'Tis the Season
Summary: Follow Troy and Gabriella through several holiday seasons, as their relationship with one another grows and changes. Fluffy AU Troyella fic.
Disclaimer: I do not own these wonderful characters (or any part of the HSM franchise)...I just love them like the rest of you. :-) I also do not own any Christmas songs, their lyrics, their rights, or the artists who have performed them...in case you actually wondered. ;-)
Author's Note: Well, thank you and happy holiday season to all who are reading and reviewing! I'm so glad you enjoyed the last chapter. It was a lot of fun to write. Here's your next glimpse of T & G a few years later. These are meant to be kind of snapshots of them during set holiday seasons over the years, so there will be some skipping forward, as you'll see. And, along those lines, this fic won't be very long. I'd like to complete it by New Year's or before, but we'll see what "life" has to say about that. :-) Anyway, on to the chapter...
Chapter 2 - 'Tis the Season...To Help
"I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
well Maybe just a half a drink more - Put some music on while I pour"
"Okay, honey, we'll be back around 11 or so. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
"Yes, mom," Gabriella said for what felt like the tenth time today. "I'm 13 years old. I'm not going to burn the house down or fall into the toilet or anything," she remarked with a smirk.
Maria narrowed her eyes at her only daughter. "Don't be a smart alec, Ella. I'm your mother. I'm supposed to be protective of you."
"I know, mom," Gabriella said in a more patient and understanding tone. "Just...you and dad should get going so you have plenty of time in case there's traffic. I'll be fine. Troy and I may hang out or else I may just hang around here and read or watch movies. You can call and check on me all you want, but you should get on the road now."
"She's right, hun," Eduardo put in as he descended the stairs and came to stand beside them. Smiling at his daughter, he gave her a quick hug and kiss on the forehead before pulling out his wallet and handing her a twenty-dollar bill. "For pizza or something if you want it."
"Thanks, dad!"
Grinning once more at his daughter, he grabbed his coat from the coat closet, put it on, grabbed his keys from the hook by the door, and headed outside to the car, calling over his shoulder "Come on, Ria! She'll be fine!"
Maria turned to Gabriella once more with a sheepish smile. "Okay. It seems my wise family wants me to get going." She finished buttoning up her coat and slung her purse over her shoulder before leaning in and planting a quick kiss on her daughter's cheek. "I'll talk to you later, Ella. Have a good night." And, with that, she exited the house and went to join Eduardo in the car.
Gabriella stood in the doorway and waved as she watched her father pull the car out of the driveway and onto the street, noting that Lucille and Jack were already seated in the backseat talking animatedly to her parents. The four of them were going to see a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert tonight in Santa Rosa, NM, almost two hours away. As the car disappeared from sight, she turned and shut the door and made her way into the living room, where she grabbed her book from the coffee table and settled into the overstuffed chair there to read it.
She didn't get further than a few pages in her reading when she heard the back door (leading from the backyard into the kitchen) creak open and shut. Gabriella kept reading with the goal of finishing the current paragraph and just as she did, she looked up to see Troy walk into the living room, a cookie in hand, and plop down onto the sofa.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hey. Just make yourself at home, why don't ya?" Gabriella remarked wryly, eyeing the cookie and quirking an eyebrow at him in amusement.
"Don't mind if I do," Troy shot back with a smirk, popping the last bit of cookie into his mouth and making a show of enjoying it.
"You know, my mom is expecting to come home tonight and still have a tub of cookies in the kitchen for her Sunday school class tomorrow."
"I only took one," Troy defended, pausing before adding "and I'll only eat a few more. She'll have plenty left."
Gabriella just shook her head at Troy before returning her attention to her book and reading the next paragraph.
Troy sighed, causing Gabriella to look up. Seeing that he was staring at her and waiting to get her attention, she decided to be polite and put the bookmark between the current two pages she was on before shutting the book and placing it down onto the end table beside her chair.
"So, what are you planning to do with the rest of your day?" Troy asked, eagerness in his voice.
Gabriella looked at Troy and looked pointedly at the book she had just set down.
"Well, yeah, but you didn't plan to read all day, did you?"
"And, if I did?" Gabriella asked, a slight edge to her voice.
"Um...er..."
