Brief Encounter

Summary: Can anything good come from a mix-up?

Disclaimer: High School Musical and all of its characters belong to Disney. I just have them on secondment.

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews; they spur me on knowing that you are enjoying this story.

"See for yourself, it seems I'm always up for it when I'm with you," he smirked as he scooped her up in his arms and carried her through to her bedroom.

Magic

Even Gabriella had to admit defeat against the force that was Sharpay Evans as she was dragged from boutique to shoe shop to bag shop then back to a boutique. She was one hell of a shopper and Gabriella couldn't hold a candle to her. Her feet were killing her and she desperately needed to pee.

"Whoa! Sharpay I need a rest," begged Gabriella after a solid four hours of hunting for the unique dress that Sharpay sought. Sharpay stopped and scowled at her, her countenance softening when she saw Gabriella's pained expression.

"Okay, but it's only a pit stop mind. My mission is far from over," warned Sharpay as she pulled Gabriella towards Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Sharpay commandeered a table and dumped her multiple shopping bags on the spare chair. Gabriella sank into a chair gratefully leaning down to massage her aching insteps groaning with the relief that afforded her. Once they'd ordered, Gabriella zoned out while Sharpay twittered away only coming back when the waiter delivered their food.

"…So bad that he snapped at Zeke yesterday," she finished looking sad, "and I don't know what I've done," she added forlornly. Gabriella realised what she was talking about and felt really sorry for Sharpay realising she did really care about Troy and how upset she was with the situation. Gabriella put her hand on Sharpay's forearm and gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Maybe he's been under pressure," suggested Gabriella, "I'm sure he didn't mean to upset you." Sharpay smiled sadly at her.

"Hmpf! Well he has. He's been my best friend for years Gabi, well apart from Mophead of course and I don't deserve this cold front he's got going on. Okay so I go on at him and nag him and try to return the favour he did for me and fix him up, but only with nice girls of course, well apart from the mud wrestler, but I didn't know she was a mud wrestler, so it's not my fault is it? Oh and the one that barked when she was having sex but how was I supposed to know that having never, well you know, had sex with her," vented Sharpay. Gabriella laughed so much at that she was crying but she was also happy that she'd got Sharpay smiling again so that was a positive sign. It took her a good five minutes to get herself under control again so she could talk.

"So Troy dated someone who barked?" Gabriella probed chuckling still.

"Yea kind of, if you can call two days dating?" Sharpay revealed with a chuckle. Gabriella's eyes widened.

"Wow! You mean he slept with someone after two dates?" Gabriella gasped. Sharpay smirked.

"Well! It was only one date really, you see there was a gang of us back in our first year at college and I'd brought this girl along to this impromptu party, I introduced her to Troy and they seemed to gel if you know what I mean so he took her on a date two days later," informed Sharpay. Gabriella looked shocked and Sharpay chuckled.

"He was back within two hours tail between his legs, breathing fire at me, swearing and cursing, seems he only got to the foreplay stage when she started barking or howling or whatever," Sharpay shrugged nonchalantly as Gabriella let out another laugh, " so he was pissed at me cos he didn't get his leg over. Damnit! It wasn't my fault," whinged Sharpay. "Yea he was a right horny bastard in those days." She recalled.

"No change there then," thought Gabriella still giggling. Today had been tiring but fun too, she had been surprised how much in common she had with Sharpay and she felt they could be really good friends. She needed to get Troy to speak to her before Friday otherwise she could see an almighty bust-up occurring in the middle of the club. While Gabriella was in the ladies room her cell phone rang.

"Hi, okay to talk?" Troy greeted.

"Yea, it's okay at the moment," replied Gabriella.

"Where are you? You've been gone for hours and I'm sat here lonely for you," Troy moaned. Gabriella giggled.

"Horny you mean," she said laughing.

"Well that too," agreed Troy with a chuckle.

"Aw! Glad to hear you're missing me?" she teased.

