"My name is Troy Bolton." Troy whispered. "And I am gay."

Troy stared at himself in the mirror. He blushed. He looked away but looked straight back.

"I am gay. Am I?" Troy shook his head. He reminded himself of what Ryan had said. "Yes. I am gay."

He stared into his own eyes in the mirror. He folded his arms and narrowed his eyes.

"Gay boy." He glared, and his face broke into an evil grin. He unfolded his arms and his face dropped back into neutral. He glanced at himself once again in the mirror, and left the bathroom.

"Hey baby." Gabriella said, changing the sheets on the bed, without looking at him.

"Hey…" Troy said, wide-eyed. He ushered his hands into his jeans pockets. "I thought you were downstairs making dinner."

"It's cooking, calm down." She giggled. "I thought I'd utilize my time."

"Good." Troy smiled, and walked over and kissed her on the cheek. "I love you."

"Love you too, baby." Gabriella smiled, with slight confusion. "Oh, I meant to ask you. Would you be able to get next Thursday and Friday off?"

"Um…" Troy looked up and narrowed his eyes. "I think so, we don't have a game. Why?"

Gabriella screwed up her face and flashed a huge grin.

"My video shoot."

"Oh my gosh! That's awesome! I would love to be there!" Troy grinned and kissed her once again on the cheek. "Where is it?"

"Nevada."

Troy screwed his face up and rubbed his scalp.

"In Las Vegas? Bit tacky, isn't it?"

Gabriella grinned and rolled her eyes.

"No, Troy. In the desert."

"There's desert in New Mexico."

"Oh be quiet!" Gabriella rolled her eyes and gave him a gentle shove.

-----------------------

Troy was trying to get into character. He was sat in the window of Starbucks sipping on a Mocha - he didn't even know what it was, but he quite liked it. He watched a man, about the age of himself, walk past the window. Troy looked him up and down, and inwardly shrugged. His head turned as he watched him walk through the door.

The guy stopped at the end of the line, and rubbed his hands together. He loosened the stripy scarf around his neck, and ruffled his dark, spiky hair. He pushed his hands into his jeans pockets.

Troy turned back round and propped his head on the palm of his hand, elbow on table. He pouted and sighed. He got an urge he was getting used to - the urge to ring Ryan and talk about his feelings. But he fought it - Ryan didn't really deserve to have to dedicate his life to sorting out Troy's problems. He was gonna have to take control of his own life eventually.

Troy was jerked out of his daze when he noticed the cute guy from the line sit down on the next table, facing him. Troy smiled to himself when the guy opened up Sports Illustrated and started to read.

Troy ran his hand through the hair on the back of his head. At the back of his mind, thoughts were forming, and trying to seep their way through to his conscious mind. Thoughts telling him to stop ogling and retain what he had left of his heterosexuality. But Troy fought them, he owed it to himself and Ryan to continue the plan. Anyway, ogling was fun - and it was a relief to stop fighting his instincts. However, ultimately, he was starting to see where this plan was going and he wasn't too happy about it.

He watched as the guy sipped on his coffee. A muffled clattering came from the bar area and the guy looked up. Troy quickly glanced away and out the window. When he glanced back at the guy out the corner of his eye, he found himself being stared back at.

Troy's body went into slight panic mode. His throat closed up, he felt dizzy and his palms got extremely sweaty. He wrung his hands together and stared nervously out the window. He could slightly see the cute guy's reflection in the window, and Troy froze completely when he saw the guy getting up and walking towards him.

"Excuse me?" A voice said from beside Troy. Troy tried to relax, and looked up.

"Hi."

"Can I ask you something?" The guy smiled. Troy gulped, and nodded. The guy sat down at Troy's table. "Are you… Troy Bolton?"

Troy raised his eyebrows. He wasn't sure what was going on but he was a bit scared.

"Yeah…" Troy frowned.

"I thought so." The guy smiled. He ran his hand through his hair. "I've seen you play, you're awesome."

"Oh, really?!" Troy breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks."

"I'm Jack." The cute guy said, holding his hand out. Troy shook Jack's hand and smiled.

"Nice to meet you. Actually, that's my Dad's name. He coached my team in High School."

"Oh, awesome. He's gotta be a talented guy then." Jack smiled and tilted his head to the side.

