Title: Faithfully

Author: Me!

Rating: PG-13 but there is a good possibility for an 'R' or 'M'.

Feedback: I'd love me some it!

Summary: Taylor McKessie and Troy Bolton are connected. Though their best friends date the other, these two teens have no idea of the untapped potential they have. And when that potential is tapped into, there is nowhere to hide. There will be consequences.

Disclaimer: I own not High School Musical…still. What a pity.

ATTENTION: This is still a bit rough but from here on out is going to be new and better because were going in the direction that I want to go now. I hope you enjoy this!

Sorry for the wait guys! My wrist was in a splint due to tendonitis. It still feels weird but I wanted to get this out for you all.

I've noticed that in this chapter Chad may seem a little OC. Sorry! I think the next chapter will be able to explain why this is…I hope. Also, the song at the end…I don't own. Rihanna does.

Burning Lust, Dying Trust.

Taylor.

Glorious Friday. Oh so glorious Friday. Never had a day been so revered among the East High Wildcats – one of whom was Taylor. She whistled as she put in her combination to her locker, thinking of all the prospects that Friday, the end of the work week, had to offer.

Her smile was not due to the fact the week was minutes away from being over and done with. Her smile was not caused by the fact that this whole weekend was devoted to alone time at the house for her parents would be off at a wedding that her father was in for his college roommate and her sister would be at their aunt's house spending time with some of her favorite cousins.

No, that was not the catalyst for her overwhelming giddiness. Tonight was date night. She had quickly convinced Chad to go out on a date with her as well as Gabriella and Troy. In an off way this was her chance to go out on a date with Troy. It was a secret date that would be incredibly intimate…even if it wasn't going to be between them alone. The thought of secret smiles and glances, not-so-accidental brushes of hands, shoulders, or legs, and secrets that only Troy and she knew brought her such elation.

Life never felt so dangerously good.

Shutting her locker shut with a slam of excitement, Taylor stuffed her books in her roller bookbag.

"Hey…sweetie," That voice melted her heart, soul, and body. His whispered affection caused a smile to tug lightly on her lips.

Without turning around to look him in the eyes, Taylor responded. "Really pushing this, aren't you Troy?"

"Of course I am." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I know that look. What are you about to do?"

"Come on," Troy picked up her bag by its handle while his other hand grasped her wrist. He pulled her down the hallway, through the crowds of seniors who were waiting for the final bell to ring that would release their underclassmen friends.

Turning here, twisting there, Taylor was on a rollercoaster ride being dragged along by Troy Bolton. "Where are we going?" She giggled.

"You'll see." He opened a door that led to an empty stairwell.

"How cliché…"

"Ha. Ha. Ha." Rearranging his should strap to his backpack, Troy released his grip on Taylor. Kissing her cheek, Troy's breath tickled her face. "We're going up these stairs. Go, woman."

"Don't call me woman, boy."

"Don't call me boy." Troy joked as he once again led the way up the stairs to a special, quiet place where they couldn't be bothered.

"Sorry." As she approached the top of the steps, her eyes caught a glimpse of the beauty that surrounded her. "This is amazing."

"It's my secret spot. No one…well…not many people know about it or come up here. Like?"

"Love."

The flowers and plants that were planted by the botanical club swayed in the gentle breeze as the sun's ray lit up all that was around the school such as the mountains and the trees and even the car's reflected windows looked glorious. No wonder he brought her here. It was peace, beauty, and seclusion all rolled into one.

Troy's arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her close to his chest as the couple took in the view that was before them. "Isn't it wonderful?"

Taylor took in the moment. Troy's warmth seeping into her back…the soft wind…the hint of Lifesavers on his breath…

"It's everything," she muttered as she turned around to face her secret partner. "Thanks for bringing me here."

"No problem. I really wanted to spend some time before leaving here and then seeing you with him tonight."

"Is it really that much of a problem?" Her hands settled at the small of his back.

"It's starting to get to me. I really feel like you should be mine and not his. I love Chad – he's like a brother. But seeing my brother with the woman I want so bad…it's getting to me."

"I understand. I hate hearing Gabi talk about how wonderful you are and how much she loves you and loves being around you. It makes me angry because she's talking about someone I'm with but I'm not with. I don't know what to say to her. Can't say 'shut up'; can't just let it go."

Taylor rested her forehead onto Troy's shoulder for comfort. He placed his palm on her neck, massaging it gently. "I feel you on that, babe."

"You know, if we really want to spend time together, we have this weekend. My parents won't be back until Monday afternoon. My sister will be back around then since she'll be going straight to school from Aunt Pamela's. I did invite Gabriella to sleepover on Saturday but you could come over before then or on Sunday…" She trailed off.

