Summary: Troy Bolton is the captain of the Los Angeles Lakers. When he suddenly sets his eyes on a cheerleader from a rival team, he is unprepared for the love and rejection he receives throughout his relationship.


For The Love of Rivalry

Chapter Two

It had finally arrived. It was time for the one night before the playoffs where two rival teams would face off on the basketball court in front of thousands of spectators. The Boston Celtics were revving up that day, dying to win one game against their rival, the Los Angeles Lakers. They had spent yesterday going over plays and practicing for one of the biggest nights of their careers. They were ready to win.

For the Lakers, it was a piece of cake. They knew they would beat the Celtics. They always did. The Celtics didn't stand a chance against them. Though, they practiced and went over plays that would definitely throw them off. They had their captain, too. They knew Troy would lead them to victory. And once he did, they would party in celebration that they were so much closer to the playoffs that were fast approaching.

When the playoffs arrived, it was time to bring out the big guns. This was when they began the journey to win that trophy and would be recognized as the best team in the NBA. They had never won that trophy before, surprisingly. This year, with Troy on his best game, they would win. Everybody was focused. Nobody was going to get distracted.

Troy looked around the locker room and smiled as his teammates geared up for the game in the next hour. He was excited. He wasn't just excited to win the game. He was excited to see Gabriella. He wanted to get to know her. He wanted to meet her and ask her out. He wanted to fall in love. His heart kept telling him that something amazing was going to happen. Something magical was going to appear in his life and capture him forever.

He veered around the corner and exited the locker rooms. He could hear the quiet echo of the gym as they got the court ready and clean for the players. They set up the basketballs and the equipment. The announcers were setting up the table with their microphones. The stands were even beginning to fill up. Slowly, though. There was only one or two families in the stands eating before the game and painting their faces. They were both fans of the Lakers. He grinned at that. When he turned his eyesight to the left, his heart stopped.

She was here!

He watched Gabriella rifle through her gym bag on the bleachers where the cheerleaders kept their pom poms. He blushed when he saw her bended posture. He couldn't help but admire her beautiful and curvaceous ass. He willed his groin to calm down as this was definitely not the right moment to pop up. Her hair was up in a tight bun and she wore green booty shorts and a white t-shirt with the Celtics logo. She stood up with a water bottle and her phone in her hand.

He exhaled heavily and nodded. This was the time. They were alone. He should ask her out. He should get to know her. Maybe she would say yes. He walked over to her, his shoes unnecessarily squeaking. He cursed them silently and soon found himself in front of her. He looked at her, noticing she had to be at least five inches shorter than him. Her eyes were wide and he noticed she had dropped her phone in surprise.

He bent down and picked up her phone, noticing that her background was of her and a golden retriever. He handed it to her. "Here you go."

Gabriella took the phone and put it back, but she didn't leave. She twisted the cap on her water bottle nervously. "Thanks."

Troy sighed heavily, wiping his clammy hands on his shorts. He held out his hand and smiled. "I'm Troy Bolton."

God, his smile was so gorgeous. "I know who you are. I'm Gabriella Montez." She shook his hand and they both gasped.

A spark seemed to have gone through their bodies as they touched skin. They didn't let go and they just stood there, staring at their hands before staring at each other. They looked into each others eyes, mesmerized at the blue and brown. It was simply amazing and something that they had never felt before in their entire life.

Gabriella let go first, reluctantly. "Wow."

Troy smiled at her. "I felt it, too." He cleared his throat, becoming more focused on what he had to do. "So, you're a cheerleader?"

She glanced at her bag with a confused expression, wondering if he had really just asked that. "Yes?"

"Sorry, sorry. Stupid question." Troy rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm just nervous."

"Nervous? What for?" she asked.

Troy shook his head. He didn't have much time left. The court was starting to slowly fill with spectators. Sooner or later, they would both be spotted. "I'm just going to come out and ask. Would you like to join me for drinks after the game? You and me."

Gabriella looked at him, baffled. She had been dying to meet this man ever since she had talked to Sharpay about him. She couldn't wait to see him in person and she was definitely impressed. He was gorgeous. Now, here he was actually asking her out. He was asking her out!

So, why was she standing there like a complete buffoon?

"Gabriella?" Troy furrowed his eyebrows. She was just looking at him like he was an alien. "You don't have to if you..."

"I will!" She nearly shrieked out her answer. She rolled her eyes at her stupidity and smiled, nodding. "Sure. I'd love to, Troy."

