Glamorous

Because You Loved Me

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except for the plot.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! It really means a lot to me. (: Now...enjoy!

"Good morning, students," Ms. Darbus said, waltzing into the room. "I hope you all had a wonderful break. But we're in school now, so no more acting like hooligans." Ms. Darbus snapped her fingers in front of Reyna's face and Reyna rolled her eyes, hopping from on top of her desk and seating herself in her seat. Ms. Darbus smiled. "Thank you, Reyna. Now, I'm sure you all know that prom is tonight and I'm sure the majority of you are excited..." Ms. Darbus's voice trailed off as Troy sunk in his seat, sighing. He had almost forgotten about prom. Is Gabriella going now that they're just friends?

Troy's thoughts were interrupted by a crumbled up paper landing on his desk. He sat up straight and peered around the room, but everyone seemed to either be paying attention to Darbus or staring off into space, bored. Troy glanced down at the paper. He opened it and was surprised to see Gabriella's fine print on it.

Is our movie & popcorn still in check?

Troy grinned and put the paper on the desk. He twisted in his seat and looked back at Gabriella. She caught his eye and her lips twisted up into a slow smile. Troy nodded before turning back around. Okay, it wouldn't be the same if they were just friends, but it will still work. When the bell rung, everyone stood and flee from the room. Gabriella caught up with Troy. "So, that was a 'yes' then?' she questioned.

"Of course," Troy confirmed. "We'll sit down and watch the Notebook and have a dozen boxes of tissues by us with some, fatty, buttery, salty popcorn," Troy listed off. Gabriella grinned. She opened her mouth to speak, but another voice beat her. "Gabriella, I heard about your kidnapping."

Gabriella turned around and crossed her arms. "Oh, hello, Reyna. How are you?"

"I'm fine. But anyway, how was your break? Anything...interesting?" Gabriella rolled her eyes and didn't answer. Reyna continued. "In my opinion, I think he should have worked harder kidnapping you. Then maybe you wouldn't be—"

"Look, we'd love to stay and chat, Reyna, but Gabriella and I have to go to class," Troy interrupted. Reyna looked at him and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, sure Whatever." Gabriella sent her a fake smile before he and Troy trotted off. She threw him a small appreciative smile. "Thanks. Didn't really feel like putting up with her crap," she said quietly.

Troy nodded and on impulse control, he leaned down, about to capture her lips in a quick kiss. But Gabriela turned her head, his lips falling onto her cheeks instead. "Troy..." she said lightly. "Nothing's changed...not yet at least. I still need some space. Remember? Were friends."

Troy nodded. "For now," he said. "Friends. But I will still walk you to class and I will still drive you to school."

Gabriella had a smile toying at her lips. "Okay. But if you walk me to class you have to hold my books." Troy rolled his eyes but nevertheless he grasped Gabriella's notebook and book bag. They turned down a corner towards first period, but the path was blocked by a gathering of people. Troy and Gabriella shared a curious look before looking at the scene. Stephen was pushed against some lockers while Hunter was pushing him against it. Evelynn was besides them, yelling at Hunter to get off. But Hunter didn't listen. Instead he gave Stephen's jaw a nice, firm punch. "Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"Dude, get the fuck off of me!" Stephen yelled, his eyes enlarged. "It was just a harmless joke! It's not like you two date or anything." Hunter's face flashed red. He gave another hard punch to Stephen's face and this time Stephen's head jerked to the side, a crack sounding off from his body. "Hunter, stop it! He didn't mean anything about it!" Evelynn said, trying to reason. Stephen reached up and gently touched his jaw. Pain fluttered at the sore spot and he ground. "Dude," he rasped, blood leaking from his mouth. "I think you broke something."

"That's not the only thing I'm going to break," Hunter sneered. He lifted his fist and pulled back, ready to strike again. Troy sliced through teh crowd and grasped Hunter's fist, pulling him back. Hunter stumbled and gave Troy a ghostly look. "What, Bolton?" he spat.

"I should be asking you that," Troy said. "Dude, what is your problem?"

"That fucking prick is my problem. Now let me go."

Troy ignored him. He turned to Stephen. "What'd you do?'

