Chapter 17.

Miley.

"Demi I didn't do anything wrong-"

"But you did!" I heard Demi hiss as I sat on the floor in Nick's office cubicle.

"I never meant to hurt Miley-"

"Well you did Joseph! You knew exactly when your mother was arriving, you knew that Miley and Nick were having dinner, you knew exactly what you were doing!" Demi snapped as I looked through my paperwork, carefully trying to sort out the recent crime reports,

"Well I didn't know they'd be in a state of undressed on the sofa."

"How undressed?" Demi asked curiously,

"Like she was in her underwear and if we hadn't walked in I doubt that would have been on for much longer. Look I told her I was sorry,"

"Did she accept your apology-"

"No she stormed out of the apartment,"

"By stormed you mean-"

"Threw her dress on and sprinted while Nick screamed at me."

"You realise neither of them have arrived at work right?" Demi snapped.

I could have corrected her, stood up from my position under Nick's desk but there was a reason I was hiding here on the floor. I didn't want to see anyone right now, well anyone but Nick of course. Hence why I was under his desk and not sitting on a chair so that every passing eye could judge me some more.

"Well what do you want me to do?" Joe hissed frustrated, "Nick refused to speak to me this morning and left before I did. Miley was definitely not still in the apartment and I don't think Nick has heard from her either! I have no idea where they are so Demetria I shouldn't be held responsible for-"

"Breaking them up when they only just got together!" She yelled.

"Like it matters Nick would have dumped her ass eventually-"

"He's in love with her you retarded idiot."

Joe instantly started laughing "Love? Nick isn't in love with her-"

"He told her he was-"

"Yeah to get in her pants most likely."

"No he's-"

"Look I'm sure he just said it to get her to strip Demi." Joe announced, "He learnt that off me, the easiest way to get a girl into bed with you is to tell them that they are extremely hot and perfect, or lie and tell them you're in love with them."

"So which one am I?" Demi yelled,

"What, Demi wait, DEMI COME BACK! I didn't mean us?"

A muffled screech suddenly filled my ears from the other side of the office, followed by some shouts and a door slamming. I sighed turning to the next page as I spotted an expensive pair of Italian leather shoes in my peripherals. I turned gazing up as the body leaned down extending an arm holding a coffee and brown paper bag.

"If you're going to get here earlier than I do and start work, you at least deserve breakfast."

My Uncle's head appeared looking under the desk as I smiled at him,

"Thanks Jase,"

He looked at me intrigued, "That argument that the entire office just heard-"

"I was partly involved in yes," I murmured.

"The date went-"

"Great until his mom turned up." I responded.

Jason stared at me and nodded, "So your date was with Nick Jonas then? I assumed but-"

"Do you have a problem with that?" I felt myself spit defensively.

He looked at me and shook his head, "No I don't! Although Nick has bad reputation I believe he does in fact have your best interests at hand." I looked at my Uncle surprised at his soft expression which suddenly turned to a more familiar cold one "But I don't want you two interacting in the office in a personal manner, professional only Miley. I don't care what you two do outside of these walls, but this is work Miley not a rendezvous point do you understand?"

I nodded as he sighed, "I just want you to be happy, and safe Miley, very very safe."

I looked at him rolling my eyes, "I will, I'm not stupid."

"I know that hun. Oh and don't expect to get out of dinner tonight, your aunt wants to hear all about last night and I'm sure you can some how structure a well rounded lie about how terrific it went when from what I hear it was a complete-"

"It was great," I cut him off frustrated by the rumours that were already circling the morning office. "Until Joe decided to inflict revenge and I some how got caught in the firing line, but before that it was really good Jase."

"Right well personal moment over, if I hear one more discussion about that God damn date today I will have no choice but to bring you, Nick, Joe and Lovato into my office to discuss exactly all the private details of what happened. Do you understand?" I nodded looking at him as he stared at me, "And I'm looking into finding you a desk, I don't appreciate my officers sitting on the floor. I'll see you tonight if I don't have to intervene earlier,"

"Thanks Jason,"

"Love you Miles,"

He stood up and walked away as I opened the bag staring in at a croissant. I sipped at the coffee and picked at the croissant for the next hour before finally another pair of familiar shoes stopped before me,

"You're here finally." Demi's voice announced almost surprised.

"Where is Miley?"

"No idea, she hasn't come in this morning."

Nick sighed heavily above me, "I'm gonna kill that-"

"Don't worry I already tried, he escaped my clutches barely."

"How did you even find out-"

"Joe told Selena, who told me so therefore-"

"Everyone knows, fanfuckingtastic."

"Nick I'm sure she's fine, she won't be mad at you."

"You don't know that Dem,"

"But I do Nick. She won't be mad,"

"I hope she's okay,"

"She'll be fine, how was last night anyway?"

