NOBODY'S HOME
Chapter 12: I'm finally home

Here I go again to where I haven't been now for a while
It feels so damn good to let out a smile
Can't remember the last time I felt love
With your skin touching mine somehow I feel so strong
When I look in your eyes and look into your soul
If you're not holding me, I can't breathe, I'd rather die

I'm Home
In your arms is where
I belong
Please don't let me go
Thank God, that I'm finally home

NO ONE'S POV

Sitting on the bed with her hands over her lap, was a very excited Miley. She was dressed in a casual attire, totally ready to leave the place that had been her home for six months.

She was happy that Nick forced her to do it, despite her denial to receive treatment at the beginning. As time passed by, she realized that it wasn't so bad to seek medical attention at all. It was just scary at first, knowing she wasn't really familiar with the people there. Another factor was the horrible stories she heard about rehab. But based on her first-hand experience, she realized that it wasn't that bad. The nurses, doctors, and even the patients were so nice to her. She felt like she finally belonged to a family. She actually considered staying there where she was sure nothing could harm her, but Dr. Carole pointed out the joy of living out of the treatment facility. She explained options and possibilities that could never be found inside the closed walls of the facility.

Dr. Carole soon peeked inside Miley's room. She was dressed in her usual blue scrub suit, topped with her white lab gown. She entered the room to give Miley some last reminders. When everything was said, Miley thanked her doctor with such gratitude. Dr. Carole was like a mother to her during her stay in the treatment center.

"It's my pleasure to help, Miley. Come now, Nick would be here any minute." Dr. Carole led Miley out of the bedroom, while a male nurse trailed behind them, carrying Miley's bags.

Miley started to worry when the doctor mentioned Nick's name. She hadn't seen Nick for a week, because visitors weren't allowed to see her during her last week of sessions.

"What if he won't show up because he doesn't want to be with me anymore?" Miley asked anxiously as they walked along the corridor towards the lobby.

She was scared he might not show up to fetch her. She kept having negative thoughts like he might have changed his mind about taking her home.

"That's ridiculous, Miley. Your guy is head over heels in love with you. He's the best support system you could ever have," the doctor said comfortingly, as she placed a hand on Miley's back.

Miley just smiled back at her. As they reached the lobby, she looked around, searching the area for Nick.

"There he is! Just in time!" Dr. Carole exclaimed as she pointed to Nick who was sitting on the couch.

"Miles!" Nick exclaimed as he walked towards Miley.

"Nicky!" She wrapped her arms around him, and he did the same to her, holding her lovingly in his arms.

"I missed you so much, baby," he murmured against her hair as he picked her up and twirled her around romantically, causing her to giggle in delight.

"I missed you too. Nothing could separate us now," she whispered before kissing him on the lips gently.

"As much as how much I want to witness your cuteness, you two need to leave before it rains," Dr. Carole said as she pointed towards the glass doors, referring to the dark clouds in the sky.

"Thanks doctor," Nick said to Dr. Carole as he shook her hand.

"You're very welcome," the doctor replied with a warm smile on her face.

Miley hugged Dr. Carole and thanked her a dozen of times, before she and Nick said goodbye and left the place.

Miley was very quiet inside Nick's car, but she was smiling while looking out through the window. It was then when she realized how much she missed the outside world.

"Are you excited to go home, baby?" Nick asked, breaking Miley's train of thoughts.

"Yeah, but I'm kinda nervous," she told him as she took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"Don't worry, because everyone is excited to see you. I really mean it." He chuckled as he drove down the road smoothly, while Miley wore a surprised look on her face.

"Really?" she asked in disbelief. She didn't expect they were hyped to have her back.

"Yes, but don't worry, they wouldn't come visit you today. I told them to bother you tomorrow," he informed her.

"Thanks for that," she replied and gave him a grin.

Not shifting his gaze from the road in front of him, Nick grabbed Miley's hand and gently caressed it.

"Don't think about it too much, they missed you," he assured her, so she just nodded.

"Can I ask you something?" Her voice sounded hesitant, pretty much mirroring her emotions.

"Of course, what is it?" he asked curiously.

