Chapter Twenty Two

Nick.

I was confused and angry. No actually I was more then angry, I was fucking furious. Firstly because that son of bitch David had labeled Miley a slut, degrading her in front of all her peers seemingly not caring that she already had a hell of a lot to deal with. Secondly was the fact no one would tell me why, yet everyone seemed to know, well all the guys did anyway while the girls sat all eagerly wanting to know the gossip.

"You said it was about a crude email?" Selena whispered to Demi.

"Yeah but Miley hasn't done anything, well she has, but nothing worth sending around the office." Demi replied as I frowned,

"What do you mean she has?" I asked quickly.

The girls looked at me as Selena rolled her eyes, "You guys in the locker room, that would have been recorded for sure." My eyes widened thinking about it, I already knew that but no one had access to those tapes except the Commissioner. Plus it's not like we stripped and had sex, I'm sure we weren't the first or the last to get a little touchy feely in there.

"Oh and her hook up at the club with…" Demi trailed off unwilling to say the name of the man she killed.

"And the incident with the fridge?" Selena quickly shot in.

"At Joe's party?" I asked rolling my chair over to them abandoning my work.

"Yeah," Selena murmured turning to me, "And David was the one-"

"She was grinding up against." I finished almost growling, why hadn't I realized that sooner? "That bastard if he somewhat took a photo or anything I will-"

"Well he did something, just what?" Demi asked.

Her eyes scanned around the office, a place of deadly silence where for a change every single guy was concentrating on their work. They were afraid, all of them. And I knew exactly who they were fearful of, the Commissioner, because if this was about an email clearly it had been forwarded. They were all as much to blame, and hell I would break every one of their fingers if I found out they played apart in this. No one deserved to have that said to them in work place environment, especially Miley.

"I just hope she's okay, I mean after everything that's been happening…" Selena trailed off giving a sigh. I couldn't agree more, this was the last thing Mi needed right now.

"Also what the hell is your mom doing here?" Demi asked turning to me,

"Good question, I want to know that too." A new voice announced.

We looked up at Joe who smiled at Demi leaning up against her desk, "Rumor has it shit went down while I was gone, give me the summary."

"Well-"

Just as Demi started the office door opened and Miley emerged. I was surprised instantly, I mean I'd been expecting her to look as mad as I felt but instead she appeared completely calm. Scary calm actually. I got up concerned as she kept her eyes down until she reached us. Miley glanced up looking at me giving a weak smile,

"We're on patrol, car three." She announced simply holding up the keys.

I looked at her confused. "But we only just got back from-"

"Bosses orders, he said we can take the car home for the night though so we don't have to come back here." Miley responded her expression still completely emotionless as I nodded.

"Okay just let me get my stuff and we'll go," I announced moving to my desk.

I stared at her for a second trying to read her expression, attempting to understand what kind of mind set she was in yet Miley just sighed looking at me clearly not impressed with me analyzing her.

"I'm fine Nick," Miley snapped then turned to the rest of the group, "And I will tell you about this later, but I'm fine I promise."

"You sure?" Demi asked very carefully.

Miley just nodded rolling her eyes, "It's no big deal, embarrassing yes, life and death situation definitely not. I'll be fine, I've been through a lot worse." She repeated yet again.

"Okay then," Selena stated giving her a warm smile reaching out putting her hand on Miley's arm, "But if you need us we'll-"

"I know, you'll be there for me," Miley announced louder this time, her eyes moving round the office. "I know a lot of you have my back which I'm truly thankful for…"

I looked at her curiously realizing Miley wasn't addressing us but the rest of the office who were all timidly gazing in our direction. "Let's go," Miley whispered taking my arm pulling me forward.

I barely had time to grab my gear before Miley hauled me towards the car park.

"Miles…"

She kept pulling me as I followed, "Miley slow down, what's the rush?"

Miley opened the door not responding as she held it open for me. I stood there though giving her a look moving my fingers up unclasping her grip on my lower arm. She turned opening her mouth as I just gave her a pointed stare,

"Miley what happened?"

