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Disclaimer: I don't own Letters to Juliet or HSM.

Inspiration: Ocean avenue by Yellowcard

Author: Alleycat

Story: A Love Letter to Troy Bolton

Gabriella singing

Troy singing

Both

Chapter 8

"So where were you during most of the first half?" Troy asked nonchalantly.

Gabriella avoided his eyes opting to play with a mozzarella stick. She forgot to think of a story in case he asked her and her mind was racing to try and think of one.

"She was talking to Coach Bolton," Kelsi supplied helpfully.

Gabriella glared at her and Kelsi tried to backtrack but the damage was done.

He watched the interaction closely. "No she couldn't have, my dad was there when the game started. While he was a little later than usual he made it on time." Troy paused, as if considering an idea. "You were out after the game has started," He said slowly.

She thought of one. "Kelsi was just mistaken," Gabriella laughed uneasily. "I was-"

"What did he say to you?" Troy demanded quietly even though the conversation had drawn the attention of the whole table. He grabbed her chin to catch her wandering gaze.

"I beg your pardon?" She responded nervously. "I was-"

"Don't lie to me," He leaned in closer, his intense blue eyes focused on her. "What did he say?"

Gabriella bit her lip and diverted her stare.

"Damn it," He swore swiftly under his breath. "I should have known. Now tell me what did he say?" He repeated the same question with less patience.

"The next singer is well wait it's a duet and it's Troy and Gabriella!" The man on the stage shouted.

Troy dropped his hold of her chin and frowned at the interruption. "We'll finish this later," He promised. Troy then stood up and held out his hand. "Now we have a song to perform."

Even though moments before the tension was thick, Gabriella giggled as she placed her hand daintily in his. The closer they got to the stage, however, the less she felt like laughing. She stopped suddenly causing Troy, who was still holding her hand, to be pulled to a stop. "Maybe this was not such a good idea," She admitted softly.

Troy was confused. "The singing? It was your idea," He reminded her.

"I know but I get horrible stage fright," She confessed, aware that all eyes were on them as they were waiting for them to get on the stage.

"Hello?" The announcer jokingly called into the microphone. "The stage is this way."

The crowd laughed heartedly.

Gabriella felt like she was going to throw up. "I cannot do this," She muttered trying to twist her hand out of his so she could leave.

He pulled her closer, almost in a hug but not quite. "C'mon, I'll be up there too. Just think of it as me and you," He told her coaxingly. Troy saw her expression waiver and he took that time to drag her, albeit gently, to the stage.

The announcer handed him the microphone and Gabriella went to stand at the other one. She had her arms wrapped around herself and Troy felt a pain in his chest at how vulnerable she looked. He smiled as the song started, still not recognizing it. He took the beginning of the song to walk closer to her. He knew she would have to be the first to sing. He nudged her.

Gabriella watched him the whole time feeling only a little more at ease on the stage. Arms still around her, she began weakly:

90 miles outside Chicago

Can't stop driving

I don't know why

After the first part, her voice strengthened as she grew more comfortable. There was no longer an audience and they were no longer on stage. It was just her and Troy.

So many questions, I need an answer

Two years later he's still on my mind

Troy felt disoriented as she sang. He had hoped she sang well but her voice blew what he thought away. It made him more nervous than before cause he knew his voice was horrible.

What ever happened to Amelia Earhart?

He cleared his throat, embarrassed already at the sound of his voice. His eyes never left Gabriella's.

Who holds the stars up in the sky?

Is true love just once in a lifetime?

Did the captain of the titanic cry?

His smile was so wide that it looked painful and it took all that Gabriella had not to start giggling even though the song was more serious. She grabbed the microphone and walked to meet him at the middle of the stage. Their eyes never strayed from one another's.

Someday we'll know

If love can move a mountain

Someday we'll know

Why the sky is blue

Someday we'll know

Why I wasn't meant for you

The whole restaurant, specifically the table of Wildcats, was just stuck watching them. The introduction and obvious hesitance made this duet only slightly more interesting than the others of the night. When the unusually serious karaoke song came on, many of those patrons gave their attention to surrounding friends or food. When the clear melodic voice of the dark haired beauty rang out, everyone in the restaurant became engrossed. The voice of the male was impressive especially to his team and classmates. They never expected it out of the captain and wildcat superstar

Just as interesting was the fact that the two singers paid no mind to audience. They were so wrapped up each other it almost made the onlookers feel like they were interrupting something. Whether it was when they had first started away from each other or when they hit the chorus and met in the middle, they only had eyes for one another.

Someday we'll know

Why Samson loved Delilah

One day I'll go

Dancing on the moon

Someday you'll know

That I was the one for you

They hit the last note together and held it until the end of the song. They were both breathing heavily when the applause started. Gabriella jumped and Troy chuckled as the announcer came back up to the stage.

"Wow," He said staring intensely at the two teenagers. "I did not expect that."

The crowd laughed at his response.