Gabriella was staring at him with a bored and somewhat irritated expression on her face.
"Areyouonyourperiodorsomething?" Troy blurted out, quickly regretting it as he saw the daggers that came shooting from Gabriella's eyes in his direction.
"No! Why would you ask me that?" Gabriella exclaimed, mortified by the question.
"I don't know. You just seem...grumpy, so I thought..."
"Well, you thought wrong!"
"Sorry," Troy mumbled, looking down at his hands.
Gabriella softened, seeing the wary look on Troy's face and his disappointed posture.
"It's okay. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be grumpy or rude or anything. I've just got things on my mind, plus my mom was bugging me right up until she left, so I was just kind of ready for some peace and quiet."
"Oh," Troy said softly, "I'll just go then."
"No, wait," Gabriella said, letting a small, apologetic smile form on her lips. "What is it you wanted me to do with the rest of my day?"
Troy looked up at her then, a sparkle in his eyes. "What makes you think I want you to do something in particular? I could just be curious."
"Troy..." Gabriella said with a roll of her eyes. "Just tell me."
Grinning sheepishly at her, Troy leaned forward and leaned his arms on his legs before speaking. "Well...I was hoping you, being the sweet, kind, helpful, all-around great girl you are, would go to the mall with me and help me buy presents. I have no idea what to get my mom and you're so good with that stuff and next weekend's Christmas already...and shopping is torture for a guy...don't make me do it alone, Gabi."
Gabriella almost laughed at Troy's pleading tone. "And I would do this just because I'm a nice person, huh?"
"And because...you're dying for a big, gooey and FREE Cinnabon," Troy said temptingly.
"Alright. I'll be enjoying a FREE MochaLatta Chill too," Gabriella replied smartly.
"Deal!"
"Okay, just let me get my coat and purse and we can go."
Troy nodded, waiting until Gabriella had gotten up from her chair and headed toward the front hall before following her. After she'd gotten her coat on, grabbed her purse and locked up the house, the two made their way down the sidewalk. They just had to walk a few blocks to reach a bus stop, where they could grab a bus to the mall.
Once at the mall, Gabriella helped Troy pick out a nice sweater and necklace for his mom, a book for her mom, a movie for her dad, a new toolbox and screwdriver set for his dad, and some gifts for some of their friends. She was feeling pretty pleased with herself and her ability to help Troy with his shopping needs. She was also feeling a bit hungry and reminded Troy of the deal he'd made with her.
Grinning, Troy led her to the food court and bought them each a Cinnabon and a drink, Gabriella of course getting her MochaLatta Chill. They found a table and sat down to enjoy their goodies.
"So, you should be all set now, huh? Or did you want me to wrap the gifts for you too?" Gabriella asked with a knowing smile.
"Well, since you're offering..." Troy responded slyly.
"Oh, no...I'll help you get the wrapping supplies, but you are wrapping them yourself. Besides, if I did the wrapping, everyone would know. The gifts would lack your sloppy handiwork."
"Gee, thanks Gabi," Troy remarked sarcastically.
"Anytime," she shot back playfully.
They finished up their snack and headed off to the Hallmark store to buy gift wrap, bows, tags, and cards. As they were exiting the store with their purchases, Gabriella started to head back in the direction of the door they had entered the mall at, the one that the bus stopped at. Troy gently grabbed her arm causing her to stop short and turn to look at him questioningly.
"Um...well...I'm not quite done shopping yet."
"What? Who else is left?"
"Er..."
"Troy, stop being weird. Are we shopping more or are we going?"
"Um, so, I don't know...but I mean, I think I should get something...but I don't know what..."
"For whom, Troy?" Gabriella asked, starting to get exasperated.
"atrly" Troy mumbled.
"Who?"
"Natalie," Troy said again a bit louder but still not much over a whisper.
Realization hit Gabriella and she did her best to stifle the laugh that was bubbling up inside of her. Troy had had a crush on Natalie Blaine for the past three months and had finally gotten up the courage to ask her out this past week. "Oh. So the date last night went well, huh? Sorry...I had meant to ask you and then I got distracted and forgot."
"Uh, yeah...I mean, I think so. Mom and dad just dropped us off and picked us up from the movies. We didn't really talk much, but I guess it went well."
