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 2nd episode of 'Unsung', Miley (Miley Cyrus) heads to the cave on the beach with Lily and Oliver trailing her for a meeting with Jake. One that Jake is not expecting as Miley painfully breaks the news of her no longer sharing the feelings that the boy is so obviously still enjoying. That done, Miley must next face the task of telling the person she REALLY has feelings for. Later, Miley deals with the aftermath of her declaration of love.

Original Airdate: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 @ 9:30 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'My First Time')

Story Codes: no sex

The last bell of the day rang, causing students to flee from the school as if it were plague-ridden. Miley walked to her house, alone, and dropped her bag off in her room. Grabbing a guitar from the back porch, she set out for the beach. She held the folded piece of paper in her fist, hoping her nervous sweat didn’t smear the ink.

The cove Jake had wanted to meet held many memories for her. The small inlet was surrounded by foliage and only accessible from a couple spots. It was perfect for letting Jake down privately. Then, if her courage held, pouring her heart out to Lilly.

Ten minutes passed in relative quiet, with only the sound of her absently strumming the guitar penetrating the cove. Soon Lilly’s loud complaints reached her, along with Oliver’s anxious excuses. Miley hoped Oliver chose a good hiding spot; Jake wouldn’t appreciate anyone spying on what he thought was a private moment. She didn’t have long to worry, though – Jake approached, doing his best to look suave.

“Hey, Miley, fancy meeting you here,” he grinned, flashing her two thumbs up. “I can’t wait to hear the song.”

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head apologetically, “Jake, I tried to tell you this at school, but it’s not for you.”

Jake stopped short, confused. He hadn’t expected this. “Not for me? But… but I’m the best looking guy you know.” The air seemed to drain from him. He was obviously not used to rejection.

“Maybe,” Miley admitted. She could almost feel Oliver’s glare through the bushes. “But so what? You haven’t changed. At all. We didn’t work out before, Jake, and you can’t just stride into school and expect me to fall at your feet again without so much as a ‘Howdy do.’ I’m past that, and I’m well over you.” She kept her tone soothing to take the sting out of her words, but saw them hit the mark as his face fell.

He shuffled his feet uncomfortably and blinked slowly, adjusting. “Well. I mean… Wow. Wasn’t really expecting that,” he smiled sadly, scratching the back of his head, and moving to sit next to her on her rock. She scooted over a little to make room for him. “You know, Miley, I tried. Really hard. I tried to change and be… I don’t know, less Jake and more Leslie? You know?” he asked, and she nodded that she understood. “But, recently, this has been me more often than it hasn’t, and I’m not exactly around people who let me be me, much less want me to be. I don’t really know any other way to be, I guess. It’s just… a natural defense,” he finished with a sigh, staring at the sand between his feet.

“I’m sorry Les, I know what its like – you know that. But I made sure that I kept myself separate. And I know you were never really given that option.” She smiled and nudged his shoulder with her own. “In my oh so humble opinion, which I know you value highly, I think you should let Jake become a little more like Leslie than the other way around. Because I like talking to Les, but, honestly, I really can’t stand Jake.”

The boy laughed and shook his head. “Honestly, neither can I. You know, we sound like a couple of people with multiple personality disorder.” He stood and stretched as she laughed.

Miley smiled and stood with him. “Friends?” she asked holding her hand out.

He took it with a sincere smile. “Of course, Miles. I’ve gotta go, now. Salvage some pride from somewhere. Probably end up rummaging around in a couple trash cans.” He tipped two fingers in her direction in sort of a mock salute. “See ya ‘round.”

As he left, Miley waved forlornly and sat back down with the guitar. Oliver took that as his cue to drag Lilly out into the open. Lilly’s features had softened, but Miley could see that the blonde was still fairly ticked. Miley flashed a small smile at her upset friend but it wasn’t returned.

“Oliver, can you leave us alone?” she asked timidly, turning her sad smile to him.

He nodded, glancing between them. “Yeah, of course. If you, you know, need me, I’ll be over there,” he pointed vaguely. “By the water. Doing guy stuff.”

When he left, Miley turned her attention back to Lilly, trying her hardest to stay strong. This was the hardest things she’d ever had to do, and it didn’t help that her audience didn’t look at all ready to hear her out.

“Lilly, will you listen to me?”

“I guess.” Lilly walked over to the large reddish rock that stood slightly off center of the sandy inlet. She sat down on it, crossing her legs.

“Okay. So you heard me with Jake just now?” Miley knew she was stalling, but she couldn’t help it. Her courage had fled and her mouth just wouldn’t spit it out.

“Yeah, Oliver made me listen.” Lilly huffed.

