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 12th episode of 'Unsung', The morning of Miley's 16th birthday begins with a huge surprise from her father, Robby. One that Miley can't wait to use. Later, Miley and the gang attend a huge party thrown by Traci Van Horn (Hiromi Dames) and featuring an appearance by Miley's nemesis, Mikalya (Selena Gomez). The party soon turns into a battle of voices when an over confident Mikalya challenges Hannah to a contest on-stage in front of the entire crowd with the winner getting a bit more than bragging rights.

Original Airdate: Monday, January 18, 2009 @8:30 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Hey Mickie, Hey Mickie')

Story Codes: no sex

The next day, Miley woke with a giant smile on her face. She and Lilly were back together, Lilly had loved her song, and, to make everything just that much better, it was her 16th birthday. She squealed in excitement as she jumped out of bed at 5:30 and raced downstairs. It was family tradition that you got to open your presents first thing in the morning, so you could enjoy it for the entire day. Reaching the kitchen, she paused in disappointment. There was nothing and no one in the kitchen, save a single piece of paper on the dining table.

front door

Blinking in confusion she turned to the front door and saw another piece of paper there. Hurrying over, she grabbed it off the door with a giddy hop.

driveway

Grinning madly, she threw open the front door and dashed out, stopping just as suddenly as she reached the driveway. “Oh my God!” she screamed as she jumped up and down in joy. A small flock of birds was startled by the noise and flew out of a nearby tree, complaining loudly.

There, in front of her, was a brand new Camero – like the one from the Transformers movie – all cherry red and looking sexy. And, standing next to it was her dad, holding a cup of coffee and jingling the car keys at her, a giant smile on his face.

“Happy Sweet Sixteen, bud.”

Shrieking in joy again she leapt to him and pulled him into a fierce hug. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you!”

After a minute of thank yous, Robby Ray suggested, “How about you go get dressed and we take it out for a spin?”

She was gone and back in her room before he could say sweet niblets. Fifteen minutes later, she was back outside, hair still wet from her very fast shower. “Let’s go let’s go let’s go!” she bounced around, excited as she grabbed the keys from her dad and jumped into the driver’s side. She adjusted the seat and mirrors as her dad took his time crawling into the passenger’s seat. “So, you like?” he asked with a grin.

“Ya think?” she asked, looking at him like he’d lost his mind, grinning like a maniac herself. Then, she started the car and pulled out, driving around the neighborhood, and, briefly, onto the main roads.

Getting back to the house a short time later, they got out of the car, and Miley mugged her dad with hugs and thank yous again.

He smiled as he went to the kitchen to start breakfast. Miley stayed with her car, walking around it and jumping up and down occasionally as the excitement got too unbearable.

“Holy crap.”

Miley spun around, and her smile got even bigger. “You like?” Miley asked, hopping over to Lilly. “It’s my birthday present.”

“Holy crap.”

Miley did a little wiggle dance and wrapped her girlfriend in a hug before kissing her several times, her joy overflowing. Lilly enthusiastically returned the kisses, but remembered that there were still other family members around. “Miles, what if your dad comes out and sees us?”

Miley grinned. “So let him,” she smiled, even as she stepped away. “Wanna go for a ride?” she whispered, still bouncing on the balls of her feet. She was trying to contain her excitement due to the early hour but was failing miserably.

“Breakfast!”

Miley’s face drooped a little, but Lilly thought it was so cute that she gave the birthday girl another kiss before heading inside. “Sorry Miles, cars are forever, but food lasts only so long.”

Pouting, the brunette trudged after her girlfriend, staring at her car until she could no longer see it, then popping her head back to look at it a few times, just to make sure it wasn’t going anywhere. When she finally reached the kitchen, most of her family was halfway done eating – Jackson had been done once already, she was sure – and she sat down to a batch of chocolate chip waffles and corn-beef hash. Rubbing her hands together in excitement, she dug in with as much enthusiasm as Lilly usually reserved for food.

