Author's Note: Welcome back! This chapter picks up about one month after the previous chapter ended, so it's now the end of January. It's time for the Academy Awards, so enjoy this chapter as a pleasant moment of celebration for Miley and Lilly. I promise we'll get back to the scheming and drama quite soon, but I wanted this night to be one that Miley and Lilly could enjoy completely. They've earned it, after all. For those of you outside the United States or unfamiliar with the Academy Awards, those awards are awarded annually to the best in movies in America. It's hard to compare awards across different subjects, but the Academy Awards (or Oscars, as they're affectionately called) are considered by many the most prestigious American awards presented for performing arts. Oscar winners and, to a lesser note, even Oscar nominees are granted tremendous respect in the film industry, with a win capable of launching an actor or actress's career into the upper realms of celebrity.
I want to welcome back Elodie Wolfe and BrownandBlueEyes, both of whom have just recently returned and caught back up on this story. We missed you and are thrilled to have you back! And Babe, thank you for the birthday wishes and for your lovely reviews! Thanks to everyone who's reading along, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Here are my standard disclaimers: I make no claims on any of Disney's, Miley Cyrus', Emily Osment's or Hannah Montana's trademarks or copyrights, and no infringement is intended on them or those of any other artist or publication mentioned. Be forewarned that this story most certainly will contain femslash. If love and affection between two consenting young adults of the same sex bothers you, I suggest you turn right around and find something else to read. Keep any flames to yourself and remember that what our world needs now is more love and acceptance, not more hate. Reviews are always welcomed and appreciated!
We Got Nerve
by Jo P.
Chapter 17: Destiny Is Calling
Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibis
But it's just the price I pay
Destiny is calling
Open up my eager eyes
'Cause I'm Mrs. Brightside
--Hannah Montana,"Mrs. Brightside" (her cover of the Killers' "Mr. Brightside")
As the limousine patiently waited in line to ferry its occupants to the red carpet, the two young women sitting in its back seat found themselves oddly nervous.
"Calm down, honey," said Miley, trying to soothe Lilly's jangling nerves as much as possible. She leaned over and kissed her wife on the cheek, lingering close enough to smell Lilly's scent of oranges from her shampoo. Granted, her real hair was hidden beneath Lola's new soft pink wig, but at this distance Miley could take in every subtle clue when it came to her best friend. "You look beautiful and you're going to do great. Plus you know I love you whether you win or not."
"That's not it, Miles," said Lilly with a soft sigh. She turned and gave Miley an honest smile, then she closed the few millimeters between their lips, letting the kiss linger for several seconds. "Just, this is the biggest night of Lola's life second to marrying you, and I can't even sit with my parents." As Miley pulled away from their kiss, Lilly glanced ahead, seeing that there were still several nearly identical limousines lined up ahead of them. She could feel Miley's sudden anxiety beating in her own chest, and that made her even more apprehensive. "What is it, honey?" Lilly asked. She had to know what Miley had just thought of, what it was that had filled her best friend with abrupt concern.
Miley took her own glance down the road ahead of them, performing a mental estimate of their arrival time just as Lilly had done seconds earlier. When she looked back into Lilly's blue eyes, Lilly could see not exactly fear but something resembling uncertainty in her wife's eyes. "I'm going to ask you something," Miley said in a soft voice just above a whisper. "And I want you to be really honest with me, okay?"
Well, that was an odd request. Lilly nodded. "Of course I'll be honest with you, Hannah," she said, slightly puzzled. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Miley smiled. "If you were tryin' to not say something that might bother me," she said. "And it wouldn't be you being dishonest, because I know you wouldn't ever be dishonest to me, it'd just be more like you were tryin' to keep from hurtin' me."
Lilly smiled that soft, loving smile that she saved for Miley and only Miley. "Okay, I promise not to do that," she said. "What is it that's on your mind, hon?"
Miley stared into Lilly's eyes for long seconds, long enough to make Lilly's concern grow. Finally she opened her soft lips and softly asked, "Do you want your parents to sit with us?"
Lilly opened her mouth to reply when the meaning of Miley's words fully settled upon her, freezing the words in her throat. She's not asking what it sounds like she is. No way. But as she gazed deeply into those crystal blue eyes that reflected only love and concern back to her, Lilly realized that was exactly what Miley was asking.
As Miley breathlessly waited for her wife's reply, her mind raced through the possible outcomes that could follow Lilly's reply. While many of those possible outcomes filled her with apprehension, even fear, she bravely tamped down those fears. As long as she had Lilly, the two of them could weather anything, any possible crisis or complication, even ones that might result from revealing their true identities to the world. It was that knowledge that gave Miley the strength to bravely wait for Lilly's answer, regardless of what that answer might be.
