Chapter 6

Thank you all for your beautiful reviews! They always make me so happy. I love them a lot. Sorry I've kept you waiting. I hope you enjoy, and I'm going to try to update more quickly. I know I hate waiting for the next chapter of a story, so I'm sure all of y'all do too. As atonement I've tried to make this chapter extra-long, so I hope it's not too tedious.

Gabriella Montez sat, blissfully unaware of what her calculus teacher was talking about. In all honesty, she was so oblivious to the rest of the world right now that she wasn't even quite sure she was in calculus class. Maybe it was literature. Since lunch (and even before that) she had been able to think of nothing but Troy Bolton. After she had received a goodbye kiss from him and walked into her fourth class fifteen minutes late she couldn't concentrate on anything but his lips, his hands, his smile, his voice. Him. That had been two classes ago. The novelty still had not worn off. She giggled aloud, thinking about the fact that she had a date with him. He was taking her to dinner!

"Miss Montez," Gabriella looked up to see her physics teacher, Mrs. Eldridge. She was tapping her foot impatiently at the front of the classroom, "would you mind enlightening the class as to what's so funny?

"Uh," Gabriella was horrible at thinking on her feet, "I was just thinking about a physics joke?" It sounded more like a question than a statement of excuse.

Her teacher smirked at this, "By all means, do share."

Gabriella paled. She hadn't expected that, "W…why are? I mean, why are quantum physicists so poor at…at s-sex?" Her face was alight with embarrassment as the word 'sex' earned a couple of chuckles from the football team. Gabriella nibbled on her lower lip before realizing that Mrs. Eldridge actually expected her to finish, "because…because when they find the position they can't find the momentum," she slouched in her seat, thoroughly mortified, "and vice versa." She finished.

Her teacher sighed exasperatedly, "Thank you, Miss Montez. Now that you have effectively mocked my profession shall we continue?"

Gabriella nodded, feeling tears prick at her eyes. She had not been this humiliated since Sharpay had 'accidentally' poured chocolate milk onto her white blouse. She didn't understand how such a wonderful day had turned so drastically. Before this little fiasco, Gabriella had been over the moon with glee. It had been such a fabulous day. Troy had kissed her, and talked to her, and walked her to every class. He had even held her hand as they walked to class, not caring about the looks the student body was directing at the pair. She had relished the feeling of his fingers linked with her own. He had been sweet and affectionate every time she had seen him. The giddy feeling she felt when she would see him standing outside the door of her most recent classroom was just as intense every time.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Begrudgingly, she packed up her belongings and scurried past Mrs. Eldridge.

"Hi, beautiful," she was met by the cool voice of Troy Bolton as she exited the classroom. "Hey," he backtracked as he saw the pouting look on her face, "what's the matter?"

She sighed, offering him a smile of surrender, "Oh nothing. I just humiliated myself in class."

He brushed a stray curl from her face before framing her cheek with his large hand, "What happened?"

"It's all your fault," she fell easily into the feeling of his rough hand on her face, inadvertently closing her eyes. Troy chuckled at the frown painting her face. "All I could do was think about the fact that you've walked me to every class, and you asked me to dinner."

He smoothed the frown line between her brows, "Do you have any idea how freakin' adorable you are? But I don't see how I humiliated you in class, Gabriella."

She cocked her head to the side, her eyelashes fluttering cutely, "It's because I giggled…apparently loudly. And it's all your fault, because if you weren't so sweet and didn't give me a dinner date to look forward to I never would have been happy enough to giggle in the middle of physics class. Then, Mrs. Eldridge asked what was funny, and I'm a horrible liar so I told her it was a physics joke." She threw her hands up, a bit defeated and quite dramatically, "A physics joke, Troy! And she made me tell it, and it was awful, and it had the word 'sex' in it. And it's all your fault for being so wonderful."

Troy laughed heartily for several seconds before he wrapped his arms around the beauty in front of him and captured her unsuspecting lips with his own. It was slow and languid. Gabriella fought his advances for a full two seconds before falling into the kiss. Her fingers found the hair at the nape of his neck, and she resisted the urge to press herself more firmly against his strong body. When air became a necessity Troy pulled back slowly, his voice low and husky, "For a genius you sure are illogical. Regardless," he grinned at her, "I'm sorry that you were humiliated in class on my account."

"It's okay," she rolled her eyes playfully. "I forgive you."

"Good, because I couldn't stand it if you were mad at me," he was smiling, but Gabriella sensed the seriousness of his underlying tone.

