A/N: Thanks for the great feedback! You guys are awesome! Thanks to fanficfan1122, wildcats2016, arrianne, Gwynxxx, Bluebell140, pumpkinking5, dyeitrouge, mynamezanessa, chica13 and the guest reviewer :D
Here we go... How will everyone take Troy's news?
Disclaimer: I don't own HSM or any of its characters...
It was Friday night and the gang was gathered in Kelsi's living room. By the time Troy arrived, the others were halfway through the pizza they ordered.
"Hey guys," Troy greeted. He gratefully accepted the plate that Taylor passed him and scarfed down a slice of pizza.
"Long day?" Chad asked sympathetically.
Troy stifled a yawn and nodded. "Ward rounds took five hours. We finished just in time to start the evening ward rounds!"
"Yeah my ICU rotation was rough as well," Taylor agreed.
As Chad launched into retelling a hilarious patient encounter, Troy noticed that Kelsi and Jason were shooting pointed looks at him. He rolled his eyes at their persistence, but appreciated their discretion in not asking him bluntly in front of Chad and Taylor.
Chad's story segued into his excitement at receiving several internship offers.
"I just don't know which one to take," Chad admitted. "It's really tempting to move to London. They have so many more specialities to offer. But this is home, and it'll be hard to leave."
"I know my parents want me back in Newcastle, but like Chad said, this is home now." Taylor smiled at Chad, "We decide together of course. But yeah, it's either London or Manchester. You're staying of course Kels?"
Kelsi nodded happily, "Absolutely. I'm so glad I got the spot here. After Jase got his residency here it would have sucked to have to leave."
"What about you Troy?" Taylor asked. "Have the American hospitals released offers yet? Do you know where you're going?"
Kelsi shot him a pointed look while Jason looked on in mere curiosity.
Troy exhaled and looked amongst his friends. "Yeah they have. I got a whole bunch of offers."
Taylor grinned and Chad gave him a thumbs up.
"I'm not taking any of them," he said pausing.
Taylor frowned, "You're taking a year off? Is that wise?"
"No not a year off," Troy interrupted. "I'm accepting an internship offer, just not in the States."
Kelsi's eyes lit up and Jason's jaw dropped.
"I actually, uh, applied here in Manchester," he offered. He dared to look at Chad and Taylor's bewildered faces. "I'm staying."
"Oh my gosh!" Taylor exclaimed. "Troy!"
"You arse!" Chad punched in the arm, none too lightly. "How could you keep this a secret!"
"That's a good question," Kelsi's eyes narrowed. She was pleased she was finally free to grill him like she wanted. "Why didn't you tell us you applied for Manchester hospitals?"
"You know we would have helped you!" Jason agreed. "I could have given you all the tips I gave these guys. You probably got that other rejection because you didn't exaggerate your relationship enough. They're really looking for candidates with a strong family background, as well as academics and stuff. If you had said that you were on the cusp of engagement or something it may have swayed them."
"Wait, you two knew about this?" Chad accused. "And you hid it from us too?"
"They got my mail by mistake. They've only known for the week, and I sort of swore them to secrecy," Troy defended.
"Okay, okay. Chad is offended you didn't tell us. Jason may have helped you get two acceptances instead of the one. The point is you're staying in Manchester!" Taylor exclaimed. "This is going to be awesome. We didn't really know if we'd see you again!"
Chad's glare softened when he heard his girlfriend's words, "Yeah she's right. This is great news. How did Gabs take it? I assume you're staying for her?"
"I actually haven't told her," Troy said sheepishly.
"You didn't tell her you were applying here either?" Jason asked in astonishment.
"It was such a long shot! There are so many hoops I still have to jump through to work here. I never thought I'd get a place! I didn't want to get her hopes up for such a slim chance."
"And why have you still not told her?" Taylor cried.
"I only made the decision in the last couple of days!"
"You have to tell her," Chad advised. "If we were upset you kept it from us, she'll be pissed for sure. Of course it probably won't last long because she'll be ecstatic. But tell her! Tell her now!"
"I can't tell her now! Not just like that. Not when I've waited so long."
"What is it that you're waiting for?" Kelsi asked.