"Was my treatment free?" She was really intrigued at the thought. No one had told her who funded for her treatment. "No one really told me who paid for it. I just assumed you asked help from the government or something," she told him.

Nick sighed. He had been trying to avoid the subject ever since they started talking again. He also requested Dr. Carole not to say anything to Miley. He wanted it to be a surprise. But of course, he couldn't resist not telling her when she asked.

"Well, I was supposed to be the one to financially support your treatment, but mom offered to pay for the bills," he explained briefly.

"Your mom?" she asked in shock.

"Yes, I guess you'll understand once you talk to her." There was a reason behind that decision and he didn't want to be the one to tell Miley because his mom wanted to talk to her personally.

Miley was in deep thoughts as she stared out through the window. She couldn't believe Denise did that for her.

After thirty minutes travel time, they finally arrived at Nick's house. Nick got out of the car first and opened the car door for Miley. Hand-in-hand, he led her towards the porch. He unlocked the door and walked inside with Miley. When the door finally closed, the lights were turned on, and Miley was surprised to find Joe, Demi, Danielle, and Kevin wearing party hats as they yelled, "SURPRISE!" in such glee.

Miley covered her mouth with her hands in shock and delight. She didn't expect they prepared a welcome party for her. Balloons were scattered on the floor and on the ceiling, a banner saying "Welcome home Miley!" was placed above the fireplace, and a party music mix tape started playing. Miley was soon tackled into hugs. She was still flattered and speechless, but was extremely happy for their warm welcome.

"I missed you Miley!" Demi screeched when she took Miley in a tight hug. They were basically like sisters.

"I missed you too!" Miley replied as she wrapped her arms around her friend. "I missed all of you!" she giggled while pulling away from the hug.

"How was treatment?" Joe asked as they sat on the couch.

"It was good. Everyone was nice. It wasn't horrific at all," Miley answered.

"Mom and dad told me they're on their way here," Nick announced as he looked up from his phone, and Miley felt terrified. She wasn't prepared to talk to his parents yet.

Nick noticed Miley's anxiety, so he scooted closer and wrapped an arm around her.

"You don't need to worry about anything. A lot happened while you were gone, baby." He tried his best to soothe her. Fortunately, she somehow calmed down.

After a few conversations, the doorbell rang and Miley froze on her position at the couch.

"Just relax, baby," Nick whispered as he caressed her arms soothingly. He was seated beside her, watching as she took a deep breath. He could totally see how nervous she was, but there really was nothing to be anxious about.

A lot had happened when Miley was in treatment. Nick finally told his parents about Miley's past and they learned to understand her condition. But that was not all of it. There were much more stories behind it.

Kevin opened the front door and Denise walked inside the house. She immediately smiled warmly when she caught sight of Miley in the living room.

"Welcome back, Miley!" Denise greeted as she walked towards Miley with open arms. Miley got up and the two of them shared a warm embrace.

Miley closed her eyes as she felt comfortable in Denise's motherly hug. She suddenly missed her first foster mother who loved her the most.

"How are you, darling?" Denise asked sweetly as she pulled away, but only to caress the side of Miley's face.

"I'm very good, Denise," Miley replied politely.

"That's good to know," Denise said as she tucked a few strands of Miley's hair beneath her ear. She then turned towards the boys. "Your father would be here in a few minutes. He just decided to stop by the bakery to buy some pastries," she said and they all nodded.

"Thank you for supporting my treatment, Denise. I don't know how I will make it up to you for that," Miley told Denise shyly.

"It's my pleasure to help you, Miley. Could you come with me to the study room? You know, just to talk alone. I just want to share something to you," Denise told Miley, who nodded in return.

"Do you want some tea? I'll make some for you two," Danielle offered. Denise nodded and thanked her in advance.

Denise and Miley made their way to Nick's study room. Before Miley went inside, Nick flashed a reassuring smile, telling her that she shouldn't worry talking to his mom. Miley nodded and entered the room with Denise.

"You're probably confused and anxious about this," Denise said with a chuckle, as they sat on the couch inside Nick's study room.

Miley felt so shy around her. Her heart was beating fast, and her palms were sweating annoyingly.