He nearly melted at her smile. It was so beautiful, just like her. Was there anything about her that wasn't beautiful? "Great! Um, just meet me at Boulevard3 at about midnight."

Gabriella smiled. "I've heard that place is pretty great."

"Yeah, it is. They have amazing drinks. I'll get us a private cabana. I'll let the manager know you're there for me." He paused. "But, I'll make sure he knows to keep our date private."

She grinned at the word 'date'. She then frowned, confused. "Wait. Why do you want it kept private?"

"Well, the guys on our teams won't exactly approve. Plus, I don't want the paparazzi to freak you out or get crazy. You know?" He shrugged.

Gabriella smiled again. He cared about her safety and dignity. "Of course. I'll see you there, Troy."

Troy smiled and waved goodbye as he ran to his locker room. He hoped he wasn't gone long. Otherwise, he would get hell from his teammates. He was blindsided when Chad stopped him from getting to his locker.

"Hey," said Troy, acting nonchalant.

Chad steered Troy over to a secluded corner and glared at him. "Where the hell were you? Coach is ready to give the warmup and you were nowhere in sight."

Troy sighed and shrugged. "Nothing. I just..."

"Wait a minute." Chad looked him over and smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Your cheeks are flushed and you keep rubbing the back of your neck. You met a girl."

"I..." He sighed, knowing he couldn't keep anything from his best friend. "Fine. I did."

"Who is she? A lucky fan?" chuckled Chad.

Troy paused for a minute and sighed again. "I met Gabriella. Remember from the video? That cheerleader?"

Chad's eyes went wide and he dropped his voice to a whisper. "What the fuck, man?!"

"What?" Troy furrowed his eyebrows.

"She is from Boston! The Celtics? Our rival?!" Chad rolled his eyes. "Please tell me you didn't ask her out."

Troy suddenly found himself nodding. "Yes. I did. I like her, Chad. What's the big deal?"

"What's the big deal? Troy, you are going to catch some major flack from our teammates and you're going to get your ass kicked by those bastards on the other team if they find out," explained Chad.

"Yeah, Chad. If!" Troy held Chad's shoulder. "Come on. If you were in my shoes, I wouldn't tell anybody on the team. I really like her and I need her. I want her, man. More than anybody else that I have ever had in my life. Please, Chad?"

Chad sighed heavily and rolled his eyes before smiling at his best friend. "You're right. I'll keep this a secret for you. I promise." He grinned knowingly. "So, what do you have planned for your date?"

"I'm taking her to the Boulevard3 club at midnight," smiled Troy.

"Midnight?" Chad chuckled. "Booty call?"

"Hell, no. I think she could be something more, Chad."

"You barely know her," said Chad.

"It doesn't matter. I felt something with her, Chad." Troy heard the coach's whistle and slapped Chad on the back. "Let's go, man. We have a game to win."


It was official. If it was even possible though, the Boston Celtics hated the Los Angeles Lakers even more. They had lost without a doubt. The Lakers had won by a landslide. It was a close game, but they couldn't out beat their rival. Troy was even surprised that they had one. He had tried his hardest to keep his mind off of tonight and Gabriella. It was much harder because he kept looking at her when the cheerleaders from Boston did their routine at halftime against the Lakers cheerleaders. She had looked so sexy with her curls down her back and her skimpy, green cheerleading outfit. She had on make-up, but she still looked beautiful. He preferred the natural look, though. Bottom line, she looked so hot.

He sat in the white, cushioned chair in the private cabana and rubbed his hands together. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a silver tie and black shoes. His hair was in its natural fauxhawk and he wore dark sunglasses. He still hadn't taken them off once he got into the room. He felt self conscious. What if she didn't find him attractive? What if he was too dressed up? Worse...what if she stood him up?

He heard the sound of heels and stood up, seeing a darker version of a woman in front of him. He took off his sunglasses and the sight of Gabriella nearly took his breath away. She wore a strapless, white dress that was wrapped loosely around her body, but still hugged her curves. The color danced off of her perfect tan skin. Her long, delicious legs led to a pair of black heels. Her hair was down in curls and held up with one headband. Her make-up was lighter than what she had worn at the game.

Gabriella took in Troy's appearance and bit her lip, feeling her heart pick up in speed. She fiddled with her clutch as she looked him up and down. His suit defined his perfect body in all the right places. The one thing that caught her eye was his blue gaze. They were so intense and passionate. She wanted to look into his eyes all day and all night. She smiled at him and sat in the chair in front of him.