"I just want to make the surprise perfect."
"So she forgets about being mad?" Jason guessed.
"No!" Troy protested. "Okay maybe a little. But mainly because it's a big step. I mean we both feel this relationship is serious but making the move is a huge commitment. I don't want to freak her out. I want to pitch it just right to show how much I care about her without the pressure. I never want her to feel like I could resent her if this doesn't work out because I stayed for her."
"And would you? Resent her?" Kelsi pushed.
"No, of course not. Look, we all know I'd be lying if I said I'd be staying if it wasn't for her. But it is a great program for my future, and I have you guys as support as well. It'll suck if it doesn't work out, but I don't think my life would completely fall apart."
His friends seemed appeased by that answer and let the topic drop. There was a palpably light mood in the room, and despite the conversation drifting to other matters, it was obvious the prospect of keeping the group together for at least a couple of years longer excited them all.
The weekend passed without meeting Gabriella and for once Troy was grateful for the space. He spent the weekend applying for the PLAB exams that he would need to sit in order to practise medicine in the UK, and was amused to find the only city in the world he could sit the practical exam was in fact Manchester. He also officially accepted the offer and reviewed the package the hospital sent him about rotations, salary packaging and anything else he would need to know for the year ahead.
Once he finished the paperwork, he made the very important call that he was dreading.
"Hey buddy," he greeted.
"Hey Troy!" Aaron waved.
"How goes the wedding plans? Only the seating charts to go right?"
Aaron nodded, "Thank god for that. Actually I'm really appreciating Stacy's organisational skills now. Still a month to go, but we're pretty much done with the big things. A few final touches here and there, but there's just no pressure on us. It's amazing."
"That's awesome! I've been doing my own planning too, you know," Troy smirked, his eyes twinkling wickedly.
"Oh come on dude. You're overseas! You don't have to plan a bachelor's party. We're mature adults anyway. It's unnecessary."
"Nuh uh," Troy shook his head. "You're not getting out of this one bro. It's part of my best manly duties. Emphasis on the 'manly' of course."
Aaron rolled his eyes, "Of course. Anyway, after I get back from the honeymoon, we're going on that road trip. Our last hurrah before we start the grind of working."
"Actually about that, I'm not taking the Mass Gen job," Troy confessed.
"Where are you going?" Aaron asked in confusion. "Still going east?"
"I'm going east all right," Troy gave a half smile. "Further east."
"How much further?" Aaron narrowed his eyes.
"Manchester?" Troy cringed, waiting for the reaction.
"You got in?" Aaron jumped out of his seat. "Dude, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you!"
"You're not upset? You don't think I'm making a huge mistake? I mean I know it was you that sent me the info in the first place, but still, you're taking this awfully well," Troy said skeptically.
"You love her right?"
Troy nodded.
"Then I think it's worth taking a chance on. You're stronger now Troy, you can handle it. But make sure you're back home for every holiday! You owe it to your parents, and to me!"
Troy grinned, "Of course."
With that out of the way, Troy relaxed and they shifted their attention back to the wedding plans, and more importantly, the poor form of their beloved Lakers. When Troy hung up he felt his heart was a lot lighter than before. Slowly the plans were solidifying and everyone who meant anything to him was on board. His father had taken it even better than his mother had, and understood his need to push this through. Never one to believe in long distance relationships, Jack had told his son that it was much better to take the risk and fail than living separately and doubting each other's faithfulness, especially after what had happened with Melissa. The only person he had left to tell was…
"Gabriella!" Troy exclaimed as he answered the phone. "How's the case going?"
"Great, actually. We're all set to close up tomorrow. Jury should be back before lunch, fingers crossed. That means we're all set for the match tomorrow night. Sorry about cancelling on you this weekend."
"Hey, work is work, right. Can't do anything about that."
Gabriella sighed, "Yeah. I guess the separation is something we'll have to get used to anyway. It'll just be phone calls and texts for a while."
Not if he could help it, Troy grinned to himself.
"Are you watching the Man City – Tottenham match?" she asked.
"Gabi! Did you call me just for a score update?" Troy feigned offence.