"No," Lilly said, shaking her head softly to match her low voice. She stared into her best friend's eyes as she took her hands in her own and held them firmly. "I love our lives too much the way they are, sweetheart, and I don't want to risk losing our lives out of the spotlight just because I'm feeling sorry for myself that I can't sit with my parents tonight." She smiled. "I think Mom and Dad will be fine by themselves," she said, "because I'm great with sitting with no one but you."
Miley's heart flooded with relief at her best friend's words. "Okay," she said, exerting all her willpower to control her expression before she realized that Lilly probably already knew what she was feeling inside. "Could you—"
"Feel that you were scared to death of what I might say?" asked Lilly, a twinkle in her eyes that made Miley smile before her brain could even finish registering it. "Yeah, I could feel it. Just a teensy bit." She smiled, making Miley laugh.
"Sorry," Miley said. "I just want you to have whatever you want tonight, no matter what. Even if that means telling people who we really are so they can realize just how amazing you are. The real you."
Lilly smiled again as she released one of Miley's hands, lifting her fingers to Miley's face and gently cupping her best friend's cheek. "This is the real me, honey," she said. "It's not what I wear or what color my hair is that makes me real, Miley," she whispered. "It's the fact that I'm sitting next to you."
Miley felt tears immediately flood her eyes at Lilly's heartfelt honesty. She threw her arms around her best friend's neck, hugging her tightly as Lilly did the same. "I love you so much," said Miley, struggling to not sob as she spoke. "I'd do anything for you, baby, with no regrets," she said, starkly confessing just how much hold Lilly had over her heart.
Lilly nodded imperceptibly, her head held firmly against Miley's. "I know you would, sweetheart, just like I would for you," she replied. "But I think we're doing things the right way, not just for us but also for our families." Lilly allowed herself to smile indulgently as she slowly added, "And for our children."
"Amen to that," said Miley, closing her eyes as she turned her perception inward, focusing on the young life growing inside her, a constant reminder of their love for each other. "And I'm sorry for havin' a little freakout there."
Lilly relaxed her grip on Miley enough for them to once again look into each other's eyes. "It's okay," she said, letting her voice go back to its normal volume. "I've been sort of having my own little freakout all day."
Miley grinned. "Sorta hard to believe we're really here, huh?" she asked, feeling the same way herself. When Lilly nodded her agreement, Miley smiled, lightly biting one side of her lip as she thought. "You know what I did the last time I felt somethin' was too good to be true, Lola?" she asked. After a few seconds, Miley leaned in and said, "I just closed my eyes and thanked God for giving you to me."
"Awww," said Lilly, "my little romantic country girl!" She smiled as the limo came to yet another halting stop. However, this time the door opened up, letting the evening sunlight spill into the rear of the limousine as shouts and camera flashes began washing across the two young women. "Looks like we're here, huh?" Lilly said with a smug grin.
"Yep," replied Miley. "You want to get out first, since you're closer?"
Lilly turned and scooted to the door, being careful to not point her legs in a way that would let any high-resolution cameras sneak any peek-a-boo shots up her short skirt. "I'll get out first because I don't think anyone on earth could follow you in your outfit and not look ugly by comparison," she said with a knowing smile.
"Yeah, right," muttered Miley. "Well, at least I like my view," she added as she tugged down the rear of her wife's shimmering skirt, smiling dreamily as she took an up-close look at her wife's rear and her tan panties.
As Lilly stood, she took in the vast depth of the field of cameras and reporters, all yelling Lola's name and snapping pictures as fast as possible. Lilly took a moment to make sure her dress wasn't bunched up anyway, checking her shoes last. For tonight she had elected to tone down Lola's image of contrasting articles of clothing, going so far as to order a new wig in a soft pink hue. Her dress was a nearly backless one-of-a-kind piece, designed by Kylee Dean two weeks ago. Its shimmering soft golden fabric looked like satin at a distance, but up close it could be seen that it was a blend of several different fabrics, giving it feel and movement very similar to brushed silk. The top tied around Lilly's neck, covering her front completely but daring to leave a significant amount of her ribs and all of her back and strong shoulders on display. They had used double-sided tape to securely fasten the sides of the dress to Lilly's chest at certain points to prevent revealing too much of Lilly's chest, but the tantalizingly short hem of her skirt was also in competition for everyone's eyes. It fell to just below the middle of Lilly's thighs, showing off her amazing legs all the way down to the strappy golden Stella Fabiani heeled sandals that rounded out her outfit.
