Hello, sorry for the wait and I do realise that this one isn't as long as the others but this chapter is more of a information packed one, one that will move the story on and inform you of their lives. I don't want it to be as drama filled as some of my other stories but I do want to keep their lives before each other a little tough, a little complicated and dark and troubled. I'm sorry if it seems unrealistic but it's just the way I like to right my stories. Sorry for the wait. Thank you for reading and please review.

Also, to those who asked when the next chapter would be up and if I could reply to them, I did try but it couldn't figure out how, I'm sorry!

"Dude, will you just get your stuff and leave," Chad groaned.

Troy gritted his teeth and rubbed the stubble on his face, "I'm nervous as fuck," He breathed, slipping on his grey jacket which he kept unzipped.

"Why? It's only Gab," Chad frowned.

Troy licked his white teeth, checking on the mirror in the hall to check his teeth for any imperfections, "Because I want her to forgive me, I already have a bunch of traits she hates in a guy," He admitted.

Chad scoffed, "Like what Mr. Perfect?"

Troy raised his brows, looking at Chad like he was forgetting all about his past, "I went to rehab dude, she has nothing to do with drugs. She get rid of the guy she was dating last because she caught him doing it."

"You don't do it anymore," Chad shrugged.

"I know but…"

"No man, if she doesn't like you because of your past then you can do a lot better," Chad told him determinedly.

Troy gave him a small smile, "Thanks man," He smiled, tugging on a beanie and checking he had all his necessities, "I'm going, wish me luck!" He called.

"Good luck," Chad laughed as his best friend jogged out of the apartment.

CCC

Gabriella rushed out of Sharpay's car and dashed into the modern coffee shop which had a variety of TV shows playing and all of the seats were sofas pretty much. She fingered her black curly hair back as she glanced around before seeing Troy sitting on a sofa which was facing a TV and next to the large windows.

She gave him a small wave of acknowledgment before ordering herself a coffee and the man behind the counter grazed his eyes down her, telling her he would bring it over. She thanked him and started to walk to Troy about to sit on the other sofa opposite him but he patted the space next to him.

"We're here to sort stuff out and you're getting hit on already," Troy commented with a smirk.

Gabriella let out a laugh, "If you had your arms out and you're face on show then you would have had girls sitting all around," She teased.

Troy chuckled, pulling off his beanie, "I'm glad it's just you," He admitted softly as she sat next to him, pulling her cardigan over her arms as the cool air from the air conditioning blew against her skin.

"Speaking of people hitting on others," Gabriella began.

Troy tilted his head, licking his lips, "Yeah," He breathed, "I'm sorry about everything. I was shit to you… again."

"It was just a shit situation. She goes to Stanford, she's tall and pretty and you two have history. Everything I'm not and everything we're not," Gabriella said, frowning a little.

Troy shook his head, "I don't care what college you go or even if you didn't go. I personally love how tiny you are and history is not necessarily a good thing."

Gabriella looked up as a tray with a cup of coffee and a complimentary slice of cake was placed in front of her, "Oh, thank you," She said politely.

"No problem," He grinned, "So erm, I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?" He questioned.

Gabriella opened her mouth and blushed, staling her answer, "Thanks for the offer but erm…" She eyes went to Troy who was eyeing the male who was asking her out.

"We're sorting things out…" Troy said, suggesting that Gabriella wasn't in the position to date.

"Right," The man nodded before walking away.

Gabriella raised her brows and looked over at Troy to which Troy shrugged.

"Danielle and I are done," Troy told her, "Permanently. I'm not attracted to her in the way I once was."

Gabriella sipped her coffee which she had asked for in a take-out cup, "You were attracted to her enough to sleep with her."

Troy smirked, "Gabriella," He husked, "She started to do stuff…" He hinted at awkwardly, "It's different with you."

"Me?" She asked surprised, "But we have never…"

"But, like you can just say something in a particular way and it turns me on," He admitted.

Gabriella nodded and smiled a little, "That's good to know."

He chuckled, "Seriously though, we're done."

"I didn't even know you were still talking to her," Gabriella exclaimed.