"Just a bit."

"We've just had a late lunch and we're about to shop some more," announced Gabriella.

"Fuck! How long are you going to be?" demanded a truculent Troy.

"Hmm! Not sure, Sharpay hasn't found 'the' dress yet and neither have I." Troy groaned in frustration.

"Leave something for the rest of LA won't you" he taunted a smile showing in his voice, "and if you're not home for 6pm I am going to come and kidnap you," he threatened. Gabriella giggled.

"Now that sounds interesting," she teased huskily. "I've always wanted to be whisked off by a pirate and ravaged."

"Bluebeard has nothing on me Montez," warned Troy.

"You've got me shivering in my boots," she retorted.

"With desire I hope," Troy quickly fired back, "make it soon, please." He begged as he hung up. Gabriella felt all warm and fuzzy inside as she ended the call, being needed was a wonderful feeling.

They went from shop to shop for another two hours before finding a small independent boutique tucked up a side street that neither had been in before but it answered Gabriella's prayers. Sharpay surprisingly enough settled on a hot pink cocktail dress, the low neckline offered an ample view of her cleavage, sparkles adorned the narrow straps and around the neckline with the hemline a good three inches above her knee. Gabriella on the other hand, mindful that she would be performing settled on a midnight blue strapless dress that hugged her ample bosom, tiny straps criss-crossed the low back, blue and turquoise sparkles ran in abundance across the upper bodice petering out two inches above the knee with the sheer, soft fabric of the skirt falling to her ankles allowing a hint of her legs to show through the gauzy material. She loved it on sight and felt 'all woman' in it when Sharpay made her try it on. While Sharpay was trying her dress on for the second time, Gabriella sent a text to Troy.

Done deal, should be back soon.

About fucking time! I'm dying here.

She smirked as she read it. "Not desperate much."

Sharpay dropped her off outside her apartment with five minutes to spare, the excitement she felt about Friday night evident in her farewell. Gabriella smiled and waved goodbye with her free arm, her other weighted down with various shopping bags as she turned to walk up the walkway to her apartment. A screech of tyres caught her attention as Troy pulled up on the roadside and leaned out of the window.

"Looking for a ride?" he asked cheekily. Gabriella giggled and rolled her eyes.

"My mother always told me never to get in cars with strange men," she replied primly her eyes belying her.

"Well she's right but I'm not strange," he quipped.

"No, just randy," she teased, "but I think I can deal with that."

"Now that's good to hear, you see I have this itch that only you can scratch," he fired back saucily not denying that he wanted her.

"Eww! Sounds like it needs attention," she wrinkled her nose but her eyes sparkled. "I'll get Taylor to have a look if you want?" she suggested. Troy's eyes widened panic written all over his face.

"No…no that's not necessary," he replied hurriedly, "it really needs a gentle touch."

"Oww! My feet do too," grumbled Gabriella as she eased first one foot then the other off the pavement. Troy couldn't help smiling as he decamped from his car.

"That will teach you to go shopping with Sharpay," he commented when he walked up to her. Gabriella glared at him.

"You're only jealous you couldn't come too, I'll have you know we had a great time although I'm wearing my flats next time," Troy looked askance at her.

"I think I'll pass on that thank you. I am not shopping with you two, no way no how," refuted Troy a pained look on his face. Gabriella giggled as they walked into the apartment building and walked up the stairs.

"Well if it isn't Bolton again. Should I start charging you rent?" Taylor greeted them as they entered the apartment.

"Hello McKessie, and no, I'm not staying tonight," Troy informed her. Gabriella looked shocked.

"You're not?" she queried. Troy smiled down at her.

"No, you're coming home with me," he told her.

"Hmpf! Nice to be asked," muttered Gabriella as they walked into the lounge. Troy rubbed a hand nervously on his neck.

"Apparently Chad is staying over here because she is on an early shift tomorrow so I thought you could stay at mine," he explained nervously. Gabriella swung her gaze to Taylor who nodded.

