Disclaimer: I don't own Hannah Montana. I can't say it anymore simply. Oh, I also don't own Sharpay Evans and Gabriella Montez from High School Musical.

And if you want a good fic to read I'd recommend anything by LaughLoveLive. His Chrave, Londie and Liley are amazing.

This chapter is dedicated to Kurrent who writes the best Liley stories ever!

Rating: M for safety.

Thursday evening found Miley Stewart arriving home late, carefully parking outside on the driveway behind her father's ugly station wagon, crouched under the tranquil orange and yellow horizon. Once turning off the near silent ignition, adjusting her large black shades atop her impeccably curly brunette hair and gently slamming the Ferraris door shut (inspecting her pride and joy lovingly) she grabbed her bag from the open top passengers side and walked up to her quiet house. Without looking back she activated the automatic roof to slide over the car and strode over to the front door, for once avoiding the spot she always seemed to trip on.

The reason she was slightly late home today was because a defiantly stubborn Lilly had insisted on dragging her to their local Starbucks to expand their social time right after school had ended. Like they didn't already spend more hours in a day with each other than was countable on two hands. But Miley wasn't complaining; any extra time with Lilly was time deeply cherished and as far as she was concerned there wasn't a better way of spending it than with her hyperactive blonde haired best friend.

The unknowing centre of her universe.

Upon entering her house, a tasty smell invaded her nostrils and she sniffed longingly, knowing her Dad was exploiting one of his home made recipes. Ever since last year and her life changing decision to finally end Hannah Montana for personal reasons, Robbie Ray had reacted to the news rather well considering his wellbeing depended on being his daughters manager, but his duty as a protective father came first and he was more than supportive of his baby girls' mature choice. However, after much thinking (and contemplating) he'd decided to pursue a career doing something he realized he loved all along: cooking. That led him to wanting to start his own restaurant. Everyday he devoted his time to creating new meals, something he was getting increasingly good at. Although the chances of permanent success in the culinary field were slim, he was persevering and had only that afternoon taken a look at a possible building up town that may just be the beginning.

As Miley securely closed the door, smiling at her Dad whistling in his pink apron, she was aware of how happy making food made him, and how she was going to be as helpful as possible in pushing him to reach his dreams just like he had her when she was eleven years old and aspiring to be a famous singer.

"You're home late today." He observed, adding spices to the sizzling pan. The cook book on the stove was open but Miley was sure he hadn't once notified the instructions for confirmation: a good cook went with the flow. "Don't tell me you had a detention, honey. You know what I said about takin' that car away from you if you started misbehavin' in class."

Rolling her eyes, Miley casually leant against the kitchen counter and watched the mixture bubble, suppressing a lick of the lips. "Lilly ambushed me after school so we went to indulge at Starbucks."

Robbie Ray gave a sound whistle. "Brands like that are takin' over the world ma' dear. But I wouldn't expect anythin' less of Lil. That girl is easier to string along than a dog and a bone." He shook his head and Miley prevented a giggle at how well her best friend and her father got along. Maybe it might be found weird but she enjoyed their playful banter, it was … stable. "Speakin' of Ms.Mouth, is she due over for dinner today or is that a stupid question?"

Miley played with some grains of salt accidentally spilt over and gave a secret smile, her heart pounding in anticipation at seeing her best friend again. "Stupid question. You know she lives for your cooking."

Robbie Ray pretended to look smug and egotistical, pulling at his collar embarrassingly.

"Okay, Dad, deflate that big ol' head of yours," Miley laughed and swatted the air as though it were going to grow and suffocate her. This was why their relationship was so great, they were completely comfortable in the others presence.

"Ah, I'm glad you still have that cute little Tennessean accent of yours. Malibu hasn't completely made you as plastic as a credit card."

She flicked her skin with a despondent sigh. "Nope, I'm still flesh and bones."

"That's exactly what you are. I'm on a mission to fatten you up." He waved the spatula at her warningly and Miley took that as her cue to get away now before she heard another lecture about succumbing to the peer pressures of dieting and exercising … or as her Dad politely put it - "Training for the slut parade."

"I'll holla' when dinner is ready!" he yelled after her retreating back.

Cringing on the third step, Miley shouted back, "Never say holla' again!"

He just sniggered; the sound cutting off once Miley reached her room and closed the door, rubbing her temples as she stood inside, the doors to her balcony wide open and creating a therapeutic breeze.

Another stressful day had passed and it wasn't over yet, far from it.

She hadn't much to complain about, though, in comparison to the less fortunate. She was seventeen years old, she had a hot car, she was healthy, she had decent grades and she had a loving family and a few of the best friends anyone could ever wish for.

It wasn't as though she was ungrateful, she prayed every night for the blessings in her life but there was something amiss… well, there had been something nagging away at her for at least the last sixth months that wasn't the most conventional problem. At first it had been a feeling she couldn't quite place, she was unsure as to what it was, what it meant. Then as it became more obvious, as the answers to the questions finally came, she found the undeniable conclusion so nerve racking, so positively frightening that she'd scheduled a vacation immediately after figuring out the truth. But now... now she was just coping with this huge secret and trying not to ruin her life by doing so.