"And you want to get her a Christmas gift?"
"I think. Is that too weird or too soon or something?"
"Nah. I'm sure she'll appreciate it Troy. What'd you have in mind?"
"Well, that's just it. I don't know. Obviously, not something too big or expensive. I mean, we've only had one date. But, I don't know what she'd like."
"And, that's where I come in again, huh?"
"Yes," Troy breathed out, looking sincerely and imploringly at her.
"Don't give me the puppy dog eyes, Troy. They don't work on me. BUT I am a good friend and as such, of course I'll help you find something to get her."
"Thanks, Gabi," Troy said quietly, looking down, a bit embarrassed.
Gabriella smiled at him before reaching out and grabbing his free hand with her own and dragging him toward another section of the mall.
"Bath & Body Works?" Troy asked, once they'd stopped outside the store.
"Yeah. She's a girl. She'll love all this stuff. Trust me. And, besides, I've seen the Warm Vanilla Sugar lotion she keeps in her locker."
"Vanilla sugar?" Troy asked disbelievingly. "So, you girls like to make yourselves smell like food?" He found this concept fairly humorous.
Gabriella looked at him pointedly. "How much are you drawn toward a tub of sugar cookies?"
Troy opened his mouth and then swiftly shut it, grinning and silently conceding the point.
"You have much to learn, Troy, much to learn," Gabriella said, shaking her head and walking into the store.
Laughing, Troy followed her into the store. "Lucky I have you then to teach me, huh?"
"Lucky indeed," Gabriella shot over her shoulder with a smirk.
"So, I should get her more of this Warm Vanilla Sugar stuff?"
"Hmmm...maybe, but maybe a gift set like this one here. It has a variety of different mini-lotions so she can try a bunch. And, look...a cute little teddy bear too...to remind her of you," Gabriella finished in a mocking syrupy voice.
Troy pursed his lips. "You're lucky I put up with your abuse, Montez."
"Hmmph! Who's helping who here, Bolton?"
Troy narrowed his eyes at her playfully and picked up the gift set Gabriella had indicated. "So, these are good scents then? I mean, you'd wear them?"
Gabriella looked over the small bottles once more thoughtfully. "Yeah, these are good scents...they're all pretty good really. I'm more into the Enchanted Orchid and Wild Honeysuckle myself, but I think she'll like these."
Troy nodded his head, wearing a bemused smile as he still found the names of these products pretty interesting. "Okay, we have a winner then," he said, heading toward the register to pay for the gift set and making a mental note to come back in a day or so and buy Gabriella some of her favorite scents, since he still needed a Christmas gift for her too.
After he finished up at the register, the two exited the store and headed to the buses. On the ride back to the stop near their houses, Gabriella's cell phone went off. Smiling, she answered.
"Hey, mom!"
"Hey Ella! What's all that noise around you?"
"I'm on the bus, mom. Troy and I went to the mall but we're heading back home now."
"Oh, that's good, honey. I'm glad to hear you're not spending the entire day alone."
Gabriella rolled her eyes.
"Ella, stop rolling your eyes at me."
Gabriella's face screwed up in surprise. 'How did she do that?' "Um, mom, we're going to be hitting our stop soon. I should probably go."
"Okay, dear. We're in Santa Rosa now and just gonna grab some dinner before the concert. You and Troy have a good rest of the day."
"Will do, mom. You guys have a great time tonight too."
"Thanks! I'll give you a call when we're on the way back later."
"Okay. Talk to you then!"
After hanging up the call, Troy looked over at her expectantly. "Will do what?"
"Oh, she just told us to have a good rest of the day." Just then, the bus came to their stop and they grabbed their stuff and exited, heading in the direction of their houses.
"Ah, speaking of that, what are we doing for dinner?"
"Always thinking with that stomach of yours, huh Troy?"
"Of course! So, what shall we do?"
Gabriella laughed at him before answering. "Dad left me money for pizza. Sound good?"
"Hmmm..let me think, um, yeah!" Troy exclaimed enthusiastically, causing another round of giggles from Gabriella.
Approaching the Montez household, Gabriella unlocked the door and Troy followed her into the house, shutting it behind him. Putting their bags down, they both headed into the kitchen where Gabriella grabbed the phone off the wall and went to rifle through the coupon drawer.
