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.

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Summary: In the ALL NEW 16th episode of 'Unsung', Miley drags Lilly and Oliver to the mall in search of the perfect dress for Lilly and a tux for herself in preparation for the upcoming dance that Miley intends to attend as a member of the opposite sex as Lilly's date. Later, a party planning conversation has Oliver springing the idea of inviting Mikayla despite the obvious drawbacks of such a move. What is a best friend to do when you don't like the chosen one of your bestie?

Original Airdate: Monday, February 15, 2009 @8:30 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Hey Mickie, Hey Mickie')

Story Codes: no sex

The next day she was ready to try again, though. She picked Oliver up first and briefed him on his mission. He was to make sure Lilly was in a good mood and he was not to pick a fight, no matter how tempting or easy it was. He saluted and they headed to pick Lilly up.

“So what are we shopping for?” Oliver asked – he’d already asked the same question three times previously.

“We told you, Ollie, stuff for the dance.”

“I know, I know. But what is ‘stuff’?” He questioned uneasily. Girl stuff was much different from boy stuff. Boy stuff was fun and entertaining, and generally had something to do with fart jokes. Girl stuff was… girly.

“Well, you’re going to have to help me find a tuxedo that’ll fit. But I can’t exactly try it on without drawing attention to myself,” Miley explained, “and we’re going to find Lilly a nice dress.”

Lilly sighed, shaking her head. “Miles, we went over this… I don’t have money.”

“It’s my treat, Lil. You deserve it.” Miley tried to be encouraging. And besides, after Robby upped her allowance, the first thing she had wanted to do was spend it on Lilly. “A gorgeous dress for a gorgeous girl.”

Lilly let her gaze fall to the floor. “Whatever you say.”

Miley elbowed Oliver in the ribs. He glared at her but took his cue. “Yeah, you’re really pretty.”

Hearing it as sarcasm, Lilly picked up the pace, walking a little faster than Miley and Oliver. Miley rolled her eye at Ollie.

“Smooth goin’, Oken.”

He shrugged, “It’s not my fault she’s not listening.”

It was a struggle not to smack him. “Oliver, can you please just go find me a simple tuxedo?”

He took that as the dismissal it was meant to be. “I’ll see if I can find a small one,” he shrugged.

As soon as he was gone, Miley sped up. She reached Lilly’s side quickly enough but Lilly refused to slow down. After a few minutes of grabbing Lilly’s arms in an attempt to get Lilly to listen, Miley finally just stopped dead in her tracks.

“Fine. Be that way.”

That caused an abrupt halt in Lilly as well. “Miles… I’m sorry…”

“You’ve been saying that way too much lately,” Miley interjected. “I don’t like it. You haven’t done anything to be sorry for.”

Lilly shrugged, “I just wish you’d stop complimenting me.”

“Why? I’m not allowed to compliment you anymore?” Miley didn’t understand. She pulled Lilly aside, out of the main stream of mall traffic.

“I know you don’t mean it, so please don’t waste your breath,” Lilly muttered, not willing to make eye contact.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Miley demanded. “You think you’re ugly?”

Lilly shrugged, “I guess.”

“Have you looked in a mirror?” Miley asked incredulously as she pushed a loose strand of hair behind Lilly’s ear. She gazed into Lilly’s eyes, “Lil, you’re stunning. I wouldn’t say it unless I meant it, you know that.”

Lilly softened, “I’m really lucky, you know that?”

Miley nodded sagely, “Yes, I know. Anybody who’s got such a loving, caring, beautiful, talented –”

Lilly chuckled, mood broken, “I get it. You’re perfect.”

“Thank you!” Miley accepted the comment with a bow and small flourish of her hands. “Now what do you say we find you the perfect dress for next week?”

Smiling widely, Lilly nodded, “If you’re sure you want to pay…”

And suddenly, miles away, Robby Ray rescued his wallet from his back pocket, holding it in his hands. He realized that giving Miley a little freedom with Hannah money might possibly end badly. Shrugging, he threw the wallet aside and continued playing Jackson’s video games.

