Title: A Chaotic Mess of Pastels

Author: Me!

Rating: I'm not too sure about the new rating system but I would say this is about…PG-13.

Feedback: I'd love me some it!

Summary: Troy Bolton finally has life all figured out as his junior year wanes. However, his perfect world is in jeopardy as he discovers his past.

Disclaimer: I own not High School Musical or the songs or Zac…but if I did…heheheh. Wow! I don't own much. Wait! I do own Adele Carson! And the title of this play! I DO OWN THE SOND USED!

cutebunnybabe You honor me so much! This story was my first venture back in fanfic writing in close to a year and I wanted it to be special. From what you said, I gather I've done that. I've always been interested in writing and thought about it as a profession. Your compliments make me smile! Oh…there will be a end relationship. If you look hard enough, you'll figure it out.

Oliverwoodschic Character development is something a pride myself on. I've studied it for some time – and will be studying for years to come. To hear that you understand her development as something of a real-life progression makes me, as a writer, finally feel like I've really stepped up my game. I noticed that there aren't too many in-depth, Troy centered fics out there. I wanted to give him some life since he's the main character in High School Musical that dealt with all aspects of change – the physical, mental, and emotional struggle (even if that's all too heavy to put in a DC original movie).

Sophthewiseone In the end, this story reached 13 and ½ pages! I'm excited about that. I just want to thank you so much for realizing the little areas were I can insert more of a mental struggle for Troy. You really keep me on my toes! This is fantastic because you help me make it such.

Wow…I got long with these. I guess that's what happens when not a lot of people review it. No biggie. Here's Chapter Fourteen!


Chapter Fourteen

The next night was Sunday night.

The night before Troy would ask Gabriella out, setting into motion a chain of events he would not be able to halt.

Troy had no idea what he was going to do.

The Wildcats Captain sat at his computer desk, forehead pressed against the wooden tabletop.

Why was he completely blank when it came to romancing the evening? He was a thoughtful gentleman, in his opinion. So, why was it so entirely impossible for him to conjure up a perfect setting?

Addie did give some great ideas. Just go with those, he thought.

"No," He jerked his head up. "No way." He could not – would not follow Adele's plan. It would never work. Though, it seemed to work on her…and he was already taking the Monday morning ask out plot.

Music. Music always helped Troy to calm down, think creatively, or sleep. Taking hold of his mouse, he opened his media player. Without looking at what CD or downloaded music that was still open from his previous music session, Troy pushed play. Leaning back, he hoped that this would work.

The opening notes from a piano soon blended with a bass.

"My love. My sweet, endearing love. Why do you hide? Why do you run?

Away I fly to follow you in your search for me – for love.

Don't you see now that I arranged the stars for you?

I lit the sun to see your face.

Your beautiful face…"

Troy recognized the song. It was a slow jazz number from "Waiting to Fall". Adele's voice crooned so hauntingly. This song was a guilty pleasure of his. When he watched her sing, he grabbed Gabi's hand…leaned closer to her. That song, 'Untitled in Love's Key Flat', appeared to make everyone in the audience sit close to their loved one or yearn for them near.

He yearned for Gabi to be close to him, with him now. Perhaps he could attempt to make dinner for her at his house. He wasn't a terrible chef but he could easily order out if need be. Or he could always set up at…

He grinned to himself. It would work since she would be getting ready for the date. It could work. He took out a scrap sheet of computer paper and wrote out a do-to list. Otherwise, Troy knew he wouldn't be able to get everything done.

"The curve of your lips as they part to breath,

My heart, it shook. My body, it shook.

Only for you will this kiss be shared.

Only for you will my light guard you from the storms.

Move your hands.

Taste my soul."

Oh yeah. He would want to take her out though – certainly. Maybe a walk around the neighborhood. He scribbled it down. "No. Better yet. Drive her to the city park and play around on the kiddie equipment."

It sounded ridiculous but so what? Who really cared? It would be fun and he was sure Gabriella would love it.

"Oh who am I fooling!" Troy covered his eyes with his hands, rubbing them fiercely against his skin.

