Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Changed the pen name.

Miley laid awake that night, her head swirling. She loved Austin. She was in love with Austin. Austin was hers. That beautiful boy belonged to her just as she belonged to him. She could not have been happier. She anticipated tomorrow when she would be able to say it to him, face to face. This is what he had been waiting for. This is what they had both been waiting for. It just felt so perfect.

Too perfect.

Miley groaned as she thought of Nick. Nick's words did not go unnoticed. She had literally chewed off half of her bottom lip just thinking about it. The more she thought of Nick, something in her stirred and it made her feel dizzy. They had loved each other. No, the old Miley and Nick loved each other. Yes, she knew the old Miley very well. Loud, obnoxious, never knew went to keep her mouth shut. Miley had watched and listened to almost every interview and concert footage of this Miley wondering how on earth that could have been her at one point. It boggled her mind. It stumped her even more to think that Nick had fallen in love with that kind of person. He was so...reserved. Opposites surely did attract.

She sighed and rubbed her temples. Nick's pain bothered her. He tried so hard to keep it to himself, but she was able to read him like an open book. That bothered her, too. He had let some of the pain leak out when he told her of what he went through, but not all of it. It was just the tip of the ice berg. There was a larger mass hiding deep within. Miley saw it all. The pain in his eyes burned her and she hated it. Because she didn't love Nick. And that's all it took for that pain to go away. He needed her to love him.

She let a sigh of frustration out and she glared at the moon. Slowly she fell asleep.

Nick stared out at the moon, biting his lower lip. Was it smart to tell Miley all that stuff? He shouldn't have. She would over think it and he knew that when he told her. He anticipated that. But she was happy with Austin. Nick witnessed that today. Did she love him? Nick was positive. That look she held in her eye when she looked Austin was the same look she used to give him before....

Nick groaned. Couldn't he let her be happy? Was that so hard? He loved her enough that she should be happy. But he was selfish. Everyone took him to be a polite, quiet young man. Not this time. Miley was going to be his again. Austin was going to get out of the picture. And everything was going to be the way it was before the accident.

Nick never kept many promises, but that was a promise he intended on keeping.

Miley woke to the sound of her dad opening the door and greeting somebody. Who would come this early? She groaned and rolled out bed. She walked into her bathroom and jumped at the sight in front of her. Yikes. She ran her fingers through her knotted hair and threw it up in a messy ponytail. Then she rubbed the sleep from her eyes and splashed her face with cold water. She was instantly awake. Next her teeth....

Once she was done freshening up, she walked downstairs wondering who was there so early. It couldn't have been Austin because he had work. She hit the last step and walked down the long hall to her living room. Once she turned the corner, she gasped. "Nick?"

Nick looked up, surprised to see her. "Oh. Hello. Did I wake you?"

Miley shook her head then noticed her dad standing there, arms folded across his chest. Both of their faces were serious like they had been having a deep conversation. She looked back at Nick and she could see that he was truly surprised to see her. He didn't expect her. The visit wasn't for her. That stung somewhere in her. She played it off. "Err... What are you doing here?"

Before Nick could answer, Robby Ray spoke up. "Superstar here put his brother in the hospital."

Miley gasped and looked at Nick. Nick ducked his head in embarrassment but she saw a small smile playing on his lips. Robby Ray laughed and patted Nick's back. Miley looked at her father. "That's funny?"

"I got a good chuckle out of the story," Robby Ray smiled. "Darn teenage boys. Always let your hormones get the best of ya." Nick blushed.

Miley eyed Nick again. "What's the story?"

Nick hesitated before smiling. "Uhm... Brotherly love." Robby Ray let out another laugh.

Miley sniffed. Fine. He didn't have to tell her. Why would she care anyway? She looked back at Nick and found him eyeing her. Not checking her out, but watching her. He was being careful. Miley shifted awkwardly on her feet as she realized she had intruded on something. Silence fell over all of them.

Robby Ray shot weird glances at the both of them and snorted. "Y'all are boring. Catch ya later, Nick." He patted Nick's back once more before walking off. Nick nodded in his direction.

"You and my dad are friends?"

Nick looked back at Miley. "Yes. We became close during...." he faded.

Miley nodded, understanding. "So is Joe okay?"

Nick smiled. "Never said which brother exactly... Yes, he's fine. He's back at home. No harm done. Well... much. He can say bye to that model career," he joked.

Miley rubbed the back of her neck, nervously. Why was she nervous? "That's good. It was just a hunch about Joe. Just a feeling."

