Unsung

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters appearing on the Disney Channel's original series, 'Hannah Montana', created by Michael Poryes, Richard Correll & Barry O'Brien. Characters are copyrighted to 'It's A Laugh productions'. Original characters are copyrighted to the original author (QYM). This series is posted to Girls Loving Girls with full permission of the author. No copyright infringement is intended or implied.

Feedback: Every author in his or her own way makes it a point to ask for feedback when posting a story, well me I don't usually. But there are several reasons as to why a reader should consider taking the time to give it. The simple fact is that giving some form of feedback is truly the most important thing a reader can do after reading and enjoying a story. Hopefully in the process providing that author with at least one viable reason as to what you liked about the story. This small amount of time spent will no doubt inspire the author to write more and possibly at a quicker pace, knowing that they have a fan base who are waiting on their next works. So thanks for the feedback and please keep it comin.

Summary: In the ALL NEW 11th episode (2nd Season Premiere) of 'Unsung', Miley (Miley Cyrus) finds herself desperately seeking answers as to why Lilly (Emily Osment) seemed to abandone her. Lilly, though, can't bring herself to face Miley until a third party steps into take control of the situation and arranges a meeting.

Original Airdate: Monday, January 11, 2009 @ 9:30 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Hey Mickie, Hey Mickie')

Story Codes: no sex

At school the next day Miley kept her distance, only meeting Lilly’s eyes when it was absolutely necessary. Her behavior was driven by two things. A small part of her, childishly, wanted Lilly to understand exactly how Miley had felt the day before – sad, confused, and horribly lonely. The other force behind her was her surprise for Lilly that night, and for it to be perfect.

Around fifth period, Rico pulled her aside. “I don’t know what you’re trying to pull. But I know something’s going on. So either you do what I say or I tell the school about your little fling.”

“There was no little fling, Rico,” Miley insisted. And this, she felt, was the truth. It wasn’t a fling. It was a deep relationship that didn’t have time to flourish.

Rico’s gaze, which had started as fairly affable, hardened. “You have until next week to decide. Do me a few favors or have the school all up in your business.”

Miley pushed him away. “Move, half-pint.”

While he scowled darkly she moved down the hall, eager to get to class and away from him. It was unsettling that someone so small could be so menacing. He had a serious Napoleon complex. At the moment there was nothing she could do. She knew that Lilly hadn’t even wanted to tell her family at first, so having an open relationship was completely out of the question.

If Lilly came back, this was something they’d have to talk about. It would be a hard decision; doing things for Rico was bound to be annoying and frustrating, but having their relationship made public could be worse.

Miley cleared her mind of these thoughts, determined not to worry until Lilly came over that evening. She set a vaguely happy smile on her lips, though her heart wouldn’t truly feel happy until she and Lilly were back together, and finished her school day.

Lilly was going nuts – in between the naps she was catching on her desk. She and her brother had gotten back to their mom’s at five, and, while Lilly had slept in the car, she was still exhausted. To make things worse, Oliver had said Miley wasn’t ready. That was painfully obvious as the day continued and Miley avoided looking at her, standing near her, talking to her, or doing anything that remotely involved her. She tried to stay calm and rational. She knew Miley had every right to blow her off after what had happened the day before. It wasn’t exactly a reassuring thought.

“Why am I such a screw up…” Her face was plastered on a desk, waiting for the last bell that let school out. She had spoken under her breath but it was loud enough for Oliver to perk up.

“What?” he leaned in closer, cupping a hand around his ear.

“Nothing,” she barely moved as he drew closer still. “Back off, Oliver.”

“Somebody’s not feeling peppy today,” he knew he was being inconsiderate but in the long run it wouldn’t matter. By the end of the evening Lilly and Miley would be back together, he would be in the clear.

The bell rang, interrupting their conversation. Peeling her face off the desktop, Lilly wandered listlessly down the hall. Oliver kept pace with her, making sure she didn’t run into any trashcans or poles. As a listless wanderer Lilly seemed to have incredibly bad vision.

“Why can’t you let me sulk?” she groaned as Oliver jerked her aside before she toppled into a janitor’s cart. “Or better yet help me think up a way to get Miley back…”

Oliver nearly cackled. Things were working perfectly. “Listen, I’ve been thinking. Miley’s going to be alone at home tonight. You could go and surprise her there. You just need to look nice, maybe buy her some flowers, or something.”

“I’m not going…” Lilly muttered, wallowing in her self-pity. “She doesn’t want to see me.”

“Are you stupid?” Oliver asked quite seriously.