Troy smiled back, and nodded. He looked at Jack, still smiling, playing with his hair. Erm, Troy thought to himself, is this dude flirting? Troy told himself not to be so silly. Of course he wasn't. It must've been wishful thinking. But wait, did Troy want him to be flirting? Here it goes again - he confusion and indecisiveness that had recently been haunting him.

Troy decided he didn't care either way. Sure this guy was attractive, but he didn't even know if he was gay. He'd be way too scared to do anything if this guy was flirting.

"I'm sorry." Jack said, shyly looking out the window. "I shouldn't have come over and invaded on your personal time. But I had to tell you I think you're an amazing player. You're gonna go far."

"Thanks, man, that really means a lot! I've literally only just joined the Thunderbirds though, I've got far to go. And I really appreciate you coming and talking to me."

"Oh," Jack smiled, playing with his hair again. "Good. And I'm telling you, you'll be in the NBA in no time." Jack looked down at Troy's mug. "Do you want another?" He asked, pointing.

Troy nodded. Okay, this guy was either a strange obsessive fan, or he was definitely flirting. Troy couldn't decide which he'd prefer.

"Mocha?" Jack grinned, picking up Troy's cup and wafting it under his nose.

"Yeah." Troy grinned back. "Thanks."

Jack winked and left Troy, sitting feeling very confused. He couldn't resist any longer - he pulled his phone out and opened a new message.

"how do I tell if a guy is flirting with me?! Or even gay?!"

He glanced over his shoulder nervously, and sent the message to Ryan. About twenty seconds later, a reply came through.

"gay - u know its not that simple! N everyone flirts differently. Try n think of when u flirt with girls. Or when they flirt with u. call me later I wanna hear all. Ry x"

Troy quickly put his phone away when he heard Jack coming back. Well, he knew girls played with their hair when they were flirting. But knowing that is what caused him to wonder in the first place. And buying him a drink was pretty standard. Troy picked up his new mocha and sipped.

"Thanks, man. So, you a big basketball fan?" Troy asked Jack.

"Yeah." Jack grinned. "I used to play it myself in High School, a few years back. I wasn't very good though, I got clumsy." Jack laughed. "And you know how High School is. I, uh… had other things to worry about, so basketball faded away. I always wanted to be in D-League though. I guess I go to matches to try and re-connect to the person I used to be."

"Man, I'm sorry. You know what they say though. Practise makes perfect. If you still love the game that much, don't give up."

"Aw, It's okay. I'm a writer now, and I love it too. So it doesn't haunt me or anything."

Troy shrugged.

"That's good. Basketball's all I really have." He sighed. He then frowned. "Well, actually I play golf too." He nodded, and once again frowned. "I, um…" he put his head down, in case he blushed. "I sing too."

"You sing? Wow." Jack grinned. "I didn't expect that."

"Yeah, um," Troy laughed, "It didn't go down too well with the guys when they first found out."

"I can imagine. Bet you got called gay and all sorts."

Troy looked up.

"Um, no not really. We had a gay guy in our class, and his twin sister was popular… and scary. So no one dare ridicule anyone for being gay. I did get the odd comment about him and me though."

"Coming out in High School must've been hard for him."

"He's one of those guys who has always known he was gay. And I guess so did everyone else, so everyone grew up knowing him how he was. It's done him no harm, he's one of the happiest guys I know."

"Some people are lucky." Jack nodded. "I, um… I came out in High School. What a horrible experience."

Ah ha! Troy now knew Jack was gay. This increased the chances he was flirting by how many percent? Troy didn't care, he wasn't at school. But he now decided he cared about this flirting nonsense.

"I'm sorry, dude. High School kids can be vicious. How'd your parents take it?"

"My Mom told me she'd kind of guessed. Which annoyed me a bit! But my Dad… it took a while to sink in."

"That's gotta be tough." Troy frowned and thought of his own parents.

"You know…" Jack smiled. "It's nice that…" He paused for thought. "You're not freaking out. Sports fans and homo-friendly don't tend to go together."

Troy nodded thoughtfully. Jack was right, and didn't he know it. Most people who surrounded him in life were people whose life was basketball. Notable exception being Gabriella. His girlfriend.