"Hi," she murmured.

"Hey," said Troy. He sat down and smiled at her, rubbing his hands on his pants again. Damn his sweat.

A tall waiter came into the room and smiled at Troy. He turned to Gabriella and, upon seeing her appearance in her dress, smirked. He kept his focus on her as he addressed both of them. "Can I get you guys anything to drink this evening?"

Troy glared at him. "Yeah. Long Island Iced Tea, bud?"

"Of course." He dropped his voice to a hot whisper. "And, for the lady?"

Gabriella looked at the waiter uneasily. "Um, a Cosmopolitan?"

"Anything for you," said the waiter. He winked at her and exited the room with swagger that he very badly attempted.

Troy rolled his eyes and then smiled at Gabriella. "So, you didn't have trouble at the front?"

She shook her head. "No. The manager remembered everything you must have told him."

"No photographers, right?" he asked.

"None that I could see," she said. She chewed her lip nervously. "You aren't ashamed of being here with me, right?"

Troy shook his head frantically. "No, Gabriella. I'm not ashamed. I just want what we do to stay private and our business. I mean, that is if we have anything to do. I don't mean to make it sound raunchy. I don't want you to think that is all I want, either. I mean..."

Gabriella giggled. "Troy, calm down. Just have fun. Be yourself."

Feeling elated by her laugh, he nodded and smiled. "Sorry." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm just nervous."

The waiter came back with their drinks. After setting them on the table, he turned back to Gabriella. He grinned at her saucily. "So, if you aren't doing anything, my shift ends at three this morning. Why don't you come by my place?"

"Excuse me?" stammered Gabriella, uncomfortable and confused.

"I can show you a good time. I have a pretty sweet ride and one big bed. Big enough for the both of us," he smirked.

Troy stood up and pushed him back, getting into his face. "Buddy, back off. She doesn't want you."

"Why don't you let the lady decide for herself?" The waiter glared at him.

"Do you know who I am?" asked Troy, pushing him again. Not wanting to play the sick celebrity game, he backpedaled. "I am her date, you fuck."

Gabriella smiled sheepishly and watched as the waiter quickly left, clearly frightened at Troy's aggressiveness. She watched Troy sit back down. "Thanks for that."

"No problem," he chuckled nervously. He straightened his tie and loosened the collar a bit. "I didn't like how he looked at you." He quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, where are you from?"

"I'm originally from Boston," she said, taking a sip of her Cosmopolitan.

Troy raised his eyebrows. "Really? I figured someone who was born and raised in Boston would find me disgusting."

"Why?"

He took a sip of his drink. "I play for the Lakers. I just thought that people from Boston taught each other from birth to hate basketball players who played for the Lakers."

Gabriella smiled sincerely. "Well, it's hard to hate you."

"Really?" he grinned sheepishly.

She nodded and shrugged shyly. "Yeah. I mean, I would hear the guys talking about you. They obviously hate you, but they would talk about how good you are. I didn't focus on the negatives that they talked about, though."

"Yeah, they really hate me." He rolled his eyes and took another sip, feeling a slight buzz.

"Anyway, I had to ask my friend Sharpay about you. The first thing she mentioned was how hot you were." She blushed heavily. "She showed me a picture of you and...I had to agree."

Troy smiled widely and blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, thanks." He chuckled nervously. "I have to say that when I first saw what you looked like, I was mesmerized. I mean, you looked so beautiful. You had no make-up on and you were just practicing with the team. You just looked..." He looked at her and grinned. "...beautiful."

Gabriella looked away and bit her lip, trying not to split her face from her smile. Troy Bolton thought she was beautiful! Was this even real? "Wow. Thanks, I guess."

Troy, deciding to talk about something else that wouldn't cause them to melt, cleared his throat. "So, what made you decide to audition for the Celtics?"

She sighed in relief at something she loved to talk about. "I've been a dancer my entire life since I could walk. My first steps were probably a jazz square, to be honest." She giggled. "My parents were grateful enough to pay for my classes. After college, I auditioned with Sharpay for the team. We both got in. I may not be the top dancer, but I'm just happy doing what I do."

Troy nodded. "That's amazing. Are your parents still in Boston?"

"Yeah. I live with Sharpay, but I see my family all the time. It's just my mom and dad, though. I've been an only child. But, Sharpay is like my sister." She shrugged. "What about your family?"