A short while later, Lilly twirled in her dress; it was amazing how good one could feel in the right clothing. Miley smiled at her girl as Lilly flounced in front of the mirror. The dress was a stunning sky blue sleeveless number. It was floor length, but a little too long for Lilly’s small stature. It pooled on the ground at Lilly’s feet but Miley knew it would be just long enough if Lilly wore heels.

“Do you like it?” Lilly asked. No matter how much she loved it, Miley’s opinion meant more to her at times than her own.

“It looks great on you,” Miley complimented easily. And it was the truth. The color of the dress really brought out the blues in Lilly’s eyes.

“I know I haven’t really tried on many but… I feel like this is the one…” Lilly returned her gaze to the mirror. She was almost smitten with the article of clothing.

“Then you shall have it.” Miley got up and walked over, fingering the silky material. A furtive glance around confirmed that they were alone in the Changing Room; Miley snuck a quick kiss onto Lilly’s cheek, “I’m going to be the envy of every guy at that dance.”

Lilly beamed, “I’m sure you’ll look sharp in a tuxedo, too.”

Miley fiddled with her hair, “I hope. I guess I’m going to have to do something about my chest.” She stared wistfully in the mirror. Although she wasn’t extremely busty, she did anticipate a little pain when she got to that part of her costume.

Lilly was silent a moment, not sure how to respond. “I’m sure you’ll look great without a chest?”

Rolling her eyes, Miley went back to her seat. “Go change out of the dress and we’ll find you some earrings, okay?”

Lilly twisted a strand of hair between her forefinger and thumb. “Miley, I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for this.”

Miley shrugged it off, “You’d do the same for me, right?”

“If I was an undercover pop star with money? Totally.” Lilly spun around once more for good measure. Satisfied with how she looked, Lilly returned to the little stall that held her real clothing and immediately realized her problem – it was one thing to put this dress on, it was another altogether to get it off. Blushing furiously, she called out weakly, “Umm… Miles? I’m, uh… gonna need some help getting this dress off.”

There was a brief pause before Miley responded. “Seriously?”

Miley appeared in the stall a moment later, blushing as hard as Lilly. “Okay,” she gulped. “Let’s do it.”

Lilly’s eyes widened comically, and Miley started laughing as she realized what she had said. That managed to break the tension, and they worked quickly to remove the garment. When Lilly was down to her skivvies, though, Miley turned Lilly to face her. Lilly could feel the blush radiating heat through her whole body.

“Lil, you are absolutely gorgeous,” she murmured before pushing her against the wall of the stall and kissing her soundly. When they broke for air, Lilly knew that if she didn’t insert some good ole common sense into the situation, they’d end up doing very inappropriate things in the very small area.

“Miles,” she breathed, keeping the other girl from kissing her for a moment. “We need to stop. People will be able to hear us.”

Visibly restraining herself, Miley nodded and stepped out of the stall, leaving Lilly to catch her breath.

When she finally stepped out of the dressing room, fully dressed, Miley was standing there with a goofy smile and a blush on her face. Lilly smiled back and handed the dress to Miley; Miley held it above her head to keep the bottom from dragging. At the front of the store, Miley left the dress with the cashier so that the two could continue shopping for accessories.

“How about these earrings?” Lilly held up giant silver hoops. They were almost as big as her head.

“I think your ears would fall off,” Miley laughed. “What about these?”

“Ooh!” Lilly reached for the sapphire studs that Miley was holding up. She took them and held them up to one ear. “Lilly like-y!”

“Miley like-y, too. And they’ll totally match your dress.”

“And my ears will stay on,” Lilly added with a serious nod of her head.

“Now all we need to find is a necklace to match and a nice pair of high heels,” Miley gazed around, looking for a rack of necklaces.

“Why a necklace?”

“Your dress has an open neck. You can’t just leave your neck bare, you need decoration.” Miley wandered over to some promising looking stands. She sifted through the silver chains and waited for something to grab her attention.

“What about a locket.” Lilly asked, holding up a simple chain with a small heart shaped locket dangling from the end.

“Wouldn’t you be afraid someone would open it?”