Miley was spellbound as she gazed adoringly at Lilly's muscular legs, the neatly cut edges of her lower quadriceps and calves standing out quite clearly in the late evening sun. "She's amazing," she whispered to herself as the golden sun made Lilly shine in its presence. Miley herself carefully eased out of the limousine, taking the same precautions as Lilly.
The sudden increase in frequency of the camera flashes along with the sudden shouts of "Hannah! Hannah!" made Lilly turn to look at her wife. She started to hurry and help Miley out of the car, but that was arrested by two factors. First, Miley had already gotten to her feet and was out of the limousine before Lilly could have helped her. Second, Lilly was completely enthralled by how her wife looked.
If the evening California sun made Lilly glow, it made Miley in her brilliant white outfit shine. Her evening gown was another Kylee Dean original, all pure white silk falling over her body. Its length was more along the lines of a cocktail dress, and it was, Lilly thought, quite reminiscent of ancient Greek gowns and robes. She wasn't sure if it had been conceived that way, but it certainly had come together into a stunning dress. The fabric was gathered at each of Miley's shoulders, bunched into soft, wide straps as it crossed those elegant shoulders. The top of the dress's front fell loose down to Miley's sternum, showing off the tops of her breasts, slightly larger than usual due to the progressing pregnancy. The loose material downplayed Miley's slowly growing abdomen, but a sash of the same bright white fabric gathered the dress in at her hips, giving a clear indication of her firm rear and shapely hips. The dress's hem fell at the top of Miley's knees, and while her legs weren't quite as muscular as Lilly's athletic ones, they were still lean, toned and well-defined. Her shoes were silvery-white Stella Fabiani heels, which Miley had fallen for as soon as she had laid eyes upon them. Completing the captivating image were Miley's healthy tan and Hannah's blonde hair, making her look even more vivacious and alive than usual for Hannah—and that was saying quite a bit.
She looks like an angel more than I've ever seen her, thought Lilly. So beautiful, so happy, so... pure. Lilly smiled. So in love. Just like I'm in love with her. She reached out and took Miley's hand. "You look amazing," Lilly said with a proud smile. "I am by far the luckiest person here, because I have the most gorgeous wife on the planet."
"You got competition," said Miley with a straight face.
"Who?" asked Lilly, surprised.
Miley smiled as she said, "Me."
"Equally lucky, then?" Lilly asked with a knowing smile.
"Equally lucky," agreed Miley as she and her bride began their leisurely walk along the red carpet, altogether oblivious to the cascade of camera flashes as they held hands and unconsciously kept their bodies touching in some way at all times.
After nearly an hour of walking the gauntlet of reporters, television hosts, and celebrity interviewers, they finally arrived at the entrance to the Academy Awards ceremony. After checking in with security, they were escorted to their assigned seats at the front of the auditorium, in the area reserved for award nominees. Hannah was also going to be performing tonight, singing her song "I'll Always See Your Smile," nominated for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture, from "Above and Beyond." Taking both their status as dual nominees and Hannah's being a performer into account meant that the Montanas were going to be sitting at the very front of the auditorium, something Miley deeply appreciated since she was almost twenty-four weeks pregnant.
As Lilly helped Miley sit down, she drew a few good-natured laughs at her fussing over keeping Miley's dress smooth as her wife took her seat. Once Miley was seated, Lilly promptly plopped down into her own seat, crossing her legs as she tugged the bottom of her skirt down slightly. "I think Kylee went a bit too short on this skirt," she grumbled to Miley, keeping her voice low.
Miley took a long look at Lilly's thighs on display just inches away, letting her gaze travel on down across Lilly's knees and slowly traverse the rest of her legs. "Looks pretty dang good from where I'm sittin'," she said softly, getting a playful poke in the ribs from Lilly.
"What did you say Kylee did before she got into designing dresses?" asked Lilly.
Miley winced, a gesture so subtle as to be imperceptible to anyone except Lilly, who already knew every little nuance, expression and tone of voice that her wife possessed. "She was, um... into acting."
"Like movies or television shows? Or commercials?"
"Yeah."
"Well, which one? Movies, television shows, commercials, what?"
"Uh... movies." Miley began to chew her fingernail, only to have Lilly take her hand in hers, resting them together on Miley's lap.
"You only chew your fingernails when you're nervous or embarrassed, Mrs. Montana," replied Lilly. "What kind of movies?"