It was her turn to bring her hand up to his face. She felt the slightest beginnings of stubble, "How could I ever be angry at you?" She stepped at bit closer, her dreamy eyes entrancing him, "You know, when you said you'd walk me to every class I wasn't really expecting it, but there you were," she stood on tiptoe, her breath ghosting over his face as she brought her lips near his ear, "You've waited outside every class for me…just like you said. Thank you for being so thoughtful." Troy groaned at the delicious feeling of her nose rubbing gently against the side of his face.

"I'd wait for you anywhere and everywhere, Gabriella Montez," he husked. He turned his head to kiss her cheek, "I'll even wait for you while you explain to your parents why you're late getting home."

A small smile appeared on Troy's face as he saw the confusion upon Gabriella's, "Huh?"

"School's over, beautiful." He kissed her lips. "I think we're the only people left beside the janitor."

Gabriella looked around. He was right, "Troy!" she sulked, even stomping her foot. "Is this going to become habit? I've only spent one school day with you and already I've been late twice!"

"There are worse things in the world than being late," he rationalized, making her scowl a bit more. He ran his hands up and down her arms soothingly, "C'mon, I'll follow you to your house, and I'll meet your parents and ask if it's okay to take you to dinner. I'll even explain that it's my mistake that you are late. Sound good?" He pecked her lips.

"Okay," she conceded. Those blue eyes melted her, "Mom will be easy to convince, but you also get to explain to my daddy that you want to take his one-and-only daughter on her very first date."

"Daddy?" Troy gulped apprehensively. Oh god, he was going to have to face her father.

Xxx

"Now don't worry too much," Gabriella fussed over Troy, smoothing her hands down his chest. He nodded obediently, but inside he was beaming at how cute she looked. "My parents are perfectly normal, and Mom will make sure that Daddy doesn't make it too terribly awkward for you."

Troy saluted her, "Yes, ma'am, I'll be on my best behavior, ma'am."

She giggled and threw her arms around his neck, "Glad to hear it. Now one last thing," she said seriously, but the sparkle in her eye told Troy that she was up to something, "kiss me before we go in there."

Troy obeyed, capturing her pink mouth. She giggled against his lips, inadvertently opening her mouth for a deeper kiss as Troy's tongue began seeking her. She gasped, but didn't protest. He tasted cool and calming, all the while making her burn with a feeling she wasn't used to, "Troy," she moaned, "slow remember?"

He pulled away, blushing a bit. "I'm sorry, Gabriella. I didn't mean to get carried away."

She wrapped her arms around his waist in an understanding hug, "Okay," she whispered, but not before lacing their fingers, "let's go meet my parents." She tugged him toward her from door.

"Mom," she pushed the door open, "Mom, I'm home. Sorry I'm late."

"I'm in the kitchen, baby. Daddy should be home soon. Why are you late?" Elena Montez's voice reminded Troy of Gabriella. She sounded just as soft spoken and gentle as her daughter was. Troy liked that. It was an instantly comforting feeling, the feeling of knowing it wouldn't be so bad. After all, Gabriella had been raised by these people, and she was perfect.

Gabriella looked over her shoulder, making sure Troy was still okay. At seeing that he was all smiles, she escorted him to the kitchen, "Mom," Gabriella began in that honey sweet voice that Troy could get oh so used to, "I have someone with me."

Elena Montez turned around, and Troy instantly knew who had bestowed Gabriella with such captivating beauty. She truly was this woman's daughter. They shared the same dark curls and inquisitive eyes. They donned the same high cheekbones and contagious smile.

"Well, hello," she beamed at both Troy and her daughter, "I'm Elena Montez, and you must be…" she trailed off.

Gabriella interjected, "Mom, this is Troy," she looked up at him before turning back to her mother, "he's the reason I'm late." Troy instantly paled at being out-ed by Gabriella.

"Is that so," she laughed good-naturedly, waiting for an explanation.

"Uh, yes ma'am. It's my fault. Sorry about that," he felt his neck become hot with embarrassment, "I was just planning on coming to meet you today, so Brie was waiting on me," the nickname did not go unnoticed by Mrs. Montez, and she felt her own stomach turn in excitement for her daughter as Troy continued, "anyway, I was running a little late because I was talking to a teacher."

"That's perfectly fine, Troy." She assured, "I'm glad you came home with Gabriella today. She rarely brings over visitors, so this is a treat."

Gabriella blushed at her mother's admittance that she had few friends, but didn't have time to address it as a familiar voice filled the house.

"Elena," it was a masculine voice that Troy assumed could only belong to Gabriella's father, "who's car is out front? Do we have company?"

"In the kitchen, honey," Elena called back, "and yes. We do have company. Gabriella's brought home a friend."

