked at Sarah, who shot him a sly smile. Lilly pouted from confusion until she realised that Oliver's fingers were intertwined with Sarah's and her mouth twisted into a smile. She quickly leaned in toward Miley, to whisper the fact in her ear when Miley turned her head abruptly and Lilly accidentally brushed Miley's cheek with her lips.
Lilly's felt heat rush into her own cheeks out of coy reaction, yet hastened to regain her composure and muttered, "Miley, I think Ollie and Sarah are trying to get together."
Miley met Lilly's face with a strange expression, and Lilly looked away, desperately trying not to stare at Miley for too long because it made the situation awkward. Miley discreetly glanced over at the boy and girl next to them and smiled herself as she looked back at Lilly. "You're right Lils. Aw, they'd make such a sweet couple. Oliver's way nicer now than he was in high school."
"Damn right." Lilly giggled quietly as Miley maintained eye contact with the blonde.
Miley smiled secretly to herself as she reflected on how shy Lilly was being with her tonight, yet every time she touched the blonde it seemed like the other girl never wanted to let go. Miley pursed her lips together as she regarded the girl in front of her, with cheeks stained in redness, perhaps only from alcohol, but Miley had cause to wonder.
"Anyway," Oliver interrupted and the two girls turned their attention back to him instantly, "Erm, we're just gonna go and get another drink. See ya later." He smiled at them both and then helped Sarah to her feet and, directing a cute smile in her face, seemingly ignoring his disruptive friends, he led her away.
Miley and Lilly spontaneously burst into a fit of laughter as they rocked backward and forward on the couch. Lilly managed to calm down slightly quicker than Miley and took the time to watch the brunette at the height of her amusement. Miley's laughter still sounded like music to her ears and, as it was tainted with the undertone of her southern accent, Lilly found it made the girl only more desirable. The fact that their bodies were still in close contact as they had not moved away from each other on the couch, was making Lilly feel feverish and she was both excited about, and dreading, what might come next.
Eventually Miley calmed down and, gasping as she wiped away the tears of joy, she lowered her hand to lay it, in an apparently friendly manner, along Lilly's arm. "God that was funny. Bless Oliver, he's obviously so annoyed at us for interrupting them."
"Yeah." Lilly agreed, "I hope they weren't about to kiss or anything."
Miley was still smiling, "Nah. I mean, they were sitting pretty closely and all, but I don't think they were near enough to kiss just yet or anything." She curved her head to look at Lilly who quickly turned away.
Lilly's heart began to beat faster as she reminded herself that she and Miley were probably sitting closer than the boy and girl had been previously, and tried to bite her tongue to prevent herself from informing Miley of that fact. The alcohol which plagued her system, however, defied her mind's right to control her speech and soon she was flirting with her friend.
"Well Miley, we're sitting pretty closely…" Lilly trailed off and she raised her eyebrows in mock suggestion at her best friend who giggled appreciatively.
"Why so we are Miss Truscott." Miley drawled, before running her fingers lightly up Lilly's arm, which she had failed to relinquish her hold on.
"Oh Miley, don't do that. You're making me blush." Lilly stated huskily with a smile, yet the proof was there as her cheeks gradually became darker and her mind was screaming out for more.
Miley had to conceal a gasp at the reaction her touch was having on her friend. She paused in her movements as her brow furrowed and her mind became troubled. Somewhere, not close to the forefront of her thoughts, was the niggling reminder that she had a boyfriend now. The image of his face had become distinctly blurred and, apart from the fact that he was blonde, the features which made up his expression were no longer recognisable to her.
"W-well, I wouldn't want to make you do that." Miley responded shakily, and swallowed as she sprang suddenly to her feet, "I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable now." She twisted round to face her friend on the couch, whose eyes had now widened in unhidden alarm. Miley was provoked back into kindness by Lilly's expression and she extended her hand to the other girl. "Come on pretty lady, let's dance." She said quietly as a warm smile, which Lilly shortly mimicked, settled across her features.