Troy nodded slowly, "When I got back, I sent her a text saying I was back and healthy. We met up the next day but as friends, nothing happened and we just carried on chatting," He shrugged, "You came along and I was instantly attracted to you, when you came striding over, pissed at Jake, you were so confident, it was so sexy. When you walked away, Shar told us off for staring," He chuckled, "I knew from that moment that I didn't find anyone as sexy as I found you."

"So what was the night at your parents?" She questioned.

"Lack of judgement, closure, wanting to be 100% there was nothing left between us that I could ever question, wine," Troy listed off, picking up his coffee.

Gabriella watched him take a sip, "You're not still in contact?"

Troy sniffed, "No, we haven't spoken since I came back. It's done. She agreed as well. We weren't meant to be and I'm 100% cool with it."

Gabriella nodded, warming her hands on the drink, "Did you hook up with anyone last night?"

"No one," He swore.

Gabriella gave him a look and he repeated himself.

"I promise," He assured.

The petite woman shifted in her seat to face him more, tucking her legs beneath her, "Ok, I just thought it was wrong how you slept with other people and flirted with me but was still talking to her."

"I know, it sounds bad, I wasn't talking to her in a more than friend way so I guess that's how I justified it," Troy spoke, "I'm sorry," He apologised.

"It's ok," Gabriella nodded.

Troy sent her a smile and reached out to push her wild black hair back of her shoulder, letting his fingers stroke her shoulder momentarily, "I've been thinking about what you told me."

Gabriella dropped her head, "Hmm," She hummed.

"You're unbelievable Gabriella Montez," He husked, stroking his large palm down the back of her head.

Gabriella looked up with big, vulnerable, chocolate brown eyes, "Troy," She sighed, shaking her head.

"No Gab, you're seriously amazing. What you've done to get where you are and who've become. You should be proud of yourself. You've been dealt a shit hand and you've dealt with it. I wish you didn't have to do some things you did, it literally makes me feel sick and what that guy must have done," He shook his head, "What you've done to be here, when some take it for granted," He breathed.

Gabriella swallowed, moving away and drinking her coffee, "I am everything Allie and Jake and whoever else says about me but I only did it to get into college and hopefully make something of my life."

"You're not a slut," Troy said firmly, "You will make something of your life because you're determined, I admire that. Since you told me, I've felt a whole new respect for you and a little protective."

"No sympathy?"

"No, feel a little sick at what you had to do though."

Gabriella sighed, gulping her coffee, "I don't want to be known like that so please can we keep this quiet? You probably want to tell Chad or talk it through with him but just him."

Troy gave her a smile, "Of course," His smile faded, "But Gab, did that drug dealer…rape you?" He whispered, making sure he kept eye contact with her.

Gabriella pressed her lips together, her nostrils flaring slightly as she felt the familiar burn behind her eyes as she tried not to cry, "Yeah, he did. I was just turned seventeen. My way of handling it was a little fucked up. I wanted sex. A lot. But I wanted to be in control," She mumbled.

"And the other guy? The one who didn't like it when you stopped needing college money?" Troy questioned, feeling the bile rising at the back of his throat.

Gabriella shook her head, "No, he was just a little rough the last time."

Troy shook his head, frowning, "Did you get help?" Referring back to the rape.

"No," Gabriella shrugged.

"You're perfect," Troy said in a silky voice, "So perfect," He muttered.

Gabriella let a small smile grace her face.

"Do you forgive me?" He questioned, stroking her hair back with his fingertips.

Gabriella closed her eyes as she lay the side of her head on top of the couch, "Yes," She spoke softly.

Troy smiled at her relaxed face despite the given topic of conversation. He enjoyed watching her relax under his fingers and the soft smile on her face.

"Do you forgive me?" She questioned quietly, opening her eyes.

"You haven't done anything wrong but I forgive you," He chuckled.

Troy grinned as he held the back of her bare knees and pulled her closer to him, earning a squeal from her as she tipped backwards.

"Get back here," He teased, taking her small hands and pulling her upright gently.