Lilly eyed Miley, “What do you mean?”

“I just thought that… you know… our picture would be inside…”

“Where would you get an idea like that,” Lilly scoffed, “I was going to put Jake and his ego on one side… They are such a cute couple, you know.”

“Be nice, he’s gotten better. And on the other?”

“Oliver and I.” Lilly paused for dramatic effect. “You see, Miley, we’re madly in love.”

“Did someone mention my name?” Oliver entered the dress store, a large dress bag slung over his shoulder.

“Lilly was just telling me about your steamy love affair,” Miley deadpanned.

Oliver shot Lilly a horrified glance, “Lillster! How could you! That was supposed to be our secret! I suppose you told her that I’m bearing your child, too?”

Lilly’s jaw dropped and she threw a hand to her forehead dramatically, “Oliver! You’re pregnant! But I used protection!”

Oliver’s face whitened. “Then… please tell me you don’t have an evil identical twin…”

“Don’t tell me you slept with Jill!” Lilly gasped, her hand once more reaching her forehead.

Miley cut their show off, looking around in embarrassment at the other patrons who were staring. “Guys, guys, save the drama for the soap operas.”

Oliver sighed, “Why do you suck the fun out of everything?”

“Because you’re talking about sleeping with my girlfriend a little too easily,” Miley raised her eyebrows and cocked her head.

He blushed, “You know there’s nothing going on… I mean, it was over years ago…”

Lilly leaned over and whispered in Miley’s ear, “Confidentially, he ate the crayons.”

“I did not! Well… not on purpose. I thought they were Cheetos. At least, that’s what Jimmy told me…” Oliver sighed. “My mom said that she’d never seen such colorful throw up in all her years as a cop and mother.”

“TMI,” Miley groaned.

Lilly waved the locket in Miley’s face, “Please, Miles. I wouldn’t mind if someone saw our pictures in here. I mean, friends have friend’s pictures in lockets, right?”

“If that’s what you want,” Miley conceded. She found that it was getting harder and harder to tell Lilly no.

“And as for shoes, I can just borrow Hannah’s, right?” Lilly wheedled shamelessly.

“Sure,” Miley smiled. “So Ollie Waddlekins, what’s in the box?”

“I found you a nice tuxedo, Miley… something something-kins. Took a big chunk of my yearly spending money, but you’re paying me back, right?”

“Right.” Miley glanced at the box, “Do you think it’ll fit me?”

“I got the smallest one I could find. And I figured you could always call Hannah’s fashion designer, right? He could tailor it better to your frame and everything.”

“Good job, Oliver!” Miley would have cheered for him if they weren’t inside a formal store.

“Hey, do you guys think Mikayla would go with me to the dance?”

Lilly shrugged, “It’s possible. I mean, nobody would know it was her, right?”

“You should ask,” Miley almost retched. It was horrible acting nicely about her rival, but if Oliver really liked the girl, the least she could do was be supportive.

“I have to wait for her to call,” Oliver sighed. “I have her number set to One in a Million.”

Miley didn’t know if she should be thrilled or disgusted that he had chosen one of her songs for Mikayla. So she smiled weakly, “I hope that works out for you.”

Leaving Oliver to moon over Mikayla, Miley and Lilly returned to the cash register. Miley set the earrings and locket down on the counter and went into her purse to find her wallet.

The woman cashier rang everything up carefully, “One satin dress, one pair of earrings, one silver locket. Is that all?”

Miley nodded, “Lilly?”

Lilly confirmed it, “Yeppers.”

“Okay… your total comes to 311.56.”

Miley handed over her credit card – no longer just for emergencies. She’d learned her lesson the first time around and used it more wisely now. It helped, she found, that it was her own money she was dealing with now. Everything paid for, Miley took the bag containing all three purchases and left the store. Lilly snapped Oliver from his woebegone dreaming and the three of them headed to the food court.

They settled in at a small table, not quite ready to buy lunch yet. Lilly and Oliver got into a small argument over which Backstreet Boy was gay, a conversation in which Miley had little interest. She gazed around and let her eyes settle on a newsstand. One of the newspapers had a picture of her on the front with the headline Sales Up!