I watched my girlfriend's face blush as she looked away, "I'll tell you in the car, Jason specifically told me not to talk about it again and you know him…" She whispered looking around squinting, "He has eyes everywhere."

"Okay sure, but are you okay?" I asked taking her hand.

She shrugged as I closed the door, "I mean it's not ideal but I'm okay Nick,"

I opened my mouth but Miley turned walking away her cheeks growing redder by the second. I frowned confused quickly trailing after my girlfriend confused. I was thankful she seemed okay, but I wanted to know what happened and why David had spoken like that, then I'd make my judgment about her mindset. We climbed into the car, Miley of course taking up driving as I waited eagerly watching her. It wasn't until we'd completely lost sight of the department that she finally spoke,

"You remember how I told you I was kind of a brat in high school?" She asked keeping her eyes focused on the road, "Like Jason's car incident?"

I nodded, "Yeah I remember,"

"Yeah well that was like the tip of the iceberg." Miley announced.

I looked at her intrigued noting that her face was majorly red now,

"What do you mean?" I asked her persistently

Miley screwed up her nose, "David's job recently has been filing old case reports, you know tying up loose ends, like all the evidence and fixing the computer entries." I continued to listen nodding, "And he stumbled over something from Brooklyn's department about me, when I was sixteen."

"Oh," I whispered realizing what this meant, "What did you do?"

Miley gritted her teeth, "Please don't judge me."

I couldn't help but give a small laugh mocking her, "Me? Judge you? Trust me what ever you did I've probably done before, just clearly you got caught?" I asked as Miley stopped at a red light closing her eyes.

"Well yeah I got caught big time,"

"Arrested?"

"Yep which is what David sent around, full details of my crime and my gorgeous mug shot." She whispered sarcastically.

I looked at her relaxing a little bit, she seemed genuinely okay about this, more embarrassed then anything. But why? The curiosity was clouding everything now, because I wanted to know why this was making her blush.

"For what?"

Miley looked at me biting her lip, "Please don't laugh either."

"I won't," I smiled looking at her, "What did you get arrested for?"

"Indecent exposure."

I looked at her with raised eyebrows as Miley's expression turned into a frown,

"I said no judging me!" I laughed as she slapped me the light turning green, "No laughing." I slammed my mouth-closed relief flowing through me because indecent exposure was the one crime I'd never expect her to commit, yet clearly sixteen-year-old party girl Miley enjoyed getting naked?

"Can I ask what you were doing?" I asked trying to withhold a chuckle.

Miley looked ahead embarrassed, "What do you think I was doing?" She asked turning the corner as I looked at her.

"Well I could think of a few possibilities, the first of those having sex in a public-"

"GOD NO! Well, it wasn't actual intercourse sex, my god if I'd done that Jason would have shipped me to boarding school in England." Miley interrupted looking at me glaring, "I can't believe you'd think I'd do that-"

"Then what did you do?" I yet again asked.

"Well in my defense it was in an alleyway and hardly in a public place" Miley tried to explain as I listened hearing that explanation a few times myself from people I'd caught doing suspicious activities, "And it was late, I'd been drinking thankfully they didn't charge me for that one too."

"Miley what did you do?" I repeated.

"Well I was exactly indecent either, I mean unless you count a bra-"

"Miley."

"Okay fine I was with a guy, and…" She chewed on her lip, "I didn't do it, I want to make that clear, I didn't! But let's just say I was about to commence an act that was somewhat sexual with this person and my hand." I covered my mouth looking away trying so hard not laugh, "And if you do see the email it does say I was on my knees in the police report but that was only because I'd been throwing up in the gutter not because I was planning…I'm just going to stop."

I couldn't help it the laugh escaped before I could stop it. Next thing I knew a fist was heavily flung into my arm,

"Stop it, it's not funny Nick!" Miley yelled at me.