Back to the drawing board he went. And after a few moments he gave up on the after dinner surprise…

"Then I would drop her off at home. Goodnight kiss and sweet somethings whispered in the ear. And then: 'I love you, Gabriella Alana Montez.'"

It was pure genius.

Troy made some more love notes before retiring early for bed.

"I want you forever.

I need you forever.

I love you forever."

"Oh, yeah. Gotta turn off the computer when going to sleep." He chided himself jokingly as he slowly emerged from his bed.

In his bed, contemplating what the plan for Wednesday would be, Troy found those three statements – those twelve little words, echoing in his head.

I want you forever. He understood that desire. Whenever he saw Adele back in ninth grade, Troy's whole being screamed that feeling. He wanted her in his life, in his heart, forever. There was no other way.

I need you forever. The chills that ran down his spine when that memory came to play across his mind's eye still thrilled him. The morning of her leaving him alone in New Mexico, the two teens watched the sun rise. As the bright ball rose passed the horizon, Adele whispered in his ear those four words.

I love you forever. Thinking about that was a joke…a cruel and bitter joke. He thought she loved him. He thought she would never forget him. He thought he would marry her. He thought many foolish things.

Squeezing his eyelids shut tight, Troy forced those words out of his mind – forced himself to sleep.

Tomorrow came too soon for Troy's liking. He went about his morning routine…with all the rapidity he could muster. He fumbled around getting his wits (and clothes) about him, Troy stumbled down the steps and out the door. Thoughts of date night ran through his head as he suddenly found himself at school.

"Asked her out yet?"

"Geez!" Troy stumbled down the bottom step of the main entrance stairwell.

Chad helped his friend to his feet. "So?"

"I just got her, man. What do you think?"

"I think I told Taylor about it so you may want to hope she is nowhere near Montez."

"Chad!" Troy couldn't believe his best friend since kindergarten. "Can you ever keep your huge mouth shut for once?"

Contemplating, Chad nodded his head. "I didn't tell you about the whole undermining of your relationship with Gabi through laptop/webcam manipulation a few months ago."

"Not helping," Troy reached the main hall, scanning for Gabi's delicate face. He bobbed through the sea of students going about they merry ways.

Soon after colliding into Katie, the cheerleader, and fending her off of him ("No thank you. I'm sure your dance routine is great."), Troy saw those delightful curls. He strode towards her yet his surprise was in jeopardy. He felt that Taylor would know better than her boyfriend and would keep the secret safe with her. However, Troy's speed increased.

He halted behind his girlfriend who was yanking out a textbook from her locker. He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing her back to his front.

"Troy - ?"

He leaned his head close, hushing her. "Wednesday. Eight o'clock. Be dressed as beautifully and formally as you can." One tender kiss to her temple, he spun on his heels, continuing down the hall.

He passed by Taylor, stunned, frozen in place with a smirk at her lips.

"Chad just can never stay quiet."

"No way."

Rushing over to her friend, Taylor told him goodbye. He walked down the hall; he swaggered down the hall.

For the rest of the day, Troy stayed as mysterious as possible. When escorting her to class, he kept his arm around her shoulders – remaining silent the whole way. At lunch, he kept the topic light and easygoing.

Later that evening, she phoned him, wanting to know what would be so special about the middle of the week.

Everything. "You'll see."

"Can't you give me a hint?"

"No."

Tuesday was the day that most of his planning would be done. He planned the menu from start to dessert. He shopped for necessary items. Troy concocted a way to keep Gabi hidden while he was going on about the decorating. He borrowed an easy-fold table from Zeke's mom. Now, that was an ordeal. Albeit small, that table really didn't fit in his backseat. It took a solid twenty-five minutes before Zeke and Troy situated it on an awkward angle.

The ride home was murder since the corner of the table kept knocking into the back of Troy's head. And what almost killed him was wrestling that table out. Mrs. Montez was gracious enough to let him store it in the garage, no questions asked.

Music was selected and a sound system chosen. He spoke with Mrs. Montez about the date, asking if it were okay if he took her out on a school night and other choice things ("That's what that table was for."). Once he had his permission, the only thing left to really do was figure out what to wear.