"I actually feel nervous," she replied timidly, before biting her lower lip.

"Well, I just want to share a part of my past," Denise said.

Miley furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She couldn't process everything, and the suspense was killing her.

"Your past?" she felt so frustrated at the moment. What does this have to do with Denise's past? she asked herself.

There was a knock on the door and Danielle went inside holding a tray that contained two cups of tea. She placed the cups on the coffee table, and left the room right away to give them some privacy.

*"I was abandoned by my mom when I was ten. She had a heart attack after finding out my step father cheated on her. My step father left and I was adopted by my mom's sister," Denise started.

Denise started her story by telling Miley that she never met her biological father, and she lost her mother at the age of ten. She was then adopted by her mother's sister.

Despite having people around her who cared for her, she still felt so alone. Her heart was full of hatred and sadness because her parents abandoned her. She thought that her life was a joke, and so, she rebelled. She was bullied at school because of her emotional personality, thus, causing her to feel bad about herself. She had hurt herself and tried to commit suicide, which was unsuccessful. It was a wake-up call for her foster family, who really seemed to care about her so much. They sent her to a treatment center. There, she found a ray of sunshine in her dull life. There, they taught her to value her second chance in life.

Miley felt comfortable as she listened to Denise. It was her first time to meet someone who almost had the same history as hers. She never thought that Denise had a messed-up past. To her, Denise looked so elegant, as if she was meant to live a luxurious life.

"When I went to college, I met Paul. He brought meaning to my life. He made me very happy," Denise said with a big smile on her face as she reminisced her old days with Paul, her current husband.

"That's the same way I feel for Nick," Miley whispered in astonishment. She couldn't believe that even in the love department, they were still almost the same. She guessed Nick inherited the trait from his dad.

"We're like the same. I find it weird," Denise said with a chuckle. "It's the reason why I wanted to take you to treatment center. I wanted you to get better," she added.

Miley smiled and wrapped her arms around Denise tightly. She felt relieved that she found someone closer who could totally relate to her.

"Thank you, I owe my life to you," she whispered softly.

The two of them talked more about being in the treatment center. Miley was glad she found someone other than Nick, whom she could confidently talk with such matter. Denise also thanked Miley for not even hesitating to save Nick, if he was really in Leo's hands. They totally gained Miley's trust. All of them were thankful that she was saved from the unpleasant incident.

After approximately thirty minutes, Nick went inside the study with his dad, who took Miley in a hug. Paul apologized for being harsh to her when they first met. He admitted that he made a mistake in judging her. It was like a reminder to keep his feet on the ground, starting by not judging a person by just looking at her appearance some basic information. He felt kind of guilty, especially when he found out that Miley and Denise almost had the same history in life. He actually has some charities regarding foster care and orphanage, because he learned from his wife how hard it was to be in such situation. He wanted to make it up to Miley. Therefore, he was willing to help her finish high school, and give her a full scholarship for college.

Miley thanked Paul over and over again. She couldn't believe how blessed she was to meet great people such as Nick and his family.

Soon enough, the Grey family, together with Miley and Demi, gathered around the dining table as they said their graces to the Lord before they began eating lunch. Everyone was nice to Miley. She was already treated as family.

All of them spent the rest of the day just talking and laughing about random stuff, much like a big happy family. Miley didn't feel left-out at all. They made her feel safe and happy. She really liked her new family. Denise even joked she would adopt Miley, but Nick protested because he was in love with Miley. Everyone joked around and entertained each other, while Nick held Miley's hand as he whispered sweet words in her ear.

"Nick?" Miley called out as she went out of her room. She just finished unpacking her stuff, while Nick was still cleaning the remains from the small party they had earlier.

Towering over the kitchen isle was Nick wearing a blue apron over his casual button-up shirt and blue jeans. He was drying the clean dishes with a cloth.

"Hey, are you done unpacking?" Nick greeted her as he saw her enter the room.

"Yeah," she murmured while walking towards his side. She then picked a towel and a bowl to help him finish his work.

"Thanks for the help," he said, right before leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

When they were finally done with everything that needed to be cleaned, Miley walked towards his back and hugged him from behind.

"Thank you, baby," she murmured against his back.