"Well the Wi-Fi here isn't very good…" she trailed off in embarrassment.
Troy chuckled, "Relax I'm just kidding. I've had it on but nothing much is happening. City scored early but it's still… wait… oh my god! Tottenham have scored!"
"Yes!" Gabriella hissed loudly. "If only they can get another. If they win today, we can clinch the title tomorrow!"
"With four matches in hand, that would be awesome," Troy agreed.
"Oh come on Tottenham," Gabriella willed. "How many minutes left?"
"About ten to… What a goal!" Troy yelled.
"What's happening?" Gabriella shrieked before lowering her voice once more. "Who scored?"
"Defoe for Tottenham. It's 2-1 Gabi! This is it!" Troy gripped the phone tightly.
"Don't get too excited yet!" Gabriella's warning was half-hearted, and her excitement rang clear in her voice. "Crap, I better get back to work. I was just taking a bathroom break."
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then," Troy said.
"See you…"
"They've scored again! It's 3-1," Troy interrupted. "I don't believe this! What a turnaround. It's United-style!"
"Are you serious?" Gabriella could barely control herself. "Tomorrow's the day then! What a huge result for Tottenham! Okay I really have to go. But, I'll see you tomorrow, when we play for the title!"
She hung up leaving Troy with a massive grin on his face. He watched the last few minutes of the match and his grin broadened as he saw the disappointed Man City players and listened to the commentators confirm that Manchester United would win the title back the next evening with a win. A lot of the excitement was for the fact that they could watch a significant match live and join in the celebrations if the team won, but a larger part of him was thrilled at the fact that he had finally found the perfect way to tell Gabriella about his news. How better to surprise her than when she was already ecstatic? He would wait for United to hopefully win their match, and in the midst of the celebrations he would tell her he was staying in Manchester. It would be perfect. They had met at a soccer match after all, it would be a nice bookend to the season.
The crowd was electric outside Old Trafford on Monday night. Stalls selling flags and banners proclaiming the club's 20th league title were littered all around the forecourt. The fans were buzzing as they entered the stadium in a heady mix of thrills and nerves. The job wasn't done they all seemed to remind each other, and yet there was a definite party mood spreading.
Troy was sitting in his seat, his leg jiggling up and down as he waited for Gabriella. The jury had let out later than expected so she was going to meet him at the ground. He was grateful of the extra time he had to calm himself down before she arrived.
"What's up son? You look like you swallowed a beehive!" Gary commented, studying his agitated movements.
"I'm just excited," Troy said evasively. "Big day."
"It is a big day," Gary agreed. "And yet I feel like it's not this match that you're excited about."
Troy ignored Gary's suspicious gaze and shrugged, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"So that's how it's going to be?" Gary raised an eyebrow. "Okay, I'll let it go. Where is Gabriella? The teams are coming out!"
"I'm right here," Gabriella panted, bracing herself on her knees. "Oh good, I didn't miss anything."
They stood and cheered as their team walked onto the pitch. It was a ritual they observed every week but this time there was something extra special about it. That anticipation filled them all and every one of the 70,000 Man United fans knew they were on the verge. All that was standing between them and revenge for the heartbreak of last season was the next 90 minutes.
"I hope they're up for this," Gary muttered. "Aston Villa need to win this match just as much, probably more than we do."
"I don't see how they could not be motivated for this. If they don't play hard today, maybe they don't deserve to be champions!" Gabriella exclaimed.
The nerves were for nought as United flew out of the blocks and dominated the match right from the opening whistle. It was barely 90 seconds into the match when Van Persie scored.
"Perfect start!" Gabriella cheered as she hugged Troy.
"There's no tiredness there!" Gary laughed.
They had hardly sat back down after celebrating the goal when they were almost on their feet again.
"Oh that was close! Should have been two!" Troy crowed.
There was a close call at the other end as well as Aston Villa almost spoiled the party by equalising, but the defence came to the rescue. From then on it was a complete overpowerment of the lower side.
"Oh Kagawa!" Gabriella groaned as the Japanese star narrowly missed the goal.
"Off the post! Rafael!" Gary rubbed his face.