“No,” Lilly shot back. This conversation was turning offensive.

“Are you blind?”

“No?” From offensive to confusing in under ten seconds – Lilly was sure that was a record.

“Miley really likes you, Lil. If you’re there, she’s happy. You just have to show up, smile, get on your knees and beg for forgiveness.”

Lilly sighed. “You make it sound so easy.”

“That sounds easy?” Oliver wondered aloud.

“Thanks for the confidence booster,” she muttered sarcastically.

“No problem, Lillster.” They were at Lilly’s locker when they parted ways. “Just go see her, okay?”

“Fine,” she gave in.

--

After school, she headed home to dig through her closet and find something suitable to wear. She knew she’d need a nice pair of blue jeans and a blouse of some sort. The jeans were the easy part, but finding the perfect top took some time. Laying her outfit out on her bed, she turned her attention to her empty wallet – that was a problem.

“Will!” She hunted around the house for her brother, finally finding the older sibling out in the garage. “Will?”

Her brother looked up; he was crouched in front of the lawnmower and his hands were exceedingly dirty. “What’s up, brat?”

“I was wondering if I could borrow a little money…”

“Yeah, because I have money to spare,” he rolled his eyes sarcastically, turning his attention back to the broken lawnmower.

Lilly kicked the ground in frustration, blushing slightly. “I wanted to get some flowers for Miley.”

“Oh? And why should I contribute to your girlfriend fund?” Will got to his feet, wiping his hands on a nearby rag.

“Because I’m your favorite sister and I’ll… mow the lawn when you get the mower fixed,” she beamed, hoping her bright smile would blind him into submission.

“Wow. Do you even know how to work the lawnmower? Never mind,” he waved her off, pulling out his wallet. “Here’s thirty. I’ll think of a way for you to pay me back.”

”Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Lilly squealed jumping and hugging her brother in excitement.

“Don’t worry about it,” he gave Lilly a small smile and patted her on the back. “Might as well buy her a little teddy bear or something while you’re at it,” he suggested.

Lilly’s face lit up and she let go of her brother. “That’s genius! I’ll buy a girl bear, to go with Beary. Her name could be Sherry!”

Shaking his head, Will walked back to the lawnmower and crouched down. “I don’t really care, Lil. Now go on. I’ve got to fix this lawnmower,” he shooed his sister out of the garage. “And I want my change!”

Lilly pocketed the money and set out for the Malibu mall and Toys R Us. The toy store was fairly packed with little grubby children and distracted parents. Lilly had to smile, though she did pause to wonder how many of those little fingers had been up little noses. She grimaced as a boy reached out and picked up a teddy bear and subsequently sneezed.

Making her way to the stuffed animal aisle, Lilly came upon a rack of bears well above the reach of grabby kids. There were plenty to choose from so Lilly glanced along the shelf, waiting for one to grab her attention. Hidden away in the midst of pushy boy bears sat a petite stuffed animal dressed in a flowery pink dress.

Standing on her tip-toes Lilly was barely able to grab it. Again it was a fight not to step on little children as she made her way to the cashier. Eight dollars later she was back on the street, hoping dearly she didn’t catch a cold or the flu or whatever ran amok with the little ones.

As she walked down the mall walkway she spotted Miley and Oliver chatting outside Baskin Robbins. Curious, Lilly crept closer, catching only the tail end of the conversation.

“You’re a good man, Ollie,” Miley was all smiles.

“Thanks, Miley. I try,” he gazed at her.

“I’m sure it just comes naturally,” Miley replied with a grin. She stepped forward and hugged Oliver tightly. “I’ll call you later.”

With a peck on Oliver’s cheek she left and Oliver walked away in the opposite direction, not noticing Lilly’s stunned face. He was deep in his own thoughts and wasn’t expecting Lilly to be nearby. As he walked past, Lilly watched, jaw gaping.

What was going on? Her mind raced. Was this Miley’s revenge? Hooking up with Oliver? Would Oliver really backstab her like that? Rage bubbled through her, seeping through her veins and lighting her on fire. Fear tossed a bucket of frigid water on the rage, though. Could it be possible? Were they together? Was she too late?

“Get a grip, Truscott.” She took a few deep breathes. “Don’t jump to conclusions. I’m sure there’s nothing wrong. It was just… them hugging. Anyways, Miley doesn’t even like boys.”

Hurrying on her way, she found her way to a flower shop and purchased a dozen red roses. Making a split second decision she also bought a small heart shaped balloon. It was cheap due to the season being so far from Valentine’s Day.