Miley looked over at her best friend, then she flashed her best I'm-too-cute-for-you-to-be-mad-at-me smile. "Adult... movies?" she said cheerily, her smile remaining in full force.
"Ah," said Lilly. "That would explain the, shall we say, 'daring' style in several of her pieces?" she asked, already knowing the answer. She let Miley sweat for a few seconds before she smiled and said, "I'm just playing with you, honey. I remembered what she did before; she's never been shy about her previous career. And my gosh, I'm glad she switched into fashion! I mean, the woman can make absolutely killer dresses!"
Miley smiled and rested her head on Lilly's shoulder, Hannah's blonde locks falling over Lilly's right shoulder and arm. "Plus you look amazingly sexy in her stuff," Miley admitted. "Some of her dresses I swear are designed just for you."
"Thank you," said Lilly happily as she gave Miley a kiss on her head. "And you make her stuff look even hotter than it already is too, sexy thing." As the house lights dimmed to indicate the start of the program, Lilly said, "You think we'll make any best- or worst-dressed lists tonight?"
Miley smiled. "You already made mine," she said as she reached over and gently squeezed Lilly's knee with her right hand. "The best-dressed, that is."
The two of them got to watch the first thirty minutes of the program before an attendant came out to escort Miley backstage to prepare for the Best Original Song award presentation. As had been customary for several years, each nominated song would be performed by the artist who had recorded it. The order of the singers had been randomly selected, and the luck of the draw had Hannah singing fourth out of five. The votes had already been cast long before the program had begun, so the order really had no effect whatsoever on who won, easing the tension among all the performers.
As the first three artists performed their numbers, Miley waited quietly on the section of the stage reserved for her, standing atop a raised platform like the other nominees. As the third singer finished, Miley smiled as she waited for her song and name to be announced. She had a few butterflies in her stomach, which was unusual for her, but she focused on one particular pair of blue eyes out in the audience and drew strength from the focus and support she could feel from her partner. Right before the spotlight aimed at her came up, she rubbed her belly lightly, smiling at the young life she could feel inside her. As the spotlight flared to light and her music began, she felt energy circulate through her body; whether it came from her own excitement, from Lilly's love and support or from their baby inside her, she opened herself up to that energy and rode it out as she sang her song, a paean to a love powerful enough to irrevocably change lives and hearts, so strong that not even death itself could sever the bond it had created between two lovers. She sang of shared hopes and dreams between young lovers, of cruel loss and bleak despair wrought by death that came too soon, of inner strength and spirituality that came not from gods or religion but from a simple, steady love that refused to yield no matter the challenge. She sang of a love mighty enough to defy not only death but also life itself, forever changing those touched by it, always for the better. And as her strong, clear voice finally fell silent as the last notes of music ended, she fought back tears as all present rose to their feet, creating a sudden roar of applause and cheers that she could feel as much as hear. She saw Lilly on her feet, tears running down her cheeks as she clapped wildly, her face flushed with emotion that Miley shared as it coursed inside her. Lilly stopped clapping long enough to blow her a kiss; Miley forgot her tears instantly and laughed, returning the gesture without a second thought. She waved her thanks to the crowd, saying "Thank you" even though she knew the microphone would already be turned off in anticipation of the final nominee's performance. Even though it wouldn't be heard, she knew that her gratitude would be seen by the crowd, and that was enough for her.
As the spotlight illuminating her went off, Miley turned, taking the hand of the stagehand who had wheeled the movable staircase to her pedestal. "Thanks," she said pleasantly, brushing away tears with her free hand as she carefully descended the steps, handing the microphone to an attendant waiting at the foot of the stairs. "Hey, can I go back to my seat?" she asked the attendant. While she knew that the performers had been asked to remain backstage until the winner was announced, she was increasingly feeling the need to be in physical contact with Lilly, not so much for her own benefit as for Lilly's. She could feel that her best friend had been moved profoundly by her performance, so much so that Lilly's emotional state was making Miley dizzy. Lilly needed her, and tradition and protocol both paled in comparison to her wife's needs.
Not getting a response from the attendant who simply scurried off, Miley walked in the direction she had previously entered. After two people hurried by her before she could get a word out, she finally grabbed the next person who went by her. "Hey, you've got a pregnant lady here who's needin' to sit down," she said firmly. "Now I can either sit down on the stage out there, or I can sit down in my seat next to my wife. Which one's it gonna be?"
As Miley sat down next to Lilly, Lilly turned to look at her best friend with surprise. "I thought they wanted all of you to stay backstage until the winner was announced?" she asked Miley.
Miley slid over as far as her seat would allow her, putting her arm around Lilly and holding her tightly. "You needed me," she said simply. "So I came."