"I have a coupon for a Large pepperoni pizza and a 2-Liter of soda."
"Works for me," Troy said moving toward the tupperware container on the counter to steal another cookie and earning himself a disapproving look from Gabriella.
She turned away from him to make the call and order the pizza, while Troy finished up the cookie and moved to rifle through the pantry, happily producing a bag of chips a few seconds later.
Gabriella hung up the phone and turned back to him. "Okay, it'll be here in about 30-40 minutes. That gives you plenty of time to wrap your gifts if you want to."
Troy groaned. "Fine." He popped a few chips into his mouth before shutting the bag back up and putting it back into the pantry.
They moved into the living room and Troy began the daunting task while Gabriella curled back up into her chair and took to her reading once more, occasionally casting glances Troy's way and resisting the urge to laugh at him as he kept getting stray pieces of tape stuck on his clothes and was examining the bag of bows unsurely, trying to decide which one would look best on each package.
As the doorbell rang, Troy's eyes lit up as he watched her hop up from the chair and go to the door to pay for the pizza. Seconds later, Troy heard her giggling and heard a male voice speaking to her. He got up and walked into the front hall just in time to see her shutting the door softly and smiling.
"Flirting with the pizza guy now, Gabi? I wouldn't have thought that would be your type of guy," Troy teased.
Gabriella turned around and scowled at him. "How would you know what my type of guy would be?" she challenged, pushing past him and taking the pizza and soda into the kitchen.
"Oooh. Tough Gabi. Maybe a biker guy would be more your type right now."
"Shut up and eat," Gabriella replied, pushing a plate into his hand and grabbing herself one. They both got themselves some pizza and poured themselves some soda and went back into the living room, where Gabriella flipped on the television. They ate in silence for several minutes, Troy wondering why Gabriella had slipped back into her earlier grouchy self so quickly.
"I was just teasing, Gab," Troy said apologetically.
Gabriella sighed. "I know, Troy. It's just...all this guy stuff to think about now...it's...confusing and..." As she was trying to figure out exactly what she wanted to tell Troy, the house phone rang. She and Troy both glanced at the television, as her family had purchased a telephone caller ID plan in which the caller ID information popped up onto the television screen if it was on when someone called.
"Fulton?" Troy questioned. "Oh! Todd. Aren't you going to answer it, Gabi?" Gabriella had gone on a few dates with Todd Fulton, the latest of which was supposed to have been last night, if he remembered correctly. Troy didn't know him very well. He had been a bit of a star on their school's soccer team and he was also pretty smart, which is how he'd met Gabriella, as they'd competed together in the local Citizen Bee this past Fall, earning the school a new trophy. Gabriella had been a bit giddy when he'd first asked her out, which is why Troy was really confused by the fact that she wasn't jumping to go answer the phone right now.
"Um, er, no," Gabriella hedged. "I can talk to him later."
"Are you sure? I don't mind," Troy offered.
"Thanks, Troy, but I just don't feel like talking to him right now, okay?"
"Um, okay," Troy said, confused. After a brief awkward pause, he spoke again. "So, what was it you were going to say before he called?"
Gabriella looked back at Troy and then glanced away again. "Oh, it's nothing..."
"Gabi, you can tell me. Is it something with Todd?"
She looked at him, biting her lip and nodding hesitantly.
"I thought things were going great with you guys. Did something happen last night?"
Gabriella looked at him uncertainly. "I don't really know if it's something I want to talk about with you, Troy," she said softly.
Troy's eyebrows raised at this. There hadn't ever really been anything off limits in their conversations before. "Look...I don't want to bug you and like, piss you off again or anything, but, well, I am a guy...and being such, I may actually be able to help you here, maybe more than Taylor, Kelsi, or Sharpay. Just sayin'..."
Gabriella let a small smile form on her lips. Troy was sweet. It was just weird thinking of talking to him about this. "Thanks, Troy. I'll...think about it, okay?"
"Fair enough. So, how do my packages look?" he asked, holding one up for her inspection.
Gabriella giggled, grateful to Troy for changing the subject.
"What?"
"Nothing...just...you had fun with that tape, didn't you?" she teased, eyeing the copious amounts of scotch tape he had used.