"For what?" he asked, turning around to face her, so he could cup her face in his hands.

"For loving me, even though I'm messed up." They looked into each other's eyes until they were captivated with their loving stares.

"It just gives me more reasons to love you more, baby," he mumbled as he stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"You have a very nice family. They are all so sweet to me." Her heart was swelling with delight and amusement, due to the fact that she truly felt good being with Nick's family.

"Yeah? Well, they are your family now. Mom even wanted to adopt you, remember? You'll love them. You'll be able to start over again; no more ghosts from the past." He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, as she felt thrilled at the thought of having a fresh start.

The excitement she was feeling was much intense than what she felt when she was sent to her previous foster homes. She knew this one would be different; this one would be the best.

"I love you so much, baby," she said gratefully as she tightened her hold around his waist.

"I love you too." He leaned in and kissed her on the lips lovingly. "You wanna go dip in the tub with me?" he asked in a charming tone, making her giggle delightfully.

"Yes, I missed that!" She pulled away and held onto his hand instead, as they made their way to Nick's bedroom.

They just finished fixing and cleaning everything, so it was time for some relaxation.

While Nick was inside the bathroom, Miley stood by the bed and stripped off her shirt and pants, leaving her bra and underwear on. On the other hand, Nick filled the tub with warm water and bubble soap, right before he lit a couple of lavender-scented candles.

Nick walked back to the room and he saw a half naked Miley lying on the bed with her eyes closed. Her sexy figure kind of aroused him, so he tried his best to control his raging hormones. Instead of doing anything that might scare her, he tiptoed towards her and scooped her in his arms playfully.

"Nick!" she squealed in surprise as he carried her into the bathroom.

He laughed and placed a kiss on her cheek before dropping her gently into the tub.

Miley noticed that he was about to strip his clothes off, so she shifted her gaze to distract herself from staring at his well-chiseled torso. Instead of drooling over her man, she closed her eyes and leaned her head against the edge of the tub, and sighed at the calming effect of the lavender scent and warm water to her senses.

Nick soon joined her in the tub and she restrained herself from opening her eyes.

"Wow, this is nice," he murmured as he sat beside her.

When she assumed that his hot body was somehow already hidden from her sight, she looked sideways and gave him a smile.

He held her tightly against him and pulled her into a passionate kiss. She wasn't able to hold-in her urges anymore. She responded in the kiss and roamed her hands on his back, mimicking his moves. Their lips touched and their tongues rubbed against each other as they deepened the hot searing kiss. Soon enough, she felt his hand on her waist while the other one was over her taut stomach, slowly caressing her skin as they made out.

After pulling away, Miley immediately broke the sexual tension by splashing water on Nick's face. She laughed and he did the same to her too.

Miley moved and sat in between Nick's legs after recovering from their playfulness. She leaned against him, and both of them sat back and relaxed in the tub.

"What's gonna happen next, Nicky?" she asked anxiously. They were facing the same direction, so they couldn't really see each other's reactions.

"What do you mean?" He pulled her closer to him. He scooped some water in his hands and let them fall on her shoulders.

"You're going to Connecticut." A sigh escaped from her lips as she reminded him. Paul had mentioned finishing high school, so she didn't know if Nick still wanted to take her with him to Connecticut.

"You're coming with me." He smiled as he moved forward to place his face above her shoulder.

"But Paul said he would help me finish high school." She was confused with all the plans. It was all too much and she couldn't handle it all at the moment.

"We'll talk about plans after a few days. I just want you to enjoy everything now that you've finished treatment. But just so you know, we're planning to have you home-schooled for your second semester, and then you'll take the exam to graduate high school," he informed her. Of course he didn't want to leave her behind.

"That sounds like a good plan," she murmured as she turned sideways, just so she could see his face. She was smiling in delight, knowing that Nick wanted her to come to Connecticut with him. She was so thrilled to start a new life with him.

"After passing your exam, you could choose whatever university you want to go to." He tucked some wet locks of her hair beneath her ear, as he gazed at her with such affection.

"I think I like Yale University," she said, grinning at him lovingly. She was extremely bitten by the love bug. She never knew she could feel something as strong as her love for him, and she was happy he felt the same for her.