Taylor had yet to inform Chad about any of this. She would tell him…but tonight in front of everyone so he wouldn't get too upset once he found out that she would be "busy" the whole 48 hours.

"Chad hasn't said anything about that."

"I know. I haven't told him."

"Oh," A boyish grin was on his gorgeous face. "Glad to know."

The bell rang.

Troy planted a deep kiss on Taylor's lips, giving her a taste of what he had and wanted to offer to her. "Gotta go. The Botanical Club meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. They'll be here soon."

"Damn. I don't want to leave."

"I know. Come on. Let us be off."

The two headed down the stairs, hand-in-hand but once they approached the bottom step, they let go, went through the door and became the friends that East High knew. The two caught up with the day's news.

"So, dinner and a movie? Mini-golf? Karaoke?"

"Troy. Ew. Gross. I don't sing. A movie might be good but so would mini-golfing. It's up to Gabs and Chad."

"I bet you're a wonderful singer." He nudged her with his elbow.

"No. I'm not. You just want to show off."

Troy feigned shock. "I can't want to show my talent off in front of my girl and the other one."

"And who's the other one?" Taylor arched an eyebrow.

"I don't know. You? Gabi? Both of you?"

Taylor laughed. The situation they were both in could be comedic from time to time. "Good to know."

"What's good to know?" Gabriella said, seemingly popping out from nowhere.

Oh shit, Taylor cursed mentally. Did she hear something she shouldn't? Oh damn it all to hell.

"That Taylor can't sing so we shouldn't go to that karaoke place you suggested."

"Oh, darn. I really thought it would be fun." Gabriella smiled sympathetically at Taylor while winding her arm around Troy's torso.

Taylor instantly started to seethe inside. Why would she suggest going singing when she knew Chad and herself hated singing in public…especially in karaoke form? Was Gabriella trying to make a fool of her?

Oh, she was pissed. "Yeah, well. You knew that Chad and I don't like that sort of thing. A movie should be good or mini-golfing while it's still pretty nice out at night would be great. Troy, don't you agree?"

Taylor knew she shouldn't put Troy on the spot like that but she wanted to hear his support. Gabriella was nice but, right now, she was in the way.

Where did that come from? Taylor focused on the floor that stretched out in front of her. Where did the hostility come from? She was content in sharing Troy…at least she thought she was. This must be what Troy feels when he sees Chad with her. Lord, how that must hurt and enrage him.

"Sorry. I just thought you would want to try something new. I didn't mean anything by it."

"Don't worry. No qualms here." The three continued to walk down the hallway and through the exit.

"So, what time tonight?" Troy wondered as they headed towards the parking lot.

"I think seven would be good. Taylor?"

"Yeah." Her weekend was starting and already she was in a mood. Standing by her car was Chad, his hair pushed to the side from the wind. He was leaning against the hood. "Shit." She cursed.

"What?" Gabi said as she moved her arm to place her petite hand into Troy's larger one.

"You forgot about me."

"Hello to you too." said Taylor.

"I thought we were going to leave early. You were going to met me here and discuss where we were going. I'm not mad but it is Friday. I want out of this place." Chad said.

"I know. I'm sorry. It was my week to carpool and I spaced…"

Troy spoke up. "It's my fault. I was waiting for Gabs here to finish up with her college advisor and I saw her walking down the hall and I really needed her help with some physics stuff. Sorry, bro. I know how much you love to get the hell out of here on the quick."

"I'm not mad at you, Taylor. I'm mad at Troy who can't let go of learning on a Friday." Chad smiled widely before hugging Taylor.

On the outside it appeared as if she was glad to see her man but, on the inside, she was cringing at his touch. How dare he get so upset over her being a few minutes late? As of right now, Taylor McKessie was quite put off with her boyfriend. Once she released from his embrace, she stole a quick glance over at Troy who was looking off in the horizon, over to his left.

"So, Chad what would you like to do tonight after dinner? Movie or mini-golfing?" Gabriella broke whatever tension that still lingered in the air between them.

"I guess mini-golf would be best. I can show off some of my skills-"

"That I taught you." Troy interrupted his teammate.

"I let you teach me."

"Yeah. Okay. Well, Gabriella and I should go so I'll see you two at seven, right?"

Chad gave Troy a hand slap-handshake. "Sure thing, boy."

The foursome said their goodbyes and got into their cars, driving off – away from school and all its boredom.

"I'm really sorry again. I got so caught up in Physics with Troy that I forgot. Forgive me?" She asked once she reached a stop light around the corner from East High.