"He's right Gabs, Chad was sweet to suggest it," confirmed Taylor. "Seems like he can't get enough of me," she preened.

"Always knew he had a screw loose," muttered Troy quietly but Gabriella heard and giggled. Taylor swung her beady eyes to him.

"Something to say Bolton," she asked squaring up to him hand on hip.

"Always knew he had a sweet tooth, Taylor," Troy inserted thinking on his feet.

"Hmm! He has too," she agreed still looking at Troy suspiciously. Gabriella giggled then carried her shopping into her bedroom taking care to hang up her new dress in the closet before collecting a few toiletries for her surprising sleep over. By the time she came back Chad had arrived and was busily snogging the face off Taylor with Troy scrunching his face at the sight. She giggled as she walked over to him putting her hand on his arm.

"You don't have to look you know," she said softly. Troy smiled at her.

"Just looking for tips," he replied with a smirk.

"I think we have that covered, don't you?" Gabriella said confidently, Troy smiled and pulled her to him, dropping a light kiss on her nose.

"Yeah, we do. Are you ready to go?" Gabriella nodded and waved an arm indicating her bag. "Let's go then," he said pushing her round the oblivious pair.

"Bye Taylor, Chad," Gabriella shouted to them making them spring apart guiltily. Troy whistled 'Home on the Range' as he walked to the door and he could have sworn he heard Taylor say "you're so dead Bolton."

Troy stopped at a local Sushi restaurant on the way home to collect an order he had placed earlier and was back in the car within five minutes.

"Good planning Bolton," Gabriella commented dryly, "How do you know I like sushi?" Troy blushed.

"I…er asked Taylor earlier today," Troy hesitantly replied. Gabriella reached over and pecked his cheek for his consideration.

The food was delicious, the chilled white Chablis accompanied it beautifully, all too soon Gabriella was stuffed but sat watching Troy demolish the leftovers. She helped him clear up then settled back down on the sofa.

"So what is going to happen on Friday?" Troy asked curiously never having been to a launch party. Troy pulled her onto his lap and Gabriella sighed, snuggling against him and held his hand, playing with his fingers.

"Well it's only open to invited guests which I guess is a good thing. There'll be a few celebrities, all the executives from the record company will be there plus Ryan, Scott and everyone involved in the making of the album. I know a few of the writers are coming including Kelsi of course." Gabriella groaned, "The press will be there in abundance, both radio and newspapers and with them comes the photographers but the more reputable ones so we'll have to be extra careful Troy," she warned looking up at him. He bent down and kissed her slowly, taking his time to re-acquaint himself with her sweet lips.

"I get the message Gabi, I must be a good boy and not ravish you on Friday," he moaned.

"Oh I wouldn't say that Troy, there is afterwards," she said huskily needing to let him know how much she needed him too. Troy beamed at her and kissed her again.

"I'll be working though so I won't be able to hang with the crowd like I did last time," she reiterated. "But that doesn't mean you won't see me, I'll make sure I get some time with you guys. After all I know a certain man that needs a dance lesson," she teased him causing him to groan. Troy blew onto her exposed neck causing her to shiver with anticipation before latching onto it with his lips, sucking her secret spot that made her melt.

"Are you going with Chad and Taylor?" Gabriella asked concerned how he was getting there. Troy stopped what he was doing and looked at her puzzled.

"I thought I'd be going with you," he muttered frowning. Gabriella shook her head.

"Unfortunately you can't, the press would have a field day if I turned up with you," she spoke softly, regret in her voice. Troy sighed. "I'll be going with Caroline and Ryan for support. I'm a bit scared, it will be my first red carpet," she added her voice shaking a little.

"You'll be fine Gabi," he said confidently hugging her close.

"I guess I'll have to go with Chad and Taylor unless Sharpay and Zeke come too," Troy wondered aloud.

