Disclaimer: I do not own anything. No High School Musical (though I kinda wished I owned Lucas Grabeel… but then I'd have to fight him over a couple other thousand girls out there…) nor any or all Serendipity references (though I also would like to own John Cusack but I know that too will never happen…)

Summary: Ryella… Post-HSM 1 and 2... What if, one New York moment a long time ago, Fate had a sense of whimsy and brought two of the most unlikeliest of souls together?

YOU HAD ME AT SERENDIPITY

"You don't have to understand. You just have to have faith."
"Faith in what?"
"Destiny."
(Serendipity, 2001)

PROLOGUE

In the city that infamously never sleeps; cabs streak by, skylines light up, broadway marquees dazzle, and in a famous hotel dining hall a young woman is making a proud toast to someone she had, in practically another lifetime, once never truly considered her equal until most recently.

A long time ago she would have taken advantage of the attention, but that was the old Sharpay Evans. As the champagne flutes tinkled to gain the eyes upon her, the twenty-six year old stood up and raised her glass slightly towards her twin.

"Ryan," she began, her eyes twinkling with sincere joy, "you have been my best friend since… well, back in the day mom first announced to dad that she'll be eating for three instead of one."

Ryan Evans gave a soft laugh, as did everyone else in the room. His blue eyes beamed at his sister as he tried his best not to get choked up in the moment. He looked down slightly as he felt a squeeze from the hand he had been holding onto through nearly the entire dinner course. Ryan returned the squeeze, though fearing his strength a bit because the hand he was holding was as small and delicate as the person it belonged to.

"Though we've had some… well, interesting times together… and though, like most siblings as well as friends do, we've had our share of fights and disagreements… Ryan, I just wanted to you to know how much I love you. How honored I am to be, by birth, your other-half." Sharpay's eyes moved from her brother and on down to the woman sitting right next to him. With a warm smile, and tears threatening to form, "Even though this weekend I will essentially lose the title of being known as your best friend, your other-half… I am so happy that it is to someone who completely deserves that role."

All eyes that were once on Sharpay managed to make their way onto the young brunette by Ryan's side. She had a delicate features to go with her petite frame. Eyes as warm as hot chocolate, soft and curly dark hair, and a smile that could light up a room. The fact that she never really could stand the spot-light, because honestly she was that humble and shy, made her even more endearing in Ryan's eyes.

Sharpay took a deep breath, trying her best not to start crying. "Though we had gotten to a rough start, I am so glad Ryan had talked me into getting to know the real you. Years ago, who would have thought of us as being the friends we are now? I may be losing a twin… but I am gaining a sister." Sharpay gazed around the room before turning back towards the betrothed couple sitting before her, "Everyone, let us all raise our glasses and give a toast towards the upcoming nuptials between my brother, Ryan, and his lovely bride to be…"

Ryan looked over at his beautiful fiancée and felt a knot in his stomach. For a fleeting moment he had feared it was a ghost, a painful reminder of something lost long ago… but he mentally shook it off and decided it was just nerves. It could be nothing else but cold feet, a common thing amongst those getting married hours before the ceremony. Ryan found a smile and sent it on to his wife-to-be, whom he had considered himself lucky to have found.

The young bride-to-be returned the loving gaze as she too raised her glass like everyone else in the room, while her other hand found its way onto the back of Ryan's neck. She lightly caressed the back of his neck, causing him to look back at her and wink and mouth a "Love you."

"… To Ryan and Dianna. May your love burn as bright and live just as long as the New York City lights." Sharpay concluded with a cheeky, yet ultimately sincere, smile. Ryan shook his head a bit at her last words, knowing full well that despite being the new Sharpay, a million light years away from the old one, her former drama queen-self just had to make at least one appearance.

"To Ryan and Dianna!" Everyone in the room joined the toast with a hearty cheer.

Dianna Johnson started to blush at all the commotion being made towards them. The young woman gazed over at Ryan and took note that, just like his sister and unlike her, he seemed to bask in having everyone's eyes on them. She leaned in to him, and whispered, "You were right… how'd you know she wouldn't be able to restrain the dramatics?"

Ryan gently kissed the top of Dianne's head before whispering back, "Because despite all else, she's the reigning princess of Broadway. Known her too long, and too well, to be convinced that she wouldn't completely tone down from her old Drama Queen-self."

The couple softly laughed and then turned their heads to raise a silently toast, and nod of acknowledgement, to Sharpay. The young woman herself smiled back at them before returning her attention back to her beau of five years.

"He looks happy, doesn't he?" Sharpay asked Chad Danforth, once an old high school foe and now, surprisingly years late, the love of her life (a long story within itself).

Chad turned his eyes away from Sharpay to regard Ryan and Dianna. A bit concerned by her tone, especially after having given such a heartfelt speech, "He does. Why…? You don't think he is?"

She took a delicate sip of champagne before replying, "You know Indigo?"

"You mean that old used bookstore a block down from our apartment?" He asked, despite already knowing where this was heading. It was through his friendship with Ryan that began his journey towards capturing the heart of Ryan's sister.

With a nod, "He did it again."

Chad sighed, "I could have sworn he stopped doing it a year ago."

"Funny how it coincided with his proposal to Dianna, huh?"

"Well, babe, you can't exactly blame him. I mean it's been, what?, five?, nearly six years since he started doing it? Thank goodness that habit isn't as deadly as smoking or drinking."

"It could get deadly if Dianna knew about it and the story behind his little habit." Sharpay closed her eyes and sighed. She rested her head on Chad's shoulder, "Dianna is a sweet person, and she loves Ryan so much. And I know my idiot of a brother feels the same way…"

"But…"

Thoughts and doubts started swirling through before she shook her head, "Nothing. I… Chad, could you just… I know you're Ryan's best man and all so I was wondering…"

He nodded before kissing her forehead and finishing her thought, "Of course. I'll keep an eye on him."

"I just want him to be happy." She said, "And I honestly think Dianna is the best person to give him the happiness he deserves…" Her voice trailed off, afraid to finish, or even start the thought she was actually thinking.

"You mean Dianna's the best person to make him forget?"

She inwardly cringed despite knowing he was only speaking the truth. With a sad smile, "I just want him to be happy."

Their eyes lingered towards the young couple, whom was currently sharing a laugh together. Both of their eyes shimmered with affection and joy that for a moment Sharpay thought herself a worrying fool; thinking that maybe, just maybe, she was overreacting over nothing. For a moment she actually believed that Ryan and Dianna will live happily ever after. For a moment she believed that Ryan had finally decided to move on; to stop being haunted by every used bookstore he would pass or a name and a face long ago left in the past…

If only she knew that Fate had other plans…

A/N: This is my very first Ryan/Gabriella fanfiction... Hopefully you all will enjoy it. Please feel free to read and review... No flames but I will also take constructive criticism. Thank you. Also, bear with me because I'm one of those, unfortunately, authors that sometimes doesn't get the chance to update as fast (or at all...)... but I guess it all depends on my mood and I am in the Ryella mode so... anyway, what do you all think? Hope you enjoyed it and will come back for more!