"Amazing Dem,"

"Really?"

"Yeah it was really great,"

"You didn't yell that you loved her again did you?"

"No I didn't, but she said it back."

"Thought she might," Demi murmured as Nick laughed.

"I know you and Selena talked to her, it was pretty obvious, but thanks Dems seriously." Nick stated giving a more cheerful sigh, "I've never felt like this before in my life, and I still don't know exactly how to deal with being-"

"In love? Well neither does Miley."

"What has she been saying to you two?"

Demi chuckled, "Nothing Nick!"

"Nothing you're willing to tell me you mean?"

"Exactly,"

Nick grabbed his chair and sat down moving towards the desk. I didn't have a chance to move before he kicked me in the side, I instantly winced as Nick froze for less than a second. He pushed the chair back bending his head down staring at me for a moment surprised only for a frown to consume his expression,

"Miley what are you doing?" He whispered simply.

I looked at him and gave a weak smile, "I'm…working." I responded holding up a folder, "Actually I'm doing your work for you, I finished mine this morning so I thought I'd get a head start for you."

"I was more talking about what are you are doing under my desk?"

I stared at him awkwardly shrugging. "I didn't want to see anyone but you."

Nick stared at me for a moment, then nodded looking around before sliding out of his seat. Nick crawled in beside me as I watching him intently a smile coming to my face. He took my half eaten croissant in his hand pushing it into his mouth as I frowned,

"Hey! That's-"

"I'm hungry deal with it woman,"

I glared at Nick as he looked at me smiling, "What time did you get in here?"

"Five."

Nick instantly chocked on the croissant, "Five?" He spat at me,

I looked at him disgusted wiping a piece of croissant off my shirt which he'd just spat on me, "I felt guilty I ran out on you last night, I mean it was awkward and I honestly didn't know what to do." Nick nodded as I shrugged, "Anyway I couldn't sleep so I thought I might as well get an early start. Plus I needed some time to clear my head, and hiding here seemed like a good idea instead of having to face your brother on no caffeine, I might have attacked him."

"You should have kicked him in the balls,"

"It was tempting but Demi I'm pretty sure already had it covered."

"They had a fight?" Nick asked me quietly,

I nodded as he sighed shaking his head, "I'm the one who should be feeling bad Miles, you had every right to run for it, hell I would have too if I didn't live at the God damn apartment." He murmured looking at me shaking his head, "What Joe did should be a crime. I'm so sorry he did that to you and said that."

"It's find, he was seeking revenge clearly-"

"Yes for not remembering his birthday, sometimes he acts so juvenile!"

I shrugged resting my head on his shoulder, "Where's your mom?"

Nick's face instantly tensed, "I don't give a fuck honestly-"

"You didn't tell me she was so-"

"Snobby?"

"I was going to say high class but-"

"Mom was a bitch to you last night, even if she didn't say anything I saw the way she just judged! Feel free to say anything you want about her because I most likely will agree." I looked at Nick giving him a warning glare as he stared at me frustrated, "Look I know what you're thinking I shouldn't talk about her like that, but you don't understand-"

"Then make me understand." I murmured.

I reached out taking Nick's hand as he sighed closing his eyes, anger built up in his expression. "We've never got along, never," He continued trying to keep his voice to a whisper but struggling, "Kevin was the apple of her eye, Joe was the troublemaker and I was a complete mistake apparently." I looked at him apologetic as Nick shook his head. "I latched onto my dad because I couldn't form a bond with her,"

"Then he died and-"

"No then he cheated on her, and I turned my back on him."

I looked at Nick surprised as he looked away, "I shouldn't have because I would have done the same in his position, they weren't in love, I doubt they ever were she can be a vindictive-"

"Nick don't," I murmured in his ear,

"I chose her side, a part of me still feels sorry for her but…" He trailed off the pain seeping into his expression, "I never should have let one indiscretion my dad made change my view on him, yet it did, and he went to war thinking that I hated him for cheating on my mom when honestly I felt more like he'd abandoned me by going behind my back." I moved my fingers gently to Nick's hair as his eyes remained absent staring blankly ahead, "I told him I hated him Miley, and then he died."

"I'm sure he knew you loved him Nick." I whispered,

"I know that, I was a kid, I said stupid shit but-"

"You can't stop the guilt?"

Nick shook his head staring down, "It will be there forever and a piece of me-"

"Will never let go of him."

Nick nodded as I pressed my face into his neck, "You and me are one in the same it appears," I murmured as Nick gave a small sad laugh, "I'm sorry he died Nick, but I'm sure he knew you were just upset, like you said you were only a kid."

"I know," He stated.

"He'd be proud of you I'm sure."