Troy owned a couple of suits for basketball banquets and other such award ceremonies. He always have a sports banquet to go to with his dad as a coach. And then there was the time his father was honored with the Coaching of the Year Award.

But which one would be right? How should he wear his hair? Shagging like usual or slicked back? Cut?

"How do girls do this?" He sighed to himself. Standing in front of his opened closet, hand positioned behind his head, Troy was bogged down with all the possibilities of what to present himself in for tomorrow night. He thought to call Chad but quickly decided against that. Chad was just as much of a guy as he was. What would he know?

Of course he needed a female's opinion. He could ask his mom but, for some reason, he felt silly – embarrassed, asking her for help to dress him. Then, his mind went to Gabi but she couldn't know since this was all a surprise for her. Taylor? No. Kelsi…yeah, no.

Sharpay was the best choice for fashion advice. She did have a flair for clothes. She did have style. Maybe not his favorite style for girls but it was a style of dress. He went for his cell and found Sharpay's number.

"Do I really want to talk to her?"

He placed his phone down on a nearby shelf. Troy sincerely did not want to talk to Sharpay one-on-one. He went through his calling list. Some of the girls would know what to wear but they weren't close enough to him where he could ask them to help him.

And then there was Adele's number, near the bottom of the list, above Zeke's. He had filed her away as 'X'. It was the best way to describe her. She knew how to dress herself well. Heck, there were times in the past where she knew how to dress him and Chad well. Yet, calling upon her, relying on her for something that was so directly linked with his Love Plan…it couldn't been deemed as right. Could it?

She did say she was cool with relationship talk. He pushed the call button and instantly her number was dialed. After two rings, she picked up.

"Hey, Troy. What's up?"

"I decided to take your advice about telling Gabi I love her."

It was silent.

"You still there?"

"Oh. Right. Yeah, Nyia popped her head in to say something…go on."

"You forget that I can read your voice."

"Don't go there. What kind of advice do you need?"

Troy heard the edge in her voice so, he decided to drop whatever he was planning on pushing. "What should I wear? You were always good about that sort of thing – dressing Chad and I."

"Yeah…how formal do you want?"

"Very." He could picture the puckering of her lips. A true sign of her frustrations.

"A suit."

"I know. Which one?"

"You know, you came to me for help. Don't get snippy with me. I can hang up this phone."

"I meant no disrespect. You really need to calm down here. I need your advice as a friend."

She scoffed on the other end. "You already got it when I gave you the ideas to help you decide how to tell her. So how are you going to tell her?"

"Basically," he took a breath, "I'm doing everything you said."

"Figures. I got to go." And she did.

"Whatever," Troy sighed into his phone before flipping it shut.

Frustrated and tired beyond belief, Troy shut his eyes, and grabbed for a suit in the dark. When he opened his eyes, he was satisfied with what he had chosen: a simple and sleek navy blue suit with a matching tie hanging out of a trouser pocket.

"Done," But what of his hair? He would just leave it be. "And done." Troy didn't even waste his time with undressing and putting on his night attire. He just flopped on the bed, asleep in a few minutes.

It was Wednesday. The big day had arrived…and no sooner. Troy enjoyed watching Gabriella's excitement rise throughout the day. Each time he saw her, her smile grew wider and wider and wider until the end of the day. Troy, Chad, Taylor and Gabriella were all out in the school parking lot. There was no need to leave now seeing as how everyone in the school was rushing to get home. Needless to say, it was a small traffic jam leading to the main road.

Taylor was packing up her car and Gabi was leaning against the side closest to the trunk, talking to her friend about the day she had. Chad and Troy were up near the hood.

"You're still going do to this?"

"Why wouldn't I? Chad, I do love her." He whispered, making sure to keep the secret safe. "It's not like I'm proposing to her."

"That's true. But, how do you know? I just don't want you to rush into anything. There are other options out there and we're young. We're supposed to be dating around."

"So, why aren't you?"

Chad grinned. "I did. Now I'm with Taylor."

"Now I'm with Gabs."