I groaned clutching my arm continuing to laugh because for some reason I felt utterly relived. I'd had some damn crazy things flowing through my head but now I knew, and honestly it was a surprise to hear Miley of all people being caught doing that, but at the same time I had to remember what I did when I was a teen. I hadn't been caught, she had.

"Nick shut up or I'll take back my invitation to let you move in."

I snorted, "If I move in will you give me a hand-"

"Do not even finish that sentence!" Miley yelled at me her cheeks tomato red now, "Look now you know, we aren't discussing it anymore."

I chuckled nodding covering my mouth with my hand trying to stop. "Did said guy get arrested?" I asked as Miley nodded.

"He's a top banks CEO's son…" Miley whispered giving a small laugh, "His dad got us the best lawyer, the case never even made court. Jason grounded me for four months and wouldn't let me go to my school dance."

I nodded, "I think that was justified Miley."

She frowned, "I didn't at the time, now…yeah it was."

I calmed down removing my hand thinking about it, "So David-"

"Sent the police record around and wrote the topic as being Commissioners jailbait." Miley's eyes looked distantly, "It was sent to thirty people, twenty three reported it to Jason." Miley smiled. "The majority had my back Nick, they looked out for me."

"Why wouldn't they?" I asked her putting my hand on her leg, "Everyone likes you, plus everyone is terrified of Jason especially now after seeing what he did to David."

"Jason thinks he had a thing for me, supposedly some of the guys said he kept talking about my body…" Miley hesitated thinking about her next words. "In a way which Jason described as being sexually based."

The anger hit me again as I instantly imagined breaking every bone in his body,

"I will kill him," I hissed.

"Hence why the email got sent out," Miley announced as I frowned.

She smiled at me, "David was pissed when he found out we were together, then when he stumbled across the police record-"

"Perfect revenge, that sick mother fucker." I growled clenching my hand.

Miley put her hand over mine releasing my grip on her thigh, "Nick it doesn't matter okay? He's gone and you're here with me so it's fine. Now let's focus on the more pressing matters, like you moving in…" Her eyes turned to mine fleetingly looking hopeful.

"Fine, when is a good time for you?"

"How about tonight?"

"Tonight?" I hissed looking at her,

Miley smiled nodding at me, "Yep you're moving in tonight."

Miley.

I collapsed onto the bed spreading my arms and legs out groaning.

"I didn't know moving was so hard." I complained rolling onto my side.

I pushed my head up with my hand balancing on my elbow looking at Nick who held a huge suitcase. Nick just stared at me sweat dripping down his forehead as he dramatically dropped the case onto my bedroom floor with a heavy thud.

"You're being sarcastic right?" He asked looking at me.

I frowned confused, "No, what do you mean? This is hard work."

"You haven't done anything." Nick snorted putting his hands on his hips.

"Have too, I…" I trailed off looking around the room flicking my hand at an ugly sport lamp, "Carried that stupid basketball light up here. I think the trash would be a more reasonable place for it honestly,"

"It's not stupid, it's a collectors item." Nick shot back.

I rolled my eyes, "It's ugly."

Nick blinked his lips pinched together as I smirked at him. "You look so cute when you're angry. The basketball lamp can stay okay? And I will help you unpack tomorrow I promise. I'm just not in the mood." I announced sitting up smiling at him.

"Then what are you in the mood for?" Nick asked with raised eyebrows.

I smirked back at him motioning with my index finger for Nick to come and join me. Nick didn't need a worded invitation and sprung across to the bed leaning his body over mine as I smiled falling back into it's softness. He followed my lead gently crawling over my sprawled out shape with a look of determination in his eyes. He wanted me. I could see it so vividly. I leaned up to his ear, our bodies still not touching as I smiled deciding I might as well play a little game with him.

"I'm in the mood for…" I trailed off.

I breathed running my hand up Nick's back "Finding out what your mom is up too!"

Nick groaned collapsing onto me as I gave a struggled laugh pushing him off me, "What did you think I was going to say? Just because you're moving in doesn't mean I'm going to have sex with you- and don't you dare bring up my indecent exposure." I snapped seeing his mouth open only to close.