"That reminds me, Troy you've got to talk to Sharpay. She's really upset that you have been avoiding her and the longer you leave it the harder it will be," Gabriella informed him, "she sounded off to me today and I felt really sorry for her, she's not that bad you know. She really cares about you." Troy sighed.

"You're right, I just didn't want her to burst my bubble, it's been bad enough with the guys ribbing me but she'll want to know everything," moaned Troy.

"You don't have to tell her though do you? Just be nice but firm with her, tell her it's new and you're taking it slowly and when it feels right you'll tell her," Gabriella replied logically. Troy smiled at her.

"Okay, I'll do it now to make you happy," Troy took out his cell phone and dialled her number sitting back with Gabriella on his lap, his hand softly running up and down her arm as he waited to be connected.

"Well about time Troy, I've been after you for days."

"Hi Shar, sorry I haven't got back to you, I've been busy."

"So I've heard," huffed Sharpay.

"I thought that was why you were phoning my cell morning, noon and night," chuckled Troy.

"So who is she?" demanded Sharpay.

"Come on Sharpay, give me a bit of privacy. Look it's new and when and if the time is right, I'll tell you but not before. It may not even come to anything," Troy yelped as Gabriella pinched him.

"What was that? Is someone there with you?" challenged Sharpay sharply. "She's there isn't she?" she added when Troy didn't answer at once.

"Do I look stupid Shar? Do you think I'd phone you if I had someone with me? And why would I bring someone back here, I don't live alone remember," Troy retorted throwing Gabriella a warning glance.

"I suppose," agreed Sharpay thoughtfully, "Anyway I'm glad you called, I went shopping with Gabriella today," Sharpay informed him.

"Really, I didn't know you were that friendly, how is she?" Troy played along trying not to laugh.

"Yeah we are, she's a lovely girl. Why you couldn't ask her out I'll never know," moaned Sharpay, "You missed your chance there Troy, she's beautiful and sweet and good fun." Troy smiled and nodded as each of Gabriella's good points was highlighted.

"Well I better go Shar," Troy started to end the conversation.

"Ooh! I've just thought, are you still going to Equinox on Friday?" Sharpay squealed into the phone. Troy held the phone away from his ear as Gabriella tried not to giggle.

"Yeah I think so," answered Troy.

"Oh goody! You can come with Zeke and me. Is Chad going with you or Taylor?" invited Sharpay. Troy smiled happy that all was right again with Sharpay. "Or are you bringing your floozy?" sniped Sharpay. Troy coughed trying not to laugh.

"Oh yeah things are definitely back to normal," thought Troy with a sigh.

"No I'm not, she's working,"divulged Troy and heard Sharpay gasp.

"What! Who works on a Friday night? Except…Oh Troy, she's not a…prostitute is she?" gasped Sharpay disgust in her voice. Troy smirked at Gabriella who looked at him bewildered.

"No she's not Shar but I'll take you up on your offer of a lift. I'll see you Friday," he said firmly as he hung up with Sharpay still gasping at the other end. Troy looked at Gabriella and chuckled.

"She thinks you're a prostitute," he answered her silent query as Gabriella burst out laughing.

"But why?" Gabriella gasped.

"In Sharpay's little world only prostitutes work on Friday nights. She forgets about all the bar staff that will be serving her at Equinox and before when she sits down to eat dinner." Gabriella giggled resting her head against him.

"She really likes you, you know. She was selling you to me instead of this floozy I'm supposed to be seeing," Troy teased her. Gabriella laughed out loud.

"Flo…floozy?" stuttered Gabriella trying to catch her breath. Troy chuckled.

"It's what she said," Troy confirmed scooping Gabriella up in his arms and carrying her into his bedroom letting her slip to the floor with his arms surrounding her.