"Troy, look. I can't tell you how to live life. I'm just a friend looking out for another friend. I don't want you getting trapped or stuck in some rut because you said those words too soon."

"I told Adele that I loved her."

"I know, man. It just seemed like you two would be together forever."

Troy racked his fingers through his hair. "You and me both."

"I know. Now look at you. I just don't want to see my best friend getting hurt." Chad smile turned serious. "But don't ever tell anyone I said that. I'll deny it."

Troy clapped the Wildcats forward on the back. "Thanks for looking out, man. My lips are sealed. But, don't worry. I know what I'm getting into."

"I hope so."

The two couples departed soon thereafter.

"How was your day?" asked Troy nonchalantly.

"It was pretty good. Not too much homework so you should be happy."

"And why is that?"

Gabriella looked out the window with a smile. "You now why!"

"I certainly do not. Why should I be happy that you do no have your typical ton of homework?"

"Troy Donovan Bolton."

He made a low whistle. "The full name. Ms. Gabriella Alana Montez means business."

She playfully slapped his knee. "Fine. Don't tell me."

"I won't."

"I hear there's going to be a huge party coming up. An early end of school celebration?"

Troy truly couldn't stand bringing up even the slightest mention of Adele today. This was going to be Gabi and Troy's day, not Gabi and Troy's day with hints of Adele running through it. Couldn't he – for once – spend time with Gabriella without Adele popping up to say 'hello'?

"Yeah. It was this annual thing that Adele would do. An hour or so after school ended on that last day, there would be this huge party where all of our friends were invited. It was highly anticipated and well known. It out shined the Evans' birthday gala one year – and that's a feat."

"Wow."

"Yeah, Chad had one like that too. End of the summer cookout and I would do end of the basketball season parties. It was all good fun. We haven't done those in a long time. It will be fun…Adele's party."

"Revisiting past fun. It will be awesome."

Completely awesome, he sighed unenthusiastically within his mind. He wasn't going to go. Didn't want to revisit the past since it was behind him now. Those parties signified a time where things were different yet right with him. She shattered that when she left. There was no going back.

"Last stop." He had pulled up in front of the Montez household. "See you later tonight." He leaned onto the middle armrest.

"Can't wait." She closed the gap, kissing him softly. "Bye." She hopped out of the car and raced inside her home.

"She mustn't know what to wear. Probably going to pull everything out she owns – and still not find a thing." He joked. Troy went home and began his run as soon as he could. He jogged for a shorter time than usual since he did have homework to finish. Troy would not have all night like he typically did. Oh no. He would have to thank Adele for all the rushing he was doing. After he did most of his homework (the rest would have to be done during homeroom and study hall), Troy scrubbed his hands and began preparing as many of the dishes as he could.

"Honey, you're cooking up a storm in here."

"Oh, hey mom." Troy kept his back to her as he stirred the zucchini into his brown and wild rice pilaf.

"Here's your dessert."

Thankfully, Troy's mom was willing to go to the bakery where Troy ordered a special quarter of a sheet marble cake with whipped frosting, Gabi's favorite frosting of all time. "Thanks so much. I don't think I could have handled yet another stop."

He put the cake in the fridge, pulled out the marinated chicken, and shoved it in the oven, in a roasting pan, the juices and all. He would let it cook almost fully while he was here, and finish while he was setting up.

He had to showered, dress up, and set up within two hours. "Shit."

"Troy Donovan Bolton!"

What was with his full name today? "I'm frustrated. I'm sorry."

"No excuse. Apology accepted." His mom left the kitchen. "If you need help, call me." She called after.

Once sure that the chicken was roasting, the pilaf was perfect, and steamed yellow peppers with green beans were done, he got out a package of pre-washed Romaine leave and dumped it into a bowl. "I'm the greatest cook in the world."

Well…not really. He knew his basics. How hard was it to steam some vegetables and boil rice? If it weren't for Mrs. Montez explaining the whole chicken thing to him over and over and over again while on the phone, Troy would have the chicken baking with the plastic package of parts left inside.

Troy bounded up the stairs and dashed into the shower. He had beaten his own shower record but thirty seconds. Troy was certainly impressed with himself. Unfortunately, he couldn't bask in his would greatest.