Sighing, she took a quick glance around her room; it was relatively tidy by normal standards. By nature she wasn't a messy person, growing up with two boys had heightened her sense of cleanliness. The double bed was made, her closet was shut and her desk was deprived of scattered papers. Even her computer had a nice shine and her picture board hung on the wall beside an old Hannah Montana poster looked dust free.

When they'd first moved in Miley had claimed this room instantly; it had the en suite bathroom and the balcony with the nicest view. It was her haven, her place of Zen, her private area to get away from it all once in a while. She loved to go there and just … think. Usually about one certain girl who had turned her life upside down.

Dumping her bag on her desk, shimmying out of her thin jacket and taking her regular spot by the balcony after turning on her computer, Miley smiled briefly as she looked out fondly and watched the pleasant horizon. It reminded her of Lilly. It was so serene and beautiful, euphoric in its simplicity. Nothing classy, nothing extravagant, just … the sunset.

Lilly.

Before she had time to ponder and reflect upon her day, a noise from her computer was made and she spun around to find she had an IM.

It could only be one person; her second favorite blonde in the entire world.

She quickly got her camera set up and clicked the accept button so she and her distant friend could chat via video. This was exactly what she needed to raise her deteriorating spirits. It may just drag her day from its receding obscurity.

"Hola Chica," Sharpay Evans greeted brightly from the screen, picturesque blonde hair professionally swept back into a high ponytail, a sparkling headband held firmly in place on her head, small earrings glittering under the lighting of her pink room. She was dressed in tight short shorts (showing her model-like tanned legs) and a bright pink tank-top. Behind her on the fluffy pink comforter laid a cute looking Gabriella, playing with Sharpay's pet Chihuahua, a recent birthday present from Miley coincidentally.

At seeing her life-long friend looking so comforting, reassuring and familiar in her fake icy charade, the brunette lit up brightly and smiled a genuine smile, instantly craving a famous Sharpay cuddle. Her old friend could tell she was trying to be happy but failing miserably, they knew each other too well to fall for the dramatics.

"Turn that frown upside down, Miles. You're crinkling up that pretty little face of yours," Sharpay commanded in her best tone, reserved only for motivation... or scolding. She looked behind her at a distracted Gabriella and poked her sharply in the bare foot. "Say hi to the Miles of Smiles via webcam, Gabby."

"Oh, are you through?" Gabriella struggled to sit up Indian style, still stroking the bald looking rodent, peering from a distance into the camera as though unsure another person could see her over the internet. "I don't know if you can see me but I'm waving! And Coco says hello as well."

Miley laughed, cheering up. "I miss you guys."

"I miss you too." Sharpay gave a rare warm smile, usually reserved for her reflection whenever she looked in the mirror. A meaningful cough had Sharpay roll her eyes and add, "Gabby misses you too." Pulling back, she stuck her tongue out at the girl behind her but found something to complain about instead. "Stop squinting at the camera! She can see you sat in the background. For a science geek you sure aren't technical, babe… Anyway, seriously, what has you so down my little Country Hick? Lilly problems?" Her voice changed from sarcastic to sympathetic over the last question; she knew all too well about the recent difficulties.

Miley nodded glumly and fiddled with her long hair absent-mindedly, unsure of where to begin to explain the pit of nauseous, queasy, confusing and loving emotions inside of her, all jumbled up and tearing away. There was no place to start really. The beginning was muddled, the middle was convoluted and Miley wasn't even sure it had an end. She wasn't nervous about conferring with Sharpay, though, they could tell each other anything and no matter what the secret, what the news, the other would hop on a plane and fly to help within the hour.

Their friendship was enviable.

Since the age of two Miley Stewart and Sharpay Evans had been inseparable, back when Sharpay had lived in L.A when Miley had. However, the Evans' moved to Albuquerque a couple of years ago and the Stewarts' had taken residence in Malibu, meaning their lives had changed completely. Regardless of this, however, they remained the same duo. And whenever Miley was down in the dumps she relied on the Queen of Mean, otherwise known as her Blonde Little Princess, to cheer her up, and vice versa.

Their parents had been friends for years, and Miley and Sharpay had been born within a month's difference. Miley's Mom had died giving birth, and the first couple of years were the toughest for the Stewart clan, especially Robbie Ray who was bringing up two children single handedly. That had finalized his decision to pack up from Tennessee to go to L.A for work opportunities. It was destined that the two girls become firm friends through their toddler stages, they were neighbors. Although quite different in personality as they grew older they were also very in tune with the other; it was common knowledge that without one you couldn't have the other. It made the parents chuckle to see them. A blonde and brunette, one bossy and controlling, the other relaxed and carefree. They went through middle school together; they experienced so many extraordinary things in their childhood. Building a tree house, swimming classes, the dressing up and the imaginary games.

The freshman year of High School was their last year together as Robbie Ray decided it was time to pack up and start afresh, a decision soon mimicked by the Evans'. Though depressed at first about being torn from her eternally precious and childhood best friend, Miley had quickly adjusted to Malibu life and spent her days with Lilly, a very unique and individual spirit who kept her hands full and mind busy at all times.