“Well, Mr. S, I have to say that compared to your present, mine looks pretty pitiful in comparison,” Lilly sighed, leaning back from the table hands on her slightly distended belly.

Miley immediately perked up wiggling in her seat like and excited puppy. “You got me a present? Where is it?”

Lilly looked bored and waved her hand dismissively. “Oh nowhere,” she sighed, pointing at her backpack, which sat next to the door.

It took Miley a second to catch on before she tore across the house and quickly unzipped Lilly’s backpack. An ear-piercing squeal was followed by, “Awww, she’s so cute!” Miley held up the bear for all to see before racing over to Lilly and hugging her tightly from behind. Releasing her, she sprinted upstairs to place her next to Beary. “Now, you two be good. I don’t want to come home and find you in a compromising position,” she glared at Beary, as if he would be the instigator of such shenanigans. For his part, the bear just looked back innocently.

Grabbing her backpack, she bolted back downstairs and met Lilly and her dad at the door. “Can I drive it to school?” she asked bouncing up and down. “Can I can I can I?”

Robby Ray shook his head, smiling. “Sorry bud, but the school won’t issue anymore parking passes this year. Looks like you’ll still be walking.”

Groaning, Miley trudged out the door, Lilly on her heels. Reaching the driveway, her pout turned into a full-blown smile again, and she couldn’t keep the bounce out of her step the entire way to school.

The first half of the day passed in relative ease, and Miley received a birthday cards from her few friends. Jake, being Jake, got her an obnoxious singing one – that just so happened to sing One in a Million. She glared and he laughed. Oliver had been much more… well slightly more traditional. “You pervert!” she squealed as she slapped him in the arm. Her face was beet red as she hastily shoved the card in her locker, hoping no one had seen it.

“What did it say?” Lilly asked, trying to reach for it and almost getting her fingers smashed as Miley slammed her locker door shut.

“Nothing.” If it were possible, Miley blushed even harder at the thought of Lilly reading the card. Before Lilly could pursue it further, Miley’s cell phone rang. Pulling it out, she looked at the caller ID, confused. “Tracie?”

“Happy birthday, daahhling. I am throwing a party tonight for you, and so you must be there! I will not accept no for an answer!”

Trying not to laugh, Miley replied that she’d be there and hung up. Looking up at her three friends, she grinned. “Who’s up for a party tonight?”

--

Pulling up to Tracie’s in her new Camaro was exhilarating. The paparazzi standing around outside went nuts when they saw her pull up. Lilly was sitting in the passenger’s seat, while Jake and Oliver had been relegated to the much smaller rear seats. Shouted questions and flashing bulbs lined the walkway into the building, which was already packed. Upon entering, she was immediately set upon by her nasally-challenged friend, who dragged her off to mingle with other celebrity folk. She shouted back that she’d catch up to the others later and waved with a brilliant smile.

Oliver and Lilly stood there, slightly dumbfounded at the sudden departure of their safety net. What if someone realized they were just normal people? Would they get kicked out? “Stop looking like someone kicked your puppy and come on.” They turned to Jake who was making his way to the bar, where they all ordered soda. There would be no alcohol at Hannah Montana’s Sweet Sixteen.

Lilly was scoping out the crowd, pointing out random celebrities to Oliver, and enjoying the music of the live band, when Jake leaned close to her. “So, Mike tells me you’re dating Stewie.”

Eyes wide, she turned to Jake and stuttered. “I… uh… wha… yes?”

Laughing, Jake put his drink down and smiled at her. “You two will be good for each other, so don’t worry about what anyone says. After all, you beat out the best looking guy you know,” he added, posing like some mythical god, trying to keep a straight face. She laughed and poked him in the stomach, causing him to leap away with his arms in front of him in defense. “No touchy.”