Gabriella dropped Troy's hand and beamed up at him before rushing to greet her father.

"Hi, Daddy."

"Hi, princess," he engulfed his daughter in a hug before kissing her forehead, "who's this friend you've invited over?"

"Promise to be nice?" She asked.

"Princess, I'm always nice. Is there a reason I shouldn't be?" Antonio Montez rose his left brow, causing Gabriella to laugh.

"No," she hugged him again, "there's no reason to be mean. He's very sweet. I think you'll like him."

"Him?" Mr. Montez inquired.

Gabriella nodded and blushed, "He's in the kitchen with Mom."

The pair made their way into the next room to see Troy chatting happily with Mrs. Montez.

"Antonio," the love that sparkled in Elena Montez's eyes at seeing her husband was something Gabriella still marveled at. After twenty years they were still in complete love with one another. Elena pressed her lips to her husband's mouth before realizing they had an audience. She turned around, coughing embarrassedly. Troy and Gabriella both grinned at her blushing parents.

"Daddy, this is Troy Bolton. Troy this is my father, Antonio Montez." Gabriella introduced.

"Nice to meet you, sir," Troy stuck out his hand in greeting. Thankfully, Mr. Montez accepted his gesture.

"Nice to meet you too, son. How is it that you know my daughter exactly?" He did not waste any time.

"Antonio," his wife scolded gently, rubbing his arm.

"We go to school together, Daddy," Gabriella supplied, "Troy just came over to spend some time with me."

"I see."

"Honey," Gabriella had never been so happy to have her mother in the room, "why don't you and Troy go spend some time together in your room? I'll come up when dinner is ready. Or you could go for a walk. I can call you when dinner is ready, mi hija." She directed her words toward the shy-looking boy beside her blushing daughter, "Will you be staying for dinner with us, Troy?"

"Uh, if it's all right I would love to, Mrs. Montez. I'll have to call my parents, but I don't see them having a problem with it."

"Lovely," she radiated with happiness for her sweet daughter, "Well, you two go on. No sense in spending time with the elderly."

"Mom," Gabriella rolled her eyes happily at her mother's attempt at humor. She then looked up at Troy before taking his hand and leading him up the stairs. The pair could hear the not so subtle whispering of her parents as they climbed the stairs.

"Her room, Elena?" Antonio fussed. "Why not hand them a condom on the way up?"

"Oh, mi amor, don't be silly. You know nothing will happen. I trust our sweet daughter, and Troy seems perfectly responsible and considerate."

Gabriella closed her door quietly before the two teens burst into a fit of laughter.

"My dad just said 'condom,' Troy. I am so sorry!" She was still laughing.

He was laughing just as heartily as she was, "It's okay. I really like your parents, Gabriella."

Shyly, Gabriella sat down on her bed and waited for Troy to join her, "Really? They're kind of silly, and totally mushy."

Troy kissed her cheek, "I like them. I wish my parents were like yours. They don't argue or anything, but they aren't in love either. Your parents are. It's nice to see."

Gabriella snuggled closer to Troy, her arms encasing him in an awkward, yet genuine, hug. He maneuvered on her bed, making their hugging position less awkward as he too cuddled into her.

"Your parents are cute."

"Yeah," she sighed, liking the feeling of being so close to Troy, "I guess they are." She wiggled a bit in order to see Troy's face, "I'd like to meet your parents sometime if that's okay."

"I'd like that," he kissed her forehead and reluctantly pulled away, stretching a bit, "speaking of parents, I need to call mine and tell them I'm having dinner with a beautiful girl and her mushy parents."

"Hey," Gabriella seemed to realize, "what happened to our dinner date? We weren't meant to be having dinner here tonight." Troy noticed the dejection marring her perfect face.

He wrapped her up in his arms once again, "It's okay. Don't be sad," he soothed, "It's all part of my expert plan to spend as much time with you as possible. I'll earn your parents good graces tonight, and before I leave I'll ask if I can take you out tomorrow."

Gabriella radiated joy at his explanation. She planted a kiss on his lips before seeking, "And you said I was the genius."

Xxx

About an hour and a half had passed before Elena Montez ascended the stairs to her only daughter's room. She knocked gently on the door before pushing it open, "Sweetheart," she smiled at the sight before her. Gabriella and Troy had apparently fallen asleep on her bed. Gabriella was snuggled into Troy's side with her head and hand resting against his chest, and his arms were holding her securely in that position. Quietly, Elena Montez scurried to her own bedroom, retrieving a camera. She came back, snapping several pictures of her pretty daughter and her "friend." Afterward, she placed the camera back in her bedroom and commenced to waking the adorable teenagers in front of her, though she was sad to ruin the picturesque scene.