Sharpay had gone on to become the leading actress in all of her schools productions at her High School in Mew Mexico, and scared more than the crap out of the student population and teachers alike. Until a geeky math girl melted her exterior and captured her heart.

Sharpay had been dating her smart girlfriend Gabriella Montez for two months now, and it was quite obvious they both couldn't be happier, although Sharpay liked to pretend she hadn't fallen in too deep. In the early stages of the reluctant crush, Miley had been there to talk Sharpay through the endless nights of worrying and tears and arguments. What would her peers think? What would her parents think? On the outside she may look emotionless but in actual fact she cared far more than would seem necessary, something only Miley and now Gabby probably knew about her. And her twin Ryan of course. But things had worked out for the best. They were out and accepted and Sharpay had even mellowed … a little.

"Lilly …" Miley hesitated. How could she phrase what she thought? " … It's just getting harder day by day. School is unbearable right now. I failed my last science quiz. It's because I just stare at her all the time, it's because of … what she does to me. I can't dang concentrate when she's there. She makes me feel so many different things, Shar. I'm so messed up right now."

Sharpay listened intently and nodded at the appropriate times. She knew to be patient and let Miley gather her words.

"I know I should try and tell her sometime soon just to get it off my chest, but I'm really anxious about what she'll think. I'd hate to get rejected obviously but I'd hate it even more if I lost her friendship. She means … so much to me. You have no idea."

"I think I do." Sharpay pulled her chair closer to the camera. "Now, I may be beautiful, blonde and stereotyped but I'm not stupid about relationships .Trust me, if that was a class I'd A star it. I also think shopping should be a legitimate sport in the Olympics but a surprisingly short amount of people agree with me, Gabby made me rip up the petition. Maybe then I'd pay attention in Gym. Anyway … back on track. The last time I visited you, Lilly was so touchy-feely it was making me wonder if you two were a secret couple, which is good that you weren't because I would have shoved a stiletto up your ass for hiding it from me." Sharpay took a breath as Miley stifled a smile. The blonde always knew what to say to make her feel better.

"You might not take my word for it but maybe there's a possibility that … she won't be as shocked as you think she'd be if you talked it out. Just remember that bigger things have happened. I passed up Prada for Target that one time, remember? I have Gabby, don't I? Those odds were against me but I took a chance and it paid off. Maybe you should try it."

"That was inspiring," Gabriella chipped in from somewhere in the background.

"Gabby's right." Miley spun around on her computer chair in extreme wonderment. "You're right. I should … do something."

"That's my Southern Belle." Sharpay mock cheered, grabbing some pom poms from some unknown place and waving them in front of the camera, standing up to add a kick since when she did stand the only place the camera could catch was her legs, waist and chest. Gabrielle could be seen again in the background, sat on the bed, watching with a weird expression.

Miley laughed to herself and ran her fingers through her hair, shaking a little at the bubble of optimism rising in her once hollow chest. Suddenly her head wasn't as messed up, something was dangerously clear. Why go through this alone? Lilly should know, Lilly might be able to help her out …if not fully cure it. But did she want to be cured?

"You rock, Shar!" Picking up her notepad from her desk, Miley flipped through it at the poems and songs she had written over the last few months over how she was feeling. All of them were negative and pessimistic. But her feelings weren't something to be ashamed of. She should be proud, she should be upbeat. There wasn't a better human out there who was as special as her Lilly.

"Gimme an L!" Sharpay was yelling to her girlfriend's amusement. "Gimme an I!"

Gabriella shrugged at the camera for an explanation and Miley stuffed her fist in her mouth to prevent hysterics at the scene she was witnessing. The both of them together just made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. Sharpay deserved Gabby. She really did. Miley as good as adored the cute science geek, she couldn't have approved of anyone better for the self proclaimed "Ice Princess". It's what she wanted with Lilly. So desperately.

A nice cute romance.

Sharpay was becoming out of breath. "Gimme an L! Gimme an E! Gimme a Y! What's that spell?" Excitedly, Sharpay collapsed back on the chair before Miley could comment that it was a miracle she knew her alphabet, yelling, "Liley! Liley!" A pillow connected instantaneously with her head and she flopped sideways.

"What the-"

"You're crazy," Gabriella commented and launched another pillow at her girlfriends now disheveled head of hair, almost picking up the quivering Chihuahua by mistake. "Oops, sorry Coco." She kissed the dog on its bald forehead and preoccupied herself by straightening out his special pink cushion as an apology before the dog could keel over from his nerves.

Sharpay pouted, rubbing her head melodramatically. "That's my dog, Gabby. You insensitive swine."

"Okay guys, I can see this may just lead to make up sex so I'm gonna leave ya'll to it because I do not want free porn," Miley quickly interrupted a possible mock fight with her witty comment and held up her hands defensively as Sharpay turned to glare and Gabriella giggled.