“I’ll be right back,” she commented, not that either one could hear her over the quarrel. She hurried over to the stand and put a dollar on the counter. Newspaper bought she returned to the table and flipped to F5, the continuation of the cover story.

Although album sales did initially drop after Hannah Montana came out, sales have once again skyrocketed. According to Billboard, Montana has reached a new demographic with this breaking news – older teens and young adults have not been affected negatively. In fact, previously uninterested in her music, kids aged 16-18 have started buying the CDs, an obvious gesture in support of Montana. Some of the younger audience has dropped away, though that may be due, in part, to the restriction of parents. Her label, Disney Records, who had previously reported that it would be dropping the teen idol from their catalog, has, instead, decided to keep her on through at least her summer tour.

Miley folded the newspaper up, not willing to read more. Hannah’s career was safe and that’s all that she needed to know. She tried to get back into Lilly and Oliver’s conversation.

“It’s totally Brian!”

Oliver shook his head, “You’re crazy. It’s Howie. I know these things.”

Miley interjected, “Weren’t they all gay?”

That ended the argument – neither felt up to denying it. Oliver rubbed his stomach as it rumbled.

“I think I’m ready for some Mexican food.” He jabbed a thumb towards Taco Bell.

“Oh come on, Ollie, we eat there all the time. And, it doesn’t even count as Mexican food,” Lilly complained. “Can we get Panda Express?”

Both looked to Miley for guidance, “Why don’t you each buy what you want?”

Her suggestion lit up their faces. It was as if they’d never thought to buy separate meals. Oliver was gone in a flash but Lilly lingered.

“You want anything?”

Miley grinned, “I just figured I’d steal some of your food anyways. I’m not really hungry, but thanks.”

Lilly waited a moment more. There was an odd sort of tension between the two and Lilly wanted to comment but didn’t. It was getting hard, she found, to keep their relationship secret in public. There were moments when all she wanted to do was lean in and snuggle up to Miley, or hold Miley’s hand. Those moments translated into uncomfortable silences.

While her friends were gone buying food, Miley pulled out her cell phone – it was vibrating in her pocket. Flipping it open, she greeted her father.

“Hey Daddy, what’s up?”

“I thought I’d tell you that Aunt Dolly’s in town. We’re havin’ a barbeque on Tuesday, so if you wanted to invite Lilly an’ Oliver and their families, the more the merrier.” Robby explained. “And Dolly says howdy.”

Miley smiled, “I’ll ask ‘em. Thanks, Daddy.”

“No problem, bud.”

“Did you say anything to Aunt Dolly about me and Lilly?” Miley asked nervously.

“No. That’s up to you. You know she won’t mind,” Robby reassured his daughter. “She loves you. I love you, too, bud.”

“Bye, Daddy.” Miley sighed and snapped the phone shut as Oliver returned with a steaming burrito.

“Ah, yo quiero Taco Bell.” He imitated the Spanish accent as best he could.

“What ever happened to that dog, anyways?” Miley asked, mind wandering. She remembered the barbeque quickly, though. “Oh Oliver, are you busy next Tuesday night?”

He shook his head. “Don’t think so. Why?”

“My family’s having a barbeque and you and your family are invited.”

His face brightened, “Could I bring Mikayla?”

Miley suppressed her distaste, barely. “What if she figures out that I’m Hannah and Lilly is Lola? It wouldn’t be hard. I mean, Mike hangs out with two female best friends. You hang out with two female best friends. I know she’s not stupid.”

“Miles, I promise you can trust her,” Oliver swore and crossed his heart.

“I don’t know…” Miley sighed. “Can I think about it?”

He nodded, “You won’t regret it.”

She watched Lilly up at the Panda Express and sighed, “Do you really like her? I mean really truly?”

“Miles, I don’t expect you to understand, but I know her better than anybody else in the world, I think. And that’s after only one date. She’s not as big and tough as she makes people think. It’s all an act, y’know? Like when you’re Hannah you act like a totally different person, too.”

“Do I?” Miley questioned.

