Disclaimer: I own absolutely none of any crap you could possibly think I do.

Before The Storm

"I need to talk to you soon. This time things will be different."

I shared a look of understanding with the perfect boy standing in front of me. I know that he could tell when I was saying yes without talking. That's how we were. That's how we are. I'm determined to make sure that's how we'll be.

Backstage at the Inaugural

"I don't really know how to start this conversation." I watched as Nick nervously fiddled with his fingers.

"Well, you never had a problem starting a screaming match with me. I don't see how this could be harder." I processsed this simple statement in my mind after I said it. Oops, wrong thing to say. It was obvious by the way his facial expression changed, too.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Great. His defensive side has arrived. I really didn't want to fight with him. But this wouldn't be a first. I had to answer if I wanted to have a real talk. No yelling. Just quiet expression.

"You know what I mean Nick, and I won't fight with you tonight. There's this huge gap between us and I want more than anything to fill it. I won't lie."

"So you're the good guy? I'm the one who walked away? I didn't wanna do it. It hurt to leave. But I had to do it. You didn't deserve it and neither did I. I did what I could. I wanted to be friends. But I knew it wouldn't be right unless I could touch you the same way."

"And I didn't? I did everything my heart would let me. You did the rest. No wonder there wasn't a happy ending. How was I supposed to take things. Laugh like I always do?"

"I just--"

He just what?

"I could have made things different. But we both know i'm not that strong. Miles, i'm not that strong."

That hit home.

"You didn't have to be strong." I was softening up at his words. They ran through my head like they did once before. When I thought he was strong enough. He looked nearly lifeless but his words held much power. "We both made bad choices. They ruined us. Our past went out the window with every mean word or sad reminder. I think there's room in the future. A new chapter. I would really like for you to be a main character." I spoke with confidence. This was my best choice among millions of wrong ones and I knew it now.

"Like I said Mi, i'm not that strong. You have Justin anyway. I'm nothing special anymore."

"Do you hear yourself? I'm opening the door. Peter Pan and Wendy are supposed to turn out fine! Peter Pan doesn't leave Wendy in Neverland."

Silence.

It was too quiet. I spoke calmly. "Is it tinkerbell? Does her fairy dust attract you?" (a/n Selena plays tinkerbell in an ep. of Wizards)

"No." he replied easily. "It's not Selena. Selena's just a distraction. You're the big picture. If anything, the lyrics are wrong because you're tinkerbell. I feel the fairy dust every time you look at me. You're the reason I fly."

This made me cry. I closed my eyes and hugged my knees with my head resting on them. His arms engulfed me. His frame became part of mine. This position was forgotten by my memory. But I knew how to end this.

"Nick? I'm done with being so distant. Let's forget all of it." My tears had subsided and I looked desperately at him.

"It's already forgotten." He smiled innocently. This made me laugh. He was so cute right now.

"What?" he asked me, confusion evident on his face. I just ignored him anyway and laughed even harder until it got uncontrollable.

"Tell me what's so funny Miley." I tried to even my breath but as soon as I looked at him I just laughed harder that I did at first.

Few Minutes Later

Okay. I took a deep breath. "Now will you tell me why you were laughing your guts out?" I smiled just to tease him.

"No. Don't laugh again," he pleaded with me

"Fine, I was laughing at you. That's all i'll say for now."

"Hrmphh." he pouted with his arms crossed.

"You aren't very good at playing the guilt card."

He said nothing back. Oh well. Might as well have some fun with this.

"Okay, so now you won't talk. Looks like i'm just gonna leave."

Still nothing.

"I'm getting up."

No response. I went to the door and was walking out backwards.

"Good night." I almost closed the door when something stopped me from the other side.

"Not so fast missy." I watched as the amazingly hot boy in front of me got a little hotter and smiled flirtily towards me.

One more step backwards. Bad move. "Ahhh!!"

I was falling. Great. How is it that a person can be so unlucky? It hadn't even been 15 minutes and I was already embarrassing myself. Smack. That's probably what it sounded like when I hit the floor. Somehow my leg had twisted around and I landed on my left knee first. My ankle was hurting like crazy. Crap. Strong arms found their way around the back of my legs and before I could wave awy the shock my body had experienced seconds before I was on my ex's back. What a night.

In Miley's Dressing Room

"Are you okay? That fall was pretty bad."

Gee. Thanks for rubbing it in Nick.

"Yeah, i'm fine. The first aid stuff is over there." I pointed. "Can you get it for me?"

"Sure." He took out a face towel and wet it lightly. When he walked over to me I got kind of nervous as he rolled my pale skinny jeans up. I was pretty sure he could tell, too.

"I'm just gonna put the towel on your cuts Mi."

"I know, but i'm a big girl I can do it." We didn't need to be awkward now of all times. I was just getting my best friend back. Best friend. Oh no, Mandy. I needed to talk to her asap.

"You okay Miley?"asked Nick. I must've zoned out.

"Um yeah." I shook my head. "I just thought of something I need to do."

Mandy walked in right then. She always did have great timing. "Nick, can you please leave? We'll talk later."

" 'Course. See ya later alligator."

I smiled at his dorkiness until the door closed behind him. Then I felt the tension. This night had a high, and this would be the low.

"Mandy, I think these are our last hours to--"

"I know Miles. Can we talk about it when they're over? When I know time is out and then we can say it."

I nodded. Her eyes were getting teary. She was supposed to be the strong one. For now, we didn't have to be strong.

Aaaaaaaaaannnd, that's a wrap. I'm still sad about Michael Jackson. If you saw my profile you already prob knew that. Sorry this took so long. I've been busy with drama camp. Please review.