"No worries, sweets. Didn't mean to overreact but it just seems like this past week you've been so busy and I wanted to spend some time alone with you."

And then she felt a pang deception ring inside her heart that made her body reverberate with pain. She didn't want to ignore him but she wanted to spend time with Troy and focus on school works since she would be hearing from colleges soon.

"I know. I know. I hate it too. But I really want to focus in on keeping my grades up for schools. I haven't heard back from any of them yet."

"And you know that you'll get into every single one of them."

"Thanks baby." She smiled to herself as she approached his neighborhood. "I needed to hear that from somebody." Though Taylor didn't want to, she laid her hand over top of his to show that she did appreciate him and his support.

"Not a problem. So, do you want me to drive us tonight?" he asked as they rolled up to his house.

"Why not? I'll see you soon." She kissed him lightly before he exited the car. As she left, all she wondered was how long it would take for her to stop wanting to touch him.

≈

Sitting at the table amidst all the sounds of chatter and enjoyment, Taylor wondered why she was here. Chad was beside her, sipping on his root beer, watching people go by. The drive over was silent but not strained. The arrival was quiet but manageable. The waiting at the table was unnerving at best. When were they getting there? When was he getting there?

She had stepped out of her typical wardrobe boundaries and tried the outfit her adventurous older cousin gave her for her birthday. She received a compliment from Chad but it always complemented her –which wasn't a bad thing but this was for Troy. Taylor wanted to grab his attention – keep his focus on her.

"Finally, what took you so long?" Chad spoke up.

"My fault. I was looking for my wallet." Gaby said as she took off her shrug.

Chad and Taylor stood up to greet their friends properly.

"Taylor! I knew you would look good in what Carmen got you. Told you! Told you! Told you!" shrieked Gaby as she hugged her best friend.

"I know. I needed to wash everything else and since this was the only clean thing left…"

"I like it. We should totally go shopping and look for more stuff like this."

"I'm not shopping with you. You'll want me to look as dressed up as you do."

"You think I get dressed up? What about Sharpay? Now, she gets dressed up. I just want to update you're wardrobe so you'll look more your age instead of a research intern all the time."

Taylor grinned as she feigned anger. "I think I'm offended by that. What if intern chic is want I'm going for? Hey, Troy." As alluringly as she could without being obvious, Taylor looked Troy in the eyes to desperately convey that she did this for him and him alone.

He was checking her up and down. "Wow. You look so different."

Taylor had completely changed her appearance. Her hair, though still in a ponytail, was now situated low and to her left side so that her hair was demurely spread over her shoulder. Her bangs pushed to the side and there was no hair band in sight.

Typically, she was against the whole idea of skinny jeans but tonight was different. Tonight, she wanted to look as spectacular as possible. So, here she was in her first – and only pair that she would ever own – of dark wash skinny jeans, a pair of black flats which she did adore and sleeveless top with a small eyelet that gave a tiny little peak of her skin. The top had a mock turtleneck and the pattern was a subtle yellow, grey, and black swirl.

"Am I really that different?" She said gentle in the direction of Troy.

"Yeah. I'm sure Chad appreciates it. I think you look nice…really nice."

Tingles of elation, excitement, and pleasure coursed through her veins. Troy loved what she was wearing and that was the whole point of putting these clothes on.

"Are you blushing?" questioned Chad. "You didn't blush when I complemented you on how you look."

"That's different. You have to tell me I look nice." Her words sounded rushed yet planned. "Hearing it from others is weird. I never got that sort of praise before." She wrinkled her nose.

"You deserve it. You look cute." Gabriella said. "Now, let's order something. 'Across The Universe' will be starting soon and since it's been out for a while, the next showing isn't until tomorrow afternoon."

Taylor sat in her seat. Let him sit across from me. Let him seat across from me. Dear God! Let him seat next to me!

No such luck.

Grumbling internally, Taylor watched as her decathlon teammate was treated like a real woman. Troy pulled her seat out and slid it under for her once she sat. Chad would never do that. That wasn't his thing – chivalry. Every so often he would open the door for her but they were both independent people who wanted to do things for themselves – or at least that's how she rationalized.

Chad and Troy instantly went into talk about practice and what the season to come would have to bring. Gabi was chatting about homecoming that was in October. It was her first homecoming dance that she would spend not getting to know students around her as well as having a boyfriend during the time.

While all these words swirled around her…opportunities to go shopping with the girls, cheering on the Wildcats at their first game, participating in her last-first academic decathlon, all she could focus in on was Troy. His luminous smile, his sparkling eyes, his glinting brown hair in the overhead light…everything about him was bright light.