Oliver was stood by the punch bowl with his latest interest, sipping his drink and gently tracing the back of Sarah's hand with his thumb. His insides were tingling from the contact which he had made with her and he felt shy every time he looked at her, only to see Sarah gazing dizzily back at him. He had not felt like this in a long time but, just as he was leaning in to kiss her, Sarah, who did not realise his intention, turned away since something had caught her attention on the dance-floor.
"Hey Ollie, what's going on with Lilly and Miley tonight?" She asked him slowly as she gazed distractedly at the pair who danced together in the middle of the room.
"Hmm?" Oliver swept his own eyes across the room to glance at Lilly and Miley who were moving together very closely. "Nothing I don't think. They're just dancing." Oliver shrugged lightly and smiled as Sarah returned her attention to his face.
"Oh. It's just that they seem awfully close tonight. Do you think something's going to happen?"
Oliver laughed and was certain that his pink cheeks were going to betray him, "What do you mean? Nothing's going to happen, because there is nothing that could happen."
Sarah merely raised an eyebrow at this and her lips twisted into a kind smile when Oliver's expression fell, "Oh Ollie. You do try so hard to cover it up for them, but it's just not possible. Anyone who knows those two well enough can see that they love each other."
"Well of course they love each other," Oliver scoffed, "they're best friends."
"Oliver, don't play with me." Sarah stated shortly and uncharacteristically, "From the way they're touching each other tonight and the looks on their faces, I would say that they've finally both realised that they're meant to be together."
Oliver sighed gently as he gave up even trying to maintain the illusion, "Well they're pretty slow when it comes to things like that, I can tell you for sure. The amount of times I watched Miley crying over Lilly, and now Lilly crying over Miley, seem to be unreal. But still, they never get it! Ever since the day they first met it's like they're soul mates or something. I just wish they would wake up to the rest of the world and get the picture, seize the day and just get together already." Oliver finished impatiently and received a sympathetic smile from Sarah.
"Oh Oliver, a poor simple boy blessed with two best friends in love. I bet you're sick of it by now?"
Oliver crinkled his nose as he contemplated his own feelings on the matter, "No. I could never be sick of them. It's just nice to finally have someone else who's noticed to talk to about it with." He replied and smiled warmly at Sarah who blushed and turned away.
"You mean you haven't even talked to anyone else about this? No one else knows?"
"Well… I'm pretty sure Jackson and Miley's dad know, but they've never brought it up directly with me. It must be weird for Jackson to talk about his little sister like that. All he's done in the past is complain about Jake Ryan and all her other old boyfriends. They've never talked about Lilly in that way either. I know that they love her though, and they like me more for it. Now they'll never think that I'd swoop in and take their little Miley away." Oliver chuckled and turned to watch his friends once more who were acting as if no one else existed.
"Well, you've done a good job with looking out for them both by yourself." Sarah stated thoughtfully.
"Thanks. It's not all been about this though, we have had some good times." Oliver reassured Sarah who only laughed lightly.
"I know Ollie. You guys are best friends and nothing's going to get in the way of that." Her eyes were sparkling as she regarded the boy in front of her closely, "I think that's one of the reasons why I was first attracted to you."
Oliver's eyes widened incredulously, "Really? You mean you've liked me for a while?"
Sarah shrugged casually, but the twitch of her lips gave away the excitement she was feeling for finally being brave enough to admit this, "Oh, not long. Just kind of on and off through school. I like you a lot more now though; you've become less girl obsessed and more sensitive."
Now it was Oliver's turn to feel shy and he joined her in similarly being unable to contain a smile at her praise. "How could I have never noticed this before?"
"Because you're a doughnut." Sarah replied simply with a giggle, causing Oliver to laugh along with her, before quickly drawing her into his arms and giving her the kiss she had been waiting for all evening.
Meanwhile, Lilly's flushed cheeks were a signifier that not all was well with the blonde. As she danced closer to Miley, her pulse was throbbing dangerously and this was not aided by the bubbling of molten desire which was spreading throughout her being. She was enjoying every movement that Miley's hips made far too much for her own safety and, after fanning herself to no avail, she decided it was time to temporarily bow out.