"Well, I grew up in Albuquerque with my mom and dad. I'm telling you now. When I was able to dribble a basketball, my dad would push me so hard. He was even my basketball coach in high school. We had so much tension, but I should be thanking him. If he hadn't pushed me so hard, I wouldn't be where I am today." He paused. "I also wouldn't get through everything if it wasn't for Chad, my teammate. He has been there with me through everything."

"That's pretty special. Do you still talk to your parents?" she asked, finishing off her Cosmopolitan.

"Yeah. My dad and I still have the tension, but I tolerate it. I see them as much as possible. When the season is finished, I go back home for a little while," he explained.

Gabriella nodded. "Yeah, the season is almost over. I mean, the playoffs begin soon."

"Yeah. I'm not too worried," said Troy.

"Me either. I'm only worried about us being against you guys for the playoffs," she said.

"Why is that?"

Gabriella smiled. "I want you to win, Troy." She dropped her voice to a playful whisper. "Don't tell my guys I said that."

Troy chuckled. "I won't. But, why would you be rooting for me? Your cheerleaders and your team hate me."

"I don't," she said.

Troy smiled at her and kept his eyes on her, even when the waiter brought them refills on his best behavior. He kept his eyes on hers and gestured to the outdoor patio that had a reflecting pond in the middle. They stood up with their drinks and walked together slowly, talking and talking about their life. They brushed against each other a few times, letting that spark fly through them.

When it was nearing two in the morning, Troy decided to ask Gabriella one very risky question. He led her to a private exit where his car was and stood in front of her in the sparkling dark. He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Why do you always do that?" asked Gabriella, gesturing to his hand behind his neck.

Troy smiled. "I do it when I am nervous."

"Why would you be nervous?" asked Gabriella, smiling. She only had two Cosmopolitans, so she wasn't exactly drunk. But, there was still a buzz.

Troy had only one and a half teas, though his buzz was a bit stronger than Gabriella's. However, he was still alert and smart. "I was going to ask if you wanted to come back to my place."

She went wide-eyed. "Oh. Well..."

"I just don't know if you drove and..."

"I took a taxi," she said.

"I just don't want you getting hurt or lost or anything. And, with how beautiful you look tonight, any guy would take advantage of you. And, I don't want you to get hurt or anything. I just..." He went wide-eyed when her finger touched his lips to silence him. He gulped and reveled in the scent of her strawberry skin.

Gabriella smiled and nodded. "You're so sweet, Troy. I'll gladly follow you to your place."

Troy smiled and held her hand, leading her to his SUV. He held the door open for her and had to resist not to stare at her ass as she got in. He exhaled heavily and got into the driver side. As they ventured safely on the busy streets of late night Los Angeles, he couldn't help but notice that their hands stayed locked together. He rubbed her hand with his thumb on instinct and smiled when she smiled at him.

This had to be good, right? Maybe she liked him as much as he liked her.

He pulled up to his apartment and allowed her to go inside first. He set his keys on the counter and turned on the light. He watched as she looked around before turning to him. She put her bag on the counter and smiled at him.

"Now what?" she murmured. She rubbed her arm self consciously.

Troy shrugged and smiled. "Whatever you want to do." He walked toward her carefully, his heart picking up. His stomach had knots rolling all over. He felt his body heat pick up as he watched her steady gaze keep with his own gaze. "Can I try something?"

Gabriella took notice of the few inches of space that were left between their bodies. She knew exactly what he wanted to try. To be honest, she wanted to try it just as badly. She nodded. "Sure."

Troy bit his lip and brushed his finger down her cheek. He ran his fingers through a curl before cupping her cheek and leaning down. He brushed his lips over hers before taking in her pink lips and consuming them with his own. Their breaths collided as their bodies touched. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders as her arms wrapped around his waist.

The kiss was enticing and electric. Their bodies felt like the entire place was on fire. Their hands roamed around and explored the others body as they reveled in the kiss. Troy licked her bottom lip, asking for invitation. She granted it by opening her mouth and swirling her tongue in his mouth. They performed a perfect tango as Troy subconsciously backed her up to the door of his bedroom.

Gabriella grunted at the impact as his lips traveled to her neck and nipped at her skin. She bit her swollen lip and moaned as he performed perfectly with his body and mouth. Their lips found each other again as they kissed passionately. Troy rubbed his hands up and down her body as she opened the door behind her and grabbed his collar, leading him into the bedroom.

The door shut behind the couple as their kisses continued, leaving pure heat and silence behind them.


Author's Note: This story will be updated EVERY SATURDAY!