"Yay," said Lilly softly as she leaned her head against Miley's chest, focusing on the sound of Miley's heart to help clear her mind of the swirling tumult of emotions that had taken up residence. As the final nominee ended her song, Lilly teasingly said, "Now watch, I finally get myself all calmed down, just in time for you to win the Oscar."
The presenters returned to the podium and began fumbling with the envelope containing the winner's name as Miley said, "Oh please, do you really think that it's gonna happen so soo—"
"HANNAH MONTANA, for 'I'll Always See Your Smile'!"
"EEEEEEP!" yelled Lilly, clapping as she grabbed Miley and hugged her tightly. Before Miley could even react, Lilly's lips were on hers, then she was melting into her wife's fiery kiss as her own hands went to Lilly's back, pulling her tightly to her. "I told you you'd win!" squealed Lilly as they finally parted for air, with Miley uncharacteristically gasping for breath.
Miley somehow got to her feet as the applause continued, but Lilly had to point her in the right direction to the steps leading up onto the stage.
"Go on, sweetheart," Lilly said. "You've earned it."
"Come with me," Miley said as she stood, tugging on Lilly's hand.
"You have to make this speech by yourself, hon," said Lilly, but she didn't try to pull her hand free of her wife's firm grip. "Now get your cute butt up there! Everybody's waiting!"
Miley bent down and gave Lilly a quick kiss on the lips, then she turned and hustled to the stage, taking care not to move too fast and risk falling in her heels. She climbed the stairs with a spring in her step that seemed to belie her pregnancy, but she did manage to regain her composure and walk to the podium with a bit more poise despite the grin that refused to leave her face.
As she took the golden statuette from the hostess, she turned to face the audience. "Wow! Can you believe it?!" she shouted, holding the Oscar up over her head triumphantly as she looked over the entire auditorium, taking it in as the applause finally faded away. "Well, I didn't exactly have any kinda speech prepared for tonight," she admitted, drawing a few chuckles from the audience, "so let me make sure to thank the Good Lord above for everything He's done for me every step of the way, my momma and daddy for lettin' me chase my dream and talkin' me into hangin' in there when things got tough, um, everyone involved with this terrific movie which I am immensely proud to have been a part of and, finally, the most important person I have to thank." She cast her eyes to Lilly and smiled. "Lola, honey, thank you for being the most loving, caring, understanding, patient wife that this world's ever seen. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life, and thank you for being a part of mine." Miley felt her tears well up, but she swallowed against her burning throat and pressed on. "No, that's not right," she said, shaking her head. "You're not a part of my life, you are my life, and no song could ever say everything that I adore about you. Thank you for always being there for me. I love you, baby." She looked up, not wanting to see Lilly cry more than she already was, and added in a louder voice, "Thank you!" As the applause started again, she waved and turned around, letting the hostess escort her off the stage.
Miley saw one of the production assistants standing just off the stage, checking a watch and a clipboard. She briefly thought about apologizing for making such a long acceptance speech, but then she decided against it. She had promised long ago to never apologize for loving Lilly, and she wasn't going to start now.
As Miley made her way backstage, Lilly tried furiously to slow her tears enough to save Lola's makeup, but it was looking like a losing battle. Someone behind her had been kind enough to offer her a handkerchief, and she used it to hold her ground as she finally got her crying under control. "Ugh, I hate these hormones," she muttered, "and I'm not even the one who's pregnant. So not fair."
When Miley sat down in her seat beside Lilly, she was bouncing up and down with energy. "Hey, look what I got," she said happily.
Lilly looked up and smiled as she saw the shiny gold statuette that her best friend was holding. "Oh my gosh, it looks even cooler up close," she said. "Can I touch it?"
Miley gave her a nonplussed look. "Is that a trick question?" she asked. "I mean, since I've pretty much let you touch anything you want for, oh, seven years now?" She batted her eyes at Lilly, seemingly unaware of the double meaning in her words.
"You weren't complaining any of those other times," replied Lilly smugly. She reached out and took the award, hefting it in her hand. "Wow, it really is kinda heavy, huh?"
"Yeah," said Miley, her own smile huge. "This one's really mine, too. That one they gave me on stage is just for show. Somebody took it away from me soon as I was behind the curtain."
"And you didn't punch them?"
"Ha ha. No, I didn't punch them. That was what took me so long backstage."
"Well, maybe if you had punched them it would have gone faster."
There was a pause as Miley stared into Lilly's eyes, both young women struggling to keep straight faces. "Maybe I should punch you," Miley finally said, trying not to laugh.