“So there was nothing there to tell you about. If I date someone, you’ll always be the first to know, I promise. And I really am sorry about before school. I was thinking about how I was going to tell you…” she trailed off, unintentionally moving to the issue she really wanted to talk about.

“Tell me what?” Lilly’s anger had completely dissipated; overshadowed by her incessant need to know.

“Jake, somehow, heard me singing last night.” Miley dropped her gaze, unwilling to look Lilly in the eyes. “A love song.”

“Okay… So… what? Are you going to ask someone out?” Lilly questioned, not understanding why her friend was fidgeting. “Is it a married man?” she narrowed her eyes in mock contempt.

“No!” she laughed, mentally thanking Lilly for her sense of humor. “No. I want to tell you that… that I…” the brunette took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I like you,” Miley smudged her words together, speaking much too quickly to be clearly understood.

Lilly tilted her head. “You what?”

“Like you. I like you.”

“Right. Thanks for the reassurance.” Lilly smiled, slinging an arm around Miley’s shoulders, “I like you, too.”

Miley opened her eyes and looked into her best friend’s. “No, Lil, I mean I really like you.”

“Best friends forever, I know.”

“You are so dense,” Miley sighed, shaking her head. Looking back at the blonde, Miley bit her lower lip. “It’s more than that, Lilly. More than best friends forever. I ‘like’ like you.”

Lilly dropped her arm, shocked. “What?”

To Miley it felt like someone had pushed the gas pedal in her brain. Her mouth rocketed off. “When I look at you I get the same feelings I’m supposed to get when I look at Jake, or Johnny or Josh, or any guys, for that matter. I can’t stop thinking about how beautiful you are, and how I just want to touch you so I can inhale your scent. You’re nice, funny, sweet, and you’ve always been there for me. I know that’s how best friends are supposed to be, but it stopped just being about friendship for me. I want more…” her voice dropped away at the look on her friend’s face.

Lilly stepped away, but, thankfully, didn’t run. She looked troubled. “Miley, I’m sorry. I just don’t think of you that way…” At Miley’s falling face, she waved her hands in slight panic. “Don’t get me wrong. I mean, I don’t mind that you’re gay. Or even that it’s me you like. I mean, it’s kind of flattering, I guess. And I don’t want to ruin our friendship. Because that’s all it is to me. Wait, no. That didn’t sound right,” she paused, stumbling over her words, trying to reassure the heartbroken girl. “That’s not all it is. We’re best friends, Mile, and I always want to be your best friend, but… but nothing more than that. I’m really sorry.”

It was Miley’s turn to look troubled. She could feel tears prickling the back of her eyes, but she forced a smile onto her face. “I understand.”

“Please don’t be mad at me,” Lilly dropped to her knees. “I’d do anything for you. You know that. But I can’t pretend to like you like that. It wouldn’t be fair to me or you.”

Miley nodded, putting her hand down to Lilly’s level. Lilly grabbed it, standing up again. They stood there a moment, staring at each other, holding hands, until Miley remembered that she had just been turned down and she pulled her hand away, slowly.

The young pop star retreated a few steps. She had to put some space between them. “Lilly, I’m not mad at you,” she said at the hurt look on the blonde’s face. “I just need some time alone right now, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Lilly nodded, forcing a sad smile. It hurt her to hurt Miley, but she didn’t think it was right to lead Miley on. She watched as the brunette ran through the sand, guitar gripped in her left hand. Lilly, seeing the instrument, instantly regretted not even listening to Miley’s song.

She trod silently down to the water, hoping to find Oliver there as he had promised. True to his word, he was standing ankle-deep in the cold water chucking sea-shells into the surf. He turned as he heard her approach.

“How’d it go?”

“She told me she liked me.” Lilly sat down in the dry sand, wrapping her arms around her legs. “That way.”

“And you turned her down?” Oliver guessed. Why else would Lilly be alone and depressed right now. If Lilly had accepted, they would be together right now, practically joined at the hip. More so than usual. If that were even possible.

“Of course, Oliver. I’m not going to date her just because she likes me. It wouldn’t be fair to her.”

Oliver flicked his hands dry before plopping beside her. “You don’t need to justify yourself to me.”

“But I feel terrible. She looked so crushed,” she cried out, waving her hands for effect.

“She’ll live. Its okay, Lilly. You’re right, it would have been worse on Miley if you tried something and it failed because you didn’t want to hurt her feelings.” Oliver gave her an encouraging smile. “So don’t worry. She’ll be back to normal soon. Maybe not tomorrow, or the day after, but soon.”