"Bye, Miley! Good luck with Lilly! If you ever want to talk about things you have my number and I'll pick up anytime, unlike Sharpay who is just plain ignorant." Gabriella hopped off the bed, now revealing that she was wearing similar clothes to Sharpay, her dark hair tied up in a high ponytail also. "Love you!"

Miley blew her a kiss. "Love you, Gabby!"

"Hold up, bitches." Sharpay wheeled herself forward on her swivel chair after being shoved away by a giggling Gabriella and grabbed the camera so she could ram it to her face for emphasis. "Miley, hands off my girl or I'll send your cute little ass to the underworld. Got me? Yeah, thought so, I knew I still put the fear of God into you." She smirked as Miley gave her the finger with a snicker. Then she grasped Gabriella's arm as she tried to innocently sneak away. "Where are you going? I'm not done with you." She then turned back to Miley. "Seriously, Mile, good luck with Lilly and you know I'm here night or day for a good old gossip session. Call me later with the latest. I know she practically lives at your house."

"Love you, Barbie." Miley held up her necklace that had half a silver heart on it and Sharpay held up the other.

"Hugs and kisses, sweetie." Sharpay kissed the camera before disconnecting their connection and leaving the vicinity quiet and peaceful again.

Muttering to herself, Miley went into her salubrious bathroom to check on her appearance before a very hyper Lilly arrived and unknowingly made her weak at the knees.

"Gabriella is so gonna get some," she chuckled to herself after checking her make-up and clothes.

She passed the picture board in her room as she looked for a change of shirt and thought about Gabpay – Gabriella's couple name creation. Though she knew Sharpay wasn't a virgin she wasn't sure if she had taken that important step with Gabriella yet, but decided she'd speculate with Lilly later on the matter. They had only been dating for two months after all and Gabriella was a very conservative, shy person in all reality. That's what made her so good for overdramatic Sharpay, the fact she wasn't overly loud and obstreperous but modest and girl-next-door- esque.

"Too much." Miley dislodged a low cut shirt impatiently and rifled through another row, wishing she had still had Sharpay on the line to advise her on what to wear to kick it up a notch and make an impact. "Too … unflattering." She threw a sweater to the floor and tried again, biting her lip, forgetting to be organized. "Perfect!" In her hands lay a white t-shirt, simple but elegant. Whether it was her wild and hopeful imagination, the last time she'd worn a plain white shirt with hip hugging pants Lilly hadn't been able to draw her eyes away, the exact reaction Miley was hoping for tonight.

The last sixth months had been a rollercoaster for her. Emotionally, physically she was exhausted. All she wanted was for Lilly to understand, she hated lying to her best friend even if it was to protect her. Oh, who was she kidding? It was to protect herself. Ever since her mother's none existent presence through her childhood and awkward teenage years she'd grown attached to females very quickly, Sharpay being the first but always as a friend and now Lilly … as something more.

Miley sighed and threw the white t-shirt down, deciding not to change. It was hopeless anyway. Why couldn't she be happy with Lilly's friendship? They were quite touchy-feely after all … Maybe all she had to do was wait and sit tight. It was easy for others to be encouraging and give her the boost but it wasn't them who would live with the consequences, so with that thought in mind she looked up at a recent picture of her and Lilly and felt tears prick her eyes.

"I guess you'll never know …" she said sadly and slid a finger down picture Lilly's face, interrupted by her Dad's 'holla'.

Hitching on a fake smile, she bounded downstairs and willed her heart to stop shattering for at least the next couple of hours so she could concentrate. Her Dad was intuitive … he might notice her inattentiveness and she didn't want the questions, not when she wasn't ready to admit anything to herself much less him.

"Where's that ditzy pal of yours?" he interrogated jokingly as she sauntered over to the kitchen counter again, suddenly not as hungry as before as her eyes ran over the contents of the menu.

Playing with the napkin container, she vaguely wondered herself. "I dunno."

"Sup, darlin'? You've gone awfully low in the last thirty minutes," Robbie Ray said in paramount concern. He was running possible reasons through his head as of why she looked so... down. "Have you been talkin' to Sharpay?" It wasn't that he thought Sharpay would have upset her, nothing like it; he just thought that she might have opened up and the wound was still raw and exposed. "If you don't want to tell me that's fine. I just want you to be okay."

"It's been a tense week. I'm okay, Pops." Miley licked the spoon with pasta sauce on it and savored the taste with her eyes closed. "Mmm, this is really good. When you open your own place you should totally sell this. It's awesome."

The conversation had changed; Robbie Ray knew whatever was bothering his daughter wasn't for him to know and respected her privacy. Some things he couldn't make better, he had to accept that. Instead, he poured three glasses of soda and Miley smiled gratefully at his lack of questions. Now all that was left was for Lilly to make her known entrance and disrupt their peace. Jackson was away at college and Miley was quite close to her brother. She missed him. The house was eerily inactive without him.

Miley kept glancing at the door, hoping to see waves of blonde hair exceed her best friend's perfect figure. In high anticipation and slight nervousness, she paced around the room, straightening out the couches cushions and adjusting the guitars on their stands by the piano. Robbie Ray watched furtively, a little amused by his daughter's obvious discomfort. But again, he made his mouth stay closed. If Miley wanted him to know she would tell him, he needed to stop prying. Maybe it was boy troubles. With a subject like that at hand … he wouldn't be the best help that was for sure.