Lilly's eyes twinkled in the lights as she fought to still her own lips from quivering with laughter. Finally she said, "Well, if that's some code for, 'Let's go backstage and fool around,' we could probably make that happen." She held her straight face for a further three seconds before it finally imploded, causing both of them to start laughing wildly.
As they brought their laughter under control after several not-so-polite shushes from those around them, Lilly and Miley leaned in against each other. Lilly quietly said, "I'm proud of you, sweetheart," as she gave Miley a brief kiss. She handed her wife's award back to her. "I need to go to the bathroom and try and fix what's left of my makeup."
"Here," said Miley, taking the handkerchief. "Let's get the rest of this off right here," she said, dipping the end of the handkerchief into her glass of water sitting in front of her seat. She carefully removed the rest of Lilly's makeup, ignoring what was going on with the program as she concentrated on her wife. Once the makeup had been removed, Miley reached into her tiny clutch purse and retrieved the lipstick that Lilly was wearing. She carefully touched up her girlfriend's lips, happily saying, "There!" when she was done. "You look awesome, hon."
"Thank you!" replied Lilly happily. "So, how long until I'm up for my award?"
Miley checked the program, then she looked around her until she found someone's watch to check the time on. "Looks like about an hour and a half."
The deflated look that fell across Lilly's face nearly made Miley start laughing again. "Please tell me you're joking," Lilly said softly.
"Could, but it wouldn't be true," said Miley quickly. "Sorry hon."
"Eh, could be worse," said Lilly, shrugging her bare shoulders. She leaned against Miley, resting her head on her wife's shoulder. "At least I have a really cute pillow," she said with a smirk.
Despite the long wait, Miley and Lilly both patiently made the most of their time. Lilly did indeed take a short nap on Miley's shoulder, with Miley only having to tell her to stop snoring once. Once Lilly was awake, she returned the favor by letting Miley take a quick snooze. As Miley rested, Lilly carefully looked at her wife's award, taking in the heft, the shine, the carefully engraved lettering on the base that marked the category, the year, and the winner: Best Original Song In a Motion Picture 2014, "I'll Always See Your Smile" by Hannah Montana.
Will I have one of these one day? Lilly found herself wondering. What would it feel like, to earn the same award as Miley? I've never done that, not ever. It would make us equals in a professional sense in one tiny way, and that's something I had always dreamed of. Lilly looked down at her sleeping wife and felt a thrill pass through her body. She looks so beautiful, no matter what she does. Heck, I don't think she could ever not look beautiful, not to me. Even when we're old and broken-down, I'll always see her as the most beautiful creature on earth.
"Most beautiful thing on earth to me, too, Lil..." mumbled Miley, making Lilly first jump in surprise, then freeze as she processed what Miley had whispered in her sleep.
Ohmygosh. Did she just... Lilly looked around first to see if anyone had heard Miley's whisper, then she peered down at her best friend. "Honey?" she whispered, hoping for a response of some sort, but Miley remained silent. "Hon?" She gently poked Miley in the side, getting a sleepy swat at her hand that wasn't even close. She IS still asleep. Lilly looked up at the stage, trying to calm her suddenly racing thoughts. No way. No WAY she just did that. But then...
She looked down again and saw Miley wrinkle her forehead, as if something was irritating her. She reached up and rubbed her nose, nearly making Lilly snort with laughter. Lilly had always loved the myriad faces Miley could make in her sleep even before they had started dating, and now the comfortable familiarity of looking at her lover's face while she slept stilled some of anxiety that had erupted inside Lilly. She decided that some things didn't need to be dissected or analyzed, regardless of their improbability. Some things just were, and that was enough.
"Mmmm," Miley mumbled as she began to stir. She stretched her arms out in front of her in a not-very-subtle way as she smiled, finally opening her eyes.
"That looked like a good stretch," said Lilly softly, trying not to giggle.
"Uh huh," mumbled Miley, covering her mouth as she yawned. "Felt good, too," she said as the yawn passed. "We gettin' close to the big moment?"
"Actually, yeah, it's coming up right after Best Supporting Actor, which is next."
"Cool," said Miley, glancing around. "Hey, gimme back my shiny award," she said playfully.
"Uh uh," countered Lilly, transferring the statuette to her left hand, away from Miley.
Miley stuck out her lip, batting her impossibly sexy eyes at the woman who was powerless against them. "Pwease?" she said in a childish voice.
Lilly narrowed her eyes at her wife, but she knew she was beaten. "Oh, alright," she said, handing the statuette over. "Cheater."