He raced into his room, not before catching a waft of wonderful aromas from downstairs. Pulling on his suit, keeping the jacket off until the time was right, Troy brushed his hair and sprayed on some cologne. With one last thought, he gargled with mouthwash.

"Minty fresh."

"Your bird only needs thirty more minutes. I just warned Anna that you were coming so Gabriella is getting ready. Drapes are covering the windows so she can't see outside. So, be quiet. I'll handed the mess you made."

His mother had packed up the picnic basket with his food, plates, silverware, napkins, and a tablecloth. The cake was in its own container while the chicken was still in its pan, covered.

"Don't forget to lay a towel on the seat so nothing burns the linings." His mother kissed his forehead. "Look at my little man…a gentleman."

"Oh mom." He quickly packed all the things he would need into his car and he was off.

Troy had no time to think. Troy had no time to slow down. He handed over the food to Mrs. Montez who heated it all up for him.

Troy went to the backyard, sun setting in the distance. Rubbing his hands together, he dove right into the challenge. Twinkle lights were draped low in the trees while torches were lit. The table was set up, covered in white. Places were set and candles were lit. A portable stereo played soothing melodies.

"I'm leaving, Troy but I'll be back by ten-thirty. It's still a school night."

"Thank you, ma'am." He watched as her eyes scanned over the scene set. He knew she approved.

Troy still had five minutes to go so he stayed outside and watched Gabi's shadow through her curtains. To his advantage, her light was on. None of the lights set out here could be seen up there. With his jacket finally on, Troy walked through the house – not forgetting to pull out the chicken first – and out the front door.

He rang the doorbell.

Troy took a deep breath. He took another breath.

He could hear the movement behind the door. The door slowly opened. "Wow."

Gabriella had her hair pinned up elegantly, a few tendrils framing her face delicately. Her lips shined as her eyes shimmered. A small chain of pearls hung around her neck. A satin, cream dress flowed over her curves, stopping mid-calf.

"You look gorgeous." His whole world went blank at the sight of her. It was like seeing her for the first time again. She took his breath away.

"You look rather dashing. If I may say so."

"You may. You can do whatever you want."

She immediately flushed, looking down at her shoes. When she held her head up once more, Gabriella stroked his tie fondly. "You can tie a tie?"

"Doesn't everybody?" Troy held out his arm, which Gabriella took politely. They walked down her pathway. Troy turned to the right, leading the two to the gate.

"What's going on?"

"You'll see." As they approached the gate, Troy thought of something better. "Close your eyes."

His girlfriend furrowed her brow. "What's goin-?"

He quieted her with a kiss to the cheek. "Trust me." With her hand not tightly gripping his forearm, Gabriella allowed Troy to guide her. He enjoyed her depending on him to lead her to safety. She gave herself so willingly to other – to him. He wasn't too sure if he could wait to tell those words.

Making sure she was in the perfect spot, Troy whispered: "Open your eyes."

He heard the sharp intake of breath. "You did this without me knowing? When?"

"A few minutes ago."

"Oh, Troy." She flung her arms around his neck, holding him close. "This is the most romantic, thoughtful…beautiful thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you." Her voice quivered.

"Don't cry. I would never want to make you cry."

"I'm just so happy." She took his hand and strolled towards the table set for two. Troy pulled out her seat and pushed it in a bit. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Wait here." He tried to walk casually back inside but his nerves were on high alert so he awkwardly raced into the kitchen. He took out the salad bowls his mother had packed him, filled them up. Now what about the dressing? It seemed tacky in comparison to the whole setup to bring out the bottle. But his mom thought of that as well.

A small gravy boat. "That'll work." He placed the salad, dressing, two glasses and pitcher of ice water on a platter that Mrs. Montez left out for him. Calling upon all his basketball skills, Troy made his way over to Gabi, tray in hand, balanced perfectly.

He set the tray on the table. Gabriella helped him remove the items. She even filled the two glasses. "I'm assuming you cooked dinner."

"You assumed right. This is course one. Then there's two and three."