"Now I believe you said something earlier about sore feet and you're lucky enough to have the best masseur in all of Los Angeles right here," he boasted as he slid his hands down her back and pulled her top over her head to reveal her silk bra, he dipped his head to kiss the base of her throat, sliding his lips down until he licked her budding nipples. Gabriella groaned in her throat as her hands slid to his waist tugging his shirt free to slide her hands over his belly, flipping his button to his jeans undone in a deft movement. She eased his jeans down his legs until they pooled at his feet, she ran her hands back up his firm muscular legs, his hairs softly tickling her hands as she moved her hands upwards, until they skimmed his hard erection. Troy groaned at her touch but pushed her slightly away.

"Strip," he ordered. Gabriella gasped then smiled at him as she stepped away and unhooked her bra slowly slipping first one strap over her shoulder and then the other, her bra sliding down her arms and onto the floor, she looked at him, tempting him with her eyes as she carefully removed her jeans and thong until she stood before him totally naked. The hunger in Troy's eyes was unmistakable but he held back from grabbing her as he too slowly removed his clothing, Gabriella lustfully watching, her mound growing wetter with every second. Troy picked her up and deposited her in the middle of his bed walking away into the bathroom. Gabriella sat up puzzled by his actions but he was back minutes later with a bottle. He sat on the bottom of the bed and tipped some of the lotion into his hands rubbing it into her left foot, kneading the sole gently but firmly. Gabriella watched him as he eased the ache in first one foot then the other, his touch sending tremors to her nerve endings as he continued up her leg slowly but surely getting nearer to her torso as he moved his body to straddle her thighs. He dipped his head to kiss between her legs, licking her wet folds and clit once before continuing with the sensual massage. Her stomach quivered when he poured more of the oil onto her as it ran into her naval, his fingers firmly stroking her midriff and ribcage, he stopped to pay homage to her voluptuous breasts paying particular attention to her nipples before massaging and kneading them with his oily hands. Gabriella bit her lip to stop her from crying out, her hands clenching the covers to stop her from pulling him to her. He smiled at her heavy eyelids knowing exactly what he was doing to her, he halted to slam a quick kiss on her reddened lips, dipping inside to drink her sweetness before pulling away again.

"Turn over," Troy said huskily.

"Troy, please, I need you," she beseeched him he just shook his head and smiled waiting for her to do his bidding. She huffed but turned over, she felt him move back to the base of the bed and he started again, kneading her soles and her toes, edging up her body at a tortuous pace. Gabriella bit into a pillow as she groaned low in her throat making Troy chuckle.

"I promise I will get my own back Bolton," she promised silently her body slowly liquefying as he massaged her buttocks, his fingers teasingly near her core. He straddled her hips, his pleasure stick prodding her buttocks hard as he continued up her back, slipping down to caress the curve of her breast then back up to press firmly on her shoulders. Gabriella was slipping into a dazed sleep as her muscles relaxed, the only thing keeping her sane was knowing that Troy was breathing heavily into her neck as he leaned forward to brush her hair away and plant a hot kiss against her neck, his engorged member leaking fluid against her rump. Troy stretched to put the bottle on the side table and opened a drawer taking out a condom wrapper and quickly putting it on. He flipped her over, smiling wickedly at her dazed expression. Gabriella pulled him on top of her, her lips hungrily connected with his as she forced her tongue into his mouth as their passion escalated. Troy positioned himself between Gabriella's legs and thrust into her in one sleek movement grunting with the pleasure that shot through him. Gabriella moaned and cried out his name as she wrapped her legs around his waist for a deeper penetration, Troy teased and tempted her, sliding out then pushing back in time and time again.

"Quicker Troy, I'm nearly there," gasped Gabriella as she thrust her hips up to meet him, forcing the tempo to increase as they both panted with exertion, climbing to the peak before they both shuddered as they reached the pinnacle before tumbling into the abyss below.

Troy kissed Gabriella gently as her eyes started to close. "You're incredible," he whispered as he pulled her to him.

"Hmm! So are you, I'm going to insure your fingers, they're magic," she muttered before sleep engulfed her.