Lucille walked into the family room silently trying not to wake the two teens sleeping on the couch. Going to the coffee table in front of them she grabbed the empty soda cans and the bag of chips. Christmas Eve was always an event but this year was more slow and easy. Alex had to go to a conference and couldn't be there for the holiday but trusted Gabriella to stay at the Bolton's. He still didn't know about Gabriella and Troy's public feelings for each other since he was never around really.

Lucille walked into the kitchen and tossed the cans before folding up the bag of chips putting them away. Jack was sitting at the table drinking a glass of milk reading his Sports Illustrated.

"Are they still in there?" Jack asked not all that interested in what was going on as he read.

"They are, oh they are so adorable Jack. I just can't wait until they have kids." This caught Jack's attention making him snap his eyes towards his wife.

"They're pregnant!" He asked in shock which only got an eye roll in response.

"Oh please Jack they're a little more responsible than that."

"Hey I was Troy's age at one time too if you remember." He pointed out.

"Yes I do remember. And all you did with your time was follow short skirts all day." Lucille gave her husband a pointed look before heading back in the direction of the family room.

"The only short skirt I followed all day was yours and you know it." Lucille blushed but kept carrying on her mission of cleaning up the family room.

When she arrived back in the room Troy was carefully stretching as to not wake Gabriella. Seeing his mother enter the room he blushed avoiding eye contact.

"Hey mama." He said watching as she moved around the room. "What's up?"

"Well Santa is coming tonight," Lucille said

"Ma, I'm a little old for that don't you think?" Troy asked looking down to make sure that Gabriella was really sleeping.

"Oh Troy you still have those Bugs Bunny sheets on your bed. I don't think you're too old yet," Lucille said lightly making Troy blush once again becoming a tad uncomfortable.

"Are you two going to go to your room?" Lucille asked keeping herself busy.

"Uh," Troy laid his head on the back of the couch looking back towards his room before looking at his mother. "Yea I'll carry her most likely." Troy made his grip around Gabriella a little tighter as she cuddled into his side more.

"Okay well I'm going to have to vacuum soon so you may want to go now." Lucille gave a pointed look before walking out of the room.

Sighing Troy ran a hand through his hair before looking down at his girlfriend. Every time he looked at her he had to take a moment to memorize her face. She's simply gorgeous, no; she's breathtaking since he always has trouble breathing in her presence, though Gabriella thought of herself as more of a guy than anything, always hiding behind baseball caps and wearing big clothing.

Being careful Troy moved Gabriella's head from his should so he could stand. She didn't even flinch in the process, only cuddling with a pillow that had been behind Troy. Looking down at her Troy had to save this moment in his brain to play over later. Her hair was getting back to the long length it was at one time. Personally Troy liked Gabriella's hair long he felt that it suited her more but he'd love her bald.

Bending down Troy picked Gabriella up bridal style like he often does since Gabriella loves to sleep. Most of the time they're friends would say that it's practice for the wedding night. Troy wouldn't dream of denying since she was perfect for him. Walking towards the hallway Gabriella cuddle into his chest at peace.

"See you in the morning sweetheart." Lucille said pushing the vacuum towards the family room.

"Night son!" Jack called from the kitchen though Troy was just trying to get to his room without waking Gabriella.

Walking into his room Troy kicked the door closed with his foot before putting Gabriella down gently on the bed. He looked down at her a moment longer before kissing her forehead and going to take a quick shower.

"Troy! Troy! Come on Troy wake up!"

Troy frowned still very much asleep when his name was called. Turning towards his turn in the direction of his alarm clock he opened one eye. Seeing the time was one where the sun wasn't even up he closed his eye again moving to a position on his back, and willed himself to sleep. "It's too early, come back later." He grumbled snuggling back into his pillow.

A growl was heard off in the distance but Troy wasn't paying attention just trying to get back to sleep. There was silence for a long time, or it felt like a long time. Right when his mind was about to re-enter that place of sleep a weight landed on him bringing him into alert mode.

"What happened?" he yelled opening his eyes sitting up a little looking around until his eyes focused on the beautiful creature sitting on him. Gabriella looked down slightly giggling. Troy looked at her as her hair fell around her face. She dared a look up at him and their eyes locked. Troy couldn't breathe and the reason wasn't because Gabriella was sitting on him.

"Santa came last night and I want to open presents…" She said shyly moving her eyes from Troy then back again. Troy let this process in his mind; once it had a slow grin came on his face.

"Really now, he did?" Gabriella nodded obviously getting excited to open presents.

"Come on Troy…" Gabriella whined grabbing his arm and trying to get him to move.

"But Gabriella it's 4 in the morning." Troy said closing his eyes with a grin on his face.

"Don't fall asleep!" She exclaimed hitting his arm making him laughing though keeping his eyes closed. "Troy!" Gabriella yelled once again but got no response from her boyfriend though she knew he could hear her. "Fine I'll pull you out." Gabriella climbed from on top of Troy and hopped on the floor.