"Of course."

Another awkward silence.

Nick cleared his throat and looked away from her. "You are awake early. I didn't mean to disturb you. Just came to see your dad. I didn't know if you'd want to see me after last night. I'm sorry about that. I do have a temper. Or so I've been told. I would never intentionally hurt someone. Excluding Joe. He's kind of the exception. But I don't know what got into me. You were right. I was a guest here and he is your b-boyfriend, I guess. It was completely out of line and I just—"

"Do you tend ramble when you get nervous, Nick?"

Nick looked back at her and smiled. "Sorry. I am rambling, aren't I? Just thought I'd break the tension."

Miley smiled back at him. "What tension? I'm over it. You're sorry. Let's start over?"

Nick nodded. "I would very much like that."

"Me too."

Nick hesitated but crossed the room, sticking out his hand. He stopped right in front of her. "So... We're good?"

Miley took his hand and shook it. She quickly dropped when she felt a heat wave through her body. "We're good."

Nick grinned—full teeth—and ran his fingers through his hair. "Awesome."

Miley tried not to do it. She felt it coming. She clamped her mouth shut and tried holding it back. Nick ran his hand through his hair again and shook it, oblivious with his actions. Miley watched as his curls bounced and it took all her might not to do it. She couldn't.....

At first it came out as a whimper, probably from being suppressed, and then a moan escaped from the back of her throat. Nick stopped mid-action and looked at her. Miley covered her mouth with her hand and she could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. Miley's eyes ran over him and she took a step back. He was wearing black jeans and a red T-shirt. His arm was raised in the air, hand in his hair, and his other hand was stuffed in his pocket. He looked like a model with the sunlight dancing off his muscles. She looked back at his face and his expression was something along the line of amusement.

Nick ran his fingers back through his hair, slowly. He knew what this was doing to her. Miley let out a sharp breath. Then he rubbed and flexed one of his muscles, nonchalantly. Miley blinked and whimpered, trying so hard to cover up the moans. The desire that coursed through her body certainly did not come from her. She didn't want that. She was trying to fight it off. It was like he was awaking another part of her... She tried to silence it.

"Miley..." She jumped at his voice. "Are you okay?"

Miley nodded, not trusting her voice.

He stared at her for a second the amusement never leaving his eyes. She wanted to smack him. "Are you busy today?"

"No."

"You don't have therapy?"

"Not today, I don't."

Nick smiled and she realized she should've lied. Because if he asked her.... "Would you like to... I don't know... Hang out?" ...she was sure she couldn't say no. He stared at her with innocent eyes.

She looked away. "I don't know. What's there to do?"

"Whatever you like."

Miley shrugged. "I've never... I mean. Well, I haven't actually gone out before."

Nick looked shocked. "Austin's never taken you anywhere?"

Miley glared at him but shook her head. "No."

"Then... You must come," he urged. "The city's wonderful."

Miley stared him down for a minute before giving up. He looked too innocent for her to say no. "Sure. Let me get ready."

Nick smiled triumphantly and she scowled at him. "I'll be waiting..."

Miley took her sweet time getting ready, just to test Nick's patience. She didn't get into anything dressy. Just a pair of jeans and a v-neck shirt with an old pair of converse. She didn't feel the need to dress up for Nick. She let her down into their natural curls and didn't even bother with the make -up. One step at a time she walked down the stairs to Nick.

Nick was sitting on her couch, an ecstatic look on his face. Once he saw her round the corner into her living room, he immediately stood up and took in her appearance. "Beautiful," he murmured.

She looked at him with surprise. "I'm not even dressed up. I... I didn't even put on make-up."

Nick walked over to her and took her hand. She ignored the heat that raced up and down her spine. "Exactly. The way I see it... Why mess with perfection?" He pulled her towards the front door. Miley's cheeks turned a dark red. They walked towards his car and he held the door open for her.

"Thank you," Miley mumbled as she got in.

Nick nodded and ran to his side of the car and got in. He started up the engine and slowly backed out of her long drive way, past the gate, and on to the open road. After a few minutes of silent driving, Nick spoke up. "So this must be somewhat awkward for you. If it makes you easier, tell me about yourself. I'm all ears."

Miley tried to hold in her giggle, but failed. "Don't you know like everything about me?"

Nick smiled and shook his head. "Things... Stuff could have changed..."

Miley bit her lip, trying to hide a smile. Once again, she failed. Nick was trying not to make things awkward. He was just curious. He was going to accept the change. That thrilled her...and disappointed her...sort of.... "Well, what's there to tell?"