"Well, I must admit…" Troy said, smiling, and running a hand through his hair. "I did wonder."

"Oh… really?" Jack said, almost blushing, but not quite. "How come?"

Troy cringed at himself, and played with a clump of hair.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but… I thought I noticed you flirting with me."

Jack's eyes widened. His mouth moved but no words came out. He had turned viciously red.

"I'm sorry!" He said, slightly squeaky. "I just… I can't help it. I'm a huge flirt." He smiled to himself. "And you are cute."

Troy really had no idea what to say. Luckily, Jack started talking again.

"I, um, take it you're not…" Jack blinked at Troy.

Troy looked down at the table. Should he be himself? Or should he stay in character? This was certainly the most trying role he'd ever acted. He came to a decision and looked up at Jack.

"Gay? Actually…" He gulped. "Yeah. I am."

------------------------

Troy looked at his watch.

"Oh my gosh!" He laughed. "I've been in Starbucks for four hours."

"I think it's safe to say neither of us will be able to get to sleep for two days." Jack said, vaguely gesturing at the empty mugs on the table.

"That's perfect, I have a game in two days. I'll crash and fall asleep on the court, half way through running, and slide into the stands."

"I'll bring my camera. Hey, I can send the video to America's Funniest Home Videos. Maybe I can win money to say for all these coffees."

"Hey! I bought every other round." Troy pouted his bottom lip.

"Just playing. But maybe we should go and get something to eat to try and soak up this caffeine."

"Dude. It's not alcohol. But I agree with food. Where do you wanna go?"

"Pizza?"

"Pizza."

The two stood up, stretching and wincing at the pain of sitting down for so long. They grabbed their coats. Troy stood awkwardly, until Jack led the way to the door, and Troy followed.

When they reached the door, Jack opened it, and held it open for Troy to walk through.

"By the way," Troy smiled as he approached the open door. "I think you're really cute too." He walked through the door grinning like crazy.

"Oh, really?" A grinning Jack came bounding up behind Troy. "Well. I am, yes. Thanks for noticing."

"Oh no." Troy rolled his eyes. "You're one of those. In that case, you're no longer cute. I'll get pizza on my own, thanks."

Jack laughed and elbowed Troy.

"Too late, you're stuck with me. And I know exactly where I'm taking you for pizza."

"You're taking me?"

"Yeah. Is that a problem? Hurting your masculinity, basketball boy?"

Troy narrowed his eyes and shook his head.

"You're so mean. But tell me about this pizza place."

"It's quite small, but it's real nice. It's right across the street from my apartment."

Jack pointed down the street at a small glowing sign.

"That's it. Right there."

When they arrived, it was packed full. A member of staff told them it was a 30 minute wait for a table.

"Can't wait that long." Troy grumbled. "Way too hungry."

"We could get take-out. And go to my place." Jack cleared his throat. "If you wanted to."

"Sure." Troy nodded. "But I'm gonna wait outside. It's a little hot in here."

"Okay. Wait, what pizza do you want?"

Troy shrugged.

"Whatever you want." He smiled.

He stepped out the door, and walked a few yards away from the door. He pulled his phone out and dialled Ryan's number.

"Welcome to your therapist's office, Mr Bolton." Ryan said, in a high-pitched voice. "Press one to announce your sexuality. Press two to share some angst. Press three if you would like to pay your enormous bill."

"Ryan!" Troy sighed loudly.

"I'm only playing, man. Always happy to help a teen in trouble. What happened with this boy?"

"I'm uh… still with him."

"You messaged me like four hours ago! Are you serious?"

"Yeah we're getting pizza and going to his apartment to eat it."

"Oh, wow… did you find out your answers?"

"Yes. And they were yes. And yes."

"No way. He was flirting with you?" Ryan let out a small laugh. "And you're still with him now?"

"Yup. Told me I'm cute. And I said to him… I told him that I'm gay. And that he's cute."

"And is he?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Well, Troy, I'm happy for you. I don't think you need my help anymore."

"What?" Troy said, slight panic in his voice. "But this isn't me. I'm in character. Remember?"

Ryan let out a small laugh.

"But Troy, the point of this exercise was to find out if this 'character' is really who you are. I'm here if you need me. But I don't think you will. Let me know what happens. Now get back to your boy!"

