"Miley can I please talk to you?" Joe asked through gritted teeth as soon as breakfast was over. The tension during the table was unbearable for both the 'actors' and the 'audience'.
"Actually Miley and I were gonna go to the pool." Nick cut in as Miley gave Joe a 'look.'
"Yup sorry." She said monotonously, walking past Joe. Unfortunately for her, he grabbed her arm before she could take another step.
"We need to talk…Now!" The middle bro hissed, yanking her back.
"Oookay~ Well I'll see ya by the pool Miles." Nick winked as Miley huffed. "Later dude."
"Whatever." Joe muttered, dragging Miley away to the rail at the front of the boat, overlooking the vast seas.
"Will you let go? It hurts!" Miley whined, trying to squirm from his firm grip as she glared at the boy who looked away from her. He sighed deeply, letting go.
"I'm sorry…"
"Yea you better-" Miley was going to continue yelling when she saw the look in Joe's eyes. Was that…sadness? Why though? He had everything he had ever wanted! "-be…" Miley sighed, she couldn't take anymore of that look. "Joe-"
"So you and Nick huh?" He asked out of the blue.
"Uh…yea. He's um…g-great and uh…very very sweet and sensitive…with um…really beautiful brown eyes! Oh my god those brown eyes…" Miley sighed dreamily, knowing that deep down, she was no longer describing Nick. Glancing over nervously at Joe, she was surprised to meet those eyes she was really talking about. But they were no longer lively like they had been….they were so…so sad. "Hey what's wr-"
"So you really like him?"
"Is there a problem with that?" Miley asked, narrowing her eyes. 'What's with all these questions?'
"N-No…of course not." Joe stared into her blue orbs for a second and flashed a weak smile. "Congrats." With that, he stuffed his hands into his pockets, walking away silently.
Miley watched his retreating back as he seemed to disappear into the blue…
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"Nicholas stop it now!" Miley squealed as her 'boyfriend' splashed a wave of water at her.
"Yeah? Yeah? How about this!" Nick grabbed her bare waist and spun her around. Miley laughed loudly as she held onto him, kicking her legs.
"Nick, Nick there's Joe. He's coming this way." Miley whispered quickly as soon as the middle bro came into sight. What made her mad was the fact that Destiny was right beside him, draping onto his arm like- like a cheep…clingy…drape! Nick gently let her down as he sprung into boyfriend mode.
"Man, a guy can't live 5 minutes of his life without having to make-out with his best friend?" Nick whined jokingly as Miley slapped his chest. "Ready for your prince to sweep you off your feet?"
"You wouldn't." Miley dared, her eyes boring into his. There was a mischievous glint in Nick's eyes. The next thing she knew, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder fireman style. "NICKY!!!" Miley shrieked, pounded on his back. "I don't like being picked up!" She squealed.
"Well you're gonna have to deal with it princess." He grinned walking towards his brother. "Oh hey Joe, Destiny, didn't see you there!"
"Hey guys!" Destiny chirped happily, running into the cold pool. "Joey come on! It feels so good!"
"Nick." Joe stated simply, joining them in the water as Destiny curled up against him. Joe hesitantly wrapped his arms around her, his eyes locked on another couple. After watching Niley for a few minutes, he finally spoke up. "Put her down, she doesn't like being picked up."
"Thank you!" Miley huffed as Nick finally obeyed, smirking.
"Aww babe you look so cute when you're mad at me." Curly-top (Teehee) laughed as he pulled his best friend against him. "Ready?" He whispered in her ear, causing her to giggle and Joe to glare.
"Yup Nicky." Miley smiled, leaning in gracefully. Nick could see Joe's glare hardened in the corner of his eye as he closed the gap between himself and Miley. Just to make things more believable, Nick's hands began to wander. Miley gasped at the new contact but said nothing as she attacked his soft lips once more. So many times they kissed…and nothing. Not a single spark. But Joe…
"Sorry Miles." Nick murmured as he pulled away for air. Miley gave him a nod, taking a sharp breath. Slowly, his hands trailed down her hair, her back, her waist, and lower, and lower and lower and- "OW!"