"I just said some stuff about the new girl," Stephen insisted. "He acts like he owns her."

"No, I just know to respect girls," Hunter said, glaring at Stephen.

Stephen rolled his eyes. "Sure. Then I guess Gabriella isn't a girl?"

Hunter narrowed his eyes. "She's different." Troy let go of Hunter. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Hunter. "What do you mean she's different?"

"She's...I had to do it. It's complicated."

"You had to do it?"

"Troy, it's fine, come on," Gabriella urged after she squeezed her way past the crowd. She grasped his arm and attempted to pull him away, but Troy stayed stationary glaring at Hunter. "Troy," Gabriella said, her voice firm.

"Shouldn't you be suspended, Bolton?" Stephen asked.

"Matsui suspended me from the prom, but that's it."

"What is going on here?" Gabriella's eyes went wide. She grabbed Troy's arms and yanked him back into the crowd forcefully as Mr. Matsui cut into the circle. "Sir, everything is fine," Evelynn said. Mr. Matsui shushed her and turned to Stephen, eyeing his bruise. "Stephen, the nurse and then my office. Hunter, you as well." Hunter narrowed his eyes at Stephen before stalking off with Matsui. Stephen rolled his eyes and started his walk down the hall. The crowd began to break and everyone eventually let the fight go and talked about other stuff.

"I don't like the new kid," Troy snarled.

Gabriella smiled and rubbed his arm soothingly. "Technically, he's kind of not a new kid anymore."

"I don't know..." Maxine looked at herself in the mirror wearily. She wore a purple sheath dress that flowed gracefully on her long, slim shape. The back was cut out and the neckline plunged low. The dress was fairly short, showing off her long, tanned legs. Gabriella had curled her hair and swished it to the side, letting it hang over her shoulder. She had also applied a bit of make-up. She went with smokey eye-shadow and peach lip gloss. She had to admit she looked stunning, but was Hollywood flashy really her?

"Shut up," Selena demanded. "You look beautiful. Even more beautiful than me and that's saying something." Selena went for a different kind of style. She had gone simpler. Just a short hot-pink dress with a big black bow tied to the side. She left her hair alone into it's curly waves and decided on a few choices of make-up. "Now, are we ready?"

"Leilani isn't ready yet."

And just as she said that, Leilani emerged from the bathroom. She had kept her dress a secret, strictly telling everyone that her dress reveal would be a surprise.

And it was.

She wore a long, satin blue dress that flared out at her waist. Tole was set up underneath it with gave it more volume. Swirls of glitter danced around the soft fabric in a dainty pattern and design. Her hair was one again straightened and this time it was twisted back into a tight ponytail. She had swiped at her eyelids carefully with smokey eye shadow and simply applied a bit of lipstick. To finish off the look, she had bangles and necklaces clinging to her and she wore stunning baby blue Louis Vuitton pumps. She looked beautiful.

"You look pretty, Lei," Reva commented, grinning at her friend.

Leilani smiled. "Thanks. But do you like the dress? I seriously got this thing a while ago. My mom brought it for me off line."

"It's amazing," Maxine breathed. She reached over to touch the fabric. "Seriously. Sketcher better keep his comments to himself."

"You're going with Sketcher?" Sharpay asked. "Sophomores are allowed into junior prom?"

"They have to be accompanied by a junior to enter," Leilani classified. "But, you know, it was either him or nothing."

"Well, that sucks," Maxine said with a pout. "Now it's just me and Sel that have no dates. And you know how Sel is..."

Selena crossed her arms, pretending to be offended. "What do you mean 'and you know how Sel is'?"

"I mean you are boring as crap," Leilani teased. Selena rolled her eyes. The girls settled into a small talk and no one really noticed how quiet one of them was. Gabriella sat on the sidelines, faintly smiling. Truthfully, she was bummed. She wanted to go to prom badly—there was no denying that. But even if her and Troy are just friends at the moment, it didn't feel quite right going without him even though she did already buy her prom dress. Gabriella sighed softly and brought a leg up to her chest. She rested her cheek on her knee and stared forward at a picture of her and Troy that had been taken when they were at the beach. She smiled faintly.