Pulling the covers off her boyfriend she paused looking down at his boxer briefs eyes widening before looking away with a blush. "It's morning," Troy said with a grin now on his face, Gabriella humphed grabbing his forearm and pulling.

"I don't care Bolton you're getting up so I can open my presents."

With determination in her eyes she pulled getting Troy to move maybe an inch. He was much heavier than she remembered him being, it must be working out so much. Putting a foot against the side of Troy's bed Gabriella tugged again not progressing at all, maybe she was the one that needed to work out more. Growling she put her other foot up and pulled moving Troy a little but made Gabriella loose balance falling on the ground.

"Ow!" Gabriella said putting her hand on the back of her head. Troy jumped from the bed and looked down at Gabriella in concern instantly coming alert.

"Are you alright?" He asked reaching for her.

"No!" Gabriella yelled moving from his reach and standing marching from the room mumbling about how it would have never happened if he'd just gotten up. Troy sighed standing up and walking over to his drawer looking for more proper clothing.

Leaving his room Troy scratched his head before heading towards the family room. His dad and Gabriella were sitting there with cups of hot chocolate in their hands. Sighing – loud enough to make his presence known – Troy walked into the room and cautiously sat down next to Gabriella who looked away from him. Troy sighed again – this time not as loud – and looked at his dad who raised an eyebrow at the two. Troy shrugged not knowing what to do; all Jack did was nod his head towards Gabriella before looking at the TV which had an old Christmas show on.

"Ria," Troy said his voice coming out huskily making Gabriella shiver. "Look at me please," Gabriella stayed looking the other way so Troy moved closer putting his face in her hair which smelled like fruit. "I didn't want you to fall I was only kidding around." Leaning towards Troy, Gabriella smiled, turning her head she looked at Troy as he opened his eyes looking into her brown ones.

"I love you Bugs,"

"I love you too," He said putting his forehead against hers and slowly moving in for the kiss.

"Let's open presents!" Lucille exclaimed making the two jump apart. She handed Troy a mug of hot chocolate and used her hand to show that the two teens should move apart from each other. Troy blushed winking at Gabriella, who giggled, and moved over a few inches.

"Okay who first?" Lucille asked moving towards the tree.

"Thanks again for the flat iron and shower set Jack and Lucille." Gabriella said as Troy held her hand pulling her towards his room.

"Oh it's no problem sweetie." Lucille said with a smile while Jack just nodded meaning the same thing without words.

Once they were in Troy's room they crashed on his bed just holding each other. In a few hours their friends would be over while Jack and Lucille went to a party. That was when the gift exchange would occur.

"So what did your dad get you that was so top secret?" Gabriella asked looking up at her tired boyfriend who was falling asleep.

"Oh…he uhm got me golf clubs you saw that," Troy said keeping his eyes closed pulling Gabriella closer hoping to get sleep but Gabriella wanted an answer.

"Yea but when you pulled one of the clubs out you turned red."

"Oh,"

"Yea,"

"Well uh…you see…"

"Just tell me Troy," Gabriella said getting to the point.

"It was filled with condoms,"

"WHAT!" Gabriella exclaimed sitting up making Troy open his eyes.

"What?"

"Condoms?" Troy sat up also putting a hand over Gabriella's mouth.

"Shhh! My mother doesn't know." He said before flopping back down trying to sleep.

"We don't even have sex that much…do we?"

"Uhm…well…"

"OH my GOSH we DO!" Gabriella exclaimed again, but when she saw no response from Troy she hit his chest.

"What?" Troy groaned not understanding why he couldn't get some more sleep.

"We have turned into a sex driven couple!"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No but –"

"Okay then, goodnight." Troy grabbed his pillow cuddling with it. Gabriella stared at him a moment before sighing and lying down also.

"Fine Troy," She turned on her side and grabbed the simple diamond heart necklace that was now on her neck. A slow smile came to her lips; she never wanted to take it off.

Flashback

"What's this?" Gabriella asked taking the small box that was wrapped in silver paper with a matching bow.

"Oh, not sure." Troy said not seeming too interested as he inspected the signed basketball that his grandparents had gotten him.

Gabriella looked at him a moment knowing that he knew something but wasn't going to press him about it just yet. Her eyes moved towards Jack and Lucille who were having their own moment of appreciation over the gifts they had received. That left Gabriella with her box that didn't have a card or anything. She moved her new flat iron from her lap to give the gift the proper attention it deserved.

Tugging at the bow strings it pulled apart effortlessly. She put the ribbon to the side sneaking a glance once again in Troy's direction but he was still fascinated by his basketball. Sighing she turned the box over to carefully take the wrapping paper off. Sometimes certain presents make you feel like you should take extra care with them; this was most definitely one of those presents. Once the paper was off and put to the side Gabriella flipped the box back over and lifted the top off and gasped her eyes becoming larger. Looking around to see if anyone was seeing her reaction she felt less excited seeing that no one was really paying attention, Jack and Lucille had actually left the room. Looking back at the box she inspected the heart move seeing the solid silver heart had a very tiny diamond in the center of it. In the corner of the box there was a small card that said in curvy type 'Flip the heart over.' Gabriella frowned but did as the card said. For the second time since getting this box she gasped, on the back were small words engraved.