Lilly held her purchases tightly to her chest. She wasn’t going to lose Miley to Oliver. When she got home it was going on five-thirty. Just enough time to get dressed and make sure her makeup looked perfect.

Staring at the gifts she bought for Miley, a sense of panic rose in her. She had forgotten Miley’s birthday! So, she decided to leave the bear behind, so she’d have something to give Miley tomorrow, if everything went well tonight. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the flowers and yelled goodbye to her brother, who was mowing the lawn.

Determined to show some backbone, she rang the doorbell, shifting from foot to foot. A few moments later, Miley opened the door, looking surprised.

“Lilly.”

“Miley.”

The brunette smiled softly and stepped out of the doorway, gesturing inside. “Come on in.”

“I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I’m not going to let Oliver take you,” Lilly said quickly, stepping inside and thrusting the flowers into Miley’s arms.

Miley sniffed them, heart lightening. Lilly still wanted her. “There’s nothing between Oliver and me.”

“But I saw you talking! You kissed him!”

“I kissed his cheek, and I was thanking him for convincing you to come here,” Miley explained slowly.

“But… but…” Lilly’s face turned scarlet at her embarrassment.

“I was worried you’d be angry that I ignored you, so I asked him to get you here and not mess up my surprise,” she tried to clarify.

Lilly processed silently for a few moments. “So there’s nothing going on?”

“No. Now come on,” Miley shut the front door and made for the stairs up to her room. “I hope you like this.”

As they entered the room, Lilly sat on the bed and watched Miley set down the roses on her desk and pick up another object. “Your guitar?”

“Shh,” Miley hushed Lilly before pulling her music stand over. Taking a deep breath, she leaned over to her computer and clicked something. A slow synthetic drum beat came from the speakers, and Miley started strumming. The bass guitar joined in a moment later, and Miley’s voice soon flowed into the mix.

When I close my eyes for the last time at night

I can see you there waiting in my dreams

When the sun goes down and the light fades away

I can hear your voice whispering my name

Lilly listened quietly, closing her eyes and letting the sound wash over her.

You’re the happiness of a warm spring day

The laugh of a child running out to play

You’re freedom of the last day of school

When your worries fly away

She couldn’t help but smile at the last as the chorus came over her.

I’ve never felt this way before

So brokenhearted yet so full

I need to feel you

I need to hold you

I need your name on my lips

But I can’t tell you how I feel

Inside

You’ve got the smile that lights the way

In the coldest place, on the darkest night

You hold my heart in your two hands

But you don’t know it, no you don’t know

I’ve never felt this way before

So brokenhearted yet so full

I need to feel you

I need to hold you

I need your name on my lips

But I can’t tell you how I feel Inside

The music picked up and Lilly could tell the song was wrapping up.

And now I’m standing before you

Holding my breath as I wait

I have to know

I have to know

I have to know

Do you feel this way too

Lilly had never heard something so heart-wrenching and passionate. The music faded away but it replayed in Lilly’s mind. Her eyes opened to see Miley staring at her.

“Lilly Truscott, I don’t know why you don’t want to be with me, but I’m willing to do anything to get you back,” Miley whispered.

Lilly gazed, tears filling her eyes. “That was for me?”

“Yes.” Miley fingered the tattered paper with the words. It had started out as scrap paper, but she’d held it so often over the past few months that the edges were worn away.

Lilly got up, and walked to Miley’s window, staring out at the night sky. She was trying not to cry and failing. Miley approached, wrapping an arm around Lilly’s shoulders. She held on tight, hoping these were happy tears.

“I’m sorry, Miley…” Lilly whimpered softly. “I can’t believe how stupid I was…”

“Can you tell me why?” Miley was still dying to know what had caused the upheaval.

“My dad… you know how important he is to me. He… he lost it. I’d never felt like a failure until that moment. I couldn’t take it, so I just wanted to make him happy. Make him love me again. But Oliver helped put me back on the right track. I figured out that I should be more worried about what makes me happy. Miley, you make me happy,” Lilly set her head on the brunette’s shoulder.

“You make me happy, too, you know,” Miley chuckled quietly.

“Would you mind if I kissed you?” Lilly asked, fingering the window in front of them.

Pulling away slightly, Miley shifted so that she was facing Lilly. “Are you crazy?”

“No.”

“That’s my answer, too.”

Lilly didn’t move. “No, I can’t kiss you, or no, you wouldn’t mind?”

There was a beat of silence before Miley answered. “Oh, just kiss me,” she whispered, tilting her head down. Lilly could hardly stop smiling long enough to comply.