Together.

Five.

'Piece by piece I fell far from the tree I will never leave her like you left me. And she will never have to wonder her worth because unlike you I'm going to put her first. And you know, he'll never walk away, he'll never break her heart. He'll take care of things, he'll love her.'

Demi sings as she keeps Willow balanced on her hip and places piles of clothes into her suitcase with her free hand while Batman jumps at her legs.

'Ouch... No, mommy's hair isn't for pulling.' Demi says as she carefully untangles her daughter's hand from her hair.

'Need a hand?' A familiar voice asks and she turns around coming face to face with Joe.

'How did you get in?' She asks automatically passing Willow to Joe.

'Your door was open... I did knock but you were too busy singing your little heart out to hear me.' He replies.

'Sorry. I'm packing.' She says gesturing to her case.

'I can see that.' He replies.

'Do you fancy entertaining her and Batman?' She asks as he bounces Willow on his hip.

'Of course not. I could take them both for a walk?' Joe suggests and she nods her head.

'Stroller is by the door, Batman's leash is hanging up and there should be a bottle in the fridge in case she gets hungry.' Demi says kissing Willow's head before turning her attention back to packing.

______

'Demi's not flying out today... She doesn't think she'll make it to any of the New Jersey shows; it'll be New York she thinks.' John says looking away from Nick as he tries to keep the smile off his face.

'What? You can't be serious? I've been looking forwards seeing them all week. Why can't she fly out today? Is it Willow?' Nick asks and John shakes his head.

'Willow is absolutely fine; it's Demi. She's got the flu or something... Doctor says she should rest up and shouldn't fly out until she's feeling a bit better plus a flight while ill wouldn't be the best would it.' John replies causing Nick to sigh as he shakes his head.

'That sucks... I was really looking forward to seeing them both. Is she okay? Did the doctor give her medication?' Nick asks.

'I don't know. She didn't really say anything about medication; she's okay, just resting in bed at the moment I think. Dallas and Joe are helping look after Willow and her.' John replies and Nick nods his head.

'I'll phone her after the show... Can you make sure I have time after the show to phone her or FaceTime her? I know you said she's okay but I need to see her.' Nick says.

'Of course. I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to speak to her after.' John replies unable to hide his smile any longer.

______

'So I told John to tell Nick that I've got the flu and I won't be there until at least New York.' Demi says as Joe balances Willow on his hip.

'Just need to hope we don't get pictured on the way to the airport then, don't we?' He replies smiling. Between the two of them they'd come up with the idea to surprise Nick by leading him to believe Demi couldn't make it to the show.

'What time do we need to get to the airport?' She asks.

'Around 2, we've still got a few hours. Do you want to go for lunch?' He asks.

'And risk getting pictured? I think it would be better if we had food in the house.' She replies smiling.

'That makes sense. I'll go pick us something up... Do you want me to take Willow?' He asks.

'I'm not actually ill.' She replies taking the little girl from his arms.

'Okay. I'll be back soon.' He says smiling.

'Are you excited to see daddy? Mommy's excited to see daddy...' Demi says bouncing Willow on her hip as the little girl tilts her head to stare up at her. The past few days have been absolutely crazy.

____

'That was awful...' Demi mumbles as she makes her way out of the airport with Joe by her side.

'It wasn't that bad. She was just a bit restless... You would be as well if you were as young as her and trapped in that airplane.' Joe says gently bouncing Willow on his hip; luckily there's not very many people around so they manage to get to their car without anyone recognising them.

'You don't think Nick will be pissed that we lied to him, do you?' Demi asks clipping Willow's carseat into the car.

'No, he'll be happy to see you.' Joe replies shrugging his shoulders. They both get into the car and head straight for the concert venue.

'You looking forward to seeing him?' Joe asks and Demi nods her head.

'I can't wait. I know it's only been like a week but I feel like this has been the longest week of my life.' She admits causing him to smile.

'You two are made for each other... I'm so glad you finally both opened your eyes.' He says.

'I just didn't want to lose him as a friend.' She replies.

'That would never have happened.' He says and she shakes her head.

'I lost you for a while.' She replies causing him to sigh.

'I was a dick... Nick won't fuck up like I did; he won't let you go.' Joe says and she smiles slightly.