Meanwhile, Miley felt a weird sensation in her pocket and glanced down in bemusement. Her cell phone was vibrating in her jeans. The texter was obvious.

If you want Lilly to notice you why don't you wear some clothes that'll grab her attention? Lightly flirt. Compliment her. We both know you have no problems with confidence, hello; you grew up with me, didn't you? Just … get your girl, Miles. For your sake. You deserve it. Love always. Sharpay xoxo

Just as Miley smiled and put her phone away, the front door to their house burst open and Lilly Truscott, Miley's Heaven and Hell, strode inside looking adorable in her three quarter beige skater pants, along with two shirts, one short and patterned, and the other stripy sleeved. On her feet were her regular scuffed black sneakers and for once she wasn't wearing a hat, letting her natural blonde hair run loose like a cascading waterfall. Soft and luscious. Needless to say she was unsuspectingly stunning.

Upon laying eyes on Miley a grin stretched her moist lips and as she greeted the brunette with a hug, whispered. "Hey, you," in her ear and held on tightly for a few moments, even though they hadn't parted that long ago from Starbucks.

Miley was torn between reciprocating this affection and laying low by not putting too much effort into their hug, but her lustful side won and she squeezed her for a few heavenly seconds before giggling nervously and pushing her away, already wary that she'd forestalled the moment too long and raised suspicion. "Hey, L.T. Long time no see."

"An hour without you is an hour lost," Lilly said smiling mysteriously before tearing her undivided attention away and going to bother Robbie Ray who was keeping quiet for the time being, inconspicuously watching the interaction while unloading plates onto the counter. "What's your story, Mr.S?" She hopped casually onto a kitchen stool and sniffed eagerly. "Smells like a wad of cash in here. Who won the lottery?"

"Your stomach by the time you've tasted this bad boy. Let your taste buds run wild." Robbie Ray held out a spoon and Lilly slurped from it happily, licking her lips in contemplation before her eyes lit up and she raised her thumb enthusiastically.

"That's a winner!"

Robbie Ray laughed and turned playfully to Miley who was stood a few paces away, holding a shielded stance while determinedly not allowing her gaze to stray too long at Lilly. "I told you there was a reason I liked her more."

"Haha," Miley deadpanned good-naturedly. Seeing her best friend again reawakened all of the desires and wants and needs she'd abandoned back at Starbucks. Once again her mind went cloudy and her stomach lurched. As much as she enjoyed her father's food it was best she didn't venture to eat too much just in case it all came back up.

"Right, I'm gonna serve up the best chow you've tasted all week." Robbie Ray obediently spooned generous portions on each of their plates as Lilly sucked on the spoon gleefully. "You can take 'em to the table if you like or just go watch some TV. Don't feel like you have to eat with the chef."

"Okay." Lilly smirked, grabbing her plate and going over to collapse on the squashy couch.

"I was joking!" Robbie Ray exclaimed and beckoned for her to come back but then resisted and motioned for her to stay there. "Okay, Miley, you're my favorite again. I've discovered she uses me for my wonderful kitchen skills."

Miley patted him on the shoulder. "Took you long enough to figure it out." She grabbed her own plate and went over to sit beside Lilly who was already indulged in a TV programme involving cops and criminals, the only deviation from the extreme sports channel and late night MTV. "You little user," she teased, trying to forget her awkwardness. "You only like coming over here for my Dad's cookin' and to watch whatever you want on our TV, wastin' our electricity bill."

"Whoa, Miles, your accent has gotten thicker!" Lilly stuffed a mouthful of pasta in her mouth, maybe to avoid the accusation, even though she knew that she was welcome to move in at the Stewarts anytime. "You sound like you just walked out from one of those old Western flicks my stupid brother used to force me to watch when he coughed up a lung."

Was that a compliment or an insult? Miley thought, undecided.

"Oh, it's hot." Lilly waved her fork, almost wiping the sauce on her sleeve. "Very hot."

Blushing, Miley hastily shoveled pasta into her reluctant mouth to have something to do while her hands slightly shook. Desperately wanting to regain dignity, Miley cleared her throat as her Dad came to join them, but sat on the chair so they could have their space on the couch.

Taking a gulp of soda, Lilly then beat her to it. "What's the plan of action tonight, Miles? Robbing a car? Lighting one up? Rock and Roll? Sex?"

Spluttering, Robbie Ray waggled a ringed finger at Lilly as she prevented a jubilant laugh at his reaction, what she had been aiming for all along.

"Don't debauch my daughter!"

"Daddy!" Miley whined offhandedly, embarrassed. Lilly's words made her heat up for she would sort of like Lilly to corrupt her into debauchery. Not that she'd admit it aloud of course; it was a stupid insignificant spur of the moment fantasy. "Lilly, I'm kicking you out for giving my father a heart attack."

