Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, just the plot.

a/n: So, I know that I have been updating really fast, and I love doing that. But the pace might slow down for a week or so. A girl at my work, well her ex boyfriend got mad and was shaking her baby, and now the baby is in the hospital with only a forty percent chance of living. It's possibly the most horrifying thing I have ever heard. So, we are all helping take some of her shifts, and I am scheduled every night this week. I don't know what's happening next week, but for now it's going to have to slow down. I am so sorry.

The girls had run off to the kitchen, deciding that anything they could cook would be better than what Kevin, Joe, or I would attempt. I was still standing in the entry to the room, trying to control my anger. I hadn't moved since I'd seen Miley sitting in there. Joe was putting his guitar away silently, and then he turned to smile at me, as if he was about to say something. When he caught sight of my hateful glare, he paused for a moment and then whispered, "Dude, it was just a song. Chill out. It didn't mean anything."

"DIDN'T MEAN ANYTHING?!" I knew that I probably shouldn't be yelling, but I didn't care. He was just watching me warily, eyes darting to the hallway, hoping Selena and Miley wouldn't hear. "So what, you're just going to lead her on? Let her think you care about her?!" I said a little quieter, but still with bitter anger rolling off of every syllable. He opened his mouth to respond, but I didn't want to hear it. I didn't need to hear it. For the first time in my whole life, I was ashamed to admit that he was my brother. I just held up my hand and said, "Spare me." He was hurt. I could tell. The cruel thing was that I was happy about it. "Miley deserves so much better than you," was all I whispered in hatred before I turned from him and stormed off to my bedroom.

His voice fading in the background sounded shocked and confused, not exactly meant for me to hear, but more like he was questioning to himself that he had just heard right, "Miley?" I didn't go back to clarify anything for him. He didn't deserve it. Playing with a girl's emotions like that. She was new here too. He was going to make her hate this place. I was too mad to sit down when I got to my room. I just locked the door and started pacing back and forth.

It was a while before I was able to contain my rage enough to focus on anything at all. Then, I threw myself face down on my bed. I didn't want to think about this, but the thoughts came anyways. I knew that it didn't matter if Joe was going to hurt Miley or not, I did NOT want him with her, not at all. At the same time, I knew that it was completely ridiculous for me to think like that. She was just a girl. What should I care? I punched my pillow hoping to relieve some anger that I couldn't control.

There was a gentle tapping on my door. It was probably Selena. She always made sure I was okay if anything upset me. I knew she was afraid that I would sink back into my depression, but really, that was never going to happen. I didn't say anything, but just as I expected I heard the door swing open anyways. "I'm fine," I mumbled still face down. I heard soft footsteps cross the room, and then someone sat next to me on the bed.

"Nick, we need to talk," came a voice that sadly, I recognized too well. It was Miley. I shot up from where I was lying and looked over to her. She was just looking at me, as if trying to decide how to handle something. "I helped Joe write the song for…another girl, and he really cares about her. It wasn't about me. So don't be mad at him for that." She looked at me pleadingly. She was obviously not one who dealt well with fights. "Besides, Joe wouldn't stand a chance. I already have my eye on someone," she added jokingly, hoping to lift my spirits. Remarkably, that last statement did nothing to help settle my anger.

I sighed. "I know, I know. I over reacted. I just, well I didn't want to see you get hurt. You're a special girl Miley," I said in a low voice, looking into her breathtaking eyes.

She blushed a little and looked down. "Thanks," she mumbled. "Now if only I could convince a certain boy to see that."

"He doesn't know what he is missing."

She laughed a short, somewhat sarcastic laugh. "What?" I asked.

"Just… ironic." Then she pulled me up by the hand and quickly said, "Let's go. We finished breakfast. It's about time you boys ate a decent meal." I laughed. She was probably right. I followed her down the stairs and into the kitchen. Everyone else was there, still talking and laughing as if nothing had happened. But the second I walked in the room, I saw Selena's worried eyes dart over to me and she quickly made her way across the room and threw her arms around me.

"I'm fine Sel," I whispered, just loud enough so that only she could hear. With that, she released me and offered a smile in my direction. I just laughed quietly. "I'll never have to worry about anything with you on guard, will I?" She just shook her head and went back to eating. I glanced up at Joe who was watching our every move. Well, here goes nothing, was all I could think as I began to cross the room to where he was.

"Sorry man. I guess I am just a little stressed out," I said quietly because I knew that all eyes would be on us.

"It's okay. To be honest, I probably deserve it," he mumbled, looking so regretful that I couldn't figure out what he could possibly be beating himself up about. But, he turned and started up a conversation with Frankie, so I figured that I wouldn't find out for a while. The room turned to laughter and chatter as we all ate our meal. Something about all these people, was just right. It was a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time. I felt like I was with family. I felt like I was home.