Happy belated Valentine's Day!
how's everyone been? good i hope. i was having some computer problems before which was SERIOUSLY hindering my progress on this story, but everything seems to be okay now.
Now, as flattering as it is having so many of you adding this story on your faves/alerts, it would REALLY be great if you guys left a review. Even just a sentence, ANYTHING. it wont kill you i'm sure. Thanks for all the adds anyways!
Now, concerning this story, i've been feeling rather uninspired as of late. Thankfully, i am planning on ending it soon, although i am planning a spectacular finale (as always). Sadly this chapter is not very long as a result. It's a lot of fluff, and not much else, I hope you'll forgive that.
Game Day Pt. 2
Troy heaved a great sigh as he pulled on his shoes. He was the last one in the changeroom, and the rest of the team was already on the court running drills. As he absently tied his laces, Troy's mind drifted from the musty changeroom and mulled lazily over the tireless hours he had spent preparing for this day. Today was the big day, but somehow, it had lost its importance within the last few months. Troy could barely remember the beginning of the school year, when there was nothing but the championships on his mind. He had grown so much since then. Gabriella taught him the difference between infatuation and true love, and likewise she learned it too (albeit the hard way). He had also come to learn to see people in a different light. Ryan, who was once this freaky theatre-nut who hid in his sister's shadow, was now the very meaning of Troy's existence. Whether it was in detention or onstage, getting to know the real Ryan brought Troy no greater joy. With that came the harsh reality of society's view on Troy and Ryan's "minority". It was hard to face, but with the help of some good friends, things didn't turn out half bad.
Troy smiled. How could he be focused on something so silly as basketball when there were so many things in life of greater significance. There were far wiser teachings than "Get'cha head in the game," that was certain. Of course, it held some importance, as did today's game. But if and when Troy got his scholarship – and his father a nice big trophy – and when Troy moved on to lead the Redhawks to victory as he had the Wildcats, what then? Could Troy say he had fulfilled what he had set out to do? Faced with that question at the start of the school year, Troy probably would have answered yes. But now, Troy knew in his heart that all the fame and money in the world could not bring him the same happiness that Ryan did. Being a basketball star was one thing. Being loved and in love was another.
And so as Troy strode out of the locker room to join the disorderly warm-up, he did so knowing that even if he didn't win today, he would still have a pair of outstretched arms to hold him when the game was over.
And in the end, he would be a winner after all.
-o-O-O-O-o-
A grin was plastered on Ryan's face as he watched Troy bound onto the court, and for a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to forget about his sister sitting beside him. She hadn't said a word since they entered the gym, although Ryan could recognize that steeliness in Sharpay's gaze that meant she was troubled over whatever it was tormenting her mind.
Ryan laughed softly and bounced in his seat as he watched Troy. Ryan was never a big fan of watching sports, but there was something about sitting front row at the centerline that got his blood pumping. Troy was right, he and Sharpay really did have the best seats in the house. Ryan was so close to the action, he almost felt like part of the game. Well, part of the practice anyways. The game proper didn't start for another forty-five minutes. As if to emphasize the fact, Sharpay looked pointedly at her watch. She grumbled loudly, although Ryan didn't care to hear what she had to say.
"Isn't this cool, Sharpay?"
Sharpay yawned in response. Although, she gave Ryan a sideways glance and smirked. He looked like a five-year-old at his first ever sporting event. Ryan always had a childish way of showing his excitement, and Sharpay had to admit… it was cute. She sighed as she looked out toward the court, just in time to see Troy score a lay up. Anyone who made her brother this happy had to be right for him…
Sharpay hid behind her iron mask for the duration of the practice, as Ryan exclaimed something every few minutes. Slowly, the bleachers around them started to fill up, and before long, it was time for the game to start….
-o-O-O-O-o-
Ryan ran out onto the court, jumping up and down and cheering. East High had won the championship. He pushed past the sweaty masses of athletes as he searched for his boyfriend. He spotted him just as Chad awarded him the game ball once again. He ran up to Troy and engulfed him in a tight hug.
"Congrats, Wildcat!" Ryan said happily, kissing Troy on the cheek. "I knew you could do it."
"Thanks Ry," Troy beamed, wrapping his arm around Ryan. Around them, the other Wildcats yelled and cheered like maniacs, and eventually, everyone broke out in the East High victory song, We're All In This Together.
After showering and changing up, Troy met Ryan in the parking lot. They embraced once again as they strolled to Sharpay's car.
"So…" Ryan said, "You know what this means?"
"Sex?" Troy asked hopefully. Ryan let out a laugh.
"Food first," he said, poking Troy's stomach, "My treat. Then sex." They came to a halt at Sharpay's parking spot, only to find it empty. Fluttering slightly in the breeze, a sparkly pink Post-It note was stuck to the ground. Ryan bent over to pick it up.
Ryan,
Zeke and I are going to celebrate, you'll have to find your own way home.
-S.E.
Ryan blinked as he clutched the note in his hand. Behind him, Troy wrapped his arms around his waist and leaned his head on his shoulder.
"She left?" he asked. Ryan nodded.
"Mm hmm."
Troy blew into Ryan's ear softly, and nipped at his earlobe, making Ryan flinch and giggle. His hands found their way under Ryan's shirt, and they tickled Ryan's stomach with feathery lightness. Ryan squirmed. "Stop it!"
Troy let out a low chuckle into Ryan's ear and sighed. "Okay, okay." With arms still wrapped around Ryan's body, Troy turned him around and led him out of the parking lot. "I know this great Italian place on the next block. Want to stop in there for our celebratory feast?"
"Mmm, pasta…" Ryan said hungrily. "That sounds great." He let Troy lead him away from the school, relishing in the warmth of Troy's embrace. The two walked in peaceful silence, drowning in each other's presence. They didn't care if they were in public, where they could be seen by judgmental passersby. They could stare as long as they wanted, it would make no difference to the two boys. In Troy's world, there was only Ryan, and in Ryan's there was only Troy. The masses of nobodies that surrounded them blurred into the background as the couple parted them. Troy nudged his head against Ryan's cheek.
"Ryan?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks…" Troy murmured, releasing a sigh that tickled Ryan's neck. "…for being there for me."
Ryan smiled and kissed Troy's hand. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
boo, those too suck. let me tell you, v-day wasn't that great surrounded by the above all day long.
ooh ooh ooh, wonder what's eating Sharpay? Nothing! She's at the top of the food chain! hardy har har...
har...
ahem...
anyways, there's actually a reason behind my lack of inspiration for this story. the first reason is the serious lack of reviews as of late. the second reason is my next major story, Hairspray Musical, which i have been working on lots. i'm really excited for it, and i hope you all are too. chck out my profile for details.
and on the topic of my profile, i've completely revamped it again. Now, there's a bunch of useful information on it, like what stories I'm working on, what stories I'm planning for the future, all the fics I'm currently reading, as well as a bunch on notices to keep you guys up to date on my status. and a bunch of random crap like my extensive collection of HSM crap. check it out if you're bored.
i've run out of things to say, so i'll leave it at that. i hope you all enjoyed that chapter, and please review!
Fire and Water has been updated! -hyperventilate- MUST READ NOW! yaaaaaaaaay!
oh, and FYI, Super Mario Galaxy is the shit.