“Thanks, Oliver.” She hugged him and got to her feet. “I think I’m gonna head home and crash. I feel drained.”

--Lat8

While Lilly was walking off the beach, Miley was up in her room, sniffling. She couldn’t cry in front of Lilly. She knew that showing how badly she was hurt would, in turn, hurt Lilly, and Miley really didn’t want that. The truth was that she did understand Lilly’s point of view, but that didn’t mean she had to like it.

A half empty box of tissues lay beside her and the trash can beside her bed was littered with the scrunched remains of used tissues. Her pillow was clutched tightly to her chest. The blinds on her window were shut, making her room quite dark. All in all, it was the perfect atmosphere for a moping adolescent.

“Miley, are you in there, darlin’?” Robby Ray knocked softly on the shut door.

“Yes. I’m fine,” she called, knowing her voice probably sounded congested and quivery.

“You don’t sound fine.” He pushed the door open and walked to her bedside. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, he continued. “I take it your day at school wasn’t good.”

“School was fine,” she responded despondently.

“So, what’s the matter, sweet pea?” he asked, rubbing her back with one hand, trying to comfort his distraught daughter.

“I tried to tell… It didn’t work…” She spoke very quietly and Robby wasn’t sure what she was getting at, but he tried his best.

“Who’d you try to tell? Is this about that song you wrote?”

“Yeah. I didn’t even get to sing it. I got turned down before I had the chance,” Miley whispered, hiding her face.

“Do you want to tell me who he was?” Robby kept his eyes trained on Miley’s face, though that face was hidden by a curtain of hair. It slightly bothered him when she shook her head in the negative. She had always been open with him, and he didn’t like her having secrets – even when it came to her love interests. She was his baby girl and always would be. So, naturally, he worried about her.

“I just can’t tell you. Not right now at least.” Miley sniffled. She turned and threw herself into Robby's arms. He rubbed circles on her back and made shushing noises.

“It’s alright, bud. Do you want to tell me what happened?”

A stiff shake of her head against his shoulder killed that line of conversation, so Robby contented himself with holding his daughter, letting her cry on his shoulder.

“Hush, kiddo. Whatever happened, just remember that all things work for good. It’ll work out,” he told her, kissing her forehead.

She cleared her throat with a few small coughs. “Thank you, Daddy,” she whispered hoarsely, releasing him from their hug.

“No problem. Can I open those blinds?” At her approval, he got to his feet and wandered to the window. With a quick flick of his wrist, the blinds shuttered open and sunlight poured in. “My advice would be to give it a week, then try dating someone new. Get your mind off him, if he really isn’t interested.”

Miley moved the tissue box away from her body, releasing the pillow. “I’ll try.”

“That’s my girl. I’m going to go start dinner. Anything special you want?”

“Naw, Daddy.” She gave him a sincere smile, and he returned it. It was great to see her smiling again.

After he left the room, Miley leaned forward, cleaning up the soggy tissues that had missed the trashcan. Her mind was wandering aimlessly through the conversation – should she try and find a date? It wasn’t like she was married to Lilly because she confessed. And it would help get her mind off the other girl. It would hurt, though, because she had been so sure Lilly would agree. It should be Lilly she was dating.

She moved the trashcan away and got to her feet. Her eyes were tired and still quite moist, but it was bearable. Shaking her head slowly, she went to her backpack and pulled out her homework. Might as well get that done before dinner, she figured; that way she could just fall into bed after eating. Dinner was finished half an hour later, giving her more than enough time to do her math and science.

Jackson hadn’t bothered to wait for her to come to dinner to begin eating. His face was already covered with spaghetti sauce. Robby Ray stared at him, hands resting on his waist, awe written on his face. Smiling at the sight, Miley entered and found her seat, dumping noodles onto her plate followed by some meaty tomato sauce.

“Now, son, what are you? I haven’t seen anybody suck up so much food in one breath since Uncle Earl won that sausage eating contest.” Robby shook his head. This dinner took half an hour to make and was gone in twenty seconds.

Jackson couldn’t properly respond due to the fact that he had noodles oozing out of his mouth and sauce drizzling down his chin. So instead he gave a nervous smile, revealing red teeth.

Miley laughed and began eating, albeit slower than Jackson’s inhalation. Their dad joined her, still marveling at Jackson’s amazing ability to impersonate a vacuum. After all was eaten, Miley helped clear the dishes before hugging her dad good night and heading for bed.

Tomorrow was going to be better, she thought to herself as she curled up in her sheets. Tomorrow she would work on finding a date. She and Lilly would be fine and life would go on.