"I like that too." They stared at each other for a while, just grinning like fools as he gently caressed her cheek.

There was no doubt that these two are incredibly smitten. Their affection for each other was truly visible by the way they looked in each other's eyes. There was like a magnetic force between them; the one that caused sparks whenever they touch each other. Each kiss was electrifying, totally magical and sweet. Their hugs provided enough warmth and comfort to each other.

Both of them felt like one could never live a day without the other in his or her life.

Down in one of the richest neighborhood in New Haven, Connecticut, was an expensive ranch style one-story house surrounded by concrete fence, and securing the driveway was an automated iron gate. Nick pressed the code in the keypad located outside the gate, causing the gates to swing open. Miley sat still in the passenger seat, totally speechless of her surroundings. She was never familiar with living in an exclusive neighborhood. She didn't even know that Nick's house would be luxurious.

They soon entered the house and were greeted by Nick's only house helper named Wanda, who was around her forties. She was like Nick's second mother. She gave them a warm welcome, before leaving the couple at the living room for some privacy.

"Wow, I didn't expect it to be this big," Miley said when she found her will to speak. She was too astounded by the appearance of the place she would call her home.

"Well, yeah it's big. I was sad and lonely the past year. I'm happy I have some company now," he said as he wrapped his arm around her. "Welcome home, baby," he whispered in her ear. His voice was low and husky, and it gave her thrills. They interlocked their fingers together and he lifted it up before placing a kiss on the back of her hand. "Promise me you'll never run away again? If you have a problem, you need to talk to me right away, okay?"

He gazed deeply into her eyes, telling her that he was serious about it. He didn't want to lose her ever again.

"Yes, I promise. I think I'm going to love this home," she said, smiling as she wrapped her arms around him.

His love for her was incomparable, something she would never understand. She never expected someone could love her so deeply.

After all the tragedy that happened to her, Miley thought she was hopeless and didn't deserve someone who would love her for real. But when she met Nick, everything changed. She found out that unconditional love really does exist. You just have to open your eyes and wait for the perfect timing.

For her, being with someone you love was much important than finding a shelter to stay for the night. It didn't even matter if she would live somewhere exclusive or in just a make-shift house. She realized that home wasn't just a house or a place for residence. Home could also be in an old car, in a small boat, in an expensive hotel room, in a luxurious house, or even in a deserted island, as long as it provides comfort and you're with someone you love. A house wouldn't be a home if the people living in it weren't showing love and respect to one another.

Lifting her face from being nuzzled against his chest, she smiled at him lovingly. She then caressed his hair softly as she gazed in his eyes. She could never understand how a perfect man like Nick could ever love someone as broken as her.

Nick saw the anxiousness in her eyes. He didn't want her to feel like that, so he just smiled and took her back into a tight embrace. He pulled her head closer and gently rested it against his chest, right before kissing her hair.

"I love you, baby," he murmured in their warm embrace.

"I love you too, baby," she replied, closing her eyes as cherished the moment.

In his arms she felt most loved.

In his arms she found home.

AN: HEY GUYS! THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER! AND IT'S ALL OVER THE PLACE. LOL.

I'm not really contented with the outcome.

I LIKED THE LAST PART, THOUGH. LOL

GOSH, NOBODY'S HOME WOULD PROBABLY THE HARDEST FANFIC I HAVE EVER WRITTEN. LOL. IT'S CRAZY. AND THIS CHAPTER IS THE HARDEST ONE FOR ME TO WRITE.

I just wanna say thank you for every one who read this fanfic. Of course, to the ones who reviewed, thank you very much for every amazing review you sent me! You all are awesome! thank you for supporting me. =D

BREAKING NEWS: I won't be able to post a new story in about two weeks. I already have an idea to write, but I just need a short break. hopefully, y'all would still read it when I post it.

Thank you so much everyone. If you want to get updates from me, go to my blog: nileyjelenalooover . tumblr . com

I LOVE Y'ALL!

SONGS USED: Nobody's home - Avril Lavigne / Finally Home - Miley Cyrus (last chapter)

xonileylooover