"I think that may have been the best performance of the night. Give it up again for Troy and Gabriella." He held his arms up to them as they were exiting the stage. Gabriella's face flushed as they walked through the clapping tables and smiled sweetly at all of the praise.

Though the applause had died before they got to their table, once they reached there the table began clapping again.

"Who knew?" Chad joked loudly and went up to pat his friend on the back.

Troy just rolled his eyes but accepted the gesture. "I don't know why you're freaking out on me," He sat down next to Gabriella. "When this one," He pointed to Gabriella. "has an amazing voice."

Her face scrunched up, "amazing is a strong word."

"So is your singing," Taylor shot back. "Tell me Gabriella is there anything you can't do?" She asked jokingly.

"Whistle?" She offered. The whole table laughed in response except Sharpay who rolled her eyes.

"But seriously," Ryan said. "you both sing really well."

"I wish you went to East High Gabriella," Kelsi complimented. "then you both could join the drama club."

Sharpay made a noise of disapproval, "Let's all be glad that she doesn't then, no offense," She offered a fake smile. "But Troy there could be an open spot…" She trailed of suggestively.

Ryan looked betrayed but kept quiet.

"No way, no how," He argued. "Basketball is more than enough."

Ryan let out a huge breath that he didn't know he was holding in. Sharpay shot him a glare, probably wanting to blame him for Troy's refusal.

"I must say I'm impressed, Wildcat." Gabriella commented once all the brouhaha had dispersed and side conversations started.

"The feeling is mutual," He mumbled, embarrassed by the praise. It didn't bother him when it came from anyone else but her remarks were more special. He felt them more.

Gabriella noticed with a sense of accomplishment that Troy was close to blushing. "I'm sure now you're going to serenade the small population of girls who are immune to your charm."

He looked interested. "You'd think that work?"

"Of course it will, you have a great voice."

He nodded before delving back into his nachos which were really good. He smiled softly as Gabriella stole one of his chips and shoved the whole thing in her mouth. It was almost like she expected him to try and steal it away. "Slow down, Gabby," He teased. "There will be plenty for both of us."

She stuck her tongue out adorably and then stole another chip.

"So Troy," Sharpay started loudly leaning forward to catch a glimpse of him through Gabriella.. "Congratulations on the big game tonight."

He smiled. "Well it was also Chad and especially the last couple points were all Zeke." He glanced at the boy who was staring longingly at the back of Sharpay's head. He hadn't touched his food at all.

Gabriella noticed his pining with a frown. She felt bad for anyone who would like someone as superficial as Sharpay. She met eyes with Taylor who had a similar expression on her face. Her face lit up as an idea crossed her mind. "Zeke," She waited until he looked at her before continuing. "Do you like to sing?" She asked kindly

He shook his head emphatically. "Not at all."

Gabriella tried again. "What about dance?"

"Not really," He answered.

"Well not really is better than not at all," Gabriella decided and pushed her chair out before heading to the end of the table. She hated that she was leaving Troy to the lion aka Sharpay but she could not let him just sit and stare at her all night. She bowed dramatically and held out her hand when she reached him. "Then will you give me the pleasure of accompanying me on a dance?"

Everyone but Taylor looked shocked, she would ask for the next dance.

He placed his hand in hers and she led him out to the small but empty dance floor. Gabriella smiled at the songs starting up. She turned toward him, "You know how to waltz?"

He panicked. "NO!" Zeke almost shouted.

Gabriella smiled, "It's not hard, and we'll just do the stationary box." She held out her arms and he grasped one hand and put his other under her arm on her back. "This song is perfect for waltzing."

"Journey?" He asked doubtfully.

"Yes," She said impatiently, but not rudely. "Now, the steps first you must step back with me."

With her constant coaching, they were able to get through it smoothly. After a couple of times without messing up, Gabriella felt safe enough to talk to him. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?"

He shook his head then continued to count the steps.

"Why do you like Sharpay?" Gabriella asked bluntly.

He missed a step and crushed her toes. "I am so sorry!" He apologized, stopping any attempt to dance.

Gabriella just chuckled and forced him to restart. "I'm not breakable no matter what anyone says." She said sweetly. "Now answer."

"I know she may come off a certain way," He struggled to put his feelings into words. "I just know that she's a good person."

"Really?" Gabriella asked doubtfully. She wasn't one to judge people that quick, but she went to school with a lot of Sharpays. She knew how they worked.

"Yes," He said earnestly.

"If you're sure you want to be with her," She let it hang and then continued at his nodding. "Then you're going to have to stop being so available."

He looked hurt.

"Sharpay is somebody who only wants what she can't have. I think that explains her infatuation with Troy." She shook her head before continuing. "Anyhow, just don't be overly friendly."

"I don't know," He muttered. "What if it doesn't work?"

"There's a chance it won't," Gabriella agreed. "but what you're doing now is obviously not working."

"That's true," Zeke admitted. He was quiet for a moment before squaring his shoulders. "Now what should I do?"