"I think he would be now, maybe not a few weeks ago."

"Why not?" I asked intrigued,

"Because I was acting like a dick completely dishonoring women, the one thing he taught me I should never do." Nick responded simply as I looked at him, he leaned down kissing the side of my lips, "But I guess that changed with you,"

"And I want you to try and change your relationship with your mom."

Nick groaned, "No I'm not-"

"For me," I whispered giving him a look, "Please?"

"She's a bitch Miley-"

"She's your mom Nick, I know a part of you loves her, please give her a shot like I gave you?"

Nick turned and looked disgusted by the idea, pain still lingering in his eyes as he nodded. He leaned forward kissing my lips as I smiled, "I'd do anything for you, even if you're completely wrong I'll try okay?"

"Good," I murmured kissing him, "I love you,"

"I love you too."

"Lovato have you seen Nick?" My Uncle's voice boomed, "I need to speak with him."

"Yes Sir, he's at his desk, he was just at his desk I swear he was-"

Two pairs of shoes came into frame as my uncle huffed leaning down. Nick and me both tensed at the exact same time as Jason stared at us, long thick lines across his forehead and his expression flaming,

"Nick," He announced, "Miley."

Demi's head was instantly down too confused as I watched my Uncle disappear and the Commissioner take control of the situation. "I've found you a desk Miley, in my office!" He yelled as he motioned for me to get out, I scrambled from Nick getting to my feet as Nick quickly followed, "Nick, you and me right now."

"Okay Sir do-"

"We're having lunch, now." He yelled.

"Can I come-"

"No you can't!" He yelled in my face looking at me in a rage, "You will sit in my office and will not move until I return do you understand Officer?" He stood over me as I gave him a slight warning look but nodded,

"I do Sir."

He turned and walked off as Nick shot me a look but quickly followed, trailing after him like a scared lost puppy. Demi turned staring at me for a moment blinking a few times,

"What just happened?" She asked speaking her mind.

I closed my eyes shaking my head, "I don't think he exactly approves of an work romance." I murmured heading to Jason's office.

Nick.

"Sir I-"

"What do you want?"

"From Miley? Nothing I swear, I-"

"To eat?" He hissed at me.

I stood still in the café next to the department as my boss gazed over the sandwiches, analyzing which on would suit him best while I remained paralyzed a complete nervous wreck. I opened my mouth willing myself to respond but the strain of emotions tugging at me were overpowering,

"I'll have what you are having…"

He turned and looked down at me frowning, "I don't like a man who can't make decisions for himself Nick, it makes them seem weak, especially if they're only saying it to keep themselves out of trouble."

"I'll have a salad and ham sandwich." I responded quickly.

"Right, what do you think Miley would like?"

I frowned as he turned at me with a frustrated look in his eyes, "Considering you two seem to know so much about one another!" He hissed at me,

"Sir I-"

"Can I help you?"

We both turned looking at an elderly waitress as The Commissioner nodded,

"Two coffees, black, no sugars and two sandwiches ham and salad, we'll be on table four." He stated clearly and without another word walked off,

The waitress stared at me and I just gave her smile, "Thanks." I added,

I quickly rushed after him as The Commissioner kicked back his seat sitting down as he looked at me then to the empty seat facing him. I swallowed the lump in my throat and took up the seat ready to plead my case,

"Sir look I have-"

"Told me nothing! The deal was-"

"I don't know if I should be telling you everything, it's private and-"

"That was our deal." He snapped at me his eyes wide and striking, "The agreement was simple I would allow my niece to be your partner if you helped her, and then divulged the details she spoke about me, Amy and her parents."

"But she's told me thinking I wouldn't say anything that I'd keep it a secret-"

"And you made a deal, you need to follow through like a man Nick."

I looked at him sealing my lips feeling sick, "Sir I can't-"

"You do it or I will promise you will never see my niece again, understand?"

My eyes widened as he stared at me, threatening me. "Look I don't trust you with her, I may have said otherwise to Miley but I don't because I know guys like you, I was like you, and I don't want Miley to get her heartbroken. She's already lost too much to add you to the list." He snapped at me as I kept my lips closed, "I gave you a warning, that you had to remember where you stood and Nick you are very close to crossing that line with me."

"Sir Miley-"

"Is in love with you, and I don't want you hurting her."

I frowned staring at him, "How would you possibly-"

"Like I said I do hear the gossip around the office, plus she's my niece I practically raised her do you really think I don't see the way she stares at you." He asked glaring at me shaking his head, "I just want to know where you stand with her, right now, what do you want from Miley?"

I looked at him feeling like I was on trial and he was my judge and jury,

"I…"

I stopped shaking my head, "What's the point you won't believe me if-"

"Say it."