"Way to kill the mood Mi." He murmured sadly.

I leaned over kissing his nose, "I'll make it up to you, I promise."

"Good and to answer your question, I don't know Mi, if I did I would tell you. She said she wanted to give him the invitation." He repeated to me as I frowned.

"But we both agree that was obliviously a lie right?"

Nick nodded putting his hand on my waist, "Yeah definitely, what happened to her after your Uncle took you both into his office." His question caught me a little off guard because honestly I'd been so distracted by what David had said at that point I hadn't put a lot of thought into Denise's presence beside me.

"Well…" I stopped. "They seemed awkward."

"And?"

I looked at Nick thinking, "Well Jason brought me into his office and simply told your mom he'd be with her in a minute." Nick nodded, "And then when he'd finally explained everything to me he basically kicked me out. But…"

"But what?" Nick asked.

"Your mom had a folder, I remember as I was leaving she stood up with it in her hands. It was way too big to be an invitation." I looked at Nick who frowned confused shaking his head,

"I don't know what's going on."

"Me either,"

I looked away considering it for a moment as Nick's hand gently squeezed my hip. I turned back to him as he placed a light kiss on my lips, "Are you okay though? I know you're embarrassed but…" I rolled my eyes nodding at him moving my hand to his cheek.

"The old me would have lost it completely, but new me, that is post meltdown Miley well she is dealing with this. I'm mortified though…" Nick kissed my cheek, "But I know I'm not that person anymore,"

"I know that too, and I'm sure everyone else does."

I smiled at him, "I love you, so much."

"I love you too."

Nick pulled my hip forcing my body closer to his as I leaned forward bringing him into a kiss. I don't know how long I just stayed there with him kissing, it felt like hours and it made me realize this was the first time I'd ever been in this apartment with someone else. I'd let him in to my most sacred place and I didn't have any doubts what so ever. Everything about Nick made me feel like the decisions I made were the right ones, and I didn't feel the nagging child in me who just wanted to stay locked away and alone forever.

Nick rolled me onto my back his hand gently clutching my thigh, as I broke away and he gave me a smile. I pressed my lips back against his, only to hear the doorbell.

"Ignore it," I whispered against his lips.

Nick nodded continuing to kiss me as heavy knocking started. I groaned as Nick pulled away with wide eyes. It was only then I really clicked to who could be outside the door. Jason.

"Shit." Nick and me both hissed as I jumped up.

"You stay here," I ordered motioning to the front door, "I'll deal with him okay? Just keep your mouth closed?"

I rushed down the hallway towards the front door as the knocking continued. I straightened my shirt and combed my fingers through my hair making myself look respectable. Why hadn't I realized he might come over? He surely wanted to check up on me, what if Amy was here too? I closed my eyes mentally groaning, why couldn't they just let me live my life without constant check ups? The knocking got louder again as I huffed taking a stand, he was not getting past the door that was for sure.

I reached over unlocking it opening the door slowly. I looked up at Jason still in full uniform his fist hanging in the air as he let it drop.

"Hey Jase," I welcomed him politely,

"Hey Miley, I thought I'd come see how you were." Jason announced causally his eyes attempting to look over my head as I frowned.

"Jason…" I groaned looking at him. "I'm fine, like I told you."

"I know," He responded. "But I worry, and I have every right too. I told Amy, which I shouldn't have that's one of the reasons I'm over here. She forced me to make sure you were okay." I nodded understanding my aunt was demanding and my uncle was kind of whipped when it came to her wants,

"Well you can tell her I am," I responded holding the door to my chest,

Jason frowned, "Can I come in, I brought take out."

He held up a white plastic bag as I looked at him shaking my head.

"No Jase, I just want to be alone."

"Alone?" He questioned with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, I just…" I looked at him. "I'm busy at the moment."

"Doing what?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

"You're my niece I'm-"

"You're being annoying Jason."

"I brought you food, how is that annoying?"

"If I accept the food will you be happy?"

"Yes, so I can come in?"