"Miles." Lilly pouted and half turned her body to face her. "I wouldn't give your Dad a heart attack. Who else would feed me?"

"She has a point," Robbie Ray pointed out unhelpfully.

Rolling her eyes, Miley looked at Lilly who stared right back with her lips twitching, a stationary forkful of food in the air. It was Lilly who winked and went back to stuffing her face, things left unsaid.

For as long as Miley could remember Lilly spent every available moment with her, whether at each others houses, the mall, the beach … Maybe it was a platonic enjoyment of her friendship. Miley was just desperately clinging to loose strings, loose hope that it could be more.

"So girls, how's school?" Robbie Ray activated parent mode as the commercials broke everyone's concentration.

"Mr. Stewart, is it okay if I swear in your house?" Lilly asked innocently while Miley giggled and said, "School is ... school." She shrugged and left it open for interpretation. The code of conduct stated for a child to never tell their guardians in-depth details of their social life.

"Miley! That's not very informative!" Lilly chastised her and nudged her knee with her own.

Miley glared and moved her knee away before she could shudder. "You were going to swear!"

"Was not!" Lilly retorted petulantly.

"Was too!" Miley argued.

Their banter wasn't irregular; Robbie Ray didn't even bat an eyelid. In fact, he tuned them both out and focused on the advertisement for shaving cream, thinking it best he let them burn themselves out before attacking with another parental batch of authority and stirring another fervent discussion among the two.

"Phew, I'm wiped." Lilly placed her plate on the coffee table and leant back. "I can't be bothered to argue with you anymore, Miles. Let's just say I won and call it quits."

"Okay, okay, I'll let you pretend that you won so you can inflate that big head of yours and I can enjoy deflating it in a very harsh way."

Ignoring her, Lilly turned serious. "I miss you when we're apart." Lilly tilted her head and entwined their fingers together; Miley's breathe hitching into her throat as she looked down and gazed at their joined limbs fearfully. "It's kind of stupid but it's true. It's also kind of stupid how I start these conversations with your dad in the room. He has Access Hollywood into our lives."

Completely numb, Miley just nodded in confirmation, her throat dry as Lilly held onto her hand, gently rubbing her thumb over the top. This was unexpected to say the least. Whilst she and Lilly had always been open with physical contact this type of intimacy was a first, it made the brunette curious to know what was flashing through Lilly's pretty head right now. On some level she was enjoying this but then again it might be misleading, plus her Dad was sat in the room, pretending to be absorbed in the commercials.

Dislodging the lump in her throat, Miley whispered hoarsely, "I always miss you too," not quite believing what she was admitting to in her moment of weakness. With Lilly touching her she couldn't think coherently. It was unfair how she was reduced to … goo.

"Mr. Stewart, you might wanna think about getting some exercise machines around here. No doubt I'll just hang my coat on them but... it might work for a week." Lilly stood and stretched, walking into the kitchen to put her empty plate in the sink, dropping Miley's hand after lingering for a little too long.

"Exercise machines?" Robbie Ray snorted. "No way, no how. Take a run on the streets, kiddo." He snatched the remote off the coffee table and flipped the channel over: football was on. "Since ya'll always nag at me about watchin' my TV why don't you go up to Miley's room and do whatever the heck it is you do when you're alone."

"Sounds like a plan, Stan." Lilly readily agreed. "C'mon, lazy, shake a leg." She strode over to the couch and pulled Miley up by both hands. "All better." Making sure her best friend was upright and liable not to collapse back down, she enthusiastically headed over to the stairs and beckoned for Miley to follow.

"I'm coming," Miley said, trying not to blush at the double meaning. Dang it, she always put her foot in the dual meanings somehow, and Lilly had a habit of prolonging her embarrassment.

Lilly, who noticed Miley's blush, said sweetly, "You're coming alright. Upstairs."

On her way past, Miley slapped Lilly on the arm. "Stop embarrassing me," she hissed and glanced back at her Dad. "It'll scar him."

"You said you were coming!" Lilly defended in amusement.

Miley jogged past her, hiding her crimson cheeks. "You're dirty minded, Truscott. My halo is being corrupted." She pointed to the top of her head as they jogged up the stairs and entered Miley's room. "You should apologize to my halo."

"Sorry halo," Lilly obediently stated. "I'm sorry that your angel is a sexual devil."

That was the best apology she was ever going to get so Miley forgave her and played with her necklace, biting her lip and vacantly scanning her room. They were alone and Lilly was smirking at something.

"What? She relented and asked, unable to ignore the fact Lilly was laid on her bed with an expression she couldn't decipher. It annoyed her when she was left out of the loop. An incessant need to know things was a major flaw in her opinion. Thinking back to her conversation with Sharpay and Gabriella and witnessing first hand how happy they were as a couple, Miley drew a little strength and hovered by the foot of the bed with her arms folded. "Lilly …"

"You called?"

"Yeah, I did. I want to ask you something and I want your truthful answer."

"What's up?" Lilly scrambled up, turning serious as she noticed Miley's stance.