"Gabriella?" Taylor looked at Gabriella, just noticing how far away she looked. When Gabriella didn't answer, Taylor patted her shoulder. "Gabriella?"

"Huh? What?" Gabriella looked at them, a sheepish grin on her face. "Oh, sorry. Just spaced out there."

"Nothing is holding you back from going to prom, Gab," Maxine reminded her. "Troy can hang with Emil and Reva."

"Um, excuse me?" Reva said, grinning. "But Reva and Emil have plans. Like, private plans. We're going to the movie theater and pretend to watch the movie."

Maxine rolled her eyes and looked back at Gabriella. "No one is making you stay."

"No, I want to stay," Gabriella said firmly. "Being with Troy beats out everything."

Sharpay's eyebrows rose. "Thought he was just your friend."

"Yeah, but, you know, I love him. And he's not just my friend. He's my best friend—for now."

Selena smirked. "Uh huh. Of course there's a for now."

"You gals ready to leave?" Leilani asked. She stood and grabbed her purse. Selena, Maxine, Sharpay and Taylor nodded. Taylor was going to prom with Chad. She and him weren't on a relationship level again, but they were driving towards there. She was wearing a simple, sophisticated black dress that stopped a bit above her knees. Sharpay was going with Zeke. Unlike Taylor, it was anything but simple. It cost one grand and was a pink sequin dress. Silver lining danced across the bottom of it and she wore expensive pink pumps by none other than Louis Vuitton.

"So nervous," Selena murmured. But she still hooked her arm through Maxine's and Leilani's as they departed from the house. Reva sighed. "They should have a freshman prom. I really want to go to prom."

Gabriella smiled at her. "Prom is fun, but you need friends and people you love to be there in order to enjoy it. And Emil is just a room down." Reva flashed Gabriella a grateful smile before dashing out of the room and towards Emil's room. Gabriela giggled and stood up. She exited the room and walked down stairs. Like she anticipated, Troy was sprawled on the couch munching on Doritos and watching One Tree Hill. Gabriella's brows formed a perfect arch. "Wow, I didn't take you for much of the drama type," came Gabriella's teasing voice. Troy's eyes went wide and he quickly shut off the TV. He jolted into a sitting position and looked at Gabriella who had a smile toying at her lips. "Be quiet," Troy mumbled. Gabriella giggled and gestured to the seat beside him. "Is that seat taken?"

Troy's eyebrows rose as he looked at the seat. "Not unless Rosie or our siblings are planning to join us."

Gabriella smiled. "Good." She came and sat down next to him. "Now, because I so generously given up prom for you, you must do the honors and make some popcorn," Gabriella instructed, grinning at him. But Troy didn't smile back. He sighed. "You didn't have to miss out on prom, Brie. I would have been fine if you left."

Gabriella shook her head. "But I wouldn't be fine. I'd like my prom experience to be with you...even if as just friends." Gabriella ducked her head sheepishly when she saw the hurt flash in his eyes. She didn't want to hurt him and she knew he didn't want to hurt her, but he had to understand that she wanted to take a small break in their relationship. Not a break-up. A break. A small one, just for a bit.

Wordlessly Troy stood and walked into the kitchen. All the while, Gabriella willed herself to move. She picked out three DVD's. Grown Ups, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and Salt—all favorites of Troy. He liked comedy, action and anything with Angelina Jolie. When Troy returned, he had a steaming, buttery bowl of popcorn. "What movie are we watching?" he asked casually. He plopped down on the couch and then grasped Gabriella's legs and lifted them so they were resting on his lap. Gabriella smiled. "Grown Ups—if you want to watch it, that is." Troy nodded his confirmation and Gabriella pressed play. Although tension was obvious, they'd get through this. She wouldn't let a slip up get in the way of them. She connected with Troy and she wanted it to stay like that.

"Guys, I'm going to Julie's," Rosie announced. She trotted down the stairs and smiled when she saw Troy and Gabriella snuggled on the couch. She knew about the break in their relationship and she was glad that they were smiling at each other than glaring. "I'll be back at twelve, okay?"

"Okay," Gabriella said. "Bye."