"Hey Miles!" Lilly shouted over the music, "I'm just gonna go and get some air okay? It's really hot in here."
Miley nodded in response and watched her friend concernedly, "Are you going to be alright?"
"Yeah I'll be fine, no worries. I just need to get out of here for a bit." Lilly replied.
"Okay then. Just make sure you're back in time for the midnight countdown."
Lilly assured Miley that she would be before she stalked off the dance-floor. As she stood to one side, away from the press of heaving bodies, she attempted to cool down further but found it impossible in the room. It was so suffocating due to heat radiating from every over-excited, drunken person in the room and she was beginning to feel claustrophobic. The space outside the back door was blocked up by guys who were planning their next move with girls who they had suddenly realised they were attracted to, whereas the front porch was crowded by kissing couples. Lilly grimaced to herself and turned toward the stairs to take sanctuary in her favourite room of the house.
As Lilly swung open the door to Miley's bedroom, she had to cringe at the sight of a writhing couple, practically glued together at the lips, on her best friend's bed.
"What the hell?" Lilly exclaimed angrily, causing the pair to detach and look up at her in alarm. "Get out of here! Go on shoo!" The blonde squawked and began to hassle them out of the room.
Lilly sighed out of both frustration and relief as the couple bolted and shut the door behind them. Slowly she picked her way across the room to push open the French windows and step out onto Miley's balcony. She had been here over a year ago, at a very confusing stage in her life, but now it seemed that it was confusing for a different reason. The roles of feeling between her and Miley had been reversed, cruelly subverted and Lilly was the one who was being crushed by it all. She wrapped her arms across her chest and shivered a little from the night breeze, which blew in to brush back her long blonde hair and stroke her heated cheeks with coolness. It was so heavenly to stand outside with the combination of the muffled thud of the music downstairs, mixed with the natural sound of the ocean and Lilly finally felt clarity instil itself in her mind.
The blonde girl did not know how long she had been standing outside when she heard the sound of Miley's bedroom door opening. She did not bother to turn around, until she realised that it could be another boy and girl looking for some alone time, and then she would be trapped for good. She quickly twisted her head around, but only saw a lone figure standing in the bedroom, steadily watching her with brilliant blue eyes.
"Lilly? Is that you?" The voice called out softly.
Lilly gulped and felt herself shiver again, although this time not from the cold, "Yeah, it's me. I'm just getting some air."
Miley made her way across her bedroom until she was standing out on her balcony beside Lilly. She glanced the other girl up and down once before quickly turning to scan the skies above them. "It's such a beautiful night." She breathed.
"Mmm. It really is." Lilly replied quietly.
Miley's eyes were sweeping the starlit heavens and her face was brightened by an awed smile, "It makes you feel so small doesn't it? I mean standing underneath the millions of stars above us. Just think that each one of them could be a whole other world with people. And some of them could be staring at us…" Miley trailed off and chuckled gently to herself at the thought. Lilly remained silent, but turned to face the ocean instead which she could just pick out in the form of shadowy waves breaking on the sand. Miley cleared her throat as she brought her attention, yet not her gaze, back to earth, "Do you remember the last time we stood out here like this?"
Lilly shook her head, "I'm sorry but I can't say that I do."
Miley sighed forlornly, "Me neither."
Lilly dared a quick glance at her friend and did not fail to notice that her beautiful features were marred with sadness. The power of the emotion shocked Lilly suddenly and her insides tugged painfully as she mourned over how things had become so complicated between them. She was stood close to Miley, yet there was this heavy, twisting thing between them that always had to keep their lives apart.
Miley spoke again, "This reminds me of that night when I wished that I would be Hannah Montana permanently. Then I had this horrible dream where no one really wanted to know Miley. It was all about Hannah…" Lilly did not need to look at Miley to know her expression, her face lined with confusion and her lips pouting slightly, desirably to Lilly's eyes, as she contemplated her life. "...And now Hannah's gone. And all that's left is Miley."
Lilly smiled and looked back over at her friend, who still had not made any form of contact with her since they had been out there, "But I like Miley. I think she's better than Hannah."