"Well, well, well. Look at Mr. Fancy. I can't wait to see what else you made."

That smile was never going to leave her lips. Troy was pleased with himself, knowing that he caused such happiness to swell inside her. The appetizer was short lived and Troy made another trip to the kitchen. He stacked up the dirtied bowls and retrieved fresh plates. He quickly carved the chicken.

Not caring about particular layouts and presentation, Troy put the food on the plate, the plates on the tray, and out the door he went.

"This is remarkable. You never told me you could cook. You never cease to amaze me." Gabriella took another bite of the rice pilaf.

"It's not that hard to cook. Besides, you never told me you knew how to shoot. I'm still wondering how you managed to make that shot on the foul line way back when."

She giggled. "My older brother, Cristóbal. We call him Cris for short."

"You have an older brother? Should I be watching my back right now?"

"No. He's living with my dad. I don't talk much to my father since he cheated on my mom. That's why they divorced a few years back. I chose to stay with my mamá and Cris chose to stay with papí. You and Cris would have gotten along great since you both love basketball. I don't know much but he did teach me some." She laid her hands on the table.

"I'm sorry to hear that your father cheated." Troy laid his palms over Gabi's hands. "Why don't you see your brother often?"

"He's overseas in Iraq."

"Oh. Happier subject time. Summer's almost here."

She laughed quietly. "Thank goodness. I can finally rest from the Academic team. And just hangout with you."

"That will certainly be nice. Chad and I had always said that the summer before senior year – and after now that I think about it – we would road trip somewhere or at least just go up to California. Maybe us four can do that?"

"That would be so cool. I could show you guys my old school…the one I just transferred from."

"That could be fun. We will do that."

Soon, the finished up their meals and Troy repeated his trip to the kitchen. However, this go round, he packed everything up. When it was time to go, he could just leave the cake, pack in the last bit of dirty dishes, unplug the lights, and take back the tablecloth. He could take everything down and return the things another day.

Troy had placed the saucer plates and a knife on top of the baby blue cake box.

"You know, babe, it's ten already."

Troy sat down. Thank goodness he could not think of anything else to do after the dinner was over. "Well, this was it. I know you're mom said she'll be here in half and hour."

"Oh. This was fantastic. I – I just don't know what to say."

"Then just say, 'Cut the cake.'"

"Cut the cake." She laughed.

He opened the box. Gabriella leaned close, reading in the candlelight. In immaculately thin script, the words, 'More than you, more than me. Not a want but a need…both of us breaking free' , were written in purple. No other design competed against the simplicity of those words.

Gabi wiped away a tear. "This is so thoughtful." She leaned over, cueing Troy to follow suit. Their lips met in the middle.

Troy cut two corner pieces. "I can't believe we both like corners."

"It's the best." She used her fork to break off a piece. "And it's marble with whipped frosting – my favorite."

"I know."

The evening had wended down. Gabriella persistently agreed to help Troy clean up to which Troy persistently said: "I can handle it."

Gabriella folded up the tablecloth, turned off the music, and unplugged the lights all while Troy was inside cleaning up.

"I told you don't worry about it."

"I know. I wanted to help you." They walked back the way the came. Gabi took the basket from the sandy-headed teen, placing it in the passenger seat of his Jeep. Troy led her to her front step. He embraced her. "You looked breathtaking tonight. Though you look that way every time I lay my eyes on you. When I see you, I feel lighter…happier. When I met you, something was unlocked within. When I'm with you, I want to keep you near. Gabriella Montez, you just don't know how you've completely changed my life for the better. You're always in my mind and in my heart."

He placed his lips on her forehead before cupping her face in his hand. Kissing her mouth was a delight Troy was addicted to. He leisurely wet her lips with his tongue. She molded to his body. Right as she allowed him entrance, he pulled away.

"It's time for bed. Sweet dreams, Gabriella." He hugged her one last time. Then, with a deep, encouraging breath, he sighed in her ear. "I love you."

The look of shock and pure elation was enough to make Troy go weak in the knees. Tears silently streamed down Gabi's face. With his thumb he wiped them away.

"I love you too, Troy."