And the house was theirs.

Reva and Emil had left a half hour ago to watch the 'movie' and of course, Rosie had just left.

It felt weird knowing that you had a big house all by yourself. It would be a lot easier to speculate on what to do if they were still together. "Troy?" Gabriella said quietly. Troy looked at her. "Hm?" Gabriella reached over and picked up a popcorn kernel. She flicked it his way and it bounced off his nose. Gabriella giggled. "Sorry, the butter made it slip from my fingers."

Troy smirked. He grabbed a handful of popcorn and catapulted them at Gabriella. She squealed. "Troy!"

"Oops," he said cheekily. "the butter made them slip."

"Oh, it is so on now," Gabriella told him. She got up and lunged at him, scooping up a handful of popcorn as she did. She pushed the kernels into Troy's face and Troy laughed. He grasped her wrist and pinned her to the couch and to make sure she wouldn't get away, he sat gently on her thighs. Gabriella withered beneath him, but he never gave way. "Troy! Get your fat ass of of me!"

"I am not fat," Troy scoffed. "And you need to be punished. Calling me fat and pushing popcorn in my face? I am shocked, Montez." Gabriella rolled her eyes. She grabbed another kernel and flicked it at him. She giggled as it plucked him in the nose. "Oh, you are so going to get it now." Troy leaned down and tickled her sides, making Gabriella squirm and squeal under him.

"Troy!" she shrieked.

"Say you're sorry and that you think Troy Bolton is the most superior, the most handsome, and the most amazing guy ever." Troy moved to her abdomen and Gabriella literally jerked off of the couch. Laughs were tumbling out of her lips and tears were now starting to grow. "Okay, okay! J-just stop!" Troy grinned triumphantly. He grasped her wrist again and pinned them above her head. Gabriella looked up at him and smiled. "Troy Bolton is the most superior, the most handsome, and the most amazing guy ever." She paused. "And I couldn't ask for anyone better."

He smiled and let go of her hands. "Thank you. And by the way, you've expanded my ego."

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "Oh, great. It was already the size of Asia, Antarctica and Africa put together!" Troy smirked and reached down, his fingers wiggling suggestively. Gabriella quickly pushed his hands away. "I was kidding!" she insisted, but by how she started giggling, Troy knew she was lying. He slid off of her legs and Gabriella reclined them, placing them of the floor.

"You do know I am really sorry about that night, right?" Troy questioned softly. Gabriella took his hand and ran the pad of her thumb over his knuckles. She nodded and smiled. "Of course. But I'm sorry for reacting like I did, too. It's just...when you're famous like me—not to sound cocky or anything—you have to be careful. Because...if you're too careless, like I was, something like...that could happen," Gabriella struggled. She dropped her eyes and sighed. "But, if there's anyone to blame, it's me."

"Don't do that," Troy said. "Don't try and guilt yourself into this. I shouldn't have done it."

Gabriella looked up at him. "Well, I'm fine, so, can we just leave it at 'I'm sorry'?" Troy nodded. He reached over and gently traced the scar on her neck. Gabriella winced slightly. "You did get hurt," he argued. "Does it still hurt?"

"Only when I turn my head," Gabriella answered. Troy retracted his hand and Gabriella's face flooded with disappointment. She liked it when he touched her. Even just that small little swipe and his touch was sending fireworks exploding across her skin. Troy cleared his throat. "Are we even watching the movie?"

Gabriella looked at the screen and giggled. "I guess not. It's almost over."

Selena sighed as she slowly stirred her fruit punch with her straw. "I am sooo bored. I wonder what Troyella is up to."

Maxine smirked. "They're probably making out or whatever." Selena giggled and Maxine smiled. She turned around when someone tapped her shoulder and her eyebrows raised. It was Nate Hooley from her Biology class. He smiled warmly and gestured towards the dance floor. "Care to dance? I know it is a bit late into the dance, but..." He smiled cheekily. Selena smiled back and looked at Maxine, her eyes pleading. Maxine sighed and waved her hand. "Go, go. Have fun."