"No!" I snapped huffing, "Like I said I'm busy."

"Doing what?" He yet again repeated.

"Jason please just give me break? Stop being so persistent and overbearing."

"Then stop lying and tell me the truth Miley." Jason announced looking at me, his face completely calm. "Tell me what's going on and I'll leave." I saw the look in his eyes, he wasn't mad he just wanted to know.

I shifted on my feet looking at him, "Nick's here." I responded looking down.

"I assumed as much," Jason responded as I looked up sucking in a breath.

"He's moving in with me."

The second I said it I knew the risk I was taking. It could go two ways with Jason, badly or dramatically regardless I expected raised voices, red cheeks and me ending up slamming the door in his face. Instead I was shocked by how calm his expression stayed, how his eyes looked relieved? I opened my mouth to question him but instead I was caught by surprise as Jason leaned forward kissing the top of my head.

"Finally," He responded, "You're telling me the truth."

He stepped back smiling at me, "You have no idea how long I have waited for this day…" Jason stated his expression suddenly looking sad, while I stood there completely confused not sure what to do.

"What do you mean?" I whispered.

"You're finally making decisions for yourself." Jason stated as I looked at him, seeing a small smile playing on his face. He looked proud.

"So your not mad?" I asked still confused.

"No, no actually…" His smile got bigger nodding, "This is really good, this is something your parents would want for you Miley. To be happy because of your own choices and not theirs."

I didn't know how to respond so I just stood there speechless.

He held up the bag to me, "For you and Nick, I overheard Joe tonight in the office telling Demi that she could move in if she wanted too. That Nick, or as Joe stated the dictator,had left the apartment to live with you." Jason announced as I just watched him scared that a monster would suddenly appear in front of me because I didn't know this Jason. "And by the way you're staring this isn't the reaction you were expecting, which is understandable. Nick's a good guy Miley, I trust him with you."

"I promise I won't break that trust Sir." Nick's voice announced behind me

I turned looking at Nick who pushed the door completely open giving Jason a smile. "And you're completely right with everything you've said…" He turned looking at me. "You're happy aren't you?"

I nodded at him smiling, "Of course I am. I'm beyond happy right now."

"Then that's all I need to hear to know you're okay Miley. Here is your dinner enjoy it. I will see you both at work tomorrow," Jason announced as Nick took the bag smiling.

"Thank you Sir."

He gave Nick a look, "Don't even think about cutting me out of her life though,"

"Wouldn't dream of it Jason," Nick stated more causally as they exchanged a smile, like a sense of accomplishment, like they'd been working towards a common goal that they finally felt like they'd both achieved.

"Oh," Jason stated, "Remember shopping tomorrow with Denise, you'll have to take the night shift tomorrow night."

I groaned as he smiled, "Goodnight Miley, bye Nick."

"Bye Jason, see you tomorrow."

Jason moved away as I looked at Nick for a second confused. He smiled at me with raised eyebrows and turned walking towards the kitchen. I pivoted back looking to see Jason standing at the elevator. I didn't really understand what had just gone down, but I knew what my heart was saying. I walked out closing the door behind me stepping down the hallway to the elevator moving up to Jason. He turned looking at me confused as I smiled and stepped forward hugging him.

Jason gave a light laugh wrapping his arms around me as I pressed my head against his chest. "I love you, you know that right?" I asked him as he tightened his grip on me,

"Of course I do Destiny." He whispered.

I smiled letting him go as the elevator doors opened. Jason stared at me for a moment then stepped inside.

"And I love you too, so much."

Jason gave me a grin as the doors closed and I turned back feeling enlightened. I walked back into the apartment and looked up finding Nick on the sofa food in mouth already as he pointed at the bench,

"Food is over there, I already took most of it." He responded his eyes resuming their position on the T.V

I smiled moving into the kitchen contemplating the fact I could definitely get used to living like this.

A/N: IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW hence long/cute Niley chapter :D Thanks for the reviews! Now it's dramatic conclusion time ;)