"I love her, I do." I spat at him feeling fed up,

"You've already told me that" He said almost mockingly,

"And you don't believe me?" I retaliated.

He just shrugged, "I don't know what to think Nick."

The anger blossomed in my chest as I shook in fury, "I love her and you either accept that or you don't, it doesn't matter what you do you're not going to be able to break us apart even if you sever our work links!" I felt myself yell at him putting both my hands on the table, "I never promised I wouldn't fall for her, that wasn't apart of the deal so there is no reason I should be punished, or Miley for that matter. I love your niece and that's not going to change no matter what you do Sir!"

I glared at him breathing heavily as he just stared at me,

"So tell me what she said to you about her parents…" He stated simply,

I looked at him trying to understand Jason Stewart, but like Miley he was often a hard person to read keeping his emotions locked away and hidden behind a built wall that was stronger than anything in this world.

"When I agreed to this deal, I didn't realise-"

"What" He asked, "Did she say Nick?"

"Some of the things she's told me," I looked at him shaking my head, "They're personal, her feelings towards her parents I don't think you, me or anyone can begin to understand how much pain she went through,"

"Then tell me what you know," He stated his eyes looking at me calmer now, "You're not the only one who wants to help her Nick, you're not the only one here who loves her…you need to tell me."

"Sir I can't,"

He looked at me and sighed, "Nick, please tell me."

"I won't-"

"Nick you need to tell me." He hissed this time,

I looked to see the fear in his eyes, "Please tell me," He almost begged,

I opened my mouth confused by how this twist had suddenly appeared, with me now in control. I looked at him unsure as I bit my tongue trying to think of a solution to the dilemma I'd put myself in. I looked at him sucking in a breath deciding he was right, I knew he loved her more than anything and even if the thoughts were private maybe by making them a little more public we could find a solution to help her.

"She's not going to let go of them Sir." I responded,

He scoffed, "I could have told you that-"

"Because Miley doesn't feel like she got closure."

"What?" He hissed at me, "That's ridiculous, we had a funeral, the memorial-"

"You didn't bury anything," I cut him off.

The Commissioner's mouth closed as I shook my head looking at him apologetic, "Miley knows they're gone, she does, but apart which I think is little eight year Destiny believes they're going to come home because with no body, no evidence that they were even in the building-"

"Is doesn't feel like they're dead to her." He murmured gravely as I nodded.

I saw his eyes look down at the table, pain seeping from them as I finally finished the puzzle he'd held for so long. We knew why she wasn't moving on, why she'd never move on. "The horrible truth is I don't think there is anything that can give Miley closure" I responded truthfully, "I think little Destiny is always going to hang onto them, maybe the pain will ease but she won't forget, she won't stop holding on because they mean the world to her. Miley's never going to get closure, not without evidence that her parents died on 9/11-"

"What if I told you I have prove?"

I looked at him confused as The Commissioner raised his head staring at me,

"What if I told you I had prove they died there, do you think that would help her?"

His voice shook as my boss stared at me looking terrified at the concept. My mouth dried as I looked at the pain, the hope, the guilt mixed in his eyes as I simply nodded and he sniffed looking down. "Her dad called me from the tower a minute before it fell, he left a message because I didn't answer-"

"Oh God," I whispered feeling sick.

"Putting it simply he didn't finish the message before the building collapsed."

I looked at him unable to speak because there was nothing I could say to represent the turmoil my emotions had just fallen into. I watched as the Commissioner's eyes closed and opened with an unmistakable shine to them, "We heard it too late, the message, they were already dead, God maybe I'm to blame for her being like this…" He shook his head grasping at his hair his skin paling, "I didn't think of Destiny, not until I got the message that was hours after, then we couldn't find her, we searched and…we thought she was dead too. Then as we were driving past this park there she was sitting on the swing just rocking back and forth looking at the sky. Eight hours she spent alone not knowing."

"Eight hours?" I murmured,

He looked at me filled with guilt, "Eight hours, enough time for her to hear, to see and create images in her eight-year-old mind that she will never forget."

"You never told her about-"

He looked away shaking his head clenching his eyes together, "How could I? She was eight Nick! She was in a complete state of shock, and we decided, Amy and myself, that we wouldn't place that burden of hearing her parents die upon her. She'd heard enough to know what happened but clearly-"

"You were wrong, that's exactly what she needed to hear." I responded.

The Commissioner looked at me, "Do you think it would help?"

I nodded staring at him, "I think it will."

"Okay," He murmured wiping her two hands along the base of his eyes, "You tell me when okay, you know her, I get that so I'll trust you to tell me when she's ready to hear it."

"Okay," I announced as we made the promise between us.

A/N: Sad part is coming... not for a few more chapters but I'm giving you the heads up! Thanks for the reviews, love you all!