"Twenty questions?"

"Sure."

Nick released a loud sigh and cocked his head to the side, trying to think of a question. His lips puckered and his eyebrows scrunched over his eyes. Miley laughed at his expression. "Don't hurt your brain, Nick. Trust me... It's not fun," she teased.

Nick shook his head. "Okay. Favorite...song?"

Miley blushed. Damn it! Why did he have to start with THAT question?! "I don't have one." She hoped he couldn't hear the false note in her voice.

He did. "You always were a horrible liar."

"Next question."

He shot her a glare. "Not before you answer the first."

"No," she mumbled.

He looked at her suspiciously then shook it off. "In due time. Okay... Favorite ice cream?"

"Cookie dough."

He smiled. "Right on. That always was your favorite. Color?"

"Pink."

Nick's smile grew wider. "Shoes?"

"Converse," Miley said pointing down at her shoes.

Nick shook his head in amazement. "Okay. Game over. I don't find it necessary. Well, besides that song one. I'll just have to force it out of you." He glared at her teasingly. "If there is any difference in you, I'll notice it." He paused. "Want some coffee? It is really early. I highly doubt any stores are open at this time..."

Nick's statement made Miley nervous. She didn't know why. "Err... Yeah, sure."

"Starbucks it is then," He said taking a sharp turn. Miley tensed at the quick movement of the car.

"P-please, don't do that. It... It scares me."

Nick's eyes widened. "Oh, Miley! I didn't even think about how you would feel in a car! I'm so sorry! God, I'm stupid."

"No, no, Nick. It's fine. I've been in a car before. I just don't like the fast movement, that's all. Besides, it's not like I can remember the accident, I just..." She stopped talking when she noticed the sick look in Nick's expression. "It's fine," she mumbled. "It's fine..."

Nick nodded and let a shaky breath out. The sick look still didn't leave his face. Miley ran her fingers through her hair and mentally groaned. The pain in his eyes was back. This would be harder than she thought...

Nick and Miley walked side by side in the park, her sipping a latte and him nibbling on a muffin. Miley kept throwing awkward glances at him, trying hard to think of something to talk about. "So...uhh...Nick, you know things about me, right? I think it's only fair that I know things about you. Maybe you can spark a memory..." The instant she said that she knew she would regret it. The look of hope in his eyes was worse than the pain.

"Yeah, sure. Uhm. I am in a band with my brothers... Favorite color is green. I love writing songs. Demi is my best friend and Joe's "almost" girlfriend." Miley shot him a surprised look. "I'll explain later."

She laughed. "Please do. Jeez, you're in a coma for only a year and it feels like you miss out on everything." She thought Nick would've laughed, but his expression was a burning one. The fire in his eyes was too much for her. "That was a joke..."

"Joke's are usually funny."

"I'm sorry. Just trying to lighten the mood. I find it easier to joke about it."

Nick's eyes tightened. "Don't," he said through his teeth. "Not with me, at least."

Miley shook her head. "I won't... Please, continue..."

Nick had to let his anger simmer down before restarting. "Uhm... I don't know what else to say."

"Any girlfriends?"

"Not anymore," he teased, sending a wink in her direction. Miley just rolled her eyes. "I've only had two girlfriends... You and Selena. I'm sure you've read about that somewhere."

"I have," Miley agreed. Nick tried to hide his smile. She didn't realize the hidden meaning in his sentence. "What's so funny?"

"You, uhh, looked me up?"

Miley blushed. "Just to back up the fact that I once was your girlfriend. That's all. I wasn't sure if I should believe you or not..."

Nick smiled. "Sure... Okay." He paused and smirked. "You've got the hots for me."

"I do not!"

Nick laughed. "Don't deny it, Miley! What did you dream about last night, hmm? Some hot make out sesh with me. Yeah... I knew it. The ladies just want to touch me."

Miley rolled her eyes. "That would be you. And in your dreams, Gray. The way I see it... Why settle for second best?" She teased.

Nick grinned. "And that's why in time you are going to fall for me. I'm second to no one."

Miley shook her head to that statement. "Wanna bet?"

"I'm up for a challenge."

Miley frowned. She wasn't serious. But, hey, if he wanted to embarrass himself... "Okay, lover-boy, you are so on. Here are the rules. If you are so sure that I'm going to magically fall in love you, then you can't do anything about it. That means no tricks. If we are meant to be, let it come natural. Got it?"

"Sure. No tricks. Got it. I wasn't called Prince Charming for nothing."