--Lat8

Tomorrow came quickly and Miley slept fairly well considering all the stress she had been feeling. Unfortunately, the day didn’t dawn as well as she hoped it would. She woke up with an upset stomach. Writing it off as nothing more than early morning ill-feelings, she headed to the bathroom. She had just started the shower when her stomach rebelled, forcing her to hurl up whatever was left of last night’s meal.

Groaning, she leaned against the toilet, closing her eyes. Her mind was swimming and she felt exceedingly dizzy. The water drizzled on in the shower and she weakly reached up to turn it off. Her hand fell short as she returned to dry heaving into the porcelain.

“Mile, you okay in there?” her dad’s concerned voice reached her ears as he knocked on the bathroom door.

Miley heaved loudly, thankful she was still fully dressed. Robby Ray twisted the knob and hurried to her side, quickly pulling her hair back for her. She finished her bout of nausea and leaned back, panting. She smiled sheepishly at him.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” It was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic; her words were clearly meant that way, but her voice was weak and unemotional.

“Back to bed with you, bud. I’ll call the school to excuse you. We need to get you better. Hannah’s got a concert on Friday.” Robby Ray helped her back to her bed. He tucked her in and brought her a bucket for safety. If she couldn’t make it to the bathroom, at least he wouldn’t have to clean it up off the floor.

Miley let her head hit the pillow again. She was partly grateful that she didn’t have to face Lilly yet, but mostly, she just wanted to see her friend. Her day was filled with naps, ginger ale, and soup. With any luck she had only caught a twenty-four hour virus. She couldn’t really take being sick any longer than that.

--Lat8

At school Lilly waited by Miley’s locker. She had waited outside Miley’s house before, in an attempt to walk to school with her friend, but Miley hadn’t shown up. She just figured Miley had ditched her again, but this time she didn’t mind. If Miley wanted a little space after yesterday, Lilly completely understood.

She glanced at one of the various clocks in the hallway and grimaced. She realized that Miley had probably already gotten to class. So it came as a surprise to reach first period and find that Miley wasn’t there either. In fact, she saw neither hide nor hair of her best friend all day.

During lunch she got lost in thought, wondering if this was Miley trying to avoid her. But that didn’t make sense. The Miley she knew wouldn’t put off seeing her because of something so silly. After all, hadn’t they both agreed to let it go? Forget it happened?

Oliver waved a hand in front of her face. “Earth to Lilly!”

She glanced at him mildly before responding. “Oliver? What are you doing here?”

“Um, it’s lunch. We always eat together, remember?” He quirked his eyebrows up. Lilly was acting so strangely.

“Oh. It’s lunch?” Lilly laughed dryly. “That would explain the lunchroom and the food.”

Oliver fixed her with a worried stare, “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah… No. I’m just a little worried about Miley. It’s not like her to miss school.”

“She’s probably avoiding you,” Oliver remarked carelessly, his eyes instantly widening. He’d been thinking it, but his brain-to-mouth filter had shut off. He flung his hands over his flapping lips.

Lilly looked crushed. “I thought that, too.”

“Or she might be sick.”

“That’s too coincidental,” she replied, waving off the plausible excuse. “We both know her dad would let her stay home if she really begged. Especially if she told him what happened yesterday!” Lilly sunk down in her seat, cheeks flushing brightly.

Oliver shrugged. “Either way, why don’t you try bringing her the homework for today? Show that you’re willing to keep up the friendship, you know?”

She tousled his hair with a happy grin. “That’s right. I’ll do that. She can’t hide from me forever.”

“Don’t touch the hair!” He complained, staving off her hands with wild gestures, “It needs to be perfect! Who knows when Mrs. Smokin’ Oken is going to walk through those doors? In fact, she could be the next person to walk into the lunch room.”

They both turned expectantly and watched Jackson walk into the room.

“And maybe not.” Oliver ducked his head, scrunching up his neck.

Lilly watched him carefully. He saw her staring and waved nervously before meeting his friends. He didn’t act any differently towards her, which meant he didn’t know that Miley liked her, which meant that something else must be going on. Right? She squirreled up her face, confused.

“Earth to Lilly?” Oliver tried again. This time all he got for his efforts was a punch to his shoulder. “Ow! Hey, when did you learn that violence was the answer?”

“Shortly after I met you. Now eat your lunch, Oliver.”

He wisely obeyed. Lilly went back to picking at her meal and thinking. She decided that she would bring Miley the homework she missed, and then check up on her friend that way. School couldn’t pass quickly enough for her; her eyes were constantly seeking out the clock. When the bell finally rang, she was out of her seat like a shot. She barely had time to wave bye to Oliver before jumping on her skateboard and riding down the street, dodging bodies and jumping obstacles.