It was when the star striker for Aston Villa threw away a golden opportunity to equalise that United finally made their chances count. A wonderful long ball by Wayne Rooney led to a sparkling second goal by Robin Van Persie.
"What a pass! What a shot!" Gary stood stunned at the quality of what he had just seen.
"We are going to win this title in style!" Gabriella glowed.
The chances kept flowing and you couldn't argue that it was a Champions' worthy performance. When the third goal went in, the mood was euphoric.
"Championes Championes Ole Ole Ole," the crowd sang.
Troy, Gabriella and Gary joined in with the chanting and revelled in the atmosphere. Even at half time, very few people left their seats with most opting to continue the singing and celebrating in the stands. The second half continued in similar fashion with plenty of chances with no actual goals. That wasn't enough to deter the passionate supporters from enjoying themselves, and when the final whistle sounded the real party started.
"That's it! We did it!" Gabriella launched herself into Troy's arms. Gary hugged them both and they jumped around in glee. They clapped as the team did a lap of honour around the stadium and their smiles didn't dim in the slightest, even as they finally left the ground.
"I know it was coming, I mean we've been leading by heaps for such a long time, but it's so sweet to finally have that confirmation," Gabriella beamed, wiping away some stray tears. Her lip quivered mildly through her smile. "My dad would have loved it."
Troy wrapped his arm around her tightly, "Hey he's probably had the best seat in the house all season. I'm sure he enjoyed it as much as we did."
"Probably more," Gabriella laughed. "My car is this way."
They strode towards her car and suddenly Troy's butterflies swarmed back in full force. Within a few short minutes they would be back at his apartment and there would be no more delays. The reveal was on.
Gabriella's growling stomach reminded him that she had rushed straight from the courts and had not yet eaten, so they made a pit stop at the pub near his building for dinner. The place was packed full of Man United fans, and they could barely hear each other over the din. While Gabriella ate, Troy got them both a couple of beers in celebration. The bartender was an avid Manchester United supporter and passed around free shots of tequila. Troy and Gabriella enjoyed the fun, but as the crowd began to mill out, they took their chance to retreat to Troy's apartment.
Troy let them in and took a deep breath as he shut the door behind them. This was it. He had to tell her right now.
"Champagne?" she asked him with a curious smile. She walked up to him holding the bottle she had found on his kitchen table. "This is some pricey stuff!"
"It's a momentous day," Troy smiled at her as he walked closer to her and pried the bottle from her gently. He popped the cork and poured a couple of glasses.
"Are we celebrating or something?" Gabriella joked.
Troy gave her a nervous smile and led her to the couch.
"Actually we are celebrating. Besides the title, I mean. At least I think it's good news," Troy rambled.
Gabriella knitted her eyebrows in confusion. "What are you talking about? What news?"
Troy gulped a breath of air. This was it. He pushed his doubts to the corner of his mind, and slid the envelope from his pants pocket. He handed it to her silently, thinking it was probably easier if she read it for herself.
Gabriella hesitated before taking the envelope. Troy sympathised with her perplexed expression. He knew he was being unnecessarily mysterious, but did not trust himself to explain it to her himself. Not until he saw her first reaction. He watched, trembling in anticipation as she pulled out the letter and began to scan it. Her eyes grew impossibly wide and he saw her eyes darting between the letter and himself in disbelief. Considering her well known skill in speed reading, Troy figured that she had read the letter at least four times before she finally handed it back to him.
She swallowed hard then asked while looking down at her hands, "Is this real? I mean is it a serious offer?"
Troy nodded, "It's real."
She nodded speculatively, still not looking him in the eyes. "Why didn't you tell me?"
There was audible pain in her voice, and Troy winced. Yeah, he had screwed up. He squeezed her hands in his causing her to flinch but he took it as a good sign that she didn't pull away.
"I'm really sorry Gabriella. I promise I wasn't trying to hide it from you intentionally," Troy tried to explain.
"So what? You accidentally forgot to tell me?" Gabriella accused. Her eyes met his with a hard piercing glare.