Gabriella giggled, letting him tuck her under his arm, "Hmm," She hummed as she pressed the side of her back against his left abdominal muscles and relaxed, his muscular arm coming to wrap around her collarbone. She watched the TV show that was playing, occasionally giggling.

Troy and Gabriella stayed comfortably pressed together on the soft couch until it reached 7pm and they thought that three hours chilling, chatting, watching TV shows and drinking coffee was enough. They stood and walked towards Troy's truck with Troy's arms hanging casually around Gabriella's shoulder.

"Are you coming to the pool tomorrow?" Troy questioned as he unlocked the door for her, helping her in.

"The pool?"

"Yeah, I think we're all going, this place is holding a pool party and they'll be music and stuff and just a chilled day," Troy shrugged.

"Sure," Gabriella nodded with a smile.

"Make sure you wear a swimsuit this time," Troy said cheekily earning a slap on the shoulder.

Gabriella narrowed her eyes playfully at him, "I thought you liked my underwear?"

Troy bit down on his lower lip, bringing it into his mouth, "I did, wear that again if you like. I just can't wait to see you in a bikini or similar again," He raised his brows a couple of times making Gabriella grin.

"I'll see what I can do," She teased.

Troy chuckled, tapping her legs lightly, "Legs in," He instructed before shutting the door.

The journey back to Gabriella's apartment was filled with the occasional brief conversation but for the most part they just enjoyed the quiet back roads Troy had decided to use and the soft music playing from the radio. It ended far too quickly and Troy pulled up slowly outside of her apartment block. He cut the engine and turned his head to meet a pair of dark eyes that were already watching him.

"I'll see you tomorrow then?" Troy questioned.

Gabriella bit the inside of her lower lip, "You wanna come in? More coffee? More TV shows?" She questioned with a grin.

Troy looked away and back at the beautiful twenty-one year old in front of him, "Ok," He agreed.

They headed up to her apartment that she shared with Sharpay and as she was unlocking the door, Troy wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing a sweet kiss to her shoulder before letting her proceed with her task of unlocking the door.

"Shar? I'm back!" Gabriella called, slipping off her sandals.

"Hey, how was the long chat with the hottie?" Sharpay called back from the lounge.

Gabriella turned to face Troy with a smirk on her face as Troy slipped off his converse and he silently chuckled. They both walked into the room and Sharpay rose her brow up, questioning his presence.

"I'm guessing well?" Sharpay smirked, looking at the blushing girl standing by Troy's side.

"We've sorted pretty much everything, haven't we?" Troy said, looking over at Gabriella for confirmation.

Gabriella nodded, "Coffee?" She asked.

"I'll have another coffee please," Troy answered.

"Coffee please," Sharpay answered.

Gabriella walked into the kitchen and began to make the drinks as Troy sat down on the couch Sharpay wasn't in and turned his body to be able to talk to her.

"Did you treat my bestie good on your date?" Sharpay questioned, looking up from filing her nails, prepping them for nail polish.

Troy smirked, "It was hardly a date, we just chilled and talked things through," He answered.

"Did you kiss her?" Sharpay grinned.

Troy let out a small laugh, "No, we cuddled though," He shrugged.

Sharpay laughed, "You old couple," She teased.

"Nothing up with a good cuddle," Troy joked, "I had a good time. After we talked about all the serious stuff we just chilled."

"Are you gonna ask her out on a date?" Sharpay questioned.

Troy nodded, "I want too. I think she's amazing and so fucking sexy."

"Alright, more coffee," Gabriella sung as she walked in holding two cups of coffee and a water for herself.

"Thanks," They both said.

Gabriella sat next to Troy and he curled an arm around her as she curled into his side. She lay her head on his chest and looked over at the TV as Troy and Sharpay shared a look.

"I'm tired," Gabriella yawned.

"Have a nap," Troy suggested, placing his coffee down and gently moved her legs so they lay on top of his and she was curled up more.

"Hmm," She hummed, her eyes already closed, her arm came to lay over his muscled stomach.

Troy rest his head back and stroked her smooth forearm with his palm. He felt her body go heavy and relaxed a few minutes later and he was sure she had fallen asleep.