It's you.
It's always been you.
- Bugs.

Gabriella couldn't help but let her head drop allowing hair to fall around her face. Tears were slowly but surely coming to her eyes and this was something that never really happened. Gifts weren't something that made her cry; most scars didn't make Gabriella Montez cry. Yet here she was letting tears fall from her eyes because of a gift that her boyfriend had gotten for her. Something was surely changing, what she didn't know yet.

"I know it's not the best," Troy started breaking the silence, "and really I didn't have much money left…I'm not going to lie it was on sale." Gabriella let a laugh out when Troy said this, always being the honest one. "but when I saw that necklace I thought of you for some reason, I had to get it for you."

Gabriella laughed to herself before sniffing and throwing her head back getting the hair from around her. Her face was now red from crying and laughing at the same time though there was nothing but happiness in her eyes. "Thank you so much, I – I love it." She said simply nodded which made Troy smile much more confidently now and lean forward catching her lips in a kiss. Slowly they pulled apart and Troy acted on the urge to wipe the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. "Put it on for me?" She asked nodding

"Of course," Was Troy's response and Gabriella handed him the box before turning and pulling her hair to the side. Once it was on Gabriella turned back towards her love and smiled wrapping her arms around his neck and looking at him with a lovestruck look.

"You're right, it is you, always has been."

"Good to know," Then they kissed, and kissed, and kissed.

End flashback

"Thanks for the books Jason," Taylor said with a forced smile that bothered Gabriella. She and Chad weren't sitting close it was something more like on total different ends of the couch.

"No prob, I had my mom get them though, I mean I don't even know where the bookstore is," Jason said honestly making everyone laugh. Taylor looked over at Chad who was having a blast as if nothing was wrong so she smiled more normal looking once again.

"Okay, okay who got me?" Sharpay asked sitting up very excited. Zeke rolled his eyes knowing that it's a tough job getting a gift for Sharpay Evans since she can afford anything. Troy sighed and raised his hand hesitantly and got a squeal from Sharpay as she jumped up and took the gift that was in his hand and skipped back to her seat with Zeke.

"Let's see how Bolton did this year." She winked at Troy who seemed to be sweating a little bit in anticipation. Sharpay tore the wrapping off the gift and opened the box with a huge smile but it instantly dropped when she saw the contents inside. Zeke looked over her shoulder and burst into laughter.

"What is it Shar? Orange?" Chad teased cracking up himself along with Jason.

"Claire's? You went to CLAIRE'S?" Sharpay exclaimed making everyone in the room cringe. "You had better explain Bolton," Sharpay said wanting a great reason for why she hadn't received a better gift.

"Well you see I did have a better gift for you."

"Mhmm," She said crossing her arms over her chest.

"Yea, but then I saw this other gift." Troy's eyes went to Gabriella and she blushed having a feeling he was talking about her necklace. "so I took yours back and had to get the girt…but I found pink."

"But – but this is –" Sharpay squeaked but Zeke just wrapped his arms around her trying to get her to just relax.

"Babe it's okay, just let it go, they're in love," Sharpay pouted a moment longer before just letting it go.

"Well I got Gabriella," Kelsi said standing from her chair to give her gift to Gabriella.

"Thank you Kels," Gabriella said smiling at Kelsi before she headed back to her seat. Looking in the bag Gabriella pulled out a book and saw that it was The Story of Cinderella. Smiling she looked up at Kelsi and winked knowing about their inside joke. Troy brought his arm around her shoulders letting her lean into his embrace. Continuing to go through the bag she found a CD and a small card attached.

I know you said youwouldn't try out for the musical.
But I think you should hear yourself first.
You're amazing, just like you're an amazing friend.
I love you, Kelsi

Gabriella smiled before looking up at Kelsi again.

"I love you too Kels," Kelsi just smiled and looked down.

"Well was that everyone?" Sharpay asked obviously having recovered from the whole Troy gift thing.

"Yea that's everyone," Taylor said looking up from her book which she had started reading.

"Okay good since I think it's time to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!" Sharpay took the remote and turned on the TV finding Family channel. Everyone else got situated moving gifts to the floor to get more comfortable. Troy and Gabriella just cuddled up preparing for the special that they had seen many times through the years.

"Thanks for the necklace…sorry I couldn't get you –"Troy just put a finger to Gabriella's lips keeping her from continuing.

"Hey I wanted to get that for you. So shush, and your welcome." Troy kissed his blushing girlfriend and looked at the TV.

"I love you Bugs,"

"I love you more," Gabriella rolled her eyes resting her head on his chest looking at the TV.

Gosh...haha, I had to pull out the good 'ol Christmas playlist for this one. ;D
Though it wasn't that goo- nevermind.
but yea review?

xoxo Zoe

P.S. the flashback is from the same Christmas day as this chapter. I just didn't feel like writing writing it, I wanted it as a flashback. Want to know why I can do that? Cause it's my story. lol.