"Erm, well, you see … the thing is…." She took a deep breath and started again, opening her eyes this time and staring directly into pure crystal. "I –I – Do you think Sharpay and Gabriella have slept together yet?" Her nerve sank and she inwardly castigated her cowardice. It just wasn't the time.

"Jesus, Miles, you had me panicking then. I thought the sky was falling." Hand over heart, Lilly fanned herself melodramatically, looking at the half of heart necklace hung around Miley's neck with a frown. "Aren't you meant to be Sharpay's other half? How would I know the answer to that?" She considered the weird question. "Maybe? No? I don't know. Gabby seems a little too … introverted to hop in the sack in the first two months, but Sharpay is kind of out there and influential. Sweet gal … nothing compared to you of course."

"Really?" The butterflies in Miley's stomach perforated deeper.

"Well, duh. I love you, silly." Lilly looked at her like she was deformed. "You're my other half."

"Who says you're an insensitive assclown?" Miley joked and sprung over so she could gather her best friend in an embrace. It felt so right in her comforting arms, it was secure and warm. "And just so you know," she whispered into her ear, "You're my other half."

"Good to know." Lilly held on a little tighter, maybe to convey in actions what she couldn't say in words. Yes, she was loud and boisterous but when it came to her true emotions … she wasn't quite sure how to verbalize.

However, Miley wasn't complaining. She'd take a Lilly cuddle any day.

"C'mon, you dork. Let's do something fun and entertaining." Miley swatted her on the arm and went on a mission to raid her desk drawers for a leftover packet of gum.

Lilly leapt onto her bed and started to bounce up and down. "This is fun and entertaining!"

"No, that's childish and irritating."

"No, that's childish and irritating," Lilly mocked in her baby voice. Before she could be subjected to a leer, Lily ploughed on, "Hey, pump up the party with me ex-rockstar! Surely you still have some moves left!"

"Are you trying to provoke me, Lillian?" Miley marched over to her stereo, flipping through some of the CD's stacked neatly by the side. "Okay, you know we both don't see eye to eye on the music front, I can't pick something because you'll throw a temper tantrum and I'll be tempted to throw you out of the window."

"What are you talking about? I loved Hannah Montana!" Lilly did a twirl, her breathing becoming ragged as she continued to bounce up and down like a five year old on a sugar high, the comforter getting wrapped around her feet. "She was hot!" she teased as she looked at the poster on the wall and leaned over to kiss the pictures smiling paper lips. "I would have had her any day of the week."

Goosebumps shot up and down Miley's arms as she watched her secret love playfully kiss the poster, but for the sake of remaining sane played along. "Don't I know it! That's why I had my room installed with a rape alarm." Triumphantly, Miley found a CD that might be acceptable and tossed it in, fiddling with the volume as the first track played from the speakers.

As the first beats of the song were released, Lilly punched the air and squealed, "This is my song, Miles!" while mouthing along to the words of Untouched by The Veronicas. "What are you doing on the ground? Don't tell me Hannah Montana can't dance."

Miley waggled her finger, smiling. "I will not be provoked."

"Aw, please come and be crazy with me." Lilly pouted and bounced over to the edge of the bed, holding out her hand to drag Miley up there with her. "Pleeeeeeease."

Grabbing a couple of hairbrushes, Miley obliged and grabbed Lilly's offered hand, reveling in the softness as she was hauled onto the now messy bed and started to jump and down, forgetting her problems for the moment.

"That's ma' girl," Lilly cheered and acted like she was belting out a power ballad into the brush. "I feel like Whitney Houston," she panted, wiping a hand across her brow. "I'd totally whip off my shirts but I don't want you getting too excited now. Control yourself, Miles."

Miley laughed incredulously. "You wish, Truscott, you wish."

"In fact, I am actually going to take off one of my shirts so avert your eyes!" Lilly playfully shoved her so she hit the poster. "Ew, Miley, why are you kissing yourself? That's just wrong!" Finally gripping the hem to the top shirt, Lilly tried to take it off while maintaining a bouncing rhythm.

"You look so classy right now." Miley smirked at the disastrous attempt. "I would help you but I'm too busy gazing into the eyes of my sexy former blonde alter ego, remember?" She looked at the poster with one eyebrow raised. "How you doin'?" she flirted.

Lilly snorted and slowed her jumps, her shirt halfway over her head. "You can get it on with Hannah Montana later. Can you … help me?"

Miley gasped. "You want my help? Is that a pig I see flying outside?"

"Shut up and get your stubborn ass over here to help me strip!" Lilly demanded and now stood still on top of the bed, looking sorry for herself as her arms were immobile, stuck halfway out of her shirt. "Bad things happen to amazing people." She sighed dejectedly.

"Uh huh," Miley agreed noncommittally, yanking the top layer of material from her best friend, trying not to get turned on over what she was doing. Once off, Miley threw the shirt to the ground and popped her gum lazily, getting tired of jumping up and down like a crazed maniac. The mattress was getting alluring.

As though contemplating, Lilly stared at Miley's mouth, wondering whether to be bold and activate her spur of the moment plan. Miley wouldn't mind, would she? They were always playfully flirting with each other; it was just for fun and laughs. Their friendship was like that.