“Sometimes. I mean, you have a lot more power as Hannah and it’s kinda obvious that you know how to use it.” Oliver clarified, “It’s not a bad thing… you’re just different, is all.”

“And you’re saying that Mikayla isn’t a witch under it all?”

“Right.”

Miley settled her head onto her arms, “What is the world coming to?”

Oliver didn’t quite have an answer.

Lilly returned shortly after, and Miley slid her fork into Lilly’s pile of rice. Oliver was sulking over his burrito; another argument had sprung up concerning the sexuality of ‘N Sync and Lilly had pulverized him with a few short words. It was obviously Nick, the one who came out. Oliver grumbled but shut his mouth.

“So Lilly, are you free Tuesday?” Miley asked. She held a hand under her fork to catch any renegade grains of rice making a break for it.

“I was planning on spending the day with you,” Lilly hid her mouth behind her hand. She disliked talking with her mouth full, but she’d just taken a large bite when Miley asked her the question.

“Great. You should invite your parents to the barbeque.” Miley wanted Lilly’s parents there, especially Mr. Truscott. Maybe seeing the two girls together would make it easier on him. And if that didn’t work, Robby Ray was pretty good with words.

“I still don’t see why you don’t want Mickey there.” Oliver prodded the last remnants of his pseudo-Mexican meal.

“Mickey?”

“Well, yeah. What did you want me to call her?” Oliver questioned. He’d tried thinking of other nicknames but couldn’t find anything good. “Ayla? Kay? Mika?”

“I guess Mickey’s okay,” Miley sighed. “And I’m just worried about her finding out my secret.”

“You just have to trust me, Miles. I know she’ll be cool about it.”

Lilly scraped her plastic fork along the bottom of her plate. “I kinda agree with Miley on this one, Ollie. It’s dangerous.”

Not wanting to hurt Oliver or his budding relationship, Miley tried to compromise. “Look, if you have another date with her before the barbeque and she really connects with you, you can invite her.”

“Seriously?” Oliver jumped to his feet.

“Well, Lola and Hannah would have to tail you guys. I’ll give you a sign or something if you’re good to invite her.” Miley muttered. It was killing her to give in but Oliver was an important part of her life. She had to try and make room for Mikayla, if that’s what Oliver really wanted.

“You won’t interfere with the date?” Oliver asked suspiciously.

“Not unless you think it’s a good idea. I mean, if we happened to run into you two it would be a good chance for me to gauge her goodness level.” Miley wiped her fingers on a napkin. It seemed like a good idea to her.

Oliver was quiet a moment, ripping the edge of his used napkin anxiously. “Well, okay, but have some sort of excuse so that you can leave us alone after a while.”

Lilly clapped her hands excitedly. “Miley, that’s genius! I’ve been dying for some sushi.”

Miley chuckled, “You’re really into the foreign food lately, aren’t you?”

“Well.” Lilly shrugged, “I just figure I might as well see what’s out there while I’ve got someone who can get me access to it all.”

“So that’s all I’m good for.” Miley sniffed, turning her nose up. “I see how it is.”

Lilly laughed. “Oh come on, Miles. You know it’s not like that.”

“I don’t buy it.” Miley let her eyes widen with false hurt.

“Miley, Miley, Miley…” Oliver chuckled, “You have no control of your woman. Now, Mikayla, I’ve got her trained.” His phone went off and he fumbled with it, “Hey, babe… Yes… of course… anything for you. Is sushi okay? Anything you want.”

He snapped it shut and grinned foolishly. Lilly rolled her eyes.

“Who’s got who trained?”

Miley kicked her under the table, “So? Do you have a second date?”

“That was my mom… She wants me to pick up dinner.” He still had a dreamy look in his eyes.

“Oliver… if that was your mom, then I’m the queen of Sheba.”

Oliver bowed, “Your Highness.”

Lilly smacked his shoulder lightly, “We’re being serious, Ollie.”

“Yeah, it was her. Tomorrow night, six o’clock at the Pink Godzilla.” He relayed the information.

Miley nodded, “Sounds good to me.”