"Mi hija," she called a bit loudly, startling Gabriella from her nap, "dinner is ready." Gabriella looked up sleepily at her mother, causing Elena to laugh, "Honey, Daddy and I will meet the two of you downstairs in a few minutes. Wake Troy," as she was leaving, she turned back to her wide-eyed daughter, "and make sure you brush your hair. Daddy will get the wrong idea."

With that Gabriella scrambled out of bed. She peered into the mirror of her vanity. Her light make-up was smudged, and her curls were a mess. Not to mention her top that was hanging down, her bra peeking out. She groaned before making herself presentable.

"Troy," she rubbed her nose against his in an effort to wake him, "dinner is ready."

He mumbled, "I think I need you to kiss me awake."

Gabriella did just that, feeling Troy's arms encase her. She pulled away before their actions got out of hand, "Up you go," she coaxed, "my parents are waiting." After she pulled Troy to his feet she moved seductively close to Troy, her hand running across his lower stomach, "Fix your shirt. You don't want my parents to get the wrong idea."

Troy shivered at the intimate touch, "Something else is going to give them the wrong idea if you touch me like that again," he growled, causing the innocent girl in front of him to back up and blush profusely, her crimson cheeks doing nothing to hinder Troy's arousal.

"Let's go, stud." She shivered.

Xxx

"So, Troy," Mr. Montez began, "you go to school with my Gabi?"

"Yes, sir," Troy chewed before continuing, "We don't have any classes together, but we have lunch and free period at the same time."

"Do you play any sports, son?"

"Basketball, but it's over for the season, so I don't play much now." He was being modest.

Gabriella grabbed Troy's hand beneath the table, smiling up at him as she realized this was an opportune time to brag on the boy next to her. "Troy has full-ride basketball scholarships to several schools in California, Daddy, not to mention U of A."

Troy blushed at the way Gabriella doted upon him. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze of appreciation.

"Is that so!" Mr. Montez chuckled with delight, "That's great to know! I always respect a young man with ambition, but don't forget, college is for academic studies as well."

"Yes, sir," Troy agreed, "my dad has high hopes that I'll go pro, but I'm not so sure. I'm majoring in sports medicine."

"Gabi," her father grinned, and she couldn't be more elated, "I like your friend."

"Thank you, Daddy."

Dinner went better than either Troy or Gabriella had expected, and by the end of it Troy was recounting the championship game to Mr. Montez as Gabriella and Mrs. Montez tidied up.

"Do you need any help," Troy paused his story seeing the women clean up dinner.

"No," Gabriella smiled, running a hand down his arm, "finish your story. Daddy seems intrigued."

Troy obeyed as Gabriella disappeared into the kitchen. She placed the dirty dishes in the sink before walking into her mother's open arms, "I'm glad that you both like him," she admitted.

"He's lovely, Gabriella. I'm glad you like him. I think he really likes you too."

Really?" her eyes were so hopeful that Elena felt tears prick at her own.

"Really," she confirmed, "c'mon, then. I'll have your father help me so you have some time to say goodbye to Troy."

The two women walked back to the dining room, seeing their men still in good spirits, "Antonio, help me with the dishes, please. Gabriella would like to say goodbye to Mr. Bolton now."

Troy stood, clapping Mr. Montez's hand in his own, "It was nice to meet you Mr. Montez." He then approached Gabriella's mother, "You as well, Mrs. Montez," she hugged him warmly.

"Nice to meet you as well," Mr. Montez came to stand beside his wife.

"Before I say goodbye to Gabriella," Troy began timidly, "I wanted to ask if it would be all right for me to take her out to dinner tomorrow."

Gabriella looked hopefully at her parents, and even Mr. Montez couldn't deny the sparkle this boy put into his daughter's eyes. He offered a sideways glance to his wife, seeing her approval, he spoke, "Well, it is a Saturday tomorrow, so I suppose it would be acceptable as long as Gabi agrees."

"I agree!" She practically squealed, throwing her arms around both parents.

"Go say goodbye to Troy," Mrs. Montez suggested softly, earning a nod from her daughter.

The pair walked to the front porch. Troy brushed his fingers over her face, "Thank you for dinner, Gabriella."

"Thank you for staying." She tilted her head to meet his lips. They shared a languorous kiss. Gabriella liked it when they didn't rush it. She liked the feeling of having all the time in the world to kiss Troy Bolton. She was wrapped up in his arms, her fingers playing in his hair. Troy drew away slowly, his forehead resting against hers.

"I could kiss you forever," Troy admitted.

"I'd like that," Gabriella countered before kissing Troy again.