“Excuse me.” All heads turned to where Tracie was standing on stage with Hannah. “Thank you. “Friends, we are all here to wish Hannah a very wonderful happy sixteenth birthday. So, let’s have a round of applause for the birthday girl.”

Lilly clapped so hard her hands hurt, and Oliver and Jake both wolf whistled, drawing several strange looks.

As the applause died down she said a few words of thanks before vacating the stage and making her way back over to her friends, a giant smile on her face. The night passed peacefully for a few hours before Miley wanted some fresh air, and she and Lilly made their escape to an upstairs balcony, to have some peace.

Downstairs, Oliver was having little luck with the ladies. Well, no luck actually. His pick up lines were falling flat and he was beginning to get frustrated. Wasn’t he handsome? Wasn’t he debonair? Smooth? Suave? Gentlemanly? Jake had already hooked up with a girl and was currently dancing with her. He glared at the blond in jealousy and got a grin in return.

Maybe it was the beard. It was probably the beard. He snuck into a bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror. It was definitely the beard. He ripped it off, wincing as it left his chin. Dropping it in the trashcan, he reemerged ready to try again. Looking around, hoping to see a potential target, he spotted several people clamoring near the front door, which he found odd. Unless – he perked up – unless someone really famous had arrived.

He joined the mob enthusiastically, trying to peek outside. Then, he saw her, and he could have sworn his heart missed a beat. She was gorgeous: long brown hair, tinged at the tips with red, confident brown eyes, a red hat tilted jauntily on her head and impeccable clothing. And when she walked, she moved with unrivaled confidence.

“I heard there was a party for Hannah and I just had to be here,” Mikayla sighed, flipping her hair with an idle hand. “What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t?”

The paparazzi behind her took as many shots of her as they could while she stood in the doorway. She flaunted herself, basking in the attention. Flashes flared, and Oliver caught sight of one camera that was pointed way too high to have been aimed at Mikayla.

Oliver, of course, remembered how Mikayla had tried to hurt Hannah’s career, but it was hard to keep such small things in mind when he was seeing her in person. Only through sheer force of will could he keep the drool from running down his chin. At first it was difficult to get within ten feet of the girl since she was literally covered in fans, but soon the crowd thinned - mostly due to Mikayla’s poor attitude – and Oliver took his chance, sidling up to her.

“Hey, Mikayla. Can I call you Mikayla?” he asked, flashing what he hoped was a dashing smile. She was even more beautiful up close.

“Um, no?” she responded in a disgusted tone, settling her hands on her hips and tilting her head ever so slightly in disbelief.

“Can I call you beautiful?” he tried again, trying to maintain his smile. It was hard, though; his cheeks were starting to ache.

“I’m not going to stop you,” she looked away, glancing through the crowds of people. “I don’t suppose you know where Hannah is?”

“She’s outside with… nobody. Just somebody. Nothing’s going on,” Oliver fumbled, realizing he almost spilled the beans on a private moment.

Mikayla smirked. “What did you say your name was?”

“Mike. Standley. The third,” Oliver pieced it together, wishing he didn't sound like such an idiot.

“Well, thank you, Mike.” She didn’t look back at him as she walked away.

“Call me!” He hollered at her receding form. He smiled proudly -- that went well. As he watched her disappear up the stairs, it dawned on him -- he hadn't given her his number. He kicked the ground, stubbing his toe. He yelped in pain as he hopped up and down, to the curious looks of several bystanders.

Upstairs, Miley and Lilly were snuggling against each other, leaning against the railing and staring up at the stars. Miley was reminded of the previous Saturday, their first night as a couple. Unconsciously she began rubbing Lilly’s arm, enjoying just their simple proximity.

Miley froze as an obnoxious voice invaded her world. “Hannah, there you are. I’ve been looking for you,” Mikayla stepped out into the evening air. She eyed Lola with distaste. “And this is…”

Miley dropped her arm away. “Lola Lufnagle—”

Lola stepped in. “Daughter of oil tycoon Rich Lufnagle.”