"Stop it." There stood Joe, his hands so tightly around Nick's wrist that he was about to break it. "Right now." Joe threatened in a low voice as his brown eyes turned dark and dangerous and almost…frightening.
"Joe what are you doing!?" Miley and Destiny yelled at the same time, both trying to pull the boys apart.
"DON'T TOUCH HER LIKE THAT!" Joe hollered, making Nick's bone crack painfully.
"GUYS!" Miley screamed, instantly breaking them up. "Joseph you let go of Nick right now!"
"Miley you can't let him touch you like this!" Joe argued as Nick forcefully retrieved his arm. Inside, his hand was dying but young Nicholas never showed a single sign of pain.
"Joe what's your problem?! Live a little and maybe you can focus on me, your girlfriend, instead of your little brother's love life!" Destiny cried, pulling him by the arm.
"You have no right to tell me about Nick!" Joe yelled back.
"And neither do you!" Miley shot right back as Joe winced at her outburst, his angry eyes fade back to sad ones. "I'm so sorry, I didn't think he would…" She whispered in Nick's chest, allowing his warm fingers to run through her dripping hair.
"Hey it's cool, it was my idea anyway."
"Come on, let's get outta here." She murmured, climbing out with Nick, leaving Joe's disappointed eyes to follow them into the ship.
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"Does it hurt?" Miley sighed for the billionth time as Nick waved his hand around.
"I'm fine Miley." He smiled warmly, showing her his wrapped up wrist. "If you ever lose your voice, you'd make a great nurse."
"Shut up!" She giggled, sipping her drink in another one of the cruise's fancy restaurants. "Thanks for taking me out to lunch."
"Hey, no biggie, I mean it's kinda my fault that I went too far."
"You were just trying to make Joe jealous, I know." Miley smiled appreciatively. "And I think it worked."
"Good. And you know I would've invited Kevin but it seemed like that bush behind the window is moving." Nick smirked and grabbed Miley's hand before she could turn around. "Don't look, he'll know!"
"Wow, that's creepy, even for Joe." Miley shook her head, laughing as she tried to continue her lunch with her best friend. Just right behind Miley, the bush moved once more as Joe struggled to hide his presence. A part of him wanted to hear their conversation while the other feared what they were talking about. Oh if only he knew…
"Hey Joey, whatcha doing?" Joe jumped, falling over on his butt.
"WOAH! Destiny! What are you doing here?!" He cried then slammed his hand over his mouth, whispering. "Why are you here?!"
"I was just walking around! Why are you behind this thing!?" Destiny hissed, brushing to leaves from her hair. Glancing over the window, she found her answer and gasped. "OH MY GOD! What kind of brother stalks his little brother's date!?"
"This kind! Now buzz off!" Joe sneered as Destiny flinched.
"What's wrong with you?! We just made up and instead of spending time together, you want to spy on them!?"
"Yes! Is that clear enough for you? Y-E-S YES!" Destiny gasped, standing up, mad. Joe's eyes softened. "Des, I'm sor-"
"Ugh! I can't believe you!!!" She screamed, stomping off.
"DESTINY!!!" On the other side of the glass, Miley and Nick winced at the loud volume and all they could say was-
"Wow…"
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Miley breathed deeply before turning the knob to her room. Nick gave her an encouraging smile before disappearing into his. Groaning, she reluctantly walked in. Joe, who was previously lying on his bed, sat up instantly.
"Hey…" He greeted softly. Miley gave him a nod, fumbling with the dog tag she was trying to take off. "Here let me help." Gently, Joe lifted her hair and set them aside before proceeding with the sliver chain. Taking a closer look, he realized that the chain didn't belong to Miley…he would know, that was Nick's. Miley took the tag, setting it on the counter silently. "Mi, can we talk?"
