Disclaimer: I don't own HSM or any of the characters I'm just borrowing them for my own amusement. Please don't sue I'm poor and write only for fun.

This story will eventually contain slash (i.e. a romantic Ryan/Troy relationship) If that offends you then please read no further.

You have been duly notified. Happy reading!

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Troy lay alone on his bed, the soft strains of music playing from his stereo. He'd listened to the song over and over, for how long he wasn't sure but it didn't matter. He just wanted to stay here in his bedroom with the door locked forever. Or at least until it didn't hurt to breathe anymore.

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The giving up is the hardest part

He knew it was over but he couldn't bring himself to say the words out loud. He felt guilty for walking out but what other choice had he had? She had told him she didn't love him anymore, there was no point begging her to stay. At this point his pride was the only thing he had left.


She takes you in with your crying eyes
Then all at once you have to say goodbye
Wondering could you stay my love?
Will you wake up by my side?
No she can't, 'cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone....

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The Previous Day:

"Troy, I need to tell you something and I think you should sit down... I can't be with you anymore."

Troy sat down on Gabriella's bed as though he'd been slapped and stared blankly at the floor.

"I – what?! I don't understand, what happened?" Gabby hesitated but it was enough to tell Troy everything he needed to know. "There's someone else, isn't there?" She nodded and bowed her head.

"Troy, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen and I never meant to hurt you like this but I thought it would be worse to carry on pretending."

He clenched his hands into fists so that his nails were digging into his palms. He glared up at Gabriella, his eyes glistening.

"Do I know him?"

"God, no! He's a guy I met at college, his name is Cody." When he didn't say anything, Gabby bit her lip. "I, I don't know what else to say except I'm sorry."

Troy stood and stared down at her, his height giving him the advantage.

"I guess there's nothing else to say. I love you, Gabby, but that was never enough for you, was it?"

Gabby refused to meet his gaze.

"I loved you for a long time, you were the first guy I ever loved and you will always be special to me but I need some time to find out who I am. I'm so sorry, I never wanted to hurt you. I hope we can still be friends."

Troy shrugged and stepped back.

"Maybe we can be but right now I need some time to figure this out." They both stared at each other and Troy almost reached out to her when her silent tears began to fall but stopped himself at the last minute. "Bye, Gabby."

And he walked out of the door, leaving a sobbing Gabriella behind him.

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A/N: The wonderful lyrics at the top belong to Mr John Mayer.