Brotherhood

Team Blake Goes To the Battle Rounds

Miley barely had enough time to let Alicia drive her home, change, and return in her own vehicle in time to meet One. He was waiting patiently for her, standing at Blake's gate wearing a black dress shirt and tie, gray slacks, and his dress shoes, looking just as proper and handsome as he ever did. When Miley pulled up, he gave her a shy smile. "Good to see you again, Miss Cyrus," he said by way of greeting.

Miley smiled back. "Good to see you, too. C'mon, hop in, I've got dinner ordered and the movie ready."

One climbed in, and Miley couldn't help but admire the graceful way he moved. Despite the fact that she was currently extremely nervous, she still found One very attractive. Too bad, really. She would have really liked to have pursued a relationship with him. Why was it that the best-looking guys were either gay, married, or brain-sucking telepaths?

She wasn't surprised that he didn't talk during the short trip back to her place. She'd become used to One's silence, and tonight he seemed more shy and nervous than usual. He did, however, look strangely at her. "You aren't saying much," he commented.

Of course. Normally, she chattered non-stop around him. "Just nervous, I guess," she said truthfully. "Tonight's kind of a big night."

"Oh?" He cocked an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"You'll see," she promised, giving him a sly wink. "I have a little surprise in store for you tonight."

"A surprise?" Now he was frowning a bit. "I am not typically fond of surprises, Miss Cyrus."

"Do you think, maybe, you could just call me Miley?"

"Miley. Surprises tend to go pear shaped with me. Can I at least have a hint?"

"Nope!" Miley hummed to herself, trying to focus on the road even as she concentrated on the image of a candlelight meal, wine in stemware, and soft music. She had no idea if the telepath would buy it. But then she heard him sigh, and from the corner of her eye, she caught his resigned expression. Well, that was disappointing. But at least it probably meant he'd believed it, right? Maybe their plan could work after all! Fighting back her excitement, she maintained the image even as they pulled into her driveway and she let him into her house.

"The food should get here soon," Miley called, hurrying ahead of him. "I thought we could maybe have some drinks?"

"I'm not really much of a drinker, to be honest," One said cautiously.

"One glass of wine?" she pleaded. "Go sit down, I'll bring it." She rushed into the kitchen and quickly grabbed the waiting glasses. This was the trickiest part of the plan. She poured the wine and, humming loudly enough to be heard and thinking about a romantic dinner, she tucked a pair of candles under her arm, slipped a lighter into her pocket, and picked up the glasses. Then she returned to her living room, handing the glass in her right hand to One. He took it with obvious reluctance.

"I'm not sure candles are appropriate for watching a movie," One called nervously as she set the candles on the table.

"Everything's better by candlelight!" Miley lit the candles, turned off the lights, and smiled at him. "See? You look so handsome!"

He cleared his throat. "I thought I was clear that we're spending time together as mates. This isn't a proper date! It's naught to do with you, Miley, I'm just not at a point in my life where I can pursue a romantic relationship."

"Doesn't mean we can't have wine and candlelight!"

One gave a rueful smile. "I suppose. Cheers, then," he said.