"We are talking." She replied, collapsing on her bed. Joe took a sharp breath before sitting next to her head, softly touching her hair. Miley sighed, wiping his hand away. "Just tell me what you what." She said tiredly.
"Miley why won't you talk to me!?"
"I AM! I am talking to you!"
"Like 'talk', not just talk!"
"Well I just asked what you wanted to talk about!" Miley groaned, frustrated as she pulled a hand to her forehead.
"Look I'm sorry okay! I'm sorry for whatever I did that made you mad alright? Will you just…talk to me?" Joe sighed, exasperated. Miley sat up, a fake smile plastered on her face.
"Dear Joseph, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT!?"
"Like um…how's your lunch with Ni- I- I mean, where were you?" He began, trying to sound casual.
'Wouldn't you know Mr. Stalker?' Miley thought, scoffing inwardly. "With Nick."
"Why are you even dating Nick?" Joe word-vomited as she gaped at him in disbelief. Was he seriously asking that?!
"Why are you even dating Destiny!?" She snapped with the same logic while Joe just stared, speechless. "Exactly! Don't go all double standards on me!"
"Maybe I love her! You ever thought of that?!" Joe shot back without thinking.
"Do you?" Miley asked, suddenly very quiet. Her upset face, she wore it well, she camouflaged the way she felt.
"Yes, yes I do!" Anyone with a brain could've heard Miley's heart shatter right there and then. Biting her lip, she held back the tears that threatened to fall any second.
"W-Well maybe I love Nick too, you ever thought of that?" She asked, her voice cracking into a whisper like the breeze through a thick forest. Joe's breath suddenly hitched.
"Bu-But you don't…you don't…" He repeated, trying to convince himself while cradling his head. "You can't…it's just n-not…"
"Look, just get out of my personal life alright? You don't see me butting-in in yours." Miley scoffed. "Go find something to do with Destiny!"
"When did this become about Destiny!?"
"It's not!" She lied.
"Miley-"
"J-Just go okay? Just go a-away." Miley hiccupped, on the verge of crying as she tried her best to hold them back. Another minute and she just might burst into tears. "Just l-leave me alone…p-please…"
Joe gazed at her with sad eyes, still being too caught up with the lines, vines, and trying times. (I'm sure a JB fan would know what that means XD Don't worry, it'll make more sense as you keep reading.)
"Okay Miles. Just know you're my best friend and I love you." He murmured, leaning down to kiss her forehead lightly before walking away. Resting his hand on the knob, he turned back once more. "Mi?"
"What?"
"I just want you to be happy." He whispered, leaving with a click of the door. Miley stared at the spot where he previously sat.
"Me too Joe, me too…" She choked, crying herself to sleep.
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Joe strolled around the ship. Passing a jewelry store, he did a double take at the chain on display. Nibbling on his bottom lip, Joe hesitated for a second before continuing his way, turning the knob to Destiny's door.
"Hey Desti-WOAH!"
"JOE!" Destiny jumped, pulling away from the blond before her. "He came onto me! I swear!"
"Ryan."
"Jonas." The boys glared at each other as Destiny cowered onto the bed.
"You. You cheated on me…again!" Joe barked, tears burning his chocolate eyes, digging his nails into his palms. "And with HIM? Of all people Destiny!"
"Joe I didn't! I love you I swear I-"
"And to think I came here to apologize for this morning." He laughed bitterly, obviously hurt. But it surprised him that it didn't hurt as much as he thought it would. "Screw that, to think I even gave you a second chance at all. Once a cheater, always a cheater."
"Well you obviously don't give a girl what she needs." Jake smirked arrogantly, crossing his arms. "Take a tip, your welcome."
"Bastard." With that, Joe's fist connected with Jake's face, instantly forming a purple bruise on his bleeding nose. "Slut." He spat to Destiny who held onto his arm, begging him not to go.