Warmth that radiated from him melted her core.

"Hi guys. Ready to order?"

When had she come around? Taylor wondered.

"Tay, you ready?" asked Chad as he closed his menu.

"Oops. Sorry. I guess I spaced out. Give me a quick second?"

Krista, their waitress, smiled brightly. "No problem. School just let out for the weekend. I understand. I'll be back when you need me."

As she walked away, everyone at the table chuckled.

"Taylor McKessie! You aren't ready yet? You 'spaced out'? What happened to Miss Has-It-All-Together?" Gabriella joked.

"Stop it! I've been so completely busy with getting into college and waiting for acceptance or rejection."

"I get it. Leave her alone." Troy said as he calmed from his laughter.

"Thanks for the support."

The chortling faded as the conversation went back to helping Taylor decide what to order.

The waitress came back around and received everyone's order without fail. As she headed back to the kitchen to drop off their orders, Taylor's eyes wondered around the room and then over to Troy. His piercing gaze was fixed upon her as the other two were swapping summer camp stories. Ever so slightly did his head nod over towards the bathroom area around the corner.

With a wink he stood up. "I'll be back." He strolled away before anyone could respond.

Her heart raced as she began to count down the seconds before she would slip away. Not too long or he would come back without a secret moment; not too short or someone may suspect something. Tapping away with her feet, Taylor's anxiety soared.

"I needed to use the restroom. I'll be back soon." She jumped from the table, disturbing the cloth so that a few drinks wobbled and splattered.

Chad steadied his drink. "Goodness, Tay. Don't wait so long next time or else you'll knock over a table.

She raced towards and around the corner, only to collide into a solid, warm mass that is Troy Bolton.

"Not too long. Not too short." He whispered into Taylor's ear, causing her to shake. "Can I just say you look so damn hot. I don't know if you want to keep this a secret because…"

Taylor hitched her eyebrow suggestively. "What?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close to his body. He soon began to run his palms down her sides, outlining each curve before sticking his hands into her back pockets.

"I want you so bad. I'm trying hard not to show it."

A fire burst from within, forcing Taylor to accept where this relationship was going to go in a short amount of time.

"You are going to be the death of me." Her lips crashed into his as her attraction swelled, pulsed, and tingled throughout her whole being. Never had passion hit Taylor so hard, so fast, or so magnificently.

"We need to go back."

"No, we don't." A need so strong was driving her actions opposed to her mind. And she loved it.

"Come on, sweets. We have this weekend."

Troy led the way with Taylor following behind. As they approached the table, Taylor noticed the look on Gabriella's face. What happened? She looks slightly scared and fully apologetic.

Taking her seat, Taylor let the silence linger as she sipped her water.

"So, when were you going to tell me about this weekend?"

Oh, fuck. "What do you mean?" She tried to play it off but, if anything, she was making it work.

"Don't even play like you don't know. You're family won't be there and you haven't invited me over." Chad had turned in his chair to face her.

"No need to get so upset. We'll discuss this later."

"Why? You know we haven't spent much time together. We talked about this earlier in the week. And now we have the perfect opportunity and you keep it to yourself."

"I'm going to be busy the whole time."

"Not so busy to have a sleepover with Gabriella."

Taylor looked over at her friend who sat rooted to the spot. She was going to have a talk with her later. "True. I am going to have a sleepover with her but that doesn't mean that I didn't want to spend time with you."

"So why aren't you? I'm busy volunteering, studying, which is what me and Gabs are going to do – that sort of thing. Baby, I meant no harm by it. If I can juggle some things around, we may be able to be together on Sunday." Taylor tried to rationalize even though she was set on the idea of being with Troy for as long as she most possibly could.

"All right. Who ordered the pasta?"

"Saved by the waitress," Troy muttered as the dishes were served.

Dinner was quiet and tense; nobody dared talk for the awkwardness that was the fight sill lingered in the air. They left quickly to split up in their cars to head over to the cinema.

Chad turned on the car, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

"Chad, let's talk about this. I know I should have told you but I didn't want to let you down. I meant no harm by it."

"Let's just go to this movie, okay?" He turned on the radio.

A song she hadn't heard in a while was playing and it caused such embarrassment to blush across her face. This song of all songs had to come on. At one time, this song was enjoyable but now…now it was what it was…

"He's more than a man
And this is more than love
The reason that the sky is blue
The clouds are rolling in
Because I'm gone again
And to him I just can't be true

And I know that he knows I'm unfaithful
And it kills him inside
To know that I am happy with some other guy
I can see him dying"