"Thanks Ryan." Troy said with a deep breath. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"Hey!" Jack said, approaching Troy. "Got them. I live just there. Green door." Jack said, pointing across the street.

"That was quick pizza."

"I know, right. People just sit around in restaurants, what do they do?"

"Yeah!" Troy laughed sarcastically. "Like those people who sit around in coffee houses for four hours, crazy sons of bitches."

"Be quiet." Jack rolled his eyes and crossed the street, Troy following close behind.

When they got inside, Troy opened the pizza box, and grinned.

"Meat feast, now who is trying to prove their masculinity?"

Jack shook his head.

"Meat feast, for a start, is the gayest name for a pizza ever, hello? Anyway, hope you're not a vegetarian."

"No way, man." Troy said, looking around the apartment. He placed the pizza tentatively on top of the coffee table, covered in mail.

"Jack Pattison. Your surname is Pattison?"

"Yeah." Jack smiled. "Why so shocked? Did you think I had no surname? Or maybe you thought my name was Jack Starbucks."

"Not with the amount of coffee I had to buy for you." Troy looked up. "Hey. You ever been called JP?"

"Uh, no. Never, actually."

"Can I call you it?" Troy smiled, walking over to Jack. "'Cos as you know… Jack is my Dad's name."

"Oh, yeah." Jack screwed his face up, then shrugged. "JP is fine. I guess it's kinda cute. Coming from you anyway."

Troy blushed, and walked back over to the couch, and sat down. JP, as he was now known, joined him and they started to eat pizza.

"So, TB." JP said, tucking into a slice, and frowning at what he just called Troy. "Did you come out in High School? Sounds like a good school to come out in."

"No. I didn't come out in high school. TB, huh? Are you saying I'm a disease?"

"No! I'm saying you're infectious." JP said with a wink. "So you came out more recently, huh?"

"Um, well…" Troy stared at the ceiling. When did his character come out? Oh, right, he was supposed to be himself. Well… he hadn't. Only three people in the whole world knew about… him being gay. If he was. And two of them were in this room. "Not exactly."

JP frowned, and watched Troy shift uncomfortably.

"Troy… are you not out?"

Troy's bottom lip quivered. This was so awkward and kind of embarrassing.

"Something like that." He whispered.

"I don't blame you." JP sighed and shook his head. Troy looked at him.

"Really?!"

"Yeah, you remember what I said, sports fans aren't homo friendly. It's gotta be a million times for difficult for an up and coming basketball player to come out."

Troy sighed, and pushed his fingers into his hair. Oh god, he'd just started, maybe, to work out what he was feeling. Let alone telling everyone about it. And worrying about what they'd say.

"Who have you told?" JP asked, frowning at Troy's evident distress. He moved closer to him, and put his arm around him. "Your parents surely?"

"I'm… not out. At all."

"What?" JP shook his head. He took his arm back. "How long have you known?"

"I don't know." Troy groaned, covering his face with his hands. He was so sick of this distress.

"Woah." JP said, with a new edge to his voice. He folded his arms. "So… what is this? Are you just trying to test the waters with me?"

"Come on, JP. Of course not. I know what I am." Troy gulped, not sure if he just told a lie or not. He guessed that if he wasn't sure, then it must be a lie. JP sighed, and put his arm back around Troy.

"I just… I've been messed around before. And I really like you. Wouldn't like getting hurt by you much."

"Aww!" Troy smiled. He moved into JP and put his hand on his knee. "I really like you too."

"Okay, cards on the table now. Anything else I should know? No wife? Kids?"

Troy looked at the beautiful smiling man. Oh god, he was gonna have to tell him. He wishes he didn't have to. And if he was just looking to 'test the waters' it wouldn't matter. But JP was not only beautiful, he was a really great guy. Troy stood up. He picked his jacket up and started to put it on.

"Okay. You deserve to know the truth. You do." Troy sighed, and smiled sadly at JP. "I have a girlfriend. We've been together since high school."

JP screwed his face up, and looked at the floor. He took a breath and stood up.

"Well, thanks for being honest Troy. And you owe it to your girlfriend to be honest with her too."

"I know. I just don't want to hurt her. I love her so so much."

JP smiled. He folded his arms.

"Even more reason to tell her."