Gabriella squealed. "Now pull me closer and stare at me as if I was the only girl in the world."

He gave her a weird look but did what she said anyway.

Gabriella just giggled and continued to lead for the last part of the song.

Troy totally trusted his other best friend. They weren't one to get into fights or yell so he felt totally comfortable with his best friend dancing with Gabriella. Zeke knew how he felt about Gabriella, because he felt that way about Sharpay. Who, Troy noticed with a feeling of dread, was staring at him and fluttering her eyelashes like she had a twitch. Then he noticed Zeke pull Gabriella closer and look at her adoringly.

Troy's mouth dropped open in horror. Was Zeke trying to get back at him for Sharpay's constant advances? Or worse still, did Zeke really like Gabriella?

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Taylor asked the couple after song had ended.

Gabriella huffed. "I guess I can't monopolize his time," She teased before winking and leaving the dance floor. She walked back to the table feeling rather good about her actions. She had convinced a new friend to stop moping and take an active part in his love life. Gabriella also knew that Taylor would not only reiterate her points but also raise his self esteem.

"Have fun?" Sharpay asked nasally after she had sat down.

"Yes," Gabriella sighed girlishly. "Zeke is a wonderful dancer."

Troy's head jerked toward her, "Really?"

"Yes," She informed him, trying to communicate what she was doing with her eyes.

Troy looked lost.

"You're not the only who thinks so," Chad dryly muttered. His eyes were on Taylor and Zeke who were dancing to a much slower and sensual song than before.

Gabriella was not fooled and could see that Taylor was giving him the ends and outs of giving people a cold shoulder. "Someone sounds jealous?" She taunted.

"N-no way," He sputtered, making himself more obvious.

"Maybe I should dance with him," Sharpay wondered aloud. "Just to see what all this fuss is about."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Gabriella interrupted.

Sharpay sent her a death glare.

She continued on, not scared of the blonde, "You're just not his type. No offense."

Troy felt an understanding start to dawn on him. He leaned toward the black haired beauty and whispered into her hair. "And you call me mean." He caught a whiff of her floral smelled hair. He felt dizzy and wondered what shampoo she used. It was unusually intoxicating.

Gabriella bit her lip and side glanced at him. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

He was about to answer when his name was called to the stage. Everyone looked at him in surprise. "You're singing again?" Chad asked. "Dude, don't tell me you're going to get all showtunes on me."

Taylor, who had just appeared at table, smacked the back of his head.

Gabriella felt like she was missing something. "Why are you singing again?" She called after him.

He turned around. "To serenade the immune," He responded before jogging up to the stage. He took the microphone from the announcer. The song started but he stood there silent.

Gabriella felt herself start to panic for him.

"I'm going to take some creative freedom," He told the audience before beginning to sing:

I might have to wait, I'll never give up
I guess it's half timing, and the other half's luck
Wherever you are, whenever it's right
You came out of nowhere and into my life

He locked eyes with Gabriella and his voice got stronger. He took the microphone off the stand and began keeping the beat with his right hand and tapping his right foot to the music.

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility

He walked to the edge of the stage and sat down for a moment before jumping off. The crowd gasped as he walked through the tables singing to whoever was closest. He passed an old lady who whooped at him. He grinned and sang the next part directly to her.

And somehow I know that it'll all turn out
You'll make me work, so we can work to work it out
And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get
I just hadn't met you yet

When he left her, the older lady had stars in her eyes. He continued to wander around the tables singing to random strangers and avoiding a particular table until it was time.

They say all's fair
In love and war
But I won't need to fight it
We'll get it right and we'll be united

He approached his table his eyes trained on the girl of his dreams. She seemed scared but he grabbed her hand and stood her up. This chorus was sang with more feeling than the rest of the song combined. "And I know that we can be so amazing," He promised her. "And being in your life has already changed me and now I can see every single possibility." He twirled her around and continued singing but this time he let her sit down. He leaned toward her.

And someday I know it'll all turn out
And I'll work to work it out
Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get
Than I get, than I get, than I get

He used the rest of the song to get back to the stage. It was over seconds after he had stepped on the stage and the whole restaurant stood on their feet and clapped. He didn't care how they felt; he just hoped Gabriella appreciated his big gesture.

OMG! Only three more chapters left! I am so sad! seriously, it is kind of weird lol

I have another story im thinking about starting when this one is over. its more adult then this one (b/c their older). i think its fun, but ill keep you updated if you're interested!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed: pamylz, fairyvixenmaiden, nicolypoly, zan lil, bubzchoc, xZANESSA4LIFEx, whackedout101, Olympic Believer, tee55, kirstenkay0606, HopefulExtinction, maccanut53, yams14, and HSMfan

IMPORTANT-I have bad news: my schedule is going to summer hours so I work ALL the time! I guess I should be happy I even have a job (and I am!) but yeah I won't be able to update as frequent. So I guess lots of reviews and I'll update next Tuesday and if not, the Tuesday after that! If I have any spare time trust me I will update it faster.

Alleycat