Before she knew what was happening, Miley felt delectable soft lips upon hers and gasped in reflex, instantaneously paralyzed. A palatable tongue probed through the gap and scooped up her gum, gently returning to its rightful mouth. Stomach churning, heart pounding and eye wide open, Miley stared at her best friend as she smirked and chewed her newly attained gum.

"Yum yum, Miley flavored gum," she sang like it was no big deal and sat with a bounce on the bed. "Thanks for the gum, Miles."

Still frozen, Miley's hand flew to her tingling lips. What just happened here?

"Want to watch a movie now we have all of the energy out?" Lilly laid back and tugged on Miley's jeans in a whine. "You look like a wax figure. " She tugged on her jeans even rougher to get some form of reaction. "And wax figures are butt-ugly," she tried but to no avail. The fish just weren't biting today.

Miley didn't take the bait, she was still in shock.

In the background the music was still playing but Miley couldn't hear it. She couldn't hear anything. All of a sudden she was sucked into a void of reliving that precious moment when Lilly's smooth velvet lips touched her own, savoring the unique feeling it had caused. If anything it had heightened her emotions, which wasn't a good thing when she was trying to vanquish them… wasn't she?

"You just stuck your tongue down my throat," Miley murmured aloud.

"Welcome back, Sherlock." Lilly wasn't fazed at all by her actions. She fluffed up some cushions to get settled and blew a bubble. "Duh, I wanted gum."

Miley weakly sat down beside her. "Next time … warn me before you do that."

"Who says there's gonna be a next time?" Lilly questioned half-seriously. "I knew you were warm for my form, Cap'n Hormone!" Pretending to be wearing an eye patch, Lilly launched into her best Jack Sparrow impersonation. "Aye aye! I've found me some treasure."

"Lilly?" Miley asked sweetly, returning back to reality. "Before I take your other eyeball stop being annoying and go pick a movie. Damn, I can't believe you just stole my gum. It was my last piece!"

"Life's a bitch." Lilly ran over to Miley's TV and shuffled through some DVD's, tutting and tossing most aside with disapproval. When was her best friend going to purchase something actually worth watching?

Miley got up and turned the music off, before sorting out her comforter and getting settled on the mattress. "What time does your mom want you home today?" Even though she hated to sound parental, Miley took priority.

"Don't know, don't care. I'll stroll home whenever I want to. I prefer being here with you … and your dad of course. Can't forget the old man."

"You know that this is your second home but … I don't want to get you in trouble."

"Miley, I'm bad-ass. My Mom is off gallivanting around the world with that retarded job of hers so she has no right to order me around and set some rules for the one week of the year that she's home. If my dad wanted me home I'd come running, but since he's awesome and doesn't want to 'ruin my youth' I'm fine to stay here for as long as you'll let me." Lilly crawled up to lay beside Miley and entwined her fingers around her satiny brunette locks, breathing in her relieving citrus shampoo. "I know you care, Miles. I love that you do. I'm just happiest when I'm here."

Tilting her head, Miley smiled and looked into Lilly's sparkling eyes. "Okay."

"Good." Lilly kissed Miley gently on the cheek and snuggled into her side. "You're so comfortable; I might just fall asleep on you and never wake up."

Miley wrapped both arms around her, swallowing dryly and pressing play on the remote. "I could live with that."

"Hmm, I bet you could," Lilly mumbled into her neck. "Because you're hot for me."

Even though it was how they joked around Miley didn't reply and left her silence open for interpretation. Besides, Lilly sounded sleepy anyway and probably wouldn't react even if Miley jumped her. It was strange how one second she could be so obstreperous and then so … sleepy and innocent. So cute and adorable from sexy and hot. Miley loved the change, she was addicted to it.

"Are you cold?" Lilly asked as she felt Miley shiver, since she had one hand over her waist.

"N-No, I'm just …" Miley turned up the volume on the TV and made sure Lilly couldn't see her blushing. "Let's just be normal for once and watch a movie."

"I can't promise I'll behave, though." Lilly sleepily winked. "But since we are watching some bo yang chick flick I'll be long gone before its finished. I know you'll enjoy giving me mouth to mouth, though. Think of it as a late birthday present."

"Oh, shut up." Miley lightly scolded and they both turned their attention to Reece Witherspoon and Patrick Dempsey.

"Sweet Home Alabama …" Lilly scoffed and yawned, enjoying Miley's scent. It was sending her into a peaceful slumber. "What a load of …" The end of her insult wasn't completed. Miley smiled and knew that she was falling asleep. Her little blonde angel lying so delicately in her arms.

"Love you," Miley muttered into her ear as she too prepared for a nice restful nap.

I really want to say that this is going to be a long story but you all know what I'm like with my stories. Yeah, I'm the worst updater ever, but I got inspired to write this and although I'm unsure where it's heading I'm gonna have fun trying to figure it out. :)

Plus, I do have important exams coming up so bear with me over "Fire without Smoke." I have started the next chapter.

Please tell me what you thought, or maybe what you'd like to see. :)