"Well, if someone else had helped me..."
"Oh, no...I think the packages look...like you put a lot of love into them."
"Oh, ha ha ha!" Troy remarked good-naturedly.
The two finished up their pizza and decided to watch a movie. At some point during the movie, Todd called again and Gabriella once again ignored the phone call, resulting in a raised eyebrow from Troy but nothing more. Just as the credits were rolling on the movie, the phone rang again, but this time it was Maria and Gabriella got up to go grab the phone in the kitchen. At about the same time, Troy's cell ringer went off and he dug in his pocket to grab it before answering.
"Hiya mama. What's up? I'm proud of ya, by the way."
"Hi sweetie...wait, what? Proud of me for what?"
Troy laughed. "For not calling and checking up on me sooner."
"Oh...well, since Maria talked to Gabi earlier and I knew you two were hanging out, I didn't really worry."
"Gee, thanks, mom," he remarked dryly.
"I didn't mean it like that, Troy. Look, honey, speaking of that, we'd like you guys to keep hanging out."
"Um, okay, no problem. Do you think you'll be home later than you thought?"
"Quite a bit, actually. That's why I'm calling. What's the weather like there?"
"Hmm...I don't know. I haven't really been outside for hours." Saying this, Troy moved to pull back a curtain at the front window and did a double-take when he saw the icicles hanging from the tree out front. He knew it had been colder today than usual but he hadn't expected this. "Wow...there's ice on the trees and hanging from the roof and stuff."
"Yeah, it's the same here, honey. The roads are really slick and the weathermen are advising everyone to stay off of them tonight."
"Um...okay."
"So, we'd like you to stay there for the rest of the night, keep Gabi company."
"Like, sleep over?"
"Yeah, sweetie. It'll just make us feel much better if you guys are together."
"Okay, mom. I'll just make a trip over to the house to get some sweats to sleep in or something."
"No, honey, don't. I don't want to worry about you slipping and falling and breaking something. Please, for your dear old mom's sanity, just stay indoors."
Troy sighed. "Alright, mom."
"Maybe Gabriella can find some of Eduardo's sweats for you, dear."
"Sure. It's no biggie. What are you guys going to do for the night, then?"
"We're at a hotel by the amphitheater. We're just going to stay the night here and venture out in the morning after the ice has had some time to melt."
"Sounds like a good plan. We'll be fine here, mom. Don't worry about us."
"Thanks, honey! Have a good night! Sleep well!"
"You too, mom!"
"Love you!"
"Yeah, love you too, mom. Bye."
"Bye."
At the same time Troy was having this conversation, Gabriella was having a similar one in the kitchen. As Troy hung up his cell phone and put it back into his pocket, he looked up to see Gabriella walk back into the room, a small, uncertain smile on her face.
"Um, so mom said they're not going to make it home tonight after all. Did you see the ice outside?"
"Yeah. And, actually, my mom called my cell while you were in the kitchen to tell me the same thing."
"Oh...okay. So, um, I guess you're staying the night then..."
Troy smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. "It would seem so."
Gabriella shrugged her shoulders in acceptance of the situation. "So, um, they didn't want us to go outside at all. So, I can go grab some of dad's sweats for you to wear if you want."
"Sure. Sounds good."
"Okay, I'll be right back."
Gabriella returned several minutes later wearing her own flannel pajamas and holding out a pair of sweats to Troy. Troy took them with a brief "thank you" and went down the hall to the bathroom to change into them. Returning to the living room, he didn't see Gabriella there, so he turned to check the kitchen. He found her there, putting the remaining pizza into the fridge and loading the dishwasher with the plates they'd used.
"Need any help?"
"Nah. I'm done now. It's fine." Having said this, Gabriella moved toward the tub of cookies still sitting on the counter, opened the container and took two out, handing one to Troy and taking a bite of the one she still had in her own hand.
"I thought we weren't supposed to be eating these?" Troy questioned with a curious smirk.
"Well, lucky for you, with mom being stranded, she's not expecting to make it back in time to teach her Sunday school class. She's already called one of the other ladies to take over for her tomorrow..."
"...so, she won't be needing all these cookies anymore..." Troy caught on gleefully. "Excellent."