"No Joe please! I love you I really do! I didn't know what I was thinking! Please don't leave me…you can't…" She sobbed as Joe shook her off. "I didn't know what I was thinking…"
"Well I do. Goodbye." He snarled, stomping towards the door. He didn't know why, but suddenly, Miley's tear stained face flashed across his mind and something in him snapped. "I- Never mind." And with a slam of the door, he was gone. For good. Of course, Joe knew better than to turn around. He didn't want to see the traitor that resembled so much like…her. Thinking back, he didn't even know why he was so cruel to Miley in the first place. She was such a sweet girl…and in so many ways, she was not Destiny. She'll never be Destiny.
Joe strolled around the ship. Passing a jewelry store, he did a double take at the chain on display. This time he stopped, taking the time to admire its simplicity. He entered the shop, smiling to himself softly.
"Excuse me, how much is that dog tag?"
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Knock knock!
"One second!" Miley yelled, straightening her shirt before answering the door. "Joe! Um…" Quickly, she wiped her eyes, just to make sure. Joe looked at her sympathetically, knowing she was trying to look strong for her bloodshot eyes…his eyes weren't that different either. "You didn't have to knock, it's your room too."
"Yeah I know…" Joe smiled softly. "So is it okay if I come back now?"
"Oh u-um yea…sorry about earlier, I just needed some time alone and-"
"Hey hey…" Joe murmured gently, tilting her chin. "Don't apologize."
Miley nodded, moving aside to let him in. Joe breathed shakily as he sat on the edge of his bed, his face buried in his hands. Miley leaned against the wall opposite of him, confused.
"Are you okay?" She whispered, concerned.
"Yeah fine." Joe mumbled through his fingers. Miley sighed, taking a seat next to him, pulling his hands away.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing." She slapped his head lightly.
"Don't give me that. I know you better than that." Joe kept quiet. The only sounds were those of his heavy breathing. Miley sighed. "Look, I know we haven't been on the best terms but-"
"No Mi…that's not…" Joe took another deep breath before looking into her eyes. "She chea-"
"WAIT WHAT? WITH WHO!?"
"Ja-"
"I'M GONNA GO KILL THAT B-" Miley jumped, furious. Joe quickly grabbed her hand before she can commit a murder.
"Miley! Miley sit down…it's fine…" He reassured with a weak smile. Did he want to kill them too? Yes. But was he better off this way? Yes.
"How can you say that!? You gave that slut a second chance and she-she-UGH!" Miley groaned loudly, finally calming down. She quickly pulled Joe into her arms, rubbing his back. "Doesn't matter…you okay?"
Joe was quiet for a second then he nodded, smiling a bit. "Y-Yeah, I think so." He whispered, tightening his arms around her, breathing her sweet scent.
"Hey…Miles…" Nick waved from the doorway, slightly surprised.
"Wassup Nick?" Miley greeted, removing her head from Joe's shoulder.
"Oh um…sorry." Joe smiled weakly, letting her go. "Go on."
"Huh?"
"Well isn't he your boyfriend?" Miley 'oh'ed' in realization and Joe smiled. "It's okay, you don't have to sit here with me, I'll be fine. Go have fun."
"Come on Miles." Nick grinned, throwing his arm around her shoulders as she approached him. "Hey."
"Hey yourself." Miley smiled but frowned when Nick leaned it for a kiss. She quickly turned away, giving him her cheek.
"What?" Nick whispered. Miley stared into his eyes, guilt overwhelming her.
"I-I can't do this anymore Nick…I mean look at him…" Surely, Nick glanced over to find his broken brother. "I-I just can't..."
"Are you sure?" The youngest Jonas whispered. "Knowing Joe, he might-"
"Doesn't matter. I have to tell him…now."
End of Step 6
OOHHHHHHHHHHHHH HOW WILL JOE REACT? Will he be nice or blow up in her face? You decided...but I get the last word XD