--Lat8

Inside the Stewart house, Miley had managed to stumble her way down to the fridge. She was still in her pajamas and her hair was a wreck, but she was feeling better. Robby Ray had gone out to the store and Jackson wouldn’t be home for a while. She dug through the fridge, trying to weasel out a 

fresh can of ginger ale. The phone rang and she gave up on her task, instead answering the annoying ring.

“Lilly landing in ten!” Lilly hollered over the phone.

Miley ended the call and stared at the phone for a moment before looking over to the door, all the way on the other side of the house. With a tired sigh, she moved as quickly as her weak body would let her. Just before she reached the door, there was a loud thud and an audible ‘oof.’ Opening the door, Miley laughed at her prone and indignant friend before reaching a hand out to help her up. But, due to her illness, she found her weak legs give out and instead of pulling the blonde up, she collapsed on top of the other girl.

They stared into each other’s eyes silently for a good ten seconds. In those seconds, Miley felt her heart start to race. Lilly was surprised to find that her heart was also speeding up, but she couldn’t drag her eyes away from Miley’s. It was almost intoxicating to be this close to her friend, to feel Miley’s body above hers. Shaking her head, Lilly pushed Miley back up and jumped to her feet.

What in the world was happening to her? Miley was shaking her head and muttering to herself as she walked into the house, Lilly following close behind. She slowed her breathing, trying to get a hold of herself. This just had to be a response to the guilt she was feeling over turning Miley down. It just had to be.

“I brought you your homework.” Glad for an excuse to look away, Lilly dug in her backpack, pulling a small stack of papers out. “Are you feeling better? I hope you slept a lot today. And drank fluids. My mom always said that fluids were good for sick people. And chicken noodle soup! Did you have some of that? I’m sure your dad took good care of you. Who am I to question what he feeds you? Is it warm in here?” she rambled.

Miley held in her laughter, but just barely. Lilly stood there fanning herself with Miley’s homework.

“I’m a little better now. I wasn’t pretty this morning and I’m probably not pretty now, but tomorrow should be better. Thanks for the homework.” Miley reached for the papers and managed to rescue them from Lilly’s death grip.

“No! You’re really cute.” Lilly commented before she could stop herself. She felt a little self-conscious complimenting Miley now. It was one of those things that she used to do tons in the past and think nothing of but it worried her now. What if Miley took it the wrong way?

“Thanks, Lil. Did I miss anything?” Miley moved past the compliment as she sat on the couch, knowing that Lilly didn’t mean anything by it.

“Not really. It was the same old boring stuff,” Lilly smiled as she flopped onto the couch next to her best friend.

Miley smiled, and there were a few beats of silence as she tried to think of something to say. “Umm… Hannah’s concert is this Friday. Are you coming with?”

Lilly pumped her fist in the air, “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”

Miley chose not to answer that. She didn’t know if Lilly would feel too weird around her. It was great that Lilly wasn’t. But, then again, sleeping over might be pushing it. She hoped that Lilly didn’t think so.

“You could sleep over Friday night, if you wanted,” Miley suggested timidly.

“Is there a party after the concert?” Lilly smirked, going through her mental closet.

“Of course.”

“Ok, so I’ll sleep over after that. I am going to the party, right?” Lilly sometimes wondered if Miley was okay with her going to the after parties with her. She knew she could be a klutz, a dork, and many other things that probably didn’t sit well with the celebrity crowd.

“Yeah…” Miley hesitated. Normally she’d reach over and hold Lilly’s arm, or give Lilly a hug, but now she didn’t know how to act. She hated feeling like she couldn’t touch her best friend.

Lilly, oblivious, got up, stretching, “Are you still on house lock down? Can you hit the beach with me?”

“How about tomorrow? I’m about to crash again,” she said apologetically.

Lilly smiled sympathetically. “Tomorrow then! It’s a date!”

Miley’s eyes flicked up to the blonde’s, and Lilly instantly regretted her choice of words. “I mean… not a date, you know… but… Ugh! I’m sorry! I’m not trying to…”

Miley stood and shook her head softly. “Don’t’ worry, Lil. I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she smiled.

“Right, tomorrow,” she responded, turning and bounding to the door. “Until then,” she cried, swinging the door open dramatically. Miley laughed as Lilly bowed and walked out. The sound of a skateboard on concrete faded quickly as the blonde retreated from the house.

With a sigh, Miley looked at the stairs, then back at the couch she stood beside. Making up her mind, she flopped onto the couch and flipped on the television, quickly falling asleep to a TV movie on Lifetime.