"That's not what I meant. Please just give me a chance to explain." When she begrudgingly nodded, Troy finally let out all of his feelings. "Okay I wasn't even going to apply at first. Not because I didn't want to give our relationship a chance, but just because it's so very hard for international students to get an internship place in the UK. It's hard for US students studying here to get a place, for me to get one when I don't even study within this country is nigh on impossible. The only reason I applied was because Aaron sent me the information and I thought it couldn't hurt giving it a go. I was so sure that I wasn't going to get it that I thought there was no point telling you. I didn't want you to get your hopes up for such a slim chance. It wasn't something we needed to plan around or keep in mind. I was trying to protect you from getting hurt."
Gabriella's expression softened. "When did you get the acceptance?"
"Last week," Troy admitted. "I wanted to tell you straight away but I was scared of how you would react. I wanted to take some time to think about it first and then break the news to you. I was ready to tell you on Friday, but I thought it would be nice to wait till we're already celebrating."
"So I'd be in a good mood?" Gabriella asked dryly.
Troy shrugged sheepishly.
"Okay. I understand," Gabriella sighed. "It probably wasn't that easy for you to keep it secret and I know you did it because you care about me."
Troy nodded vigorously, "Exactly."
"So?" she pushed expectantly. When he simply gave her a blank look she rolled her eyes. "Do you think there's a chance you'll accept it? I know there are so many barriers to it. Oh and your parents! It is a lot to leave behind. You're right, it's not a feasible option."
"Gabi, wait," Troy interrupted. He cupped her face in his hands. "Gabi, I choose you. I've made my decision. I'm staying here."
"What?" Gabriella asked, stunned.
"The contract's been signed. I've accepted the job," he grinned.
"But your parents!" she protested.
"They know about it, and they respect my decision. They're happy for us. As long as we travel back there regularly, and try to make it for the holidays and stuff."
For a few seconds, Gabriella was completely speechless. Then, without warning, she pulled Troy's face to hers and kissed him forcefully on the lips. He smiled into it, and kissed her back with as much passion. Their tongues duelled furiously until oxygen became an issue.
"You're really staying?" Gabriella panted as Troy worked his way kissing down her neck.
"I'm really staying," he murmured against her collarbone.
"I love you," she said. She guided his lips back to hers and kissed him again, simultaneously climbing into his lap.
"I love you too," he moaned as she took her chance to plant kisses on his jaw. He held her close to him. She slipped her hands between them, and before he knew it, she pushed his shirt off his shoulders. His eyes fluttered shut as she moved her hands down the hard planes of his chest.
"Gabi," he breathed as her lips followed the path of her hands.
"I love you, Troy," she repeated.
When her hands reached his belt buckle he jerked away.
"Gabi, wait," he said, his hands closing over hers. "What are you doing?"
"What do you think?" she asked playfully.
She tried to undo the buckle, but his hands held hers firmly.
"No, we can't. You can't," Troy said.
She pulled back hurt, "I thought this is what you wanted."
"It is! I do want this, but not now," Troy defended. "'I love you, Gabi."
"But then why…"
"I know you. I know your promise is very important to you. We shouldn't dishonour it."
"But you're staying here, and I just thought…"
"I'm staying because I love you. You don't need to thank me with any favours. Look we've had a bit too much to drink and we're in a celebratory mood, let's not do anything in the heat of the moment that we'll regret later."
He kissed her gently on the lips, and stroked her face.
"I do love you though. Don't doubt that. And I really want you, like, all the time," he gave her a rakish grin. "But I'll wait."
Gabriella smiled at him. "Thanks. I love you too. I guess I just didn't want you to feel like you were staying here for nothing."
He kissed her again, "I'm staying here for you, and you're most certainly not nothing."
"I can't believe you're actually staying," she beamed.
He hugged her tightly to his chest, "I'm really staying."
"You know we have a lot of things to work out," Gabriella murmured as she laid her head on his shoulder. "You have to find a place to live, and you have to organise you permanent residency. There's probably a ton of paperwork. It can't be that easy."
"We'll work it out, tomorrow. Tonight is for us to just enjoy ourselves and the fact that we'll be together."
There you have it! How did you like it? Only a few chapters to go, but still time for some fluff and some twists and turns ;)