“Lola,” Miley warned quietly. Mikayla was dangerous, sort of. At the very least, she was evil. “What do you want, Mikayla?”

“I was hoping that I could interest you in a sing-off.”

Miley almost laughed. Oh, yes, evil indeed. “You want a repeat performance of Florida? I could take you any day.”

“Hannah, be careful,” Lilly warned, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “This could be an evil plan.”

“Will you do it?”

Miley glanced to Lilly. Maybe Lilly was right. But before Miley could respond, her phone went off. She looked at the caller ID. It was Oliver. “Hannah, watch out, Mikayla’s on her way up.”

“Little late there, Mike,” Hannah hissed.

“Well?” Mikayla pressed. “If I win you have to admit on national television that I’m better than you.”

Miley handed the phone off to Lilly. “And if I win… you have to go on one date with my good friend Mike Standley.”

It was a brash decision, but it was either Oliver or Jackson, and using Jackson would make it too easy to trace Hannah back to Miley. She just hoped Oliver wouldn’t mind when he got landed with the date from hell. Lilly whispered goodbye to Oliver before snapping the cell phone shut.

“That… boy?” she shivered in disgust. “Well, that’s not a problem. I won’t lose.” Mikayla stated confidently, tossing her head to the other side.

“Uh-huh. When and where?” If Miley had a tail it would have been swishing behind her, quite like a cat’s before it strikes.

“I was thinking here. At your birthday party. I even brought the press,” Mikayla jerked her thumb at the party.

“You’re on.”

Lilly grabbed Miley’s arm, trying to get Miley’s attention, “Hannah, don’t do it! She’s had all day to warm up since she knew this was coming! You haven’t warmed up, you haven’t picked a song; it’s stacked against you!”

“All the more embarrassing for her when she loses,” Miley squared her shoulders. “I’ll be downstairs in ten minutes. Be ready.”

With a toss of her hair, Mikayla was gone. Lilly gazed at Miley, deeply worried. It wasn’t that she didn’t have faith in Miley’s voice and performance, but rather that Mikayla was probably going to play dirty. It was a low blow to spring a competition on Miley out of the blue.

“Hannah, please. You can still back out of this,” Lilly begged.

“You don’t think I can beat her?” Miley asked.

“It’s not that at all,” Lilly struggled to find the right words. “You’re the best singer ever but she’ll have the perfect song picked out and well practiced. You’ll pick a good song, sure, but you’re not prepared.”

“Lola, just trust me, okay?” Miley gave Lilly a quick, reassuring hug. “And besides, I’m a big girl. I know how to lose gracefully if I have to.”

“Hannah, we are not going to soap her limo.”

“Aw, come on!” Miley joked, an idea forming in her head. “Hey, I know my song was supposed to be just for you and I understand if you don’t want me to, but what if I used it…”

Lilly blushed. “You’d want to use it?”

“Of course!” Miley smiled.

“Go ahead.” Lilly was practically glowing. Miley wanted to use a love song written for her to beat Mikayla’s stupid game. “And since nobody’s heard it before, it’s got even more umph behind it!”

“And because it means so much to me, it’ll be great.”

“You did sound good when you sang it before,” Lilly agreed. She sighed wistfully; it was nice to have a musician as a girlfriend.

“But you’ll have to stand somewhere I can see you while I’m singing,” Miley instructed. “It won’t work unless I see you.”

Lilly beamed. “I’ll stand against the wall, center. That way you can look around and always find me.”

“Yeah, I probably shouldn’t watch you the whole time.”

Lilly nodded.

Miley didn’t voice her other reason. She wasn’t sure she was ready to explain to all those people why she was delivering her love song to Lola. “We better get in there.”

Inside the guests had gathered around the stage. Mikayla was on stage, looking impatient as she talked to the band Tracie had hired. She smiled when Miley approached, fully prepared to put on the usual act –

“Oh, Hannah! I’m so glad you agreed to this. It’s such an honor to sing next to you, especially on your brithday!”