Miley shook her head slowly whilst her gaze became level with the dark horizon, "I don't think so. Not at the moment anyway. If Miley was so great then she wouldn't mess her best friend around so much."
"What do you mean?" Lilly asked and inwardly she cringed in reaction to the most serious conversation they were going to have, in so long, about their relationship.
"Well, after all the stuff that happened between us last year Lils. Me being, well, you know; those feelings for you. That messed things up a bit…"
"…Not really." Lilly interrupted quickly, hoping to get something beneficial out of this, "You didn't mess things up. It started us talking again, and that's always a good thing, right?"
Miley shrugged, "I don't know Lilly." She put her hands on the balcony in front of them as if to hold onto something for support. "I mean, we still never see each other at all. And I miss you."
"I miss you too Miles." Lilly answered sincerely, "I miss you so much, but it's difficult because we never find the right times to meet up anymore and we say we will, but we never do."
Miley was nodding in agreement now, "I know. And it's entirely my fault too."
"Oh come on, it's so not your fault."
"It is!" Miley raised her voice emphatically, "I always seem to have something else on. I thought things would be better when I got to college but evidently not."
"Well, no. We have separate lives, and friends, and now you've got that whole boyfriend thing going for you." Lilly responded and winced as she realised how disdainful she must have sounded at the mention of Miley's relationship.
Miley paused for a moment, and closed her mouth to bite back her first reply. She frowned now and took in a breath, and released it, before standing still and looking confused.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to make that sound like a bad thing." Lilly apologised. Miley's expression was still unclear and Lilly was certain that if she could see her best friend's eyes, that they would be filled with an unsettling turbulence. The fact that Miley had still not given Lilly her full attention was beginning to disturb the blonde and she felt like she should run away yet, at the same time, she never wanted to leave her side. "Miley?" Lilly breathed softly, feeling foolish daring flow through her veins, "Why won't you look at me?"
Miley's eyes widened at the question and she turned her gaze to the floorboards beneath them. "I-I don't know. I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that I wasn't looking at you." Miley shakily replied, causing Lilly to raise an eyebrow at her answer.
"Miley, you've only looked at me once the whole time we've been stood out here. Please, please will you look at me?" Lilly felt herself quietly begging the other girl, her heart was beating in a silent call out for Miley to grant her simple request.
Miley inclined her head gently in a nod before turning slowly round to face Lilly. Her eyes were still downcast but, after hearing Lilly uncomfortably clear her throat, Miley Stuart steadily raised her eyes to Lilly's level. The bold stare, which she was greeted with, made Miley's heart tremor and she felt as if an electric charge had suddenly ripped through her body. Lilly's eyes were blazing through the darkness of the night and the intensity of her stare was enough that Miley forgot how to breathe, and for a moment, she was paralysed. Lilly took a step nearer Miley and the brunette's eyes widened at this action. There was something captivating about Lilly which she recognised from before, on days when she had stood, with her mind focused on the blonde and stared at her wretched expression in her bathroom mirror. The same, ultimate longing had shone out hopelessly from her own eyes and, now that she saw Lilly, she knew that her best friend had become tangled in the web which she had tried so hard to escape.
"Miley?" Lilly asked again, breaching the silence in a low whisper that fired hot tingles down Miley's spine.
"S-sorry," Miley tried to regain her composure, "I guess I must have spaced out for a moment there." She laughed brashly in an attempt to cover her discomfort, but Lilly saw through that in an instant and swiped it aside with the mere flicker of her eyes.
"Hey Miley, can I ask you a question?"
"Erm, yeah sure, don't see why not." Miley was laughing again, but more softly now, and the very action of it seemed to loosen up her previously rigid limbs enough for her to run a hand nervously through her hair.
Miley's apparent unease at the situation caused Lilly to pause for a moment in her unprecedented plan and she bit down on her lip in contemplation. Her eyes carefully scanned Miley, trying to take in her body language and whether the conversation was worth continuing, or if they should just forget it all and enjoy the rest of the night. The unspoken words and avid tensions between the two girls made Lilly think otherwise, however, and she decided to be brave.