"Thanks!" Selena grabbed Nate's hand and pulled him out to the dance floor. They both instantly sunk into the rhythm of Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This. Maxine smiled softly and dropped her head on her hand. She watched as couples slowly swayed on the gym floor, hands entwined and heads bowed together. Someone cleared their throat and she glanced up. "Chad?"

"Hey, yeah," Chad said. "Um...so, why are you just sitting there? Alone?"

"Um, Selena kind of ditched me." She tilted her head to her and Nate and flashed Chad a smile. "Where's Taylor?"

"She found another date." Chad turned around. Taylor and some boy from chemistry were slowly dancing. Chad sighed and turned back around to Maxine. "I can't really say anything because we broke up...but, um, anyway, do you want to dance?" Chad gave her a hopeful smile. Maxine smiled and nodded eagerly. She rose from her spot and took his awaiting hand. They walked slowly onto the dance floor and Chad placed his hands on her hips. Maxine rested her hands on his chest, her head also resting there, but on his left breast. She could hear the sweet melody of his heartbeat and she smiled softly. They rocked back and forth slowly as the song ran along. All the other guys her friends set her up with were nice and friendly and almost right.

Almost.

But as she stood clad in Chad's arms, she knew that Chad was just right. He was perfect.

Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me
I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed
She was looking kind of dumb with her finger and her thumb
In the shape of an "L" on her forehead

"I am trying to read, will you turn that off?" Gabriella asked nicely. She turned in her chair and rolled her eyes. Troy was jumping on her bed and shouting loudly the lyrics to Smash Mouth's All Star. He just grinned at her and continued jumping and singing loudly. Gabriella picked up her composition book and chucked it at him. It hit him in the balls and he fell, cupping his sore genitals. "Ow, Brie!" Gabriella laughed. She stood and walked to him. "You okay, Superstar? I promise, I wasn't aiming there."

"Mhm, sure," Troy said. He rolled his eyes, stood back on the bed and started singing and jumping again. Gabriella smiled up at him. "You are so crazy, Wildcat."

"Two nicknames in less than a minute?" Troy questioned. Gabriella shrugged. She walked over to her radio and clicked off the song. Troy was about to protest, but she held a finger up to her lips, indicating him to be quiet. Troy understood and he jumped off the bed landing next to her. He watched as Gabriella turned through every station until she landed on one. The sweet melancholy melody of Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You came in tune. She turned the volume down before turning to Troy, a smile playing at her lips. "Can you hold up a second?" Troy nodded and Gabriella whisked away. She came back only eight minutes later, but instead of the random pajamas she had on, she was dressed much differently...much, much differently.

She wore a knee-high shimmering satin-blue dress with silver beading, cut on a diagonal that fell in a perfect drape across every cress of her curves. The front of her dress had a soft sweater-neck line and there was no back. She was basically bare almost to her waist, but there was a round edge with more sparkling beading dancing across it. The end on her dress swished sensually around her toned legs and she wore tall shiny black stilettos and to finish the look she wore different types of bangles and necklaces. Troy gaped at her. "Wow...Gabriella, you look beautiful."

"Thank you. Now, can I have this dance?" Troy grinned. He took her waist in his hands and held her close. "What happened to just best friends?"

"Best friends dance," Gabriella informed him. She reached her arms up and wrapped them loosely around his neck and she rested her head on his built chest. She closed her eyes at the blissful sound of his fast-beating heart. The music had changed a while ago. Celine Dion's Because I Loved You was now playing.

The two swayed in the dim-lit room as the moon casted a luminescent glow to form in the room, the only sound in the house being the soft music that was playing. "Love you," Troy murmured tiredly. Gabriella opened her eyes and looked up at him. His eyes were closed and he was humming along with the song. Sighing, Gabriella rubbed at the small chest-nut hairs swooping down his neck. "I love you, too."

Aw, cute moment, I know. Okay, just so no one gets confused, they are still on their break. Just because they say 'I love you' doesn't mean they are off their break. Okay, I want to thank everyone who reviewed! I'm sorry I can't send a shout out to everyone one by one because of time limitations, but that doesn't mean I don't thank you. So, thanks! Again! (: What did you think? Can you please review? It'll make my day a whole lot better.

Thanks!-Brittany