“Oh you!” Miley smiled back but the side of her lips twitched. “How are we going to judge this?”

“Loudest applause? We need an impartial judge.” Both girls gazed around the room, eyes settling on the security guy standing by the door.

Miley beckoned to him. “Would you do the honors?”

He came to stand by the stage, nervously glancing at the two girls. On one hand he wouldn’t get fired over this, but on the other there was probably going to be a pop princess very angry with him by the end of it.

“Since it’s your birthday, who do you want to go first?” Mikayla twisted the microphone back and forth.

“Feel free.” Miley backed off the stage, giving Mikayla the spotlight.

The song Mikayla sang was a cover of an old Led Zepplin song, and she delivered it well, owning the stage and the audience. She received raucous applause, a few whistles, and several cat-calls.

Miley accepted the mic as Mikayla brushed past her, already confident of the win. Wiping her hands on her jeans, Miley looked through the crowd, spotting Lilly. She smiled shyly and settled the microphone into the holster. For this song she wanted to play her own music, since nobody else would know how. She turned to the guitarist and asked if she could borrow his instrument, which he promptly handed over. Taking a deep breath, she started strumming.

At first, the audience didn’t respond. They seemed to be in shock – this was a song they’d never heard before. It didn’t take long for them to get into the tune, though, swaying to the slow rhythm. They stayed fairly quiet, except for a few whispers and the odd cheer, and just let the music wash over them.

When the song was done, though, the crowd erupted. The security guard didn’t even have to judge – the applause for Hannah was clearly much louder than that for Mikayla. Miley gripped the guitar tightly and bowed, glad her song was so well received. After handing back the guitar, she left the stage she was bombarded with questions.

“Who was that for?”

“Will it be on your next CD?”

“Will you marry me?”

Beaming brilliantly, Miley made her way to where Mikayla was fuming, extending her hand.

“Good try, Mikayla.”

Mikayla refused the hand. “This isn’t over, Montana.”

“That’s true,” Miley said, trying to look sympathetic, and failing miserably. “You still have to set up your date with Mike.”

The look Mikayla shot her could have curdled milk. A click from a camera reminded the defeated diva of the circumstances and she immediately smiled again. “Of course. Where is he, anyway?”

Oliver was at their side in an instant. “Somebody mention me?”

Miley gestured to him, trying not to laugh at his goofy grin. “Right here.”

Mikayla rolled her eyes, “We’re going out Saturday night, got it?”

Oliver’s jaw dropped. “For serious!?”

“Look, kid, make this easier on me. Don’t tell any of your little friends, don’t tell the press.”

“Where are we going?” Oliver was content to let Mikayla do the ordering. Bossy women were nothing new to his life.

“A small restaurant. I don’t know where yet. I’ll be in disguise. You’ll be out of disguise. I’m assuming this is get-up is a disguise. At least, I hope it is. Just… don’t dress like that,” Mikayla shook her head. “Please.”

Oliver nodded obediently. “Sure, sure. Should I give you my address?”

"Yes. Write it down and give it to my driver."

"Can't I give it to you?" Oliver asked before quailing under the glare she fixed on him. "To the driver, then.”

“I’ll pick you up at six. Be ready.” Not bothering to say goodbye, Mikayla left with one last toss of her long brown hair.

With Mikayla gone, Miley relaxed considerably. Lilly bounced over and gave Miley a quick hug. “You rock!”

Miley glanced around nervously, wondering if anybody had seen. “Thanks.”

Noticing, Lilly narrowed her eyebrows for a moment but let it go. “So are we good?”

“We’re great.” Miley reached over and grabbed Lilly’s hand. “We’re perfect.”

Lilly cuddled in closer, smiling happily. Nothing could bring her down, not even thoughts of Miley's reaction to her hug. That was probably just surprise or something, it's not like Miley was ashamed of her or something... right?