"Why did you not pull away when I danced so closely with you tonight?" Miley looked blank as Lilly raised the issue, yet Lilly saw a distinctive gulp, and that made her want to continue, "And why did you flirt with me on the couch tonight?"
Miley was shaking her head, "Oh, erm, I don't know Lils. I guess I was just messing around with you; harmless, friendly banter and all. Ya know?" Miley replied.
Lilly was feeling nervous herself now, but she had already made up her mind what she was going to do tonight, and it was not just the remaining alcohol in her system which drove her on. "So, to you it was all harmless and didn't mean anything?" Miley opened her mouth as if to say something but then shut it again quickly. Her eyes were clouded over by anxiety and she looked truly confused since dormant feelings, which had been brewing underneath throughout the evening, were bubbling into life. Lilly sighed and that brought Miley's focus straight back to the blonde. "Because M-Miley," Lilly stuttered slightly as she screwed up all of her courage, "It didn't mean nothing to me. To me it meant something. Actually, it meant everything."
Miley's lips parted from shock, and the fact that she looked so lost made Lilly's heart almost do a back-flip in her chest. "Everything?" Miley replied hoarsely.
Lilly nodded once with glittering eyes, "Everything." She breathed and took another step toward Miley. They were now standing so close that all Lilly needed was to reach out an inch and she would be touching the person that she desired above everything else.
"Oh." Miley's reply was short but there was sweetness present in her voice, laced with mild surprise, "Since when?"
Lilly shook her head and a smile began to play across her lips as her body breathed in Miley's scent and the warm aura which surrounded her, reminding Lilly of how cold she actually was after standing outside for so long. These factors were not important now, however, and all that Lilly cared about was her next few words and how Miley would react. "It doesn't matter how long. All that matters is that now I feel it, like I should have done a year ago. With you."
Miley's insides were tumultuous and she felt that if she should stir, then her whole body would take on a movement which was outside of her control. Her mind was nagging her to be cautious but her heart was pounding within her breast as she looked into Lilly's warm blue eyes, which were twinkling with love. Miley breathed in deeply and felt as if she wanted to weep from the unfortunate timing of the greatest love of her past. At the same time, the desire to laugh was also creeping through her, and she longed to have the blonde laugh with her to ease her itching discomfort. Miley felt a smile curving across her face as she thought of the ridiculous situation they were both in. For the second time tonight, it was as if only the two girls standing on the balcony existed in the entire world, and that was how Miley always used to feel in Lilly's presence. Finally all of her high school dreams had come to life, and all she had to do was take the plunge and Lilly would be there, falling beside her.
"What are you smiling about?" Lilly asked, interrupting Miley's thoughts once more in an attempt to draw out the truth
"I don't know really." Miley whispered, "It just seems so surreal. I mean, did you want to kiss me tonight?"
Lilly was taken aback at once by the directness of Miley's question and she could only stumble over the thoughts in her head, shrug her shoulders and reply, "I don't know, did you want to kiss me?"
"I asked you first." Miley said, so quietly that Lilly could barely hear her over the sound of waves on the surf only a few feet away.
"Well now I'm asking you." Lilly replied, and her cobalt eyes blazed so fiercely that Miley felt the power from them transpiring into her very soul. "Do you want to kiss me?"
Miley's eyes widened, yet within them a flame flickered up so sudden and hauntingly that Lilly was shocked through to her core. Miley surged into life as heat soared through her system, burning her heart and giving her the strength to fully commit her next act. Without saying a word, the brunette gripped Lilly's shoulders tightly before pulling her forward to close the distance. Miley's lips parted naturally as she leant in to press her mouth against Lilly's.
For a moment nothing happened as Lilly was too surprised to react, but eventually she began to move her lips wordlessly against Miley's who responded in turn. Lilly closed the gap which separated their two beings and wrapped her arms around Miley to run her hands up and down her back, in an attempt to soothe both of their bursting emotions. The very action sent shock waves through Miley and she whimpered against the warm touch of Lilly's mouth.