Gabriella nodded and smiled, holding the tub out so he could take a few more cookies from it before grabbing herself a few more.
Having a sudden burst of inspiration, Gabriella walked over to the pantry, digging until she produced two packets and a bag of mini-marshmallows. "Cocoa?"
"I love the way your mind works!"
Gabriella giggled, as she grabbed two mugs, filled them with milk and heated each one in the microwave. When she placed them down on the counter in front of Troy, he took the packets and emptied their contents into them, grabbing a spoon from the drawer and stirring each. Gabriella opened the bag of marshmallows and poured a small handful into each mug. Pleased with themselves, they both took their mugs into the living room and settled down onto the couch. Gabriella pulled the blanket down that was slung over the back of the couch and covered her legs with it, offering the other end to Troy. He smiled, pulling it over his legs as well.
"So...Gabi?"
"Yeah, Troy."
"Do you wanna tell me what's up with you and Todd? He hasn't like done or said anything to hurt you, has he?" Troy asked, his voice filled with concern.
"No, Troy," Gabriella answered softly.
Troy processed this. "O--kay. Because you know if he ever did, I'd totally kick his ass, right?"
Gabriella choked out a laugh at this.
"I'm totally serious, Gabi," he said, not being able to resist cracking a small smile himself. "You deserve someone who treats you well."
"Thanks, Troy. Really. It's not that. I mean, he isn't hurting me or anything. I'm just...well, I'm not sure about things with him."
"How so?"
"Troy...it's weird talking to you about this."
"Come on, Gab. We've known each other forever. You know you can trust me."
"It's not that. It's just...weird." Seeing Troy's frustrated look, she took a slow breath and continued. "Okay, fine. I'll tell you. It's just that, well, you know Todd's a year older than us?"
Troy nodded his head.
"And, he's had a few girlfriends..." She saw Troy's encouraging nod again. "Wait...let me ask you something."
"O--kay."
"So, with Natalie...did you kiss her?"
Troy's eyes widened a bit at the question. He scratched the back of his neck, as was his nervous habit. "Well, uh, yeah..."
"Is that all you did? I mean, did you try to do more?"
"No. I mean, it was our first date and it was only like a minute before mom and dad showed up to pick us up."
"But, if you'd had more time or if it had been say your third date or something, would you have wanted to do more than kiss?"
"I don't know...maybe...but, I mean, not if she didn't want to. Why?"
"Well, I think Todd wants to do a bit more than I'm...used to and I just don't know if I'm ready for that."
"You think?" Troy asked suspiciously.
Gabriella looked down at the blanket, which she was currently fingering with her one hand. Looking back up at Troy, she answered quietly. "I know."
"And that's why you're avoiding his calls?"
"Yeah. I know it's silly but, I don't know what to say to him right now. He seemed kind of...surprised at least that I stopped him last night."
"And, what exactly did you stop him from doing?" Troy asked, feeling the need to know but thinking that it was indeed a bit weird talking to Gabi about this stuff.
Uncomfortable with the question, Gabriella looked away again before answering. "Just...um...from putting his hands...places..." She looked back at Troy, seeing the recognition on his face and not feeling the need to explain any further.
"Gabi, you had every right to stop him."
"I know. But, should I have? I mean, I like him. Am I being childish?"
"At the risk of sounding like our parents, Gabi, we're only thirteen, not thirty. No, I don't think it's childish. If you stopped him, it's because you aren't ready to go there yet. You went with what your mind or your gut or whatever was telling you and I don't think that's a bad thing."
"Yeah...I guess. But, do you think he'll understand that? I mean, what if he tries again on our next date or the one after that and I'm not ready...or what if he doesn't want to go on any more dates now?"
"First of all, you know the answer to that. He's an idiot if he doesn't want to date you anymore and I doubt that's the case. He seemed pretty eager to reach you tonight. And, as far as future dates, if you're not ready, you're not ready. If he's not okay with that, then he's not good enough for you, Gabi. Just don't let him pressure you to do anything you don't want to, okay?"
Gabriella gave Troy a genuinely thankful smile. "Thank you, Troy. It's, um, helpful to get another guy's perspective and you're a pretty good listener."