"She told me about that dealer who took advantage," He muttered, not wanting to call it what it was.

Sharpay licked her lower lip, "I think that justifies why she has nothing to do with drugs, people who take them or deal them," She responded.

Troy let his index finger trail up her arm, "You think she'll want anything to do with me when she finds out about me?" He asked, looking down at the girl who was comfortably asleep in his arms.

Sharpay filed her nails some more, "I don't know Troy," She said honestly and quietly.

Troy nodded slowly, "It'll suck if she doesn't. I'll understand but it'll suck to get denied because of my past," He admitted with a small shrug.

Sharpay nodded, "And because you've been doing so good."

Troy smiled at her, "Thanks, it was tough in Amsterdam but I think that was the ultimate test for me."

Sharpay smiled, "You did good, I'm proud of you. I love Gabs so just treat her well and behave yourself and I believe that she'll be good for you,"

"I think so too, that's if she doesn't get rid of me."

Hours later, Sharpay and Troy were talking while watching a film as Gabriella continued to sleep while sprawled across Troy's body. He switched from softly rubbing her forearm to stroking her back and kissing her head every once in a while.

"It's getting late, I should take off," Troy said as the clock ticked over to ten o'clock.

Gabriella stretched within Troy's grasp as he was about to attempt to move her without waking her up.

"Nice sleep?" Troy asked with humour in his voice.

Gabriella looked up sleepily at Troy, "Mhm, what time is it?"

"Ten," He answered.

"Hmm," She hummed, cuddling into Troy again.

Troy chuckled, "I should get home," He said, lifting her to sit in his lap.

Gabriella lay against him again, "Stay," She whispered, "You're the best pillow ever," She grinned against his tee-shirt.

Troy laughed quietly, "Come on, let's get you into bed," He moved to stand up forcing Gabriella up as well.

"Night Shar," Gabriella mumbled, as she walked past tiredly.

Gabriella directed them into her room, grabbing the shorts and tee-shirt she wore to bed to quickly change in her ensuite bathroom.

Troy sat on the edge of her large double bed and looked over at the photographs she had framed next to her bed. He picked up one and saw it was Gabriella smiling brightly at the camera with both of her arms wrapped around an equally as smiley boy who was taller than Gabriella but had the same skin tone, if not a little darker and the same dark, dark hair.

Gabriella re-appeared, throwing her clothes in the basket on laundry, "Oh," She said, surprised as she saw his studying the picture next to her bed. She walked over and sat next to him, "That's my brother," She confirmed his thoughts.

"Why this photo?" He questioned.

"It was the day he got accepted into his military training," Gabriella pointed to the photo which would stand behind the one Troy was holding on her night stand, "See, that's when he completed his training."

Troy nodded, "Good guy. Where is he now?"

Gabriella shrugged, "Abroad somewhere. He sends letters and calls but he's not allowed to say where exactly."

Troy looked at her from his ducked head, "You miss him?"

Gabriella nodded quietly, "Yeah," She said simply.

"I bet you're proud of him," Troy said, placing the picture back.

"Very, he scares me but I'm proud," Gabriella laughed.

Troy nodded with a smile, "Is he older?"

"Yeah, he's twenty four. This is his last tour. His girlfriend is like 6 months pregnant so he wants to be with them two," Gabriella explained.

"Congrats to them. How long until he's home, will he miss the birth?" He asked.

"He'll be home in two months so hopefully he'll be here."

"That's good timing. Do they know the sex?"

"Nope, it's a surprise. They've kept everything pretty neutral. Does any of your family have babies?" She asked.

Troy shook his head, "Nope, there's a couple who have just started school though."

Gabriella smiled, "Cute," She moved to pulled back her cool duvet and climbed under.

Troy raised his eyebrows and turned more to face her, "Getting comfortable?"

Gabriella grinned and nodded, "Join me?"

Troy gave her a look.

"It's only sleeping," She said sleepily.

Troy chuckled, "Ok," He stood to pull off his jacket, tee-shirt, shorts and socks before climbing into bed, "Oh my god, this bed," He groaned.