The audience began to applaud. Reflexively Miley and Lilly joined in, Miley dropping her award in her lap to free up both hands. Lilly eyed the award briefly before Miley protectively covered it with her right hand. "I saw that look, woman," Miley said quietly.
"Hmph." Lilly crossed her arms, attempting a fake pout strategy herself, but she still was nowhere near the master that Miley was when it came to that skill. "Well, one day I'll get my own."
Miley's serious face shifted into a warmer one that never failed to make Lilly's stomach do little happy flips deep inside. "Yes, you will," she said as she looked into Lilly's large, loving eyes. "I know it."
As Lola's name was called out as one of the nominees, there was polite applause as a brief clip from the movie was played, drawing their attention to the large screen on the stage. They both shivered at the scene that played, showing Lola's character the morning after burying her lover, looking down at the two children that were her responsibility now and haphazardly wiping at her tears before carefully lying down between them, holding them both as they turned and scooted against their new mother.
"I hated filming that scene," Lilly whispered, and Miley knew that all too well. Lilly had gone to some of her worst nightmares to summon enough sadness, tears and loss for her character in those scenes, and when those scenes were finished she would run to her trailer and call Miley on the phone, crying as she reassured herself that her best friend, her partner, was still alive and well and that her worst fears were just those: fears, not fact.
Miley squeezed Lilly's hand firmly. "It took a lot of courage to go where you had to for those scenes," she said simply. "I don't think I could have done it," she admitted. And I hope and pray neither of us ever has to experience that for real.
They stopped whispering as they heard the now-familiar phrase, "And the Oscar goes to..."
Lilly reached over with her other hand and squeezed Miley's hand tightly as she closed her eyes, unable to watch the presenters haltingly open the elaborate envelope.
"Lola Montana!"
The shrieks and cheers throughout the audience were impressive, but all of them fell short of the shocked scream that came out of Lilly's adorable mouth. Miley tried to cover her ears, but Lilly refused to relinquish her wife's hands, resulting in ears that would be ringing the rest of the night. Miley quickly realized what would stop her partner's piercing shriek and leaned in to cover Lilly's mouth with her own. As Lilly registered her wife's lips and tongue on her own, she stopped screaming and began kissing, nearly delirious with surprise. After several seconds of lusty applause, Miley finally pulled away and tugged Lilly to her feet, standing with Lilly. "Go on, honey," said Miley proudly as she extricated her hands from Lilly's python-esque grip and began to carefully applaud. "Go get your Oscar. You deserve it, baby."
Lilly paused, her eyes begging for Miley to come to the stage with her. With her eyes and smile and not a single word, Miley conveyed her proud reply to Lilly: You earned this yourself, without me. It's time for you to stand as a star, as my equal, on your own talent and dedication. Lilly smiled, and Miley knew her wife had understood clearly. She watched as Lilly strode to the steps, practically leaping up them in two bounds. As she gleefully took the Oscar and raised it above her head, pumping it in the air, the cheers intensified as Miley stuck her fingers in the corners of her mouth and added her own piercing whistle to the mix of sounds.
As Lilly stepped to the podium, the cheers and applause rapidly died down, leaving the audience in a rather abrupt silence for a few moments as Lilly considered her words. She looked up, away from the golden statuette in her hand and into the crowd. "Wow," she said softly. "I, um, hadn't really come up with a speech, because I didn't think there was a chance that I'd win. My head's still kind of spinning, actually, so I'm not going to take long." Lilly took a deep breath to try and still her thoughts. "My wife saved me for last in her speech, so I'm going to return the favor," she said with a smile and a happy look at Miley where she sat in the audience. Lilly looked around in the audience, but she couldn't see her parents. Still, she knew they were there. "Mom and Dad, thank you so much for giving me life, love, and a home where I could be myself. Because of you, I knew that I'd always have support in anything I did." Lilly wiped away a single tear from the corner of her eye and laughed once. "I don't think I'd ever been so scared in my life as when I brought home my best friend and told you two that we were in love, but you never got mad or yelled, or threatened to throw us out, or said anything other than how happy you were that we had found each other. That's one of the greatest gifts you ever gave me, and I want you to know how much I love and appreciate you for that. Millions of kids never get that acceptance, and it breaks my heart when I hear of a family split over something as essential as love. Thank you for being the best parents ever." As she paused to catch her breath, ringing applause filled the auditorium. Lilly smiled at the sentiment. "I also want to thank Hannah's parents for supporting us and loving me just like their own daughter. While her dad's down here on earth and her mom's watching from Heaven, I want both of them to know that I love them just the same as they love me."