"Anytime, Gab. See, I didn't just come over to eat up all your food or to make you entertain me all day. I came to help my troubled friend."
Gabriella just rolled her eyes playfully at him. "How strange is it that we're discussing how far we go with our dates?"
Troy chuckled good-naturedly. "It's pretty strange. But it's not a bad thing. Just new."
"I guess it's just part of growing up. So, care to tell me just how you put the moves on Natalie last night, studly?"
Troy coughed nervously. "Not particularly, Gabi."
"Oh, fine. Spoilsport. Do you think she'd be distressed to know that we were spending the night together?" she teased.
"Now, Gabriella Montez, what are you suggesting? Should I tell Todd I am much more suave than he is?" Troy teased right back.
"Shut up, Troy!" Gabriella responded, a crimson blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Ha! Can dish it out but can't take it...I see."
"Hmmph! Shall I call up Natalie and find out just how far she'd let you go on date #2?"
"Don't you dare!"
"Oh, but I'm curious...do you think she's still up?" she said, putting her empty cocoa mug down onto the end table and moving toward the chair where Troy had placed his jeans earlier, reaching toward his pocket to try to fish out his cell phone.
Troy saw what she was doing and before she could search through his phone for Natalie's number, he had put down his own mug, gotten up from the couch and grabbed her from behind, tickling her sides and making her drop the phone back onto the chair as she struggled to tug his hands away. She was out of breath from laughing when Troy finally stopped and they both collapsed back onto the couch.
"No calling Natalie, okay?"
"I was just kidding, Troy."
"Hey...just making sure," Troy grinned. "Obviously, I was just kidding about telling Todd that."
"Obviously...you're so not suave, Bolton," she said with mirth.
"Ohhh...you're just asking to be tickled again, Montez."
"No! No!" Gabriella laughed, holding out her hands to keep him away. "Truce?" This was said with big eyes and eyelash batting that did not go unnoticed by Troy. His friend was certainly learning how to use her female powers already. Todd didn't stand a chance.
"Alright, silly girl. Truce."
They sat there smiling at each other for several seconds before Gabriella felt a wave of sleepiness overcome her and let out a yawn. Troy followed suit seconds later, causing both of them to laugh at themselves.
"I guess we should go catch some Zs now," Troy suggested.
"Yeah. Sounds like a good idea."
They shut off everything in the living room before carrying their mugs into the kitchen and loading them into the dishwasher. "So, um, where do you want me to sleep?" Troy asked.
Gabriella thought about this. She wasn't particularly used to going to sleep without her parents in the house. Though she didn't think about it or appreciate it most nights, they were a safety net, a comfort to her. It was good that Troy was here but for some reason, she didn't really want him to sleep in a separate room.
"Well, if you wouldn't mind and wouldn't think it was too weird, I'd feel better if you just slept in my room with me."
Troy thought about this. A few years ago, it wouldn't have felt awkward. But Troy was not oblivious to the fact that they were growing up, and though he didn't really think of Gabi in that way, he was a guy and he did notice that when she hugged him now, well, there was more of her softness between them. Her body had developed. She had curves now. And, she did smell good and she was getting prettier by the day, as far as he was concerned. And sharing a bed with a girl was now kind of thrilling, even if that girl was one he'd grown up with. It's not that they would do anything; it was just the idea that they were of an age where they could, where their parents should be concerned if they did share a bed. Kind of liking that thought, Troy smiled to himself and went with his gut.
"I don't mind."
The two of them made sure all the doors were locked downstairs, turned off the kitchen light and made their way up to Gabriella's bedroom. After both had used the restroom and brushed their teeth (Gabriella having given Troy the extra new toothbrush her dentist had just given her on her recent appointment), they crawled under the covers and shut off the light, both turning so that their backs were turned toward each other. After several moments of silence, Troy spoke.
"Hey Gabi...thanks again for your help, today! Sorry you didn't get to read much of your book."
"That's okay, Troy. I think I had much more fun hanging with you anyway. And, thanks again for your help too."
Two smiles formed on two faces there in the dark.
"Goodnight, Gabi," Troy said softly.
"Night, Troy."
Author's Note: Up next - cookies, carols...changes. ;-) Thanks again for reading! I'll try to get the next one up soon!