Gabriella gave him an amused look, "Its good isn't it?"

"Very," Troy mumbled, relaxing back.

Gabriella laughed, "So tell me something about you," She asked, laying on her side.

Troy copied her movement, "What like?" He questioned, reaching over to draw circles on her hip.

"You know the majority of my life story," Gabriella snickered, "Geez, how embarrassing. So it's only fair you tell me something," She smiled cheekily, moving closer to him,

Troy wrapped his arm a little more securely around her, "But I don't want you to make me leave," He mumbled with a pout.

"Why would I do that? You accepted me."

"Because what you went through just makes me protective over you and want to hold you like this all the time and tell you how proud I am of you. If I tell you a little about my life…" He trailed off.

Gabriella frowned, "I'm not shallow. Just try," She encouraged.

"I know you're not, it's just my insecurities," Troy shrugged.

Gabriella looked up into his eyes, "I won't judge you, I don't have any opinions until I know the full story. Obviously you don't have to tell the full story tonight or at any point.

Troy lay his head down against his bicep to give his head some height, "I had an older brother and two younger when I was eighteen. At twenty-two, I have one older brother and one younger," He cleared his throat, looking over her shoulder to a fairly blank wall, "I had finished my first year at college, I was home for the summer and me and Elliot, my little brother wanted to go out for some food pretty late at night, we'd had dinner but we wanted more. Next thing I wake up in hospital, a few days later with just two brothers. Seeing my parents faces when they told me was the worst. I just went off the rails after I was let out, I did drugs and drank and got myself jailed a couple of nights. My older brother sat me down one day and I remember, he gave me this huge speech on how El's life was cut short and I was just wasting my life. I took a year out of college, went to rehab and sorted myself out. I was clean for about six months and I had the year abroad and now I'm here."

Gabriella's small hand had moved to rest against his cheek, her thumb stroking below his eye, "I'm so sorry, Troy."

Troy smiled softly, "It's ok. It's been two and a half years and I still miss him like crazy."

Gabriella ran her fingers through his hair, "It's only natural. I'm happy that you are who you are today after the last couple of years for you," She told him.

The blue eyed man who was incredibly relaxed let his eyes close as she continued to stroke through his hair, "Do you want me to leave?" He whispered, peeking open an eye.

Gabriella giggled, "No, you look far too relaxed," She teased.

He grinned and cuddled her closer her, "Thanks."

"I'm sorry for everything that has happened to you, you've come out of it probably stronger, I didn't know you before but everyone still seems to like you and I'm drawing from experience," She whispered.

"I miss him so much," He husked, the break in his voice causing him to slightly pausing mid-way through his sentence. His arm squeezing her body gently.

She smiled sadly at his scrunched up eyes, "I can tell, I bet he's proud of you," She stroked the back of his neck with her finger tips.

"Can we sleep?" Troy stated rather than asked.

"Of course," She answered, spinning around and she felt Troy push himself up against her back, effectively spooning her. His heavy arm draping across her waist and her thick curls lay down her back, sending a satisfying scent into Troy's nostrils as he dug his head into her hair.

"I love your hair," He mumbled.

"Thank you," She giggled, "I like you."

"Not love any part of me?" He teased.

"Maybe one day," She hinted.

Troy smiled into the back of her head and accepted her answer which suggested possibly more coffee trips to come. He fell asleep with mixed feelings floating through his body; happy images of a future, satisfied at having a beautiful woman in his arms and a slight sadness that he couldn't rave about this girl all three of his brothers and a pang of jealously at the heaven that had gained his brother.

Similarly, Gabriella drifted over to sleep with mixed emotions; a happiness that Troy had opened up, a sadness for his loss, anticipation for what lay ahead and a very firm image of his muscled body which she tried to shake but felt against her back. However, for both of these young people, a longing of love and adventure and a happy future is what overcame every other feeling and they hoped that they could find that in each other, similarly to the comfort they felt as they lay cuddled together.

Thank you for reading. Please review. Any feedback; good or bad, would be great.