Lilly caught motion from the side of the stage, where a production assistant was trying to get her to hurry along. "Hey, hold your horses, I'm hurryin'!" she said as she turned to look at him, drawing laughter from the audience and making Miley hide her face in her free hand. "Didn't see you trying to rush my wife along," she grumbled into the microphone, drawing even more laughs. She raised her head back up, but this time she only had eyes for one very special person. "Eleven years ago I fell in love with my best friend. I didn't realize it at first because it took some time for that love to grow and bloom, but I did. She's always been there for me even before we realized we were so much more than just friends, and I know in my heart that she's always going to be there for me, just like I'll always be there for her." Lilly clenched her award tightly as she said, "Hannah, I love you with all my heart and soul, and I always will. Thank you for being everything to me... now and forever." She looked back up and waved. "Thank you again, all of you!" she said happily, beaming as the applause once again swept through the large auditorium.
Some time later the chiming of a doorbell echoed through the large house of Oliver and Ashley Oken. "Who the hell is ringing the doorbell at this time of night?" said Ashley, angrily. She looked over at the clock. "Two in the morning! Un-freaking-believable!" She started to shake her husband until he was awake when her phone beeped once. She picked it up off the nightstand and checked the next text message, reading it twice due to the lingering traces of sleep slowing her thoughts.
Ashley stood, slipping on a robe as she hurried out of the bedroom and down the large central stairs. As she reached the door, she peeked out the window in the frosted glass panel, then unlocked and opened the door. "What in the hell are you two doing out at this time of night?" Ashley asked the two young women standing on her front porch. "And where did you get those dresses!" she added, reaching out to touch the fabric of Miley's dress.
"Around," said Miley teasingly.
"Mind if we come in for just a second?" asked Lilly, wearing a golden dress just as stunning as Miley's brilliant white one.
"Sure, sure," said Ashley, carefully looking over the gowns. "I take it someone was at a party tonight?" she asked.
"Sorta," said Lilly teasingly as she shut the door.
"Do I need to wake Oliver?" asked Ashley. "He has to get up in two hours for his shift."
"Nah, we can let him sleep," said Miley. "Just bring him over to the house tomorrow after he gets done so he can see."
Ashley blinked her eyes. "See what?" she asked, confused.
"These," replied Miley with a naughty sparkle in her eye as she reached into a black leather bag and pulled out what looked very much like...
"Is that—" asked Ashley, her throat tightening up. She swallowed against the dryness, choking out, "An... Oscar?"
"No," said Miley as Lilly reached into the bag. "It's two Oscars."
As Lilly produced a second golden statuette, Ashley clapped her hands over her mouth to muffle her scream of delight. She did stomp her feet on the floor where she sat, but the elegant rug muffled much of the noise. "You won? You both won?" she softly cried out. "And that was tonight?"
"Yeah," Miley and Lilly said simultaneously, smiling at each other as they did so. They playfully tapped their Oscars together, like they were making a toast, dissolving into giggling fits as they did so.
Ashley suddenly stood up. "Shit, I think my mom just got out of bed. She must have heard the doorbell."
"Oops," said Lilly bashfully. "Sorry!"
Miley stuffed her Oscar back into the bag, holding it open for Lilly to do the same as the two of them stood. "Bring Oliver over when he gets off work," whispered Miley as she and Lilly hurried to the door.
"Okay," whispered Ashley as she opened the door, letting Miley and Lilly out.
"And get in bed!" said Miley teasingly.
Lilly grinned and added, "Yeah, what kind of nut is up at two in the morning?"
Ashley tried not to laugh as she shook her head and closed the door.
Author's Afterword: For those of you thought that Miley had shared her first special dream's details with Lilly—the dream where she saw their two Oscars—she actually didn't. During that dream Lilly's future self told Miley that she never had shared that particular dream with her, telling her instead that she would experience the dream with Miley in the future and that it would be a wonderful dream. So Lilly's winning the Oscar was a complete surprise to her... although not to Miley, who wanted to keep it a secret for two reasons. The first reason is that she simply wanted Lilly to have a wonderful surprise when she won. The second reason is something that has been hinted at but never explicitly stated before: Miley is quite fearful of jinxing her special dreams. She is rather superstitious, after all, and she tends to worry too much at times; if something were to happen that contradicted her glimpses of the future, that would challenge all the joyous events she and Lilly have foreseen in their futures. Because of that, Miley tries not to tempt fate too much.
Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up. I promise to keep working hard on the next one!
-- Jo --