Miley giggled. "Who called you that?"

Nick smiled, mischievously. "That would have been you."

Miley's eyes widened. "That doesn't mean a thing!"

"No... of course not." Nick shook his head, sarcastically. "So when I win... What do I get?"

"Ha. You're funny. Okay... How about the winner decides that when it comes down to it?"

"And when will that be? How long will this game go if by some weird chance you don't fall for me?"

Miley thought it over. "Not forever... When we both know for a fact that I'm nowhere near in love with you. Trust me, that won't take long."

"Deal," Nick said sticking his hand out. "Oh, and don't mention this to your boy toy."

Miley growled, shaking his hand. "Deal."

Nick smirked. "Miss Stewart, you have no idea what you have just gotten yourself into."

Nick pulled into Miley's driveway after a long day of just hanging out. Miley looked over and smiled. "You know, I didn't think I'd have this much fun today. I've been cooped up for so long. It was nice to use my muscles for something other than therapy."

Nick shrugged. "Anytime, Miley. Maybe we can do this another time."

Miley looked around, hesitating. "Well... I do have therapy tomorrow until three... But Austin doesn't get off until seven. I do get bored for those four hours... Maybe you'd like to come and, you know, hang out? I'd love to see how Joe is."

Nick smiled. "He'd love to see you, too. Okay, three it is. C'mon, I'll walk you to the door, 'cause that is what the charming gentlemanly men do, you know?" He winked at her.

Miley rolled her eyes. "Don't push your luck."

They both got out of the car and walked up to her door. Miley gasped when she saw a figure standing there. "Austin!"

Nick scowled. "Yay..."

Miley ignored him and ran to Austin's arms. "What are you doing here?" Nick kept his distance.

Austin looked at her, grimly. "Miley... My mom's gotten worse..."

"Oh, Austin... I'm so sorry..."

Austin sighed. "I'm taking her to my grandparents' house. She needs to get away. She needs more family..."

Miley had a few tears in her eyes. "But... she has you..."

Austin held her tight, holding in a sob. "Guess I'm not enough, sweetheart."

Nick's throat felt thick, the pain in Austin's words was too much for him. He looked away, feeling out of place.

"Where do your grandparents live?"

"Texas... I'm driving her there. I don't know how long I'll be gone for, though. She needs to get better."

Nick and Miley both looked his way, surprised. "You're leaving?" Miley gasped.

"Yeah. But not forever. I'll be back."

Miley shook her head. "No... No! NO! You can't leave! Not...now. Please, not now. I...I need you." Miley threw a glance at Nick. Nick stood there dumbly with his mouth open, trying to process this information. Miley shuddered. She wanted so bad to tell him about the bet. "Austin... Please..."

Austin glared. "My mom needs me, Miley. Look, I know you're still dealing with everything, but my mom... she just can't deal, okay? This is still hard for her."

Miley started crying. "Austin... I...can't be without you... I lo..." C'mon, Miley say it! "I—I...need you..." Austin didn't catch what Miley was really trying to say, but Nick did. He stared at Miley with shock. Miley ignored him. "I just really, really need you... You have no idea."

Austin smiled a little before kissing her. Miley clutched the back of Austin's neck and held him against her. She slipped her tongue in his mouth, trying to get her real point across. I love you, damn it! Miley growled in her head.

Nick looked away, disgusted. That girl had some damn nerve to do that right in front of him. The sound of their lips smacking reached his ears and he had to swallow back the bile in his mouth.

Austin pulled away, out of breath. "Wow... Miley, it won't be forever. Promise. I'll be back."

Miley knew it was pointless. She held him tight before releasing him. "Okay..."

Austin caressed her cheek. "That's my girl... I better get going..." He kissed her one last time before turning around and walking to his car. He looked back at Miley and for the first time he noticed Nick standing there. His eyes widened. Nick smirked and waved him off. Austin hesitated for a second, having second thoughts, and then hopped in his car. Nick and Miley watched him drive off.

"You shut the windows tight... But he just left the door wide open," Nick whispered, still looking in the direction Austin drove off. This was just too good for him. Sure, he felt bad for the guy, but Miley didn't belong to Austin. It was like Austin was only trying to make this easier for him. Yes, this was far too easy... And Miley was going to be his again... He looked back at Miley. She stared at him with wide eyes. "And so it begins..."

So... The "stupid little Niley wrecker" is gone. But for how long? Long enough for Nick to get his shot with Miley? Will Miley fall in love with him? Will her memory come back before Austin does? So many questions! :)