The kiss did not last long as doubt built up in Miley's mind in the form of a certain grey-eyed male which she had left behind. She drew away slowly, to be faced with Lilly's frightened stare, and her heart softened at once.
"Wow." Miley stated quietly as her eyes scanned Lilly's, ploughing deeply in an attempt to read Lilly's naked thoughts. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump on you like that."
Lilly looked lost and her reply caused her insides to churn as she could not think of the correct words, "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's my fault; I shouldn't have said all those things. You have a boyfriend…" Lilly slapped her hand against her forehead, "Oh my god. Miley, you have a boyfriend. I am so, so sorry. I didn't mean for that to just happen. I just made you cheat…"
"No." Miley interrupted with eyes widened from alarm at the growing realisation of what they had done, "No. It's not your fault and you didn't make me cheat on him. It's not cheating what just happened. We're friends. We're best friends and, well, who knows what's going on anymore right?"
Lilly did not look entirely persuaded and she took a step away from Miley in her confusion. Miley's heart fell at this sudden movement as she was internally calling out for Lilly again with every part of her existence. Since they had parted, she had instantly missed the contact, the warmth and the familiarity which being with Lilly promised.
"I-I dunno Miley. I don't want to be the one responsible for breaking up a relationship. I'm really, really sorry."
"Lilly, please?" Miley gasped, pleaded, she was not sure which.
A silence instilled between the two girls where they just stood and stared at one another. The short space between them was taunting and both desired nothing more than to be together again, yet neither dared to take the first step.
As if from far away, a sudden realisation came to them as a noise, a chant which grew gradually louder drew upon their attention. "Ten… Nine…" From within the building came the heaving countdown that signalled the dawning of a New Year, "Eight…Seven…" Neither girl said a word. They just stood and stared. "Six…Five…Four…" Something was building within them, the same emotions playing through their two beating hearts and, as they gazed into each other's eyes, the same expression was featured on both of their faces. "Three…Two…One…" Miley blinked. "Happy New Year!" The cry resounded throughout the house and, with her first breath of the New Year, Lilly was stirred into action.
Miley took a step toward her friend, her arms outstretched in a silent plea, yet Lilly backed toward the door. "I'm sorry Miley, but I don't think I should be here anymore." Lilly looked apologetic and devastation was evident in everything that she portrayed.
"Lilly, don't be like this." Miley called out, her voice was hoarse and her throat could barely emit her words as it was drawn so tightly from emotion.
"It's probably better if I leave now." Lilly said, her voice was trembling and tears were beginning to form in her eyes.
"Please don't leave again." Miley tried to say, but it came out in a sob which hit Lilly's heart and came close to breaking it.
"I-I can't stay. I need to think." Lilly replied and her voice sounded distant from the roaring in Miley's ears.
"Just stay here and enjoy the party." Miley asked, it was a simple request but Lilly shook her head.
"I just don't know where I stand anymore. If you can give me the answer, then I'll know what I should do." Lilly responded, her voice desperately increasing in volume.
Miley stopped still at the statement as doubt swept across her mind. She looked at her friend, her best friend who stood before her, yet as she paused to think, the masculine image of her boyfriend came to the forefront of her mind. As Miley reached out to brush it away, however, Lilly mistook the pause for something else. Terror bolted through the blonde girl's mind, sweeping aside all rationality and, like a terrified deer which was once stunned by headlights, she turned away to disappear from Miley's sight.
Miley still did not move and only continued to gaze at the spot where her friend had been standing. She did not know what was to come next, but she would grant Lilly the time that she desired to think. Miley bit her lip and pressed her shaking palms into her eyes to prevent the tears from flowing. She would know what to do when the time came but, until then, she would have to live her life in the complicated web which she was continuing to weave for herself.
A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed that. Bit of a wait I know, and I'm sorry. I just didn't want to rush in posting it. I really wanted to make sure it was as complete as I could get it before it went up. Also I found this chapter quite interesting to write because it is slightly autobiographical lol. Good times. Anyway, let me know what you think :) Oh also, have boosted the rating to M because I'm not sure what's going to happen in the next couple of chapters. Just thought I would warn you.